₦airaland Forum

https://www.naijametronews.com/the-primacy-of-truth-part-10

https://nigerianobservernews.com/2024/05/the-primacy-of-truth-part-10/

https://www.nairaland.com/8101222/primacy-truth-part-10#130085813

https://www.newshunternow.com/posts/the-primacy-of-truth-part-10

*The Primacy of Truth (Part 10)*

_By Crusoe Osagie_

In 2009, after working for about nine years, I thought it was time to go back to my hometown in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, to fulfil a family tradition.

My great-grandfather had his home on Ehaekpen Street, Off Ekenhuan Road, Benin City, where my grandfather was born and raised. My grandfather then set up his own home at Number 13, Ekenhuan Road, Benin City, where my father and 18 brothers and sisters grew up.

My father, in 1974, located his home at Number 12, Jemide Drive, Ekenhuan Road, Benin City, where I was raised, and in 2009, it was my turn, so I chose Amagba.

I came to Benin City and my father took me to some friends of ours who were indigenous to that part of our local government and agreements were signed after funds exchanged hands.

Not up to 24 months after acquiring the land and placing some trips of sand and granite to begin construction, all hell broke loose.

I was in my office in Lagos working when I got a telephone call from my dad beginning with a sharp rebuke in our language, “U suenren gha wina vbe otor rue, uma kha ma mwen?”

Translation: You started working on your land without telling me?

That was the beginning of my first life-threatening battle in Edo State which put me on a collision course with the Lions and Tigers.

I took some time off work in Lagos and relocated to Benin. For me, this was not just about the economic value of the land. I saw it as a challenge of my indigeneship in my home State. Also, being much younger, I was a little hot-headed and very idealistic.

It was a fierce and brutal battle. I was shot at, my name was taken to juju houses, and my father counseled me to let go.

But I was at the time drawing inspiration from a book by John G. Stoessinger, ‘Why Nations Go to War,’ originally published in 1974 and so, I turned down my father’s counsel.

I will not forget my Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Susan, and my lawyer, Barrister Valentine Onochie, who was my classmate at Immaculate Conception College (ICC) and was just as hot-headed as I was.

Eventually, we prevailed and I got my land back and began building my house immediately to secure it. But the fact that the battle put my life in grave danger is not lost on me, particularly as I grow older.

So, when you wonder why I genuinely believe in Governor Godwin Obaseki, here is one reason.

If Obaseki had come into office before then, his land reforms which have led to the processing and issuance of over 30,000 Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-Os) would probably have prevented this needless battle that nearly cost me my life.

I daresay that with Obaseki’s intervention, shootings and killings over land have significantly abated as it is no longer difficult to determine who the actual owner of land is.

So, will my father, mother, brothers, sisters, relatives and friends sit idly and watch these Lions and Tigers return us to the seasons when ownership of land was determined by the barrel of a gun?

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 11.

*_Osagie, a journalist, is the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media Projects_*

*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.newshunternow.com/posts/the-primacy-of-truth-part-7

https://nigerianobservernews.com/2024/05/the-primacy-of-truth-part-7/

https://www.nairaland.com/8093221/primacy-truth-part-7-crusoe

https://www.naijametronews.com/the-primacy-of-truth-part-7

*The Primacy of Truth (Part 7)*

*By Crusoe Osagie*

Growing up in Benin City in the mid-1980s, everyone knew the houses in the neighbourhood where they owned video cassette players.

There were mainly two types: VHS or Betamax.

Maybe once in a month or even less frequently, many children will gather in the home where they owned one of these gadgets to watch a movie.

‘Snake in the Monkey Shadow’ or ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ were some of the common titles at that time.

Around that time, one of my uncles, Mr. John Omodamwen of blessed memory returned from the United States of America where he had gone to earn a Master's Degree.

He rented a house on Asabor Street, just five minute’s walk from my father’s house on Jemide Drive-both streets are off Goodwill Street, in Ekenhuan Road, Benin City.

Mr. Omodamwen was yet to be married to his extremely pretty wife (who he later tied the knot with) at the time and so being a bachelor, it was thoroughfare for me and my siblings inside his apartment.

And guess what?

He returned from the United States with a video cassette player. It was a jackpot for me and my siblings. We were at his place every day that we weren’t in school to watch ‘Death Wish’, and ‘War Bus,’ among others.

