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PHOTO 3:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left), addressing political leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Uhunmwode Local Government Area, in Benin City, Edo State, on Monday, December 10, 2018.

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left), with Chieftain of the Edo State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Charles Idahosa, during the governor’s meeting with political leaders from Uhunmwode Local Government Area, in Benin City, Edo State, on Monday, December 10, 2018.

APC Leaders In Uhunmwode LGA Pass Vote Of Confidence On Obaseki-led Administration

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State, on Monday, passed a vote of confidence on the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.

The unanimous confidence vote, which was also extended to the person of the governor, was moved after the party leaders’ meeting at the residence of Mr Charles Idahosa, a chieftain of the APC in the local government area.

Idahosa said “the people of Uhunmwode Local Government Area and Edo people in general are proud of the laudable achievements of the governor across all sectors of the state and we unanimously pass a vote of confidence on the Obaseki administration and the person of the governor.”

In his remark, Obaseki said the meeting focused on what his administration has been doing with regard to the development of the state.

“I have not been able to hold meetings with you because we have been busy working. I had to focus on work because without doing the work there will be nothing to campaign about,” the governor told the party leaders.

“I understand the need for empowerment and job creation in Uhunmwode and for the last 24 months I have initiated various projects in the area,” he added.

He informed the leaders that rehabilitation work would commence on all the old roads linking villages in the Council before the end of the month while about 12 primary schools have been pencilled down for urgent renovation.



PHOTO 1:
R-L: Chieftain of the Edo State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Charles Idahosa; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his Chief of Staff, Chief Taiwo Akerele, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic Education, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, during the governor’s meeting with political leaders from Uhunmwode Local Government Area, in Benin City, Edo State, on Monday, December 10, 2018.

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Reclamation work nearing completion at a gully erosion site in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

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Ongoing reclamation work at the Gully erosion site in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

Gully Erosion: Residents Of Ewu, Ibore Communities Laud Obaseki As Reclamation Projects Near Completion

Communities affected by gully erosion in Ewu and Ibore in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State have lauded Governor Godwin Obaseki for his concerted efforts at reclaiming the gully erosion sites in the areas.

Governor Obaseki secured commitment from the Federal Government, the World Bank and the European Investment Bank to remedy gully erosion threatening parts of the state, as part of theNigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP). Some of the gully sites were over 25 years old and posed environmental danger to the communities.

Project Engineer, Engr. Edwin Ero, said: “We carried out topographical survey and were able to ascertain where the flood water should flow to and our design was able to capture that. What we are doing in Ibore is similar to what is going on in Ewu. The difference is the length. The gully in Ibore is bigger than Ewu. We are using the same engineering principle at both sites.”

The Oyakhire of Ewu Kingdom and spokesman for the community, Chief Richard Diagie said, “I thank the Edo State Government and NEWMAP for the great job being carried out in Ewu. For the past 25 years, we have been living with the problem. The distance between Eguare and Ehane ought to be between two to three minutes walk. But for the past 25 years, if you are coming to Ehane, you have to go through the express, through Iduwanle and Ewulu before coming down to Ehane. This is a distance that should not take you two minutes.”

“Before the project was awarded, over six houses had been submerged by the gully. Things are now taking a new shape,” he added.

Another resident of Ewu and chairman, Community Association, Ewu Kingdom, Alhaji Sufianu Ojeifo said, “We thank God Almighty who has made it possible. What we thought was impossible is now possible.”

On his part, Odionwere of Ikekeala Community, Ibore, Pa. Omokhegbe Kumal, said, “we like what the Obaseki-led government is doing with the project. We are happy with it. The gully has claimed lives in the past. It was so deep, and we appreciate the government’s gesture.

Woman Leader in Ibore, Madam Esther Inegbenose, described the ongoing project as commendable, adding, “We thank government for the project. Before now, the site was so scary but now one can easily pass through the site either with a vehicle or by foot.”

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Gully erosion site before the reclamation work in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

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…call on other states to adopt Edo intervention model


…EU commits $1bn to stem irregular migration in Africa

The European Union (EU), the World Bank and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have commended Edo State Government’s unrelenting and well-articulated effort to curb human trafficking and illegal migration in the state.

