₦airaland Forum

The Emir of Minna, Dr Umar Faruq on Monday hosted Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Senate Chief Whip, at his Minna palace, the Niger State capital.

Igbere TV reports that Kalu arrived the Emir's palace at about 4:30pm and proceeded immediately for a private meeting with the monarch.

Kalu had arrived Minna, the 'power' state on Monday at exactly 2pm alongside political friends, associates and retinue of aides.

Before meeting with Emir Faruq, Senator Orji Kalu had met privately with General Abdusalami Abubakar, former head of state.

The meeting with Abubakar was preceded by an hour-long meeting with General Ibrahim Babangida, former president at his Minna residence.

Speaking on the reason for his visit to the Emir of Minna, Senator Kalu who described the visitation as “private”, said he was at the palace to see his “brother”, Emir Faruq.

WoundedLamb:
Oga, Niger state is nicknamed the power state not Babangida's house! Nawa o

Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu is currently in a closed-door meeting with former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Igbere TV reports that Kalu, a former Governor of Abia State, arrived the residence of Abdulsalami in Minna, Niger State at about 3:30pm on Monday.

Senator Orji Kalu was immediately ushered into the ex-head of state's residence where he was received by General Abdulsalami himself.

Our correspondent in the tour reports that Kalu and Abdulsalami later proceeded for an indoor meeting which lasted over an hour. 

The Chief Whip of the Senate earlier today paid General Ibrahim Babangida a private visit after which he proceeded to Abdulsalami’s residence.

Igbere TV had reported how Kalu arrived the power state at exactly 2pm on Monday alongside political friends, associates and retinue of aides.

He is expected to also visit the homes of Governor of Niger state, Abubakar Sani Bello and Emir, Etsu of Lapai, Niger State during the stay in Minna, the Niger State capital.

SmartProf:
That you guys considered him in the first place says a lot about the values of your organization.

Management of Igbere TV has withdrawn the nomination of Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, a former minister of Aviation, for the 2020 edition of the Leadership Excellence Awards.

According to the popular online medium, the decision was informed by Kayode’s unwarranted verbal attack against Mr. Eyo Charles, a journalist with Daily Trust Newspapers.

We had reported how Kayode verbally attacked the journalist who only sought to hold him accountable for his recent actions by asking him if his tours to the South were being sponsored.

Fani-Kayode, who flew into a rage almost immediately described the Daily Trust reporter as “very stupid”, a sad development that has been roundly condemned by all.

“I am saying this on live TV. What type of stupid question is that? Bankrolling who? Do you know who you are talking to? I will not take any questions from this man,” he said.

He also allegedly threatened to report the journalist to his boss, Daily Trust publisher, before storming out of the hall in anger, and was accused of demanding the journalist’s sack afterwards.

Barely 24 hours after the incident, two more trending videos surfaced on the internet where the former minister was also seen abusing, insulting and denigrating other journalists.

Fani-Kayode was nominated in the “Social Media Personality of the Year” category by Nigerians at the ongoing nominations exercise. The Awards ceremony is billed to hold in December with over 1 million audience nationwide.

Others nominated in the same category alongside Fani-Kayode include Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Big Brother Naija’s host; Toke Makinwa, Radio personality; and Senators Dino Melaye and Shehu Sani.

But in a statement on Thursday issued by Mr. Emeh James Anyalekwa, executive director of Igbere TV, in Abuja, he said the Awards cannot identify with a ‘press oppressor’ hence the decision to withdraw Kayode’s nomination.

Anyalekwa said the decision was unanimously taken on Thursday(today) during an emergency meeting of the Leadership Excellence Awards Organising Committee.

He argued that the Award promotes outstanding leaders and personalities whose impacts have been felt in Nigeria’s political, social and economic spheres - and that Kayode’s *action makes* him ineligible for the honours.

“By denigrating a journalist who was merely doing his job, Fani-Kayode has exposed himself as an an enemy of the press who will not want his activities closely scrutinised by the media,” Anyalekwa said.

“While it is instructive to remind Kayode that it is the Constitutional right of journalists to monitor and keep a check on people and institutions in power, we wish to maintain that the Leadership Excellence Awards is for stable persons.

