₦airaland Forum

*Edo Council Boss signs 2019 budget bill of N2.710bn into law*

The Executive Chairman of Ovia South-West local government area, Comrade Destiny Oghayerio Enabulele, has signed the 2019 budget appropriation bill to law, as passed by the legislative arm of the Council.

The budget of N2,710,235,000.00, tagged Budget of Focus, presented to the legislative arm for consideration and approval is composed of N1,691,710,060.04 (62.40%), recurrent expenditure, and N1,018,524,939.96 (37.6%) capital expenditure.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in his office at the Council headquarters at Iguobazuwa, Enabulele commended the legislative arm for a speedy consideration and passage of the budget.

"I cannot thank you enough for the speedy passage of this budget. It shows your continuous commitment to our vision of transforming this local government withing the shortest possible time.

"On our side, we are fully set and ready to impliment the budget to the fullest. It is an opportunity for us to show our commitment to the development of our people.

"To the leader and members of the legislative arm, I want to assure you that our relationship will continue on this peaceful note on which we have been operating since the inception of our administration," Enabulele said.

Earlier, the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Robert Ekeme Fiyes JP, said the fact that the Council Chief is impacting lives through his developmental strides and their love for the development of the local government area informed the speedy passage of the budget.

*Mayaki’s vituperations against Obaseki*


Nosa Idele-Ogbeide

The saying that “bitterness imprisons life” is given complete meaning by the recent experience and alterations of John Mayaki.
 
Ever since Governor Godwin Obaseki politely relieved him of the post of Interim Chief Press Secretary (Interim CPS), a position he occupied for about four months, he has been in the gallows, manacled by incurable hatred for the Edo State governor.

He got a chance to prove himself, but he was  evidently inadequate for the job.

Although Governor Obaseki did not let him go for any personal reason, Mayaki has been jailed by hatred for two years now. 
 
The unprecedented popularity which the governor and his administration enjoys as a result of the massive improvement of the lives of his people has made the psychological torture and emotional pain to which Mayaki condemned himself grow from bad to worse.
 

Come to think of it, Mayaki was never qualified to handle communications for Obaseki’s government by any stretch of imagination. His promotion beyond his competence by the then Adams Oshiomhole’s government where he was Executive Director manifested in his dumb approach to the job few weeks into his appointment, hence his redeployment, as he was not qualified to be the spokesman of any serious state government.
 
The highest position Mayaki ever attained in his career as a media professional was freelance State Correspondent for The Nation newspapers. With all due respect, correspondents are the foot soldiers in the journalism hierarchy, that is one of the most foundational ranks in the profession. No right thinking governor will appoint a substantive spokesman with such elementary experience in media practice.

 
So instead of drowning in anger and bitterness, Mayaki should have accepted the other positions which suit his experience which Obaseki offered him after scrapping the post of Interim CPS which took him way out of his depth.
 
Having provided this background about Mayaki, your guess is as good as mine as to why his bitterness against Obaseki will lead him to concoct lies against the governor and government he would still have been serving and defending if he was not relieved of his position two years ago.
 

No one who knows Mayaki and his antecedent will take him seriously. What does anyone expect anyway, as the dregs of the politics of Edo State have found a new industry in the phantom faceoff between Obaseki and Oshiomhole, Mayaki who is the lowest of them all is also trying to position himself for whatever may be the compensation for the boys after all is said and done. So sad.
 
However, Mayaki must be counselled and made to understand that the greatest enemy to his present joy and high hopes is the cultivation of retrospective bitterness. 
This advise is especially important due to his recent public propagation of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ after his emergency call to the vineyard of the almighty God weeks after he lost his job with Obaseki. True servants of God do not harbour bitterness and hatred as we are counseled not to allow the sun to shine on our anger or ungodly feelings and thoughts. 

*Nosa Idele Ogbeide writes from Benin City*

*Council Boss Celebrates Birthday with Widows*

Chairman, Ovia South West Local Government Area, Comrade Destiny Oghayerio Enabulele celebrates his birthday today as scores of widows across Ovia South West Local Government were hosted at the Chairman's guest house.

The event was graced by top dignitaries in political and religious spheres, some of whom were; the Ovia North East Local Governement Chairman, Hon. Scott Ogbemudia, Chairman, Esan North East, Hon. Austin Okobhoile, Vice Chairman, Ovia North East Local Government, Hon. Maureen Ekoragbon, Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Ovia South West LGA, Chief Peter Ajayi, Secretary, All Progressives Congress (APC), Ovia South West LGA, Engr. Ikponwomsa Omorodion, amongst others.

While addressing the gathering, Chief Peter Ajayi, Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), OviaSouth West Local Government described the Council Chief as one who has the interest of the less privileged at hand. He further described him as an honest and lovable person who has carved a niche for himself through self struggle, noting he remains among the best three performing Local Government Chairmen in Edo State.

The Council Chief expressed his joy for living to witness yet another year on planet earth. He said what informed his decision to play host to the less privileged on his birthday is because of his humble background, adding that giving back to the needies is an opportunity to appreciate God for blessing him as against celebrating his birthday at the beer parlour.

He further enjoined other stakeholders in the society to use their special days to assist those who are in need of one thing or the other, so life can be better for all.

Some of the beneficiaries includes; Mrs Bose Ehiaruwa, Mrs Usenbor Felicia, Mrs Uwangue Patience, Mrs Arigbe Gladys, Mrs Agabi Christiana, Mrs Enogheghase Rebecca, Mrs Inneh Queen, Mrs Roseline Ebose, Mrs Dora Otasowie, Mrs Margaret Igbe, and Mrs Alice Osarenkhoe among others.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Arigbe Gladys, in her speech, said the gesture being extended to the widows by the Council Chief is a very rare one, adding that it is not commonly practiced among top notched in the society to consider the widows, father and motherless children, moreso, the needies in the society. She however enjoined her fellow widows not to be disparaged by their present condition.

Describing her husband, Mrs Tessy Enabulele said her husband can’t be compared with any one’s in the world. In her words, ‘I can not compare my husband with anyone in the world, he is very nice to me, he is loving and caring’. She charged the widows to be hardworking and take the duty as wives very seriously and not blame the demise of their husbands for their woes.

*Edo 2020: Gabriel Igbinedion throws weight behind Obaseki*

*_…joins campaign to dislodge politics of greed in Edo_*

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki’s sterling performance in the last two and the half years has warmed him into the hearts of opposition party leaders in the state, as a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dr Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion has thrown his weight behind the governor’s development strides, urging him to remain focused.

Chief Igbinedion endorsed Obaseki’s performance when he paid a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State Capital, to invite him to the 20th anniversary celebration of Igbinedion University, Okada.

The endorsement comes as political gladiators jostle for candidates for different political parties in the gubernatorial election coming up next year in the state.

Chief Igbinedion said Governor Obaseki is doing well in developing the state and urged him not to listen to sides talks, promising to join hands with him to defeat politics of stomach infrastructure in the state.

"Don't listen to sides talks; we will join hands with you to defeat politics of stomach infrastructure in the state. We see your performance. Remain focused and be silent. Just work, as the people will fight for you when the time comes,” Chief Igbinedion said, expressly pledging support for the governor in the coming elections in Edo State.

He officially invited the governor to the 20th anniversary celebration of Igbinedion University, noting, "I am here to inform you that my University is 20 years old and I am inviting you to celebrate with us on Friday as we are the first private University in Nigeria. 63 persons collected the form to establish a private University but just nine of us filled and submitted the form. It took me nine years to fight and establish the University."

Governor Obaseki commended Chief Igbinedion on his contribution to the development of the state, especially in the area of education, media, agriculture, among others.

"You set up the most successful secondary school in the country. I am not surprised at the success made so far by your University. You are a man of ideas, and ideas rule the world. We are proud of you; hate or love you, you are an enigma and an inspiration to our generation," he said.

Obaseki said Edo can pride itself as one of the states with the most privately-owned universities, noting, "My administration is focusing on education as we strengthen basic education as the foundation for the development of our children. A revolution has begun in the state, especially at our primary school level with basic education reforms. We have excelled as a people because of the love for knowledge and we will continue to follow your example as we re-enforce basic education.”

