The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Edo State

  • Edo: Police arrest 28 suspected kidnappers, robbers, cultists

    The Police Command in Edo on Tuesday in Benin announced the arrest of 28 suspected kidnappers, armed robbers and cultists terrorising the state.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Johnson Kokumo, announced this while briefing the media on the command’s activities in the last two weeks.

    Kokumo said that four of the suspects were arrested for alleged involvement in kidnapping, 11 for armed robbery and 13 for cultism.

    He disclosed that of the four kidnap suspects is a Fulani herder, while two others disguised themselves as herders in order to perpetrate their crime.

    The commissioner said that the four kidnap suspects had confessed committing the crime.

    He said that items recovered from the kidnap suspects were one AK 47 riffle with a breech no. KO 340119, 10 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one Dane gun, a cutlass, a dagger and some charms.

    Read Also: INEC: elections in Edo, Ondo, Anambra were see and buy

    He said that two single barrel cut to size guns, a double barrel short gun, three live cartridges and a Mercedes Benz saloon car were recovered from the robbery suspects.

    Other were a black toy gun, an improvised gun, one Techno phone, a double barrel short gun, a hammer, 28 assorted telephones a Vox Wagen Golf car and N19,040 cash.

    Kokumo further disclosed that one locally made pistol, one single barrel short gun, two live cartridges and three telephones were also recovered from the suspected cultists.

    He reiterated the command’s commitment to fighting crimes while commending the continued assistance of other security agencies and residents of the state in volunteering credible information.

    NAN

  • Obaseki, Indonesian President, tackle barriers to trans-continental trade

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, the President of Indonesia, Mr Joko Widodo, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs, in Indonesia, Mr Luhut Pandjaitan, and President & Chief Executive Officer, PT Pertamina ( Persero ), Mr. Elia Massa Manik, on Tuesday at the ongoing Africa Indonesia Forum in Bali, highlighted the barriers to sustainable trade between Africa and the Asian country and proffered home-grown solutions to the challenges.

    With the theme: “Developing sustainable Trade and Investment Cooperation Between Indonesia and Africa,” the panel session, which was moderated by Director, Standard Chartered Bank, Anthonia Okoh, focused on agriculture, technical cooperation, financing, strategic industries, manufacturing and digital economy.

    Sharing the Edo State experience, Obaseki told his co-panellists and participants, the successes being recorded through reforms in critical institutions of government, such as the creation of an Edo Geographic Information Service Agency to create a land data bank, the repositioning of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and the synergy between the state government and the Royal Majesty, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, to remove the encumbrances in land acquisition, a major factor of production.

    “Our land reforms are yielding positive results as more investors have expressed their desire to set up factories in Edo State. We have strengthened the institutional framework for physical development management in the state and a few days ago, I gave a directive to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to ensure a 48-hour turnaround time for approval of building plans in the state, within the next six months.

    “We have also tasked the Edo State Geographic Information Service Agency to ensure that Certificates of Occupancy ( C of O ) and Rights of Occupancy ( R of O ) are issued to applicants within thirty ( 30 ), days of application,” the governor said.

    He assured the Asian investors of his administration’s commitment to an investment-friendly climate that has supported the best oil palm companies in Nigeria and called on investors to leverage on the growing positive socio-economic outlook of Edo State.

    “Both Okomu Oil and Presco Plc. have embarked on very ambitious projects to expand their plantations in the state, and are currently doing well in the Stock Market. These achievements are tied to the friendly investment climate we have created for businesses in our state, and with the Benin Industrial Park, the Gelegele Seaport, the Benin Modular Refinery and our robust bouquet of agricultural programmes, Edo is indeed, the best place to invest,” he added.

    Obaseki further said that “Edo youths are industrious, ready to work and the people are hospitable to investors and tourists.”

    Welcoming participants to the event, the Indonesian President, Mr Joko Widodo, highlighted the gains inherent in extensive relations between his country and Africa.

