By Kemi Kasumu
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, commended the outgoing Governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole, for a job-well done, assuring him that the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) would find an important national assignment for him after he would have been done with office as governor.
Speaking at the Palace of the new Oba of Benin, His Royal Highness Omo N’Oba N’Edo Nku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, shortly before he embarked on the commissioning of several projects during his official visit to the state, President Buhari, according to a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said that the country would be the loser if the APC failed to utilise the people’s governor’s wisdom, skill and energy.
The President said it will be undesirable and waste of energy if Governor Oshiomhole should choose to retire after office, adding that a higher assignment awaits him at the Federal level to enable him do more for the nation.
Congratulating the governor on what he described as his hard work, the President said, “Oshiomhole is a hard working Governor. We will need his services in Abuja,” he said.
‘‘You have served two terms and you are about to leave. You deserve a place in history. I hope the APC will look for a place for you because your service for the country is far from over,’’ the President said.
President Buhari also congratulated the Oba of Benin for successfully ascending the throne of his ancestors and extended the support of the Federal Government to him in his bid to improve the lives of Edo people.
The Oba in his speech expressed delighted on the President’s visit, noting that it was the first since his recent coronation.
‘‘We believe this is a sign of better things to come. I appreciate your contribution to my coronation,’’ Oba Ewuare II said.
The royal father who commended the President for appointing Edo indigenes into positions in government appealed for the establishment of an export and import processing zone for agro-allied industries in the state.
He said the venture would stimulate the nation’s economy and create jobs.
After paying homage to the Oba, President Buhari, who was on two-day working visit to Edo State, commissioned the renovated Central Hospital in Benin.
The medical facility which was established in 1902 was rebuilt by the state government under Oshiomhole.
At the event, President Buhari praised the state-of-the art facility rebuilt by the Governor, noting that he had the choice of using the available money for his comfort by building a new government house but he opted for a hospital to help the people.
President Buhari also commissioned the Upper Siluko Road in Benin City, which he described as “no ordinary type of road.”
The President inspected the Queen Ede Gulley erosion site and commissioned the Samuel Ogbemedia College rebuilt to ‘world class standard.’
He commended the quality of infrastructure built by the outgoing Governor, noting that the history of EDOMARUSE state will not be complete without his name.
