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Tag: Edo State

  • Okomu staff dies of suspected Lassa fever

    A staff of Okomu Oil plc identified as Henry Ehimati has died from suspected Lassa fever.

    Henry was said to be a nurse working at the Okomu plantation clinic in Ovia South-West local government area of Edo State.

    A source at the company said Henry developed weakness and high fever last week.

    According to the source, “By the time they admitted him at the clinic and ran test on him, they detected that he had ‘2 plus’ malaria, with protein in his blood.

    “As the fever got worse by the day, they then decided to transfer him to a private clinic in Benin City, last Saturday, where they also carried out several tests on him.

    Read Also:Job creation: Edo gives Okomu oil 11,400 hectares for expansion

    “When they suspected that he might be suffering from Lassa fever, they then decided to transfer him to the Lassa fever center at Irrua Teaching Hospital. But he died at the clinic even before they could finalize arrangements to take him there.”

    State Commissioner for Health, David Osifo, could not be reached for confirmation.

    Spokesman for the Okomu Oil Palm, Mr. Fidelis Olise said news about death from Lassa was untrue and should be disregarded.

  • Edo defrays LG pension arrears

    …sustains monthly N264m monthly payment

     

    In fulfillment of his promise to defray pension arrears owed pensioners in Edo State, the Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has sustained the monthly N264 million payment to pensioners, to ensure the retirees enjoy their status as senior citizens of the state.

    Permanent Secretary, Edo State Pension Bureau, Mr. I.D.S Juwobor, explained that notices are published regularly for the pensioners to make themselves available for verification, after which their accounts are credited.

    “The payment plan is seamless and hassles-free, in recognition of the status of our pensioners as men and women who have contributed immensely to the development of our state.

    “The pensioners appreciate the efforts of the Obaseki administration to clear the backlog and eliminate the cumbersome and analogue pension arrangement, with the introduction of contributory pension scheme, which the governor initiated,” the Permanent Secretary said.

    Read Also:N-Power: Edo announces pre-selection, schedules physical verification

    He added that “the recent release of the sum of 1.5 billion naira for the payment of their pension arrears by the governor to clear eight months arrears of 4,340 local government pensioners in the state, is worthy of commendation and much of the pension burden on government have been defrayed.”

    State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Jimoh Ijegbai, who assured of the governor’s commitment in clearing all arrears owed pensioners in the state, said “You will recall that on the 1st of May 2018 during the May Day celebration, the governor made a promise to release 1.5 billion naira to clear part of the local government pensioner’s arrears in the state.”

    Ijegbai explained that after the announcement by the governor, a meeting of the pensioners was called and immediately the screening of the pensioners commenced.

    The commissioner said the gesture by the governor is unprecedented in the history of Edo State to release such an amount to pay pension arrears. He noted that since Obaseki assumed office as governor of Edo state, he has not defaulted in the payment of pensioners in the state.

    “As at today, we pay 264 million naira monthly to pay our pensioners in the state and we will continue to pay until we clear the outstanding arrears”.

    The President of Local Government Pensioner Association (Edo State) Frank Akinido thanked the governor for keeping to his promise of paying pensioners and express delight to witness the release of the 1.5 billion to this effect.

    He assured the governor that pensioners of local government in Edo State are peace abiding citizens. He thanked the governor of the state for remembering the pensioners in the scheme of things especially at this crucial hour of financial hardship.

     

  • Digital Village: Obaseki lauds ATC Nigeria

    …Says facility will equip Edo youth with on-demand skills

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commended the American Tower Company (ATC) Nigeria, for the laudable initiative in supporting the state government’s skills development programme for youth with the setting up of a Digital Skills Village.

    Conveying the governor’s commendation, the Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, said that the company was keying into the new thinking of the state government in equipping youths with on-demand skills for success at the workplace and contribute to solving everyday problems with technology.

    According to him, Digital Skills Village would boost the state government’s skills acquisition and development programmes for youth in the state.