Fast forward to the late 1990s and 2000s, the smooth Asabor Street where my uncle, Omodamwen initially rented a house (he had since moved to his own home) had been overtaken by flood.

A clean, paved road had become a swamp!

It seemed to have happened suddenly because I was distracted by university education *pursuit* at that time, and I was always away from Benin City.

Childhood family friends, the Ereses, the Imades, and many others were contemplating abandoning their homes. A few landlords on that street sold their homes for a pittance and moved from being homeowners to tenants again. Some died from the frustration.

Governor Godwin Obaseki came to power in 2016, and about a year later, he fixed that road with a very elaborate drainage system.

My friends, William Erese, a one-time African record holder in the 110-meter hurdles, Bright Imade, Queen Imade, Eghosa Imade, the Aihevbas and several others had their homes redeemed by this effort of Governor Obaseki.

After Asabor Street, Obaseki went on to fix other roads in the area, including Iriajen Street, where a popular local politician and my father’s friend, Pa Goodluck Okhuarobo lives. He also fixed Aerodrome Close, College Road, Joromi Street and environs, where Sir. Victor Uwaifo lived. The list is endless.

Should the funds deployed to save these neighbourhoods have been handed over to the powerful politicians with access to Government House in sacks?

Will the Ereses, the Imades, the Aihevbas, the Obakpolors, the Okhuarobos; their children and grandchildren sit idly and watch the Lions and Tigers take us back to the dark years where all was well as long as the politically connected were feeding fat?

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 8.*

*_Osagie, a journalist, is the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media Projects_*

https://www.naijametronews.com/the-primacy-of-truth-part-6

https://nigerianobservernews.com/2024/05/the-primacy-of-truth-part-6/

https://www.newshunternow.com/posts/the-primacy-of-truth-part-6

https://www.nairaland.com/8091840/primacy-truth-part-6#129947807


*The Primacy of Truth (Part 6)*

*_By Crusoe Osagie_*

Pensioners in Edo State had an interesting uniform in 2016 when Governor Godwin Obaseki just took office. It was an all black outfit which indicated that they were perpetual mourners.

Their place of convergence, almost on a weekly basis, was the King’s Square at Ring Road in Benin City, the State capital.

It was always a sore sight when they gathered. It was difficult to watch.

Senior citizens who had given their youth to their State with the hope that when they are old and frail, their State will in turn fulfill its obligation of prompt payment of their pension had been let down.

Each time they gathered, they sat under the sun; they prayed and chanted war songs. They lost their voices. Some of them collapsed and lost consciousness and had to be revived by good Samaritans. Others who were not so lucky paid the ultimate price. They died on the streets protesting for a wage they had faithfully earned after working for the State for over three decades with the most useful dispensation of their lives.

Obaseki inherited this huge embarrassment and didn’t shy away. He deployed a strategy that entailed the batching of these pensioners and clearing government liabilities to them batch-by-batch. He set aside hundreds of millions on a monthly basis to clear the debts.

He also broke down the problem with pensioners into three categories. Category A was pension arrears. Category B was the complaint about the unharmonised pension for almost 30 years, and the third Category was the gratuity liabilities.

Today, the pension liability is cleared completely. The harmonization of pension has been effected spanning a period of nearly 30 years. Obaseki is now at the stage of clearing the gratuities and has also been doing this in batches, beginning with the most frail and ailing retirees.

Should all these funds deployed to save these elderly people who have given their vitality to the State have been given to only a few politically connected people with access to power?

Today, our pensioners are happy that their dignity has been restored and that they get their pension payment alerts on the 25th or 26th of every month.

Even though like Oliver Twist, they want more and indeed they deserve more, but at least they have now put aside their mourning outfits and wear the bright smile of hope again.

Will these pensioners, their children, grandchildren, friends and well-wishers sit idly and allow the avaricious few return them to the dark days?

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 7.

*_Osagie, a journalist, is the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media Projects_*

https://www.naijametronews.com/the-primacy-of-truth-part-5

https://nigerianobservernews.com/2024/05/the-primacy-of-truth-part-5/


https://www.newshunternow.com/posts/the-primacy-of-truth-part-5

https://www.nairaland.com/8088935/primacy-truth-part-5

*The Primacy of Truth (Part 5)*

*By Crusoe Osagie*

Just before the Edo 2020 gubernatorial election which returned Governor Godwin Obaseki to office for a second term, not less than five markets in Benin City went up in flames.

