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Tag: Edo State

  • Edo targets World Bank’s Special Support Window

    …as Country Director arrives Benin for 2-day visit

    Following the visit to Edo State of eleven World Bank Executive Directors to inspect major World Bank projects in the state, Country Director of the Bretton Woods institution, Rachid Benmassoud, will arrive the state on a 2-day follow-up visit, this week.

    He will be accompanied by senior specialists in various sector areas, such as institutional reforms, public works, gender, agriculture, water and sanitation.

    Benmassoud’s visit is predicated on Edo State government’s impressive deployment of funding, technical and other assistance of the World Bank, which was attested to, less than two weeks ago, by 10 Executive Directors of the World Bank, who were in the state for on-the-spot assessment of the bank-sponsored developmental projects in the state.

    Specifically, the bank’s country director will meet with heads of ministries, departments and agencies of the Edo State government to clear the way and prepare the state for a Special Funding Window from the bank to Edo State.

    According to the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, “the visit of the World Bank Country Director, lends credence to our commitment to bringing development to our people in the state, with the support of our partners.”

    He maintained that Edo State under his watch places high premium on the sanctity and the integrity of partnerships, contracts as well as an open and transparent process.

    “Development partners like the World Bank, operate in an environment where stakeholders abide by rules governing the partnerships, and in which input, output and outcomes are measured from time to time. The World Bank will not take you seriously if all you do is to award ‘political contracts,’” he added.

    Read Also: 11,001 vacancies in Edo civil service

    The governor disclosed that during the World Bank Country Director’s visit, he would also tour the bank-sponsored projects such as erosion control projects under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP), Edo State Employment and Expenditure for Result (SEEFOR), covering road projects; agriculture (FADAMMA); water, sanitation and review policy reforms in the civil service and other sectors.

    The bank’s executive directors endorsed Edo State as a model for development financing at the sub-national level in developing countries recently, following the successes recorded in executing major infrastructure and social development projects in Edo State, especially the Edo-Azura Power Project.

    Ms. Bongi Kunene, World Bank Executive Director, overseeing Angola, Nigeria and South Africa sub-group, gave the verdict in Benin City, and assured that the World Bank was willing to “partner with the state on future projects, as long as the projects are in line with the bank’s focus.”

    Kunene described Azura Power project as “transformational,” adding that the project “gives us a scope of what we can do together. We are delighted to see solutions. We would want to commit ourselves to projects that make sense and are in line with our focus.”

    She emphasized that more of such projects could be executed if governments were willing to cooperate with the bank in granting necessary approvals, allowing for thorough impact assessment and are open to multilateral financing arrangements.

    Obaseki told his guests that with the 450MW Edo-Azura Power Project now on stream, “the state wants more investors for the Benin Industrial Park and technology innovation hubs.

    According to him, the enabling environment to host diverse investors is now available, especially with the provision of power by companies like Edo-Azura Power.

    “Power is the key to industrialization and development. We need to extend the benefits of this investment. Now that we have power, what are we going to do with it? The next set of projects has to rely on this key infrastructure we have just created.

    “So, we would be looking at the Benin Industrial Park, building infrastructure to encourage and support manufacturers to come in. We are looking at innovation hubs; we want to use the factor and advantage of 24/7 electricity to encourage technology groups and companies to be located in Edo State,” he said.

  • Edo Seaport project:  Ijaw group says state sitting on a time bomb

    Ijaws in Edo state have slammed the state government’s handling of the multibillion-naira Gelegele Seaport in the state, accusing Governor Godwin Obaseki of perpetuating “modern day apartheid system” that only favours the Edo-speaking people.

    They accused the state government of completely shutting out their traditional rulers and the Ijaw people from the project, and handed him a 21-day ultimatum to reverse it or face “explosion of the time bomb.”

    The Ijaw in Edo State Emancipation Movement, which gave the warning on Tuesday, said it would not fold its hands and “watch this brazen oppression of the Ijaws of Gelegele community in Olodiama and other kingdoms.

    “There is a ticking time bomb that is about to explode in Edo state and it seems the constructors are too eager and ever ready to detonate it,” IESEM stated in a statement by John Keniwenimowei and David Ebipamojo, Coordinator and Spokespersons respectively.

