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A cross-section of members of the Elderly Persons’ Association of Nigeria, at the association’s 5th Conference in Benin City, Edo State.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said modalities have been put in place to set up recreational centers to cater for elderly persons in the state, so as to provide for their peculiar needs.

Obaseki disclosed this at the 5th Conference of Elderly Persons’ Association of Nigeria in Benin City, Edo State.

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Magdalene Ohenhen, noted that the decision to set-up recreational centres for the elderly was in line with a country-wide resolution to provide recreational facilities for elderly persons.

“In a communique issued at the end of the 18th August Meeting of the National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development, it was considered that states should establish recreational centres for the aged. We consider this proposal important and have since set the machinery in motion towards actualising it,” he noted.

Obaseki commended members of the association for ensuring a unified body through which public attention could be drawn to the welfare of elderly persons in the society.

He said that assessing the general standard of living in any society is partly hinged on how the society caters for the highly vulnerable persons which include children, women and the elderly, adding, “My administration will continue to prioritise social welfare for the needy and vulnerable persons.”

The governor explained that in the ongoing refurbishment of primary health care centres across the state, adequate provision has been made to reduce the burden elderly persons in the state go through to access public healthcare centres.

National President of the association, Rev. Adebesi Oluwoye, noted that the theme of the conference, ‘The Economic Challenges and the Blessings of Old Age’ was apt as the country was faced with numerous economic challenges.

He said that it was regrettable that despite being blessed with abundant human and natural resources, Nigeria was still ranked as one of the poorest countries in the world.



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Representative of Edo State Governor and Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Magdalene Ohenhen (right); with a member of the Elderly Persons’ Association of Nigeria, at the 5th Conference of the association in Benin City, Edo State.

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The Edo State Government has distributed relief materials to victims of the September 2, 2017 attack on Safarogbo Community, Ovia South West Local Government Area.

Addressing journalists during the distribution exercise, Governor Godwin Obaseki, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Hon. Yakubu Gowon, noted that his administration would not relent in providing support and welfare to Edo people.

The items distributed include: 375 bags of cement, 500 ceiling boards, 125 bundles of zinc, 50 bags of 50kg rice, 50 packets of zinc nails, 25 bags of 3-inch nails and 25 bags of 4-inch nails. Others are: 25 bags of beans, 25 bags of garri, 25 gallons of 25 liters of palm oil, 25 gallons of 25 liters of groundnut oil and 21 matrasses.

Obaseki said the government empathises with victims of the attack, adding that the relief materials are to enable the victims resettle after the attack.

The governor explained that a committee has been set up to ensure the materials are fairly and adequately distributed to the victims, noting, “I have directed that the Chairman of the Council and head of the distribution committee, Destiny Enabulele, Vice Chairman of the council, Head of Social Department in the council, the Councillor representing the affected ward and the Special Assistant to the Governor from the ward to ensure that the materials are properly distributed.”

Representative of the Chairman of Ovia South West Local Government Area and Principal Administration Officer in the council, Mr. Oravbiere Justin, commended the governor for bringing succour to the people of the community, adding, “The response of the governor is commendable and worth emulating.”

The High Chief of Safarogbo Community, Chief Omoh Ton Werigha, said they will not forget in a hurry the incidence of the September 2, 2017 when some militants attacked the community killing four persons, destroying houses and properties.”

Werigha said: “We commend the effort of the governor for his prompt response to our call for assistance. We appreciate Governor Obaseki for the relief materials. The gesture will assist us resettle in our community.”

A victim of the attack, Mr. Adaun Benson, hailed Governor Obaseki for coming to their aid, noting, “Something like this happened in 2012 and we cried, but no one responded to our plea. Governor Obaseki has shown that he is a listening governor and we appreciate his gestures.”

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L-R: Iyobo Magisararogbo; Mrs Brala Tohuevugha; representative of Governor Godwin Obaseki and Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Hon. Yakubu Gowon; Mr Benson Adaum, during the distribution of relief materials to victims of the September 2, 2017 attack in Safarogbo Community, Ovia South West Local Government Area, in Benin City, Edo State.

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The Edo State Police Command on Tuesday paraded 72 armed robbery, cultism and kidnapping suspects, who have been terrorising Benin metropolis over the past few weeks.

