Edo 2024: CDS meets Obaseki, commits to a peaceful, free, and fair guber poll

…says President Tinubu has mandated us to ensure a fair, credible process

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, on Wednesday, met with the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, reassuring that the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with its sister security agencies, would ensure a free, fair, credible, and peaceful gubernatorial election come September 21, 2024.

The Chief of Defence Staff gave the assurance when he and other top military officers deployed to the State on election duty, met with Governor Godwin Obaseki, at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

General Musa, who noted that the Nigerian Armed Forces were in the State to support and make sure the election was peaceful, called on political actors in Edo not to raise tension in the State because of the election.

He said, “I am delighted to be here and my visit here today is to bring peace. Having watched unfolding events on TV and tension within the State, I usually want to come a few days before any election to preach peace.

“As Nigerians, we should learn how to do things properly as there is no need to raise tension because of the election; it's not necessary. We have seen how other Countries conduct elections peacefully as people will be working, and doing their normal things while elections are on. I wonder why ours seem to be different.

“I want to assure you that members of the Armed Forces are here to support you in this election and make sure that it’s peaceful.

“Our mandate from Mr. President is that the Edo Governorship Election should be peaceful, free, fair and credible. This is what we are here to do; everybody you see here is here to ensure that it’s done. That is the mandate from Mr. President.”

He further stated, “This is why I am here to see the troops and address them critically for them to understand the importance of free, fair and credible elections in Edo State. We give you the assurance that none of us are going to take sides as we would ensure that there is peace in Edo State.

“Nobody is to take sides. Whoever is the person that is popular and the people want, the people should be able to elect such a person but not the person imposed on them. I can guarantee you. We have done it in other States in the past three elections, we want to do the same here. You would have noticed that it went well and we want to do the same here. The days of impunity are over; election is not war. People should not die because they want to elect a leader.”

Commending Governor Obaseki for his government’s developmental strides, the CDS added,” I congratulate you on all your efforts and things you have done for Edo people. I have served in Edo State and the State has been part of me. I thank you for all you are doing and the warm reception.”

Governor Obaseki, who was delighted to receive the Chief of Defence, said the visit was very reassuring to the people of the State.

He said, “I want you to help me thank your men in Edo State. Since the resumption of the GOC, he has been very supportive in terms of security in Edo State. A few weeks ago, we went to commission an army operations base in Ehor which has stabilized security in the Benin Auchi axis.

“We had approval to build another in Sobe which has reduced drastically the incident of kidnapping and banditry around that axis. We are writing to you through the GOC for approval for the third base along the Northern border between Edo and Kogi State where we are still having incidents.

“The Chief of Air Staff has been kind enough to collaborate with them to set up a FOB towards the Okada axis. This tells you the level of support and cooperation that we have been receiving from your men.”

He continued: “I am glad you are here today because some of the political actors don't seem to understand the national security implications of this Edo election. The way some people have conducted themselves, it's quite on becoming of people who swore to oath.

“Politicians can behave the way they like but members of the security agencies should give the public assurances and confidence. We are not asking for any favour but saying that Edo citizens should be free to go to the polls to express themselves the way they wish, and we will accept the outcome of a properly conducted poll.

“But when you have a situation where citizens are being intimidated by men in uniform, it's not acceptable. Last night, I was woken up at 3 am that some policemen at Edo Central were trying to arrest people. I got a call again this morning about a Sienna Bus with a mandate to come and arrest people.

“We have people arrested and taken away from Edo to Abuja, instead of trying those they claimed to have committed a crime in Edo. The people arrested and taken to Abuja have been detained for more than two weeks on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police.

“When we confronted the IGP in Edo, during the Peace Accord signing, he said they were arrested for murder but when they were finally charged to court, the charge read possession of firearms.”

He further stated, “As I speak, we have our people arrested and being detained in Suleja, Niger State, because they don't want them to participate in the election on Saturday. When you create situations like this, it results in a lack of trust and confidence.

“When an opposition candidate is campaigning with a police helicopter in the State, then I don’t think it’s fair as they are not creating a level playing field for all candidates.

“Sir, if it's possible to appeal to the IGP because we know what EndSARS protests caused the people of Edo State in terms of rebuilding the burnt-down police stations

“We received a lot of information and when we pass it across to the relevant authorities they fail to act. We have intelligent reports of arms movement and thugs being housed in hotels but nothing is being done.”
“We don’t want an election that will lead to loss of lives because it’s not necessary. Once citizens feel they are not being treated fairly by the instrument of the state, you will see the kind of tension and violence that can occur in an election. Your presence here today is reassuring. There can't be a better assurance as you understand the national security implications of this election,” Obaseki added.

PHOTO CAPTION

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left), with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, during a courtesy visit at the Government House, in Benin City, on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.

Edo has Nigeria’s most professional civil servants who wouldn’t be coerced to vote for continuity, PDP replies APC

Again, Kassim Afegbua, the Media Consultant to the Edo All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council, has come out with one of his infantile, mischievous, and utterly baseless statements, this time claiming that the jobs of civil servants have been threatened.

In the hogwash which was a clear reflection of his warped thinking, Afegbua lowered the bar of commonsense, scribbling falsehoods, lies, and mistruths in his desperate attempt to cajole civil servants into voting his failed party and its deadbeat candidate.

This is however not surprising coming from Afegbua, as these sorts of lies can only make sense in the jaundiced minds of his likes, for whom anything goes, and because anything goes for them, they think it is the same for other people.

We want to unequivocally state that there is no such thing and the government never made any statements whatsoever threatening civil servants. The dimwitted scribbling is not only false but a figment of the jaundiced imagination of Kassim Afegbua, whose loyalty is to mammon and not the people.

The civil servants in Edo State are Nigeria’s happiest workers. They are liberated and well-empowered and have no reason to vote for Kassim Afegbua’s sinking party, the APC, whose government at the centre has not only superintended the liquidation of the Nigerian State but has inflicted untold hardship and suffering on the people.

In fact, the performance of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government in the last eight years, particularly in the civil service, including paying the highest minimum wage in the country, improving of working environment, introduction of health insurance for all Edo workers, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, migration to Contributory Pension Scheme, the training, retraining and continuous training for the workers, no civil servant in Edo State needs to be coerced to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Kassim Afegbua is only expressing his frustration having come to the understanding that the vote of every civil servant in Edo State will go to the PDP and he can’t deal with it.

Afegbua can continue living in a fool’s paradise, lying to himself to satiate his gluttonous appetite while all Edo people who want the best for their State and have witnessed firsthand the bold and impactful transformation of their State in the last eight years under the leadership of Governor Obaseki come out on September 21 to secure the victory of the PDP and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, to build on the foundation that has been laid in the last eight years.

*Crusoe Osagie*
_Special Adviser on Media Projects_
September 18th, 2024

Obaseki commissions Sakponba, Sapele Road Junction improvement work, computerized vehicle centre

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Tuesday, commissioned Sakponba and Sapele Road Junction improvement works, in line with the government’s commitment to improve the transport system.

The governor also commissioned a computerized vehicle centre for the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) in the State.

Obaseki who said his government has since 2016 focused on redesigning the State’s transportation system, said the State has continued to regulate the sector, ensuring a more effective and efficient system.

He said, “We started regulating the way people behave on our roads and set up the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) to help out. We have seen a remarkable improvement in the system of transportation. We set up an independent board to manage transportation. We set up the Edo State Transportation Management Authority.”

On the newly inaugurated junctions, Obaseki noted, “These junctions are in the transportation master plan which is a part of the 30-year Edo State master plan. Edo State Transportation Management Authority is in charge of everything related to transportation in the State.”

He said his administration will install CCTV cameras to monitor the activities of motorists and check criminal activities across the State which will be linked to the command and control center.

The governor stated, “I want to thank various transportation unions in the State as they are part of the master plan. You have been supporting our administration and your support is key. I appeal to you to collaborate with EDSTMA to ensure all plans are incorporated into the master plan. We need your collaboration to ensure the plan succeeds.”

At the commissioning of the VIO Computerized Vehicle Inspection Centre, Governor Obaseki said the centre will help improve the worthiness of vehicles in the State, ensuring they are in good shape so as to minimize accidents.

On her part, the Managing Director of Edo State Transportation Management Authority, Mrs. Edugie Agbonlahor commended the governor for his developmental strides across all sectors of the State.

Commending the governor for the project, she noted that "this transportation management system will be replicated across major junctions in the State.
“The aim of the junction improvement work is to improve traffic flow and reduce the travel time of commuters. I appeal to pedestrians to always use the walkway as it's not for trading.”

Obaseki, Ighodalo hail Edo teachers’ role in education revolution in Edo

…urge support for PDP, Ighodalo to ensure sustainability of gains, successes

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commended Edo teachers for their immense role in the success recorded in transforming the State’s education sector over the past eight years.

The governor, who spoke during a meeting with the teachers at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, said the teachers have by their invaluable service continued to contribute to creating a brighter future for the State and children in the State

He was joined by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the September 21 governorship election in the State, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.

The governor took the teachers down memory lane, recalling the times they were disgraced, humiliated, and intimidated by the previous administration, noting that his government has changed the narrative and has continued to prioritise the welfare and well-being of the teachers.

Obaseki said, “How many of you remember in 2016 when they said you should come and do an examination? They humiliated you nationally and internationally. Those who didn’t even go to school humiliating our teachers.

“Here you are today; you are the one still teaching the children today. The children are learning and you have transformed the sector, making the State a learning ground for other States and sub-nationals who are using our EdoBEST programme as a platform to transform their education system. You are rewarded effectively for your contributions to the development of the State.

“It takes two to tangle. As a government, we believe in our teachers and their abilities and we have demonstrated it and we will continue to demonstrate it. Just do your part and leave the rest to us.

“God will continue to bless you because you are touching and changing lives, creating a better tomorrow for our children and state by taking care of the children and pupils under your care as teachers in our schools.”

The governor added, “I am here today to sit down to check if you have done your own part and if you have done it, then you need to be promoted.

“You have worked from January till December; let's test and check if you have done well as we know you all have done well, you then will be promoted. You don't need to know anybody before you are promoted. That is the kind of government we wish to continue to run in Edo State.

“The teachers own the land and know what to do in this election. I have almost 400,000 children in your care and those children have parents and they have seen what you have done in the lives of their children and want more for them.”

Urging the teachers to come out en masse to vote for the PDP and its candidate to ensure the sustainability of gains, and successes, the governor stated, “People who did not go to school can't be interested in you as all the APC people don’t have meaningful education and will not want to continue with great reforms we have embarked on.

“The next governor you will have known much about the administration and all the policies and reforms we have taken in the last 8 years. The day we launched the EdoBEST programme in the State, Asue Ighodalo called me to say that we have started a revolution in Edo State.

“Asue Ighodalo’s interest in education has not changed since the first day we launched EdoBEST and he will continue from where we stop.”

“I have over 15,000 teachers and I am handing them over to you and you need to take care of them because they are responsible for shaping the lives of our children,” he added.

Ighodalo, on his part, commended the teachers for their support and collaboration with the Edo State Government to change the face of education in Edo State.

He said, “I saw that we are creating a revolution from the first day we launched the EdoBEST programme, and with the programme, we are taking over the hearts and minds of young people, moulding and making it competently and realistically strong, preparing them to take over the leadership of the State.

“I was part of the economic team for former Governor Adams Oshiomhole when Governor Obaseki was the chairman and I know how we struggled on the education front but with Obaseki in the leadership position, we have seen the difference.

“We are creating a competent and capable workforce in Edo State that will immediately attract businesses, creating an enabling environment and a prosperous economy by a revolution.”
Ighodalo added, “I thank the teachers for their determination in remoulding the minds and hearts of our young people to start the greatness of our State.”

