₦airaland Forum

…parades achievements, says vote for APC will ensure effective representation


Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has taken the campaign for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the doorsteps of electorates in the 12 wards in Oredo Local Government Area, with an assurance that a vote for the ruling party will guarantee effective representation of voters at both the state and national levels.

Presenting the party’s candidates in the State Assembly, House of Representatives and the Senatorial elections, Obaseki appealed to the electorates to collectively vote for the APC so that they will continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

He explained that in the last two years, his administration has focused all its attention on governance which has produced the achievements the Edo electorates are currently enjoying.

“In the last two years we have concentrated on governance, constructing roads, schools and primary health centres, empowering the youths of the state, and ensuring we provide security and basic amenities to make life easy for our people”.

The governor noted that the elections will be won at the unit level and pledged to galvanise the party’s unit leaders to take the party’s achievements to every house and business place in each ward to ensure the party wins resoundingly.

“Ward Six is the only ward in the Oredo Council without a primary school, my administration will ensure that this ward gets at least a primary school for now and an ultra-modern health centre to care for the health need of the people,” he assured.

He urged the electorates to register for the APC’s social investment programme as the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government, through the Office of the Vice President, will empower traders in the state with trader-moni to boost their businesses, from next week.

Speaking on his plans for the electorates if elected, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, the APC’s candidate for the Edo South Senatorial District’s election, said he is in the race to change the narrative by focusing on projects that will impact positively on the people.

The party’s candidate for the State House of Assembly election, Mr. Osaro Obazee, pledged to focus on sponsoring bills that would better the lives of Edo people and residents.

The APC youth leader in the state, Mr. Valentine Asuen, commended governor Obaseki for his developmental strides and stressed that his performance would give the party an edge at the polls.



PHOTO 1:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, (right); addressing members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oredo Ward 4 Secretariat in Benin City, Edo State, during the governor’s ward-to-ward campaign in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State.

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PHOTO 2:
Former Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo (left) handing over to his successor, Hakeem Olusegun Odumosun, at the State Police Command Headquarters in Benin City, Edo State.

New Edo CP Promises Tougher Approach To Crime Fighting, Lauds Obaseki’s Security Architecture

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Olusegun Odumosun has assured residents in the state of his resolve to give a harder bight to crime fighting with the deployment of operatives, equipment and other components of the new security architecture to improve security in the state.

Odumosun gave the assurance during a handover ceremony at the State Police Command Headquarters in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

The police commissioner, the 39th in the state, took over 10 Area Commands and 55 Divisions from Mr Johnson Kokumo.

“The people of the state should expect improved security under my watch. I will ensure citizens are protected in the state which will be unsafe for criminals. I seek the cooperation and support of the people,” he said.

Urging Edo people to extend the support he enjoined from them to his successor, Kokumo, thanked residents in the state for their support and cooperation.

“I call on Edo people to support and cooperate with the new CP who has the capacity to police the state. He has the experience and will surely deliver and make the state safer than I left it,” the former CP assured.

He maintained that the new CP can't afford to fail especially as the state occupies a strategic position and a gateway to the North, South, East and West.

He noted that under his watch, the Police Command in the state has been able to curb cultism, kidnapping, robbery, illegal trade in babies and safeguarding the waterways in the state.

He thanked governor Obaseki for his assistance and support, which contributed to the successes recorded by the command.

The high point of the event was the exchange of notes between the former CP and his successor which was witnessed by members of the Civil Society, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in the state.



PHOTO 1:
New Edo State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Olusegun Odumosun (left) inspecting a guard of honour during the handover ceremony, at the State Police Command Headquarters in Benin City, Edo State.