“Fani Kayode is very conversant with the watchdog role of the media. It is hypocritical for him to advocate for free press but attempt to intimidate a journalist holding him accountable to a set of ideals.

“His reaction was totally dishonourable and reprehensible and we cannot afford to have him desecrate our respected platform so we are compelled to disnominate him.

“It is therefore based on the foregoing that we hereby withdraw the nomination of Femi Fani-Kayode in the "Media Personality of the Year" category for the Igbere TV Leadership Excellence Awards, 2020 edition.”

The annual Leadership Excellence Awards is pioneered by Igbere TV News Agency, a registered online media organisation based in Nigeria with offices spread across Umuahia, Uyo and Abuja.

The 2019 edition which held 28th November at the Sheraton Hotels, Abuja saw distinguished captains of industry, public figures, leaders, and politicians including distinguished Senators and executive Governors cling on to the various Award categories.

Some of the prominent awardees included President Muhammadu Buhari, United States-based Nigerian billionaire medical doctor, Dr. Godwin Maduka; former President Goodluck Jonathan, former House of Reps Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara; minister Rotimi Amaech, Senator Rochas Okorcha, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, among others.

https://igberetvnews.com/1362710/breaking-igberetv-awards-mgt-withdraws-ffks-nomination-attack-journalist/

Lalasticlala Seun Mynd44

Barrister Gloria Adagbon is a lawyer and a member of Buhari Media Organisation (BMO). In this interview with ISAAC ASABOR, she threw insight to the developmental situation of the State under the incumbent governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, among other diverse issues that concern the upcoming gubernatorial election in the State, come September 19, 2020.

Excerpts:

The engagement of the major political parties in Edo State in violence and war of words as witnessed in the ongoing electioneering campaign in Edo State ahead of the September 19 gubernatorial election no doubt portends security implications. What do you think should be done to forestall breakdown of law and order before, during and after the election?

In my view, all concerned stakeholders in the upcoming election; irrespective of the party or ethnic group they are affiliated to should be peacefully disposed to the upcoming election. In fact, all the players in the ongoing electioneering campaign should work by strictly adhering to the rules. All key stakeholders across all party divides must understand that politics is not a war where blood is spilled but a game of sport where everyone leaves as a sportsman. I will be glad to see a situation where supporters in all the parties that have being registered to contest in the election are put in check to ensure that no life is lost throughout the period the electioneering campaign will last, particularly on the D-Day; which is September 19. All security agents detailed to cover the election must maintain the highest standard of decorum and civility. As everyone is aware, their primary duty is to remain neutral and ensure a peaceful electoral process. Most important of all, no politician should be allowed to buy votes from the electorates.

Why are you rooting for the candidate of the APC, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu?

From the crowd of supporters that trailed the kick-off of Pastor Ize-Iyamu’s campaign, which was attended by several APC governors, ministers and party leaders, there is every indication for Nigerians to understand that the Edo people do not want Obaseki back again at Osadebey Avenue. They don’t want him as he has failed to deliver on his campaign promises. And I fully support that view that he should be voted out. If after a full term in office, he could not deliver what he promised. Why should he be rewarded for failing the people? When we campaigned for him in 2016, he promised to continue the good projects of his predecessor but reneged and embarked on a frolic of Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) that have cost so much resource to execute and the MOUs are lying fallow in file cabinets at Edo Government House.

As you are aware, he made a lot promises in 2016 and has performed abysmally, failing to fulfill his promises and very below expectations. Evidences are very visible across all the local governments in the State. Obaseki’s government has failed. He has not being able to deliver on his promises. He promised 200,000 jobs but he has not being able to deliver them, no data, no empirical evidence about how many people were actually employed. Everything about Obaseki seems to be audio and MOUs. Schools and hospitals across the local governments are still dilapidated. There are security concerns everywhere. The roads are still bad and he prevented 14 members of the State House of Assembly from being inaugurated and denied their constituencies representations.

At this stage, Edo people need a change from a government that hasn’t been able to solve their problems. Obaseki’s government brought so much division among Edo people. Never in the history of our state had Edolites witnessed such a divisive government. We need someone who can heal the wounds and bring our people together; we need someone who can rekindle the true Edo spirit of unity and peace.

