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*Okpekpe Race: Accreditation begins*

Athletes and other fun runners for the 6th edition of Okpekpe Road Race are currently undergoing accreditation at the event venue.

The event, supported by EcoBank, Amstel Malt among others, will be broadcast live on Supersport.

*Benin Industrial Park: Edo Govt. meets host communities over Environmental Impact Assessment, resettlement Plan*

As more investors indicate interest in the Benin Industrial Park project, the Edo State Government has initiated a parley with stakeholders in the communities hosting the project, to remove any community-related encumbrances and set the stage for a hitch-free development of the park.

Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq., said the state government will on Thursday, May 10, 2018, meet traditional rulers, elders and youths of communities hosting the industrial park at a town hall meeting.

“The Town Hall Meeting will discuss the Environmental and social impact assessment exercise and Resettlement Action Plan with respect to the Benin Industrial Park project,” Ogie said.

He explained that the “meeting will hold at the palace of the Enogie of Oghobaghase Dukedom in Obaretin Community, on Benin-Sapele Road.”

Ogie said the chairman of Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, the Enogie of Oghobaghase Dukedom, Edionwere, elders, members of Agbomoba, Ekosa and Iyanomo communities are to attend the meeting and urged other interested parties to attend and participate as relevant information will be shared at the meeting venue.

The federal government through the Nigerian Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank joined the growing number of private investors, to express its readiness to support the park's development and build local capacity to meet export standards, with three funding windows running into N553bn.

According to the management of NEXIM, the funding opportunities are a N500billion Export Stimulation Fund managed by the bank in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and a N50 billion State’s Export Development Fund, which the state government can access to encourage entrepreneurs to improve the quality of goods to meet international standard.

“There is also a N3billion Export Development Fund available for capacity development for entrepreneurs in the non-oil sector,” Executive Director, Business Development, Hon. Stella Okotete, disclosed during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, recently.

*World Red Cross Day: Obaseki harps on increased support, alliance for humanitarian aid*

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has called for increased support and collaboration for humanitarian aid so as to ensure that emergencies are better managed and members of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and other first responders play their roles in public emergencies.

The governor said this in commemoration of the World Red Cross Day/World Red Crescent Day, marked every May 8, across the world by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The governor hailed the Nigerian Red Cross Society for its commitment to humanitarian ideals, and the unwavering support for people in emergencies, crisis and disasters, noting, “the theme for this year’s celebration, Memorable Smiles From Across the World, speaks to the impact of the society in ensuring that the people are not left unattended to in times of crisis, but that succor, which the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies bring, helps to cushion the effect of crisis and ultimately assures happiness for the rescued.”

The governor noted that the state government has committed to a number of projects that would facilitate the work of the Red Cross in the state, some of which include the construction of 500 primary healthcare centres, refurbishing of the State Fire Service, among others.

Obaseki also called on well-meaning Edo people to support activities of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent to deepen the impact of their work, expand the scope of their intervention and ensure that victims of emergencies are assured of succor. “Much as they need support, there is also the need for collaboration among first responders, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), the public sector and others to ensure services are ready and available to those who need them,” he added.

According to the Nigerian Red Cross Society, “In 1859 Henry Dunant, A Swiss businessman traveling in Italy, witnessed the grim aftermath of the battle of Solferino. On his return to Geneva, he wrote an account of what he had seen, A Memory of Solferino, in which he put forward two proposals aimed at improving assistance for war victims: to set up in peacetime, in every country, groups of volunteers ready to take care of casualties in wartime and to get countries to agree to the idea of protecting aid workers and the wounded on the battlefield

“A diplomatic conference that met in Geneva in August 1864 adopted a red cross on a white background, the colours of the Swiss flag in reverse. However, during the 1876-1878 war between Russia and Turkey, the Ottoman Empire declared that it would use a red crescent instead of a red cross as its emblem, although it agreed to respect the red cross used by the other side,” the society said.


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Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

Edo Govt. restates commitment to reposition education sector, lauds donation of chairs by Niger College old students

...Obaseki urges more stakeholder support for sector’s devt.

The Edo State government has restated its commitment to reposition the state’s education sector to deliver better learning outcomes that are relevant to current needs.

Commissioner for Education in the state, Hon. Emmanuel Agbale, gave the assurance while commissioning chairs and tables donated by the Niger College Old Students Association (NICOSA), class of 1992, in Benin City.

According to Agbale, “The Edo State governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, is very passionate about revamping the state’s education sector and has commenced the training of teachers on the use of modern technology to improve teaching and learning outcomes in the basic education sub-sector. This training will be extended to the senior secondary schools across the state while efforts are ongoing to address the infrastructural challenge in some schools.”

He commended the 1992 set of Niger College, for “appreciating the concept of giving back to their alma mater,” adding that the Obaseki-led administration appreciates contributions from old students, parents, host communities and other stakeholders in the development of the education sector.

He assured that his ministry will attend to the requests for more chairs, library and laboratories for the school.

Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, said the gesture is coming at a time the state government is partnering with all stakeholders for the sector’s uplift.

“Governor Obaseki’s approach to issues is wholistic. He does not believe in tokenistic approach to problems. In the education sector, every stakeholder is being carried along to play their part. This donation is commendable and we want similar associations to rise to the occasion and give back to their old schools,” Osagie added.

Earlier, President of the Class 92 of Niger College, Mr Isaac Aimurie, said the chairs and tables were sponsored by their members spread across the world.

The class embarked on the remodelling of the sculptural representation of Niger College badge, sponsored two teachers for a training on the detection of Neurodevelopmental disorders in school age children at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Benin City, after a member of their class was treated at the centre, courtesy of the class.

The Principal of the school, Mr Fred Omodamwen, expressed the appreciation of the school to the old students and the commissioner for gracing the occasion.



PHOTO CAPTIONS

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Edo State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Emmanuel Agbale (standing), flanked by Staff of Niger College during the commissioning of chairs and tables donated by the Niger College Old Students Association (NICOSA), class of 1992, in Benin City.



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Edo State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Emmanuel Agbale commissioning the remodelled badge donated by the Niger College Old Students Association (NICOSA), class of 1992, in Benin City.



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The donated chairs and tables by Niger College Old Students Association (NICOSA), class of 1992, in Benin City.

*College of Agric Iguoriakhi: 48 students commence 3-month internship at NIFOR*

Not less than 48 students of the College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, have been absorbed by the Nigerian Institute For Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) for a 3-month internship programme.

This was disclosed in a letter signed by Mrs. M. E. Eighemhenrio, on behalf of the Acting Executive Director of the Institute and addressed to the Special Adviser on Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security Programme to the Governor, Prince Joe Okogie.

The students join over 100 others who are being trained at the different agricultural institutions in the state, including Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, PRESCO Plc, Leventis Foundation’s Weppa Farm and the Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria.

In the letter, Mrs. Eighemhenrio said the 48 students posted to the institute have been absorbed, noting that the institution has “always accepted students from the College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi for Industrial Training and wishes to continue to offer them space.”

The postings are part of ongoing reforms by the Edo State Government to reposition the college to produce hands-on, well-rounded graduates to drive the government’s agricultural development initiatives.

The students will be paid N20, 000 as monthly stipend during the period of their training by the state government.

Renowned Professor of Agriculture, Prof. Oluwafemi Balogun, is leading the task of the college’s restructuring, which is expected to transform the college into a center of excellence in agricultural training.

*Urhoghide: Edo APC petitions Police, wants PDP thugs sanctioned for disrupting peace at Airport*

The Edo State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has petitioned the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 5 Police Headquarters, over the invasion of Benin Airport by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youths allegedly sponsored by Senator Matthew Urhoghide.

In a petition through their counsel, C.I. Aiguobarueghian, the APC said that it was condemnable that the PDP youths gained entrance and disrupted peace at the airport despite existing regulations against sponsoring of thugs to the vicinity of any airport in Nigeria.

According to the letter, “Our client informed and we verily believed it that on the 27th of April, 2018, youths numbering hundreds and led by one Mr. Thaddeus Irabor (PDP State Youth Leader) invaded the Benin Airport awaiting their sponsor, Senator Matthew Urhoghide. Cultural troupes were also on ground singing and dancing strenuously awaiting the “heroic arrival” of their son who had just muted the possibility of impeaching the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, on the floor of the Senate. Whilst the troupes were in a frenzy to outdo each other, the young men contracted by Mr. Thaddeus Irabor indulged in gulping of alcohol and abuse of drugs including the smoking of indian hemp within the precinct of the airport.”

APC said it has it on good authority that before the arrival of the Senator, the restive youths demanded for the fees agreed to mobilise them to the airport from the said Mr. Thaddeus Irabor, who told them to await the arrival of the Senator who is coming with the money, noting, “This apparently did not go down well with the now intoxicated hirelings who turned on their principal for failure to meet with their contractual agreement. In the orgy of violence, every prominent figure of the PDP in sight became a ready target. The matter got out of hand when the Senator who purportedly held their money arrived the airport and instead of paying the hoodlums as agreed, he waved them away as ignorant and illiterate. The youths got incensed, chanting Urhoghide Ole! The said Urhoghide had to be cocooned in the VIP Lounge of the airport.”