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PHOTO 6:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left); Director, CCETC Clean Energy/Ossiomo Power Plant, Dr. Uwa Igiehon (second left); and Plant Administrator, Di Xiaohui (second right), during the governor’s inspection of ongoing construction work at the CCETC Clean Energy/Ossiomo Power Plant site in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

PHOTOS 4 & 5:
Ongoing construction work at at the CCETC Clean Energy/Ossiomo Power Plant site in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, during Governor Godwin Obaseki’s inspection of work at the site, on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

PHOTO 3:
Workers at the CCETC Clean Energy/Ossiomo Power Plant site in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, during Governor Godwin Obaseki’s inspection of construction work at the site, on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

PHOTO 2:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd right); Director, CCETC Clean Energy/Ossiomo Power Plant, Dr. Uwa Igiehon (right); and Plant Administrator, Di Xiaohui (middle), during the governor’s inspection of ongoing construction work at the CCETC Clean Energy/Ossiomo Power Plant site in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

Obaseki Moves Against BEDC-Induced Darkness In Edo With Ossiomo-CCETC 55MW Power Project

…phase 1 to be commissioned in April

In a bold move to free Edo people and residents from the stranglehold of the inefficient Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and undo the endless cycle of darkness foisted on electricity consumers in the state, Governor Godwin Obaseki on Wednesday, visited the 55 Megawatts CCETC-Ossiomo Power plant as the facility prepares to commence operation.

Addressing journalists after inspecting facilities and progress of work at the CCETC Clean Power/Ossiomo Power Plant, in Ologbo, near Benin City, Obaseki said the first phase of the project will be commissioned in April and would make more electricity available for distribution in the state.

He said the construction of transmission lines to deliver the power from the site to the city centre would soon commence, as the first set of equipment for the project would arrive from China in the first quarter of this year.

According to him, “We believe that before the end of the first quarter of the year, the first 5MW would be delivered to light up government offices and streets within the Sapele Road corridor of Benin City.”

He explained that “to ease distribution of the power, a substation would be set up around Kings Square, which would power streets in the city.”

The governor added: “We are concluding transaction to light up 200 Kilometres of our streets across the city. When the plant is completed, it will free up some electricity for the state. We believe that if the megawatts produced increase, the distribution company will have more power to distribute to other cities in the state.

"The ordinary Edo people will benefit from this power arrangement because there is an arrangement to drop power in certain processing centres where artisans can move into and do their businesses with the assurance of steady power supply.”

Director, CCETC Clean Energy/Ossiomo Power Plant, Dr. Uwa Igiehon, said the power plant is a joint venture between a Chinese Company, CCETC Clean Energy and Ossiomo Power to build a 55Megawatts plant in the state.

He said the power plant started in August 2018 and would be delivered in the next four to five months.

“We will be using natural gas from a 50-metre gas pipeline close to the site. The project will be in phases with the first phase of 5 megawatts to be delivered to the state government.”

The governor was also at the 1800-housing unit Emotan Gardens on Upper Sokponba Road, to see the extent of work at the estate.


PHOTO 1:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle); Director, CCETC Clean Energy/Ossiomo Power Plant, Dr. Uwa Igiehon (left); and Plant Administrator, Di Xiaohui, during the governor’s inspection of ongoing construction work at the power plant site in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

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PHOTO 2:
A mother with her baby delivered in the state on January 1, 2019, after receiving gift items presented by Edo State first lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki

…settles medical bills of patients

Wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs Betsy Obaseki on Tuesday visited four hospitals in Benin City to felicitate with babies born on New Year’s Day.

The first port of call for Mrs. Obaseki and her entourage was Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin City, where Mrs Ifeoma Uwegbae, who delivered the first baby of the year at 12:46am, weighing 3kg, was presented with special baby items donated by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.

Mrs Obaseki who also presented gifts to other mothers in the hospital in the spirit of the Yuletide, noted, “these days, the way this world is, young people are against the natural grain that God has created. When I see men like this who fear God and acknowledge him, I am encouraged.”

An elated mother of the first baby of the year, Mrs. Uwegba, said: “I thank the first lady for this rare gesture and show of love, she has really done well, she gave us gifts. Thank you very much, we are indeed grateful and may God continue to bless her and grant her long life and prosperity in Jesus name.”

Mrs. Obaseki extended the love to Faith Frank, a lady who could not pay her hospital bills after delivering a set of twins.