    With its vast and abundant fertile soil, Indonesia is a major global key producer of a wide variety of tropical agricultural products. Palm oil is particularly important to Indonesia, as the country is the world’s biggest producer of the commodity, providing about half of the world’s supply.

    For Africa, agriculture accounts for up to 60 percent of all jobs on the continent and more than 50 per cent of GDP in many African countries. In this sense, discussion on sustainable and holistic agriculture management is crucial for both sides’ economic and social benefits, the organisers said.

    On financing, the organisers of the event explained that “financing is one of the key components in trade and investment cooperation, Indonesia continuously explores innovative ways to strengthen economic relations with African countries. One example is that since 2015, Indonesia has been implementing the National Interest Account ( NIA ) program to boost Indonesia’s trade and investment, particularly to untapped markets, including Africa.

    “Under the NIA program, the government allocated Rp 1.3 trillion ( approximately USD 96 million ) for trade financing with Africa until 2022 and is planning to enhance the budget in the future. To date, a number of trade activities with Africa have been already funded through NIA.

    Read Also: Obaseki: arrest pastor’s killers

    “The Indonesian government is also considering the possibility of establishing a mechanism that can enhance Indonesian investment in African continent through counter trade financing scheme.

    “The manufacturing sector plays an important role in Indonesia’s economic relations with Africa, therefore, addressing trade and investment barriers such as high tariffs and NTBs are timely for continued cooperation. The discussions to open up both markets through trade agreements in addition to other mechanisms should be further explored, and it is imperative to seek creative ways in order to address the issues.

    “There are currently 25 companies doing business with Africa and we would like to see this number grow in the future, including through Small and Medium Enterprises ( SMEs ) cooperation. The inclusion of digital economy as a topic of discussion reflects the fact that both Indonesia and Africa are well positioned to benefit from rapidly accelerating technological change that can unlock growth and leapfrog the limitations of physical infrastructure.

    In that context, Indonesia has become one of the hottest start-up hubs in the world, pocketing around $160.7 million in investment. The Indonesian economy is moving steadily to further digitalization, as Indonesian internet users are expected to jump from a current 92 million to 215 million in 2020. In Africa, at the same time, penetration of internet is expected to hit at least the 50 per cent mark in 2020 from only 2 per cent in 2010

    On technical cooperation, the panels will highlight the principle that Indonesia’s engagement with Africa does not merely focus on the economic benefit, but also intends to establish a true partnership for mutual progress.

    Other speakers at the forum are the Chief Executive Officer PT TIMAH, Mr Mochtar Riza Tabrani, and President Director PT Wika, Mr Bintang Perbowo.

    NAN

  • Obaseki unveils plan to facilitate steady power supply

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has revealed the state government’s plans to strategically develop industrial layouts away from residential areas to ensure proportionate power supply to help actualize the state’s developmental plans.

    Obaseki disclosed this during an interview with journalists in Benin City, Edo State capital.

    According to him, “We have developed plans to help overcome the challenges of power distribution to industries, residential buildings and other users. This includes building areas of use that is, developing industrial parks, housing estates and other clusters that can be directly connected to generating plants.”

    He said, “When these plans are fully achieved, the state would have steady power supply to support businesses and other users. With time, Benin City and other towns in the state will be better planned and segregated so that industrial use of power can be separated from domestic use.”

    “When this is done, the structural challenges along the chain of generation and distribution will then be reorganised and steady power supply will then be guaranteed,” he said.

    He explained that steady power supply cannot be achieved overnight until the structural impediments are addressed, noting, “Even if the issue of generation of power is addressed, efforts must be made to address issues mitigating distribution and transmission.”

    Obaseki said, “As long as we have determined people like the developers of Edo Azura Independent Power Plant (IPP), Edo state and Nigeria can become self-sufficient in power supply. As long as there is power generation, we will find a way to get it to users.