PHOTO CAPTION

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L-R (front row): Executive Chairman, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board, Mrs. Salami Ozavize; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, during a meeting with the teachers at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Edo 2024: Atiku, Okowa, PDP Govs, Damagun, others storm Benin, rally support for Ighodalo, Ogie



...Ighodalo promises to place Edo among first world economies


Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; Vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Iliya Damagum and Governors of the PDP, on Saturday, stormed Benin City, the Edo State capital, to canvass support for the party’s candidate in the September 21 governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his deputy, Osarodion Ogie.


The PDP Governors were led by the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed. Other governors on the entourage were Governor Siminialayi Fubara of Rivers; Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa; Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu, Governor Umoh Eno of Akwa Ibom State, Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, among others.

Others on the entourage include former Governors, Liyel Imoke and Donald Duke; former Minister of Police Affairs, Adamu Maina Waziri, serving senators, former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, members of the PDP National Working Committee, among other leaders and chieftains of the PDP.

The visitors were received at the Benin Airport by the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the PDP governorship candidate, Ighodalo. They proceeded to pay a birthday visit to the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Gabriel Igbinedion, at his residence in Benin City, before proceeding to Garrick Memorial School, Benin City, the venue for the grand finale of the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party PDP Governorship campaign rally.

Speaking to the mammoth crowd of party faithful at the PDP campaign grand finale, Obaseki thanked the people for always supporting the party and his government, leading to the successes recorded by his administration in the last eight years.

Urging the people to come out enmasse to ensure the party’s victory at the September 21 poll, Obaseki said, “When I came into office in 2016, I was told that teachers couldn't read, that they were not good and were abandoned but today Edo is number one in education.

“When I came, they said civil servants were corrupt, not good, and were not paid salaries on time but today, we have the best civil service in Nigeria. When I took over office our pensioners were not paid but today they get their pensions on time.

“In 2016, there were no jobs in Edo State, no hope for our youths as they were all traveling out of the country through illegal means out of frustration but we have changed the narrative, and created jobs for our youths.”

He urged the crowd of supporters to vote for the PDP to ensure that the State continues to move forward, adding, “Our State is the safest in the country. Our vigilantes are the best in the country. Now they want to spoil all our achievements.

“Will you vote for insecurity and people who did not go to school to lead us? The decision is clear and next Saturday is the election day and we need you all to come out en masse to vote for PDP and ensure Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie win the election and become the governor and deputy governor respectively. “

On his part, former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar urged the people not to be scared or allow themselves to be intimidated but rather come out enmasse to vote and stay to defend their votes, ensuring that the party and its candidate emerge victorious.

He added that the APC threatened to take over the State four years ago but they didn’t succeed because Edo people can't be intimidated, appealing to them to do same this time around and ensure Asue Ighodalo becomes the governor of Edo State.

Also, Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed said the PDP governors are more united than ever, urging the people to stay united and ensure the victory of the party’s candidate.

The Chairman of Edo National Campaign Council and Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri commended the developmental strides of Governor Godwin Obaseki, urging the people to vote for PDP and Asue Ighodalo to sustain the progress and development in the State.

He said, “Obaseki has made a mark in Edo State in terms of development, performance, and human capacity development. Edo people need to vote right to bring in another competent person like Obaseki or a man better than Obaseki.

“We should support and vote for Asue Ighodalo because he is the most credible candidate for this election. We will all be here next Saturday. We can't be intimidated or threatened by anybody or party. We will vote, protect, and defend our votes and ensure Asue Ighodalo wins the election.”

Ighodalo and his running mate Osarodion Ogie were also presented with the party’s flag by the National Chairman of PDP, Damagun.

Receiving the flag, Ighodalo reassured, “We will govern with sincerity, and transparency and do what will make Edo great again. PDP is a party of courage and we have the courage to fight and win our elections come September 21st, 2024.
“We promise to take Edo to the next level and place the State amongst the first world States.”

Building collapse: All trapped students rescued, no fatalities, investigations ongoing to ascertain cause – EDSG

The Edo State Government has said that emergency responders have rescued all trapped students in the collapsed 3-storey building on Ekhator Street, off Ekosodin Road beside the University of Benin, in Benin City.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, the government noted that there are no fatalities and investigation is ongoing to unravel the immediate and remote cause of the incident.

According to him: “The government confirms the collapse of a three-storey building in Ekhator Street, off Ekosodin Road, beside the University of Benin, Ugbowo, Benin City.

“A rescue team was deployed to the site of the incident and all the trapped students have been rescued alive and are receiving medical attention."

He added: “Emergency Responders including the Edo State Fire Service and officials from the Edo State Command and Control Centre deployed to the scene of the accident have confirmed that there are no fatalities from the incident as at this time.

“Excavators and other heavy equipment are on site to clear the rubble and also remove the other parts of the distressed building.

“The government has ordered a full investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the collapse as well as an audit of other buildings in the area to ascertain their status.

“The state government has stationed officials at the site to provide updates on the incident.

“We appreciate the gallant work of the emergency responders and the good Samaritans in the community who provided assistance in managing the situation.”



Building collapse: All trapped students rescued, no fatalities, investigations ongoing to ascertain cause – EDSG

The Edo State Government confirms the collapse of a three-storey building in Ekhator Street, off Ekosodin Road beside the University of Benin, Ugbowo, Benin City.

A rescue team was deployed to the site of the incident and all the trapped students have been rescued alive and are receiving medical attention.

Emergency Responders including the Edo State Fire Service and officials from the Edo State Command and Control Centre deployed to the scene of the accident have confirmed that there are no fatalities from the incident as at this time.

Excavators and other heavy equipment are on site to clear the rubble and also remove the other parts of the distressed building.

The government has ordered a full investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the collapse as well as an audit of other buildings in the area to ascertain their status.

The state government has stationed officials at the site to provide updates on the incident.

We appreciate the gallant work of the emergency responders and the good Samaritans in the community who provided assistance in managing the situation.


Signed

Crusoe Osagie

Special Adviser on Media Projects
September 14, 2024

Obaseki mourns passing of Owa Obokun of Ijesha, Oba Gabriel Aromolaran

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has mourned the passing of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, who joined his ancestors after a 42-year reign on the throne.

In a statement, Obaseki said, “It is with a heavy heart that I mourn the passing of a revered monarch and an illustrious leader of the Yoruba race, Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran.

“A first-class monarch and one-time Chairman of Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers, Owa Obokun of Ijesa was a consummate intellectual who dedicated his life to the service of humanity, his community, State, and our dear country.

“His 42-year reign on the throne of his ancestors was marked by significant progress and development in Ijesaland. He embodied the ideals of the Yoruba nation, promoting the rich culture and heritage of the people and providing wise counsel to those who sought guidance from the throne.

“Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran was peace-loving, affable, compassionate, cerebral, and brave.

“He will be remembered for his kind nature, knack for excellence, undying quest for truth and justice, and abiding commitment to the development of his people, State and our dear nation. He will be sorely missed.”
The governor added, “On behalf of the Government and people of Edo State, I extend heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Osun State, the people of Ijesaland, family, friends, and associates, and pray that God will grant all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

Edo 2024: INEC, APC planning to postpone guber poll, Obaseki alleges

…says nation’s democracy at risk, urges vigilance

…‘Oshiomhole, APC campaigning with police helicopter’

... ‘If APC writes results, they will meet the consequences’

The Edo State Governor and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is working in cahoots with the All Progressive Congress (APC) to postpone the September 21, 2024 governorship poll on the eve of the election.

The governor who disclosed this while addressing members and leaders of the State’s chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) said the game plan was to destabilize the PDP and make way for the devious rigging plot of the opposition APC.

Obaseki, who noted that the country’s democracy was at risk, urged for vigilance to avert plans by the APC to subvert the will of Edo people leveraging ‘federal might.’

Expressing confidence that the party will come out victorious despite the intimidation and harassment of its members and chieftains, the governor said, “We will win the next governorship election in Edo State but need to be vigilant as our democracy is at risk. Some people want to destroy democracy in Nigeria.”

He continued: “We refused to sign the peace agreement yesterday because we don't know if what we have presently is the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) or the All Police Congress (APC). This is the new meaning of APC. Why will they be intimidating people? Aligning with APC to intimidate, scare and oppress citizens of Edo State.

“I arrived from Lagos this morning and saw a police helicopter in Benin City to carry Comr. Adams Oshiomole. He has been using a police helicopter to campaign, and it's not fair. We all own Nigeria but how can the police be so partisan in this election? We can’t sit down for them to come and kill all of us.

“They have told us that whether we like it or not, they will use federal might and write the results. We don't have any federal might but have the might of God and the might of the workers of Edo State. I know that the workers in the State will not keep quiet. They have to kill all of us first before they hijack Edo State.”

He added, “On that day, make sure everybody comes out as we are much more than them; don't be scared. They are boasting in Abuja and have all sorts of plans but we are ready.”

On ploys to postpone the guber polls, the governor revealed, “They plan to postpone the election on the eve of the election to destabilize us. But whenever they postpone the election to, we will win the election. It will be a long fight but we know it's a struggle.”

He further charged: “I call on all the unions to stand firm to vote and defend their votes. If they refuse to allow us to vote, refuse to count our votes and refuse democracy in Edo, I have told them that it will be the beginning of a crisis in Nigeria. I am saying this with all sense of responsibility.

“All we asked as Edo people is for the appropriate authority in charge of the election to allow the votes of citizens to count. We are pleading and calling on the international community to take note of what is going on and taking place in Edo State.”

Obaseki added, “APC has not offered us an alternative. They have not campaigned on any meaningful thing we can hold them onto. They don’t have any credible candidate but all they boast of is federal might. They say they will write the results and we can go to court. We will not go to court because they can’t write the results. If they write the results, they will meet the consequences.”

Obaseki condoles with Borno govt, victims’ families over flood disaster

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commiserated with his Borno State counterpart, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, the people of Borno State and the families of victims of the severe flooding which ravaged Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, claiming at least 30 lives and destroying properties worth billions of naira.

The governor, who expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident, urged the authorities to beef up rescue efforts and expedite evacuation of residents in communities affected by the devastating floods.

Obaseki said, “We are deeply saddened by the news of the devastating floods which ravaged Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, claiming at least 30 lives and destroying properties worth billions of naira.

"Our hearts are with the Government and people of Borno State, especially the families who lost their loved ones in this very unfortunate incident.”

The governor continued: “The awful event is a stark reminder of our vulnerability to natural disasters and brings to the fore the need for proactive measures, rejigging our climate change strategies and fortifying our prevention and mitigation strategies, including the emplacement of early warning systems across the country, among others to reduce the devastating impact of future natural disasters.

“While we urge the government and relevant agencies to beef up rescue efforts and expedite evacuation of residents in communities affected by the devastating floods, we pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Edo State, I offer my deepest condolences to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, the people of Borno State and the affected families over this painful incident.”

Edo 2024: APC candidate’s convoy crushes Emmanuel Edionwe, four others to death in fatal accident

… one in critical condition at Irrua Specialist Hospital

In what is perhaps a most tragic turn of events in the lead up to the Edo State 2024 governorship election, the convoy of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Monday Okpebholo has crushed one Emmanuel Edionwe and four of his friends to death on Warrake Road around Uzebba axis in Owan West Local Government Area in Edo State.

The tragic accident has left the families of the deceased traumatized and devastated with many of them shattered by the fact that the victims were returning from a burial ceremony when they met their untimely death.

The bodies of four of the deceased victims were deposited at the Edo State University, Uzaurie Mortuary in Etsako West Local Government Area.

It was gathered that Okpebholo’s convoy rammed into the victims’ silver Camry sedan car when they were attempting to negotiate a sharp bend on the road, with many eye-witnesses stating that the accident occurred as a result of rough driving.

A relative of Emmanuel Edionwe, one of the deceased, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “We are devastated beyond words. Emmanuel was a good, easy going boy who should not be dead today.

“He and his friends were driving in the Silver Camry car. After the accident, we just learnt that five of them have died after the collision with Okpebholo’s convoy. Emmanuel and four of his friends are dead. There is just one of them who is in critical condition and is now being nursed to life at the hospital.”

