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Tag: Edo state governor

  • Edo to partner NIPR on promotion of tourism

    Edo to partner NIPR on promotion of tourism

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed readiness of his administration to partner with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) on promotion of tourism potentials of the state.

    Governor Obaseki urged NIPR to assist his administration strengthen out facts about policies and projects as well as correct misinformation.

    He said false information put out by the new media are capable to cause mischief and confusion.

    Obaseki who was represented by his deputy, Hon Philip Shaibu, spoke when members of the Edo State Chapter of NIPR paid him a courtesy visit.

    Governor Obaseki noted that collaborating with the professional body to project government ideals, policies and programmes was of critical importance as he worked out policies to improve the socio-economic life of the people.

    He stated that correct information would help promote transparency in governance as well as the cooperation and suport of the citizens.

    His words, “In our desire to improve the living standard of our people, we need the support of NIPR. We need to partner in the area of culture and tourism. United Kingdom for example does not have the kind of tourism potentials that we have in Edo State. The Igue festival can be promoted and sustained as an international event.

    “This is the era of making Edo an industrial hub for the benefit of our People. We will work with you to achieve this. This partnership is necessary”, the Deputy Governor said.

    Chairman of NIPR in the State, Mr. Tosa Usuanlele, said the working visit was to  intimate government of its plans to add value to the programmes of Governor Obaseki.

    Usuanlele said the Professional body planned to deploy its monitoring unit to monitor progress work in some projects which included the Gelegele Seaport, Agenebode Seaport, Agro and Allied business, vocational Education, Solid Minerals Development and industrialisation.

    Other members of the chapter present at the meeting were Mr. Balarabe Oshiafi, Secretary, Dr Chamberlain Egbulefu, Vice Chairman, Elder Rufus Imafidon, PRO, Mrs Uwem Emmanuel, Financial Secretary, Dr Ose Aigbekaen, Ugiagbe Williams Osa, Oyemike Anthony Onyeloni, Amadin Edobo Okoro, Odion Dan, Esther Leilei, Mrs Josephine Adeyeye, Mrs Goodnews Willie, Fidelis Owanogho, Oarhe Evbotokhai Edekin

     

  • Obaseki vows to unmask killers of ex-council boss 

    Obaseki vows to unmask killers of ex-council boss 

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has vowed to unmask killers of the immediate past chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area, Prince Suleiman Afegbua.

    Prince Afegbua was killed on Thursday morning along the Benin-Auchi expressed road by gunmen suspected to be hired assassins.

    Obaseki who expressed shock and sadness over the incident ordered security operatives in the state to immediately swing into action to unravel those behind the act and bring them to justice.

    The visibly miffed governor received news of the incident in company of his Deputy, Hon. Philip Shaibu.

    Obaseki promised that government would do what it needs to do to apprehend the culprits of this heinous crime and bring them to book.

    Describe the incident as wicked and mindless, Governor Obaseki said the killing was an ugly stain on his administration drive to completely rid the state of violence and re-orientate the people towards imbibing the culture of reliance on the judiciary alone in resolution of real or perceived conflicts.

    He disclosed that an investigative panel would be set up to work with the police towards unravelling the identities of those directly and indirectly connected to the killing.

    He said, “Let me make it clear to the perpetrators that they have not only tested and affronted the government’s will to rid the state of men of the underworld among whom they belong, but that they have also tested the collective will of the people of Edo State.

    “The Government hereby assures the public of its resolve never to rest until the perpetrators are apprehended and the punishment the law holds out for the crime of murder administered to them as soon as possible.

    “The government shares this harrowing moment with you. May he rest in the boundless peace of the Lord, and may his family find the grace and strength to bear his loss. May the people of Etsako also find the will to move on and continue in his progressive footsteps to develop the area”.

     

  • Ogbemudia, true nationalist – Obasanjo

    Ogbemudia, true nationalist – Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has lamented the demise of ex – military Governor the defunct Mid- Western State, Brig-Gen. Samuel Ogbemudia(rtd), saying he was a nationalist who would be “sorely missed.”