    Read Also:http://staging.thenationonlineng.net/gelegele-seaport-edo-navy-strengthen-ties-deliver-project/

    The statement expressed displeasure at alleged noncompliance with universal best practice of carrying out Environmental Impact Assessment and shutting out of their kinsmen, even as it accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of doing the bidding of the Oba of Benin to the detriment of the Ijaws.

    “The Edo state government is expected to acquaint itself and make available to all stakeholders especially regards to monumental projects which impacts on the physical location, livelihood of millions, flora and fauna and the complete environment of the Niger Delta.”

    The IESEM rejected the composition of the committee for the project, which included only an Ijaw indigene and stressed that “There must be public participation in planning and decision making.”

    “The delicate nature of the location of the site of the Gelegelegbene Seaport makes it imperative for the Edo state government to release the EIA report to the general public.

    “The right issues of the host communities must adequately be addressed also,” the statement added.

    While accusing Governor Obaseki of tribal agenda, stressing, “You (Obaseki) have made mockery and denigrated the exalted office of the Governor of Edo State by being an ethnic champion.

    “Your Excellency, the Ijaws of Edo state had expected at least the minimum from you, based on your manifesto and vast experience in governance, but our hopes are now dashed because of the continuation of the injustices you inherited from your predecessors.”

    The IESEM urged the Federal Government and well-meaning Nigerians to hold the Oba of Benin and the state government responsible for a breakdown of law and order resulting from the handling of the Gelegele sea project.

  • Obaseki to fill civil service vacancies with more technical manpower

    …  to prioritise digitalisation

     

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state government is set to strengthen the civil service with the injection of new blood and more technical manpower through the ongoing recruitment exercise in the service.

    Obaseki disclosed this when he received the 2017 Annual Report from the Chairman, Edo State Civil Service Commission, Princess (Mrs) Ekiuwa Inneh, at the Government House in Benin City on Monday.

    Noting that the state government would continue to prioritise recruitment of skilled hands to beef up the capacity of the civil service to respond to the demands of a fast-changing world, he commended the commission for aligning with the focus, in its latest advertisement to fill vacancies in the service.

    Read Also: Benin River Port: Obaseki tours Edo waterways

    He said the state government is committed to building capacity of civil servants for optimal service delivery, noting that it plans to strengthen relationship with the State Civil Service Commission to train workers in line with modern trends.

    He said plans have been concluded to digitalize the workings of the state civil service, as the deployment of equipment and upgrade of skill sets will allow for improved data analysis and information dissemination within the civil service structure

    Governor Obaseki noted, “We are deploying technology in the State Civil Service to digitalize our human resources data for easy analysis. The state would fill vacant positions in the commission to address the needs of the commission and not on a routine basis.”

    Earlier, Chairman of Edo Civil Service Commission, Princess Ekiuwa Inneh said its staff audit showed that as at December, 31, 2017, the state had 2822 staff comprising 1660 males and 1162 females, noting that there are 11,001 vacancies in the service.

    She expressed optimism that the report would assist government in planning how to move the Civil Service Commission forward.

  • 11,001 vacancies in Edo civil service

    The workforce in the Edo State Civil Service has deported to 2,822 comprising of 1660 males and 1162 females.

    As a result of the depletion, a total of 11,001 vacancies exist in the State.

    This was disclosed by the Chairman, Edo State Civil Service Commission, Princess (Mrs) Ekiuwa Inneh, while presenting the 2017 Annual Report.

    Princess Inneh said the report would assist government in planning how to move the Civil Service Commission forward.

    Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Ademokun, had during the last May Day celebration urged Governor Godwin Obaseki to employ people into the State Public Service to address depleting workforce in the state.

    Receiving the report, Governor Obaseki, said his administrator is set to strengthen the civil service with the injection of new blood and more technical manpower through the ongoing recruitment exercise in the service.

    Obaseki stated that he would continue to prioritize recruitment of skilled hands to beef up the capacity of the civil service to respond to the demands of a fast-changing world.

    He assured of his committed to building capacity of civil servants for optimal service delivery and promised to train workers in line with modern trends.

    He said plans have been concluded to digitalize the workings of the state civil service, as the deployment of equipment and upgrade of skill sets will allow for improved data analysis and information dissemination within the civil service structure

    His words, “We are deploying technology in the State Civil Service to digitalize our human resources data for easy analysis. The state would fill vacant positions in the commission to address the needs of the commission and not on a routine basis.”

