₦airaland Forum

We Edolites voted massively for Asue Ighodalo and we are patiently waiting for him to be declared the rightful winner of the Edo Governorship Election.

Joy Is Coming 💯

It's so shameful what the APC led government in Edo State has turned governance to.
Edo is now always in the news for the wrong reason.Anyways, some of us are not surprised because a person cannot give what he has not.

Na WA oooo.Another rigging machinery in motion God help us ooo

It's so bad we have people like this in the country.This exactly the reason Nigeria is the way it is right now.

INEC is one of the reasons Nigeria can not achieve greatness.
Imagine a supposed institution that is expected to conduct credible election is found culpable in election rigging.I weep for Nigeria

A Man who can not keep a home can not be our governor.Olumide should show us how he manages his home first before contesting to be Governor.

Why you just open your eyes and mouth begin lie.if truly Gov Obaseki owe workers salaries as you claim,how come we don't see workers in streets of Edo protesting non payment their salaries? Your hatred for Gov Obaseki will not do you any good

Leviosamwonyi:
Edo 2024: Isere and the failed attempt to sell a man who failed WAEC at 36

By Joseph Osaru

For Felix Isere, hallucination seems to be the major way he copes with failures. From his battered career as a lawyer, where he was humiliated by his own incompetence before packing up his wig and gown and fleeing to Europe to do menial jobs, to his ignominious venture into politics as a praise singer for the highest bidding politician, Isere has always been a sore loser.

After failing, in 2020, along with his paymasters to subvert the will of Edo people and hijack the people’s patrimony to fund their luxurious lifestyles, Felix Isere, again in 2024, effortlessly tried to pitch the former Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Clems Agba for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) but was forced to eat the humble pie by the powers that be within the party, forcing him to take up the disgraceful path of marketing a curious character; a thickheaded, incoherent speaker who failed WAEC at 36 as candidate for his party.

It is therefore not surprising to see his most recent scruffy commentary on the forthcoming September 21 2024 Edo gubernatorial elections steeped in personal bias, lies, bitterness and strife. What a sore loser he is?

In the article, ‘Edo 2024 Guber Election as a Referendum on Governor Godwin Obaseki’s Tenure,’ Isere not only sought fruitlessly to denigrate the outstanding performance of Governor Godwin Obaseki over the past seven and half years but desperately attempted to cast doubt on the character and integrity of a man who has tirelessly dedicated himself to the service of his people.

This is not only utterly preposterous but a trivial effort at mischief which right-thinking people in Edo State would find reprehensible.  

In his rambling, Isere attempted to liken the governor to Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Vladimir Lenin, and Sanni Abacha, claiming that with the meeting of some members of the PDP in Edo North which he described as ‘a reflection of widespread discontent’ of the governor's administration, the forthcoming election will be a referendum on the governor’s tenure.

One would wonder why a rational person would link the outcome of the next gubernatorial elections on a meeting of a few persons in one of the senatorial districts of the State if not just to massage the ego of his paymasters.

If anything, Governor Obaseki goes down in history as Edo State’s best governor of all time. Obaseki’s commitment to their growth and development is unmatched, and his legacies cannot be blemished by false and malicious comments by the likes of Isere.

For whatever it is worth, Obaseki has run his race. His curtain is closing and amid the adversaries he had had to ward off in the last seven and half years, he emerged relatively unscathed. He's got his second term, is superintending over the third fastest-growing sub-national in the country, and has a slew of remarkable attainments in education, arts, infrastructure and manufacturing that would put his traducers to shame.

No gainsaying, he will have the upper hand again in September as he continues to enjoy the love and support of all Edo people, whose lots he has improved and positively impacted through his government’s bold and transformative policies and projects in the last seven and half years. The antics of Felix Isere and his minions would come to naught, as always.

The governor has captured the minds of the majority of Edo people and the 2024 gubernatorial election will be a vote of confidence by Edo people on his performance over the past seven and half years. His success trail is undeniable and this success and performance will guarantee PDP’s victory at the poll in September 21, 2024.

I will advise Isere to rather concentrate on reviving his dead legal career than investing his time and resources in a failed attempt to stage a return and continue to have a field day pilfering and appropriating government assets. He and his ilk will fail again.

Osaru, a freethinker, writes from Edebiri Street, Oredo LGA

It's unfortunate that Isere having realized that he a has a bad product in Akpako man began to write rubbish out of frustration.
Anyways Edolites can't be fooled to accept a Man who wrote WAEC at age 36 and still failed whole fully as governor.As far as Edo is concerned,there is nothing APC and its merchants of lies can do because Edolites has already aligned with Dr Asue Ighodalo

Gov Godwin Obaseki has exemplified good leadership and administrative skills in all sectors of the state; hence this unequalled height.Weldone Your Excellency Sir

*Governor Godwin Obaseki believes more in the Unity of Edo State than his predecessor Adams Oshomole.*

From 1999, Governor Obaseki is the only person who have even agreed to allow power shift to Edo Central ( ESAN). And I think history will remember the governor for that..

In Adams Oshomole Edo North Senatorial district, the OWAN and the Akoko Edo were being Marginalised for years. Today, the deputy governor of Edo state is from Akoko Edo local government and the speaker is from Owan. That is another great achievement from Godwin Obaseki.. That's government of inclusive.

It's going to be on record that in 2024 when the ESAN people clamoured, negotiate, and begged for power shift to Edo Central that Adams Oshomole on his own usual way vowed it will never work. While Governor Godwin Obaseki was busy projecting an ESAN MAN for the position, Oshomole went to the National Television to say ESAN is Minority and Minority cannot dominate majority..

For Godwin Obaseki to even keep to his Promise alone, I think he truly deserves an honour from the Esan people.

*_Written by Osemudiamen Wike_*

*Obaseki, the defender of the oppressed in Edo*

*_By Joseph Osaru_*

Since Governor Godwin Obaseki took office in 2016, he has deployed a deft approach to governance aimed at providing succor to the weak, oppressed, marginalized and vulnerable members of the society with a focus to addressing their needs.

Edo people will not forget in a hurry the days when thugs wielded giant whips, flogging poor mothers struggling to eke out a living in markets and harassing and oppressing commercial bus drivers who toil night and day to cater for their families. These criminal elements perpetuated this in the guise of revenue generation, with over 90 percent of the said ‘revenue’ collected ending up in their private purse.

Today, the story has changed for the better and sanity has been restored to the Benin metropolis on the back of the governor’s innovative revenue collection system.

Not many would forget how the people of the State were subjected to subjugation and exploitation in the hands of killer community gangs who perpetuated their evil in the guise of Community Development Associations (CDAs) until Obaseki sanitized the system.

That era when one ‘strong’ man was selling a parcel of land to 20 people amid a myriad of attacks on the State’s real estate developers by notorious criminal elements who hounded genuine investors and halted development in the State.