    He urged other private investors in the state to support the state government’s initiative to improve human capital by focusing on skills development for youths.

    Read Also: Obaseki decries vandalisation, defacement of infrastructures

    He assured that the Digital Skills Village Project, sited at Igbesamwan Street in Benin City, would be put to effective use, as beneficiaries would be drawn from the state.

    Earlier at the handing over ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of the contracting firm that handled the project for ATC Nigeria, PEES Electrical Ltd, Peter Balogun, said the Digital Skills Village Project was designed to complement the state’s innovation hub commissioned by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

    Balogun noted that the facility would serve as a training centre for youths who are being trained by the state government, on the use of digital skills to provide solutions to daily challenges.

    Chief Operating Officer and Project Manager, PEES Electrical Ltd, Areola Bolurinwa, said the centre which was built by ATC Nigeria, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) would assist the state government to capture more youths on its training programmes on the use of Information and Communication Technology.

    Bolurinwa noted that the facility will serve as ground for elementary training for youths who are beneficiaries of the state government skills acquisition programme, as beneficiaries who complete their training at the centre would proceed to the innovation hub at Institute of Continuing Education, ICE for further training.

    The ATC has also built similar digital skills training centres in Ekpoma and Irrua in Edo State.

  • Edo to support cattle ranching

    Edo State government is to support the Federal Government in its planned ranching for cattle rearers.

    Officials of the state government kept mum on the issue but sources said plans were already at an advance stage on the areas where the ranches will be located.

    It was gathered that grasses would be planted at the ranches.

    Another source said land in some selected local government areas has been mapped out where the ranches will be built.

    Read Also: China awards scholarships to 47 Edo students

    The source said the plans by the State Government will end clashes between farmers and herders in the state.

    Part of the plan is also to monitor inflow of herders into the state.

    According to the source, “We want a situation where we have a dedicated spot where cattle can be taken to so that you know where to go to when you want to buy cow.

    “The planned ranching will not be the type people are thinking it will be. We want a landing bay where people bringing in cattle can go.”

  • Positive economic outlook in Edo increases investor traffic

    …as Edo trails Lagos in states with highest air fares

     

    The prevailing investment-friendly environment in Edo State, resulting from a series of reforms embarked upon by the Godwin Obaseki administration, to open up the state to private sector investment is impacting on air transportation, stretching airlines to their limit.

    Figures obtained from a publication by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), entitled ‘Transport Fare Watch May 2018,’ showed that ‘’average fare paid by air passengers for specified routes single journey increased by 1.04 percent year-on-year to N31,659.82 in May, 2018,  from N31,833.46, in April 2018, but decreased by 0.40 per cent month-on-month.’’

    The statistics bureau listed Edo State as the state with the second highest air fare, at N39,950.00, after Lagos State, N40,500.00; while the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja was listed third at N39,592.59.

    The states with the lowest air fares, according to the NBS, are Katsina N24, 300.00; Osun N24, 950.48; and Nasarawa N25, 700.18.

    Read Also:Azura-Edo IPP proof of enabling environment for private investors – Osinbajo

    The May 2018 figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics validate reports by operators of hotels and guest houses, tour operators and other practitioners in the tourism and hospitality industry who have attributed the boost in hotel subscription to the wide range of economic activities such as the development of Benin Industrial Park, the Gelegele Seaport project, the 450 Edo-Azura Independent Power Project and the various road construction work across the state.

    New and prospective investors are unperturbed by the high air fares, and investor confidence is at all-time high.

    Recall that the Chairman, Golden Tulip Essential Hotel, Benin City, Mr. Edobor Ozakpolor, explained recently that “the current frenzy in the sector can be traced to the emerging socio-economic opportunities being created by the governor of the state.

    “Hotel accommodation before now was driven by seasonal activities like cultural and political events. But what we have now is a surge and it started since the governor’s inauguration. We thought activities would nose-dive after the inauguration but the tempo has been sustained by visitors and contractors who are seeking jobs and businesses.

