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Tag: Benin

Kidnapped Edo Reverend Sisters hold thanksgiving Mass

The Catholic Diocese of Benin Metropolitan See on Monday held a thanksgiving mass for the safe return of three Reverend Sisters and three aspiring Reverend sisters from kidnappers den in Ovia South West local government area.

Gunmen had on November 3rd stormed the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Convent in Iguoriakhi, Ovia South West local government area and abducted their victims.

The Reverend Sisters spent 53 days in the kidnappers den before they were rescued after their abductors fled.

Those abducted were Sister Veronica Ajayi, Sister Roseline Isiocha and Sister Frances Udi while the aspirants were Maria Massingne, Anne Ocheni and Vivian Iwhu.

Archbishop of Benin Catholic Diocese, Bishop Obinna Akubeze, urged the federal government to treat criminality as criminality.

Bishop Akubeze said the mass was to thank God for answering their prayers they offered in faith.

Akubeze said the federal government should act as a government when in dealing with crimes and issues of herdsmen.

“Six of our sisters were kidnapped by unknown gunmen and we have been praying. We are thanking God for answering our prayers. Our prayers were effective and they were freed. We thanked the police and DSS. They really worked. The youths should be given jobs.

“With faith in God, we saw it through. The government should act as government. They should treat criminality as criminality and all these nonsense of killing, kidnappings will stop. A herdsman cannot destroy your crops and kill you. Killing is a crime. Government should do their work.

“The kidnappers should repent. If they continue their way, God will forgive them and they will join the society again. Some people want them to be killed but we want them to repent and begin to behave like good citizens.”

Recounting their ordeal in the kidnappers den, Sister Veronica Ajayi described it as horrible and painful.

Sister Ajayi said their constant prayers made one of the kidnappers wanted to learn the ways of God.

She said, “The experience with the kidnappers has helped me to trust in God more. This expericnd will help me to help others keep their faith in God. We were sleeping when they came. When they were taking us away, I kept trusting that God has a reason for it. We were praying for the kidnappers.

“They also say their own prayers. One of them wanted to learn our prayers. They did not say why we were kidnapped. We were praying for their conversion.”

Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon Philip Shaibu, said the new security architecture being planned with security chiefs would secure all parts of the state.

“We already have a security architecture with the security chiefs which we are working on to ensure all parts of the state is secured.

“With the policy government has put in place for employment and expand our economy, we will be able to pull out a lot of these youth to the labour market. Kidnapping will be eradicated in Edo.“

January 22, 2018
Libya returnees protest in Edo

Edo State Government has commenced payment of little stipend to the 373 Libya returnees to enable them to go to their various destination.

The payment started after the Libya returnees threatened to cause chaotic situation at the Motel Benin Plaza where they were lodged and their biometric obtained.

They were alarmed that they were asked to go home without any money whereas previous Libya returnees were paid N41,000.

To douse tension, the state government quickly mobilised and started payment equivalent to the destination of each returnee.

Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said the state government was not aware that the federal government did not make any money available for the returnee.

Osagie explained that the International Organisation on Migration and the Federal Government were responsible for returning Nigerians from Libya.

He stated that “The European Union made €100 available for each Nigerians under the IOM returning programme. When they get here, they get N41,000 given to them in Lagos.

“The Federal Government in its programme is not giving any money to returnees. Anybody who returned under the federal government is not getting any money. The federal government is returning migrants through Portharcourt while the IOM is returning Nigerians through Lagos.

“Edo State Government is trying to provide something for them and has started making payment to enable them to visit their relatives. The little money is relative to where they are going to. It is not big money at all.

“The returnees should be calm. We did not know that the federal government was not going to make any provision.”

January 9, 2018
Monarch blames Nigeria’s problem on injustice

The traditional ruler of Auchi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aliru H. Momoh, Ikelebe III, Otaru of Auchi, has said that the problems confronting Nigeria were due to injustice.

He said leaders at all level must ensure justice to both rich and poor members of the public.

The Otaru who charged traditional rulers across the country to administer justice in their domains to foster peace, progress and economic development said the problem militating against the country today was because injustice has been allowed to thrive.

He spoke at the 21 Auchi Day Annual Celebration of Allah held at the Palace grounds in Edo North.

HRH Momoh noted that traditional rulers are next to God based on their roles adding that peace would always elude any society where injustice is allowed to reign.

According to him, “Traditional rulers are next to Almighty God because he has given us the earth to take care of and what we need to do is to ensure that justice prevails in whatever we do because justice has no boundary. Justice does not have father, brother or sister.

