₦airaland Forum

They say 'seeing is believing' and we have seen.

and more

extra photos

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…Urges PDP to respect IDPs

The Edo State government has released the roster showing how the relief materials approved by the federal government for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state, were distributed.

Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, said that “Out of the total 6,821 bags of rice allocated to Edo State, the total number of bags of rice received by the Edo State government was four thousand six hundred and thirty nine(4,639).

“Two thousand one hundred and eighty two (2,182) bags were bad, unfit for consumption and were not collected by the state government. These figures can be verified from the customs and the Nigerian Army who witnessed the process of receiving the items.”

He explained that “no single jar of vegetable oil was received because all of them were expired according to the dates marked on the containers by the manufacturers,” and urged Edo PDP to accord displaced persons the respect and dignity they deserve and should not make them subjects of their concocted attention-seeking fable.

Osagie said that “on Christmas Eve, 24 December, 2017, IDP camp in Uhogua received 500 bags of rice. Also on Christmas Eve, fifty sacks of used shoes were given to the IDPs in Uhogua. Two weeks ago, IDP camp Uhogua received another 2,101 bags of rice, which brings the total number of bags of rice received by the IDP camp in Uhogua to 2601.”

He added that “Displaced people in Edo Central, Edo North and orphanages received 1421 bags of rice. The remaining 617 bags are in the State government’s warehouse. We also have about thirty-five sacks of used shoes in the store scheduled for distribution in the weeks ahead.”

He further said that aside the IDP camp in Uhogua, “We have displaced persons in Ilushi area in Edo Central, Ogbomerhe in Edo North and various orphanages across the state.

“Don't you think it is only fair to ensure that all the displaced people across the state and not just in the IDP camp benefit from the rice donated to IDPs? He asked.

The governor’s aide said the state government “would ordinarily not engage in this back and forth with the Edo PDP because we are certain that the Edo people they robbed blind are still mostly alive and present and they know fully well who the bandits in Edo State are.

“However, it is necessary to reassure Edo people with facts that the Obaseki government does not possess the PDP's traits of banditry and insensitivity to the plight of ordinary people.

“We know that the callous people who make up the Edo PDP will not mind feeding displaced people with expired vegetable oil and rice but the Obaseki Government will never subject the people to such base treatment synonymous with Dan Orbih and the Edo PDP. Remember that Orbih is still being investigated for stealing land belonging to a female secondary school in Benin which his wife attended.”

Sourece: http://thebellng.com/rice-shoes-idps-edo-state-government-releases-distribution-roster/

Chufomat:
This is funny.

If the so-called Orbih does not live up to this challenge, then, then, oh, what a shame.

Well summed..

Be prepared and watch out for jobs Edo youths.

These coming projects will definitely go a long way in creating the needed jobs to get the youths engaged and curb migration.

…Projects ready in 18 months, 7,000 direct jobs on offer - FG

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured that the state government will provide the needed infrastructure required for the Edo Inland Container Depot (ICD).

Obaseki disclosed this during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Federal Government agencies in the maritime sector led by officials of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, at the Government House in Benin City, the state capital.

Commending the delegation for the efforts to ensure the establishment of a dry port and Truck Transit Parks (TTPs) in the state, Obaseki said, “The state government is keenly interested in the completion of these projects as they are in line with the vision of this administration to boost industrialisation of the state.

“The state government will provide the supporting projects to complement the establishment of the dry port. Road networks connecting the sites for the projects will be fixed. The electricity project to provide power supply to the site for the Inland Container Deport would also be provided by my administration," he said.

Obaseki urged stakeholders responsible for the dry port project to fast-track their activities, noting, “It would be exciting if the ICD and TTP projects come up on schedule alongside the Gelegele Seaport and Industrial Park. It will boost the industrialisation of Edo State.”

Acting Director, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, (ICRC), Mr. Chidi Izuwah, who was part of the Federal Government delegation said, “The siting of the Inland Container Port in Edo State would complement the industrial activities at the industrial parks which the state government is developing, noting, “The projects which is Public Private Partnership (PPP)-driven, would be completed within 18 months.”

Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr. Hassan Bello, said “The Federal Government prioritises the actualisation of the Dry Port and Truck Transit Park projects in Edo State.”

Bello commended the state government for the allocation of 25 hectares of land each along the Benin By-pass and at Aviele for the development of the projects in the state, adding, “With the opening of an area office of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in Edo State, the council will be able to carry out effective monitoring of the projects, which would create over 7000 direct jobs in the state.”

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R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Engr. Hassan Bello; Director General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Mr. Chidi Izuwah, and Director, NSC, Mr. A. Makinde, during a courtesy visit by the delegation from Federal Government Agencies in the maritime sector, to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

9jatriot:
I hope NLC understand the implication of this news and know how to fight it accordingly to avoid stories that touch in the future.

Very good observation!

Edo State, Lagos, Kaduna and eight other states as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), are the only states that are fully implementing the contributory pension scheme, the federal government has said.

A publication by the nation’s apex pension regulator, the National Pension Commission (PenCom), listed the other states as, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Delta, Anambra, Rivers, Jigawa and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

PenCom said Kebbi and Zamfara states are remitting only the Employee portion of pension contributions while Kwara, Benue, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Bauchi, Katsina and Borno states are still at the Bill stage of the contributory pension scheme implementation.

Edo State was one of the early birds to enact a Pension Law following the repeal of the 2004 Pension Reformed Act in 2014, and thereafter commenced the remittance of the employer and employee contributions.

The participation of state governments in the contributory pension scheme is in line with the provisions of the Pension Reformed Act 2014, a product of the repealed Pension Reformed Act 2004.

The Pension Reformed Act 2014 makes it mandatory for states and local governments to implement contributory pension schemes for their employees.

PenCom said the federal government reformed the pension scheme in response to the challenges that plagued the Defined Benefit Schemes in the public sector and the different pension schemes that existed in the private sector.
http://thebellng.com/contributory-pension-only-edo-govt-11-others-fully-remitting-pension-contributions-fg/

Determination to succeed is in display!

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and more

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...As Investors Wrap Up Feasibility Study

Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has said that the Nigerian Navy has provided tremendous backing for the actualisation of the Gelegele Seaport project in the state, as its men are providing support to its foreign partners, China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC), who are currently conducting feasibility study for the project.

Obaseki also thanked the Navy for its swift response to security challenges, especially in the coastal areas of the state, noting that these gestures have endeared the Navy to the people of the state.

Governor Obaseki said these in his remarks at the closing ceremony of the Nigerian Navy Retreat 2018, themed "Optimising Operational Availability of NN fleet" held from February 18 to 20, at the Nigerian Naval Engineering College, Ogorode, Sapele, Delta State.

According to the governor, "We thank the Nigerian Navy for the continuous support we have received from your men, especially the response squad in the Niger Delta. As you are aware, we are working with some foreign investors who will be building a port at the confluence of the Benin and Ovia Rivers. Your men have provided support and security to these investors as they conduct feasibility study of the project."

He hailed the Navy for the foresight in organising the retreat, as it affords policymakers a platform to debate and offer solutions to issues and challenges bedevilling the Navy, noting, "I am impressed to find that this retreat is an assemblage of policymakers and other officers to brainstorm on the challenges they face. I must say that the quality of thought has left me bewildered. The Navy is seeking solutions and this kind of reflections are an indication of an organisation that wants to move forward."

In his remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ebok Ibas, expressed appreciation to Governor Obaseki for his unflinching support for the Nigerian Navy, noting that the Navy’s exploits are fueled by the support it enjoys.

He disclosed that the Nigerian Navy's improved presence at sea and in backwaters has improved security, forced criminal elements to relocate to other regions of the Gulf of Guinea and safeguarded Nigeria's territorial waters.

According to him, "The Nigerian Navy has adopted innovative strategies to optimise the availability of its fleet for operation. This has not only led to improved security but also in the deployment of its deterrence and surveillance abilities.”

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L-R: Representative of the Chief of Defence Staff, M. M Salami; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas, during the closing ceremony of the Nigerian Navy Retreat 2018 at the Nigerian Naval Engineering College in Sapele, Delta State on Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Source: http://thebellng.com/gelegele-seaport-edo-govt-nigerian-navy-strengthen-ties-to-deliver-project/

meezynetwork:
Nice one

That justice may be served!

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Two Policemen allegedly involved in the incident at Upper Igun area of Benin City that led to the death of a cab driver, David Okoniba, have appeared before the Justice Joseph Olubor-led Administrative Panel of Inquiry to give testimony of their involvement in the unfortunate incident which led to a clash between the Police and some youths in the state.

The Panel set up by Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, to look into the immediate and remote cause of the incident, commenced hearing on February 15, Thursday. Fiancé of the deceased Miss Ruth Okojie, has since appeared before the panel.

