A young man from Edo state bagged Ph.D degree in the same field with his wife at 51st convocation ceremony at University of Nigeria.

The wrote on his social media page on Facebook

"The journey was not easy but God came through.

In 2020 he hinted that he bought a brand new big camry spider car from a friend who just imported it to Nigeria and sold it two weeks after it came. Just so they can fund their PhD. No one knew about this not even his family member.

He said"I paid the biggest sacrifice to ensure that we saw this day.

Meet Dr. Austine Imoniche Oviosun and Dr. Mrs Ezinne Chidinma Oviosun

https://www.facebook.com/100001422552987/posts/pfbid0WGiPLbQp32d5atiFUh2E5nPKJz21MB5DickwiFAr64YQ48nnPU1xi77ZZPYFkmUCl/?app=fbl

He wrote;

My testimony.

My greatest achievement ever.

2 Phd's bagged in one day.

My wife and I successfully defended our Ph.d today at the Department of Anatomy, College of medicine, University of Nigeria.

It has been a very long journey that started almost 5 years ago, in midst of it we got married and gave birth to our son.

Challenging and daring as the big dream of both couple pursing a phd is, we over came.

I will leave the long story for tomorrow.🙂

I introduce to you Dr. and Dr. (Mrs). Oviosun.

#TeamNeverGiveUp

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02KdDYrw7uk5TWYvPTPmQ3Vctd6VY5y39GiygXZ7bvpDNimaYRGJtqsUdQP96b7kB2l&id=100001422552987&mibextid=Nif5oz

Moral lesson: Marry someone that supports your dream, someone who wants to see you grow.🥰🥰
#priscilliafu

Hi

I quit

Na wa

*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has made a case for extension of the Itakpe-Warri standard gauge to link the Benin Industrial Park in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state.

The governor made the appeal in his goodwill message at the virtual inauguration of Goodluck Jonathan Railway Complex in Agbor (Owa-Oyibu), Delta State, by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said an extension of the railway line to Ologbo would help in the movement of goods from the industrial park, adding that the railway line would be a critical infrastructure to easily convey products from the Benin Industrial Park, when completed, to the northern part of the country.

“We are excited in the state. As a government, we are going to be working with you to ensure that we utilise the infrastructure we are privileged to have. We appeal to the Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi to work with us as a state to extend the rail line to the Industrial Park which we have commenced in the state to enable us freight the things we produce to the northern part of the country,” Obaseki said.

The governor congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari for completing the Itakpe-Ajaokuta railway line project, adding, “It is quite fortuitous that few days to our 60th independence anniversary as a nation, our President has achieved this feat of completing this critical infrastructure required for our development as a country and in our region.”

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GovernorGodwinObaseki
Official Whatsapp Number: +2349025944616
Telegram: https:///GGOnewsofficial

*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*DSC_7843:*
R-L (front row): Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his Delta State counterpart, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Hon. Festus Keyamo; and Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, during commissioning for commercial operation of Itakpe-Warri Rail Line and Railway Ancillary Facility Yard named Goodluck Jonathan Railway Complex in Agbor (Owa-Oyibu), Delta State, on Tuesday, September 29, 2020.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3274339852635885&id=100001797083292

*
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his victory in the September 19 gubernatorial election has strengthened the unity among the states in the South-South region.

He said this during his thank you visit to the Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, in Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom State.

Obaseki said, “This election has united us in Edo State and has made us speak as one. With all the cash spent by the opposition party, look at the margin with which we defeated the opposition in the final election results. The election has further re-united us together.

“Edo is that thread linking the sub-region together, Edo is the glue that holds the sub-region together.”

According to him, Edo and Akwa-Ibom share similar experience and have learnt from it, which helped in the victory in the state, adding, “We owe a responsibility to our people in the region to continue to deepen cooperation.”

“Thank you for the advice, support, sacrifices and assistance you rendered to us which helped us win the election. We have moved around the sub-region to thank all the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors for all their support,” the governor added.

He assured that the governors in the South-South region will work together in resuscitating the South-South regional integration bloc of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross-Rivers, Edo and Delta States (BRACED) commission, adding that the region can no longer accept a situation where the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is unable to play its role.

Obaseki noted that it was time they came together as a sub-region to take their fate in their hands and determine the future for themselves, adding, “We can't accept the situation where our own NDDC is not playing its role as it should. It is so because we have not come together as a region to take our fate in our hands and determine our future.”

The Senator Representing Edo South Senatorial District, Matthew Urhoghide expressed appreciation to the Government and People of Akwa-Ibom State for their support and prayers.

The Vice National Chairman of the PDP, South-South and Chairman Edo PDP Campaign Council, Chief Dan Orbih, said Udom Emmanuel and the people of Akwa-Ibom State inspired Edo people to march to victory in last Saturday's governorship election.

“At the beginning, we saw very many government appointees resigned and it created fear and tension but I encouraged them not to be afraid as same thing happened in Akwa-Ibom between Godswill Akpabio and Governor Udom Emmanuel but Udom still won the election.

“We got our inspiration from you and you supported us and the rest is history as we won the election following your footsteps,” he said.

Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, said with the victory in last Saturday's Governorship election in Edo State, “we have rewritten the history of democracy in Nigeria. The region has rewritten the history of Nigeria through the Edo election of Saturday, September 19, 2020. The election is now a platform to negotiate the rights of the region with regard to economy and political destiny. We are happy the victory was achieved together as a region.

“We have made a statement in this election and we will be respected for that. How can someone come from one region, make a statement for another region. I thank Edo people for ensuring that the region took its pride of place in the nation.”

The governor urged leaders of the PDP to ensure the party is stronger as nobody should boast of winning Edo election, not even the governor of the state, adding, “When God is with you, you find favour in the sight of God. God made INEC to do the right thing. Governor Obaseki needs support and I call on the people of Edo State to support the governor and ensure that he succeeds in his second term.”

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GovernorGodwinObaseki
Official Whatsapp Number: +2349025944616
Telegram: https:///GGOnewsofficial

*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*IMG_01:*
L-R: Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, and his wife, Deaconess Martha Udom Emmanuel, during a dinner, at Government House, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.

*
*_…hails Buhari, INEC, security agencies for peaceful, credible poll_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has hailed Edo people and supporters of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for their display of immense courage and support in the face of threats, intimidation and brutalisation as he emerged victorious in Saturday’s gubernatorial election in the state.

