The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, yesterday saluted Oba Eweka II, Oba Akenzua II, Chief Dennis Osadebey, and Chief Anthony Enahoro, among others who secured the creation of the then Mid-Western Region.

Obaseki said these heroes had braved the odds and battled to create a distinctive political identity for a people who have always loved and cherished their freedom, culture, and creative energies.

He said this in his welcome address on the occasion of the 60th year of the Mid-West Referendum at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, in Benin City.

Obaseki also declared that the Mid-West Region which was carved out of the then Western Region in 1963, three years after Independence and colonial rule, was a product of the bold character and love for freedom of our forebears.

According to him, the region, which later came to be known as Bendel State in 1976, was the first state in Nigeria to be created by a referendum.

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He noted that it was the foresight, sacrifice, and struggle of courageous and notable leaders such as Oba Eweka II, Oba Akenzua, Chief Dennis Osadebey, and Chief Anthony Enahoro, among others that secured the creation of the then Mid-Western Region because they had braved the odds and battled to create a distinctive political identity for a people who have always loved and cherished their freedom, culture, and creative energies.

Obaseki, however, said 60 years after the referendum, the people were still bedevilled with numerous socio-economic challenges, which required a reset of the institutions and structures that propped the region up in the past.

He, therefore, advocated the need for the leaders to continue to work together to build a state that stands as a beacon of progress, a model of good governance, which had been a testament to the indomitable spirit of the people.

Obaseki said, “It is with great delight that I welcome distinguished guests and dignitaries to this auspicious occasion as we celebrate 60 years of the Midwest Referendum and the 32nd anniversary of the creation of Edo State.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our history as we reflect on our journey as a people, celebrating our achievements, acknowledging our challenges, and renewing our commitment to the ideals that shape our present and future.

“Six decades ago, the people of Edo and the Delta states united in agreement for their self-determination, to chart their course to political and economic freedom and break free from the chains of regional dominance.

“The Mid-West Region in 1963, which was carved out of the then Western Region, three years after Independence and colonial rule, was a product of the bold character and love for freedom of our forebears.

“The region, later came to be known as Bendel State in 1976, was the first State in Nigeria to be created by a referendum, signalling our staunch belief in democratic ideals.”

In a goodwill message, the immediate past governor of Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, commended the initiative of organising a colloquium to mark the 60th anniversary of the Mid-West Referendum and 32 years of the creation of Edo State has brought people of Delta and Edo states and part of Bayelsa State together.

Oshiomhole, who noted that a lot has been achieved since the 1963 referendum, added that if the people of Edo and Delta were to be still part of the Western region, persons like himself, Prof Oserheimen Osunbor, and the present governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki would not have had the opportunity to become governors.

He said a forum of this nature was apt as it would help the youth to know where they are coming from.

Oshiomhole therefore, asked Obaseki as the most senior governor of the South-South, to reactivate the Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta (BRACED) Commission, a regional body aimed at championing the welfare of people of the core Niger Delta.

He assured the Edo governor of working together with other senators of the South-South irrespective of party differences, to voice out the plight of the people until the government at the centre begins to see the reason why it should listen and take positive actions.