There have been agitations from the people of Orhionmwon as the governor has denied them what can in this context be termed “Dividend of Democracy”. Can you throw more light on this?

Yes, it is true that virtually all communities in Orhionmwon local government, which is the local government area I came from, have being denied dividends of democracy. Particularly affected is my own immediate community, Igbanke. I can tell you that the deteriorating state of infrastructures across the communities that made up Igbanke is nothing to write home about. The government has not in any way show concern on the fast retrogressive state of the town which once boasted of enviable institutions of learning from primary school to secondary school level.

https://www.independent.ng/why-edo-people-need-a-change-of-government-adagbon/

Lalasticlala Seun Mynd44

NBA Virtual Annual Conference Kicks-Off In Lagos, As Osinbajo Declares Event Open From Abuja

The Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday virtually declared open the 60th four-day Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference, in Abuja.

Igbere TV gathered that the opening remarks was done by Prof. Osinbajo on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari who was earlier invited to the program.

VP Osinbajo is currently attending from the Vice President's Office, at the presidential villa, in Abuja.

Prominent persons in attendance include the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Tanko Mohammed, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and members of the NBA led by Paul Usoro.

The meeting itself is taking place in Lagos, with majority of the more than 20,000 lawyers and keynote speakers joining virtually nationwide for the very first time.

The event was originally slated to be hosted in Rivers state but had to be moved online, in compliance with the COVID-19 preventive protocols.

Earlier, a minute silence was also held in honour of those who have died from COVID-19 complications across the country.

Controversies had trailed the NBA annual conference before now following the disinvitation to Governor Nasir El-rufai of Kaduna state over a petition against him. Some state chapters of the association pulled out from the conference.

Governor Godwin Obaseki has been asked by the APC to offer an explanation on the whereabouts of Mr. Osaze Ero-Osemwingie, the Edo Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Tourism who was arrested last year in France in alleged possession of an unexplained two million dollars for money laundering.

The party made this challenge on Wednesday in a statement sent to Igbere TV following what it described as the Governor's quiet replacement of the remanded Commissioner with the swearing-in of Mr. Lawrence Ogieva as the new Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Diaspora Affairs.

In a statement forwarded to Igbere TV by Mr. John Mayaki, the Chairman of the APC Media Campaign Council, the party accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of attempting to sweep the scandal under the carpet despite alleged confessions that Mr. Osaze Ero-Osemwingie was running errands for the Governor in Europe before he was arrested by INTERPOL with an unexplained two million dollars.

Mayaki said Governor Godwin Obaseki's official silence on the matter is suspicious and conspiratorial. He demanded a full explanation of the source of the two million dollars Ero-Osemwingie was caught with and the nature of the errands he was running for the state government before his arrest in Europe.

He added that the swearing-in of the new Commissioners is unknown to law, as they were presented before an illegal Assembly, and demanded that the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Diaspora Affairs be subjected to a thorough, independent investigation by the EFCC to ascertain the involvement of the state government in the arrested Commissioner's money laundering scheme and whether the alleged crime was state-sanctioned with the Ministry used as a cover.

The statement read: "At the fall of last year, before the rage of Covid-19 pandemic, Governor Obaseki's Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Diaspora Affairs, Osemwingie Ero, left the shores of Nigeria to, according his own words, 'run errands for the government.' But for over 9 months now he has not returned having been arrested in France with an unexplained two million dollars and jailed on the charges of money laundering."

"However, in a fresh development, Governor Obaseki on 25th August, illegally swore-in alongside other persons, Lawrence Ogieva as the new Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Diaspora Affair after months of suspicious and conspiratorial silence as if the image-denting arrest of Osemwingie Ero never occurred. "

"This silence and pretense imply that the Government of Edo State, which the jailed commissioner expressly stated he was running errands for, has questions to answer on the two million dollars Commissioner Ero-Osemwingie was arrested with as well as the other pieces of evidence that have emerged on the network of foreign accounts he illegally operates through proxies across Europe."

"Could this be the reason Governor Godwin Obaseki appointed Osemwingie-Ero and quickly promoted him to his kitchen cabinet as one of his closest allies before a mission was aborted in France?"

"There are several questions begging for answers and the people of Edo State, and the family of the arrested Commissioner, are by the dictates of the constitution and democracy which compel every election government to be accountable to the people, entitled to hear the answers to the questions from no other person than Mr. Godwin Obaseki himself."

"No responsible and guilt-free government would keep mum while its senior official and one of the Governor's closest allies remains languishing in a foreign prison over credible allegations of money laundering."

"Attempt to sweep the matter under the carpet, just like all other credible allegations of fraud and corruption established against the Obaseki-led government, will be futile as we will continue to mount pressure on all relevant authorities to uncover details on what could potentially be a state-sanctioned fraud involving the criminal transfer of public funds into private accounts operated abroad."

"In the meantime, we are demanding the nullification of the illegal swearing-in of the new Commissioner and the pending of any such replacement until the completion of a full investigation of the Ministry by the EFCC to determine the extent of the government's involvement in Osemwingie-Ero's alleged money laundering and other crimes."

https://igberetvnews.com/1362608/ero-apc-kicks-obaseki-replaces-arrested-commissioner/

Lalasticlala Seun Mynd44

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned a former minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, for verbally attacking a journalist with Daily Trust Newspaper, Igbere TV reports.

Igbere TV had reported how Kayode attacked Eyo Charles, a journalist who asked him if his recent Southeastern tour were being sponsored at a press conference in Calabar, last week.

Fani-Kayode, who flew into a rage almost immediately described the reporter as “very stupid”, saying he is not a poor man who would beg for funds from politicians.

“I am saying this on live TV. What type of stupid question is that? Bankrolling who? Do you know who you are talking to? I will not take any questions from this man,” he had said.

He also threatened to report the journalist to his boss, Daily Trust publisher, before storming out of the hall in anger, thereby avoiding further questions from other journalists.

Reacting in a statement forwarded to Igbere TV issued by its president, Chris Isiguzo, the NUJ described the outburst by Fani-Kayode as “gangster-like” over a simple question which he felt was embarrassing.

“By denigrating the journalist, Fani Kayode has exposed himself the more as an intolerant and unstable person who will not want his activities closely scrutinised by the Media.

“It is instructive to remind the likes of Fani Kayode that it is the Constitutional right of Journalists to monitor and keep a check on people and institutions in power.

“By delving into politics and holding political office, Fani Kayode is very conversant with the watchdog role of the media.

“For him to have embarked on assessment of projects in some states, even though we are yet to be told under what platform, he is doing so, it is proper for the media to hold him to account for his actions and decisions.

“His reaction was totally unacceptable, dishonourable and reprehensible and we demand for retraction of his untoward, irritating and awkward utterances which negate simple decorum and civility.

“We are more shocked that the same Kayode who had in recent times, used his social media handles to call leaders to account is at the same time attacking a Journalist for a simple demand for him to unmask those behind his nationwide tour. He had already visited six states. This is indeed, terribly disappointing,” the statement added.

Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, a former minister of Aviation, who began a tour of some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) states in July, had visited Cross River State last week.

Igbere TV gathered that at the end of the tour, he held a press conference where he showered encomiums on Prof. Ben Ayade, Governor of Cross River State where the fracas broke out.

https://igberetvnews.com/1362536/nuj-condemns-fani-kayode-verbally-attacking-journalist/

Lalasticlala Seun Mynd44

Edo Assembly Invasion: APC demands arrest and prosecution of Adjoto, Iyoha, for mobilization and illegal arming of thugs

The Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress has called on the Nigeria Police Force to immediately arrest and prosecute Mr. Kabiru Adjoto and Osaigbovo Iyoha, both of whom are senior aides of Governor Godwin Obaseki, over their alleged involvement in the hiring of armed thugs in the invasion of the Edo Assembly complex earlier this month.

Igbere TV had reported how at least seven thugs were arrested within the Edo Assembly Complex on the 6th of August when the Edo Governor, alongside his Deputy, Mr. Philip Shaibu, led supporters to block and supervise the vandalizing of the Assembly complex in a bid to deny entry to factional seventeen elected members.

