The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Edo state governor

  • Obaseki begins annual vacation

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has begun his annual vacation. The vacation started on March 24.

    Governor Obaseki announced his vacation in a letter sent to the House of Assembly, which was acknowledged by the Speaker, Kabiru Adjoto.

    Governor Obaseki mandated Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shaibu to act as the governor while he is away.

    Read also: ‘Why I want to be Speaker’

    Adjoto praised Obaseki for setting a democratic and constitutional precedence by transferring appointing his deputy in acting capacity, and duly informing the House in compliance with Section 190 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

  • Obaseki laments underdevelopment in South-south

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has advocated for the judicious use of resources in the South-south region to drive socioeconomic development, lamenting that there was little to show that the region is the most funded in Nigeria.

    He said the state is on a path to changing this narrative with an articulate long-term development framework that provides a sustainable pathway to economic progress.

    The governor made the submission when executives of the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) presented him with an award for winning the 7th Niger Delta Development Forum (NDDF) competition, at the Government House, in Benin City.

    He said part of the challenges faced by the South-south is defining well-articulated and implementable development agenda, adding, “A lot has been done in the region over the years but they have not translated to meaningful development to benefit our people, as the region remains one of the least developed in the country when you review what we earn as a region.”

    The governor attributed the failure of development to lack of planning and insisted that the right things should be done.

    He noted that without a well-thought out physical, economic, and social development master plans that are implementable, it will be difficult for Edo State to get out of its developmental problems.

    “I want to assure you that Edo is investing a lot in planning to change the narrative of the state,” he said.

    According to him, the challenge with governments today is the inability to get things done.

    “As a government, we are going to put in place systems, processes, and procedures to ensure that public officers, members of the public, Civil Society Organisations will understand what to do, how to do it and when to do it.  This will enable us get to our destination,” he added.

    Obaseki explained that his administration’s development blueprint is built on six key pillars namely; reforms of government institutions, education, economic revolution, environmental sustainability and tourism.

    The Partnership and Engagement Manager for PIND, Chime Asonye, said they were at the Edo State Government House to present the state with an award won at the 7th NDDF.

    Asonye said Edo is the state with the best Governance Framework on long term planning in the Niger Delta region, adding, “Edo State put together a presentation on the journey of the state so far. She won and PIND Foundation is to support Edo State Government on this in putting together a long development plan.”

  • Obaseki declares war on cultists

    EDO State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has declared war on cultists and cult related activities in the state. Obaseki said there were hundreds of investors waiting to invest in the state and the investors had to be assured that the state is safe and secure for businesses to thrive.

    Obaseki said providing security and tracking of cultists and cult related activities were now a priority for his administration. Speaking at an interdenominational church service to celebrate peaceful elections in the state and victory of the All Progressives Congress in the March 9, House of Assembly elections, the governor  said he would invoke the full wrath of the law on cultists. He said plans were on to set up a Special Security Squad on cultism in collaboration with the Nigerian Police. According to him: “I am going to go heavily on cultism.

    We are setting up a special squad on cultists. We must make Edo safe and make people know Edo is safe to do business. “I am giving full effect to the law on cultism. I will also not accept thuggery and ‘agbero’ in this state. If we find anybody collecting revenue illegally, we will take appropriate action to deal with who ever is involved. “Security is now my number one priority. We have started investing in security. We have raised the Security Trust Fund and it is the sustainable ways of dealing with security  “We have a lot of economic plans. We have to convince the investors that Edo is safe.

    “The issue of cultism is going to be my next agenda. We already have a law in place against cultism. I am going to give full effect to that law. Please if you have any persons or relations who are involved in cultism, tell them to desist from it. “In the next several months, I am going to go tough on cultism.

    With the new Commissioner of Police of Edo, we have set up a Special Squad.” Chairman of Edo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Bishop Oyennude Kure, had in his statement urged Obaseki to tackle cult activities before it gets too late. Kure suggested the setting up of a committee to look into ways of providing lasting solution to stopping cult activities in the state. He lamented  that secondary schools in the state were becoming citadel of cultism instead of learning.

  • Obaseki ‘threatens to deal with APC leaders’

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has threatened to deal with some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) whose activities led to the party’s defeat in the February 23 elections.

    Government sources said what angered Obaseki was the margin of defeat recorded in Egor, Ikpoba-Okha and Oredo councils in Edo South.

    Obaseki hails from Oredo.

    The governor was said to have issued the threat at a meeting with the party leaders.

    A source at the meeting, who pleaded for anonymity, said Obaseki challenged the affected leaders to reveal what he gave to them.

    He added that the governor was almost moved to tears as he expressed his disappointment with some of the leaders, especially when it was revealed one of the leaders did not buy generators meant for Ward collation centres.

    Read also: Deeper Life partners CAN, PFN to train church leaders

    “We were shocked when Obaseki started talking. He revealed so many things. He said he was shocked how the leaders sabotaged his efforts. “The governor spoke to a point that he threw away the microphone. None of the leaders could say anything in defence, and he promised to deal with them.

    “We are happy that the governor set up a 25-man team to work with him to win the House of Assembly election on Saturday.”