Obaseki defeated his closest rival, Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), polling a total of 307,955 votes against APC’s 223,619 votes.

The governor in his appreciation message in Benin City on Sunday hailed President Muhammadu Buhari, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders who participated in the conduct of the gubernatorial election for ensuring a free, peaceful and credible poll in the state.

Obaseki said: “The Great People of Edo State have spoken. They have spoken loud and clear. We thank God Almighty and give him all the glory for this victory.

“Thank you, President Muhammadu Buhari, for defending our democracy and allowing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies to perform their constitutional functions without interference.

“INEC and the security services have shown to Nigerians and the world that they are capable of conducting free and credible elections.”

The governor continued: “Words fail me in saluting our teeming supporters who displayed immense courage in the face of threats, intimidation and brutalization. The collective will of Edo people made it possible for this triumph over godfatherism.

“I am eternally grateful to my party the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and my brother governors not only for giving me the umbrella during my political storm but for the hard work which has brought me back to office.

“Our success has reinforced my belief that there is nothing we cannot achieve as a people if we pull forces together and collectively call on God for support.”

“I reiterate that working with my Deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, we are committed to Making Edo Great Again. Thank you for your support,” he added.

#voteGGO
#VoteNotFight

......Obaseki developmental strides gives him 99.9% chance of winning.

Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki has laid a solid foundation for sustainable and long lasting projects in Edo state within the last 3 years, This is a fact and a song on the lips of every true citizen of Edo state. Politics, political affiliation aside, Edo state people are United by this singular reason and the people will be prepare to give the governor another 4 years to solidify this achievements and put Edo state in the part of greatness again.

September 19th 2020, is a date with history in the political life of our dear state,but Edo people must know that their collective actions is pivotal in achieving the Edo of our dreams.

Edo state is working, government has proven that our society can work.
The question is will Obaseki win September 19th Election, the answer is Yes, in a free fair and credible poll, the govenor have 99.9% chance of winning because of:

1. He commands great love and general acceptability from the people.

2. He is a governor who is interested in what Edo will be in the next 10,20 or 40 years,hence he is concentrating and investing in long lasting projects, example is the Edo refinery, Edo production centre, ossimo power project,the agricultural reforms, Edo innovation hub and alot more.


3. He is modernising governance, with technological friendly policies like the Edo best, Edo jobs,well refined way of generating IGR.


4. Prompt payment of salaries and pension, for this the governor is loved by the workforce and pensioners. This caterory of our population will go all out and vote for him. Yes,many may say salary is not an achievement for any government, in as much as I will want to agree or not. But any government who put payment of Salary as a priority in the face of pandemic ravaging economy is a government who understands the plight of the people.

5. Reforms in Education and Agriculture.

Let me stop here in this episode, there are many reasons why the govenror stands a better chance at winning.

I encourage all Edo citizens to go all out and vote for the Govrenor September 19th 2020.
Vote GGO

Vote and not fight.......

The Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), toeing the path of his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki, who had earlier defected to the party.

Governor Obaseki is now the standard bearer of the PDP in the September 19, 2020 governorship election in Edo State.

Osagie decamped to the PDP when he hosted the executive members of the party in Oredo Local Government Area Ward 1, Benin City, during which the Ward Chairman, Mr. Osula Paul, presented him with his party membership card.

The ward executives who attended the ceremony include the Ward Secretary, Mr. Iyahen Samson as well as the women leader, treasurer, youth leader, among others.

Osagie said his defection to the PDP is out of his conviction to ensure that the Edo people continue to enjoy the redefined brand of politics exemplified by Governor Obaseki.

He said: “It is an exodus movement from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP. We are all in this with Governor Obaseki. We are confident that the PDP has the needed structure and grassroots network from the national to the unit level to deliver the governor in the election. This is why we are very much confident in winning a second term in office.

“I have just obtained my PDP membership card, and this is in pursuit of the development of our dear state. Our principle is that development must get to the people at the grassroots and with PDP’s structure, we would indeed ensure that the people at the bottom of the ladder remain the target of our development programmes.”

Mr. Paul, however welcomed Osagie into the party, and assured him that the governor would be returned to office in September.

*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*S3_01:*
Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oredo Local Government Area Ward 1, Paul Osula (left) presenting the party’s membership card to Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, in Benin City, on Thursday, July 2, 2020.

*_... as Gelegele, Ologbo get marine posts to check piracy_*

In furtherance of its efforts to boost security on the state’s waterways and protect the lives and property of the citizenry, the Edo State Government has purchased more armoured gunboats and speedboats to curb criminal activities along its coastal areas and waterways.

Speaking with journalists immediately after delivering the speedboat and armoured gunboats in Benin-city, the Executive Chairman, Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Area Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC) Board, Pastor Kennedy Osifo, said the governor’s desire to create a peaceful and rancour-free atmosphere to boost the economy of the state influenced the purchase of the boats.

He noted that to complement the efforts of the governor in curbing crime and criminal activities in the state, his board had built Marine Posts at Gelegele in Ovia North East Local Government Area and Ologbo in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state, to fight pirates on the water ways.

Osifo, who spoke on behalf of other board members, maintained that the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki would be reelected for a second term in office on account of his many achievements across all sectors of the state so as to consolidate on these achievements.

He added: “Governor Obaseki is a silent achiever whose legacies in the private sector had promoted good governance in the state.”

The EDSOGPADEC boss, however, urged the Edo people to support the second term bid of the governor, stressing that he has brought respite to the common man.

It would be recalled that four speed and four armoured gun boats were earlier purchased by the state government to boost the security architecture, Wabazigan, for the purpose of securing the waterways in the state.
[01/07, 16:29] Official SA Media: *COVID-19: Obaseki prays for Okowa’s quick recovery*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has prayed for the quick recovery of his Delta State counterpart, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and his wife, Edith, who have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).

In a statement, Governor Obaseki sent his prayers to Governor Okowa and his wife, and expressed confidence that they would defeat the virus and come out triumphant.

According to him, “I received the news of the coronavirus status of my brother and fellow governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and his wife, with hope of their quick recovery from the virus. The governor has been at the forefront of the COVID-19 fight in Delta State and we know that he may have contracted the virus on the line of duty, serving the good people of Delta State. I know the governor to be a man of faith and we trust that he would get well soon to continue on his enviable development trajectory in the state.”

