₦airaland Forum

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has called for calm over the clash between some youths and mobile policemen at Upper Igun area, by 3rd East Circular Road Junction, in Oredo Local Government Area, Benin City, over the alleged killing of a man in the area on Tuesday.

In a statement in Benin City, by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communications Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, Governor Obaseki has called for calm, urging aggrieved parties to “allow for justice to run its due course, as efforts are underway to ensure that those liable for the crime are brought to book.”

The governor condemned the fact that the incident degenerated into civil disturbance, noting that there were better ways to resolve the scuffle.

According to him, “The relevant security agencies are on the alert to quell further breakdown of law and order in the area. We also appeal to the people to be calm and cooperate with security agencies to bring in those responsible for the unrest.”

http://thebellng.com/benin-police-youth-clash-edo-govt-calls-for-calm-assures-justice-will-be-done/
http://edoinfocus.com/benin-policeyouth-clash-edo-govt-calls-for-calm-assures-justice-will-be-done/

Okoroawusa:
how?

If the policeman just did his duty as the ethics dictated.

What a pity. This was actually avoidable.

What is happening in Benin at the moment is nothing short of mayhem, which all authorities concerned, should quickly do something to avoid it from spreading further.

A young man has been allegedly shoved by a policeman on duty into a moving vehicle which crushed the scull of the young man, leading to a gruesome instant death.

This led to a reprisal by angry youths around Muritala Mohammed Way and Igun. A policeman has been reportedly killed, with some police vans torched and still in flames.

It was gathered that a disagreement over the young man’s refusal to part with a demanded N100 bribe was what led to the shoving that terminated the young man’s life.

It was also revealed that the deceased young man was to have his wedding this coming weekend.


http://thebellng.com/benin-city-in-smokes-as-police-kills-a-young-man/

http://edoinfocus.com/benin-city-in-smokes-as-police-kills-a-young-man/

The evil that men do lives with them and chases after them. But when you do good, your good must follow you as can be seen in this very young administration.

PDP was evil in Edo, APC brought us good!

PhilipIdaghosa:
The people made the best choice by voting in Obaseki. It wasn't a case of 'once bitten, twice shy' in Edo, rather it was that of 'twice bitten, once shy'.

Enough of PDP in Edo state pls.

You just said it all. Enough of 'papa deceive pikin'

… as FG lauds state's response

In a proactive response to the outbreak of Lassa Fever in Edo State, the state government has commenced the installation of two dialysis machines, ventilators, x-ray machine, and has procured Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), drugs and other consumables required for the treatment of Lassa Fever patients.

The installation of the equipment is ongoing at the Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control, at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Edo State, which is the only specialist facility for the treatment of the disease in the West Africa sub-region.

The installed equipment form part of the first phase of Edo State government-led revamp of the facility to provide adequate and prompt response to the recent outbreak of Lassa Fever in Nigeria.

Recall that the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki ordered the immediate release of N100 million for the procurement of four dialysis machines and other equipment and consumables to treat Lassa Fever patients in the state.

In a separate development, the National Council on Health (NCH) in a meeting on Monday, February 5, 2018, commended Edo State Government’s proactiveness in containing the disease, lauding the state for her “commitment to outbreaks preparedness and response.”

According to the Minister of State, Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, “The NCH hopes to achieve better cooperation and coordination with the Edo State Government in responding to disease outbreaks.”

It would be recalled that when the outbreak was first reported, the state government reactivated its Rapid Response Team for contact tracing of confirmed cases. It also intensified Lassa Fever awareness campaign in all nooks and crannies of the state, through Offices of the Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy to the Governor, Mr. Crusoe Osagie and the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Paul Ohonbamu.

According to the state commissioner for Health, Hon. David Osifo, “The state government adopted multi-sectoral approach involving the Ministries of Health, Environment, Agriculture, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Information, to halt the further spread of the outbreak.”

The state government is also working closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for case management and disease surveillance in the state.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has called for scientists across the globe working on the cure for cancer to intensify efforts in the discovery of an urgent cure for the illness to bring succour to those suffering from the ailment.

He also made a case for urgent action by relevant stakeholders in the health sector on cancer management while the cure tarries, urging for increased awareness on precautionary measures to control the illness.

