₦airaland Forum

As Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, celebrates one year in office, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has urged Ondo people to sustain their support for Akeredolu’s administration and his visionary strides in transforming Ondo State.

Obaseki made the submission at the Moshood Abiola Democracy Park, in Akure, Ondo State capital, as he joined other chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to celebrate Governor Akeredolu’s one year in office.

Congratulating his Ondo State counterpart for providing purposeful leadership to his people, Obaseki noted, “Governor Akeredolu’s quest to make life better for the people of Ondo State through job creation, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and industrialisation cannot be actualised without the support of Ondo people.

“Ondo is like Edo State, where we talk less and work more to serve the interest of those who elected us. In the past one year, Akeredolu has created jobs through entrepreneurship programmes, improved the standard of education, healthcare and promoted industrialisation in the state. I urge you to sustain your support for his administration and the APC government as you have not seen anything yet. This is the beginning of good things to happen to the good people of Ondo State. There is much to achieve in seven years ahead.”

APC National Chairman and former governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, congratulated the people of Ondo State for the developmental strides recorded in one year of the APC-led administration in the state, noting, “Rotimi Akeredolu in the last one year of his administration has returned power to the people.”

Former governor, Ekiti State and Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Kayode Fayemi, said Akeredolu has embarked on massive infrastructural development in the state in the past one year, noting, “The construction of Oke-Oka and Oke-Afa Roads and others, as well as the establishment of the largest marble and granite factory in the whole of Africa in Ondo State, are quite commendable. These will create jobs for the people.”

Fayemi added that Akeredolu’s effort in clearing the backlog of salaries owed workers in the state by the previous administration while ensuring prompt payment of workers’ salaries show that he is a man of the people.

The wife of Ondo State Governor Mrs. Betty Akeredolu thanked the people of the state for supporting her husband, assuring that they will not be disappointed as her husband has the fear of God and will continue to bring development and growth to the state.

"I thank the market women, youths, workers, religious leaders and all Ondo people for their support. My husband is a good man let your mind be at rest you are sure of quality governance that would transform lives in the state," she said.

Source: http://thebellng.com/obaseki-oyegun-others-laud-akeredolus-performance-as-he-clocks-one-in-office/

1st Photo:
L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki with Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi 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.

It is only the disgruntled and drowning people that are left in Edo PDP. The reasonable ones among them have since moved over to Edo APC.

Concerned Edo Citizens Urge SSS, EFCC to Invite Orbih to Prove IDP Rice Allegation

Members of Concerned Citizens of Edo State (CCES), a non-governmental organisation, have called on the Nigeria Police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the State Security Service (SSS) to invite Dan Orbih, chairman, Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for proof of his allegation that the Edo State government diverted bags of rice meant for Internally Displaced (Persons IDPs).

President of the association, Mr Ogbewi Aghedo, said that “There are several dimensions to this allegation. The credibility of the Edo State government has been called to question by the allegation. The Edo State PDP chairman has also by that comment, accused the state government of criminal diversion of the relief materials approved for internally displaced persons and yet another diversion is the indictment of a Senator from Ondo State, whose name was not given by Orbih.

“You will agree with me that these are weighty allegations and cannot be equated with mere politicking. These alleged crimes fall within the purview of the police, the EFCC and the SSS and the recorded audio interview of Dan Orbih on Independent Radio is sufficient material for preliminary investigation by these security agencies.”

Aghedo said its members are aware that the state government has petitioned the state commissioner of police. “This a step in the right direction. The allegation is an attack on the integrity of the state government and it is only proper for the state to rise up to the occasion and demand proof.”

The allegation, according to Aghedo, “is equivalent to whistle blowing and as you are aware, when you have your facts and proof, the federal government will reward you for blowing the whistle, but if you blow a false whistle, we all know the implication.”

He added that as a stakeholder in the nation’s democracy project, its activities includes identifying actions and inactions that pose threat to the lives of the ordinary Edo people and Nigerians alike, defend them against obnoxious policies and laws and defend pro-people policies and programmes, amongst others.

Edo PDP chairman alleged on a live radio programme on Thursday in Benin City, that over 300 bags of rice approved for internally displaced persons were diverted by the Edo State government to the house of an Ondo State Senator.

