Asue Ighodalo will bring development to Edo State

Asue Ighodalo will bring prosperity to Edo

Asue Ighodalo will bring more success to Edo State

Obaseki: Local manufacturing, exports best bet to tackle forex crisis

_... oil palm revolution has positioned Edo to lead Nigeria’s exports_

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the Federal Government can tackle the current foreign exchange crisis by advancing fiscal policies to encourage manufacturers to boost local production and access necessary credit to boost exports of Nigeria made products.

Obaseki said this when he received the National President of the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye with other executives, who were on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City.

The governor, who said the survival of the nation’s economy depended on the manufacturers’ association, noted that Edo State is leveraging its unique advantage with the availability of raw materials for production and manufacturing to drive economic development.

He noted, “Nigeria in the last 40 years has continued to rely on imported goods and services that they don’t produce. We have gotten to a point where we must consume what we manufacture in this nation because we don't have foreign exchange. We don't export any manufactured goods as a nation and MAN has a role to help by redirecting the country towards manufacturing.”

Obaseki further stated, “We have to create the enabling environment for the association to thrive and move away from the notion that it’s not our responsibility to create wealthy people, and government should not be in competition with the private sector, or people providing services for us as it affects the policy thinking of government where the government sees these people as criminals but those who pad budget as nationalist.”

On efforts to boost production activities in the State, Obaseki said, “We have come out with strong environmental policies to re-grow the forest and wood industry, ensuring that forest guards are re-introduced to police the forest and stop illegal logging, and have created encouraging policies for people who want to go into timber plantation.”

Noting that Edo State has the largest oil palm development programme in Africa, the governor noted that, “The State through the ESOPP Programme gave seven investors 70,000 hectares of land to grow oil palm.”

According to him, “In Edo State, we long saw this coming, and we took bold steps and one of the fundamental steps taken is re-structuring our educational system, particularly the foundational education, ensuring we produce a generation of citizens that are well taught. We see ourselves in the next few decades producing the best quality manpower in Nigeria.”

Earlier, the National President of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria commended the governor’s strides in Edo’s economy, making the State a leading destination for private sector Investments.

“With the Midwest as a hub for industrial activities, it’s imperative for collaboration with the government to revive the manufacturing Industry in Edo State through policies and programmes to fast-track industrial growth. We are glad about the progress in driving the influx of investments in Edo through the annual Alaghodaro which has birthed the Duport Refinery, Green Hill Ethanol Plant, Ossiomo Power, and Edo Production hub, among others where the private sector partners with the government in manufacturing.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right), with the National President of the Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye, during a courtesy visit, at the Government House, Benin City, on Monday, March 18, 2024.

Interest Rate: Obaseki blasts CBN, warns of tougher times ahead

_… ‘Nigeria must focus on production, discourage dollarization of nation’s economy’_

_.. ‘Edo among leading States in GDP growth’_

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has predicted tougher economic times for the country due to bad economic policies by the Federal Government, condemning the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to increase the interest rate to 22.75 percent.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the CBN had last week raised the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), also known as the benchmark interest rate by four hundred basis points to 22.75 percent from 18.75 percent.

Obaseki, who spoke at the annual Edo Zone Bankers' Committee Dinner held in Benin City, the Edo State capital, cited the potential adverse effect of the interest rate increase by the CBN on businesses and the nation’s economy, reiterating the need to focus on productive activities.

The governor said, “The next few months will be difficult because the policies rolled out by CBN will unfortunately not support growth in our economy. The interest rate is already high and jacking it up will not allow small businesses access to credit to make them grow.

“We must focus on the fundamentals which is increasing production, making sure our citizens produce what we consume and depend less on imports. Our economic and monetary policies should not be determined by exchange rate alone.

“The issue of increasing the cash reserves in a bid to tighten liquidity is going to be detrimental to our economy. We should focus on fiscal issues to enable us to grow our economy, not panic about the interest rate. Creating jobs should be a priority for us as a nation.”

