₦airaland Forum

Obaseki Tasks World Leaders On Sustained Collaboration To Fight Desertification, Drought


…says creative reforestation solutions will check farmer-herder clashes

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called for sustained collaboration among world leaders, donor groups and environmental right activists among other stakeholders in the sector, to tackle the twin challenge of desertification and drought.

Obaseki gave the charge on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day to combat Desertification and Drought.

According to Obaseki, "Drought and Desertification are both national and regional problems that require concerted response for sustained outcomes and creative reforestation solutions will check the frequent farmer-herder clash in parts of the country.”

He noted that the negative impact of climate change is not restricted to any one state or country and urged “transnational synergy in policy formulation and execution to mitigate its effect.”

While calling for "radical effort to re-green areas prone to desertification,” the governor noted that “policy makers must embrace proactive strategies to check practices that exploit the land and render it vulnerable."

He urged leaders to be alive to the impact of climate change across the world, and come up with creative ways to cut back on the human factors that are fueling climate change and exacerbating its impact.

Obaseki said: "In Edo State, strategies are being deployed to boost afforestation across the state, through the promotion of plantation agriculture, green parks and gardens.

"The state government has been working with stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to stop flaring gas in line with global best practice.

"We are working with private investors to invest in plantation agriculture, the most recent is the N5 billion Urhonigbe Rubber Plantation, coming weeks after Okomu and Presco began their expansion programmes."

The United Nations notes that "Desertification is the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas. It is caused primarily by human activities and climatic variations. It occurs because dryland ecosystems, which cover over one third of the world’s land area, are extremely vulnerable to over-exploitation and inappropriate land use. Poverty, political instability, deforestation, overgrazing and bad irrigation practices can all undermine the productivity of the land.'

The governor said this year's theme: "Land has True Value-Invest in it," dovetails with his administration’s “conviction that land as a resource for development must be efficiently managed for the good of everyone.”

He enumerated the reforms in land administration in the state to include the creation of Edo Geographic Information Service Agency Edo (GIS); the repositioning of Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), the Law on the protection of private property and the scrapping of Community Development Associations, amongst others.

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed on June 17, every year to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification.

Obaseki’s Education Reform: Edo SUBEB Introduces Marking, Open Days In Public Schools

...creates electronic data base for students' grades

As part of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s ongoing reforms in the Edo State basic education sector, the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has commenced the observance of special days as Marking and Open Days in public schools.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic Education and Acting Chairman, Edo SUBEB, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, said Marking and Open Days “are part of the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (BEST) initiative, which are aimed at improving quality of education in public schools.”

Dr Osa Oviawe said, “The Marking Day would be observed on Wednesday, June 20th, 2018. It will be a day set aside after examinations have been completed for teachers to mark and record scores obtained by the pupils during examinations.

“On the day, all pupils would be expected to be in the schools without any form of teaching taking place. The pupils may play outside during school hours.

“After completing examination markings, the teachers would use the day to enter examination scores for each pupil on electronic devices distributed to teachers. They would also use the day to update all report books,” she added.

The SUBEB Acting Chairman explained that the activities on the Marking Day, would “prepare the teachers for the Open Day which would be held on Thursday, June 21, 2018.”

She noted “On the Open Day, parents or guardians of pupils would be expected to visit the schools of their wards to discuss the academic progress of their children.

On the same day, she continued, “Teachers would have one-on-one interaction with each parent or guardian and their child. The teachers would be expected to explain the child's academic and developmental performances to the parents or guardians.”

“Pupils would be expected to leave the schools with their parents or guardians after the interaction with the teachers,” she noted.

Obaseki’s Education Reform: Edo SUBEB Introduces Marking, Open Days In Public Schools

...creates electronic data base for students' grades

As part of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s ongoing reforms in the Edo State basic education sector, the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has commenced the observance of special days as Marking and Open Days in public schools.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic Education and Acting Chairman, Edo SUBEB, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, said Marking and Open Days “are part of the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (BEST) initiative, which are aimed at improving quality of education in public schools.”

Dr Osa Oviawe said, “The Marking Day would be observed on Wednesday, June 20th, 2018. It will be a day set aside after examinations have been completed for teachers to mark and record scores obtained by the pupils during examinations.

“On the day, all pupils would be expected to be in the schools without any form of teaching taking place. The pupils may play outside during school hours.

