14th August, 2024
By Jethro Ibileke
As part of activities marking the 33rd anniversary of the creation of Edo, the state government said it would launch a new and comprehensive development masterplan for the state.
This was announced on Tuesday in Benin, at a joint press conference addressed by the Commissioners for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development, Isoken Omo, her Education counterpart, Dr Joan Oviawe, and that of Arts, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Uyi Oduwa-Malaka.
They noted that the masterplan will focus on key areas such as urban development, transportation, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
The one-week long 33rd year anniversary celebration which has the theme: “The Glory of New Edo Nation,” is scheduled to hold between August 25 and 31.
Omo noted that development of the new masterplan was motivated by government’s commitment to strategic planning and sustainable development.
She added that it was designed to drive economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance the overall quality of life for Edo residents.
“The plan is the culmination of extensive research, stakeholder engagement, and expert analysis. We recognise that effective planning is crucial for unlocking Edo State’s full potential.
“This masterplan will serve as a roadmap for our development efforts, ensuring that we make informed decisions that benefit our people,” she said.
On her part, the Education Commissioner, Dr. Oviawe, said the event would feature school children from kindergarten, special needs children to the tertiary institutions “to create a different structured formats for them to interface with the Edo state masterplan, it is important that our young people understand that, imbibe it in our quest to carry the torch light into the next generation.”
Oduwa-Malaka said the celebration would bring Nigerian celebrities like Rema, Shallypuppy and others to spice up the events and honours given to deserving Edo people.
Summing up the press conference, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, described Edo as a state with a rich history of innovation and progress, from its creation to the present day.
He said the government’s investment in regional planning demonstrated its dedication to building on this legacy and creating a brighter future for generations to come.
“The launch of the masterplan is a testament to the government’s transparency and accountability.
“This government has been very deliberate in everything that it has done, I don’t think there is any government in the past that have done this that will be handed over to the next generation and it is only fair that we hand over the next generation about Edo, all great cities, all great towns, have masterplan we didn’t inherit any but it is good we hand over one to the next generation,” he said.
Nehikhare who acknowledged the contributions of past leaders and stakeholders in the state, disclosed that prominent sons and daughters of the Edo would be honoured as part of the celebration.
