₦airaland Forum

more photos....

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PHOTO 2:
L-R: Head of Service, Edo State, Mrs. Gladys Idahor; wife of Edo State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Maryann Shaibu; Deputy Governor, Edo State, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu; Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Adjoto; his wife, Mrs. Adjoto; wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Ejiro Ogie, at an event held to mark the International Women Day by the Edo State Government, in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, March 8, 2018.

...as First Lady Commits N100m to Women-Owned SMEs

Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has called for inclusive policies and stronger collaboration on programmes that will create spaces for women to be properly represented in politics and business.

The governor said this on the commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD) marked every March 8, by the United Nations and many other organisations across the globe.

He said that much as there are efforts to expand the frontier for women to participate in economic, politics and social institutions in society in urban and peri-urban centers, there was even a more urgent need to focus on those in rural areas who need inclusive policies, financial support and social structures to facilitate their contribution to development.

According to the governor, the imperative to press for progress across different markers of development, especially for women, and ensure spaces are created for them to achieve their potentials.

“As the world celebrates the International Women’s Day, it is important to stress the contribution of women to national development. But at the same time, it is an opportunity to call for inclusive policies and open space to address issues of gender parity. This will make it easier for women to not only reach their full potentials in politics and business, but also expand the space for representation for societal integration and growth.”

Meanwhile, the First Lady, Mrs Betsy Obaseki, has presented cheques of N50,000 to 2,000 female entrepreneurs who are into small and medium scale enterprises in the state.

Mrs Obaseki presented the soft loan cheques during the 2018 International Women's Day celebration organised by the state’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in collaboration with the Office of the Edo State First Lady in Benin City, on Thursday.

She said the initiative, which is supported by the Bank of Industry, is to assist women to grow and expand their small and medium-sized enterprises.

She said some of the beneficiaries are successful participants of the Edo Women for Agriculture and Enterprise initiative while others were drawn from several cooperative societies across the state.

"The 2000 women are going to be beneficiaries of the first phase of this scheme. Last year we empowered 500 women with poultry birds to make each of them earn at least N150,000 from the sale of eggs," she said.

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu launched the Betsy Obaseki After School Club (BOASC) and the Edo Women Monthly Farmers’ Market Initiative, urging women to lead the drive for economic emancipation and wealth creation.

She said the BOASC seeks to address the root of economic hardship amongst women via empowering school girls with skills in shoemaking and vehicle repairs.

"This initiative aims to build confidence in their abilities and give these girls a firm footing against traffickers who may approach them with promises of better lives abroad. 180 school girls drawn from 18 Public Secondary schools are participating in the first phase" she said.

The First Lady said the Women Farmers’ Market initiative is to promote the purchase of healthy agricultural produce as well as provide ready markets for women farmers to sell their produce directly to buyers.

She added that the theme for this year Women's Day celebration: “Time is Now: Rural and Urban Activists Transforming Women's Life” was apt, noting that it reinforces the need for all hands to be on deck and work concertedly for the overall progress and stability of women.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Magdalene Ohenhen, said the occasion was put together to highlight the activities, progress and problems confronting women in all aspects of their lives.

Ohenhen said women have continually been challenged by issues such as maternal and infant mortality, poverty, unemployment, low income and low participation in governance.

She, however, commended the Edo State government for mainstreaming women in governance, particularly, the appointment of female Special Assistants on Gender.

PHOTO 1:
R-L: Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Magdalene Ohenhen; wife of the Deputy Governor, Edo State, Maryann Shaibu; First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Deputy Governor, Edo State, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (middle); Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Adjoto and former Commissioner, Hon. Florence Gbinigie, during the launch of the Edo Women Monthly Farmers’ Market, to mark the International Women Day (IWD), in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, March 08, 2018

That they may live...

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has tasked parents and other stakeholders to ensure that children below the age of one are immunised to safeguard them against diseases.

Governor Obaseki said this in a broadcast monitored on local television stations in Benin City, Edo State capital, on Wednesday.

