₦airaland Forum

…one suspect in custody, not herdsmen/farmers’ clash – Edo CP

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has charged the Police in the state to bring the kidnappers of the late Pastor Pius Eromosele to justice.

The governor, in a statement, commiserated with the Eromosele family over the death of their father, assuring that the state will ensure justice is served and the culprits brought to book.

According to him, “It is with heavy heart that we received news of the incident, which led to the death of Pastor Eromosele. The state government will ensure that relevant security agencies get to the bottom of this incident and arrest the culprits.”

On his part, Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo, said the incident that led to Mr. Eromosele’s death, was a clear case of kidnapping.

Mr. Kokumo, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists, said that the state government was working on the directives of Governor Obaseki to track and arrest the suspects.

According to him, “It was a case of kidnapping, not herdsmen/farmers’ clash. The deceased, who was a farmer, went to his farm with two labourers. They were subsequently kidnapped. Police was informed and we swung into action. We stormed the scene of the incident and mounted pressure on the kidnappers. This led to the escape of two of the victims. However, the owner of the farm died in the kidnappers’ den.”

Kokumo said a suspect, who was arrested in relation to the incident, was apprehended in the area, when he was seen with a machete with blood stains.

“He claimed he was a hunter but couldn’t substantiate the claim when he was quizzed and no animal was found on him. We also found locally-made fire arm on him.”

He assured that the Police will get to the root of the incident, as the state governor has given a marching order for the arrest of the masterminds of the kidnapping.

Source: http://thebellng.com/odighi-kidnapping-obaseki-charges-police-on-culprits-arrest/

Special Environmental Sanitation: Market Women, Youths, Others Laud Obaseki’s Swift Reaction

As Benin City, the Edo State capital observed the special environmental sanitation at the weekend, market women, youths and other residents have lauded the swift reaction of the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in ensuring major parts of the city were cleared of refuse dumps and debris.

According to Mrs. Ruth Abieyuwa, a trader at the Oba Market in Oredo Local Government Area, the speedy response of the governor over public outcry on the heaps of refuse around major markets and parts of the city is highly commendable.

Abieyuwa said: “The governor must be highly commended for responding to complaints for the market to be cleared of refuse dumps, which exposed traders and shoppers to foul smell. Before today, one cannot stay in the market for long because of the offensive smell from the heaps of refuse.”

The special environmental sanitation which was observed along major routes, markets and other public places in the state capital was flagged off by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu in Oredo Local Government Area of the state.

Edosa Idehen who also lauded the swift reaction of the governor in slating a day for special environmental sanitation in Benin City, added, “Everyone in Edo State must support the governor in maintaining good environmental sanitation. Governor Obaseki has done well not only in restoring sanity along major routes and public places in the state but in ensuring sites of refuse dumps are cleared.”

Recalled that the state government in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie, Esq., announced a special environmental sanitation, for Saturday, April 7, to afford residents opportunity to clean up their surroundings and improve sanitation in the state. It also announced the repositioning of the Project Clean up Edo Committee which is now headed by the SSG, as a taskforce to ensure a cleaner Edo State.

Ogie also warned residents over disregarding environmental laws on waste disposal and use of social amenities in the state, noting, “The state government will not hesitate to invoke relevant provisions of extant laws in prosecuting persons, who dispose refuse indiscriminately in the state, as mobile courts have been established to prosecute offenders. Owners of uncompleted buildings and vacant lands are to clear and keep such places free from weed and refuse.”

He said, “residents should report the existence of any nuisance to the Ministry of Environment, Project Clean Up Edo Committee or to the Waste Management Board for urgent attention. The state government is collaborating with local government councils across the state to ensure a cleaner Edo State.”

bjayx:
How long do we continue to hold such meetings Let's switch to ranching n end open grazing n senseless killings .

Obaseki is on the right track. Let all herdsmen first carry IDs at least, after that those of them with enough funds can establish ranches. It is a step by step thing I believe.

Govt restructures Project Clean Up Edo, environmental sanitation holds Saturday, April 7

The Edo State Government has announced a special environmental sanitation, slated for Saturday, April 7, to afford residents opportunity to clean up their surroundings and improve sanitation in the state.

