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Tag: Edo state governor

  • Obaseki supports Pat Utomi’s integrated produce city in Edo

    …facility to create over 30,000 jobs

     

    The Edo State Governor on Wednesday said his administration would continue to prioritise and support the Integrated Produce City project and other investments in agriculture, in the state.

    Obaseki said this when he received the chairman of the Integrated Produce City Project, Prof. Pat Utomi, during a courtesy visit to the governor, at Government House, Benin City.

    He noted that area mapping of land for agricultural purpose is ongoing across the state, and said his administration anticipates investments from local and foreign investors.

    According to the governor “the mapping of the area where the Integrated Produce City Project is being executed has been completed and the state is in talks with an Asian investor to develop an oil palm plantation development strategy in the location.

    Read Also:Obaseki hails Oshiomhole’s election as APC National Chairman

    “We will support the project; we are anticipating its reality as the state has a lot to benefit from it.”

    He urged the project team to kick-start the pilot phase so that farmers do not seek alternative markets.

    “Farms are being cultivated across the state and it will be worthwhile if your commodity trading takes off soon,” Obaseki advised.

    Earlier, Prof. Utomi said that the facility would create more than 30,000 jobs and serve as an agricultural hub.

    Prof. Utomi disclosed that the team was working on the development of the infrastructure at the project site and added that the city would serve as commodity exchange centre and provide storage facilities for farm produce from neighbouring states.

    “We have cleared more than 100 hectares of land, we have built offices and are creating earth roads” Prof. Utomi said.

    He appealed to the governor to help construct a link road to the project site and build a security post at the facility.

     

     

  • Obaseki converts Ethiope Publishing House to Pension Office

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that Ethiope Publishing House, located in the heart of the state capital, Benin City, will accommodate the Edo State Pension Bureau as soon as his administration completes the ongoing renovation of the building.

    According to Obaseki, the new pension office will be fitted with modern technology that will enable staff of the pension bureau to respond to pensioners’ enquiries faster.

    Obaseki disclosed this when he inspected ongoing reconstruction work at the Ethiope Publishing House in Benin City, and said that the central location of the building and its proximity to the major bus terminal at Ring Road, will eliminate the troubles pensioners used to experience in accessing the pension office.

    “We are refurbishing the building and relocating the Pension Bureau here. It is going to be a modern office that will be driven by technology so that we can manage our pensioners and issues relating to pension effectively from this location,” the governor said.

    Read Also:Obaseki partners ANAN on capacity building for Edo civil servants

    He explained that the Ethiope building was chosen because of its central location and accessibility and added “We don’t want our pensioners to spend much money to get to the Pension Bureau.”

    The governor also inspected ongoing reconstruction work at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, and told journalists that his administration embarked on the total overhaul of facilities in the stadium to raise its profile to a world class stadium that will be hosting international sporting events.

    He explained that the construction work is in phases, with the first phase scheduled for completion in December 2018, while the other phases would expand to 2019.

    “We want to build a world class facility that will attract world class events. I am impressed with the quality and pace of ongoing work at the stadium.”

    He also inspected the desilting of the drainage system in Akenzua axis, behind the Benin Airport, which he said was constructed during the late Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia administration.

    Obaseki said his administration has completed the manhole desilting work, cleared the drains, as part of plan to connect the drainage system to 12 streets around the area, affected by flooding and added, “We are also constructing the 12 roads in the area affected by flood.”

    While inspecting the ongoing project at the ministry of infrastructure, the governor assured that his administration is committed to improving the working condition of civil servants in the state for better service delivery.

  • Obaseki hails Super Eagles’ triumph over Iceland

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has praised the Super Eagles for their 2-0 victory over Iceland, on Friday evening in the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament in Russia.

    Obaseki, who lauded the brilliant performance of the attack led by Ahmed Musa, said the team restored the hope of Nigerians in the campaign for a place of pride in the soccer mundial.

    “The Super Eagles’ exceptional performance against Iceland shows the true Nigerian spirit, that when we are committed to a task, we would give it our all, to succeed,” the Governor said.

    Read Also:Ekweremadu hails Super Eagles on victory over Iceland

    He urged members of the team not to rest on their oars as they prepare for the last group game against Argentina on Tuesday, June 26, adding, “All that is required of the players is to keep their eyes on the trophy and approach the game with Argentina with a high sense of commitment to national duty.”

    Obaseki reiterated that Nigerians have the team in their prayers and hopeful that the team will do the country proud by qualifying for the next round of 16 and go even further to claim the highly prized trophy.

