Obaseki spoke yesterday at St. Paul Catholic Church, Benin, at a mass to mark the 80th birthday of the first Governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
He said: “I thank you very much for the remarkable homily. I listened very attentively; I have taken every word to heart and very seriously. I assure you that we are in pursuit of peace and we will have peace in Edo State.
“We have met – me and my predecessor in office – and fortunately, we do not have any fundamental issues. And because we do not have any fundamental issues, I believe that whatever third parties are trying to propagate, we can talk over it. I assure you that very soon things will return to normalcy in Edo State.”
Governor Obaseki said the government, in line with the spirit of Nigeria’s national anthem, will not forget the labour of past heroes.
“Today, we are here to celebrate our own Chief Odigie-Oyegun. On behalf of the people and government of Edo State, I congratulate you on your 80th birthday,” he added.
The governor named the Civil Service Training Centre, still being built, after Chief Oyegun.
“For your contributions and what you have done for our dear state, I have decided to name the public service academy, which is under construction, after you. We know your passion for public service; we know and acknowledge the contributions you made to public service in Nigeria. Therefore, we have decided to name this edifice which will be completed in the next 60 days, by the grace of God, after you.
“President Muhammadu Buhari will open the academy with you standing beside him. It will be known as the John Odigie-Oyegun Institute for Public Administration,” Obaseki said.
Other dignitaries at the service include Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu; Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and wife Betty; Speaker of the House of Assembly Frank Okiye; Chief Judge Justice Esohe Ikponmwen.