The state has also repositioned the Project Clean up Edo Committee headed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie, Esq., as a taskforce to clean up the state.

In a statement signed by the SSG, Ogie Esq., the state government said, “The special environmental sanitation will hold between 7 am to 10 am. Every person is expected to participate in the exercise by ensuring their surroundings are clean.”

Ogie added that during the exercise, sites where wastes have been accumulated in the state capital, are expected to be cleared, as waste managers will be mobilised to all zones in the city for easy waste management.

He said residents in the state are to ensure regular environmental sanitation around their surroundings, noting, “the state government frowns at the situation where citizens have continued to disregard environmental laws on waste disposal and use of social amenities in the state.”

According to him, “The state government will not hesitate to invoke relevant provisions of extant laws in prosecuting persons who dispose of refuse indiscriminately in the state, as mobile courts have been established to prosecute offenders. Owners of uncompleted buildings and vacant lands are to clear and keep such places free from weed and refuse.”

Noting that residents should participate in the exercise and report anyone attempting to scuttle the exercise to the relevant authorities, he said, “residents should report the existence of any nuisance to the Ministry of Environment, Project Clean Up Edo Committee or to the Waste Management Board for urgent attention. The state government is collaborating with local government councils across the state to ensure a cleaner Edo State.”

http://thebellng.com/edo-govt-restructures-project-clean-up-edo-to-hold-special-sanitation-on-saturday-april-7/

Edo PDP is simply drowning, and you know what happens to a drowning man? He tends to grope around, grabbing just anything, even thing air.

The Benin Industrial Park (BIP) project initiated by the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration is fully on course and not suffering any setback whatsoever.

The project is currently being developed at a considerably rapid pace. Government is already receiving subscription requests for space within the facility from investors within and outside the country. To buttress this, three co-developers have already indicated interest to work on the project, even as we expect that over 1000 companies will be hosted at the park.

Also, it appears that the tale bearers within the Edo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have forgotten that there is harmony in governance between the Federal Government and the Edo State Government. It is laughable that they will try to concoct a non-existent feud between both levels of government, which are being efficiently run under the same political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

It is understandable that some people within the ailing Edo PDP, who do not wish Edo people well, are apprehensive about the huge success being recorded by the Obaseki administration in industrialising the state. They are worried by the frenetic pace with which major industrialization projects in the state, including the Benin Industrial Park, Gelegele Seaport and others are being implemented. So they are concocting lies and outright falsehoods with the intention of misinforming Edo people and Nigerians.

As a government, we want to warn the actors within the Edo PDP, responsible for the propagation of this falsehood, to be well guided by the popular Bini proverb that says, “agha run de oghionmwan ru aro, amiaro na ya ghe ose omwan” translated as “if you go blind because of disdain for your enemies, you will have no eyes to see your friends.”

Chris Nehikhare and his fellow purveyors of the falsehood against the BIP should remember that by the time Obaseki completes the development of the park, some of their relatives, friends and well-wishers may find gainful employment and economic opportunities there, so they should not attempt to rubbish the project with their pettiness, shameless lies and falsehood.

We therefore call on all Edo people, Nigerians and actors within the global private sector space to disregard the comments of the Edo PDP against the BIP and other economic projects as mere lies told out of political bias.

Edo is truly on the rise through Governor Obaseki

…Inaugurates 16-member advisory committee on Forestry

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has announced the appointment of Prof. Abiodun Falodun, as the Acting Rector of the Edo State Institute of Technology and Management, Usen.

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq., Obaseki said, “The appointment of Prof. Falodun takes immediate effect, while the outgoing Rector, Patience Omosigho Edoimioya, is to handover the administration of the institute and its property to the new rector.”

Prof. Falodun, a Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, until his appointment, was the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, at the University of Benin, Benin City.

Prof. Falodun had his bachelor and Postgraduate education in Pharmacy at the University of Benin. A Fulbright scholar, he has held several academic and administrative positions at the University of Benin, as well as, post-doctoral research positions in the United States, Japan, China, Germany, and many other countries. He is a renowned researcher in natural product chemistry.

