Thank you Governor Obaseki for the revival of cultural clubs in school as in, back to back, ways that you have really made us feel good back again back in order among the good states in Nigeria.

Dan Orbih time is one thing, it's on your side, you are just too proud to learn,you can still go to any of all this open GCE and adult education and learn and proceed to this open University and learn so, you will be used for nothing again.trust Nigeria, you know nothing.

Dan Orbih after used by PDP and PDP done using you, and you are done fooling your self in PDP and later decamp to APC you will only be used as one moto park leader and i think APC will do you good with that.Anyway, you will make a good motor park leader.

God bless you Governor Obaseki for showing love and unity at all time and i know you will never have any problem in the name of the Almighty, Amen.

Thank God for Governor Obaseki that remember pensioners, I thought it is not possible again to remember pensioners for good again.PDP wanted
to kill there parent and grandparent because of 'SHEAR THE MONEY'!

Say no to crime.Say no to PDP.How can blind criminals lead a state TO MOVE FORWARD, you can imagine how Edo State PDP chairman (DAN) speaks incorrect English and there is no one to tell him to go and learn among themselves.APC WE ARE GOING HIGHER EVERY DAY!

Thank you Governor obaseki,there will be peace in Edo State as life goes on...no more crime...i see Edo state as a state will be like small United States Of America soon.

We are on ground and ready to support Governor obaseki,this is our right and we will carry out our support as good people of Edo state..

That is a great move by Governor Obaseki...

Thank God no life lost,every other thing can be replaced back..God at work...Governor Obaseki you are working.

My Governor obaseki you are to much for boosting investment climate in Edo State...Thank you sir

My great Governor Obaseki you have done it again,every thing for you great Governor, Thanksgivings from place to place because of your ideal of saving sight...you are a great man..thank you sir.

I have something in mind that after all that Governor Obaseki has started is completed, these bad belle people that can see nothing and cannot believe will relocate to another undeveloped place because their brains is already affected with the past and like cant believe where we are going for Good...

Thanks to God For bringing in Governor Obaseki the governor that have feelings for human,

My clean Governor i must great you.. that means that you are a God sent person because God knows that you are a clean person and God will only send a clean person to God's own place.Thank you my Governor Obaseki...

It's like i just cant believe how Governor Obaseki is changing the lives of women for good and again putting smiles on faces that has since be lost.Thank you sir...

You are doing the right thing because health is first..Thank you governor Obaseki...

May you all stand for the truth like Governor Obaseki and God will be by you all as you do good...Amen

Governor Obaseki as you save souls with this you will live long..and all the people that don't like good things saying false things will be arrested by God soon..more blessing

Concerned Edo Citizens Urge SSS, EFCC to Invite Orbih to Prove IDP Rice Allegation

Members of Concerned Citizens of Edo State (CCES), a non-governmental organisation, have called on the Nigeria Police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the State Security Service (SSS) to invite Dan Orbih, chairman, Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for proof of his allegation that the Edo State government diverted bags of rice meant for Internally Displaced (Persons IDPs).

President of the association, Mr Ogbewi Aghedo, said that “There are several dimensions to this allegation. The credibility of the Edo State government has been called to question by the allegation. The Edo State PDP chairman has also by that comment, accused the state government of criminal diversion of the relief materials approved for internally displaced persons and yet another diversion is the indictment of a Senator from Ondo State, whose name was not given by Orbih.

“You will agree with me that these are weighty allegations and cannot be equated with mere politicking. These alleged crimes fall within the purview of the police, the EFCC and the SSS and the recorded audio interview of Dan Orbih on Independent Radio is sufficient material for preliminary investigation by these security agencies.”

Aghedo said its members are aware that the state government has petitioned the state commissioner of police. “This a step in the right direction. The allegation is an attack on the integrity of the state government and it is only proper for the state to rise up to the occasion and demand proof.”

The allegation, according to Aghedo, “is equivalent to whistle blowing and as you are aware, when you have your facts and proof, the federal government will reward you for blowing the whistle, but if you blow a false whistle, we all know the implication.”

He added that as a stakeholder in the nation’s democracy project, its activities includes identifying actions and inactions that pose threat to the lives of the ordinary Edo people and Nigerians alike, defend them against obnoxious policies and laws and defend pro-people policies and programmes, amongst others.

Edo PDP chairman alleged on a live radio programme on Thursday in Benin City, that over 300 bags of rice approved for internally displaced persons were diverted by the Edo State government to the house of an Ondo State Senator.

