₦airaland Forum

Obaseki, World Bank, Step Up Consultation As Edo Inches Closer To Bank's Support Window

...World Bank global director on governance arrives Benin City

Edo State government will on Friday, host the Senior Director, Governance Global Practice, at the World Bank, Debbie Wentzel, in continuation of the series of expert meetings and consultations between the World Bank and the state government to deepen the bank’s officials’ insights into the workings of the Obaseki-led government and pave way for a special support window from the bank.

Wentzel who will be accompanied by the bank’s Practice Manager, Hisham Waly, will be hosted to sessions to be led by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The World Bank’s officials’ visit will build on previous discussions between Edo government and the Bretton Woods institution that has expressed its readiness to increase the tempo of its developmental activities in the state, after rating the Obaseki-led administration high on transparency, accountability and demonstrable commitment to the sanctity and integrity of development-based partnership.

According to the bank, “the meetings will provide the platform for the governor to share his perspectives on governance issues in Nigeria in general and Edo State in particular with a view to identifying possible areas of intervention by the bank, and to also discuss progress on the implementation of the State Employment and Expenditure For Results (SEEFOR) project which falls under Wentzel’s portfolio.”

The meetings will be followed by “visits to some project sites as well as interactive session with beneficiaries of the projects across sub-components on-site and their representatives.”

The Senior Director’s one-day visit is coming one week after the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Rachid Benmassoud, paid a 2-day visit to Edo State.

Benmassoud was accompanied by senior specialists in various sector areas, such as institutional reforms, public works, gender, agriculture, water and sanitation.

Development experts who have been following the World Bank's relationship with the Obaseki administration say Benmassoud’s visit was predicated on Edo State government’s impressive deployment of funding, technical and other assistance of the World Bank, which was attested to recently, by 11 Executive Directors of the World Bank, who were in the state recently, for on-the-spot assessment of the bank-sponsored developmental projects in the state.

Obaseki said Debbie Wentzel’s visit will deepen talks and insights of the bank on the developmental aspiration of Edo State, to enable the bank customise its developmental products to suit the peculiar needs of the state.

He assured the state government would expand ongoing development conversation with the bank on support for the state's education and health sectors; rural development, job creation, gender issues and infrastructural development amongst others.

“The several visits of the World Bank officials lend credence to our commitment to bringing development to our people in the state, with the support of our partners,” the governor said.

He maintained that Edo State under his watch places high premium on the sanctity and the integrity of partnerships, contracts as well as an open and transparent process.

“Development partners like the World Bank, operate in an environment where stakeholders abide by rules governing the partnerships, and in which input, output and outcomes are measured from time to time. The World Bank will not take you seriously if all you do is to award ‘political contracts," he added.

Some of the bank-sponsored projects such as erosion control projects under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP), Edo State Employment and Expenditure for Result (SEEFOR), covering road projects; agriculture (FADAMMA); water, sanitation and review policy.

… mulls modalities for pumpkin leaf export

The wife of the Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, has finalised arrangement with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) to organise monthly farmers' market to serve at least 3000 female farmers.

The arrangement also includes the cultivation of pumpkin leaf for export, as well as engaging young women in maize farming.

Mrs. Obaseki said this during a courtesy visit by members of the Action Aid and the Ideal Development and Resource Center (IDRC), to her office, at Government House, in Benin City, Edo State capital.

She noted that the farmers’ market is being organised to facilitate market access for female farmers, who are engaged in large scale cultivation of cassava and pumpkin leaves.

“We plan to work with a set of 3000 to 5000 female farmers who are into farming of pumpkin leaf for export, and a set of more than 300 young women who grow specialised maize species,” she said.

The wife of the governor commended Action Aid and IDRC for the work in ensuring that children and youth have a voice in the state, noting that the role the groups played in ensuring the Child Rights Law was passed, was commendable.

Mrs. Obaseki assured that the Governor Godwin Obaseki led-administration will continue to demonstrate commitment to empowering youths through skills acquisition, as measures to discourage irregular migration among youths in the state.

She assured that youths, who will be trained on different skill areas, will be provided with a technological village, where they will put their skills into good use after graduation.

“You have done a lot of work for our children. What we need now is support for women to improve production, processing, packaging of farm produce in line with the governor’s reforms in agriculture,” she added.

Earlier, Country Director, Action Aid, Mrs. Ene Obi, said the organisation would continue to collaborate with the state government in providing youths with skills for wealth creation to curb irregular migration.

Ene noted that 2000 youths have been trained by Action Aid and IDRC in auto mechanics, tailoring, cobbling, among others, as a way of encouraging them to shun irregular migration and make the best out of life.

