₦airaland Forum

Ordinary road they cannot fix, All they know is to complain about Obaseki. Shame on them...

APC have failed Nigeria as a political party from top to bottom.

Gov. Godwin Obaseki, came, he saw and he conquered... He is the best because he is addressing Edo needs before they emerge.

The reason why we voted Obaseki for the first term of 4 years was based on what we were told thereafter we reinforced our vote for the second term based on what he delivered, now he is consolidating on his projects; this our governor is a man of legacy.

*Obaseki reforms: Edo Refinery targets $125m per annum haul from export*

*By: Edo State PDP Social Media Force Team*

The Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Company (ERPC) Limited, operators of the 6000bpd Modular Refinery in Ologbo, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, is on course to make about $125m per annum from the export of naphtha, one of the products from its plant.

The refinery has doubled down on production since it started processing crude oil sourced from Oza Oil Field, as it recently placed an order for 150,000 barrels of crude from operators of the marginal field, Decklar Resources Inc. and Millenium Oil and Gas Company Limited.

Chairman of ERPC, Dr. Mike Osime, had said that the refinery at full capacity is expected to meet 18 percent of local demand for diesel and earn foreign exchange from its operations, which will boost Edo’s economy.

It is estimated that the facility will rake “in excess of $125m from the export of Naphtha per annum,” according to estimates from the company, who secured financing from the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led Edo State Government, which contributed N700m for the commencement of the project.

The funding from the Edo State Government fast-tracked the kick-off of the project, which will boost productivity in the state and beef up tax receipts.

The facility with its feedstock can produce 50 per cent of diesel (500,000 litres), 25 percent of naphtha (300,000 litres), and 20 percent of Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) (200,000) litres.

Edo Refinery is the first of two refineries operating in Edo State.

*Obaseki showcases Coral City, EMOWAA, digital transformation projects at Taiwan Smart City Expo*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the State is brimming with opportunities for the deployment of smart technologies, especially as it makes progress in developing the Benin City Masterplan and Edo Regional Development Plan, a 30-year project to transform the State into the best place to live, work, learn and relax.

The governor said this while giving a presentation in Taipei, Taiwan, at the 2023 Smart City Summit and Expo (SCSE) tagged, “Digital Transformation & Green Transition,” taking place in Taipei and Kaohsiung from March 28th to April 1st, 2023.

The event is expected to bring together over 150,000 visitors and more than 600 exhibitors, with 1000 matchmaking sessions and over 60 forums.

According to the governor, the state government has driven reforms across various sectors of the State by prioritizing digital transformation, green transition, and redefining living spaces.

He said the State is developing a new city known as Coral City as well as the Edo Museum for West African Art (EMOWAA) and deepening digital infrastructure and would welcome investors to tap from the vast opportunities provided by the ambitious plans.

On the government’s effort at promoting e-governance, he said “We have attained full automation of government processes; increased operational efficiencies and public service delivery; transformed public service delivery by streamlining operations; enabled remote working in a secure environment and are saving the planet by going paperless.”

The governor reeled out achievements in deploying technology to improve healthcare and education and the far-reaching investment in the state’s digital infrastructure such as the 1,200km fibre infrastructure being extended across the state’s 18 local councils.

He said different plans are in place to transform the state into a modern living space including the medical masterplan, education masterplan, agric masterplan (Edo Oil Palm Programme), technology masterplan, transport master plan and tourism master plan like EMOWAA, Benin Creative and Cultural District and Film Village.

Obaseki noted that the EMOWAA is a world-class center for heritage management, research and innovation in the heart of the historic city of Benin, the capital of Edo State.

According to him, “It will host the collections facility, the archeological and materials science lab, the digital collections and resources center, and a space for learning and exchange.”

*Edo among top 3 states in Nigeria with 35% women representation in cabinet positions*

Edo State has been ranked among the top three states in Nigeria with 35 percent women occupying cabinet positions in government, keeping in line with the National Gender Policy which stipulates 35 percent Affirmative Action in Nigeria since 2006.

