₦airaland Forum

All these facts have been verified, Obaseki is a solution and that is what he will be remembered for. This same position were held by past governors and they failed us woefully. Gov. Godwin Obaseki we thank you.

Governance is not just about work. Entertainment is also key and sports development and encouragement is also a lucrative venture which the Edo governor is leverage upon.

In the entire nation no governor has adopted this solution based approach to problem solving as we are known for celebrating problems rather than solving them.
Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has further discended into the medical impossibility by imploying the strategy of re-enforcing the primary health care centers in all the wards of the 18 local government areas of Edo state. This brilliant and pragmatic dimension produced a healthy Edo health sector.

He was a man for and of the people a light to his generation and a younger brother to the first Director of currency to the central bank of Nigeria. Fortunately he was my in law. May God grant us the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

Let us rally around Asue Ighodalo as he is Ambrose Alli reincarnation to Edo State to reposition and reinvent all the earlier structures displaced by greedy and self serving political maggots in the anals of Edo genealogy.
Asue is the one, this is his time and 2024 is the date.

A vibrant and a well motivated workforce is the falcrum of development because one can only give what he has received.
Governor Obaseki has broken records in all sphere of developmental attainment in Edo. 13 months salary is a dream come through and we celebrate it.

This is superb! Apart from Lagos and Abuja I guess, Edo is one of the state that operates this world class security defence mechanism.

#ObasekiFinishStrong
#GreaterEdoUnderObaseki

Obaseki presents N325.3bn 2024 budget to Edo Assembly

growth, employment enablers, road infrastructure, health, education, others top priorities

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Tuesday, presented a N325.3bn budget to the Edo State House of Assembly, for the 2024 fiscal year, which is a slight increase from the N320bn budgeted for the year 2023.

Obaseki, who presented the budget to the Assembly, at the Anthony Enahoro Assembly Complex in Benin City, said the budget is made up of N178 billion for Capital and N146 billion for Recurrent expenditure.

Obaseki said with the budget christened, ‘Budget Home Run: Finishing Strong,’ his government intends to, despite the global economic headwinds and attendant implications for the national economy, marshal resources to complete ongoing projects across the State in furtherance of government’s commitment to the wellbeing and prosperity of Edo State and sustain efforts to improve the ease of doing business, consolidate on key reform programmes and conclude all transactions needed to stimulate economic growth.

The governor noted that the total projected revenue for 2024 is N303 billion, consisting of N55billion statutory allocation, Value Added Tax (VAT) of N38billion, capital receipts of 40bn; IGR of N72 billion and N10 billion from grants, among others, adding that “the revenue estimates are based on a $65 per barrel benchmark for crude oil with an average daily production of 1.60m barrels per day as well as an increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to N72bn, which will be bolstered by reforms in revenue collection, property laws and land management reforms.”

Obaseki said the focus areas for the 2024 fiscal year include growth and employment enablers such as the trailer and transit parks, ICT infrastructure, Benin Port projects, which will gulp N85bn; road and transport infrastructure, N62bn; health, N33bn; education, N32bn and buildings, physical planning and development control, N21bn.

Other areas include Social Welfare/Benefits N16bn; Environment, N5bn; Electricity, N7bn; Agriculture, N6bn and Youth, Social Development and Gender, N6bn.

According to him, the 2024 budget is informed by the need to build a resilient and sustainable foundation for the reforms, initiatives and programmes that we have embarked on in the last seven years.

“The ultimate target is to promote economic expansion, technology, arts and culture, social inclusion and economic empowerment for Edo citizens, through sustained investments across various sectors of the economy necessary to drive growth and development. Public Private Partnership (PPP) will continue to dominate our investment initiatives in the New Year,” the governor added.

He stated, “Though resources are not at the optimum and our revenues are severely impacted by prevailing lag in the economy, we will sustain efforts to improve the ease of doing business, consolidate on other key reform programmes and conclude all transactions needed to stimulate economic growth.”

The governor further stated: “Mr. Speaker, as a subnational we have very little say on monetary policy but our aim is to stabilize our macro-economic environment through effective use of limited fiscal policy. This will enable businesses, investors and households plan and implement production, investment and consumption activities effectively within our state.

