₦airaland Forum

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has warned against erecting structures under high tension cables in the state, urging those still dwelling or doing business in such locations to vacate the buildings to avoid environmental and health hazards.

The governor, in a statement, said it was regrettable that some residents in the state ignored several warnings issued in the media and relayed during town hall meetings that they should vacate such dwellings in different parts of the state.

According to him, “We are constrained to make this appeal again after initial attempts to dissuade the people from living or doing business under high tension cables were not heeded. It is a source of worry for us as a government because we are aware of the risks involved and are determined to prevent any unfortunate incidents.

“Much as we have the option to forcefully evacuate these persons from such places, we would want to first tread on the path of caution and treat them as reasonable, responsible fellow humans who will heed advise.”

He cautioned those who live in such locations to work with relevant government agencies to ensure the safe evacuation of their belongings and businesses.

The governor explained that the warnings were imperative because of the unfortunate past incidents such as the death of 30 persons at viewing centre in Calabar after a high-tension cable fell on the facility among other similar incidents.

“It is in the interest of our people that we have decided to rev up this campaign. We are witnesses to the wanton destruction that can result from a mishap with the high-tension cables. And it will be saddening when this occurs and we have people trapped under the rubbles because they fail to heed warnings.

Noting that the state government values the lives of its people, he said, “We will continue with the campaign because, above all else, we value the lives of our people and will not allow harm come their way when such can be prevented.

To reiterate, we caution Edo people to vacate dwellings under high-tension cables, move to safer locations and reduce the chances of preventable tragedies.”

Photo 2
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle); his Deputy, Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu (left); Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq. (2nd left); and Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero (right), during the governor’s inspection of ongoing construction of Block C of the Secretariat Building, along Sapele Road, Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Secretariat buildings, street lights to be powered by Ossiomo Power before December - Obaseki

...court complex to replace Sapele Rd prison, Benin to get Judiciary hub status in S-South

...reconstruction of 40-year-old twin 9-story secretariat building nears completion

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state secretariat buildings and streets lights in the state capital will be powered with a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed between the state and Ossiomo Power before the end of the year.

Obaseki disclosed this when he inspected on-going construction work at the High Court Complex Extension and Block C of the Secretariat Building, along Sapele Road in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

The governor, who expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work done by the contractors, said “We have secured most of the clearance from Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). With this, we are optimistic that before the end of the year, when work on the buildings would have been completed, the PPA agreement with Ossiomo Power for 5MW of electricity will be activated to provide power to the Secretariat Complex.”

He said government offices at the complex will be powered in the day using the power from Ossiomo plant, and at night, the street lights in the state capital will hook on to the power facility.

Obaseki noted that going by the work programme of the contractor handling the High Court Complex Extension, the project is expected to be completed within 16 to 20 weeks, adding “The work is of high quality. The standard is as can be obtained anywhere in the world. I am optimistic that by the last quarter of the year, the Court House will be ready for furnishing."

He said the state was liaising with the Ministry of Interior and the Nigerian Prison Service to relocate the Benin Prison along Sapele Road to a more remote and secure location.

“We are working seriously on this issue and once we agree on the design for the new prison, the present facility on Sapele Road will be relocated. This will enable the state carry out more expansion work to accommodate the court complex, which will be sited at the present location of the prison."

Obaseki explained that the state is concluding plans to site an Industrial Court in Benin City, to make the state capital a judicial hub in the South-South region.

At the twin 9-story Block C Secretariat Building, commenced over 40 years ago by late Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia’s administration, the governor said the construction work commenced after an integrity test was done on the building and the result showed that it was in good condition.

He stressed that he is satisfied with the support from public servants for the reforms being undertaken by his administration.

“This shows that public servants are in support of the initiatives of my administration. On our part, we will provide more opportunities for training and capacity enhancement to improve their welfare and boost productivity. The hierarchy of the state civil service have continued to exhibit high commitment to duty and better service delivery.”

“Public servants have remained resilient and I am optimistic that if government improves their working conditions through capacity training in line with international best practices, we will get more value from them,” Obaseki added.

Photo 1
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle, front row); his Deputy, Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu (right); Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq. (2nd left); Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero (left); and Managing Director, A & K Construction, George Boumus (2nd right), during the governor’s inspection of ongoing construction work at the High Court Complex Extension and Block C Building in the Edo State Secretariat Complex, along Sapele Road in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

The Edo State Government has commenced a clamp down on firms that flout its safety regulations with the sealing of Esteem Event Centre located in Benin City, which was found wanting after a fire safety inspection was carried out on the facility.

In a statement, Commissioner for Youths and Special Duties, Hon. Mika Amanokha, said the development is the first in a series of actions to enforce safety rules and regulations in the state, which were being flouted by business owners.

According to him, “during the inspection, it was discovered that the centre lacked adequate fire extinguishers in addition to inadequate entrance and exit points. The facility also does not have a functioning hose reel, while the stairway in the bar is not cleared.”

He said the centre will remain sealed until the management of the facility corrects the irregularities, warning that any attempt to flout the directive of the government will attract stiff penalty.

Meanwhile, concerned by the wave of fire outbreaks, the state government has commenced the implementation of the state fire service law, taking the campaign to the hotels, shopping malls and gas stations in Benin City, Edo State capital.

