₦airaland Forum

Inauguration of EDOSACA, Waste Mgt, EIRS boards moved to Monday, Dec 9


The inauguration of the newly constituted boards for the Edo State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDs (EDOSACA), Waste Management and Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) by Governor Godwin Obaseki, has been moved to Monday, December 9, 2019.



The event was earlier slated to hold today, December 5, 2019.


In a statement, the state government said the inauguration would now hold on Monday, December 9, 2019, in Government House, at 11am prompt, while guests are expected to be seated by 10:30am.


Recall that Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., in an earlier statement, listed nominees for the Edo State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (EDOSACA) to include Dr. Alex Okoh from Orhionmwon as the Chairman-nominee; while Ugbo Iyiriaro (Orhionmwon); Alhaja Aminat Suleiman (Etsako West) and Mary Iyengumwena (Uhunmwode) are members-nominee.


For the Waste Management Board, Moynda Sule from Akoko Edo is the Chairman-nominee, with Patrick Okoudu (Igueben); Daniel Ogbewe (Uhunmwode); Frank Guobadia (Ovia North-East); Solomon Agbonlahor (Ovia South West) and Egbunuekhe Ezekiel Lucky (Etsako East) are members-nominee.

Edo Assembly declares 12 seats vacant


…affirms removal of suspended Etsako East LGA chair

The Edo State House of Assembly has declared as vacant the 12 seats of the members-elect who have refused to present themselves for inauguration into the 7th Assembly as well as two others who didn’t meet mandatory sitting requirement to continue as members of the House.

Speaking with journalists, Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Yekini Idiaye, representing Akoko Edo State Constituency I, said the resolution was reached at a plenary of the Assembly on Wednesday, December 4.

He noted that the seats declared vacant are Etsako West I, Etsako West II, Owan East, Owan West, Etsako Central, Etsako East and Esan Central.

Others are Uhunmwonde, Oredo East, Oredo West, Egor, Ovia North East I, Ovia North East II and Ovia South West I.

He said two of those affected from Oredo East and Owan East, were sworn-in but failed to meet the mandatory 181-day sitting requirement for a member in a calendar year.

For others, who hadn’t been inaugurated since the proclamation of the House, he said, “Their constituents have been complaining and have come to us that they want their voices and concerns to be heard at the House. So, people who are willing to provide quality representation have to be elected to bring the matters of the distraught constituents to the floor for debate and legislation, where necessary.”

He noted that the House also passed the 2020 Appropriation Bill and affirmed the removal of the suspended Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area, Alhaji Aramiyau Momoh, after receiving the report of the investigation committee on appropriation of funds and undermining the financial rules and regulations of public service.

Other matters considered at the sitting, according to him, was the confirmation of the members of the board of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS).

Obaseki congratulates Edo-born Guild of Editors new President, Mustapha Isah

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated Mr. Mustapha Isah on his election and ratification as substantive President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), the umbrella body of all Editors of print and electronic media in the country.

Isah had been acting as president since the Guild’s former president, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, was appointed as Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation in Osun State. He was recently ratified as substantive president at the 15th All Nigeria Editors’ Conference (ANEC 2019) in Sokoto.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, Obaseki urged the new president to bring his wealth of experience to bear, not only in advancing the course of the Guild, but also the journalism profession in general.

The governor noted that though the requirements of the new responsibility are Herculean, he had no doubts about the ability of Isah as the new president, to take the NGE to the next level.

Governor Obaseki said, “On behalf of the government and people of Edo State, I congratulate Mr. Mustapha Isah on his election and ratification as substantive President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors. Your ratification as the new President of the Guild could not have come at a better time than now.

“This is significant because you are coming at a time Nigeria is grappling with the challenges of governance, fake news and press freedom. It is, therefore, a challenge on you and the NGE, to ensure that the media continues to set agenda for good governance and development of the country through verified and factual editorial contents.

“Nigeria is in dire need of a media that is circumspect in playing its developmental role as the watchdog of the society and checkmating arms of government as the fourth estate of the realm. No doubt you can make the desired impact in that vision”.

He added, “I am confident that you are well equipped to champion the necessary change that would place the NGE and the journalism profession in the country at par with their counterparts in other parts of the world”.

