₦airaland Forum

*Edo Govt, Elephant Group, H2A Foods partner on 1,155ha cassava farm*

…as CBN commits N214m credit line for project

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has disclosed plans to partner Heritage Agro-Allied (H2A) Foods and Elephant Group Plc, to cultivate a $6 million 1,155-hectare cassava farm and set up a food processing facility in the state, to boost agricultural development.

Obaseki disclosed this when senior executive officers of the group paid a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

He said, “The partnership with the H2A Foods and Elephant Group Plc will enable the state government achieve its promise to create 200,000 jobs within four years especially through agricultural development.”

Obaseki explained that the cassava project is a model for job creation for the teeming unemployed youths in the state, adding, “The state government will provide the required infrastructure for the partnership. We will support the cassava project through the construction of roads to link the farms for easy evacuation of cassava produce.”

He added, "We will also facilitate provision of electricity for the cassava processing plant through the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC)."

Chief Executive Officer, H2A Foods, Dr. Tony Bello, who spoke on behalf of the group, said, “About 420 cassava farmers drawn from the three senatorial districts in the state would be engaged in the pilot scheme of the project. We have set a target to produce 20-tons of cassava per hectare.”

Bello added, “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) and the Anchor Borrowers Programme, is ready to invest about N214 million in the project.”

“On our part, we are investing about $6 million in cassava transformation for staple foods in Edo State. This will enable us process cassava into value-added nutritious foods. The products will target local and foreign markets. In the first phase, we will begin with 850 hectares out of the 1,155 hectares. We expect that the state government will engage at least 100 agriprenuers in Edo state to actualise the project,” he said.


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PHOTO CAPTION

R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Chief Executive Officer, Heritage Agro-Allied (H2A) Foods, Dr. Tony Bello; Project Manager, H2A Foods, Engr. Don Onyegbu; and Head, Project Monitoring and Remediation Office (PMRO), Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), Adeniyi Oguntuyi, during the firm’s courtesy visit to the governor, at the Government House, Benin City.

*Edo Azura project: Speedy delivery demonstrates immense potential, friendly investment climate - Obaseki*

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the successful partnership between the state government and developers of Edo Azura Power Project has further demonstrated how much other investors can achieve if they invest in the state.

The governor made the submission during an interview with journalists in Benin City, Edo State capital, noting, “The impact of the Edo Azura project is quite significant because it tells the world that things can be done properly and in line with global best standards in Nigeria, particularly in Edo State.”

Obaseki said, “The Edo Azura Power Project signals the opportunities available in Edo State and what can be achieved. On the back of Azura, we have the confidence to continue to develop other ground-breaking transactions with the experience with lenders from the World Bank and other partners who supported us.

“If we go out today to talk about investments in Edo, the positive experience of Azura will be referenced. It makes us very confident when it comes to embarking on groundbreaking initiatives or projects,” he added.

Obaseki noted that the project signals to the outside world that Edo State is ready and open for investors to do business, as it has key elements required for industrialisation.

According to the governor, “The state government that supported Edo Azura project is still open and in place. Despite that the project began in the Adams Oshiomhole’s administration, my administration is a continuation of that government. Edo Azura Power plant is also in place to support other ground-breaking transactions with other investors.”

Obaseki said, “We are currently talking with developers of Edo Azura Independent Power Project to work with us in other ground-breaking development projects.”

Noting that the state government will continue to partner with investors, he said, “As a government that is very interested in development, that understands the transformational capacity of industries, we will support any developer who is ready to invest in the state.

He added that after the state contributed land to the developers of Edo Azura Power project, she ensured compensation was paid and that the host community was sensitised on the need to cooperate with the developers.

Obaseki said, “The project has made quite a lot of impact because of the developers of the project acted responsibly and were committed to ensuring that the project impacts on the community, which was top priority. In the selection of contractors and other conversations and discussions, it was made clear that the project creates jobs.”

Noting that there was a deliberate plan to create jobs in the local community with the project, he said, “The contractors on site are Siemens, Julius Berger as well as other consultants, who had detailed work plans on how to hire locally and build local capacity. Throughout the period of construction of the project, I can’t recall any incident between the community and developers. This was because the developers were committed to hiring and building capacity locally.”


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PHOTO CAPTION

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

Benin Industrial Park: Economic prospect thrills host communities as preliminary construction throws up jobs, businesses – Obaseki’s Aide

Better days are here for unemployed youths in the communities hosting the Benin Industrial Park, in Edo State as contractors handling the road construction and other civil engineering aspects of the project commence work.

Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said “the contractors handling the road construction work have deployed their heavy earthmoving vehicles like bulldozers, excavators, scrappers, dump trucks and motor graders inside the Benin Industrial Park. They are clearing natural barriers, opening up the area and doing the earthwork for the roads.”

Osagie explained that his recent visit to the communities on the stretch of land hosting the park was revealing, as “the people are thrilled by the socio-economic prospect that the project holds. The positive spirit in the area is palpable and things are going to get better with the jobs being created as the contractors hit the ground running.”

He added that “a gigantic project of this nature should delight our people in the host communities because of the thousands of direct jobs it will create, not to mention the allied businesses that it will attract.”

According to him, “The ongoing road construction work will require operators of heavy earthmoving equipment. This is an opportunity for our people who can operate the equipment to come forward and get hired.

“In addition to operators of heavy equipment, small businesses are springing up already, from food vendors to dealers in essentials, which the construction companies will outsource. In the near future, landlords in the communities will be smiling to the banks as more workers arrive the site to work as the Benin Industrial Park promises to be the biggest construction site in the region.”

At a recent Youth Leadership Summit, the Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, told participants that “three groups have registered to be co-developers of the Benin Industrial Park” adding that “by October 2019, the first tenant will move into the park. When the park is ready, we will have over 1,000 companies in that park, generating an excess of $3 billion annually.”

He said the state is building youths’ capacity to exploit opportunities from the inflow of investment, noting that in the last 16 months, his government has created about 60,000 jobs in Agriculture, infrastructure, and industries.

The Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the N200 billion Industrial Park at Iyanomo in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, in November 2017.

Osinbajo said the industrial park will create 170, 000 direct and indirect jobs and would contribute significantly to the country’s manufacturing sector.

He commended the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, for the huge public-private investment initiative.


PHOTO CAPTION

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

*Edo govt revives cultural clubs in public schools*

Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero, has said the state government has commenced the process of reviving cultural clubs in secondary schools across the state.

Hon. Osemwegie-Ero, who disclosed this during an interview with journalists in Benin City, said, “On February 26, cultural clubs were inaugurated in secondary schools in Edo South at an event held at the Imaguero College, where over 380 students represented 50 schools from Edo South Senatorial District.”