Orbih was quoted as saying on the Independent Radio pidgin English programme, Man Around Town: “This thing no be matter wey them take debate. Them carry this rice go give one Senator for Ondo, that one na Internally displaced person? We get record for how them take share this rice among themselves.

“Them carry this rice on a Sunday go one house before By-pass. On a Sunday, because make people no see wetin them dey do. We have all these records. We know the movements. We know what they were doing. I was just watching them to see whether these people get heart.”

http://thebellng.com/concerned-edo-citizens-urge-sss-efcc-to-invite-orbih-to-prove-idp-rice-allegation/

http://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2018/02/23/concerned-edo-citizens-urge-sss-efcc-to-invite-orbih-to-prove-idp-rice-allegation/

https://www.nairaland.com/4365148/concerned-edo-citizens-urge-sss

Concerned Edo Citizens Urge SSS, EFCC to Invite Orbih to Prove IDP Rice Allegation

Members of Concerned Citizens of Edo State (CCES), a non-governmental organisation, have called on the Nigeria Police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the State Security Service (SSS) to invite Dan Orbih, chairman, Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for proof of his allegation that the Edo State government diverted bags of rice meant for Internally Displaced (Persons IDPs).

President of the association, Mr Ogbewi Aghedo, said that “There are several dimensions to this allegation. The credibility of the Edo State government has been called to question by the allegation. The Edo State PDP chairman has also by that comment, accused the state government of criminal diversion of the relief materials approved for internally displaced persons and yet another diversion is the indictment of a Senator from Ondo State, whose name was not given by Orbih.

“You will agree with me that these are weighty allegations and cannot be equated with mere politicking. These alleged crimes fall within the purview of the police, the EFCC and the SSS and the recorded audio interview of Dan Orbih on Independent Radio is sufficient material for preliminary investigation by these security agencies.”

Aghedo said its members are aware that the state government has petitioned the state commissioner of police. “This a step in the right direction. The allegation is an attack on the integrity of the state government and it is only proper for the state to rise up to the occasion and demand proof.”

The allegation, according to Aghedo, “is equivalent to whistle blowing and as you are aware, when you have your facts and proof, the federal government will reward you for blowing the whistle, but if you blow a false whistle, we all know the implication.”

He added that as a stakeholder in the nation’s democracy project, its activities includes identifying actions and inactions that pose threat to the lives of the ordinary Edo people and Nigerians alike, defend them against obnoxious policies and laws and defend pro-people policies and programmes, amongst others.

Edo PDP chairman alleged on a live radio programme on Thursday in Benin City, that over 300 bags of rice approved for internally displaced persons were diverted by the Edo State government to the house of an Ondo State Senator.

Orbih was quoted as saying on the Independent Radio pidgin English programme, Man Around Town: “This thing no be matter wey them take debate. Them carry this rice go give one Senator for Ondo, that one na Internally displaced person? We get record for how them take share this rice among themselves.

“Them carry this rice on a Sunday go one house before By-pass. On a Sunday, because make people no see wetin them dey do. We have all these records. We know the movements. We know what they were doing. I was just watching them to see whether these people get heart.”

http://thebellng.com/concerned-edo-citizens-urge-sss-efcc-to-invite-orbih-to-prove-idp-rice-allegation/

http://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2018/02/23/concerned-edo-citizens-urge-sss-efcc-to-invite-orbih-to-prove-idp-rice-allegation/

Three Senators representing Ondo State in the National Assembly are weighing legal and other actions against the chairman of the Edo State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Dan Orbih, over what they described as “an unfounded allegation that has embarrassed the people of Ondo State.”

Orbih alleged, Thursday in Benin City on a pidgin English radio programme broadcast on Independent Radio, a private broadcast station, that the Edo State government diverted over 300 bags of rice approved by the federal government for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), to the house of an Ondo Senator.

The three Ondo State Senators in the National Assembly are, Ajayi Boroffice, Yele Omogunwa and Tayo Alasoadura, representing Ondo North; Ondo South and Ondo Central Senatorial Districts respectively.

One of the Senators said he was still “aghast and astounded by the baseless allegation” and assured that Dan Orbih will be made to produce the evidence of his claim.

“We are studying the matter and are prepared to follow it to its logical conclusion. There are things you do not play politics with. With the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOI Act), we will not have any problem compelling the Edo State PDP chairman to produce the evidence he boasted about on a live radio programme,” he said.

