₦airaland Forum

*Obaseki swears in new commissioner, inaugurates Edo Sports Commission*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has sworn in a new commissioner and inaugurated the Edo State Sports Commission.

The new Commissioner is Mr. Dele Obaitan.

The governor, during the swearing-in/inauguration, at the Government House, Benin City, urged public officials to make impactful contributions to the development of the state.

Addressing the new Commissioner, Obaseki noted, “You are going to be overseeing Culture, and its related to Diaspora Affairs. We want Edo to be a hub of tourism. Traffic is already building in Edo as over a million people are coming into the state. Our projection is that in three years time, five million will come."

“You have access to resources that can be brought to help us redefine where we are going,” he added.

Obaseki continued: "Yusuf Ali, the Chairman of the Edo Sports Commission has excelled, both locally and internationally. In Edo, we have to catch them young in sports. Almost a million of our young generation are under the age of 12. We must rethink sports and catch them young.

“40 years ago, government regulated, operated and participated in sports, putting all the resources required into sports. Our emphasis today, as a government, is to continue to provide policy direction for sports."

Noting that there's a lot of money outside government to finance and sustain sports, the governor said his administration is redesigning the state's sports policy and creating new laws to regulate sports, and bring capable and competent persons to help manage sports in the state.

He further noted, “Edo State can start now to prepare for a global market in sports by identifying young talents in schools and catching them young. In five years time, the state can train about 10,000 to 20,000 talents and if 1,000 of these talents become global stars, the state will benefit greatly.”

“I am glad you have accepted to serve but I advise you to separate politics from sports if we must succeed in our plans. We should excel in all areas of sports as we continue to invest in sports development.”

Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Yusuf Ali pledged that his team will do their best to transform sports in Edo.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/c/GovernorGodwinObaseki

*PHOTO CAPTION*

*DSC_01*

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Edo State Sports Commission (ESC), Sabina Chikere; Executive Director, (ESC), Hon. Frank Elaboya; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Executive Chairman, (ESC), Yusuf Alli, and Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., after inauguration of members of the commission, at the Government House, in Benin City.

*DSC_02*

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left), with Hon. Bamidele Obaitan, after the swearing-in of Obaitan as commissioner, at the Government House, Benin City.

*Edo kicks off operation show your building plan, serves demand notice to defaulters*

The Edo State Government, at the weekend, commenced a recertification exercise for house owners in the Ugbor and Amagba communities within the Benin metropolis.

As a part of the exercise, property owners and developers within the affected areas are expected to provide their building plans upon demand at their houses and sites for clearance and recertification.

Officials of the Edo State Enforcement Team under the Ministry of Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development, however, marked houses that could not provide evidence of their building plans and served them contravention/demand notices, either by hand or by pasting them on the buildings.

Commissioner for Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development, Isoken Omo, said the exercise is in line with the government's vision of actualising the 30-year development plan.

*PHOTO CAPTION*

Officials of the Edo State Enforcement Team under the Ministry of Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development, during a recertification exercise for house owners in the Ugbor and Amagba communities within the Benin metropolis.

*Obaseki: PDP’ll produce Nigeria’s next president in 2023*

*_…Ayu hails Obaseki’s devt strides in Edo_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed confidence that the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Dr. Iyorchia Ayu will return the party to power in 2023.

Obaseki, at a dinner in honour of the National Chairman at the Government House, Benin City, promised to work with the party’s leadership to ensure that the PDP produces the country’s next president in the forthcoming general elections.

The governor noted, “We are glad to have you in Edo and thank you for the show of love. We are not going anywhere; we are here to help you transform and transmit the PDP into the future.

“We know the challenges you face. Trust us, we are here to support you and will be with you. By the grace of God, you will succeed in producing the next president of our great country.”

Obaseki charged, “The past is gone, let us focus on the future. You just told us how you participated in forming this party. The politics that we played in 1999 will not be the same now. The technology in 1999 is not as relevant as the technology of today.”

"In 1999, the heart of the whole world depended on mineral resources, but today, the world depends on human capacity and technology. It's a different world and Edo is spearheading that transition of our politics,” he noted

On his part, Iyorchia Ayu commended the governor for his developmental strides across all sectors of the state, hailing him for the successes recorded in the state’s PDP e-registration exercise.

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Edo State Government Projects Commissioning

The Edo State College of Nursing Science will be commissioning today 10th of March 2022 by the PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.

