The Oredo Local Government Area All Progressives Congress (APC) has expelled General Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd.) from the party after a report from the panel it set up to investigate allegations of anti-party activities levelled against the one-time governorship aspirant of the party confirmed that he actually engaged in the act.

Following accusations from leaders and members of Oredo ward 01 APC against Airhiavbere and his subsequent suspension, the leadership of the party at the local government level set up a panel to investigate the veracity of the claim against the politician.

Airhiavbere who contested against Adam Oshiomhole for the governorship seat on the platform of the PDP in 2012 and lost in all 18 local government areas of the state was indicted by the panel which was chaired by Hon. Raymond Olaye.

The panel, inaugurated by chairman of Oredo LGA APC, Hon. Godswill Alabi, on 20th march, 2019, at the APC Secretariat, 33 Uwa Street, Off M. M. Way, was given the mandate to “ascertain the veracity or otherwise of the allegation of Anti-Party activities levelled against Gen. Airhiavbere during the 2019 Presidential and National Assembly Elections, by members of APC Ward 01 in the letter to the LGA chairman dated 15th March, 2019.”

In the earlier petition, the ward executives and members recommended the suspension of Gen. Airhiavbere from the party, and sought for the next line of disciplinary action from the party.

According to the panel’s final report, after its constitution, the letter to the Oredo LGA APC was reviewed and it invited Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd), Samson Abu and Ward I Chairman, Ward I Executives and all members of the Ward, who are signatories to the letter, for further investigation.

“The letters were delivered in person by the Secretary of the Committee to the invitees, except Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd.) whose security detail received it on his behalf after signing the acknowledgement of the receipt of the letter.

“The panel continued sitting on 23rd March, 2019, with all the members present as well as all those invited except Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd.) who refused to appear before the panel,” it said in its report.

The panel added that all those invited were able to substantiate their allegations against Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd) by oral evidence before the panel.

The panel explained that during the cross-examination, it found the following, “that Gen. Charles Airhiavbere deliberately withheld and delayed the release of party logistics to the various unit heads at Garrick and Uyiosa voting centers, which aversely hampered their ability to function effectively during the election on the 23rd of February, 2019.

“Gen. Charles Airhiavbere directed the unit heads at Garrick and Uyiosa voting centers to report to his house in the midst of the election which led to the abandonment of their duty post to create room for the opposition to exploit.

“That Gen. Charles Airhiavbere openly and systematically canvassed for vote for the opposition party and gave APC agent’s tags to his boys who had decamped to the PDP a week earlier.”

The panel consequently found “Gen. Charles Airhiavbere culpable of the allegations leveled against him by APC Ward 01, Oredo chapter. And that he breached Article 21A; II and III of the APC constitution as amended.”

It therefore elevated the punishment from suspension given at the ward level to expulsion owing to the gravity of the offence.

Other members of the panel include Hon. Mathew Ikponmwosa-Eagle, as Secretary; Chief Sunny Erhengbo, member; Mr. Emmanuel Aiguobasinmwin, member; Barr. Hope Ajayi; Mr. Finnan Ukwute, member and Mrs. Elizabeth Uwaifo as member.

*Sources:*

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/03/apc/

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/03/25/anti-party-activities-oredo-lga-apc-panel-concludes-investigation-expels-airhiavbere/

https://thebellng.com/anti-party-activities-oredo-lga-apc-panel-concludes-investigation-expels-airhiavbere/

A Benin based social critic and founder of One Love Foundation, Mr. Patrick Eholor, yesterday said the decision by Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki not to patronise those he described as ‘professional politicians’ was laudable even as he expressed satisfaction with the All Progressives Congress, APC led administration in road construction and restoration.

Eholor, also said he was impressed with the level of development he saw in Edo State on his return to the country.

Speaking in a chat with newsmen in Benin City, Eholor said it was a great thing to see Obaseki restrain activities of those he termed ‘professional politicians’.

Eholor said, “From the little I have seen that Obaseki has done and is doing, when compared to eight years of Adams Oshiomhole, you will know Oshiomhole did nothing . Oshiomhole was just making noise.

“With the roads being constructed by Obaseki and the guts to restrain professional politicians, a lot of people are pleased with Obaseki.

The idea of touting is over. You do not see people insulting market women again. “I can tell you Obaseki is doing well. If he can restrain the politicians and asked them to go and do something to earn a living, he has done a great thing. Politics is service and not a profession.”

On cult killings in different parts of the state, Eholor said it would be difficult to curb cultism without adequate legislation for offenders to serve life jail term.


Source:

https://leadership.ng/2019/03/25/activist-backs-obasekis-action-against-professional-politicians/

Other Sources:

https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2019/03/24/road-reforms-construction-activist-backs-edo-governor/

https://guardian.ng/news/activist-backs-obaseki-on-road-construction-reforms/

https://thebellng.com/activist-backs-obaseki-s-action-against-professional-politicians/

There is a raging ideological war in Edo State’s political milieu between the growing millions of progressives who have taken sides with Governor Godwin Obaseki’s people-focused governance model and a few self-seeking politicians who have refused to wean themselves of the old heritage of ‘share the money’ politics.