Amanokha, who represented the Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, during an inspection, said the state government will not condole acts that expose residents to danger of fire outbreaks.

The tour was carried out across several event centers, hotels, shopping malls, gas stations and other public places.

Amanokha noted, “The state will not waste time in charging managers of public places who do not abide by measures to forestall human-induced fire outbreaks.”

He said the goal of domesticating the fire service law in the state was to ensure that stakeholders, especially owners of public facilities make adequate provision for prompt, effective and remedial efforts during fire outbreak.

“This will serve as a means to prevent and manage fire outbreaks before the arrival of professional fire service men. It will also reduce casualties in the occasion of fire incidents,” he added.

Director, Edo State Fire Service, Mr. Franklin Agbonlahor, explained that the exercise was aimed at strengthening preparedness, prevention, and timely response to fire outbreaks, noting “This step is taken to prevent fire incidents. We have had a couple of incident such as the Pipeline Timber Market, in Benin City, Phill Hallmark Mall along Sapele road Benin City, where properties worth billions were lost to preventable fire outbreaks.”

Photo 2
L-R: Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Commissioner of Police, Edo State, Mr. Johnson Kokumo; and State Director, Department of State Security, Halilu Ibrahim, during a meeting with members of Odighi, Owan and Odiguetue communities at the palace of the Enogie of Odighi Community, in Ovia North East Local Government Area, on Sunday, April 15, 2018.

Obaseki Places 90-Day Total Ban On Grazing In Odighi, Odiguetue Communities, Environs

...sets up special taskforce to comb out herdsmen from forests, communities

...orders arrest of herdsmen on sight, vetting, enumeration of all herders

As an interim measure to forestall further killings and destruction of property, Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has placed a 90- day total ban on grazing in Odighi, Odiguetue communities and environs.

Obaseki announced the ban during a meeting with members of Odighi, Owan and Odigwuetue communities at the palace of the Enogie of Odighi Community in Ovia North East Local Government Council of the state.

The governor said the ban became necessary to stop further killings as the duty of his administration is to protect lives and property of the people of the state.

"We have set up a special taskforce made up of the Army, Police, State Security Service, hunters and vigilante groups to comb the bushes and dislodge squatter camps of killer herdsmen and ensure no grazing takes place in Odighi, Odiguetue communities and environs".

He added that within two weeks, the taskforce will go round the affected communities to get information that will help dislodge the criminals who pose as herdsmen in the forest.

Obaseki noted that "before now fulani herdsmen were known for carrying sticks around to control their cattle" and lamented that "today some of them have become criminals."

He said there is need to separate herdsmen from cattle rustlers who steal cattle, invade farms, rape and kill people, and assured that efforts are being made to identify the real herdsmen in the state.

Obaseki said his administration is set to scale up agricultural activities in Odighi Community which was once known as the food basket of the state, and pledged to fix the water system in the area and re-construct the old roads in the community to open up the area for development.

"We have taken the designs of the old roads in these areas and in two weeks' time we will start the re-construction of the roads. Tomorrow, government officials will be here to check the water system in the communities and fix it so that the people will have access to potable water.

A resident of Odighi Community, Uyiosa Okundia, said the people lived together peacefully with herdsmen until they started invading their farms with their cattle and eating their crops, killing their men and raping their women.

Ebohon Pius from Odigwuetue community said the only source of water in the community has been taken over by herdsmen as they now buy water and food to feed their family because they cannot farm anymore.

"We now have kidnappers, robbers and criminals in our community who operate under the cover of herdsmen".

Earlier, the governor worshiped at St. Stephen's Anglican Church Odighi, where he assured the vicar of the church Rev. Canon David Obakozuwa-Edokpolor, the members and people of the community of the readiness of his administration to restore order and peace in the communities.

Photo 1
R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele; Commissioner of Police, Edo State, Mr. Johnson Kokumo; and State Director, Department of State Security, Halilu Ibrahim, during a church service at St. Stephen's Anglican Church, Odighi, in Ovia North East Local Government Area, on Sunday, April 15, 2018.

2nd Photo
Traders clearing drains and markets during the environmental sanitation exercise in Benin City, Edo State, on Saturday, April 14, 2018

...says sanitation will be sustained

The Secretary to Edo State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq., has said that environmental sustainability is a major pillar of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government, and will sustain the weekly environmental sanitation exercise as part of the strategy to ensure a cleaner state.

Ogie, who doubles as Head, Project Clean Up Edo Committee, disclosed this during the monitoring of the April 14 sanitation exercise across major streets and markets within Benin City, the state capital.

He said, “Now that people are beginning to key into the exercise and requesting that government make the exercise continuous, the state government will not relent but continue with the exercise on a weekly basis.

“The state government will get more people to support the drive for a cleaner state through enlightenment programmes on the importance of cleaning their environments.”

Noting that the programme will be retooled to meet the needs of Edo people, he said, "The state government will continue to review the exercise to address areas that need to be improved. When we observe the need for change in certain areas, we will not waste time to make those adjustments. More waste-bins will be procured and distributed across the state capital to encourage people to imbibe the culture of properly disposing refuse for pick-up by waste managers.”

Ogie added that government will play its role in ensuring that refuse is evacuated regularly. He appealed for more persons to participate in the environmental sanitation, which will be continued next week. “We expect that more people would take time out to clean their premises while government will ensure that the waste-bins are evacuated promptly,” he stressed.