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*Obaseki hails outgoing CP, Ogbadu for improved security in Edo, salutes professionalism*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has hailed the immediate past Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Philip Ogbadu, saluting his professionalism and dedication to duty.

CP Ogbadu recently retired as a Commissioner of Police in the state. He assumed duty in Edo State on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, taking over from Johnson Babatunde Kokumo who was then promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of police.

Obaseki, during a valedictory session for the Police Commissioner, on Monday, said Ogbadu restored the lost confidence in the security system after disruptions caused by the 2020 #EndSARS protests.

The governor stated, "The coming of the CP to Edo State changed the narrative of our security architecture. It took a person like Ogbadu to restore the security confidence in the state.

“He is humble, courageous, confident and operates an open-door policy for colleagues and heads of other sister security agencies; the synergy responsible for his great success of securing lives and property.”

Obaseki further added, “We must commend you for combining professionalism and native intelligence in security matters, collaborating with security heads, and ensuring that security is improved in Edo State.

"You are a hardworking officer who takes the security of lives and property as a priority. I thank you for what you have done for Edo people, especially after the #EndSARS protests. You have been here for just over a year, and your success shows your integration into the security system in Edo State.”

On his part, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comr. Philip Shaibu hailed the CP for the service rendered to the state, noting, “CP Ogbadu is an intelligent man and it shows in his contribution in ensuring that there was no major security issue during Edo 2020 National Festival. He was instrumental to the success of the games.”

Also, Secretary to State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., added, “You have done a lot to improve security in the state. We hope that the team you left behind will be able to sustain what you have created in Edo State.”

In his response, Ogbadu linked his success in office to the collaboration and support of the Governor Obaseki-led state government.

The Commissioner said, “We came in at a difficult time, shortly after the #EndSARS protests. The governor and his team worked tirelessly with us for three months and the state command was very supportive. We fought security challenges to a standstill, especially kidnapping. Edo people were good and very supportive.”

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/c/GovernorGodwinObaseki

*PHOTO CAPTION*

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L-R: Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comr. Philip Shaibu; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Retired Edo State Commissioner of Police, Philip Ogbadu, and Brigade Commander, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Sani Abdullahi, during valedictory session in honour of Ogbadu, at the Government House, Benin City, on Monday March 7th, 2022.

*Edo sets March 31 deadline for recertification of petrol, gas stations*

The Edo State Government has set Thursday, March 31, 2022, as the deadline for recertification of all petrol and gas stations within the Benin metropolis.

The exercise, according to the Commissioner for Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development, Isoken Omo, is aimed at ensuring that petrol and gas station operators possess the requisite permits to run the facilities.

The Commissioner, in a statement, said owners and operators who fail to comply with the directive not later than Thursday, March 31, 2022, risk sanctions which include fines or closure of their facilities.

According to her, "Following the recent fire incident at Emmanat Filling Station along Ekenwan Road, Benin City on January 25, 2022, it has become necessary to recertify all petrol and gas stations in Benin City and its environs to prevent a repeat of such incident and ensure that the public is protected from hazards associated with petrol and gas filling stations.

“The Ministry of Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development is by this notice requesting all owners and operators of petrol and gas filling stations to submit their approved building plans to the Office of the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development, 2nd Floor, Block C, Secretariat Complex, Sapele Road, Benin City for clearance and recertification not later than Thursday, March 31, 2022.

“Failure to comply will lead to sanctions which may include fine and/or closure of the petrol or gas filling station. Please be guided accordingly."

The Commissioner further urged members of the public to contact the Ministry on 08104663697 or 09128802734 or send a mail to info.mppud@edostate.gov.ng for further clarifications where needed.

*I’m not leaving PDP for anyone; accept my leadership or leave – Obaseki to detractors*

*_…Edo sets for council polls, as PDP registers over 539,000 members_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at the weekend, said he has no plan of defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urging anyone who is uncomfortable with his leadership of the party to leave.

The governor, who stated that the party is now fully harmonized, stressed that the constitution of the party bequeaths him with the leadership of the party in the state, a position which is not up for contest by anyone.

Obaseki said this during an expanded caucus meeting of leaders and members of the PDP in the state.

“I can't leave PDP. I will not decamp from the PDP; we will always win any election. PDP won in the last election and we will continue to win all elections in the state and country; nothing will stop us as a party,” he said.

The governor noted that the forthcoming local government election in the state will set the template for next year’s national and legislative elections, urging party members to reflect on the elections and work in unity to ensure victory in the polls.

