Midwest at 60: Obaseki, Oborevwori, Oshiomhole, Others Chart Path for Devt

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, his Edo State counterpart, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and the senator for Edo North Senatorial District and former governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, among other stakeholders from the South-south, yesterday, converged on Benin City to chart a new path for the region’s development during a colloquium to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Midwest Referendum.

The colloquium, with the theme, “60 years after the referendum, which way Midwest?” had in attendance leaders from Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa states.

Obaseki stated that the region was still bedevilled with numerous social and economic challenges 60 years after the referendum. He reiterated the need to plan better for the future of the people and attain accelerated development with a less cumbersome system of government that promoted competition among sub-nationals and discouraged the constant resort to Abuja for direction and resources.

The Edo State governor said in his welcome address, “The story of the Midwest Referendum is one of unity, resilience, and the power of collective action, as it marked the beginning of a new era with which we took control of our destinies and that resulted in growth, development and progress. It is a story that continues to inspire us to this day, reminding us of our capacity to overcome challenges, transform adversity into opportunities, and forge a better path for ourselves.

“Sixty years after the referendum, we are still bedevilled with numerous socio-economic challenges, which require a reset of the institutions and structures that propped the region up in the past.

“This is why we have undertaken holistic reforms of our institutions in Edo State in the last seven years. We have advanced reforms and innovations in various spheres of the economy that have opened Edo up for investment.

“We must continue to work together to overcome challenges, build on our successes, and sustain collaborations toward building a strong and virile region.”

The governor of Delta State, represented by his deputy, Monday Oyeme, said, “It is worthy of note that when the people decide on a stand, nothing can change it, not even intimidation. Eighty-nine per cent of people voted for a referendum to opt-out from the Western region to form the Midwest region without violence, as the people’s choice prevailed.”

Oshiomhole, who described the event as apt, thanked Obaseki for organising it and bringing stakeholders from Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa states to chart a path for their future.

Oshiomhole stated, “This is the kind of event that is needed, as it will bring the unity we need for the progress of our people. When I received the invitation letter personally signed by you, I said to myself that I must be here to solidarise and support you, as Edo is one.

“There are a lot of young people here in this hall and this kind of event will enable our young people to know when the Midwest was created and formed. The Midwest is truly the only region of unity that came together to fight for its freedom.”