₦airaland Forum

Edo Poly, Usen Opens Central Lab for Industrial Research, Capacity Building

In line with on-going tertiary education reforms by Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the Edo State Institute of Technology and Management (ESTIM), Usen, also known as Edo State Polytechnic, has opened a Central Laboratory for industrial research and capacity building.

Speaking with journalists in Benin City, the Rector of Edo State Polytechnic, Professor Abiodun Falodun, said, “We opened the laboratory as part of ongoing effort to reposition the Institute to improve academia-industry collaboration, boost entrepreneurship and skill acquisition, and prepare our students for work in the industries.”

According to Falodun, “with the opening of the Central Laboratory, we are positioning this institution to become a one-stop-shop for industrial and biomedical analysis, among others. The academic staff of the institution will get the chance to improve their skills in line with global trends in the use of industrial equipment.”

He added that the Central Laboratory will offer services to indigenous industries, tertiary institutions including Universities and Polytechnics and strengthen the relationship between the academia and industries.

“The facilities at the Central Laboratory include: Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (ASS), Infrared Spectrophotometer, UV-Visible Spectrophotometer, Flame Photometer, freeze dryers, Gas Chromatography (GC), FTIR, pH meters, Colorimeter, Polarimeter, Rotary evaporatorsete,” he said.

Prof Falodun explained that the laboratory provides a range of services, which includes testing of products such as plant tissues (herbals/extracts), soil samples, water, and industrial raw materials and foods.

According to him, “Phytochemical screening at the lab covers quantification of secondary metabolites and antioxidants; toxicological Assays. We also offer training services, undergraduate/ post-graduate training; and pharmacological screening.”

He said industries that require the services at the laboratory include oil palm companies such as Okomo Oil, Presco; food and beverage companies such as Guinness Nigeria; Government agencies in-charge of water analysis, pharmaceutical companies, water factories and chemical industries.

He said the idea of the laboratory is to have all testing at the Polytechnic at a centralized site, which helps to harmonise research, increase multi-disciplinary collaboration and ensure sustainability.

Obaseki’s grassroots devt drive: Edo MDAs, Uhunmwode Ward Devt C’ttees meet, brainstorm on priorities

Consequent upon the inauguration of ward development committees in Uhunmwode Local Government Area by the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, relevant government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are meeting with the committees to brainstorm and agree on development projects for the council.

The committees, set up few weeks ago by the governor, is a non-partisan platform that aggregates interest of the various wards in the local government and prioritises sustainable projects and initiative for rapid development in collaboration with government agencies. A brainchild of Governor Obaseki, the committees’ work is being spearheaded by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Osaro Idah.

Each ward development committee includes two women, two youth, a traditional ruler, one retired or serving teacher and nurse, one member of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), a member of an opposition party and a religious leader.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic Education and Acting Chairman, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, said that a team comprising officials and representatives of key MDAs, including Ministry of Infrastructure, SUBEB, Edojobs, Post-Primary Education Board, among others, would continue engagement with the ward committees and a meeting has already been scheduled to reach a consensus on priority projects.

According to her, “After Governor Obaseki inaugurated the committees, we have been in touch and are working to align the development imperatives to meet pressing demands. So, we will be meeting with the committees in Uhunmwode on Tuesday and Wednesday and that of Orhionmwon by Thursday and Friday.

Chief Osaro Idah said, “It is important to emphasis that the committees are non-political in nature. We are going to be holding extensive discussions with them, surveying the environment and developing a shopping list and costing for projects.”

Noting that the delegation will be working within existing development plans for the communities, he noted, “We intend to align the development needs of the wards with the MDAs' strategic plans and also prioritise them according to the most pressing of needs. The initiatives are going to be rolled out in August.”

Chief Idah added that the state government was committed to grassroots development, which inspired the setting up of the committees. Noting that the strategy will about coordinated and people-driven development in the grassroots, he urged members of the different wards to work with the committees and the state government in actualizing the different projects to be initiated.

World Cities Summit: Obaseki, Singaporean President, global city leaders examine barriers to smart city initiative

The Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the President of Singapore, Halimah Yacob, Minister of National Development and Second Minister for Finance, Singapore, Lawrence Wong; with over one hundred representatives of national and municipal governments as well as leading private sector players in cities development, at the weekend began deliberations on how to eliminate challenges to sustainable cities at the World Cities Summit in Singapore.

The meeting of experts organisers say, "is an exclusive platform for government leaders and industry experts to address livable and sustainable city challenges, share integrated urban solutions and forge new partnerships.”

Jointly organised by Singapore’s Centre for Livable Cities and Urban Redevelopment Authority, the biennial summit, features the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize; the annual World Cities Summit Mayors Forum; and World Cities Summit Young Leaders Symposium.

In his contributions at the global summit, Obaseki made a case for smarter cities that would rely on information and communication technology (ICT) for the efficient management of cities’ assets and resources.

The governor’s smart city proposition, according to experts“ is an urban center that uses different types of electronic data collection sensors to supply information which is used to manage assets and resources efficiently.

“This includes data collected from citizens, devices, and assets that is processed and analysed to monitor and manage traffic and transportation systems, power plants, water supply networks, waste management, law enforcement, information systems, schools, libraries, hospitals, and other community services.

“The smart city concept integrates information and communication technology (ICT), and various physical devices connected to the network (the Internet of Things (IoT) to optimise the efficiency of city operations and services and connect to citizens. Smart city technology allows city officials to interact directly with both community and city infrastructure and to monitor what is happening in the city and how the city is evolving.”

Organisers explained that the “World Cities Summit Mayors Forum is an annual by-invitation-only global event for city leaders to discuss pressing urban issues and share best practices with one another.

“The peer-to-peer platform invites mayors and senior leaders from international organisations and the industry to exchange experiences in developing integrated urban solutions, building economic and environmental resilience, engaging with communities and sustaining a high quality of life in urban regions. Participants will hear from each other on innovations and changes they are implementing in their cities, and how these are managed.”

Obaseki will showcase the impact of the revamped Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) in the state, the agency’s civil but firm approach to traffic management after months of training and the positive reception and feedbacks from road-users months after its revamp.

