The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Edo State

  • MonkeyPox: Panic as parents withdraw children from public schools in Edo

    MonkeyPox: Panic as parents withdraw children from public schools in Edo

    There was confusion in some public and private schools in Benin City, the Edo State capital as parents stormed various schools to forcefully take their children and wards home.

    It was gathered that the panic started at Army Day Secondary in Oregbeni quarters when some parents heard that the Nigeria Army was carrying out vaccination exercise.

    The parents said they were told that the MonkeyPox virus was being injected into the students.

    Sources at the school said denial by the school authorities did not stop parents from taking their children away.

    At Idia College, rumours that three students die of Monkeypox infection made parents  rushed to the school to take their children home.

    In some primary schools like Olua and Emokpae, the school authorities locked parents out and refused to open the gate.

    The school authorities simply told the parents to return during closing hours to pick up their children.

    There was also attempts by parents to take their children away from Oghosa High School, Edokpolor Grammar School, Crystal Fountain Group of School and Olua  Primary School.

    One of the parents who identified herself simply as Mrs. Chiazor said: “I came to school because I heard that the killer vaccines are already at the Oredo local government secretariat for onward transmission to schools.”

    When asked where she got the information, Mrs. Chiazor replied: it’s on radio. Children also died in Anambra after they were vaccinated.”

    Edo Police spokesman, DSP Moses Nkombe, who confirmed the rush by parents to take away their children said there was no vaccination exercise in schools in the state.

    Nkombe warned parents to stop acting on fake information from the social media.

    Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Communication and Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, said there was no reported case of Monkeypox infection in the state.

    Crusoe said steps have been taken to tackle the disease if there was any occurrence.

    He said there was no vaccination exercise currently going on in the state.

  • MonkeyPox: Edo sets up Situation Room

    MonkeyPox: Edo sets up Situation Room

    • Releases emergency hotlines, to build 20 mini-stadia in 18 LGA

    As part of efforts to prevent the spread of Monkeypox disease to the state, the Edo State Government has released emergency hotlines to the public and established a situation room for monitoring the disease.

    The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Rt. Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the weekly Executive Council (EXCO) Meeting held at Government House, in Benin, on Wednesday.

    He also said that the EXCO received the design and approved the siting of 20 mini-stadia across the 18 LGAs of the state to serve as grooming ground for youth with sports talent.

    Assuring Edo residents on the proactive plans of government to guard against the spread of the disease to the state, Ohonbamu said government directed the State Ministry of Health to set up a fully-equipped situation room, where it can track and monitor the outbreak.

    He advised residents, who observe any seeming symptoms of the disease, to call Dr Osamwonyi Irowa, a Director in the State Ministry of Health on 08023345987 and Dr Osa Bruce on 08084096723.

    The commissioner said a massive public enlightenment campaign on preventive measures against the disease would be embarked upon across the 18 local government areas of the state.

    ‘’The State Ministry of Health has been asked to reactivate an old centre located at Ikpoba Slope area of the state, to serve as a dedicated situation room. This is so that the outbreak can be monitored. We are calling on citizens to be circumspect but calm and adhere to good health practices that will prevent contacting and spreading of the disease,” he said.

    The commissioner also disclosed that the executive council approved the siting of 20 mini stadia across the LGAs of the state, noting that the initiative was to facilitate rapid development of sport talents among youths in Edo State.

    According to him, ‘’The EXCO received the design and approved the siting of the stadia across the 18 LGAs of the state. These mini-sport complexes will have facilities for football and other track and field events. The decision underscores the premium, which the governor places on youth in the state,’’ he said.

    Ohonbamu added that, following the presentation of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Violation of Right of Way and Destruction of Public Asset, the Executive Council decided that enumeration of all individuals and businesses located in the affected areas would commence on ward-by-ward basis.

    Other actions to be taken, according to him, are that the state would interface with Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to ascertain the propriety of sale of power to operators under the high-tension transmission lines in the Etete area through a 33KVA transformer located the vicinity.

    The state asked for the verification of claims by some house owners in the affected area, who argued that, even though their houses were built before the erection of TCN transmission lines, they were not compensated.

    Ohonbamu said the state government is making arrangement for the relocation of businesses, artisans and craftsmen in the affected area.

  • Edo: Four school principals demoted to classroom teachers

    Edo: Four school principals demoted to classroom teachers

    Four Secondary School Principals in Edo State who were last week suspended for collecting illegal levies from students have been demoted to classroom teachers.

    They were also asked to refund the difference of the money they collected from students under the strict supervision of Post Primary Education Board.