The stakeholders disclosed this at the 2nd Roundtable Dialogue on Managing Migration Through Development Programme (MMDP), a two-day event which kicked-off on Tuesday in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

In his address, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, said that all efforts by local and international partners in the fight against irregular migration needs to be synergised to achieve the desired results.

Obaseki said a coordination matrix designed by Edo Government and her partners will create a platform for better collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders, avoid duplication of efforts and improve efficiency in migration management.

He said the state government has in the last one year, entered into a collaboration with key partners which has significantly changed the narrative with regard to the fight against the scourge.

“Since the launch of Round Table Dialogue in Abuja in May this year, several partnerships have been birthed which have contributed to the success stories” he said.

The governor noted that the state government will continue to demonstrate political will to tackle the problem of human trafficking and illegal migration by constantly finding a common ground and seeking more collaborations with other stakeholders.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, who was represented by Mr. Martin Eze, said resettlement of returnees is at the heart of the federal government’s intervention programme.

He appealed to foreign partners, especially countries in the European Union to smoothen their visa issuance process so that eligible Nigerians, who have genuine reasons to travel abroad are not frustrated.

In his keynote address, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr. Ketil Karlsen, expressed appreciation for efforts by President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Obaseki which have seen Nigeria drop to the sixth position among countries whose citizens engage in irregular migration.

Karlsen also commended Edo State government for launching the MMDP Coordination Matrix, noting that the EU would not fund any state operating in isolation without involving local stakeholders.

"We are doing better now by being transparent and including our activities in the matrix and by guaranteeing that every step we take will be in that spirit,” he said.

Mr. Karlsen said the European Investment Bank has expressed willingness to increase investment in funding economic programmes in Africa to one billion dollars to empower youths and discourage irregular migration.

He added that a holistic approach and a legal framework has been identified to capture the return of illegal migration via investment in migration institution, youths and jobs.

Director General of NAPTIP, Dame Julie Okah-Donli, represented by the Director of Research and Programme Development, Godwin Morka, said that the state government’s model should be studied and replicated in other states, noting that the tactical and far-reaching response by the state government is commendable.

She noted that the state government was quite proactive in nipping the menace in the bud, noting that the coordinated approach and the institutional reforms set up to tackle the menace helped in large measure to restore hope to victims of human trafficking in the state.

Programme Manager, MMDP, Dr. May Ikeora, said that government’s response to mitigating illegal migration include resettlement of migrant returnees, skills development, and development of at-risk communities.

She expressed optimism that the launch of the MMDP coordination matrix will make effort at managing migration more efficiently, and said that, “The coordination matrix will lead to better information exchange and strategic planning that is evidence-based and sustainable.”


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L-R: European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States, Mr. Ketil Karlsen; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; and his wife, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, at the 2nd Roundtable Dialogue on Managing Migration through Development, in Benin City, Edo State, on Tuesday, December 4, 2018.

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R-L: Edo Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Chairman, Arewa All Progressives Congress (APC), Isah Salihu; General Secretary, Arewa APC, Ahmed Musa; and Edo South Leader of Arewa APC, Alhaji Buhari, during the meeting between the leadership of Arewa APC and Governor Obaseki, at Government House, in Benin City, on Monday, December 3, 2018.

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Obaseki Assures More Support, Promises To Make Edo Poly, Usen World-Class Institution

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has assured the management of the Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, of his administration's resolve to provide more support and necessary incentives to make the polytechnic a world-class institution.

He gave the assurance at the maiden convocation ceremony organised by the Polytechnic in Usen, Ovia North East Local Government Area, of the state, for the award of National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates and presentation of prizes, to graduands from the 16-year-old institution.

The governor said that a befitting auditorium would be built by the state government within the next twelve months to serve as venue for the Polytechnic's functions.

He noted, "I have seen that there is no hall where ceremonies like convocation can take place. So, I am committing that within the next twelve months, one will be built for the school as government has already made provisions for a perimeter fence for the institution in the 2019 budget."

The governor, who said he was impressed with the level of transformation achieved under the leadership of the Rector, Prof. Abiodun Falodun, pledged that the state government would support the institution to become a world-class institution.

Obaseki noted, "After my last visit some four to five years ago, I am pleased this institution is coming back to life. As a government, our emphasis is on quality education. I had a problem with the quality of education being provided here hence we went and sourced for Professor Falodun to ensure this institution is recognised and accorded respect not only locally but globally."

