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Tag: Godwin Obaseki

  • Contributory Pension: Obaseki presents N7.3m benefits to next of kin

    In a landmark demonstration of the benefits of pension reforms in the state, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has disbursed N7.3233 million to four next of kin of two deceased enrollees in the state’s contributory pension scheme.

    The beneficiaries are Oriomon Morrison, Oriomon Emuata, Osahenrunmwen Iyawe and Patience Iyawe, who received the sum as benefits under the Group Life Assurance Scheme.

    Presenting the cheques at the Government House, in Benin City, Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, said the presentation of cheques to the next of kin to deceased civil servants with the State Civil Service Commission is history being recorded during his administration.

    According to him, “When this government came into power, I promised that we will not leave the pension scheme the way we met it. When we came into office, we assured Edo people that all issues relating to pension are going to be resolved.

    “Those who do not believe that our government is working will now know that we mean well for our people and those who served the state.”

    Read Also: Obaseki rejects NMA award

    Obaseki assured workers, who are in active service that they have nothing to worry about regarding their pension, noting that his government has put measures in place to settle pension benefits after service.

    The Head of Service, Mrs Gladys Idahor, expressed appreciation to the governor for initiating the contributory pension scheme in the state, adding that with the scheme in place, pensioners will have no reason to protest in demand for pension.

    Idahor explained that a provision under the contributory pension scheme requires that aside next of kin receiving pension, they are also entitled to three times the annual salary prior to death.

    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Osahenrunmwen Iyawe expressed appreciation to the governor for the scheme, as he is a beneficiary of the scheme.

     

  • Ambode, Obaseki celebrate retiring  Ademowo at 70

    Governors of Lagos and Edo states,  Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and Mr Godwin Obaseki on Sunday showered encomium on the out going Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, and Dean Emeritus of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev Adebola Ademowo on his 70th birthday.

    They described him as a respected clergy who contributed significantly to mankind and national development.

    The  governors spoke to reporters at a special thanksgiving service to mark Ademowo’s 70th birthday and retirement held at Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina in Lagos.

    Ambode commended the clergyman for serving the State meritoriously, saying it was not in doubt that he made significant impact to the development of the State and the nation in general.

    According to him, “For somebody that has served Lagos so meritoriously; Bishop Ademowo has been like a father to all of us, and I just want to first of all say a big thank you to him on behalf of all Lagosians and for attaining the age of 70, we are very glad to have witnessed this celebration and I also wish him well and his family.

    “We know the impact that he has actually created for Lagos and even the whole of Nigeria and one is happy to be celebrating this day with him,” Ambode said.

    Obaseki said Ademowo deserved all the accolades and commendation for the peace and unity he brought to bear on the church during his tenure in active service, as well as the service to mankind.

    He recalled how his mother worshiped in the church for 50 years, saying it was on record that Ademowo performed his role as spiritual leader brilliantly and excellently well.

    “My mother worshiped in this church for the past 50 years and Bishop Ademowo was my mother’s Bishop and as a true Anglican, we know how much contribution that he has made to the Anglican Communion; the peace he has brought, the unity and more importantly the service he has made to the church and to mankind.

    “We wish him well; we wish him God’s grace and God’s peace in his retirement,” Obaseki said.

    In his sermon, Primate of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev Nicholas Okoh, thanked God for His grace and loving-kindness which saw Bishop Ademowo through his service to the church and mankind, saying it was evident from all fronts that the clergyman had enjoyed the blessings of God.

    Taking his text from the book of Psalm 103, Okoh said the thanksgiving service was most deserving considering the landmark achievements of Ademowo in his 46 years of service to the church, 29 of which was in the episcopacy (being Bishop), saying he would be greatly missed.

    Besides, Okoh admonished the people to run away from sin, saying it blocks access to God and weakens the power of man.

    While declaring that the church was against all forms of homosexuality, Okoh also urged people to prepare for eternity, saying it was important for people to know that their actions in life had eternal consequences whether good or bad.

    Other dignitaries who graced the service include Ogun State Governor, Mr Ibikunle Amosun; former Lagos State Deputy Governors, Mr Femi Pedro and Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George; former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Odein Ajumogobia; foremost banker, Otunba Subomi Balogun, among others.

     

  • Obaseki lauds Archbishop Margaret Idahosa at 75

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated Archbishop Margaret Benson Idahosa, on her 75th birthday, acknowledging her immense contribution to nation-building through prayers and grooming of God-fearing Christian faithful in the state and country at large.

    In a statement, the governor said that the peace and progress being recorded in the state are as a result of the prayers of men and women of God in the mould of Archbishop Margaret Idahosa.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Edo State, I celebrate Archbishop Margaret Idahosa on her 75th birthday. In the course of time, Archbishop Margaret Idahosa has remained steadfast, focused and committed to propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ to all.

    Read Also: Obaseki approves take-off grant for UNICEF-WASH programme

    “This is reflected in the leadership portrayed in sustaining the Church of God Mission, Benson Idahosa University and Word of Faith Group of Schools amongst others.

    “At a time when the state needs role models to guide the youths aright, Archbishop Margaret Idahosa points them to the right direction and shows what can be attained once they are committed to their chosen fields of endeavour armed with the grace of God.”

