₦airaland Forum

The only way to be a celebrity is to celebrate yourself,that is the idea behind the Alaghodaro summit.

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It is a big shame that it has to take Gov. Godwin Obaseki to call and mobilize the APC federal government to fix the roads that is their constitutional responsibility.

Anyway, it is their trademark as their initial 8years was characterized by delusions and economic failures which was concluded by the emergence of a questionable character as president

Obaseki we appreciate you love for the welfare of the good people of Edo State.

Free transportation will certainly reduce the sufferings of the masses and the public.
Kudos to our amiable Gov. Godwin Obaseki

I love the idea of the governor of Edo State celebrating our illustrious sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in their own field of endeavour.
Gov. Godwin Obaseki well-done sir!

Whether we like it or not, the traditional Rulers and their viceroys have been burden bearers in their locality only with lip service that previous democratic state administrators have acknowledge their role in the democratic process of governance,
Hence the law and it's provision have now been invoked to include them in the political scheme of things " No more monkey dey work only baboon they chop"
Gov. Godwin Obaseki, we hail thee!

They are fully tropicalized and specially designed. I know they will perform because they are all experts in their fields.

These guys need to hit the ground running. These guys are tested and trusted.

*Obaseki hails public servants as Edo bags Most Improved State in Youth, Women Development*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has dedicated the award for good governance bestowed on him by BusinessDay Newspapers to public servants in the State.

The governor, in his remarks after receiving the Award as Most Improved State in Youth and Women Development 2021, at Abuja Continental Hotel, in Abuja, said public servants who have served with him since 2016 he became governor were even more deserving of the honour.

According to him, “I thank you for this award. It is good to be reminded that the reward for hard work is more work. For us in Edo State, this is not an award for Governor Godwin Obaseki. It is an award for the very hard-working public servants in Edo State who have journeyed with me since I got into office in November 2016.”

On his travail in office, the governor said, “For the country, you know the story of Edo. It is not that we are fighters, but we have to fight to survive and when you look back six and a half years, I don’t know how we could have done it without brilliant, hardworking, resilient young men and women who have worked with me.”

Noting that the state has made tremendous progress in reforming public education, he said: “I am very proud of what we have achieved. Without being immodest, we have reset education in Edo such that the next generation of children will be globally competitive.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

*DSC_01*

Publisher/CEO, BusinessDay Media Limited, Frank Aigbogun (right) presenting a souvenir to Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin 0baseki, during the 2023 BusinessDay Good Governance/Public Service Award in Abuja.

*DSC_02*

L-R: Director General, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi; Director General, NCAA, Musa Nuhu; Deputy Governor, Gombe State, Manassah Daniel Jatau; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Publisher/CEO, BusinessDay Media Limited, Frank Aigbogun, and Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, during the 2023 BusinessDay Good Governance/Public Service Award in Abuja.

*DSC_03*

L-R: Chairman, Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi; Senator representing Edo Central, Clifford Ordia; Senator representing Edo North, Francis Alemikhena; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin 0baseki; Publisher/CEO, BusinessDay Media Limited, Frank Aigbogun, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun, during the 2023 BusinessDay Good Governance/Public Service Award in Abuja.

*Edo assures athletes of adequate security ahead of ninth edition of Okpekpe Race*

*_...unveils jersey for 2023 race_*

The Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has assured the safety and security of athletes and other participants at the forthcoming 10km Okpekpe Road Race, scheduled for Saturday, May 27, 2023.

Shaibu gave the assurance while briefing journalists, at the Government House, Benin City, on the state of preparedness ahead of the ninth edition of the race.

The competition will take place in Okpekpe Town, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, on Saturday, May 27, 2023.

The deputy governor at the event also unveiled the jersey for the 2023 race, calling for the support of all stakeholders.

Shaibu said, “We are happy that the Okpekpe Road Race is kept alive as we are getting closer to our target to make the race a diamond label. The 2023 race will be on a gold label as we put in our best in making the race the best in the world.

“We have gone beyond the race as we have also brought in students to be involved as they learn. Sports sharpens our knowledge, physical ability and reduces social vices in the society.”

Assuring of adequate security, the deputy governor said, “Adequate security measures is in place to ensure that all residents and visitors including athletes coming into the state for the race are all safe and protected.”

He added, “Apart from running for a prize, you can run for a course, either cancer or HIV. I will be running for a cause which is cancer. I encourage those that can’t run for a prize to run for a cause.”

