It is time for the youths to get involved in our Nation building..But the rhetorical question is "are we ready as youths?", Indeed I must give kudos to the team of young intelligent and determined minds of BBLLI & NOCYAD, for putting up the Project Nigeria Conference 2023, inspiring the next generation and creating a pathway for youth inclusion in our political scenery today and beyond.

Below: pictures from the event.

Beyond Boundaries Legacy Leadership Initiative (BBLLI), an NGO, has urged Nigerians to desist from fanning embers of disunity, religious extremism and sectionalisation of politics in thevinterest of peace and national developmemt.
Mr Omaga Daniel, the Founder/Executive Director of BBLLI made the call on Monday at a Project Nigeria Conference 2023, organised by BBLLI in collaboratiom with North Central Youth Alliance For Democracy (NOCYAD) in Keffi, Nasarawa State
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Project Nigeria Conference 2023 has its theme: “Democracy in Nigeria: Echoes From The Past, Achievements in The Present and Hopes for The Future”.
Daniel, who is the Convener of the Project Nigeria Conference 2023, called for peaceful and united Nigeria for speedy development to be achieved in the country.
He said that the conference was aimed at building the capacity of participants, exchange ideas and share their experiences of social, religious, ethnic and political engagements.
“How to promote national unity, towards enhancing the peace and security of our nation as well as discussions on common challenges to youth inclusion in governance and to come up with a strategic action plan for advocacy.
“And strengthening youth network for active engagement for a more united, peaceful, politically stable, socially secured and economically viable Nigeria,” he said.
He said that the conference will also be a historical opportunity for participants to have first-hand experiences of the dynamic democratic processes in Nigeria, since independence on Oct. 1, 1960.
“We must desist from further fanning the embers of disunity, religious extremism and sectionalisation of our politics.
” What our nation needs as we look forward to the New Nigeria, is new founding fathers and mothers, like you, you and you, seated here today, that will promote national integration, sustainable peace and progress,” he stressed.
The BBLLI founder also urged Nigerians to depart from divisive politics.
“As we celebrate yet another Democracy Day today, it is important we depart from the divisive politics that birthed Nigeria and we still practice today.
“Our obsession with propagating and replicating the mindsets over 60 years, will continue to hinder our progress as one united nation, built on the tripod of justice, equity and mutual respect.
“There’s need for us to leave behind the Nigeria that was built on mutual suspicion, where the Fulani man from Katsina sees the Igbo man from Anambra as a thief; the Idoma man from Benue sees the Fulani man as a killer herdsman; the Kanuri man from Borno sees the Ijaw man from Bayelsa as a kidnapper.
“The Nupe man from Niger sees the lady from Edo as a prostitute; the Yoruba from Osun sees the Igbo man from Imo as a drug dealer; the Igala man from Kogi sees the Yoruba man from Ekiti as ‘Yahoo boy’, and the Birom man from Plateau sees the Hausa man from Zamfara as a bandit,” he added.
Daniel therefore urged youths and other Nigerians to be patriotic in their activities at all times.
“The questions for every young person here today are: in the advancement of our dream country, have we been patriotic and resourceful enough?
“Can Nigerians truly depend on our generation as the hope of a better country? Are we ready to lead, even though we constitute about 60 per cent of Nigeria’s voting population?,” he asked rhetorically.
Daniel appreciated Prof. Suleiman Mohammed, the Vice Chancellor, Nasarawa State University, Keffi; Dr Ubon Udoh, the Managing Director/CEO, Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative (ASR) Africa; and Dr Francis Agbo, outgoing member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, among others, for their support to the success of the project.
In his keynote address, Prof. Suleiman Bala Mohammed, the Vice Chancellor, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, urged Nigerians to join hands in order to sustain democracy in the country.
“Since 1999 to date, there is massive progress, development as well as improvement in the country despite the nation’s challenges,” he said.
The vice chancellor commended the organiser of the event for celebrating democracy and contributng positively in building the nation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had in attendance politicians, stakeholders and students, among others.
It featured paper presentation, panel discussions and merit awards. (NAN)

*A response to John Mayaki's diatribe on Obaseki* .