Noting that it took the intervention of Governor Godwin Enogheghase Obaseki to whisk the Senator out of the ravaging fawns of his hireling, the party said the State Youth leader of PDP, Mr. Thaddeus Irabor, was not that lucky as his dogs literarily turned on him, adding that the unfortunate and avoidable incident caused workers and travellers alike so much psychological trauma.”

According to him, “Our client call is to put the matter in perspective as the furtive effort to put the blame on its party is a total non-starter. First how did the APC youths know the clandestine arrangement to welcome the Senator following his ill-fated motion. What is their interest if Matthew Urhoghide is welcomed. There would have been no reason to resort to fighting without provocation. It is not in the character of the APC to throng to the airport.”

He said the incident was avoidable if the Police had kept to the extant rules banning groups from congregating at airports. “Our client therefore sincerely appeals to you to use your good offices taking into cognizance an extant rule or directive of the Inspector General of Police, issued in November, 2013 by IGP M. D. Abubakar, banning political rallies, parties and gathering in and around the airport. You will recall sir that that order became necessary because there was break down of law and order when the then Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Ameachi, was to receive his guest at the airport in 2013 and there was serious altercations with security personnel.”

The party continued, “The ban is total across all the airports in Nigeria. Those who invited people to the airport for reception in breach of the above extant rules and the people they used must be promptly brought to book. The said rules also carried dire consequences. This will act as deterrence and forestall future reoccurrence. Those who brought ant- infested firewood to the house should not complain about visit by lizards. In this case they must be made to face the consequences of their actions. The business of security of life is our common responsibility that cannot be sacrificed on the altar of political shenanigan.”

*Obaseki appeals to donor agencies to sustain support for Edo's devt*

…assures Health Insurance Scheme will boost human capital devt

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called on donor agencies for continued support of its development initiatives, assuring that the government is committed to ensuring high impact of donors’ assistance for all stakeholders.

The governor said this at the First Quarterly Review of Donor Agencies’ projects in the state held at the Banquet Hall, Government House in Benin city, the Edo State capital.

Obaseki, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., said that in the light of Nigeria's transition from low to middle income status, the country risked losing access to certain funding for development.

He said this calls for more creative approaches to addressing developmental challenges, especially in healthcare and education, noting that the state government is adopting the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme to ensure that accessible and affordable healthcare does not elude her people.

According to him, “Edo State is not sleeping on its oars in the face of such dire situation. Hence, we are adopting a special Edo State Health Insurance Scheme.

“As donor support is shrinking, we must put on our thinking caps to begin to look at other sources of funds to assist us with our developmental projects. It is on this note that we request our donor partners to keep granting Edo State the understanding it truly deserves because of our unalloyed commitment of ensuring that every of your effort crystalizes into high-yielding gains for all stakeholders.”

He said the meeting was also to acquaint local government executives with the different donor funded projects in their domain so that they do not only have inventory of the projects, but also to ensure monitoring and maintenance.

In her remarks, Commissioner for Budget, Hon. Maryam Abubakar, said the state government organised the meeting to review performance and ascertain intervention and impact of donor agencies’ projects.

She added that the state government places emphasis on the deepening of development by donor agencies, especially in line with her developmental plan, captured in thematic areas in the State’s Strategic Plan 2010-2020.


PHOTO CAPTION

L-R: Commissioner for Youths and Special Duties, Hon. Mika Amanokha; Secretary to the State Government and representative of the governor, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Commissioner for Budget, Hon. Maryam Abubakar; Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Edorodion Oye Erimona; Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Diaspora; Hon. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero; and Commissioner for Minerals, Oil and Gas, Hon. Joseph Ugheoke, during the First Quarterly Review of Donor Agencies’ projects in the state, at the Government House in Benin city, on Monday, May 7, 2018.

*Edo PDP raising false alarm, preparing excuses for its imminent annihilation - Obaseki’s aide*

…says Urhoghide was victim of his own orchestration

Special Adviser to the Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, says the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resorted to raising false alarm and preparing excuses for its imminent annihilation, as its popularity continues to dwindle daily across the state.

According to Osagie, “Worried by Edo people's rejection of their shenanigans and their imminent annihilation, the Edo state chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has started preparing excuses for its defeat in future elections in the state.”

He explained that “the Edo PDP's electoral misfortune is being consolidated upon each day and no amount of false alarm and epistles of lamentation can reverse their current poor rating.

“Obaseki's scientific and strategic approach to governance which has left Edo people breathless in admiration has presented an unsolvable puzzle to the Edo PDP. In their despair, all they can think of doing now is to cry wolf, play the weeping boy and throw pity parties to prepare the minds of their diminishing sponsors for their imminent defeat and annihilation.”

Osagie likened Edo PDP to “a student that was enrolled for an examination which is now imminent and knowing that he has wasted all the time that should have been used to study and prepare for the exam, and that failure is inevitable, he begins to prepare the minds of his parents who paid for the exam, for a terrible result that will soon be handed to him at the end of the test.”

The governor’s spokesman said “The Edo PDP party attempted the same tactics during the last local council elections and they failed to sway the good people of Edo State. Those who were privy to the series of meetings they held prior to the local council polls said the Edo PDP was told, in clear terms by their strategists, that all is over for them in Edo State and that participating in polls in the state would amount to sheer waste of resources as Governor Obaseki's leadership style has greatly depleted what was left of their popularity.

“Aware of this fact, the Edo PDP thinks that crying and lamenting about their misfortune could earn them pity from international organisations.”

He noted that “Political parties exist to win elections and provide purposeful leadership and not to continually issue epistles of baseless lamentation,” adding that “No amount of such letters will stop their defeat in the future elections lined up for 2019 and beyond. And without doubt, their defeat shall be fairly handed to them.”

On the invasion of Benin Airport by sponsored Edo PDP thugs to cause commotion, Osagie maintained that Senator Urhoghide was a victim of his own orchestration.

“A lion handler or snake charmer who lost control of his beasts and became a victim of his violent circus. As we said before, Urhoghide has to explain to Edo people why after several trips to and from Benin, without riotous reception, he decided to order PDP youths out of their homes to invade the airport on that occasion.

“Engaging thugs that Governor Obaseki has since retired, is not a 'senatorial way' of assisting our youths who need skills to set up businesses,” he stressed.

He urged Edo PDP to laud the good work Governor Obaseki is doing for the state, and assured that “the best is on the way for our people.”

Obaseki advocates non-punitive tax regime for local companies

…commends Guinness Nig. Plc. for expansion, new product

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has made a strong case for more incentives for local companies, including a non-punitive tax regime to encourage more investments and boost the nation's economic growth.

Obaseki made the case while playing host to the management team of Guinness Nigeria Plc., led by the Chairman, Babatunde Savage, who paid a courtesy visit to the governor, at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

According to the governor, local investors who choose to contribute to the economic growth of the country must be encouraged with a tax regime that will serve as an incentive for their businesses.

He said the state government will continue to encourage local investors, noting that “such measure will attract other investors to locate their businesses in the state.”

He emphasised that “Without strong local investors, we cannot attract international investors,” and assured that he would take the campaign for a non-punitive tax regime to the federal government to attract more companies that will create jobs for the nation’s teeming unemployed youths.

Obaseki commended Guinness Nigeria Plc for expanding its investment in the state with the unveiling of the company's new product, Royal Kingdom Premium Lager Beer, noting that it is the beer for Edo people.

He lauded the company for complementing the drive by the state government to create employment opportunities, “We commend Guinness for the direct and indirect jobs it has continued to create in the state. Local companies like Guinness Nigeria Plc. have continued to contribute to the overall development of the state.”

Earlier, Chairman, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Babatunde Savage, expressed his company’s appreciation to the governor for supporting their operations in the state, noting, “Through the support of the state government, the company has been able to expand its business in the state.

Savage said “The company’s new product: Royal Kingdom Premium Lager Beer, has its materials sourced locally. This was a deliberate choice to empower people in the state.”





PHOTO CAPTION

R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Marketing and Innovation Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc., Jody Samuels-Ike; Chairman of the company, Babatunde Savage; and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the company, Peter Ndegwa, during the courtesy visit by the management team of Guinness Nigeria Plc., to the governor, at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

*First Bank Chairman, Awosika mentors Edo youths on entrepreneurship*

Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, has charged youths in Edo State to take advantage of funding opportunities, especially low-interest credit facilities, to grow their businesses and contribute to the development drive of the state government.

Awosika, who was a guest speaker at a two-day workshop for entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the state, said that the Bank of Industry (BOI) presents a good window of opportunity for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses to scale.

According to her, “Young entrepreneurs should take advantage of credit facilities offered by the BOI. The funding from BOI is at a price that no commercial bank can offer small businesses and start-ups.”

She said, “youths don’t have an excuse not to be able to start-up small businesses in a country of almost 200 million people. All that is required is a platform through which people can be aware of an entrepreneur’s product or service.”

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Edo State, Mrs. Magdalene Ohenhen, urged participants to take advantage of the opportunity created by Governor Godwin Obaseki to groom themselves and grow their businesses, adding, “As the state has continued to create opportunities for youths to make wealth, I urge them to remain focused and dream big as the governor is determined to assist youths achieve that dream.”

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Job Creation and Skills Development/Head EdoJobs, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, said the workshop was organised for budding entrepreneurs, noting, “The collaboration between the state government through EdoJobs and First Bank of Nigeria is long term, which would facilitate the creation of job opportunities for youths in Edo State, in line with Governor Obaseki’s promise to create 200,000 jobs.”

