₦airaland Forum

Emotan Gardens: EDPA Assures Subscribers Of Adequate Infrastructure, Flexible Payment Plans

The Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) has assured subscribers on the Emotan Gardens project of adequate infrastructure at the estate as well as flexible payment plans in line with the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government’s pledge to provide affordable housing in the state.

Executive Chairman, EDPA, Isoken Omo, in a chat with journalists, said that the agency is engaging with the private sector in Edo and has assured that offerings at the estate will meet the lifestyle needs of modest as well as upwardly mobile business executives.

Emotan Gardens, the state government’s affordable housing project, sits on a 70-hectare land and on completion will house 1800-units of a variety of housing types. It is being developed by EDPA in partnership with Mixta Nigeria, a renowned real estate company.

Omo said that the offer of adequate infrastructure in terms of electricity, good access roads, security and a number of other structures, make investing in the estate a sensible decision.

According to her, “The way EDPA is positioned now is not necessarily to provide housing to the lower ends of the market. We do high ends and we compete.

“What will make people stay in Benin City? Good accommodation, leisure, security, infrastructure and all of that. That is what the government is doing. We want to make sure all of these are in place so one can feel comfortable at Emotan Gardens. Everything we are offering is to make sure that the economic activity in Edo State increases,” she added.

On the payment options, she said, “The good thing is that we have payment plans. We found out that everybody cannot buy at the same time. We have 18-24 months payment plan to allow you pay up and we are also exploring mortgage. We are talking to different people to see how we can provide mortgage.”



PHOTOS...
Some of the houses in Emotan Gardens being built by Mixta Nigeria in partnership with Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) in Benin City, Edo State.

The Edo State Government has warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to leave Governor Godwin Obaseki out of their ‘predictable and cheap smear campaign,’ urging them to focus on the weighty issues that impact on the lives of the people.

In a statement by Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, the state government cautioned the PDP to, as a matter of civic duty, tell the people what they intend to do for them and not drag the hardworking governor into their smear campaigns.

According to the governor’s aide, “It is not hard to see that the PDP has been undone by the fact that they are faced with a purposeful, well-run and transparent government. Hence, they have gone to town with a fictitious story about a non-existent fraud allegation in government that exists only in their imagination. For the records, we make bold to say that the alleged fraud does not exist.”

He said that, as a government whose programme is anchored on the development of the state and its people, Governor Obaseki’s administration has the mandate to run an issues-based campaign during this season and keep the people abreast of the numerous developmental programmes that directly impact on their lives.

He added, “But as is their stock in trade, the PDP is making spurious allegations about a non-existent fraud, showcasing once again a lack of understanding of governance.

“The records are there to show what the Governor Obaseki-led government has done and continues to do for the people of Edo state, from job creation to infrastructural development, investment promotion and industrialisation, which all residents in the state can readily testify to, in the governor’s efforts at repositioning the state for prosperity. That is what we are campaigning with this season.”

The governor’s aide advised the opposition to emulate the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) issues-based campaign and desist from the campaign of bile and bitterness.

Pension Arrears: Edo Govt invites Pensioners In Batch 47 For Verification, Payment

The Edo State Government has invited pensioners in batch 47 for physical and documentary verification in order to process payment of their pension arrears.

In a statement issued in Benin City, Permanent Secretary and Chairman, Pension Bureau, I.D.S. Juwobor, said the exercise is in continuation of payment of pension arrears by the state government, as the affected pensioners will be paid their arrears after the exercise.

He said, “In continuation of the on-going payment of pension arrears for state government pensioners, all pensioners in batch 47 are hereby invited to present themselves for physical and documentary verification at the Imaguero Hall, Benin City, on Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th January 2019 at 9.00am each day.”

He urged that pensioners in batches 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46, who failed to participate in previous verification exercises should “take advantage of the scheduled forthcoming screening exercise alongside pensioners in Batch 47.”

Juwobor advised pensioners in batch 47 and the spill-over batches of 37-46 “to check the list of pensioners scheduled for the screening on the notice board in the Pensions Bureau’s Office at the former Ethiope Building, Ring Road, Benin City on Thursday 10th and Friday 11thJanuary, 2019.

“In furtherance of this, affected pensioners are advised to come to the venue of the verification exercise with the following documents on the scheduled dates of 14th and 15th January, 2019: Pension Authority, Retirement Letter, Letter of First Appointment, Pension Identity Card, Biometric Slip and bank details including bank name and account number,” he said.

