₦airaland Forum

St Saviour-Oba, PZ-Okabere Roads: Obaseki Issues Letters Of Contract Award, To Flag Off Construction

The Edo State Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has issued letters of contract award to contractors that won the bids to construct the over 25 kilometre-road spanning St. Saviour-Oba-Obazagbon- Obadoloivbiyeyi communities to Idogbo/Agbor Road Bypass and PZ-Okabere-Oka Market-Upper Sokponba Road, in Benin City.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, disclosed this on Wednesday, after the state’s weekly Executive Council meeting, in Government House, Benin City.

According to Osagie, contractors have begun mobilising equipment from their locations towards the various project sites and the governor has said that he would be on site to flag off the construction of the roads.

“Governor Obaseki has given his word to be at the sites of the road projects to personally flag off the construction work. This demonstrates how important these roads are to the governor. St. Saviour Road in particular is the only major link road to thousands of people in that part of town. Our people in the area have struggled with the poor condition of the road and we are happy that all the pain will be history in the near future.”

The contracts for the construction of the roads were awarded at the weekend by the governor, who noted “when completed the roads would not only ease human and vehicular movement in the metropolis, but decongest Upper Sokponba and Sapele roads, and provide alternative route to residents who want to connect the Bypass.”

He assured that the state government has invested infrastructure to make life comfortable for Edo people and residents, maintaining that more efforts would be committed to building critical roads and other support structures to not only improve the ease of doing business but also impact on the lives of the people.

The roads would also enhance access to the Emotan Gardens Estate, an ambitious 1800-unit residential estate supported by the state government.

The project follows closely behind the award of contract for the construction of the Ugbor-Amagba Road, which was hailed by Benin City residents.

The road projects complement the Governor Godwin Obaseki’s increasing investment in critical infrastructure across the state, which has seen a spike in road construction, expected to support the governor’s industrialisation drive.

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…says govt will protect indigenous languages from extinction

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme, an initiative of his administration, is yielding positive outcomes, as pupils in the pilot primary schools can now read, write and add their sums correctly.

Obaseki said this on Tuesday, when he received members of the board of Centre for Edo Studies, of the Benson Idahosa University, who paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Benin City.

He explained that the feedback from the 300 pilot schools deployed for the Edo-BEST programme showed that the primary school pupils can now read and write.

The governor added that his administration and the palace of the Benin Monarch are worried about the challenges posed by the low premium attached to the state’s indigenous languages, and are looking at ways to propagate Edo history and language in schools across the state.

He disclosed that at the recent retreat by members of the state’s executive council at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and added that “the focus was on how to transform the education sector in the state.”

"We are strengthening our basic education sector as we are presently training 5,000 basic education teachers in addition to the 2,000 we trained a few months ago," the governor said.

He expressed his administration’s willingness to partner with the Centre for Edo Studies to include some of the Edo books authored by the center in the state’s school curriculum.

"Our focus is not only on Edo language but also on Afemai and Esan languages," he said.

Earlier, the leader of delegation and Pro-Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, Dr. Goodie Isibor, commended the governor for his developmental strides across the state.

He harped on the need to develop Edo language in schools in the state, and stressed that "Edo has a rich history, language and culture but we are not doing enough to make it popular across the world.”

He called on the government and the traditional institution to promote the use of Edo language in homes and make it compulsory in schools.

Photo 1:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle); Commissioner for Education, Hon. Emmanuel Agbale (2nd right); Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero (right); Pro-Chancellor, Benson Idahosa University (BIU), Dr. Goddie Isibor (2nd left); and the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri (left); when the Governing Council of BIU visited the Governor, at the Government House, Benin City, on Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Performance Evaluation: Obaseki Charges Appointees On Deliverables At Half Year Stock-Taking Retreat

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has charged senior appointees in his administration to adopt innovative solutions to solve problems in their various sectors in order to deliver on set goals.

Obaseki gave the charge at the weekend in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, at the State Executive Council retreat, held to appraise the performances of handlers of the ministries, departments and agencies of government, in the first half of the year.

At the well-attended event, commissioners took turns to bring other members of the EXCO to speed on developments in their various ministries, sharing achievements, challenges and the strategies they adopted in dealing with the variables around their tasks.

Setting the tone for the event on day one, the governor reinforced the vision of his administration and the need for the handlers of the various sectors of the state, namely; education, infrastructure, health, agriculture, job and wealth creation, among others, to continue to review their processes and procedures to better serve Edo people and residents in the state.

"We need to be more scientific in the way we approach our tasks because governance is organic. It is about enhancing the quality of life of our people and to do this, we need a robust bank of data on their locations, needs, yearnings and aspirations and their perception of what we are doing as a government," Obaseki said.

He harped on the need to deploy the right tools, best practice and regular self and team evaluation mechanism to constantly measure performance internally, as well as comparing notes with similar agencies from other parts of the world.

He said that while "much work is being done in the basic education sector, the other levels of education must witness as much reforms to sustain the tempo of ongoing transformation of the state's education sector."

Former Vice Chancellor of Covenant University and Educational Administrator, Professor Aize Obayan, who served as resource person on the session on education, took the EXCO members through the conditions that must exist for a robust and reform-oriented education sector that will deliver quality manpower, highly sought after by industries.

The event was rounded off with reassurances to push through the last half of the year with better outcomes.

In attendance were commissioners, special advisers and other appointees of the Edo State government.

...lists policies to support safe spaces for young people

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called for global support on capacity development for youths to enable them contribute to economic expansion, as the world stands to gain more from such investment considering the global youth population.

Obaseki made the call in commemoration of the International Youth Day, celebrated by the United Nations and its partners across the globe, on August 12, each year.

He noted that more needs to be done to assist young people realise their goals and aspirations in life and contribute meaningfully to the development of the society.

"The choice by the UN to mark the 2018 event with the theme, 'Safe Spaces for Youth' is appropriate to draw attention to the need for more action to remove barriers such as conflicts, unemployment, among others, that form stumbling blocks, limiting youths in actualising their goals," he noted.