The governor, however urged the new president to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to rid the noble profession of quacks, whose activities undermine the credibility of the true professionals.

Mustapha Isah, a graduate of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, hails from Ubuneke- Ivbiaro, in Owan East Local Government of Edo State. He is currently Head of News, Silverbird TV and Rhythm 93.7FM, Lagos.

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Obaseki congratulates Ikponmwosa on appointment as new LAPO MD

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated the newly appointed Managing Director (MD) of LAPO Microfinance Bank Ltd, Mrs. Cynthia Ikponmwosa on her new role, urging her to work assiduously to meet the firm’s vision of transforming the lives of traders across Nigeria.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said the news of Mrs. Ikponmwonsa’s appointment was heartwarming as she would bring to bear her wealth of experience in piloting the affairs of the highly successful microfinance institution.

According to him, “It is with delight that I received the news of your appointment by the board of LAPO Microfinance Bank Ltd as the Managing Director of the bank. Your appointment is most welcome and we are confident that you will contribute immensely to the growth of the bank.

“We also proud that the baton is being handed down to another hardworking indigene of the state, who the board had very exciting and inspiring things to say about. We are not so surprised as the Edos have triumphed in all spheres of life and this only goes to add to the numerous high-profile positions that our people occupy. Above all else, we are sure that your outstanding performance in your service to the organization singled you out to fill the position.”

The governor commended LAPO microfinance bank for its robust corporate governance culture, which paved way for the emergence of Mrs. Ikponmwosa to lead the next phase of the firm’s growth.

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PHOTO CAPTION:
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.

https://www.independent.ng/edo-state-the-vultures-flock-to-the-prey/

Edo State: The Vultures Flock To The Prey

By Our Correspondents - December 4, 2019

ST JOHN CLARKE AT-LARGE

Criticism is a popular Sport in Nigeria. The art, if it can be so called, requires no special gifts or any particular training, for that matter. It has no regulating guild and a lack of qualification can debar no one from participating in what sometimes looks like a national pastime. What you require most, is an obsession with a cause, a crisis or, in many instances, a huge load of prejudice, professionally disguised as public or community interest.

The unraveling political impasse in Edo State has continued to attract comments, both helpful and unhelpful. However, vultures are now flocking to the prey. Interventions like that of Kassim Afegbua have in particular also been a distraction and have done nothing but set the pot boiling. Fortunately his partisanship on the matter at hand is difficult to conceal or misread. We concede that Kassim Afegbua’s free ranging professional genius can adopt causes and briefs even without a contract or proper briefing. In 2018, he found himself in a professional quandary after he issued a statement on behalf of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB). In the statement, IBB was reported to have made a demand on General Muhammadu Buhari to retire and make political way for fresh young blood.


This statement did not earn either IBB or Afegbua, his self-appointed spokesman, a bouquet of flowers in government circles. Indeed, Afegbua was invited by the Police to say on whose authority he issued the statement. The police intervention was itself not applauded in pro-democracy circles and was, understandably, not therefore pursued to its logical ends. That probably saved Kassim Afegbua’s pride. But till this day, suspicion is rife that Afegbua has been under no contract or license to speak for IBB. On that matter the public can regard Afegbua as a lucky meddler! Kassim Afegbua has issued a somewhat magisterial sounding statement on the crises in Edo State. It is ponderously titled EDO POLITICAL CONUNDRUM. Even though Afegbua’s effort pretends to be an analysis of the Edo crisis, it is essentially a vicious and partisan attack on the quality and contributions of the Obaseki years. It is thus better to engage the analysis with the understanding that the presentation is an attempt by a prodigal associate of Oshiomhole to feather the nest of his political father.

This rhetorical health warning is an important precursor to any unbiased appreciation of Afegbua’s philosophical drift. It is worth recalling that Kasim Afegbua was, for example, part of Oshiomhole’s government in 2016. He served as Commissioner for Information and Orientation. However, even though Afegbua has since parted ways with Oshiomhole he, more than most, understands the authoritarian streak in Oshiomhole and has sometimes called attention to this. Afegbua’s portrait of Oshiomhole is understandably composite and sometimes confusing. In an interview with Adekunbi Ero of Tell Magazine some eleven months ago, he said this of Oshiomhole:

“I will rather he allows the incumbent Governor the opportunity to be his own man and take full responsibility for his actions and inactions. That’s the way to go. Once anyone meddles into the affairs of a governor, he or she carries part of the blame. I see a lot of friction coming but like one adage in my village says, if you have sacrificed a rabbit for the gods, you remove your hands from its tail.’