Juwobor said that “Upon conclusion of the verification exercise, the outstanding pension arrears will be credited into the pension account of each pensioner after necessary documentation by relevant agencies involved in the payment process.”

Obaseki Sees Growth Driver In Egina Oil Field Amid Aautious Projection For Economy

Amid cautious economic projections for the nation’s economy by experts in the new year, Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has assured that the recent addition of Egina production facility to the bouquet of income streams in the country, will sustain growth in the oil sector.

Obaseki in his 2019 Budget Speech at the Edo State House of Assembly, said: “Our expectation for growth in 2019 is an expansion of 2.5% in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), an improvement over the expected growth of 2.1% in 2018.”

He added that “While crude oil price may decline, we hope that the increase in oil production to 2.3mbp/d due to additional output from areas like the Egina field, will sustain growth in the oil sector.”

The Egina deepwater oilfield achieved first oil production, recently, helping to push Nigeria’s oil output beyond 2.09 million barrels per day in December.

According to Total, the field, which is located around 1,600 meters of water depths, 150 kilometres off the coast of Nigeria, started up production on December 29, 2018.

At plateau, the Egina field will produce 200,000 barrels of oil per day, which represents about 10 per cent of Nigeria’s production, a statement on the Total’s website said.

Total described the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit used to develop the giant Egina field as the largest one it had ever built, and added that the project also involved a record level of local contractors.

The governor further said that “In the non-oil sector, we expect a sustained positive performance in manufacturing and services due to higher consumer spending (as higher government revenues which are ensuring the settlement of outstanding salary obligations across states and a new minimum wage, will boost household income).

“In agriculture, we expect a boost in 2019 as governments move to enhance stability and productivity in this sector.”

Obaseki’s positive outlook dovetails with the views of experts at Vetiva Research in their analysis of Nigeria’s economic trends in 2019.

“With a growth Projection of 2.7 per cent year-on-year, we expect Nigeria’s economy to accelerate in 2019, driven by likely election spending and continued recovery in the manufacturing and services sectors,” Vetiva analysts said.

Commenting on the outlook for the global economy, analysts at Goldman Sachs said: “The global economy looks poised to slow moderately from 3.8% in 2018 to 3.5% in 2019, led by deceleration in the US and further softening in China.

“But with growth still above potential in most developed economies, Goldman Sachs Research expects continued labour market tightening, gradually rising core inflation, and in many cases higher policy rates.”

Coming out of an eventful holiday season, hotel owners, transporters, owners of night clubs, event centres and fun places in Benin City, have said that their businesses recorded a boom which they linked to the widespread reforms of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.

According to them, the early payment of salary to government workers; the influx of Edo people in the diaspora, into the state for Christmas and New Year celebrations; improvement in security and the state government’s huge investment in road infrastructure as well as the growing confidence in the state’s economy, combined to boost activities in their sub-sectors.

Mr Egbe Ufumwen, owner of a night club in Benin City, said: “Business was better during the Christmas holiday, compared to previous years. Night Club business is a night affair and security is a big deal for players in this business.

“Our business starts late in the night and people start leaving the club in the early hours of the next morning, so we can tell when people begin to feel more or less secure, by the number of people that come out at night.

“Last December, we recorded unprecedented number of clients and most of them told us that the state is now safer and that they could access anywhere in town because of the good roads in the city.”

Mr. Ufumwen added “years back, the road leading to my business place was in a bad condition and it impacted on my business. But with the reconstruction of TV Road, my Night Club has become one of the most patronised.”

Emmanuel Omeiza, who owns an event centre saluted the state government’s investment in road infrastructure which he said has boosted the profile of his business.

“Event centre has become a good business model in the state and we recorded huge patronage during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“There were days we converted our centre to a fun place for children and parents and it turned out to be a smart decision. Parents in the neighbourhood who had been longing for a nearby fun place for their children, trooped to the place.”

Omeiza noted that “the ban on the use of thugs for collecting revenue by the governor and his positive disposition to protecting businesses across the state, have sanitised the economy.”

Hotel owners and transporters interviewed, appealed to the governor to sustain the widespread reforms as they stand to gain more.

A taxi driver, Mr Tayo Abidemi, said “business was good in December and in the first few days of January. There were days I worked over 14 hours because passengers kept calling me over the phone for business. The good condition of the roads also helped to reduce the time we spent driving from one point to the other.”

More Businesses Re-Open For New Year In Benin Metropolis, See Positive Outlook On Obaseki’s Reforms

More businesses were seen opening to customers in the last half of the first week of the new year, with owners expressing hope for a better business year in the state on the strength of the reforms initiated by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.

