₦airaland Forum

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, will lead a train of global icons, including business and political leaders, activists, academics, and civil society groups, to Ekpoma, in Edo Central Senatorial district, for the 29th Memorial Day Celebration of former governor of old Bendel State (now Edo and Delta states), Prof. Ambrose Alli.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said that the governor would be hosting a large entourage that will be in Emuado in Ekpoma for the celebration.

He said, “We are very excited to be celebrating late Prof. Ambrose Alli. It is, for many of us in Edo, something remarkable because a lot of the young, upwardly mobile people and businessmen in the state benefited from the impactful policies initiated by Prof. Ambrose Alli when he was the governor.

“A good number of these people attended either one of the over 600 secondary schools or the Bendel State University, which is now Ambrose Alli University, today. So, for them, it is an opportunity to once again pay homage to a good, enviable son of the state.”

He described the former governor of old Bendel as a hero of good governance and accountability, noting, “We fondly remember the legacies of former governor of the old Bendel state and it is only right to celebrate him. The governor will be leading a delegation to Emuado, for the memorial mass service, which will host a lot of the people from within the state and the Diaspora.”

One of the events to mark the event is a Memorial Mass at the St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Emaudo, Ekpoma.

Late Prof. Alli, a professor of Morbid Anatomy, was governor of old Bendel State from 1979 to 1983. He founded the Bendel State University with campuses in Ekpoma, Abraka and Asaba and over 600 secondary schools. He also initiated landmark infrastructural and housing projects within Edo and Delta states.

Ease Of Doing Business: EDOGIS MD Warns Against Cash-Based Transactions In Processing Documents

As landowners troop to the premises of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) to process their documents in the wake of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s reform in land administration, Managing Director of the agency, Arch. Frank Evbuomwan, has warned against paying cash to any EDOGIS staff for acquiring the document and titles, as the process has been fully automated.

Evbuomwan, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists, said that any staff of the agency found demanding or collecting cash from landowners to process their documents risks instant sack. The agency is responsible for the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, Governor’s Consent, Mortgage Consent, Lodgment of Surveys, among others.

He said, “We have a fully automated system, such that no one would have to make any cash-based transaction when they come to our office. Hence, after the amount for processing documents has been calculated on our system, payment is made without having to part with cash on our premises.

“We believe this reduces the incidence of corruption in the system. We are very determined to sustain this. And we have trained our staff to be at their best when they attend to landowners who come to process their papers. Any of them found collecting cash from our customers risk instant sack. This policy is in line with the Governor’s stance on transparency and accountability.”

He assured landowners of quality service when they come to the agency’s premises to process their documents, noting that it is now mandatory to convert all old Certificate-of-Occupancy (C-of-O) to a digital version to guard against duplication, fake documents.

He said EDOGIS is deploying an efficient mapping technology in its operations, calling on Edo people to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the agency to obtain necessary land documents.

According to him, “EDOGIS is a successor agency of the defunct Ministry of Lands and Survey. We are here to serve the people and to provide them with efficient services. As a customer-focused agency, we are implementing the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration’s key reforms in land administration.

“Following the governor’s directive for a drastic reduction in the cost of processing land documents, we are implementing this directive vigorously. For instance, the cost of processing C-of-O for land has been reduced to a minimum of N50,000, depending on the location of the land.”

The Federal Government has commended Governor Godwin Obaseki’s basic education reform in Edo State, especially the deployment of tech-based teaching in classrooms under the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme, noting that reforms will lead to sustainable development in the state.

Director, Physical Planning, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Engr. Sadiq Sa’ad, made the submission during a visit by officials of the commission to the proposed site of a multi-billion naira Model School project, at Esigie Demonstration Secondary School, in Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area.

He said the choice of Edo State for the project was informed by efforts made by the state governor to reposition the basic education sub-sector, adding that similar projects will be located in each of the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory. He noted that construction of the school projects will commence in October.

Sa’ad expressed satisfaction with the proposed site for the project in the state, which meets the requirements for the project to be funded by UBEC.

“The inspection visit is a follow-up to the meeting we had with Governor Obaseki in Abuja. We are here to see the land and we are satisfied with what we have seen. We are here with the team that designed the project and from all indications, there is no cause for alarm. The project will commence on the first week of October this year,’’ he added.

He noted that the model school in Edo State will complement the effort of the Edo State government in repositioning the education sector, noting, “The multi-billion naira project includes four components: nursery, primary school1 – 6, Secondary JSS 1 – 3 and a school for the physically challenged.”

Lead Consultant for UBEC, Prof Mas’ud Abdulkarim explained that the idea of the project is to upscale education at the basic level, stressing that the school will serve as a model for both the state and local government in the ongoing process to reposition the sector.

Prof. Abdulkarim said UBEC is going to maintain a uniform standard for the curriculum and monitor the teachers’ performance, noting, ‘‘A state of the art digital technology will be deployed to the school to aid teaching and learning in these schools. There are going to be seven of these projects, six in each of the geopolitical zones and one in the FCT.”

“The idea is to maintain a uniform standard for the curriculum to be adopted. The teachers will be monitored by UBEC. Edo state was selected from the South-South geopolitical zone because of the state government efforts in this direction which falls within the purview of the federal government plans to reposition basic education system,’’ he said.

The UBEC team also visited the Odionwere of Abudu Community, Pa Sunday Izeko, who expressed gratitude to the state and the Federal Government for the gesture.

In celebration of the life and legacies of former civilian governor of old Bendel State, (now Edo and Delta States), late Prof. Ambrose Folorunso Alli, Governor Godwin Obaseki will be leading the state’s delegation to the 29th Memorial Day Celebrations in his honour on September 22, in Ekpoma, Edo State.

Some of the events lined up for the day include a Memorial Mass at the St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Emaudo, Ekpoma, which will host top dignitaries in government, the private sector and civil society within the state and beyond.

In a statement, the Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, said Governor Godwin Obaseki will be hosting guests at the event, as Prof. Alli holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Edo people and his legacies are worth celebrating.

Osagie noted that governor Godwin Obaseki is also honouring the late former governor by advancing Late Prof. Alli’s legacies in education, health, infrastructure, and housing, among others.

According to him, “The governor will be leading the state government’s entourage to the celebrations. Honouring Late Prof. Alli is very dear to Governor Obaseki, which is why he is taking the lead in the events marking the remembrance.

