₦airaland Forum

*
*_…hails Buhari, Oshiomhole, cautions detractors_*

As the 2020 gubernatorial elections in the state beckons, the Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has passed a vote of confidence on Governor Godwin Obaseki, committing to sustaining support for the governor's administration and policies.

They also noted that the party’s remarkable outing in the 2019 polls, especially the State Assembly elections, was an ‘implicit and explicit confidence vote’ on Governor Godwin Obaseki by citizens of the state.

The submission was contained in a statement signed by State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Chris Azebamwan, which conveyed the outcome of a State Executive Committee Meeting of the party, held on Thursday, April 11, 2019.

He said, “Members were unanimous in their conclusion that the House of Assembly election results equates to a referendum of the administration and the performance of Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki as Governor. It, therefore, amounts to an implicit and explicit vote of confidence on him by the citizens of Edo State who have, in very clear and unmistakable terms, indicated their preference for a House of Assembly that would be supportive of the vision and mission of the Governor without any distraction whatsoever.”

“Members, therefore, resolve that in line with the mandate, the party would continue to sustain its avowed commitment to give the government and administration of Mr. Godwin Obaseki the needed support to keep it focused and on track,” he added.

He said the EXCO congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari for his well-deserved victory, and the National Chairman, Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole for the overall success of the party in the general elections nationwide.

The party’s scribe added that members of the Executive Committee reviewed the recently concluded Presidential, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections in Edo State, and commended all Party members and critical stakeholders for their hard work, dedication and loyalty, that resulted in the overall success of the party in the elections.

He said members of the Executive Committee, noted in particular, with gratitude to God, the unprecedented achievement of the 24 seats in the 24-member capacity State House of Assembly elections, which has now come to be known as 24/24.

As the Edo State government intensifies work on the over 140 roads across the state, Edo residents have applauded the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration on efforts to improve critical road infrastructure.

The residents hailed the governor during a pidgin radio programme, _Man Around Town,_ on Independent Radio, a private radio station, monitored on Monday in Benin City.

A cross-section of the callers on the programme said that Governor Obaseki has continued with his commendable efforts at improving road infrastructure and bringing succour to a number of people in several communities in the state.

One of the callers, Julius Ugiagbe, said that the ongoing road construction by Governor Obaseki has brought relief to residents in Ikpema Road which links Textile Mill Road and New Lagos Road in Uselu axis of Benin City.

“Landlords in the area are excited about the quality of the work being done on the road. We thank the governor for a job well-done. We urge that the state government should continue to insist on quality projects from the contractors handling the road which will ensure that the roads last long,” Ugiagbe said.

A resident in Ekpoma, Edo Central, Osazuwa John, expressed appreciation to the state government for the construction of Poultry Road, opposite Ambrose Alli University (AAU), which he said was abandoned by previous administrations.

He noted that the Poultry Road project and other road projects being carried out in Ekpoma town will open more areas to economic activities and make life easier for residents, especially university students.

Other residents, however, expressed optimism that the ongoing projects in other parts of the state have rekindled hope in the government.

A resident in Benin City, Desmond Osayi, appealed to the state government to “extend the _‘Wake and See’_ road construction to Eweka Street, off Upper Lawani” while Anthony Osamudiamen called on the governor to extend the good work to Evbayoboru Street, off 2nd East Circular Road.

Further checks showed that work is ongoing on Awo and Ogbelaka streets linking Sokponba and Sapele roads in Benin City.

_By Sylvester Ibhane_

The news of how some APC leaders especially former governorship aspirants in the 2016 election in Edo South denied Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon an opportunity to be at the Nigerian Senate is beginning to emerge.

Reliable information from party members faithful to Oshiomhole and Obaseki indicates organized sabotage. Journalists on election duty in parts of Edo South have corroborated claims by some party faithfuls that across the district, loyalists of former governorship aspirants worked against the party's interest.

It is only a matter of concern that the governor of Edo State gets an authentic report from the State Security Architecture or the Department of State Service, where necessary, testimonies from party faithfuls to help separate the wolves from the sheep in the party.

It is an open secret that in Oredo local government, Major General Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd.) invited PDP mobilizers to his house, handed them logistics meant for APC with a simple instruction to deliver all possible Polling Units for the PDP.

The helpless APC faithfuls had no choice than to give way for the combine force of PDP, Airhiavbere and aggrieved ex-revenue collectors who vowed to disgrace the governor in his own local government area for changing the status quo.

Dr. Pius Odubu a former Deputy Governor of the state who was appointed Director of Logistics of the Presidential Campaign Council for the purpose of pacifying him to forget his loss at the 2016 Governorship Primary actually dealt the decisive blow on APC following his wide network of loyalists across the Senatorial District.

In Orhionmwon where Odubu hails from, the former Chairman of APC in the local government and leader of Odubu's political structure Chief Matthew Ehigie delivered his Ugboko Ward Polling Unit to the PDP with a margin of over 250 votes. It was the same with Odubu's Private Principal Secretary Mr Felix Obamwonyi who openly fought with the APC leader Chief Roland Ibierutomwen to deliver his Ugbeka Ward Polling Unit for the PDP.

It would have been the same in Evboesi Ward where Princess Elizabeth Iduoze a female confidant of Odubu who was earlier demoted as leader of APC in the Ward for sabotage in 2016 was frustrated by the political machinery of the Council Chairman who is from that Ward. Iduoze who openly campaigned for PDP prior to the election using the Deputy Governor's Hilux Van have been long under check, hence her anti party efforts was neutralized.

The case of Ugu Ward where a close ally of Odubu and former State Publicity Secretary of the APC Comrade Godwin Erhahon took the PDP House of Assembly Candidate for Orhionmwon South Constituency around the communities in Ugu Ward is public knowledge. He has openly instructed voters in his community to vote President Mohammadu Buhari and reject APC Senatorial and House of Representatives Candidates, but his efforts was rubbished by other party faithfuls.

The chief orchestrator of Edo South sabotage in APC Dr. Pius Odubu, with a different strategy from the one he applied in 2016, won 1 out of the 3 units in his Orhomehe Village for APC and canceled most of the votes out in the other 2 Polling Units by giving PDP victory, but for the help of one Osawole a former leader of PDP who defected to APC recently, other villages were won to deliver the Ward which Odubu is desperately moving to take glory of because PMB is victorious.

The most shameful of all is that of the former Director General of Odubu Governorship Campaign Organization and former House of Representatives Member who currently serves as an Executive Director in NIGCOMSAT Barr. Samson Osagie. How could a man fight his boss because of his inability to forgive perceived wrongs by a particular Candidate of the party.

Samson Osagie is reported to have fought openly with the Vice Chairman of Uhunmwode local government council who happens to be from the same Ward, in his bid to deliver the Ward for PDP. While he won his unit for APC in fear of possible outcome of the elections, he relentlessly engaged Hon. Iyayi in other units, but for the influence of Late Efionayi Iyayi, he was disgraced. Now, he wants to claim the glory he resisted.

Investigate the sabotage, only then you will realize that Oredo, Orhionmwon, Uhunmwode, Ovia, Ikpoba-Okha and Egor would have produced more votes which was supposed to be a plus for APC and a minus for PDP to send Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon to the Nigeria 9th Senate from 2019 – 2023. This would have won Edo for President Mohammadu Buhari too.

So, in investigating why Buhari and some other APC Candidates lost in Edo South, be sure that I have told you that we lost to sabotage by Airhiavbere, Odubu, Osagie and others time and thorough investigation will expose.

Many may want to argue the facts presented here to protect their interest, but I am sure everything far more than I know and wrote here will be unveiled shortly by the party except the APC has taken the voyage of gradual extinction in Edo State with maximum conviction in the 2020 governorship election.

Following the outcome of the presidential elections in the state, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has expressed appreciation to Edo people for the growing acceptance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Presidential and National Assembly elections.

