Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has honored Afrobeats star Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, by naming a new arena after him.
Announcing this on his X account, Obaseki shared that the new 6,000-capacity venue, dubbed the “Rema Dome,” had its groundbreaking ceremony in Benin City on Wednesday. The arena is being built on the site of the former Garrick Memorial School Ground on Ekehaun Road.
It was a pleasure to have our global music icon, @heisrema, join me in performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the 6000-capacity Edo Arena. The arena, which will be called ‘Rema Dome,’ is located at the former Garrick Memorial Sch. ground on Ekehuan Rd in the state capital.
/1 pic.twitter.com/mpXyWg8m4D— Godwin Obaseki (GGO) (@GovernorObaseki) August 29, 2024
Rema, a proud Edo State native, expressed his gratitude to the state government for their commitment to progress and promised to support the project until its completion. He stated, “I am incredibly proud of Edo State’s growth and unity. I’m eager to support any initiative that empowers and motivates our youth. This project is a blessing, and I’m committed to ensuring its successful completion.”
Governor Obaseki explained that the arena was conceived to address the lack of suitable venues for major events. “We needed a space to host large-scale cultural and entertainment events, especially for visitors from outside the state. This venue will cater to concerts, national conferences, symposiums, and conventions.”
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Arts, Culture and Tourism, Uyi Oduwa Malaka, along with various commissioners, special advisers, PDP members, and other dignitaries. Obaseki is excited about the prospect of the Rema Dome hosting both local and international music stars, including Rema himself.
