₦airaland Forum

We can’t sacrifice our people’s wellbeing on the altar of politics, says Obaseki

…says it’s people, before politics


..launches Edo Feeding Programme for Muslims

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has pledged to continue to prioritize the needs, interests and aspirations of the majority of Edo people over partisan interests, reassuring that his government will not sacrifice the welfare and wellbeing of the people on the altar of politics.

Obaseki, who noted that politics must always be about serving the people, stated that the welfare and well-being of citizens must never be compromised for political expediency.

Governor Obaseki made the remarks when he visited the Edo State Muslims Pilgrim Welfare Board to bid farewell to intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj and launch of the Edo State Food Feeding Programme for Muslim faithful, at the Muslim Hajj Camp, in Benin City, the Edo State Capital.

Obaseki said, “It’s about the interest of the large majority of our people. Good cannot reconcile with evil, but we will try and continue to convince those people who enjoy seeing our people miserable; who enjoy seeing misery in the land and who want to keep so much to themselves and leave the rest of our people poor and in penury.

“It will be hard to reconcile with those kinds of people but we will continue to pray and as you go, pray that they have a change of mind. We cannot continue to live in a society like this where so many people have nothing and a few have so much and want to continue to have so much more.

“That is why I am here today to also launch the feeding programme for Muslims in Edo State. We have done the same for our Christian faithful.”

He continued: “Fortunately, Islam mandates us to take care of the needy and continue to give arms; it is part of the doctrine. So, what we are doing is nothing new but what is different this time is that this feeding programme is for us to look at those who do not have at all.

“Those that cannot reach the government, they come to the mosque to look for help. There are even some who will not even want to pass through the humiliating experience, they prefer to stay in their houses. It's for us to go and look for those people and give them this so that they can feed because they are not the ones that have created the unfortunate situation that we find ourselves in Nigeria.

“That is why, as a government and as your Governor, I will continue to sacrifice for my people. Let them continue to fight me; let them call me names, I will not give them access to the Edo people’s purse.”

Obaseki added, “That is why I said I will buy food every month, at least for the next three months and look for those that cannot eat in Edo State to support them. We have decided to give these foods to our religious leaders, our Imans and Pastors to go and look for those vulnerable people and give them food.”

While bidding farewell to the intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj, the governor commended the Muslim faithful for their continuous support and prayers, leading to the successes recorded by his administration across the various sectors of the State’s economy over the past seven and a half years.

“We are here to bid you farewell as you go for this year's Hajj. It also offers me the opportunity to thank you for the support and the prayers that you have always offered me. By the grace of God, this will be my last session with you intending Pilgrims as the Governor of Edo state, but God knows that the person who will replace me will continue in this tradition.

“I will advise that person to continue because the prayers that all of you continue to render especially when you go to the holy land have been largely responsible for seeing me through all the challenges. I will like him to enjoy those prayers from you too. You have helped me greatly to maintain peace and order in Edo State. We know the sort of religious challenges and crises in many States in this country.

“We have had our experiences in Edo but all of you came out to help me maintain peace and order even in spite of aggression against you sometimes. I cannot thank you enough. As I leave you as Governor, I want to let you know that I will always be with you.”

Reeling some gains of his administration's reforms across various sectors of the State, Obaseki further stated, “What we have done here in the last seven years is because we believe that Edo is one. Whether you are a Muslim or non-Muslim, it does not matter, and as your Governor, I have the responsibility for you and that is what we have tried to demonstrate that as long as you are an Edo man or woman, it doesn't matter the religion you practice.”

While urging them to come out en masse to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo in the forthcoming gubernatorial election to sustain the success so far recorded in the State by his administration, Governor Obaseki said, “I want to also point out, yes, we cannot all be apolitical. We must know that this is a democracy and what is important is you are going to sell your idea, convincing the electorate to see why your own idea is superior.

“What we have done in the last seven years is to show that our ideas are superior in the ways we have organized Edo from where we met it. The question is, have we done better than what we met? If we have done better, do you want it to continue? If you want it to continue, then you know what to do at the end of the day.”

Earlier in his remarks, Edo State Chairman of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Sheikh Ibrahim Oyarekua, applauded the governor for the continuous support to the Muslim faithful in the State in the last seven and a half years.


https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/we-cant-sacrifice-our-peoples-wellbeing-on-the-altar-of-politics-says

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Edo PUWOV begins physical verification, reassessment of personnel

The Edo State Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV) has commenced physical verification and reassessment of personnel across the State.

In a statement, the Edo State Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV) Coordinator, Mukhtar Yusuf-Osagie, said the headcount is aimed at revalidating the identity of officials of the scheme and enhancing efficiency.

According to him, the exercise which commenced on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Edo North Senatorial District of the State, will end on Monday, May 27, 2024.

He said, “The Edo State Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV) has commenced physical verification and reassessment of its personnel across the State.

“The exercise kicked off today, Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in three local government councils in Edo North Senatorial District, including Etsako East, Etsako West and Etsako Central.

“Tomorrow, Thursday, May 23, 2024, the physical verification and reassessment of PUWOV personnel will take place in Owan West, Owan East and Akoko Edo Local Government Areas.”

Yusuf-Osagie further noted, “This will be followed by the verification of PUWOV officials in the five local government councils that make up Edo Central Senatorial District, including Esan South-East, Igueben, Esan North East, Esan West and Esan Central, on Friday, May 24, 2024.

“The exercise will come to a close on Monday, May 27, 2024, with the verification and reassessment of personnel in the seven local governments of Edo South Senatorial District, including Oredo, Ovia South West, Egor, Ovia North East, Orhionmwon, Ikpoba Okha and Uhunmwode.”

The PUWOV Coordinator however noted that the physical verification and reassessment exercise was compulsory for all personnel of the scheme in the State.

https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/edo-puwov-begins-physical-verification-reassessment-of-personnel

Obaseki signs N404bn revised 2024 budget into law

… ‘Inflationary trend, new N70,000 minimum wage influenced increase’

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has signed into law the 2024 revised supplementary budget of N404bn with an increase of 22 percent.

Speaking during the signing of the budget at the Government House, Benin City, Obaseki said the revised budget has become necessary following the inflationary trend in the economy as the adjustments have to reflect new realities.

According to him, “I have signed into law the revised supplementary budget for Edo State. We have to amend the 2024 Appropriation Act which was passed late last year because of developments that have occurred in the economy in the first five months of the year.

“We have to increase our budget by about 22 percent, to about N404 billion from the earlier projected figures. The reason we had to do this is because from the first quarter of this year, we saw a 100 percent budget performance for that period.

“Also, because of the inflationary trend in the economy, we have had to adjust our capital budget to reflect the new trend we are seeing. We also had to make a decision on the minimum wage which has financial implications. We didn't anticipate that in the earlier appropriation law which we have had to amend.”

He added, “We expect that even with the revised and supplementary appropriation bill, we will meet the target which is N404 billion, which is now the proposed budget for the year. What is important to note is that we are still spending more on capital than recurrent expenditure.”

PHOTO CAPTION
DSC_01

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku (middle), and Edo State Deputy Governor, Omobayo Marvelous Godwins, during the signing of the budget at the Government House, Benin City, Wednesday, May 22, 2024.

https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/obaseki-signs-n404bn-revised-2024-budget-into-law

Edo govt presents confirmation letters to 200 Education Managers

The Edo State Government has confirmed the appointment of 200 Education Managers into the State Civil and Public Service to strengthen its workforce and ensure effective service delivery.

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Universal Education Board (SUBEB), Ozavize Salami, said this during a one-day engagement with over 400 education managers including education Secretaries and other basic education sector managers drawn from the 18 local government areas in the State, at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City.

She noted that over the last quarter, SUBEB had an increase in students’ enrolment following engagement with different stakeholders in various communities, which led to an addition of 50,000 pupils in just over a term.

While presenting some of the confirmation letters to the beneficiaries, she said the State values performance and would continue to reward those who work hard.

The SUBEB Executive Chairman commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for his unwavering support for Edo SUBEB to undertake deep-rooted reform of the basic education sector.

Salami said the government has over the years, worked on ensuring the sustainability of the reforms of the basic education sector, noting: “As part of that sustainability plan, we employed and brought into the Edo State Civil Service Education Managers in the first phase of the EdoBEST programme, which kicked-off in 2018.

“In 2020, 200 staff were employed to strengthen that function. Two years later, many of them have completed their probation period as required by the Civil Service and today, we have given them their confirmation letters.”

Salami commended the education managers across the 18 local government areas of the State for the successes recorded in the enrolment of students in EdoBEST programme.

She noted: “Our success today has been made possible because we have the political will and backing of Governor Godwin Obaseki. EdoBEST has been stabilized over the years and the programme is working in Edo State.”

PHOTO CAPTION

L-R: Board Secretary, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Tinya Akin – Omoyajowo; Executive Chairman of Edo SUBEB, Ozavize Salami, and one of the Education Manager, during presentation to newly appointed education manager, at the Government House in Benin City, recently.

https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/edo-govt-presents-confirmation-letters-to-200-education-managers

Edo 2024: Obaseki inaugurates PDP Governorship Campaign C’ttee for Oredo, targets 40,000 new votes

…says administration’s performance ‘ll guarantee victory on September 21

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Monday, inaugurated over 200 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Committee for Oredo Local Government Area (LGA) for the September 21 2024 Governorship Election in the State.

