The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Edo State

  • Man gets death sentence by hanging for killing son

    An Akwa Ibom High Court sitting in Ikot Ekpene has sentenced one Christopher Udoh to death by hanging for killing his 11-year old son, Gabriel over suspicion of being a witch.

    Udoh, a native of Obot Akara local government area, reportedly murdered his son after accusing him of using witchcraft powers to frustrate him for years.

    The Court held that the convict, who had already admitted to committing the offence, deliberately killed his 11-year-old son for allegedly being behind his many years of unsuccessful stint in his business in Benin City, Edo State.

    According to Udoh, his son used witchcraft to stop him from succeeding in his business.

    “After my inability to have a serious breakthrough in business, I discovered that my son could have been responsible. When I could no longer carry on with the business, I was stranded in Benin. I had to return home with nothing”, he recalled.

    Read Also: Court orders reinstatement of TUC chief in Ekiti

    He added that every attempt to break even in life became too difficult, even to get married “since his mother was no longer with me following years of hardship that she could not bear”.

    “For me to free myself of such spell, I had to kill him, burnt his body and dumped the remains in a pit”, he explained and pleaded for the Court to be lenient and for God to have mercies as he was only being used by the devil”, he said.

    Handing down the judgment yesterday, the presiding judge, Justice Joy Unwana, said he passed the ruling after finding the accused guilty of murder in line with section 316 (1) of the criminal laws of Akwa Ibom State

     

  • Adamu Ciroma: Obaseki extols virtues, commiserates with Yobe govt

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has extolled the virtues of late Adamu Ciroma, whose passing at an Abuja hospital, was announced on Thursday.

    Aged 84, Ciroma was at various times former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), former Minister of Finance and Managing Editor of New Nigerian Newspaper.

    Obaseki lauded Late Ciroma for his contributions to Nigeria’s development and his selfless service to building a thriving nation.

    “I am saddened by the loss of elder statesman, Adamu Ciroma, whose passing was announced today at an Abuja hospital.

    Read Also: Obaseki mulls Security Trust Fund for Edo

    “Ciroma was a respected leader, who rose to serve Nigeria meritoriously when the occasion demanded. This can be gleaned from the number of public service offices he held and the panache with which he dispensed his roles.

    “I hereby extend my condolences to the government and people of Yobe State, his hometown, Potiskum, and his immediate family. I pray that God gives them the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.

    Obaseki noted that “Ciroma’s role as one of the architects of modern Nigeria cannot be controverted,” calling on youths to emulate his commitment to the Nigerian project.

  • Obaseki, Automotive Council, others commit to Benin Auto park devt

    Poised to develop the largest single auto sales market in West Africa, Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state is willing to explore far-reaching partnership with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and the Africa Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), in actualising the Benin Auto Park, sited in Benin City.

    Governor Obaseki, who said this at the Edo Automotive Investment Forum, held in Benin City, noted that the state government was ready to provide necessary support structures to facilitate the setting up of global automotive players at the park, which is located opposite the Benin Industrial Park (BIP).

    The Forum was attended by a delegation from AAAM, who had the mandate of the global office, to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria’s automotive industry.

    The Forum was attended by Chief Executive Officers and other representatives of the global auto makers, including Graffiti SA, Nissan, Toyota, Deloitte, Gauteng Infrastructure Financing Agency (GIFA), Automotive Industry Development Center, DataDot Technology, Standard Bank of South Africa, International Finance Corporation and Afropulse Group.

    Wooing the investors, Obaseki said Edo State is strategically located to become one of the largest automotive hubs in West Africa, maintaining that the state has a robust automotive sales and services sector, which guarantees impressive Return on Investment (RoI).

    Read Also: Obaseki mulls Security Trust Fund for Edo

    Noting that the Benin Auto Park will transform Nigeria’s automotive industry and help upgrade the used car market, he said the park will avail Nigerans of the opportunity to be able to buy new cars at affordable prices and be assured of top-of-the-range after-sales services.

    On why the park has come to stay, he explained, “We want you to work with car dealership to create the largest single market location in Benin City, where people can buy cars. We want to properly organise the auto dealers in Benin City, transform the car components sector and attract investment to the state.”

    Dr. Jelani Aliyu, the Director General of the NADDC, said that the council is excited with the proposal of the Edo State Government, and sees at least two scenarios for growth.

    According to him, “with this support by the state government, I see the state becoming a hotbed for automobile sales. The first instance will see the state grow from supplying used cars to brand new cars. Also, we see the influx of automobile component makers, who are also here.”

    On his part, Chief Executive Officer, Volkswagen South Africa, Thomas Schaefer, said that the delegation is keenly interested in the Nigerian market, its growth and deepening investments, especially with the increased drive for the Automotive policy.