    “The current Super Eagles team is made up of young and talented players who have distinguished themselves in their various teams, home and abroad. With their performance against Iceland, they have shown determination to excel in Russia,” he added.

    The Super Eagles are tipped to qualify for the next round of 16 in the month-long soccer event, after their victory over Iceland which earned the team three points behind Croatia with six points. Argentina and Iceland are below on the table with one point each.

     

  • Obaseki orders closure of all dilapidated schools

    …Relocates pupils, teachers of Holy Aruosa Primary School to Agbado

     

    The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has ordered the shutdown of all primary and secondary schools with dilapidated structures in the state, to pave way for reconstruction work.

    Specifically, pupils and teachers of Holy Aruosa Primary School in Benin City have been relocated to nearby Agbado Primary School.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, said the decision to relocate pupils of Holy Aruosa Primary School, was informed by the shocking reports that despite an earlier relocation order given by the state government, teachers in Holy Aruosa Primary School ignored the order and went about their activities in dilapidated structures.

    “All such schools, with dilapidated structures have been shut down with immediate effect. Students and pupils in the affected schools are hereby relocated to other schools that will be announced soon,” the governor’s aide said.

    He explained that “the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., visited Holy Aruosa Primary School as early as 7: A. M. on Thursday, to announce the state government’s decision.

    Read Also:People with Albinism deserve our support – Obaseki

    “The state government has ordered an investigation to ascertain why the initial relocation order of the pupils with their teachers was not enforced.”

    According to Osagie, “One of the allegations being investigated is the suspicion that some teachers, who are refusing to be transferred out of the school, selfishly kept those kids in the school under unsafe condition.”

    On the ongoing reform in the state’s education sector, Osagie said that “on assumption of office in November 2016, Governor Godwin Obaseki ordered an inventory of facilities and the enumeration of primary and secondary schools in the state.

    “After the census, the schools were categorised into three: those in grade A are in good condition; those in B need little intervention and schools in grade C require total renovation.

    “It is obvious that Holy Aruosa Primary School and Osula Primary School, among others, fell in the third category and require urgent attention. The worst of them like Holy Aruosa were shut down.”

    He maintained that, “As is the culture of this administration, groundwork has already begun for this renovation process to commence, as only few months ago bid rounds were held for the rehabilitation of some of these schools.

    “The renovation work is expected to cover 1,200 public schools in the state, with the first batch of 230 schools captured in the pilot phase of the exercise.”

    He lamented that despite the huge investment in remodeling most of the schools by the Adams Oshiomhole-led administration, “some of them have been vandalised, with facilities looted by hoodlums.”

    To correct this anomaly, the governor spokesman said the Obaseki administration has made commitment to partner communities hosting government projects such as schools and hospitals to ensure they are protected from vandals.

    “We assure that work will soon commence at these schools within Benin metropolis and other parts of the state, and call on communities to protect the structures as soon as they’re built.

    “The state government will expedite action on the renovation work to ensure that our pupils learn in conducive environment, even as we roll out the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo BEST) programme to some of these schools in coming weeks” Osagie added.

     

  • World Refugee Day: Obaseki harps on global action to curb crisis

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called on global leaders to join hands in building structures to provide support for people forced to flee from crisis and other forms of social and economic issues that cause dislocation from homes.

    The governor, who said this on the occasion of the commemoration of the World Refugee Day, marked every June 20, by the United Nations and its various organs, stressed that support should be provided for refugees so that they don’t succumb to the harsh conditions of forced resettlements, such as malnutrition, poverty and all forms of rights’ abuse.

    The governor said the rising cases of refugees within Nigeria and across the world is an indication of the need for governments to strengthen institutions to protect and provide for conditions necessary for inclusive development.

    He noted, “On this day, we are reminded of the need to shun ideas, practices and agendas that promote strife, violence and crisis, all of which are conditions that force people out of their natural settlement and seek refuge elsewhere.

    Read Also:Obaseki tasks world leaders on collaboration to fight desertification

    “In Nigeria, we have had to contend with the issues of Internally Displaced Persons as a result of the insurgency in the Northeast. The imperative to continue to support our fellow countrymen cannot be over-emphasized and in Edo State, we have extended a hand of support to the IDPs in the various camps built in the state to shelter them and we will continue to make provision for them.”

    He stressed that while the challenge of refugees cannot be wished away as a result of ongoing conflict in different parts of the world, he called on world leaders to strengthen their support for initiatives that provide succor to affected persons, fortify multilateral coalition and deploy resources to ensure that refugees’ rights are protected and that they get to live decent lives regardless of their current circumstance.

