In order to be fair and just... Happy wedding anniversary sir....But governance is for the stable and established personality in all ramifications. Asue Ighodalo, the next governor of Edo State

Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata should concentrate on his profession as loyal because he has no locus standi to become the Governor of Edo State because his household is not well established

If a household is well established and structured, the tendency to Govern effectively and efficiently will sacrosanct. Asue Ighodalo meets all the criteria.Hence, he has a well established house, professionality and academic persona.. It implies Asue Ighodalo is good to go.

Maintaining your household can impact positively on governance.Hence,Asue Ighodalo fits sure a narrative

The Primacy of Truth (Part 3)*

*By Crusoe Osagie*

"Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears;

"I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.

"The evil that men do lives after them;

"The good is oft interred with their bones."

The last two lines of the preceding quote by Mark Antony in his funeral oration for Julius Caesar after he was killed with 23 stab wounds by the Roman senators, including his confidant Brutus have provoked my imagination extremely in the last 48 hours.

Perhaps human nature does not change much, otherwise, how can Mark Antony's words remain the indisputable truth over 425 years after they were spoken?

All I hear from the exclusive club of politicians with access to power who have been on the tip of my pen for the last one week are the 'evil' that Governor Godwin Obaseki has done to their access to our collective patrimony.

These few bigwigs, as they call themselves, with no clear sources of wealth that finance their elaborate estates have since sent their minions to try to assail the Primacy of Truth. Unfortunately, they have not been able to summon the intelligence necessary to debate at this level.

In this third part of the series, after a lesson from the wise words of Antony, I want to place more truths on record that they may not be interred by the deluge of obnoxious lies frequently heralded by these enemies of the masses.

Seldom spoken of is the truth that Governor Obaseki has cleared all the pension liabilities dating back over 30 years along with the first pension harmonisation in the last 22 years.

My 80-year-old father, Mr. Matthew Osagie, like many other pensioners, is a beneficiary.

What about the capturing of all state pensioners in the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme (EdoHIS), ensuring that they have access to quality healthcare till they leave this world? Is this an act of wickedness?

Is it callous of Obaseki to have recruited over 5000 (five thousand) people into the State’s civil and public service in the last seven and a half years, paying their salaries promptly on the 26th of every month or earlier, when other States have been letting go of their employees?

Will Obaseki be considered hard-hearted for migrating workers in the State into the Contributory Pension Scheme, ensuring that these workers are well-catered for after their active years in service?

Obaseki has cleared the pension arrears owed Local Government pensioners from 1984 till date after nearly 40 years of neglect! Is this an act of wickedness too?
He has now established the Local Government Pensions Bureau, which caters to the needs of retirees from the State's 18 local governments, ensuring that their entitlements are promptly sorted as and when due.

Will these senior citizens and retirees along with their children and grandchildren for whose benefits Obaseki contended with the powers that be rise in his defense?

The jury is out and the battleground is the gubernatorial election on September 21, 2024.

Sadly, not many will read this. Our people are inundated by a deluge of tall tales and they can hardly find space to accommodate the Primacy of Truth.

*Watch out for Part 4.*

*_Osagie, a journalist, is the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media Projects_*

https://www.newshunternow.com/posts/the-primacy-of-truth-part-2

https://nigerianobservernews.com/2024/05/the-primacy-of-truth-part-2/

*The Primacy of Truth (Part 2)*

*By Crusoe Osagie*

He is wicked. He does not forgive. He lacks empathy; and a few more phrases that would not be appropriate in print are often deployed as cryptic language to express their frustration with Governor Godwin Obaseki who has refused to fleece the masses to fete the politically privileged.

They prefer a free rein, a culture of impunity where there are absolutely no consequences for bad behavior because that culture serves the interest of a few with political access and relationship with power.

But Rigoberta Menchú, the Guatemalan Indian human rights activist and 1992 Nobel Peace Prize winner who has spent most of her life fighting for Guatemala’s indigenous people warned that “If impunity is not demolished, all efforts to bring an end to corruption are in vain.”

Unfortunately, most of Obaseki’s crimes against the exclusive elite club of the politically powerful centre around his audacity to demand that bad behavior and impunity are fairly retributed with sanctions to prevent a reinforcement of moral vacuum.

A good example is some politically connected big farmers, who got loans from the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) and somehow expected Governor Obaseki to write off the loans just because they have political access.

About two or three of these big political farmers who are angry with Obaseki for insisting that they pay back their loans, because even smaller farmers who don’t have access to political power were paying, lead the cacophony of voices screaming to the high-heavens that Obaseki is a wicked and ungrateful man. What an irony.

For us ordinary people, empathy is when you identify the less fortunate in society and take steps to make their lives easier. Empathy is to identify the exclusion of youths and minorities from positions of authority and pick a 37-year-old Marvellous Omobayo Godwins from the oldest but very sidelined Akoko-Edo Local Government Area (LGA) to be Deputy Governor.

Empathy is when you move to ensure that a Blessing Agbebaku from Owan West Local Government Area, one of the most marginalized LGAs in Edo State emerges as Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) and leader of an arm of government for the first time in the history of the State.

Empathy is when you identify that there are three senatorial districts in Edo State- Edo North, Edo Central and Edo South, and insist that each should have a fair shot at the governorship seat thereby forcing most of the other political parties to abandon their intention to perpetuate the total dominance of Edo South and Edo North just because they are more in number.

Empathy is when you identify and take concrete steps to address the sufferings and pains of the people caused by the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government as well as the floating of the naira which negatively impacted exchange rate with spillover effect on inflation. Governor Obaseki provided safety nets to cushion the impact of these national policies on the people of Edo State, including provision of a free bus scheme, which has benefitted millions of residents in the State.

Empathy is when you rightly identify that the N18,000 minimum wage is a scandal and against all odds raise it to N70,000 monthly even when the richer Federal Government and other richer States are stalling.

For these special politicians, however, the definition of empathy is more ambiguous and they have resolved to deal with Obaseki and destroy his ideals as well as anything he holds dear for attempting to redefine empathy.

Will the people who share the common man’s definition of empathy rise in defense of Obaseki for daring to contend with the powers that be?

The jury is out and the battleground is the gubernatorial election in September 21, 2024.

Sadly, not many will read this. Our people are inundated by a deluge of tall tales and they can hardly find space to accommodate the primacy of truth.

*Watch out for Part 3.*

*_Osagie, a journalist, is the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media Projects_*

*Edo govt tasks council chairmen on sensitization for career opportunities in Army, others*

The Edo Government has urged chairmen of local councils to intensify sensitization on the recruitment into the Nigerian Army.

Representing the Edo State Governor, Secretary to the State Government, Osariodion Ogie Esq., made the call during a courtesy visit by a team of senior army officers from the Army Headquarters on Sensitization and Advertisement Tour for Nigerian Army Regular Recruitment intake 87, at the Government House, Benin City.

He said, “When I received a call that Brigadier General Wiito Lucky Nzidu was leading the team to meet us over the sensitization on the recruitment of officers, what occurred to me was this must be a serious one.

“From your analysis, I am not surprised because even within us, it has been a thing of great concern when the Navy, Air Force, and even when the Police come around to ask that we plead with our people to take up the opportunities to come forward to be examined whether they are fit or proper to be committed. As a State Government, the Nigerian Army is one of the most respected national institutions.”

