₦airaland Forum

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Obaseki’s Security Reform: Operation ‘Wabaizigan’ Begins Deployment Of Personnel, Other Resources Across Flashpoints In Edo

To boost the security of life and property in the state, the Edo State Government through the state’s security architecture has commenced deployment of operatives of the Operation Wabaizigan across the 18 Local Government Areas in the state.

Special Adviser to the State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said the deployment of components of the state’s new security architecture is strategic and will change the face of security operations in the state.

The components of the state security architecture include: 50 special security cars fitted with modern communication and security gadgets; 30 Toyota Hilux patrol vans; 30 patrol motorbikes and three Tropicalised Armoured Personnel Carriers; three Ambulances; Integrated Command and Control Centre and five special security checkpoints to be manned at all the entry and exit points in the state.

Others are: Special Patrol Units (land and waterways); Integrated Electronic City Surveillance Unit; Establishment of a Special Force unit/anti-kidnapping squad; establishment of K-9 unit; establishment of paramedics unit; establishment of the Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV) scheme with 3000 trained and kitted workforce and a community police radio network.

According to Osagie, “The special security cars fitted with modern communication and security gadgets; 30 Toyota Hilux patrol vans; 30 patrol motorbikes are already being deployed and are manned by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Army, Airforce and Department of State Services.”

He said some of the vehicles and personnel have been deployed to major flashpoints across the state including Ekehuan and Airport Roads in Oredo Local Government Area and Iguobazuwa in Ovia South West Local Government, among others.

The governor’s aide urged members of the public to support the officials of the security architecture by supplying them with vital information, adding, “Members of the public can use the 100 phone numbers of heads of Divisional and Area Commands across the state, which have been released to the public, to provide relevant information to the security agencies. Public support is vital to the success of the security architecture.”

“A substantial number of members of the Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV) scheme have been recruited and trained by the Nigeria Police, and integrated into the security architecture to assist the Police in intelligence gathering, in rural areas across the state,” he added.

Osagie explained that Governor Obaseki is committed to the strengthening the security architecture with the pledge to channel not less than 25% of the state’s security votes to the state’s Security Trust Fund.

“The Command and Control Centre, a component of the security architecture, is receiving rapid attention. The centre, when fully operational, will integrate the police, Military, Department of State Services (DSS), Fire and ambulance services, in responding to emergencies across the state,” he said.


PHOTOS:
Some of the operational vehicles unveiled at the launch of the Edo State Security Trust Fund/Architecture in Benin City, Edo State.

Obaseki Prioritises Take-Off Of Multi-Campus Agric College, Support For Start-ups, Erosion Control In Budget

With the 2019 budget of the Edo State Government duly signed into law by Governor Godwin Obaseki in late 2018, work has commenced on a number of projects and initiatives through which the government intends to create wealth, boost investment and improve the wellbeing of the people of the state.

A peek at the approved budget shows that the government is pursuing a number of new projects and continuing on a couple of old ones, with focus on infrastructural development, health care, education and investment, amongst others.

Recall that during the presentation of the budget to the Edo State House of Assembly, Obaseki said, “the 2019 budget proposal “Reflects this administration’s intention to promote social inclusion and economic empowerment for Edo citizens, through the strengthening of structures that support, governance and security infrastructure; and through the implementation of initiatives that guarantee equal access to education, health care and social protection.

He highlighted the focus of the state’s 2019 budget proposal as: Continued investment in the rehabilitation of existing (and the development of new) socio-economic infrastructure; Strengthen internal capacity for project execution and governance; Scale up investments in socio-welfare enhancement programmes (in education, healthcare and rural development); Continued investment in programmes/projects for job creation, particularly through Industrialisation, Agriculture, and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) development as well as enhanced investment in Security and Administration of Justice.”

Key among the projects lined up for the year are; the take-off of the multi-campus College of Agriculture in Uromi, Agenebode and Iguoriakhi; Erosion Control project with the Benin City Water Storm Master Plan; training of start-ups for increased productivity in the innovation technology sector as well as the development of Benin River Port, Gelegele; Benin Industrial Park and Free Trade Zone.

“In the 2019 approved budget, the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment will partner with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to train start-ups to benefit from the booming technology ecosystem in the state.”

For agriculture, there is provision for Administrative and Academic Buildings, Auditorium, Laboratories, Libraries, Perimeter Fencing at Iguoriakhi, Agenebode and Uromi; treatment of water facilities at the campuses as well as the development work at the three campuses, which are scheduled to commence academic activities this year.

The colleges are a product of the state governor’s ongoing revamp of the college of Agriculture Iguoriakhi, after it was closed due to mismanagement.

On the water storm project, there are provisions in the 2019 budget for communities that have suffered erosion for some years now, including gully reclamation/Flood and erosion control works in Obaseki, Edokpolor Factory Road (Jemila) and environs, Oregbeni quarters, Benin City; Erosion Control/Construction of HRH Bako (JP) street and spur, Utehne Urekpoki Community, Benin City; Gully reclamation/Flood and control works in Ekhaguere street and environs, Iwogban Quarters, Benin City; Reconstruction of discharge canal Upper Lawani Street (1.42km) with service road and retaining wall and palliative measure proposal to control flooding at S&T Barracks, Isihor, Benin City, among others.