He will also showcase the work of the Edo State Geographic Information Service Agency (EGIS), the Ministry for Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Land Bureau that are working together in generating land data for development, easing transfer of land titles and in obtaining Certificate of Occupancy as well as the simplification and speedy issuance of approvals for businesses amongst others.

The Edo State delegation has the Managing Director of the Edo Geographic Information Service Agency, Architect Frank Evbuomwan, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Edorodion Oye Erimona, the chairmen of Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha and Egor local government areas.

The Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Lecture & Forum, a major feature of the Summit, recognises outstanding international initiatives for city excellence by outstanding individuals and organisations who have contributed urban initiatives, policies or projects which epitomise foresight, good governance or innovation in overcoming the challenges faced by cities.

The organisers further said that the Lecture and forum discussions will focus on four key pillars that are instrumental to the success of every city and its quality of urban life - livability, vibrancy, sustainability and quality of life.

The World Cities Summit Young Leaders Symposium is an annual gathering of a select group of change-makers from diverse sectors who shape the global urban agenda where the decisions that leaders make today will impact more than half of the world's population. The World Cities Summit Young Leaders Symposium provides a platform for discourse on pressing urban issues and to launch initiatives to tackle the challenges of urbanisation such as planning for urbanisation and preparing cities to be inclusive by creating better access to opportunities such as affordable housing, sustainable transportation, accessible education and meaningful employment.

With participants drawn from Europe, North and Latin America, Middle East, Asia and Africa and the Oceania, the summit will also feature a series of high-level plenary sessions which provide strategic insights from senior city and organisational leaders on the interplay of leadership and governance and the latest debate on livability and sustainability. The Plenary sessions will be complemented by thematic tracks for in-depth discussion of specific urban issues.

PHOTO CAPTION:

IMG_001

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (second left) with the state delegation to the World Cities Summit, holding from July 8-12, in Singapore.

Revamp of Benin Technical College reaches advanced stage, as Edo govt calls for bids to construct workshops, labs, others

As Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, advances on repositioning the state as the hotbed for technical and vocational education, the state government has concluded plans for construction of workshops, classrooms, laboratories, resource centres and purchase of top-of-the-range equipment for the Benin Technical College, also known as the Government Science and Technical College (GSTC), in Benin City.

In a statement, Special Adviser, Media and Communication Strategy to the Governor, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said the state government seeks bids from contractors for the rehabilitation work as well as fitting the college with requisite equipment for world-class technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

He said the project is being handled by the GSTC Benin Rehabilitation Programme Office.

Osagie stated that government is refurbishing nine existing buildings, construct four classroom blocks, two workshops, a specialist training centre as well as general site works and services.

According to him, the equipment would enable the students to gain skills and knowledge in various aspects of vocational education to enable them drive the industrialisation policy in the state and compete with their contemporaries across the globe.

He noted that the Knowledge Resource Centre at the College would serve the needs of the students and teachers at the college, adding that fittings that would be purchased include, “furniture for reception, books shelving and minimal seating as well as, supply of books.”

The equipment to be purchased, according to the statement, include those for, “Auto-Electrical Works; Building Construction/Bricklaying, Block-laying & Concreting Works; Electrical Installation; Mechanical Engineering Craft Practice; Motor Vehicle Mechanic Works; Radio, TV & Electronics Works; Refrigeration & Air-conditioning Works; Vehicle Body Building & Repair/ Auto-mobile Maintenance.

"We are also purchasing Laboratory Equipment for Technical Drawing Department.”

He added that government is purchasing 2000 units of combined desks and chairs as well as furniture for Administrative Block and Dining Hall.

Recall that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration has prioritised TVET as a part of the state’s industrialisation drive, and is committed to rehabilitating the GSTC as a model technical school to produce critical technical manpower for industries making in-roads to the state, in the wake of a spike in investments by manufacturing companies, among others.

*INEC seeks support of Gov Obaseki in voters' mobilisation, collection of 514,638 PVCs*

The Edo State Independent National Electoral Commissioner (INEC) Commissioner, Mr. Emmanuel Alex Hart, on Thursday sought the support of the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki in mobilising Edo people and residents to participate in the programmes of the electoral body in the state.

The new INEC Commissioner in the state made the request during a courtesy visit to the governor, in Government House, Benin City.

“I am here to solicit your collaboration as an influential stakeholder to mobilise the entire citizenry of the state to participate and be more active in all the activities of the Commission, including Continuous Voters’ Registration (CVR), collection of Permanent Voters' Cards (PVCs) among others," Mr. Hart said.

According to Hart, “the Commission in Edo State is still having in its custody a total 445, 301 PVCs from the 2011 to 2016 registration stock.

“Out of the 78, 398 new PVCs supplied to the state for 2017, only 9, 061 have been distributed, with 69, 337 PVCs yet to be collected, bringing the total number of registrants for the second quarter as at July 3, 2018 to 53, 271.

“The total transfer request for the second quarter as at July 3, 2018 is 5, 239, and the total transfer applications in 2017 till date is 18, 517. The total registration for 2017 till date is 184, 717, while the total number of uncollected PVCs (old and new) as at July 3, 2018 is 514, 638.

In his remark, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, assured the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of his administration's readiness to support the electoral body in reducing the number of uncollected Permanent Voters' Cards (PVCs) in the state.

“We will assist you to do your work. I urge you to let us know and understand the scope of the challenges to enable us deal with the problem,” the governor said, adding that support would be extended to INEC in its voters’ education programme as well as the sensitisation on the collection of PVCs in the state.

“We will set up a response team that will work with your Information and Communication Technology (ICT) staff to carry out analysis of the areas with high incidence either at the ward or community level, so as to know where we can step-up action to locate those who are still residing in the locality for them to collect their PVCs,” Obaseki assured.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media:

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki

CAPTION:

DSC_0075

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd right); his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (right); Edo State Resident Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Emmanuel Alex Hart (2nd left); and Administrative Secretary, INEC, Dr. Richard Ntui (left), during the Commissioner’s courtesy visit at the Government House, in Benin City, on Thursday, July 5, 2018.

*New health sector architecture to leverage PPP for sustained quality outcomes - Obaseki*

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has disclosed that the soon-to-be-unveiled health sector architecture of the state would be anchored on a robust public private partnership for sustained quality outcomes.