Ekiosa, Oba Market, Oliha Market, Spare parts Market, Santana Market, you name it; they were all razed just before the poll.

Has anyone on the side of the Primacy of Truth ever wondered why over five large markets went up in flames in less than six months before September 19, 2020 and not a single one has caught fire since then?

Well, the answer is simple. These market fires were not accidents. They were arsons!

I have tried hard to understand why the Lions and Tigers elected to set our mothers’, fathers’ and friends’ small businesses on fire in the hope that it will make Obaseki’s government look bad and cost him his reelection.

Come to think of it. It was very frustrating for the hoodlums.

The more they vilified Obaseki, the more popular he got. Instead of trying to understand why the ordinary people stood firmly behind the governor, they devised one wicked plan after the other just to blackmail the governor and cast aspersions on him.

They didn’t care whose life was destroyed as long as they brought Obaseki down.

People’s lives were ruined. Some market men and women did not only keep their wares in their shops within the market, they also kept all their market money there. Both their wares and their money all went up in smoke.

Some died; some lost their sanity, while others managed to rebuild their lives again, starting from scratch.

All these on the back of the brawn of a few people with access to political power, who felt that Obaseki’s style of governance which returned power to the people at the expense of the influence of the politically powerful was, for them, an existential threat.

Will the children and grandchildren of all those who lost their lives to the frustration of losing their businesses to these arsonists sit idly and watch these Lions and Tigers return to power?

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 6.*

*_Osagie, a journalist, is the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media Projects_*

https://www.naijametronews.com/the-primacy-of-truth-part-4

https://nigerianobservernews.com/2024/05/the-primacy-of-truth-part-4/

https://www.newshunternow.com/posts/the-primacy-of-truth-part-4

https://www.nairaland.com/8087786/primacy-truth-part-4

*The Primacy of Truth (Part 4)*

*By Crusoe Osagie*

In 2016 when Governor Godwin Obaseki took office, Edo was like a war zone!

Our mothers were being humiliated in marketplaces. From Mission Road to New Benin and from Cooke Road to Forestry, enforcers were on the prowl, forcing genuine traders who eke out their living from the sweat of their brows to pay fees that could be likened to what the Italian mafias called the pizzo.

I remember a distress call from a childhood friend who attended Immaculate Conception College with me. My classmate who went ahead to study Engineering at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) had since become a high-flying Drilling Engineer with one of the biggest international oil companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria.

Armed with decent remuneration from the oil industry and propelled by the patriotism of an average Edo man, he decided to return home to make some real estate investments.

He bought an old building on Siluko Road and began to tear it down to put up a mini-shopping complex and one day during a visit to his site, some fierce-looking men accosted him and insisted that he needed to pay his pizzo. But being a young man brimming with the confidence that is often associated with a good education and considerable exposure, he dared to question these men he would later discover to be enforcers for the non-state actors that had shared the city among themselves.

My classmate was severely assaulted. His call to me was from the Oba Market Police Station. Yes, they did not only assault him, their backers who were men with access to political power also ensured he ended up behind bars.

His call from jail broke my heart into a million splinters. I could not understand how one man who had followed the rules of hardwork to earn himself a place in society could be molested by some other men who had taken to crime and their violence is validated by none other than keepers of law and order themselves.

They were the lords of the land and they referred to themselves as Lions and Tigers. They decided who owned land and who didn’t. They decided whose shop was opened and whose was shut.

They built their houses in the middle of the road and forced other residents to take a detour to get to their houses. I could go on and on. All Edo people who are on the side of the Primacy of Truth can bear witness.

Obaseki came and insisted on law and order. A few had tried to resist the change from lawlessness and they were made to face the law. Others advised themselves and fizzled into oblivion only to show up every election cycle in the hope that they could take over political power again and rain terror on the people.

Will market women, genuine real estate investors, traders in Mission Road and others stand idly and allow these hoodlums to return to power?

