Obaseki: We’re training, empowering farmers to enhance food production, tackle food insecurity in Edo

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his government has sustained efforts to empower and support farmers in the State, building their capacity and providing them with the tools and incentives to enhance food production and tackle food insecurity in the State.

The governor, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, said the government is prioritizing the investment in agriculture to diversify the state’s economy.

According to the governor, “Food security and agricultural self-sufficiency is a priority for us and we are making investments in this regard, providing our farmers with training and support. Interestingly, we have got the commitment from our partners to make investment in a modern farm from where we will propagate day-old chicks and get them into the market.

“We understand that we need to go back the value chain and think of how to produce the grains, vitamins, feeds and all needed to grow the poultry business.”

‘Training the capacity and knowledge of farmers is crucial in achieving this success and as a State, we are learning and also partnering in other core areas like the oil palm.”

Obaseki added, “Last year, we put out 60,000 hectares of new farmland for estate farmers in oil palm which is under cultivation. For us, the lessons out there are to work with our partners to build the institution to train human capacity, extension workers, and farmers to help us understand what is going on, support the farmers and monitor what they are doing to guarantee their yield and help them make money and sustain their business.”

Obaseki advances on digital economy, flags off Edo Digital Policy Project

…partners NESG, Melinda Gates Foundation

…sets up new agency to sustain digital, data-driven governance

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Friday, launched the Edo Digital Policy Project in furtherance of the government’s efforts to expand the state’s digital economy and drive sustainable growth and development across the State via technology.

The governor flagged off the project when he received a team of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation who were on a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Obaseki, who said the programme will bolster the government’s efforts at leveraging technology to deliver efficient and quality services to the people of the State, noted that the project is facilitated by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).

Noting that the State remains committed to expanding its digital economy, the governor said the government will set up a new agency to sustain the success recorded in digital and data-driven governance across the State.

According to him, “Over the last six years, we have been emphasizing institutional reforms to ensure that government provides efficient and effective services to Edo people. We have prioritized digital technology in Edo State. Working with the Head of Service and his team as well as the civil/public servants in the State, we have been able to create a digital platform to move the government ahead. The EdoBEST programme and our initiatives in the healthcare system are testimonies of our embrace of digital systems to provide effective and efficient service to our people.

“We have made a critical and important investment in building the infrastructure to support our digital revolution and thank our various partners for supporting the system to grow.”

On the set-up of the agency, the governor noted, “The Edo State Government is introducing a new Agency which will be a digital and data governance agency in the State as the name will be fine-tuned. All the data being gathered have to be consolidated in an Agency. I will be signing an Executive Order to this effect before legislation will support the creation of that Agency.”

He added, “We are gathering data in the State. Data from EdoBEST, the health insurance system and different other places. These data need to be managed. These data must be owned, kept and secured by us with the support of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. We would be strengthening that Agency. We have hired an interim Managing Director who is Osarieme Bazuaye but it is subject to my Executive Order and that order will be signed next week.”

The governor continued: “The world now is concerned with Artificial Intelligence. In our quest to make Edo State great again, we must be in the forefront of digital technology in the nation. We are creating opportunities for our young people to explore the digital space in the State. We are also creating a digital world in Edo and opening the system for them.

“This project is a priority for us and you will get the support of all the Ministries and MDAs, as we will do a weekly review and want the draft of this policy this year at Alaghodaro to show the world that we are thinking ahead. We want the State to be a digital power.”

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Snr. Programme Officer, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bunmi Okunowo said, “Edo State Government has taken a lot of steps in implementing digital solutions across the State. An example is the e.gov that helps in writing memos and approving them electronically.

“Our role for investment is to see how to strengthen the digital capability of government, public service and civil servants as well. Also, we want to bridge the digital divide between the government and the private sector.

“The programme started in February this year and has progressed steadily to this point. Digi link has different components under it. One of which is to support the State Government in code creation, code designing, code developing, amongst many others so as to strengthen governance and drive inclusion between government and vulnerable people.”

The Executive Director, Policy Innovation Center, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Osasuyi Dirisu noted that “the digital ecosystem in Edo State is doing a lot as we work through these different organizations, bringing together their needs for policy guidelines and processes to drive and guide what they do.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

*DSC_01*

L-R (front row): Senior Programme Officer, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bunmi Okunowo; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and Project Lead, Data Agency, Osa Bazuaye, during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City, on Friday, July 7, 2023.

*DSC_02*

L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Senior Programme Officer, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bunmi Okunowo, and Executive Director, Policy Innovation Center, Nigerian Economic S.G. Osasuyi Dirisu, during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City, on Friday, July 7, 2023.

Obaseki’s sports reforms on parade, as Ogbemudia Stadium hosts 2nd consecutive AFN trials

Amusan, Itsekiri shine as national champions

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki’s sports reforms in the last six and half years has transformed the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium into the favourite ground for the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) national trials, as the 2023 National trails hosts over 160 athletes in Benin from July 5 to 7.

The Benin stadium is hosting the second consecutive AFN national trial, which features world champion, Tobiloba Amusan, silver medallist at the last World Championships in Oregon, U.S., Ese Brume and other foreign-based athletes.

Governor Obaseki transformed the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium into a world-class sports arena, including a 12,000-capacity covered arena, with natural turf and refitted running tracks; tennis and squash courts, a new Olympic-size swimming pool and indoor suspended gymnasium.

Other facilities at the stadium include those for weightlifting, wrestling and other combat sports. The Stadium has also been outfitted with new high-capacity electronic score screens, floodlights and Video Assistant Referee technology.

Amusan retained her 100m hurdles national title with a 12.70 finish. In the men’s 100m final, Usheoritse Itsekiri stormed to victory in 10.02secs to win ahead of Seye Ogunlewe and Alaba Akintola.

In the women’s 100m final, Blessing Ogundiran won with a time of 11.50secs, while AFN Golden League winner, Faith Okwose clocked 11.51secs to end up in second place. African record holder in long jump, Ese Brume, came third in 11.52secs.

The athletes are competing for a spot in Nigeria’s team to the 19th World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

The national trials will end on July 7.

Last year, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium hosted the trials for both the World Championships in Oregon and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.

Obaseki’s sports reforms on parade, as Ogbemudia Stadium hosts 2nd consecutive AFN trails

Amusan, Itsekiri shine as national champions


The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki’s sports reforms in the last six and half years has transformed the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium into the favourite ground for the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) national trails, as the 2023 National trails hosts over 160 athletes in Benin from July 5 to 7.

The Benin stadium is hosting the second consecutive AFN national trail, which features world champion, Tobiloba Amusan, silver medalist at the last World Championships in Oregon, U.S., Ese Brume and other foreign-based athletes.

Governor Obaseki transformed the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium into a world-class sports arena, including a 12,000-capacity covered arena, with natural turf and refitted running tracks; tennis and squash courts, a new Olympic-size swimming pool and indoor suspended gymnasium.

Other facilities at the stadium include those for weightlifting, wrestling and other combat sports. The Stadium has also been outfitted with new high-capacity electronic score screens, floodlights and Video Assistant Referee technology.

Amusan retained her 100m hurdles national title with a 12.70 finish. In the men’s 100m final, Usheoritse Itsekiri stormed to victory in 10.02secs to win ahead of Seye Ogunlewe and Alaba Akintola.

In the women’s 100m final, Blessing Ogundiran won with a time of 11.50secs, while AFN Golden League winner, Faith Okwose clocked 11.51secs to end up in second place. African record holder in long jump, Ese Brume, came third in 11.52secs.