The report was released by InvictusAfrica, which measured Women’s Representation in African Politics (WRAPs) with a focus on Nigeria State Cabinets between 2019 to 2023.

In the report, Edo emerged as the only state controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with 35% representation in government, with 7 women appointees out of 20 cabinet positions, representing 35% of appointees. The top two states are Kwara with 9 out of 16 positions, representing 56% of appointees and Kaduna, with 9 out of 17 cabinet positions, representing 53% of appointees.

InvictusAfrica said the cabinet positions considered comprise commissioners, Head of Service and Secretary to the State Government.

It added that “Some States have more ministries than cabinet positions. Thus, some Ministries are jointly led by one Commissioner. Where more than one state has the same percentage, ranking is alphabetically arranged.

“Kwara State ranks first and is the only State with a majority women cabinet and Kebbi State ranks last and is the only state with no female cabinet member.”
According to the report, the states least ranked are Kebbi with 0 women from 11 positions; Zamfara with one woman from 19 cabinet positions; Sokoto with 2 women from 24 cabinet positions and Yobe with 2 women from 22 cabinet positions.

*We have a strong business case for Airport in Uzairue, Edo North – Nehikhare*

The Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare has said that the state government has a strong business case for the new Airport project proposed in Uzairue, Edo North Senatorial District of the State.

In a statement, the commissioner said that the justification for the project stems from the increased commercial activities in the area occasioned by the operation of two mega cement companies with a combined capacity of 9mta of cement production as well as the growing academic community in the area.

According to him, “The airport project in Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo North Senatorial District, is one of the major projects proposed by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration. It is going to change a lot of things. We are very confident that the project is going to be realised.

He added that the governor is committed to the realisation of the project and is providing the needed support required by the regulatory agencies to expedite action on approving all licenses required for the commencement of the project.

He added: “It’s a given that safety is key for any aviation project. So we are providing support to the agencies carrying out studies and other requirements to commence construction at the proposed site.”

Edo Election: Obaseki’s Chief of Staff Lauds Outcome, Knocks Oshiomhole

*By: Edo State PDP Social Media Force Team*

THE Chief of Staff to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Hon Osaigbovo Iyoha has expressed satisfaction with the outcome of last Saturday’s election into the state house of assembly where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is maintaining a majority by winning 12 seats out of the 21 so far declared and expressed confidence that the party would still do very well in the three that have been declared inconclusive.

Iyoha however lambasted the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Edo North senator-elect, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who he said were bent on stagnating the Obaseki-led development in the State describing them as the common enemy of the state but that the outcome of the election has put them to shame.

He also denied allegations contained a petition trending in the social media against him written by a chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), Patrick Eholor accusing him of electoral violence and malpractice.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank and congratulate our gallant party members and the Edo people that voted massively for PDP state assembly candidates that won in last Saturday’s election in the state. The outcome was a clear demonstration of the acceptability of the party.

“However, the enemy in this election was Oshiomhole and the APC so for me while congratulating everybody that won in the election, the common enemy was those that stole the mandate of the people on the 25th of February and we thank God they could not repeat the same on March 18th and they were our opponent in the last election”

On the allegation against him by Eholor, he said “As far as I am concerned Eholor is a meddlesome interloper and rabble rouser that doesn’t deserve any attention. He was the one who came to disrupt the process because he had no reason to be there, he voted in Utoka in Ovia North East so he had no reasons whatsoever to be at the collation centre where he claimed he was attacked.

“If he says I was inducing voters it means voting was still going on when there was no movement and he was supposed to be in Ovia at the time so you can see he was lying from both sides of his mouth.

“He had no business in the collation centre, I had a business in the collation because I was the collation agent for my party, we did not finish our collation in George Idah Primary School because of light so they now moved it to Urokpota Hall so I was collation agent for my party when he came to disrupt the process and the security agents sent him out.