According to the governor, “Routine immunisation is the regular immunisation given at the health centres to children who are below one year of age. The vaccines are to protect children against all vaccine-preventable diseases. The vaccines are safe and potent. The children who are vaccinated will not fall sick often, thus we will be saving on the cost of treating illnesses.”

Dismissing fears that the vaccines are harmful to children, Obaseki noted, “The negative news that vaccination is targeted at reducing the population of our people is not correct. Rather, when children are vaccinated, it helps them to live healthier lives and increases life expectancy. It therefore actually enhances population growth.

“Children are the future leaders of our great country, therefore every parent and care giver must play their roles and ensure that children do not suffer from preventable diseases. It is also the right of every child to be immunised.”

He urged parents and other stakeholders to ensure that children are immunised, adding, “Immunisation is free and with only five visits to the health centre, the child will be fully protected. Do not be deceived by anyone, immunisation remains the surest way to prevent most childhood killer diseases.

“As Governor, I have the responsibility to protect the lives of the people of Edo State, so I am appealing to you to immunise your children. Immunisation is good and safe. Allow your children to be immunised. Parents and caregivers, please take your children who are under one year of age to the nearest health centre,” he advised.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media
Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki

Good!

EXTRA PHOTOS

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state government will partner private healthcare service provider, Cedarcrest Hospital, in driving the state’s Primary Healthcare reforms.

Governor Obaseki said this when he received the Medical Director, Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Felix Ogedegbe, at the Government House, Benin City.

The governor said the state government is driving reforms to improve the standard of healthcare delivery in the state, with a grand-plan to re-vamp the healthcare system and attract investors.

He said, “The aim of our reforms is to improve the healthcare system and provide access to quality healthcare to Edo people. A wing of the specialist hospital was built with the objective to partner with private healthcare providers, who have the experience and resources to collaborate with government to provide better medical care. This is expected to end medical tourism.”

Obaseki commended Dr. Ogedegbe for establishing a medical hospital of international standard in Abuja, noting, “Similar investment can be replicated here in Edo through collaboration with the state government. Edo State prides itself as a state with capable human resources. We are proud to identify with Dr. Ogedegbe to deliver excellent healthcare.”

On his part, Dr. Ogedegbe applauded Governor Obaseki for providing leadership capable of transforming the state, adding “Cedarcrest Hospital is ready to partner with the state government to provide complex, surgical and medical procedures. We have the resources to save the country’s foreign exchange and end medical tourism.”

He added, “Cedarcrest is reputed for providing quality healthcare services to prominent Nigerians and we are open to replicating similar services here in Edo State and to review how we can provide quality and affordable healthcare services in the state.”

Photo:
Managing Director, Cedarcrest Hospitals, Abuja, Dr. Felix Ogedegbe, (left) presenting a Letter of Commendation he received from President Muhammadu Buhari, to Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during his courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City.

Osabass:
[s][/s]

You don't seem to know what you are talking about.

Nobody asked your invisible PDP to boycott the election. Other political parties contested except your PDP that is not presently on ground in Edo state.

My brother, just dont mibd that @2012. Some people just like saying what they know nothing about.

God is so good!

...to deploy electronic lesson notes

The Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has flagged off the training of 300 teachers drawn from 300 public primary schools in the state in the pilot scheme of the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme.

Acting Chairperson, Edo SUBEB and Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic Education, Dr Joan Oviawe, disclosed this when executives of Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) called at her office, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

The Edo-BEST is a basic education reform blueprint that prioritises deployment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools in teaching, harmonises teaching and learning outcomes across locations and promotes an interactive classroom management model, among others.

The meeting was to get the buy-in of the leadership of the NUT and unveil how the reforms will revolutionise the basic education subsector in the state.


Dr. Oviawe said the scope of work for EDO- BEST will include governance and institutional development; teacher and curriculum development; community participation and partnership, and infrastructure and organisational development. She added that the reforms will be spread across the 18 Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs).


