The Nation Newspaper

Category: Edo 2020

  • ALSALS holds graduation

    ALSALS holds graduation

    Dressed in purple and lemon convocation gowns, the 2021 graduating students of A Little sleep, A Little Slumber ( ALSALS) Vocational Centre gave testimonies, danced and laughed with excitement. Happily, they also acted a playlet depicting some of the lessons learned, opportunities available, the importance of perseverance and knowledge gained.

    Dignitaries, friends and family members also witnessed the colourful ceremony that included the presentation of certificates, awards and grants that will help to take their businesses and initiatives to the next level.

    Mrs. Franca Alayo, an educationist and principal of Edidot college admonished the grandaunts to make the best use of the opportunity given to them. “Today makes a milestone in the history of this school. We are celebrating life, excellence, hard work, determination, resilience and discipline. I thank God for your lives in a special way, for directing you, keeping you and guiding you throughout your stay in the school.”

    Alayo added that: “It is moving on to the next level, sending forth into the world. I know it can be scary and the challenges enormous. You have toiled for 3 to 4 months. You have learned so much, whether formal or informal. I can see on my right hand, all the things you have produced. Congratulations to you all, you have a great future ahead of you, don’t be scared”.

    According to the founder, Hon. Justice Oluwatoyin Abosede Taiwo, the objective of the Organisation is to invest in women and girls. “We enlighten women to become aware of, understand, appreciate and use their potential for the emancipation of poverty through self-reliance and independence. To do this, we organise conferences, lectures and seminars geared towards women’s development and empowerment “.

    She explained that caring for these vulnerable women has been a great source of inspiration and fulfillment for her. “We strive to strengthen women in godliness, in order to replicate the virtues of women, recorded in the Bible thereby promoting a higher level of dignity, integrity, eloquence and resilience”.

    ALSALS offers 3 months of foundational training in catering services, household hygiene, tailoring and creative design, event management, and ICT. “As an NGO, we believe in empowering women through skills acquisition. The skill acquisition will not only boost the self-esteem of women but give them a source of income to help their families. There are many testimonies of the benefits of this program.”

    For its achievements over the years, ALSALS has received National and international recognitions and awards. “The list includes Unseen Guest award, recognition from Lagos state government, Inspiration International award, Best NGO award 2020 in Kigali, Rwanda, Women of Merit Gold award and Symbol of Hope award”.
    In her message, Janine T. Lewis, political officer, US Consulate this is a great example of empowering women and taking them a step further.

    “Success depends on our support system. By going through this program today, these amazing women have expanded their network to include those present at this graduation. Their cohorts, instructors, program directors are a sisterhood that when working together they can achieve anything”.

    For Mrs. Joy Nweke, ALSALS director of administration and member Board of Trustees, “It has been a good outing of knowing these outgoing CEOs of 2020/2021 session as I fondly call them. My advice is that you shouldn’t allow these pained 3 Months to be in vain. Procrastination is the thief of time; start immediately after now to kick start your business”.

    Striving for Excellence, she advised was a duty they owe themselves to succeed. “Remember the training and advices from your various heads of departments or Resource persons. Your journey to success is in your hands, and I will add that God is with you.So starting today, Step out and fly like the eagle”

    For Barrister Tomi Ogunkelu, a member of the Organisations Board of Trustees this is just a stepping stone to bigger things. “ALSALS was formed on the word of God and so we should not forget that. Whatever knowledge you have gained from your teachers and founder, please take and run with it. God will bless the work of your hands and the fruit of your labour “.

  • #OndoDecides2020: APC blasts PDP over vote-buying allegations

    #OndoDecides2020: APC blasts PDP over vote-buying allegations

    By Osagie Otabor, Akure

    The All Progressives Congress(APC) has lambasted the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) for insinuating residents of Ondo voted for the highest bidder in Saturday’s governorship elections.

    Results released in 15 local government areas showed Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu taking the lead with a wide margin.

    Acting National Secretary of the party and Secretary, National Campaign Council for the Ondo election, Mustapha Saliu, who spoke to journalists in Akure, said voters trooped out to vote willingly and not as a result of any inducement.

