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Tag: Edo state governor

  • Obaseki proffers technical education as panacea to youth unemployment

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the absence of a robust, well-modelled quality technical and vocational education is responsible for the frightening national unemployment figures.

    Governor Obaseki said this while delivering the 2018 National Alumni Lecture of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, in Trenchard Hall, Ibadan, on Friday.

    Read Also:Obaseki approves training for teachers on use of digital teaching

    Other eminent Nigerians that have delivered the National Alumni Lecture include former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Grace Alele-Williams; the immediate-past National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief John Odigi-Oyegun; the late Chief Bola Ige and Gamaliel Onosode, amongst others.

    In the lecture entitled, Technical Education and Skills Acquisition As Imperative for Youth Empowerment, Obaseki said that a lot has to be done to change the perception of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) by fostering public support, redesigning the institutions and putting them under quality management.

    On his return to the school for the Alumni Lecture, the governor, who graduated from the university in 1976, said “It is indeed a great pleasure to return to this great institution, an intellectual haven that molded me in the very best traditions of research, leadership, administration, the arts, understanding of the values of life and the centrality of human progress as the measure of labour.”

    According to him, “we have neglected technical and vocational education for far too long.  The discrimination that polytechnic graduates still suffer after graduation is a clear illustration of this situation.  Many technical schools have been converted to regular schools to produce all sorts of “certificates”.

    “Others are simply glorified institutions with nothing technical about them; certainly not in the curriculum, not in technology nor in the faculties, facility and general infrastructure.  In this way, we have gradually lost the vision and mission of producing a cadre of skilled young Nigerians to perform technical responsibilities in government, industry and general services.

    “It is no wonder therefore, that many foreign investors bring their own staff using legal and underhand tactics to comply with or evade the quota system for expatriate labour.”

    On reforms in the TVET sub-sector in the state, he said, “We closed and redesigned the Government Science and Technical College in Benin, and we are currently rebuilding it to reflect contemporary requirements for a full-fledged technical college.  We have equally redesigned the courses to make them demand-driven. The World Bank being impressed by these strides has contributed 1.2 Million Dollars (400 Million Naira) to this project and is set to invest an additional 2.7 Million Dollars (one billion Naira) in the coming year.”

    He said the state government is carrying out surgical restructuring on the tertiary institutions, which include the restructuring of the state College of Agriculture into three new campuses in Iguoriakhi (Edo South), Uromi (Edo Central) and Agenebode (Edo North) as well as the Edo State Polytechnic in Usen (formerly Institute of Management and Technology), which is being repurposed to serve the needs of the state and the private sector.

    On the state government’s job creation drive, he said, “In order to further create stronger linkages between industry and job seekers, one of the first initiatives of my government was to create EdoJobs, an initiative that has now evolved into a Skills Development Centre.  The objective was first, to obtain data on the numbers, qualifications, locations, and interests of Edo youths.  Second, was to provide training and employability support, and the third was to match the trained youths with private sector employers through the new synergy we have established. So far, over 45,000 jobs have been created through self-employment or placements with the private sector.”

    Noting that there has been an aggressive drive to reposition the state as an investment destination, he said, “The State Government has designed a development strategy based on widespread consultation with stakeholders.  Based on our six thematic pillars – Institutional Reform, Economic Revolution, Infrastructure Development, Socio-welfare Enhancement, Environmental Sustainability and Culture and Tourism.

    “We have commenced the design and the development of a 996 hectares Industrial Park and development of the Benin River Port. We have also successfully launched a new industrial programme including revision of incentives to investors, introduction of new technology in revenue collection, establishing a Public Private Partnership office and an Edo Investment Promotion Bureau, initiating an Ease of Doing Business campaign and establishing an Industrial Park.”

    Earlier, the National President, University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Dr. Kemi Emina, said that Governor Obaseki’s leadership style in Edo stood him out for this year’s lecture.

    Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, said that the number of graduates produced yearly requires a well-planned strategy to integrate them into the Nigerian economy.

    Olayinka said graduates would need to augment their education with technical education and vocational training to be able to surmount the challenge of unemployment.

     

  • Obaseki showcases 1800 Emotan Gardens, land, education reforms

    With less than four weeks to the 27th edition of the Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW) Convention, holding in Toronto, Canada, the Edo State Government is set to parade her achievements in the housing, education and other sectors at the event.

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, will lead the state’s delegation to the Toronto convention, which has become the single largest assemblage of Edo professionals and experts living and working in the diaspora, and forms a large part of the state’s critical mass.