The athletes are competing for a spot in Nigeria’s team to the 19th World Athletics Championships in Budapest.

The national trials will end on July 7.

Last year, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium hosted the trials for both the World Championships in Oregon and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.

Edo, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation train over 500 youths on digital skills for future workplace

The Edo State Government and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have concluded a one-day intensive digital skills training for over 500 youths in the State to build their skills for the future workforce.

The programme tagged, ‘Digi Link’ and held at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Main Campus, in Benin City, is executed in partnership with ACIOE Associates and Public Digital to help the state government improve its digital capabilities.

Speaking to journalists at the one-day workshop, the Focal Person, Edo State Social Investment Programme, Ms Osayueamem Aladeselu, said the programme will prepare the youths for the future world of work, fostering entrepreneurial skills and inspiring enthusiasm about their future paths.

According to her, the programme aims to create a digitally empowered citizenry for the State, expand learning opportunities and bridge the academia-industry gap, and establish a talent pipeline for the public sector and digital ecosystem, in line with the visions of the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

She noted, “We want to ensure that young persons begin to take their place in the digital transformation process, acquiring the right skills needed to succeed in the future workplace. The training today targeting over 500 youths in the University Community in no small means has contributed to enhancing their employability, academic performance, earning potential and productivity, and fostering responsible digital citizenship.”

“It also provided a fine platform for conversations around leveraging innovation and technology to proffer solutions to societal problems, tapping into the various opportunities provided by the state government to expand its digital space, including the Edo Innovation Hub, and how they can participate and take advantage of training as such facilities to improve their skills and contribute their quota to development of the State and country.”

On his part, the Program Director, Digi Link, Mr Ekenem Isichei, said the Learning Series for the university students will go round every university in Edo State, to prepare the students for a digital future and create a pipeline of talents to grow the digital landscape of Edo State.

The programme also featured a panel session, themed, “Digital Transformation: Unlocking Opportunities for Career Growth,” with Chioma Obiokolo, Head, Technology, Products & Consulting, Viisaus; Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti, CEO/Founder, Herconomy; Mr. Donatus Igiekhume, Head of Unit, Citizen Service and Content Management, EDSG, and Precious Ekome, Faculty Lead, Innovation Hub, as panelists.

*PHOTO CAPTION*

*DSC_01*

L-R: Programme Officer, Digi-Link, Kema Ufelle; Chief Executive Officer, Herconomy, Ife Durosinmi-Ehi; State Focal Person, Edo State Social Investment Programme, Osayuwamen Aladeselu; Assistant Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Benin, Prof (Mrs.) Veronica Osubor and Programme Director, DigiLink, Ekenem Isichel, during a one-day intensive digital skills training for over 500 youths in the State, held at the UNIBEN main campus in Benin City, on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.

Obaseki mourns passing of Publisher of Nigerian NewsDirect, Dr Samuel Ibiyemi

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of renowned journalist and Publisher of Nigerian NewsDirect, Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi who died at the age of 54.

In a statement, Obaseki said the news of the passing of Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi came to him as a rude shock, noting that he would be sorely missed.

According to him, “I am saddened by the news of the passing of renowned journalist, clergy, and publisher of Nigerian NewsDirect, Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi.”

“Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi was a visionary and exceptional leader who dedicated his life to advancing the growth of our nation and uplifting the lives of its people.

“A man of many parts, the late Ibiyemi started his illustrious career as a soldier in the Nigerian Air Force before he transitioned into journalism, where he made an indelible mark, establishing Nigerian NewsDirect over a decade ago, contributing his quota to excellence in journalism and the growth and development of our society.

“A devout family man and committed servant of God, his devotion to serving God led to the establishment of the Great Grace Apostolic Church, Gasline, Sango-Ota, where he served as its presiding minister, leveraging the platform to bring solace and hope to countless individuals, providing spiritual guidance and uplifting the hearts of the faithful.

“His legacy will forever remain etched in the annals of our nation's history and will be sorely missed.”

The governor extended his deepest condolences to the Ibiyemi family, the staff and management of Nigerian NewsDirect, friends, and associates, praying that God grants them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Nehikhare, Osagie lead journalists to inspect revamp of EBS, Observer, express satisfaction

… ‘Governor Obaseki committed to reinventing Edo’

The Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Christopher Nehikhare and the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, on Tuesday, led journalists on inspection of the ongoing revamp of the State’s media assets, including the Nigerian Observer and the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS).

The General Manager of EBS, Queeneth Orobedo led the team on a guided tour around the TV facility, while the Acting Managing Editor, The Nigerian Observer, Osa Victor Obahagbona took the team on the tour at the Nigerian Observer.

Speaking to journalists at the premises of the Nigerian Observer, Nehikhare commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for prioritizing the repositioning of state-owned media outfits.

He said, “I am impressed with the structure and maintenance culture of the Nigerian Observer Newspaper. The newspaper means a lot to the people of Edo State. It is one of the earliest newspapers established in 1968 and a newspaper that the Edo State Government wants to leave as a legacy.

“Most people around the country and in the Diaspora still rely on the Observer Newspaper. I urge the new management team not to be distracted but focused on effective and efficient information dissemination to the public, especially telling the public the good stories of the Edo State Government.”

Nehikhare added, “My visit today is to encourage you to do more and enlighten the public on what Edo State Government is doing. We are not telling you to make up stories but tell our good stories. We are here to work as a team with the Observer as the media needs to help us finish well.”

Speaking on the transformation in the state-owned TV station, the Commissioner said, “I am impressed with what I have seen here today, as we have a new brand administrative block with all that is needed in a modern television station to enable Edo people to get the best.

“I commend the Governor for this great vision of revamping the media outfit. The governor has been radical in his thinking and approach in the way things are done. Previous governments saw the rot here but turned a blind eye and rather shared the money with their political allies but Obaseki's government is for the people and is working for the people.”

On his part, Osagie commended the governor’s efforts at revamping the media outfits to meet global standards, adding, "It's not easy for publication organizations to leave their areas of core competency which is sourcing and publishing and then going into the actual process of printing which is a different Industry.

“The work of the Nigerian Observer is focusing on the business of sourcing, developing, and publishing information. The printing aspect is different from the publication aspect as the Nigerian Observer will also be a customer of the Nigerian Observer Press and also get customers across the Country.

“The Observer now has world-class, quality printing machines to print both newspaper and other materials like flex, wedding cards, books, novels, and other reading and instructional materials.”

He stated, “All the different arms of government that do printing will come here to do so. The governor is a re-inventor of Edo State as all of these used to exist but people ran it out but the Governor has put in investment to get it back on track.”

The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Chapter, Festus Alenkhe expressed satisfaction with the progress of work and infrastructure at the two state-owned media outfits, commending Obaseki for the investment in the revamp project.

He noted that “the last lap for the Obaseki-led administration will be a great one for EBS and the Nigerian Observer.”
L-R: Acting Managing Editor, The Nigerian Observer, Mr. Osa Victor Obahagbona; Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Christopher Nehikhare; Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, and Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Chapter, Festus Alenkhe, during an inspection tour of the Printing Press at the Nigerian Observer premises, in Benin City, on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.

Obaseki: We are creating enabling environment to drive investments in agric, education, others

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the government has in the past six years prioritized reforms and programmes to expand the State’s economic base, ensuring the right environment and incentives to attract investments in education, agriculture, health, and other critical sectors of the State.

