₦airaland Forum

Saving lives remains a priority duty. Thanks to Obaseki for living up to this task.

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…to partner French farmers on piggery and dam project in Ekpoma varsity and environs

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state has concluded plans to link investors and off-takers of agricultural produce in the state with farmers with sufficient guarantees to ensure prices are stable and yields are high as farmers prepare for the 2018 farming season.

Obaseki disclosed this at the weekend, when he met with the executive members of the Association of Esan Professionals (AEP) at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

According to the governor, “farmers in the state now have ready markets to sell their produce at the end of the faming season, as the country has a growing population that needs to be fed.”

He said, “The state government will assist farmers get investors. The government will soon advertise for off-takers of agricultural produce. Those who want to buy agricultural produce at the end of the planting season will come to Edo to buy from our farmers.”

“We will attract off-takers who need maize, soya beans and so on, to buy from farmers here. The state government will get the order from the off-takers, how many metric tons of maize they need, what type, and how much are they willing to pay, and match them with local farmers,” he added.

On new initiatives to improve productivity of farmers in Esanland, he said, “We were in Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma to see if they have dams, if we can partner with them and get the French investors to locate their farms there. We are also going round to see if we can get private individuals who have land for pig farming to partner with the investors.”

The governor added that, “We were in France to meet with some of the largest pig farmers who are coming in with their improved piglets to do business in the state.”

He said that the state government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) credit facilities will ensure that agriculture is fully commercailised in the state, adding, “We are helping farmers with land to get investors who will do business with them. We have already commenced preparing land for the next farming season. We have the guarantee on ground for farmers.”

On his part, the president of AEP praised the governor on his spirited efforts to transform the state. He also commended the governor for spearheading the rehabilitation of the Benin -Ekpoma - Auchi road, but appealed for more action on issues confronting the Esan Land.

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R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; President of the Association of Esan Professionals (AEP), Mr. Mathew Egbadon, former President of the Association, Mr. Michael Osime; and former Vice President, Engr. Elens Samuel Eigbokhan; during the courtesy visit of the executives of AEP to the governor at the Government House, Benin City, Edo State.

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has urged professionals of Esan extraction in the state to create solutions and avenues to drive sustainable development in their towns in partnership with government.

Obaseki made the call at the weekend when he met with the executive members of the Association of Esan Professionals (AEP) led by their President, Barr. Mathew Egbadon, at the Government House, Benin City.

Obaseki spoke on issues affecting development in Esan nation, notably, agriculture, healthcare and education, assuring the professionals of his support to drive sustainable development in Esan land.

According to him, “I thank members of the association for finding time to visit me. The association has stood out over the years in providing leadership and direction in Esanland. I recall vividly several years ago, your initiatives in education and other sectors and how you promoted the interest of Esan people through my predecessor, Comrades Adams Oshiomhole. The former governor was then impressed with your commitment to serving the interest of your people.”

Noting that he appreciates the group’s support for the policies of his administration, he said, “I have come to know what the group stands for and the works you have undertaken in the past in the service of the people of Esan origin. I appreciate your support during the election. I believe you supported me because you identified the need for continuity in ensuring sustainable development, with the reform agenda which was started by my predecessor in office.

“We have seen how Lagos state for example has continued to record milestone achievements because of continuity in government policies and programmes for over 16 years.”

“In Edo State, we want to redefine the essence of state and governance. Governance is collective and not a private concern. It is about providing for the general good, caring for everyone and not just for one person or a group of people,” he added.

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Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State (4th from left, sitting), Barr. Mathew Egbadon (3rd from left, sitting) with members of Association of Esan Professionals and some members of Edo State Executive Council during a courtesy visit of Esan professionals to the governor at Government House, Benin City.

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The Edo State Focal Person for the Federal Government Social Investment Programme, Miss Osayuwamen Aladeselu (middle) with staff and N-power beneficiaries in Oredo Primary Healthcare Centre, Benin City, during a monitoring exercise for N-power beneficiaries in their Places of Primary Assignment across the state.

The Edo State Focal Person for the Federal Government Social Investment Programme, Miss Osayuwamen Aladeselu, has commended beneficiaries deployed across Edo State for their exemplary conduct.

Aladeselu gave the commendation during an exercise to monitor the performance of beneficiaries in their Places of Primary Assignments across the state.

According to her, “The beneficiaries in the state have remained committed in their various Places of Assignment. We are pleased with their performance and commitment at schools and healthcare centres where they serve across the state.

"The feedback we are getting from principals of schools and health coordinators in healthcare centers is encouraging and I must say we are impressed with their performances so far."

She added, "We learnt that the beneficiaries are determined to carrying out tasks assigned to them. They are also adjusting to work ethics, gaining experience fast and have been innovative.”