Commending the role of commercial banks in societal development, Obaseki tasked the banks to come up with products and services which can assist the majority of citizens in overcoming the harsh economic realities experienced nationwide.

He however reassured that his government will continue to partner with the financial sector to cushion the effects of the present economic realities on the people of the State.

Noting that his government has over the last seven and half years undertaken several policies and programmes to reposition the State as a leading subnational in terms of GDP growth, the governor reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the welfare of the people.

He said, “We have built institutions, empowered our people with skills, and ensured they are gainfully employed and seven years after, we are ranked as one of the top States in terms of GDP growth in Nigeria.

“I am here to thank you for collaborating with us to grow the economy of Edo State in the last seven years. You have supported me to make progress this far. I thank each bank and management for taking advantage of the opportunities created in the last seven years, especially with our reforms and growth.

“In the last seven years, we have improved our security, ensuring our people walk freely as the ability to restore security gives confidence to our people who come back home to invest in our State.”

The governor further stated, “Before now, our young ones traveled at will to seek greener pastures but our administration in 2017 got the report about how desperate our youths are traveling out but we have changed the narrative.

“As I wind down as governor, I am leaving a strong State economically; agricultural production has been ramped up significantly. We are leaving a State that is the most digitally connected in Nigeria today as we have laid over 2,000km of fiber optic connection across the state and we have connected the 18 LGA and all your branches are well connected.”

“We are leaving a State that is leading in terms of electricity generation. We have Azura, contributing to the stability of the national grid. We also have Ossiomo Power. Investors are ready to support our initiative in the State. We have the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Law that will allow us to regulate those who want to generate and distribute electricity in Edo State.”

“We have laid the basis for economic growth and development in Edo State and Nigeria. We saw this difficult time coming but could not move and make the necessary decision that would have saved us, but those who ought to act to save us failed to do that, hence here we are today,” Obaseki added.

*PHOTO CAPTION*

*DSC_01*

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left), with the Branch Controller, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Benin Branch, during the annual Edo Zone Bankers’ Committee Dinner in Benin City, at the weekend.

*DSC_02*

L-R: Mrs. Esther Mgbeze; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and Branch Controller, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Benin Branch, during the annual Edo Zone Bankers’ Committee Dinner in Benin City, at the weekend.

NLC Protest: Obaseki empathises with Edo people, Nigerians over high cost of living

_... assures sustained measures to ease suffering, hardship_

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has empathised with people of the State and Nigerians over the incessant rise in prices of goods and services and overall cost of living in the Country, which has inflicted pain and suffering on the people, reassuring that his government will continue to provide measures to ease the hardship faced by the people of the State.

Obaseki spoke when he received members of the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other concerned Nigerians who were on a peaceful protest, at the Government House, Benin City, the Edo State capital, to register their displeasure over the high cost of living occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government.

Obaseki who was represented by the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, in company of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, said the government stands with the people in this very challenging times.

He said, “The Edo State Government supports the protest. We identify with you because this hike in price has affected everyone. We are doing our best to see how this hardship is reduced or limited for Edo people.

“The important thing is to ensure that we are able to feed Edo people. We will do our best in terms of feeding but we don’t have power over fuel. We are doing our best to ensure all the filling stations in Edo State sell fuel at the agreed prices.

“We are concerned about the hardship facing Edo people that was why few days ago, the Edo State Government had a meeting with market women, farmers, traders, civil society groups and a host of others in the food chain at Urokpota Hall in Benin City.”

Noting ongoing efforts to address the rise in price of food, the governor stated, “The Edo State Government has put many things in place to change the narrative and help reduce the cost of food.

“Our government feels the pain of the Edo people. We want Edo to thrive and are not happy as a government that we have to protest to register our displeasure over the high rise of food prices.

“We appeal to Edo people and will make sure that the government has put in groundwork for the people and reduces the hardship.

“The farming season is just beginning. We are assisting with the preparations of land, farming inputs, and equipment and are ready for a bumper harvest. We are making sure that roads are good and reduce the cost of transportation. We are also assisting in bringing the food to the City.