In the open, they parade themselves as APC-card carrying leaders and members, but are actually resident enemies amputating the party’s fortunes from within, in connivance with external forces in the opposition.

They dealt their first blow on the APC’s fortunes in Edo State in the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly election when they sabotaged ‘their own party’ the APC, by redirecting logistics meant for the mobilisation of APC members, in favour of the opposition.

Ask them why they are working against the APC in the state, their complaints range from the ridiculous to the absurd: “Governor Godwin Obaseki is destroying our political legacy. How can we work to enthrone a government and not be rewarded? What is the governor doing with the security votes? Is he not supposed to hand it to us in Ghana-must-go bags?” The list of their ‘complaints’ is endless.

Even some journalists in Edo State who by their professional training, should push for probity and accountability in government, have not been left out of the hush-toned protests.

These complaints which started as whispers are fast becoming loud, more so, with the general elections winding up and the 2020 governorship election beckoning. Recalling what he was told by one of the APC stalwarts, a source said: “In the February 23 presidential and national assembly elections, just to prove a point against the governor, known APC stalwarts not only refused to support the party’s standard bearers but actually went ahead to join resources with the PDP to exchange votes for cash.”
The source continued: “They knew that just standing idly by will not make Edo State lose the presidential election, so they joined forces with the PDP to subvert the will of the people especially in Edo South senatorial district.”

What a shame! One is constrained to ask: What is the honour of these so-called politicians worth really? Readers may want to know in specific terms what Governor Obaseki, who by the way is the most popular politician in Edo State, among people who do not depend on politics as the source of their daily bread, has done to incur the wrath of politicians across the state. Findings showed the following: Obaseki’s retrieval of powers of state from known hoodlums, the governor’s termination of massive pay-outs to politicians and the enthronement of a culture of frugality in resource allocation in the state, towards ensuring that the state’s infrastructural facilities are strengthened to drive sustainable growth and development and to build an economy that can withstand shocks.

The small gang of self-serving politicians really does not care if you spend the money on constructing the road to their homes. As long as you don’t hand the money to them, you are in real big trouble!

The other complaints by this gang of self-serving politicians are that: Obaseki engages technocrat with the requisite experience and skills to carry out functions in government as against the old culture of allowing barely literate individuals, sometimes completely illiterate people to hold political positions which require vast professional knowledge and experience. Yet another complaint is that there is no more thorough fare in Government House. Once upon a time, parts of the premises of the Edo State Government House were like dens. It was not out of place to hear gun shots rang out from certain corners and Indian hemp smoke billowing into the sky.

All that stopped once Obaseki assumed office. Now you must have an acceptable purpose for coming to the Government House otherwise access will be denied. The hygiene in governance can be seen from the gate, in the quality of people and the surrounding tranquility, akin to a research centre.

Although these aggrieved fellows will coat these points in more acceptable, diplomatic and political language when they express their displeasure, but all that is stated above are what they are actually talking about.

They have been passing threats of what they call the ‘Ambode treatment’ among other punitive measures against governor Obaseki. Many will hastily conclude that this must be a clear face-off between Obaseki and the political class but actually, it is between a small gang of few self-serving individuals in the political class versus the millions of Edo people.

Obaseki had a choice to make between the masses and this gang of self-seeking politicians in the face of dwindling public resources and he chose the former. Obaseki’s development-oriented politics resonates with many astute politicians in the APC who have stood by him through thick and thin and are determined to go the whole hog.

There has been a quiet political storm since then. The election season has only now provided an opportunity for the disgruntled self-seeking ‘career politicians’ who are not qualified to do other jobs, to take their pound of flesh.

But the millions of Edo people whose roads were abandoned for over 30 years and more, spread across Edo Central, Edo North and South senatorial districts have sworn to stand by Governor Obaseki come 2020 gubernatorial election.

Traders in the state who enjoy massive cut in revenue, a thuggery free business environment are waiting with their PVCs to re-elect Governor Obaseki. Teachers in the state, numbering over 15,000, who have been trained on the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching and who receive their salary not later than 26th of every month have taken a position on Obaseki’s re-election.

The story is same for the state’s senior citizens and pensioners, who have never had it so good with pension payment.

Edo’s civil servants, the over 77,000 Edo youths who have been empowered through various job creation initiatives are with Governor Obaseki. Market women in the state, farmers and transporters alike, students and other classes of Edo people and residents are not ready to part ways with the Wake and See Government of Obaseki just yet. The battle line is drawn, victory is assured for the majority, which usually carries the day in any democratic contest!