Chairman, Sports Marketing Organizer, Mike Itamuagbor, said, “The road race this year has added few innovations as we would be partnering with Edo University where about 200 students will work as volunteers for the game in the area of accommodation and medicals. Students from the Mass Communication Department will also be part of the game.”

The Director of Organization, Zakari Amodu said athletes will be coming from 10 different countries and would arrive in Lagos on the 23rd of May 2023, adding, “The athletes will come into Auchi on the 24th and leave on 28th after the race on the 27th of May 2023. Accreditation partners will be coming from Dubai and Netherlands as new software devices will be used for accreditation of athletes during the games to reduce cheating. The accreditation will take 5 days and will commence on the 22nd of May, 2023.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Mr. Yusuf Alli; Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Chairman, Pamodzi Sports Marketing/Organiser, Mike Itemuagbor, and Director of Mobilisation, Mr. Zakari Amodu, during a press conference, at the Government House, in Benin City, on Thursday, May 4, 2023.

*Obaseki reels gains in tackling illegal migration, human trafficking as Edo, IOM expands operational base in Benin*
https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/obaseki-reels-gains-in-tackling-illegal-migration-human-trafficking-as-edo

*Edo govt dissolves Executive Council*
https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/edo-govt-dissolves-executive-council

*Obaseki charges members-elect on quality representation at 8th Edo Assembly*
https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/obaseki-charges-members-elect-on-quality-representation-at-8th-edo-assembly

Gov. Godwin Obaseki is Gods response to Edo after we asked for forgiveness for the evil done against Ambrose Alli. Pls, do not provoke the almighty again with this your negative remarks against Gods elect. Obaseki we hail thee.

With all these kudos from the locals, nationals and the diaspora you are still holding this perverse views about our bionic governor Obaseki? brother, you need to get your physical senses checked if they are mal functioning or functioning at all. May God help you sir!

*Edo lawyer decries Mayaki’s diabolic obsession with Obaseki, urges sacked aide to get a decent paying job*
https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/edo-lawyer-decries-mayakis-diabolic-obsession-with-obaseki-urges-sacked-aide

*Benin Port Project: 10 Edo indigenes on NIMASA NSDP scholarship scheme to be engaged as pioneer staff – Ogbeifun*
https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/benin-port-project-10-edo-indigenes-on-nimasa-nsdp-scholarship-scheme-to-be

*Oil palm, poultry processing, retail, energy most active sectors in Edo in last two years – Investment Office*
https://www.godwinobaseki.com/News/oil-palm-poultry-processing-retail-energy-most-active-sectors-in-edo-in-last

In all of this, I am so glad that Edo state is taking the lead as the pioneer state for the resource control agenda of true federalism. Not by words but by putting structures in place to welcome this creative inspiration of the Nigeria nation. Gov. Godwin Obaseki your agenda is MEGA!

It is very unethical to speak I'll about your boss for disenging you of your services. He just wants to give you the opportunity to become your own boss.
Mr. Mayaki try to understand.

I enjoin one and all to applaud the gigantic developmental strides of Governor Obaseki, and to also spread this good news to the world. Gov. Godwin Obaseki we say thank you.

This is evident that it is only a man with vision that can embark on a project with this magnitude. Gov. Godwin Obaseki is Edo hereo...

A lot of antagonists have been using this project to discredit the Edo governor. See for yourself now it is not a russ, it is for real. Thanks to Gov. Godwin Obaseki for this eternal project.

*Edo, FG progress on Benin Port Project, issue Request for Proposal (RFP) to bidders*

The Chairman of the Benin Port Project, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun working with the Project Transaction Advisers, CPCS, has disclosed that the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the port project has been issued to bidders by the Transaction Adviser, CPCS.

In a statement, Ogbeifun reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the development of the port project, which is expected to bring about significant economic benefits to the state and the country.

The Benin Port is among the legacy projects of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to drive industrial and economic growth in Edo. The port, upon completion, will boost export earnings, create employment opportunities, expand the state's economic value chain, and open up new business opportunities in the state.

It is expected to be a unique agro-based multipurpose port in Nigeria, encompassing a Smart Port Community complex with sustainable renewable energy for the promotion of green emissions and protection of the environment, and ensuring massive opportunities for host communities and beyond.

According to Ogbeifun, “The Edo State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, has continued to take significant steps towards the realization of the Benin Port project with the latest being the issuance of the Request for Proposal (RFP) to bidders for the development of the project.