“Governor Okowa’s family and Delta people should be assured that their brothers and sisters in Edo State are in fervent prayers for the quick recovery of the governor and his lovely wife,” he added.

https://thenationonlineng.net/obaseki-the-servant-governor-at-63/

*


*By Crusoe Osagie*


In the last three years and seven months, the people of Edo State have been enthralled by the re-enactment of people-powered governance led by the citizens, with Governor Godwin Obaseki on the front seat, designing and executing people-centric policies, and programmes which have transformed the state.

Edo is today basking in the euphoria of an orderly society where the rule of law holds sway and is ratcheting up the ease of doing business amid a boisterous social sector.

The story was not always this inspiring! Gone are the days when thugs wielded giant whips, scourging poor mothers struggling to eke out a living in markets as well as commercial bus drivers who were toiling night and day to cater for their families.

Obaseki briskly put an end to the menace of these hoodlums who oppressed honest citizens daily in the name of revenue collection. Although this won him numerous political enemies because the patrons of these enforcers were ‘big men’, it was the right thing to do and it was in the best interest of the majority, so Obaseki stuck to his guns.

For setting the people free from the strangleholds of political thugs and their collaborators in the corridors of power, Edo people salute Governor Godwin Obaseki as he adds another year to his age today.

Even at the risk of placing his re-election bid in jeopardy, Obaseki refused to mortgage the wellbeing and future of Edo people to those who were desperate to return the state to her inglorious past.

Interestingly, with the support of Edo people, Obaseki has won virtually all the political battles initiated by his detractors

Obaseki reminds one of servant leaders in history such as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, (Mahatma Gandhi) who led his people in India with his civil resistance movement to independence from Great Britain.

Gandhi did so at great personal cost, he was arrested and detained several times for his pro-people ideology. Gandhi died leaving behind a pair of slippers, a piece of loin cloth and a pair of eyeglasses.

The servant-leadership model, with its mass appeal, has proven to be practicable only by few leaders with the moral stamina to defend their people and put their interests first. A great deal of courage is required to keep the faith.

Obaseki’s leadership style has the manifest stamp of a servant leader, determined to provide the greater good for the greater majority of Edo people even at the risk of his personal comfort and life.

In his essay first published in 1970, Robert K. Greenleaf, who first coined the phrase, servant leadership, said: “the servant leader is servant first…it begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then consciousness brings one to aspire to lead.”

He added: “That person is sharply different from one who is leader first, perhaps because of the need to assuage an unusual power drive or to acquire material possessions.”

Author and Harvard Business Review contributor, David Burkus, explains that “Servant leaders get results for their organisation through whole-hearted attention to their followers and followers’ needs…servant leadership puts its emphasis on collaboration, trust, empathy, and ethics.”

The governor continues to demonstrate his affection for his people, task after task, no matter the cost:

*The anti-community development association law*

Obaseki was quick to define the place of Edo people in his administration shortly after assuming office, when he intimated his team of his resolve to put an end to the criminal activities of some persons that were parading themselves as members of Community Development Associations (CDAs).


The Ant-Community Development Association Development Law, was the administration’s response to the myriad of attacks on real estate developers by these persons who had formed themselves into criminal gangs that were notorious for selling people’s properties and hounding genuine investors in the sector.


 As with most servant leaders, initially, Obaseki’s decision was unpopular among some segments of the political class, some of whom were working hand in gloves with the CDA members, who were used as political thugs during elections.

The governor, after wide consultation with the leadership of the Edo State House of Assembly, the Benin Monarch, Omo N’ Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, galvanised the making of the Anti-CDA Law, which criminalised the illegal reign of the community development associations.

The socio-economic gains accruing to developers, home and abroad, governments and other stakeholders have become reference points in parts of the country where such people-oriented law is not in place.

The icing on the cake in the sector was the creation of the Edo State Geographic Information Service, an agency that delivers Certificates of Occupancy to property owners in less than eight weeks, and at an affordable price.

In all, Edo people won the battle against the killer community gangs.

*Reforms of revenue collection*

Convinced that a reformed revenue collection system that would leverage modern technology would better serve the people, Governor Obaseki introduced Point-of-Sale devices to ensure efficiency and transparency in the sub-sector.

The initiative was met with resistance as it was misconstrued by the operators as a threat to the old manual method of collecting revenue which was fraught with lack of transparency and accountability.

Again Obaseki, with the support of the people, directed the revenue collectors, who were not ready to migrate to the modern technology-backed platforms, to leave the state’s motor parks, markets and other business places.

For Obaseki, such brutish approach where traders were assaulted and harassed by revenue collectors, belonged to the past and must be discontinued.

The response from some of them who were political thugs and had enjoyed enormous patronage from previous governments, was as expected, a declaration of war on the Obaseki-led administration.

On the flip side, this singular action freed business people from years of harassment and abuse from these political thugs. Yet Obaseki was unruffled and supervised the migration of the old revenue collection method to the new one.

Again, Obaseki demonstrated his affection for the citizens when he collaborated with the Benin Monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, to rally support for victims of human trafficking.

Instead of blaming the victims who were primed by bad leadership of the past to migrate, Obaseki took responsibility for the failures of his predecessors and challenged governments at all levels, non-state actors and development partners to rise to the challenge and nip the problem in the bud.

Through carefully cultivated and sustained partnerships with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), federal government agencies like the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Obaseki reinvigorated the prosecution of human traffickers and their partners in crime and deployed massive grassroots mobilisation against risky travels through the Sahara Desert to Europe.

He took the fight against illegal migration to the European Parliament, the Italian Government, and mobilised religious leaders to join the crusade. He provided palliatives for the returnees and empowered thousands of them to start a new life.

For all these giant strides including the reforms in the civil service, the education sector, the industrialisation of the state and creation of thousands of jobs for Edo people as well as the transformation of infrastructure in the state amongst others, we congratulate you on your birthday anniversary and assure you of the unflinching support of the people for your aspiration to lead the state for another four years.

*Osagie is the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy*

*EDO 2020: Obaseki emerges PDP flagbearer, salutes Edo people*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has emerged the flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2020 governorship election, polling 1,952 votes to win the party's primary election.

A total of 2,234 delegates from the 192 wards and 18 Local Government Areas of Edo State participated in election with Governor Obaseki as only candidate on the ballot after three other candidates backed out of the contest.