Photo:
R-L: Edo State Commissioner for Budget Hon. Hajia Maryam Abubakar; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Magdalene Ohenhen, Wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Country Director, Action Aid, Mrs. Ene Obi; Executive Director, Ideal Development and Resource Centre (IDRC), Mr. Saliu Aidorolo; Mrs. Tasallah Chibok, and Mr. Ipoade Omilaju of Action Aid Nigeria, during courtesy visit to Mrs. Obaseki at Government House, Benin City.

Obaseki, World Bank, Step Up Consultation As Edo Inches Closer To Bank's Support Window

...World Bank global director on governance arrives Benin City today

Edo State government will today, Friday, host the Senior Director, Governance Global Practice, at the World Bank, Debbie Wentzel, in continuation of the series of expert meetings and consultations between the World Bank and the state government to deepen the bank’s officials’ insights into the workings of the Obaseki-led government and pave way for a special support window from the bank.

Wentzel who will be accompanied by the bank’s Practice Manager, Hisham Waly, will be hosted to sessions to be led by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The World Bank’s officials’ visit will build on previous discussions between Edo government and the Bretton Woods institution that has expressed its readiness to increase the tempo of its developmental activities in the state, after rating the Obaseki-led administration high on transparency, accountability and demonstrable commitment to the sanctity and integrity of development-based partnership.

According to the bank, “the meetings will provide the platform for the governor to share his perspectives on governance issues in Nigeria in general and Edo State in particular with a view to identifying possible areas of intervention by the bank, and to also discuss progress on the implementation of the State Employment and Expenditure For Results (SEEFOR) project which falls under Wentzel’s portfolio.”

The meetings will be followed by “visits to some project sites as well as interactive session with beneficiaries of the projects across sub-components on-site and their representatives.”

The Senior Director’s one-day visit is coming one week after the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Rachid Benmassoud, paid a 2-day visit to Edo State.

Benmassoud was accompanied by senior specialists in various sector areas, such as institutional reforms, public works, gender, agriculture, water and sanitation.

Development experts who have been following the World Bank's relationship with the Obaseki administration say Benmassoud’s visit was predicated on Edo State government’s impressive deployment of funding, technical and other assistance of the World Bank, which was attested to recently, by 11 Executive Directors of the World Bank, who were in the state recently, for on-the-spot assessment of the bank-sponsored developmental projects in the state.

Obaseki said Debbie Wentzel’s visit will deepen talks and insights of the bank on the developmental aspiration of Edo State, to enable the bank customise its developmental products to suit the peculiar needs of the state.

He assured the state government would expand ongoing development conversation with the bank on support for the state's education and health sectors; rural development, job creation, gender issues and infrastructural development amongst others.

“The several visits of the World Bank officials lend credence to our commitment to bringing development to our people in the state, with the support of our partners,” the governor said.

He maintained that Edo State under his watch places high premium on the sanctity and the integrity of partnerships, contracts as well as an open and transparent process.

“Development partners like the World Bank, operate in an environment where stakeholders abide by rules governing the partnerships, and in which input, output and outcomes are measured from time to time. The World Bank will not take you seriously if all you do is to award ‘political contracts," he added.

Some of the bank-sponsored projects such as erosion control projects under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP), Edo State Employment and Expenditure for Result (SEEFOR), covering road projects; agriculture (FADAMMA); water, sanitation and review policy.

…cautions on second-hand smoke exposure

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called for synergy and partnerships among relevant stakeholders to check the consumption and reduce the health and other associated risks, especially cardiovascular diseases.

The governor said this in commemoration of the World No Tobacco Day marked by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other organs to raise awareness and check the consumption of tobacco.

The governor proposed that collaborations should be built among health workers, civil society organisations and relevant Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to raise awareness and sensitise the people on the dangers of tobacco consumption.

“Much as tobacco companies are in legitimate business and have adopted health messaging to call attention to the associated risks of use of their products. As a government, we want to ensure that the people are better served with information on the cardiovascular dangers associated with its usage. Efforts should be made to sensitise people on the dangers of second-hand smoking, which also exposes people to similar dangers faced by active smokers.”

He said the state government is pursing health policies such as the state-wide health insurance scheme, increasing the number of primary healthcare centers and improving the investment climate to attract investors, including private healthcare firms.

He said that this year’s theme for the day, ‘Tobacco and Heart Disease,’ provides a platform to interrogate the implications of tobacco use and cardiovascular conditions, noting that stakeholders are being mobilised to spread the word on the dangers of tobacco consumption and the imperative to reduce its use.

According to the World Health Organisation, “World No Tobacco Day 2018 will focus on the impact tobacco has on the cardiovascular health of people worldwide. Tobacco use is an important risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

Despite the known harms of tobacco to heart health and the availability of solutions to reduce related death and disease, knowledge among large sections of the public that tobacco is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease is low.”

As we celebrate Democracy Day, a day of extreme significance to Nigeria's history and Nigerians, I implore all to reflect on the return of power to the people.

Despite the challenges we have faced in our effort to firmly establish our democratic institutions and deepen its values, the non-interruption of our democracy since 1999, is proof of its overwhelming popularity and acceptance.