    Saliu described the opposition PDP as a bad loser that has lost the ability and capability to win an election in any part of the country.

    He said many people expected the bandwagon effect to happen to the APC in the Ondo election following the defeat of the party in the September 19 Edo governorship election.

    According to him: “This election is different from the Edo elections. They were expecting a bandwagon effect.

    “The Edo election was APC election because the Governor has not spent 1000 hours in the PDP. It was the progressives attitude of Obaseki that made him win. The PDP has lost the ability and capability to win elections anywhere.

    “There is a difference between campaigns and rallies. They only hold rallies because they don’t have a manifesto.

    READ ALSO: #OndoDecides2020: Two injured, many arrested

    “As an organisation they have moved from barbarism to decadence without passing through any kind of civilisation. They cannot convince people.

    “The Edo Governor is still a progressive. It is the manifesto and work he did base on progressive ideals that made the Edo people vote for him. It is not about singing in social media.

    “The electoral body did wonderfully. Materials were available on time. The security agencies did well. They were professional in executing their jobs.

    “We have bad losers. We lost the election in Edo State and the party congratulated the Governor. That is the spirit of sportsmanship and responsibility to the populace so as not to overheat the polity. The PDP is looking for an opportunity to explain their poor performance.”

    “It is irresponsible and petty from an organisation that called itself a political party. I see the PDP as a cartel to deceive people and overheat the polity.”

  • My mandate divine, Ondo Deputy Gov tells kinsmen

    My mandate divine, Ondo Deputy Gov tells kinsmen

    Osagie Otabor, Akure

    Ondo Deputy Governor and candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) Agboola Ajayi has stated his ambition is a divine arrangement whether his Ijaw kinsmen voted for him or not.

    Ajayi said he would still win the election as ordained by God.

    He spoke at a meeting with leaders of the Ijaws in Ondo State under the auspices of Aruogbo Ijaw Development Association.

    Ajayi reportedly told the Ijaw leaders: “I’ve seen it all. I have been a supervisor, council chairman, member of the House of Representatives and I’m now deputy governor.

    “Even if the whole of Arogbo Ijaws doesn’t vote for me, I will be governor if God says I will be Governor. So you should mind the way you address me”.

    An Ijaw leader at the meeting said Ajayi sought audience with them apparently to secure an endorsement at the meeting facilitated by former National secretary the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Chief Francis Williams.

    The Ijaw leader, who pleaded anonymity, said some youths engaged Ajayi in the distribution of contracts and projects in Ese-Odo Local Government Area.

    READ ALSO: Agboola Ajayi: Perils of a contentious law degree

    He said Ajayi did not offer explanations on the issues raised, including his involvement in the legal tussle around a land dispute between the Arogbo Ijaws and Kiribo, Ajayi’s community.

    Chief Williams told The Nation the association is apolitical and ready to receive any candidate.

    Williams said they presented a blueprint to Ajayi on the development of Aruogbo Ijaw and Ajayi told them his project has a divine mandate.

    He said: “The Deputy Governor said his own project has a divine arrangement whether anybody supports him or not. He said he will be there if Arougbo Ijaw voted for him or not.

    “What he said depends on interpretation because some leaders there are members of political parties. Maybe he was giving God all the glory.”

    On whether the group adopted Ajayi, Williams said a voice vote agreed he (Ajayi) is their son.

  • We must meet Edo people’s expectations, says Obaseki

    We must meet Edo people’s expectations, says Obaseki

    Bisi Olaniyi, Southsouth Bureau Chief

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has said the expectations of the people have become all-time high, following his victory in the September 19 poll.

    The governor promised that he and other officials of his administration would have no choice than to meet the people’s expectaions.

    He announced the dissolution of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign council for the last governorship election, praising its members for their dedication to duty, which he said accounted for the election victory.

    Also, at a meeting on Monday with members of Edo State Campaign Council of his party at the Government House in Benin, the state capital, thanked them for doing a great job.

    He said: “We have so much to do between now and the day of inauguration (November 12, 2020). The country and the world are watching Edo. They want to see how we will manage our victory and what we will do with it. The expectations of Edo people are at an all-time high and we have no choice but to deliver.

