Obaseki Names Edo Arena After Rema

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has announced that the 6,000-person Edo Arena will be named after afrobeats global sensation Rema.

The governor announced the project's groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday in Benin City.

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

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 arena, which will be called ‘Rema’s Dome,’ it is located at the former Garrick Memorial School Ground on Ekenhuan Road in Benin City.” 

The Governor said that once completed, the arena will hold a variety of events, including concerts, national conferences, symposiums, and other significant meetings.

He further stated that the arena would bring 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 for Edo State, promoting the state and the tradition of the ancient Benin empire through his music and concerts.

His latest popular song, 'Benin Boys,' featuring fellow Edo-born singer Shallipopi, is a tribute to the city of Benin.