“The State’s fiscal policy is envisaged to control and enforce compliance with established spending limits to achieve a sound budgeting system, which includes aggregate fiscal discipline, allocative efficiency and effective spending that can propel Edo State’s economy to be among the top three most developed states in the country by 2050.”

According to him, “The year 2023 has been characterized by political and economic uncertainties, especially with the devaluation of the naira by almost 100 percent and the removal of fuel subsidy which led to a threefold increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

These policies have added to the already tough economic and social conditions faced by our citizens, resulting in thousands more slipping into poverty.

Mr. Speaker and Honourable members, despite these challenges, we continued to keep faith with the mandate of delivering good governance to our people. We continue to focus on improving the welfare of our workers while emphasizing those policies which will help us overcome the current challenges we face.

We achieved these by ensuring expansion of the economic space, attracting private capital, improving the ease of doing business, upgrading public infrastructure and transitioning to a more responsive and reliable digital work mode.”

On achievements in the outgoing year, the governor said, “In the outgoing year, Edo State Government went fully digital, simplifying work processes and assuring better services for investors and other key stakeholders in government, setting the pace in Nigeria as the first government entity to go full-paperless.

“We are proud to have set this record and are determined to sustain the gains made so far. We expect that with the investment made in building a tier 4 data centre and other interventions, we should be well-positioned to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) in governance in the near future.

“Aside from attracting private capital to drive economic activity, the new work mode has improved service-wide efficiency and performance thus ensuring speedy and better service delivery for our citizens.

“These new improvements are reflected in public procurement, revenue collection, land management, project management, basic education, and healthcare delivery, among others. All of these are powered by technology, built on a digital infrastructure spanning over 2000km of fibre optic broadband connectivity that runs across the 18 local government areas of the State.”

He continued: “This investment has implications beyond public service delivery, as it powers the digital economy, providing new opportunities for work and learning for our youths.

“The transformative efforts have resulted in the digitisation of over 9 million government records, training of 6,000 staff and deployment of 10,000 digital devices to workers.

“Majority of the activities of Edo State Government will now take place from six hubs or locations which are the Secretariat Hub with six buildings; the education hub in Iyaro; the Health Hub in the Stella Obasanjo hospital complex; the Agric Hub located in the ADP complex on Airport Road; the Built Environment Hub on Sapele Road and Transport Hub in the Ministry of Works complex. Majority of the offices have been rebuilt, furnished and connected to electricity from the Ossiomo IPP and high-speed fibre optic internet infrastructure.”

On human capital development, Obaseki stated, “We have continued to extend our investment in the basic education sector through the EdoBEST programme, so as to ensure a better, brighter and more fulfilling future for our children.

“Under EdoBESST 2.0 reforms have begun disarticulating JSS from SSS in line with the national policy on Education. The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is being redesigned to align technical education with the needs of industry and private businesses.

“From the Edo State Polytechnic, Usen to the Edo State University, Uzaurie and the Ambrose Alli University, we have sustained sweeping reforms to improve teaching, upgrade infrastructure and support staff to attract private sector partnerships in institutional building and expansion programmes.

“The Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, recently forged a partnership agreement with Shaanxi Polytechnic in China and Yong Xing Steel company to enhance the quality of technical education. Following the Investment Summit in Fujian Province, China, we have received a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from another Polytechnic for collaboration.

The Edo State College of Agriculture has also kicked off at the main campus in Iguoriakhi. It provides critical manpower to the state’s fast-growing commercial agriculture sector.”

Reeling gains of efforts in the health sector, the governor said, “Our reform in the healthcare sector in the State is taking firm footing as the backbone of the system, the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme which has now recorded over 200,000 subscribers.

“Upon the disarticulation of the Central Hospital, we are improving facilities across a network of 50 Primary Healthcare Centres in partnership with the private sector. This will be supported by secondary, tertiary, and specialist hospitals, which provide comprehensive healthcare across the three senatorial districts. We have completed the Outpatient Department at the Stella Obasanjo Hospital and installation of world-class equipment has commenced.

“A key priority for our administration is to build the human capital required to drive the healthcare system. We are rebuilding the Edo State College of Health Technology to train the personnel required to man and strengthen our primary healthcare system.