Orbih was quoted as saying on the Independent Radio pidgin English programme, Man Around Town: “This thing no be matter wey them take debate. Them carry this rice go give one Senator for Ondo, that one na Internally displaced person? We get record for how them take share this rice among themselves.

“Them carry this rice on a Sunday go one house before By-pass. On a Sunday, because make people no see wetin them dey do. We have all these records. We know the movements. We know what they were doing. I was just watching them to see whether these people get heart.”

http://thebellng.com/concerned-edo-citizens-urge-sss-efcc-to-invite-orbih-to-prove-idp-rice-allegation/

http://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2018/02/23/concerned-edo-citizens-urge-sss-efcc-to-invite-orbih-to-prove-idp-rice-allegation/

Edo Govt. challenges Orbih to name Ondo Senator who received over 300 bags of IDPs’ rice

The Edo State government has challenged the chairman of the state’s chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Orbih, to name the Ondo State senator that received over 300 bags of rice from the Edo State government.

Orbih on Thursday morning, alleged on Man Around Town, a pidgin English programme on Independent Radio, a private radio station in Benin City, that over 300 bags of rice approved for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state, by the federal government, were diverted to the house of a Senator from Ondo State.

Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, urged Orbih to be courageous enough to prove his allegation by naming the Ondo Senator.

Speaking in pidgin English, Dan Orbih said: “This thing no be matter wey them take debate. Them carry this rice go give one Senator for Ondo, that one na Internally displaced person? We get record for how them take share this rice among themselves. Them carry this rice on a Sunday go one house before By-pass. On a Sunday, because make people no see wetin them dey do. We have all these records. We know the movements. We know what they were doing. I was just watching them to see whether these people get heart.”

Osagie said that the three Ondo State Senators in the National Assembly are, Ajayi Boroffice, Yele Omogunwa and Tayo Alasoadura, representing Ondo North; Ondo South and Ondo Central Senatorial Districts, and called on the Edo State PDP chairman to tell the world the particular Senator that received the over 300 bags of rice, meant for IDPs.

Three Ondo Senators consider legal action against Dan Orbih over unfounded rice allegation

Three Senators representing Ondo State in the National Assembly are weighing legal and other actions against the chairman of the Edo State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Dan Orbih, over what they described as “an unfounded allegation that has embarrassed the people of Ondo State.”

Orbih alleged, Thursday in Benin City on a pidgin English radio programme broadcast on Independent Radio, a private broadcast station, that the Edo State government diverted over 300 bags of rice approved by the federal government for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), to the house of an Ondo Senator. 

The three Ondo State Senators in the National Assembly are, Ajayi Boroffice, Yele Omogunwa and Tayo Alasoadura, representing Ondo North; Ondo South and Ondo Central Senatorial Districts respectively.

One of the Senators said he was still “aghast and astounded by the baseless allegation” and assured that Dan Orbih will be made to produce the evidence of his claim.

“We are studying the matter and are prepared to follow it to its logical conclusion. There are things you do not play politics with. With the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOI Act), we will not have any problem compelling the Edo State PDP chairman to produce the evidence he boasted about on a live radio programme,” he said.

Speaking in pidgin English, Dan Orbih said on the live radio programme: “This thing no be matter wey them take debate. Them carry this rice go give one Senator for Ondo, that one na Internally displaced person? We get record for how them take share this rice among themselves. Them carry this rice on a Sunday go one house before By-pass. On a Sunday, because make people no see wetin them dey do. We have all these records. We know the movements. We know what they were doing. I was just watching them to see whether these people get heart.”

The Senator warned that “if no proof of rice diversion as alleged by Orbih, exists, then Orbih will have us to contend it.”

He stressed: “You cannot wake up in Benin City and start hallucinating about people in Ondo State receiving rice meant for displaced people. We are disappointed in Orbih and have reasons to suspect that he may be mentally unstable as only mentally deranged people can imagine unimaginable things like the PDP fellow. Our integrity is at stake here and will not allow Dan Orbih to get away with his irresponsible attack on Ondo Senators.”

Dan Orbih has since come under fire from the Edo State government, after the radio interview.

In a petition to the state Commissioner of Police, Babatunde Kokumo,  Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., asked the police boss to investigate the rice diversion allegation made by Chief Dan Orbih.