    The four principals were alleged to have collected between N11,000 and N20,000 for school uniforms as against N3,000 for Junior Secondary School and N4,000 for Senior Secondary School approved by the state government.

    Those affected were Glory Omorodion of Oka Junior Secondary School, Mrs. Victoria Okuonghae of Niger College Junior school, Mrs. Cecilia Isibor of Idogbo Junior Secondary school and Mr. Bright Omorogie of Idogbo Senior Secondary School.

    Chairman, Edo State Post Primary Education Board, Mr. Gabriel Oiboh, announced  the demotion of the teachers while giving report of the disciplinary committee set up to investigate the teachers.

    Oiboh stated that the teachers were found guilty of collecting illegal levies having admitted during questioning by the committee.

    He said the affected principals would be demoted as classroom teachers as well as refund the money to the students.

    Oiboh warned that any school principals caught collecting illegal levies from students would be dismissed as reports showed that illegal levies were still paid in some schools.

  • Edo deploying tactful measures to tackle security challenges – Obaseki

    Edo deploying tactful measures to tackle security challenges – Obaseki

    …Urges indigenes, residents to be calm, vigilant and measured in their utterances.

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has assured citizens and residents of the state that the state government is deploying resources tactfully to arrest the recent spike in security challenges in parts of the state.

    The Governor also expressed deep sympathy with the family of the late Prof. Paul Otasowie who unfortunately lost is life in one of the attacks in the recent spike in violent crimes in the state.

    While expressing his solidarity with the families of Andy Ehanire and Osayomore Joseph who were both abducted recently, he called on indigenes and residents of the state be measured while making statements about the cases, in order not to jeopardise the efforts being made by the government to ensure their safe return to their families.

    In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Osarodion Ogie, Obaseki appealed for calm among Edo people and residents, and urged them not to resort to extreme measures that could endanger the lives of those being held.

    “The State Government is working quietly and tactfully behind the scene to restore normalcy in the state and return the abducted to their families unharmed,” Obaseki said.

    The governor emphasised that: “There is absolutely no need for anyone or group to resort to misguided statements, extreme measures, self help or brute struggle. What is required in the circumstance is tact.”

    He stressed that the state government was committed to ensuring that those held are released in good health condition to the waiting arms of their families.

  • Edo offsets N430 million LG pension arrears in two months

    Edo offsets N430 million LG pension arrears in two months

    To assuage the suffering of pensioners in the state and clear up a backlog of arrears that accrued over two decades, the Edo State Government has released about N430 million through the Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC) in the last two months.

    In a statement, Thursday, the state government said the sum was released as part of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s phased approach in offsetting pension arrears, which accrued over a 20-year period.

    According to the statement, “In August, Edo JAAC allocated N212, 879,888 for settlement of pension arrears, while in September, the sum of N212, 879,000 was set aside for the same purpose out of the N2, 868, 174, 276 that accrued to the 18 local government councils as revenue.”

    “Efforts are ongoing to harmonise the pension system in the state. We want to ensure that those at the local councils enjoy smooth transition to the new pension scheme. This is so that they are on the same scheme with their counterparts in the employ of the state government.”

    Noting that the plight of pensioners was top priority for the administration, the state said, “The sum is for the settlement of arrears of pensioners in local government areas. The pensioners have been protesting for a while and we assured them that we have an elaborate plan to address their concerns. So, it is in this light that we have made arrangement that part of JAAC disbursement addresses pension arrears.”

    The state added that it has been responsive to the suffering of pensioners, many of whom have sacrificed a better part of their life in service to the state, noting, “We are touched by the suffering of pensioners. It is regrettable that we have to deal with these issues, because, as a government, we value the dignity of work.

    “We hope to continue to approach this issue with the phased approach and are confident that in no distant time, the state wouldn’t have to deal with issues such as this anymore.”

  • Partners enthusiastic as Edo State hosts female soccer fiesta

    Partners enthusiastic as Edo State hosts female soccer fiesta

    …accommodation arrangement for players, officials finalised

    As the much awaited female soccer fiesta, Women Professional Football League Super (NWPL) four begins on Monday, in Benin City, capital of Edo State, several partners willing to latch on to the tournament are in a frenzy.

    The interest in partnering with the Edo State government on the 2017 NWPL Super Four championship, according to sources conversant with developments around the league, is as a result of the high premium the Obaseki-led administration places on sports, which has made the state the preferred destination for sporting events.

    The Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia Stadium is wearing a new look and hotel reservations for players and officials of the tournament have been finalised for the participants to have a hitch-free event.