There are also provisions for access road to the Benin Industrial Park and Free Trade Zone, the development of industrial clusters across the state, as well as the development of the Benin River port, which would boost investments in the state.

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PHOTO 2:
Cross-section of participants at a one-day conference entitled “Restoring the Lost Dignity of Womanhood,” in Benin City, organised by the state government in collaboration with Agape for All Nations International (AFANI).

Edo State government has partnered with non-governmental organisations to explore ways of empowering women so that they can contribute more to the development of their immediate and extended communities.

Speaking at a one-day conference on women empowerment in Benin City, the state capital, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Mrs Magdalene Ohenhen stressed that “no nation can make progress without creating opportunities for women to be educated and empowered.

The one-day conference entitled “Restoring the Lost Dignity of Womanhood,” held at Imaguero Secondary School in Benin City, in collaboration with Agape for All Nations International (AFANI).

Mrs Ohenhen explained that when women are empowered, they would contribute more to the nation's development.

“The empowerment conference is apt especially in the face of current daunting socio-economic challenges affecting the progress of women.

"We are continually driving the crusade for women empowerment, creating awareness on health issues and the need for women to go for periodic medical screening,” the commissioner said.

Mrs Elizabeth Omokha, Founder of AFANI, said the organisation is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) dedicated to the safety and empowerment of women.

Omokha said: “We provide outreach services, education, support, information and advocacy for women.”

She urged the women at the event to key into programmes that would improve their standards of living as well as boost their businesses.

Mrs Heather Onoh, CEO, Smarter Grid International, said her organisation is collaborating with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to train rural women on how to install solar equipment.

The well attended event drew participants from all sectors of the state.



PHOTO 1:
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Mrs Magdalene Ohenhen, addressing participants at a one-day conference entitled “Restoring the Lost Dignity of Womanhood,” in Benin City, organised by the state government in collaboration with Agape for All Nations International (AFANI).

Although no case of Lassa Fever has been reported in the state in 2019, Edo State Government and the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), have reaffirmed their resolve to ensure that there is no resurgence of the viral disease in the state.

The state government has stepped up awareness campaign to guard against a resurgence of the ailment in the state since reports that the viral disease has resurfaced in some states across the country.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said that the state government has shown commitment in managing the ailment in the state by equipping the ISTH with two dialysis machines, one x-ray machine, a ventilator and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), which were procured at the height of the Lassa Fever outbreak last year.

According to the governor’s aide, “We are committed to ensuring that we do not record a resurgence of Lassa Fever in the state this year and are ready to provide even more support along the way. This is why we have intensified campaign on preventive measures and calling out to the relevant stakeholders to contribute their quota.

“As a state government, we have been a huge part of the campaign to keep Lassa Fever at bay in the state by supporting the Institute of Lassa Control and Research domiciled at ISTH. Last year, we provided support in form of equipment and PPEs, and refurbished the water system at the hospital so they can be better prepared to respond to emergencies from Lassa Fever.

“The government is ready to even do more and provide the much-needed support to the hospital to ensure that there is no resurgence of the viral disease in the state.”

He added that the state government is revamping about 20 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state, in the pilot phase of the Edo Healthcare Improvement (Edo-HIP), which is a comprehensive healthcare programme to reposition primary healthcare delivery across the 18 local government areas in the state.

SOURCE: https://thebellng.com/lassa-fever-isth-edo-govt-boost-capacity-to-contain-viral-disease/

Examination Malpractice: Edo Govt Suspends Principals Of 28 Public Schools, Queries 28 Others Of Private Schools

…warns 16 public, private schools over complicity in exam fraud, as WAEC cancels results, derecognises affected schools for 2 years

The Edo State Government has suspended 28 principals of public senior secondary schools over their involvement in examination malpractice in the 2018 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Commissioner for Education, Hon. Emmanuel Agbale, in a memo to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Edo State, said the decision to suspend the affected principals followed the receipt of “report of investigations on the issue, carried out and decision reached by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) cancelling the results of affected candidates, and derecognising the schools for a period of two years, with effect from the WASSCE for school candidates, 2019.”

For private schools, Hon. Agbale ordered that a query be sent to 28 private secondary schools to explain in 72 hours, why they should not be deregistered/de-recognised for involvement in examination malpractice in the 2018 WASSCE.

He said this was after receipt of the report of the issue and a decision reached by WAEC to cancel results of the affected candidates in the 2018 WASSCE and derecognising the schools for a period of two years, with effect from the WASSCE for school candidates, 2019.

He directed that a strong warning and reprimand in writing be issued to proprietors of affected private secondary schools for complicity in examination malpractice in their respective schools/ institutions in the WASSCE for school candidates.