Happy Democracy Day

Watch out for Governor Godwin Obaseki's Democracy Day broadcast on May 29 on the following stations:

Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) around 9am

Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) 8am

*Radio*

SPEED FM
KU FM
VIBES FM
BRONZE FM


Thank you.

For sure.

Children’s Day: We Are Resolute About Protecting Children’s Rights, Dignity - Obaseki

As Nigeria celebrates Children’s Day on Sunday, May 27, the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that his administration is resolute about protecting the rights, dignity and physical space of children.

In his Children’s Day address, Obaseki said: “As we mark Children’s Day, I join millions of parents, guardians and care givers across the country to celebrate our children, our future and unique gifts from God.”

He further said: “Our administration is resolute about the need to protect children’s rights, their dignity and physical space, through our Child Rights Act, which protects them from any form of abuse and exploitation.”

The governor assured that his “administration is committed to children’s educational advancement and overall wellbeing as they are the legacy of Edo State and our dear nation.”

He maintained that the education sector is undergoing transformation to prepare children of school age for the reality of the information and communication technology-driven modern society.

“In addition to the new structures that we are establishing to cater to the needs of teachers and students in the basic education sub-sector, we are replacing the age-old corporal punishment with a new programme that makes a clear distinction between child abuse and discipline,” he said.

He disclosed that a fencing squad is set to begin the erection of perimeter fencing in all primary schools to protect the physical space of pupils in the schools.

Obaseki advised parents and care givers to pay more than the usual attention to their children and those under their watch, as an inter-ministerial committee on Child Sexual Abuse that will develop a framework for prevention and effective handling of cases of abuse has been set up.

Photo 2:
L-R: Minister for Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Country Manager, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Nigeria Office, Eme Essien; World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Rachid Benmessaoud; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his wife Besty; Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu; and others at the dinner organised by the state government for the World Bank and Bridge International Academy teams, at the Government House in Benin City.

…hosts officials, Bridge Academy for dinner

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, says his administration relishes the state’s 10-year partnership with the World Bank, noting that the robust relationship has led to sustainable socio-economic development in the state.

Obaseki said this when he hosted the World Bank and Bridge International Academy teams to a dinner, in Government House, Benin City.

He expressed appreciation to both groups for their commitment and support for developmental projects in the state, adding that their expertise and insights have strengthened the state’s capacity to lead impactful projects.

He emphasised the gains of the 10-year partnership with the World Bank, noting, “We are deploying frameworks developed by the World Bank for the state to address issues like human trafficking, to improve social welfare. After 18 months in government, I cannot see what is holding Nigeria back from development.”

“I am optimistic that what we have achieved can be multiplied and accelerated going by the level of support we are getting from the World Bank. We are confident that we can make it as a people. All we need is the continued assistance of development partners,” Obaseki added.

He commended Bridge International Academy for choosing to partner with the state in deploying its technology in public schools, and assured that the state government will not relent in overhauling the basic education sector.

The governor also said he was elated to watch over 2000 teachers excited in learning how to use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools to improve teaching methods, noting, “After four weeks of implementation, the project is working.”

World Bank Country Director for Nigeria and Coordinating Director for the Regional Integration Programme for West Africa, Rachid Benmessaoud, commended the governor for his developmental strides. He said the bank gained valuable insight in sessions between the state government officials and members of his team.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammad, who attended the dinner, hailed Governor Obaseki’s giant strides in development, noting that he has shown to be a true role model for states.

Photo 1:
L-R: Country Manager, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Nigeria Office, Eme Essien; World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Rachid Benmessaoud; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his wife, Betsy; Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu; at the dinner organised by the state government for the World Bank and Bridge International Academy teams, at the Government House in Benin City.

…commits to infrastructure to fast-track bankable projects

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has unveiled windows for investment in the agricultural sector in the state, noting that a competent team has been set up to address investors’ queries and ensure a conducive environment for agribusiness.

Obaseki said the state will be focusing on investment in high value crops like oil palm, rubber, and cocoa; cassava, soybeans, fruits, and legumes.

The governor, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists, said that there are three teams in the state working to make investment in the agribusiness sector hassle-free.

Obaseki said the state has zeroed in on specific crops, where the state has comparative advantage, urging potential investors to request information on how their businesses can benefit from the master-plan being designed.

He explained that aside from going through the Special Adviser on Agriculture and the State Ministry of Agriculture, the state has set up a Private Partnership Office and a Business Bureau to attend to challenges confronting private investors as well as other agribusiness-related inquiries.

“In the area of agriculture, we have three teams working from different areas. First there is the special adviser on agriculture, Joe Okojie, who is a former commissioner for agriculture. Then there is the ministry of agriculture, with a commissioner and his team, and there is the Public Private Partnership office. We also have a business bureau so there are several points of entry where you can engage with us on the type of opportunities available,” he said.