But the governor changed all of these. He introduced nuanced land administration reforms, proscribing the activities of these CDAs and criminal gangs and creating the State’s Geographic Information Service, which today delivers C-of-Os to property owners in less than five weeks, and at an affordable price.

Can we forget in a hurry the pitiable sight of our pensioners wearing black and black, sitting, walking, running across major Streets within the Benin metropolis, protesting their unpaid pensions and gratuities? When our mothers, fathers and older citizens were oppressed and subjected to extreme suffering and severe hardship, with many of them dying without getting their entitlements despite giving their all in service to the State?

Today, Edo is the darling of workers and pensioners. It is unsurprising that these pensioners who are invariably the happiest in the country have now become ardent lovers and supporters of the governor who has kept to his promise of paying them their pensions as and when due. The governor has also harmonised pension and started to clear gratuities of retirees in the State.

For the political scene, the governor has also made manifest an undying commitment to ending oppression in all its guise and form. He has enthroned equity and fairness across the State, creating opportunities for marginalized areas to attain political ascendancy. The examples of this abound.

The people of Owan had suffered long-standing political marginalization as they never got the opportunity to occupy any leadership position in the history of the State but for the first time Obaseki ended this form of political relegation, giving the Owan people an opportunity at leadership through their son, Blessing Agbebaku who currently serves as the Speaker of the 8th House of Assembly.

For the Esan people, who have not had any significant representation in the governance of the State since 1999, except for the short reign of Oserheimen Osunbor as governor between 2007 and 2008, it was Governor Obaseki who initiated the idea of ceding the position of the next governor to them, in the spirit of equity, justice and fairness.

Today, a successful son of Esanland, Dr. Asue Ighodalo is the governorship candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). That was what also forced the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) to cede their party ticket to an Esan man.

Akoko Edo, which is one of the oldest local government areas in Nigeria, had not also had an opportunity for fair representation in government except when the governor appointed their son, Taiwo Akerele, to serve as his former Chief of Staff.

The governor also most recently shattered the age-long jinx of marginalization and political exclusion of the Akoko Edo people with his decision to appoint 37-year-old Omobayo Marvellous Godwins as his new deputy following the impeachment of his former deputy, Philip Shaibu by the State Assembly.

Is it not clear that Governor Obaseki is the defender of the oppressed? People-centric, the governor has continued to pursue an agenda to provide succor to the weak, marginalized, oppressed and vulnerable members of the society. This is more than enough reason to be grateful to Governor Obaseki.

*_Osaru, a freethinker, writes from Edebiri Street, Oredo LGA_*

No doubt, Asue Ighodalo has a lot of experience, competence and verifiable evidence garnered from both his private and public engagements.These make Dr Asue Ighodalo standout from the others

I just love this gbas gbos going on in LP.Abeg make una continue with the roforofo fight while l get pop corn to enjoy am.
Anyways,LP cannot win Edo Governorship election

*Obaseki Reforms: Russian firm, Rosatom commences exploration of lithium in Edo, gets nod to build processing plant*

One of Europe’s largest nuclear energy companies, Rosatom, has commenced exploration of lithium in Edo and has gotten the state government’s approval to build a lithium processing plant.

The Commissioner of Mining and Energy, Hon. Enaholo Ojiefoh, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists in Benin City, noted that staff of the company have been resident in the State since October 2023, and are advancing on exploration activities.

“We have allocated land for the company to build a lithium processing plant and it will soon commence production of lithium batteries in the State,” he said.

He added that not less than three multinational companies are constructing processing plants in the State, which is an indication that the state’s solid mineral market is attaining maturity.

The commissioner noted that a number of States have come to study the Edo model and the State has been sharing its masterplan to these States so as to expand the sector for greater competitiveness.

Obaseki to parley FG on concessioning of Benin/Auchi Road to Edo govt, partners

…as Edo, Dangote, BUA commence remedial works on 30km

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the State Government has arranged for a meeting on Tuesday, March 12 with representatives of the Federal Government, Dangote Group and BUA Plc to discuss and proffer short term solutions on the deplorable condition of the Benin/Auchi Road.

The governor disclosed this at the weekend during a chat with journalists at the Government House in Benin City, after a closed door meeting with the Minister for Works and Housing, Engr. David Umahi.

Governor Obaseki also appealed to the Federal Government to concession the road to Edo State Government as a long-term solution, noting, “As a State, we would work with the Minister and the Federal Government. The issue of roads can’t be left to one stakeholder alone; we all must come to work together.

“We are very concerned about the high-traffic roads like the Benin-Auchi road which is one of the main transport arteries in Edo State. Youths have protested severally about the poor condition of the road. We have appealed to them and they accepted and expect us to fulfill the promise on remedial action to reduce the carnage, accident, destructions, and delays commuters witness on that road.

He noted, “We have agreed with the Minister that we would send one of our contractors immediately to go in there this next week to commence palliative work in some very bad sections of the road. We also agreed that the bad sections particularly around Agbede, between Ekpoma and Irrua-axis and some other portions towards Uhunmwode LGA.

“These bad sections have been calculated and it came to about 30km and we have to bring in other stakeholders, particularly heavy users of the road. We have singled out Dangote and BUA cement companies as they are one of the largest users of the Benin/Auchi road and can’t stay aloof.

“We are summoning a meeting with representatives of these two companies, Edo State Government, and the Federal Minister for Works and Housing on Tuesday to agree on concrete steps and measures to take and make sure that the remedial works are done on the bad sections of the road to ensure rehabilitation work are done before raining season commences.

“We can’t afford to have that road in that condition this year. Things are bad enough in the country. This is the main artery moving petroleum products, foods from the North to the South. We have no choice but to make sure that the road is open to traffic. These are short term measures.”

“I want to thank the Honourable Minister for Works and Housing for the concern he has shown to us on the State of Federal roads. Same time last year when I cried for help about the deplorable State of our roads ahead of the rainy season, we didn't get this kind of response. That is why we have to deal with the terrible road situation during and after the rains.

Obaseki said, “I believe that the Minister has shown enough sensitivity to iur plight. He has come to us ahead of the heavy rains to see what we can do and what palliative measures can be put in place in some of these federal roads. I believe that once we take some of these steps, the situation can’t be as bad as we experienced last year.

“The Minster has raised several issues. First is because of our position as a State with a unique location. We have a very large network of federal roads across the State. We are perhaps one of the few states with the largest extent of federal roads. But our citizens will always argue that they are not federal citizens but citizens of Edo and Nigeria using these roads. It’s important we come together, work together and build these roads.

“In working together, we have to remove the encumbrances which are the way we contract to build the roads, the people we used to build these roads, the materials used as well.”