“This is in addition to other critical steps that have been undertaken to set actions in motion to accelerate the realization of the project, including the completion Request for Qualification (RFQ) evaluation meeting and the clearance of the Outline Business Case (OBC) by Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).”

Reassuring the government’s commitment to ensuring the timely realization of the project in line with international best practices and standards, Ogbeifun said the state and federal governments had set up the Project Steering Committee (PSC) and Project Delivery Team (PDT) to ensure the realization of the Benin Port Project under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

He explained that the Project Steering Committee and PDT comprise representatives from the Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMOT), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Federal Ministry of Justice (FMOJ), Federal Ministry of Finance (FMOF), Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE), Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Edo State Government (EDSG), and the Transaction Adviser (CPCS Transcom, Canada).

*IS JOHN MAYAKI POLITICALLY- SAGACIOUS OR DELUSIONAL?*

*BY OSATA OSAYOGIE RAPHAEL! MEDIA CORRESPONDENT*

*3RD OF MARCH, 2023*

The latter being *delusional* is a statement of fact and reality.
It is more correct and certain based on his recent behavior like a *TYKE* looking for a breast to suck.It is very expedient, obvious and conspicuous that Mr John Mayaki is politically -delusional.He has politically diminished himself from the height of political sagacity to a political delusion and illusion.

The sentimental and myopic nature of the erstwhile Chief Press Secretary to his excellency the governor of Edo State, John Mayaki, although very short-lived and transient in governance due to egocentricity, is beginning to metamorphose into full blown obsession with haughtiness that has culminated into his self destruct in due course.

I have read through your murderous and epileptic episode dated 2nd of April, 2023 being sunday *Tittled; Successful governors don't lose their PU, Ward and District/ Immoral Victory Lap based on Rigging*


I must admit that reading John Mayaki's book of Chronicles chapter 1:1-50 was both laborious,arduous,and burdensome, this is because I found it very tasking to weave his epistemology into a readable prose.However, I will attempt concisely and briefly respond to you constructively and objectively.This is very important, so that the ignorant Edolites and well meaning Nigerians would not run away with error or process wrong Information.I had earlier written a short piece few days in lieu of the two major appointments; Chief Advisor and Curator with *(Edo Museum Of West African Art (EMOWAA))* by his excellency, the governor of Edo state.
I have stated categorically, that choosing proficiency and efficiency is far better than nepotism, cronyism, ethnicity and TRIBALISM in any BUREAUCRACTIC professionalism.And so the relevance of EMOWAA.It is not to enrich and anybody.But to serve as a tourist attraction center.

To respond to your murderous epistle of Chronicles.If you are sensible enough with good intuitive credentials and perceptive competence.How do you JUXTAPOSE someone loosing in his polling unit, ward and district and you still claimed he rigged the election? is this not political insanity and delusion? I think this call for your mental evaluation such as *PSYCHONEUROSIS DISORDER*
It is also a well known fact that the current administration is known for ballot rigging.Which is an integral part of electoral fraud and deception.

The current ruling party has built its political foundation on a web of lies and deceit. They have consistently demonstrated incompetence at all levels of governance, crumbling our economy and leaving our people to suffer in hunger and abject

*By way of RETROSPECT and FLASH BACK*

There is a saying in Igarra about the rat( John Mayaki) as used in the passage or contextually.The destructive domestic rodent will rather destroy something beneficial to all if it will not gain from it.The subject of this piece, John Mayaki, should know; first, because he is from Igarra, headquarters of Akoko Edo local government area and, secondly, because he has been behaving like one of those mousy, furry, errractic creatures recently.How is this so?

For all the period he was Chief Press Secretary to Godwin Obaseki, Edo State governor, John Mayaki was, like the humble but discerning servant Jeeves in some of PG Wodehouse’s novels, an intelligent interpreter of his master’s every wish.

But once he lost his coveted position, he became a belligerent, bellicose critic of every act of his former master.

In other words, if he, John Mayaki, were still the CPS to Governor Obaseki today, the people of Edo State and, by extension, Nigerians would have been hearing (on television and radio) and reading (in newspapers, the social media and any other available outlet)) the unsolicited praises he used to heap on his former boss only a few years ago.Can you now see, dear people of Edo State, the connection with the rat in his natal town?

As long as there is something for the rodent, as long as its interest is protected, something to nibble or gnaw at, all is well and good.But once there is nothing to benefit, it will, by its very nature, destroy what others will profit from.

