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Obaseki’s Modular Refinery Deal: Tianjin Univarsity China Okays Chemical Engineering Programme In Edo

The modular refinery deal signed by the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and representatives of Peiyang Chemical Equipment Company (PCC) in China few days ago, has earned the state a chemical engineering programme.

The programme to be domiciled in a university in the state, will be run in collaboration with the highly ranked Tianjin University, China, the oldest institution in the Asian country.

According to Obaseki, “the university programme is an added benefit to the modular refinery deal which final investment agreement was signed few days ago in Beijing.”

He explained that “the programme will build technical manpower for the oil and gas industry in line with the federal government’s policy on local capacity development in the sector. The idea is to develop technical manpower and set industry standards in the oil and gas sector.”

He emphasised that Edo State has a large army of productive and creative young people that would leverage on the learning opportunity that the chemical engineering programme will provide.

“Our young people will benefit from the world class programme of Tianjin University. Our goal is to equip more of our youths to participate in the new social and economic order we are creating in the state that will run on a solid industrial base. The social and economic opportunities we are providing across the state are increasing by the day and we want to prepare our young ones for the various industries.”

Tianjin University is the oldest institution of higher education in the modern history of China and the leading research and teaching institute.

The university was founded in 1895 as Peiyang University. Tianjin University’s 121-year history is the epitome of the progress of modern Chinese higher education, embodying the Chinese people’s indomitability through challenging times.

During its growth spanning three centuries, the university has been a pioneer in several fields, from the first aero engine in China to the first hydraulics laboratory established in China.

Speaking to journalists after signing the modular refinery deal in China, Obaseki said: "We are excited about the Modular Refinery project and the project is going to transform the state's economy and position us as a hub for fabrication of refinery parts with the setting up of fabrication yard to groom local capacity in that sector," the governor said.

Before departing Benin City for China, Obaseki approved the release of N700 million for the modular refinery project, as part of her contribution to the project.



PHOTO 1:
Sitting: Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki (middle); representative of Peiyang Chemical Equipment Company of China (PCC) (right); and representative of Tianjin University, China, in Beijing China during the signing of the agreement to establish a Chemical Engineering programme in a university in Edo State.

Obaseki Seals Final Investment Agreements With Chinese Companies To Develop Seaport, Industrial Park, Refinery

…targets 30% Lagos ports’ cargo throughput


After months of intense engagements on the viability of a seaport in Benin City, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has finally inked a deal with the vice president of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), Li Yi, for the development of the Benin River Port in Gelegele area of the state.

Also signed are the final investment agreement to develop the Benin Industrial Park with CHEC as well as the pact to develop a modular refinery in the state.

The harvest of investment agreements by the Edo State government on the sidelines of the2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), further consolidates the existing relationship between China and Edo State and expands the scope of business opportunities for both parties.

Speaking to journalists at the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing, China, after signing the investment agreement on the development of the Benin River Port, a visibly elated Governor Obaseki, said the agreement includes the building of a port on the Benin River, dredging of the river which is a channel of about 40 kilometres, and the construction of a link road to the Benin bye-pass.

He explained that the Benin River when completed, will link the Lekki Deep Seaport, help decongest the ports in Lagos State, open up Edo State to the international market by serving as a platform for import and export trade.

“The company we are working with is the largest investor in the Lekki Deep Seaport. The Benin River Port is going to be a sister port to the Lekki Deep Sea Port. We expect that up to 30 per cent cargo going to the Lekki Deep Seaport would be meant for Benin port,” he said.

He added that the construction of the Benin River Port would also provide opportunities to export agricultural and manufactured products being produced in the state.

“We are investing massively on agriculture particularly in areas like oil palm, rubber, cassava, fruits and all range of agricultural produce which need to be processed and exported outside the country.

“There are companies operating in the state and are seeking to export their products. The port will provide opportunity not only to export agricultural produce but also some of the products that are now being manufactured in our area,” Obaseki added.

