₦airaland Forum

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state is working with the Nigeria Police Force as well as the Nigeria Navy to ensure a robust security architecture in Gelegele community as work progresses on the Benin River Port in the community.

The governor stated this during a tour of the Gelegele waterway in Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state on Sunday.

The governor was accompanied by the Commander, Joint Taskforce Operation, Delta Force, Rear Admiral Suleiman Opochi, and the Edo Commissioner of Police, Mr Johnson Kokumo, on the boat ride which extended to the state's boundary with Delta State and lasted for about two hours.

Speaking to journalists after the tour, the governor said the state was planning to undertake some security initiatives in collaboration with the Navy and Police in Gelegele community hence the trip to have first-hand knowledge of the waterway.

He said the state was privileged to have a Marine Police Command, which would be sited in Gelegele community, noting, “The visit to this place is also to see how much work was done by China Harbour, the company handling the project and the facilities available at the Marine Police Base."

The governor added that a road network different from the Ekenwan route would be constructed during the execution of the Benin River Port project, to link other parts of the state and country to the area.

“A road network to link other parts of the state to this environ is contained in the feasibility study of the Benin River Port project but we have decided to upgrade the Ekenwan Road starting from the Oba Market axis,” he said.

Edo Commissioner of Police, Mr Johnson Kokumo, said the Marine Base in Gelegele community is to effectively combat crimes on the waterway.

"I was able to get the approval of the Inspector General of Police to have a base here to ensure there is adequate security in this environ,” he said.

Kokumo added that the Police has established a synergy with the local vigilantes in Gelegele community to beef up security in the area.

Real Admiral Suleiman Opochi, Commander, Joint Taskforce Operation, Delta Force, said protection of facilities and installation on the Niger Delta waterways was part of the taskforce’s mandates.

He said the tour with the governor of the Benin River Port project was to assess the terrain, which is part of the taskforce’s surveillance duties.

“What we have come here for is within the confines of our mandate to protect oil and gas installations on waterways from sea robbery and crude oil theft. We have relayed the challenges in this environ to the Edo State Government and we believe it is on top of the issue,” he added.

Chairman, Gelegele Community, Mr. Dennis Milton, described the governor's visit to the facilities in the Benin River Port as laudable, noting that there are assurances that the project would be actualised.

He said the people of the community are ready to guarantee security in the area and support the state government in the execution of the project.

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L-R: Commander, Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Waterways and Surveillance, Hon. Robert Okubo; and the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo; during the governor’s tour of the Gelegele waterway in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State, at the weekend.

– By Crusoe Osagie

Worried by Edo people’s rejection of their shenanigans and their imminent annihilation, the Edo state chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has started preparing excuses for its defeat in future elections in the state.

The Edo PDP’s electoral misfortune is being consolidated upon each day and no amount of epistles of lamentation can reverse their current poor rating.

Obaseki’s scientific and strategic approach to governance which has left Edo people breathless in admiration has presented an unsolvable puzzle to the Edo PDP. In their despair, all they can think of doing now is to CRY wolf, play the weeping boy and throw pity parties to prepare the minds of their diminishing sponsors for their imminent defeat and annihilation.

Edo PDP is like a student that was enrolled for an examination which is now imminent and knowing that he has wasted all the time that should have been used to study and prepare for the exam, and that failure is inevitable, he begins to prepare the minds of his parents who paid for the exam, for a terrible result that will soon be handed to him at the end of the test.

The party attempted the same tactics during the last local council elections and they failed to sway the good people of Edo State.

Those who were privy to the series of meetings they held prior to the local council polls said the Edo PDP was told, in clear terms by their strategists, that all is over for them in Edo State and that participating in polls in the state would amount to sheer waste of resources as Governor Obaseki’s leadership style has greatly depleted what was left of their popularity.

Aware of this fact, the Edo PDP thinks that crying and lamenting about their misfortune could earn them pity from international organisations.

Political parties exist to win elections and provide purposeful leadership and not to continually issue epistles of baseless lamentation. No amount of such letters will stop their defeat in the future elections lined up for 2019 and beyond. And without doubt, their defeat shall be fairly handed to them.