The governor, while inaugurating the Campaign Committee at the Party’s Secretariat along Airport Road in Benin City, said his government plays politics of evidence and achievement, not lies or propaganda, noting that his administration’s performance over the last seven and a half years will guarantee the party’s victory in the forthcoming guber poll.

He described Oredo as the barometer of politics in the State, noting that the party was presenting the best and most qualified candidate with the know-how to sustain the State’s growth trajectory.

He said, “We are changing the politics in Oredo to ensure the voters’ turnout is high as against the low turnout recorded before. Our pensioners will not vote for people that will eat their money.

“Our campaign is based on what we have done and achieved in the last seven and half years. We have done well in terms of infrastructure, schools, health, sports, and other areas.

“We have the best candidate in this election and will support him as he is not new. He knows what to do to continue from where we will stop. We all must participate in this election as it's for the future of our youths.”

Obaseki continued: “The Committee that we are inaugurating today is to manage the election, and we must focus on the units. In the last election, INEC created new units and people can't find their new units. We should help people find their new units.

“Help and make sure all those young people that don’t have PVCs register and get their own. This election is for the youth and our future. It’s to show the young people and assure them that hope is not lost as we have brought the right candidates in this election to support what we have done and to ensure it continues.

“We have a 30-year development plan that will guide Edo State and Asue Ighodalo knows what to do. He is an experienced manager of men and materials. He will not go through what I went through.”

The governor added, “I have laid the foundation and he will build on it. I worked to build the foundation and system and we have achieved that today. I will not leave you but will give you all the support you need to succeed in your assignment.

“I am here to launch the campaign team and support you. We will give you all the list of roads we have done and our achievements. We know we will win but are concerned about the landslide victory in this election. I formally inaugurate the Oredo Campaign Committee for the forthcoming governorship election scheduled for the 21st of September, 2024.”

The Director General (DG) of Oredo Federal Constituency, Raymond Enogieru said politics is all about results, noting that “this is not a time to experiment.”

A party leader in the Council area, Edose Ebonwonyi said Oredo is special in the political landscape of the State, adding, “We will not make excuses but deliver our candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo in the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State.”


PHOTO CAPTION

L-R: Executive Chairman, Oredo Local Government Area, Dr. Tom Obaseki; PDP Chairman in Oredo LGA, Hon Henschel Usiobaifo; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his Chief of Staff, Dr. Osaigbovo Iyoha, and Edo State House of Assembly member representing Oredo East Constituency, Hon. Uyi Frank Omosigho, during inauguration of over 200 members of the PDP Campaign Committee for Oredo Local Government Area for the September 21 2024 Governorship Election in the State, in Benin City, Monday, May 20, 2024.

https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/edo-2024-obaseki-inaugurates-pdp-governorship-campaign-cttee-for-oredo

Obaseki mourns passing of former Edo health commissioner, Prof. Mrs. Eregie

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has mourned the passing of a former Edo State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Mrs. Aihanuwa Eregie.

Late Prof. Mrs. Eregie served as Commissioner under the administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

In a condolence letter, Governor Obaseki expressed shock at the news of her death, noting, “It is with shock and sadness that I received the news of the passing of former Edo State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Mrs. Aihanuwa Eregie.

“She was an emblem of excellence, committing herself to her family and the overall development of society.”

Obaseki noted, “Virtuous and god-fearing, she was a stickler for hard work and imparted the values of discipline and integrity to all who were fortunate to benefit from her wealth of experience and knowledge.

“As a Professor at the prestigious University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), she contributed exceptionally to grooming and mentoring a generation of medical professionals who have continued to strengthen the healthcare sector both in our dear State and the nation."

Obaseki added, “Serving the State with unparalleled dedication and passion between 2013 and 2016, late Prof. Mrs. Eregie graced her role as Commissioner for Health with the same fervour and commitment that defined her illustrious career. Affable but with a strong personality, she shone in a million ways. Her candour and charisma endeared her to many. Indeed, the State has lost a gem.”

The governor condoled with her family members, adding: “On behalf of the Government and people of Edo State, I extend heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Mrs. Eregie, the UBTH community, as well as friends and well-wishers. May God grant all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/obaseki-mourns-passing-of-former-edo-health-commissioner-prof-mrs-eregie

Edo moves to avert disaster along Ugbor power line, issues notices to illegal occupants

The Edo State Government has issued a disaster aversion/eviction notice to illegal occupants of High Voltage power line along Ugbor area of Benin City so as to avert disasters from illegal occupation and trading under the right of way of the powerline.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development, Isoken Omo, who disclosed this during a press briefing, said the State Government received a letter from Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) about two weeks ago requesting that illegal occupants under the power line should be evacuated because of the dangers

She said staff of the Ministry and the BEDC served the occupants notice to relocate from the area within seven days after which they will be evicted and restricted from returning to the site.

“We went to the power line at Abuja Quarters between 1st and 2nd Ugbor to serve the notice to people doing business under the power line.

“Two weeks ago, we received a letter from BEDC requesting that to avert disaster in the Ugbor area, it has become expedient for people occupying or doing business under power lines to vacate the site because it is dangerous.”

Omo noted that the area was evacuated twice in the past but the illegal occupants kept coming back, adding that the government has devised strategies to keep the people away from the area.

Displaying the notice, she said it alerted the occupants on the dangers it posed to them and others.

Head, Health Safety and Environment of BEDC, Mr. Gilbert Nweke said the company is concerned about the decision to ignore the health and safety issues raised, noting that the level of impunity by the occupants was worrisome.

“If the conductor snaps, all those under the line will not be spared. Ignorance and impunity make people violate the right of way of power lines forgetting the implications and danger involved,” he noted.

The notice reads, "Notice is hereby given to vacate the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC)/TCN High Voltage power line (330/132/33KV) right-of-way (RoW) facilities. Please be aware that your presence under these high-tension facilities constitutes a highly unsafe condition to your property, customers, passersby and yourself.

“This action is a very serious contravention and a breach of section C, subsection 29 (1-6) of the Edo State Development and Building Control Laws, 2022 and other Extant laws that govern the management of such facilities.

“You are by this notice in your own interest and the safety of others, advised to demolish and remove your illegal development under reference and reinstate the land to its original status prior to your illegal occupation within seven (7) days from the date on this notice.

“Take note should you delay or fail to comply with the terms of this notice, the Ministry shall proceed to enforce the provisions of the relevant sections of the laws against you. These sanctions may include demolition of your illegal structure (at your cost) and or including prosecution in a Court of competent jurisdiction.

“Recollect that we had earlier removed all these illegal structures in the recent past and no further notice shall be given before enforcement will be conducted.”

The Primacy of Truth (Part 9)

By Crusoe Osagie

In my line of work, the implement I find most useful and disturbing, in equal proportion, is my mobile phone.

It is the most important tool for my work being a very portable communication device, yet the most hazardous to my health because calls and messages come in nonstop, subjecting me to enormous amounts of pressure for almost 24 hours every day.

One fateful day, this important device I hate to love was blaring ceaselessly with a call from a strange telephone number, and like the judge in the parable of the persistent widow in Luke Chapter 18, I grudgingly took the call, essentially because the phone was driving me crazy.

“Hello,” I said. “Crusoooe,” I heard on the other side of the phone, in a most informal, but familiar tone.

I wrestled with my mind trying to recall who the strange caller with the familiar voice was.

“Is this Don?” I asked. “Yes, na me, Donald,” he responded.

Donald was my schoolmate at the university. He was in the Faculty of Engineering.

Try to picture those extremely funny and playful students in the hostel who still manage to be among the best in class. That was Donald exactly. His classmates in engineering did not like to play with him because you only do so at your own peril. He managed to keep his grades very high no matter how hard he played.

The last time I saw Donald was at the Apapa Ports in Lagos. I was on my way to Creek Road where my office was when I ran into him. He was a senior engineer at the Dangote Sugar Refinery.

Back to our telephone conversation: “What’s up, Don?” I queried.

“I just wanted to tell you I am now in Benin City,” he responded.

“Really, you’re no longer with Dangote Sugar Refinery?” I probed.

“No, I have been hired by a company in Edo State, one of the food-grade ethanol processing companies,” he enthused.

After our conversation ended, it was Governor Godwin Obaseki’s effort to industrialize Edo State that came to mind. For decades, the employment-related migration was always mainly from Edo State to Lagos.

In the last few years, however with Governor Obaseki at the helm, the migratory trend seems to be reversing. Skilled manpower is now moving from Lagos and other industrialized States back to Edo.

Just like Donald, my mother’s youngest son, Francis, who is a Financial Advisor with one of the biggest investment banks in the United States was visiting Benin City last November and so he accompanied me to a business cocktail.

It was on our way home from the cocktail that he told me that one of the executives of a big-ticket investor in Edo State offered him a role in the finance directorate of their business.

Francis told him he would think about it just to blow him off, only to sit side-by-side with the same man on the plane to Lagos as Francis returned to the States. It was an awkward moment for him when the man asked if he had not made up his mind yet.

In the last eight years, the Obaseki-led administration has grown Edo’s economy from about $10bn to over $26bn. These are not just statistical figures.

