The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Edo State

  • Obaseki’s Education reform: Tech-based result compilation thrills teachers

    Following the successful launch of the Governor Godwin Obaseki’s Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo BEST) initiative, the pilot schools commenced their first end-of-term examination on Monday July 30, 2018, which will be rounded off on Wednesday August 1, 2018.

    According to the Edo State government, the examination will be followed by a Marking Day, to be observed on Thursday August 2, 2018 when pupils’ examination sheets will be marked and recorded into the teachers’ digital device.

    Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Basic Education and Acting Chairman, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, said the teachers are delighted at the digitalisation of teaching in Edo BEST schools and explained that the end-of-term examination is “part of the revamped continuous assessment of pupils.”

    She further said that “Friday August 3, will be Open day, when parents will be invited for a one-on-one conference with the teachers, to discuss their children’s academic and extra-curricular progress.”

    The SUBEB boss explained that “All the schools are writing the same examination. This will allow for comparison across the state because our pupils are taught the same content. We have completed Monitoring and Evaluation for the pilot phase of Edo BEST to help us ascertain the effectiveness of the methods.”

    Read Also: Obaseki: no hiding place for human traffickers

    On the gains so far recorded since the commencement of the education reform in the state, she maintained that “while we await the analysis of the data gathered, so far, from anecdotal evidence, we have recorded significant gains in attitudinal change.

    “I am amazed by the number of teachers who tell me their attendance has improved greatly as pupils now love to come to school.

    “With the elimination of corporal punishment, the school has become more nurturing for our pupils. Our digital teachers deserve a lot of praise for their hard work and professionalism.”

    Dr. Osa Oviawe disclosed that beginning in August, “Edo SUBEB will commence the training of an additional 5,000 public primary school teachers.

    “At the end of the training, each of them will receive teaching tablet which they will start using in the new academic year, which will start in September.”

  • Contributory Pension: Obaseki presents N7.3m benefits to next of kin

    In a landmark demonstration of the benefits of pension reforms in the state, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has disbursed N7.3233 million to four next of kin of two deceased enrollees in the state’s contributory pension scheme.

    The beneficiaries are Oriomon Morrison, Oriomon Emuata, Osahenrunmwen Iyawe and Patience Iyawe, who received the sum as benefits under the Group Life Assurance Scheme.

    Presenting the cheques at the Government House, in Benin City, Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, said the presentation of cheques to the next of kin to deceased civil servants with the State Civil Service Commission is history being recorded during his administration.

    According to him, “When this government came into power, I promised that we will not leave the pension scheme the way we met it. When we came into office, we assured Edo people that all issues relating to pension are going to be resolved.

    “Those who do not believe that our government is working will now know that we mean well for our people and those who served the state.”

    Read Also: Obaseki rejects NMA award

    Obaseki assured workers, who are in active service that they have nothing to worry about regarding their pension, noting that his government has put measures in place to settle pension benefits after service.

    The Head of Service, Mrs Gladys Idahor, expressed appreciation to the governor for initiating the contributory pension scheme in the state, adding that with the scheme in place, pensioners will have no reason to protest in demand for pension.

    Idahor explained that a provision under the contributory pension scheme requires that aside next of kin receiving pension, they are also entitled to three times the annual salary prior to death.

    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Osahenrunmwen Iyawe expressed appreciation to the governor for the scheme, as he is a beneficiary of the scheme.

     

  • Edo Innovation Hub seeks more occupants for co-working spaces

    The Edo Innovation Hub has opened its doors for entrepreneurs in Edo State and environs to take opportunity of its co-working spaces and other facilities made available at the technology cluster in driving innovation and strengthening the tentacles of the tech ecosystem in the state.

    The Edo Innovation Hub, a brainchild of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration, is a fully-furnished cluster for technology companies, fitted with state-of-the-art support structures including high-speed internet, power, indoor and outdoor works paces, library, conference rooms, training rooms, among others. It also hosts the South-South Innovation Hub, an initiative of the federal government, domiciled in the Vice President’s office for youths in South-South Nigeria to leverage technology in solving everyday problems.

    Read Also:Edo Innovation Hub partners Siemens on ‘The Hack Edo Series’

    Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Skills Development and Job Creation, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, said that the Edo Innovation Hub is arguably one of the best equipped and furnished spaces to run a start-up company in Southern Nigeria.

    Explaining that Governor Godwin Obaseki is committed to equipping youths in the state with the right environment to birth tech ideas, she said, “We are excited to be opening up the Edo Innovates cluster to budding entrepreneurs in Edo State and environs. We are open to working with them, providing the enabling environment to nurture their start-ups, and training and other benefits of a co-working space.”

    She noted that some of the services provided in the hub include virtual office, shared desks, dedicated desks, private office and serviced office, all of which have access to services such as mail handling, electricity, business support, workshop and training and networking opportunities.