“The children who attended the event learnt a lot. Prominent Palace Chiefs spoke to the children on the essence of learning about cultures. Children from four schools, who wrote essays on the theme of the 2017 Edo Fest: Arts, Culture: "Our Wealth" were rewarded and got to seat at the high table as measures to encourage them,” Ero said.

Noting that similar events are being planned for secondary schools in Edo North and Central districts, Osemwegie-Ero said, “Similar event will hold in Edo North at St. John Modern College, Fugar, on April 20, 2018. On the same day, there will be another event in Edo Central at Uromi Town Hall. Traditional rulers, Commissioners for Education and Youths, notable Edo artistes and other stakeholders in the arts and culture sector, will be at these events to encourage the students and add colour to the event."

The commissioner said the Godwin Obaseki led-administration intends to inculcate cultural norms and values in children in secondary schools, noting, “This will be done in such a way that the children will grow up with our cultural norms and values.”

He noted, “It is unfortunate that many children can’t communicate in Edo languages and don’t understand cultural values. Children must be assisted to correct the trend.”

Osemwegie-Ero explained that the cultural club activities will be introduced in secondary schools, adding, “We also plan to organise cultural competitions for the students where they will be rewarded. We intend to approach the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, to support the initiative, as he continues to demonstrate passion to promote the learning of cultural values.”

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2018/03/31/edo-govt-revives-cultural-clubs-in-public-schools/

*Obaseki inaugurates committee, maps out strategies to combat malnutrition* 

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has inaugurated the state’s Food and Nutrition Committee to develop sustainable strategies to tackle the problem of malnutrition in the state.

Governor Obaseki, who inaugurated the committee at the Government House in Benin City, said, "The committee will assist the state government to identify and encourage the consumption of nutritious food in the state. Eating highly nutritious food goes a long way in ensuring that people not only get needed energy to work but also sustain good health to contribute to development.”

"We are concerned about the health status and nutrition of our people, particularly among very young persons and old people. Therefore, setting up this committee is important,” he said. 

Explaining the role of nutrition in development, he said, "We are aware that there is a connection between healthy eating, preventive medicine, girl-child education, women empowerment and childhood development. And we don't want to leave all of these issues to chance.”

Obaseki said, the terms of reference for the committee include to identify the problems of nutrition in the state; coordinate efforts to improve nutrition and ensure adequate resource allocation towards addressing issues bothering on malnutrition.

He noted, "The committee has the mandate to identify measures to be put in place by various stakeholders and institutions to tackle malnutrition in the state. They will also review strategies to tackle malnutrition and their impact on the society."

Obaseki called for synergy among various stakeholders in the food and nutrition sector to avoid duplicity of roles, as this will allow for optimal use of resources.

Chairperson of the Committee and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Vera Obadan, said, “The initiative will put nutrition on the front burner, which is key to human development.”

Obadan, who was represented by Vice Chairman of the committee and Vice Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Prof. Ignatius Onimawo, said the bedrock of nutrition is breastfeeding, noting that the rate of breastfeeding in the country is low.

She said the committee will embark on massive sensitisation campaign to educate mothers on the importance of breastfeeding which will ensure healthy childhood development.

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PHOTO CAPTION:

IMG_001

R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Vice Chairman, Edo State Food and Nutrition Committee, Prof. Ignatius Onimawo; other members of the committee, Prof. Onigbinde Abraham and Director, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr. J.O. Osadolor, during the inauguration of the committee at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

Obaseki gives 48 hours turn-around ultimatum for approval of building plans

… ‘C of O approvals to be granted in 30 days’

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has charged the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, to ensure a 48-hour turn-around time for approval of building plans in the state within the next two months.

Obaseki gave the directive while speaking at a two-day workshop organised by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, themed: "Strengthening the Institutional Framework for Physical Development Management in Edo State, held in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

He also gave 12-month ultimatum to the Edo Geographical Information Agency, to ensure that Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) and Rights to Occupancy are issued to applicants within 30 days of application.

Obaseki said the two-day workshop is organised to develop the expertise of stakeholders and strengthen the institutional framework for physical development and management. He said there was need to re-calibrate the management of the physical infrastructure to make room for well-coordinated urban development.

Noting that development hadn’t been controlled for a long while in the state, he said, “This has contributed to raising a generation that lacks required knowledge on the importance of registering development plans. People need to be educated on the importance of registering their building plans. People just wake up and do what they like, and in the process turn cities into slums,” he said.

Obaseki added, “The focus of this administration is to re-enact and rebuild the physical development and space of the state. There is need to explore the use of legal frameworks to reposition the Urban and Rural landscape of the state. This will assist us in capturing the needs of the people in the state without compromising standards.”

He said his administration has developed well-thought-out plans hinged on six strategic pillars to include institutional reforms, environmental sustainability, culture and tourism among others, adding that the state intends to ensure sanity in urban development.


PHOTO CAPTION


L-R: Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development, Hon. Edorodion Oye Erimona; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; and Chairman, Edo State Strategic Planning Team; Prof Julius Ihonvbere, during Workshop on Strengthening the Institutional Framework For Physical Development Management in Edo State, in Benin City.

Obaseki to build 3 Super General Hospitals in Edo, assures enhanced working conditions for medical personnel

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has unveiled plans to build three Super General Hospitals in the three Senatorial Districts in the state and assured medical personnel of improved working conditions for an effective and efficient healthcare system in the state.

The governor gave the assurance when he received executive members of the Association of Resident Doctors with the Edo State Hospital Management Board (SHMB) at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State on Monday.

Obaseki said, “This administration is aware of the challenges confronting the state healthcare system. We are working to resolve these challenges. We have held several meetings to see how to address the peculiar problems with the healthcare system in the state. We have records of medical personnel and state of facilities in the healthcare system in the state.”

Obaseki, however, appealed to the medical doctors to be patient and continue to support the reforms of the state government to revamp the health sector, noting, “The state government appreciates efforts of medical doctors. Government is working to establish one General Hospital per local government council across the state, while one super General Hospital will be sited in each Senatorial District for optimal performance.

Noting that the state has made plans for a health insurance scheme, he said, "A bill for a law to set up the State Health Insurance Scheme is before the State House of Assembly. The bill is structured to make provision for affordable and accessible healthcare for people in the state."

President, Association of Resident Doctors, Edo State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Karl Umakhine, said, “The visit is to enable us present the challenges confronting the health sector and to contribute to the solutions. It is not true that doctors in the state don’t report at their duty post. We work under difficult conditions but need to be motivated."




PHOTO CAPTION

L-R: Vice President, Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Edo State Hospital Management Board (SHMB), Ehikioya Eustace; President, Umakhine Carl; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq., and Head of Service, Mrs. Gladys Idahor, during the courtesy visit by new officials of the association, to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, Edo, on Monday, March 26, 2018.

