The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Edo

  • CBN Gov laments non-accessability of N220b intervention fund for SMEs in Edo

    CBN Gov laments non-accessability of N220b intervention fund for SMEs in Edo

    The Governor of Central Bank, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has lamented the failure of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Edo to access the N220 billion intervention fund floated by government.

    Sanusi expressed his concern at the Government House in Benin at the weekend when he paid a condolence visit on Edo Government on the death of wife of Oba of Benin, Esther Erediauwa.

    He said that the high interest rate on the loan prevented enterprises from accessing the loans, noting that high interest loan was not a way of alleviating poverty.

    He said that there were 30 microfinance banks across the country mandated to grant the loans to the SMEs at low interest rates.

    The CBN governor said that the fund was targeted at the most excluded segment of the society, adding that 60 per cent of it was dedicated to women.

    Sanusi, who also condoled with Gov. Adam Oshiomhole on the death of his wife, said that he had a close relationship with the palace and treasured the memories of the queen mother.

    Responding, Oshiomhole thanked the CBN governor for the visit, adding that the death of the queen mother was painful.

    The governor described the late queen as a mother who showed interest in the development of the state.

    He also commended the CBN boss for repositioning banks in the country in the interest of the masses.

    Oshiomhole said that poverty in the country was as a result of wrong policies, adding that there was the need for deliberate laws to address the menace.

  • Technology centre creates over 800 jobs in Edo

    The Technology Incubation Centre (TIC) in Benin on Wednesday said that over 800 jobs have been created by the centre in the state.

    The Manager of the Centre, Mrs Julie Momah, disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin.

    Momah said over 300 jobs were created directly, while over 500 jobs were created indirectly by the centre, since its inception in the state.

    “Since 2011, when the centre went into full operation in the state, it has impacted the state in terms of job creation, wealth creation and skills acquisition.

    “The jobs are not just ordinary jobs but innovative jobs which entrepreneurs learn, go back to continue and train others.

    “The attention is really on indigenous technology, in terms of local content. At least 90 per cent of products from the centre have local content. We have been able to create constructive jobs and healthy industries that will stand the test of time in the state.”

    She listed some major breakthroughs of the centre to include: production of medical and industrial hand gloves from rubber lumps, production of water resistant paints and valves, in addition to car wash chemicals.

    “The hand gloves quality is wonderful, and is the first of its kind in West Africa. Most of our products are sold locally and well packaged to meet international standards. The centre encourages ideas that can go to the market, solve problems and have value additions.”

    She called for more attention to be given to youths who were into innovative ventures, to enable them to contribute positively to the technological advancement of the nation.

    “Innovation technology is power; any country that jokes with Research and Development does not want to grow. I think for Nigeria, Research and Development should be given its pride of place.

    ‘‘We have the creative idea, we have creative entrepreneurs, and all we need is the attention from government and focus from the youth, to be innovative,” she added.

  • 5,000 for dry season farming scheme in Edo

    No fewer than 5,000 rice farmers are to benefit from this year’s Federal Government-assisted dry season farming in Edo, under the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) Scheme.

    The Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in the state, Mr Wellington Omorgbon, said this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin.

    Omorghon said the initiative was to ensure the nation’s self-sufficiency in food, especially rice, at all times.

    He said that the 5,000 farmers were selected from Edo North and Edo Central where dry season rice cultivation could be done in the state.

    According to him, each of the farmers is expected to cultivate one hectare of rice, amounting to 5,000 hectares.

    Omorgbon said that the farmers were expected to harvest 20,000 metric tonnes of rice at the end of the season.

    The director told NAN that the farmers were supplied with free rice seeds and agro-chemicals at 50 per cent subsidised cost.

    “In addition, one threshing machine and a reaper have been allocated to the farmers at a 25 per cent subsidised cost,” he said.

    The director said that the idea was to encourage farmers to work together as a group.

    “The essence of all these is to make the nation self-sufficient in food production and eradicate poverty,” he said.

  • Why Edo has no member on NDDC board

    Why Edo has no member on NDDC board

    President Goodluck Jonathan appears to be at a crossroad over whose nominee to approve to represent Edo State on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The NDDC board has since been sworn-in but disagreements among political leaders in the state have stalled the nominee from Edo State from joining others.