Let us imagine this scenario, just an assumption, though. John Mayaki gets a call from erstwhile Chief of Staff to Governor Obaseki, Mr. Taiwo Akerele that the number one citizen in the state wants to reappoint him to his former position or any other plum position, for that matter.Anyone can guess what the former CPS’s response will be.

Of course, his uncouth conduct through his minute-by-minute postings has not gone unnoticed among the youths of Igarra in particular and Edo State in general, those at home and in the Diaspora. What is the point of his frequent posts? What is the benefit to people of Igarra, considering that the erstwhile
COS, Akerele, is from the same place with John Mayaki.

The understanding among many of them is that there is not a more excellent example of a frustrated turncoat than John Mayaki, a man who will say good things about a benefactor but become suddenly vitriolic once he is out of favour with him.The otherwise promising former CPS, they insist, has become suddenly acerbic in his routine criticism of Governor Obaseki because he no longer enjoys his former perks and privileges.

But what he has failed to understand is that the office of CPS or any other in Edo State government is not custom-made for people like John Mayaki.There are thousands of equally competent young men and women in Edo State who can function well as he has done while he was CPS.

Sadly, though, he does not seem to be functioning well these days as a latter-day critic of the state government. You needn’t look too far than one of his pieces entitled “SUBEB: The Chronicles of Godwin Obaseki and His Elephantine Corruption” to see how the *CHAP and a TYKE* has seemingly lost it.

Ironically, he begins his piece thus: “Now, I must need to focus on the goal.” The impression you get is of a man setting himself a difficult task and to accomplish it, he has to be clearheaded, “to focus on the goal,” as he himself boasted.

However, right from the next paragraph, you notice that he is not only muddled up in thought but also in his grammar. Hear the born-again crusader for accountability who, to begin with, should be held accountable for his grammatical errors: “Following recent developments of the past years,” the grumpy John Mayaki writes, “allegations of corruption has been levied against the Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki.”

Anyone with a keenness for language will see that the former CPS and later Editor of the Nigerian Observer needs a lesson in English 101.Any student of elementary English knows that you level allegations against someone and not levy; the latter is more appropriate if you want to levy a tax on an individual, a company, for instance. And then, there is the wrong usage of “allegations of corruption has been” instead of “allegations of corruption have been.”

In another passage, John Mayaki begs readers that “these are not moonlight tales and we must mention names, hence the ongoing call for accountability.”

There is something immediately blindingly obvious from this sentence: John Mayaki is unsure of his assertions, which is why he is apologizing to his readers by saying “these are not moonlight tales.” Most people know that those who are predisposed to untruthfulness often begin with “I am telling you the truth,” or to put it in proper language common to most people in Edo State, “na true I dey talk, no be lie.”

Of course, discerning minds can always read between the lines, knowing full well that it is not the writer’s position to tell readers whether he is lying or not; he is to present his facts to readers and let them judge for themselves. But as most people are now familiar with John Mayaki’s hourly, daily, weekly vituperations, he has become the accuser, the writer, the jury and the judge all rolled into one.

The wonder is where does he get the energy for all that? Hasn’t he got something else to look up to in life, some kind of ambition to pursue post-CPS, Editor?

The running gist is that John Mayaki has since found a new master, a master who now trumpets his views and criticism of Governor Obaseki through the former CPS. And now, acting like a dog with a new leash around its neck, he is playing that role to the hilt.

The most recent demonstration of John Mayaki’s blind obedience (follow, follow, as Fela once said of such people) came only hours after the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari at Eagle Square in Abuja many years ago His paymaster, against protocol, breached the order of seating.And currently the President-Elect, AHMED BOLA TINUBU. He was politely escorted out of a place reserved for other dignitaries.No sooner had the incident happened than John Mayaki took to the social media to defend his master’s unconscionable behavior.

But John Mayaki will do well to remember that such odious attitude, such craven nature is alien to the respectable home he was born into in Igarra. (His father is a distinguished chief of one of the families in Igarra.)

Beyond that, let us even consider some of his allegations as mentioned by him. “Determined to divert public funds, as evidences have shown, Obaseki resort to criminally inventive ways in achieving his unrighteous goals.” Obviously, these are the kinds of spurious accusations those without facts, without evidence often make. If not can John Mayaki step forward with his evidence(s)?