He added, “As we were talking, I started asking myself how are we going to do some of these things differently so more of our boys and girls will come forward for the recruitment exercise and one thing that came to my mind is to invite all the council chairmen between now and Friday and let them know the importance of getting the message to our people.

“We will get them to reach out to traditional institutions so that this message can get to the grassroots. You requested that we appoint a State Liaison Officer. I will immediately assign the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, to be the State Liaison Officer and we are going to go ahead to make radio and television announcements to let our people know the importance and the need to make sure our quota is filled.

“We appreciate this visit. We are going to assist you as you are assisting us, to get our people to step forward and take advantage of this opportunity."

Ogie added, “I want to use this opportunity to thank the military as an institution for keeping Edo and the country safe.”

On his part, the leader of the team, Brig. Gen. Wiito Lucky Nzidu said, “Our Chief of Army Staff has sent me here. Other senior officers are in other geopolitical zones across the country doing this same sensitization and awareness campaign with the view to ensuring some of these selected States see the need and reason why they need to fill up their quota with their vibrant sons and daughters into the Nigerian Army. That is why we are here.

“Edo State is not utilizing its quota in the Nigerian Army; you need your sons and daughters to contribute to national security.

“Once there is Army recruitment, a quota is given to every state, if you are not filling your quota, I think something is wrong somewhere. I don’t want us to, in the very near future, begin to cry that we are marginalized in the Army whereas the problem is from us.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

Representative of Edo State Governor and Secretary to the State Government, Osariodion Ogie Esq. (left), and Brig. Gen. Wiito Lucky Nzidu, during a courtesy visit by a team of senior army officers from the Army Headquarters on Sensitization and Advertisement Tour for Nigerian Army Regular Recruitment intake 87, at the Government House, Benin City.

*Open Political Party Defection Not A CRIME But Better Than A Clandestine Political-Turncoat That Is Multiculturally Abysmal.*

*By Osata Osayogie Raphael*

In an era of political landscaping that could have been determined by political intuition and reasoning rather than emotionally-based intent or feelings.A lot of political narcissists and rabble-rousers prefer being clandestine political turncoats that are eccentric and ambivalent in nature; that can lead to ignominious practical disgrace rather than declaring your political defection openly in a constructive, objective and dignified manner.This calls for character, capacity,value and integrity.

Open political defection is neither a sin nor a crime but a mindset orchestrated by pensive decision-making.

In a bid to prepare for Edo Agenda 2024.Or rather,as the Edo elections gain momentum,it is clear that political shocks are on the horizon.As expected,the Edo State gubernatorial election coming up on the 21st September,2024 has thrown up various challenges,series of hypothesis have precipitated various schools of thought.One of such attributes that are highly prevalent and ubiquitous during political electoral processes is called cross carpeting and political party defection.The watch-word cross carpeting and political party defection is not constitutional or institutionalized.Hence,it is optional for any party member to defect.

In Nigeria, the term political crossing carpeting or political party defection can be used interchangeably. When a member of a political party crosses or defects to another party of his or her choice due to some political or personal reasons.Alternatively, it could be a party defector who gives up allegiance to one state(political party)in exchange for allegiance to another(political party), changing side in a way, which is considered illegitimate by the first state(political party).It could be termed as POLITICAL PARTY DEFECTION.It is never constitutional to be in a particular party for a life time.Hence, you have the full privilege to defect especially if you are aggrieved or if you have both a personal and political collective interest.

Nigerian democracy has witnessed series of indiscriminate political defections, with politicians crisscrossing from one political party to another.This discourse ascertained that there is nothing wrong with cross carpeting,simpliciter, if predicated upon well articulated principles and unimpeachable political ideology.In fact,cross carpeting—within certain precincts—is a fundamental and constitutional right. Nevertheless, with the current trend of cross carpeting being enacted in the Nigerian political landscape, principles, scruples, ideology, and the like, have all been jettisoned for greed, self interest, and opportunism.The study established that though the legality of the current Nigerian species of cross carpeting may be entrenched,the morality is not.Consequently, the study avers that the current spate of cross carpeting, that has become commonplace, contradicts the sanctity of religious propositions; whittles down the respected concept of trust; reveals the abject dearth of political ideology; and impinges the youth, posterity, and entire society negatively. This subject is considered important because when morality is lost, in a society like Nigeria,then the fabrics of the law and its enforceability are grossly weakened.

By happenstance,the prevalence of cross-carpeting in Nigerian politics continues to threaten the consolidation of democracy in the country.It is strengthened by the proliferation of political parties devoid of entrenched ideology or political philosophy besides attaining political and economic powers.The unusually delayed justice in defection related matters sometimes occasioned by the pile of cases before the scanty judicial umpire in the country is another block of stumbling over.The technical approach of these umpires to cases of defection or constitutional matters may not be far from being a cloak on the wheel of justice.While the elected executives at the detriment of their electorates enjoyed the freedom of assembly and association in changing their political parties after the election, the exercise of the same right by the elected members of legislative houses are subjected to certain occurrences in justification or else vacate their seats on the pronouncement of their respective leaders in the house.This historical political menace persistently thrives in the country's fledgling democracy without adequate legal instruments for effective redress.Through the conceptual approach, the study reveals that the elected executives persistently swindle the mandate of their voters with impunity while the principal officers of the parliaments freely decide who remains or exits the house on the ground of defection.It is clear that the Nigerian Anti Defection Law is highly parochial, vague and bleak.In all, party defection is a function of pensive conscious realization and mental reasoning by positive decision-making.

In conclusion,most of the essence of political party defection is primarily for self-aggrandizement, greediness,personal interest which is a function of politics rather than true governance.
Others like service to humanity, service delivery, capacity development, political collective interest which is a function of governance rather than politics.The former is based on greed_ politics(❌), the latter is based on service delivery to humanity_governance(✅)

*A Wise Man Is Pro-active And An Unreasonable Man Is Physically Vindictive And Re-active*

*Osayogie Osata Raphael Is A Public Affair Analyst Reporting From His Local Residence In Oredo Local Government Area*

*The Primacy of Truth (Part 1)*

*By Crusoe Osagie*

“In a society where they burn books, they will soon burn human beings.” This is a paraphrase of the somewhat prophetic quote by a German poet called Heinrich Heine long before the Nazi regime began to set up gas chambers in which over six million Jews were massacred.

Heinrich wrote this quote in 1820 and 113 years later, the Nazi regime led by Adolf Hitler took office and shortly after, they diligently supervised the holocaust, exterminating over six million Jews which till date is probably the biggest scar on the human conscience.

But guess what? Before the regime began to exterminate the Jews, they had made practical efforts to suppress truth, knowledge and reason by burning thousands of books including All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque; the Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka; Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad; the Outline of History by H.G. Wells and the Story of My Life by Helen Keller, a memoir written by a deaf and blind woman who was also a socialist and pacifist, all of which were seen as threats to Nazi ideals.

It is however important to note that even though books may not be physically burnt today, a lot of efforts and tactics are being deployed by people with selfish political interests to silence the voice of reason, truth and upend objectivity.