Speaking to journalists in Benin on the arrest of the suspects, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Johnson Kokumo, said 58 cult members linked to the killings of eight persons in different locations in the state were among those paraded.

“There was heightened criminal activity viz cultism by rival cult groups: the , Eiye, Black Mafians, Vikings within the period 11th and 14th October, 2018, which led to death of eight persons.

"The police quickly moved in and restored normalcy. 39 arms, 54 cartridges, three battle axes and five fake drinks were recovered from the 72 suspects.

Kokomu gave break down of the suspects to include one Sampson Omorodion, 34, who was arrested for allegedly killing his younger brother, named Imuetiyan Omorodion aged 27, by stabbing him twice on the neck with a knife after an argument between them.

"On October 10, this year, the Command arrested two kidnappers at Five Junction for allegedly kidnapping a 36-year-old lady at Ugbowo area of Benin city,” he added.

The Police boss reiterated the need for citizens to be vigilant at all times and to report any suspicious activity to the police for prompt attention, assuring that the state was unsafe for criminals.

One of the suspected cultists, who is a member of Eiye Confratenity, identified as Azuka Ike, said he joined the cult few years ago and has remained a member but was arrested in Delta State when he fled Edo State, following the renewed fracas with rival cult group.

Precious Okpako, a cab driver, who was rescued by the quick response of the Police, commended the Force for saving him from the armed robbers, who posed as customers.

"I was hired and my car taken from me at gun point and was locked in the booth of my car but I managed to escape and raise an alarm and the police responded to save me," he said.

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Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo, parading 72 suspected cultists, kidnappers, armed robbers in Benin City, Edo State

…As governor gives December date to clear LG retirees' arrears

Some pensioners in Edo State have saluted Governor Godwin Obaseki's courageous move to clear all the pension arrears he inherited.

The commendations are coming as screening and payment of state and local government retirees progress across the state.

Mrs Osakue Ebosele, a retiree, said: "We senior citizens of Edo State are praying for Governor Godwin Obaseki for giving our welfare priority attention. Since I left service, this is the first administration that has not subjected us to embarrassing treatments. We no longer protest for our entitlements to be paid. He is even paying pension arrears he inherited, some dating back to the 1990s and early 2000."

For Elder Paul Owamagbe, Obaseki deserves the prayers and blessings of Edo elders.

He said: "We are proud to have a son like him as the Governor of this state. Edo people respect their elders and our governor has demonstrated this in many ways than one.

"He has also demonstrated that he is indeed an expert at managing resources. In the past, we used to hear that Edo State was a poor state and did not have money to pay her pensioners. We used to protest the non-payment of our entitlements. But all that are in the past now.

“We have realised that what we lacked was the right leaders who are sound enough to harness our resources and prioritise expenditure. I can say this because some of my friends who are retirees in other states with more oil money are still being owed. They are not lucky enough to have a finance expert as Obaseki and that is why they are still suffering. We are very lucky with Obaseki as governor in Edo, I must say.

Another pensioner who would not want his name in print, said "we must commend governor Obaseki for giving us the respect we deserve. All my pension arrears have been paid and my monthly benefit gets to my account before the end of the month. It has never been this good."

As state government retirees are attesting to the reform in the management of pension issues in Edo State, the governor has assured that all pending payments to local government pensioners will be resolved before the end of the year.

Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Jimoh Ijegbai assured on Friday that physical screening which took place last week, will be followed by online screening of local government pensioners in the coming days to generate new data for the pensioners for payments to begin.

Recall that the state government last week, announced plans to commence the screening of Batch 46 pensioners for payment.

The exercise according to the Permanent Secretary/ Chairman, Edo State Pension Bureau, I. D. S. Juwobor, is in continuation of the on-going payment of pension arrears for state government pensioners.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Benin City, the Pension Bureau said the screening exercise will take place on Wednesday October 17 and Thursday 18, at Imaguero Hall, in Benin City.

“All pensioners in batch 46 are hereby invited to present themselves for physical and documentary verification at the Imaguero Hall, Benin City on Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18thOctober, 2018 at 9.00am each day,” the statement urged.

“This announcement also serves as a notice to pensioners in batches 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 and 45 who failed to participate in the previous verification exercises to take advantage of the scheduled forthcoming screening exercise alongside pensioners in batch46,” Juwobor said.

