Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has announced that the new 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 Benin for his homecoming concert at Ogbe Stadium, attended the groundbreaking event and helped lay the first block of the Edo Arena.
In a statement on X following the ceremony, Governor Obaseki said, “It was a pleasure to have our global music icon @heisrema join me for the groundbreaking ceremony of the 6,000-capacity Edo Arena. The arena, which will be named ‘Rema’s Dome,’ is situated at the former Garrick Memorial School Ground on Ekenhuan Road in Benin City.”
The Governor explained that once completed, the arena will host a variety of events, including concerts, national conferences, symposiums, and other large gatherings. He added that the arena will draw more visitors to the state, allowing them to experience Edo’s rich culture and creating job opportunities for local youths.
Rema, born Divine Ikubor, hails from Benin City and has been a proud ambassador of Edo State, showcasing the city and the legacy of the ancient Benin empire through his music. His latest hit, “Benin Boys,” featuring fellow Edo-born artist Shallipopi, is a tribute to the city of Benin.