On the way forward, the governor said, “We need to use more sustainable local materials instead of using expensive asphalt. We should now think of using sustainable local materials. We produce cement and steel. We have no reason why we should not begin to move towards using concrete in building our roads for it to last long.

“As part of the long term measures, the road should be concessioned. We will be discussing it with the Minister on Tuesday. Our focus is that the road must and should be concessioned as we can’t continue to accept what is going on anymore.

“You have contracts for almost 20 years but we have not been able to make progress, please hand over that road to us, let us concession it to people that have the money as we have done with the Benin-Asaba Road. We believe working with the private sector we can be able to raise the money to dualise the road. Before the end of this year we would push for the concession of the road and would try to achieve this before leaving office.

The Minister for works, Engr David Umahi commended the Governor Obaseki for his commitment to make life better for Edo people, adding that the President directed him to take a look at the performance of contractors, adding that anyone that has performed below expectation will be sacked.

“The federal government has issued warning letters to some contractors who are not living up to expectations and failures to meet up will lead to termination of contract. I commend governor Obaseki for his concern about the state of roads in Edo State. I worked with the governor throughout the night and I have seen his commitment to his people. He spoke with BUA, Dangote and invited them for a meeting on Tuesday.

“I commend you very highly for your work especially on concrete roads. It means you mean well for Edo people. You are a private driven person and your commitment to the State is commercial and we see a lot of returns on investments and until we run a government like the private sector, we will not make much success.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Minister for Works and Housing, Engr. David Umahi; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Edo State Commissioner for Road and Bridges, Ethan Uzamere, and Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, after a closed door meeting at the Government House, Benin City, at the weekend.

Mothers’ Day: Obaseki celebrates mothers, hails sacrifice in navigating complexities of motherhood

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has celebrated mothers for their immense role in societal development, hailing their sacrifice, perseverance, bravery and resourcefulness in expertly navigating the daunting challenges of motherhood, especially amid the current economic realities.

The governor in commemoration of 2024 Mothers’ Day, said mothers face complex challenges both at home and in society, from managing household responsibilities to navigating societal expectations and balancing work commitments, among others, noting that they have expertly and selflessly navigated these challenges with grace and resilience.

He said mothers deserve praise for making sacrifices that have led to the advancement of society and are still at the forefront of reforms and changes that guarantee a better future.

Hide quoted text
According to him, "Mothers are God’s most distinctive gift to mankind, and this year’s Mother’s Day celebration presents yet another fine opportunity to celebrate and appreciate them for their sacrifices, love, care and unflinching commitment to family and society.

“Even in the face of dire economic straits, they have shown brightly, conquering several odds to be the superhumans they are. It is in this light that the state government is executing reforms and undertaking projects to make the roles of mothers easier. We are executing empowerment programmes, making the workplace friendlier, and implementing more policies to lessen the load on mothers.”

Reassuring of efforts to protect mothers and guarantee them better opportunities, the governor stated, "We have brought mothers to the decision table as we have a good number of women occupying top-tier positions in government, which affords us the opportunity to tap from their innate potential to build a better and inclusive society.

“From our government’s reforms in healthcare to education, housing, agricultural programmes, gender mainstreaming and many more, mothers who have been placed at strategic points in the value chain have all played huge roles in ensuring a better life for Edo people and we are proud of their accomplishments and exploits.”

*Palliative: Obaseki launches ‘Feed the Hungry’ initiative, commits over N1bn monthly*

*_...meet Christian, Muslim communities in Edo_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Friday, flagged off the “Feed the Hungry” initiative, committing over N1 billion monthly to feed poor and vulnerable residents of the State amid the hardship and suffering occasioned by the dire economic challenges.

The governor met with Christian and Muslim leaders in the State respectively, to flag off the programme which is to be managed by the religious bodies across the State’s 18 local government councils.

Launching the palliative programme at the Benin Catholic Archdiocesan Chancery Building at St. Paul Catholic Church, Benin City, said the government will commit over N1bn monthly for the pilot phase of the programme.

According to him, “You know my position about what is going on in Nigeria and you know how we raised the alarm about the situation we have found ourselves in. It didn't stop us from getting to where we are today. We should not just lament and complain about the situation.

“As a government, we must think of how to respond and deal with the situation we find ourselves in. Instead of lamenting, we rather came to meet with the Christian body to see how to address the challenges facing our people and citizens.

“The government and the Christian leaders met on the 10th of February, 2024, on how to address these issues. A Committee was set up by the Christian body and it has worked diligently in the last three weeks and came up with a programme of action.”

On why the Church is championing the programme, Obaseki said, “As the governor of Edo State, when citizens are in distress and need help, very few of them can reach me in Government House but many do walk across to meet you the men of God to intercede for them and help them overcome their challenges and difficulties.”

He continued: “This initiative is purely driven by CAN and the Church. Our responsibility, as a government, is to make the resources available and help monitor the process and ensure our goals are met.

“For the pilot phase, we are making available a billion naira monthly and placing it in a dedicated account from which this programme will be operated.

“We believe that working with God, just like Christ multiplied five fishes and bread, this amount will be multiplied and used to reach the indigents, poor and hungry citizens of Edo State. We expect that many members of various congregations in the State will also assist and support this initiative.”

Charging on effective management of the programme to achieve its expected goal, Obaseki reiterated the need for the food items to be purchased from local communities to boost economic activities.

He stated, “This is the first phase of the intervention and we must go beyond giving people fish but teach them how to fish. Working with my team, I am going to use the structure you have put in place to try and reach out to many of our people to let them know the kind of economic opportunities that we as government have for them and want to roll out, particularly in agriculture.”

The governor said his government will partner with the Edo CAN and other organizations to support Christian farmers to enhance food production and ensure food sufficiency.

He added, “It’s my singular pleasure to formally launch the ‘Feed the Hungry’ initiative in Edo State. We would have periodic reviews to see how the programme is going and correct any shortcomings.”

Obaseki also met with the league of Imams in Edo State, led by Chief Imam of Benin Central Mosque, Alhaji Fatai Enabulele, where he solicited their support in ensuring that the initiative succeeds.

He said, “We have met with the Christians and are here to meet with the Muslims. We have decided to work with you because the government can't feed everybody but the government can show examples.

“Let’s put money through you to buy food and distribute it to people in the Mosques when they come to prayers. We have worked out things as we will not buy it here in Benin and give it to people at Igarra but rather buy at the various locations where it will be distributed to the people.

“We are very concerned about what is going on and will collaborate with you to feed our people. You will organize the people and the programme to enable them to feed.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

*IMG_01*

L-R: Archbishop of the Benin Diocese of Catholic Church Bishop Augustine Obiora Akubueze; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and Chauirman, Edo State Christian Association of Nigeria, Irekpono Omoike, at the flag-off of “Feed the Hungry” initiative, with Christian leaders, in Benin City, Friday, March 8, 2024.