“It is instructive to note that that in making  these allegations to the general public, Orbih claimed that he had facts and records to back up his allegations. The purpose of this complaint is to formally bring these weighty and unsubstantiated allegations to your attention and to request a thorough investigation with a view to establishing the veracity or otherwise of same,” the Edo State government said.

It added that “it is  the contention of the Edo State government that Orbih should be called upon to provide evidence of the serious crimes he has accused  the Edo State government of, and to furnish your command with facts, details and proof of the allegations he made in the public domain.”

Sources:

https://www.nairaland.com/4364383/dan-orbih-3-ondo-senators

http://thebellng.com/three-ondo-senators-consider-legal-action-against-dan-orbih-over-unfounded-rice-allegation/

World Day of Social Justice: Obaseki canvasses Equal Socio-economic opportunities

The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has urged members of the political class, thought leaders, members of civil society and other development actors to close ranks and engender a world of equal socio-economic opportunities.

He gave the charge in commemoration of the World Day for Social Justice, today, marked on February 20, each year.

According to the governor, “the rising tension in parts of the world is due to perceived and actual imbalance in the distribution of social, economic and even political opportunities fueled by man-made barriers such as class, race or gender.”

He called for reforms in governance to inspire the feeling of global brotherhood for peaceful co-existence despite socio-cultural differences and remove barriers to equal participation in social, economic and cultural activities.

Obaseki noted that globalisation has set the stage for integration and urged countries that are yet to open up their systems, to up their game and latch onto the global playing field for their share of the gains associated with globalisation.

He decried bad leadership that creates unnecessary and unsustainable social strata, protectionist policies on trade and social transactions which are antithetical to the concept of globalisation and the socio-economic integration of nations.

He said it was high time nations removed policies hostile to the spirit of globalisation to fast-track the interconnection of countries of the world through trade and cultural exchange.

“For the first time in human history, we have a common marketplace of ideas, goods and services, driven by Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Several opportunities abound in this marketplace and everyone must key into it with their peculiar products, ideas and services,” Obaseki said.

According to the United Nation: “Social justice is an underlying principle for peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations. The global body said it “upholds the principles of social justice when it promotes gender equality or the rights of indigenous peoples and migrants. We advance social justice when we remove barriers that people face because of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture or disability.”

It adds that “the pursuit of social justice for all is at the core of our global mission to promote development and human dignity. The adoption by the International Labour Organisation of the Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalisation is just one recent example of the UN system’s commitment to social justice. The Declaration focuses on guaranteeing fair outcomes for all through employment, social protection, social dialogue, and fundamental principles and rights at work.”

On this year’s theme: “Workers on the Move: the Quest for Social Justice” Obaseki urged world leaders to accord economic migrants the appropriate human dignity by providing them with opportunities to enhance their socio-economic well-being.

The UN said most migration today is linked directly or indirectly to the search for decent work opportunities. Even if employment is not the primary driver, it usually features in the migration process at some point.


PHOTO CAPTION

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

Edo Govt. mulls jail term for perpetrators of violence against children

…urges parents, stakeholders to support action to end scourge

To halt the incidence of violence against children in the state, the Edo State Government is set to launch a policy document that stipulates jail terms for perpetrators of any form of violence against children.

Speaking during a rally organised by the state government to raise public awareness and curry supports to end all forms of violence against children, wife of the Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, said the state prioritises the place of children in development and wouldn’t want anything to hinder their role as stakeholders in the development of the state.

Represented by Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender, Efosa Uyigwe, Mrs Obaseki said, “The state government need to be supported by stakeholders in its plan to make the state safe for children and prevent all forms of violence against them. Parents, religious, traditional and civil society leaders must come together to support government’s actions.”

She added, “It is sad that children are violated in places where they ought to be protected. These places include schools, churches, and homes. We must work with the state government to stop all forms of violence against children. The best way to put an end to this practice is to raise awareness to halt the practice.”

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Magdalene Ohenhen, urged parents and other stakeholders to support government’s campaign, noting, “Parents and other stakeholders need to collaborate with the government to curb the practice in which children are subjected to mental, emotional, sexual, domestic abuse and physical violence.”

She reiterated that “government will no longer tolerate any form of violence against children in the state. Any individual found culpable to have carried out any form of violence against children in the state risks jail term.

“Parents and other stakeholders should be aware of their responsibility to safeguard children from these ills. Children should be encouraged to be the best they can. This will enable them contribute to the development of the state and country.”