Afegbua in the same interview issued a warning to Comrade Oshiomhole thus:

‘My quarrel with Oshiomhole is knowing when and where to apply the brakes when confronted with a political disagreement. Leaders are called leaders because of certain qualities in them that are not in others. If you fight against godfatherism on the one hand and exhibit all traits of godfatherism on the other hand, your followers won’t take you seriously.’

This stiff-necked authoritarianism, correctly identified earlier, as the root of the Edo crisis, now gets no mention in Afegbua’s latest prognosis of the difficulties in Edi. Seized by what looks like residual partisan loyalty, Afegbua has instead attacked Governor Obaseki for being able to consolidate on the gains of the Oshiomhole years. Some of the arguments leading to this conclusion are weak and sometimes laughable. Afegbua bellyaches about Governor Obaseki’s inability or refusal to tar township roads in his native Okpella, and in Freudian slip reveals that this same neglect was one of the reasons he was alienated from Oshiomhole’s government. Afegbua went on to grouse about decay in infrastructure; in health and education and flood control under Obaseki. It is a massive portfolio of grievances, and in compound terms, contained extremely unreliable and sometimes ignorant charges. Afegbua has posited, rather lamely, that if Edo State under Obaseki could not employ 400 additional teachers how could the Obaseki government claim to have claimed created 157,000 new jobs. Coming from Afegbua this is a grave intellectual howler. It is shocking that he associates job creation with the effort by government to directly employ people. Job creation is activated when government through public provisions opens up the economic space for businesses to prosper. The orthodoxy which required government to involve itself in business is now old hat. Those who can remember will recall that Ogbemudia, perhaps our most famous son and ruler, established over 72 government businesses. Most of them were wiped out by experiential contradictions. That way is no longer the preferred route. Afegbua is invited to kindly note this. We can also bear witness to the fact that it was this same attitude of regarding the service as a welfare haven rather than a tool for expanding social good, which has landed most states in their present unsustainable condition. Recurrent expenditure has risen exponentially in relation to gravely capital provisions. This is a danger of which a technocrat like Obaseki is well aware, and labored along with Oshiomhole to establish an equitable capital/recurrent expenditure ratio.

The charge by Afegbua that 2,520 teachers interviewed by Oshiomhole are yet to be employed under Obaseki is of little consequence. Protocols and observances required to be fulfilled before hiring is perfected. In any case, funding is an important consideration, and it is worth reflecting on what might have disabled Oshiomhole from perfecting the appointments himself. A Warri proverb says that, “When you have identified a hurdle on the highway in the daytime, you do not require illumination to avoid it at night.” No excuses; but Obaseki’s circumspection on these matters is perfectly justifiable.

But perhaps Afegbua’s most bizarre turn was his charge that insecurity in the state had risen citing the recent kidnap of a judge in the state as an indication of how badly things have gone wrong. This is clearly in violence of the understanding that security is on the exclusive list and that no residual responsibilities devolve on the state.

These arguments will continue to animate public discussions for as long as we remain active political animals. But neither the insincerity of Afegbua’s laboured prognosis nor the partisan computations of rival gangs can deny the real achievements of the Obaseki government. The reconstruction of several government buildings, including the Secretariat in Benin, stand out.

The Secretariat is one of the iconic structures in Central Benin. It has remained neglected by government after government and ultimately became an architectural scar on the face of the city scape. Other institutions such as the Benin Technical College, the Ogbe stadium and Ekpoma township roads have also received robust attention. These recitations are essentially banal and are only deployed in response to Afegbua’s irrational denunciation of a government he regards as hostile.