The arrested thugs, who were brought before a Judge at the Benin High Court on Monday, were caught with five double-barrel long guns, two single barrel long guns, and 10 live cartridges and have reportedly confessed during interrogation that they were hired and provided the illegal firearms by Mr. Kabiru Adjoto and Mr. Osaigbovo Iyoha.

At a press briefing on monitored by Igbere TV on Tuesday, Col. David Imuse, the factional Edo APC Chairman, charged the Police to commence an immediate investigation of the involvement of the identified aides of Governor Godwin Obaseki who, according to him, have no constitutional immunity and are thus liable to arrest and prosecution.

He also tasked the Police to resist an alleged attempt by the Edo State Government to unlawfully release the seven suspects standing trial for unlawful possession of firearm and disturbance of public peace.

He said: “The police must wake up to its responsibilities. These two people mentioned are not immune and should be arrested and investigated.”

"It is very disturbing that a government that ought to protect its citizens is encouraging criminals to unleash mayhem on Edo people.”

“We find this development very disturbing and we are charging the Police to carry out a comprehensive investigation on the established ties and nexus between the criminal group, members of the Edo State Government, and illegal purchase and distribution of firearms.”

“It goes without saying that the case, wherein the suspects have already allegedly confessed their ties to the Edo State Government, further affirms our outcry on the illegal arms buildup carried out by Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Mr. Philip Shaibu, through a retired Police officer from Kogi State, Mr. Aruna Yusuf, who continues to act with impunity.”

Mr. Osaigbovo Iyoha and Kabiru Adjoto have reportedly been trailed by several reports and accusations of involvement in violence and illegal ties to cult groups. Back in 2017, Kabiru Adjoto, as a member of the Edo Assembly, led a similar invasion of the Chamber when he attacked the then Speaker, Hon. Justin Okonoboh, and triggered a violent fisticuff which made the rounds on the internet and drew widespread condemnation.

https://igberetvnews.com/1362501/apc-demands-arrest-obasekis-aides-edo-assembly-invasion/

* Pics 4: Adjoto in a violent moves during the impeachment of the then speaker Okonoboh

Lalasticlala Seun Mynd44

Popular online medium, Igbere TV, has congratulated Abia-born philanthropist, Chief (Hon.) Alex Mascot Ikwechegh “Nkuma Dike Ndigbo”, on the occasion of his birthday.

Ikwechegh who turns 40 on Tuesday August 25, became the youngest elected Council Chairman in Nigeria at 28 (Aba North, Abia) and is Chairman, GrossField Group.

In a statement signed by Emeh James Anyalekwa, executive director of Igbere TV, he described the celebrant as an enigma, a leader with a large heart and philanthropist worthy of emulation.

He said, “I felicitate with Chief (Hon.) Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, the “Nkuma Dike Ndigbo”, a unique philanthropic enigma and fighter for the poor, on the occasion of his 40th birthday.

“Hon. Alex Ikwechegh is an illustrious son of the soil and impeccably honest and respectable man who has always upheld the highest ideals.

“Your philosophy in life has always been on how to improve the course of humanity and enthrone light where darkness has pervaded through selfless service. This you have never ceased to demonstrate even against all odds.

“You have stood tall to empower the needy in the society, and have continued to fight intimidation and injustice against the poor even when others cannot find their voice.

“You have empowered thousands of our children with scholarships and made them achieve their dream of acquiring quality and sound education.

“Your love and commitment for the betterment and well-being of the people of your hometown Igbere, Bende, Abia State and Nigeria at large, has made you a man of influence that many, today strive to imitate you.

“No doubt, your earnestness and philanthropical astuteness earned you the “Nkuma Dike Ndigbo”, primus inter pares in Nigeria's political and business space.

“A sagacious politician of great repute as youngest elected council boss, you are well respected for your tolerance and perseverance; you have come a long way to achieve a reputation that has made you a colossus and mentor of all, particularly the youths.

“Your life symbolises the assured reward for single-minded commitment to the ideals of diligence, humility, perseverance, focus and dedicated service to the people and humanity.

“As you celebrate your birthday today, I pray that God Almighty continually energise you to touch more lives and give Nigeria the opportunity some day to experience the transformation, your leadership will engender”, the statement read.