Dr. Oviawe emphasised that there was an urgent need to improve teacher quality and performance, increase numeracy and literacy levels, improve infrastructure as well as engender support system for school administration and management for increased efficiency.


She said the EDO-BEST programme will develop highly skilled teaching workforce, adding, "We have already selected those to be trained on how to use ICT tools such as tablets in the classrooms. This will help harmonise learning outcomes. The programme will also enhance the Edo State Basic Education Curriculum and restore public confidence in the quality of education offered in public schools."

Assuring members of the NUT that the reforms are in the best interest of the state, she said, “Government is not out to witch hunt anyone, neither are there plans to sack anybody or close down schools as is being rumoured.

"The narrative in the last few years need to change. We should put a stop to the blame game and work together to give quality education to our children. The aim of these reforms is to develop a collaborative and support structure between teachers and government to improve the system” she said.

The SUBEB boss revealed that 300 head teachers will be selected to participate in a pilot scheme of Edo-BEST programme in 300 schools. "They will be trained to use tablets loaded with lesson notes and guides that help imbibe positive classroom management procedures to effectively drive learning outcomes," she added.

Chairman, NUT Edo State Chapter, Comrade Pius Okhueleigbe, expressed appreciation to the acting chairman of SUBEB for her efforts to reform the sector.

He pledged the union's continued support to government's reforms to improve the state's education sector.

Director, Bridge Policy and Partnership for Africa, Adesuwa Ifedi, said the place of technology in ensuring better outcomes in schools is incontrovertible, assuring that the Edo-BEST programme will solve some problems of inconsistency in teaching standards.

According to her, “every other sector is using technology, education must change, teachers must follow suit; teachers are nation builders. With the use of digital lesson plans, teachers can work with prepared lesson plan to ease their burden and give more time to supervise the children and manage their classrooms."

PHOTO
Acting Chairperson, Edo SUBEB and Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic Education, Dr Joan Oviawe adressing newsmen.

Source: http://thebellng.com/edo-subeb-launches-edo-best-programme-trains-300-teachers-in-pilot-scheme/

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has called for better policies and programmes that will preserve the world's diverse flora and fauna.

The governor said this on the occasion of the commemoration of the World Wildlife Day, celebrated every March 3, by the United Nations and its partner institutions focused on wildlife preservation.

According to the governor, “the need to preserve the wild flora and fauna is anchored on the need to ensure that we do not lose the diversity of our wildlife assets. Not only is maintaining the balance of the animals in the wild necessary for humanity, it serves as a tourism asset that we could deploy to boost our foreign earning.”

He said that the theme for this year’s commemoration, Big Cats: Predators Under Threat is a wake-up call to managers of wildlife parks across Nigeria to maintain the diversity in the parks and for governments to push policies that would further efforts to preserve Nigeria’s fauna.

He said the Okomu National Park, formerly known as the Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary, embodies elements of the fauna and flora that must be protected from the rampaging claws of urbanisation, calling for urgent policies by the federal government to better package the assets at the nation's parks for foreign exchange receipts.

Noting that the call to conserve the diversity at Okomu was pertinent because of the endangered species at the park, he said, “Okomu is home to the African Buffalo and African Forest Elephant, dwarf crocodiles, red river hog, sitatunga, warthog, civet cat, Maxwell's duiker, grass cutter, Mona monkey, Thomas's galago and tree pangolin, among others.”

According to the UN, the World wildlife day was proclaimed to be marked on March 3 by the United Nations General Assembly on 20 December 2013, at its Sixty-eighth session.

“It is intended to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora. The date is the day of the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973, which plays an important role in ensuring that international trade does not threaten the species’ survival,” the world body said.

chuksjuve:
The word youth empowerment have been bastardized by political office holder in this country that it sounds as scam/ another unserious jamboree to people because of how such programmes has been run in time past..

I sincerely hope this one isn't one of those old tactics one again..

Wish you the best as you implement it ...

I agree with you. But this is well monitored, not a jamboree. At least not with Governor Obaseki focusing on all focuses.