Obaseki said, "In Edo State, we are doing more to create more safe spaces for youths to freely express themselves and realise their future goals and contribute to the sustainable development of the state."

He explained that "The Edo Innovation Hub was established to serve as healthy incubation ground where youths can discover their talent in the use of modern technology to solve daily problems.

"We also created the EdoJobs portal to assist youths in the state acquire skills that will give them better chances to be employed, match their skills with existing job opportunities and better prepare them to be self-employed."

Obaseki added that, "The revamp of state-owned tertiary institutions is to make the institutions not only safe for young persons to acquire the best of education in line with global best standards, but also to prevent them from falling prey to antics of unscrupulous elements who act as agents of human traffickers."

He said that his administration will continue to support platforms through which youths can aggregate their views and contribute to governance and assured that their opinions would be respected.

"Youths in the state can be better organised to contribute meaningfully to political developments and not as political thugs by desperate politicians.

"The ongoing renovation work at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and the plan to construct 20 mini-stadia across the state are other initiatives that are youth-centric," Obaseki added.

According to the United Nations, "There are currently 1.8 billion young people between the ages of 10 and 24 in the world. This is the largest youth population ever. But 1 in 10 of the world's children lives in conflict zones and 24 million of them are out of school. Political instability, labour market challenges and limited space for political and civic participation have led to increasing isolation of youth in societies."

The UN explained that "August 12 was first designated International Youth Day by the UN General Assembly in 1999, and serves as an annual celebration of the role of young women and men as essential partners in change, and an opportunity to raise awareness of challenges and problems facing the world's youth."

Obaseki Advocates Inclusive Growth, Integration Of Indigenous People In Development Plans


...says Edo Ward Devt C'ttees will correct gaps in grassroots development

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has urged world leaders and other development actors to mainstream indigenous people in socio-economic development plans to put to rest the agitations for land and other resources by indigenous people.

Obaseki who gave the charge in commemoration of the International Day of the World's Indigenous People, celebrated by the United Nations and its partners, on August 9, each year, maintained that several cases of such agitations that have impacted on development activities abound across the world.

"In Edo State, we recognise the rights and aspirations of everyone and have initiated ward development committees to identify, collate the developmental needs of their people in the various wards of the state and transmit same to the state government for action," the governor said.

He explained that "the participation of the people at the grassroots in governance, gives them a sense of belonging to the government they voted into power, which in itself, is a form of reward. They would naturally protect developmental projects that are executed in their domains and make the best of it.

"That strategy for us, will check clashes, tension and redress the feeling of neglect and marginalisation that often times gives rise to agitations at the grassroots."

He further said that "the ongoing reform in the state's land administration and management system is restoring sanity in the sector and has put behind us the needless killings and clashes over land ownership by many communities across the state. If it can work in Edo State, we are confident that our land reform will work elsewhere."

He added that efforts have been intensified to promote the teaching of Edo Language in schools across the state, as a means of preserving indigenous languages.

On this year's theme: Indigenous peoples' migration and movement, the Edo State governor commended the UN for drawing global attention to one of the factors driving migration.

He assured that the unprecedented fight against illegal migration and human trafficking by his administration has come to stay and will be intensified until people embrace the option of travelling legally, armed with highly sought after skills, to any country they wish to travel to.

According to the United Nations, "There are an estimated 370 million indigenous people in the world, living across 90 countries. They make up less than 5 per cent of the world's population, but account for 15 per cent of the poorest. They speak an overwhelming majority of the world's estimated 7,000 languages and represent 5,000 different cultures."

The global body described them as "inheritors and practitioners of unique cultures and ways of relating to people and the environment. They have retained social, cultural, economic and political characteristics that are distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live. Despite their cultural differences, indigenous peoples from around the world share common problems related to the protection of their rights as distinct peoples."

The UN explained that "Indigenous peoples have sought recognition of their identities, way of life and their right to traditional lands, territories and natural resources for years, yet throughout history their rights have always been violated.

Indigenous peoples today, are arguably among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world. The international community now recognizes that special measures are required to protect their rights and maintain their distinct cultures and way of life."

Edo Govt Warns Against Illegal Conversion Of Residential Buildings To Industries, Religious Houses

...charges property owners to seek conversion approval

The Edo State Government has warned property owners in the state over the unlawful conversion of buildings approved for residential purpose to religious and industrial buildings.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Edorodion Oye Erimona, the state government condemned the practice, noting that such action is not only illegal but harmful.

He noted, "the Edo State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has observed the illegal and harmful conversion of buildings from the uses/purposes for which they were initially approved and built, to other uses within the state.

According to him, "For example, the conversion of a residential building to commercial, religious, industrial and other uses, is a gross violation of the Town Planning Laws of the state. Regrettably, such indiscriminate conversions of the use of buildings are responsible for the chaotic nature of our settlements across the state."

He added, "The Ministry condemns this act of illegality and wish to advise property owners to submit their proposed change of use applications to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, EDPA Building, Sokponba Road, Benin City or any of its Area Planning Offices across the state for consideration, and subsequent approval before any such conversion is done."

He urged property owners, who have already converted their property to other uses, to submit applications for conversion to the ministry for necessary action.

"The Ministry will not hesitate to invoke appropriate sanctions against defiant property owners in line with the extant Town Planning-Laws," he warned.

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The people of Edo State, in progress with their chosen servant Governor Godwin Obaseki...

Butchers' Union Crisis: Edo Govt. Suspends Union Activities, Constitutes 13-Man Caretaker Committee

The Edo State Government has suspended activities of the State Butchers’ Union over lingering crisis, which ‘expose members of the union, veterinary personnel and customers to risks.’

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq., the state government said, “Following the lingering crisis in the Edo State Butchers Union and the attendant risk and exposure of butchers, veterinary personnel and customers to the crisis, the state government hereby announces the immediate suspension of the activities of the Edo State Butchers Union.”