Obaseki, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, said the bold reforms have transformed Edo State from one where the government used to invest to the State where government enables investment.

The governor however assured that the government will sustain efforts to improve the business and economic environment of the state, by building the needed infrastructure, maintaining law and order, and ensuring stability in the social space to drive growth and achieve economic prosperity.

According to him, “We are making the investment within the government, shaping our understanding and moving from an era from where the government used to invest to the one where government enables investment. It's not an easy transition but as a government, we are continuing to make those investments and maintain the focus.”

Obaseki further noted, “My administration thrives on partnership and as a government, we see our role as one that enables things to happen. As enablers, we see our role as being able to mobilize resources, particularly human capacity, and knowledge, and direct them into areas of priority as we see.

The governor added: “Last year, we put out 60,000 hectares of new farmland for estate farmers in oil palm which is under cultivation. For us, the lessons out there are to work with our partners to build the institution to train human capacity, extension workers and farmers to help us understand what is going on, support the farmers and monitor what they are doing to guarantee their yield and help them make money and sustain their business.”

Edo expanding e-procurement system to enhance transparency, accountability in public expenditure

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Edo State Public Procurement Agency (EDPPA), Henry Imogiemhe Idogun, has said the State is expanding its e-procurement system to cover more Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) so as to improve transparency and accountability in public expenditure.

Idogun, while speaking to journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital, said the State is working assiduously to ensure that at least 95 percent of its capital budget is expended through e-procurement before 2025.

According to him, “We have a trajectory plan that we are following. Before the end of this year, we are adding about 10-15 more MDAs to the pilot. Before the end of 2025, we are looking at ensuring that 90-95 percent of the capital budget is spent through e-procurement.

“Presently, we are covering the major MDAs: Ministries of Health, Education, Road and Bridges, and Public Buildings and Maintenance Agency. These four MDAs collectively account for about 60 percent of the capital budget of the State. And they are on e-procurement. Our dream is to expand in such a manner that by the year 2025, 95 percent of the capital budget must be spent through e-procurement.”

Speaking on the government’s use of technology to reduce delays and promote accountability and transparency in the state’s procurement procedures, the Managing Director stated, “Any country or sub-national that is desirous of making progress in the 21st century has to drive its processes with technology. We started piloting the e-procurement with four MDAs and the result has been amazing and very successful. The speed of evaluation and producing outcomes is incredible.

“It has virtually no human interference. It eliminates paper. The most admirable aspect is that susceptibility to interference is kept to a minimum, if it exists at all. So, we are now on the verge of trying to expand our e-procurement.”

He added, “If you want to fight corruption, waste, and delay, adopt e-procurement. It makes you become more efficient and reduce paperwork. Everything that is desirable is embodied in e-procurement. Not just only in procurement, but the entire financial management space.”

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has hailed Edo people, friends and associates for the outpouring of love and kind wishes during his 66th birthday celebration.

In a statement, the governor acknowledged the kind gestures of various groups who heeded the call to contribute to the well-being of the children with special needs and others who engaged in a clean-up exercise across the State, as part of activities to commemorate his birthday.

The statement reads: “I sincerely appreciate the outpouring of love and kind wishes from friends, associates, and the good people of Edo State on the occasion of my birthday.

“The show of love has been overwhelming. The efforts by different groups to organize and engage in a clean-up exercise across the state resonates deeply with the vision for a clean, safe, and orderly State, which remains one of our cardinal programmes as a government.

“I am grateful to all who heeded the call to contribute to the well-being of the children with special needs at the Roseluyi Exceptional Students Academy.”

The governor added, “Once again, I appreciate everyone who has made an effort to put a smile on the faces of the less privileged and contributed in various ways to the improvement of their communities in celebration of my birthday. God bless you all abundantly.”


*MY HEARTFELT GRATITUDE*

I sincerely appreciate the outpouring of love and kind wishes from friends, associates and the good people of Edo State on the occasion of my birthday.

The show of love has been overwhelming. The efforts by different groups to organize and engage in a clean-up exercise across the state resonates deeply with the vision for a clean, safe and orderly state, which remains one of our cardinal programmes as a government.

I am grateful to all who heeded the call to contribute to the wellbeing of the children with special needs at the Roseluyi Exceptional Students Academy.

Once again, I appreciate everyone who has made an effort to put a smile on the faces of the less privileged and contributed in various ways to the improvement of their communities in celebration of my birthday.

God bless you all abundantly.

*His Excellency,*
*Godwin Obaseki*
_Governor, Edo State_

Edo to domesticate national policy on digital inclusion

The Edo State Government has said it is working with partners and other stakeholders on the domestication of the Digital Economy Plan and Strategy framework to promote digital inclusion in the State.

Speaking with journalists in Benin City, the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Digital Economy, Science and Technology, Yuwa Naps, said the state government will continue to discuss with partners on the implementation of the Nigeria digital economy policy.

She noted, “As part of the transformation agenda, the Edo State Government is in partnership with Tech4Dev, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and other partners on the inclusive use of technology.

“We are continuing our conversation around domestication of the Nigeria digital economy policy. We are looking forward to pushing the policy in Edo State.”

The Permanent Secretary urged stakeholders to support the state government’s plan on developing the document.

According to her “the domestication of the policy document will encompass how MSMEs work and operate in Edo and how private businesses exist and work in Edo, ensuring to provide technology across the board for everyone.

On his part, the Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Mr. Kelvin Uwabi said the policy review on Digital Economy in Edo state will create an opportunity to deepen the use of technology by small businesses.

According to him, “the essence is to make sure we are able to domesticate digital economy policy. There are different sections of the policy. In Edo State, it is what we call digital inclusion. We want to be able to have digital inclusion where every Edo person can access technology.”

Uwaibi said the Edo State will be training over 3,000 Civil and Public servants on Digital Appreciation and at the same time also having packages for businesses in Edo State.

“Edo is one of the states that focuses on business, one of what we did was to ensure we built the capacity, what we call the micro small and medium enterprise, at the time we trained and built the capacity of 445 businesses.

“They could start to put their products online. Feedback has been very interesting. As a matter of fact, a lot of them have expressed appreciation to the state government.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Kelvin Uwaibi; Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Digital Economy, Science and Technology, Yuwa Naps; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Joel Edionwe, and Managing Director, Edo State Transport Authority (ESTA), Mrs Edugie Agbonlahor, after a workshop on the State Inclusive Digital Economy Initiative, in Benin City.

19 States, two Countries have visited to understudy our e-procurement reforms – Edo govt

The Managing Director of the Edo State Public Procurement Agency (EPPA), Henry Idogun has said that since implementing landmark reforms to instill transparency and probity in its procurement processes, not less than 19 Nigerian States and 2 countries have visited Edo State to understudy the transformational changes.

In a chat with journalists, Idogun noted that the state has arguably the highest number of procurement professionals in the country, who were trained in collaboration with international development organisations.

According to him, “We were visionary when we started. We knew that we needed to build capacity at the beginning. The Edo State Government was the first state to have 14 certified procurement professionals.

“As they say, you can’t give what you don’t have. We knew we needed to build capacity with the support of the World Bank under the SEEFOR programme. We were able to expose many of our officers, built their capacity and that is what is still carrying us today. Edo was the first state to do so. Even at the federal level at that time, and even up till now, I’m not sure they have that level of certified procurement professionals.”

He continued: “When we started our e-procurement, it was easy to evolve a strategy to implement our e-procurement which worked so marvelously. So much so that other states have been coming to understudy it. We have had 19 states come to study our e-procurement implementation strategy.