Announcing the result of the shadow election, the PDP Edo Primary Election Committee chairman and the Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, declared the governor the winner of the contest after winning over 90 percent of the available votes.

In his statement, Governor Obaseki expressed appreciation to all those who made his election as the PDP guber candidate possible.


He noted, "I express my heartfelt gratitude to our great party, the @OfficialPDPNig, the leaders, delegates, members and all Edo people for the opportunity to fly the party's flag in the forthcoming governorship election. God bless you all."

Breaking: Governor Godwin Obaseki officially joins PDP


Details Shortly

*_… adjourns case to July 2_*

A Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, on Thursday, June 18, 2020, ruled that the charges bordering on a N700 million money laundry case against former candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2016 Edo State governorship election and four others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), are ‘not defective.’

The other four defendants in the suit are former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Lucky Imasuen, PDP chairman in Edo State, Chief Dan Orbih; Tony Aziegbemi and Efe Erimuoghae.

The presiding Judge, Justice M. G. Umar ruled that the charges filed by the Commission against the Defendants were not defective.

The prosecution counsel, Francis Jibro, told the court that the matter was for ruling on the competence of the eight-count charges preferred against the defendants, who had at the court’s last sitting challenged the charges because they contained the name of Chief Tony Anenih, who is now deceased.

After the ruling, counsel to the first defendant, Charles Edosomwan, SAN, told the court that he has filed a motion challenging the jurisdiction of the court.

"In spite of the ruling, we have a motion dated June 1, 2020, challenging the jurisdiction of this honourable court to entertain proceedings," he said. The same position was canvassed by counsels to the other defendants.

However, Jibro told the court that based on the ruling of the court which found the charges not defective, the next thing was for the defendants to take their pleas.

Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, counsel to Dan Orbih said he was not challenging the ruling of the court but the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to hear the matter.

Justice Umar adjourned the case to July 2.

*

The Edo State House of Assembly has been shut down for 14 days for fumigation of the Assembly complex.

In a statement, Acting Director, Administration and Supplies, Stephen U. Guobadia, on behalf of the Clerk of the House, said the leadership of the House has directed all management staff of the House to remain at home for 14 days until after the exercise.

According to him, “I am directed to inform all staff of Edo State House of Assembly that the Leadership of the House has instructed that all Management Staff remain at home for 14 days from Tuesday, 16th June, 2020.

“This is as a result of the fumigation exercise to be carried out in the Assembly Complex at three (3) different times.

“All Management Staff are advised to leave their phones open in case of further information.”

1. GODDY OBASEKI, TAIWO ODUTOLA (OF THE ODUTOLA FAMILY OF IJEBU-ODE) AND I WERE ROOM MATES IN ROOM A 45 ZIK HALL, UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN IN 1978/1979. (41YEARSAGO).

2. HE READ CLASSICS, TAIWO READ CHEMISTRYAND I READ ENGLISH.

3. GODDY IS ONE OF THE BEST NIGERIANS GOD EVER CREATED. HE IS A STICKLER FOR WHATEVER IS RIGHT. HE DID THIS 41 YEARS AGO WHILE WE WERE IN SCHOOL AND STILL DOES TODAY.

4. GODDY'S KINDNESS TO ME IN 1979 WHEN MY FATHER DIED SEVEN MONTHS TO OUR GRADUATION SAVED ME FROM COMMITTING SUICIDE. I BECAME AN ORPHAN AND SUICIDAL. HE GAVE ME CLOSE MARKING AS WE WERE IN THE SAME FACULTY. GODDY IS KIND GENUINE AND SINCERE.

5. SINCE HE BECAME GOVERNOR, I HAVE NEVER VISITED HIM. I ONLY TEXTED HIM ONCE, WHEN OUR FORMER GENERAL OVERSEER WAS COMING TO BENIN FOR A CRUSADE. HE GLADLY WELCOMED HIM AND HIS ENTOURAGE. WE CAN NEVER FORGET THE HONOUR.

6. GODDY IS BOLD, HONEST, DEPENDABLE AND EDO STATE WILL EVER FORGET HIM. HE CAME TO SERVE AND I STAND BY HIM, HE WON’T CHANGE.

7. GODDY IS FROM EDO STATE, TAIWWO IS FROM OGUN STATE AND I AM EKITI STATE, I WRITE TO CORRECT THE IMPRESSION THAT HE WASN’T AT THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, IBADAN.

WE WERE ROOM MATES FOR ONE YEAR IN ROOM A 45, ZIK HALL, UNIBADAN, IBADAN.

THANK YOU FOR READING AND GETTING TO KNOW THESE TRUTHS.
GOD BLESS THE PEOPLE OF EDO IN JESUS NAME

*Pastor Bamidele-Abegunde,*

*_B. A(HONS) ENG, LLB, LLM. BL, MCIARB_*

*_DISTRICT OVERSEER,_*

*_MAGODO DISTRICT,_*

*_FOURSQUARE GOSPEL CHURCH,*

*_MAGODO G. R. A._*

*_LAGOS._*

The Edo State Government has said it will not relent in bringing to justice any individual or group of persons, who violates the regulations contained in the gazette on political gatherings aimed at curtailing the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said the state government would continue to prioritise the health and safety of Edo people in the face of rising cases of COVID-19 in the state.

According to him, “Governor Godwin Obaseki is charged with the duty of protecting the lives and property of Edo people. He would not abdicate this role because of political expediency. This is why he signed the gazette to ensure proper management of political gatherings, a move that was informed by the insights from an epidemiological study conducted by researchers at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

“With the rising cases of COVID-19 in the state, which indicates community transmission of the virus, it would be foolhardy for the governor to allow for gatherings that would compromise the health and safety of Edo people, in the light of projections from the epidemiological study, which predicts that COVID-19 cases in the state would peak by the third week of June, 2020.”

Osagie noted that in the light of the state’s precarious situation, it would not condone the violation of the provisions of the gazette by any individual or group.

“We are warning persons intent on rubbishing the gains made in curtailing the spread of COVID-19 and compromising our healthcare system to be assured that the full weight of the law would run its cause. There is no denying that the state government is systematically managing the incidence of COVID-19. It would be inimical of progress to disrupt the peace in the state, cause a spike of COVID-19 cases because of the political ambitions of a few persons, thereby putting the people in harm’s way,” he added.

https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-obaseki-is-our-alumnus-says-ui/


*June 10, 2020*

*By Bisi Oladele, Southwest Bureau Chief*

The University of Ibadan (UI) has confirmed Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki graduated from the institution.

