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Tag: Edo State

  • Edo: Obaseki unveils security architecture, trust fund

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, is set to launch the state’s new security architecture which defines roles for and relationships among the various security agencies in his administration’s resolve to tackle insecurity head-on and rid the state of violent and other crimes.

    The event will also feature the launch of a Security Trust Fund, for which N2 billion has been set aside in the state’s 2019 proposed budget, the unveiling of newly trained personnel and equipment, procured by the government  to raise the bar in the   fight against all forms of crimes in the state.

    According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, “the unveiling which is scheduled for December 13, will set the stage for a new era in the state in which residents will work closely with security agencies, which are being retooled to better perform their functions, which includes ensuring the safety of life and property, to bolster investor confidence across the state.

    Osagie added that “Already procured for unveiling by the state government are three Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs); ninety (90) patrol vehicles; fifty (50) patrol cars and forty (40) pick-up patrol vans; thirty (30) motorcycles and three ambulances.

    “They are all fitted with digital communication equipment for real time information sharing among the various security agencies.”

    Read Also: Obaseki assures more support for Edo Poly Usen

    He said manpower will be drawn from the Nigeria Police Force; the Military; Department of State Services; Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the state’s Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV) scheme.

    The governor’s aide explained that 1000 members of PUWOV will support men and women of the various security agencies in executing the goals set in the security blueprint.

    “The first batch of two hundred (200) PUWOV personnel are being trained at the Police Training School (PTS), Ogida, and another 800 volunteers are to be trained before the launch date.

    “They will be kitted in the approved uniform and will form bulk of the first batch that will be unveiled at the launch date of December 13,” Osagie said.

    To kick-start the Security Trust Fund, he said the governor has set aside N2billion in the 2019 proposed budget, which will be supported by private companies in the state and other organisations.

    “The Edo State Security Trust Fund is a pool of fund set up by the Obaseki-led administration, which companies, charitable groups and individuals could contribute to, as part of our support for security agencies, in our collective fight against crimes,” he added.

  • Obaseki assures inclusive devt. for people in Evbobanosa, Abudu

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured that his administration will collaborate with communities in Evbobanosa and Abudu to drive inclusive development for people in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state.

    He gave the assurance during the formal presentation of the Evbobanosa and Abudu Development Plan to the Enogie, His Royal Highness, Prof. Gregory Akenzua, at Government House, in Benin City, Edo State.

    He said the plan was revolutionary because it was initiated by leaders of the communities in Evbobanosa and Abudu, adding that government’s role is to provide an enabling environment to ensure their aspirations come to reality.

    The governor noted, “When we got the draft plan, we directed the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to review what was submitted. This is commendable and I urge other communities to emulate this.”

    He said that the planned development became important as his administration intends to stem rural-urban drift  through policies which will encourage evolution and development of many other satellite cities outside  Benin City, in Edo South and other senatorial districts.

    Read Also: Obaseki assures more support for Edo Poly Usen

    “Edo is very blessed with almost 19 million hectares of land. But as we speak today almost 50 per cent of the population are in Benin City, putting pressure on the amenities and structures, which is not ideal for the growth of cities,” he added.

    Obaseki said Abudu has one of the foremost Teachers’ College in the country which served the entire Mid-West region and beyond, attracting people to the city, noting that his administration is making effort to re-establish a Teacher Training College with three schools, with one in Abudu, Igueben and Auchi.

    He added that the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has promised to build a digital training laboratory, with construction scheduled to commence next year.

    “We will collaborate with you in developing the infrastructure. The Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC), has a mandate that covers the area. So they will collaborate to develop the infrastructure, such as electricity, road and water. It’s a modern layout. This is one initiative I fully support and will ensure it comes to manifestation.”

    The Enogie of Evbobanosa and Abudu, Prof. Gregory Akenzua, expressed appreciation to Governor Obaseki for his effort to develop the plan, noting that it will help in bringing development to the area.