    Jonathan holds the ace on who to appoint among the many names submitted for approval.

    Those battling for the slot include leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Adams Oshiomhole and four communities in Orhionmwon Local Government Area.

    Names reportedly sent to the Presidency by the PDP are Chris Nehikhare, Hon Levis Aigbogun and Osahon Ahunwa. Oshiomhole prefers Henry Okhuarobo while the four communities- Ikobi, Oben, Iguelaba and Obozogbe-nugu are rooting for their son, Courage Bende.

    At the centre of those with interest in the NDDC slot is Senator Ehigie Uzamere representing Edo South Senatorial district.

    Sources told Niger Delta Report that the sour relationship between Uzamere and Oshiomhole has further stalled the approval of the names of whomever the President will send to the senate for screening.

    Some political pundits said Uzamere is using the Edo NDDC nominee to negotiate his political future, a replica of perhaps what played out ahead of the 2011 general election.

    Oshiomhole had then sought the help of Uzamere, who was then of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to clear his nominee, Don Omorodion after late President Yar Adua insisted that governors should send names of nominees in line with the NDDC Act.

    Other senators from the state, Yisa Braimah and Odion Ugbesia, opposed the nomination but Uzamere who had already fallen out with leaders of the PDP in the state supported Oshiomhole’s nominee and was cleared.

    In appreciation of Uzamere’s stand, Oshiomhole dropped support for Matthew Urhoghide, a pharmacist, and ensured the return of Uzamere to the Senate.

    The relationship between Oshiomhole and Uzamere is now frosty because of what some sources said was due to the Oshiomhole’s refusal to support Uzamere’s political future. It was gathered that Uzamere was unhappy with the manner candidates were nominated for last year’s local government elections. He was said to been peeved because not even a councillor was nominated by him.

    Other sources said Uzamere’s boys were not given appointments by Oshiomhole and as such do not have any political structure within the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN) now All Progressives Congress (APC).

    It was learnt that Oshiomhole was not happy with the performances of Uzamere, especially in giving back to the people.

    Sources said Uzamere is planning to return to the PDP with a view to securing the governorship ticket. He is also an ardent supporter of Jonathan

    Uzamere, in an interview, denied planning to defect to the PDP but said he was unhappy with the workings of the APC. He promised to make a statement on the matter soon.

    A close aide to Oshiomhole said Uzamere’s support was not needed to clear Edo NDDC nominee. The aide said only one vote from Uzamere could not stop other 108 senators. He added that the planned defection would not affect the fortunes of APC in the state.

    Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Public Affairs, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said the President should do the right thing in line with the NDDC Act with respect to appointment of representatives of oil producing states.

    He said: “The bucks stop at the President’s table. The Comrade Governor has submitted the name of his nominee and it is now expected for Mr. President to do the needful in line with the Act setting up the NDDC as a body with respect to appointment of representatives of the oil producing states.”

    On the agitation of the oil communities, he said: “We are acting on behalf of the entire state, duly and popularly elected. The oil communities have given their mandate to the Governor to act on their behalf. In taking any decision we don’t have to go to communities. Henry Okhuarobo, the governor’s nominee, is from a village that has oil.”

     

  • Dwindling allocation from Federation Account worrying , says former Edo SSG Imuekeme

    Dwindling allocation from Federation Account worrying , says former Edo SSG Imuekeme

    Dr. Simon Imuekeme, is a seasoned civil servant, a former Permanent Secretary, Head of Service and Secretary to the Edo State Government.  In this interview with Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, speaks on issues concerning politics, governance and host of others.

    How would you rate the performance of Governor Adams Oshiomhole in Edo State thus far?

    There is no doubt that the governor has continued to work hard for the people of Edo state in terms of infrastructural development. Looking at the land mark achievement that he has made in 2013, especially the various projects that he has commissioned, there is no doubt that he is still very much focused, especially in the areas of roads’ construction, schools renovation, provision of health facilities, electricity and water.
    He has just finished a year in his second term and still has three more years in office. What this means is that if he is not distracted, more people oriented projects would still be expected to be completed by the government.
    As far as I am concerned, he should ensure that he completes all the projects he has started in the three senatorial districts of the state. I believe that once these projects are completed, Edo State would have gotten to a stage of comfortable infrastructural development.