“The message of this protest will be carried to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We want to also let Edo people know that the Edo State Government identifies with Edo people because of the rise in cost of living and will do all necessary to ensure Edo people don't suffer from this hardship."

Earlier, the Chairman of NLC, Edo State Chapter, Comrade Odion Olaiye said, “Members of NLC are here to register their protest on behalf of the Congress to Mr. Governor for onward transmission to Mr. President. We can’t bear hunger anymore. Food items are very high now and people are finding it difficult to eat. Things are hard for Nigerians as we call on the president to intervene.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Representative of Civil Society Groups, Kola Edokpayi; Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Media Projects, Mr. Crusoe Osagie; Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State Chapter Comr. Odion Olaiye; representative of Edo State Governor and Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, during a peaceful protest to Government House, Benin City, Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

Edo 2024: Ighodalo presents his certificate of return to Obaseki

The Chairman of Sterling Bank and governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21, 2024 Edo gubernatorial election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, has presented his Certificate of Return to the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

The candidate presented the certificate to Governor Obaseki at the Edo House, in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

Ighodalo had won the Edo PDP primary election last Thursday after defeating nine other aspirants who had contested in the election held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State.

Upon presenting the certificate to Obaseki, Ighodalo reiterated his commitment to repositioning Edo State as a leading sub-sovereign in Africa, if elected as governor.

He noted that he was confident of victory in the polls having canvassed for support among critical stakeholders in the party, including youths, women, the elderly and leaders of the party, who have expressed their support for him with the outcome of the election.

Noting that he was willing to work with other aspirants who are prepared to work for the victory of the party at the polls, he said he was reaching out to all to ensure that the party presents a united front in the run up to the election in September.

The governor congratulated him on his emergence and assured that the party was going to rally support among the people to ensure that it retains its seat in the Government House in Edo State.

*PHOTO CAPTION*

*DSC_01*

Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Edo State September 21, 2024 governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo (left) presenting his certificate of return to Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at the Edo House, Abuja, Tuesday, February 27, 2024

*DSC_02*

L-R: Former Senator representing Edo Central, Senator Clifford Ordia; former Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Senator Francis Alimikhena; Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Edo State September 21, 2024 governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during Ighodalo’s presentation of his certificate of return to Governor Obaseki, at the Edo House, Abuja, Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Labour Party Elects Anderson As Gov Candidate, Rejects Akpata

Times Newspaper


Daud Olatunji

In a significant turn of events, the Lamidi Apapa-led Labour Party has chosen Uwadiae Asemota Anderson, a seasoned lawyer and Managing Partner of Neplus Ultra, as its gubernatorial candidate for Edo state.


The decision was made during the party primaries held at the Golden Tulip Hotel Etete, GRA Benin City, Edo state.

Anderson secured a resounding affirmation with 188 votes, showcasing strong support within the party.

The primaries were conducted by Chief Electoral Officer, Comrade Roland Daramola, and the Secretary of the electoral committee, Bishop Favour Reuben.

However, a twist occurred as another candidate, Olumide Akpata, emerged from the Julius Abire-led Labour Party, declaring victory with 316 votes in a separate exercise held in Benin City. This conflicting outcome led to a heated dispute within the party.


National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Abayomi Arabambi, expressed dissatisfaction, denouncing Akpata’s candidacy as “ultra vires, non and void,” citing legal judgments from the Federal High Court in Owerri, the Court of Appeal in Owerri, and the Supreme Court in Abuja.

Arabambi questioned Akpata’s legitimacy and alleged ties to the PDP, emphasizing the party’s commitment to upholding court rulings.

The controversy further intensified as PLATFORM TIMES obtained court documents affirming the restraint of Abure, the candidate from the Abire-led faction.

A Federal High Court in Imo state, the Court of Appeal in Owerri, and the Supreme Court all upheld the decision that Alhaji Lamidi Apapa remains the acting chairman of the Labour Party.


Amidst these legal battles, Uwadiae Asemota Anderson stands as the undisputed candidate for the Lamidi Apapa-led faction, emphasizing stability and adherence to legal norms.