“Two countries including Liberia and Gambia have also come to understudy the scheme. So, what people thought was impossible, something we thought we were doing at the corner of our office here, received so much recognition from Nigeria’s Governor Forum, the World Bank, and other developed partners. They started to recommend the Edo model to everybody that cared to listen. These are some of the things that we have done that have been recognized as adding value to the entire governance architecture.”

Edo HOS, Permanent Secretaries, others celebrate Obaseki’s 66th birthday with children with special needs, gift cash

The Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq., on Saturday, led the body of Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), among others to the Roseluyi Exceptional Students Academy (RESA) to support children with special needs in the school with cash gift in commemoration of the 66th birthday of the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

The governor had made a special appeal to all who want to celebrate his upcoming birthday anniversary, to channel all gifts and donations to the Academy for children with special needs in the State.

Obaseki said the school has demonstrated excellent capacity in the development of children with special needs, urging all to participate in the celebration to honour the children with special needs in the State.

The Head of Service presented a cheque of N500,000 to the Founder of Roseluyi Exceptional Students Academy (RESA), Osarhiemen Rosemary Isaac-Aluyi, to support the upkeep of the children with special needs.

According to him, “Due to the passion of Mr. Governor on the environment, we decided to pull resources together to clean the environment to commemorate the governor’s birthday.

This special sanitation was initiated by the body and the ministry of environment has promised to sustain the exercise going forward. This is the first part of the celebration.”

He continued, “The second part of the celebration is a visit to this school following the wish and instruction of Mr. Governor that all gifts for him on his birthday should be brought to the school to take care of the children of this school who have various needs.

“We are here today to celebrate the governor's birthday with the children. Also, we are here to see the children and know how things are going with them in the school. We are here to present the children a little gift we contributed as our little contribution to support these special children.”

Okungbowa added, “We have a token to appreciate God for our governor. We hope they are doing well. Thank you for all you are doing. We heard you are doing a lot and doing your best for the children to get the best.”

The Founder of Roseluyi Exceptional Students Academy RESA Osarhiemen Rosemary Isaac-Aluyi, who received the cheque on behalf of the school, thanked the government delegation for their kind gesture.

“We appreciate this visit and thank you all for this donation. I am overwhelmed by this gift to the children. I thank my teachers, they are special and have been of great help as I can't do it on my own. I thank the governor for this and wish him a wonderful and prosperous birthday.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Commissioner, Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism; Uyi Oduwa-Malaka; Founder, Roseluyi Exceptional Students Academy (RESA), Osarhiemen Rosemary Isaac-Aluyi; Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq., and Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Government House and Protocol, Mrs. Julie Olatunji, during a visit to the Roseluyi Exceptional Students Academy in commemoration of the 66th birthday of the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Saturday, July 1, 2023.

Obaseki’s 66th Birthday: Edo workers embark on special environmental exercise, clean up major markets, streets

The Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq., at the weekend, led civil and public servants in the State to clean major markets and streets across the State as part of activities to mark the 66th birthday of the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

The team visited Oba Market, Lagos Street, New Benin Market, Ekiosa Market, amongst other areas in the State.

Okungbowa said the special environmental exercise is put together by the body of Permanent Secretaries, the Office of the Head of Service and civil/public servants across the State to celebrate the governor on his 66th birthday.

He noted, “The Edo State workforce has commended the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for his developmental strides and the sustained growth and progress witnessed in the State in the last six and half years.

“We are celebrating the best governor in Nigeria today. He has done so much for Edo State Civil/Public Service, making it the best in Nigeria. We are the best-paid public servants in Nigeria. We have the best working environment in the Country.

“The Edo State Civil/Public Service is the most digitized in the Country. It’s the only service that gives first class graduates automatic employment. The governor has made us the best in everything.

“We are celebrating the governor through this exercise of cleaning our environment. To celebrate him, we felt it will be good to use an opportunity like this to clean the environment and the body of Permanent Secretaries (PS) and HOS put resources together to ensure this exercise becomes possible today.”

He added, “We are very proud of the governor's achievement and proud to celebrate the best governor in Nigeria. Hopefully, we will do this every year to appreciate him and thank God for his life and his many achievements for the Edo people.”

On his part, the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Joshua Omokhodion, said, “The idea is to imbibe the culture of cleanliness which is Edo State's original cultural values. A cleaner environment brings wellness and when the people are in good health, it triggers wealth in the system. As a State, we are working to turn waste into wealth and this will be achieved.”

The General Manager of Edo State Waste Management Board, Mr. Charles Imariagbe, noted that “this exercise is a special edition to mark the governor’s 66th birthday and it’s remarkable to us because the governor desires a cleaner City. This is a flagship and from here we will continue to sustain the momentum for all of us to keep the environment clean.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq. (middle), at the weekend, leading civil and public servants in the State to clean major markets and streets across the State as part of activities to mark the 66th birthday of the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

Obaseki’s Tortuous Quest to Reinvent Edo

By Crusoe Osagie

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki’s political journey has been arduous.

Since he took office for the first time in November 2016, his path has always seemed to be thorny. Surprisingly, he always appears to pick the hard way when he could simply choose the easy option.

One scenario that proves this assertion was in the early days of Obaseki’s first tenure. He had two options. The first was to simply feather the nest of his predecessor in office and his infantry. This path would have had him play the lapdog and ensure good access to the treasury. They sing his praises to high heavens, then somehow hoodwink the people, win their support and ultimately rally round him and get him re-elected for his second term.

Obaseki turned down that option. His reason was simple. He did not think it served the best interest of the majority of Edo people. Instead, he embarked on a fierce battle of wits and brawn which culminated in the epic political victory that returned him to power in the September 19, 2020 election.

Upon return to office for the second tenure, instead of just window dressing, constructing a few roads and doing the commissioning and ribbon cutting common among Nigerian politicians in their decades of manipulating their people, Obaseki picked the difficult option again. He embarked on the reinvention of the State.

The word ‘reinvent’ was chosen intentionally. Founding fathers of the defunct Midwestern Nigeria, which has now been reduced to Edo State, had very ambitious dreams and visions that were amputated partly by the military juntas and the inexperienced and sometimes outrightly corrupt political leaders that followed them.

Between the late 1980s and the 2000s, after receiving what was left of the very high-quality education in the former Midwestern Nigeria, youths including myself who couldn’t or didn’t want to work in the civil service moved out quickly either to Lagos, Port Harcourt or overseas in search of private sector experience.

In the wake of this mass exodus, poverty pervaded Edo State which was mostly run with Diaspora remittances. The private sector was almost non-existent. There were no major manufacturing concerns, neither were there petroleum refining companies and even the service industry was comatose with no presence of branches of what was then called the new generation banks.

From a region where we earlier had thriving companies, such as the African Timber and Plywood company, Bendel Feed and Flour mill, Bendel Breweries, Okpella Cement Company, among others, youths could barely find a decent industrial concern to work after acquiring education.

Back to Governor Obaseki’s knack for difficult tasks. The governor took on the daunting mission to rebuild the dreams of Edo’s founding fathers which his predecessors appeared to either shy away from or didn’t have the expertise to sustain.

Brimming with experience garnered from the boardroom, the governor began the tedious task of reinventing the civil and public service in Edo State quite early. His theory on the importance of this sector is that it is the hub around which a thriving private sector must revolve and so it must be functional and efficient.

