Sam Ogbemudia

Jethro Ibileke/Benin.

Former governor of former Midwest Region, Brigadier-General Samuel Ogbemudia, has expressed mixed feelings over the state of infrastructure in Edo and Delta States. He expressed this last night at his residence in Benin when members of the Midwest Progressives Forum (MPF) paid him a felicitation visit on the occasion of his 83rd birthday. He turned 83 on 17 September. Highlight of the visit was the presentation of plaque and Medal of Honor to the octogenarian in recognition of his achievements and fatherly role in the region.

That day, the President-General of Midwest Progressives Forum (MPF), Barrister Adaze Andrew Emwanta, eulogised the two time governor of the region whom he called “the father of the people of the Midwest Region and the undisputed political leader of the Edo nation,” for his unmatched achievements.

Ogbemudia who’s achievements when he ruled the region from which the two states (Edo and Delta) were carved out, still remain unmatched by successive governments in both states, was not pleased with the decay of infrastructure and industries he worked hard to build across the entire region making the two states, most of which are either dead or in state of comatose.

Amongst his many legacies are the University of Benin, Iyanomo Rubber Research Institute, Warake Farms, Agbede Cattle Ranch, Ughelli Fish Ponds, Bendel Food Production Company, Bendel Brewery, Bendel Pharmaceutical Company, Asaba Textile Factory, Ughelli Glass Factory, Okpella Cement Company, Bendel Boatyard and Bendel Wood Company. Others are Bendel Insurance, Ogba Zoological Gardens, institute of Physical and Health Education, Afuze, Benin Museum, Ogbe Stadium, New Nigerian Bank, Midwest Newspaper Corporation, Midwest Television and hundreds of road networks.

“Well, it is unlikely that after 48 years, everything will remain the same, after 30 years, everything will remain the same,” he said, noting that each successive government has its own programme of development and challenges.

The retired army general was however cautious in his response when asked if he was satisfied with the state in which his legacies are today. “I found myself unable to say I am satisfied or I am not satisfied, because a lot could have been done to keep them alive, to keep them under good repair. But as you know, government steps out on all fronts, and sometimes there is not enough financial backing to cover all fronts. So for the little we have, we should be grateful to God,” Ogbemudia said.