“In Nigeria today, I believe justice is not applied in anything we do and that is why we are having problems. When there is injustice you will observe restlessness and that is a big problem. The nation must give justice to both the rich and the poor.

“So, whatever we do, we must ensure that justice prevails. The problems we are facing today is because of injustice. So as traditional, we have it as our own responsibility to ensure justice is served to everyone without minding who is involved”

Governor Godwin Obaseki urged the people to promote the culture of peace for rapid economic development of the people.

Obaseki who was represented by the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Hon. Mariam Abubakar said the government has bent on driving the economic of the state through agriculture and that the people of the community should make effort to key into its programme.

“We want to drive our economy through agriculture and that is why we are making lands available to farmers and giving out empowerments for people to set up their farms.

“I thank the Otaru of Auchi for ensuring that peace reigns in Auchi Kingdom and we will continue to support Auchi Kingdom and other communities in the state in terms of development and empowerment of our women and youths”.

January 8, 2018
NSCDC arrests 57 in Edo

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ) in Edo says it arrested no fewer than 57 suspects for various crimes in 2017.

The State Commandant of the corps Mr Makinde Ayinla, disclosed this in an interview in Benin on Friday.

Ayinla said that the suspects were arrested in connection with armed robbery, drug trafficking, rape as well as acts of vandalism against electricity cables and water pipelines.

Read also: NSCDC seizes 1000 litres of petrol from Boko Haram suppliers

The commandant disclosed that the command also secured five convictions after successfully prosecuting some of the cases, while 23 cases involving 47 suspects were still pending in law courts.

Ayinla said that the command also recovered about N4.1 million from the 52 cases of fraud it handled during the period.

He said that the anti-vandal unit of the command also destroyed 28 illegal refineries with more than 500,000 litres of illegally refined and adulterated petroleum products seized.

Ayinla said that the command in collaboration with the Department of Petroleum Resources sealed three fuel stations in Benin for selling petrol above the N145 official pump price in December.

NAN

January 5, 2018
Oba of Benin makes historic visit to Abuja

His Royal Majesty, Omo N, ‘Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolor, Oba Ewuare II- Oba of Benin, on Wednesday made an historic visit to Abuja after his coronation in October 2016.

The Oba who arrived the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 5:05p.m., was received by some Benin traditional chiefs, prominent Benin indigenes and friends.

Chief Odigie Oyegun, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), one of the Edo indigene at the Airport to receive the Monarch, said that the visit by the Oba was historic being his first after his coronation.

“The Oba’s visit is bringing peace, hope to the country and change in the nation.

“Everybody is here as you can see came to give him a rosy welcome. It is an historic occurrence, our new Oba, a unique Oba with a unique culture.

“We also have a unique president in the person of Muhammadu Buhari with a unique way of doing things. A lot of good things will come out of this visit,’’he said.

Similarly, Mr Johnson Agbonayinma, a member of the House of Representatives, said the Edo indigenes in Abuja are excited to welcome the Oba which he described as caring.

“There is a saying that if you do not value what you have, somebody else will help you devalue it.

“I value my traditional Institution and all I can do is to tell my Honourable colleagues, friends of Edo to let them know that we have a caring King.

“I am happy to see the crowd that came to receive the Oba; I ask God to bless them and the chiefs as well.

“This is to tell you that our Oba is one who deserves all the respect accorded to him without being sentimental.

“It is a glorious day as his mission is to also show appreciation to all those who supported him during his coronation.

“It will be an honour to understand that we have an Oba who cares about the unity of the country.

Also Mr Dickson Omoregie, the President of Benin community in Abuja described the visit as a multi-dimensional as he would move from one place to another to appreciate those that supported him during his coronation.

“That is why he is starting here in Abuja to visit his children, we are delighted to receive him.

“When your daddy comes to visit you, you are so excited; It is a joyful day for us Edo people in Abuja.’’

Also, Mr Osazuwa Imasuen described the Oba as a man of the people, a highly trained diplomat who knows the value of friendship.

“We are glad to receive the Oba as he brings us peace and goodwill,’’he said.
Traditional dancers from Benin Kingdom and Abuja thrilled the crowd who came to receive the Oba.

NAN

November 23, 2017
Benin republic deploys 150 troops to fight Boko Haram insurgents

The Republic of Benin has deployed 150 soldiers to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), to fight Boko Haram insurgents in the Lake Chad region, an official has disclosed.