He added: “State Government Pensioners in batch 46 and the spill over batches of 37-45 are advised to check the list of pensioners scheduled for the screening on the notice board in the office of the Head of Service on Monday 15 andTuesday 16, October 2018.

“In furtherance of this, affected pensioners are advised to come to the venue of the verification exercise with the following documents on the scheduled dates of 17th and 18th October, 2018:Pension Authority; Retirement Letter; Letter of First Appointment; Pension Identity Card; Biometric Slip; and Bank details including bank name and Account Number.”

…assures of adequate security for Oba Ewuare II’s 2nd anniversary

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state government will not relent in its effort to flush out criminal elements from the state, assuring that security has been beefed up with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of life and property in the state.

Governor Obaseki who said this after a meeting with heads of security agencies in the state, including the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo, and Head of the Department of State Security (DSS) in the state, noted that the state was firming up security to curb criminal activity across the state.

The security meeting followed the receipt of intelligence on plans by those who do not mean well for the state to disrupt the peace and scale up their nefarious activities as the year comes to an end.

“I have met with the Commissioner of Police and the DSS boss over the increased spate of cult activities in the state and we are deploying resources to ensure that those fuelling the crimes are brought to book. We are committed to a safe Edo State and will not tolerate any criminality,” Obaseki said.

He assured that adequate security measures have been set up in preparation for the 2nd coronation anniversary of the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolo kpolo, Oba Ewuare II.

“I am very much committed to stemming the increased criminality perpetuated by cult groups and gangs in the state.

“As a state that is forward-looking and desirous to attract foreign investment, I want to reiterate that we have exited the days when cult activities held sway in society.

“We have beefed up measures to check the reported cases. The new security architecture is taking shape to ensure that the people are safe,” he added.

He assured that preparations, especially those pertaining to security, are being finalised for the 2nd Coronation Anniversary of the Oba of Benin, noting that a combined team of security operatives will be deployed to ensure adequate security for the ceremony.

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#NoToCodeine Campaign: Edo N-Power Beneficiaries Charge Students On Strong Drug-Free Stance

Beneficiaries of the Federal Government Social Investment Programme, N-Power in Edo State, have charged students in Edo Central Senatorial District to maintain a strong drug-free stance and ward off overtures from anyone to abuse drugs.

Speaking at the #NoToCodeine event that was held at the Annunciation Catholic College, Irrua, in Esan Central Local Government Area of the state, the N-Power beneficiaries: Mr. Chinedu Ikemefuna, Miss Eloghosa Jane Timothy-Igiebor and Mr. Ose Inegbedion, educated the participants on the negative effects of drug abuse.

They charged the students to engage in productive and profitable activities such as sports and the several empowerment initiatives and skills acquisition programmes of the state government.

They emphasised the need for assertiveness, a quality they said “was essential to maintaining a strong drug-free stance.”

The event which is part of the #ittakesavillage campaign, was attended by 283 students drawn from 17 schools, 17 teachers as well as the Chief Inspector of Education in Esan-Central Local Government Area, who was represented by Catherine Adeleye, who is the Deputy Chief Inspector of Education.

Applauding the efforts of the campaign organisers at sensitising the youth on the dangers of drug abuse, Adeleye said the Focal Person of the National Social Investment Programme, Edo State, Miss Osayuwamen Aladeselu, was recruiting crusaders in the fight against drug abuse.

She charged the N-Power beneficiaries to be innovative in giving back to their respective communities, through the #ittakesavillage campaign.

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A cross section of students and facilitators during the #NoToCodeine campaign organised by beneficiaries of the Federal government's N-Power programme at the Catholic Annunciation Catholic College, Irrua, Edo Central Senatorial District, Edo State.

Edo Upholding Dignity Of Girl Child With Fight Against Human Trafficking, Others – Obaseki

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the ongoing fight against human trafficking in Edo State is in recognition of the dignity of the girl child and her capacity to contribute to the growth and development of society.

Obaseki said this in Benin City, in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child celebrated by the United Nations and its global partners on October 11, each year.

He noted that “the fight against human trafficking and illegal migration requires the support of everyone as the menace debases the essence of our common humanity.”

The governor further said that his administration has demonstrated the readiness to attend to the peculiar challenges faced by girls and women in the state with the appointment of 19 female aides on gender issues, who have been enriching government policies and programmes with the needs of girls and women.

