₦airaland Forum

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OTHERS: Okpekpe race action:

PHOTO 5:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd right); on the finish line of the 6th edition of the 10km Okpekpe Road Race, in Okpekpe Town, Etsako East Local Government Area, on Saturday, May 12, 2018.

PHOTO 4:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle); his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (right); and former governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, at the 6th edition of the 10km Okpekpe Road Race, in Okpekpe Town, Etsako East Local Government Area, on Saturday, May 12, 2018.

PHOTO 3:
L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle); his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (right); and former governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, at the 6th edition of the 10km Okpekpe Road Race, in Okpekpe Town, Etsako East Local Government Area, on Saturday, May 12, 2018.

PHOTO 2:
L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; with the winners of the 6th edition of the 10km Okpekpe Road Race; Simon Cheprot; Kibet Alex; and Ronoh Timothy in Okpekpe Town, Etsako East Local Government Area, on Saturday, May 12, 2018

…as event witnesses unprecedented participation

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state government’s sustained support for Okpekpe Road Race is integral to its commitment to drive sports development and boost tourism receipts in the state.

The governor, who was among the VIP runners in Okpekpe, was joined by his wife, Mrs. Betsy, former Governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Minister of Youths and Sports, Bar. Solomon Dalung. The Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, competed as an elite runner.

The event recorded unprecedented participation despite the heavy downpour, as Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes won the star prices.

The governor said, “The state’s interest in sustaining the road race is part of the commitment to drive sports development and boost tourism.”

He noted that government would continue to provide the needed support to ensure that the organisers maintain the set standards and continue to improve the race, adding, “We will continue to maintain infrastructure, security and other structures to ensure the success of the event in the future. This will also assist the organisers to improve the status of the event.”

Obaseki stressed, “The state will continue to build on infrastructure to improve the life of the people in rural areas. We will leverage on the opportunity in hosting the race to promote the local culture of the people. The state’s tourism sector will benefit from this event, which will also open rural areas to tourists from across the globe.”

Minister of Youths and Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung, urged sports enthusiasts and stakeholders to support government’s drive to promote sports development, noting, “Through the support of stakeholders, the country can be repositioned for long distance races. This can only be achieved through the support of private investors as government cannot achieve such feat alone.”

Dalung said the outcome of the 6th edition of Okpekpe Road Race was tremendous, noting, “More sponsorship is needed to take the race to the next level. If we continue in this direction, future editions and more events will translate to more job opportunities for youths.”

The former governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, expressed delight at the successful hosting of the 2018 edition of the race, noting, “The race has brought development to the people of Okpekpe town. The event has also improved the economic well-being of the people.”

Commending the organisers of the event, Oshiomhole said, “The improvement recorded in hosting the event would assist the state government open the rural area for more development.”

Representative of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), Norrie Williamson, described the organisation of the race, which is the only Silver Label Road Race in sub-Saharan Africa, as fantastic for the community. “The great atmosphere, organisation and excellent terrain all add to the fantastic hosting of the event,” he noted.

Williamson further said that despite the weather, the enthusiasm displayed by participants goes to show that the event is a huge success.

The traditional ruler of Okpekpe community, His Royal Highness, Apa Peter Osigbemeh, expressed appreciation to the state government and organisers for putting the community on the global map, noting “The race has brought unparalleled development to the people of the community.”

For the male elite category, Kibet Alex of Kenyan came first with a time of 29.46. Another Kenyan, Simon Cheprot with 30.29, came second while the third position went to another Kenyan, Ronoh Timothy, at 30.39.

In the female category, Ethiopian Yami Dera, won the star price with a time of 33.01. Kenyan Tuei Sandra came second running 33.33 while another Kenyan, Kipyokei Diara, ran a time of 34.24 to clinch the third position.

In the local male category, Emmanuel Gyang took the first position, while Gideon Goyet took the second position and Ismail Sodie came third. In the female category, Debora Pam won the star price, Rose Aknstro came second and Hudung Giang came third.

PHOTO 1:
L-R: Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung; former Governor, Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; and his wife, Betsy, at the 6th edition of the 10km Okpekpe Road Race, in Okpekpe Town, Etsako East Local Government Area, on Saturday, May 12, 2018.

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Obaseki, Oshiomhole, Dalung, Others Race At Okpekpe, As Event Records Unprecedented Participation

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said that the state government is keen on leveraging the Okpekpe Road Race to drive sports development and boost tourism.