*IMG_02*

L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Chief Imam of Benin Central Mosque, Alhaji Fatai Enabulele, Chairman, Edo State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board (MPWB), Sheikh Ibrahim Oyarekhua, at the flag-off of “Feed the Hungry” initiative, with Muslim community leaders, in Benin City, Friday, March 8, 2024. .

*Int’l Women’s Day: Obaseki hails Nigerian women’s resilience, courage in tough times*

_*…urges increased investment, global action to bridge gender gap, accelerate progress in advancing equality*_

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has hailed Nigerian women for their resilience and courage in the wake of the dire conditions that they have had to operate occasioned by the rising inflation and other economic challenges.

The governor, in a statement to mark International Women’s Day (IWD), noted that the inflationary trend has heavily impacted families, which are struggling to survive amid the high cost of living and other economic headwinds.

The 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) marked by the United Nations (UN) and other development organisations across the globe has the theme, 'Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.'

Obaseki who celebrated women for their impact and immense contributions to the growth and development of the society, called for increased global action, including strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and improving investment towards efforts at bridging the gender gap and accelerating the progress on gender equality.

According to him, “As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I am moved to praise the resilience and courage of Nigerian women who are forced to make tough decisions every day over the rising cost of living. This has impacted them when they go to work and even on the home front. It takes fortitude to keep things running smoothly.

“As commissioners, permanent secretaries or heads of agencies, market women or business owners in Edo State, women have proven to be expert managers of resources. They have been resilient and courageous in the discharge of their duties and we celebrate these great traits on this day.”

“However, beyond this, I must acknowledge women for their contributions to societal advancement, from changing the narrative in the world of business to their complementary role in the home.

“It is worth noting that the family unit remains one of the strongest forces of socialization. While we witness severe attacks on this essential unit that holds our core values and virtues, women have stood as vanguards of hope and positive change.”

The governor also noted that efforts have been taken to support women-led enterprises in the State, stating that women play key roles in business and politics and must be supported because of their unrelenting commitment to making society better.

“For us, we believe women must be supported. This is why we have made necessary investments to support their businesses. We are redesigning and rebuilding markets and giving more women roles in government because we believe in their innate ability to do good and care for others,” he added.

*Guinness World Record: Obaseki assures support for youths, hails Osariemen for marathon reading attempt*

_*… cheers Osariemen as she reaches 207 hours, advocates more support*_

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his government will continue to prioritize young people in the State, ensuring they are adequately empowered and equipped with the right skills and tools to realize their full potential.

Obaseki said this when he led other government functionaries to the Edo State Library Complex, at the State Secretariat, Benin City, to cheer Osariemen Angel Asein, an indigene of the State who is attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon reading aloud by an individual.

As at the time of the governor’s visit, Osariemen Asein, who kicked off the attempt on February 23, 2024, has read for 207 hours, surpassing the current 145-hour Guinness World Record for the longest marathon reading aloud.

Obaseki was accompanied by his wife, Betsy; Special Adviser on Media Project, Crusoe Osagie; Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare; Commissioner for Digital Economy, Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor; Commissioner for Education, Joan Osa-Oviawe and the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Uyi Jennifer Oduwa-Malaka, among others.

Speaking to journalists, the governor said the vision of Osariemen aligns well with what his administration has done in the State in the last seven years, developing the reading culture of our young ones and re-enacting the education system, particularly basic education.

He said, “I am very excited and it's gratifying for me to see one of our own, Osariemen Angel Asein attempting to break the Guinness World Record in reading. It's just ties in with what we have preached and the work we have done in the State in the last seven years, trying to re-enact education, particularly basic education, and develop the reading culture of our young ones and children in this State.

“It’s quite pleasing to see one of them trying to take it to another level, letting the world see how well Edo young people are doing; how aspirational and globally competitive they have become. I believe that there can't be a greater reward for our administration than what this young lady is doing. I am asking all of you to support her in this quest as we are here to support her as she has broken the world record in reading; what a record to break! it's quite gratifying and fulfilling.”

Obaseki who also received Prof. Demas Nwoko, one of Africa’s greatest architects at the library to support the aspiration of Osariemen Asein, commended him for his architectural work across the globe.

He noted that Edo State has also benefited from Prof Nwoko’s architectural work as Oba Akenzua Cultural Center is one of his works.

Obaseki noted, “Here we have Prof. Demas Nwoko, most people may not realize he is one of Africa’s greatest architects; he is joining us here today. One of his seminar works is the Oba Akenzua Cultural Center which is one of the 1001 buildings you must see in this world before you die.

“He is here in Edo State with us as Osariemen read from one of his books. He is here to see one of his works, the Oba Akenzua Cultural Center which we are going to finally try to complete and make it part of the cultural district which we are building for people to come and see.”

In addition, the Edo State Ministry of Education through its EdoBest Programme launched the Book and Art Festival with the maiden theme, “Every Child a Reading Champion.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

*DSC_01*

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right), with an indigene of Edo State who is attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon reading aloud by an individual, Osariemen Angel Asein, at the State Library, in Benin City, Wednesday, March 6, 2024.

*DSC_02*

L-R: Edo State Commissioner for Education, Joan Osa-Oviawe; Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Governor Godwin Obaseki, and Prof. Demas Nwoko, at the Edo State Library, venue for Osariemen Angel Asein’s attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon reading aloud by an individual, in Benin City, Wednesday, March 6, 2024.

*Obaseki boosts emergency response with launch of Edo EMS*

_*...trains 200 community-based first responders*_

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has boosted emergency response with the launch of the first phase of the emergency medical services in the State.

The emergency medical service provides toll free numbers of 112 and 739 linked to the Solomon Arase Command and Control Centre in the State to enable residents to get medical services within a space of ten minutes.

The Edo EMS emergency medical services number for prompt response to emergency health issues covers Oredo, Egor, and other selected parts of the State for the first or pilot phase of the programme. 200 Community-Based First Responders (CBFR) are to be trained in the next one week to flag off the programme.

Speaking to the 200 CBFR, at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), Governor Godwin Obaseki said the Edo EMS emergency medical services number is one of the most innovative services that has been launched in Nigeria's healthcare system.

According to him, “The Edo Emergency Medical Services is an integrated system, as you can't do one without the other. You must have a network of responders, carefully selected people across the network, give them required training and support, have communication devices, and a functional command and control Center where calls come in as each step is monitored, and a system that pays for these services on a sustainable basis. In Nigeria, we have not been able to sustain our emergency response.

"We have been able to crack it in Edo State and I am here to be trained as an emergency responder. We must care for our people and care for each other. We have partners ready to collaborate with us as they are truly committed to providing emergency services for our people.”

He further noted, "This service is possible because of the diligent steps taken in the last six years as a government to think through how to provide services for our people and citizens, particularly in the healthcare sector. We realized early that healthcare is not equal to hospitals but a system that provides for the well-being of the people.

