The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Edo state governor

  • Violence against children: Edo moves against culprits, launches Priority Response Plan

    Violence against children: Edo moves against culprits, launches Priority Response Plan

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured that the state’s ‘Priority Response Plan to End Violence Against Children,’ will strengthen measures to check violence against children and protect them from abuse.

    Obaseki who was represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, at the launching of the “Edo State Priority Response Plan to End Violence Against Children (E-VAC),’ in Benin City, noted that such structures were necessary to guarantee children the opportunity to contribute to national development.

    He said the policy, “will check and strengthen legal framework put in place to end violence against children. I am, however, optimistic that with the E-VAC document, individuals who perpetuate any form of violence against children in the state will be prosecuted for the crime.”

    The governor reiterated, “the state will continue to strengthen all legal apparatus put in place to protect children in the state against abuses. We will also make sure that we build a solid foundation to secure the future of our children.

    “We must all explore these legal apparatus: the Family Court, Child Right Act and other Child Protection documents developed to end violence against children.”

    Speaking at the event, wife of the state governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki said, “ending violence against children requires the collaborative effort of all stakeholders. The state government has demonstrated willingness to curb incidences of violence against children, and requires the support of other concerned stakeholders to protect these children.”

    Mrs. Obaseki however, commended the state government and stakeholders for supporting the development of the state E-VAC document, and urged parents to begin to shun practices that expose children to violence.”

    The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Magdalene Ohenhen, said the E-VAC policy document was developed by the state government in response to findings of a national survey conducted by the National Population Commission in 2014.

    Ohenhen said the document, which has input from children, will assist the ministry in addressing cases of neglect, abandonment and all forms of violence against children from persons they ought to feel safe with.

    Speaker, Edo Children’s Parliament, Miss Jacinta Omoregie, commended the state government for bringing relevant stakeholders together to curb the menace, noting, “The campaign to end violence against children requires global action. The E-VAC document would strengthen child protection and welfare in the state.”

  • Lassa fever: WHO, NCDC synergise with Edo govt to end scourge

    Lassa fever: WHO, NCDC synergise with Edo govt to end scourge

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have commencedwork with the Edo State Government to bring to an end the Lassa Fever outbreak in the country.

    They commended the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for the state government’s purposeful and strategic response to the current Lassa fever outbreak in the country.

    Coordinator, Lassa Fever Outbreak Response Team in Nigeria, Dr. Emmanuel Musa, relayed the commendations when he led the surveillance team from the WHO and NCDC on a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State and said that his team will be stationed in the state to tackle the disease.

    In his remarks, Governor Obaseki expressed appreciation to the WHO and NCDC teams for supporting the state’s effort to contain and control the spread of Lassa Fever disease in the state.

    He said the outbreak threatens the wellbeing of people in the state, a situation he will not tolerate, noting, “My administration takes public health and wellbeing of people in the state seriously. This accounts for the speedy response of the government in mobilising resources to control the spread of the disease.”

    According to Obaseki, “With the team of experts deployed to the state by WHO, we should be able to get things right. There is need for us to be proactive and not always wait for the outbreak before responding.”

    Musa said, “The prompt response of the state government led by Governor Obaseki in containing the outbreak of Lassa fever disease in the state is highly commendable. The approach adopted to halt the spread of the disease was strategic. We commend the state government for the facility set up to assist the Institute for Lassa Fever Control and Research at the Specialist Hospital, Irrua. This includes the Isolation Center and Emergency Operation Center.

    He added, “The team of experts from the WHO and NCDC were the first six experts deployed to Edo State to complement the state government’s effort in controlling the spread of the disease. The team will work alongside the state government’s response team to halt the spread of the disease. This team is also ready to work with the team put in place by the government to curtail the spread as they have been in the state for about four weeks now.

    “Other partners will be mobilise to Edo State to assist the state government contain the spread of Lassa fever disease. The WHO is concerned and decided to mobilise experts to Nigeria to help out.”

    Read Also:Edo marshal plans to combat Lassa fever

  • Edo New Cities: Obaseki seeks input of Architects’ regulatory body

    Edo New Cities: Obaseki seeks input of Architects’ regulatory body

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has sought the input of the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA) and the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) in the design of masterplans for the new cities billed to be developed across the state.

    Obaseki also made a case for well-planned cities across Nigeria, arguing that “poorly planned cities are unattractive to investors and are most difficult to police.”