Ohenhen said that the state government led by Governor Obaseki would fully implement the laws against the abuse of children, adding, “This will enable the state government halt the use of children for hawking; sexual molestation and other forms of violence.”

Speaker, Edo Children’s Parliament, Miss Abieyuwa Efeomo Omoregie urged governments and other stakeholders to build and support structures that will encourage children to exploit their potentials, adding, “Our only demand is for institutions of government and other concerned stakeholders in the state to collaborate and protect children who are the future of the state.”


PHOTO CAPTION

L-R: Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender, Ms. Efosa Uyigue; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Magdalene Ohenhen; Speaker, Edo State Children's Parliament, Abieyuwa-Efeomo Omoregie, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Juliana Olatunji; after the rally to raise awareness to end violence against children, in Benin City.

Obaseki inaugurates Technical Committee on Privatisation, Commercialisation

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has inaugurated a 10-man Technical Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation (TCPC), which will take inventory of all non-operational enterprises owned by the state government and provide guidelines for their privatisation and commercialisation.

The committee to be chaired by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu, was inaugurated on Tuesday, by the governor at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

Obaseki noted that the TCPC will “carry-out due diligence on the Uromi Cassava Factory; review and end the previous process for the sale of the factory and carry-out actions that will ensure the selection of capable investors for the uptake of the factory.”

Obaseki said, “The objectives of the committee will include visits to sites of the state-owned enterprises to identify enterprises that require urgent restructuring through commercialisation, privatisation or partnership. It will carry out due diligence on the status of the identified enterprises.

He added, “The TCPC will make recommendations for the review of the TCPC law and appoint the Public Private Partnership Office as a standing and Adhoc Committee to facilitate the performance of its functions.

Chairman, TCPC, Rt. Hon. Shaibu, represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, Hon. Emmanuel Usoh, expressed appreciation to the governor for the opportunity to support the economic agenda of state government.

He said, "The committee will put their best in discharging its duties in line with the provision of the Law and economic agenda of Obaseki’s administration. We will be transparent in our engagements.”

Other members of the committee include, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Kabiru Adjoto; Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Osagie Inegbedion; Commissioner for Infrastructure, Hon. Osahon Amiolemen; Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, Hon. Emmanuel Usoh; and the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Prof (Mrs.) Yinka Omorogbe.

Others include, a Director in the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, who will act as Secretary of the committee; Mr. George Etomi, of Etomi and Partners; Mr. Olu Akpata, Templars Law firm and Mr. Cephas Afebuameh, Supply Chain and Operations Director, Suntory Beverage and Food Nigeria.


PHOTO CAPTION

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); Representative of the Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, Hon. Emmanuel Usoh (2nd right); Commissioner for Infrastructure, Hon. Osahon Amiolemen (middle); Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Yinka Omorogbe (2nd left); and Director, Ministry of Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, Mr. Festus Okogbo (left) during the inauguration of the 10-man Technical Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation by the governor at the Government House in Benin City, on Tuesday, February 6, 2018.

Edo govt raises investigative panels on police/youth clash, gas explosion

…commences capacity training for civil servants

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has directed that an investigative panel be set-up to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the fracas between men of the Nigeria Police and youths in Upper Igun area, in Oredo Local Government Area of the state.

Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Rt. Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, said this while briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the Chairman-in-council and Governor of the State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, at the Government House, in Benin City, Edo State, on Wednesday.

According to Ohonbamu, “The Chairman-in-Council expressed deep sadness over the fracas between the police and civilians in Upper Igun and called for calm over the fracas. The governor, who presided over the executive council meeting, mandated the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq. to set up an investigative panel to be headed by a reputable Retired Judge.”

Ohonbamu added, “Other members of the panel will include a retired police commissioner, retired senior army officer and members of the civil society. The investigative panel will ascertain the cause of the crisis, ensure that justice is done and prevent future occurrence.”

Similarly, Ohonbamu said that after the State Executive Council reviewed the state government’s response to the incidence of gas explosion in Ugbo area in Benin City, the governor directed the SSG to immediately set up an investigative panel to investigate various fire incidents in the state.

He said, “The investigative panel on fire incidents in the state will be tasked to unravel immediate and remote causes of fire incidents, the state’s response capabilities and further prevent other similar incidences in the state.

He noted that the committee will be headed by a reputable Retired Judge and other members will be drawn from various strata of the state.