She said that in most of the schools visited, the team discovered that the beneficiaries are involved in extra-curricular activities in addition to their primary assignments, noting “In the course of our monitoring exercise we met most of the beneficiaries on duty even in remote areas.”

The focal person commended the federal and the state governments for initiating and sustaining the N-Power programme through which thousands of graduates are given opportunity to contribute to development.

Noting that the beneficiaries are gaining work experience, she added, “The monitoring exercise would be sustained and conducted on a regular basis.”

At Oredo Girls Secondary School, Mrs. Celestina Aletor said the 24 N-Power beneficiaries deployed to the school are committed to their primary assignment, while at Imaguero Secondary School, the Principal Mrs. Asatuma Osunde, noted that beneficiaries have been useful to the school, which had inadequate teachers.

The local government areas visited by the focal person include Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha and Uhunmwode, while other local government areas in the state will be reached in the coming weeks.


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The Edo State Focal Person for the Federal Government Social Investment Programme, Miss Osayuwamen Aladeselu (middle, first row) with staff and N-power beneficiaries in Imaguero Secondary School in Benin City, Edo State during a monitoring exercise for N-power beneficiaries in their Places of Primary Assignment across the state.

This is what is called an all inclusive government. Weldon Mr. Governor

There is no comparison between light and darkness.

In Edo State;

APC is light
PDP is darkness

If you are still in doubt, take a critical look at the below photos and judge for yourself.

The Edo State Government has described as barefaced lie, the claim by the Edo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that work on Ekpoma Market Road in Edo Central Senatorial District has been put on hold.

Addressing newsmen in Benin City, the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said:

“The Ekpoma Market Road project is ongoing. The Edo PDP’s circus in parts of the state is trying hard to force lies down the throats of Edo people and their heaps of lies are crashing as they depart one venue for another.

“Edo PDP members are hunted by their own shadows. They are experts in abandoning and commissioning uncompleted and white elephant projects. So they also think that other administrations would be as irresponsible like them.

“Edo people know who Governor Godwin Obaseki is and know he is too serious to play the brand of dubious politics the Edo PDP is notorious for.”

He added that “The new residence of the Chief Judge of Edo State stands tall in Benin as evidence of Obaseki’s style of leadership. The state secretariat is undergoing massive renovation while work is ongoing at several other project sites and no noise is made about them.”

On the status of the Edo State University Iyamho, Osagie said: “I used to think that members of Edo PDP were educated enough to know where to get information about the status of a university. I must have over-rated them. But we can bail them out of their ignorance. The National Universities Commission (NUC) is open to all and the status of the Edo State University can be verified if they have any doubt whatsoever about the university”.

He said that the issue of the Onojie of Uromi is being handled by the appropriate authority with every sense of justice and fairness.

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftain in Edo State, Prince Musa Braimah, has applauded the Godwin Obaseki-led administration in Edo State, for its sterling performance in attracting investments to the state and restoring hope to the people.

Braimah said this during a chat with journalists in Benin City, Edo State capital.

According to him, “Governor Obaseki has proven to be a governor who put the interest of the state ahead and above any other thing and has continued to make policies that benefit Edo people.

“So far, based on my assessment, Governor Godwin Obaseki is doing well as he continues to record great strides in driving economic development and creating prosperity for the people.”

Braimah urged members of the opposition political parties in the state to join hands with Obaseki to develop the state by providing constructive criticism, noting, “All Obaseki needs now is the support of the people, including members of the opposition in the state, to enable him succeed with his plans to move the state forward.”

He added that members of the opposition parties in the state should forget about the acrimony but rather join forces with the governor on developmental matters because “every Edo person deserves a better deal and the governor is delivering on his promises.”

On industrialisation of the state, the PDP Chieftain said, “Based on visible facts on the ground, Governor Obaseki is making progress in moving the state in the right direction with his policies to transform the state into an economically viable state through his drive to attract foreign investors and opening up the state to the organised private sector to do business.

“I have kept records of Obaseki’s plans to diversify the state’s economy. I must say he is doing creditably well. I urge him not to relent or be distracted as Edo need to be prepared for a future where crude oil-based economy will no longer be driving growth.”

He added, “Despite being a Chieftain of the PDP, I give the governor kudos because I am also an Edo person, who believes that the policies of the governor on agriculture and industrialisation are capable of transforming the state into an economic hub in the country.”

In my search for a fitting description of the way and manner the Edo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ravaged Edo State while the party was in power in the state, the Biblical years of the Locust came to mind.

Wikipedia describes locusts as “certain species of short-horned grasshoppers in the family Acrididae that have a swarming phase. These insects are usually solitary, but under certain circumstances they become more abundant and change their behaviour and habits, becoming gregarious.”

The years of the locusts is however beyond the physical appearance of locusts. Biblestudy.com defines the Biblical plague of the locust as the eighth punishment that God sent upon the Egyptians, because they would not let the children of Israel go, as he commanded; and it was a very terrible one indeed.”