“Another advantage is that once you create the infrastructure, there is the possibility that other industries would spring up in the state. This opportunity is going to rapidly help in diversifying the economy of Nigeria,” he explained.

The Benin Industrial Park is expected to create over 170,000 direct and indirect jobs on completion, and will be home to over 1000 companies and will generate an excess of over $3 billion annually.

Before departing Benin City for China, Obaseki approved the release of N700 million for the Benin Refinery project, as part of her contribution to the project.

With the latest agreement with Peiyang Chemical Equipment Company of China (PCC) in China, the coast is clear for the commencement of work on the modular refinery project.

According to Obaseki, his administration's investment drive in China and elsewhere, was conceived to steer the state away from dependence on oil and set it on the path of prosperity anchored on a solid industrial base.

"We are excited about the Modular Refinery project and the project is going to transform the state's economy and position us as a hub for fabrication of refinery parts with the setting up of fabrication yard to groom local capacity in that sector," the governor said.


PHOTO:
Sitting: Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki (2nd right); and Mr Yang Hongtao of Peiyang Chemical Equipment Company of China (PCC) (2nd left); flanked by Nigerian officials at the signing of the investment agreement for the construction of a modular refinery in Benin City, in Beijing China.

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Obaseki’s Housing Reform: Edo Diaspora Community Snap Up Property Slots In Emotan Gardens Estate At ENAW Convention

Buoyed by the positive outlook of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration, especially on the expansive 1800-unit Emotan Gardens project, Edo people in the diaspora have thrown their weight behind the project, with many acquiring slots in the real estate project, at the 27th edition of the Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW) convention, which held in Toronto, Canada.

Emotan Gardens, an ambitious real estate project, will transform the state’s real estate sector and provide affordable housing units to residents and those in the Diaspora. The project is being developed by the state government through the Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) in partnership with MIXTA Africa, a renowned real estate and property development company.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event in Canada, Executive Chairman, EDPA, Isoken Omo, who declared that the houses were open for sale, noted that members of the diaspora community were enthusiastic about the project as it would be the first government-backed housing project in the last 16 years.

She said, “Captain Hosa Okunbo bought 10 units of 2-bedroom in a row valued at around N50-55 million and donated it to the members of the diaspora community. We did a raffle where 10 people won the houses. Seven women and two men won one unit each. The last one will be used as ENAW liaison office in Benin City.”

The diaspora community expressed confidence in the governor and his government. They are looking for more ways to identify with him. The turnout at the event was very good.”

Other legacy projects of governor Obaseki showcased at the convention include the revolutionary Edo Basic Education Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme among other growth and investment enablers.

The Edo-BEST programme will groom a dedicated, highly-skilled teaching workforce by training, supporting and motivating Edo State teachers to succeed and enhance the Edo State Basic Education curriculum.

Governor Obaseki recently gave approval for the full roll-out of the programme in three oil and gas producing local government areas, comprising Ovia North East, Orhionmwon and Ikpoba-Okha.

In the programme, “every teacher will receive tablet loaded with digital lesson plans for every lesson needed for each day. Head teachers are given smartphones and provided with monthly data to enable them use the software in the smartphone to register all children and take attendance and manage teacher performance in each classroom every day," the governor said.



PHOTO 1:
Executive Chairman, Edo Development Property Agency (EDPA), Isoken Omo (5th right); Mr. Kola Ashiru-Balogun of Mixta Africa, Nigeria (6th right), with members of Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW), at the Toronto Convention at the weekend.

Obaseki Arrives China With Buhari, Finalising Investment Decisions With Chinese Companies On Industrial Park, Seaport, Refinery in Edo

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, is finalising investment decisions with partners in China for the development of the Edo Modular Refinery, Benin River Port and the Benin Industrial Park, on the sidelines of the 7th Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

The governor is in China, with Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, who led the country’s delegation to the summit, where it is expected that both nations will strengthen investment ties and boost bilateral trade.

The state government had earlier signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with some of the company’s during an earlier visit to China, and the input from the Federal Government for the projects would clear the way for their take-off.

