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The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, will on Friday, September 21, inaugurate the Chairman and board members of the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC).

He will also swear-in the Chairman and members of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) on the same day.

In a statement, the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. said the swearing-in ceremonies of the boards will hold at the Banquet Hall, Government House, in Benin City.

Ogie said the board members for EDSOGPADEC, whose appointments have been duly confirmed by the Edo State House of Assembly are “Mr. Kennedy Osifo as Chairman; while Mrs. Omosede Obamwonyi, Mr. Osamwonyi Atu, and Mr. Williams Dudu, Mr. Rilwanu Oshiomhole; Princess (Mrs.) Iku E. Aimiuwu and Mr. Emmanuel Odigie, as members”

For Edo SUBEB, Ogie said the board members, who have also been confirmed by the Edo State House of Assembly are “Dr. Joan Oviawe as Chairman, and Hon. Elizabeth Ighodaro, Rev. Fr. Ekhaisomhi and Mr. Stevenson Ehime, as members.”

He said the swearing-in of EDSOGPADEC starts by 9:30am while guests are to be seated by 9am, while that of SUBEB will hold by 10:30am, and guests are expected to be seated by 10am.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has assured residents of Iguosa, Evbuotubu and Erhumwunse communities that plans are underway to provide solution to gully erosion problems in their communities, noting that intervention work for gully erosion sites in the state is being carried out in phases.

The governor, who noted that government has intervened in similar gully sites in Ewu and Ibore, in Esan Central Local Government Area; Queen Ede in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area; and other communities in Auchi axis of the state, said that the state government is not oblivious of the worrying situation in the communities.

He said the state government is partnering with the World Bank’s Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) to provide succour to some of the affected communities.

According to him, “We are working with partners to ensure that the affected communities are salvaged. There are extensive projects in Auchi, Ewu, Ibore, as well as Queen Ede. A good number of them have been finished and the people are better off with the projects.

“We appeal to residents in Iguosa, Evbuotubu and Erhumwunse to be patient as we are making plans to also intervene in their communities. We understand the apprehension by the people residing in these communities. I want to assure them that we have them in our plans.

“We urge the people in these communities to be hopeful, understanding that just as we have dealt with the gully erosion sites in Ibore, Ewu and others, we will also get to them,” he added.

Noting that his administration would efficiently manage the state’s resources for the benefit of the people, he explained that the plans for the areas would ensure that gully erosion is tackled head-on.

Edo’s Environmental Policy Will Streamline Efforts On Climate Change Action, Ozone Layer Preservation – Obaseki

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state’s environmental policy will streamline government action to address climate change and help in protecting the ozone layer.

Governor Obaseki said this in commemoration of the International Day for Preservation of the Ozone Layer marked every September 16, by the United Nations and other relevant multilateral organisations.

The governor, who said that the state’s Environmental Policy, which is being developed in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), will soon be unveiled. He noted that the state is keen on streamlining efforts in protecting the environment and beating back the impact of climate change.

According to him, “We are once again reminded on this day, the need to protect the ozone layer, as outlined in the Montreal Protocol. We have seen that the increased awareness on the impact of the depletion of the ozone layer has helped to mitigate environmental hazards that would have spelt disaster for life on earth. But at the same time, we must not lose focus of the impact of climate change and the need to mobilise all stakeholders to play their roles in protecting the environment.

“This is why in Edo State, we have set the machinery in motion for the development of the Environmental Policy, which spells out how the state would streamline efforts among relevant stakeholders in protecting our forest belts, reducing pollution, tackling waste management and mobilising public action to safeguard the environment.”

He said that this year’s theme for the commemoration, “Keep Cool and Carry On: The Montreal Protocol,” aligns with the state government's action plan on the environment, noting that “with the increased focus on protecting the environment as exemplified by the synergy with Proforest, an environmentally conscious coalition, we stand a good chance in preserving the ozone layer and curbing the adverse effects of climate change.

According to the UN, “In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 16 September the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date of the signing, in 1987, of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

"Montreal Protocol was implemented dutifully in developed and developing countries. All phase-out schedules were adhered to in most cases, some even ahead of schedule.”

Int’l Day Of Democracy: Obaseki Tasks Actors On Ideals, Development-Focused Policies

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has saluted promoters of democracy across the world for defending a system of government that allows people to forge their destinies through popular participation in governance.