The reform of the State’s public service is perhaps one of the most impactful interventions of Governor Obaseki’s transformational projects. The ultimate goal was to transit service delivery from an archaic, analogue and strenuous mode to a digitized, seamless and efficient mode.

Through the Edo State Public Service Transformation and Enhancement Project (Edo-STEP), the governor has digitized work processes in the civil and public service, ensuring that workers are exposed to top-of-the-range training at the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy. Files are processed through the service-wide e-government platform, ensuring quick turn-around time.

The nimbler reforms include the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme and the Edo State Health Insurance Commission, which ensure adequate welfare for workers.

Across various sectors of the state, the result of the hard work of Governor Obaseki has taken firm footing, which has set the State on the path of prosperity.

It is to the Governor’s credit that Edo State now has an active electricity market, set up through legislation to make provision for the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in the State. The State is also empowered to regulate the sector.

The existing 95MW Ossiomo Power Plant, which runs its own grid network and powers the State’s establishments and public utilities such as streetlights, is captured in the new law. It is expected to expand its network to serve industrial clusters and private customers.

The State has also become an industrial haven with the establishment of at least two modular refineries, which as at June 2023, placed an order for 300,000 barrels of crude for refining in their facilities. The two refineries are the 6000bpd facility operated by the Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Company (ERPC) in Ologbo, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area and the 2500bpd Duport Refinery run by Duport Refinery Company Limited in Egbokor, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the State.

Another industrial concern in the State is the Greenhill Ethanol Plant, which is expected to produce food grade ethanol for use in the confectionery and beverage industry. It will be fed with 800 trucks of cassava daily at its site in Ologbo, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of the state.

The State now has a fast-expanding retail sector, with the latest entrant being the Benin City mall, which will host a cinema, library, entertainment centre and other hospitality businesses. The Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Sound Stage is now brimming with verve, with youths engaged in various artistic productions, including films, theatrical works, music and photography.

The Benin Port project is a legacy project of Governor Obaseki. The facility is designed for a carrying capacity of 300,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). The State Government is developing the port in partnership with the Federal Government through the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA). It will be run in collaboration with the Port of Antwerp in Belgium. It is also to be designated a sister port to the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos.

With all of these, graduates from Edo don’t only stay in the State after completing their education, those from other states want to come to begin their lives and gain private sector experience in Edo. It is a new dawn because the governor has set the right foundation to engender progress.

It is clear that Obaseki’s choice to take the less travelled path has paid off, setting the State on a journey of continental competitiveness and global recognition. This much is obvious with the World Bank’s rating of the State as a global model for reforming education.

Obaseki would rightly be regarded as the man who took the hard decisions that repositioned Edo State as a competitive sub-national. The reverberating impact of these hard choices are already beginning to show and will become clearer and indelible for many years to come.

Osagie is the Special Adviser, Media Projects to the Edo State Governor

Obaseki condoles with Salvation Army over road accident

..[i]. Commissioner visits injured victims[/i]

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commiserated with Salvation Army Ministry International over an accident involving its members on the bridge across Ovia River along the Benin-Lagos Expressway, which claimed the lives of some of its members and other road users.

In a statement, the governor expressed sadness over the incident, praying that God will comfort the family of the victims and grant the injured quick recovery.

According to him, “I received the news of an accident involving a vehicle conveying members of the Salvation Army, which claimed the lives of its members with a heavy heart. Many were reported injured in the unfortunate incident, which happened on the bridge across Ovia River. I pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and quick recovery for the injured.”

The Edo State Commissioner for Public Security and Safety, Kingsley Uwagbale, has visited the injured victims, who are receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), to assess their health condition.

Uwagbale conveyed the governor’s condolences to the survivors, adding, “The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, sympathizes with you and is praying for your quick recovery.”

Obaseki@66: Edo youths applauds gov’s commitment to job creation, improving education, others

Youths in Edo State have applauded the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration's commitment to improving the lives of youths with the implementation of ongoing reforms in education, skills development and other sectors.

In a statement to celebrate the governor’s 66th birthday anniversary, Chairman, Edo State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Moses Agwinede Joseph, said Governor Obaseki’s youth-friendly policies and initiatives have made significant impact on the lives of Edo youths, restoring hope for a brighter future.

He noted, “Your Excellency, Governor Godwin Noghegase Obaseki, on behalf of the over 3 million members of the Edo Youth Community, I Comrade Moses Agwinede Joseph the number one youth of Edo state, extend our warmest wishes to you on the occasion of your birth anniversary celebration.

“I am truly grateful for your unwavering support and dedication towards the betterment of our generation. Your youth-friendly policies and initiatives have made a significant impact on the lives of Edo youths restoring hope for a brighter future.”

He said the governor’s commitment “to providing quality education, creating job opportunities, and fostering an inclusive environment for young people’s growth have not gone unnoticed. Your efforts to listen to our concerns, engage us in decision-making processes, and provide platforms for our voices to be heard have empowered us and inspired us to dream big.”

He noted that under the leadership of the governor, youths in the state, “have witnessed the transformation of our state into a vibrant hub for youth development and industrialization. The numerous programs and initiatives you have implemented, such as the Edo Innovation Hub, EdoJobs, Industrial Park, Ossiomo Electrical Power generation, Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST), civil service reform, good road networks within the state, and the enactment of business-friendly policies have equipped us with the necessary tools to succeed and contribute meaningfully to society.

“Your unwavering belief in the potential of every young person, regardless of their background or circumstances, has motivated us to strive for excellence and to make positive changes in our communities. Your genuine care and concern for the well-being of every Edo indigene or resident have given us the confidence to overcome challenges and pursue our aspirations with zeal.”

Joseph noted, “On this special day, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your remarkable leadership and your tireless efforts in championing the cause of the youth. Your vision, passion, and dedication serve as an inspiration for us all. We are privileged to have you as our governor, and we look forward to witnessing more milestones and achievements under your guidance.”

‘How World Bank, Edo govt, 6 varsities kicked-off procurement training in Nigeria’

The Managing Director of the Edo State Public Procurement Agency, Henry Idogun, has noted that the World Bank working with the Edo State Government and other institutions pioneered the mounting of procurement programmes across six Nigerian universities.

Idogun, who spoke with journalists in Benin City, noted that the programme was instituted after it came to light that there was no formal academic programme in Nigerian universities to build local capacity on procurement.

According to him, “Before, there was no University in Nigeria that offered Procurement as a course. Recently, about two or three years ago, the World Bank realized that there is inadequate procurement capacity in the country and started a programme in partnership with the Nigeria Universities Commission where they now want to run procurement courses in six selected universities.

“In fact, these universities were competitively selected. The one in the South-South is the University of Benin. When they wanted to start, they didn’t have resource persons. And the World Bank directed them to go and collaborate with our agency. Up till this moment, we act as resource persons to them. The progress they have made is well applauded by the World Bank which has also commended our commitment and support to the centre.”

He noted that the development is part of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration’s drive to entrench transparency and accountability in public procurement in the state, which has received international and national accolades.

Edo students link national quiz glory to Obaseki’s education reforms, share success story

[b]…applaud digital teaching in schools, others transformative reforms
[/b]
Edo students from Anglican Girls Grammar School (AGGS), Benin City, who represented the State at the just-concluded national quiz competition sponsored by MTN Foundation, have attributed their remarkable and outstanding performance in the highly competitive national quiz contest to the transformative education reforms implemented by Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

The 15-year-old secondary school students, including Theresa John Parkson, Benita Omosefe Omonzejele, and Best Osasogie Edobor brought pride to their School and State after outperforming schools from across the country to clinch the second position at the 2023 MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) Quiz Competition.