"Early in my administration, we decided on the health improvement plan for Edo State and thanks to the CMD of UBTH who was with us in the beginning when we conceptualized what you are seeing today.

"We must decentralize health care, and make sure the primary health care system works as that system has recruited most of the responders we see here today. Healthcare is all about having committed and dedicated people that will man the healthcare system and make it work.”

Speaking on the State’s Health Insurance Scheme and efforts to make healthcare affordable for Edo residents, Obaseki said: “Our own health insurance scheme is one of the best run in Nigeria as we have over 200,000 enrollees in the short term we have established it. The enrollees have been paying their premium diligently and we are proud of their services.”

He charged the responders, “You are the most critical factor as you are being trained as emergency responders. I want to thank you for volunteering yourself to receive the training and skills required to provide the support. I want to assure you that we have thought it through very carefully as yours is a network to be encouraged and supported because you are a critical factor in saving lives in Edo State.”

Representative of Partner Emergency Response Africa, Folake Owodunni who made a presentation on Project Overview of Edo EMS said emergency care is the right of every citizen and should be accessed by everyone in the State.

She noted, “We have selected 200 responders who will be trained as we have developed a robust training curriculum. We have revitalized and prepared four ambulances for the pilot phase for Oredo, Egor and selected parts of the State.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Edo State Commissioner for Public Security and Safety, Kingsley Uwagbale; Project Director, ERA, Folake Owodunni; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Project Manager, ERA, Kate Ibeanusi, and Health Commissioner, Dr. Samuel Alli, during the launching of the first phase of the emergency medical services in Edo State, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

Obaseki inspects ongoing devt of Edo Radisson Hotel, says project to be completed in November

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the 170-room Edo Radisson Hotel will be completed before the end of his administration in November 2024.

Obaseki gave the assurance during a meeting with a team and officials from Radisson Hotel, Dubai after which he led the team on a tour of the facilities to inspect and ascertain the progress of work done in the last three months.

The governor said, “A great amount of work has been done in the last three months, as the facial aspect of the hotel is being cleaned up and a lot of work is going on in all the floors. I am quite satisfied with the progress of work as we are making very fast progress. We are optimistic that the project will be completed in due time.

“We are here today to inspect and make sure it fits the Radisson Hotel standard. We have a team from Radisson Dubai to look at the project. Before the team lends their name to any project, they make sure it meets certain minimum international standards. From the brief meeting we had with them, they are satisfied that we are on track.

“This project will be completed before I leave office in November 2024,” the governor reassured.

Other government officials at the inspection include the Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Project, Crusoe Osagie, and Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, amongst others.

The hotel, which is the Radisson Group’s 12th hotel in Nigeria, officially marks its debut in Benin City.

The hotel’s array of Scandinavian-inspired accommodations will range from contemporary standard rooms to expansive executive suites, including a presidential suite.

Creating a social hub for delectable cuisine, the hotel’s gastronomic offering will include a lobby bar and café, an all-day dining restaurant as well as a pool bar and grill. To provide a harmonious stay, guests can also unwind in the hotel’s gym and spa.

The Radisson Hotel Benin City is situated in the prime Government Reserved Area (GRA). Conveniently accessible via the airport and Benin-Sapele roads, the two main arteries of the city, the hotel is just five minutes-drive from the Benin Airport and on the doorstep of the Benin Golf Course and the city’s commercial center.

It is also within close proximity to various security offices, such as the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Police Force, providing an additional security presence in the vicinity of the hotel.

The hotel’s meetings and events spaces will consist of a-507sqm sub-divisible ballroom, three meeting rooms and a pre-function area for a wide range of tailored events.

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Consultant, COSTEC, Agele Alufohai; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., during the 170-room Edo Radisson Hotel, in Benin City, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

*Obaseki celebrates exemplary life of late Anambra monarch, HRM Onyema III*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has extolled the exemplary life of the late traditional ruler of Ogwu-Ikpele in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Eze Valentine Chukuma Onyema III, hailing his contributions to societal development.

Obaseki eulogised the late monarch at the celebration of the last Ofala in his Community, Ogwu-Ikpele, Ogbaru LGA, Anambra State.

The late traditional ruler is the father of the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Oscar N. Onyema OON. He died at the age of 105 years.

Obaseki was accompanied by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food security, Steven Idehenre; Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Joshua Omokhodion; Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Osilama Okuofu, among other top government functionaries.

The governor said, “I am here to celebrate the life and time of our Igwe and have to come here because of what the Igwe means to us in the State. He is our in-law as he came to take a wife from us in Benin.

“Apart from the relationship between the Benin Kingdom and the Anambra people, we are here to celebrate the life of a great man and a great community leader.

“We are in solidarity with you and look up to God and to you to continue to propagate his legacy and the values he stood for and take up the challenge to build the Community. I appreciate his colleagues at the Anambra Traditional Council for gracing the occasion.”

He added, “We are here to celebrate the life of an amazing patriot and someone who has worked hard for his Community in terms of human capacity.”

In his response, Oscar Onyema noted, “The governor is my brother and he has always been there for me and what he has done is not out of character. My father has really tried for this Community and it's befitting that we gave him a very good send forth.

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Edo State Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Joshua Omokhodion; Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Osilama Okuofu; Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Oscar N. Onyema, and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during the celebration of last Ofala in honour of late traditional ruler of Ogwu-Ikpele in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Eze Valentine Chukuma Onyema III, at the weekend.

PUBLIC NOTICE

*This is to notify the general public that the Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development (MPPHURD) and its Agencies are relocating from our former Office at 2nd Floor, Block C Secretariat Complex, Sapele Rd. Benin City to our new office complex.*

*Address: Block A, Plot 102 Benin -Sapele Road (Former Water Board Building) just before Conoil Filling Station, Sapele Road, Benin City.*

*IMPORTANTLY NOTE THAT BUILDING PLANS PERMIT APPLICATIONS AND OTHER SERVICES ARE STILL BEING RECEIVED AND ATTENDED TO DURING THE RELOCATION*

*For more enquiries, please call 08104663697*

_Thanks for your understanding and sorry for any inconvenience caused._

Interest Rate: Obaseki blasts CBN, warns of tougher times ahead

… ‘Nigeria must focus on production, discourage dollarization of nation’s economy’...

.... ‘Edo among leading States in GDP growth’*_

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has predicted tougher economic times for the country due to bad economic policies by the Federal Government, condemning the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to increase the interest rate to 22.75 percent.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the CBN had last week raised the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), also known as the benchmark interest rate by four hundred basis points to 22.75 percent from 18.75 percent.

Obaseki, who spoke at the annual Edo Zone Bankers' Committee Dinner held in Benin City, the Edo State capital, cited the potential adverse effect of the interest rate increase by the CBN on businesses and the nation’s economy, reiterating the need to focus on productive activities.