The governor, who was among the VIP runners in Okpekpe, was joined by former Governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomole and Minister of Youths and Sports, Bar. Solomon Dalung.

Kenyan, Alex Kibet, won the 2018 edition of the race.

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Athletes and other fun runners for the 6th edition of Okpekpe Road Race are currently undergoing accreditation at the event venue, Okpekpe village, Edo State.

The event, supported by EcoBank, Amstel Malt among others, will be broadcast live on Supersport.

''You Never Know With Women''
- James Hardly Chase

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The remains of late Mr. Sym Otike Odibi was returned to mother earth Thursday amidst tears, sorrow and disbelief from family, friends, neighbors and well-wishers as well as former classmates.

Mr. Odibi was brutally murdered last week by his wife Udeme at their residence in the early hours of Thursday, May 3, 2018.

He was aged 50.





Here Are photos from his burial ceremony earlier today:

SOURCE: http://thebellng.com/slain-sym-otike-odibi-interred-in-lagos-amid-tears-photos/

PHOTO 1:
Amiable Sym Otike Odibi brutally cut short in his prime by wife

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has explained the reasons for the reinstatement of the Ojuromi of Uromi, His Royal Highness, Anselm Aidenojie II, by the state government, who was deposed by the administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

Obaseki disclosed that “Consequent upon his tendering of apology to the Edo State Government and a plea for leniency from well meaning citizens of Edo State, the Executive Council of the state, approved the reversal of his deposition and was reinstated as His Royal Highness Anslem Aidenojie II, the Ojuromi of Uromi.”

The governor said that “the people who pleaded for his reinstatement reported that the Ojuromi of Uromi had been sober and remorseful and we are happy that he has undertaken to eschew acts unbefitting of his royal status.”

Prominent sons and daughters of Edo had pleaded on the Ojuromi’s behalf, and begged for his reinstatement, as his conduct, mien and relations in public and private showed his readiness to work with the state government in manners worthy of the exalted Ojuromi throne.

It is said that the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II also waded into the matter and pleaded for leniency for the Onojie.

News of the reinstatement was greeted with excitement in Uromi and other parts of the state, on Wednesday after the Edo State government announced the decision.

Recall that he was deposed on October 26, 2016 following the approval by the Edo State Executive Council that, amongst other things, the Royal father engaged in acts capable of breaching the peace in Uromi Community in Esan North East Local Government Area, contrary to section 130 and 131 of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.

SOURCE:http://thebellng.com/why-obaseki-reinstated-onojie-the-ojuromi-of-uromi/

Photo:
His Royal Highness Anselm Aidenojie 11, traditional ruler of the Uromi Kingdom

Edo PDP Raising False Alarm, Preparing Excuses For Its Imminent Annihilation – Obaseki’s Aide

…says Urhoghide was victim of his own orchestration

Special Adviser to the Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, says the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resorted to raising false alarm and preparing excuses for its imminent annihilation, as its popularity continues to dwindle daily across the state.

According to Osagie, “Worried by Edo people’s rejection of their shenanigans and their imminent annihilation, the Edo state chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has started preparing excuses for its defeat in future elections in the state.”

He explained that “the Edo PDP’s electoral misfortune is being consolidated upon each day and no amount of false alarm and epistles of lamentation can reverse their current poor rating.

“Obaseki’s scientific and strategic approach to governance which has left Edo people breathless in admiration has presented an unsolvable puzzle to the Edo PDP. In their despair, all they can think of doing now is to cry wolf, play the weeping boy and throw pity parties to prepare the minds of their diminishing sponsors for their imminent defeat and annihilation.”

Osagie likened Edo PDP to “a student that was enrolled for an examination which is now imminent and knowing that he has wasted all the time that should have been used to study and prepare for the exam, and that failure is inevitable, he begins to prepare the minds of his parents who paid for the exam, for a terrible result that will soon be handed to him at the end of the test.”

The governor’s spokesman said “The Edo PDP party attempted the same tactics during the last local council elections and they failed to sway the good people of Edo State. Those who were privy to the series of meetings they held prior to the local council polls said the Edo PDP was told, in clear terms by their strategists, that all is over for them in Edo State and that participating in polls in the state would amount to sheer waste of resources as Governor Obaseki’s leadership style has greatly depleted what was left of their popularity.