The university, in a statement by its Registrar, Mrs Olubunmi Faluyi, said Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, studied Classics.

According to the statement, the Governor gained admission to the university in 1976 and graduated in 1979 with a Second Class Honours (Lower Division).

“Records of his admission and graduation are intact in the archives of the university.” the statement said.

Some opposition leaders in the state’s chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been accusing Obaseki of presenting a fake certificate, saying he did not graduate from the premier university. The UI statement will draw the curtain on the supposed certificate scandal crisis.

Obaseki has been in a running battle with his predecessor Adams Oshiomhole over the second term ticket. The latter, who is the National Chairman of the APC, has vowed to ensure the governor does not get a second term in office

The following are a list of some achievements of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-Led Government
grouped under the six thematic pillars of the state:

1) Economic Revolution
2) Infrastructural Development
3) Institutional Reforms
4) Social Welfare Enhancement
5) Environmental Sustainability
6) Culture and Tourism


1. ECONOMIC REVOLUTION

• Edo Job Initiative; over 150,000 beneficiaries
• Establishment of Edo Innovation Hub, popularly referred to as “The South-South Silicon
Valley”; over 22,000 beneficiaries
• Creation of Edo Production Center to drive industrial development and create jobs
• Launch of Edo State Oil Palm Program (ESOPP); N69 billion committed by the CBN
• 10,000 hectares across 3 senatorial districts adopted for rice production
• Remodeling and re-equipping of the Government Science and Technical College (GSTC)


2. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

• Emotan Garden Housing; 100 out of 1,440 units completed
• Establishment of Jara Mall
• New automated model for revenue collection; implementation of the Edo Revenue
Administrative System (ERAS)
• Ugboha/Uromi and Auchi water projects
• Construction of the Edo State Secretariat complex, Block C and Block D has been
completed.
• Construction/Renovation of roads across the 3 senatorial districts of the state including;
368 road contracts awarded; 274 road projects completed including:
Construction of Lucky Way
- Irhirhi-Aruogba-Obazagbon-Ogheghe Road
- Rehabilitation of Secretariat Road, Igarra
- Textile Mill Road (ongoing)
- Ugbor-Amagba (ongoing)
- Ekaewan Road (ongoing)
- Road construction project at Obakhavbaye (ongoing).
- Rehabilitation of Uzebba-Ukpoje-Akagbor Road
- Construction of Orhodua Bridge
• Reduced cost of Certificates of Occupancy to N50,000
• Renovation of High Court Complex
• Tayo Akpata University, Abudu Campus (ongoing)
• Ossiomo Power Plant; 55 megawatt capacity (ongoing)
• Azura-Edo 461 MW open cycle gas turbine power station
• Inauguration of Benin River Port, Gelegele project
• Creation of Edo Modular Refinery (ongoing)
• Construction of Ikpoba River dam
• Establishment of Benin Enterprise Park (ongoing)
• Renovation of Oba Akenzua Cultural Center
• Construction of Judges Quarters (ongoing)
• Construction of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Iguoriakhi (ongoing)
• Laying of fiber optic for faster internet speeds with collaboration with MainOne; 450km
street by street fibre deployed in Benin City.
• Construction of modern car park.(ongoing)


3. INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS

• Wabizigan launched: launch of new security architecture and implementation of Security
Management Information System.
• Implementation of State Integrated Financial Management Information System (SIFMIS)

• Development and passage of a consolidated Public Financial Management (PFM) and
Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) for better financial management.
• Inauguration of Industrial Court in Edo State.
• Implementation of Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy for better control of
Government’s resources.
• New and better EDSTMA: The Edo State Traffic Control and Management Agency
(EDSTMA) has been revamped and repositioned for better service delivery to citizens.
• Contributory Pension Scheme for local government workers established.
• Eradication Community Development Associations (CDA’s) from our communities and
stopped Agberos from collecting revenues for Edo State Government.
• Creation of online website "EdoMonitorMe" Portal for transparency and monitoring of
projects.


4. SOCIAL WELFARE ENHANCEMENT

• Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EDOBEST) programme: implementation of
modern teaching techniques and technology.
• Over 11,000 teachers trained across the state
• Edo State Sports Commission Bill passed into law and Edo State Sports Commission
established
• Over a million textbooks distributed across the state
• Establishment of Edo State Task Force on Human Trafficking to curb irregular migration
and human trafficking
• Launch of Edo State Health Insurance Scheme to quality and affordable health care
services for citizens.
• Twenty primary healthcare centers revamped.
• New Central Hospital opened
• Renovation and facilities upgrade of Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium
• Violence against Persons Bill has been signed into law to addres


5. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

•Commencement of reclamation of erosion damaged embankment along Upper Mission
Road by Temboga.
• Remediation measures in Auchi through the Nigeria Erosion Watershed Management
Project (NEWMAP).
• Operation Clean up Edo Project has put in place to prevent indiscriminate dumping of
waste


6. CULTURE AND TOURISM

• Successful hosting of the 2019 National Festival for Arts and Culture.
• Reintroduction of Culture Clubs in public schools


GOVERNOR GODWIN OBASEKI’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST
COVID – 19
SCREENING AND TESTING

• Primary Health-care centres spread across the 18 LGAs, with 62 designated screening
centres
• Private Health-care centres across Benin City with 40 designated as screening centres
across Benin City.
• Mobile Screening centres across 6 LGAs, with 78 Screening point spread across respective
wards: 12 wards respectively in Oredo and Etsako-West LGA, 10 wards respectively in
Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Esan West and Ovia North-East LGA.
• 64,200 persons have been screened via mobile screening centres, with 2,361 suspected
cases with samples collected. 51% Male screened and 49% Female.
• 212,000 persons screened via the fixed screening centres (Private and Primary Health-care
Total of 276,200 persons screened so far.


FACILITIES
• Setting up and equipping of 3 isolation facilities in Stella-Obasanjo Hospital, University of
Benin Teaching Hospital, and Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital.
• Purchase and installat of 2 new PCR machines at Stella-Obasanjo Hospital and University
of Benin Teaching Hospital.
• Purchase 18,000 Rapid Testing Kit (RTK).
• Acquisition of 4 Autoclave machines
• Establishment a Covid-19 support call centre to manage questions and quarries from
citizens.
• Upgrade of Emergency Operation Center (EOC) at the Hospital Management Board
complex with support from the USAid department carried out an
TRAINING
• Training of 4,218 health personnel to effectively fight the COVID-19.
• Special training to be organized for Helpline call attendants. Public health experts to be
included as trainers.
MOTIVATION
• H.E Godwin Obaseki approved a hazard allowance ranging from N90,000 to N300,000 for
frontline health worker.

