The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has announced that the 6,000-capacity Edo Arena would be named after Rema, the Afrobeats Star who hails from the State.
Obaseki had made this announcement during the groundbreaking ceremony of the project in Benin City on Wednesday.
Rema, who had travelled to Benin for his homecoming concert at the Ogbe Stadium had joined the governor for the groundbreaking ceremony of Edo Arena and laid the first construction block.
What They’re Saying
Governor Obaseki said in a statement via X shortly after the ceremony,
“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 completed arena, will be called ‘Rema’s Dome,’ and it is located at the former Garrick Memorial School Ground on Ekenhuan Road in Benin City,”
Obaseki further explained that when completed, the arena will begin hosting a wide range of events- from concerts and national conferences to symposiums and other large gatherings.
He also expressed optimism that the arena will attract more visitors to the state, “allowing them to experience our rich culture and what we have to offer, which will create employment opportunities for our youths.”
Rema, born Divine Ikubor, hails from Benin City and has been a proud ambassador of Edo State, promoting the state and legacy of the ancient Benin empire in his music and concerts.
The artist’s latest hit song ‘Benin Boys’ had featured fellow Edo-born star, Shallipopi, and had been a tribute to the city of Benin.