“Aware of this fact, the Edo PDP thinks that crying and lamenting about their misfortune could earn them pity from international organisations.”

He noted that “Political parties exist to win elections and provide purposeful leadership and not to continually issue epistles of baseless lamentation,” adding that “No amount of such letters will stop their defeat in the future elections lined up for 2019 and beyond. And without doubt, their defeat shall be fairly handed to them.”

On the invasion of Benin Airport by sponsored Edo PDP thugs to cause commotion, Osagie maintained that Senator Urhoghide was a victim of his own orchestration.

“A lion handler or snake charmer who lost control of his beasts and became a victim of his violent circus. As we said before, Urhoghide has to explain to Edo people why after several trips to and from Benin, without riotous reception, he decided to order PDP youths out of their homes to invade the airport on that occasion.
“Engaging thugs that Governor Obaseki has since retired, is not a ‘senatorial way’ of assisting our youths who need skills to set up businesses,” he stressed.

He urged Edo PDP to laud the good work Governor Obaseki is doing for the state, and assured that “the best is on the way for our people.”

SOURCE: http://thebellng.com/edo-pdp-raising-false-alarm-preparing-excuses-for-its-imminent-annihilation-obasekis-aide/

OTHERS..

PHOTO 2:
R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command, Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Saleh Usman; Command Operations Officer, Commodore A.I. Saleh; and Commander, Nigerian Navy Service (NNS) SOROH, Commodore F.O. Esekhide, during a courtesy visit by the FOC to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

Gelegele Seaport: Edo Govt Secures Preliminary Financing Approval, As Obaseki Makes Case For Naval Base

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said the state government has secured preliminary approvals for financing the development of the Benin River Port in Gelegele.

Obaseki disclosed this when he received the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Saleh Usman at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo state capital.

He said, “With the feasibility study for the project almost completed, the state government has secured some preliminary approvals for financing of the project. We anticipate that by September, the state government would secure additional funding arrangement which will facilitate the actualisation of the project.”

The governor said the state would require a Naval Base to be sited close to the seaport, noting, “There is need for a Naval Base to be sited in the state to provide full security for the Gelegele project as soon as operations kick off in the area. As we make progress in actualising the Gelegele project, the need for a Naval Base in the state is apparent.”

Obaseki expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for their support for the project, noting, “Despite the fact that the Navy doesn't have a base here, we must commend officers and men of the Service for providing security for the team of engineers working on the project site.”

He said the Nigerian Navy can do more by locating some of its social projects in the state such as schools, which would boost access to quality education in the state.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Usman, said the Navy was ready to provide Edo State with all the support required to actualise the industrialisation vision through the Gelegele project.

He noted, “The Gelegele seaport project is gigantic and would boost economic activities in the state as well as create jobs. The Naval authority is looking forward to working with the state government to site a befitting base and improve its operational activities in the state.”

PHOTO 1:
Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Saleh Usman presenting a souvenir to EdoState Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State.

PHOTO 2:
R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria, Sean Hoy; Honorary Consul of Ireland to Nigeria, Connie Guilfoyle; and Rodney Heckscher, during the courtesy visit by the delegation of Irish diplomats, to the governor, at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

Ireland Lauds Obaseki’s Reintegration Plan For Libya Returnees, Offers Training Package

Impressed by the Edo State government’s holistic plan for receiving and reintegrating Libya returnees, the Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria, Sean Hoy, has expressed his country’s readiness to collaborate with the state government in training the returnees on technical and vocational skills to become self reliant and employers of labour.

The envoy disclosed this when he led a delegation of Irish diplomats on a courtesy visit to the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

He commended the efforts of the governor at curbing illegal migration and human trafficking, noting, “Providing the youths with means through which they can acquire skills is a significant step in curbing illegal migration, modern-day slavery and human trafficking."

"We have identified ways we can assist the state in training these youths. We are in talks with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on the training of returnees. We want the returnees in Edo State to benefit from the programme.

"It is important for us to show love and empathy to the returnees and assist them to acquire skills which will provide them with opportunities to seek gainful employment,” he added.

In his response, Governor Obaseki said the state government has a comprehensive work plan with clear strategies for curbing illegal migration which includes providing youths with technical and vocational skills.

He said his administration is partnering with the European Union (EU) to empower the youths. He commended the Irish Government for offering to support the state government in empowering Edo youths.