Anderson, a graduate of Ambrose Alli University, has an impressive legal background, having handled numerous election petition cases and civil matters.

His experience and track record in navigating legal challenges position him as a formidable candidate for the Labour Party in the upcoming gubernatorial election in Edo state.

As the election season unfolds, the Labour Party braces for a fierce contest, with Anderson leading the charge against other contenders.

The intricacies of party politics and legal battles add an extra layer of complexity to an already dynamic electoral landscape in Edo state.



In a recent development, Bar. Monday Ojore Mawah has been unveiled as the deputy governorship candidate for the Labour Party in the upcoming election in Edo state.

This announcement positions Mawah alongside Anderson as they embark on their political journey, representing the party in the crucial race ahead.

The Race for Edo 2024 Gubernatorial Election

GUIDELINES FOR ASPIRANTS AND DELEGATES FOR THE EDO PDP PRIMARY ELECTION ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024 AT THE SAMUEL OGBEMUDIA STADIUM, BENIN CITY

1. Delegates are to report at Edo Hotel Marque, GRA, Benin City, where their accreditation will kick off at 8am prompt

2. Each delegate will be given security access cards upon accreditation

3. Delegates shall be conveyed in dedicated buses to the venue of the primaries

4. Only designated buses carrying accredited delegates shall be allowed into the premises of the primary (Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium)

5. No private vehicle whatsoever shall be allowed into the venue

6. All vehicles conveying governorship aspirants will drop them and their guests off at the gate before departing

7. Delegates shall be seated in Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, venue of the primary, local government by local government

8. Each Governorship aspirant should collect two security tags from the Edo PDP Secretariat, 59, Airport Road, Benin City. Each card admits one guest only

9. Accreditation of journalists and Civil Society Organizations will also be at the Marque

10.Only accredited pressmen and media outfits will be allowed into the venue

11. Only delegates, invited guests and aspirants will be allowed into the venue

12. All delegates, aspirants and their guests must be seated at the venue of the primary by 11am prompt

Please note that all security agencies have been activated to ensure that these guidelines are strictly followed.

Tony Anenih Jnr.
State Organising Secretary

Edo developing a technological workforce to provide innovative solutions to societal problems, says Obaseki

The Edo State Government has said reforms in the State’s civil service, over the past seven years, are aimed at developing a new generation of workers equipped with the necessary technology and expertise to create and provide innovative solutions to societal challenges.

The government said it is developing a technologically savvy workforce and harnessing the power of technology to enhance performance across all sectors of the State.

The Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa spoke during a Design Sprint Showcase event held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of Human Resources, Mr. George Igberase, the Edo Head of Service reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to establishing functional institutions that are capable and well-empowered to address societal needs.

Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and facilitated by the ACIOE Associates in collaboration with the Edo State Government, the Design Sprint exercise empowered over 150 graduates and officers from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) within the State's civil and public service on the use of digital tools and processes to enhance service delivery.

According to Okungbowa, “The administration of His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki from inception set out to revolutionize the traditional way of doing things by focusing on revamping the civil/ public service of the State. One of the cardinal objectives of this goal was to create institutions that work.

“A look down seven years before now shows a period of unprecedented technological growth. The Government did not only embrace technology but adopted technology as a means of carrying out work processes in the service.”

He added, “One of the impacts of this is an improved and technology-driven workforce. Today, we are celebrating the achievements of some of our first officers in the service who now think, breathe, and speak technology. Today the officers will pitch their prototypes to us having gone through rigorous sessions of workshops and field work to identify challenges. They will also propose solutions that can be delivered through technology.”

In his remark, the Commissioner for Digital Economy, Science and Technology, Hon. Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor expressed confidence that the solutions developed during the course of the event would be put to good use, adding that the execution of projects stemming from these solutions would propel both the government and the governed forward.

He noted, “We had this Programme for the last two weeks where civil/public servants in Edo State have been coming together to brainstorm to figure out solutions to some of the problems we have in Government and in our society. They were able to showcase competence and their knowledge in understanding possible solutions.”