Obaseki said this while commissioning a GE 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine and a GE 64 Slice CT Scan Machine at Lily Hospital in Benin City, the state capital.

He maintained that his administration is working to make the state a medical hub where the government, private health care service providers and other groups would participate.

"We have developed a health master plan to holistically tackle the challenges confronting health care delivery in the state; the plan will be unveiled soon.

"We are excited that as we are working to improve health care at the primary level, people are already investing at the specialist end" the governor said, noting that the private hospital’s huge investment would complement the state government’s efforts in providing quality health care services to Edo people and residents.

He called for more investments in the sector, especially in specialised health care service to check medical tourism aboard.

He commended the hospital for the procurement of the facilities, noting that they would improve patient care and boost health care delivery in the state and country in general.

Chairman, Board of Trustees, Lily Hospital, Professor Joseph Ana, who took the governor round the hospital, said the facilities would ensure better diagnosis of ailments, improve health care delivery as well as provide specialised medical services in the state and country in general.

Prof. Ana expressed his delight at the state government’s resolve to collaborate with private hospitals in the state to ensure that quality health care services can be accessed by the generality of the population of the state.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki

*PHOTO CAPTION:*

IMG-001

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right), cutting the tape; flanked by Chief Executive Officer, Echolily Investment LLC, Dr. Austin Okogun (left); and Executive Director, Lily Hospital, Dr. Kimoni Ikutegbe (middle), during the commissioning of a GE 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine and a GE 64 Slice CT Scan Machine at Lily Hospital in Benin City, Edo State.

INEC seeks support of Gov Obaseki in voters' mobilisation, collection of 514,638 PVCs

The Edo State Independent National Electoral Commissioner (INEC) Commissioner, Mr. Emmanuel Alex Hart, on Thursday sought the support of the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki in mobilising Edo people and residents to participate in the programmes of the electoral body in the state.

The new INEC Commissioner in the state made the request during a courtesy visit to the governor, in Government House, Benin City.

“I am here to solicit your collaboration as an influential stakeholder to mobilise the entire citizenry of the state to participate and be more active in all the activities of the Commission, including Continuous Voters’ Registration (CVR), collection of Permanent Voters' Cards (PVCs) among others," Mr. Hart said.

According to Hart, “the Commission in Edo State is still having in its custody a total 445, 301 PVCs from the 2011 to 2016 registration stock.

“Out of the 78, 398 new PVCs supplied to the state for 2017, only 9, 061 have been distributed, with 69, 337 PVCs yet to be collected, bringing the total number of registrants for the second quarter as at July 3, 2018 to 53, 271.

“The total transfer request for the second quarter as at July 3, 2018 is 5, 239, and the total transfer applications in 2017 till date is 18, 517. The total registration for 2017 till date is 184, 717, while the total number of uncollected PVCs (old and new) as at July 3, 2018 is 514, 638.

In his remark, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, assured the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of his administration's readiness to support the electoral body in reducing the number of uncollected Permanent Voters' Cards (PVCs) in the state.

“We will assist you to do your work. I urge you to let us know and understand the scope of the challenges to enable us deal with the problem,” the governor said, adding that support would be extended to INEC in its voters’ education programme as well as the sensitisation on the collection of PVCs in the state.

“We will set up a response team that will work with your Information and Communication Technology (ICT) staff to carry out analysis of the areas with high incidence either at the ward or community level, so as to know where we can step-up action to locate those who are still residing in the locality for them to collect their PVCs,” Obaseki assured.



CAPTION:


DSC_0075
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd right); his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (right); Edo State Resident Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Emmanuel Alex Hart (2nd left); and Administrative Secretary, INEC, Dr. Richard Ntui (left), during the Commissioner’s courtesy visit at the Government House, in Benin City, on Thursday, July 5, 2018.

Benin Auto Park: Obaseki, Automotive Council, BMW, Ford, Nissan, others commit to park’s devt.

Poised to develop the largest single auto sales market in West Africa, Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state is willing to explore far-reaching partnership with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and the Africa Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), in actualising the Benin Auto Park, sited in Benin City.

Governor Obaseki, who said this at the Edo Automotive Investment Forum, held in Benin City, noted that the state government was ready to provide necessary support structures to facilitate the setting up of global automotive players at the park, which is located opposite the Benin Industrial Park (BIP).

The Forum was attended by a delegation from AAAM, who had the mandate of the global office, to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria’s automotive industry.

The Forum was attended by Chief Executive Officers and other representatives of the global auto makers, including Graffiti SA, Nissan, Toyota, Deloitte, Gauteng Infrastructure Financing Agency (GIFA), Automotive Industry Development Center, DataDot Technology, Standard Bank of South Africa, International Finance Corporation and Afropulse Group.

Wooing the investors, Obaseki said Edo State is strategically located to become one of the largest automotive hubs in West Africa, maintaining that the state has a robust automotive sales and services sector, which guarantees impressive Return on Investment (RoI).

Noting that the Benin Auto Park will transform Nigeria's automotive industry and help upgrade the used car market, he said the park will avail Nigerans of the opportunity to be able to buy new cars at affordable prices and be assured of top-of-the-range after-sales services.

On why the park has come to stay, he explained, “We want you to work with car dealership to create the largest single market location in Benin City, where people can buy cars. We want to properly organise the auto dealers in Benin City, transform the car components sector and attract investment to the state.”

Dr. Jelani Aliyu, the Director General of the NADDC, said that the council is excited with the proposal of the Edo State Government, and sees at least two scenarios for growth.

According to him, “with this support by the state government, I see the state becoming a hotbed for automobile sales. The first instance will see the state grow from supplying used cars to brand new cars. Also, we see the influx of automobile component makers, who are also here.”

On his part, Chief Executive Officer, Volkswagen South Africa, Thomas Schaefer, said that the delegation is keenly interested in the Nigerian market, its growth and deepening investments, especially with the increased drive for the Automotive policy.

According to him, “the automotive industry is quite critical in South Africa. It generates 350,000 jobs. The market boasts of 600,000 new cars. There is zero importation. We hope to replicate this in Nigeria and are interested in the Nigerian market.