They are fruits that have sprouted on the back of nuanced reforms and partnerships by the State Government over these past years. These investments include:
• The 6600 barrels per day (bpd) Edo Modular Refinery which was birthed through a partnership with AIPCC Energy
• The Ossiomo Independent Power Project, birthed in partnership with CCETC Power.
• The Duport Refinery, which is operated by Duport Midstream Company Limited, in Egbokor, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the State.
• The Edo State Oil Palm Programme (ESOPP), a $2bn investment outlay attracted to the State for the development of over 70,000 hectares of oil palm plantation. The project has been described as the biggest oil palm development programme on the African continent. Some of the companies investing in the ESOPP programme include Dufil Prima Foods, which has Singaporean-Indonesian origin; Fayus Inc., an America-based company, Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), among others.

• Edo boasts of two ethanol plants, including the Dufil Ethanol Plant in Ovia South West and the Greenhill Ethanol Plant in Ologbo, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of State, which has been projected to meet 5.8 percent of Nigeria’s ethanol needs and rake in about $29 million in revenue yearly at full capacity.

• Another key partner in the State is Mota Engil, a Portuguese international group, which has emerged as the preferred bidder for the Benin River Port Project. The company is set to move to site to commence construction of the 300,000 TEU port project in Benin.

These are a few of the investments that have come into the State on account of Governor Obaseki’s deft capacity to organize the operating environment to attract investments and support business growth. They are an outcome of the ‘many MOUs’ Memoranda of Understanding signed by the State Government in these past eight years.

Will my schoolmate, Donald; his family members, friends, his mother, father, and the likes of him who have benefitted from Edo’s economy roaring back to life sit idly and watch the Lions and Tigers take us back to the days when Edo was just a civil service State?

The jury is out and the battleground is the gubernatorial election on September 21, 2024.

Sadly, not many will read this. Our people are inundated by a deluge of tall tales and they can hardly find space to accommodate the Primacy of Truth.

Watch out for Part 10.

Osagie, a journalist, is the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media Projects

Edo 2024: PDP mobilizes council chairmen, party leaders, others stakeholders on CVR, PVC collection

…takes campaign to Edo Central

The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged members, leaders and other stakeholders across the State to drive massive sensitization on the collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and take advantage of the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) to increase the party’s numerical strength to deliver its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the State.

The Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Dr. Osaigbovo Iyoha made the appeal during a sensitization exercise alongside other leaders of the PDP in Uromi, Esan North East; Ubiaja in Esan South East; Irrua in Esan Central, and Ekpoma in Esan West Local Government Areas of the State.

Iyoha urged members of the PDP in Edo Central Senatorial District to take advantage of the Continuous Voters Registration Exercise announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and scheduled to kick off on 28th May 2024 to commence work in earnest to enable the party to register new members to increase their numerical strength to ensure the party’s victory.

He noted, “People turn 18 years old every day, change residence, or move from State to State as they are the target for the CVR exercise. Those also disenfranchised are also targeted for this exercise.

“We are sensitizing people to always exercise their franchise, come out and vote for the candidates of their choice. The election should be issue-based and we should all go for the best man and the person that can do the job.

“We are out here to let our people know that the election starts from preparations. We have to prepare well and go out there and ensure the best hands and people win as Edo is our common patrimony. We must put the State in the hands of the person that will take it to a higher level than Governor Godwin Obaseki took the State.”

The Special Adviser to the Governor, Edo Central Senatorial District, Dr. Philomena Ihenyen, said: “We thank the governor for keeping to his promise to hand over to an Esan candidate, making a reality the dream of the Esan people for over 12 to 14 years. Obaseki is a blessing to the Esan people. The governor has done well for over these seven and half years. We all need to support Asue Ighodalo to lead Edo State as our Governor come September 21st 2024.”

PHOTO CAPTION

DSC_01

L-R; Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Dr. Osaigbovo Iyoha (4th from left); Chairman, Igueben Local Government Area, Engr Clement Asuelimen (3rd from left); Special Adviser to Edo State Governor, Edo Central Senatorial District, Dr. Philomena Ihenyen (3rd from right), with other leaders of the Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), during a meeting to sensitize members of the PDP on the upcoming collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and take advantage of the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR), in Igueben.


https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/edo-2024-pdp-mobilizes-council-chairmen-party-leaders-others-stakeholders-on

We’ll fund N70,000 minimum wage from savings from govt expenses, others, says Obaseki

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the N70, 000 new minimum wage for civil and public servants in the State will be funded by revenue inflow into the State on the back of the government’s business-friendly policies as well as savings from government expenditure as a result of nuanced reforms by his government over the past seven and a half years.

Obaseki, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, said some of the monies will come from savings from the State’s fleet management system, the e-gov platform which has eliminated the need for the purchase of papers and investment in the Ossiomo Power Project which is saving the government millions of naira for diesel purchase, among others.

The governor said, “I have been a private sector person for most part of my career before I ventured into the public sector. With that training and background, we don’t just make statements without careful analysis of our revenue flow and expenditures and then analyze how we are going to go about ensuring that we are able to live up to our promise.”

He further noted, “We have been very strategic in Edo State. We embarked on a very radical reform of the civil and public service which engendered a transformation exercise that completely turned around our civil service and has made it more efficient and effective.

“We are perhaps the only state government in Nigeria that has now gone totally paperless, we run our government on the e-gov platform and we have made a lot of savings from there.

“We have what we call a fleet management system for our vehicles in the state government so we no longer have multiple vehicles for multiple public officeholders running different expenditures to manage all these vehicles; they are all managed in one single pool called the Fleet Management System. We have made massive savings from there as well.”

Obaseki continued: “Also, early in my first tenure, I entered into an agreement with a private company to generate electricity and serve the government and this has come on stream since 2020. The State Government has now been taken off the national grid and curbed the use of diesel and petrol to run the government because we now have a 24-hour power supply from Ossiomo.

“So, we have cut down on diesel expenditure and in many other areas. Another area is training. Before, people had to leave the state to get trained but now we have John Odigie Training Centre where all our civil servants are trained at very frequent intervals at little or no cost because we have a training centre in the State.”

“All of these have resulted in massive savings for government which allows us to be able to take this bold decision which also means that we will be able to sustain it,” he added.

https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/well-fund-n70-000-minimum-wage-from-savings-from-govt-expenses-others-says

The Primacy of Truth (Part

By Crusoe Osagie

Back in the 80s, when I just got into Immaculate Conception College (ICC), I found it odd that my classmate, Efosa Igbinovia would not go out when the bell tolled for break time.

Efosa will simply reach into his bag, pull out a book, put it on his lap, place his head on the desk and digest the book. As for the rest of us, we went crazy trying to outpace one another to get to the playground.

Efosa was a booky.

As a ten-year-old boy, I admired his poise and avid interest in seeking knowledge.

I sometimes even tried to copy him but the sight of my other peers having fun playing soccer, ‘telly’ (a game played by striking a lawn tennis ball with your palm from one court to another) and other games often created a temptation that overpowered whatever inspiration I had drawn from watching Efosa consuming his many books.

Efosa was that child that made your parents knock your head and ask you, why can’t you be like your friend? He went on to study medicine at the University of Benin (UNIBEN).

Fast forward to 2019, Efosa who is now a Consultant Family Physician in Canada, calls me up and expresses concern about a parcel of land he had inherited from his father. Like all Diasporans of Edo descent, he was worried that speculators were soon going to hijack the land from him.

He was completely unaware of the transformation that Governor Godwin Obaseki has brought to land administration in Edo State.

So, I told him, “Go online and visit the website of the Edo Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS).”

I explained a bit of the reforms that had taken place in Edo State with respect to land management. The very cerebral Efosa had not changed much from when we were kids, and so he chuckled and retorted, “Crusoe, get serious, as much we love our country, you know things like this don’t work that easy in Nigeria.”

I understood his pessimism. So, I encouraged him to try.

I got a young man, Aisosa Ewere to put him through.

A few weeks later, I got a call from an elated Efosa. His Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) for the parcel of land he inherited from his father was ready, signed by hand by Governor Obaseki. He couldn’t believe it.

Before 2016, when Governor Godwin Obaseki came into office, the ultimate legal title to land, which is the Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O), was the exclusive preserve of the rich, the powerful, and the politically connected.

According to available data, all the C-of-Os signed and issued from when Edo State was created in 1991 till 2016 when Obaseki took office was about 2,000.

But since Obaseki intervened, not less than 30,000 certificates have been approved, signed personally by the governor and issued.

Essentially, in less than eight years, Obaseki has issued more C-of-Os than has been issued for the past 50 years from when we were called the Midwest Region till we morphed into Bendel State and now Edo State.

Today, not only Senators or 'money-miss-roads' have C-of-Os for their property in their closets. Vulcanisers, mechanics, teachers, petty traders, drivers and their likes with no access to Government House have their land capital liberated by this essential legal title.

What used to be the food of the gods has been made accessible to mere mortals too!

Our Diaspora population has more confidence in real estate investments at home. C-of-O is now a true dividend of democracy available to anyone, no matter the class, creed, or culture.

Will the thousands of Edo Diasporans, just like my friend Efosa, their children, grandchildren, fathers, mothers and friends sit idly and watch the Lions and Tigers take us back to the era of predatory landgrabbing?

The jury is out and the battleground is the gubernatorial election on September 21, 2024.

Sadly, not many will read this. Our people are inundated by a deluge of tall tales and they can hardly find space to accommodate the Primacy of Truth.

Watch out for Part 9.

