₦airaland Forum

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OTHER PHOTOS FROM THE VISIT:

PHOTO 2:
R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (second left); Public Relations Officer, Time Ceramics Nigeria Ltd, Nicole Zhang (left), during the governor’s tour of facilities at the company, in Utesi, Ikpoba-Okah Local Government Area, Edo State, on Saturday.

The growing investor confidence in Edo State, stemming from market-oriented reform designed to drive industrialisation, has earned the state yet another $500 million auto assembly plant deal from Chinese investors.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, disclosed this during a working visit on Saturday, to Time Ceramics Company Nigeria Ltd, manufacturers of floor tiles at Utesi Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state.

Obaseki explained that his administration is vigorously pursuing the goal to turn the state into an industrial hub and a major investment corridor by strengthening the state's security architecture and reform of critical business-support institutions to improve the ease of doing business.

He noted that already, his team's efforts are yielding results and assured that with the new interest to set up an auto assembly plant in the state, more job offerings are on the way.

"Several Chinese companies are already operating in the state. In a few weeks from now, we will be hosting the investors who want to set up a vehicle assembly plant in Benin City to discuss details of their investment," the governor said.

He added that the confidence of the Chinese investors in Edo State is also as a result of the success stories of Time Ceramics and other Chinese investments in the state.

He noted that more incentives are being packaged for existing and potential investors as part of strategies to woo more investors to the state.

After a tour of Time Ceramics, the Managing Director Huang Shi Bin, expressed delight at the governor's support for private investors and his commitment to their success in the country.

He appealed to the governor to help speed up the development of the Benin River Port, which he said would make it easier for them to access the international market, where the demand for their products is increasing.

Bin pledged to support the developmental efforts of the state government through the creation of jobs for Edo youth and quality products for the local market.

PHOTO 1:
L-R: Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele; Governor Godwin Obaseki; Public Relations Officer, Time Ceramics Nigeria Ltd, Nicole Zhang; Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, Hon. Emmanuel Usoh, during the governor’s tour of facilities at Time Ceramics Nigeria Limited, in Utesi, Ikpoba-Okah Local Government Area, Edo State, on Saturday.

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Ramadan: Obaseki Breaks Fast With Otaru of Auchi, Urges Muslim Community On Prayers For Peaceful Coexistence

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has highlighted the place of prayers in the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians and the nation's aspiration to become a great country among the comity of nations.

Obaseki, who was at the palace of the Otaru of Auchi, His Royal Highness (HRH) Aliru Momoh Ikelebe III, to break the Ramadan fast, in Auchi, on Friday, said the peaceful coexistence of Edo people and residents is the result of prayers and supplications of the people.

The governor said he was in the palace to join the Muslim faithful to break the Ramadan fast in the spirit of their shared brotherhood.

“We see ourselves as one and share in your sacrifices at this point in time. We have no doubt that your prayers, fasting and supplications are responsible for the peace we have continued to enjoy in Edo State and I urge you not to relent in your prayers," he said.

The governor said he is in the palace of the Otaru of Auchi, who is the leader of the Muslim community, to celebrate with Muslim faithfuls who are already in the middle of Ramadan fast.

In his response, the Otaru thanked the governor and his entourage for coming to identify with the Muslim community, and described the visit as the first of its kind in the state.

He commended the governor for his developmental stride in the state since assuming office.

The royal father commended the governor for reviving the fertiliser plant in Auchi, as it has created jobs for the people of the area.

"The fertiliser plant which was moribund and revived by your excellency in Auchi is in full operation, producing bags of fertilisers on a daily basis and creating jobs for the people of the state.

He urged the governor to attract more industries to the state to fast track the development of the state.

"You are doing well in governance, I urge you to continue to bring development to our people," he said.

PHOTO 1:
R-L: Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; His Royal Highness, Otaru of Auchi, Aliru Momoh Ikelebe III; His Royal Highness, Aidonogie of South Ibie, Oba Danesi II and the Ogiegianwu of Anvianwu clan, at the Otaru’s palace, when the governor visited to break the Ramadan fast with Muslim faithful, in Auchi, on Friday.

Osabass:
We are happy to have Obaseki as our governor

Yes O!

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PHOTO 3:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); with the new Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Hon. (Mrs.) Omua Alonge Oni-Okpaku, after the commissioner was sworn-in by the governor, at Government House, Benin City, on Wednesday, May 30, 2018.

