The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Benin City

  • Obaseki to revamp Irrua Technical College

    …assures of more job creation initiatives in Edo Central

     

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured Edo residents of his administration’s plans to refurbish the Government Science and Technical College, Irrua, as part of ongoing effort to reposition Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the state to boost skilled workforce.

    The governor gave the assurance at the official flag-off of remediation work on Ewu and Ibore gully erosion sites in Esan Central Local Government Area of the state.

    He said the next plan for the council is economic empowerment for youths through technical education and revitalisation of Ewu Flour Mill which will provide jobs.

    Read Also: Obaseki’s aide urges INEC to embrace ICT

    “The technical school at Irrua will be rehabilitated so that our youths can acquire skills that would enable them sustain themselves.”

    Recall that while on an inspection tour of ongoing rehabilitation work at the Government Science  and Technical College (GSTC), formerly known as the Benin Technical College, in Benin City, Obaseki said that the state government was working with the World Bank and Federal Ministry of Education to access a facility that would be used to promote technical education in the state.

    He added that the facility which is expected to be available by June this year, would be used to replicate the structures being constructed at the GSTC in Edo Central and Edo North senatorial districts.

  • Killings: 40 arrested as soldiers raid cultists’ hideouts in Edo

    Over 40 suspected cultists have been arrested at the Upper Sokponba area of Benin City following raids of black spots in the area.

    Upper Sokponba road is in Ikpoba-Okha local government area and it is also the Benin-Abraka road.

    Several persons including a police sergeant, Monday Ehigie have been killed in the past three weeks in the area.

    The cult related killings have led to breakdown of commercial activities in the area from Erediauwa junction to Idogbo, headquarters of Ikpoba-Okha.

    Residents living in adjoining communities like Avbiama, Umelu, Egba, Oka now rush home before 8pm.

    Prostitutes operating in a motel along the popular Three House street complained of low patronage since the latest killings began on Sunday.

    One of them who gave her name as Cynthia said security operatives raided the joint in search of some suspected cultists.

    “You can see we used to play music till 12 midnight but now we lock our doors from 7:30pm when we are supposed to start work.

    “Our customers ran away. They are afraid of arrest.” She said.

    Some of the suspected cultists were arrested following a stop and search operation carried out by the soldiers.

    Several guns, weapons and charms were said to have been found on some of the suspects.

    When contacted for comments, Edo Police spokesman, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor, said proper briefing would be made after due investigation.

  • Suspected cultists kill eight in Edo

    The ongoing cult war between Aye and Eiye confraternities has led to the killing of eight persons in Benin City, the Edo State capital, and its environs in the last three days.

    On Monday night, an undergraduate identified as John Terry was killed at Upper Uwa Street, off Murtala Muhammed Way, Benin City.

    Sources said he was engaged as a polling agent to one of the parties for the February 16 botched elections.

    Eyewitnesses said Terry was beaten to death with rods and sticks by his assailants.

    A father of four identified as Africa was yesterday morning hacked to death at Aifuwa junction after gunshots did not penetrate his body.

    The body of Africa was dumped at the Central Hospital mortuary.

    At Three House area at Upper Sokponba, in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government, traders and shop owners scampered for safety as suspected cultists robbed passers-by and shot into the air.

    Two boys belonging to a rival cult were shot dead.

    A pharmaceutical shop owner, who pleaded anonymity, said over 20 persons ran into his shop when the shooting started.

    He said they laid on the floor to avoid being hit by stray bullets.

    The source said traders in the area, since Sunday, closed shops around 7:30pm.

    Said he: “I was inside my shop when I received a call that I should lock my shop and go home because the area was about to be attacked. As I stood up to tell my boys to lock up, I saw people running into my store to take refuge.

    “All of us were on the floor while shootings were on. We later heard that many people were robbed, while two boys were killed.”

    Another witness said policemen later came to the area and arrested innocent persons.

    On Sunday night, the manager of the hotel owned by ex-Super Eagles player Osaze Odemwingie, Osato Okunkpolor, was killed by suspected cultists, who engaged in a shootout.