“Indeed, our reforms in the healthcare system are yielding fruit with the incursion of more private players in the space. One of such is the world-class Merry Ehanire Mother and Child Hospital, which is to serve as a centre for medical tourism in the State as it boasts of bespoke facilities to manage a myriad of medical conditions.”

Other areas of impact, according to the governor include public safety and security, Infrastructure, Physical and Urban Planning, and Investments to Spur Economic Revolution, among others.

He further stated, “As we prepare to leave office, there is an imperative to ensure sustainability of the interventions we have undertaken these past years, especially as it relates to our development plans. So, we will soon be approaching the House for legislation to enact laws to guarantee long-term planning efforts.

“Mr. Speaker and distinguished members, we are on a home run and we are determined to finish strong next year. As a result, we are committed to completing the projects we have started and making remarkable progress on our legacy projects.

“We are ready to make the necessary adjustments to attract the right kind of investment and partnerships to build a reliable foundation for Edo’s future. Working together, we are sure of finishing strong and ensuring our people live life to the fullest.”

On efforts to cushion the impact of the federal government's fuel subsidy removal on the people of Edo State, the governor said, “In mitigating the fallouts of the subsidy removal, we introduced a number of social safety nets, such as the provision of free Wi-Fi connectivity in public spaces to ease work and also provide a platform for youths to participate in the gig economy.

“We also introduced free bus rides in the State through the Edo City Transport Service (ECTS), with an initial two-month pilot phase.

“Over 1.5 million residents benefitted from the first phase of the scheme which covers all intra and intercity routes operated by the State-owned Edo City Transport Services (ECTS),” Obaseki added.

Receiving the 2024 budget proposal, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Blessing Agbebaku assured the Governor that the legislative arm will continue to work harmoniously with the executive to ensure the socioeconomic growth and development of the State.

Hailing the governor for his developmental strides across all sectors of the State, the Speaker commended the governor for extending the free bus service across the State by three months.

*PHOTO CAPTION*

*DSC_01*

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right) presenting a copy of the 2024 Budget christened, ‘Budget Home Run: Finishing Strong,’ to the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Blessing Agbebaku at the Anthony Enahoro Assembly Complex, in Benin City, on Tuesday, 05 December 2023.

*DSC_02*

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right) presenting a copy of the 2024 Budget christened, ‘Budget Home Run: Finishing Strong,’ to Clerk of the Edo State House of Assembly, Alh. Audu Yahaya Omogbai, at the Anthony Enahoro Assembly Complex, in Benin City, on Tuesday, 05 December 2023.

*DSC_03*

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right) during presentation of the 2024 Budget christened, ‘Budget Home Run: Finishing Strong,’ at the Anthony Enahoro Assembly Complex, in Benin City, on Tuesday, 05 December 2023.

The magnitude of the Edobest Educational reform program in Edo state by the Gov. Godwin Obaseki led administration is magnanimous and highly impactful to the degree that it has already trained 13,436 teachers since its take off and till date more teachers are still been incorporated into it.

#GreaterEdoUnderObaseki

Massive improvement of Child literacy and reading fluency attainment of 76 percent in Edo State instigated by Gov. Godwin Obaseki educational reformation Programme (Edobest).

#GreaterEdoUnderObaseki

*Obaseki: Edo Int’l film festival initiated to create marketplace for films, movies*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said the Edo State International Film Festival (ESIFF) was initiated by his administration to create a marketplace for films and movies.

The governor made the remarks at the 2024 ESIFF Grand Finale & Awards Night, held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, in Benin City.

He noted that his administration created the festival to serve as a platform to bring stakeholders in the entertainment industry together to transact business in the creative sector.

Obaseki noted: “This event is to help create a marketplace for films and movies. We know a lot of you, particularly young people in the creative industry in this part of the country, have done a lot of work and your products and production are not seen.

“So we felt as a government, we should support the creative industry, ensuring that festivals like this are held where we bring together youths with creative talents and people that will help you distribute your production across the world.”

The governor commended the sponsors of the festival, noting, “I thank our sponsors who have worked with us over the years to improve the quality we see here today and need them to help sustain the festival. This is a government initiative to help launch ideas and can only be sustained by the creative industry.