Afegbua’s unreasonable impatience is typified in his disgruntlement that a Gelegele-Okpella Road, which he said Obaseki adopted as a blueprint has remained undeveloped. The project if it really was an Obaseki initiative would require a bit of time to be realised. Oshiomhole’s Airport Road pet project covered a mere seven kilometers and was an urban initiative. It took Oshiomhole twenty months and several variations and reverses to complete. Afegbua watched patiently and saw nothing wrong. Benin-Okpella is stretch of 190 Kilometers and Obaseki is only three years in office. Yet Afegbua is already straining at the leashes! With people like this, Governor Obaseki can put no foot right. Whatever goes on, Obaseki is damned!

But the citizens and residents know better. The violence which threatens to arise from the ongoing political crisis is alien to Obaseki’s nature and family environment. A technocrat and man of considerable refinement, Obaseki prefers debate and dialogue to threats and coercion. Those who seek war must look beyond and outside him. There is still a chance that peace will prevail and that people like Afegbua, no stranger to ideological somersaults, can still find accommodation in Obaseki’s large heart.

Clarke At-Large wrote in from Abuja.

NASU confers excellence award on Obaseki, lauds his indelible strides in Education

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has conferred an Excellence Award on the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in recognition of his strides in the education sector.

The award was presented at the Quadrennial delegate conference of the association, which held at Sheraton Hotel in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The award was presented by the General Secretary of NASU, Prince Peter Adeyemi, who hailed the governor’s stride in the education sector, particularly in repositioning basic and technical education in the state and pioneering an innovative model to tackling learning poverty.

In his response, Governor Obaseki listed basic and technical education, primary healthcare, workers welfare and industrialisation as some of the cardinal pillars of his administration.

According to him, “In Edo State, we have ensured that education and healthcare are key priority. This is because we believe in the power of the human person to drive change and work for the advancement of society.

“With the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme, we are keen on re-enacting the education sector so that we ensure that we move from schooling to learning. Evidence from the programme has already shown that our children learn three times more in a school term than they used to in the old system.”

He added that the people are now taking ownership of school infrastructure through the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC), which has ensured that members of the community band together to work against vandalism of school property and monitoring of school building construction.

“We have ensured that the welfare of teachers is treated specially. They get their salaries and pension as and when due. The process of enrolling for pension is also seamless, so much that the state has been rated as the best to retire.”

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) have joined the growing list of supporters for the reelection of Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, ahead of the gubernatorial election in 2020.

Speaking during a solidarity visit by members of the association to Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital, NAPS President, Mr Mohammed Eneji, said the students are identifying with the developmental strides recorded by the Obaseki-led administration.

He noted, "We are here for two reasons. The first is because of Obaseki's developmental strides and secondly because his Deputy, Mr Philip Shaibu is one of our own.

"We are aware of the Obaseki-led administration's revamp of the educational sector with teachers in public primary schools across the state trained on the use of tablets for modern day teaching methods and improve learning outcomes."

He said, "Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu will continue to be our leader because we believe in him. Nigeria students are strongly behind him.

"We are here to tell the whole federation that Governor Obaseki-led administration is worthy to continue in office."

In his remark, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu thanked the students for their support, adding that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration is not distracted, but will continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the good people of Edo State.

"Someone drew my attention to the fact that they are 'decomrading' me. I have never heard of such word before now. I said if you want to strip anybody of his comradeship, you must come with your records."

He said, "For you to strip someone like Philip Shaibu of his Comradeship, first you must go the University of Jos and check what I did at the University. You must go and check my antecedents at the University.

"I also want them to bring the records that beats my records while I was the President of the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS), and how I introduced Coca-Cola village in all campuses," he added.

Shaibu said that anybody who has not joined moving train to the next level in Edo State is an enemy of the state and enemy of the Nigerian students.

Jonathan, Obaseki harp on improved private sector funding for education, research

Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki have harped on new approach to funding the education and Research and Development (R&D) sectors so as to drive inclusive growth and development.

Speaking at the 17th convocation ceremony of the Igbinedion University, Okada, Jonathan said better funding of the country’s education sector through collaboration between the public and private sectors will improve access to quality education.

The former Nigerian President charged successful Nigerian companies and multinational organisations to channel most of their corporate social spending to fund education and research.