    On air travels, he noted that “bookings have increased to 99 per cent as all the airlines that operate the Lagos-Benin route come into Benin City fully booked. This was not the trend before this administration.

    “We have moved from weekend to daily business. When we ask some of our guests what they are doing in the state, they always tell us that they are here to see the state governor. Some guests are impressed by the ease with which they can see the governor and seal business deals, because of the reforms in the system.”

    Mr. Ozakpolor added that “the improvement in security is also boosting the confidence of our people who now come to town often. People feel safer in the city now and we are aware that the security architecture of the state has been interrogated and improved upon. The impact of the improvement is being felt in the sector as there is a direct relationship between the hospitality industry and security.”

    Osazuwa Ehiorobo, owner of The Hamptons Travel Inn, on Boundary Road, Benin City, said “more people are coming into the state now with improved security. The number of contractors that we receive at our facility is on the increase.

    The governor is attracting more people to the state with his work in the road sector and the development of the industrial park and other projects in the state.”

    Mr. Ehiorobo urged hotel owners to take advantage of the emerging business climate by improving their services. “Some of the factors that can keep guests in your hotel include your ability to provide steady power, suitability of your accommodation, the environment, and the security in the city,” he added.

    The National Bureau of Statistics Transport Watch Report for May 2018 covers bus journey within the city per drop constant route; bus journey intercity, state route, charge per person; air fare charge for specified routes single journey; journey by motorcycle (Okada) per drop; and water way passenger
    transport.

    According to the Report, “Average fare paid by commuters for bus journey within the city increased by 0.53 per cnet month-on-month and 32.71 per cent year-on-year to N166.85 in May 2018 from N165.94 in April 2018.

    “States with highest bus journey fare within city were Abuja FCT (N325.23), Cross River (N282.14) and Abia (N235.54) while States with lowest bus journey fare within city were Bauchi (N87.92), Anambra (N93.33) and Rivers (N96.36).

    “Average fare paid by commuters for bus journey intercity decreased by 0.05% month-on-month and increased by 14.89% year-on-year to N1,716.31 in May 2018 from N1,722.86 in April 2018. States with highest bus journey fare intercity were Abuja FCT (N4,125.51), Adamawa (N3,166.53) and Borno (N2,744.44) while States with lowest bus journey fare within city were Bauchi (N1,064.54), Enugu (N1,096.88) and Yobe (N1,125.00).”

  • International Remittances: Obaseki challenges Diaspora Community on Investment in Edo

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has challenged the Diaspora community to plug into his administration’s economic blueprint, which is creating investment opportunities in the various sectors of the state.

    Obaseki threw the challenge in commemoration of the International Day of Family Remittances, marked onJune 17, each year.

    While lauding the members of the Diaspora community for the difference they are making in the lives of their families back home through foreign remittances running into billions of naira each year, the governor said the Edo State economy is ripe and ready for grab.

    “We have successfully changed the narrative about Edo State being a civil service state. We have eliminated encumbrances in land procurement and use, and have created a team that is saddled with the promotion of investment in the state, and are ready to guide potential investors on the opportunities that abound in the state,” he said.

    According to Obaseki, “Edo ranks high in several reports on the ease of doing business in Nigeria and the economic outlook is being improved upon with the mandates to the new Edo Geographic Information Service Agency, the revamped Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), the Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development and the Private Property Protection Law, which have sanitised land administration in the state.

    “The 1800 Emotan Gardens project has been flagged off by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and structures have been put in place by EDPA to ensure seamless payment plan for the various  housing units.

    “We have created several business corridors linking the Benin Industrial Park (BIP) to the Benin Seaport and another corridor linking the cement factories in Edo North and their allied companies, through Edo Central to the ongoing Benin Seaport in Gelegele.”

