In a bid to make Benin City and some other towns in Edo State major information and entrepreneurial hubs, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the ongoing laying of fiber optic cables in the state will be completed soon, to provide for hotspots for free access to the Internet at designated places.

The governor said this at the Edo Youth Summit/Job Fair held at the Edo Innovation Hub, as part of activities to mark his administration’s second year anniversary.

Explaining the development, Obaseki said: “If you are observant, you would have seen men digging trenches to lay fiber optic cables. By the time we are done with the work, you all can have free internet access at designated places in Benin City and some other towns.”

The hotspots are expected to deepen internet access in the state, as it will complement work at Edo Innovates, an ICT incubation hub.

Geared towards start-up acceleration, ICT training, digital design, SME development, grant writing and many other efforts, the hub has had no less than 2,114 beneficiaries who found jobs or created one to the benefit others.

Explaining his commitment to job creation through ICT, the governor restated that the sector is for the youth. “That is one of the places where the youth can find expression,” he said.


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Beneficiaries of EdoJobs, presenting a souvenir to the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (4th right), during the Edo Youth Summit/Job Fair, marking the governor’s second year anniversary celebration in Benin City, Edo State, on Friday, November 9, 2018

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…assures Benin Airport 'll commence 24/7 operations soon

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has condemned the theft of part of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) being installed at the Benin Airport, and directed the Nigerian Air Force and the Department of State Security to investigate and arrest the culprits.

Obaseki gave the directive after inspecting facilities and components that make up the ILS being installed by the state government in collaboration with relevant federal government agencies.

The installation of the facilities is expected to make room for 24-hour operations at the Benin Airport.

Before inspecting the facilities, the governor had a closed-door meeting with the Commander, 107 Air Maritime Group, of the Nigerian Airforce, Wing Commander, Fatai Ganiyu, who later accompanied the governor on inspection of the equipment, with officials of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the National Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

Obaseki directed the Wing Commander and State Director of the State Security Service to immediately launch an investigation into the incident, adding, “I assured Edo people that our Airport will render 24-hour services and we have been working on that with the relevant federal government agencies to see how we can get the necessary equipment in place to allow this happen.”

“We have been able to secure the ILS and the necessary equipment, we also have an agreement to put runway lights so that planes can be guided to land at night. Work has started but there is little incident as some of the equipment bought last week have been stolen. We have brought in security agencies to investigate and get the culprits arrested and ensure the work proceeds as desired,” Obaseki added.

He noted that the state government provided bulk of the resources used for the ILS project not minding that the airport is a federal asset, noting, “Our goal is to ensure that before the harmattan season, the Benin Airport will be ready to function as a 24/7 Airport and more importantly, have the landing system to navigate flights even in bad weather.”

The Instrument Landing System (ILS) is a radio navigation system which provides aircraft with horizontal and vertical guidance before and during landing.

A source at the airport who does not want his name in print, said some equipment in the Glide Slope, a component of the ILS, which provides the vertical guidance was stolen while facilities at the localiser component were intact.


SOURCE: http://thebellng.com/obaseki-flays-theft-of-airport-facilities-orders-investigation/


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R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; State Director, Department of State Security, Halilu Ibrahim; and Commander, 107 Air Maritime Group, of the Nigerian Airforce, Wing Commander Fatai Ganiyu, during the inspection of facilities at the Benin Airport, Benin City, on Thursday, November 8, 2018.

As part of activities lined up for the 2018 Alaghodaro Summit, to mark Governor Godwin Obaseki’s second year anniversary, Edo State will on Friday, play host to A-list artistes led by popular songstress, Waje and Hip-Hop rave, Mayorkun, in Benin city.

A statement by Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said that the state government has finalised plans for the concert, which will fete Edo youths at the King’s Square in Benin City.

He noted that the concert is part of activities lined up for the 2018 Alaghodaro Summit, which showcases Governor Obaseki’s investment in Edo people, specifically in health care, education and job creation.

He added that the event will start from 6pm, after the two major events in the day, namely; EdoJobs Job Fair/Summit, holding at the Edo Innovation Hub and Women’s Summit, which holds at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Sports Complex, Ugbowo, Benin City.

According to him, “We are intent on engaging the youths, who are major drivers of economic growth. In the course of the last two years, we have rolled out a number of programmes to get them busy, with the most impactful being EdoJobs and the Edo Innovation Hub.”

He said that one of the lead acts, Waje, was raised in Benin City, and aside featuring as an act for the concert, will also inspire youths in the state, adding, “We realise that youths need role models, people who have gone through the same stress as they did, walked the same streets and all that, but have come out triumphant in life. That is the message that Waje will be bringing to Edo youths at the concert.”