“We are empowering our girls and their male counterparts through the new basic education sector transformation (Edo-BEST) initiative of our administration; the various skills acquisition and job creation programmes of EdoJobs, an agency of the state government and we are committed to protecting our young girls in schools with the Child’s Rights Act, amongst other initiatives,” he said.

He added that the landmark judgements secured against child molesters in the state is a testament to the commitment to protecting the girl child from social vices, noting that even more policy measures will be adopted to give the girl child a broader space to realise her potential.

Obaseki described as apt, the theme of the 2018 International Day of the Girl Child, With Her: A Skilled GirlForce, and in consonance with the underlying philosophy of his administration’s well thought out programmes for the girl child.

According to the United Nations, October 11 has been marked as the International Day of the Girl, since 2012, to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girls' empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.

“Today's generation of girls are preparing to enter a world of work that is being transformed by innovation and automation. Educated and skilled workers are in great demand, but roughly a quarter of young people – most of them female – are currently neither employed or in education or training.

“Of the 1 billion young people – including 600 million adolescent girls – that will enter the workforce in the next decade, more than 90% of those living in developing countries will work in the informal sector, where low or no pay, abuse and exploitation are common,” the UN said.

The global body explained that it is using the day to “work alongside all girls to expand existing learning opportunities, chart new pathways and calling on the global community to rethink how to prepare them for a successful transition into the world of work.”

It was a narration of a gory death scene on Monday as prosecution witnesses took the witness box in the continued hearing in the case on the murder of Symphorosa Otike-Odibi, the 50 year-old lawyer who earlier this year in Lagos, was allegedly killed in cold blood by his wife Udeme, also a lawyer.

All witnesses, among whom were two siblings of the deceased, testified in graphic details that late Sym was found on his matrimonial bed with his genitals and intestines cut off.

READ ALSO: http://thebellng.com/sym-otike-odibi-for-burial-today-killer-wife-udeme-remanded-in-kirikiri/

Udeme Otike-Odibi, a 48-year-old lawyer, was on June 13, arraigned by the Lagos State Government on a two-count charge of murder and misconduct with regard to a corpse before an Igbosere High Court in Lagos.

She pleaded not guilty and was remanded in Kirikiri Prison.

READ ALSO: http://thebellng.com/killer-wife-of-slain-symphorosa-otike-odibi-pleads-not-guilty/

At the resumed hearing of the case on Monday, Symphorosa’s friend and neighbour, Mr Stanley Grange-Koko, was led in evidence by the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr Adeniji Kazeem (SAN).

He told the court how the deceased’s younger sister, Dr Anwuli Akwukwuma, called him at 2.00am on May 2, to go to the deceased’s (Symphorosa) house and check what was happening.

Grange-Koko said he rushed out of his car but could not gain access to the compound because no one answered when he knocked the gate and called out the deceased’s name several times.

READ ALSO: http://thebellng.com/slain-sym-otike-odibi-interred-in-lagos-amid-tears-photos/

Grange-Koko said he went back to his house but rushed back to the deceased’s house the second time when Akwukwuma called him back.

“Dr Akwukwuma called me back and said I should go back to the deceased house because it seems life is involved.

“At this point, I went with my wife, also called the estate security men, we had to climb the fence into the deceased compound.

“We also broke down the front door to gain access to the house because no one answered our several knocks,” he said.

Grange-Koko said that he ran upstairs and saw blood on the floor, adding that he followed the blood trail to the bathroom and to the deceased room.

He said both he and the security men had to break the door to the deceased’s room.

“I saw the deceased lying on his bed with his wife (the defendant) lying beside him and there was blood everywhere.

“The deceased intestines were outside, I ran out and met the deceased sister coming up to the room, I tried to stop her from entering the room but she ran past me and entered,” Grange-Koko said.

He said the deceased sister ran out of the room shouting that her brother was dead but the defendant was breathing.

Grange-Koko said the defendant was however taken to hospital for further valuation.

After Grange-Koko’s evidence, the second witness, Dr Akwukwuma was called.

She narrated exactly what Grange-Koko had told the court but added that she called Grange-Koko because he was living in the same estate with the deceased and was a family friend to the deceased.