Explaining what the locusts did, biblestudy.com quoted the Bible as saying: “They covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left; and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field through all the land of Egypt."

By the time the court declared former Governor Adams Oshiomhole as the duly elected winner of the 2007 gubernatorial election in Edo State, the PDP, like the locusts, had caused so much ruin across all sectors of the state, so much so, that hopelessness, bleakness was the order of the day. Edo youths, men, women and even the aged were emigrating in their millions to Italy via Morocco and Libya.

Basic infrastructure like roads, schools, hospitals were in shambles, graduates roamed the streets without jobs and the lack of job was sufficient disincentive not to go to school. Key institutions of government collapsed and thugs reigned supreme. Motor park thugs served on the management boards of government parastatals and agencies and the destinies of over four million Edo people and residents were bastardised by a group of incompetent and visionless rulers.

The high profile of Edo State in sporting competitions, education, arts and crafts, healthcare services, nosedived. Edo was akin to the land the locust had ruined occasioned by the human locusts and vampires that ruled the land.

Roads in Edo State were rated as the worst across the country. Floods sacked millions of people from their homes. The billions budgeted for roads and the Ecological fund the state collected were looted by government officials.

Dumez Road junction by Upper Sokponba Road, Teachers’ House in Ogida area and Queen Eden and several other areas across the state were ravaged by floods.

Not even the interventions by the Niger Delta Development Commission in the form of tractors and other farm implements were spared by the rogues in the PDP as the tractors meant for poor Edo farmers were diverted and found in the farm of one of PDP chieftains, Pastor Osagie Iyamu.

Buses that were bought to boost the fleet of Edo City Transport Service were diverted to a private university owned by a PDP chieftain. While medical students of Ambrose Alli University were not allowed to use the Central Hospital Benin for their practical, students of Igbinedion University, a private university, owned by the father of the then governor, were allowed to use facilities at the central hospital free of charge.

Civil servants were owed several months of salary arrears and many of them laced their shoes and headed to Europe through the Sahara Desert where some died en-route Libya and Morocco.

While the PDP inflicted pain and hardship on Edo people, members of the political class became multi-millionaires and billionaires, depending on how much genuflection, personality worshipping, crooked loyalty the PDP members exhibited before their Lord of the Manor.

Hope dimmed for young ones with ambitions to work hard to live a good life as the only way to live such a good life was not through hard work or industry, but through ‘loyalty’ to looters of our common patrimony.

But things changed with the restoration of the mandate given to former governor Adams Oshiomhole. Edo witnessed eight good years of massive infrastructural development with well paved roads and red roof schools springing up in all the local government areas of the state. Salaries of civil servants were increased and promptly paid amongst other achievements.

After Oshiomhole came the technocrat who headed one of Nigeria’s investment banks for years. Governor Godwin Obaseki has translated his knowledge and board room experience into investment deals for Edo State, ranging from a N200 billion Benin Industrial Park project, a 5,500 modular refinery, a fertiliser plant, and the development of the Gelegele Seaport in Edo State. The educational sector is undergoing reforms, roads are springing up daily in Edo State and Obaseki has demonstrated that what Edo lacked in the eight years the PDP plagued the state was capacity and a high sense of responsibility in public office.

Yet, as if the eight years of resource plundering by the PDP were not enough, we hear that the party of rogues is on the streets of Edo State trying to deceive Edo people into investing faith in them so that they will take us to our dark ages of the locust plague. They do not deserve our reception.

Judging by the plethora of hasty, incoherent, inconsistent and totally uninspiring press releases emanating from the leadership of Edo State PDP within the last few days, it is obvious that the party has just realised that, with its threat to boycott the forthcoming local government election and the decamping of some of their high profile and most loyal leaders, it is almost game over for them.

In their confusion and last minute desperate attempt to shake its tail after the head has been cut off, they have resorted to cheap blackmail by trivialising serious issues of governance like security and investments. Edo people need not be told about Governor Godwin Obaseki, by a party that they know too well for its trademark of deceit, greed and penchant for sharing the money. Edo people have eyes and they have ears. They see around them the roads that Godwin Obaseki's government has constructed. They see the brand new Comrade buses that Godwin Obaseki bought and are currently in use.

They drive through all the newly constructed access roads in Government Reservation Area and environs. They see the ongoing day and night reconstruction of the Ring road. They hear about the influx of business men from Asia and Europe into Edo State. They heard about Alaghodaro and know very well what it means. They heard that Governor Godwin Obaseki is using Edo State money strictly for the benefit of Edo people.

They know that Governor Godwin Obaseki is investing in the future of Edo State and they are no fools not to know that the companies which these investors are establishing will create jobs, boost purchasing power in the state and depend on local raw materials which will stimulate economic activities all around the state.