In their forecasts, some shop owners on Mission Road in the Benin Metropolis said they see a prosperous year ahead with the removal of illegal revenue collectors from the streets of Benin City and other towns in the state as well as the improvement in security, with the recent launch of the state’s security architecture and trust fund.

Mr Okoro Sunday, who operates a printing press in the area, said “business has never been this good. We are enjoying a great deal of sanity under governor Godwin Obaseki. The interesting thing is that the governor has more plans for all the players in the economy.”

He added: “I read in the newspapers a few days ago that the electricity problem will soon be over in the state, as the governor has secured a licence to get electricity directly from a power generating company, which he intends to give to us and other businesses. What else can business owners ask for?”

Mr Sunday explained that “With stable electricity we can increase our scale of production, employ more people, increase our revenue obligations to the government and support the society in our own way. It will be a win-win-situation for everyone.”

Leader of Edo State market women, Madam Blacky Omoregie, said “the governor has promised to install solar-power facility in markets in the state this year.

“We in this sector of the economy welcome this initiative as it will bring to an end, the use of power generating sets in our markets. The plan will also save us a lot of money which we are currently using to fuel and maintain our generators.”

She noted that “Edo State is the best place to do business in Nigeria today as all the barriers to business have been eliminated by the Obaseki administration.”

According to her, “The reconstruction of bad roads is also impacting positively on our businesses. During the yuletide, farmers did not have much challenge evacuating their goods to our markets.

“In some cases, traders travelled to the villages to buy the goods and they all told me that the state government is working on several roads across the state.”

…compiles lists of another 230 for award

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the contract for the refurbishment of 230 primary schools across the state, to provide for conducive learning environment for pupils in the schools.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said this in Benin City, the state capital on Wednesday.

He noted that the state government is committed to making learning pleasurable for pupils in the state, adding that the review of a list of another 230 primary schools is in progress, after which contracts for their refurbishment will be awarded.

According to him, “The governor has approved the contract for the renovation of 230 primary schools in the state. This is in furtherance of his commitment to ensuring that students in the state learn in a conducive environment.

“It is also coming as the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) is set to roll out the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) in more schools across the state.

“With the award, contractors are expected to be on site working on the schools. As that is ongoing, we are also in the process of compiling another batch of 230 public primary schools for which contracts would be awarded in the first quarter of 2019. This will bring the number of schools marked for renovation to 460.”

He said that an audit of another 800 schools is also ongoing, after which schools found to be in need of renovation would be added to the 460, noting that the state government is not going to leave any school behind in the rollout of the renovation programme.

“We are committed to ensuring that the schools in Edo State are in good shape. We have had to take our time to do this because we wanted the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) to be in place so they can play a critical role in ensuring that the schools are well run and that whatever is provided for the schools are not vandalised,” he said.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commiserated with the family of Barrister Gabriel Osimen Enaboifo, a respected politician and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, whose passing was announced recently.

In a statement, the governor said late Enaboifo contributed significantly to deepening democracy and the overall development of the state.

“I commiserate with the family of late Barr. Gabriel Enaboifo, whose passing has been brought to my notice. He was a consummate politician who led the state’s chapter of a number of political parties in the state and was a founding member of our great party, the APC.

“As a grassroots politician, he was a great mobiliser and his dexterity and experience will be missed as we go into the polls in 2019. On behalf of the state government, I send my condolences to his family and pray that God grant them the fortitude to bear the loss,” Obaseki said.

Barr. Enaboifo had a rich profile in politics that dates back to him being the Chief Secretary for Organisation of the Unity Party of Nigeria, Bendel State until 1983. With the return to civil rule in 1992, he was the Edo State Chairman of the Social Democratic Party.

He later held similar role in the All People’s Party and All Nigeria Peoples Party. He was a founding member of the Action Congress of Nigeria, which later became the APC. Barr. Enaboifo was a staunch mobiliser for the parties he belonged to in Esan West Local Government Area in particular and Edo State as a whole.

Enaboifo died at the age of 77.

The schedule for his burial, according to the family, will run from January 10 to 13, with activities set to hold in Ekpoma and Benin City, in the state.

As part of initiatives to equip Edo youths to contribute to the state’s economy, EdoJobs has partnered with Green Fusion Group to train young persons in the state on solar power technology, including panel installation and servicing.

The initiative is part of a wide range of training programmes of EdoJobs, the state government’s skills development platform, charged with the task of creating at least 200,000 jobs in the state by 2020.