He said other local acts will also be featured at the concert, adding that the state government prioritises the arts industry and is already devising means to mainstream the sector into its programmes, an effort that will be set off with the Edo TV Village, among other initiatives.

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Obaseki Rolls Out 24-Month Health Improvement Programme, To Reopen Nursing School

…Stella Obasanjo Hospital for upgrade

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has unveiled a 24-month health improvement programme as part of efforts to tackle the challenges encountered in accessing affordable health care services.

He also revealed plans to work with the National Nursing Council and relevant bodies to review the curriculum, get accreditation and reopen the Edo State School of Nursing and Midwifery next year.

Obaseki who unveiled the state's Health Improvement Programme (Edo-HIP), during a courtesy visit by resident doctors in the state, at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, said that his administration has worked out a plan to reposition the entire health sector, noting, “We have not ignored the health care system in the state, rather we have been dealing with issues that affect and relate to the health care system."

He added “Infrastructure is not equivalent to a good health care system, neither does a hospital substitute for health care system. Rather the focus should be on the governance of the system as well as the personnel.”

He said his administration has set a 24-month agenda for the health system, adding, “We have started re-organising the wards for Primary Health Care Centres (PHC). We have started capacity building, training of personnel to manage our PHC system. The plan is to have a world-class governance arrangement and improve on what is on ground.”

Obaseki explained that he will not allow the health care system to be subjected to political patronage, noting that the focus will be on efficiency, merit and competency in recruiting personnel to manage the health care system.

According to him, the state will lunch the Health Insurance Scheme within the next 90 days which will be made compulsory for all, to fast-track the enrolment of about a quarter of the state’s population to provide for viable financing option for health care.

The governor said his administration has plans to upgrade the Stella Obasanjo Hospital for efficient utilisation of its huge space, noting, “We have engaged the services of hospital architects to develop a master plan on how to build the hospital.

We are working with the National Nursing Council and relevant bodies on reviewing the curriculum, getting accreditation and reopening the Edo State School of Nursing and Midwifery next year,” he added.

Dr. Alex Okoh, of Central Hospital Benin City, commended governor Obaseki for his determination to address the challenges in the health sector and assured the governor of the support of resident doctors in the state to bring the plan to manifestation.

Okoh said, “We have no doubt knowing your track record, that the Edo State health sector will be transformed.”


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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle), Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu (2nd left ), Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. (left); Commissioner for Health, Hon. Dr. David Osifo (2nd right); and Director, Hospital Services and Chief Executive Officer, Edo State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Chris Obaseki (right), during a meeting between the state government and resident doctors in the state, at Government House, Benin City, on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

The Edo State House of Assembly on Monday in Benin City, passed into law, a N10,874,000,000 Supplementary Budget for year 2018 fiscal year, and not ‘N160 extra budget’ billion as erroneously reported by some of Nigeria’s newspapers on Tuesday November 6, 2018.

With the N10,874,000,000 supplementary budget passed into law by the Edo State Legislature, the total budget size of the state for year 2018 stands at N160,967,330,443.52, being the combined figures of the initial N150.093 billion passed and signed into law last year by Governor Godwin Obaseki, and the N10,874,000,000 passed into law on Monday, November 5, 2018.

Recall that Governor Obaseki, on Wednesday October 24, announced the decision of the state Executive Council (EXCO) after its weekly meeting, to review the 2018 budget upward.

Obaseki assured that the Supplementary budget will be channelled to education, agriculture, building human capital and creating wealth for the state and the people, adding that the revision is a demonstration of the state’s commitment to open governance and transparency.

He explained that, “In the course of the 2018 fiscal year, Mr. President approved the disbursement of the final tranche of refunds from Paris/London club of borrowers to States and Local Governments (Edo State’s share of this refund amounts to N5bn).

Mr. President further approved the application of a portion of this refund to clear the arrears of State Government’s cash contribution for Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Grants, resulting in a N3bn UBEC grant in favour of Edo State.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the course of this fiscal year, approved the disbursement of concessional loans (under the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme, CAC), to qualifying states.

Edo State met all qualifying criteria and thus received N5bn from the CBN under CACs. The foregoing developments were not anticipated at the time the 2018 budget proposal was approved by Executive Council in 2017.”

The revisions are in consonance with the actual expenditure run rates of affected Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs).”

