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Tag: Godwin Obaseki

  • Obaseki mobilizes traditional rulers for 2018 Alaghodaro Summit

    The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has begun the mobilization of traditional rulers across the state ahead of the second edition of the Alaghodaro Summit, scheduled for November.

    The move to galvanise occupiers of the revered traditional seats is predicated on the crucial role traditional rulers play in the lives of Edo people and residents, as custodians of the people’s culture and traditions.

    Special Adviser to Governor Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie said: “Our royal fathers and chiefs across the state are being mobilized by the governor for a colourful Alaghodaro Summit which has Edo people as its focus.

    “As representatives of various communities and clans, these traditional rulers are in the best position to gauge the impact of the Obaseki-led administration on the people, in the last two years.”

    Osagie explained, “They are very influential. Most of the traditional rulers are opinion leaders and moulders. They foster peace and unity in their domains and have proven to be dependable allies in the state’s growth trajectory, as enunciated by governor Obaseki.”

    Read Also: Obaseki commiserates with Ohiwerei’s family

    The governor’s aide maintained that “traditional rulers in the state have been supportive of the various reforms executed in critical sectors of the states, such as the fight against human trafficking and child molestation; the scrapping of Community Development Associations (CDAs); efforts at maintaining law and order, and the ban on the use of thugs for the collection of revenue in parts of the state amongst others.”

    Osagie added that the traditional rulers will be at the Alaghodaro Summit to share their experiences with other participants at the event.

    “For example, the traditional rulers in Edo North and central senatorial districts would talk about the impact the Edo Fertiliser and Chemical Plant in Auchi, is having on agricultural activities in the area.

    “Worthy of note is the role the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has played in mobilising parents for the immunisation programme; his royal backing for the fight against human trafficking and illegal migration as well as the outlawed Community Development Association (CDAs),” he added.

    The 2018 edition of the Alaghodaro Summit will focus on Edo people, showcasing how the state is designing and implementing policies, programmes and initiative to improve the lives of the people, engender inclusive growth and enhance law and order.

    Recall that the 2017 edition of the Alaghodaro Summit tagged Envisioning the Future, hosted the crème of Nigeria’s investment climate, drawn from within and outside the country, who hailed Governor Godwin Obaseki’s efforts to re position the state as the most viable investment destination in the country.

  • Obaseki congratulates Oba Ewuare II on 2nd coronation anniversary

    …says King’s reign propelling Edo to greater heights

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, on his second anniversary of his ascension to the Royal throne.

    In a statement, Obaseki said: “I wholeheartedly congratulate you on your second-year anniversary on the highly revered royal throne. Your reign has brought enormous blessings to all our people and a new sense of direction that is propelling the state to greater heights.

    Read Also: Obaseki commiserates with Ohiwerei’s family

    “I salute your courageous and visionary leadership which has provided huge impetus for my mandate as Governor and I will continue to build on the prized and esteemed partnership with your Royal Palace for the good of all Edo people and residents in the state.”

    The governor added: “As we celebrate your divine reign with the rest of the world, I wish you excellent health in your commitment to a peaceful and more prosperous Edo State. Long may you reign, Oba gha to kpere, Iseeee!”

  • Obaseki vows to sustain poverty eradication policies

    …as USAID project lifts 11,904 households in Edo

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state government, through her people-oriented policies, has ensured that the people lead better lives and are exposed to more opportunities to develop themselves and grow the economy, noting that such poverty reduction policies will continue to receive priority attention in the state.

    Obaseki disclosed this at the end of the Sustainable Mechanism for Improving Livelihood and Household Empowerment (SMILE) project dissemination meeting, held at Government House, Benin City, Edo State.

    The governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, said his administration has resolved “to make poverty history in the state,” adding that “The journey to make poverty history actually started in 2008 and this administration has consolidated on the promise. All we are going to do for our people is to create the enabling environment for them to create wealth.

    Read Also: Obaseki lauds 9-year jail term for human trafficker

    “That exactly is what we are doing with the SMILE project. We will continue to do that. That is the way forward. The only way our promise can be tangible is when we have that collaboration and understanding, and I want to thank SMILE for that collaboration,” Obaseki added.

    He commended USAID, Catholic Relief Services and other partners for their commitment in ensuring that the project achieved its goal, adding that the state government is open to partnership as part of the resolve to eradicate poverty in the state.

    SMILE, a five-year project implemented in five states, including Edo, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, is jointly funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Action Aid Nigeria and Catholic Relief Services.

