Afrobeats star Divine Ikubor, known by his stage name Rema, made a triumphant return to his roots with a highly anticipated homecoming concert in Benin City. Held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, the event was a significant moment for both the artist and the people of Edo State, as it marked the first time Rema performed in his hometown.
The concert comes after an earlier attempt to host Rema in December 2023 was canceled due to health concerns. Upon his arrival in Edo State, Rema was greeted with overwhelming support from fans, setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable night.
In the days leading up to the concert, Rema participated in a groundbreaking ceremony with Governor Godwin Obaseki for the construction of the Edo Arena, which will be named ‘Rema’s Dome.’ The new venue, located at the former Garrick Memorial School Ground on Ekehuan Road, aims to transform the entertainment landscape of the state. The event was also attended by Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Commissioner Uyi Oduwa Malaka, and other government officials.
Rema expressed his gratitude to the people of Edo State for their unwavering support. “I am happy to be here. I thank Edo people for their prayers and support. I am proud of the State, especially the growth recorded so far. I am proud of the togetherness, passion, and zeal to make it greater,” he said.
He also praised Governor Obaseki for his efforts to improve the state, stating, “I am proud of the youths and ready to take part in anything that will give a drive to the youths, strengthen and motivate them. This is a blessing and I will see to it that this project is finished well.”
Governor Obaseki highlighted the importance of the new arena, noting that it would provide a proper venue for major events, thus boosting the state’s economic and cultural appeal. “When we came into government in 2016, we didn’t have a venue for events but rather we were hiring canopies for events and renting places for large events,” said Obaseki. He emphasized that Edo’s strategic location makes it ideal for hosting national events, with the new arena poised to attract more visitors and investments to the state.
Once completed, the Edo Arena will host concerts, conferences, and a variety of other events, solidifying Edo State’s position as a hub of cultural and entertainment activities in Nigeria.