    According to him, “the automotive industry is quite critical in South Africa. It generates 350,000 jobs. The market boasts of 600,000 new cars. There is zero importation. We hope to replicate this in Nigeria and are interested in the Nigerian market.

    “We are interested in Nigeria and Edo State and impressed with the proposal for the Benin Auto Park. We hope to deepen the partnership,” he said.

    Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Deloitte Africa, Lwazi Bam, said that the delegation has the mandate of the global companies to explore investment opportunities in the country, noting that it was impressive for Governor Obaseki to actively push for diversification of the state’s economy.

    According to him, “These individuals have strong belief in Africa and the continent’s progress. It is interesting to have Governor Godwin Obaseki talking about and pushing for projects to diversify the state’s economy.

    “There has been a lot of talk about economic diversification in Africa. But we need people to lead the charge. Edo State Governor is leading the charge in Edo State.

    “As we speak with the Federal Government on diversification and development of the automotive sector. We also need to speak with the state government, because it is in the states that the factories and industries will be sited.”

  • S/African firm, others jostle for Sokponba Blue Water Resort devt.

    …As Edo govt identifies more tourist sites

    The rising profile of Edo State as an emerging investment destination following the reforms embarked upon by Governor Godwin Obaseki, across all sectors of the state, has caught the attention of South African investors and other big-ticket investors in the global tourism sector, who are jostling for the development of Sokponba Blue Water Resort.

    According to the Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osazee Osemwingie-Ero, the investors have indicated interest in the development of the Sokponba Blue Water Resort, a world-class recreational and leisure facility that will give Edo State her slice of the annual global tourist receipt.

    Osemwingie-Ero disclosed this during a tour of the ancient Illewa Hill in Okpella, Estako East Local Government Area, which the state has penciled down for development.

    He explained that firms from South Africa and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, are billed to make presentations to Governor Godwin Obaseki on their interest to develop the facility soon.

    He added several tourist sites have been identified by the state government and are being categorized and repackaged for international exhibition.

    Read Also: World Bank Executives arrive Edo State Friday

    “These are natural sites, second to none in the world. If you have the privilege of travelling abroad, you will discover that the tourist sites we see over there are artificial.

    “Even the Unuamen, where Queen Idia fought the war with Aruan and Oba Esigie has become a tourist destination for students of history,” the commissioner said.

    He explained that the visit to the site at Ido II, in Okpella, was on the order of Governor Obeseki, after the heads of the Okpella communities submitted a letter to the him to include the Hill as a potential tourist site in the state.

    The commissioner said the governor has urged his ministry to identify more tourist sites as part of efforts to diversify the state’s economy and improve her revenue base.

    “There is a lot that can take place here, from movies, hotel accommodation, gymnasium and more. Few weeks ago, we were in Abeokuta for the Drum Festival and we climbed Olumo Rock which is not as beautiful as this, so we have decided that we will beautify this place and make it a proper tourist site.”

    On his part, the Otsegban of Okpella, High Chief Peter Airenokhale expressed his appreciation to the governor for his prompt response to the community’s request, noting, the community anticipates that the visit will put the Illewa Hill and Okpella community on the global tourism calendar.

    Vice Chairman of Estako East Local Government Area, Princess Benedicta Attoh, assured that the people are ready to support the programmes of the governor to ensure that the Illewa Hill becomes a notable tourist site in Nigeria.

  • Edo inaugurates 3rd Children’s Parliament

    …as Richard Asen emerges Speaker

     

    The Edo State Government has inaugurated the 3rd Assembly of the state Children’s Parliament with a representative from each of the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

    The inauguration was conducted by the state’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and Office of the Wife of the Governor, at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

    Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, urged the parliamentarians to perfect the act of parliamentary engagement as legislature remains the bedrock of democracy.

    Read Also:Obaseki mulls Security Trust Fund for Edo

    Represented by Senior Special Assistant on Administration in the Office of the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Chattie Anakhu, Mrs. Obaseki, noted, “As you carry out your assignment, bear in mind that you are one of the fortunate children in the state and let this fill your hearts with humility and inspire you to conduct yourself with dignity throughout your tenure.”

    She said the parliamentarians should learn from their predecessors, adding that a fully furnished office in her office had been provided to enable them carry out their legislative engagements.

    At the inauguration, Master Richard Asen, a 13-year-old Junior Secondary School 3 student from Spring Leaders Secondary School in Estako West Local Government Area was elected as Speaker of the Parliament, while Miss Nittabeatrice Otasowie,  a Senior Secondary School 2 student from Asoro Grammar School, in Oredo Local Government Area was elected Deputy Speaker of the Parliament.