*HON.(PRINCE) JOE OKOJIE CHARGES MUSLIM COMMUNITIES IN NIGERIA AND AROUND THE WORLD ON UNITY OF PURPOSE, PRAYERS, TOLERANCE, GENEROSITY AND PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE AS MUSLIM FAITHFULS COMMENCE RAMADAN*

*By: Edo State PDP Social Media Force Team*

Hon. (Prince) Joe Okojie, A Chieftain of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, has charged Muslim Communities in Nigeria and around the world on unity of purpose, selfless service to humanity, generosity and peaceful co-existence as Ramadan commences.

Hon. (Prince) Joe Okojie gave the charge on Friday, March 24, 2023, in Benin City while fielding questions from the press.

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Obaseki celebrates Apostle Suleman on birthday, hails contributions to youth devt

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has felicitated with the Founder of Omega Fire Ministries (OFM), Apostle Johnson Suleman on his birthday, applauding his contributions to youth development in the state.

Obaseki was accompanied by his wife, Betsy and other top government functionaries to join the birthday celebration of the cleric at the church premises in Auchi.

The governor said, “We are here to celebrate with our brother and friend, Apostle Johnson Suleman on his birthday and also thank him for his contributions and what he is doing to ameliorate the suffering of the vulnerable in society and his work in the Lord's vineyard.”

Describing Suleman as a fearless man of God who always speaks truth to power, Obaseki noted, “I appreciate you for the challenges and responsibilities you are helping people, especially the youths overcome. I am proud to be your governor as you are doing my job for me, connecting Edo to the world.”

He added, “We are here to celebrate him and encourage him to continue to be courageous. In the past years, there have been attacks on his personality on social media as well as physical attacks to take his life. I thank him for connecting Edo to the world.

“You have given hope to the youth, especially the vulnerable in society. You have supported and empowered the widows. We will contribute N10 million naira to your foundation to continue to support and empower the widows twice your age, with at least N100,000 each to set up businesses to support them.

“Our government is close to the church because when government policies fail, society fails and the church bears the burden. People run to the Church to seek succor because the government and the society have failed them.

“As a government, it's necessary to create that partnership with the church, so that when things fall to the crack for us, we can run back to them to see how things can be amended and fixed. The connection to the church helps us know where our policies have failed or not working right and how to make the necessary adjustments.

“We are celebrating him today, acknowledging his contributions. He has made and is also helping the government to understand better areas they have not reached out to well.”

In his response, the celebrant said, “I am proud to have my governor here today. I thank God for him and the mother of the state coming here to celebrate with us. I specially thank the wife of the governor who has been a wonderful mother to the State. She is a praying mother who prays over everything.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

*DSC_01*

L-R: Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Governor Godwin Obaseki; President, Omega Fire Ministries, Apostle Johnson Suleman and his wife, Dr. Lizzy, during birthday celebration of Apostle Suleman in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, on Friday, March 24, 2023.

*Edo Election: Obaseki’s Chief of Staff Lauds Outcome, Knocks Oshiomhole*

_By Ozioruva Aliu, BENIN CITY_

THE Chief of Staff to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Hon Osaigbovo Iyoha has expressed satisfaction with the outcome of last Saturday’s election into the state house of assembly where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is maintaining a majority by winning 12 seats out of the 21 so far declared and expressed confidence that the party would still do very well in the three that have been declared inconclusive.

Iyoha however lambasted the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Edo North senator-elect, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who he said were bent on stagnating the Obaseki-led development in the State describing them as the common enemy of the state but that the outcome of the election has put them to shame.

He also denied allegations contained a petition trending in the social media against him written by a chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), Patrick Eholor accusing him of electoral violence and malpractice.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank and congratulate our gallant party members and the Edo people that voted massively for PDP state assembly candidates that won in last Saturday’s election in the state. The outcome was a clear demonstration of the acceptability of the party.