“It is a state event. We are happy to be celebrating our hero and reminding the people of Edo what a good leader we had in Late Prof. Alli.”

Late Ambrose Folorunsho Alli, a professor of morbid anatomy was the first civilian governor of Old Bendel State between 1979 and 1983. His legacies include the founding of the Bendel State University now Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma with campuses in Ekpoma, Abraka and Asaba; establishing 600 secondary schools, and building of teacher training colleges, among others.

He carried out massive development to Bendel State in different sectors, from the establishment of numerous post-primary schools and tertiary institutions, massive construction of roads and housing.

Late Prof. Alli administration carried out massive construction of roads to open up rural areas, as well as urban low-cost housing projects in Ugbowo, Ikpoba Hill in Benin City, and Bendel Estates in Warri.

Obaseki’s Education Reform: Edo SUBEB Rolls Out Renovation Plan, To Relocate Pupils In Flood-Prone Schools

As public schools resume for a new academic session in Edo State, the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has unveiled plans to commence renovation of dilapidated structures and facilities in public schools across the state.

Chairman-designate, Edo SUBEB, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists, said that Edo SUBEB plans an aggressive roll out of renovation and construction projects in public primary schools, which includes provision of furniture for at least 150,000 pupils in the first phase.

She said arrangements have been made to relocate pupils from schools in flood-prone areas, whose schools were affected by flood, to nearby schools.

Dr. Osa Oviawe, who decried vandalism across schools in the state, noted “Vandalism and theft are major concerns. We are appealing to communities to play their part in safeguarding these schools. The torrential rains wreaked havoc on our renovation plans.”

She identified four categories of schools that have been marked for intervention, noting “These include schools in good condition; those hitherto renovated by the previous administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, but have been vandalised and valuable materials like window protectors, aluminium windows stolen.

“We have several cases currently in court. There is one involving a pastor, who knowingly purchased stolen materials from our public school for use in the construction of his private school.”

Other categories of schools for renovation in the state, according to her, include “Schools severely dilapidated with various palliative measures being carried out in the interim, and schools not habitable. Some of our schools in erosion-prone areas have been taken over by flood. Our plan is to temporarily relocate the pupils to nearby schools.”

Dr. Osa Oviawe lamented that “some communities are reluctant or resistant to palliative measures because of concerns that once the pupils join another school, they may not come back and their community will lose their school.”

On infrastructure upgrade in the schools, she noted, “We are working on a plan to gather broken furniture and repair the ones that are still salvageable. “Going forward, we are putting in place a maintenance schedule for all heads of schools to follow so that repairs are done in a timely manner.”

She explained that some local council chairmen are assisting to clear grasses in schools, noting that Hon. Ogendegbe Odia of Igueben local council has begun clearing primary schools in Igueben Local Government Area.

She added, “Since we abolished corporal punishment in public primary schools, we have also eliminated the practice of using our pupils to clear grasses in our schools. The children are simply too young and it is a major hazard for them as they could get hurt by dangerous animals.”

Obaseki's Tech Revolution: EdoJobs Hosts 500 Local Businesses, Launches Digital Marketplace For Edo Artisans

In pursuit of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s job creation and skills development drive in Edo State, EdoJobs in partnership with Genius Hub, has concluded plans to host not less than 500 local businesses to a stakeholders’ gathering to assess skills gaps and proffer workable solution to unemployment and underemployment.

Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Skills Development and Jobs Creation, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists, said that the gathering will hold on Thursday, September 27, at the Imaguero College Hall, in Benin City.

She noted that the gathering is aimed at mobilising local businesses to benefit from the training opportunities offered by EdoJobs and also tackle the various impediments to attracting skilled hands in the state.

She added that EdoJobs will also be launching a digital marketplace for artisans in collaboration with Genius Hub, which provides a platform for artisans to advertise their trade for increased patronage.

According to her, “The gathering will provide opportunity for networking and building stronger collaboration among over 500 businesses in the state. The one in Edo South is the first; other legs would hold in Edo North and Central. We are very keen on building a strong workforce in Edo state and this will give us the opportunity to directly interface with the employers of labour and entrepreneurs to see how best to support them.

“The digital marketplace for artisans will expand their scope and reach and expose the really good ones to many persons who want their services but do not know where to get them. We believe this will revolutionalise the sector in the state.”

She added, “This will be a gathering of the big players and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). No one is going to be left behind. We want to assure them that Edo is indeed a place to do business. Also, we will be witnessing a boom in the industrial sector in the state with the big-ticket projects the governor and Chinese partners have signed off on. This is an opportunity to brainstorm on how the local businesses can benefit from them.”

EdoJobs, a skills development and job creation platform, is an initiative of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration that is delivering jobs and highly sought after skills in the state. The initiative has since been at the forefront of strategy, planning and implementation of job creation projects across the state’s three senatorial districts and manages the Edo Innovation Hub, where it facilitates capacity building in tech-focused jobs and skills.

Edo State Government has ordered the arrest and prosecution of a syndicate of illegal wood loggers, who were allegedly, felling and transporting logs of wood in breach of a government order terminating permits on wood logging and outlawing such operations for environmental reasons.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security and Surveillance, Comrade Emmanuel Orukpe, said this when he paraded two persons, identified as Isaiah Kadiri and Victor Oboh, who were part of a syndicate felling trees with fake permits in the Irrua part of the state.

He said the duo ran foul of an order proscribing activities of wood loggers and others who encroach on government reserved areas to fell trees, thereby indiscriminately depleting the state’s forest reserve.

According to him, “We have here two persons, who we caught transporting trees that were felled using illegal permit. Mr. Isaiah Kadiri is the operator and Victor Oboh, who claims to be the driver.

“We caught them after receiving intelligence report that some people were carrying logs of wood suspected to have been felled illegally. We swung into action, called a police officer in the Irrua axis and got them arrested.

“They were arrested at the Usugbenu-Irrua axis. Their logs were placed atop a White Passat vehicle and was being transported to a buyer. When we accosted them, they didn’t have any permit, which was even irrelevant because government has outlawed logging. The operator, Kadiri, said he is working for some persons, and we are on the lookout to fish them out.”

