₦airaland Forum

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PHOTO 2:
Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, addressing digital media influencers during intermediate and advanced skills training on social media marketing, organised by his office in conjunction with EdoJobs, at the Edo Innovation Hub, in Benin City, Edo State.

The Edo State Government through its skills development platform, EdoJobs, has trained over 40 digital media influencers on intermediate and advanced skills in social media marketing to enable them leverage the power of digital media and create wealth.

The event, organised by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy in conjunction with EdoJobs, held at the Edo Innovation Hub, Benin City, the Edo State capital.

It provided a platform to engage with prominent digital media actors in the state and equip the beneficiaries with in-demand skills to make them scale their operations, attract more online-facing businesses and expand their skill set.

Speaking at the event, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said that the training was important because of the rapid changes in modern day communication, which have opened doors for new job opportunities, businesses and needs.


He said, “This training is to engage with digital media influencers in Edo State and provide them with the right tools to maximise their presence on social media. Though a number of the beneficiaries of this training are already active on the digital space, we thought that it would be beneficial to have this masterclass for them to expand their scope and scale up their activities on the various platforms.


“As a government that prioritises jobs in the knowledge economy, it is only rational to host these people to this training. The participants have gained the needed skills to compete with their peers anywhere in the world.”


Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Skills Development and Jobs Creation, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, said that the role of EdoJobs is to bridge the skills gap in the state and improve on the expertise of youths to gain better jobs or to start their own businesses.


Dare, who is the Head, EdoJobs, noted that the state government will continue to provide avenues to train youths on the skills needed to compete effectively in the digital space.


PHOTO 1:
A cross-section of digital media influencers during intermediate and advanced skills training on social media marketing, organised by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy in conjunction with EdoJobs, at the Edo Innovation Hub, in Benin City, Edo State.

Hon. Josiah Ohiwerei’s Passing: Obaseki Commiserates With Family, Salutes Contributions To State’s Development

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has commiserated with the Ohiwerei family over the passing of the former Deputy Speaker of old Bendel State House of Assembly, Sir. Hon. Josiah Ohiwerei.

Obaseki described the former lawmaker as an illustrious son and elder statesman, who contributed to the growth and development of Edo and Delta states (then Bendel).

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ohiwerei family in these trying times and I urge them to be consoled by the impactful life he led,” the governor said.

Obaseki, who assured of the state government’s support for the family in their bereavement, prayed for the repose of the soul of late Pa Josiah Ohiwerei.

The eldest son of Sir. Hon. Josiah Ohiwerei, Oje Ohiwerei, who is the Senior Pastor, Heritage Assembly, and President, Heritage Evangelism Network, broke the news of his father’s passing at age 89, on Thursday morning, in Benin City.

The late Hon. Josiah Ohiwerei was the Deputy Speaker in the Bendel State House of Assembly (1983), during the civilian administration headed by the late Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs Grace Funmilayo Ohiwerei; younger brother, Felix Ohiwerie, former Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc and children, including Ohis Ohiwerei, who is the Deputy Managing Director, Notore Chemical Industries Ltd, amongst other relatives.

...as 2018 theme resonates with World Bank, IMF

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki and the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., have kicked off the mobilisation of the key stakeholders for whom the 2018 edition of the Alaghodaro Summit is designed.

Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, said that this year’s special focus on people reinforces the commitment of the Obaseki-led administration to Edo people’s wellbeing.

Osagie said: “Development narrative across the world is changing from the age-long emphasis on brick and mortar model of development to people.

“The reigning people-centric development narrative adopted by the Edo State government as the theme for this year's Alaghodaro Summit, resonated with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group at the just-concluded spring meetings of the institutions in Bali, Indonesia, where countries like Nigeria and other emerging economies were charged to invest more in education and healthcare to raise the socio-economic status of their people. So, the thinking of the Obaseki-led government resonates with global thought leaders at this time."

He added that “This year’s Alaghodaro Summit is for the market woman, farmer, vulcaniser and all the players in the micro, small and medium scale enterprises’ space.

“Alaghodaro 2018 will interrogate the impact of the various policies and programmes of the state government on Edo people and residents under the watch of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

“It will review the impact of ongoing reforms in all the sectors, namely: the revamp of the Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) to attend to the housing deficit in the state with the ongoing development of 1800 housing units in Emotan Gardens; the institutional reforms sweeping across the judiciary with the ongoing development of court houses and provision of modern equipment; as well as the series of training packages with which the civil service has been reset to perform optimally; Education reform with Edo-BEST; the ongoing construction of 200 primary health centres across the state amongst others.”

The governor’s aide said the governor and the SSG are meeting with leaders of market women and other stakeholders to set the tone for the event.

The 2018 Alaghodaro Summit is the second in the series, with the first organised last year. The 2017 edition was tagged Envisioning the Future, and hosted the crème in Nigeria’s investment space, showcasing how the state is opening her doors to investors within and outside the country.