Senior Special Assistant to Edo State Governor on Skills Development and Jobs Creation, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, who disclosed this at the graduation ceremony of the trainees at the Edo Innovation Hub, in Benin City, said that the state government is committed to actualising its vision for job creation and skills development in the state.

Dignitaries at the graduation ceremony included representatives of the World Bank and other top functionaries of the state government.

According to Dare, “The training is aimed at equipping youths with the knowledge of solar panel installation to enable them become self-reliant."

She encouraged youths in the state to take advantage of the various training programmes offered by EdoJobs, to acquire relevant skills highly sought after in the labour market.

Dare assured that the “The state government is committed to skills development programmes for youths who are eager to learn."


Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Investment, Mr. Kelvin Uwaibi, urged the graduands to deploy their newly acquired skills into creating solutions to the problem of epileptic power supply in the state, noting that there was a big market for their products.

He added, “I am very confident that you are in the right training. With what you have learnt, you are well positioned to help solve the power problem in the state and country and stand to make a lot of money while doing that.”

The Edo State Government has warned marketers of petroleum products across the state against hoarding of the products, noting that government will not tolerate marketers who are out to shortchange members of the public during the festive period.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Oil and Gas, Hon. Joseph Ugheoke, said that the state government is working to ensure consistent supply of petroleum products to the state, adding that the step is aimed “at addressing irregularities and illegalities in the sector in the interest of all stakeholders and members of the public.”

He assured residents in the state of adequate supply of petroleum products during the yuletide season, noting, “petroleum marketers are hereby enjoined to cooperate with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to ensure petroleum products are adequately distributed to members of the public.”

The commissioner warned, “any petroleum marketer found to be causing hitch in the supply chain will be made to face the full wrath of the law.”

“All relevant security agencies and stakeholders in the petroleum sector are expected to adhere strictly to government’s stand with regard to the distribution of petroleum products,” he added.

Ugheoke also expressed appreciation to members of the public for their cooperation in the year 2018, while reaffirming “the commitment of the state government to the economic well-being of Edo people and residents in the new year.”

…Appeals to Buhari to revoke operational licence of power firm

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has again decried the gross inefficiency of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) in providing stable electricity for residents of the state, who will celebrate Christmas and the New Year festivities in darkness.

Obaseki said Edo people deserve a better service provider than BEDC, more so, considering the fact that Edo State is host to Azura Power plant which generates over 700MW of electricity to the national grid.

"At a time families should be enjoying uninterrupted electricity supply as they celebrate Christmas and New Year in the state, BEDC is again unable to live up to the minimum expectation of providing electricity.

"No excuse is good enough for the abysmal failure of BEDC and we appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to without delay, revoke the operational licence of BEDC and rescue Edo people and residents from the crappy service being delivered to our people who are harassed weekly by BEDC to pay for electricity that it did not supply," Obaseki said.

He lamented that "Forcing electricity consumers to pay for services they did not enjoy with estimated bills is tantamount to corruption, which the Buhari-led government is committed to nipping in the bud."

Obaseki wondered why Nigerians in Borno and Kaduna states are celebrating uninterrupted power supply yet, Edo people are in unending darkness.

The governor, further said that much as he is not a believer in conspiracy theories, he is however constrained to believe that BEDC is on a mission to sabotage the developmental efforts of his administration.

"There can be no better time to enjoy electricity than during the Christmas holiday and only an enemy of progress will make Edo people spend the holidays in darkness," the governor emphasised.

He expressed his regrets over the unnecessary sufferings associated with celebrating the holiday period in BEDC-induced darkness and assured that his administration will continue to work for better deals across all sectors of the state.

The Edo State Government has redeemed a promise made to young, talented mosaic artist, Mr. Aguda Oluwafemi Isaac, for the supply of beaded artwork of the state governor, after the artist impressed the governor with his talent at an event.

All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart and leader in Edo Central, Theophilus Okoh, who presented a cheque to the artist in Government House, Benin City, to effect the supply of the art piece, said the gesture was in fulfillment of a promise made by the governor during the APC Youth Entrepreneurship Seminar and Empowerment Programme, which held in Uromi.

He said the Governor Obaseki-led administration is poised to empower youths who are skilled, intelligent and demonstrate commitment to contribute to the development of the state.

According to him, "This cheque is presented to Aguda Oluwafemi Isaac following the promise made by Governor Obaseki on the 24 April, 2018 during the APC Youth Entrepreneur Seminar and Empowerment Programme. The young man did something extraordinary using beads to make an image of the governor. The governor was impressed when he saw the artwork.”