Meanwhile, as part of ongoing plans to streamline the state’s policy on forestry and structure the State’s Forestry Commission, Governor Obaseki has approved the constitution of a 16-member Advisory Committee on Forestry.

In a statement, Ogie said, “Members of the committee include: Dr. Felix Idumah, Chief Osayande Obaseki, Andrew Egbadon, Dr. Felix Onogholo, Hon. Omo Ezomo, Abu Julius Ekpeshie, Daniel Omobude, and Barr. Garrick Ede Blessing."

Others are: Christopher Omoregie, Prof. Esohe Obonor, Mr. Duke Osunbor, Hon. Samson Abu, Hon. Olajina Benjamin, Mr. Lucky Odeh, Mr. Oregbeme Anthony and Mr. Nimmo Bassey.

Osarodion added that the swearing-in ceremony of the committee is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 4, 2018.

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Newly appointed Acting Rector, Edo State Institute of Technology and Management, Usen, Prof. Abiodun Falodun

Obaseki congratulates Edo people, security agencies on peaceful Easter celebrations

Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has congratulated Edo people on the incident-free, fun-filled Easter celebration in the state, noting that the festivities held in a peaceful atmosphere.

The governor, in a statement, said that it was delightful that the people in the state held church programmes, visited family and friends and thronged fun spots to mark the Easter celebration in an atmosphere that was devoid of strife and rancor.

According to him, “The Easter celebrations held in the state in a peaceful atmosphere and we are glad that it was incident-free. The Easter celebration, to mark the resurrection of Christ, affords Christian faithful opportunity to reflect on the significance of the death and resurrection of Christ.

“We are glad that our people were able to mark these celebrations and go about their everyday life without fear of attacks or intimidation.”

He thanked the security agencies in the state for working round the clock to maintain law and order, noting that their commitment to duty was responsible for the hassle-free celebrations.

“We are indeed grateful to the security agencies for ensuring that Easter celebration was without incidents. It goes to show that the synergy we have formed with them in the past months are yielding results.

“I believe it is important to underscore the importance of this because we have been working to ensure that festive periods are safe and people can go about their activities without fearing for their lives and property,” he said.

World Autism Awareness Day: Obaseki Calls For Support, Assures Care For People With Special Needs

Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called for support for autistic children and their parents, for braving the odds in society and building meaningful lives despite the scarcity of support structures for people living with the condition.

The governor, who said this in commemoration of the World Autism Awareness Day 2018, marked by the United Nations, said that the state government was reforming its health and education sectors to meet the needs of persons in society with autism and related health conditions.

According to him, “On this day, it is important to acknowledge the strength and determination of children with special needs, especially autistic children, to carve out a living despite the odds in society. Their strength and bravery are worthy of commendation."

Obaseki said the parents of these children, who have toiled day and night, must be saluted as they have shown tremendous support and resilience in ensuring that their children do not feel left behind.

“Their sacrifices, even in the face of trauma and stigma, their bravery in the pursuit of comfort for their children should not go unnoticed. These parents are super, in all ramifications,” he added.

He said the state government is working on reforms that will meet the needs of people with special conditions, adding, “We are determined to support children and others with special needs."

The governor also regretted and condemned obnoxious practices of people who over time have stigmatised autistic patients, noting that the obnoxious practices that led to the dehumanisation of those who require special care was uncalled for and must be abolished in its entirety.

According to the UN, “The 2018 World Autism Awareness Day observance at United Nations Headquarters New York will focus on the importance of empowering women and girls with autism and involving them and their representative organisations in policy and decision making to address these challenges.”

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A cross-section of China Harbour Engineering staff, with guides and community people during their preliminary survey of the site for the Gelegele Seaport.

…Edo Govt. sees record time delivery of project

The Edo State Government has said that efforts to industrialise the state is gaining momentum as China Harbour Engineering Company Limited intensifies work on the development of the Gelegele Seaport in Benin City.

Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said “we are excited at the pace of work on the project. We foresee the delivery of this project well ahead of the scheduled delivery date.

“Our partner, China Harbour Engineering Company Limited is living up to its billing as its personnel have been on ground for over about two months now. They have been working round the clock doing soil testing, ground mapping, following the aerial survey they did immediately they arrived Benin City, to ascertain the positioning of the facility in line with best environmental practice.