Osaretin, a journalist, wrote from Benin City

Sources:

http://thenationonlineng.net/edo-apcs-enemies-within-and-obasekis-burgeoning-supporters/

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/03/21/edo-state-the-enemies-within/

https://thebellng.com/edo-state-the-enemies-within/

The Edo State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has handed a leader of the party in the state, General Charles Airhiavbere (rtd.), indefinite suspension, over what the party described as his anti-party activities during the last general elections.

In the suspension letter dated March 15, 2019, addressed to the Chairman of Oredo Chapter of the APC, and signed by 22 executives of Oredo Ward 01, the party leaders said their decision was based on the findings of a panel set up to investigate allegations that Gen. Airhiavbere worked against the success of the party in the Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.

The APC Ward 01 leaders said: “We wish to bring to the notice of the party hierarchy anti-party acts/actions carried out by one of the leaders of Oredo Ward One APC, General Charles Airhiavbere, during the last general elections held on the 23rd February, 2019 (Presidential and National Assembly).”

In the letter entitled: ‘Suspension for Anti-party Activities,’ the APC Ward 01 executives said Airhiavbere’s sins were catalogued and presented at a recent meeting by Hon. Samson Abu.

“Sir, it will interest you to note that on the 3rd of March, an enlarged APC leadership meeting was held, in that meeting, one of the leaders from Ward 1, Hon. Samson Abu, openly revealed how Gen. Airhiavbere (retd.) was involved in anti-party activities against the APC.

“Though Gen Airhiavbere was unavoidably absent in that meeting, based on series of complaints from different quarters about Gen. Charles Airhiavbere's actions of late towards the party, an investigative panel was set up to find out the true picture.”

They added: “The panel having sat and carefully investigated the allegations came up with these findings and recommendations: That Gen. Charles Airhiavbere on the day of election, deliberately withheld tags and other party tools meant for agents and APC faithful thereby hindering their work on the field; that Gen. Charles Airhiavbere openly canvassed for votes for the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and thereby worked against our candidates – The President and our National Assemblies candidates.

“That Gen. Charles Airhiavbere openly told our party agents and loyalists that they should make sure APC didn’t win. That was supposed to be Mr. President’s and National Assembly Elections.”

The exco declared that “Based on Gen. Airhiavbere's unpardonable actions against the APC and coupled with hard evidence against him, the undersigned executive of Oredo Ward 1 met and moved a vote of no confidence on Gen. Charles Airhiavbere and he is thereby suspended indefinitely from the All Progressives Congress (APC) with immediate effect.”

Signatories to the letter are: Hon. Felix Ehigiegba, Chairman; Dele Guobadia, Vice Chairman; Edward Oviawe, Secretary; Ezee Eriyo, Auditor; Patrick Onun Ubi, Ex-Officio; Rose Imasuen, Woman Leader; Obedient Idehen, Assistant Youth leader and Stanley Aiwerioba, Organising Secretary.

Others are: David Ihaza, Assistant Legal Adviser; Tayo Olowosagba, Assistant Financial Secretary; Adologiogie Osarenoma, Assistant Secretary; Clifford Osazuwa, Assistant Treasurer; Elahor Patrick, Ex-Officio; Anazia Osayemwenre, Assistant Woman Leader; Victor Emeje; Publicity Secretary.

The list also includes Igbinoba Eribo, Ex-Officio; Ehigiamusoe Atuma Erhiamnanyi, Ex-Officio; Rita Erese, Ex-Officio; Grace Ohonba, Financial Secretary; Okina Felix Aimienoho, SA to Governor; Ewansiha O. Jeffery Councilor Ward 01; Okpame Edosan, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) LGA.

Copies of the suspension letter were also sent to the Chairman, Edo South Senatorial District of APC; State Chairman, APC; State Secretary; Edo State Governor and the Election Technical Committee.



Sources:

http://thenationonlineng.net/apc-suspends-general-airhiavbere/

https://www.concisenews.global/2019/03/18/again-apc-suspends-another-key-member/

https://thebellng.com/edo-apc-hands-airhiavbere-indefinite-suspension-over-anti-party-activities/

Family Marks One-Year Remembrance For Late Omosigho, As EDPA Chair Recalls His Detribalised Nature

It was a moment of sober reflection and celebration of fond memories as the Omosigho family marked one-year remembrance, on Friday, of late Engr. Felix Bright Uwagboe Omo, who died aged 85, on February 1, 2018.

Speaking at the family’s one-year remembrance thanksgiving service in honour of late Engr. Omo, in Ihama Road, Benin City, Executive Chairman, Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), Isoken Omo, described her late father as “an honest and detribalised Nigerian who accepted anyone that came his way without judgement.”

Omo said her late father would be remembered for his integrity and love, adding, “my father was a Benin man in his tradition and culture but detribalised. He left a legacy of honesty and love. He doesn’t lie or take what does not belong to him. He hates it when people cheat or engage in dishonest acts. It’s one attribute I want his grandchildren to remember him for.”