Col. Mustapha Anka, the Chief Military Public Information Officer of the Force, made the disclosure in a statement he issued on Thursday in Maidurguri.

Anka said that the troops comprised eight officers and 142 soldiers, adding that the contingent had arrived MNJTF’s headquarters, Farcha Camp, Ndjamena, Chad.

He quoted the Force Commander, Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, as urging the troops to be good ambassadors of their country.

Irabor, however, admonished the troops to be law-abiding, disciplined and display a high sense of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

“Gen. Irabor reminded the troops of their tasks, which involve garrison duties for the MNJTF.

“The commander thanked the President of the Benin Republic, Patrice Talon, the government and good people of the republic for their unflinching support in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the Lake Chad region,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Benin is the fifth West African country to join the MNJTF, beside Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad. (NAN)

November 16, 2017
43rd Convocation: UNIBEN to award over 9,000 degrees

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) says no fewer than 9, 993 graduands would be awarded various diplomas and degrees at her forthcoming 43rd convocation ceremony billed for Nov. 24.

The UNIBEN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faraday Orumwense, disclosed this on Tuesday in Benin while briefing newsmen on activities lined up for the convocation and the 47th Founders’ Day celebration.

Orumwense said that of the figure, 100 would be awarded first class, 1,843 second class upper and 4,607 second class lower degrees.

He said other classes of degrees to be awarded were 1,351 third class, 188 diplomas, two certificates, 527 unclassified and 152 postgraduate diplomas.

One of the graduands will receive an aegrotat degree, which, in some universities, is a medical certificate or a degree or credit awarded when illness has prevented a student from taking examinations, etc.

“A total of 1120 would be awarded masters’ degrees and 102 awarded doctorate degrees.

“The four-day event will include project inauguration, as well as conferment of honorary degrees on three distinguished personalities,’’ the vice-chancellor said.

The personalities to be conferred with honorary degrees, he said, included Prof. Grace Alele-Williams and Dr George Agbonlahor.

Orunmwense said that Prof Louis Ojogwu, a senior professor of the institution, would be conferred with the title of Professor Emeritus.

The vice-chancellor disclosed that the institution had taken giant strides from the period between the last convocation in 2016 till date.

He said the achievements were in the area of infrastructure development and renewal, adding that it also signed Memorandum of Understanding agreements with some companies in the area of academic research.

NAN

November 14, 2017
Niger, Benin pay Fed Govt N19 billion for electricity

The Federal Government has received $64.63 million, about (N19.7 billion) from Niger and Benin Republics as payment for electricity supplied to them, the Minister of Power Works and Housing, Raji Babatunde Fashola, said yesterday.

He said, the Nigeria Electricity Bulk Trading Company (NBET) is expected to work out the modalities before onward distribution of the fund to the Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos).

He spoke at the 21st Monthly Power Sector Ministerial /Stakeholders meeting in Asaba, Delta State. It was hosted by Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

The minister had earlier commissioned the 215MVA Asaba sub-station transformer, which, he said, will reduce the incidence of load shedding in the area.

But speaking in the meeting, Fashola said: “I have some good news for you as well. Some money has come in form the power we sell to Benin Republic and Niger Republic; people wonder why this is so. They are a product of treaties and agreements.

“They also help our own economy. So we have a total of $64,630,055 that has been recovered. So, NBET will work out the modality for distribution. And hopefully by next month, you too, should be able to report that you have received an alert.”

The minister also announced that the Federal Executive Council had approved to resolve a meter contract dispute that it entered with a contractor since 2003, but the government’s approval last Thursday resulted in a court settle which implies that the contractor can now have N37billion plus the interest that accrued over the time for provision of meters to the DisCos.

Fashola urged interested DisCos to liaise with the ministry and contractor for supply of meters to their customers, adding that the deal is strictly between the contractor and the power firm while the ministry is only to make the facilitation with the meter supplier.

He however urged the parties to note that the agreements will reach on meter supply will be subject to the regulation that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is about to present.

He said: “But on a progressive note, I am also happy to report that the approval by the Federal Executive Council to resolve a meter contract dispute entered into since 2003, has now culminated in a court settlement that was concluded November 9.

November 14, 2017
Edo is sitting on gold, Dangote

Africa’s richest man Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on Friday, declared that Edo State is the perfect place to be at the fore front of Nigeria’s drive for economic diversification.

Alhaji Dangote who stated that ‘Edo is sitting on gold’ owing to the presence of abundant resources urged the state government to focus on its area of comparative advantage such as agriculture and agro-processing.