Obaseki said this on the occasion of the World Cancer Day, which is marked globally on February 4, by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

Obaseki, who said that the incidence of cancer-related deaths in Nigeria was worrisome, maintained that there was need for increased advocacy championed by scientists, the private sector and civil society groups to educate the populace on precautionary measures against cancer.

He said, “On a day like this, it is important to reiterate the need for coordinated action by all relevant stakeholders in the health sector on the management and control of cancer. Though we may have recorded numerous deaths of persons from cancer, there is still a lax attitude to push for solutions that would reduce these deaths.

He added, “Coalitions to tackle cancer-related causes may have been formed but the contribution from many Nigerians have been underwhelming. It is important to make a case for better funding, research and awareness on cancer in-country and for state and federal government agencies charged with the mandate to do this, should be given all the necessary financial and in-kind support.”

Noting that there was the need to agree on measured strategies and actions to fund the management of cancer-related illnesses, he said, “Much as there are many reasons why people die from cancer-related illnesses, some of the primary reasons are lack of funding and the paucity of facilities to manage the illness. Governments and other stakeholders must intensify efforts to declutter bottlenecks that make it hard for these challenges to be surmounted.”

The primary goal of the World Cancer Day is to significantly reduce illnesses and deaths caused by cancer in 2020, after the World Cancer Declaration was made in 2008. The day targets misinformation, raises awareness and tackles stigma associated with the illness.

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has urged professionals of Esan extraction in the state to create solutions and avenues to drive sustainable development in their towns in partnership with government.

Obaseki made the call at the weekend when he met with the executive members of the Association of Esan Professionals (AEP) led by their President, Barr. Mathew Egbadon, at the Government House, Benin City.

Obaseki spoke on issues affecting development in Esan nation, notably, agriculture, healthcare and education, assuring the professionals of his support to drive sustainable development in Esan land.




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Governor Obaseki (center), with the Executive Members of the Association of Esan Professionals during their visit to the Edo Government House

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has tasked a Benin City-based Football Club, Dynamite Force FC, to intensify efforts in youth development to stem the tide of dejection that has driven young people to seek quick fixes in life.

Obaseki gave the charge when he received the management and players of Dynamite Force FC, during their courtesy visit to the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

The governor said his administration will continue to support the football club, which was recently promoted from Nationwide League One to the Nigerian National League, the second-tier football league in Nigeria.

He said, “I am not surprised with the effort of the Chairman of Dynamite Force FC His effort has not only led to the elevation of the club but he has contributed to improving sports in Edo State. I celebrate with the management and players for their effort which resulted in the elevation of the club to the second-tier league division.”

Obaseki announced a donation of a coaster bus to the club as part of his support for the club, noting, “I want to assure you that in Edo State, we are proud of your achievement and celebrate the elevation of the club to the Nigerian National League. We will donate a coastal bus to the club as part of our support.”

Chairman, Dynamite Force FC, Bernard Joman, expressed appreciation to the governor for promoting sports, noting, “Your support to sporting activities in the state is encouraging. The support you provided for the hosting of matches of the Under-20 and Under-17 Women National Football at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, contributed to the qualification of the Under-20 team for the U-20 FIFA Women World Cup to be hosted in France in August.”

Joman added that the elevation of Dynamite Force FC is a plus for the state and an added advantage for the state which now boasts of two teams in the Nigeria National League.


-Photo1-
The Chairman, Dynamite Force Football Club, Bernard Joman (left) presenting a branded club jersey to Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during the courtesy visit by the management and players of Dynamite Force FC to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

Edo is on the rise again....

The PDP chieftain, Pinnce Musa Braimah has indeed demonstrated that what matters most is the peoples' interest. All should therefore join Governor Obaseki in his sincere efforts at projecting the peoples' interest.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the payment of N600million counterpart fund for the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme implemented in some local government areas across the state by the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the European Union (EU).

Obaseki disclosed this when he received the Chief of WASH programme, UNICEF Nigeria, Zaid Jurji during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

According to the governor, “The counterpart fund is to enable the state access N1.4 billion from the EU/UNICEF for the implementation of WASH project in rural areas across the state. The project would cover the provision of clean water, toilets and other sanitation facilities in the rural areas to discourage open defecation.”

He said the project will enable the state government continue to support policies geared towards development of rural communities and human capacity building.

“This administration would ensure that programmes organised by donor agencies are sustained and the impact felt by benefiting communities.”

Obaseki commended the state’s WASH implementation team for the progress recorded, noting, “We want the implementation of the programme to be extended to include the training of more persons in repairs and fixing of water pumps and boreholes.”

He assured that, “The state government would take ownership of the water and sanitation projects while local government councils would be mandated to set aside specific amount of their monthly allocations for water and sanitation projects in their councils.”

The Chief of WASH programme, UNICEF Nigeria, Zaid Jurji, said the support of the state government is required for the effective implementation of the WASH programme in the state.

He added, “The WASH programme is aimed at improving access to clean and safe drinking water supply and sanitation facilities in rural areas across Nigeria. This will assist the state to tackle the problems of open defecation.”

Jurji expressed appreciation to the state government for promoting access to clean and safe water supply through the bill for the establishment of the Small Town and Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency.

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); Chief, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Programme, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria, Zaid Jurji (middle) and the Wash Specialist, UNICEF Akure, Nohesena Islam, during the courtesy visit of the UNICEF team to the governor at the Government House, in Benin City, Edo State capital.

…commences purchase of equipment to boost security

Edo State government has approved a marshal plan to contain the Lassa fever scourge in the state and provide essential materials and equipment for health centres in the state to respond to the public health emergency.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu after the weekly State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by Chairman-in-council, Governor Godwin Obaseki at Government House, Benin City, on Wednesday.

He said the governor took proactive steps and met with stakeholders in the health sector and other allied sectors to reach a decision on how to bring succour to the patients and prevent further spread of the disease.

Hon. Ohonbamu said some of the proactive steps taken include provision of potable water at the Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control, Irrua; provision of a dialysis machine at the hospital; provision of essential drugs and enhancement of the ongoing enlightenment campaign to prevent further spread of the disease.

He said EXCO has also approved the automation of revenue collection in the state by Edo Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), which will eliminate manual collection and all its concomitant challenges. He added that upon implementation, revenue collection will be done using automated method.

On security, he said the state has commenced purchase of equipment to boost security, adding, “Towards the implementation of the new security architecture in the state for the protection of lives and property, the Chairman-in-Council and the governor of Edo State Mr. Godwin Obaseki approved in the first phase, the purchase of 20 hilux vans, 10 motor bikes and other logistic equipment to enhance the visibility of police and other security agencies in the state.”

Noting that the state was committed to providing clean, potable water to the people in rural communities, Ohonbamu said, “EXCO approved 600 million naira as counterpart fund by the state government to access 1.4 billion naira from the EU-UNICEF for the implementation of the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project in rural communities in the state.”

“The project will cover provision of clean water as well as toilets and other sanitation facilities in rural communities. This is also aimed at reducing open defecation which is a menace in the rural areas,” he said

… to set up Forestry Commission

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said the state government will set up a Drug Control Committee in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to control the cultivation and abuse of Cannabis in the state.

The governor, said this when he received the Edo State Commander of NDLEA, Mr. Wakawa Buba, who was on a working visit to the governor at the Government House, Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Obaseki expressed displeasure over Edo State being listed among the highest Cannabis producing states in Nigeria, noting that his administration will provide support to the NDLEA to stem the tide.

He said, "Edo State Government identifies with your effort to reduce the demand and supply of Cannabis. We will support your effort through sensitisation, counselling, prosecution and rehabilitation of drug addicts, through the state's ministries of Health, Women Affairs and Social Development.”

Obaseki said that the state government will set up a Forestry Commission, where forest guards will be recruited to check the cultivation of cannabis in forests across the state.

The Edo State Commander, NDLEA, Mr. Wakawa Buba, said the setting up of Drug Control Committee by the state government will complement the effort of the agency in controlling the cultivation and abuse of cannabis.

Buba added that the partnership with the state government will enable NDLEA combat drug cartels and assist youths overcome drug abuse and other related vices in society.

