The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Benin

  • Benin DisCo to improve supply in Edo comunity

    Benin DisCo to improve supply in Edo comunity

    Residents of Usen community in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State will soon begin to enjoy improved power supply as the Benin Electricity Distribution Plc (BEDC) will soon add 7.5MVA to the existing 7.5MVA transformer installed, Edo State BEDC Chief State Head Fidelis Obishai has said.

    He spoke at the third quarter information sharing/customer forum of BEDC held across select communities in Ologbo, Ulemo and Usen areas of Edo State. He apologised to the residents of Usen community for the poor power supply to the area.

    Obishai explained that the poor supply to the community existed before BEDC came on board, stressing that replacement cost for the transformer was huge. He noted that it was due to the inadequate capacity of the 7.5MVA transformer that resulted into massive load-shedding in the community.

    He urged members of the Ologbo community under Ikpoba/Okha Local Government to form an Electricity Committee that would help fast-track issues on power supply to their area, saying that the community was not relegated by BEDC because of its strategic position as an oil producing community.

    Edo State, he said, has over 1,000 communities in BEDC, and that the company gets less than the required amount of electricity from the national grid to guarantee regular power supply to those communities and that the power supply to BEDC comes from           Transmission Company in Benin and through Oghara in Delta State. He said: “Ologbo as an oil producing community is not relegated in the scheme of things.”

    He urged residents of Ulemo community in Oredo Local Government to pay their electricity bills promptly to enable BEDC embark on faulty equipment repairs in their area and attend to other issues with prompt dispatch.

    He described Ulemo community as a peaceful and most organised out of the locations chosen for the customer engagement sessions.

    Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) Research and Advocacy Executive Director, Mr. Sunday Oduntan, told customers that massive metering of customers, though desirable, was constrained by many factors, particularly energy theft through bypass, illegal connections and load diversion.

    He urged customers to report those bypassing their meters by way of whistle blowing, saying that the prevalence of bypass, especially in Edo was militating against metering.

    ”BEDC out of the 11 DisCos has the highest metering rollout in the last three years. People must know that electricity is no longer a free commodity or service like roads, which government is expected to provide. Electricity is also not cheap as BEDC like other DisCos buys electricity from the generation end at N68 and sells at N31.50, thereby underselling its product,” he said.

    Most of the communities complained about poor supply, estimated billing, metering, faulty meters and fallen poles.

    BEDC management advised the customers to make use of BEDC’s payment channels and ensure prompt payment of their electricity bills.

  • Benin seeks partnership with Nigeria on sports

    Benin seeks partnership with Nigeria on sports

    The Republic of Benin on Thursday in Abuja expressed its willingness to have a strong partnership with Nigeria in the area of youth and sports development.

    Ambassador Paulette Yekpe, the country’s Ambassador to Nigeria, said this was now necessary because the country was now laying a lot of emphasis on developing the youth and sports sector.

    Yekpe, during a courtesy call on Solomon Dalung, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, said Republic of Benin has discovered that the youth and sports sub-sectors were inseparable.

    She said the objective of her visit was to discuss with the Nigerian Minister ways to strengthen the relationship between both countries, especially in the area of youth and sports development.

    “Our government is putting a lot of emphasis in the development of youth and sports, because it is difficult to disassociate one from the other.

    “We know the future of a nation lies with the youths and my main goal here is to do everything possible to strengthen the relationship between your ministry and that of Republic of Benin.

    “We see Nigeria as our big brother and we will like to get closer to you, so as to learn the secrets of your success in the area of youth and sports development in the country.

    “I have been in Nigeria for seven months now and I must tell you that apart from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Youths and Sports is the first I have visited.

    “That should speak volumes of the importance my country attaches to your ministry,” the ambassador said.

    Dalung, in his response, said he was overwhelmed by the ambassador’s visit, adding that the issue of youth and sports development was of utmost importance to the future of any nation.

    “I am highly overwhelmed by Her Excellency’s visit and this is because as Africans we believe in the spirit of brotherhood and fraternity.

    “While other classical philosophies depend solely on wealth and other economic relationships to determine the extent to which they relate with others, in Africa the greatest heritage we have is brotherhood.

    “We believe strongly in our relationship with our brothers and neighbours, and of course the Republic of Benin is one of the countries Nigeria has related with for a very long period of time.

    “I think it’s not a misplaced priority for your country to be eager to invest in youth and sports development, because there is no society that will make meaningful progress if it does not consider investing more in this area,’’ he said.

    The minister also said the level of development of today’s youths determines the quality of leaders of tomorrow.