    What area would you consider the Oshiomhole government to have performed well?

    There is no area the governor has not left an indelible mark, but I am particularly impressed with the job he has done in the area of roads’ construction, schools renovation and provision of water across the state.
    In the area of school renovation, virtually all the remaining schools that are yet to get the governor’s attention has been advertised to be worked on. If he succeeds in getting this done, one would say Oshiomhole has done marvellously well, considering the state of these schools before he came on board.
    By and large, I would say that the signals are still there; his tenure he would have set a standard for his successor in office to build on and his tenure would always remain a reference point for comparison.

    There are concerns that the projects he embarked upon are too many and that most will eventually become abandoned?

    I am more worried with the dwindling resources accruing to the state from the federal level and not in the number of projects. We are all not unaware of the fact that allocation from the federation account has dropped in the past few months. The Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has also not been performing to the expectations of the governor. It is hoped that with the Federal Government efforts to contain the leakages in the oil industry, especially pipeline vandalization, oil theft coupled with the state government efforts to boost IGR, more resources would accrue to the state government in order to address the various projects.
    The signal he has given in his first year of the second term shows he is out to complete all the projects he has started.

    Lots of politicking is already going on ahead of the 2015 elections, don’t you see this a major distraction to the governor?

    I am a bit worried about the level of politicking that is already going on. This is democracy, you cannot rule out political intrigues from democracy. My advice however is that politicians should not overheat the system, both at the state and at the federal level.
    Government would not be able to deliver to the electorates if there is distraction. I appeal to politicians in Edo not to unduly distract the governor. If this can be avoided, there is no doubt that he would deliver on his promises. When distractions become frequent and disturbing, there would be loss of focus and unnecessary dissipation of energy on irrelevant issues.

    Do you thing the criticisms of the opposition (PDP) are constructive or merely to distract the governor?

    For democracy to thrive there have to be a virile opposition and the opposition has to be very objective in its criticism and not the pull down syndrome type. If you have this in an opposition, it enhances the performance of the government in power but when it degenerates to pettiness, it becomes a problem to the sitting government. Nobody is an angel neither are we saints. We were what we were before elected into office. So, for me, the more opposition focuses on issues the better for us all.

    The opposition PDP has said that the state is broke because the governor spent so much money on his re-election campaign. What is your reaction?

    I am not aware that the governor spent the state resources on his re-election. It should be noted that globally, the economy of the world is presently going through trying times. In Europe, in America the availability of funds for social services is dwindling and Nigeria is not an exception. All over the world, there is now limited fund to governments to operate. A clear example is what happened recently in America where for two weeks there was a stalemate between the executive and the Congress as result of the request by the President for an upward review of his borrowing capacity.
    What I am trying to say that all over the world government borrow money from banks and other financial institutions to fund project. It should be made known to the public that before this money is given out, the borrowing institution would ensure that the ability to pay is guaranteed and there is also transparency and accountability in the handling of the finances of the state. So it is a thing of joy if Edo state if found worthy to benefit from the World Bank fund in view of its stringent borrowing facilities. For example, out of the 36 states of the federation that applied for World Bank support, only three states benefitted of which Edo state is one.
    The issue of heavy indebtedness does not arise as this issue has been put into consideration even before the federal government allows the state to borrow.  One of the Indices to show that the state is viable is the payment of salaries as at when due. As far as I am concern, the state workers get their salaries as at when due.

    Are you worried that the APC could face similar problem as bedevilling PDP in view of your coming registration exercise?

    As far as the party’s registration is concern, the governor who is the party’s leader in the state, has made it abundantly clear that nobody will be disenfranchised. He said as long as you are an APC member, you will be registered. I think there would be no problem as far as APC is concern. We are working round the clock to ensuring that any issue that would lead to disaffection is quickly tackled.

    What is your message to the people of Nigeria and Edo in particular, especially as we all look towards the 2015 elections?

    Nigeria is a country that is blessed by God. Let those of us who have been given opportunity to lead the country not destroy it; we should remember that governance and positions are ephemeral. You are there today; tomorrow will be the turn of another person. It is what you do to positively impact on the lives of the people while in office that tells your story.
    I like to conclude by saying that we should not unduly heat up the polity in this country.

  • Fire razes 25 shops in Edo

    It was a sad end the year on Saturday  for residence of house No 21 Upper Uwa street, Benin City when a mysterious fire gutted the building destroying properties worth millions of naira.
    The building owned by one Pa. Akhionbare housed about 28 shops and several residential apartments.
    Many of the residents and shop owners had traveled for the yuletide celebration.
    Witnesses said those at the shops when the fire started at about 5:30pm thought the fire would not spread and they did not pack their goods for fear of thefts by hoodlums.
    They watched as the fire gradually spread to their shops.
    The entire building was eventually burnt while men of the Edo State Fire Services prevented the fire from spreading to other buildings.
    One of the victims who gave his name as Papa Nnaemeka said he repairs electrical devices at the building and that everything was destroyed.
    Eyewitnesses said the fire was caused by a power surge and speedily spread to other parts of the building.
  • NDDC: Edo oil communities, Oshiomhole, PDP at daggers drawn

    NDDC: Edo oil communities, Oshiomhole, PDP at daggers drawn

    Ikobi, Oben, Iguelaba and Obozogbe-nugu are four communities in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State sitting atop the largest gas reserve in West Africa. They also have over 95 operational oil wells.

    The abundant wealth of the communities has, however, not translated to better life for members of the communities. Gas produced from the communities are transported to other West African countries while the natives use firewood or stove for cooking.

    They are spoiling for war over what they termed years of neglect despite being the golden goose that laid the golden egg, even as they feed the country.

    A visit to the communities showed that there are no internal road networks within the communities except those leading to the oil wells and flow stations. The communities could only be accessed through Delta State as the other road from Benin-Asaba express road is in a poor state. Abandoned borehole and other projects littered the communities.

    Besides the alleged infrastructural neglect of the communities, the indigenous inhabitants have threatened to disrupt activities of oil companies in the locality over the appointment of Edo State representative into the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    Intrigues and politicking have stalled the appointment of an Edo State representative into NDDC Board. The communities are rooting for one of their sons, Courage Bende Enofe to be appointed against the nominations of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Ehigie Uzamere and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    It was gathered that Senator Uzamere presented one Peter Enogieru, PDP leaders in the state forwarded names of Chris Nehikhare, Hon. Levis Aigbogun and Osahon Ahunwa while Governor Oshiomhole preferred the incumbent, Henry Okhuarobo because of his performances in the two years he had been a member of the commission.

    The communities in a protest march led by the traditional ruler of Oben, His Royal Highness (HRH) Odoligie Ogiemwonyi, warned of dire consequences if the Federal Government ignored their pleas.

    They took journalists to the flow stations and some oil wells operations of which they planned to stop.

    A youth leader from Oben, Francis Ogbeide said they decided to insist on their nomination when two years ago they discovered a clause in the NDDC Act which stipulated that the person to be nominated shall be a native of an oil-producing area.

    Francis said two previous nominees into the NDDC, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen and Okhuarobo were from Ikpoba-Okha while the nominee for the Edo State Oil and Gas-Producing Areas (EDSOGPADEC) hails from Ovia North East.

    He said: “We are protesting the position of NDDC commissioner. They have been taking people from non-oil producing areas whereas we are the oil-producing communities. We have been silent since 1972 because we don’t know. We didn’t know that there is a law that says the representative must be from oil-producing communities.

    “Orhionmwon has been left out in the appointment into NDDC. For the past eight years, it has been nominees from Ikpoba-Okha which are not core host communities in Edo State.”

    HRH Ogiemwonyi, who addressed his subjects after the protest, said no meaningful developments have taken place in the communities since 1972 when oil exploration began in the communities.

    He urged his subjects to compare Abuja, the country’s capital to the communities bearing the brunt of oil exploration.

    He said: “I am supporting my people because we have been cheated for so long. Whatever belonged to us must be enjoyed by us. We have not been appointed into NDDC. We have been waiting for the three tiers of government and they are doing nothing about it. They are imposing people on us. They don’t visit here. No government official has visited here. If we are the goose that feeds the country, we should be looked after.

