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Tag: Godwin Obaseki

  • Over 200 SMEs seek space in Edo Production Centre

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that not less than 200 Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in fabrication, furniture making, printing and polythene production have applied to work from the Edo Production Centre, which will soon open for business.

    Addressing journalists after inspecting the renovation work at the facility, the governor said “We have over 200 applications from SMEs who want to come and locate here. We have had many SMEs coming together as cluster or cooperatives, who applied and have been given space for fabrication, production of polythene-based products and furniture making.”

    Obaseki explained that arrangements have been completed to get uninterrupted power supply to the facility while the Magistrate Court within the premises would be relocated.

    Read Also: PDP rejects Edo Assembly polls results

    “The power contractor has assured that within the next fortnight, they will provide electricity for the Production Centre.  We should be relocating the court houses to the various local government councils,” he said.

    On the plan to ensure free flow of traffic along Sapele Road, which is the major road connecting the Production Centre, Obaseki said that the state government was working with the federal government to fix pot holes on the road and install street lights.

    Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Jobs Creation and Skills Development, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, said the Edo Production Centre is set-up to assist SMEs scale up production, reduce costs and grow their businesses.

    The governor’s aide said the Production Centre is owned by the state government in collaboration with the Bank of Industry, MEND and Benson Idahosa University.

     

     

  • Obaseki’s reforms: Facebook, MainOne to invest in Edo, says Opeke

    The Chief Executive Officer of MainOne Cable Company, Funke Opeke, has said that the investment by Facebook and MainOne in broadband network infrastructure in Edo State is as a result of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s ease of doing business reforms and commitment to boosting productivity through technology.

    Opeke, who disclosed this in an interview with journalists, said that the project in Edo is part of Facebook’s mission to connect people around the world via the internet.

    MainOne has been laying fibre cables across the state since November last year, in what is seen as a major step to firm up the state’s burgeoning technology ecosystem, after the launch of the Edo Innovation Hub.

    READ ALSO: Obaseki’s reform: Edo tours forest reserves, decries degradation

    Noting that the investment is part of the 750km open-access fibre infrastructure in Nigeria implemented with MainOne, she said, “The overarching focus for Facebook is improving internet connectivity and empowering partner operators such as MainOne with the tools to build networks to connect more people.

    “With our partnership with Facebook, we have invested in building new infrastructure in states like Ogun and Edo that is open-access and can be used by all operators. You may recall that the major challenge impeding broadband proliferation in Nigeria is the limited access to distribution   infrastructure   to   get the abundant internet capacity available in submarine cables on the Nigerian shoreline in Lagos to the hinterland.”

    She said that the leadership in Edo State prioritises technology development, which is why the project was able to scale through in the state.

    According to her, “Our work brings our team in contact with the leadership in many of the states.  These particular states have leadership that is promoting the development of technology ecosystems and job creation in their states.  When we had the opportunity to engage and share with them our capabilities    and    accomplishments  on  previous  projects  in  places  such  as  the  deployment  of fibre infrastructure for Silicon Yaba  with  CCHub,  the  deployment   of   Express   Wi-Fi   with   Tizeti  in  Lagos  as  well  as  our aspirations for pervasive broadband   everywhere   in   Nigeria, they  welcomed  us  to  build  infrastructure in their states.

    “The Edo State government has prioritised technology as one of the cardinal pillars of the ongoing reform agenda in the state, introducing ICT-compliant pedagogy in primary schools; building the Edo Innovation Hub, where school leavers and graduates undergo beginner and advanced training in technology, as well as revamping technical education to increase productivity. The duo of Governors Godwin Obaseki and Ibikunle Amosun have identified ICT as critical  themes for the transformation of their states and have been supportive of our fibre expansions.”

  • Groups laud Obaseki for leading Edo APC to victory

    Following the impressive outing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the Edo State House of Assembly election, Edo-based socio-political groups have applauded Governor Godwin Obaseki for leading the APC to a landslide victory.

    Representatives of the groups, who spoke to journalists, said the outstanding performance of the APC in the March 9 State House of Assembly election, is not only unprecedented but goes to show that Governor Obaseki’s developmental strides and style of governance resonate well with Edo people and residents.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State announced that the APC cleared 23 of the 24 seats in the State House of Assembly, with the election in Orhionmwon II State Constituency declared inconclusive.

    Read Also: Obaseki’s Chief of Staff wins polling unit

    In a congratulatory message, the Progressive Benin Youth Forum (PBYF) described the APC’s outing in the poll as an affirmation of Governor Obaseki’s sterling performance, adding, “we congratulate the governor on the historic victory in the State House of Assembly election.”

    Another group, Edo People in Diaspora Association, said the performance of the APC in the State House of Assembly poll is not a fluke, noting that the governor deserved such a support as he has shown to be “humble, noiseless, and an unassuming history maker.”

    The Godwin Obaseki Support Group (GOSG) said Obaseki will go down in history as a governor who led the APC to landslide victory in the State House of Assembly Poll.