  • Residents protests sale of community land to ex-APC youth leader 

    Residents of Obadolovbuyeyi Friday protested the sale of over 1000 hectares of the community land to a former State Youth Leader of the All Progressive Congress, Mr. Osakpamwan Eriyo.

    The protesters led by their village head (Odionwere) Pa. Odionwere Onaghise said they were shocked that Osakpamwan claimed that he bought the land from the traditional of Obazagbon community, HRH Victor Eki-Iyawe.

    They said many of the ancestral homes were in the land in dispute.

    Pa Onaghise told newsmen that they were shocked that Osakpamwan stormed their village with security agents to claim ownership of 1000 hectares.

    He said the person that sold the land was not their traditional ruler.

    Read Also:Only formidable opposition will defeat Buhari in 2019 – Adeniyi

    His words, “That land is for Obadolovbiyeyi and not Obazagbon. That land is not for him. We will continue to protest.

    In his reaction, HRH Eki-Iyawe said he was appointed to oversee three villages including Obadolovbiyeyi in Ikpoba Okha local government area of Edo State.

    The traditional ruler said the land was sold to Osakpamwan nine years ago in agreement with some elders of Obadolovbiyeyi.

    According to him, “The three communities are under me. Elders of that community and myself agreed to sell part of the land to Osakpamwan.

    “I signed on the document. The land is now for Osakpawmam”

    Osakpamwan on his part displayed the document signed by the traditional ruler and some elders after they sold the land to me.

    “When I bought the land, the entire community gave me this document. All of them shared the money. I wonder why they are now selling the land to some individuals.”

  • We’re strengthening int’l collaboration to boost oil palm production – Obaseki

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured of stronger international collaboration with more foreign partners and investors in the state’s agricultural sector, following the commitments he secured at the Rome conference on Eradicating Poverty Through the Agriculture and Plantation Industry to Empower Peace and Humanity, held on Tuesday in Italy.

    The event assembled heads of governments, elite investors in the agricultural sector, particularly the oil palm sub-sector, members of the diplomatic community, the academia, the clergy, amongst others.

    In attendance were the Ambassador of Indonesia to Germany, Arif Havaz Oegroseno; Maritime Coordinating Minister of Indonesia, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan; Malaysian Ambassador to the Vatican, Tan Sri Bernard Gilgal Dompok; and the  Prefect, Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development, Cardinal Peter Turkson.

    Others were the Indonesian Ambassador to Poland, Peter Gontha; Executive Director, Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), Mr. Mahendra Siregar; and Mr. Ryan Edwards of Dartmouth University as well as investors, regulators and other stakeholders in the agricultural and allied sectors.

    Obaseki said: “The conference provided the platform for oil palm producing countries and states such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Edo State, amongst others, to articulate the peculiar challenges militating against unhindered access of agricultural produce to European market.

    “We compared notes on several issues and shared our experiences. Edo State is the largest producer of oil palm in Nigeria which makes the sector an area of strength for us.”

    Marketing Edo State as the preferred investment destination on the continent, the governor told the conference participants that “the reforms in land administration in the state have removed all man-made encumbrances and have made land acquisition stress-free.

    “We have moved away from the dark ages in which land grabbers reigned supreme, harassed and killed themselves over land. This scared away potential investors and sent the wrong signal to people prospecting for businesses in the state.

    “Our rising profile on the Ease of Doing Business Index is attributable to the reforms in land administration and other sectors. Access to land is no longer a big deal in Edo State. We have very creative and industrious workforce; my administration is favorably disposition to supporting businesses; and our state is strategically located for  markets in all parts of the country.”

    He added, “We are committed to leveraging the competitive advantage we have in this sector to create jobs for our youths and create wealth for our people.

    The governor noted that “the takeaways from the conference will add a great deal of value to our agricultural roadmap in Edo State,” and pledged his administration’s continued support to private investors in the state.

    According to the governor, “Indonesia and Malaysia are currently the top two countries in the global oil palm industry, our collective aspiration is to sustain the tempo, expand our plantations, create more markets for our produce, come up with innovative ways of producing more at less cost.”

    Obaseki assured that more investors are set to come to Edo State to invest in the agricultural sector. “Our reforms are spurring investors’ interest and we have also communicated our high sense of hospitality, the creativity and industriousness of our youths and we are ready and open to business.”