    Last December, Governor Godwin Obaseki unveiled a new security outfit called “Operation Wabaizigan” (Stop All Bad Things). It was equipped with 30 Hilux Vans, 50 patrol vehicles having communications gadgets, two APC vehicles and motorcycles.

    Command spokesman Chidi Nwabuzor said the police have set up security measures to ensure Benin City is safe.

    He said it was too early to condemn the new security outfit, urging residents to be patient, as the focus was on the general election.

    A security source said the renewed killings since last Saturday were linked to the money released by parties for the now postponed elections.

     

  • I drove to Benin all night only…

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress has expressed disappointment with the postponement of Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections I the country.

    The APC chieftain who pleaded anonymity said he drove all night from Abuja to to Bénin City only to hear about the postponement few hours after he arrived.

    He said the postponement would not change the defeat awaiting the opposition Peoples Democratic Party but that the electoral body would have taken the decision much earlier.

    At the residences of some party chieftains, food prepared to serve voters and party supporters at polling units were distributed to people.

    In Benin City, markets and many shops were closed. Few shops were opened in commercial areas like the Kings Square and environs.

    Commercial drivers were few in major routes in Bénin City. Those who spoke said they decided to work since the elections would no longer be conducted.

    Some candidates who spoke to our reporter expressed mixed feelings at the last minute postponement of the election.

    Barr. Omosede Igbinedion, candidate of the PDP for Ovia Federal constituency described as a calculated attempt to truncate democracy.

    Read Also: ‘We don’t kill witches in Benin Kingdom’

    Igbinedion said the ruling APC only tried to extend the defeat that awaits at the polls.

    Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Francis Alimikhena, appealed to party supporters that travelled from one party of the country to another to remain peaceful and calm.

    Senator Alimikhena said President Buhari was also affected by the postponement and urged Nigerians to remain resolute in voting for the APC.

    Candidate of the APC for Ovia Federal Constituency, Mr Dennis Idahosa, said the timing was wrong but that he would be prepared to secure victory next Saturday.

    He expressed optimism that the postponement would led to the conduct of credible and acceptable poll and urged his supporters to remain committed to the liberation of the Ovia.

    Former National Chairman of the APC,  Chief John Odigie-Oyegun said the operational difficulties cited by the electoral umpire was like an airline cancelling flight due to operational hitches which is general.

    “Let INEC come up with the specifics for us to react appropriately”. Chief Oyegun noted.

    Former governorship aspirant of both the PDP and the APC, Mr. Kenneth Imansuangbon, said it was a show of shame on the part of the ruling party.

    Imansuangbon urged Nigerians to be steadfast in the quest to root out the ruling APC and rescue the country from retrogressive and anti-democratic elements.

    He said, “They cannot postpone the evil days. If they like,  let them postponed the election 100 times, defeat awaits them”.

    Edo State Chairman of APC, Mr. Anselm Ojezua, said it was not the first time election was being shifted.

    Ojezua notes that during the days of former President Goodluck Jonathan, election was postponed even when voting was ongoing in some party of the country.

    He blamed the mixed up on INEC vendors who wrongly labeled election materials  meant for certain states to another.

    “Of course at that stage, there is no way you can recall material already dispatched and at the same time allow elections to go on. The best bet would  have been to postpone which INEC did”, he said.

    On his part, Chairman of Edo PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, said the shift was a monumental failure of INEC.

    He said, “This is a manifestation of failure. Those who postponed the election can only run but can’t  hide as dooms day await them. It is a pity that most people find it difficult to meet up with their responsibilities because of bad government. So it is time to kick them out”.

  • Obaseki targets 50 percent reduction in irregular migration, human trafficking

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to reducing the incidence of irregular migration and human trafficking by 50 per cent by the end of 2019.

    The governor made the submission while delivering a speech at the one-day Prosecution and Investigation Training on Irregular Migration themed; ‘How to Bridge the Gap between Investigation and Prosecution,’ held in Government House, Benin City, Edo State.

    He said that about 4,800 returnees have been received by the state government after going through harrowing experience in the quest for greener pastures in foreign lands.

    “In dealing with the crime of human trafficking, my administration is tackling the root cause by providing quality education, technical training which will provide jobs,” he added.

    Obaseki noted that the state government was receiving greater support from the international community as the state continues to combat the scourge of human trafficking.