    “We are not militants but they should not push us. We will not allow anybody to dribble us. We don’t want to disturb the oil company but if that is what they want, we will do it.

    “I am directing my grievances at President Jonathan. This is the time to act and they must listen to us. There is no oil in Abuja but look at what Abuja has become while we that lay the golden eggs are suffering.”

    In a letter written to President Goodluck Jonathan on behalf of the communities by their solicitors Monday Agienoji revealed that the communities have written to enjoin the President not to allow self-seeking individuals to hoodwink him into taking the wrong decision in the appointment of Edo State representative into the NDDC board.

    “Any attempt to sideline or edge out the candidate unanimously chosen by our clients will be stoutly resisted by our clients’ communities because they have suffered for so long.

    “If, peradventure our clients’ candidate is allowed to be edged out by ‘bad’ politics, the outcome will be very disastrous indeed as it will be tantamount to a declaration of war on our clients’ communities with the concomitant backlash on the operations of oil and gas companies on ground,” it added.

  • Labour suspends strike in Edo

    • Calls for removal of Permanent Secretary

    Organised labour in Edo State yesterday suspended the indefinite strike action that has lasted seven days.

    It also shelved the planned week long mass protest scheduled to begin yesterday

    This followed the intervention of the Benin Monarch, Oba Erediauwa, who promised to intervene in the demands of the workers.

    The workers suspended the strike after a meeting of State Executive Councils of organised labour in the state.

    Activities in state government agencies and parastatals including schools and hospitals except the judiciary were paralysed.

    State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Emmanuel Ademokun who announced the suspension said they met with the state government four times since Tuesday to resolve issues that led to the strike action.

    Ademokun said the state government has agreed to some of their demands except the issue of 53.37% Salary Relativity for public workers.

    He said the state government agreed to revisit the 20% balance of the Consolidated Salary Structure for Health Workers, pay the balance 10.5% TSA for teachers as well as release all outstanding four years promotion for workers.

    He urged the workers to return to work immediately and called on the state government to relieve Major Lawrence Loye of his appointment as Permanent Secretary.

    The workers however resolved to commence the strike action in February 2014 if the intervention by the Benin Monarch failed.

  • Edo strike: Labour to embark on street protests

    Edo strike: Labour to embark on street protests

    Organised Labour in Edo State has called on its members on the Edo State government payroll to join in a peaceful street protest next week, to draw public attention to their plight.

    Government activities have been paralysed since Tuesday as civil servants embarked on an indefinite strike.

    The demands of the workers include immediate implementation of the pending salary relativity structure of 53.37 per cent for the state workers, payment of the balance of 20 per cent consolidated health salary structure for health workers, payment of the balance of 10.5 per cent teachers’ special allowance (TSA) to primary school teachers.

    Others are implementation of 2011, 2012 and 2013 promotion exercise of public servants in the state, the immediate constitution of the state civil service commission as well as the recruitment of more workers.

    The call for the protests followed a breakdown of talks between Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Labour leaders on Wednesday night.

  • Police kill four suspected robbers

    Four suspected armed robbers were yesterday shot dead in two encounters with men of the Edo State Police Command.

    Briefing reporters at the headquarters of the state police command in Benin, Commissioner of Police Foluso Adebanjo said in the first encounter at the Benin Bypass on the Benin/Lagos Expressway, 20 suspected armed robbers engaged the police in a shootout and in the process, one of the robbers was killed, while a policeman sustained gunshot injury in his leg.

    He said the other armed robbers escaped into the bush, some of them with injuries.

    In the second encounter, which occurred on the Benin/Auchi Road, three members of a robbery gang, who had laid siege to the road, were gunned down by policemen, who engaged the robbers in a shootout.

    The police commissioner announced the arrest of members of a robbery gang, who killed policemen at the Benin Bypass.

    The four policemen, who were deployed from the Osun State Police Command for a special election duty in Anambra State, were said to have been stopped by the armed robbers, who reportedly blocked the road.

    The policemen, unaware that the blockade was mounted by armed robbers, stopped, only to be attacked by the armed robbers.