“This international film festival belongs to the industry and from next year it will be run by the Trust made up of a spectrum of players and people from the creative industry while we will support from the sidelines and hope that our sponsors and all of you interested and those that would benefit from it take it up from there.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

*DSC_01*

L-R: Executive Director, Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Violet Okosun; representatives of the winner of the Governor’s Award for Best Feature Film; Sunday Chukwu; Uche Agbo, and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during presentation of awards at the 2024 Edo State International Film Festival (ESIFF) Grand Finale & Awards Night, held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, in Benin City, at the weekend.

*DSC_02*

L-R: Former Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, Senator Daisy Ehanire-Danjuma; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his wife, Mrs. Betsy, at the 2024 Edo State International Film Festival (ESIFF) Grand Finale & Awards Night, held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, in Benin City, at the weekend.

This is the bomb shell event to mark the finishing strong of a divinely dispatched governor to aliviate the sufferings of the common good people of Edo State from political inferiority to superiority.
Obaseki is a miracle to Edo state and we thank God for him

*Youth council lauds Obaseki for inclusion of reps in LGA peace, security c’tee*

The Edo State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria has applauded Governor Godwin Obaseki for approving the inclusion of youth representatives in peace and security committees across the 18 local government areas in the State.

The commendation was contained in a communique issued at the end of State Management meeting held on Saturday, 18th November, 2023 at the Youth House, in Benin City, the Edo State Capital.

In the communique signed by Chairman, NYCN Edo State, Comrade Moses Agwinde Joseph; Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee, Comrade Courage Adaghe, and Secretary of the Drafting Committee, Comrade Blessing Igbon, the youths also commended Governor Obaseki for deployment of internet infrastructure to the Youth House.

According to them, “Stakeholders of the National Youth Council of Nigeria Edo State Chapter made up of State Executive Committee Members, LGA Coordinators, Heads of Voluntary Youth Organizations (VYOs) and Leaders held the inaugural management meeting under the present Executive Committee headed by Comrade Moses Agwinede Joseph. Management resolved as follows: Passed a vote of confidence on Comrade Moses Agwinede Joseph's led administration.

The youths, “appreciated and commended His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki for the bold and deliberate steps taken towards the actualization of promises made to the Youth Council on the occasion of 2023 International Youth Day.

According to them, the governor’s initiatives include “Ongoing electrification and connection of the Youth House to Ossiomo Power Plant to guarantee 24-hours power supply in the Youth Secretariat. Connection of Youth House to optic fibre cable to ensure 24-hours internet connection in the Youth House.”

The management of the youth council also “expressed appreciation and commended Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki for approving the National Youth Council of Nigeria Edo State Chapter LGAs Coordinators as automatic members of Peace and Security Committee of the various LGAs and also included in governance at the local government level and further commended some Local Government Areas Executive Chairmen that commenced the implementation of the Governors’ approval.”

They “commended Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki for approving subvention to the State Youth Council and its affiliate Voluntary Youth Organizations.”

The management urged youths across the State “to give 100% support to the present administration of Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki.”

*Obaseki bags Zik Good Governance Award, pledges to sustain devt’al strides in Edo*

_*…says award a renewed energy to do more for Edo people, finish well*_

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has been honoured with the prestigious Zik Prize for Good Governance, in recognition of his government’s sterling performance across all sectors of the State over the past seven years, improving the lives of millions of Edo people and putting the State on the path of sustainable and accelerated growth and development.

The governor, during the 2021/2022 Zik Leadership Award ceremony, in Lagos, said the honour is a call to do more for the people of the State, pledging to sustain the developmental strides across various sectors of the State’s economy.

Obaseki was accompanied by his wife, Betsy; Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Osaigbovo Iyoha; Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq.; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku and other members of the EDHA; Chairman of the People Democratic Party (PDP), Edo State Chapter, Anthony Aziegbemi, among other top functionaries.

Other guests at the event are Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Oti; Chairman of Sterling Bank, Dr. Asue Ighodalo; former Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, and former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, among other dignitaries.

Obaseki while receiving the award, said: “It's not difficult to govern well, it could be inconvenient but it's not impossible; just do the right thing and what is just. This award has given me a renewed energy to strive and finish well.