    He said activities of the state taskforce against human trafficking have attracted the support of both the Federal Government and international partners in organising training on prosecution and investigation, noting, “For us in Edo State, we have realised we have a problem which has led to several steps that we have taken to solve the problem.”

    Guest lecturer at the training and Comptroller-General, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Mohammed Babandede, who delivered a lecture entitled; ‘Effective Investigation and Prosecution of Human Trafficking Cases,’ urged stakeholders to join hands with governments in the fight against the scourge.

    Babandede averred that trafficking was not an issue only for uniform personnel, but for all stakeholders such as religious leaders, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), among others.

    “Trafficking is an organised crime with three elements which must include the acts, means and purpose. Trafficking poses serious threat to governments as it relates and connects to other crimes.”

    The NIS Comptroller-General recommended policy, protection, prevention, prosecution and partnership (5Ps) as a strategy to assist investigation and prosecution of human trafficking and related cases.

     

     

  • Obaseki condoles with Ogbebor family over death of patriarch

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has paid condolence visit to the Ogbebor family over the passing of Chief (Dr.) Joe Aisien Ogbebor, the Efeisoghoba of Benin Kingdom.

    Obaseki, who led the state government’s delegation to the deceased’s residence in Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin City, described late Chief Ogbebor as hardworking, dedicated, humble, loving, disciplined and full of inspiration.

    “Your father was an illustrious and accomplished true Benin icon. He is a self-made Benin man, a unique Nigerian who recorded outstanding success in his business endeavours.

    “We will continue to remember him for his humility and calmness. He is so quiet and humble. He is a caring man who takes time out to care for people.”

    The Governor urged his children to emulate the legacies of their father, acknowledging that their father lived a fulfilled life.

    Spokesman for the family, Marcus Ojo, thanked the governor and his entourage for finding time to visit the family at their trying times.

    “We thank you our governor for this visit despite your busy schedule, especially in this electioneering campaign period. We assure you that the family will inform you of the burial plans,” he said.

     

  • Obaseki decries assault on lady accused of phone theft

    …commends swift arrest of culprits

     

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has condemned the assault on one Miss Favour Ada, over the alleged theft of a mobile phone, in the Ugbiyoko area of Benin City, stressing that the state would never tolerate the reign of lawlessness or resort to self-help in managing crime.

    In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, the governor said, “The gruesome and dehumanising attack on the lady is condemnable without equivocation.”

    He commended the State Police Command, lawyers and members of the Civil Society for forming a solid campaign to fish out the lady’s attackers and urged the Police to ensure that justice is served in the matter.

    According to him, “The campaign on violence against women and children is a major thrust of our government. So, we see this case as serious and are committed to bringing the perpetrators of the disgraceful act to justice.”

    Noting that the state government prioritises law and order, the governor said, “We believe that due process must be followed in addressing issues of alleged theft. The resort to self-help is unacceptable as we have established agencies of government that deal with such issues using the laws of the land.”

    Read Also: Obaseki inspects revamped Abudu College

    Obaseki commended the Police for the prompt response to the attendant public outcry, noting “The proactive step of the Edo State Police Command in arresting the attackers is commendable. I urge the Police to get to the bottom of the case and ensure other persons involved in the incident are arrested, thoroughly investigated and charged to court for assaulting the young lady.”

    The governor urged members of the public to join in condemning jungle justice and all acts of violence which infringe on people’s fundamental human rights.

    He said the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development is also monitoring progress on the incident and would work to ensure the victim gets justice and fully recover from injuries and trauma she suffered from the assault.

  • EdoJobs urges job seekers to look up new vacancies in Nigerian Observer

    The Edo State Government has urged unemployed youths in the state to check for new job vacancies published every week on Tuesday and Thursday, in the state’s newspaper, The Nigerian Observer.

    The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the State Governor on Job Creation and Skills Development, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, disclosed this in a chat with journalists in Benin City, the state capital.

    Mrs Dare said the publication in the Nigerian Observer is an extension of the information available on its website, noting that the idea of publishing the vacancies is to make it more accessible to unemployed youths in the state.