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsPsv0iqJ0rBo_9qRYCoCag/

*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*S2_001:*
L-R: The Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Dr Gabriel Igbinedion; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; and Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., during a courtesy visit by the Esama of Benin to the governor, at the Government House, in Benin City, on Wednesday, May 8, 2019.
 
*S2_002; S2_003:*
The Esama of Benin Kingdom,  Chief Dr Gabriel Igbinedion (left) and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during a courtesy visit by the Esama of Benin to the governor, at the Government House, in Benin City, on Wednesday, May 8, 2019.

*EDSG, Obaseki cannot be distracted by divisive politics and propagation of falsehood*

We are delighted to welcome our Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki back from his annual vacation.

The governor conveys his heartfelt appreciation to Edo people for the sturdy support they gave to his able, dependable and very competent Deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu and other government functionaries during his vacation.

Once again, Edo people have demonstrated their unalloyed faith in the Obaseki-led administration that has put the wellbeing of the people above all other considerations.

While the governor was away on vacation, a section of the media was inundated with contrived and unfounded speculations and fake news.

Although it is not our style to dissipate our creative energy to comment on fake news, however, as a responsible and responsive government, we owe millions of our supporters the true position regarding developments within our government and the state chapter of our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The tactic of crying wolf where there is none is prevalent among a small, dishonourable segment of our political class, and their sole aim is to distract the government from delivering the dividends of democracy, throw spanner in the works and profit from the resulting crisis.

But their pedestrian strategy has proven ineffective and insufficient to sway Edo people, whose daily rating of Governor Obaseki is at an all-time high.

As a government, our focus and commitment is to strengthen the pillars of growth and development across all sectors of the state and in the three senatorial districts, and we cannot be distracted by irresponsible, concocted stories and contrived controversy that have no place in actual existence.

The Edo State gubernatorial election is almost a year and half away and Governor Obaseki's focus is to work for Edo people who gave him the mandate and no form of distractions will dissuade him.

There is no gainsaying that there is a general acceptance of Governor Obaseki and his approach to governance. All that is needed to gauge public opinion is to walk through the streets in any part of the state. The revolution in basic education, transparency in governance and huge infrastructural projects are sufficient to erode the effect of any fake news or contrived controversy.

Edo people restated their faith in Governor Obaseki when they voted en masse for the APC in the last House of Assembly election in the state, with the APC coasting to glory in all 24 state constituencies, a feat, never before achieved in our recent political history. The message was clear: Edo people want an APC-controlled Assembly to support the governor's vision for the state.

Meanwhile, the robust relationship between Governor Obaseki and his brother, friend, predecessor, and National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, is waxing stronger daily.

No amount of speculations, hate statements and fake news can erode the friendship built over the years on mutual trust and respect, which has translated to good governance in Edo State.

Also, the governor’s relationship with the leaders of the state chapter of the party is extremely cordial and solid. A recent vote of confidence passed by all leaders and executives of the party on the 14th of April, 2019 attests to this fact.

However, only a handful of individuals whose insatiable greed the governor has refused to entertain at the expense of the peoples’ collective patrimony have decided to employ malfeasant tactics to blackmail him, the government and the party. They have since been advised to accept the fact that the peoples’ interest takes precedence over their avarice and that is our final word to them.

It is important to warn these few bad eggs who have turned themselves into fifth columnists, moonlighters and political implants that their feeble attempts to derail the moving train being piloted by Governor Obaseki and his lieutenants will continue to fail as Edo people are familiar with their devilish plot.

These bad elements who also worked against the APC in the presidential election know they have to face the inevitable consequences of their ignoble actions hence their attempt to muddle up the political environment, hoping that by so doing they can escape justice. But we want to assure them that their actions shall surely be visited with the adequate retribution at the appropriate time.

Meanwhile, Edo people should continue to disregard these detractors and their planted stories and hogwash as we are more than ever, committed to their wellbeing.

Our aspiration to create a state where all Edo people and residents can realise their dreams and place Edo State where it rightly belongs as a center of development is now within reach. So, for us as a government, we will continue to emphasise development, peace and unity to ensure a secured, prosperous future.


*_Signed:_*


*Osarodion Ogie Esq.*

*Secretary to Edo State Government.*

*Ramadan: Enabulele Charge Muslim Faithful To Pray For Peace in Edo State*

Chairman, Ovia South West Local Government Council of Edo, Comr Destiny Oghayerio Enabulele, has urged Muslims in Ovia South West to hold fervent prayers for the Peace in the State, Country and particularly, the Council Area.

Enabulele who gave this charge in his message to the Muslim faithful on the occasion of this year's holy month of fasting, said peace engenders development.

He noted that any area or country engulf in rancour, are always eluded by development.

The Council Chief while congratulating Muslims in Ovia South West for seeing yet another month of Ramadan, noted the transient nature of the world with the realization that some people who observed Ramadan last year and many years back are no longer alive to witness that of this year.

He therefore stressed that those alive to participate in this year's have more reasons to thank Allah SWT.

Enabulele therefore enjoin Muslims to conduct themselves well during the holy month, in order to maximize the spiritual and physical benefits inherent in the fasting period.

According to him, “I am of the strong conviction that with prayers, fairness and firmness of purpose in the pursuit of good deeds, Allah will make us benefit from the rewards and blessings inherent in the Holy month."

*The real enemies of Edo*

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/05/the-real-enemies-of-edo-people/

https://thenationonlineng.net/the-real-enemies-of-edo/

A lot of commentaries are trailing states in the country that are next in line for gubernatorial elections. Edo State is taking the lead in media attention among these states, perhaps due to its vast political scope and its numerous stakeholders with varying points of view.

Two men have dominated the discourse in the phantom battle for the soul of Edo State, which is founded more on speculation than actual facts. The two men are the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and the incumbent governor of the state, Mr Godwin Obaseki.

Both very strong men. One you may want to describe one as the wind, the other, fire. The fire and wind adumbration of these two men mostly point to their characteristic strength but it also speaks to the modus operandi of the two great men.

While one of them will expressively move the heaven and the earth towards achieving any objective that has won his conviction, the other will summon the same momentum to achieve what he believes is in the best interest of the ordinary people but the major difference in style is that you don’t often see Obaseki coming. He is the wind and Oshiomhole is the fire. But make no mistake, both men are tough as steel.

Many who reason critically and who have interests beyond the pecuniary will tell you without equivocation that these two men are the best things that have happened to Edo State in the last two decades.

Those who were familiar with Edo State before 2008 when it was like a pile of rubbles understand why Oshiomhole must be respected. A friend once said that in Edo State, it was Oshiomhole who returned the consciousness of the social contract between the people and government. During the years of the locust between 1999 and 2008, the people were abused to the point amnesia and the leaders of the government of those days carted away the people’s patrimony with little or no resistance from the people.

Meanwhile, Obaseki has since taken excellence in governance beyond the very high standard set by Oshiomhole, again bringing more credit to the former governor who was able to spot the gem in Obaseki and support him to be his successor.

In these days of rapid evolution in information and communication technology, all anyone needs to do to confirm a claim in a distant location is to pick up the phone and call, text or email a few people who either live in that place or visit the place frequently.

Conduct a street survey in Edo State today on the effectiveness of Obaseki’s government, provided you are speaking to the real electorate who have no selfish political interest, you are likely to get a 90 per cent approval rating.

Obaseki and Oshiomhole in truth are not the enemies of Edo State. The real enemies of the state are the commentators and purveyors of baseless conspiracy theories, who are blinded by their vested interests.

Some sworn enemies of Oshiomhole have suddenly become his best friends. A former deputy governor whose hatred for the national chairman of the ruling party is deeper than that of ancient Greece against Troy now pretends to be his most trusted ally.

Another hater of Oshiomhole who almost destroyed the former governor’s political career with a malicious legal battle over primary school certificate now also dots around him night and day pretending to be a defender of his best interest.