To mark his 40th birthday, Chief (Hon.) Alex Mascot Ikwechegh had on Monday, August 24 embarked on free distribution of palliatives to the people of Abia State.

The charity program continues with the distribution of free fuel and kerosene to Abia State residents from Tuesday August 25 to Wednesday 26, 2020.

Aside the distribution of free fuel and kero to communities, the celebrant is also donating cash gifts to widows in Abia State, including other philanthropic gestures.

https://igberetvnews.com/1362449/birthday-igbere-tv-boss-anyalekwa-celebrates-alex-ikwechegh-40/

Lalasticlala Seun Mynd44

...Urges Christians across all denominations to vote massively for APC

The election bid of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the Edo APC candidate in the Sept. 19 Governorship election, gained a major boost on Monday with a weighty endorsement from a powerful coalition of Christian Leaders across Edo State.

Igbere TV gathered that the coalition, comprising of church leaders cutting across various Christian denominations in Edo State, announced the endorsement of the APC candidate at its one-day conference in Benin city.

It said the endorsement was informed by various meetings in which the church leaders critically examined the interest of God in relation to the election and concluded that Ize-Iyamu’s SIMPLE agenda manifesto is a plan that will place Edo State and her citizens on the path of development.

In a communique forwarded to Igbere TV released at the end of the conference, the church leaders encouraged Christians in Edo State, notwithstanding the denominations, to vote massively for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and his running mate, Mallam Gani Audu at the polls, while also calling for non-violent elections.

The communique was signed by highly-respected Christian clerics in the Edo State, including Rev. Dr. Samson Igbinosa, Bishop Abraham Chigbundu, Bishop James Oriebama, Pastor Dele Balogun, Rev. Onyekachi Ogbaji, Rev. Dr. Joseph M. Okeleke, Bishop Iyobosa Atoe, Rev. Collins Okonofua, Apostle Emmanuel Igiehon, Bishop Dr. Osadolor Ochei, Rev. Osagie S., Bishop Osazuwa Eguavoen, Pastor Ikponmwosa Oiluke, and H.E. Rev. Dr. Peter Obadan.

In his welcome address at the one-day conference, Rev. Jeff Iyonawan said a politically disintegrated or disengaged church is a disservice to the kingdom of God as you cannot influence a system from the outside.

“Before now, we have been told to stay away from politics and government because it is froth with corruption. Whereas, a politically disintegrated or disengaged church is a disservice to the kingdom of God. You cannot influence a system from outside, you need to get involved.”

He called on leaders of the church to take on their responsibilities as spiritual architects and co-laborers to lay a solid foundation by encouraging members and followers to actively participate in the election.

The endorsement of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu by interdenominational church leaders across the three senatorial districts of Edo State is expected to propel him in the race and strengthen his lead. His stream of endorsements offers a sharp contrast to the continued resignations and growing abandonment of the incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki.

https://igberetvnews.com/1362334/edo-2020-coalition-christian-leaders-endorse-ize-iyamu-apc/

Lalasticlala Seun Mynd44

Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, the wife of the APC candidate in the Edo Governorship election, has assured women of plans in her husband’s manifesto, the SIMPLE agenda, to empower and support women with investments in the businesses and protection against abuse.

She gave this assurance while speaking at a campaign rally monitored by Igbere TV at Uzebba, Owan West Local Government Council on Sunday.

Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, alongside other Edo APC Women leaders including the wife of the Deputy Governorship candidate, Hajia Nana Audu, and the APC State woman leader, Mrs. Betty Okoebor, met with excited supporters from Owan West, Owan East, and Akoko Edo councils who all declared their support for the APC and promised to vote the party at the polls.

Idia said Pastor Ize-Iyamu has careful plans to expand the trade and businesses of the women with government support, improve security, especially in rural communities to ensure the protection of women and other residents, and to care for the elderly.

In her words, “we are here to tell you that our Governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, will boost your businesses, create jobs for your children, and take care of your welfare.”

“He will also support your farming activities and ensure your markets have water and toilet facilities”

She said being a medical practitioner, she would assist her husband to revamp the health sector of the state if elected.