“A visit to the site showed some de-watering, excavation and land reclamation work and the Project Execution Plan revealed that the Seaport will be delivered well ahead of the scheduled date of delivery.”

Osagie added: “Governor Obaseki is in a hurry to transform Edo State into a state with solid industrial base. A lot of work is ongoing in the background to ensure that these projects are delivered in record time. It is not his style to create a buzz around projects.

He further said: “The Edo Fertiliser and Chemical Company came on stream without any media hype until it was commissioned. The first phase of the Edo- Azura Power project was delivered in same manner and we are looking forward to receiving the first ship that will berth at the Gelegele Seaport. It will be a landmark event that will change the face of the state’s economy forever.”

The governor’s Aide assured that with a functional port in Gelegele, Edo people and residents in the state will start enjoying the benefits of exporting and importing their goods to and from Europe/America, respectively.

“We foresee the establishment of allied businesses such as tank farms, private dry ports and others, that by default go with seaports.,” he added.

China Harbour in January, began the execution of the project with an in-depth assessment of the Gelegele Seaport Report submitted by the Engr. Greg Ero-led Technical Committee on the Actualisation of the seaport, to the state government.

The company with over 90 branches and operating in about 100 countries across the world commenced operations in 1994, is handling various projects in Nigeria including Calabar, Warri ports and most recently, the $1billion Lekki Deep Seaport.

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A cross-section of China Harbour Engineering staff, with guides and community people on site in Gelegele.

Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has called on companies in Edo State to ensure that their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects impact on the lives of Edo people, noting that improvement of livelihoods should be at the heart of such projects.

Obaseki said this when he commissioned a block of six classrooms and two offices constructed by Nigerian Breweries Plc. in the Oba of Benin’s Palace in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Emmanuel Agbale, Obaseki lauded the Nigerian Breweries for its CSR initiatives in the education sector, noting, “This laudable project is in line with the vision of this administration’s reforms in education sector. Education is the pivot to social and economic development. We will remain committed to improving the sector with focus on basic education in the state.”

Obaseki added, “Other corporate organisations should build on similar initiatives to support governments in contributing to infrastructural development.”

Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, commended the Nigerian Breweries Plc for constructing the classrooms.

Represented by the Esere of Benin Kingdom, Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, Oba Ewuare II, said, “The Palace appreciates the gesture of the Nigerian Breweries for the effort in reclaiming parts of the school building which was dilapidated.”

He said this would not have been possible without the efforts of Governor Godwin Obaseki, noting, “We appreciate the governor for creating a conducive atmosphere for the company to contribute to the development of the educational sector in the state.”

On his part, the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Jordi Borrut-Bel, represented by Odigie Ojiefoh, said the project is part of the initiative of the company to assist governments to address the infrastructural challenges in the educational sector, adding, “This is part of our commitment to the development of education in Nigeria. The company identifies with the efforts of the Obaseki led-administration to improve the quality of learning in the state.”

Principal, Oba Palace School, Mr. Sampson Onaiwu, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Breweries, noting, “This will go a long way to improve teaching and learning in the school.”

Photo 1
L-R: Regional Trade and Marketing Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Odigie Ojiefoh; Edo State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Emmanuel Agbale; representative of the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II and the Esere of Benin Kingdom, Chief Stanley Obamwonyi; the Obasogie of Benin, Chief Eduwu Ekhator, during the commissioning of a block of six classrooms and two offices, donated by Nigerian Breweries Plc to the Oba of Benin Palace School, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Thursday, March 29, 2018.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has inaugurated the state’s Food and Nutrition Committee to develop sustainable strategies to tackle the problem of malnutrition in the state.

Governor Obaseki, who inaugurated the committee at the Government House in Benin City, said, "The committee will assist the state government to identify and encourage the consumption of nutritious food in the state. Eating highly nutritious food goes a long way in ensuring that people not only get needed energy to work but also sustain good health to contribute to development.”

"We are concerned about the health status and nutrition of our people, particularly among very young persons and old people. Therefore, setting up this committee is important,” he said.