Ogie said that in the interim, a 13-man Caretaker Committee has been constituted to handle the affairs of the union.

Members of the committee, according to him, include: “Comrade Paul Akhere Odigie; Mr. Obazee Uwaifo; Hon. Osahon Ehigiator; His Royal Highness, Godwin Aigbe, the Enogie of Ukhiri; Chief Aibokon Ehondor; Mr. Nosa Odigie; Mr. Ransom Edosomwan; and Mrs. Stella Okoro.”

Others are: “Mr. Aideyan Ukponmwan; Mr. Okhaure Augustine; Alh. Shehu Mohammed; Mr. Paul Ojemu, and Mr. I.K Ebomwonyi.”

He said the committee will be inaugurated by the governor on August 8, noting, “All issues relating to abattoirs and government approved slaughter houses are to be handled by the caretaker committee. All butchers in the state are expected to comply and to ensure that they maintain law and order.”

By Feyi Fawehinmi

Late in the 15th century, Portuguese traders began to show up on the coast of what is now Nigeria. They came looking to buy a number of goods but over time, one particular trade would dominate everything else – slaves. This demand for slaves by the Portuguese presented Oba Ozolua (“The Conqueror”) with a dilemma. He was in the middle of several wars of expansion that enlarged his Benin Kingdom. This also meant that he needed a steady supply of able-bodied men with which to wage war. But he also needed weapons which the Portuguese were willing to hand over in exchange for slaves. Sell men and get weapons in exchange but be short of men with which to fight wars – how do you square this circle? Oba Ozolua’s solution to this dilemma was to sell only women and ban the sale of men. This ban lasted for 200 years with only a brief interruption during the reign of Oba Akengbedo.

I had the privilege of being invited as a guest speaker at a recent workshop in Benin City on the root causes of human trafficking in Edo state. It is one thing to hear about this problem in the abstract from far away but it is quite another to meet the people on the ground fighting hard to get a handle on what is not a multi-faceted issue. The numbers are grim – since November 2017, around 3,700 people have returned to Edo state from North Africa after failing to make it across to Europe. There are currently, by conservative estimates, around 60,000 Nigerians in Libya with about half of them thought to be from Edo state.

The International Organisation for Migration (IoM) estimates that 11,000 Nigerian women landed in Sicily, Italy in 2016 with 80 per cent of them ending up as prostitutes.

My theory is that the decision to only sell women, and not men, as slaves, for better or worse, was a devaluation of women that continues to echo till today. Whether or not anyone agrees, the point is that Edo state has a serious problem to solve. As Governor Obaseki said himself, it is a cancer eating away at the state when able-bodied men and women are risking everything just to leave the state and the country. But if the state ever had an opportunity to tackle the problem, it is now. The triumvirate of the Governor, the Attorney General and the Oba of Benin gives Edo state a unique combination of powerful and influential people who understand the problem and are willing to take it on.

With the full backing of the Governor, the Attorney General, Professor Yinka Omorogbe, has set up the Edo Task Force Against Human Trafficking (ETAHT). They do the things you might expect – receive those who have returned from being trafficked and try to resettle them with skills training and such like. But they also do the much harder work of persuasion.

What do you tell a young woman who can see with her own eyes that a woman who went abroad to Italy has returned to build a nice big house in Benin? Well, you try to make her understand that if the house costs $100,000 to build, that probably translates to sleeping with 10 men every day for years before you can raise that kind of money. It is not an appealing prospect and many young women stop and reflect when it is presented to them in this way.

It also involves coming to terms with the various places in the culture where the scourge has managed to take refuge and working to dislodge them. The reduced status of women in the society cannot be denied – it is yet another way through which sex trafficking is perpetuated.

Co-opting the new Oba of Benin into the fight was a masterstroke by the government. Benin people respect the institution and will listen when the Oba speaks. He is indispensable in the fight and he has shown himself willing to confront the problem. Oba gha to kpe re.

I spent two days in Benin and if I came away with one feeling it was that I was in the midst of serious people. They understand the gravity of the problem and are under no illusions as to how incredibly difficult the task at hand is. I found the Attorney General to be energetic and fully committed to the cause. She has also recruited well for the ETAHT team judging by the people I met and spoke to. Most of the government side is in place and so what’s needed now is support, funding and some good luck. Sometimes you do everything you can and hope for the best.

Whether the problem goes back to the 15th century or the more recent past, I pray that history will be kind to those working hard to fix it now and it will be said that it was in 2018 Edo state began to turn the corner and undo the damage of the past. History is not destiny.

Source:

https://guardian.ng/features/the-fight-against-human-trafficking/

...to action Paris Climate Change Agreement

Stakeholders and environmental experts have committed to developing a sustainable environment policy that will harmonise the agricultural, water and energy sectors in Edo State, and prep the state for the implementation of the Paris climate change agreement.

This was the resolution at the Stakeholders' Meeting for Edo State Environment Policy, organised by the state government with support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), at Government House, Benin City, the Edo State capital.

The UNIDO National Consultant, Dr. Eugene Itua, assured the state government of support in attaining the sustainable development goals, especially as it affects environmental issues.

He said, "We are here to develop a more cohesive policy that will support every sector of the state, as the environment forms the bedrock of our society."

He noted that the stakeholders' meeting is geared towards developing an environmental policy that would drive sustainable development.

According to Itua, "over the years, Edo state government has demonstrated willingness to support a healthier and friendlier environment. It is clear that for the implementation of various policies on the environment, there is need for cohesion, where it appears the institutions or policies appear weak."

"We are here to develop such a policy that will improve the agricultural, water, energy sectors. This would also help to tackle environmental pollution and to reinforce what the entire world came together to develop with the agenda 2030 and Paris Climate Change agreement. The governor recognises this very well and his dream is to see that we exploit resources in the state for the benefit of all," he added.

