Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has explained why he named the Edo Arena after Benin-born musician Divine Ikubor, also known by his stage name Rema.
Rema, the “Calm Down” singer, and Governor Obaseki of Benin set a block on the Edo Arena site at a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday.

Rema accompanied Obaseki for the groundbreaking ceremony, which preceded his homecoming celebration at Ogbe Stadium.

According to Obaseki, Rema remains an ambassador for Benin and Edo State. He also stated that the Edo Arena, which he renamed the Rema Dome, will draw visitors and international celebrities to Benin. He added that the Rema Dome would significantly increase the state’s tourism potential.

On Wednesday, the Governor posted on his X profile, “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, known as ‘Rema’s Dome,’ will be built on the former Garrick Memorial School Ground on Ekenhuan Road in Benin City.

He explained that the Rema Dome would allow visitors to “experience our rich culture and what we have to offer, which will create employment opportunities for our youths.”

Edo State Governor underlined his administration’s commitment to luring investment into the state through increased tourism.