The governor told his guests that statistics gotten from about 3,082 returnees of Edo State origin showed that 77 per cent were males; 79 per cent of the returnees sponsored themselves for the journey; while 81 per cent of them embarked on illegal migration voluntarily.

PHOTO 1:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria, Sean Hoy, during a courtesy visit by the delegation of Irish diplomats, to the governor, at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

Students and scholars at the Edo State Institute of Technology and Management (ESTIM), Usen, Edo State, also known as Edo State Polytechnic, will on May 3 play host to Professors Eddy Erhagbe and Christian Oduma for the institute’s first Eminent Scholar Lecture Series.

In a statement signed by ESTIM’s Registrar, Simire Cyril, the institute said that the lecture, will address topical issues in polytechnic education, security and economic development.

The two topics for discussion are Right to Education and Work: Panacea for Insecurity in Nigeria by Professor Eddy Erhagbe; andPolytechnic Education: A gateway for Youth Empowerment, Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Economic Development by Professor Christain Oduma.

The lecture which will hold at the institute, is one of the series of initiatives being pursued by the institution’s new Rector, Professor Abiodun Falodun.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has applauded workers in the state for their contributions in the drive for socio-economic development, noting that reforms being implemented across various sectors in the state will guarantee better days ahead for the state’s civil service.

In a statement to mark Workers’ Day, observed every May 1, Obaseki said, “I salute the immense contributions of workers to the overall development of the state. Our workers are reflection of our unmatched creativity and high sense of industry.”

The governor thanked the workers for their support to his administration’s policies and programmes, noting, “as we take stock of our collective input, outcomes and impact, I am proud to say that our modest achievements could not have been possible without your full support.”

He urged workers not to relent in their effort to help develop the state, adding, “With workers’ continued cooperation, there will be no limit to how far we can go in transforming the Edo State public sector.

“We are reconstructing and remodelling the state secretariat buildings so that we can give you a befitting work environment that is well equipped and dignifying. We remain committed to regular payment of workers’ salaries, pensioners' entitlements and clearing of the backlog of pension arrears as well as regular promotions, which are non-negotiable.”

Noting that reforms in pension management have eliminated the skirmishes witnessed in the past, he said, “The contributory pension scheme will put an end to the challenges associated with the old pension scheme. Pension after retiring from service will be paid regularly and without troubles.”

According to him, the state has commenced training of workers to deepen their knowledge on problem-solving skills, as “the training would enable the migration of all tasks from the age-old analogue platform to Internet-enabled ICT platform to reduce the time spent on treating and processing files and responding to enquiries.”

Obaseki stressed that the “over 2000 teachers who were trained on the use of technology-based teaching method, a component of Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) can now teach our students in public schools with computer tablets.”

Edo, Lagos To Host 11 World Bank Executive Directors For Review of Projects, Funding

In what has been widely described as an unprecedented interest in the Nigerian economy especially since the exit from recession, 11 senior World Bank officials are billed to visit Edo and Lagos states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on an impact assessment tour of the bank’s developmental projects in the country.

The states, it was gathered, will play hosts to 11 Executive Directors – considered to be an interestingly large delegation – who will assess the performance of the states on key development indicators, and review activities to determine the feasibility of extending more support to some of the programmes funded by the Bretton Woods institution in the country.

Experts familiar with the development say that the focus on Lagos and Edo states is as a result of the relative satisfactory performance seen in the two states after the World Bank’s extension of funding to strengthen institutions, develop infrastructure and reduce poverty.

“The stop at Abuja is for administrative reasons and will be to meet with top officials at the Presidency and the Ministry of Finance. But the visits to Lagos and Edo states are for first-hand review of their support towards strengthening institutions and infrastructures in the states.

"It is the first time since I have been monitoring the activities of the World Bank, that 11 Executive Directors will be embarking on such a visit. There must be a couple of things that Edo and Lagos starts are doing to deserve such a visit, shortly after the annual Spring Meetings of the World Bank.

“Lagos has a huge war-chest and is a darling to lenders, so the interest there is quite expected. But for Edo, it is said that they have recorded impressive milestones and have been scored really high by in-country teams. So, I am sure that the August visitors will want to go and see that for themselves,” one of the experts averred.

An official in the Ministry of Finance in one of the states, who pleaded anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said, “We are expecting that they will carry out holistic review of the programmes and hopefully extend some of the programmes.

