By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has renamed 1st Ugbor Road in Oredo Local Government Area after Archbishop Margret Benson Idahosa of the Church of God Mission International.
Addressing journalists after a thanksgiving service at the Mega Convention 2023 and in celebration of the 80th birthday of Archbishop Margaret Idahosa, in Utesi Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the State, the governor said the road was renamed to honour Margaret Idahosa for her contributions to modern evangelism in Nigeria.
Obaseki said as a child in Benin City, he knew what Archbishop Margaret Idahosa and her late husband represented and how they impacted the lives of people, noting, “Mama lives for all her children. She has sacrificed to make sure the children of the State have a good future.
“She provides healthcare and education to thousands of children in Edo State. We can’t thank you enough because God brought you to give us hope.’
The governor further noted, “Archbishop Margret Idahosa is an institution in Edo State. You can’t talk of modern-day evangelism of the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria today without mentioning the Idahosa family for the contributions they have made to our spiritual life. They have contributed to our society in the area of education, healthcare and youth empowerment. They have been a pillar of our society and our State.
“On her 80th birthday, the least we could do for her is to immortalize her so that her name will remain and generations to come will ask who she is. First Ugbor Road leading to Benson Idahosa University (BIU) Campus has been named after her to honour her for her contributions to the society, State and Country.”
He added: “We will continue to immortalize her. Looking at the performance of the young boys and girls on stage today, we will commence from this year a Christian music festival. We want our children to perform globally. We would be putting a N50 million prize for the winners of the Competition.
“We call on our youths in the State to come and showcase their talent. The stage is open for such competition. Youths across Edo State should go and start preparing as Mama will be here in December to present the prize to the winners.”