Obaseki who said this on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy, celebrated on September 15, each year, noted that “democracy has proven effective in aggregating the needs and developmental aspirations of the people as well as in allocating resources to all segments of the electorates.”

The governor advised political actors and leaders to “use the international day of democracy to reflect on how much impact we have made in the lives of the people that voted us into power.”

He added: “Our policies and programmes must be designed to address the developmental challenges facing the electorates and the ideals of democracy such as the rule of law, political freedom and tolerance of dissenting views and opinions as well as legal equality must be upheld.”

Obaseki argued that “the major task before democratic leaders is to put aside issues that are extraneous to development and focus on human upliftment and progress, more so in developing countries.”

He maintained that this year’s theme – “Democracy under Strain; Solutions for a Changing World” dovetails with his administration’s conviction that more women and young people must be given more roles to play in governance.

“We are resolute about mainstreaming women’s issues in governance and we firmly believe that we cannot continue to undermine women and the youths in our policy design, considering the fact that participation in governance is strictly a matter of human right and with the growing population of women and the youths, we run a great risk if we do not allow them their space.”

The governor said: “We currently have 18 female senior special assistants and a special adviser on gender issues in Edo State, in addition to the other female appointees on my cabinet. I made these appointments to bring women’s issues to the table. We created EdoJobs to address the issues of unemployment and unemployability and so far, the outcomes have been impressive.”

He stressed that his administration is committed to progressive ideas to keep pace with emerging issues in democratic governance and assured that no segment of Edo people and residents will be left behind in the delivery of the dividends of democracy.

According to the United Nations “This year’s International Day of Democracy is an opportunity to look for ways to invigorate democracy and seek answers to the systemic challenges it faces.

“This includes tackling economic and political inequalities, making democracies more inclusive by bringing the young and marginalised into the political system, and making democracies more innovative and responsive to emerging challenges such as migration and climate change.”

The organisation said that with this year’s 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Day of Democracy is also an opportunity to highlight the values of freedom and respect for human rights as essential elements of democracy.

“The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that ‘the will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government’ (article 21.3), has inspired constitution-making around the world and contributed to global acceptance of democratic values and principles. Democracy, in turn, provides the natural environment for the protection and effective realization of human rights.

“The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development addresses democracy in Sustainable Development Goal 16 recognizing the indivisible links between peaceful societies and effective, accountable and inclusive institutions,” the global body added.

Governor Godwin Obaseki’s vision to transform the state into an industrial hub has gained renewed momentum as the World Bank has commenced engagements with the Government Science and Technical College (GSTC), Benin, Rehabilitation Programme to co-opt the private sector as key drivers of the Technical and Vocational Training and Education (TVET) programmes at the college.

Programme Coordinator, GSTC Benin Rehabilitation Programme, Mr. Giles Umesi, who said this in a chat with journalists, said that the World Bank team is in the state as part of assessment for a new project in South-south Nigeria, which will focus on driving economic growth with private sector participation.

He said the World Bank team includes the duo of Programme Leader, Muna Meky and Dr. Tunde Adekola, who are keen to see how the GSTC has immersed private sector players in the programme design at the college.

According to him robust structures have been put in place to integrate local content in the rehabilitation programme as well as in co-opting private sector to drive the programmes at the GSTC, noting that some of these were reflected in the Edo State Employment and Expenditure for Result (SEEFOR) project in the state.

Umesi further noted that the implantation programme is designed in such a way that the capital expenditure on the project enters into the local economy, “We have developed a strong private-sector driven plan for the college. This is coupled with the far-reaching local content strategy by the contractor and the companies to come on board. Already, we have Agen Aluminum, a heavy player in the windows and doors as well as roofing sectors.

“We want to use the workshops as production centers and also institute a flexible training programme for artisans and tradesmen in the state. Three other companies have expressed interest and are very willing to come on board soon. They are Dorman Long Engineering, Colours in Africa, which is into Furniture and Carpentry as well as Amena Academy, which will work on the Catering and Hospitality programme.”

He said that the increased interest in technical and vocational education led to the rescheduling of the recent entrance test into Junior Secondary School (JSS) I and vocational I for the 2018/19 session in the college.

He explained that the rehabilitation programme has been greeted with excitement by the people, adding that the recent call for admission had to be rescheduled to create more opportunities for people to get enrolled.

He said, “We are impressed with the enthusiasm shown by the people, as they are confident that we are doing a good work here. We were inundated with enquiries by people who said that the notice for the entrance examination was too short. That was why we rescheduled the exam. For us, this is a good sign. It shows that when the right structures are in place and when people see prospect, they will most likely go for the best."

