On Wednesday, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and afrobeat star Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Edo Arena, a state-of-the-art conference hall and event center.
Named “The Dome,” this new venue will rise on the former Garrick Memorial School Ground on Ekehuan Road in Benin City, the capital of Edo State.
Rema returned to his hometown of Benin on Tuesday, just ahead of his highly anticipated homecoming concert scheduled for August 30, 2024. The ceremony included notable figures like Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, and Uyi Oduwa Malaka, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Diaspora Affairs, among other key government officials.
Expressing his gratitude, Rema thanked the people of Edo for their unwavering support and praised Governor Obaseki for implementing impactful reforms and projects that have improved residents’ lives over the past eight years. “I am happy to be here,” Rema said. “I thank the people of Edo for their prayers and support. I am proud of the growth we have achieved together.”
Rema emphasized his commitment to youth empowerment, declaring, “I am ready to engage in initiatives that will inspire and uplift the youth. This project is a blessing, and I will ensure its successful completion.”
Governor Obaseki explained the motivation behind the development, noting that when his administration took office in 2016, the state lacked suitable venues for large events, often relying on temporary solutions like rented canopies. He highlighted Edo’s potential, stating, “Edo is known as the heartbeat of Nigeria, and we can host national events and attract visitors.”
Obaseki outlined plans for the Edo Arena, which will cover approximately five hectares and serve as a hub for entertainment, cultural events, and conferences. He believes the venue will significantly boost tourism in the state, creating job opportunities for the youth and enhancing the local economy. “This facility will help us showcase our rich culture and attract more visitors, leading to the development of hotels and other businesses in the region. Our goal is to establish Edo as a prime tourist destination,” he added.
Rema officially laid the foundation block for the Edo Arena to be named the Rema Dome. His name will Forever reign supreme #REMAHOMECOMING pic.twitter.com/1Zq99Bs7G3
— geebleenkzz (@geebleenkzz11) August 28, 2024
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Governor Obaseki stressed the importance of the Edo Arena in attracting investment and fostering a conducive environment for business growth. “The role of government is to create opportunities and facilitate progress. With Rema’s involvement, this project will gain global recognition,” he stated.
Rema the son of the soil; laid the first blocks of the architectural edifice – ‘Edo Arena’ to be named ‘REMA DOME’ #REMAHOMECOMING pic.twitter.com/afOOu63HRv
— MAVIN (@MavinRecords) August 28, 2024
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