In a statement by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, the governor said that the state’s performance in the 2019 election is an improvement on its performance in the 2015 elections.

According to him, “With the results out, it is obvious that there is a growing acceptance of the APC in the presidential and National Assembly elections in the state. The margins show that we have considerably closed the gap here. The outcome of the polls turned out to be better than the previous one held in the state in 2015.

The governor’s aide said that a comparison of the results shows that in 2019, PDP polled 275,691, and the APC got 267,842; while in 2015, the PDP scored 286,869 against APC’s 208,469 in the presidential election.

“In 2015, the margin of defeat was 78400 votes, but in 2019, it dropped by 90 per cent to 7849 votes. This is a considerable improvement on the party's performance,” he added.

He assured that a better feat will be recorded in the March 9 gubernatorial and house of assembly elections. He said the state government is growing towards a people-oriented political culture, which bodes well for democracy.

According to him, “We appreciate the people of Edo for coming out en masse to cast their votes and for aligning with the vision of returning President Muhammadu Buhari, and we wish to congratulate them for the party's strong showing.”

*Agents of Omosede Igbinedion caught red handed with over 30,000 PVCs*

Two men suspected to be working for the people’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Omosede Igbinedion were caught in the early hours of this morning with over 30,000 permanent voters cards.
According to reports, The men were said to be on their way to one of the polling units registered under ovia south local government, but luck ran out on them after the items were found in a rice sack in the boot of the car they were using for this operation.
The men were reprimanded by some nigerian police force officials that were stationed at some checkpoints along Benin-Ore Expressway.

*...Says Dennis Idahosa is a Moving Train*

Hundreds of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Udo, Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo, have described the PDP as a party being run by ineffecient and ineffective leaders.

The defectors noted that as a result, the party have lost focus and incapable of winning elections.

Joshua Imafidon, a leader of the PDP in Udo ward, who led hundreds of his supporters to decamp to the ruling party, said that he would join forces with the APC to deliver all its candidate, especially the Ovia Federal Constituency candidate, Mr Dennis Idahosa.

Imafidon who described Idahosa as a "Moving Train" that cannot be stopped, noted that he was optimistic that the Ovia Federal Constituency APC candidate would deliver on all his electoral promises.

"I can no longer work with the PDP because the party’s leadership have become weak and ineffective, together with my supporters, we have come to assist Idahosa win his election come Saturday," he said.

Similarly, another leader of the PDP in Ora ward who also defected with the his supporters, Mr Lucky Enoma, said the need for development has necessitated their defection to the APC.

The Udo ward leader of the APC, Friday Aragwa, told the decampees not to see themselves as new members of the party.

He said they all have equal rights just like the old members.

*
*...ask subjects to vote Dennis Idahosa, APC*

The clan head of Iguobazuwa, Chief Sunday Omokarowa, has appealed to politicians to avoid misleading representation and should always stick to the truth of their desire is to genuinely serve the people.

The clan head spoke against the background of reports that he has endorsed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ovia Federal Constituency, Ms Omosede Igbinedion, against that of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Dennis Idahosa.

He said as a father for all, he had tried to fair by receiving every candidate that come to his domain for blessings and campaigns.

He regretted that a particular candidate, "Specifically that of the PDP" has taken advantage of that open hospitality by deliberately misleading the people of Iguobazuwa, through her reports in the media.

According to him, "At no time did I endorsed the PDP’s candidate, Omosede, nor asked by subjects, the people of Iguobazuwa, not to vote for the APC candidate, Idahosa, who accidentally hails from Iguobazuwa.

"knowing fully that we have a son in the race, I have been open and fair to all, by welcoming them to Iguobazuwa, and not restricting it to our son, Idahosa, alone.

"I am not only disappointed with the news been aired on local Television Station about the purported endorsement or the fact that I have asked my people to vote against our son, I am highly embarrassed as well.

"It is based on this fact that I have come out openly, with elders of the community in attendance, to debunk this falsehood, but to now openly asked every member of Iguobazuwa community to vote for our son, Dennis Idahosa.

"I am also using the opportunity to appeal to politicians to guide against misleading representation and falsehood, especially in their dealings with the people they aspire to represent."

Voters in Edo State have restated their support for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the extension of political campaigns in the country, noting that the window will allow them the opportunity to canvass for more votes for development-focused candidates of the ruling party.

A cross-section of the voters described resumption of campaigns as an opportunity for candidates to continue far-reaching interaction with the electorate ahead of the elections on February 23.

Charles Asemota, a resident of Oredo Local Government Area of the state, said he will leverage the opportunity of the extension of campaigns to mobilise other voters in his area to vote for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the party has shown to be people-oriented.

Asemota, who operates a taxi service in Benin City, said since the APC-led administration took over governance in the state, “Edo State has continued to record tremendous development in the areas of infrastructure, socio-economic reforms, social investment for youths and women. With all these happening in the state, I don’t see any reason why voters in the state would not support APC candidates.”

A retail store operator in Ekpoma, Mrs. Monica Idemudia, said that it is only logical that INEC allows political parties and their candidates continue with the campaigns since the elections were postponed, adding, “this will give the candidates a window to convince the people on what they stand to benefit by voting for them.”

Mrs. Idemudia expressed support for APC candidates in the February 23 elections, noting that she would use the window to canvass support for APC candidates.

“Governor Godwin Obaseki has convinced me beyond reasonable doubts why I should support candidates of his party with his good works such as the prompt payment of teachers’ salary, and arrears owed pensioners. We are seeing improvement in the reconstruction of roads and other impactful projects,” she added.

It has come to our notice that members of the Edo State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have resorted to conspiracy theories and wild claims around which to hang their imminent failure in the forthcoming general elections.

Governor Godwin Obaseki is not the electoral umpire of the February 16 elections, neither is he a security agent, hence should be left out of the PDP’s conjectures.

The governor is a known stickler for rules, due process and standard procedures, who believes in hard work.

He is demonstrating this across the state by vigorously campaigning for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and parading achievements that are tangible, measurable and verifiable. Obaseki points to projects with addresses and does not believe in conspiracy theories.

Edo PDP’s outburst and their hurried efforts to create alibi for their imminent failure shows the party’s deep-seated fear (of epileptic proportion) of failure at the polls, come Saturday.

They know their fate that they are going to fail as their candidates have no projects to show in Edo communities. Impactful projects, not contrived tantrums will decide the fate of candidates at the polls.

Edo APC candidates are sure that they will coast to glory on the back of a great team led by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

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

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Ovia Federal Constituency, Mr Dennis Idahosa, has said empowerment of artisans would stimulate the economy growth of the country.

Idahosa who promised to prioritise human capital development when elected, stressed that the need to empower the artisans was as a result of the fact that they are the drivers of the economy.

The Ovia Federal Constituency candidate stated this during his endorsement by the association of different artisans of Oluku, near Benin, on Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo, on Tuesday.

While stressing the need for the artisans to get themselves organised, he said collectively, a lot would achieved as their representative.

"Government cannot do it all alone, there is need for us to assist the government in whatever way we can and indeed, we will be better off when we do.

"As artisans, you must realise your roles as the driver of the economy of the nation and as such, you need to be straightened through a well organised and transparent empowerment programme," he said.

He said his mission in politics was not to seek for personal enrichment, but to liberate the federal Constituency from the grip of those that has turned it into a family affairs.

According to him, "The family have for decades decides who becomes what and not and in the process have impoverished the people.

"For close to four years, their daughter that is representing the constituency in the National Assembly (NASS), have failed to be a good representative.

"This is why I have offered myself, on your behalf, to liberate Ovia from the grip of this family. I cannot do it all alone, I need your support to make this work."

The Spokesman of the Artisans, Mr Kingsley Igunbor, said they (Artisans), have all resolved to work with Idahosa in his quest to better the lives of the people of the Ovia Federal Constituency.