He warned those still involved in the business to desist from doing so, as the team of surveillance and security personnel are on the look out for those who still engage in illegal felling of trees. He assured that the teams are on the lookout for the syndicate, which the two suspects work for, noting that government wouldn’t relent in protecting the state’s forest assets

One of the suspects, Mr. Kadiri said that he worked for a syndicate in the Irrua area, noting, “I started the business in 2010. I work for some people; one of them is popularly called Eluba, the other is OJ. There is also Chief Okalu, who used to give me tickets, but he stopped issuing tickets in July. We go to them to collect tickets and then go into the forest to cut the logs. We stopped around July, when there was an order. But Eluba and OJ later said that they have resolved the issue and they started issuing tickets again.”

PHOTO:
The impounded vehicle with planks belonging to the illegal loggers.

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has charged policymakers on technology-focused skills empowerment programmes that groom youths in specialised technical fields such as digital skills and core artisanal vocations to enable them contribute to national development.

The governor, who said this in commemoration of the African Day for Technology and Intellectual Property marked every September 13, stressed the need for robust programmes to harness the energies of youths in the fourth industrial revolution, which thrives on the knowledge economy.

He added that “though a lot of young people lack jobs, there are actually opportunities for skilled labour if youths, even graduates, can be retrained, through well-thought-out, immersive programmes to deploy their theoretical knowledge in exploring the uncharted opportunities in skills-oriented vocations.”

He argued that it is pertinent to arrive at these innovative solutions to unemployment because of the urgency of the task to transform the Nigerian economy into a thriving, solution-driven industrialised country.

According to him, “As we mark the African Day for Technology and Intellectual Property, it is important to stress the need to expand the industrial base by co-opting educated but unemployed university graduates to solve the problems of paucity of skilled labour. We stand a better chance of having innovative solutions to problems when these set of people bring their diverse sets of skills in unlocking the opportunities for skilled labour.

He said that the Edo State government has already started this with the aggressive drive to train and retrain job seekers for opportunities in different vocations, equipping them with in-demand skill set through its EdoJobs initiative.

“Much as we have done a lot to train secondary school leavers, we are also keen on retraining university-educated job seekers on new skill areas to enable them tap into the opportunities being created in the state, especially as we require specialised skills in the quest for industrialisation,” he said.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki’s affordable housing programme has stirred a mild revolution in the state’s real estate sector, as increased confidence in the administration has led to a rush for units in the state government-backed 1800-unit Emotan Gardens housing project.

Emotan Gardens, an ambitious affordable real estate project, is being developed by the Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) and MIXTA Africa, a renowned real estate company in Africa.

Receiving interim report of the state government's outing at the 27th Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW) Convention in Toronto, Canada, Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, expressed his delight at the endorsement of the Edo community in the diaspora for the housing project.

"I am glad that the Emotan Gardens project resonated with our people in the diaspora. We have several other projects in other sub-sectors of the state's economy that have been carefully designed to improve the wellbeing of all Edo people, irrespective of where they currently reside," the governor said.

Executive Chairman, EDPA, Isoken Omo, said since sales commenced for units in Emotan Gardens, the agency has been inundated with calls from different parts of the world, noting that the overwhelming response is as a result of the seamless and trustworthy mechanism set up to manage the process.

“The demand is pursuing the units available. It has mostly come from Edo people in the state and in the Diaspora, particularly at the just-concluded Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW) convention in Canada, where Edo sons and daughters bought many units.

“The local diaspora, that is Edo people in other states of Nigeria, are also snapping up units. Non-indigenes from other states have joined in the rush for the houses. So, anyone who is yet to make their intention known should do so as soon as possible,” she urged.

She attributed the demand to the solid land reforms of the Obaseki-led administration; transparency in land allocation and collection of titles which is spearheaded by the Edo Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) agency, and the absence of middlemen in the sales of the housing units in the Emotan Gardens project, as against the old system where those in the diaspora lost monies through friends and relatives.

According to her, “The confidence in this administration is one of the reasons for the impressive response we have received. There is also the assurance that monies invested in the project are being judiciously utilised due to the integrity of our partner, MIXTA Africa, as well as Governor Godwin Obaseki’s sincerity.”

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Edo State Government has begun enforcement of the order on illegal burrows, by shutting operations of not less than 10 burrow pits in Benin City, the state capital, in a renewed drive to safeguard the state’s environmental integrity.

The enforcement team was led by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Mr. Bright Emeodume Esq. and the Ministry’s Director of Enforcement, Mr. Ero Isaac.

The affected burrow pits are located in Ofumwegbe after Iguogboe community as well as those in Iguoshodin Ccommunity, among others.

Recall that the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability ordered the closure of burrow pits by operators with immediate effect, citing health and environmental concerns.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Dame Omoua Alonge Oni-Okpaku Esq., the state government suspended operations on all burrow pits.

The order, which took effect from August 2, warned owners and operators of burrow pits, haulage operators, tipper drivers and other stakeholders, that operation of a burrow pit without the appropriate approval is a criminal offence punishable by law.

Oni-Okpaku explained that the shutting down of burrow pit operations was to enable the state government “re-evaluate and re-certify the sites."

According to the Commissioner, “Towards this end, all such owners and operators are required to report to the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability for re-certification and subsequent inspection of their sites. For the avoidance of doubts, the following documents will be required for the exercise: operating licence issued by the Federal Ministry of Mines, Steel and Solid Minerals; Evidence of Environment Impact Assessment carried out on the sites; Evidence of remediation levies and Health, Safety and Environmental Plans.”


PHOTO 1:
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Mr. Bright Emeodume Esq. (middle); and other officials of the Ministry, during the enforcement of the shutdown order issued to illegal burrow pits in Benin City.

Certificate of Occupancy: Obaseki's New Price Regime, Turnaround Time Lift Investor Confidence – EDOGIS boss

Managing Director of Edo Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS), Arch. Frank Evbuomwan, has said that investor confidence in all sectors of the state is on the rise, with easier, cheaper and convenient way of processing title documents for landed property.

Evbuomwan, who disclosed this during an interview with journalists in Benin City, the state capital, noted that the process has now been computerised and is now customer-focused.

According to him, “Our processes are computerised; we are very seamless now. When you come around, you will find that we have developed a system for customer service, which is because we are a customer-focused agency now.

“It is very much easier now, a lot cheaper and we have put in a lot of conveniences to ensure that even those who are outside the country can benefit from our services.”