The trio had earlier emerged as the best performers in the South-South region, securing their spot to represent the region in the quiz tourney, competing among the six best schools from the 36 States of the Country at the finale recently held in Abuja.

Speaking to journalists in Benin City after their successful outing, Best Osasogie, the leaders of the team hailed the governor for prioritizing investment in education, noting that the government’s digital teaching contributed immensely to their success at the national competition.

According to her, their impressive outing was a reflection of the dedication and commitment of both the students and their teachers, who have embraced the new educational paradigm introduced by Governor Obaseki with a focus on enhancing the quality of teaching, providing modern learning facilities, and promoting innovative teaching methods.

She said, “The reforms by the Governor have raised the bar for education in Edo State, ensuring that we receive a quality education that is on par with international standards. I am especially impressed with the digital teaching methods across schools in the State and immensely grateful to the governor for his transformative initiatives, which have enabled us to compete and achieve outstanding results at the national level.”

Sharing the story of their journey, Omosefe Omonzejele said, “Though the journey was challenging, stressful, and tough, we are glad that the sleepless nights finally paid off. We had an impressive outing but we are confident to do even better in future competitions.”

She added, “Governor Obaseki's education reforms in the education have been instrumental in shaping our educational journey and preparing us for this national quiz competition. The emphasis on digital teaching methods, access to educational resources, and the overall improvement in the education sector have laid the foundation for our success. We are grateful to the governor for prioritizing education and investing in our future.”

The education sector in Edo State has undergone a significant transformation under the Obaseki-led government with a total overhaul and massive improvement in the overall system.

The government has in the past six years focused on delivering superior learning outcomes to students by investing in the professional development of teachers, (employing and training quality teachers to achieve set targets); training and equipping supervisors and quality assurance officers; developing state-owned schools in remote areas and sensitizing parents on the need to send their children to school.

Eid-el-Kabir: Obaseki harps on tolerance, sacrifice to sustain Nigeria’s progress

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has urged Nigerians to work together in unison, irrespective of their ethno-religious inclinations to ensure the country’s progress.

The governor, in a statement to mark the Eid-el-Kabir festivities, urged Muslim faithful to imbibe the lesson of sacrifice, which is the hallmark of the season.

He said, “I felicitate with our Muslim brothers and sisters as we mark the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.”

Obaseki noted, “As we celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, I urge everyone to imbibe the lesson of sacrifice, which is the hallmark of this season.

"Let us endeavour to deepen our relationship with God and enhance our service to humanity as we reflect on the lessons of this celebration."

The governor added, “I enjoin everyone to rededicate ourselves to our Creator, working assiduously to sustain the virtues of patience, tolerance and love.

“We are in dire straits as a nation, but it is a period that demands that we work together in unison and join hands across ethno-religious inclinations for our collective progress.

“We are working closely with security authorities to ensure our Muslim faithful have a peaceful celebration.”



*Eid-el-Kabir Message*

I felicitate with our Muslim brothers and sisters as we mark the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

As we celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, I urge everyone to imbibe the lesson of sacrifice, which is the hallmark of this season.

Let us endeavour to deepen our relationship with God and enhance our service to humanity as we reflect on the lessons of this celebration.

I enjoin everyone to rededicate ourselves to our Creator, working assiduously to sustain the virtues of patience, tolerance and love.

We are in dire straits as a nation, but it is a period that demands that we work together in unison and join hands across ethno-religious inclinations for our collective progress.

We are working closely with security authorities to ensure our Muslim faithful have a peaceful celebration.

*His Excellency,*
*Godwin Obaseki*
_Governor, Edo State_

Eid-el-Kabir: Obaseki harps on tolerance, sacrifice to sustain Nigeria’s progress

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has urged Nigerians to work together in unison, irrespective of their ethno-religious inclinations to ensure the country’s progress.

The governor, in a statement to mark the Eid-el-Kabir festivities, urged Muslim faithful to imbibe the lesson of sacrifice, which is the hallmark of the season.

He said, “I felicitate with our Muslim brothers and sisters as we mark the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.”

Obaseki noted, “On the occasion of this auspicious celebration, I urge everyone to imbibe the lesson of sacrifice, which is the hallmark of this season.

“We should all endeavour to seek to have a deeper and greater responsibility to God and to humanity as we reflect on the lessons of the season.”

The governor added, “I enjoin everyone to rededicate ourselves to our Creator, working assiduously to sustain the virtues of patience, tolerance and love.

“We are in dire straits as a nation, but it is a period that demands that we work together in unison and join hands across ethno-religious inclinations for our collective progress.

“We are working closely with security authorities to ensure our Muslim faithful have a peaceful celebration.”





Eid-el-Kabir Message

I felicitate with our Muslim brothers and sisters as we mark the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

On the occasion of this auspicious celebration, I urge everyone to imbibe the lesson of sacrifice, which is the hallmark of this season. We should all endeavour to seek to have a deeper and greater responsibility to God and to humanity as we reflect on the lessons of the season.

I enjoin everyone to rededicate ourselves to our Creator, working assiduously to sustain the virtues of patience, tolerance and love.

We are in dire straits as a nation, but it is a period that demands that we work together in unison and join hands across ethno-religious inclinations for our collective progress.

We are working closely with security authorities to ensure our Muslim faithful have a peaceful celebration.



His Excellency,

Godwin Obaseki

Governor, Edo State

Edo rallies stakeholders, urges support to build more resilient health system to respond to future outbreaks

The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Samuel Alli, has called for the support and collaboration of all stakeholders to build a more resilient and efficient health system to respond to and mitigate the impact of future outbreaks and improve access to quality healthcare services for Edo people.

Alli, who spoke to journalists after a one-day health stakeholder engagement in Benin City, emphasized that health is an essential component of human capital development, reiterating the need for continuous partnerships in enhancing access to efficient, quality healthcare services to people across the State.

The meeting was attended by the heads of administration of the State’s 18 local government areas, Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) Coordinators across the State, and Directors of the Edo State Ministry of Health and the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, among others.

He said, “While the Governor Godwin Obaseki-state government has made remarkable progress in the health sector, undertaking reforms and pursuing transformative infrastructural projects to revamp the State’s health system, we cannot afford to become complacent. We must sustain efforts, strengthening collaboration and partnerships to guarantee robust mechanisms and systems that enable us to effectively prepare for, detect, and mitigate the impact of any future outbreaks.”

“The ever-evolving landscape of healthcare demands that we remain open to change and continuously strive for improvement. We have witnessed remarkable advancements driven by technology, transforming the way we diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases, such as the transformation in the treatment and management of HIV/AIDS which was formally perceived as a death sentence.

“As the health sector continues to evolve, we must embrace innovation and leverage technology to enhance accessibility, affordability, and the overall quality of healthcare services in Edo State.”

Commending the governor’s strides in the health sector, especially the upgrade of the Edo College of Nursing Sciences and the Edo Specialist Hospital, the Commissioner urged health workers and other stakeholders in the State to complement the government’s efforts at strengthening the state’s health system by ensuring the delivery of high-quality and efficient healthcare services to the people of the State.