    “So, if we want a better future we must give more attention to the younger generation.

    “Sadly, the challenging economic realities have made it impossible for most African countries to target youth and sports development effectively,’’ he pointed out.

    Dalung however expressed Nigeria’s desire to consolidate relationship with Benin in the area of youth and sports development, saying it would go a long way in tackling cross-border crimes.

    “I want to use this opportunity to congratulate you on your appointment and to also assure you that we will be ready to partner with you in the area of youth and sports development.

    “Even though there is an existing bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Benin, but we will with time also revisit this agreement and look at areas which require updating.

    “I believe this will go a long way in strengthening the national security of both countries and also limit migration as well as control cross-border crimes being perpetrated by our youths.

    “It will also help to create social stability, because it will strengthen and encourage young people in both countries to relate freely and above all strengthen their spirit of patriotism,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Republic of Benin are Nigeria’s west African neighbours.

  • I have 70% knowledge of my opponent – Falconets coach

    I have 70% knowledge of my opponent – Falconets coach

    The head coach of the Nigeria female U20 team, Christopher Danjuma, has said he has 70 per cent knowledge of how the Falconets ’ opponent, Tanzania, will play the African qualifier for France 2018 on Saturday.

    The coach, who disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria（NAN）in Benin on Thursday, said the Falconets would approach the match in a  business like manner.

    He said his team worked more on tactics they hoped to execute the match at their training session on Thursday morning, adding that the girls were well prepared and motivated to tackle  the East African team.

    Danjuma said he was not bothered with the Tanzanians style of play, as  the Falconets were prepared to counter any style adopted by their opponents.

    “It would have been suicidal for me not have known anything about our opponent. Be that as it may we are going to make Nigerians proud  come Saturday.

    “Our aim is to win and win well. We want to do this so that the return leg will just be a formality for us,” he said.

    NAN reports that the Falconets, who arrived the ancient city late Tuesday night, have been training since Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, venue of the match.

    Their opponent, Tanzania, are expected to fly into Abuja on Thursday and procees to Benin same day.

    The second leg feature will take place in Dar es Salaam on Sept. 30, with the winner, on aggregate, to tackle the winner of the Morocco/ Senegal clash in the second round in November.

    NAN reports also that the 9th FIFA U20 World Cup will be staged in four cities in France from August 7 to 26 2018.

  • ‘Falconets are experieced enough to beat tanzania’

    ‘Falconets are experieced enough to beat tanzania’

    The head coach of Nigeria female U-20 team, Falconets, Christopher Danjuma, said he has players with the experience to beat the Tanzanians in the Africa qualifier for the 2018 female U-20 World Cup.

    Danjuma who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria（NAN）on Wednesday in Benin, said the team was mentally and physically prepared to face the East African team on Saturday in Benin.

    He said weeks of intensive training and preparation had placed the Falconets in a good stead to beat their opponent in the Africa qualifying series.

    “Nigeria is a big country and do not settle for less but the best. We are in Benin to give our best.

    “The Tanzanians are coming to Benin to meet a team that has set a record in Africa at this category of female football.

    “The team is made up of excellent home based players. Most of them have experience having played at the U-17 category，so you can see that we are better prepared for total victory on Saturday.”

    NAN reports that Falconets arrived in the ancient city of Benin on Tuesday at about 9 p.m. from Abuja.

    The head coach of the team, Christopher Danjuma, who declined to speak on the journey by road, however, said the team are not deterred by the experience.

    NAN reports that the Tanzanian delegation is expected to fly into Abuja on Thursday and proceed to Benin same day.

    The second leg will take place in Dar es Salaam on Sept. 30, with the winner to tackle the winner of the Morocco/Senegal clash in the second round in November.

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Vincentia Enyonam Amedome from Togo as referee for the match.

    She will be assisted by compatriots Kossiwa Kpadenou (Assistant 1), Abra Sitsope Agbedanou (Assistant 2) and Aissata Ameyo Amegee (Fourth Official) while the match commissioner is Rochell Woodson from Liberia.

    The 9th FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup will be staged in four cities in France from Aug. 7 to Aug. 26 2018

  • Falconets arrive Benin for Tanzania clash

    Falconets arrive Benin for Tanzania clash

    Nigeria’s Under 20 female team, Falconets have arrived in Benin on Tuesday ahead of Saturday’s 2018 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying match against Tanzania.

    According to a statement on NFF website on Tuesday, Chris Danjuma, coach of falconets led the players and other officials from Abuja this morning to the ancient city.

    Danjuma has been working with the ladies for the past three weeks in Abuja, and he expects his girls to go all out for a handsome win.