Aguda thanked the governor for the gesture, and noted that he was able to become a better artist through determination and hard work, as he had no political godfather to push his case before the governor.

He said, "I presented the governor's portrait to him. It was designed with beads and the governor was impressed and promised to engage me to supply him the artwork."

The artist, who was posted to Edo State for the compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in 2011, said it took him six years to achieve the feat.


PHOTO:
All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart and leader in Edo Central, Theophilus Okoh (left), presenting a cheque to young, talented mosaic artist, Mr. Aguda Oluwafemi Isaac, for the supply of beaded artwork of the state governor, at Government House, in Benin City.

Edo Govt, ICE Commercial Power Partner On Sustainable Energy For Primary Health Centres

In line with Governor Godwin Obaseki’s drive to make quality and affordable healthcare accessible in rural areas, the Edo State government has partnered with ICE Commercial Power to deliver clean and reliable energy solution to 20 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) in the state under the Edo Healthcare Improvement Programme (Edo-HIP).

In a statement, Co-Founder, ICE Commercial Power, Dr. Emmanuel Ekwueme, said the partnership is geared at delivering Governor Obaseki’s promise to revamp primary healthcare in the state.

He said that the first stage of the programme with the state government is the transition of 20 PHCs across the state to clean, reliable energy with the deployment of 164KVA total solar power for each facility’s operations and water supply.

According to him, “ICE Commercial Power, in partnership with the Edo State Ministry of Health, is deploying solar energy in 20 pilot primary health centres (PHC) in Edo State.

“This is part of Governor Obaseki's Healthcare Improvement Programme (HIP). The initiative will see the transition to clean, reliable energy in these first 20 PHCs. The first phase of the programme will see the deployment of 164 KVA total solar energy to power each PHC with critical electrical supply for operations and water supply.”

The second phase of the programme, according to him, “will see the deployment of solar power under a sustainable pay-as-you-go model for 180 PHCs in the state. The HIP is part of a set of healthcare reforms in the state, along with the Health Insurance Scheme, which will ensure that residents have better access to quality, universal health coverage.”

Explaining the rationale for the deployment of solar energy, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Obaseki on Human Resource, Mr. Paul Okungbowa, said that the government is intent on deploying innovative solutions in solving challenges.

According to him, “We are working with ICE Commercial Power on the solar power at the PHCs because it is a sustainable option if we intend to realise the vision of repositioning the primary healthcare centers for optimal service delivery. Ours is a plan that ensures that the infrastructure needed to support affordable healthcare is guaranteed even as we prepare for the take-off of the Health Insurance Scheme.”


PHOTO:
A technician fitting a solar panel on the roof of Iyakhara Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC), in Owan East Local Government Area, as part of reforms under the Edo Health Improvement Programme (HIP).

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To deepen reforms in governance, the Edo State Government has organised a 3-day workshop for procurement officers in Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs), including staff of Edo State Public Procurement Agency (EDPPA), on data disclosure to meet guidelines for open contracting data standards.

Addressing journalists on the first day of the workshop, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, EDPPA, Mr. Henry Idogun, said the workshop was part of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s focus on training and re-training of the state government workforce, which is in line with global standards.

Idogun said the workshop themed ‘Implementation of Open Contracting Data Standards (OCDS) for Edo State,’ will equip participants drawn from MDAs including EDPPA, with new methods of data disclosure which will create opportunity for the citizens and other stakeholders to engage and connect with the government.

He noted, “EDPPA has been publishing its contracts on a monthly basis but this workshop will help us publish in a manner that will enable citizens engage the government, contribute to the process of governance as well as promote inclusiveness.”

According to him, the workshop will create avenue for deeper engagements that will provide relevant information for inclusiveness on the part of the citizens and stakeholders.

The facilitator, a regulations and database expert from the Department/Government Procurement Unit, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), in Abuja, Mr. Makuolu Adesina, said the Implementation of Open Contracting Data Standards (OCDS) simply means better information for engagement.

He added that the workshop has become necessary to enable BPP share with EDPPA, procurement officers from MDAs and relevant stakeholders, the need for OCDS and how it can be implemented as well as support the agencies to ensure full implementation in line with global standards.

Adesina noted, “Procurement officers are data producers as they also produce data. The data produced must be based on open contracting data standard. OCDS is a process which ensures information is made open to the public, enabling them have procurement information in a friendly manner.