*Edo SUBEB to train 2000 public school teachers on ICT-based teaching*

... ‘Teachers, headmasters/mistresses who do not participate ’ll not teach in 300 pilot schools’

The Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has concluded plans to train about 2000 public school teachers on Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based teaching under the Edo State Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo BEST) programme.

Acting Chairman of Edo SUBEB and Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic Education, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, who disclosed this on Monday, said that the programme is holistic and will cater to the needs of all stakeholders, including pupils, teachers, headmasters/mistresses, parents, communities and school infrastructure.

She said Edo BEST, which is a strategic vision to revamp SUBEB and the Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) and transform basic education in Edo State, will be piloted in 300 schools.

She said teachers who do not participate in the first phase of the training will not be allowed to teach in the 300 pilot schools because only those with the right skill set, competence and tools will be able to deliver on the learning outcomes expected from the schools.

“It is important that our teachers know that for the 300 pilot schools, any teacher who did not participate in the training cannot remain in the school. This is because they need to be trained in the new pedagogy before they can implement it,” she said.

According to her, “The programme is being launched in phases, with the pilot involving 300 schools. To prepare for this pilot, teachers have been asked to volunteer to be part of the training on improved pedagogy and easy to use technology.”

She said, “Over 2000 teachers are needed to volunteer to be part of the training. The training does not involve any type of testing or assessment. While it is voluntary now, in the next academic year, the training is going to be compulsory for every teacher in our state.”

She said the training will last for two weeks, and each participant will receive a computer tablet and other resources, noting “Governor Godwin Obaseki is very interested in kick-starting a reward system for teachers who love their job and are interested in improving themselves so that they can be the best transformative teachers for our pupils.”

She explained that the process for mobilisation of the participating teachers has already started, adding that “Education Secretaries in the 18 Local Government Areas were mandated to forward the message about this training to all schools. Those interested were asked to send a text message with their names, salary grade level, educational qualification, current school, LGEA where they are teaching now as well as their title - teacher or headmaster/headmistress.

“The Teachers' Union is aware of this training and has expressed their unalloyed support.”

She said any teacher with enquiries about the programme should call the SUBEB hotline - 08091849777, and added that the deadline for the teachers to express interest to participate in the scheme is fixed for Tuesday, March 27.




https://newtelegraphonline.com/2018/03/subeb-to-empower-2000-teachers-on-ict/

*Edo floats new waste management scheme*

*...to certify waste managers*

The Edo State Government has said a new waste management scheme will be launched, in April, to monitor the activities of waste managers across the state.

Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Hon. Reginald Okun, disclosed this in a chat with journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Okun said the new waste management scheme will ensure effective monitoring of activities of waste managers and ensure that the people are better served by the service providers, noting, “Waste managers in the state will be required to register with the state's waste management board.”

Warning that the state will no longer tolerate the practice where operators go about their activities without following the set guidelines, Okun said, “With the new waste management scheme in place, before anyone goes about claiming to be a waste manager in the state, he or she must be certified by the state’s waste management board.”

He added that those who fail to register with the board will be considered as criminals and will be prosecuted, adding, “Those who also patronise these illegal waste managers will also be prosecuted. Individuals and companies are also required to have waste managers in place for evacuation of wastes.”

Okun urged Edo people to support the state government in her effort to control and manage waste effectively. He said, “People must ensure they patronise waste managers who are duly registered. We will continue to focus more effort in sensitising people to develop the right attitude to waste management.”

On the speculation that harmful chemicals are disposed indiscriminately in rivers, Okun said, “The state government monitors the activities of companies, which dispose harmful chemicals, and ensures that such chemicals are disposed adequately and are done in such a way that people's lives are not threatened.”

“A section of the state's waste management board is in place to monitor liquid evacuation. It ensures that companies who discharge harmful chemicals evacuate them properly without posing threat on the environment.”

Okun added the state government intends to work with local government councils to ensure effective waste management in major areas and markets across the 18 local councils in the state.


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*PHOTO CAPTION*

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

*Benin Industrial Park: 3 Co-developers sign up, as Obaseki projects 1000 companies in cluster*

*...urges youths to leverage on opportunities being created in the state*

Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki has said that three co-developers have signed up for the development of the Benin Industrial Park, as a projected 1000 companies are expected to be hosted at the facility on completion. 

Obaseki said this while speaking at  the Edo State Youth Leadership Summit 2018 themed: "Switch: A transition in Excellence in Selfless Leadership," held at the Precious Palm Royal Hotel, Benin City.

The governor said that his administration is focused on developing and providing opportunities for  youths. He added that reforms in the state have created a conducive environment for youths to utilise their potentials and contribute their quota to the development of the state and the nation at large.

Obaseki said his government is implementing policies to create a friendly atmosphere, which is attracting investment that will create the 200,000 jobs he promised Edo people.

"We have huge advantage in Agriculture. Three groups have registered  to be co-developers and by October 2019 the first tenant will move in. When the park is ready, we will have over 1,000 companies in that park, generating an excess of $3 billion annually."

He said the state is building youths' capacity to exploit  opportunities in the state, noting that in the last 16 months, his government has created about 60,000 jobs in Agriculture, infastructure, and industries.

Obaseki commended the leadership style of President Muhammad Buhari, who has kept the country united, adding that the amount of looting perpetrated by previous administration was capable of breaking the nation.

Minister of State, Petroleum Resources,  Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, said the administration of President Muhammad Buhari is in a hurry to  restore hope in Nigerian youths as they have lost hope in the nation.

"Nigeria remains one of the most resourceful nations in the world in minerals and human capital but dishonesty, disrespect and corruption have kept us in our present position," Kachikwu said.

He said the government believes in the youths and sees  them as the leaders of the nation, hence, is committed to policies that are creating a conducive environment for the youths to utilise their potentials and contribute their quota to the development of the nation. 

Kachikwu said  the biggest employer of labour is the agricultural sector which the federal and Edo State governments are leveraging on, to build a viable economy.

The CEO of Sahara Energy, Mr. Tonye Cole, called on youths to dream big, as everything needed to excel is within and around.

He said Nigeria is blessed with endless possibilities, calling on the youths to identify their purpose in life, believe in themselves and contribute their quota to the development of the nation.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media

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Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
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*PHOTO CAPTION:*

IMG 001

L-R: Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Sahara Energy, Mr Tonye Cole; Chairman, Prince Harrison Ehimiyen Foundation, Mr Harrison Ehimiyen; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki; Chief Operating Officer, Refineries, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Engr. Anibor Kragha and Commissioner for Youths and Special Duties, Hon. Mika Amanokha, during the Edo Youth Leadership Summit 2018, in Benin City, Edo State.