The governor said, “The next few months will be difficult because the policies rolled out by CBN will unfortunately not support growth in our economy. The interest rate is already high and jacking it up will not allow small businesses access to credit to make them grow.

“We must focus on the fundamentals which is increasing production, making sure our citizens produce what we consume and depend less on imports. Our economic and monetary policies should not be determined by exchange rate alone.

“The issue of increasing the cash reserves in a bid to tighten liquidity is going to be detrimental to our economy. We should focus on fiscal issues to enable us to grow our economy, not panic about the interest rate. Creating jobs should be a priority for us as a nation.”

Commending the role of commercial banks in societal development, Obaseki tasked the banks to come up with products and services which can assist the majority of citizens in overcoming the harsh economic realities experienced nationwide.

He however reassured that his government will continue to partner with the financial sector to cushion the effects of the present economic realities on the people of the State.

Noting that his government has over the last seven and half years undertaken several policies and programmes to reposition the State as a leading subnational in terms of GDP growth, the governor reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the welfare of the people.

He said, “We have built institutions, empowered our people with skills, and ensured they are gainfully employed and seven years after, we are ranked as one of the top States in terms of GDP growth in Nigeria.

“I am here to thank you for collaborating with us to grow the economy of Edo State in the last seven years. You have supported me to make progress this far. I thank each bank and management for taking advantage of the opportunities created in the last seven years, especially with our reforms and growth.

“In the last seven years, we have improved our security, ensuring our people walk freely as the ability to restore security gives confidence to our people who come back home to invest in our State.”

The governor further stated, “Before now, our young ones traveled at will to seek greener pastures but our administration in 2017 got the report about how desperate our youths are traveling out but we have changed the narrative.

“As I wind down as governor, I am leaving a strong State economically; agricultural production has been ramped up significantly. We are leaving a State that is the most digitally connected in Nigeria today as we have laid over 2,000km of fiber optic connection across the state and we have connected the 18 LGA and all your branches are well connected.”

“We are leaving a State that is leading in terms of electricity generation. We have Azura, contributing to the stability of the national grid. We also have Ossiomo Power. Investors are ready to support our initiative in the State. We have the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Law that will allow us to regulate those who want to generate and distribute electricity in Edo State.”

“We have laid the basis for economic growth and development in Edo State and Nigeria. We saw this difficult time coming but could not move and make the necessary decision that would have saved us, but those who ought to act to save us failed to do that, hence here we are today,” Obaseki added.

*PHOTO CAPTION*

*DSC_01*

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left), with the Branch Controller, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Benin Branch, during the annual Edo Zone Bankers’ Committee Dinner in Benin City, at the weekend.

*DSC_02*

L-R: Mrs. Esther Mgbeze; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and Branch Controller, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Benin Branch, during the annual Edo Zone Bankers’ Committee Dinner in Benin City, at the weekend.

*Obaseki reforms: We’ve cultivated over 2,000 hectares of oil palm, now exporting to Ondo, Kwara, others – Bravag Ltd*

The Managing Director of Bravag Nigeria Limited, Mr. Erhunse Oviawe, has said that with reforms pioneered by Governor Godwin Obaseki through the Edo State Oil Palm Programme (ESOPP), his company has developed a 2000 hectares farm estate and is now exporting Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) to other parts of the country.

In a chat with journalists, Oviawe noted that the company’s milling plant will start processing FFB next month, when the equipment installation is complete.

According to him, “We have 2,000 hectares of oil palm. We will start milling in the next one month, as I said, because we have fruits coming out in bunches. We call them FFB (fresh fruit bunches). We are now selling to other mills in Edo State; they come in to buy. Even from outside the state, from as far as Ondo.

“Today, we have enquiries from Kwara; they want to come down and collect from us. Even from Delta, they come in to buy oil palm from us. We have a mill that is starting production in another month or two. But because our mill is not ready, that is why we are selling bunches to other millers.”

He added that the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS) has also been instrumental to the ease of doing business in the State as it has simplified ease of securing of legitimate land titles which has eased access to finance.

*NLC Protest: Obaseki empathises with Edo people, Nigerians over high cost of living*

_*... assures sustained measures to ease suffering, hardship*_

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has empathised with people of the State and Nigerians over the incessant rise in prices of goods and services and overall cost of living in the Country, which has inflicted pain and suffering on the people, reassuring that his government will continue to provide measures to ease the hardship faced by the people of the State.

Obaseki spoke when he received members of the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other concerned Nigerians who were on a peaceful protest, at the Government House, Benin City, the Edo State capital, to register their displeasure over the high cost of living occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government.

Obaseki who was represented by the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, in company of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, said the government stands with the people in this very challenging times.

He said, “The Edo State Government supports the protest. We identify with you because this hike in price has affected everyone. We are doing our best to see how this hardship is reduced or limited for Edo people.

“The important thing is to ensure that we are able to feed Edo people. We will do our best in terms of feeding but we don’t have power over fuel. We are doing our best to ensure all the filling stations in Edo State sell fuel at the agreed prices.

“We are concerned about the hardship facing Edo people that was why few days ago, the Edo State Government had a meeting with market women, farmers, traders, civil society groups and a host of others in the food chain at Urokpota Hall in Benin City.”

Noting ongoing efforts to address the rise in price of food, the governor stated, “The Edo State Government has put many things in place to change the narrative and help reduce the cost of food.

“Our government feels the pain of the Edo people. We want Edo to thrive and are not happy as a government that we have to protest to register our displeasure over the high rise of food prices.

“We appeal to Edo people and will make sure that the government has put in groundwork for the people and reduces the hardship.

“The farming season is just beginning. We are assisting with the preparations of land, farming inputs, and equipment and are ready for a bumper harvest. We are making sure that roads are good and reduce the cost of transportation. We are also assisting in bringing the food to the City.

“The message of this protest will be carried to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We want to also let Edo people know that the Edo State Government identifies with Edo people because of the rise in cost of living and will do all necessary to ensure Edo people don't suffer from this hardship."

Earlier, the Chairman of NLC, Edo State Chapter, Comrade Odion Olaiye said, “Members of NLC are here to register their protest on behalf of the Congress to Mr. Governor for onward transmission to Mr. President. We can’t bear hunger anymore. Food items are very high now and people are finding it difficult to eat. Things are hard for Nigerians as we call on the president to intervene.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Representative of Civil Society Groups, Kola Edokpayi; Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Media Projects, Mr. Crusoe Osagie; Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State Chapter Comr. Odion Olaiye; representative of Edo State Governor and Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, during a peaceful protest to Government House, Benin City, Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

*Edo 2024: Ighodalo presents his certificate of return to Obaseki*

The Chairman of Sterling Bank and governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21, 2024 Edo gubernatorial election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, has presented his Certificate of Return to the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

The candidate presented the certificate to Governor Obaseki at the Edo House, in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

Ighodalo had won the Edo PDP primary election last Thursday after defeating nine other aspirants who had contested in the election held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State.