    He said, “This plan, I believe, is the first step to the development of Evbobanosa and Abudu. It will provide facilities in nine neighborhood for a population of 90,000 people, each neighbourhood has about 10,000 people.”

  • PDP receives APC defectors at flag-off campaign

    The Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State on Monday received defectors from other political parties at the flag-off of its political campaigns for next year’s general election.

    Over 2000 members of the All Progressives Congress and other political parties joined the PDP in Edo North Senatorial District.

    The defectors were received State Chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih.

    Chief Orbih said the campaign flag off was to offer prayers to solicit God’s guidance and mercy for next year’s election.

    According to Orbih, “We are here to commit next year general elections into the hands of Almighty God because we have been informed that the APC has finalized all dubious arrangements to rig the elections.

    Read Also: Fresh crisis in Southwest PDP over Kashamu

    “We are here to Join our faith together and call on God to destroy every evil plan of APC to rig the elections. Nigerians have suffered enough in the hands of APC in the last three and half years and we are here to call on God to neutralise every of their plan to remain in power beyond May 2019.

    “We can no longer continued to be held hostage in our country by insecurity, we can not continue to remain in darkness, we cannot continue to remain in country where no single hospital is working while the president travel to Europe now and then to receive medical treatment while the hospital he came to commission in Benin City remain without doctors and equipment.

    “The APC led Federal government has borrowed so much that if they remain in power beyond 2019 every Nigerian will be slave to the Eastern world, including China and Korean as a result of the external borrowing being carried out by the Buhari led administration”.

  • 2019 Polls: Obaseki charges Edo NUJ on balanced political reporting

    …says press critical to success of 2019 elections

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called on journalists to strive for balanced political reporting in the 2019 general elections, which is germane to consolidating on Nigeria’s democracy and safeguarding the people’s right to choose their leaders.

    He made the call while receiving members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State chapter, who were on a peace walk to the Government House, Benin City, as part of activities to mark the 2018 Press Week, themed:Making the Votes Count: the Media as Catalyst.

    Obaseki, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Taiwo Akerele, said the role of the media cannot be overemphasized as Nigeria approaches the 2019 general election.

    “The importance of the media cannot be overemphasized. The media have a vital role to play in ensuring balance in reporting political activities. We use this opportunity to call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be above board and fair to all parties. I can assure you that the government is behind you as this administration will do all to ensure the Press Week succeeds,” he said.

    Obaseki commended the Comrade Roland Osakwe-led NUJ in the state, stressing that the state has experienced peace and development for a long time.

    He said, “You have been a good partner in progress. This administration will continue to support you to ensure success. The press is important to this administration. We commend you for your professionalism and fair reporting since we came into office two years ago.”

    Earlier, Chairman, NUJ, Sir Roland Osakwe, said Edo NUJ is a body that supports peaceful elections, noting, “We, as a body, stand for peaceful, free and fair elections. We will continue to support credible elections come 2019.”

  • Edo to slash price of food stuff at food fair

    Edo State Government has promised to provide residents in the state a blissful Christmas celebration as it planned to slash prices of food stuff at its first Food and Agro fair.

    It said 50 kg of rice and other farm produce would be sold at reduce prices at the fair.

    State Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperative and Employment, Barrister Emmanuel Usoh, who disclosed this at a press briefing said the fair is to show case food produced in the state and also sell those food to Edo people at a low cost during this Yuletide season.

    Usoh stated that a day would be set aside for farmers and players in the agro-allied industries to meet and exchange ideas on the best practices globally

    He said the fair would farmers attend to challenges facing small scale farmers and showcase opportunities in the agro industry including funding capacities of development banks and partners.

    Read Also: Edo holds 2nd Roundtable Dialogue on managing migration

    According to him “Products ranging from rice, vegetable oil, onions and all sorts of farm produce will be sold at reduce cost. Poultry products and other dietry products will be available. There will be a mobile abbatoir. Frozen chicken will be available for sale.