“We are interested in Nigeria and Edo State and impressed with the proposal for the Benin Auto Park. We hope to deepen the partnership,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Deloitte Africa, Lwazi Bam, said that the delegation has the mandate of the global companies to explore investment opportunities in the country, noting that it was impressive for Governor Obaseki to actively push for diversification of the state’s economy.

According to him, “These individuals have strong belief in Africa and the continent’s progress. It is interesting to have Governor Godwin Obaseki talking about and pushing for projects to diversify the state’s economy.

“There has been a lot of talk about economic diversification in Africa. But we need people to lead the charge. Edo State Governor is leading the charge in Edo State.

“As we speak with the Federal Government on diversification and development of the automotive sector. We also need to speak with the state government, because it is in the states that the factories and industries will be sited.”



PHOTO CAPTION:



IMG_3727

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left), making a presentation on the viability of the Benin Auto Park to Chief Executives of leading global auto brands at the Edo Automotive Investment Forum, in Benin City.

DSC­­_0108

L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Chief Executive Officer, Volkswagen South Africa, Thomas Schaefer; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Business Bureau and Private Property Protection, Ikponmwosa Osayande; and the Director, Sales/Operations, Nissan South Africa, Jim Dando, during a tour of the Benin Industrial Park, along Sapele Road, Benin City, on Wednesday, July 4, 2018

DSC­_0135

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd right); His Deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (right); Chief Executive Officer, Deloitte Africa, Lwazi Bam (2nd left) and the Operations Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, Jaguar Land Rover, Nigel Clark (left) at the Automotive Investment Forum, at the Banquet Hall, Government House, in Benin City, on Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Obaseki’s tourism reform: South African firm, others jostle for Sokponba Blue Water Resort devt.

…As Edo govt identifies more tourist sites

The rising profile of Edo State as an emerging investment destination following the reforms embarked upon by Governor Godwin Obaseki, across all sectors of the state, has caught the attention of South African investors and other big-ticket investors in the global tourism sector, who are jostling for the development of Sokponba Blue Water Resort.

According to the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osazee Osemwingie-Ero, the investors have indicated interest in the development of the Sokponba Blue Water Resort, a world-class recreational and leisure facility that will give Edo State her slice of the annual global tourist receipt.

Osemwingie-Ero disclosed this during a tour of the ancient Illewa Hill in Okpella, Estako East Local Government Area, which the state has penciled down for development.

He explained that firms from South Africa and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, are billed to make presentations to Governor Godwin Obaseki on their interest to develop the facility soon.

He added several tourist sites have been identified by the state government and are being categorised and repackaged for international exhibition.

“These are natural sites, second to none in the world. If you have the privilege of travelling abroad, you will discover that the tourist sites we see over there are artificial.

“Even the Unuamen, where Queen Idia fought the war with Aruan and Oba Esigie has become a tourist destination for students of history,” the commissioner said.
He explained that the visit to the site at Ido II, in Okpella, was on the order of Governor Obeseki, after the heads of the Okpella communities submitted a letter to the him to include the Hill as a potential tourist site in the state.

The commissioner said the governor has urged his ministry to identify more tourist sites as part of efforts to diversify the state’s economy and improve her revenue base.

“There is a lot that can take place here, from movies, hotel accommodation, gymnasium and more. Few weeks ago, we were in Abeokuta for the Drum Festival and we climbed Olumo Rock which is not as beautiful as this, so we have decided that we will beautify this place and make it a proper tourist site.”

On his part, the Otsegban of Okpella, High Chief Peter Airenokhale expressed his appreciation to the governor for his prompt response to the community’s request, noting, the community anticipates that the visit will put the Illewa Hill and Okpella community on the global tourism calendar.

Vice Chairman of Estako East Local Government Area, Princess Benedicta Attoh, assured that the people are ready to support the programmes of the governor to ensure that the Illewa Hill becomes a notable tourist site in Nigeria.

PHOTO CAPTION:

DSC_0144

L-R: Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osazee Osemwingie-Ero; the Otsegbai of Okepella, High Chief Peter Airenokhale; Vice Chairman, Etsako East Local Government Area, Princess Benedicta Attoh, during the Commissioner’s visit to the Otsegbai of Okepella.

DSC_0174

L-R: Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osazee Osemwingie-Ero; Vice Chairman, Etsako East Local Government Area, Princess Benedicta Attoh, and others, at the top of the Illewa Hill in Okpella, Estako East Local Government Area.

Obaseki mulls Security Trust Fund for Edo

… Commends retired military officers' sacrifice

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has revealed plans to pass into law, a bill to set up a Security Trust Fund for the state, as part of measures to revamp the security architecture.

Obaseki disclosed this when executive members of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association of Nigeria (RANAO), Edo State Chapter, paid a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

He noted, “As part of the rethinking of the state’s security architecture, we will, very shortly, pass into law the new Security Trust Fund Bill, which is going to be the anchor on which our security architecture will be built on.”

The governor commended members of RANAO for their contributions to the security of the country, noting, “Nigeria has been shaped by your activities as retired security officers and you have fought to keep the country as one.”

He urged the group to provide advice and assistance to improve the security of life and property in the state, adding that security is a major challenge facing the country, and all hands must be on deck to solve the nagging problem.

Obaseki said, “As a government, we realise that the challenges we face as a country is quite deep and formidable.

Without law, safety and order, government will not succeed. That is why we have tried, as a government, to do our best in terms of safety, security and order to enable us build a great state.”

Earlier, leader of the group, Retired Major General (Retd.) Paul Edomwande, commended Governor Obaseki for the developmental strides recorded since he assumed office as governor of the state.

“We laud your effort in abolishing the Community Development Associations (CDAs) that had caused carnage in our communities.

“Nothing should be allowed to disrupt the mop-up that is still going on,” he added.

PHOTO CAPTION:

DSC_0094

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd left); his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (middle); Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. (2nd right); Chairman, Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association of Nigeria (RANAO), Edo State Chapter, Major General Paul. O Edomwande (Retd., left); and, Maj. Gen. C.O Omoregie (Retd., right), during the courtesy visit by the Executive Members of RANAO, to the Governor at Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

Obaseki mulls Security Trust Fund for Edo

… Commends retired military officers' sacrifice

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has revealed plans to pass into law, a bill to set up a Security Trust Fund for the state, as part of measures to revamp the security architecture.

Obaseki disclosed this when executive members of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association of Nigeria (RANAO), Edo State Chapter, paid a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

He noted, “As part of the rethinking of the state’s security architecture, we will, very shortly, pass into law the new Security Trust Fund Bill, which is going to be the anchor on which our security architecture will be built on.”

The governor commended members of RANAO for their contributions to the security of the country, noting, “Nigeria has been shaped by your activities as retired security officers and you have fought to keep the country as one.”

He urged the group to provide advice and assistance to improve the security of life and property in the state, adding that security is a major challenge facing the country, and all hands must be on deck to solve the nagging problem.

Obaseki said, “As a government, we realise that the challenges we face as a country is quite deep and formidable.

Without law, safety and order, government will not succeed. That is why we have tried, as a government, to do our best in terms of safety, security and order to enable us build a great state.”

Earlier, leader of the group, Retired Major General (Retd.) Paul Edomwande, commended Governor Obaseki for the developmental strides recorded since he assumed office as governor of the state.

“We laud your effort in abolishing the Community Development Associations (CDAs) that had caused carnage in our communities.

“Nothing should be allowed to disrupt the mop-up that is still going on,” he added.

PHOTO CAPTION:

DSC_0094

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd left); his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (middle); Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. (2nd right); Chairman, Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association of Nigeria (RANAO), Edo State Chapter, Major General Paul. O Edomwande (Retd., left); and, Maj. Gen. C.O Omoregie (Retd., right), during the courtesy visit by the Executive Members of RANAO, to the Governor at Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

Pictures

More pictures

More

*Benin Auto Park: Obaseki hosts global automotive industry players, assures on incentives*
...as Edo holds automotive investment forum

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured global automotive industry players, including BMW, Bosch, Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford, Uber, among others, of the state's readiness to provide mouthwatering incentives and other business-friendly policies to enable them set up at the proposed Benin Auto Park, opposite the Benin Industrial Park (BIP).

Obaseki gave the assurance at the Edo Automotive Investment Forum, which held at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

He urged the delegation of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Africa Operations of global automotive industry players to explore investment opportunities in the state, with focus on investments to boost the automotive sector in Benin City, one of the most vibrant auto sales and services hubs in the country.

Governor Obaseki said Edo State is strategically located to become one of the largest automotive hubs in West Africa and maintained that the state has a robust automotive sales and services sector, which guarantees impressive Return on Investment (RoI).

Benin Club lauds Obaseki govt for job creation, education reform, achievements in agric

The Benin Club has commended the Governor Obaseki-led administration for its developmental strides, particularly in job creation, education and agriculture sectors.

President of the club, Sir Ade Edeki, who led other officials and members of the club on a courtesy visit to the governor, at Government House in Benin City, said the achievements were laudable and have brought hope to Edo people and residents.

Edeki described the leadership style of the governor, who is the patron of the club as people-oriented.

"We commend you for your achievements so far especially in the areas of education reform in the state, for creating jobs for our people, repositioning the agriculture sector and for assisting security agencies to do their jobs better," Edeki said.

He urged the state government to deploy Closed-circuit Television (CCTV) cameras to flash points in the state as part of the new security architecture of the state.

The president also intimated the governor of the club's plan to organise a Governor's Games that would feature several sporting events, as part of the club’s plan to engage Edo youths in creative ventures.

Obaseki congratulated the new executive members of the Benin Club on their victory and urged them to hit the ground running and execute impactful projects for the club.

The governor expressed his delight at the proposed Governor's Games and assured that the state’s commissioner for youths and special duties would work out modalities for the sporting events.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of a birthday card by officials of the club to the governor, whose birthday was on Sunday, July 1.



PHOTO CAPTION

DSC_0141

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle); Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (2nd right); Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. (right); President, Benin Club, Engr. Ade Edeki (2nd left); and Patron of the Club, Justice I.O Aluyi (left); during the courtesy visit by members of the Club to the Governor at the Government House, in Benin City, Edo State.

Police nab official of fake recruitment agency in Edo

The Edo State Government says the persons behind the fake recruitment agency that defrauded over 500 job seekers in Benin City, of millions of naira, for nonexistent jobs, have been arrested by the police.

According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, an official of KAI Consulting, the fake recruitment agency has been arrested by the police.

"The suspect, Benjamin Amachi Chukura, is a graduate of Public Administration, from Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Ekpoma.

"He claimed that his organisation wrote a letter to Edo State Government in November 2017 seeking recognition and partnership with the state on environmental issues.

"Chukura told security agents that KAI Environmental is a voluntary organisation operating in Delta State with about 60 workers," Osagie said.

The governor's aide further said that Chukura is being interrogated by the police to explain the roles of his colleagues in the employment scam.

The news of the employment scam broke few days ago that over 500 job seekers in Edo State were made to pay over N10 million for jobs, by KAI Consulting, which claimed that it was recruiting workers for the Edo State Ministry of Environment and Sustainability.

But the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability in the state, Omoua Alonge Oni-Okpaku, debunked the claim and said that all state government jobs are handled by EdoJobs, a government jobs portal.

Media reports quoted Chukura as saying that KIA Consulting received 113 applications from applicants who paid them for training them in preparation for their recruitment into the government agency.

He admitted that the Chief Executive officer of the agency collected about N180, 000.

Some of the money collected from the unsuspecting job seekers include: N5,000 for Uniform; N2,000 for handout; N1,000 for Identity Card; N500 for examination fee; and another N2,000 for rank.

*Obaseki banks on Technology, synergy with private sector to drive agribusiness investment in Edo*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state government will drive agribusiness investments in the state with the deployment of new technologies and strong participation of private investors.

Obaseki said this in a chat with journalists after a meeting with the Director General (DG) of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr. Nteranya Sanginga, on the sidelines of the International Workshop Water-Energy-Food Systems in Sub-Sahara, held at the IITA campus in Ibadan, Oyo State.

He said, “The most important of the challenges is trying to reenact and reestablish the culture of agriculture, to take out the drudgery of the past and bring in science and technology. We want to look at agriculture as a business with its value chain. People don’t grow crops for its own sake, it is because it has several uses aside food, such as agro-processing and as industrial goods.

“As a governor, I am here to see how I can explore opportunities with the institute, which we are very proud of. In the last 50 years, they have been helping us to understand the crops we grow in the tropics. We are also here to see how we can go into partnerships and work on specific projects.

Noting that the state is paving the way for private investors to contribute in deepening investment in agribusiness, he said, “In Edo State, for instance, we have shut down all the colleges of agriculture and are restarting them with new curriculum. We are getting the private sector to get involved, even in those schools, to train the required manpower.”

According to him, “For us as politicians and as a government, I campaigned and promised that I was going to enhance the well being of my people and that I was going to create jobs. That is from a political perspective, I made a promise and I have to deliver. There are a number of things I need to do to deliver the result. The first thing is to identify the issues, challenges and problems. But more importantly, you have to get and mobilise resources to make that happen.

He restated that Edo State is one of the foremost agricultural states in Nigeria, as it has some of the biggest investments in oil palm and rubber plantations in the country, assuring that he was intent on returning the state to its glorious days as an agribusiness hub.

He said, “Don’t forget that before oil became a fad, we were firstly an agrarian country. Edo State was the largest producer of oil palm and therefore we had the oil palm research institute. We were also a major producer of rubber. When I mean producer, I mean global producer of things like rubber, so we had a rubber research institute 60 years ago in Benin. So, we have had a culture of agriculture and agribusiness.”

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media:

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki


PHOTO CAPTION:

L-R: Communication and Knowledge Management Expert, Sustainable Weed Management Technologies for Cassava Systems in Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Atser; Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Director-General, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Nteranya Sanginga, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Security Programme, Joe Okogie, after a meeting with the DG at IITA, Ibadan, Oyo State, on the side-line of the International Workshop on Water-Energy-Food Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa.

PRESS RELEASE

Removal of illegal structures not targeted at any individual or group – Edo Govt

The Edo State government is removing illegal structures, billboards, posters, pictures because they run foul of the development imperatives of the state which is captured under the Environmental Sustainability thrust of the state’s Six Thematic Pillars.

It is disruptive of anybody to place structures without due approval from relevant government agencies, upsetting development plans for public utilities and other social amenities. Government has a well-thought-out plan for the state and no one is allowed to arbitrarily erect structures contrary to government’s vision.

This decision is not targeted at any individual or group. The structures, billboards and posters being removed do not only deface public space, they also are not approved by relevant regulatory agencies.


Crusoe Osagie,

Special Adviser, Media and Communication Strategy

Edo State Government

*PRESS STATEMENT*

*Culprits Behind Contrived blackmail Videos in Edo Exposed*

The first response we expect this statement to elicit from the gasping opposition party in Edo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is that the Edo State government is trying to attack an innocent Edo citizen, for genuinely exposing the suffering of the masses, in order to bring them succor. Far from it.

A recent video of the dilapidated Holy Aruosa Primary School, which drew the attention of a lot of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, was posted by one Pharez Okpere, and this action was in bad faith.

Pharez Okpere is a member of the Edo State PDP, and former aide to the former Minister of Works in the former President Goodluck Jonathan administration, and his reputation for unwholesome acts in the social media space precedes him.

Without trying to pass the buck of governance, right from the administration of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, the APC government has demonstrated verifiable commitment to the transformation of schools in the state. The Red Roof Revolution is visible in all parts of the state as proof of this commitment.

The Obaseki administration has taken the transformation of public schools to a higher height with the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) initiative, elevating the standard of teaching in public schools to the level obtainable in developed countries.

These and several other initiatives have been designed to raise the quality of teaching in public schools, much of which we cannot parade here for lack of space.

However, we are aware that a day before Pharez Okpere went to Holy Aruosa Primary School, a car rammed into the school and brought down the walls. The next day, he claimed he drove into the school, in his search for a parking space and was moved to record the video message.

Thereafter, he reached out to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, with request for money, else he would post the video, which in his thinking would embarrass the Obaseki-led government. Proof of his communication on a new video he is working on is attached.

We had initially decided not to expose all the shenanigans of Pharez Okpere and his cohorts, but we are constrained to release the facts of their plan to embark on a campaign to smear the image of the government, using contrived videos.

For the records, the Holy Aruosa Primary School was founded in 1945. That makes the school 73 years old today. If you analyse further, you will find out that this school existed for 54 years before the PDP took office in 1999 and for the over nine years the PDP was in power, there are no records that the PDP bought a single bag of cement to renovate that school.

For the period the PDP was in power, the opposition party refused to pay the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) counterpart fund and did not access a dime for the development of schools in the state.

We are also aware of Pharez Okpere’s plan to post more videos of the Central Hospital, Benin City after he failed to secure any deal with the APC. The Central Hospital was taken over by the Mid West government in 1963, and has since been managed by the state government. We will not fail to reiterate the state government’s commitment to reposition the hospital. We will not do this in a rush, as plans are underway for a well-thought-out, sustainable arrangement to make the hospital work for Edo people.

We need to put on record that the Obaseki administration will not yield to subtle blackmail by Okpere or other members of the opposition party that destroyed the country.

For the 16 years that the PDP ruled the country, two Edo indigenes were ministers of work, who controlled billions of naira and could not fix the Lagos-Benin road despite the economic value of the road. Edo State lost thousands of her citizens to needless accidents, not to mention the material losses running into billions of naira.

Mr. Okpere and other hirelings of the PDP top echelon in the state, who were part of that government and under whose watch the state recorded the height of infrastructural decay, are in no position to use the result of their negligence and misgovernance to curry favours and sympathy or even incite the public.

By now, the PDP ought to know that the Edo State government cannot be threatened with contrived videos. The transformation of the state is on course and each sector has a grand plan with clear timeline for project execution.

Watch out as we name clergymen and politicians and their roles in this saga, in part two of this report.

Crusoe Osagie,

Special Adviser, Media and Communication Strategy,

Edo State Government.


Photo Caption:

Blackmail phase two announced by Pharez after Edo Govt Officials refused to negotiate.[i][/i]

*Indiscriminate waste disposal: Edo Govt. intensifies campaign in markets, urges support for Keep Edo Clean project*



The Edo State Waste Management Board on Tuesday held a mega rally across major markets and roads in Benin metropolis to raise awareness among residents on the need to stop the indiscriminate dumping of waste in the state, while mobilising support for the ‘Keep Edo Clean Project’ of the Godwin Obaseki-led administration.



Speaking at Oba Market, the General Manager (GM) of the board, Mr. Charles Imariagbe, advised traders to shun the habit of dumping refuse in drains and disposing waste around the market.



He explained that the the sensitisation rally became necessary in order to promote a new culture among residents to imbibe the culture of cleanliness and embrace the use of government accredited waste managers for proper waste disposal.



He said the Obaseki administration is in a hurry to make Edo State one of the cleanest states in the country, and urged traders in the market to key into the initiative.



"The Edo State Waste Management Board is carrying out this rally in collaboration with local government officials and members of the civil society as well as International Federation of Women Lawyers.



"We want people to report defaulters to the board so that legal actions will be taken against them to serve as deterrent to would-be offenders,” Imariagbe said.



He disclosed that a sanitation task force has been created to prosecute offenders, urging the traders and road users to be law abiding.



The sensitisation team went through King Square, Oba Market, Uselu-Lagos Road, Edaiken Market, New Benin Market and Aduwawa Market in the state capital.



The GM also called on members of the public to report waste managers who fail in their duties to the board.



Deputy Coordinator General of Edo Civil Society Organisation, Annie Umoru, commended the state government’s initiative and urged all stakeholders to support the ‘Edo Clean Project.’



"We are adding our voice to that of the Edo State Waste Management Board to discourage indiscriminate waste disposal in markets, roads, walk ways and motor parks,” he said.



Traders at the various markets visited, appealed to the waste management board to ensure speedy evacuation of waste generated in the markets and apprehend people who dump refuse in markets.



PHOTO CAPTION



DSC­_0097

General Manager, Edo State Waste Management Board (EWMB), Mr. Charles Imariagbe (middle); Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers, Edo Chapter (FIDA), Mrs. Edeke Maria Omozele (right); and staff of EWMB, Adams Hafiz (left); during the awareness creation campaign to sensitise Benin City residents on proper waste disposal, in parts of the city on Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Picture

*Obaseki seeks strong partnership between IITA, Edo on agribusiness, colleges of agric*

...harps on robust engagement between govt., academia

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has made a strong case for strengthened partnership between the International Institute of Topical Agriculture, (IITA), and the state government on deepening agribusiness investments in the state and development of the revamped state-run colleges of Agriculture.
The governor said this at the International Workshop on Water-Energy-Food Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa held at the IITA International Conference Center, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The workshop is organised by the IITA, University of Ibadan and the Pennsylvania State University.

Edo Govt defrays LG Pension Arrears, sustains monthly N264m monthly payment

In fulfillment of his promise to defray pension arrears owed pensioners in Edo State, the Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has sustained the monthly N264 million payment to pensioners, to ensure the retirees enjoy their status as senior citizens of the state.

Permanent Secretary, Edo State Pension Bureau, Mr. I.D.S Juwobor, explained that notices are published regularly for the pensioners to make themselves available for verification, after which their accounts are credited.

“The payment plan is seamless and hassles-free, in recognition of the status of our pensioners as men and women who have contributed immensely to the development of our state.

“The pensioners appreciate the efforts of the Obaseki administration to clear the backlog and eliminate the cumbersome and analogue pension arrangement, with the introduction of contributory pension scheme, which the governor initiated,” the Permanent Secretary said.

He added that “the recent release of the sum of 1.5 billion naira for the payment of their pension arrears by the governor to clear eight months arrears of 4,340 local government pensioners in the state, is worthy of commendation and much of the pension burden on government have been defrayed.”

State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Jimoh Ijegbai, who assured of the governor’s commitment in clearing all arrears owed pensioners in the state, said “You will recall that on the 1st of May 2018 during the May Day celebration, the governor made a promise to release 1.5 billion naira to clear part of the local government pensioner’s arrears in the state.”

Ijegbai explained that after the announcement by the governor, a meeting of the pensioners was called and immediately the screening of the pensioners commenced.

The commissioner said the gesture by the governor is unprecedented in the history of Edo State to release such an amount to pay pension arrears. He noted that since Obaseki assumed office as governor of Edo state, he has not defaulted in the payment of pensioners in the state.

“As at today, we pay 264 million naira monthly to pay our pensioners in the state and we will continue to pay until we clear the outstanding arrears”.

The President of Local Government Pensioner Association (Edo State) Frank Akinido thanked the governor for keeping to his promise of paying pensioners and express delight to witness the release of the 1.5 billion to this effect.

He assured the governor that pensioners of local government in Edo State are peace abiding citizens. He thanked the governor of the state for remembering the pensioners in the scheme of things especially at this crucial hour of financial hardship

More pictures

*Obaseki partners ANAN on capacity building for Edo civil servants*

The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has disclosed his administration's plan to partner with the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) in the training of accountants in the state civil service to enhance productivity.

Obaseki disclosed this when the National President of ANAN, Alhaji Shehu Ladan, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City on Monday.

The governor maintained that the goal of his administration is to expose civil servants in the state to trainings that would increase their productivity.

"We have upgraded our software packages and have automated the accounting platform for the state. The next step is to train the accounting staff to use the technology to anchor accounting processes and procedures.

"We want to partner with you in building the capacity of a lot of our accounting staff in government," Obaseki said.

He noted that the state government has enjoyed a good working relationship with ANAN as its members have continued to add value to accounting procedures in the state.

Earlier, the president of ANAN, Alhaji Shehu Ladan, commended the governor for the ongoing transformation of Edo State, and the appointment of ANAN members into key positions in the state.

Ladan explained that he was in the state for the association's 3rd session of the 2018 Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme.

He appealed to the state government to assist the association to complete its secretariat in the state and issue a Certificate of Occupancy for the land on which the ANAN’s building is being erected.

In his response, the governor promised to look into the issue of upgrading members of ANAN in the state public service, who are still below grade level 10, as approved by the National Council on Establishment.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki


*Photo Caption:*

IMG-001

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right), receiving souvenir from the National President, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Alhaji Shehu Ladan, during a courtesy visit by ANAN officials to the governor, at the Government House in Benin City on Monday.