     

     

     

  • House of Reps have more or less endorsed Oshiomole – Gbajabiamila

    Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila disclosed today that the House of Representatives have endorsed the former Governor of Edo state, Comrade Adams Oshiomole as the next National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC ).

    Adams Oshiomole

    Gbajabiamila who took to his twitter handle in the early hours of today said:

    “We sat down for over two hours with Comrade Oshiomole and had a heart-to-heart discussion and we are all on the same page.

    “As a result of that solicitation, we as the @OfficialAPCNg caucus in the House of Representatives believe in him. We have more or less endorsed him”.

    Oshiomole who will most likely be taking over from Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, will be saddled with the singular and arduous task of bringing cohesion and repositioning to the APC nationwide.

  • Edo seeks private partners for housing development

    Edo State Government has said it is exploring the private-public partnership (PPP) option in developing affordable housing across the state.

    It said real estate investors could tap from the growing real estate sector for development of affordable housing in a develop, finance, build and sell arrangement.

    Executive Chairman, Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), Ms Isoken Omo, in a press statement said the plans to explore the private-public partnership (PPP) option are to reduce the overall national housing deficit figures.

    Read Also: Edo begins recruitment of surveyors, architects, firemen, others

    She noted that the projects would be sited on various strategic parcels of land pooled into the Edo State Housing Development Land Bank domiciled with the agency.

    “Other sites for the projects include new sites of land that will be identified in line with the proposals submitted by prospective developers and investors who are interested in partnering with the state government in developing, financing, building and selling housing units across the state.”

  • Edo begins recruitment of surveyors, architects, firemen, others

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki’s far-reaching revamp of the civil service and drive to reposition the state for optimal service delivery has thrown up vacancies in the building, maintenance, emergency services and agricultural sectors in the state.

    This is coming on the heels of the state government’s renewed commitment to inject new life in the civil service in pursuance of impactful infrastructural and social development projects in the state.

    The vacancies, according to a release by the Chairman, Edo State Civil Service Commission, Princess (Mrs.) Ekiuwa Inneh, are for engineers, surveyors, firemen, architects, veterinarians, forest officers, town planners, among others.

    The recruitment is an affirmation of a number of policy pronouncements made by the governor in recent times, particularly the setting up of ambulance service to facilitate the work of first responders in emergencies; setting up structure for management of the state’s forest assets; establishment of livestock farms and reviving the state’s real estate and agricultural sectors.

    It was gathered that the state government was keen on ensuring that professionals man the key offices that would be interfacing with the private sector, which is increasingly expanding since the governor’s unrelenting expression of commitment to industrialising the state.

    Nothing less than 42 vacancies in various disciplines are open and applicants are to apply through the state civil service commission.

    Recall that in his Workers’ Day speech, Governor Obaseki said that the state hasn’t sacked any worker since his administration took the reins; rather provision has been made to employ more.

    “This government is proud that it has not sacked any worker even those that were moribund in their functions. Rather, we have done so much to reabsorb, retrain and reassign these workers.

    “About 186 staff of the moribund Edo Line and Edo Courier have been redeployed to the Ministry of Infrastructure while we are working out ways of liquidating its debt of about N1.5bn. In a few weeks, the Civil Service Commission will advertise to recruit more civil servants to fill critical vacancies in the system,” he said at the Workers’ Day event.

  • Why Edo APC congresses were peaceful – Deputy Governor

    Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shaibu, has said that the state had peaceful Ward congresses because former Governor Adams Oshiomhole returned democracy to the people.

     

    Shaibu who spoke to reporter in Benin City members of the APC had been imbibed with the spirit of carrying out consultations before going into any contest.

     

    The deputy Governor said the journey to the conduct of peaceful congresses started in 2008 when Oshiomhole took over governance in the state. 

     

    According to him, “Oshiomhole was able to take the party to a level where everything became organized and peaceful and where respect was observed across the state. 

    Read Also: Police nab suspected attackers of Edo journalist

     “Democracy was returned to the people and the party members understand that u don’t do things without consultation with the people. The idea of relating with the people and let the people make their input is what we have consolidated and it was shown in the congresses. 

     

    “Everybody has to make input and if you say you want to go into full Congress; people have to come out to contest. If you want to go into consensus, it means all stakeholders must agree on one person. That ability must be seen to be free without any bias. That is what we have done.”

     

    He said the APC will win the governorship in Ekiti State.