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Tag: Edo state governor

  • Obaseki commends EDHA for efficient resource use

    The Edo State Governor, Mr.  Godwin Obaseki, has commended the Edo State House of Assembly for the judicious use of its resources, which resulted in the facelift of the Anthony Enahoro Assembly Complex.

    The governor, who gave the commendation during an inspection visit to the Assembly complex in Benin City, the Edo State capital, said it was noteworthy that the renovation work was carried out through prudent resource management as no special fund was set aside for the exercise.

    Obaseki said, “I am happy with what I see here today. I am excited because special allocation or fund was not given for this renovation, but you did this from your regular allocation. I am pleased as the Assembly has properly utilised its fund. It shows you are prudent in spending.”

    He said politics is about public service and not self-interest, and expressed delight that the assembly complex is wearing a new look.

    Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Adjoto, who welcomed the governor and his entourage, acknowledged the massive infrastructural development in the state which he said has been extended to the parliament.

    He praised the governor for the beautiful and conducive environment in the assembly complex, as members and staff of the Assembly now spend more time in the office, in discharging their duties which has increased productivity.

    Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Roland Asoro, expressed appreciation to the governor for the visit, assuring that members of the legislative arm will key into the governor’s developmental programmes to transform Edo State.

     

  • Deforestation: Edo partners NGO to regenerate forest reserve

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state government is committed to rolling back the effects of deforestation through mutually beneficial partnerships to regenerate forest covers that were depleted over the years.

    The governor disclosed this at the commissioning of the 1200 trees plantation, an initiative by Association Bernadette Strebel World Peace, in Ehor Forest Reserve, Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the state.

    Read Also:Edo finalizes audit of roads as contractors mobilize to site

    Obaseki, who was represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Dame Omua Alonge Oni-Okpaku, said that the state government is encouraging Public Private Partnership (PPP) in environmental regeneration, which will provide room for more stakeholders to contribute to efforts at replenishing the state’s forest cover.    

    According to him “Our forest has been greatly devastated and there is an urgent need for massive reforestation and protection of the little available forest. Edo State Government has high potential for forest regeneration and this government is committed to the planting of tress to restore our lost forest reserves. As a government, we will not relent in fighting deforestation and its resultant effects with all the measures within our reach. We are more determined now than ever to bring back our forest.”

    The governor said that one of the ways the state government is driving this programme is by encouraging Private Public Partnership (PPP) in forest regeneration, noting, “In furtherance of this, the state’s contribution towards the success of the One Million Trees project was the donation of 400ha of deforested land and the continuous supply of seedlings. Since the inception of the project, Edo State Government has not relented in the provision of seedlings. Some other NGOs are also part of this great initiative.”

    He added: “Our state forest tree nurseries are established to facilitate supply of planting stock for forest plantation establishment. Most of the seedlings raised are usually distributed to schools, individuals and corporate bodies. Between last year and this year, 200,000 seedlings have been distributed of which One Million Trees project got 100,000 seedlings, 50,000 each for 2017 and 2018.

    “I wish to applaud the initiative of the Association Bernadette Strebel World Peace. The laudable project of planting one million trees will restore and enrich the forest resources and the environment of Edo State.”

  • Edo APC: Obaseki congratulates winners of primary elections

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated all the candidates that emerged from the peaceful October 4, National and State Assemblies’ primary elections of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held across the state.

    Read Also:Obaseki assures of sound environmental governance in Edo

    He called on all members of the party to come together and work as a team to ensure the party triumphs in the 2019 general elections.

    He expressed his gratitude to the organisers of the primary elections for the orderly and peaceful process that produced the candidates that have been adjudged worthy of flying the party’s flag at the next general elections, and can mobilise their followers for the emphatic triumph of President Muhammadu Buhari and other candidates of the party in next year’s elections.

    Obaseki urged members of the party to ignore media publications attempting to cast aspersions on the primary elections that were declared peaceful, free and fair across the state.