“I am happy to be here to receive this prize for good governance from this distinguished group, the Public Policy Research and Analysis Center (PPRAC). It's very humbling to be honoured amongst the awardees tonight and it's a privilege for me.

“This award comes to me at a very interesting time in my political career as I wind down my term in office. I am undergoing introspection asking, is it worth it? Has it been worthwhile? Is it being appreciated? Did you make a mistake? Coming here tonight to be awarded this prize for good governance, makes one feel that it is worth it making all the sacrifices.”

According to him, “This honour and prize is significant because I am being told that I am a recognized leader in a State and system that perhaps some have described as failing. The award has put on us, recipients, enormous responsibilities that if you are truly a leader and recognized to be so, then you have enormous responsibilities to make sure that the system that recognized you as leaders is provided with real leadership and governance so that it doesn't fail.

“I want to make a pledge today that the reward of hard work is more work. The reward for responsibility is more responsibility. I will take up that challenge, thanks to you all that made it possible.”

The governor further noted, “I am here tonight accompanied by friends and colleagues in government, from the executive, legislative and the judiciary. One of the things we have tried to do in Edo State is to make all parts of the system aligned and work together in synergy. It has not been easy but the evidence after seven years shows it is working.”

He added, “I appreciate the organizers of this event and to say that we truly appreciate you as the process for us has been very transparent and seamless and has been of high standards and quality. I will always cherish this and thank you for giving me the impetus to strive.”

In his welcome address, the chairman of the Advisory Board of the Public Policy Research and Analysis Center (PPRAC), organisers of the Zik Award, Prof. Jubril Aminu, said the award remains a reference point on the continent to honour and recognize leaders who have distinguished themselves in their chosen areas of specialization.

Prof. Aminu represented by a member of the board, Sir. Mark Wabara, said, “Every nation committed to becoming great must have leaders and must rely on them to be agents of growth and tackle the challenges facing the nation putting it on the threshold of development.”

The Chairman of the award ceremony, HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, Obi of Onitsha said the purpose of the award is to promote and recognize leadership in public life and celebrate the legacy of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe who is an epitome of leadership

*PHOTO CAPTION*

*DSC_01*
L-R: Obi of Onitsha, Obi Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe; Executive Secretary of PPRAC and Zik Prize Awards, Mrs. Betty Emeka-Obasi; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his wife, Betsy, during the 2021/2022 Zik Leadership Award Ceremony, in Lagos, where Governor Obaseki was honoured with the Prize for Good Governance.

*DSC_02*

L-R: The President of the African Export-Import Bank, Professor Benedict Oramah; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, during the 2021/2022 Zik Leadership Award Ceremony, in Lagos, where Governor Obaseki was honoured with the Prize for Good Governance.

It is manifestly obvious that those who intend to rape and loot our common patrimony thereby nose diving the Nigeria nation into economic quagmire and marodico oipkoloi are the once beefing Gov. Godwin Obaseki.

Until we put this Nation in the hands of capable hands or technocratic bostraps as G. G. O. we shall continue to suffer in poverty and qualour.

This is the Hallmark of a governor that is really concerned about meeting the needs. Of the ordinary people of Edo State.

The creative art industry is one of the largest industries of the world with the capacity to rake in a very high economic benefit with employment.

Gov. Godwin Obaseki is also a tray blazer in this respect and it is manifestly evident by this international interjection.

Obaseki is making Edo great again.

*Alaghodaro 2023: Obaseki, Oborevwori, Oyegun, Igbinedion, Dangote, other dignitaries present as investment summit kicks off in Benin*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his Delta State counterpart, Sheriff Oborevwori, and former governors of Edo State, John Odigie Oyegun and Chief Lucky Igbinedion, and the Chairman and CEO of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, are amongst guests present at the 2023 Alaghodaro Investment Summit taking place in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

The summit in its seventh edition has the theme, “The Edo Story: Creating Shared Opportunities into the Future.”

The Alaghodaro Investment Summit is a rallying point for stakeholders in Edo’s shared vision of prosperity and greatness to deliberate and reach key decisions that drive programmes, initiatives and policy of government, which have so far, transformed Edo to emerge as Africa’s most competitive sub-national.

Do not b left behind, follow up with the. Time table...