Obaseki added, “The proposed revised/supplementary budget has been prepared in line with section 36 of Edo State’s Public Financial Management and Fiscal Responsibility Law (2018).”


SOURCE: http://thebellng.com/edo-assembly-passes-n10-8bn-supplementary-budget/

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Obaseki Orders Arrest Of BEDC Officials For Removing Transformer In Ihovbor Community


The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has ordered the arrest of officials of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) for removing a transformer bought and installed by members of Ihovbor Community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State.

The governor gave the order while receiving members of Ihovbor Community led by Chief Tony Otakpolor, on a protest visit to the governor over their experience with officials of BEDC, which has put the entire community in darkness for the past 16 months.

Obaseki bemoaned BEDC’s alleged lawlessness, noting that it was uncharitable for the company to remove a transformer that was procured by the community thereby putting the people of Ihovbor Community in darkness.

According to him, “What BEDC has done by removing the transformer procured by the people of Ihovbor is tantamount to stealing. They removed assets bought by private individuals and moved it to an unknown location.

"I am ordering the arrest of officials that have done this. If you can't arrest them, arrest the Managing Director and get him or her to explain why they will remove a transformer bought by the community, throwing them into darkness for 16 months.”

Obaseki said the state is having power challenge because it has an inefficient electricity distribution company, which is holding back progress in the state, adding, “They will not supply light and will do everything to stop you. When we make alternative arrangements to help ourselves, BEDC will do everything to truncate it. We have reported to Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and I am sure that very soon something positive will be done.”

The governor said Ihovbor Community is not only peace-loving but is also one of the few communities in Nigeria that host a substantial size of power investment. "Soon, your community will be one of the largest single producers of electricity in Nigeria as you host NIPP and Azura power plantS," he said.

"We are already marketing the community for huge investments and planning to bring the President to do the commissioning for us, to expand what we have, for more companies to come in.”

Briefing the Governor on the reasons behind the barricade of the facility of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in Ihovbor, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Politics and Community Affairs, Chief Osaro Idah, said the transformer bought by the community was removed to an unknown location.

"This act angered the people, who used traditional means to barricade the facility hindering the transmission of electricity,” he said.

He said the community bought two transformers two years ago and BEDC allegedly came to remove one while the other went bad.

He noted that all efforts made by the community to make BEDC return their transformer fell on deaf ears, as they remained in darkness for 16 months, adding that this led to the shutting down of the transmission line in Ihovbor Community.

Leader of Ihovbor Community, Chief Tony Otakpolor, thanked the governor for his intervention, promising that the community believes in his administration and will continue to maintain peace.

“I want to thank you for your kind gesture today by ordering the purchase of another transformer for the Community," Otakpolor added.



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R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Ihovbor Community Leader, Chief Tony Otakpolor; Secretary to the Community, Mr. Roland Iduwe; and another member of the community, during a meeting between leaders of the community and the governor, at Government House, Benin City, on Monday, November 5, 2018.

Obaseki Subsidises Emotan Gardens, As Mixta Nigeria Adds More Units To Housing Stock

With more subscribers angling for units in Emotan Gardens project, in Benin City, Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) has disclosed that the Godwin Obaseki led-administration is providing a form of subsidy through the provision of infrastructure and other incentives to make the houses affordable for everyone in the state.

Executive Chairman, EDPA, Isoken Omo, in a chat with journalists, in Benin City, said that the state government is deeply committed to its affordable housing scheme, which birthed the Emotan Gardens project in the Upper Sopkonba axis of Benin City, the state capital.

According to her, “The government is putting down the land, Infrastructure and the enabling environment; easy approvals and other forms of documentation as well as all the support the investor needs to come to Edo and thrive, we have provided.”

She added that government is providing infrastructure to make it affordable, without having to break the bank to get units in Emotan Gardens. “If we ask Mixta Nigeria to provide infrastructure, that cost will be slapped on the project and then the houses might not be affordable. We have tried to make the project affordable,” she said.

According to her, “What the people are paying for the units is not the true value of the properties. In fact, they are paying way less because the governor has mandated that the house does not go above a threshold. So, the people are paying less for more value, thanks to the governor’s smart way of subsidising the cost of the houses.”

Head, Business Development and Sales, Mixta Nigeria, Mr. Korede Lawrence, said that the houses are affordable because of the state government’s involvement, which brought down the cost of the property.

He said work at the site is in top gear as more housing units are being added to meet the increasing demand from Edo people and residents as well as the diaspora community.