    He explained that “Another corridor links the Benin Industrial Park to the industrial cluster in Utesi, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area to the 1800 housing units Emotan Gardens, with boundless business opportunities on all the corridors, for all Edo people, home and abroad and residents in the state.

    Read Also: Osinbajo, Obaseki partner to give Edo life-changing projects

    He further said that his administration has made remarkable progress in opening up the health, education and agricultural sectors for private sector participation.

    The United Nations said the celebration of the International Day of Family Remittances is “aimed at recognizing the significant financial contribution migrant workers make to the wellbeing of their families back home and to the development of their countries of origin.”

    The global body notes that “It is also aimed at encouraging the public and private sectors, as well as the civil society, to do more together and collaborate to maximize the impact of these funds in the developing world.

    “The IDFR was unanimously proclaimed by all 176 member states of IFAD’s Governing Council at its 38th session in February 2015, and adopted by the UN General Assembly in June 2018 (draft A/72/L.56).

    “Proclaiming an International Day of Family Remittances represents an invaluable opportunity not only to recognize the efforts of migrant workers globally, but also to strengthen current partnerships and create new synergies among sectors to promote the development impact of remittances worldwide.

    “The first IDFR was celebrated on 16 June 2015 by more than 400 policy-makers, private sector representatives and civil society leaders at the opening of the Fifth Global Forum on Remittances and Development in Milan.

    “In 2016 over eighty money transfer operators endorsed the IDFR and committed to take concrete action to ensure that family remittances count for even more. Read their statements.

    “In 2017 and 2018 the Day received an unprecedented support from the private sector, with over 100 Money Transfer Operators (MTOs) through IAMTN, 800 mobile companies through GSMA, 6,000 savings banks across 80 countries through WSBI, and several individual private sector entities. The Day was also supported by the 22 UN organizations within the Global Migration Group (GMG), individually by IOM and by several member states.”

     

  • Edo IDPs in need of anti-malaria drugs

    Internally Displaced Persons in Edo State have said they are in need of anti-malaria and anti-biotics drugs.

    They said they are also in need of learning materials and disposable Hand gloves.

    Coordinator of the IDPs camp at the International Christian Centre at Uhuogua, Pastor Solomon Folorunso, stated this when members of the Aviary club of Nigeria, donated relief items to the camp.

    Pastor Solomon disclosed that there were about 3000 displaced persons at the camp and between 10-15 bags of rice are cooked per meal to feed them.

    Coordinator of the Aviary Club, Barrister Hope Iyare said the visit was a way of giving back and showing support to the needy in the society to  climax  its founders day anniversary activities.

    Read Also: Creating opportunities for IDPs through agric

    Iyare praised Pastor Solomon for giving displaced persons a better life.

    He said, “We are here on this visit to make our contributions and show appreciation through these relief items to you for caring for these ones who have been displaced by Boko Haram Insurgency.

    “What you are doing here has assured you of heavens. We can’t compare you to Christ. But we would describe you as Christ like. Though Christ fed over five thousand but today you are feeding over three thousand displaced persons in the campaign. Trust me some notable persons among us would come back and do more”

    Items distributed include Bags of Rice, Beans, Garri, Indomie noddus, clothes and others.

  • Ortom backs Oshiomole for APC Chairman

    Governor Samuel Ortom has expressed support for the former Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to become the National chairman of the All Progressives Congress APC.

    He made his position known when Comrade Oshiomhole visited him at the Benue State Governor’s Lodge, Abuja.

    Governor Ortom said as a former Governor, the contender had the requisite pedigree, antecedents and experiences enough to efficiently run the affairs the party at the national level.

    He described Comrade Oshiomhole’s decision to contest for the position as a welcome development especially that the Nigerian Governor’s Forum had adopted him.

    The Governor urged the renowned unionist to use his expertise to reposition the party for the progress of the country and the deepening of the democratic process if elected.

    Read Also: Ortom: no going back on anti-grazing law

    He expressed satisfaction with the current national leadership of the party for its strides over the years but said there was always room for improvement.

