Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has announced that the 6,000-capacity arena in Benin City will be named “Rema Dome” in honour of Afrobeats singer Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema.
The announcement was made via a post on Obaseki’s X handle on Thursday.
The groundbreaking for the 6000-capacity arena, located at the former Garrick Memorial School Ground, Ekehaun Road, took place on Wednesday.
Governor Obaseki revealed that the project aims to provide a venue capable of hosting large events, including concerts, national conferences, symposiums, and conventions.
“We didn’t have venues to host events especially when we invite people from outside the state. We then said how do we host cultural and entertainment events?
“We saw the urgent need to create a large venue that can host huge events such as concerts, national conferences, symposiums and conventions. That has to be the driving force behind the government acquiring this property.”
In a state of excitement, Rema, a native of Edo State, expressed his pride in the state’s development and his commitment to supporting the completion of the project.
“To be at this point, I am very proud of Edo State. I am proud of the growth. I am proud of the togetherness, I am proud of the zeal to make it greater, and I am proud of the passion.
“I am proud of the youths and ready to take part in anything that will give a drive to the youths, strengthen and motivate them. This is a blessing and I will see to it that this project is finished well.”
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by the Minister of Arts, Culture and Tourism, Uyi Oduwa Malaka, as well as commissioners, special advisers, PDP members, and other dignitaries.
Obaseki expressed anticipation for the arena to host both local and international music events, including performances by Rema.