PHOTO: 2
The new Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability; Hon. Mrs. Omua Alonge Oni-Okpaku, taking the oath of office as the commissioner, at Government House, Benin City, on Wednesday, May 30, 2018

…says govt in a hurry to transform sector

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has sworn-in Omoua Alonge Oni-Okpaku as the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability in the state, following her confirmation by members of the Edo State House of Assembly.

Speaking at the event that took place at the Government House, shortly before the weekly Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, Obaseki charged the new commissioner to adopt best practice in the management of the environment as his “administration is in a hurry to address challenges in the sector.”

He urged the environment commissioner to bring her wealth of experience to make the desired positive change in the ministry, and advised her to eschew acts that could derail the progress that has been recorded in the sector.

The governor assured that he was optimistic about the capacity of the new commissioner to transform the sector, considering her background in the sector, and maintained that "We did not feel it was right that Owan West Local Government Area was not represented in our cabinet.”

He warned: “Your coming to join us is for service and not for self-enrichment.”

In her remark, Oni-Okpaku pledged her loyalty to the government and assured that she would live up to the confidence reposed in her.

She said the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability under her watch, would engage youths in the protection and preservation of the environment, in line with the state government’s Keep Edo Clean Project and other programmes.

Recall that governor Obaseki forwarded the name of Omoua Alonge Oni-Okpaku as commissioner nominee to the Edo State House of Assembly for confirmation recently, following the sack of the former Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Mr. Reginald Okun.



PHOTO 1:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); his Deputy, Rt.Hon. Philip Shaibu (left); and the new Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Omua Alonge Oni-Okpaku, after the commissioner was sworn-in by the governor, at Government House, Benin City, on Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Sustainable Devt: World Bank Lauds Obaseki’s PPP Model, Devt solutions, Transparency

The World Bank has lauded the Governor Godwin Obaseki’s blueprint for the development of the state, which leverages on the synthesis of the expertise of the private sector and an open, transparent public sector.

World Bank Country Director for Nigeria and Coordinating Director for West Africa Regional Integration, Rachid Benmessaoud, said this during a meeting between the World Bank Team and officials of the Edo State Government, at the Government House in Benin City.

He said that the World Bank “is impressed with how your government was able to provide the conducive environment for the private sector by operating a transparent, open and accountable government, and understanding what it takes for the private sector to come in by bringing the public element to the private sector.”

Benmessaoud noted, “The Executive Directors of the bank are appreciative of the fact that you brought the public and private angles to address the state’s development challenges. You have established a flagship effort that has resulted in the Azura power plant where you brought all of us together as one World Bank group at the site. We appreciate you and your team. I think you have done a lot in the state. We are very proud to be part of this journey. We hope to see how we can continue the journey together.”

Speaking on the success of Edo-Azura Power project, he said, “After visiting the state, the Executive Directors are studying how we can replicate this success, not only in the next Azura Phase II or III, but what it will take to do five more Azuras in Nigeria and other parts of the world. The question on everyone’s lips now is how can we have more Azuras in West Africa?”

He disclosed that “Other Executive Directors have started looking at East Africa to replicate the Edo model. You have really created a blue- print for the power sector, which clearly shows how governments can play a vital role in encouraging private sector growth.

“This is absolutely in line with what our President, Jim Yong Kim wants us to do. He wants us to focus on two things. One building human capital and second, maximizing finance for development.”

According to the World Bank official, “Human capital entails investing in your own people because that is not the role the development partner can play.”

He assured that “What we will do on human capital is to assist your government address the human capital needs. We will put our resources into it. Both the resources of the world Bank and other development partners will be used to assisting you find solutions to development challenges.”

He emphasized that Nigeria does not need piloting anymore, “what Nigeria needs is scale, we need development scale and solutions that can work in the Nigerian context.”

PHOTO 1:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); with the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria and Coordinating Director for West Africa Regional Integration, Rachid Benmessaoud, after a meeting between the governor and the World Bank team, at Government House in Benin City.

PHOTO 2:
World Bank Country Director for Nigeria and Coordinating Director for West Africa Regional Integration, Rachid Benmessaoud making a speech.

On Tuesday, May 29, 2018, the Buhari/Osinbajo led government will clock three years in office. With elections less than a year ahead, this period of people-oriented governance has been a great success. The administration has fared very well in various policy fronts. There is a long list of achievements to flaunt.

The popular support for the administration, especially among the poor and disadvantaged is still holding up and is unlikely to significantly wane. In fact trends from our internal polling suggest that this should hold up, or even grow all the way to 2019, the reason being that the ordinary citizens concede it to the president that he is trying to do his best for the country. His concerns for the poor citizens and the nation are among his greatest assets. This is why he has led the country through difficult changes, such as the increase in the pump price of fuel and the landmark steps to stabilize the Naira, at grave risk to political capital, but measures that had become necessary for the benefit of the nation.