“Dad would always tell us, you know I don't have anything but my name. His name was always important to him. He would tell you, anything that will spoil my name, don’t do it,” she averred.

According to Omo, the Omosigho family, “has been trying to hold on to the good memories and the life that he lived. We have tried to live in love because he has always wanted unity, that is what has kept us in the last year.”

On his part, Mr. Stanley Omosigho, described his father as an honest and dedicated man who had an unequal commitment to his family and profession, noting, “my father was very hardworking and honest in his dealings. He will deal with you in the most honest way you can imagine without bending the rules.”

He said, “the family would miss him for many things including his love, prayers, and guidance.”

Among friends, family and well-wishers at the event was Vice-Chancellor, Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Professor Ignatius Onimawo.


PHOTO 1:
Executive Chairman, Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), Isoken Omo (3rd right), with other members of the Omosigho family, at the family’s one-year remembrance thanksgiving service in honour of their late father, Engr. Felix Bright Uwagboe Omo, in Benin City, Edo State.

PHOTO 3:
L-R: Mr. Alexander Ojezua; Chairman, Edo State Chapter, All Progressives Congress, Barr. Anselm Ojezua; and other family members at the funeral mass for late Mrs. Beatrice Ojezua, at St. Anselm's Catholic Church, Aloha Irrua, in Esan Central, on Friday, February 1, 2019.

PHOTO 2:
L-R: Secretary, Edo State Chapter, All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Lawrence Okah; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters and Community Affairs, Chief Osaro Idah; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele; APC stalwart and leader in Edo Central, Theophilus Okoh; and Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., during the funeral mass of Barr Anselm Ojezua’s mother, Mrs Lami Beatrice Ojezua, at St. Anselm's Catholic Church, Aloha Irrua, in Esan Central, on Friday, February 1, 2019.

Obaseki Leads Edo EXCO To Funeral Mass For Edo APC Chair’s Mother, Late Lami Ojezua

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, led members of the state executive council to the funeral mass for late Princess Mrs. Lami Beatrice Ojezua, mother of Barr. Anselm Ojezua, chairman of the state chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC).

Late Princess Mrs. Lami Beatrice Ojezua died at 87 years of age.

The governor who was at St. Anselm's Catholic Church, Aloha Irrua, in Esan Central, on Friday, for the funeral mass, was accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Chief of Staff, Chief Taiwo Akerele; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Osaro Idah among other aides.

Recall that during a condolence visit to Ojezua’s residence in Benin City to commiserate with the family, Governor Obaseki described late Mrs. Beatrice Ojezua as a good Christian who lived a good life, which can be attested to by those who knew her.

“Mama was a mother to all, she lived a good life and accomplished a lot in her lifetime. She emphasised education, among other things. We all are her children; we thank God for her life.”

According to the governor, Late Mrs. Ojezua had a fair share of success and accomplishment in life, leaving good legacies for her children to emulate, adding, “We are here to assure you of our administration's support as we stand by you at this trying time.”

Late Princess Ojezua was a consummate politician who commanded immense influence in the political scene in Edo State and led a number of political parties in her area until her passing.



PHOTO 1:
R-L front row: Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart and leader in Edo Central, Theophilus Okoh; Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters and Community Affairs, Chief Osaro Idah; Secretary, APC, Edo State, Mr. Lawrence Okah; Chairman, Edo State Chapter, APC, Barr. Anselm Ojezua, (speaking) at the funeral mass for his late mother, Princess Mrs Lami Beatrice Ojezua, at St. Anselm's Catholic Church, Aloha Irrua, in Esan Central, on Friday, February 1, 2019.

...

..

.

…says credible candidates essential to sustainable devt

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has intensified mobilisation for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming general elections, charging Edo people and residents to deliver credible candidates to solidify the developmental strides in different sectors of the state.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said that votes for candidates of the APC will provide credible representation for the state at the federal and state levels, adding that the APC parades the best candidates that will support the state government’s vision of sustainable development.

He said the candidates of the APC in the elections, including Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, for Edo South at the Senate; Hon. John Inegbedion for Edo Central seat at the Senate; Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha for Oredo Federal Constituency; Dennis Idahosa for Ovia South West and North East Federal Constituency, Hon. Joseph Ikpea for Esan South East and North East Federal Constituency among others, will guarantee effective representation for the state in Abuja.

“Edo people and residents are in dire need of dependable representation at the federal level to complement the governor’s strides as well as advance the interest of the state.”

The candidates for the APC, according to the governor’s aide, are seasoned, development-focused personalities who will advance the issues affecting our people, bring their experience to bear in making laws that will put food on the table and empower our people.

On the candidates of the APC vying for seats at the Senate, House of Representatives and the state House of Assembly, Osagie said, “voting for all these candidates of the APC will enable us leapfrog development in all sectors of the state from roads, stable power supply, social empowerment, affordable healthcare, education, among others.”

He said the candidates will complement the governor’s strides to benefit the people, noting, “What Edo people need are representatives that will support the governor’s legacy projects from the Benin Enterprise Park to the Benin River Port and the plans to provide stable power supply.”



PHOTO 1:
R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Edo South, Senatorial election, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon; APC House of Representatives candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency, Hon. Iyoha Osaigbovo; APC House of Assembly candidate for Oredo West Federal Constituency, Hon. Osaro Obaze; and APC State House of Assembly candidate for Oredo East, Hon. Chris Okaegben; during the governor’s visit to wards in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State.

Edo Govt Commends Conduct Of NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel Election, Congratulates Winners

The Edo State Government has commended the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ Correspondents Chapel in Edo State on the success of their elections and congratulated those who emerged victorious at the polls.

In a statement, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, said that the state government is indeed pleased with the conduct of the election and the maturity displayed by journalists during the exercise, in electing a new executive led by Mrs. Nefishatu Yakubu of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

“I congratulate the Correspondent’s Chapel on the successful conduct of their election, which brings in a new executive to run their affairs. As partners in progress, the Correspondents Chapel have shown to be a good ally. They have helped in communicating government’s policies, programmes and projects to the people of the state and the entire country,” Ohonbamu said.

He noted that the state government appreciates the harmonious relationship between government and the media in the state, urging the new executives to ensure that they further strengthen the relationship.

Noting that the conduct of the election presents a perfect example for Nigerians as the country braces for the general elections, Hon. Ohonbamu said that journalists, as members of the fourth estate of the realm, should endeavour to play the critical role of watchdogs of the society during the elections to guarantee transparency and accountable by all actors.

“The new executive came about through a fair and successful election. This is what we expect during the general elections come February and March, and we are confident that the press will live up to their responsibility to society,” he noted.

The Edo State Government has commenced capacity building for Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDA) to provide investors with a seamless access to government data to further improve the ease of doing business in the state.

Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Investment Promotion, Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi, said the initiative is part of the state government’s vision to improve the ease of doing business by providing a one-stop portal for investors to access government information relating to their investment.

He said Edo will host the Nigeria Investment Certification Programme for State (NICPS) on Tuesday, January 29, to galvanise stakeholders in various MDAs to respond effectively to enquires on investment.

In a chat with journalists, Uwaibi noted that the stakeholders’ meeting between the MDAs and the Investment Promotion Office will focus on certification to ensure that civil servants are able to respond to enquiries from local and foreign investors, and get them to invest in the state.

According to him, “For example, what are the opportunities available in the state? We want civil servants to be able to sell the state in a structured manner to investors and show that we are ready for investment. They should also show that we have opportunities in terms of buildings and sites that the investors can also leverage on in the state,” he added.

Uwaibi said the process of providing investors with access to data on their investments “started few months ago with the MDAs. We want the MDAs to be able to provide answers to investors’ enquiries accurately when they are approached and there should be that synergy between the Investment Promotion Office and the MDAs so that there is no miscommunication in terms of what we as a state are offering to investors.”

He added that the state is building a data bank, “which would also fit into the open data portal that the Governor has agreed to develop, and will be open to investors to access data relating to investment opportunities in the state.”

Obaseki’s Job Creation Initiatives Gain Global Attention As Swiss Agency, ILO Seek Insights From EdoJobs

With not less than 77,000 youths benefiting from the EdoJobs schemes in Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki’s job creation initiatives are gaining international traction, as the Swiss Government and the International Labour Organisation have called for insights into how the state government is engaging youths productively for economic growth.

This was contained in a letter addressed to Head, EdoJobs, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, who is scheduled to share the success story of the initiatives developed by the governor, at an event tagged ‘Future of Work for African Youth,’ organised by the two bodies to hold in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday, February 7, 2019.

This comes on the heels of the state government’s intensified efforts to create not less than 200,000 jobs by 2020, as youths in the state are undergoing diverse trainings and retraining to enable them create jobs, become employable and compete favourably with their peers across the globe.

In the letter addressed to Mrs. Dare, who is also the Senior Special Assistant to Edo State Governor on Skills Development and Jobs Creation, organisers of the international conference said she will deliver a lecture alongside the Chief Executive Officer of Youth Employment Service (YES) on “Large Scale job creation in Nigeria and South Africa,” with focus on harnessing the potential of African youth.

Other speakers at the Future of Work for African Youth conference, will be drawn from the academia, private and public sectors across Africa.

In a chat with journalists in Benin City on the development, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, said the event will present a unique opportunity to share the success story of Governor Obaseki’s job creation initiatives which have benefitted over 77,000 youths in the state.

According to her, the state government will use the conference to make a statement on its commitment towards actualising its vision for job creation and skills development for youths, the premium on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as well as operations of various clusters for technology, agriculture and production.

