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Tag: Edo State

  • Obaseki congratulates Oba Ewuare II on 2nd coronation anniversary

    …says King’s reign propelling Edo to greater heights

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, on his second anniversary of his ascension to the Royal throne.

    In a statement, Obaseki said: “I wholeheartedly congratulate you on your second-year anniversary on the highly revered royal throne. Your reign has brought enormous blessings to all our people and a new sense of direction that is propelling the state to greater heights.

    Read Also: Obaseki commiserates with Ohiwerei’s family

    “I salute your courageous and visionary leadership which has provided huge impetus for my mandate as Governor and I will continue to build on the prized and esteemed partnership with your Royal Palace for the good of all Edo people and residents in the state.”

    The governor added: “As we celebrate your divine reign with the rest of the world, I wish you excellent health in your commitment to a peaceful and more prosperous Edo State. Long may you reign, Oba gha to kpere, Iseeee!”

  • Obaseki vows to sustain poverty eradication policies

    …as USAID project lifts 11,904 households in Edo

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state government, through her people-oriented policies, has ensured that the people lead better lives and are exposed to more opportunities to develop themselves and grow the economy, noting that such poverty reduction policies will continue to receive priority attention in the state.

    Obaseki disclosed this at the end of the Sustainable Mechanism for Improving Livelihood and Household Empowerment (SMILE) project dissemination meeting, held at Government House, Benin City, Edo State.

    The governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, said his administration has resolved “to make poverty history in the state,” adding that “The journey to make poverty history actually started in 2008 and this administration has consolidated on the promise. All we are going to do for our people is to create the enabling environment for them to create wealth.

    Read Also: Obaseki lauds 9-year jail term for human trafficker

    “That exactly is what we are doing with the SMILE project. We will continue to do that. That is the way forward. The only way our promise can be tangible is when we have that collaboration and understanding, and I want to thank SMILE for that collaboration,” Obaseki added.

    He commended USAID, Catholic Relief Services and other partners for their commitment in ensuring that the project achieved its goal, adding that the state government is open to partnership as part of the resolve to eradicate poverty in the state.

    SMILE, a five-year project implemented in five states, including Edo, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, is jointly funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Action Aid Nigeria and Catholic Relief Services.

    The Chief of Party for the SMILE project, Dr. Emeka Anoje, said over 11, 904 households in Edo State benefitted from the project which was implemented in collaboration with the state government.

    Dr. Anoje noted that the SMILE project was meant to build capacity of local government welfare department and civil society groups, with a view to empowering the most vulnerable in the benefiting communities.

    He added that the programme was carried out in eight local government areas of the state, noting that “SMILE successfully provided support to 46,173 vulnerable children who were drawn from about 11, 904 households.”

    According to him, SMILE also supported agricultural value chain, vocational skills training, child protection services as well as nutrition and food security services, among others in the communities.

     “The intervention of the project included: improve access to HIV care services and a range of households’ economic strengthening activities, which comprise unconditional cash transfer targeting over 5,000 households in Edo State with each household getting a lumpsum of N20,000.

    “We also piloted an adolescent girl’s programme which was aimed at reducing the risk of HIV transmission among adolescent girls through education and psychosocial empowerment, improve parental relationship and structure HIV prevention messaging,” he added.

    A beneficiary of the project, Mrs. Mercy Ogiria from Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, hailed the coordinators of SMILE, adding that she is happy that the project has changed her life for good.

    Ogiria said she benefitted from the conditional cash transfer, noting that “I was giving N20,000 twice which I added to my business. My neighbours at a point in time were wondering where I got money to expand my business. Before then, I was laughed at for running a small business.”

  • Obaseki okays construction of recreational centres for elderly persons

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said modalities have been put in place to set up recreational centers to cater for elderly persons in the state, so as to provide for their peculiar needs.

    Obaseki disclosed this at the 5th Conference of Elderly Persons’ Association of Nigeria in Benin City, Edo State.

    The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Magdalene Ohenhen, noted that the decision to set-up recreational centres for the elderly was in line with a country-wide resolution to provide recreational facilities for elderly persons.

    “In a communique issued at the end of the 18th August Meeting of the National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development, it was considered that states should establish recreational centres for the aged. We consider this proposal important and have since set the machinery in motion towards actualising it,” he noted.

    Obaseki commended members of the association for ensuring a unified body through which public attention could be drawn to the welfare of elderly persons in the society.

    Read Also: Poverty Eradication: Obaseki faults old strategies

    He said that assessing the general standard of living in any society is partly hinged on how the society caters for the highly vulnerable persons which include children, women and the elderly, adding, “My administration will continue to prioritise social welfare for the needy and vulnerable persons.”

    The governor explained that in the ongoing refurbishment of primary health care centres across the state, adequate provision has been made to reduce the burden elderly persons in the state go through to access public healthcare centres.

    National President of the association, Rev. Adebesi Oluwoye, noted that the theme of the conference, ‘The Economic Challenges and the Blessings of Old Age’ was apt as the country was faced with numerous economic challenges.

    He said that it was regrettable that despite being blessed with abundant human and natural resources, Nigeria was still ranked as one of the poorest countries in the world.

  • Edo restricts movement around Oba Ovoranmwen Square

    The Edo State Government has announced the restriction of movement around Oba Ovoranmwen Square (Ring Road), Benin City, on Saturday, October 20, to reduce traffic congestion in the area and allow space for the activities marking the 2nd Coronation Anniversary of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolo Kpolo, Oba Ewuare II.

    In a statement, Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osaze Osemwengie-Ero, urged residents in the area to use the alternative roads around the King’s Square for the period, as there would be traffic officers on duty to guide them.

    Read Also: Edo declares public holiday for Buhari

    According to him, “This is to bring to the notice of the general public, especially motorists, traders and residents around Oba Ovoranmwen Square (Ring Road), Benin City that on Saturday, 20th October 2018, the area will be closed to vehicular traffic, due to the activities of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolo Kpolo, Ewuare II, N’Ogidigan, Oba of Benin.”

    “Motorists are advised to use the alternative roads around the King’s Square for the period of the event, as they will be guided by traffic officers on duty,” he added.

    He said the state government will appreciate strict compliance with this directive.

  • Obaseki lauds 9-year jail term for human trafficker

    …Backs special court for offence

    The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has hailed the judgement of Justice Mohammed Liman of a Federal High Court in Benin City, who on Tuesday, sentenced Mrs Christy Ehiorobo to nine years imprisonment for engaging in human trafficking.

    Obaseki said the judgement is a triumph of good over evil and assured that other traffickers will have their days in court soon.

    The governor said: “I commend the courage of the High Court Judge for serving Mrs. Christy Ehiorobo, a 9-year jail term for engaging in human trafficking.  The judgement has given further bite to our resolve to rid Edo State of human traffickers who are exploiting our youth.”

    He noted that “With the support we are receiving from critical stakeholders such as the judiciary, the Royal Palace of the Benin Monarch and the legislature, in the fight against human trafficking, I am convinced that we will win the fight.”

    Obaseki further said that he has thrown his weight behind the decision of the Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen to dedicate two specialized courts to hear human trafficking cases.

    “I have thrown my weight behind the decision of the Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen to designate two courts to hear human trafficking offences in order to give accelerated hearing to such cases. The decision of the chief judge is innovative as it will fast-track the dispensation of justice in human trafficking and related cases,” he added.

    Read Also: Obaseki approves new governing council for AAU

    According to media reports, a Federal High Court, sitting in Benin, on Tuesday, sentenced a 49-year-old woman, Mrs Christy Ehirobo, to nine years imprisonment for human trafficking.

    Justice Mohammed Liman, in his judgment, held that human trafficking had eaten deep into the fabric of society, adding that despite the plea of mercy by the convict, the law must take its cause.

    “The accused is therefore sentenced to three years imprisonment on each of the three counts to run concurrently,” the judge was quoted as saying.

    The convict, also known as Helen Ehirobo and Mama Jennifer, hails from Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo, State and had been standing trial since 2011.

  • Edo distributes relief materials to Safarogbo Community

    The Edo State Government has distributed relief materials to victims of the September 2, 2017 attack on Safarogbo Community, Ovia South West Local Government Area.

    Addressing journalists during the distribution exercise, Governor Godwin Obaseki, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Hon. Yakubu Gowon, noted that his administration would not relent in providing support and welfare to Edo people.

    The items distributed include: 375 bags of cement, 500 ceiling boards, 125 bundles of zinc, 50 bags of 50kg rice, 50 packets of zinc nails, 25 bags of 3-inch nails and 25 bags of 4-inch nails. Others are: 25 bags of beans, 25 bags of garri, 25 gallons of 25 liters of palm oil, 25 gallons of 25 liters of groundnut oil and 21 mattresses.

    Obaseki said the government empathizes with victims of the attack, adding that the relief materials are to enable the victims resettle after the attack.

    The governor explained that a committee has been set up to ensure the materials are fairly and adequately distributed to the victims, noting, “I have directed that the Chairman of the Council and head of the distribution committee, Destiny Enabulele, Vice Chairman of the council, Head of Social Department in the council, the Councillor representing the affected ward and the Special Assistant to the Governor from the ward to ensure that the materials are properly distributed.”

    Read Also: Edo cult killings: Police arrest 58 suspects

    Representative of the Chairman of Ovia South West Local Government Area and Principal Administration Officer in the council, Mr. Oravbiere Justin, commended the governor for bringing succor to the people of the community, adding, “The response of the governor is commendable and worth emulating.”

    The High Chief of Safarogbo Community, Chief Omoh Ton Werigha, said they will not forget in a hurry the incidence of the September 2, 2017 when some militants attacked the community killing four persons, destroying houses and properties.”

    Werigha said: “We commend the effort of the governor for his prompt response to our call for assistance. We appreciate Governor Obaseki for the relief materials. The gesture will assist us resettle in our community.”

    A victim of the attack, Mr. Adaun Benson, hailed Governor Obaseki for coming to their aid, noting, “Something like this happened in 2012 and we cried, but no one responded to our plea. Governor Obaseki has shown that he is a listening governor and we appreciate his gestures.”

  • Edo PDP members seek cancellation of party primaries

    Members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Orhionmwon/Uhunmwonde Federal Constituency have called for the cancellation of the party primaries in which one Lady Uwa Osunbor was declared winner.

    The PDP members who protested to the state Secretariat of the party said the party primaries for Orhionmwon/Uhunmwonde was won by Hon Etinosa Ogbeiwi.

    They said the party primaries were conducted at Abudu in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State and was presided over by Hon. Tony Aziegbemin.

    Spokesman for the protesters, Mr. Osazuwa Osakpolor Collins, said counting was on-going after the election when thugs disrupted the process.

    Collins said Ogbeiwi was leading other aspirants before the disruption.

    He said the people of the constituency would resist any attempt to superimpose any candidate on them.

    Collins urged National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus to prevail on the State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Prbih not to   impose any candidate in the state.

    “On October 3rd, 2018, primaries election was held in the above constituency at Abudu, presided over by Hon (Dr.) Tony Aziegbemin.

    “Election commenced at about 12:30pm with Hon. Ogbeiwi Etinosa, Hon Uwamose Amadasun and Lady Uwa Osunbor as aspirants.

    “Although no accreditation was done by the said presiding officer but the election and sorting out of ballot papers was done successfully.

    “According to the presiding officer, 214 people voted, 3 votes voided, Uwamose Amadasun got 14 votes and Hon. Etinosa Ogbeiwi got 56 votes as at the time of counting why the rest ballot paper was with Hon (Dr.) Tony Aziegbemin the presiding officer when thugs came to disrupt the counting.

    “At this point, everybody then ran for their lives. Since on the October 3, 2018, we are on the dark hence we are calling the state chairman and his Exco to declare Etinosa Ogbeiwi winner since it was only his votes that were counted”, he said.

    “We of the above constituency shall resist any attempts by some bad elements to impose any candidate on the people of our constituency,” he said.

     

  • Obaseki approves new governing council for AAU

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has approved the constitution of a new governing council for the state-owned Ambrose Alli University, to be chaired by Mr. Lawson Omokhodion.

    In a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., the state government said the constitution of the council is in line with the provisions of the Ambrose Alli University Law, 1991.

    “This is to inform the general public, particularly the Vice Chancellor, Staff and University Community of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, that in line with the provisions of the Ambrose Alli University Law, 1991, the State Government has approved the constitution of the Governing Council of the University.

    Read Also: Edo upholding dignity of girl child – Obaseki

    The council, he said, has Mr. Lawson Omokhodion as Chairman, with the following as members, “Mr. Austin Osakue; Mr. Pius Akpabor;    Dr. Ted Inegbedion;   Mrs.  Faith Bob Osaze; Alhaji Aliyu Umaru; Mr. Matthew Emeohe, Mr. Richard George, (Representing Alumni Association)”

    He said the council will be inaugurated at a later date.

  • Edo: Police command parades 72 for Cultism, others

    The Edo State Police Command on Tuesday paraded 72 armed robbery, cultism and kidnapping suspects, who have been terrorizing Benin metropolis over the past few weeks.

    Speaking to journalists in Benin on the arrest of the suspects, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Johnson Kokumo, said 58 cult members linked to the killings of eight persons in different locations in the state were among those paraded.

    “There was heightened criminal activity viz cultism by rival cult groups: the Black Axe, Eiye, Black Mafians, Vikings within the period 11th and 14th October, 2018, which led to death of eight persons.

    “The police quickly moved in and restored normalcy. 39 arms, 54 cartridges, three battle axes and five fake drinks were recovered from the 72 suspects.

    Kokomu gave break down of the suspects to include one Sampson Omorodion, 34, who was arrested for allegedly killing his younger brother, named Imuetiyan Omorodion aged 27, by stabbing him twice on the neck with a knife after an argument between them.

    “On October 10, this year, the Command arrested two kidnappers at Five Junction for allegedly kidnapping a 36-year-old lady at Ugbowo area of Benin city,” he added.

    The Police boss reiterated the need for citizens to be vigilant at all times and to report any suspicious activity to the police for prompt attention, assuring that the state was unsafe for criminals.

    Read Also: Police rescue woman from ‘one chance robbers’

    One of the suspected cultists, who is a member of Eiye Confratenity, identified as Azuka Ike, said he joined the cult few years ago and has remained a member but was arrested in Delta State when he fled Edo State, following the renewed fracas with rival cult group.

    Precious Okpako, a cab driver, who was rescued by the quick response of the Police, commended the Force for saving him from the armed robbers, who posed as customers.

    “I was hired and my car taken from me at gun point and was locked in the booth of my car but I managed to escape and raise an alarm and the police responded to save me,” he said.

  • Int’l Day of Rural Women: Obaseki harps on inclusive policy

    assures on health, gender mainstreaming

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state government has prioritised policies to place women at the fore of development policies and programmes, assuring that health and gender mainstreaming are key drivers of his agenda.

    Governor Obaseki said this in commemoration of the International Day of Rural Women, marked every October 15, by the United Nations and its various organs.

    He stressed that development policies in the state place women at the heart of intervention, as women have been empowered in either driving some of his administration’s key policies or at the receiving end of the policy’s positive impact.

    According to him, “We run an inclusive government in Edo State. This much is apparent in the manner in which we conduct our affairs and those that are the target of our intervention programmes. As a government, we cannot overlook the place of women in rural communities in driving development because of their illustrious roles as mobilisers, activists, cornerstones of progress and a dependable hand in all spheres of human life. Hence, when intervention programmes are designed, women are given the front role.”

    He added that a number of the state government’s programmes such as the Edo Healthcare Improvement Programme (Edo-HIP), the Ward Development Committee, Edo Food and Agriculture Cluster (Edo-FAC) and the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programmes have components that address the needs of rural women, ensuring that they get the necessary support and structures to live better, rewarding lives.

    Noting that the 18 Special Assistants and a Special Adviser on Gender Issues in the government contribute to policy designs to engage more women, he said, “Our government accommodates the views and inputs of all. The 18 Special Assistants serve as our ears in the rural areas and bring to the fore the issues faced by women at the grassroots. This ensures that we are in touch with them.”

    Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Magdalene Ohenhen, in a chat with journalists, said that the state government has embarked on a number of projects to improve health, education and other indices of development for the benefit of rural women.

    Read Also: Obaseki launches agric cluster for 200 farmers

    According to her, “Through Edo-HIP, at least 200 functional Primary Health Care (PHC) centers will be refurbished to attend to the needs of rural women across the state. Work is currently ongoing on 20 of these centers and those in Warake, Ofumwegbe, Uwelu, Ugbeke and Ukpenu have been completed, to attend to the needs of mothers and children.”

    On Gender Mainstreaming with the 18 Senior Special Assistants and one Special Adviser on Gender Issues, she said, “The state government’s appointment of focal persons for gender issues in the local government is to ensure that the voices of women are heard and their input is taken in formulating policies.”

    According to the United Nations, “Essential services on which millions of rural women and girls depend—health, education, childcare, shelters—are chronically underfunded or simply unavailable. Where they exist, they are often the first to be hit by austerity measures, which are once again on the rise.

    “In 2018 alone, 124 countries are expected to be cutting their budgets, eroding social protection measures and essential services on which so many rural women and girls depend. This is not inevitable. In virtually all countries, there is scope for raising or reallocating resources to strengthen public services that are essential for women and girls. It is a matter of political will and of using all the available policy tools. The cost of inaction is simply too high.”