    Read Also: No plans to return to APC now – Obaseki

    “What I can promise the people is that I will provide the leadership and I will be fair, objective and transparent in dealing with issues.”

    The governor described members of the state’s PDP campaign council as miracle workers.

    “You are all miracle workers as far this election is concerned. If you sit back and reflect on our journey so far, the time, resources and the victory that was finally achieved, you will agree with me that all those who contributed to the achievements are all miracle workers.

    “I joined the PDP less than 100 days ago, put together this team and everyone went to work and got the result, because we were all committed to our job. We moved round the 192 wards across Edo State and I am not surprised at the result we have achieved.

    “This meeting was organised first to thank you all for your efforts and to formally dissolve the campaign council now that we have got victory in the just-concluded governorship election in Edo State. I also urge you to try and document what happened, because we have made history,” he said.

     

  • PDP, APC clash over arming of thugs during election

    PDP, APC clash over arming of thugs during election

    From Bisi Olaniyi, Southsouth Bureau Chief

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state clashed on Monday over the arming of thugs during last Saturday’s governorship election.

    The APC, in an online statement by the Chairman of its Media Campaign Council John Mayaki, called for the withdrawal of arms and ammunition, urging the international community to prevail on concerned authorities to mop up all the illegal arms that were brought into the state for the purpose of the election.

    It said: “The election is over, what has happened to the arms? We are worried in Edo State that the arms may have got into the wrong hands and there may be an increase in crime waves across the state. Already there was poor security in the state.

    “We fear that kidnapping and armed robbery, among other criminal activities, will increase. We are also asking Edo governor and his deputy to release the APC members they kidnapped during the election. There is no gain in keeping them any longer.”

    But the Edo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), through its Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, who spoke for Obaseki, asked Mayaki and other members of APC to be good losers.

    Nehikhare said: “All the flashpoints during the September 19 governorship election in Edo State involved APC and its thugs, but members of PDP adequately protected their votes, leading to the well-deserved victory by Governor Obaseki and his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu.

    “APC leaders should withdraw the guns and ammunition that they gave to their thugs, who are advised to make themselves available for training and empowerment programmes of Obaseki’s administration, in order to become useful members of the society, rather than later going into criminal activities with the arms and ammunition in their possession.”

    PDP in Edo also urged APC members to join hands with Obaseki to move Edo forward, rather than attempting to pull down the government.

  • Civil societies fault INEC on failure to curb vote-buying, others

    Civil societies fault INEC on failure to curb vote-buying, others

    By Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has got thumps-down for its inability to curb vote buying during last Saturday’s Edo governorship election.

    A coalition of over 60 civil society organisations, under the aegis of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (NCSR) noted in its interim report on the Edo election that although INEC improved on its past performances,  it was not yet celebration time.

    NCSR observed: “The incidence of vote buying during this election was high. It called for a more effective enforcement of election laws that prohibit vote buying and other election offences.”

    Presenting the report in Abuja yesterday, NCSR convener Clement Nwankwo noted that “although INEC deserves commendation for ensuring an appreciable improvement in the conduct of election in the country, it needs to improve on its performance in subsequent elections”.

    Nwankwo added:  “The administration of the Edo State governorship election appears to have been a marked improvement on recent previous governorship elections. INEC’s processes appeared to operate smoothly.

    “Situation Room observed delay in the opening of polls in most polling units, although this did not affect voting thereafter.  There was early deployment of materials and officials across several polling units in the state.

    “There were however reports of late commencement of voting in some polling units owing to late arrival of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    “In some cases, this was due to late arrival of security agents at Registration Area Centres (RACs) to escort election officials and materials to polling units, majorly in Edo South Senatorial District.

    “INEC introduced the use of a Result Viewing Portal to upload polling unit results. This was a commendable action on the part of INEC and Situation Room commends it in its effort at transparency in the electoral process.”

    “However, a significant amount of results were yet to be uploaded, even at the time of collation, raising fears of possible political interference at some polling points.”

  • Obasanjo to Obaseki: be magnanimous in victory

    Obasanjo to Obaseki: be magnanimous in victory

    By Our Reporters

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday congratulated Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, urging him to be magnanimous in victory.