The governor’s aide said she would also “share how the state is identifying opportunities for youths residing in rural areas and urban centres to gain entrepreneurial skills, and leverage on partnerships to achieve results.”


PHOTO:
Cross-section of graduates who are beneficiaries of the Edo State Government Graduate Internship and Apprenticeship Scheme, after a session in Benin City, Edo State

Benin Tanker Fire: Obaseki Commends Rescue Team, Dondoles With Victims Of Fire Incident

…proffers rail transportation for flammable products

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commended the gallantry of the rescue team that responded to the tanker fire caused by a collision involving a diesel-laden tanker and an Audi car in the University of Benin (UNIBEN) axis of the Benin-Lagos Expressway.

In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, quoted the governor as saying that “the incident was regrettable.”

According to him, “the governor is deeply saddened by the incident. He expressed his condolences with the families of the dead and prayed for the quick recovery of those who are hospitalised.

“Worthy of mention is the gallantry of the rescue team comprising fire service officials from the Army School of Supply and Transport Barracks, the University of Benin and the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC). They showed bravery, which must be commended.”

Osagie said the preliminary reports on the incident showed that one of the vehicles involved in the incident was driving against traffic, calling on road users to abide by traffic rules.

Noting that the state government was particularly concerned about the fire incident and the attendant impact on other road users, he said, “the governor proposes that highly flammable products be moved by rail transportation, pipeline or at night when there is light vehicular traffic.”
The governor’s aide extended the state government’s condolences with the families of the affected victims, and wished those still receiving treatment, quick recovery.

..

.

…Community leader says project first by govt in area since 47 years

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has flagged off construction of 1.3 kilometres of road and 1,800 meters of drainage, spanning across three streets in Uzebu, Ogiekae Community, Ekehuan Road axis of Benin City metropolis.

The three streets are Jemide Drive, Ibizugbe and Osamwonyi streets.

During the flag-off ceremony, the governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Taiwo Akerele, said the state government is working on the project, which is expected to be delivered within three months, in collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and State Employment and Expenditure for Result (SEEFOR).

“The aim of this government is to deliver good projects that will touch lives of the people and these roads spanning across three streets in this community will impact meaningfully and improve the local economy,” he said.

Obaseki assured the people of the community that his administration will monitor the contractor to ensure the job is completed according to specifications approved by NDDC, SEEFOR and the state government.

He said, “We will constitute Community Oversight Committee (COC) which is a third-party monitoring group to be made up of members of the community. Also, we will engage Civil Society Group, Public Works group made up of young engineers who have been deployed across the state to monitor projects and ensure contractors work according to specification and deliver the project on schedule.”

The contractor, Engr. Micheal Dottie, of Ewejobat Company, said: “We will work according to specification and in line with the Bill of Engineering Measurement. The roads span across three streets in this community. We will do our best to ensure this project is completed in the next three months before the rains set in fully.”

Dottie added that the carriageway is about 900 meters, stressing that the project will add value to the lives of the people residing in the area.

An elder in the community, Mr. Matthew Osagie, said since he came into the community in 1972, the community has not felt government’s impact until the award and flag-off of the road project.

He said, “I have continued to support various governments, and none has remembered my community like the Obaseki-led administration that has now put smiles on our faces. We pledge our loyalty and support to this administration to ensure it succeeds.”



PHOTO 1:
Representative of Edo State Governor and Chief of Staff, Chief Taiwo Akerele (middle); Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie (left); and a member of Uzebu, Ogiekae Community, Mr. Matthew Osagie, during the flag-off of 1.3 km of road and 1,800 meters of drainage, spanning across three streets in Uzebu, Ogiekae Community, Ekehuan Road axis of Benin City, Edo State.

Obaseki Calls For Calm, Orders Police To Investigate Kidnap Of Owan West APC Candidate For Edo Assembly

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has called for calm following the reported kidnap of Mr. Ohio Ezomon, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) contesting to represent Owan West Constituency at the Edo State House of Assembly.

The governor has also directed the Edo State Police Command to immediately launch a rescue operation, even as the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Olusegun Odumosun is leading the investigation.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, said a rescue operation commenced immediately the incident was brought to the attention of security agencies in the state and the Police Commissioner, Mr. Odumosun has arrived the area to provide support to the team.

According to him, “Governor Godwin Obaseki is on top of the incident and calls on the people to remain calm. He has ordered the Police Command to ensure that the kidnap victim is rescued. The Commissioner of Police has arrived Owan West. He is championing the investigation.”

Noting that the state government frowns at such incidents, especially during the campaign season, the governor’s aide said Governor Obaseki has cautioned political actors not to heat up the polity, but maintain a peaceful atmosphere as the elections draw closer.

He said the governor has ensured that the police get all the necessary support to track down the kidnappers and fast track the safe rescue of the victim, adding, “The governor is calling for calm and has assured the people that those who are responsible will be brought to book.”