The commissioner said that seven other principals of public senior secondary schools in the state were warned and reprimanded for complicity in examination malpractice in their schools in the 2018 WASSCE for School Candidates. A total of 16 private and secondary schools got warning letters for complicity in examination malpractice.

On the suspended principals, he said they will “remain suspended as principals pending their arraignment before the Teachers Disciplinary Committee to determine their culpability.”

The public secondary schools whose principals were suspended include Ikpeshi Grammar School, Ikpeshi, Edo State (Centre: 4130101); Evboesi Mixed Secondary School, Evbeosi, Edo State (Centre: 4131303); Obanosa Secondary School, Evbuobanosa, Edo State (Centre: 4131306), Igbanke Grammar School, Igbanke, Edo State (Centre: 4131307); Iru Grammar School, Iru, Edo State (Centre: 4131323); Osasinmwin-Oba Secondary School, Osasinmwin-Oba, Edo State (Centre: 4131716); Government Science and Technical College, Benin, Edo State (Centre: 4132063) and Ojirami Mixed Secondary School, Ojirami, Edo State (Centre: 4130111).

Others are Dagbala Secondary School, Dagbala, Edo State (Centre: 4130134); Uma Secondary Commercial School, Imoga, Edo State (Centre: 4130105); Asoro Grammar School, Benin City, Edo State (Centre: 4130210); Opoji Secondary Commercial School, Okhore-Opoji, Edo State (Centre: 4130301); and Afuda Secondary School, Afuda-Irrua, Edo State (Centre: 4139324).

More public schools, whose principals were affected include Anegbette Secondary School, Anegbette, Edo State (Centre: 4130704); Oguola College, Benin City, Edo State (Centre: 4131107); Urhokuosa Mixed Secondary School, Urhokuosa, Edo State (Centre: 4131820); Egbede Community Grammar, Uvbe, Edo State (Centre: 4131816); Obadan Mixed Secondary School, Obadan, Edo State (Centre: 4131814); Ugiamwen Secondary School, Ugiamwen, Edo State (Centre: 4131813); Umagbae Grammar School, Adumagbae, Edo State (Centre: 4131803); Ikpiti Grammar School, Gelegele, Benin City, Edo State (Centre: 4131748); Ugbine Secondary School, Ugbine, Edo State (Centre: 4131708) and Uzebba Grammar School, Uzebba, Edo State (Centre: 4131509).

Others are Ozalla Secondary Commercial School, Ozalla, Edo State (4131503); Holy Trinity Grammar School, Sabongida-Ora, Edo State (Centre: 4131502); Esigie Comprehensive College, Abudu, Edo State (Centre: 4131344); Oza Grammar School, Oza, Edo State (Centre: 4131310); and New Era College, Benin City, Edo State (Centre: 4131213).

The public school principals who were issued strict warning include Ore-Nolomi Secondary School, Iguosodin, Nebudin, Edo State (Centre: 4131707); Mixed Secondary School, Ugboko Numagbae, Edo State (Centre: 4131305) and Osomhe Secondary School, Osomhegbe-Ekperi, Edo State (Centre: 4130713).

Others are Iruekpen Grammar School, Iruekpen, Edo State (Centre: 4130614); Ujoelen Grammar School, Ekpoma, Edo State (Centre: 4130606); Akugbe Secondary School, Emuhi-Ekpoma, Edo State (Centre: 4130603); and Uhiele Grammar School, Ekpoma, Edo State (Centre: 4130602).

Agbale said that private schools whose managements were queried are Federal Staff Business College, Benin City, Edo State (Centre: 4130272); Zenith Model Education Centre, Igbogiri, Edo State (Centre: 4131830); Hizbullah Secondary School, Auchi, Edo State (Centre: 4130961); Calvary Secondary School, Ekpon, Edo State (Centre: 4131016); Gracious Secondary School, Benin City, Edo State (Centre: 4131138); Eden City College, Benin City, Edo State (Centre: 4131147) and Lilmak Secondary, Benin City, Edo State (Centre: 4131268).

Others are Jobamoh Uni. Secondary School, Itsukwi, Edo State (Centre: 4130825); Jubilee Academy Secondary School, Isihor, Benin City, Edo State (Centre: 4131733); Gabmay Secondary School, Benin, Edo State (Centre: 4130239); Ultimate College, Benin, Edo State (Centre: 4130236); Gentry National High School, Benin City, Edo State (Centre: 4130270); Excel Secondary School, Benin City, Edo State (Centre: 4131124); Oman Christian Academy, Benin City, Edo State (Centre: 4131193) and Ceta International Secondary School, Benin City, Edo State (Centre: 4131240).

The other private schools that received queries include God’s Favour Secondary School, Abudu, Edo State (Centre: 4131341); Oje Reliance Secondary School, Avbiosi, Edo State (Centre: 4131512); Highers Wisdom Academy, Igue-Iheya Qtrs, Isior, Benin City, Edo State (Centre: 4131736); Leaders College, Benin City, Edo State (Centre: 4131743); and Mcmidas Comprehensive School, Isiohor, Benin City Edo State (Centre: 4131753).