    Obasanjo who described the late Ogbemudia as a friend and patriot, said he committed his life to the service and unity of the nation.

    In a letter of condolence dated March 11, 2017, and addressed to the Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki and which was made available to journalists in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital,  Obasanjo said  Ogbemudia was a versatile soldier and had a brilliant career in the army.

    Obasanjo said: “I recall, Brig-Gen. Ogbemudia and I served in the Field Battalion before Nigeria’s independence. During the civil war, he was able to make his way out of the rebel-held area to report to the Federal side.  This, indeed, was a mark of loyalty to his fatherland.

    “He was a true soldier who fought with commitment and distinction during the civil war on the Federal side. He was a great nationalist.  He fought for the unity of this country with complete dedication to the ideal of a great Nigeria in which fairness and justice will reign.

    “Indeed, it is no exaggeration to say that the history of our struggle for national unity, democracy and good governance cannot be written without ample reference being made to the patriotic, visionary and heroic role played by Ogbemudia.

    “As a Military Administrator of the defunct Mid-Western State between 1967 and 1975 and later as an elected Civilian Governor of the old Bendel State briefly in 1983, he made tremendous mark and he was the creator of what today is called “University of Benin”.  It is a testimony to Brig-Gen. Ogbemudia’s versatility that on retiring from the military, he rapidly transformed into a successful businessman.

    “But it was in the sphere of politics that he made his most enduring contribution to national development. His position in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the early days of the present democratic dispensation gave the Party the strength in Edo State and indeed in the South.”

    According to Obasanjo, Ogbemudia was also well known for his contributions to sports development and chaired the National Sports Commission creditably.

    He commiserated  with the people of Edo state and members of Ogbemudia’s immediate and extended family on the demise.

    “I, myself, have lost a friend and close associate. Brig-Gen. Ogbemudia will be sorely missed by all of us. The finality of Brig-Gen. Ogbemudia’s passage is painful, especially as he still had a lot to contribute to community and national life, but we can draw some solace from knowing that he left his mark indelibly in whatever he was called upon to do,” Obasanjo stated.

  •  Obaseki signs power purchase agreement

     Obaseki signs power purchase agreement

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has signed a power purchase agreement noting that the agreement was in furtherance of the previously outlined power plan for the state.

    Governor Obaseki disclosed this in Benin City on Wednesday, when he appended his signature on Power Purchase Agreement entered into with Ossiomo Power and infrastructure project.

    This was as he also promised uninterrupted power supply across the state, especially in strategic areas, stressing that Edo State is one of the transmission hubs and home of electricity in Nigeria.

    He said, “We should be able to deliver 24/7 uninterrupted power to all government establishments located along Sapele Road axis including Government House, Secretariat, Court Complex, Central hospital, House of Assembly and also the Palace”.

    The governor, who expressed confidence in the quality of services to be delivered by the company, said about 5 megawatts would be used as take-off for the project.

    He said, “We are confident from the facts available to us, that the design and engineering has been completed and that this facility hopefully should be ready within the next five months. This transaction is the first phase of a 50-megawatt plant. This is the first 5 megawatt, which the state is committed to purchasing from the conversation and negotiations that have taken place over the last three months.”

    Meanwhile, Governor Obaseki also noted that the 5 megawatts would be transmitted on a new 35-kilometre double circuit 33Kva line, which is being constructed from Ologbo to Kings Square.

    In addition, the MoU would further facilitate the state government’s effort to actualise its vision towards attracting investment to the state.

    “It brings to reality our plans to industrialise Edo State. We have always made known the fact that Edo is home of electricity in Nigeria because we have the singular advantage of not only having the transmission hub in the state but also the availability of transmission gas and natural gas reserves.