    “We acknowledge that this issue strikes home as many of our sons and daughters who were deceived and trafficked may have fallen to the unfortunate fate that now make them refugees in other countries. In the last few months, we have worked to reintegrate them into society. We will continue to do this as we strengthen institutions to stem the rise of the menace,” he added.

  • Sickle Cell Day: Obaseki harps on sensitization

    …Urges speedy deployment of improved disease management options

     

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called for increased sensitisation on the choices that lead to the increased cases of sickle cell incidence in society, noting that his government would continue to support sufferers of the health condition by creating the right environment for management of the genetic disease.

    The Governor said this in commemoration of the World Sickle Cell Day, noting that advancement in science has brought hope to sufferers of the diseases even as efforts need to be harmonised in deploying new techniques of treatments.

    He said the state government is revamping the primary healthcare sector to address challenges in the sector.

    According to him, “On this day, we stand with sufferers of the disease and urge them to keep on the good fight against whatever limitations the disease may have foisted on them. The commemoration gives opportunity for reflection on incidences of sickle cell, and reminds us of the work to be done to ensure that more people are not exposed to the trauma that parents or children go through in managing the disease.

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    He maintained that there was need for increased sensitisation to stem the rise in cases of sickle cell, “It is pertinent to stress that the incidence of sickle cell disease can be checked if more people are aware of the implications of marrying people with genetic make-up that can cause their offsprings to become carriers of the sickle cell genes. Much as it is a matter of the heart, intending couples should be properly guided.”

    He added that while advances in science may have made management of the disease less cumbersome, with increased prospects of sufferers for longer, healthier lives, civil society groups and other stakeholders need to work together to curb the increased cases of the illness, and provide support for sufferers.

    According to the United Nations, “Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is the most frequent genetic disease worldwide. It is present on four continents: in sub-Saharan Africa and in the Maghreb, in Asia (Middle-East, Arabic peninsula, India), in the Americas, on the North (USA), centre (Guatemala, Caribbean islands), and on the South (Brazil, Surinam, Guiana), in Southern Europe (Southern Italy and Sicily, Greece, Turkey). It is estimated that 500.000 people are born every year with this severe and invalidating condition and that 50 per cent of them will die before the age of five.”

  • Obaseki decries vandalisation, defacement of infrastructures

    …orders removal of substandard, unauthorised projects

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has decried the defacement and destruction of the state government’s infrastructural projects across the state and has ordered the immediate removal of substandard and unauthorised road furniture and similar projects, on roads and other projects across the state.

    Obaseki gave the order after the state’s weekly Executive Council meeting, in Government House, Benin City.

    “It is not right to destroy roads, vandalise drainage system without government approval and erect substandard electricity poles that are either abandoned mid-way or lack sustainable maintenance plan and pose safety risk,” he added.

    “The state is littered with substandard projects that disrupt the infrastructure master plan and violate laid down rules for such projects.

    “The chaotic and indiscriminate execution of substandard and unapproved projects, which are not known to state government agencies and other tiers of government, is unacceptable. This ugly trend must stop,” the governor said.

    Read Also:NDDC, EDSOPADEC to reconstruct Benin-Abraka Road – Obaseki

    He explained that “the decision became necessary in order to streamline project execution across the state and eliminate the chaotic situation we are currently having.

    “We have a template for the wide array of developmental projects which are being implemented in every ward in the state and anyone who is executing any project in any part of the state should seek approval from the relevant government agencies.”

    He noted that several projects have been lined up for different parts of the state by his administration, and said that checks with the agencies of government would avail anyone embarking on a project, the insight into the plans of the state government for such areas, and the necessary approvals given.

    According to him, “The growing trend of executing projects without recourse to the agencies of government that give approvals and licences for such projects, in line with laid down rules is worrisome and must stop.”

    “The right thing to do is to run your projects through officials of government saddled with the task to give approvals for such projects and secure the necessary approvals.

    “Currently, consultation has reached advanced stage to have a dedicated electricity line that will feed government hospitals, the state secretariat complex and other government offices, to ensure regular power supply in those offices. You cannot disrupt such a plan with a project that the approving agencies are not aware of, and have not approved,” Obaseki stressed.

     

  • Obaseki backs NBC’s youth entrepreneurship programme

    …Pledges to fund two additional winners in Edo

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured participants drawn from the state in the Youths Empowered Nigeria Workshop Programme that the state government will support the setting up of two additional firms from the pool of best ideas from the participants.

    Obaseki, who said this while declaring open the workshop organised by Nigeria Bottling Company Limited, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, noted that of the two firms the state intends to support, one would be exclusive for women.

    He disclosed: “We have set aside some funds to support you. We will provide you with the opportunity to create two companies, with one of the companies to be exclusive for women.”