He noted, “There is no division in Edo PDP. Let the party be open to accommodate others. PDP is democratic. The hallmark of democracy is ensuring that the majority has their way, as the minority can't dictate to the people.

"I heard that Chief Dan Orbih went around, saying there is no harmonization in Edo PDP. This is really irresponsible to say and an insult to members of the party, as the party has truly harmonised in the state.

"PDP in Edo State is harmonised because before we made any appointments in any ward, we made sure the party at that level was harmonised. We are gathered here now as election timetable is out; harmonisation has been done, appointments made and we are ready to win any election before us.”

Obaseki disclosed that the PDP National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu will visit the state on Thursday 10th of March 2022, urging party leaders to bring along five percent of newly registered members to welcome the party chair.

"Politics is not about fighting but dialogue and discussion. I urge us to collaborate and unite to move the party and state forward,” he charged.

Noting that over 539,000 members have been registered in the ongoing e-registration exercise, Obaseki said, “These numbers are not fabricated as we have the data, pictures, emails and phone numbers of members of the party we have registered so far. You have broken records as this is the bastion of PDP in Nigeria. We have changed the face of politics in Nigeria.”

He continued: “I didn't give leaders any resources to mobilize them but rather they challenged themselves and achieved the goal to register more members in the state.”

"Some people went around saying people should not join our party. No true party man will do that. Those that engaged in that are not true members of the party and don't belong to Edo PDP. If not, they will not push people away from the party.”

"Our focus now is on how to engage our members, making them participate in the policy-making process of the party. We don't need to wait for an election before we act."

Charging detractors sponsoring disunity in the state to stop forthwith, the governor stated, "Edo is Edo, leave Edo State alone. They have tried us in battle, and have been made to know that we are battle-ready. We have been tested and trusted. We must always win elections; we must always win as a party.

The Chairman PDP Edo State, Anthony Aziegbemi, noted that “Edo State is the only state in the nation that has surpassed the 500,000 thresholds for e-registration of the party.”

Others at the meeting include the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Hon. Marcus Onobun; Senator Matthew Urhoghide; Senator Clifford Odia; Chief Tom Ikimi; Hon. Joe Edionwele and National Youth Deputy Leader of PDP, Timothy Osadolor, among others.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/c/GovernorGodwinObaseki

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Edo leads in e-procurement in Nigeria as Governors’ Forum sends delegates to understudy model

Edo has been proclaimed the leading state in e-procurement in Nigeria by the World Bank with the state awarding over 38 contracts in four pilot Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) since the launch of its electronic portal in mid-2021.

The Managing Director of Edo State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Henry Idogun, disclosed this to journalists in Benin City.

Idogun spoke while addressing participants at a workshop organised by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to understudy the e-procurement model of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.

Recall that the state government had in July 2021, launched the electronic public procurement system to ensure a transparent and accountable process in its public procurements.

According to Idogun, “As of today in Edo, we have awarded a total of 38 contracts through the electronic portal; these contractors bid through the portal and the award was made through the portal as well and if they win, they will also get notifications through their devices.

"The programme itself is World Bank-assisted; they have ranked Edo to be the leading state in terms of e-procurement. So, states that have not gotten to our level have decided to come and understudy us.

"It will be easy for them to fly with what we have done. We are sharing our experiences with them; we struggled from one way to the other to get here. We are doing well and they know, which is why they came to understudy us.”

Addressing delegates at the workshop, the Managing Director added, “We signed on to the e-procurement framework agreement on the 1st of December 2020 and we went live on the 16th of July 2021. As of today, we have conducted 38 electronic procurements across the four pilot MDAs on the portal and that portal is live.

"I believe in the next few days, our team will be able to show you what we have done, as well as some decisions we took at the initial stage that helped us. I see this visit as an exchange visit.

“Other states are expected to follow suit and replicate the laws of procurement in their various states and take into account the peculiarities in their respective states. Here in Edo, we joined the league of states that have procurement regulatory framework in 2012.”

He continued, “We have tried to build institutions of procurement; very key among them is the procurement officers’ cadre. As of today, we have a firmly established procurement officers’ cadre at the Edo State civil service and at the local government level.

"For us, that institution is very key; no governor or any top leadership of any government can just cancel it overnight; that cadre has come to stay. The procurement of officers’ cadre is very important going forward, and for the sustainability of procurement in the state.”

Reaffirming Idogun’s position, the Representative of State Fiscal Transparency and Accountability for Sustainability (SFTAS) Technical Assistant Project Coordinator, Nigeria Governors' Forum, Mr. Solomon Affun, said that the Edo has been identified as the leading state in e-procurement process.

