MASSACHUSETTS - Edo State indigenes in the diaspora have commended the State Governor, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor for what they generally described as unprecedented achievements within a period of about one year in office.

The Edo indigenes expressed their minds while receiving the governor at the 17th annual Convention of the Edo National Association, USA and Canada in Denvers, Massachusetts in the United States of America.

Addressing the convention, Prof. Osunbor, who last week was given a standing ovation at the end of his presentation, informed the gathering that it was his abiding desire to restore hope to the people of Edo state and demonstrate that governance was not about personal aggrandisement but a call to service through the provision of the basic necessities of life.

The governor, who made a power point presentation of the activities of the state government since May 29, 2007, explained in graphic details the broken down social services and general state despondency and disrepair that pervaded the state before his assumption of office and the various intervention measures so far taken by government.

He listed some of the measures to include desilting and rehabilitation of drainage system; construction and rehabilitation of roads; implementation of new salary for workers and improved working conditions; increased subvention to higher institutions and bursary awards to students; reactivation of the health system; enhanced agricultural activities; installation of traffic lights; provision of facilities to the judiciary; sanitation and beautification programme, among others.

According to the governor, his presentation is not intended to exhaust the achievements of his administration, but an indication of his will to bring development to all nooks and crannies of the state and pledged to sustain the momentum for the rest of the life of his administration.

Senator Osunbor, whose speech was punctuated with great applause, disclosed that his administration was determined not to allow constraint of funds limit the execution of government’s laudable projects, adding that an aggressive internally generated revenue policy was being pursued to realign the state on the path of’growth and prosperity.

The governor enjoined the gathering to derive fresh inspirations from the oneness of Edo people, stressing that the ancient ties among the citizens of the state whose delicate and interwoven strands had been preserved through the generations must not be allowed to strain or snap in their time.

He thanked the Edo indigenes in the diaspora for their various donations to government establishments and called on them to continue to contribute their quota to the socio-economic development of the state.

In his goodwill message, the Oba of Benin, Oba Erediauwa congratulated the Edo National Association for sustaining the dream in the past years.

Chief Nosakhare Isekhure, the Isekhure of Benin who presented the Oba’s goodwill message, urged the association to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Edo people.

Chief Isekhure expressed satisfaction with the performance of Governor Osunbor and told the gathering that within one year, the governor had achieved what former Governor Igbinedion could not achieve in eight years.

In his address, the out-going Secretary-General of Edo National Association, Mr Osagie Owen Odeh said the body had made substantial contributions to the development of Edo State.

Mr. Odeh said Edo State under the dynamic leadership of Governor Osunbor was witnessing a rebirth in virtually every sector and pledged the support of the association for the governor in actualising his plans for the people.

On his part, the Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee, Mr Frank Ero said Edo people in the diaspora were willing to work with political leaders in order to have a meaningful and progressive relationship towards improving the socio-economic development of Edo State.

The convention was attended by the wife of the governor, Lady Ussieh, wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Linda Imasuen, some officials of Edo State Government, the Iyase of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe and Edo indigenes from USA and Canada.