The Chinese companies include the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Limited, which has concluded preliminary work for the commencement of the Benin River Port, in Gelegele.

Three developers have been penciled down to spearhead the development of the Benin Industrial Park while a Chinese consortium made up of Peiyang Chemical Equipment Company of China (PCC), SINOPEC International Petroleum Service Corporation (SIPS), which is a subsidiary of SINOPEC, the top chemical giant in the world and African Infrastructure Partners (AIP), are to develop the Edo Modular Refinery, which is expected to gulp N2.1 billon.

Before leaving for China, Governor Obaseki had approved at the last state Executive Council (EXCO) meeting the sum of N700 million to be invested in the Edo Modular Refinery project from the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC) fund, deepening the state government’s commitment to the project.

The deal for the 5500bpd modular refinery has a component that provides for a fabrication yard, which will train Edo citizens on welding, refinery operations and fabrication works to enable them participate in the construction of the refinery as well as its operation.

With the agreements, it is expected that the investors, will soon arrive the state for the kick-off of the projects, after the state obtains all necessary regulatory approvals.

PHOTO:
R-L: President Muhammadu Buhari; Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; and Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, at the 7th Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, holding in Beijing, China.

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Edo In Diaspora Light-Up Toronto As Obaseki Outlines Economic Growth Strategies, Achievements At ENAW 2018

Top officials of the Edo State Government have converged on Toronto, Canada, to pitch the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration’s innovative economic and educational reforms and programmes to indigenes of the state in the Diaspora, who are in Canada, for the 27th edition of the Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW) Convention.

The officials at the convention include the Executive Chairman of the Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), Isoken Omo; Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora, Hon. Osaze Osemwingie-Ero; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Affairs, Osaro Idah, among others.

ENAW Convention is a gathering of top professionals and experts of Edo extraction in the Diaspora, where they engage and discuss mutually beneficial issues to bring development to the state.

The four-day Toronto convention, started on August 31 and will run till September 3.

Governor Godwin Obaseki will be engaging the gathering on the imperative and investment prospects in the revolutionary Emotan Gardens estate, a 1800-unit real estate project that will provide affordable housing in the state.

The estate is being developed by the state government through EDPA, which is partnering Mixta Africa, a leading real estate development company.

The EDPA boss who spoke from Toronto, said “The Edo State Government and her partners are upbeat about the Emotan Gardens and similar housing projects coming on stream soon. It is an opportunity many of our people have been waiting for to acquire decent housing through a very transparent process devoid of encumbrances.”

She explained that “the appeal of Emotan Gardens has been phenomenal, as would-be subscribers are just waiting for us to open sales. Governor Obaseki is passionate about this product and will be exhibiting it at the ENAW Convention.”

Other themes penciled down for discussion are the industrialisation drive of the government, reforms in critical sectors and the Edo Basic Education Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme, for which approval has been given for full roll-out in three oil and gas producing local government areas, comprising Ovia North East, Orhionmwon and Ikpoba-Okha. A pilot phase is running in select local governments across the state. However, more investment is needed for full roll-out across the state.

Chairman-designate for Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, is also expected to be at the convention to pitch the initiative to Edos in Diaspora.

PHOTO 1:
Executive Chairman, Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), Isoken Omo (right); Commissioner for Ars, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora, Hon. Osaze Osemwingie-Ero (3rd right); Chairman, Edo State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), Barr. Anselm Ojezua (4th right); Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Political Matters, Chief Osaro Idah (5th right); and other guests at the 27th series of the Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW) Convention holding in Toronto, Canada from August 31 to September 3.

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Obaseki's Education Reform: Training For Learning Officers Will Engender Result-Driven Basic Education – Oviawe

Chairman-designate of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board, (SUBEB), Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, has said that the ongoing training for Learning and Development Officers, who are championing the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme, will guarantee a result-driven basic education sub-sector in the state.

