₦airaland Forum

Women groups storm UNIBEN Sports Complex for Edo Womens' Summit

*Obaseki orders arrest of BEDC officials for removing transformer in Ihovbor Community*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has ordered the arrest of officials of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) for removing a transformer bought and installed by members of Ihovbor Community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State.

The governor gave the order while receiving members of Ihovbor Community led by Chief Tony Otakpolor, on a protest visit to the governor over their experience with officials of BEDC, which has put the entire community in darkness for the past 16 months.

Obaseki bemoaned BEDC’s alleged lawlessness, noting that it was uncharitable for the company to remove a transformer that was procured by the community thereby putting the people of Ihovbor Community in darkness.

According to him, “What BEDC has done by removing the transformer procured by the people of Ihovbor is tantamount to stealing. They removed assets bought by private individuals and moved it to an unknown location.

"I am ordering the arrest of officials that have done this. If you can't arrest them, arrest the Managing Director and get him or her to explain why they will remove a transformer bought by the community, throwing them into darkness for 16 months.”

Obaseki said the state is having power challenge because it has an inefficient electricity distribution company, which is holding back progress in the state, adding, “They will not supply light and will do everything to stop you. When we make alternative arrangements to help ourselves, BEDC will do everything to truncate it. We have reported to Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and I am sure that very soon something positive will be done.”

The governor said Ihovbor Community is not only peace-loving but is also one of the few communities in Nigeria that host a substantial size of power investment. "Soon, your community will be one of the largest single producers of electricity in Nigeria as you host NIPP and Azura power plantS," he said.

"We are already marketing the community for huge investments and planning to bring the President to do the commissioning for us, to expand what we have, for more companies to come in.”

Briefing the Governor on the reasons behind the barricade of the facility of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in Ihovbor, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Politics and Community Affairs, Chief Osaro Idah, said the transformer bought by the community was removed to an unknown location.

"This act angered the people, who used traditional means to barricade the facility hindering the transmission of electricity,” he said.

He said the community bought two transformers two years ago and BEDC allegedly came to remove one while the other went bad.

He noted that all efforts made by the community to make BEDC return their transformer fell on deaf ears, as they remained in darkness for 16 months, adding that this led to the shutting down of the transmission line in Ihovbor Community.

Leader of Ihovbor Community, Chief Tony Otakpolor, thanked the governor for his intervention, promising that the community believes in his administration and will continue to maintain peace.

“I want to thank you for your kind gesture today by ordering the purchase of another transformer for the Community," Otakpolor added.

*Alaghodaro: Sponsors, partners jostle for spots, as Edo lights up for Obaseki's second anniversary*

As preparations for the 2018 edition of Alaghodaro Summit hots up, sponsors and partners are warming up to snap up opportunities to showcase the impact of their partnership with the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration, and how their intervention is creating a better life for the people of the state.

The 2018 Alaghodaro Summit, tagged Edo Summit, is themed 'Edo of Our Dreams: Investing in Our People,' will showcase the state government's investment and intervention in health care, education and job creation.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said that all is set to host Edo people, captains of industry, investors and partners of the state for the second edition of the Alaghodaro Summit.

According to him, "We are witnessing an avalanche of enquires of people expressing desire to be part of this event. Last year's edition was a huge success and attracted the best of Nigeria's businesses and leaders in the country's political space.

"This year, with the focus on the people, we are already getting the right buzz from the right quarters: development agencies, banks, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and many more actors in the polity are well in support and have indicated intention to send a strong delegation for the series of activities marking the second year anniversary of the governor."

He explained that the state government has set machinery in motion to have a good outing, as the necessary arrangements have been made to host Nigeria in Edo, come November 9-12.

He added that the people-centric nature of the event is also another feature that is attracting the huge interest to the event, noting that the Edo State government has shown to be committed to the people in the last two years under Governor Godwin Obaseki.

"We are most delighted at the interest from different quarters. The partners have shown immense support and are coming all out for this event and the same can be said of Edo people," he noted.



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Edo State Government is set to host Edo Summit, Alaghodaro 2018, Which is done to Celebrate the Second Year Anniversary of Governor Godwin Obaseki Administration

This year Anniversary will Feature the following

*Edo Youth Summit Slated for Fri 9 Nov at the Innovation Hub

*Women's Summit Slated for Fri 9 Nov at the Uniben Sport Complex

The Edo Summit will hold on Nov 9 - 12 Nov 2018 , Edo Hotel Okada Avenue , Benin City

Don't Miss Out

Let's Go Further Together

*UNIDO, Edo Govt.  to construct 2MW Micro Dam in Benin City as Obaseki visits Iyayi family*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that his administration is working with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to construct a 2 Mega Watt Micro Dam on Ikpoba River to improve power generation as well as job creation in the state.

