Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has been conferred with the prestigious Zik Prize for Good Governance, acknowledging the outstanding performance of his government across all sectors of the state over the past seven years. The award ceremony, organized by the Public Policy Research and Analysis Center (PPRAC), took place in Lagos.
Expressing gratitude, Governor Obaseki sees this recognition as a call to further serve the people of the state, committing to sustaining the developmental progress witnessed in various sectors. Accompanying him to the event were key figures, including his wife, Betsy; Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie; Chief of Staff to the governor, Osaigbovo Iyoha; state Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, and other dignitaries.
Distinguished personalities present at the ceremony included the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Oti; Chairman of Sterling Bank, Dr. Asue Ighodalo; former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, and former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, among others.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Obaseki remarked, “It’s not difficult to govern well; it could be inconvenient but not impossible. Just do the right thing and what is just. This award has given me renewed energy to strive and finish well. I am happy to receive this prize for good governance from the distinguished Public Policy Research and Analysis Center (PPRAC). It’s very humbling to be honored amongst the awardees tonight.”
The chairman of the Advisory Board of PPRAC, Prof. Jubril Aminu, emphasized that the Zik Award remains a significant reference point on the continent, recognizing leaders who have excelled in their respective fields.
Furthermore, Governor Obaseki received commendation for his role in developing the state and transforming its economic base, contributing to poverty reduction by creating more employment opportunities. Patrick Uanseru, Commissioner for Business, Trade, and Cooperatives in Edo State, lauded the governor’s initiatives to simplify business processes and drive industrialization, urging citizens to support the administration in its final year.
