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Tag: Godwin Obaseki

  • Esan APC leaders condemn attack on Obaseki

    Leaders of the All Progressive Congress in Edo Central Senatorial district have condemned last week’s attack on the convoy of Governor Godwin Obaseki by some youths believed to have been hired.

    Edo Central Senatorial district which is home to Esan speaking people of Edo State is made up of five local government areas.

    Governor Obaseki was at Irrua, headquarters of Esan Central local government to meet with APC leaders to discuss issues surrounding the nomination of candidates when some youth stormed the venue with placards.

    The youth wore t-shirts inscribed with the Esan Youth Movement and chanted invective words demanding ‘no imposition of candidates.

    As Obaseki made to leave venue of the meeting, the youths pelted his convoy with sachet waters and stones.

    The Esan APC leaders told newsmen yesterday that those responsible for the attack were not members of the APC.

    Speaking to newsmen on Saturday, leader of the APC in Esan South East local government, Mr. Victor Eboigbe, described the attack as barbaric and uncivilised.

    Eboigbe said Esan leaders and youth do not support such action against a performing Governor like Obaseki.

    Read Also: Obaseki pledges support for terrorism victims

    He stated that punitive actions would be taken against those behind the attack after investigations have been concluded.

    Eboigbe assured that Esan leaders were united ahead of the 2019 general elections adding that Governor Obaseki assured that no candidate would be imposed on the people.

    According to him, “I do not believe the people responsible for the attack are members of the APC. No APC youth will behave like that to our Governor. What they did was barbaric, uncivilised and we will get to the bottom of it.

    “I don’t care what they protest about. Esan leaders and youth do not support them. It is not correct that no leader tried to call the youth to order. I didn’t think that with the way they were going about it, if you listen to them, you will be giving them credibility. You will be encouraging them to do something like that.

    “I believe that the reason some of them join in the attack is because in the past, they did it and got that they wanted.”

    Another leader of the party and senatorial aspirant, Mr. Theophillus Okoh, said information available indicated that some of the youths arrested were from Delta state.

    “Those alleging that Esan Leaders masterminded the attack are just been mischievous. I know that investigation into the matter is going on and those behind it will be exposed.”

     

  • Human Trafficking: Edo takes campaign to Abudu

    … urges residents to report traffickers

    The Edo State Commissioner for Justice/Attorney General of the state and Head of the State Taskforce against Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration, Professor Yinka Omorogbe, has urged Edo people and residents in Orhionmwon Local Government Area to report suspected human traffickers to the taskforce.

    The taskforce was established by Governor Godwin Obaseki in August 2017, to check the high incidence of human trafficking and illegal migration in the state

    At an advocacy programme organised by the task force in Abudu, headquarters of Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Prof. Omorogbe said the state government was fully committed to tackling human trafficking by creating jobs for youths in the state, urging residents in the area to report suspected traffickers to the taskforce for investigation and subsequent prosecution.

    “Human trafficking is a bad business. Don’t get involved or allow yourself to be trafficked by those looking for young men and women to be exploited. We are informing you so that you won’t learn the hard way. Many others who have gone and returned are gnashing their teeth now.

    “Our children undergo slavery there. We have records of thousands of Nigerians who were killed or missing in the Sahara Desert, Libya or Mediterranean Sea.

    Read Also: 2019: Edo APC battling with defection

    “But the traffickers don’t tell you the hard life your children undergo there; how they are kidnapped in connivance with them. Parents and other relations end up sending money from here to Libya. They only tell you their success stories that are not true. Beware of the antics of the traffickers,” Omorogbe told guests at the event.

    According to her, the state has received over 3,883 Libya returnees between November 2017 and July 2018, adding that Governor Godwin Obaseki was worried that more than half of the returnees from Libya were from the state, with Orhionmwon Local Government Area taking the lead in the state.

    The Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Mr. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero, who also spoke at the advocacy programme, said the governor was working round the clock to change the narrative by investing massively in human capital development.

    Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Anti-Human Trafficking Issues, Mr Solomon Okoduwa, assured that the taskforce would sustain the campaign.

    Okoduwa urged parents, religious leaders as well as the international community to partner with the state government in the fight against human trafficking and illegal migration, noting, “We have over 4,000 Libya returnees as I speak, but we are saying this must not be allowed to continue.”

  • Uyi Amegor’s death, rude shock – Obaseki

    … commiserates with Amegor family, Egor local council

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has described as very shocking, the news of the passing of Hon. Uyi Amegor, the former Vice Chairman of Egor Local Council.