Stakeholders from various ministries, departments, agencies, and private partners attended the Design Sprint event. It also garnered participation from top government functionaries, including commissioners, Special Advisers, permanent secretaries, directors, and executive senior staff from different MDAs to discuss potential challenges affecting the State and explore innovative solutions to addressing them.

PHOTO CAPTION

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Digital Economy, Science and Technology, Yuwa Naps; Edo State Commissioner for Digital Economy, Science & Technology, Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, and representative of Edo State Head of Service and Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Human Resources, Mr. George Igberase, during a Design Sprint Showcase event held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy in Benin City, recently.

Obaseki inspects ongoing Ekehuan Road construction, others

_…reassures on completion_

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki led other government functionaries to inspect ongoing road construction projects in Ekehuan, Ugbiyoko and environs.

Speaking to journalists after the inspection, Obaseki, reassured on the completion of the construction projects before leaving office, noting that the road is very significant as it leads to Gelegele which is the closest point to the Benin Port.

Obaseki was accompanied by the Commissioner for Road and Bridges, Ethan Uzamere; Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Kingsley Uwagbale and other top government officials.

According to him, “This is a very significant road, and the main road leading to Igbine, Gelegele, and the closest point to the Benin Port Project. Initially, we would need this road to move men and materials during construction to the Benin River Port.

“Subsequently, part of the Benin Port Project is to build a dedicated road to move traffic but between now and when the Port will be completed, this will be the major arteries. When we did our last survey, we had nothing less than 100,000 persons dwelling in this neighborhood as it's a highly populated area and these are our citizens. Hence, there is no reason why they should continue to endure the hardship caused by this road.”

Obaseki reassured, “Like I said, every major project I started, I will complete them before leaving office in November 2024.”

On his part, the contractor of the Ekehuan Road Project, Engr. Ighiere Duke noted that by October 2024, the road project would have been concluded.

He said, “We have started the earthwork and concrete work simultaneously and by the end of March 2024, asphalt work would have started. Our target is that by October 2024, anything about Ekehuan Road will be completed and commuters and residents living on Ekehuan Road will have reasons to smile and thank the governor for the work.”

Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Roads and Bridges, Ferguson Enabulele said concrete technology has been deployed in constructing roads in the State since 2016.

He stated, “When Obaseki took office in 2016, concrete technology was one of the technologies he used for road construction. It was used in Navies and Ogieva Streets Projects.

“From 2016 till date, Navies and Ogieva Streets have been intact. When we carried out the design of Ekenwan Road, we discovered that there are associated spot segments that have low line areas. The governor suggested the use of this technology which may last for a minimum of 70 years and we decided to use this technology for low-line areas.”

The Permanent Secretary added, “The technology is good and it may be used in the construction of other roads across the State.”

A resident of the area, Mr. Uche Nwanbuzo thanked the governor for the road construction project, noting that he is satisfied with the level of work.

A bus driver plying the Ekenhuan –Ring Road route, Mrs. Precious Nwango, commended the governor for his developmental strides across the State.

PHOTO CAPTION

L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Roads and Bridges, Ferguson Enabulele, and Commissioner for Road and Bridges, Ethan Uzamere, during inspection of ongoing construction on Ekehuan Road, in Benin City, on Friday.

BREAKING NEWS:

PDP NWC ratifies Edo delegate elections, clears way for primaries on Feb 22

More details later...

What more can we say than to keep thanking our wake and see governor

The governor have done extremely well for Edo people

The governor will surely finish well

God bless the governor for this initiative

Congratulations Edo people

A wonderful development. God bless you our wake and see governor

That is the best way to go.. continue making us proud

I know Gov. Godwin Obaseki mean well for Edo but the federal government keep frustrating his efforts

Wake and see governor

Obaseki is the man of the people

Gov. Godwin Obaseki mean well for Edo people

Nice move

Congratulations

God bless Governor Godwin Obaseki

Obaseki has done well for Edo state

It's obvious that the APC government has failed us

Obaseki has done well for Edo people

Obaseki and PDP all the way

Has has betrayed Edo people.. we will disgrace him with our vote