Akwukwuma also added that she got the information about the problem through her mother whom the deceased called earlier to complain that his wife was hitting him and had a knife.

She added “when I got to the deceased house and saw him lying on his bed with his intestines out, I checked him and saw that he was already cold and stretched out.

“I noticed that he had died for hours and he was holding something in his arm but I couldn’t see what it was because he was already stiff.

“The police told me that it was his genitals that he was holding and asked me if there was another person in the room when I got there, I answered no,” Akwukwuma narrated.

The prosecutor also called a third witness, a younger brother to the deceased, Mr Andrew Otike-Odibi, who narrated the same story.

After listening to the three witnesses, Justice Adedayo Akintoye adjourned further hearing until Oct. 10.

The prosecutor had during arraignment told the court that the Udeme committed the offence on May 3, at Diamond Estate, Sangotedo, Lekki, Lagos.

He said that Udeme stabbed her husband and mutilated his corpse by cutting his genitals.

The offences contravened Sections 165 (b) and 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Section 165 (b) provides five years imprisonment while Section 223 stipulates death penalty for offenders.


SOURCE: http://thebellng.com/murdered-sym-otike-odibi-gory-death-scene-as-witnesses-testify-against-killer-wife/


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Late Sym Otike-Odibi and the alleged killer wife Udeme.

Residents of Edo State have applauded Governor Godwin Obaseki's approval for the deployment of tech-based revenue collection scheme to automate and boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the state.

The residents including traders, commercial vehicle operators, business owners, among others, who spoke to journalists said that the use of technology-based revenue collection scheme will ease payment of taxes, levies and other charges paid to the government.

The Chairman, Edo Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Igbinidu Inneh recently said that the technology-driven scheme will automate revenue collection process from data capture, profiling, assessment generation and notification to cashless settlement, adding it will make way for deployment of persons to serve as distributors, sub-distributors, retailers, and enumerators across the 192 wards in the state. It is expected to create 5,000 jobs within the state.

A commercial vehicle operator in Benin City, Edo State capital, Ikponmwosa Daniel said the state government's decision to automate revenue collection was a smart move, adding, “if I can use a card to pay my daily levies automatically, that will help a lot.”

Christian Okojie, a commercial vehicle operator who plies Benin-Auchi route, said, “Our governor has continued to bring appreciable changes in how things are done in the state. This technology-based revenue collection system will put a stop to multiple taxation.”

“There are times we pay revenue here in the park in Benin City, but when we get to Auchi, the agents will ask you to pay same revenue which you have already paid in Benin City. From what I understand about the way the payment will be done, I believe this digital payment system will put a stop to the problem we drivers face," he added.

A trader in Uselu Market, who identified herself as Madam Elizabeth, praised governor Obaseki for the deployment of technology-based revenue collection scheme.

“This will benefit us who are traders the most. All those revenue people who come here to harass us to pay our levies will reduce. Since it will require the use of the card for payment just like it is done with those Comrade Buses, it will be more convenient to pay the levies without anybody coming to harass you,” she said.

Mr. Livinus Emeka who operates a fleet of haulage trucks, said, “I am pleased to hear of the introduction of technology-based revenue collection system. This will end the challenges operators in the haulage business face. I think this is one of the best things for me that Governor Godwin Obaseki has done to eliminate touts, who mount roadblocks on the high way, collecting all kinds of levies from truck drivers at different points.”

...as Edo parents, teachers applaud Obaseki’s reforms in education sector on World Teachers’ Day

Edo State has recorded the least number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, a recent survey by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in collaboration with a number of international development partners, has shown.

The verdict is contained in the Multi Indicator Cluster Survey 2016-17 released by NBS and signed by its Director General and Statistician-General of the Federation, Yemi Kale.

The survey interpreted by Statisense, a data company, showed that Edo State had a total of 79,446 out of school children, the lowest in Nigeria, while Bauchi State with 1,239,759 leads the pack as the state with most out-of-school children in the country.

The survey lends credence to the impressive efforts of Edo State in the education sectors.

Some of the international agencies that partnered with the NBS on the survey are United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Bank and World Health Organisation (WHO), among other.

Other states where the figures of out-of-school children are high are Katsina with 873,633, Kano with 837,478 and Jigawa with 784,391. Other states at the end of the curve with Edo include Abia with 86,124 and Bayelsa with 86,778.