He commended the scholarly engagements taking place in the institution particularly the hosting of the 'Eminent Lecture Series,' and promised that the state government will provide support to enable the institution achieve full accreditation for all its courses.

According to the governor, "I am very glad that Edo Polytechnic, Usen has regularised its academic calendar. Henceforth, convocation in this institution will be an annual event. I apologise to those whose graduation was delayed. And to all the graduating students from 2004/2005 to 2017/2018, I encourage you to be good ambassadors of your alma mater," he added.

He expressed pleasure with the commencement of open distance learning programme, the skills acquisition training for residents and members of the host community as well as the proposed Microsoft Academic Centre within the campus.

He said arrangements would be put in place to get EdoJobs and other skills acquisition training programmes take place in the school, adding, "We have been having discussions with the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Edo Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) agency to work out an arrangement with you where the bulk of staff to be hired by both establishments will be trained in this school."

Earlier, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Professor Falodun said a total of 6,563 graduands from the 2004/05 to 2017/18 sessions, would get their certificates during the ceremony.

He gave the number of students with distinctions as 400 while 2,223 graduated with Upper Credits.

He highlighted achievements recorded under his administration in less than six months to include capacity building for staff in research writing, award of five indigenes with scholarships, renovation of the school’s healthcare centre, male and female hostels, Engineering block, establishment of a water factory, among others.

One of the graduands, Mr. Ernest Akpan expressed appreciation to the governor for gracing the occasion, noting that with the convocation ceremony he would be able to obtain his certificate and apply for scholarship programme abroad.

Akpan said, "I had applied abroad but was denied because they required the original certificate not just statement of result. This first convocation is a turn-around for our school, Edo Polytechnic, Usen."

Other dignitaries at the event included Commissioner for Education, Hon. Emmanuel Agbale, Elawure of Usen, His Royal Highness, Olu-Ogbe II, representatives of Vice Chancellors of Igbenedion University, Okada; Edo University, Iyamho; University of Benin, Benson Idahosa University and traditional chiefs.

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle); Commissioner for Education, Hon. Emmanuel Agbale (left); and Rector, Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, at the Polytechnic's maiden convocation ceremony, in Usen, Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state, at the weekend.

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President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State have extolled the leadership qualities of late Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih, eulogising him as an illustrious son of Nigeria and a politician of uncommon calibre.

Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said this during a requiem mass held as part of the state burial in honour of Late Chief Anenih, at the University of Benin Sports Complex, in Benin City, Edo State capital.

The president said that Anenih lived a great life of service, and became a bridge builder across the political divide.

He said, “Anenih is a patriotic Nigerian, who has an unequal commitment to the Nigerian project. He is a man that believes in the growth and development of the nation.

In his tribute, Governor Obaseki said Chief Anenih was a rare-breed politician, who was “famed for his political wizardry, an uncommon gift to weather stormy waters and masterfully deliver results from the most difficult situations.”

“I stand here today on behalf of the Government and People of Edo State to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of a quintessential, rare-breed politician, philanthropist, a leader of leaders, statesman, an illustrious son of Edo and our father, Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih,” Obaseki said.

He added, “I commiserate with the great Anenih family of Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, the National and State leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the good people of Edo State on the passing of our great icon.

Noting that the elder statesman devoted a better part of his life to the development of the state and the country, he said late Chief Anenih contributed to national development in the various capacities he served while he lived.

“The whole of Edo State has suffered a huge loss with the death of Chief Anenih, the Iyasele of Esan land, who ranks as one of the most illustrious sons of the state,” he added.

Former Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion said Anenih created a vast political family, adding that he was a great builder, who created a platform for unity and friendship across the political divide.

Former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, said Anenih was a great mentor, adding, “he was a great adviser and a pillar of support for the downtrodden.

Former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Chief Mike Ogiadomhen lauded late Chief Anenih as being instrumental in midwifing democracy in 1999.


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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); Anthony Anenih Jnr. (middle), and other members of the Anenih family, at the State Burial organised in honour of elder statesman, Chief Anthony Anenih, at the University of Benin Sports Complex, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State, on Friday, November 30, 2018

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured members of the Association of Plaster of Paris Dealers of Edo State (APPDES), that a training facility will be equipped by his administration to train youths on technical skills, especially for specialised area, such as POP craft, in the state.