    “If we have people who know what they are doing like the developers of Edo Azura IPP, we will overcome issues of power supply. In terms of generation, I believe, given the resources available, hydro, thermal and green energy; we can generate all the electricity to power the state and country.”

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  • Edo COSON threatens to drag Tuface manager before Benin Monarch 

     

    Members of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) have threatened to drag the manager of Tuface Idibia, Mr. Efe Omorogbe before the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II for engaging in conduct that negates the culture of Edo people and the creative community.

    The COSON members said the decision to drag Omorogbe before the Benin Monarch was for him to be called to order and appropriate sanctions imposed on him.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Benin City, Chief Arala Osula, the Osula of Benin, urged Omorogbe to stop parading himself as the Chairman of the Governing Board of COSON.

    Chief Osula said they only recognised Chief Tony Okoroji as Chairman of COSON and not Omorogbe.

    Reading a letter addressed to Omorogbe by the Edo CUSON, Chief Osula stated that their grouse against Omorogbe was because they felt the support and contributions of Okoroji.

    The letter reads in parts, “It is unfortunate that given your position of visibility as the manager of Tuface Idibia, no one in the state as felt you impact in any way.

    “While you purport to come from Edo State, we do not know you because you always go around with your nose in the air.

    “We are shocked that despite our clear democratic choice of Chief Okoroji as COSON chairman, you have mischievously and fraudulently continued to parade yourself as Chairman of COSON. Your behaviour is contrary to the norms and culture of the great people of Edo State.”

    Read Also:

  • Edo revives cultural clubs in public schools

    Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero, has said the state government has commenced the process of reviving cultural clubs in secondary schools across the state.

    Hon. Osemwegie-Ero, who disclosed this during an interview with journalists in Benin City, said, “On February 26, cultural clubs were inaugurated in secondary schools in Edo South at an event held at the Imaguero College, where over 380 students represented 50 schools from Edo South Senatorial District.”

    “The children who attended the event learnt a lot. Prominent Palace Chiefs spoke to the children on the essence of learning about cultures. Children from four schools, who wrote essays on the theme of the 2017 Edo Fest: Arts, Culture: “Our Wealth” were rewarded and got to seat at the high table as measures to encourage them,” Ero said.

    Noting that similar events are being planned for secondary schools in Edo North and Central districts, Osemwegie-Ero said, “Similar event will hold in Edo North at St. John Modern College, Fugar, on April 20, 2018. On the same day, there will be another event in Edo Central at Uromi Town Hall. Traditional rulers, Commissioners for Education and Youths, notable Edo artistes and other stakeholders in the arts and culture sector, will be at these events to encourage the students and add colour to the event.”

    The commissioner said the Godwin Obaseki led-administration intends to inculcate cultural norms and values in children in secondary schools, noting, “This will be done in such a way that the children will grow up with our cultural norms and values.”

    He noted, “It is unfortunate that many children can’t communicate in Edo languages and don’t understand cultural values. Children must be assisted to correct the trend.”

    Osemwegie-Ero explained that the cultural club activities will be introduced in secondary schools, adding, “We also plan to organise cultural competitions for the students where they will be rewarded.

    We intend to approach the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, to support the initiative, as he continues to demonstrate passion to promote the learning of cultural values.”

     

  • Police recover 120 assorted firearms in Edo mop-up exercise

    Edo State Police Command said it has recovered 120 assorted firearms during a mop-up exercise that lasted one month.

    It said five suspects were arrested during the exercise.

    Firearms recovered include nine Ak47 rifles, one K2 rifle, one Beretta rifle, one TO6 rifle, 15 pump action guns, seven single barrel guns, two double barrel guns, two cut to size guns, two English pistols, 23 locally made single barrel guns, 12 locally made single barrel pistols, six locally made double barrel guns, 38 Dane guns, 150 love cartridges and one G-3 rifle.

    State Commissioner of Police, Babatunde Kokumo, who presented the recovered weapons to newsmen at the police headquarters, said the decision to mop-up firearms was in line with directives of the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.