Some of the traders who participated in the exercise commended efforts of the state government and expressed enthusiasm to play their part in ensuring a cleaner Edo State.


1st Photo
L-R: Secretary to Edo State Government (SSG) and Head, Project Clean Up Edo Committee, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Barr. Bright Emoedume; Secretary, Edo State Waste Management Board, Godfrey Ehon, and other government officials during the weekly environmental sanitation exercise in Benin City, Edo State, on Saturday, April 14, 2018.

That Edo can become a center of excellence! Kudos to Governor Obaseki

Federal Character: Obaseki Tasks Commission On Compliance, Urges Scrutiny Of Appointments, Infrastructural Distribution

The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has urged the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to set up a compliance unit that will monitor the distribution of federal government appointments and infrastructural facilities across the country, in line with the principle of federal character.

Obaseki made the call on Thursday, at the commission’s seminar for South-South Zone, with the theme: The Spread of Socio-economic and Infrastructural Facilities – Need for Strategic Partnership with Stakeholders,” in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

According to the governor, “we must constantly project a national outlook in the appointments of Nigerians into federal ministries and agencies and ensure that infrastructural facilities are evenly spread across the country. We must reinforce the principles of fairness, equity, justice, which form the tripod upon which the Federal Character Commission rests.


“To ensure harmony in our polity, I will suggest that the Federal Character Commission establish a compliance monitoring department that will scrutinise federal government appointments and the distribution of infrastructural projects across the country. The compliance monitoring department should raise the red flag when the provisions of the Federal Character are abused or flouted.”


Obaseki who was represented at the event by the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Yakubu Gowon, advised that “If appointments and infrastructures are skewed or tilted in favour of one part of the country or state, those from other parts of the country will feel short-changed and become agitated.”

He said “stories abound of how some people abuse the provisions of the Federal Character. We learnt that some people fraudulently change their states of origin and take over appointment slots reserved for other states. This is condemnable.”

On synergy, Obaseki told the commission “to strengthen synergy with the state governments and publicise its activities by advertising appointment slots regularly, so that the various state governments can utilise their respective slots. I recommend that similar strategy should be adopted in the allocation of infrastructural facilities.”

He said: “There is a raging debate about whether the Federal Character Commission has outlived its usefulness and therefore should be scrapped. Some argue that the principle of federal character negates meritocracy, industry and creativity. My position is that, everything in life is dynamic. The only institutions that die with time, are those that refuse to modify their ways to keep steps with changing times and trends.

“My recommendation is that the commission should be ready to reinvent its systems from time to time so that it is not left behind.

Obaseki Assures Of Robust Health Care Ecosystem With Insurance Scheme, 500 Primary, Super Tertiary Centers

As the Edo State government intensifies work on the reform of the health sector, the governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has reiterated that the soon-to-be-unveiled state health insurance scheme and construction of 500 primary healthcare centers (PHCs) across the state will guarantee accessible and affordable healthcare.

The governor said there is a nexus between the health insurance scheme and the PHCs as the symbiotic relationship will ensure health needs are met with minimal cost and effort, across the different parts of the state.

He stressed that the revamp of the healthcare sector is on course and that government will ensure that relevant institutions and policies are put in place to drive the reforms and sustain gains to be recorded.

According to him, “we are undertaking a holistic revamp of the health sector to ensure that the people are best served and that they do not have to spend so much to get quality healthcare. All of these reforms are interconnected and we are doing this because we have a big plan; we won’t do things in tokens. Every aspect of the health sector is covered. So, much as our focus is on primary healthcare, we are not oblivious of the need for tertiary and specialist care. So, all of these are captured in the reforms we are pursuing.”

The governor said that the focus on primary healthcare is responsible for the construction of the 500 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC) across the state, noting that the state government intends to work with the Federal Ministry of Health through the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHDA) in addressing challenges facing primary health care system in the state.

“The 500 PHCs will cater to the health care need of those in rural areas, contribute to strengthening the state’s healthcare sector and engender speedy response to health emergencies.

He added that the primary health insurance scheme, the legislation for which has reached advanced stage at the Edo State House of Assembly, will bring succor to our people.

“It is a scheme that will be open to all Edo people, as against being just for civil servants. This scheme will ensure that people access health care with minimal cost and even when they get to the health centers, they would be assured of quality health care,” he said.

The super health centres, according to him, are to be sited in the three senatorial districts of the state and will serve as reference centres for the General Hospitals across the state.


He added, “The three super general hospitals will serve as a rallying hub for tertiary healthcare needs of the people, and will be properly equipped to serve this purpose. Our super hospitals will attend to complex health cases which Nigerians and Africans travel to other continents to treat.


"Medical tourism is a very big business in some Asian countries and most of their patients are Nigerians. More worrisome is the fact that some of the hospitals abroad are not as good as they make us believe. We will change this trend by providing world class health care facilities in Edo State and partner with experts to run them."

Obaseki is working!

Obaseki Deploys Agric College Students To World Class Institutions For Internship, Intensifies Restructuring



...Interns to earn 20,000 stipend monthly

The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has deployed the students of College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, to five world class agricultural institutions in the state for internship; Okomu Oil Plc, Presco Plc., Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN), and the Leventis Farm, in the state government’s effort to equip the students with technical knowledge and revamp the institute.