Noting that Edionwe died at the Irrua Specialist Hospital (ISH) in Irrua, where he was later transferred to for specialist care, he said: “It was officials of the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) that evacuated the bodies from the scene of the accident. Four of them died yesterday. One died this morning. There is only one surviving person in critical condition.”

The source noted that Okpebholo sneaked to check on the victims in the hospital they had been rushed to in Auchi after the accident but that it was disheartening that the APC campaign council has refused to acknowledge the incident or even commiserate with the affected families.

“We feel really bad that the APC has not said anything about the accident. It is insensitive. No one who suffers such a loss should be left without closure,” he said, crying profusely.

Edo 2024: APC’s Afegbua now the mouthpiece of the Nigeria Police, confirming willful collusion – EDSG

The Edo State Government has read the childish and infantile attempt by the Director of Media of Edo All Progress Congress (APC) campaign council, Kassim Afegbua, to spin the events of today, September 12, regarding the signing of the Peace Accord in the run up to the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State.

It is, indeed, rather perplexing that Afegbua is now standing brief for the Nigerian Police, to curiously accept the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) purported ‘boycott’ of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.

It would be curious to the discerning that Afegbua would descend to the realm of the jejune to carelessly interpret what transpired today during the signing of the Peace Accord organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC) led by the former Head of State and Chairman of the NPC, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, in Benin City, to be an act of boycott of the election, jubilantly commending the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on the actions taken so far.

We make bold to say that the only reason we are honouring his rants with a response is because he has now curiously taken to the rostrum to speak on behalf of the Police that has shown obvious and irrefutable bias by its actions leading to the election.

What transpired at the event was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) simply refraining from signing the Peace Accord unless conditions it has put forward to ensure a level playing field for all participants in the election are met. This is not too much to ask for in the circumstances.

For anyone in doubt, pray tell why the Inspector General of Police (IGP) is running helter-skelter to now charge persons his office has held in captivity for close to two months in court just today after we made good our threat to decline signing the Peace pact.

That Afegbua is now confirming all doubt that the APC are in bed with the Police by commending the Police chief is enough reason to reaffirm our conviction on the APC and the Police’s sinister game plan for the election.

We again reiterate our stance that the IGP and his Rogue Contingent are playing out the script of the APC to deploy ‘Federal Might’ to undermine the forthcoming elections in Edo State. This must be resisted by all Edo people at the polls come September 21.

For us, it is only the assurance of a level playing field for all participants in the election that justice would be said to have been done to the good people of Edo State as we prepare for the election.



Crusoe Osagie

Special Adviser, Media Projects
September 12, 2024
...

Edo 2024: APC, Labour Party’s unholy alliance to put Edo in bondage

It has become clear, even to the least discerning, that the Labour Party in Edo State has entered an unholy pact with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to bring Edo people into the same suffering and bondage that Nigerians now reel in under the chokehold of the APC government at the center.

This alliance seeks to take advantage of the fact that the Labour Party's candidate, Olumide Akpata, comes from Edo South Senatorial District to split the votes in the senatorial district, thereby reducing the APC's deficit in the overall gubernatorial election scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024

It is shocking that the Labour Party, who are aware of the suffering, pervasive gloom and oppression that Nigerians have endured in the last nine years of draconian rule, maladministration, and gross mismanagement of the nation’s economy under the clutches of the APC, is now working with these same oppressors to bring similar suffering and bondage to Edo State.

We are calling on all Edo people to see through this smokescreen and know that a vote for the Labour Party in the forthcoming September 21 gubernatorial election is a vote indirectly cast for the APC who are our oppressors-in-chief, whose government at the center is superintending over the gradual liquidation of the Nigerian State.

To prevent Edo’s descent into the suffering, torment, and dictatorship that Nigerians have endured under the stranglehold of the APC-led Federal Government, we urge Edo people to reject them in all their forms or guises, including through their proxy, the Labour Party, which has proven to be insensitive to the plight of the people.

As we come out on September 21 to cast our votes, we must all know that a vote for the Labour Party is a vote for the continuation of APC’s devastating oppression and suppression of the people and must therefore reject them in totality and vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, to continue on the path of sustained prosperity and accelerated development in our dear State.



Signed:

Rev. Olu Martins,

Deputy Director General,

Media and Publicity,
PDP Campaign Council for 2024 Edo Governorship Election

Edo 2024: Obaseki raises alarm over impending crisis over APC’s collusion with Police to hound, kidnap, imprison PDP chieftains

… alerts US Embassy, British High Commission, EU on persons to hold accountable for likely chaos in Edo

… demands unconditional release of chieftains whisked to Abuja, kept in secret holding centres

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has raised the alarm over impending and avoidable crisis that may result from the upcoming governorship election in the State as a result of elements within the rank of the All Progressives Congress (APC) colluding with the Nigeria Police Force to hound, attack, kidnap and lock up members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The governor, in a statement he personally signed, expressed worry that “In the last few weeks, the Police under the manipulation of the APC, has arrested not less than 10 PDP chieftains who they perceive would be strong political opposition to them in the coming election. This came to a head with the arrest and whisking to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, of the serving Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Hon. Collins Aigbogun.”

He added that: “On learning of his arrest, I reached out to the Edo State Commissioner of Police, asking that due process be followed and that the matter be handled within the State’s jurisdiction. This directive was flouted, directly undermining my authority as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the State.

“We also have it on good authority that a rogue police team has been provided with a longlist of PDP chieftains to be arrested and detained until after the election.

“All petitions and appeals to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) have not dissuaded men of the Police from going about with the mandate of intimidating members of the PDP and launching sting operations to capture, kidnap and lock up PDP chieftains across the State.”

The governor demanded the immediate unconditional release of the PDP chieftains who were arrested in gestapo style by the Police and whisked to secret holding centres, adding that “If these PDP leaders were legally arrested, we demand that they should be charged to courts in Benin City to answer for whatever infractions they are alleged to have committed and not to be subjected to perpetual incarceration, as now obtains.”

Obaseki also said that it has become clear “that the APC and its agents are not interested in a peaceful and credible election in Edo State. The conduct and the collusion with federal government institutions to undermine the electoral process spells a clear danger that must be averted.”

According to him, “It is with a deep sense of concern that I make this statement in the run up to the 2024 governorship election in Edo State scheduled for September 21, 2024.

“In the last few years, we have worked tirelessly to provide stability and engender reforms to spur economic development in Edo State. We have improved the security situation in the State and have, through coordinated efforts by the Edo State Security Council, ensured that the State is arguably the most peaceful State in the South-South, resulting in increased inflow of investment.

“We have deployed technology in checking insecurity, collaborating with community-based security networks, working in close partnership with federal security agencies and leveraging a Security Management Information System through which we track and respond swiftly to security incidents in the State. In the last few years, we have recorded lower levels of violent crimes. Our people are therefore happy and committed to sustaining peace to drive the economic progress made so far.

“It is against this backdrop that Edo people seek a peaceful election and seamless transition of government that would not disrupt the tranquillity and stability in the State.

“Unfortunately, what we can see in the build up to the September 21 election, is what looks like a deliberate plan by elements within the ranks of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) to prevent a peaceful election and stoke chaos in Edo State.

“We have ensured civility, fair play and equity in the electoral campaigns. Everyone has had freehand to campaign and canvass for votes from the electorate without let.

“Conversely, however, there have been persistent and continuous provocative actions sponsored by the opposition APC to stir crisis in Edo State in pursuit of their selfish ends.

“A case in point is the continuous harassment of chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the Nigerian Police Force. Leaders of the PDP are being hounded and attacked with the ultimate goal of causing chaos and setting the stage to subvert the will of the people.”

Itemizing incidents in which the police has acted willfully in support of the APC, he said: “First, there was a violent disturbance on Airport Road, Benin City, on July 18, 2024, which was orchestrated and executed by thugs sponsored by the APC. As at today, the Police under the control of the APC has refused to effect the arrest of gun-wielding members of the party captured on camera, orchestrating the crisis. Instead, they have descended on members and leaders of the PDP, who were not even present at the scene of the disturbance.

“In the last few weeks, the Police under the manipulation of the APC, has arrested not less than 10 PDP chieftains who they perceive would be strong political opposition to them in the coming election. This came to a head with the arrest and whisking to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, of the serving Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Hon. Collins Aigbogun

“On learning of his arrest, I reached out to the Edo State Commissioner of Police, asking that due process be followed and that the matter be handled within the State’s jurisdiction. This directive was flouted, directly undermining my authority as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the State.”

Noting that the government has it on good authority that a rogue police team has been provided with a longlist of PDP chieftains to be arrested and detained until after the election, he said: “All petitions and appeals to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) have not dissuaded men of the Police from going about with the mandate of intimidating members of the PDP and launching sting operations to capture, kidnap and lock up PDP chieftains across the State.

“We are therefore using this opportunity to stress that this posture and stance is a recipe for disaster and crisis and would invariably lead to chaos in the State if not checked.

“To be sure, Edo people are going to stand firmly and defend their State against all forms of manipulative and imperialistic tendencies from APC leaders in Abuja or elsewhere. Edo people are known to stand boldly for forthrightness, justice and equity, and will kick against all forms of intimidation and subterfuge.

“I want to implore the Presidency to call the Police and leaders of the APC to order over the manner in which they have been conducting themselves in the lead up to the election.

“We also call on the international community, including the American Embassy, the British High Commission, the European Union and other embassies and international development organisations present in Nigeria to take note of the warning signs coming from Edo State and identify the people to be held accountable for the mayhem that is being orchestrated by actors within the APC to undermine the will of Edo people and thwart their right to freely exercise their franchise in the coming election.

“This potential crisis has unravelled early enough for everyone to take action. We call on all stakeholders to intervene promptly to prevent the State from teetering on the precipice of chaos by ensuring a free, fair and credible election in Edo State.”





*NEED TO PREVENT AVOIDABLE CRISIS IN THE COMING EDO STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION*

It is with a deep sense of concern that I make this statement in the run up to the 2024 governorship election in Edo State scheduled for September 21, 2024.

In the last few years, we have worked tirelessly to provide stability and engender reforms to spur economic development in Edo State. We have improved the security situation in the State and have, through coordinated efforts by the Edo State Security Council, ensured that the State is arguably the most peaceful State in the South-South, resulting in increased inflow of investment.

We have deployed technology in checking insecurity, collaborating with community-based security networks, working in close partnership with federal security agencies and leveraging a Security Management Information System through which we track and respond swiftly to security incidents in the State. In the last few years, we have recorded lower levels of violent crimes. Our people are therefore happy and committed to sustaining peace to drive the economic progress made so far.

It is against this backdrop that Edo people seek a peaceful election and seamless transition of government that would not disrupt the tranquillity and stability in the State.

Unfortunately, what we can see in the build up to the September 21 election, is what looks like a deliberate plan by elements within the ranks of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) to prevent a peaceful election and stoke chaos in Edo State.

We have ensured civility, fair play and equity in the electoral campaigns. Everyone has had freehand to campaign and canvass for votes from the electorate without let.

Conversely, however, there have been persistent and continuous provocative actions sponsored by the opposition APC to stir crisis in Edo State in pursuit of their selfish ends.

A case in point is the continuous harassment of chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the Nigerian Police Force. Leaders of the PDP are being hounded and attacked with the ultimate goal of causing chaos and setting the stage to subvert the will of the people.

First, there was a violent disturbance on Airport Road, Benin City, on July 18, 2024, which was orchestrated and executed by thugs sponsored by the APC. As at today, the Police under the control of the APC has refused to effect the arrest of gun-wielding members of the party captured on camera, orchestrating the crisis. Instead, they have descended on members and leaders of the PDP, who were not even present at the scene of the disturbance.

In the last few weeks, the Police under the manipulation of the APC, has arrested not less than 10 PDP chieftains who they perceive would be strong political opposition to them in the coming election. This came to a head with the arrest and whisking to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, of the serving Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Hon. Collins Aigbogun.