All these enemies of Edo State have seen the beauty of the place where the alliance between Oshiomhole and his Godsons: Obaseki, Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu and Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie is taking Edo State and they hope their lies and false allegations of conspiracy theories against Obaseki can truncate it.

They know that the death kernel of their politics of self-aggrandizement is engrained in Obaseki’s second term in office and they hope they can hoodwink Oshiomhole to work with them to tear down the glorious house he has laboured to build since 2008.

But if Oshiomhole is the same man he was when he fought for the liberation of Edo from the chains of former oppressors, then I am certain he will not condescend to the point of sending Edo back into the gallows by helping hyenas find the path to the Edo State Government House.

They have seen the vision of the greatness which Oshiomhole saw in Obaseki play out to perfection. They have watched how he has won the hearts and minds of the ordinary Edo people with development projects.

Some of the governor’s enduring projects include the establishment of the Edo Innovation Hub; revamp of the Basic Education sub-sector through the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme; regeneration of towns and cities through massive infrastructure development; reforms in civil service, comprising steady payment of salaries and gratuities and migration to the contributory pension scheme; fight against human trafficking and illegal migration and development of affordable housing, among many others.

Through the Edo-BEST programme, 8700 teachers in primary schools have been trained on the use of Teacher’s Computer in the classroom, thereby engendering the use of digital tools as teaching aid in primary schools. This is followed with the revamp of 230 primary schools across the state, ensuring that learning takes place in a conducive environment.

For reforms in civil and public service, the state government under Governor Obaseki has prioritised workers welfare, ensuring that they not only work in conducive environment assured by newly constructed, well-designed offices but also that they get their salaries – and for those that are retired – pensions as and when due.

Most of the projects, especially the road projects, dot cities and towns in Edo State and have endeared the governor to the people of the state, leading to them to bequeath him the sobriquet, ‘Wake and See Governor’ a reference to his style of working without fanfare.

The discontinuation of these legacies is the target of these enemies of Edo, who are beating the drums of war in the state and hoping that Oshiomhole and Obaseki will dance to their evil tune.

But, as Governor Obaseki has recently asserted, there is no rift between him and Oshiomhole. So, these merchants of hate are doomed to fail. As enemies of Edo’s development, they stand no chance in enthroning reign of chaos in the state. Edo people want development. That is why they will continue to stand with Obaseki come 2020 and beyond so he can consolidate on his development strides and enthroning the extremely bold vision he has for Edo State.

*Aimurie, a journalist, writes from Benin City*

*Agriculture: LAPO Micro Finance Bank seek Partnership with Ovia South West LGA*

The management of Live Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO), Micro Finance Bank, has approached Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo, for a possible partnership in the areas of mutual benefit to both parties.

The Executive Director of the LAPO Micro Finance Bank, Mrs. Sabina Osehobo, made the declaration when she paid a working visit to the Council Boss, Comr Destiny Enabulele.

Osehobo said her visit to the Council was on a fact finding mission to identify potential areas of partnership

She further stated that Ovia South West local government area have been selected in area of possible partnership with the organisation.

She decried the situation where farmers invest so much in Crop production only to be wasted due to the absence of ready market for their produce.

While also noting lack storage facilities for agricultural produce, she said that her organisation will meet with farmers in the local government with a view to organizing them into clusters in order of international best standard practices.

She said that her organisation will make available the opportunities for the farmers to benefit from Agric loans and grants.

She further explained that the new initiative by her bank is aimed at identifying communities that have comparative advantage in the production of a particular crop than other local government

She stressed that the aim is to prop them into engaging into export market to earn foreign exchange.

İn his response, the Council Chief, commended the LAPO for the initiative and noted that it was apt, considering the need to source for other means of income outside crude oil.

He expressed the council willingness to partner with any group, organisation or individual, that would boost the economy activities of the area.

*Concerned AAU alumni frowns at National EXCO’s alleged highhandedness, others* 


Chairmen of the Ambrose Alli University Alumni Association have frowned on alleged misconduct and high headedness of the self-styled Worldwide Association’s Executive members led by Prof. Omi Ujuanbi, who deliberately violated the association’s constitution in an attempt to create a self-perpetuating cabal.


The concerned Chairmen of Branches and members condemned the situation whereby Prof. Omi Ujuanbi constituted himself a sole administrator to allot positions to stooges, some of whom were not qualified, in order to cover for his inability to render accounts of stewardship.


In a press statement, the chairmen said that the terms of a settlement in Suit No. HEK/30/2015 entered as the judgement of conduct of the High Court, Ekpoma has been flagrantly violated.


The statement was signed by Chairman, Lagos Branch, AUU Alumni Association, Frank Egboh; his counterpart at the Benin Branch, Hon. Fidelis Ogbejele; and other concerned members, including Emmanuel Osayimwen and Francis Umeh.


They further noted after a meeting of concerned chairmen and members of the school’s Alumni Association on Saturday March 16, 2019, observations and resolutions were reached, concluding that there was flagrant and deliberate disregard of the constitution of the Alumni Association in the conduct of the October, 2018 Annual General Meeting amongst other serious violations of the Constitution.


“There is highhandedness of some group of persons within the Association with the sole aim of institutionalizing a cabal. The clandestine attempts by the accused Executive and their collaborators to illegally constitute a body to investigate itself with a view to coming up with an orchestrated finding,” they averred.


They said the observations made on the series of petitions, complaints, grievances and worries are serious enough for the appropriate authorities of the Association to give it a critical look, as they will ultimately save the dwindling image of the Association and by extension that of our great institution.


They warned that the neglect and or failure of those concerned to urgently intervene will no doubt plunge the Association into legal battle which will ultimately lead to another crisis.

*Obaseki: Thriving With Politics Of Good Nature*

By Roy Oribhabor

Given his calm and reticent persona, many politicians and non-politicians alike in Edo State are still perplexed about the manner of politician, which the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki is. Every step Obaseki takes as a politician seems to baffle the traditional politicians within and outside the state. In the election that brought him to power in 2016, he lost in the Edo Central Senatorial district of the state in a fairly spectacular manner.

Following this rejection by many Esan people therefore, what a typical Nigerian politician will do is to completely abandon that section of the state. Yes, the typical Nigeria politician will quickly toss Esan people away, after all, they are the region with the smallest population in Edo State. Edo South where Obaseki hails from has over 50 percent of the state’s population; Edo North, the home of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has just above 20 per cent; while Edo Central has less than 20 per cent of the population. So, with Edo South and Edo North showing up strongly for Obaseki and bringing him to power, the convenient way to carry on would have been to abandon the Esan people of Edo Central. Bearing in mind that with one section of the state out of the equation, there will be more to share in the regular ‘chop, I chop’ politics which has become common in Nigeria. But not Obaseki. He does not dwell on hate, bitterness and the ‘do me, I do you’ principle which politics in Nigeria is unfortunately now mostly renowned for.

The Esan people were hostile at the beginning. Youths from there at a time pelted the governor’s convoy with stones. Thereafter, the people in Esan North East, around Ugboha and Uromi area prevented him from accessing the community in respect of a water project he was championing for Esan land. Obaseki was however unfazed, he kept courting Esan people like a bloke seeking the affection of a damsel playing hard to get.

He picked up one of their heros, Prof. Ambrose Alli, who was indeed a hero of not only the entire Edo State but also a hero of the then Bendel State and Nigeria in general, but had been seemingly forgotten and his labour as a past hero profaned.

Obaseki re-enacted Ambrose Alli’s greatness in a sublime event to mark the 29th anniversary of the death of the Esan and Edo political hero, who set the stage for what gave the then Bendel State the edge to compete with the then Western region of Nigeria as one of the most educationally advanced parts in the country.

All of Edo, Delta and Nigeria on Obaseki’s prompting, stood still on September 22, 2018 and paid tributes to this hero that had been treated as a villain for decades.

Not long after, Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih, another Edo political hero of Esan extraction, went to be with his maker. Love Chief Anenih or hate him, there is no controversy over the fact that at a time in our history as a nation, this man from a minority tribe in a minority state in a minority region of Nigeria bestrode the nation’s political space like a colossus.