Speaking in pidgin English, Dan Orbih said on the live radio programme: “This thing no be matter wey them take debate. Them carry this rice go give one Senator for Ondo, that one na Internally displaced person? We get record for how them take share this rice among themselves. Them carry this rice on a Sunday go one house before By-pass. On a Sunday, because make people no see wetin them dey do. We have all these records. We know the movements. We know what they were doing. I was just watching them to see whether these people get heart.”

The Senator warned that “if no proof of rice diversion as alleged by Orbih, exists, then Orbih will have us to contend it.”

He stressed: “You cannot wake up in Benin City and start hallucinating about people in Ondo State receiving rice meant for displaced people. We are disappointed in Orbih and have reasons to suspect that he may be mentally unstable as only mentally deranged people can imagine unimaginable things like the PDP fellow. Our integrity is at stake here and will not allow Dan Orbih to get away with his irresponsible attack on Ondo Senators.”

Dan Orbih has since come under fire from the Edo State government, after the radio interview.

In a petition to the state Commissioner of Police, Babatunde Kokumo, Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., asked the police boss to investigate the rice diversion allegation made by Chief Dan Orbih.

“It is instructive to note that that in making these allegations to the general public, Orbih claimed that he had facts and records to back up his allegations. The purpose of this complaint is to formally bring these weighty and unsubstantiated allegations to your attention and to request a thorough investigation with a view to establishing the veracity or otherwise of same,” the Edo State government said.

It added that “it is the contention of the Edo State government that Orbih should be called upon to provide evidence of the serious crimes he has accused the Edo State government of, and to furnish your command with facts, details and proof of the allegations he made in the public domain.”

frayozzz:
If that Orbih is man enough, he should back his statement with facts. Period.

That is if he is even sane enough considering the rumours making the round.

The Edo State government has challenged the chairman of the state’s chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Orbih, to name the Ondo State senator that received over 300 bags of rice from the Edo State government.

Orbih on Thursday morning, alleged on Man Around Town, a pidgin English programme on Independent Radio, a private radio station in Benin City, that over 300 bags of rice approved for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state, by the federal government, were diverted to the house of a Senator from Ondo State.

Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, urged Orbih to be courageous enough to prove his allegation by naming the Ondo Senator.

Speaking in pidgin English, Dan Orbih said: “This thing no be matter wey them take debate. Them carry this rice go give one Senator for Ondo, that one na Internally displaced person? We get record for how them take share this rice among themselves. Them carry this rice on a Sunday go one house before By-pass. On a Sunday, because make people no see wetin them dey do. We have all these records. We know the movements. We know what they were doing. I was just watching them to see whether these people get heart.”

Osagie said that the three Ondo State Senators in the National Assembly are, Ajayi Boroffice, Yele Omogunwa and Tayo Alasoadura, representing Ondo North; Ondo South and Ondo Central Senatorial Districts, and called on the Edo State PDP chairman to tell the world the particular Senator that received the over 300 bags of rice, meant for IDPs.

No Lassa Fever death has been recorded in the past two weeks at the Institute of Lassa Fever Control and Research domiciled at the Irrua Specialist Hospital, since equipment purchased by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration were deployed to the Institute, the Edo State government has said.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, the state said the equipment, which include two dialysis machines, one x-ray machine, a ventilator and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), were deployed to the center to fast-track the state’s preparedness to ward off Lassa Fever outbreak in the state.

He said other aspects of the intervention include the refurbishing of the Institute, especially the renovation of the water system at the facility; the state-wide awareness creation campaign on television, radio; market storms to major markets in the three Senatorial Districts; reactivation of the contact tracing system and the emergency response systems in the state.

According to him, “The State Government was proactive in its response to the Lassa Fever disease outbreak and this was evident with the swift deployment of human and material resources after careful analysis of the situation in the state. That no death has been recorded since our intervention goes to show that we read the signs correctly, mobilised skilled manpower and tackled the challenge head-on.

“Governor Godwin Obaseki is truly committed to the plight of the common man and he has demonstrated this in a number of ways. The battle against Lassa Fever is another avenue he has shown his commitment to providing for the ordinary man on Edo streets with basic amenities to live a healthy life, irrespective of what happens elsewhere.”