Dare said the workshop would equip the young entrepreneurs with skills that would enable them focus on the future while contributing their quota to the development of the state, stressing, “There are lots of opportunities out there for entrepreneurs to expand their market. The training was also packaged to assist them grow their businesses through which they would also employ others.”

According to her, “There is arrangement in place for the participants to get access to funds which would serve as capital for their businesses. They would have access to the fund after completing the training.”

Dare urged youths in the state to register on the EdoJobs portal as registration on the portal still continues, noting, “Those who participated in the training had their data captured on the portal.”


PHOTO CAPTIONS

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Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika (Right), making her presentation during a two-day workshop for entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Benin City, Edo State.

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L-R: Commissioner for Infrastructure, Hon. Osahon Amiolemen; Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika; Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Magdalene Ohenhen; and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Job Creation and Skills Development/Head, EdoJobs, Mrs. Dare Ukinebo, during a two-day workshop for entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Benin City, Edo State.

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Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika (right); with a participant, while making her presentation at a two-day workshop for entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Benin City, Edo State.

*Workers’ Day: Edo to recruit, promote, provide social housing for workers*

… As Obaseki releases N1.5bn Paris Fund refund to clear pension arrears

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has rolled out bumper package for workers, job seekers and pensioners in the state which includes recruitment of new hands, approval of outstanding promotions and provision of social housing for workers in the state.

The governor also said outstanding issues with pension arrears payment are being addressed as he has approved the release of N1.5bn from the Paris Fund Refund to liquidate the outstanding local government pension arrears.

Speaking to workers on the commemoration of the 2018 Workers’ Day at the University of Benin Sports Complex, Ugbowo, Benin City, the governor said the workers have been supportive and instrumental to the successes being recorded in the state.

Noting that capacity building forms a huge part of the reforms in the civil service, he said, “An Edo State Civil Service Training Institute for civil servants will be unveiled before the end of the year. The facility is ready with relevant technology and experts are now putting together courses, training modules and the faculty. This is to empower our workers and make them relevant to our developmental goals. All Edo workers will henceforth have the opportunity to attend one or two trainings annually. This will strengthen our civil service and empower our workers to do much better.”

On social housing for workers, he said the state was working with partners to develop a package to provide housing to workers in the state, adding, “In delivering Housing to workers, plans are on between the Federal Mortgage Bank, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and the Edo State Government to provide Housing for Edo State workers. The repositioned Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) is also working on social housing for Edo workers by private investors.

According to him, “The process of computerising all government offices is on-going. The first set of 1000 computers have been procured and distributed. Another set of 1000 computers are on order. Workers are being trained by the ICT Agency. The overall goal is to maintain document security, reduce waste, improve efficiency and enhance service delivery. I am pleased to note that our workers are responding appropriately to this initiative.”

He added that the state government has not sacked any worker, but rather provisions are being made to employ more hands.

“This government is proud that it has not sacked any worker even those that were moribund in their functions. Rather, we have done so much to reabsorb, retrain and reassign these workers. About 186 staff of the moribund Edo Line and Edo Courier have been redeployed to the Ministry of Infrastructure while we are working out ways of liquidating its debt of about N1.5bn. In a few weeks, the Civil Service Commission will advertise to recruit more civil servants to fill critical vacancies in the system,” he said.

The governor stressed that efforts are being made to ensure workers get the best support to work and deliver on their tasks, noting that a revamp of the offices and government buildings would make the work environment more appealing.

According to him, “In line with our policy of making the workplace comfortable, our Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) that will supply uninterrupted power to all Government Establishments along the Sapele Road axis as well as light up our streets at night will come into operation in October this year. We also continue to renovate offices, provide new equipment, and working on providing new office spaces.

“Apart from promotions coming into effect as at when due; we have commenced rectification of pending promotions which so far have been updated to the year 2017. In a short while from now, all pending cases of promotions would be harmonised and resolved. Every worker that deserves to be promoted will get the promotion.

“We have introduced a new Reward System to motivate our workers. Those that work hard need to be further encouraged. Our goal is to encourage our workers to reach the highest points of their creative and productive abilities. Hence, our new system makes it possible for a worker to gain accelerated promotion for outstanding performance; without recourse to established sequence or last date of promotion.”

On reforms to automate the processes in the civil service, he said, “We have approved the conversion and training of about 200 Secretarial Assistants to Data Processors for efficient service delivery and to enable them to move beyond the secretarial cadre in the State Civil Service. Their conversion will be accompanied with further training to empower them to perform better.”

Noting that reforms are ongoing in the education sector to up-skill the teachers, he said, “In addition to restructuring and repositioning the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in the interest of our children, we are investing in infrastructure, technology, and trainings. This April we trained about 2,500 teachers and school heads on the modern trend of driving teaching and learning with technology. We are very concerned with the future of our children because we believe that if the foundation is flawed, the future would be compromised.”

Explaining how the state was addressing issues with pension management system, he said, “To avoid the past suffering of persons who were under the Direct Benefit System, where retired persons were not paid their benefits as and when due, we introduced the Contributory Pension Scheme since January 2017. Since then we have been faithfully remitting the Employers’ and Employees’ contributions and workers have been receiving credit alerts on their contributions and interest generated.

“Edo State has been adjudged as one of the few states that pay their contributions on time. The Contributory Pension Scheme also comes with a Group Life Insurance Policy which entitles a beneficiary to three times the amount of the annual salary.”

He continued, “We have commenced payment of pension and gratuity arrears as far back as the year 2000. So far, we have paid batches 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41. As we resolve a few lingering problems, other Batches will be paid though I must note that resources are limited. We have meetings with retirees every two weeks and we have an open line of communication to avoid misunderstandings. Our commitment is to make our retirees that have laboured so much for our present and future, feel comfortable. In line with my promise last year to resolve all outstanding pension issues, I have directed that the amount used for paying outstanding pension arrears be doubled by 100 per cent from N100 million monthly to N200million.

“To make things easy for serving civil servants in Edo State, we have introduced a system whereby a retiring officer will simultaneously enter the Pension Payroll from the date of retirement, provided all documentations are perfected six months before retirement. This way we avoid the usual confusion and frustration that retired workers experience. I urge all prospective retirees to take full advantage of this system, so we avoid the bottlenecks of the past.

“On Pension Harmonisation of 6 per cent, 15 per cent and 33 per cent, I assure you that we have completed the relevant paperwork and analyses, and in no distant future, we intend to effect the harmonisation. We want to ensure that everyone who is entitled to pension first receive their pension before we begin to harmonise. I believe that is the fair and just thing to do.

“On gratuity, I am aware that 2012-2013 have been screened. Limited resources prevented us from effecting payment. However, I can assure you that as soon as our revenues improve, this issue will be promptly addressed.

He disclosed that the state is developing a state health insurance scheme to make healthcare affordable and accessible to the people, noting, “Edo State is developing a State Health Insurance Scheme to the benefit of workers in the urban and rural areas. This will go in line with our plans to rehabilitate and make functional our Primary Healthcare System to bring healthcare closer to the people.

“We are doing everything to make access to affordable medical care available to all Edo workers and citizens. We commenced the rollout of our model Primary Health Centres with the pilot of the first 20. Within the next two years every ward should have a well-staffed PHC with water and electricity.

Noting that the state is not relenting on the effort to stem the tide of human trafficking in the state, he said, “As we work hand-in-hand to fight the scourge of human trafficking and irregular migration that has claimed over 3,000 lives of our young men and women in the desperate effort to travel to Europe via Libya, I urge you, as progressive workers, to join us in the fight against this horrible challenge. The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, is already in the forefront of the fight. We have established the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking (ETAHT) for this sole purpose and they need the support of labour to tackle human trafficking in all its ramifications. I am pleased to inform you that we have so far received over 3,200 returnees through our rehabilitation and reintegration programme.”

On restructuring of higher institutions in the state, he said, “We are drastically restructuring our tertiary institutions. In the past they engaged in reckless recruitment of staff and this bloated their wage bills. Some took loans at high interest rates to execute white elephant projects. With the restructuring currently underway, we shall sort out all outstanding matters including salaries once we complete verifications, programme review, financial and staff audits, and student realignments. Prompt payment of salary continues to be one of the hallmarks of the APC Government in Edo State. I assure you that this will continue.

Noting that extensive reforms have been carried out to make the local governments more responsive to the needs of the people, he said, “We are great full to the Almighty for the very peaceful and successful local government elections. With the new chairpersons and elected officials, are now poised to change the future and fortune of local government in Nigeria. I have instructed that all outstanding salaries and pension arrears due to local government staff must be paid before the end of this year.

“To ensure that this happens, yesterday, I approved that the sum of N1.5billion from the Paris Club refund should be used to liquidate part of the outstanding N2.5bn pension arrears due to local government employees. The balance will be paid before the end of this year. Our goal is to ensure that local governments move into the Contributory Pensions Scheme next year, thus putting an end to the pension crises.”

Speaking on efforts to industrialise the state, he said, “As you know, agriculture remains at the core of our overall development programme. This year, we are deploying 2,200 Hectares of Land located within Ekpoma, Sobe, and Usugbenu for the State’s Agripreneur project. We are also preparing 1,460 Hectares of Land for FADAMA; and an additional 19, 000 hectares of Land dispersed all over the State for other agricultural purposes. This will provide inputs for industry, real income for farmers and hundreds of jobs for our young people.