On learning of his arrest, I reached out to the Edo State Commissioner of Police, asking that due process be followed and that the matter be handled within the State’s jurisdiction. This directive was flouted, directly undermining my authority as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the State.

We also have it on good authority that a rogue police team has been provided with a longlist of PDP chieftains to be arrested and detained until after the election.

All petitions and appeals to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) have not dissuaded men of the Police from going about with the mandate of intimidating members of the PDP and launching sting operations to capture, kidnap and lock up PDP chieftains across the State.

It is now clear to us that the APC and its agents are not interested in a peaceful and credible election in Edo State. The conduct and the collusion with federal government institutions to undermine the electoral process spells a clear danger that must be averted.

We are therefore using this opportunity to stress that this posture and stance is a recipe for disaster and crisis and would invariably lead to chaos in the State if not checked.

To be sure, Edo people are going to stand firmly and defend their State against all forms of manipulative and imperialistic tendencies from APC leaders in Abuja or elsewhere. Edo people are known to stand boldly for forthrightness, justice and equity, and will kick against all forms of intimidation and subterfuge.

We, therefore, make the following demands:

The immediate unconditional release of the PDP chieftains who were arrested in gestapo style by the Police and whisked to secret holding centres.

If these PDP leaders were legally arrested, we demand that they should be charged to courts in Benin City to answer for whatever infractions they are alleged to have committed and not to be subjected to perpetual incarceration, as now obtains.

I want to implore the Presidency to call the Police and leaders of the APC to order over the manner in which they have been conducting themselves in the lead up to the election.

We also call on the international community, including the American Embassy, the British High Commission, the European Union and other embassies and international development organisations present in Nigeria to take note of the warning signs coming from Edo State and identify the people to be held accountable for the mayhem that is being orchestrated by actors within the APC to undermine the will of Edo people and thwart their right to freely exercise their franchise in the coming election.

This potential crisis has unravelled early enough for everyone to take action. We call on all stakeholders to intervene promptly to prevent the State from teetering on the precipice of chaos by ensuring a free, fair and credible election in Edo State.

*His Excellency,*
_Godwin Obaseki_
Governor, Edo State

Edo 2024: Continuous harassment, arrest of PDP chieftains, members recipe for crisis, Obaseki warns

…urges protesters to be calm, peaceful, to meet IGP tomorrow

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has warned that the continuous harassment, intimidation, and arrest of chieftains and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the State by the police in the run-up to the September 21 gubernatorial election could lead to a crisis in the State, calling on the Inspector General of Police to call his men to order to avert the looming crisis in the State.

Obaseki, who spoke when he received protesters at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital, to register their displeasure over the illegal arrest and detention of PDP members by the police, said that if the situation is not immediately addressed, given the peculiarities of the state, it could snowball into a nationwide crisis.

He, however, urged the youth and party faithful to remain calm and peaceful while awaiting the outcome of his meeting with the Inspector General of Police scheduled for tomorrow.

Noting that the police are said to be working in connivance with the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), Obaseki said, “A local government chairman has also been arrested in connivance with the opposition party in the State to intimate members of our party, the PDP.

“I heard that the plan is to arrest as many PDP stalwarts as possible, including me if they can. I think this is a very dangerous trend and it's a real threat to our democracy.

“If the Commissioner of Police can undermine my authority as the Chief Security Officer of the State, then I don’t really know what I should do next. I don’t know how to stop you. I understand that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) will be in the State tomorrow and I will make my feelings known to him, that it's not in the interest of anybody to undermine our democracy, particularly the Police.”

He continued: “The police force is supposed to protect every Nigerian, not some. When I heard that one of you was arrested yesterday, I called the Commissioner of Police in Edo State and he promised to get back to me but up till today as I speak, he has not gotten back to me.

“I understand that the person has been transferred to Abuja, it's unconstitutional, it's not right. I am the Chief Security Officer of Edo State and if a citizen commits a crime in Edo, he should be arrested and charged in Edo State not transferred to Abuja. I am going to make this known to the IGP and if the plan is not to have an election in Edo, then the world will know.”

Obaseki added, “So, please be peaceful, and let’s wait for the IGP to come in tomorrow and I will let my feelings known to him because they are creating a very dangerous situation in Edo.

“Edo is a very unique State and should not hold anybody responsible if they create a crisis in Edo which can snowball into anything and we don’t want it for Nigeria. Just wait and hear from me after my meeting with the IG tomorrow.”

PHOTO CAPTION

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left) addressing protesters at the Government House in Benin City, on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.

Edo 2024: PDP fixes Gov'ship Election Campaign Grand Finale for Sept. 14

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has fixed the Grand Finale of the Governorship Election Campaign for this month's governorship election in Edo State for Saturday, September 14, 2024.

The announcement was signed by the Chairman, National Campaign Council, Edo 2024 Governorship Election and Governor of Adamawa State, His Excellency, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, and the two Co-Deputy Chairmen, Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sheriff Oborevwori and his Taraba State counterpart, His Excellency, Kefas Agbu.

In a statement, the party said: “The National Campaign Council and the State Campaign Council of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hereby invite leaders and members of the PDP, including Governors, former Presidents and Vice Presidents, members of the National Assembly, former Governors and Deputy Governors, members of State House of Assembly, and all members and supporters of the PDP, among others to the Grand Finale of the 2024 Edo State Governorship Election Campaign.

“The auspicious event is scheduled to hold on Saturday, September 14, 2024, by 10am at the Garrick Memorial Grammar School Grounds, on Ekehuan Road, Benin City.”

They added: “The event will mark the completion of the campaigns for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State and set the course for the victory of the party on Election Day.

September 10, 2024

Statement on School Resumption Date Extension

In light of recent events, we have decided to extend the school resumption date to ensure the safety and well-being of our children.

This decision is rooted in our deep commitment to protecting our children from all forms of danger including the possible consequences of the astronomical increase in the price of fuel as well as the concomitant increase in cost of living.

We are also mindful of the intelligence report we received about the threats posed by the APC, who have reportedly imported and armed thugs that are causing mayhem across the state.

Because the safety of our children is paramount we do not want to take any chances hence we are keeping our children in the safety of their homes until we difuse the situation sortly.

The APC's actions, including their reckless behaviour that has resulted in the shooting of innocent individuals, raise serious alarms. We believe that these actions are part of a desperate strategy to instigate a state of emergency and shift the blame onto the PDP.

We also want to clarify that apart from the public holidays on Monday and Friday, we have implemented mechanisms to ensure that any learning loss during this extended period will be effectively addressed. Our commitment to our children's education remains unwavering, and we will work diligently to regain any lost instructional time.

Our priority is the safety and education of our children. We will continue to take necessary measures to protect our communities and ensure that our schools are safe environments for learning.

We urge the public to remain vigilant and to work together to maintain peace and stability in Edo State.

Signed

Chris Osa Nehikhare
HC Communication&Orientation

Edo 2024: Ighodalo’s Pathway to Prosperity campaign train berths in Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, receives thousands of decampees

…your votes will count, Obaseki assures Edo voters

… we’ll focus on technology, culture, tourism, agriculture, others to drive growth, devt in Edo, Ighodalo pledges

The campaign trail of the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for 2024 Governorship Elections in Edo State, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, on Monday, made a stop in Egor and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State, where they were warmly received by a mammoth crowd of supporters and party members.

The team led by the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, urged the people of the LGAs to come out in their numbers on September 21 to vote for the party and its candidate and be rest assured that their votes will count.

Presenting the party’s candidate and his deputy, Osarodion Ogie Esq., to the people at Olua Primary School in Egor LGA, Obaseki said the party is presenting the best candidate for the election with the competence, pedigree, and experience to move the State forward, noting that a vote for the party is a vote for the progress and prosperity of the State.

He said, “This election is very important to us because it will determine whether the State wants to move forward or backward. We believe in continuity and Asue Ighodalo will continue where we will stop.

“Asue is for the youths. He employed over 80 percent of youths to work for him in his chamber. He is for the young people, he loves the youth and young people. He has spent all his time supporting the youth.”

Noting that Ighodalo will continue from where his government stops, the governor stated, “We have constructed a lot of roads in Egor LGA, including the Evbuotubu Road which is still under construction. Asue Ighodalo will finish what we can’t finish as no one administration can finish the work. Edo is in safe hands with Asue Ighodalo as governor of Edo State.”

On his part, Ighodalo said if elected, his government will focus on technology, culture, tourism, agriculture, and sports, among others to drive economic growth and prosperity in Edo State.

He stated, “We would work to show leadership that loves its people and improves their lives for the better. Prosperity and growth is sure when PDP continues in office.”

Canvassing votes at the Western Boys High School in Ikpoba-Okha LGA, the governor who thanked the people for their support for his government in the last eight years, urged them to come out en masse and vote for the party and its candidate, reassuring them that their votes will count.

He said, “Come out en masse to vote for the PDP and its candidates, Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie. Come out to vote and you will be protected and your votes will count and be protected.”

Obaseki added, “I thank the people of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area for their support over the years. I have constructed Lucky Way, St. Saviour Road, and many other roads in the council area. The design of this Brewery Road to Sapele Road is ready for construction. We can’t finish everything as a government but Asue Ighodalo will complete what we can’t finish.

“We have established a Modular Refinery, Ethanol Factory, Benin Industrial Park, Ossiomo Park, and others. This is just the beginning as Asue Ighodalo will continue from where we will stop and take us to progress and prosperity.

“APC says they will use federal might but when people come out en masse to vote, there is nothing federal might can do to stop us from achieving victory.”

Also, Ighodalo assured to drive growth and development in the area, noting, “I call on you people to vote and defend your vote as I assure you today that when we become governor and Deputy Governor, our focus will be to develop the State and make life better for Edo people.”

On his part, Osarodion Ogie stated the APC has brought nothing but hardship and suffering to the people adding that, “APC is buying guns to kill us. If they love the people they will not do that. Let the people speak with one voice and vote for the PDP, rejecting APC that has brought us hardship in Nigeria.”

Receiving over 300 decampees from APC, LP, ANPP and other parties, the State Chairman of the Party, Anthony Aziegbemi has charged the people of Ikpoba-Okha to come out en masse to ensure that the party wins the landslide.


PHOTO CAPTION
DSC_01

L-R: Ituah Ighodalo; Edo State PDP Governorship Candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the PDP, Osarodion Ogie Esq., during the Edo State PDP Governorship Campaign rally in Ikpoba-Okha LGAs of the State, on Monday, September 9, 2024.

DSC_02

L-R: Deputy Governorship Candidate of the PDP, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and PDP Governorship Candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, during the Edo State PDP Governorship Campaign rally in Egor LGAs of the State, on Monday, September 9, 2024.

Obaseki sets up taskforce on devt control, environmental issues, to be chaired by Matthew Ikhide

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the constitution of the Taskforce on Development Control and Environmental Issues.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie said the taskforce is to be chaired by Hon. Matthew Ikhide with Isaac Ero as Secretary.

Other members of the taskforce include Fidelis Owen, Bridget Ojo Omorotionwan and Ese Ogbebor.

According to Osagie, Henry Enabulele will serve as member of the taskforce from the Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development; Osamudiamwen Omoregie is the representative from the State's Inland Revenue Service (EIRS) and Bobby Obayuwana is a member of the taskforce from the Media.

He added that the taskforce will be inaugurated on a date to be announced later.





*PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT*

The Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has approved the constitution of the Taskforce on Development Control and Environmental Issues.

The chairman and members of the taskforce are:

1. Hon. Matthew Ikhide - Chairman

2. Fidelis Owen - Member

3. Bridget Ojo Omorotionwan- Member

4. Ese Ogbebor- Member

5. Henry Enabulele - Member from Physical Planning

6. Osamudiamwen Omoregie - Member from EIRS

7. Bobby Obayuwana - Member from the Media

8. Isaac Ero - Secretary

The Taskforce will be inaugurated on a date to be announced later.