On the new cost regime in acquiring Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) in the state, he explained, “C-of-Os differ from land to land. For instance, a piece of land measuring 100x100 feet in a place down Airport Road, which C-of-O, would have cost between N300,000 and N350, 000, now goes for far less. I am talking about official cost, under the new regime, on that same piece of land you will get the C-of-O for as little as N60, 000, with no extra payment.

On the process of acquiring the title, he said, “All you need do is to come in here, fill your application form, we will give you the offer letter. You will pay for the C-of-O and you will not need to pay for any other thing or see any other person until we call you in to come and pick up your C-of-O, signed by the governor.”

On the price variations for the different range of property, he said, “If you have a plot measuring 100x200, the difference in cost is just N10, 000. So, the 100x200 plot will cost N70, 000. It is not geometric. We have a new website: www.edogis.org which contains the terms and conditions for getting a C-of-O, including the prices. This is the first time in the history of this state that government will put the prices in public domain. So, you can actually calculate how much your C-of-O will cost, by yourself.”

According to Evbuomwan, the renewed focus of the agency has improved the rating of the state on the ease of doing business, noting, “First of all, in the ease of doing business index being monitored by the World Bank, out of the 36 states with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Edo State stands at about 28th to 29th position. Before now, to get your C-of-O, it took a period of six months to three to four years, or even more. In Rwanda, which is an African country, to get your title, it takes 24 hours.

He said, “One of the first things we decided to do when Governor Obaseki assumed office was a marching order to cut down the time for getting C-of-O. We are committed to delivering your certificate in 30 days. Our goal obviously is to try as much as possible to match the Rwanda time, and we are starting with 30 days.”

Industrialisation: We Are Building Stronger Local Production Capacity To Expand Regional Market Share - Obaseki

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that his administration’s economic reform is focused on growing stronger local capacity to undertake the production of goods and delivery of services, on an unprecedented scale, as the state heads into an industrial era.

According to Obaseki, the administration’s high premium on economic diversification and transformation, empowerment, job creation and labour absorption, would ultimately translate to inclusive growth and a significant reduction in the number of people living in poverty.

The governor explained that with a strong industrial base, skills transfer is assured, to increase the range of domestically-manufactured goods, develop niche products through which Edo State can achieve a national, regional and global competitive advantage.

“This will increase the share of made-in-Edo products in the national and regional market; improve the sector’s productivity and value addition; promote and sustain indigenous technological practices and innovations,” he added.

Obaseki noted that the underlying philosophy of his strategy is to create a web of related economic development infra and superstructures as well as growth enhancers that would launch the state into an era of sustained industrial activities.

To illustrate, the governor said: “We have repositioned institutions like the Government Science and Technical College, formerly Benin Technical College and other institutions that will supply the skill set that will be needed in the Benin Industrial Park, the Benin River Port and at the modular refinery.

“The Benin Innovation Hub is providing in-demand skills, industry-relevant knowledge and unlocking the creativity and innovativeness in our youth.

“The feedbacks we have received from the innovation hub are heart-warming and Edo State is fast becoming the centre for highly sought after 21st century Information and Communication Technology-based skills and innovations.”

He assured that the strategies being adopted by the current government would address the age-old factors affecting Edo’s industrial sector such as “low value addition; inadequate market information resulting to limited market access and narrow production base and high cost of infrastructural services leading to un-competitiveness, inadequate skilled industrial human resource; limited access to affordable long term finance; high cost of industrial land; limited industrial subcontracting linkages; influx of counterfeit, dumping and substandard goods thereby reducing production capacities; limited technology transfer; and low attraction of local and foreign direct investment.

“The strategy he further said would exploit the strengths and opportunities arising from the regional integration and globalisation, and position the industrial sector to become the leading investment destination in Africa and take advantage of investment flows currently moving towards the ‘last frontier’."

Obaseki Applauds Edo Innovation Hub-Trained Developers, As Teams Win Nat'l Breast Cancer Hackathon

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated the teams of developers trained at the Edo Innovation Hub for outshining their peers by clinching the top two spots in the national Breast Cancer Hackathon organised by the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria and Access Bank.

The governor, in a statement, said that the impressive showing by the teams led by Osasu Omangbon (Bossom Heart) and Mary Okosun (Breast Cancer Combat), validates his government's unrelenting commitment to training youths with in-demand, industry-relevant skills to enable them solve society's problems.

Omangbon's Bossom Heart Team clinched the first prize with an innovation that deploys Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to support women and connect them with nearby medical specialists who can help in management of breast cancer.

Okosun's Breast Cancer Combat won second place. Both teams are from the Benin cohort trained by Curators Varsity at the Benin Innovation Hub, in Benin City. The hub was set up by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to build local capacity of youths, train them in industry-relevant tech skills and to provide technology-support solutions.

According to the governor, "I am delighted at the outing of the Edo Innovation Hub cohort at the Breast Cancer Hackathon organised by BRECAN and Access Bank. Their performance is heartwarming and goes to show that, when given the right opportunities to blossom, our youths are up to the task and can favourably compete with their peers.

“Their feat goes to show that our investment and continued support in promoting digital literacy is a sure way to go if we must make our young people prepare for challenges in the future. I congratulate the Edo Innovation Hub and its partners on this feat and charge them to intensify their effort in extending these crucial skills to more Edo youths, to groom a large pool of innovators that will disrupt conventions and build new blue-chip companies.”

Osasu, who is a Computer Science graduate of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), praised the governor for setting up the hub, noting that with such a facility, Edo State stands a good chance to rival Lagos State and Abuja in Nigeria's bourgeoning technology space.

According to him, “We got trained at the Edo Innovation Hub and are excited about winning the competition. This wouldn't have been possible if the governor hadn't set up the hub. It provides an opportunity to register our name in Nigeria's tech ecosystem.

“It provides an opportunity for young graduates like me to find our place in the new scheme of things. There can never be a better gift to the Edo youth than this.

On his innovation, he said, “I developed a mobile application that help women in combating breast cancer by connecting them to specialists they ordinarily wouldn't have access to.”

For Okosun who has just graduated with a degree in Biochemistry from UNIBEN, the feat is a victory for Obaseki's belief and investment in youths.

She said, “Ordinarily, I would have been looking for a career path now. But with tech and this feat, I am certain that I have a direction. My friends are now interested in tech more than ever. They have been asking for where to register for the next training.”