*
Hundreds of women and youths, on Monday, lined the streets of Iguobazuwa, Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo, in support of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC),Mr Dennis Idahosa, for the Ovia Federal Constituency.

They gave this pledge when Idahosa campaign team toured the various commutes such as, Igbogun, Iguobazuwa 1&II, Aifesoba, Ikpoba, Ora and Oba Town of the council area.

The woman and youths hinged their support for the APC candidate for candidate to what they termed to be "rearward for his part deeds"

Mrs Grace Omorodion who described Idahosa as a man after "God heart" over what he has done to the community, while not holding any political position, needs to be appreciated by lovers of good things.

Omorodion said that their only prayers is that he does not forget his promises like others before him did.

According to her, "We are all fully behind him to win and be in Abuja to represent the constituency, we only hope he does not forget us when he gets there."

Also collaborating the support of the women, Mrs Grace Agbonlahor, said they does need assistance in the area of school rehabilitation, healthcare, among others.

On her part, Mrs Bridget Ajayi said the women are fully mobilised to support Idahosa and other APC candidates.

"You can be rest assured that Dennis Idahosa, a chieftain just like the other candidates of the ruling party, we win the elections.

"APC have never lost the Igbogun and Iguobazuwa ward and this elections will not be different, especially now that our son, Idahosa, is a candidate," she said.

The clan head of Igbogun community, Pa Michael Omorodion summed it all by saying, "Dennis Idahosa is our son whom I watched grow.

"Because we believe in him, we are not only supporting him, but sending him to Abuja to be the eye of Ovia Federal Constituency," he stated.

The carnival like campaign, saw inhabitants of the area, trop out en-masse, to pledge support for everyone candidate.

However, the APC candidate, Idahosa, promised not to renege on his electoral promises when elected.

"I was not only given birth here, I also grew here; being part and percel of the this community, I know yours needs, your pains and how to go about finding solutions to those needs," and said.

*...Says, his era has come to an end*

The Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, was on Thursday humiliated by the supporters of Dennis Idahosa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ovia Federal Constituency, Mr Dennis Idahosa.

The tide turned on the Benin High Chief, who had tried to disrupt the campaign train of Idahosa at Usen, Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo.

Idahosa is the opponent of Esama's daughter, Ms Omosede Igbinedion, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the February 16 general elections.

It was learnt that the Benin High Chief had quickly mobilised few supporters when he learnt that the campaign team of the APC candidate was visiting Usen.

Igbinedion, father to the former Governor of Edo, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, and his team were at the palace when Idahosa and his supporters arrived Usen.

Though hundreds of Idahosa's supporters he was to address at the market square had awaited his arrival, heavy down pour which started shortly before his (Idahosa) arrival, could not prevent the supporters from according him a rosy welcome.

Idahosa, along with the APC candidate for the Edo South Senatorial District, Mr Patrick Obahiagbon, and the supporters defied the rain by dancing inside the rain for over an hour.

Idahosa and his supporters who locked-down the entire community, held the Esama, guided by heavily armed Soldiers, Police and the DSS, from leaving the community.

It took the team of the Igbinedion and his team over 45 minutes, even with the presence of the security personnels, to find their way through the road leading out of Usen, as Idahosa supporters took over the road with their dance steps.

Jeffrey Osayande, one of Idahosa's, said Esama's insistence on coming to Usen, even when warned against by the clan head, led to his humiliation.

According to him, "Esama wanted to caused problem but the table turned on him. He has refused to understand that the people are no longer with him, that why was when he was told not to come here today, he insisted.

"The Igbinedion's must accept the fact that their era has come to an end, we are building a new generation of leaders, and Idahosa has taken that responsibility to led the generation."

Ugbogui (Edo) The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ovia Federal Constituency in Edo, Mr Dennis Idahosa, has promised to only execute sustainable constituency projects when elected.

Idahosa made the promised when he visited dukes of Ugbogui, Siloko, Usen, Udo, Ugolor and others, as part of his campaign to tour of the Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo, on Monday.

He said it is regrettable that of several constituency projects scattered across the country, only few were in a functional state.

Idahosa said this was occasioned by the fact that most of these projects were not sustainable.

According to him, "No longer I we going to have projects that will not stand the eyes of time; projects that barely last a year after inauguration.

"We are going to have enduring projects that will not only be beneficial to the people, but that which will serve the people for a very long time."

Idahosa told the clan heads that his election as a member of the House of Representatives would only end with the attraction of various developmental projects to the area, issues of empowerment would also be given a priority.

He specifically mentioned that he would use half of his salary to empower the women of the constituency.

As for the youths, "I ensure that skill acquisition centres will be built so that our youths will get the proper training after which starter-packs will be provided for them," he said.

The Duke of Ugbogui, Francis Akenzua, frowned at the way politicians always reneged on their electoral promises to the people.

He said politicians should always strive to see to it the people whose mandate they enjoy, were happy.

*…Obaseki reveals how PDP’s demand for $20 million bribe almost scuttled Edo-Azura Power Project*

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that he will continue to work for the interest of ordinary Nigerians, urging them to vote for him in the presidential elections on February 16, so he can continue to deliver on the pledge to fight corruption, revitalize the economy and improve security, which are the cardinal policy thrusts of his administration.

The President said this at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Rally in Edo State, which held at Garrick Memorial School, in Ekehuan Road, Benin City, the state capital.

He assured that he will get the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to make public how much money has been recovered and what government intends to do with it.

“We are doing our best in fighting corruption. I assure you that very soon, I will instruct the EFCC and the ICPC to address a joint press conference to tell Nigerians what has been recovered and what we will do with the recovered funds,” he said.

The President was accompanied to the venue of the rally by Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Minister of Transport, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire and other party leaders across the nation.

Buhari said he is in the state to remind Edo people of the fundamental promises made in 2015, relaying what his administration has achieved in the areas of security, agriculture and the fight against corruption.

“We have made the North-East safer than we met it. We have given soft loans to farmers to enable the nation to attain food security. We have saved a lot of money in dollars by not importing.

“Please vote APC from top to bottom for the party to occupy the States’ Houses of Assembly; National Assembly and the Presidency," he urged.

Governor Obaseki said that the progress being recorded in the state was made possible by the President’s support.

He said, “In Edo, when you see a masquerade dancing very well, you must know that somebody is beating the drum that is making it dance. Are we dancing well in Edo? Is your governor doing well? Are we paying salaries? Are we paying pensions? Are we training our teachers?

“Are we building our industrial park? Are we going to build a River Port? The drummer who is making all of these happen is here today. He is our president, President Muhammadu Buhari. There is nothing I could have done in the last two years without President Buhari,” he added.

Noting that the President came to the rescue of the state when the previous government almost scuttled the plan to build the Edo-Azura Power Plant, he said, “The president has done what we expected him to do. He has given us direction. I said to him, remember when you resumed office, within 60 days, former Governor Oshiomhole came to you and said you should help us with Azura Power Plant. He asked the President to give us a letter so that we can raise money to build that power Plant. The people before them refused to give us that letter. They were demanding for $20 million bribe, which we did not have.”

National Chairman of APC, Comrade Oshiomhole commended the President on his support for the state and the governor, noting that the president’s efforts helped in paying off debts incurred by the previous administration.

Hailing the President for his social investment programmes, he said “There are things that you have done that has shown where your heart is. Your constituency is the masses, which is why you created the social investment programme, which includes the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, Conditional Cash Transfer, N-Power and MarketMoni.”

He said he was proud of Governor Obaseki for improving on what was done in his time as a governor, noting that the governor has added value to governance.

Earlier, Governor Obaseki led other members of the State’s Executive Council in receiving the President at the Benin Airport, at 3.05pm. The President was on board the presidential aircraft marked 5N-FGN.

After arriving the Airport, the President was driven to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, where he went to pay homage to the revered monarch.