Also Read: http://thebellng.com/the-real-price-of-changing-the-change-garba-shehu/

The distinguishing characteristic of the administration is its habit of not being bombastic. Look at the simple programme drawn up to celebrate the third anniversary: prayers in mosques on Friday and churches on Sunday; Democracy Day Lecture by Professor Attahiru Jega, erstwhile chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in the morning of Monday, 28th and a banquet in the evening on Tuesday 29th, at which event the country is also expected to say farewell to the Super Eagles of Nigeria, one of the teams representing Africa in the 2018 World Cup tournament in Russia.

The most telling event of the day is expected to be the broadcast on radio and TV by the President at 7:00 in the morning.

To mark the occasion, some ministers and senior officials of government are expected to be on radio and TV for much of the day, parading what has been achieved by the government in the three years. While the claims will be verifiable, the opposition is expected to continue their political jibes much of it unfortunately, promoting hate and intolerance that does not fit with the traditions of modern democracy.

When they ran the government at the centre, the opposition PDP showed aptitude in only one thing: the toppling of elected state governments using the police and secret service under their control. A five-man legislature met at 6:00 am and “impeached” Governor Dariye in Plateau; 18 members out of 32 removed Governor Ladoja of Oyo from office; in Anambra, APGA’s Governor Obi was equally impeached at 5:00 a.m. by members who did not meet the two-thirds required by the constitution.

His offence was that he refused to inflate the state’s budget. The lawmakers had reportedly met with representatives of the President in Asaba , Delta State and then accompanied to Awka by heavy security provided by the police Mobile Unit. The PDP President at that time had reportedly told Obi to forget re-election in 2007 if he did not join the PDP because he (the President) would not support a non-PDP member.

In Ekiti, Governor Fayose in his first term faced allegations of financial corruption and murder. Following the failure to heed the instruction of the presidency to impeach only Fayose and spare the deputy, Madam Olujimi, now a senator, the PDP President declared that there was a breakdown of law and order in the state and declared a state of emergency. He appointed Brig-Gen. Adetunji Olurin (rtd) as the sole administrator of the state on October 19, 2006. In an earlier incident in Anambra, it took an insider collaboration to thwart the unseating of Governor Ngige by a powerful thug sponsored by the PDP administration. The parliament at the centre seized the law-making powers of the Rivers State House of Assembly as a way to save Governor Rotimi Amaechi, the then chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum from impeachment by the PDP presidency. Thank God for Buhari, none of these absurdities has happened under his watch but the PDP is indicating their boredom with his meticulous observance of the constitution by calling for a return to the old order.

If not for “dry eyes,” as said in our common parlance, what is it that would push this party to write a letter to the United Nations, laying false claims to constitutionality and alleging that democracy is presently under threat?

But then, we all understand that by its tone, this is an angry opposition unhappy about the loss of privileges they desperately want to hang on to, privileges now abolished by the prudent, austere Buhari Administration. The former Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, shocked the world by the revelation in her new book, titled, Fighting Corruption is Dangerous: The Story Behind the Headlines, that they paid N17 billion bribe to the National Assembly to get them pass the 2015 budget.

President Buhari’s first budget in 2016 was the first year of passing the budget without the bribery of legislators. He came to power to clean up the mess and has so far managed a cleaner government than all of the past administrations.

As we said in the first part of this article, the beneficiaries of the old order have since been complaining that they are being starved. Four more years of Buhari?

If by chance or accident you have a USD 16 billion question hanging on your neck, money large enough to construct the Lagos-Port Harcourt standard gauge railway and the massive Mambila power plant put together without borrowing a kobo, then you see a capacity in the change administration to end the shenanigans and get to the root of what happened with the money in that exercise, what do you do? Most people will say start running, scream it: that this change we voted for has gone too far. Foxy generals don’t wait to be caught.

It is the same thing with the narrative of suffering and hunger in the land, the blame which is unfairly being heaped on this administration. Understood in its proper meaning, it is just a way of saying that the country’s ghastly and complicated corruption industry, which provides inestimable amounts of disposable incomes to public servants and elected officials is being shut down. What government has done in the trade and investment sector, and in other processes of government are illustrative of this. Government has been streamlining systems as a result of which there is transparency and fewer rules. That’s what the ease of doing business is all about, measures that have brought a lot of international compliment to Nigeria and for which there is a Presidential Enabling Business Council. As a result of this work Nigeria moved 24 places on the World Bank ease of doing business rankings, and earned a place on the list of 10 most improved economies in 2017. A prospective investor unjustly denied visa to visit Nigeria by a consular officer in a Nigerian mission can today hop into a plane and obtain his/her visa on arrival. New businesses which took years upon years to register now have a maximum of a 48-hour waiting period to be certified.