Governor Godwin Obaseki submits nomination form at the National headquarters of APC.

The governor is very confident of victory ahead of the June 22nd primaries.

Details shortly

*
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has mourned the passing of iconic, Edo-born musician, Majekodunmi Fasheke, popularly known as Majek Fashek, noting that the maverick singer would be remembered for his enthralling talent.

The governor in a statement, said Majek Fashek’s death was saddening, as he was one of Edo State’s finest cultural exports, who through his soulful music cultivated fans across the world and brought global acclaim to his name and birthplace.

According to him, “I mourn the death of quintessential, maverick musician and Edo son, Majek Fashek.

“Fashek, who took the world by storm with his enigmatic talent, remains one of the finest cultural icons of his age and would be remembered for his disarming craft and skill.

"Majek Fashek was born by an Edo mother, grew up in Benin City, and stood as a shining light for youths in the state to emulate.

"He remains a force to reckon with, serving as an inspiration to Benin boys and girls and many more people across races and tribes. He will remain in our hearts as one of those who defied the odds to reach global acclaim at a time no one gave him much of a chance. His skill shone brightly and the world could not but look his way and acknowledge his undeniable gift. He will be sorely missed."

The governor extended his condolences to the musician’s immediate family, friends and fans across the world, praying that God grants them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Edo state first lady Her excellency Mrs Betsy Obaseki accompanied by other top government officials visits family of Late Miss Uwa Vera Omozuwa.

#Justice4Uwa

Raped in church: Betsy Obaseki condoles late Uwaila’s family

Wife of the Governor of Edo State, Her Excellency Betsy Obaseki has condoled with the family of late Uwaila Omozuwa who was allegedly raped when she went to study in a church at Ikpoba Hill area of Benin City the Edo state capital.

Her Excellency Betsy Obaseki visited the family on Monday evening in compamy of the wife of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mrs Maryann Shaibu, the Edo State Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Maria Edekor and other state officials.

Her Excellency assured him that the death of the Uwaila will not be vain.

She urged him to take solace in the fact that Uwaila is now in a better place and encouraged him to continue to keep faith in God who knows all.

Addressing his visitors, father of the deceased, Mr Johnson Omozuwa narrated that all his efforts to keep late Uwaila alive after she was discovered unconscious proved abortive.

He said his lamentation was the fact that tears kept pouring from her eyes while she was in a coma for four days until she gave up the ghost.

The deceased father said that Uwaila was a well behaved girl who had kept her virginity for the past 22 years.

Meanwhile, the Wife of the Governor of Edo State, Her Excellency Betsy Obaseki is calling for an end to the violence against women and Children in Edo State.

Her Excellency in a video message being played as a jingle in Television and radio stations across Edo State condemned in strong terms the rising spate of violence against women and children in the state since the onset of the Covid19 pandemic.

The video which had the Deputy Governor’s wife, the wife of the Speaker of the Edo State House Assembly and wives of the Local Government Chairmen in Edo state jointly speaking against the violence metted on women and children read thus:

“Since the onset of the Covid19 pandemic, we have recorded a sharp rise in domestic and sexual violence against women and children in our society. A few days ago we lost a promising young female student of the University of Benin Uwa Omozuwa to the hand of a rapist.

“As mothers in the land, we are raising our voices in anger, and we are saying enough of this madness. Stop this violence now!!!”

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.sunnewsonline.com/v/s/www.sunnewsonline.com/raped-in-church-betsy-obaseki-condoles-late-uwailas-family/amp/%3famp_js_v=0.1&usqp=mq331AQFKAGwASA%253D#ampf=

The Global Women for Quality and Sustainable Development Initiative (GWSD) in collaboration with Infinite Academy, on Tuesday embarked on sensitisation and enlightenment campaign at Ekiosa Market relocated to Iguodala Primary School on Murtala Mohammed Way, Benin City.

The Executive Director, Infinite Academy, Isoken Odemwingie urged traders to adhere strictly to government's directives regarding the precautionary measures to curtail the spread of coronavirus.

Odemwingie appealed to the traders both in Bini language and pidgin to comply with all safety measures against the deadly virus.

"Use facemask always and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Observe social distancing and avoid handshakes. Wash your hands frequently with any type of soap under running water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or bent elbow when sneezing and/or coughing. Discard the tissue properly", he advised.

On his part, GWSD Programme Officer, Comrade Ehis Agugu charged the traders to support government and medical practitioners in their efforts to keep Edo people safe as coronavirus is not a joking matter but an issue that must be taking seriously.

Looking at the rise in Gender Based Violence, Agugu disclosed that there are several people suffering today, not as victims of the coronavirus itself, but because of the domestic and sexual violence they are exposed to as a result of the stay home to stay safe policy. Records have shown that many victims of sexual and domestic violence do not speak up.

The Programme Officer said: "If you're currently suffering any form of abuse or violence, know that you're not alone. We are here to support you. Please, speak up. Report to relevant authorities or call 09093113168 to seek help for you and your loved ones.

Facemasks were distributed to traders who deal in foodstuffs as trading was unimpeded having Police Officers and officials of Edo State Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV) Scheme on ground to ensure enforcement of the state government’s directives on proper washing of hands before customers were allowed into the market.

It was however observed that Iguodala Primary School (Ekiosa Market) have only one hand-washing station as the Rights group intend to increase the numbers because we have to survive as a people otherwise, we perish as individual. This is part of efforts to complement the Edo State Government's fight against the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

*COVID-19: Obaseki hails midwives for sacrifice, resilience*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commended midwives across the state for their resilence, commitment and sacrifice while working to assist women giving birth in hospitals and maternity homes amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The governor said this in commemoration of the International Midwives Day marked by the International Confederation of Midwives and other health agencies.

According to him, “As the world marks the International Midwives Day, we celebrate and applaud midwives in Edo State who work daily in maternity wards in hospitals and clinics across the state to ensure that our women give birth safely amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“We appreciate them for their commitment to duty and sacrifices in ensuring safe deliveries as well as ensuring mothers and babies are well taken care of during and immediately after the delivery process.