Explaining the role of nutrition in development, he said, "We are aware that there is a connection between healthy eating, preventive medicine, girl-child education, women empowerment and childhood development. And we don't want to leave all of these issues to chance.”

Obaseki said, the terms of reference for the committee include to identify the problems of nutrition in the state; coordinate efforts to improve nutrition and ensure adequate resource allocation towards addressing issues bothering on malnutrition.

He noted, "The committee has the mandate to identify measures to be put in place by various stakeholders and institutions to tackle malnutrition in the state. They will also review strategies to tackle malnutrition and their impact on the society."

Obaseki called for synergy among various stakeholders in the food and nutrition sector to avoid duplicity of roles, as this will allow for optimal use of resources.

Chairperson of the Committee and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Vera Obadan, said, “The initiative will put nutrition on the front burner, which is key to human development.”

Obadan, who was represented by Vice Chairman of the committee and Vice Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Prof. Ignatius Onimawo, said the bedrock of nutrition is breastfeeding, noting that the rate of breastfeeding in the country is low.

She said the committee will embark on massive sensitisation campaign to educate mothers on the importance of breastfeeding which will ensure healthy childhood development.

1st PHOTO
R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Vice Chairman, Edo State Food and Nutrition Committee, Prof. Ignatius Onimawo; other members of the committee, Prof. Onigbinde Abraham and Director, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr. J.O. Osadolor, during the inauguration of the committee at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

The Edo State Government has partnered with the Christ Against Drug Abuse Ministry (CADAM) of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to combat drug abuse and bring succor to victims of drug addiction.

In a statement, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki said the partnership was to strengthen the state’s response to issues of drug abuse and provide an avenue for drug addicts to get rehabilitated.

He said the efforts are necessary because of the increasing cases of drug-related offenses and activities of youths who abuse drugs such as tramadol, codeine and Rohypnol, cannabis, among others.

According to him, “This partnership will help us rein in our youths. It will also open up the avenue for rehabilitation of youths who are addicted to drugs. We have come to realise that for us to have a productive population, our young ones must be in the right frame of mind to work. This would not happen if they are slaves to harmful drugs. So, we partnering with CADAM to ensure that those who are already neck deep in drug abuse will get the required professional help they need.”

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Edo State, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, who’s a member of CADAM team, said the state would not tolerate drug abuse.

She added, “We are pursuing aggressive reforms in the state to ensure that we do not have a crisis on our hands. We need all the partnerships we can get. CADAM is one of the partners we are working with to ensure that victims of drug abuse are rehabilitated and given required attention.”

However, she reiterated the state government's warning that young people should stay off drugs and tap from the numerous opportunities being created, with the influx of investors into the state.

CADAM leads advocacy, counseling and residential rehabilitation initiatives to address matters of drug abuse, dependency and addiction. A faith-based non-governmental organisation, the organisation provide free services through a 12-month residential rehabilitation for drug addicts among other roles.

The Omosigho family has released the programme for the burial of Engr. Felix Bright Uwagboe Omo, who died after a brief illness, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He was aged 85.

In a statement, the family said the burial rites will commence on Wednesday, April 18 till 22, and will hold in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and Benin City, Edo State.

According to the family, “The Service of Songs/Celebrations of Life, will hold in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while the lying-in state will hold at his office, Fuwa Nigeria Limited, on Friday, April 20, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as well as his residence in the city. After this, the body leaves for Benin City, Edo State, where a Service of Songs and another lying-in state will be held at his residence, 92, Ihama Road, GRA, Benin City.”

They said the final internment service will be held on Saturday, April 21 in Benin City, which will be followed by entertainment at Edo Hotel. A thanksgiving and outing services will hold on Sunday, April 22, in honour of Omo, the family added.

Late Engr. Omo, a German-trained mechanical engineer, was father to Executive Chairman, Edo Development and Property Authority, Isoken Omo.

PHOTO:
Engr. Omo

Edo like London! Kudos to Obaseki

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged the Federal Government to intensify effort in the rescue of Leah Sharibu, who is still being held by Boko Haram insurgents.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, Obaseki said, “The Federal Government should intensify efforts to secure Leah’s rescue.”