*Alaghodaro Summit: We’ve reengineered Edo for growth, consciously laid foundation for the future, Obaseki says*

_*...Oshiomhole, Igbinedion, Oyegun, others salute Obaseki’s devt strides, urge sustainability*_

_*...Edo’s economy grew by over 140 percent from $10.6bn to $25.8bn in last seven years- Ighodalo*_

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his government has, in the past seven years, reengineered Edo State for growth and development, and consciously laid a solid foundation for the State’s future.

This is as past governors of the State, including the immediate past governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, former Governors John Odigie-Oyegun and Chief Lucky Igbinedion, who were guests at the 2023 Alaghodaro Investment Summit, commended the incumbent governor for his developmental strides across all sectors of the State economy.

Obaseki, while speaking at the summit, said the government focused on six thematic pillars including institutional reforms, economic revolution, social welfare, infrastructure development, environmental sustainability and arts and culture, noting that the bold reforms have positively impacted the lives of millions of Edo people, placing the State on the path of sustainable and accelerated growth and development.

The summit in its seventh edition had the theme, “The Edo Story: Creating Shared Opportunities into the Future.”

The summit is a rallying point for stakeholders in Edo’s shared vision of prosperity and greatness to deliberate and reach key decisions that drive programmes, initiatives and policy of government, which have so far, transformed Edo to emerge as Africa’s most competitive sub-national.

Other dignitaries at the occasion include the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, Chairman and CEO of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Alaghodaro Economic Summit Ltd/Gte, Asue Ighodalo, Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., former Edo State Deputy Governor, Mike Ogiadomhe and Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Hon Blessing Agbebaku. Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Osaigbovo Iyoha, Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq., Chief Judge of Edo State, Daniel Okungbowa, among others.

Governor Obaseki, who noted that Edo has the potential to produce 70 percent of Nigeria’s imported products and reduce the burden on Foreign Exchange (Forex), said his government has attracted investments in agriculture, manufacturing, retail, health, arts and culture, tourism and hospitality, among other sectors.

Noting that his government has delivered on promises made to Edo people, the governor said, “In the civil service, we have introduced a Computerized ERP System (E-Gov). We operate the highest paid Civil/Public Service in the Country and have set up a world-class training infrastructure at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy, trained over 6,000 of Civil/Public servants and delivered over 10,000 devices across the Service and delivered new infrastructure (workspace) to 76 MDAS in the State.”

According to the governor, “Since 2016, our monthly IGR collections have consistently increased as a testament to the conscious investments we have made into boosting our local economy. Our partnerships and popular ‘MOUs’ have set Edo on the path of financial sustainability. Projects like the Benin Port, and Enterprise Park, among others, will further impact the Internal Generated Revenue of the State for years to come.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Alaghodaro Economic Summit Ltd/Gte, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, commended deliberate efforts by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to grow the State’s economy over the past years, noting that the State’s economy has grown by over 140 percent from $10.6bn to $25.8bn

According to him, this is against the four percent growth recorded at the national level over the same period.

Ighodalo, who is also the Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc, disclosed this in his welcome address at the 2023 Alaghodaro Investment Summit taking place in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

He said, “Over the past eight years, Edo State has grown 140 percent from an economy of $10.6 billion to $25.8bn today, while Nigeria’s economy grew at 4 percent.

"Edo State can become first world economy regardless of the challenges of Nigeria. The new investments attracted from new investors is put at $4 billion sourced from Nigeria and from joint partnerships as the State has the capacity and will.

"Edo State must set out at dawn to make progress and pull other parts of Nigeria and other regions up. We must continue to show in Edo that there is great hope for Nigeria through Edo State. The State can drag Nigeria out of its untapped potential, re-directing the nation to a point of development.”

Ighodalo noted "Edo story tells us we are not a State that lacks capacity to do well. The Alaghodaro phrase means progress, moving forward, and looking ahead as the word should be a challenge to us in Edo and the purpose of the summit is to set Edo on the path of growth and development.”

On his part, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said Edo State has comparative advantage over every other State in the area of agriculture and agro-processing as well as culture and tourism, noting that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration has repositioned the State, leveraging its comparative advantage to drive growth and development across all sectors.