As for Senator Mathew Urhoghide, he was a victim of his own orchestration. A lion handler or snake charmer who lost control of his breasts and became a victim of his violent circus.

As we said before, Urhoghide has to explain to Edo people why after several trips to and from Benin, without riotous reception, he decided to order PDP youths out of their homes to invade the airport on that occasion.

Engaging thugs that Governor Obaseki has since retired, is not a ‘senatorial way’ of assisting our youths who need skills to set up businesses.

Edo PDP should laud the good work Governor Obaseki is doing for the state as the best is on the way for our people.

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

Source: http://thebellng.com/edo-pdp-preparing-excuses-for-their-imminent-annihilation/

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd from left); his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (3rd from left); and his wife, Maryann Shaibu (third from right); Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Adjoto (2nd from right); Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele; Chairman, Edo State Council of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Ademokun (left), during the commemoration of the 2018 Workers’ Day at the University of Benin Sports Complex, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State capital.

… As Obaseki Releases N1.5bn Paris Fund Refund To Clear Pension Arrears

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has rolled out bumper package for workers, job seekers and pensioners in the state which includes recruitment of new hands, approval of outstanding promotions and provision of social housing for workers in the state.

The governor also said outstanding issues with pension arrears payment are being addressed as he has approved the release of N1.5bn from the Paris Fund Refund to liquidate the outstanding local government pension arrears.

Speaking to workers on the commemoration of the 2018 Workers’ Day at the University of Benin Sports Complex, Ugbowo, Benin City, the governor said the workers have been supportive and instrumental to the successes being recorded in the state.

Noting that capacity building forms a huge part of the reforms in the civil service, he said, “An Edo State Civil Service Training Institute for civil servants will be unveiled before the end of the year. The facility is ready with relevant technology and experts are now putting together courses, training modules and the faculty. This is to empower our workers and make them relevant to our developmental goals. All Edo workers will henceforth have the opportunity to attend one or two trainings annually. This will strengthen our civil service and empower our workers to do much better.”

On social housing for workers, he said the state was working with partners to develop a package to provide housing to workers in the state, adding, “In delivering Housing to workers, plans are on between the Federal Mortgage Bank, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and the Edo State Government to provide Housing for Edo State workers. The repositioned Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) is also working on social housing for Edo workers by private investors.

According to him, “The process of computerising all government offices is on-going. The first set of 1000 computers have been procured and distributed. Another set of 1000 computers are on order. Workers are being trained by the ICT Agency. The overall goal is to maintain document security, reduce waste, improve efficiency and enhance service delivery. I am pleased to note that our workers are responding appropriately to this initiative.”

He added that the state government has not sacked any worker, but rather provisions are being made to employ more hands.

“This government is proud that it has not sacked any worker even those that were moribund in their functions. Rather, we have done so much to reabsorb, retrain and reassign these workers. About 186 staff of the moribund Edo Line and Edo Courier have been redeployed to the Ministry of Infrastructure while we are working out ways of liquidating its debt of about N1.5bn. In a few weeks, the Civil Service Commission will advertise to recruit more civil servants to fill critical vacancies in the system,” he said.

The governor stressed that efforts are being made to ensure workers get the best support to work and deliver on their tasks, noting that a revamp of the offices and government buildings would make the work environment more appealing.

According to him, “In line with our policy of making the workplace comfortable, our Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) that will supply uninterrupted power to all Government Establishments along the Sapele Road axis as well as light up our streets at night will come into operation in October this year. We also continue to renovate offices, provide new equipment, and working on providing new office spaces.

“Apart from promotions coming into effect as at when due; we have commenced rectification of pending promotions which so far have been updated to the year 2017. In a short while from now, all pending cases of promotions would be harmonised and resolved. Every worker that deserves to be promoted will get the promotion.