Edo people are not fools and certainly will not forget the huge amount of money that the last PDP governments sank into elephant projects like the Ikpoba river dam without a single inch of the river dredged. They are aware that Governor Godwin Obaseki has promised to dam Ikpoba River not as a means of siphoning funds but as a genuine effort to solve the energy needs of this state. Governor Godwin Obaseki may be signing MoUs but we the people of Edo state trust him to implement the agreements to the letter because he has shown that he joined politics not to loot or destroy but to build and deliver the goods.

Edo people are confident that Governor Obaseki’s position on the issue of herdsmen will be in the interest of Edo people and we do not need a discredited PDP to hurry Governor Obaseki into taking a hasty decision on an issue that needs serious pondering. Finally, Edo people have concluded that in one year alone Governor Godwin Obaseki has achieved what PDP could not achieve in 10 years. It amazes reasonable minds that Edo PDP can summon the effrontery to shamelessly engage in this insulting circus around the state. But since they have started it, I call on them to apologise to the people of Edo State at every stop, for the10 years they pilfered, vandalised and ran this state aground. They should also not forget to thank the father of modern Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who in eight years cleared their mess and set up a foundation upon which Governor Godwin Obaseki is working assiduously to erect an Edo State that will become the pride of our children and the envy of other states within the commonwealth of the Nigerian nation state.


Victor Oshioke
Liberated Indigene of Edo State.

In life, there are times when one takes a bold stand against certain actions, behaviours or relationships. One reaches this decision after careful, soul-searching reflection. This state of mind – the breaking off from old ways – most often happens after one must have navigated a bend and encountered a better deal, a more promising future, one that ensures that evil is not just kept at bay, but that the change is assured, visible and convincing.

It was at this exact juncture that the people of Edo State found themselves when they parted ways with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state and are now sailing into the promised land on the wings of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government, formerly driven by the giant-killing Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and now by the indefatigable Godwin Obaseki. The sheer speed of turnaround anchored by the purpose-driven leadership of Governor Obaseki since he took on the saddle has left the PDP flatfooted.

The PDP’s uncoordinated and wobbly efforts to pose as a stumbling block in the march to development in Edo State since experiencing the purpose-driven governance style of Governor Obaseki has left much to be desired. They have not only shown a poor grasp of governance, but have also proven that if they were ever to be given another chance at the Dennis Osadebe Avenue, they would continue to foist their warped, inglorious and dim-witted governance model on the people, the hallmark of which was looting, deceit and blackmail.

This can be seen in the way they have tried to engaged or frame the development strides of Governor Obaseki during various public engagements. After the governor had deployed his network to satiate investors with the investment prospects in Edo state and indeed engaged some of these in developing monumental projects, all the PDP could put up as an opposition was weak, infantile attacks and diversionary rhetoric that obviated from the task of proffering solutions to the problems they inflicted on the people for many years.

For many, the years of PDP’s reign is likened to the years of the locust, where not only was there despondence and dejection as signpost in front-yards on the streets of Benin, anger, frustration and regret was vividly plastered on the battered faces of the people who had yearned for progress in the wake of the return to representative democracy in 1999.

But the PDP came in and frittered away state resources, stifled hope and sold despair as the dividend of democracy to the people, so much so that the people yearned for what many have described – quite shockingly – as the ‘glory days’ of military juntas.

During those days, there were several instances that proved characters in the PDP to be bare-faced liars, looters in government and deals-men who traded in the future of their brothers and sisters for morsels of instant gratification in form of tokenisms such as cars, hotels and moments in the warm embrace of escorts procured with state fund.

One of the hallmarks of those times was the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) scam. It was a grand, elaborate plan. Since the popular refrain at the time was for states to grow their IGR, the state was unsure of how to generate money since it had practically robbed the people of all revenue-generating ventures. So, it struck a deal with some bank managers. The plan: get loans at exorbitant interest rates, post it as the state IGR and make no clear-cut arrangement to pay off. A lot of those in government at the time deployed this trick to fool the people, celebrating what never was and plunging the people into bad debt.

Another dimension of deceit was the use of fronts to set up companies that were doomed never to produce items. This was the case of the Edo Fertilizer and Chemical Company in Auchi as well as the Ehor fruit juice factory. These factories should have been built to boost productivity and provide jobs to teeming youths in the state. But because the intention was never genuine, the companies never really kicked off, further worsening job crisis and leaving youths in worse despair. Today, these companies are ghost structures, except for the Edo Fertilizer and Chemical Company, which Governor Obaseki made a personal commitment to revamp and has now done so. It is today producing fertilizers because of the determined focus to ensure that it doesn’t remain as an object of regret for the people in that axis of the state.