At the Central Hospital in Benin City, the Edo first lady and her team welcomed baby Dominion Eric, who weighed 4kg, born at 7:20am to Mrs Roseline Erick.

She stopped by at the beds of other mothers in the hospital to dole out gifts to them and settled the medical bills of a sickle cell patient.

In her remark, Roseline Eric, the mother of the first baby of the year at Central Hospital, said: “I am the most excited person in the whole world. I did not expect that the first lady will come and visit us, I am still in shock.”

At Faith Mediplex, a private hospital in the state capital, Mrs Obaseki received baby Royalty Evbakhare, who weighed 3.85kg at birth, born at 3:06pm, about an hour before the first lady’s arrival.

Dr David Atiti of Faith Mediplex thanked the governor’s wife “for visiting, and apart from visiting, you actually came with so much gifts like the Biblical three wise men.”

At the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), the governor's wife was received by the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Darlington Obaseki and other members of staff of the hospital.

She stopped by at the beds of other mothers in the hospital to dole out gifts to them and settled the medical bills of a sickle cell patient.

Presenting baby Godspeed Isiwele, who was delivered at 1:30am, weighing 3.2kg at birth, the CMD thanked the governor’s wife “for finding time to come personally; we were not expecting you, it is a pleasant surprise. On behalf of everybody, we say thank you so much.”

As Mrs Obaseki made her round through the hospital wards, some women, numbering seven, requested her intervention over their unpaid hospital bills, to which she obliged.

One of the women who expressed her gratitude to Mrs Obaseki said: “I feel good, I feel happy. God will bless her for us, she is the last hope I have. Thank you, your Excellency."

PHOTO 1:
Edo State first lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, with the first baby delivered in the state on January 1, 2019, at the Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin City, Edo State.

PHOTO 4:
Wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki (2nd right); Mrs. Patience Ilaboya (left); Mrs. Rosemary Austine-Ohilebo (right); Dame Veronica Alufokaye (2nd left), at the Cathedral of St. John, Diocese of Sabongida-Ora Anglican Communion in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

PHOTO 3:
L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his wife, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Chairman, Owan West Local Government Area, Hon. Frank Ilaboya; his wife, Mrs. Patience Ilaboya, at the Cathedral of St. John, Diocese of Sabongida-Ora Anglican Communion in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

PHOTO 2:
L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his wife, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; and Chairman, Owan West Local Government Area, Hon. Frank Ilaboya, at the Cathedral of St. John, Diocese of Sabongida-Ora Anglican Communion in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

…says Buhari will sustain progress

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has called on all Edo people and residents, particularly those in Sabongida-Ora, to vote for President Muhammadu Buhari and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming general elections.

Obaseki made the call during a New Year’s day church service on Tuesday, at the Cathedral of St. John Anglican Church in Sabongida-Ora in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The governor explained that a vote for President Buhari will enable the APC-led government sustain the achievements and progress the nation has recorded under the party.

"We must understand that Nigeria faces major challenges. But we are on course as we have done quite a lot of work in the last three and a half years. We need to sustain the work we are doing and the massive support for the APC will guarantee this."

He noted that though the nation’s increasing population was frightening, with associated challenges, he assured that “the President is equal to the task as he is creating opportunities and empowering people to make life more meaningful for everyone.”

According to him, the people of Sabongida-Ora are celebrated for the high value they place on education and emphasised that the ongoing reform in the state’s education sector is revolutionising the sector.
"Basic education is free and compulsory for our children in the State,” he stressed.

"Health is another area of focus for us especially primary healthcare system. We are committed to ensuring an efficient healthcare system that will identify diseases early enough for easy treatment, before ailments get out of hand".

He told the congregation that his administration is also investing in agriculture to attract industries to the state to feed production and processing centres.

In his sermon entitled "Our year of divine expansion", Rev. Augustine Ohilebo, Diocesan Bishop, Diocese of Sabongida-Ora, said Christians cannot enjoy God's blessings if they don't have personal relationship with him.

