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L-R (front row): Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Edo State best teacher and beneficiary of a two-bedroom apartment gift in Emotan Gardens, Mrs. Osaru Noragbon; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Executive Chairman, Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), Isoken Omo; and Managing Director, Mixta Nigeria, Kola Ashiru-Balogun (back row), during the commissioning of first phase of 100 housing units in Emotan Gardens Estate at Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State.

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R-L: Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Executive Chairman, Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), Isoken Omo; and Managing Director, Mixta Nigeria, Kola Ashiru-Balogun, during the commissioning of first phase of 100 housing units in Emotan Gardens Estate at Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State.

VP Osinbajo Hands Over First Set Of Homes At Mixta Africa/EDPA Emotan Gardens

…presents apartment to award-winning EDOBEST teacher

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has presented the key and certificate for a two-bedroom apartment, a unit in Emotan Gardens estate, to Mrs. Osaru Noragbon, who is the best teacher in the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EDOBEST) programme.

Osinbajo presented the apartment to Mrs. Noragbon during the commissioning of first phase of 100 units in Emotan Gardens Estate at Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

Earlier, welcoming the Vice President to the state and the estate, Governor Obaseki said: “This is cluster one of Emotan Gardens, whose foundation you laid a few months ago.”

Emotan Gardens is an initiative of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government developed through a joint-venture partnership between Mixta Africa, a renowned real estate developer and Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA).

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development was signed in May 2018 with Mixta Africa, and had a delivery timeline of 12 months for the first phase. However, this was delivered well ahead of schedule.

Commissioning the first phase of the estate, the Vice President said, "It is my pleasure to officially commission cluster one of the Emotan Gardens Estate for immediate occupation by the first occupant and the winner of EDOBEST programme.”

Obaseki said the goal of Mixta Africa, the developer of the estate, is for subscribers to move into the property as soon as possible and that they inhabit a safe, serene estate that meets their needs.

“The first 100 of the houses are ready for inauguration. As a government, we have bought 10 of the houses, while about 50 of the houses have been sold to the public,” he said.


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Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (2nd left, front row) commissioning first phase of 100 housing units in Emotan Gardens Estate. He is flanked by Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd right); Executive Chairman, Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), Isoken Omo (left), at Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State.

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Head of Service, Mr Isaac Ehiozuwa (middle) with some recipients of the 2016/2017 Productivity Order of Merit Award, at Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

Efforts by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government to deepen reforms in the Edo State civil service received a fillip on Friday as outstanding civil servants and officials of Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) received varied sums of money as rewards from the government, for their hard work.

Presenting cheques to the recipients of the 2016/2017 Productivity Order of Merit Award, drawn from the state civil service and the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA, the Head of Service, Mr Isaac Ehiozuwa, stressed that “there is always reward for hard work, diligence and high productivity.”

Ehiozua explained that Governor Obaseki had promised to reward outstanding workers on November 1, 2018 as a way of motivating workers to give their best at work.

“We are presenting cheques to you today in fulfilment of the governor's promise to diligent and hardworking staff under the state’ Productivity Order of Merit Award. We expect better performance from you as the reward for hard work is more work,” the HOS said.

In their vote of thanks, Mr Fidelis Ediagbonya, Director, Public Service Matters, Directorate of Administration, Governor's Office, and Mr Osagie Emokpae, of ESTMA, commended the governor for fulfilling his promise.

The duo said the gesture has demonstrated that hard work pays and will motivate to do more.

“We thank God for finding us worthy to be beneficiaries of the award and are happy that the governor fulfilled his promise of cash reward.

“This is the first of its kind in the state and we believe that this move will encourage other civil servants and workers in the state to put in their best in their jobs.”


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Head of Service, Mr Isaac Ehiozuwa (left) presenting the 2016/2017 Productivity Order of Merit Award, to an official of Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA), Osagie Emokpae, at Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

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Obaseki Lists Gains Of APC-Led Govt In Edo As VP Osinbajo Flags Off Construction Of Benin-Abraka Road

…Mixta Nigeria hails handover of houses in Emotan Gardens to owners

All is set for the commencement of the reconstruction of 106-kilometre Benin-Abraka Road, which will be flagged off by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday.

The event will be followed by the formal handover of completed housing units in the Emotan Gardens, a ceremony that will be performed by the Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki.

Speaking in Benin City, the state capital on Wednesday, Obaseki urged voters in the state to vote for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming elections as the state has benefitted immensely from the APC-led government.

The Benin-Abraka Road provides access to hundreds of communities in Ikpoba-Okha, Orhionmwon local government areas and parts of Delta State.

Obaseki said: “You would recall that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo commissioned the 60,000 metric tonnes Edo Fertiliser and Chemical Plant in Auchi, in August 2017.

“After that, the Vice President was in the state, to lay the foundation for the N200 billion Benin Industrial and Enterprise Park in November 2017.

“In June 2018, Prof. Osinbajo flagged off the construction of 1800 housing units in the Emotan Gardens Estate, a joint venture project between the Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) and Mixta Nigeria, a real estate company.”

The governor added: “We have received tremendous support from the federal government in the ongoing reconstruction of 230 schools in the basic education sub-sector.

“Our big-ticket projects, namely; The Benin River Port, the Modular Refinery and the Benin Industrial and Enterprise Park, all have the blessings of the APC-led federal government.”

Expressing delight at the planned handover of the completed housing units to subscribers, Head, Business Development and Sales, Mixta Nigeria, Mr Lawrence Korede-Salu, said the event is a dream come true for the company.

“We are excited about the confidence that Edo people and residents have invested in us and with the handover of some of the houses tomorrow Thursday, we have demonstrated that we are a dependable partner of the state government and the people.

“The handover is a tip of the iceberg and an insight into what we can do when we work with a governor that prioritises the welfare of his people. We are indeed delighted at the result-orientedpartnership such as this, and we welcome our subscribers to a whole new housing experience in the state,” Korede-Salu added.



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Some of the houses in Emotan Gardens being built by Mixta Nigeria in partnership with Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) in Benin City, Edo State.

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left); his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (2nd right); with candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming general elections, during the party’s campaign rally in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, on Friday, January 25, 2019.

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R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); Otaru of Igarra, Oba Emmanuel Adeche Saiki; Olokpe of Okpe Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Oba Idogu II; and Imah of Samorika, His Royal Highness, (Alhaji) Oba Sule Idaiye, during the governor’s visit to the Palace of the Otaru of Igarra, on Friday, January 25, 2019.

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All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters at a rally in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, on Friday, January 25, 2019.

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Kabiru Adjoto (left), Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretary, Mr. Lawrence Okah with other APC chieftains at a rally in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, on Friday, January 25, 2019.

...promises more development, improved electricity

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured residents of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of his administration’s plan to provide an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and collaborate with security agencies to improve security of life and property in the area and boost commercial activities in Igarra Town.

He gave the assurance while addressing a mammoth crowd at a rally in Igarra, administrative headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, as part of political campaigns for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming general elections.

He said his administration was doing everything necessary to provide jobs for youths in the area, adding that the state government with the support of the World Bank will provide a platform for youths to acquire skills that will enable them contribute to the state’s development.

“On job creation, the World Bank has provided us with funds to train youths and make them skilful, which will enable them contribute to the development of the state,” he said.

Obaseki promised residents of the area that more roads will be constructed in the year, noting that a vote for all APC candidates in the election will translate to more development for the people.

“Ibilo, Okpe, Ososo, and other roads in the area have been captured in the 2019 Budget. A vote for the president will ensure the continuity of development in the state. We need you to vote for President Muhammadu Buhari to enable us have the resources to construct these roads across the council.”

He added that arrangements have been made to get the Ojirami Dam functional. On electricity, Obaseki called on the residents to thank President Buhari for appointing a son of Akoko-Edo to head the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), adding that there would soon be an improvement in electricity supply in Igarra.

Chairman, Edo State chapter of APC, Barr. Anslem Ojezua, who presented the party’s candidates in the forthcoming general elections, urged voters to come out and vote for the APC to ensure quality representation.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele said Akoko-Edo is home for the APC, which has been proven by the large crowd, adding that the election would be about the choice between performance and non-performance as the APC would show its scorecard and records.