Vice President to honour students from Edo, Nasarawa, others as Edo secondary school emerges second best among 36 States

[i][b]… clinches N5m cash prize[/[/b]i]

Reforms in the education sector by the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has continued to yield positive gains as students of Anglican Girls Grammar School (AGGS) achieved yet another remarkable feat, clinching the second position in the highly competitive national quiz competition, outperforming schools from all 36 states of Nigeria.

The students from the state-owned school had emerged as the best performers in the South-South region, securing their spot to represent the region in the Anti Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) Quiz Competition, sponsored by the MTN Foundation.

The students clinched the second position with a N5 million cash prize after getting five points behind the quiz winners, the Parents Teachers Association-Nasarawa Agricultural Development Programme (PTA-NADP) International College, Lafia, Nasarawa State, who got 50 points.

The winners will be presented with their prizes by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima at the ASAP National Conference scheduled to hold tomorrow, June 26 at the State House, Abuja, as part of activities to commemorate the 2023 World Drug Day.

The trio of Theresa John Parkson, Benita Omosefe Omonzejele, and Best Osasogie Edobor who were Edo’s representatives at the highly tensed competition had thrilled guests with their academic prowess and problem-solving abilities, showcasing their knowledge and understanding of the dangers of substance abuse, addiction, and other related topics.

The achievement reflects the effectiveness of the state’s educational policies and initiatives embarked upon by the Governor Obaseki-led state government in the past six years.

The government had focused on delivering superior learning outcomes to students by investing in the professional development of teachers, (employing and training quality teachers to achieve set targets); training and equipping supervisors and quality assurance officers; developing state-owned schools in remote areas and sensitising parents on the need to send their children to school.

MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme is a multi-stakeholder, multi-sectoral behaviour change initiative that is aimed at reducing the rate of first-time substance abusers amongst young Nigerians aged between 10-25 years.

Executive secretary, MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya said the competition is organized to create awareness of substance abuse among secondary students and also assess the level of awareness and knowledge of substance abuse and substance abuse issues among secondary school students.

Edo govt employs, onboards new staff for College of Education

*_…says institution ‘ll boost teachers’ capacity to sustain education reforms_*

The Edo State Government has said the newly revamped Edo State College of Education will boost the capacity of teachers in the State to sustain the gains recorded in the education sector over the past six years by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.

The Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Osamuyimen Ekhosuehi, said this during a 3-day onboarding programme for staff of the College with the theme, “Building an effective team for service delivery using best global practices,” held at the School’s main campus in Igueben, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

She said, “With the vision and foresight of the Governor, the State is trying to have a college that serves the needs of its constituency which for this college is the basic education teachers who by law are supposed to have a minimum of NCE as their certificate.

“So, to strengthen the certificate, the Obaseki-led administration thought it wise to have a college put together as Edo State College of Education with multi campuses, headquartered in Igueben while doing away with all the small colleges which were all over the State.”

“We are hoping for a vibrant college for teachers that can stand to be called teachers, who will deliver and give us good output.”

On her part, the Acting Provost of the Edo State College of Education, Prof (Mrs.) Roseline Osagie while speaking on the peculiarities of the college said, “In 2020, there was a law that established Edo State College of Education. This new College of Education becomes very unique because it is a multi-campus system that has three campuses with Igueben being the main campus.

“Each of the campuses has its unique programmes. The Science and Vocational Technical Education is at the Igueben campus; the Early Childhood and Primary Education at the Abudu campus, and the Physical and Health Education as well as Special Needs at the Afuze campus. The teachers/specialists are also distributed in that format.”

She added, “Currently, we have an administrative startup of 108 staff spread across the three campuses, supported by technology. As you know, the Governor's mission is to go digital and the Edo State College of Education is actually going digital. We will leverage technology to teach and interact with our students as well as relate and interact between the three campuses. Our teachers are technologically equipped and this onboarding programme will also reawaken their technology skills.

“We have a hostel at the Abudu campus while facilities for boarding are on course for the Igueben and Afuze campuses for now.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

*IMG_01*

L-R: Acting Registrar, Edo State College of Education, Mr. Michael Osayamem Ekhovbiye; Acting Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Education, Dr. Osamuyimen Oni Ekhosuehi; Acting Provost, Edo State College of Education, Prof (Mrs.) Roseline O. Osagie, and the Ekpen I of Igueben, High Chief Ekhoye Ekpen, during a 3-day onboarding programme for staff of the College, at the main campus in Igueben.

[b]Obaseki: Ongoing fibre connectivity, other digital infrastructure devt programmes ‘ll impact healthcare delivery, educatio[/b]n

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said ongoing fibre connectivity across the State’s 18 local government areas as well as other digital infrastructure development projects in the State will improve access to quality healthcare services and positively impact the State’s education sector.

The Governor Obaseki-led state government has, in the past six years, sustained reforms and programmes to guarantee the right physical and digital infrastructure to drive sustainable growth and development in the state, leveraging technology.

The fibre connectivity project is aimed at bolstering the government’s efforts at expanding its digital space and pushing up the commerce potential of all Edo local councils, thereby improving the livelihoods of the people and reducing rural-urban drift.

The government recently introduced 24-hour free Wi-Fi service in various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and other public places within the Benin metropolis to provide unlimited Internet access to workers and other members of the public, in the wake of the three-day weekly work schedule for civil and public servants as part of efforts to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government. The free Wi-Fi service is being expanded to other local government areas in the State, in line with its digital economy drive.

Speaking to journalists in Benin City, Obaseki reinstated his government’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve the delivery of quality services to Edo people.

He noted, “We are building a solid digital backbone for Edo people as this is a project that the future of Edo State would rest on.”

According to him, “We are connecting fibres across every local government area to ensure connectivity and promote digital services as I would be the last governor to work on files manually. All the local government offices are linked as the project is going to link all our schools. Our students don't need to buy books because, with their digital devices, they can assess their books.”

Obaseki added, “All our primary health care centers would link to enable us to improve our patients’ record, increase telemedicine service, job and training center services as we would deliver services to our people at their place of residence.”

Obaseki urges for support to deliver more dividends to Edo people

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has urged for support to deliver more on ongoing reforms and infrastructural development programmes that will make lives meaningful for Edo people.

The who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha, made the call during a courtesy visit by members of the Edo Voice Movement for Continuity and Sustainability led by Osagie Erhunmwense, at the Government House in Benin City.

He said, “Edo is our common patrimony in sustaining the good works of His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki beyond his tenure but however this issue of successor will distract us as we still have lots of work to do for Edo people.

“We have ongoing projects and the governor needs more time to concentrate on delivering good governance to Edo people before we talk of politics of succession. He swore to Edo people that he will provide leadership for the people.

“Our focus is on the people even as the party provides the platform to lead. The people are the focus and the governor is doing his best to make life better for Edo people. Our election is next year, more than a year to the election, who takes over from the governor is now a point of discussion and this can lead to distraction but the governor is focused and determined in ensuring that the people get the dividends of democracy.

“The governor’s focus is on good governance that will affect the lives of the people positively. Business and commerce in the state are thriving all thanks to the friendly policies and conducive environment created by the governor to woo investors into the State.

“We know you are supporters of this administration and appreciate you for that. The governor acknowledges your support and thank you for all you are doing for his administration.”

Earlier, the leader of the group, Osagie Erhunmwense, commended the Governor Obaseki-led administration for his developmental stride and friendly policies that have improved the lives of citizens of Edo State.

He noted, “We have never had it good politically in Edo State as the government of Godwin Obaseki has given us a new narrative politically. The State has enjoyed massive development in the past seven years and after the last Governorship election, we decided to mobilize people to support the administration to ensure continuity in the State.