Obaseki ensured that he was buried like a political hero that he was despite being the leader of the main opposition political party in the state. In exchange for their hostility at the time, Obaseki embarked on massive infrastructural development in Esan land. Across Ekpoma, Irrua, Uromi, Ubiaja, Ewu, Ibore and several others, the people will attest that no recent government in Edo State has paid so much attention to Esan land. Schools renovated, rural and sub-urban roads revamped, erosion threats and challenges checked, age long water scarcity confronted.

Mesmerized by the good-natured politics which has become synonymous with Obaseki, many in the state struggle to find an adequate definition for the governor of Edo State within the context of Nigerian politics mostly characterised by distrust, vile insults, bitterness, hatred and unforgiveness. First, some see the governor as a technocrat, rather than a politician. They hinge their position on the fact that before 2016, Governor Obaseki was a financial and business expert. He was the Chairman of Edo State Economic Team during the administration of Comrade Governor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole. He contributed greatly to the improvement of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). As Governor of Edo State, Obaseki has been able to use his expert knowledge and wealth of experience to improve on the state’s economy, diversify the economic base of the state and manage the scarce resources from the federation account.

Secondly, some regard the governor as a quiet man whose actions speak for him. These set of people made comparison between the former Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Godwin Obaseki, and concluded that while the former is very verbally expressive about everything he does, the latter simply and quietly executes projects without any fun-fare attached to it. This approach of Godwin Obaseki has earned him the nick name “Wake and see Governor.” Furthermore, many people have referred to Governor Obaseki as a true democrat and a progressive minded person. They base their argument on the fact that Obaseki always respects the rule of law in whatever he does, unlike in the past when things were done with impunity.

For instance, Governor Obaseki fully transmitted power to his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu to act as the State Governor while he was on vacation. The letter to that effect was forwarded to the State House of Assembly and read on the floor of the House. This has not been the case in previous governments. In the execution of projects, Obaseki has been rated very high by the people, especially in the area of road construction. It is very visible in Benin and other towns across the state that major roads and adjourning streets are being asphalted and reconstructed. This is helping to give the state a facelift, resolving the problem of traffic congestion and giving people easier access to their homes, businesses, and other locations of socio-economic importance.

Governor Godwin Obaseki has broken the jinx surrounding the uncompleted and neglected Secretariat/Palm House building on Sapele Road in Benin City, abandoned for over 40 years. He is working hard on the completion of the project as well as embarking on the construction of new buildings within the Palm House and High Court premises on Sapele Road. A visit to this centre of government business reveals that work is ongoing night and day to ensure early completion of the projects. The uncompleted buildings used to be home to destitute and a hide out for all categories of criminals. But today, the story has changed.

Another area where Obaseki is doing extremely well is the payment of workers salaries, as well as the payment of pension and gratuity to retired civil servants. Gone are the days when pensioners used to stage protest to demand for the payment of their entitlements. Indeed, Edo State workers are paid their salaries latest on the 26th of every month, while the pensioners are paid a day earlier. Another remarkable achievement of Governor Obaseki is that he has been able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Edo State can work without the services of area boys otherwise known as “Agberos,” who in the past unleashed terror and mayhem on commercial bus drivers, taxi drivers, market women and other traders in Benin City, in the name of collecting revenue for the State Government.

Today, both state and local governments collect their revenue using their own staff. The state government is working on how to take revenue collection to the next level, where people will have to pay their taxes and levies electronically through the use of cards. This will not only help in bringing decency to revenue collection, but it will also ensure that all leakages are completely blocked, thereby ensuring that every tax payer’s contribution gets to government coffer and is used judiciously to meet the needs of the people. Anyone who visits the former Benin Technical College would see that the school is undergoing massive transformation, courtesy of Governor Godwin Obaseki. The school when completed would be able to train youths on technical skills in carpentry, electrical, civil, and mechanical engineering, among others. Obaseki says he looks forward to the school becoming a training ground for youths who want to acquire vocational and technical skills that will make them not only self-reliant, but also employers of labour.

Also, the Edo State Innovation Hub, at I.C.E. Road, Benin City, is another fantastic initiative by Governor Obaseki to assist youths to develop their innate abilities and acquire useful Information technology skills. The Edo Innovation Hub also helps to train prospective youths on how to develop business plans, write business proposals and how to source for fund to start small and medium scale businesses. The state government under the leadership of Obaseki has introduced the most transparent and credible way of appointing qualified candidates into the state civil service through its Edo Job Portal. Every graduates of Edo State can upload their credentials and application, using the website linkwww.edojobs.edostate.gov.ng).

The Edojobs is an initiative of the Edo State Government under Obaseki to create over 200,000 jobs for Edo State people through partnership with both private and public sector operators. Almost 90,000 jobs have been so far created under the initiative. Since its inception, Edo jobs has become a household name and a pool for sourcing qualified personnel for the best job matching and recruitment process. So, if you ask me what manner of man Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki is, I will say that he is a leader to be trusted both in words and action. He is a true democrat, a technocrat, an administrator par excellence, and a detribalised and good-natured politician. For me, Obaseki has been able to change the narrative when it comes to road construction, job creation, infrastructure development as well as political and social re-engineering in Edo State. Today, he has earned the respect and support of well-meaning Edo people and other residents in the state. Other politicians may not like to hear this, but for a fact, as at today, among the ordinary voting population, Obaseki is the most loved and most popular politician in Edo State.

There is therefore no doubt whatsoever that the people of the state are ready to go with Obaseki in 2020 to ensure that transparency in governance and enthronement of the best interest of the people are sustained.


*_Oribhabor writes from Benin City_*

Source:

https://leadership.ng/2019/04/25/obaseki-thriving-with-politics-of-good-nature/

*100llion viewers to enjoy Nigeria programmes on Eagles TV - Obaseki*

An American based Satellite Television Station, Eagles TV, is set to beam to its over 100 million viewers across 70 countries of the World , local content programmes from Nigeria.

This was disclosed by the Co-Chairman of the Station and the General Overseer (GO) of Divine Grace of Glory Ministry, Pastor Peter Obaseki, at a press briefing in Benin on Thursday.

Obaseki stressed that the overriding interest was to bring to global notice, through the station that is popular in Europe, America and Sub-Sahara Africa, news and programmes of about Nigeria.

He noted that programmes to be broadcast on Eagles TV includes, Pre-Recorded as well as live programmes.

The Co-Chairman however, corrected the impression that only religious programmes was up for broadcast on the station.

"Our programme content goes beyond religious activities. Aside broadcast of social programmes, we are beam to our viewers other activities that are impactful to the society.

" Primarily, our aim is to ensure that news and activities about Nigeria and Edo in particular, especially from the grassroot, is passed to the World, " stated Obaseki.

He said in order to make the station more accessable to Nigerians, Eagles TV is offering the most competitive airtime rate.

"We offer from as little as N4, 000 for a 15 minutes programme to N13, 000 for a 60 minutes programmes.

" This is particularly good for churches that do not have their own station but spend so much on airtime on local channels, " he said.

Obaseki said though Eagle TV plan to produce, cheap and affordable decoder in no time, but in the meantime, Eagles TV plan to beam their programmes on GOTV and DSTV.

"But for now, Eagles TV is beaming on MYTV, a Free-To-Air Satellite Station and other platforms."

*Iguobazuwa Masquerade Honours Enabulele*

In an unusual manner, the masquerade of Iguobazuwa community celebrate and danced to the Council guest house in a show of appreciation to the Council Chief, Comr. Destiny Oghayerio Enabulele.

The Leader of the masquerade said they were before the Chairman to show appreciation for his outstanding grassroot development and leadership quality since assumption of office.

According to the spokesperson of the ekpo masquerade, Enabulele has demonstrated tenacity of purpose, not only by providing good governance, but more importantly, in the areas of infrastructure and rural development, as well as engendering peaceful coexistence among residents.

He further stated that this will be the first time in the history of Iguobazuwa for Masquerade to do this, which show sign of good tidings.

Elated Enabulele while thanking the masquerade group for the honor, stated that without communities there will not be council areas.