Meanwhile, as millions observe the teachers’ day across the world, parents and teachers in Edo State have applauded ongoing reforms by the Governor Obaseki-led administration to reposition the education sector in the state.

Governor Obaseki has continued to initiate reforms to overhaul the state’s education sector, including the Edo Basic Education Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme, rehabilitation of the Government Science and Technical College, Benin City; restructuring the College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, the Edo State Polytechnic, Usen and the College of Education, Abudu, among others.

Speaking to journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital, Mr. Lucky Osato, a parent, said, “The reforms in the education sector by the governor are highly commendable. These programmes will return Edo State to her pride of place in the country. I am aware of what is going in the primary schools as well as the revamp of the technical college.”

Mrs. Judith Osifo, a teacher in Okaigben, Igueben Local Government Area, said “I am truly impressed with Governor Obaseki’s interest in improving our skills and boosting our capacity to deliver in the classroom. Where teachers in other states are complaining of not getting their salaries as and when du, we get ours and are still benefiting from the Edo-BEST programme. What more can we ask for?”

“Governor Godwin Obaseki has proven to us that he has our interest at heart with the training of 7,000 teachers in the basic education sector transformation programme. For me, there is no better way of celebrating me as a teacher than assisting me to gain new skills,” Mrs. Osifo added.

Commending teachers on World Teachers’ Day, Governor Obaseki said, “Teachers are special people and deserve to be celebrated for their immense contributions to human and societal development. Daily, they painstakingly groom, nurture and mould minds and equip generations with legally and socially approved practices, skills, norms and values.”

SOURCE: http://thebellng.com/edo-records-lowest-out-of-school-children-in-nigeria/

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Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

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More photos from the inspections ...

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R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Arch Mark Abdul Hamad; and Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development, Edorodion Oye Erimona, during the governor’s inspection of ongoing reconstruction work at the Blocks C and D of the Secretariat buildings, in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, October 4, 2018.

Obaseki Inspects New Specialist Hospital, High Court, Secretariat Buildings, Sets December Completion Date

Edo State Governor Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Thursday was at the State Secretariat to inspect ongoing building projects and assured that the new High Court and Secretariat buildings will be ready by December.

The governor who was also at the new wing of the Specialist Hospital in Benin City, disclosed that his administration has started test-running the facilities to prepare the hospital for a smooth take-off by the end of the year.

The governor added that a lot of departments will be moved from the old buildings to the new wing of the hospital while some of the old buildings will be refurbished to house the state’s primary healthcare board.

"We have set up a Primary Healthcare Board, separate from the Hospital Management Board," Obaseki said.

He added that his administration is doing everything possible to ensure that the High Court extension is completed by the end of the year.

"We have received feedback from judges that will use the facilities and we are incorporating their feedbacks and reactions into the design to enable the contractor make the necessary adjustments before leaving the site,” he said.

On the office of the Accountant General, the governor said “We saw the abandoned building at foundation level, we looked at the design, redesigned it and commenced the construction which will now house the office of the Accountant General and will be called Treasury House, on completion."

He maintained that the building was abandoned for years and assured that his administration would ensure that there are world class facilities for workers in the state to ensure efficient service delivery.

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right), with the management staff of the Specialist Hospital, and some of his aides in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, October

...Edo leads in covering all expenditure without borrowing

The frugal allocation of resources by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration in Edo State which has enabled the state to meet her monthly recurrent expenditure commitments has been applauded by independent researchers, BudgIT.

The organisation’s favourable ranking validates investors’ rating of Edo State as an emerging investment haven with sound reforms in critical sectors such as land administration, company registration and the positive disposition of the government to investment, domestic and foreign.

In its “State of the States 2018 Report on the ability of States to Meet Monthly Recurrent Expenditure Obligations for January – June 2018,” BudgIT, a civic organisation, said: “Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Edo and Ondo are among the top ten states in our Index.”

The organisation in its fiscal sustainability index analysis explained that “Index A looks at the ability of states to meet their recurrent expenditure obligation with state-owned revenue like value added tax, 13 per cent derivation and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). States like Rivers, Lagos, Delta, Bayelsa and Edo sit top of Index A.”