    All these factors put Edo in a very competitive advantage to generate electricity. The bane of our development in Nigeria is lack of electricity. Therefore, any city or state that can offer reliable and uninterrupted power supply stands all the chance to get all the benefits accruable because of the availability of power”, he said.

  • Presidency urges oil producing states to absorb Amnesty beneficiaries

    Presidency urges oil producing states to absorb Amnesty beneficiaries

    • Submits 1,416 names to Obaseki

    The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Brigadier General Paul Boroh (Rtd), on Thursday appealed to governments of the oil producing States to absorb beneficiaries of the amnesty programme from their respective states.

    Boroh said the development will reduce unemployment among the ex-militants.

    Describing the new approach as a game changer, in a statement by the Office Media & Communication Consultant, Owei Lakemfa, Abuja, the presidential aide added that it would resolve youth restiveness in the region.

    He disclosed that in line with the model, the  Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki already commenced moves to provide employment for Edo State amnesty beneficiaries. 

    Boroh noted that the Office has submitted a list of 1,416 ex-Agitators including 213 scholarship graduates and 466 persons who needed training and empowerment or employment.

    The statement reads: “A fundamental one in sustainably reintegrating  aggrieved youths who six years ago, had  taken  the amnesty offer of  the Federal Government.”

    He emphasised the need for other State governors from the oil producing states to partake in the programme.

    “By assisting their youths the presidential amnesty programme is not an open-ended one and all beneficiaries would have to eventually exit the programme.

    Boroh said the visit to Edo State by the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo last Monday, further cemented the ties between the people in the Niger Delta region and the federal government. 

    He said, “If the amount of empathy, concern and commitment to the people in the Niger Delta and their plight shown by the Buhari administration had been shown by past governments, there would have been no reason for agitations in the region. All that the people require and are asking  for is basic development and understanding which is what the Buhari administration is offering.”

    He lauded government’s decision to get all contractors who have abandoned projects in the region to go back to work and fulfil their contractual obligations.

  • Edo polls: There was accreditation before voting, witnesses tell tribunal

    Edo polls: There was accreditation before voting, witnesses tell tribunal

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Thursday opened his defence at the State Election Petition Tribunal in the ongoing hearing of the petition filed by Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and the People’s Democratic Party.

     

    Pastor Ize-Iyamu is asking the tribunal to declare him winner of the September 28 governorship election.

     

    The Independent National Electoral Commission on Monday closed its defence by submitting 203 documents without calling any witnesses.

     

    It said calling of witnesses would amount to helping the petitioners repaired their case damaged by the witnesses they called.

     

    The six witnesses that testified before the tribunal as at press time insisted that all voters were accredited before voting.

     

    They told the tribunal that election was conducted freely and fairly in line with the electoral act and added that there were neither agitation nor complaints from anybody including PDP agents after the results were announced.

     

    Lovely Igene who hails from Ward 7 in Oredo local government said the PDP collation agent in the Ward, Orkar Friday, did not come to his polling unit on the Election Day.

     

    He told the tribunal that voting and accreditation took place simultaneously.

     

    Evbuomwan Jackson told the tribunal that Presiding Officer informed all parties the procedure for the conduct of the election which included simultaneous accreditation and voting.

     

    Attempts by Counsel to the petitioners, Yusuf Alli, to seek additional time for cross examination was rejected by the tribunal.

  • Edo polls: Obaseki opens defence Thursday as INEC

    Edo polls: Obaseki opens defence Thursday as INEC

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, will on Thursday open his defence at the ongoing hearing of the petition filed by Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and the People’s Democratic Party at the Election Petition Tribunal.

    Governor Obaseki will have ten days to call witnesses and prove to the tribunal why Pastor Ize-Iyamu should not be declared winner of the September 28 governorship election.

    This is is just the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday the closed its defense before the Justice Ahmed Badamasi-led three man tribunal without calling any witness.

    It however tendered 203 documents to prove its case.