    Obaseki said these when members of the National Executive Council of NIA and ARCON, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, in Benin City.

    The governor said, “Nigeria has for several decades continued to evolve without benefiting from proper planning of its cities. This has contributed to unstructured cities that are difficult to police in the 21st century.”

    He noted that his administration is making efforts to make Edo attractive and safe for investors by developing new cities that are well-planned and would be conducive for investors.

    Obaseki mandated the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Edorodion Erimona and Managing Director (MD), Edo Geographic Information Service, Mr. Frank Evbuomwan to collaborate with members of NIA and ARCON on a workshop to finetune masterplans for the new cities in the state.

    President, ARCON, Mr. Umaru Aliyu, said that they intend to provide solutions to urban chaos and unstructured development in the state, adding, “The present system where only one professional body reviews the works of at least three distinct disciplines is old-fashioned, prone to corruption and not sustainable for the development of the state. As an association, ARCON proposes that the development control function of the government should be situated in an independent agency.”

    According to him, “The proposed Development Control Agency should have three technical departments to cover for the three-main components of built environment, which are Architecture, Engineering and Town Planning.”

    Aliyu commended the governor for his efforts to improve quality of life and the built environment in the state, noting, “The associations are ready to support the state government in promoting sustainable built environment.”

     

     

  • Obaseki commends speaker, Edo Assembly on e-governance

    Obaseki commends speaker, Edo Assembly on e-governance

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commended the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) led by its Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Adjoto for the foresight in adopting technological solutions at the Anthony Enahoro Assembly Complex, to improve legislative proceedings.

    Obaseki gave the commendation while inspecting the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities at the Assembly complex in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    The governor, who was accompanied by some members of the State Executive Council, said “This administration will continue to provide support to drive the adoption of technological innovation to enhance governance, which include legislative proceedings at the State Assembly Complex.”

    According to him, “We are pleased with what we see, and the improvement made so far by the present leaders and members of the State Assembly. By adopting technology to digitise its legislative proceedings, the assembly has cast its name in gold, as this will stand as a legacy which will be remembered in future. This development will enhance quality legislation at the Assembly.”

    In his remarks, Speaker, EDHA, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Adjoto, said, “The decision to adopt new communication technologies in the Assembly became necessary to promote quality legislation and ensure the legislative process becomes fully digitalised. This will assist us embrace the use of modern technologies in our proceedings, as it befits any legislative assembly in carrying out its duties in the 21st century.”

    Adjoto noted, “Our intention to adopt new technologies is to achieve full digitalisation of the Assembly Complex as the use of modern technologies are also extended to the hallowed chamber of the Assembly Complex to allow for recording of the proceedings of the house. This will ensure effective legislation in the future.”

    He added that this became necessary because it will encourage each member of EDHA to contribute to the legislative process, noting, “When members are aware that proceedings of the house are recorded, everyone will be encouraged to make contributions to the legislative process. We will also create a website to provide members of the house easy access to important documents which can be easily retrieved and worked on.”

  • Edo govt to construct 25 new roads

    Edo govt to construct 25 new roads

    The Edo State Government has earmarked 25 new roads for construction across the state in the coming weeks, as it intensifies efforts to deliver projects that will transform the socio-economic landscape of the state.

    Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq., disclosed this during a chat with journalists, in Benin City, Edo State.

    He said, “The state government led by Godwin Obaseki will deliver on its mandate to transform infrastructure across the state. In the coming weeks, 25 new roads have been earmarked for construction, by the state government.”

    He added that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration has provided leadership capable of transforming the state into an economic hub.

    “The governor knows how to pull resources for the benefit of a great majority of Edo people. As an investment banker, he is someone who knows how to manage resources to drive socio-economic growth through infrastructural development.”

    On the forthcoming local council polls, Ogie said that he has no doubt that candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will all be elected, noting “with the effort made by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Governor Obaseki in transforming the state, I am confident that Edo people will vote massively for APC candidates at the polls.”

    On security in the state, the SSG said the state government takes security of lives and property across the state seriously, which accounts for why it is considered as safest in the South-South region.

    “The increasing number of investors visiting the state is a pointer to the fact that the state has the best security arrangement in the region. Embassies have security reports from every part of the country for foreign investors. That they indicate interest to do business in Edo shows that our security report is favourable for investors.”