According to Obaseki, “The students of College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi have been distributed to five reputed agricultural institutions in the state, where they will receive practical training in their chosen field of study and will be paid N20,000 monthly for three months.

“The team that is restructuring the institute is almost ready with the report that will guide our transformation of the institute to a world class training institute for future experts in the agricultural sector. The new vision for the institute is bigger and I can assure Edo people that they will be happy that we intervened in the affairs of the institute that was embroiled in accreditation and other crises.”

The governor noted that “what was left of the institute could not have delivered quality manpower that we have set out to achieve. We are ready to invest money, time and other resources to establish an agriculture institute that Edo people will be proud of, and which will compete with the best of such specialised training schools in the world.”

The consultant to Edo State Government on the restructuring of the institute, and former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Professor Oluwafemi Balogun, explained that “the internship is to keep the students engaged and offer them better practical training outside the school. The internship will last three months but there is an appeal to the governor to extend the period of the internship for the students for one to two months while the process of the restructuring is being completed.

"All the students have been contacted concerning the arrangement for the internship. The College of Agricultural Technology, Agenebode which was established by law in 2015 is also part of the restructuring process.

"The focus of the school was lost and there was a level of mismanagement at the institution. The school had only 21 students and the staff population far outweighed the student population.

"It was on this basis that the governor ordered for the school to be closed for restructuring. The same thing that was done for students of the Iguoriakhi college will also be done for the students of the Agenebode College. They will be taken to an agriculture institute for their internship while the restructuring is ongoing.

"The restructuring is to eliminate the duplication of functions. The five programmes and allied courses which were offered in Iguoriakhi, which was established in 1992, were out-dated, and non-compliant with the rules of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), which had discredited the programmes, all these challenges will be addressed by the revamp of the institution which is moving at a fast pace.

The Edo State Government has revealed plans to launch a policy document on how it intends to optimize its forestry assets to drive economic growth and tourism at an International Conference to be held in Ghana.

Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who disclosed this, said that the state government intends to utilize its forest belt to create wealth for its people, even as the government intensifies efforts to create structures and institutions to actualize this vision.

The governor, at the inauguration of the state’s 16-member Advisory Committee on Forestry, said the state government is developing a policy framework to exploit its forestry assets to international standards.

According to him, “We will unveil a policy document on Forestry at an International Conference to be held in Accra Ghana to showcase how we intend to work with partners to develop our forestry assets in line with international standards.”

He added that the state government’s resolve to unveil the document is in line with his administration’s drive to work with international partners to preserve the forest belt in the state, preserve the state’s fauna and flora and exploit the forest assets for inclusive growth.

The policy document is expected to be a major milestone for the state government, as it will provide an insight into the investment opportunities, areas of partnerships and other enablers set up by the state to develop the state’s forest assets.

He added that the Forestry Commission, which will soon be set up, will help the state in sustaining reforms in the sector, provide a means for engagement and regulation of international partners and ensure that the state keeps to international best practices as it explores development of a vibrant space for private operators to operate.

The state government has pushed ambitious forestry reforms that will see it explore partnership with ProForest, an international non-profit, in managing its forestry assets. This will see the state work out arrangements that will benefit the oil palm sector and other sectors in the state that are linked with the state’s forest resources.

Source: http://thebellng.com/forestry-edo-to-launch-policy-document-at-intl-conference/

Benin Technical College: Work intensifies as Obaseki assures project ‘ll be near completion by year end

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured that the reconstruction and expansion work ongoing at the Benin Science and Technical College (BSTC) will be near completion by the end of the year.

Obaseki gave the assurance during his meeting with the delegation from the European Parliament in Benin City, at the weekend.

According to him, “The Benin Science and Technical College is a work in progress and we anticipate that it would be near completion before the end of the year. When the project is completed, it will enable victims of human trafficking and others acquire technical and vocational skills which will offer them hope.”

The state government is embarking on reconstruction and expansion work at the College which would also as a vocational centre in the state to engage youths on vocational skills and discourage them from illegal migration.

Noting that his administration will continue to engage youths on vocational skills to protect them from modern day slavery, Obaseki said, “the state government is making effort to provide reliable data and projects in the areas of agriculture, logistics and vocational training to create employment opportunities for youths in the state.”

He noted: “The state government is working to reach a common ground with the European Union (EU) on strategies to halt human trafficking, illegal migration and modern day slavery, which include support for skills development programme for victims of human trafficking and other youths in the state.”

Explaining that the state government requires support, he said, “What we require is not necessarily cash, but support for skills development programmes through which our youths can gain practical knowledge and skills to lead better lives.”

Obaseki said, the BSTC is one among the state government’s initiatives put in place to tackle human trafficking and illegal migration, adding, “The state government requires additional support to sustain the initiatives. Just imagine, if we need to give technical or vocational training to 3,000 to 5,000 young men and women, where are the teachers, where are the facilities? Much as we are not discouraged, we need support to provide these structures.

“The state government needs support to furnish workshops and laboratories; we have to recruit teachers, who have to be sent abroad for training. These are some of the areas the EU could provide technical support to assist the government and provide support for skills acquisition for young people,” he added.