    The documents tendered by INEC as exhibits before the tribunal included 200 copies of Form EC8(B) for the 18 Local Government Areas, one copy of Form EC8(C) for the 18 LGAs of the state, Form EC8(D) for Edo state and Form EC8(E).

    Counsel to INEC, Onyinye Anumonye, also tendered a document titled “supplementary to the 2015 guidelines and regulations for the conduct of the election”.

    Anumonye informed the tribunal that no witness would be called over what he termed ‘to merely repeat the evidence already elicited under cross examination.’

    According to him, “having carefully and calmly revealed the evidence presented so far, it is our humble position that the first respondent has through the process of cross examination of petitioners witnesses which statement under cross examination support the first respondent case particularly documents tendered as exhibits.

    “The first respondent has sufficiently established its defense to the petition and we therefore consider it as unnecessary waste of the tribunal precious time to call witnesses who would merely come to repeat evidence we have already elicited under cross examination. The first respondent has decided to spare the tribunal that ordeal. What I have been trying to say in a very few words is that this is the case for the first respondent”, he said.

    When Counsel to Obaseki, Ken Mozia SAN, was called upon to open defence for the second respondents, he prayed the tribunal to adjourn till Thursday to enable him organise his witnesses.

    The Tribunal chairman ruled that the defence of the 1st respondent was closed, and adjourned sitting till Thursday for the 2rd respondent to open his defence.

     

  • Obaseki mourns late ex-AAU VC

    Obaseki mourns late ex-AAU VC

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has described the late immediate past Vice Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, Professor Cordelia Agbebaku, as a woman who contributed to the development of the education sector.

    Governor Obaseki said he received news of the sudden death of Prof. Agbebaku’s with a heavy heart.

    Professor Agbebaku who was the first female Vice-Chancellor of the Edo State owned university died on Thursday after battling cancer.

    In a condolence message to family of the late VC signed by Secretary to the Edo State Government, Barrister Osarodion Ogie, Governor Obaseki said Professor Agbebaku would be remembered for bringing direction and stability to the university.

    Obaseki urged her husband, Professor Philip, to take solace in the fact that she contributed a great deal to the development of various segments of society especially the educational sector in the state.

    According to him, “I realize without doubt that her exit will leave you, members of the family and the university community with considerable trauma following the unexpected occurrence.

    “Professor (Mrs.) Cordelia Ainenehi Agbebaku will be remembered for bringing direction and stability to Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma through her leadership role as Acting Vice Chancellor and later as Vice Chancellor and as a distinguished academic of international standing. These and her other accomplishments will continue to remain fresh in our minds”.

  • Obaseki knocks PDP over stir at new five star hospital

    Obaseki knocks PDP over stir at new five star hospital

    Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has knocked chieftains of the People’s Democratic Party in Edo State for causing a stir at the new five star Benin Central hospital.

    Obaseki said the PDP chieftains led by the party’s State chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, wanted to score cheap political point by feigning the illness of a healthy family man.

    Chief Orbih had described the five star hospital recently inaugurated by President Mohammadu Buhari as a fraud when no doctors or nurses were on duty to treat the ‘patient’ brought by the PDP.

    Governor Obaseki who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. John Mayaki, said governance is not run on an ad hoc approach as the PDP want Edo people to believe.

    Obaseki explained that the ongoing 3-day strategic policy dialogue workshop would afford his administration the opportunity to holistically look at all sectors including the five star hospital.

    He said the workshop is expected to come up with method to administer the various sectors in the state including the new hospital.

    According to him, “After the commissioning of the said facility by the past administration, you are well aware that there was change of guard in government – and as such, this disgruntled people should give us some time to look at the entire sector.

    “Edo people watched the said scene in the electronic media and came to a consensus that the alleged illness of one Ibawah – who surrendered himself for such ungodly act, was not only a charade but orchestrated by the PDP and their mischievous Chieftains.