Obaseki said the decision by Boko Haram insurgents to hold on to Leah, a minor, after releasing 104 girls, is condemnable and stressed that urgent steps should be taken to reunite Leah with her family.

“It is important to condemn the practice where people are subjected to torture and discriminated against on the grounds of differences in faith and cultures,” he added.

The governor, however, lauded the Federal Government for the successful rescue of 104 abducted girls in Dapchi, Yobe State, noting, “The effort of the Federal Government in rescuing the girls after their abduction is laudable.”

The rescued girls are part of the 110 girls abducted from Government Girls Technical Science College Dapchi, Yobe State, on February 19, 2018. Five other girls abducted are said to have died in the process.

He said, “There is need for Nigerians to support governments at all levels in the fight against all acts of terror, which threaten the security of lives and property.”

Obaseki also warned against the politicisation of issues of security and safety, noting, “It goes against the grain of civilization and good nature to trivialise and politicise serious matters, especially the case of these girls who suffered untold trauma in captivity.”

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commiserated with the government and people of Bauchi State, over the sudden passing of Senator Ali Wakili.

Senator Wakili, who died at the age of 58, represented Bauchi South Senatorial District, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the Senate.

In his condolence message to the Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Abubakar, Obaseki said, “The Edo State Government commiserates with the people and government of Bauchi State over the death of Senator Ali Wakili, who until his death, represented the state in the National Assembly.”

He added, “The outpouring of goodwill messages from Nigerians across the country, since Senator Wakili’s death, is a testimony to the kind of life he led while on earth.”

Obaseki said that Wakili’s death is a loss to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State, noting, “the death of Wakili at a time the APC needs experienced members to consolidate its popularity across the country, is a great loss as we prepare for the 2019 general elections.”

The Edo State governor further said that the late senator will be greatly missed, as he extended his heartfelt condolences to the good people of Bauchi State.

Chief Dan Orbih and his fact-less claims again! hahahahahaha.... I hope this revelation shuts him up.

Old men should please behave like old men.

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…says govt may resort to alternative plan to care for the sick

Following plans by the Edo State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), to embark on strike, Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state government is making arrangement for private health care providers to offer essential services to patients in state government hospitals, as the demands by the NMA are unrealistic.

Obaseki said this when he received the newly inaugurated members of the Governing Board of the University Of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) at the Government House, in Benin City on Monday.

He said the state government will write to the national body of NMA as the Edo State chapter of the association “has threatened to shut down the health system in the state following their unrealistic demands.”

Obaseki said: “We believe that the doctors’ demands are unrealistic, having been part of the steps taken so far to improve the conditions of service of medical doctors in the state. They see what we are doing and yet have threatened to go on strike because I cannot afford to fulfil 100 per cent of their demands.”

He noted that the doctors are not fair to the state as “we agree with their demands but cannot afford all the demands now, rather we will spread them across four years of this administration, but the Edo NMA rejected the offer and insists on embarking on strike.

“We are looking at various ways to execute our health reforms but will not allow anyone to blackmail us. We have been open, honest and have carried NMA along in all our activities till date. We will be talking to private health practitioners to help us and I have told them that I cannot afford all their requests at once. We are already making backup plans to take care of our people, if we are constrained to.”

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R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Chairman, Governing Board, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Bashorun Adedoja Adewole; Chief Medical Director (CMD), UBTH, Prof. Darlington Obaseki, and Member, Governing Board, UBTH, Alhaji (Dr.) Aliyu Wammako, during the courtesy visit by members of the newly inaugurated board at Government House in Benin City, on Monday, March 19, 2018.

Internal grumbling of the People Dwelling in Problems

..to manage ailment.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called for sustained awareness efforts to reduce blindness caused by glaucoma, urging for increased collaboration among public and private stakeholders for testing and management of the disease.

Obaseki made the call in commemoration of the World Glaucoma Week, an annual weeklong event marked between March 11 to 18. It is marked across the globe by the World Glaucoma Association and the World Glaucoma Patient Association.

According to Obaseki, “There is need for sustained awareness campaign to educate people on the need to go for regular eye screening as a measure to prevent glaucoma.