 
IMG 002

L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, at the Edo State Youth Leadership Summit, in Benin city.

*World Tuberculosis Day: Edo Govt.'s robust health architecture will fight infectious diseases – Obaseki*

Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state government's health architecture is primed on a well-equipped primary healthcare system that will help fight infectious diseases, especially with the intensification of immunisation efforts in the state.

The governor said this in commemoration of World Tuberculosis Day, marked every March 24, by the World Health Organisation and other organs of the United Nations system to raise awareness of the disease.

The governor said the state’s investment in human capital cuts across the education and health infrastructure, noting that the building of 500 primary healthcare centers across the state will improve access to health care services.

On the theme for this year’s celebration, “Wanted: Leaders for a TB-free world,”the governor said it is imperative for all leaders to mobilise their people to get immunised against tuberculosis, noting, “it is important to acknowledge the role of leaders in galvanising their people to get medical care at the centres closest to them.

“It is wrong for health workers to get to some communities and meet people who are not receptive to the drugs. We call on leaders to lead the campaign of educating their people on the need to get basic medical care rather than resort to self-help.”

The governor added that the state’s intent to set up a health insurance scheme is to make sure that health care services are accessible and affordable.

He added that the intensified campaign on immunisation in the state is anchored on the need for children to lead lives that are not shortened by vaccine-preventable diseases.

He said that the speedy refurbishment of the Institute for Lassa Fever Research and Control, Irrua, which helped to stem the spread of the disease, shows  government’s resolve to tackle health issues in the state.

 He maintained that there is need to fund  research, encourage collaborations and partnerships and improved commitment by civil society groups to raise awareness on the epidemic, especially in underserved communities.

According to the WHO, the celebration is “to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of tuberculosis (TB) and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic. The event marks the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch, announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB, which opened the way towards diagnosis and cure for the disease.”


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*PHOTO CAPTION:*

 Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

Edo Govt. partners NCC on job creation, broadband penetration

...Obaseki lists gains of ICT in governance

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that his administration is ready to partner the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on job creation for youths in the state.

Obaseki disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the NCC Corporate Headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The governor said, “My administration is also seeking collaboration with the NCC to boost broadband penetration in Edo State. We are expanding areas we can deploy Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to improve broadband penetration in the state.

He explained that his administration is ready to work with the NCC and other stakeholders in the telecommunication industry to support service providers and other investors in the state, noting, “This collaboration will assist service providers in Edo State to extend their services to the remotest towns and communities.”

Obaseki said, “The key driver of our vision to transform Edo State is to deploy ICT infrastructure and knowledge to enhance economic growth and prosperity for Edo people. My administration is focused on the use of technology and provision of telecommunication infrastructure to create jobs for youths.

“Part of the vision is to engage youths in productive ventures and provide employment opportunities for them. We are also exploring ways to deploy the use of ICT to engage youths. Our aim is to discourage youths from engaging in human and drug trafficking.”

Obaseki also said that that the state government will work with the NCC to address the challenges faced by the telecommunication industry in the state and assured, “My administration will work with the NCC to resolve several issues confronting stakeholders in the state which include; the right of way for telecommunication infrastructure, multiple taxation and regulation.”

He added that the state government will work with telecommunication operators in the state to resolve conflicts with members of local communities to allow operators access to infrastructure within safety and other regulations.”

Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC, Sunday Dare, who represented the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, assured Obaseki of the commitment of the commission to partnering with Edo State Government.


PHOTO CAPTION

IMG_200

L-R: Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; and Representative of Executive Vice Chairman /Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC, Sunday Dare, during the governor courtesy visit to the NCC Corporate Headquarters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Edo Herdsmen killing: You sent a mere letter to us,not a bill stopping open grazing - Edo Speaker tells PDP

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/03/edo-herdsmen-killing-sent-mere-letter-usnot-bill-stopping-open-grazing-edo-speaker-tells-pdp/

https://newtelegraphonline.com/2018/03/edo-assembly-denies-receiving-anti-open-grazing-bill-from-pdp/

http://thenationonlineng.net/yet-receive-pdps-anti-open-grazing-bill/


THE Edo State House of Assembly yesterday described as untrue and surprising the claim by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state that it sent a bill to the House stopping open grazing in the state.

Reacting yesterday to the claim by the chairman of the state PDP, Chief Dan Orbih that the bill is before the state House of Assembly, Speaker of the House, Alhaji Kabiru Adjoto, explained that what was recieved by the House was ¨a mere letter which we recieved from the post office talking about open grazing and not a bill before us¨.

According to him, ¨There is a procedure for everything. The PDP knows the address of the Edo state House of Assembly, they know how to present a private member bill or sponsor a bill. But they cannot go to a post office and post a letter saying it is a bill, we don´t even know the person that sent it.

¨They used PDP letter head but no body signed it, who are the sponsors of the bill if it were a bill they sent to us.
Those who are sponsoring it should put their name. PDP is a political party is not the name of a person. If actually they intended to send a bill it means they have not followed the procedures, they simply went to the post office and sent the letter to all members using the address of the state House of Assembly.

¨We have PDP lawmakers in the House and if actually they are confused as to how to send a bill they should have used those ones as sponsors. There is supposed to be the names of the sponsors if it is a bill they actually sent and send to the House of Assembly not the post office.

¨What they sent was a mere letter, we need to know who is sponsoring the bill. They should follow the proper channel in sending it to the House and as the representatives of the people once the proper channel is followed we will treat the bill but as it is now, in the eyes of the law they have not done anything.

¨A bill is not something you send through the post office, the process of lawmaking is not mama akara business. They have PDP lawmakers in the House so if they are sincere about what they claimed they did they should have consulted those ones and even pass the bill through any of them¨ he stated.

On the menace of herdsmen in the state, Speaker Adjoto asserted that ¨ we have advised our constituents to be vigilante but not to take the laws into their hands. The real fulani herdsmen does not carry AK47 but we have criminal elements now carrying AK45 and we have told our people if we see such people get them arrested before they kill¨.

*Edo has become new destination for Asian investors – Obaseki*

…as state opens investment promotion office

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that reforms by his administration and the state’s strategic assets account for the increasing interest of Asian investors in the state.

The governor made the submission when he received the Director/ State Coordinator of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Mrs. Ladi Katagum, at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Obaseki said, "We are witnessing an influx of investors from Asia because we have a unique advantage that other states don't have. Edo State is the new investment destination going by its strategic location, deposit of energy resources including on-shore gas reserves and other national infrastructure such as the gas lines, fibre network and transmission lines.”