In line with its commitment to spread development to rural areas, the Edo State government is organising a 5-day management workshop on community-based projects, for officials of line ministries and other stakeholders.

In a statement, the state government said the workshop will hold from September 10-14 at the Imaguero College Hall, in Benin City, the state capital.

Participants expected at the workshop include officials in the ministries of social welfare, social works, education, health, information, women affairs and practitioners amongst others.

The workshop will review strategies for project management and expose participants to new trends in the field; assess the impact of community-based development initiatives and recommend areas of improvement.

Flooding: Edo Govt. Urges Residents In Flood-Prone Communities To Move To Safe Havens, Upland

The Edo State Government has urged people living in riverine communities that are prone to flooding, to move upland and take refuge in safe havens that have been created in local government areas in the state.

In a statement issued in Benin City, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Yakubu Gowon, noted that “the alarm became necessary following days of persistent rainfall coupled with the opening of dams by neighbouring countries.”

He maintained that while the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMeT) has warned of high floods in some identified states across the country including Edo, he added that the River Niger is fast over-flowing its bank and urged people living in riverine communities to move upland.

The governor’s aide warned that communities in Ikpoba-Okha, Ovia North -East, Esan South-East, Estako Central and Etsako East local councils have been identified as areas prone to flooding, and advised residents to “as a matter of urgency, move upland to avoid being overtaken by the menacing flood.”

Leaders of Esan Youth Coalition, a socio-cultural, non-political and non-profit organisation have joined thousands of Esan political and thought leaders as well as professional groups in condemning the recent unprovoked attack on Governor Godwin Obaseki’s convoy after a political meeting in Irrua, headquarters of Esan Central local government area of the state.

In a statement jointly signed by Hon. John Ilegbenosa (Esan West, Ekpoma) National Deputy President; Barr. Cyril Odiboh (Esan South-East, Ubiaja) National Secretary; Ikhile Alfred, Igueben Local Government Area Coordinator; Inedegbor Oyakhilomhen, Esan North LGA Coordinator; Oriabure Ediale, Esan West LGA Coordinator; Hon. Ose Eromosele, Esan Central, Irrua Coordinator; and Patrice Odiboh, Esan South East Coordinator, the organisation said “the attack has left a sour taste in the mouth of well meaning Esan youths, leaders and elders.”

A separate statement entitled ‘A Letter Of Unreserved Apology’ issued by leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Esan Land, described the attack as “disgraceful, a taboo and totally unacceptable.”

Col. (Dr.) David Imuse (Rtd.); Mr. Austin Omofuma; Elder Sam Eboigbe; Hon. Anslem Ojezua; Hon. McCall Shaka-Momodu; Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Thomas Okosun; Rt. Hon. Victor Edoror, Dep. Speaker; Barr. Anthony Ikuenobe; Mrs. Betty Okoebor; Hon. John Inegbedion; Mrs. Golden Oribhabor; Rt. Hon. Justin Okonobo, who signed the letter, apologised to the governor for “the unfortunate incident.

They stressed that “This disgraceful act is totally unacceptable to us and our people and does not represent our culture, but rather a taboo in Esan Land.

“On behalf of the good people of Esan Land, we hereby tender an unreserved apology to the Governor for this unfortunate incident. We condemn it in its entirety and we urge Your Excellency to take appropriate steps to bring the culprits to book regarding the criminal aspects disclosed therein.”

Esan APC leaders alleged that the attack was motivated by Chief Francis Inegbiniki.

Esan Youth Coalition noted that the behaviour of the perpetrators of the unprovoked attack on the governor’s convoy does not represent the true character of Esan youth.

“The behaviour of these few elements does not in any way represent the true Character of an Esan youth. The average Esan Youth is humble intelligent, resourceful and respectful,” the socio-political group said.

“We also call on Esan sons and daughters both at home and in diaspora to condemn this attack while urging all our people to always take advantage of all legal and legitimate channels to resolve issues from time to time.

“We apologise to the governor over this grievous act and appeal to him to see Esan land and her people as his land and people. We will continually welcome ‘you’ to Esan land and continue to support you as you pilot the affairs of Edo State,” they added.

Slavery Remembrance Day: Obaseki Vows To Stamp Out Human Trafficking, Illegal Migration In Edo

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has pledged to stamp out the menace of human trafficking and illegal migration from Edo State, as the government has set up necessary legal and institutional framework to combat the scourge.