“Our industrialisation process is designed to create jobs for our teeming youths among other goals. Hence, projects such as the Edo Industrial Park, Benin River Port, Modular Refinery, upgrade of Benin Airport with Cargo Terminal, the new Shopping malls and many others will provide more jobs for our people.

“Similarly, with our Edo Jobs programme that has trained about 34,200 persons to become self-reliant or recruited into jobs through our synergy with the private sector, it has become clear that one of the major problems in the past has been the lack of post-graduation preparation for the labour market. In addition, our new engagements with the private sector, the influx of investors in the state and new opportunities that accompany our urban renewal and infrastructural development continue to create more jobs for Edo people.”

In their speeches, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Ademokun and his counterpart in the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Marshall Orhue, commended the governor for prompt payment of workers’ salaries, infrastructural development, reforms in the state’s basic education sector and economy.


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PHOTO CAPTIONS

IMG_001

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd from right); his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (right); Head of Service, Mrs. Gladys Idahor (left); Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. (2nd from left); Chairman of the State Council of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Marshal Orhue (3rd from left); and Chairman, Edo State Council of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Ademokun (3rd from right), during the commemoration of the 2018 Workers’ Day at the University of Benin Sports Complex, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State capital.


IMG_002

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd from left); his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (3rd from left); and his wife, Maryann Shaibu (third from right); Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Adjoto (2nd from right); Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele; Chairman, Edo State Council of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Ademokun (left), during the commemoration of the 2018 Workers’ Day at the University of Benin Sports Complex, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State capital.

*Workers’ Day: Obaseki lauds Edo workers, promises better days ahead*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has applauded workers in the state for their contributions in the drive for socio-economic development, noting that reforms being implemented across various sectors in the state will guarantee better days ahead for the state’s civil service.

In a statement to mark Workers’ Day, observed every May 1, Obaseki said, “I salute the immense contributions of workers to the overall development of the state. Our workers are reflection of our unmatched creativity and high sense of industry.”

The governor thanked the workers for their support to his administration’s policies and programmes, noting, “as we take stock of our collective input, outcomes and impact, I am proud to say that our modest achievements could not have been possible without your full support.”

He urged workers not to relent in their effort to help develop the state, adding, “With workers’ continued cooperation, there will be no limit to how far we can go in transforming the Edo State public sector.

“We are reconstructing and remodelling the state secretariat buildings so that we can give you a befitting work environment that is well equipped and dignifying. We remain committed to regular payment of workers’ salaries, pensioners' entitlements and clearing of the backlog of pension arrears as well as regular promotions, which are non-negotiable.”

Noting that reforms in pension management have eliminated the skirmishes witnessed in the past, he said, “The contributory pension scheme will put an end to the challenges associated with the old pension scheme. Pension after retiring from service will be paid regularly and without troubles.”

According to him, the state has commenced training of workers to deepen their knowledge on problem-solving skills, as “the training would enable the migration of all tasks from the age-old analogue platform to Internet-enabled ICT platform to reduce the time spent on treating and processing files and responding to enquiries.”

Obaseki stressed that the “over 2000 teachers who were trained on the use of technology-based teaching method, a component of Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) can now teach our students in public schools with computer tablets.”


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Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

*Africa Vaccination Week: Obaseki charges stakeholders on immunisation, assures of rural penetration of campaign*

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has called on stakeholders to intensify efforts to ensure that children are vaccinated to protect them from ailments and diseases that deprive them of a healthy, fulfilling life.

Governor Obaseki, who said this in commemoration of the Africa Vaccination Week celebrated from April 23 to 29, specifically every last week in April, said that the call became necessary owing to the growing importance of vaccination of children to stem infant mortality and safeguard their future.

He said the week marked as one of the initiatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Regional Office for Africa’s effort to ramp up sensitisation on the need for immunisation.

According to him, “We have recorded modest success in the state’s immunisation campaign due to a reward system that saw each local government jostle to get every child at the ward level take the vaccine. The state-wide campaign was adjudged successful by the in-country teams of our donors and we are happy to be setting the pace.”

Noting that the state government is setting up structures to sustain the gains recorded and also get more support from the rural communities, he said, “We will not relent in this campaign. Already, the local government chairmen have picked the baton from us and are aggressively pursuing the immunisation campaign with renewed vigour.”

He stressed that the 500 healthcare centres to be built across the wards in the state will also fast- track the delivery of healthcare services, noting that the overall strategy is to ensure that no child is left behind.

He said the theme for the 2018 commemoration, ‘Vaccines work, Do your part!” draws attention to the need for stakeholders to work together towards ensuring the goals set for immunisation in Nigeria and other parts of Africa are attained, adding, “We do not just need to work together, we need to ensure that we are not working at cross-purpose to ensure that efforts align and that the mission to reach every Nigerian child with vaccines is accomplished.”

According to the WHO, “The over-arching slogan of African Vaccination Week (AVW) is “Vaccinated Communities, Healthy Communities”. This year’s theme highlights the collective action needed to ensure that every person is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases. It urges greater action on immunisation across Africa, with a particular focus on spotlighting the role that everyone can play in this effort, from donors to individuals.”


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Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

*College of Agric Iguoriakhi: 40 students begin 3-month training at Presco*

Another milestone has been recorded in Edo State as Governor Godwin Obaseki’s effort to reposition the College of Education, Iguoriakhi, is yielding result, following the assumption of duty by 40 students of the college at the facility of Presco Plc., for a three-month internship. 

Head, Administration and Relations, Presco Plc, Tony Uwajeh, disclosed this to journalists at the weekend, noting, “40 students from the College who were posted to their facility have since commenced their training which will last for a period of three months.”

The 40 interns add to the 50 others who last week assumed duty at the facility of Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc., bringing to 90 the number of students now benefiting from the programme.

The programme is one of several initiatives to reposition the college, which has since been shut to allow for a holistic restructuring. A renowned professor of agricultural, Prof. Oluwafemi Balogun, is leading the task on the restructuring of the college, which is expected to produce a fine crop of agricultural graduates to deepen the contribution of the agricultural sector to the state’s economy.

Uwajeh said the students will be trained on various aspects of agriculture during the period of their internship, which he said would afford them the opportunity to acquire practical field knowledge on the aspects of agriculture the company has expertise in.

According to Uwajeh, “the 40 students have since been deployed to the various units in the company and are settling into their tasks. The training of the students was a collaboration between the company and the state government.”

He said that management of Presco Plc would ensure that the students are well exposed to operations of the company during the period to equip them with skills in industrial agricultural operations.

The students would be paid N20, 000 monthly stipend during the period of their training by the state government.

Chris Nehikhare’s idleness and wild allegations of state-sponsored hooliganism

Chris Nehikhare’s lack of productive use of valuable time has once again been advertised by his attack on the person of Governor Godwin Obaseki through a poorly-crafted press statement titled ‘state-sponsored hooliganism at the Benin airport.’

In the statement, he labored to piece together flaky materials to serve as evidence in his effort to link the governor already well reputed for his respect for law and order to what several newspapers reported today as a face-off between PDP and APC members at the Benin Airport.

Describing what a meddlesome Nehikhare set out to paint in bad light, The Guardian on page 9, reports that “PDP supporters had mobilized to Benin Airport to support the motion of impeachment moved by the Senator representing Edo South, Mathew Uroghide, against President Muhammadu Buhari. But the APC supporters also mobilized to counter pro-PDP supporters.”

How does this report above connect the governor to the incident? It is unfortunate that Nehikhare has decided to paint a different reality by manufacturing his own facts. And this is understandable because the only job he has is being a Publicity Secretary of a party that is almost non-existent in Edo State.

Nehikhare also alluded to wanting to write the State Commissioner of Police to report the incident and ask for an investigation into the clash. It is at this juncture that we feel really ashamed for the Nehikhare character. The move, ordinarily, would have been novel if only he was armed with facts and spoke from a place of knowledge.

This is because the State Commissioner of Police, who he is intending to write was at the scene of the clash and addressed the protesters. According to the Guardian report, “The issue got worsened when the two sides came face-to-face and started calling each party names. But for the intervention of the State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Kokumo, calm was restored to both camps (sic).”

That Nehikhare missed this important bit of the incident speaks to the ample time he idles about as a jobless man, who goes about looking for baseless issues to feast on. It is obvious he is used to easy money and is not ready to work, but he should not take out his frustration on the governor.

Governor Obaseki, we all know, has a robust plan for job creation with an elaborate programme to engage 200,000 youths. Many young people are already benefiting and if Nehikhare is so jobless, we invite him to register on the Edojobs platform, where he will be trained and provided with a good job. We hope this will save him from himself and also from the unguarded, infantile assaults on the psyche of good-meaning Edo people.


Crusoe Osagie

Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy to Edo State Governor

*Edo Govt.’s drive for sustainable investments spurring our expansion – Hefer, Okomu MD*

Managing Director, Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, Mr. Graham Hefer, has said that the state government’s unrelenting drive for sustainable investment is paving the way for the company’s numerous expansion projects.

Hefer made the submission during an interview with journalists in Udo, Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He said the focus on institutional reforms and infrastructural development by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration provided a window of opportunity for the company to expand its portfolio and push for more investments in the state.