“We assure that we would continue to make their work environment conducive, which we have demonstrated with the various initiatives implemented through the Edo State Healthcare Improvement Programme (Edo-HIP), through which Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) have been equipped to serve as key nodes in the effort to check the coronavirus pandemic in the state.”

The governor said the state government has refurbished over 30 PHCs across the state under Edo-HIP, and provided health insurance cover for antenatal care in the centres.

According to him, “Our commitment to strengthening the primary healthcare system in the state is to ensure that workers, such as midwives are provided with all the support they need to effectively deliver on their tasks. This is why we have automated the system and trained them to better serve the people.”

“In the course of the implementation of the Edo-HIP programme, we have trained the midwives, exposing them to contemporary ideas and skillset for better service. We have also provided basic amenities in the health centres to ensure that they are best equipped to provide essential services,” he added.

*

The Edo State Government has said that it never released any photograph of the fleeing COVID-19 patient, a nursing mother, who is wanted for treatment in the state.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said this in reaction to a video on social media by someone claiming to have been falsely identified as the nursing mother, who absconded after testing positive for COVID-19.

He noted that the lady whose picture was circulated on social media, is a victim of fake news, stressing that the action by the mischief makers amounts to undermining government's efforts to track down the nursing mother.

According to him, “Our attention has been drawn to a video on social media by a lady who claimed her photos have been circulated on social media wrongly as the nursing mother wanted for COVID-19 treatment by the state government.

“It must be stated that when government made the announcement, it only gave the name of the woman in question and her address and never released any photograph of her.

“We categorically stated that the nursing mother lives at No. 2 Atoe Idubor Str, off 2nd Ugbor, Benin City. With such detail, it would be impossible to mix up the person we are searching for.

“However, we understand that the action of the mischief makers would have caused the lady in the video on social media undue psychological torment. We sympathize with her as, just like us, she is now a victim of fake news.

“Therefore, we use this opportunity to reiterate the warning on purveyors of fake news and misinformation to desist from such act, as their actions amount to undermining government's effort to check the spread of coronavirus. This is punishable under the Quarantine Act Regulations, which is in force in the state."

The governor’s aide urged the general public to continue to provide useful information that would aid in tracking down the COVID-19 patient and her baby so as to safeguard Edo people.

*_…salutes courage, commitment_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged journalists to uphold the ethics of the journalism profession and live up to their responsibilities of providing reliable and credible information to the public, noting that accurate and fact-based news reports and analysis were necessary in governments efforts to contain the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Obaseki said this in commemoration of the 2020 World Press Freedom Day with the theme, ‘Journalism without Fear or Favour,’ marked every May 3, by the United Nations and other sister organs.

The governor noted that journalists as society’s watch-dog and members of the exalted fourth estate of the realm, have an obligation to report only verified, fact-based and objective news in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, as whatever they report have implications on how quickly the outbreak is contained and the number of lives that will be saved.

Governor Obaseki who identified journalists and the media as critical to getting the right messages to communities, reassured that his administration will continue to ensure the safety and security of all media practitioners in the state.

According to him, “As we mark the World Press Freedom Day, I want to urge media practitioners to uphold the ethics of the journalism profession, leverage on the power of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and ensure they provide the public with fact-based, verified and credible information.

“Amid the welter of information swirling about the novel coronavirus, it has become even more imperative for journalists to effectively perform their role of providing reliable and credible information to the public. Accuracy and balance should be integral when reporting situations that compromise public health, such as this outbreak; reporting the facts with a genuine intent to inform the public should be paramount.”

“I also commend the display of courage and commitment by our journalists who daily, among other essential professionals, have remained on the frontlines of efforts in curtailing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

The UN General Assembly in 1993 proclaimed May 3 as World Press Freedom Day, following a recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Conference in 1991.It is a date to encourage and develop initiatives in favour of press freedom, and to assess the state of press freedom worldwide.

*_...hails health workers, first responders, others_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has hailed workers in the state for their sacrifice, resilience and commitment in the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The governor said this in commemoration of Workers’ Day, a celebration of labourers and the working class promoted by the International Labour Movement, marked every May 1.

Obaseki, also expressed his appreciation to health workers and other first responders in the state, who have shown rare courage and passion on the frontlines of the state government’s efforts at managing the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

He said, “As we celebrate Workers’ Day today, we salute the commitment and resilience of all Edo workers who are working tirelessly to build a state we can all be proud of through their meaningful services and sacrifices.

Today, we specially celebrate our health workers and other first responders, who have shown rare courage and passion on the frontlines of our efforts to manage the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We are extremely grateful to all of you, as you work round the clock, putting your lives on the line, to fight this common enemy. We owe you a debt of gratitude.”

Obaseki continued, “Although these are trying times for us all, I want to reiterate that despite dwindling economic fortunes caused by the pandemic, we remain resolute in our commitment to the welfare of workers in Edo State. This is why we have ensured the payment of all workers and pensioners in the state as and when due.

“We have continued to provide in-service training, life insurance and special allowances to all health workers managing the coronavirus pandemic in the state. Although this is not equivalent to the extent of their sacrifice, it will at least ensure that they are well motivated to carry out their roles, even more effectively.”

“As we ramp up efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, we urge you to stay at home and comply with all safety measures against this deadly virus. If you must go out, ensure to use facemask. Avoid large gatherings of more than 20 persons, observe social distancing, wash your hands regularly with soap under running water and use alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Cover your mouth and nose properly when sneezing and/or coughing”, the governor added.

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GovernorGodwinObaseki
Official Whatsapp Number: +2349025944616
Telegram: https:///GGOnewsofficial

https://www.independent.ng/how-obasekis-former-chief-of-staff-was-blackmailed-into-resigning-from-office/


*By Temidayo Akinsuyi*

LAGOS – Facts emerged on Wednesday on why Taiwo Akerele, former Chief of Staff to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, unceremoniously resigned his position last weekend. Akerele, in his resignation letter dated April 25, had said his decision to resign was based on administrative and governance grounds.

“My decision to exit the government is based on administrative and governance grounds. “I am solidly with His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in his quest to transform Edo State. His mission and vision resonate with mine.

“This is all I have to say. I will like to be given the opportunity to go private as I part ways administratively with the government based on principles. “I thank his Excellency for the opportunity given to me to serve in this capacity and also thanks to His Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, for his immense leadership and support during the period I served in this capacity.