The governor also called for strengthening of transnational ties between state and non-state actors to end modern slavery and other ills, which benefit from human trafficking.

Obaseki made the commitment in commemoration of the International Day for the Remembrance of Slave Trade and its Abolition, which is marked on August 23, every year, by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), to remember the Transatlantic slave trade and its abolition.

Obaseki said that though slavery may have been abolished centuries ago, it continues to rear its head in the guise of human trafficking and other forms of forced enslavement for social and economic gains.

According to him, “On this day, it is important to recall the milestones recorded in the fight against human trafficking, a trend that almost deprived us of our youth population, which had foreshadowed a dim future for us. As we mark this, we are forced to signpost the modern version of this societal ill: human trafficking.

“To stem this, we set up the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking; enacted the Edo State Trafficking in Persons Prohibition Law 2018 and set machinery in motion for top-of-the-range basic and technical education in the state.

These are geared towards curbing the trend of human trafficking and ensuring that our young ones get the best of education in the state to make them competitive at home and abroad."

He said that the state government’s rehabilitation and reintegration programme is geared towards restoring the dignity of those that may have been caught in the web of human trafficking, as efforts are in top gear to ensure that they settle back properly into society.

He called on the international community to continue to support the state government’s effort and urged for more support for governments working to curb all forms of slavery.

The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition had its maiden celebration in Haiti on August 23, 1998.

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Cross-section of participants at an advocacy programme organised by the taskforce in Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Edo State.

Fight Against Human Trafficking: Edo Govt Takes Campaign To Abudu, Urges Residents To Report Traffickers

The Edo State Commissioner for Justice/Attorney General of the state and Head of the State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration, Professor Yinka Omorogbe, has urged Edo people and residents in Orhionmwon Local Government Area to report suspected human traffickers to the taskforce.

The taskforce was established by Governor Godwin Obaseki in August 2017, to check the high incidence of human trafficking and illegal migration in the state.

At an advocacy programme organised by the taskforce in Abudu, headquarters of Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Prof. Omorogbe said the state government was fully committed to tackling human trafficking by creating jobs for youths in the state, urging residents in the area to report suspected traffickers to the taskforce for investigation and subsequent prosecution.

“Human trafficking is a bad business. Don’t get involved or allow yourself to be trafficked by those looking for young men and women to be exploited. We are informing you so that you won’t learn the hard way. Many others who have gone and returned are gnashing their teeth now.

“Our children undergo slavery there. We have records of thousands of Nigerians who were killed or missing in the Sahara Desert, Libya or Mediterranean Sea.

“But the traffickers don’t tell you the hard life your children undergo there; how they are kidnapped in connivance with them. Parents and other relations end up sending money from here to Libya. They only tell you their success stories that are not true. Beware of the antics of the traffickers,” Omorogbe told guests at the event.

According to her, the state has received over 3,883 Libya returnees between November 2017 and July 2018, adding that Governor Godwin Obaseki was worried that more than half of the returnees from Libya were from the state, with Orhionmwon Local Government Area taking the lead in the state.

The Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Mr. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero, who also spoke at the advocacy programme, said the governor was working round the clock to change the narrative by investing massively in human capital development.

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Anti-Human Trafficking Issues, Mr Solomon Okoduwa, assured that the taskforce would sustain the campaign.

Okoduwa urged parents, religious leaders as well as the international community to partner with the state government in the fight against human trafficking and illegal migration, noting, “We have over 4,000 Libya returnees as I speak, but we are saying this must not be allowed to continue.”

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Edo State Commissioner for Justice/Attorney General of the state and Head of the State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration, Professor Yinka Omorogbe (middle); Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Mr. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero (3rd right); Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Anti-Human Trafficking Issues, Mr Solomon Okoduwa (2nd left); and Chairman, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Hon. Sylvester Okoro (4th right); and other dignitaries, at an advocacy programme organised by the taskforce in Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Edo State.

…says occasion offers opportunity to deepen relationship with Allah

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has felicitated with Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.

In a statement issued in Benin City on Monday, Obaseki said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Edo state, I felicitate with Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.”

According to the governor, “Eid-el-Kabir offers our Muslim brothers and sisters yet another opportunity to deepen their relationship with Allah, promote a life of sacrifice, charity and love as exemplified by Prophet Mohammed.”