“Change the Change,” cries will continue to ring from elected officials and the beneficiaries of the old order who enjoy grinding the ordinary citizens into the dust and denying them access to the basics of government. These are the real losers who are rooting for the reversal of the change.

The Buhari Administration has since 2017 issued five Executive Orders, all of them to enhance the ease of doing business, increase local content and forcing businesses to use trained Nigerians in place of foreign labour and skills. Tell me, will all those who procure and sell expatriate quotas; the ones who bring in substandard furniture and electrical goods; fake drugs and the others engaged in the dumping of goods that threaten local agriculture and industry, not be happy to change the change?

These Executive Orders are already having a positive impact on Nigeria’s business and manufacturing sectors. The “bad” thing about them however is that they have dealt a devastating blow to officialdom, not just one having to do with petty bribes but scams to the tune of billions of Naira that highlight a political-industry nexus which, if not checked, would continue to hold down the economy in an underdeveloped state.

In a country that traditionally plundered its resources and wasted its best opportunities, it is a remarkable departure that this administration continues to do more with fewer resources. Despite the fall in oil price on the global markets and the cut in local output due to sabotage unleashed on the nation’s oil assets, more than N1.2 trillion was released for capital expenditure in the 2016 budget, and 1.476 trillion, so far, in the 2017 budget, making a total of 2.7 trillion (about $9 billion) in two years. This investment has enabled the resumption of work on several stalled projects — road, rail and power projects — across the country. At the same time, savings continue to be recorded with:

* Nigeria’s External Reserves doubled from $24 billion in October 2016 to $48 billion at present

*The Sovereign Wealth Fund seeing inflows of US$500m in 2016 and 2017 (the first inflows since the original US$1bn that established the fund in 2012)

The Buhari Administration has demonstrated a single-minded commitment to upgrading and developing Nigeria’s transport, power and health infrastructure.

In May 2018 the Federal Government launched the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF), under the management of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA). The PIDF is kicking off with seed funding of $650 million and will soon hit $1 billion.

Priority projects to be funded include the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, the East-West (Lagos-Port Harcourt) expressway, the new Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway, the Second Niger Bridge and the Mambila power project.

In March 2018, the NSIA invested US$10m to establish a world-class Cancer Treatment Centre at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and $5m each in the Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital and the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, to establish modern diagnostic centres. These centres will be completed before the end of 2018.

It is also noteworthy that in 2017, the Buhari administration invested N127 billion in the transport sector, N130 billion in agriculture & water sector and N325 billion in power, works & housing sectors compared with the then Federal Government in 2014 that spent a paltry N14 billion on transport, N34 billion on agriculture & water and N106 billion on power, works & housing.

Road projects are on-going across every State of the country; many of these projects had been abandoned in recent years because of mounting debts owed by the Federal Government to contractors.

Our predecessors in office made a lot of political capital out of the fact that they are from Niger Delta and had the exclusive right to properly handle the affairs of the region. As it turned out, this was a big, big swindle as nothing came out of it. Money came; money went and passed through Niger Delta with nothing to show for it.

The Buhari administration’s ‘New Vision for the Niger Delta’ brings together a robust set of promises, solutions, targets and initiatives aimed at ensuring that the people of the Niger Delta benefit maximally from the region’s oil wealth.

The New Vision offers a detailed response to the 16-point Demand Agenda submitted to President Buhari by the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) in November 2016. Tangible results of the New Vision so far include:

* Take-off of the Nigerian Maritime University in Okerenkoko, Delta State. The University was granted approval in January 2018 by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to commence undergraduate degree programmes effective 2017/18 session, and academic activities on April 12, 2018

* In 2017, President Buhari had approved an increase in the take-off grant allocated to the Maritime University from N2 billion earlier announced, to N5 billion. Similarly, in November 2017, an additional N1 billion was approved by the President to support essential infrastructure works and staff recruitment in the University.

* $170m seed funding for the Ogoni Clean Up, in an Escrow Account established for that purpose. The Escrow Agreement Signing ceremony took place in April 2018.