  • Obaseki, Buratai chart new logistics support model for Army

    …recommend PPP to meet contemporary needs

     

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, have called for the adoption of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model in logistics support for the Nigerian Army to enable it tackle the nation’s security challenge.

    Obaseki maintained that for the nation’s fight against terrorism and other crimes to succeed, all hands must be on deck to support the Nigerian Army and related security agencies.

    Read Also:FG approves N2bn as take-off of Nigerian Army University

    The governor, who spoke through the Head of Service of the state, Mrs. Gladys Idahor, at the opening ceremony of the 20th Combat Service Support Training Week held at the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport in Benin City, emphasised that government alone cannot provide all the logistics need of the Nigerian Army especially in the face of new security challenges.

    “The academia and organised private sector need to share ideas on ways of meeting the contemporary needs of the Nigerian Army” Obaseki said.

    He noted that the theme of the training: “Enhancing Combat Service Support capability through Public Private Partnership to meet Nigerian Army’s Contemporary Challenge” is apt, and commended the security outfit for its planned medical outreach to people in selected communities in the state.

    He added that regular training of security officials is important in the face of new threats to national security and said Edo State’s current status as the most peaceful state in the country, is due in part, to the partnership with the Nigerian Army.

    The Chief of Army Staff said tackling contemporary security challenges in the country requires a more robust logistics plan, noting that to a large extent, logistics determine the capability of any army to perform its duties.

    Lt. Gen. Buratai who was represented by Major General Ademoh Salihu, explained that the need for a more efficient and effective logistics model for the Nigerian Army through public private partnership has become expedient.

    He said the Army’s continued dependence on importation of military hard wares has had adverse effect on their operations especially in the fight against insurgency in the North East region.

    He commended the combat service support corps for their relentless service in the fight against insurgency in the country and urged them to leverage on the three days training opportunity to fashion out ways to enhance their capacity in the provision of logistics to nip the security challenges facing the country in the bud.

     

  • Obaseki hails Stella Anukam on new role as African Union Court Judge

    …urges Edo youths to emulate strides

     

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated Justice Stella Isibhakhomen Anukam, on her new role as African Union Court Judge, urging youths to emulate her exemplary strides and commitment to service.

    The governor, in a statement, said that Justice Anukam’s election as one of the Judges of the African Union Court on Human and People’s Rights deserves commendation, as she would serve as a beacon of hope to young Edo people, especially young girls, who need credible mentors in the public space.

    Read Also:Obaseki stops 10% Administration of Estate Fee

    Justice Stella Isibhakhomen Anukam (nee Eremionkhale) was among the three new judges elected to the African Court in July and was sworn-in on August 27, in Arusha, Tanzania.

    According to Obaseki, “On behalf of the government and people of Edo State, I congratulate Justice Anukam on her new role. She has shown once again that we have many illustrious sons and daughters that have proved themselves in their various fields of endeavor.

    “Her ascension to the role of a judge at the African Court is of immense benefit to us, as a people with a thriving youth population that is seeking role models across different career paths. While battling issues such as human trafficking and illegal migration and other social ills, icons such as Justice Anukam helps to point our young people, especially young girls, to the right path with the assurance that if they do work hard, they are sure to reach the peak of their careers.”

    Obaseki hailed her contribution to upholding human rights and other engagements in Nigeria.

    He urged Justice Anukam to uphold human rights and rights of African peoples, charging her to leave an indelible mark at the African Court during her tenure as a judge.

    Justice Anukam, before her election was the Director, International and Comparative Law, Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja. She holds an L.L.B degree from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), in 1984 and B.L in 1985. She is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in Nigeria and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.

     

  • Housing reform will drive Edo’s economic rejuvenation – Obaseki

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has described the 1, 800-unit Emotan Gardens project being developed in partnership with MIXTA Africa, as a project that will stimulate economic growth in the state.

    The housing project is part of project billed to be showcased alongside other reforms embarked upon by the Governor Obaseki administration at the 27th edition of the Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW) convention, in Canada.