He assured that the state government “has put in place measures to guarantee that everyone is secure in the state during the celebration of this significant event and beyond.”

The governor urged “all Muslim faithful to support his administration’s vision to build a prosperous state where all Edo people and residents would realise their dreams, through the various socio-economic growth initiatives and the prudent allocation of the state’s resources.”

He added: “My administration is consolidating on the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the state which has engendered harmony among the various religious groups in the state.”

Regional security: Benin Monarch Advocates Establishment Of ECOWAS Council Of Traditional Rulers

The Benin Monarch Omo N’ Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has made a case for the establishment of a Council of Traditional Rulers to support efforts at riding the West African sub-region of cross-border crimes.

Oba Ewuare II made the submission in his lecture entitled “The Role of Traditional Institutions in the Preservation of Cultural Values and the Management of National Security” which he delivered at the Institute for Security Studies, Bwari, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

According to him, Traditional Rulers as divined statutory authority closest to the grassroots are better placed to curb crimes by unscrupulous migrants, leveraging on the closer ties and shared values among traditional rulers in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

He called for the creation of an Upper Chamber, made up of traditional rulers, through the instrumentality of the Constitution.

The Omo N’ Oba also canvassed for the establishment of a Security Trust Fund, from where money could easily be drawn to provide the necessary equipment, training and other requirements, devoid of impediments, in combating and prosecuting security challenges.

In his incisive lecture, the Royal Majesty noted that the creation of an Advisory Council of Traditional Rulers, would put the wealth of experience of traditional rulers at the disposal of the various heads of governments on matters of security in the West African economic bloc.

“Such mechanism would strengthen the role of heads of states and governments, through the sharing of intelligence and provisions of grassroots support, which traditional rulers represent,” he said.

The well attended event, had in attendance Course Participants at the Institute for Security Studies Centre, Bwari, Abuja, security experts and representatives of agencies saddled with the management of the nation’s security.

To obliterate the unpleasant consequences of losing the battle against insurgents, hoodlums of different categories across the country and the perennial herders/farmers’ clashes, the Benin Monarch charged the federal government, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to prioritise security.

Oba Ewuare II reiterated that though security is the collective responsibility of all, he maintained that security remains the primary responsibility of the government, and urged governments to ceaselessly act as catalysts by leading the way through strategic planning; adequate funding of security agencies; forging effective and rewarding partnerships and collaborations with stakeholders in the security sector.

The Omo N’Oba further charged governments to continuously demonstrate the political will in dealing with proven cases of criminal activities.

In an overview of the material ingredients of Oba of Benin’s Lecture, Dr. Abdulwahab Mohammad Wali, Deputy Director of Studies, who represented the Acting Director-General of Department of State security, said the Oba of Benin’s presentation would help in finding a lasting solution to the numerous security challenges bedevilling the nation.

While commending the Benin Monarch for his in-depth Lecture, Dr. Wali noted that the Benin Monarch’s submission was apt and timely, in view of national and global security challenges, and assured that the Oba’s thoughts, as encapsulated in his presentation would serve as template for an enduring, workable, efficient and effective National and Regional Security Policy and Programme of action.

In attendance at the Lecture were Dr. Solomon Arase, former Inspector-General of Police, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, Hon. Ehiozuwa J. Agbonayinma, Ambassador Martins Uhomoibhi, Ambassador Daniel Hart, chiefs, Enigies, members of the Benin Royal family, amongst others.

Source: http://thebellng.com/benin-monarch-advocates-establishment-of-ecowas-council-of-traditional-rulers/

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The Oba of Binin, Omo N’ Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II

The Edo State Government has urged traders in markets across Benin City, the state capital to pay levies for waste collection and disposal through market associations to the local councils.

The state government said the move is part of effort aimed at ensuring clean and healthy environment through prompt collection and evacuation of refuse in markets.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Dame Omua Oni-Okpaku Alonge, said "the general public should be aware that payment for refuse collection/evacuation in the various markets across the metropolis is to be made through the various Market Association Committees duly constituted under the leadership of the various local government areas.”

“All traders in the Markets are hereby advised to take note and comply in order to maintain a clean and healthy environment,” she added.

Obaseki's Tech Revolution: EdoJobs, ATC Target 1,296 Edo Youths For Digital Skills Training

Edo State Government in partnership with American Tower Cooperation (ATC), have concluded plans to train 1, 296 Edo youths on digital skills to drive innovation and wealth creation across the state.