    Coaches of the participating teams; Bayelsa Queens, Delta Queens, Rivers Angels and Nasarawa Amazons have expressed their excitements about playing in Benin City because of the reception that was given to the female under 20 national team, the Falconets and the excellent result they got against the Tanzanites.

    Chairperson of the Women’s League in Nigeria, Aisha Falode, said she is excited with the support of the Edo State Governor and promised that in future, if given any challenge by the Edo State government, she will not relent but deliver.

  • Agbonmhere seeks overhaul of Edo security apparatus

    Agbonmhere seeks overhaul of Edo security apparatus

    Former governorship aspirant of the All Progressive Congress in Edo State, Chief Blessing Agbonmhere, has called for the overhauling of security apparatus in the state following rising cases of kidnapping in the past two weeks.

    Chief Agbonmhere who was responding to the abduction of Osayomore Joseph and the killing of Professor Paul Otasowie said the spate of insecurity in Edo State has gotten to an alarming proportion.

    Agbonmhere said there was need for SWOT analysis of the state’s security approach.

    According to him, “Any society without security of life and property is anathema to investments and subsequent economic development that will attract growth and benefits her people.

    “The rate and spate of kidnaping in Edo State is condemnable. It is a disgrace and an unprintable dent on the national identity of every Edo born, home and abroad.

    “As some states in Nigeria are enjoying peace and serenity, Edo is experiencing kidnaping spree and boom.

    “I urge Edo State government to deploy all security agencies and strategies as a matter of at most urgency and emergency to curb the incumbency of insecurity that is fast destroying the socioeconomic life of our people. And by doing this, the government will be carrying out its constitutional duty while also fulfilling its campaign promise.”

  • RTEAN President, others defect to APC in Edo

    RTEAN President, others defect to APC in Edo

    Defection gale has hit the People’s Democratic Party in Edo State as many of the party faithfuls last weekend joined the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

    In Esan North East local government, National President of the Road Transport Employers Association (RTEAN) and chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Alhaji Musa Isiwele led hundreds of his supporters to join the APC at Uromi.

    Uromi is the home town of the former PDP’s BoT chairman, Chief Tony Anenih and former minister of works under PDP administration, Chief Mike Onolememen.

    In Esan West local government area, PDP Ward 3 unit chairman, Mr Julius Ebhoman, led other PDP members in the ward to join the APC.

    At Otuo in Owan East local government, Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon Pally Iriase received hundreds of PDP defectors led by a retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Roland Omatoje.

    Hon Iriase said the defection would further replete the PDP in the locality and boost the APC chances in future elections in the state.

    He said the PDP was overwhelmed by the infrastructural development being attracted to the locality and across the state.

    The RTEAN President who is regarded as strong force for the PDP in Uromi urged his followers to have faith in the APC.

    Alhaji Isiwele stated that the PDP as a political organisation has failed and lacked viable political future in Edo State.

    He said the decision to dump the PDP was informed by the desire to contribute his quota in the new agenda of the ruling government which in his words would take Edo central to the “Promised Land”.

    Isiwele added that Edo central people need to bring their astuteness into the APC and ensure that their interests are promoted and protected.

    Among dignitaries present at the ceremony were the State APC Chairman, Barr. Anselm Ojezua, All the Edo Central L.G.A. Chairmen, Chief (Dr) Francis Inegbeniki, the Uzoya of Esanland, Arc.(Dr) Austin Ilenre Emuan, the APC leader of Esan north east L.G. A., Chief Okoror and host of others.

    State Secretary of the APC, Lawrence Okah, said more PDP chieftains have indicated interest to join the APC.

    Okah said the PDP would be nothing in the state especially in Edo Central after the defection.

    Reacting, State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Chris Nehikhare said the party was not bothered about the defection.

    Chris stated that the party’s leadership concern is how to restructure the party and make it attractive to Edo people.

    He said, “Those defecting are doing because of economic situation and we sympathise with them. We are interested in the electorate and not in a few people.

    “Their leaving will not affect our chances in future elections in the state. We will affect us is if we do not carry out our restructuring plan”.

  • Nigeria at 57: Obaseki approves release of 70 prisoners

    Nigeria at 57: Obaseki approves release of 70 prisoners

    …Urges Nigerians to aim for greatness

     

    As part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 57th independence anniversary, Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, approved the release of 70 inmates from various prisons across the state.

    The 70 inmates to be released have been in prison for a considerable time, some of them not less than two years without trial.