Noting that the drive would create jobs and improve the state’s economy, he said the company has been able to expand its oil palm plantation by over 11, 000 hectares.

Hefer added, “In the last three years, the company has expanded by 10, 000 hectares in Ovia North West Local Government Area. With the expansion we expect to double our current volumes in the next five years.

“The company has commenced construction of two new oil mills. The first mill will be completed in year 2020 while the second will follow up a year after.”

Hefer explained that the company’s present mill is being expanded to produce 75 tons of palm oil per hour from its current 60 tons capacity, noting, “All of these are as a result of the increased production expected from the recent extension II project. The state government’s investment drive for sustainable development aided our expansion project. On account of all these, people are now taking us seriously.”

Hefer commended the governor for the drive to attract investors to the state, highlighting the governor’s spirited efforts to sell the state to investors across the globe. “I commend the governor who has been busy interfacing with potential investors visiting the state. Things are looking promising for investors in the state,” he said.

He added that with the institutional reforms being implemented, “the state government ministries, agencies and department are now looking more professional in dealing with private investors in the state. We are now having a better relationship with the government officials.”

“We are experiencing a two-way communication with government officials in ministries, which we have not had in the past. When there are issues we don’t understand, we pick up the phone and talk with the officials to get clarification,” Hefer averred.

On the effort of the government on infrastructural development, he noted, “I hope to see the Gelegele Seaport and Industrial Park projects completed very quickly. On our part as a company, we are studying how these projects will benefit us in the short and medium terms.”

*Institute, NEXIM, BOI to train Edo youth on agric, mineral resource processing, export*

Riding on the growing influx of investors into the state, the Institute of Export Operations and Management (IEOM) said it has concluded plans to work with financial institutions on the training of Edo youths as well as providing them with financial support for processing and packaging agricultural products, mineral resources and art and craft products for export.

Some of the financial institutions the IEOM is finalizing these deals with are the Nigerian Export - Import (NEXIM) Bank and Bank of Industry (BOI).

Executive Secretary, IEOM, Mr. Ofon Udofia, disclosed this when a delegation of the institute, including members of the Benin Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, paid the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City.

He said the Institute was ready to organise training programmes for youths in the state in the areas of product development, processing and packaging to meet international standards and quality.

According to him, “The decision has been reached to complement the laudable socio-economic projects being embarked upon by the Godwin Obaseki-led administration. The plans to develop the Edo Inland Dry Port, Gelegele Seaport and the Industrial Park are credible and will open the Edo economy to international markets.

He said the partnership deals will include arrangement with NEXIM and BOI to provide funding for the processing companies, noting, “The processing companies would be set-up at the completion of the training programme.”

Udofia said all that was required for the training was for the state to set-up a centre to serve as the training ground on export commodities development, adding, “In the centre, youths would be taught and exposed to viable business opportunities and how to harness export opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals and art and craft sectors.”

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq., said the state will support investors to drive products manufacturing to supply domestic and international markets.

Obaseki explained that the Benin Industrial park, Gelegele Sea port and Edo Inland Dry Port will boost exportation, provide jobs for the teeming youth population and create wealth. “All of these cannot be achieved without empowering youths with requisite skills to prepare them to fit into the new job opportunities that would be created in the state,” he said.


PHOTO CAPTION

R-L: Secretary to State Government and representative of Edo State Governor, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Executive Secretary, Institute of Export Operations and Management (IEOM), Ofon Udofia; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Bees Company Limited, Chief B. E Ezekwere; Deputy President, Benin Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BENCCIMA), Dr. Atekha Odemwingie; and Head, Agribusiness & Sustainability, IEOM, Olalekan Paul Akande, during the courtesy visit by a delegation from the IEOM, including members of BENCCIMA, to the governor at Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

*Why we earmarked 200, 000ha for oil palm plantation - Obaseki*

…reiterates commitment to create Oil Palm Council

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his administration plans to earmark not less than 200,000 hectares of land for organised oil palm plantation to diversify the state’s economy and create jobs for its teeming youth population.

Obaseki disclosed this during the public presentation and launching of the Nigeria National Interpretation of Round table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in Benin City, Edo State.

He said, “The goal for the palm oil industry is to have not less than 200,000 hectares of organised oil palm plantation by the end of my administration. We are ready to fulfil our commitment made during the commissioning of the extension II project for Okomu Oil Palm Company, to pioneer the establishment of Oil Palm Council of Nigeria.”

According to him, the state is committed to the principles of the RSPO, noting, “adopting the principle is critical in ensuring the achievement of the goal to position the state as the hub of palm oil production in the country. We will develop a master plan to deepen and re-enforce some of the RSPO principles with specific benchmark.”

He said as part of the state’s plans to ensure RSPO compliance, the state government has partnered with Pro-Forest to audit the forest assets in the state. “We have set-up a technical committee to review the report and work towards establishing a forestry commission for the state,” he said.

Obaseki commended Okomu Oil Palm Plc for its collaboration with the state to train fifty students from the College of Agriculture, Iguorhiakhi for a period of three months.

“The college was closed to allow for a comprehensive revamp. We require support of stakeholders to drive investment, economic growth and wealth creation through agriculture. The support will also assist the state to build a College of Education that will be responsible for providing needed technical manpower for the sector,” he noted.

Chief Executive Officer, SIAT Group, Gert Vandersmissen, said the oil palm sector in the state, if properly positioned, will be among the most sustainable in the world.

According to him, “This will be sustainable for large estate development. Oil palm is important as none of its products is a waste. It also has the capacity to create wealth for farmers and serve as a means through which poverty can be reduced.”


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PHOTO CAPTION

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (3rd from right); Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Monday Osaigbovo (left);Chief Executive Officer, SIAT Group, Gert Vandersmissen (2nd left, front row); Chairman, Plantation Owners Forum of Nigeria (POFUN), Emmanuel Ibru (3rd from left); Facilitator, Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Nigeria, Fatai Afolabi (4th from right); Managing Director, Okomo Oil Palm Company Plc., Graham Hefer (2nd from right); and other stakeholders in the oil palm industry, during the public presentation and launching of the Nigeria National Interpretation of Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in Benin City, Edo State.

*World Malaria Day: Obaseki urges local councils to sustain fight against disease at grassroots*

...assures Primary health centres will reduce infection rate

The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has urged the new local government chairmen and councillors in the 18 local government areas of Edo State to immediately key into the template designed by the state government for the roll back malaria project in the state.

Obaseki gave the directive on Wednesday on the occasion of the World Health Organisation’s World Malaria Day celebrated yearly on April 25.

According to the governor, “This year’s theme: ‘Ready to Beat Malaria,’ will reinvigorate and bolster the fight against malaria, by the state government with support from international agencies and other stakeholders.”

He noted that the phased construction of 500 Primary Health Care centres across the state would strengthen the state government’s health care architecture and serve more people in the hinterlands.

“The needless deaths resulting from malaria and the household expenditure on malaria are unacceptable. We are engaging our elected local government officials to take the Roll Back Malaria campaign to every door step. They will scale up the distribution of the Long Lasting Insecticidal nets where necessary and sustain the trend at the ward level.”

He maintained that such aggressive strategy aimed at preventing people from mosquito bite coupled with access to quality health care facility in their domain, is a sure way to keeping the illness at bay.

Obaseki advised residents in the state to keep their environment clean always to depopulate mosquitoes and clear their neighbourhoods of breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

He urged women, especially pregnant women and children to imbibe the culture of sleeping in screened environment, and assured that the state government’s robust health care plan is a mix of proactive and reactive strategies with an affordable health insurance component that will guarantee quality life.

The World Health Organisation says this year’s theme “underscores the collective energy and commitment of the global malaria community in uniting around the common goal of a world free of malaria.”

The global body said the theme “highlights the remarkable progress achieved in tackling one of humanity’s oldest diseases, while also calling out worrying trends as captured in the 2017 World malaria report.

WHO maintained that “Without urgent action, the major gains in the fight against malaria are under threat, assuring that it will “continue to call for greater investment and expanded coverage of proven tools that prevent, diagnose and treat malaria.”


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Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

*Edo tech-based teaching: pilot teachers applaud scheme as SUBEB Chair explains selection process*

Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Basic Education and Acting Chairperson, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Joan Osa-Oviawe, has said teachers in the pilot technology-based teaching method were picked after a rigorous selection process before their deployment to schools for Information Communication Technology (ICT) enabled learning.

Speaking with journalists in Benin City, she said teachers, who were trained in the first phase of Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation BEST (Edo BEST) programme, were selected from 300 primary schools across the state, noting, “These include teachers who demonstrated competence and ability in deploying new method of classroom management and techniques using the devices.”

Some of the teachers who participated in the training applauded the scheme and described it as world class and an opportunity to refresh their skills set.

Mr. Omonghibo Precious, a teacher from Ujielu Primary School, Ewossa in Igueben Local Government Area, said the training was timely as the education sector was overripe for overhauling, noting, “The scheme will improve the basic education sector for children.”

Mr. Ogbeide Sunday from Ogiesomwan Primary School in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, said the two weeks training afforded him the chance to be part of the transformation of the basic sector of education. He said the scheme will improve teaching and learning outcomes in classrooms.

Mrs. Oriakhi Irene, from Iyenuroho Primary School in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, said the scheme has prepared her to contribute to advancing the quality of basic education in the state.