Noting that the governor was not one to pass the bulk, he said, “Though the facility in which Lassa Fever victims are being treated belongs to the Federal Government, the governor deployed resources to ensure that all that were required to address the outbreak were made available.”

He added that the state prioritises the lives of its people, hence the government cannot fold its hands when such public emergency occurs, noting, “This goes to show that we do not just say that we love and serve our people by mere sloganeering, we mean it and show it.”

frayozzz:
The evil that men do lives with them these days.

Yes, the evil that men do indeed follows them around these days. Edo people remain wise.

...rice, shoes, others were all distributed to the right persons

The Edo State Government says all the bags of rice and other items like shoes, apart from the ones that were damaged in storage before they were allocated, were distributed to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other orphanage homes within the state.

Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, declared as completely false, the allegation of diversion of rice by the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

"The allegation is laughable and completely false and is a design of detractors to smear the image of a performing government," Osagie said.

He added, "they have tried and failed on all other fronts, now they have stooped lower to a commodity as cheap as rice."

The governor's aide maintained that "the Edo PDP has a rich history of diverting items meant for the less privileged and the state's resources, and its members think other people are like them."

He explained that the state government has made several donations to people in distress in the past and it is irreconcilable that a known donor to humanitarian courses would divert items meant for IDPs.

"PDP's allegation that out of the 6822 bags of rice meant for IDPs in Edo State, over 4000 bags of rice were diverted as only 2101 bags were given to the IDPs, is a figment of the imaginations of members of Edo PDP."

.

Army Commander, Operation Thunderstorm, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army Headquarters, Benin City, Major Olugbenga Osuntuyi, has appeared before the Justice Joseph Olubor -led Administrative Panel of Inquiry to give testimony on circumstances that led to the clash between youths and policemen over the alleged killing of a taxi driver, David Okoniba.

The Administrative Panel was set up by Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the incident. It commenced hearing on February 15 and fiancée of the deceased, Miss Ruth Okojie, who witnessed the incident as well as Policemen alleged to have caused the death of late David Okoniba have since appeared at the Panel.

In his testimony, Major Osuntuyi said he led his team comprising of soldiers from the Operation Thunderstorm to the scene of the incident to restore law and order, noting, “The swift deployment of soldiers to the scene of the clash was to prevent the loss of more lives and property.”

Two Policemen, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Osula Monday and Inspector Lucky Eboh also appeared before the Panel and gave testimonies on their roles during the clash with the youths, where they sustained various degrees of injuries.

ASP Osula said, “We were attacked by angry youths after we were drafted to the scene of the clash to calm the situation.”

Other Policemen who appeared at the Panel include, Sergeant Sule Fatai, Sergeant Ernest Ebhomielen and Corporal Aigbojie Ailemen, who were part of the Policemen on duty at the scene of the incident.

Speaking to journalists, Chairman of the Administrative Panel of Inquiry, Justice Joseph Olubor commended members of the public and the officers of the Police and Army who have appeared at the Panel to provide useful information to aid the inquiry into the incident.

Justice Olubor added, “The Policemen and Military officers who have appeared before the Panel were cooperative in providing useful information. The evidence submitted at the Panel have been very useful.

“We encourage other members of the public with useful information relating to the incident to come forward with their evidence. The Panel has an open-door policy for anyone with useful information.”

PHOTO1
Sergeant Ernest Ebhomielen, one of the police officers (right), allegedly involved in the incident which led to the death of a taxi driver, David Okoniba, testifying before the Justice Joseph Olubor-led Administrative Panel of Inquiry on the youths, Police Clash, in Benin City, Edo State.

Source: http://thebellng.com/edo-youth-police-clash-army-commander-more-policemen-testify-at-panel-hearing/

Litblogger:
Is he God?

See his face like engine oil.

You should read the news all over again. He never played God, and will never do that okay. He only saw a wrongdoing and stopped it to save lives.

The Edo State Government has said that there are plans to construct permanent shelters for returnee Edo indigenes who were victims of human trafficking and irregular migration.

Secretary of the Edo State Taskforce on Anti-Human Trafficking, Mrs. Abieyuwa Onyemwense, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists, in Benin City, said that such a facility was necessary to fast-track short, medium and long-term objectives of rehabilitating and reintegrating the returnees.

She explained that the state government already has a robust plan on reintegrating and rehabilitating the returnees, who the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the Federal and State Governments, have facilitated their return to the state.

Onyemwense noted that the approach to receiving the returnees by the state government are far-reaching, which includes medicals, payment of stipends, capacity building and provision of starter-packs, reunion with families and regular monitoring and follow-ups.

She said, “The returnees need a lot of guidance. We have a security team that does background checks right from when we receive them at the airports. There was a recent video of a lady that was threatening to take to arms that went viral; we tracked her down and now she is working very closely with us. So, the system is so robust to spotlight issues and resolve them as quickly as possible.”

According to her, “We are looking at building permanent shelters for the returnees. It is one of the initiatives of the Edo State Government to see an end to this menace. With that, we can do so much.”

Noting that the centre will serve to harmonise several activities and campaigns against irregular migration and human trafficking, she said, “We intend to run short, medium and long term programmes for the returnees. This will enable us follow through with the resettlement programme and ensure that we achieve 100 percent success in resettling the returnees.”

PHOTO2
The father-figure Governor Obaseki hugging and reassuring a returnee victim of human trafficking, of government support.

People should try and testify. Everyone is well protected.

De-congesting Benin City is a very welcome development. Lest have new cities.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has disclosed plans of the Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to commence campaigns for the forthcoming Local Government polls.

Obaseki disclosed this in a chat with journalists after meeting with the party’s state working committee and the candidates in the forthcoming local council polls.

According to the governor, “Our meeting was to ensure that the forthcoming polls are conducted peacefully. We cannot jeopardise the relative peace enjoyed in the state.”

He added that the APC’s candidates in the polls are popular among their people and are acceptable to the party, noting, “We strongly believe that the candidates will be elected by the people, as the party strategises to win all elective positions at the polls.

On his part, Chairman, Edo State Chapter, APC, Barr. Anslem Ojezua, said, “As the party prepares for the local government polls, Governor Godwin Obaseki is making effort to change the narrative with local government administration in the state. This is because of the reputation of the local government administrators used to be the least trusted by the people."

According to Ojezua, “The leadership of the APC in the state is confident that its candidates will be returned at the March 3 polls because of the performance of the governor in the past one year in office.”

He added that the meeting between the governor and the party’s candidates in the polls was to align their vision at the councils with the governor’s roadmap for the state.

“At the meeting, the governor expressed his concern about local governments being a critical level of government and made his intention known to candidates, especially to ensure that the candidates are on the same page with his vision to transform the state,” Ojezua said.

The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has extolled the inventors of radio, whose diligent scientific researches, he said “resulted in the small audio box that has transformed the lives of billions of people across the world.”

Obaseki gave the commendation on Tuesday in commemoration of the United Nations World Radio Day, marked on February 13, each year.

“The transformational power of the radio is awesome. It has contributed significantly to governance across the world, mobilising people in the grassroots to embrace the policies and programmes of government while providing the platform for the listener to contribute to governance and social debates. Its ability to convey messages to millions of heterogeneous audience members far flung from one another makes the mass medium of communication unique,” he said.

The governor noted that in many instances, the radio was the first source of education for millions of people and has proven to be a reliable electronic companion that broadcasts entertainment materials and transmits cultures from one generation to the other.

He explained that with the advancement in information and communication technology sector, “there is need for stakeholders in the sector to expedite work on media convergence to enable media owners harness the associated benefits.

“In this regard, the Edo State Government is repositioning the state-owned broadcasting station, Edo Broadcasting Service and the Nigerian Observer, for efficient delivery of quality media contents.”

He added: “Our aspiration is to adopt best practice in the management of our media enterprises, cutting-edge technology and well trained and motivated workforce in the state’s broadcast and print media enterprises in line with the demands of the information age.”

On the theme of the 2018 World Radio Day “Radio and Sports,” Obaseki said the year promises a lot of magical moments with the forthcoming soccer mundial, the World Cup, which will offer loads of entertainment to soccer fans who will assemble around the radio, especially in rural and peri-urban areas to enjoy live broadcast of the Russia 2018 World Cup.”

According to the United Nations, Radio is specifically suited to reach remote communities and vulnerable people: the illiterate, the disabled, women, youth and the poor, while offering a platform to intervene in the public debate, irrespective of people’s educational level. Furthermore, radio has a strong and specific role in emergency communication and disaster relief.

On this year’s theme, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) calls on all radio stations around the world to showcase the beauty of sports in all of its diversity.

“Let's celebrate the traditional sports that connect us to our cultural heritage, the grassroots sports that anchor us within our communities, and the inspiring stories that challenge gender stereotypes and cover, equally, both men’s and women’s sports events” the organisation said.

EASY39:
Ok O

Yes ooo

…Reforms, Good Governance, Driving Our Strategy – Obaseki

Reforms by Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, to attend to the needs of teachers and the administration’s judicious allocation of the Paris Club refund has been applauded by independent researchers, who have affirmed that, indeed, the state government is not owing teachers’ salaries.

In a statement on Monday, in Benin City, signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, the state government said that the absence of Edo State from the list of states owing teachers’ salaries in Nigeria confirms the government’s statements on the status of salary payment to teachers.

“For the avoidance of doubt, we make bold to say that Edo State government is not owing teachers salaries,” he averred.

The verdict was contained in a recent publication in THISDAY of Sunday, February 11, 2018, by Enough is Enough Nigeria, entitled ‘’Teachers’ Travails: A case of unpaid salaries’’, detailing 13 states of the federation that owe teachers’ salaries, ranging from one to 28 months.

According to the organisation, “Civil servants in some states have been at the mercy of their governors. Salaries are either delayed, halved or not paid at all. Yet, elected officials in those states do not share the same fate. The outstanding salaries have crippled economic activities in those states and civil servants find it difficult to afford basics of life.”

Osagie said that the Governor Obaseki’s purposeful leadership in Edo State is people-centric, which is why at the outset of his administration, he put up a system to ensure teachers are paid as and when due.

He added, “We are pursuing reforms and good governance models that place high premium on human capital. This is why the state government has ensured that salaries are not just paid but that there is continuous training for capacity development.

“It is heartening to know that detractors, who have pilloried Edo in the past are seeing what these independent data have to say about the state of teachers’ salary payment in Edo State.”

… urges exploitation of ICT-based solutions

Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has celebrated the innovative spirit of women researchers who have broken new grounds in science and technology, commending them for braving the many cultural hurdles to stamp their names in history.

Governor Obaseki said this on the occasion of the commemoration of the 2018 International Day for Women and Girls in Science marked every February 11 by the United Nations (UN).

The Governor said that breakthroughs by women researchers in recent years across the globe have shown that when spaces are open for everyone to thrive, much can be achieved to advance the cause of mankind.

According to him, “There has been an upsurge of women scientists who are breaking new grounds in various scientific fields. I believe this reality is a call on us here in Edo State and Nigeria to continue to expand the space for women to get into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Already, we are focusing on basic and technical education to ensure that our children, including boys and girls get a head-start to explore carriers in science and technology without discrimination.

“However, we need to do more and encourage our female children to strive to be the best in whatever they aspire to be, especially in science disciplines,” he said.

He noted that this year’s theme for the event, Equality and Parity for Peace and Development emphasises the need to break down stereotypes and open the space for women to explore interest in STEM fields.

According to him, “This challenge is more pertinent in the age of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The use of mobile phones and the internet has made it easy for people to access and process information that can enable them break barriers.

“So, we encourage our women and girls to deploy ICTs to solve societal problems and in doing so, break stereotypes cast in STEM disciplines. There are many resources on the Internet to learn from, many mentors to channel and many mountains to climb if they are committed and willing to explore the sciences.

The world body says that a significant gender gap has persisted throughout the years at all levels of STEM disciplines all over the world, noting that even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still underrepresented in these fields.

According to the UN, the General Assembly adopted a resolution to establish an annual International Day on 22 December 2015, “to recognise the critical role women and girls play in science and technology communities. In welcoming the efforts of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and other relevant organisations that support and promote the access of women and girls and their participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, training and research activities at all levels decided to proclaim 11 February of each year the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.”

Before this administration clocks 2yrs in November, Edo State must have been transformed to modernity.

Weldon the peoples' governor.

The Edo State Government has earmarked 25 new roads for construction across the state in the coming weeks, as it intensifies efforts to deliver projects that will transform the socio-economic landscape of the state.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq., disclosed this during a chat with journalists, in Benin City, Edo State.

He said, “The state government led by Godwin Obaseki will deliver on its mandate to transform infrastructure across the state. In the coming weeks, 25 new roads have been earmarked for construction, by the state government.”

He added that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration has provided leadership capable of transforming the state into an economic hub.

“The governor knows how to pull resources for the benefit of a great majority of Edo people. As an investment banker, he is someone who knows how to manage resources to drive socio-economic growth through infrastructural development.”

On the forthcoming local council polls, Ogie said that he has no doubt that candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will all be elected, noting "with the effort made by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Governor Obaseki in transforming the state, I am confident that Edo people will vote massively for APC candidates at the polls."

On security in the state, the SSG said the state government takes security of lives and property across the state seriously, which accounts for why it is considered as safest in the South-South region.

"The increasing number of investors visiting the state is a pointer to the fact that the state has the best security arrangement in the region. Embassies have security reports from every part of the country for foreign investors. That they indicate interest to do business in Edo shows that our security report is favourable for investors."

He added that the state government will continue to improve on the security architecture and ensure investors get benefit from siting their companies in the state.

A job well done!

The truth and nothing but the truth!

May his soul rest in peace.

Edo is on the rise....

elampiro:
OdionAkghigbe

Can you confirm that the transport company has issued a statement because someone posted this false report of Fulani attack on a WhatsApp group. I have asked how come no news media carried it. How come no video of the attacked bus, no police report on the matter. No complaint by the transport companies mentioned - God is Good and Iyare.

@elampiro, it is confirmed! No such incident.

And please do not join the bandwagon of people that quickly resend anything they receive on whatsapp to others without verification. If people had done some sort of crosschecking, those fake news and false photos wouldn't have spread that far.

Edo remain wise!

Thanks

The Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is at it again.

After its futile efforts to discredit the current administration, the dying Edo PDP made up of rogues and bandits have resorted to the manipulation of internet content to create a sense of insecurity in Edo State.

Edo people and residents in the state must be wary of the deluge of fake news of alleged herdsmen attacks being spread on the internet.

The false alarm originated with the disgruntled members of the dying Edo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The photograph of dead people on the road allegedly killed by Fulani herdsmen has been trending on the internet since Tuesday. That same photograph first hit the internet in 2010. It is pure mischief to circulate the 2010 photograph as an incident that happened yesterday.

Edo people should be circumspect and cross-check any media content thrown at them on the internet as members of the dying Edo PDP will stop at nothing in their desperation to advance reasons for them to return to power. Edo people should beware of the false alarm by these unpatriotic elements.

Another audio recording of a lady claiming that a bus owned by God Is Good Motors was among the vehicles attacked by suspected Fulani herdsmen, has been debunked by the management of God Is Good Motors.

The transport service insists that the said attack is false.

No campaign of calumny by the Edo PDP can stop the ongoing redemption efforts in the state after the blighted years of the PDP in Edo State.

The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has called for intercontinental partnership to eliminate female genital mutilation where it is still practiced.

Obaseki made the call in Benin City on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation marked every February 6.

According to him, “the campaign to eliminate the age-old practice should be revitalised with inputs from the traditional and religious institutions, women groups, alternative medicine practitioners, members of the political class, the organised private sector and civil society organisations.”

The governor advised that the reinvigoration of the campaign to end Female Genital Mutilation should leverage on the power of education and the reach of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in changing mindsets, beliefs and convictions.

The United Nations explains that Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises “all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female Instruments for non-medical reasons and is recognised internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.”

The global body further said that FGM “reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes, and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women and girls. The practice also violates their rights to health, security and physical integrity, their right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and their right to life when the procedure results in death.”

Obaseki said it was time to end the pains, agonies and the needless deaths that arise from female genital mutilation where the practice is still rife.

He tasked the media to put the subject matter on the front burner, as “it is a matter of human right.”

“We are hit with front page stories on politics and the economy daily. Female Genital Mutilation deserves similar regular press coverage, to sensitise people about the health risks associated with the practice and emphasise the fact that it is an act of violence against the girl child and women in general,” Obaseki added.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), jointly with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), leads the largest global programme to accelerate the abandonment of FGM. The programme currently focuses on 17 African countries and also supports regional and global initiatives.

This is sad. May God always protect our going out and our coming in.

Calm is returning.