    In a statement by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo urged the governor to use his second tenure to deepen the people’s faith in democracy and improve their living standard.

    “No doubt, the outcome of the elections that have taken place so far broadly reflects the choice of the Nigerians who have, by their conduct, visibly demonstrated that they value our present democracy and will do their utmost to make it work.

    “I urge you, therefore, to reciprocate their trust by doing everything you can to strengthen their faith in democracy and in its ability to bring about improved material conditions and better service delivery.

    “I also count on your support of well-meaning Nigerians like me in our quest for national peace, stability and economic development and trust that you will play an active and visible role in our pursuit of these noble and desirable objectives,” Obasanjo said.

    Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle described Obaseki’s victory as a triumph of democracy.

    “I am not surprised at the outcome of this election considering your overwhelming acceptance by our party members in the last primary elections which I conducted for the party in Benin,” he said.

    All Progressives Congress (APC)c and former governorship candidate in Imo State, Uche Nwosu, praised President Muhamamadu Buhari for laying the foundation for a credible poll.

    Nwosu also lauded the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), adding that the electoral umpire has shown that it can conduct a free and fair election if it is determined.

    “I congratulate Edo people for standing firm and proving doom-mongers wrong, by disposing themselves responsibly, yet steadfastly, which ensured the peaceful conduct of the elections,” he said.

    Former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, commended the international community for reigning in perpetrators of electoral fraud with the announcement of visa ban and other sanctions, which reminded them of consequences of compromising the Edo governorship election.

    Read Also: Obaseki’s victory indicates new political era – Oyebode

    In a statement by his Principal Private Secretary, Muhammad Inuwa Ali, he observed that the timely advice by the United States and the United Embassies in Nigeria prevented the “merchants of election malpractice and perpetrators of electoral violence from plying their trade in the Edo election”.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ondo State, Mr Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), expressed personal joy at the Obaseki’s victory.

    Jegede in a statement in Akure, the state capital, said the result was a manifestation of the people’s conviction that the PDP is the credible alternative, which can provide good governance for the people.

    “I express personal joy at the victory of Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State; particularly for the fact that it symbolised Nigerians’ disenchantment with the ensuing poor leadership under the APC and their conviction that a PDP government is the credible alternative,” he said.

     

  • PHOTOS: Jubilation in Edo over Obaseki’s re-election

    PHOTOS: Jubilation at ring road over Obaseki re-election
    PHOTOS: Jubilation at ring road over Obaseki re-election

     

    PHOTOS: Jubilation at ring road over Obaseki re-election
    PHOTOS: Jubilation at ring road over Obaseki re-election

     

    PHOTOS: Jubilation at ring road over Obaseki re-election
    PHOTOS: Jubilation at ring road over Obaseki re-election
  • Edo 2020: APC rejects Obaseki’s victory

    Edo 2020: APC rejects Obaseki’s victory

     Raymond Mordi, Bisi Olaniyi and Precious Igbonwelundu, Benin

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo has rejected the results of the governorship election, which gave victory to Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The party cited strong-arm tactics for the rejection.

    It declared there was foul play during the election, insisting the results were skewed in favour of Obaseki.

    Edo APC called on members and all lovers of democracy to stay calm, while leaders of the party would study the results and decide on the next line of action.

    In a statement by Chairman of its Media Campaign Council, Prince John Mayaki, the APC maintained the party’s governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, was robbed of victory.

    It said: “Our people were arbitrarily arrested, many of the figures were fabricated. There was illicit tampering with results, to shore up PDP’s numbers and mark down APC’s.

    Read Also: Jubilation in Edo as Obaseki wins second term

    “Areas where we won, they cancelled the results. They decreased the votes in areas we had advantage. They rejected our results and jerked up theirs.

    “There was arbitrary arrest of local party members, who could have resisted the outrage, while Obaseki was busy diverting attention with false alarm.

    “Obaseki shouted that he was being rigged out and blamed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the initial stage, but that was to divert attention from the evil going on in the field.”

    The party also thanked members of the party and teeming supporters of Ize-Iyamu for their support and steadfastness, which it said would never be taken for granted.

  • VIDEO: Victory parade on Ring road, Benin