2018 Alaghodaro Summit To Focus On Impact Of Governance On Edo People – Obaseki’s Aide

The Edo State Government has announced that the focus of the 2018 edition of Alaghodaro Summit will be Edo people and will showcase how the state is designing and implementing policies, programmes and initiatives to improve the lives of the people, engender inclusive growth and enhance law and order.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said that the 2018 Alaghodaro Summit will shed light on the various policies and reforms undergirding the state government’s commitment to the people.

According to him, “The 2018 Alaghodaro Summit will redefine the face of government relations with the people as it will provide the platform to dissect policies on the fight against human trafficking, efforts to maintain law and order through novel policy formulation and implementation, skills development and jobs creation, among others.

“The 2017 summit focused on investment promotion and engagement with the private sector, laying the groundwork for the various landmark investment deals the state government has entered into. But this year, we are focused on our people, their welfare and wellbeing. It is pertinent to restate that nothing beats the investment in people, which the state government has embarked upon,” he added.

Osagie maintained that the state government is keen on deepening investment in human capital and building an equitable society, adding, “We have shown commitment to the people with the huge investment in capacity building for teachers through the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST), the Edo Healthcare Improvement Programme (Edo-HIP), the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking (ETAHT) and the various trainings and jobs through EdoJobs, and other such programmes that elevate the dignity of man in Edo State.”

Recall that the 2017 edition of the Alaghodaro Summit tagged Envisioning the Future, hosted the crème of Nigeria’s investment climate, drawn from within and outside the country, who hailed Governor Godwin Obaseki’s efforts to reposition the state as the most viable investment destination in the country.

…'Our governor is a man of his words and I promise to do more for Edo pupils', says Mrs. Osaru

Moved by the car and N1million cash gift handed to her by the Edo State governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, the reigning 2nd best school administrator in Nigeria who also holds the Edo State Best Teacher Award, Mrs Noragbon Enogie Osaru, has pledged to do more for her pupils, in Emotan Primary School.

Mrs. Osaru was presented with a gift package of N1 million and a brand new car by governor Obaseki at the unveiling of 7000 digital teachers in Benin City, during the week, for emerging the 2nd best head teacher in Nigeria and the best in Edo State.

Speaking to journalists in Benin City, Mrs. Osaru said: “I dedicate my awards to Almighty God who singled me out for this honour by our sincere and hardworking governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki.

“I also dedicate the awards to my fellow teachers and pupils of my school and I am grateful to the Edo State government that gave me the platform to teach.”

She added: “I feel highly honoured by this rare reward from the governor who promised us months ago that he will reward hardworking teachers in the state and I am so happy to be favoured by his administration that believes in merit and hard work.

“I also wish to thank the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Universal Education Board (SUBEB) Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, who is implementing the governor’s vision in the basic education sector with a high sense of professionalism.

“These awards are to all of us in our school; the teachers and pupils because I could not have done the work alone.”

On how she emerged the 2nd best head teacher in the country, Osaru explained that the journey started in August, when she was screened alongside 17 other best head teachers and teachers representing the 18 local government areas of the state.

“I was interviewed and drilled by the officials of government who found me worthy after the assessment, to represent Edo State at the national level and I emerged second best school administrator in Nigeria.

She has a few words for her colleagues: “I will advise other teachers in the country to be more committed to their duty. They should see their job as an opportunity to contribute to the growth of the country.

“The government cannot do everything, I do not wait for government to provide all the money to make things work in my school. Headteachers should be creative and make the best of the resources at their disposal.”

PHOTO:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, congratulates Best Teacher in Edo State and Second Best School Administrator in Nigeria, Mrs. Noragbon Enogie Osaru, of Emotan Primary School, during the unveiling of 7000 digital teachers under the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme, in Benin City, Edo State.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state government would not relent in its effort at enforcing the Child Rights Law and protecting children from the vices of molesters in the state.

The governor took the stand, as the Evbuoriaria Magistrate Court in Benin sentenced six persons to various terms in prison, giving legal teeth to the governor’s campaign against paedophiles in the state.

According to the governor, “We are committed to protecting our children and enforcing the Child Rights Law to ensure that children are not exposed to the vices of child molesters and abusers.

“We want to assure parents that the campaign by the state government is yielding results. We will not relent. In fact, there is no hiding place for these deviants in our society anymore. This campaign will be intensified and we will ensure that those caught molesting children will face the full wrath of the law.”

Recall that the Chief Magistrate, Evbuoriaria Magistrate Court, J. O. Ejale, sentenced Friday Moses, and two others to different jail terms and remanded another three in prison for charges pertaining to child molestation.

Moses, a commercial motorcycle operator, was sentenced to 14 years in prison with hard labour, without the option of fine, for defiling and impregnating his 13-year-old daughter.

Lambert Ighodaro and Benjamin Uzoma Nwachukwu, bagged 14 and 20 years jail terms respectively. Mr. Nwachukwu, who was recently dismissed from the seminary, was arraigned on two-count charge and got 10 years each, with hard labour and without the option of fine.

Others remanded in prison are Matthew Omokhafe, 65; Pastor Matthew Braimoh, 31; Corporal Michael Eriarebhe, 33 and others who were remanded in prison for allegedly defiling children aged 15 years and below.