Signed

*Crusoe Osagie*
_Special Adviser, Media Project_
September 9, 2024

We’re not barren, but fruitful and prospective proud mothers, Mrs. Obaseki tells childless women

The Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, at the weekend, urged childless women not to see themselves as barren but as fruitful, potential, and proud mothers of children that would come in God’s time.

Mrs. Obaseki spoke during a Zoom meeting with Edo women in the Diaspora. She was joined by the wife of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Ifeyinwa Ighodalo.

The Edo First Lady made the comments in response to a viral video in which Senator Adams Oshiomhole made remarks about her being childless.

Obaseki, while addressing more than 200 women, who joined the meeting from various countries via Zoom, reminded the women that everyone was created by God for a purpose.

According to her, “Well, it is important that we as human beings seek to have deeper perspectives and purpose in life. As a human being, I believe what is most important is that we find our purpose. Everyone is created by God to actualize their purpose in life and once we have that mindset and seek that in life, and we are happy with our lives and know that we are moving on in actualizing God’s purpose for our lives, in bringing glory to God in the way we live our lives, then it wouldn’t matter if certain remarks are flung at you.”

She continued: “I will like to say to every woman and sister, if you feel hurt by whatever you heard; for me, I haven’t paid much attention to it. My word of comfort to you will be, in addition to seeking God’s purpose and finding fulfillment therein, I will say to those of you sisters who like myself had conceived and had miscarriages; who like myself had painful evacuations of our babies who have died in our wombs; who have conceived and birth babies who died at birth or at different stages in life, and as we speak today do not have children to show for the trauma and the pains that we experienced in life; my word of comfort to you as I say to myself, is you are not barren.

“Don’t be hurt if anyone calls you that or if anyone calls your fellow woman that; you are not barren. I dare to call you fruitful. You and I are potential, prospective proud mothers of lively children. The children will come in God’s time. So, hang in there. Hold your head up high. You are not barren. Enjoy the life that God has given you in the meantime. Thank God for what you have. Thank God for a loving spouse, like I have. I say I have the best husband in the world. Thank God for the love of family and friends and those support systems that God has given you.”

Mrs. Obaseki further admonished, “Enjoy the life that God has given to you. Find your purpose, face it and take your mind off this and before you know, it will happen. I have learnt that some people have been called to pay the price for some others.”

She stated that her contributions to society have gone beyond the biological aspect of motherhood, adding, “Being fruitful is not limited to childbearing. It is about impacting lives and creating positive change in society. There is no point in feeling bad. Women can fulfil God’s purpose in many ways beyond motherhood.”

On her earlier comments, the Edo First Lady stated, “The point I was trying to make that day and I still stand on is that women are an integral part of any society. I don’t think there is any part of the world where only men exist. Every population is made up of men and women and women always bring a delicate touch to the work of their male counterparts or husbands. Whether they are governors or any other elected public office holder, with a woman, a wife behind such a man, he is bound to do better because women bring their delicate touch, they also bring up the challenges that women and children face in the society, and support their husbands to address these issues. So at the end of the day, society is better for it.”

She added, “Let us be serious. Governance is serious business. Nigeria is a member of a civilized global society. Other countries take their elections and their governance seriously. What we are saying in Edo is that let our political class begin to take this issue of politics, elections and governance seriously. Let them remember that there is a second gender in this country and women must continue to be represented on all fronts.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki (left), with the wife of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the September 21 governorship election, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, during a Zoom meeting with Edo women in the Diaspora, monitored in Government House, Benin City.

Edo 2024: APC campaign in Ekperi goes violent with sporadic shooting, one person killed

The governorship campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekperi, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State, on Saturday, went violent with sporadic shooting, resulting in the death of one person and leaving several others injured.

An eyewitness revealed that the party allegedly mobilised thugs who went violent, aggressively harrassing, and forcing residents of the area to wear their campaign caps.
The resistance from the community sparked a confrontation, which escalated, leading to the sporadic shooting while residents scrambled for safety.

The deceased was reportedly hit by stray bullets from the convoy of APC gubernatorial candidate Monday Okpebholo, who had fired several shots into the crowd in an attempt to disperse the crowd amid rising tensions.

Details shortly.

Edo 2024: Again Appeal Court affirms Ighodalo’s candidacy, strikes out PVC forgery case

…slams N3m fine on Ojezua, other appellants on PVC forgery case

Again, the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, on Friday, affirmed Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the duly nominated and authentic governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, dismissing the appeal against the PDP candidate regarding a forged voter's card.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court had earlier dismissed the case by Arthur Esene and Anselm Ojezua for being statute-barred.

Justice Omotosho had held that not only did they fail to prove their claim that Ighodalo forged his voter’s card, but non-possession of voter’s card did not constitute a disqualifying factor under the Constitution and the Electoral Act to deny a candidate from contesting election.

In the lead judgment of the Court of Appeal on Friday, Justice Hamma Barka affirmed the judgment by Justice Omotosho and held that the suit filed before the Federal High Court by Ojezua and four others was filed out of time and was statute barred.

Delivering the judgement in the Appeal with case no, CA/ABJ/CV/863/2024, the Appeal Court ruled that the “suit was filed after the time limit and is therefore dismissed.”

According to Justice Hamma Barka, “Jurisdiction is a threshold issue and a pre-election suit filed after the 14-day limit and any breach (even by one day), means that the court is without jurisdiction.”

The Court further held that “Even on the merits, the court further held that the allegation of forgery was not proven at all by the Claimant as they woefully failed to prove the elements of the alleged forgery.”

Justice Barka therefore proceeded to strike out the appeal for being without merit and awarded N1 million costs each to PDP and Asue Ighodalo to be paid by the appellants.

With the ruling, all doubts and allegations surrounding the eligibility of Dr. Asue Ighodalo to contest for the September 21 governorship election have been cleared.

Edo 2024: Major boost for Ighodalo’s election as thousands of APC, ANPP, LP members defect to PDP in Irrua

It was a harvest of defectors as the governorship campaign train of the People Democratic Party (PDP) reached Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of the State, giving a major boost to the governorship election bid of the PDP candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his deputy, Osarodion Ogie.

The leader of the defectors and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) candidate in the last Edo State House of Assembly election, Chief Harrison Echie, said the decampees were members of the ANPP, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party.

Expressing his delight to join the PDP, Echie said the people of Esan Central are impressed with the performance of Governor Godwin Obaseki and will come out en masse on September 21 to vote for the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo to ensure the sustainability of the government’s developmental projects across all communities in the State.

Receiving the decampees at Eguare Primary School in Irrua, Esan Central LGA, Obaseki said the PDP is presenting the most competent and credible candidate for the election who will prioritize the welfare of the people and advance the development of the State.

He noted that his administration has brought development to Esan Central, pledging that the development will continue with Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie

Obaseki said, “We have done our best in developing the State and we encourage you to mobilize and vote for the PDP governorship candidate because prosperity is sure when Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie are in leadership.”

Decrying the suffering and hardship inflicted on the people by the APC government at the centre, the governor said, “APC has put us into more suffering with their bad policies and leadership style. Things are getting worse with each passing day. We have made progress in the last 8 years as APC can't take our State backwards.”

The governor said the PDP governorship candidate has the capacity and experience to develop the State and place it on the path of prosperity.

Also, Ighodalo, who thanked the people for the massive turnout, said the Edo people are sophisticated people who are smart, educated and intelligent and can't be ruled by dull and uneducated people.

He stated, “I know my people are suffering from water and Obaseki has done it to a point but myself and Ogie promise to finish it and ensure there is water in Esan land. I promise that the issue of water will be a thing of the past in Esan land if I become the governor of the State.”

PHOTO CAPTION


L-R: Edo State Deputy Governor, Engr. Omobayo Marvellous Godwins; Edo State PDP Governorship Candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Edo State PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Osarodion Ogie Esq., and Executive Chairman, Esan West LGA, Collins Aigbogun, during the Edo State PDP Governorship Campaign rally in Ekpoma, Esan West LGA of the State, on Thursday, September 5, 2024.

Edo 2024: PDP takes campaign to Etsako East, Central, as Ighodalo assures of sustained devt, prosperity

Edo 2024: PDP takes campaign to Etsako East, Central, as Ighodalo assures of sustained devt, prosperity

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his Deputy, Marvellous Godwins Omobayo; Director General of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Campaign Council, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen and other leaders and members of the party, on Wednesday, took the party’s governorship campaign to Etsako East and Etsako Central Local Government Areas, canvassing votes for the PDP candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his deputy, Osarodion Ogie Esq.

Obaseki, who spoke to a mammoth crowd of party faithful and supporters in the two local councils, said the party's candidate is the best and most credible of all other candidates for the election and a vote for the party is a guarantee for progressive growth and development in the State.

At Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of the State, the governor said, “Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie will put good policies on ground to come to the rescue and liberate the State. No matter the economic challenges in Nigeria, Asue Ighodalo is the answer. We are parading the best; the most credible, intelligent and experienced candidates in this election.

“Ighodalo has love for the young people and is ready to make life meaningful for them through his governorship aspiration. We need continuity in Edo State and not retrogression.”

The governor, in Fugar, Etsako Central thanked the people for coming out enmasse during the continuous voters’ registration exercise and registering about 7,500 new voters across the 10 wards in Fugar, urging them to put the same energy during the polls to ensure the party’s victory on September 21.

He said, “The youths in this locality are vibrant in this election as more youths have registered to vote in this governorship election. We have a 30-year master plan and it's only Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie that can continue with our developmental plan for the State.”

Ighodalo, who thanked the people of Agenebode for the large turnout, pledging to pursue more programmes and projects to open up the area for economic growth and development.

“Illushi, Agenebode, River Niger is a platform to prosper the people of the area and State. We have enough resources in the area to ensure we don't suffer or share in the economic hardship created by the APC government at the centre, making life difficult for Edo people.”

At Fugar, Ighodalo said, “The APC has impoverished our people but Obaseki has done so much to liberate us and set us on the path of progress, prosperity, growth and development,” reassuring us to continue on the progressive foundation laid by the incumbent government.

On his part, the chairman of Etsako East Local Government, Hon. Benedicta Attoh said, "I want to assure you that victory is sure for PDP in the governorship election. We are just waiting for September 21 to celebrate the victory.

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Edo State PDP Governorship Candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Osarodion Ogie Esq., during the PDP Governorship Campaign rally in Fugar, Etsako Central LGA, on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.

Obaseki lays foundation for construction of college of aquaculture, fishery, marine agric in Agenebode

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has laid the foundation for the construction of a world-class college of agriculture, specializing in aquaculture, fishery, and marine agriculture, in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of the State.

Obaseki was joined by his Deputy, Marvellous Godwins Omobayo; DG of PDP Governorship Campaign, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen; Edo PDP Chairman, Anthony Aziegbemi and other party faithful as well as the traditional ruler of Uwanno Kingdom, HRM Dr Oshiapi Egabor, among others.

The governor said the groundbreaking is a promise made to the people of the area.

Reeling out gains recorded by his government in the last eight years, Obaseki said, “Our colleges of agriculture were pathetic. Apart from losing accreditation, the students were deceived into believing that they were in school whereas the schools had lost accreditation and no possibility of offering them jobs when they finished.”

The governor said this led his administration to close down all unaccredited schools and restart the institutions, with the government passing the law for one college of agriculture with three schools.

He said, “Our emphasis is on providing practical knowledge to give the students jobs or opportunities to set up their own businesses. We said we were more interested in training people who will be useful to themselves and society than just having certificates.

“Today, we have restarted the Edo State College of Agriculture in Iguoriakhi. Not one of the colleges of agriculture in Nigeria can compete with what we have in Iguoriakhi. We are doing the same thing here as each school will have its own specialization.

“The school in Iguoriakhi focuses on agricultural technology. Today the school is currently running courses that we have brought to support oil palm investors brought into Edo State. Anybody that attends that school is guaranteed a job before finishing the school.”

According to him, “We have also decided that the College being built in Agenebode would take advantage of its closeness to River Niger to build specialization in aquaculture, fishery, and marine agriculture. The design is for the school to partner with fishing and aquaculture companies.