Osagie, a journalist, is the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media Projects

How we grew Edo’s economy from N10bn to over N26bn in last seven years, Obaseki

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said nuanced reforms by his government to rejig the State’s economy, support investment inflow and guarantee an enabling environment for business growth led to the growth of the State’s economy from about N10bn to over N26bn in the last seven and a half years.

Speaking to journalists in Benin City, the governor explained that the reforms cut across various sectors of the State’s economy including agriculture, culture and tourism, entertainment, and energy, among others.

According to him, “When I assumed office, in terms of GDP, the economy was about $10.6 billion but today, at the last count, it was about $26 billion. We have doubled tremendously. The important thing is what has led to this?

“We have been able to attract substantial investments and investors by just creating the enabling business environment. Today, the main contributor to our GDP is agriculture. What have we done with agriculture? We looked around and said, where do we have the competitive advantage?

“We are the home of oil palm, so we went back to the drawing board and asked ourselves what to do with this asset. We went to Malaysia and everywhere else and decided to start a programme to develop our oil palm. Even though we had Okomu and Presco here, the two largest agric companies quoted on the Stock Exchange, let’s do more; let’s double the acres under cultivation.

“So, we set up an oil palm programme, not just allocating lands, it’s a programme where we decided to provide a certain amount of land for the cultivation of oil palm because oil palm is a very prolific crop; there is no waste. So, we did it in two phases. In the first phase, we did a forest audit.

“We identified degraded forest lands that will never be able to grow back as forest and I took that and we got over 120,000 hectares of such and then began to prepare them for oil palm cultivation. We did the survey, and made sure that under the program we got certification from a body called RSPO, the global body responsible for promoting responsible oil palm production, because if you don’t have the certification and they don’t certify your palm to make sure that in producing that palm, you didn’t deforest, you didn’t treat communities improperly, some companies like Unilever, PZ and others will not touch your palm.

“We made sure that Edo State qualified under that programme and today we have over ten companies that we have allocated land to and they are preparing their nurseries, including firms like Dufil Prima Foods, the makers of Indomie Noodles; Saro Oil Palm; Flour Mills Nigeria Plc; an American Company called Fayus, and Saturn Farms, among others. I mean they are all there. The first phase is in Orhionmwon; the next phase is going to be in Ovia, which we are preparing now.”

On other sectors, the governor stated, “Don’t also forget that Edo has hydrocarbon assets, particularly gas. Remember we executed the 450MW Azura deal and the 95MW Ossiomo Power project, which is bigger than that of Abia State. What they are doing now, we have done a long time ago, and all of these are to attract investors.

“In the area of entertainment, film, music, we created the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and we are attracting a lot of Nollywood producers to come and produce in Edo State. Also, because we reformed our geographical information system, we can now get data and are working hard on mining. Since I got into office, Dangote has opened a cement company, BUA has expanded.”

He added, “There are a lot of economic activities going on in Edo State. We have about eight Chinese companies in Benin City alone, all producing tiles, glass, and iron sheets, among others all from local raw materials because we have electricity.”

Nigeria’s current design has expired, we must redesign our system to survive, says Obaseki

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the country’s current system is expired, reiterating the need to redesign the system to address Nigeria's numerous challenges and place the nation on the path of growth and prosperity.

Obaseki, while speaking to journalists in Benin City, said the federal system and over-centralization of power was limiting the nation’s capacity to realize its full potential.

According to him, “Unless we redesign the system, we will not get the full potential of the country. If you are relying on crude oil, the system should allow you to produce more. Today, we are producing 1.2 million barrels per day, and it cannot keep us.

“The only way you can improve it is to say in Edo State, you have 107 wells, and only 53 are producing, Mr. Governor, take, get people to explore, whatever you produce; keep this, give us that; will I not jump to it?

“Zamfara State, you have these mining sites, go, own your licenses, and we will help you supervise this. Will they not jump at it? Pay 60 or 40 percent into the federation account. Unless we grow to that, we will not increase our revenue. Even security will not grow, and you cannot secure this country from the center anymore. So, our country needs a redesign urgently. This design has expired, redesign.”

He further noted, “Some people pushed this in our recent history. The late Bola Ige was one and he said all politics was local, and that he was first a Yoruba man before being a Nigerian. Late Vice President Alex Ekwueme talked about six regions. So, specifically, what do you think?

“We are where we are now, we are 36 States, and we cannot do much about it. I am not sure Delta wants to join us again to be Bendel. No, we are 36 States. How do we now organize ourselves among the 36 States? The first thing is to devolve power to everybody. Let us now have a strong centre in a different way. Let those who are strong enough be on their own, but we all must now contribute to the centre and not the centre taking it, and then saying, you, take this or that.”

Obaseki added, “It should be the reverse; otherwise, we will not get the full potential of the country because this country is too rich.”

Over 91,000 vulnerable persons benefiting from free basic healthcare in Edo - Health Insurance Commission

The Director General of the Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC), Dr. Rock Amegor, has said over 102,000 vulnerable persons in the State are benefitting from the State’s Equity Fund and the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).

Dr. Amegor disclosed this in Benin City during an event to commemorate two years of providing care to vulnerable groups under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund by the Commission.

The Fund is being managed by the Edo State Government in collaboration with the Federal Government to cater for the healthcare needs of vulnerable persons in the State.

He noted, “We are here to mark the two-year anniversary of providing healthcare services for the very vulnerable in our society. The State and Federal Governments have put funds aside to take care of those who are very vulnerable. We have classified the vulnerable into five groups: Those under five years of age, pregnant women, indigents, the poorest of the poorest and those above 65 years of age.”

According to him, “These vulnerable groups, as the Bible says, the poor have always been with us. It is what we started with to show the empathy of today’s government. We have other plans but in March 2022, we started giving service from only three facilities under the basic health care provision fund, and in that year, we had only enrolled 9,000 people into the scheme, but as of today, with the contribution of the State and Federal Government, we gave enrolled about 80,000 people into the Basic Health Care Provision Fund or the Equity Plan. Over 69,000 persons from the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, and another 22,000 persons from the State Equity.”

Amegor added, “They are complementing each other. The beauty about the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and the State Equity Plan is that there is no co-contribution from the enrollee or patients whenever they go to the hospital.

“Those within the rural and the semi-urban and urban areas, the likes of the Ward Development Committee or the officer-in-charge of the facilities and even the Enigies and the Odionwere of the societies, they know those who are vulnerable within them. They are given a number to register vulnerable people so that every month we get a target of at least 20/20 per facility to make sure those living in desolate areas, those even living in urban and rural areas can get access to health care whenever and wherever they need this health care.

“If you look at the statistics of enrollment and when we call out for programmes and outreach for people to participate in their health care service, Edo North had consistently come top and so, one of the statistics that the digital agency has also drawn out and has also contained what you have said is that Edo North has a very high health-seeking behaviour even when manpower deficit is the same across board.”

He restated, “What we are doing is using that statistics to inform those in other senatorial districts to improve their health-seeking behaviour because what that generates or what it relates to is that for those who have health-seeking behavior, they have more longevity, their life expectancy is better, their quality of life is better and ultimately their productivity is better.”

Also, the State Coordinator, NHIA, Theodore Ehanire, expressed satisfaction over the contribution of the state government in keeping with its mandate to provide continuous health care assistance to vulnerable people in the State, including people living with disabilities.

https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/over-91-000-vulnerable-persons-benefiting-from-free-basic-healthcare-in-edo

Edo govt tasks council chairmen on sensitization for career opportunities in Army, others

The Edo Government has urged chairmen of local councils to intensify sensitization on the recruitment into the Nigerian Army.

Representing the Edo State Governor, Secretary to the State Government, Osariodion Ogie Esq., made the call during a courtesy visit by a team of senior army officers from the Army Headquarters on Sensitization and Advertisement Tour for Nigerian Army Regular Recruitment intake 87, at the Government House, Benin City.

He said, “When I received a call that Brigadier General Wiito Lucky Nzidu was leading the team to meet us over the sensitization on the recruitment of officers, what occurred to me was this must be a serious one.

“From your analysis, I am not surprised because even within us, it has been a thing of great concern when the Navy, Air Force, and even when the Police come around to ask that we plead with our people to take up the opportunities to come forward to be examined whether they are fit or proper to be committed. As a State Government, the Nigerian Army is one of the most respected national institutions.”

He added, “As we were talking, I started asking myself how are we going to do some of these things differently so more of our boys and girls will come forward for the recruitment exercise and one thing that came to my mind is to invite all the council chairmen between now and Friday and let them know the importance of getting the message to our people.

“We will get them to reach out to traditional institutions so that this message can get to the grassroots. You requested that we appoint a State Liaison Officer. I will immediately assign the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, to be the State Liaison Officer and we are going to go ahead to make radio and television announcements to let our people know the importance and the need to make sure our quota is filled.

“We appreciate this visit. We are going to assist you as you are assisting us, to get our people to step forward and take advantage of this opportunity."

Ogie added, “I want to use this opportunity to thank the military as an institution for keeping Edo and the country safe.”

On his part, the leader of the team, Brig. Gen. Wiito Lucky Nzidu said, “Our Chief of Army Staff has sent me here. Other senior officers are in other geopolitical zones across the country doing this same sensitization and awareness campaign with the view to ensuring some of these selected States see the need and reason why they need to fill up their quota with their vibrant sons and daughters into the Nigerian Army. That is why we are here.