    Noting that the state was poised for growth, Obaseki explained that the best way to achieve sustainable development is to look inwards and create opportunities for people to realise their full potential.

    He added, “Through the state government’s various skills development programmes, we will continue to support and encourage youths to improve talent required for sustainable development.”

    Read Also:June 12: Obaseki hails sacrifice of Abiola, CSOs, others

    According to the governor, “if youths under 32 years, who make up 65 per cent of Nigeria’s population are assisted to discover and improve their talent, Nigeria will become better for it.

    Obaseki noted that the workshop by the Nigerian Bottling Company was crucial, as his administration will continue to create opportunities for youths to acquire skills, and match them with existing job opportunities through the EdoJobs portal.

    “As companies help in developing youths’ entrepreneurial skills, my administration has set up policies that will ensure that we take advantage of such skills, and create the atmosphere for our youths to have a better future for themselves,” he noted.

    He charged the participants to “register on EdoJobs portal through which we can assist you and monitor your progress and match you with existing job opportunities in construction, agricultural, manufacturing and other sectors.”

    Regional Public Affairs Manager, East/Central, Nigeria Bottling Company Ltd, Ekuma Eze, commended the governor for finding time to encourage the participants, urging the participants, who have been divided into groups, to develop brilliant business ideas as those with best proposals will be funded.

  • June 12: Obaseki hails sacrifice of Abiola, CSOs, others

    …Lauds FG on declaration

     

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has hailed the Federal Government’s decision to recognise the presumed winner of the 1993 presidential election, the late Chief Moshood Abiola, noting that the gesture restores hope in democratic ideals.

    In a statement, the governor said that the declaration is a turning point in Nigeria’s history as it recognises the yearnings of Nigerians for democratic society, which the struggle of Chief MKO Abiola and other civil society organisations symbolizes.

    According to him, “On behalf of the good people of Edo State, I salute the wisdom and courage of President Muhammadu Buhari, in recognising and declaring June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day to honour Chief Moshood Abiola, the presumed winner of the 1993 presidential elections.

    Read Also:Buhari apologises over June 12 poll annulment

    “The president’s declaration is a watershed in our political history, an answer to the yearnings of millions of Nigerians and honour for the sacrifices of the actors, who fought tirelessly for the actualization of his mandate and the return of power to the people.

    “I join millions of Nigerians to celebrate this day and wish all lovers of democracy a Happy Democracy Day.”

    He expressed appreciation to the president for the step taken in recognising the import of the day and struggles of pro-democracy groups, noting, “The sacrifices made by actors in the polity to sustain the ideals of democracy are responsible for the growth and development we have today.”

  • Obaseki unveils plan to build houses for Judges 

    …Trains 300 Stenographers

     

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has disclosed that his administration has commenced work on the design and development of houses for judges beginning with judges of the Appeal Court and the Federal High Court in the state.

    Obaseki said this while declaring open the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, 2018 Law Week and the official commissioning of the NBA Bar House in Benin City, on Monday.

    He explained that the phased housing project will commence with the first five units for Appeal Court judges and judges of the Federal High Court, assuring that more units will be constructed as his administration plans to develop a colony for judges in the state.

    “The real investment has to be in the people, system and the process. I have decided to relocate the Ministry of Justice to the new Block C in the state secretariat complex and will be fully furnished, computerised with an e-library to make the work place conducive for our judicial workers,” he said.

    The governor noted that his administration has hired 300 stenographers who are currently undergoing training.

    Read Also:Obaseki advocates Bottom–up approach to governance

    “Court recorders are being procured and by the time the new court building is completed, they will be installed,” he said.

    Obaseki said the goal and focus of his administration is to make the state the judicial hub of the region.

    “In the past 19 months we have made tremendous progress in taking the state to an enviable height. Our administration has made appreciable impact in the lives of our people by insisting on the rule of law”.

    The governor noted that his administration has created a sense of social security, stability, order and a sense of purpose which were made possible because of fear of sanctions.

    “The judicial system has helped in restoring law and order in the state. It has also helped to drive our reforms,” he said.

    The Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Esohe Ikponmwen, commended the Edo State branch of the NBA for the success recorded during the 2018 Law Week.

    The Chief Judge, who was represented at the occasion by Hon. Justice Ada Ehigiamusoe, said: “The various topics treated will go a long way to further stabillise and enhance the development and growth of the nation and the law profession”.

    Delivering the keynote address titled The Role of Law in Economic Development and National Security, Dele Adesina (SAN), said the greatest threat to the survival of Nigeria as a nation is security and solving the security problem will mean solving the economic problem.