BLAST FROM THE PAST – ADMINISTRATION OF CHIEF LUCKY NOSAKHARE IGBINEDION.

This preliminary report tends to look at the legacies of Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion’s administration as an Executive Governor of Edo State from May 29, 1999 to May 28, 2007.  Several laudable projects were commissioned and put into desired use. Others were embarked upon and abandoned by successive government. The focus of this report is on some of the laudable projects that were commissioned, in existence and verifiable. The list is not exhaustive.

EDO STATE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT, USEN
This has provided opportunities for many to obtain tertiary education. Over 400 civil servants are directly employed by the institute. Indirect employment is in excess of one thousand. This includes, bike riders, kiosks owners, food vendors, contractors, landlords, taxi drivers etc. Capital appreciation on real estate has also created wealth for the people of Usen. Youths engaged in academic pursuit have lesser time for social vices

STELLA OBASANJO WOMEN AND CHILDREN HOSPITAL
It provides access to medical care with emphasis to reduce child mortality rate. This is a viable support to the colonial General Hospital whose facilities have been over stretched due to ever increasing population and increasing health awareness. Several jobs and wealth have been created. These include medical doctors, nurses & midwives, clerks, security personnel, laboratory scientists, cleaners and other support staff.

EDO STATE LIBRARY

The library is situated along Sapele Road in Benin City. The library presently accommodates a bank, Nigeria Stock Exchange, several offices and Edo State Library

IGUOSA HOUSING STATE

The housing project was earlier abandoned in 1983. Units were completed and allocated by Lucky Igbinedion.

IYEKOGBA HOUSING ESTATE
N2Billion bond was obtained from the stock market for this project. Today, the estate worths more than N10Billion. The estate has tarred roads, drainage system, street lights and cooking gas outlets.

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, IGUORIAKHI
The college offers OND and HND in Agricultural technology, animal science, crop science, agricultural extension and management. After many years in limbo, the college was re-opened in December 1999 and accredited in 2004. The administration and donor agencies funded the provision of students’ hostels, auditorium, lecture theatres, laboratory complex, meteorological centres, boreholes and electrification of the college at a total cost of N58.6 million. A campus of the college was also established in Agenebode in January 2007. This project generated hundreds of employments directly into civil service. It also empowers many others on self-employment drive in agricultural sector

REVIVAL OF BENDEL BREWERY  (later abandoned by successive administrations)
This has been the pride of Edo State. Maker of Crystal Malt and Crystal Lager Beer. The brewery was revived and commenced production under the leadership of Lucky Igbibedion. The brewery was given additional facilities and jobs opportunities were created.

TWIN HOSTELS, AAU, EKPOMA

Two hostels fully built and donated to Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. They have well constructed access road that is fully tarred.

1000 SITTING CAPACITY LECTURE THEATRE, AUU, EKPOMA

At the time, it was the first of its kind Nigeria. Also built and donated by Lucky Igbinedion. The theatre brought relief to students and lecturers who were struggling for adequate space for lectures, especially the 100 and 200 level students in faculty of social sciences

EXPANSION OF SAMUEL OGBEMUDIA STADIUM

This was converted from 9,000 sitting capacity to the modern accountable sitting capacity of 15,000. In his regime, Edo State  took first and second positions in national sports festival. The youths were engaged in several sporting activities. The state also hosted National Sports Festival. Youths were busy in various sporting events.

EDO CITY TRANSPORT SERVICE (ECTS)

This company commenced operation during the reign of Lucky Igbinedion. The governor imported the buses from Brazil. Several job opportunities were created.

EDO STATE SOLID MINERAL PROCESSING PLANT, IPESI, AKOKO-EDO LGA

Plant was built within seven months. Foundation stone was laid in October 2000 and commissioned in May 2001. The project cost N85 million. The plant was later transferred to Gopex Nigeria Limited after a successful bidding process. Hundreds of job opportunities and wealth were generated.

By Osahon Ize-Iyamu