Ohonbamu said that the governor charged the Head of Service (HoS), Mrs. Gladys Idahor, to commence the planned capacity development programme for civil servants in the state.

Alleged herdsmen attacks in Edo: False alarm by people we know too well - Osagie

…God Is Good Motors denies attack on buses

The Edo State Government has advised residents in the state to be wary of the deluge of fake news of alleged herdsmen attacks trending on the internet and circulated by people we know too well.

Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said “the false alarm originated with some disgruntled individuals.”

He explained that while the state government will not deny the skirmishes between herdsmen and farmers in part of the state, the recent propagation of fake news on social media is part of a plot to create a general sense of insecurity in the state and an attempt to put the current administration in bad light.

The Aide said “our investigation into the veracity of some audio messages about attacks on passengers in buses owned by God Is Good Motors and other vehicles, trending on the internet, showed that the story is not true as the management of the transport service debunked the claim, describing it as completely false. These are some of the shenanigans of these unholy group of people.

“Also, the photograph of dead people on the road allegedly killed by Fulani herdsmen has been trending on the internet since Tuesday. That photograph first hit the internet in 2010. It is pure mischief to circulate the 2010 photograph as an incident that happened yesterday. On the strength of the falsehood the promoters of the photograph set out to achieve, we have reasons to suspect similar internet content.

“One newspaper report said the photograph is of an armed robbery incident that happened in 2010. The newspaper account said that a bus driver was forced by the robbers to run some passengers over because the passengers did not give the robbers money.

“Edo people should be circumspect and cross-check any media content thrown at them on the internet as the people behind the campaign to de-market Edo State are people we know too well. They will stop at nothing in their desperation to advance reasons for them to return to power and plunder the people’s resources. Edo people should beware of false alarms by these unpatriotic elements,” he advised.

He assured that no campaign of calumny by these un-progressive elements can stop the ongoing redemption efforts of the Obaseki-led government after the blighted years of these enemies of Edo State.

[14:59, 2/3/2018] +234 805 288 5203: Edo PDP: Of Rogues who lacked purpose, insight while in power

In development, there are clear-cut, unbending principles. These often drive the manner in which policies are formed, change is pursued and new habits and behaviours are espoused and championed to engender growth in societies. When such principles are lacking or disregarded, development is often haphazard, doom-fated.

When Nigeria began experimenting with democracy from 1999, it appeared that the rogues that ran government in Edo State cloaked in their uninspiring colours as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hadn’t the faintest idea of what it meant to run a state and pivot it on solid strategic pillars for development and growth.

The symptoms of their failure to do this are still very fresh in the memory of the people of Edo State, who in the last few years have been inundated with the solid developmental strides of the All Progressives Congress-led government. Alas, it appears that Edo state came to know the true meaning of democracy only after the APC government came on board and put paid to the many lies that the PDP had claimed, mitigated development in the state.

The malfeasance of the PDP is advertised in many forms and shades. And it is not hard to see from their antecedents that they did not only have the capacity to lead or govern, but that they came into power with just three carefully-planned missions: plunder, steal, and plunder some more. Nothing escaped their litchy fingers. They did this and successfully too. So much so that the people were almost getting used to such as true hallmark of governance.

There is a case in point to buttress this point and to show how impunity was coopted as a tool to muzzle a people that had been deprived of basic dignity. There is the account of how a party chieftain was in the habit of disposing people of their properties in Benin City and deployed violence to intimidate those who dared challenge him.

This character was said to have singled out a man in the Airport Road axis to claim a property the fellow built with his hard-earned money. When this fellow learned of the plot of the PDP thug, he approached the court for redress, to claim what was rightfully his. However, on the day the court was hearing the case, the PDP chieftain stormed the court premises, descended on the plaintiff and beat him to stupor for daring to challenge him in court. Different anecdotes of this nature abound of the regretful years of the PDP in power in Edo State.

Trophies like these – earned from intimidation, theft and graft – that the PDP have to show for their years in office, years marred with the most unimaginable, record-shattering fraud that damaged the dignity of the common man in Edo, years hailed only for ignoble conduct and crass leadership.

So, one wonders why a camp that harbours such devious characters and antecedents still wants power in Edo State or would even summon the courage to challenge a government that is firmly-footed in its purpose to develop the state. If the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration or his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole had continued in the purposeless model of governance espoused by the PDP, maybe that would have given the party a fair chance at gunning for power or to lampoon the present administration.