    Governor Ortom expressed hope that the aspirant would interact with Benue delegates before the party’s convention in Abuja, even as he wished him well in his aspiration.

    Comrade Oshiomhole had said his visit to the Governor was to condole him, the government and people of the state over the killings and also inform him of his intention to run for the party’s national chairmanship position.

    He said his desire to become National Chairman was to contribute his quota towards reinventing the party so as to increase the bonding of members for the pursuit of the  progressive ideas and vision for which it was founded.

    The aspirant said he was familiar with the diversity of the country and that if voted, he would not betray the trust bestowed on him by his fellow party men as well as all the stakeholders and expressed appreciation to Governor Ortom for the warm reception accorded him.

  • Edo, reference point for good governance – Osinbajo 

    …lauds Obaseki’s reenactment of Ogbemudia’s devt’al strides

     

    The Vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has said that Edo State in the last decade, has retained her status as a reference point with regard to good governance in the country.

    Osinbajo gave the commendation at a State Dinner held in his honour at the Edo Government House in Benin City, as part of his 2-day visit to the state.

    He expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led adminstration in reenacting the developmental strides recorded in the administration of the late Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia.

    The Vice President assured of the federal government’s readiness to support Edo State in her effort to bring development to the people.

    Read Also:Osinbajo, Obaseki partner to give Edo life-changing projects

    He said the various projects which informed his visit to the state, would boost the Edo economy, especially the federal government’s South-South Innovation Hub.

    In his remark, Obaseki expressed his appreciation to the Vice President for his continued support for the state, noting that the several initiatives of the Office of the Vice President have provided jobs for Edo youths.

    “The N-Power and N-Build programmes have remained major sources of encouragement for the state in her journey to greatness,” the governor said.

    The Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Phillip Shaibu, solicited for more support from the federal government to enable the state government benefit more from the initiatives of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

    Obaseki at the dinner, announced full scholarship to Miss Obakpolor Esosa, a Senior Secondary School 1 student of Idia College, in Benin City, due to the depth of her presentation on the Menace of Human Trafficking.

  • I am not a dictator – Oshiomhole

    An aspirant for the position of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has said that he is not a dictator as being expressed in some quarters.

    Comrade Oshiomhole who is the immediate past governor of Edo State, exoaliend that he got the support of APC governors and other party leaders across the country because they understand the type of person he is.

    Oshiomhole who reiterated his loyalty to the party said he would exercise his persuasive powers and negotiating skilling in resolving the crisis in the party.

    The former Edo Governor who spoke in an interview with newsmen said majority of the party leaders supporting his aspiration believed he would improve the fortunes of the APC.

    Comrade Oshiomhole said he has never exercised dictatorial powers but persuasive powers and negotiating skills.

    Read Also: ‘Support Oshiomole as APC national chair’

    According to him, “If I have prominent people from the North, prominent people from the South, East and West it means I will be the center. No one will say if not for my support you would not have been there. If you are a product of one section then you might remain detained by that section if you feel that to return that office you must service that section because it is your support base. But when you have the privilege of a broad support, from many leaders then no one leader will say I put you there you must listen to me.

    “But let me also say is that what is also qualitatively different about this support is that there is no question about what is influencing this support because conventionally in our political environment, we hear that those who has the deepest pocket tends to buy the support. But these support is being offered from people who cannot be procured which tells you it is flowing from the knowledge of my person.

    “Because I have been fortunate to work with all the governors, including past governors. Those I did not meet in office I met them when I was President of the NLC, we had engaged on one to one so they know what I stand for. So they offered this support based on their understanding of my person and not inducement and that makes a difference.

    “Some of the things I learnt in the labour union is negotiations and never dictatorial because even though I was the President of the NLC, I cannot even control my deputy because he was voted the same manner I was elected. In the NLC you must listen to everybody unlike in government where as an executive you can dictate decisions.”