    The Tanzanian delegation is expected to fly into Abuja on Thursday and proceed to Benin City same day.

    The second leg will take place in Dar es Salaam on Sept. 30 September, with the winner, on aggregate, to tackle the winner of the Morocco/Senegal clash in the second round in November.

    The two –time World Cup silver medalists are expected to continue training to perfect preparation for Saturday’s encounter against the East Africans at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium.

    Also, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Vincentia Enyonam Amedome from Togo as referee for the match.

    She will be assisted by compatriots Kossiwa Kpadenou (Assistant 1), Abra Sitsope Agbedanou (Assistant 2) and Aissata Ameyo Amegee (Fourth Official) while the match commissioner is Rochell Woodson from Liberia.

    The 9th FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup will be staged in four cities in France from Aug. 7 to Aug. 26 2018.

  • Sallah: Oba Ewuare urges Muslims to pray for nation’s unity

    Sallah: Oba Ewuare urges Muslims to pray for nation’s unity

    The Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin,
    has urged Muslim faithful to use this period of Eid-el-Kabir to reflect on positive virtues and pray for continued peaceful coexistence of Nigeria.
    The Oba made this appeal in a statement signed by  his  Chief Press Secretary, Mr Desmond Agbama on Thursday  and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin.
     The traditional ruler reminded Muslims on the importance of praying for the well-being of their leaders to enable them succeed.
    He said the Nigeria’s leaders needed good health, knowledge and wisdom to be able to rule well.

    “Muslims should also pray for the leaders to have understanding and the political will to lead the country on the path of progress, fairness, equity and justice,” the monarch said.

    The statement added that the royal father wished the Muslim faithful a successful celebration.

  • Obaseki allays fears of public servants over promotion examination

    Obaseki allays fears of public servants over promotion examination

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has said that the introduction of promotion examination for public servants in the state was not a scheme to downsize the state workforce.

    Obaseki said that rather, the exercise was to strengthen the capacities of the workers to ensure effective service delivery in the civil service.

    The governor gave the assurance on Wednesday, shortly after an assessment of the ongoing promotion examination for top public servants in the state at Imaguero College, Benin

    He also said the examination was not a competency test as being alleged in some quarters, saying that the workers were competent before their employment into the state service.

    Obaseki explained that his administration introduced promotion examination to discover qualified workers with prerequisite knowledge in certain areas to fill several vacant positions in the service.

    ‘’The examination is not meant to sack anyone and it is not also compulsory but necessary for promotion as those who need to be promoted have to write the examination.

    ‘’If you fail to do the test, then there are no bases to promote you,” he said.

    According to the governor, the outcome of the examination will also help his administration to understand the kind of training and capacities needed to build the public service.

    Speaking about teachers who kicked against the examination, Obaseki said that those in the teaching profession would not be excluded.

    He disclosed that two teachers performed well in the last exercise conducted for level 16 and 17 officers and had been made Permanent Secretaries in the state public service.

    “We want to give everyone the opportunity to participate but if the teachers say they don’t want to be part of the process, no one will force them.

    “But we will not have enough basis to promote the senior colleagues among them,’’ he said.

  • BENIN RESIDENTS DEFY RAINS FOR ‘GLO LAFFTA FEST’

    BENIN RESIDENTS DEFY RAINS FOR ‘GLO LAFFTA FEST’

    RESIDENTS of the ancient city of Benin, recently turned out en masse despite the heavy downpour, to witness the Glo Laffta Fest concert.

    Present to thrill guests at the show were some of Africa’s finest including Basketmouth, I Go Dye, Bovi Ugboma, Salvador from Uganda, Acapella, Kenny Blaq and Benin-based comic star, Maleke.

    The artistes who performed demonstrated a great combination of wit and versatility which ensured there was no dull moment throughout the show. The guests were thrown into fits of laughter as the comedians, one after the other, reeled out humorous jokes.

    The likes of Basketmouth, Salvador, Bovi and I Go Dye also showed why they are regarded as masters in the comedy industry with great performances that sent the audience into long spasms of laughter. I Go Dye and Basketmouth also took time to commend Globacom for organising a show of that magnitude, noting that it was increasingly becoming difficult for comedians to put together a show like Glo Laffta Fest because of the economic condition of the country.

    Among the new talents who showcased their skills were local super star, Eboh Bomb, MC Otis, MC Medical, Lucky Wise, MC Action, Emmaralo, British Pastors, and MC Obaro.