He explained that the reforms and initiatives undertaken by his administration account for the influx of investors from Asia, adding, “We have created an office for investment promotion in the state, which is located beside the NIPC office. This is to demonstrate how far we have gone to promote investments in the state.”

Obaseki commended the NIPC for planning an investment certification programme for Edo State, noting, “This is a welcome idea and in line with the vision of my administration to transform Edo into an investment hub. The programme would open more business opportunities for the state.”

"We are dedicated in our drive to make Edo come first in terms of investment promotion and in the ease of doing business. We are creating the infrastructure to support manufacturing in the state. The investment certification programme is needed to complement our drive in this direction,” he added.

Director and State Coordinator, NIPC, Mrs. Ladi Katagum, said, “The commission will commence the second phase of investment certification programme in Edo, Delta, Akwa-Ibom states. The objective of the certification is to allow investors know the business opportunities and potentials in the state. This will aid investors make informed decisions.”

Katagum noted the investment certification would allow NIPC give advice to investors on what type of investment to set up in the state, adding, “Investors need access to business information, to ascertain if a state is investor-friendly.”

She added that the investment certification programme would be organised in three categories, including information, property and marketing standards.

Katagum commended the state government for making provision for an office for the NIPC, noting, “This will make room for smooth relationship and the execution of the certification programme in Edo State.”


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


PHOTO CAPTION

R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele (standing); Director/State Coordinator, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Mrs. Ladi Katagum; and Deputy Director NIPC, Aminu Takuma, during a courtesy visit by the Director/ State Coordinator of NIPC to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital on Tuesday, March 20, 2018.

Obaseki commiserates with families of victims of attacks, revamps security architecture

...approves 36 patrol vehicles, overhauls operation thunderstorm

...holds security town hall meeting

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Monday visited families of the three persons allegedly killed by bandits in Ugboha, Esan South East Local Government Area, to commiserate with them.

Obaseki strongly condemned the actions of the assailants and promised that the state will spare no resources in fishing them out for prosecution.

He reiterated his earlier directive to security agencies to apprehend the bandits within seven days.

The three persons killed are; 17-year-old undergraduate of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (AAU), Akhere Ojierakhi; a toddler and a secondary school student, Victor Momodu.

He pledged the support of the state government to the families of the victims in their struggle to overcome the loss of their relatives.

The visits to the families of the victims of the attacks were followed by a Security Town Hall Meeting in Ubiaja, where the governor unveiled new measures that the state government has adopted to tackle the attacks on innocent Edo people.

The measures according to him, include the overhaul of Operation Thunderstorm, the special taskforce dedicated to fighting violent crimes in the state.

He said 36 patrol vans have been approved to security agencies to patrol the 18 local government areas of the state, with each local council receiving two patrol vehicles each.

Addressing elders from the senatorial district at the security town hall meeting as well as women, representatives of Hausa community and youths, on plans to ensure that the attacks on innocent people are not allowed to happen again, Obaseki said:

“We will apprehend the people who committed this heinous crime and we shall prosecute them and bring them to justice.

“We are also deploying economic development initiatives to combat this crisis. With these initiatives that I have for this state and Esan land, I cannot allow this atrocious acts to persist.”

Refuse heaps have taken over Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital and residents aren't finding it funny.

“It was never this bad. Honestly, the smell from the dustbin is threatening our health and businesses”, Chidi tells Pulse. He was covering his nose as he spoke.
Chidi runs one of the shops perched along the Ojuelegba-Tejuosho-Yaba road.

Municipal waste is threatening to submerge Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital. Road medians, street corners, parking lots, drainage channels—nowhere is left out. As you drive round the city, the stench from residential and commercial waste, rises to meet and greet you.

“We don’t know what happened. All of a sudden, the waste collectors stopped coming with the same frequency. They used to come collect waste once daily. Now it is once weekly or not at all. Please beg the Lagos State government on our behalf. We know we will all die one day, but please it shouldn’t be from dustbin stench”, Chidi says.

Herbert Macaulay way in Yaba is also dotted with garbage heaps creeping onto roads and street corners. We counted at least 20 putrefying, mountainous garbage sites from Adekunle to Yabatech junction.

“Eko ti baje pata pata”, says Mama Sikiru who roasts Boli (plantain) and Yam at the Yabatech end of Herbert Macaulay way. “Ambode no dey try. E no dey try at all. Lagos don spoil finish.”

Along the Oshodi Apapa expressway, Patrick stands beside a huge garbage heap at the Ilamoye bus-stop end, wondering why it has to come to this.

“We don’t know what is going on”, Patrick says. “They don’t come for the refuse as frequently as they used to. So, we are forced to live with this stench and the danger it portends to our health. You can see for yourselves what we are going through. No one should be subjected to this kind of suffering by government”.

As Pulse drove through Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki, the refuse heaps were there as well in their decaying glory. On Admiralty way in Lekki, for instance, waste has clogged drainage channels around The Place—a restaurant milling with the upwardly mobile all day long.

On Ajose Adeogun, Victoria Island, a banker who identifies himself as Chris, was holding his nose in his three piece suit when Pulse stopped by. He declined to say a word, only pointing to the refuse heap to portray his agony and scurrying into the safety of his marbled office.

It is a familiar tale around Lagos. The stench and agony is a hot mess in a city where decibel levels from traffic bedlam is already grave cause for concern.

PSP Vs Visionscape
Lagos generates an estimated 14,000 metric tonnes (about 490 trailer loads) of solid wastes daily, according to the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).

Before now, the job of disposing of this huge ton of waste was the lot of the Public Sector Partnership (PSP) operators.

However, in July of 2017, the Lagos State government announced that it was terminating its contract with PSP and handing the job to a foreign firm called Visionscape.

Visionscape is a Dubai based environmental utility group.

In making the announcement, State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode made it clear he didn’t care how the PSP operators were going to take their sack.

Lagos also outlawed the activities of itinerant truck pushers who were accused of dumping waste indiscriminately. The truck pushers were banned in early January of 2018.

“This occasion is to make sure our city is not dirty. There are about 350 PSP operators and we have 25 million Lagosians. Do we want to satisfy 350 to the detriment of 25 million people?’’ Ambode asked at the time.

Visionscape was described by the Lagos State government in glowing terms. The firm was tasked with bringing the State government’s Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI) dream to fruition.

However, as soon as Visionscape nailed the job of disposing of waste in Lagos, road medians around the city turned into eyesores.

A staff of VisionScape told Pulse on the basis of anonymity that his company is still overwhelmed by the volume of waste in Lagos.

“First, the landfill used by PSP is the one in Ojota. We can’t use the same landfill for obvious reasons. So, we are using the one in Epe. We have two big trucks for waste disposal to Epe. But maybe that’s not enough”, the source said.