Obaseki disclosed this when he led some members of his cabinet on a condolence visit to the family of late industrialist, Dr. Iyayi Efianayi, whose passing was announced last month.

Extolling Dr. Iyayi’s trail blazing role in the economy of the state and nation, the governor noted that the late Iyayi made enduring positive impact in the lives of Edo people and residents through his philanthropic activity.

He assured that his administration is committed to creating the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.

“We share the dreams of Iyayi that you must create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

“We share his dreams and we will do all in our power as a government that the dream of creating jobs for Edo people is realised during my tenure, he said.”

Obaseki explained that the construction of the 2-megawatt dam will commence next year and on completion, will supply power to a 30-hectare estate which will have an entertainment park that will host Nollywood investments.

He added that the state government is working on a 50-megawatt power plant that would be fired by gas, produced in the Ologbo area of the state.

“Two weeks ago, the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) approved a licence for one of our partners in Ologbo for the first phase of a 50 Mega Watts electricity plant which will be fired by gas produced in the area.

“The construction has started and the first phase of the electricity project will supply power to the Benin Industrial park.”

In his remark, the eldest son of the deceased, Dr. Ceaser Iyayi, expressed appreciation to the governor and his entourage for the condolence visit.

He said his late father lived an accomplished life worthy of emulation, created jobs for many people in Edo State through his investments in manufacturing, construction and agriculture.

“He used his own resources to build a 20-kilometre road linking Benin-Abuja express road to Akure. He extended electricity to Egba Community from Benin City and built factories and police stations in the state.

My Father led a life of accommodation, tolerance, justice and sacrifice,"  he added.

*Obaseki to reward hardworking civil servants*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his administration will on November 1, reward productivity among civil servants, especially those who have continued to demonstrate commitment to discharging their duties.

While presenting cheques to families of deceased state employees under the Life Insurance policy of the State Contributory Pension Scheme at the Government House, Benin City, the governor said that arrangement has been finalised to key into the Federal Government’s Productivity Award programme to recognise and honour deserving, dedicated and hardworking civil servants in the state.

Obaseki urged civil servants to continue to put in more effort to enhance productivity as much is expected from them, adding that government will continue to reward hardwork. “It is on record we pay salaries in Edo State on or before the 26th of every month,” he said.

He maintained that his administration is keen on improving workers’ productivity, noting, “This will enable workers who have put in their best get recognised and rewarded for their hard work and contribution to the state's development.”

The governor said a session will be organised in the first week of November where workers who have displayed exemplary work culture in the last one year will be recognised, as award and prizes will be given to such outstanding civil servants.

Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State Chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Ademokun, praised the governor for the industrial harmony in the past two years.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki

*PHOTO CAPTION:*

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Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki (left); Head of Service, Mrs. Gladys Idahor (2nd left); Chairman, Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Emmanuel Ademokun (right), with other officials of the state government, at the presentation of cheques by the governor to beneficiaries of the Life Insurance Policy, at Government House, Benin city, on Monday, October 29, 2018.

APC Crisis: EFP Appeals For Peace, A Second Chance For Oshiomhole

A pan-Edo social-cultural group, Edo Political Forum (EFP) has called on aggrieved members of their All Progressives Congress (APC) to shield swords on their National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole.

Many APC governors are calling for the ousting of the Chairman over what they described as “impunity and hijacking of party candidates’ list” submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

In its reaction, the EFP in a statement signed by the Chairman, Aiyamekhue Edokpolor, the group begged APC members for Oshiomhole’s forgiveness and appealed for more time for the Chairman to prove his worth and capabilities.

” To err is human, to forgive divine “. Over the years, this aphorism has guided humans positively with therapeutic and regenerative panacea in affairs of human relationships – and inculcating in us that if we forgive, we are godlike.


“This letter admits that it is a loud call to the universal brotherhood of Edo children everywhere at home, and in the diaspora, to give him just that opportunity! “, EFP said.

EFP agreed that the party Chairman may have stepped on toes in the course of carrying out his responsibilities but warned that his errors should not be translated to “ethnic coloured criticism” as allegedly displayed so far by some of its members.