He further advise that youths should form themselves into pressure groups to eradicate and checkmate unscrupulous elements in our various communities in the council area.

*Revenue Drive: Ovia South West set to Revitalise Abandoned Mass Transit Buses*

Ovia South West Local Government has concluded plan to refurbish all its Mass Transit buses that have been abandoned for years in a mechanic workshop in Benin.

Chairman, Ovia South West Local Government Council, Comr. Destiny Oghayerio Enabulele disclosed this when he visited the workshop where the buses were abandoned to have a first hand information on the state of the buses.

Enabulele who decried the abandonement, lamented that out of 7 vehicles in the fleet of the Council, only one is currently in use and generating revenue for the council.

He said the decision to have the other four refurbished, instead of purchasing new ones, was based on the professional advise of the works department of the Council.

The Council Chief also stressed that it would be cheaper to fix the broken-down buses in order to free funds to other areas of pressing needs.

He said, the Mass transit buses when fixed, will hit the road immediately to ease the transportation challenges of the people, as well as generate revenue for the Council.

*Human trafficking: Edo, NAPTIP strategise to reduce menace by 50% by year end*

*_…as NAPTIP applauds Obaseki’s tactics for curbing menace_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his administration will collaborate with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), to reduce the menace of irregular migration and human trafficking by 50 per cent by the end of 2019.

The governor made the submission during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of NAPTIP, Dame Julie Okah-Donli, to the Government House, in Benin City, Edo State capital.

Obaseki said as part of efforts to tackle the scourge of human trafficking and irregular migration, the state government established a taskforce, noting, “As a government, we have admitted to the huge challenges we face and we decided to set-up a taskforce to provide local solutions to the issue. NAPTIP and Edo State Government are working closely to reduce irregular migration and human trafficking by 50 per cent by the end of this year and if I am governor for eight years, it will reduce to zero.”

He urged donor agencies to support efforts of the state to address the problems faced by returnees, noting, “We are working to pressure foreign government to create legitimate travel windows that will enable them travel legally.”

The Director-General of NAPTIP commended Governor Obaseki for his commitment to eradicating human trafficking as illustrated in his strategies, including the setting-up of the Edo State Task Force Against Human Trafficking.

“The successes already recorded by the Taskforce justify the foresight of your excellency and have inspired NAPTIP to encourage other state governments to set up similar institution of government, in order to consolidate on the efforts of NAPTIP and other stakeholders,” the NAPTIP boss added.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsPsv0iqJ0rBo_9qRYCoCag/

*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*DSC_0338:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle); Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele (2nd left); Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe (left); Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Dame Julie Okah-Donli (2nd right) and Director, Research and Programme Development, NAPTIP, Mr Godwin Morka (right), during a courtesy visit by NAPTIP officials to the governor, at Government House, in Benin City, on Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

*DSC_0317:*
R-L; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Dame Julie Okah-Donli; Zonal Command, NAPTIP, Benin Zone, Mr. Nduka Nwanwenne; Director, Research and Programme Development, NAPTIP, Mr Godwin Morka, during a courtesy visit by NAPTIP officials to the governor, at Government House, in Benin City, on Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

*Edo commits N100m to deepen basic health care reforms*

The Edo State Government has committed N100 million as counterpart fund for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), to provide responsive, efficient and accessible health care through Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs).

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. David Osifo, at a workshop on Health Workforce Registry, held in Edo State.

The commissioner said the contribution is to enable the state government fully benefit from the BHCPF of the federal government.

He explained that the Edo State House of Assembly has passed Health Insurance Bill into law, to pave the way for the smooth running of the fund, even as other provisions for the take-off of the state insurance scheme take shape.

The BHCPF is the fundamental funding provision under the National Health Act, signed in 2014.

States are expected to benefit from the Fund when they meet the requisite criteria, which includes contributing the counterpart fund.

To ensure sustainability and ownership of the BHCPF, the states are expected to co-fund the BHCPF, beginning with an initial N100 million as part-expression of interest to implement the BHCPF.

The states are also required to create state health insurance agencies and state primary health care development boards to serve as channels through which implementation would be monitored.

Recall that Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, recently inaugurated a 17-member Edo State Primary Health Care Board, to deepen the revamp of the state’s primary health care system.

He charged members of the board to support the vision of his administration in delivering quality and affordable health care to the people.

*Ovia South West Council Boss, Enabulele congratulates EDHA Member-Elect, Sunday Aghedo on election victory*

*...says Governor Obaseki developmental strides in Ovia South West, not in vain*

Chairman, Ovia South West Local Government Council, Comr. Destiny Oghayerio Enabulele has congratulated the new Member-Elect, Edo State House Of Assembly, Hon. Sunday Aghedo on his well deserved victory in the just concluded election.

Enabulele said the victory of APC in the polls further shows that the party is fully on ground and the developmental strides of Governor Godwin Obaseki in Ovia South West local government area were not in vain.

He said; “I heartily congratulate our new member-elect, Edo State House Of Assembly, Hon. Sunday Aghedo, on his victory in the polls because it is a victory for democracy; and with this performance, it has further affirmed that Ovia South West is an APC local government.”

While thanking the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for providing a level-playing field in the conduct of the election, Enabulele further commended the security agents for being on ground to safe-guard the electorate during the polls.

Sunday Aghedo of the APC who won the 10 wards in Ovia South West, pulled a total score of 14,530 votes to beat his closest rival, Godwin Adenomo of the PDP who pulled 8,856 votes.

*One Year In Office: Council Boss appeals for more support*

*...Gives account of stewardship*

*...Task everyone to vote APC in the upcoming house of assembly election*

The Chairman of Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State, Comrade Destiny Enabulele, has appealed for more support to enable him achieve the desire level of development befitting the council area.

The chairman made the appeal when he hosted the council staff and some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in an interactive session in commemoration of his one year in office.

The Council boss also used the opportunity to commend the people and staffs on the support thus far received by his administration.

The elated Council boss said it became necessary to thank the members of staffs as they have given him the support he needs to take the local government to an enviable height.

Enabulele while thanking them for the support, further appreciate their peaceful conduct and support given to the All Progressives Congress and asked them to keep supporting the party, but especially ahead of Saturday's House of Assembly election.

Enabulele who went further to give his account of stewardship, said over thirty projects have been awarded for execution across the Ten wards that make up the Council.

He said the projects which have reached various stages of completion, would be ready for inauguration withing the next few months.

He said the project awarded included the renovation of water boreholes, renovation/construction of blocks of primary schools, construction of ultra modern markets, renovation of the legislative building and furnishing of the Council marriage registry.

The Chairman also hinted that plans have been perfected for renovation work in the Local government main hall to create a conducive environment for hosting events and generating revenue for the Council.

While appreciating everyone for their support, also stated that his administration remains focused in his desire to serve and improve the living conditions of the people of the council area.

*Edo JAAC declares N2.77bn allocation for LGAs*

The Edo State Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC) has declared N2,769,964,452 as total allocation that accrued to the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state from the Federation Account for the month of February, shared in March 2019.

Chairman, Oredo Local Government Area, Hon. Jenkins Osunde, disclosed this at the end of the monthly JAAC meeting presided over by Governor Godwin Obaseki, at Government House, in Benin City, Edo State.

Osunde, who is also Chairman, Edo State Chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), noted that teachers' and non-teachers' salaries gulped N1,143,184,336, while Local Government contributions for pension is N276,144,513.

"Total deduction from LGAs is N1,740,183,728 and net allocation to LGAs is put at N1,029,780,723. Total amount transferred to LGAs stands at N1,015,930,901," he added.

According to him, "February Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is N175, 843,666. Net IGR paid to LGAs is put at N131, 678, 251."

Osunde explained that there was decline in the allocation for February as well as IGR, which is expected to increase in the month of March, as the decline was on account of the election period.

*Obaseki commiserates with Igbinedion family over passing of Osaretin, Eseosa Oyemwense*

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has expressed shock at the news of the passing of Osaretin Igbinedion, son of Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion, former governor of Edo State and a family member, Eseosa Oyemwense.