In anticipation of the President’s arrival, a mammoth crowd had besieged the Benin Airport by noon on Thursday, to receive the President for the state’s leg of his re-election campaign.

Members of the ruling APC from different parts of the state as well as the party’s supporters were colourfully dressed to receive the country’s number one citizen at the Airport.

Chairman, Buhari Supporters Organization, Arewa Chapter, Edo State, Abdullah Baba, said the president’s visit to the state is a welcome development.

Baba said the organization was at the Airport to receive him because of his developmental strides across the country.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
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*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*S3-001:*
L-R: Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II; President Muhammadu Buhari; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; and National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, during President’s visit to the Oba’s Palace, in Benin City on Thursday, January 17, 2019.

*S3-002:*
L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode; Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu; wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; and wife of Deputy Governor, Mrs. Maryann Shaibu, during the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, January 17, 2019.

*S3-003:*
President Muhammadu Buhari (2nd right); Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left), during the President’s arrival at the Benin Airport for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, January 17, 2019.

*S3-004:*
President Muhammadu Buhari (right) and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki acknowledging cheers from supporters at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Benin City on Thursday, January 17, 2019.

*S3-005:*
President Muhammadu Buhari (left), addressing All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters, flanked by top members of the APC, during the Party’s presidential campaign rally in Benin City on Thursday, January 17, 2019.

No fewer than 2000 athletes have registered to participate in the second edition of the annual Owan Marathon race, scheduled for January 26.

The Organiser of the race, Christopher Ojo, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Benin on Wednesday.

He said among those that have registered included athletes in Edo and across the country, in addition to few athletes from neighbouring countries like Cameroon, Benin Republic and Ghana.

Ojo noted that the essence of the annual race is to discover marathon runners within the immediate communities of Owan Federal Constituency and by extension, the State and the country, that would be groomed to World stardom.

He said the second edition of the race which would be an improvement over that of the maiden edition, which took placed in December 2017, would continue to witness improvement in terms of organisation and logistics.

While expressing surprise at the number of athletes that have indicated interest to be part of the race, Ojo vowed to sustain the annual event.

According to him, "Registration for the race opened just about two weeks ago and I am simply amazed with the number that have registered thus far. To me, it thus goes to show that we are making progress.

"What we are simply doing is to groomed young athletes that will be discovered here and design a training programme for them, and engage coaches that will see to the execution of these programmes.

"haven undergone this trainings, they will be registered for marathon races within and outside the state, as well as the country at large.

"Like I had stated in the past, we want to be able, but through the Owan Marathon race, stop the dominance of athletes from East African countries, from long and short distance races in the continent.

The Organiser said athletes discovered in the fist edition have not disappointed in the number of races they have participated on

"It may interest you to known that our discovery in the first edition, Gabriel Adewale and Odion Idekho, are already doing well. After we discover them, they both have competitors in Lagos marathon, Warri and Okpekpe road races.

"In the 2018 edition of the Lagos marathon which was their very first major competition, just three months after they were discovered, Adewale and Idekho placed 7th with a time of 36 minutes and 9th respectively, in the male and female 10KM category of the Lagos race." (NAN)

The former Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion have been reported to have rejected his sister's bid to be reelected as the representative of the Ovia Federal Constituency at the National Assembly (NASS).

While the former Governor was said to be in interested in having his daughter contest for the position under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Patriarch of the Igbinedion, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, wanted his daughter, Ms Omosede Igbinedion reelected.

It was gathered that the insistence of the Esama of Benin on having Omosede reelected, has pitched the former Governor against his sister as well as his father.

It was learnt that Lucky's insistence of having Omosede replaced was as a result of the general believe of her abysmal performance as the representative of the Ovia Federal Constituency for four years.

It would be recalled that Igbinedion family have for decades, dominated the political space of Ovia North East where they hail from.

Meanwhile, the people of the Ovia Federal Constituency, especially Okada which is the Igbinedion's ancestral home, have expressed their determination not to allow the Igbinedion control the polity of the area.

The people said that they are resolved, more than the ever, to decide their fate.

They noted that years which the Igbinedion's were allowed to decide their fate, no meaningful development have taken place in the area.

"Rather, the family continue to enrich themselves while the people continue to leave under pitiable condition.

"just look at the road that leads to Okada, the home town of the former Governor, the former Governor awarded it twice while in office, and twice the money disappeared without having the road done.

"Prior to the 2015 general elections, they (Igbinedion) deceived the people by giving them false employment only to be sacked after Omosede emerged victorious in the poll.

"We are not only wiser now, we are better informed to know the antics of the Igbinedion. Never again are we going to be fooled by those who thinks Ovia is their property," stated the source who pleaded anonymity.

The Abuja meeting of governors of Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states, on the corruption trial of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, was a meeting of governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and not a meeting of South-South governors.

Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih is economical with the truth and most uncharitable to the personality of Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, with his unnecessary attacks on the Edo State Governor.

Chief Orbih should tell Edo people the last time the South-South Governors’ meeting was held, how many times the meeting was held in 2018 and its agenda for 2019.

Governor Obaseki is committed to the wellbeing of Edo people and our brothers and sisters in our sister South-South states and all Nigerians, and will support any meeting, devoid of political colouration, that genuinely seeks to improve the welfare of people of the south-south region and elsewhere in the country.

Obaseki will not attend a PDP Governors’ meeting like the one held in Abuja last Sunday, but will attend meetings that are not politically-tainted, and called to proffer time-tested solutions to the developmental challenges faced by the millions of Edo and other people of the south-south region.


_*Crusoe Osagie is the Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy*_

*A stranded Edo PDP and the resort to falsehood as campaign strategy*

The Dan Orbih-led campaign train of the failed Edo People's Democratic Party (PDP) has resorted to falsehood, the latest being a non-existing N7billion travel allowance in the 2019 Budget of Edo State.

The Edo State 2019 Budget is a public document and there is no such provision from page one to the last, of the document.

To sink so low and input items that do not exist into a public document, amounts to crossing the line.

With Governor Obaseki's achievements in the last two years, Edo people can tell who 'ate their yams' and who is frugally applying our resources on impactful projects such as road infrastructure, health centres, the education of our children and the security of our people and our property, to mention only a few.

Our latest proof of superior management ability is the promotion of Bendel Insurance to the elite soccer league in Nigeria, an achievement that all Edo sons and daughters, irrespective of their political convictions have hailed the Obaseki administration for.

Just like in soccer, everything the Edo PDP ruined, Obaseki is, with his midas touch bringing back to life.

We understand the frustration in trying to sell a party notorious for looting public funds, but telling lies and propagating falsehoods at campaign grounds will not help the difficult position that the Edo PDP has put itself.

The eight years of PDP leadership in Edo remain our dark ages, and all Edo people know that so well. No lies by Dan Orbi and his co-travellers can change that because Edo people are too intelligent to be swayed so cheaply.

Obaseki is retelling our developmental story as a state with roads that are springing up daily, everywhere in the three senatorial districts, health centres, job creation and empowerment opportunities, improved education etc.

_*Crusoe Osagie is the Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy*_

Peter Igbinedion, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a brother to PDP candidate for the Ovia Federal Constituency, Ms Omosede Igbinedion, said his family have perpetuated injustice to the people of Ovia, and Okada in particular.

Peter who defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) along with hundreds of his supporters, said the need to right the wrong was his reason for defection.

He said, aside the fact that Omosede has failed to perform as the current representative of the people at the House of Representatives, there was need to put a stop to his family's control of the constituency, particularly Ovia North East.

He noted that it would have been a different thing if Igbinedion control of the area had translated into better life to the people or brought development to the place.

According to him, "We cannot continue to protect the family's name while the people continue to suffer in anguish.

"If we have failed to promote the interest of the people, but that of Igbinedion, I don't see any reason why I should continue to support that as an individual.