“Edo State is not utilizing its quota in the Nigerian Army; you need your sons and daughters to contribute to national security.

“Once there is Army recruitment, a quota is given to every state, if you are not filling your quota, I think something is wrong somewhere. I don’t want us to, in the very near future, begin to cry that we are marginalized in the Army whereas the problem is from us.”
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PHOTO CAPTION

Representative of Edo State Governor and Secretary to the State Government, Osariodion Ogie Esq. (left), and Brig. Gen. Wiito Lucky Nzidu, during a courtesy visit by a team of senior army officers from the Army Headquarters on Sensitization and Advertisement Tour for Nigerian Army Regular Recruitment intake 87, at the Government House, Benin City.


https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/edo-govt-tasks-council-chairmen-on-sensitization-for-career-opportunities-in

Obaseki reforms: Edo now Nigeria’s number one oil palm-producing State, contributing over 12 percent to nation’s aggregate production

On the back of reforms by the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki in the agriculture sector to boost oil palm production and economic growth, the State has emerged as Nigeria’s number one oil palm producing State, contributing about 12 per cent to the aggregate palm oil production in Nigeria.

Edo State is closely followed by Akwa-Ibom and Cross River State who contribute between five to eight percent.

The Governor through the Edo State Oil Palm Programme (ESOPP), aimed at de-risking the oil palm value chain by providing contiguous land to investors for sustainable production has allocated over 70,000 hectares of land for oil palm development and attracted over $500 million in investment, the largest of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa.

Apart from Okomu and Presco, the two largest agric companies quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the State today plays host to over ten companies that have been allocated land including Dufil Prima Foods, the makers of Indomie Noodles; Saro Oil Palm; Flour Mills Nigeria Plc; an American Company called Fayus, and Saturn Farms, among others.

The Chief Executive Officer of Foremost Development Services Limited, an intermediary organization to Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in Nigeria, the global body responsible for promoting responsible oil palm production, Alhaji Fatai Afolabi said the new feat is a reflection of the nuanced reforms by the Governor Obaseki-led administration to boost oil palm development.

According to him, “Today, Edo State is the number one oil palm producing State in Nigeria, contributing about 12 per cent to the aggregate oil palm production in Nigeria with the closest being Akwa-Ibom and Cross River State who are contributing between five to eight per cent.”

He added, “This is the progress the State has made between when Governor Obaseki made his commitment to develop oil palm and now.”

Following the success of phase one of the ESOPP Programme, the State Governor recently unveiled plans for the launch of phase 2 of the programme with an additional 47,000 hectares of land to be allocated to new and prospective oil palm investors in the State.

https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/obaseki-reforms-edo-now-nigerias-number-one-oil-palm-producing-state

Edo govt presents certificates to 42 newly trained community-based first responders

The Edo State Government has presented graduation certificates to the second batch of 42 newly trained community-based first responders, as part of efforts to strengthen the State’s emergency response team.

The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Samuel Ali, presented the certificates to the graduates, at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), in Benin City, Edo State capital.

The Commissioner said the community-based first responders were trained in emergency services to administer first aid and care to victims in their various communities before the arrival of an ambulance.

He explained that "this is part of efforts by Governor Godwin Obaseki to revamp the health sector for enhanced service delivery. The State Government is presenting these certificates of graduation to 42 community-based first responders who have been co-opted into the State’s emergency response team. This is the second batch to receive such.”

Earlier, in his remark, the Provost of the Edo School of Nursing, Prof. Patricia Ukagwes said “Edo State has keyed into the gesture” commending Governor Godwin Obaseki for the development.”

According to Prof. Ukagwes, “We want to thank Governor Godwin Obaseki for ensuring Edo keyed into the system of training first responders to provide care for those that need it before help comes. This development is good and welcoming.

“I want to advise all the graduands to count themselves lucky to be part of the responders and warn them never to see themselves or equate themselves with medical doctors or nurses but first aiders and caregivers.”

On their part, the graduands expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government for the opportunity of the training and promised to live up to their responsibilities.

With the development, a total of 180 students have now been trained and graduated as community-based first respondents by the State Government. The first batch were earlier trained and graduated in February 2023.

PHOTO CAPTION

L-R (front row): Executive Secretary, Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Omosigho Izedonmwen; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Samuel Ali; Provost, Edo State College of Nursing Sciences, Professor Patricia Ukaigwe, and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Stanley Osaruyi Ehiarimwian, during graduation of second batch of first responders, at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), in Benin City, Edo State capital.

https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/edo-govt-presents-certificates-to-42-newly-trained-community-based-first

Obaseki unveils plan for 47,000-hectare new oil palm plantation in phase 2 of ESOPP Programme

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has unveiled plans for the launch of phase 2 of the State’s Oil Palm Programme (ESOPP) with an additional 47,000 hectares of land to be allocated to new and prospective oil palm investors.

ESOPP, launched in 2019, is an initiative of the Obaseki-led administration to de-risk the oil palm value chain by providing contiguous land to investors for sustainable production aimed at creating employment, improving the livelihood of members of the project communities, and regenerating the state’s forest belt. With over 70,000 hectares of land currently under cultivation, its first phase has attracted upwards of $500 million in investment, the largest of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa.

Obaseki while speaking during a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Joseph ‘JD’ D’cruz, with other investors in oil palm in the State, at the Government House, Benin City, said the ESOPP Programme, among other things, was aimed at addressing deforestation in the State.

According to the governor, “We are starting ESOPP 2 and will be launching that next month. We are doing 47,000 hectares of land in the first instance. We will be using the learning from ESOPP 1 for ESOPP 2. I believe prospective investors for ESOPP 2 are here.

“Our programme is not for acquisition of land but how to help you invest in oil palm and reduce the risk involved, encouraging you, our investors, to come into the State to do business.”

He continued: “We emphasize the key advantage of the ESOPP programme which is to use oil palm to reforest. This is the unique thing about the ESOPP Programme which doesn't cut down trees but goes to areas that have been deforested and where we cannot regenerate those forests into its natural state, we use oil palm as an interim zero-carbon idea to restore the environment.

“Oil palm has been demonstrated to be one of the most prolific edible fats in the world. In many parts of the world, people are not cutting down trees to grow oil palm. This informed our policy and strategy in Edo State as we decided to invest in the key competitive and comparative advantages. Edo is the home of natural oil palm.

“This crop is indigenous to us as a State and this is key. We have been talking about diversifying Nigeria's economy for the last 40 years. We see this programme as an opportunity to demonstrate how diversification of the economy can occur.”

Speaking on efforts by his administration to diversify the State’s economy, the governor noted, “To achieve this, we have worked hard to create the enabling environment for investors, removed bottlenecks, and encouraged them as well as creating the market for them.”

Obaseki further stated, “We have taken interest in oil palm production and followed RSPO through because of the bigger picture of diversifying our economy which is a large one. We must focus on agriculture as the mainstay, fast-tracking and uplifting the productivity from agriculture which has a huge value chain.

“In time pass, we had a well-structured system as agriculture was our mainstay. We had connecting roads before the Civil War and produced, while buyers went to Communities to buy from farmers directly. We had a very integrated and well-planned agricultural chain.

“It was a well-structured system at that time because our foreign exchange earnings relied on the ability to get the commodity to the Port for export but that culture has been lost.”

Reiterating the need for improved public-private partnership to achieve the desired growth in the agriculture sector, Obaseki said, “Within government, our agriculture functions are very weak as agronomy has refused to work with government. We have not invested in the capacity to direct agriculture to where we want it to be. For us to make Nigeria an agricultural nation, the private sector has a huge role to play, bringing the technical capacity to achieve this.

“Capacity is key. So, the Edo State Government is building capacity through the College of Agriculture in the State, impacting knowledge and improving capacity. We are going through food inflation as a Country because we are not growing enough.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Saro Group of Companies and Chairman of ESOPP Agro Allied Limited, Mr. Rasheed Sarumi, while commending the governor for creating the right environment to support businesses and investment inflow, said investors in Edo State have used the State as a business case of how they can have transformation in Nigeria, led by government sticking to policies and leaving business for business people.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of Foremost Development Services Limited, an intermediary Organization to RSPO in Nigeria, Alhaji Fatai Afolabi said Edo State today is the number one oil palm producing State in Nigeria.

He said, “Today, Edo State is the number one oil State in Nigeria contributing about 12 per cent to the aggregate palm oil production in Nigeria while the closest is contributing about 5 to 8 per cent. This is the progress the State has made between now and when the governor made his commitment to develop oil palm.”

PHOTO CAPTION

DSC_01

L-R: MD/CEO, Foremost Development Limited, Alhaji Fatai; Manager, Assurance Africa at Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Marie Rosine Nsegbe; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; CEO, RSPO, Joseph D’cruz, and Acting Team Lead, Edo State Oil Palm Programme (ESOPP), Churchill Oboh, during a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of RSPO), at the Government House, Benin City, recently.

DSC_02

L-R: MD/CEO, Foremost Development Limited, Alhaji Fatai; Manager, Assurance Africa at Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Marie Rosine Nsegbe; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; CEO, RSPO, Joseph D’cruz, and the Africa Head of RSPO, Elikplim Dziwornu Agbitor, during a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of RSPO), at the Government House, Benin City, recently.


https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/obaseki-unveils-plan-for-47-000-hectare-new-oil-palm-plantation-in-phase-2

Obaseki celebrates Bishop Chigbundu at 70

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has described the founder and Bishop of Voice of Freedom Ministry International, Bishop Dr. Abraham Chigbundu as a beacon of hope for many.