According to him, “five states are currently in the second batch to study Edo. They are here to learn how Edo has made success in their e-procurement process.”

One of the participants from Borno State, Mr. Babakura Bukar, commended Governor Obaseki for his developmental strides in Edo, adding that the state’s e-procurement process is worth emulating.

PHOTO CAPTION

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L-R: Director, Procurement Compliance/Project Manager, Borno State, Babakura Buka; Project Coordinator, State Fiscal Transparency and Accountability for Sustainability (SFTAS), Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Secretariat, Solomon Affun; Managing Director, Edo State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Henry Idogun, and the Director, Share Services, Edo State Procurement Agency, Mrs. Dora Osabuohien, during a workshop organised by the NGF to understudy Edo State’s e-procurement model, in Benin City, on Wednesday, February 16, 2022.
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*Obaseki: Only strong institutions, not individuals can save Nigeria*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday, said only strong institutions and not individuals can save Nigeria from the prevailing socio-economic challenges.

Obaseki stated this in his valedictory address to members of the Edo State Transition Committee at the Executive Council (EXCO) Chambers, Government House, Benin City.

According to him, “I don't see one man, whether he is president or not, who can change Nigeria overnight; it is not possible. We should stop looking at the change that will come into this country from the perspective of some strongmen or one man.

“Nigeria has passed that stage. It is only strong institutions, systems and processes that can change Nigeria; there can't be any miracle. Forget about everybody aspiring to be president.

“The only miracle that can happen is that whosoever wants to lead this country must understand that he has to collect a wide spectrum of people from across the country to begin to rebuild institutions. That is exactly what you have helped me to do.”

Obaseki commended the team for doing a thorough job, noting that they engaged citizens on a wide range of issues and generated data, which enriched the report.

He noted, “I am taking the members of the Executive Council on a retreat and this is going to be a reference document for our conversation.”

"The document is an instrument that will continue to guide us as we go through this tedious process of reformation and transformation of the state. The way you conducted the affairs of the committee has been an eye-opener," the governor added.

On his part, Chairman of the committee, Anthony Okungbowa Esq., expressed appreciation to the governor for the trust and confidence reposed in them during the 16-month period that they served.

Okungbowa said the report presented to the governor is centered on infrastructure, social welfare, culture and tourism, economic revolution and environmental sustainability, among others.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/c/GovernorGodwinObaseki


*PHOTO CAPTION*

*DSC_01*

Edo State Head of Service and Chairman, Edo State Transition Committee, Anthony Okungbowa Esq (right) presenting the Committee’s report to the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, after the Committee’s valedictory meeting, at the Government House, Benin City, on Wednesday, January 12, 2022.

*DSC_02*

L-R: Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Head of Service and Chairman of Edo State Transition Committee, Anthony Okungbowa Esq.; Governor Godwin Obaseki; a member of the Transition Committee, Mrs. Gladys Idaho, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Edo Central Senatorial District, Mrs. Philomena Ihenyen, after the Committee’s valedictory meeting, at the Government House, Benin City, on Wednesday, January 12, 2022.

*Viral video: Edo govt condemns assault on elderly man, youths, vows to prosecute perpetrators with VAP law*

The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to a social media video in which some young men wielding machetes and cudgels were recorded assaulting an elderly man and some young people within the state.

The state government strongly condemns the reprehensible act and vows to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the incident appeared to have occurred in Edo State, as the persons in the video spoke in a language indigenous to the state.


With its uncompromising commitment to maintaining law and order, the government frowns at all forms of violence and is particularly appalled with the contents of the video.

Government has ordered security agencies in the state to thoroughly investigate the incident to ensure that anyone found culpable is made to face the full weight of extant laws in the state, particularly the Violence Against Persons (VAP) Law.


Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha
Chief of Staff to the Governor
Edo State

*Alaghodaro 2021: Urhoghide, Ordia, Alimikhena, Onobun, others lead lawmakers to Summit*

Top lawmakers from Edo State, including Senators Matthew Urhoghide, Francis Alimikhena and Clifford Ordia, representing Edo South, Edo North and Edo Central respectively are present at the fifth edition of the Alaghodaro Summit, holding in Benin City.

The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun, is also leading lawmakers from the Anthony Enahoro complex to the event this year.

These lawmakers are at the summit to share ideas and contribute their experience in lawmaking to the discourse on building a sustainable future in Edo State.