"My brother, Chief Lucky Igbinedion was the Governor of this state for two term and also a one time Local Government Chairman, the just like another brother of mine was also a former council boss and now, Omosede as a member of the National Assembly (NASS).

"The truth be told, all these positions occupied by the family should have by now reflected on the Ovia Federal Constituency by way of infrastructural development, but the opposite is the case.

"Just like what is happening with the Saraki's in Kwara State today with the slogan "O to ge" a Yoruba word for "Enough is Enough" coined to stop the family dominance of the political space in the State, I am convinced, also, that the people are tired of the Igbinedion political hegemony.

"My question is, should we (Igbinedion) not call it quit now before the people similarly come out with a Benin catchy word "Oni se" for Enough."

Peter, however, made this known that he hold no grudge against Omosede, nor is he in any fight with the family.

" I just want the best for Ovia while we also continue to protect the Igbinedion family name. My position is that, protecting the name should not be to the detriment of the people," he stated he posited.

Fans of Bendel Insurance Football Club have hailed Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, for initiating reforms which spurred the club’s resurgence and eventual return to Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), after 11 years.

Bendel Insurance gained promotion to the elite league after an excellent outing with three wins at the Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 Playoffs, which held in Aba.

A cross-section of fans of the club, who spoke with journalists, hailed Governor Obaseki’s clear vision for the club which brought about the impressive outings during the NNL season as well as during the playoffs.

Mr. Ovbiosa Charles, said the club’s promotion came  as remarkable as it is emotional for anyone who knew the club in its heydays, noting “I sincerely thank the Edo State Government for responding speedily to the cries of our people for the return of Bendel Insurance to the NPFL.”

“This promotion has been long overdue. Bendel Insurance is one of the first set of clubs to play in the Nigerian topflight division in the 1970s. So, I was wondering where we got it all wrong that the club had to be in relegation for 11 years. For spearheading the campaign that returned the team to the professional league, Governor Obaseki and his team have done us proud,” Ovbiosa added.

Another fan, Mr. Barnabas Efosa, hailed Governor Obaseki for his role in returning the club to its past glory, noting that the impressive performance of the team after its rebranding by the governor, showed that the state government really does have good plans for sports development in the state.

He said it would be delightful to watch the team take on opponents in the topflight division at the home ground in Benin City.

“As we await the completion of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, I can’t wait to see Bendel Insurance play on home ground. For allowing the deputy governor to spearhead the rebranding of the team, Governor Obaseki has proven to us that he is a leader who is interested in things that will benefit the people.”

Peter Odion, a sports analysist said the return of Bendel Insurance to the professional football league will put Edo State back on the spotlight in sports and boost the state’s economy, as it will attract more investors, sponsors and development.

*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*S3-001:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (with the microphone); his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu (right) and Captain of Bendel Insurance Football Club, Charles Omokaro (middle), when the governor received them at Government House, in Benin City, after their qualification to Nigeria’s topflight division, Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), after 11 years in relegation, on Friday, January 11, 2018.

*S3-002:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki addressing supporters of Bendel Insurance Football Club, when the governor received them at Government House, in Benin City,  after their qualification to Nigeria’s topflight division, Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), after 11 years in relegation, on Friday, January 11, 2018.

*
*_…phase 1 to be commissioned in April_*

In a bold move to free Edo people and residents from the stranglehold of the inefficient Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and undo the endless cycle of darkness foisted on electricity consumers in the state, Governor Godwin Obaseki on Wednesday, visited the 55 Megawatts CCETC-Ossiomo Power plant as the facility prepares to commence operation.

Addressing journalists after inspecting facilities and progress of work at the CCETC Clean Power/Ossiomo Power Plant, in Ologbo, near Benin City, Obaseki said the first phase of the project will be commissioned in April and would make more electricity available for distribution in the state.

He said the construction of transmission lines to deliver the power from the site to the city centre would soon commence, as the first set of equipment for the project would arrive from China in the first quarter of this year.

According to him, “We believe that before the end of the first quarter of the year, the first 5MW would be delivered to light up government offices and streets within the Sapele Road corridor of Benin City.”

He explained that “to ease distribution of the power, a substation would be set up around Kings Square, which would power streets in the city.”

The governor added: “We are concluding transaction to light up 200 Kilometres of our streets across the city. When the plant is completed, it will free up some electricity for the state. We believe that if the megawatts produced increase, the distribution company will have more power to distribute to other cities in the state.

"The ordinary Edo people will benefit from this power arrangement because there is an arrangement to drop power in certain processing centres where artisans can move into and do their businesses with the assurance of steady power supply.”

Director, CCETC Clean Energy/Ossiomo Power Plant, Dr. Uwa Igiehon, said the power plant is a joint venture between a Chinese Company, CCETC Clean Energy and Ossiomo Power to build a 55Megawatts plant in the state.

He said the power plant started in August 2018 and would be delivered in the next four to five months.

“We will be using natural gas from a 50-metre gas pipeline close to the site. The project will be in phases with the first phase of 5 megawatts to be delivered to the state government.”

The governor was also at the 1800-housing unit Emotan Gardens on Upper Sokponba Road, to see the extent of work at the estate.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsPsv0iqJ0rBo_9qRYCoCag/

*PHOTO CAPTION*
*S4-001:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle); Director, CCETC Clean Energy/Ossiomo Power Plant, Dr. Uwa Igiehon (left); and Plant Administrator, Di Xiaohui, during the governor’s inspection of ongoing construction work at the power plant site in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

*S4-002:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd right); Director, CCETC Clean Energy/Ossiomo Power Plant, Dr. Uwa Igiehon (right); and Plant Administrator, Di Xiaohui (middle), during the governor’s inspection of ongoing construction work at the CCETC Clean Energy/Ossiomo Power Plant site in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

*S4-003:*
Workers at the CCETC Clean Energy/Ossiomo Power Plant site in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, during Governor Godwin Obaseki’s inspection of construction work at the site, on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

*S4-004 / S4-005:*
Ongoing construction work at at the CCETC Clean Energy/Ossiomo Power Plant site in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, during Governor Godwin Obaseki’s inspection of work at the site, on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

*S4-006:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left); Director, CCETC Clean Energy/Ossiomo Power Plant, Dr. Uwa Igiehon (second left); and Plant Administrator, Di Xiaohui (second right), during the governor’s inspection of ongoing construction work at the CCETC Clean Energy/Ossiomo Power Plant site in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

*…compiles lists of another 230 for award*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the contract for the refurbishment of 230 primary schools across the state, to provide for conducive learning environment for pupils in the schools.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said this in Benin City, the state capital on Wednesday.

He noted that the state government is committed to making learning pleasurable for pupils in the state, adding that the review of a list of another 230 primary schools is in progress, after which contracts for their refurbishment will be awarded.

According to him, “The governor has approved the contract for the renovation of 230 primary schools in the state. This is in furtherance of his commitment to ensuring that students in the state learn in a conducive environment.

“It is also coming as the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) is set to roll out the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) in more schools across the state.

“With the award, contractors are expected to be on site working on the schools. As that is ongoing, we are also in the process of compiling another batch of 230 public primary schools for which contracts would be awarded in the first quarter of 2019. This will bring the number of schools marked for renovation to 460.”

He said that an audit of another 800 schools is also ongoing, after which schools found to be in need of renovation would be added to the 460, noting that the state government is not going to leave any school behind in the rollout of the renovation programme.

“We are committed to ensuring that the schools in Edo State are in good shape. We have had to take our time to do this because we wanted the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) to be in place so they can play a critical role in ensuring that the schools are well run and that whatever is provided for the schools are not vandalised,” he said.

*_…assures road rehabilitation will ease movement_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has charged the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) to step up its activities and rid major towns in the state of traffic congestion.

Obaseki who gave the charge in Benin City, noted that “with the influx of holiday-makers into major towns in the state, EDSTMA must deploy more personnel and equipment to arears notorious for traffic congestion.