"Most of our hospitals lack doctors, nurses, drugs; I will contribute my professional experience to ensure that all these are provided in our state government hospitals so that you can access good medical services.”

"I will ensure that elderly people and children with special needs get access to free medical services".

She says Pastor Ize-Iyamu will address the infrastructure decay in the state, especially in the education sector to improve learning in the state and ensure that children, including those in rural communities, gain access to quality education in conducive environments.

A voter education exercise was also conducted at the rally as the women were shown the right way to cast their votes.

The Edo 2020 Governorship election has been slated for September 19, Igbere TV reports. While Ize-Iyamu is the APC candidate, incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate.

https://igberetvnews.com/1362318/ize-iyamus-simple-agenda-will-empower-protect-edo-women-says-wife/

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the Sept. 19 Edo Governorship election, Mr. Osagie Ize-Iyamu has promised to set up a functional disease control agency in the state, if elected governor.

Mr. Ize-Iyamu said the agency would be responsible for surveillance, monitoring and evaluation of diseases such as HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis and leprosy amongst others, Igbere TV reports.

Igbere TV gathered that this agency to be called the Edo State Centre for Disease Control will help the state, among others, to set targets for intervention to reduce the prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases as well as the prevalence of child and maternal morbidity and mortality.

Ize-Iyamu while explaining the healthcare plan of his manifesto, the Simple Agenda on the sidelines of the tour of Ugboko, his home ward, added that the new
“Simple Strategic Health Development Plan” of his government will be formulated and implemented to replace the current healthcare system of Edo State that is in shambles.

He said, "We shall harmonize the Federal, State and Local Government health care plans and incorporate the National Strategic Health Development Plan (NSHDP) II, 2018-2022".

The overall objectives of the Simple Strategic Health Development Plan will be to, "increase life expectancy through an integrated, reformed, restructured and functional health care system and provide the personnel, manpower and institutions that will assist our people by ensuring access to good healthcare delivery".

In addition, the policy he said will seek to, "encourage public/private partnership by promoting private sector participation, standardization and compliance (and) establish appropriate regulatory institutions to set standards, monitor and enforce compliance".

The APC candidate added that "to ensure that the good effect of all these services are felt by all, irrespective of their location and socio-economic status", all of the State's Healthcare centres will be reorganized.

For Primary Health Cares situated in rural communities, he said they, "will be equipped, adequately staffed with qualified personnel and made functional", so they can, "provide continuous education concerning prevailing health problems and the methods of preventing and controlling them", to residents.

Mr. Ize-Iyamu also said that these centres will help provide maternal, newborn and child health care, family planning, effective prevention and control for locally endemic and epidemic diseases, appropriate treatment for common diseases and injuries as well as the provision of essential drugs.

"There will be provision of an enabling environment and strategies to include community mobilization and advocacy, service integration, health research, capacity building, and international and non-governmental collaboration", he said.

To ensure that the sick get required attention at record time, the APC candidate promised to provide a system whereby sick patients can be transferred to secondary and tertiary healthcare systems (provision of ambulances and motorboat ambulances especially for those in the riverine communities).

He said, "Our government will set up the Edo State Ambulance Service for emergencies and accident responses and ensure that it is functional and effective".

To make healthcare accessible to all, he said 18 mobile health service buses for people in rural towns and villages in partnership with Local Government authorities will be provided.

According to Mr. Ize-Iyamu, the Simple Strategic Health Development Plan envisage that Cottage Hospitals located in Local Government Headquarters can deal with cases that are referred and cannot be treated at the Primary Healthcare centres.

He said the LGA cottage hospitals can also refer such patients to the General or Specialist Hospitals located in senatorial zones to which he will be great improve for expert care.

Meanwhile, the APC candidate has said that the, "present General Hospitals all over the state will be given face lifts to meet the increasing health challenges faced by our people".

On the problem of inadequate manpower in the health sector and improved working conditions of doctors, nurses and other health workers, he promised, "to motivate them and improve their service delivery capabilities", while providing drugs and other hospital equipment to ensure that the health sector meets the new Sustainable Development Goals".

https://igberetvnews.com/1362297/ize-iyamu-vows-establish-centre-disease-control-edo/

Lalasticlala Seun Mynd44