It said:”Yes, we admit it, Oshiomole has erred! Our admittance to his errors or maybe a paradigm shift by the National Working Committee of the APC is a testament to our unwavering disposition to stand tall in our resolve not to be partisan at all cost.


“In the dispensation of his duty, no doubt he might have stepped on toes, drew blood and hurt some powerful individuals, but, let us agree that as humans, we make errors – and oftentimes this happens when one tries to do his job to the best of his ability – but we are doubly sure that his intention was not to harm.

“We should, therefore, be cautious not to be consumed with vengeful passion like Shakespeare’s plebians, who would kill a man for the misfortune of sharing a name with another. Because the partisan and ethnic coloured criticism that some have resorted to in ventilating their grievances hardly does any good but has the potential to undermine efforts at national integration and unity, by both the government and patriotic individuals.”

The group called on the angry members of the APC to give Oshiomhole a second chance, urging the party to promote internal democracy by entertaining a various point of views within its fold.

“We hereby call on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) passionately to allow Oshiomhole a second opportunity to prove himself and justify the confidence they had reposed on him earlier when they elected him. It will be pertinent at this juncture to reflect on the wisdom that had animated his choice as the national Chairman in the first place and exercise helpful restrain and sober consideration.

“This will help to encourage superior freedom of administration so that leaders and administrators must not get the feeling that they will get punished for attempts at personal styles and experimentation with new methods in carrying out their assigned duties.


“On this premise, we appeal to the Party to be magnanimous and elastic enough in judgement and to manage its internal challenges as well as being robust in maintaining various points of view within its fold. And to all dear Nigerians, we call on you to see the APC’s problem as a national problem; being the ruling party, whose internal affairs could have implications on other matters of national interest"

*Obaseki mourns death of elder statesman, Anenih*
 
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of elder statesman, Chief Anthony Anenih, whose death was reported on Sunday.
The governor, in a statement, said that Anenih's death is a huge loss to the state and the nation as the elder statesman devoted a better part of his life to the development of the state and the country, contributing to national development in the various capacities he served while he lived.
According to him, "The whole of Edo State has suffered a huge loss with the death of Chief Anenih, the Iyasele of Esan land, who ranks as one of the most illustrious sons of the state.
Chief Anenih rose to the occasion when it mattered most, to defend the interest of Edo State and her people.
He attracted development to the state and groomed several Edo sons and daughters who are now  active players in the nation's political space.
"I am deeply saddened by the loss, more so at a time like this, when Nigeria needs his wisdom and guidance as we approach the election season."
Obaseki prayed that God grants the Anenihs' the fortitude to bear the loss, noting, "as the whole nation mourns Anenih's passing, my condolences go to the family, as I pray that God grants them the grace to face this great loss."
Chief Anenih, who hails from Uromi, was Minister of Works and Housing and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media
 
Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
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*PHOTO CAPTION:*
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

*Alaghodaro Summit: Obaseki to showcase social inclusion drive*

With less than three weeks to the 2018 Alaghodaro Summit, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has committed to showcasing efforts at social inclusion through different programmes and policies that guarantee better quality of life for the people.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, the governor said that the state government has remained dedicated to policies that do not exclude any segment of the society from developmental projects and programmes, noting the policy initiatives will be showcased at the Alaghodaro Summit holding next month.

The 2018 Alaghodaro Summit is to commemorate the governor's second year in office, and will showcase the state government's commitment to the people, its effort at making life better and upholding the dignity of man.

According to him, "We are very much excited about this year's event because we are celebrating with the people, and as has been our mantra, the people are our focus. They are the reason for all of our programmes on jobs creation, campaign against human trafficking, reforms in basic education and primary health care as well as the fight against paedophiles.

"There is no gainsaying that investment in the people is the most lucrative and beneficial in any society. That is why we are putting the people at the heart of our intervention."

Recall that Governor Obaseki has been mobilising different stakeholders for the event, including trade unions, market women, the Organised Private Sector (OPS), traditional institutions and top business executives in recent weeks.

The governor was at the 24th edition of the Nigeria Economic Summit, where he said that his commitment to human development in the state stems from the desire to groom a repertoire of human capital that will not only drive the local economy but also compete favourably with their peers across the world for opportunities in the coming decades.

He was at the event to among other things, rally top business executives for the Alaghodaro Summit holding in Benin City next month, with a theme that is focused on Edo People.

*PHOTO CAPTIONS:*

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Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State


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Alaghodaro logo

Edo unveils paid Graduate Internship Programme, targets 250 youths in first phase

The Edo State Government through its job creation platform, EdoJobs, has concluded plans to launch the Edo Graduate Internship Programme (Edo-GIP), designed as a 6-month intensive paid internship with the aim of providing young people with access to work experience.

