The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Edo State

  • BudgIT ranks Edo high on ability to meet monthly recurrent expenditure

    …Edo leads in covering all expenditure without borrowing

     

    The frugal allocation of resources by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration in Edo State which has enabled the state to meet her monthly recurrent expenditure commitments has been applauded by independent researchers, BudgIT.

    The organisation’s favourable ranking validates investors’ rating of Edo State as an emerging investment haven with sound reforms in critical sectors such as land administration, company registration and the positive disposition of the government to investment, domestic and foreign. 

    In its “State of the States 2018 Report on the ability of States to Meet Monthly Recurrent Expenditure Obligations for January – June 2018,” BudgIT, a civic organisation, said: “Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Edo and Ondo are among the top ten states in our Index.”

    The organisation in its fiscal sustainability index analysis explained that “Index A looks at the ability of states to meet their recurrent expenditure obligation with state-owned revenue like value added tax, 13 per cent derivation and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). States like Rivers, Lagos, Delta, Bayelsa and Edo sit top of Index A.”

    On Index B which looks at the states’ ability to cover all recurrent expenditure without resorting to borrowing,  the organisation noted: “Interestingly about 16 states could cover the recurrent expenditure obligation without borrowing funds – a marked improvement over 2017.

    Read Also: BudgIT knocks NASS

    “In the first six months of 2017, only four states could effectively meet their recurrent expenditure without borrowing, selling assets or/and donor funds. States like Kano, Bayelsa, Edo, Rivers and Delta sit on top of the index.

    BudgIT added that “Edo State appears to have shown some initiative by trying to resuscitate its rubber and palm plantations in conjunction with the private sector, a move likely to increase earnings.”

    The plan is to “leverage on high-yielding varieties and long tradition of oil palm production to acquire about 100,000 hectares of land for the development of oil palm estates.”

    BudgIT advised that “the timelines in which this project will be achieved are crucial.

    It assured that “the Gelegele Seaport, which is to be transformed into a container port, holds great promise, if Edo aggressively revitalises her rubber industry – especially as the commodity trades at about $2,000 per ton.

    The organisation projected that “If Edo puts 400,000 hectares under rubber cultivation and invests in research to take yield above four tons per hectares, its rubber-based economy could top $3bn in the near term, on the back of efficient distribution through the seaport.”

    It further explained in the State of the States Report that “Despite increasing production capacity over the last seven years, Nigeria ranked 15 on the global production chart for rubber, as at 2016, with a capacity of 156,341 tons – a mere 1.19% of global output (at 13.15million tons).

    “This leaves a lot of market room, more so with the increasing application of rubber in the production of items such as stamp, shoes, mulch and roofing. Edo can therefore achieve increase output by putting the following measures in place: mechanised farming; standard storage facilities; stellar transportation systems; processing facilities and alternate point(s) of export/exit point from the country.

    “Formal trade agreements with any importing countries would also be a great advantage. Investment in rail infrastructure could also potentially open Edo’s economy to the Southwest and North-west corridor, ensuring smooth transfer of goods and services that in turn results in a larger transfer of funds into the public purse.”

  • Obaseki commiserates with late Hayford Alile’s family

    …lauds contributions to Stock Exchange

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has condoled with the family of the late Apostle Hayford Alile.

    In a condolence message issued by the governor on Tuesday in Benin City, he said he was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of the former director-general of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and spiritual leader of St. Joseph Chosen Church of God.

    Obaseki said: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Apostle Hayford Alile, who was a father figure to me and clearly one of the finest personalities in our country.

    “Pa Alile was a courageous and incorruptible professional who championed the global outlook for the Nigerian Stock Exchange through several reforms and pioneered the revolutionary ideas which positioned the Exchange for international reckon.

    “He contributed significantly to the take-off and growth of the country’s organised private sector, through his visionary leadership on the boards of several leading companies across the country and left a good legacy everywhere he worked.