Alaghodaro Summit 2021 is tagged, "Edo of Our Dreams: Building a Sustainable Future" and coincides with the 30-year anniversary of Edo State.

*Alaghodaro 2021: Ighodalo, Ogbeifun, others lead business executives, as summit kicks-off*

The Chairman, Sterling Bank and Co-Founder, Banwo and Ighodalo, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and the Chief Executive Officer, Starz Marine and Engineering Limited, Greg Ogbeifun, are leading business executives to the fifth edition of the Alaghodaro Summit, holding in Benin City, Edo State.

The summit is an annual event organised by the Edo State Government and private sector stakeholders to showcase investment opportunities and engender sustainable development in Edo State.

The event plays host to investors, business leaders, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) operators and artisans, among others.

The event will be broadcast live on Governor Godwin Obaseki's social media handles as well as Channels TV, AIT, EBS, among others.

*Alaghodaro 2021: Ighodalo, Ogbeifun, others lead business executives, as summit kicks-off*

The Chairman, Sterling Bank and Co-Founder, Banwo and Ighodalo, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and the Chief Executive Officer, Starz Marine and Engineering Limited, Greg Ogbeifun, are leading business executives to the fifth edition of the Alaghodaro Summit, holding in Benin City, Edo State.

The summit is an annual event organised by the Edo State Government and private sector stakeholders to showcase investment opportunities and engender sustainable development in Edo State.

The event plays host to investors, business leaders, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) operators and artisans, among others.

The event will be broadcast live on Governor Godwin Obaseki's social media handles as well as Channels TV, AIT, EBS, among others.

JUST IN: Edo Central Appointments..kudos to my Governor .

Governor Godwin Obaseki e-Town Hall Meeting with Edo State Indigenes Worldwide

Sunday 7th of November 2021

*7 pm in Nigeria �� Time*

Click below, to register and log in on the day via the link sent to email.
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https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlceiprjIqEtwcO-oXEc5pvBT0q2i6fb-7

*Alaghodaro 2021: Waje, Teni, others headline Edo Youth Concert as Obaseki launches Creative Hub in honour of Victor Uwaifo*

Edo-born Nigeria’s vocal powerhouse, Aituaje Iruobe, popularly known as Waje, and singer, Teniola Apata, better known as Teni, are among sensational artistes expected to thrill fans to an unforgettable experience at the Edo Youth Mega Concert, scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 13, 2021, in Benin City.

The concert, with the theme, ‘The Guitar Boy Lives On’, will take place by 6 pm at the Prof. Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Benin City, as part of activities lined up for this year’s Alaghodaro Summit.

The Alaghodaro Summit, in its fifth edition, takes place between November 12 and 14, 2021, with the theme, “Edo of Our Dreams: Building a Sustainable Future.”

Chairman, Marketing and Branding Sub-Committee, Alaghodaro 2021, Crusoe Osagie, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, said the live concert will take place after the Grand Commissioning of the Prof. Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and an Art Exhibition.

Other artistes expected at the live concert include Ayra Star, Johnny Drille and DJ Neptune, among others.

According to Osagie, “This concert, which is organized in honour of one of our illustrious sons, Sir Victor Uwaifo, is part of the government’s constant engagement with Edo youths, who are major drivers of the state’s economic growth.

“It would interest you to know that one of the lead acts, Waje, was raised in Benin City, and aside from featuring as an act for the concert, will also inspire youths in the state.”

He further stated, “The concert will be preceded by the Grand Commissioning of the Prof. Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Art Exhibition by 11 am.”

Restating the government’s commitment to the state’s creative sector, Osagie said, “The newly built Edo Creative Hub, which is to be named after the late guitar boy, Sir. Victor Uwaifo, is a multi-million-dollar studio to support artistes and other creative talents in the state.

“It has editing suites and incubates state-based groups and artistes. The facility will be used for live shows and has studios for Nollywood to rent for their productions. The hub also has spaces for artistes in the performing arts. With this and so many other ongoing projects by this administration, we will be able to harness the creative potentials of Edo youths.”

*Edo SUBEB Chair, Salami outlines board’s priorities under EdoBEST 2.0*

The Chairman of Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (Edo SUBEB), Mrs. Ozavize Salami has outlined priorities of the board under her leadership as the board strategises to consolidate on gains of
the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST).

Salami, at her maiden schools’ visit as Edo SUBEB Chairman, listed some of the priorities to include learner progression, strengthened school governance and management, child protection/safeguarding, focused in-service professional development, public-private partnerships and enhanced school environment.