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 5*

*_Osagie, a journalist, is the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media Projects_*

*It is not clear what the APC and the Labour Party planned to achieve with the misinformation about the Edo State Government suing our Oba to Court, becos their candidate is not sellable, that's why they are peddling lies against the PDP.
#AsueIghodalo2024
#AsueOgie2024
#EGoDoAm

The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to the groundswell of misinformation regarding a court case involving our revered monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin and some Enigie.

The State Government has no hand in the matter and is also being sued by the Enigie.

The case with suit no B/29005/2023 is between His Royal Highness Prof. Gregory Idurobo Akenzua, the Enogie of Evbo-Obanosa/Abudu and His Royal Highness Edomwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen, the Enogie of Egbaen-Siluko against Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin and the State Government, who are defendants in the suit.

It is sad and painful that the matter which is essentially among brothers had degenerated to the point of litigation.

The government hearby appeals to all parties in the matter, being blood relatives, to work together and withdraw the matter from the court and begin a process of dialogue towards the amicable resolution of the issues in the interest of the sanctity of our most respected traditional institution.

Government is also open to working with all parties for a peaceful resolution of the dispute.

*Court case between brothers, Edo govt also being sued by the Enigie, says Nehikhare*

_*...govt open to working with all parties for a peaceful resolution of dispute*_

The Edo State Government has said it has no hand in the matter between His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin and some Enigie, noting that it was painful that the matter which is essentially among brothers had degenerated to the point of litigation.

In a statement, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, appealed to all parties in the matter, being blood relatives, to work together and withdraw the matter from the court and begin a process of dialogue towards the amicable resolution of the issues in the interest of the sanctity of the traditional institution.

The Statement reads, “The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to the groundswell of misinformation regarding a court case involving our revered monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin and some Enigie.

“The State Government has no hand in the matter and is also being sued by the Enigie.

“The case with suit no B/29005/2023 is between His Royal Highness Prof. Gregory Idurobo Akenzua, the Enogie of Evbo-Obanosa/Abudu and His Royal Highness Edomwonyi Iduozee Ogiegbaen, the Enogie of Egbaen-Siluko against Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin and the State Government, who are defendants in the suit.”

According to Nehikhare, “It is sad and painful that the matter which is essentially among brothers had degenerated to the point of litigation.

“The government hereby appeals to all parties in the matter, being blood relatives, to work together and withdraw the matter from the court and begin a process of dialogue towards the amicable resolution of the issues in the interest of the sanctity of our most respected traditional institution.”

“Government is also open to working with all parties for a peaceful resolution of the dispute,” the Commissioner added.

*EDSG has no matter in court against Our Royal Father, Oba of Benin*

The Edo State Government has no case in court against our revered Royal Father, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin.

The rumour making the rounds on social media of an impending court case is the handiwork of enemies of the State and should be disregarded.

As a matter of fact, in the matter being referenced by the purveyors of the fake news, Edo State Government is a defendant, which means the State government is being sued.

The State Government maintains a cordial relationship with the Royal Palace and holds the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Ogidigan, in high esteem.

The rumour is fabricated, fake and should be discountenanced in its entirety.

It is election season again and fifth columnists are at work.

The State Government is committed to sustaining a harmonious relationship with all stakeholders in the State and will always work to ensure cordial relations with the all critical institutions in society as part of its mandate to maintain a stable environment for the growth and progress of the State.

Crusoe Osagie,
Special Adviser on Media Projects
May 9, 2024

*EDSG has no matter in court against Our Royal Father, Oba of Benin*

The Edo State Government has no case in court against our revered Royal Father, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin.

The rumour making the rounds on social media of an impending court case is the handiwork of enemies of the State and should be disregarded.

As a matter of fact, in the matter being referenced by the purveyors of the fake news, Edo State Government is a defendant, which means the State government is being sued.

The State Government maintains a cordial relationship with the Royal Palace and holds the Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Ogidigan, in high esteem.

The rumour is fabricated, fake and should be discountenanced in its entirety.

It is election season again and fifth columnists are at work.

The State Government is committed to sustaining a harmonious relationship with all stakeholders in the State and will always work to ensure cordial relations with the all critical institutions in society as part of its mandate to maintain a stable environment for the growth and progress of the State.