At the meeting, Dr. Josef Weidenholzer, who led the EU delegation assured the governor that the European Union Parliament is ready to provide support for the Edo State Government to curb illegal migration, noting, “The state and the EU share in the problem. This will strengthen the existing ties between EU and Nigeria to resolve illegal migration and human trafficking.”

World Health Day: Obaseki harps on partnerships to attain Universal Health Coverage

…reiterates commitment to revamp state health, sports sector

Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has called for increased collaboration among stakeholders in the health sector to attain universal health coverage, which will ensure that the people get the full spectrum of health service without incurring prohibitive costs.

The governor said this in commemoration of the World Health Day marked by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other organs of the United Nations every April 7.

The governor also noted that the state government intends to develop its sports sector to engage youths, create wealth and boost tourism, all of which are expected to impact positively on the state’s economy.

On the World Health Day, Obaseki said the theme for this year’s commemoration: Universal Health Coverage: everyone, everywhere speaks to his administration’s resolve to ensure universal primary health insurance is available to Edo people, which he said, would ensure that the people have access and can afford basic healthcare services.

According to him, “In Edo State, we are committed to revamping the healthcare structures and our first focus is the primary health sector. For this, we have a plan to build and renovate about 500 primary healthcare centres. We also intend to build three super general hospitals in each senatorial district of the state. This is to provide the people with the requisite care they deserve and ensure we do not shortchange anyone.

“But in delivering on this mandate, we would need the support and cooperation of every stakeholder in the sector. Without this, our efforts wouldn’t be felt by the people.”

Noting that the state already has a bill to provide for the primary healthcare insurance scheme in the state, he said, “Our commitment to primary healthcare will be actualized through the instrumentality of the bill, which we hope will give our people the necessary access and other support structures to essential healthcare services.”

Meanwhile, the governor reiterated his commitment to sports development on the occasion of the International Day of Sports for Development and Peace, marked every April 6, by the United Nations.

Obaseki said sports help the people to forge ties even as it presents opportunities for economic, social and cultural exchanges for societal harmony and development.

According to him, “We are committed to building the capacities of our people to actively participate in sports. Before now, we won numerous laurels in national sporting competitions. We intend to revive that spirit.

“We have started that with the rebranding of Bendel Insurance. We are already renovating the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and plan to build 20 stadia across the state. All these are geared towards restoring our lost glory and engaging our youths in productive activities.”

What shall it profit some men to pull down their own Edo homeland just in the name politics?

Edo PDP, enough is enough!

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, as the immediate past governor of the state clocks 66 years on April 4.

In a statement, Obaseki praised Comrade Oshiomhole for his accomplishment as a former Governor and labour leader, noting, “We celebrate you and all that you have accomplished through your humble beginnings to your illustrious career as a labour leader, and as the immediate past formidable, progressive governor of our dear state.”

He added, “Your leadership prowess has ushered in a new chapter in our quest for development and we celebrate your unforgettable contributions to advancing our march to modernisation.”

According to him, Oshiomhole’s commitment to humanity, and how he has, at different times through various capacities, impacted the people he leads, cuts him out as “a light that cannot be hidden.”

“We appreciate you and all you have done and what you represent to the people of Edo state and all Nigerians. We wish you many more years of fruitful service to humanity,” he added.

..

PHOTOS FROM THE 2017 OKPEKPE ROAD RACE:

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged Edo indigenes and other Nigerians to register and participate in the 6th edition of the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race hosted in the state.

The annual competition hosted in Okpekpe town, Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State, is scheduled to take place on May 12, 2018. Previous editions of the competition featured local and international athletes.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, Obaseki said, “Edo indigenes and other Nigerians are urged 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.”

“The Okpekpe Road Race, which was recently elevated to a silver label event by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), presents a unique opportunity for Edo indigenes and Nigerians to build capacities in long-distance races,” he said.

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.”

According to him, “Edo State is blessed with planes with 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 practice ground for many others who would like to participate. Hence, we are calling out our people to put up a good show of sportsmanship at this year’s event.”

Obaseki 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.”

http://thebellng.com/okpekpe-race-obaseki-urges-edo-indigenes-nigerians-to-register-and-participate/

…calls on philanthropists, business moguls to emulate gesture

Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has hailed the magnanimity of the Oba of Benin, Omo N' Oba N' Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewaure II, for placing some returnees from Libya on salary, noting that the gesture was a landmark effort in rehabilitating the returnees.

The governor, in a statement, said that the gesture shows Oba Ewuare II’s commitment to seeing that the youths, who have returned home from treacherous sojourn overseas, are catered for and protected from the vagaries of idleness.

According to the governor, “I commend the Oba’s support for the returnees. This has shown that the Oba is not just committed to ensuring that our youths break loose from the grip of human trafficking, but that those who survived the hellish experience in Libya are catered for and do not have any reasons whatsoever to go back to their vomit.”

Noting that the Oba Ewaure II’s gesture came at a time the returnees need to be assured that they were not left in the lurch, Obaseki said, “This gesture came at the right time and will further complement the state government’s efforts to rehabilitate the returnees and reintegrate them into society. We are delighted and appreciate the Oba’s support since the onset of the recent campaign to stem the tide of illegal migration and human trafficking.”

The governor said much as the Oba of Benin is to be commended for the gesture, it was imperative to use the opportunity to call on philanthropists, wealthy Edo businessmen and others to support the campaign by also providing such palliative measure in rehabilitating the returnees.