    Obaseki said this was a step towards improving the justice delivery system in the state as well as reducing the number of awaiting-trial inmates by 50 percent, which is part of Federal Government’s policy on decongesting prisons.

    He, however, stated that the inmates would be sternly cautioned to stay away from crime before they are let go.

    At a church service held earlier to mark the independence anniversary, Governor Obaseki, urged Nigerians to be grateful for the opportunity to coexist peacefully in a free nation for 57 years, stressing, “We are united as a nation and poised for greatness.”

    The service held at the Christ Embassy Zonal Headquarter, Erediauwa Street, off Ekehuan Road, Benin City, Edo State.

    Governor Obaseki said Nigerians have all accepted that we are one indivisible nation and added that the ongoing conversation on restructuring is not one that would divide the nation, but rather enhance its growth and prosperity.

    “As a country, we are endowed. The problem is not Nigeria. We only need to change our attitude as a people and the nation will certainly grow and develop and our people will prosper.”

    He said, as a people, Nigerians need to be much more productive, as the era of easy oil money is over and to get ahead in the new dispensation, the people must become more productive and enterprising.

    Obaseki called on leaders in all spheres of society to go back to their communities and organise their people towards spurring the country to greatness.

    The head Pastor of the church, Moses Olayemi, called on Nigerians to always have positive thoughts towards the country, and only make good statements about themselves, no matter how challenging their circumstances may appear to be.

    Other government functionaries at the church service include the first lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; the Chief of Staff, Taiwo Akerele; the Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie; the Commissioner for Art, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Osazee Osemwegie-Ero; Commissioner for Environment, Reginald Okun; Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, Emmanuel Usoh; Commissioner for youth and Special Duties, Mika Amanokha; Commissioner for Health, David Osifo and APC Women leader, Aisosa Amadasun.

  • Commitment to wealth creation, justice sacrosanct – Obaseki

    Commitment to wealth creation, justice sacrosanct – Obaseki

    …Hosts US Envoy

     
    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the imperatives for wealth creation, law and order and justice administration, are the key drivers of his administration, noting that steps have been taken to ensure a well-motivated judiciary and an enabling business environment for investments.

    Governor Obaseki said this on Thursday night when he hosted the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr.  Stuart Symington, at the Government House, Benin City, Edo State. The Ambassador is in Benin City for an exhibition of photographs by Chief S. O. Alonge, a photographer of the Royal Court of Benin, organised by the United States Diplomatic Mission and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art at the National Museum, Benin City, Edo State.

    Stressing that law, order and justice are major pillars of his administration; he added that building an equitable society must be anchored on peace and justice. To ensure that the state’s judiciary works at optimal capacity, he said the state government invested in training about 150 court reporters and also upgraded court infrastructure.

    He added that Edo State is an integral part of Nigeria, and as such was in full support of Nigeria’s unity. “There are certain things that are not negotiable. Nigeria is not negotiable. But it is not just enough to say that Nigeria is not negotiable. Everything has to work for the common man. That is why we are prioritising wealth creation so that people are equipped to contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.

    Speaking on the issue of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), he said the state government has been in the eye of the storm, as it has in recent years played host to some of those affected by insurgency in the North East, adding, “We have 3000 internally displaced children at the IDP camp in Benin. I was with them last Christmas, as their Father Christmas. We hope that when these children go back to their homes and communities, they would go with ideal and values from the Edo people.”

    Mr. Symington said with Nigeria’s population projected to climb to 450 million by 2050 amid concerns of rising youth bulge and other social economic implications, the country would stand a better chance to exploit its potential if it prioritises justice administration, girl-child education and delivery of good governance.

    He said that despite the challenges that may come with a huge population, the onus lies on Nigerian leaders to carve a positive narrative for the country by being benevolent in handling issues of development and justice administration, adding that there was need to embrace everyone irrespective of where they come from, as members of a united Nigeria.

    According to him, “If Nigeria goes to 450 million people in 33 years’ time, the country would be the third largest nation, behind China and India. Depending on what you do with girl child education, governance and justice, and a whole lot of other things, if the projection continues that way, by the end of the century, Nigeria would be the second or even the most populous country on earth.”

    “When I said this up North, three of the wisest counsellors of great leaders there were surprised and two said Alhamdulillah. I think that describes Nigeria. You are somewhere between being surprised or screaming Alhamdulillah. And it is up to you. But you cannot just focus on one thing, the approach has to be broader. It has to be about caring about people in the North East as well as those in the South East. We have more than two million people displaced in this country, and they are not just from the North East. Now is the perfect time to treat them all as what they truly are – brothers and sons of a united Nigeria,” he added.