Crusoe Osagie,
Special Adviser on Media Projects
May 9, 2024

*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 92,000 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.newshunternow.com/posts/the-primacy-of-truth-part-2

https://nigerianobservernews.com/2024/05/the-primacy-of-truth-part-2/

*The Primacy of Truth (Part 2)*

*By Crusoe Osagie*

He is wicked. He does not forgive. He lacks empathy; and a few more phrases that would not be appropriate in print are often deployed as cryptic language to express their frustration with Governor Godwin Obaseki who has refused to fleece the masses to fete the politically privileged.

They prefer a free rein, a culture of impunity where there are absolutely no consequences for bad behavior because that culture serves the interest of a few with political access and relationship with power.

But Rigoberta Menchú, the Guatemalan Indian human rights activist and 1992 Nobel Peace Prize winner who has spent most of her life fighting for Guatemala’s indigenous people warned that “If impunity is not demolished, all efforts to bring an end to corruption are in vain.”

Unfortunately, most of Obaseki’s crimes against the exclusive elite club of the politically powerful centre around his audacity to demand that bad behavior and impunity are fairly retributed with sanctions to prevent a reinforcement of moral vacuum.

A good example is some politically connected big farmers, who got loans from the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) and somehow expected Governor Obaseki to write off the loans just because they have political access.

About two or three of these big political farmers who are angry with Obaseki for insisting that they pay back their loans, because even smaller farmers who don’t have access to political power were paying, lead the cacophony of voices screaming to the high-heavens that Obaseki is a wicked and ungrateful man. What an irony.

For us ordinary people, empathy is when you identify the less fortunate in society and take steps to make their lives easier. Empathy is to identify the exclusion of youths and minorities from positions of authority and pick a 37-year-old Marvellous Omobayo Godwins from the oldest but very sidelined Akoko-Edo Local Government Area (LGA) to be Deputy Governor.

Empathy is when you move to ensure that a Blessing Agbebaku from Owan West Local Government Area, one of the most marginalized LGAs in Edo State emerges as Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) and leader of an arm of government for the first time in the history of the State.

Empathy is when you identify that there are three senatorial districts in Edo State- Edo North, Edo Central and Edo South, and insist that each should have a fair shot at the governorship seat thereby forcing most of the other political parties to abandon their intention to perpetuate the total dominance of Edo South and Edo North just because they are more in number.

Empathy is when you identify and take concrete steps to address the sufferings and pains of the people caused by the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government as well as the floating of the naira which negatively impacted exchange rate with spillover effect on inflation. Governor Obaseki provided safety nets to cushion the impact of these national policies on the people of Edo State, including provision of a free bus scheme, which has benefitted millions of residents in the State.

Empathy is when you rightly identify that the N18,000 minimum wage is a scandal and against all odds raise it to N70,000 monthly even when the richer Federal Government and other richer States are stalling.

For these special politicians, however, the definition of empathy is more ambiguous and they have resolved to deal with Obaseki and destroy his ideals as well as anything he holds dear for attempting to redefine empathy.

Will the people who share the common man’s definition of empathy rise in defense of Obaseki for daring to contend with the powers that be?

The jury is out and the battleground is the gubernatorial election in 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 3.*

*_Osagie, a journalist, is the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media Projects_*

*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.

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.”

https://www.newshunternow.com/posts/edo-2024-the-real-story-of-foreign-investments-in-edo-and-why-apc-mayaki

*Edo 2024: The real story of foreign investments in Edo and why APC, Mayaki can’t see beyond their nose*

It is election season again in Edo State and the hawks and purveyors of hopelessness and despair are on the loose. They are scurrying to find a sweet spot to exploit the candidates in the September 21 gubernatorial election, writing disjointed pressers in an attempt to justify their pay from overlords who seek to upend the gains made in Edo State in the last eight years.

Hence, it is not so surprising to see that a defanged penpusher, John Mayaki, who has been disgraced publicly for trading in lies and falsehoods in previous election seasons, has taken on the job of media handler for the All Progressives Congress (APC). He has returned to his rusty pen because he has found people to pay him to tell baseless lies and embark on ill-fated propaganda.

As it has become a tradition for him, he has kicked off with the same old script of peddling lies, falsehoods and half-truths. With a candidate who had to opt for a ‘miracle centre’ to obtain High School certificate at the age of 36, the APC has elected to parley Mayaki to do their bidding, seeing that they can’t run the election on facts, credibility and sound reasoning.