At the coming of the PDP government in 1999, they had a well-oiled strategy to loot and it appeared that having a ‘big’ civil service at the time was going to serve as stumbling block to this plan. So, they thought of the best strategy to whittle down the civil service to make room for enough money to be shared among the boys and godfathers. The PDP administration proceeded to enforce mass retirement of civil servants in the state and thereafter refused to pay gratuity and pension arrears of those they retired and others. Instead, they used the funds to satisfy their pet peeves and outrageous lifestyles while the people wallowed in suffering, with bad roads, decrepit health system and bleak future for youths, who resorted to taking to Libya than continue in a debauched environment the PDP sustained.

With these atrocities, it is curious that the PDP is faulting the governance model of Governor Obaseki, who has practically changed the narrative of the Edo in a short while, building on the achievements of his predecessor. The PDP, in all fairness, has no moral justification to raise a voice to disparage the efforts of Governor Obaseki. So, when the party in the state comes out to disparage the governor, we know exactly what they are capable of, and would never pray for such a fate to befall innocent, hardworking and upright people of Edo State ever again.

By Prince Abubakar Ilavbare

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that his administration will continue to prioritise technology-based learning in public schools across the state.

Obaseki said this when he received members of the Old Students Association of Holy Trinity Grammar School (HTGS), Sabongida-Ora, who visited the governor at the Government House, in Benin City.

According to the governor, the state has commenced the retooling of the educational system in the state, with the restructuring of the state’s Universal Basic Education Board, adding, “We are working with experts to revive the educational system and prioritise technology-driven learning curriculum.”

He said, “We will introduce the use of technology in the teaching and learning processes in primary schools across the state.”

Obaseki assured that, “The state government will ensure that the ongoing reforms in the educational sector will be completed as we are determined to improve the standard of learning in schools across the state.”

He added that the reform of the sector will mandate that only professional educationists would be allowed to manage the affairs of the sector, noting, "We are focusing on training and re-training of teachers so that they can in turn effectively train students.”

“Without quality education members of old students of the HTGS will not be as successful as they are today in their various careers. The state government will ensure that children in schools across the state have access to quality education to prepare them for a secure future,” he said.

The governor solicited for the support of the old students in ensuring standards are sustained in schools, adding, "While it is the primary responsibility of government to provide education, we also require assistance in ensuring that standards are maintained across schools in the state through monitoring of performance of teachers in schools. This is where the old students can play a role"

The leader of the Old Students Association, HTGS, Mr David Omoikhoje, commended the governor’s on-going economic reforms in the state and appealed that the state should help upgrade their alma mater to a model boarding school.


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R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; the Leader, National Executive, Holy Trinity Grammar School Old Students Association, Sabongida-Ora, Mr. David Omokhoje; and member of the association, Chief S.A Esezobor, during a courtesy visit to the governor by members of the association at the Government House, Benin city, on Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Photo 2
Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki (middle), with a cross-section of Edo State Government officials and officers of the Nigerian Army during a Dinner for the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Azinta Okwudili (standing), at the Government House, Benin City, Edo State.

…Army dispels rumour of Boko Haram presence in Edo
...Set to launch Operation Crocodile Smile III


The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state government is concluding arrangements with the Nigeria Army to unveil its new security arrangement to curb crime in the state.

The governor disclosed this at the Government House in Benin City, during a dinner organised in honour of the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Azinta Okwudili.

Obaseki said, “Edo State government will continue to sustain its cordial and excellent relationship with the Nigerian Army. We are ready to strengthen this collaboration as we incorporate the Nigerian Army into the new security framework in the state.

"We are reinforcing the security structure in the state and seek the role of the Army Brigade in the state to assist us strengthen the security structure as we fine-tune arrangement to deal with security challenges.”

He added, "The GOC, who is on inspection tour in the state, was at a time the Commander, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, several years ago. He has shared brilliant and thoughtful ideas on how to assist the state sustain security and peace in the state.”

The GOC, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Azinta who recently assumed command as the new GOC, assured the governor of the Army Brigade’s support, as there are plans to unveil more operations to fight crime within the 2 Division’s coverage area.

Maj. Gen. Azinta dispelled rumours that members of Boko Haram have infiltrated states within the Army Division, adding, “The Chief of Army Staff has approved the commencement of Operation Crocodile Smile III which will be conducted soon. The Army will unveil more operations in 2018 to enable officers and men of the Division to be familiar with the terrain.”

“The 2 Division, Nigerian Army will continue to make sure members of Boko Haram and other criminal elements do not gain footing in the Division’s coverage area,” he assured.



Photo 1
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left) presenting a souvenir to the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Azinta Okwudili, during a Dinner for the Army chief, at the Government House, Benin City, Edo State.

DLuciano:
we don hear, make una face na work, talk too much!

Yes, you have heard, but other people need to hear too.

In terms of doing their job, the current administration is up and doing.

@Mogidi, I don't think there is any point trying to educate you. A reasonable person @ojesymsym, has already done that, but you still chose folly in place of good thinking.