    “There will be a stand for local cuisine. Beverage companies have indicated interest to participate in the fair. Father Christmas will be there for the children to visit. The children will get free drinks and free food from Dufil foods. Commissioners are to be dressed in Father’s Christmas costumes.

    “There will be subsidy for farmers to transport their farm produce to the venue. Farmers in the northern part of the country producing onions have agreed to sell at very low prices.

    “Our commitment is to sell a 50kg of rice for N15,000.”

  • Obaseki harps on deepening global efforts to curb human trafficking

    …assures on policies to unleash potential of people living with disabilities

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the fight against human trafficking, which is a manifestation of modern-day slavery, gains considerable mileage when all stakeholders affected by the menace work together to provide pragmatic, inclusive and sustainable solutions that place a premium on socio-economic impact in affected developing countries.

    The governor, who said this in commemoration of the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, marked on December 2, every year, by the United Nations, noted that the new coalition to end the human trafficking, adds a new dimension to the campaign.

    He said that the state government has made considerable progress in the campaign against human trafficking, which has led to the setting up of the Managing Migration for Development Programme (MMDP), in collaboration with the World Bank and the European Union.

    On the international coalition, he said, “We would hold the second roundtable dialogue on tackling migration in Edo State from December 4 to 5. This is a new chapter for us with the involvement of the multilateral development agencies on this campaign. We had reached out to them for support and we appreciate the fact that they have engaged constructively with us, providing the necessary support.

    “So, we will be reviewing the much we have done and now entering another phase, that will ensure that government’s presence is felt in affected communities, just as the economic space will be opened for them to lead rewarding, fulfilling lives.”

    Read Also: ANED berates Obaseki over row with BEDC

    Noting that the state government has recorded considerable progress in the effort to break the bond between trafficked girls and their ‘sponsors,’ he said, “With the backing of the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, we have been able to assure the girls that whatever bond they may have entered into with their madams have no effect. This has contributed greatly to the campaign.

    “This is noteworthy because the practice of human trafficking is rooted in bondage, often perpetuated when the girls take oaths of allegiance and what may be termed servitude to their sponsors. We are recording progress today because we have severed the efficacy of this practice. So, it is a plus to efforts aimed at ending modern-day slavery in Edo State.”

    Meanwhile, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities marked every December 3 by the UN, the governor said that the state government is creating the space for those living with disabilities to find expression in the state, as the committee set up to articulate its needs have submitted its report, which will drive policy changes.

    According to him, “We run a government of inclusion. This is why a committee was set up to map out how best to engage with Persons with Disabilities and prepare a blueprint. Our aim is to create a space where everyone will have a say in society. So, those living with disability have a stake in what we do. We will work to ensure that their rights are protected and that they live fulfilled lives.”

  • Obaseki assures on more support for people living with HIV/AIDS

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured persons living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in the state of his administration’s support, noting that relevant agencies set up to attend to their needs have been revamped to ensure effective service delivery.

    The governor said this in commemoration of the World AIDS Day, marked globally by the World Health Organisation (WHO), on December 1, every year.

    Obaseki, who assured that the state government is embarking on far-reaching reforms in the health sector to provide for the basic needs of Edo people, said that the Edo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (EDOSACA) has been repositioned to meet its mandate to people living with HIV/AIDS in the state.

    According to him, a number of reforms are being undertaken to ensure a reduction in the number of people living with HIV/AIDs.

    He added that the Edo Health Care Improvement Programme (Edo-HIP), caters to the health care needs of different segment of the state’s population.

    Read Also: ANED berates Obaseki over row with BEDC

    “As part of our support for those living with HIV/AIDS, we have reconstituted the board of EDOSACA so that they can live up to their mandate. We are providing support to the agency to play its roles in a number of our health intervention programmes. This will ensure that they are well positioned to provide support to those who live with the ailment.”