Aliko who is the keynote speaker at the 2023 Alaghodaro Investment Summit taking place in Benin City, the Edo State capital, commended the governor for his government’s business-friendly reforms that have continued to spur the influx of investors into the State.

Africa's richest person, who was represented by the Dangote Group’s Managing Director, Mr. Olakunle Alake, said the safety and security as well as reforms in the agriculture and tourism sectors have repositioned Edo State as a tourist hub and investors’ haven.

He said, “Edo State has comparative advantage over every other State in the area of agriculture and agro-processing as well as tourism sectors.

Investments are coming into Edo State because of the friendly environment created by the governor for investors and today, Edo has become an investment destination.

"The State boasts of tourist sites across various locations in the State and the State Government has taken advantage of it to turn the State into a tourism hub.”

Dangote added, "The ease of doing business in Edo State is the point of attraction for investors to invest in various locations as infrastructure plays a major role in ease of doing business in the State.

"The State is also secured and it has promoted many investors to invest in the State and this has gone a long way to grow the economy of Edo State.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Former Edo State Governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion; Governor Godwin Obaseki; former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and former Edo State Governor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, at the 2023 Alaghodaro Investment Summit, at the Government House in Benin City, on Friday, November 10, 2023.

...Dangote hails gov for leveraging State’s comparative advantage to drive multi-sectoral devt, growth

Edo State blazing the trail in building an economy and society of World Class reckoning under the visionary leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki
#edo
#MEGA
#GGO
#obasekifinishingwell

The Alaghodaro summit is a realistic dream that has lapped one and all to thus far in respective of class,kind or creed.
Women today, which has before now become an endangered species, has been highly protected and empowered in various fora by the Edo governor.

We are have created shares opportunities that is how we move forward...

*Alaghodaro 2023: At Edo Women Conference, Betsy Obaseki leads charge against marginalisation of women in politics*

_*…hails Gov Obaseki for giving more women opportunities in govt*_

_*…salutes Edo women for role in realization of MEGA Agenda*_

The Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, has challenged the continued marginalisation of women in politics in the country, particularly at the local government level, urging for more strengthened legislation to encourage women's participation in politics at all levels.

Mrs. Betsy Obaseki made the call at the Edo Women Summit which was held at the Lawn Tennis Court of the Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, as part of activities to mark the 2023 Alaghodaro Summit.

The conference brought together women from the 18 local government areas of Edo State, and other stakeholders to deliberate on issues concerning women and the girl-child in Edo State.

Commending Edo women for their role in the realization of the Making Edo Great Again (MEGA) Agenda, the Edo First Lady noted, “This is the last Alaghodaro which is the reason why l said let us bring the women together to celebrate all of us and to thank every one of you for being great and progressive women. You have given the Governor such wonderful and marvelous support since we came on board.

“I see faces that I first saw in 2015 before Governor Obaseki became Governor; when we were campaigning. You are still with us believing and refusing bribes from the opposition from time to time, election after election. You remain determined, standing strong with the Governor, believing in him, and staying with him to the end. Your reward would not only be in Heaven, rather you will begin to enjoy them here on earth.”

Warning against the marginalization of women in politics, Mrs. Obaseki added, “I want them to remember that election is coming. It is women who make things happen; those of you in authority and in power who allow this thing to happen both in Government and in the party. Women cannot be disenfranchised and marginalized and you expect to be successful.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Wife of the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Mrs. Barbra Agbebaku; Deputy Speaker, Hon. Marie Edeko, and Chairperson, Hospitality, Logistics, Protocol and Security sub-committee for 2023 Alaghodaro, Isoken Omo, at the Edo Women Summit in Benin City

*#Alaghodaro2023*

Commissioning of Greenhill Farms Ethanol Factory Road by His Excellency Governor Godwin Obaseki at Ologbo In Ikpoba Okha Local government Area.

Digital photography studio at Edo Creative Hub, Observer Newspaper, Edo State.

*Obaseki says ongoing reforms in creative industry will transform Edo to Nigeria, Africa’s creative, entertainment hub*

_*…You’ve made us proud Edo people, Johnny Drille tells gov*_

_*…commends devt strides, support for young talents*_

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said ongoing reforms in the State’s creative and entertainment sector will reposition the State as Nigeria and Africa’s creative and entertainment hub.