    The governor further said that “Pa Alile was a role model to many of us and we admired how he succeeded in striking a balance between Christian ministry, work and family.

    Read Also: Victory shows APC is preferred party —Obaseki

    “In retirement, his foundation, the Hayford Alile Foundation provided succour and empowerment to the under-privileged and gifted, through scholarships, grants and training.”

    “We have lost a rare gem in the transition of Pa Alile as a state and nation, but we are consoled by the Godly life he led and the indelible marks he left in the minds and hearts of millions of people.”

    Obaseki prayed that “God grants pa Alile’s soul, eternal comfort until we meet to part no more.”

  • Obaseki assures of sound environmental governance in Edo

    The Edo State governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has assured that the state’s new environmental policy will engender a regime of sound environmental governance that will deploy best practice in waste and water management.

    Obaseki, who gave the assurance on the occasion of the celebration of World Habitat Day, observed on October 1, each year, said efforts at repositioning the state’s environment to better serve Edo people and residents have begun yielding positive results.

    “The Edo State Ministry of Environment and Sustainability recently reviewed the activities of burrow pit and abattoir operators as well as those of sand miners across the state.

    “We have undertaken an aerial survey of the state’s land assets and were shocked at the degree of abuse and exploitation of our forests and natural resources,” he said.

    The governor stressed that: “We are resolute about restoring sanity to the sector to ensure we have an environment we all will be proud of, and which will outlive us.”

    He explained that the flash floods that have wreaked havoc in parts of the state are caused in part, by human activities and called on community and religious leaders as well as other stakeholders to support the state’s blueprint for the sector.

    Read Also: Victory shows APC is preferred party — Obaseki

    “At the recent expert session convened to review the Edo State Environmental Policy, I charged experts drawn from the United Nations’ specialised organisation to fast-track work on the policy that was tabled for validation. I am confident that when unveiled, the environmental challenges we currently face will be tackled head-on,” the governor said.

    The policy document which was prepared in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), according to Obaseki, would address environmental issues such as flooding, deforestation, amongst others.

    World Habitat Day is a day set aside by the United Nations to reflect on the state of towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter.

    The United Nations explained that “The Day is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns.

    “The focus of this year’s World Habitat Day celebrations is taking action to address the municipal solid waste management challenge. This year’s theme is Municipal Solid Waste Management with a slogan: Waste-wise cities.

    The global body added, “On October 1, 2018, and in the period before and after this day, a concerted effort will be made to: raise awareness that Municipal solid waste is a global challenge that all of us need to address; facilitate policy dialogue and form partnerships; promote innovative solutions to municipal solid waste management and mobilise resources to address the municipal solid waste challenges.”

  • Obaseki links Edo’s growing investor, voter confidence to open governance

    The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has said that there is a correlation between his administration’s open governance model and the growing investor and voter confidence in the state.
    Obaseki said this on the occasion of the celebration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information, marked on September 28, each year.
    He explained that “as a matter of policy, we publish all our reforms across the various sectors of the state and their outcomes online, for potential investors and the public to know what we are doing to develop the state.”
    The governor noted that “Information and communication technology and the information super highway have made it easy to communicate governance to members of the public.
    “We place huge premium on transparency and accountability and the efforts we have made in pension reform, health, education, job creation and other key sectors are in public domain. They can be accessed online.
    Commending the United Nations for setting aside a special day to celebrate universal access to information, Obaseki said information explosion remains a remarkable achievement in the 21st century, and urged global leaders to take advantage of the information superhighway and the new technologies to guarantee unfettered and unencumbered access to information, revolutionise governance and carry the electorates along on government processes, procedures, achievements and challenges.