“In some of the states, the focus will gravitate towards social development, agriculture, among others in rural areas. This includes the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), Community and Social Development Programme (CSDP), FADAMA development project, among others.”

He said he expects the states to impress the World Bank staff because of the level of reforms they have implemented, noting that the bank’s assistance has accelerated development in a number of rural communities in the states.

Benin Airport Clash: PDP Scribe’s Attempt To Rope In Gov Infantile, Baseless – Obaseki’s Aide

Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, has condemned the treacherous attempt by the Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chris Nehikhare to link Governor Godwin Obaseki to the clash by youth groups over the call for impeachment of President Muhammadu Buhari by the Senator representing Edo South, Mathew Uroghide.

In a statement, Osagie said it was unfortunate that the PDP in the state will attempt to drag the governor into dirty politics even after witnessing the panache the governor has brought to governance as well as his absolute commitment to the dictates of law and order.

According to him, the PDP publicity secretary “laboured to piece together flaky materials to serve as evidence in his effort to link the governor, who is already well reputed for his respect for law and order, to the incident, in contradiction to what several newspapers reported as a face-off between PDP and APC members at the Benin Airport.”

He added, “How does report of the clash widely reported by the media, connect the governor to the incident? It is unfortunate that Nehikhare has decided to paint a different reality by manufacturing his own facts. And this is understandable because the only job he has is being a Publicity Secretary of a party that is almost non-existent in Edo State.”

Osagie described as laughable the opposition’s threat to report the incident to the Police, as the State Commissioner of Police witnessed the incident and was instrumental in placating the two parties.

He charged the PDP scribe to avail himself of the job opportunities being created by the state government if he was so idle, noting, “Governor Obaseki, we all know, has a robust plan for job creation with an elaborate programme to engage 200,000 youths. Many young people are benefiting and if Nehikhare is so jobless, we invite him to register on the Edojobs platform, where he will be trained and provided with a good job. We hope this will save him from himself and also from the unguarded, infantile assaults on the psyche of good-meaning Edo people.”

SOURCE: http://thebellng.com/benin-airport-clash-pdp-scribes-attempt-to-rope-in-gov-infantile-baseless-obasekis-aide/

Chris Nehikhare’s lack of productive use of valuable time has once again been advertised by his attack on the person of Governor Godwin Obaseki through a poorly-crafted press statement titled ‘state-sponsored hooliganism at the Benin airport.’

In the statement, he labored to piece together flaky materials to serve as evidence in his effort to link the governor already well reputed for his respect for law and order to what several newspapers reported today as a face-off between PDP and APC members at the Benin Airport.

Describing what a meddlesome Nehikhare set out to paint in bad light, The Guardian on page 9, reports that “PDP supporters had mobilized to Benin Airport to support the motion of impeachment moved by the Senator representing Edo South, Mathew Uroghide, against President Muhammadu Buhari. But the APC supporters also mobilized to counter pro-PDP supporters.”

How does this report above connect the governor to the incident? It is unfortunate that Nehikhare has decided to paint a different reality by manufacturing his own facts. And this is understandable because the only job he has is being a Publicity Secretary of a party that is almost non-existent in Edo State.

Nehikhare also alluded to wanting to write the State Commissioner of Police to report the incident and ask for an investigation into the clash. It is at this juncture that we feel really ashamed for the Nehikhare character. The move, ordinarily, would have been novel if only he was armed with facts and spoke from a place of knowledge.

This is because the State Commissioner of Police, who he is intending to write was at the scene of the clash and addressed the protesters. According to the Guardian report, “The issue got worsened when the two sides came face-to-face and started calling each party names. But for the intervention of the State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Kokumo, calm was restored to both camps (sic).”

That Nehikhare missed this important bit of the incident speaks to the ample time he idles about as a jobless man, who goes about looking for baseless issues to feast on. It is obvious he is used to easy money and is not ready to work, but he should not take out his frustration on the governor.

Governor Obaseki, we all know, has a robust plan for job creation with an elaborate programme to engage 200,000 youths. Many young people are already benefiting and if Nehikhare is so jobless, we invite him to register on the Edojobs platform, where he will be trained and provided with a good job. We hope this will save him from himself and also from the unguarded, infantile assaults on the psyche of good-meaning Edo people.