    “I am taken aback over the passing of Hon. Uyi Amegor, the Vice Chairman of Egor Local Government Area. I commiserate with his family, Edo South Leader of our party, Gentleman Amegor and the people of Egor local council over his passing.

    Read Also: Obaseki commiserates with family

    “We lost Mr. Uyi Amegor at a critical moment of our development as a state, when he was working with the team at the local government to re-position local government administration. It is indeed a great loss to the people of Egor local council and the entire state,” the governor said.

    He pledged that the Edo State Government and the entire APC family will stand by the Amegor family through their trying moments and prayed that God grants the family the fortitude to bear the huge loss.

  • Obaseki pledges support for terrorism victims

    …urges CSOs, donor agencies, others to complement govt.’s role

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to provide more support for victims of terrorism who reside in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)’ camps in the state.

    Obaseki made the pledge in commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, marked every August 21, by the United Nations (UN) and member states across the globe.

    He said, “While the Federal Government continues to intensify effort to subdue terrorists in the North East and other parts of Nigeria, Edo State will not relent in ensuring that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) residing in camps in the state are provided with adequate structures to make their stay comfortable.

    “The IDPs would be further assisted in recovering from the trauma of terrorism, as it will facilitate their rehabilitation and integration into society.”

    The governor said more could still be achieved if well-meaning, public-spirited individuals, Civil Society Organisations (CSO), international donor agencies, among others, work closely with governments in scaling up assistance to victims of terrorism.

    Read Also: Eid-el-Kabir: Obaseki felicitates with Muslims

    Obaseki noted that the state government will continue in coordinating efforts to assist IDPs in the state.

    According to the UN, “While more countries are affected by terrorism today, the number of victims has largely been concentrated in a small number of member states. In 2017 alone, nearly three-quarters of all deaths caused by terrorism were in just five countries: Afghanistan, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia and Syria.

    “Few members’ states have the resources or the capacity to fulfil the medium and long-term needs required for victims to fully recover, rehabilitate and integrate back into society. Victims can only recover and cope with their trauma through long-term multi-dimensional support, including physical, psychological, social and financial, in order to heal and live with dignity.”

    The global body added, “The primary responsibility to support victims of terrorism and uphold their rights rests with member states. The United Nations has an important role in supporting member states to implement Pillar I and IV of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy through standing in solidarity and providing support to victims, capacity building assistance, establishing networks of, and offering support to, civil society organizations, particularly victims of terrorism associations, and encouraging member states to promote, protect and respect the rights of victims.”

  • Esan youths attack Obaseki convoy

    Some youths of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo Central senatorial district under the auspices of Esan Youth Movement have attacked the convoy of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    The youths pelted the convoy with sachet water because of Governor Obaseki insistence that he was in the area to meet with party leaders and not the youths.

    Governor Obaseki was at Irrua, headquarters of Esan Central to meet with Edo Central party leaders as part of his consultations ahead of the party primaries.

    Some party sources said Governor Obaseki is rooting for consensus candidates to emerge while others are insisting on direct primaries.

    It was gathered that before the attack, the youths were chanting songs of abandonment, marginalization and no go imposition of candidate.

    The angst of the Edo Central APC leaders was alleged plot to impose the current Commissioner for Finance in the state, Mr John Inegbedion, as the senatorial candidate of the party in the area.

    They were said to have condemned the plot and insisted that nobody would impose candidate on them.

    A former Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Barr. Ken Ihensekhen, said they were surprised that the governor abandoned all those who made him governor.

    “Tell me what you will say you have done in Esan land that we will use to campaign?”

    Read Also: We will not share Edo people’s money – Obaseki

    Chief Francis Inegbeneki who denied that he imported the youths to boo Governor Obaseki said the issue was the alleged endorsement of Inegbedion as senatorial candidate by Obaseki.

    According to him, “Those that were shouting outside the meeting wore t-shirts with Esan Youth Movement inscribed on them. They were not brought by me even though I am a former National President of the movement.

    “They were saying no to imposition. They said they don’t want any candidate imposed on them.

    “Before we came out we heard some people booing him. The meeting ended successfully. We got information that the SSG invited the five council chairmen where he charged them to deliver John Inegbedion as the Senatorial candidate.

    “But the Governor denied the allegation. He assured us that Esan people will decide who will represent them. We are happy with the good intention of Governor Obaseki.”

    Another source said trouble started when the youths met with the governor and pleaded to have audience with him but the governor declined saying his plans was to meet the leaders.

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Obaseki felicitates with Muslims

    …says occasion offers opportunity to deepen relationship with Allah

    The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has felicitated with Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.