He said this while delivering his goodwill message at the 70th birthday celebration of Bishop Abraham Chigbundu held in Benin City.

The governor, who commended the Bishop for pursuing causes that ameliorate the suffering of the people, said his administration will collaborate with him in ensuring such gestures are sustained.

“As you join the league of septuagenarian, I celebrate your impact within the Christian communities and your far reaching philanthropist gestures which has endeared you to many, even in this particular event, we are witnesses to what you are doing with your family foundation.

“Your unwavering dedication to work in the vineyard of the Lord is exemplary and we are very proud of you. Your teachings have guided many to Christ just as you have contributed to fostering peace and harmony in the State through several outreach programmes and initiatives.

“These gestures and your humanity are testament of your profound love for humanity and your commitment to uplifting the needy and down trodden. You remain a beacon of hope to the life of thousands. You have used the pulpits as a platform to instill godly virtue, compassion and empathy amongst your followers and willing brothers society.”

Governor Obaseki said his administration holds the Bishop in highest regard for his collaborative efforts which have been instrumental in improving the welfare and development of the State, adding, “May God grant you many more years in a sound State of body, spirit and soul. Happy 70th birthday celebration.

“As a government we always support our citizens who are collaborating with us to solve the problems in the society. How many citizens can come to the government House or reach the governor when they are hungry or when their children are sick? What do they do? They go to the footsteps of people like Bishop Chigbundu to look for succor, hope and relief. That is why as a government we have made it a priority to collaborate with men of God and Institutions because you are doing part of the work that the government is supposed to do.

“Those who can’t reach the government reach you and you do for them what the government should have done for them. So whatever we see you pursuing any course that will help ameliorate the suffering of the people, help provide hope, as a government we will collaborate with you to make it easy for you to continue doing God's work.”

Other guests at the birthday celebration include the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the September 21, 2024 election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his wife; Pastor Charles Ozazuwa of Rock of Ages Christian Assembly International, among others.


PHOTO CAPTION

L-R: Founder and Bishop of Voice of Freedom Ministry International, Bishop Dr. Abraham Chigbundu; Rev Felix Omobude, and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at the 70th birthday celebration of Bishop Abraham Chigbundu held in Benin City, Saturday, May 4, 2024.

Obaseki commends Nigerian Army, other security agencies for support in strengthening State’s security architecture

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the State for their support in strengthening the State’s security architecture.

The governor gave the commendation during a courtesy visit by the new General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Onubogu, at the Government House, in Benin City.

He said, “We are enjoying peace, security and safety in Edo State today largely because of the backing of the military and other federal security agencies. The security situation in Edo State relative to States around our zone, has tremendously improved. You will agree with us that Edo is relatively peaceful and one of the safest States in Nigeria.

“We didn’t achieve this on our own but we have support from security agencies and one of these support structures is the Army. The level of collaboration, intervention and support from the military authority is largely responsible for the peace and safety we experienced in Edo State.

He further stated, “Few years ago, we had lots of kidnapping incidents internally within the state as you couldn’t travel from Benin-Auchi, for instance, without fear of being kidnapped. But today, working with the Military and setting up the Military Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ehor, we no longer hear of such incidents.”

The governor added, “Also, in the Western flank of the State, like Sobe and the Odighi areas, you know perennially the crisis of militancy and terrorist attacks. These criminals come in, ransacking villages and farms. But working with the military, we were able to dismantle their plans. We have a temporary FOB already in these areas and we will be building permanent ones there.

“We have recorded tremendous successes as companies are now relocating to this axis. What is left is the Northern border with Kogi State around the Akoko-Edo axis as we are putting our heads together with the General Officer Commanding the Division to see how to take charge of the security situation in that part of the State.”

Speaking on the readiness of the State Government to ensure a peaceful and secure 2024 governorship election in the State, Obaseki said, “following the security architecture our government has put in place and the resilience we have built into the system, what we have today in our security architecture will put us through as security in the State is intact.”

On his part, Major General Obinna Onubogu said, “I have just taken over about a month ago as the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army. This visit is to familiarize myself and inform the governor officially that I have taken over 2 Division. Edo State happens to be one of the States which is within the area of responsibility of 2 Division.”

He praised the governor's support for the Army, noting, “The Edo State Government has been very supportive as the Nigerian Army has benefited from the government. The government has supported us through 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army; Military Hospital Benin and several establishments in Edo State.”

“The government has also supported the Army in Communication with our operations and we are grateful for supporting some of our bases. This has improved security and curbed some of the excesses of criminal elements within the state,” he added.

He assured that, “The Army will continue to provide support to the government and sister security agencies in the state whenever we are called upon. The Army bases we have set up within the State are there and active and are ready to spring into action when needed to ensure the wish of the people comes to pass.”

PHOTO CAPTION


L-R: General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Onubogu; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig Gen Ebenezer O. Oduyebo, during a courtesy visit, at the Government House, Benin City, on Wednesday.


https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/obaseki-commends-nigerian-army-other-security-agencies-for-support-in

Obaseki commends NEPL for sustained partnership, contributing to devt of State's energy sector

… as firm acquires Ointment III asset, commences production of 12,000 barrels per day

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commended the NNPC E&P Limited (NEPL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), for their contributions to the energy drive requirement of the State.

The governor made the commendation during a courtesy visit by the management team of the company led by the Managing Director, Mr. Nicolas Foucart.

According to him, the NEPL is the largest corporate entity in Edo State, adding, “Apart from your size, you are also involved in very strategic economic activities, helping us drive energy requirements in our State.”

He continued: “We would have been in darkness in this room if not for the gas supply from your field. You are a major energy source for our State and your activities fit into the economic development plan for the State. We know you have been going through a bit of restructuring in the last few months and things have been a bit unsettled but I look forward to opportunities to meet with you, know your needs, know how to support your activities further and see how to benefit from your presence in Edo State.

“Your activities are far reaching. There are opportunities in the local content regulation. As a government, our focus and goal is to create that enabling environment to do more locally.”

He said Edo State is fast expanding and growing, noting, “We notice you are large users of aviation services as we try to work with the aviation authority to improve their services in the State.

“We buy gas from you for our IPP, and have few investors also waiting to buy gas from you for their turbines. We are connected as connectivity is not a problem.”

Obaseki added, “We are building MOWAA, positioning Edo as an entertainment and arts hub and trying to attract young stars. Due to our position as a State, we are attracting hotel chains to come in and are now working on a 30-year Benin City and Edo State Regional Master Plan. We are also looking at the Benin River corridor as we try to build the Benin River Port to open up the State for more developments.”

On his part, the MD, NEPL, Nicolas Foucart commended the governor for the State Government’s support and the friendly environment created for the company to thrive, adding, “We thank you for receiving us, thank you for being our host as our headquarters is here in Benin City, Edo State. Benin is very important to our company. We got one producing asset in Edo State which is Ointment III and we started producing 12,000 barrels of oil per day but it is more of the gas side which is important.

“Basically, it is an asset producing 10 per cent of the production of NEPL in terms of gas. It is an important asset and looking for a way to develop the asset. This is an opportunity to meet you and thank you for the support we received from your administration.”

PHOTO CAPTION

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left), with the Managing Director, NNPC E&P Limited (NEPL), Mr. Nicolas Foucart, during a courtesy visit, at the Government House, Benin City.

https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/obaseki-commends-nepl-for-sustained-partnership-contributing-to-devt-of

How we’ll fund N70,000 new minimum wage for Edo workers, by Obaseki

…celebrates Workers’ Day, assures better welfare

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the N70,000 new minimum wage for workers in the State is within what his administration can afford, noting that the increase became necessary as a result of the current economic realities.

The governor said this while addressing workers during a rally held to mark the May Day celebration at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

He praised the workers for the harmonious relationship with his administration, noting that the peaceful disposition of the organised labour in the State with the government has led to several achievements for the State Government.

Obaseki noted, “Two days ago, I announced that we have raised the minimum wage for Edo workers from N40,000 to N70,000 naira, an increase of over 75 per cent. This is because we know and feel the pains and hardship which most of you experience daily.

“Fuel subsidy has been removed. The exchange rate has more than doubled and food prices have gone almost off the roof and most of you find it difficult to feed yourself and your family.

“We are an empathetic government; we can’t say we do not know and if we know, we can’t sit down without doing anything about it. This is why we say even if it’s a strain on us, we should do what we ought to do to increase the minimum wage for our workers.”

He continued: “The N70,000 minimum wage is within what we can afford as a State Government. However, should the Federal government decide on a higher minimum wage and make the funds available to States from the savings which have been made from fuel subsidy, the Edo State Government will adjust its minimum wage to that of the Federal government.

“Your salaries will continue to be paid on or before the 26th day of every month. We would continue to ensure we have an effective health insurance scheme to assist public servants. This scheme has assisted many families. I encourage you to enroll into this scheme.

“I assure our pensioners that we will continue to pay your premium so that it will enable you to attend to your healthcare needs in our health facilities in the State. To our workers, we would continue to pay your health insurance so that if anything happens to you, your families will not be left in penury.”