The Edo State Government has shut three more abattoirs across Benin City over the unhygienic environment in which they operate, assuring members of the public that efforts have been stepped up to monitor slaughter houses and ensure their produce fit human consumption.

The clampdown was carried out by a combined team comprising officials of the Committee on Abattoir Management Control, Headed by Dr. Joseph Odiaua and Office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Security and Surveillance.

SSA to the Governor on Security and Surveillance, Mr. Emmanuel Orukpe, said that the state government is concerned about the wellbeing of residents, and will not mortgage their health as a result of the attitude of unscrupulous businessmen who do not prioritise health and good hygiene in their operations.

READ ALSO: https://www.nairaland.com/4766149/edo-govt-shuts-illegal-abattoir

He said the abattoirs that were shut down include the ones at Ramat Park, Lucky Way Junction in Ikpoba Hill; Goat Slaughter House at Evbuotubu Junction, Upper Ekehuan Road and Goat Slaughter House at Aduwawa Cattle Market.

He said the governor is committed to close more illegal abattoirs and regulate activities of slaughter houses to guarantee public safety, noting that this commitment prompted the government to set up the committee on abattoirs to ensure total compliance with standard operating procedures.

According to him, “These abattoirs were shut down because of the environmental hazards and failure to meet with required operating facilities, amongst other considerations.”

Dr. Odiaua said that the committee was using the incident to reiterate the warning to all those still operating illegal abattoirs in the state to desist from the practice forthwith.

PHOTO:
One of the unhygienic abattoirs shut by officials of the Edo State Government in Benin city, Edo State on Thursday, October 11, 2018

…sets Oct. 17, 18 for physical verification at Imaguero Hall

The Edo State Government is set to commence the screening and payment of pension arrears to pensioners in batch 46, in the state.

The exercise according to the Permanent Secretary/ Chairman, Edo State Pension Bureau, I. D. S. Juwobor, is in continuation of the on-going payment of pension arrears for state government pensioners.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Benin City, the Pension Bureau said the screening exercise will take place on Wednesday October 17 and Thursday 18, at Imaguero Hall, in Benin City.

“All pensioners in batch 46 are hereby invited to present themselves for physical and documentary verification at the Imaguero Hall, Benin City on Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18thOctober, 2018 at 9.00am each day,” the statement urged.

“This announcement also serves as a notice to pensioners in batches 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 and 45 who failed to participate in the previous verification exercises to take advantage of the scheduled forthcoming screening exercise alongside pensioners in batch46,” Juwobor said.

He added: “State Government Pensioners in batch 46 and the spill over batches of 37-45 are advised to check the list of pensioners scheduled for the screening on the notice board in the office of the Head of Service on Monday 15 andTuesday 16, October 2018.

“In furtherance of this, affected pensioners are advised to come to the venue of the verification exercise with the following documents on the scheduled dates of 17th and 18th October, 2018:Pension Authority; Retirement Letter; Letter of First Appointment; Pension Identity Card; Biometric Slip; and Bank details including bank name and Account Number.”

The permanent secretary advised that “Pensioners who were screened in batch 45 but did not receive payments through their bank, should report at the Pensions Bureau, Office of the Head of Service, with printouts of theirPension Account Bank Statements coveringSeptember and October, 2018 for the ascertainment of their claims."

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

World Mental Health Day: Obaseki Proffers Multi-Sectoral Partnership On Treatment, Decries Stigma

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has proffered a more robust partnership involving state actors, the organised private sector (OPS), donor agencies, research institutes, charities and governments, in the treatment of mental illnesses.

Obaseki made the submission in commemoration of the celebration of World Mental Health Day, marked on October 10, each year.

The governor decried the attitude of many societies towards people having mental health problems and called for a change.

“Across the globe, some societies still discriminate against people with mental health problems. This attitude further compounds efforts by governments, experts and other stakeholders at designing products for the treatment of patients and reintegrating them into the society,” he said.

Obaseki explained that people with mental health problems deserve our love, care, understanding and support and urged thought and opinion leaders in communities across the globe to lead the fight against exclusion, stigma and prejudices held against sufferers of mental illnesses.

“As a government, we have delineated our health system for easy appreciation of the roles required by all stakeholders in the sector. We have commenced the construction of primary health centres across the state to reach all Edo people and residents irrespective of where they reside.

“The Benin Specialist Hospital will be open to offer specialist care to patients before the end of the year and we have received letters of intent from experts in the health sector, who want to partner with us to ensure that our health system can meet the needs of our people,” he added.

Celebrating the 2018 World Mental Health Day, the World Health Organisation (WHO), urges regular checks for symptoms of mental illnesses beginning at a young age.
“Half of all mental illness begins by the age of 14, but most cases go undetected and untreated. In terms of the burden of the disease among adolescents, depression is the third leading cause.

“Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. Harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs among adolescents is a major issue in many countries and can lead to risky behaviours such as unsafe sex or dangerous driving. Eating disorders are also of concern,” the WHO said.