Itua assured that policies stemming from the meeting would be dutifully implemented, adding that it would help the government drive her developmental goals.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Bright Emoedume, said that the UNIDO assistance to Edo would ensure that environmental policies are viable and sustainable.

Emoedume noted that the meeting was aimed at developing a well-coordinated policy that is adaptable to the challenges in the state.


Photos 1:
L-R: United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO)' Consultant, Dr. Itua Eugene; Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Bright Emoedum e; General Manager, Edo State Waste Management Board, Osadebamen Charles; and Consultant on Environment to Edo State Government, Mr. Ola Oronsanya, after the Stakeholders' Meeting on Edo State Environment Policy, at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, on Monday, August 06, 2018.

Shutdown Of Burrow Pits: Operators, Tipper Drivers, Others Laud Edo Govt On Re-Certification Exercise

Operators of burrow pits, tipper drivers and other stakeholders in the sector in Edo State have commended the decision of the state government to shutdown all operations of burrow pits to allow for recertification, which they said would restore sanity in the business.

The operators had raised concerns over the activities of some individuals and groups, who operated borrow pits without regard for environmental concerns.

One of the leading owners of borrow pits in the state, who pleaded anonymity over security concerns, said before the announcement by the state government, “legitimate operators of borrow pits had complained over activities of some persons and groups who had continued with the business without recourse to the environment and whose licences had expired.”

“These persons and groups are not known to us. If they had been allowed to continue, they would put our business in jeopardy. What they do is to burrow pits indiscriminately, without following the due process. The government announcement was a huge relief to us,” he said.

According to him, “The plan by the state government to re-evaluate and re-certify the sites would restore sanity in the sector, in a way which would not create problems for the environment.”

“By the time the recertification and inspection of the sites are completed, I believe only genuine operators who abide by the rules, would continue.”

An operator who identified himself as Efe Osarodion said, “before the announcement by the government, all manners of persons have infiltrated into our operations. What these persons do, is to burrow pits on sites owned by a genuine owner.

Recall that the Edo State Government shut down with immediate effect burrow pits in the state citing threat to the state’s environmental integrity, danger of flash floods and the need to avoid health and environmental hazards.

According to a statement signed by the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Dame Omoua Alonge Oni-Okpaku Esq., “The Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, believes the shutting down of burrow pits would allow for “reevaluation and recertification of the sites to ensure that they do not constitute hazards and environmental degradation as all such owners and operators are required to report to the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability for recertification and subsequent inspection of their sites.”

The Edo State Government has suspended the exploitation of forest resources within and outside forest reserves in the state, as licences for tree logging in the state expired since June 30.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Omoua Alonge Oni-Okpaku, noted, “timber licensees, saw-millers and timber contractors are hereby informed that all permits to exploit forest produce within and outside forest reserves expired on June 30, 2018.”

She explained that “In view of the above, all forms of forest exploitation and logging activities within the forest reserves and ‘free areas’ of the state are hereby suspended with immediate effect.”

The suspension of the activities, according to her, is in line with “Section 41 (1) (2) and 44 (1) and (2) of the Forestry Law.”

The commissioner said further development relating to the expiration of permits and suspension of forest exploitation would be communicated to the concerned stakeholders on a subsequent date.

Recall that the state government shut down burrow pits in the state recently, citing threat to the integrity of the environment, danger of flash floods and the need to avoid health hazards.

The government announced the shutdown on August 2, noting that the move became necessary in order not to predispose the state to environmental hazards.

In a statement, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability said, “for the information of the general public and in particular, the owners and operators of burrow pits, haulage operators, tipper drivers and other stakeholders, that all operations of burrow pits are shut down with effect from Thursday 2nd August 2018.”

She added that the directive is to enable the state government “re-evaluate and re-certify the sites to ensure that they do not constitute hazards and environmental degradation,” and urged owners and operators of the pits to report to the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability for re-certification and subsequent inspection of their sites.

Edo Govt Shuts Down Burrow Pits With Immediate Effect, Plans Re-Certification Exercise

Citing threat to the integrity of the environment, danger of flash floods and the need to avoid health hazards, the Edo State Government has shut down with immediate effect burrow pits in the state.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Dame Omoua Alonge Oni-Okpaku Esq., the state government said that all burrow pits in the state are shut with effect from August 2, noting that the move is necessary not to predispose the state to environmental hazards.

According to the statement, “The Ministry of Environment and Sustainability wishes to announce, for the information of the general public and in particular, the owners and operators of burrow pits, haulage operators, tipper drivers and other stakeholders, that all operations of burrow pits are shut down with effect from Thursday 2nd August, 2018.”

She said the directive is to enable the state government “re-evaluate and re-certify the sites to ensure that they do not constitute hazards and environmental degradation.

“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.”

She reiterated that any operation of a burrow pit without the appropriate approval is a criminal offence that is punishable by law.

Obaseki, Facebook, Andela, Oxfam Mentor Edo Youths On Overcoming Barriers To Business Success

…Tony Elumelu Fellows, Edo Young Icons to lead peer review sessions

All is set for a mentoring and peer review session for Edo youths, which will be led by the Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, representatives of global technology companies such as Facebook, Google, Andela, as part of activities to mark the International Youth Day.

Other participants lined up for the mentoring and peer review event scheduled to hold at the Edo Innovation Hub in Benin City, are Oxfam, Curators, the Tony Elumelu Foundation and young Edo icons who are excelling in their various businesses, and ready to share their experiences with budding entrepreneurs in the state, some of whom benefitted from the empowerment initiatives of the state government, through EdoJob.

In a statement, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Skills Development and Jobs Creation, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, said, “Governor Godwin Obaseki will deliver the keynote remarks, while the opening remarks will be delivered by the deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu.”

She said that the event is being organised to celebrate youths and give them a platform to share their experience from the various skills development programmes organised by EdoJobs, speak on their challenges and compare notes with successful chief executives of related businesses.