“We have introduced a new Reward System to motivate our workers. Those that work hard need to be further encouraged. Our goal is to encourage our workers to reach the highest points of their creative and productive abilities. Hence, our new system makes it possible for a worker to gain accelerated promotion for outstanding performance; without recourse to established sequence or last date of promotion.”

On reforms to automate the processes in the civil service, he said, “We have approved the conversion and training of about 200 Secretarial Assistants to Data Processors for efficient service delivery and to enable them to move beyond the secretarial cadre in the State Civil Service. Their conversion will be accompanied with further training to empower them to perform better.”

Noting that reforms are ongoing in the education sector to up-skill the teachers, he said, “In addition to restructuring and repositioning the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in the interest of our children, we are investing in infrastructure, technology, and trainings. This April we trained about 2,500 teachers and school heads on the modern trend of driving teaching and learning with technology. We are very concerned with the future of our children because we believe that if the foundation is flawed, the future would be compromised.”

Explaining how the state was addressing issues with pension management system, he said, “To avoid the past suffering of persons who were under the Direct Benefit System, where retired persons were not paid their benefits as and when due, we introduced the Contributory Pension Scheme since January 2017. Since then we have been faithfully remitting the Employers’ and Employees’ contributions and workers have been receiving credit alerts on their contributions and interest generated.

“Edo State has been adjudged as one of the few states that pay their contributions on time. The Contributory Pension Scheme also comes with a Group Life Insurance Policy which entitles a beneficiary to three times the amount of the annual salary.”

He continued, “We have commenced payment of pension and gratuity arrears as far back as the year 2000. So far, we have paid batches 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41. As we resolve a few lingering problems, other Batches will be paid though I must note that resources are limited. We have meetings with retirees every two weeks and we have an open line of communication to avoid misunderstandings. Our commitment is to make our retirees that have laboured so much for our present and future, feel comfortable. In line with my promise last year to resolve all outstanding pension issues, I have directed that the amount used for paying outstanding pension arrears be doubled by 100 per cent from N100 million monthly to N200million.

“To make things easy for serving civil servants in Edo State, we have introduced a system whereby a retiring officer will simultaneously enter the Pension Payroll from the date of retirement, provided all documentations are perfected six months before retirement. This way we avoid the usual confusion and frustration that retired workers experience. I urge all prospective retirees to take full advantage of this system, so we avoid the bottlenecks of the past.

“On Pension Harmonisation of 6 per cent, 15 per cent and 33 per cent, I assure you that we have completed the relevant paperwork and analyses, and in no distant future, we intend to effect the harmonisation. We want to ensure that everyone who is entitled to pension first receive their pension before we begin to harmonise. I believe that is the fair and just thing to do.

“On gratuity, I am aware that 2012-2013 have been screened. Limited resources prevented us from effecting payment. However, I can assure you that as soon as our revenues improve, this issue will be promptly addressed.

He disclosed that the state is developing a state health insurance scheme to make healthcare affordable and accessible to the people, noting, “Edo State is developing a State Health Insurance Scheme to the benefit of workers in the urban and rural areas. This will go in line with our plans to rehabilitate and make functional our Primary Healthcare System to bring healthcare closer to the people.

“We are doing everything to make access to affordable medical care available to all Edo workers and citizens. We commenced the rollout of our model Primary Health Centres with the pilot of the first 20. Within the next two years every ward should have a well-staffed PHC with water and electricity.

Noting that the state is not relenting on the effort to stem the tide of human trafficking in the state, he said, “As we work hand-in-hand to fight the scourge of human trafficking and irregular migration that has claimed over 3,000 lives of our young men and women in the desperate effort to travel to Europe via Libya, I urge you, as progressive workers, to join us in the fight against this horrible challenge. The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, is already in the forefront of the fight. We have established the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking (ETAHT) for this sole purpose and they need the support of labour to tackle human trafficking in all its ramifications. I am pleased to inform you that we have so far received over 3,200 returnees through our rehabilitation and reintegration programme.”