On his part, Governor Godwin Obaseki expressed optimism that the reforms by his administration in the basic education sector, which is being implemented under the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme will improve the quality of intakes into the country's tertiary education system.

Among dignitaries who attended the Convocation ceremony include wife to Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Mrs. Patience Jonathan.

Speaking on behalf of dignitaries honoured by the university, Jonathan acknowledged that the increased number of private universities in the country was a welcome development, noting that it was not possible for government alone to fund education as it demands the concerted efforts of stakeholders.

He stressed that for education to function as an effective tool for technological advancement and industrial growth, successful corporate organisations must play a key role in funding the education system.

“Access to education will improve through collaboration between the public and private sectors which will leave the government to ensure that the quality of academic programmes and the learning environment are not compromised,” he said.

The former president urged Nigerian youths to develop their creative abilities, appealing to politicians to desist from encouraging electoral violence.

He noted that the incidence of violence during the elections held in Kogi and Bayelsa states showed that there was a fundamental problem with the nation's political system.

Meanwhile Obaseki said his administration was emphasising basic education to provide a feedstock for tertiary institutions, noting, “My administration's reform in the sector is geared towards improving the quality of education particularly at the basic level through training and retraining of teachers, improving school governance, introducing technology and building proper infrastructure to strengthen the system and ensure the quality of intakes in the nation's tertiary institutions are greatly improved.”

The governor also conveyed his heartfelt felicitation to the university community for its success in just almost two decades.

He congratulated the honourees, expressing the hope that the awards will create a link between them and the state.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said his administration will continue to explore all avenue in resolving the crisis rocking the state chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

The governor said this while responding to the call by the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria and Archbishop of Benin Archdiocese, Most Rev Dr. Augustine Akubeze, who in a homily, urged the governor to settle grievances with his predecessor and National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

On Sunday, Governor Obaseki joined other well-wishers and dignitaries to celebrate with the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu during Comrade Shaibu’s 50th birthday thanksgiving at St Paul's Catholic Church, in Benin City.

Obaseki said he had in the past heeded to the call by the Archbishop to make peace with the APC National Chairman, noting, “The last time I was in this church was during the 80th birthday of our elder statesman, Chief John Odigie and the priest raised certain concerns. To tell you how seriously we take your views, I went to Iyamoh with members of my cabinet and political party to pursue peace. I want to assure you that we will continue to pursue peace.”

“We have been in this situation for more than six months and it is very difficult to change people's views. One of my Commissioner said, ‘you can only have a current champion and you cannot have a permanent Champion,” the governor said.

He added that it was difficult for members of the Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to accept that godfatherism is good for the Nigerian politics, noting, “If we said 12 years ago that godfatherism is not good for our politics, 12 years after, it is difficult for us to change and accept that godfatherism is now good.

“These are some of the challenges we face. But we will continue to pray and seek peace,” he said.

Obaseki implored the church to appeal to the members of the Edo State House of Assembly who were yet to resume their duties to do so.

Earlier in his homily, Archbishop Augustine Akubeze urged for an end to the political crises rocking the Edo State chapter of the APC, adding that the crisis does not benefit political leaders and the masses.

He appealed to Governor Obaseki and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to bring down the walls of divisions and work together for the people of the state, noting, “Let there be an end to the fractions and suspension of leaders in the APC. Few selfish people benefit from conflicts. Overheating of the political space have to stop.”

He also urged Christians to continue with their righteous deeds and renounce all forms of evil.

In their remarks, the Deputy Governor and Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. urged the church to continue to pray for peace in the state.

Proposed APC south-South

Obaseki’s Reforms, Oshiomhole, APC And Warnings Ahead Of 2020

By TONY ALILEBBY

The freaky duel between the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his predecessor and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, is heating up the polity in ways that many didn’t envisage. It is getting messier as each day brings the state closer to the 2020 gubernatorial elections.

The battle has not only been a cause of distraction to the visionary governor, but has gotten more Edo people interested in politics than governance. The people of Edo state, especially the youths, have now been forced to take sides for or against two of the most popular and powerful faces in the State.

The romance between the former lovers, which went sour some years back as a result of conflicting interests, more worrisomely, seems to be glossing over the developmental and transformational reforms, policies and achievements of the Obaseki-led government, keeping Edo State in the news for the wrong reasons.

