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Tag: Godwin Obaseki

  • Yellow Fever: Obaseki leads campaign against disease in Edo

    …FG provides 3 million doses of vaccine

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has charged residents of the state, aged between nine (9) months to 59 years, to ensure they take the yellow fever vaccine, to inoculate themselves against the disease.

    The state government has also taken delivery of three million doses of vaccine from the Federal Ministry of Health in response to the yellow fever outbreak in the state.

    The governor gave the charge when he led members of the State Executive Council (EXCO) on a vaccination campaign in Benin City, at the end of the weekly EXCO meeting at the Government House, in Benin City.

    Addressing journalists after taking a shot of the vaccine, he said the yellow fever vaccination campaign was ongoing across the 18 local government areas of the state.

    He urged residents in the state to ensure that they are vaccinated against the ailment

    He commended the Federal Ministry of Health for the prompt response to the disease outbreak in the state.

    He said that the state government has provided logistics to get the vaccine to every part of the state, especially where outbreak of the disease was recorded.

    “We had the unfortunate incident of yellow fever outbreak in some parts of the state a couple of weeks ago. It is a deadly aliment. Within a short period, we lost a number of persons. It is highly preventable; all you need is to be vaccinated against the virus,” he said.

    “I just got vaccinated; it doesn’t hurt. Once you take a dose, you are vaccinated for life,” he assured.

  • Obaseki signs N183.7bn budget for 2019

    …as Edo Assembly reviews estimate upward by 4.3%

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday, signed the N183.7 billion 2019 Appropriation Bill passed by the Edo State House of Assembly into law.

    The budget estimate, earlier pegged at N175 billion, was reviewed upward to N183,744,326,962.19 by the House of Assembly to provide funds for the completion of ongoing infrastructural  projects across the state.

    The governor, who signed the budget after Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Kabiru Adjoto presented the 2019 Appropriation Bill to him at the Government House,  thanked the legislature for the timely consideration and passage of the budget.

    According to him, “Last year, when parliament considered our budget and approved the budget before 31st December 2017, people taught we were joking. I recall you said as long as you are Speaker, this will be the tradition. You have kept your word. I want to thank you sincerely for considering the budget in this manner.

    Noting that the House of Assembly was flexible enough to accommodate additions to the budget due to new developments, he said, “What is significant is your flexibility and sensitivity. We just got the right to host the 2020 National Sports Festival last Sunday and no sooner, an application was made to the committee, you moved into action to incorporate the expenditure that will be required to ensure that we successfully host the game.

    “We want to thank you for the gesture of putting in reasonable amount to support our security architecture. We want to assure you that from the plans we have in place and from the operational details we have, this fund will be put to very good use and we would not disappoint Edo people,” he added.

    Presenting the 2019 Appropriation Bill for his assent, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Kabiru Adjoto, said due consultation was undertaken with different Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) before the upward review of the bill.

    Adjoto explained that the upward review, which is in the area of capital expenditure, is 4.3 percent of the N175 billion presented to the House and is to ensure the completion of ongoing infrastructural projects in the state.

    He said “We decided to adjust the budget from N175 billion to N183 billion to accommodate preparation for the hosting of the 2020 National Sports Festivals. We had to also make more money available for the Agriprenuer programme, healthcare and infrastructure. Special focus was also paid to the completion of the State High Court project and the revamp of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.”

  • Edo trains procurement officers on data disclosure

    To deepen reforms in governance, the Edo State Government has organised a 3-day workshop for procurement officers in Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs), including staff of Edo State Public Procurement Agency (EDPPA), on data disclosure to meet guidelines for open contracting data standards.

    Addressing journalists on the first day of the workshop, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, EDPPA, Mr. Henry Idogun, said the workshop was part of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s focus on training and re-training of the state government workforce, which is in line with global standards.

    Idogun said the workshop themed ‘Implementation of Open Contracting Data Standards (OCDS) for Edo State,’ will equip participants drawn from MDAs including EDPPA, with new methods of data disclosure which will create opportunity for the citizens and other stakeholders to engage and connect with the government.

    He noted, “EDPPA has been publishing its contracts on a monthly basis but this workshop will help us publish in a manner that will enable citizens engage the government, contribute to the process of governance as well as promote inclusiveness.”

    According to him, the workshop will create avenue for deeper engagements that will provide relevant information for inclusiveness on the part of the citizens and stakeholders.

    Read Also: Obaseki unveils Edo security architecture

    The facilitator, a regulations and database expert from the Department/Government Procurement Unit, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), in Abuja, Mr. Makuolu Adesina, said the Implementation of Open Contracting Data Standards (OCDS) simply means better information for engagement.

