Former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida says he is not surprised by the rapid transformation in Edo State under Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
Speaking at Igueben during the weekend, where he was Chairman of a ceremony to mark the 70th birthday of Chief Tom Ikimi, one-time Minister of Foreign Affairs, Babangida said, “I want to pay special homage to my Comrade Governor, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, who has been doing so much to transform Edo State.
“As a regular visitor to Edo State, I could feel and inhale the impact of good governance not only on the faces of the people but also on infrastructure. I saw several red roof schools on my way here. I saw well cultivated lawns, walk-ways and beautiful road networks. I saw expansions on roads that were hitherto narrow. In fact, the feeling of a transformed Edo State is palpable.
“I am not surprised that all these are happening in Edo State given the antecedents of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. With courage and strong political will coupled with the support of political leaders like Ikimi, it is understandable why the infrastructural architecture of Edo State has assumed this enviable height.
Commenting the celebrant, Chief Tom Ikimi, Babangida said “Celebrating Tom, to me, is a celebration of a man of humble beginning and of many parts; each part assuming a whole subject matter with anecdotes that explain his rich experience in politics, governance and foreign policy. His love for Nigeria, his country, is not in doubt.
“His commitment to national unity more often defines the rationale for his undertakings rather than any selfish consideration. He carries with him an élan that distinctively distinguished him as a man of class.”
On his part, national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu said the Edo state Governor has impacted positively on the development of the state beyond empty rhetoric.
Tinubu also praised Oshiomhole for concentrating on development rather than dancing Azonto in the face of developmental challenges, a statement in mockery of President Jonathan who was sighted dancing at a PDP rally in Kano, two days after the Nyanya bomb attacks.
“We have heard so much about what you have done for Edo state. When we were coming in here, it was not about dancing Azonto (a popular dance step) but it was real development,” he said.
In a remark, chief host, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole said that at this point in time, Nigeria need leaders like Chief Tom Ikimi who are ready to stand for the country.
“We need leaders who are ready to pay the price so that our younger ones will inherit a country that is just, free and in which every citizen will have a basis for loyalty to our nation.”
Also at the event were former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, former President of Ghana, Jerry Rawlings, former Vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Minister of Works, Mike Onolemenmen,Senator Ben Obi, National leader of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Audu Ogbe, Chief John Oyegun, Professor Osariemen Osunbor and Senator Chris Ngige.
Others include Dr Doyin Okupe , Senator Domingo Obende, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, Rt Hon. Uyi Igbe, Members of the National Assembly, businessmen among others.
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