Obaseki's land, other reforms, triggered our interest in Edo State - Chinese Ambassador, MIXTA Africa Boss

The growing confidence among investors to set up in Edo State, has been attributed to the ongoing reforms in the various aspects of the Edo State economy, initiated by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Investors say the positive disposition of the Obaseki administration to a market-driven economy and the institutionalisation of the reforms, namely; the Private Property Protection Law that has eliminated man-made encumbrances to access land, amongst other initiatives, attracted them to the state.

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Zhou Pingjian, who was in Benin City recently, said that the feedbacks from Chinese companies that have set up in the state, indicate that the state is on an aggressive drive for investment and is committed to fine tuning her laws and policies where necessary, to achieve her goal.

The Chinese Ambassador assured of his home country's commitment to boost her relationship with Edo State and extend the friendship to the education sector.

Partners of the Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) in the development of the 1,800 Emotan Garden in Edo State, MIXTA Africa, said that the major elements for big ticket investment in housing development are present in Edo State at the moment.

The Managing Director, MIXTA Africa, Mr. Kola Ashiru-Balogun, said they decided to partner with Edo State "because of the Obaseki led- administration's drive for developmental projects.”

Ashiru-Balogun added, "We recognise the market and we are ready to offer affordable housing. The governor has said that we should use the project to create jobs.”

Edo State Government sealed a deal for the construction of 1,800-unit Emotan housing project in Benin City with MIXTA Africa, which marks the first housing project by the state government in 16 years.

The gound-breaking ceremony for the affordable housing was performed by Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

Edo State is home to ceramic, steel and other companies owned by Chinese investors.

The state's ambitious projects such as the Benin River Port in Gelegele, an auto assembly plant and the Benin Industrial Park are being driven by the Chinese.

*Int’l Day against Drug Abuse: Obaseki harps on awareness creation, stiffer regulation to check abuse*

Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged for intensive awareness on the dangers of drug abuse as well as stiffer regulations to check the rise in illegal distribution and illicit trafficking of prescription medicine and other contraband drugs.

The governor said this on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking marked by the United Nations and its relevant organs.

The governor said that recent revelations on the high rate of abuse of prescription drugs was an indication of the deep roots of the problem, calling on stakeholders in the health sector, civil society and government to work together to address the root causes of the drug abuse.

He said the state government has been partnering with relevant Non-Governmental Organisations such as Christ Against Drug Abuse Ministry (CADAM) among others in combating the growing trend of drug abuse, a task, he said, the state government was committed to strengthening and providing support to ensure that more of those affected are catered for.

Noting that this year’s theme of the commemoration Listen First - Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe, was apt, he said “Much as we support these initiatives, I want to urge parents, guardians and other persons in positions of authority to see to it that youth learn the dangers of drug abuse. We are building an assured future for youth in Edo state, and would want that these youths are in stable condition to benefit from the massive industrialisation initiatives we are pursuing.”

He said the state government’s industrialisation drive is also targeted at ensuring that youths are gainfully engaged so that they would not be exposed to the vices of drugs and illicit trafficking of prescription medicine.

According to the United Nations, “By resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

Supported each year by individuals, communities and various organisations all over the world, this global observance aims to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society.”

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki


PHOTO CAPTION:

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

More pictures

*Obaseki reforms: Chinese Ambassador projects boom in growing Edo-China Relations*

*…lauds Obaseki’s industrialisation drive, awards scholarship to 47 Edo indigenes*

The Chinese government has pledged to deepen its growing relationship with the Edo State government through direct investment and other initiatives to leverage on the business friendly environment that has been created by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration in the state.

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Zhou Pingjian, made the pledge during a visit to the Edo State governor, at Government House, Benin City, the state capital.

Ambassador Pingjian expressed his delight at the Edo State government’s steady progress in diversifying her economy through industrialisation and commended the Obaseki administration for opening its doors to Chinese investors.

He disclosed that he had been looking forward to visiting Edo State following the positive feedbacks from Chinese investors that have been operating in the state.

Earlier this month, the Edo State government disclosed a $500 million auto assembly plant deal with Chinese investors. The auto assembly plant deal followed similar investments in the Benin Industrial Park, the Benin River Port project in Gelegele by Chinese companies, which will add to the existing ceramic and steel companies owned by Chinese investors.

"My impression of the state is that this is one state that welcomes investors. The Edo State government under Governor Godwin Obaseki has shown that Chinese companies have a place here,” he said.

The ambassador announced the award of scholarship to 47 brilliant students of Edo origin, to mark the 47 years of diplomatic relations with Nigeria.

The scholarship, which he christened October 1st scholarship, derived its name from the day both Nigeria and China got their independence.

"We want to remind our students that China and Nigeria share so many things in common, that are responsible for the strong bond between us,” he said.

According to the Chinese Ambassador, the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to China in April 2016, expanded the scope of the relationship between Nigeria and China that paved the way for a more robust relationship between both countries, adding that his country is interested in promoting the cooperation programme between both countries.

"By September a Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCA) will be held in Beijing, China, and it will be a major opportunity to boost our cooperation at all levels while in November, China is going to hold the first ever China international import export exposition in Shanghai," the ambassador said.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, assured his guests that his administration will continue to leverage on its existing relationship with China which has given birth to several deals and commitments to invest in developmental projects in the state.

"We have good relationship with our Chinese brothers in Edo State particularly the private Chinese investors. There are over five Chinese companies in the state that have invested over 100 million dollars in various sectors.”

Obaseki said he was optimistic about the realisation of the Benin River Port after sealing a deal with Chinese Harbour Engineering Company to develop the port.

“We are working hard on the Benin River Port project which will be one of the projects that the President will highlight during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCA) conference in Beijing, China.”

He expressed his appreciation to the Chinese Ambassador for awarding scholarship to 47 Edo State students and for pledging to sustain the scholarship programme.

The governor advised the Ambassador on the need for a Chinese school in the state where people will be able to study Chinese language, her arts and culture.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki


*PHOTO CAPTION*


IMG-001:

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left); Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Zhou Pingjian (2nd right); and other members of the Chinese delegation, during a courtesy visit to the governor, at Government House, in Benin City.

IMG-002:

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left); and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Zhou Pingjian; during the courtesy visit by the Ambassador, to the governor, at Government House, in Benin City.

More

See more....