With the theme, “Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World” the United Nations specialised organisation, stressed that “Adolescence and the early years of adulthood are a time of life when many changes occur, for example changing schools, leaving home, and starting university or a new job.

According to WHO, “For many, these are exciting times. They can also be times of stress and apprehension however. In some cases, if not recognised and managed, these feelings can lead to mental illness.

“The expanding use of online technologies, while undoubtedly bringing many benefits, can also bring additional pressures, as connectivity to virtual networks at any time of the day and night grows.

“Many adolescents are also living in areas affected by humanitarian emergencies such as conflicts, natural disasters and epidemics. Young people living in situations such as these are particularly vulnerable to mental distress and illness.”

...father to spend 14 years in jail for defiling, impregnating daughter

The Edo State Government’s effort to rid the state of paedophiles in line with the enforcement of the Child Rights Act is yielding positive results, as the Evbuoriaria Magistrate Court in Benin City, Edo State has sentenced six persons to various jail terms for defiling minors.

The Chief Magistrate, J. O. Ejale, sentenced Friday Moses, a commercial motorcycle operator, to 14 years in prison with hard labour, without the option of fine, for defiling and impregnating his 13-year-old daughter.

Moses, 42, who hails from Cross River State but resides in Edo State, was charged for defiling his daughter since she lost her mother five years ago.

The Magistrate said Moses’ sentence is to serve as a lesson to the convict as well other child molesters.

The victim is a Primary 6 pupil, who is five months and two weeks pregnant, the first among three children. She is presently in the protective custody of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for adequate care.

Two others who were convicted are Lambert Ighodaro, who got a 14-year jail term and Benjamin Uzoma Nwachukwu, who bagged a 20-year jail term. Mr. Nwachukwu, who was recently dismissed from the seminary, was arraigned on two-count charge and got 10 years each, with hard labour and without the option of fine.

Matthew Omokhafe, 65; Pastor Matthew Braimoh, 31; Corporal Michael Eriarebhe, 33 and others were remanded in prison for allegedly defiling children aged 15 years and below.

The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, which has been at the forefront of the campaign against paedophiles, in a statement, said the landmark judgement is the culmination of a long-drawn battle for justice for the affected minors.

It said the efforts are in collaboration with the Child Protection Network (CPN).


PHOTO:
Friday Moses, a commercial motorcycle operator, sentenced to 14 years in prison with hard labour, without the option of fine, for defiling and impregnating his 13-year-old daughter.

...as Obaseki's education reform pulls students to public schools

Fresh details have emerged as to how Edo State recorded the least number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, beating 35 other states in ensuring that children remain in classrooms.

The NBS recently released the Multi-Indicator Cluster Survey 2016-17, showing that Edo State had a total of 79,446 out of school children, a feat that sources say is as a result of long-standing reforms of the Edo State Government and the fillip it received under the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.

The NBS ranking is coming at a time parents and care givers are pulling their children and wards from private to public schools as a result of the impact of the ongoing reform in the state's education sector, introduced by governor Obaseki.

The Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme, prioritises teacher training and the deployment of digital technology in teaching, amongst other initiatives.

An education expert in Benin City, Mr. Lucky Isibor, said that the feat was a result of a number of factors, such as "the regular payment of teachers' salaries and the more than the usual attention the state government is paying to the education sector, especially teachers' welfare."

He explained that "while the former Governor Adams Oshiomhole-led administration paid attention to the physical structures in public schools, such as classroom blocks, laboratories and so on, governor Obaseki has ensured that the teachers are adequately trained and equipped to perform their duties."

He added that "teachers are now very proud of their profession because governor Obaseki has dignified us with world class trainings and teaching tools. So we are proud to do our job and keep the students in class."

According to him, “We are very happy with the results of the survey because it shows that much as there are outstanding issues to address in the education sector, Edo State still ranks highly among its peers in Nigeria.

“Edo-BEST is revolutionising infrastructure in schools and has restored the confidence of the masses in public schools. With this, a lot of people, seeing that the schools are now conducive for learning, encourage their children to go to school.”

An educationist, Mr. Efosa Imasuen, on his part, said that an improved welfare package for teachers also contributed to why they were able to keep children in school, as not only were teachers paid as at when due, they also got loan packages to remain motivated.

He said, “A lot of people do not know that when your salary is regular and your job is secure, you can plan and obtain loans to build your own house and buy a car and do other things. You will not play at your job as a teacher when you enjoy these incentives. You will do your best to take care of the pupils under your watch and more parents will be encouraged by the teacher's attitude towards the children to send their children to school."

"This contributed to why the state government recorded such an impressive number of children staying in school."

He added that with the Edo-BEST initiative, “People are quite excited about the prospect of their children learning with digital aids in public schools.”

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...700 students earmarked for data science training

The Edo State Government in partnership with Curators University, and support from Google and Africa Code Week, has trained 47 school teachers on coding, to improve their ability to deliver quality education in schools across the state.

Programme Manager for Curators University’s Tekly programme, Mr. Tomiwa Adegbola, said the firm has a partnership with EdoJobs, the state government’s job creation platform, to train Edo youth in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

He added that the firm secured funding from Google via Africa Code Week to train over 700 students on computer skills in Benin City.

