President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in Benin commended outgoing Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, assuring him that the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) will find an important national assignment for him when he leaves office.
Speaking at the Palace of the new Oba of Benin, His Royal Highness Omo N’Oba N’Edo Nku Akpolokpolo Ewuare 11, shortly before he embarked on the commissioning of several projects in the State, Buhari said that the country would be the loser if the APC fails to utilize the former labour leader’s skills and energy
According to the president, “It will be a pity to waste his energy by him retiring. I hope there will be a higher assignment for him to do more for the nation.
‘‘I congratulate the Governor for his hard work; Oshiomhole is a hard working Governor. We will need his services in Abuja.
‘‘Thank you for inviting me, most especially during this time in the country.
‘‘You have served two terms and you are about to leave. You deserve a place in history. I hope the APC will look for a place for you because your service for the country is far from over,’’ the President said.
President Buhari also congratulated the Oba for successfully ascending the throne and extended the support of the Federal government to his Royal highness in his bid to improve the lives of Edo people.
The Oba in his speech expressed delighted on the president’s visit, noting that it was the first since his recent coronation.
‘‘We believe this is a sign of better things to come. I appreciate your contribution to my coronation,’’ Oba Ewuare II said.
The royal father who commended the President for appointing Edo indigenes into positions in government appealed for the establishment of an export and import processing zone for agro-allied industries in the state.
He said the venture would stimulate the nation’s economy and create jobs.
After paying homage to the Oba, Buhari who is on 2-day working visit to Edo commissioned the renovated Central Hospital in Benin.
The medical facility which was established in 1902 was rebuilt by the state government under Oshiomhole.
At the event, President Buhari praised the state-of-the art facility rebuilt by the Governor, noting that he had the choice of using the available money for his comfort by building a new government house but he opted for a hospital to help the people.
President Buhari also commissioned the Upper Siluko Road in Benin City, which he described as “no ordinary type of road.’’
The President inspected the Queen Ede Gulley erosion site and commissioned the Samuel Ogbemedia College rebuilt to ‘world class standard.’
President Buhari commended the quality of infrastructure built by the outgoing Governor, noting that the history of EDOMARUSE state will not be complete without his name.
