Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has said his government would continue to prioritise young people in the state, ensuring they were adequately empowered and equipped with the right skills and tools to realize their full potential.
Obaseki spoke when he led other government functionaries to the Edo State Library Complex, at the State Secretariat, Benin City, to cheer Osariemen Asein, an indigene of the state who is attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon reading aloud by an individual.
At the time of the governor’s visit, Osariemen Asein, who kicked off the attempt on February 23, 2024, has read for 207 hours, surpassing the current 145-hour Guinness World Record for the longest marathon reading aloud.
Obaseki was accompanied by his wife, Betsy, Special Adviser on Media Project, Crusoe Osagie, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, Commissioner for Digital Economy, Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, Commissioner for Education, Joan Osa-Oviawe and the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Uyi Oduwa-Malaka, among others.
Speaking to journalists, the governor said the vision of Osariemen aligns well with what his administration has done in the state in the last seven years, developing the reading culture of our young ones and re-enacting the education system, particularly basic education.
He said: “I am very excited and it’s gratifying for me to see one of our own, Osariemen Angel Asein attempting to break the Guinness World Record in reading.
“It’s just ties in with what we have preached and the work we have done in the State in the last seven years, trying to re-enact education, particularly basic education, and develop the reading culture of our young ones and children in this state.
“It’s quite pleasing to see one of them trying to take it to another level, letting the world see how well Edo young people are doing; how aspirational and globally competitive they have become.
READ ALSO: I’ve no hand in Shaibu’s impeachment moves –Oshiomhole
“I believe that there can’t be a greater reward for our administration than what this young lady is doing.
“I am asking all of you to support her in this quest as we are here to support her as she has broken the world record in reading; what a record to break! it’s quite gratifying and fulfilling.”
Obaseki who also received Prof. Demas Nwoko, one of Africa’s greatest architects at the library to support the aspiration of Osariemen Asein, commended him for his architectural work across the globe.
He noted that Edo State has also benefited from Prof Nwoko’s architectural work as Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre is one of his works.
Obaseki noted, “Here we have Prof. Demas Nwoko, most people may not realize he is one of Africa’s greatest architects; he is joining us here today.
“One of his seminar works is the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre which is one of the 1001 buildings you must see in this world before you die.
“He is here in Edo State with us as Osariemen read from one of his books. He is here to see one of his works, the Oba Akenzua Cultural Center which we are going to finally try to complete and make it part of the cultural district which we are building for people to come and see.”
In addition, the Edo State Ministry of Education through its EdoBest Programme launched the Book and Art Festival with the maiden theme, “Every Child a Reading Champion.”