    She said some of the programmes outlined for the third quarter of the year at the hub are Microsoft and Tech4Dev digital skills training for entrepreneurs; Curators University’s Artificial Intelligence and Data Science boot camp for 49 budding developers; Microsoft’s Basic Digital Literacy for Teachers; and Oracle train-the-trainers programme for teachers.

    Others, according to her, include Butterflyworks Netherlands’s three-day co-creation event, which will engage the local community, youths and employers.

    She said the hub currently plays host to Mobicure, a tech business that provides mothers access to doctors, as well as Toogle Nigeria Limited (5k Academy), a web-based training provider, which facilitates professional training on project management, marketing, programming, among others.

  • Obaseki lauds Archbishop Margaret Idahosa at 75

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated Archbishop Margaret Benson Idahosa, on her 75th birthday, acknowledging her immense contribution to nation-building through prayers and grooming of God-fearing Christian faithful in the state and country at large.

    In a statement, the governor said that the peace and progress being recorded in the state are as a result of the prayers of men and women of God in the mould of Archbishop Margaret Idahosa.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Edo State, I celebrate Archbishop Margaret Idahosa on her 75th birthday. In the course of time, Archbishop Margaret Idahosa has remained steadfast, focused and committed to propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ to all.

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    “This is reflected in the leadership portrayed in sustaining the Church of God Mission, Benson Idahosa University and Word of Faith Group of Schools amongst others.

    “At a time when the state needs role models to guide the youths aright, Archbishop Margaret Idahosa points them to the right direction and shows what can be attained once they are committed to their chosen fields of endeavour armed with the grace of God.”

    He commended her leadership qualities and her role as a solid pillar among the Christian faithful in Edo State, noting that the continued support and prayers from the people have been instrumental to his achievement in office.

    Archbishop Margaret Idahosa is the wife of Late Archbishop Benson Idahosa.

  • 2019: Why we place ban on campaigns, Edo APC

    Edo State chapter of the All Progressive Congress has explained why it barred by aspirants seeking the party’s ticket for the 2019 general elections from any political campaigns.

    It said the purpose was to ensure that candidates that would emerge did not spend much money before and during the party primaries as was experienced in the 2016 governorship election.

    Read Also: How Edo is battling paedophiles

    The party had in a letter signed by the State Secretary of the APC, Mr. Lawrence Okah, and addressed to all its members said that it would not be in the interest of any party member to embark on any campaign for the purpose of 2019 general elections.

    Okah in the letter said activities of all campaigns remained banned until further notice.

    Explaining the rationale for the ban, Okah said the party does not want aspirants to be aggrieved because of spending so much money,

    According to Okah, “There is no need for aspirant to start campaign. They will say they have spent a lot of money.

    “The reason is that we do not want people to procure nomination. An aspirant can make his calculations based on the number of delegates and save money towards it.

    “The last governorship election was a bitter experience. We are trying to open up the space. When an aspirant knows that all the party members will participate, he will be cautioned on how to spend money.”

  • No herdsmen invasion in my constituency, Edo lawmaker

    The lawmaker representing Esan South East in Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Festus Edughele, has said that no herdsmen invaded in Esan South East constituency.

    Hon Eudghele said reports about herdsmen movement to his constituency with a view to establishing cattle colony was baseless, mischievous and misleading.

    Speaking to newsmen in Benin city on Saturday, Hon. Edughele said to was wrong for people to take delight in playing politics with serious security issues.

    Edughele noted that Governor Godwin Obaseki had declared that his government has not ceded any land to the Federal Government for purposes of cattle ranching.

    He stated that there was no evidence of herdsmen invading Esan South East based on his investigation and interaction with security personnel on the matter.

    According to him, “I got in contact with the police to investigate the story and they told me there was nothing either directly or indirectly on ground to suggest that herdsmen were invading the area .

    Read Also: NSE proffers solution to herdsmen killings

    “What we have are normal Hausa/Fulani who are resident in our various communities. They are living in peace with my people.

    “During the last Muslim Festival, I visited them and presented some items to them like bags of rice to support them.

    “I used the opportunity to impress it on them, the need to live in harmony with their host communities. They have been there for years. In fact, some of us grew up to meet them “.

    On the bill before the House of Assembly which allegedly sought the establishment of ranches in Esan South East, Hon. Edughele said the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) was not considering any bill to that effect.

    “There is no such Bill before the House which I am a member “  he said.

  • Obaseki felicitates with Uanseru, lauds business strides

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GCA Energy Limited, Mr. Greg Uanseru, on his birthday celebration, lauding his contribution to the development of the country.

    In a statement, Obaseki said Uanseru has been instrumental as an indigenous player in the oil and gas sector, with stellar performance in the servicing and maintenance arms of the sector.

    Read Also: Obaseki rejects NMA award

    “I celebrate Mr. Greg Uanseru on the occasion of his birthday. Uanseru has remained steadfast, focused and committed as a businessman, managing local and international clients and delivering value when and where it mattered the most.