On Index B which looks at the states’ ability to cover all recurrent expenditure without resorting to borrowing, the organisation noted: “Interestingly about 16 states could cover the recurrent expenditure obligation without borrowing funds – a marked improvement over 2017.

“In the first six months of 2017, only four states could effectively meet their recurrent expenditure without borrowing, selling assets or/and donor funds. States like Kano, Bayelsa, Edo, Rivers and Delta sit on top of the index.

BudgIT added that “Edo State appears to have shown some initiative by trying to resuscitate its rubber and palm plantations in conjunction with the private sector, a move likely to increase earnings.”

The plan is to “leverage on high-yielding varieties and long tradition of oil palm production to acquire about 100,000 hectares of land for the development of oil palm estates.”

BudgIT advised that “the timelines in which this project will be achieved are crucial.

It assured that “the Gelegele Seaport, which is to be transformed into a container port, holds great promise, if Edo aggressively revitalises her rubber industry – especially as the commodity trades at about $2,000 per ton.

The organisation projected that “If Edo puts 400,000 hectares under rubber cultivation and invests in research to take yield above four tons per hectares, its rubber-based economy could top $3bn in the near term, on the back of efficient distribution through the seaport.”

It further explained in the State of the States Report that “Despite increasing production capacity over the last seven years, Nigeria ranked 15 on the global production chart for rubber, as at 2016, with a capacity of 156,341 tons - a mere 1.19% of global output (at 13.15million tons).

“This leaves a lot of market room, more so with the increasing application of rubber in the production of items such as stamp, shoes, mulch and roofing. Edo can therefore achieve increase output by putting the following measures in place: mechanised farming; standard storage facilities; stellar transportation systems; processing facilities and alternate point(s) of export/exit point from the country.

“Formal trade agreements with any importing countries would also be a great advantage. Investment in rail infrastructure could also potentially open Edo’s economy to the Southwest and North-west corridor, ensuring smooth transfer of goods and services that in turn results in a larger transfer of funds into the public purse.”

Apostle Hayford Alile: Obaseki Commiserates With Family, Lauds Contributions To Stock Exchange

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has condoled with the family of the late Apostle Hayford Alile.

In a condolence message issued by the governor on Tuesday in Benin City, he said he was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of the former director-general of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and spiritual leader of St. Joseph Chosen Church of God.

Obaseki said: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Apostle Hayford Alile, who was a father figure to me and clearly one of the finest personalities in our country.

“Pa Alile was a courageous and incorruptible professional who championed the global outlook for the Nigerian Stock Exchange through several reforms and pioneered the revolutionary ideas which positioned the Exchange for international reckon.

“He contributed significantly to the take-off and growth of the country’s organised private sector, through his visionary leadership on the boards of several leading companies across the country and left a good legacy everywhere he worked.

The governor further said that “Pa Alile was a role model to many of us and we admired how he succeeded in striking a balance between Christian ministry, work and family.

“In retirement, his foundation, the Hayford Alile Foundation provided succour and empowerment to the under-privileged and gifted, through scholarships, grants and training.”

“We have lost a rare gem in the transition of Pa Alile as a state and nation, but we are consoled by the Godly life he led and the indelible marks he left in the minds and hearts of millions of people.”

Obaseki prayed that “God grants pa Alile’s soul, eternal comfort until we meet to part no more.”

World Habitat Day: Obaseki Assures Of Sound Environmental Governance In Edo With New Policy

The Edo State governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has assured that the state’s new environmental policy will engender a regime of sound environmental governance that will deploy best practice in waste and water management.

Obaseki, who gave the assurance on the occasion of the celebration of World Habitat Day, observed on October 1, each year, said efforts at repositioning the state’s environment to better serve Edo people and residents have begun yielding positive results.

“The Edo State Ministry of Environment and Sustainability recently reviewed the activities of burrow pit and abattoir operators as well as those of sand miners across the state.

“We have undertaken an aerial survey of the state’s land assets and were shocked at the degree of abuse and exploitation of our forests and natural resources,” he said.

The governor stressed that: “We are resolute about restoring sanity to the sector to ensure we have an environment we all will be proud of, and which will outlive us.”

He explained that the flash floods that have wreaked havoc in parts of the state are caused in part, by human activities and called on community and religious leaders as well as other stakeholders to support the state’s blueprint for the sector.