  • Edo needs supportive House of Assembly – Obaseki

    …urges electorates to vote for APC candidates in House of Assembly election

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called on electorates in the state to vote for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) vying for seats in the state House of Assembly to enable his administration to sustain the ongoing human and infrastructural development in the state.

    Obaseki made the call during an interview with journalists in Benin City, shortly after the thanksgiving service at the New Covenant Gospel Church, held to celebrate the peaceful conduct of the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly polls in the state.

    The governor said his administration has executed numerous projects in the health, education and agricultural sectors,  as well as several projects designed to strengthen the infrastructure of the state.

    He explained that the achievements were made possible by a supportive House of Assembly, and urged Edo voters to come out en masse to vote for APC candidates come March 9, to sustain the harvest of developmental projects in the state.

    “I need the support of the House of Assembly to ensure we carry out more developmental projects in the state. We have constructed less than 10 percent of urban roads;  I need to do more. We have accomplished a lot in the area of Education, but so much needs to be done. We need to build 200 more Primary Health Care Centres in the state. We need a House of Assembly that will not pull us back,” the governor said.

    Noting that the current Assembly was supportive of his administration’s vision, he stressed the need to sustain the level of cooperation between both arms of government.

    Speaking during the thanksgiving service, Obaseki said “I am here to thank God for what happened on Saturday, Feb 23. We have not lost any soul during elections in the state in my tenure as governor. I believe it is something we should thank God for.”

    In his sermon, General Superintendent of the Church, Rev. Felix Omobude, kicked against voters’ apathy in the state during the February 23 elections.

    He called on every eligible voter to come out and vote for upright candidates to occupy seats in the state House of Assembly during the March 9 elections.

    “Who you wanted to win in the February 23 election might not have won, but you need to thank God for everything. March 9 should not be a time to sleep but to vote for God-fearing leaders” he said.

    Omobude, who is also the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) commended Governor Obaseki for his developmental projects and assured him of more support from the church.

  • Obaseki inaugurates 17-member Edo PHC board

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has charged the newly inaugurated 17-member Edo State Primary Health Care Board, to deepen the revamp of the state’s primary health care system for responsive, efficient and accessible health care delivery.

    The governor, who gave the charge at the inauguration of new members of the board in Government House, in Benin City, said the board is not a typical public service boa rd but one that must deliver service to the people.

    He said, “Our vision as a government is to ensure we have a health care system in the state that will be responsive, efficient and effective in delivering health care in Nigeria.”

    “For us in Edo State, our primary health care system will be built on several pillars which include human capacity, provision of technology and data, quality assurance, financing and infrastructure of the health care system.”

    Obaseki said that the inauguration of the board is to formalise the process which started over six months ago in working with consultants to develop 20 Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs), noting, “The objectives of these PHCs is to promote a package of preventive, curative and rehabilitative health care services to our citizens.”

    The governor explained that part of the key functions of the board includes, “to initiate, organise and sponsor programmes for effective health care management and manpower development and creation of public awareness of the importance of PHCs in the state.

    He urged the board to “determine the general policies for the administration of your agencies including the management of its properties and finance. Make regulations for the appointment, promotion, transfer and discipline of staff of the agencies.”

    Chairman of the Board, Dr. Victor Iyekekpolo, expressed appreciation for efforts made by the Governor Obaseki-led administration in repositioning the health sector in the state.

    Iyekekpolo noted the need to expedite actions on the proposed amendment to the Edo Primary Healthcare Development Board Bill to provide a legal framework for the successful implementation of the Primary Healthcare policies and programmes in the state.

    The board chairman expressed appreciation to the governor for the appointment, adding, “We have noted the high points in the governor’s address and we pledge that they will form the basis for our actions.”

  • Obaseki expresses shock at passing of Joe Aisien Ogbebor

    Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has expressed shock at the news of the passing of Chief Joe Aisien Ogbebor, a leading industrialist and philanthropist who was committed to the uplift of society.

    “I am in deep shock. Chief Joe Aisien Ogbebor was a worthy Edo son, a personal friend and brother who invested his time and other resources in worthy causes.

    “My heart goes out to his family and I pray for the repose of his soul until the resurrection morning when we shall meet to part no more,” Obaseki said.

    The governor stressed that “he will be sorely missed” and urged the family to take solace in the unique life Chief Joe Aisien Ogbebor lived, “excelling in business and touching the lives of everyone around him.”

    The Governor assured the family of his support in this difficult time and prayed that God will grant them the fortitude to bear the devastating loss.

  • Obaseki, others attend funeral mass for Edo’s APC chair’s mother

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, led members of the state executive council to the funeral mass for late Princess Mrs. Lami Beatrice Ojezua, mother of Barr. Anselm Ojezua, chairman of the state chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Late Princess Mrs. Lami Beatrice Ojezua died at 87 years of age.

    The governor who was at St. Anselm’s Catholic Church, Aloha Irrua, in Esan Central, on Friday, for the funeral mass, was accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Chief of Staff, Chief Taiwo Akerele; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Osaro Idah among other aides.

