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Edo Police Better Positioned To Fight Crime With New Security Architecture, Trust Fund, Says CP Kokumo

Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo, has said the new security architecture and trust fund launched by Governor Godwin Obaseki, have positioned the police and other security agencies in the state to better fight crime.

Kokumo, who made the submission in a chat with journalists in Benin City, Edo State capital, commended Governor Obaseki on the deployment of resources to beef up security in the state, noting that “the deployment of resources has been quite helpful. This is as a result of the launch of the new security architecture in the state code-named Operation Wabaizigan.

On Operation Wabaizigan, he said, “we have patrol vehicles with the equipment required for modern-day policing job; ambulances; Armoured Personnel Carrier; Command and Control Centre; forensics and apparatus for policing on the waters. All these, of course, are components of the Operation Wabaizigan recently unveiled by Governor Obaseki.”

He said the new security architecture is an all-encompassing “security architecture that will address policing in the creeks, on water ways, air surveillance as well as policing on land. Not only that, all these of course amount to visibility policing.

“Visibility policing is an integral part of Operation Wabaizigan. You will see helicopter patrolling the air; you will see patrol vehicles at strategic points in the city and all the nooks and crannies of the state.”

He explained that “Outside police visibility, the Operation Wabaizigan has equally taken into cognizance the need for Command and Control Centre. This will go a long way in impacting on the performance of our security agencies. When something is happening, our Command and Control Centre is receiving information and equally disseminating information and sending signals to appropriate agencies not only in area of crime, but also in emergency situations.”

Noting that the Command and Control Centre help facilitate prompt response of first responders in emergency situations, he said it will be useful in attending to fire incidents, boat mishap, and other such incidents.

“Operation Wabaizigan, in the long run, will equally address the issue of forensics. You can begin to imagine the usefulness of forensics in investigations and in detection of crimes and criminals. Operation Wabaizigan is a welcome idea that would impact positively on the performance of enforcement agencies in Edo State,” Kokumo added.

On the security trust fund, he said, “As the name implies, the activities of the trust fund include sourcing for funds to provide the equipment needed for the security agencies to work. As we have in other places like Lagos for instance, it is the responsibility of the trust fund to raise funds from the public and private sectors to support security agencies in addressing security problems. Instead to heaping the entire demands of the security agencies on government, there is public/private participation in the funding of the agencies.”

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Some of the operational vehicles unveiled at the launch of the Edo State Security Trust Fund/Architecture in Benin City, Edo State.

Edo Govt Orders Arrest Of 3-Man Syndicate Over Illegal Revenue Collection In Obakhavbaye Park

…as commercial vehicle operators hail Obaseki’s swift response, tough stance against touts

The Edo State Government has ordered the arrest of a 3-man syndicate over illegal collection of revenue from commercial vehicle operators in Obakhavbaye Motor Park, in Benin City, the state capital.

Addressing journalists after the arrest of members of the syndicate, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security and Surveillance, Comrade Emmanuel Orukpe, said the order for the arrest of the syndicate “was issued after we received report of the activities of the syndicate who were forcefully collecting revenue illegally from commercial drivers at Obakhavbaye Motor Park.”

“The culprits who were led by one Igwe are being interrogated at the Oba Market Police Station. We are using this medium to warn other groups involved in this act to desist from it. The state government will not hesitate to deal decisively with individuals or groups collecting revenues illegally,” he said.

Orukpe urged commercial drivers to pay revenues only to approved persons and local government revenue officials, adding, “The state government has continued to receive worrisome reports from Obakhavbaye Motor Park on the activities of touts collecting revenue illegally.

“We are putting measures in place to check the activities of the touts, especially at the Obakhavbaye Motor Park. Governor Godwin Obaseki’s stance against touts and illegal revenue collection is clear,” he added.

A commercial bus driver, Omoruyi John, hailed the swift response of the state government and the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security and Surveillance in arresting the touts.

He said, “I was impressed with how the security and surveillance team responded to our call on a public holiday to arrest the touts. The response showed the kind of governor we have in the state. I commend him and his team.”

He added that Governor Obaseki’s tough stance against touts and illegal revenue collection has restored sanity to the operations of commercial vehicle operators in the state.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has urged residents of Edo State and Nigerians in general, to spread love and support for one another to deepen unity in the country, noting that only the feeling of oneness will help Nigeria survive hard times.

Obaseki made the call in commemoration of Boxing Day, which is celebrated on December 26, every year.

He said, "On behalf of the Edo State Government, I send my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to everyone as we celebrate boxing day. I urge Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect on the import of sharing and extending a hand of love and support to neighbours and acquittances."

Obaseki said that boxing day, "is a good opportunity to exchange gifts with loved ones as well as those in need; those living in orphanages, in prisons, hospitals, and in the Internally Displaced Persons’ camps in the state."

He prayed, "that the celebration will continue to foster love and unity among us all regardless of our cultural differences, creed, faith or social class."

"Celebrations like this reminds us that it is only through sharing of gifts and other forms of support that we can successfully build a united nation for the benefit everyone. May the spirit of the celebration remain with us even after the season," he added.

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Residents of Edo State have applauded the peaceful and serene atmosphere in which they marked Christmas festivities, hailing the state government for various initiatives that made the celebrations pleasurable.

A cross-section of residents in the state, who spoke with journalists, said that the celebrations went on peacefully, owing to the proactive stance of the state government, the Edo Police command and other stakeholders, who ensured that the celebrations were marked in a serene atmosphere.

This is as the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, berated the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), for throwing the state into darkness, even with the festivities, noting that the company has proven to be grossly inefficient.

Mrs. Irene Igbinosa, a resident in Benin City, said that the celebrations have been pleasurable, as the state has been peaceful and serene.

According to her, “The Christmas this year has been quite good. The atmosphere is cheerful; we are having the Igue Festival in peace, and a number of events across the city center is going on without hassles. I appreciate the state government for a number of initiatives this season. These include the new security architecture, which has deterred criminals from taking over the streets.”

Mr. Osaro Omozuwa said that though heavy traffic is a reoccurring incident during the festivities, the state government’s decision to open a new car park at the city centre and the restriction on parking has helped ease the situation this year.

“We are quite excited to see the way things are going in Benin City. There would have been a lot of traffic but we are seeing less of that this year because the state government has been quite proactive,” he said.

Calling for the withdrawal of BEDC's license due to their ineffective service in the state, Obaseki said Edo people deserve a better service provider than BEDC, especially as the state is home to 700mw-capacity Azura Power plant.

“At a time families should be enjoying uninterrupted electricity supply as they celebrate Christmas and New Year in the state, BEDC is again unable to live up to the minimum expectation of providing electricity.

“No excuse is good enough for the abysmal failure of BEDC and we appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to without delay, revoke the operational licence of BEDC and rescue Edo people and residents from the crappy service being delivered to our people who are harassed weekly by BEDC to pay for electricity that it did not supply,” Obaseki said.

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Edo State Commissioner of Police (right, standing), Mr. Johnson Kokumo, addressing representatives of political parties, during an interactive session with political parties in the state, at the State Police Command Headquarters, in Benin City.

Edo Police Command Assures Of Safety During Yuletide, Warns Against Thuggery Ahead Of 2019 Polls

The Edo State Police Command has assured of the safety of life and property during the Yuletide, adding that peace and respect for law and order would be upheld in the run-up to the 2019 general elections.

The Commissioner of Police, Edo State, Mr. Johnson Kokumo, made the assertion during a stakeholders' meeting organised for representatives of political parties, security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He said the meeting became necessary to get all actors to play by the rules in their activities before, during and after the February 2019 general elections to ensure credible, free, fair and transparent polls.

Kokumo explained that the duty of Police Officers is to enforce laws, noting "Our focus is for a peaceful, transparent and credible election, as there is nothing to gain from violence. Our interest is on the sovereign entity of Nigeria. I want to assure all political parties that we would not hesitate to bring to book all electoral offenders."

"We would not allow lawlessness, thuggery, oppression, violence and other forms of electoral offences. All of these will never be tolerated by law enforcement agencies. We are here to serve the people of Nigeria," he said.

The Edo State INEC Commissioner, Emmanuel Hart, who spoke on electioneering campaigns, said campaigns are opportunities for political parties to speak to voters on what they intend to do if they win elections.

The INEC Commissioner, who was represented by Head, Election and Party Monitoring, Edo State INEC Office, Kombo Briggs, urged political parties and their candidates to be guided by the provisions of the Electoral Act in their conduct and campaign messages.

Chairman, All Grassroots Alliance (AGA), Osarumwense Oshodin, called on INEC officials and security agencies to put modalities in place to arrest and prosecute politicians who spend beyond stipulated amount of money for campaigns and elections.


PHOTO 1:
L-R: Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo (2nd right, standing); representative of Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner and Head of Department, Election and Party Monitoring, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Kombo John (left), with representatives of security agencies, during the police commissioner’s interactive session with political parties in the state, at the State Police Command Headquarters, in Benin City.

By Barr Ehis Osagiede

I write on behalf of the good people of Edo central, particularly, Esan west local government area, to express an overwhelming gratitude to the governor of Edo State, Gov Godwin Obaseki.

Over the last few years, the governor has shown Bi-partisanship and a great sense of understanding of the concept of equalitarianism, humanity, Compassion, love and brotherhood.

Words are not enough to show how grateful we are as a people, as past administrations, especially the one which preceded yours had failed and totally neglected Esan land,and did not give us a sense of belonging, so much so that this made us feel like outcast in the Edoid race.

I remember vividly writing on your Facebook wall, in November, 2017, complaining bitterly of how deplorable the state of our roads had become in Ekpoma, annexed with that complaint/plea were terrible images which could at best be described as atrocious. And I recall your words of assurance in response to that post that the roads were going to be fixed, just like a father would assure his son. You could have chosen to ignore my post, but, I guess that is not in your person.

The feedback I get from the people of Ekpoma, a town were in lived the most of my life, attended my nursery, primary, secondary and University, is that, Ekpoma is being transformed, and truly getting back its status of a Metropolis which I have always dreamt for and certainly that which Prof Ambrose Alli envisioned for it. It would also interest you to know that, there is nothing that has gladdened my heart as much as getting these feedbacks from Ekpoma.

You obviously recognize that paving roads are critical to propelling the socio-economic development of a society, as this would have a multiplier effect on investments, prospective and existing in a budding city such as Ekpoma.

Your Excellency, this is wishing you a glorious tenure as governor and to wish you and your family a merry Christmas and a Happy New year.

Barr Ehis Osagiede writes from Abuja

SOURCE: https://m.thenigerianvoice.com/news/273891/open-letter-to-gov-godwin-obaseki.html

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Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

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Agribusiness: Obaseki Mobilises Entrepreneurs, Manufacturers, Academics, Others To Processing Centers In Edo

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged small businesses, manufacturers and academics to work together at the 12 processing centers being built in different locations across the state to boost job creation.

Obaseki gave the charge after inspecting renovation work at the abandoned state government-owned warehouse in Evbuoriaria, along Sapele Road, in Benin City, the state capital.

Obaseki said the idea behind the centres, is to link entrepreneurs to power, water and other necessary utilities to drive business growth in the state.

He said the centres were being set up in collaboration with academic institutions, manufacturer associations and private industries, noting, “We have identified six of such facilities within the Benin metropolis and in six other locations in the state to serve as processing centres.

“We want to encourage artisans to come to these locations and produce. What we have done here is to refurbish government warehouses and are discussing with private power suppliers to provide electricity,” the governor said.

Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Job Creation and Skills Development, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, said those to be hosted at the centers are small business owners.

Dare said the entrepreneurs would receive training at the centre and also benefit from marketing and legal services to allow their businesses operate better outside the centre.

“Stay at the centre would be on a temporary basis. The idea is to strengthen businesses so that they can stand on their own,” she said.

President, Benson Idahosa University, Bishop Feb Idahosa, said the institution would be collaborating with the state government to provide vocational training for artisans at the centre, at no cost.

He added, “We will be giving training on book keeping and rendering other services. The aim is to help the state flourish.”


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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle); Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Skills Development and Job Creation, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare (left) and Bishop Feb Idahosa (right); during the governor’s inspection of an abandoned state-owned warehouse, in Benin City, Edo State.