Sabotage?
The source also added that VisionScape is not ruling out sabotage.

“We have been doing this job well, then all of a sudden, the volume of waste in Lagos triples or quadruples? This is just politics. Where is the waste coming from? We haven’t been resting since we were handed this job. But the waste keeps growing. Some people who are unhappy that we got this job, are trying to sabotage us. It’s as simple as that", he said.

Other staff of Visionscape who didn’t want their names on the record for this story, told Pulse that some PSP operators have been arrested dumping waste at garbage sites just to embarrass their company and make them look so bad before Governor Ambode.

Two other employees of VisionScape also told Pulse that they are being sabotaged and that they are fifth columnists working behind the scenes to make them fail.

When Pulse visited the Visionscape office in Alausa, Ikeja, a staff who identified herself as Ijeoma told us that the company will emerge from the mess it has found itself.

“All we ask for is patience from Lagosians. It’s a transition period and we are determined to get this right”, Ijeoma told Pulse.

On its website, Visionscape claims that it has a “workforce of over 29,000 dedicated employees who utilise specialist vehicles and equipment to perform a wide range of services for the efficient management of every phase of the waste stream.”

In the advertorials, Visonscape asked interested PSPs to partner with it to rid Lagos of municipal waste.

PSP operator, Margaret Oshodi, told Premium Times that the advertorial was Visionscape’s way of admitting that it has failed.

“They advertised their incompetence, their inability to fulfill their contractual obligations for which they are celebrated as experts and to which our State Assembly unprecedentedly passed a law exclusive for them inserting the name of their company in Lagos State law to be the only ones that must collect domestic waste from the State.

“By this publication, they appropriated to themselves the role of state agencies of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Ministry of Environment (MOE) amongst other regulating and statutory agencies.

“They also tacitly show that the PSPs are good at what they do. PSPs have been helping them move most of the waste they appropriated to themselves through state laws while their promoters look helplessly as their contractor daily engage the services of these same operators they have disparaged all over their sponsored media.”

However, Visionscape’s expression of interest advertorial was viewed as cunning by PSP operators.

“In the spirit of possible collaboration, we wrote a letter to Visionscape to draw their attention that, presumably, this is in line with us working together but it should be done with a great degree of respect on both sides”, a consultant with the PSP operators also told Premium Times.

“And you can’t just be inviting our members to come individually when we had told you our resolution, that if we are going to consider working with you, let us know what the terms are. Let’s see what the terms are and we can then explore that possibility.

“Two days to come and reapply for a job that was taken away from us and you have not specified what the terms and conditions will be, you have avoided talking about this and we have been on this for over a month.”

For Mrs Oshodi, Visionscape will never come good.

“Visionscape is just a glorified PSP whom our State resources, land, building and money is placed at its beck and call. Somewhere along the line they will run out of money or the State will go broke funding them without private capital.

“If the government is really interested in Cleaner Lagos or even cleanest Lagos, let them give the PSPs the same contract terms as Visionscape and we will deliver in a week.”

For the moment, Visionscape waste bins are overflowing across Lagos even as the company continues to allege sabotage from PSP operators.

“This is definitely not the Lagos Fashola left us. If they don’t want to be collecting the waste, they should come and take away their stupid bins from our street”, a resident, Hajiya Hasan, screamed in anger.

Repeated calls placed to the Lagos State Ministry of Environment were not answered.

Pulse also sent a text message to Lagos State Commissioner of Environment, Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti for a response to this story. The text message hadn’t been responded to before this story was published.

Source: Pulse ng

*Okomu Plc’s expansion project to create 40,000 jobs in Edo*

…as governor commissions 11,400ha plantation

Chairman of Okomu Oil Company Plc., Gbenga Oyebode SAN, has pledged that the company is committed to creating not less than 40,000 jobs with expansion of the company’s operations into 10 communities in the state, representing 20 per cent of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s 200,000 jobs creation target in Edo State.

Oyebode said this at the commissioning of the Okomu Extension 2 Plantation in Ovia North East Local Government Area, which was witnessed by captains of industries, Benin high chiefs and members of the companies' host community.

He said that the Edo State government’s support has been tremendous, noting, “We expect to plant the whole 11,400 hectares by next year. Then in 2020, we will start milling. For us, the state government has been phenomenal. It shows that the state government is not just in full support of agribusiness but of commercial enterprise.”

On his company’s support for Obasek’s job creation drive, he said, “We expect to contribute to the governor’s job creation drive and we have already started. Right now, we are at 2,000. Our expectation is that before we get to 2020, we would have created 4,000 jobs. There is a multiplier effect, however. Of that 4,000 we are looking at, we are going to have 40,000 new jobs that will be directly linked to this company.”

The jobs include those to be generated from the activities of contractors, out-growers, suppliers, maintenance and security services, and other agro-allied activities needed for the proper running of the plantation.

Commissioning the new estate, the governor said that Edo State is working towards attaining the status of an economic hub with the expansion project, and that raw materials from the plant will be deployed to factories at the Benin Industrial Park when it commences operation.

He commended the Federal Government for taking the right decision in 1976 to open up the space for private investment in oil palm sector in Nigeria, noting “since the move, Okomu Plc has been standing tall. We are made to understand that the yield per ton on the farm is highest in Nigeria.”

He said he was impressed with the speed of development at the plantation, noting that it was a landmark achievement to have cultivated 9,000 hectares of oil palm in a year.

He assured that he would continue to support the company as long as they continue to expand in the state, “They were able to prepare and cultivate 9,000 hectares of land in one year. Can you imagine if we had more companies expanding at this pace; the amount of jobs and economic activity that they will create. I think this is a feat and it is amazing.”

He assured that he was going to work with the governments of oil palm producing states in Nigeria, such as Ondo and Cross River states, to move for the establishment of an oil palm council in Nigeria.

He also said that the Edo State government is intent on creating a master plan for agricultural development in the state.

Managing Director, Okomu Plc, Graham Hefer, said that the company is committed to contributing to the state and Nigeria’s economy by creating jobs, boosting productivity and impacting lives.

He said that the company has a robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme that runs into millions of naira per annum, noting that the host communities have been worthy partners in progress.


PHOTO CAPTION

Chief Eduwu Ekhator, the Obasogie of Benin Kingdom; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edibiri; Member, Board of Directors, Okomu Oil Palm Plc., Mr. Hubert Fabri; and Chairman, Board of Directors, Okomu Oil Palm Plc, Dr. Gbenga Oyebode, during the commissioning of 11,400 hectares oil palm plantation at the Okomu Extension 2 plantation in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State.