According to him, “Today we are selling for about N5.7 million. These houses cost more than that in the market, but the prices have to come down to a level which everybody can partake. We have gone a step further in the relationship with government by making sure that people can make payment in instalments. So, you won’t pay N5.7 million at once.”

Crimes Against Journalists: Media Practitioners Are Co-Actors Of Devt., Deserve Society’s Protection – Obaseki

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has called for more protection from all segments of society for media practitioners, describing them as co-actors of development.

Obaseki made the call on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, marked on November 2, each year by the United Nations and its partners.

According to the governor, “journalists have contributed significantly to the growth of our democracy and have continued to point leaders to good governance through their critical articles on policies and programmes.

“Where necessary, journalists have praised impactful public policies. They have exposed fraud, incompetence and other socially disapproved practices that stunt growth and development, sometimes at great personal cost.”

He restated his administration’s commitment to open governance in line with best practice, which he said will make access to information easier for journalists.

“As part of my administration’s resolve to make Edo State an information hub, the revamp of the state-owned Observer Newspapers and Edo Broadcasting Service as well as the Printing Press, has commenced.

“We are restructuring all our media ventures and upgrading them with state-of-the-art technology while training programmes have been planned for the existing staff, to leapfrog them into the digital work space,” he added.

According to the United Nations, its “General Assembly proclaimed November 2 as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, in Resolution A/RES/68/163.

“The Resolution urged member states to implement definite measures countering the present culture of impunity. The date was chosen in commemoration of the assassination of two French journalists in Mali on 2 November 2013.”

The global body explained that “the landmark resolution condemns all attacks and violence against journalists and media workers.

“It also urges member states to do their utmost to prevent violence against journalists and media workers, to ensure accountability, bring to justice perpetrators of crimes against journalists and media workers, and ensure that victims have access to appropriate remedies.

“It further calls upon States to promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without undue interference.”

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L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Head of Service, Mrs. Gladys Idahor; and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele, at the 2016 and 2017 National Order of Merit Award, at Government House in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, November 1, 2018.

Productivity: Obaseki Honours 23 Civil Servants For Diligence, Announces Automatic Promotion, N500,000 Prize

…1000-capacity Public Service Training Academy underway

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has decorated 23 state workers, who exhibit a deep sense of diligence, commitment and dedication to their duties in the state civil service.

The governor said plans are underway to establish the Edo State Public Service Training Academy with a training facility that will accommodate 1,000 people at a time.

While congratulating the recipients of the 2016 and 2017 Edo State Productivity Order of Merit Award, the governor said those who were honoured were outstanding and have excelled without supervision even in a difficult working environment.

As part of the award ceremony, Obaseki, who was visibly excited, announced automatic promotion for the 23 awardees, noting that the recipients have been promoted to the next level in their civil service career, in addition to a N500,000 cash prize.

He said, “I will not allow our awardees go home just like that. All the awardees will get automatic promotion. I have directed the Civil Service Commission to promote you to the next level. Each of you will be given N500,000.”

He said his administration’s promises cannot be fulfilled without a productive civil service, noting that the objective of the award scheme is to promote productivity.

“We will have 25 to 28 training rooms where our civil servants will be trained. No Public Servants will be promoted or receive increment without attending at least one training. We inherited a civil service developed during the analogue era but today technology has taken over. We have to move into a new era that is driven by technology,” he added.

The Head of Service, Mrs. Gladys Idahor, praised the governor for sustaining a harmonious relationship with workers in the state and for also believing in the workers by rewarding diligence.

She said the governor has continued to show that he is a friend to workers, as he has previously promoted three officers who displayed diligence in their work, not minding when last they were last promoted.

Speaking on behalf of the other awardees, Mr. Fidelis Ediagbonya, showered the governor with praises for the awards, pledging readiness to do more. He noted that he was only going about his duties without knowing that the government was watching.

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left) presenting a prize to one of outstanding workers in the state civil service at the 2016 and 2017 National Order of Merit Award, at Government House in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, November 1, 2018. With them is the Head of Service, Mrs. Gladys Idahor (middle).

…warns of severe sanctions

The Edo State Government has directed operators of tricycles, popularly called Keke, who ply unapproved routes to return their business to the roads and streets approved for them by the state government.

Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, the state capital, on Thursday, said “Government observed that some tricycle operators carry out their business in restricted areas, and on major roads, thereby contravening government’s policy on where these tricycles should operate.”

Osagie said that “the state government frowns at the flagrant disregard for laid down rules and policies and warned that further violations will be met with severe sanctions.”

He urged tricycle (Keke) operators to conduct their business in areas approved for them by the government.