The governor praised the workers for their support, noting, “I am here today to thank you because you made our several achievements possible because of the harmony and peace between labour and government in the State. We have not had any strike in Edo State in the last seven and a half years as we have not had any issues with any unions in the State.”

According to him, “I would be leaving office in six months’ time but will not be leaving you because I will be leaving in place a 30-year Benin City and Edo State Regional Development Plan which will be a direction where we should be going as a people and a State for the next generation.

“In 2016 when I became governor, several issues were crying for attention ranging from a broken pension system, to a flawed recruitment process in the public and civil service, a very unattractive reward system to a generally poor working environment. Today, after seven years we have created a new public and civil service in Edo State and it’s drastically more efficient, has infrastructure, improved service because of you and can be compared to any that can be found in the world.

“We have improved the condition of service and changed the narrative and our processes, systems, workplace and conditions of service are second to none. We have introduced technology on the basis in which civil service rests and have improved the way we work. We have successfully built the first public service in Nigeria to fully go digital and the rate technology is redesigning the work processes in Edo State is unprecedented and our workers can testify the way our E-Gov works.

“Since you elected me as a governor of Edo State, your welfare and that of every citizen in Edo has been the basis of every decision taken in Edo State and have used every resource for the benefits and greater goals of our citizens.

“In 2016, I promised to build institutions for governance and today workers have helped me to achieve the modest institutional reforms in the State. With your support we have been able to recruit over 5,000 workers based on merit not favouritism. We have the best public service training academy in West Africa as it has trained over 10,000 workers.

On his part, the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State Chapter, Comrade. Odion Olaye thanked the governor for his magnanimity and increment of the minimum wage for Edo workers from N40,000 to N70, 000 even without the Edo workers’ agitation.

He noted, “We appreciate the governor for building a befitting labour house for Edo workers, registration of pensioners in the Edo Health Insurance Scheme, stable payment of salaries, 13-month salary, and for employment first class indigenes into Edo Civil Service.”

PHOTO CAPTION

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L-R: Edo State Deputy Governor, Omobayo Marvelous Godwins; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State Chapter Comr. Odion Olaiye; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Osaigbovo Iyoha, and Edo State Head of Service (HOS), Anthony Okungbowa, during a rally held to mark the May Day celebration at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki acknowledging cheers from leaders and members of labour unions, during a rally held to mark the May Day celebration at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/how-well-fund-n70-000-new-minimum-wage-for-edo-workers-by-obaseki

Workers’ Day: Obaseki hails Edo workers, salutes contributions to growth of state’s economy, others

…says 70, 000 new minimum wage a proof of govt’s commitment to rewarding hard work

… ‘Edo best public service State to work on the African continent’

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has hailed the outstanding contribution of workers in the state to the growth of the state’s Gross Domestic Products in the past seven and half years of his administration, noting that their commitment, and dedication in transforming the state deserves praise.

The governor said this in commemoration of Workers’ Days, a celebration of the working class promoted by the International Labour Movement, marked every May 1.

In a statement, the governor said, “This is my last year in office and I dare say that I have had the best of time working with workers in Edo State. The experience has been exhilarating. I am happy that working with you all, we grew the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by over 140 percent. For me, that is rewarding.”

He noted, “It has indeed been enriching journey working and I am glad that we are signing off on an exciting note as only two days ago, I announced that we have raised the Edo State minimum wage from N40,000 to N70,000, an increase of over 75% percent, which reflects how much we have come to value the work you do and which also speaks to our unwavering commitment to rewarding hard work as a government.”

Obaseki said his administration has improved the working conditions for the state’s workforce, noting, “From infrastructure upgrade to prioritizing technology and improving incentives for work, we have successfully built the first state government in Nigeria to go fully digital. The rate that technology is redefining work processes in Edo today is unprecedented and our workers can testify to the fact that the e-gov platform we have implemented has radically changed governance.

“We have migrated our workers to the Contributory Pension Scheme at the State and Local Government levels such that they have a stable post-work life even as we have transformed the work environment to promote merit, technology-compliance, a healthy work-life balance and emerged as the best public service to work on the African continent.”

“We have just commissioned the Labour House, which would serve as the Secretariat of the Labour Movement in Nigeria and also as a symbol of the illustrious heritage of our people who have done great work in sustaining the Labour movement in Nigeria,” he added.

Obaseki increases minimum wage for Edo workers to N70,000

…commissions new secretariat for NLC, TUC, names edifice after Adams Oshiomhole

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has increased the minimum wage for Edo workers from N40,000 to N70,000 effective from May 1, 2024.

Obaseki disclosed this while delivering his speech at the commissioning of Edo State Labour House Complex, a new building to serve as the Secretariat of the Labour Unions in the State.

The building located at Temboga, Ikpoba Hill in Benin City is named after a former Governor of the State and former NLC President, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

Guests at the occasion include Edo State Deputy Governor Engr. Marvellous Godwins Omoboyo; Speaker Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; Secretary to State Government (SSG) and PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Osaigbovo Iyoha; Edo State Head of Service (HOS), Anthony Okungbowa, and Edo PDP Chairman, Anthony Aziegbemi, among others.

Others are President of the Nigeria of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero; President, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo; Chairman, NLC in Edo State, Comrade Odion Olaye; serving Commissioners, among others.

The governor said, “As a result of the cordial relationship between the Edo State Government and labour unions in the State, we have enjoyed peace and industrial harmony in Edo State. Despite our efforts to make life better for Edo State workers, there are forces beyond our control, as we don't control the national economy as our workers are still languishing in pain and penury.

“I give you insurance, improved conditions of service, pay you and promote you on time but the truth is that because of the economic situation in Nigeria today, our workers continue to be challenged; devaluation, high food prices and inflation have made nonsense of the N40, 000 we are paying you.

“As a government, we feel your pains and know your take-home pay can barely take you home. We will continue to try. I am one of those governors who believe that we can’t run away from the fact that we must adjust the minimum wage in Nigeria. It would have been nice for there to be a central and cohesive and common approach. We would have expected that by now there should have been a direction as to what minimum wage will be for workers in Nigeria.”

He added, "We don't know when that will happen. If it happens, fine and if not, as a State we would need to do what we need to do. For us in Edo State, we have decided to move the minimum wage from N40,000 to N70,000 effective from 1st of May 2024. I think like a capitalist and not a comrade. In my May Day speech, I will give more details on our new minimum wage. If the Federal Government imposes something higher, we would make the necessary adjustments.”

Commending the labour unions for their sustained partnership with the State Government leading to the industrial harmony enjoyed in the State, “You have joined us to pursue very deep institutional reforms in the State as our achievements have been made possible because of the cordial relationship we enjoy.

“Labour-Government relationship should not be only at policy contestation level but should be an alignment towards a common goal for workers and that is what we have found in Edo. Government and labour have found a common ground to improve the lives of the workers in Edo State.”

Obaseki further stated, “This building was conceived by my predecessor in office and my contribution is to make it happen. We have continued to invest in our workers in Edo State and our achievement in Edo State is to contribute to the welfare and well-being of Edo State workers. We not only developed the work environment but placed emphasis on building the capacity of Edo State workers. We continue to emphasize training and restraining as an integral part of our workforce as we believe that there is a connection between high performance and training.”

In his speech, the Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, commended the governor’s commitment to the welfare of Edo workers, noting some of his achievements to include fully digitalizing the State civil service, prompt payment of salaries, highest minimum wage in Nigeria, payment of 13th-month salary, life insurance for Edo workers, health insurance for workers, automatic employment for first-class citizens of Edo State, regular promotion for Edo workers, among others.

On his part, the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Engr. Festus Osifo said the building is the best labour edifice, adding that “the achievements of the governor are not contestable.”

He added, “I thank you for digitizing the labour workforce in Edo State. I am impressed by your developmental achievements which have helped to reduce the plight of workers in Edo State.”

In his welcome address, the Chairman of NLC Edo State, Comrade Odion Olaye thanked the governor for his magnanimity, friendliness and concern towards Edo workers, adding, “I thank the governor for this edifice for the organised labour as workers in Edo State have long been waiting for a day like this as the house has been desired for over 25 years. This building is second to none in Nigeria.”


PHOTO CAPTION

L-R: Edo State Deputy Governor, Omobayo Marvelous Godwins; President, Nigeria of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; President, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo, and Chairman, NLC, Edo State Chapter Comr. Odion Olaiye, at the commissioning of Labour House Secretariat Complex named after a former Governor of the State and former NLC President, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, in Temboga, Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, on Monday, April 29, 2024

https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/obaseki-increases-minimum-wage-for-edo-workers-to-n70-000

Obaseki chairs BRACED Commission meeting Tuesday, to focus on agric financing, power, security, others

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, will on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, lead Governors of the South South States for the BRACED (Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta) Commission Governors Council meeting taking place in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The meeting among other issues will focus on regional interests and addressing critical issues affecting the region, including power, security, agricultural financing, and youth empowerment, among others.

In a statement, the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, said the meeting to be chaired by Governor Obaseki who is the current chairman of the Council, will be attended by the Governors of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Delta States.

https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/obaseki-chairs-braced-commission-meeting-tuesday-to-focus-on-agric-financing

According to him, “The BRACED Commission Governor's Council, comprising the Governors of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa lbom, Cross River, Edo and Delta States will meet on Tuesday, 30 April 2024 in Yenegoa, Bayelsa state.