The event, she said, “will feature Pitch Competition, where beneficiaries of the several skills development programmes organised by EdoJobs will share the stage with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mandela Washington Fellows and will bear their minds on issues regarding Green/Renewable energy, Information Communication Technology (ICT), Agriculture, Climate Change adaptation.”

According to her, “There will be a Panel Session with youth-led organisations featuring beneficiaries of skills development training programmes organised by Google, Facebook, Andela, Curators and BudgIT.

Dare added that there will be a session called ‘Edo Youth Award’, where awards will be given to youth who have excelled in various endeavours, adding that some of the categories include “Best in Common Entrance, Best Graduating Student (University), Winner of Business Competition, Best Student in Sports, Young Role Model and Award for Ability in Disability.”

“There will be a Networking Session between youth and the fellows who are beneficiaries of other job creation initiatives,” she said.

Obaseki Lauds Cultural Heritage Centre As Free Edo Language Summer Class Opens In Benin

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed his administration’s readiness to give Edo Culture its pride of place by promoting the teaching of Edo Language in schools and colleges across the state.

The Governor who was represented by his Arts, Culture Tourism and Diaspora Affairs Commissioner, Hon. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero, made the assertion in Benin City, the Edo State capital, during the launching of the first Benin Heritage Centre's Free Edo Language Summer School for Children.

The governor, who reaffirmed his vision to ensure that every Edo child speaks and understands Edo Language, added that the teaching of the language in primary and secondary schools will expose the child to the norms and values enshrined in the Edo Culture.

“Governor Godwin Obaseki is fully in support of our indigenous language. He has promised to promote the centre, particularly in providing an enabling environment for Free Edo Language Summer School.”

While congratulating the organisers of the programme, he urged all Edo children to avail themselves of the opportunity of the training, stressing that it would give them a sense of pride and identity.

Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Benin Cultural Heritage Centre and the Enogie of Evbuobanosa and Abudu, HRH, Prof. Gregory Akenzua, said the centre, which was established 10 years ago, is aimed at restoring the Edo Language and making sure that all children both in Nigeria and the diaspora understand and speak Benin Language.

He added that the centre would also provide an avenue for Edo children to know about their rich cultural heritage and be abreast of the folklores, stories and wise sayings of Edo people.

The President of the centre, Ehi Ighile, said the programme is geared towards awakening the interest in Edo Language by making it free of tuition fee, transportation, textbooks and feeding costs.

Image 1:
L-R: Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero; Chairman Board of Trustees, Benin Cultural Heritage Centre (BCHC), and Enogie of Evbuobanosa and Abudu, Prof. Gregory Akenzua; President of BCHC, Ehi Ighile and a guest, Prince Victor Eweka; during the launching of the Edo Language Summer School for Children, at the Ogba Zoo, Airport Road, Benin City, on Wednesday, August 01, 2018.

Obaseki’s Education Reform: Tech-Based Result Compilation Thrills Teachers As Exam Progresses In Schools

...Parents invited for 2nd open day

Following the successful launch of the Governor Godwin Obaseki’s Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo BEST) initiative, the pilot schools commenced their first end-of-term examination on Monday July 30, 2018, which will be rounded off on Wednesday August 1, 2018.

According to the Edo State government, the examination will be followed by a Marking Day, to be observed on Thursday August 2, 2018 when pupils’ examination sheets will be marked and recorded into the teachers’ digital device.

Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Basic Education and Acting Chairman, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, said the teachers are delighted at the digitalisation of teaching in Edo BEST schools and explained that the end-of-term examination is “part of the revamped continuous assessment of pupils.”

She further said that “Friday August 3, will be Open day, when parents will be invited for a one-on-one conference with the teachers, to discuss their children's academic and extra-curricular progress.”

The SUBEB boss explained that “All the schools are writing the same examination. This will allow for comparison across the state because our pupils are taught the same content. We have completed Monitoring and Evaluation for the pilot phase of Edo BEST to help us ascertain the effectiveness of the methods.”

On the gains so far recorded since the commencement of the education reform in the state, she maintained that “while we await the analysis of the data gathered, so far, from anecdotal evidence, we have recorded significant gains in attitudinal change.

“I am amazed by the number of teachers who tell me their attendance has improved greatly as pupils now love to come to school.

“With the elimination of corporal punishment, the school has become more nurturing for our pupils. Our digital teachers deserve a lot of praise for their hard work and professionalism.”

Dr. Osa Oviawe disclosed that beginning in August, “Edo SUBEB will commence the training of an additional 5,000 public primary school teachers.

“At the end of the training, each of them will receive teaching tablet which they will start using in the new academic year, which will start in September.”

The Executive Director, Edo State Agency for the Control of Aids (EDOSACA), Flora Oyakhilome, has praised Governor Godwin Obaseki’s repositioning of the agency, noting that the constitution of the agency’s board and deployment of staff for its operations have improved their response to the fight against Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Disease Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in the state.

She said the revamp of the Agency will further reduce the prevalence rate of the virus in the state.

Oyakhilome disclosed this during a chat with journalists in Benin City, Edo State capital, noting that with the board in place, the agency is working to improve HIV/AIDS response and provision of better services to People Living With HIV/AIDS.

She said “improved funding and resource mobilisation in the last few years have seen the prevalence rate in the state reduce from 5.3 to 4.1. Though higher than the national rate, of 3.1, efforts are in top-gear to see further reduction.”

She attributed the downward trend to, “support given to Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) for awareness creation in the 18 local government areas in the state, reach out to vulnerable children who lost their parents to HIV/AIDS as well as to other groups working to check the spread of the virus and providing support for people living with the virus.”

She said the state government deployed 15 personnel to EDOSACA to strengthen its workforce, noting, “We are also working with the National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA), at the national level, and the Local Agency for the Control of Aids, which operates at the grassroots in the 18 local government councils of Edo State.”

