Governor Okpebholo Marks Posthumous Birthday of Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia at 93, Hails Him as Father of Modern Edo

 

Governor Okpebholo Marks Posthumous Birthday of Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia at 93, Hails Him as Father of Modern Edo

From: Razak Zekeri, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs 


The Edo State Government, led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, today marked the posthumous birthday of former Governor of defunct Bendel State, Brigadier General Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia (rtd), describing him as the father of modern Edo State and a colossus whose legacy remains indelible.

Dr. Ogbemudia, who was born on September 17, 1932 and passed on March 9, 2017 at the age of 84, would have been 93 years old today. He served as military Governor of the Mid-West State, later Bendel State, from 1967 to 1975, and as elected civilian Governor of Bendel State from October to December 1983. 

In a tribute to commemorate the day, Governor Okpebholo said Edo State and indeed Nigeria will never forget Ogbemudia, whose vision, courage and love for his people laid the foundation for the development of the state.

The Governor noted that history will remember Ogbemudia as a fine soldier who rose to the rank of Brigadier General, a liberator who was part of the forces that liberated the Mid-West during the Civil War, and an administrator whose performance earned him the title of best Governor of his time.

Governor Okpebholo highlighted some of Ogbemudia's landmark achievements which still stand today:

-In Sports: He built the then Ogbe Stadium, now renamed Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in his honour, and made Bendel State the sports powerhouse of Nigeria.

-In Health: He is noted as one of the founding fathers of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH.

-In Education, Agriculture and Infrastructure:He pursued an aggressive development plan with unvarnished zeal, establishing schools, roads, housing estates, industries and agricultural initiatives that made Bendel the envy of other states. dfb04109

The Governor said Ogbemudia's style of governance was people-centred, recalling stories of how he would visit schools and markets without police escort to ensure citizens were getting value for money.

"Your work cannot be dwarfed, not even by your most formidable enemy. You will be remembered for your good work," Governor Okpebholo quoted from the sermon at Ogbemudia's funeral, saying the statement captures the true essence of the late icon.

He assured that his administration is committed to preserving and building upon the Ogbemudia legacy through people-oriented projects, infrastructural renewal and promotion of unity, which the late general stood for.

The posthumous birthday celebration was observed with prayers for the repose of his soul and for the continued peace and progress of Edo State, which he laboured to build.

Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, the Iyase of Benin, was born in Benin City, joined the Nigerian Army in 1957, trained in Ghana, United Kingdom and United States, and served with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Congo before becoming Governor. 6917

May his soul continue to rest in peace.

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