He added that the state is “being mapped out to determine what commodities do well in Edo State. Fortunately, we have enough information and data, soil analysis, rainfall pattern, agronomic reports to help would-be investors have enough information to make enlightened decisions on what to do.”

Obaseki explained that the state is “currently finalising the master plan on agriculture with specific reference to oil palm. We have an institution from Indonesia that is working with us on this. Once it is completed, we would have identified the areas where we want to allocate land for oil palm. We would have finalised communication with the communities in those areas.

On the focus on high value crops, the governor said, "Edo pineapples are the sweetest in this country. If you haven’t tasted it yet, try Edo Rose Pineapple and you won’t eat any other.”

…commits to infrastructure to fast-track bankable projects

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has unveiled windows for investment in the agricultural sector in the state, noting that a competent team has been set up to address investors’ queries and ensure a conducive environment for agribusiness.

Obaseki said the state will be focusing on investment in high value crops like oil palm, rubber, and cocoa; cassava, soybeans, fruits, and legumes.

The governor, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists, said that there are three teams in the state working to make investment in the agribusiness sector hassle-free.

Obaseki said the state has zeroed in on specific crops, where the state has comparative advantage, urging potential investors to request information on how their businesses can benefit from the master-plan being designed.

He explained that aside from going through the Special Adviser on Agriculture and the State Ministry of Agriculture, the state has set up a Private Partnership Office and a Business Bureau to attend to challenges confronting private investors as well as other agribusiness-related inquiries.

“In the area of agriculture, we have three teams working from different areas. First there is the special adviser on agriculture, Joe Okojie, who is a former commissioner for agriculture. Then there is the ministry of agriculture, with a commissioner and his team, and there is the Public Private Partnership office. We also have a business bureau so there are several points of entry where you can engage with us on the type of opportunities available,” he said.

He added that the state is “being mapped out to determine what commodities do well in Edo State. Fortunately, we have enough information and data, soil analysis, rainfall pattern, agronomic reports to help would-be investors have enough information to make enlightened decisions on what to do.”

Obaseki explained that the state is “currently finalising the master plan on agriculture with specific reference to oil palm. We have an institution from Indonesia that is working with us on this. Once it is completed, we would have identified the areas where we want to allocate land for oil palm. We would have finalised communication with the communities in those areas.

On the focus on high value crops, the governor said, "Edo pineapples are the sweetest in this country. If you haven’t tasted it yet, try Edo Rose Pineapple and you won’t eat any other.”

..

...to prioritise digitalisation



Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state government is set to strengthen the civil service with the injection of new blood and more technical manpower through the ongoing recruitment exercise in the service.

Obaseki disclosed this when he received the 2017 Annual Report from the Chairman, Edo State Civil Service Commission, Princess (Mrs) Ekiuwa Inneh, at the Government House in Benin City on Monday.

Noting that the state government would continue to prioritise recruitment of skilled hands to beef up the capacity of the civil service to respond to the demands of a fast-changing world, he commended the commission for aligning with the focus, in its latest advertisement to fill vacancies in the service.

He said the state government is committed to building capacity of civil servants for optimal service delivery, noting that it plans to strengthen relationship with the State Civil Service Commission to train workers in line with modern trends.

He said plans have been concluded to digitalize the workings of the state civil service, as the deployment of equipment and upgrade of skill sets will allow for improved data analysis and information dissemination within the civil service structure

Governor Obaseki noted, “We are deploying technology in the State Civil Service to digitalize our human resources data for easy analysis. The state would fill vacant positions in the commission to address the needs of the commission and not on a routine basis.”

Earlier, Chairman of Edo Civil Service Commission, Princess Ekiuwa Inneh said its staff audit showed that as at December, 31, 2017, the state had 2822 staff comprising 1660 males and 1162 females, noting that there are 11,001 vacancies in the service.

She expressed optimism that the report would assist government in planning how to move the Civil Service Commission forward.

Photo - 1 -
Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki receiving the 2017 Annual Report of the State Civil Service Commission from the Chairman, Princess (Mrs.) Ekiuwa Inneh, at the Government House in Benin City, on Monday, May 21, 2018.

Crocky23:
Useless governor

Hmmmmm! To only you probably.

Cultural Diversity Day: Obaseki Harps On Partnerships To Preserve Cultural Heritage

…says govt has rolled out policies to preserve culture

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has made a strong case for partnerships between stakeholders in the cultural sector and the government to promote and preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

The governor said this in commemoration of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, marked every May 21, by the United Nations and its various organs.

According to him, “On this day, it is imperative to stress the need to preserve our cultural heritage, and build institutions as well as multilateral partnership to promote our cultural assets. As we are constantly thrown into the overwhelming circus of globalisation, we must not forget that we have unique identities and narratives that can match the narratives of exquisiteness that we have been sold overtime.