May his reign be long and peaceful. Amen,” Akerele wrote in the letter. While many have been wondering why Akerele decided to part ways with Obaseki, given their perceived closeness, a credible source in Edo Government House informed Daily Independent that the former Chief of Staff was blackmailed into doing so by forces opposed to the governor’s re-election.

According to him, Akerele lost the confidence of the governor and was locked out of the kitchen cabinet when it was discovered that he was allegedly leaking out sensitive documents to members of the Edo Peoples Movement (EPM), a political group in the All Progressives Congress (APC) loyal to Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the party’s national chairman, who is at loggerheads with the governor.

According to our source, “Taiwo Akerele was the head of World Bank Edo State Office of State Employment and Expenditure for Results (SEEFOR) project under the Adams Oshiomhole administration. “The project involves infrastructure development in rural areas. While overseeing the project, Akerele took liberty for licence and misappropriated funds.

“There were documents showing that he bought a house in California for $1 million and so on. “Unfortunately for him, by the time the conflict between the governor and Oshiomhole started, he actually supported the governor and was fighting on his side, saying the governor deserved a second term.

“Later, the Oshiomhole team roped him in and showed him documents of houses, of how he misappropriated funds, and they threatened to report him to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). “Following the threat, he panicked and capitulated. They then started blackmailing him to reveal government documents to them. “He then became a mole and started working for the Oshiomhole team, revealing sensitive information to them.

“The governor later became worried about how sensitive information and documents were getting to the Oshiomhole camp. “It was later discovered that he was the one behind it. After that, the governor rejigged his kitchen cabinet and Akerele was locked out.

“When that happened, he was unable to get privileged information to send to the Oshiomhole camp. “Having realised that he was no longer useful to them, the Oshiomhole camp asked him to resign or be exposed, and cause a scare that there is disarray in the Obaseki camp. “Before he even came to submit the letter to the governor, he had already gone to the media, and that was why Crusoe Osagie, the media aide to the governor, issued a statement that the governor was not aware of his resignation.”

Also speaking, Chief Charles Idahosa, a former Commissioner for Information in Edo State, said on Wednesday that Akerele was a betrayer who failed to justify the confidence reposed in him by Governor Obaseki. Idahosa, a prominent leader of the APC in the state, said he nominated Akerele for the position of Chief of Staff to Governor Obaseki even though he (Akerele) was lobbying him to make him a commissioner in the Obaseki administration.

According to Idahosa, when Akerele approached him that he wanted to resign as Chief of Staff, he asked him if he was being blackmailed into doing so, but he replied that he wasn’t being blackmailed. He added that Akerele’s resignation was of no consequence as he was a political paperweight in the politics of Edo State.

“It might surprise you and a lot of people to know that I was the one that nominated Taiwo Akerele as Chief of Staff to Governor Godwin Obaseki. “He worked with me in Government House when I was political adviser to the governor.

“That was why I liked him because he was very efficient. He was a secretary of a committee that I chaired in Government House. “He was rolling on the ground when I nominated him as Chief of Staff because he was already lobbying me to assist him in becoming a commissioner, only for the governor to come to me and say, ‘Is there anybody you can suggest to me as Chief of Staff ?’ I immediately said Taiwo Akerele, from Akoko-Edo. “He came to me and said he wanted to resign and I asked him, ‘Are you being blackmailed into resigning?’ He said no, he wasn’t being blackmailed. “As chief of staff, his action is a betrayal to the governor.

“There are so many things that have been unravelled about him that I don’t want to talk about because, like I told you, it is not an issue. “We have seen it before. The sad aspect is that Oshiomhole is allowing little boys to rubbish him.” When contacted, Akerele, who did not deny that he got the appointment through Idahosa, however, said, as a professional, he had resolved not to join issues with anyone. He said he had resigned and moved on with his life.

“In my resignation letter, I clearly stated that I will like to be given the opportunity to go private. “I will not join issues with anyone. I have resigned and since moved on,” he said.”

*_…ramps up strategies to contain pandemic_*

The Edo State Government has purchased one more PCR machine and a fresh new batch of 5,000 Viral Transport Medium (VTM), as part of intensified efforts to contain the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the state.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Patrick Okundia, who disclosed this to journalists in Benin City, noted that the laboratory teams of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) have commenced the validation and inspection of two additional PCR machines in Edo State.

The new PCR machine brings to four the total number of PCR machines purchased by the state government since the outbreak of coronavirus in the state.

Okundia noted that the state has revved up its testing and screening capacity, urging residents to use the various opportunities provided by the state government to ascertain their COVID-19 status.

He said the screening and testing exercise would identify the trend of the spread of the virus across the state and help the government ramp up effort and strategies to contain the pandemic.

Okundia, who decried the spate of rising cases in the state, urged all residents to stay at home and comply with government’s directives, aimed at curtailing the spread of the deadly virus.

He said, “As a government, we have intensified efforts at containing the COVID-19 pandemic in Edo State. Apart from awareness and sensitisation against the spread of the virus, we have commenced massive testing and screening across Edo. Laboratory capacity is being strengthened and training of laboratory personnel is ongoing by NCDC, World Health Organisation (WHO) and other partners; 1 additional PCR machine for testing has been purchased by the state government and delivered.

“NCDC and ISTH Laboratory teams have commenced the validation and inspection of two new PCR in Edo State. We are upgrading laboratory facilities to cater for differential laboratory testing at the Stella Obasanjo Hospital Isolation Centre (SOHIC). Also, we have procured another batch of 5,000 viral transport medium.

“As part of these efforts, we have commenced decontamination of homes/offices of confirmed cases in Edo; we have set up screening facilities (questionnaire-based) in six Primary Health Care (PHC) centres and 4 private health facilities in Oredo LGA, which are being scaled up across the 18 LGAs. We have also commenced mobile screening for residents across the 12 wards in Oredo LGA; this is also being scaled up.”

He added, “We urge all citizens to abide strictly with government directives on social distancing, use of facemask in the public, regular handwashing with soap under running water or using alcohol-based sanitisers, cough etiquette and compliance with the stay-at-home order.

“We appeal to everyone with symptoms of the disease to come for screening, testing and treatment as prompt detection and treatment increases the chances of survival. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, please call these toll-free lines that have been activated by Edo State Government for assistance: 08001235111 or 08002200110.”