"We have engaged 47 teachers and we are training them on Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and expect the teachers in the next two weeks to pass the knowledge to at least 20 students in their various schools," he said.

He explained that such training programmes have become important because of the proliferation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in daily life, noting "Our job is to prepare the students for the future, impacting them with digital skills to enable them withstand the challenges that are to come."

He said, "We have also been training youth in the state every month on Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.”

A teacher from Niger College, Mr. Gregory Anakhu, commended the state government for the initiative, and said that the training was very interesting.

“We were taught programming and the target is to transfer the knowledge to the students to enable them develop the desired interest in it.”

He added that the world is going digital so the knowledge is needed to keep pace with global developments.

Mrs. Odaro Patience, from Itohan Girls’ Grammar School, said the programme has exposed them to the importance of coding, expressing her readiness to transfer the knowledge to her students.

Photos:
Cross section of teachers undergoing a training programme organized by the Edo State Government and Curators University, at the Edo Innovation Hub, Benin City, Edo State

World Teachers' Day: Obaseki Lauds Teachers' Contributions To Devt, Restates Commitment To Improved Welfare

…says better days ahead with sustained collaboration of Edo teachers

The Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has lauded the contributions of teachers to human and societal development across the globe, assuring that his administration is committed to improved teachers' welfare with sustained collaboration of Edo teachers.

Obaseki gave the commendation on the occasion of the commemoration of World Teachers' Day marked on October 5, each year.

"On a day like this, we must acknowledge the role teachers play in upholding the trust that parents and the society have in teachers.

"Teachers are special people and deserve to be celebrated for their immense contributions to human and societal development. Daily, they painstakingly groom, nurture and mould minds and equip generations with legally and socially approved practices, skills, norms and values," the governor said.

He emphasised that "Teachers set the tone for society's growth and development. The quality of our human capital is measured by the quality of teachers and their disposition to raising generations of thoroughly bred youths that are sound, both in character and knowledge and are ready to take their place in the global space."

Obaseki explained that "In Edo State, we have identified the critical role of teachers in our growth plan and this informed our decision to birth the Edo State Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme, that has kick-started a series of reforms in the education sector.

According to him, "Edo-BEST programme is developing a pool of highly-skilled teaching workforce for the state, by training, supporting and motivating Edo State teachers to succeed in the classroom of tomorrow; enhance the Edo State Basic Education curriculum thereby empowering children to compete effectively in the world of work.

"The programme has started leapfrogging the basic education delivery systems by leveraging technology in education provision, gathering and utilising accurate and timely data to drive policy and planning decisions.

The governor added that "In the programme, every teacher receives tablets loaded with digital lesson plans for every lesson needed for each day. Head teachers are given smart phones and provided with monthly data to enable them use the software in the smart phone to register all children and take attendance and manage teacher performance in each classroom every day."

The United Nations said that Teachers' Day which is held annually on October 5, since 1994, "commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.

"This Recommendation sets benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning conditions.

"The Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel was adopted in 1997 to complement the 1966 Recommendation by covering teaching and research personnel in higher education.

"With the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goal 4 on education, and the dedicated target (SDG 4.c) recognising teachers as key to the achievement of the Education 2030 agenda, WTD has become the occasion to mark progress and reflect on ways to counter the remaining challenges for the promotion of the teaching profession.

"As we celebrate World Teachers' Day this year, we take this occasion to remind the global community that "The right to education means the right to a qualified teacher.

"This theme was chosen to mark the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), where education is recognised as a key fundamental right. A right that cannot be fulfilled without qualified teachers," the global body said.

October 2, 2018

Apostle Hayford Alile family

Condolence Message

I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Apostle Hayford Alile, who was a father figure to me and clearly one of the finest personalities in our country.

Pa Alile was a courageous and incorruptible professional who championed the global outlook for the Nigerian Stock Exchange through several reforms and pioneered the revolutionary ideas which positioned the Exchange for international reckon.

He contributed significantly to the take-off and growth of the country’s organised private sector, through his visionary leadership on the boards of several leading companies across the country and left a good legacy everywhere he worked.

Pa Alile was a role model for many of us and we admired how he succeeded in striking a balance between Christian ministry, work and family.

In retirement, his foundation, the Hayford Alile Foundation provided succour and empowerment to the under-privileged and gifted, through scholarships, grants and training.

We have lost a rare gem in the transition of Pa Alile as a state and nation, but we are consoled by the Godly life he led and the indelible marks he left in the minds and hearts of millions of people.

May God grant his soul, eternal comfort until we meet to part no more.

Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki,

Governor, Edo State.

Photo 2:
L-R: Representative of Edo State Governor and Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu; Task Team Leader I, Nigeria Erosion & Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), World Bank, Dr Amos Abu; Head of the European Union Investment Bank Team, Mr Jaime Barragan; and National Project Coordinator, NEWMAP, Alhaji Salisu Dahiru, during the courtesy visit by representatives of the World Bank and EU Investment Bank, to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

…Edo to benefit from $1bn ecological grant

The World Bank and the European Union Investment Bank have scored Edo State as one of two best states in Nigeria, where projects are being executed in line with global best standards.