    Another group, Edo Grassroots Movement, said “We hail Governor Obaseki, the champion of the masses because you put us first, we are behind you like a rock. Congratulations on the 100 per cent victory in the Edo State House of Assembly election.”

     

  • 2020 NSF: Obaseki explores more centres to host games

    ..as National Council of Sports meets in Edo

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state government would explore more sporting centres across the state as venues for sporting activities during the 2020 National Sports Festival (NSF) that will be hosted by the state.

    Obaseki disclosed this while on inspection of re-modelling work at the Government Science and Technical College (GSTC), formerly known as Benin Technical College, in Benin City.

    He said “I am going to inspect what the school has in its sporting arena. We are hosting the National Sports Festival in 2020 and we need venues for the events, so we want to see if we can rebuild the swimming pool here, the lawn tennis court and even the race tracks.”

    Meanwhile, the National Council on Sports is holding a week-long extraordinary meeting in Benin City, the first since Edo State was given the hosting right for the 2020 National Sports Festival.

    Checks revealed that top on the agenda of the meeting is the review of the 19th National Sports Festival hosted in Abuja, status of Beach Volleyball, zonal eliminations for team sports, sports for the next festival and medical guidelines.

    Other issues expected to be discussed include the proposed date for the 20th National Sports Festival and inspection of facilities.

    Recall that after Edo was given the right to host the 2020 edition of the sports fiesta, Governor Obaseki assured “that the confidence reposed in us would be justified. The sports community will have no cause to regret this momentous decision that has been taken for Edo State to host the next edition of the National Sports Festival.”

  • Edo deploys 1.5KVA solar power boxes to 100 rural schools

    As part of efforts to explore alternative power sources and mainstream innovative youths in community-focused projects, the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration has commenced the installation of 1.5KVA solar power boxes developed by youths at the Edo Innovation Hub, across 100 rural schools in the state.

    The solar power boxes were developed by Green Fusion Energy Ltd., a company that emerged from innovation and business grooming at the Edo Innovation Hub, Benin City, and is providing solar energy to students in rural areas.

    The Edo State Government set up the Hub to attend to the yearnings of technology innovators in the state, and it is providing opportunities for youths to co-create and develop solutions to local problems.

    Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Skills Development and Job Creation, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, said that the solar box was developed by a team at the hub, which has now grown into a full-fledged company delivering power solutions.

    She added that the installation of the solar boxes in rural schools across the state was a fulfilment of Governor Obaseki’s pledge to the team after they impressed him during a pitch competition.

    She noted that the solar boxes are being installed in 100 schools under the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) by Green Fusion engineers while 50 other youths are undergoing training in different communities where the boxes are being installed.

    She said the beneficiary schools include, “Aleye Primary School, Etsako Central Local Government Area (LGA); Akugbe Primary School, Etsako Central LGA; Efolo Primary School, Akoko Edo LGA; Afekunu Primary School, Akoko Edo LGA; Agbanehumu Primary School, Akoko Edo LGA; Abe Primary School, Orhionmwon LGA; Akengbuda Primary school, Urora in Ikpoba-Okha LGA; Akugbe Primary School, Ikpoba-Okha LGA; Adolor Primary School, Evboro; Binidodogha Primary School, Ovia South West LGA, and Aden River Primary School, Ovia South West LGA.”

    Mrs. Dare added that the installation has been completed in Aibotise Primary School in Etsako West LGA, while installation is ongoing in Agbomoba Primary School, Agbomoba; and Abesi Primary School in Ovia South West LGA.”

  • Obaseki eulogies late Deaconess Cecilia Ogbeifun

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has described late Deaconess Cecilia Izogie Ogbeifun, as one among women who are the bastions of development.

    The governor gave the tribute at a social dance held in honour of late Deaconess Cecilia Izogie Ogbeifun in Benin City, Edo State.

    He said, “As a government, we will do everything to protect, support, empower and strengthen women because once you strengthen them, you would have strengthened the foundation of the society.

    “Mama was an extraordinary woman, a woman who lived 100 years.  What you see here today is a demonstration of the life she lived. She was a mother to all,” Obaseki said.

    On his part, son of the late Deaconess, Engr. Cecilia Izogie Ogbeifun, expressed his appreciation to dignitaries and other guests who were at the social dance, adding that his late mother lived a virtuous life.

    Ogbeifun said, “She is a woman who feared God and had 10 children that she brought up with integrity, honour and the fear of God. Today, we are all hardworking and successful. We thank God for her life as she died at 100 years old.”

  • Obaseki celebrates Osinbajo at 62

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, as he marks his 62nd birthday, praying for more years of purpose-driven leadership for the erudite scholar.

    In a statement, Obaseki applauded the Vice President for his laudable leadership strides, support and absolute commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria, noting, “On behalf of the Government and people of Edo State, I congratulate you and celebrate all that you represent in building a strong and united Nigeria.”

