₦airaland Forum

In a significant ceremony held this afternoon, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State officially swore in the new members of the Civil Service Commission. This event marks a pivotal moment in the state's ongoing efforts to reform and enhance its public service sector.

Governor Obaseki emphasized the importance of this development, highlighting it as the culmination of extensive efforts to transform the public service's positioning, attitude, thinking, and infrastructure. He stressed that the Civil Service Commission is designed to nurture, hire, and train government personnel, and should not be viewed as a political entity.

The governor urged the newly appointed members to maintain professionalism despite any distractions. He called on them to provide sound advice to the government and to expand their focus to effectively manage all public servants.

The newly sworn-in members include Mrs. Ighodala Aluyi as Chairman, along with Mrs. Ehi Obaseki, Mr. Gilbert Adegboyega, Mrs. Julie Olatunji, and Mrs. Margaret Ohiowele as members

https://edoupdates.com/government/governor-obaseki-swears-in-new-civil-service-commission-members/

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has officially filed a petition against the outcome of the September 21 governorship election, which they allege was marked by electoral malpractice. Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, the PDP Chairman, expressed confidence in the party's ability to reclaim what they describe as a "stolen mandate" during a press briefing in Benin City.

Aziegbemi outlined the party's awareness of attempts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to obstruct the court-ordered inspection of election materials held by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He asserted that despite these challenges, the PDP has successfully submitted its petition to the Edo State Election Tribunal.

"We have embarked on the journey to reclaim the people's mandate," Aziegbemi stated. He emphasized that the PDP has gathered substantial evidence to support their claims and is prepared to present it in court. He criticized the APC for spreading misinformation regarding the PDP's activities at the INEC office, calling their claims unfounded.

Furthermore, Aziegbemi addressed the arrests of PDP members prior to the election, revealing that many were detained by a special unit of the Nigerian Police. He noted that those arrested have since been released after paying a total of N64 million in bail, despite police claims that bail is free. He warned that further arrests are being planned to hinder the PDP’s efforts.

Mathew Iduoriyekemwen, Director General of the Edo State PDP Governorship Campaign Council, reinforced the party's commitment to pursuing the case, emphasizing the constitutional right of the people to choose their leaders.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the political landscape in Edo State remains tense, with both parties gearing up for what promises to be a contentious battle over the election results.

Public Notice: Exposing the Fraudulent Activities of Icey Godson Musical Integrations

It has come to our attention that Icey Godson Musical Integrations, owned by Kelechi Chibuike Collins Amatobi, has been involved in fraudulent activities, defrauding a resident of Edo State of 360,000 Naira in March 2024, 7months ago. Despite receiving payment for the following items:

- 2bm 800 mic

- 2 table mic stands

- 2 standing mic stands

- Greenlion wireless mic

- Foldable gimbal

- Rode mic interview

- 8 channel audio mixer


Mr. Amatobi has failed to deliver the goods and has refused to refund the money. This blatant fraud is unacceptable and must be called out.


These are the Details of Kelechi Chibuike Collins Amatobi Fraudulent Empire:


- Business Name: Icey Godson Musical Integrations

- CAC Registration Number: 3339236

- Date of Fake Business Name Registration: March 29, 2021

- Status: Inactive and fake

- Address: Alaba International Market, Shop PS4 Pacesetter Plaza Electronics, Ojo, Lagos 102101

- Map Coordinates: 6.4590342, 3.1867510

- Phone Numbers: 08138799067, 09037209621

- Email: iceygodson7@gmail.com

- Fake Domain Name: iceygodson.com

- Instagram Handle: @Iceygodson_musicals

- TikTok: @iceygodsonmusicals

- Fake Facebook Business Page: [Iceygodson1](https://www.facebook.com/Iceygodson1)

- Personal Facebook: [Chibuike Godson Amatobi](https://www.facebook.com/icey.godson.9)

- Fake "Customer" Proxy Facebook Account for Fake Reviews: [Blessing Jide](https://www.facebook.com/blessing.jide.750)

- Vehicle Plate Number: LSD-323HU (Lexus Sedan registered in Lagos State, but not found in database, possible fake or expired number plate)

- Birthday: October 6

- Bank Account Number: 2143150248

- Full Name: Kelechi Chibuike Collins Amatobi

- Bank: United Bank for Africa

- Amount Defrauded: 360,000 Naira

- Date Sent: March 20, 2024


I reached out to this scammer on the 3rd of August, 2024 to politely plead with him for an amicable resolution. He promised to send the items or make a full refund one week from that day. It's 2 months later and still nothing. 