The partnership is driven by the state's jobs creation and skills development platform, EdoJobs, an initiative of the Governor Godwin Obaseki's administration designed to deliver at least 200,000 jobs to Edo people and residents.

Speaking with journalists, Head of EdoJobs and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Skills Development and Job Creation, Mrs Ukinebo Dare, said "the training will be held for the 1, 296 youths in three designated ATC centres in Benin City, Ekpoma and Irrua.

"The 1, 296 youths will be empowered with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills required for improving their employability and prepare them for entrepreneurship."

The training, she explained, "will provide youths in the host communities with the chance to become self-employed as well as opportunities to develop skills in ICT."

Dare said that "In the areas where the ATC centres are located, we are working with community heads to shortlist candidates to be trained. On August 7, together with officials of ATC, we visited the Odionwere of Igbesanmwan Community to sensitise community leaders to nominate beneficiaries from the community."

"The next day, we carried out another sensitisation at Emando Community and at the Enogie's Palace at Irrua, where elders and the Enogie were properly sensitised on the benefits of the digital training," she added.

According to her, "The training will be spread across six months. Thirty (33) participants will be trained for three months in each of the three training centres. In Benin City and Ekpoma training centres, the training commences on August 13, while in Irrua, it will begin on August 20."

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd right); Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. (right); Chairman, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Governing Board, Ambassador Fatima Balla Abubakar (2nd left); and Board Member, Barr. Dayo Ajibola (left), during the courtesy visit by members of the board to the governor, at Government House, in Benin City, on Tuesday, August 7, 2018.

Obaseki Pledges Support For NYSC, Says Fund Appropriated For Orientation Camp, Not Utilised


…Pledges power generating set, vehicle


Edo State Governor Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has pledged to support the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as plans are in top gear to revamp the orientation camp to better serve graduates participating in the national youth service scheme in the state.

Obaseki said this while receiving the Chairman of the Governing Board of the NYSC, Amb. Fatima Balla Abubakar and members of the board who were in Government House on a courtesy visit.

The governor who pledged a utility vehicle and a power generating set to the agency to make life easier for the corps members, disclosed that records show that the fund appropriated for the development of the orientation camp, during its relocation from Abudu, in Orhionmwon Local Government Area to Okada, in Ovia North East Local Government Area was not utilised for the project.

He lamented that the facilities at the orientation camp are in bad shape, noting that if the fund appropriated was utilised, the story would have been different today.

“We have a camp at Abudu to take care of corps members, but some people relocated the facility to Okada. We are just recovering that facility now to establish a teacher training college," he said, adding that the bad governance experienced in the state at a point in her history, bequeathed huge liabilities to successive governments, some of which are being cleared by his administration.

He assured that despite the challenges, his administration would not shy away from the task of improving the wellbeing of all Edo people and residents in the state.

He said his administration will do its best to invest in NYSC because in his days as a corps member, he enjoyed his service year and would ensure that the younger generations enjoy their stay in the state.

Earlier, the chairman of the NYSC governing board commended the governor for his giant strides across all sectors of the state and described Edo people as hospitable, neat and said she would relish the memory of her stay in the state.

She explained that members of the board were in the state to inspect facilities at both the temporary and permanent camps of the NYSC in the state and appealed to the governor to assist the agency with a power generating set and a utility vehicle.


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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); and Chairman, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Governing Board, Ambassador Fatima Balla Abubakar, during the courtesy visit by members of the governing board to the governor, at Government House, in Benin City, on Tuesday, August 7, 2018.

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has commended the performance of Alikah Oseghale, an indigene of the state, for emerging third best in the 2018 national Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), organised by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, Obaseki noted that the feat achieved by Oseghale speaks volume of the outcomes of ongoing reforms in revamping the education sector in the state.

According to JAMB, Alikah Oseghale from Edo State, took the third position with a score of 357, coming behind Israel Galadima from Borno State who came first with 364 score and Adekunle Jesufemi from Ogun State scoring 358.

Oseghale was reported to have sat for the examination in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

Governor Obaseki said his administration would not relent in driving reforms to reposition the education sector in the state beginning with the revamp of the basic education sector, noting that the reforms would improve access to quality education in public schools.

He noted that the focus of his administration is to reform basic education in the state, to prepare children in the state to become globally competitive to match their peers anywhere in the globe.

The governor said the reforms would provide policy directions for private investors in the sector to ensure that they do not fall short of acceptable standards in the state.