On restructuring of higher institutions in the state, he said, “We are drastically restructuring our tertiary institutions. In the past they engaged in reckless recruitment of staff and this bloated their wage bills. Some took loans at high interest rates to execute white elephant projects. With the restructuring currently underway, we shall sort out all outstanding matters including salaries once we complete verifications, programme review, financial and staff audits, and student realignments. Prompt payment of salary continues to be one of the hallmarks of the APC Government in Edo State. I assure you that this will continue.

Noting that extensive reforms have been carried out to make the local governments more responsive to the needs of the people, he said, “We are great full to the Almighty for the very peaceful and successful local government elections. With the new chairpersons and elected officials, are now poised to change the future and fortune of local government in Nigeria. I have instructed that all outstanding salaries and pension arrears due to local government staff must be paid before the end of this year.

“To ensure that this happens, yesterday, I approved that the sum of N1.5billion from the Paris Club refund should be used to liquidate part of the outstanding N2.5bn pension arrears due to local government employees. The balance will be paid before the end of this year. Our goal is to ensure that local governments move into the Contributory Pensions Scheme next year, thus putting an end to the pension crises.”

Speaking on efforts to industrialise the state, he said, “As you know, agriculture remains at the core of our overall development programme. This year, we are deploying 2,200 Hectares of Land located within Ekpoma, Sobe, and Usugbenu for the State’s Agripreneur project. We are also preparing 1,460 Hectares of Land for FADAMA; and an additional 19, 000 hectares of Land dispersed all over the State for other agricultural purposes. This will provide inputs for industry, real income for farmers and hundreds of jobs for our young people.

“Our industrialisation process is designed to create jobs for our teeming youths among other goals. Hence, projects such as the Edo Industrial Park, Benin River Port, Modular Refinery, upgrade of Benin Airport with Cargo Terminal, the new Shopping malls and many others will provide more jobs for our people.

“Similarly, with our Edo Jobs programme that has trained about 34,200 persons to become self-reliant or recruited into jobs through our synergy with the private sector, it has become clear that one of the major problems in the past has been the lack of post-graduation preparation for the labour market. In addition, our new engagements with the private sector, the influx of investors in the state and new opportunities that accompany our urban renewal and infrastructural development continue to create more jobs for Edo people.”

In their speeches, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Ademokun and his counterpart in the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Marshall Orhue, commended the governor for prompt payment of workers’ salaries, infrastructural development, reforms in the state’s basic education sector and economy.

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd from right); his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (right); Head of Service, Mrs. Gladys Idahor (left); Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. (2nd from left); Chairman of the State Council of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Marshal Orhue (3rd from left); and Chairman, Edo State Council of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Ademokun (3rd from right), during the commemoration of the 2018 Workers’ Day at the University of Benin Sports Complex, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State capital.

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Cross-section of participants during the one-day Youth Entrepreneurship, Empowerment and Leadership Seminar organised by the state government in collaboration with the youth wing of the Edo State Chapter of APC at Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, Edo State on Tuesday, April 24, 2018.

Public Works Scheme: Edo To Engage 3,600 As Obaseki Pledges More Opportunities For Edo Youths

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has disclosed plan by the state government to engage 3,600 youths from the 18 local government areas to strengthen the state’s Public Works Volunteer (PUWOV) scheme.

Speaking at a one-day, well-attended Youth Entrepreneurship, Empowerment and Leadership Seminar organised by the state government in collaboration with the youth wing of the Edo State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) at Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, Obaseki urged the youths to take their place in the development of the state and nation.

He noted that the seminar with the theme “Owning Your Future,” was designed to integrate the youth in the overall development of the state, as the government is in talks with the heads of local government councils to engage at least 200 youths from their local government areas.

“The youths will receive world class training on security; traffic management and other areas related to law and order,” he added.

The governor assured that youths are very strategic in his economic development plan for the state as he is committed to engaging them in productive activities to enable them contribute positively to the development of the state

“In the last 15 months we have employed over 45,000 Edo youths through Edo Jobs portal and we are calling on more youths to register as we have created a friendly business environment for investors to create more opportunities for the youths.”

Obaseki said his administration is ready to change the narrative that youths are better used as thugs and train them to be self sufficient and employers of labour.