EdoJobs is an initiative of Governor Godwin Obaseki to create employment opportunities for 200,000 youths in the state. It has been at the forefront of skills training and jobs creation in the state, providing  myriad of job opportunities for youths.

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Skills Development and Jobs Creation, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, said “The EdoJobs Graduate Internship Programme (EDO-GIP) is a 6-month intensive internship (paid) and mentoring programme to give young people access to work experience and job opportunity with the potential to achieve a 70 per cent permanent employment rate.”

She said the programme is targeting 250 graduates in the first phase and is being run in partnership with Romanspage Global, a top Human Resource Consulting firm, to train and engage young graduates for the EdoJobs Graduate Internship Programme (EDO-GIP).

Noting that the programme will provide a foundation for beneficiaries to get employed or gain the right skills and mentoring to start their own businesses, she said, “EDO-GIP is aimed at providing opportunities for young graduates to explore their chosen career fields by assigning them to organisations (large corporations and SMEs) to learn the technical and practical skills required to launch into their desired career paths. At the end of the programme, participants would have acquired and developed transferable skills that would serve as an enviable foundation for building a successful career either as an employee or an entrepreneur.”

She said interns are needed in Marketing/Sales, Information Technology, Finance/Account, Administration, Front Desk/Customer Service, Human Resources, among others, adding that successful applicants will “gain invaluable work experience during internship; get paid while learning on the job and will be trained on workplace skills before deployment to organisation.”

Other benefits of the scheme, according to her, “are that beneficiaries will get valuable insights into business practices; explore their career path, have an edge in the job market and grow a network with professionals.”

She said the applicants must hold a minimum of Bachelor’s degree or Higher National Diploma (HND), must have completed National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC), reside in Edo State, must not be older than 30 years old, must be registered on the EdoJobs portal, show willingness to learn new skills and must be ready to contribute to the organisation they are deployed to.

She said application will commence from November 1, 2018 on www.edojobs.edostate.gov.ng.

What you didnt know about the Second Wife of Ooni of Ife Olori prophetess Morenike Oluwaseyin Naomi.

Naomi is the Founder/President of En-Heralds, an interdenominational ministry based in Akure, Ondo State.

She is 25 Years Old, She started public ministry at the age of 18 and became a full time evangelist in October 2011.

Congratulations

The working governor

I really do not see anything wrong here, You can't cheat nature, Governor Obaseki is only but human, it can happen to any body, take a close look at the photos, you will see that he was stressed up. You guys should let him be, why calling him all sorts of names

Heres what Igbenedion daughter has to say on the issue

Zansu007:
Just imagine, where serious business is been discussed this goat is sleeping. And we expect Nigeria to move forward with unserious leaders like this

#spit

Its better to keep mute to ulter rubbish about our distinguished governor....have u not slept during sermon in church??

Governor Godwin Obaseki is only Human and has blood flowing in his veins

The governor may not have been sleeping afterall, but merely closed his eyes to concentrate on listening to the device he's wearing. All these pictures could be taken within the blink of an eye to create this impression. Why did the photographer concentrate on Gov. Godwin Obaseki, if not for a premeditated intent? Was Governor Godwin Obaseki the only person in the hall? This is a malicious, premeditated and vile act, designed to embarass the governor and his supporters.

It is understandable that some may genuinely frown at the governor's posture during the UN General Assembly meeting though many see it as an avenue to promote their political interests and dialectics. But as humans we should cut him some slack. No one should really judge Obaseki based on this singular act of fatigue and natural compulsion beyond the restraint of the self at that given point in time. Obaseki is a hardworking governor. I give that to him because he merits it.

Yambee:
APC always embarrassing Nigeria.

Buhari is 84 years old, wears an adult diaper,is nearly lifeless and sleeps at any opportunity he gets both in public and private.

So that he does not keep making a fool of himself in public,they chose Obaseki to accompany him, to give Nigeria a young face.

Look at the young man they sent?he went there and converted the UN floor to his bedroom,and he became lifeless too like his leader.

APC with lifeless people.

That is one if the best Governor's in Nigeria....He's a workaholic to the core....Transforming Edo for the Better, Come to Edo State you will see that his good works is Visible to the blind and Audible to the Deaf

chinedu234:
He will wake up and brief us on all that transpired in the conference. What about his president that read his prepared speech just like an like a primary school child in an English class?