But when the difference is clear as day, that these people have encountered a team that is way beyond their capabilities, they only need to concede to these superiors, and not go about shamelessly advertising their failure-ridden dossiers in phony tours and dispiriting engagements.

The progress being recorded in Edo State today is not only as a result of the caliber of the people at the helm of affairs, but because development is anchored on strategic developmental principles. At the moment, it is obvious that the rogues have run out of ideas, and are on a tour of shame. In the course of such shameless perambulation, the PDP tells us what noble thing they bequeathed to Edo people and not attempt to poke fingers at an aggressive and purposive team, that is going about doing good, delivering monumental, epoch-making projects to Edo people.

By
Nosakhare Festus
[15:01, 2/3/2018] +234 805 288 5203: Obaseki tasks Esan Professionals on sustainable development

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has urged professionals of Esan extraction in the state to create solutions and avenues to drive sustainable development in their towns in partnership with government.

Obaseki made the call at the weekend when he met with the executive members of the Association of Esan Professionals (AEP) led by their President, Barr. Mathew Egbadon, at the Government House, Benin City.

Obaseki spoke on issues affecting development in Esan nation, notably, agriculture, healthcare and education, assuring the professionals of his support to drive sustainable development in Esan land.

World Cancer Day: Obaseki tasks researchers on urgent cure

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has called for scientists across the globe working on the cure for cancer to intensify efforts in the discovery of an urgent cure for the illness to bring succour to those suffering from the ailment.

He also made a case for urgent action by relevant stakeholders in the health sector on cancer management while the cure tarries, urging for increased awareness on precautionary measures to control the illness.

Obaseki said this on the occasion of the World Cancer Day, which is marked globally on February 4, by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

Obaseki, who said that the incidence of cancer-related deaths in Nigeria was worrisome, maintained that there was need for increased advocacy championed by scientists, the private sector and civil society groups to educate the populace on precautionary measures against cancer.

He said, “On a day like this, it is important to reiterate the need for coordinated action by all relevant stakeholders in the health sector on the management and control of cancer. Though we may have recorded numerous deaths of persons from cancer, there is still a lax attitude to push for solutions that would reduce these deaths.

He added, “Coalitions to tackle cancer-related causes may have been formed but the contribution from many Nigerians have been underwhelming. It is important to make a case for better funding, research and awareness on cancer in-country and for state and federal government agencies charged with the mandate to do this, should be given all the necessary financial and in-kind support.”

Noting that there was the need to agree on measured strategies and actions to fund the management of cancer-related illnesses, he said, “Much as there are many reasons why people die from cancer-related illnesses, some of the primary reasons are lack of funding and the paucity of facilities to manage the illness. Governments and other stakeholders must intensify efforts to declutter bottlenecks that make it hard for these challenges to be surmounted.”

The primary goal of the World Cancer Day is to significantly reduce illnesses and deaths caused by cancer in 2020, after the World Cancer Declaration was made in 2008. The day targets misinformation, raises awareness and tackles stigma associated with the illness.


PHOTO CAPTION
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

Edo links investors, others to farmers, provides safe nets to sustain prices, yield

…to partner French firm on dam project in Ekpoma varsity

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state has concluded plans to link investors and off-takers of agricultural produce in the state with farmers with sufficient guarantees to ensure prices are stable and yields are high as farmers prepare for the 2018 farming season.

Obaseki disclosed this at the weekend, when he met with the executive members of the Association of Esan Professionals (AEP) at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

According to the governor, “farmers in the state now have ready markets to sell their produce at the end of the faming season, as the country has a growing population that needs to be fed.”

He said, “The state government will assist farmers get investors. The government will soon advertise for off-takers of agricultural produce. Those who want to buy agricultural produce at the end of the planting season, will come to Edo to buy from our farmers.” 

“We will attract off-takers who need maize, soya beans and so on, to buy from farmers here. The state government will get the order from the off-takers, how many metric tons of maize they need, what type, and how much are they willing to pay, and match  them with local farmers,” he added.

On new initiatives to improve productivity of farmers in Esanland, he said, “We were in Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma to see if they have dams, if we can partner with them and get the French investors to locate their farms there. We are also going round to see if we can get private individuals who have land for pig farming to partner with the investors.”

The governor added that, “We were in France to meet with some of the largest pig farmers who are  coming in with their improved piglets to do business in the state.”