The target this time is to rewrite the story of investment inflow into Edo State, premised on a curious report that had said that the State had attracted zero foreign investment in the last 3 years – a rather curious discovery.

The report would have given one sleepless night except that it is not true and doesn’t reflect the reality in Edo State. Perhaps, one would say that Edo has been one of the busiest states for investors in the last few years. The State has attracted big-ticket investors that have led to the expansion of the local economy.

The total inflow of investment into Edo State for the past 8 years is capped at N5.6trn. One of the biggest investment windows is the Edo State Oil Palm Programme (ESOPP), a N700bn investment outlay attracted to the State for the development of over 70,000 hectares of oil palm plantation across Orhionmwon, Ovia South West and Ovia North East, Uhunmwonde, Owan West Local Government Areas of the State. 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. These companies are replicating the Okomu Plc and Presco Plc marvel by developing expansive plantations in the State and employing thousands of workers. Aside from cultivating oil palm, some of them, like Dufil Prima Foods, are investing in an integrated farm, which also features an ethanol plant.

Other investors in the state include Radisson Group of Hotels, which is building a 170 key hotel in Benin City. Although the government is involved financially in the project, the group is also making commitments to the building project, which will transform the hospitality and tourism sector in the State.

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

Also, the Ossiomo Independent Power Project is the product of an earlier partnership between a local company and CCETC Power, a foreign company. The 6600 barrels per day (bpd) Edo Modular Refinery was also birthed through a partnership with AIPCC Energy, which has a Chinese origin. The slew of foreign investments are testaments to reforms undertaken to open the space up for private capital either from within or outside the country.

It is not surprising that the APC and Mayaki cannot appreciate the import of attracting investment because that is not how they reason. They are more concerned about fleecing the people, eating the ‘seed yam’ and empowering non-state actors to unleash mayhem on hapless citizens.

For Edo, it has been a story of an avalanche of investments in the last eight years. The companies, plantations and factories that have been set up are testament to these. The fruits are already sprouting. The efforts to rewrite this feat by emergency historians will amount to naught.

Edo people know better and will not be deceived by efforts of charlatans to market a bad candidate in their quest to return to government to serve their selfish ends. Not only are they blinded by greed, the APC and Mayaki cannot see beyond their nose, which is why they are incensed by the progress recorded in Edo in the last eight years.

*Rev Olu Martins*
*Deputy Director General, Media and Publicity*
_Edo PDP 2024 Governorship Election Campaign Management Council_

https://nigerianobservernews.com/2024/05/the-primacy-of-truth-part-1/

*The Primacy of Truth (Part 1)*

*By Crusoe Osagie*

“In a society where they burn books, they will soon burn human beings.” This is a paraphrase of the somewhat prophetic quote by a German poet called Heinrich Heine long before the Nazi regime began to set up gas chambers in which over six million Jews were massacred.

Heinrich wrote this quote in 1820 and 113 years later, the Nazi regime led by Adolf Hitler took office and shortly after, they diligently supervised the holocaust, exterminating over six million Jews which till date is probably the biggest scar on the human conscience.

But guess what? Before the regime began to exterminate the Jews, they had made practical efforts to suppress truth, knowledge and reason by burning thousands of books including All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque; the Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka; Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad; the Outline of History by H.G. Wells and the Story of My Life by Helen Keller, a memoir written by a deaf and blind woman who was also a socialist and pacifist, all of which were seen as threats to Nazi ideals.

It is however important to note that even though books may not be physically burnt today, a lot of efforts and tactics are being deployed by people with selfish political interests to silence the voice of reason, truth and upend objectivity.

In Edo, a lot of effort has been made by a small segment of political actors to rewrite the history of the last seven and a half years, and their reason for doing this is simple: pecuniary. Unfortunately for this small segment of politicians in our society who used to depend absolutely on state gratification for their opulent living, Governor Godwin Obaseki’s approach to governance occasioned the redistribution of resources from people with political access to the generality of Edo citizens.

Funds that could have been deployed for orgies, opulent overseas trips, flamboyant medical tourism, and other frivolities have now been redirected for the construction of institutions like the Edo College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi; Edo College of Nursing Sciences, Sapele Road; Edo School of Health Technology, Dumez Road; equipping teachers to adequately train over 400,000 children under the EdoBEST Programme; upgrade of the Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, and the reconstruction of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital; the list is endless.