    The Chief of Party for the SMILE project, Dr. Emeka Anoje, said over 11, 904 households in Edo State benefitted from the project which was implemented in collaboration with the state government.

    Dr. Anoje noted that the SMILE project was meant to build capacity of local government welfare department and civil society groups, with a view to empowering the most vulnerable in the benefiting communities.

    He added that the programme was carried out in eight local government areas of the state, noting that “SMILE successfully provided support to 46,173 vulnerable children who were drawn from about 11, 904 households.”

    According to him, SMILE also supported agricultural value chain, vocational skills training, child protection services as well as nutrition and food security services, among others in the communities.

     “The intervention of the project included: improve access to HIV care services and a range of households’ economic strengthening activities, which comprise unconditional cash transfer targeting over 5,000 households in Edo State with each household getting a lumpsum of N20,000.

    “We also piloted an adolescent girl’s programme which was aimed at reducing the risk of HIV transmission among adolescent girls through education and psychosocial empowerment, improve parental relationship and structure HIV prevention messaging,” he added.

    A beneficiary of the project, Mrs. Mercy Ogiria from Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, hailed the coordinators of SMILE, adding that she is happy that the project has changed her life for good.

    Ogiria said she benefitted from the conditional cash transfer, noting that “I was giving N20,000 twice which I added to my business. My neighbours at a point in time were wondering where I got money to expand my business. Before then, I was laughed at for running a small business.”

  • Obaseki okays construction of recreational centres for elderly persons

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said modalities have been put in place to set up recreational centers to cater for elderly persons in the state, so as to provide for their peculiar needs.

    Obaseki disclosed this at the 5th Conference of Elderly Persons’ Association of Nigeria in Benin City, Edo State.

    The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Magdalene Ohenhen, noted that the decision to set-up recreational centres for the elderly was in line with a country-wide resolution to provide recreational facilities for elderly persons.

    “In a communique issued at the end of the 18th August Meeting of the National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development, it was considered that states should establish recreational centres for the aged. We consider this proposal important and have since set the machinery in motion towards actualising it,” he noted.

    Obaseki commended members of the association for ensuring a unified body through which public attention could be drawn to the welfare of elderly persons in the society.

    Read Also: Poverty Eradication: Obaseki faults old strategies

    He said that assessing the general standard of living in any society is partly hinged on how the society caters for the highly vulnerable persons which include children, women and the elderly, adding, “My administration will continue to prioritise social welfare for the needy and vulnerable persons.”

    The governor explained that in the ongoing refurbishment of primary health care centres across the state, adequate provision has been made to reduce the burden elderly persons in the state go through to access public healthcare centres.

    National President of the association, Rev. Adebesi Oluwoye, noted that the theme of the conference, ‘The Economic Challenges and the Blessings of Old Age’ was apt as the country was faced with numerous economic challenges.

    He said that it was regrettable that despite being blessed with abundant human and natural resources, Nigeria was still ranked as one of the poorest countries in the world.

  • Traders, drivers, others gear up for 2018 Alaghodaro Summit

    Members of different traders’ unions and market associations in Edo State have thrown their weight behind the 2018 Alaghodaro Summit, noting that they are fully in support of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s focus on enriching the life of the people.

    The 2018 Alaghodaro Summit is an event to mark Governor Godwin Obaseki’s second anniversary and showcase his administration’s people-centered policies, programmes and initiatives and his commitment to bettering the life of the people by opening up the state to investors, upholding law and order and expanding the economic space.

    Leader, Market Women Association in Edo State, Madam Blacky Omoregie, JP, in a chat with journalists, said that the market women in the state are excited about the event as it will give them opportunity to appreciate the governor for all he has done for them.

    According to her, “We are excited about Alaghodaro 2018 because the governor has said it is focused on the people and we are very much in tune with his vision for the event. He has shown that he truly cares for the people with the numerous programmes he has championed since coming into office.

    “We know what he has done with the fight against human trafficking, through which he has rescued our children from the grip of human traffickers. He is bringing investors to the state with projects such as the Benin River Port, the Edo Modular Refinery and the Benin Industrial Park. Not many states in Nigeria are having it as good as we are in Edo State.”

    Chairman, Edo State Chapter of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mr. Odion Olaye, on his part, said that the event is a testimony to the people-centric government run by the governor in the state, noting that different unions in the state can testify to the administration’s unflinching stance for the people.