He also appealed to the state government to support the agency in procuring operational vehicles, construction of a standard cottage at the Drug Rehabilitation Centre and reconstruction of the state’s command office fence.

The commander regretted that most government forest reserves in the state have been converted to Cannabis colonies.

The implications of Cannabis cultivation include threat to food security, deforestation and the recruitment of school-age children as workers in Cannabis farms among others.

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Edo State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Wakawa Buba (left), presenting a souvenir to Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during the agency’s working visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

The years of PDP in Edo state are better forgotten than remembered. It was horrible!

But thanks be to God for sending us Godwin Obaseki who is indeed making efforts to restore those years devoured by the locust-pdp.

*MOUs in line with best business practice

*Edo PDP has goofed again

It is laughable for the dying Edo PDP, perhaps bereft of quality ideas to resort to bogus claims and lies that the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has travelled to 72 countries in one year.

But how possible is that by the way? The ailing party also tried to question the status of the ongoing Benin Industrial Park project, the Gelegele Seaport and the modular refinery projects.

We understand that these projects are way beyond the capacity of Edo PDP to even imagine as they lack the knowledge and the global contacts to make these gigantic projects happen in a state like Edo, which they ruined and turned into a civil servants’ state.

The projects are well on course and the Memoranda of Understanding signed with the respective partners are in line with best business practice.

We will not be swayed by a gang of street dancers and bandits. We have our eyes on the ball of progress and prosperity for all Edo people and residents. The signs are clear, every step we take is measured and if there is anything Obaseki has in abundance, it is business ideas and strategies to realise them, without making a show of it.

The Edo PDP has people who are not qualified to manage even a small kiosk and are in awe about the ease with which Obaseki has kicked off gigantic projects which they cannot even imagine is possible to achieve.

The efforts of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to put the state on the world map as one of the fastest growing industrial hubs in Africa are yielding results.

The Chinese consortium comprising Peiyang Chemical Equipment Company and Sinopec Oil and Gas Nigeria, handling the construction of a 5,500 barrels-per-day (bpd) modular refinery, have started preliminary work and have given end of 2018, as dealine for the completion of the first phase of the project, a 500bpd facility.

The phase two of the modular refinery, has a capacity of 5000bpd and would be embarked upon after completion of the first phase.

The construction of the Benin Industrial Park has since commenced with the ground-breaking ceremony done by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo last year and land preparation is already in progress.

The Gelegele Seaport project: Contrary to the fears expressed by many stakeholders over the capacity of any state government to realise the Gelegele Seaport project, the Obaseki administration has defied all the barriers and China Habour Engineering Company (CHEC) Ltd, the experts engaged by the Edo state government, for the construction of the Gelegele Seaport project has commenced preliminary work. The senior officials of the company arrived Benin City last Tuesday to commence preliminary development amid fanfare in Gelegele community.

These are verifiable facts, not fiction!


Signed
Crusoe Osagie
Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on media and communication strategy

It is clear from the submission of Chris Nehikhare, the spokesman for Edo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in his communique that in the PDP, their ears, eyes and minds may actually be impaired, otherwise the statement issued yesterday by the Special Adviser to the governor on media and communication strategy with the headline, “No agreement to establish cattle colony in Edo State – Obaseki” would have dealt with their curiosity.

Today alone, over six national newspapers published the story on Edo Government ’s position with regard to the proposed cattle colony; THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPERS, BUSINESSDAY, VANGUARD and many others. Same for the broadcast channels.

One however wonders how possible it is for the PDP to begin to care so much about Edo people who they subjugated, oppressed, harassed and in some cases, maimed and killed when they held sway and reigned in lawlessness almost as a matter of policy.

Was security vote drawn in those days when cult killings were rife, political assassinations were the norm and Edo people were in perpetual state of fear of the PDP government that was supposed to protect them?

Terrible as the security challenge may be today, at least the government of Governor Godwin Obaseki and Edo people are defending the state against external elements in the name of herdsmen and whatever name they go by. But in the case of PDP, the people had to defend themselves against the very government they elected.