Funds that would have been ferried away in sacks popularly called ‘Ghana Must Go’ after pointless meetings in Government House have now been channeled towards the reconstruction and equipping of the State Secretariat Complex on Sapele Road; construction of the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), in Benin City; construction of the Adams Oshiomhole Labour House, in Ikpboa Hill; establishing the e-governance system that allows the government to run a paperless public service; prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, and payment of N70,000 as minimum wage, which is the highest in the country, among others.

Alas, by these good deeds, Obaseki has murdered sleep. Just like Robin Hood, the legendary heroic outlaw depicted in English folklore who stole from the rich to give to the poor, Obaseki has a target on his back.

A segment of the politically powerful are upset. They have vowed to destroy the reputation and legacy of the man who dared to interrupt the flow of state funds to satisfy their voracious appetite.

Will the people for whose benefits Obaseki contended with the powers that be rise in his defense?

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

Sadly, not many will read this. Our people are overwhelmed by a deluge of lies and they can hardly find space to accommodate the primacy of truth.

*Watch out for Part 2*

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

*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.

I pity ur ignorance sha, Governor Godwin Obaseki wen dey pay workers 25th of every month, abeg can you name any sector Governor Obaseki hasn't touched?

*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.

Your own good, Governor Godwin Obaseki is Making life easy for Edolites u're here advertising ur ignorance

*Breaking News: Obaseki increases minimum wage to N70,000*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has increased the minimum wage for workers in the State from #40,000 to #70,000.


The governor made the announcement at the commissioning of the newly built ultra-modern Labour House secretariat complex for labour unions in the State, along Temboga Road, Ikpoba-Hill, Benin City.

Details shortly...

Labour House Complex, Temboga named after former Governor, Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole

Governor run this one o

#Obaseki finishing strong 💯✔️

The APC party won't take ur back to Egypt, God forbid

*Edo 2024: Obaseki, Igbinedion, Danjuma, Ikimi, others to lead Advisory C’ttee for PDP Governorship Campaign Council*

*_…Iduoriyekemwem leads Mgt Team as DG, Ugbome, Okojie, Iyoha, Ero, others named Deputy DGs_*

*_…Ogiadomhe, Orbih, Aziegbemi, Ordia, others listed as members of State Council_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has been named head of the Advisory Committee for the 2024 Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Campaign Council, with the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion and National Leader of the PDP and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, as members.

Other members of the Advisory Committee include former Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District, Sen. Odion Ugbesia; former senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, Sen. Daisy Danjuma; former Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Sen. Yisa Braimoh and a former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tunde Akogun.

In a statement, the PDP State Organizing Secretary, Tony Anenih (Jnr.) said members of the Campaign Council are very versatile members of the PDP who have been carefully chosen to deliver the party’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.

He explained that apart from the Advisory Committee, the Campaign Council also has a Management Committee; a State Campaign Council made up of 200 eminent members of the PDP; the women wing to be headed by the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki and Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, and the youth wing to be led by the Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor.

While former Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen serves as the Director General of the Management Committee, two-time member of Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Paschal Ugbome; Barr. Pedro Egharevba; Hon. Raymond Enogieru and Hon John Yakubu, among others, will serve as Deputy Director Generals.

Also, Prince Joe Okojie will serve as Deputy DG, Finance, while Osaigbova Iyoha serves as Deputy DG Security and Hon. Osaze Ero as Deputy DG Field Operations. Others are Hon. Fidel Igenegbale, Deputy DG, Special Duties; Rev Olu Martins, Deputy DG, Media and Publicity; Hon. Omosede Igbinedion, Deputy DG, Research and Strategy; Hon. Timothy Osadolor, Deputy DG, Youth, and Mr. Paul Akhilomen, Deputy DG, Documentation and Reporting, among others.

Meanwhile, The State Campaign Council is chaired by the State Governor, with his deputy, Marvellous Omobayo Godwins, Speaker of the Edo Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, Chairman of the Edo PDP, Tony Aziegbemi, PDP candidate for the 2024 Governorship Election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his deputy governorship candidate, Osarodion Ogie Esq., Hon Segun Saiki and Hon. Donald Okugbe as members.