In Edo, a lot of effort has been made by a small segment of political actors to rewrite the history of the last seven and a half years, and their reason for doing this is simple: pecuniary. Unfortunately for this small segment of politicians in our society who used to depend absolutely on state gratification for their opulent living, Governor Godwin Obaseki’s approach to governance occasioned the redistribution of resources from people with political access to the generality of Edo citizens.

Funds that could have been deployed for orgies, opulent overseas trips, flamboyant medical tourism, and other frivolities have now been redirected for the construction of institutions like the Edo College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi; Edo College of Nursing Sciences, Sapele Road; Edo School of Health Technology, Dumez Road; equipping teachers to adequately train over 400,000 children under the EdoBEST Programme; upgrade of the Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, and the reconstruction of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital; the list is endless.

Funds that would have been ferried away in sacks popularly called ‘Ghana Must Go’ after pointless meetings in Government House have now been channeled towards the reconstruction and equipping of the State Secretariat Complex on Sapele Road; construction of the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), in Benin City; construction of the Adams Oshiomhole Labour House, in Ikpboa Hill; establishing the e-governance system that allows the government to run a paperless public service; prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, and payment of N70,000 as minimum wage, which is the highest in the country, among others.

Alas, by these good deeds, Obaseki has murdered sleep. Just like Robin Hood, the legendary heroic outlaw depicted in English folklore who stole from the rich to give to the poor, Obaseki has a target on his back.

A segment of the politically powerful are upset. They have vowed to destroy the reputation and legacy of the man who dared to interrupt the flow of state funds to satisfy their voracious appetite.

Will the people for whose benefits Obaseki contended with the powers that be rise in his defense?

The jury is out and the battleground is the gubernatorial election in September 21, 2024.

Sadly, not many will read this. Our people are overwhelmed by a deluge of lies and they can hardly find space to accommodate the primacy of truth.

*Watch out for Part 2*

*Osagie, a journalist, is the Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media Projects*

*Edo 2024: The real story of foreign investments in Edo and why APC, Mayaki can’t see beyond their nose*

It is election season again in Edo State and the hawks and purveyors of hopelessness and despair are on the loose. They are scurrying to find a sweet spot to exploit the candidates in the September 21 gubernatorial election, writing disjointed pressers in an attempt to justify their pay from overlords who seek to upend the gains made in Edo State in the last eight years.

Hence, it is not so surprising to see that a defanged penpusher, John Mayaki, who has been disgraced publicly for trading in lies and falsehoods in previous election seasons, has taken on the job of media handler for the All Progressives Congress (APC). He has returned to his rusty pen because he has found people to pay him to tell baseless lies and embark on ill-fated propaganda.

As it has become a tradition for him, he has kicked off with the same old script of peddling lies, falsehoods and half-truths. With a candidate who had to opt for a ‘miracle centre’ to obtain High School certificate at the age of 36, the APC has elected to parley Mayaki to do their bidding, seeing that they can’t run the election on facts, credibility and sound reasoning.

The target this time is to rewrite the story of investment inflow into Edo State, premised on a curious report that had said that the State had attracted zero foreign investment in the last 3 years – a rather curious discovery.

The report would have given one sleepless night except that it is not true and doesn’t reflect the reality in Edo State. Perhaps, one would say that Edo has been one of the busiest states for investors in the last few years. The State has attracted big-ticket investors that have led to the expansion of the local economy.

The total inflow of investment into Edo State for the past 8 years is capped at N5.6trn. One of the biggest investment windows is the Edo State Oil Palm Programme (ESOPP), a N700bn investment outlay attracted to the State for the development of over 70,000 hectares of oil palm plantation across Orhionmwon, Ovia South West and Ovia North East, Uhunmwonde, Owan West Local Government Areas of the State. The project has been described as the biggest oil palm development programme on the African continent.

Some of the companies investing in the ESOPP programme include Dufil Prima Foods, which has Singaporean-Indonesian origin; Fayus Inc., an America-based company, Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), among others. These companies are replicating the Okomu Plc and Presco Plc marvel by developing expansive plantations in the State and employing thousands of workers. Aside from cultivating oil palm, some of them, like Dufil Prima Foods, are investing in an integrated farm, which also features an ethanol plant.

Other investors in the state include Radisson Group of Hotels, which is building a 170 key hotel in Benin City. Although the government is involved financially in the project, the group is also making commitments to the building project, which will transform the hospitality and tourism sector in the State.

Another key investor in the State is Mota Engil, a Portuguese international group, which has emerged as the preferred bidder for the Benin River Port. The company is set to move to site to commence construction of the 300,000 TEU port project in Benin.

Also, the Ossiomo Independent Power Project is the product of an earlier partnership between a local company and CCETC Power, a foreign company. The 6600 barrels per day (bpd) Edo Modular Refinery was also birthed through a partnership with AIPCC Energy, which has a Chinese origin. The slew of foreign investments are testaments to reforms undertaken to open the space up for private capital either from within or outside the country.

It is not surprising that the APC and Mayaki cannot appreciate the import of attracting investment because that is not how they reason. They are more concerned about fleecing the people, eating the ‘seed yam’ and empowering non-state actors to unleash mayhem on hapless citizens.

For Edo, it has been a story of an avalanche of investments in the last eight years. The companies, plantations and factories that have been set up are testament to these. The fruits are already sprouting. The efforts to rewrite this feat by emergency historians will amount to naught.

Edo people know better and will not be deceived by efforts of charlatans to market a bad candidate in their quest to return to government to serve their selfish ends. Not only are they blinded by greed, the APC and Mayaki cannot see beyond their nose, which is why they are incensed by the progress recorded in Edo in the last eight years.

*Rev Olu Martins*
*Deputy Director General, Media and Publicity*
_Edo PDP 2024 Governorship Election Campaign Management Council_

*Edo 2024: APC Ward Chair in Uhunmwode resigns, cites incompetence, lack of credibility of party’s guber candidate, deputy*

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Uhunmwode Ward 2, Daniel Noah Osa-Ogbegie, has resigned from the party, citing the incompetence and lack of credibility of the party’s governorship candidate for the 2024 gubernatorial election, Monday and its deputy, Dennis Idahosa.

In the letter of resignation made available to journalists in Benin City, the APC Ward Chair said his conscience could not allow him, and his ancestors would not forgive him if he joined in enthroning such an incompetent leadership.

Osa-Ogbegie noted that with the emergence of Okpehbolo and Idahosa, he was convinced that the APC was neither serious about the election nor interested in presenting viable governance to Edo people.

The letter reads: “I, Daniel A. Noah Osa-Ogbegie, Esq. hereby tender my resignation from the APC today.

“I am an Edo-centered person who believes strongly in an Edo renaissance driven by Edo people under a sound and correct leadership. The candidate of the APC in the forthcoming governorship election does not fill me with confidence as that leader that can lead the Edo renaissance I have always wanted.

“With this dour governorship ticket of the APC, it was clear to me that Edo APC was not serious about the election or was not serious about presenting viable governance to Edo people or both.”