    He added that the state government will continue to improve on the security architecture and ensure investors get benefit from siting their companies in the state.

  • Obaseki sets up N10m education fund for late Okoniba’s children

    Obaseki sets up N10m education fund for late Okoniba’s children

    …assures relatives of proper investigation, justice

     

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has set up a N10 million education fund for the training of two children of late David Okoniba, whose death was allegedly caused by an exchange with a police officer at Upper Igun, Third Junction area of Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    Obaseki disclosed this when he led some members of his cabinet on a condolence visit to the family of the deceased at Urora community, in Benin City.

    The governor said he was at the victim’s home to assure his relatives that the government of Edo State share in their grief, assuring them that those culpable in the killing will be brought to book.

    “I am here today to get the details of what happened. Listening to you, I am heartbroken. I can feel your pain and appreciate your pain and anger. I want to assure the family that the case will not be swept under the carpet.

    “It will be followed to a logical conclusion as a reputable retired Judge of Edo State High Court, Justice Olubo has been selected to head the panel of enquiry which will investigate what truly happened on the said date of the incident that led to the death and consequent fracas between the youths and the police,” he said.

    According to him, “I learnt that the deceased has two children. I have released N10 million fund to be used for their education, to reduce the pain of the absence of their father and ensure their education does not suffer much because of this incident.”

    Obaseki also assured the family that government will support in the burial of late David Okoniba and advised the family to take the wife of the deceased to the hospital for medical attention at government expense, as she was still traumatised from the incident.

    Earlier, Spokesperson for the family, Mrs. Aremu Roseline, expressed appreciation to the governor and the state for the visit to the family, noting that the presence of the governor has given them hope for justice.

    She also thanked the Commissioner of Police, Mr Johnson Kokumo, who visited the family and showed concern over the death of David, thanking him for promising to get to the root of the mater.

    “We appeal to the governor Mr. Godwin Obaseki to help the family ensure David gets Justice. His death must not be in vain as he was the pillar of the family. He had two children and his formal wedding was to be in two-week’ time. His wife who was an eyewitness of the incident is psychologically affected and seriously traumatised,” she added.

     

  • Edo reopens job portal March 1

    Edo reopens job portal March 1

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has disclosed that the state government is finalising arrangements to reopen the EdoJobs portal on March 1, 2018.

    In a statement on Thursday, in Benin City, by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, the governor said the reopening of the portal would extend the window of opportunities for more youths to be captured in the state’s jobs database.

    The governor reassured youths in the state of his administration’s commitment to fulfil his campaign promise of creating 200,000 jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.

    According to Obaseki, “The reopening of the job portal is to capture more youths in the state, who are to undergo employability and capacity building training. After their training, these youths will be matched with employers of labours, who have indicated interest in employing young people.

    “It is clear that we have a crisis of youth unemployment and we are making frantic efforts to address it. There are various options the applicants on the jobs portal can choose from.

    The EdoJobs initiative trained a batch of 500 youths late last year, and also supplied over 4,000 people trained by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) this year.

    EdoJobs is an employment initiative of Godwin Obaseki-led administration to train and retrain graduates with post-secondary school certificates on business writing, workplace ethics, problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence and managing conflicts, among others. The initiative gives applicants the opportunity for job placements in companies across the state.

    The portal provides the state government with data of applicants, which it uses for planning skills training for the job seekers in collaboration with companies requiring skilled labour.

     

  • Obaseki inaugurates committee on privatisation, commercialisation

    Obaseki inaugurates committee on privatisation, commercialisation

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has inaugurated a 10-man Technical Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation (TCPC), which will take inventory of all non-operational enterprises owned by the state government and provide guidelines for their privatisation and commercialisation.

    The committee to be chaired by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu, was inaugurated on Tuesday, by the governor at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

    Obaseki noted that the TCPC will “carry-out due diligence on the Uromi Cassava Factory; review and end the previous process for the sale of the factory and carry-out actions that will ensure the selection of capable investors for the uptake of the factory.”

    Obaseki said, “The objectives of the committee will include visits to sites of the state-owned enterprises to identify enterprises that require urgent restructuring through commercialisation, privatisation or partnership. It will carry out due diligence on the status of the identified enterprises.

    He added, “The TCPC will make recommendations for the review of the TCPC law and appoint the Public Private Partnership Office as a standing and Adhoc Committee to facilitate the performance of its functions.