    “The union totally aligns with the governor’s stance to have the people at the center of his policies. He has been humane and we are not so surprise to have him commit the second anniversary celebrations to hosting and celebrating with Edo people, as against what held in the past,” he said.

  • Obaseki commiserates with Ohiwerei’s family

    …salutes contributions to state’s devt

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has commiserated with the Ohiwerei family over the passing of the former Deputy Speaker of old Bendel State House of Assembly, Sir. Hon.  Josiah Ohiwerei.

    Obaseki described the former lawmaker as an illustrious son and elder statesman, who contributed to the growth and development of Edo and Delta states (then Bendel).

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ohiwerei family in these trying times and I urge them to be consoled by the impactful life he led,” the governor said.

    Obaseki, who assured of the state government’s support for the family in their bereavement, prayed for the repose of the soul of late Pa Josiah Ohiwerei. 

    Read Also: Poverty Eradication: Obaseki faults old strategies

    The eldest son of Sir. Hon. Josiah Ohiwerei, Oje Ohiwerei, who is the Senior Pastor, Heritage Assembly, and President, Heritage Evangelism Network, broke the news of his father’s passing at age 89, on Thursday morning, in Benin City. 

    The late Hon. Josiah Ohiwerei was the Deputy Speaker in the Bendel State House of Assembly (1983), during the civilian administration headed by the late Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia.

    He is survived by his wife, Mrs Grace Funmilayo Ohiwerei; younger brother, Felix Ohiwerie, former Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc and children, including Ohis Ohiwerei, who is the Deputy Managing Director, Notore Chemical Industries Ltd, amongst other relatives.

  • Obaseki lauds 9-year jail term for human trafficker

    …Backs special court for offence

    The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has hailed the judgement of Justice Mohammed Liman of a Federal High Court in Benin City, who on Tuesday, sentenced Mrs Christy Ehiorobo to nine years imprisonment for engaging in human trafficking.

    Obaseki said the judgement is a triumph of good over evil and assured that other traffickers will have their days in court soon.

    The governor said: “I commend the courage of the High Court Judge for serving Mrs. Christy Ehiorobo, a 9-year jail term for engaging in human trafficking.  The judgement has given further bite to our resolve to rid Edo State of human traffickers who are exploiting our youth.”

    He noted that “With the support we are receiving from critical stakeholders such as the judiciary, the Royal Palace of the Benin Monarch and the legislature, in the fight against human trafficking, I am convinced that we will win the fight.”

    Obaseki further said that he has thrown his weight behind the decision of the Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen to dedicate two specialized courts to hear human trafficking cases.

    “I have thrown my weight behind the decision of the Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen to designate two courts to hear human trafficking offences in order to give accelerated hearing to such cases. The decision of the chief judge is innovative as it will fast-track the dispensation of justice in human trafficking and related cases,” he added.

    Read Also: Obaseki approves new governing council for AAU

    According to media reports, a Federal High Court, sitting in Benin, on Tuesday, sentenced a 49-year-old woman, Mrs Christy Ehirobo, to nine years imprisonment for human trafficking.

    Justice Mohammed Liman, in his judgment, held that human trafficking had eaten deep into the fabric of society, adding that despite the plea of mercy by the convict, the law must take its cause.

    “The accused is therefore sentenced to three years imprisonment on each of the three counts to run concurrently,” the judge was quoted as saying.

    The convict, also known as Helen Ehirobo and Mama Jennifer, hails from Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo, State and had been standing trial since 2011.

  • Edo distributes relief materials to Safarogbo Community

    The Edo State Government has distributed relief materials to victims of the September 2, 2017 attack on Safarogbo Community, Ovia South West Local Government Area.

    Addressing journalists during the distribution exercise, Governor Godwin Obaseki, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Hon. Yakubu Gowon, noted that his administration would not relent in providing support and welfare to Edo people.

    The items distributed include: 375 bags of cement, 500 ceiling boards, 125 bundles of zinc, 50 bags of 50kg rice, 50 packets of zinc nails, 25 bags of 3-inch nails and 25 bags of 4-inch nails. Others are: 25 bags of beans, 25 bags of garri, 25 gallons of 25 liters of palm oil, 25 gallons of 25 liters of groundnut oil and 21 mattresses.

    Obaseki said the government empathizes with victims of the attack, adding that the relief materials are to enable the victims resettle after the attack.