    He commended her leadership qualities and her role as a solid pillar among the Christian faithful in Edo State, noting that the continued support and prayers from the people have been instrumental to his achievement in office.

    Archbishop Margaret Idahosa is the wife of Late Archbishop Benson Idahosa.

  • No herdsmen invasion in my constituency, Edo lawmaker

    The lawmaker representing Esan South East in Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Festus Edughele, has said that no herdsmen invaded in Esan South East constituency.

    Hon Eudghele said reports about herdsmen movement to his constituency with a view to establishing cattle colony was baseless, mischievous and misleading.

    Speaking to newsmen in Benin city on Saturday, Hon. Edughele said to was wrong for people to take delight in playing politics with serious security issues.

    Edughele noted that Governor Godwin Obaseki had declared that his government has not ceded any land to the Federal Government for purposes of cattle ranching.

    He stated that there was no evidence of herdsmen invading Esan South East based on his investigation and interaction with security personnel on the matter.

    According to him, “I got in contact with the police to investigate the story and they told me there was nothing either directly or indirectly on ground to suggest that herdsmen were invading the area .

    Read Also: NSE proffers solution to herdsmen killings

    “What we have are normal Hausa/Fulani who are resident in our various communities. They are living in peace with my people.

    “During the last Muslim Festival, I visited them and presented some items to them like bags of rice to support them.

    “I used the opportunity to impress it on them, the need to live in harmony with their host communities. They have been there for years. In fact, some of us grew up to meet them “.

    On the bill before the House of Assembly which allegedly sought the establishment of ranches in Esan South East, Hon. Edughele said the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) was not considering any bill to that effect.

    “There is no such Bill before the House which I am a member “  he said.

  • Obaseki felicitates with Uanseru, lauds business strides

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GCA Energy Limited, Mr. Greg Uanseru, on his birthday celebration, lauding his contribution to the development of the country.

    In a statement, Obaseki said Uanseru has been instrumental as an indigenous player in the oil and gas sector, with stellar performance in the servicing and maintenance arms of the sector.

    Read Also: Obaseki rejects NMA award

    “I celebrate Mr. Greg Uanseru on the occasion of his birthday. Uanseru has remained steadfast, focused and committed as a businessman, managing local and international clients and delivering value when and where it mattered the most.

    “As an admirable Nigerian, Greg Uanseru is worth emulating. I urge youths in the state to follow in his path. His determination and will to succeed, and his commitment to ideals of excellence are values that should be lauded.

    He commended Uanseru’s successful foray into the oil and gas sector, and his growth over the years.

    Uanseru has substantial investment in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, and is a big player in the supply of essential machine parts, tools and consumables, calibration and maintenance services.

     

  • Health Care: Obaseki tasks stakeholders on robust synergy

    The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has tasked stakeholders in the nation’s health sector on robust collaboration to ensure efficient service deliver across the health care’s value chain.

    Obaseki gave the charge in Benin City, at the Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Chapter, with the theme: “Effective Healthcare Delivery in Edo State.”

    The governor maintained that the challenges in the sector were surmountable if concerted effort was made by all players in the sector to work as a team.

    “The idea of leaving the responsibilities of the health care system to only doctors, will not take us to where we need to be. The health system affects the entire spectrum of the society and everybody should be involved in tackling the challenges, from the primary health care system, which is the bedrock of our health sector,” the governor said.

    He said that “in line with the federal government’s policy of one primary health care centre to a ward, we have already set up machinery to renovate, upgrade and reconstruct the first 20 health care centres across the 18 local government areas of the state.”

    He explained that “the pilot phase of the reconstruction work will start in August, with 20 primary health centres and training programme for the personnel that will run the system.”

    Read Also: Obaseki places N10m on police killers

    Obaseki assured that the lesson learnt from the pilot phase will guide the roll out of the other primary health centres later in the year.

    He harped on the need for a robust relationship between health workers and the state government, and said that “we need each other to care for the health of Edo people and residents.”

    Earlier, chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Edo State Chapter, Dr. Emmanuel Osaigbovo, commended the governor for his developmental strides in the state, and appealed for the timely completion of the ongoing projects.

    He called on all doctors in the state to rededicated themselves to duty and focus on efficient service delivery.

  • World Hepatitis Day: Obaseki harps on early testing, grassroots sensitization

    The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, says early testing for Hepatitis and an aggressive and sustained grassroots sensitization on the danger of the disease would reduce the deaths from what experts describe as “one of the biggest global health threats of our time.”

    Obaseki gave the advice on the occasion of the commemoration of World Hepatitis Day, celebrated on July 28, each year.

    He assured that the Edo State’s decision to reconstruct and revamp health care centres across the state beginning with primary health care centres was informed by the need to extend modern health care services to all Edo people and residents.

    The governor urged Edo people and residents to prioritise their health, which he said, “is a major feature on the wellbeing index” and explained that regular health checks at the hospital would save millions of people the troubles and much of the burden of the disease as well as deaths.