    In a statement issued in Benin City on Monday, Obaseki said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Edo state, I felicitate with Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.”

    According to the governor, “Eid-el-Kabir offers our Muslim brothers and sisters yet another opportunity to deepen their relationship with Allah, promote a life of sacrifice, charity and love as exemplified by Prophet Mohammed.”

    He assured that the state government “has put in place measures to guarantee that everyone is secure in the state during the celebration of this significant event and beyond.”

    Read Also: Obaseki commiserates with family

    The governor urged “all Muslim faithful to support his administration’s vision to build a prosperous state where all Edo people and residents would realize their dreams, through the various socio-economic growth initiatives and the prudent allocation of the state’s resources.”

    He added: “My administration is consolidating on the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the state which has engendered harmony among the various religious groups in the state.”

  • World Humanitarian Day: Obaseki urges action against attacks on aid workers

    …lauds sacrifice of humanitarian workers

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has called for global action to halt attacks on humanitarian workers delivering aids to victims of conflicts across the world.

    Obaseki who gave the charge in Benin City, in commemoration of the World Humanitarian Day, marked on August 19 each year, decried the growing disregard for international conventions and rules of engagements that protect women, children, civilians and aid workers by parties to conflicts.

    “The scale of attacks on humanitarian workers is disheartening. Leaders across the world and development actors must rise to the occasion to defend individuals and groups who volunteer their skills, expertise and other resources to support vulnerable groups in the theatres of war and conflicts,” the governor said.

    He averred that “new thoughts and attitudes are needed by all stakeholders towards commitments to globally agree upon rules on the use of force, its degree, on whom, in what circumstance, amongst other considerations, as encapsulated in the Rule of Engagement card.”

    Obaseki saluted aid workers’ contributions to the good of society and declared that “to protect those who are protecting others, is the least we can all do, as leaders.”

    The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, notes that “Around the world, conflict is forcing record numbers of people from their homes, with over 65 million people now displaced. Children are recruited by armed groups and used to fight. Women are abused and humiliated. As humanitarian workers deliver aid and medical workers provide for those in needs, they are all too often targeted or treated as threats.”

    Read Also: We will not share Edo people’s money – Obaseki

    The 2018 celebration is being driven with a #NotATarget campaign; to bring attention to the millions of civilians affected by armed conflict every day and demand world leaders to do everything in their power to protect civilians in conflict.

    According to the UN, “People in cities and towns struggle to find food, water, and safe shelter, while fighting drives millions from their homes. Children are recruited and used to fight, and their schools are destroyed. Women are abused and humiliated. As humanitarian workers deliver aid, and medical workers treat the wounded and sick, they are directly targeted, treated as threats, and prevented from bringing relief and care to those in desperate need.”

    World Humanitarian Day (WHD) is held every year on 19 August to pay tribute to aid workers who risk their lives in humanitarian service, and to rally support for people affected by crises around the world, the global body said.

  • Obaseki attributes Edo’s progress to people-centric governance

    The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has ordered the immediate payment of workers’ August salaries ahead of the Eid-el Kabir celebrations next week, noting that the progress being recorded in the state is the result of a people-centric governance model adopted by his administration.

    According to Obaseki, the focus of his team is the well being of Edo people and residents and not a few individuals.

    The payment of August salary on the 17th day of the month, the governor explained, is the result of the prudent and sound management of the state’s resources, which has prioritized a robust reserve, grown over time, despite the massive investment in infrastructure and other critical sectors of the state.

    Recall that in June, the state governor released funds to the local government councils to settle workers’ salaries following the stand-off between the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and the state governments, which resulted in the delay in salary payments in other states of the country.

    Obaseki gave the order during the Second Anniversary Thanksgiving of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Christian Prayer/Contact Committee, held at Government House in Benin City, on Friday, August 17, 2018.

    The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq., said: “We cannot be sharing the money for the development of the state and still be able to meet up with our electoral promises to the people. Our focus is on the people, to develop the state and make life better for everyone.”

    He maintained that his administration has done well by fulfilling some of the promises he made during the electioneering campaign, such as the restoration of law and order, strengthening of critical institutions of government, creation of jobs and provision of infrastructure.

    He added that pensioners no longer protest over delayed payment of their entitlements as they are now paid, as and when due, while the civil servants receive their credit alerts, on the 26th of every month.

    He reiterated his administration’s commitment to quality education with the   Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme, which is revolutionising teaching and learning in Edo schools.