Dr. Osa Oviawe, in a chat with journalists, said that the state government intends to revolutionise the basic education sub-sector and make it the envy of all, noting that continuous capacity building for improved productivity in the classroom remains a cardinal arm of the Edo-BEST programme.

Dr. Oviawe, who is also the Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic Education, said that the ongoing training is in phases and only dedicated hands will progress to the next stage.

"Some of the teachers have advanced to the next stage of the exercise. Others will go back to the classroom to teach and continue to master their craft.

"The selection criteria included assessment scores, oral interview and unbeknownst to all of them, they were under observation in the last two weeks. Some were sleeping in class, while some others were busy chatting online. The pass mark for Learning and Development Officers was set at 75 per cent. We are really gunning for the best of the best to become trainers of teachers," she said.

She noted that "the experience from the exercise remains a treasure trove of insights and new revelations, as people who are used to the shortcuts of cronyism, nepotism, tribalism have now been jolted to pay mind to their tasks."

She added that the exercise also revealed that "some teachers are hard of hearing, some cannot see well and we have told them to get their eyes tested and outfitted with glasses."

According to her, "there were some complaints from some of the participants which we are looking at solving. As we turn over the system and introduce merit as the foremost yardstick for decision making, it is our hope that the teachers will soon cotton on to the mindset of meritocracy.

"At this stage of the training, teachers have to be able to use the tablet effectively to teach. And at the end of the training, those still struggling will not be given a teacher's tab. They will need to go for more training."

PHOTO 1:
A cross-section of learning and development officers undergoing training at one of the training centers in Benin City, Edo State.

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Voter Registration: Edo Workers Defy Heavy Downpour, Commend Obaseki For Work-Free Day

...lament slow pace of work by INEC


Thousands of workers defied the heavy downpour on Friday in Benin City, the Edo State capital, to take advantage of the work-free day declared by Governor Godwin Obaseki, and register in the Continuous Voter Registration exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Some of the workers interviewed, commended the Edo State Government for declaring Friday work-free and explained that they had to take advantage of the opportunity to register and participate in future elections.

Mr. Eboigbe Wellington, who spoke to journalists at the INEC Registration Centre located at Asoro Slope, Ekehuan Road, Benin City, decried the slow pace of work by officials of INEC and called on the federal government to extend the registration deadline to enable more people register.

He also said that the heavy and persistent rainfall in Benin City has discouraged many people from coming out to register as the INEC centres have no place for people to take cover when it rains.

“The heavy rainfall has not helped matters. People have no place to hide when it rains and as you can see, many of us are drenched while looking for where to hide from the rainfall,” Wellington said, and commended the governor for declaring Friday a work-free day.

Mr. John Ohenhen, who was also at the INEC Registration Centre at Asoro Hill, Ekehuan Road, said he was at the centre to collect his voter card having registered in December 2017.

He urged INEC to deploy more officials to make the registration process faster.

The trend in other parts of the state was the same as workers turned out in their numbers to register before the expiration of the deadline by the electoral body.

PHOTOS:
Residents of Benin City at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office during the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, along Asoro Slope, Ekehuan Road, in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State.

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The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Thursday, dispatched a team of officials, headed by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Yakubu Gowon, to take a tour of areas affected by flash floods occasioned by the heavy and persistent rainfall in the state.

The assessment, according to the government, is to ascertain the degree of destruction caused by the flood and deploy intervention to mitigate the impact of future rainfall.

Places visited by the state government’s team include: Erediauwa Road linking Upper Sokponba and Sapele roads in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Ivbiotor, and Ehigiamusoe streets also in Ikpoba-Okha LGA. Others are Akugbe and Edebiri in Ikpoba-Okha as well as Idumwunowina on Auchi Road.

Speaking to residents in areas hit by flood, Gowon explained that the governor shares in their pain and loss and assured that relief materials would be delivered to them to cushion the effect of the disaster.

“The state government is aware of your plight and will send relief materials to reduce the effect of the havoc caused by the heavy rainfall. We are here to assess the degree of the damage caused by the heavy downpour,” he added and urged the victims to be calm as help is on the way.

