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PHOTO 2:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki delivering a lecture, entitled, “Strategic Leadership, My Political Experience,” to Course 27 participants of National Defence College (NDC), in Abuja, on Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Obaseki Proffers Strategic Leadership To Quell Insurgency, Other Security Challenges At Defence College Lecture

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has charged managers of the nation’s security architecture to deploy knowledge-based strategic leadership to quell the numerous security challenges confronting the nation.

Obaseki who said this in his lecture entitled: ‘Strategic Leadership, My Political Experience,’ at the National Defence College, Abuja on Tuesday, explained that the “the military of the 21st century is fighting against myriad of problems and confronted with different crises beyond what they were originally established and trained to do.”

He lauded the management and staff of the National Defence College for creating the platform for leaders to share their experiences and knowledge “aimed at generating ideas for the benefit of Nigeria in particular and for the security and good governance of the Lake Chad Basin, the West Africa sub-region and the continent of Africa in general.”

On the relevance of his experience and knowledge of strategic leadership to the armed forces and public service, the governor said: “Nigeria like several other countries is faced with a myriad of security issues.

“You are aware that part of the nation's national security challenge today despite monthly and yearly huge security votes and defence spending by government include: insurgency in the North-East (Boko Haram insurgency), trans-border violent crimes, secessionist's threat from the South-East; Biafra secessionists, Independent Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Movement for the Survival of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Biafra Independence Movement (BIM).

“Others are militants' threat in the south-south (Niger Delta militancy), ethnoreligious conflict, kidnapping, Fulani herdsmen/cattle rustlers clashes with host communities in virtually all parts of the country including the phenomenon of armed robbery, piracy, smuggling, etc.”

He posited that “to be able to surmount these problems, pragmatic and visionary strategic thinking and leadership is needed by the military high command and the foot soldiers on the field in conjunction with constructive engagement with affected communities to avoid conspiracy with criminal elements in those areas which could lead to ambush of combatant soldiers with colossal losses on the side of the military.”

Obaseki told the participants that “In tackling these problems, most of you will be engaged and in the cause of carrying out your assigned duties as a military officer either on national or international assignments (peacekeeping and peace-enforcement) and as bureaucrats, you will definitely find yourself in some forms of leadership position where at one time or the other you will be required to take decisions that will inject new innovation into strategic military thinking with unprecedented results for the Armed Forces and the country.”

He argued that “In such situations, the need for strategic leadership knowledge and application to situational life by the military and administrators in their career cannot be over-emphasised.”

In the six-part lecture, Obaseki highlighted the various leadership forms as: “ Positive and Negative Leadership; Autocratic or Authoritarian Leadership; Democratic or Participative Leadership; Laissez-faire or free-rein leadership; Paternalistic Leadership; Strategic Leadership; Charismatic Leadership; Situational Leadership” citing scholarly works of Obakhedo, to buttress his classification.

According to him “strategic leaders must assiduously work on the interplay between the management of available resources to achieve set goals.”

Specifically, he explained that strategic leaders must possess strong communication skills, passion, commitment, positivity, innovation and collaboration, must be able to use power judiciously, versatile, and a profound sense of direction to help people excel in their tasks, as he is demonstrating in Edo State.

He urged participants to be goal-focused and goal-directed in the choices they make in their various leadership positions.


PHOTO 1:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left), with the Commandant, National Defence College (NDC), Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo, after a lecture delivered by the governor, to Course 27 participants of NDC, in Abuja, on Tuesday, January 29, 2019

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PHOTO 3:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki addressing members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the APC campaign rally in Ubiaja, Esan South-East LGA, on Monday, January 28, 2019

PHOTO 2:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd left); All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Edo Central Senatorial District, Hon. John Osagie Inegbedion (left); APC House of Representatives candidate for Esan South-East and Esan North-East Federal Constituency, Joseph Ikpea (2nd right); APC House of Assembly candidate for Esan South-East Constituency, Osezua Ojiezele, at the APC campaign rally in Ubiaja, Esan South-East LGA, on Monday, January 28, 2019

Obaseki Leads APC Campaign Rally In Ubiaja, Assures Electorates Of Enduring Infrastructure, Others

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Monday, led members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to Ubiaja, headquarters of Esan South-East Local Government Area, of the state, in continuation of the party’s electioneering campaign across the state.

