Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Nigeria, has announced that the 6,000-capacity Edo Arena will be named after award-winning Afrobeat singer Rema. Obaseki shared the news at the project ceremony in Benin City on Wednesday.
Rema, who was present at the ceremony, joined the governor in laying 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.
Governor Obaseki said the arena, when completed, will host events from concerts and national conferences to symposiums and other large gatherings.
He said the arena will attract visitors to Edo State, “allowing them to experience our rich culture and what we have to offer, which will create employment opportunities for our youths.”
Born in Benin City, Rema, real name Divine Ikubor, has been an ambassador of Edo State. In his music and concerts, he promotes and showcases the rich legacy of the ancient Benin empire.
His latest hit song, ‘Benin Boys, ‘ which features fellow Edo-born star Shallipopi, is a tribute to the city of Benin.