Others are Paulson Foundation Secondary School, Benin City, Edo State (Centre: 4131824); Rising Hope Academy, Ugbor, Benin City, Edo State (Centre: 4133025); Ralph Education Centre Secondary School, Benin City, Edo State (Centre: 4132042); Powerline Academy, Uselu, Benin City, Edo State (4132025); Christ The Winners Schools, Benin-Auchi Road, Benin City, Edo State (Centre: 4131827); Ogunbor Secondary School, Benin City, Edo State (Centre: 4131112); God’s Grace Educational Centre, Evboriaria, Edo State (Centre: 4132932); and Winners Foundation Secondary School, Benin City, Edo State (Centre: 4133001).

The private secondary schools whose management were warned are Zanna Royal Academy, Ekpoma, Edo State (Centre: 4130617); Simbridge College, Benin, Edo State (Centre: 4130268); St. Mathias Group of School, Ewohimi, Edo State (Centre: 4130536); Napoly Secondary, Ihievbe-Ogben, Edo State (Centre: 4131417); Imperial College, Benin, Edo State (Centre: 4131244); Excellent Education Centre, Benin City, Edo State (Centre: 4132057); Enina Secondary School, Ogida Quarters, Benin, Edo State (Centre: 4132066); Royal City College, Benin, Edo State (Centre: 4131293); and Oxonian Grand Academy, Benin City, Edo State (Centre: 4132040).

Obaseki’s Education Reform: AAU Ekpoma Prepares For Take-off Of Tianjin Varsity’s Chemical Engineering Programme

As part of the unfolding reforms initiated by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration in the education sector, all is set for the mounting of a Department of Chemical Engineering at the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, in partnership with Tianjin University, China’s oldest higher institution.

According to the governor, the partnership with the Chinese university, is targeted at promoting Research and Development (R&) and the strengthening of capacity at institutions of higher learning in Edo State.

The new department, which is expected to kick off in the first quarter of 2019, is an offshoot of the deal for the state’s 5,500 barrels per day (bpd) Modular Refinery Project which will be established in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of the state.

The state government has already approved a N700m seed fund for the project, which will pave way for the construction of the first refinery project in the state.

The modular refinery is to be built by a Chinese consortium, comprising Peiyang Chemical Equipment Company of China (PCC), a world-leading modular refinery company; Sinopec International Petroleum Service Corporation (SIPS) which is a subsidiary of Sinopec, the top Chemical giant in the world and African Infrastructure Partners (AIP), a Nigerian infrastructural company.

Confirming that modalities are being finetuned for the take-off of the department at AAU, Ekpoma, Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ignatius Onimawo, said that the institution is concluding plans for the kick-off of the department.

According to him, “We have created several more functional departments including the Department of Business Education and Human Nutrition and Dietetics. We have in the pipeline a Department of Chemical Engineering which is expected to take off early 2019, as soon as the nitty-gritty of linkage with a Chinese University is concluded.”

The governor has inaugurated a new Governing Council to lead its new vision for AAU, Ekpoma and has assured to provide the required resources to strengthen the institution’s capacity to produce quality manpower for Edo State and Nigeria.

Experts see the new council as playing a huge role in paving the way for the mounting of the new department, which will ensure a surfeit of human resources for the project, as a component of the deal is a training programme for indigenes of the state to develop capacity in the petrochemical industry.

Explaining the circumstances that led to the setting up of the department in partnership with the Chinese university, Governor Obaseki, during the sealing of deal in China, said that the department is an added benefit of the modular refinery project.

According to him, “the university programme is an added benefit to the modular refinery deal which final investment agreement was signed in Beijing.

“The programme will build technical manpower for the oil and gas industry in line with the federal government’s policy on local capacity development in the sector. The idea is to develop technical manpower and set industry standards in the oil and gas sector.”

As contractors mobilise to site for the commencement of rehabilitation work on 230 public primary schools across Edo State, parents and other stakeholders in the education sector have commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for prioritising the reform of basic education in the state.

A cross-section of stakeholders who spoke to journalists said the state government has shown uncommon commitment to the basic education sector, starting with the training of over 7000 teachers on the use of digital tools to teach in primary schools across the state.

They said that the renovation of schools across the state has put paid to complaints that the teachers would teach in dilapidated schools, noting that the exercise shows that the governor is not just systematic in his approach to problems, but also sincere.

A parent, Mrs. Omoh Abhulimen, from Esan South East Local Government of the state, said the intervention of the state government is a rescue mission to save public education at the basic level.

“After training teachers on modern methods of teaching, it was only appropriate that the state government embarks on major repair of schools with dilapidated structures to ensure children learn in a conducive environment,” she said.

Another parent, Mr. Micheal Obi, whose children were relocated to another school as a result of the state of infrastructure in their school, commended the state government for approving the 230 schools for refurbishment.

“After the renovation work, my children will have the chance to return to their school. We are really happy that schools are being worked on. It is not every government that places this emphasis on primary schools. It is worth commending.”