“We have prioritised the revamp of our health institutions in Edo State to cater to the needs of the people, as healthcare is a cardinal mission for the state. In the 2018 budget, we set aside N2.3bn for the health sector, to drive reforms and infrastructural renewal that will make public health care accessible and affordable.”

The 2018 theme of the weeklong event is “Green = Get Your Eyes tested for Glaucoma: Save Your Sight.”

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness across the globe, after cataract.

“Religious groups, traditional rulers and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) should complement government’s effort in leading awareness campaigns on the need to submit to regular eye checks to prevent Glaucoma,” he noted.

Obaseki added, “Since Glaucoma occurs without any visible symptom, it is important for people to know about its existence and the damage it can cause to the eyes.

“Early detection of Glaucoma through regular eye screening is essential in managing the disease. Much as government has a number of health issues to attend to, it is encouraging that health missions have done a lot in detecting and treating glaucoma. This is important to stop the disease from getting to the critical stage when blindness becomes irreversible.”

The Edo State Government has warned trespassers encroaching on the land marked out for the Benin Industrial Park, to desist immediately from any development work on the land, as activities are gearing up for the commencement of work on the park.

The warning, contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq. in Benin City Edo State, noted that relevant Geographic Information System (GIS) data have been gathered to ensure that the perimeter of the land is properly delineated.

The statement said, “Individuals and groups encroaching on the land acquired by the State Government for the development of the Benin Industrial Park are warned to desist forthwith.”

It added, “The state government had on September 28, 2017, put out a notice informing the public of the acquisition of the property, after which it ascertained the level of development on the land, to guard against activities of land grabbers and other miscreants.

“To establish the level of development on the land at the time, the state government had earlier carried out an aerial survey of the property through the Geographic Information System (GIS) Agency. The survey revealed little development on the land.”

He said government has observed that some persons are illegally moving into the land to develop private properties, warning that such people will be considered criminals and the full wrath of the law will be unleashed on them.

He cautioned individuals with illegal structures on the land to stop work immediately, noting, “All those who have erected illegal structures on the property after the acquisition of the land will not be compensated, as the Development Control Unit in the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has been directed to commence markings on the land.

He reiterated that “the area acquired for the Benin Industrial Park has been mapped and anyone developing properties on any part of the land does so at his or her own risk.”

And....

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…As SSGs of APC States Laud Edo's Hospitality

Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has urged the Progressive Governors' Forum (PGF) to prioritise the mainstreaming of inclusive policy reforms that will reach the widest spectrum of people in the 24 All Progressives Congress (APC)-controlled states in Nigeria.
He said this when he hosted the Secretaries to State Governments (SSGs) of the PGF to a dinner during its 5th Quarterly meeting, held at the weekend, in Benin City.

Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, who represented the governor, charged the Forum to keep the APC states in check, to ensure that they don’t veer off the targets set in the party’s manifesto.
He noted that if the reforms are implemented across board, they will impact the lives of the people and mark the party out as a development-focused platform.

“We appreciate the PGF’s effort to foster discourse around policies and reforms, as it is a platform to share success stories and exchange ideas. This interaction will help resolve problems and overcome challenges facing the APC states across the country”.

Obaseki called on the participants to ensure they implement the action points arrived at during the various sessions. He added that the change that the party’s new policies have been tested and can truly transform states and the lives of the people.

He said the paper presentation on primary healthcare is apt, as primary healthcare is one of the pillars Edo State government has been pursuing.

According to him, “Primary healthcare is key to this administration’s success. We are focusing on improving our healthcare system through the primary healthcare. If the primary healthcare is upgraded, the people are sure to have better healthcare.”

Speaking on behalf of other SSGs, SSG to the Kogi State Government, Folashade Ayoade, thanked the Edo people for their hospitality, care and the love with which they were received.

“The 24 APC SSGs in this meeting thank the government and the people of Edo State for their hospitality, care, love and their show of support during the 5th quarterly meeting of APC SGSs”.

Photo {A}
L-R: Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora; Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., and Representative of Edo State Governor and Deputy Governor, Edo State, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu; and Chairman, Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Barr. Anslem Ojezua, during a dinner at the 5th Progressive Governors' Forum Quarterly Meeting for Secretaries to the Governments of APC-controlled states in Benin City, Edo State, at the weekend.