Photo:
Ondo State First Lady, Mrs. Betty Akeredolu (right); Mary Okosun (third right) of Breast Cancer Combat (BCC) and other members of the winning teams, Bossom Heart and BCC, trained at the Edo Innovation Hub, during the award ceremony of the Breast Cancer Hackathon organised by the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), Emerging Communities Africa (ECA) and Access Bank, in Akure, Ondo State.

Edo Intensifies Promotion Of Local Languages With 253 In-Service Teachers, Concludes Summer School For 100 Children

As part of efforts to promote and preserve the identity and heritage of the Edo people, the Edo State Government has deployed 253 teachers to teach Edo languages in schools across the state.

Commissioner for Education, Hon. (Barr) Emmanuel Agbale, disclosed this during the closing ceremony of the first Summer School on Edo Language for children organised by the Benin Cultural Heritage Centre.

He assured the President and members of the Benin Cultural Heritage Centre of the ministry’s commitment in ensuring knowledge of local languages by Edo children.

He said the centre’s willingness to partner with the state in ensuring the continuity of Edo languages is laudable and expressed appreciation for the feat achieved in the provision of free language lessons for Edo children.

He further mentioned that as part of steps taken to actualise the objective, the state government has trained 253 in-service teachers and posted them to schools across the state.

In his address, the President of the Benin Cultural Heritage Centre, Edi Ighile said the centre successfully trained over 100 children in speaking, writing, teaching of history, culture and conversation in Edo language.

He also said that in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the programme will be an annual event and assured that future programmes will be done in more locations.

Photo 2:
Volunteer with Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV), Kingsley Edebiri, arrested for allegedly extorting money from motorists in Benin City.

…urges motorists to be guided by traffic rules

The Edo State Government has ordered the arrest of one Kingsley Edebiri, an official of the State Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV), over alleged extortion from unsuspecting motorists in Benin City, Edo State capital.

Addressing journalists at the Government House in Benin City, the Coordinator of PUWOV, Mukhtar Yusuf-Osagie said he had been receiving calls from motorists over cases of extortion by volunteers with the programme, and had warned his men to desist from such act.

Yusuf-Osagie noted that over 15 volunteers with PUWOV have been arrested, dismissed and charged to court, adding that some of them have even been imprisoned for flouting the law under the cover of PUWOV.

He explained that he was contacted by some motorists who reported a case of extortion by a volunteer with PUWOV, after which he asked the motorists to come to the office and identify the suspects. “Before the drivers came, I asked the volunteers, but none admitted to committing the offence. When the drivers came, they identified Kingsley Edebiri as the culprit who collected money from them.”

He said that Edebiri employed two other persons to extort money from unsuspecting motorists, noting, “We have arrested him while a manhunt for the two others has commenced.”

He urged commercial vehicles drivers to park and pick passengers only from designated areas, appealing to drivers not to fight with volunteers but report any issue to the PUWOV office at Urhokpota Hall.

“We have a jacket and vest with an identification number to identify each of our men. If you find anyone who doesn’t put on jacket and vest, such volunteer should be reported,” he added.

A motorist, Chika Dike, explained that Kingsley Edebiri and his group arrested about six drivers after the close of work for the day at Ezoti Street, where each of them paid about N4,000 to the group.

Another motorist, who was also extorted by the Edebiri group, Onyekachukwu Aju, commended the Governor Godwin Obaseki led-administration and the leader of PUWOV, for the good work and restoring sanity to the city.


Photo 1:
Coordinator, Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV), Mukhtar Yusuf-Osagie addressing journalists at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

Obaseki’s Battle Against Irregular Migration, Modern Day Slavery Receives UK Govt Support

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki’s all-out fight against modern slavery and irregular migration has received a huge boost from the United Kingdom (UK) Government with the roll-out of a package to protect thousands of vulnerable men, women and children from modern day slavery and unsafe migration through the use of former slaves as myth-busters, among other innovative prevention work.

The programme will comprise “public information campaigns, awareness raising at schools and universities, and new research.”

The Obaseki administration has been at the forefront of the fight against the menace, leading a state government-backed effort that has seen the enactment of a law in the state prohibiting trafficking in persons, a taskforce as well as an elaborate reintegration programme for returnees and enlisting the support of the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, among others.

UK aid, in a statement, said it is “investing a further £6 million in the ‘Stamping Out Slavery’ in Nigeria (SOSIN) programme, taking its total value to £10 million.”

International Development Secretary, Penny Mordaunt in a statement said: “It is a necessity that we step up and stamp out modern slavery for good. I am appalled that this shameful stain on our global conscience still exists in the 21st Century.

“I am proud UK support is driving the charge in tackling the root causes of dangerous migration to prevent vulnerable men, women and children from becoming targeted by traffickers or attempting treacherous journeys again. The benefits of this will be far reaching - preventing regional instability and helping us tackle slavery here in the UK.

“The package is expected to facilitate deployment of British expertise to “help reduce vulnerabilities to trafficking and unsafe migration through targeted public information campaigns in Edo State. UK government communication specialists will design and lead this in partnership with the Nigerian anti-trafficking police.”

It will also “boost engagement with young people at schools and universities to change the aspirations of potential victims; commission innovative research on what works to prevent dangerous migration attempts and support NGOs who use former slavery victims to counter false myths that tempt people towards the traffickers.”

The statement added, “Working in partnership with Edo State, a critical trafficking hotspot, this UK aid will shape scalable, cost-effective interventions that tackle the key drivers of modern slavery and unsafe migration attempts. Changing the aspirations of potential victims and migrants in a targeted and tailored way will be essential to achieving this. This is why UK government communication specialists will design and lead a new public information campaign to do just that, in partnership with the Nigerian anti-trafficking police.”

Source: http://thebellng.com/obasekis-battle-against-iregular-migration-modern-day-slavery-receives-uk-govt-support/


Photo:
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

Obaseki’s Battle Against Irregular Migration, Modern Day Slavery Receives UK Govt Support

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki’s all-out fight against modern slavery and irregular migration has received a huge boost from the United Kingdom (UK) Government with the roll-out of a package to protect thousands of vulnerable men, women and children from modern day slavery and unsafe migration through the use of former slaves as myth-busters, among other innovative prevention work.

The programme will comprise “public information campaigns, awareness raising at schools and universities, and new research.”