A procurement officer in the Ministry of Health, Mr. Gideon Okosun, said the workshop was very enlightening and educating.


PHOTO 1:
Regulations and database expert, Department/Government Procurement Unit, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mr. Makuolu Adesina (standing) and workshop participants, during a presentation at the 3-day workshop on data disclosure standards, organized by the Edo State Public Procurement Agency (EDPPA), in Government House, Benin City.

The Edo State Government has commenced the overhaul of the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), with the redeployment of some members of staff of the station to the Ministry of Communication and Orientation.

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., the state government said the “redeployment is in line with the ongoing restructuring of state-owned media organisations.”

With the redeployment, Mr. Ransley Abu Osagie, has been appointed Acting General Manager of the station.

According to Ogie, staff of Edo Broadcasting Service that have been redeployed with immediate effect, to the Ministry of Communication and Orientation include Barr. Friday Okoedion, General Manager; Uche Nwoko, Head Manpower & Training; Oseni Salami, Head Programmes, Television; Godwin Egbe, Head, Presentation; Festus Obasogie Evbuomwan, Head Corporate Affairs; Osagie Asabor, Head News, Television.

Others are Ndidi Ehikwe, Head News, Radio; Mrs. Bode Okudishu, Head Commercial; Emmanuel Oguns, Commercial Dept; Magdalene Mudasheru, Commercial Dept and Festus Alenkhe, News Department.

Those to take over from the redeployed staff in acting capacity with immediate effect, according to the statement, are: Ransley Abu Osagie, Acting General Manager; Ivy Adodo, Head News, Television; Benjamin Osagie, Head News, Radio; Mrs. Pat Ebueku, Head Current Affairs; Jennifer Ngozi-Lloyds, Head Corporate Affairs and Mr Emmanuel Omoregie, Head Commercial.

Others are Comfort Alonge, Head Accounts; Amenze Osagie, Head Engineering; George Osawaru, Head Radio; Franca Olu-Oseh, Head Programmes, Television; Mercy Orukpe, Head Marketing; Charles Ogboghodo, Head Presentation and Benjamin Agbator, Head Audit.

The statement directed all the redeployed staff to meet with the Honourable Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, for proper briefing.

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PHOTO 3:
Cross-section of participants at the Inaugural Hack Edo Series themed: ‘Power for Edo Hackathon’ at the Innovation Hub, in Benin City, Edo State, on Monday, December 17, 2018.

PHOTO 2:
Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki (left); Chairman, Edo State Security Trust Fund, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede (right), at the Inaugural Hack Edo Series themed: ‘Power for Edo Hackathon’ at the Innovation Hub, in Benin City, Edo State, on Monday, December 17, 2018.

Obaseki Okays Solar Solution In Rural Schools, Seals Deal With Youths At Edo Innovation Hub

…Siemens tasks Edo youths on solutions to power crisis

In what is best described as a game-changing effort to mainstream innovative youths in community-focused solution to power problems in Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki has approved the deployment of a 1.5KVA solar box developed by youths at the Edo Innovation Hub in addressing electricity supply challenge in rural schools across the state.

Obaseki stated this while delivering his keynote address at the “Power for Edo Hackathon 2018” organised by the state government in collaboration with Siemens’s Impact Hub.

The governor said his administration is collaborating with Green Fusion Energy Ltd. to provide solar energy installation to power schools in rural areas of the state.

The innovators, who founded the company, Green Fusion Energy, were groomed at the Edo Innovation Hub, the state government-backed innovation cluster located in Benin City, the state capital.

According to the governor, “During the 2018 Alaghodaro Youth Summit, we met with Green Fusion Energy Ltd., a team made up of EdoJobbers, who invented a solar box with a 1.5KVA capacity.

“I have contracted them to provide 100 of such devices to power schools in rural areas in the state in collaboration with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).”

He said the essence of the hub was to help young people tap into their creative potential to create solutions for problems in the society.

The governor commended Siemens for its partnership on the Power for Edo Hackathon, urging youths to utilise the opportunity to strive for excellence and horn their creativity.

“I have confidence in Edo youth because they are aspirational and I know they will come up with brilliant ideas. I look forward to partnering with a crop of you in the programme,” he assured.

Mr Ibe Etea, Regional compliance Officer and Head of Data Privacy, Siemens, said the sponsorship of the programme was to ensure that young people and entrepreneurs in the state are given the opportunity to use their creativity to solve problems of power in Edo.