“As our cultural artefacts and expressions hold elements of these unique features, we must strive to build institutions to promote, conserve and preserve them for future generations.”

He said the Edo State Government has mandated the teaching of Bini language in schools by specially trained teachers, adding that the reforms in the basic education sub-sector takes into cognisance the need to preserve cultural identities and promote diversity.

He called for partnerships between government and civil society organisations for preservation of cultural assets, adding that the state government’s drive to revive culture clubs in schools and promote literacy are all geared towards arming children with knowledge of their identities and their past so as not to lose themselves in future.

According to the United Nations, “In 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and in December 2002, the UN General Assembly, in its resolution 57/249, declared May 21 to be the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

“The day provides us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to advance the four goals of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions adopted on 20 October 2005 to support sustainable systems of governance for culture; achieve a balanced flow of cultural goods and services and increase mobility of artists and cultural professionals; integrate culture in sustainable development frameworks and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms”

Pension Arrears: Edo Invites Pensioners In Batches 43, 44 For Verification, Payment

The Edo State Government has invited pensioners in batches 43 and 44 for physical and documentary verification in order to process payment of their pension arrears.

Recall that Governor Godwin Obaseki, in his Workers' Day address, approved the sum of N1.5billion from the Paris Fund refund to defray outstanding pension arrears, which accumulated for a period of 20 years.

In a statement, Permanent Secretary and Chairman, Pension Bureau, I.D. S. Juwobor, said that the exercise is in continuation of payment of pension arrears by the state government, as the affected pensioners will be paid their arrears after the exercise.

According to him, “In continuation of the on-going payment of pension arrears for State Government pensioners, all pensioners in batches 43 and 44 are hereby invited to present themselves for physical and documentary verification at the Imaguero Hall, Benin City, on Thursday, May 24th and Friday 25th May, 2018 at 9:00am each day.

He urged pensioners in batches 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41, who failed to participate in the previous verification exercises to “take advantage of the scheduled forthcoming screening exercise alongside pensioners in batches 43 and 44.”

He added, “In furtherance of this, affected pensioners are advised to: check the list of pensioners in the batches indicated above at the office of the Head of Service on Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd May, 2018. They are to come to the venue of the verification exercise with the following: pension authority, retirement letter, letter of first appointment, pension identity card, biometric slip and bank details including bank name and account number.

“Upon conclusion of the verification exercise, the outstanding pension arrears will be credited into the pension account of each pensioner after due documentation by relevant agencies involved in the payment process.”

Plant Conservation Day: Obaseki Tasks World Leaders On Prioritising Plant Protection

...urges global consensus on conservation

The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has charged world leaders to back the debate about plant preservation and protection, with action, to sustain life and protect the planet.

Obaseki gave the charge on the occasion of the celebration of the International Plant Conservation Day, celebrated on Friday, May 18 each year.

According to the governor, “the celebration of plant day dovetails with the wisdom behind my administration’s plan to reposition the Edo State Ministry of Environment and its agencies to join the global crusade for a greener earth through aggressive plant cultivation, protection and preservation.”

Calling on Nigerian youths to throw their weight behind the global movement on plant preservation and conservation, Obaseki explained that environmental regeneration is one of the pillars of his administration’s development blueprint, and disclosed that plans are underway to set up botanical gardens in urban areas of the state, where urbanisation has reduced the physical space for plants.

“Preserving plants means preserving human life,” he emphasised, and assured that the state government through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Edo Development Property Agency (EDPA) will spearhead policies on plant protection; awareness creation; establishment of new gardens and parks as well as stakeholder engagements on the need to preserve plants.

He advised world leaders who are yet to mainstream environmental protection and preservation in their development plans to do so urgently, as the ubiquitous impacts of climate change go beyond national boundaries.

Plant Conservation Day was started in 2001 by the Association of Zoological Horticulture (AZH), and has been actively celebrated by zoos throughout the United States and is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and conserving plants for people and the planet.

According to AZH, in 2006, Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) partnered with it to help expand Plant Conservation Day celebrations to botanic gardens and develop resources to make celebrating easy and fun for any organisation, group, or individual interested in conserving the world's plants.

It added that in 2008, Plant Conservation Day celebrations were held around the United States of America and in Europe. In 2009, funding from the Boeing Company allowed BGCI and AZH to work with their membership networks and partners around the world to hold celebrations in more countries and to involve many thousands more people.

The most hardworking Governor from Nigeria...

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo BEST) programme, makes reading and the entire learning experience attractive and fun for children in public primary and secondary schools in Edo State.

In his address at the 2018 Readership Promotion Campaign, themed: Sustaining Lifelong Reading for Positive Change, organised by the National Library of Nigeria in Benin City, Obaseki explained, “As part of the plans to over-haul the basic education sub-sector in the state through the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (BEST) programme, the state government has concluded arrangement to provide mini-library in each classroom in public school across the state. This will assist pupils in public schools to cultivate sustainable reading culture.”