“After completing examination markings, the teachers would use the day to enter examination scores for each pupil on electronic devices distributed to teachers. They would also use the day to update all report books,” she added.

The SUBEB Acting Chairman explained that the activities on the Marking Day, would “prepare the teachers for the Open Day which would be held on Thursday, June 21, 2018.”

She noted “On the Open Day, parents or guardians of pupils would be expected to visit the schools of their wards to discuss the academic progress of their children.

On the same day, she continued, “Teachers would have one-on-one interaction with each parent or guardian and their child. The teachers would be expected to explain the child's academic and developmental performances to the parents or guardians.”

“Pupils would be expected to leave the schools with their parents or guardians after the interaction with the teachers,” she noted.

FG’s Solar Solution Excites Traders In Edaiken Market, As Obaseki Assures Of Better Market Structures

Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured that the state government will ensure proper structures are put in place for markets, so that traders in the state can benefit from the Federal Government’s Energizing Economies Initiative, a project under the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

The governor gave the assurance during Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s stop at Edaiken Market, in Uselu, Benin City, to inspect the solar power project at the market, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

According to him, “The state government is committed to ensuring that this project is successful and we will support traders to benefit from the project. The solar project will equip market women with the much needed power to run their businesses without recourse to extra costs for power generating sets and other power expenses.”

He added that his administration was committed to ensuring that the people, no matter their station in life, are provided with the right environment to thrive, stressing that the project was one of such projects that will address power challenges for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The Managing Director, REA, Damilola Ogunbiyi, said that the project was going to transform lives in markets, noting that Energizing Economies Initiative was targeted at providing portable, stable electricity to well-structured markets across the country.

According to her, “Edaiken Market was selected as pilot for the project because it has requisite structures to accommodate the technology. The State Government is providing support for us to consider other markets with this structure.”

Leader, Edo Market Women, Madam Blacky Ogiamien, said that the project will go a long way in ensuring that traders are provided with stable and affordable electricity to run their businesses.

Noting that market women are particularly excited about the project, she appealed that the project be extended to other markets in the state, noting that the state government was committed to ensuring that the markets are clean, accessible and open for business.

The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki will soon be live on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Channels TV.

Stay tuned for the live broadcast.

The Vice President will launch the South South Innovation Hub at Edo Innovates along ICE Road, and will also interface with youths at the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Clinic.

This will be broadcast live on the two stations and you're welcome to join in.

Watch the livestream on Channels TV:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8rttB7NIyY



#PYOObaseki4EdoInnovates

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki will be live on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Channels from 1:30 P. M.

The Vice President will launch the South South Innovation Hub at Edo Innovates along ICE Road, and will also interface with youths at the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Clinic.

This will be broadcast live on the two stations and you're welcome to join in.

#PYOObaseki4EdoInnovates

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..Edo Govt Says It Plans Int’l Conference To Tackle Scourge

The Regional Director for West and Central Africa, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Mr. Richard Danziger, has commended Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, for the proactive and strategic management of the menace of human trafficking and illegal migration, noting that the template developed and implemented by the state is worth emulating.

Danziger, who said this during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Benin City, Edo State, noted “Your administration has set the pace in the way it has continued to manage the issue of irregular migration and human trafficking. You have set the template for others to borrow from.”

He added that the IOM will sustain its partnership with the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration as well as provide support to the state government through publicity campaigns in other parts of the world on the efforts made by the state to address the problem.

Governor Obaseki said the state government is planning to hold an international conference for critical stakeholders to meet, assess and renew support for the campaign against human trafficking and irregular migration.

Noting that the international conference will help strengthen the campaign and address cogent issues, he said, "We need more support in deploying resources to assist victims of human trafficking, as we expect more of them.”

Explaining the strategy for curbing the menace, he said the state government’s campaign is anchored on four approaches, which include: returnees’ management, curbing or reducing irregular migration, dealing with the criminal gangs who profit from the practice and revamping the education system.

Obaseki noted that irregular migration and human trafficking are not peculiar to Edo State, but forms part of the problems confronting the entire country.

“As a government, we are to develop realistic economic development plans and programmes that would impact lives of the people, especially those in rural communities as well as create opportunities for people in the city.”

Photo 1:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (second right); Regional Director for West and Central Africa, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mr. Richard Danziger (second left); Commissioner for Justice and Chairman, Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe (left); and Abraham Tamrat of IOM (right); during the courtesy visit by officials of IOM to the Government House, Benin City, on Wednesday, June 13, 2018.