“We, at this juncture, want to call on our illustrious sons and daughters to join in this campaign and help our brothers and sisters as they settle back into society. The Oba’s gesture is a clarion call to all. Much as the state government is committing resources to make this happen, we are certain that this cause could do with more hands. This will help build structures and institutions to stem the tide of the menace and restore our ethos and pride as a people,” Obaseki said.

… ‘Obaseki’s GIS, land use initiatives engender agribusiness growth’

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, PRESCO Plc, Mr. Felix Nwabuko has said that the company’s 15,000 hectares expansion project is as a result of the far-reaching reforms being implemented by the Edo State Government in the agriculture sector.

Nwabuko said this during an interview with journalists in Benin City, noting, “The deliberate effort and reforms initiated by the Godwin Obaseki led-administration and the Federal Government, to prioritise agriculture as an alternative means to derive economic growth, are highly commendable.”

He lauded Governor Obaseki’s initiative to make land available for investors, who are ready to invest in the people and other resources in Edo State. He noted, “I am excited that the state government is mapping out land through the Geographic Information Service (GIS) initiative, for allocation of land for investors who mean business in the state. We expect that state government would speed up the process."

Nwabuko said the reforms contributed to the company plan to expand its operations, noting, “PRESCO is investing on green energy production through our biological assets, our plantation. Last year, we planted on 3600 hectares, in our new location in Orhionmwon Local Government Area. This year we intend to plant on 4000 hectares. If can do 100, 000 hectares in Edo State, we will do it.”

He said that the total hectarage marked for expansion is about 15,000, and with the cultivation of over 8,000 hecatres in two years, it will take just another year to get the full plantation ready.

He said the shift from the old way of practicing agriculture towards agribusiness is a great lift, as this has contributed to the growth of companies like PRESCO.

“In 2016, we decided to expand on three areas, all of which complement the policies of the state and federal government on agriculture. The areas include; import substitution, as every additional ton of what we produce as we expand will limit what the country imports,” he added.

Explaining that creating alternative means of driving sustainable economic growth other than proceeds from crude oil is a bold step, he noted, “The initiative to focus on agriculture reforms to drive economic growth is noble as it becomes important that government realises that agriculture is key to sustainable growth.”

Nwabuko who is a member of the Edo State Agriculture Committee, noted, “I am privy of the policies and efforts of the Obaseki led-administration on agriculture reforms capable of sustaining the economy and serving as means of job creation even far into the future.”

He added, “It is important that governments focus on agriculture, despite Nigeria’s huge crude oil reserve, the pattern of usage and other factors can upset the value of crude oil which may spell doom for an economy which depend largely on the proceeds to spur economic growth.”

“But considering the impact of agriculture, one has to consider the fact that agriculture has been with man and will remain with man till the end. So, it is a right decision to prioritise agriculture and pay attention to the sector to drive economic growth the way government is doing now,” he said.

The Edo State Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC), has declared N2.8 billion as total allocation accrued to the 18 local government councils from the Federation Account for the month of February.

This was disclosed by Chairman, Owan West Local Government Area, Hon. Frank Ilaboya, at the end of the first JAAC meeting attended by the newly elected council chairmen. The meeting was presided over by the Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at the Government House in Benin City.

Ilaboya, who briefed journalists after the meeting, said, “The total receipt for the month of February shared in March is N2, 882,200,775.85. Salaries for teachers is N1, 129,882,051.95; deduction for pension is N254, 778,771.98; while the mandatory deduction is N1, 583, 714, 385.70. The total distributable fund shared by the 18 local government councils is N1, 284,075,386.28.”

He explained that N1.2 billion has already been shared by the 18 local government councils, adding that the sum has been transferred to various councils’ accounts.

Ilaboya said, “We are ready to commence work. We will ensure we do our best to deliver the dividends of democracy to those at the grassroots. We have promised to complement the efforts of the governor who has urged us to be dedicated, committed, transparent and accountable in discharging our mandates.”

Chairman, Esan South East Local Government Area, Hon. Victor Emuakhagbon, urged the people at the grassroots to support heads of their councils, noting, “We have resolved to focus on improving Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) as a means to deliver dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots. We promise to be accountable and judicious in utilising resources.”

Chairperson, Egor Local Government Area council, Hon. Eghe Ogbemudia, urged workers at the various councils to be dedicated, committed and co-operative with the present administration.

She said, “People should make effort to pay tax to the appropriate authorities in the various council areas. Government will prudently use proceeds from tax to deliver its mandate to the people.”

Chairman, Ovia North East Local Government Area, Osazee Ogbemudia, said, “We will work to complement the laudable programmes of the Obaseki led-administration and replicate the ‘wake-and-see’ phenomenon at the grassroots to make life easier for the people.”

PHOTO:
L-R: Chairman, Ovia North East Local Government Area, Hon. Scott Osazee Ogbemudia; Chairman, Esan South East LGA, Hon. Victor Emuakhagbon; Chairman, Owan West LGA, Hon. Frank Ilaboya; and Chairperson, Egor LGA, Hon. Eghe Ogbemudia, addressing journalists after the Edo State Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JACC) meeting, in Benin City, Edo State.