Obaseki's Institutional Reform: Edo Civil Service Commits To Continuous Staff Training

The Head of Service, Edo State, Mrs. Gladys Idahor, has commended the Godwin Obaseki-led administration for making staff training and re-training and prompt payment of salaries and allowances in the State Civil Service a cardinal objective of his government.

Mrs. Idahor said this at a one-day seminar on “Preparation of Establishment Proposals” for Senior and Middle-Level Officers in the State Public Service, at the Imaguero College Hall, Sapele Road, in Benin City.

She said the seminar was conceived to equip participants with relevant skills and tools required for the preparation of important documents and to further enhance on-the-job effectiveness and efficiency.

She stated that government was determined to ensure that staff at all levels are equipped with relevant skills for effective and efficient performance, urging participants to apply the skills garnered at the training in their various offices.

She reminded the participants of the need to conduct themselves in a civil manner as any act of indiscipline will be viewed as a bid to truncate the good wishes of the state government.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Establishments, Training and Manpower Services, Barr. Deborah Enakhimion, whose office organised the training, urged participants to make the best of it, as the skills are essential in their day-to-day operations.

She stated that an establishment proposal is an essential planning document for personnel budgeting, staff promotion, transfers and advancement in the service, which requires keen administrative skill and techniques in its preparation.

She said that it was necessary that schedule officers in Government Ministries, Agencies and Extra-Ministerial Departments be exposed to the technicalities in preparing establishment proposals, taking into consideration the personnel budget/requirement of their ministries and agencies vis-à-vis government plans and directives as it concerns their establishments.

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Chairman, Edo State Chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Comrade Jenkins Osunde (middle) addressing journalists after the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting at Government House, Benin City. With him are: Chairman, Esan South East, Hon. Victor Emuakhagbon (right); and Chairman, Etsako Central Local Government Area, Hon. Akhigbe Osi John.

…Says State already paying N25,000, ready for N30,000’

…clears 50% inherited LGAs’ salary arrears, as councils receive N2.8bn October allocation


The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has assured workers in the State that his administration will be the first to implement the resolution reached at the emergency meeting between the Federal Government and state governors over the new minimum wage for workers in the country.

Obaseki gave the assurance while addressing members of the organised labour who were on a protest march to the Government House, in Benin City on Tuesday, to sensitise the people on the planned labour strike over the Federal Government’s alleged refusal to agree on N30,000 minimum wage for workers across the country.

The assurance is coming after Chairman of Edo State Chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Comrade Jenkins Osunde, said on Monday, that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration has cleared 50 per cent of inherited salary arrears owed local government workers in the state.

The governor, in his address to the members of the labour unions, said his administration is already paying N25,000 while other states are paying N18,000, noting, “We believe in labour and our government is labour-friendly that is why we have maintained a harmonious relationship with labour in the state and have not had a single strike in two years".

He informed the protesters that he will be in Abuja to attend a meeting where governors are to deliberate on the minimum wage. "I want to assure you that whatever we agree in Abuja today (Tuesday), Edo State Government will be the first to implement it,” he assured.

Obaseki urged the protesters to trust in the present administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari because of its commitment to reduce the suffering of workers in the country, "The President Muhammadu Buhari I know will never support that Nigerian workers should suffer because he is committed to the welfare of the common man".

Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Edo State Chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Ademokun, commended the Governor for creating a friendly atmosphere that has ensured a harmonious relationship between the government and organised labour in the State.

Earlier, at the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting presided over by the governor at the Government House, Benin City on Monday, Osunde said N2,826,548,288.8 was declared by the committee as gross allocation received from the Federation Account for the month of October 2018.

He added that arrears inherited by the Obaseki-led administration is gradually being cleared as the sum has reduced by 50 per cent.

Osunde, who is also the Chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, said that primary school teachers’ salaries for the month was N1,057,495,670.09, adding that “teachers and non-teachers’ salaries gulped N1,113,114,841. The total deduction for the month was N1,706,248,913,34.”

According to him, the net allocation shared by the 18 local government areas of the state from the Federation Account was N1,120,299,375.47, while Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from the 18 local government areas for the month of October 2018 was N1,298,091,758.68.

He noted that the state government has continued to meet its salary obligation to workers including salary arrears owed local government workers, which have been paid as and when due since March 2018.

“It is important to note that this month’s JAAC meeting has in attendance Chairmen of the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), as observers.”


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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left) addressing members of the organised labour who were on a protest march to the Government House, in Benin City, on Tuesday, October 30, 2018.

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