    The highlight of the event was the presentation of the new members of the Children’s Parliament to members of the Edo State Executive Council led by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    Speaker of the Parliament expressed appreciation to the governor for giving him and members of the Parliament the privilege to pilot the affairs of children in the state, noting that they would ensure that the rights of every Edo Child are protected.

  • Obaseki mulls Security Trust Fund for Edo

     

    … Commends retired military officers’ sacrifice

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has revealed plans to pass into law, a bill to set up a Security Trust Fund for the state, as part of measures to revamp the security architecture.

    Obaseki disclosed this when executive members of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association of Nigeria (RANAO), Edo State Chapter, paid a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    He noted, “As part of the rethinking of the state’s security architecture, we will, very shortly, pass into law the new Security Trust Fund Bill, which is going to be the anchor on which our security architecture will be built on.”

    The governor commended members of RANAO for their contributions to the security of the country, noting, “Nigeria has been shaped by your activities as retired security officers and you have fought to keep the country as one.”

    Read Also: Flooding: Obaseki provides relief materials for victims in eight LGAs

    He urged the group to provide advice and assistance to improve the security of life and property in the state, adding that security is a major challenge facing the country, and all hands must be on deck to solve the nagging problem.

    Obaseki said, “As a government, we realise that the challenges we face as a country is quite deep and formidable. Without law, safety and order, government will not succeed. That is why we have tried, as a government, to do our best in terms of safety, security and order to enable us build a great state.”

    Earlier, leader of the group, Retired Major General (Retd.) Paul Edomwande, commended Governor Obaseki for the developmental strides recorded since he assumed office as governor of the state.

    “We laud your effort in abolishing the Community Development Associations (CDAs) that had caused carnage in our communities.

    “Nothing should be allowed to disrupt the mop-up that is still going on,” he added.

  • Edo, security agencies to go after fake recruitment firm

    …Obaseki urges job seekers to be circumspect of recruitment centres

     

    The Edo State government has distanced itself from the illegal activities of a consulting firm, KAI Environmental, which has been collecting money from unsuspecting job seekers in the state with a promise to offer them jobs in the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said the state government is working with security organisations to bring the perpetrators to justice.

    Read Also:Firm reaps N10m from Edo job seekers

    “We received a report that KAI Environmental, a consulting firm, has been defrauding unsuspecting Edo people and residents by posing as a recruitment agency for the Edo State government.

    “We have informed the police and other relevant security agencies to arrest the people behind the scam and bring them to justice,” Osagie said.

    He explained that “EdoJobs is the only platform that recruits workers for the Edo State government,” and advised that “any other company that parades itself as a recruitment body or company for Edo State is out to scam job seekers.”

    He warned that “the Obaseki administration does not collect money for jobs. We have digitised and centralised the process of giving jobs to qualified people in the state and all that is required of job seekers is to simply upload their applications on the EdoJobs portal, and they will be contacted by officials of government. Job seekers should be circumspect and report any organisation that parades itself as a recruitment company for the state government to security agencies.”

    According to the report, the consulting firm,‎ KAI environmental, has allegedly fleeced job seekers in the state of millions of naira.

    “The firm which has its operational Base at Bins Hotel, along Ekenhuan Road in Benin-City, was said to be collecting N2, 000 for registration, N2000 for handouts during training and N15, 000 for uniforms‎ ‎from applicants.

    “Already, the first batch of 150 applicants are said to have concluded training and awaiting to be dispatch to their place of work,” the report said.

     

  • Adult learners hail Obaseki’s sustenance of adult literacy programme

    Adults enrolled in literacy programmes in Edo State have lauded the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration for sustaining the adult literacy and non-formal education schemes in the state, noting that the programme has afforded hitherto disadvantaged adults opportunity for a second chance at life.

    They disclosed this during the monthly monitoring and supervisory routine of the Agency for Adult and Non-Formal Education (AANFE) at Adult Literacy and Skills Acquisition Centres in the state.

    Mrs. Esosa Imaraibe, an adult student at the Fabiyi Akpata Centre, one of the adult literacy facilities, applauded the governor for the decision to sustain the programme, noting that she can now read and write after enrolling at the center.

    Read Also:Flooding: Obaseki provides relief materials for victims in eight LGAs

    “We are grateful to the governor for this initiative. This has given people like me hope so that we can get another chance at learning how to read and write and contribute to the development of the society,” she said.

    At Izevbigie Learning Centre, Mrs Ruth Onozie, another student, said enrolling in the programme has afforded her opportunity to learn new things, as she is now better positioned to articulate her thoughts in English language. “I could hardly recognize the alphabets when I started, but now I can read and write, even two-letter words,” she said.