In a statement issued in Benin City by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, Obaseki said: "I commiserate with Chief Lucky Igbinedion and his wife, Mrs Eki Igbinedion and the entire Igbinedion family over the passing of Osaretin and Eseosa Oyemwense."

Obaseki added: "There are no adequate words to describe the deep sense of loss associated with the untimely passing of one's child, irrespective of his age.

“I join friends and well-wishers of the Igbinedion family in prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed and urge the family to take solace in the assurance that we will meet again on the day of resurrection.”

*Obaseki targets 50% reduction in irregular migration, human trafficking*

*_…as Immigration Service advocates multilateral collaboration in combatting menace_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to reducing the incidence of irregular migration and human trafficking by 50 per cent by the end of 2019.

The governor made the submission while delivering a speech at the one-day Prosecution and Investigation Training on Irregular Migration themed; ‘How to Bridge the Gap between Investigation and Prosecution,’ held in Government House, Benin City, Edo State.

He said that about 4,800 returnees have been received by the state government after going through harrowing experience in the quest for greener pastures in foreign lands.

“In dealing with the crime of human trafficking, my administration is tackling the root cause by providing quality education, technical training which will provide jobs,” he added.

Obaseki noted that the state government was receiving greater support from the international community as the state continues to combat the scourge of human trafficking.

He said activities of the state taskforce against human trafficking have attracted the support of both the Federal Government and international partners in organising training on prosecution and investigation, noting, “For us in Edo State, we have realised we have a problem which has led to several steps that we have taken to solve the problem.”


Guest lecturer at the training and Comptroller-General, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Mohammed Babandede, who delivered a lecture entitled; ‘Effective Investigation and Prosecution of Human Trafficking Cases,’ urged stakeholders to join hands with governments in the fight against the scourge.

Babandede averred that trafficking was not an issue only for uniform personnel, but for all stakeholders such as religious leaders, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), among others.

“Trafficking is an organised crime with three elements which must include the acts, means and purpose. Trafficking poses serious threat to governments as it relates and connects to other crimes.”

The NIS Comptroller-General recommended policy, protection, prevention, prosecution and partnership (5Ps) as a strategy to assist investigation and prosecution of human trafficking and related cases.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsPsv0iqJ0rBo_9qRYCoCag/

*PHOTO CAPTIONS:*
*S2-001:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle); Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe (left) and Comptroller General, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Mr. Mohammed Babandede, during a one-day specialised training course themed “How to Bridge the Gap Between Investigation and Prosecution” at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Benin city, on Tuesday, February 12, 2019.

*S2-002:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle); Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe (2nd right); Comptroller General, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Mr. Mohammed Babandede (2nd left); Assistant Comptroller General, Zone G, Benin, Mrs. J.A Amadu (left) and State Comptroller, NIS, Eniolorunda K. Raphael (right), during a one-day specialised training course, themed “How to Bridge the Gap Between Investigation and Prosecution” at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Benin City, on Tuesday, February 12, 2019

*S2-003:*
Cross-section of trainees during a one-day specialised training course, themed “How to Bridge the Gap Between Investigation and Prosecution” held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Benin City, on Tuesday, February 12, 2019.

*Obaseki signs Violence Against Persons Bill into Law*

*_…2 years jail term for wife beaters_*
+*_… life imprisonment for perpetrators of Female Genital Mutilation_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has signed the Violence Against Persons (VAP) Bill into law, to address all forms of violence and protect vulnerable members of the society.

Obaseki, who signed the bill in Government House, Benin City, on Tuesday, said he was aware that the bill touches on fundamental practices among the people, assuring that he was not only signing the bill as a formality, but will ensure it is implemented to the letter.

"We will not stop here by just signing the bill into law, but will commence the much difficult work of implementing it to the letter. It must be noted that this bill has been in consideration for over six to eight years but the time has come for us to have a law like this VAP Law, to protect the most vulnerable and weak in our society.

"As a government, we have aligned with the Federation of Women Lawyer (FIDA)’s purpose and objective and therefore have no hesitation in signing the bill into law,” he said.

Addressing protesters on violence against women, the governor commended them and stressed that the time to change the way society responds to violence against the weak has come. He added that his administration was not afraid of change and will embrace it to the fullest.

"I want to appreciate FIDA for their doggedness, leadership and commitment to this cause. I am not sure many other states in the nation has such bills. This bill goes to the core of some of the most pressing issues in society particularly violence against women and other persons.”

Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Hon. Kabiru Adjoto, told the governor that the newly signed VAP law will eliminate violence in private and public life.

"This bill prohibits violence against all persons and provides maximum protection and effective remedy for victims and punishment for offenders and other related matters,” he said.

"This bill was sent to the EDHA in the fourth Assembly but suffered a setback. It also suffered a setback in the fifth Assembly but it was passed in the sixth Assembly.”

Adjoto commended the wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki for her doggedness, dedication, and commitment in ensuring that the bill is passed into law.

He said rape is properly defined in the bill and a rapist will now spend his or her life in prison, adding, "If a man beats his wife, he risks two years in prison if the case is proven. It is now an offense for men to abandon their duties of upbringing as the responsibility is not for women alone. Female genital mutilation now attracts life imprisonment without an option of fine.”

Wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, commended the Edo State Governor for assenting to the VAP bill, stressing that the government is gender-sensitive.

She thanked the speaker of the sixth Assembly, Hon. Kabiru Adjoto for ensuring the passage of the bill and that all important sections are intact.

"This bill takes care of everything related to violence against persons," she noted.

Earlier, FIDA, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, CSOs, and other stakeholders protested against violence against women.

They marched through major streets in Benin metropolis, Police headquarters and Edo State Government House, where the governor addressed them.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsPsv0iqJ0rBo_9qRYCoCag/

*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*DSC_0424:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd right); his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, (right); Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Kabiru Adjoto (3rd right); First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki (3rd left), wife of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mrs. Maryann Shaibu (2nd left) and Chairperson, Edo State Chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Mrs. Iryn Omorogiuwa, during the signing of the Violence Against Persons (VAP) bill into law by the governor at the Government House, in Benin City, on Tuesday, February 12, 2019

*DSC_0347:*
Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki (middle); wife of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mrs. Maryann Shaibu (right); and Edo state commissioner for Budget and Planning, Hajia Mariam Abubakar, during during a march against violence against women and children, themed “Justice Must Prevail”, in Benin City on Tuesday, February 12, 2019.

*DSC_0306:*
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odunmosu, (left); Edo state Commissioner for Budget, Hajia Mariam Abubakar (right); chairperson, Edo State Chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Mrs. Iryn Omorogiuwa (middle) during a march against violence, themed “Justice Must Prevail,” in Benin City on Tuesday, February 12, 2019.

*DSC_0307, DSC_0317, DSC_0258, DSC_ 0341:*
Cross-section of women during a march against violence, themed “Justice Must Prevail”, led by Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, in Benin city on Tuesday, February 12, 2019

*Women, youths, lined streets to pledge support for APC candidate, Dennis Idahosa*

Hundreds of women and youths, on Monday, lined the streets of Iguobazuwa, Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo, in support of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC),Mr Dennis Idahosa, for the Ovia Federal Constituency.

They gave this pledge when Idahosa campaign team toured the various commutes such as, Igbogun, Iguobazuwa 1&II, Aifesoba, Ikpoba, Ora and Oba Town of the council area.

The woman and youths hinged their support for the APC candidate for candidate to what they termed to be "rearward for his part deeds"

Mrs Grace Omorodion who described Idahosa as a man after "God heart" over what he has done to the community, while not holding any political position, needs to be appreciated by lovers of good things.

Omorodion said that their only prayers is that he does not forget his promises like others before him did.

According to her, "We are all fully behind him to win and be in Abuja to represent the constituency, we only hope he does not forget us when he gets there."

Also collaborating the support of the women, Mrs Grace Agbonlahor, said they does need assistance in the area of school rehabilitation, healthcare, among others.

On her part, Mrs Bridget Ajayi said the women are fully mobilised to support Idahosa and other APC candidates.