Viable Economic Opportunities In Developing Countries Will Ease Global Migration - Obaseki

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that one of the ways to ease the global migration crisis is for global actors to join forces in creating viable economic opportunities in developing countries.

The governor said that such an effort would benefit from the input of multilateral organisations, corporate bodies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and public-spirited individuals in building capacity of youths, in developing countries for global competitiveness.

The governor made the submission in commemoration of the International Migrants Day, marked by the United Nations every year, on December 18.

Governor Obaseki argued that in the long-run, it is cost- effective to invest in solutions that create an army of productive youths, especially in the age of digitalisation, which has opened a window of opportunities for value creation regardless of the inhibition of space and time.

He said, “Our position on migration has remained that any youth who seeks opportunities overseas should do so through the regular route. We vehemently discourage people from embarking on illegal migration which exposes them to risks across the Mediterranean and the Sahara Desert.

“As a government, we have continued to assist our youths to gain skills that will make them globally competitive and migrate, if they so wish, legally.”

Obaseki added, “We have secured a number of collaborations with international partners to support in creating the right environment for our people to learn valuable skills in Edo State. These will enable us to build institutions for capacity building and equip our people to contribute productively to development. We still seek more of such partnerships.”

The governor said the Managing Migration through Development Programme (MMDP) has been designed by the state government and its partners as a strategy to eradicate illegal migration and promote economic prosperity and safety of the citizens of Edo State.

He urged multilateral organisations and international actors to continue to support the state in curbing illegal migration, noting that the 2018 theme for the International Migrants Day, ‘Migration with Dignity’ is in line with the state’s stance on the matter.

According to the UN, on September 19, 2016, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a set of commitments during its first-ever summit on large movements of refugees and migrants to enhance the protection of refugees and migrants, known as the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants (NY Declaration).

The Declaration reaffirms the importance of the international protection regime and represents a commitment by Member States to strengthen and enhance mechanisms to protect people on the move, which paves the way for the adoption of two new global compacts in 2018: the global compact on refugees and the global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration.

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The colourful array of Hilux patrol vans, motor bikes, ambulances, Special Patrol Units, etc.


Watch the launch of The Edo State Security Trust Fund/Security Architecture Live on facebook.

Link: https://www.facebook.com/godwinobasekiofficial/videos/374200526480498/

#ObasekiLaunchesSecurityFund

#EdoLaunchesSecurityArchitecture

National Sports Festival: Obaseki Visits Edo Contingent, As Sports Fiesta Ends In Abuja

…commends16-year-old medalist with 3 gold, 5 silver, 3 bronze

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has visited athletes representing the state in Abuja, as the curtain closes on the 2018 National Sports Festival.

During the visit, the governor commended 16-year-old maestro, Master Leon Osayi Owie, who represented the state and won 11 medals.

Obaseki, who was accompanied by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, commended the state’s contingent’s performance at the festival.

Edo state, as at the time of filing this report, the state is third on the medal table with a 138-medal haul, behind Delta and Rivers states.

The medals include 47 gold, 40 silver and 51 bronze, with Owie as the highest Edo State medalist with 3 gold, 5 silver, 3 bronze.

Obaseki said Owie shows a great deal of promise that will be nurtured by the repositioned Sports Commission in the state, noting, “We used to be renowned for our sporting prowess, but lost touch along the way. It is great to make this comeback, and it is delightful that the young ones are the ones at the heart of this renaissance.”


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Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki (right); his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (left); with the highest Edo State medalist, Leon Osayi Owie (middle), during the governor's visit to the state's contingent at the 2018 National Sports Festival in Abuja, at the weekend.

Edo Govt, Siemens' Impact Hub Task Edo Youths On Power Innovation With N3.5m Cash Prize

…as 60 make final list at Power for Edo Hackathon


Not less than 60 youths have reached the finals of the Hack Edo Series organised by the Edo State Government in partnership with Siemens’ Impact Hub to improve power supply in communities across the state.

The finalists will gather in Benin City, the state capital, on Monday, December 17, for the final phase of a grueling competition that will provide workable and innovative technologies to identify and solve the challenge of power in the state.

Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Skills Development and Job Creation, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, said, “The Hack Edo Series is a multi-dimensional initiative focused on leveraging technology to identify and solve the most pressing problems faced by individuals, businesses and the ecosystem as a whole. Through a series of practical Hackathons, the Hack Edo series will equip young Nigerian innovators with the skills necessary to make impact in their various communities.