“The meeting will discuss some crucial issues affecting the region including security and the power situation in the south south. It will also discuss agricultural financing and empowerment of youths and women in the region.”

Nehikhare added, “The meeting to be chaired by H. E Godwin Obaseki, the Governor of Edo State and current chairman of the council is part of the continuous efforts to revive and strengthen the BRACED Commission which was established in 2009 following the first South-South Economic Summit in Calabar, Cross River State.”

Obaseki to commission Labour House complex tomorrow

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, will tomorrow, Monday, April 29, 2024, commission a new building to serve as the Secretariat of the Labour Unions in Edo State.

The building is located at Temboga, Ikpoba Hill in Benin City.

In a statement, the State Government said members of the public and stakeholders in the Labour movement are invited for the grand-opening of the facility, which is equipped with State-of-the-art conference halls, offices, meeting rooms, among others.

Guests Expected at the commissioning include the Minister of State For Labour And Employment, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha; Former Governor of Edo State And former NLC President, Senator Adams Oshiomhole and TUC President, Comrade (Engr.) Festus Osifo.

According to the statement, the government said, “The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, cordially invites members of the public and stakeholders in the Labour Movement to the grand opening of the Labour House, at Temboga, Ikpoba Hill, Benin City.

“The facility, which will serve as the secretariat for Labour unions in the state, is equipped with state-of-the-art conference halls, offices, meeting rooms, among others.”

The statement added that the event will be held with the theme, “Michael Imoudu’s Legacies as the Pathway for Fostering Harmonious and Productive Industrial Relation,” with the keynote speaker for the event being the President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero.

“The commissioning of the Labour House secretariat complex newly built by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration for members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the State further demonstrates the commitment of the governor to the welfare and wellbeing of workers in the State,” the government noted.

Edo doles out cash reward to Edo Queens for Super 6 Qualification, charges team on continental glory

The Edo State Government has doled out cash rewards to the State’s female football team, Edo Queens for clinching a spot in the Super Six tournament after finishing second in Group B of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL).

The Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, during a reception organized to celebrate Edo Queens at the New Festival Hall, Government House in Benin City, disclosed the cash reward of N5 million to the team, commending them for their indomitable spirit and commitment to excellence.

Charging the team to continue on their impressive run at the Super 6 Tournament so as to secure a ticket for the continental championship, the first lady said, “I congratulate you and encourage you to do more and make us happy and proud.”

Commending the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration for its commitment to sports development, she noted that “Sports is a serious business and the Edo State Government has hugely invested in it.

“In the past seven years, Governor Obaseki has reinvigorated sports in Edo State. It's only a visionary government that can revive sports and Obaseki did it. Edo State is no longer number one in human trafficking as our government has invested in sports to encourage our youths.

“Edo Queens and Bendel Insurance are now tops in the football league in the Country and the both clubs are doing well based on the commitment of the Edo State Government's investment in sports.”

The First Lady stated, “The Betsy Obaseki Football Tournament has helped our girls achieve so much thus far. I am happy and pray for the progress and success of the girls in the Super Six Tournament.”

She expressed confidence that the team will bring the Super Six laurel home to Edo State.

While congratulating the team, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Omobayo Marvelous Godwins said, “I congratulate the team for the achievement. I thank you for this great achievement of playing in the Super 6 Tournament. Last week, I was at the Stadium to support Bendel Insurance as they were losing one nil but my presence encouraged the boys who later won the game by 2 goals to one.”

Assuring the continued support of the State Government, he added, "I will extend the same support for the girls to ensure they win the Super 6 and continue to do well in the female football league.”

PHOTO CAPTION

On his part, Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Dr. Osaigbovo Iyoha stated, “We are happy today because some years ago Governor Obaseki gave us a stadium in the State and we had fear that our clubs will be playing in the second division but the facilities encouraged us and today both Edo Queens and Bendel Insurance are playing in top division.”

Obaseki: Edo Regional Devt, Benin City Masterplan ‘ll be legislated to ensure strict compliance, sustainability

…assures master plan ‘ll drive devt in tourism, education, health, environment, others

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the State’s Regional Development and Benin City Master Plan will be backed by legislation to ensure strict compliance to the provisions of the plan and drive sustainable development of the State within the 30 years period.

The governor said this while addressing participants during an engagement session with stakeholders from the three local government areas of Edo South, including Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, and Egor local councils.

The engagement session held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, was aimed at seeking the support and buy-in of the stakeholders in the State’s 30-year development plan.

Present at the stakeholders’ meeting include the wife of the governor, Dr. Betsy Obaseki; Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Dr. Osaigbovo Iyoha; Chairmen of Egor, Oredo, and Ikpoba-Okha LGAs; Ndigbo Community in Edo State; Market Women Association, Students, Civil Society Organizations (CSO); traditional and religious leaders; National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW); serving Commissioners; Permanent Secretaries and other top government functionaries, among others.

The governor, who reiterated the role of planning in societal development, said the master plan will drive further development in the State’s tourism, education, health, environment and sports sectors, among others

He said, “This 30-year master plan will be put in place before I leave office as the last plan that expired was put in place by late Gen. Samuel Ogbemudia. This plan will be backed by legislation. My administration will ensure that the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) passes it into law for successive administrations and governments to follow and continue developing the State.

“This legislation has become very important and if it is passed into law, any government that attempts to change aspects of the plan will be resisted unless the EDHA approves such changes. This is the only way Edo can grow.

“The document will not just be a public document but also a legislative document passed into law and it will be unlawful for governments or successive administrations to work outside the plan. The area designated for a purpose must be used for that purpose specified by the plan and contrary to it will lead to prosecution.

“We have gone around Edo State, from Edo North to Edo Central and now in Edo South discussing the master plan that will put the State in the forefront of development. The plan is put together by the government to better the lives of the people.”

Obaseki added, “The plan is two and they are 30 years each. The Edo State Regional Development Plan deals with the planning of the entire State while the Benin City Master Plan deals with Benin City which has been overpopulated due to the influx of people.

“These plans will cover all aspects of the State like tourism, education, health, environment, and sports, amongst other aspects to ensure prompt development and growth of the State and its citizens.”

Seeking the input of the Edo South stakeholders, the governor stated, “Your thoughts and views are needed as we discuss the plan that will make Edo an envy of all other States.”

According to him, “Part of the problems we have in security is because we failed to plan as a nation. If we had effectively planned, we would have been able to arrest the security challenges we face today. Edo State has to plan on how to secure its people and our vigilante is doing a lot to ensure peace and security in the State.”

Obaseki, who noted that his administration has done a lot to bring in investors into various sectors of the State’s economy, said the master plan will further ensure an enabling environment to attract and retain more investors in the State.

“This is a control document that creates the awareness of what to expect in several sectors of the State as it will help us measure the progress of development,” the governor added.

PHOTO CAPTION

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R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his wife, Betsy; Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) Member representing Ovia North East I, Charity Aiguobarueghian, and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Osaigbovo Iyoha, during an engagement session on the State’s Regional Development and Benin City Master Plan with stakeholders from the Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, and Egor LGAs, held in Benin City, on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

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R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his wife, Betsy; Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) Member representing Ovia North East I, Charity Aiguobarueghian, and Daily Editor, THISDAY Newspaper, Mr. Shaka Momodu, during an engagement session on the State’s Regional Development and Benin City Master Plan with stakeholders from the Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, and Egor LGAs, held in Benin City, on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/obaseki-edo-regional-devt-benin-city-masterplan-ll-be-legislated-to-ensure

Edo govt to sanction property owners over nonpayment of land use charge

…gives 30 days ultimatum

The Edo State Government has urged residents and property owners in the State on prompt payment of the land use charges associated with properties under their ownership/occupation to avoid enforcement of actions stipulated by the State Land Use Charge Law 2023 as amended.

The Managing Director of the Edo Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS), Mrs. Osaro Grace Aihie, in a notice made available to journalists in Benin City, said the enforcement action include seizure of the property, imposition of penalties and interests and institution of legal actions to recover the debt, among others.

She said the notice was in accordance with the provisions of Section 30 of the Land Use Charge Law of 2023.

According to her, “In accordance with the provisions of Section 30 of the Land Use Charge Law of 2023, this notice serves to inform you that there are outstanding land use charges associated with properties under your ownership/occupation. It is imperative that these charges are settled promptly to avoid further enforcement actions as stipulated by the Edo State Land Use Charge Law 2023 as amended.”

Aihie explained that enforcement action will include but may not be limited to the following steps, “Seizure which involves the closure of the property until payment is made in full; imposition of Penalties and Interest as penalties and interest will continue to accrue on the outstanding amount until full payment is made, and legal action”, adding that “If the outstanding amount is not settled within 30 days upon receipt of this notice, legal action will be taken to recover the debt.”

She further stated, “We would like to avoid taking such drastic measures and urge you to settle the outstanding land use charge as soon as possible to avoid any further escalation of the situation.”

“Please contact us immediately at our office to discuss payment options or to seek clarification on the outstanding amount. Failure to respond to this notice and settle the outstanding land use charge will result in legal action being taken against you,” the EdoGIS MD charged.

She also warned, “Please do not pay cash to anybody; ensure you pay your money to a dedicated account specified on your LUC demand notice, and please do not deal with middle men.”

https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/edo-govt-to-sanction-property-owners-over-nonpayment-of-land-use-charge