* Approval by President Buhari for an additional N35 billion for the 2016 budget of the Presidential Amnesty Programme

* Approval for the establishment of Modular Refineries across the nine States of the Niger Delta – one such refinery has been commissioned and two others will be completed by the end of 2018

* Resumption of construction work on abandoned projects across the Niger Delta, including the all-important East-West Road.

On agriculture, even our worst critics will [reluctantly] accept that the agricultural revolution is real. A food importing nation spending more than one trillion Naira annually, in the past, on food imports is now proudly producing nearly all that is needed to take care of herself. The Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) of the Central Bank of Nigeria has substantially raised local production of rice, yielding from 2-3 tonnes per hectare to as high as 5 – 6 tonnes per hectare), and produced a model agricultural collaboration between Lagos and Kebbi States.

Between 2016 and 2018, eight new rice mills have come on-stream; and Nigeria’s paddy production and productivity has doubled compared to 2014 levels. Nigeria’s milled rice production has increased from 2.5MT to about 4MT, and rice exports from Thailand to Nigeria dropped from 1.23 million MT in 2014 to 23,192 MT as of November 2017.

The Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (which includes a partnership with the Government of Morocco, for the supply of phosphate), has resulted in the revitalization of 14 blending plants across the country, with a total installed capacity in excess of 2 million MT. The benefits include annual savings of US$200 million in foreign exchange, and N 60 billion annually in budgetary provisions for fertilizer subsidies. The Scheme has also made it possible for farmers to purchase fertilizer at prices between 30 to 100 per cent cheaper than previously bought.

Through agriculture, millions of our citizens, especially the unemployed youths are being brought into the growth trajectory.

Garba Shehu is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity

SOURCE: http://thebellng.com/the-real-price-of-change-the-change-campaign-2/

PHOTO:
Garba Shehu

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Obaseki’s Affordable Housing scheme: EDPA, MIXTA Africa Mobilise To Site For 1,800-Unit Project

…compensation package excites community leaders, farmers

Efforts by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to deliver affordable housing to residents in Edo State is becoming a reality, as land clearing and mapping have commenced for the development of the 1800-unit housing project by the Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), through a joint venture partnership with real estate firm, MIXTA Africa.

The project is being developed in Egba Community, off Upper Sopkonba Road, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State.

Executive Chairman, EDPA, Ms. Isoken Omo, who was at the project site to monitor the commencement of work, at the weekend, told journalists that the state government will not relent in realising the project, to provide affordable housing in the state.

She noted that the clearing and mapping of the land are being carried out barely a week after EDPA signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the project, to indicate the level of seriousness the state government attaches to the project.

According to her, “We are demonstrating our resolve and readiness to actualise the project to address housing deficit in the state, as no housing project has been carried out in the last 16 years. The project has been well-planned to provide affordable homes to people in the state.”

Omo said, “The project will include the building of affordable housing units ranging from bungalows to high-rise buildings with flexible payment plans. This is in line with the housing needs of people in the state. After studying the housing needs in the state, we knew exactly what to do to address the deficiency.”

Explaining that the state government acquired the land for the project some years ago, she noted that compensation has been duly paid to the community while farmers, who grew arable crops on the farm would also be compensated.

“The state government, out of its magnanimity, will be paying compensation to farmers with arable crops on the land. We have maps of the land acquired for the project, with details of what is on ground. The state government will use the map to identify affected farmers and pay due compensation. Farmers, whose crops are due for harvest would be allowed to harvest their crops.”

Project Manager for the housing scheme for MIXTA Africa, Mr. Livinus Onunaku, said the environmental and social impact assessment of the project has been taken into consideration, adding, “MIXTA Africa is passionate about completing the project, which is among several other projects we intend to execute in partnership with the state government.”

A community leader in Egba, Pastor Blessed Ehiwie, confirmed that the state government had paid compensation for the land to the community, but an enumeration of farmers with crops on the land is ongoing.

Some of the farmers, who were at the site of the project, also expressed appreciation to the state government for capturing them for compensation. Mr. John Ohenhen, who spoke for the farmers, said they were grateful for the government’s gesture.

PHOTO 1:
L-R: Representative of MIXTA Africa/ Project Manager for the 1, 800 housing project, Mr. Livinus Onunaku; Executive Chairman, Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), Isoken Omo; Administrative Secretary, EDPA, Anthony Erameh; and a community leader in Egba, Pastor Blessed Ehiwie, at the site of the 1,800 housing-unit project in Egba, off Upper Sapkonba Road, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State.

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Obaseki Pledges Support For FG, As Edo Showcases Rich Cultural Heritage, Tourism Assets At UNWTO/CAF Abuja Summit

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed readiness to showcase the state’s world-acclaimed cultural heritage and tourism assets at the 61st Meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation/Commission for Africa billed to hold in Abuja from June 4 to 6.