    Also, Nollywood legends, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Patience Ozokwor (Mama G) and Kanayo O. Kanayo (KOK), were the celebrity guests at the event. Their presence added to the excitement in the hall. Show anchor Mercy Johnson-Okojie, who is married to an Edo State indigene, particularly elicited huge appreciation from the audience. Her appearance on stage got many people on their feet, screaming with excitement.

    Among those who attended the show were the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Right Honourable Philip Shuaibu, and his wife, MaryAnn; the speaker of the State House of Assembly, Dr. Justin Okonoboh; Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Folly Ogendegbe, and members of the House, Hon. Gowon Jerry and Hon. Damian Lawani.

  • FRSC to enforce emotional, mental evaluation of traffic offenders

    FRSC to enforce emotional, mental evaluation of traffic offenders

    Mr. Kehinde Adeleye, the Zonal Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) RS5, Benin, says the organisation will enforce emotional and mental evaluation of traffic offenders.

    Adeleye made the assertion during his second quarter inspection of the Anambra Command Headquarters in Awka on Wednesday.

    The zonal commander said the FRSC would carry out the tests to check offenders’ level of stability.

    He advised motorists in the zone to change their attitude and avoid being caught in the web of the new policy.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that RS5, Benin comprises Anambra, Delta and Edo states.

    Adeleye said the enforcement of the new traffic management policy would be comprehensive, adding that it had become expedient to check recklessness and enhance safety.

    The zonal commander said that so many lives had been lost on the highways, noting that some of the offences that would attract tests include use of phones, route violation and speeding.

    Adeleye, however, said that there was improvement on some of FRSC’s activities in the second quarter of 2016, adding that the corps should not relent in its efforts.

    “The FRSC has come up with a project to address the anomalies in the behaviour of road users; people using phone while driving and people engaging in excessive speeding.

    “It will also address those who fail to install speed limiter in their vehicles and people who drive against traffic.

    “With the good roads and no gridlock, we observe that people still chose to drive against traffic,” the zonal commander said.

    “Motorists caught committing these offences will be subjected to emotional and mental evaluation to check their level of stability and we are going to enforce that seriously.

    “I am using this opportunity to appeal to road users to be conscious of their safety and do everything possible to promote their safety.

    “Across the zone, there has been tremendous improvement over the first quarter in the areas of enforcement, public enlightenment and stakeholders’ engagement.”

    According to him, our response time to crash scenes has also improved to about five to six minutes.

    Adeleye commended the Anambra Command of the FRSC, headed by Mr. Sunday Ajayi, for a good job in keeping the corridor safe.

    He also thanked the state government for donating three motorcycles to the command to enhance its operations.

    “The Anambra Government came to our aid with three motorcycles to enhance our patrol monitoring; and we intend to monitor the whole routes,” he said.

    Contributing, Ajayi said the visit of the zonal commander was re-energising and would motivate them to do more for the safety of the people.

    “We cannot assess ourselves. The important thing is that we have not lost track in our duty to reduce crash and death.

    “The zonal commander is here to evaluate the situation in Anambra and with his coming we have been directed again on what to do.

    “We shall leverage on that to ensure that roads in Anambra become the safest in Nigeria,”

  • Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium will be rebuilt to host international competitions -Obaseki

    Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium will be rebuilt to host international competitions -Obaseki

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo on Tuesday in Benin said plans were being made to remodel the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin to meet international standards.

    Obaseki made the announcement while receiving executive committee members of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, Edo Council at Government House in Benin.

    The governor said his administration was hopeful of repositioning sports in the state through investment in sports facilities which would then attract global competitions to the state.

    He assured that before the end of the year the state would host at least an international event or competition in the stadium.

    “Our plan is to rebuild facilities in the stadium to host international events which will cut across sports like football, track and field, swimming, lawn tennis and indoor sports.

    “We will improve on what we have as a state and ensure we revive sports to enhance its development in the state and the country at large.’’

    Obaseki also said plans were being made to ensure that every local government area in the state had a sports arena.

    Earlier, the Edo Council Chairman of the union, Julius Erharuyi, had expressed appreciation at the commitment of the Obaseki administration in repositioning sports in the state.

    He also commended the state government for its financial commitment to Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin.

    Erharuyi, however, requested that an institution that will improve the academic knowledge of sportsmen and women be created in the state.

    “There is the need for the provision of more medical facilities, personnel, drugs, computers in the stadium, as well as provision of utility vehicles to convey sports men and women to venues of competitions,’’ he said.

    The union leader added that sports activities should be revived at the Afuze Games Village.

    “We also suggest that the state government should acquire the Etete Indoor Sports Hall from the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports for a more effective usage,’’ he said.