The Obaseki administration has been at the forefront of the fight against the menace, leading a state government-backed effort that has seen the enactment of a law in the state prohibiting trafficking in persons, a taskforce as well as an elaborate reintegration programme for returnees and enlisting the support of the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, among others.

UK aid, in a statement, said it is “investing a further £6 million in the ‘Stamping Out Slavery’ in Nigeria (SOSIN) programme, taking its total value to £10 million.”

International Development Secretary, Penny Mordaunt in a statement said: “It is a necessity that we step up and stamp out modern slavery for good. I am appalled that this shameful stain on our global conscience still exists in the 21st Century.

“I am proud UK support is driving the charge in tackling the root causes of dangerous migration to prevent vulnerable men, women and children from becoming targeted by traffickers or attempting treacherous journeys again. The benefits of this will be far reaching - preventing regional instability and helping us tackle slavery here in the UK.

“The package is expected to facilitate deployment of British expertise to “help reduce vulnerabilities to trafficking and unsafe migration through targeted public information campaigns in Edo State. UK government communication specialists will design and lead this in partnership with the Nigerian anti-trafficking police.”

It will also “boost engagement with young people at schools and universities to change the aspirations of potential victims; commission innovative research on what works to prevent dangerous migration attempts and support NGOs who use former slavery victims to counter false myths that tempt people towards the traffickers.”

The statement added, “Working in partnership with Edo State, a critical trafficking hotspot, this UK aid will shape scalable, cost-effective interventions that tackle the key drivers of modern slavery and unsafe migration attempts. Changing the aspirations of potential victims and migrants in a targeted and tailored way will be essential to achieving this. This is why UK government communication specialists will design and lead a new public information campaign to do just that, in partnership with the Nigerian anti-trafficking police.”

Source: http://thebellng.com/obasekis-battle-against-iregular-migration-modern-day-slavery-receives-uk-govt-support/


Photo:
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

Photo 2:
Executive Chairman, Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), Isoken Omo (right); Commissioner for Ars, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora, Hon. Osaze Osemwingie-Ero (3rd right); Chairman, Edo State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), Barr. Anselm Ojezua (4th right); Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Political Matters, Chief Osaro Idah (5th right); and other guests at the 27th series of the Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW) Convention holding in Toronto, Canada from August 31 to September 3.

Human Trafficking: Obaseki Mobilises Edo Diaspora Community Against Menace At 2018 ENAW

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has called on Edo people in the Diaspora to join forces with his government in the fight against human trafficking, noting that such a synergy is required to rescue the image and future of the people.

The governor, who made the call in his address at the 27th Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW) Convention, themed Youth Empowerment, a Necessity for Edo State Development held in Toronto, Canada, called on Edo people in the diaspora to deploy their expertise in developing the state.

Obaseki, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Osaro Idah, said that the state has “the potential of becoming a high-income economy with the possibility of generating over 200,000 jobs if we embrace necessary structural changes in education and training system, prudent fiscal management, right infrastructural investments and redress our rather lopsided orientation.”

He said the state government has opened the state up for development which has led to the influx of investors for a number of big-ticket projects being promoted by his administration, which include the Benin River Port, the Benin Industrial Park and Edo Modular Refinery, among others.

Calling on members of the diaspora community to join the fight against irregular migration and human trafficking, he said, “prolonged indifference or lack of concerted efforts on the part of government to address the challenges of our youths and get them meaningfully engaged on a sustainable basis had snowballed into tales of perilous irregular migration and human trafficking.”

He said that the state government has curbed the activities of Community Development Associations (CDAs) in order to set the state on the path of progress.

According to him, “the CDAs were made up of youths who did everything possible to unleash mayhem or any other activity that undermined progress of physical development of the communities they ironically claimed to be developing while unknowingly scaring would-be investors from the state.

“The fallout from this was the growing rate of armed robbery and kidnapping fueled by unemployment. Thuggery got highly lucrative and elections which were supposed to serve as viable means of political successions lost credibility and pandered to the wishes of abusers and violators.”

He continued, “With these grave scenarios before us, the concerns could not just be about how to generate the jobs that would engage the youths; solutions should also involve a process of rescuing our society from the stranglehold of such nefarious acts largely perpetuated by the youths – even if it means wielding the big stick.”

Photo 1:
Representative of Governor Godwin Obaseki and Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Osaro Idah, delivering the governor’s address at the 27th Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW) Convention, in Toronto, Canada.

The Edo State Government has declared Friday, August 31, a work-free day to avail civil and public servants the opportunity to process, regularise or obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC).

A statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. on Wednesday, said that "Government workers are urged to partake in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), so they can perform their civic duty."

Ogie added that "With this notice, all government establishments except those that render essential service are expected to be closed and the workers are encouraged to take advantage of the work-free day to visit centers for the ongoing CVR to process or obtain their PVCs. This will make them eligible to participate in the forthcoming 2019 elections."

According to the state government, "the CVR exercise had been extended by INEC for two weeks which will terminate on Friday, August 31, underscoring the decision of government to declare a public holiday to ensure that government workers are able to obtain their PVCs."

The SSG explained that "the state government is keen on ensuring that everyone in the state is provided ample opportunity to participate in the political process, hence all government workers are encouraged to treat this message with all seriousness."

ENAW 2018: Delegates Upbeat As Obaseki Parades Edo-BEST, Housing Estate, Other Devt. Enablers In Canada

…seeks support of Diaspora community

In a concerted effort to get the buy-in of the state’s Diaspora community, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, will be showcasing the revolutionary Edo Basic Education Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme and the 1800-unit Emotan Gardens project, among other growth and development enablers at the Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW) Convention in Canada.

The four-day Toronto convention, the 27th in the series, will hold from August 31 – September 3. It is arguably the single largest gathering of Edo professionals in the Diaspora, making it a key stakeholder in the state’s affairs.

Governor Godwin Obaseki, will lead the state government’s delegation to the Toronto convention and will be showcasing a bouquet of projects, which needs the input and buy-in of the Diaspora community.

Among the star projects listed to feature in the governor’s discussions is the Edo-BEST programme, for which approval has been given for full roll-out in three oil and gas producing local government areas, comprising Ovia North East, Orhionmwon and Ikpoba-Okha. A pilot phase is running in select local governments across the state. However, more investment is needed for full roll-out across the state.