Crusoe Osagie

Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy to Edo State Governor

SOURCE: http://thebellng.com/chris-nehikhares-idleness-and-wild-allegations-of-state-sponsored-hooliganism/

OTHER PHOTOS:

Institute, NEXIM, BOI To Train Edo Youths On Agric, Mineral Resources Processing, Export

Riding on the growing influx of investors into the state, the Institute of Export Operations and Management (IEOM) said it has concluded plans to work with financial institutions on the training of Edo youths as well as providing them with financial support for processing and packaging agricultural products, mineral resources and art and craft products for export.

Some of the financial institutions the IEOM is finalizing these deals with are the Nigerian Export - Import (NEXIM) Bank and Bank of Industry (BOI).

Executive Secretary, IEOM, Mr. Ofon Udofia, disclosed this when a delegation of the institute, including members of the Benin Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, paid the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City.

He said the Institute was ready to organise training programmes for youths in the state in the areas of product development, processing and packaging to meet international standards and quality.

According to him, “The decision has been reached to complement the laudable socio-economic projects being embarked upon by the Godwin Obaseki-led administration. The plans to develop the Edo Inland Dry Port, Gelegele Seaport and the Industrial Park are credible and will open the Edo economy to international markets.

He said the partnership deals will include arrangement with NEXIM and BOI to provide funding for the processing companies, noting, “The processing companies would be set-up at the completion of the training programme.”

Udofia said all that was required for the training was for the state to set-up a centre to serve as the training ground on export commodities development, adding, “In the centre, youths would be taught and exposed to viable business opportunities and how to harness export opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals and art and craft sectors.”

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq., said the state will support investors to drive products manufacturing to supply domestic and international markets.

Obaseki explained that the Benin Industrial park, Gelegele Sea port and Edo Inland Dry Port will boost exportation, provide jobs for the teeming youth population and create wealth. “All of these cannot be achieved without empowering youths with requisite skills to prepare them to fit into the new job opportunities that would be created in the state,” he said.

PHOTO 1:
R-L: Secretary to State Government and representative of Edo State Governor, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Executive Secretary, Institute of Export Operations and Management (IEOM), Ofon Udofia; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Bees Company Limited, Chief B. E Ezekwere; Deputy President, Benin Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BENCCIMA), Dr. Atekha Odemwingie; and Head, Agribusiness & Sustainability, IEOM, Olalekan Paul Akande, during the courtesy visit by a delegation from the IEOM, including members of BENCCIMA, to the governor at Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

AMES To Kick-Start 250,000 Tons Pipe, Coating Plant In Edo As Obaseki Pledges Support Infrastructure

On the back of assurances of adequate support infrastructure by the Edo State government, Atlantique Marine & Engineering Services Ltd (AMES) said it has concluded plans to work with the state government to construct a 250,000 tons-per-annum pipe and coating plant in the state.

Obaseki, who received the management team of AMES Pipe mill and Coating Limited and UDECM Incorporated, United States of America, at the Government House in Benin City, on a courtesy visit, disclosed that the state was willing to provide requisite infrastructure to attract and sustain investments in the state.

The governor assured the investors that he was committed to improving the ease of doing business, noting, “The state has provided 996 hectares industrial estate, improved security and now has a one-stop-shop to encourage investors in the state. The industrial estate is being developed to encourage production of locally-made products as well as create domestic market for the products, which will serve the country.”

"We are committed to developing programmes that will attract more businesses to the state. We are revamping the state’s security architecture. We are also making plans to facilitate sufficient supply of power for businesses to operate within the industrial estate,” he added.

Earlier, the spokesperson for the delegation, Engr. Charles Akhigbe, said the funding for the 250,000 tons per annum pipe mill and coating plant has been secured.

“The plan is to carry out the ground-breaking in two months’ time. We anticipate that the project will be delivered within a year. Within one year, we intend to commence production of pipes for the construction industry and in another year and half, we should be producing pipes for the oil and gas industry.”

He applauded governor Obaseki led-administration for developing the ease of doing business framework.

PHOTO:
R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Atlantique Marine & Engineering Services Ltd (AMES), Engr. Charles Akhigbe; Chairman, UDECM Incorporated, United States of America, Mr. Albert Rau; Projects Development/Africa, UDECM Incorporated, United States of America, Mr. Emmanuel Dike, during the courtesy visit by the management team of AMES Pipe mill and Coating Limited with UDECM Incorporated, United States of America, at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.