The governor said this when he received Edo-born sensational singer and songwriter, John Ighodaro, popularly known as Johnny Drille, who was on a courtesy visit, at the Government House, Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Obaseki said his government has, in the past seven years, undertaken nuanced reforms to change the narrative in the State, placing the State on the path of sustainable growth and development.

He noted that Edo State is blessed with talented people who are making the State proud and placed it on the global map for good, noting that efforts by his government in the creative sector have been to support and discover young talents and direct their creative minds.

Obaseki noted, “We are working to create an enabling environment for our youths to succeed especially in the entertainment Industry. We have put the modalities on ground to hunt for young talented minds in our schools and direct their young minds.

“We are working to position Edo State as a design hub as we are currently working with some Edo ladies who are into design and arts. I was with them at the Lagos Design Week. We are also looking at arts as we work with some Nigerian artists to promote arts. We have one of our citizens who won the Master Chef in Italy making us proud.”

He added, “Enhancing youthful talent in Edo State, we are focusing on music, films, arts, design and fashion. Our strategy is to be that creative hub where the real creative work is done while Lagos can be the showroom. As a government, our role is to create the enabling environment for youths in the State to succeed in their craft.”

Commending the governor for creating the enabling environment for youths to thrive in the State, Johnny Drille, said: “I thank you for making this happen. Thank you for creating the atmosphere and platform for young minds to express themselves. I have never seen people proud to be citizens of the State like now that you created opportunities for them to excel in the entertainment industry.

“I was at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub. I visited the studio, cinema and other different parts of the building, it's wonderful. This is the kind of facility the youths need to express themselves. Youths are now proud to be from Edo and working hard to excel as well as succeed as the platform has been created by your administration.”

He further noted, “We have so many talented youths waiting to be unleashed and shine, taking advantage of the platform created by the Governor Obaseki-led administration. We are grateful for a platform like the creative hub. I performed at the Alaghodaro Concert last year; it was amazing seeing lots of young and talented minds.

“We have several Edo artists doing well like Rema, Shallipopi, myself, and others who look forward to spotting Edo young talent and also are able to assist in several capacities to elevate our arts, culture and entertainment industry in Edo State.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Edo-born sensational singer and songwriter, John Ighodaro, popularly known as Johnny Drille; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and Pastor Vincent Ighodaro, during a courtesy visit, at the Government House in Benin City.

The time table for the Alaghodaro Summit.

*Correction: Barrister Andrew Emwanta is Not the Immediate Past Commissioner for Communication & Orientation in Edo State*

[Benin City, 8th Nov, 2023] - We would like to clarify and correct a misunderstanding that has been circulating in the press and media concerning Barrister Andrew Emwanta's previous position in the Edo State cabinet. Contrary to reports, Barrister Andrew Emwanta is not and should not be referred to as the immediate past commissioner for Communication & Orientation.

We would like to highlight the accurate timeline of Barrister Andrew Emwanta's appointments in the state cabinet to provide clarity on his role and responsibilities. Barrister Andrew Emwanta's first appointment was as commissioner of Communication & Orientation. However, during a minor cabinet reshuffle in September 2022, he was rightly assigned the ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, where he served until the cabinet was dissolved in May 2023.

Therefore, we kindly request press and media practitioners to rectify any reference to Barrister Andrew Emwanta as the immediate past commissioner for Communication & Orientation in Edo State, as it is inaccurate. Instead, he should be rightly acknowledged as the immediate past commissioner of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs.

We appreciate your cooperation in disseminating this accurate information to avoid any confusion and provide an authentic representation of Barrister Andrew Ewanta's tenure in the state cabinet. Should you require any further clarification or information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.


Signed:

*Mr. Daniel Odion*
_Director of Communication, Ministry of Communications and Orientation_

Today was the press briefing by the chairman Alaghodaro summit 2023, where members of the press and public were given a brief rundown of what the summit is all about and that though it is a government initiative but it is private driven.

The time table of Alaghodaro 2023 summit is herein clearly stated hereunder:

Anybody that stands against Obaseki will not stand because Edo must move forward with Gov. Godwin Obaseki

There is nothing wrong with Edo that cannot be cured with what is right with Edo.

Alaghodaro; creating shared opportunities...