*By Efe Igbinosa*

*APC, struggling with defeat*

I have to admit that reading John's essay was both laborious and tortious, because he found it difficult to weave his essay into a readable prose. However, I will attempt briefly to address some of the concorted allegations raised in his essay of misery. This is important, so that the uninformed would not run away with error. I had earlier written a short piece yesterday night, where I clearly stated that APC and its minions are trying to muster everything within them howbeit, unsuccessfully to impugn on the success that governor Obaseki and his candidates recorded in this election. APC were completely unprepared for what they are witnessing now. I sympathize with them though, because it's difficult to prepare for a victory party, only for Edo people to serve them "breakfast" very early in the day.

*Obaseki’s democratic credentials are firmly intact*

First, everyone knows that governor Obaseki is one of the most civilized governors in Nigeria. So, anyone who is even remotely capable of imagining that governor Obaseki could interfere with a democratic process like an election, must have his head properly examined. "Edo no be Lagos" where they reort to killing, maiming, voter suppression, intimidation and all underhand tactics in the book to steal the people's mandate. This House of Assembly election has now entered into the record books in Edo, as the first since 1999 where more than two political parties have all won seats in the House. The government in power usually clears the entire seats in the state by any means possible. For the first time, three political parties now have seats in the House. Governor Obaseki deserves kudos not sticks for allowing a level playing field, regardless of the senatorial district. Edo people will not give heed to those that chorus rigging where they lost and hail democracy where they won. Same election! Such double standard!

*Easy decision for Edo people*

To majority of Edo people, it was easy for them to renew their faith in Obaseki and the PDP. He is the governor that has put their money into the best judicious use. With Governor Obaseki, Edo has now been repositioned to attract some of the best investments into the state, through policies with strong business model, data and analytics that explains how investors will succeed in Edo. Statisense, a company that makes sense of numbers, convert raw data to insights that are used for better board room decision making, recently ranked Edo as one of the seven states in Nigeria where people have valid group life insurance. This alone shows that life expectancy has peaked in Edo. With him at the saddle, Edo state is now thriving and ticking all the indices for measuring growth. Our human development index stands at 0.627. The highest in the history of Edo state. He has quietly transformed all the sectors of our economy, which has given him plaudits both home and abroad. There is no governor who has performed better than Governor Godwin Obaseki and this is what he has been rewarded for in this HOA election and APC and their godfathers hate to hear this.

*Efe Igbinosa, is local boy, writing fom Okada.*

This is a Victory for the Edo People..I'm so elated indeed!!

Oshiomole has always been a hypocrite and liar. An astute deceiver who talks too much and forgets mostly!! The same man accusing the Governor Mr. Godwin Obaseki of what "He did!!" A shame😒

The APC Parading themselves as the ones to save Edo People from bad governance are seeking to deceive people of the State by divulging fake news and propaganda.

We know better now "Oosho" we are wise!!
March 18th HOA elections are sealed.
#PDP all the way..

Ahead of Saturday’s State Assembly election, the Edo State Government has declared today, Friday, March 17, 2023 a half-work day.

In a statement, the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., said the directive, which implies that government offices and establishments will close for work by 12 noon, is to allow workers in the state travel to their respective constituencies to exercise their franchise.

Accordingto him: “The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved Friday, March 17, 2023 as a half-work day to allow workers in the state travel to their respective constituencies to exercise their franchise. With this notice, Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are to close by 12noon.

He added, “all government establishments except those on essential duties are expected to be closed by 12 noon and the workers are encouraged to take advantage of the half-work day to travel to their various constituencies to participate in tomorrow's State House of Assembly Election."

Ogie explained that “the state government is keen on ensuring that every eligible voter in the state is provided the opportunity to participate in the March 18 State House of Assembly election.”