“In all the local government council headquarters in the state, we have HIV/AIDS desk officers. Before now, the World Health Organisation (WHO) adopted a ‘Top to Bottom’ strategy which did not help much. So we have now adopted the ‘Bottom-to-Top’ approach,” she added.

Mrs. Oakhilome explained that with the revamp of EDOSACA, “we have identified the need to sensitise more persons in remote areas. We provide support for LACA, line ministries such the ministries for Women Affairs and Social Development; Health; Youth and Special Duties, through which we reach out to vulnerable children who lost their parents to HIV/AIDS.

“We also interface with youth participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme and work with the Ministry of Education on family life and AIDs education.”

She noted that the agency counsels and tests Libya returnees and residents in the state, as part of its mandate, adding, “Those who tested positive were referred to the health centres where they can access the Anti-Retroviral (ARV) drugs as the state government has ensured that the drugs are obtained for free.”

Edo Innovation Hub Seeks More Occupants For Co-Working Spaces, Outlines Q3 Programmes

The Edo Innovation Hub has opened its doors for entrepreneurs in Edo State and environs to take opportunity of its co-working spaces and other facilities made available at the technology cluster in driving innovation and strengthening the tentacles of the tech ecosystem in the state.

The Edo Innovation Hub, a brainchild of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration, is a fully-furnished cluster for technology companies, fitted with state-of-the-art support structures including high-speed internet, power, indoor and outdoor workspaces, library, conference rooms, training rooms, among others. It also hosts the South-South Innovation Hub, an initiative of the federal government, domiciled in the Vice President’s office for youths in South-South Nigeria to leverage technology in solving everyday problems.

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Skills Development and Job Creation, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, said that the Edo Innovation Hub is arguably one of the best equipped and furnished spaces to run a start-up company in Southern Nigeria.

Explaining that Governor Godwin Obaseki is committed to equipping youths in the state with the right environment to birth tech ideas, she said, “We are excited to be opening up the Edo Innovates cluster to budding entrepreneurs in Edo State and environs. We are open to working with them, providing the enabling environment to nurture their start-ups, and training and other benefits of a co-working space.”

She noted that some of the services provided in the hub include virtual office, shared desks, dedicated desks, private office and serviced office, all of which have access to services such as mail handling, electricity, business support, workshop and training and networking opportunities.

She said some of the programmes outlined for the third quarter of the year at the hub are Microsoft and Tech4Dev digital skills training for entrepreneurs; Curators University’s Artificial Intelligence and Data Science boot camp for 49 budding developers; Microsoft’s Basic Digital Literacy for Teachers; and Oracle train-the-trainers programme for teachers.

Others, according to her, include Butterflyworks Netherlands’s three-day co-creation event, which will engage the local community, youths and employers.

She said the hub currently plays host to Mobicure, a tech business that provides mothers access to doctors, as well as Toogle Nigeria Limited (5k Academy), a web-based training provider, which facilitates professional training on project management, marketing, programming, among others.

Timber Dealers, Suppliers Laud Obaseki’s Stance On Illegal Logging, Reforestation

Timber dealers and suppliers in Edo State have lauded Governor Godwin Obaseki’s stance on illegal logging, which threatens the forest reserve in the state, describing it as a pro-active step to save the wealth of the state.

The dealers, who have had a running battle with illegal loggers, in a chat with journalists, said that their business was almost going extinct because of the activities of the illegal loggers, who go in the night to fell wood and sell off without recourse to the approved modalities.

One of the dealers, who does not want his name in print, for what he called “security reason,” said, “The governor’s stance on illegal logging in the state is a huge relief for us who live on proceeds from this business.

“If nothing is done to halt the activities of individuals and groups who log illegally, there would be no forest in the state in the future. The move by the governor would restore sanity to activities of professional logging in the state.”

He explained that “the activities of illegal loggers create distortions in the market. They sell their products at ridiculous prices because they do not pay taxes. Some move their logs on water bodies by night from Edo State to neighbouring Delta and Ondo states and as far as Lagos, without supporting the Edo economy.”

He assured: “Those of us who do clean business are ready to support the governor’s reforestation policy, which is a sustainable plan to protect our commonwealth.”

Recall that governor Obaseki approved the constitution of a high-powered task team made up of top officials of the state to halt the destruction of the forest reserves and come up with tested solutions that will preserve the public wealth.

The governor explained that the constitution of the task-team became necessary as his administration is committed to enthroning best practice in the management of forester sources in the state.

He said the work of the task team would begin with a review and audit of the forest reserves and resources, after which a reclamation plan will be designed based on scientific research outcomes to ensure Edo State joins the league of countries deploying best practice in the management of forest resources.

The governor noted, “the integrity of the Edo’s forests has been compromised, people are tying down public wealth, illegal logging is rife and much of it takes place at night and the biodiversity is being destroyed. These practices have exposed us to harsh effects of climate change and global warming.”

Edo Innovation Hub Maps Sustainability Path, Completes Training For 724 Entrepreneurs

The Edo State Government-backed Edo Innovation Hub, a cluster for innovators and inventors in Benin City, has trained at least 724 entrepreneurs in less than three months of operation and has now drawn up a sustainability plan that will see the private sector drive activities at the cluster.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at the launch of the hub in June, noted that the government is priming youths to evolve and strengthen the technology ecosystem in the state. He added that the state is going to leverage on technology for job creation and enterprise development.

In a statement, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Job Creation and Skills Development, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, said that the facility houses the South-South Innovation Hub with two halls, five training rooms, six fully-furnished co-working spaces, four rooms with a total of 100 computers, offices, conference rooms, outdoor workspaces, among others.

She said of the 724 entrepreneurs, “200 females are being trained by Microsoft and Tech4Dev; 32 persons participated in LinkedIn MeetUp sessions to build a vibrant business community and leverage networking for local and international businesses; 49 budding app developers participated in Curators University’s Artificial Intelligence boot camp; 23 developers were trained by Hotels.NG on coding and app development.