The Edo State government has urged residents in the state to clear gutters and embrace best practice in disposing their wastes as the raining season sets in.

Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, said the early rains, though good for agricultural activities, “could impact on the physical environment if proactive measures are not taken by residents to desilt drains and properly dispose their wastes.”

He noted that “the heavy rains are coming earlier than projected by the federal government weather monitoring agencies and could cut short the dry season window and impact on ongoing road construction work across the state.”

Osagie assured that efforts are being made by the appropriate agency of government to reduce the down time of domestic wastes at collection points and evacuate debris from drainages.

“The Ministry of Environment is worried over the delay in evacuating debris on the road side and is currently simulating several options with a view to adopting the most effective way of dealing with this challenge.

“When the debris are left on the road side, the rains could wash them back into the gutters and when that happens, the surrounding environment will be flooded. People can be sacked from their homes and business places.

“We need a new attitude towards waste disposal and management as stakeholders in our human environment. Often times we bring home things we do not need, that end up in our trash cans.”

He maintained that the medium to long-term plans of the state government are to harness the energy generation potential in wastes and recycling/reprocessing through robust private sector investment, to create jobs, produce renewable energy and environmentally-friendly materials, among other benefits.

“The waste to wealth initiative has become very popular across the world and Edo State is ready to key into it and get its fair share of the initiative,” Osagie said.

OdionAkghigbe:
So this is where this purportedly received fresh funding will end up.

No wonder he never fielded any candidate for the recently contested Edo LGA election.

His building project is where it will end up, definitely. Shame!

..Commences Monitoring March 11

The Edo State Government has warned marketers of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), who sell above the approved pump price of N145 per liter, that its team will commence monitoring on March 11 for enforcement exercise.

Commissioner, Ministry of Minerals, Oil and Gas, Hon. Joseph Ugheoke, in a statement, said that relevant law enforcement agencies have been put on notice and will join the ministry’s team which will enforce the directive and seal erring stations from March 11.

According to him, “The state government will not tolerate the dispensing of PMS above the N145 per liter approved price for independent marketers. The team of monitors will commence monitoring to ensure compliance from Monday, March 11, 2018.”

He said, “Marketers, who fail to comply with the directive will have their stations sealed and fully prosecuted according to law. The steps of the state government became necessary to prevent the practice where some independent marketers cash in on the cut in supply of PMS to the state to hike the price of the product.”

Ugheoke noted that supply of PMS to independent marketers across Edo State has since increased to tackle the scarcity of the product, noting, “In view of the increase in supply of PMS to marketers, the state government cannot tolerate marketers who sell the product above the approved pump price, after so much has been done to ensure steady supply of PMS to marketers in the state.”

“Marketers of PMS are therefore enjoined, henceforth, to ensure they dispense PMS at N145 per liter. Relevant security agencies and stakeholders in the oil and gas sector are expected to comply with the notice as marketers found to be acting contrary to the directive will be treated as economic saboteurs,” he added

new2012:
At the end of the day,its not about being politically correct like you want to. The truth is always bitter, but i wouldnt want to argue with you for your mindset is already blurred.

Oshiomole for years contested and won as the labour Union leader of kaduna textile companies and took same to NLC, until he left a lot of people felt he was the best thing after slice bread.

When everybody allow you win in anything u do, just know that youre on a clear path to self destruct.. Even the devil wil oppose you if youre doing the right thing..

PDP is completely dead and useles in Edo state no doubt, but when the devil give u 'chance' because he felt you're worse, then appraise the situation.

I feel for you @new2012 as you suddenly went philosophical on the issue on ground.

But do not apportion any blame to Obaseki for the woes of Edo PDP, place it on the right feet; the feet of Orbih, the Edo PDP chairman.

Orbih should be blamed for the death of PDP in Edo.

Believe me, if only PDP did not chicken out and had contested, they probably would have won at least seven or eight local governments in this very free and fair election that people actually voted based on the personalities contesting, and not by party. Thats Edo politics for you.

APC's house was in order, so the people sought for refuge in there. But for PDP, a house in disarray, who wouldn't stay far off my dear @new2012?