By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Edo State Government has unveiled activities to mark the 32nd anniversary of the creation of the Edo State and the 60th anniversary of the Midwest Referendum.
While Edo State was created alongside 11 other States on August 27, 1991, by the regime of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, the referendum for the creation of the then Midwestern region of Nigeria, later renamed Bendel State in 1976, now Edo and Delta states was held in Saturday July 13, 1963 following the March 29, 1963 proclamation of the Federal Government of Nigeria empowering the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs to conduct the referendum.
In a statement, Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Andrew Okungbowa, said the celebration will provide a platform to celebrate the remarkable progress made as a State, especially under the sterling leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki, and chart a path for sustainable growth and development.
According to him, “Edo will on August 27, 2023, record another milestone in its history as we will be marking 32 years as a people and State. We will also be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Midwest Referendum.
“The events marking celebrations will commence with a thanksgiving service at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, on Sunday, August 27, 2023, by 11 a.m.
“This will be followed by a luncheon to be hosted by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki by 2pm.”
Okungbowa further stated, “The Governor will on Monday, August 28, 2023, host stakeholders to a Colloquium to mark the 60th anniversary of the Midwest Referendum.
“The event, with the theme, ‘60 years after the referendum, which way Midwest?’ will be held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Airport Road, Benin City by 10am.”
