Gov. Obaseki receives report of 150-member strategic dialogue committee

Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo on Tuesday in Benin received the final report of 150-member strategic dialogue committee held in Benin between Dec. 8 and Dec.10, 2016. The report had as its theme “Strategic Dialogue: Setting the Agenda for the New Administration”.
Obaseki expressed optimism that the report would fast track the wheel of progress made through participatory governance put in place nearly nine years ago.
He noted that the confidence of the present administration had been further boosted by the achievements recorded as a result of the steps previously taken.
The governor stated that the  “Strategic Dialogue” would go a long way to  redefine governance and propel development in the state.

“I appreciate the participants who gathered to redefine governance. The journey started nine years ago and with the confidence seen today, the steps taken then were now yielding results.
“ The difference is that we have moved beyond the political speech to action, as the dialogue on development commenced with the theme “Strategic Dialogue’’.
“ This is just the beginning and I am optimistic that we will get there and faster,’’ he said.

The governor also expressed delight at the consensus already built while urging the team to give priority attention to the first three-key areas, namely: social welfare, institutional revolution and industrialisation.

He stressed that the challenge in the state was not monetary or financial but approach to development.

Obaseki noted that the report was more significant than could be imagined.
He further directed that the report be uploaded to the state’s portal and website so that Edo citizens in the Diaspora could participate.
“This report is much more significant than can be imagined.
“This dialogue is not closed, the report should be uploaded to the state portal and website so that those outside the country and state can participate”, Obaseki  said.

Earlier, the chairman of the committee, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere , while submitting the report said that the 150-member dialogue had come  with 123 quick wins, 93 short term and 61 medium and long term approaches.
The former secretary to the state government added that the government’s priority should not only focus on growth but also pursue sustainable and people-driven development.