Favor Ikponmwosa, who lives in Egor Local Government Area of the state, expressed appreciation to the governor for listing Eweka Primary School among the schools in the first phase of the renovation work, and said: “I thank Governor Obaseki for remembering our children.”

A resident of Akoko Edo Local Government Area, Mrs. Bose Itsemhe, said “I am happy they are coming to fix the school here in my area. Those of us with children attending the school will monitor the progress of work and help in safeguarding the school from vandals.”

Recall that during a meeting with contractors, Governor Godwin Obaseki vowed to prosecute contractors who deliver sub-standard work on the 230 public primary schools being refurbished by the state government.

A School-based Management Committee (SBMC) has been put in place to ensure that the schools are well run and whatever has been provided for the schools are not vandalised.

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…laud gov’s transparency, job creation drive

Not less than 100 beneficiaries of the Edo Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) have hailed Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for the scheme, noting that the initiative has exposed them to relevant practical skills and industry-based experience.

Speaking at a monthly meeting of the first batch of 100 beneficiaries of the scheme, held at the Edo Innovation Hub, in Benin City, Edo State capital, the youths said the initiative of the state government to tackle unemployment has provided them with a lifeline to gain practical experience, improve their welfare and prospects of being gainfully employed.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Amadin Young, an intern with KuFM, said the Graduate Internship Scheme has provided him with the opportunity to finally pursue his dream of being an On-Air Personality (OAP).

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Ekhator Amadasun, an intern with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, expressed appreciation to Governor Obaseki for the opportunity, adding that she is happy to gain practical experience at her place of assignment.

Coordinator on Entrepreneurship and Jobs, EdoJobs, Mr. Omomoh Samuel said the internship programme was set-up to enable the beneficiaries gain relevant experience in their respective fields before being engaged. He said a total of 250 youths will benefit from the first phase, as 100 youths in the first batch have been posted to different public and private organisations in the state.

He urged the beneficiaries to contribute their quota in their various places of assignment, adding that the meeting was organised to address issues and challenges interns face at their various places of assignments.

Omomoh said, “We want to hear from you to know how we can help with the challenges. I know so many of you are not familiar with your job descriptions, but I want to encourage you not to be discouraged. This is an opportunity to learn and grow on the job.”

He said that organisations that don’t have the capacity to retain interns will not get any more postings, noting that the interest of the interns will be protected to ensure that the scheme is sustained.


PHOTO 1:
Cross-section of beneficiaries of EdoJobs Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS), during their monthly meeting at the Edo Innovation Hub in Benin City, Edo State.

With reconstruction work progressing rapidly on a number of roads across the state, cab operators in Benin City have hailed the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration for the ongoing road rehabilitation, which they say has positively impacted their operations.

The state government late last year approved the reconstruction of over 140 roads across the state, after an audit of the roads, with a commitment to deliver them before the start of the rainy season.

Cab operators have described the rehabilitation work as strategic for their operations, noting that the state government’s decision to work on the roads was a step in the right direction.

A cab operator in Ekehuan axis of Benin city, Lewis Asemota, hailed the governor for the rehabilitation of roads, noting that there has been free flow of traffic in areas where government has intervened.

He said, “I must say that the ongoing road rehabilitation carried out by the state government has impacted positively on our operations. Unlike in the past, we avoided some routes because of the bad spots. I am confident that when work is completed on all the road approved by the governor, it will add more value to our bottom line.”

Another cab operator, Andrew Edomwonyi, said the road rehabilitation has opened more routes for their operations, adding, “Before the rehabilitation work on some of these roads, most of us were restricted to plying major roads. Those who struggle to ply the inner roads, end up spending more on maintaining their cars due to the bad spots on the roads.”

He appealed to contractors handling other roads approved by the state government “to speed up work on the roads before the rains set in. If rehabilitation work on all the approved roads is completed, it will mean more money for me and other operators.”

“Today, we have more persons who are into the business than we had six months ago. This testifies that there are more routes that are open for operators to ply unlike in the past,” Edomwonyi added.

...sets agenda for drug production

The Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, has unveiled the Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary Centre for Natural Product Research (ICCNPR), a research arm of the institution that will seek innovative ways of providing solutions to society’s problems with the use of natural products.

The unveiling and groundbreaking ceremony of the centre held at the school’s premises in Usen, near Benin City, the Edo State capital, in the presence of dignitaries drawn from the academia, government and the school community.

The centre is named after Prof. Dr. Muhammad Choudhary, one of the most accomplished researchers in Pakistan, who was on ground as guest speaker for the institution’s maiden international symposium, tagged Recent Discoveries in Natural Product Sciences.

Rector of the institution and Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Prof. Abiodun Falodun, said that the centre will serve as the grooming ground for experts in natural product science in Nigeria and will contribute to growing research in the natural products in the country.