“Many Edo people are home for the festive season and some of them came with their cars, increasing the number of vehicles on our roads.”

He added: “We have also received reports of the growing number of rough driving, by people who are drunk, this we must discourage.”

The governor assured that “with the ongoing reconstruction of bad roads across the state, driving is becoming pleasurable” and urged road users to place more premium on safety.

According to him, “Major parts of Benin City recorded heavy vehicular traffic days before Christmas with congestion at major intersections.

“Many people were stuck in traffic for hours. EDSTMA must be proactive in their planning, to ensure people do not suffer unnecessary hardship on the road as we go into the new year.”

The governor advised the traffic management agency to apply the necessary traffic laws to discourage rough driving across the state.

*Xmas Shopping: Edo residents upbeat about Obaseki's discount Food, Agric Market*

...bag of rice to sell for N15,000, cow N150,000

Residents of Edo State are gearing up for discount shopping at the government's food market initiated by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to mitigate the impact of the nation's current economic reality on people in the state.

Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, said the state government has undertaken to provide trucks that will be sent to farmers in villages and peri-urban areas, to convey farm produce to venue of the Food and Agric Fair, Imaguero College, in Benin City.

"The farmers will not pay for the transportation of their produce to the fair, the transportation burden will be borne by the state government. With this and other incentives, we are certain that the costs of food items will reduce significantly at the fair," Osagie said.

"We are urging Edo people and residents in the state to take advantage of the fair as there will be free drinks and free indomie meals for children.

"The price of a bag of rice will begin from N15,000 and the price of a big cow will begin from N150,000 while tomatoes, tubers of yam, plantain and other foodstuffs will be sold at affordable prices," the governor's aide added.

Madam Eseosa Igbinidu, a civil servant who resides in Benin City, said she is waiting for the fair to open to shoppers.

"We are aware of the Food and Agric Fair and the timing is also right because we have been paid our November salary. We want to spend our salary wisely and give our families the best treatment in the Yuletide," she said.



Other residents interviewed, expressed delight at the initiative and commended governor Obaseki for always seeking ways to make life easier for the common man.



"We commend the governor for always seeking ways to reduce the impact of the struggling national economy on Edo people. The idea of a food and agric fair is brilliant and it will be a win-win for farmers who have challenges transporting their produce to the market and consumers, who want more value for their money," Mr Ugbo Sunday said.



The state government earlier in the week announced that arrangements were on top gear to ensure residents have memorable Christmas celebration with the hosting of the first Food and Agric Fair with the intention to slash prices of foodstuff.


State Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperative and Employment, Emmanuel Usoh, who disclosed this at a press briefing said the fair would show case food produced in the state and also sell same to Edo people at low prices during this Yuletide season.


He said a day would be set aside for farmers and players in the agro allied industries to meet and exchange ideas on the best practices globally, adding that the fair would attend to challenges facing small scale farmers and showcase opportunities in the agric industry, including funding capacities of development banks and partners.


He said; "Products ranging from rice, vegetable oil, onions and all sorts of farm produce will be sold at promotional prices. Poultry products would also be available. There will be a mobile abattoir. Frozen chicken will be available for sale.


"There will be a stand for local cuisine. Beverage companies have indicated interest to participate in the fair. Father Christmas will be there for the children to visit. The children will get free drinks and free food from Dufil foods. Commissioners are to be dressed in Father's Christmas costumes.

"There will be subsidy for farmers to transport their farm produce to the venue. Farmers in the northern part of the state producing onions have agreed to sell at very low prices."

Edo JAAC declares N3.2bn allocation for LGAs as IGR rises*

*Edo JAAC declares N3.2bn allocation for LGAs as IGR rises*

The Edo Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC) has declared N3.20 billion as total allocation that accrued to the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state for the month of November.

The committee also said that there was a two per cent increase in the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), in the councils.

Chairman, Oredo Local Government Area, Mr. Jenkins Osunde, disclosed this to journalists at the end of the JAAC meeting presided over by the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in Government House, Benin City.

Osunde said the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from the 18 LGAs stood at N195.15 million which represents a two per cent increase of the IGR recorded in the month of October.

He said that the total allocation is 3,195,266,729.48, noting, “teachers’ salary gulped N1. 07 billion, non-teachers’ salary was N55.22 million while N100 million was set aside for pension payment.”

He added that total deduction was N1. 74 billion while net allocation to the 18 LGAs was N1.45 billion.

The state recorded improved IGR earnings as a result of reforms and deployment of technology in revenue collection.

*
President Muhammadu Buhari, former President, Goodluck Jonathan, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and a long-list of the who-is-who in Nigeria's political and business communities on Saturday graced the funeral mass in honour of late elder statesman, Chief Anthony Anenih.

The dignitaries, including Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Seriake Dickson, Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, who represented President Buhari, converged at the St. Anthony Catholic Cathedral, Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area to pay their last respect to late Chief Anenih.

The mass was part of the state burial organised for Chief Anenih, the Iyasele of Esan land, in recognition of his contributions to the development of Edo State and Nigeria.

In his homily, the Bishop of the Diocese of Uromi, Most Rev. Dr Donatus Ogun, said human life was a journey and should be lived in service to humanity and with consciousness of the existence of the supreme being.

The Bishop said late Anenih was an exceptionally generous person, who believed in giving opportunities to others to achieve their dreams and was a man of integrity, who stood and lived by his words, a virtue which made him to excel in his political career.

"He believed that every situation could be solved and he helped to give solution to every problem brought to him," the Bishop said.

In his votes of thanks, the first son of the deceased, Anthony Anenih Jnr., described his late father as a national leader, a statesman and a caring father to many.

"He was a beloved pillar in our community; from Uromi to Benin and through out Edo. He was our protector, umbrella and educator.

He said his father believed in caring for the elderly, which made him set up a Geriatric Centre at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

Other dignitaries at the event include National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, among others.

*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*S3-001:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right) former President, Goodluck Jonathan (middle) and Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, at the Funeral Mass held in honour of elder statesman, Chief Anthony Anenih, at St. Anthony Catholic Cathedral, Uromi, Edo State, on Saturday, December 1, 2018.

Buhari, Obaseki, others pay last tributes to late Chief Anenih*

*Buhari, Obaseki, others pay last tributes to late Chief Anenih*

President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State have extolled the leadership qualities of late Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih, eulogising him as an illustrious son of Nigeria and a politician of uncommon calibre.

Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said this during a requiem mass held as part of the state burial in honour of Late Chief Anenih, at the University of Benin Sports Complex, in Benin City, Edo State capital.

The president said that Anenih lived a great life of service, and became a bridge builder across the political divide.

He said, “Anenih is a patriotic Nigerian, who has an unequal commitment to the Nigerian project. He is a man that believes in the growth and development of the nation.

In his tribute, Governor Obaseki said Chief Anenih was a rare-breed politician, who was “famed for his political wizardry, an uncommon gift to weather stormy waters and masterfully deliver results from the most difficult situations.”

“I stand here today on behalf of the Government and People of Edo State to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of a quintessential, rare-breed politician, philanthropist, a leader of leaders, statesman, an illustrious son of Edo and our father, Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih,” Obaseki said.

He added, “I commiserate with the great Anenih family of Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, the National and State leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the good people of Edo State on the passing of our great icon.

Noting that the elder statesman devoted a better part of his life to the development of the state and the country, he said late Chief Anenih contributed to national development in the various capacities he served while he lived.

“The whole of Edo State has suffered a huge loss with the death of Chief Anenih, the Iyasele of Esan land, who ranks as one of the most illustrious sons of the state,” he added.

Former Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion said Anenih created a vast political family, adding that he was a great builder, who created a platform for unity and friendship across the political divide.

Former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, said Anenih was a great mentor, adding, “he was a great adviser and a pillar of support for the downtrodden.

Former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Chief Mike Ogiadomhen lauded late Chief Anenih as being instrumental in midwifing democracy in 1999.