"You can be rest assured that Dennis Idahosa, a chieftain just like the other candidates of the ruling party, we win the elections.

"APC have never lost the Igbogun and Iguobazuwa ward and this elections will not be different, especially now that our son, Idahosa, is a candidate," she said.

The clan head of Igbogun community, Pa Michael Omorodion summed it all by saying, "Dennis Idahosa is our son whom I watched grow.

"Because we believe in him, we are not only supporting him, but sending him to Abuja to be the eye of Ovia Federal Constituency," he stated.

The carnival like campaign, saw inhabitants of the area, trop out en-masse, to pledge support for everyone candidate.

However, the APC candidate, Idahosa, promised not to renege on his electoral promises when elected.

"I was not only given birth here, I also grew here; being part and percel of the this community, I know yours needs, your pains and how to go about finding solutions to those needs," and said.

7- years old girl shines in 10km race

A 7-years old German-Nigeria born girl, Lorelay Holzendorff, on Saturday took the shine off the other elites athletes when she came 7th with a time of 1:40minues at the second edition of the annual Owan Marathon race.

The primary fours pupil, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), that she has been training as a long distance runner since the age of three.

The elites race which was dominated by elites athletes form outside Owanz saw the winner of the first Edition, Gabriel Adewale falling behind to 3rd in the overall position with a time of 1 hours 9 minuets.

NAN reports that this year's edition was won by Edetanlen Moses with a time of 58 minutes 40 seconds, while Davidson Oluafi came behind with a time of 1 hour 2 minutes.

Okosun Osamudiamen, who ran a time of 1hour 5 minutes, came third position in the male category of the race.

Similarly, Kingsley Asede won the female category with a time of 1 hour 6 minutes, and was followed closely by Ikerede Peace, 1hour 16 minutes and Fidelis Faith, 1 hour 19 minutes, and came second and third respectively.

The State Sports Commission chairman, Godwin Dudu-Orumen, who commended the organiser of the race, said the state government placed high premium on sports.

He said this account for the reason why the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium is been renovated while 20 mini-stadium is being built across the 18 Local Government Area of Edo.

On his part, the chairman of Owan West Local Government Area, Frank Ilaboya, said the council would collaborate with anybody who is ready to constructively engage the youths.

"The best way to curb social vices is through engagement, our priority as a council is youths empowerment and we will support anybody wiling to assist in this direction," he stated.

He urged the athletes not to relent as they have just started a journey that would change their lives positively.

The Organiser of the annual 10km race, Christopher Ojo, promised that the 2020 would be better. (NAN)

*Transport workers endorses Dennis Idahosa, APC candidates*

Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), on Thursday, said it has endorsed the candidacy of the Ovia Federal Constituency candidate, Mr Dennis Idahosa and every other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Edo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the President of the association, Mr Osakpamwan Eriyo, stated this when he played host to Idahosa.

He said the need to support Idahosa was based on the fact that he had been supportive on the cause of the youths and women in his constituency in particular, and the state in general.

Eriyo who said Idahosa would emerged with the necessary support, noted that members of the constituency would benefit a lot from him as their representatives.

According to him, "I am not just lending my support to this man, Idahosa because of peculiar motive, but because impact he has made on the lives of the people of his constituent.

"Without holding any political position, Idahosa has sank boreholes and electrified communities. He had also at various times, paid tuition fees to indigent students in his community.

"This is the same man who also shared his monthly salary as a commissioner under Oshiomhole, to empower women in his community.

"Idahosa has my support just like am aware that he has been getting the same overwhelming support from his people.

The RTEAN president said this year's election is meant for the people to recognise personalities and performance.

"The people will use this election to reward those who have been with them and who they trust can deliver on their needs when the time arises," he said.

*Marathon organiser calls for more private participation in sports development*

The Organiser of the annual Owan Marathon race, Christopher Ojo, has called for more private participation in sports in Nigeria.

Ojo who spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Benin on Thursday, said it was only through more private participation that sports development can witness tremendous growth in the country.

He said the multiplier effect of the growth of sporting activities, is one that would help curb several challenges confronting the country today.

Ojo noted that the issue of youths restiveness and unemployment, would be addressed with the growth of sporting activities.

He stressed that when left alone for the Government, Nigeria may never attain the level it hope to in the area of sporting activities.

According to him, "Government does not have the fund to fully take sport to the level we all want, even if the fund is there, and there is no way government can do it alone.

"Nigeria should, and must borrow a leaf from the developed world were sports development is driven by the private sector. Corporate organisations should take more active role in sponring sporting activities as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)."

Ojo however said for this to be achieved, there was need for the government to provide the enabling environment.

"There is need for them to be provided with tax incentive or rebate to serve as encouragement," he said.

Speaking on this year edition of the Owan marathon, Ojo said the event which is scheduled for this Saturday, have seen more than 2000 athletes, from across the country, registered to participate.

He said he initiated the annual event in order groom long and short distance runners to stardom.

"We want to be able give marathoners from East Africa countries, and a run for their money," he stated.

*Obaseki urges journalists to interrogate former leaders seeking re-election to account for their pasts*

*_…says media must question govt policies, programme_*

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has tasked media practitioners to interrogate former political leaders seeking re-election, to account for what they did with the power they were given in the past.

Obaseki said such interrogation is necessary, especially as politicians intensify campaigns ahead of the general elections.

Obaseki made the call during a courtesy visit by the newly elected executive members of the Edo State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), at Government House in Benin City, on Wednesday, January 23, 2019.

Describing the mass media as agenda setters for the government and watchdog of the society, he noted, “we expect you to interrogate all our policies and actions and understand the rationale behind what we are doing especially ahead of the general elections.”

The governor tasked his guests to ask politicians seeking re-election into political offices what they did with the political power they were entrusted with in the past.

He explained that his administration has created empowerment opportunities for Edo people and residents and is restoring hope of a better life in the people, with the huge investment in infrastructure and human development.

According to Obaseki, “with about 63 percent of the state’s population below 32 years of age, my administration decided to prioritise youth empowerment so that they can be productive, through several initiatives that will equip them for the challenges of today and the future.”

He argued that political power should be used to improve the wellbeing of the people and maintained that in the era of technology with offerings such as social media, “people cannot be fooled because information travel faster than light.”

He assured members of the NUJ that his administration will continue to partner with the union to ensure it succeeds in its tasks, and promised to donate a bus to the union to ease its members’  logistics especially as the elections draw closer.

Earlier, the chairman of the Edo State Council of NUJ, Mr. Roland Osakue, said that the union has been monitoring the developmental strides of the Obaseki led-administration and commended the impact the government has made in all sectors of the state.

He described the union’s recent  election in the state which produced the new executive members, as free, fair and credible, and urged politicians who lose in the forthcoming elections to accept defeat in good fate.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsPsv0iqJ0rBo_9qRYCoCag/

*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*S3-001:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (3rd left); his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (3rd right); Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu (2nd right); Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie (right); Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Sir Roland Osakue (2nd left); and his vice, Mrs. Imelda Osayande, during a courtesy visit by the newly elected executive members of the Edo NUJ Council to the governor, at Government House, in Benin City, on Wednesday, January 23, 2019.

*S3-002:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); and Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Sir Roland Osakue, during courtesy visit by the newly elected executive members of the NUJ to the governor, at Government House, in Benin City, on Wednesday, January 23, 2019.

*APC over 2500 PDP supporters IN Ovia*

Ovia (Edo), No fewer than 2500 supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Action Democratic Party (ADP), defected from the opposition political parties, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Udo and Evbonogbon, in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo.

The defectors who announced their decision during unit by unit tour by the APC candidate for the Ovia Federal Constituency, Mr Dennis Idahosa, gave their reason to lack of cohesion in the PDP.

They also based their decision to dump the opposition party to what they described as the failure of the present occupant of the Ovia Federal Constituency seat at the National Assembly (NASS), Ms Omosede Igbinedion, to impact on the lives of the people of the constituency.

Anthony Osarobor, a councillorship candidate of the ADP in the last Local Government elections in Edo, defected along with over 1000 of his supporters.