The tour, which covered three out of the 18 Local Governments Areas (LGAs) of Edo State, was an opportunity to engage with pupils, teachers, Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) management and staff, School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) members, parents, and community leaders.

She disclosed that, in line with the Universal Basic Education (UBE) disarticulation policy, the Edo State Ministry of Education has handed over 306 Junior Secondary Schools across the state to Edo SUBEB.

The schools visited during her tour include Niger College, Idia College, Ozolua Model Primary School, Enikaro Primary School, St. Maria Goretti Girl’s Junior Secondary School, Imaguero Junior Secondary School and Imaguero Primary School.

Speaking at Ikpoba-Okha LGA, Salami said, “Edo SUBEB takes the responsibility of providing quality education service to pupils very seriously; improving learning outcomes must be at the heart of all we do.

“We understand that schools are where our results are. We realise also that we must constantly seek the inputs of our stakeholders so that our policies and services are tailored to meet their needs.”

She added: “We would like to reinforce that education for all is the responsibility of all, and we charge pupils/students, parents, leaders and youths with the care and maintenance of school assets located within their communities.

“As a Board, we seek partnerships with alumni association of schools, corporate organisations, NGOs and philanthropists to support government’s drive to ensure that Edo State remains a model of sustained improvement in basic education.”

While welcoming the SUBEB Chairman and her team, Odionwere of Iguobazuwa, Pa Sunday Omokaro, expressed his pleasure at being visited by the newly appointed Chairman, noting that the community places a premium on education, pledging to support the new SUBEB Chairman to improve basic education in the state.

*PHOTO CAPTION*

*DSC_01*

The Chairman of Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (Edo SUBEB), Mrs. Ozavize E. Salami, during her maiden tour of schools across the state.

*Foiled Jailbreak: Edo dep gov, Shaibu visits correctional centre, hails security operatives*

The Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu has hailed officers of the Nigeria Correctional Service and other security operatives in the state for foiling an attempted jailbreak at the Benin Correctional Centre on Sapele Road, Benin City, Edo State.

Shaibu gave the commendation shortly after inspecting the facility, following an attempted jail break at the correctional centre.

According to him, “It was just a minor incident from the inside; some inmates were just trying to be unruly and were trying to take advantage of what was going on inside.

“I thank the officers of the correctional service for being on top of their game and I want to really salute the courage of the men of the correctional service for actually nipping it in the bud. If not, it would have been another story today.”

Shaibu further noted, “Even before the other agencies responded, they had already put the situation under control. For what has happened here today, we must give it to the security agencies and thank the courage of the officers of the service.

"The number of inmates as of this morning in this facility is totaling 421, and they are still intact as we speak.”

In his contribution, the Zonal Coordinator Zone G, Covering Duty, Correctional Service, Mr. Ekanem E. Ekanem, hailed the government for its continuous support, noting that all 421 inmates in the correctional facility are still intact.

*PHOTO CAPTION*

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L-R: Zonal Coordinator, Zone G, Covering Duty, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Ekanem E. Ekanem; Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, and Controller-in-Charge of Edo Command, NCI, Felix Lawrence, during the deputy governor's visit to the Correctional Centre on Sapele Road in Benin City.

*Obaseki, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, others pay last respects to late Captain Hosa Okunbo*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Friday, joined his Lagos, Ogun and Kebbi State counterparts, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun and Abubakar Atiku Bagudu respectively, in paying glowing tributes to late business magnate, Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, who died at the age of 62.

Governor Obaseki described late Captain Okunbo as a genius, bridge builder, business tycoon and philanthropist extraordinaire.

He noted that late Captain Idahosa Okunbo is “a man who was determined to surmount world challenges. He pushed himself to the limit to achieve greatness, building an impressive business empire and transforming the lives of numerous people, most of them of Edo origin.”

“Late Captain Okunbo was a trained pilot who mastered the air early in life and set for the land and the maritime sector, prevailing in all spheres. Captain Okunbo was an embodiment of hard work, perseverance, dexterity and acumen, which espoused his Edo heritage.”

Obaseki continued: “Captain Hosa was a philanthropist who gave lavishly of himself and his resources. He will be remembered for his dying love for Edo people. His desires for the development and progress of our dear State, the Niger-Delta region and Nigeria, as well as his valuable contributions to building bridges across the country, must never be forgotten.