“Other partners include Makers Academy, who trained 40 students on robotics; Pan Atlantic University University’s Enterprise Development Centre, trained 59 entrepreneurs on entrepreneurship and innovation; Siemens, Impact Hub conducted pre-hackathon orientation for 25 aspiring entrepreneurs in the power sector while Microsoft took 50 teachers on Basic Digital Literacy for Teachers.”

She said that there is a sustainability plan in place to ensure that the private sector takes the lead in the growth of the state’s technology ecosystem, adding that trainings and business incubation would continue at the facility.

She added that ATC Nigeria donated three fully equipped ICT centers in Benin, Irrua and Ekpoma, to deepen the penetration of tech-driven development across the state.

Explaining that a good number of the firms at the hub have expressed interest for long-term partnership with the state government, she said that the state government is exploring the option of a trust fund to sustain the hub.

…local councils laud Obaseki’s intervention in payment of June salary

The Edo State Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) has recorded N5 million increase in Internally Generated Revenue of the local councils for the month of June, which formed part of the N2.9 billion declared as the total allocation that accrued to the state for the sixth month of the year.

This was disclosed by the Chairman, Oredo Local Government Area, Hon. Evbareke Jenkins Osunde, at the end of the JAAC meeting presided over by the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki.

Osunde noted that the internally generated revenue in local councils increased from N206 million recorded in May to N211 million recorded in June 2018.

He explained that, “Teachers’ salaries deducted for the month was N1,081,654,814.22, contribution for pension stood at N264, 115, 845.36, while pension arrears paid was N100 million.”

Osunde said the total deduction was N1, 979, 354, 951.11; while net allocation was N1, 001, 089, 151.83.

The Oredo Council boss lauded Governor Obaseki for assisting local councils with the payment of workers’ salary for the month of June.

“It is important to note that because of the deadlock in the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meetings over the revenue for June, Governor Obaseki made money available for the payment of staff salary in the local government councils in the state. We greatly appreciate him for that,” he added.

Photo:
L-R: Esan South-East Local Council Chairman, Hon. Victor Emuakhagbon; Oredo Local Council Chairman, Hon. Evbareke Jenkins Osunde; and Etsako Central Local Council Chairman, Hon. John Akhigbe; after the Edo State Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting, at the Government House, Benin City.

The Edo State Government in partnership with a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Haven for Rehabilitation and Reintegration Foundation, has completed a two-day empowerment programme for ten Libya returnees.

In his address, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu said the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration will sustain training programmes to restore the dignity to the returnees in the state, as part of initiatives to reintegrate the returnees into the society.

He noted, “Governor Obaseki places premium on the lives of every Edo son and daughter and has sworn to protect and defend them. The governor has continued to deliver services to the people and has remained committed in ensuring the people enjoy the dividends of democracy. Hence, as we receive returnees, we are partnering with well-meaning members of the society to prepare them to be useful to themselves and the society at large.”

Ohonbamu said steps taken by the governor so far show that he wants the best for Edo people, noting, “Obaseki is working hard to ensure prosperity for the people as he restores their hope and pride as a people.”

Chief Executive Officer, Haven for Rehabilitation and Reintegration Foundation, Queen Klopper, a Germany-based Edo indigene, said she was motivated to support the government’s initiatives in training and providing means of employment for the returnees.

She noted, “I am here to support the Edo state Government in training, empowering and resettling 10 Libya returnees as part of my contribution to encourage the government to continue to do more for Edo people.

“After the training, the best five persons would be taken to Abuja for a two-week further training. At the end of the training in Abuja, these best five persons will get financial reward and start-up kits.”

She said, "We thank the Edo State Government for taking care of our stranded brothers and sisters in Libya. We are ready to support, partner and play our roles in helping the government achieve its goals to make life better for all Edo people.”

One of the trainees, Deborah Agbonwanetien, expressed appreciation to the Oba of Benin, the state government, the foundation, and other concerned Edo citizens who contributed in one way or the other to restore their hope and pride.

She said the gesture has restored their sense of being, after the harrowing experience they went through trying to seek greener pastures abroad. “I am really happy that I have the opportunity to start again as this will empower us, keeping us busy and occupied,” she added.

More Photos:

Photo 2:
Cross-section of public sector workers during a sensitisation programme on the federal housing mortgage scheme for public sector workers in Edo state, organised by the NLC and TUC in conjunction with the FMBN, in Benin City.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged the state government workers to embrace the federal government housing scheme to enable them become homeowners after retirement.

Obaseki gave the advice on Friday in Benin during a sensitisation programme on the federal housing mortgage scheme for public sector workers in the state, organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in conjunction with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), in Benin City.

He noted that the implementation would cut across all the 18 local government areas of the state with special considerations for teachers as an incentive to boost their productivity.

The governor said: “Under my watch all the workers that register for this housing mortgage scheme will benefit from it. I am aware that there was the fear of fraud in the past, let me assure you that such fear has been eliminated.

“I urged you all to take your sensitisation programme here very seriously as it will help you understand what the scheme is all about.”

Earlier, the Deputy General Manager, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Mr Victor Okosu, said that the sensitisation programme was designed to enlighten the workers on the need to key into the mortgage scheme as 30 states of the country have signed up for the product.

The Edo State chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Emma Ademoku, noted that the workers are deeply involved in the sensitisation programme.

Ademoku applauded the state government for providing land for the housing scheme, and said the three senatorial districts would benefit from the scheme.

He commended the governor for paying the salaries of workers in the state even when other state governors are waiting for federal allocations.


Photo 1:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (3rd right); Head of Service, Mrs. Gladys Idahor (2nd right); Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele (left); Chairman, Edo State Chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Ademokun (3rd left); Chairman, Edo State Chapter of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Marshall Ohue (right); and Deputy General Manager, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Victor Okosun (2nd left); at a sensitisation programme on the federal housing mortgage scheme for public sector workers in Edo state, organised by the NLC and TUC in conjunction with the FMBN, in Benin City.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has condoled with the government and people of Katsina State over the passing of former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie, who passed on last Thursday, after a protracted illness.

