Bold and courageous reforms initiated by the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki have been identified as being instrumental to the relatively peaceful yuletide celebration witnessed across Edo State.
The governor had in the last few months mobilized communities and security agencies in the state in activating a community policing model that involved local vigilantes, who collaborate with security agencies to provide intelligence and patrols. This development had forestalled crime and criminality in major cities, towns and communities across the state.
The trend has seen an increase in activity and investment in the creative and entertainment industry as well as retail and hospitality sectors, which has witnessed a boom with new players.
A cross-section of residents in Edo State hailed the state government for the peaceful atmosphere in which they marked the Yuletide festivities.
Speaking with journalists in Benin City, they said the celebrations went on peacefully, owing to interventions by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration, which include support to the Edo Police Command, deployment of vigilante security network and other security agencies that ensured that the Yuletide was celebrated in a peaceful atmosphere.
Mr. Lawrence Edgar, a resident in Benin City, said “The Christmas and New Year festivities have been quite pleasurable and eventful. Everybody is going about their activities peacefully. I appreciate the state government’s collaboration with the Police and other security agencies especially with the deployment of local vigilantes, which ensured security and peaceful celebration, preventing criminals from operating freely.”
He said, “We all can see how the improved security contributed to the successful hosting of concerts and events across the city without any incident of violence. It is a good thing that people are able to move freely.”
Another resident, Mr. Emmanuel Aroyameh, said the state government’s effort in restoring streetlights to major parts of the city also helped in ensuring security, noting, “The state government’s support to security agencies and local vigilantes must be commended. What is happening in Benin City with the streetlights is interesting and the palliative work on the road made driving around the city easy and pleasurable.”
A finance expert, Mr. Ikponwonsa Nosakhare, said improved security in the state has had a huge impact on the investment scene as it has ensured a lot of investment in different sectors of the state.
According to him, “People are often concerned about the safety of their investment. Hence, it is not surprising that there is increased activity in the state’s hospitality and real estate sectors. The governor is to be commended. He made all this possible with the bold reforms in security management.”