As the saying goes that the person who made the mess may quickly forget but the one who cleaned it will have the memory linger for much longer. Chris Nehikhare, Dan Orbih and their cohorts in the PDP may have forgotten about the volume of innocent blood that was spilled in this land under their watch and the mess they made, but Edo people will never forget.

For their information, the security vote which they are so fixated on and which they seem intent on returning to squander, is being judiciously managed by the very fiscally disciplined Governor Godwin Obaseki administration.

Also, just in case the PDP has miraculously regained its ability to see, hear and comprehend, I wish to restate that “there is no agreement to establish cattle colony in Edo State.”


Signed
Crusoe Osagie
Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on media and communication strategy

Bugged down by its inglorious past, the dying Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has embarked on a fraudulent tour in its distressed effort to reincarnate itself.

The motive of the fraudulent tour is to hoodwink unsuspecting Edo people into believing that a team of rogues and bandits could be trusted. But this is doomed to fail as Edo people are too intelligent for the PDP’s fraud.

Not even the party’s failed attempt to sensationalise very serious issues like the attacks on Edo people in parts of Edo North by Fulani herdsmen can sway Edo people who have their consciousness intact and appreciate the issues better.

Edo people know that the only motive driving the activities of the dying PDP which is populated by fraudsters, is to loot our common patrimony.

But for the forgiving nature of Edo people, people like Chief Dan Orbih, Osagie Ize- Iyamu and Chris Nehikhare would be stoned on sight. In other climes where past leaders are held to account for their misdeeds, the likes of Ize-Iyamu and Dan Orbih would be in exile, on the run, and never to be seen in public, let alone convening meetings.

If the PDP members in Edo State are not ashamed, we wish to tell them to put on a sackcloth and mourn their base and dishonourable records. Their effrontery to gather people coupled with their brazen and bold-faced disposition despite records of their monumental looting could earn them the wrath of Edo people in the weeks to come. Just an advice.

In the midst of plenty, PDP looted us dry and drove people to desperate solutions. Rather than commend Governor Godwin Obaseki, who has achieved in one year, what the PDP could not achieve in eight, the party of bandits is stuck in its parochial politics.

The rally has been a monumental failure as usual. Edo PDP has reached the age of menopause, it died in sin and cannot resurrect.

Edo people know that a former PDP governor and his associates were convicted of fraud by courts of competent jurisdictions in this state. No fraudulent tour can change that. Those conversant with the activities of the PDP government under the former governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, know that the real criminals that were around Igbinedion are Chief Dan Orbih, Osagie Ize-Iyamu and their cohorts who are walking free today and are in the forefront of a shameful campaign to re-enact the looting spree that made them overnight billionaires.

We hear that the few people rented by the PDP led by Chief Dan Orbih and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, to create a semblance of a ‘huge crowd’ at the fraudulent meeting abandoned the event mid-way, while others, are demanding the money the never-to-be trusted PDP promised them.

Edo people know that the genuineness and innocence of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s motive is unassailable and have named him their ‘Wake and See Governor.’

No campaign of calumny, no matter how cleverly packaged, can invert this narrative.


Signed

Hon. Paul Ohonbamu

Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Edo State

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*Edo Govt, Mrs Osinbajo commence capacity devt programme for 500 Libya returnees*

The Edo State Government has commenced skills development training for 500 Libya returnees in partnership with the Vice President’s wife, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo.

Speaking at the opening of the training programme, Secretary, Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking, (ETAHT), Abieyuwa Oyemwense, said the state government will continue to fulfil its promise to equip returnees with skills to fast-track their reintegration into the society.

She said the training for the 500 Libya returnees is being organised by the state’s taskforce in partnership with the Women’s Helping Hands Initiative (WHHI), a pet project of the Vice President’s wife. The programme’s module include: basic sewing, bead and fabric making, make-up and design of headgears, among others.

According to Oyemwense, “The state government will continue to roll out several training programmes for the returnees to assist them resettle fully into the society, after their traumatic experience in Libya.”

“The state government will provide start-up capital for the returnees to begin their own small businesses and become employers of labour.”

Oyemwense urged the returnees to take the training programme seriously and exploit the opportunity to gain skills for improved livelihood.

She said, “The training workshop is a unique opportunity for the returnees to acquire skills and transform their lives.”