Another report by the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), revealed that Edo State alongside Bayelsa and Borno states didn’t record incidence of examination malpractice in the May/June 2018 NBC/NTC examinations.

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Obaseki Showcases 1800 Emotan Gardens, Land, Education Reforms At Edo Worldwide Convention

With less than four weeks to the 27th edition of the Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW) Convention, holding in Toronto, Canada, the Edo State Government is set to parade her achievements in the housing, education and other sectors at the event.

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, will lead the state’s delegation to the Toronto convention, which has become the single largest assemblage of Edo professionals and experts living and working in the diaspora, and forms a large part of the state’s critical mass.

At a strategy meeting between representatives of MIXTA Africa, the joint venture partner in the development of the 1800-unit Emotan Gardens, and representatives of the state government, Executive Chairman, Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), Isoken Omo, assured that a mix of engagement strategies would be deployed in the state government’s effort to meet the housing and other needs of Edo people in the diaspora.

“The Edo State Government and her partners are upbeat about the Emotan Gardens and similar housing projects coming on stream soon. It is an opportunity many of our people have been waiting for to acquire decent housing through a very transparent process devoid of encumbrances,” Omo said.

She explained that “the appeal of Emotan Gardens has been phenomenal, as would-be subscribers are just waiting for us to open sales. Governor Obaseki is passionate about this product and will be exhibiting it at the ENAW Convention.”

Also, at the meeting, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, said “the governor will also be showcasing the technology-based teaching method, which is a component of the Edo State Basis Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) initiative.”

The governor’s aide added that “Edo is the first and only state that has deployed the technology in public primary schools in Nigeria.”

According to him, “Another sector that will feature in the governor’s presentation at the ENAW Convention is the peace being enjoyed by developers following the signing of the Private Property Protection Law, which has abolished the activities of Community Development Association (CDAs).

“The sanity in the built sector now is beyond compare and we are happy to report a new era devoid of crisis over land and building construction across the state.

“The abolition of CDAs was thought impossible considering the influence the members weighed and many Edo people could not build houses because of the activities of these misguided youths.”

The four-day Toronto convention, the 27th in the series, will hold from August 31 – September 3.

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Photo 2:
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left); and World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Rachid Benmessaoud, at a Dinner reception in Abuja.

The interplay of a positive disposition of the Edo State government to reforms and best practice, her willingness to open her financial books to domestic and international partners for developmental projects that will impact on the largest number of people, and a growing culture of transparency across sectors of the state, explain investors’ attraction to the state, the World Bank Vice President, Africa, Hafez Ghanem has hinted.

At a Dinner reception in Abuja, the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, said his administration is committed to deepening relations with development partners, portfolio investors and long-term investors for the overall transformation of the state.

He explained that business support structures such as robust infrastructure, digitalisation of government’s processes and procedures and trained manpower have received the desired attention of his administration, as part of effort to usher the state into an era of economic prosperity and new ways of doing things.

The World Bank Vice President’s positive sentiment re-echoes the institution’s Governance Global Practice, which encourages countries and states “to build strong institutions and prosper by creating an environment that facilitates private sector growth, reduces poverty, delivers valuable services and earns the confidence of their citizens – a relationship of trust that is created when people can participate in government decision-making and know their voices are heard.”

Recall that during the visit of the World Bank Senior Director, Governance Global Practice, Debbie Wetzel, to Edo State recently, she told Governor Obaseki of their readiness to partner with the state on governance structures.

Wetzel who was accompanied on the visit by Practice Manager, Hisham Waly; Lead Project Specialist, Chief Bayo Awosemusi; Senior Public Sector Specialist, Ikechukwu Nweje; Senior Operations Officer, John Paul Ngebeh; and Procurement Specialist, Sunday Osoba, said: “We are hoping to work with the state to support her in improving governance structures. We want to see how the World Bank can support the state to get better results. We will be looking at deepening the state’s transparency, economic recovery; revenue collection and creating an enabling environment where private sector can thrive better.”

According to Obaseki, “our established standard that is founded on strict adherence to rules and terms guiding the execution of development projects and respect for the sanctity of contracts, have continued to earn us accolades and more support from domestic and international partners.”

The governor shared sector-specific experience with the team of senior World Bank officials, including the Country Director of the institution, Rachid Benmessaoud and members of the Nigerian team.

Hafez Ghanem was appointed the Vice President of the World Bank for Africa on July 1, 2018. “A development expert with over 30 years of experience, Dr. Ghanem leads an active regional portfolio consisting of over 600 projects totaling more than $71 billion.