This shouldn’t be the case for a governor who is determined to lift Edo State from penury to Eldorado. It is commendable that despite the unpredictable and disruptive political environment, Obaseki has repositioned the state as reference point for good governance and record-breaking public policy reforms.

How then do we sit and watch the bad antics of an aggrieved godfather attempting to shadow the progressive works of this achiever? Through the EdoBEST initiative, Obaseki has re-enacted the basic education sector, ensuring improved learning outcomes by training over 11,300 teachers in 918 public primary schools across the state on digital teaching methods, to build a new army of citizens that are prepared for the future of work.

Unshaken is his administration’s massive improvements in social welfare, economic growth, governance and infrastructure projects, which are spread across primary health care reforms, health insurance, sporting infrastructure, urban renewal, security and industrialisation, civil service and judicial reforms, job creation, among others.

It is painful that in the face of all these transformational achievements, the glaring reward is more troubles from those who should be the voice of the good works of the governor, as a result of his inability to rob the masses to fill their already lined pockets. Oshiomhole, who is said to have contributed to the emergence of Obaseki, apparently, is aggrieved because his successor is no longer dancing to his music. Obaseki is said to have not only gone off the control of the party leader but also destroyed his ‘remote control’. The result is what is happening in Edo State, where a disgruntled few are striving unsuccessfully to make the state ungovernable and chaotic. It is more troubling because these are rebels of the same party, the ruling APC.

Like a child in expectation of Christmas gift, we had all thought that, like other godfather-godson tussle, the fisticuff would end with war of words on the pages of newspapers, screens of television or sounds of radio. Rather, it has degenerated into purported physical attacks with Oshiomhole alleging that his person and residence were attacked in his Benin City home by thugs allegedly hired by the governor. However, the State Commissioner of Police immediately dismissed the allegation, describing it as false alarm to create tension and heat up the polity.

The war-wave again blew at the convocation ceremony of the Edo University, Iyamho. This time, it was the Edo State Governor, Obaseki, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Chancellor, Edo University, Dr. Aderemi Makanjuola, Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu and other dignitaries, who were victims of attack by thugs loyal to the National Chairman of the APC at his country home.

The attack came as a surprise because the entire state was still agog to the news of the praise of Obaseki by Oshiomhole, who, in the early hours of the convocation, applauded the governor for building on his legacies. While we were thinking of a possible end to the rift, Oshiomhole’s ‘infantry division’, attacked the governor and his guests, damaging vehicles and other property belonging to the state government and the visitors. Luckily there were no casualties. Oshiomhole could not deny that this happened as there were video footages but he instead chose to point accusing fingers. However, till date, no one has been punished or invited by the Police for the terrible incident.

Most recently, the crisis, which has become an embarrassment to the entire state, is now in the bandwagon of suspension and counter suspension. While the alien Edo Peoples Movement (EPM), and rogue group in the APC, claimed to have suspended Governor Obaseki and the State Party Chairman, Anselm Ojezua, the 18 APC LGA chairmen subsequently passed a vote of no confidence on Oshiomhole and the state secretary, Lawrence Okah, suspending them forthwith. And the contest has continued unabated.

In the midst of the internal wangling, it is necessary to call the attention of the party chairman to what happened in Zamfara and Rivers State in the 2019 governorship elections, as a warning to what may befall the state party in 2020 if he doesn’t not do the right thing and let the sleeping dog lie. Oshiomhole must remember how the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stopped the APC from fielding candidates in Zamfara because the party, as a result of internal wrangling, did not hold primaries within the stipulated time.

Although the APC faction loyal to Governor Abdulaziz Yari claims it held congresses and has candidates, the faction loyal to a senator, Kabiru Marafa, insisted no primaries held. The party headquarters also said no primaries held but said it adopted consensus candidates within the stipulated time. The result is an all PDP Zamfara when the party had a chance to claim the mandate.

In Rivers, a federal high court also ruled that the APC disobeyed a high court order on its congresses and so its primaries that produced its candidates were null and void. Like Edo, the APC in Rivers was split into two, with a faction loyal to the transport minister, Rotimi Amaechi, and another loyal to a senator, Magnus Abe.