He added that in the plans for the reconstruction of public schools across the state, there are provision to equip the schools with rich libraries where students can read and conduct research.

The governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Emmanuel Agbale, noted, “The pupils will be taught how to manage books in the mini-library so that on a rotational basis, every pupil in a class will have the opportunity to serve as the class librarian.”

Obaseki explained, “There are plans to equip public schools with solar panels that will provide adequate lighting to power tablets to be distributed to students in public schools, with pre-loaded novels and story books.”

“Survey carried out to generate data on the number of schools will assist the state in developing strategies that would guarantee the protection of assets deployed to schools for improved teaching and learning outcomes,” he added.

Obaseki urged youths to make effort to cultivate good reading habit, noting that the time spent daily by youths reading and sending messages on social media platforms was a wrong presumption of effort at developing their reading habit.

He noted that youths would benefit from cultivating a healthy reading habit, adding that such would set them on the path of becoming global citizens and competing favourably with their peers anywhere in the world.

A guest lecturer, Dr. (Mrs.) Elizabeth I. Ifidon, of the Department of Library and Information Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, explained that the campaign on sustainable reading for positive change can only be successful if it is supported by all stakeholders including parents and educational institutions.

They must face those charges, nowhere to hide.

Good move. They should go after all of them that put Edo state in retrogression.

Photo 3:
Indonesian Ambassador to Germany, Arif Havaz Oegroseno (left); Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (third left); Maritime Coordinating Minister of Indonesia, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, (7th from left); and Prefect, Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development, Cardinal Peter Turkson (8th from left); with other delegates at the conference on Eradicating Poverty through Agriculture and Plantation Industry to empower Peace and Humanity in Rome, Italy.

Photo 2:
Indonesian Ambassador to Poland, Peter Gontha; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Executive Director, Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), Mr. Mahendra Siregar; and Mr. Ryan Edwards of Dartmouth University, during a panel session at the conference on Eradicating Poverty through Agriculture and Plantation Industry to empower Peace and Humanity in Rome, Italy.

Rome poverty alleviation confab: We are strengthening int’l collaboration to boost oil palm production in Edo – Obaseki

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured of stronger international collaboration with more foreign partners and investors in the state’s agricultural sector, following the commitments he secured at the Rome conference on Eradicating Poverty Through the Agriculture and Plantation Industry to Empower Peace and Humanity, held on Tuesday in Italy.

The event assembled heads of governments, elite investors in the agricultural sector, particularly the oil palm sub-sector, members of the diplomatic community, the academia, the clergy, amongst others.

In attendance were the Ambassador of Indonesia to Germany, Arif Havaz Oegroseno; Maritime Coordinating Minister of Indonesia, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan; Malaysian Ambassador to the Vatican, Tan Sri Bernard Gilgal Dompok; and the Prefect, Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development, Cardinal Peter Turkson.

Others were the Indonesian Ambassador to Poland, Peter Gontha; Executive Director, Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), Mr. Mahendra Siregar; and Mr. Ryan Edwards of Dartmouth University as well as investors, regulators and other stakeholders in the agricultural and allied sectors.

Obaseki said: “The conference provided the platform for oil palm producing countries and states such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Edo State, amongst others, to articulate the peculiar challenges militating against unhindered access of agricultural produce to European market.

“We compared notes on several issues and shared our experiences. Edo State is the largest producer of oil palm in Nigeria which makes the sector an area of strength for us.”

Marketing Edo State as the preferred investment destination on the continent, the governor told the conference participants that “the reforms in land administration in the state have removed all man-made encumbrances and have made land acquisition stress-free.

“We have moved away from the dark ages in which land grabbers reigned supreme, harassed and killed themselves over land. This scared away potential investors and sent the wrong signal to people prospecting for businesses in the state.

“Our rising profile on the Ease of Doing Business Index is attributable to the reforms in land administration and other sectors. Access to land is no longer a big deal in Edo State. We have very creative and industrious workforce; my administration is favorably disposition to supporting businesses; and our state is strategically located for markets in all parts of the country.”

He added, “We are committed to leveraging the competitive advantage we have in this sector to create jobs for our youths and create wealth for our people.

The governor noted that “the takeaways from the conference will add a great deal of value to our agricultural roadmap in Edo State,” and pledged his administration’s continued support to private investors in the state.

According to the governor, “Indonesia and Malaysia are currently the top two countries in the global oil palm industry, our collective aspiration is to sustain the tempo, expand our plantations, create more markets for our produce, come up with innovative ways of producing more at lesser cost.”

Obaseki assured that more investors are set to come to Edo State to invest in the agricultural sector. "Our reforms are spurring investors’ interest and we have also communicated our high sense of hospitality, the creativity and industriousness of our youths and we are ready and open to business.”