“At the recent expert session convened to review the Edo State Environmental Policy, I charged experts drawn from the United Nations’ specialised organisation to fast-track work on the policy that was tabled for validation. I am confident that when unveiled, the environmental challenges we currently face will be tackled head-on,” the governor said.

The policy document which was prepared in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), according to Obaseki, would address environmental issues such as flooding, deforestation, amongst others.

World Habitat Day is a day set aside by the United Nations to reflect on the state of towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter.

The United Nations explained that “The Day is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns.

“The focus of this year’s World Habitat Day celebrations is taking action to address the municipal solid waste management challenge. This year’s theme is Municipal Solid Waste Management with a slogan: Waste-wise cities.

The global body added, “On October 1, 2018, and in the period before and after this day, a concerted effort will be made to: raise awareness that Municipal solid waste is a global challenge that all of us need to address; facilitate policy dialogue and form partnerships; promote innovative solutions to municipal solid waste management and mobilise resources to address the municipal solid waste challenges.”

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Obaseki's Job Creation Programme: EdoJobs Partners Genius Hub Global, MADE, To Match Edo Youths, Artisans With Employers

As part of efforts to fulfill Governor Godwin Obaseki’s campaign promise to create 200,000 jobs, EdoJobs, has partnered with Genius Hub Global and MADE, to develop mechanism that would enable employers recruit suitable applicants in Edo State.

Speaking at the Edo Employers Engagement Forum in Benin City, Mr. Samuel Omomoh, a consultant on Entrepreneurship and Jobs with EdoJobs, said the forum themed, ‘Edo Synergise’ is a platform which brings stakeholders together to hear from them, know their challenges and find ways of getting people employed.

According to him, “knowing what the challenges are would enable government and the private sector come up with a framework that will help employers hire job seekers in the state without going outside the state to recruit people.”

He explained that the forum which had about 500 participants drawn from organisations in the state, will not only focus on big firms but would also ensure that small and young firms are given the opportunity to share their ideas.

Another partner, Obehi Okpiabhole, the Chief Executive Officer of Genius Hub Global, harped on the impact of market failure and the need to bridge the gap by investing in skills acquisition programmes so that people could transform their passion and dream into work for economic benefits.

“We are here trying to see how we can change the narrative. How Edo people would begin working for Edo people. We want to empower our people with critical skills so that we can use our people to do our work. We realised that there are potentials in Edo State and we can work for the betterment of the state and people.”

Dr. Hemmy Russel, an employer, said there was need for government to respond to the needs of employers especially by creating the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

He noted that there was also need for government to provide a manual that will provide employers with vital information before a business is sited in a particular location.

The Forum featured breakout session where small groups brainstormed on the challenges of employing and retaining job seekers amongst other issues.

Panelists urged that more work should be done by government and private organisations to advise the youth on the need for training to meet the requirements of employers.

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A cross-section of stakeholders at the Edo Employers Engagement Forum at the Edo Innovation Hub in Benin City, Edo State.

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated the governor-elect of Osun State, Mr Gboyega Oyetola on his victory at the gubernatorial election held in the state.

In his congratulatory message, Obaseki said: “I am delighted at your hard-fought victory in the Osun State gubernatorial election and I join millions of Nigerians in the country and beyond to heartily congratulate you and salute your tenacity.”

He added: “Your victory provides a fillip to the growing profile of our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the preferred political party in the country.”

The governor maintained that he has “unwavering faith in Oyetola’s pedigree as an astute and experienced administrator and manager, to consolidate on the foundation laid by the outgoing governor, His Excellency, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and take Osun State to greater heights.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Gboyega Oyetola, as the Governor-elect of Osun State, following the rerun election held in seven polling units across four council areas on Thursday with the candidate of the APC Gboyega Oyetola, beating the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Ademola Adeleke.

Osabass:
Governor Obaseki has been hyperactive driving Edo states's developmental initiatives. He actually pushed himself to the limits over the weekend supervising various meetings and projects before flying to America.

Bodi no be firewood my people.

You have said it all my brother. Only a newbie in Nairaland will be unaware of Obaseki's over choked work schedule in restoring the dignity of Edo.

Arguably, Governor Obaseki still remains the most functional governor in Nigeria presently.

Napping for few minutes after great exhaustion is not a crime anywhere in the world. It is only natural.