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki

*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*S5-001:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); Anthony Anenih Jnr. (middle), and other members of the Anenih family, at the State Burial organised in honour of elder statesman, Chief Anthony Anenih, at the University of Benin Sports Complex, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State, on Friday, November 30, 2018

The Edo State Government has declared Friday, November 30, a half-day of work in the state, in honour of late elder statesman, Chief Tony Anenih.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, the state government said the declaration is in line with the state burial, with which the state government is honouring the late national icon.

According to him, "The State Government has declared Friday, November 30, a half-day of work, so that workers in the state can pay their last respects to the icon. We are having a state burial and this serves as one of the gestures extended by the government in honour of Anenih, his legacy and contribution to development of the state."

Late Anenih, who was a former Minister of Works and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), died at the age of 85 years on October 28.

Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ovia Federal Constituency in the 2019 general elections has accused the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) of deliberate plan to frustrate the President's plan to improve power supply in the country.

Idahosa stated in Benin on Tuesday in reaction to Gov Godwin Obaseki walking out the BEDC boss, Mrs Funke Osibodu, from his (Obaseki) office on Tuesday.

NAN reports that the Governor of Edo had walked out Osibodu from his office when she accompanied House of Representatives committee on power on a courtesy call on the governor.

The governor said the utility has posed as an obstacle to meeting the goal of proving stable power supply to his people instead of collaborating with the state government.

According to him, The BEDC has been an obstacle all the way. They will not provide electricity and will not allow you to get alternative sources of power. The state will not allow it.

"As Governor of Edo State, we have lost confidence in BEDC. We don't want them here. We are in darkness. Let us remain in darkness until we find people who are capable of delivering electricity.  This is our position."

Idahosa said the BEDC who has plunged the state into darkness for over three weeks now, was out not only to frustrate Obaseki's plans to make life comfortable for he people, but also to sabotage President Muhammadu Buhari efforts in the sector.

"As it stands, nobody is accusing the BEDC for the darkness that now pervades the entire state, but the president and the state government have been at the receiving end of this whole mess," he stated.

He said aside the issue of erratic power supply, the people have also had to contend with the issue of estimated billings from company.

The House of Representatives candidate challenged the authority concerned to ensure justice is served the BEDC.

Meanwhile, the company have attributes a faulty Transformers of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN)as responsible for the problem of power supply that have effected the state in the past three weeks.

Osibodu who disclosed this during senate committee on power visit to the company on Thursday, however said efforts was been made by the BEDC and the TCN to proffer solution to the problem.

She also debunked that all of electricity in the state was deliberate on the part of the BEDC.

"Our own position is that the more power we can sell the better for us. If some of the TCN limitations are solved, people will smile because they will have 30% extra power. It is not TCN problem alone but the budgetary process," she said.

*Obaseki walks BEDC MD out of his office for throwing state into darkness*

*…tells House of Reps that Edo doesn’t want a ‘failed, unserious’ DISCO*

There was mild drama at the office of the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Tuesday, as the governor walked the Managing Director (MD) of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), Mrs. Funke Osibodu, out of his office for failing to meet  obligations to electricity consumers in Edo and throwing the state into darkness for weeks.

This happened when the governor received members of the Federal House of Representatives Committee on Power led by Hon. Daniel Asuquo, who were in Government House, on a courtesy visit.

The governor was surprised to see the BEDC boss, whose name  was not on the list of expected guests to Government House, but embedded herself in the National Assembly delegation,  to gain access to the governor, who has been in darkness alongside millions of Edo State residents, for weeks.

Speaking to the delegation after Mrs. Osibodu had left the gathering, the governor said BEDC has continued to fail in collaborating with the state government to provide stable electricity in the state, instead the company has posed as an obstacle to meeting the goal.

"BEDC has been an obstacle all the way. They will not provide electricity and will not allow you to get alternative sources of power. The state will not allow it,” the governor said.

According to him, “As Governor of Edo State, we have lost confidence in BEDC. We don’t want them here. We are in darkness. Let us remain in darkness until we find people who are capable of delivering electricity.  This is our position.”

The governor said despite the fact that the state generates about 600 to 700 megawatts of electricity, the people are still in darkness, wondering how he is expected to explain the irony to the people, who are well aware that they produce a substantial amount of electricity in the country.

He noted that BEDC has failed to recognise that they have to be patriotic and responsible to the state and the country but instead they have been noncommittal  about  the issue of power distribution.

"To assist, we set up electricity committee across the local government areas chaired by the Deputy Governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, with BEDC as member to understand the challenge. But BEDC frustrated our resolve to finding a lasting solution to the issue of providing electricity to our people.”

Earlier, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Power, Hon. Daniel Asuquo, said they were in the state for an oversight function on the activities of BEDC and other players in the electricity value chain.

He said Edo State consumes half of daily power supply under the BEDC, noting that the state has the highest number of consumers on the network, which makes it critical to engage with the governor and people of the state on the level of service delivery by players in the value chain.

"We are here to see how to intervene to ensure that you deliver on your electioneering promises to the people of Edo State as you are answerable to them," Hon. Asuquo said.

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*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*S3-001:*
R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Chairman, Committee on Power, House of Representatives, Hon. Daniel Asuquo; Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) to the Chairman, Daniel Madubike and member, House Committee on Power, Hon. Hassan Abubakar, during a courtesy visit to the governor by the House of Representatives Committee on Power, at Government House, Benin City, on Tuesday, November 27, 2018

*Obaseki presents N175.7bn Budget proposal for 2019 to Edo Assembly*

*…capital expenditure to gulp N95.8bn, Recurrent Expenditure gets N79.9bn*

*…infrastructure, education, health, industrialisation, pension, security top priorities*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Monday presented the 2019 Appropriation Bill with plans to spend a total of N175.7 billion in the 2019 fiscal year, broken into: Capital Expenditure, N95.8 billion and Recurrent Expenditure, N79.9 billion.

Presenting the 2019 Budget Estimates to a session of the Edo State House of Assembly in Benin City, the state capital, Obaseki said: “our budget size for 2019 fiscal year is N175.7 billion, which is a 9.20 per cent nominal increase from the 2018 budget. This budget comprises N79.9 billion for Recurrent and N95.8 billion for Capital expenditures.

He explained that “The revenue estimates for the budget are based on a $60 per barrel bench mark for crude oil at an average daily production of 2.3m barrels per day as well as an increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), as a result of reforms in revenue collection in the state.”

The governor assured that “The 2019 budget christened ‘Budget of Socio-Economic Inclusion’ will propel us closer to the Edo of our dreams, after we have weathered the shocks from different economic headwinds in the last two years.”

On the areas that will receive priority attention, he told the Assembly that “Consolidating on the gains from the last two years, we intend to keep prioritising capital spending. We propose a capital/recurrent expenditure ratio of (54.5%:45.5%) which demonstrates our commitment to fortify the economy and our people for sustained growth.”

According to Obaseki, “the 2019 budget proposal “Reflects this administration’s intention to promote social inclusion and economic empowerment for Edo citizens, through the deepening of investments in socio-economic, governance and security infrastructure; and through the implementation of initiatives that guarantee equal access to education, health care and social protection.

He highlighted the focus of 2019 budget proposal as: Continued investment in the rehabilitation of existing (and the development of new) socio-economic infrastructure; Strengthen internal capacity for project execution & governance; Scale up investments in socio-welfare enhancement programmes (in education, healthcare and rural development); Continued investment in programmes/projects for job creation particularly through Industrialisation, Agriculture, and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) development as well as Enhanced investment in Security and Administration of Justice.”

He noted that the 2019 budget proposal reflects his administration’s “unflinching commitment to our people and their social, economic and infrastructural wellbeing, which explains why a significant aspect of the capital expenditure is allocated for infrastructural projects, stimulate socio-economic growth, provide quality education, health care and boost wealth creation to ensure our people reap the benefits from increased investment.”

