Gov Obaseki names Edo arena after Rema

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has revealed that the 6,000-capacity Edo Arena would be named after afrobeats global star, Rema.

The governor announced this during the groundbreaking ceremony of the project in Benin City on Wednesday.

Rema, who was in Benin for his homecoming concert at the Ogbe Stadium, joined the governor for the groundbreaking ceremony of Edo Arena and laid the first block.

“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 arena, which will be called ‘Rema’s Dome,’ is located at the former Garrick Memorial School Ground on Ekenhuan Road in Benin City,” Governor Obaseki said in a statement via X shortly after the ceremony.

The Governor explained that when completed, the arena will host a wide range of events- from concerts and national conferences to symposiums and other large gatherings.

He added 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, is 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.

His latest hit song ‘Benin Boys’ which featured fellow Edo-born star, Shallipopi, is a tribute to the city of Benin.