Dangote disclosed that a single agricultural product exported from the state in 2016 fetched millions of dollars in 2016.

Speaking at the Edo State Alaghodaro Investment Summit to mark the first year of Governor Godwin Obaseki in office, Alhaji Dangote said Governor Obaseki has several initiatives in place aimed at exploring the non-oil sector.

Dangote noted that Governor Obaseki began the initiatives began nine years ago when Obaseki was the head of the Economic Team under former Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

He noted that the Obaseki’s strategic focus on institutional reform, environmental sustainability, infrastructural development and economic revolution showed that the administration is very ambitious

Dangote opined that Nigeria can charge away out of the doom that oil dependency can cause by focusing on providing better infrastructure and exploring the opportunity in the non-oil sector.

He called for more reboots relationship between the government and the private sector.

According to him, “An effective partnership between the government and private sector before the end of 2019 see Nigeria becoming the largest exporter of fertilizer and refined petroleum products in Africa.

“The relationship between the public and private sector should be symbiotic and not adversarial. One side does not have to loos for the other side to win. Government should focus on providing the right policies, enactment of enabling laws, provisions of the attractive incentives and regular policy implementation, the private sector will take the risk.”

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, noted that Edo was one of the state Nigeria is looking forward to lead the way in transformation of economic fortunes.

Saraki urged the state government to ensure adequate security in the state for the safety of investors as well as engage community leaders and traditional rulers.

President Mohammadu Buhari who was represented by Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, said more business reforms would be pursued to accelerate progress and position Nigeria in her march to become a post-oil economy.

Buhari stated that the reforms to ease the business climate has brought the needed change to registering businesses, issuance of visa on arrival and tax collection.

He said partnering with the private sector was the key in driving economic growth and progress.

“I am impressed and delighted at the way the governor is going about his work. He is bringing his energy, network and intellect to bear,” President Buhari said.

“One of the things that have impressed me about this summit, is the presence of the private sector. There is no way things can happen at the center without bringing it to the subnational level.

“There are noticeable improvements in paying taxes, registering businesses and many more. The Ease of doing business reforms are going to domesticated at the state level. Edo state is one of the states to lead that with the discussions at this summit.”

In his remark, Governor Obaseki said his administration has made progress on the six pillars of growth his team identified.

Governor Obaseki said over 500km of roads across the state have been resurfaced, reconstructed and still under construction.

He said, “We have done a lot in the last twelve months. We have recorded some institutional reforms, as the key to development is by repurposing institutions for optimal results. The bastion of reform is in the civil service and the bureaucracy in government. We have embarked on processes that are making the civil service more efficient and productive to ensure smooth service delivery.

“We are determined to rebuild the civil service and improve on the capacity of the entire government workforce. A fully computerized staff training school has been built at the Government House.

“I am glad to inform you that one of the events in this summit is to sign a memorandum of understanding between the United Nations training institute and the Edo State Government. The other institutional reforms include revenue collection, where we have insisted that government revenues should be collected and accounted for.”

November 10, 2017
Obaseki to meet Edo pensioners over unpaid pensions

Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo will meet members of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Edo Chapter, with a view to amicably resolving all pension payments-related issues, an official has said.

Mr Osagiator Ojo, the Head of Administration, Oredo Local Government Council, made the disclosure when he briefed newsmen on the outcome of the Joint Account and Allocation Committee meeting.

The meeting was chaired by Obaseki at Government House in Benin on Tuesday.

Ojo said the meeting, which would be attended by representatives of local government and state government pensioners, was necessary to correct the misinformation about pension payments by the present administration.

“Government has observed with dismay the gross misinformation that has characterised the payment of pensions in the state.

“The governor, therefore, would wish to engage the union leadership or the pensioners both at the local and state levels to ensure that this gross misinformation is dispelled and all issues arising to the controversies bothering on pension payments are amicably resolved,” he said.

Ojo said that the 18 local governments in the state jointly contributed N212. 88 million in August for the payment of pensions and contributed N244. 09 million in September for the same purpose.

He said that total allocation accrued to the 18 local governments in September and shared in October was N2.55 billion out of which N1. 46 billion was mandatory expenditure.

Ojo said that there was significant increase in internal generated revenue by the local governments from N85. 03 million in September to N115.54 million in October.

He said the governor had directed that a seven-man committee be set up to keep the state government abreast of the crime situation in the different parts of the state.

NAN

October 31, 2017