Int’l Day of Education: Obaseki Harps On ICT Use, Stakeholder Engagement In Reforms To Drive Sustainable Devt

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called for the deployment of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) and robust stakeholder engagement in education reforms to guarantee a solid educational base for sustainable development.

The governor made the submission in commemoration of the maiden International Day of Education, marked by the United Nations (UN), on January 24.

He argued that equitable access to robust basic education for children is a right which offers them opportunities to contribute meaningfully to societal growth and sustainable development.

According to him, “The implementation of the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (BEST) programme has shown us how this can be done and what the likely results are. So, we have a plan to strategically provide equal access to quality education to children across the state.”

He added: “In addition to training of teachers to use modern teaching methods and gadgets, we are also carrying out renovation of primary schools across the state to ensure children learn in a conducive environment.”

On the role of stakeholders in sustaining the gains in the basic education sub-sector,

Obaseki said that the state government is working with members of host communities where government is providing improved infrastructure in schools, adding, “the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) has been put in place so they can play a critical role in ensuring that schools are better organised. They will protect the infrastructure in the schools so that they are not vandalised.”

He urged parents “to assist governments in ensuring that schools, especially at the basic education level are effectively managed by teachers and other members of the school management.”

According to the UN, education offers children a ladder out of poverty and a path to a promising future as “about 265 million children and adolescents around the world do not have the opportunity to enter or complete school. More than a fifth of them are of primary school age.

“They are thwarted by poverty, discrimination, armed conflict, emergencies and the effects of climate change. Migration and forcible displacement also affect the achievement of the education goals, as presented in the 2019 Global Education Monitoring report.”

Obaseki’s Education Reform: Expert Trains Edo Poly students, Staff On Innovative Product Design, Deployment

Systems Engineer and Visiting Lecturer to Edo State Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Marvin Ama-Amadasun, has charged academicians and students in tertiary institutions to prioritise projects on innovative product design and deployment to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic advancement.

Speaking at the 3rd Eminent Lecture Series held at the Polytechnic complex in Usen, near Benin City, Dr. Ama-Amadasun said that universities and polytechnics can contribute immensely to development if they can make use of available natural materials to innovate new products in building technology, software design, manufacturing, medicine and energy production, among others.

With the lecture entitled Leveraging ICT Towards Practice in the Digital Age: Software Tools as Catalysts for Innovation, Dr. Ama-Amadasun said that the exploitation of natural resources is indispensable in developing a strong economy, urging various governments to prioritise efforts that stimulate and drive technological advancement and deployment.

Dr. Ama-amadasun said, “Natural materials like bamboo trees, metals and steel can be used to manufacture items such as furniture, bicycles, keyboards, mouse, monitors for computers as well as building materials for the production of fences, gates and wardrobes.”

He urged students and participants to take advantage of the advancement in modern technology to deploy software tools to develop new products that drive development.

At the event, Rector of the Institution, Prof. Abiodun Falodun, said that the Polytechnic has grown in the last year, and explained that the lecturer, Dr. Ama-Amadasun, is one of the numerous Diaspora lecturers who have been engaged to entrench the institution’s internationalisation drive.

According to him, “With this lecture, we are announcing to the world, the ongoing effort to reposition this institution as a first-rate tertiary institution that fosters intellectual development.

“We are ensuring that scholars share their thoughts with the host community, the media and the country at large so that they can stimulate debate and entrench the culture of interrogating and questioning backdated ideas.”

Obaseki Assures Of More FG Programmes In Edo, As 52,000 Traders Register For TraderMoni Loan

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged Edo people to vote for President Muhammadu Buhari, who is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the February 16 Presidential election, assuring that the state stands to benefit more programmes and projects from the APC-led Federal Government.

President Buhari is seeking reelection for second term in the February 16, 2019 presidential election.

Obaseki noted that while the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, was in the state to launch the TraderMoni loan, 52,000 traders across the various markets in the state have registered for the scheme, which will qualify them for a soft loan of N10,000 to boost their businesses.

While addressing journalists at the Benin Airport, after the departure of the Vice President, the governor said the visit of Vice President Osinbajo to Edo State has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the wellbeing of Edo people and residents.

According to him, “The Vice President's visit was to launch the TraderMoni scheme for traders in the state. As at today, we have 52,000 traders who have registered for TraderMoni across our markets."

He said Prof. Osinbajo used the opportunity of the visit to meet with Christian leaders in the state as well as attend the Edo Youths Leadership Summit 2019, where he encouraged youths to imbibe good character, integrity and hard work to get to the peak of their chosen careers.

1st
PHOTO:
R-L: Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, APC Gubernatorial candidate in Akwa Ibom State, Nsima Ekere, and Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, at the Benin Airport, during the departure of the vice president at the weekend, after the launch of TraderMoni in the state.