“As a State, we have set up the school and the people in the business will help partner with the State and the school to make sure that the learning that takes place in the school is very practical. The school is training for jobs, not certificates. The school will have a lot of laboratories and its own farms.”

Reassuring speedy development of the project, Obaseki stated, “Within 12 months, this school will be ready for our students to study. We are straightforward as a government. The school already has accreditation and the process of recruiting staff has already commenced and we have the funds in the budget this year to complete building the school.”

On his part, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Stephen Idehenre said the project is a unique milestone in the State’s education and agricultural journey to grow and develop the State.

He stated, “Today, we have embarked on an adventure that will not only enhance our academic landscape but also empower our youths and strengthen our agricultural sector.”

The traditional ruler of Uwanno Kingdom, HRM, Dr. Oshiapi Egabor, thanked the governor for prioritizing projects to better the lives of the people and place the State on the path of prosperity.

Edo 2024: PDP takes campaign to Akoko-Edo, Etsako West, canvasses votes for Ighodalo, Ogie

_*…we can’t handover Edo’s leadership to an unintelligent, incompetent person, Obaseki warns*_

_*…Ighodalo insists on free, credible polls, promises better welfare, more devt’al projects*_

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Engr. Marvellous Godwins Omobayo as well as leaders and members of the Edo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Tuesday, took the party’s campaign to Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the State, canvassing votes for the party’s candidate for the September 21 governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his deputy, Osarodion Ogie Esq.

The campaign trail also touched down at Etsako West Local Government Area, as the Governor maintained that the PDP has the best candidate in the election, urging the people to vote for credibility and competence.

Speaking to the jubilant crowd of party faithful and supporters, Obaseki said his government has pursued wholistic reforms in education, agriculture, sports, technology, and health, among others, warning that these gains and successes would be derailed if left in the hands of an unintelligent, inexperience or an incompetent person whose only aim in power is to share the common patrimony of the people among the political class.

He said, “Akoko-Edo is the oldest local government in the State created in 1963 with a lot of natural resources and I promised to compensate them after they were relegated for years. They have brilliant and intelligent people and as a governor, I have done my best to remember them and ensure they occupy great positions in my government.

“We have reformed the education sector through the EdoBEST programme and ensured your daughter headed the State’s Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). We can't hand over EdoBEST to unintelligent people.

“We have started building a polytechnic for our people here in Akoko-Edo Local Government and Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie will continue with the work when I leave office on November 12th, 2024.”

Obaseki added, “We have applied for many mining licenses and have set up companies and it’s time to get investors into the council area. Asue Ighodalo and I worked in the capital market, worked for international bodies, and raised money to contribute to the development of the State. Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie will bring investors into the State.”

The party's candidate, Ighodalo who charged the electoral umpire on free, fair, and credible polls in the State, urged the people to come out enmasse on September 21 to cast their votes with the assurance that their votes will count.

He said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said he will support free, fair and credible elections as he is a democrat that believes in the credible process. But his party, the APC is using him to boast on winning the election but PDP will stand guard, ensuring we frustrate all their plans and ensure the votes of the people count.

“We will create prosperity and the citizens will not be poor again. God has prospered us and we should not allow anyone to move us backward.”

Also, the Deputy Governor, who commended Governor Obaseki for recognizing minorities and giving them a place of pride in the State’s politics, said: “Akoko-Edo has the position of the Deputy Governor in the State. It's a great achievement for our people. We are not ungrateful people as APC has never given us any good position before.

“We will not manage to win but will win convincingly. We will vote, defend our votes, and ensure PDP wins the governorship election in Edo State. We are one in Akoko-Edo and PDP is our party.”

Chairman of Akoko Edo Local Government Area, Tajudeen Suleiman thanked the governor for his developmental strides in the council area, noting that the governor’s impactful projects have opened the area for economic development.

He noted, “I am happy today because we have experienced and credible candidates in Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie. The PDP governorship candidate will surely build on the legacy of the Obaseki-led administration.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

*DSC_01*

L-R: Executive Chairman of Akoko Edo Local Government Area, Tajudeen Suleiman; Edo State Deputy Governor, Engr. Omobayo Marvellous Godwins; Edo State PDP Governorship Candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Deputy Governorship Candidate of the PDP, Osarodion Ogie, and Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, Hon Mrs. Christabel Omoh Ekwu, during the Edo State PDP Governorship Campaign rally in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

*DSC_02*

L-R: Executive Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Area, Hon. Zibiri Marvelous; Edo State PDP Governorship Candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate of the PDP, Osarodion Ogie, during the PDP Governorship Campaign rally in Etsako West LGA of Edo State, on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

Fourth edition of BOWFT set for Oct 2 as Edo First Lady reels impact, successes

… tourney to host 14 teams, with two international female teams

The Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, has said the fourth edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) will take place in Benin City, the Edo State capital between 2nd and 13th October 2024.

Addressing journalists during a press conference in Benin City, on Tuesday, to announce the hosting of the 2024 edition of the pre-season tournament, Mrs. Obaseki said this year’s edition will host 14 teams with two international female teams from Benin Republic introduced to the tournament to make this year’s edition more exciting.

The participating teams include Edo Queens FC - Benin City; Fortress Ladies FC - Benin City; Rivers Angels FC - Rivers State; Nasarawa Amazons FC - Nasarawa State; Naija Ratel FC - Abuja; Heartland Queens FC - Imo State; FC Robo - Lagos State and Ekiti Queens FC - Ekiti State.

Others are Delta Queens FC - Delta State; Confluence Queens FC - Kogi State; Bayelsa Queens FC - Bayelsa State; Abia Angels FC - Abia State; Espoir FC de Cotonou - Benin Republic and Aigle Royal d'Adjara - Benin Republic.

Mrs. Obaseki reassured that the BOWFT will continue to focus on grooming and empowering the girl-child and engender grassroots sports development in the State and Nigeria.

The Edo First Lady explained that the tournament is borne out of the passion to create opportunities to inspire the girl-child, while promoting causes that raise awareness to discourage social vices.

According to her, this year’s edition has the theme, “Say No to Teenage Pregnancy and Child Motherhood.”

Reeling the impact and gains of the competition in the last four years, Mrs. Obaseki stated, “Since its inception in 2020, the tournament has grown remarkably, making a significant impact by providing a platform for our young girls to dream big and pursue their passions and aspirations, while showcasing incredible talents and potential of these girls to the rest of the world.

“Beyond nurturing our local talents, the tournament has also helped position our female football players on the global stage with many of the girls from the past editions of the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament representing Nigeria on the international stage with distinction.

“I am delighted to state that three of our girls from Edo Queens are currently part of Nigeria’s Falconet team flying the nation’s flag and making us proud at the FIFA U-20 World Cup taking place in Colombia. They include Comfort Folorunsho, Chioma Olise and Goodness Osigwe.

“This is in addition to the several international players who have participated in different editions of the tournament who are now making their mark in top-tier clubs across the globe, including Monday Gift who played for FC Robo and now plies her trade at Granadilla Tenerife of Spain; Peace Efih, who featured for Edo Queens FC and now with Sporting de Huelva of Spain; Esther Onyenezide of FC Robo, who now plays for Madrid FCC of Spain.

“Others are: Blessing Demehin of Bayelsa Queens who now currently plays for Stade de Reims of France and Rofiat Imuran who also featured for Rivers Angels and is now with Stade de Reims of France, among others.”

She added, “These accomplishments highlight the profound impact of the Betsy Obaseki Women’s Football Tournament in these past four years and stand as a testament to the caliber of talent we possess and the opportunities that lie ahead if we continue to support them and harness their potential.”

According to her, “The first edition of the tournament which set the stage for this impressive run had the theme, ‘Promoting the Girl Child,’ with 12 participating teams. The second edition of the competition had the theme ‘Say No to Drugs,’ with 13 participating teams, and the third edition with 13 teams, themed, ‘End Gender-Based Violence,’ focused on raising awareness and generating public interest in the urgent need to eradicate gender-based violence in all its forms in Edo State.”

“This year, the tournament will take place from 2nd to 13th October 2024 between 14 participating teams with two international female teams from Benin Republic introduced to the tournament to make this year’s edition even more exciting.”

She reassured, “While this is my last edition as First Lady, I want to assure you that this is definitely not the end of BOWFT as we will be setting up the Board of Trustees for this initiative to ensure the continuity and sustainability of the BOWFT. We have also appointed Nilayo Sports Marketing Ltd. as the Marketing Consultant for BOWFT.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Ifueko Alufohai; Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Yusuf Alli; Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, and Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Projects, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, during a press conference in Benin City, on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, to announce the hosting of the 2024 edition of the pre-season Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT).

EDSG slams Akpata again, insists Labour Party candidate unprepared for governance, leadership

The Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Projects, Mr. Crusoe Osagie has restated that the candidate of the Labour Party, Olumide Akpata, in the September 21 governorship election cannot peddle falsehoods to attain political power.

In a statement, Osagie insisted that Akpata is unprepared for governance and leadership as he remains a usurper who is on the ballot ‘simply for the need to massage his bloated ego.’

According to him, “Reading laboriously through George Ise-Idehen’s futile attempt to repair the battered image of his principal and candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Olumide Akpata, one gets the sense of the source of fuel for the supposed learned attorney’s voyage into the world of fantasy.

“We are certain that he shall be startled out of his daydream on Saturday, September 21 when the news of his woeful defeat hits him like a tonne of bricks.

“Although this effort at responding to the tissue of well-worded falsehood is unnecessary to cement the sterling and undeniable legacies of His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, I am inclined to make it, taking guidance from a Benin proverb which states that: ‘if you don’t identify a spoiler for who he is, he may be mistaken for a patriot.’

“No matter how hard Ise-Idehen tries to hide a literally overweight Akpata in borrowed robes, he remains exactly who he is: a usurper, who cannot elevate the interest of the Edo Central Senatorial District of Edo State above his quest for personal aggrandizement.

Osagie said that Akpata does not understand how to subordinate his inordinate ambition for power to the peace, harmony and common good of the Edo people, noting: “Interestingly, all the other flaws paraded by Akpata take root in the pride and arrogance that drives him to violate our Esan brothers and sisters. From his inability to settle down into conjugal life at 52 years old to his lack of respect for people who are superior to him by virtue of their age and position in society, his unsuitability for the office of a governor shines through.

“With pride and ego the size of his physical appearance, Akpata is not the sort of person that can be trusted with power without endangering the liberty of the common people in society.”

Osagie noted that “It is pertinent to stress that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration is proud of its illustrious legacy of service to Edo people, which is anchored on solid socio-economic indices of development. It is only proper to put issues in perspective in the light of the misleading publication by the Labour Party in reaction to efforts to highlight the vacuity of their candidate’s rhetoric.

“The biggest signpost of Governor Obaseki’s performance is the growth in Edo’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which has risen from $10bn to $26bn in the last eight years. The facts about the State’s economic growth trajectory are bare and easily verifiable. There is no reason to fabricate stories about this, as Ise-Idehen and his party’s candidate are now trying to do. The growth of the State’s GDP is to the credit of both the governor and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Asue Ighodalo, who served as Chair of the Edo Economic Summit, Alaghodaro.

“There is no better way to advertise anyone than that. The growth of the economy is indicative of the milestones recorded in attracting new investors, job creation, industrial output and infrastructure development. The companies that created these jobs are located across the State and can be verified. Maybe Olumide Akpata who only visits Edo State intermittently for ‘Owanbe parties’ may miss them.”

On power reforms in Edo State, Osagie said: “It is quite disingenuous of Ise-Idehen to disparage the government's reforms of the power sector. There are only a handful of States in Nigeria that now have an active electricity market and Edo is one of them. In fact, before now, the State had attracted investors into the power sector, ensuring the distribution of power to government facilities, industrial clusters and private residences. Edo is one of the first States in Nigeria to leverage the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to commence the distribution of power within a city centre with a grid that is exclusive of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

“So now, with the state having full control of regulating electricity generation, transmission and distribution within its domain, more private investors are trooping to the State to invest in the power sector. No other State has made as much progress in liberalizing its power sector like Edo State has done under Governor Obaseki. If Akpata and Ise-Idehen were not killjoys, they would have acknowledged the impact of these reforms.”

