Obaseki hails Etsako Club 81 on development, decries state of Benin-Auchi road

Edo state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has described the activities of a leading socio- cultural organisation, Etsako Club 81 as one that has brought positive development to the state and Nigeria in general, following its intervention programmes and advocacy since inception in 1981.

The governor, who spoke at the 40th anniversary of the Club in Lagos and the unveiling of Etsako Club 81 Cultural and Vocational Centre, a world class multipurpose edifice under construction in Auchi, urged similar bodies to emulate the prominent Edo North organisation to support government efforts in lifting the standard of lives of the people.

Governor Obaseki said “we must be able to give back to our communities. When God blesses us, we must also find a way to give back to our fatherland. That is the only way our communities will feel our impact. What is key behind the edifice is what we stand to represent and what it will bring home that will impact on the lives of our people.”

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Philip Shaibu, decried the current state of the Benin-Auchi expressway, saying the parlous state of the road has caused economic hardship to Nigerians and especially the people of Edo North.

Mr. Philip lambasted the federal government and the ministry of works for building infrastructure to neighbouring countries but left its roads deplorable thus endangering the lives of its citizens.

The deputy governor said “the Benin-Auchi road is a federal government headache, but we are not seeing it as a federal government headache alone, the state has been putting pressure on the federal government to fix the road. NPDC and NNPC are now also part of the solution, they have also joined the state to insist that the road be rehabilitated and they are ready to commit funds to it.”

President of Etsako 81, Dr. Bala Yesufu said the socio-cultural development association is focused on the enhancement of the culture, welfare and development of Etsako land and Edo North in general.

Dr. Yesufu said the plans were on to assist in terms of relief materials for the victims and the communities affected by the recent devastating flood, saying the vision for the cultural centre is to have a multiple purpose complex with a museum to showcase Etsako and Afemai culture, shopping malls and skills acquisition centre in order to create employment for the people.