BENIN CITY: Once a powerful representation of the majesty of Edo State, it now collects dust and weeds. Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole commissioned the N200 million Water Fountain in the center of Benin City in 2010, however it has been abandoned since 2016.
The fountain’s prime was brief. It was commissioned with great fanfare, and its lively atmosphere and rhythmic water shows attracted large crowds.
At its opening, renowned musicians like P-Square, Osayomore Joseph, Tuface Idibia, and Sir Victor Uwaifo gave performances.
Oshiomhole later pledged that his administration would construct a second water fountain around Ramat Park to relieve the locals of the inconvenience of traveling to town. The facility developed into a center for social gatherings, with gardens, man-made rocks, and small businesses flourishing around it.
NDV discovered that the facility’s constructors and the previous administration had also reached a maintenance agreement.
However, after Governor Godwin Obaseki assumed power, maintenance stopped and the taps were shut off.
The site’s degradation is obvious
Since then, scavengers and negligence have destroyed the building situated on the Museum Ground in the center of Benin City, where all of the state’s main roadways originated or ended.
Locals bemoaned the loss, including former photojournalist Precious Uwa. He remarked, “We thought it was just a temporary shutdown, but it’s been years.”
When this reporter went to see Uwa operating a point-of-sale kiosk beneath a tree, he remarked, “I was a photographer here when the fountain was functioning.” Back ago, people came here every day. Weekends, Sundays, celebrations, and public holidays were the busiest times.
“When the facility closed, I had to stop doing photography and find something else to do. That’s when the idea for POS came to me, and I’ve been doing that ever since.”
“We hope the new governor who came here in December will revitalize this place,” he continued.
The formerly well-liked location is now both a public convenience and a hangout for criminals. Weeds overrun the gardens, VIP stands are demolished, and suspected criminals exploit the space for illegal activities.
Hope for the future
Even though the Edo State Parks and Gardens Agency, led by Stanley Dave-Ighodaro, is in charge of the facility, it has participated in a number of beautification initiatives. For example, during the Yuletide celebrations, the entire Oba Ovonramwen Square, where the fountain is located, as well as other nearby roads, were decorated for the occasion.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, however, has pledged to bring the fountain back to life. During a recent visit, he promised, “We’ll restore this place.” “People from Edo deserve better.”
“I’m here to assess the condition of this water fountain, which was constructed by Adams Oshiomhole’s administration but abandoned by Godwin Obaseki’s prior administration.
“I recall how lovely this location was. I came here to try to bring it back to life. In order for people to come here for leisure or relaxation, we want to make this space clean.
“My administration wants to revitalize this place so that Edo people can come here with their families and have fun during weekdays, weekends, and holidays, but it has been abandoned for too long,” Okpebholo stated.
Locals, who long for the Water Fountain to regain its former splendor, are encouraged by the governor’s remarks.
However, as Benin City observes, the issue still stands: will the Water Fountain be revitalized or will it continue to be a remnant of the past?