Edo State Government has charged property developers in the state to report individuals and groups still perpetuating the unruly and illegal activities under the proscribed Community Development Associations (CDAs) in the state, to the Private Property Protection Task Force for investigation and eventual prosecution.

Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in a statement, warned individuals and groups acting in contravention of the laws banning activities of CDAs in the state to desist from such activities, as the task force, which was set up to implement the law, is on the lookout and will bring violators to justice.

The governor said the state government condemned the actions of the unscrupulous elements who still go about threatening, intimidating and cajoling people into parting with money even with the existence of the private property protection task force, which has been mandated to mediate in crises that arise from property-related transactions.

He said, “It has come to the attention of the state government that some individuals still parade themselves as members of community development associations and go about intimidating investors in the property sector. This is a stern warning to them that the state task force is coming after them if they don’t desist from these acts. We have gotten reports, have treated some and are coming after more people who refused to desist from these despicable and illegal acts.”

On his part, the Vice Chairman of the Private Property Protection Task Force, Chief Osaro Idah, urged people who are being threatened by members of CDAs to bring their complaints to the task force as there are established means of settling the scuffles, noting, “People should not be intimidated by the members of the CDAs. The state government with the blessings of the Oba of Benin, Omo N' Oba N 'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, is committed to ensuring that the transfer of ownership of landed properties is done with sanity and in with respect to law and order.”

He warned all those abetting the activities of CDAs in the various communities to back down and respect the law, else they will be forced to face the full wrath of the law.

…urges opposition party to forget governance, complete repentance

Less than 24 hours after the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Uche Secondus, apologised to Nigerians for what he described as “the past mistakes of the PDP,” Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Anselm Ojezua, has called on the Edo State PDP members to emulate their national chairman and apologise to Edo people.

Ojezua said: “Edo people deserve an unreserved apology from the Edo State chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih as well as other leaders of the party in the state, for their years of misrule. We need not debate the sins of the PDP over and again, now that the national chairman of the opposition party has courageously admitted to impunity and misrule.”

He explained that the “Edo APC has in the past, urged the Edo PDP to apologise for their sins which are still visible in all parts of the state, several years after they were voted out of office.”

He maintained that “it is foolhardy and imprudent to continue to grandstand when your sins stare at you daily, from the failed dredging of Ikpoba River, the failed Edo Water Board resuscitation project, failed Cassavita Factory, failed Fruit Juice processing factory in Ehor, failed Bendel Breweries and Edo Line, for which billions of naira were either borrowed or allegedly spent, yet Edo people never had the benefit of seeing their actualisation, and enjoying the outcomes.”

Ojezua argued that “if the Edo PDP government meant well for Edo people and completed these projects, the socio-economic profile of the state would have appreciated a great deal. Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole picked up a completely broken down state and rescued it from total collapse by aggressively fixing the huge infrastructural deficit he inherited, constructing schools, roads, hospitals and enthroning purposeful leadership.

“Today, Governor Godwin Obaseki is paying the desired attention to industrialisation, infrastructure, law and order and job creation, amongst other sectors. This is how to govern. Leaders must continue to raise the bar of service delivery and add value to our lives and not engage in looting spree, sponsoring lavish birthday parties with state funds.”

Secondus said at a well attended public discourse on contemporary politics and governance in Nigeria on Monday in Abuja: “We are sorry, we have made several mistakes which will not happen again.

“In the past there were impunity and imposition, we are not spirit, we have to be humble to apologise for imposition, impunity and other wrongdoings, while in government.

“Since it is said that charity begins at home, I am the very first to admit that our party the Peoples Democratic Party of Nigeria made many mistakes. Consequently, we were roundly sanctioned by Nigerians occasioning our loss at the polls in 2015.

“Let me seize this opportunity to apologise to Nigerians unequivocally for the several shortcomings of our party in the near and far past. It was all parts of an evolution process without which there can be no maturity.”

Ojezua stressed that “the evolution process of the PDP is far from complete” and advised them to “forego governance for the now and take out some years to mature, which requires several years, before making a re-launch.”

This is a positive development, and I am damn sure Obaseki will fulfill this, being a man with peoples interest at heart.

...Obaseki okays devt. of tourism masterplan

Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Disapora Affairs in Edo State, Hon. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero, has said that all is set for the development of the Sokponba Resort as a French firm has indicated interest to lead the project.

Hon. Osemwegie-Ero disclosed this at the weekend during a chat with journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

The Commissioner said the French company indicated interest to invest in the Sokponba Resort project, as the state government intends to attain some level of development at the Resort before the end of the year to create more awareness and attract even more investors for its development.

He said that the state is witnessing an influx of tourists since the rebranding of the tourism sector and opening up of more sites and tourists' facilities. He added that last year’s EDO FEST and the opening of the tourists' desks at the Benin Airport aided the increased interest in tourist sites across the state.

According to him, “After the successful hosting of the EDO FEST in December 2017, corporate organisations have indicated interest to be part of the 2018 edition. This will enable the state government host a bigger event this year. The state government plans to inaugurate a committee in May to begin preparation for the 2018 EDO FEST.”

He added that the Tourists' Desks at arrival and departure lounges of the Benin Airport have aided the state government in attracting more tourists to the state, noting, “The ministry has continued to receive requests from visitors, who intend to visit different cultural sites in the state.”