In a statement, Obaseki said that Coomassie’s death was a loss to Nigeria, the Arewa Consultative Forum, which he chairs, as well as his family.

“I condole with the Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari and the people of the state over the passing of former IGP, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie. The former IGP served Nigeria gallantly and worked for the progress of the country as evidenced in the various assignments he held,” he said.

He added that the death occurred when Nigeria needed the wisdom of her senior citizens in resolving challenges facing the country, noting that late Coomassie’s strong influence was also felt in his position as the chairman of Arewa Consultative Forum.

He added, “We are consoled that he was a courageous Nigerian and one who worked for the good of the country.”

Late Alhaji Coomassie until his death held the traditional title as Sardaunan Katsina.

EdoJobs Takes Skills Devt Mandate To Uhunmwode, Orhionmwon LGAs, Gathers Data Of Job Seekers

… completes orientation programme for school leavers

As part of efforts to actualise Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki’s skills development mandate, EdoJobs, the state’s platform for skills development and jobs creation, is carrying out a census of unemployed youths in Uhunmwode and Orhionmwon Local Government Areas, to identify skills gaps and capacity building need of the two local councils.

Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Skills Development and Job Creation, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists, said that the census will help EdoJobs fashion training modules to fit the needs of the communities in the councils.

According to her, “During the registration held on Wednesday July 11, Friday July 13 and on Monday July 16, there was massive turnout as many persons from all the wards in Uhunmwode and Orhionmwon Local Government Areas were registered on the EdoJobs database.”

“The Special Assistants from all the wards supported the exercise by mobilising members of their communities for the exercise. With the registration, we will be able to identify the skills gap, train youths and match them with job opportunities.”

She said there is an elaborate plan to revamp selected Skills Acquisition Centres in the communities in preparation for the train-to-hire programme.

Meanwhile, EdoJobs has concluded plans to partner the technology company, Bits Global, to train 100 school leavers on in-demand technology skills.

According to Dare, “As part of Governor Obaseki’s promise to create 200,000 jobs, we have entered into partnership with Bits Global to train 100 under-privileged school leavers on basic ICT skills.”

She explained that the training will assist the school leavers develop early interest in exploring opportunities in Nigeria’s evolving technology eco-system.

She added, “The beneficiaries praised Governor Obaseki for the initiative. Some of them never had an encounter with the computer prior to the orientation week.”

The orientation week covered lessons on the importance of computing, Internet, MS PowerPoint, Basics of presentation, Typing, MS Word, among others.

The participants were carefully selected from the community hosting the Edo Innovation Hub, “Edo Innovates.” The training is specifically designed for young school leavers of 16 – 24 years of age.

EdoBits is a project set up by the Edo State Government, Butterfly Works, and EkoBits to reduce unemployment in Edo State and aid youth in acquiring internationally-certified training. It is licensed by an entity called We are Bits based in the Netherlands.

Fight Against Human Trafficking: Obaseki’s Initiatives Attract Diaspora Ambassador

… as NGO arrives Benin City for skills training, stakes N50,000 grant for each trainee

Efforts by the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to rehabilitate and reintegrate victims of human trafficking and irregular migration have attracted support from indigenes of the state in the Diaspora, who are now committed to advancing the governor’s campaign and supporting the reintegration of returnees.

Recall that Governor Obaseki few weeks ago was in Brussels, Belgium to seek the European Parliament’s partnership in building structures for robust Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and other forms of support from the European Union so as to strengthen the state government’s programme in rehabilitating and reintegrating the returnees, and upskill other youths in the state.

Inspired by the governor’s spirited and sustained effort to stem the trend of human trafficking, Mrs. Queen Klopper, a Germany-based indigene of the state and Founder of Haven for Rehabilitation and Reintegration, a Non-Governmental Organisation, has thrown her weight behind the rehabilitation effort.

Speaking with journalists yesterday in Benin City, she charged Edo indigenes resident in the state and in the Diaspora to support the efforts of the government, so that she can make a headway in its campaign against human trafficking.

She said she was back in the country to contribute her own quota to the state government’s effort and has finalised arrangement to organise a skills acquisition training for 10 of the returnees on July 20.

According to her, “I am based in Germany. I had a Foundation in Abuja, called Haven for Rehabilitation and Reintegration, which I started six years ago. I relocated to Germany but the fire to help others still burns in me. The Foundation has as its objectives to train youths on skills, prison visits to empower prisoners, and rural development, especially to empower rural women.”

Explaining her motivation for the training, she said, “The condition of Libya returnees is no longer news. They were put through hard labour and torture. We heard about it on the news in Germany for days, as well as on social media. From there, I saw how Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, tried his best to rehabilitate them. They were given free accommodation, food and even monthly stipends, which is not easy.

“I thought that it would be a good idea to contribute my quota to his very impressive campaign, given the limited resources. I felt if I could train just a few of these people with my personal funds, it will go a long way in helping the state.”

She said the skills acquisition programme will last for two days and the module includes advanced beadmaking and aso-oke gele tying.

“After this, some of them will be sent to Abuja for advanced training for two weeks. For the best of the set, who will proceed to Abuja for training, we plan a N50,000 grant and a kit for them to start-up. We hope that this will be about three to five people. The training will be in-depth,” she said.

According to her, “We intend to sustain this programme and I call on more people to support the state government’s efforts to train these people. We want to also train some of the young men among them on how to make tie and dye, which will last for a month. Tie and dye production is not very popular in Edo State; it is popular in the South West. But we want them to learn.”


Photo:
Mrs. Queen Klopper, a Germany-based indigene of Edo State and Founder of Haven for Rehabilitation and Reintegration, speaking to journalists in Benin City