He whose palm-kernels were cracked by a benevolent spirit should not forget to be humble. Oshiomhole as APC chairman for the progress of the party should channel his energy to making sure that the APC emerges victorious in future elections rather than haunting persons who he perceives as disloyal for no just cause. He must leave Obaseki alone to work. The dangers of losing APC in Edo are too enormous to think of. Having Bayelsa as the only South-South APC State will do the party more harm than good.

Alilebby wrote in from Benin City.

https://www.independent.ng/obasekis-reforms-oshiomhole-apc…/

Obaseki assures of continuous capacity devt for teachers in primary, sec schools

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has assured of continuous capacity building for teachers in primary and secondary schools across the state, as part of his administration’s commitment to improve the standard of education in the state.

The governor said this after inspecting the progress of construction work at the College of Education, Abudu and a new site for the building of a laboratory for training teachers.

The governor explained that his administration is working with the World Bank to organise pre-service programme for teachers in primary and secondary schools, adding that the state has adopted a comprehensive approach in the training of teachers to ensure they are well equipped to discharge their duties.

“We are working with the World Bank to run a pre-service programme for all our teachers. The crisis in our education system is caused by the inability to equip and train our teachers properly, which we are correcting,” he said.

He added that the state government is collaborating with the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) to build a laboratory close to the College of Education, Abudu, to provide practical knowledge for teachers.

Obaseki noted, “The laboratory school will train teachers for the National Certificate of Education programme in the College of Education.”

He listed other facilities to be located within the laboratory school to include Sports Complex, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre and hostels, noting that the Laboratory school would be a world-class facility for pre-service and in-service training for teachers, adding, “The facilities will bring back social life to Abudu.”

He added that work at the College, which is nearing completion, has classrooms, offices and hostels ready for use, noting, “What is left for the college to take off is hiring of staff and other requisite details to get the school started next year.”

Obaseki to swear-in new Special Assistants, Senior Special Assistants Thursday

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, will on Thursday, November 28, swear-in his newly appointed Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie said the swearing-in ceremony will hold at the New Era College Hall, at Upper Mission Road, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

He said the newly appointed Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants are expected to be seated by 9:30, as the event will commence by 10 am prompt.

According to the statement, “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants by the Executive Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, will hold on Thursday, November 28, at New Era College Hall, in Upper Mission Road.

“Guests are expected to be seated at 9.30 as the event will commence by 10am prompt.”

Proposed APC South-South caucus meeting called without due consultation with party leaders, says Edo APC

… ‘meeting should be held in South-South zone, not Oshiomhole’s private office’

The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said the proposed meeting of the South-South caucus of the party was called without due consultation with leaders of the party in the zone.

In a statement, Edo State chairman of the APC, Anselm Ojezua Esq., said the meeting should be held in the zone, not at the private office of the suspended National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

According to him, “Our attention has been drawn to a notice of meeting of members of the South-south caucus of our party scheduled to take place at the private office of the suspended National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

“Members are by this medium advised to ignore this notice and refrain from attending the meeting which was called without due consultation of the leaders of our party in the zone.”

He explained that the state chapter of the party has “learnt that the purpose of the meeting is to procure and pass a vote of confidence on the embattled national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, among other sinister motives.

This is in spit of the series of “No Confidence” votes earlier passed by all the relevant organs of the Party in his home state where it matters the most.

“A proper meeting of the caucus members within the boundaries of the South-south region of Nigeria should be convened in due course, after due consultation with the leaders of the zone.”

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has tasked political leaders to invest in the younger generation to enable them compete with their peers in a world driven by technology.

Obaseki said this during the Sunday Service at the Firm Foundation Church International in Benin City, Edo State capital, at the weekend.

He described Nigeria as a young nation populated with youths, noting that the bulk of investment and policies should be focused on the youth to enable them define the future of the country.

“As Nigeria turns 59, we must invest in the younger generation. The country must ensure that youths are empowered and prepared for the future. We need to give them quality education, build the necessary infrastructure for them to operate and reposition them for the technology-driven world ahead,” Obaseki said.