He added, “As an honorable man, instead of working against the candidate of the party as a member, it was better for me to resign my membership of the party, as I cannot in good conscience campaign for the ticket of Senator Monday Okpebholo and Representative Dennis Idahosa. My conscience could not allow me and our ancestors would not have forgiven me.”*Edo 2024: APC Ward Chair in Uhunmwode resigns, cites incompetence, lack of credibility of party’s guber candidate, deputy*

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Uhunmwode Ward 2, Daniel Noah Osa-Ogbegie, has resigned from the party, citing the incompetence and lack of credibility of the party’s governorship candidate for the 2024 gubernatorial election, Monday and its deputy, Dennis Idahosa.

In the letter of resignation made available to journalists in Benin City, the APC Ward Chair said his conscience could not allow him, and his ancestors would not forgive him if he joined in enthroning such an incompetent leadership.

Osa-Ogbegie noted that with the emergence of Okpehbolo and Idahosa, he was convinced that the APC was neither serious about the election nor interested in presenting viable governance to Edo people.

The letter reads: “I, Daniel A. Noah Osa-Ogbegie, Esq. hereby tender my resignation from the APC today.

“I am an Edo-centered person who believes strongly in an Edo renaissance driven by Edo people under a sound and correct leadership. The candidate of the APC in the forthcoming governorship election does not fill me with confidence as that leader that can lead the Edo renaissance I have always wanted.

“With this dour governorship ticket of the APC, it was clear to me that Edo APC was not serious about the election or was not serious about presenting viable governance to Edo people or both.”

He added, “As an honorable man, instead of working against the candidate of the party as a member, it was better for me to resign my membership of the party, as I cannot in good conscience campaign for the ticket of Senator Monday Okpebholo and Representative Dennis Idahosa. My conscience could not allow me and our ancestors would not have forgiven me.”

Obaseki swears in five new judges, parades achievements in judiciary

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has sworn-in five judges to the bench of the Edo State High Court, urging them to do right to all cases brought before them.

Addressing the judges at the swearing-in held in Government House, Benin City, the governor said when complaints or petitions are received, it is important to take a step back and re-examine the petitions critically to make informed decisions.

“It is with delight that today I am swearing-in five additional judges to the bench of the Edo State High Court. When I came into office in 2016, one of the commitments we made was to strengthen the judiciary. This is because of its role in the democratic process. As a government, we are going to ensure that we support the judiciary.

“Let me start with the latest reforms which is, for me, assenting to the law providing for the autonomy of the judiciary. I believe that we are one of the few states in Nigeria today that have signed the bill of the autonomy of the judiciary into law.

“It is going through a learning curve but because we believe in the independence of the judiciary; we have demonstrated our commitment to wholistic reforms by enacting that law. We would work with the Chief Judge and members of the judiciary to continue fine-tuning the way and manner in which the laws are applied.

“You are all witness to the infrastructural upgrade which we have begun in the judiciary. From providing court rooms especially in Benin City to more accommodation for Judges. In the development plan we are currently designing, we have enshrined and have ensured that within the five years of implementing the new Edo State Master Plan, that the infrastructural development for the judiciary would be completed.

“In line with the other reforms which we are undertaking in the State, we are encouraging the judicial arm of government to take advantage of the digital infrastructure that the State is currently investing in as we have built over 2,000 km fiber optic connection across the State. We now have digital infrastructure in every area where we have a High Court. Please take advantage of the investment made.

“I thank the Chief Judge for the support he has continued to extend to the executive. I know that the swearing-in of judges that we are experiencing today have raised quite a few issues. As part of our intention to reform the entire arm of government in Edo State, when we get complaints or petitions that some of our choices will not go well to strengthen the judiciary, I believe it is important to take a step back and re-examine the petitions critically. This is what has happened in this case.

“We are currently waiting on the National Judicial Commission (NJC) to let us know the outcome of its decision on the other judges we have received petitions for and we will comply with the decision of NJC.

“We congratulate the judges being sworn in today. They are lucky as they are likely to spend more time in the service because of the extension in the retirement age. We wish you well and hope you will always do right to all cases brought before you.

Speaking on behalf of the new Judges, Osayende Ikwuemosi Awawu, said, “We are going to do our jobs and perform our duties to the best of our ability.”

Claire2023:
I fit confidently say you be big liar and blinded my unfounded hatred
who nor dey pay workers complete salaries?
Salaries wey him dey pay between 24th and 26th every month.
God Abeg ooo, dem still dey see people wey dey spread lies? He increased it from 40k to 70k and you are here spreading falsehood

You are absolutely right! Obaseki pays worker's salary every on 24th of each month. Including pensioners. He capacity, competent and public-friendly

Claire2023:
I fit confidently say you be big liar and blinded my unfounded hatred
who nor dey pay workers complete salaries?
Salaries wey him dey pay between 24th and 26th every month.
God Abeg ooo, dem still dey see people wey dey spread lies? He increased it from 40k to 70k and you are here spreading falsehood

If you don't know, you don't know. Obaseki has put in place modalities to pay the N70,000 minimum wage on ground. I expect you as a learned and knowledgeable individual to see if his promises are not me ok

Almaigaa:
Obaseki don come with lies. Person wey no dey fit pay Edo workers their complete salaries every month. Na him come lie say him wan pay 70k as minimum wage. All this scam is because of the upcoming election.

He knew that Edo People no go vote am, he wan use 70k minimum wage to scam us. We no go gree. He spend 8 years as Governor with zero projects.

If you know you know, if you don't know you don't know.... There are already modalities put in place for N70,000 minimum wage. I expected you as learned or knowledgeable individual to wait as see if he can't meet up with the promises ok.

*Workers’ Day: Obaseki hails Edo workers, salutes contributions to growth of state’s economy, others*

*_…says 70, 000 new minimum wage a proof of govt’s commitment to rewarding hard work_*

*_… ‘Edo best public service State to work on the African continent’_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has hailed the outstanding contribution of workers in the state to the growth of the state’s Gross Domestic Products in the past seven and half years of his administration, noting that their commitment, and dedication in transforming the state deserves praise.

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

In a statement, the governor said, “This is my last year in office and I dare say that I have had the best of time working with workers in Edo State. The experience has been exhilarating. I am happy that working with you all, we grew the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by over 140 percent. For me, that is rewarding.”

He noted, “It has indeed been enriching journey working and I am glad that we are signing off on an exciting note as only two days ago, I announced that we have raised the Edo State minimum wage from N40,000 to N70,000, an increase of over 75% percent, which reflects how much we have come to value the work you do and which also speaks to our unwavering commitment to rewarding hard work as a government.”

Obaseki said his administration has improved the working conditions for the state’s workforce, noting, “From infrastructure upgrade to prioritizing technology and improving incentives for work, we have successfully built the first state government in Nigeria to go fully digital. The rate that technology is redefining work processes in Edo today is unprecedented and our workers can testify to the fact that the e-gov platform we have implemented has radically changed governance.

“We have migrated our workers to the Contributory Pension Scheme at the State and Local Government levels such that they have a stable post-work life even as we have transformed the work environment to promote merit, technology-compliance, a healthy work-life balance and emerged as the best public service to work on the African continent.”

“We have just commissioned the Labour House, which would serve as the Secretariat of the Labour Movement in Nigeria and also as a symbol of the illustrious heritage of our people who have done great work in sustaining the Labour movement in Nigeria,” he added.

Isere cannot subvert the good works of Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki by instigating great Edo residents towards the governor...His development strides speaks for himself

*PDP unveils campaign council for 2024 Edo governorship election*

The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has launched the Campaign Council for the September 21 2024 Governorship Election in the State.