The state's new ranking is based on her transparency and other reforms adopted by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration in executing projects.

The assessment of the state was disclosed during a courtesy visit by representatives of the World Bank and the European Union Investment Bank, to governor Obaseki at Government House in Benin City.

Task Team Leader I, Nigeria Erosion & Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), World Bank, Dr Amos Abu commended the commitment of the Obaseki led-administration in tackling gully erosion ravaging communities in parts of the state, adding that Edo State is one of the two best states in Nigeria in the implementation of projects funded by the World Bank.

Abu said: “It is because of the trust the Bank has in Edo that money is given directly to the state government to implement its projects along with her budget. Edo State has not been interfering in the bid and procurement processes of the World Bank projects.”

Abu expressed the bank's delight at the commitment of the state government in executing projects funded by international donor agencies, adding that the World Bank has increased the grant to fight ecological problems in Nigeria from $500 million to $1 billion.

The Team Leader, European Union (EU) Investment Bank, Mr Jaime Barragan, said that his team was in Edo State for “due diligence assessment of the erosion problem in the state."

According to Barragan, “The Bank has earmarked 175 million Euros for gully erosion problems in Nigeria, and from what I am seeing in the presentation by the Governor, Edo needs urgent approval and I must say that the state is ahead of other states in Nigeria in the fight against gully erosion.”

Governor Godwin Obaseki who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, said the state government is poised to tackling gully erosion problem in the state, adding that the government has commenced the process of awarding contracts to reclaim seven erosion sites while eight others have been marked as deserving urgent attention.

Obaseki highlighted the dangers gully sites pose to people of the state, and stressed that there was need for speedy approval of funds to effectively tackle the challenges.

He said the state government has made it a policy to allow communities take ownership of projects, which has led to speedy completion and proper maintenance of the Auchi and Queen Ede gully erosion sites, noting that the approach has been adopted in tackling erosion sites in Ibore and Ewu.

The governor assured that the state government will ensure due diligence in all processes of governance, as well as maintaining international best practice in the quality of services to people of the state.

He expressed appreciation to the World Bank for its past interventions in reclaiming gully erosion sites in the state, adding that the government was looking forward to better partnership deals in its bid to developing smart cities with less environmental hazards and better management of waste and flood.

The erosion sites advertised for contracts are in: Edo College, Ogiso/Osunde, Ambrose Alli University, Igbe quarters, Auchi, Fugar-Agenebode Road, and Ikpoba Hill.

The eight sites which the state government has penciled down for urgent attention are in Iguosa, Afuze, Uzogbon/Ugboha, Jattu, Ihinmwinrin, Iwogban, Ogba and Igueben/Eguare/Idumogo.

Photo 1:
L-R: Representative of Edo State Governor and Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu; Task Team Leader I, Nigeria Erosion & Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), World Bank, Dr Amos Abu; Head of the European Union Investment Bank Team, Mr Jaime Barragan; and National Project Coordinator, NEWMAP, Alhaji Salisu Dahiru, during the courtesy visit by representatives of the World Bank and EU Investment Bank, to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

Int’l Day For Universal Access To Information: Obaseki Links Edo’s Growing Investor, Voter Confidence To Open Governance

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has said that there is a correlation between his administration’s open governance model and the growing investor and voter confidence in the state.

Obaseki said this on the occasion of the celebration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information, marked on September 28, each year.
He explained that “as a matter of policy, we publish all our reforms across the various sectors of the state and their outcomes online, for potential investors and the public to know what we are doing to develop the state.”

The governor noted that “information and communication technology and the information super highway have made it easy to communicate governance to members of the public.

“We place huge premium on transparency and accountability and the efforts we have made in pension reform, health, education, job creation and other key sectors are in public domain. They can be accessed online.

Commending the United Nations for setting aside a special day to celebrate universal access to information, Obaseki said information explosion remains a remarkable achievement in the 21stcentury, and urged global leaders to take advantage of the information superhighway and the new technologies to guarantee unfettered and unencumbered access to information, revolutionise governance and carry the electorates along on government processes, procedures, achievements and challenges.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), said that “since 2016 it has marked the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), following the adoption of a resolution (38 C/70) declaring 28 September of every year as International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI).

“IDUAI has particular relevance with the new 2030 Development Agenda, and in particular with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 16.10 which calls for ensuring public access to information and protection of fundamental freedoms.”

UNESCO said it hopes that the event will encourage more countries to adopt Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation, develop policies for multilingualism and cultural diversity in the cyberspace, and ensure that women and men with disabilities are integrated.

“These steps will further strengthen progress towards the 2030 Development agenda and pave the way for the creation of knowledge societies worldwide.”

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Members of the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday defied the heavy downpour to adopt President Muhammadu Buhari as the party’s flag bearer in next year’s presidential election.