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has pledged to provide all necessary support to Chinese consortium comprising Peiyang Chemical Equipment Company and Sinopec Oil and Gas Nigeria, who are set to commence construction of a 5,500 barrels-per-day (bpd) modular refinery in the state.

Governor Obaseki gave the assurance after a delegation from the company led by its Director, Mr Tim Tian, made a presentation of the project timeline to the Governor at the Government House, in Benin City, the state capital.

Governor Obaseki said the state government was taking advantage of the Federal Government’s modular refinery initiative to boost supply of petroleum products in the country.

"The state is at an advantage in building modular refineries as most of the oil and gas assets across the various communities in the state are onshore," he said.

The governor said that the most delightful aspect of the project is the training of indigenes in fabrication and maintenance of modular refinery, urging the company to deliver the first phase of the project by October.

Obaseki promised to work with the company to access a $60-million funding facility under joint agreement between the Chinese and Nigerian governments as well as assist in addressing whatever bottlenecks the company encounters along the way.

In his presentation, Mr Tian explained that the phase one of the project, which is a demo modular refinery, would have the capacity to refine 500bpd and would be ready within seven to nine months.

He assured of ease of installation and fabrication of the modular refinery and promised that the project will provide job opportunities for residents in Edo State.

The project is to be cited at Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of the state and will serve as a facility to train residents in the state on fabrication and maintenance of modular refineries.

The first phase of the project is a 500bpd facility set to be completed by October. The phase two of the modular refinery, has a capacity of 5000bpd and would be embarked upon after completion of the first phase.

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L-R: Michael Osime, MD, ICMG Securities; Han Weijie, Manager, Sinopec Services; Tim Tian, Director, Peiyang Chemical Equipment Co., with Governor Godwin Obaseki (right) at the Government House, Benin City

Visit here and see that Edos have no need for PDP, for Governor Obaseki is actually working 25/7 for the good of Edo land. He never rests.

https://www.nairaland.com/4316610/illegal-migration-undp-unveils-new#64594246

ChangetheChange:
That means Edo State APC is scared of PDP...End of discussion

Not so. Remember that the 'devil' is so cunning, hence people should never allow themselves to be deceived in Edo State by the P'D'P that has nothing to offer Edos. ...The Verdict.

L-R: Head of Service, Edo State, Mrs. Gladys Idahor; Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki and the Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita during the Edo EXCO Retreat in Abuja.

L-R: Representative of the Department for International Development (DFID), Dr. Nguyan Feese; Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki; his deputy, Rt. Hon. Phillip Shaibu and Country Director, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Samuel Bwalya during a session at the Edo EXCO Retreat in Abuja.

.. as Head of Service of the Federation, DfID lead sessions at Edo EXCO Retreat

In response to calls on development partners for a joint effort at tackling the migration crisis in Edo State by the Edo State Government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has unveiled a capacity development programme called "Managing Migration for Development" to be launched in a month's time.

Country Director UNDP, Samuel Bwalya, said the objective of the broad based programme is to help deal with the current challenge of Human Trafficking and illegal migration by empowering Edo people with skills and trainings.

Bwalya who led a session at the Edo Exco Retreat in Abuja, said the UNDP's programme is the product of a series of engagements by the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, with the UNDP on ways to bring to an end, human trafficking and illegal migration in the state.

Obaseki's engagement with development partners is one of the several initiatives designed to rehabilitate, reintegrate and empower returnees to become wealth creators and employers of labour.

Also at the event, the Head of Service (HoS) of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita and representative of the Department for International Development (DFID), led sessions at the ongoing Executive Council retreat organised by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.

The Edo State Government has as a top priority the retooling of the civil service in the state for optimal service delivery which has led to different initiatives and projects to achieve this object.

The presence of Mrs Oyo-Ita is part of ongoing strategies to tap from her wealth of experience in fast-tracking reforms in the state.

Besides, the state government is in partnership with the UNDP to train civil servants at a purpose-built facility in the Government House, Benin City. Present at the retreat was the Country Director, UNDP, Samuel Bwalya, while Dr. Nguyan Feese of DfiD also made presentation.

These partnerships are geared towards addressing challenges in service delivery and automate governance.

The three-day retreat hosts top government functionaries in the state, comprising commissioners, Special Advisers and other top-ranking government appointees.

It assessed the progress made in the state since the administration came on board, review work plans of the different ministries and set agenda for the year 2018.

In attendance are the Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, his deputy, Rt. Hon. Phillip Shaibu; Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., Head of Service, Edo State, Mrs. Gladys Idahor, among many others.



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L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki; his deputy, Rt. Hon. Phillip Shaibu and Country Director, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Samuel Bwalya during a session at the Edo EXCO Retreat in Abuja.