However, at this weekend's hearing, two of the Police officers on duty at the Police post where the incident occurred appeared before the panel and gave their versions of the circumstances surrounding the death of Okoniba.

The Policemen are Inspector Adebisi and Sergeant Gabriel. Both maintained that they were on duty on the fateful day for regular stop and search operations.

Chairman of the Panel, Justice Olubor said appreciable progress has been recorded since the hearing began, as those who witnessed the incident have been forthcoming with testimonies of what transpired on the fateful day. He added that if the turnout is sustained, enough leads as to the cause of the incident would be gathered.

Noting that the testimonies will facilitate the early realisation of the panel’s mission, he said, “Today’s turnout has been impressive and we have made progress. We took testimonies from quite a number of witnesses. I can see the enthusiasm of members of the public; it is very impressive. I believe, if testimonies continue at this rate, we will be able to get enough information that will assist the Panel.”

Justice Olubor encouraged other members of the public with vital information to appear before the panel and tender their testimonies, as the venue of the seating is quite accessible.

Others, who appeared before the panel, include, one Mr. Emmanuel Okosun, a mechanic in the area; Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor from Esan South East Local Government Area, Chris Oseiwe Oribhabor; father of one of the deceased persons in the clash (Junior Onogbosele), Mr. Monday Onogbosele; the driver of a trailer, Dirisu Aneru and Mr. Ikponmwosa Kennedy Nehikhare.

SOURCE: http://thebellng.com/edo-slain-driver-policemen-alleged-to-have-caused-death-testify-before-panel/

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One of the police officers (right), allegedly involved in the killing of a cab driver, David Okoniba, which led to the clash between youths and police, testifying before the Justice Joseph Olubor-led Administrative Panel of Inquiry on the Youths, Police Clash, in Benin City, Edo State.

... promises to train, empower over 500 female rural farmers

Wife of Edo State Governor Mrs Betsy Obaseki has expressed her readiness to partner, train and provide soft loans to over five hundred members of a Non- Governmental Organisation, Women in the New Nigeria, on their Farmer's Mart initiative towards ensuring that their farm produce meet the quality that is fit for export.

The Governor's Wife also tasked the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to ensure they facilitate the export of farm produce once the WINN Farmer's Mart products are ready for export.

Giving this assurance at Spirit and Life Bible Church, Ekenwhuan Road Benin City, Edo State, during the inauguration ceremony of Farmer's Mart Edo State, the wife of the Governor commended the facilitator of the programme, Mrs Deb'rah Eunice Osagiede, for the initiative, as it would go a long way in empowering women and youths in the state that are into agriculture.

Mrs Obaseki intimated them of her Edo Women for Agriculture and Enterprise project which seeks to empower women all over Edo State through agriculture and small scale businesses while promising that she would ensure that the members of Women in the New Nigeria benefit from loan facilities given by the Bank Of Industry to help small scale businesses.

“On my own part, I cannot wait to confirm that you are fully organised in cooperatives, you are producing well, and we will support you in the bank of industry with soft loans”

“I find a lot of value in this initiative. Value first and foremost to us as women, value second to the state and government, as you all know that a major focus of the government currently is on agriculture”

“I want Edo women to key into the government's agenda to grow the Agric sector in our state”

“I want the women in Edo State to be active in everything that is happening in government”

Addressing representatives of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) who were present at the event, Mrs Obaseki said “SMEDAN and NEPC, from today you are partners of this initiative, and everything you promised here, you must fulfill.

“When our women begin to produce for exports, you must facilitate it and make sure we export goods out of Edo State, abroad so that our women can earn dollars”.

On her part the facilitator of the Farmer’s Mart, Mrs Deb'rah Osagiede, stated that the Women In the New Nigeria is a Non- Governmental Organisation that has spread across the world to correct the ills in the society and train women and youths in over twenty-five skills in order to ensure self-reliance.

She stated that the Farmer’s Mart would showcase products that were personally and naturally cultivated by the women in the rural areas unlike products cultivated by farmers who used chemicals in enhancing the quality and looks of their products.

Highpoint of the ceremony was the commissioning of the Farmer's Mart by Mrs Obaseki.



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IMG_001: Wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs Betsy Obaseki cuts the tape declaring WINN Farmer's Mart open

IMG_002: Wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs Betsy Obaseki and facilitator of Women in the New Nigeria Apostle Eunice Osagiede visits farm produce stands

IMG_003: Wife of Edo State Governor, Betsy Obaseki addressing members over 500 female farmers of the WINN Farmer's Mart Initiative

EDO IS ON THE MOVE...........