"Politics must be used to expand the base for millions of youths who are the productive population,” the governor emphasized.

He noted that in the last 15 months, his administration has been able to win the hearts of the people through improved security; orderliness and the prevailing friendly environment for investors who are flocking to the state to invest.

He charged youths in the 192 wards across the state to prepare business proposals that are well tailored to business ideas within their locality as he will recommend them to investors to finance them.

Earlier, the APC Youth leader in the state Hon. Valentine Asuen, urged the youths to leverage on the business opportunities being provided across the state.

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd left); Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele (left), Chairman, Edo State Strategic Planning Team, Prof Julius Ihonvbere (2nd right); and Edo State Youth leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Valentine Asuen (right), during the one-day Youth Entrepreneurship, Empowerment and Leadership Seminar organised by the state government in collaboration with the youth wing of the Edo State Chapter of APC at Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, Edo State on Tuesday, April 24, 2018.

Other Pnotos

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Cross section of delegates at the All Progressives Congress (APC)'s South-South Zonal Executive meeting, in Benin City, Edo State, on Monday, April 23, 2018.

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, welcoming delegates to the All Progressives Congress South-South Zonal Executive meeting, in Benin City, Edo State, on Monday, April 23, 2018.

Hours after the Edo State caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) unanimously endorsed the candidacy of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as chairmanship candidate for the position of the National Chairman of the party, the South-South Zonal Executive Committee has equally thrown their weight behind Oshiomhole for the position.

National Vice Chairman, APC South-South Zone, Ntufam Eta, disclosed this to journalists in Benin after a meeting of executive members of the party in the zone, held in Benin City.

Eta said the majority of South-South Zonal executive committee members present at the meeting decided on the Edo position, which is the adoption of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to carry the flag of the Party.

“The Edo State chapter, led by its Chairman, informed us that the decision was unanimously accepted by the Edo APC Caucus. During the deliberation, the delegation from Rivers State kicked against Oshiomhole’s candidacy but the voice vote of the zonal executive committee, defeated their position while that of Adams Oshiomhole prevailed and stands as the position of the zonal executive committee of the Party.

“We have done our part. It’s now left for the membership of the National convention to do theirs and we pray that they follow our lead. This is our honest prayer.”

Speaking on the absence of the National Chairman of the Party, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, at the meeting, Eta said: “we were told that the National Chairman was duly invited for the meeting like every other person.”

Earlier, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, welcomed the APC members from across the six states in the South-South Zone of the party to the meeting and wished them happy deliberation

Source: http://thebellng.com/south-south-apc-endorses-adams-oshiomhole-for-position-of-national-chairman/

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R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; National Vice Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), South-South Zone, Ntufam Hilliard Eta; and Chairman, APC, Edo State Chapter, Barr. Anselm Ojezua; during the APC South-South Zonal Executive meeting, in Benin City, Edo State, on Monday, April 23, 2018.

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Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Basic Education and Acting Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe (speaking), with primary school teachers who were trained on the use of Information and Communication Technology for teaching, during the launch of Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) by Governor Godwin Obaseki in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday April 19, 2018, in Benin City.

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd left) his wife, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki (left); Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (2nd right) and his wife, Mrs. Maryann Shaibu (right), during the launch of Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) by the governor, onThursday April 19, 2018, in Benin City.

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L-R: Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo State Chapter, Barr. Anselm Ojezua; Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Basic Education and Acting Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe; and Commissioner for Education, Hon. Emmanuel Agbale, during the launch of Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) by the Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Thursday April 19, 2018, in Benin City.

Over 1,500 Teachers Complete Training On Tech-Based Teaching As Obaseki Launches Edo-BEST



...Education marshalls to stem loitering by students

To kick-start the overhaul of the Edo State's basic education sub-sector, Governor Godwin Obaseki has launched the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme, with over 1,500 teachers in the state graduating from the training on Information and Communication Technology-based teaching method.