Osa-Oviawe said, “At the end of the training session, teachers were shared into three categories. The first category includes those who displayed competence and ability to use the devices for teaching and were given the devices. The second category include teachers who are yet to master the use of the devices for teaching. This set of teachers will be retrained, at a date to be announced later.

“The third category includes teachers who are competent but are the only ones from their schools. They will be merged with other schools where the devices would be deployed for teaching.”

She said, “The devices will be used in primary one, two and three in the pilot schools, where the devices would be deployed. Schools where the devices will be used must have three or more teachers including the head teacher who must have participated in the training.”

Explaining that no form of competency test was conducted for teachers, Osa-Oviawe said, “Teachers deployed represent those who were certified by the trainers to be competent to participate in the pilot phase of Edo-BEST programme. There was no competency test for teachers who participated in the Edo-BEST training workshop. The method of evaluation was micro-teaching where the teachers used the devices to display what they learnt during the two weeks training session.”

Dr. Osa-Oviawe assured participants in the training will be paid by the state government.


PHOTO CAPTION

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, with primary school teachers who were trained on the use of Information and Communication Technology for teaching, during the launch of Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme in Benin City, recently.

*World Book and Copyright Day: Obaseki tasks youth on reading culture, says transformational power of books is phenomenal*

…Pledges support for Copyright protection

The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has tasked the youth to leverage on the transformational power of books in their quest to succeed in their chosen endeavour.

Obaseki made the call on the occasion of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)’ World Book and Copyright Day, celebrated on April 23, each year.

According to UNESCO, the day is set aside “to pay a world-wide tribute to books and authors and encourage everyone, and in particular young people, to discover the pleasure of reading and gain a renewed respect for the irreplaceable contributions of those, who have furthered the social and cultural progress of humanity.”

The governor said: “The printing era disrupted the cultures that preceded it by increasing access to knowledge and wisdom on an unprecedented scale. Ever since, the pace of human advancement has been supersonic, thanks to the deluge of information contained in books.”

He urged the youth to “appreciate the wealth of knowledge contained in books, apply same and join the growing army of global youth in the knowledge economy, who are responsible for modern inventions.”

He assured that his administration “is set to commence the reconstruction of public schools across the state in the coming days, and on completion, the schools will have rich libraries where students can read and carry out research.”

Obaseki pledged to work with the relevant federal government agencies to protect intellectual property.

“All our books for our new libraries will be sourced directly from the publishers. We appreciate the enormous intellectual rigour and creativity that go into book making and writing, and as a government we are committed to rewarding such efforts. We place high premium on the Rule of Law and are ever ready to join forces with other agencies of the federal government to protect the works of authors and other creative people.”

He saluted authors for sustaining the tempo of documenting events, happening and occurrences, preserving and transferring knowledge across generations, mirroring society and advancing ideas that foster development.

“Young people must make the best of the knowledge economy and enrich themselves with the avalanche of ideas at their disposal and become global citizens, who ‘know something about everything,’” Obaseki advised.

According to UNESCO, “April 23 is a symbolic date for world literature. It is on this date in 1616 that Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. It is also the date of birth or death of other prominent authors, such as Maurice Druon, Haldor K.Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla and Manuel Mejía Vallejo. It was a natural choice for UNESCO's General Conference, held in Paris in 1995, to pay a world-wide tribute to books and authors on this date.

Each year, UNESCO and the international organizations representing the three major sectors of the book industry - publishers, booksellers and libraries, select the World Book Capital for a one-year period, effective 23 April each year.

The city of Athens was chosen for the quality of its activities, supported by the entire book industry this year. The aim is to make books accessible to the city’s entire population, including migrants and refugees.


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Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

College of Agric Iguoriakhi: 50 students begin 3-month training at Okomo Oil

‘Outstanding students to be employed’

...Obaseki’s removal of red tape boosting private investment – Okomu MD

Sequel to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State’s directive that students from the College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi be posted to agricultural institutions in the state, about 50 of them have commenced a 3-month internship at the facility of Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc.

Managing Director, Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, Mr. Graham Hefer, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists, said the training is in fulfillment of an agreement entered into with the Edo State Government on the training of students from the college.

“The students will be with us for a period of 3 months. The training commenced Monday, April 23. They will be trained for three months in all aspects of agriculture available here,” he said.

Noting that the training would afford the students the opportunity to learn about diverse areas of the company’s operations, he said, “We are happy to be opening our door to students to undertake their Industrial Training here with us. Obviously, this step is good for us because, through the training, we can identify potential good students in our succession planning so that we will know who is coming through.

“The more these students learn from us the better for the company, as it would help us. With this, we don’t have to rescale them if we need people coming through. Before now, we had Industrial Training (IT) students from Colleges of Agriculture but the partnership for the training of these 50 students is the first on a large scale,” he added.

According to him, “At Okomo Oil, we have a close relationship with the state government. In fact, we interface with the state ministry of Agriculture and get along very well with the ministry. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture has been very resourceful to us. We have very close ties with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, who has also been resourceful to us.”

Hefer attributed the recent expansion of the company to the ongoing institutional reforms and investment drive by the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, noting, “With the level of ongoing infrastructural development and institutional reforms being carried out by the Godwin Obaseki-led administration, things are looking promising for investors in the state.”

He said he has been keeping track of the governor’s drive to attract investors to the state, stressing, “This is commendable. In recent months, I have seen how busy the governor has been, interfacing with potential investors visiting the state.”

On the ongoing institutional reforms, Hefer said, “The state government ministries, agencies and departments are now more professional in interfacing with private investors in the state. We are experiencing a two-way communication with government officials at the ministries which we have not had in the past. When there are issues we don’t understand, we pick up the phone and talk with the officials for clarification.”

Noting that the state governor was committed to infrastructural development, Hefer noted, “I hope to see the Gelegele Seaport and Industrial Park projects completed very quickly. On our part as a company, we are studying how these projects would benefit us in the short and medium terms.”

Rising economic activities jerk up air passenger traffic, hotel subscription in Edo

… airline bookings hit 99%

The booming economic activities in Edo State coupled with growing investor confidence have pushed up air passenger traffic to the state while owners of major hotels in Benin City are reporting oversubscription for their accommodation facilities.

Hotel owners, tour operators and other practitioners in the tourism and hospitality industry said the positive trend is attributable to the wide range of economic activities such as the development of Benin Industrial Park, the Gelegele Seaport project, the 450 Edo-Azura Independent Power Project and the various road construction work across the state.

Chairman, Golden Tulip Essential Hotel, Benin City, Mr. Edobor Ozakpolor, said “the current frenzy in the sector can be traced to the emerging socio-economic opportunities being created by the governor of the state.

“Hotel accommodation before now was driven by seasonal activities like cultural and political events. But what we have now is a surge and it started since the governor’s inauguration. We thought activities would nose-dive after the inauguration but the tempo has been sustained by visitors and contractors who are seeking jobs and businesses.

“In air travels, bookings have increased to 99 per cent as all the airlines that operate the Lagos-Benin route come into Benin City fully booked. This was not the trend before this administration.

“We have moved from weekend to daily business. When we ask some of our guests what they are doing in the state, they always tell us that they are here to see the state governor. Some guests are impressed by the ease with which they can see the governor and seal business deals, because of the reforms in the system.”

Mr Ozakpolor added that “the improvement in security is also boosting the confidence of our people who now come to town often. People feel safer in the city now and we are aware that the security architecture of the state has been interrogated and improved upon. The impact of the improvement is being felt in the sector as there is a direct relationship between the hospitality industry and security.”

Osazuwa Ehiorobo, owner of The Hamptons Travel Inn, on Boundary Road, Benin City, said “more people are coming into the state now with improved security. The number of contractors that we receive at our facility is on the increase. The governor is attracting more people to the state with his work in the road sector and the development of the industrial park and other projects in the state.”

Mr Ehiorobo urged hotel owners to take advantage of the emerging business climate by improving their services.

“Some of the factors that can keep guests in your hotel include your ability to provide steady power, suitability of your accommodation, the environment, and the security in the city,” he added.

Mr Julius Ode, another practitioner said: “the traffic is unprecedented at least in our recent history. We used to have such high volume of requests for lodging, tickets and other services when there are political campaigns and rallies, sporting activities and cultural events like the coronation anniversary of the Oba of Benin, which are usually seasonal.

“The trend we are witnessing now is sustained and the positive figures are growing. I interface with hotel managers and other service providers in the sector regularly and we are delighted at the influx of people prospecting for business in Edo State.”

Ode maintained that “the security infrastructure in the state has been enhanced as police presence is felt everywhere in the city now.”

He said “the number of flights has increased from the one flight per day we used to have to four flights on the average daily and three flights, weekend.

“The airport has become a beehive of socio-economic activities and the planned expansion of the airport to international standard will further boost business activities in the state.”

He noted that the state is also attracting its share of the entertainment industry gains, with several movies premiering in the state.

“Event centers are springing up in several parts of the city and my findings show that the state needs more of such centres to meet the increasing demand for decent event places.”

He added: “Things are looking good in the tourism, hospitality and entertainment industries in the state and with Governor Godwin Obaseki’s massive investment in the road sector, things will get better.

