The City of Benin, capital of ancient Bini Kingdom dates back to the 15th century. Hence it is referred to as the ancient city of Benin. Just as the city is renowned for bronze and the moats, it is also renowned for its beauty. In fact, the Portuguese were said to have marvel at the city and described it as one of the most beautiful and best planned cities in the world. The city is traversed by major roads (with underground drainages) and adjourning streets.

This beautiful city has however suffered years of neglect due to bad government. This results in loss of its glory and beauty. Many of the features that made it the cynosure of all eyes have either been destroyed or are abused by greedy and selfish land owners. The roads were cramped with buildings, the drainages blocked and the streets defaced.

This was made easy by the weak and corrupt successive governments that have plagued the entire state for so long, with negative impact on Benin City in particularly. Granted, some of the leaders might have meant well for the people, but the greedy benefactors and god fathers rubbished whatever effort they put into sustaining the glory of Benin City.

How different things are today. This ancient city now wears a new looks courtesy of Adams Oshiomhole’s aggressive transformation. A wave of revolution in blowing in all directions, culminating in a positive change for the city in particular and for the state in general. A new dawn has emerged. Light has come to Benin and darkness has finally been banished into oblivion, courtesy of Oshiomhole’s government.

As soon as he stepped into office, Oshiomhole made audacious decision to restore the ancient city to its past glory by re-visiting the original master plan of the city. To many, this is nothing more than a mere dream, a mirage. But to Oshiomhole, it is an achievable venture. And true to his plan, Benin is wearing a new look today.

Driving through the city a year ago used to be harrowing due to the clustered roads, made worse by unruly drivers. The ring road in particular used to be a den of tauts. There, commercial drivers and miscreants aka agberos test their strength against one another. Most houses along the roads wear face caps-illegal attachments that compete for space with the roads. The city became a shadow of its old self.

A journey through the same place is now a pleasurable experience and a delight. The major roads are no longer the eye sore they used to be. All illegal structures, attachment and fences have all been removed. We now have beautiful and open roads and streets.

Commercial drivers and Okada riders that used to be nasty and notorious now willingly comply with traffic rules. They have come to realize that it is no longer business as usual. All these made possible by the people friendly and result oriented government of the day, that also demand responsibility and accountability from the citizenry, to the benefit and enjoyment of all.

The city centre is now a marvel to behold. Beautiful flowers in beautifully painted pots, grasses, flowers and palms adorn the king’s square, with walk ways completed with inter locking bricks. Are you a lover of natural parks? The king’s square will be the ideal place for you to appreciate nature. Don’t be surprised if while taking a walk there, and a butterfly or a beautiful bird keeps you company.

The full beauty of the King’s Square is fully appreciated at night when the fully automated street light is on. Wha oh! What else can one ask for? Truly this is a dream come true.

To Oshiomhole, the city centre should no longer be called ring road, but the rightful and befitting name—King’s Square, and the city should no longer be called ancient, but a modern cosmopolitan city comparable to any city in the western world, exactly what the founding fathers of the city planned it to be.

Even the Information and Communication Minister Professor Dora Akunyili could not hide her admiration for Oshiomhole and his achievements in the State especially at the city centre. She described Oshiomhole himself as a revolution, and the King’s Square as “something from out of this planet.” She was quick to appeal to Oshiomhole to be an ambassador of the rebranding project.

The Oshiomhole magic has also laid to rest the menace of erosion at 5 Junction and New Lagos Road by Eghosa Grammar School. Motorists now drive through these two places with confidence even during the heaviest downpour. In the past, driving through those places whenever it rained was a dangerous thing to do, for fear of either getting washed away or falling into the side drains. Thanks to what His Royal Highness Edun Akenzua called “Oshiomhole magic” that has finally opened up the moats and have shown the waters of the erosion the way out of the roads.

Not to be overlooked is the transformation of Costain illegal refuse dump site that has now been evacuated after 18 years of illegal waste dumping on the site. It is now home to green grass and flowing plants where children in the neighborhood now enjoy friendly games. There are a number of roads already rehabilitated to make live easy for residents of Benin City.

Kudos to the man that has accomplished all these within a year in office. The only thing we owe him is support and encouragement so that he could make the whole of Edo State wear a new look like Benin City. Certainly, this is a promise that has been kept. Comrade Governor, carry on. We are solidly behind you. You have our prayer and support to succeed.


CITIZEN EMMA KOLA OKHAKHU
COURTESY: Nigeria Observer