Other members of the State Campaign Council include the National Vice-Chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih; immediate past Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District, Sen. Clifford Ordia; Chief of Staff to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe and former senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Francis Alimikhena.

Also on the State Campaign Council are Chris Nehikhare, Joe Edionwele, Marcus Onobun, Felix Akhabue, Yekini Idiaye, Bayo Ogedengbe, Samuel Ali, Ethan Uzamere, Isoken Omo, Pastor Kennedy Osifo, Chief Osaro Idah, Bright Iyamu and Mrs. Stella Igbinovia, among others.

*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.”

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.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Chairman, Edo Sports Commission, Yusuf Alli; Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor, Dr. Osaigbovo Iyoha, and Edo State Deputy Governor, Engr. Marvelous Omobayo Godwins, during a reception for Edo Queens for clinching a spot in the Super Six Tournament after finishing second in Group B of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), at the Government House, Benin City.

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.

Ongoing construction of Edaiken primary school road and adjoining streets within Edaiken, Uselu axis, Benin city, Edo state.
#ObasekiFinishingWell

*Obaseki hails Edo Queens for Super Six qualification*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated 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).

Obaseki, in a statement, expressed optimism that the team will have an excellent outing at the Super Six championship to hoist the State’s flag on the continental stage.

Obaseki said, “I heartily congratulate our own dear Edo Queens for clinching a spot in the Super 6 Championship after securing the second position in Group B of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL).

“We celebrate your exploits and accomplishments as you continue to give an excellent account of yourselves, showcasing your exceptional talent and team spirit, and making us proud with your outstanding performance.”

He added, “As you go into the Super Six Championship, I charge you to continue on this impressive run even as we are confident of an excellent outing at the championship for a chance to hoist the State's flag on the continental stage for the first time.”

*Obaseki expands Edo transport system, begins water transportation next month*

_*…kicks off construction of water stops in various communities*_

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his government has commenced the construction of water stops in various riverine communities across the State with the plan to launch the State’s water transportation system next month.

Obaseki disclosed this while addressing stakeholders during an interactive engagement on the Edo State Regional Development and Benin City Master Plans, at Ovia-South-West Secretariat in Iguobazuwa.

The governor, who noted that the transportation system was a critical aspect of the State’s master plans, said the water transportation system will kick off with three passenger boats in the Riverine Community.

Present at the meeting are the Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq, serving Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, market women, youths, religious and traditional leaders, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Hausa Community, amongst others.

During the engagement session, stakeholders from Ovia South-West and Ovia North-East interacted with the governor and officials from the Ministry of Physical, Urban and Regional Development to ensure their interests are captured in the master plan.

He said, “Water transportation is the cheapest form of transportation as we are working on how to make the state key into it. We are starting Edo State Water Transportation next month. We are starting with three passenger boats in the riverine communities. We are building water stops in various communities around the riverine communities in the State.”

On the State’s Regional Development and Benin City Master Plans, Obaseki said, “The plan I met expired, hence the need for another plan. A master plan is not forever; it's for sometimes. I want to leave a plan for the State that will guide other successive administrations to continue the development plan.

“Today, we have developed our master plan that will guide every area of life. We are here to hear from you and have your input on the plan. Before I leave office, we will take it to the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) to ensure it’s signed into law.”

Earlier in his welcome, Commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Ethan Uzamere said, “Planning is very important as it is vital for development and Governor Obaseki with this plan has left a long-term plan that other administrations follow. Planning is important for real development.”

On her part, the Commissioner for Physical, Urban and Regional Development, Isoken Omo said the master plan which is a 30-year development plan for the State, has been broken down into five years to create opportunity for reassessment on its implementation.

I thank members of the Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) for choosing our dear state to host its 54th Annual Conference and for their sustained partnership and collaboration with the state government, leading to the successes recorded in the last seven and a half years.

In Edo State, members of NIESV have helped us tremendously in sanitizing the built environment and the planning process – leading to our 30-year development plan and Benin City Master Plan, which is near completion.

I commend the leadership of the immediate past president of the body, Mr. Johnbull Amayaevbo, and urge the new NIESV President, Victor Adekunle Alonge, to continue from where his predecessor stopped.
Governor Godwin Obaseki
#ObasekiFinishingStrong

*To apply for existing vacancies in Edo State Broadcasting Service, visit https://career.edostate.gov.ng/*