An initiative of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration, the Edo-BEST programme, will develop a highly-skilled teaching workforce 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 is expected to leapfrog the basic education delivery systems by leveraging technology in education provision and to gather and utilise accurate and timely data to drive policy and planning decisions.

In the programme, every teacher will receive 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 other project is the 1800-unit Emotan Gardens, an ambitious real estate project, that seeks to rejuvenate the state’s real estate sector and provide affordable housing to residents and those in the Diaspora. The state government is developing the estate through the Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) in partnership with MIXTA Africa, a renowned real estate and property development company.

Executive Chairman, Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), Isoken Omo, in the build up to the convention, assured that a mix of engagement strategies would be deployed in the state government’s effort to meet the housing and other needs of Edo people in the diaspora.

According to her, “The Edo State Government and her partners are upbeat about the Emotan Gardens and similar housing projects coming on stream soon. It is an opportunity many of our people have been waiting for to acquire decent housing through a very transparent process devoid of encumbrances.”

She explained that “the appeal of Emotan Gardens has been phenomenal, as would-be subscribers are just waiting for us to open sales. Governor Obaseki is passionate about this product and will be exhibiting it at the ENAW Convention.”

Another sector expected to be featured by the government at the ENAW Convention is the ease of doing business, specifically in the built sector, following the signing of the Private Property Protection Law, which has abolished the activities of Community Development Association (CDAs).

Obaseki’s Education Reform: Edo Poly Floats Nigeria’s First Open Distance Flexible Learning Programme

… capacity building for resource persons commences

In furtherance of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration’s focus on capacity-building and continuous education, the Management of the Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, (formerly Edo State Institute of Technology and Management) has concluded plans to commence its Open Distance and Flexible Learning (ODFL) programme, in the next six months, the first in a Nigerian polytechnic.

The course to be featured for now in the programme, is Public Administration. Other courses to be included in the first phase of implementation include Accountancy, Business Administration and Computer Science.

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) recently gave the nod for 29 polytechnics to pioneer the ODFL system, in a move to increase access to Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) through the schools, and Edo Poly will be the first to float the programme.

Rector of the institution, Prof. Abiodun Falodun, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists, said that the objective of setting up the programme is to increase access to Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) to indigenes and residents in Edo State and environs, improve visibility of the polytechnic globally, allows for the internationalisation of learning opportunities and access to global resources and experts via internet communication and Internet resources.

He noted that in preparation for the smooth take-off of the programme, a mandatory 3-day training for all academic and some non-academic staff has been organised to hold from August 27 - 29, 2018 at the ICT Centre of Edo State Polytechnic.

“At the conclusion of the training, the Polytechnic intends to mount its online distance and flexible learning programme within the next six months,” he said.

According to him, “We are going to be the first polytechnic in Nigeria to run the ODFL programme. In the University system, University of Ibadan, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), already run such programmes. The University of Benin (UNIBEN) is about to start, with Accountancy. So, we are the first polytechnic.”

He added that three renowned ODL experts in the field of Online Distance and Flexible Learning will anchor the training, led by Prof. Bayo Okunade of the University of Ibadan, and explained that the decision to run the proposed ODFL programmes became expedient with the increasing adoption of technology for teaching and learning.

“The training programme is expected to cover the basic requirements to commence the running of the programme.

Also speaking, the Director of the Edo Poly Distance Learning School (EP-DLS), Dr. Kess Aisikhia, revealed that the training for staff will cover a wide range of issues in ODFL, which, according to him, include “legal policies to guide staff on aspects such as intellectual property, plagiarism, liability, educational technology, and labour relations. Student policies to regulate aspects such as registration, resources, training and tutoring, assessment, and student support services.”

The other areas are: “Technical policies, including ICT issues, internet and contractual agreements. Functions of webmaster, instructional designers, course administrators, e-tutors, and computer assistants. The role and integration of hardware, software, distance delivery technologies, technical staff, and academic support for staff, Instructional development support staff, administrative support, student services, financial plans and staff development and training.”

The rector said the other deliverables of the training are: “How to deploy support function such as curriculum and course development system, call centre, examination administration centre, student support services, student counselling and career development, strategic planning, administration, staffing and training, control and monitoring for quality, policy, organisation and culture, course development, support structures, teaching and learning processes and challenges.”

Growing Investor Confidence: Manufacturers Relocate From Delta State To Edo, Cite Obaseki's Reforms

The positive disposition of the Godwin Obaseki-led administration in Edo State towards a private sector-led economy and the elimination of barriers to business through reforms, are pulling businesses from neighbouring Delta State.

According to manufacturers, the exodus of companies to Edo State from Delta State is happening on the back of the growing investor confidence, which in turn is a factor of the ease with which business owners are conducting their activities in Edo State, devoid of man-made encumbrances that impact their bottom line in Delta State.

Speaking at the 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Manufacturers Association (MAN), Edo/Delta Branch, with the theme: “The Nexus of Science, Technology and Industry,” the Chairman, Dr. Alofoje Unuigboje, decried the challenges manufacturers face in doing business in Delta State.

Unuigboje lamented that manufacturers in Delta State contend with infrastructural challenge and all manners of charges and fees collected on Delta roads by those he described as urchins.

According to him: “Ease of doing business has experienced considerable improvement in Edo, premised on the empirical evidence of free movement of goods on Edo State roads and the absence of innumerable urchins from industrial premises, who impose arbitrary and extortionate demands.”

He added: “The ready access of ministries and other government establishments up to summit, to Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has engendered a mutually rewarding partnership between Edo State Government and MAN. This cannot be said of Delta State from where companies have moved to Edo State.”

Unuigboje explained that the major consumer in any society is government and maintained that there is a sense in which government supports industries in its geographical zone, through patronage of local products.

“It makes good business sense as it is necessary internal dynamics that boost the economy of the state. Supporting local industries through patronage of local products is not a favour but a reflection of enlightened self-interest,” he stressed.

The National President of MAN, Dr. Frank Jacobs, lamented that the manufacturing sector was adversely affected by the recession which the country has exited.

He urged the federal and state governments to work in synergy to carry relevant stakeholders along in designing appropriate strategies to improve and stabilise the country’s economy.

The MAN president charged Delta and Edo states to intensify efforts at attracting more investment as both states still lag behind in industrial development.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commiserated with Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, over the passing of his mother, Mrs. Gold Coast Dickson.