According to him, “We are very excited with the unveiling of the ICCNPR. This didn’t happen in isolation. We have a department of pharmaceutical technology at the institution. So, we have a pool to draw talent from. But the centre has a national, and if I must say, an international mandate. It will serve as a watering hole for experts who intend to exploit the various uses of natural products to improve society, be it manufacturing of drugs or other uses.”

He maintained that the state government and a number of international researchers are well aware of the establishment of the centre and a number of collaborations are in the offing.

“As you all know, this institution is taking a new turn. We have a number of collaborations with overseas lecturers and a number of them will help in bringing in partnerships and collaborations that will aid the growth of the centre.

“This is as we are also very alive to the state government’s intention to grow capacity for drug manufacturing in the state, especially at the new industrial and enterprise park in the state. Such an industry will benefit from the research that will go on here,” he added.

…assures road rehabilitation will ease movement

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has charged the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) to step up its activities and rid major towns in the state of traffic congestion.

Obaseki who gave the charge in Benin City, noted that “with the influx of holiday-makers into major towns in the state, EDSTMA must deploy more personnel and equipment to arears notorious for traffic congestion.

“Many Edo people are home for the festive season and some of them came with their cars, increasing the number of vehicles on our roads.”

He added: “We have also received reports of the growing number of rough driving, by people who are drunk, this we must discourage.”

The governor assured that “with the ongoing reconstruction of bad roads across the state, driving is becoming pleasurable” and urged road users to place more premium on safety.

According to him, “Major parts of Benin City recorded heavy vehicular traffic days before Christmas with congestion at major intersections.

“Many people were stuck in traffic for hours. EDSTMA must be proactive in their planning, to ensure people do not suffer unnecessary hardship on the road as we go into the new year.”

The governor advised the traffic management agency to apply the necessary traffic laws to discourage rough driving across the state.

…charges Edo Poly, Usen on collaboration with UNIBEN, AAU on HND conversion programmes

Professor of Physics and Director, Center for Atmospheric Research (CAR), Prof. Rabiu Babatunde has commended Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki on the establishment of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (Edo-GIS) as well as the setting up of the Edo Innovation Hub, noting that such technology-driven solutions will position the state for economic prosperity.

Professor Rabiu gave the commendation at the maiden convocation ceremony lecture of the Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, held at the institution’s auditorium, in Usen, near Benin City.

Professor Rabiu heads the CAR, a center under the National Space Research and Development Agency, supervised by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and Kogi State University.

In a lecture entitled Repositioning Higher Education towards effective patronage of Science and Technology for Sustainable Development, Prof. Rabiu commended the state government for prioritising science and technology and the deployment of technology in governance.

According to him, “I commend the Edo State Government for its scientific approach to governance which is manifested in the administration’s adoption of ICT-based reform initiatives in the state’s civil service, revenue collection and data-driven governance.

“Of note is the establishment of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) on the 1st of August, 2017 by Governor Godwin Obaseki for effective lands administration, management, registrations, geo-mapping and surveys, in Edo State.

On the Edo Innovation Hub, he said, “The Edo Innovation Hub which hosts the South-South Innovation Hub, was commissioned in June this year by this present administration and became the first state tech hub in the country. Already, the tech hub has completed the training of 724 entrepreneurs in less than three months of operation and has now drawn up a sustainability plan that will see the private sector drive activities at the cluster. These and other technology-based initiatives of the government have surely positioned the state for economic explosion and sustainable development.”

Explaining that there is need for close synergy between higher institutions of learning in the state to fully harness their capacity to develop human capital, Prof. Rabiu said, “Edo state polytechnic should be able to mount a Higher National Diploma (HND)-Bachelor conversion programme of 18-month duration (four semesters) in collaboration with University of Benin (UNIBEN) or Ambrose Alli University.

“Such programme will serve as remedial programme and award B.Sc, B.A or B.Eng to qualified students in a bid to equip the beneficiaries for greater productivity."

He added that there is need "to mount new programmes to meet the urgent and contemporary needs of the society" and made a case for the "Introduction of entrepreneurship courses as compulsory component of every programme run in our higher institutions at all levels."

“Our higher institutions should be able to share human resources via virtual learning technology. For instance, Edo State Polytechnic can share human resources with Ambrose Alli University and UNIBEN. This may, however, require establishment of memoranda of understanding with the appropriate parties,” he submitted.

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has enjoined Edo people and residents to emulate Jesus Christ as they celebrate Christmas.

In his Christmas Message issued on Monday in Benin City, Obaseki said: “On behalf of the government of Edo State, I rejoice with all Edo people, at home and in the diaspora as well as residents, as we celebrate Christmas.”

According to the governor, “Christmas season is an auspicious occasion to show love and reflect on the life of Jesus Christ, whose birth we are commemorating.

“As we celebrate with our friends, relatives and neighbours, I enjoin you to spread the message of oneness, love, generosity and hope for greater things as demonstrated by Jesus Christ.”

He expressed the state government’s gratitude to the people for their support for his administration.

“As a government, we are grateful to all Edo people and residents who have stood by us in our pursuit of a united and prosperous state, where we all can realise our dreams. It is with great joy that I wish you a merry Christmas.”