“Taxi drivers are making money from their business because roads in the city are being fixed and with more youths coming into the industry, the lesser the crime rate in the state.”

No drainpipe project under Obaseki
The Governor Godwin Obaseki administration does not have any project that drains the resources of the state.
Instead, the governor has added value to the state’s several investments, namely; the Edo Fertiliser and Chemical plant, which has been producing fertiliser for Edo farmers; the development of the Benin Industrial Park and the Gelegele Seaport, for which soil test has been concluded, with other preliminary activities ongoing.
Also worthy of mention is the training of Edo teachers (which was oversubscribed) for the about 300 technology-driven primary school classrooms being designed for the state; the several completed and ongoing road projects as well as the reconstruction of Benin Science and Technical College, among others.
As a responsible government, it is our duty to keep Edo people abreast of developments in the state.
It however becomes ridiculous to continue to respond to cheap lies from the Edo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Every item mentioned in the recent address of the media by the Edo PDP, is completely false and has no foundation what so ever in truth.
The governor Godwin Obaseki administration is moving so smoothly and delivering all the promises it made to the people. The smooth sail causes the Edo PDP a great deal of unease, discomfiture and discomposure and instead of joining the moving train, they seem resolute about disrupting the process of progress by fabricating lies.
Psychologists often say that people do not see the world as it is, instead they see the world as they are. This is exactly the case with the Edo PDP. They see the world as they are. They know themselves to be untrustworthy with heavy baggage of graft and so they believe everyone else must be like them.
We know Edo people are too sophisticated to be deceived by these feeble lies. They research, verify and compare claims before reaching a conclusion. But as for the Edo PDP, we are not surprised that they cannot prove their claims because they are lies.

Crusoe Osagie
Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy

Ban on grazing in Odiguetue, others: Edo PDP lacks the advantage of the Driver’s seat

We acknowledge the suggestion of the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with regard to the 90-day total ban on open grazing in Odighi, Odiguetue and environs.

While we are impressed that the party has heeded our call to display maturity in its well-deserved role as an opposition party, Edo PDP lacks the advantage of the driver’s seat to appreciate the full picture of an issue, more so, issues that are related to national security.

Edo PDP is limited in knowledge, partly because of their remote location to power and their lack of appetite for thorough and painstaking research.

In a sensitive matter such as the 90-day ban, Edo PDP can be likened to a football fan who watches a football match from outside the soccer field, yet faults a world class referee’s goal decision that is assisted by Goal Line Technology.

The Edo State government is deploying all her resources to secure the lives and property of everyone in the state and its decisions are based on investigations and careful analysis of trends by security agencies and other stakeholders on the 'field of play.'

We will not be stampeded into whimsical decisions on issues that border on human lives, like the spur of the moment and fleeting emotion of a far flung football fan like the Edo PDP.

We have a holistic view of the security situation in Edo State and the security of Edo people and their socio-economic wellbeing are the major, non-negotiable and irreducible reasons, we are in government.

These, Governor Godwin Obaseki swore to do and is doing.

The deaths resulting from clashes with herdsmen, bandits and cattle rustlers cause us great pain and we shall not rest until we put an end to it.


Crusoe Osagie
Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy

Obaseki okays construction of 60 roads, Amagba Road for reconstruction

...to create 7,000 direct jobs



Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the construction of 60 roads across the state’s 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs), to bring development closer to the people and open up rural communities for business activities.

Obaseki said infrastructural development being pursued by the government will engender job creation and poverty alleviation, as 7,000 youths will be engaged during the road construction.

Obaseki, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Taiwo Akerele, during the inspection of ongoing road construction at Ogunmwenyin community, Lucky Way, Osayande Ize-Iyamu Drive and Nneka Street in Ugbor Village, said, “The roads to be constructed are semi-rural/urban roads, ranging from 1 to 1.5 kilometers. The effort is geared towards deepening the spread of economic enablers to engender development.”

The inspection train also got to Amagba Community, where the governor assured of the re-construction of the road, noting, “We don’t talk too much but we assure you that the construction of Amagba Road will commence soon.”

He added, “In road construction, there are procurement processes and procedures that are involved and must be followed. By the time these processes and procedures are completely addressed, the construction of other roads will commence as contractors will be mobilised to site.”

Obaseki explained that the focus on constructing rural roads was to open new areas for enhanced economic activity and improved livelihoods for the people, especially agrarian communities, from whence people need to move agro-produce to cities. “The road construction will reduce the level of poverty in rural areas as the construction of roads will open the areas for economic activities. The roads to be constructed will open up communities outside the state capital to development,” he said.

He said the inspection exercise was to ensure that contractors handling the projects work in accordance with specification for the projects, adding, “The communities where roads are being constructed must ensure that the projects are protected. The state government will sign a Community Action Agreement (CAA) with communities where projects are sited, and failure to ensure the protection of projects will mean no additional project will be sited in such places.”

He said, “We are not only interested in building infrastructure in the state but also developing human capacity. 188 direct jobs have been created through the construction of the 1km road project in Ogunmwenyin community.”

The Odionwere of Ogunmwenyin Community, Dr. Samuel Uwadia, lauded the governor for the project, noting, “This will improve the lives of the people and business activities and we hope more roads will be constructed in the communities, which will connect the community to other areas of the state.”

Uwadia said the community now plays host to West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) Guest House, to serve visiting staff and its Computer-Based Center.

A resident of Amagba Community, Mr. Albert Obazee, expressed appreciation to the state government over the planned reconstruction of Amagba Road, noting that, when reconstructed, the road will revive economic activities in the area.





PHOTO CAPTIONS

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Representative of Edo State Governor/Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele (2nd from left) during inspection of ongoing road construction in Ugbor area, Benin City.



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Osayande - Ize Iyamu Drive in Ugbor area, Benin City, being constructed by the Edo State government



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Lucky Way, off Ugbor Road, Benin City, being constructed by the Edo State government

Govt trains over 2000 teachers in Tech-based teaching method as Obaseki flags off programme

– ‘computer tablets for teachers, classrooms fitted with improved learning kits’

Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured that the state government is committed to building the capacity of teachers to ensure that teaching, and learning experience in public schools meet the best standards with the deployment of digital teaching aids.

The governor disclosed this at the flag-off of the Edo Supporting Teachers to Achieve Results (Edo STAR) programme, an initiative under the framework of his reform agenda for basic education aptly tagged Edo BEST (Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation). He stressed that the state prioritises teacher training and with the deployment of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to classrooms, pupils are sure to get the best from public schools.

In a rousing acceptance of the reforms by Governor Obaseki, over 2000 teachers are currently being trained by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) for the pilot of the Edo BEST programme.

Edo STAR is a Teacher Professional Development Training expected to build capacity of teachers in the use of digital technologies in classrooms as well as new classroom management techniques. The training kicks off the teacher professional development component of the Edo BEST scheme.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic Education and Acting Chairman, Edo SUBEB, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, said the two-week training will equip teachers with knowledge and skills in deploying new technologies in the classroom, noting that over 2000 teachers and Headmasters/Headmistresses participating in the exercise will receive computer tablets and smart phones. She added that the training component of the Edo BEST programme is identified by the acronym Edo STAR, which stands for Supporting Teachers to Achieve Results.

According to her, “Edo BEST is about imagining the education of tomorrow and starting it today. Governor Obaseki is committed to a holistic change in our basic education sub-sector. On the first day of training, we realized that the training was oversubscribed. Over 3000 teachers showed up. It was a herculean task to send some away because we have a set limit we can accommodate for this training. We will have more trainings as we expand Edo BEST to other schools.”

She said that three people were caught trying to circumvent the process and were arrested. “Three people were caught trying to impersonate or stand in for other teachers, who were not at the training site. They were arrested and will receive administrative sanctions. As we have told teachers, this training is voluntary, it is not compulsory, thus, there is absolutely no reason for any teacher to attempt to pervert the process,” she added.

Noting that the governor is deeply interested in the welfare of teachers, she said, “As we continue to say, Mr. Governor wants to empower teachers and with that, there is a high level of expectation for teacher professionalism, decorum and integrity.

In the past, teachers were among the few categories of people in society who were considered the moral compass of the community. This is among the many attributes we seek to restore.

She said the participating teachers will get a generous stipend, computer tablet and an electronic Identity Card (ID), stating that the exercise transcends the training and will include fitting classrooms with learning aids for a holistic education for pupils.

According to her, “It is not just training, the classrooms of these teachers will be transformed also. The Edo BEST classrooms will have what we call Character Board, which is a technique to help mould the character of our pupils.

“For example, on the Character Board, pupils are rewarded for punctuality rather than being flogged for coming to school late. There will be a shelf of books in each classroom, to serve as a mini-library to promote a reading culture. The pupils will be taught to manage the books so that on a rotational basis, every pupil will have the opportunity to serve as the class librarian. Teachers will learn new classroom management techniques and how to create a community of learners out of pupils.”





PHOTO CAPTION

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Teachers’ registration desk for the Edo Supporting Teachers to Achieve Results (EDO STAR) programme of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board at Dr Samuel Ogbemudia College, Benin City, Edo State



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A session of the Edo Supporting Teachers to Achieve Results (EDO STAR) programme, organised by the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board at Dr Samuel Ogbemudia College, Benin City, Edo State

Obaseki, Indonesian President, other experts tackle barriers to sustainable trans-continental trade

The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, the President of Indonesia, Mr Joko Widodo, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs, in Indonesia, Mr Luhut Pandjaitan, and President & Chief Executive Officer, PT Pertamina (Persero), Mr. Elia Massa Manik, on Tuesday at the ongoing Africa Indonesia Forum in Bali, highlighted the barriers to sustainable trade between Africa and the Asian country and proffered home-grown solutions to the challenges.