    “As an admirable Nigerian, Greg Uanseru is worth emulating. I urge youths in the state to follow in his path. His determination and will to succeed, and his commitment to ideals of excellence are values that should be lauded.

    He commended Uanseru’s successful foray into the oil and gas sector, and his growth over the years.

    Uanseru has substantial investment in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, and is a big player in the supply of essential machine parts, tools and consumables, calibration and maintenance services.

     

  • Health Care: Obaseki tasks stakeholders on robust synergy

    The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has tasked stakeholders in the nation’s health sector on robust collaboration to ensure efficient service deliver across the health care’s value chain.

    Obaseki gave the charge in Benin City, at the Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Chapter, with the theme: “Effective Healthcare Delivery in Edo State.”

    The governor maintained that the challenges in the sector were surmountable if concerted effort was made by all players in the sector to work as a team.

    “The idea of leaving the responsibilities of the health care system to only doctors, will not take us to where we need to be. The health system affects the entire spectrum of the society and everybody should be involved in tackling the challenges, from the primary health care system, which is the bedrock of our health sector,” the governor said.

    He said that “in line with the federal government’s policy of one primary health care centre to a ward, we have already set up machinery to renovate, upgrade and reconstruct the first 20 health care centres across the 18 local government areas of the state.”

    He explained that “the pilot phase of the reconstruction work will start in August, with 20 primary health centres and training programme for the personnel that will run the system.”

    Read Also: Obaseki places N10m on police killers

    Obaseki assured that the lesson learnt from the pilot phase will guide the roll out of the other primary health centres later in the year.

    He harped on the need for a robust relationship between health workers and the state government, and said that “we need each other to care for the health of Edo people and residents.”

    Earlier, chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Edo State Chapter, Dr. Emmanuel Osaigbovo, commended the governor for his developmental strides in the state, and appealed for the timely completion of the ongoing projects.

    He called on all doctors in the state to rededicated themselves to duty and focus on efficient service delivery.

  • World Hepatitis Day: Obaseki harps on early testing, grassroots sensitization

    The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, says early testing for Hepatitis and an aggressive and sustained grassroots sensitization on the danger of the disease would reduce the deaths from what experts describe as “one of the biggest global health threats of our time.”

    Obaseki gave the advice on the occasion of the commemoration of World Hepatitis Day, celebrated on July 28, each year.

    He assured that the Edo State’s decision to reconstruct and revamp health care centres across the state beginning with primary health care centres was informed by the need to extend modern health care services to all Edo people and residents.

    The governor urged Edo people and residents to prioritise their health, which he said, “is a major feature on the wellbeing index” and explained that regular health checks at the hospital would save millions of people the troubles and much of the burden of the disease as well as deaths.

    He lauded the effort of the World Health Organization (WHO) and its global partners in raising global awareness of the disease.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) said that “worldwide, 300 million people are living with viral hepatitis unaware. Without finding the undiagnosed and linking them to care, millions will continue to suffer, and lives will be lost.”

    Read Also: Obaseki inaugurates 12-man prerogative of mercy council

    The United Nations body called on people from across the world to take action and raise awareness “of the group of infectious diseases known as Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E and encourage prevention, diagnosis and treatment as Hepatitis affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, causing acute and chronic disease and killing close to 1.4 million people every year.

    The global body explained that “following the adoption of a resolution during the 63rd World Health Assembly in May 2010, World Hepatitis Day was given global endorsement as the primary focus for national and international awareness-raising efforts, to provide an opportunity for education and greater understanding of viral hepatitis as a global public health problem, and to stimulate the strengthening of preventive and control measures of this disease in Member States.”

    World Hepatitis Day is now recognized in over 100 countries each year through events such as free screenings, poster campaigns, demonstrations, concerts, talk shows, flash mobs and vaccination drives, amongst many others, the organization said.

  • Obaseki approves take-off grant for UNICEF-WASH programme

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the take-off grant and operational funds for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme in the state, to deepen the project’s impact to Edo residents.

    Governor Obaseki disclosed this when the new Manager, UNICEF WASH programme, Michael Forson, and other officials of the programme paid the governor a courtesy call at the Government House, in Benin City.

    According to him, “As a government, we are fully committed to UNICEF-WASH programme. We will work with you to integrate our water-related development with the UNICEF-WASH programme.”

    He said there was need for UNICEF-WASH to present details of the baseline report to the state government, which would guide government in the planning process, noting, “We understand the impact of the programme on our people and your visit is very timely.

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    “We are excited and would not mind if you share the entire details of the baseline studies with us to assist us in our development plans.”

    Forson commended Governor Obaseki for his administration’s commitment to inclusive development in the state.

    He lauded the governor’s leadership style and his implementation of sound policies that have brought development to the people of the state.

    He added that the state’s Commissioner for Water and Energy Resources has spoken on the administration’s commitment to UNICEF-WASH programme, which was further demonstrated with the release of N700 million counterpart fund by the state government.