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Tag: Godwin Obaseki

  • Polls: Obaseki hails process, says turnout, security impressive

    Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has commended voters in Edo State for coming out en masse to cast their votes, describing the voting process as smooth and impressive.

    Obaseki and his wife, Betsy, both arrived their polling unit (Ward 4, Unit 19) in Emokpae Primary school, Oredo Local Government Area of the state, at exactly 9:55am and voted at about 10:17am. His wife voted earlier at exactly 10:15am.

    The governor who also expressed delight at the conduct of security personnel at the polling unit, said: “The voting process has been smooth and orderly so far and the turnout is good.

    Read Also: Oshiomhole, Obaseki meet APC leaders in Edo

    “We have not received any security incidents so far. We have made provisions for aerial, land and water surveillance and I am optimistic that the process will be peaceful all through”.

    He assured that there would be no voter apathy in the state as his party, the APC, had sensitised voters in the state to participate in the elections.

    It was gathered that voting materials arrived Emokpae Primary School as early as 7:30am while accreditation and voting commenced at 8:10am.

     

  • Obaseki inspects Ewu, Ibore gully erosion remediation work

    …assures other communities of govt’s intervention

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured communities affected by gully erosion that the state’s intervention efforts would soon get to them, noting that ongoing remediation work at Ewu and Ibore gully erosion sites in Esan Central Local Government Area of the state would serve as a template to attend to their challenges.

    The remediation work at the Ewu and Ibore gully erosion sites is being executed by the state government and the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).

    The governor, who was at the site to inspect ongoing remediation work, identified human activities as the main cause of gully erosion, and urged residents of communities threatened by erosion and other forms of natural disasters to take proactive steps in raising the alarm for urgent government intervention.

    He noted, “If the communities had alerted government on time, the threat to their environment could have been prevented and unnecessary loss of lives and huge financial costs avoided.”

    Obaseki explained that the remediation work marked the end of the trauma, uncertainty, loss of lives and property in the two communities and a new beginning for proper environmental and waste management.

    He assured residents of Ugbalo Community, who are neighbors to Ibore that work would soon commence to address the challenge of flooding in the community.

    “In two months’ time, we will commence work at Ugbalo to tackle the runoff water from Ibore which is causing flooding there.”

    Read Also: Oshiomhole, Obaseki meet APC leaders in Edo

    The governor added that the state government’s next line of action in Esan Central Local Government council is economic empowerment for youths through technical education and revitalisation of Ewu Flour Mill to provide jobs.

    “I will also do something else for Ugbalo. The technical school at Irrua will be rehabilitated so your youth can acquire skills that would enable them sustain themselves.”

    Earlier, Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Dame Omoua Oni-Okpaku, said the remediation work on the erosion sites at Ewu and Ibore was among other ongoing projects across the state.

    Oni-Okpaku urged residents in the affected communities to cooperate with contractors handling the project to ensure completion of the project’s second phase.

    In his remarks, Onojie of Ewu, His Royal Highness, Rasaq Ojiefo III, expressed appreciation for the project, recounting how lives had been lost during rainy season, noting, “We thank you our governor, the contractors and everyone working towards the success of the project. We have lost over ten persons to this gully before this work commenced.”

    The spokesperson for Ibore Community, Mr. Theophilus Okoh, praised governor Obaseki for fulfilling his electioneering promises in 2016.

     

  • Rescheduled polls: Obaseki assures of adequate security

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured voters in the state of adequate security to ensure peaceful conduct of the rescheduled general elections, calling on the people to come out en masse to exercise their franchise to deepen democracy in the country.

    Obaseki gave the assurance in a state-wide broadcast on Thursday, stressing that the state was committed to working with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the election is free, fair, transparent and credible.

    He said, “as we know, election is the most significant ingredient of democracy and a major instrument for recruiting political leadership in democratic societies like ours. Participating in the democratic process enables the citizenry (the electorates) to freely determine who should lead them at every level of government periodically and take decisions that shape their socio-economic and political destiny; and if elected officers falter, the electorates still possess the power to recall them or vote them out in the next election.”

    Noting the state government’s resolve to contribute to deepening democratic governance in the country, the governor explained, “The issue of security will be key to the success of this election, therefore any threat to peace will be taken seriously and dealt with properly. I want to assure you all that adequate security arrangements have been put in place to prevent breakdown of law and order and guarantee free and fair elections in Edo State.

    “Any incidents of violence should be reported to the National Crisis Centre on telephone number: 196 or the Edo Election Crises Centre on telephone numbers: 08077773721 and 07033940263.”