I urge the public to be cautious and avoid any dealings with Icey Godson Musical Integrations and Kelechi Chibuike Collins Amatobi like a plague. He's a fraud and a shameless scammer. Going through some of his reviews on Google, I quickly realised he's been scamming people all over. 

We will be reaching out to the Procurement Agency of the Abia State Government, who recently contacted him about bulk supplies. We will also be filling a fraud complaint report with EFCC, Wema Bank, UBA, the police, other relevant agencies and everybody he's ever engaged with on social media. 

Kelechi Chibuike Collins Amatobi, pay up and keep your scam in Lagos. Leave Edo people out of it.

We will fight until Asue Ighodalo is declared governor because he won the September 21 election.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xqKn0aigkk?si=AUDm_h_auHn3DRZG

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has approved the payment of gratuity to the pensioners on the payroll of the Local Government Staff Pension Board who retired in 2011.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Ministry of Local Government, Community & Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Monday E. O. Osaigbovo, said the governor has directed the State Pension Bureau to immediately commence the screening and payment of gratuity to Pensioners who retired in 2011.

In August 2024, Governor Obaseki had approved the payment of gratuity to the pensioners on the payroll of the Local Government Staff Pension Board who retired in 2010.

According to the Commissioner, “This is to inform the general public, especially Local Government Pensioners that his Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki has approved the payment of gratuity to pensioners who retired in 2011.

Osaigbovo further stated, “By this directive, the Pension Bureau and 2011 retired Local Government Pensioners should take note.”

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed strong confidence in its ability to reclaim the governorship mandate in Edo State. According to the party, substantial evidence has been gathered to support their case in court.

During a recent press briefing, PDP leaders emphasized their commitment to pursuing legal avenues to address what they describe as electoral irregularities. They believe that the evidence collected will be pivotal in overturning the election results in their favor.

The party's legal team is reportedly preparing to present this evidence before the tribunal, aiming to demonstrate that the election was marred by significant discrepancies. PDP officials remain optimistic about the outcome, asserting that justice will ultimately prevail.

https://edoupdates.com/politics/pdp-asserts-confidence-in-reclaiming-edo-governorship-mandate/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSCNwy_HlW4?Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, who recently said Obaseki "hasn't done anything", inspects Obaseki's projects and praise quality of work

Public schools in Edo State are set to resume on Monday, following the conclusion of the gubernatorial elections. The state government announced that all state-owned primary and secondary schools will reopen their doors to students after a brief closure due to the electoral process.

The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, confirmed the resumption date in a statement released on Sunday. She emphasized the importance of students returning to their academic activities promptly and assured parents and guardians that necessary measures have been taken to ensure a smooth transition back to school.

Dr. Oviawe also highlighted the government's commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment, urging school administrators and teachers to adhere to the established guidelines and protocols.

The brief hiatus allowed for the peaceful conduct of the elections, and the government is now focused on ensuring that educational activities continue without further interruptions.

https://edoupdates.com/education/edo-state-schools-to-reopen-monday-following-gubernatorial-elections/

APC National Chairman and former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has announced a donation of N20 million to the families of deceased police officers who were killed on their way back from Edo state after successfully helping the National Chairman and their party successfully rig the 21 September Edo Governorship election, against the will of the Edo people.

Critics are quick to point out that this donation seems more like a desperate attempt to garner sympathy and deflect attention from the mounting issues plaguing the APC’s “victory” in Edo state.

Some political pundits have also accused Ganduje of using it as a political ploy to bolster his image amid growing discontentment of the rigged Edo election. “This is nothing but a hollow gesture meant to distract us from our stolen mandate and show his boss at the top [President Tinubu] he’sstill on top of things nationally,” one local politician stated.

https://edoupdates.com/national/ganduje-donates-n20-million-to-families-of-deceased-officers-amidst-controversial-edo-victory/

The office of the deputy governor of Edo State, on Osadebe Avenue, Benin, the state capital, has been sealed off by stern-looking policemen who were spotted there on Sunday.

The sealed office was the one Philip Shaibu was relocated outside the Government House in the height off his face off with Governor Godwin Obaseki.

As of Sunday, the entry gate was closed while a machine gun mounted police truck with three policemen was parked in front of the gate.

It was gathered that staff of the office were on Friday told to resume at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Agency while the official vehicles in the deputy governor’s office including the Press Crew bus have been moved to the office of the Head of Service inside the Government House in Osadebe Avenue.

A staff of the Deputy Governor’s office on Sunday said, “You know we are civil servants. On Thursday, we were told to resume in JOOPSA and that was where we also resumed on Friday and we would also do that tomorrow (Monday).”

https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/police-seal-edo-deputy-governors-office/%3famp

The African Action Congress (AAC) has expressed strong disapproval of the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) conduct during the recent Edo State election. The party has called for public demonstrations to protest what it describes as widespread irregularities and misconduct.

In a statement released on Sunday, the AAC highlighted several issues, including alleged voter suppression, manipulation of results, and inadequate security measures. The party's spokesperson emphasized that these actions undermine the democratic process and erode public trust in electoral institutions.


The AAC has urged citizens to take to the streets in peaceful protests to demand accountability and transparency from INEC. The party also called on other political parties and civil society organizations to join in the demonstrations to ensure that the voices of the electorate are heard and respected.

This call to action comes amid growing concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Nigeria, with many stakeholders advocating for comprehensive reforms to address systemic issues within INEC.

https://edoupdates.com/politics/aac-criticizes-inecs-handling-of-edo-election-urges-public-protests/

Don't do it. No love is ever worth the pain and suffering of a sickle cell child. How many fetus can you actually test and terminate? Are you willing to keep killing your baby (pregnancy) if they don't test right? If so, how many pregnancies are you willing to terminate for love?

Just don't do it. I dont think God will (or should) ever forgive you for knowingly bringing a sickle cell child into this world

Edo State government has opened up and liberalised the electricity market space to ensure private players are encouraged to invest in the sector.

The Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Engr. Ethan Uzamere made this known while commissioning Ajoki 24 Hours Gas-Powered Electricity Project provided to Ajoki community by Enageed Resources Limited.

"Monopoly is detrimental to the economy and the opening up of the market has ensured that already existing players wake up to their responsibilities. Edo state is no longer just a civil service state but a destination of choice for investment and industrialisation. We will not rest on our oars. We will continue to ensure that all private sector players in the energy market are provided with the enabling environment and the tools with which to function. We will continue to eliminate bureaucratic red tape"

While stating that the ministry runs an open-door policy to ensure that every willing investor is motivated and given the requisite assistance Engr. Uzamere pointed out that It is this same accessibility that has ensured the speedy resolution of every issue in the energy sector in Edo state.

Engr. Uzamere who urged the people to own the asset said that the project will improve the economic activities of the people in thie vicinity, provide jobs for the people and increase their hours of productivity and also reduce the issue of crime to the barest minimum.

The Commissioner commended Enageed Resources Ltd the operators of OML 148 acreage for conceiving and nurturing this laudable idea of converting that same resource that would have been flared and would have contributed to the issue of global warming to something of value stressing that the project is in line with the Making Edo Great Again (MEGA) agenda of the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

" Going forward we will partner with you on the scalability of this initiative to meet the needs of an even greater segment of the society. I want to implore members of this community to own these assets and protect them. I will communicate with the security agencies in this area as well as the local vigilante to ensure that they prioritise the protection and surveillance of the facilities of this electrification project".

By Ogbebor Tony Ikponmwosa

The future of any nation rests on the shoulders of the young generation, and it is the duty of the Government of the day to help these young generations grow, by providing them with a suitable academic (educational) and moral structure that will enable them to prepare for the very tasking future ahead while enabling them to play a vital role in the development of their immediate society.

Education is the very soul of a nation, the key to its secured future but it is a well-known fact that Nigeria’s education sector is deteriorating awfully. This ugly state of the country’s education has been attributed over time to a number of factors including underfunding, low-quality teaching personnel, poor infrastructure, poverty of curriculum, and absence of dedicated practitioners.

In Edo State, the reverse seems to be the case as the State Government led by Governor Godwin Obaseki has made commendable achievements and attained a high level of success in the development of the State’s Educational sector.

When Governor Obaseki came into office, he made a promise to the people of Edo State assuring them of the total transformation of the education sector. In April 2018, Governor Godwin Obaseki initiated the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) initiative with an ambitious goal – the complete transformation of basic education in Edo State. After a successful implementation of Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation, (EdoBEST 1.0), the State Government has launched EdoBEST 2.0 to address issues in senior secondary and technical education.

Within just six months of its official launch, it has unveiled 7,000 Government-trained teachers and is set to radically impact the lives of 150,000 Edo children. Ultimately, it will reach 15,000 across 1,500 public schools, impacting 300,000 children.

EdoBEST is the flagship initiative of the Edo State Government, aiming to transform the public education system and learning outcomes in Edo.  It is a comprehensive programme to develop State education across five pillars of work: governance, teacher training and development, community partnerships, infrastructure, and the local education board. Leading technology-based education provider, Bridge International Academies was brought in as a technical partner with the Government to support teacher training and development, helping to boost the capability of all Edo government teachers.

Governor Obaseki explained that: “In Edo State, we have identified the critical role of teachers in our growth plan and this informed our decision to birth the Edo State Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme that has kick-started a series of reforms in the education sector.

The successes of the Godwin Obaseki educational transformation attracted references and commendations from international bodies and most recently “The Economist '' a British weekly newspaper. The newspaper describes the reform in the State educational sector as a maiden development in Africa and one that is worthy of emulation as these reforms will help solve the myriad of challenges that can be linked to education, facing the continent.


According to the publication, "Mr Obaseki, the State Governor, says school staff had long felt ignored and unappreciated; he says that providing more training and equipment has brought fresh motivation. He insists that support for the project among unions was crucial to his re-election in 2020. It has, he says, been “one of my best investments” while adding that NewGlobe claims that during the first year of the reforms, children learned as much in a single term as they were previously learning in one year."

How Obaseki is ensuring that schools don't fail the Edo child

- The Economist

Read full article:

https://edoupdates.com/the-economist-most-children-in-poor-countries-are-being-failed-by-their-schools/

International magazine, The Economist, interviewed Governor Godwin Obaseki and brilliantly analysed the impact of his educational reforms in Edo state.

Here's a link to the article:

https://edoupdates.com/the-economist-most-children-in-poor-countries-are-being-failed-by-their-schools/

WATCH: Sanwo-Olu's promise for 25% workers' salary increase VS Obaseki's implemented 33.3% workers salary increase


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_nC5alxTPk

PRINCE KASSIM AFEGBUA IS NOT A KNOWN MEMBER OF THE EDO STATE CHAPTER OF THE PDP

PRESS STATEMENT

The Edo State Chapter of the PDP wishes to notify its members, supporters and critical stakeholders that Prince Kassim Afegbua, a former Presidential Campaign spokesman of our dear party, has long ceased to be a bonafide member of the PDP in Edo State.

Our attention has been drawn to the numerous media showmanship being put up by a former member of the PDP family in Edo State, Prince Kassim Afegbua in the past few days. Though it is his right as a Nigerian to air his opinions on issues affecting the PDP, but he should not do so with the carriage and comportment of a registered and bonafide member of the PDP.

For the records, we bring to the attention of all that for anti-party activities, the Edo State Chapter of the PDP suspended him from party activities for one month on the 3rd of August, 2020. This suspension followed a recommendation from the executive of his Ward 5 in Etsako East Local Government Area. He persisted in his anti-party activities into the gubernatorial election in 2020. Subsequently, a six-man Disciplinary Committee was set up to investigate the allegations against him.

The committee's recommendations in the report submitted in May 2021 are reproduced below:

1. That Kassim Afegbua has displayed gross disobedience to party rules and regulations as contained in PDP Constitution in Chapter 10 Section 58(1)b,c,f,I,m.

2. That until Kassim Afegbua appears before the various Disciplinary Committees, he is hereby expelled from PDP in accordance with Chapter 10, Section 59(1)(g).
.
Following from the above, we reinterate that Prince Kassim Afegbua expulsion from the party stands. He is not a member of the PDP Edo State family and should stop deceiving himself to be one.

Ogie Aigbe Vasco
State Publicity Secretary
20th June, 2022.

"From the data presented and correlated by that of the state, it's clear that large numbers of youths are engaged in this act. The age bracket involved in cybercrime is from 15 to less than 30 years, and prominent among them is dating scams, which is about 80 to 90 percent of the cybercrime activities in the state.

"Just as the state took the lead in tackling human trafficking five years ago, we are planning to attack cybercrime head-on and not to lose a whole generation of youths as we attack it from the root. Our youths are no longer interested in schooling. We are planning to attack the root cause.”

- Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Iyamu SAN

Days after Edo State Government announced a 50 million sponsorship deal with Sterling Bank, Bendel Insurance football club defeated J.Atete FC two goals to nil in a matched played at the world class Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

After the victory, the players gifted their jerseys to fans at the stadium.

Thank you Governor Godwin Obaseki for your sports reform in Edo state

Joseph Eboigbe –Commissioner for Finance

Prof. Obehi Akoria –Commissioner for Health

Mrs. Otse Momoh-Omorogbe – Commissioner for Budget and Planning

Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe – Commissioner for Education

Isoken Omo – Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development.

Moses Agbukor – Commissioner for Water Resources

Ethan Uzamere – Commissioner for Mining, Gas and Oil

Marie Edeko – Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues

Monday Osaigbovo – Commissioner for Local Government

Andrew Emwanta – Commissioner for Communication and Orientation

Oluwole Iyamu – Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

Christopher Osaretin Nehikhare – Commissioner for Youth and Humanitarian Affairs

Donald Okogbe Ojomeh – Commissioner for Community and Chieftaincy Affairs

Osasere Malachi Evbuomwan – Commissioner for Transport

Omololu O. Ojehomon – Commissioner for Public Security

Afishetu Braimoh – Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Cooperatives

Okojie Nosawe Newton – Commissioner for Roads and Bridges

Jonathan Lawani – Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability

Stephen Ehikioya Idehenre – Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security

I don't think a lot of people actually grasp what Governor Godwin Obaseki is doing in Edo state and all the reforms he's making.

Other states, led by governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu , are currently modelling Edo state's basic education system, EdoBEST, in their states. Even African countries like Rwanda are doing the same.

Two days ago, Nigeria Governors' Forum sent a team of delegates to Edo state to understudy Obaseki's e-procurement model. According to World Bank, amongst all the 36 states in Nigeria + FCT, Edo state is currently the leading state in e-procurement in Nigeria.

The Representative of State Fiscal Transparency and Accountability for Sustainability (SFTAS) Technical Assistant Project Coordinator, Nigeria Governors' Forum, Mr. Solomon Affun, said;

“five states are currently in the second batch to study Edo. They are here to learn how Edo has made success in their e-procurement process.”

By the time Obaseki leaves office in 2024, we'll have a new, transformed Edo state, with strong institutions.