Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has renamed 1st Ugbor Road in Oredo Local Government Area, after Archbishop Margret Benson Idahosa of the Church of God Mission International.
Speaking to journalists after a thanksgiving service at the Mega Convention 2023 in celebration of the 80th birthday of Archbishop Margaret Idahosa in Utesi Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state, the governor said the road was renamed to honour Margaret Idahosa for her contributions to modern evangelism in Nigeria.
Obaseki said as a child in Benin City, he knew what Archbishop Margaret Idahosa and her late husband represented and how they impacted the lives of people, noting, “Mama lives for all her children. She has sacrificed to make sure the children of the state have a good future”.
The governor said it was necessary to immortalise her for her contributions.
“She provides healthcare and education to thousands of children in Edo State. We cannot thank you enough because God brought you to give us hope.”
“Archbishop Margret Idahosa is an institution in Edo State. You can’t talk of modern-day evangelism of the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria today without mentioning the Idahosa family for the contributions they have made to our spiritual life.
“They have contributed to our society in the area of education, healthcare and youth empowerment. They have been a pillar of our society and our state.
“On her 80th birthday, the least, we could do for her is to immortalize her so that her name will remain and generations to come will ask who she is. First, Ugbor Road leading to Benson Idahosa University (BIU) Campus has been named after her to honour her for her contributions to the society, state and country. We will continue to immortalize her”.
The governor announced the commencement of a Christian music festival that will attract N50million prize money for winners.
“Looking at the performance of the young boys and girls on stage today, we will commence from this year, a Christian music festival. We want our children to perform globally. We would be putting a N50 million prize for the winners of the competition”.
Obaseki called on youths in the state to come forward and showcase their talents in the competition.
“We call on our youths in the state to come and showcase their talent. The stage is open for such competition. Youths across Edo State should go and start preparing as Mama will be here in December to present the prize to the winners.”
