₦airaland Forum

Alaghodaro 2018: Obaseki Rallies Top Executives At NESG 24 For Edo People’s Summit

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that his commitment to human development in the state stems from the desire to groom a repertoire of human capital that will not only drive the local economy but also compete favourably with their peers across the world for opportunities in the coming decades.

Governor Obaseki disclosed this in discussions with top business executive on the side-lines of the 24th edition of the Nigeria Economic Summit, holding in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Abuja, themed: Poverty to Prosperity; Making Governance and Institutions Work.

The governor, who will be marking his second year in office in November, was at the event to among other things, rally top business executives for the Alaghodaro Summit holding in Benin City next month, with a theme that is focused on Edo People.

The governor engaged with top members of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, which is a private sector think-tank that stimulates conversations around public policy and economic reform.

According to him, “We are harping on skills acquisition and vocational education to ensure that the people are equipped with the right skills to contribute to the economy. We are also focused on basic education and are investing in it through the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme. We are partnering with a technology company to deliver quality education using technology in schools.”

He said, “After the first school term of the programme, we have seen significant changes and improvement in the performance of students and the ease with which they comprehend instructions.

“Over half a million students are to benefit from the Edo-BEST programme and over 7000 teachers have been trained and are currently teaching pupils in 612 schools across the state.”

The governor explained that the state government has, through its skills development platform EdoJobs, trained youth on digital skills, prepping them for jobs and to create solution to society’s problems using digital tools.

This is in addition to a number of reforms in the civil service to make working in government attractive and dignifying, with the renovation of new office blocks, prompt payment of salaries, and an open governance system.

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PHOTO 2:
L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika; Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode at the ongoing 24th Nigerian Economic Summit, in Abuja.

Osinbajo, Obaseki, Other Experts Tackle Institutional Barriers To Economic Growth At NESG 24










PHOTO 1:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (Left); Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma (2ND left); Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (3rd from right); Supervising Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed (2nd right); and Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. Asue A. Ighodalo (Right), at the ongoing 24th Nigerian Economic Summit, in Abuja.

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has begun the mobilisation of traditional rulers across the state ahead of the second edition of the Alaghodaro Summit, scheduled for November.

The move to galvanise occupiers of the revered traditional seats is predicated on the crucial role traditional rulers play in the lives of Edo people and residents, as custodians of the people’s culture and traditions.

Special Adviser to Governor Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie said: “Our royal fathers and chiefs across the state are being mobilised by the governor for a colourful Alaghodaro Summit which has Edo people as its focus.

“As representatives of various communities and clans, these traditional rulers are in the best position to gauge the impact of the Obaseki-led administration on the people, in the last two years.”

Osagie explained, “They are very influential. Most of the traditional rulers are opinion leaders and moulders. They foster peace and unity in their domains and have proven to be dependable allies in the state’s growth trajectory, as enunciated by governor Obaseki.”

The governor’s aide maintained that “traditional rulers in the state have been supportive of the various reforms executed in critical sectors of the states, such as the fight against human trafficking and child molestation; the scrapping of Community Development Associations (CDAs); efforts at maintaining law and order, and the ban on the use of thugs for the collection of revenue in parts of the state amongst others.”

Osagie added that the traditional rulers will be at the Alaghodaro Summit to share their experiences with other participants at the event.

“For example, the traditional rulers in Edo North and central senatorial districts would talk about the impact the Edo Fertiliser and Chemical Plant in Auchi, is having on agricultural activities in the area.

“Worthy of note is the role the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has played in mobilising parents for the immunisation programme; his royal backing for the fight against human trafficking and illegal migration as well as the outlawed Community Development Association (CDAs),” he added.

The 2018 edition of the Alaghodaro Summit will focus on Edo people, showcasing how the state is designing and implementing policies, programmes and initiative to improve the lives of the people, engender inclusive growth and enhance law and order.

Recall that the 2017 edition of the Alaghodaro Summit tagged Envisioning the Future, hosted the crème of Nigeria’s investment climate, drawn from within and outside the country, who hailed Governor Godwin Obaseki’s efforts to reposition the state as the most viable investment destination in the country.

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PHOTO 3:
L-R: Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon; and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at a book launch, which was part of activities marking the 2nd Coronation Anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Omo N' Oba N' Edo, Uku Akpolo Kpolo, Oba Ewuare II, in Benin City, Edo State, on Saturday, October 20, 2018.