Addressing the mammoth crowd, Obaseki promised to complete all ongoing projects in Esan South-East Local Government Area as work is expected to commence on Ohordua/Emu Bridge, which will open up the council area to more development.

He urged the electorates to vote for candidates of the APC in the forthcoming general elections to sustain the overall development of the state, citing the ongoing construction of Ewatto Road.

The governor further said that work is expected to commence on Ubiaja-Ugboha Road next week as his administration appreciates the importance of good roads to economic development.

“We will commence work on Ubiaja-Ugboha Road from next week. I know the importance of roads to the people. Work will also commence on Ohordua/Emu bridge in the next four weeks,” Obaseki said, adding that “Illushi has been drafted into our agricultural programmes in the state.”

He explained that the APC-led state government will do more for all Edo people and residents, adding, “I have embarked on infrastructural development in Esan land and will do more especially in the area of providing potable water for the people. With the support of John Osagie Inegbedion and Joseph Ikpea, who will be our representatives in Abuja, the issue of poor water supply will be solved.”



PHOTO 1:
R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Mrs Magdalene Ohenhen; and Chairman, Esan South-East Local Government Area, Hon. Victor Emuakhagbon, at the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally in Ubiaja, Esan South-East LGA, on Monday, January 28, 2019

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The Edo State Government has said that all is set for the handover of the first set of housing units at Emotan Gardens to the beneficiaries as promised by the Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

Executive Chairman, Edo Development and Property Development Agency, (EDPA), Isoken Omo, disclosed this in a chat with journalists, noting that the agency and its joint-venture partner, Mixta Nigeria, are working round the clock to deliver on the project.

She said Governor Obaseki will soon hand over the first set of housing units to some civil servants, including the Head teacher of Emotan Primary School, Mrs. Noragbon Osaru, in redemption of his pledge to them, and as a demonstration of the fact that the houses are indeed for the people.

“We are excited that the governor will be handing over the first set of houses to some of the people he has promised housing units in the estate. With this, those who are up-to-date on their subscription are good to move in.”

According to her, “We have made appreciable progress on Emotan Gardens. As anyone can easily confirm, a good number of housing units are ready for occupation. A lot of people are paying up; the subscriber base is growing and we are really excited.”

Emotan Gardens, a 1800-unit affordable housing project, sits on a 70-hectare land in the Upper Sakponba axis of Benin metropolis, and is being promoted by the state government.

The project is being developed through a joint-venture partnership between the EDPA and Mixta Nigeria, and is the first housing project by the state government in the last 16 years.




PHOTOS:
Some of the houses in Emotan Gardens being built by Mixta Nigeria in partnership with Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) in Benin City, Edo State.

PHOTO 3:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (3rd left); his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (2nd left); Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele (left), with leaders and candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at a campaign rally in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area, at the weekend.

PHOTO 2:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, addressing traditional rulers during his visit to the Palace of the Ogie-Avianwu of Avianwu in Etsako Central Local Government Area, at the weekend.

Healthcare, Jobs, Roads, Industries, Improved Welfare, Top List As Obaseki Campaigns In Etsako Central, West LGAs

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has continued campaigns for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who are vying for political offices in the forthcoming general elections, promising that victory for the party will guarantee unprecedented socio-economic development across the state.

At a rally in Fugar, the administrative headquarters of Etsako Central Local Government Area (LGA), Obaseki assured residents of the area of his administration’s resolve to upgrade health facilities, deepen education reforms and build more roads to ensure economic expansion.

He said his administration was working assiduously to develop the state, noting “We have done a lot in education with the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EDOBEST) programme. I am assuring you that this local government will benefit more from our government. In health care, our administration has embarked on developing health centers across the state while existing ones are being upgraded with good facilities and medicine provided.”

“We are confident that we will win the elections with your votes, but our concern now is with how many votes? We have promised President Buhari one million votes and I am convinced that we will get it.