    Read Also: Victory shows APC is preferred party —Obaseki

    The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), said that “since 2016 it has marked the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), following the adoption of a resolution (38 C/70) declaring 28 September of every year as International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI).
    “IDUAI has particular relevance with the new 2030 Development Agenda, and in particular with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 16.10  which calls for ensuring public access to information and protection of fundamental freedoms.”
    UNESCO said it hopes that the event will encourage more countries to adopt Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation, develop policies for multilingualism and cultural diversity in the cyberspace, and ensure that women and men with disabilities are integrated.
    “These steps will further strengthen progress towards the 2030 Development agenda and pave the way for the creation of knowledge societies worldwide.”

  • Edo APC members defy rain to vote Buhari

    Members of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State on Friday defied the heavy downpour of rain to participate in the direct primaries to elect the party’s presidential candidate.

    At the various wards visited across the state, party members came out in their large numbers.

    In Ekpoma, headquarters of Esan West local government area, APC members came out as early as 8:30am to wait in queue.

    Chairman of the local government area, Mr. Patrick Aguinede, said he has moved round the 10 wards in the locality and was impressed with the turnout of APC members.

    Aguinede said they will returned President Buhari as the party’s candidate.

    In Ward five, Esan North East local government, elderly women and disabled persons were on the queue waiting to vote.

    Voting materials had arrived the polling Ward as at press time.

    Read Also: 2019: Group seek support for Buhari

    Leader of the APC in the area, Mr. Joe Okojie, told newsmen that the people were prepared for the primaries.

    Okojie said APC members in the locality believed in President Buhari ability to develop the country.

    In Usen Ward, Ovia South West local government, APC members came out in large numbers.

    Chairman of the APC, Mr. Peter Ajayi, said they have endorsed Dennis Idahosa for the House of Representatives just as they want President Buhari to return in 2019.

    The lawmaker representing Oredo East Constituency, Hon Osaigbovo Iyoha, voted at Ward 2 and hailed Edo APC supporters for defying the rain to participate in the primaries.

    In many of the wards, voting started between 11:30am and 12:30pm

    State Secretary of the APC, Mr. Lawrence Okah said Edo APC have demonstrated their love for the person of President Buhari and his leadership style.

    “You can see for yourself that the crowd was tremendous. We could not even finish counting. As I  speak in this ward 7, we have more than 1,147 persons voting for just one candidate, Buhari.

    “In spite of the rain, people came out. That is to show the support our president has. If this can happen in one ward, and we have 192 wards in Edo State.

    “You  better imagine at the end of today, you will see a lot of people coming out to vote for Buhari. This is just a party matter.

    “It is raining yet people are coming out to vote. You can see for yourself. They have been here since 8:00am waiting for this day to come”, he said.

  • Osun victory shows APC is preferred party – Obaseki

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said that the victory of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Osun State showed the APC is the preferred party in the country.

    Obaseki in his congratulatory message to governor-elect of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola said he was delighted at the hard-fought victory.

    Read Also:Suspected cultist nabbed in Edo State

    The Edo governor said, “Your victory provides a fillip to the growing profile of our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the preferred political party in the country.

    “I have unwavering faith in your pedigree as an astute and experienced administrator and manager, to consolidate on the foundation laid by the outgoing governor, His Excellency, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and take Osun State to greater heights”.

  • Gully Erosion: Obaseki partners FG, World Bank, European Investment Bank

    …as partners inspect Iguosa, Queen Ede sites 

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has secured the commitment of the Federal Government, the World Bank and the European Investment Bank in arresting gully erosion in parts of the state.

    Addressing journalists during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the gully erosion site at Iguosa Housing Estate, in Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state on Thursday, the Task Team Leader 1, Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), World Bank Office, Nigeria, Dr.  Amos Abu, said governor Obaseki and his team presented  the devastating gully erosion as part of priority projects for which the administration wants the partners’ intervention.

    Abu said: “We are here with the Federal Government team, NEWMAP and the European Investment Bank for on-the-spot assessment of the situation at Iguosa.”

    He said the team has seen and assessed the situation and has full grasp of the urgency of the intervention needed.