…targets unemployed youths, Libya returnees, others

To fast-track employment creation for youths in Edo State, the state government will on March 2, launch EdoJobs 2.0, the second phase of its skills development programme.

In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Skills Development and Job Creation, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, the state government said it has sealed partnership agreement with a number of firms, including SLOT Academy, CareerKickstartprogramme, Law Autos, LevantarSoap Factory, to train youths on information and communication technology (ICT) hardware repairs, vehicle maintenance and repairs, among others.

EdoJobs is an initiative of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to tackle youth unemployment by creating a minimum of 200,000 jobs by the year 2020. The programme is expected to increase private sector involvement and investment in the state’s economy, to be achieved by employability trainings and skills acquisition, providing support for business growth and exposing youths to employment opportunities.

According to Dare, “Since its inception EdoJobs has created jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities in various roles including agriculture, traffic management, accounting, administration, ICT, estate management, sales and many others.

“As a result of this, the Skills Development Programme has relaunched EdoJobs 2.0. The mission of the Skill Development Programme is to implement a coordinated and effective approach to skills development and job creation in the state. This they intend to achieve through three major initiatives.”

She said the programmes are open to Edo youths from the three the senatorial districts in the state, adding “Some of the trainees will be pooled from Libya returnees in Edo State. There are also job vacancies available on the portal.

She said the expanded skill development programme includes EdoJobs, EdoStartups and Skillup initiatives, stressing, “EdoJobs is targeted at training participants for hire into various industries and also matching qualified applicants to available job openings and internship slots within the state. EdoStartups will support aspiring and existing entrepreneurs registered on EdoJobs with skills and support to aid and grow their businesses, while the Skill Up Initiative is to revamp institutions in the state with a view to upgrading them to world-class skill delivery standards.”

Dare charged job seekers to check the portal regularly and apply online for opportunities under the EdoJobs and EdoStartUps initiatives.

According to her, “A partnership with Slot Academy to train participants on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Phone and computer repairs, with internship opportunities for deserving participants. Successful participants would be assisted in starting up their own businesses.

“For Automobile companies, we have Law Auto, IFES and Leana Garage, which will train young men and ladies on vehicle maintenance and repairs. After the training, they are eligible for internship and a start-up packages to support these participants.”

She continued, “There is a partnership with LevantarSoap factory to train residents on production, employ some as staff in the factory and empower others with support to start small scale production. There is another partnership with the CareerKickstartprogramme to train individuals and connect them to employers, which is also supported by Oxfam.”

“EdoJobs2.0 will serve as a hub of opportunities for all Edo residents. We encourage business owners to partner with Edo Jobs by recruiting from our pool of well-trained applicants.”

Source: http://thebellng.com/edo-state-partners-slot-academy-oxfam-others-launches-edojobs-2-0-march-2nd/

UAE123:
Edo state PDP made one of their biggest mistake by refusing to partake in the forth coming local government election as this singular action of the party will negatively help to push the party fortune downward because PDP as a party is almost non existing in Edo state. Chief Dan Orbhi made a serious mistake & should step down as the chairman of PDP.

Orbih has since shot himself in the leg when he couldn't stand up to name an Ondo senator he claimed received rice meant for IDPs.

With Obaseki's good governance, Edo is for APC.

and more photos

more photos from the APC Mega Rally going on in Benin City

more photos

photos from the APC Mega Rally

Live streaming now on! see above and follow.

LIVESTREAM OF APC MEGA RALLY


Live from the #EdoAPCMegaRally2018 where over 10,000 decampees will be received from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Follow the APC Mega Rally live on


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzzD0Vs0CjI

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Mega Rally for this Saturday Local Government Elections holds today by 11am at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

The event will be streamed live on social media.

Watch out and stay tuned for the links.