"If you are outside the camp of God you are prone to danger. Sin hinders your relationship with God and limits your expansion. For you to experience divine expansion we need to get in contact with God," the Bishop admonished Christians.

Reading from the Bible book of Isaiah, chapter one verse 18, he urged Christians to repent from their wicked ways and trust the Lord for his provisions in 2019.

"To experience divine expansion, you should enlarge your capacity in service to God; attendance to church, paying of tithes, prayers and giving to the work of God.

He added that the country will not be divided and warned that anyone or group of persons who want Nigeria to divide will not succeed.

PHOTO 1:
Front row: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (3rd from right); his wife, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki (2nd right); Chairman, Owan West Local Government Area, Hon. Frank Ilaboya (right); Diocesan Bishop, Diocese of Sabongida-Ora , Rt. Rev’d Augustine Ohilebo (2nd left); his wife, Mrs. Rosemary Austine-Ohilebo (3rd left); and Ven. Solomon Makun (left), at the Cathedral of St. John, Diocese of Sabongida-Ora Anglican Communion in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

Emotan Gardens: Subscription Grows On Back Of Benin-Abraka Road Reconstruction, Increased Security, Others

As holiday-makers settle in for the Yuletide celebrations in Edo State, there has been sustained interest in Emotan Gardens, the estate project being developed by the Edo State Government through the Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) and Mixta Nigeria, a renowned real estate firm.

Checks at the estate show that there has been increased interest in the estate by Edo people holidaying in the state, with some taking guided tours of the project site.

The growing interest in the estate is linked to increased security occasioned by the state’s new security architecture, Operation Wabaizigan, and the award of contract for the reconstruction of the Benin-Abraka Road, among others.

A cross-section of interested subscribers, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, said that the state government’s commitment to the project has been unprecedented, noting that the rate at which the development of the estate is advancing is quite exciting.

Mr. Igbinoba Orobosa, who is based in Germany, said that the state government’s commitment to the estate got him interested in the project, which he said is advancing at an appreciable pace.

“I got to hear about the project from some of my friends. Though I had sent some people to check it, then I came around and decided to check it out myself. I must confess, I am really impressed. This is what good governance is all about. I am definitely getting a unit,” he said.
Kaduna-based Mr. Friday Okosun, said he expects that the state’s new security architecture will address insecurity in different parts of the state, clearing the way for people to invest in the state, especially in the housing sector.

According to him, “I am quite impressed after a tour of the site. This is the first time I am witnessing this in the state. The enthusiasm of the state government on the project is contagious.”

Mrs. Florence Osahon, on her part, said that the estate project has provided a viable option to own a home without necessarily breaking the bank, adding that the prospect that the state is going to have an artificial lake, shopping malls and a lot more, is interesting.

She said that the state government’s commitment to the project informed her decision to buy a unit, as the different initiatives promised at the inception of the project are already taking shape.

PHOTOS:
Some of the houses in Emotan Gardens being built by Mixta Nigeria in partnership with Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) in Benin City, Edo State.

As work resumes in Edo State after the Christmas festivities, civil servants in the state have hailed the state government for early payment of salaries, which made the celebrations not only hassle-free but memorable.

The civil servants, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, said that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration has shown to be worker-friendly with its initiative to pay salaries early and also provide for a discount market to enable residents in the state stock up for the season with ease.

Mr. Emmanuel Osaze, a civil servant, said that this year’s celebration is one of the most memorable because of a number of changes being witnessed in the state, noting that the state government has been quite magnanimous.

According to him, “I am really excited about Christmas this year. Not only did we get our salaries early, when our colleagues in other states are being owed backlog of salaries, we are also enjoying the benefit of numerous reforms of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration. For instance, there was the discount market set up by the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment. That was a laudable initiative which made the celebrations quite enjoyable.”

On his part, Mr. Omoruyi Obarisiagbon, said that civil servants resumed for work in a jubilant mood because they have not had it so good in the state in a long while.