Commenting on the rise in Internally Generated Revenue, Osagie said: “It is also curious that Ise-Idehen failed to admit that Obaseki’s expert handling of Edo affairs resulted in the rise of revenues. The State today boasts of a monthly revenue profile of N16bn, with Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) contributing a significant sum. Growing from N1.6bn monthly in 2015 to around N6bn today, the State’s IGR can effectively settle the Edo’s public wage bill without recourse to FAAC allocations.

“It is this healthy revenue position that has attracted the likes of Akpata into the political arena. Before now, his likes didn’t consider it worth their while to venture into politics or public service because the State was previously considered a ‘civil service’ State until Obaseki wielded the magic wand and took the Edo economy to the greatest heights yet.”

Commenting on the new museum and Radisson hotel projects in Edo State, Osagie states: “As someone who has travelled widely, one fails to understand why Akpata would seek to lampoon the museum project, which is a major milestone in boosting tourist receipts in Edo State. Same as the Radisson Hotel project. Perhaps, the Museum of West African Art, (MOWAA), would rank as the first genuine effort to establish a world-class centre that would harness the economic, social and cultural value of our State’s rich heritage.

“Akpata’s attack against these worthwhile projects smirks of dishonesty and vacuous reasoning in the light of his supposed exposure and pedigree. Akpata lodges in five-star hotels whenever he travels across the globe, but he and his lackey are shamelessly criticizing the governor’s move to bring a five-star hotel to his home State.

“The Radisson Hotel and MOWAA projects are expected to transform the State into a tourist destination in Nigeria. Tourism is the next gold, especially for a State like Edo with a rich heritage to showcase to the world. As a tourist, Akpata pays top dollar to visit modern cities with state-of-the-art touristic experiences. Yet, he is against efforts to replicate these in Edo with its attendant knock-on effects on tourism and the hospitality sector.”

On the statistics on foreign investment in the State, he said: “While the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) might hold data on economic activities across the State, we are convinced that whatever parameters used in measuring Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflow into Edo State is flawed. If the NBS says there has not been investment flowing into the State, they are invited to confirm the over $2bn worth of investment that the Obaseki-led administration has attracted into the State.

“These include investment by Fayus Inc., which is building a food processing plant in Edo State, with particular interest in cassava production; Dufil Foods, which has completed a plantation and cassava flour production facility; SINOPEC and AIPCC, which have constructed the 6600 barrels per day (bpd) modular refinery in Ologbo, Ikpoba Okha LGA; CCETC Clean Energy, which partnered on the delivery of the Ossiomo Power Project, and Uranium One, which is investing in lithium production. The rise in the State’s IGR of which Akpata has been very outspoken about is also enough evidence to show that a lot of new capital now sits in Edo State.”

Speaking on the zoning to Edo Central Senatorial District, he said: “Ise-Idehen attempted to be smart by half when he tried to shift goal posts regarding the State’s zoning arrangement. If his intentions were noble and in good faith, Akpata, his principal, would certainly not be in this race, but rather concede his interest to the people of Edo Central Senatorial District.

“It stands against reason that he would state that he prefers a zoning system that is based on a consensus when, in fact, he is the only candidate that has flouted the unscripted but much-acknowledged consensus among Edo people for fairness and justice. This would mean ensuring that a governor of Esan extraction occupies the stool at Dennis Osadebey Avenue after Edo South and Edo North have successively taken their turns.

On the propaganda around polls ahead of the election, he said: “It is interesting that Akpata and Ise-Idehen would now claim that the victory they got from polls organised on BeeTV and Edo Pride are merely ‘illustrative.’ Guess where else they have won the forthcoming elections? On Tunde Ednut’s and Instablog’s Instagram pages. Pathetic. Akpata has been the butt of jokes in the last few days because of his straight-faced reference to these social media polls as proof that he is popular among the electorate. But he disparages other polls from far more authoritative sources such as Africa Polling Institute (API) Polls, which has put the candidate of the PDP, Asue Ighodalo, ahead of other candidates by miles.

“Akpata’s arrogance, ego and dishonesty cannot be hidden and is now even more apparent as the polls draw close. But Edo people will not be deceived by his faux patriotism and pretense to speak or stand with them when, as we can all see, he is unprepared for governance. He will receive a comprehensive lecture in politics when the results of September 21 election are released and Edo people would have made a decision on continuity rather than cast their vote for a candidate that is on the ballot simply for the need to massage his bloated ego.”

Edo 2024: PDP campaign train berths in Uhunmwonde, Orhionmwon, receives over 2,000 decampees

… Ighodalo will sustain reforms in security, education, infrastructure devt, others, says Obaseki

…we’ll tackle hunger, poverty, drive prosperity, growth in Edo, Ighodalo pledges

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Monday, led the campaign train of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Uhunmwonde and Orhionmwon Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State, where they were warmly received by a jubilant crowd of supporters and party members who trooped out in their numbers, rolling out the red carpet to receive the team.

Presenting the party’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and his deputy, Osarodion Ogie Esq. to voters at Old Council Hall Ehor in Uhunmwonde LGA, Obaseki urged the people to come out enmasse on September 21 to vote for the PDP to ensure the sustainability of the noble initiatives by his government to better the lives of the people and ensure economic prosperity for the State.

Others on the campaign train include the Edo State Deputy Governor, Marvellous Godwins Omobayo, and Edo PDP Chairman, Anthony Aziegbemi, among others.

The governor noted that before the coming of his administration, Uhunmwonde was a hotspot for kidnapping but his government restored the peace, security, and safety in the area, noting that Ighodalo is the most credible and experienced candidate in the election and will improve and sustain the government’s successes and drive growth in the State.

Obaseki said, “Many years ago, kidnapping was rampant in Uhunmwonde as the safety of life and properties is the role of government, and my administration took it upon itself to ensure that the people of the State are safe.

“Since the PDP government took over, we have ensured safety, peace and security in the State. The situation was so bad that kidnapping occurred about two to three times in Uhunmwode but we brought an Army base to check the criminal acts.

“We have worked and done our best in the last eight years as we developed and grown the economy of Edo State. We used our resources to develop education, security, health, agriculture and other sectors.”

The governor added: “Our government can’t finish everything within eight years and to make sustained progress, progressive minds must take over the leadership of the State, and Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie have the capacity to move the State forward.”

On his part, Ighodalo pledged to, if voted into office, tackle poverty and hunger and drive economic growth and prosperity in the State.

He noted that rather than focus on issues and letting the people know what they intend to do when in government, the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) has resorted to gutter politics, campaigns of calumny, and mudslinging.

He said, “If we are voted into power, we promise to turn Edo into a world-class State where poverty, hunger, and suffering will be a thing of the past.

“Edo is a land of prosperity as Obaseki has developed education, agriculture, sports, technology, and health. Obaseki has done the most difficult job and ours is to continue building where he stopped.”

In Orhionmwon LGA, Obaseki received over 2000 decampees from the APC into the PDP, commending them for joining the winning party.

Speaking at Esigie Primary School, in Abudu, Orhionmwon LGA, the governor said: “In the last 8 years, my administration has shown that Orhionmwon is the State's food basket and gas hub. I started developing Orhionmwon as investors of oil palm are already contributing to the economic growth of the area.

“We are bringing in more investors, including those who plan to bring about five megawatts of power to the council area and Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie will continue from where we will stop.

“This ground where we are holding our campaign is where we will build the hostel for Edo State College of Education, Abudu. Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie are the people that can continue in developing the State.”

Urging the people to reject APC and its candidate, Obaseki said, “APC says they plan to use federal might in this election but we have God's might and when God supports us victory is sure.”

Also, Ighodalo said the PDP is the party for development and growth, while the APC is synonymous with hardship, suffering, and poverty.

“APC that can't upload party’s agents’ names on INEC portal can't rule a digital State like Edo State. They have no plans for the State as they have strategies on how to loot the treasury of the State but we would not allow them to do that. We would create prosperity in the State and support local government areas to thrive.”

On his part, Orhionmwon LGA Chairman, Newman Ugiagbe thanked the governor for his developmental strides in the LGA, adding, “In 3 to 4 years, the council area will become Malaysia following the oil palm investment in the area. We will thank you with our votes on the 21st of September 2024 as we will vote massively for PDP.

“Oshiomhole is an enemy of Orhionmwon people as he never brought development to our people in this locality. We thank the governor for his work in the State and the opportunities given to Orhionmwon people in his government.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

*DSC_01*

L-R: Edo State PDP Governorship Candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and Deputy Governorship Candidate of the PDP, Osarodion Ogie Esq., during the Edo State PDP Governorship Campaign rally in Ehor, Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State, on Monday, September 2, 2024.

*DSC_02*

L-R: Edo South Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senatorial Leader, Pa Dickson Imasogie; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and Edo State PDP Governorship Candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, during the Edo State PDP Governorship Campaign rally in Ehor, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State, on Monday, September 2, 2024.

EDSG to Akpata: Peddling falsehood can’t get you to Govt House

_*… ‘Akpata not ready for governance, leadership’*_

Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Project, Crusoe Osagie, has lambasted the Labour Party candidate in the September 21 Edo State governorship election, Olumide Akpata for peddling falsehood on national television, noting that such inglorious acts won’t get the candidate to Government House.

Osagie said Akpata, who participated in a show on a national television station on Thursday evening, was unable to answer questions on key areas of development, notably on electricity and agriculture.

According to him, “We watched the disgraceful outing of the Labour Party candidate in the September 21 Edo State governorship election, Olumide Akpata, where he fumbled with basic data on the developmental trends in Edo State, showcasing his unpreparedness for governance and leadership.

“Akpata, who participated in a show on a national television station on Thursday evening, was unable to answer questions on key areas of development, notably on electricity and agriculture.

“What stood out glaringly from his conversation was the fact that he maintained that he was ‘still working on the numbers’ and ‘still crunching the numbers’ when he was asked to provide data on how he intends to handle the development of the electricity and agriculture sectors of the State.

“Even when he went specific, he provided specious explanations on how he intends to fix electricity in the State. When compared against reality, it became obvious that Akpata is either not prepared for leadership or he is out to take the people of Edo State for a ride.

“His attempts to sound coherent were betrayed by the fact that his projects were far below the current level of development of the State’s electricity market. For instance, the State currently generates over 145MW of power through private power generating companies used in powering industries in the State. Some of the companies actively generating power include Ossiomo Power Company, Duport Energy Park and Dangote Cement. Aside from these, Azura generates over 500MW which is sent to the National Grid.”

He further stated, “The State Government has also introduced the Renewable Power Initiative in collaboration with private players, which is powering communities with mini-power grids. A number of communities have started enjoying the scheme and a state-wide roll-out is underway.

“Throughout the 30-minute showtime, Akpata was more fixated on an alleged N16bn Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds due to the State monthly, highlighting an increase in revenue. Pray tell, how can the State’s revenue with commensurate increase in economic and productive activity. It is clear that Akpata does not have the faintest idea of what it takes to run a government. A serious candidate should rather be focused on how to diversify the government's earnings so as to boost the government’s capacity to deliver good governance to the people. It also unfortunately shows the lack of creativity in thinking.

“It is also laughable that Akpata would bandy the false narrative that Edo State has not attracted any foreign investment in the last eight years. This is a blatant lie. Edo has attracted investments in manufacturing and agriculture from foreign companies in the last eight years under Governor Godwin Obaseki. This includes the 6600 barrels per day (bpd) modular refinery developed in partnership with China’s State oil corporation, SINOPEC and a $250m oil palm project being developed by Fayus Corp, a Sacramento-based company, in the United States. Ossiomo Power Company was also executed in partnership with CCETC Clean Energy Company, a Chinese-based gas power generation company.