He explained that some roads and drainage systems in the state have been awarded to contractors for reconstruction, and called on all those affected to stay calm as the government will surely come to their aid by providing relief materials.

"We have already started distributing relief materials to those affected by rainstorm since March this year and same will be extended to you as we treat all our citizens equally."

The Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Hon. Eric Osayande, commended governor Obaseki for his prompt response to their call for help.

He assured that the local government administration will ensure that the people dispose their waste properly and clear the drains.

A victim of the flood at Evbomodo Community, Mr. Osaro Otabor, thanked the governor for sending people to assess the destruction caused by the heavy downpour.

The governor’s aide was accompanied on the assessment tour by officials of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and Ministry of Environment and Sustainability officials.

Recall that the state government recently distribution relief materials to communities affected by windstorm in Esan West and Owan West local government areas, as well as in other parts of the state.

Hon. Yakubu Gowon, handed over the relief materials on behalf of the state government to chairmen of the two local councils in Benin City, the state capital.

He explained that Governor Obaseki has fulfilled the promise he made shortly after the disaster, to assist the affected communities.

“This is a continuous exercise; as at date, we have donated relief materials to communities in about 12 local government areas and we have been receiving letters of appreciation from the beneficiaries.

“While some states in the country that experienced similar disaster are still waiting for the support of the federal government, the Edo State government has gone ahead to render assistance to these communities,” he said, while handing over the relief materials to the local councils' bosses, recently.

PHOTO 1
Special Adviser to Governor Obaseki on Special Duties, Yakubu Gowon (left), with a victim of the flood, during the tour of affected areas along Dumez Road, in Benin City, on Thursday, August 30, 2018.

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Obaseki, Buratai Chart New Logistics Support Model For Army, Recommend PPP To Meet Contemporary Needs

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, have called for the adoption of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model in logistics support for the Nigerian Army to enable it tackle the nation’s security challenge.

Obaseki maintained that for the nation’s fight against terrorism and other crimes to succeed, all hands must be on deck to support the Nigerian Army and related security agencies.

The governor, who spoke through the Head of Service of the state, Mrs. Gladys Idahor, at the opening ceremony of the 20th Combat Service Support Training Week held at the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport in Benin City, emphasised that government alone cannot provide all the logistics need of the Nigerian Army especially in the face of new security challenges.

“The academia and organised private sector need to share ideas on ways of meeting the contemporary needs of the Nigerian Army” Obaseki said.

He noted that the theme of the training: “Enhancing Combat Service Support capability through Public Private Partnership to meet Nigerian Army’s Contemporary Challenge” is apt, and commended the security outfit for its planned medical outreach to people in selected communities in the state.

He added that regular training of security officials is important in the face of new threats to national security and said Edo State’s current status as the most peaceful state in the country, is due in part, to the partnership with the Nigerian Army.

The Chief of Army Staff said tackling contemporary security challenges in the country requires a more robust logistics plan, noting that to a large extent, logistics determine the capability of any army to perform its duties.

Lt. Gen. Buratai who was represented by Major General Ademoh Salihu, explained that the need for a more efficient and effective logistics model for the Nigerian Army through public private partnership has become expedient.

He said the Army’s continued dependence on importation of military hard wares has had adverse effect on their operations especially in the fight against insurgency in the North East region.

He commended the combat service support corps for their relentless service in the fight against insurgency in the country and urged them to leverage on the three days training opportunity to fashion out ways to enhance their capacity in the provision of logistics to nip the security challenges facing the country in the bud.

PHOTO 1:
R-L (Front row): Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele; Commander, Nigerian Army Ordinance Corps, Major General Joel Isokpehi Unuigbe; Representative of Edo State Governor and Head of Service, Mrs. Gladys Idahor; representative of the Chief of Army Staff and Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Major General Ademoh Salihu, at the 20th Combat Service Support Training Week held at the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport in Benin City, Edo State.