She said that 60 finalists have been shortlisted out of over 100 applications received, noting, “The Power for Edo Hackathon was open to innovators, entrepreneurs, and knowledge seekers, including developers, business managers, students, analysts among others with innovative technology to build a solution."

Dare added that three winners with the best innovative solutions to power supply challenges will emerge at the event, as the winner of the first prize will go home with N2,000,000.00; 2nd place, N1,000,000 and 3rd place N500,000.00, making a total of N3.5 million.

She said other 90 participants are expected to attend the event, which will also host Chief Executive Officers of Siemens and Impact Hub.

According to her, “the event is intended to achieve the following objectives; increase the number of individuals taking action; build a collaborative community that tackles issues as a whole, and identify the best ideas that will be supported through the incubation phase.”

Dare noted that the event will catalyse growth of startups within Edo State, support development of ventures from ideation to commercialisation, promote job creation and economic development, drive and ensure the increased adoption of local technology by government, corporate and development agencies across Edo state and Nigeria, strengthen and raise the standard of startups in the region, and deliver positive social impact returns to communities and people across the region.

…as Obaseki urges peaceful celebrations

The Edo State Government on Friday paid salaries of workers for the month of December, following the directive of the Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, said “the governor’s decision to pay workers, mid-way into the month, was informed by the need to make money available for workers to do early shopping for the yuletide and avoid the artificial inflation caused by commodity distributors.”

He added: “Governor Obaseki wants workers to get value for their money before all the players in the commodity distribution chain cash in on the season and hike food prices.

“The governor does not want Edo workers to be caught in the middle of such manipulative tendency of middlemen and has urged workers to go about their celebrations peacefully.

“Edo workers can storm the market from today and shop for the season. 2019 promises to be a better year for workers in the state.”

The governor’s aide further said that governor Obaseki is committed to the welfare of workers in the state through innovative ways.

“ Several reforms have been carried out in the Edo State civil service, including world-class trainings for the workers, revamp of their work environment, timely payment of salary and the migration of work culture from analogue to digital platform for efficiency,” Osagie added.

SOURCE: http://thebellng.com/edo-govt-pays-workers-december-salary/


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Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki addressing beneficiaries of N-Power, at an event, tagged “Better Future” in Benin City, Edo State.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said that his administration will invest over N5 billion in the agricultural sector to create more jobs and guarantee food security in the state.

Obaseki said this while speaking to beneficiaries of the federal government’s social investment programme, N-Power, in Edo South Senatorial District of the state, at an event tagged “Better Future” which held in Benin City.

According to the governor, over 10,000 people are expected to benefit from the investment in the state.

"From January next year, we are preparing over N5billion to be invested in agriculture and we expect that it will attract many people in the state.

"We are setting up agricultural clusters where farmers can sell their produce. We are also getting farmers to bring their produce to the cluster for processing,” he added.

He described the N-Power programme as a world-class programme and urged beneficiaries to see it as an opportunity to gain skills and work experience, they could use to build a future for themselves.

"We applaud the federal government for introducing the programme, we believe in the programme and have keyed into it, like no other state.

"We want you to see N-Power as a stepping stone to your achievements in life hill you look for more opportunities in the state where your skills can be fully harnessed.

"For instance, my administration is looking for health personnel to train to manage the Primary Health Centres in the state. N-Power beneficiaries stand a better chance to be trained as they already have the basic technical skills. So don't wait for the programme to end before you seek better opportunities,” he advised the beneficiaries.


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L-R: Youth Leader of Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Valentine Asuen; Edo State Focal Person, Social Investment Programme, Miss. Osayuwamen Aladeshelu; Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Job Creation (N-Power), Afolabi Imoukhuede; Edo South APC Senatorial Candidate, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, and Commissioner for Budget, Hajiya Maryam Abubakar, at an N-Power event, tagged “Better Future” in Benin City, Edo State.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right), with the Director-General, Debt Management Office, Patience Oniha, during a courtesy visit by the DG to the governor, at Government House, Benin City, on Tuesday, December 11, 2018.

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