In a statement, the PDP State Organizing Secretary, Tony Anenih (Jnr.) said members of the Campaign Council are versatile members of the PDP who have been carefully chosen to deliver the party’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.

He noted that the Campaign Structure has an Advisory Council to be headed by the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; a Management Committee; a State Campaign Council made up of 200 eminent members of the PDP; the women wing to be headed by the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki and Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, and the youth wing to be led by the Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor.

Anenih explained that the selection process was carried out under the direct supervision of the leaders of the party headed by the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, adding, “I do not have any doubt whatsoever in my mind, that this group of very versatile members of the PDP that have been carefully chosen will deliver our erudite, intellectually sound and broad-minded candidate, Dr. Asuerinme Ighodalo.”

According to him, the Campaign Structure has the following unique features: “The advisory council has 7 eminent members of the state, with His Excellency, the Governor as Chairman; the Management Committee is made up of the Director General and 13 Deputy Director Generals for Finance, Contact and Mobilization, Media/ Publicity Field Operations, Security, among others; the State Campaign Council is made up of 200 eminent members of our Party; the women wing to be led by Her Excellency, the first lady of the Edo State, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki with the wife of the PDP candidate, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, and the youth wing to be led by the Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor.”

On the youth and women wing, the State Organizing Secretary further noted, “Though these two very critical wings will be working independently, its relationship with the other Directorates will be symbiotic.”

He added, “On behalf of the party, I congratulate each and every one of you that have been selected, and the party hopes and expects you to hit the ground running.”

*Obaseki rallies stakeholders in Uhunmwode, Orhionmwon on Regional Devt, Benin City Masterplan, seeks input*

_*…says Edo key to Nigeria’s survival*_

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday, met with residents and other stakeholders in Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State to seek their support and input in the State’s Regional Development and Benin City Master Plan.

Obaseki at the stakeholders’ interactive session held at Edo State College of Education, Abudu in Orhionmwon LGA, said the plans will serve as a roadmap for the progress and sustainable development of the State within the next 30 years.

The governor said, “In the last seven and half years, we have done a lot as a government as we will not leave the State the way we met it. We don't have a master plan in Edo and Nigeria and it has led to retrogression, not development. We will put down a plan for the next 30 years which will lead successive administrations to develop the Edo.

"We have brought seven investors to Uhunmwode and Orhinomwon LGAs that will start mechanized and large-scale agriculture. We are working towards feeding the South-South. Edo has fertile land in Nigeria.”

"Every local government must have at least one technical school and must be linked to a particular trade and the students will have a place to work. Abudu Campus is one of the campuses to train teachers that will teach our students,” Obaseki added.

On his part, the Commissioner for Food Security and Agriculture, Hon. Stephen Idehenre said in the master plan, technology will be introduced to agriculture to encourage young people into the sector.

He noted that the State has brought in investors that have invested in the oil Palm industry which is a sector that has the potential for massive employment opportunities for Edo youths.

Also, the MD of Edo State Transport Agency, Mrs. Edugie Agbonlahor, said the State as part of the masterplan will develop all forms of transportation in Edo State.

She noted that Benin City has an Airport as another is being proposed in Auchi, adding, “The Edo State Governor has approved for the purchase of water buses for the agency to commence water transportation and it would serve as a pilot scheme. The water buses would look like ECTS buses, as Jetty will be built around riverine areas.”

She added, “We are also working to connect rails into Benin City, Abudu and other areas to ensure people don't depend on road or air transportation alone. The governor has built a bus terminal in Benin City as a pilot phase and it has recorded success and now it will be extended to other parts of the State. The government has also embarked on junction improvements to solve traffic problems in the State.”

In his response, HRH Edobor Uwaifo, Enogie of Omolua-Igbanke thanked the governor for his foresight of a master plan for the State as it will guide the State in its developmental plans.

He, however, appealed to the governor to upgrade the Igbanke General Hospital to enable more people in the area to better benefit from the government’s huge investment in the health sector.

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Edo State Commissioner for Finance, Budget, Economic Planning and Development, Mrs. Adaze Aguele-Kalu; Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, Mrs. Christabel Omoh Ekwu; Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Oviawe; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Edo State House Assembly (EDHA) member representing Orhionmwon South, and Commissioner for Health, Dr. Samuel Alli, at a meeting with stakeholders on the Edo State’s Regional Development and Benin City Master Plan in Orhionmwon and Uhunmwode Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State, Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

*Obaseki hails Edo Queens for Super Six qualification*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated the State’s female football team, Edo Queens for clinching a spot in the Super Six tournament after finishing second in Group B of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL).

Obaseki, in a statement, expressed optimism that the team will have an excellent outing at the Super Six championship to hoist the State’s flag on the continental stage.

Obaseki said, “I heartily congratulate our own dear Edo Queens for clinching a spot in the Super 6 Championship after securing the second position in Group B of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL).

“We celebrate your exploits and accomplishments as you continue to give an excellent account of yourselves, showcasing your exceptional talent and team spirit, and making us proud with your outstanding performance.”

He added, “As you go into the Super Six Championship, I charge you to continue on this impressive run even as we are confident of an excellent outing at the championship for a chance to hoist the State's flag on the continental stage for the first time.”

Edo deploying novel model to boost response to medical emergency - Commissioner

_*… we’ve responded to 27 emergency calls in one month*_

The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Samuel Alli, said the State Government is leveraging strategic collaboration with the private sector to boost response to medical emergencies in the State.

The commissioner, in a chat with journalists, said residents in the Oredo, Egor, and Ikpoba-Okha LGAs can access medical and ambulance services by calling the Edo Emergency Toll-Free Number, 112 or 739, noting that, “This is a pilot phase for residents within Benin City.

“After this pilot phase which will last for about a year, the State Government will extend the medical emergency services to other parts of the State. After we have looked into the things we didn’t do well in the pilot phase, we can now extend it.”

“We cannot start something new and you want to cover a large area. This is why we are starting small. Then as we make progress, we will review what we have been able to do in one year. We can now close the gap and extend it to all over the State. So part of the programme is to extend it to all over the state but gradually.”

Dr. Alli said the State is executing the Medical Emergency Response Programme with the partnership of “Emergency Response Africa which is well noted for executing such a project and actually they are also bringing some level of expertise and funding to ensure this project is established and effectively executed in the State.

“It is a partnership that the State Government is benefitting both in terms of technical expertise and in terms of funding. It is a win-win for the citizens of the State.”

According to the commissioner, the “initiative is encouraging because it covers all the areas. There are ambulance services and first responders- those who are the first persons to attend to the accident victims. We are training people on that. How do you even respond in terms of emergency? These are things everyone should know actually.”

According to the Project Manager, Edo Medical Service (EMS), Kate Ibeanusi, “In one month, from 18th March to 16th April 2024 we have responded to 27 emergency calls. Out of this, the number of calls dispatched to the ambulance is 21 and 6 hospital transfers. Within this period, we had one hoax call. We encouraged residents within Benin City to take advantage of this initiative by reporting medical emergencies to save lives.”

* impresses World Bank impact of EdoBEST reforms, as situation room tracks performance*

The World Bank has commended the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for his government’s reforms in the basic education sector, expressing satisfaction with the progress and impact of the reforms in the last six years.