    On the theme for this year’s commemoration, ‘Know Your Status,’ the governor urged residents in the state to use the opportunity for free testing by EDOSACA to know their status, and stressed that it was pertinent that the disease is detected early so that the damage to the immune system can be managed.

    He added, “EDOSACA is currently leading a sensitisation campaign that will help people know their status. This is important because of the need for affected persons to detect the virus early and take advantage of the support from the agency to manage the ailment.”

  • Buhari, Obaseki, others pay last tributes to late Chief Anenih

    President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State have extolled the leadership qualities of late Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih, eulogizing him as an illustrious son of Nigeria and a politician of uncommon calibre.

    Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said this during a requiem mass held as part of the state burial in honour of Late Chief Anenih, at the University of Benin Sports Complex, in Benin City, Edo State capital.

    The president said that Anenih lived a great life of service, and became a bridge builder across the political divide.

    He said, “Anenih is a patriotic Nigerian, who has an unequal commitment to the Nigerian project. He is a man that believes in the growth and development of the nation.

    In his tribute, Governor Obaseki said Chief Anenih was a rare-breed politician, who was “famed for his political wizardry, an uncommon gift to weather stormy waters and masterfully deliver results from the most difficult situations.”

    “I stand here today on behalf of the Government and People of Edo State to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of a quintessential, rare-breed politician, philanthropist, a leader of leaders, statesman, an illustrious son of Edo and our father, Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih,” Obaseki said.

    Read Also: 2019 Budget: Obaseki to spend N9bn on pension, arrears, gratuity

    He added, “I commiserate with the great Anenih family of Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, the National and State leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the good people of Edo State on the passing of our great icon.

    Noting that the elder statesman devoted a better part of his life to the development of the state and the country, he said late Chief Anenih contributed to national development in the various capacities he served while he lived.

    “The whole of Edo State has suffered a huge loss with the death of Chief Anenih, the Iyasele of Esan land, who ranks as one of the most illustrious sons of the state,” he added.

    Former Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion said Anenih created a vast political family, adding that he was a great builder, who created a platform for unity and friendship across the political divide.

    Former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, said Anenih was a great mentor, adding, “he was a great adviser and a pillar of support for the downtrodden.

    Former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Chief Mike Ogiadomhen lauded late Chief Anenih as being instrumental in midwifing democracy in 1999.

  • Edo Poly holds maiden convocation, as 403 bag distinction

    …Ohonbamu advocates credible leadership at Founders’ Day Lecture

     

    The Edo State Polytechnic Usen, is set to hold its convocation ceremony on Saturday, December 1, with not less than 6,563 students graduating from the institution, after 16 years of its existence.

    Speaking at the Founder’s Day Lecture, which is part of activities to mark the first convocation ceremony of the institution, in Usen, Edo State, the Rector, Prof. Abiodun Falodun, said the event was a major milestone in the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.

    Prof. Falodun said the 6,563 graduating students were from 2004/2005 to 2016/2017 academic sessions. A breakdown of the graduands showed that 403 graduates bagged Distinction; 2,298, Upper credit; 3,156, Lower Credit and 706 with Pass, spread across National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) levels.

    He said the institution runs 21 academic programmes with the objective to produce highly skilled personnel to drive industrialization, adding that in the last six months the school has deepened its internationalization drive.

    According to him, “Aside from the fact that we are improving infrastructure, we are also committed to ensuring that our students get world-class education. We have secured a partnership with a number of Nigerian scholars in the diaspora who are now visiting lecturers in Edo State Polytechnic. They include Dr. Marvin Amas-Amadasun, a software Engineer in Switzerland; Dr. Agwi Peter Odion, an Urban and Regional Planning expert in Germany; Prof Anthony Okoh in the field of renewable energy, from University of Fort Hare, South Africa and Professor Uchechukwu Nwodo in the field of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in University of Fort Hare, South Africa.”

    Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, who delivered the Founder’s Day Lecture entitled ‘Leadership, Development and the Vagaries of Power; Nigeria in Perspective,’ said it is only good leadership that can bring about all-round development.

    Read Also: Drug barons kill informant in Edo

    He said during the military era in Nigeria, leadership was synonymous with domination, repression and marginalization, while Nigerians have fared better with the democratic system of governance.

    He said President Muhammadu Buhari had made conscious efforts to put Nigeria on the path of progress, noting that the fight against corruption has recorded considerable results.

    He added, “There has been considerable improvement in our democratic institutions which has increased the confidence in our electoral process. It should be noted that President Buhari alone cannot fight corruption unless he is supported by all, including the legislature and the judiciary.”

    Ohonbamu commended the Rector of the institution for resetting the polytechnic on the path progress, in line with Governor Godwin Obaseki’s vision for the overall development of the state.

    He stressed that Governor Obaseki has brought hygiene into Edo State politics with sound socio-economic policies.

  • Road construction: Obaseki inspects Obakhavbaye, Irhirhi roads, others

    …as Edo gets road maintenance agency

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed his commitment to bridging infrastructure gap in Benin City as well as other parts of the state, noting that urban renewal projects will ensure adequate infrastructure is provided to open up different parts of the state.

    The governor said this when he inspected ongoing road projects in Obakhavbaye, Basimi, Arala, Okunbor, Asemota and Burmar streets as well as the construction of Irhirhi Road in Benin City.

    Meanwhile, the governor has set aside N42.719 billion for infrastructural development in the proposed 2019 budget. He has also set modalities to set up a road maintenance agency in the state to ensure prompt intervention when roads go bad.

    During the road inspection, Obaseki was accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq, Chief of Staff to the governor, Taiwo Akerele, Special Adviser on Political and Community Affairs Chief Osaro Idah, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Hon. Osahon Amiolemen and other top government functionaries.

    The governor said he was impressed with the work done so far on the roads inspected, especially the Irhirhi Road, noting “I have been told that the first 4km of the Irhirhi Road construction will be completed before Christmas which means that people living on this portion of the road will enjoy the road as the area will be accessible.”

    He added that with the huge population expected in the area, there is the possibility of expanding the road at the entrance, while alternative routes may be constructed to accommodate the influx of people.

    “We have embarked on massive reconstruction of roads across the city in the last two weeks. We have mobilised contractors across the larger Benin Metropolitan area as we are rehabilitating over 100 roads. Work is also ongoing in Edo Central and Edo North senatorial districts.”

    Read Also: Operators hail Obaseki’s sand mining reforms

    Obaseki said the key challenge in road construction in the city is that of the environment as the area, a rainforest zone,  used  to hold water better with trees and other features that cover the soil. He noted that due to the massive deforestation, the soil barely holds water anymore.

    “We will build more drainages as new roads being constructed now have drainages to take out all the water. But for the populated areas, we will look for innovative solutions”.

    Senior Residence Engineer at the site, Fate Oneavbiene, said the road construction will go through Irhirhi, Aruogba, Obazagbon, Obagie-N’Evbuosa, Ogheghe.

    He explained that the road is a link road between Benin – Sapele Road and Airport Road. “The take-off point is by Airport Road by ADP junction while the project will terminate at Benin – Sapele Road. The project is 18.5km long.”

    The governor who announced the creation of a road agency during the 2019 budget proposal presentation at the state House of Assembly, said, “Much as we are intensifying effort to complete reconstruction of roads across the state, we are also ready to commence new ones to close the infrastructure gap in the state. Work on the roads will be ramped up during the dry season. Other necessary infrastructure to complement our investment drive will also be catered for. As a result, N42.719 billion has been earmarked for infrastructure development to drive economic activities.

    “One area of emphasis will be maintenance. A road maintenance agency will be set up and properly funded to ensure prompt intervention and save the huge cost of repair and damage.