He said with the "abysmal" failure of Ms Igbinedion, in addition with the performance of the APC led government in Edo, the decision to defect was not a difficult one to him and his supporters.

"I am coming into the APC to join forces with the those already on ground, to win elections and develop Ovia," he stated.

Similarly, Seun Adeola, who led hundreds of his PDP supporters to defect at Evbonogbon, and said he would work for the emergence of Idahosa as member of House of Representatives, representing Ovia Federal Constituency.

According to him, "The Umbrella which the symbol of the PDP logo, is now in pieces and can no longer act as protective shield to us.

"We are not just coming to join the APC to help Dennis Idahosa win, we want to assist in building the party here."

Oba Market, Ekiosa agog as TraderMoni berths in Edo

Traders in Oba Market and Ekiosa have erupted in jubilation as the Federal Government’s TraderMoni initiative finally berths in the state, to provide petty traders with soft loans to run their businesses.

While the market women await the arrival of the Vice President, who is billed to launch the scheme in the state, they are undergoing registration and verification, after which they get credited with the loan at the venue. The Vice President is already in the state.

Leader of Market Women in Edo State, Madam Blackky Omoregie, said that the launch of TraderMoni, will be a game changer for market women in the state as it will be the first time that the traders are getting the attention of Federal Government.

A cross section of the registered traders confirmed that they have gotten alert from TraderMoni, thanking the Federal Government for the gesture and prioritising their welfare.

*President Buhari to review BEDC’s operational licence over inefficient service*

_*…as Oba Ewuare II supports Obaseki’s plans for alternative power source*_

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured electricity consumers in Edo State that he would look into calls for the withdrawal of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC)’s operational licence over the company's inefficiency.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, revealed the President’s stance during the All Progressives Congress (APC)'s Presidential campaign rally in Benin City, Edo State.

Meanwhile, His Royal Majesty, Omo N' Oba N' Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, has urged President Buhari not to renew the licence of BEDC for what he described as the inability of the firm to provide electricity.

At the rally, Obaseki said the president will ensure Edo people get electricity if he is re-elected, noting, “If we want light, if we want to progress, if we want industrialisation, if you want me to conclude everything I have started, we need to vote for President Buhari.”

He explained: “We generate more than 700 megawatts of electricity in this city alone, but unfortunately, we do not have electricity and the reason is not President Buhari. The reason is that those people who were there before sold our DISCO to their friends. President Buhari told me even at the Oba’s Palace that we will do everything to make sure that Edo people get electricity.”

Oba Ewuare II, at his palace, appealed to President Buhari to support Governor Obaseki’s quest to find an alternative source of electricity supply, noting, “Mr. President, I will not fail to mention the challenge of electricity supply in Edo State. Electricity supply is no doubt key to the development of any society. Unfortunately, over the years, the people of Edo State have experienced inadequate electricity supply by BEDC.

“In fact, during one of the meetings of the Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, we issued a communiqué condemning the inefficiency of BEDC, including its estimated billing system."

“We also called for the withdrawal of the operational licence of BEDC. In this palace, traditional rulers appealed to the Federal Government to encourage and support the efforts of Edo State Government in seeking alternative source of electricity to meet the demands of the people,” Oba Ewuare II added.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
Youtube:www.youtube.com/channel/UCsPsv0iqJ0rBo_9qRYCoCag/

*PHOTO CAPTION*
*S3-001:*
L-R: Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II; President Muhammadu Buhari; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; and National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, during President’s visit to the Oba’s Palace, in Benin City on Thursday, January 17, 2019.

*S3-002:*
L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode; Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu; wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; and wife of Deputy Governor, Mrs. Maryann Shaibu, during the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, January 17, 2019.

*Abuja meeting over Justice Onnoghen was a PDP Governors’ Meeting*

The Abuja meeting of governors of Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states, on the corruption trial of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, was a meeting of governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and not a meeting of South-South governors.

Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih is economical with the truth and most uncharitable to the personality of Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, with his unnecessary attacks on the Edo State Governor.

Chief Orbih should tell Edo people the last time the South-South Governors’ meeting was held, how many times the meeting was held in 2018 and its agenda for 2019.

Governor Obaseki is committed to the wellbeing of Edo people and our brothers and sisters in our sister South-South states and all Nigerians, and will support any meeting, devoid of political colouration, that genuinely seeks to improve the welfare of people of the south-south region and elsewhere in the country.

Obaseki will not attend a PDP Governors’ meeting like the one held in Abuja last Sunday, but will attend meetings that are not politically-tainted, and called to proffer time-tested solutions to the developmental challenges faced by the millions of Edo and other people of the south-south region.


Crusoe Osagie is the Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy

*A stranded Edo PDP and the resort to falsehood as campaign strategy*[i][/i]

The Dan Orbih-led campaign train of the failed Edo People's Democratic Party (PDP) has resorted to falsehood, the latest being a non-existing N7billion travel allowance in the 2019 Budget of Edo State.

The Edo State 2019 Budget is a public document and there is no such provision from page one to the last, of the document.

To sink so low and input items that do not exist into a public document, amounts to crossing the line.

With Governor Obaseki's achievements in the last two years, Edo people can tell who 'ate their yams' and who is frugally applying our resources on impactful projects such as road infrastructure, health centres, the education of our children and the security of our people and our property, to mention only a few.

Our latest proof of superior management ability is the promotion of Bendel Insurance to the elite soccer league in Nigeria, an achievement that all Edo sons and daughters, irrespective of their political convictions have hailed the Obaseki administration for.

Just like in soccer, everything the Edo PDP ruined, Obaseki is, with his midas touch bringing back to life.

We understand the frustration in trying to sell a party notorious for looting public funds, but telling lies and propagating falsehoods at campaign grounds will not help the difficult position that the Edo PDP has put itself.

The eight years of PDP leadership in Edo remain our dark ages, and all Edo people know that so well. No lies by Dan Orbi and his co-travellers can change that because Edo people are too intelligent to be swayed so cheaply.

Obaseki is retelling our developmental story as a state with roads that are springing up daily, everywhere in the three senatorial districts, health centres, job creation and empowerment opportunities, improved education etc.

_*Crusoe Osagie is the Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy*_

*Obaseki chairs APC Presidential campaign council in Edo*

....Shaibu to serve as deputy chairman, Ogie is DG

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released the list of members of the Edo State Presidential Campaign Council, with the governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki leading the charge.

In a statement to announce the constitution of the presidential campaign council in the state, the party also released the list of members for the state-wide campaign.

The Council has “Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki as Chairman; Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu as Deputy Chairman; while Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq. is the Director General.”

Other members of the Council are, “Barr. Anselm Ojezua; Lawrence Okah (JP); Chief Osaro Idah; Chief Taiwo Akerele; Senator Obende; Theophilus Okoh and Hon. Charles Idahosa.”

The leaders of the campaign in the three senatorial districts include, “Hon. Felix Akhabue, Director General (DG), Edo Central Senatorial District; Samson Abu, DG, Edo South Senatorial District and Gen. Aluende, DG, Edo North Senatorial District.”

The Edo Central Campaign Coordinators, according to the statement, are, “Barr. Festus Ehiemuan, Esan West; Hon. Henshaw Oligbi, Esan Central; Mr. McDonald Okojie, Esan North East; Percy Okojie, Esan South East and Emmanuel Aigbokhan, Igueben”

For Edo South, the campaign coordinators are “Pastor Blessed Ighiwiyisi, Ikpoba Okha; Hon. Monday Aigbobayi, Ovia South West; Hon. Osamuyi Atu, Orhionmwon, I. K. Ebomoyi, Oredo; Frank Guobadia, Ovia North East; J. B. Asemota, Uhunmwode and Daniel Ighile, Egor”

In Edo North, the campaign coordinators are, “Hon. Sumania Aliu, Etsako West; Barr. Imiaku, Etsako Central; Abudurama Dirisu Afeghus, Etsako East; Hon. Akin Agbaje, Akoko Edo; Blessing Aigbebaku, Owan East and Rev. Andrew Uadia, Owan West.”