*DISCLAIMER*

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hereby informs the general public and all stakeholders in the upcoming State House of Assembly elections that it will be shutting down its campaign by 11:59 pm, Thursday, March 16 2023, across all media platforms.

By this notice, we hereby disassociate the party from any campaign material broadcast or published in print, electronic, outdoor media or any medium howsoever described after the stated time above.

All commercial media houses are advised not to accept any advertisement in the name of any of our candidates or the party.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all our supporters and the people of Edo State for their unwavering support throughout the campaign period.

God bless Edo State, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Thank you.

Chris Osa Nehikhare,
Deputy Director, Media and Publicity,
Edo PDP Campaign Management Council
March 16, 2023[code][/code]

Its a good development because it will help the build confidence of the electorate so as to come out en masse and vote for the PDP!!
Apc has always been mischievous and troublesome..now their chieftain Jaret Tenebe has been arrested!! good riddance to bad rubbish.

The Ambrose Alli University Management is aware of the various news items circulating in both print and electronic media relating to the sack and disengagement of some academic staff of the University.

Management wishes to state as follows:

1. That contrary to the reports making the rounds, only two staff were affected – one (unconfirmed staff) disengaged and the other retired.

2. That the retirement and disengagement, respectively, of the two staff are decisions of the Special Intervention Team (SIT) as contained in the letters issued to the staff concerned.

3. That this decision was taken in the best interest of the University. However, Management acknowledges the Government press release issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Projects on the matter.

4. That the University dissociates itself from the list of 22 names or any other list whatsoever purported to be pencilled down for sack by the University Management, as being mischievously bandied in the public space.

5. That Management is investigating the source of the said list of 22 names and other lists flying around purported to have emanated from the University and will take appropriate disciplinary measures against anyone found to be the source of the mischievously circulating document.

6. That Management is not unmindful of the high level of propaganda being unleashed by political actors, using the University as cannon fodder.

7. That for the avoidance of doubt the controversial issue of salary payments has been sufficiently addressed with the payment of February, 2023 salaries to over 2,662 staff and pensioners of the University. In the past few hours, both teaching and non-teaching staff of the University who returned to work after the suspension of strike in August and October, 2022, respectively, and were hitherto not captured in the payroll, have been receiving alert.

8. That Management reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that peace and harmony reigns supreme in Ambrose Alli University and will continue to commit to the welfare of its staff and students.

9. That Management urges all staff to go about their normal duties in an atmosphere of freedom and safety and without fear of molestation

10. That Management appreciates the efforts of the Edo State Government in the repositioning of the University and will not detract from it.

Courtesy
Professor A.S. Adagbonyin
(Acting Vice-Chancellor)
For NOTICE‼️‼️

The Ambrose Alli University Management is aware of the various news items circulating in both print and electronic media relating to the sack and disengagement of some academic staff of the University.

Management wishes to state as follows:

1. That contrary to the reports making the rounds, only two staff were affected – one (unconfirmed staff) disengaged and the other retired.

2. That the retirement and disengagement, respectively, of the two staff are decisions of the Special Intervention Team (SIT) as contained in the letters issued to the staff concerned.

3. That this decision was taken in the best interest of the University. However, Management acknowledges the Government press release issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Projects on the matter.

4. That the University dissociates itself from the list of 22 names or any other list whatsoever purported to be pencilled down for sack by the University Management, as being mischievously bandied in the public space.

5. That Management is investigating the source of the said list of 22 names and other lists flying around purported to have emanated from the University and will take appropriate disciplinary measures against anyone found to be the source of the mischievously circulating document.

6. That Management is not unmindful of the high level of propaganda being unleashed by political actors, using the University as cannon fodder.

7. That for the avoidance of doubt the controversial issue of salary payments has been sufficiently addressed with the payment of February, 2023 salaries to over 2,662 staff and pensioners of the University. In the past few hours, both teaching and non-teaching staff of the University who returned to work after the suspension of strike in August and October, 2022, respectively, and were hitherto not captured in the payroll, have been receiving alert.

