Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has revealed the emotional rationale behind his choice to rename the enormous 6,000-seat Edo Arena in honour of the amazing Benin-born artist, Divine Ikubor, better known by his stage name, Rema.
The governor and the “Calm Down” hitmaker, Rema, sat side by side in Benin City for the groundbreaking ceremony for the location that will now be known as the Rema Dome.
This incredible occurrence happened on Wednesday, and it started a journey that will culminate in Rema’s much awaited homecoming concert at Ogbe Stadium, which is sure to electrify not just the city of Benin but also the hearts of his supporters.
In a daring decision that has sent shivers down the spine of the state, Governor Obaseki proclaimed that Rema is more than just a music icon—rather, she is a genuine representative of Benin and the larger Edo State.
Obaseki stressed that the Rema Dome would not only be a source of pride for the people of Edo but also act as an attraction for celebrities and tourists from around the world, increasing travel and bringing prominence to the state.
With much passion, he described how this newly renamed stadium will develop into a central location where guests could fully immerse themselves in Edo State’s rich cultural tapestry and discover the state’s colourful legacy and unrivalled hospitality.
This initiative, the governor noted, is more than just a name change—it’s a strategic move to enhance the state’s profile as a tourism hotspot, thereby attracting investments and creating invaluable employment opportunities for the youth of Edo.
Obaseki reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to fostering growth by boosting tourism, thereby ensuring that Edo State becomes a leading destination for both national and international visitors.
On his X handle, on Wednesday, the Governor wrote,
“It was a pleasure to have our global music icon @heisrema, join me in performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the 6,000-capacity Edo Arena. The arena, which will be called ‘Rema’s Dome,’ is located at the former Garrick Memorial School Ground on Ekenhuan Road in Benin City.”
It was a pleasure to have our global music icon, @heisrema, join me in performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the 6000-capacity Edo Arena. The arena, which will be called ‘Rema Dome,’ is located at the former Garrick Memorial Sch. ground on Ekehuan Rd in the state capital.
/1 pic.twitter.com/mpXyWg8m4D— Godwin Obaseki (GGO) (@GovernorObaseki) August 29, 2024