PHOTO 2:
L-R: Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; and his wife, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, at a book launch which was part of activities marking the 2nd Coronation Anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Omo N' Oba N' Edo, Uku Akpolo Kpolo, Oba Ewuare II, in Benin City, Edo State, on Saturday, October 20, 2018.

Buhari, Gowon, Jonathan Charge Traditional Rulers On Fostering Unity, As Obaseki Assures On Benin Royal Museum Project

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday in Benin called on traditional rulers across the country to continue to build bridges of unity and oneness to promote national development.

Buhari made the call at the official launch of the Book Entitled "The Benin Monarchy, an Anthology of Benin History" held in Benin City on Saturday in commemoration of the 2nd coronation anniversary of the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II.

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd.) also commended the Benin monarchy for the remarkable effort to tell the history of the Benin Kingdom to avoid distortion that may arise from allowing others to seize the narrative.

In his remark, Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki assured on plans to build the Benin Royal Museum to preserve Benin heritage and retrieve stolen artefacts.

President Buhari, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha commended the good relationship that exists between the Sultanate and the Benin Kingdom, saying it should cut across the country.

He said that traditional institutions must continue to stay abreast with the digital changes in the world and should not allow the changes affect the preservation of customs, languages and traditions of the people.

Buhari congratulated the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II and the council of chiefs for preserving the Benin culture, saying that the Benin kingdom is a role model to others.

He further called on traditional rulers across the country to join the federal government in preaching against hate speech and resist money politics as the 2019 elections draw near.

The Chairman of the occasion, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, commended the outstanding features of the Benin Monarchy, and described the book as a masterpiece that "tells African history by Africans"

"One of the tragedies of Africa is that our story has always been told by others from their own perspectives and with their own purpose.

"The result is that much of the narratives of our continent have been a distortion. Against this background, we appreciate the impact of this singular effort of telling the history of Benin Kingdom," he said.

Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan said the Benin Kingdom has always made the country proud via its rich history and well-structured governance system.

Jonathan commended the Oba of Benin for his resourcefulness and protection of the Benin people.

In his remark, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, assured that the Benin Royal Museum would be built and completed before the end of 2021.

He said he made the decision recently at a meeting of The Benin Dialogue Group which is made up of all prominent museums in Europe.

"We also got the commitment of the group to return many of the works that were taken from the palace during the expedition in 1897," the governor said.

In his address, His Royal Majesty Omo N' Oba N' Edo Uku Akpolo kpolo, Oba Ewuare II, commended all who have supported him since his ascension to the throne, saying his mandate is to prioritise the welfare of Edo people.

He said the 7-kg book being launched was a compendium of the great history of a great people and would also be showcased in London, the United States of America, amongst other countries.

He said the Oba Ewuare II satellite Town which is also being built in commemoration of his 2nd coronation anniversary was modelled to booster youth employment, create jobs in the agro-allied industry as well as cater for the general welfare of Edo people.

Dignitaries at the event included the Sultan of Sokoto, former governors of Edo State, Chief John Odigie Oyegun and Adams Oshiomhole, as well as the Vice Chancellor of University of Benin, Prof Faraday Orumwense amongst others.


PHOTO 1:
L-R: Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar III (right) exchanging pleasantries with Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; and his wife, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, at a book launch which was part of activities marking the 2nd Coronation Anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Omo N' Oba N' Edo, Uku Akpolo Kpolo, Oba Ewuare II, in Benin City, Edo State, on Saturday, October 20, 2018.

PHOTO 3:
L-R: Edo State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Babatunde Kokumo; National President, Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), Hajiya Asta Ibrahim Idris; President, Internally Displaced Persons (IDP)’ camp, Edo State, Solomon Folorunsho; and representative of Edo State Governor and Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Hon. Yakubu Gowon; during the visit of POWA president to the IDP camp in Ohogua Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

PHOTO 2:
Some of the donated items by the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) during the visit of the National President, POWA and wife of the Inspector General of Police, Hajiya Asta Ibrahim Idris, to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Ohogua Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area, on Thursday, October 18, 2018.

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ohogua Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, were treated to fun sessions in Benin City by the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), led by the National President and wife of the Inspector-General of Police, Hajiya Asta Ibrahim Idris.

Explaining the reason for their visit, Mrs. Ibrahim Idris said: “As responsible wives and mothers who feel the pains and impact of your displacement from your homes, we owe you a duty to visit you and put smiles on your faces.”

The POWA President who donated 100 matrasses, 100 pillow-cases, 100 bags of rice, 100 buckets, 10 cartons of washing soap, 100 cartons of bathing soap, 10 cartons of body cream and two bales of clothes to the IDPs, said the gesture would ameliorate the hardship experienced by the IDPs as a result of the activities of insurgents that displaced families and forced them to seek shelter in the camps.

She commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for ensuring that the displaced persons are catered for, adding, “It is my hope and prayer that more Nigerians and institutions of government will make more commitment towards alleviating the sufferings of people living in IDP camps.”

Governor Obaseki, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Hon. Yakubu Gowon, commended POWA for its humanitarian gesture.

Obaseki urged other stakeholders to join forces with the state and Federal Government in assisting the IDPs recover from the trauma of terrorism.

Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo, commended the wife of the IGP for the gesture, noting that the visit marks another milestone in the history of the State Police Command.

He commended the IGP for his contribution to reducing criminality in the state through the provision of needed equipment to fight crime, adding, “The IGP made it possible to establish a Marine Police base in Edo State to put an end to criminal activity on our water ways. Our waterway in the state is now safer as criminals now find it difficult to use the waterway as a means of escape after committing crimes on land.”

The coordinator of the IDP camp, Pastor Solomon Folorunsho, expressed appreciation to the wife of the IGP and POWA for the visit, and said that the visit has lifted the spirit of over 2,000 members in the camp.

“We thank the Federal Government and the Edo State Government for their continued support,” he added.

He explained that members of the camp cherish education and have continued to make tremendous progress in their educational pursuit with about 30 of them attending different universities. He noted that 25 of them gained admission into university. “Six out of the 25 are to study Medicine and Surgery, eight of them are studying Nursing and Midwifery, while seven are in the university reading law.”


PHOTO 1:
L-R: Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo; Head of Service, Mrs. Gladys Idahor; National President, Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) and wife of the Inspector General of Police, Hajiya Asta Ibrahim Idris; Wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; and Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Maryann Shaibu, during the visit of Mrs. Ibrahim Idris, in Benin City, Edo State, Thursday, October 18, 2018.

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PHOTO 2:
Some of the donated items by the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) during the visit of the National President, POWA and wife of the Inspector General of Police, Hajiya Asta Ibrahim Idris, to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Ohogua Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area, on Thursday, October 18, 2018.

The Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) has donated relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Ohogua Community in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State.

The items donated include 100 matrasses, 100 pillow-cases, 100 bags of rice, 100 buckets, 10 cartons of washing soap, 100 cartons of bathing soap, 10 cartons of body cream and two bales of clothes.

The National President of POWA and wife of the Inspector General of Police, Hajiya Asta Ibrahim Idris, who led other members of the association on the exercise, said the gesture is aimed at ameliorating the hardship experienced by the IDPs as a result of the activities of insurgents that displaced families and forced them to seek shelter in the camps.

She added, “As responsible wives and mothers who feel the pains and impact of your displacement from your homes, we owe you a duty to visit you and put smiles on your faces.”

She commended Governor Godwin Obaseki, noting, “It is my hope and prayer that more Nigerians and institutions of government will make more commitment towards alleviating the sufferings of people living in IDP camps.”

Governor Obaseki, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Hon. Yakubu Gowon, commended POWA for its humanitarian gesture.

Obaseki urged other stakeholders to join forces with the state and Federal Government in assisting the IDPs recover from the trauma of terrorism.

Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo, commended the wife of the IGP for the gesture, noting that the visit marks another milestone in the history of the State Police Command.

He commended the IGP for his contribution to reducing criminality in the state through the provision of needed equipment to fight crime, adding, “The IGP made it possible to establish a Marine Police base in Edo State to put an end to criminal activity on our water ways. Our waterway in the state is now safer as criminals now find it difficult to use the waterway as a means of escape after committing crimes on land.”

The coordinator of the IDP camp, Pastor Solomon Folorunsho, expressed appreciation to the wife of the IGP and POWA for the visit, and said that the visit has lifted the spirit of over 2,000 members in the camp.

“We thank the Federal Government and the Edo State Government for their continued support,” he added.

He explained that members of the camp cherish education and have continued to make tremendous progress in their educational pursuit with about 30 of them attending different universities. He noted that 25 of them gained admission into university. “Six out of the 25 are to study Medicine and Surgery, eight of them are studying Nursing and Midwifery, while seven are in the university reading law.”

PHOTO 1:
L-R: Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo; Head of Service, Mrs. Gladys Idahor; National President, Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) and wife of the Inspector General of Police, Hajiya Asta Ibrahim Idris; Wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; and Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Maryann Shaibu, during the visit of Mrs. Ibrahim Idris, in Benin City, Edo State, Thursday, October 18, 2018.