Former Managing Director of Access Bank, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, commended Edo State government for investing in human capital development, noting that countries that have made transition from less developed to developed status invested in human capital development.

‘’Edo is a state where it is happening, seeing this today, it shows that we are taking the right step and at the right time.

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Skills Development and Job Creation, Mrs Ukinebo Dare, said the Power for Edo Hackathon programme was being implemented by office of the Edo Jobs and Impact Hubs to identify youths that could create solutions for the power sector.


PHOTO 1:
Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki (2nd right); Chairman, Edo State Security Trust Fund, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede (right); Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Skills Development and Job Creation, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare (left); Chief Executive Officer, Impact Hub, Solape Hammond (2nd left), and Chief Executive Officer, Solarcentric Technologies Ltd, Adetunji Iromini (middle), at the Inaugural Hack Edo Series themed: ‘Power for Edo Hackathon’ at the Innovation Hub, in Benin City, Edo State, on Monday, December 17, 2018.

Benin-Abraka Road Reconstruction: Orhionmwon Residents Laud Obaseki For Awarding Contract

…as work progresses on St Saviour, other roads

Days after the award of contract for the reconstruction of the Benin-Abraka Road, some residents in Orhionmwon and Ikpoba-Okha communities have lauded the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration for embarking on the ambitious project.

Their commendations are coming as work on the reconstruction of St Saviour Road and several other roads in the state are ongoing.

Inhabitants of communities in Orhionmwon said that "on completion, the Benin-Abraka Road will spur socio-economic activities, rural-urban migration of youths will be stemmed while agribusiness, in particular, will receive huge boost."

The 106km road provides access to hundreds of communities in Ikpoba-Okha, Orhionmwon and parts of Delta State.

A tour of portions of the road showed that while the Upper Sokponba end of the road seems hitch-free, this is not the case a few kilometres away as ditches, potholes and bumps are common sights as motorists have hectic moments driving on the road.

Sometimes motorists will have to wait for one another and when some fail to cooperate, skirmishes, traffic congestion take a toll on the road users.

"The award of the contract to reconstruct the road by Governor Obaseki is a gesture that was received with applause by many of us," Mr Osaro Osarobo who lives in Evbarue said.

He explained that the execution of the contract will facilitate movement of farm produce to city centres while motorists will reduce their visits to mechanics.

According to Emmanuel Odigie, who is the State Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, "the reconstruction of the road will engender more involvement of people in agricultural activities, encourage processing industry and stem the drift from rural communities to urban centres."

…seeks support of pensioners

Head of Service in Edo State, Mr. Isaac Ehiozuwa, has warned against indecent dressing and merchandising among civil servants.

Ehiozuwa gave the warning during a meeting with Permanent Secretaries and Directors of Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) at Government House, in Benin City, the state capital.

The new HoS, further tasked Directors of Administration and Supplies in the respective MDAs to support their Permanent Secretaries in ensuring issues relating to indiscipline; lateness to work, insubordination, closure before time, non-challant attitude to work, indecent dressing and merchandising in government offices, are taken seriously.

He decried how work ethics and attitude which were religiously observed in the past in the civil service have been eroded, urging Permanent Secretaries and Directors to ensure that rules and regulations of the Civil Service are strictly adhered to by civil servants.

Ehiozuwa said that the Civil Service is reputed for transparency, discipline honesty, efficiency, proficiency and accountability.

At a separate meeting with members of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, led by the Chairman, Comrade Pullen Noruwa, Ehiozuwa expressed his appreciation to members of the union for their co-operation with the state government.

He assured that the Obaseki led-administration will not fail in its responsibility towards ensuring prompt attention is given to pension matters.

He sued for the co-operation and support of the pensioners, in reforming the State Civil Service, adding, “We will do our best to ensure that pensioners in the state are happy.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Union, Comarde Pullen Noruwa, congratulated Ehiozuwa on his appointment as HoS, which he described as well-deserved.

Obaseki Approves Payment For 290 Ex-Workers Of Agric College Iguoriakhi, Agric Tech College Agenebode

The Edo State government has approved the payment of entitlements of 290 former workers of the College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi and College of Agricultural Technology, Agenebode.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Monday Osaigbovo, the state government said that the 290 ex-workers of both institutions, entitled to payment and whose cheques are ready include; 228 staff of the College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, and 62 former staff of the College of Agricultural Technology, Agenebode.

Osaigbovo explained that “some former workers of the institutions have collected their cheques, while some are yet to collect theirs.”