    The governor explained that a committee has been set up to ensure the materials are fairly and adequately distributed to the victims, noting, “I have directed that the Chairman of the Council and head of the distribution committee, Destiny Enabulele, Vice Chairman of the council, Head of Social Department in the council, the Councillor representing the affected ward and the Special Assistant to the Governor from the ward to ensure that the materials are properly distributed.”

    Read Also: Edo cult killings: Police arrest 58 suspects

    Representative of the Chairman of Ovia South West Local Government Area and Principal Administration Officer in the council, Mr. Oravbiere Justin, commended the governor for bringing succor to the people of the community, adding, “The response of the governor is commendable and worth emulating.”

    The High Chief of Safarogbo Community, Chief Omoh Ton Werigha, said they will not forget in a hurry the incidence of the September 2, 2017 when some militants attacked the community killing four persons, destroying houses and properties.”

    Werigha said: “We commend the effort of the governor for his prompt response to our call for assistance. We appreciate Governor Obaseki for the relief materials. The gesture will assist us resettle in our community.”

    A victim of the attack, Mr. Adaun Benson, hailed Governor Obaseki for coming to their aid, noting, “Something like this happened in 2012 and we cried, but no one responded to our plea. Governor Obaseki has shown that he is a listening governor and we appreciate his gestures.”

  • Obaseki approves new governing council for AAU

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has approved the constitution of a new governing council for the state-owned Ambrose Alli University, to be chaired by Mr. Lawson Omokhodion.

    In a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., the state government said the constitution of the council is in line with the provisions of the Ambrose Alli University Law, 1991.

    “This is to inform the general public, particularly the Vice Chancellor, Staff and University Community of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, that in line with the provisions of the Ambrose Alli University Law, 1991, the State Government has approved the constitution of the Governing Council of the University.

    Read Also: Edo upholding dignity of girl child – Obaseki

    The council, he said, has Mr. Lawson Omokhodion as Chairman, with the following as members, “Mr. Austin Osakue; Mr. Pius Akpabor;    Dr. Ted Inegbedion;   Mrs.  Faith Bob Osaze; Alhaji Aliyu Umaru; Mr. Matthew Emeohe, Mr. Richard George, (Representing Alumni Association)”

    He said the council will be inaugurated at a later date.

  • Poverty Eradication: Obaseki faults old strategies

    …advocates tech-based solutions to break chain

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has faulted the age-old poverty reduction strategies adopted by some development experts and political leaders, which failed to prioritize and integrate modern technology.

    Obaseki made the submission on the occasion of the commemoration of International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, marked on October 17, each year.

    According to the governor, “With current global trends, development experts and political leaders that ignore the power and revolutionary force inherent in modern technology, do so at their own peril.”

    He maintained that it was time for development actors across the globe to embrace disruptive measures that thrive on modern technology to break the chain of poverty.

    Calling on world leaders to eliminate man-made barriers to prosperity, the governor said, “We all must rise against retrogressive practices such as corruption and cultural practices that disempower women; caste and other systems that stratify society, alienate and exlude some people from participating in socio-economic activities.”

    “Beyond culture, thought leaders must harness the manifest and latent gains in modern technology to solve problems and create wealth through innovation,” he added.

    He explained that his “administration’s conviction about the power of modern technology informed the setting up of the Edo Innovation Hub, which is creating a new army of innovators that are their own bosses, creating jobs and solution applications worth millions of dollars.”

    Read Also: World Food Day: Obaseki harps on improved support to farmers

    Obaseki said: “To illustrate, the agricultural value chain beckons on our youth to tap into. By simply flipping your smart phone or tapping your keyboard, anyone can market agricultural produce in the internet-enabled market place, from the comfort of their homes. Same goes for other products and services.”

    He maintained that “in the face of the myriad of challenges facing the world’s extreme poor, ranging from poor infrastructure and capacity, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) offers hope and opportunities for as many people that want to cut the chain of poverty.”  

    According to the United Nations, this year marks the 25th anniversary of the declaration by the General Assembly, in its resolution 47/196 of 22 December 1992, of 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

    “This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Call to Action by Father Joseph Wresinski — which inspired the observance of October 17 as the World Day for Overcoming Extreme Poverty – and the recognition by the United Nations of the day as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.”

    The UN notes that this year’s theme: Coming Together With Those furthest Behind to Build an Inclusive World of Universal Respect for Human Rights and Dignity, reinforces the “fundamental connection between extreme poverty and human rights, and that people living in poverty are disproportionately affected by many human rights violations.”