    Chairman, TCPC, Rt. Hon. Shaibu, represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, Hon. Emmanuel Usoh, expressed appreciation to the governor for the opportunity to support the economic agenda of state government.

    He said, “The committee will put their best in discharging its duties in line with the provision of the Law and economic agenda of Obaseki’s administration. We will be transparent in our engagements.”

    Other members of the committee include, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Kabiru Adjoto; Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Osagie Inegbedion; Commissioner for Infrastructure, Hon. Osahon Amiolemen; Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, Hon. Emmanuel Usoh; and the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Prof (Mrs.) Yinka Omorogbe.

    Others include, a Director in the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, who will act as Secretary of the committee; Mr. George Etomi, of Etomi and Partners; Mr. Olu Akpata, Templars Law firm and Mr. Cephas Afebuameh, Supply Chain and Operations Director, Suntory Beverage and Food Nigeria.

  • Edo flags off implementation of EU-NDSP Water, Sanitation projects 

    Edo flags off implementation of EU-NDSP Water, Sanitation projects 

    The Edo State Government has commenced the implementation of the Construction Phase of the Niger Delta Support Programme (NDSP) -3, to improve access to safe water supply and basic sanitation facilities in the state.

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, launched the programme at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State, noting that, “with the support of suitable technology, improved access to finances and strong commitment, the state government will provide access to safe water in all parts of the state.”

    The NDSP programme is initiated by the Federal Government and the European Union (EU) to improve access to safe water supply in the five Niger Delta states. The project is funded jointly by Edo State Government and the EU.

    The governor, who was represented at the flag-off by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, commended the EU and its partners for supporting the state to improve access to safe water, adding, “The support of the EU will enable the state government drastically reduce challenges with safe water supply, which contributes to many water-borne diseases in rural areas.”

    Representative of the EU, Albert Achten, said that the EU adopted a strategy to involve beneficiaries of water schemes in the programme design so that they can own the projects, noting “There are hundreds of water schemes in the Niger Delta region that have been abandoned or not functioning effectively due to lack of maintenance culture. The sustainability of the project by the benefiting communities would attract more investments and funding from donor and international agencies.”

    Assistant Director, International Cooperation, Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Mr. Ileuma Ahonsi, said contractors for the project have been mobilised to site to commence the construction work.

    Ahonsi said: “The objective of the NDSP is to assist the state reduce poverty in rural areas and sub-urban communities and improve access to water supply.”

    He added that technical issues affecting the proposed Uromi Water Supply Reticulation Scheme have been resolved and the contract for the project will be signed before the end of March.

    The Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources, Hon. Yekini Idaiye, said that 10 communities in Ovia South West and Estako West Local Government Areas of the state have benefitted from the NDSP project which started in 2014.

  • Obaseki approves N600m to access UNICEF-EU water

    Obaseki approves N600m to access UNICEF-EU water

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the payment of N600million counterpart fund for the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme implemented in some local government areas across the state by the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the European Union (EU).

     Obaseki disclosed this when he received the Chief of WASH programme, UNICEF Nigeria, Zaid Jurji during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

     According to the governor, “The counterpart fund is to enable the state access N1.4 billion from the EU/UNICEF for the implementation of WASH project in rural areas across the state. The project would cover the provision of clean water, toilets and other sanitation facilities in the rural areas to discourage open defecation.”

     He said the project will enable the state government continue to support policies geared towards development of rural communities and human capacity building.

     “This administration would ensure that programmes organised by donor agencies are sustained and the impact felt by benefiting communities.”

     Obaseki commended the state’s WASH implementation team for the progress recorded, noting, “We want the implementation of the programme to be extended to include the training of more persons in repairs and fixing of water pumps and boreholes.”

     He assured that, “The state government would take ownership of the water and sanitation projects while local government councils would be mandated to set aside specific amount of their monthly allocations for water and sanitation projects in their councils.”

     The Chief of WASH programme, UNICEF Nigeria, Zaid Jurji, said the support of the state government is required for the effective implementation of the WASH programme in the state.

     He added, “The WASH programme is aimed at improving access to clean and safe drinking water supply and sanitation facilities in rural areas across Nigeria. This will assist the state to tackle the problems of open defecation.”

     Jurji expressed appreciation to the state government for promoting access to clean and safe water supply through the bill for the establishment of the Small Town and Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency.