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Tag: Edo State

  • Diabetes: Obaseki assures health sector initiatives will ease burden

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured that the various initiatives in the state’s health sector will ease the burden of diabetes disease among sufferers, urging lifestyle changes to keep the disease at bay.

    Obaseki gave the assurance in commemoration of the United Nations World Diabetes Day, observed on November 14, each year.

    According to the governor, the health insurance scheme which is being finalized, the Edo Health Care Improvement Programme (Edo-HIP) and other initiatives with local and foreign partners in the health sector will contribute significantly to providing the needed medical support for persons suffering from diabetes and other illnesses in the state.

    He noted that the theme for the 2018 and 2019 World Diabetes Day, ‘The Family and Diabetes,’ calls attention to the roles of “families across the globe in the management, care, prevention and in educating their members on diabetes. This also shows that when members of families adopt certain lifestyles, it will go a long way in preventing diabetes.”

    He said the state government’s approach to improving health care is one that prioritises everyone’s health, and explained that the health sector has been delineated to cater to the needs of all Edo people and residents.

    Read Also: Alaghodaro: Obaseki earmarks 100 roads for construction

    Obaseki added that the health insurance scheme will provide the impetus for efficient functioning of the primary health care centres in the state.

    “Families are encouraged to join the collective fight against diabetes by supporting each other with information on the importance of regular medical checks, the right diets, exercise and an adjusted lifestyle that would help in managing and preventing the disease.

    “One of our strategies is prevention. We are convinced that preventive health care reduces cost, if any, and eliminates pains and suffering associated with treating a disease. The Edo Health Improvement (EDOHIP) programme has been aligned with our preventive health care strategy.”

    He assured that his administration will continue to support campaigns and programmes on preventive health care system through ongoing renovation of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in each ward across the state, and the compulsory health insurance scheme which will soon be rolled out, to enable more people have access to affordable health care services.

    The United Nations designated November 14 as World Diabetes Day, in 2007, in recognition of “the urgent need to pursue multilateral efforts to promote and improve human health, and provide access to treatment and health-care education.”

    According to the global body, the resolution also encourages member states to develop national policies for the prevention, treatment and care of diabetes in line with the sustainable development of their health-care systems.

  • Education Reform: Edo State Poly holds first convocation

    In what is best described as a watershed moment in its over 16 years of existence, the Edo State Polytechnic, formally known as Edo State Institute of Technology and Management (ESITM), Usen, will from November 28 to December 3, hold its maiden convocation ceremony.

    Rector of the institution, Prof. Abiodun Falodun, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists, said that the development is not only a major milestone but also another expression of the far-reaching reforms by the Governor Obaseki-led administration in the state.

    Noting that the convocation ceremony will hold at the institution’s complex, he said that the school will also issue the first set of certificates bearing its name since its inception, noting the certificates will be produced in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    Read Also: Blackout in Edo enters day 12

    According to him, “I am pleased to announce that Edo State Polytechnic will host its maiden convocation ceremony this year. The ceremony will hold from November 28 to December 3. It will be the first-ever convocation at the institution.”

    He urged graduates from the institution to avail themselves of the occasion to get their certificates, noting that all necessary arrangements have been made for a seamless process.

    “We are urging graduates from the institution to visit our website for details on how to access their certificates. The convocation will be an opportunity for them to secure theirs. We are as excited as they are, that we have made it possible for them to access their certificates,” he said.

    Falodun explained that a number of reforms are ongoing at the polytechnic to reposition it for global reckon, adding that new Higher National Diploma programmes  have been introduced even as partnerships have been sealed for international visiting lecturers from Switzerland and Germany.

  • Blackout in Edo enters day 12

    Persistent power blackout in Edo State has entered its 12th day due to faulty power transformer.

    The blackout has caused water scarcity in parts of Benin City such as Upper Sokponba, Ihinmwin, Second East circular, Evbuotubu, Ugbowo and other areas.

    Owners of boreholes using generator to pump their boreholes have hiked the price of water.

    It was gathered that 20 litres of jerrycan now cost N30 instead of N10 while 50 litres sells for N60 from previously N20.

    Some business owners along Upper Sokponba said life have been difficult since the power outage began.

    Mrs. Ifueko Osahon who operates a beauty saloon told our reporter that running her power generator for 15 hours daily has made business hard for her.