The governor gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by members of APPDES, led by the President, Shola Atsedagho, to Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

Obaseki said Plaster of Paris (POP) and contemporary painting have high impact on job creation and specialisation as it is rumoured that Nigerians go to neighbouring countries to source people for POP jobs.

He noted that though demand for POP technicians is high, he said it was unfortunate that the state does not have enough people to provide the service.

“This is why I wanted to meet with your group to agree on how to collaborate with you under our job creation initiative so as to provide facilities to train our youths.

“I don't believe in just training people for the jobs. We will work with Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) and the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment to look for a facility immediately where we can train our people.”

He noted that the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development registers different building sites in the state and is capable of providing the relevant information on the needs and services of POP dealers.

He added, “As a government, we can arrange something but it will not be driven by the government as the government is an enabler. What we will do is to support the association to enable them provide the needed training for our youths.”

President of the association, Shola Atsedagho, said the association intends to collaborate with the state government on the training of youths across the state to increase the number of people skilled in POP craft.

According to Atsedagho, the move is to assist Governor Obaseki fulfil his election campaign promise to create 200,000 jobs, adding, “We are here to also inform you that the association will be having an induction ceremony for some youths who have already acquired the skills. The induction will come up on November 30, 2018 in Benin City.”


- PHOTO 1 -
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle); Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, Barr. Emmanuel Usoh (2nd left); President, Association of Plaster of Paris Dealers of Edo State (APPDES), Shola Atsedagho (2nd right); Chairman Board of Trustees of APPDES, Kenny Atitogbe (right); and the Secretary of the association, Nosakhare Edokpolor (left), during the courtesy visit by members of the association to the governor, at Government House, in Benin City, Edo State.

Leave My Office Order To BEDC MD: Market Women, Groups Laud Obaseki's Defence Of Common Man

...Governor feels our pains, say small business owners

Hours after Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State walked the Managing Director of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), Funke Osibodun out of Government House in Benin City, for throwing the state into darkness, business owners and various socio-cultural groups have continued to pour encomiums on the governor.

The torrent of messages to salute and acknowledge the governor's display of courage and his defence of the common man were also extended to his social media handles.

One of the messages sent by Mr. Edorodion Frank, on behalf of Aisiokuo-Edo Group, read: "My great brother and your Excellency, Godwin Obaseki, the visionary and digital Governor of Edo State, thanks for sending clear signals to those onlookers who think you are weak or afraid to some compelling proactive radical decisions, which are in the overall interest of Edo people, no matter whose ox is gored.

“But for those of us who know your upbringing and distinguished family background, we are not surprised at your proactive reactions against the unscheduled visit of the mischievous and conscienceless Managing Director of BEDC, who wanted to hide under the cover of the House of Representatives members, your visitors, to test the resolve of Edo people, which unfortunately for the woman, she forgot that your Excellency is the arrowhead and number one conscience of Edo people.

"Sir, your reactions on behalf of Edo people have won the hearts of majority of residents in the state, including the opposition parties and the non-indigenes, particularly the Aisiokuo-Edo group who are watching political development in the state with very keen interest.

"While we advise you to be more daring in order to realise your positive socioeconomic developments and political advancement of Edo people, we members of the Grassroots Development Stakeholders, an affiliate of Aisiokuo-edo group, wish to assure you of our total support and readiness to confront any individual or group who may want to sabotage your now very glaring socioeconomic and infrastructural development plans to empower and improve the living standard of the good people of Edo state.

"Your Excellency, no doubt there are few selfish and greedy political contractors who are not happy and comfortable with your prudent management of scarce resources because it is no more business as usual due to the people-oriented programmes of your government.

"Sir, do not let the few privileged who have unhindered access to you to paint a negative information on the public perceptions about your Excellency's unique pragmatic style of governance."

He assured that “The real grassroots and the major voters in the state are solidly behind you and your approach to good governance in Edo State, irrespective of political affiliation. Please keep the momentum alive.”