Among the APC candidates vying for elective positions in Etsako Central are: Senator Francis Alimikhena, Senatorial candidate for Edo North; Hon. Johnson Oghuma, the House of Representatives candidate; and Edo State House of Assembly candidate, Barr. Ahmed Waziri Oshomah.

Earlier, the governor visited the Palace of the Ogie-Avianwu of Avianwu in Etsako Central Local Government Area, to present the candidates to the monarch while soliciting for his prayers and support for them.

In Etsako West LGA, Obaseki said the state government was working towards better welfare package for all Edo people and urged them to vote for APC candidates so that the ongoing reforms would be fast- tracked through credible, diligent representatives.

"With what we are doing in education, in another two years, we will be the best in the sector, in the country and by the time we overcome the inefficiency of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), we will have electricity to industrialise our state,” he added.

Noting that the APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has paved the way for development in the state, he called on residents of Etsako West, the home town of the National Chairman, not to disappoint their son.

“Etsako West must show appreciation to Oshiomhole by voting for Buhari and all APC candidates seeking to represent the area. Oshiomhole is a great man, who is doing well at the national level. We are assuring that the APC candidates from this senatorial district would not disappoint you,” the governor said.

The governor urged every unit in the council to produce at least 500 votes so that 70,000 votes could be realised from the council.



PHOTO 1
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, during the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally in Etsako West Local Government Area, at the weekend.

PHOTO 2:
Cross-section of supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area, during the APC campaign rally, in the area, on Saturday, January 26, 2019

Obaseki Galvanises APC Campaign Rally In Etsako East, Promises Rehabilitation Of Okpella-Agenebode Road

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, on Saturday received a rousing welcome in Agenebode, headquarters of Etsako East Local Government Area, during the All Progressives (APC) campaign rally, in the area.

Obaseki who reassured the large crowd of his administration's commitment to the development of all parts of the state at Ogbake Primary School, promised to rehabilitate the Okpella-Agenebode Road in the LGA, to allow for inter- community linkage.

Several Roads in Etsako are captured in the state government’s ongoing reconstruction of over 140 roads in the state.

In Edo North, the project includes the reconstruction of 20.066km road network, comprising the complete overlay, sectional overlay and spot improvement/sectional overlay of Iddo-Okpella Road, Jattu-Iyuku Road, Mission Road, Agenebode, Ozalla-Sabongida Road, Secretariat Road, Igarra, among others.

In the education sector, schools in the area are benefitting from the state’s Basic Education Sector Transformation initiative, and a campus of the revamped College of Agriculture is located in Agenebode, amongst other projects being executed in the area.

The governor further said that in line with his earlier promise, the Agenebode River Port would be constructed to ease transportation of goods especially agricultural produce to and from the local council.

“I promised this part of our state a River Port during my electioneering campaign, and to achieve this project, we need to vote for APC candidates to represent us at the state and national levels.”

He urged members of the local government to vote en mass for APC candidates vying for various positions in the February 16 and March 2 elections, to enable his administration consolidate on its achievements.

“Estako LGA is lucky council to have Senator Alimikhena at the Senate, who is a Principal officer and has attracted a lot of projects to the state. We need to support him to sustain the progress.

“We need the votes of everyone in this LGA, because the votes will pave way for more infrastructure, schools, hospitals and jobs for the youths.

“Every member should be able to mobilise at least 10 other persons from the various political parties to vote for the APC,” the governor said.

Chairman of the Edo State chapter of APC, Barrister Anslem Ojezua, assured that loyal party members would be supported by the party, noting that Sen. Francis Alimikhena, Hon. Johnson Oghuma and Hon. Kingsley Oghenakhogie Ugabi have been loyal to the party.

Ojezua explained that the governor needs the vote of all Edo people to secure the needed majority at the state assembly and adequate representation in the Senate and the Federal House of Representatives to sustain his developmental strides.

The party’s candidates, Sen. Francis Alimikhena, Hon. Johnson Egwakhide Oghuma, House of Representatives, Etsako Fed. Constituency; and Hon. Kingsley Oghenakhogie Ugabi, called on the people from the local government area to vote for APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.