“Under his leadership, the World Bank supports inclusive growth and poverty reduction by financing projects that boost human capital, support private sector development, raise agricultural productivity, improve access to infrastructure, build resilience to climate change, and promote regional integration. Intensifying assistance for fragile and conflict-affected states, promoting gender equality, and providing economic opportunities for youth are core to his vision for the Africa Region.

“Prior to his appointment as Vice President for Africa, Dr. Ghanem served as Vice President of the World Bank for the Middle East and North Africa from 2015 to 2018, overseeing the World Bank’s engagement with 20 countries. Leading up to this, he was a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution in the Global Economy and Development program leading the Arab economies project, focused on the impact of political transition on Arab economic development,” the World Bank said.

Phoro 1:
R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Rachid Benmessaoud; and the World Bank Vice President, Africa, Hafez Ghanem, at a Dinner reception in Abuja.

The Edo State Government has re-scheduled the 2018 Primary School Certificate Examination (PSCE) forSaturday August 4, by 9am.

The postponement was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Education, Emmanuel Agbale, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Thursday.

The statement urged heads of public and private schools in the state as well as the general public to take note of the adjustment in the examination date, which was earlier scheduled for Saturday July 28, 2018.

The state government assured that it has put in place all that is required to successfully conduct the examination, come next week Saturday.

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…as Obaseki mulls technical partnership with NTA on EBS revamp

The Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Yakubu Mohammed, has commended the development initiatives of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration in various sectors of Edo State.

Mohammed gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, the state capital.

The NTA boss who led management staff of the Benin Network Centre on the visit, said feedback from the station’s global audience showed that the developmental strides of the governor are being watched closely, through the NTA, by Nigerians and the international community.

Assuring the governor of the media organisation’s support, Mohammed said: “We remain committed to your cause and that of Edo people. We will continue to support you as you continue to impact positively on the lives of the citizens of the state.”

He recalled what he described as memorable experience and the hospitality of Edo people, which he enjoyed while working in the state as the Zonal Director of the Benin Center between 2008 and 2009.

In his remark, Governor Obaseki lauded the role of the NTA in mobilising Nigerians towards nation building and said that its zonal office in Benin City, was one of the first zonal offices established in the country with considerable broadcast experience.

“I want to thank NTA for being the only voice through which the people across the nation heard me during my electioneering campaign for the governorship position in the state.

“We will continue to support you, work and collaborate with you to give us technical support as we revamp our own radio and television stations. We need our own stations to tell our story,” the governor said.

On governance, he maintained that, “My position as a governor is to elevate our political experience and build on the foundation laid by my predecessor to ensure even development across the state and create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.”

Photo 1:
R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Director General, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Yakubu Mohammed; Zonal Director, NTA Benin Network Centre, Pauline Igbanor; and the Deputy Director, Marketing, Olaide Ajala; during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at Government House, Benin City, Edo State.

Lassa Fever: Edo Govt Urges Residents To Sustain Prevention Efforts As Resurgence Threat Looms

The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. David Osifo, has called on residents in the state to redouble their effort against the resurgence of Lassa Fever disease, as experts have identified occurrence of suspected cases of the disease in the endemic areas.

The commissioner who made the call while addressing journalists in Benin City, Edo State capital, explained, “We have observed that after the intervention by Governor Godwin Obaseki to halt the spread of Lassa Fever, it appears that residents in the state are slowing down on preventive measures against the spread of the disease.”

He disclosed that “Medical experts with the health ministry have identified the resurgence of the disease with records of new cases in endemic areas such as: Esan North-East, Esan Central, Etsako East and other areas.”

He advised that “It is important for residents in the state to continue to take steps to prevent the disease.”

“People should protect their foodstuffs and water from rats through storage in well covered containers. Avoid bush burning that can drive rats into people’s homes from the surrounding bush. The environment and homes where people live should be clean always,” Dr. Osifo further urged.

He called on residents to ensure that they report suspected cases of the disease by calling the following numbers: 08033380188; 08023345987; and 08084096723.

“People should ensure that they wash their hands frequently in addition to avoiding contact with infected persons. Any person with fever should go the hospital promptly. Eliminate rats from your homes and communities. Cook your food thoroughly.

“Residents in the state should avoid eating raw food that are not properly stored in covered containers. If possible, people should suspend the drinking of garri,” he said.