    He cautioned Edo residents to refrain from public statements, pronouncements, speeches and hateful conduct capable of causing violence during and after the elections, adding, “Violence-free incidents at the polling units will encourage more people to come out and vote. This will boost the dwindling ratio of voters’ turn-out in recent years in Edo State and also contribute to nurturing and the consolidation of democratic governance in Nigeria which future generations would be proud of.”

    While urging support for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Obaseki said, “2019 General Election is a crucial election to Edo people. Since I assumed office on the 12th of November 2016, all my actions, policies and programmes have been based on the agenda and manifesto of my party – the APC.

    Read Also: Obaseki’s aide urges INEC to embrace ICT

    “And as I stated in my New Year Message, our success as a government has been largely based on the support from President Muhammadu Buhari. With the assistance and intervention of President Buhari, we have been able to pay the salaries of all workers in Edo State as and when due. Pension payments due to state and local government retirees are now regular, and we are clearing the backlog of pension and gratuity arrears of all workers.”

    On the president’s support, he said, “President Buhari has supported and encouraged our Education reforms particularly the revamp of our technical colleges and EDOBEST, which is becoming a reference for educational transformation globally. My job creation efforts have been boosted by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s N-Power initiative which has contributed over 12000 graduate jobs to the 80,000 jobs we have been able to create in the last two years mostly for young people.

    “Over 30,000 Edo citizens have benefited from the Federal Government’s social intervention programmes such as Trader-moni, market-moni. With the active support of Mr. President we are currently processing applications for federal government incentives such as export processing zone licence for the Benin Industrial park which by the grace of God will receive its first tenants early next year. This is happening at the same time as we are awaiting the Federal Government to guarantee the credit facility to develop the Benin River Port.”

    Noting that the major industrialization projects by his government are driven by the President’s support, he said, “I am very optimistic that President Buhari will grant us the required approvals which we need to break the monopoly of BEDC so that Edo people can enjoy constant supply of electricity just as he did when he gave us the approvals to build the 450MW Azura plant in Ihovbor. I have gone into great lengths to highlight how much we have benefited as a state from having an APC government in Abuja which has supported our government fully. If we are able to complement the support which we currently enjoy at the Federal level with competent legislators from my party, who are committed to the Edo Agenda, I am confident that I will be able to fulfill and perhaps exceed my promises to you.”

    Calling on the people to vote for APC candidates in the elections, he said, “I am therefore using the opportunity of this broadcast to solicit your support and the goodwill of all well-meaning Edo citizens to sustain the current development efforts of my government by voting all the candidates of APC. They all have a history of patriotic service. Your vote for my party APC and our candidates will guarantee that I can complete all my ongoing projects and reposition Edo State as a major state where it rightly belongs.”

  • Obaseki orders payment of February salary to Edo workers

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Thursday, ordered the immediate payment of February salary to workers in the state, ahead of the February 23 general elections.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, disclosed this in a statement in Benin City, Edo State capital.

    Osagie said the governor’s decision to pay workers well ahead of the usual 26th day of the month, when salaries are usually paid in Edo State, was informed by the need to cushion the effect of the rescheduled elections and also provide support for those who will have to travel to their various voting centres to participate in the general elections holding on Saturday, February 23.

    He said the governor was aware that the rescheduled polls disrupted a lot of plans of residents and may have left many stranded, noting, “This is why he has decided to pay them earlier than the 26th day of the month, which is the payday for government workers in the state. Among other things, this gesture will enable them to travel to their various local government areas and fully participate in the February 23 general elections.”

    He added, “Edo workers will get their February salaries before the close of business today, Thursday, February 21, 2019. There is no denying that Governor Obaseki is committed to the welfare of workers in the state, and this amplifies this stance.”

  • Resumption of campaigns: Edo voters restate support for APC candidates

    Voters in Edo State have restated their support for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the extension of political campaigns in the country, noting that the window will allow them the opportunity to canvass for more votes for development-focused candidates of the ruling party.

    A cross-section of the voters described resumption of campaigns as an opportunity for candidates to continue far-reaching interaction with the electorate ahead of the elections on February 23.

    Charles Asemota, a resident of Oredo Local Government Area of the state, said he will leverage the opportunity of the extension of campaigns to mobilise other voters in his area to vote for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the party has shown to be people-oriented.

    Asemota, who operates a taxi service in Benin City, said since the APC-led administration took over governance in the state, “Edo State has continued to record tremendous development in the areas of infrastructure, socio-economic reforms, social investment for youths and women. With all these happening in the state, I don’t see any reason why voters in the state would not support APC candidates.”

    A retail store operator in Ekpoma, Mrs. Monica Idemudia, said that it is only logical that INEC allows political parties and their candidates continue with the campaigns since the elections were postponed, adding, “this will give the candidates a window to convince the people on what they stand to benefit by voting for them.”

    Mrs. Idemudia expressed support for APC candidates in the February 23 elections, noting that she would use the window to canvass support for APC candidates.

    “Governor Godwin Obaseki has convinced me beyond reasonable doubts why I should support candidates of his party with his good works such as the prompt payment of teachers’ salary, and arrears owed pensioners. We are seeing improvement in the reconstruction of roads and other impactful projects,” she added.

     

  • Obaseki calls for global network on women empowerment

    Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has called for a network of world leaders, religious groups, civil society organizations, regional think tanks and rights advocates to intensify the clamour for the empowerment of women.

    Obaseki, who made the call in Benin City, in commemoration of the World Day for Social Justice, marked on February 20, each year, maintained that “it was time to aggregate the pockets of efforts by state and non-state actors, for a robust framework that would mainstream women empowerment in development, globally.”

    He said: “In Africa and other third world countries, inheritance right for women is still a big issue, yet women in these economies contribute significantly to the socio-economic wellbeing of their households.

    “We must make the case for the education of the girl child and pursue it vigorously. We must review our laws and social practices that manifestly or latently relegate the interest of women in our contemporary society.”

    Commending groups and organisations championing women issues across the globe, the governor tasked world leaders to escalate the campaign and galvanise governments that are neutral, nonchalant or half-hearted towards the empowerment of women, to change their stand.

    Citing the progress his administration has made in empowering girls, women and vulnerable people in Edo State, Obaseki said: “We have signed into law, the Violence Against Persons Law, conceived to curtail the incidence of rape, female genital mutilation and other violent acts against girls, women, men and the weak in society.”

    Read Also: Obaseki assures of peaceful polls in Edo

    He added: “At the Edo Innovation Hub, we have series of empowerment programmes for our youth and we have created over 77,000 direct and indirect jobs for job seekers in the state.”

    According to the United Nations, “Social justice is an underlying principle for peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations.

    “We uphold the principles of social justice when we promote gender equality or the rights of indigenous peoples and migrants.

    “We advance social justice when we remove barriers that people face because of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture or disability.”

    The UN stressed that “the pursuit of social justice for all is at the core of our global mission to promote development and human dignity,” adding that the adoption by the International Labour Organisation of the Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalisation is just one recent example of the UN system’s commitment to social justice.

    “The Declaration focuses on guaranteeing fair outcomes for all through employment, social protection, social dialogue, and fundamental principles and rights at work,” the UN explained

  • VAP Law: Edo First Lady, Attorney General charge Police on enforcement

    Wife of the Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, has charged the Police in the state to ensure strict enforcement of the Violence Against Persons (VAP) Law.

    Mrs. Betsy gave the charge during a march to protest acts of violence against persons in the state, which coincided with the signing of the VAP Law by the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

    The protest was also held against the inhuman treatment meted to a young girl, Miss Ada Favour, over allegations that she stole a mobile phone.

    Also, the Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, urged the police to ensure that they properly prosecute cases of crimes against persons, even when they go against the grain of societal acceptance, noting that justice must be served in all cases.

    Mrs. Obaseki said the state governor is gender-friendly and would work to advance the interest of women, adding, “We have a gender-friendly governor, and for these things to be happening in his time, it shows that they are about to end. We have to know that we have a governor who loves to promote women issues.”

    She urged the Police to ensure a thorough investigation of the assault on Miss Ada Favour and ensure that justice is served on the matter.

    On the abuse of the young girl, she said, “So, we want to condemn from the debt of our hearts and with every iota of our being, violence, indecent and inhuman acts, especially against women and children. We as women in Edo State, join our voices with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), a Non-Government Organisations (NGO), and other stakeholders to condemn the act.

    Speaking on the need to be thorough in investigations, Prof. Omorogbe told the police commissioner, “We know that you are a partner with us. We welcome that and value the relationship. But what we want is to ensure, particularly in the justice sector, that justice is truly served. We want you to ensure the right investigation.

    “We don’t want our cases botched. Very often, when we are dealing with gender violence or violence that is treated as being the norm in society, the Police often mess it up because they don’t even see that it is a problem in society.”