    Read Also:Job Creation: Obaseki assures Edo youths of preference

    At a strategy meeting between representatives of MIXTA Africa, the joint venture partner in the development of the 1800-unit Emotan Gardens, and representatives of the state government, Executive Chairman, Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), Isoken Omo, assured that a mix of engagement strategies would be deployed in the state government’s effort to meet the housing and other needs of Edo people in the diaspora.

    “The Edo State Government and her partners are upbeat about the Emotan Gardens and similar housing projects coming on stream soon. It is an opportunity many of our people have been waiting for to acquire decent housing through a very transparent process devoid of encumbrances,” Omo said.

    She explained that “the appeal of Emotan Gardens has been phenomenal, as would-be subscribers are just waiting for us to open sales. Governor Obaseki is passionate about this product and will be exhibiting it at the ENAW Convention.”

    Also, at the meeting, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, said “the governor will also be showcasing the technology-based teaching method, which is a component of the Edo State Basis Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) initiative.”

    The governor’s aide added that “Edo is the first and only state that has deployed the technology in public primary schools in Nigeria.”

    According to him, “Another sector that will feature in the governor’s presentation at the ENAW Convention is the peace being enjoyed by developers following the signing of the Private Property Protection Law, which has abolished the activities of Community Development Association (CDAs).

    “The sanity in the built sector now is beyond compare and we are happy to report a new era devoid of crisis over land and building construction across the state.

    “The abolition of CDAs was thought impossible considering the influence the members weighed and many Edo people could not build houses because of the activities of these misguided youths.”

    The four-day Toronto convention, the 27th in the series, will hold from August 31 – September 3.

     

  • Job Creation: Obaseki assures Edo youths of preference

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured qualified youths in the state of preferential treatment in the new economic order taking shape in the state.

    Obaseki gave the assurance during the courtesy visit by the Association of Esan Professionals (AEP), at Government House, in Benin City.

    He said that youths sponsored by AEP for training on welding and fabrication would be linked to firms where their skills would be put to effective use.

    Read Also:Suspected cultist nabbed in Edo State

    “I want to assure you that we will support you and give priority to the youth whose training on welding and fabrication you sponsored, particularly on the projects we are working on.

    “I believe that the modular refinery where work has already started will require fabrication work. We will be introducing them to our partners in that transaction,” the governor told his guests.

    He commended members of the association for sponsoring youths for the training, noting, “I thank you for your selflessness and interest in our people. You have been able to raise money from your own resources to train youth on welding and fabrication and it is most commendable.”

    “Thank you for the effort you are making. I want to inform you that we will obtain their data for our job portal, EdoJobs, and see how we can match them with jobs in the state,” he added.

    Earlier, President of the association, Mr. Sam Obaze, explained that the group’s decision to sponsor 10 youths from Esanland at the Petroleum Technology Institute (PTI) in Warri, was to complement governor Obaseki’s initiative to engage youths in productive activity.

    Obaze said, “I wish to reiterate that your desire to engage Edo youths productively received a boost when 10 Esan youths, sponsored by our association, were decorated with PTI’s Skills Acquisition Proficiency Certificates in welding and fabrication, after nine months of training.”

    He commended the governor for reinstating the Onojie of Uromi, noting, “the people of Esanland thank you most sincerely for this gesture and wish to assure you of our continuous and sustained support.”

  • Obaseki lauds Cultural Heritage Centre

    …as free Edo Language summer class opens in Benin

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed his administration’s readiness to give Edo Culture its pride of place by promoting the teaching of Edo Language in schools and colleges across the state.

    The Governor who was represented by his Arts, Culture Tourism and Diaspora Affairs Commissioner, Hon. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero, made the assertion in Benin City, the Edo State capital, during the launching of the first Benin Heritage Centre’s Free Edo Language Summer School for Children.

    The governor, who reaffirmed his vision to ensure that every Edo child speaks and understands Edo Language, added that the teaching of the language in primary and secondary schools will expose the child to the norms and values enshrined in the Edo Culture.

    “Governor Godwin Obaseki is fully in support of our indigenous language. He has promised to promote the centre, particularly in providing an enabling environment for Free Edo Language Summer School.”

    While congratulating the organisers of the programme, he urged all Edo children to avail themselves of the opportunity of the training, stressing that it would give them a sense of pride and identity.

    Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Benin Cultural Heritage Centre and the Enogie of Evbuobanosa and Abudu, HRH, Prof. Gregory Akenzua, said the centre, which was established 10 years ago, is aimed at restoring the Edo Language and making sure that all children both in Nigeria and the diaspora understand and speak Benin Language.