A World Bank delegation led by the Bank’s Education Economist, Martín De Simone, said the State has continued to meet set goals, significantly progressing with its basic education sector reforms and upskilling the State’s teeming youth population through the Edo Basic Education Sector and Skills Transformation (EdoBESST) Program.

The delegation which is on a 4-day working visit to the state is collaborating with stakeholders from the Edo State Ministry of Education, the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (Edo SUBEB), and other government agencies implementing far-reaching reforms geared at repositioning Edo State in basic education and skills development.



According to Martín De Simone, “we are evaluating and reviewing the progress achieved so far in the implementation of the state-wide basic education and skills transformation reform which was launched in 2018 by the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.”



He said, “We have held extensive meetings with key stakeholders over the past four days and have identified key areas where progress has been made and areas that need to be further strengthened as we work toward achieving the goals of EdoBESST.

“We are particularly pleased that the data before us shows that there is improvement in the basic education system since the implementation of reform in various areas, including the performance of the pupils in state-owned primary schools.”

After the team visited The Situation Room situated at Block B, State Secretariat at Sapele Road in Benin City, Martín commended the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration for creating the facility where activities of the program are monitored.

De Simeone said, “The Situation Room created to monitor teachers, students, and schools’ performance is unique because it helps in real time data gathering, compared to what the bank has seen in other states.”

“The Situation Room from where activities of teachers, schools and pupils are being monitored will help in improving the overall performance of each school as teachers are cautious because they know their activities are monitored and it will equally improve the performance of the pupils.”

Also, a Senior Education Specialist with the World Bank, Dr. Olatunde Adekola while commending the governor stated that, "We encourage the governor to urge UBEC to come learn from Edo SUBEB as this is the way to go as it will help Nigeria’s education system as the education system has improved in Edo State.”

The Executive Chairman of Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (Edo SUBEB), Ozavize Salami reeled the impact of the program which was launched six years ago.

She said, “This is the sixth World Bank mission in the course of the EdoBESST program. The program has been on for six years and the partnership with the World Bank is for four years now and we have seen the results of what we set out to achieve.

“We established The Situation Room in Edo SUBEB to gather real time data for the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) program. Now we can track the performance of our teachers, head teachers and pupils directly from our office in Benin City. It provides us with a reliable means of gathering information to guide us in making better policies.

“It also helps us to set realistic goals and monitor our progress in real time. We have redefined school level quality control in Nigeria through The Situation Room. Right now, I can monitor the performance of our teachers, students and schools right from this office.

According to the Edo SUBEB Chairman, “currently, EdoBEST is catering to the learning needs of over 380,000 pupils across the 18 local government areas of Edo State. The program has improved teaching and learning quality by upskilling teachers and equipping them with well-researched materials for teaching. It has provided technology for efficient school and classroom level management.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

*DSC_01*

L-R: Education Economist, World Bank, Martín De Simone; Executive Chairman, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (Edo SUBEB), Ozavize Salami; Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa Esq., and Senior Education Specialist, World Bank, Dr. Olatunde Adekola, after a meeting with officials of the World Bank in Benin City, Thursday, April 18, 2024.

*DSC_02*

L-R: Executive Chairman, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (Edo SUBEB), Ozavize Salami; Education Economist, World Bank, Martín De Simone; Senior Special Assistant to Edo State Governor on Strategy, Policy, Project and Performance Management, Ojo Akin Longe, with an official of the World Bank, during a meeting with officials of the World Bank in Benin City, Thursday, April 18, 2024.

*Edo residents, business owner, others hail Obaseki for Ekenhuan Road Project*

Residents and business owners in Ugbiyoko, Benin City have commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for the ongoing reconstruction of Ekenhuan Barracks Road, noting that the road which has now been tarred to the Ogede axis of the area has brought succour to the people of the locality.

A cross-section of residents who spoke to journalists in Benin City, said the governor has continued to prioritize projects to improve economic activities in the State and better the lives of the people.

A resident of the area, who was simply identified as Isoken, said that tarring the road has helped to boost the living conditions of the people in the area.

She said that those who were contemplating leaving the area have now jettisoned the idea.

She said, “The governor, Godwin Obaseki, has done well by resuming work on the road. Motorists can now move freely without fear of damaging their cars, while business has improved since the construction resumed.

James Osadolor, who sells building materials in the area, stated that business has improved in the area. He noted that those who abandoned their buildings have returned to site and are buying materials to continue their building project.

He said, “I am very happy that the government has resumed work on the road. I can tell you that business has improved and residents can now move freely to and fro their offices and places of businesses

“I will urge the government to complete the construction of the road before November so that the communities in this area can become developed like other areas in the state capital.”

*W’Bank hails Obaseki, expresses satisfaction with progress, impact of State’s basic education reforms*

The World Bank has commended the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for his government’s reforms in the basic education sector, expressing satisfaction with the progress and impact of the reforms in the last seven and half years.

A World Bank delegation led by the Bank’s Education Economist, Martín De Simone, said the State has continued to meet set goals, significantly progressing with its basic education sector reforms and upskilling the State’s teeming youth population through the Edo Basic Education Sector and Skills Transformation (EdoBESST) Programme.

The delegation which is on a 4-day working visit to the State is collaborating with stakeholders from the Edo State Ministry of Education, the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (Edo SUBEB), and other government agencies.

The team, according to Martín De Simone, the World Bank Education Economist and Task Team Lead for EdoBESST, is evaluating and reviewing the progress achieved so far in the implementation of the state-wide basic education reforms which was launched in 2018 by the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

He said, “We have held extensive meetings with key stakeholders over the past four days and have identified key areas where progress has been made and areas that need to be further strengthened as we work toward achieving the goals of EdoBESST.

“We are particularly pleased that the data before us shows that there is improvement in the basic education system since the implementation of reform in various areas, including the performance of the pupils in the state-owned primary school system.”

After the team visited the situation room situated at Block B, State Secretariat at Sapele Road in Benin City, Martín commended the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration for creating the facility where activities of the programme are monitored.

De Simeone said, “The situation room created to monitor teachers, students, and schools’ performance is unique because it helps in real data gathering compared to what the bank has seen in other places.”

“The situation room from where activities of teachers, schools and pupils are being monitored will help in the overall performance of each school and teachers who are cautious because they know their activities are monitored and it will equally improve the performance of the pupils.”

Also, a Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank, Dr. Tunde Ademola while commending the governor stated, "We encourage the governor to urge UBEC to come learn from Edo SUBEB as this is the way to go as it will help Nigeria’s education system as the education system has improved in Edo State.”

The Executive Chairman of Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (Edo SUBEB), Eyitayo Ozavize Salami reeled the impact of the programme which was launched seven years ago.

He said, “This is the sixth mission in the course of the programme as it will come to an end in December 2024. The programme is been on for 6 years and the partnership with the World Bank is for 4 years now and we have seen the results of what we set out to achieve.

“We established a situation room to gather data for the EdoBESST programme, as we can track our children's identity numbers because each child has one which can be linked to NIN and BVN. I can monitor the performance of teachers, students, schools and many more.”