And then, he goes on to say, Governor Obaseki “makes sure the global standard process of awarding contracts is compromised. Appointing two major veteran in connection with EMOWAA. The Chief Advisor and Curator.

.” Can the knowledgeable John Mayaki tell us which “global standard” he is referring to: The American, Asian or European model or standard? Moreover, does he expect a governor to give contracts to his enemies?

It is a common practice in most democracies around the world to reward party faithful or those you trust to deliver a project and not a member of the opposition who might sabotage your effort.

When he was elected President of the United States of America in 1960, John Fitzgerald Kennedy promptly appointed his own younger brother, Ed Kennedy as Attorney General.Soon after the second Iraqi war with America in early 2000s, George Bush the younger awarded the contract to clean up the mess in Iraq to a Texan company owned by a member of the Republican Party. There are countless instances of such contractual obligations to people you know are quite capable of doing the job. The appointment of the Chief Advisor and Curator as non indigene of Edo State or local igarra apprentice has made John Mayaki gone berserk and hysterical.

Is John Mayaki saying that if he were governor of a state, he will award a contract to a member of the opposition party even when his own party member is qualified and competent enough?

From his frequent posts on and about the administration of Governor Obaseki in Edo State, it does seem John Mayaki is in need of a profitable employment and not being a lap dog to a master who, in the end, will do what is done to such people – dump him. John Mayaki is weeping *TYKE* 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 suffering from political delusion, masturbation and perpetual hallucinations

But for now, we cannot help wondering: what is wrong with John Mayaki?

Conclusively, John Mayaki's outburst to his excellency the governor of Edo State is borne out of hatred, envy and jeolousy.It high time he started to think logically, çonstructively and objectively in order to be cured from psychological, physical, physiological and mental delusion(s)


*OSATA OSAYOGIE RAPHAEL FIRING FROM HIS BEDROOM IN OREDO AXIS*

*CONGRATULATIONS TO PDP CANDIDATES IN EDO HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY SUPPLEMENTARY ELECTIONS*

I congratulate candidates of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on their victory in the supplementary elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on April 15, 2023.

I commend all Edo people who participated in the elections for comporting themselves responsibly during the exercise and ensuring the conclusion of the elections peacefully.

I applaud the tenacity of our candidates, Hon. Destiny Oghayerio Enabulele, member-elect of Ovia South West Constituency; Hon. Natasha Irobosa Osawaru, member-elect of Egor Constituency and Hon. Uyi Frank Omosigho, member-elect of Oredo East Constituency, for gaining the trust of the people to serve them in the Assembly. We are sure that these members-elect will uphold the best interest of their constituents as they carry out their assignment as legislators.

I commend the umpire, INEC, for conducting a peaceful exercise and upholding the wishes of the people.

This very diverse Assembly that has emerged has representatives that are youths and women, who will make critical contributions to lawmaking and advancement of the interests of all segments of our society.


*His Excellency,*
*Godwin Obaseki*
_Governor, Edo State._

*Edo to construct nine parks, gardens*

The Edo State Government has concluded plans to construct nine parks and gardens in locations across Benin City, the state capital.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Engr. Osasere Evbuomwan, urged members of the public to cooperate with the government in realization of the plan.

He said, “The General Public is hereby informed that Edo State Government, in pursuant of its beautification plan, has awarded the contract for the construction of nine Parks and Gardens in Benin City.

“To this end, members of the public, particularly host communities and areas where these parks and gardens are located, are kindly requested to lend their necessary support and cooperation for the realization of this laudable project as work has already commenced.”

According to him, the parks and gardens will be constructed in selected areas, which include, “Dumez Road Park; Pond Associated to Dumez Park Along Dumez Road off Sapele Road; Airport Road; Gapiona Pond 5; Gapiona pond Landscape, Gapiona GRA; Iguosa Landscape, Iguosa, Benin-lagos Road; Iyoba Street Greening, Iyoba, Siluko Road; Ogiso Landscape, Ogiso and M.M Way and Urora, Benin-Auchi Road.”

*Obaseki condoles with Okunbo family over passing of matriarch*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has condoled with the family of late Captain Hosa Okunbo over the passing of the family matriarch, Mrs. Helen Osazemwinde Okunbo.

The governor, who paid a condolence visit to the residence of the family of the deceased in Benin City, encouraged members of the family to be thankful for a life well spent.