Noting that the state government has been alive to its duties and working assiduously for the progress of the state as can be seen in the reforms and welfare packages for workers, he said, “I am really proud to be in the civil service with the recent changes. I am just resuming for work today and the mood is quite positive. A number of us travelled around and we are really impressed with what is happening around the state.”

“I got my salary really early and I was able to do a number of things during the yuletide. It is really exciting to work with a governor that knows how to organise and run things professionally. I believe that is why things are moving in the state,” he added.

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Edo State government delegation on Monday, visited the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N' Oba N' Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II to felicitate with the Benin Monarch at the Ugie Ewere ceremony in Benin City.

The Ugie Ewere ceremony, a component of the high profile Igue Festival, is celebrated annually, where the Oba receives the Ewere leaf, which signifies blessing and peace in the Kingdom.

Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, led the state government delegation to felicitate with Oba Ewuare II.

Other members of the state government delegation were the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., Minister of State for Health, Hon. Osagie Ehanire; Chairman, Edo State Civil Service Commission, Princess Mrs. Ekiuwa Inneh, some commissioners and senior aides to Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The Ewere leaf, which was presented to the Oba by the Chief Priest of Ihogbe, Chief Ilegema, was later presented to the Deputy Governor, Hon. Philip Shaibu and other members of the delegation.

Senior Benin chiefs graced the occasion in their colourful dresses.


PHOTO 1:
Secretary to the State Government, Edo State, Osarodion Ogie Esq. (left); Minister of State for Health, Hon. Osagie Ehanire (2nd from right); Deputy Governor, Edo State, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (right), at the Ugie Ewere ceremony, a part of the Igue Festival, held at the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, in Benin, on Monday, December 24, 2018

Watch Video through this link: https://www.facebook.com/odion.akghigbe.1/videos/371805930296658/?t=35

Edo Govt Commends Journalists For Backing Campaign Against Human Trafficking, Illegal Migration

The Edo State Government has commended members of the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), for supporting the campaign spearheaded by the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, against human trafficking and illegal migration in the state.

Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit by members of Edo State Chapter of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), to the Government House, in Benin City.

Shaibu noted that the union’s reportage helped Edo people at home and abroad to stay abreast of the state government's activities, especially as campaigns against illegal migration and human trafficking intensified.

He noted, “We need to collaborate more to make things work better because government is not about the leadership, but for everybody to play their roles. Your organisation is needed to spur development in the state, to act as a watchdog and put government on its toes.”

"I am happy that the media is reporting the efforts we are making to curb illegal migration and human trafficking,” he said.

Shaibu assured that the state government would incorporate NAWOJ in its committee against illegal migration and human trafficking to allow for their input to drive more public enlightenment.

Earlier, Chairperson, NAWOJ, Mrs. Flora Bossey, said the association creates opportunities for women in journalism to be heard and to promote issues that affect women and children.

Bossey commended the deputy governor for spearheading sports development in the state, noting that it was a laudable gesture to get youths empowered.

She said the association decided to present a Christmas Card and Birthday Cake to the deputy governor for supporting the media, noting, "We decided to use this opportunity to felicitate with you on the occasion of your birthday which was celebrated December 1 and to commend you for being supportive and a friend to the media.”

Wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs Betsy Obaseki, has felicitated with the Edo Chapter of the Network of Persons living with HIV/Aids (NEPWHAN), with the donation of food items to the group.

Mrs Obaseki said the donation was in the spirit of the Christmas season, which is about showing love and giving to the less-privileged in society.

“On behalf of Edo State, we present this token to you to show love and to ensure that you are stronger even in the coming year. We want to ensure that you enjoy with your friends and family this season,” she said.

The First Lady, represented by Dr. Nosa Aledeselu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the state government would continue to provide succour to members of the group and make life more enjoyable for them.

In her response, the Secretary of NEPWHAN commended Mrs Obaseki for the kind gesture, noting that the food items would go a long way in meeting their needs in the season.

The items donated to the group include 50 bags of rice; 22 medium bags and cartons of tin tomatoes.

The state government has intensified effort to provide succour to NEPWHAN in the state and ensure that they get necessary care and other items to make them comfortable.

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