Upon presenting the certificate to Obaseki, Ighodalo reiterated his commitment to repositioning Edo State as a leading sub-sovereign in Africa, if elected as governor.

He noted that he was confident of victory in the polls having canvassed for support among critical stakeholders in the party, including youths, women, the elderly and leaders of the party, who have expressed their support for him with the outcome of the election.

Noting that he was willing to work with other aspirants who are prepared to work for the victory of the party at the polls, he said he was reaching out to all to ensure that the party presents a united front in the run up to the election in September.

The governor congratulated him on his emergence and assured that the party was going to rally support among the people to ensure that it retains its seat in the Government House in Edo State.

*PHOTO CAPTION*

*DSC_01*

Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Edo State September 21, 2024 governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo (left) presenting his certificate of return to Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at the Edo House, Abuja, Tuesday, February 27, 2024

*DSC_02*

L-R: Former Senator representing Edo Central, Senator Clifford Ordia; former Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Senator Francis Alimikhena; Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Edo State September 21, 2024 governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during Ighodalo’s presentation of his certificate of return to Governor Obaseki, at the Edo House, Abuja, Tuesday, February 27, 2024

*Edo 2024: Ighodalo receives certificate of return, confident of victory*

*_…PDP is one, organised only one legal primary in Edo, says PDP nat’l chair_*

*_…Guber candidate pledges to transform Edo to first world economy_*

Former Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc and Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21, 2024 Edo governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, on Tuesday, received his Certificate of Return as the party’s flag bearer in the election, from the PDP National Working Committee.

The certificate presentation comes after he emerged winner of the governorship primary which took place last week Thursday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

The renowned businessman, accomplished lawyer and boardroom guru, in a landslide victory, polled 577 of the 585 accredited votes to clinch the party’s ticket, defeating nine other aspirants including the incumbent deputy governor of the State, Philip Shaibu and Anselm Ojezua, among others.

He was accompanied to receive the certificate by the State’s Party Chairman, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi; former Deputy Governor, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe, and Senator Ehigie Uzamere, among others.

Presenting the certificate of return to the Edo PDP guber candidate at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja, the Party National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, said the PDP is one and that the party organized and recognized only the primary election which took place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City and produced Ighodalo as its candidate.

Expressing confidence that the party will emerge victorious in the September governorship election, Amb. Damagum said: “Edo is an easy ride for us. We will emerge victorious. What we should be focused on now is uniting our party and bringing all stakeholders together to ensure we retain our seat at Osadebey Avenue.

“You have to put in your all going forward. I wish to use the opportunity to congratulate our party’s gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and wish you success as you go around the State during your campaign.”

He added, “The PDP is one and we organized and recognized only one primary in Edo which produced Dr. Asue Ighodalo. There are rules and guidelines in line with our party’s Constitution. We set up an electoral committee led by the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal as Chairman, and the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwhori as the committee’s Co-Chairman. They held the primary in a transparent, fair, and credible process which was live on several television stations. To the glory of God that primary election produced Dr. Asue Ighodalo as our party’s candidate.”

In his appreciation speech after receiving the certificate of return, the Edo PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Ighodalo commended all stakeholders of the party for their support, promising to transform Edo State to a first-world economy if elected as governor.

He said, “I thank our party members and leaders as well as other stakeholders of the party, especially the youths, who took me through the length and breadth of Edo State during my consultation to become our party’s candidate. I am extremely proud to be a member of this party. I also appreciate our women for their love and support. They carried me on their back from day one.

“I am grateful for the fairness and transparency of the national leadership of the party. I salute the National Working Committee (NWC) for the transparent and fair manner in which it conducted the primary election in Edo State. The MKO Abiola election of 1993 was the closest to what we recorded at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Thursday, February 22, 2024.”

Ighodalo further noted, “To the youths, it’s our time. By the grace of God and the will of the people of Edo State, we will run a government upheld by youths and with youths. Together, we will turn Edo into a state that everyone will be proud of.

“I will show leadership and direction. Our youths have promised that they won’t fail. We will show the rest of the world what we can achieve together as a people. We can become a first-world sovereign in Africa. I have seen the path and together, with your support and collaboration, we will achieve this.”

Urging for a united front ahead of the September gubernatorial election, Ighodalo stated, “I can’t complete this gratitude without acknowledging my co-aspirants, especially those who stepped down for me from the beginning of this process up to the day of the primary election, particularly Omosede Igbinedion who stepped down for me on the day of the primary.

“The contest is over. Let’s come together as one. We need to work together as one team. We must unite to retain our seat at Osadebey Avenue and drive the progress of our State.”

“I promise that this ticket is for all of us. I will take your advice; we will work together in the interest of our people. You’re all great men and women with varying capabilities and capacities. We will bring these capabilities together to move our State forward,” he added.

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Umar Ililya Damagum; National Secretary of the PDP, Senator Sam Anyanwu; Governorship candidate of the PDP for the Edo State September 21, 2024 governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and his wife, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, during the presentation of certificate of return to Ighodalo as flagbearer of the party at the PDP National Secretariat, Abuja, Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

*How Edo’s transparent, open public procurement system is saving cost, driving devt, says Obaseki*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the transparent, open and technology-based public procurement system being operated in the State has helped the government significantly save monies which is deployed to pursue more developmental projects across the State, ensuring improved livelihoods for the people.

Obaseki said this when he received members of the Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) of Liberia led by the Executive Director, Bodger Scott Johnson, who were on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City.

The team is on an exchange programme visit to Edo to understudy the State’s e-procurement system which has continued to earn global acclaim.

The governor said, “Procurement is at the core of our development. If we fail to procure properly and spend much more than we should on the procurement of goods and services, our development process will be stunted. It's important to us as a people who do not have financial resources to put in place systems and processes to get the most value for the money we are spending on behalf of our people. This is the core of our strategy and motivation to procure properly.

“We started our process over 15 years ago when we obtained our first budget facilities and had to revamp our procurement system as a State. It has been a case of gradual growth ever since.

“We have learnt some lessons along the way and will be able to share some of the lessons with you so that you will be able to avoid such pitfalls or challenges that we have to deal with.”

He continued: “We want to let you know that, politically, it’s difficult but for the technical people on ground, you will want to do things right. There will be political pressure which is one of the biggest challenges you will have to face but if you have the political support, then you are likely to be able to hold your ground.

“Technology will help you progress on e-procurement systems as it makes it easier in our view and better to have a properly structured and designed procurement process that is transparent to you and everybody else.”