    Recall that during a condolence visit to Ojezua’s residence in Benin City to commiserate with the family, Governor Obaseki described late Mrs. Beatrice Ojezua as a good Christian who lived a good life, which can be attested to by those who knew her.

    “Mama was a mother to all; she lived a good life and accomplished a lot in her lifetime. She emphasised education, among other things. We all are her children; we thank God for her life.”

    According to the governor, Late Mrs. Ojezua had a fair share of success and accomplishment in life, leaving good legacies for her children to emulate, adding, “We are here to assure you of our administration’s support as we stand by you at this trying time.”

    Late Princess Ojezua was a consummate politician who commanded immense influence in the political scene in Edo State and led a number of political parties in her area until her passing.

  • Osinbajo launches school feeding programme in Edo

    …as FG feeds 9.3 million children

     

    Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has launched the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) in Edo State, to provide free meals for children in public schools in the state.

    During the launch of the programme at Eyaen Primary School in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the state, Osinbajo said the NHGSFP feeds 9.3 million children in 49,937 public primary schools in 27 states, including Edo State.

    Earlier, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who received Prof. Osinbajo at Western Boys High School in Benin City, thanked the Vice President for the visit, and commended him for the Social Investment Programme, which has added value to the lives of Nigerians.

    Read Also:Onnoghen: Osinbajo, NBA ponder six-point resolution

    In his speech, Osinbajo noted that the programme employs 94,422 cooks while over 100,000 small-holder farmers are linked to the programme.

    The Vice President said in feeding the children across the country, 594 cows are slaughtered, 138,000 chickens killed, and 83 million tonnes of fish used in preparing the meals.

    He said the NHGSFP is part of the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programme which is one of the largest safety net programmes in Nigeria.

    According to him, “N-Power employs over 500,000 graduates and 200,000 non-graduates across the nation. Two million people benefit from our Micro Credit Scheme which includes Trader-moni and Market-moni. This will be expanded to the next level to enable more Nigerians benefit from it.  We will be able to reach five to 10 million Nigerians.”

    The Vice President said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has been able to achieve these because it has fought corruption to secure the country’s resources and develop the nation.

    Speaking on the impact of the Social Investment Programme, Obaseki said the programme has provided an opportunity for vulnerable families to feed and send their children to school.

    He explained that the NHGSFP would be linked to the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation programme to bring out the best in school children, and thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and Prof Yemi Osinbajo for the initiative to feed children in schools.

    “This is a new dawn in Edo State that is ensuring that our children in schools across the state are not malnourished,” he added.

    The focal person of N-Power in Edo State, Ms. Osayuwamen Aladeshelu, said the NHGSFP has benefited thousands of Nigerians, who now include people in Edo State.

    “The programme is targeted at making children healthy. We are starting from Uhunmwode and Orhionmwon local government areas before spreading to other areas in the state.”

  • Obaseki awards contracts for reconstruction of roads

    …Ehor-Ukpogo, Obadan-Ugonoba, Oke-Oruah among roads awarded

     

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that his administration has embarked on the reconstruction of several roads in Uhunmwode Local Government Area to open up the area for more socio-economic activities and change its development narrative for the better.

    Obaseki said this during a parley with All Progressives Congress (APC) faithful at Ehor, the administrative headquarters of Uhunmwode Local Government Area, on the side-lines of the party’s campaign rally.

    Read Also:I didn’t become Governor to make money, says Obaseki

    According to the governor, his administration’s decision to invest in road infrastructure across the state was informed by the important role that roads play in economic development.

    “Obadan-Ugonoba Road has been awarded for reconstruction and by next week, the contractor will commence work. I have awarded contract for the reconstruction of Ehor-Ukpogo Road and have mobilised the contractor to immediately commence work and I have done same for Oke-Oruah Road.

    “I have taken all these steps because I know the importance of roads. I will construct many more roads in this local council.

    “Our youths in this local council need jobs and I will create more jobs for the youths of this council area. Water is another problem our people are facing here and I have already started working on water projects, and soon water will begin to flow in the area,” Obaseki said.

    He assured that in the area of education, all the primary schools in the council would be captured in the state’s Basic Education Sector Transformation (EDOBEST) programme, that will train teachers on the use of information communication technology in teaching.

    He urged the electorates: “If you vote for candidates of the APC in the forthcoming elections, you are sure of quality and effective representation as they will assist me to bring more development to the area.

    “I am confident that we will win the elections, but I want us to win convincingly because I have promised president Buhari that at least one million people will vote for him in Edo State.”

    Chairman of the Edo State chapter of APC, Barrister Anslem Ojezua, also called on the supporters of the party to mobilise the one million votes for all APC candidates in the general elections.

    Washington Osifo, APC candidate vying for a seat in the House of Assembly explained that he is in the race to give his people quality representation while Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, the party’s Edo South Senatorial candidate said he would carry his constituents along in the business of law making.

    Earlier Obaseki was at the palace of the Enogie of Ehor, Dr. David Igiehon, to solicit for the support and prayers of the royal father and present the party’s candidates for the elections to the traditional ruler and elders in the community.