    A barbing saloon operator, Mr. Stephen Uwen, said his business has been crumbled by BEDC.

    “For close to a weak now, we have not seen any power supply. We have been in darkness for the past one week now. So, we are not finding it easy. As you can see, business are now paralyzed.

    “In short, crime is now on the high rate. Those doing small businesses can no longer pay their bills. As I am talking to you now, even the generator I am using for my own personal work, is down.

    “In my own residential area, like the New Benin/Upper Lawani area, there is no light. The same situation I am passing through at my working play, Uwa at 2nd East Circular Road. I am not happy at all”, he lamented.

    Spokesman for the Bénin Electricity Distribution Company, Mr. Tayo Adekunle, said the power outage experienced by some customers was caused by faulty power transformer.

    Adekunle said the power firm is planning to connect affected customers to other power facilities pending when normal supply resume.

    He said contractors have been engaged to begin work to connect the customers to other lines where there are power supply.

    “We want to divert the load to areas that have light. You know, some of the facilities are aged and we are doing all that we can to fix them.

    “The problem will be laid to rest within the week”, he said.

  • Alaghodaro: Waje, Mayorkun, others light up Benin

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said plans are in the works for a 30-hectare Television Village in Okhoro axis of Benin City, which will attract big-ticket investments from Nollywood, Nigeria’s booming movie industry.

    The governor also said that the sum of N250 million will be allocated to boost the creative industry in the state’s 2019 budget, noting that his administration is committed to creating room for youths to find expression in productive ventures in the state.

    The governor disclosed this during the Youth Concert organised as part of activities marking his administration’s second-anniversary celebration in Benin City, on Friday night.

    He said his administration prioritize entertainment and creativity as a veritable tool for job creation for youths, adding, “We have been trying to fix roads, health care and education sectors over the past two years. We want to build an entertainment hub. We have a 30-hectare premises in the Okhoro axis of the state for this purpose and it will have investments from Nollywood.

    “We want to give youths jobs and entertainment. There is hope for talented youths because we have artistes from the state, who are succeeding and making waves in the entertainment industry,” Obaseki said.

    The governor who was elated by the performance of local and international artistes at the concert, donated N10 million to a physically challenged artiste named ‘Kasali’ to enable him establish his record label.

    “My administration will support talents. We want the world to know that there is ability in disability. The N10 million is to enable him establish his label and promote his music,” the governor said.

    He said a team would be assembled to properly organize the creative industry in the state, adding that the committee will be made up of the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs as well as local artistes in the state.

    He added that his administration was working to get an alternate source of power supply in the state to drive development, noting that steady power supply was needed to grow the economy, including the entertainment industry.

    “Electricity has been our problem and we are solving it. We say No to Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), we will have our own electricity company in Edo before the celebration of my administration’s third year anniversary,” the governor assured.

  • Edo creates 77,200 jobs in two years

    Edo State Government said it has created 77,200 in the last two years.
    It said the jobs were created in collaboration with the Federal Government, institutions and other bodies.
    Governor Godwin Obaseki who stated this at a youth summit to mark his second year in office vowed that he would meet his campaign promises of creating 200,000 jobs in his first  four years in office.
    The Edo Governor who pledged to give N100m grant to young entrepreneurs in the state in 2019 said hotspots would be built in different parts of Benin City for internet users.
    Obaseki disclosed that he closed down over 400 private skill acquisition centers because it was discovered that the centers were used for human trafficking.
    The Governor said 57 government owned skill acquisition centers were not functional but that he has begun revamping them to provide skills for youths
    Governor Obaseki explained that he opted to begin his second year anniversary with a youth summit because the future of Nigeria lie in them.
     
    Obaseki noted that the aspiration of youths were hampered by the collapsed of the educational system which made him to initiate reforms in the education system such that a child could learn how to read and write within two years.

    Read Also: 2000 PDP supporters joins APC in Edo

    Obaseki urged the youths to register with the  Edo Jobs‎ to enable the state government find something  for them.
    He assured that the Benin Technical College has been refurbished with modern facilities and would be ready next year to train youths on skills acquisition.
    Obaseki announced a grant of N500,000 each to support start ups registered young businessmen and women while their individual counterparts got N300,000.
    High point of the ceremony was the launch by Governor Obaseki of Edojobs Internship and Apprenticeship Scheme under which those on training would be paid stipends monthly.   ‎

  • Obaseki rewards 33 EDSTMA officials for dedication to duty

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved automatic promotion for 33 outstanding officials of the Edo State Traffic  Management Agency (EDSTMA), who have shown commitment, dedication and diligence in discharging their duties. 

    Obaseki gave the approval while rewarding the 33 selected outstanding EDSTMA officials, who he said have given their best to ease vehicular and human movements in the state.

    The governor, who was visibly elated over their elevation, said his administration and the people of the state were proudly delighted at the new EDSTMA and its officials.

    According to him, “You have won the hearts of the people through the new approach to traffic management, and despite various provocations you receive daily from motorists and pedestrians, you have remained resolute and displayed unquestionable character. Many of you have displayed diligence  while discharging your duties.”

    He noted further that the process was transparent as both the management and the people of Edo State recommended the officials through various reports which were followed and investigated.

    Read Also: Obaseki cuts barriers to trade

    Obaseki said: “From my observation, almost all of you are good officials except a very few who choose to do otherwise, but actions are always taken when complaints come. 

    “As a government, we are going to recruit additional 250 EDSTMA officials before the end of the year to further ease some of the challenges faced by the agency.

    “Today, we are rewarding those of you who have been outstanding in your duties. I have been advised that all of you should be promoted to the next rank and step, to motivate you and stimulate productivity in your field. I say thank you for making us proud as you are one of our success stories as we celebrate two years in office. Each of you will get N250, 000 and hopefully, this would motivate you to put in your best.”

    The governor explained that he has received report and proposal to install traffic lights across the Benin metropolis as well as  Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras to curb  violation of traffic, adding: I wonder why some people would disobey traffic lights (signs) when as a governor, I obey it.”

    Earlier, the managing director of the agency, Dennis Oloriegbe, thanked the governor for the opportunity given to them to serve the people of the state, and explained that through the commendation of the public and media, the 33 officials were selected for the reward. 

    Responding on behalf of the awardees,Dennis Oloriegbe, , thanked EDSTMA management and the state governor for the opportunities given to them to contribute their quota to the state’s development through traffic management, and  pledged further commitment and dedication to their duties.

    “This is a motivating factor for us and we promise to continue to do our best to serve the state,” he added

  • Obaseki flays theft of airport facilities, orders investigation

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has condemned the theft of part of the Instrument Landing System (ILS)  being installed at the Benin Airport, and directed the Nigerian Air Force and the Department of State Security  to investigate and arrest the culprits.

    Obaseki gave the directive after inspecting facilities and components that make up the ILS being installed by the state government in collaboration with relevant federal government agencies.

    The installation of the facilities is expected to make room for 24-hour operations at the Benin Airport.

    Before inspecting the facilities, the governor had a closed-door meeting with the Commander, 107 Air Maritime Group, of the Nigerian Airforce, Wing Commander, Fatai Ganiyu, who later accompanied the governor on inspection of the equipment, with officials of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the National Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

    Obaseki directed the Wing Commander and State Director of the State Security Service to immediately launch an investigation into the incident, adding, “I assured Edo people that our Airport will render 24-hour services and we have been working on that with the relevant federal government agencies to see how we can get the necessary equipment in place to allow this happen.”

    “We have been able to secure the ILS and the necessary equipment, we also have an agreement to put runway lights so that planes can be guided to land at night. Work has started but there is little incident as some of the equipment bought last week have been stolen. We have brought in security agencies to investigate and get the culprits arrested and ensure the work proceeds as desired,” Obaseki added.

    He noted that the state government provided bulk of the resources used for the ILS project not minding that the airport is a federal asset, noting, “Our goal is to ensure that before the harmattan season, the Benin Airport will be ready to function as a 24/7 Airport and more importantly, have the landing system to navigate flights even in bad weather.”

    The Instrument Landing System (ILS) is a radio navigation system which provides aircraft with horizontal and vertical guidance before and during landing.

    A source at the airport who does not want his name in print, said some equipment in the Glide Slope, a component of the ILS, which provides the vertical guidance was stolen while facilities at the localiser component were intact.

  • Brothers buy N50,000 gun to avenge father’s death

    Two brothers, Peter and Paul Vonddip, have been arrested by men of the Edo State Police Command for being in possession of a locally made double barrel pistol which they bought in Anambra State for N50,000.

    The brothers told police interrogators that they were taking the gun to Plateau State to avenge their father death and protect their cows from rustlers.