Speaking to journalists at the end of the exercise at ward six in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state, chairman of the party in the ward, Hon. Charles Otasowie, commended the peaceful nature of the exercise and explained that over 500 members of the party adopted President Muhammadu Buhari as candidate of the forthcoming election.

He maintained that Buhari has done well enough to be endorsed for another term and urged Nigerians to vote for the president come 2019, to build on his achievements.

The woman leader in ward six, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Mrs. Roseline Tuoyo, said women across the state are behind President Buhari and will continue to support him even after winning the 2019 presidential election.

Muktar Yusuf Osagie, an APC member in Ikpoba-Okha LGA, who participated in the exercise, commended the party members for the peaceful and orderly manner the exercise was conducted.

He noted that the performance of President Muhammadu Buhari was the motivating factor that brought people out of their homes despite the heavy rainfall, to be part of the process.

At ward seven, APC Party Chairman, Hon. Imarenakhue Friday, said over 600 APC members participated in the exercise to affirm the candidature of President Muhammadu Buhari for the Presidential election on the platform of APC for the 2019 general election.

According to the Chairman of the party in Egor Local Government Area of the state, Chief Odion Olaye, “the turnout of members in ward one to ten in the council area was impressive and affirmed our support for the candidature of President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 Presidential election.

“The impressive turnout has shown that President Muhammadu Buhari will be given our mandate in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State come 2019.”

Photo:
All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward 6 Chairman, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Hon. Charles Otasowe Adenomo (with the microphone); after a successful Presidential Affirmation Primary Election, at the APC Ward 6 Secretariat, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area in Benin City, on Friday, September 28, 2018.

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Obaseki’s Education Reform: Edo Govt, WAEC Train Teachers To Improve Learning Outcomes

The Edo State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Emmanuel Agbale, has said that the Governor Godwin Obaseki led-administration will continue to focus on improving the capacity of teachers in the state, to improve their competence.

The commissioner disclosed this while declaring open a three-day seminar themed: “The 21st Century Teacher and Pedagogical Shift in Basic and Secondary Education,” which was held across the three senatorial districts of the state and organised by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC).

Agbale charged the participants to demonstrate commitment to the training as it was geared towards equipping them with up-to-date knowledge, adding that participants stand to gain tremendously from the event.

In his presentation, Prof. Francisca Aladejana of the Institute of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife, said the essence of the training was to ensure improved students' performance in schools.

Aladejana urged the participants to share their knowledge and experience with their colleagues in their respective schools after the training, to extend the gains to more teachers.

She further said that factors such as the home front, peer influence, environment, facilities in schools, teacher factor in the classroom, could affect the overall performance of children in schools.

Photo 1:
Cross-section of teachers during the seminar organised by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) themed: “The 21st Century Teacher and Pedagogical Shift in Basic and Secondary Education,” in Benin City, Edo State.

Governor Obaseki has been hyperactive driving Edo states's developmental initiatives. He actually pushed himself to the limits over the weekend supervising various meetings and projects before flying to America.

Bodi no be firewood my people.

Brittneysarah:
I don't know while its bad for some individuals to do somethings and others can't do them he's just an ordinary man like you and me he has blood running trough his veins and he can get tired that doesn't mean he's weak, he got tired and slept off that doesn't mean he broke down and can't function he's not an engine he's a human and he will get tired sometimes, don't condemn him for that, you people need to wake and focus on the real thing you have to deal with not this.

Governor Obaseki has been hyperactive driving Edo states's developmental initiatives. He actually pushed himself to the limits over the weekend supervising various meetings and projects before flying to America.

Bodi no be firewood my people.

Governor Obaseki has been hyperactive driving Edo states's developmental initiatives. He actually pushed himself to the limits over the weekend supervising various meetings and projects before flying to America.

Bodi no be firewood my people.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki’s resolve to industrialise the state has gotten a new lease of life, with work in advance stage for the Edo Industrial Policy, a landmark policy document being developed in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

After an initial draft of the policy, the state government had organised a Stakeholders Workshop, where it engaged with businesses and other players in the state’s industrial sector to get their input in the policy.

Edo State Focal Person for the Industrial Policy, Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi, in a chat with journalists, said that experts from UNIDO are putting finishing touches to the policy document, noting that when ready, the governor, who mandated its development, will graciously see to its implementation.

“From the government side, we are very optimistic about the document as it will drive coordinated, impactful industrialisation in the state. The good thing about the document is that it accommodates the interest of all, such that artisans, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as the big players in agro-allied industries and manufacturing can contribute to the sector” he said.

Noting that the Edo State government is keen on tapping its human and natural resources to drive inclusive growth, Uwaibi said, “We have a number of big-ticket investments in the offing. The governor has already released funds for the commencement of the Edo Modular Refinery, which shows how serious we are. There is the Benin River Port, for which advance work has been carried out. It is linked to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, as the same Chinese company, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Ltd., is handling both projects. We also have the Benin Industrial Park.”

He said the Edo Industrial Policy would map out how all these projects will be linked and how local actors will be aligned to tap from the immense opportunities for jobs, wealth creation and inclusive growth.