He said that the state government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) credit facilities will ensure that agriculture is fully commercailised in the state, adding, “We are helping famers with land to get investors who will do business with them. We have already commenced preparing land for the next farming season. We have the guarantee on ground for farmers.”

He also commended the governor for spareheading the rehabilitation of the Benin -Ekpoma - Auchi road, but appealed for more action on issues confronting the Esan land


PHOTO CAPTION

R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; President of the Association of Esan Professionals (AEP), Mr. Mathew Egbadon, former President of the Association, Mr. Michael Osime; and former Vice President, Engr. Elens Samuel Eigbokhan; during the courtesy visit of the executives of AEP to the governor at the Government House, Benin City, Edo State.

Obaseki tasks Esan professionals on sustainable development

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has urged professionals of Esan extraction in the state to create solutions and avenues to drive sustainable development in their towns in partnership with government.

Obaseki made the call at the weekend when he met with the executive members of the Association of Esan Professionals (AEP) led by their President, Barr. Mathew Egbadon, at the Government House, Benin City.

Obaseki spoke on issues affecting development in Esan nation, notably, agriculture, healthcare and education, assuring the professionals of his support to drive sustainable development in Esan land.

According to him, “I thank members of the association for finding time to visit me. The association has stood out over the years in providing leadership and direction in Esanland. I recall vividly several years ago, your initiatives in education and other sectors and  how you promoted the interest of Esan people through my predecessor, Comrades Adams Oshiomhole. The former governor was then impressed with your commitment to serving the interest of your people.”

Noting that he appreciates the group’s support for the policies of his administration, he said, “I have come to know what the group stands for and the works you have undertaken in the past in the service of the people of Esan origin. I appreciate your support during the election. I believe you supported me because you identified the need for continuity in ensuring sustainable development, with the reform agenda which was started by my predecessor in office.

“We have seen how Lagos state for example has continued to record milestone achievements because of continuity in government policies and programmes for over 16 years.”

“In Edo State, we want to redefine the essence of state and governance. Governance is collective and not a private concern. It is about providing for the general good,  caring for everyone and not just  for one person or a group of people,” he added.


PHOTO CAPTION

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State (4th from left,  sitting), Barr.  Mathew Egbadon (3rd from left,  sitting) with members of Association of Esan Professionals and some members of Edo State Executive Council during a courtesy visit of Esan professionals to the governor at Government House,  Benin City.

Edo Civil Society to PDP: Disrupt Council polls, face wrath of people

…advises N/Delta militias to turn down PDP’s ‘deal’ to cause mayhem

Following media reports that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, is plotting to disrupt the forthcoming local government elections in the state, a coalition of civil society groups led by the Concerned Citizens of Edo State (CCES), has warned the PDP not to test the will and might of Edo people by destabilising the electoral process that has the blessings of all well-meaning Edo people.

“We have read news reports of a clandestine design by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to subvert the forthcoming local government elections, using the instruments of the court and where that fails, recourse to arm youths and engage Niger Delta militias to stop the election.

“We have commissioned an independent investigation to establish the veracity of this report and a cursory appraisal of our findings validate the fears raised by the Edo State Government, that there is indeed a grand plan by the PDP to sabotage the election. We wish to put on record that we have reasons to believe the reports because the PDP had earlier kicked against the planned elections and told Nigerians of their plan to approach the court to challenge the planned local government elections,” President of the organisation, Aghedo Ogbewi said.

Ogbewi stressed that “gone are the days our youths were deceived or cowed by the PDP. Edo youths are wiser now and will resist any self-serving plot by the PDP or any other political party or group, to disrupt a process that will bring socio-economic development to the ordinary Edo people in the various local government areas of the state.”

He advised militant groups in the riverine areas and sister Niger Delta states, to “turn down any offer extended to them by the Edo PDP or any other group to unleash mayhem in Edo State, as Edo people are ready to defend democracy with all the resources available to them.”

He further said: “Edo people, with the support of the law enforcement agents are prepared to defend the processes that lead to democratic governance, especially at the local government level, where the mass of Nigerians live and where governance matters most.

“As a coalition of civil society organisations that represents the interests of youths, women, children and committed to the welfare of Edo people, we will not sit by and watch our hard earned democracy to be trampled upon by any political party that is apparently scared of failure because it has not prepared adequately for the forthcoming contest.

“We have the assurances of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to ensure a level playing ground for all political parties during the election. The stage is set, all political parties should follow the laid down rules and market their plans to Edo people.”