Governor Godwin Obaseki during the presentation of the 2019 Budget estimates at the Edo State House of Assembly, highlighted plans to restructure the College of Agriculture with three schools in Iguoriakhi, Irrua and Agenebode, which according to him, will operate as a tri-campus College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Recall that in a letter dated May 25, 2018, and entitled, ‘Restructuring of the College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi,’ the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, announced the termination of appointments of all staff of the institute to pave way for its restructuring.

In June, as part of efforts by the Obaseki-led administration to restructure and reform the College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, a team of top academics drawn from over four tertiary institutions across the country concluded the review and development of a new curriculum for the institution.

The governor had ordered the closure of the institute after a committee set up to review its operations, implicated its management for fraud and mismanagement.

Obaseki Approves N21.222bn Contract For Reconstruction Of 105.6 KM Benin-Abraka Road

…with spurs to Aifuwa St., Evboesi-Urherhue, Iguelaba communities


The Edo State government has approved the contract for reconstruction of the 105.6-kilometre Benin-Abraka Road at the cost of twenty-one billion, two hundred and twenty-two million, six hundred and twenty-six thousand, six hundred and seventy-six naira, thirty-two kobo (N21,222,626,676.32).

The approval was given at the state’s weekly Executive Council (EXCO) meeting, presided over by Governor Godwin Obaseki, at Government House, Benin City, the state capital, on Wednesday.

According to Obaseki “the award of the contract is in fulfilment of my promise to reconstruct Benin-Abraka Road and bring to an end, the frustration and sufferings of Edo people that ply the road, daily. This project is the largest, longest and the most ambitious road project ever undertaken in Edo State.

“The road has been dilapidated for over forty years and what is worthy of note is our ingenuity in bringing stakeholders together to appreciate the need to execute this road project that affects the lives of well over a million people, through co-financing.

He explained that the 105.6-kilometer Benin-Abraka Road has spurs to Aifuwa Street; Evboesi-Urherhue and Iguelaba communities.

The governor noted that “the co-financing arrangement is contained in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) entered into by the Edo State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Area Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC) with a financing ratio of 25%: 50%:25%.”

He further said: “Orhionmwon Local Government Area is a major oil and gas producing LGA and deserves smooth roads linking the various communities. We have very industrious people in the area, whose productivity had been hampered by the poor condition of the Benin-Abraka Road.

“This project will unleash the creative ability of people in Orhionmwon on the Edo economy by easing the troubles of commuting to and from communities in the area,” Obaseki added.

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Technical Education: Obaseki Seeks Partnership With FG To Train Teachers For Science, Technical Colleges

…as NBTE assures collaboration


Worried by the dearth of teachers specially trained to teach in science and technical colleges, Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has sought the collaboration of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to train a new crop of teachers for the colleges.

Obaseki who made the request while receiving the management staff of NBTE, led by Sumaila Tanko, at Government House, Benin City, said the collaboration has become necessary as his administration is grappling with inadequate teachers in technical schools across the state.

"The biggest challenge we have as a government is inadequate technical and science teachers. NBTE has to work with us, co-invest with us to train science and technical teachers for our technical schools across the state.

"We have one college of education in the state with three schools. The one in Auchi specialises in training teachers and equipping them with technical skills. We would want to collaborate with you in training these teachers who will in turn train our students in our technical and science schools across the state,” he said.

Obaseki told his guests that his administration is working with the private sector to create the opportunity for them to be part of the technical training.

"We are working with the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association on the revamp of Government Science and Technical College, formerly Benin Technical College, and we have got funding from the World Bank to furnish the workshops and laboratory. By the middle of 2019, we will re-open that school", he added.

He assured the group that his administration is working round the clock to revamp all the science and technical schools in the state.

Obaseki also made a case for a more robust curriculum for technical education in line with the present-day realities.

"Our administration is focusing on technical schools and our goal is to ensure that our students are equipped with the technical or vocational skills in their first 12 years of primary and secondary schools".

Earlier, leader of NBTE delegation, Samaila Tanko, said they were in Benin City for an advisory visit to technical and science schools in Benin City, Afuze, Igarra and Irrua.

Tanko commended the governor for the ongoing revamp of the Government Science and Technical College, formerly Benin Technical College, and appealed to him to extend the huge investment to the other technical and science schools in the state.


PHOTO 1:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (3rd right); Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. (2nd right); Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele (right); leader of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) delegation, Sumaila Tanko (3rd left), with other management staff of NBTE, during a courtesy visit to the governor, at Government House, in Benin City, Edo State.

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