Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo, on Monday, in Benin took the oath of office for a second term and pledged to re-dedicate himself to the development of the state.
Oshiomhole further pledged to give tertiary education a big boost.
He also said he would ensure massive development of industries and attract direct foreign investments to the state that would ensure that the youths were employed.
The governor thanked the people of the state for their massive support at the July 14 governorship election, saying that he would not renege on his electioneering promises.
``I salute all co-contestants during the election whose roles have helped to deepen and strengthen democracy in our State.
``We continue to count on your support to take Edo State to the next level. I use this opportunity to invite all of you to join me to transform and reposition our dear State,'' he said.
``I believe that it is very critical that we take full advantage of our renewed mandate to build a solid future without forgetting the past.
``We must realise that at the end of the day, it is our responsibility to leave lasting legacies that will continue to promote the general good.
``Our people deserve the best and must therefore not be treated as objects of manipulation, but as citizens that participate robustly in the politics of their communities to advance their interests.
``It is under such conditions that politics can throw up good leaders, democratic policies and programmes that would benefit our people,'' he said.
The venue of the inauguration, Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was filled to capacity as market women, traders, students and politicians converged on the stadium to witness the inauguration. Governors Babatunde Fashola of Lagos; Rauf Aregbesola, Osun; Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti and Ibikunle Amosun, all of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), were present.
Also in attendance were the Rivers State governor and chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Mr Rotimi Amaechi; Governors Peter Obi, Anambra; Rochas Okorocha, Imo and Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State.
At the stadium were former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon; ACN national chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; national leader and former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu; former Ogun State governor, Chief Segun Osoba; former Ekiti State governor Chief Niyi Adebayo and Senator Chris Ngige.
Other eminent Nigerians at the event included the business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; mother of Governor Oshiomhole, Alhaja Aishatu; president of the Edo State chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Peter Imasuen; the Chief Imam of Benin, Abdulfatai Enabulele; ACN chieftain, Chief Tom Ikimi; ACN national vice chairman, South-South, Pastor Eze Iyamu; Chief Raymond Dokpesi; president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NUC), Comrade Abdul-waheed Omar; president of the Trade Union Council (TUC), Comrade Peter Esele and Honourable Patrick Obahiagbon.
The Oba of Benin was represented by his palace chiefs, while the Benin crown prince, His Royal Highness, Eheneden Eredi-auwa, was in attendance.
The Sultan of Sokoto was represented by the Magajjin Sokoto.
At the inauguration, Oshiomhole blamed past administrations in the state for its underdevelopment.
He recalled the daunting challenges he met when he was sworn in as governor in 2008 and how the state had been able to face them.
He added that the support and prayers of the people of the state made it possible for his government to “tame and contain the dark and evil forces of reaction, oppression, exploitation, corruption, and retrogression.”
Governor Oshiomhole stated his plans for the next four years, saying “in the next four years, we shall continue to rebuild faith in government and governance at all levels; mobilise our people to commit to collective growth and development and strengthen institutions for efficient and effective service delivery.
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Osho Baba! Man of the people
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