According to her, “Currently the programme is catering to the learning needs of over 380,000 pupils across the 18 local government areas of Edo State. EdoBESST has improved teaching and learning quality by upskilling teachers, equipping them with well-researched materials for teaching and providing technology for classroom and school level management.”

*60th Venice Biennale: Obaseki showcases MOWAA, global potential of contemporary Nigeria art*

_*…as ‘Nigeria Imaginary’ exhibition to tour internationally*_

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the Nigerian Pavilion at the 60th edition of the Venice Biennale organized by the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) has showcased the rich potential of contemporary Nigeria art, which mirrors the peculiarities of the country’s present challenges and hopes.

In a speech to the press, he said: “I am serving as Commissioner of the Nigeria Pavilion at the Venice Biennale for the second time, working with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy. I am particularly pleased to see this Nigerian Pavilion unveiled to the world with truly exceptional works by eight outstanding Nigerian artists being showcased in such an extraordinary venue.

“I want to express my profound gratitude to each of them, namely – Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Ndidi Dike, Onyeka Igwe, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Abraham Oghobase, Precious Okoyomon, Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, and Fatimah Tuggar. Let me also appreciate the Curator – Aindrea Emelife, and the organizer of the programme – the Museum of West African Art, for making the Nigeria Pavilion at the 60th edition of the Venice Biennale such a success.”

On the theme of the exhibition, the governor said: “The ‘Nigeria Imaginary’ is particularly appropriate in view of the challenges we are currently going through as a country. We face what can only be described as an incredibly difficult time in Nigeria with an economic crisis that has caused most Nigerians to see their earnings and savings decimated by devaluation and inflation.

“It is during trying times like this that hope for a better future and a belief in the ability to make a difference become essential. This exhibition - Nigeria Imaginary, looks back to great moments of Nigerian history, imagining where we could have been as a nation, but also invokes hope for a brighter future. The great artistic traditions and rich cultures of Nigeria and West Africa have had and continue to have a profound impact on global arts, music, fashion, and culture.”

Obaseki added, “As some of you may know, this is my last year as Governor of Edo State, and at this stage, one begins to think about legacy, and review what one has managed to achieve in the last 8 years. I can say unequivocally that the thing that I am the most proud of is igniting the spark that has become the fire called MOWAA, the Museum of West African Art and the 13 acres Cultural District which is now under construction in the historic part of Benin City in Edo State. It is my aspiration that it will serve as the venue for the homecoming of this Nigeria Imaginary exhibition when it comes to Nigeria.”

On requests for the Nigeria Imaginary exhibition to tour internationally, he said, “I am aware and excited that there are already requests for this Nigeria Imaginary exhibition to tour internationally before it comes back to Nigeria. This is clearly an indication and testimony of the quality of what we have been created by these amazing artists. But when the exhibition eventually comes back to Nigeria, I look forward to seeing the Nigeria Imaginary in its real domicile, and to see all of you at its opening ceremony.”

*PHOTO NEWS*

*DSC_01*

Edo State Governor and Commissioner of the Nigerian Pavilion, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right), with Prof Wole Soyinka, at the 60th edition of La Biennale di Venezia, in Italy, on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

*DSC_02*

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left) with the Charge d’affair of the Nigerian Embassy in Italy, Gwen Omijie, at the 60th edition of La Biennale di Venezia, in Italy, on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

*DSC_03*

L-R: Curator, Nigerian Pavilion (Nigeria Imagnary), Andrea Emelife; Honourable Minister for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and Director of MOWAA, Philip Ihenacho, at the 60th edition of La Biennale di Venezia, in Italy, on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

*Edo govt condemns clash between LP candidate, Akpata and UNIBEN SUG*

The Edo State Government condemns in the strongest terms the violence associated with the Labour Party candidate, Mr. Olumide Akpata's visit to the University of Benin on Friday, April 12, 2024.

Claims and counterclaims have been made by Mr. Akpata and the Student Union Government (SUG) of the University in statements issued by both parties on April 13, and active investigation is ongoing on the issue.

The Edo State Government, however, warns in the strongest terms that it will not tolerate violence or this sort of irresponsible behaviour which was associated with the visit of Mr. Akpata to the institution.

Government has the primary responsibility to ensure the security of lives and property in the State and will spare no effort to ensure that anyone who breaches the peace, no matter how highly placed, will face the full weight of the law.

We hereby call on all Edo people to go about their lawful businesses without let as relevant agencies progress with their investigation into the said matter.

*Chris Osa Nehikhare*
_Hon. Commissioner, Communication and Orientation, Edo State_

*Edo to save Irrua Specialist Hospital N37m monthly cost with solar-powered project*

The Edo State Government is set to commence a solar power project at the Irrua Specialist Hospital (ISH), to supply 24 hours of electricity to the Federal Government-owned specialist health facility.

The project on completion will save the hospital over N37m spent monthly for the procurement of diesel.

The Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Engr. Enaholo Ojiefo, who disclosed this to journalists in Benin City, said the project is part of efforts by the state government to support major health facilities in the State to reduce their running costs and consequently cut healthcare costs.

The announcement followed the groundbreaking ceremony of a solar power project at the Nigerian Army Military Hospital in Benin City.

The project is expected to begin with the major health facilities in the State and expanded across the State’s 18 local government councils.

According to Ojiefo, while speaking at the groundbreaking for the solar power project at the Nigerian Army Military Hospital in Benin City, said, “We see our people coming here, especially the pregnant women, who come for healthcare services. The governor instructed us to ensure we support them with constant electricity.

“We are looking at a month plus for the project to be completed and ready. We have one of such project working in Eyaen already. There is a 1MW facility at Aduwawa and this will be another 1MW.”

He added, “The next project is Irrua Specialist Hospital which uses over N37 million on diesel. The governor has charged us to go after the major health establishments in the State to reduce healthcare costs.”

Earlier, Governor Godwin Obaseki who was represented by his deputy, Omobayo Marvellous Godwins, said the government remains committed to proffering a lasting solution to the power problem in the State.

The cost of energy, when reduced, will go a long way to help reduce the running cost in the facility. It will save the cost of diesel and will reduce the burden.

“It’s a laudable project and as an administration, we need to sit down with the 18 local government chairmen across the State to see how to positively design such projects so it can be extended across the State.”

He added, “We have a very good plan for the State and have gone more than 70 percent in its execution. I am sure we will finish well as a government.”

Edo outperforms other S’South States on key devt indices

Edo State has outperformed its peers in the South South geopolitical zone in Nigeria in terms of key development indices as captured in the Nigeria Multidimensional Poverty Index (NMPI, 2022) produced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

In a breakdown by Statisense on X (formerly Twitter), the platform profiled the states in the South South according to the incidence of deprivation across four pillars namely health, education, living standards, work and shock.

According to the NMPI 2022 report, in terms of nutrition in the region, Edo performed better than the five other states, with the worst hit being Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Cross River and Rivers, occupying 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th positions respectively.

In terms of time to healthcare, Edo also came up tops, with Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Delta coming 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th respectively.

On deprivation in housing materials, Edo bests the other South South states, with Cross River, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Delta coming 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th respectively.

In overall multidimensional poverty, Edo fared better than the five others. Multidimensional poverty was worse in Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Delta, in descending order.

In unemployment, Edo also performed better than the rest, with Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Delta taking the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th positions respectively.