“After fine-tuning the document, UNIDO will help in its implementation to ensure a coordinated, participatory approach to its realisation. This ensures that as the state creates space for the big industries, the local ones are hooked up to them to provide needed local expertise and capacity to deliver on projects,” he added.

Int’l Day of Sign Languages: Obaseki Pledges Support, Robust Policy For People With Special Needs

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said his administration is committed to supporting people with special needs in the state, assuring that policies are being framed to accommodate their rights to express themselves, so they can lead better lives.

The governor, who said this in commemoration of the maiden International Day of Sign Languages marked by the United Nations this year, said that the state government has set up a committee to streamline the needs of people with disabilities with a view to ensuring their inclusion and participation in development.

According to him, “The committee we have set up is currently working to streamline the concerns of people with special needs and will eventually provide recommendations on adequate structures to enable them live life to the fullest.

“However, at the basic education level, we are remodeling the sub-sector to improve access for every child, which includes children with hearing disabilities.”

“On this day, it is imperative to reiterate the need for inclusion of people with special needs in policy design to allow society tap from their wealth of talents in driving development. At the same time, we recognise the need to promote sign language which will ensure that children with special needs pick up these essential skills to better function in society,” he added.

Obaseki said the theme for this year’s event, “With Sign Language, Everyone is Included!,” speaks to the need for inclusion, noting that reforms in basic education accommodates the peculiar needs of persons with special needs, which include people with hearing disabilities.

He added, “We will ensure that children with hearing disabilities who learn through sign languages have equal access to quality education and benefit from the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme.”

The governor decried the vandalisation of Schools for Persons with Special Needs, urging members of communities to do more in protecting public schools.

According to the World Federation of the Deaf, “there are approximately 72 million deaf people worldwide, with more than 80% of them living in developing countries.”

The United Nations (UN) describes sign languages as fully-fledged natural languages, which are structurally distinct from the spoken languages. The UN makes clear that sign languages are equal in status to spoken languages and obligates member states to facilitate the learning of sign language and promote the linguistic identity of the deaf community.

Obaseki Off To UN Meeting With Buhari, To Rally Support For Campaign Against Human Trafficking

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki will join President Muhammadu Buhari as a member of Nigeria’s delegation set to participate at the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly (UN73) holding at the UN Headquarters in New York.

This year’s session, which opened on September 18, is themed “Making the United Nations relevant to all People: Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities for Peaceful, Equitable and Sustainable Societies.”

Governor Obaseki is expected to rally global leaders for the state government’s all-out war against human trafficking and irregular migration, which has won the support of development partners and local traditional institutions.

The Governor has also enacted the Edo State Trafficking in Persons Prohibition Law 2018, which gives legal and another institutional backing for the fight against the menace in the state.

Other members of the delegation include the President’s wife, Aisha Buhari; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma; and the Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Jibrin.

Others are the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd); Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Abubakar; Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Mohammad Babandede; and the Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu.

The highpoint of Nigeria’s participation at the meeting, according to a release from the Presidency, will be President Buhari’s address on Tuesday to the General Assembly on the opening day of the General Debate. “The President’s presentation of Nigeria’s National Statement is expected to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to international peace and security; sustainable socio-economic development; disarmament and denuclearisation; youth and women empowerment; climate change; rule of law and human rights; among others.

“He is also expected to particularly canvass international support for the fight against corruption; the return of illicit assets; counter-terrorism and insurgency; curbing irregular migration; re-settling Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs); recharging the receding Lake Chad; and calls for the reform of the United Nations, especially the expansion of the permanent membership of the Security Council to make that vital principal organ of the global organisation reflect regional and equitable geographical representation,” the release by President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina, said.

Edo State Government has ordered the arrest and prosecution of one Mr. Joseph Ideho, over alleged illegal collection of revenue from motorists plying Ring Road-Ikpoba Hill axis in Benin City, the state capital.

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security and Surveillance, Comrade Emmanuel Orukpe, said the culprit was apprehended after commercial drivers reported the case to officials of the state government.

Orukpe said the commercial drivers accused Ideho of forcefully collecting the sum of N500 as revenue from each commercial vehicle operator when they depart Ring Road for Ikpoba-Hill, without issuing receipts.

He said on the day Ideho was arrested, the sum of N8,500 was found on him, which he had allegedly collected from the motorists.

According to him, “After the arrest of Ideho, we contacted the Oredo Council Chairman to identify the culprit and ascertain if he was one of the officials of the council authorised to collect revenue. Ideho was only discovered to be an imposter after Mr. Edebor Sunday, a revenue collection officer with the council, failed to recognise him as being part of their team.”

Orukpe warned other individuals or groups who engage in illegal revenue collection to desist from such acts, which run contrary to the government’s directive against revenue collection by unauthorized individuals and groups.

Orukpe encouraged commercial vehicle drivers to report suspected persons and groups who go about collecting revenues to the appropriate authority for immediate action.

He said the surveillance team has intensified its operations in monitoring activities of such unscrupulous individuals and groups and will ensure that the full weight of the law descends on anyone culpable of related offences.