    Kokumo said the manufacturing of locally made guns has been traced to some neighboring states while efforts are on to apprehend the suspects.

    He said the period for the mop-up exercise has expired and only the IG can extend it.

    His words, “In the determination to reduce crimes, the IGP ordered that unlicensed firearms in the hands of individuals and private bodies be recovered.

    “The exercise has yielded positive results. Many of the firearms recovered are prohibited firearms. They are not to be seen in the hands of individuals or private bodies. They are not arms you can be give licensed to use.

    “In the mop up exercise, we have asked people to willingly submit their guns. We traced ownership of some to their late parents. Some of them do not know the implications of keeping firearms without license. We did the mop up based on intelligence gathered.”

  • PDP kicks over plans sales of state owned media 

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  in Edo State has urged Governor Godwin Obaseki to halt planned sales of the state-owned Media outfit, the Bendel Newspapers Ltd, and the Edo Broadcasting Service.

    It implored Governor Obaseki to rather put in place a well-motivated management team and invest only 50% out of the N600m being collected as security votes monthly.

    The PDP said the state government would achieve a world class Media Company if the money is well utilised.

    Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, said the report of a committee of media executives was aimed to justify the sale, or concession of the media outfits.

    Nehikhare alleged that the panel produced a report to suit the prearranged position of Governor Obaseki and his alleged business interest.

    According to Nehikhare, “Presently, the governor has privately selected a preferred “investor” who happened to be the consultant to his campaign organisation.

    “The said investor is Dr. Henry Nzekwu. He manages a small radio station in Delta state.

    “However, the plan is to quietly divest Edo state interest from both companies, hand them over to Dr Nzekwu, who is allegedly acting as a front, as a tradeoff, for the role Dr Nzekwu played during the campaign.

    “We call on the state government to stop the illegal sale and acquisitions of government assets and properties.”

    Reacting, Special Adviser to Governor Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, described the PDP’s allegations as false.

    Osagie said no portion of the committee report stated that the media outfit should be sold to private enterprise.

    Read Also: Obaseki to PDP: I’m paying your debts

  • NMA accuses Obaseki of insincerity

    Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of not showing any sincerity in the revamping of the health sector.

    It said the response of Governor Obaseki to its threat to withdraw clinical services from hospitals in the state after the expiration of the 21 days ultimatum was laughable.

    The NMA had last week issued a 21-day ultimatum to Governor Obaseki to meet its demands or face indefinite strike action but Obaseki described the NMA demand as unrealistic.

    State Chairman of NMA, Dr. Osaigbovo Emmanuel, in a press statement issued yesterday said Governor Obaseki’s response was one of threat and intimidation.

    Dr. Osaigbovo said the state government has refused to open a line of communication with the NMA since the issuance of the ultimatum.

    Osaigbovo stated that the state government would have sought immediate solutions to issues raised by the NMA instead of ‘resorting to cheap blackmail and threats.’

    According to the statement “What is unrealistic in asking that the state government employ more doctors to man the 34 health facilities in the state so that our people can get better care? What is unrealistic in asking for better facilities in the hospitals to enable the health personnel make better evaluation, diagnosis and consequent management of patients?

    “The plan by the government to employ private doctors when we withdraw our services is quite laughable as the doctors will probably have to come with their personal x-ray units, theatres, decent consulting rooms, drugs, laboratory equipment or maybe build new hospital because these things are grossly lacking in Edo State.

    “Even the best of trained hands will be handicapped in the discharge of their duties in Edo State due to lack of working materials and equipment.

    “The private Doctors to be employed by the government will have to be Doctors from Uganda, Togo or Lesotho or maybe India who will perform operations with candle or torch lights and who will work for days and weeks without rest because there is inadequate manpower.

    “The Edo State NMA therefore appeals to all well-meaning Edo people, including our revered traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations to intervene in this matter.