“However, the enemy in this election was Oshiomhole and the APC so for me while congratulating everybody that won in the election, the common enemy was those that stole the mandate of the people on the 25th of February and we thank God they could not repeat the same on March 18th and they were our opponent in the last election”

On the allegation against him by Eholor, he said “As far as I am concerned Eholor is a meddlesome interloper and rabble rouser that doesn’t deserve any attention. He was the one who came to disrupt the process because he had no reason to be there, he voted in Utoka in Ovia North East so he had no reasons whatsoever to be at the collation centre where he claimed he was attacked.

“If he says I was inducing voters it means voting was still going on when there was no movement and he was supposed to be in Ovia at the time so you can see he was lying from both sides of his mouth.

“He had no business in the collation centre, I had a business in the collation because I was the collation agent for my party, we did not finish our collation in George Idah Primary School because of light so they now moved it to Urokpota Hall so I was collation agent for my party when he came to disrupt the process and the security agents sent him out.



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ESAN PEOPLE ARE NO FOOLS! PT. 2


By G. E. Ewah Esq.,
(Not a Propagandist)

...'Oria gboria, Oria hue Oria'.
A person kills and a person saves.

The meaning of the above Esan proverb is inexhaustible, hence this script is meant to set the record straight for my brothers and sisters of the esan extraction.

it is a truism that Oshiomole while in his elements at a caucus meeting boasted that, "...he has conquered Esan already" and that was his reward to our leader, late great Anthony Anenih.

The above desecrative expression to my sensibility, is ridiculous and a venomic sting to us the Esans but unfortunately, our Esan brothers and sisters have compromised by now translocating to accessories before and after the fact in this regard.

Without being too detailed, the Esan people are one of the most influential and resourcesful homosapiens in their region but the absence of tact is the only missing link in the puzzle of leadership.

The Esan nation's resourcesfulness have been harnessed by the world at large in all spheres of human endeavor especially in politics and governance. However, with all the intellectual prowess, sagacity and endowment of the Esan nation, we have been shortchanged in the skim of things; as one that always sees the seat, prepares it, but never sits upon it.

Ovbiaba! the time has come to consolidate for maximum renaissance in the governmental sphere . Enough of political gladiatorial combats for the ambitions of others but at the expense of our lives. It is time for the Esan people to rise unto mount Olympus and pilot the affairs of our state in particular and the nation in general. Succinctly, in the words of the Nigerian president Elect; "EMI LOKUN".

NEVER AGAIN! should we allow anyone to divide and rule us based on party affiliations, religious bigotry nor sentiments and sensations.
NEVER AGAIN! should we allow our personal grievances nor interest rise above the Esan nation Agenda.
NEVER AGAIN! should we allow conflicting parties of others nor contradictory opinions drag us into a battle against the Esan Agenda.
NEVER AGAIN! should we serve a Godfather that we use us to settle scores and dump us for his kinsmen in time of reward.
We say, NEVER AGAIN should we abandon our political foundations which our fore father's and Political leaders laid prepared for us to sow and reap, to opt for a prodigal posture that we zoom us to regret and servitude.
Therefore, I urge all my Esan brethren far and wide, home and away, locals and diasporans to congregate and cast their votes in this forth coming house of assembly election, for the party that convenants to guarantee the actualization of the Esan agenda for governorship 2024. Akhugbe Agho!

Vote wisely and strategically,

Vote PDP.

Human capital development is the best form of empowerment and the governor Godwin Obaseki led administration is on point in this regard.
Vote wisely and strategically,
Vote PDP.

I already praying to God in advance to send us another messiah like Obaseki that would take off from where Obaseki will end his tenure.
Vote wisely and strategically, Vote PDP.

Obaseki has deposited innumerable projects around the state.
Vote wisely and strategically,
Vote PDP.

The APC government brought this woes of farmer herder crisis upon us which till date is still a controversy.
We shall vote wisely and strategically, we shall vote PDP.