PHOTO 1:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, (3rd left) with All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates, in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area, during the APC campaign rally, in the area on Saturday, January 26, 2019

Kidnap Of Edo APC Assembly Candidate: Party Chairman Calls For Calm, As Investigation Continues

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Edo State Chapter, Barr. Anslem Ojezua, has expressed confidence in the ongoing investigation by security agencies in the state to rescue the kidnapped candidate of the party in the forthcoming elections, Mr. Michael Ohio-Ezomon.

Mr. Ohio-Ezomon is contesting to represent Owan West Constituency at the Edo State House of Assembly. He was kidnapped in his hometown on Wednesday by unknown gunmen.

Ojezua made the party’s position known on the incident shortly after a joint security meeting between heads of security agencies in the state and the governor, at Government House, in Benin City.

The State Chairman noted that it was too early to point accusing fingers at anyone, as investigation was still in preliminary stage.

“It is not safe to jump into conclusions. I appeal that we should not be restive; we should have confidence in our government and allow security agencies to do their work," Mr. Ojezua said.

Earlier, the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki said the security agencies are on top of the incident and called on the people to remain calm.

He ordered the State Police Command to ensure that the kidnapped victim is rescued, urging the Commissioner of Police, who was in Owan West to get a first-hand assessment of the incident, and champion the investigation.

Noting that the state government frowns at such incident, the governor cautioned political actors not to heat up the polity, but maintain a peaceful atmosphere as the elections draw closer.

He called on the police to track down the kidnappers and fast-track the safe rescue of the victim.


PHOTO
Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Edo State Chapter, Barr. Anslem Ojezua, addressing journalists, after a joint security meeting of heads of security agencies in the state with Governor Godwin Obaseki, at Government House, in Benin City on Thursday, January 24, 2019

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PHOTO 2:
R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe (standing); and Director Special Duties, NCAC, Dr. Elizabeth Ben-Iheanacho (left), during a courtesy visit by executives of NCAC to the governor, at Government House, in Benin City, Edo State

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured of the state’s readiness to host a world-class National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) later in the year, to raise the profile of the cultural expo.

Obaseki gave the assurance when he received a delegation of management of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), led by its Director General, Otunba Segun Runsewe, in Government House, Benin City, the state capital.

According to the governor, Edo State has huge cultural assets to showcase to the world at the festival, and noted that the agitation for the repatriation of the over 6000 artefacts looted during the Benin Expedition of 1897 was ongoing.

He commended the Runsewe-led NCAC for repackaging the National Festival for Arts and Culture, with new offerings that were on display last year in Port Harcourt and charged the council to explore the huge potential in the state's eco-tourism sector.

He tasked the council to lead the way in the development of a world-class tourism master plan that would drive tourist traffic to sites and destinations across the country.

Obaseki told his guests that his administration was committed to developing the culture and tourism sector in the state, with ongoing work on implementable plans to reposition the sector to maximise its potential.

In his response, the NCAC DG said the essence of his team’s visit was to convey a proposal of innovative components billed to be introduced in the 2019 edition of NAFEST as well as the timeline for the various cultural events.

Runsewe congratulated the Obaseki-led administration for winning the hosting right of the festival, and promised that the event would provide the state the opportunity to reinforce her place on the world’s culture map.

He explained that one of the additions to the festival is the Royalty Day, when all the states’ delegates will pay homage to the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.

He lauded Obaseki’s introduction of culture club in schools as well as the culture information desk at the Benin Airport, which he said would help sell the state’s culture and tourist sites to visitors.


PHOTO 1:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd right); Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero (right), Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe (middle); Director, Research NCAC, Mr. Sam Agbi (left); and Director Special Duties, NCAC, Dr. Elizabeth Ben-Iheanacho (2nd left), during a courtesy visit by executives of NCAC to the governor, at Government House, in Benin City, Edo State.

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PHOTO 2:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); and Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Sir Roland Osakue, during courtesy visit by the newly elected executive members of the NUJ to the governor, at Government House, in Benin City, on Wednesday, January 23, 2019.

