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Tag: Godwin Obaseki

  • Human trafficking: Edo, NAPTIP strategise to reduce menace

    …as NAPTIP applauds Obaseki’s tactics for curbing menace 

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his administration will collaborate with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), to reduce the menace of irregular migration and human trafficking by 50 per cent by the end of 2019.

    The governor made the submission during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of NAPTIP, Dame Julie Okah-Donli, to the Government House, in Benin City, Edo State capital.

    READ ALSO: Obaseki targets 50 percent reduction in irregular migration, human trafficking

    Obaseki said as part of efforts to tackle the scourge of human trafficking and irregular migration, the state government established a task force, noting, “As a government, we have admitted to the huge challenges we face and we decided to set-up a task force to provide local solutions to the issue.

    NAPTIP and Edo State Government are working closely to reduce irregular migration and human trafficking by 50 per cent by the end of this year and if I am governor for eight years, it will reduce to zero.”

    He urged donor agencies to support efforts of the state to address the problems faced by returnees, noting, “We are working to pressure foreign government to create legitimate travel windows that will enable them travel legally.”

    The Director-General of NAPTIP commended Governor Obaseki for his commitment to eradicating human trafficking as illustrated in his strategies, including the setting-up of the Edo State Task Force Against Human Trafficking.

    “The successes already recorded by the Taskforce justify the foresight of your excellency and have inspired NAPTIP to encourage other state governments to set up similar institution of government, in order to consolidate on the efforts of NAPTIP and other stakeholders,” the NAPTIP boss added.

  • Obaseki makes case for NIFOR’s revival

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has made a case for the revival of the Nigerian Institute of Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) to strengthen the country’s capacity to produce quality, high-yielding seedlings and boost oil palm production.

    The governor made the case during a meeting in Abuja between Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele and governors of states in oil palm production belt of the country.

    He said the revival of NIFOR will improve investment in research and production of quality oil palm seeds.

    Noting that the state government has extended support to oil palm production companies in the state to boost production, Obaseki said Edo State was currently cultivating oil palm on about 70,000 hectares of land.

    On his part, the CBN governor said that the country intends to become the third largest producer of oil palm in the world ahead of Thailand and Columbia, and would extend support to states to realise the plan.

    READ ALSO: College of Agric Iguoriakhi: 48 students commence internship at NIFOR

    According to him, “As some of you may know, the usual life cycle for optimum palm production is 25 years. If we had kept pace with our peers in supporting improved cultivation of palm oil, at the current global market price of $600 per tonne and an assumed production level of 16 million tonnes, Nigeria could have generated close to $10 billion worth of foreign exchange from palm oil.”

    “This analysis does not take into consideration the amount of jobs that could have been created in our rural communities from large scale and small holder developments,” he explained.

    He said the CBN’s package to ensure Nigeria records accelerated jump in oil palm production include using part of the bank’s Anchor Borrower Programme (ABP), to grant loans at nine per cent interest rate and work with off-takers.

    “On our part, the ABP and our Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (the CBN will work with large corporate stakeholders and small-holder farmers to ensure availability of quality seeds for this year’s planting season and agro-chemicals in order to enable improved cultivation of oil palm,” he said.

  • Residents applaud Obaseki as work intensifies on Benin, Ekpoma roads

    As the Edo State government intensifies work on the over 140 roads across the state, Edo residents have applauded the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration on efforts to improve critical road infrastructure.

    The residents hailed the governor during a pidgin radio programme, Man Around Town, on Independent Radio, a private radio station, monitored on Monday in Benin City.

    A cross-section of the callers on the programme said that Governor Obaseki has continued with his commendable efforts at improving road infrastructure and bringing succour to a number of people in several communities in the state.

    READ ALSO: School Feeding programme: Caterers applaud synergy between FG, Obaseki

    One of the callers, Julius Ugiagbe, said that the ongoing road construction by Governor Obaseki has brought relief to residents in Ikpema Road which links Textile Mill Road and New Lagos Road in Uselu axis of Benin City.

    “Landlords in the area are excited about the quality of the work being done on the road. We thank the governor for a job well-done. We urge that the state government should continue to insist on quality projects from the contractors handling the road which will ensure that the roads last long,” Ugiagbe said.

    A resident in Ekpoma, Edo Central, Osazuwa John, expressed appreciation to the state government for the construction of Poultry Road, opposite Ambrose Alli University (AAU), which he said was abandoned by previous administrations.

    He noted that the Poultry Road project and other road projects being carried out in Ekpoma town will open more areas to economic activities and make life easier for residents, especially university students.

    Other residents, however, expressed optimism that the ongoing projects in other parts of the state have rekindled hope in the government.

    A resident in Benin City, Desmond Osayi, appealed to the state government to “extend the ‘Wake and See’ road construction to Eweka Street, off Upper Lawani” while Anthony Osamudiamen called on the governor to extend the good work to Evbayoboru Street, off 2nd East Circular Road.

    Further checks showed that work is ongoing on Awo and Ogbelaka streets linking Sokponba and Sapele roads in Benin City.

    NAN

  • Afuze Attack: Edo Police arrest culprits

    Following the marching order to the Edo State Police Command by the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to fish out the culprits in the massacre of Police officers in Afuze Divisional Police Headquarters, the Police will on Monday, March 18, parade the suspected killers.

    In a statement by Special Adviser to the State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, the state government said that a proper briefing of the operation that led to the arrest of the suspected killers will be given during the parade.

    According to him, “It is a bit of closure that the police has apprehended some of those suspected to have attacked the police station. Though we hear a good number of the suspects have been apprehended, we hope to get more information when the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Danmallam briefs the press tomorrow.”

    He said that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration is committed to protecting lives and property in the state and would never allow criminals have a free reign in the state.

    “The state government is committed to the security of Edo people and residents in the state. The incident in Afuze is condemnable and we commiserate with the affected families. We also hope that the speed at which the suspected culprits were arrested will bring some closure to the families, even as we await the full briefing from the police commissioner.”

    Recall that a gang of criminals attacked the Afuze Divisional Police Headquarters, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo, killing the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and three other officers on duty.

    The governor gave a directive immediately for the killers to be unraveled.

     

     

  • Youth Corps member backs Obaseki’s health programmes

    Impressed by Governor Godwin Obaseki’s youth-centric health programmes as well as the planned health insurance scheme in the state, an Edo youth, Miss Asika Obehi Constance, has embarked on a health awareness campaign across major markets and hospitals in Benin City.

    The campaign engaged medical and physical education experts in raising awareness and providing moral support to cancer victims and survivors.

    It held in major markets, including Santana Market, New Benin Market as well as Faith Mediplex and Central Hospital, all in Benin City, the state capital.

    Miss Obehi, in a chat with journalists, said that she organised the health awareness programme in support of the numerous health policies of the state government and wanted to show support for result-oriented and people-focused developmental strides of the governor.

    A physical health educator, Miss Obehi, is a youth corps member attached to EdoJobs, the state government’s skills development agency.

    She said the cancer awareness campaign is a community development service with a campaign team of 50 persons, including three medical doctors, two health educators and three cancer survivors.

    Read Also: Obaseki flags off EU/FG water reticulation project in Uromi

    According to her, “It was a sensitisation campaign that took us to market places like Santana Market and New Benin Market, in Benin City, to enlighten and educate the women about cancer. We shared flyers and taught them how to check themselves for breast cancer, which is common cancer among women.

    “We needed to raise awareness because a lot of people only get to know about the ailment when it is at an advanced stage. So, we wanted to enlighten the people and also throw our weight behind the governor’s health initiatives.”

    She said that at the medical centers, including Faith Mediplex Central Hospital, the team spoke to cancer patients and gave them moral support and gifts.

     

     

  • 2020 NSF: Facilities re-designed to accommodate all games, says Obaseki

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured that sports facilities in the state are being remodelled to accommodate games for the 2020 National Sports Festival, to ensure smooth hosting of the sporting event.

    Obaseki disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, at Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

    He explained that adjustments have been made on all the sporting facilities being built by the state government, to ensure the facilities are fit for hosting of the National Sports Festival in 2020.

    He said that the state government is prepared to justify the confidence reposed in the government in granting her the hosting right for the 2020 National Sports Festival, noting that his administration is working to ensure that Edo State sets a standard for hosting the games.

    Obaseki explained that he has secured assurances from contractors that some of the facilities to be used for the games will be test-run by October or November this year.

    “We will do everything to justify the confidence reposed in us as a state. We have begun to revamp all our sporting facilities in the state,” the governor said.

    According to him, security and other logistics were being put in place ahead of the games to ensure that participants have a memorable stay.

    “Edo is the home of culture and we have so much to show and display to the world. This is the home of sports in the country. As a state, we understand our role in the history of sports in Nigeria. Some of our leaders contributed to establishing the National Sports Festival to promote nation-building,” he added.

    Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Dalung, urged the state government to pay more attention to developing traditional sports, noting “The role of traditional sports is amazing. We encourage and challenge Edo people to present new sporting activities. We will be interested in developing such sports, it will go a long way to enhance national unity.”

    The minister commended the Obaseki-led administration for the ongoing massive development of sporting facilities in the state in preparation for the 2020 National Sports Festival.

     

  • Lagos Building Collapse: Obaseki commiserates with affected families

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commiserated with families of victims, the Lagos State Government and people over the collapse of a four-storey building in Ita Faji axis of Lagos Island.

    In a statement by Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, the governor said the incident and the attendant deaths are regrettable and a huge loss to the country, wishing the survivors quick recovery.

    He noted, “On behalf of the government and people of Edo State, I commiserate with the state government and people of Lagos State, over the tragic building collapse. The deaths as a result of the incident are regrettable, and one can only imagine the trauma the survivors are going through. I pray that God gives the families of the victims the fortitude to bear the loss.

    Read Also: Groups laud Obaseki for leading Edo APC to victory

    “To the survivors of the collapsed building, I wish them quick recovery. I also extend heartfelt condolences to the governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on the terrible incident.”

    Obaseki said that the incident once again brings to the fore the need for strict regulatory measures, effective monitoring and efficient implementation of safety guidelines in the building construction sector.

    He said there is a need for Nigerians to support governments across all levels in ensuring that buildings are constructed in line with regulatory guidelines and safety measures put in place to avoid casualties in such incidents.

  • Obaseki flags off EU/FG water reticulation project in Uromi

    Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has flagged off the Uromi-Ugboha Water Reticulation project in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of the state that will provide potable water to over 500,000 people in Edo Central Senatorial District of the state.

    The nine million litres per day capacity water plant was completed by the Federal Government in 2018 and handed over to the Edo State government.

    Speaking on the efficient management of the facility, Obaseki said that water from the plant would be metered to regulate usage and check leakages.

    “The scheme was designed to bring water to the homes of everybody in Esan land. To ensure sustainability of the water project, it will be paid for; we will give you meters and you will pay a token to ensure you continue to have water in your houses,” the governor told beneficiaries of the project.

    He urged the contractors handling the project to ensure that greater percentage of the workforce was drawn from the host community.

    Technical Assistant Team Lead, Niger Delta Support Programme 3, Albert Achten, said the project, which is an extension of the European Union/Niger Delta Support Programme, is a win-win for all stakeholders.

    “This is a remarkable triple win project; a win for the federal government of Nigeria, a win for the EU which seeks improved water service delivery and a win for Edo State, as it will serve a significant number of people,” Achten said.

    Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, commended Governor Obaseki for embarking on the reform of the state water and sanitation sectors.

    “The newly adopted Water Supply and Sanitation Policy and the state’s new water law are highly commendable,” Udo Udoma said

    The minister, represented by a Director in the ministry, Mrs Elizabeth Egharevba, said the Uromi reticulation project would be completed in six months’ time.

    The Odionwere of Idumu-Eganlan Quarters in Uromi, Pa Michael Igbirenmonlen, expressed his gratitude to the governor for the project and appealed to him to assist them with a perimeter fence around the school close to the water project as well as link roads for the community.

     

  • World Glaucoma Week: Obaseki assures on responsive policies to tackle ailment

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said that the state government will continue to advance responsive healthcare delivery policies that will help curb glaucoma and reduce the incidence of blindness in the state.

    The governor said this in commemoration of the 2019 World Glaucoma Week held annually between March 10 to 16. It is championed by the World Glaucoma Association and the World Glaucoma Patient Association.

    According to the governor, “As the World marks the Glaucoma Week, I want to assure our people in Edo State that we are working round the clock to ensure that necessary policies to promote efficient healthcare delivery are put in place, including those that would help fight glaucoma.

    “Even with a focus on primary healthcare, we are also very keen on ensuring that ailments like glaucoma get the needed attention. We are strengthening the healthcare system in the state to promote awareness creation and efficient management of the ailment and are ready to work with health missions.”

    He said this is made possible with the siting of healthcare centers closer to the people in rural areas, as much work has been done with the Edo Healthcare Improvement Programme (Edo-HIP) to ensure that efficient healthcare is provided for the people.

    Noting that the state government will continue to prioritize the wellbeing of the people, the governor said that glaucoma, which is the second leading cause of blindness after cataract, would be mitigated with responsive policies.

    “This is why we need the support of other stakeholders, such as the traditional institutions, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to key into our health programmes so that we can, together, help in managing glaucoma and other related ailments in the state,” he said.

  • Obaseki visits scene of Afuze attack, condemns killing of police officers

    Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday visited the Divisional Police Headquarters, Afuze, in Owan East Local Government Area of the state, which was attacked by yet-to-be identified bandits, who killed four police officers and blew up the police facility with Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

    Obaseki condemned the attack and promised that the culprits will be arrested and made to face justice.

    “We have not gotten this lawless in Edo State, that people can go to the extent of attacking police officers at their station. I have ordered the release of all the resources required to apprehend and bring the culprits face-to-face with justice,” he said.

    “Our hearts are with the families of the deceased and we will stand by them in these difficult moments. I have ordered the immediate refurbishment of the police facility for policing to continue in Afuze and environs,” the governor added.

    Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr Danmallam Muhammed, said his men are working round the clock to apprehend the culprits.

    He called on citizens to assist the police with information and report suspicious activities in their neighbourhood to the police.

    According to reports, the gunmen attacked the Police Divisional Headquarters on Tuesday night, killing the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and three others.

    A resident of Afuze town, said that the gunmen arrived the station with Improvised Explosive Device (IED), which they detonated before leaving the facility.

    He added that most of the vehicles parked at the station were destroyed.

    The resident said after the attack on the station, the gunmen went to the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the local government where they destroyed police vehicles parked at the premises.