    He added that the centre would also provide an avenue for Edo children to know about their rich cultural heritage and be abreast of the folklores, stories and wise sayings of Edo people.

    The President of the centre, Ehi Ighile, said the programme is geared towards awakening the interest in Edo Language by making it free of tuition fee, transportation, textbooks and feeding costs.

  • Obaseki accuses BEDC of frustrating power purchase deal for Edo

    …Decries poor service, over-billing

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, on Thursday accused the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) of frustrating a power deal with Ossiomo Power and Infrastructure Company Limited, to supply electricity to government offices in the state capital.

    Obaseki who disclosed this at the 4th National Council on Power event, holding in the state, decried the poor supply of electricity to the state, the company’s resolve not to supply pre-paid meters to electricity consumers and its culture of over-billing its clients.

    Read Also:Obaseki mulls reforestation programme with PRESCO Plc, others

    According to the governor, BEDC in the last 12 months has been writing petitions against the deal sealed between Edo State Government and Ossiomo Power and Infrastructure Company Limited, for the purchase of five megawatts of electricity to light up government offices in Benin City, and stressed that the petitions have hindered the success of the purchase agreement.

    He explained that no community in the state enjoys more than eight hours of electricity supply daily despite her status as the power hub of the country.

    “195 communities have never seen electricity as BEDC is not ready to extend electricity to these communities. 128 communities have issues of collapse of infrastructure which BEDC is not prepared to fix. 219 transformers purchased by the state government and the former Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) as replacements for faulty transformers are yet to be installed by BEDC,” Obaseki said.

    He informed that the electricity distribution company has continued to deliver poor services to Edo people and maintained that evidence abound of deliberate attempt on the part of BEDC not to sell or distribute meters to customers.

    He added that as a government “we have extended our cooperation to resolve some of these problems, but the company has remained uncooperative.

    “The people are over-billed with the estimated billing system of BEDC. We lost a student due to the negligence of BEDC, for refusing to fix a pole that was knocked down after receiving money to fix it. I have instructed the Attorney General of Edo State to file charges of criminal negligence against the senior management of BEDC,” Obaseki said.

    Earlier, the Minister for Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Louis Edozien, expressed his appreciation to the people of Edo State for the hospitality extended to the power conference participants.

    He lauded Obaseki’s approach to governance as attested to by Edo people and residents, and explained that the country currently produces 7,000MW of electricity, but regretted that it is only able to distribute 5,000MW, leaving the country with unused 2,000MW, due to transmission challenges.

  • Edo Innovation Hub maps sustainability path

    …Completes training for 724 entrepreneurs

     

    The Edo State Government-backed Edo Innovation Hub, a cluster for innovators and inventors in Benin City, has trained at least 724 entrepreneurs in less than three months of operation and has now drawn up a sustainability plan that will see the private sector drive activities at the cluster.

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at the launch of the hub in June, noted that the government is priming youths to evolve and strengthen the technology ecosystem in the state. He added that the state is going to leverage on technology for job creation and enterprise development.

    Read Also:Three kidnapped Rivers APC stalwarts regain freedom

    In a statement, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Job Creation and Skills Development, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, said that the facility houses the South-South Innovation Hub with two halls, five training rooms, six fully-furnished co-working spaces, four rooms with a total of 100 computers, offices, conference rooms, outdoor workspaces, among others.

    She said of the 724 entrepreneurs, “200 females are being trained by Microsoft and Tech4Dev; 32 persons participated in LinkedIn MeetUp sessions to build a vibrant business community and leverage networking for local and international businesses; 49 budding app developers participated in Curators University’s Artificial Intelligence boot camp; 23 developers were trained by Hotels.NG on coding and app development.

    “Other partners include Makers Academy, who trained 40 students on robotics; Pan Atlantic University University’s Enterprise Development Centre, trained 59 entrepreneurs on entrepreneurship and innovation; Siemens, Impact Hub conducted pre-hackathon orientation for 25 aspiring entrepreneurs in the power sector while Microsoft took 50 teachers on Basic Digital Literacy for Teachers.”

    She said that there is a sustainability plan in place to ensure that the private sector takes the lead in the growth of the state’s technology ecosystem, adding that trainings and business incubation would continue at the facility.

    She added that ATC Nigeria donated three fully equipped ICT centers in Benin, Irrua and Ekpoma, to deepen the penetration of tech-driven development across the state.