Obaseki Urges Journalists To Interrogate Former Leaders Seeking Re-Election To Account For Their Pasts

…says media must question govt policies, programme

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has tasked media practitioners to interrogate former political leaders seeking re-election, to account for what they did with the power they were given in the past.

Obaseki said such interrogation is necessary, especially as politicians intensify campaigns ahead of the general elections.

Obaseki made the call during a courtesy visit by the newly elected executive members of the Edo State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), at Government House in Benin City, on Wednesday, January 23, 2019.

Describing the mass media as agenda setters for the government and watchdog of the society, he noted, “we expect you to interrogate all our policies and actions and understand the rationale behind what we are doing especially ahead of the general elections.”

The governor tasked his guests to ask politicians seeking re-election into political offices what they did with the political power they were entrusted with in the past.

He explained that his administration has created empowerment opportunities for Edo people and residents and is restoring hope of a better life in the people, with the huge investment in infrastructure and human development.

According to Obaseki, “with about 63 percent of the state’s population below 32 years of age, my administration decided to prioritise youth empowerment so that they can be productive, through several initiatives that will equip them for the challenges of today and the future.”

He argued that political power should be used to improve the wellbeing of the people and maintained that in the era of technology with offerings such as social media, “people cannot be fooled because information travel faster than light.”

He assured members of the NUJ that his administration will continue to partner with the union to ensure it succeeds in its tasks, and promised to donate a bus to the union to ease its members’ logistics especially as the elections draw closer.

Earlier, the chairman of the Edo State Council of NUJ, Mr. Roland Osakue, said that the union has been monitoring the developmental strides of the Obaseki led-administration and commended the impact the government has made in all sectors of the state.

He described the union’s recent election in the state which produced the new executive members, as free, fair and credible, and urged politicians who lose in the forthcoming elections to accept defeat in good fate.

PHOTO 1:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (3rd left); his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (3rd right); Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu (2nd right); Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie (right); Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Sir Roland Osakue (2nd left); and his vice, Mrs. Imelda Osayande, during a courtesy visit by the newly elected executive members of the Edo NUJ Council to the governor, at Government House, in Benin City, on Wednesday, January 23, 2019.

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PHOTO 2:
Cross-section of supporters at the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Obong Nsima Ekere during his campaign flag-off in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged residents and people of Akwa Ibom State to vote for All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari and governorship candidate, Obong Nsima Ekere, in the 2019 general elections.

The governor made the call during Ekere’s campaign flag-off in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.

“I came here today to tell you two things. First, Edo is the gateway to South-south and Akwa Ibom is the heart of South-south. For twelve years, we have been waiting in Edo State; we have been waiting for our brothers and sisters to join us.

“When some people gather together and say they are the governors of a political party in South-south, that is going to change, and you are the people that are going to make that change,” Obaseki said.

He noted that Akwa Ibom used to be the envy of other states in the South-south region when they had a governor who made a difference.

“Let me tell you something that is very important. Edo State receives one fifth of what Akwa Ibom receives from the Federal Government. When Edo gets 10 naira, Akwa Ibom gets 50 naira. Look at what we have done in two years in Edo.

“We received Paris Club Fund just like many other states; ours was small but we are not owing one kobo of pension. We are not owing one kobo of salary. So, you can do more in Akwa Ibom if you have the right person,” the governor said.

According to Obaseki, “When somebody like Akpabio who did so much for you, handed over the baton to another person for development to continue, like in a relay race, development receded with that person that received the baton. So, what we need to do now is to pick up that baton from that person and give it to my brother, Nsima Nkere. Once you give him the baton, trust me, and with what he has done at Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Akwa Ibom will run again.”

He urged residents and people of Akwa Ibom to vote for APC candidates in the 2019 general elections, noting, “I want to leave you with one word. On February 16th, go to the polls, take your Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) and vote for President Muhammadu Buhari. Once you vote, once President Buhari wins, all other things will be added to Akwa Ibom State.”


PHOTO 1:
L-R: Former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Obong Nsima Ekere, Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Ita Enang, during Ekere’s campaign flag-off in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.

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