NOW LIVE!
Live from the #EdoAPCMegaRally2018 where over 10,000 decampees will be received from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Follow the APC Mega Rally live on

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzzD0Vs0CjI

Photo 2:
British Deputy High Commissioner, Ms Laure Beaufils (right) and Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, discuss strategic areas of partnership on the sideline of the Senate Roundtable on Migration and Human Trafficking, held in Benin City.

...Hold Talk on Returnees Empowerment

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has commenced talks with the British High Commission and the United Nations Women on areas of partnership spanning resettlement of victims of human trafficking and empowerment.

The meetings with the two International bodies held on the sideline of the Senate Roundtable on Migration and Human Trafficking, which held in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Obaseki met with the Country Representative, United Nations Women, Comfort Lamptey, with whom he discussed areas of partnership on empowering returnees and stemming the tide of human trafficking.

The talks are expected to lead to partnerships that will see the UN Women engage in programmes to resettle returnees, halt the tide of irregular migration and empower women to lead productive lives without resorting to dangerous journeys outside the country.

Governor Obaseki also had a separate session with British Deputy High Commissioner, Ms Laure Beaufils, to synergise on measures to mitigate human trafficking and initiate novel agriculture programmes.

The efforts are expected to culminate in an inter-agency committee to coordinate the programmes of international agencies in the state.

The state’s effort to stem human trafficking is led by the Edo State Taskforce on Anti-Human Trafficking Illegal Migration.


Photo 1:
Country Representative, United Nations Women, Comfort Lamptey (left) with Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, discuss on the sidelines of the Senate Roundtable on Migration and Human Trafficking, held in Benin City.

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more photos:

more photos:

2nd photo:
Officials of Edo State Waste Management Board testifying before Justice Joseph Olubor-led Administrative Panel of Inquiry investigating the alleged killing of a taxi driver, David Okoniba, which resulted in a clash between youths and policemen, in Benin City, Edo State.

… as Police boss testifies

The Justice Joseph Olubor-led Administrative Panel of Inquiry has visited the Esigie Police Division in Benin City, to further unravel facts surrounding the alleged killing of a taxi driver, David Okoniba, whch resulted in a clash between youths and policemen in Upper Igun area of Benin City.

The Panel was set up by the state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the incident to prevent its reoccurrence in the future.

While at the Esigie Police Division, the Panel of Inquiry examined the vehicle belonging to late David Okoniba and others belonging to the police that were burnt during clash. The Panel also inspected the heavy-duty vehicle that allegedly smashed David’s skull at the station. The Panel also visited the scene of the incident.

Chairman of the Panel, Retired Justice Olubor urged the Divisional Police Officer to ensure that the car, which is an exhibit in the investigation, is safely parked within the station’s premises.

Similarly, the Panel also visited the Ministry of Transport along Sapele Road in Benin City, where they examined a truck belonging to the Edo State Waste Management Board for Project Clean-Up Edo. The truck was touched during the fracas.

Team Leader, Project Clean Up Edo, Mrs. Hope Osazuwa, testified before the Panel earlier, narrating how the truck got burnt at 3rd Junction area of Benin City.

She said, “The truck conveying my team was attacked by the rampaging youths at about 8am, who must have mistaken the truck for that of the Police,” hinting that they were wrongly linked to the crime.

More police officers including, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Mr. Olatunji Ayodele, who represented the State Commissioner of Police and other members of the public, who were eyewitnesses to the incident also testified before Panel.

Source: http://thebellng.com/edo-youth-police-clash-panel-visits-esigie-police-station-inspects-exhibits/

1st photo:
Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Mr. Olatunji Ayodele, representing the State Commissioner of Police testifying before Justice Olubor Administrative Panel of Inquiry investigating the alleged killing of a taxi driver, David Okoniba, which resulted in a clash between youths and policemen, in Benin City, Edo State.

2nd Photo:
L-R: Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Kayode Fayemi; wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun; National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie Oyegun; Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and his wife, Mrs. Betty Akeredolu, during the one year anniversary celebration of Akeredolu as Ondo State governor, at the Moshood Abiola Democracy Park, in Akure, Ondo State, at the weekend.