8. That Management reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that peace and harmony reigns supreme in Ambrose Alli University and will continue to commit to the welfare of its staff and students.

9. That Management urges all staff to go about their normal duties in an atmosphere of freedom and safety and without fear of molestation

10. That Management appreciates the efforts of the Edo State Government in the repositioning of the University and will not detract from it.

Courtesy
Professor A.S. Adagbonyin
(Acting Vice-Chancellor)
For NOTICE‼️‼️

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has directed the management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, to reverse and retrieve all recent illegal disengagement letters issued to staff of the institution.

The governor insists that the sack notices said to have been issued earlier to some staff of the university are illegal, null and void.

The management is to retrieve any such illegal letters if they were ever issued and reinstate the affected staff.

The governor has ordered an in-depth investigation into what led to the sporadic issuance of illegal sack letters and assured that all found culpable will be brought to book.

The government reiterates its commitment to the welfare of staff and is working to address all lingering issues affecting workers at the state-owned institution.

*Crusoe Osagie*

*_Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Projects_*

*_March 15, 2023_*

Never has Edo State witness a government at the express will to serve the people. Some have asked,"wetin the governor don do?" But I ask,"what has he not done !!" He's business of development and also sustainable projects can been seen clearly in Edo State..from the Educational reforms to the Civil service building revamp with prompt payment of pensioners and list goes on!! Youth empowerment and Tech hubs built for capacity building of our Edo youths..infact it can't all be mentioned in one piece.

I urge all Edolites to shove off sentiments and look at the reality of development this government of Governor Obaseki has embarked on and sustain it by voting PDP for Edo State HOA come 18th march 2023!!

#VotePDP

All lies and propaganda!! The State has been in good hands.. various projects are being delivered and people are happy and are in unison in support of good governance. I live in Edo State..Benin particularly!! I have seen with my eyes and I'm dismayed at this write-up intending to disrupt the populace and the goodwill the citizens. Please such posts should not be allowed cos this is exactly what fake news is about. Sadly, you have allowed yourself to be distorted by your paymaster and used in such a degrading manner..I feel sad for you sha!!
In anycase, let us the Edo People stop this useless charade of utter foolishness by the writer as we strongly debunk these claims.

#votepdphoa all the way!!

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

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

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

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

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


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

Emphatic write-up indeed!! We can not over flog the desperate mindset of Oshiomole seeking to destroy the unity of the Edo People. The people have resolved that they are tired of back and forth intentions of "Osho" and are ready to embrace continuity and progress the government of Governor Godwin Obaseki. APC is gone for good and should accept their fate.

#EdoMega

I have been astonished at the developmental strides that has taken place since the inception of the Governor Godwin Obaseki led PDP government. From the Ossiomo Power Plant, the New College of Agriculture built, the Civil service buildings along sapele road in benin city, The new state of the art building in The Observer and The Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub to road networks across the State, shows the passion behind the drive of Gov. Obaseki. Sentiments aside..if we profess to wanting a good government for the people by the people then we should accept the fact that Governor Obaseki has done a good job, hence, we should all come out and support the goverment by voting in all PDP candidates en masse on Saturday the 18th March!! lets Make Edo Great Again!!

#votepdphoa

I have always said it that a man who knows he's onions goes about his work diligently. Such is a man like Governor Obaseki. We can not over emphasize he's far reaching commitment to better the life of the Edo people by instituting major developmental investment hence, creating a source of wealth for the future of the Edo People.

It is clear that you have taken your time to express the clear truth of how far the Edo people have experienced good governance and the hope, faith in continuity the government of Governor Obaseki led PDP government..we the people of Edo State are wiser now and have settled for peace rather than the chaotic government of the "Sham" called Oshiomole. We have resolved. Edo State has resolved to support growth!!

We will Vote PDP.

Returning Edo State to it's former glory..A Governor who understands development and selflessness. Govt. Godwin Obaseki has rekindled the hearts of the entire electorate and good people of Edo State.

#VotePdp