According to Obaseki “I share in your difficult moments and encourage you to take solace in the good Christian life your mother lived, which has been attested to by many people who know her."

"Mama has been described as a quintessential mother, devout Christian and community leader who devoted her lifetime to the service of God and humanity," Obaseki said.

The governor added that her impact in the community where she touched the lives of many Nigerians will continue to inspire the younger generations and prayed for the repose of her soul.

…urges CSOs, donor agencies, others to complement govt.’s role

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to provide more support for victims of terrorism who reside in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)’ camps in the state.

Obaseki made the pledge in commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, marked every August 21, by the United Nations (UN) and member states across the globe.

He said, “While the Federal Government continues to intensify effort to subdue terrorists in the North East and other parts of Nigeria, Edo State will not relent in ensuring that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) residing in camps in the state are provided with adequate structures to make their stay comfortable.

“The IDPs would be further assisted in recovering from the trauma of terrorism, as it will facilitate their rehabilitation and integration into society.”

The governor said more could still be achieved if well-meaning, public-spirited individuals, Civil Society Organisations (CSO), international donor agencies, among others, work closely with governments in scaling up assistance to victims of terrorism.

Obaseki noted that the state government will continue in coordinating efforts to assist IDPs in the state.

According to the UN, “While more countries are affected by terrorism today, the number of victims has largely been concentrated in a small number of member states. In 2017 alone, nearly three-quarters of all deaths caused by terrorism were in just five countries: Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia and Syria.

“Few members states have the resources or the capacity to fulfil the medium and long-term needs required for victims to fully recover, rehabilitate and integrate back into society. Victims can only recover and cope with their trauma through long-term multi-dimensional support, including physical, psychological, social and financial, in order to heal and live with dignity.”

The global body added, “The primary responsibility to support victims of terrorism and uphold their rights rests with member states. The United Nations has an important role in supporting member states to implement Pillar I and IV of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy through standing in solidarity and providing support to victims, capacity building assistance, establishing networks of, and offering support to, civil society organizations, particularly victims of terrorism associations, and encouraging member states to promote, protect and respect the rights of victims.”

The Edo State Government has ordered the arrest of two persons for allegedly operating a fake motor licencing syndicate and defrauding unsuspecting members of the public.

The two suspects are Igbinidu Osagbemworhue and Austin Nwadili, who were allegedly processing fake motor licence and vehicle particulars.

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security and Surveillance, Comrade Emmanuel Orukpe, said that the suspects were apprehended when a team of surveillance operatives tracked them and uncovered their dealings in fake motor vehicle particulars.

According to him, “The suspects in the course of a fresh negotiation for the production of drivers' licences were arrested. The two suspects who were arrested gave their names as Igbinidu Osagbemworhue and Austin Nwadili. The suspects were searched on the spot and found with two sets of drivers’ licences, bearing the name of one of the suspects, Austine Nwadili, suspected to be fake; Courier Service Report belonging to Mr Igbinidu, which was suspected to have been unlawfully obtained and one suspected fake PCRC ID Card bearing the name Igbinidu.”

He said that the suspects claimed that the documents were perfected by another suspect who hangs around the premises of the Board of Internal Revenue.

He said that investigations on the documents found on them showed that they were fake, as, “the two documents bear the same date, whereas the one with Reg. No. ASB372 RK was handed over before the one with No. EJ543 BEN. The Certificate of Road Worthiness seems to have originated from ML 9. The Road Worthiness Certificates for the two vehicles which were purported to have been issued on the same day were also from different booklets.”

He said that investigation is in progress at the State Criminal Investigation Department, and that the Chairman of the state's Board of Internal Revenue will look into the matter.

He warned others engaging in such criminal act to desist forthwith as the state government has a standing surveillance team which will leave no stone unturned in fishing them out for prosecution.

On behalf of the Government and people of Edo state, l felicitate with the Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.

Eid-el-Kabir offers our Muslim brothers and sisters yet another opportunity to deepen their relationship with Allah, promote a life of sacrifice, charity and love as exemplified by Prophet Mohammed.

We have put in place measures to guarantee that everyone is secure in the state during the celebration of this significant event and beyond.

My administration is consolidating on the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the state which has engendered harmony among the various religious groups in the state.

I urge all Muslim faithful to support our vision to build a prosperous state where all Edo people and residents would realise their dreams, through our various socio-economic growth initiatives and the prudent allocation of the state’s resources.

Eid Mubarak!

Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki,

Governor, Edo State

…lauds sacrifice of humanitarian workers


The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has called for global action to halt attacks on humanitarian workers delivering aids to victims of conflicts across the world.

Obaseki who gave the charge in Benin City, in commemoration of the World Humanitarian Day, marked on August 19 each year, decried the growing disregard for international conventions and rules of engagements that protect women, children, civilians and aid workers by parties to conflicts.

“The scale of attacks on humanitarian workers is disheartening. Leaders across the world and development actors must rise to the occasion to defend individuals and groups who volunteer their skills, expertise and other resources to support vulnerable groups in the theatres of war and conflicts,” the governor said.

He averred that “new thoughts and attitudes are needed by all stakeholders towards commitments to globally agreed upon rules on the use of force, its degree, on whom, in what circumstance, amongst other considerations, as encapsulated in the Rule of Engagement card.”

Obaseki saluted aid workers’ contributions to the good of society and declared that “to protect those who are protecting others, is the least we can all do, as leaders.”

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, notes that “Around the world, conflict is forcing record numbers of people from their homes, with over 65 million people now displaced. Children are recruited by armed groups and used to fight. Women are abused and humiliated. As humanitarian workers deliver aid and medical workers provide for those in need, they are all too often targeted or treated as threats."

The 2018 celebration is being driven with a #NotATarget campaign, to bring attention to the millions of civilians affected by armed conflict every day and demand world leaders to do everything in their power to protect civilians in conflict.

According to the UN, “People in cities and towns struggle to find food, water, and safe shelter, while fighting drives millions from their homes. Children are recruited and used to fight, and their schools are destroyed. Women are abused and humiliated. As humanitarian workers deliver aid, and medical workers treat the wounded and sick, they are directly targeted, treated as threats, and prevented from bringing relief and care to those in desperate need.”

World Humanitarian Day (WHD) is held every year on 19 August to pay tribute to aid workers who risk their lives in humanitarian service, and to rally support for people affected by crises around the world, the global body said.