    A Director in AANFE, Alhaji L.I Momoh, said the department has a mandate to eradicate illiteracy and expose Edo people to adult education through the state-owned adult literacy centres, which are in every local government area in the state.

    “The centres have facilitators, who take the learners through the rudiments of basic education with the aim of ensuring the ability of reading and writing,” he said.

    At some of the centres visited, the teachers were seen teaching the adult learners who were listening with rapt attention.

    The AANFE came into existence in 1988 with the mandate to eradicate illiteracy from Edo State and is a department in the State’s Ministry of Education.

     

  • Firm reaps N10m from Edo job seekers

    …they are extorting Edo people

    Over 500 job seekers in Edo State have been reaped of over N10m from a consulting firm claiming to be recruiting environmental officials for the Edo State Government.

    The firm known as KAI Environment operates from Bins Hotel along Ekenwan Road in Oredo local government area.

    Investigations showed that prospective job seekers are made to part with N2000 for registration, N2000 for handouts during training and N15, 000 for uniforms.

    It was gathered that a first batch of 150 persons have already concluded training and waiting to be dispatch to their place of work.

    A visit to the Bins hotel Monday revealed that many persons were driving to the hotel to buy forms for their friends and relatives while others were seen undergoing interview session.

    In the poster advertising for available jobs, the firm said it is promoting healthy environment with the Edo State Government on environment matters.

    Our reporter who posed as a job seeker met with one Franklyn Nwachukwu who said he is a disciplinary officer of the firm.

    It was observed that new recruits pay salute to the Franklyn whenever they are passing by.

    Franklyn said his boss was recruiting youths with the permission of the state government through the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability.

    He said their target is to recruit 500 persons across the state and they would be made to write examination as well as undergo physical fitness.

    According to him, “We will be responsible for ensuring that people put dirt in Waste bins even when they are inside the vehicle. We will put waste basket in every parts of the state.

    “We have not posted people out. We are still collecting credentials. We are recruiting for the state government. Without the state government approval, we will not be here.

    “Officials of the Ministry of Environment were here to talk to the recruits even Road safety people were here. People are to pay for forms and uniform. They can go and buy their boot.”

    However, officials at the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability said the firm has not been given the nod to carry out at recruited exercise.

    The officials who pleaded anonymity said the firm’s proposal to Governor Godwin Obaseki was sent to them for further discussion.

    According to the source, “We are still talking but we were surprised to hear that they are recruiting people and collecting money. However good their intentions are, they should have waited.

    When contacted for comments, Edo State Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Omoua Alonge Oni-Okpaku, said the firm was carrying out illegal and criminal recruitment exercise.

    Oni-Okpaku said the firm has no approval from the state government to recruit on its behalf.

    In her words, “We heard they are selling forms and collecting forms from job seekers which is criminal and illegal.

    “They don’t have documents authorizing them to act on behalf of government. What they are doing is simply extortion.

    “We have people registered under Edo jobs where we can pull from whenever the need arises. It does not make sense for government to now give job recruitment to outsiders. We understand they are from Lagos State.”

  • Edo engages 45 Waste managers for a clean Benin City

    Towards making Benin a clean and healthy city, the Edo State Government said it has engaged 45 waste managers to evacuate refuse from homes and market places.

    It said the engagement of the waste managers was part of the restructuring being done under the Project Clean up Edo and the process of revamping the entire environmental structure of the state.

    General Manager of the State Waste Management Board, Mr Charles Imariagbe, who disclosed in a chat with newsmen in Bénin City, said more waste managers would soon be engaged

    Imariagbe said the board decided the carry out street sensitisation of the public on the need to have attitudinal change towards management of waste before applying sanctions.

    He explained that the state is taking a holistic process towards efficiency and effectiveness of the waste management including the dumpsites.

    Read Also: Edo defrays LG pension arrears

    According to him, “There is a long term plan to revamp and restructure the dump sites as well as having a system in place where we can recycle these wastes; it is a whole lot of activities.

    “What we are doing now is to sensitize the people to change their attitude to waste management generally; we need to change for a cleaner and healthier society.

    “People dump waste indiscriminately on roads, empty space or empty plot of land. It is a friendly sensitization programme for now but with time, we will start applying sanctions. We are just employing everybody to key into this process for now.

    “We are also talking to the waste managers to do their bits because; they are the first point of contacts with the households that generate these wastes.

    “We are also strengthening the enforcement units by ensuring that the households comply by registering with the waste managers and also make those who are already registered to pay the monthly stipulated amount.”

    “We are also in talks with the market people on the need to always bagged their waste and dispose properly at designated places for the registered waste managers.