    Read Also:Police arrest suspected attackers of Obaseki

    He said, “From our strategic vision, we envisage Edo State as that state in Nigeria that offers opportunities to all Nigerians to aspire and attain their aspirations. Specifically, we are creating a society in which people can live in peace and harmony.”

    On the Emotan Gardens project, he said, “This project is going to be of huge benefit to the economy of the state; almost 80 per cent of what is required or what will be used to build the Estate is going to be sourced from Edo State. From the cement, to the steel and rods that will be used, will be manufactured here. The sand, gravel, granite, and all other such materials will be obtained here. Tiles, sanitary fittings, are all manufactured in Edo State.

    The glass, the aluminium profiles, the roofing sheets, the lumber for the roofing are all made here, and of course the labour. So, almost 80 percent of what will be required to build this estate will be sourced locally.”

    The governor said the estate project, “is going to be a large-gated community with lots of amenities, serviced with electricity 24/7; it is going to have metered water supply, security and entertainment around it. There is going to be shopping mall and arena, and other facilities like healthcare centre and a school. It would provide perhaps the kind of quality living that our people are aspiring to, but most importantly, it will be affordable.”

    He said that the state government intends to use the project to grow a new set of artisanal manpower and experts in building, that will be the envy of all, noting, “The project will be quite impactful. But more importantly, it will help us to train a whole new generation of artisans, construction workers, professionals in construction industry, who we hope will now be pioneers in developing many more estates in the state.”

    On creating access to the estate, he said “The Estate is located on Sokponba Road and one of the main arteries of Benin City. Our plan is to expand and dualise that road so that access into the estate will be smooth. We also plan to build another artery road behind the estate to also help in easing traffic flow into and out of the housing estate.

    Noting that Emotan Gardens is one among many innovations in the state, he said, “We are having a revolution in the education sector as well, with Edo-BEST. There is also the Edo-Health Improvement Programme (Edo-HIP) in the health sector.

     

  • Obaseki commiserates with Seriaki Dickson

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commiserated with Governor Seriaki Dickson of Bayelsa State, over the passing of his mother, Mrs. Gold Coast Dickson.

    According to Obaseki “I share in your difficult moments and encourage you to take solace in the good Christian life your mother lived, which has been attested to by many people who know her.”

    Read Also:Dickson: Buhari phoned me from UK on my mum’s death

    “Mama has been described as a quintessential mother, devout Christian and community leader who devoted her lifetime to the service of God and humanity,” Obaseki said.

    The governor added that her impact in the community where she touched the lives of many Nigerians will continue to inspire the younger generations and prayed for the repose of her soul.

  • We will not share Edo people’s money – Obaseki

    … says taxpayers’ money is for devt.

     

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that under his watch, money meant for the development of the state will not be shared.

    Obaseki made the declaration at the Government House, in Benin City, the state capital, during the first-year anniversary celebration of the Edo State Task Force Against Human Trafficking.

    Read Also:Human trafficking: Obaseki lauds EU, Benin Monarch

    “All Edo State Government’s money will be used for the development of the state. This is the brand of politics I have chosen to play. Our developmental challenges are so enormous and only a frugal and prudent utilisation of tax payers’ money would ameliorate the sufferings of our people,” he said.

    The governor emphasised that “no matter the pressure and irrespective of the quarters such pressure would come from, I will not break my oath with Edo people, to provide purposeful leadership.”

    He assured that his administration is opening up rural areas through the provision of infrastructure to stimulate the local economy and enhance the lives of the people.

    He maintained that people will not embark on illegal and life-threatening journeys to Libya if there are structures that will support quality life at the grassroots.

    “Taxpayers money is meant for development and it will be used to develop the state and make life better for our people. We are taking development to those in the grassroots where the need is greater. We will not share money like those we displaced from government.”