Obaseki urged parents to take advantage of the reforms in the state's education sector and warned that Education Marshals will be deployed across local government areas to stem loitering by school children. He said parents who fail to ensure that their children are enrolled and remain in schools will be arrested and fined.

Speaking at the launch of Edo-BEST Programme at Samuel Ogbemudia College in Benin on Thursday, April 19, 2018, Obaseki said the state would work with Local Government Areas (LGAs) to coordinate the Education Marshalls, who would be on the watch to ensure students do not loiter about during school hours.

"If a child is found loitering during school hours, he or she will be apprehended and the parent of the child will also be arrested and fined,” he warned.

The governor also assured that perimeter fencing will be erected around all schools across the state, noting that President Muhammadu Buhari tasked all state governors to ensure security in schools.

He added that any building located inside the schools would be fenced in and such properties then automatically belong to the school.

The governor stated that his administration wants to ensure that any child who receives basic education would be able to read and write, which is why new technology-based learning method is being deployed in the state’s basic education sub-sector.

He assured that the Edo-BEST programme would be extended to all schools in the state, calling on communities to show commitment to protecting schools from vandalism.

Commissioner for Education, Hon. Emmanuel Agbale, said the overhaul of the basic education sub-sector and the adoption of new methods of teaching and learning will bring unprecedented change to the sector.

He said the governor would kick-start a reward system for teachers who distinguish themselves in the Edo-BEST programme.

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, with primary school teachers who were trained on the use of Information and Communication Technology for teaching, during the launch of Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday April 19, 2018, in Benin City.

The Governor Godwin Obaseki administration does not have any project that drains the resources of the state.

Instead, the governor has added value to the state’s several investments, namely; the Edo Fertiliser and Chemical plant, which has been producing fertiliser for Edo farmers; the development of the Benin Industrial Park and the Gelegele Seaport, for which soil test has been concluded, with other preliminary activities ongoing.

Also worthy of mention is the training of Edo teachers (which was oversubscribed) for the about 300 technology-driven primary school classrooms being designed for the state; the several completed and ongoing road projects as well as the reconstruction of Benin Science and Technical College, among others.

As a responsible government, it is our duty to keep Edo people abreast of developments in the state.

It however becomes ridiculous to continue to respond to cheap lies from the Edo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Every item mentioned in the recent address of the media by the Edo PDP, is completely false and has no foundation what so ever in truth.

The governor Godwin Obaseki administration is moving so smoothly and delivering all the promises it made to the people. The smooth sail causes the Edo PDP a great deal of unease, discomfiture and discomposure and instead of joining the moving train, they seem resolute about disrupting the process of progress by fabricating lies.

Psychologists often say that people do not see the world as it is, instead they see the world as they are. This is exactly the case with the Edo PDP. They see the world as they are. They know themselves to be untrustworthy with heavy baggage of graft and so they believe everyone else must be like them.

We know Edo people are too sophisticated to be deceived by these feeble lies. They research, verify and compare claims before reaching a conclusion. But as for the Edo PDP, we are not surprised that they cannot prove their claims because they are lies.

Crusoe Osagie is the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy

Source: http://thebellng.com/no-drainpipe-project-under-obaseki/

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has sworn-in Mrs. Orobosa Omotoso and Mr. Terry Momodu as Justices of the State High Court.

At the swear-in ceremony held in Government House, Benin City, Obaseki said he remains committed to strengthening the judicial system to ensure the delivery of justice and sustenance of the democratic system in the state.

He said “Without an effective judicial system, it will be impossible to sustain the democratic system. In Edo State, we are proud of the reputation of the judiciary as a separate arm of government, which is independent of other arms and has continued to discharge its duties with integrity and fairness.”

"We will continue to celebrate the fact that despite the allegations made against judges in other parts of the country, the judiciary in Edo State has remained scandal-free and continues to enjoy well-deserved respect," he added.

The governor expressed optimism that the newly inducted Judges will put in their best towards building on the legacy of their predecessors.

In her remarks, Justice Omotoso expressed appreciation to the state governor for the effort of his administration to repositioning the judicial system in the state.

She pledged commitment to discharge her duties as a justice in the state High Court without fear or favour and in line with global best practice.

Justices Omotoso and Momodu were called to the bar in 1989 and 1991 respectively.

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Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki (2nd right); his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (right); Edo State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Esohe Frances Ikponmwen (left); with newly appointed Judges; Justice (Mrs.) Orobosa Oluwatoyin A. Omotoso (middle); and Justice Aigbona Terry Momodu (2nd left); after their swear-in ceremony, at Government House, Benin City, on Monday, April 16, 2018

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L-R: Edo State Chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Usman Moh’d Sosal; National Organising Secretary, MACBAN, Aliyu Saleh; National Secretary, MACBAN, Baba Usman Ngelzarma; National President, MACBAN, Alhaji Muhammad Kirowa; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Edo State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Kokumo; and the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Governor, Haruna Yusuf, during a parley between the governor, heads of security agencies and national leaders of MACBAN at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State capital.

Obaseki, Security Chiefs Meet Miyetti Allah, Strategise To Curb Herdsmen/Farmers’ Clashes

…As group agrees to biometric registration of members

Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state government will continue to intensify efforts to stem clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the state to ensure harmonious relationship among different groups in the state.

Obaseki disclosed this during a parley with the national leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and heads of security agencies in the state, at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State capital.

He said though there might be challenges with identifying some herdsmen due to their itinerary nature, the state government was working to ensure that such issues are cleared to ensure smooth relations among the herdsmen and farming communities across the state.

He said the meeting was organised as part of the measures to engage stakeholders and exchange ideas to ensure peace, noting, “As a member of the committee of the National Economic Council led by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, to deal with the issue, I know how sensitive the issue is and how it has led to the loss of lives and property in many states across the country.”

He said the state is fortunate to have recorded fewer incidents as efforts have been intensified to manage the situation. He said this was done by setting up the security committee in the 18 local government councils, noting “The committee was made up of council chairmen, two leaders of the Hausa/Fulani community, Directorate of State Security, Divisional Police officers and two native farmers. They will continue to meet monthly and report any incident in their areas to the committee at the state level.”

Obaseki explained that in addition to the structures in place to address the situation, the state has resolved challenges by identifying herders and organising sensitisation programmes for them. He added, “With the structures in place, sensitisation programmes will be organised for the Hausa/Fulani herdsmen, farmers and other relevant stakeholders in different communities across the state. Through these, we hope to reduce the incidents of clashes between herders and farmers.”

He maintained that the ban on night-grazing still stands, and approved a 40-day window request by the group to allow strangers in their midst to register with the state government.

National President, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Muhammadu Kirowa, represented by the group’s National Secretary, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, commended the governor for the positive steps taken to ensure peaceful co-existence between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in the state.

He said, “The stand against night-grazing shows the governor’s seriousness to maintain peace in the state. The setting up of the committee with representatives of local communities who are critical stakeholders, will go a long way to ensure a lasting peace.”

Kirowa said it was worrisome that the clash between farmers and herdsmen, which is a national security problem, has assumed a new dimension with political, religious and ethnic colourations.

“If the problem must be resolved, it must be approached holistically. We are ready to capture the data of our people through biometrics as it has become necessary for us to identify our members,” he said.

“The sensitisation for relevant stakeholders is another important step that will contribute to peace in the state. We have tried this method in Ekiti state and it has worked effectively to reduce the clash between farmers and Fulani herdsmen,” Kirowa added.

Source: http://thebellng.com/obaseki-security-chiefs-meet-miyetti-allah-strategise-to-curb-herdsmen-farmers-clashes/

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R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; National President, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Muhammad Kirowa; National Secretary, MACBAN, Baba Usman Ngelzarma; National Organising Secretary, MACBAN, Aliyu Saleh; Edo State Chairman, MACBAN, Usman Moh’d Sosal, during a parley between the governor, heads of security agencies and national leaders of MACBAN at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State capital.

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…fires Environment Commissioner, Waste Mgt. Board GM

In a major shakeup of the Edo State Civil Service, Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has redeployed top civil servants across Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs).