    “We envision a broader perspective – the possibility of expanding the facility to become a one-stop-shop for medical tourism – and not the normal hospital we are used to – that facility was born a 5-star and nothing short of that for Edo people. After the strategic policy dialogue workshop, a blueprint on government’s direction would be unveiled.”

     

  • Obaseki assures investors of security in Edo

    Obaseki assures investors of security in Edo

    Edo state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday, said the state government would continue to partner the Nigerian Police to guarantee conducive environment for investors, saying “it is the most important factor in attracting investment”.

    Obaseki said a crime-free environment would automatically translate to investors’ haven.

    The governor said this in statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr John Mayaki on Thursday, when he hosted the AIG Zone Five, Abubakar Muhammad, who was in Government House to announce his postin g to Benin.

    Obaseki said “once investors feel that their property and lives will be safe and that they can attract and execute contracts without fear of insecurity, investors will have no choice but do business with Edo state.’’

    According to him, “we spent eight years to build the foundation of this state and now, we are consolidating.

    “We need external investors in the state and we need security for safety of lives and properties.

    “For us, security is number one and we will do everything to support the police because our survival is on that.

    `We will want to work with you very closely. However, I want to commend the existing cooperation of the police with government and I want to sue for its sustenance.

    “I’m saying you couldn’t come at an opportune time because as a government, we are very clear on where we are going.

    “We have spent the last eight years laying the foundations for economic and social take off.

    “ We have built infrastructure like roads and schools and now we need to consolidate on those development for the future.

    “And to do it we are also aware that we have to rely on our own internal resources and to leverage those internal resources. we need to attract investors and investments.

    “My other life was about working on investment and attracting investors and I know that a single most important factor in attracting investment into any area is security.

    “ It is not the money. That is why we are very excited that we have you”.

    While admitting that the constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria vests the responsibility of internal security with the Nigeria Police, Obaseki emphasized the imperative for concerted effort because the Nigeria Police clld not do it alone.

    Obaseki therefore harped on community policing arrangement with particular emphasis on intelligence gathering saying, “So, as a state, we will be rolling out our own internal security plan which will be linked to the federal plan.

    “Edo is changing Nigeria – Edo has a new king. We do that once in a generation.
    “We are blessed this year to witness one of the most colourful regal events of the continent and by the grace of God.

    “We had what we could determine a defining election in Edo State, an election that has defined the democratic direction of this country. It could be defined from different perspectives.

    “First, we are having people whom you will not term core politicians, that are professionals, people who are accomplished in other phases of life, who are now coming into politics to participate and therefore expand the political space.

    “It’s unfortunate that we are having a transition in the sense that we are moving from that era where politics was one excessively driven by violence.

    “The last set of elections before the one in Edo, we know the amount of bloodshed that occurred.

    “Thanks to you, to your men and other people of goodwill, we were able to have what we call a defining election in Nigeria when it took another turn when no one life was lost.

    “That feat has now be repeated in Ondo and we are hoping to see that trend continue. When this becomes the trend, then you find out that other good people;
    “People who mean well, who want to participate in politics will now begin to see politics differently – so that is also defining,” he said.

    Earlier, AIG Muhammad disclosed that they were in government house to introduce themselves to the Governor and acquaint him with the activities of the zone.

    He said, “Our coming today is to introduce ourselves and to tell what the zone is all about because you have the command with you.

    “The CP is here.  You are aware that the zone covers three states; Edo, Delta and Bayelsa and what we do in the zone is not to duplicate what the Commissioners of Police are doing in the states.

    “But to supervise, coordinate and support the activities of the three Commissioners of Police and one of our responsibilities is to liaise with the state governors in terms of how to strategize to suppress crime within each state.”

    He thanked the governor for the tremendous support that the State Police Command had been given in terms of infrastructure and gave assurance that the Zonal Command would improve on the security situation in the state.

    The AIG assured the governor that the command would not allow any form of criminal infiltration from other parts of the country and become economic sabotage in the state.

    He therefore sued for continuous support so that the officers and men would perform their duties maximally.