In a proactive measure to curtail the spread of Lassa Fever in the state, the Edo State Government has reactivated its rapid response team and commenced contact tracing for confirmed cases of the disease. Lassa Fever

The state government also said it was working closely with the Lassa Fever Institute, Irrua and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for case management and disease surveillance.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. David Osifo, the state government said that the prevention and control of Lassa Fever is multisectoral “involving the Ministries of Health, Environment, Agriculture, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Information, who are working together to put measures in place that will stop the further spread of the current outbreak.” According to him, “Edo State and some other parts of the country are currently experiencing the outbreak of Lassa Fever with significant proportion of the Local Government Areas in Edo Central and Edo North senatorial districts of the state already involved in the outbreak while the others are at risk of being affected.” He cautioned residents in the state to keep their environment clean, eliminate rats from homes and communities, avoid bush burning that can drive rats into homes, protect their food stuffs and ensure to wash their hands properly regularly. He urged all persons with fever to go to the nearest health facility, calling on health workers to wear protective gears when handling fever cases.

He added that some of the measures taken so far to stem the spread include: “awareness and sensitisation campaign reactivated with the Ministry of Information and deployment of radio and television jingles on Edo Broadcasting Services radio and television; written letter to all the 18 Local Government Areas to intensify mass awareness creation and sensitisation; reactivation of the state rapid response team and the commenced tracing for all contacts with confirmed cases, among others.” He said all cases of Lassa Fever in the state are treated in specialised centres, chief among which is the Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, which was established to treat Lassa Fever cases.

…PDP merely dancing to the gallery if not in court – Okojie

The surreptitious plot by the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to disrupt the forthcoming local government elections in the state, by contesting the powers of the Edo State House of Assembly to make and amend laws for local government elections, has come under attack by legal experts.

Percy Okojie Esq., a lawyer, declared “The Edo State House of Assembly has the power to legislate on local council elections.”

He said: “I am aware that the Edo House of Assembly pushed through a motion and the proper procedure was duly followed. Memoranda were duly sought before the bill was passed into law. The House of Assembly has members of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Except the PDP is saying that there was no quorum while the amendment was passed. In any case, in democracy, majority carries the day, though the minority has its say.

“If members of the PDP feel otherwise, they should go to court and if they have not gone to court, then they are just dancing to the gallery.”

Another lawyer, Omogiate Aigbovo said that “Section 90 of the 1999 Constitution provides for the establishment of the State House of Assembly. To this end, the primary responsibility of the House Assembly amongst others, includes to make laws for the good governance of the state.”

Aigbovo explained that “despite the recent hues and cries over whether the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) can singlehandedly amend the EDSIEC Law, the position of the law is unambiguous on this. It entirely falls within the constitutional mandate of the EDHA to amend the EDSIEC law or as well abrogate the law or enact a new law.”

The expert views of the lawyers are in harmony with the earlier explanation by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation and two-time member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, who said that the “The PDP lacks a proper understanding of the law. The Assembly has the rights to make laws for the running and wellbeing of Local Governments including local government elections. The House of Assembly has performed its constitutional duties by amending the Electoral Act.”

Citing a precedent in the EDHA, Ohonbamu said “Similar amendment was done under the administration of Prof. Oserhiemen Osunbo in 2007. The amendments disenfranchised certain people who were caretaker committee chairmen from contesting in the election and nothing was said about it then.”

He added: “The function of the Edo State House of Assembly is to make laws according to the rules of the house in the interest of all Edo people and this they have done. The PDP should approach the court of law for proper legal interpretations if they are confused and not engage in acts of rascality. The PDP should not create tension where there is none. The house has the duty to amend laws.”

Ohonbamu said the PDP was aware of its paltry and worthless electoral value and was looking for ways to sabotage the local council elections.

…flays dearth of literary clubs in schools, to leverage on tech

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has pledged his administration's commitment to reviving the reading culture in the state with a view to address challenges confronting the basic and post-primary education system.

Speaking at the grand finale of the maiden edition of the Edo Reading Culture Campaign 2018 in Benin on Friday, Obaseki said poor reading culture amongst other challenges plague Nigeria’s educational system.

The Reading Campaign was organised by the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) in collaboration with the Edo State Government in the seven Local Government Areas in Edo South Senatorial District of the state.

Governor Obaseki said that in a technology age, students need to learn how to read and write to be able to access information on the internet and do well in academics.

He regretted that most schools no longer have Literary Societies, which according to him, is useful in inculcating reading habits in pupils and students.

"No knowledge is gained if we do not read, the television culture was not in vogue during our days; we had a thriving reading culture", he said.

He told the students that his administration would not only concentrate on building infrastructure in schools but on the provision of quality education to enable children contribute positively to nation building.

"We are concerned about the quality of education you receive and are improving the Colleges of Education, where we train your teachers to enable them teach you properly. We have carried out survey on the numbers of schools in the state and want to put solar cells in your schools to provide adequate lighting,” he said.

Noting that government was keen on safeguarding school assets, he said, "We are not happy about vandalism of facilities in your schools, we want you to be vigilant and report anyone who destroys facilities in your various schools.”

The governor assured students that the state government would introduce the use of technology in the teaching and learning process in primary schools in the state and that tablets to be distributed in students would be pre-loaded with novels and storybooks.

The highlight of the event was when the governor, the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Mr Osarodion Ogie Esq., the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Taiwo Akerele joined the students in a group reading session.

Chairman, Edo State Chapter, ANA, Mr. Goodluck Ogbeide, said the reading campaign was organised to support the Edo State Government effort to improve reading culture in schools across the state.



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Governor Godwin Obaseki (middle) reading with Okuomose Wisdom of Obazua Primary School (left); Awesome Zoe Igberase of Emotan Primary School (2nd left); Faith Ereboro of Lumley Primary School (2nd right); Sunday Glory of Oba Ewuare Primary School (right) at the flag-off ceremony of Edo Reading Culture Campaign organised by the state chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and the state government, at Imaguero College Hall, in Benin City on Friday, January 26, 2018.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that prayers offered by religious leaders in the state are instrumental to the success recorded so far by his administration.

The governor made the remarks in a goodwill message at the 60th birthday celebration for Apostle (Mrs.) Deb’rah Eunice Gordon-Osagiede, General Overseer, Spirit and Life Bible Church/President Godhead Prayer Ministry.

According to Obaseki, “Edo people will continue to experience the impact of the blessings upon the state through our socio-economic policies to make life better.

“We are assured of God’s mighty hands upon the state as the state continues to host spiritual programmes where prayers are offered for the development of the state and in support of government programmes.”

Obaseki added, “Recently, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) held programmes in the state and prayed for the progress, growth and development of the state and since then, we have seen pointers to the prayers.”

He congratulated Apostle Eunice Gordon-Osagiede on her 60th birthday and expressed appreciation for the support of the clergy for his administration, nothing, “We are here to celebrate a great woman of God whose prayers for Edo State has been instrumental in the growth of the state and her people.”

Obaseki said spiritual leaders in the state should not relent in seeking God’s favour for the state, nothing, “Don’t doubt the hands of God in the affairs of state because God has decided to extend his blessings to us.”

“All the successes achieved in the state as regard socio-economic growth are assurances that the hand of God is upon us. The peace and progress we enjoy even as we prepare for the local government polls are all because of the prayers of great men and women of God like Apostle Gordon-Osagiede, who continues to pray for peace and progress in the state,” he said.


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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (2nd left); General Overseer, Spirit and Life Bible Church/President Godhead Prayer Ministry, Apostle (Mrs.) Deb’rah Eunice Gordon-Osagiede (2nd right) with her son (middle); and Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. (left), during Apostle Eunice Gordon-Osagiede's 60th birthday celebration in Benin City, Edo State.

More photos of the visit inside the Government House, Benin City

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Yu Jin Wen, Managing Director, Tianjin -YuYang Construction Engineering Company Ltd presenting a gift of a photo portrait to Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Edo State Governor, during the company’s working visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City on Thursday, January 25, 2018

Barely a day after Chinese engineering firm, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Ltd arrived Benin City, to commence preliminary work on the Gelegele Seaport Project, another Chinese company, Tianjin -Yuyung Construction Engineering Company Ltd, has visited Benin to indicate interest to partner the state government on the development of the Benin Industrial Park (BIP).

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, who received the team at the Government House, Benin City, said the final drawing for the park would be completed by the consulting engineers before the end of February.

The governor advised the company to visit the Chinese companies in the state, who had indicated interest to relocate to the park when completed.

"About 2000 Chinese companies are looking for new locations; we are looking at interacting with the companies before the park will be completed,” the governor said.

Managing Director, Tianjin-Yuyung Construction Engineering Company Ltd, Mr. Wen Yujin, said the visit was a follow up to Governor Obaseki's business visit to the company in China about three weeks ago.

Mr. Yujin said the visit to the Edo State Government was to negotiate areas of partnership in the development of the Benin Industrial Park located in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of the state.

The visit swells the ranks of investors trouping into Edo State for the many investment opportunities offered by the state government. The first visitors this week was the Chinese Harbour Engineering Company, which arrived the state to begin preliminary work on the Gelegele Seaport project.

Mr Yujin added that the company intends to get more details about the industrial park and solicit areas of partnership in its development.

"We are in the state as a follow up to the working cooperation the company entered into with the Edo State government and we intend to send a delegation to the State after we have done our preliminary work," he said.

He disclosed that the company was currently working in several states in the country, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ekiti, Niger, adding that they are working on a power production plant using coal in Ebonyi state.