Obaseki Approves Deployment Of New Batch Of 200 Youths In Graduate Internship, Apprenticeship Scheme

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the deployment of additional 200 Edo youths for the state’s Graduate Internship and Apprenticeship Scheme, bringing the total number of youths under the scheme to 400.

The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the State Governor on Jobs Creation and Skills Development, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists, said that the scheme is targeted at equipping youth with employability skills to lead productive life.

The scheme is an initiative of the state government to engage youths in different career paths and vocations so as build their expertise and prepare them for employment and self-reliance. It is in line with the governor’s promise to create not less than 200,000 thousand jobs, out of which over 77,000 jobs have been created.

According to Dare, “65 of the 200 youths in the first batch of graduates and interns, began on-the-job training on December 10, 2018. The remaining from that cohort, about 135 persons, will assume work on February 1, 2019. Another fresh 200 have been approved by the governor, to also assume on-the-job training in February. The fresh 200 is targeted at apprenticeship in rural areas.”

The scheme is among a number of initiatives promoted by the state government to engage youths. Others include the Edo Food and Agriculture Cluster (Edo-FAC), the Edo Innovation Hub and the Edo Production Center, which will be spread across the three senatorial districts in the state.

EdoJobs, which is the coordinating body for youth empowerment and job creation in the state, operates a portal, which houses the database of unemployed youths in the state.

PHOTO:
Cross-section of graduates who are beneficiaries of the Edo State Government Graduate Internship and Apprenticeship Scheme, after a session in Benin City, Edo State

..

.

PHOTO 2:
Cross-section of Christian pilgrims, at the 2018 Pre-Pilgrimage Orientation/Retreat held at Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

…Bishop Kure lauds Obaseki’s support

The Edo State Government has charged 26 intending Christian Pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state while on pilgrimage, urging them to shun the temptation to abscond, which can dent the image of the state and country.

The Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., gave the charge during the 2018 Pre-Pilgrimage Orientation/Retreat held at Government House, in Benin City.

Ogie, who was represented by the state’s Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Isaac Ehiozuwa, said Edo recorded no case of abscondment in the 2017 exercise, stressing that the record must be sustained in the 2018 and subsequent editions, as the state government will not tolerate such behaviour.

“The evil of abscondment is that it puts our nation and state in a bad light and also affects our relationship with the host country,” he said.

He added that the state government will continue to provide a mechanism to safeguard the pilgrims from the state, while visiting different sites during their pilgrimage, as their welfare is the utmost priority of the state government.

Ogie assured: “Government will continue to provide the needed logistics because we believe that all the pilgrims will be spiritually touched and morally transformed to contribute their quota to the development of their families, the state and country.”

Chairman, Edo Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Bishop Oyonnude Kure, urged the pilgrims to be of good behaviour while in the Holy lands of Israel and Rome, noting that the pilgrimage was not for tourism and business purposes.

He said the retreat was organised to correct the wrong impression about pilgrimage, “it is to fulfill God's injunction. The journey is a rest with the Lord and for us to seek his face.”

Kure expressed appreciation to Governor Godwin Obaseki for graciously providing support for a successful 2018 pilgrimage.



PHOTO 1:
L-R: Chairman, Edo Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Bishop Oyonnude Kure; representative of the Secretary to the State Government and Head of Service, Mr. Isaac Ehiozuwa; Mrs. P. E Aziegbemhin; and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Christian Religious Matters, Pastor Eghosa Omoruyi, at the 2018 Pre-Pilgrimage Orientation/Retreat held at Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

Obaseki’s Business Reform: Over 200 MSMEs See Prospects For Competitiveness, Wealth Creation At Edo Production Centre

Not less than 200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have said that the Edo Production Centre promoted by Governor Godwin Obaseki to support small scale businesses and provide opportunities for them to scale their operations, will boost productivity and wealth creation in the state.

The small-scale business operators belonging to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and National Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), indicated interests to site their businesses at the centre with the intention of taking advantage of the business support opportunities and conducive shared working space it provides.

Speaking to journalists, a member of MAN, Comrade Valentine Asuen, said the incentives which the Edo Production Centre offers will enable businesses run at minimal cost, as the centre provides a one-stop-shop for them to enjoy economies of scale as well as low cost of production.

He said what discourages small business operators in most cases is the cost of rent and power, which stifles their growth, noting “We are confident that when the centre starts taking in people in the next few weeks, things will turn for the better for entrepreneurs in the state. The centre will run on power that is independent of the national grid. The stable power will spur expansion of businesses.”

An entrepreneur, Mr. John Idemudia, on his part, said “At the last meeting we held with the representatives of the state government, we were assured that the centre will host different businesses such as furniture makers, cobblers, welders, bakers, polythene makers and a number of other interested small business owners. In a matter of weeks, it will become easier for customers to have access to different products to be manufactured at the centre.”

He said the plans to provide adequate security and make the centre environment-friendly are what small business operators need, adding, “such guarantees are incentives for anyone into small business operations to expand.”