When you attend global summits not all presentations are of interest to you.

[quote author=Yambee post=71532417]"APC always embarrassing Nigeria.

Buhari is 84 years old, wears an adult diaper,is nearly lifeless and sleeps at any opportunity he gets both in public and private.,....

Stop talking Nonsense .....That is one of the most hardworking governor, He's doing wonders in my state
He's not a Machine he's a human being

I don't know while its bad for some individuals to do somethings and others can't do them he's just an ordinary man like you and me he has blood running trough his veins and he can get tired that doesn't mean he's weak, he got tired and slept off that doesn't mean he broke down and can't function he's not an engine he's a human and he will get tired sometimes, don't condemn him for that, you people need to wake and focus on the real thing you have to deal with not this.

*Human Trafficking: Edo Govt. aligns with Benin Monarch's pronouncements*

...Obaseki hails far-reaching orders


The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has said his administration has aligned with the Benin Monarch’s far-reaching decisions and royal pronouncements on human trafficking, cultism and other crimes.

At a well-attended meeting of chiefs, dukes, native doctors, priests and priestesses with the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N' Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, on Friday, the Benin Monarch placed curses on the people perpetrating human trafficking in the state.

The Benin Monarch also extended the curses to killer gangs and cult groups, armed robbers who have been unleashing terror on innocent people in the state and causing mayhem in the name of cult activities.

He nullified all oaths administered by human traffickers through their collaborators; native doctors and priests, on victims of the inhuman trade, with a directive that victims of human trafficking are now free from any spiritual oath.

He directed the trafficked persons to speak out and name their slave masters and mistresses and seek help if need be. 

Obaseki, who hailed the directives of Oba Ewuare II, noted that "the royal intervention would check the menace of human trafficking."

He urged the priests, priestesses and native doctors who have been aiding human trafficking in any way, to desist forthwith.

"As a government, we have tremendous respect for all Edo people and residents in the state as well as their religious convictions. But we will not accept the perpetration of crime and evil in the name of religion and will not condone any form of support for inhuman practices such as human trafficking."

He added: "With Oba Ewuare II's pronouncements, we expect that those people who have been aiding these traffickers would, in their own interest, withdraw their support and focus on their calling. We will not spare anyone irrespective of their religious convictions, when caught. 

"We are working with the federal government through the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to arrest and jail traffickers and their collaborators. We have a law in the works that will further strengthen this fight and this administration will go after anyone that dares the laws."


PHOTO CAPTION

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

*Obaseki urges PGF to mainstream inclusive devt in policy reforms*

...SSGs of APC states laud Edo's hospitality

Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has urged the Progressive Governors' Forum (PGF) to prioritise the mainstreaming of inclusive policy reforms that will reach the widest spectrum of people in the 24 All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled states in Nigeria.

He said this when he hosted the Secretaries to State Governments (SSGs) of the PGF to a dinner during its 5th Quarterly meeting, held at the weekend, in Benin City.

Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, who represented the governor, charged the Forum to keep the APC states in check, to ensure that they don’t veer off the targets set in the party’s manifesto.

He noted that if the reforms are implemented across board, they will impact the lives of the people and mark the party out as a development-focused platform.

“We appreciate the PGF’s effort to foster discourse around policies and reforms, as it is a platform to share success stories and exchange ideas. This interaction will help resolve problems and overcome challenges facing the APC states across the country”.

Obaseki called on the participants to ensure they implement the action points arrived at during the various sessions. He added that the change that the party’s new policies have been tested and can truly transform states and the lives of the people.

He said the paper presentation on primary healthcare is apt, as primary healthcare is one of the pillars Edo State government has been pursuing.

According to him, “Primary healthcare is key to this administration’s success. We are focusing on improving our healthcare system through the primary healthcare. If the primary healthcare is upgraded, the people are sure to have better healthcare.”

Speaking on behalf of other SSGs, SSG to the Kogi State Government, Folashade Ayoade, thanked the Edo people for their hospitality, care and the love with which they were received.

“The 24 APC SSGs in this meeting thank the government and the people of Edo State for their hospitality, care, love and their show of support during the 5th quarterly meeting of APC SGSs”.

PHOTO CAPTION

L-R: Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora; Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., and Representative of Edo State Governor and Deputy Governor, Edo State, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu; and Chairman, Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barr. Anslem Ojezua, during a dinner at the 5th Progressive Governors' Forum Quarterly Meeting for Secretaries to the Governments of APC-controlled states in Benin City, Edo State, at the weekend.