Ras Kimono: Obaseki Commiserates With Family, Says Artiste Campaigned Vigorously For Better Nigeria

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has condoled with the family of the late reggae musician, Ukeleke Onwubuya, popularly known as Ras Kimono, whose passing was announced last Sunday.

According to Obaseki, “Ras Kimono campaigned vigorously for a better Nigeria through his unique music genre, rooted in reggae, which earned him the sobriquet, the Rub a Dub Master.”

He added that “Ras Kimono’s philosophical bent which dominated the theme of his songs, will continue to reverberate in the minds of millions of his fans across the world.”

The governor noted that the artiste “will be greatly missed by the Nigerian entertainment industry and all lovers of good music,” and wished his family the strength to bear the irreparable loss occasioned by his demise.

According to reports, Ras Kimono, a native of Onicha Olona, in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, slumped atthe Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while waiting to board a flight to the United States of America, on Saturday night.

He was immediately rushed to a Lagos hospital where he died on Sunday morning.

Obaseki Charges Super Eagles To World Cup Glory, Urges Players To Keep Eyes On Trophy

With less than three days to the commencement of the 2018 world soccer tournament in Russia, the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has charged the national team, Super Eagles, to set their eyes on the trophy as the team has all it takes to win the tournament.

According to Obaseki, the current Super Eagles team is made up of young and talented players who have distinguished themselves in their various teams, home and abroad, and are determined to make their mark in history as the soccer fiesta begins this week.

“The team has our support and we are hopeful that we will make it to the final and win the trophy. All that is required of the players is to keep their eyes on the trophy and approach each match with a high sense of commitment to national duty,” the governor advised.

He urged the players to see themselves “as ambassadors of Nigeria who have the rare chance to advance a new narrative about Nigeria on the world soccer stage.”

Obaseki said: “The World Cup has become a very strong tool for diplomacy and image refresh. I urge our players to appreciate the bigger picture and comport themselves in a manner that befits the new Nigeria that we are working hard to build.

“I am confident that the Nigerian spirit, coupled with the strict adherence to instructions by their technical team, will take our Super Eagles to victory.”

The month-long soccer event will see the Nigerian side lock horns with Croatia on Saturday in their opener, a match, analysts say will set the tone for the Super Eagles' aspiration to win the highly coveted trophy.

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The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed his displeasure over the poor maintenance culture in local councils.

Obaseki, who was at Uhunmwode Primary Health Center and Ehor Skills Acquisition Center, on a tour of the facilities in Ehor, Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the state, urged chairmen of local councils to ensure that health centers and other government projects in their areas are maintained.

He decried the poor management of the public facilities and the untidy surroundings.

The governor said it was unfortunate that local government councils have failed to do more than paying workers’ salaries and in discharging other mandates to justify their existence.

“While the state government continues to intervene in providing infrastructural facilities, leaders of local councils must do more to protect these facilities and add value to them,” the governor said.

“If the local government councils fail to provide services to the people, then there is no justification for their existence,” he stressed.

He mandated the council chairman to give the health centre a face-lift and provide bore hole, to supply water to the centre.

Photo 1:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); Chairman, Uhunmwode Local Government Council, Hon. Napoleon Agbama (left), during a tour of Uhunmwode Primary Healthcare Center in Ehor, Edo State.

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As part of efforts to scale up the provision of infrastructural facilities and encourage grassroots participation in governance, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has inaugurated ward-based development committees in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the state.

At the event in Ehor, headquarters of Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Obaseki said members of the committees in the 10 wards in the council area, were selected to represent different interest groups.

Members of each ward committee include two women, two youth, a traditional ruler, one retired or serving teacher and nurse, one member of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), a member of an opposition party and a religious leader.

According to the governor, the ward-based development committee would be run as pilot in Uhunmwode and Orhionmwon local government areas because they both rank the lowest in the poverty scale of the state.

He explained that the committees were constituted to encourage grassroots participation in the development of the state, noting that the initiative was informed by the level of infrastructural decay in the area.

Obaseki said the terms of reference for the committees include: to assist the state government in identifying priority needs of the people at the ward level and enumerate such needs for the state government to take attention, noting that funds to implement developmental projects across the state have been captured in the budget.

Members of the ward-based development committee, according to the governor, are expected to report cases of vandalism of public infrastructure; give feedback on the efficiency of government institutions, officials and contractors handling state government projects in their area.

“The committee in each ward will support the security architecture in the ward and carry out public enlightenment and educate members of the public on the developmental projects being carried out by the state government,” he said.

He added that the committees will submit a monthly report through the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, while quarterly meetings would be held to assess progress of work in the various wards.

The Enogie of Obadan, His Royal Highness, Joseph Airehenbuwa, lauded the governor's ward-based governance initiative and said that the committees would fast-track socio-economic growth and development of the area.

“We are impressed with the initiative especially as members of the opposition parties are also represented. We will ensure we work with the mandate given to us by the governor, to bring development closer to our people,” the Enogie said.

Photo 1:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle); Commissioner for Youth and Special Duties, Hon. Mika Amanokha (left); member representing Uhunmwode in the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Elizabeth Ativie (second left); his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Osaro Idah (2nd right); and the Secretary, Edo State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), Lawrence Okah (right); during the inauguration of ward-based development committee, in Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Edo State.

A tireless governor...

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…college to host phase 2 of Edo BEST teacher training

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured that activities will return to the College of Education Abudu, in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, as soon as the ongoing reconstruction work at the college is over, to train teachers in the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) Programme.

Obaseki disclosed this while inspecting ongoing reconstruction work at the College, in Abudu, headquarters of Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state.

Recall that Governor Obaseki launched the pilot phase of the Edo-BEST few months ago, where over 1,500 teachers were trained on the use of technology to improve teaching and learning outcomes in schools.

The teachers have since been deployed to selected schools where technology devices are being used to enhance teaching and learning in the pilot phase of the programme.

The governor said, “I am impressed with what I saw and I am optimistic that when the work is completed, the college would be ready for the training of teachers for the new academic year. The plan is to have the work completed so that teachers can be trained ahead of the new academic session in September.”

He noted that with the level of work ongoing at the site, “We are certain that activities will return to the college as the facility will be ready for training teachers.”

Obaseki explained that as part of efforts to sustain the Edo-BEST programme, the manpower needed to deepen the initiative would be developed at the College.

He said training at the college would assist teachers develop skills required in using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for teaching and to improve learning at the basic level of education.

Photo 1
L-R: Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Governor Godwin Obaseki; Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic Education/Acting Chairman, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Osaro Idah, during the inspection of reconstruction work at College of Education, Abudu, in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Edo State.

World Environment Day: Scholars Proffer Plastic Recycling Option At Edo Poly, Laud Obaseki’s Urban Regeneration Drive

...school plants 700 economic trees

Environmentalists have called for polices at federal and state government levels that allow for innovative and participatory approaches to managing plastic pollution, urging for increased use of digital solutions to drive recycling.

They also hailed Governor Godwin Obaseki’s efforts at urban regeneration, noting that the state government’s recent recalibration of state actors in the environment sector as well as the building of new towns will impact positively on the state.

This was the resolution at a public lecture to mark the 2018 World Environment Day organised by the Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, also known as the Edo State Institute of Management and Technology, in Edo State.

The Rector of the Polytechnic, Prof. Abiodun Falodun, said that the public lecture was organised to raise awareness and join the rest of the world in marking the day, noting that the school intends to engage the key issues in environment management as they relate to plastic pollution and help educate the people.

Prof. Falodun, who was recently appointed by Governor Obaseki to reposition the school as a center of excellence in technology and innovation, said there is a plethora of gains in the effective plastic waste management as well as tree planting in our environment.

According to him, “the Edo State Government led by Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki wants this school to serve as a viable centre to drive his urban/regional development agenda. Hence, we want to set the pace by beautifying and preserving the environment.”

He called on state’s indigenes and residents to strive to keep the state clean and adhere to regulations on plastic disposal.

In a keynote lecture titled Fostering Participatory Model for Sustainable Management and Conservation of Plastic Wastes in Edo State, Nigeria, delivered by an environmentalist, Dr. Ekeoba Matthew Isikhuemen, he noted that there was need for a participatory approach to solving the menace of plastic pollution.

The keynote lecturer, who is a lecturer in the Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management at the University of Benin, said state and federal governments must work together to ensure that policies are synergised.

The event culminated in the planting of over 700 different economic trees in the school premises.