    “We are delighted to have struck the deal to have these advertisements up in The Nigerian Observer, which is a household name in Edo State. The publication is strategic, as it provides a catalogue of the top jobs from the public and private sectors available in the state every week.”

    Noting that the agency also places huge premium on capacity building, Dare said that the information provided on the special advert pages include the numerous training opportunities offered by EdoJobs, either through the Edo Innovation Hub or its training partners.

    She urged job seekers to scan through The Nigerian Observer Newspaper every Tuesday and Thursday for EdoJobs vacancies and apply on EdoJobs portal:www.edojobs.edostate.gov.ng to make jobs matchmaking easier.

    EdoJobs, the coordinating body for youth empowerment and job creation agency in the state, operates a portal, which houses the database of unemployed youths in the state.

  • Father of four killed fighting over a woman with four children

    A father of four children identified as Dickson Igbinoba, aged 42, has been killed while fighting another married man over a lover who has four children.

    The incident was said to have occurred at about 8pm on December 27, 2018 at

    Obaruyi Street in Egor quarters, Benin City after the two married men engaged in a fight on meeting at their lover’s apartment.

    Witnesses said Dickson collapsed and was later confirmed dead at hospital while the other lover, Mr. Osakioya Egavoen, aged 41 fled.

    Read Also: Woman stabs boyfriend with knife

    The witnesses said the woman identified as Ms Osasogie Edo-Ekhator, aged 37, watched helplessly as the two men exchange blows.

    Osasogie was said to have four children for two different men.

    It was learnt that trouble started when late Dickson picked the woman’s call while relaxing in her room and discovered that it was another man, Mr. Osakioya.

    Sources said Osakioya, apparently enraged, drove to the woman’s residence and found late Dickson after which fight started between the two men.

    Osakioya was later arrested by men of Ogida police station.

    Edo Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor said the woman and the killer lover have been arrested.

    Nwabuzor said they have made useful statements to the police and urged residents to always control their emotions to avoid unforseen circumstances.

     

  • Obaseki okays solar solution for rural schools

    …seals deal with youths at Edo Innovation Hub

    In what is best described as a game-changing effort to mainstream innovative youths in community-focused solution to power problems in Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki has approved the deployment of a 1.5KVA solar box developed by youths at the Edo Innovation Hub in addressing electricity supply challenge in rural schools across the state.

    Obaseki stated this while delivering his keynote address at the “Power for Edo Hackathon 2018” organised by the state government in collaboration with Siemens’s Impact Hub.

    The governor said his administration is collaborating with Green Fusion Energy Ltd. to provide solar energy installation to power schools in rural areas of the state.

    The innovators, who founded the company, Green Fusion Energy, were groomed at the Edo Innovation Hub, the state government-backed innovation cluster located in Benin City, the state capital.

    According to the governor, “During the 2018 Alaghodaro Youth Summit, we met with Green Fusion Energy Ltd., a team made up of EdoJobbers, who invented a solar box with a 1.5KVA capacity.

    “I have contracted them to provide 100 of such devices to power schools in rural areas in the state in collaboration with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).”

    Read Also: Igue Festival: Obaseki congratulates Benin Monarch

    He said the essence of the hub was to help young people tap into their creative potential to create solutions for problems in the society.

    The governor commended Siemens for its partnership on the Power for Edo Hackathon, urging youths to utilise the opportunity to strive for excellence and horn their creativity.

    “I have confidence in Edo youth because they are aspirational and I know they will come up with brilliant ideas. I look forward to partnering with a crop of you in the programme,” he assured.

    Mr Ibe Etea, Regional compliance Officer and Head of Data Privacy, Siemens, said the sponsorship of the programme was to ensure that young people and entrepreneurs in the state are given the opportunity to use their creativity  to solve problems of power in Edo.

    Former  chairman of Access Bank, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, commended Edo State government for investing in human capital development, noting that countries that have  made transition from less developed to developed status invested in human capital development.

    ‘’Edo is a state where it is happening, seeing this today, it shows that we are taking the right step and at the right time.

    Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Skills Development and Job Creation, Mrs Ukinebo Dare, said the Power for Edo Hackathon programme was being implemented by office of the Edo Jobs and Impact Hubs to identify youths that could create solutions for the power sector.