“In building a diverse business empire that spans maritime, transportation, logistics, agriculture, hospitality, and security, he displayed rare business acumen, providing employment for thousands of Nigerians and contributing greatly to the development of the nation.”

In his sermon titled, ‘Life is a mystery’, Apostle Ekwueme Goodheart Obi noted, “We all that are alive are indebted to God as no one owns his or her life. Life is a gift as we would render stewardship one day on how we used the life given unto us all. Life is like a vapour; we have to be careful about life.”

The first daughter of late Captain Okunbo and wife of the Olu of Warri, Olori Atuwatse III in her eulogy, described her late father as a man with many parts and purposes.

She said, “My father was a great man. He lived in service to humanity. My father worked on purpose and in doing so, encouraged others to find their parts and purpose in life.”

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GovernorGodwinObaseki
Official Whatsapp Number: +2349025944616
Telegram: https:///GGOnewsofficial

*PHOTO CAPTION*
*DSC_01*
L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his Lagos State counterpart, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and Babagana Sheriff, during the funeral Service in honour of late Captain Hosa Okunbo, in Benin City, on Friday, October 8th, 2021.

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L-R: Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Edo State counterpart, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, with the daughter of late Captain Idahosa Okunbo, Adesuwa Rhodes, during the funeral Service in honour of late Captain Hosa Okunbo, in Benin City, on Friday, October 8th, 2021.

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L-R: Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; former Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo; Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu and Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha, during the funeral Service in honour of late Captain Hosa Okunbo, in Benin City, on Friday, October 8th, 2021.

https://www.newtelegraphng.com/edo-pdp-suspends-orbih-oredo-ward-4-chair/

https://independent.ng/breaking-edo-north-pdp-suspends-national-vice-chairman-orbih-others/

https://tribuneonlineng.com/edo-pdp-crisis-festers-as-party-suspends-reps-member-ogbeide-ihama-lga-chairman/

https://businessday.ng/politics/article/more-crisis-rocks-edo-pdp-allegedly-suspends-orbih-obasekis-ward-chairman/

https://www.blueprint.ng/in-edo-pdp-suspends-obasekis-ward-chairman/

https://nigerianobservernews.com/2021/10/oredo-ward-4-pdp-chairman-ihama-suspended-for-anti-party-activities/

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/edo-pdp-suspends-orbih-ogbeide-ihama-others/

https://punchng.com/edo-pdp-divided-over-rep-orbih-others-suspension-for-anti-party-activities-2/

*Edo: PDP Suspends Orbih, Oredo Ward 4 Chair*

A faction of the People’s Democratic (PDP) in Edo State yesterday suspended the National Vice Chairman, South-South of the party, Chief Dan Orbih and the Ward 4 Oredo Local Government Area Chairman, Mr. Friday Enaruna Ihama for alleged anti-party activities. Orbih was suspended for anti-party activities by the Edo North Senatorial leadership of the party after a vote of ‘no confidence’ was passed on him, while on the part of Enaruna Ihama he was suspended for alleged anti-party activities and illicit financial dealing with the APC.

Following his suspension, Ihama was said to have been replaced by Prince Courage Ogiefa. It will be recall that state Governor Godwin Obaseki, who hails from the Ward, was to defect to the PDP at the wake of the Edo2020 governorship election, but was denied a membership card as Ihama was alleged to have eloped with the Ward 4 membership cards, prompting Obaseki to register in Oredo Ward 3.

Meanwhile, the state Assistant Financial Secretary, Mr. Aroko Thomas, said the suspended chairman of the ward, Mr. Friday Enaruna Ihama, allegedly engaged in anti-party activities during and after the September 19, 2020 governorship election in the state.

Edo State

*Obaseki swears in Joe Acha as Edo Chief Judge, urges collaboration among arms of govt*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has sworn-in Hon. Justice Joe Acha as the new Edo State Chief Judge.

During the swearing-in ceremony at the Government House in Benin City, the governor stressed the need for collaboration among the three arms of government to engender good governance.

“I congratulate my Lord, Justice Joe Acha, on the attainment of the apex position in our Judiciary, which is a recognition of an illustrious and unblemished career both at the bar and the bench.

“I am certain that Your Lordship will live up to the highest ideals of your illustrious predecessors at the helm of the judicial arm of government in our state. This government has always considered itself to be Judiciary-friendly with the knowledge that our efforts to Make Edo Great Again (MEGA) will come to nothing without the solid foundation of law and order, and the rule of law.”