The governor added that: “Our big-ticket projects, including the Benin Industrial Park, the Benin River Port and Edo Modular Refinery Project, are well on course. N3 billion has been set aside as the contribution of the state as initial investment commitment for the Benin Industrial Park, the necessary preliminary works are ongoing and in no distant time, the first set of companies will set up shops to provide jobs and services in the state.
“One of the priority areas of the proposed 2019 capital expenditure framework is to strengthen internal capacity for project execution and governance with a view to achieving 80 per cent closure rate on all ongoing projects.

“Much as we are intensifying effort to complete reconstruction of roads across the state, we are also ready to commence new ones to close the infrastructure gaps in the state. Work on the roads will be ramped up during the dry season. Other necessary infrastructure to complement our investment drive will also be catered for. As a result, N42.719 billion has been earmarked for infrastructure development to drive economic activities.

“One area of emphasis will be maintenance. A road maintenance agency will be set up and properly funded to ensure prompt intervention and save the huge cost of repair and damage.

“We are also scaling up government investment in socio-welfare enhancement programmes in basic education, primary healthcare and rural development.

“On healthcare, N9.328 billion has been earmarked to consolidate on the gains in the sector, including support for the Edo Healthcare Improvement Programme (Edo-HIP), which is targeted at overhauling the primary health care system and setting up modern, solar-powered, efficient Primary Healthcare Centers across the state.

“The sum of N1.7 billion has been set aside for primary healthcare reforms. With this, we will be inching closer to the planned 200 PHCs to be sited in wards across the state.

“In order to provide funds for our reform in healthcare, we currently save 1 per cent of our statutory allocation to the state and local governments and N960 million is expected to be raised from this and channelled to the health sector.

“With the commitment to increase access to quality healthcare, N120 million has been set aside for the Edo Health Insurance Commission, which will be birthed in 2019 fiscal year.

“In education, the state has taken giant strides by building an army of digital teachers to prepare our children for the new age of education, one characterised by the far-reaching impact of technology.

“As a result, we have proposed N26.8 billion, representing 15.3 percent of the total budget size. It will cater for needs in first and foremost, basic education, which will gulp N6.4 billion. This will deepen the reforms in the sub-sector, provide quality and reliable basic education and prepare our children for the future.

“The reforms in other tiers of education, such as the restructuring of the college of agriculture into a tri-campus institution as well as other such initiatives in other secondary and tertiary institutions will be given priority.

“Specifically, N1.98 billion has been set aside for the restructuring of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Each of the three campuses are now being tailored to develop manpower with skills to take advantage of the agroecological endowments of the senatorial districts where they are sited.

“Our efforts at expanding the state’s economic base will receive a major boost this year as we plan to spend N7.007 billion on investment promotion, which will help bring to fruition a number of our investment initiatives. Through this, we intend to provide guarantee for investments from the private sector, match funding for projects, and provide the right environment for investors to come on board.

“Considering the nexus between investment and security, we will reinforce our security architecture with N2 billion which will be contributed to the State Security Trust Fund. We expect that well-meaning Edo citizens and corporate bodies will also contribute to this fund towards ensuring improved safety of lives and property within the state.

On job creation, the governor said: “We are poised to realise 50,000 new jobs from ongoing initiatives in Agriculture, Services, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) sectors.

“The emphasis of this administration on the enthronement of law and order will be consolidated in this budget year. We will focus on enhancing security and administration of justice, for which we have earmarked N0.967 billion to the Judiciary, Law Reform Commission and the Ministry of Justice. This will enhance the fight against human trafficking and illegal migration, deepen our judicial reforms and ensure that everyone, regardless of social or economic standing, is treated fairly before the law.

“All these are critical to our overall vision of unleashing the investment potentials and attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the state. As you all know, businesses cannot thrive in an atmosphere of chaos. This is why we are strengthening institutions that promote law and order to guarantee faith in the system and, at the same time, protect the rights of everyone.

“To fulfill our commitment towards making Edo the culture capital of West Africa, we have earmarked N500 million in 2019 budget to commence the development and construction of the Benin Royal Museum. This will be done in collaboration with the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Ogidigan.

“An entertainment park that will host the creative arts, film and television productions, is being embarked upon. It is designed to tap into the fast-growing industry by harnessing the creative talent of the Edo people, attract investment and create jobs. To this end, N500 million has been set aside for the project.

“We continue to appreciate the labour of our senior citizens whose sweat built our state and its institutions. Therefore, we take the issue of pension payment as our utmost priority. In 2018, we have spent N8 billion in pension payment. We plan to spend another N9 billion to pay pension, gratuity as well as arrears owed from previous years.

Reviewing economic developments in the outgoing year, (Domestic Macroeconomic highlight 2018), Obaseki explained that “In the first six months of 2018, the Nigerian economy recorded improvements that were engendered by increasing business activities, rising oil prices in the global market, increased domestic oil output and declining inflation.

“As a result of uncertainties which were triggered by the late passage of the federal budget, GDP growth rate slowed down from 2.11 per cent in the last quarter of 2017 to 1.94 per cent in the first quarter of this year. Economic activities however remained buoyant, with manufacturing purchasing manager’s index (PMI) as measured by CBN, closing at 56.8 in October from 56.3 in February 2018. (The PMI is an indicator of economic health for manufacturing and service sectors of the national economy).

“Our expectation for growth in 2019 is an expansion of 2.5% in GDP, an improvement over the expected growth of 2.1% in 2018. While crude oil price may decline, we hope that the increase in oil production to 2.3mb/d due to additional output from areas like the Egina field, will sustain growth in the oil sector.

“In the non-oil sector, we expect a sustained positive performance in manufacturing and services due to higher consumer spending (as higher government revenues which are ensuring the settlement of outstanding salary obligations across states and a new minimum wage, will boost household income). In agriculture, we expect a boost in 2019 as governments move to enhance stability and productivity in this sector.

On Inflationary Trends, he said: “By the end of fiscal 2018, we expect inflation to average 12.3% monthly, an improvement from 16.5% in 2017.

“Experts forecast a slight deceleration in inflation to 11.0% in fiscal 2019, as the results of various Presidential initiatives around food security, petrol and electricity supply/pricing begin to materialise.

On External Reserves and Exchange Rates, the governor noted that, “In 2018, stability and convergence in exchange rates has been achieved and sustained.

“Although we’ve experienced pressure on external reserves due to capital flow reversals resulting from higher interest rates in advanced economies, political risks domestically and increased interventions by the CBN to keep rates stable; our external reserves has grown from about $29 billion in May 2015 to about $48 billion in May 2018.

“With expected proceeds of US$2.9bn from the latest Eurobonds issuance, we believe the CBN has more room to maintain stability. Hence, we expect exchange rates to trade around the current rates of N360.0-365.0/US$1 in both the parallel market and the Investors’ and Exporters’ (I&E) window.

“In 2019, we believe exchange rates will remain stable as we experience growth in external reserves, consolidate on the implementation of our Bilateral Currency Swap Agreement with China and receive the foreign portfolio investments likely to flow into the capital market post 2019 elections.”

Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media

Website: www.godwinobaseki.com
Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial
Twitter: @governorobaseki
Instagram: @governorobaseki

*PHOTO CAPTIONS:*
*S2-001:*
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, exchanging pleasantries with the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Adjoto, after presenting the 2019 Budget Estimate, christened ‘Budget of Socio-Economic Inclusion,’ to a session of the Assembly, in Benin City, Edo State, on Monday, November 26, 2018.

*S2-002:*
L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu; Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; new Head of Service (HoS), Mr Isaac Ehiozuwa; and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele; during the governor’s presentation of the 2019 Budget estimate, christened ‘Budget of Socio-Economic Inclusion,’ in Benin City, Edo State, on Monday, November 26, 2018.