He explained that the rationale for the Tourists' Desks at the Airport is to create a platform for those who come to the state by air to see what tourist assets the state has to offer, adding, “It became necessary to communicate that we mean business when it comes to tourism. The state is blessed with several cultural heritage sites. Through the Information Desks, the state government has been able to showcase the state’s tourism potentials including different cultural sites, events and festivals.

Osemwegie-Ero explained that the Godwin Obaseki-led government intends to promote tourism by developing a tourism master plan for the state. He said a provision for this was made in the state’s 2018 budget, noting, “Consultants have been contacted to develop the plan, which will capture a list of tourist sites in the state and provide for routes and guides for tourists coming to the state.”

Noting that the new security architecture in the state would improve tourism, Osemwegie-Ero said, “Governor Obaseki’s synergy with the Police and other security agencies in the state has restored the confidence of tourists and investors who are now ready to come to Edo.”

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commiserated with the family of the late Dr. Christopher Abebe (OFR) whose passing was announced by the family on Thursday night.

Obaseki said “Dr. Abebe led an exemplary Christian life with bold footprints in the United African Company Nigeria Limited, where he was the first Nigerian Chairman/ Managing Director and at the Nigerian Breweries where he was also the first Nigerian Chairman.”

He was at various times the pro-chancellor of the University of Benin, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and the University of Calabar.

The governor noted that the father of the late former First Lady, Mrs. Stella Obasanjo, was a source of inspiration and pride to many Nigerians and young Edo people like himself, who looked forward to attaining his lofty height in Nigeria’s private sector, post-independence.

He added that Nigerians and Edo people in particular, will miss Dr. Abebe’s fatherly guidance on a wide range of issues, at a time the country needs valuable counsel to consolidate on her achievements.

…gives 21 days ultimatum to Edo PDP to refund all loans

Following reports of the role played by the Peoples Democratic Party-led administration in raising the debt figures of Edo State, with the collection of over N100 billion local and foreign loans, the Reform Mandate Forum (RMF) has called on Governor Godwin Obaseki to halt the repayment of the loans obtained by the former PDP administration in the state.

In a letter entitled “Stop Paying Debts Incurred by the PDP” and addressed to the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, the group led by Chief Efosa Uyi-Wamagbe, said: “having x-rayed the issues recently raised by the Edo PDP with respect to the debt profile of Edo State, we are constrained to advise the Government of Edo State under the leadership of Godwin Obaseki to stop servicing the huge debts inherited from the PDP government in Edo State with immediate effect.”

Uyi-Wamagbe stressed that “as citizens of Edo State, we believe that every individual should account for his actions while in power and also give account to the people of the state when it is necessary. Sir it is our considered view that the former PDP government should be invited to address the people of Edo State on the various debts he incurred and what he spent them on.”

The group explained that “from our records, we noticed that the following debts were collected during his regime: N34billion from the African Development Bank for Water in Ojirami Dam, Ikpobha River Dam and the Ugboha Water Works projects in 2003; US$45million collected from the Paris Club to fund Benin Technical College rehabilitation in 2005; N3billion collected from the Chinese EXIM Bank in 2003 to dualise the Benin-Ekehuan-Gelegele road up to the Benin River estuary to open the Benin River Channel for business activities.”

The organisation maintained that these debts are verifiable in the Debt Management Office (DMO) data sheet, available, and in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) records. This debt over hang inherited from the PDP including the locally sourced loans from First Bank, Afribank and other banks amounts to over N100 billion today.

The group continued: “We noticed that Comrade Adams Oshiomhole did not make much noise about this inherited liability because as a responsible government, he thought that government is a continuum particularly when the debts were incurred for the overall development of Edo people.

“However, investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which later culminated in the prosecution of key actors in the former PDP government, shows very clearly that these monies were diverted for completely different purposes.

“Sequel upon the EFCC's investigation and the judgement given by the Enugu High Court, we wish to call on the Governor of Edo State, to immediately stop servicing these loans and rather members of the PDP government should be invited to cough out all the loans incurred under their administration. This is because it is very clear except (otherwise proven by the Supreme Court) that the people of Edo State never benefited from the loans but were collected for personal aggrandisement.”

The group said it believes “very strongly that once they are able to take this liability away from the present government of Edo State, the debt liability hanging over the head of Edo State government will reduce and it will mean that only the World Bank loan incurred under Adams Oshiomhole will be left for repayment.”

Uyi-Wamaghe said that “as a responsible group we have followed very keenly developments in Edo State in the last ten years and we believe very strongly and more so with evidence that the Action Congress/All Progressives Congress-led government has demonstrated more responsible governance compared to the PDP led by a man who barely made a pass degree in History – Chief Dan Orbih.

“Mr Governor sir, kindly yield to our prayers to allow the former PDP government to refund all the loans purportedly collected on behalf of Edo people to enable your government concentrate on the repayment of the genuine loan given to Edo State by the World Bank which has been judiciously spent by former Governor Oshiomhole and right now the whole world can see what you are also doing with the inherited projects especially the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UBE, SEEFOR, CSDP, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other joint partnership projects which were never there under the PDP government.

“Sir, we give the Government of Edo state 21 days’ notice from the date of receiving this letter to call Mr Lucky Igbinedion to refund all our loans after which we will take the next steps as may be advised by our Board of Trustees.”

I love this piece.