Edo APC chieftain, Akerele hails Obaseki’s choice of Marvellous Omobayo as deputy governor

_*…says Obaseki a trailblazer, commends inclusive style of governance*_

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State and former Chief of Staff to Governor Godwin Obaseki, Chief Taiwo Akerele has commended the choice of 38-year-old Marvellous Omobayo Godwins as the State’s Deputy Governor, hailing Governor Obaseki for giving minorities and marginalized communities a place of pride in his government.

Akerele who recalled how the governor made history by appointing him his first Chief of Staff in 2016 at the age of 39, said his appointment was the first of such from Edo North Senatorial District since Nigeria returned to democracy.

While describing Governor Obaseki as a trailblazer, the APC chieftain acknowledged the governor for recognizing minorities and giving them a place of pride, noting that history will be kind to him.

According to him, “This week, history was made in Edo State when a young man of 38 years was inaugurated as the Deputy Governor of Edo state from Ikpeshi, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.

“Recall that in November 2016, history was made when His Excellency Godwin Obaseki appointed the then 39-year-old Taiwo Akerele from Igarra Community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area as his first Chief of Staff, the first of such appointment from Edo North since Nigeria returned to democracy.”

He noted, “I disagree with His Excellency on so many issues around his approach to governance and management of political issues but when it comes to the recognition of minorities and giving them a pride of place I give it to him, he is a trailblazer. History will be kind to him on this front.”

While congratulating the new deputy governor and charging him not to betray the trust reposed on him, the APC chieftain stated, “On behalf of myself and my immediate family and Igarra Community as a whole, I wholeheartedly congratulate my younger brother, Mr. Marvellous Omobayo on his assumption of office as Deputy Governor of Edo State. Please, make the youths proud with your performance and commitment to serve the people even more with your energy and resilience.”

Akerele added, “The minorities in Nigeria have a voice and they have significant influence in determining political direction in a democracy.”

Ighodalo rallies Edo youths, tasks on nation-building

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the September 21, 2024 Edo State Governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, has urged youths to maximize their potential, channeling their skills, talents and energy towards making Nigeria a first-world nation.

Ighodalo made the call during the Egor Youth Summit with the theme, “Building Leadership Skills, Confidence and Opportunities for Young People,” held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, Edo State Capital.

He said, “The youths are not to see themselves as just leaders in the future but are leaders of the nation now. The youths are in a position to help, build, rehabilitate, and change Nigeria for the better.

“A true leader is a person that loves the people and if you don't love your people you can't be a great leader. You need to love the people before you can lead them rightly.”

Ighodalo continued, “Nigeria attained Independence in 1960 and produced great leaders but the love of the people which was absent created the gap that has pushed us to where we are today with various challenges facing the nation.

“Not loving the people made it very difficult to gather and transfer that leadership skills into transformational momentum to change the narratives of Nigeria for the better, developing it into a first-world country.

“We are blessed with more resources than any Country in the world and are free from many natural disasters and yet still remain as a third-world Country. We have made so much money from oil and yet still in the part we find ourselves with numerous challenges facing us as a nation.

“Nigeria can become a first world Country in 8 years if only the youths can focus on doing things differently and take over from our present leadership that has put us in the challenges we face as a nation.

“I call on the youths to change their mindset to have a country where the citizens are not molested and the people are loved. We have to start the transformation of Nigeria from Edo State and need to do enough to make this goal achievable.”

He added, “The Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub was built by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government for the youth, to enhance creativity and transform the State and Nation.”

Ighodalo further noted, “A true leader is a person that used his leadership skills to transform the lives of those she is leading. I urged the youths to be determined to create a better Edo State using their power of the ballot to ensure that qualified and competent people are in leadership positions in Nigeria.

“I call on the youths to go back to the value system we cherish as a people as it helps to bring out the best in the youth. Edo State is going to save Nigeria and the youths of Edo State will lead the front as they lead the Country away from where it is now to where it ought to be paving the way to becoming a first world nation.”

Earlier, the Edo State Commissioner for Digital Economy, Science and Technology, Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor said the youth have the energy and capacity to re-engineer the society as the future lies in their hands, noting, “This programme is the very first of its kind in Egor Local Government Area. I hold a very strong view that the youth have the energy to re-engineer and develop the society, State, nation and world at large.

“The future of any economy is embedded in the youth population and that is why the mind of the young people needs to be energized for a productive society. The essence of this Summit is to gather young people across the State to have an honest conversation, brainstorming sessions and interaction that will change the way the youths think.

“The future of the youths is based on the thoughts in their heart today and what they expose their heart and thoughts towards. I welcome the youths to the Summit and assure you that you will certainly get a change of thinking towards becoming better leaders that will change the narrative of Nigeria.”

*Obaseki, Oborevwori, Ibori, Igbinedion, others celebrate Ikimi at 80*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his Delta State counterpart, Sheriff Oborevwori; former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori; former Governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion and the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion were among dignitaries present at the 80th birthday thanksgiving of the Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), High Chief Tom Ikimi.

The thanksgiving service took place at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road and attracted guests from all works who turned out enmasse to celebrate the Octogenarian.

Obaseki at the event congratulated Ikimi, hailing his contributions to societal development.

The governor wished him many more years in good health and sound mind.

Earlier, Archbishop of Benin, His Grace, Most Rev Dr. Austine Akubeze was joined by Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan; His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Felix Akaba Job; Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan and Bishop of Uromi, Most Rev Dr. Donatus Oguns among other clergymen to officiate the thanksgiving mass.

In his homily titled, “What a Life,” the Emeritus Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Felix Akaba Job, charged the congregation on love, urging them on good neighbourliness, selflessness and sacrifice.

According to him, “God created us to serve him in the journey of life. The life given to us is a life of love for God and neighbors. It’s not the number of years spent on earth that matters but the quality and value of how the years were utilized for humanity and mankind.”

The clergy congratulated Chief Ikimi for joining the league of octogenarians, wishing him many more years in good health and wisdom.

Other guests at the event include former Minister of Women Affairs, Josephine Anenih, PDP Candidate for 2024 Governorship Election, Asue Ighodalo and his wife, Ifeyinwa; the Edo State Head of Service (HOS), Dr. Anthony Okungbowa; Edo PDP Chairman, Anthony Aziegbemi and former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, among others.

Eid-el-Fitr: Obaseki felicitates with Muslim faithful, harps on sacrifice, love

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has felicitated with Muslims in the State on the celebration of Eid-El Fitr after the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

In his Eid-El Fitr message, Obaseki urged Muslim faithful not to relent but intensify prayers for the nation to overcome its current challenges.

Obaseki said, “On behalf of the Government and people of Edo State, I extend my warmest congratulations to you as we commemorate the Eid-el-Fitr after the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

“As you celebrate this joyous occasion, I urge you to sustain the lessons of sacrifice and love learnt during the Ramadan fast. We are in very difficult times, and it would take a great deal of selflessness and love to be our brothers' keeper. So, I urge you to go the extra mile in extending a hand of support to friends, relatives and acquaintances as we press on.”

The governor added, “I implore you to show compassion to one another, as taught by the Holy Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W), especially at these trying times. Working and supporting each other, we can surmount our nation's challenges. This is why it is pertinent to continue to pray and work towards building a progressive nation anchored on progressive ideals.”