    Governor Obaseki, last Tuesday signed the Violence Against Persons (VAP) Bill into law, to address all forms of violence and protect vulnerable members of the society.

    Signing the bill in Government House, Benin City, he noted that he was aware that the bill touches on fundamental practices among the people, assuring that he was not only signing the bill as a formality, but will ensure it is implemented to the letter.

    “We will not stop here by just signing the bill into law, but will commence the much difficult work of implementing it to the letter. It must be noted that this bill has been in consideration for over six to eight years but the time has come for us to have a law like this VAP Law, to protect the most vulnerable and weak in our society.

    “As a government, we have aligned with the Federation of Women Lawyer (FIDA)’s purpose and objective and therefore have no hesitation in signing the bill into law,” he said.

  • Stakeholders laud Edo govt’s move to sanitize building, construction industry

    Property developers and builders in Edo State have applauded steps taken by the state government to rid the building and construction sector of criminally minded persons who go about swindling stakeholders by disguising as government officials.

    A cross-section of the stakeholders, in a chat with journalists in Benin City, said steps taken by the state government to rid the sector of impersonators will boost confidence of investors, who are spurred to invest in the state on the back of reforms spearheaded by Governor Godwin Obaseki in land administration, taxation, among others.

    A property developer, Mr. Maxwell Orobosa, said the swift response of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development in moving against persons impersonating officials of the state government, is commendable.

    He said that now that developers have been informed of how to identify these fraudsters, “it will go a long way to improve how things are done, as some stakeholders have in the past fallen victims to the imposters who extort money from them.”

    Another stakeholder in the sector, Mr. Lewis Osasu, noted that information put out by the state government will guide developers and builders on how to avoid fraudsters and ensure that they properly pay dues to the right government agency.

    Recall that the state government cautioned land developers in the state over antics of individuals and groups who impersonate government officials to defraud land developers, noting that state officials do not demand and collect cash on construction sites.

    Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Erimona Oye Edorodion, said: “imposters go about in private unbranded vehicles (cars and buses) to defraud unsuspecting developers of their hard-earned money.”

    He said that “The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development does not collect cash at building construction sites, rather all payments are made via designated banks into Edo State Government Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Accounts.”

    He noted, “Only officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development are empowered by law to demand approved building plans from developers at building construction site. The officials visit building construction sites in the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development’s branded Hilux vehicles with the official Government number plates.”

     

     

  • Obaseki lauds AU for prioritising travails of migrants

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commended the African Union (AU) for recognising the peculiar travails of immigrants, returnees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) across the continent, noting that there was need to bring the issues to the front burner.

    The governor said this in reaction to the declaration of 2019 as the Year of Immigrants, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) by the AU, in recognition of the difficulty faced by many fleeing conflict, disease and harsh socio-economic realities prevalent in a number of African countries.

    In a statement, the governor hailed the AU for rising to the occasion to make a case for immigrants, returnees and IDPs, who are all victims of a myriad of development challenges bedeviling the African continent.

    According to him, “I am very delighted that the African Union declared 2019 the year of immigrants, refugees and IDPs. This aligns with our very dogged fight to ensure we stem illegal migration and human trafficking in the state.”

    He said that it was heartwarming that the continental body is throwing its weight behind such a pressing contemporary issue which a number of African countries are grappling with, calling for a more robust cross-border stakeholder engagement in tackling the issues that arise from the scourge of illegal migration and human trafficking.

    Noting that the state government has recorded modest success in tackling the menace, he said the government will be ready to share notes with other African countries facing similar challenge.

    “As a knowledge-driven government, we are very much ready to share our success stories with other countries facing similar challenge so that the issues can be tackled from all fronts and a sustainable, far-reaching solution reached.”

     

     

  • Obaseki commiserates with Igbinedion family over passing of Osaretin

    Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has expressed shock at the news of the passing of Osaretin Igbinedion, son of Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion, former governor of Edo State and a family member, Eseosa Oyemwense.

    In a statement issued in Benin City by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, Obaseki said: “I commiserate with Chief Lucky Igbinedion and his wife, Mrs Eki Igbinedion and the entire Igbinedion family over the passing of Osaretin and Eseosa Oyemwense.”

    Obaseki added: “There are no adequate words to describe the deep sense of loss associated with the untimely passing of one’s child, irrespective of his age.

    “I join friends and well-wishers of the Igbinedion family in prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed and urge the family to take solace in the assurance that we will meet again on the day of resurrection.”