“We are here to thank the governor for doing well and this group has been working for over six months and able to penetrate the 192 wards across the State. Working to raise a massive movement that will ensure a strong leader to consolidate and continue the developmental stride of the governor to continue where the governor will stop.”

*PHOTO CAPTION:*

L-R: Dr. K.I Eweka; Apostle Alfred Uyinosa; Group Leader, Edo Voice Movement, Osagie Erhunmwonse and representative of the Governor and Chief of Staff, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha, during a courtesy visit, at the Government House, in Benin City.

Day of Seafarers: Obaseki assures local capacity devt in Benin Port project

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said there will be significant development of local capacity in the course of the realisation of the Benin River Port project.

The governor, who said this in commemoration of the International Day of Seafarers, noted that efforts to develop the Port are on track and that relevant regulatory requirements are being followed.

According to him: “As we commemorate the International Day of Seafarers, we reiterate that work on the Benin Port is on track and we are collaborating with the Nigeria Port Authority and other regulatory bodies to ensure that due process is followed.

“One of the key things for us is the development of local capacity. Already we have the best of professionals in the shipping and maritime industry working with us on the project.

“However, we want to use the opportunity of the development of the Benin Port to develop local talent in shipping and the maritime sector. We have already sent some of our young people to some of the best schools in the world to learn from the experts.

“As we progress on this project, we intend that our youths will be provided with the opportunity to man key roles and ensure a very strong local content regime, which will avail our people the opportunities to build their capacity. Other stakeholders with requisite expertise will also be given the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Port, which will be built to International standard.”

The Governor Obaseki-led state government is developing the Benin Port in collaboration with the Federal Government through the Nigeria Port Authority.

Obaseki hails Ruth Benson-Idahosa on US Award for campaign against human trafficking

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has applauded the founder of Pathfinders Justice Initiative (PJI) and Hub of Economic Resources for Survivors Africa (HERS), Ruth Evon Benson-Idahosa, on the award of the ‘2023 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Heroes’ by the United States Government.

In a statement, the governor hailed the courageous and impactful work of Ruth Benson-Idahosa, applauding her resolve, resilience, and dedication to advancing the campaign against sex trafficking in Nigeria.

According to him, “I congratulate you, Ruth Evon Benson-Idahosa, on the recognition by the United States Government for your immense work in deepening the fight against sex trafficking in Nigeria.

“I salute your concerted work through the Pathfinders Justice Initiative and Hub of Economic Resources for Survivors Africa (HERS Africa) in contributing to the global charge to end sex trafficking. This includes the provision of protection and prevention services to more than 3,000 women and girls.

“We are proud of the excellent work you have done and celebrate your hard work and determination in ensuring a better life for young people across the world.

“Your effort aligns with our concerted work in Edo State to address the menace of human trafficking and irregular migration in collaboration with national and international development bodies. This campaign has yielded immense impact and we are indeed elated that you are contributing to this all-important work.”

He noted that Benson-Idahosa would serve as a role model to youths in Edo State and would continue to advance the state’s government’s campaign against human trafficking.

Obaseki hails Bendel Insurance FC on Federation Cup triumph

[b]...charges team on success in continental campaign
[/b]
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated Bendel Insurance Football Club for winning the 2023 edition of the NFF Tingo Federation Cup.

Bendel Insurance defeated Rangers International Football Club with 1-0 scoreline via a penalty kick converted by Imade Osarenkhoe, in the finals of the Federation Cup played in Asaba, Delta State.

In a statement, Obaseki said, “I heartily congratulate Bendel Insurance Football Club for an impressive season run which culminated in the lifting of the Federation Cup trophy after defeating Rangers International Football Club in Asaba, Delta.

“The team, also known as the Benin Arsenal, have given an excellent account of themselves and made us all proud with their outstanding performance, which have continued to befuddle bookmakers.

“After having an unbeaten run in Group A of the abridged version of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), emerging with 18 matches unbeaten, they have proven their mettle by winning the Federation Cup.

“As the team embarks on continental action with their qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup, I charge them to continue on their impressive run so as to place Edo on the continental map.”

The team last won the FA Cup trophy 43 years ago. The return to national prominence is symptomatic of the systematic transformation of the sports sector in the state, with Bendel Insurance being the poster child of efforts to return the state to prominence in sports.

He added: “I extend congratulations to the Edo State Sports Commission, the management, players, supporters and fans of Bendel Insurance Football Club, in Edo State and in the Diaspora on the new trophy haul.

“As a government, we will continue to prioritise sports development and sustain investment in youth development so as to surpass the current tempo.”

Edo apprehends two persons for indiscriminate refuse disposal, intensifies campaign for clean environment

The Edo State Government has intensified the ‘Clean Edo’ campaign, aimed at ending indiscriminate disposal of waste across the State and ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment.

Addressing journalists after the arrest, the General Manager of Edo State Waste Management Board, Mr. Osadebamwen Charles Imariagbe, said the board has apprehended two persons for flouting the government’s directive against indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

He added that the government is determined to ensure the State is clean as measures have been deployed to ensure all citizens comply.

He said, “Few weeks ago, we launched the “#Edo Must Be Clean” Campaign, embarking on sensitization rallies along with the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to let the people know that indiscriminate refuse disposal in the State will no longer be tolerated as modality has already been put in place to arrest anyone that violates the regulations.

“Some people were caught dumping refuse indiscriminately and they will face the law. These persons were arraigned before a magistrate. We will continue to go around the city.

“We have notified people through various communication channels but they still dump refuse at these places despite the warnings. Ignorance is no longer an excuse. Anyone caught will face the law. Edo must be clean, as we all should work together to make this possible.”

Imariagbe added, “Among those arrested, one person was convicted at the mobile court.”

Speaking to journalists, Imade Smart, a trader in Oba Market, Benin City, said some persons are in the habit of dumping refuse at the markets at odd hours, adding, “We are doing our best to monitor them and assure that any person caught will be handed over to the relevant authorities for prosecution.”

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Officials evacuating waste from Oba Market in Benin City.

Edo group hails Obaseki on inclusive governance, lauds support for Agbebaku’s emergence as 8th Assembly Speaker

…says gov has put to rest years-long marginalization of Owan people in Edo politics

An Edo-based socio-political group, Owan Patriotic Forum, has commended Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for supporting the emergence of Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, as the Speaker of the 8th Edo State House of Assembly.

In a statement, Convener of the Owan Patriotic Forum, Chief Stephen Ohilebo, said the emergence of Rt. Hon. Agbebaku has effectively addressed the long-standing issue of marginalization faced by the Owan ethnic group in Edo State politics.

According to him, “We commend His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki for supporting the emergence of the member of the Edo State House of Assembly representing Owan West, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku as Speaker of the 8th State Assembly. This development has put to rest the years-long marginalization of the Owan people in Edo politics, and as a people, we’re grateful to the Governor.

“It has further demonstrated that the Governor is a fair and just leader who has the interests of all Edo people at heart.”

Chief Ohilebo stated, “We commend the governor’s developmental strides across all sectors of the State and reassure our support for his administration's transformative reforms and programmes which have set Edo State on the path of sustainable growth and development.

He added, “The Owan Patriotic Forum strongly believes that Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku will effectively steer the affairs of the 8th Edo State House of Assembly, fostering productive debates and good legislation and engendering a harmonious working relationship between the executive and the legislature to advance the development of our dear State and improve the lives of the Edo people.”