Dan Orbih’s N800m scandal: Members cry foul over sharing formula as intra-party crisis deepens

The failure by the Dan Orbih-led Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to carry every member of the party along in the sharing of the N800 million the party got from the central and some regional chapters of the party is tearing the party apart in Edo State.

The N800m largesse is part of the financial war chest of the party to launch itself back to national acclaim. It released the funds to selected active state chapters to boost their activities, preparatory to the 2019 general elections.

However, in some of the chapters, the management of the slush fund may lead to the undoing of the party’s structure, because many chieftains are upset with the way the funds are being used.

The party leaders are enriching themselves with monies meant to run the affairs of the party, with everyone getting their share, an aggrieved member lamented. The fund, in Edo State, for instance, is in the excess of N800million, but members are still expecting to get their share.

In recent weeks, party activities have picked up in a number of zones that were enlisted to drive the party’s relaunch.

In the North West, Jigawa State recently held a Mega Rally. It was well attended and proved to be a good statement for the PDP party.

The South-South zone of the party held a press conference to make some national pronouncements, showing that the party is still in touch with the matters of national interest and still knows the strategic direction we ought to be headed as a country.

But what is disheartening is the fact that the funds allocated to the state has since not gotten to most chieftains who have worked assiduously for its sustenance even when others jumped ship.

“Many of us in the party are pained. We don’t know what Dan Orbih and others have done with the money, because we are aware that that they got some funds that are meant to be shared. Till today, even after I have spent fortunes to sustain the affairs of the party in my ward and the state, I have not gotten anything from them,”  a pained chieftain of the party who gave his name as Mr Osaze, said, during one of the meetings held to discuss the non-release of the funds last week.

He said “What they keep telling us is that Chief Dan Orbih is using the money to organise press conferences and pay some foot soldiers. Must we spend all the money on press conferences? Our members have needs and there is time for everything. We need to rebuild our party first before going to organise press conferences. What value are the press conferences adding to our growth? I respect the media people but Orbih must stop playing to the gallery as if all was well with the Edo PDP.”

This is the same story among a lot of people in the party. In fact, members of the party are breaking into factions already and people are pointing accusing fingers at the Orbih-led state executive.

Another chieftain, who refused to be identified said, “We ordinarily would not bring this in the open, but we have exhausted all other options. This party is something we laboured for. Our sweat is here. So, we don’t understand why these people are treating us this way. We are not saying they should give us a certain amount of money, but at least, let’s get something to show that we have worked and hold a stake in the party.

“Dan Orbih is running the affairs of the party with a few people in his clique. A party that is criticising the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should do better than what we are seeing in Edo State. Nigerians will not take us seriously if we do not address the issue of transparency and accountability. We lost the presidential election because some party leaders took other people for granted, ate alone and thought they could do everything by themselves. Politics is a game of number and if our party is serious about bringing everyone together again under our umbrella, the reward system must be addressed.”

WATCHOVER:
Useless Government! Why dey no monitor am wen d price was selling for #180-250.
After fuel pump price has reduced without their monitoring team na now they wan monitor. #nonsenceleaders

Wake up man. You still in the dark. You are so clueless as to what is happening in your environment.

*Dan Orbih Receives fresh N800m from S/South, S/East PDP Govs to wage media war*

*…as Edo PDP Chair intensifies work on his Adesuwa Rd hotel*

Investigations have  revealed that the chairman of Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Orbih, has received N800 million from the South East and South-South governors of the party to intensify his campaign in the media and other fronts in Edo State.

The money is for the payment of the PDP’s foot soldiers, namely; their social media activists, the youth wing of the party in the state, the party’s  stand-by hired crowd, mainstream media representatives that are sympathetic to the opposition party’s cause, amongst others, for whom a monthly budget of N100 million has been set aside.

 Sources familiar with the disbursement, affirm that the brief is to unleash a campaign of calumny against officials of Edo State, on an unprecedented scale by finding fault with every project or programme executed in the state, no matter how popular the project is among the people.

Although the funding is done by the PDP governors of the South East and South South states, the execution is supervised by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, whose job is to supply media content for the Dan Orbih-led smear campaign, at the national level.

The hired crowd that followed the PDP’s chairman to and from the police station, the media activities such as the press conference and statement issued by Ologbondiyan and circulated by the state publicity secretary of PDP, Chris Nehikhare, were all executed with the money.

The source said there are worries that the money may tear the Edo PDP apart as there are feelers that Dan Orbih has commenced work on his abandoned hotel project since receiving the money and has bounced back to his extravagant lifestyle that he adopted after his short stint on the board of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) some years ago.

The activities of the board on which he served are still being investigated for what civil society groups allege is one of the biggest frauds in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Source: APCNEWSBLOG

https://m.facebook.com/APCNEWSBLOG/posts/1886253254749125

Approved PMS price: Edo Govt. vows to ensure compliance, commences monitoring March 11

The Edo State Government has warned marketers of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), who sell above the approved pump price of N145 per liter, that its team will commence monitoring on March 11 for enforcement exercise.

Commissioner, Ministry of Minerals, Oil and Gas, Hon. Joseph Ugheoke, in a statement, said that relevant law enforcement agencies have been put on notice and will join the ministry’s team which will enforce the directive and seal erring stations from March 11.

According to him, “The state government will not tolerate the dispensing of PMS above the N145 per liter approved price for independent marketers. The team of monitors will commence monitoring to ensure compliance from Monday, March 11, 2018.”

He said, “Marketers, who fail to comply with the directive will have their stations sealed and fully prosecuted according to law. The steps of the state government became necessary to prevent the practice where some independent marketers cash in on the cut in supply of PMS to the state to hike the price of the product.”

Ugheoke noted that supply of PMS to independent marketers across Edo State has since increased to tackle the scarcity of the product, noting, “In view of the increase in supply of PMS to marketers, the state government cannot tolerate marketers who sell the product above the approved pump price, after so much has been done to ensure steady supply of PMS to marketers in the state.”

“Marketers of PMS are therefore enjoined, henceforth, to ensure they dispense PMS at N145 per liter. Relevant security agencies and stakeholders in the oil and gas sector are expected to comply with the notice as marketers found to be acting contrary to the directive will be treated as economic saboteurs,” he added

*FG, Edo Govt., others brainstorm on strategise to tackle youth unemployment*

The Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Edo State Government and other stakeholders drawn from the 17 southern states in Nigeria have called for a multi-pronged approach to tackling youth unemployment in the country.

Speaking at a Regional Review meeting of the Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan (NIYEAP 2009-2011) organised by the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, in Benin City, Edo State, Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Barr. Solomon Dalung, said a multisectoral approach to tackling youth unemployment was imperative because of the dangers of having an idle youth population.