Oyemwense extended the appreciation of the state government to Mrs. Osinbajo for partnering with the state to give the returnees a new lease of life.

Representative of Women’s Helping Hands Initiative, Odofin Yetunde, said the Vice President’s wife is interested in putting smiles on the faces of the returnees after their experience in Libya.

One of the returnees, Joy Johnbull, who is a nursing mother, expressed appreciation for the training programme which she said has given her the opportunity to take a second shot at life.

“I am grateful to Governor Godwin Obaseki for the effort he has made to resettle us. I have indicated interest in acquiring skills in tailoring and fashion design.”



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L-R: Representative, Edo Women Development Initiative, Mrs. Stella Ogeme; Representative of Edo State Taskforce on Human Trafficking, Dr. Esohe Aghatise and the Representative of Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo’s Women’s Helping Hands Initiative, Ms. Odofin Yetunde, at the commencement of skills training for 500 Libya returnees in Benin City, Edo State, on Monday, January 29, 2018.

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Cross section of Libya returnees undergoing training organised by the Edo State Government in partnership with the wife of the vice president, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo in Benin City

AND FOR THOSE THAT DON'T KNOW;
This piece of news culled from thebellng.com ( http://thebellng.com/illegal-migration-undp-unveils-new-capacity-development-programme-for-edo-youths/ ) has highlighted some immediate gains derived from the retreat.

Read....

Illegal Migration: UNDP Unveils New Capacity Development Programme For Edo Youths

.. as Head of Service of the Federation, DfID lead sessions at Edo EXCO Retreat

In response to calls on development partners for a joint effort at tackling the migration crisis in Edo State by the Edo State Government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has unveiled a capacity development programme called “Managing Migration for Development” to be launched in a month’s time.

Country Director UNDP, Samuel Bwalya, said the objective of the broad based programme is to help deal with the current challenge of Human Trafficking and illegal migration by empowering Edo people with skills and trainings.

Bwalya who led a session at the Edo Exco Retreat in Abuja, said the UNDP’s programme is the product of a series of engagements by the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, with the UNDP on ways to bring to an end, human trafficking and illegal migration in the state.

Obaseki’s engagement with development partners is one of the several initiatives designed to rehabilitate, reintegrate and empower returnees to become wealth creators and employers of labour.

Also at the event, the Head of Service (HoS) of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita and representative of the Department for International Development (DFID), led sessions at the ongoing Executive Council retreat organised by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.

The Edo State Government has as a top priority the retooling of the civil service in the state for optimal service delivery which has led to different initiatives and projects to achieve this object.

The presence of Mrs Oyo-Ita is part of ongoing strategies to tap from her wealth of experience in fast-tracking reforms in the state.

Besides, the state government is in partnership with the UNDP to train civil servants at a purpose-built facility in the Government House, Benin City. Present at the retreat was the Country Director, UNDP, Samuel Bwalya, while Dr. Nguyan Feese of DfiD also made presentation.

These partnerships are geared towards addressing challenges in service delivery and automate governance.

The three-day retreat hosts top government functionaries in the state, comprising commissioners, Special Advisers and other top-ranking government appointees.

It assessed the progress made in the state since the administration came on board, review work plans of the different ministries and set agenda for the year 2018.

In attendance are the Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, his deputy, Rt. Hon. Phillip Shaibu; Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., Head of Service, Edo State, Mrs. Gladys Idahor, among many others.

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L-R: Head of Service, Edo State, Mrs. Gladys Idahor; Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki and the Head of Service (HoS) of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita during the Edo EXCO Retreat in Abuja.

@Crocky23, you sound so frustrated and hopeless, why?

and more...

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According to the Edo State government, the retreat is designed to inject new ideas in governance, as well as to reform existing policies, programmes, and procedures, in critical sectors of state administration.

ojesymsym:
Why? You want to apply?
This governor has been in the news for a lot of good reasons. I understand the guy has removed touts from the state and replaced daily collection with electronic system of collecting money, a singular action that has increased the IGR.

You are very correct. When you see good thing, try and associate with it. That's positive living.