Nice report but very bias. A balance report should have reflected the odds on both side, or you are doing the bid of your paymaster. Note please, we shall never allow the lions and tigers to return back to Edo neither should we allow that kukuruku Don to take over the state. So we are voting wisely and strategically,
Vote PDP

I am supporting the Obaseki led administration because delayed gratifications is a key element to prosperity, and this is the fundamentals of the Edo PDP. I will vote wisely and strategically. Vote PDP.

I am so perplexed about the misgivings that Edolites are expressing about the seaport project. When it was not done we prayed for it, now it is at the elementary stage people are ranting instead of encouraging, NA WAOO.
I will vote for PDP.

There is only one Edo and we are the once...we shall not allow anyone to tear us apart. That's why we are going to vote wisely and strategically, Vote PDP

Egor constituency is safe and rescued already from the hands of the lions and tigers with natashe as a candidate, to affirm this egor constituents should vote wisely and strategically, Vote PDP.

If I was from egor local government, I would vote for Natasha because she is vibrant, articulate and exposed. Law making is not a business for mediocres, hence we must vote wisely and strategically, Vote PDP.

Godfather as it were, is meant to be a word that should be celebrated but in this political clime it has been bastardized. Evil shall never be allowed to prevail hence we must vote wisely and strategically, Vote PDP.

Termination of university employees are statutory and they cannot be dismissed like casual works...

This is how some people claiming to be officials of the government of Edo State are jeopardizing the efforts of the Governor. Thank God this case was brought to his attention and immediate action was taken to invalidate it.

*Obaseki disclaims all disengagement letters to Ambrose Alli Varsity workers*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has disclaimed all disengagement letters issued in the last couple of weeks to workers in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, insisting that they are illegal, null and void.

The governor maintains that his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare in the university remains sacrosanct and hasn’t sanctioned this action.

He has ordered an investigation of the issue and action would be taken swiftly on anyone culpable.

The state government assures that it upholds the interest of the university workers and would continue to position the state as a suitable place to live and work.

*Crusoe Osagie*
Special Adviser on Media Projects to the Governor
March 14, 2023

HERE IS THE PLACE, NOW IS THE TIME AND WE ARE THE ONCE.

VOTE WISELY AND STRATEGICALLY,

VOTE PDP.

The best government Edo state has experienced in the millennium. We are excited because it is happening in our time.

*Obaseki mourns passing of Nigeria's first female Senator, Sen. Franca Afegbua*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has mourned the passing of former Senator who represented Bendel North Senatorial District of Old Bendel State and Nigeria's first elected Senator, Senator Franca Afegbua, who passed aged 79 years.

In a statement, the governor described Senator Afegbua as a “pace-setter, trail-blazer and visioner” who remains an inspiration for women in Nigeria and across Africa.

According to him, “I am saddened by the news of the passing of Nigeria's first elected Senator, who represented Bendel North Senatorial District of Old Bendel State.

“She was an entrepreneur who championed the cause of female representation in government and gender mainstreaming at a time when it was a herculean task. She was a trailblazer who deserves to be celebrated for her bravery and exemplary exploits.”

The governor said the death of Senator Afegbua was a huge loss because she was an inspiration to young girls, who are in need of mentors.

The late great senator Afegbua is a rear gem and an elegant jewel that did her bit.
We appreciate your excellency for representing Edo in the passing on of our admirable and distinguished Senator.
May her gentle soul rest in peace,

Vote wisely and strategically,

Vote PDP.

*_Why Civil and Public Servants in Edo Should Vote PDP Candidates in Forthcoming House of Assembly Elections_*

_By John Ewah_



It would take a mission of breathtaking ambition to find a governor that is as worker-friendly as Governor Godwin Obaseki in the whole of the federation. As an enlightened collective who make up a significant population of the state, we are aware of diverse interventions by the Obaseki administration which touch on very sensitive areas of our existence; interventions that will linger and still be evident 30 to 50 years from now. Such is the Governor Godwin Obaseki kind of projects, executed without fanfare, pomp or pageantry.