He added that Nigeria is growing despite its challenges, as the country has enjoyed 20 years of uninterrupted democracy, noting, “We are on the right path and we will overcome. We should not despair because Nigeria is a great country; we have made some mistakes but we will get it right.”

Governor Obaseki tasked Nigerians to join hands to build the country as government alone cannot provide the needed change.


Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, who was part of the governor’s entourage to the service, said Nigeria was going through a period of transition with the potential to be greater than it currently is.

He commended that the development agenda of the Obaseki-led administration, noting, “I have seen positive changes in Benin City in terms of sanity and infrastructural development. I have seen roads and new shopping malls. By building on the structure laid by your predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, I believe we are on the right trajectory as a state.”

Earlier, Lead Pastor, Firm Foundation International, Pastor Kay Benson -Akhigbe in her sermon, entitled “What time is it,” said she has seen a better Edo State under Governor Godwin Obaseki.

She prayed for the governor, members of his cabinet, the state and the country as Nigeria turns 59.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called for more awareness campaigns on the need for people to adopt healthier lifestyles to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases.

The governor said this in commemoration of the World Heart Day marked by the World Heart Federation (WHF), a nongovernmental organisation based in Geneva, Switzerland.

Obaseki said, “In commemoration of the World Heart Day, it is important for stakeholders, including health workers, civil society organisations and relevant Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to collaborate on sustaining awareness campaigns to sensitise the people on dangerous lifestyles that expose them to the risk of cardiovascular diseases.”

“On our part as a government, we want to ensure that the people are better served on how best to avoid lifestyles that expose them to cardiovascular diseases, which according to research, remain the leading cause of death and disability in the world,” he noted.


He said the state government is putting the necessary health policies in place such as the Edo State Health Improvement Programme (Edo-HIP), instituting the state-wide health insurance scheme, and improving the investment climate to attract investors in the healthcare sector, to provide the people with the right environment to access support on cardiovascular-related health challenges.”

Obaseki noted that his administration will continue to provide the needed structure that will encourage more people to go for regular medical checkups and enable more people in rural and semi-urban areas to have easy access to medical centres and health professionals, adding, “With Edo-HIP, we intend to make the state’s healthcare sector more effective and efficient. We are making plans to have enough diagnostic centres with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines and Computed Tomography (CT) scan machines for basic diagnosis. There will also be centres for dialysis. However, even with the full complement of these, we need the people to know that they should also make healthier lifestyle choices so as prevent these ailments.”

The World Heart Federation urges greater action from policymakers, healthcare professionals, patient organisations and individuals to work together to reduce the burden of heart disease and stroke, and ensure people all over the world can have longer and better lives.

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) for bestowing him with the Best Performing Governor Award for 2019 on account of his achievements in the state’s education sector.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said Governor Obaseki appreciates the teachers for acknowledging the reforms in the state’s education sector, which has provided the teachers with new teaching experience.

According to him, “The governor received the news of his nomination as the Best Performing Governor with delight as it goes to show that the national leadership of the teachers union is abreast of the ongoing reforms in the education sector in Edo State.

“In Edo State, we launched the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme for holistic system reform across the state, targeting 1,500 public primary and junior secondary schools; 15,000 government teachers and 300,000 pupils. It consists of five distinct yet integrated pillars of activity including governance, teacher development and instructional design, community partnerships; infrastructure and the support and development of the local education authority.”

In the letter to the governor intimating him of the award, signed by the union’s Secretary-General, Dr. Mike Ike Ene, the NUT said, “Your Excellency would recall our letter of Commendation and Appreciation to yourself with Ref. NO. NUT/HQS/EDSW/6/178 date 9th September, 2019 based on your roles in improving Basic Education and Teachers’ welfare in Edo State as well as the very favourable written recommendations made by Edo State Wing of the Union on your achievements in the Education Sector in your state within the three years of your administration’s assumption of office.”

“As World Teachers’ Day is fast approaching, the National Leadership of our great Union, NUT, has found you worthy to be bestowed with the Best Performing Governor Award for the year 2019 and the award shall be presented to Your Excellency on 5th October, 2019, at Eagle Square Square, Abuja at 10.00am prompt,” the union added.