Photo 1:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right) speaking at the conference on Eradicating Poverty through Agriculture and Plantation Industry to empower Peace and Humanity in Rome, Italy.

Entrepreneurship: Edo To Train 200 Youths On Solar Panel Installation, Photography, Others

Edo State Government has concluded plans to partner with the After Graduate Development Centre to train 200 youths on solar panel installation, photography and cosmetology.

The training programme, conducted through Edojobs, is aimed at equipping the youths with in-demand vocational, business intelligence and financial literacy skills. Youths will also be mentored to apply for business funding during the programme.

The trainees are to be drawn from Edo North, South and Central senatorial districts of the state.

Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Edo State Governor on Skills Development and Head of EdoJobs, Ukinebo Dare, expressed her gratitude to the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, for attracting the programme which is funded by ACT Foundation to the state.

She said that the training will fast-track the realisation of the governor’s promise of creating a minimum of 200,000 jobs. She also noted that it will also equip the 200 participants with skills and resources to be self-reliant as trainees will be guided to access credit from the Bank of Industry (BoI).

She also noted that the state’s Ministry of Science and Technology is recruiting new hands for its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and encouraged job seekers to get details and apply on the EdoJobs Portal.

According to her application for the 200 slots on the training being run by EdoJobs in partnership with AGDC (After Graduate Development Centre) is ongoing and individuals desirous of becoming brand names in the different fields, should apply right away on edojobs.edostate.gov.ng

The training programmes are on Solar Panel Installation and Maintenance, Photography as well as Makeup and Cosmetology.

Source: http://thebellng.com/entrepreneurship-edo-to-train-200-youths-on-solar-panel-installation-others/

PhilipIdaghosa:
Obaseki is working!

Yes, he is indeed working. Saturday was Okpekpe Road Race in Okpekpe, today Tuesday is Rome for economic conference. No rest...

The Governor of Edo State, Mr Governor Obaseki, has said that with the invaluable contributions of the family institution to human development and advancement, more roles should be assigned to the institution.

Obaseki made the case on the occasion of the International Day of families, celebrated on May 15, each year.

“As the basic unit of society, the family institution has continued to sustain the human race, socialising and preparing children for growth and development,” he said.

The governor added that despite socio-economic and other challenges such as wars and conflicts which disrupt the family system in parts of the world, the institution, “has fared well and deserves to be empowered to step out of its traditional roles and do more for society as development-focused governments seek ways of bringing governance closer to the people.”

Obaseki said that 2018 Theme: “Families and inclusive societies” dovetails with his administration’s strategy to achieve inclusive economic growth through transparent and people-oriented policies, and stressed that no sustainable development can be achieved without targeting the largest number of people, possible.

He maintained that family heads can be instrumental in mobilising households to embrace health programmes such as immunisation, basic education policies, environmental protection and preservation amongst others, in addition to the institution’s biological and moral transmission roles to successive generations.

The governor noted that his administration “is committed to multi-stakeholder development model and is disposed to integrating the family institution in policy making and execution to achieve a bottom-to-top ideas management framework.”

He called for legal and institutional support for the institution from all tiers of government for the family to carry out its biological, social and developmental roles with ease.

According to him, "it makes sense and is cost-effective to empower and invest more resources to achieve more functional families, as against investing resources in managing the crisis associated with dysfunctional homes."

The International Day of Families, according to the United Nations, “provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting them.”

The global body said “It has inspired a series of awareness-raising events, including national family days. In many countries, this day is an opportunity to highlight different areas of interest and importance to families.”

Mother’s Day: Obaseki Extols Virtues Of Motherhood, Assures Of More Policies On Women Empowerment

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has hailed mothers for their immense contribution to nation building, sustaining families and contributing to economic growth through their various professions, vocations, and businesses.

The governor, who said this in commemoration of Mother’s Day marked on May 13, maintained that mothers play critical roles in homes and workplace and deserve praise for how expertly they have alternated these roles.

According to him, “Today’s celebration presents yet another opportunity to appreciate mothers for their sacrifices, love, care and unflinching commitment to family and society. Their uncompromising faith in family ideals and transfer of same have sustained the society thus far.

“Even in the face of challenging work culture, they have shown brightly, conquering several odds to be the super humans they are. It is in this light that the state government is executing reforms to make the roles of mothers easier. We are executing empowerment programmes, making the workplace friendlier and implementing more policies to lessen the load on mothers,” he said.

He emphasised that mothers deserve to be celebrated for their role in nurturing the family, which forms the basic foundation of the society, noting that mothers have played active roles in government’s campaign against social ills such as human trafficking, child abuse, kidnapping and other crimes.

Obaseki said, “My administration will continue to implement policies that will empower mothers, through the various socio-economic policies aimed at wealth creation for women in the state. Edo women lent their support for the campaign against human trafficking after witnessing the horrors their children go through when they embark on dangerous journeys through land to Europe.”