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Rector, Edo State Polytechnic Usen, Prof. Abiodun Falodun (right), during the flag off of the planting of over 700 different economic trees in the school premises, after a public lecture to mark the 2018 World Environment Day, in Usen, Edo State.

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Obaseki Plans Special Intervention Fund, School Feeding Programme For Uhunmwode LGA

…schools, roads, hospitals, others to get facelift

Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, says his administration has resolved to set aside special intervention fund that will be used for the development of infrastructure in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the state.

Obaseki said this at an interactive session with indigenes and residents of Uhunmwode Local Government Area, at the council’s headquarters in Ehor at the weekend, noting that the special fund will be expended in developing basic education, healthcare system, roads, and rural electrification.

He explained, “I have decided to have in place a master plan for the development of Uhunmwode Local Council Area. Certain amount of money will be set aside as special intervention fund which will be used for the development of Uhunmwode LGA in the next three years.”

He noted that the objectives of the master plan are to make the council area attractive for investors and assist the council’s administration improve its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) receipts to meet its financial obligations.

According to him, “In the next six months, all the 90 primary schools in Uhunmwode LGA will be refurbished. Teachers will be assigned to teach in all these schools. The schools will be automatically integrated into the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EDO-Best) programme. We will introduce the school feeding programme across the state.”

Obaseki disclosed that, “We have commenced work on the designs for the old roads that will be reconstructed in the area. The reconstruction will be carried out in the next 18 months to link communities and open the area to more economic activities.”

He said the state is working with the Federal Government on rural electrification which will be extended to Uhunmwode LGA, noting, “Since the area has the highest number of rural communities in the state without electricity, with our plan in place, we will change the narrative.”

The governor assured the people that a security arrangement will be in place to protect life and property in the area, which will make the area more attractive to investors.

On road construction, Obaseki explained that a committee will be set-up at the ward level with members drawn from the community to include religious and political leaders.

“The state will work with the committee to ensure completion of the designs for roads, appointment of contractors and supervision of the contractors to meet deadlines project delivery.”

The Enogie of Ehor, Chief David Igiehon, told the governor that Uhunmwode LGA has long suffered neglect and people in the area are desirous of development that will attract investors to the area.

Photo 1:
L-R: Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Osaro Idah; Governor Godwin Obaseki; Chairman, Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bar. Anselm Ojezua; and Secretary, Edo APC, Lawrence Okah, during the governor’s interactive session with indigenes and residents of Uhunmwode Local Government Area, in Ehor, Edo State at the weekend.

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L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Chairman, Edo Strategic Planning Team, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Special Adviser to the President on Economic Planning, Rasheed Akintunde; representative of the State Commissioner of Police, at the South South Regional Stakeholders’ Forum on the Ease of Doing Business Reforms in Benin City, on Monday, June 4, 2018.

Ease of Doing Business: FG tackles Infrastructure Deficit, As Obaseki Okays JARA Shopping Mall For Benin City

The Federal Government has tasked states in the South-South region to close ranks and explore its human and natural resources, excluding crude oil, as it pledged to tackle the infrastructural challenges, hindering ease of doing business in the region.

Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said in Benin City, on Monday, at the Regional Stakeholder Forum on the Ease of Doing Business Reforms and Expected Impact on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

This is as the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Monday, ratified the commencement of operations of JARA Mall in Benin City.

Speaking at the deal signing ceremony in Government House, between JARA Group and the Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), Obaseki noted that his administration is in a hurry to ensure that world class businesses set up shops in the state to boost economic activities.

He charged representatives of the JARA Group to speed up the implementation of the deal and commence operations, assuring of the state government’s support for businesses located in the state.

Chief Executive Officer, JARA Group, William Snollaerts, said his team will kick off with one outlet as pilot, which will lead to several outlets in Benin City and other parts of the state.

“The initiative is to ensure that there is improved way of vending food products. JARA Mall is designed to employ 45 people per mall and we intend to set up a minimum of ten malls in the short term, with the first mall scheduled to open before the end of the year,” Snollaerts said.

At the South-South Stakeholder Forum on the Ease of Doing Business, Dr. Oduwole explained that the South-South region is a vast business corridor “connecting people and markets, with the potential to emancipate the country economically if the constituent states collaborate to explore their human and other resources, beyond crude oil.”

She assured that the federal government is working to address the challenges posed by power and other infrastructural facilities, in order to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as they are the engine that would stimulate Nigeria's economy growth.

