Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has announced that the 6,000-capacity Edo Arena will be named after global afrobeats star Rema. The announcement was made during the groundbreaking ceremony for the project in Benin City on Wednesday. Rema, who was in his hometown for a homecoming concert at the Ogbe Stadium, joined Governor Obaseki to lay the first block for the construction of the arena.
“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 shared in a statement on X after the ceremony.
The governor further explained that once completed, the arena will serve as a venue for a variety of events, including concerts, national conferences, symposiums, and other large gatherings. He emphasized that the arena would attract more visitors to the state, offering them an opportunity to experience Edo’s rich culture and creating employment opportunities for the youth.
Rema, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, is a native of Benin City and has consistently promoted Edo State and the legacy of the ancient Benin Empire through his music. His latest hit, “Benin Boys,” featuring fellow Edo-born artist Shallipopi, pays tribute to the city of Benin.