After failing to sway Edo people with press conferences, falsehood, campaigns of calumny, threat to sue the All Progressives Congress (APC), the dying Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has perfected a plot to hoodwink Edo people in the party’s last ditch effort to save its tainted face and irredeemable image in the state.

This desperate measure tagged ‘Edo PDP Meet The People Tour 2019’ is destined to fail, just like the party’s several failed crisis management tactics and Edo people should shun any gathering of the bandits called PDP.

No amount of deceptive public relations strategies can erase from our hearts and minds, the plundering of our resources, the gross incompetence and concomitant lack of direction that we witnessed during the reign of the PDP in Edo State.

We will never forget the unmatched level of irresponsibility in governance which the PDP demonstrated and which earned the party, the sobriquets “People Deceive People,” “Papa Deceive Pikin” and other debasing aliases.

Roads were ‘constructed’ on paper and the money was shared among party members who became billionaires overnight. Today the emergency billionaires of yesteryear are broke and are desperate to return to power.

State funds were used to sponsor lavish birthday parties of a party chieftain while civil servants counted months of unpaid salaries. Figures of Internally Generated Revenues were not disclosed and even when they were, the figures were rigged.

Thankfully, the Edo State’s narrative has changed among the comity of Nigerian states. People wake up and stumble on road projects, brand new mass transit buses, credit alerts of paid salaries to civil servants before the end of the month and the reigning slang in town is “Obaseki The Wake And See Governor”.

While we will do all within our power to protect our sweet story of today, we must be vigilant and keep at bay the master riggers and bandits called the PDP.

It is laughable to hear that the PDP is planning a tour to meet Edo people. Is it the same Edo people, some of whom they sent to their early graves after months of unpaid salaries? When PDP was in power, its members were on high horses. They treated Edo people with disdain and forgot that the real owners of political power in a democracy are the people.

Edo people must shun the PDP and their dubious tactics. Stay away from any gathering sponsored by the PDP.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); Special Adviser to the Governor on Political and Community Matters, Chief Osaro Idah (middle) and Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ward II, Oredo Local Government Area, Mr. Francis Osazuwa (left), during the governor’s condolence visit to Mr Osazuwa over the death of his wife, late Mrs. Josephine Oviawe-Osazuwa, in Benin City.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle); Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. (left), and Head of Service, Edo State, Mrs. Gladys Idahor (right), during the funeral mass in honour of a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, late Pa David Ogbomo, in Benin City, Edo State

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has described late Pa David Ogbomo as an outstanding political leader whose outstanding principles as a politician should be emulated by political office holders in Edo State and beyond.

Obaseki made the remarks at the funeral mass in honour of late Pa Ogbomo, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Benin City, Edo State.

Meanwhile, Governor Obaseki has also commiserated with the family of Mr. Francis Osazuwa, a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ward II, Oredo Local Government Area, over the death of his wife, late Mrs. Josephine Oviawe-Osazuwa.

The governor, who was at the residence of the party chieftain in Benin City, said the death of Mrs. Oviawe-Osazuwa was painful and prayed that God should grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Speaking at the church service for Pa Ogbomo, Obaseki said “Edo State has lost a political icon, a true leader and father to many. He lived a meaningful life and contributed his part to the development of his community, state and the nation.”

"Pa David Ogbomo by all measure was a successful man. His outstanding contributions to the development of his community for over 70 years will remain engraved in the hearts of many. He is one political leader who has stood against corruption and was quick to refuse money from those seeking political offices who visited,” he said.

Obaseki promised to construct the road leading to St. Augustine Catholic Church, in Ukhegie Street, Benin City, to honour the uncommon contributions of Pa Ogbomo to political development in the state.

He said, "In honour of the memory of Pa David Ogbomo, we will award the contract for the construction of the road leading to St. Augustine Catholic Church, in Ukhegie Street, Benin City.”

At the residence of Mr Osazuwa, Obaseki said “We are truly sad over the death of late Mrs. Osazuwa, but as believers, we are encouraged to give glory to God in every situation we find ourselves. It is God who gives and takes. As mortals, we are encouraged to accept God’s will in every situation.”

Mr. Francis Osazuwa expressed appreciation to the governor and members of his entourage for the visit, and said the visit has strengthened him and members of his family.