Obaseki disclosed this when the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City, to seek the state’s support for and participation in the event to be hosted by Nigeria.

Obaseki said the state is well disposed to the event because of its towering reputation as a culture and tourism hub in Nigeria.

“As a state, we believe we have the greatest potential for culture and tourism in the country. It is imperative for us to be at the meeting. We will support the event because it is in our best interest that the event takes place.

“For us in Edo, we know we have enough assets to show the world. We have a great civilisation that the world needs to see,” he said.

Noting that the state government is repositioning its tourism industry to align with global best practices, he said the state has approached experts on the development of the state’s tourism master plan.

“We have initiated moves to develop a tourism master plan. We are hiring international experts to develop the plan and are intent on ensuring that it is sustainable.”

Alhaji Mohammed said that the UNTWO/CAF Meeting is a great opportunity for Nigeria to showcase her culture and tourism assets to the world.

According to him, “In addition to the socio-economic gains, the event will put the country on the global map. We will showcase our tourism potential, the cultural assets, including arts, music and others. This couldn’t have come at a better time,”

He said the country will be hosting 51 African ministers, and with support from relevant stakeholders, the event is expected to be a huge success.

On Edo’s participation at the meeting, the minister stressed that “Edo State cannot be ignored at such a global meeting on tourism. You cannot be left out. A critical city like Benin cannot be left out in such a meeting.”

SOURCE: http://thebellng.com/obaseki-pledges-support-for-fg-towards-unwto-caf-abuja-summit/

PHOTO 1:
R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki receiving an invitation letter from the Minister for Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, to participate in the 61st Meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation/Commission for Africa billed to hold in Abuja, at the Government House, Benin City.

Reordering of Edo’s social sector for growth

By Abdul Ikharo

To achieve sustainable economic growth, stable and progressive societies and overall human development, social development plays a critical role.

The demands of a fledging economy are such that the peoples’ lives and status develop as other indicators of economic expansion improve. So, the people are not just touched by economic development, rather they drive its processes.
Development economists often decry instances where this doesn’t happen and have often criticized economies that grow outside the realms of the collective wellbeing of the people, only profiting the few that have access to power and other processes that serve to control or manipulate it.

In Edo State, there is a deep-rooted appreciation of this flaw, which is why the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration has set out to place the people as the anchor for the various economic expansion activities he is pursuing by training and retraining them to meet the expectations of a 21st century workforce, bequeathing competitive education, developing infrastructure and providing structures for accessible and affordable healthcare.

There are several ongoing social projects focused on developing the people and arming them with skills and knowledge to forge better lives, carefully planned by the Governor Obaseki led-administration.

The governor’s blueprint for social development revolves around the idea that economic growth and knowledge acquisition seat side-by-side, working for the benefits of Edo people. So, he has fashioned programmes to improve education outcomes, expand access to affordable healthcare and deepen other indicators of social development.

Remodeling of Ogbemudia Stadium

Already, there is an aggressive drive to encourage youths to participate in sports and other skills acquisition programmes.

Keeping to the promise to revamp the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium to meet international standard, Obaseki has commenced the remodeling of the facility, promising that the initiative will encourage youths to engage in productive activities.

The speed at which the state government has continued with the remodeling work at the stadium is a pointer to the seriousness attached by Obaseki to use sports to build talents. While insisting that the project is being carried out to promote investments in sports facilities in the state, the governor has maintained that the project will be used to curb restiveness among youths.

For Obaseki, youths in Edo must be provided with needed infrastructure to develop talents in different sports activities as it was in the good old days, when youths from the state, made landmark achievements in national and international sports competitions.

On the ongoing reconstruction work at the stadium, Obaseki said, “We want to provide standard paying fields for our young ones whose turn it is to replicate the stories of yesteryears.”

Obaseki stressed that when work at the stadium is completed, idle youths will be engaged to produce the likes of Victor Moses, Austin Eguavoen and Osazee Odemwingie.

20-Mini Stadium and expected impact

Also, to further broaden the scope of sports development, there are plans to construct 20-mini stadia with at least one stadium in each of the 18 local government areas. This has been described by stakeholders in the sports sector as commendable.

Acting Director General, Nigerian Sports Development Fund Inc. (NSDFI), Jide Fashikun, while reacting to the news after the plan to construct the stadia was unveil by Governor Obaseki, told journalists that stakeholders in the sports sector consider the vision of the governor as a step in the right direction.