SOURCE: http://thebellng.com/xmas-obaseki-enjoins-citizens-to-emulate-jesus-spread-love-oneness/

Emotan Gardens: Affordable Housing Packages Excite Edo Residents At EdoFEST, Igue Festival

As Edo indigenes return home for the Yuletide celebration, there is renewed interest in the offerings at Emotan Gardens estate, the 1800-unit affordable housing project being developed by the Edo State Government and Mixta Nigeria, a renowned property development firm.

The affordable estate project is the product of a joint-venture partnership between the Edo State Government through the Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) with Mixta Nigeria, and is located at the Upper Sokponba axis of Benin metropolis.

While the first phase of the project is almost complete, with houses ready for occupation, work is still ongoing on other legs of the project, which will have a mix of housing types.

A cross-section of Edo indigenes who spoke to journalists during the Edo Festival of Arts and Culture (EdoFEST) and the annual Igue Festival, said that they were excited about the reforms of the state government, particularly in the housing sector.

Mr. Friday Edokpolor, who resides in Italy but is home for the Igue Festival, said life is returning to the state with the strategic partnership between the state government and the Oba’s Palace, noting that developments in the housing sector have picked the interest of Edo indigenes in the Diaspora.

According to him, “We are excited about what is happening in the state, and those of us in the Diaspora have our eyes on Governor Godwin Obaseki’s affordable housing scheme, which has kicked off with the Emotan Gardens project. We are mobilising our people to invest in it.”

Mr. Osaze Omorogbe, an investment banker in Lagos, who came home for the festivities, said that there are a number of reasons to be excited about the state government, notably among which are the governor’s humane approach to governance; the business-friendly environment in the state and the state’s respect for its bourgeoning investors.

He said that Emotan Gardens estate is a landmark project, not just because of its scale, but also due to the seriousness with which it is being handled, noting that not many housing projects are executed with such alacrity.

“The estate is good investment, I must say. Not just because of the fact that it is government-backed, but also because a number of promises made for its realisation are already being delivered. The Benin-Abraka Road, which is the major route to the estate has been awarded for reconstruction. Anybody who gets a unit there today is sitting on a gold-mine, I must add.”


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.

...say governor is developing Ekpoma in line with Ambrose Alli's vision

With more roads in Edo Central Senatorial District being reconstructed by the state government, prominent Esan professionals have applauded the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration for repositioning the state for economic growth.

A cross-section of the professionals, who aired their opinions on the developmental strides of the governor, said that they were impressed with the governor’s style of governance as well as the even spread of development across the state.

A prominent Esan professional, Barr Ehis Osagiede, praised Governor Godwin Obaseki, for the quality of road projects in the senatorial zone and for opening the area up for economic prosperity.

In an open letter, Barr Ehis Osagiede commended Obaseki for the massive road reconstruction completed and ongoing in Edo Central Senatorial Zone, noting, “I write on behalf of the good people of Edo Central, particularly, Esan West Local Government Area, to express our overwhelming gratitude to the governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.”

“Words are not enough to show how grateful we are as a people, as past administrations, especially the one which preceded yours had failed and totally neglected Esan land and did not give us a sense of belonging, so much so that this made us feel like outcast in the Edoid race,” he added.

Commending Governor Obaseki's leadership style, Osagiede said, “Over the last few years, the governor has shown bi-partisanship and a great sense of understanding of the concept of equalitarianism, humanity, compassion, love and brotherhood. I remember vividly writing on your Facebook wall, in November 2017, complaining bitterly of how deplorable our roads had become in Ekpoma, annexed with that complaint/plea were terrible images which could at best be described as atrocious. And I recall your words of assurance in response to that post that the roads were going to be fixed, just like a father would assure his son. You could have chosen to ignore my post, but I guess that is not in your person.”

He explained, “The feedback I get from the people of Ekpoma, a town where I lived the most of my life, attended my nursery, primary, secondary schools and University, is that, Ekpoma is being transformed, and truly getting back its status of a metropolis which I have always dreamt of and certainly that which Prof Ambrose Alli envisioned for it. It would also interest you to know that, there is nothing that has gladdened my heart as much as getting these feedbacks from Ekpoma.”

Barr. Osagiede's Open Letter is coming after political leaders representing Edo Central in Governor Obaseki's administration, described infrastructural development of Edo State since Governor Obaseki assumed office as unprecedented.

According to them, “infrastructural projects initiated and completed, with some ongoing, in Esan Land include 21 roads with a total length of 18.4km through which 2,680 persons have been employed.”

They listed the road projects to include asphalt overlay on the 1350-metre Ikinago Ujosanle Road, in Opoji, Esan Central Local Government Area for which 580 persons were employed; 960-metre Idumbhokale/Ekhomu Street, Eguare Irrua; 626-metre Eson Street, Eguare, Irrua and 600-metre Ohue Ogene Street, off Idumebo road, Irrua, in Esan Central.”