    He added that the workshop has become necessary to enable BPP share with EDPPA, procurement officers from MDAs and relevant stakeholders, the need for OCDS and how it can be implemented as well as support the agencies to ensure full implementation in line with global standards.

    Adesina noted, “Procurement officers are data producers as they also produce data. The data produced must be based on open contracting data standard. OCDS is a process which ensures information is made open to the public, enabling them have procurement information in a friendly manner.

    A procurement officer in the Ministry of Health, Mr. Gideon Okosun, said the workshop was very enlightening and educating.

     

  • Agribusiness: Obaseki mobilizes entrepreneurs, others to processing centres

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged small businesses, manufacturers and academics to work together at the 12 processing centers being built in different locations across the state to boost job creation.

    Obaseki gave the charge after inspecting renovation work at the abandoned state government-owned warehouse in Evbuoriaria, along Sapele Road, in Benin City, the state capital.

    Obaseki said the idea behind the centres, is to link entrepreneurs to power, water and other necessary utilities to drive business growth in the state.

    He said the centres were being set up in collaboration with academic institutions, manufacturer associations and private industries, noting, “We have identified six of such facilities within the Benin metropolis and in six other locations in the state to serve as processing centres.

    “We want to encourage artisans to come to these locations and produce. What we have done here is to refurbish government warehouses and are discussing with private power suppliers to provide electricity,” the governor said.

    Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Job Creation and Skills Development, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, said those to be hosted at the centers are small business owners.

    Read Also: Obaseki unveils Edo security architecture

    Dare said the entrepreneurs would receive training at the centre and also benefit from marketing and legal services to allow their businesses operate better outside the centre.

    “Stay at the centre would be on a temporary basis. The idea is to strengthen businesses so that they can stand on their own,” she said.

    President, Benson Idahosa University, Bishop Feb Idahosa, said the institution would be collaborating with the state government to provide vocational training for artisans at the centre, at no cost.

    He added, “We will be giving training on book keeping and rendering other services. The aim is to help the state flourish.”

  • NSF: Obaseki promises world-class organisation

    …as Edo gets 2020 hosting right

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured athletes and lovers of sports that the state is ready to organise a world-class National Sports Festival, come 2020.

    Obaseki gave the assurance while addressing journalists on the side-lines of the closing ceremony of the just-concluded National Sports Festival in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, after Edo was given the right to host the 2020 edition of the sports fiesta.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Edo State, I assure you that the confidence reposed in us would be justified. I make a solemn promise today that we will give it our all and at the end of the day, everyone would say of the 2020 Games, ‘this is our festival in which we are well pleased,’ the governor pledged.

    He noted that “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.

    “We will take every step necessary, make the needed sacrifice to deliver the best games in the annals of the sports festival.”

    He maintained that though there would be challenges on the way, he stressed, “we are Edo people.  We have the men who can do the job and the facilities that will raise the profile of the festival.”

    According to him, “Whatever challenges there are, we will overcome because Edo people tread where even lions do not. Like our warriors of old, we will slay every foe and surmount every obstacle to succeed.

    “The 2020 Sports Festival will be different from any previous edition and any that will come after it. Perhaps it can only be surpassed in splendour and organisation the next time Edo State hosts it afterwards.

    He added that “The Edo 2020 Sports Festival will be a festival that will be grounded in “strategy, organisation, technical apparatus, science, mechanics, and morale”.

  • Xmas Carol: CAN, PFN, others laud strong synergy with Obaseki

    The Edo State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and other Christian groups have commended the strong synergy between the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration and religious groups in the socio-economic development of the state.

    In his goodwill message at the 2018 Christmas Carol Concert, organised by the state government at Government House in Benin City, Chairman, Edo State chapter  of CAN, Reverend Oyonnude Kure, commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for his sustained collaboration with the church since assuming office.

    “Governor Obaseki is ‘God’s servant governor’ and a man of action and vision. We thank God for his life and for piloting the affairs of the state with focus on the wellbeing of the people,” he said.

    President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev. Felix Omobude, urged Christians in the state to be patient as the best of Obaseki’s leadership style was on the way.

    Omobude who was represented by his wife, Mrs. Abiola Omobude, expressed thanks to God for his mercy upon the governor, other members of his government and all Christians in the state.

    Commending Obaseki’s achievements in the area of security, the Vision Bearer of Family Intercessory Ministry, Evangelist Margaret Agbonifo, noted that churches now organise crusades and other outdoor activities without apprehension.

    The event was attended by Christian faithful from various denominations who were treated to a night of gospel music by various church choirs, including the Edo Philharmonic Orchestra, St. Joseph Catholic Choir amongst others.

    In his vote of thanks, Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, expressed appreciation to the Christian faithful and government officials for gracing the occasion.