According to Fashikun, “The vision of the governor is a realistic projection, given our experience so far. Such project, when completed, will reduce youth predilections for crime by as much as 40 percent at the very least.”

The ripple effect of the project would have on youth development and sports in the state is common knowledge to critics in the sports sector. Fashikun, who spoke extensively on the impacts of the project in the state, said developing the sports sector to tackle crime is not just commendable but should become a policy thrust across states in the country.

“The 20 -mini stadium when completed will be translated in becoming avenues through which youths and other persons can be engaged in productive activities in the state’s drive for sports and social development,” he said.

The governor’s vision to spread the distribution of the 20 mini-stadia is part of his administration commitment to development of the sport sector in the state to serve as a means of engaging more youths in productive ventures through which they can also acquire wealth for themselves.

According to Obaseki, “with a well-structured sports sector, most of our youths will be engaged and the tourism sector will receive a major boost. We are committed to the development of the sector with our blueprint that will deliver 20 mini-stadia, soon, to serve as platforms for discovering and honing sporting talent.”

Solving age-long pension headaches

Governor Obaseki has also created a system that helps migrate workers in the state to the contributory pension scheme. This is better appreciated in the context of what obtained in the past, when workers, especially local government workers, had to lay siege at Ring Road in protest for payment of their pension arrears.

But being that the governor understood their grievances and with expert knowledge of the pension system in the country, having served on the committee on pension reforms, he said during one of the meetings with pensioners, “We didn’t want to have challenges in the payment of pension anymore. So, we moved from the old system to the contributory pension scheme. You have a governor who understands the pension problem and the only way to resolve this problem is for us to work together.”

The governor has committed N200m monthly fund to defray pension arrears, accumulated over 20 years period.

A health insurance scheme for all

As part of the robust package to address health challenges in the state, the governor is fine-tuning work on an Edo State Health Insurance Scheme. This, according to him, will help assuage the pressures from dwindling funding from development partners in the wake of reclassification of Nigeria as a middle-income economy from a low-income.

This is as the government plans to construct 500 primary healthcare centres to promote the implementation of the Compulsory Health Insurance Scheme.

Governor Godwin Obaseki, said the refurbishment of 20 health care centres would serve as pilot phase of the project.
A bill for setting up the health insurance scheme has reached an advanced stage in the House of Assembly.
According to him, the administration’s focus on primary health care is to ensure that basic health service is made accessible and affordable. “A pilot scheme will be rolled out soon when 20 primary health care centres will be refurbished in the 18 local government areas of the state. Subsequently, 200 primary health care centres will be fitted with power and water supply,” he said.

Fight against human trafficking: Counting the gains of Obaseki’s multi-pronged approach

In the wake of the mass evacuation of Nigerians from Libya, following news reports of a booming slave trade and organ harvesting in the North African country, the Edo State government which before then had embarked on reintegration programme for some of the returnees, expanded the scope of its intervention in the crisis.

A hotel was secured in the Government Reservation Area of Benin City, Motel Benin Plaza, to house the thousands of returnees from Edo State, as they were being brought in. The aim of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s initiative was to ensure the returnees are assisted to return to the society where they will play major roles in developing the state.

At the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos, and the Port Harcourt International Airport, members of the Edo State Task Force Against Human Trafficking were on hand to receive the evacuees for onward transfer to the hotel in Benin City for the commencement of the reintegration programme.

In April 2018, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Obaseki on Anti-Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration, Comrade Solomon Okoduwa, gave the number of returnees received by the state government since the first two batches of returnees were received by the state between 7th and 15th November 2017, to be 3, 165.

https://guardian.ng/features/reordering-of-edos-social-sector-for-growth/

PHOTO 2:
Dan Orbih (up) and Ize-Iyamu (down)

A Federal High Court sitting in Benin City has remanded Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Chief Dan Orbih, a former Deputy Governor, Mr, Lucky Imasuen, a former member of the House of Representatives, Tony Azegbemi and Efe Anthony to prison custody.

They are to remain in prison pending when they meet their bail applications.

Pastor Ize-Iyamu and others were arraigned on Thursday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on eight count charges of laundering the sum of N700m.

Justice P.I Adjokwu remanded them to prison custody after rejecting a plea by Counsel to Ize-Iyamu, Charles Edosomwan that they be kept in the custody of the EFCC.

Meanwhile Protesters besieged the Federal High Court in Benin City to demand unconditional release of leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party who were arraigned for allegedly laundering the sum of N700m.