    He assured: “The job will be done but not in one day, and it will be according to international best practice to enable it stand the test of time. The proposed partnership between the World Bank and European Investment Bank will further give impetus to the implementation of the federal government’s erosion and watershed projects all over Nigeria especially in Edo State.”

    Team Head of the European Investment Bank delegation to Edo State, Mr. Jaime Barragan, said the team which is led by the World Bank is visiting the gully erosion site so as to take leadership of the project and make it happen.

    Read Also: Obaseki to PDP: you are ignorant of international investment

    Barragan stressed the need for the community to be involved in ensuring the project is maintained.

    According to Barragan, the project is being implemented nationwide involving 19 states of the country, adding that “Priorities are set depending on urgency and importance. It is the state that has the crucial role in putting forward the project and once it’s available, we will throw in our support.

    The President, Association of Residents of Government Housing Estate, Iguosa, Prof. Franklin Ehigiator, expressed appreciation to governor Obaseki for attracting the World Bank and other partners to the gully erosion site, after promising to assist the community.   

    The team also inspected the erosion control project in Queen Ede and promised that the project will be designed by world class engineers to stand the test of time.

    Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Mr. Emoedume Brai said before the World Bank’s intervention, other interventions carried out on the site in the past failed.

  • Buhari, Obaseki, others meet on continental fight against corruption

    …as Nigeria champions session

    President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and presidents of other African Union member states, have held a high-levelled meeting in New York on strategies to rid the continent of corruption.

    The session with the theme: “African Union High-levelled Meeting on Winning the Fight Against Corruption: Leveraging International Cooperation to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals in Africa” was led by President Buhari, as the champion of the fight against corruption, who presented the key note address.

    The event which was organised by the African Union Commission with Rwanda, as country of the AU Chairperson, followed an earlier Bilateral meeting by the president, in company of Governor Obaseki, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and officials of the Nigerian Embassy in the United States, with the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres.

    Recall that president Buhari had advocated for a global effort to fight corruption, considering the negative impact it is having on countries such as illegal migration and poverty, in his address at the United Nations General Assembly, much earlier.

    Read Also: Obaseki to PDP: You are ignorant of international investment

    The General Assembly is one of the six main organs of the United Nations.

    The Nigerian president told the large audience that: “Corruption within countries and illicit flow of funds across national boundaries have huge negative impact on the stability, peace, and economic prospects of millions in developing countries.

    “Corruption significantly deprives national Governments of resources to provide meaningful livelihoods to their populations who are predominantly youths, thus giving rise to more irregular migration.

    “The fight against corruption, therefore, involves us all. It is in our collective interest to cooperate in tracking illicit financial flows, investigate and prosecute corrupt individuals and entities and repatriate such funds to their countries of origin.”

     

  • World Maritime Day: Benin River Port will boost economy – Obaseki

    The Edo State governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has said that the Benin River Port, on completion, would significantly improve the state’s economy through international linkage with actors in the global shipping business.

    Obaseki who gave the assurance in commemoration of the World Maritime Day marked on September 27 each year, explained that “the Benin River Port will open up the state to international trade, with all the allied businesses and will bring more prosperity to our people.”

    The governor added that “Well managed seaports have the capacity to create wealth and transform the economies of host states and countries, into major hubs of economic activities.

    “The Benin River Port will facilitate the movement of goods and services across continents, save Edo people the troubles of importing goods through Lagos and other ports and will enable the state key into the global blue economy.

    “Thousands of direct and indirect employments will be created for our people, several warehouses will spring up around the port and it will stimulate production and manufacturing activities across the state and the south-south region as the manufacturers would be guaranteed easier access to the international market.”

    Read Also: Obaseki commiserates with NSIA boss over father’s death

    The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) said this year’s celebration is unique as it marks the 70th year “since the Convention establishing the organisation was adopted in 1948, which has helped the body to promote safe, secure and clean shipping.”

    IMO noted that “It has developed mandatory international regulations covering almost every aspect of shipping since the adoption of the convention.