He said government was sensitive to matters of gender mainstreaming, which informed the increase in appointment of women in government to advance the cause of women. On empowerment programmes, he said, “A number of agricultural and entrepreneur initiatives are being implemented by the state government. They are aimed at creating more job opportunities and will improve the economic wellbeing of mothers in the state. When these are achieved, mothers’ contribution to the welfare of their family increases.”

More Photos:

Benin Industrial Park: Edo Govt Parleys Host Communities, Assures Of Compensation

…to begin impact assessment, as communities pledge support

The Edo State Government has assured communities hosting the Benin Industrial Park project that adequate compensation will be paid to groups or individuals with legal claim to land and structures within the area where the park is being developed.

Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., disclosed this at a Town Hall Meeting with traditional rulers, elders and youths from the communities in Iyanomo, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

According to him, “the state government will adequately compensate land owners and developers in the communities hosting the park. We would soon commence the enumeration of persons who have lands and other properties in the area, where the park is sited to allow for compensation."

He said, “The Benin Industrial park is hosted by different communities in Iyanomo. There is need for stakeholder engagement to support the project, which would enable the state government achieve its vision to industrialise the state.”

He said that on completion, not less than fourteen different companies would be hosted within the Industrial Park, which include healthcare facilities, living quarters and schools.

Ogie expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the town hall meeting, noting that the support from the communities indicated that they are ready to cooperate with the state government.

A member of the Benin Industrial Park Technical Team, Mr. Ikpowonsa Osayande, said the park would boost manufacturing and the service sector as well as create jobs for youths in the state.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Oluwole Iyamu, urged members of the communities who were yet to make their claims to do so, noting, “The state government would compensate those with legitimate claim as the land is being developed for the good of the state.”

Iyamu warned against erection of structures within the land marked for the development of the park, noting, “Any person who does such is contravening the law and would be prosecuted.”

A Sustainability Expert and Chief Executive Officer, Natural Exo Capital Limited, Mr. Eugene Itua, said the state government would carry out environmental, health and social impact assessment in the area to ensure necessary actions are taken into consideration in the course of the project. He added that 25,382 direct and 50, 764 indirect jobs would be created within the first six years of executing the project.

In his remarks, the Enogie of Oghobaghase community in Iyanomo, Idu Akenzua, urged members of the community to support the project because of its inherent benefit to them and other people in the state.

Photo 1:
L-R: Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Enogie of Oghobaghase, Idu Akenzua; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, O. O. Iyamu and the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Edorodion Oye Erimona; during the Town Hall Meeting at Oghobaghase Community, Benin City.

...Obaseki restates commitment to successful outing

With a few hours to the commencement of the 2018 edition of Okpekpe Road Race scheduled for Saturday, May 12, enthusiasm is at a fever pitch in Edo State, host of the first 10-kilometer International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) silver label road race in Nigeria.

Social and economic activities have witnessed positive spike from the Benin Airport, through the ancient city and to the communities hosting the event, as participants, including Elite and local athletes, sports journalists, sponsors, supporters of the event and dealers in souvenirs arrive the state for the event.

Investigation showed that hotels in Benin City are fully booked and late comers are resorting to smaller lodging facilities in the city while operators of outdoor bars, taxis, guest houses and relaxation spots are counting their gains.

The Okpekpe international 10km road race, currently in its sixth year, is the only road race recognised by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) in Nigeria.

The number of endorsements by corporate organisations has raised the profile of the event, the latest being the Nigerian Breweries Plc.

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, on Friday restated his administration's commitment to a successful race and assured participants of adequate security.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said the governor's assurance is coming after he had earlier encouraged Edo indigenes and other Nigerians to register and compete in the 10km Road Race because of the inherent benefit of building an army of home-grown long-distance runners to represent the country in similar competitions within the country and overseas.

Obaseki noted that much as the state is happy to play host to athletes from East African countries and other parts of the world, the competition also presents an opportunity for Edo indigenes to prove their mettle and strive to clinch the top prize.

“As Nigerians, we are known to never give in easily in contests. So, this competition presents another opportunity for us to put up a challenge and compete to win the top prizes,” the governor said.

According to him, “Edo State is blessed with planes and conditions that can groom people for long-distance races. Highlands such as Somorika Hills can groom athletes to favourably compete in this competition. It even presents a good training ground for many others who would like to participate.

He added, “The Okpekpe road race is one of our emerging sports and tourism assets and we need to tap from this unique opportunity to build grassroots sports and project ourselves as a welcoming and sports-loving people.”

Describing the backing of Nigerian Breweries as a big boost, spokesman for the race, Dare Esan was quoted as saying that the company is “coming in as a Friend of the Race. It is a massive boost for the image of the race to have a pioneer brewing company support an event in which history will be made on May 12, 2018.”

Photos:
Organisers finalising preparations for the 6th Okpekpe Road Race.