Members of different traders' unions and market associations in Edo State have thrown their weight behind the 2018 Alaghodaro Summit, noting that they are fully in support of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s focus on enriching the life of the people.

The 2018 Alaghodaro Summit is an event to mark Governor Godwin Obaseki’s second anniversary and showcase his administration’s people-centered policies, programmes and initiatives and his commitment to bettering the life of the people by opening up the state to investors, upholding law and order and expanding the economic space.

Leader, Market Women Association in Edo State, Madam Blacky Omoregie, JP, in a chat with journalists, said that the market women in the state are excited about the event as it will give them opportunity to appreciate the governor for all he has done for them.

According to her, “We are excited about Alaghodaro 2018 because the governor has said it is focused on the people and we are very much in tune with his vision for the event. He has shown that he truly cares for the people with the numerous programmes he has championed since coming into office.

“We know what he has done with the fight against human trafficking, through which he has rescued our children from the grip of human traffickers. He is bringing investors to the state with projects such as the Benin River Port, the Edo Modular Refinery and the Benin Industrial Park. Not many states in Nigeria are having it as good as we are in Edo State.”

Chairman, Edo State Chapter of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mr. Odion Olaye, on his part, said that the event is a testimony to the people-centric government run by the governor in the state, noting that different unions in the state can testify to the administration’s unflinching stance for the people.

“The union totally aligns with the governor’s stance to have the people at the center of his policies. He has been humane and we are not so surprise to have him commit the second anniversary celebrations to hosting and celebrating with Edo people, as against what held in the past,” he said.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has approved the constitution of a new governing council for the state-owned Ambrose Alli University, to be chaired by Mr. Lawson Omokhodion.

In a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., the state government said the constitution of the council is in line with the provisions of the Ambrose Alli University Law, 1991.

"This is to inform the general public, particularly the Vice Chancellor, Staff and University Community of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, that in line with the provisions of the Ambrose Alli University Law, 1991, the State Government has approved the constitution of the Governing Council of the University.

The council, he said, has Mr. Lawson Omokhodion as Chairman, with the following as members, "Mr. Austin Osakue; Mr. Pius Akpabor; Dr. Ted Inegbedion; Mrs. Faith Bob Osaze; Alhaji Aliyu Umaru; Mr. Matthew Emeohe, Mr. Richard George, (Representing Alumni Association)”.

He said the council will be inaugurated at a later date.

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The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has launched the Edo Food and Agriculture Cluster, Ehor, (Edo-FAC), kick-starting a knowledge-driven food sufficiency plan, targeting over 3000 farmers in Ehor, Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the state, with the full complement of an agricultural training center in the area.

Speaking at the launch of Edo-FAC, in Ehor, the governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Osaro Idah, said that the cluster will address the challenges faced by farmers in the area, noting that the state government is committed to exploiting agriculture and providing avenues to train farmers to boost their knowledge, improve their farm yields and enhance their livelihood. He added that Edo-FAC will employ 200 people, and is targeted at 3000 farmers in the area.

According to him, the state government is keen on ensuring that farmers get the best of tools and training required to derive more gains from farming, on and off the farm, as the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)’s Vocational Training Center in Ehor, has been repurposed to provide top-of-the-range training and extension services to farmers.

“This was designated as a vocational training center, but we are repurposing it to serve as a center to provide training to farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), so they can learn new methods for improving their yield on the farm, and also get access to information about what you need to do to reach more markets for your produce,” he explained.

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Skills Development and Job Creation, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, said that the Edo-FAC is a composite centre that has the full complement of an Entrepreneurship and Agribusiness Development Center, Food and Agricultural Products Center, Center for Agricultural Communications and Agronomy and Center for Agricultural Engineering and Fabrication.

She explained that a lot of thinking was put into repurposing the centre, noting that the various arms of Edo-FAC will be streamlined to provide adequate training to the over 3000 farmers in the area.

According to her, “What we have here is a one-stop shop for agricultural needs. We have far-reaching partnerships with players in the agricultural sector to provide the essential services needed to drive this center.

“As part of the cluster, we have a farmers’ market, where farm produce will be traded. There is also the food processing center that will ensure that farmers produce do not go to waste, thereby minimising losses and creating more wealth in the community.”

PHOTO 1:
Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Osaro Idah (2nd right); Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Skills Development and Job Creation, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare (middle), and members of Ehor community, during the launch of the Edo Food & Agriculture Cluster (Edo-FAC), Ehor, at Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the state.

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