They carried Placards with various inscriptions which reads : “Nigeria belongs to us all”, “Free Ize-Iyamu”, “EFCC release Pastor Ize-Iyamu”and “No gentleman in corruption.”

In the suit, former Chairman, Board of Trustee of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih was listed as being at large.

The suspects were arraigned on an eight-count charge of money laundering.

They however pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.

Counsel to the suspects, Charles Edosomwan (Ize-Iyamu) Dr. O.G Izevbuwa (Imasuen) Kehinde Ogunsumi (Azegbemi) Ferdinand Orbih (Dan Orbih) and Prof. Jim Akhere Akhere in their bail applications pleaded that their clients be granted bail on self recognisance.

They urged the court to grant their clients bail on a liberal and non-stringent condition because they willingly submitted themselves to the EFCC.

The Counsel said their clients were known members of their communities and would not jump bail.

They also argued that their clients have been in EFCC custody for 11 days.

But the EFCC Counsel, Larry Peters Aso, argued that the bio-data of the suspects have not been captured and urged the Judge to direct stringent bail condition and money to ensure the defendants are in court.

The presiding Judge, Justice P.I Adjokwu, in her ruling said she exercised her discretion to grant them bail.

Justice Adjokwu granted bail to the five accused persons in N10m each and a surety in like sum who must be a public servant in the rank of level 16 and above.

The sureties. according to the Judge, are to deposite the C.of O of their building with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.

Edosomwan however pleaded that the accused persons be remanded to the EFCC custody pending when the bail conditions are met but Justice Adjokwu said it was beyond her powers.

Justice Adjokwu therefore remanded them to prison custody pending when they meet their bail conditions and adjourned sitting to July 4th, 2018.

As at press time, supporters of the PDP were still at the court waiting for the bail conditions to be perfected.

SOURCE: http://thebellng.com/breaking-court-sends-ize-iyamu-orbih-others-to-prison/

PHOTO 1: Benin Prison

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OTHERS:

Edo Beefs Up Security Architecture, As Obaseki Procures Another Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC)

… set to purchase gunboats to police riverine areas, helicopter for surveillance

In furtherance of the drive for a formidable security architecture in the state, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has unveiled a new Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) for the state Police Command.

The APC is the second procured within one-year period to retool the state’s Police command, amid several other initiatives rolled out to fortify the state’s security architecture.

Handing over the APC to the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo, at the Government House in Benin City, Governor Obaseki said government is determined to secure life and property in the state and will deploy resources at its disposal.

Obaseki noted, “It is a holistic approach to strengthen security in the state.”

He noted, “The security architecture will involve equipment like APC, police patrol vehicles, protective gears, other security devices. There will also be training of police personnel and equipping them with motor bikes to fight crime.”

He explained that in addition to the APC, the state has concluded plans to procure gunboats, helicopters for surveillance, noting,“The APC is one among other equipment we have procured as we fortify the state’s security architecture due for launch soon.”

Obaseki said high speedboats would be acquired for the Marine Police, to provide adequate security on the waterways and riverine communities in the state.

“We have spent lots of resources to ensure our state is safe, as we encourage the people to be part of the security architecture, from intelligence gathering to serving as first responder in the event of any incident. There will be call-centres which will serve as a control centre for people to call-in when they are faced with a security threat.”

Commissioner of Police, Edo State, Mr. Johnson Kokumo, commended governor Obaseki for his effort in ensuring that the state is safe and secure for all, noting that the newly acquired APC can be deployed to any terrain.

He noted that adequate arrangements were on ground to ensure that equipment donated to the Police by the governor are maintained, especially the APC.

Kokumo said, “The first APC donated to the Police by Obaseki has been deployed to King Square in Benin City since November 2017, to check crimes in the area and its environs.”

According to him, the Police Command will deploy a Police helicopter to patrol the state, adding that through these measures, there will be no hiding place for criminals.



PHOTO 1:
R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Commissioner for Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo; and Chief Security Officer, Government House, during the unveiling and handover of a new Armoured Personnel Carrier by the governor, to the police, at the Government House, Benin City on Tuesday, May 22, 2018.

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OTHER PHOTOS:

PHOTO 3:
L-R: Edo State Deputy, Rt.Hon. Philip Shaibu (right); Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele; and Executive Chairman, Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), Ms Isoken Omo, signing documents to construct 1,800 housing units in Benin City, on Tuesday, at Government House.

PHOTO 2:
Managing Director, MIXTA Africa, Mr. Kola Ashiru-Balogun signing the deal to construct 1,800 housing units in Benin City, on Tuesday, at Government House.