You may compare the Governor to those warlike people whose designs are not known except by the ravaged country through which they have passed. Only that in Governor Obaseki's case, whatever country he passes and whatever innovation his Midas fingers touch, always turn to gold.

Oftentimes we make the mistake of thinking that the grass is greener on the other side, until irreversible reality dawns on us as a result of our wrong choices. The public service in Edo State has become a comfortable work place, a respectable institution, with rights and privileges being enjoyed by civil and public servants, just as it should be.

While we may consider these as our rights and privileges of service to the state (and we would be right to say so), we should however keep in mind that majority of our colleagues in many states of the federation, do not enjoy such privileges, due to maladministration, executive recklessness, profligacy and lack of value and innovation for the public service.

Today, Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki, pays salaries on or before the 26th of every month to civil and public servants in the state. This has been so for more than 6 years of the Obaseki administration.

In May 2022, Governor Obaseki increased workers' salaries in the state by 33.3 percent, without any prompting. Minimum wage was increase to N40,000. Edo State is the only state to have done so, while many states of the federation are battling with the N30,000 minimum wage.

Governor Obaseki established the Edo Health Insurance Scheme (Edo-HIS) in order to cater for the health needs of workers in the state. Civil and public servants on Edo-HIS only pay 10 percent of total health cost in hospitals.

Promotion of civil and public servants in Edo State is regular. While many states are battling with arrears of promotion, Edo workers have been promoted up to 2021. The 2022 promotion for workers has just been approved by Governor Godwin Obaseki, less than three months into 2023. No other state in the federation has done so.

In terms of workers training and retraining, the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), was established by Governor Obaseki to build capacity in public servants in order to ensure effective and improved service delivery in the state's public service. Such trainings are also equipping workers in the state in achieving their personal and professional goals.

In 2022, over 4,000 young graduates and professionals were recruited by the Obaseki administration into the state’s civil and public service, and over 30 first-class graduate were recruited automatically into the Edo State public service.

The Governor has also granted automatic employment to best graduating students of Edo origin in universities across Nigeria. This is First of its kind in Edo and it is the only state in Nigeria doing this at the moment. All these are geared towards improving service delivery for both the public service and the people in general.

Edo State under Governor Obaseki runs on e-governance in order to enhance the operations of government and cut down on the cost of governance. It is the best e-governance state in Nigeria today. All MDAs are onboarded on the electronic governance platform and it is the only state in the federation to have achieved a hundred percent adoption of e-governance. This has immensely exposed public servants in the state to a digital world and improved their capacities technology-wise.

The Civil Service Secretariat Complex which was once an eyesore has been refurbished, rehabilitated and reconstructed with state-of–the-art facilities that can compete with any in the developed world. Civil servants now work in the best of offices as one can find in developed countries. The dignity of the state’s public service and its pride of place has been restored.

In order to ensure the continuity of these giants strides in public service reforms and workers' welfare, a legislative arm that would support and work in synchrony with the executive and the judicial arms is most required, not one that would turn the state into a battle field and become a source of distraction to the state government's ongoing reforms in the civil and public service.

We therefore call on all civil and public servants in Edo State; the teachers, lawyers, doctors, engineers, from the auxiliary class to the professional class, the executive and administrative classes, to all come out en masse with their family members, both immediate and extended, on Saturday March 11th 2023, to cast their votes for all PDP House of Assembly candidates in Edo State, as solidarity votes for the good work the Governor has done in the life and professional career of civil and public servants in Edo State. And by so doing, we would be inadvertently asking the Governor to do more in other areas of the public service that we may seek improvement.

This is why we ask all public servants to vote for PDP's young and vibrant candidates in the forth coming House of Assembly elections in the state. This is in our best interest as well as the interest of the generality of the people.