SEEING IS BELIEVING............

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-Photos F- Drainage and earthing of Irhirhi Road in Benin City

Photos E: Newly reconstructed Lucky Way Road, Benin City

-photos D - Re-surfaced Ring Road in Benin City

=Photos C- Laying of Asphalts along TV Road in Benin City

-Photos B- Ongoing construction of drainage along Obakhavbaye Road in Benin City

...Plans 150km For Phase 2

Reconstruction and rehabilitation work on over 90 Kilometres of roads across the three Senatorial Districts of Edo State are nearing completion in the state’s resolve to deliver the projects before the raining season sets in.

Commissioner for Infrastructure in the state, Engr. Osahon Abraham Amiolemen, who disclosed this on Friday after an inspection tour of some of the roads in Benin City, assured that the roads would be ready for use as promised by the government.

Amiolemen assured that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration was committed to completing all ongoing road projects within the stipulated time as the contractors handling the projects have been duly mobilised.

"We are using the dry season to work on the roads, the contractors are doing a good job and are ready to deliver the projects within the stipulated time. The drains are well laid and the quality of the drains is commendable," he said.

He explained that the rehabilitation/construction of different roads stretching over 150 km spread across the state would commence before the middle of the year, and stressed that “all bad roads will be fixed in phases."

The Commissioner noted that the dualisation of the popular TV Road measuring 2.3km and the reconstruction of Lucky Way (3km long) both in Benin City would be completed before the middle of the year.

He said that construction of Irhirhi-Aroobga-Obazagbon-Obagienevbosa-Oghehghe road spurs to Enogie palace and Ogbekpen Community in Edo South; Ekpoma-Uhumudumu road in Edo Central; and Agbede-Anwain road, Uzzeba-Ukpoji road and Okuokphellagbe road in Edo North Senatorial Districts.

http://thebellng.com/road-construction-edo-govt-accelerates-work-on-over-90km-of-roads-plans-150km-for-phase-2/

-photos A-
Erosion Control Drainage around
the Benin Airport Road

This panel can only work with our support. Help the society by giving evidence, be it oral or written.

Please go and testify if you have any useful information. It is time we all speak out against injustice and intimidation.

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Fiancée to late David Okoniba, the cab driver allegedly slain by Police which led to the clash between youths and Policemen at the Upper Igun area of Benin City, Miss Ruth Okojie, has appeared before the Justice Joseph Olubor-led Administrative Panel of Inquiry to testify regarding the situations surrounding the death of the father of her two children.

The Administrative Panel of Inquiry, which commenced hearing from the public on the matter, Thursday, was set up by Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to look into the immediate and remote causes of the incident that led to the alleged killing of Okoniba during an exchange with Policemen and the resulting clash between some youths and Policemen.

Miss Okojie appeared before the panel, which sits at the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, in Government House, Benin City, to give her account of the incident, as she was said to have been with her fiancé when the unfortunate incident occurred.

Other members of the public that also appeared before the panel to give testimonies and recollections of the incident are Emmanuel Ojeniga, an eyewitness and co-driver, and Monday Usiahon.

Speaking after the session, Chairman of the Panel, Justice Joseph Olubor, said he was impressed with the turnout of people at the hearing, noting “The turnout is quite impressive and we have assured those who have indicated interest to testify that nobody is on trial.”

According to him, “The incident is unfortunate, but this presents us with an opportunity to avert similar incidents in the future.”

He said that the venue of the panel sitting is very accessible and assured that there is no reason for those who wish to testify to be afraid.

“The panel is sitting at the office of the Secretary to State Government (SSG) at the Government House. Many persons have indicated interest to testify before the panel,” he said.

It would be recalled that Governor Obaseki had earlier visited the family of the deceased David Okoniba after his demise to condole the family over the loss. While in their home, Obaseki assured them of justice, and announced a package of N10 million from the state government for the education of the two kids left behind by the slain David Okoniba. He also instructed that the wife Ruth, who was then still in shock, should be taken to hospital for treatment at governments expense.

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Miss Ruth Okojie (middle), fiancée of the allegedly slain David Okoniba, testifying in tears before the Justice Joseph Olubor-led Administrative Panel of Inquiry on the situations surrounding the death of the father of her two children, in Benin City, on Thursday, February 15, 2018

http://thebellng.com/edo-youths-police-clash-wife-of-slain-cab-driver-testifies-at-panel-hearing/