Another group, the Benin Integrity Group, led by Chief Uhunwa Ighodaro, wrote: "The Benin Integrity Group salutes Governor Godwin Obaseki's patriotism and courage to defend the overall interest of Edo people and advises the governor to take more decisive and proactive actions in his burning desire to lay solid socioeconomic and infrastructural development of Edo State.

The group condemned what it described "as the embarrassing and unscheduled presence of the Managing Director of the notorious and insensitive Benin electricity distribution company, who mischievously gatecrashed into Edo state government house in the company of the visiting facts finding committee members from the Federal House of representatives."

Chief Ighodaro, who is the head of the youths and women intelligence and sensitisation units of the Benin Integrity Group, applauded and thanked Governor Godwin Obaseki for aligning with the unwavering resolve of Edo people and the other states that constitute the electricity distribution zone, that the game is up for the company's continuous daylight unmerited extortion of the now aggrieved Edo people.

He added: "While assuring the governor that the group and indeed all Edo people are solidly behind him in his collaborative efforts to bring sanity and transparency to the distribution and effective management of the zone, the Benin Integrity Group seriously advises against any manipulative attempt to influence the federal government to renew the company's operating license, as such unpatriotic act and insensitivity to the plight of Edo people will be resisted with all vehemence. A word is enough for the wise."

Madam Blacky Omoregie, leader of market women in the state, said "the governor has once again demonstrated his love for the common people in the state. He rose to the occasion to prove the Edo man in him, that is fearless and honest."

"No good man or woman will keep quiet in the face of evil. Our businesses have been suffering for over three weeks since we have been in darkness in Edo State due to the insensitivity of BEDC. How much profit can any small business make from using power generating set as means of electricity? This cannot continue and our governor has spoken our minds. Anybody that is not welcomed by our governor is not welcomed to our markets," she added.

The Edo State Government has released the names of successful candidates who participated in the recent oral interview conducted by the state government for people who applied for vacant positions in the state’s civil service.

A statement issued by the Chairman, Edo State Civil Service Commission, Princess (Mrs.) Ekiuwa Inneh, in Benin City, on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, requested successful candidates to check for their names at the commission’s office and appear before it for appropriate documentation.

The statement said: “This is to inform candidates who attended oral interview held from Wednesday 12th September – 22nd October, 2018, that the list of successful candidates is on display at the Civil Service Commission Building, Secretariat Building, and the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Block D Notice Boards in Benin City.

The statement added: “Successful candidates are hereby requested to check for their names and appear before the Commission for appropriate documentation as scheduled.”

The Edo Government has said that the scheduled visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the state slated for Tuesday, November 27, has been postponed.

In a statement signed by Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, the state government said that the visit has been postponed and a later date for the official visit will be announced.

The President had been slated to commission the Edo-Azura Power Plant and other state functions scheduled to hold in the state.

Expectant of President Muhammadu Buhari's visit to Edo State on Tuesday, November 27, residents of Benin City are excited to host the President in the state, with many making a case for Federal Government project as fallout of the visit.

A cross-section of Benin residents, who spoke to journalists at the weekend, said they were eager to have the president in the state, even as checks around major government establishments showed buildings wearing a new look preparatory to the visit.

A visit to the Government House and other government offices in the state showed civil servants putting finishing touches to last-minute arrangements for the visit.

The President is expected to commission the Edo-Azura Power Plant and attend the Chief of Army Staff Conference holding in Benin city.

A Benin resident, Mr. Goodwill Efosa, said that he is anxious to welcome the President to the state, noting, "This is not the first time he is coming to the state, but I am eager to see him this time around because he has performed really well, in my own estimation."

Another resident, Mr. Osaze Moses, said that the President's visit is always something to look forward to, as there are often fallouts from such August visits.

"For me, I think we might get something big from this visit. The President has shown to be very caring, especially for the poor. I just hope we get a Federal Government project from this visit. That will endear Benin people more to the President, " he said.

Mr Moses added that "the Benin-Abraka Road is one federal government's project that needs the president's attention because it is a federal road. The road is currently in a bad state and though Governor Godwin Obaseki has assured that he would fix the road, but I am of the opinion that the governor should continue with the good work he is doing on state roads and streets while the federal government is urged to reconstruct the Benin-Abraka Road."

He urged Edo people to look forward to positive outcomes from the visit as they have faith in his administration.