    “As a result, modern shipping conforms to the highest practicable standards and is the safest, cleanest and most efficient way to move goods around the world.”

    The organisation further said, “The theme for the 2017 World Maritime Day celebration is IMO 70: Our Heritage – Better Shipping for a Better Future, and the celebration provides an opportunity to take stock and look back, look forward, address the current and future challenges for maritime transport to maintain a continued and strengthened contribution towards sustainable growth for all.”

  • World Tourism Day: Obaseki targets global industry’s over $1.260trn revenue

    …says robust culture, seaport, industrial park, others will drive tourist traffic to Edo

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr.  , has said the ongoing effort at repositioning the tourism sector through the development of a tourism master plan and the investment in the Benin River Port as well as the Benin Industrial Park would earn the state her fair share of the global tourism revenue, estimated at $1.260 trillion according to 2015 figures.

    Obaseki gave the assurance on the occasion of the World Tourism Day, celebrated on September 27, each year.

    According to the governor: “We are impressed with the positive outlook of the global tourism sector and we are repositioning our domestic arm to take its slice of the trillion dollar-industry.

    “We are blessed with clement climate and have highly sought-after flora and fauna. Our people are hospitable and have continued to play host to people from far and near, since pre-colonial times.”

    He said that work has commenced on the hosting of the 2018 edition of the Edo Festival of arts and culture (EDOFEST) which he explained “would showcase the rich and colourful culture of Edo people.”

    Obaseki added: “The Edo Innovation Hub is pulling traffic of tech-entrepreneurs and thousands of people aspiring to tap into the opportunities in the technology industry, from across the world. We are resolute about making Edo Innovation Hub the Silicon Valley of Nigeria in the coming months.

    “The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium being revamped will be open for international sporting competitions in the first quarter of next year, barring any hitches from the contractors. The 20 mini-stadia, when completed, will serve as grooming grounds for raw talent that will re-enact our glorious days in sports.”

    On this year’s theme: “Tourism and the Digital Transformation,” Obaseki noted that “it is a beautiful coincidence that the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) is highlighting the impact of digital technology on human advancement and transformation at a time the Edo State Government has set up an innovation hub to equip Edo people with in-demand tech skills.

    According to the UNWTO, “tourism is a key sector in the world. Over the past six decades, tourism has experienced continued expansion and diversification, and it has become one of the fastest growing and most important economic sectors in the world, benefiting destinations and communities worldwide.”

    The organisation said that the question of the opportunities that technological advances like big data, artificial intelligence and digital platforms provide to tourism and sustainable development, will be answered at the World Tourism Day (WTD) 2018, where digital advances and innovation take centre stage to bring together continued growth with greater sustainability in tourism.

    Read Also: Obaseki commences health improvement programme

    “This year, we will highlight the need for investment in disruptive digital technologies that can foster an environment for innovation and entrepreneurship in tourism.

    “The celebration will be held in Budapest, Hungary, a country enjoying steady growth of tourism backed by consistent policy support and a commitment to the digital future. Other celebrations will take place worldwide.

    The global tourism body’s fact sheet shows that “International tourist arrivals worldwide have grown from 25 million in 1950 to nearly 1.3 billion today Similarly, international tourism revenues earned by destinations around the world have grown from 2 billion US dollars in 1950 to 1.260 trillion in 2015.

    “The sector represents an estimated 10 per cent of the world’s GDP and 1 in 10 jobs globally.”

    The UNWTO said it expects that tourism will continue to grow at an average of 3 per cent annually until 2030, adding “This growth reflects the progressive expansion of access to tourism thanks to the decline in the price of transport, especially air transport, and growing middle classes worldwide.

    The recognition of the right to holidays in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the improved adoption of labour rights in many countries, have also supported the coming of age of tourism. These factors also serve as a backdrop for the resilience shown by tourism in recent years. The sector has experienced almost uninterrupted growth despite challenges such as the global economic crisis, natural disasters and pandemics.”