    Explaining that a good number of the firms at the hub have expressed interest for long-term partnership with the state government, she said that the state government is exploring the option of a trust fund to sustain the hub.

  • Obaseki mulls reforestation programme with PRESCO Plc, others

    …as company lauds growing investor confidence in Edo

     

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that his administration is committed to a comprehensive reforestation programme through collaboration with PRESCO Nig. Plc. and similar companies in the state.

    According to the governor, the reforestation programme was conceived to correct the degradation and depletion of trees in forest reserves across the state.

    Obaseki who disclosed this at the Pre-Annual General Meeting Cocktail Dinner organised by PRESCO Plc. at Obaretin Estate, in the state, explained that the reforestation programme has become necessary as an audit of forest reserves in the state showed that the reserves have been depleted.

    Read Also:Lassa fever: Edo urges residents to sustain prevention efforts

    He noted that his administration’s strategy will ensure that the depleted parts of the forest reserves are put to profitable use through partnership with companies that are ready to work with the state to cultivate oil palm and other economic trees.

    “In our private conversation with the chairman of PRESCO Plc. I have received his assurance and we will be working with them on a reforestation programme in the state,” Obaseki said.

    He explained that 50 years ago, Nigeria was the number one oil palm producing country in the world, noting that the state and nation want to restore that lost glory.

    The Chairman of Presco Plc., Mr Pierre Vandebeeck commended the governor and his team for finding time to attend the company’s Pre-AGM Cocktail Dinner and lauded the growing investor confidence in the state resulting from the ease of doing business in all parts of the state.

    “We enjoy working in your state because you have created the enabling environment for us to do business here. We are proud of you and pledge to continue to support your administration to enable you succeed in transforming the state.”

     

  • Market women, NURTW laud Obaseki’s achievements 

    …hail removal of thugs from markets, parks

    Market women and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Edo State have staged solidarity walks in support of the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

    The leader of the Market Women Association, Madam Blackie Ogiamien, in their separate march, told the governor “We are here to express our appreciation to your leadership style. As keen followers of your administration, we salute you for your various initiatives which includes the promotion of cleanliness through the weekly sanitation introduced by your administration.

    Read Also:Edo berates BEDC over poor supply of electricity to residents

    “Many persons have attested to the restoration of law and order in the state capital. This has improved the free flow of human and vehicular traffic especially around markets. In the beginning it seemed like child’s play but today, we have seen the result.”

    Ogiamien maintained that “As mothers, wives and workers, your prompt payment of workers is quite commendable as it encourages workers to plan ahead and meet the demands of their families.

    “We market women commend you for demobilising street urchins and thugs or ‘agberos’ who were terrorizing our markets and making trading almost impossible. We commend you for restoring sanity in this area as we the market women now have peace and are able to do our business without any harassment.”

    She appealed to the governor not to allow for the return of thugs in the state, recalling the harrowing experiences they had in the hands of the thugs while they held sway.

    In his response, Governor Obaseki expressed his appreciation to the women for their support, and explained: “With the support of members of my administration, we stopped ticketing through which different groups were extorting market women. I never knew that my pronouncement would go far and restore sanity in the city, which has improved the total revenue collected by the local government monthly.”

    In a separate event, the Chairman, Edo State Chapter of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mr Odion Olaye, who led other members of the union on a solidarity walk to the Government House in Benin City, commended the governor for what he called “the good work Obaseki has done within a short time in office,” and assured that members of the union are behind him.

    “We are here to pass a vote of confidence on you as the governor of Edo State, because of the good work you are doing for us in the state. It is only those who are blind that will not see the good work you are doing. You are building roads; we are seeing the projects and our members are happy with you. We appreciate the good work you are doing with the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA), the vigilante group and the Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV) programme.

    He urged those peddling falsehood to distract the governor to desist from the act and maintained that the governor deserved to be praised.

    In his remark, the governor expressed appreciation to members of the union for their support and assured that his administration is determined to make life more meaningful for the average Edo person.

    “My vision is to transform the economy and make the state viable for businesses to thrive. I have engaged contractors to rehabilitate and reconstruct roads across the 18 local government areas of the state.”

     

  • EdoJobs takes skills devt mandate to Uhunmwode, Orhionmwon LGAs

    … completes orientation programme for school leavers

     

    As part of efforts to actualise Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki’s skills development mandate, EdoJobs, the state’s platform for skills development and jobs creation, is carrying out a census of unemployed youths in Uhunmwode and Orhionmwon Local Government Areas, to identify skills gaps and capacity building need of the two local councils.

    Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Skills Development and Job Creation, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists, said that the census will help EdoJobs fashion training modules to fit the needs of the communities in the councils.

    According to her, “During the registration held on Wednesday July 11, Friday July 13 and on Monday July 16, there was massive turnout as many persons from all the wards in Uhunmwode and Orhionmwon Local Government Areas were registered on the EdoJobs database.”

    “The Special Assistants from all the wards supported the exercise by mobilising members of their communities for the exercise. With the registration, we will be able to identify the skills gap, train youths and match them with job opportunities.”

    She said there is an elaborate plan to revamp selected Skills Acquisition Centres in the communities in preparation for the train-to-hire programme.

    Meanwhile, EdoJobs has concluded plans to partner the technology company, Bits Global, to train 100 school leavers on in-demand technology skills.

    According to Dare, “As part of Governor Obaseki’s promise to create 200,000 jobs, we have entered into partnership with Bits Global to train 100 under-privileged school leavers on basic ICT skills.”

    She explained that the training will assist the school leavers develop early interest in exploring opportunities in Nigeria’s evolving technology eco-system.

    She added, “The beneficiaries praised Governor Obaseki for the initiative. Some of them never had an encounter with the computer prior to the orientation week.”

    The orientation week covered lessons on the importance of computing, Internet, MS PowerPoint, Basics of presentation, Typing, MS Word, among others.

    The participants were carefully selected from the community hosting the Edo Innovation Hub, “Edo Innovates.” The training is specifically designed for young school leavers of 16 – 24 years of age.

    EdoBits is a project set up by the Edo State Government, Butterfly Works, and EkoBits to reduce unemployment in Edo State and aid youth in acquiring internationally-certified training. It is licensed by an entity called We are Bits based in the Netherlands

  • Human trafficking: Obaseki’s initiatives attract Diaspora Ambassador

    … as NGO arrives Benin City for skills training, stakes N50,000 grant for each trainee

     

    Efforts by the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to rehabilitate and reintegrate victims of human trafficking and irregular migration have attracted support from indigenes of the state in the Diaspora, who are now committed to advancing the governor’s campaign and supporting the reintegration of returnees.

    Recall that Governor Obaseki few weeks ago was in Brussels, Belgium to seek the European Parliament’s partnership in building structures for robust Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and other forms of support from the European Union so as to strengthen the state government’s programme in rehabilitating and reintegrating the returnees, and upskill other youths in the state.

    Inspired by the governor’s spirited and sustained effort to stem the trend of human trafficking, Mrs. Queen Klopper, a Germany-based indigene of the state and Founder of Haven for Rehabilitation and Reintegration, a Non-Governmental Organisation, has thrown her weight behind the rehabilitation effort.

    Speaking with journalists yesterday in Benin City, she charged Edo indigenes resident in the state and in the Diaspora to support the efforts of the government, so that she can make a headway in its campaign against human trafficking.

    She said she was back in the country to contribute her own quota to the state government’s effort and has finalised arrangement to organise a skills acquisition training for 10 of the returnees on July 20.

    According to her, “I am based in Germany. I had a Foundation in Abuja, called Haven for Rehabilitation and Reintegration, which I started six years ago. I relocated to Germany but the fire to help others still burns in me. The Foundation has as its objectives to train youths on skills, prison visits to empower prisoners, and rural development, especially to empower rural women.”

    Explaining her motivation for the training, she said, “The condition of Libya returnees is no longer news. They were put through hard labour and torture. We heard about it on the news in Germany for days, as well as on social media. From there, I saw how Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, tried his best to rehabilitate them. They were given free accommodation, food and even monthly stipends, which is not easy.

    “I thought that it would be a good idea to contribute my quota to his very impressive campaign, given the limited resources. I felt if I could train just a few of these people with my personal funds, it will go a long way in helping the state.”

    She said the skills acquisition programme will last for two days and the module includes advanced beadmaking and aso-oke gele tying.

    “After this, some of them will be sent to Abuja for advanced training for two weeks. For the best of the set, who will proceed to Abuja for training, we plan a N50,000 grant and a kit for them to start-up. We hope that this will be about three to five people. The training will be in-depth,” she said.

    According to her, “We intend to sustain this programme and I call on more people to support the state government’s efforts to train these people.  We want to also train some of the young men among them on how to make tie and dye, which will last for a month. Tie and dye production is not very popular in Edo State; it is popular in the South West. But we want them to learn.”