With the theme: “Developing sustainable Trade and Investment Cooperation Between Indonesia and Africa,” the panel session, which was moderated by Director, Standard Chartered Bank, Anthonia Okoh, focused on agriculture, technical cooperation, financing, strategic industries, manufacturing and digital economy.

Sharing the Edo State experience, Obaseki told his co-panellists and participants, the successes being recorded through reforms in critical institutions of government, such as the creation of an Edo Geographic Information Service Agency to create a land data bank, the repositioning of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and the synergy between the state government and the Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, to remove the encumbrances in land acquisition, a major factor of production.

“Our land reforms are yielding positive results as more investors have expressed their desire to set up factories in Edo State. We have strengthened the institutional framework for physical development management in the state and a few days ago, I gave a directive to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to ensure a 48-hour turnaround time for approval of building plans in the state, within the next six months.

“We have also tasked the Edo State Geographic Information Service Agency to ensure that Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) and Rights of Occupancy (R of O) are issued to applicants within thirty (30), days of application,” the governor said.

He assured the Asian investors of his administration’s commitment to an investment-friendly climate that has supported the best oil palm companies in Nigeria and called on investors to leverage on the growing positive socio-economic outlook of Edo State.

“Both Okomu Oil and Presco Plc. have embarked on very ambitious projects to expand their plantations in the state, and are currently doing well in the Stock Market. These achievements are tied to the friendly investment climate we have created for businesses in our state, and with the Benin Industrial Park, the Gelegele Seaport, the Benin Modular Refinery and our robust bouquet of agricultural programmes, Edo is indeed, the best place to invest,” he added.

Obaseki further said that “Edo youths are industrious, ready to work and the people are hospitable to investors and tourists.”

Welcoming participants to the event, the Indonesian President, Mr Joko Widodo, highlighted the gains inherent in extensive relations between his country and Africa.

With its vast and abundant fertile soil, Indonesia is a major global key producer of a wide variety of tropical agricultural products. Palm oil is particularly important to Indonesia, as the country is the world’s biggest producer of the commodity, providing about half of the world’s supply.

For Africa, agriculture accounts for up to 60 percent of all jobs on the continent and more than 50 per cent of GDP in many African countries. In this sense, discussion on sustainable and holistic agriculture management is crucial for both sides’ economic and social benefits, the organisers said.

On financing, the organisers of the event explained that “financing is one of the key components in trade and investment cooperation, Indonesia continuously explores innovative ways to strengthen economic relations with African countries. One example is that since 2015, Indonesia has been implementing the National Interest Account (NIA) program to boost Indonesia’s trade and investment, particularly to untapped markets, including Africa.

“Under the NIA program, the government allocated Rp 1.3 trillion (approximately USD 96 million) for trade financing with Africa until 2022 and is planning to enhance the budget in the future. To date, a number of trade activities with Africa have been already funded through NIA.

“The Indonesian government is also considering the possibility of establishing a mechanism that can enhance Indonesian investment in African continent through counter trade financing scheme.

“The manufacturing sector plays an important role in Indonesia’s economic relations with Africa, therefore, addressing trade and investment barriers such as high tariffs and NTBs are timely for continued cooperation. The discussions to open up both markets through trade agreements in addition to other mechanisms should be further explored, and it is imperative to seek creative ways in order to address the issues.

“There are currently 25 companies doing business with Africa and we would like to see this number grow in the future, including through Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) cooperation. The inclusion of digital economy as a topic of discussion reflects the fact that both Indonesia and Africa are well positioned to benefit from rapidly accelerating technological change that can unlock growth and leapfrog the limitations of physical infrastructure.

In that context, Indonesia has become one of the hottest start-up hubs in the world, pocketing around $160.7 million in investment. The Indonesian economy is moving steadily to further digitalization, as Indonesian internet users are expected to jump from a current 92 million to 215 million in 2020. In Africa, at the same time, penetration of internet is expected to hit at least the 50 per cent mark in 2020 from only 2 per cent in 2010

On technical cooperation, the panels will highlight the principle that Indonesia’s engagement with Africa does not merely focus on the economic benefit, but also intends to establish a true partnership for mutual progress.

Other speakers at the forum are the Chief Executive Officer PT TIMAH, Mr Mochtar Riza Tabrani, and President Director PT Wika, Mr Bintang Perbowo.



PHOTO CAPTION

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L-R: Director, Standard Chartered Bank, United Kingdom, Anthonia Okoh; Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs, Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan; President Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), PT Pertamina (Persero), Mr. Elia Massa Manik; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; CEO, PT TIMAH, Mr. Mochtar Riza Pahlevi Tabrani; and President Director, PT WIKA, Mr. Bintang Perbowo, at the Africa Indonesia Forum in Bali, Indonesia on Tuesday, April 10, 2018.



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L-R: Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs, Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan; President Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), PT Pertamina (Persero), Mr. Elia Massa Manik; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and CEO, PT TIMAH, Mr. Mochtar Riza Pahlevi Tabrani, at the Africa Indonesia Forum in Bali, Indonesia on Tuesday, April 10, 2018.

*Edo mulls Forestry Commission, as Obaseki inaugurates advisory committee*

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has revealed plans to develop a policy document on forestry and set up a Forestry Commission, as part of ongoing reforms to boost economic growth through agriculture.

Obaseki disclosed this when he inaugurated a 16-man Advisory Committee on Forestry at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State capital.

According to him, "In my inaugural address in November 2016, I promised to focus on agriculture to drive socio-economic transformation, as agriculture remains strategic in attaining economic development. This committee will help drive one of the cardinal programmes we have outlined for the agricultural sector.”

He said, “The Advisory Committee will assist the state government draft a policy document on forestry; advice the government on issues on forestry it plans to put in place, and structure for the forestry commission. This would aid the state government develop effective frameworks in managing its forestry assets in line with international best practices, as its relate to forest reservation, preservation, conservation and regeneration.”

Obaseki noted that the state government intends to unveil a policy document on forestry at an International Conference to be held in Accra, Ghana, in May 2018, where the state government will showcase how it intends to work with international partners in managing its forest assets.

He said the advisory committee will “develop a workplan and budget for the forestry commission as well as guidelines for monitoring and implementing its mandate. It will also assist the state government to re-build the forest management and operation plans, and advice government on steps to take.”

Obaseki said it was regrettable that the state’s forest resources have been depleted over the years with inevitable consequences, charging the committee to work assiduously to help reverse the unfortunate trend.

"We are determined to set up a framework to safeguard the resources God has endowed us with in terms of our forest assets. As part of the design of the Benin Industrial Park, a section of the park will be built on inputs from the state’s forestry sector,” he said.

The Chairman of the advisory committee, Dr. Felix Idumah, expressed appreciation to the governor for the appointment. He assured that the committee will deliver on its terms of reference in a timely manner.


_Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media_
_Website: www.godwinobaseki.com_
_Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial_
_Twitter: @governorobaseki_
_Instagram: @governorobaseki_


PHOTO CAPTION

L-R: Member, Edo State Advisory Committee on Forestry, Dr. Festus Onogholo; Chairman of the committee, Dr. Felix Idumah, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu; and Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, after the Advisory Committee’s inauguration, at the Government House in Benin City.

I think this is getting out of hand. How can PDP be jealous of the current development we are experiencing in the state? They had their chance and what did they do with it

*Edo Fertilizer Plant ready for business, has enough stock for planting season - Govt*

The Edo State Government has said that the Edo State Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited (ESFCCL), Auchi, has produced enough fertilizer to serve farmers within the state and neighbouring states for the 2018 planting season.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security Programme, Prince Joe Okogie, the state government said the plant, which is run in partnership with WACOT Limited, is currently selling NPK fertilizer to farmers in the state and calling on more farmers to patronize its products.

According to Okogie, “We are delighted to announce to farmers in the state that the Edo Fertilizer Plant in Auchi is not just up and running, but that its storehouse is filled with fertilizer ready for sale. So, we are calling on farmers, who are in need of fertilizer to head down to the plant in Auchi to make purchases.”

Okojie said that, aside selling to farmers, the plant will also supply fertilizer to the various agricultural initiatives being championed by the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration in its quest to ensure food security and boost employment generation.

“We have maintained a steady narrative on our quest to drive socio-economic growth through agricultural development. This is to ensure that we tap from the inherent job creating opportunities in agriculture to engage youths and attain food security. So, for the Fertilizer Plant in Auchi, some farmers are already visiting the facility to make purchases and we are glad the revamp of that plant has been a success story till date,” he said.

He added that the coming on stream of the plant will not only boost agricultural activities in the state, but also attract more investors in agribusiness to tap from the conducive climate and availability of essential inputs and other business-enablers for increased productivity and profitability.

He added, “We have a number of agricultural initiatives in the state that stand to benefit from the Plant. Already, the plant has engaged at least 500 people and with the increased agricultural activities it will spur, we will see more youths being engaged in farms, as middlemen or processors of agro-produce.”


_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