Represented by Director, Enterprise Development and Promotion Department, Mr. Simeon Oduyebo, Dalung said, “If all the components of the NIYEAP are implemented, the issue of unemployment will be curbed in Nigeria.”

He said the review meeting was organised to enable stakeholders brainstorm on the peculiarity of the unemployment challenges in the southern states.

"The NIYEAP (2009-2011) was developed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in the year 2008 with technical support from International Labour Organisation (ILO), as a strategy to solve the problem of youth unemployment in Nigeria. The NIYEAP contains four components; Youth Employability, Entrepreneurship Development, Employment Creation and Equal Opportunities,” he said.

Edo State Commissioner for Youths and Special Duties, Hon. Mika Amanokha, said “Government must empower youths through skills acquisition and capacity development programmes. In Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki is investing in technical and vocational education to provide youths with technical skills. Through this and other initiatives, the state government has created thousands of jobs in the last one year.”

He added, “Other states can borrow a leaf from our model to boost employment in their states. The federal government should domesticate its youth programmes across the states in the country.”

The Review meeting is organised by the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, the Spanish Agency for International Development and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).


PHOTO CAPTION

R-L: Commissioner for Talent and Youth Development, Imo State, Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Onwueyiagba; Commissioner for Youth and Special Duties, Edo State, Hon. Mika Amanokha; Representative of the Minister of Youths and Sports Development and Director Enterprise Development and Promotion in the Ministry, Oduyebo Simeon; State Director, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Imo State, Mrs. Uchenna Bakare; Representative, NYSC Headquarters, Sowunmi Faith; and Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Imo State, Chukwuemeka Isidore; after the Regional Review Meeting of the Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan, at Imaguero College, Benin City.

new2012:
WTF is wrong with this government? Do they travel elsewhere and see airport? Existing airports in abj and lagos looks like child play when compared to those elsewhere, no local carrier.

Misplaced priorities

Did Nigeria just built its airports under this administration? What a dumb response

*FG approves upgrade of Benin Airport to Int’l standard with cargo terminal*

The Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, has said that the Federal Government has approved the upgrade of the Benin Airport to international standard with a cargo terminal.

The minister disclosed this during his courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State, on Monday.

Sirika said the approval was due to the fact the Benin Airport is one of the oldest airports in Nigeria and that the zone needs a standard international airport to serve its growing economic interests.

He added that the airport will be fitted with necessary facilities within 12-months, as part of the plans to upgrade it to an international standard.

He said that “Plans have been concluded to upgrade landing system with adequate radio equipment that will enable the Airport handle both day and night operations, even in adverse weather conditions.

“There are plans to also extend the runway at the Benin Airport to enable it handle high volume of traffic with capacity to accommodate cargo planes.”

Sirika further said, “Aviation connects businesses, trade, cultures, nations and people. With a standard airport in place, it becomes easy to achieve economic growth and development. We will work with Edo State Government to ensure that within the next 12 months, Benin Airport will become an International Standard Airport with all the necessary aviation equipment in place.”

Governor Obaseki expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the effort to make the Benin Airport an International Airport, noting, “This is the most astonishing news I have heard as a governor this year.”

He said the federal government has shown commitment to support efforts to industrialise the state.

According to him, “Our hope is that all the economic activities that will be generated from this critical investment will drive commence across the state and the country”.

He said his administration has taken giant stride to establish Benin Industrial Park, Gelegele Sea Port and other laudable investments.

“The effort this administration has made since assuming office is gradually paying off with the assurance coming from the Minister that in a couple of months, work will commence in Benin Airport to upgrade it to international standard," Obaseki said.

He added, “This administration is working hard to transform Edo State to an economic hub. What is missing is rail transport linking the state with other parts of the country. The upgrade of the Benin Airport to international standard will complement our strategic geographical location."


PHOTO CAPTION

R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; the Minister of State, Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Alh. Sabiu Zakari; and Managing Director, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Engr. Saleh Dunoma, during the minister’s courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, on Monday, March 5, 2018.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/03/fg-approves-upgrade-benin-airport-intl-standard-cargo-terminal/

Live on Channels TV.....

Interesting views here.....

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More viewing....

*LIVESTREAM OF APC MEGA RALLY*

Follow the APC Mega Rally live on

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzzD0Vs0CjI

*LIVESTREAM OF APC MEGA RALLY*

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Mega Rally for the Local Government Elections holds today by 11am at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City. The event will be streamed live on social media. Stay tuned for the links.

*Sports reforms to drive job creation, youth development in Edo – Obaseki*

…unveils rebranded Bendel Insurance FC

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his administration’s vision to reform sports is aimed at creating jobs and curbing restiveness among youths.

The governor made the submission during a dinner organised to unveil the new logo, jersey, team bus, technical team as well as manual for the rebranded Bendel Insurance Football Club (FC) in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Obaseki said, “We have a keen interest to reform the sports sector in the state, and this is aimed at providing solutions to youth restiveness and unemployment. For us, sports have the potential to uplift the lives of our people and offer hope to youths who seek a better country.

“Edo people are sports-loving. We will leverage this as we continue our reforms and give hope to our teeming youths. The steps made in reforming the Bendel Insurance FC will serve as reference point to drive more reforms in the sector.”

He added the reforms will focus on grassroots sports development, noting, “Design and contracts for the construction of mini stadium in each local government area across the state have been completed. Local government chairmen will be mandated to ensure that the project is completed to encourage young men and women at the grassroots to tap into sports.”

Obaseki called on investors in the state to support the present administration’s efforts to restore the state to its pride of place in sports in the country.

Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, hailed “the achievements of the club, which has a reputation of producing contenders in the national team. These include, Peter Osazee Odemwingie, Austin Eguavoen, amongst others. These great players have represented the state at national and international assignments.”

Shaibu added, “The decision to rebrand the Bendel Insurance FC’s logo with the image of Queen Idia was to project the club members as warriors, out to win battles. I am optimistic that the rebranded Bendel Insurance FC will emerge as a force to contend with.”

On his part, President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, commended the state government for its initiatives in repositioning Bendel Insurance FC, and urged “The state government to partner corporate bodies for sponsorship to achieve self-funding and ensure the club is not dependent on government grants.”

"It is important for football clubs to run independent of government interference to ensure consistency. The club can develop its cards; Silver and Premium cards and VIP stand to serve as means for generating funds,” he added.



PHOTO CAPTIONS

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (second left); his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (right); Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, Hon. Emmanuel Usoh (left), and a mannequin displaying rebranded jersey of Bendel Insurance FC, during the unveiling of the rebranded club, in Benin City, Edo State.


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R-L: President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu; Edo State Head of Service, Mrs Gladys Idahor; and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele, during the unveiling of the rebranded Bendel Insurance Football Club, in Benin City, Edo State.