He said, “We are here to pay our condolences to the children and family of Mrs. Helen Osazemwinde Okunbo, mother of late Captain Hosa Okunbo, who passed on at the age of 85.

“We thank God for her life; she was ever so pleasant, so warm, so motherly, and we thank God she lived to a ripe old age. She left very successful children behind. She did everything she had to do in her lifetime.

“We should celebrate her and celebrate her values - what she stood for and what she represented - and not be sad that she has passed on.”

Obaseki added, “I am glad that, as expected, decisions have been made on her burial and we will be here to support and be with you throughout the events.”

Son of the deceased, Dr. Tinyan Okunbo, expressed appreciation for the governor’s visit, noting, “On behalf of the Okunbo family, I say thank you for coming to express your condolences to the family. We pray that God continues to bless and guide you as you continue the good work you are doing and God will make people appreciate the work you’re doing.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Engr. Kingsley Ehi Okunbo; Dr. Tinyan Okunbo; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Mr. Osahon Okunbo; Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha, and Chairman, Edo State Taskforce on Internal Revenue, John Inegbedion, during a condolence visit to the Okunbos, in Benin City, on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.

We all appreciate the reasonable approach the governor employed in this matter. Godwin Obaseki is a man of the people.

Yes, this governor is humanistic and responsive to the plight of Edolites.

*Obaseki celebrates Chief Tom Ikimi on 78th birthday*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has felicitated with a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Tom Ikimi, on his 78th birthday.

Obaseki in a statement said, “I congratulate Chief Tom Ikimi, elder statesman and a great leader of our party, on the occasion of your 78th birthday and pray that God grants you wisdom and strength to contribute to the growth and progress of our dear country, Nigeria.

“A cerebral leader, you distinguished yourself as an Architect, politician and businessman, serving our nation at every given opportunity with a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to effect change and inspire hope.

“From your days of little beginnings, you have maintained astounding brilliance and a commitment to noble ideals that have continued to distinguish you as a committed leader who cares for the advancement of society.”

The governor added, “A worthy son of Edo State, you have continued to show the indomitable Edo spirit and the core virtues of hard work, diligence and enterprise.

“I congratulate you on your 78th birthday and pray for many more years of good health and wisdom.”

*Obaseki inaugurates board for Edo skills devt agency*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has inaugurated the Board of Directors for the Edo State Skills Development Agency, charging the agency to promote the sustained supply of highly skilled workforce in the state.

The board chaired by Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, has other members which include; Mr. Victor Ehikhamenor; Mr. Victor Asemota; Ms. Ivie Temitayo and Osarume Akenzua.

Others are the Managing Director of EdoJobs, Mrs. Violet Obiokoro and Mrs. Caroline Ikuenobe as Secretary of the board.

The governor said the agency was set up to “provide the supply of and attract the demand for highly skilled talent in Edo State.”

He added that the vision was to go beyond job creation to unlocking the potential of Edo youths by igniting the hope within them and ensuring that they could excel on their chosen career path.

According to him, "The inauguration of the board will enable us as an administration to strengthen the programme and expand the work exponentially. We are proud of the work that the Edo State Skills Development Agency has done and we are confident about the strategy we have for the future. We are also grateful to our national and international partners that have joined their hands on the plough to promote job creation and sustainable livelihoods for residents of Edo State.

“The board is set up to focus on sustainability and expansion of the work that has been done by Edojobs across the different senatorial districts of the state in various areas such as technology, agriculture, urban and rural area inclusiveness, gender mainstreaming, job placement, institutional strengthening and so on.”

“Furthermore, this team will advise me on more ways to position the state to deliver and strengthen more job creation initiatives to be made available to youth in the state. Some international organizations that are already in partnership with the Edo State Skills Development Agency in this regard include the German Government through GIZ, IOM, Amazon, Microsoft, and a host of others,” the governor added.

Since 2019, EdoJobs has set up the Edo Innovates Hub, Edo Production Centre, Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Soundstage, Edo Job Centres, Edo Food and Agricultural Cluster, Ehor; and many other programmes that have been actively connecting young people to jobs and building a formidable community which has brought hope and opportunities to over 270,000 of our industrious young people.

*PHOTO CAPTION*

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle, 3rd row), during a virtual inauguration of the Board of Directors for the Edo State Skills Development Agency.

*Easter: Obaseki felicitates with Christians, preaches hope, unity*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has felicitated Christians on the commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, urging them to use the period of the celebration to seek the face of God and work towards a peaceful and progressive nation.

