From Moshood Karim
Benin City- Governor Godwin Obaseki and Afrobeats star Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Edo Arena, a world-class conference and event center, on Wednesday.
The venue, set to be named “The Dome,” will boast a 6,000-capacity space, located at the former Garrick Memorial School grounds on Ekehuan Road, Benin City.
Rema, who arrived in his hometown ahead of his much-anticipated homecoming concert on Friday, August 30, 2024, expressed his gratitude and pride in the state.
“I thank Edo people for their prayers and support. I am proud of the growth recorded so far,” the music sensation remarked, commending the governor for his vision. Rema pledged his commitment to empowering youths and contributing to the success of the project, calling it a “blessing” for the state.
Governor Obaseki, joined by top officials, including PDP governorship candidate Dr. Asue Ighodalo and Commissioner for Tourism Uyi Oduwa Malaka, highlighted the significance of the new arena.
He recalled how, upon taking office in 2016, the state lacked a proper venue for large events, forcing them to rent spaces and hire canopies.
“We realized Edo has a unique advantage as the heartbeat of Nigeria,” Obaseki noted, pointing to Edo’s strategic position as a hub for traffic and a key asset for economic growth.
The governor emphasized that the new Dome is part of a broader strategy to boost Edo’s tourism, culture, and entertainment sectors. The venue will host concerts, conferences, symposiums, and national events, drawing visitors and generating business opportunities for local hotels and restaurants.
This follows the remodeling of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium into a top-tier sports facility, which has already helped the state attract major national events. However, Obaseki explained the need for a larger space.
“Our current venues can hold up to 3,000 people, but we need to host events with double that number.”
The development of the 5-hectare site, acquired five years ago, is aimed at turning Edo State into a prime tourist destination, with infrastructure designed to support tourism and create employment opportunities for the youth.
The governor underscored the importance of the project to the state’s economy, stating that it will draw more investors and transform the state into a thriving hub for culture, entertainment, and tourism.
As Rema and Obaseki dug into the soil to mark the start of construction, Obaseki said, “When you have people like Rema associated with a project like this, it becomes a global project.”
The Dome is set to become one of the largest event spaces in the country, propelling Edo State further onto the global stage.
The groundbreaking ceremony sets the tone for the next chapter in Edo’s development, bringing together the power of culture, youth, and infrastructure to transform the state.
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