“Akpata shamelessly flaunts polls conducted by hungry social media bloggers, as sure path to winning the elections in the State. Laughable!!! If he was a serious candidate, he would know better than to rubbish his candidature with such unserious and dishonourable materials.”

Osagie said, “It is also insensitive for Akpata to dismiss the agitation by Esan people of Edo Central Senatorial District over the clamour for power shift to the senatorial district for equity and fairness. His argument that zoning should be a party affair is disingenuous and callous.

“Akpata should rather work to fix the numerous crisis in the Labour Party in the State so that they can properly function as a serious opposition party instead of this unfortunate show of shame.”

He added, “Edo people are wise and conscientious and will come out on September 21 to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to continue on the path of prosperity and progress of the State.”



EDSG to Akpata: Peddling falsehood can’t get you to Govt House

… ‘Akpata not ready for governance, leadership’

We watched the disgraceful outing of the Labour Party candidate in the September 21 Edo State governorship election, Olumide Akpata, where he fumbled with basic data on the developmental trends in Edo State, showcasing his unpreparedness for governance and leadership.

Akpata, who participated in a show on a national television station on Thursday evening, was unable to answer questions on key areas of development, notably on electricity and agriculture.

What stood out glaringly from his conversation was the fact that he maintained that he was ‘still working on the numbers’ and ‘still crunching the numbers’ when he was asked to provide data on how he intends to handle the development of the electricity and agriculture sectors of the State.

Even when he went specific, he provided specious explanations on how he intends to fix electricity in the State. When compared against reality, it became obvious that Akpata is either not prepared for leadership or he is out to take the people of Edo State for a ride.

His attempts to sound coherent was betrayed by the fact that his projects were far below the current level of development of the State’s electricity market. For instance, the State currently generates over 145MW of power through private power generating companies used in powering industries in the State. Some of the companies actively generating power include Ossiomo Power Company, Duport Energy Park and Dangote Cement. Aside these, Azura generates over 500MW which is sent to the National Grid.

The State Government has also introduced the Renewable Power Initiative in collaboration with private players, which is powering communities with mini-power grids. A number of communities have started enjoying the scheme and a state-wide roll-out is underway.

Throughout the 30-minute showtime, Akpata was more fixated on an alleged N16bn Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds due to the State monthly, highlighting an increase in revenue. Pray tell, how can the State’s revenue with commensurate increase in economic and productive activity. It is clear that Akpata does not have the faintest idea of what it takes to run government. A serious candidate should rather be focused on how to diversify the government's earnings so as to boost the government’s capacity to deliver good governance to the people. It also unfortunately shows the lack of creativity in thinking.

It is also laughable that Akpata would bandy the false narrative that Edo State has not attracted any foreign investment in the last eight years. This is a blatant lie. Edo has attracted investments in manufacturing and agriculture from foreign companies in the last eight years under Governor Godwin Obaseki. This includes the 6600 barrels per day (bpd) modular refinery developed in partnership with China’s State oil corporation, SINOPEC and a $250m oil palm project being developed by Fayus Corp, a Sacramento-based company, in the United States. Ossiomo Power Company was also executed in partnership with CCETC Clean Energy Company, a Chinese-based gas power generation company.

Akpata shamelessly flaunts polls conducted by hungry social media bloggers, as sure path to winning the elections in the State. Laughable!!! If he was a serious candidate, he would know better than to rubbish his candidature with such unserious and dishonourable materials.

It is also insensitive for Akpata to dismiss the agitation by Esan people of Edo Central Senatorial District over the clamour for power shift to the senatorial district for equity and fairness. His argument that zoning should be a party affair is disingenuous and callous.

Akpata should rather work to fix the numerous crisis in the Labour Party in the State so that they can properly function as a serious opposition party instead of this unfortunate show of shame.

Edo people are wise and conscientious and will come out on September 21 to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to continue on the path of prosperity and progress of the State.


*Crusoe Osagie*

_Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Project_

August 30, 2024

Obaseki hails Chief Igbinedion, hails contributions to devt, unity of Nigeria

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has described the Esama of Benin, Sir Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, as an icon and statesman who has contributed immensely to the peace, unity, and development of the State and nation.

The governor spoke while addressing journalists at the maiden edition of the Esama of Benin Veterans Cup, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, as part of activities to mark the 90th birthday celebration of the Esama of Benin.

The final match of the competition which was kicked off by the governor was won by Crescent Sports Club after defeating Uwa Football Club on penalties, after a goalless draw on full time.

Other guests at the event include the Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor, Osaigbovo Iyoha; former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, and Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Duoye Diri, represented by his Political Adviser, Collins Concordia, among others.

Obaseki who congratulated the team for their victory, pledged to help sustain the tournament in honour of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.

The governor said, “This football competition is all about celebrating an icon. Chief Igbinedion represents so much in our society. He has been there for over six decades, supporting social causes and communities he has lived in. He has done a lot to touch lives.

“He is acting like a glue in our society as he has continued to bring people together, promoting harmony. He is somebody that strives to bring people together as it is more fulfilling to celebrate with him and appreciate him for what he has done for the society.

“This tournament is a maiden one that is why I am here to honour daddy and my brother, Lucky as we would continue to set aside a day in September to keep this competition alive. You know him, he will set up a trust and we would support him to encourage veterans in sports, particularly football.”

He reassured, “It’s a glorious idea. We would allocate some land not too far away and put together a bigger arena to host this sort of event on an annual basis, going into the future.”

Explaining the reason for the tournament, the son of the celebrant and former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion said, “This competition is to honour our father, Chief Lucky Igbinedion and kick start the birthday celebration. I thank the governor for coming to grace the final of the maiden edition of the Esama of Benin Veterans Football competition.

“Football brings peace, unity and happiness. I thank all the participants.”

An award was also presented to the governor alongside the celebrant for promoting sports development in the State.

Other award recipients include Chief Lucky Igbinedion and Baldwin Bazuaye who represented Nigeria at the FIFA Under-16 World Championship, senior national team and later coached Bendel Insurance FC, among others.

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; the Esama of Benin, Sir Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, with other guests, at the maiden edition of the Esama of Benin Veterans Cup, in Benin City, on Friday, August 30, 2024.

Obaseki: Rema was a backstage artiste at my inauguration, performing days to end of my govt as a global superstar

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said afrobeat sensation, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, was one of the backstage artists at his inauguration in 2016, expressing delight that the Edo-born music icon will be performing in the State barely two months to the end of his administration as a global superstar.

Rema had arrived in his hometown of Benin, Edo State, on Tuesday, ahead of his highly anticipated homecoming concert scheduled for today, Friday, August 30, 2024.

Addressing journalists, during a banquet to celebrate the State’s 33-year anniversary and the milestones recorded by his administration in the last eight years, Obaseki noted that there is greatness in every Edo man and woman as they have the ability to conquer the world.

According to him, “I am standing here this evening very glad and to express my gratitude to all our guests and citizens of the State for finding time out to join us to celebrate the 33rd year anniversary of the creation of Edo State.

“This celebration is important to us because after 8 years of being governor, we are taking stock as we wind down this administration. Looking forward to what we are going to leave behind and how to sustain what we have achieved these last 8 years, we have every reason to thank God for the successes we have achieved so far.”

He continued: “Rema told me that at my inauguration in 2016, he was one of the backstage artistes at that event and 8 years after, he is now a global superstar.

“When I became governor in 2016, the image of the Edo girl and woman was at its lowest but today as I leave office, the Edo women are the West Africa champions and before I leave will become African champions.

“Nothing can stop us from celebrating our successes. It tells us that there is greatness in us, greatness in Edo. In the last 8 years, what we have tried to do is to nurture and bring out that greatness in Edo. As we leave, we want to tell you that that greatness should not be diminished.

“To celebrate our greatness and 33 years birthday, we launched the Benin City and Edo Regional Development Master Plan that will see us evolve over the next 30 years. If you look back in the last 33 years, you will also want to look forward to the next 30 years; looking back one generation and forward another generation.

“We have done it before in history. We have built systems, built an empire, and civilizations throughout our history. It is the same people that did those great things centuries ago that still exist in the land.”

Obaseki said, “We are now beginning to see the resurgence of that greatness in the new generation. You have seen it in Rema, Edo Queens, in the children that we have been training in our EdoBEST programme. The future and the next 30 years will be amazing for Edo State. They are bound to be great years because that process has begun.

“I will not be here next year to celebrate with you as governor, but by the grace of God, we would have in office somebody who I know has a lot more capacity and energy than I do. We are going to handover the baton of this administration to a team player so he can continue with the race of governance and by the grace of God make Edo great again.

He added, “I want to thank our global icon, a young Edo man we are so proud of, who has made such a difference in the world of music. We are looking forward to your first home performance on Friday.

“I want to acknowledge our very special guests on this occasion, Rema and Edo Queens Football Club who are currently West Africa champions.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

*IMG_01*

L-R: Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Asue Ighodalo; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his wife, Betsy, and Afrobeats sensation, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, during a banquet to celebrate Edo State 33rd anniversary, in Benin City.

*IMG_02*

L-R: Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo; Edo PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his wife, Betsy; Rema's mother, Mrs. Ikubor; Afrobeats sensation, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema; Edo State Deputy Governor, Engr. Omobayo Marvellous Godwins, and his wife, Sandra, during a banquet to celebrate Edo State 33rd anniversary, in Benin City.

Edo 2024: PDP flags off campaign, as Obaseki, chieftains canvass support for Ighodalo

... say Edo needs to ensure continuity

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has flagged off its campaign for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State with the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and other party faithful calling on Edo people to vote for the party’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo to sustain reforms implemented in the last eight years.

The governor was joined by his wife, Mrs. Betsy; former Edo State Deputy Governor, Chief Mike Ogiadome; PDP chieftain, Chief Tom Ikimi, and other party leaders, who converged on Ubiaja Township Stadium, Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area for the official flag-off of the 2024 PDP Governorship campaign in State.

They insisted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is never an option as the party has caused Nigerians hardship and suffering.

Obaseki said, “Asue Ighodalo is a man that knows what to do. The people need a credible candidate like him. We will be handing over to a winning team. Asue Ighodalo is coming to serve the people of Edo State. He is not looking for money, fame or fortune but to serve because of the love he has for Edo people. Ogie, his deputy, is a trustworthy person and together they will move the State forward.

“They will continue everything we have started. Asue Ighodalo will increase the budget to deliver more development for Edo people. I have never lost an election and this will never be different.”

The PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo called on Edo people to vote massively for him to continue with the developmental strides of the Obaseki-led administration.

“It is time to continue the good works of Obaseki in the last 8 years. There is suffering, hardship, and poverty in the land and Obaseki has worked tirelessly to protect Edo people. We would work to reduce the hardship of our people. We will improve on the security enjoyed in the State, create employment opportunities, and reduce criminal activities in the State. Edo has moved forward and doesn't need those that will move the State backwards.”

Ighodalo assured, “I will boost agriculture, improve EdoBEST and build industries, among others to enhance the livelihoods of our people and ensure a prosperous, progressive State. I promise Edo people good governance.”

The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, urged voters in the State to go out to mobilize massively for the PDP and its candidate to ensure victory in the September 21, 2024 governorship election, adding, “Our candidate is the most brilliant of them all and he is the one that will make Edo great.”

Former Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Francis Inegbeneki said he left the APC because Monday Okpebholo the candidate was lacked the credibility and competence, noting, “After waiting for 24 years for the turn of Esan people, the people can’t vote Okpebholo because he can’t rule Edo State. He does not have the capacity to do so.”

On her part, the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki said the Obaseki-led administration has done well for Edo people, noting “This governor respects law and order, fears God and loves the people. That is why an Esan man has been picked to govern the State and continue where the incumbent stops. That Esan man is Asue Ighodalo, not the other one who can't speak English.”

Former Edo State Deputy Governor and Chief of Staff to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Chief Mike Ogiadome, said the PDP candidate is the best in the election.