    They said their father was killed earlier this year at his farm by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

    A Police patrol team along Agbor-Urhonigbe road accosted a Nissan Vannet bus they were traveling in and a search conducted led to the recovery of the gun and three live cartridges.

    Paul aged 30 said he work as a security at Agbor in Delta State.

    He said, “I was arrested on my way to Warri to give my brother a gun to take to Plateau State. I bought the gun in Anambra State. My junior brother is a tanker driver. I wanted to give him the gun when I was arrested. My father was killed so I bought the gun for my brother to protect the cow. We have about 100 cows but it is now remaining 15 because of crisis in Plateau State.

    Read Also: Policeman found dead in pit in Delta

    “My father was killed by Fulani herdsmen at our house in the farm. I did not buy the gun to avenge by father’s death but to protect myself and the cows.”

    “Peter said his brother Paul bought the gun to protect their cows. Police stopped us at the check point and search our car, that was how they saw the gun. Our father was shot dead in the farm. The gun was to stop cattle rustlers.”

    Edo Police Commissioner, Babatunde Kokumo, said the suspects confessed to the crime and would soon be charged to court.

  • Alaghodaro: Waje, Mayorkun to inspire Edo youths at concert

    As part of activities lined up for the 2018 Alaghodaro Summit, to mark Governor Godwin Obaseki’s second year anniversary, Edo State will on Friday, play host to A-list artistes led by popular songstress, Waje and Hip-Hop rave, Mayorkun, in Benin city.

    A statement by Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said that the state government has finalized plans for the concert, which will fete Edo youths at the King’s Square in Benin City.

    He noted that the concert is part of activities lined up for the 2018 Alaghodaro Summit, which showcases Governor Obaseki’s investment in Edo people, specifically in health care, education and job creation.

    He added that the event will start from 6pm, after the two major events in the day, namely; EdoJobs Job Fair/Summit, holding at the Edo Innovation Hub and Women’s Summit, which holds at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Sports Complex, Ugbowo, Benin City.

    According to him, “We are intent on engaging the youths, who are major drivers of economic growth. In the course of the last two years, we have rolled out a number of programmes to get them busy, with the most impactful being EdoJobs and the Edo Innovation Hub.”

    He said that one of the lead acts, Waje, was raised in Benin City, and aside featuring as an act for the concert, will also inspire youths in the state, adding, “We realize that youths need role models, people who have gone through the same stress as they did, walked the same streets and all that, but have come out triumphant in life. That is the message that Waje will be bringing to Edo youths at the concert.”

    He said other local acts will also be featured at the concert, adding that the state government prioritises the arts industry and is already devising means to mainstream the sector into its programmes, an effort that will be set off with the Edo TV Village, among other initiatives.

  • Herbalist nabbed for defiling teenage patient

    A 51-year old herbalist identified as Francis Aju has been arrested for allegedly defiling a teenage patient that was brought to him for treatment.

    Francis was to treat the girl of alleged ailment suspected to be mental illness but the girl told her parents she was defiled.

    Speaking in a chat with newsmen when he was paraded, Francis who denied defiling the victim said the allegations was a ploy by the parents not to pay him the balance money he charged them to treat the girl.

    Francis said he was shocked when he was accused of defiling the girl after the father has agreed that her sanity has returned.

    He said he admitted to the allegations because of the severe punishment he was given.

    Read Also: Man, 46, beheaded in Edo

    His words, “I am 51 years old. I am an herbalist in Uromi. A man called Clement came and told me his daughter is having problems in her head. He brought the daughter and I gave her medicine. We settled for N80,000. He gave me half and promised to bring the balance.

    “He later came and said the daughter was getting better. I gave him another medicine. The next day, they came back and said their daughter claimed I raped her.

    “There was no time I was left alone with the girl. I only bath the girl the first day they brought her. I didn’t do anything with her. It was the father that is now accusing me. It was the beating I received from the police that made me to confess to the crime.”

    Meanwhile, about 88 persons suspected to be involved in various crimes such as cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery, murder and defilement were paraded by the Edo State Police Command.

    Police Commissioner, Babatunde Kokumo, said the suspects have made confessional statements and that they would soon be arraigned in court.

    He warned criminals to flee from the state.

    Items recovered included 22 assorted rifles and cut to size barrels, 77 Love cartridges and three vehicles.