Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, recently, commissioned the Edo Water Buses at Ologbo, Ikpoba Okha Local Government area, for easy transportation of people, goods and services in the riverine areas of the state.
In his remark, the Governor appreciated the community for their cooperation and support, while urging them to do the same for his intending successor, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.
According to Obaseki, “One of the saddest things for me as a Governor was when I got a report that, one morning, about two children died around Gelegele, because the boat that was taking them to school capsized.
“This afternoon, we are here to commission the first set of certified passenger water buses that will move people from community to community, so that they can travel in a safe manner. This is the beginning of improving the entire riverine transport system in Edo State.”
Speaking on the viability of the state’s economy from the proposed Benin River Port project, the Governor said: “One of the major things we decided to do to change the economy of Edo State is the Benin River Port, which we are going to build. But before the construction starts, there are people who are already living here.
“We have to put in the marine facilities to begin to move things first, because the people coming to do the construction are not just going to fly in and start the work. They need bases to use. To tackle insecurity, we needed to set a base for the police marine team to work. Similarly, to build a river port, we need bases.”
Obaseki further assured the people of the competence and capability of the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Asue Ighodalo, in the forth-coming gubernatorial election in the state, urging them to render him all the necessary support.
He said: “We have already entered into the contract for the construction of the river port. At some time in the future, when the port is ready, we will be able to build rail and road into that area to move goods that are coming into the port. I am optimistic that it will happen. It will not happen under my time because I only have less than two months to go. But by the grace of God, and by your power, we are going to be having a Governor, a man that is competent.
“He is here with me. I know him, I trust him. He is a man of the people. He is a man that will serve you. He will expand what we have started now. I know he will do much more than I have done. But it is in your hands. When you carry him on your back, I know he will not fall; because the way you carried me, I never lost election. I have never had anything to be afraid of in this area. I want to appeal to you that you should give your support to him, because if you do, you will not regret it.”
On his part, the Iyatsere of Warri, Prince Johnson Atseleghe, commended the Governor for his response in tackling the issue of insecurity, particularly kidnapping, in the riverine areas.
According to him, “We thought it was a joke when you said you were going to give us a water bus. But today, the bus is here. When you first visited Ologbo, we told you that it is prone to kidnapping, and you said you were going to do something about it. You brought the marine police. Since then, there is no issue of kidnapping in Ologbo and environs again. Your tenure gave us freedom from kidnapping and robbery along the water way. You did as you promised.”
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