    “The 21-days ultimatum has since started counting and the government has less than two weeks to address the issues or face the painful option of a prolonged total and indefinite strike action by all doctors in Edo State.”

    Read Also: http://staging.thenationonlineng.net/obaseki-nma-patient/

  • Obaseki signs Edo Criminal Justice Administration Bill into Law 

     

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has signed the Edo State Criminal Justice Administration Bill into Law.

    Obaseki, who assented to the bill at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital on Tuesday, said, “The law would strengthen the protection of the rights of citizens and ensure fair and speedy administration of justice.”

    Obaseki explained, “This event is historic as it is the first time in decades that a comprehensive review and modernisation of the Criminal Law procedure would be undertaken.”

    Noting that the law will address a number of bottlenecks that hitherto delayed dispensation of justice, he said “Our focus in the justice sector is informed by the deep conviction that there would not be a modern society, particularly the type we seek to build, without respect for the rule of law.”

    “The criminal justice administration law is designed to take us beyond the colonial era rules of criminal procedures and introduce innovative legal procedure, which will ensure fair hearing in the court of law with due consideration of time,” the governor said.

    Obaseki added that the state government, through the Ministry of Justice, would put all the needed infrastructure in place to ensure the implementation of the Criminal Administration Law.

    He commended the committee on judiciary for the effort put into the drafting of the bill, adding, “The state government will ensure that sufficient copies of the law would be made available. The law will be implemented to support the government in protecting lives and property.

    Chief Judge of the State, Justice Eseohe Ikponmwen, represented by Justice Joe Acha, said “The Criminal Justice Administration Law will give a new face to the criminal justice system in the state as well as improve the judiciary.”

    State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo, said the Criminal Administration Law will eliminate procedures that delay justice.

    Chairman, Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Barr. Ede Asenoguan, said the state government’s domestication of the law is highly commendable, noting, “As of last year, only six states had such a law in place, now that Edo has the law, it is work in progress.”

    Read Also: Obaseki convoy accident: Five-year old cancer patient gets lifetime treatment

  • ‘Our recent promotion by Obaseki has brought us joy’

    In the wake of the promotion of public primary school teachers in Edo State by Governor Godwin Obaseki, the teachers have thrown their weight behind the governor, stressing that the directive has brought them joy.

    They said that the development would boost the morale of teachers and lead to better teaching and learning outcomes in public schools.

    Governor Obaseki reiterated his commitment to teachers’ welfare when he announced the promotion directive, noting “The release of outstanding promotion of teachers in public primary schools in the state further demonstrate the commitment to the welfare of teachers in the state.”

    He said, “As part of the reforms to improve the quality of basic education in the state, it is important to motivate teachers, especially as we roll out the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (BEST) programme.”

    In reaction to the development, some teachers have commended the governor for the directive, noting that it was long overdue.

    A teacher in Estako West Local Government, who doesn’t want her name in print, said, “the news of the promotion is highly commendable. The promotion is long overdue. I am happy as the promotion will motivate us to do more.”

    She said while the affected teachers await the release of the promotion letters, it is necessary that the authorities monitor the conduct of some officials who might want to exploit the opportunity to fleece teachers.

    According to her, “Much as we applaud the initiative, we want to ask that the Education Secretaries should not use the avenue to demand for money from teachers before the letters get to those of us expecting promotion. We do not want anyone to cut short our joy, as the governor is committed to improved welfare of teachers.”

    According to another teacher in Obi Primary School, Uzebba, Owan West Local Government Area, Mr. Okun Dada Gabriel, “The approval of the governor for the release of promotion letters for teachers in primary school, covering three years is a step forward for the better.”

    He said that teachers in the state expect more of such move from the governor, who has shown interest in improving primary education, which is the bedrock of education in Nigeria.

    “We also use the opportunity to appeal to the governor to consider the promotion of other teachers, so that the joy will be spread evenly. With this move, teachers will be motivated to support the vision of the governor for primary education in the state.”

    Read Also: Obaseki okays teachers’ promotion