    “We spend $40 on every Edo child in the Edo-BEST programme and our children in the primary schools can now read. Every primary school in the state will be part of the Edo-BEST programme before the end of this administration,” he assured, adding that the dream of his administration is to turn the state into the economic hub of the country.

    Read Also: Human trafficking: Obaseki lauds EU, Benin Monarch

    The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the governor on religious matters and chairman APC Prayer/Contact Committee, Edo State, Pastor Eghosa Omoruyi, said that governor Obaseki is a blessing from God, to Edo people and residents, as he has touched the lives of many people in the state.

    “This is just the second year and as a state we have experienced good governance with landmark achievements in critical sectors of the state, and it can only get better,” Omoruyi said.

    The General Overseer of Covenant Ministry International, Imo State, Bishop Chukwu Anayo, who also participated in the Thanksgiving Service, said the governor has made the state peaceful for people of various religious convictions to worship God.

    “Prayer is very helpful, and you can see the impact as the governor has achieved huge developmental strides and the people are benefiting from his leadership style” Bishop Anayo added.

  • I was elected to serve Edo people not political leaders – Obaseki

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has said that he was elected to serve the people of the state and not political leaders.

    Obaseki said this on Friday during the second anniversary thanksgiving of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Christian Prayer Contact Committee.

    He was represented by the Secretary to Edo State Government, Mr Osarodion Ogie.

    Obaseki said: “We can’t share the money and still meet up with our electoral promises to the people of the state.

    “Our focus is on Edo people, developing the state and making life better for the overall well-being of Edo people.

    “My administration has done well by fulfilling my electioneering promises; We have built institutions and restored law and order in the state.

    “We are not owing our civil servants; we will pay August salary on the 20th due to the holidays.”

    According to him, pensioners no longer demonstrate in the state because their entitlements are paid when due while civil servants receive their salaries on the 26th of every month.

    He added that the dream of the administration was to make the state the economic hub of the nation.

    In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Religious matters, Pastor Eghosa Omoruyi, said God had used the governor to touch the lives of the people.

    Omoruyi said that the state had experienced great development in just two years, adding “we are optimistic that before the end of his administration, Edo will be better.”

    Similarly, Bishop Chukwu Anayo, the General Overseer of Covenant Ministry International in Imo state, said the governor had made the state peaceful for various religions to worship God.

    Anayo noted that prayer had helped the governor to achieve significant development, adding that the people were benefitting his leadership style.

  • Human trafficking: Obaseki lauds EU, Benin Monarch

    As Taskforce clocks one year

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday saluted the roles of the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II and the European Union in the fight against human trafficking and illegal migration in the state, in the last one year.

    Obaseki gave the commendation while taking stock of the activities of the Edo State Task Force against Human Trafficking, during its one-year anniversary, at the Weekly State Executive Council Meeting at the Government House, in Benin City.

    The governor, one year ago, initiated a multi-pronged fight against human trafficking, few months into assumption of office, deploying a mix of approaches to curb the ugly trend.

    “We believe that if we tackle the issue of poverty by making people more comfortable, they will not want to travel illegally. For us as a government, we have encapsulated the challenge of migration as one that is driven by under-development.

    “We thank the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II for his support and responsiveness, which have been praised by the World. This has shown that trafficking and prostitution are not in our culture,” the governor said.

    He expressed his gratitude to the European Union, Christian Association of Nigeria and Muslim leaders for their support in ensuring that the menace of human trafficking is tamed.

    Earlier, Chairman of the taskforce, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, during her presentation, said that they have received 3, 883 returnees, who have benefited from the state government’s reintegration package.

    Prof. Omorogbe explained that the taskforce’s data showed that 80.17 percent were independent migrants between 18 and 25 years of age, which is alarming, as they are members of the active population.

    Read Also: Obaseki awards contracts for construction of roads

    In a report released to mark its one-year anniversary, the taskforce said the state government received 3883 persons from Libya, noting that the holistic approach includes receive the victims; provision of medical diagnosis and assistance; contact and reunion with family; security screening, investigation and protection, vocational training and empowerment and payment of stipends.

    The taskforce added that it has intensified advocacy in areas where human trafficking is endemic, as “it has fought the scourge through various strategies including vigorous investigation and prosecution of traffickers and their accomplices; the eventual passage of a state law against trafficking in humans; various measures to aid understanding of the nature and causes of this menace.

    “We have engaged communities where trafficking is prevalent, to proactively discourage the practice through knowledge exchanges, and appropriate training packages ranging from basic education to assistance with establishing business. The entire programme is anchored on efficient data collection, analysis and research” Prof. Omorogbe said.