    He added, “Your leadership strides have brought a new, refreshing panache in governance. The essence of your gracious mien in attending to governance has won you many admirers, and we celebrate this new way of thinking and doing things in government.

    Read Also: Obaseki ‘threatens to deal with APC leaders’

    The governor, who has played host to the Vice President more than four times in Edo State within a period of two years, said that Prof. Osinbajo’s commitment to ensuring the growth of Nigeria, and how he has, at different times, supported Edo State Government’s policies on basic education, industrialisation, housing development and economic reforms are commendable.

    Obaseki noted, “We celebrate with you as you continue to place Nigeria and her people first, and above all else. Happy birthday and we wish you many more years of fruitful service to humanity.”

  • Int’l Women’s Day: Commissioner parades Obaseki’s achievements

    The Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. (Mrs.) Magdalene Ohenhen, has commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for bridging gender gaps across different sectors of the state.

    Ohenhen gave the commendation while addressing journalists in Benin City, on Friday, in commemoration of the 2019 International Women’s Day.

    She described the Obaseki-led administration as gender friendly, noting that many women have been given the opportunity to contribute to the economic and political growth of the state.

    “Governor Obaseki and his wife, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki have done a lot for women in the state.  Mrs. Obaseki spearheaded the process which led to the signing of the Violence Against Persons (VAP) Law in the state,” she said.

    According to the commissioner, “For the first time in the state, we have a Special Adviser on Gender Issues and 18 other Special Assistants on Gender Issues, who were selected from the 18 Local Government Areas of the state to bridge the gender gaps in their localities.”

    Read Also: Obaseki mourns death of Prof. Elebute

    The governor, she said, “inaugurated a committee on the implementation of the World Bank-sponsored Nigeria for Women Project to benefit 54,000 women in the state.”

    On the activities lined up to mark the 2019 International Women’s Day, Ohenhen said the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development will organise a-one day advocacy/sensitisation workshop for women across the state to celebrate the gender-friendly policies of the Obaseki-led administration.

    She added that the global theme for the 2019 International Women’s Day, ‘Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change’ was apt as the growing digital divide among genders in innovation and technology needs to be addressed.

  • Obaseki, Oyegun extol legacies of late Ambrose Osawe

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and former National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun have lauded the enduring legacies of late Hon. Ambrose Taiwo Osawe.

    Late Osawe, who died at the age of 73, was once president of Benin Club, a politician, historian, journalist and publisher.

    The governor said late Osawe was a man of honour, who worked for the interest of his people and for the growth of the state.

    In his homily at the funeral mass held in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. David Ogun, urged Christians to live right and impact lives of people around them.

    Read Also: Obaseki’s EdoFAC excites farmers

    “Life is short, but it can be enjoyed; use it to serve and impact those that come your way. Death is inevitable, as all must die. For this reason, I encourage us all to live right,” the Priest urged.

    Fr. Ogun charged youths not to allow themselves to be used for negative ventures, but should ensure they affect their societies positively, noting, “Live your life well to positively affect your generation, so that the value of the society can’t be questioned.”

    He extolled the leadership qualities of late Osawe while urging the children to emulate their father who has impacted positively on society.

    Hon. Ambrose Taiwo Osawe had his early education at the Holy Cross Catholic School, before proceeding to Eghosa Anglican Grammar School in 1956.

  • 54,000 women benefit from World Bank-backed Project in Edo

    Efforts to bridge gender gap in Edo State has received a boost as 54,000 women from the three senatorial districts are set to benefit from the pilot phase of the Nigeria for Women Project, Governor Godwin Obaseki has said.

    Obaseki who inaugurated the State Steering Committee and State Technical Committee of the Nigeria for Women Projects at Government House in Benin City, said the project is supported by the World Bank in collaboration with the Federal Government and designed to empower women across Edo, Ogun, Niger, Taraba, Abia and Kebbi states.

    Expatiating on the benefits which the programme holds for women, the governor maintained that his administration was committed to bridging the economic and social gaps that exist between men and women in the state.

    “We are addressing all forms of gender gaps which have encouraged extreme poverty in the state.

    “So much is being done to ensure that women and girls are empowered with relevant skills to enable them to become self-reliant and contribute more to the economy,” he said.

    According to Obaseki, “when women are empowered, it has a multiplier effect on the nation’s economy and poverty reduction.”

    He stressed the importance of a robust data base for the committees’ work and charged members to come up with modalities on how the projects will be executed.

    Read Also: Edo Poly eyes grant for research

    “We need to come up with specific action plans and monitoring mechanism so we can measure outcomes,” he urged, and tasked the various Ward Development Committees to be part of the screening of the project beneficiaries, to allow for fair representation, he said.

    In her votes of thanks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Magdalene Ohenhen, said the ministry was passionate about the project and would ensure it succeeds.

    Ohenhen commended the governor’s efforts at mainstreaming women in governance and particularly for ensuring that Edo State is part of the project.

    She assured that the committees would act on the terms of reference given by the governor.