The redeployments affected permanent secretaries, who were reshuffled across MDAs, even as six newly sworn-in top officials were assigned offices.

Obaseki on Wednesday swore-in the six newly appointed Permanent Secretaries.

The new Permanent Secretaries are Mrs. Oboh Usiriedo, posted to the Ministry of Water and Energy Resources; Mrs. Stella-Marice Imasuen, who now holds fort at the Ministry of Women Affairs; and Ms. Debra Enakhimion who is now at the Directorate of Establishments.

Others are Mr. Bernard Oigboke posted to the Board for Technical and Vocational Education; Mr. Enabulele Ferguson, who is to resume at Ministry of Infrastructure; and Mr. Roland Ogbebor, who is posted to the Ministry of Finance, as Accountant-General.

The governor also approved the redeployment of permanent secretaries across the state’s MDAs, with Mrs. Obahiagbon R.E. of the Ministry of Environment, now in the Ministry of Education; Emoedume B.I, from Government House and Protocol Unit to the Ministry of Environment; S. O Oko-Ose, from the Directorate of Cabinet and Special Services to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

Others are Wasa L. A. from the Oil and Gas Commission to the Ministry of Communication and Orientation; Mrs. Aziegbmhin P. E., from the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment to the Office of the Head of Service; while Mrs. Obayuwana I.J, was redeployed from the Ministry of Arts and Culture to the Ministry of Minerals, Oil and Gas.

In addition, Omozeghian M.O. was redeployed from the Bureau of Lands to the Ministry of Wealth Creation; Dania D.I., from the Ministry of Physical Planning to the Ministry of Science and Technology; Omoruyi A.I. from the Ministry of Minerals, Oil and Gas to the Ministry of Local Government; Ms. Idugboe H. A., from the Directorate of Establishments to the Oil and Gas Commission; Abode C.O., from the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources to the Office of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDGIS).

Also, Ms. Bazuaye I.E., of Ministry of Education was posted to the Ministry of Youth and Special Duties; Iyekekpolor M., from the Ministry of Local Government to the Government House and Protocol Unit; Aigbirio Samuel from the Ministry of Communication to the Ministry of Arts and Culture; Mrs. Olatunji J.I was redeployed from the Ministry of Women Affairs to the Directorate of Cabinets and Special Services; while Igberaese G. O, moved from the Ministry of Science and Technology to the Directorate of Central Administration.

At the swearing-in ceremony, Obaseki tasked civil servants to be diligent and committed to their duties, adding “This administration is committed to strengthening the state civil service for optimal productivity. Civil servants should be ready to contribute their quota.”

He maintained that capacity building and training for civil servants would be given top priority in his administration, as it will be used as criterion for promotion. “Strong institutions are needed to drive development and we are determined to fix our civil service to ensure its reforms," he said.

In a related development, the state governor has sacked the Commissioner of Environment and Sustainability, Mr. Reginald Okun.

The General Manager, Edo State Waste Management Board, Mr. Aiyamenkue Akonofua, has also been retired.

In a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., the state government directed the officials to “handover their assignments to the most senior government official in their offices with immediate effect. They are also to handover all government property in their possession to the appropriate authorities.”

In the statement, the government thanked the disengaged officials for their service to the state and wished them well in their future endeavours.

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L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu; Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Head of Service (HoS); Mrs. Gladys Idahor, and some of the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries after their swearing-in at the Government House in Benin City on Wednesday, April 4, 2018.

PhilipIdaghosa:
It simply baffles me that full-grown-men will choose to do basically nothing positive to accelerate the advancement of their own state.

This pull-him-down syndrome being exhibited by the Edo PDP should please end now.

Quite philosophical.

My advice to the remnants of Edo PDP is to stop looking for fault lines where there is none. They should also stop manufacturing lies in the name of politics. Come up with constructive ideas that will take this state even higher, and I am sure that our practical governor, with his listening ear, will listen and carry along any good idea you may bring to the table.