Obaseki in his Easter message charged the Christian faithful to imbibe the virtues of tolerance, sacrifice, and love as exemplified by Jesus Christ.

According to him, “Easter is a time of reflection, renewal and hope. It reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ for the redemption of mankind. His death and resurrection brought hope to a world filled with despair, and it remains a symbol of hope for all humanity.

“In Nigeria, we face peculiar challenges that require resilience and hope. As a nation, we have witnessed unprecedented security challenges, and economic difficulties, among others. However, I strongly believe that we will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger.

“As we celebrate Easter, let us draw strength from the resilience of Jesus Christ and remain hopeful for a better Nigeria. We must continue to seek the face of God and work together towards building a nation where peace, unity, and progress thrive.”

The governor charged, “I urge all Edo State citizens to use this Easter period to reflect on our collective responsibility in building a better state and nation. Let us demonstrate love and kindness towards one another and continue to support the efforts of the government in providing good governance.”

*Obaseki approves automatic employment of first-class graduates of Edo origin in all Nigerian universities*

*_… as HoS requests list of potential candidates from varsities_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the automatic employment of First Class graduates of Edo origin in all Nigerian universities into the state's civil and public service.

The approval was conveyed by the Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq., who applauded the governor for the gesture, which he described as pace-setting and a worthy move that would equip the Edo State Civil and Public Service with the best brains to engender the vision of making Edo the best place to live and work by 2050.

He noted that the gesture was initially extended to the Best Graduating Students of the Edo State University, Uzairue during its 3rd Convocation Ceremony but was later extended to the University of Benin and Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

Okungbowa said the names of 15 First Class graduates and the Best Graduating Students from the universities have since been forwarded to the Civil Service Commission for further action.

He called on Vice Chancellors of Nigerian universities to “forward the names and particulars of First Class students, who are Edo indigenes, to the Edo State Government for the purpose.”

Recall that Edo State has the record of being the highest-paying state government among Nigerian States, as Governor Obaseki had raised the minimum wage in the state to N40,000.

The State runs an e-governance system that has automated work processes even as the work environment has been remodeled to fast-track a smart and ICT-driven work culture.

Once again, I would like to stress that a hungry man is an angry man, and without food no man can live. This is why Gov. Godwin Obaseki made reviving the agricultural sector a focal objective of his administration. Obaseki we hail thee...

Like I always say improvement is better than expansion. If we cannot maintain and sustain what we have on ground, then what is the need of acquiring more? Obaseki is an epitome of mentainance for sustainance. Obaseki we hail thee.

*Edo boosts skills of 150 youths in poultry farming*

The Edo State Skills Development Agency (EdoJobs) said it has concluded a training programme for 150 farmers in the state under the Edo Food and Agricultural Cluster (EdoFAC).

The Managing Director, EdoJobs, Violet Obrokoro said the training focused on agribusiness and boosted the capacity of participants in various areas such as social media marketing, financial management, pricing and negotiation, branding and packaging, sales and marketing, and access to marketing.

She said that the training programme offered participants access to loans and grants opportunities, as well as agribusiness mentorship, to enhance their entrepreneurial journey, noting that the successful completion of the training marks an important milestone for the participants as they are now better equipped to manage and grow their businesses.

She said the EdoJobs Outgrowers Poultry programme was organised in partnership with Uwa Farms.

Obrokoro added that the beneficiaries were presented with starter packs after the successful completion of an 18-week extensive training programme in Poultry Farming in Ikpoba-okha Local Government Area in Edo State.

She said, “The beneficiaries underwent 3 cycles of training programme that perfected their knowledge and capacity to handle a farm of up to 10,000 birds. They also received a starter pack that included a minimum of 200 birds, 29 bags of feed, vaccines, and multivitamins. The gesture was aimed at creating entrepreneurs out of the youths and reducing unemployment by creating job opportunities.

“The EdoJobs Outgrowers Poultry programme provided the beneficiaries with an opportunity to extensively learn and understand the process of growing birds in 3 different cycles. They mastered how to feed, wean, and vaccinate the birds from day one, and after the completion of each cycle, the birds were sold to off-takers at 6 weeks old.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

Managing Director, Edo State Skills Development Agency (EdoJobs), Violet Obrokoro (4th right), with beneficiaries of the Edo Food and Agricultural Cluster (EdoFAC) in Ikpoba-okha Local Government Area in Edo State.