In Esan North East, the political leaders listed the following projects: asphalt overlay/drain construction/kerbs on the 600-metre Efadion College Road (Oyeribhor), for which 360 persons were recruited directly; 580-metre Deeper Life Bible Church Road, Uromi and 600 metres Bishop Ekpo Street, Uromi, among others in Esan South East, Esan West and Igueben Local Government Areas.

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...as Obaseki-led govt intensifies campaign for return of heritage objects

The Edo State government has intensified call for the return of artefacts stolen from Benin Kingdom by the British colonialists in 1897, with an exhibition of photographs of the prized artworks and their locations in Europe and America.

Unveiling the photographs inside a gallery at the palace of the Benin Monarch, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, in Benin City, at the ongoing Edo Festival of Arts and Culture (EDOFEST), Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osazee Osemwegie-Ero, said that the state government would continue to advocate for the return of the stolen artefacts.

He explained that the state government chose the Edo Festival for Arts and Culture (EDOFEST) event to scale up the campaign, in order to reach more people with the message, adding that “the artefacts represent part of the Benin history.”

He noted that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration has made provision for N500 million in the 2019 budget of the state, for the establishment of a Benin Royal Museum in collaboration with the Oba Palace, where the artefacts would be kept on return.

Prof. Greg Akenzua commended the organisers of the photo exhibition, and disclosed that the palace of the Benin Monarch, was working with 13 museums to establish the Benin Royal Museum in the state.

He maintained that the call for the return of looted artefacts across the world was gaining traction, citing the French President, Emmanuel Macron, who has promised that his country would return some of the stolen artefacts to their original owners.

"We are working with 13 museums who have agreed to work with us in the establishment of the Royal Museum. We have set a timeline of three years to put the structures on ground,” Prof. Akensua added.

Dr. Lutz Mukke, a German journalist and academic, who took the photographs of the looted Benin artefacts, said the photographs were the result of his journalistic investigation into the looted Benin artefacts at different museums around the world.

He disclosed that up to 90 per cent of the important cultural artefacts were taken away from Africa, and suggested that a "new deal" between Africa and the Western world was needed to fast-track the return of the stolen artefacts.

He maintained the stolen Benin artefacts numbering 4,000 to 6,000 could be found in about 60 Western museums with the biggest collections in the British Museum in London, Ethnographical Collections in Berlin, Metropolitan Museum of Arts in New York and Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

He also said that the German government has called on all public museums housing about 1000 looted Benin artefacts to return them.

"The photographs shown in the exhibition are from the museums in Boston and New York in the United States of America; Vienna in Austria; Stockholm in Sweden, Con Berlin, Dresden, Munich and Leipzig in Germany and London, United Kingdom.

"The artefacts are of course priceless as cultural heritage, but that does not mean we should forget their pure money value. The stolen Benin artefacts are estimated to be $1 billion" Mukke said.



PHOTO 1:
R-L: Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, Hon. Emmanuel Usoh; Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Osaze Osemwegie-Ero, at the Photo Exhibition on Looted Benin Artefacts, at the Oba of Benin Palace, in Benin City, Edo State. The photo exhibition is part of activities lined up to mark the 2018 EDOFEST.

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (third left); Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu (third right) and other members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Reconciliation Committee for the North Central Zone in a meeting with aggrieved members, at the Ondo State Government Lodge in Abuja on Tuesday, December 18, 2018.

Emotan Gardens: Mixta Nigeria Hails Award Of Benin-abraka Road Reconstruction, Security Architecture

…as work intensifies on estate

Mixta Nigeria, the joint venture partner of the Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) on the development of Emotan Gardens, an over 70-hectare affordable housing estate in Benin City, has hailed Governor Godwin Obaseki for the award of contract for the reconstruction of Benin-Abraka Road, noting that the gesture would further boost the profile of the estate.

The real estate company, also saluted the state government’s investment in the ambitious security architecture/ trust fund, which it said, would strengthen the existing security arrangement in the state and boost investor confidence.

Head, Business Development and Sales, Mixta Nigeria, Mr. Korede Lawrence, in a chat with journalists, said that the award of the contract is a promise kept, which goes to show that the state government keeps its words.

According to him, “We at Mixta Nigeria are particularly pleased about this. It follows through on the government’s promise to the people and also to Mixta Nigeria as well as other well-meaning developers. It shows that when this government says that they will do something, they surely will.”

He added: “Since we started, we have had a few people who have said that some politicians say things and don’t do what they say. This is to assure Edo people particularly those who have indicated interest in our estate, that the Obaseki-led government has put its money where its mouth is. More value has been added to the estate with this new development. It is a testament to the things we have been advertising.

“We have gotten people who have paid and are ready to move into the estate when it comes alive. The potential subscribers are assured that there are now several routes to the estate and they are going to get more value for their investment.”

Korede urged Edo people at home and abroad as well as residents in the state, to take advantage of the estate’s offerings and live the Mixta Nigeria experience.

Emotan Gardens is a 1800-unit affordable housing estate being developed at the Upper Sokponba axis of Benin City, the Edo State capital.


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.