Obaseki said, “I enjoin Your Lordship to embrace the same institutional reforms that would ensure that our judiciary is fit for purpose and meets with international best practices in all respects.

“We look forward to collaborating with the Judiciary, as led by Your Lordship, in pursuing the goal of ensuring the greatest good for the greatest number of people through modernisation, digitisation and efficient management practices.”

He noted, "This government is ready to provide all the support required to ensure that our judicial officers and the entire bureaucracy that supports them, are provided with all needed modern tools, technology and welfare that would ensure optimal performance. We hope to soon be handing over the newly built Judges Quarters and the Modular Courts being rolled out in all the local government areas across the state.”

“We hope in return that the Judiciary will provide support for the efforts of the Government, particularly in revenue generation and the prevention of lawlessness and impunity manifested in various facets of our public and private lives", he said.

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GovernorGodwinObaseki
Official Whatsapp Number: +2349025944616
Telegram: https:///GGOnewsofficial

*PHOTO CAPTION*
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L-R: Newly sworn-in Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Joe Acha; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha, after the swearing-in of the Chief Judge, at the Government House in Benin City, on Wednesday, October 6, 2021.

Swearing in of Commissioners/Special Advisers today Wednesday 10/6/2021

*Edo govt hails Liquorose for her comportment, performance in BBNaija*

The Edo State Government has congratulated Roseline Afije, better known as Liquorose on her emergence as the first runner-up in the sixth season of the reality television show, Big Brother Nigeria (BBNaija).

The government, in a statement by Chief of Staff to the Governor, Osaigbovo Iyoha, said Liquorose’s comportment and character, which endeared her to fans across the country, stood her out in the 10 weeks spent in the Big Brother House. Afije is a native of Edo State.

According to him, “On behalf of the Edo State Government, I congratulate Roseline Afije, also known as Liquorose, on her emergence as the first runner-up in the Big Brother Nigeria (BBNaija) reality show. She put up a good showing with a dignified poise and character that earned her fans across the country.

“During her time on the show, she was mature and good-natured. It was not surprising that she became a fan's favourite in a short while.

“As an indigene of our dear state, we are proud of her and her achievement and wish her success in future endeavors.”

*Betsy Obaseki assures of better opportunities for girl-child as Bayelsa Queens wins maiden BOWFT*

The Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki has said the just-concluded Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) will guarantee better opportunities for the girl-child, reassuring the government’s commitment to ensuring that every female child in the state realizes her fullest potentials.

The tournament, with the theme, 'promoting the girl-child,' ended at the weekend with the 2021 Aiteo Cup champions, Bayelsa Queens defeating Rivers Angels to win the maiden edition of the competition, which is aimed at harnessing sporting talents in the state and tackling the scourge of irregular migration among teenage girls.

Dignitaries at the closing ceremony include Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comr. Philip Shaibu; Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare; former Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion; wife of Osun State Governor and Chairman Southern Governor's Wives Forum, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola and wife of Bayelsa State Governor, Mrs. Gloria Diri, amongst others.

According to Mrs. Obaseki, "What we have seen and experienced in the last one week of this tournament is the highest form of professionalism in Nigerian football.

"We had three major goals in mind when we crafted this tournament. One of the goals was to recapture our God-given position as the foremost sporting state in Nigeria and the custodian and pacesetter of all team sports in the country.

“It’s also to create a platform and an opportunity for young girls all over Nigeria and Edo State in particular. It will enable them to build a career in football and develop their capacity so that they can become professional footballers.

"The third objective is to create a world-class women's football tournament as a way of providing avenues to qualifying women teams across Nigeria; it will help to prepare them for the main season's games. This game is a pre-season tournament to provide our girls the opportunities to grow their talents better and acquire new skills and techniques. This is expected to ensure professionalism, enabling them to succeed year after year,” she added.

The first lady commended the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his deputy, Shaibu and other members of the state’s executive council for their support towards the success of the tournament. She also thanked the 12 participating teams.

She noted: “We have plans for Edo Queens to make each of the girls adopt a female school in the state and organize a pre-season game or competition to mentor the girls at their adopted schools, exposing them to football. This will help us discover new talents in order to get to the destination of becoming the number one state in all sports in Nigeria.

"With this tournament, we will continuously push for the wellbeing of the girl-child and it will be our prime target, putting all the issues affecting them on the front burner. What we are seeking with this tournament is to advocate against human trafficking and drug abuse amongst the youths, as well as push for education for the girl-child.”

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Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki (middle) presenting trophy to winners of the concluded Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT), at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.