  • Edo pays workers’ December salary

    …Obaseki urges peaceful celebrations

    The Edo State Government on Friday paid salaries of workers for the month of December, following the directive of the Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, said “the governor’s decision to pay workers, mid-way into the month, was informed by the need to make money available for workers to do early shopping for the yuletide and avoid the artificial inflation caused by commodity distributors.”

    He added: “Governor Obaseki wants workers to get value for their money before all the players in the commodity distribution chain cash in on the season and hike food prices.

    Read Also: Police kill suspected robber in Edo

    “The governor does not want Edo workers to be caught in the middle of such manipulative tendency of middlemen and has urged workers to go about their celebrations peacefully. 

    “Edo workers can storm the market from today and shop for the season. 2019 promises to be a better year for workers in the state.”

    The governor’s aide further said that governor Obaseki is committed to the welfare of workers in the state through innovative ways.

    “ Several reforms have been carried out in the Edo State civil service, including world-class trainings for the workers, revamp of their work environment, timely payment of salary and the migration of work culture from analogue to digital platform for efficiency,” Osagie added.

  • Igue Festival: Obaseki congratulates Benin Monarch

    …prays for Edo’s progress

    Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated the Benin Monarch, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, on the celebration of the annual Igue Festival.

    In a statement issued in Benin City on Friday, Obaseki said: “On behalf of the Government of Edo State, I congratulate the Omo N’ Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, and all Benin people and our friends on the annual Igue Festival celebration.

    “It is my prayer that the new year brings forth more blessings and a stronger bond between the Royal House and the Government of Edo State to build on our achievements across all sectors of the state.”

    The governor wished the Benin Monarch “a glorious celebration, excellent health and the divine wisdom to continue to lead our people to greatness.”

    This year’s Igue Festival began on Friday, as all chiefs were at the palace of the Oba of Benin to pay homage.

    The high profile festival will be rounded off on December 31st.

  • Edo Govt to invest N5bn in Agric sector – Obaseki

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said that his administration will invest over N5 billion in the agricultural sector to create more jobs and guarantee food security in the state.

    Obaseki said this while speaking to beneficiaries of the federal government’s social investment programme, N-Power, in Edo South Senatorial District of the state, at an event tagged “Better Future” which held in Benin City.

    According to the governor, over 10,000 people are expected to benefit from the investment in the state.

    “From January next year, we are preparing over N5billion to be invested in agriculture and we expect that it will attract many people in the state.

    “We are setting up agricultural clusters where farmers can sell their produce. We are also getting farmers to bring their produce to the cluster for processing,” he added.

    He described the N-Power programme as a world-class programme and urged beneficiaries to see it as an opportunity to gain skills and work experience, they could use to build a future for themselves.

    Read Also: Obaseki offers space for local drug production

    “We applaud the federal government for introducing the programme, we believe in the programme and have keyed into it, like no other state.

    “We want you to see N-Power as a stepping stone to your achievements in life hill you look for more opportunities in the state where your skills can be fully harnessed.

    “For instance, my administration is looking for health personnel to train to manage the Primary Health Centres in the state. N-Power beneficiaries stand a better chance to be trained as they already have the basic technical skills. So don’t wait for the programme to end before you seek better opportunities,” he advised the beneficiaries.

  • Obaseki inaugurates APC Campaign Council in Edo North

    …urges grassroots mobilisation for 2019 elections, party’s triumph

    Edo State Governor, Mr.  Godwin Obaseki, has called on chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo North Senatorial District of the state, to mobilise voters in the area to vote for the party’s candidates in the 2019 general elections.

    Obaseki made the call while inaugurating the Edo North APC Campaign Council in Jattu, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.

    Commending members of the APC for their commitment to the vision of the party and for voting for the APC in past elections; the 2015 general elections and the gubernatorial election in 2016, he urged them to campaign vigorously for the party to ensure victory for all APC candidates in the 2019 general elections.

    The governor said his administration’s approach to both governance and politics would be bottom-to-top, and charged the campaign council to take the campaigns to every nook and cranny of the district.

    Read Also: Obaseki offers space for local drug production

    “Our target is that for every four APC votes we should have one opposition vote; to achieve this target, we need to embark on house-to-house campaign. We will ensure that the party wins at least 80 per cent of the total number of votes in the 2019 general elections.

    The governor explained that his administration has already started executing projects in all the wards of the state, and called on party leaders to avail his office of areas that need urgent attention for prompt response.

    Speaking on behalf of the campaign council, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, promised that the team would deliver on the target set by the governor and reaffirmed that Edo North has always been for the APC.

    Obaseki later met with party supporters who gathered at the residence of the deputy governor where he promised more development for the area.