    He assured that his administration’s “target is for Edo State to be ranked as one of the three most developed states by the end of my tenure, in infrastructural development, education, improving the business environment especially in the rural areas, amongst other indicators of growth and development.

     

  • Vlisco, Obaseki heighten talks to locate factory in Benin Industrial Park

    … as Edo aims to become textile Hub

     

    The Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that fruitful negotiations are ongoing to attract Vlisco, one of West Africa’s largest textile companies to set up at Benin Industrial Park (BIP), as the state plans to reposition the state as a textile hub in the country.

    He stated this when he received the executive members of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter, led by the chairman, Comrade Isaiah Okungbowa, who were in Government House on a courtesy visit.

    Read Also:Igarra Bank Robbery: Obaseki visits victims

    The Benin Industrial Park is a landmark industrial complex being developed by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration close to Benin City, that is set to stimulate large scale industrialisation and create wealth for Edo people and residents. The park, which is expected to cover 996 hectares of land, will host textile, agro-processing, equipment manufacturing and other industries.

    The governor said his administration is focused on building the manufacturing hub, which will be sited in a secure environment, where there will be stable electricity supply, water, and other basic needs to enhance the ease of doing business and allow members of the union to work 24 hours a day to allow for mass production.

    Noting that the state is keen on becoming a textile hub, he said, “We are negotiating to attract one of the largest textile companies (Vlisco Textile) to Edo State to reside at the industrial park, in Iyanomo, to make the state a textile hub in Nigeria.”

    “We want to develop the state and create wealth for Edo people by increasing economic activity in the state. We want to ensure our state is developed and promote an environment that attracts investors to contribute to the development of the state,” he added.

    He assured that his administration will make it a policy to allow the union sew uniforms of students in the state to deepen government’s partnership with members of the union.

    Earlier, leader of the delegation, Comrade Isaiah Okungbowa thanked the governor for his continued support for them, stressing that they will continue to play their role in supporting the administration.

    He commended the governor for his drive to create 200,000 jobs for the people of the state and expressed the readiness of the union to partner with his administration.

    He appealed for the establishment of a cottage fashion industry, which can be managed by the union.

  • Obaseki, World Bank firm up partnership on agriculture

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the deepening of partnership with the World Bank in agricultural development would usher the state into a new era of prosperity, which will directly impact on the lives of Edo people.

    The governor, who said this during a lunch with a team from the World Bank at the Government House in Benin City, noted that the state government has implemented crucial reforms to engender transparency, probity, and accountability in public finance and policy implementation.

    The visiting World Bank team consists of its Agricultural Economist, Adetunji Oredipe and Lead Financial Management Specialist, Governance Global Practice, Parminder Brar.

    Read Also:http://staging.thenationonlineng.net/world-bank-asks-nigeria-to-raise-non-oil-tax-collection/

    The meeting is coming on the heels of extensive engagements with top hierarchy of the World Bank, which has sent expanded teams to the state in the last couple of months, to assess the progress of development efforts and landmark projects such as the Edo-Azura Power Project, which the Bretton Woods institution is a major partner.

    According to the governor, the state government has ensured the implementation of reforms that have made the state attractive to investors and development partners, who have committed to invest in capacity building, technical education, innovation and technology development as well as in attaining the sustainable development goals in the state.

    He added that the focus on technical education has attracted investment from the World Bank, in the rehabilitation project, which will see the school offer top-of-the-range education in technical areas, and award globally-respected certificates to the students.

    The state government has been pursuing a multipronged agricultural development plan, which led to a recent visit to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

    At the meeting with IITA Director General (DG), Nteranya Sanginga, Governor Obaseki reiterated his administration’s vision was to establish a cassava production zone of at least 50,000 hectares where cassava will be produced and processed with the active participation of smallholder farmers and the private sector.

    He demanded an actionable plan from IITA, that will guide the state in becoming a hub of agricultural development in the region.

    The World Bank team assured the governor of continued support on his developmental projects, noting that the World Bank will support the state’s reforms for the benefit of the people.