Earlier, the governor led members of his entourage on a visit to the Palace of the Otaru of Igarra, Oba Emmanuel Adeche Saiki, where he thanked the traditional ruler and the people for their support.



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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, addressing a mammoth crowd at a rally in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, on Friday, January 25, 2019. He is flanked by APC chieftains.

As 20 Christian pilgrims begin the 2018 Pilgrimage to the Holy Land of Israel, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged them to allow their experience in the Holy Land lead to spiritual rebirth which will benefit the state.

Obaseki, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Special Duties, Ms. Itohan Bazuaye, gave the charge in his farewell speech to the Pilgrims at Government House Chapel in Benin City, on Thursday, January 24, 2019.

He admonished the pilgrims, "you must have a humble character and full reverence in your approach to a holy God in the holy land. You are going to Israel to experience and have an encounter with God and come back a changed and transformed person.”

The pilgrims, who spoke to journalists, described the journey as divine and an opportunity to seek the face of God on behalf of the country.

According to Mrs. Stella Esan, a civil servant said, “It is a divine favour for me to visit the holy land. We are going to ask God to intervene in the country especially as the elections draw near.”

Mrs. Esan condemned the act of absconding, adding “It is not a good thing for pilgrims to abscond. It gives the country a bad image and makes the process of VISA procurement very difficult.”

Similarly, Hon. Damian Lawani, a member of Edo State House of Assembly said, the visit to the holy land will provide an opportunity to pray for his family, the state and country.

On absconding, he said, “It is unfortunate that people believe that this country has nothing for them. They should look at what they can contribute to the country because people also built those countries they are running to.”

Secretary of the State Welfare Board, Sir Patrick Ihayere, said a contingent of 20 pilgrims consisting of 13 females and 7 males will be participating in the pilgrimage.


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Representative of Edo State Governor and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Special Duties, Ms. Itohan Bazuaye (front row, 5th right); Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Christian Religious Matters, Pastor Eghosa Omoruyi (front row, 4th right); member, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Damian Lawani, (front row, 4th left) and Chairman, Edo Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Bishop Oyonnude Kure (front row, 6th right), at the Government House Chapel in Benin City, before the departure of the state contingent to the Holy Land for pilgrimage, on Thursday, January 24, 2019.

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Cross-section of players and management of Bendel Insurance Football Club with officiating Reverend Fathers after a Thanksgiving service organised by the club to mark its promotion to the Nigeria Premier League at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, in Benin City, on Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Management and players of Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin on Tuesday held a Thanksgiving Mass at the St Paul’s Catholic Church, in Benin City, to celebrate the team’s promotion to the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL).

The club, on the back of unprecedented support from the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, gained promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League after 11 years in relegation.

In his sermon during the service that was also attended by officials of the state government, Reverend Pascal Omono, said it was important to always thank God for his blessings, admonishing members of the football club not to neglect God as he saw them through to the Premier Football League.

“For the good fight you fought, God has uplifted you and you must try not to neglect Him. In all you do, God must be number one; do not seek power outside Him," the Reverend said.

Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Mr. Godwin Dudu-Orumen, said the club held the thanksgiving service to give thanks to God for his kindness and mercy.

“What God has done for us is wonderful. Bendel Insurance is a way of life and for nearly 12 years, we were at the lower division, but by God's Grace, we have returned to the Premier League. We know that it is because of God's power that we are where we are now," the chairman said.


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L-R: Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Godwin Dudu-Orumen; Personal Assistant to the Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Opatola Adewole; Assistant Coach, Bendel Insurance Football Club, Greg Ekhenoba and Special Assistant to the Edo State Deputy Governor, Emma Akhaa, during the Thanksgiving service organised by the club to mark its promotion to the Nigeria Premier League at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, in Benin City, on Tuesday, January 22, 2019

In line with the promise to clear pension arrears inherited by his administration, Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, on Monday approved the release of N843, 324, 509.46 for the payment of arrears owed local government pensioners covering years 2015 to 2018.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Jimoh Ijegbai, made this known during a press conference with members of Local Government Pensioners Association, Edo State, in Benin City, the state capital.

Ijegbai said: “You will recall that during the May Day celebration last year, the governor approved N1.5 billion to defray arrears of pensioners of the unified local government system in Edo State.

“This recent approval of N843, 324, 509.46 is a further demonstration of the commitment of the Obaseki-led administration in Edo State to ensure that all arrears of pension are cleared.”

He explained that “last year, on a monthly basis, we were using N264 million to pay pensioners and at the close of December, we paid pensioners to the tune of N3.168billion. If you add this to the N1.5 billion that we paid in June last year and this recent approval of N843, 324, 509.46 that we are paying today, it will bring the total amount used in paying pensioners for one year to N5, 511,324, 509.46.

“That is what we have used to pay pensioners of the unified local government system in one year.”

The commissioner assured that “Governor Obaseki is determined to clear the little arrears that we will have after now. Between now and June, we will pay another batch of 2009 to 2014 and thereafter, we will pay what is left before the end of the year.”

He called on pensioners in the state “to continue to support the Obaseki administration to take the state to the next level,” adding, “We are determined to ensure our senior citizens do not suffer unduly after retirement and we have put machinery in place to ensure that as you exit from the service and complete all your papers, we will ensure that payments are effected.”

In his response, Chairman of Local Government Pensioners Association, Edo State, Mr. Fredrick Akinido, commended the Governor for his efforts at clearing the bulk of arrears he inherited.

According to him, “The issue of the arrears of the pension that has necessitated this press conference dates back to the year 2000 when many local government workers were unceremoniously retired from the service in their thousands, without the government, as at the time, making adequate arrangement to defray the financial cost.”

He added: “I want to sincerely say we are happy to attend this press conference. We are happy because we believe this conference has shown that the state government has not forgotten us in the scheme of things as it relates to the welfare of local government pensioners in Edo State.

“The back log of the pension arrears that your government is clearing now did not manifest during the current administration although it is said that government is a continuum. It is good that this point is made clear for everyone to understand.”

Akinido appealed to the governor for the harmonisation of their pension in line with the provision of the nation’s constitution, as local government pensioners are finding life difficult.


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L-R: Secretary, Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Lamidi Salami; Vice President, NUP, Jeremiah Asoata; Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Jimoh Ijegbai; Chairman of Local Government Pensioners Association, Edo State, Mr. Fredrick Akinido; and Dr. Augustine Iredia, at a press conference with members of Local Government Pensioners Association, Edo State, in Benin City, the state capital, on Monday, January 21, 2019

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Osinbajo, Obaseki, Kachikwu Task Youths To Drive Inclusive Devt With South-South Innovation Hub

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has urged youths to imbibe the virtues of diligence and hard work, noting that the South-South Innovation Hub presents opportunities to contribute to societal growth through innovation.

Prof. Osinbajo gave the admonition at the Edo Youth Leadership Summit 2019, tagged Imagine, which held at SIO Event Center, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki also called on youth to be productive and take charge in defining a new narrative for development through the use of technology as provided for in the Edo Innovation Hub, which houses the South-South Innovation Hub.

Speaking on the need for youths to be innovative and diligent, Osinbajo said the path to failure and success are the same across the globe, urging participants at the event to be of good character, work hard and be committed to legitimate dreams.

"No matter how talented and well-connected or your status or the wealth of your parents, you will soon discover that the difference between failure and success is character, hard work and diligence, which are all you need to achieve success in life," the vice president added.

Osinbajo noted that these are fundamental principles of success as lack thereof makes it extremely difficult to succeed in life.

He commended the organisers of the Summit, noting that participants must ensure they put into practice the lessons from the Summit to make headway in life.

Governor Obaseki on his part, reiterated the need for integrity, transparency and hard work to succeed.

"Life is about certain core values and if you don't have such values you will be limited in life. As a government, we want to refer to the values of transparency, integrity and hard work as no system will survive without these core values."

Obaseki thanked the Vice President for setting up the South-South Innovation Hub, as it has helped transform the lives of the youths in the state.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, said the focus of the President Muhammadu Buhari led-administration is to reduce corruption in the country.

He said the Federal Government has shown that political position is for service and not for self agrandisement.


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Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (middle); Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd right); his wife, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki (right); Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (left); and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu (second left), at the Edo Youth Leadership Summit 2019, in Benin City, at the weekend.

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