"We know the enterprising nature of men and women in the region and with markets such as Oba Market readily available to sell these products, it is an opportunity for MSMEs to thrive."

Earlier, Obaseki, in his opening remark, said his administration is creating a friendly environment, where both domestic and foreign investors can thrive, and added that Edo is structured to grow local investment to support foreign investors and guarantee the place of SMEs.

Photo 1:
Chief Executive Officer, JARA, William Snollaerts (left); and Executive Chairman, Edo Property and Development Agency (EDPA), Isoken Omo after signing the deal for JARA Mall to commence operation in Benin City, at Government House, on Monday, June 4, 2018.

Obaseki’s Education Reform: Edo Poly Usen Holds Public Lecture, Partners FIRN, UNIBEN On Tree Planting To Mark Environment Day

Rector of the Edo Polytechnic, Usen, Prof. Abiodun Falodun, has said the institution is set to mark the World Environment Day with a public lecture and a tree planting initiative on Tuesday, June 5, in partnership with the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and the Forest Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN).

Governor Godwin Obaseki appointed Prof. Falodun recently as rector of the Polytechnic with a mandate to reposition the school as a center of excellence in technology education and innovation.

Prof. Falodun, speaking on programmes lined up to commemorate the World Environment Day, said that the school has concluded plans to hold a lecture titled Conservation and Management of Plastic Wastes/Pollutants: Participatory Approach to be delivered by Dr. Ekeoba Isikhuemen, an Environmental Conservator & Forest Rehabilitation Ecologist in the Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture, UNIBEN.

He said the programmes are being lined up as the polytechnic joins the rest of the word to mark the day, raise global awareness and take positive environmental action to protect nature and the planet Earth.

According to Prof. Falodun, “On assumption of duty, I initiated the Bring Back our Environment (BBE) committee, with the mandate to ensure restoration and beautification of the Edo State Polytechnic for conducive learning and research.

“The BBE in collaboration with the Department of Urban and Regional Planning of the Polytechnic also has the clear mandate to develop winning proposals to attract grants from funding agencies in making Edo State Polytechnic a Regional Centre for Physical and Urban Planning to drive Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration’s urban planning initiatives and policies.”

The lecture will be delivered with Prof. Abiodun Falodun as chair, and will be aimed at developing models for waste management in Edo State.

The event will also feature the planting of trees and beautification of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, by staff and students of the Polytechnic, in line with the mandate and vision of Edo State Government.

Prof. Falodun said 500 seedlings were donated pro bono, to Edo State Polytechnic by the Forest Research Institute of Nigeria (Moist Forest Research Station), Ibadan and the Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin.

Obaseki's Land Reform: Edo Property Protection Agency Hands Over Imposter To Police

The Edo State Private Property Protection (PPP) Taskforce has handed over one Mr. Samuel Osagie, to the State Command of the Nigerian Police, over alleged impersonation of officials of the taskforce.

Samuel Osagie was arrested in Benin City, Edo State, after the taskforce received report of his criminal activities including duping unsuspecting members of the public who seek the service of the Taskforce on land disputes.

Spokesman for the Taskforce, Mr. Osaro Idah, said the alleged fraudster, who has confessed to the crime, collected between N100,000 to N150,000 from his victims as he goes about posing as an official of the Taskforce.

According to Idah, “Osagie collects money from his victims with the promise to use the money to process court petitions and documents on behalf of the victims.”

He urged members of the public to be vigilant against activities of individuals who go about posing as officials of the Taskforce, noting, “the services of the taskforce are completely free. People who have dealings with Mr. Samuel Osagie should know that they are doing so at their own risk.”

The spokesman said that Mr. Samuel who paraded himself as a member of the taskforce has no business with the taskforce.

One of the victims of Osagie, Mrs. Patience Obaware, said she was referred to the Private Property Taskforce from the Palace of the Oba of Benin to seek redress over a land dispute in Ogheghe village.

She said that after she was referred to the Taskforce, she met Mr. Samuel Osagie, who claimed to be a member of the committee and promised to assist her after demanding money, which he said he would use to processing her court documents.

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Mr. Samuel Osagie, being paraded by the Edo State Private Property Protection (PPP) Taskforce, over alleged impersonation of officials of the taskforce in Benin City, Edo State.

We are happy to have Obaseki as our governor

We are happy to have Obaseki as our governor