Obaseki added, “Procurement helps build trust as we don't take procurement for granted in Edo State.”

Earlier, Bodger Scott Johnson said, “We have come to learn how the e-procurement processes work as we are planning to launch our e-procurement system. We are learning from the Edo State e-procurement team and taking great knowledge back home to impact our own e-procurement process.

“We commend the friendship between Liberia and Nigeria as your Country played a very vital role in restoring peace in Liberia. We are grateful to Nigeria as our big brother and giant of Africa. We are happy because we are in safe hands in Nigeria.”

He noted, “We are here to take back the knowledge learnt here and make our procurement better and less of human contact, making it transparent to ensure credibility.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

*DSC_01*

L-R Executive Director, Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) of Liberia, Bodger Scott Johnson; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Edo State Procurement Agency, Henry Idogun, during a courtesy visit, at the Government House, in Benin City, recently.

*DSC_02*

L-R Executive Director, Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) of Liberia, Bodger Scott Johnson; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Edo State Procurement Agency, Henry Idogun, during a courtesy visit, at the Government House, in Benin City, recently.

*Obaseki takes steps to tackle price hike in Edo, meets market, trade unions, other Stakeholders*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, is taking steps to combat the current hike in food prices in the State, urging for the collaboration and support of all stakeholders to proffer lasting solutions to the incessant price surge and guarantee better welfare for the people of the State.

Obaseki met with relevant stakeholders including market associations, traders, and farmers’ unions, among others, at the Urhokpota Hall, in Benin City, to chart actionable measures to address the rising cost of living, particularly food prices in the State.

He said, “I called this meeting because of the cost of living in Nigeria as things are hard, especially the prices of food. The people can't eat anymore and as an administration, we can't just keep quiet but to act.”

Obaseki continued: “We have called this meeting to see how to solve this problem as trading blames will not lead to any solution to the serious challenges we are facing. All problems have solutions, and we are here to discuss and see how to solve this high price hike challenges facing us.

“You said trade unions are people fixing prices, but I don’t know how they work to achieve that in the market. I want to know how they fix prices. I thought it was demand and supply that controlled the prices.

“If we say unions are the problem then we must look at the unions and their activities and how to control them. We must set up a committee to check and look at the activities that lead to price hike. The committee will help us know if they are doing anything against the law.”

Obaseki noted, “This meeting shows that bad road has a role to play in price increment in our markets. I have been begging the Federal Government to help repair and fix the Ekpoma/Auchi Road since when Babatunde Fashola was Minister for Works but no results till now. I appeal to them to ensure contractors complete the road which has been on for over 30 years. I have approached Dangote and BUA to support us in doing the bad portion of the road because their trucks ply that route.”

Speaking on the measures put in place to address the hike in food prices, the Governor stated that his administration will support farmers to expedite efforts towards increased local production of food crops in the State.

The governor also promised to ensure adequate security for farmers to enable them to continue with their farming activities, while also reassuring the farmers that the government will fix their tractors and send them to their various local government councils to help them prepare for the 2024 farming seasons.

Earlier, Solomon Idiogbe, representative of the Edo Civil Society Organization appealed to the governor to help check the activities of Unions across various markets in the State as they significantly contribute to the rising cost of goods and services in Edo.

Also, Edo State Market Women Association leader, Madam Blackky Ogiamien, commended the Governor for his administration’s commitment to the welfare of Edo citizens, particularly in the area of security.

Also in attendance were: Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Commissioner for Business, Trade and Cooperatives, Hon. Patrick Uanseru; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Stephen Idehenre; Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Hon. Kingsley Uwagbale; Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi; Oredo Local Government Council Chairman, Dr. Tom Obaseki; Ovia South West Local Government Council Chairman, Engr. Edosa Enowoghomwenma; amongst others.

Other critical stakeholders in the food and services value chain present at the meeting include the Tomatoes Sellers Association, the Benin Chamber of Commerce, Hotel owners, Barbing Saloon Association, Building Materials Association, Market Women, Food Stuff and Cattle Dealers Association, Edo branch of the NURTW, Arewa traders and marketers co-operative, amongst others.

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Commissioner for Business, Trade and Cooperatives, Hon. Patrick Uanseru; Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Hon. Kingsley Uwagbale; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., and Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Stephen Idehenre, during a meeting with stakeholders on food prices, in Benin City, recently.

*Obaseki visits, condoles with family over passing of Asagba of Asaba*

_*…hails contributions to societal devt*_

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has condoled with the family of late Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien over the passing of their patriarch.

Obaseki led some members of the Edo State House of Assembly, Special Advisers and other top government functionaries to pay a condolence visit to the deceased family, at his place, in Asaba, Delta State.

Obaseki, who expressed grief over the passing, described the late Prof. Edozien as an impactful, strong, intellectual, and committed traditional ruler who loved his people and worked passionately for their development.

He noted, “We are here this afternoon with some members of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Special Advisers, and other government officials to pay a condolence visit to the Edozien family over the passing of the Asagba of Asaba and also celebrate the life of an icon and a great man.

“I am lucky to have been associated with the Edozien family for quite a number of years, from my time in the United States.

“We are here today from Edo State to let you know that the Asagba of Asaba who has joined his ancestors is a great Nigerian who we are very proud of and we thank God for his sojourn on earth. He is another traditional ruler who has been very impactful; he is naturally so because of the sort of personality he was.

“He was strong, intellectual and a man committed to his community. We need to let you know that it's not enough to mourn him but to step back and look at his life and appreciate God for giving him to you and to us.”

Obaseki further stated, “We should also reflect on the contribution he has made, both the ones we can visibly relate to and the ones we can't. His presence in this community was a great asset. Having sojourned the world and being in foremost institutions in America, he left all to come back home to contribute his quota to the development of his people, which is quite remarkable.

“We are celebrating a great traditional ruler of Asaba. We are with you in this time of loss and want to tell you that we will always remember him for what he was to the whole of Nigeria and pray that God grants his soul eternal rest.”

Responding on behalf of the Edozien family, Chief Leroy Edozien thanked the governor and his entourage for coming to commiserate with the family

*PHOTO CAPTION*

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd right), condoling family members of late Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty (HRM), late Prof. Joseph Chike Edozien, during a condolence visit, in Asaba, Delta State, recently.

_JUST IN!!!_

*EDO STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION2024: PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE OF RETURN*

_CHANGE OF DATE_

This is to formally inform the general public that the Presentation of Certificate Ceremony earlier scheduled to hold on Wednesday the 28th of February has now been rescheduled to hold as follows:

DATE: Monday, 26th February, 2024.

TIME: 3:00PM PROMPT

VENUE: NEC Hall, Wadata Plaza, National Secretariat, FCT, Abuja.

Please note that you are required to be in attendance to receive this certificate.

Congratulations!

UMAR M. BATURE
National Irganizing Secretary