    He lauded the effort of the World Health Organization (WHO) and its global partners in raising global awareness of the disease.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) said that “worldwide, 300 million people are living with viral hepatitis unaware. Without finding the undiagnosed and linking them to care, millions will continue to suffer, and lives will be lost.”

    Read Also: Obaseki inaugurates 12-man prerogative of mercy council

    The United Nations body called on people from across the world to take action and raise awareness “of the group of infectious diseases known as Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E and encourage prevention, diagnosis and treatment as Hepatitis affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, causing acute and chronic disease and killing close to 1.4 million people every year.

    The global body explained that “following the adoption of a resolution during the 63rd World Health Assembly in May 2010, World Hepatitis Day was given global endorsement as the primary focus for national and international awareness-raising efforts, to provide an opportunity for education and greater understanding of viral hepatitis as a global public health problem, and to stimulate the strengthening of preventive and control measures of this disease in Member States.”

    World Hepatitis Day is now recognized in over 100 countries each year through events such as free screenings, poster campaigns, demonstrations, concerts, talk shows, flash mobs and vaccination drives, amongst many others, the organization said.

  • Obaseki approves take-off grant for UNICEF-WASH programme

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the take-off grant and operational funds for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme in the state, to deepen the project’s impact to Edo residents.

    Governor Obaseki disclosed this when the new Manager, UNICEF WASH programme, Michael Forson, and other officials of the programme paid the governor a courtesy call at the Government House, in Benin City.

    According to him, “As a government, we are fully committed to UNICEF-WASH programme. We will work with you to integrate our water-related development with the UNICEF-WASH programme.”

    He said there was need for UNICEF-WASH to present details of the baseline report to the state government, which would guide government in the planning process, noting, “We understand the impact of the programme on our people and your visit is very timely.

    Read Also: Human trafficking: Obaseki’s initiatives attract Diaspora Ambassador

    “We are excited and would not mind if you share the entire details of the baseline studies with us to assist us in our development plans.”

    Forson commended Governor Obaseki for his administration’s commitment to inclusive development in the state.

    He lauded the governor’s leadership style and his implementation of sound policies that have brought development to the people of the state.

    He added that the state’s Commissioner for Water and Energy Resources has spoken on the administration’s commitment to UNICEF-WASH programme, which was further demonstrated with the release of N700 million counterpart fund by the state government.

  • BEDC to Obaseki: We have improved power supply

    Management of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has replied to the vituperation it drawn from Governor Godwin Obaseki over poor power supply.

    Governor Obaseki had on Thursday said lambasted the BEDC for frustrating a power deal he entered with Ossiomo Power and Infrastructure Company Limited to supply electricity to government offices in the state capital.

    Obaseki accused the BEDC of poor supply of electricity to the state, the resolve not to supply pre-paid meters to electricity consumers and its culture of over-billing its clients.

    But the BEDC in a statement issued yesterday evening replied the Governor that power supply has improved in Edo State since it took over as one of the distribution Company from  the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria.

    In the statement signed by its spokesman, Tayo Adekunle, it said Edo got the highest share of 40% out of the allocation of 9% it got from the grid.

    It said it has added a total of 1694 transformers to ensure power supply improvement since the new management took over in 2013.

    Read Also: Manufacturers laud Obaseki’s reform initiatives

    The BEDC stated that power supply increased from two hours in 2013 to six-10 hours for locations with severe infrastructure limitations and eight hours to 12- 15 hours for locations with more improved infrastructure.

    It said power supply increased from 18 -24 hours for commercial and government customers on the nine newly constructed double circuit 11kv feeders with over 27 km route lengths of dedicated lines.

    The statement said the BEDC has connected 12 communities to the grid who were without power supply before the takeover in 2013.

    On metering and estimated billing, the BEDC said it has achieved over 65 per cent metering of customers and committed to closing the gap in its coverage areas.

    It said it was committed to ensuring credible billing for power consumed and explained that the adoption of estimated billing was a middle way solution to tackle the metering gap challenge facing the entire electricity distribution industry.

    According to the statement, “Nigeria has had inadequate metering for over 50 years, hence it is not possible for all customers to be metered within a short time period.

    “The introduction of Meter Asset Providers (MAP) by NERC is expected to fully address the metering issue not only for BEDC but for all distribution companies (Discos) in the country.

    “To the extent permitted by applicable legal and regulatory framework, BEDC has been and continues to be willing to work with all such 3rd parties including Ossiomo Power and Infrastructure Company to increase power supply within the ambit of the law, without compromising the quality of power supply, affordability and more importantly safety and security of our customers.”

  • Obaseki rejects NMA award

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has rejected an award to be given to him by the state chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association

    Governor Obaseki who was scheduled to receive the award at the Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), with the theme: “Effective Healthcare Delivery in Edo state,” said it was too early for him to be receiving awards

    Obaseki stated that he has not done anything tangible to be considered for an award and that he believed that awards should be given after he has left office.

    The Edo governor noted that the challenges in the sector were surmountable if concerted effort was made by all players in the sector to work as a team.

    According to him, “The idea of leaving the responsibilities of the health care system to only doctors, will not take us to where we need to be. The health system affects the entire spectrum of the society and everybody should be involved in tackling the challenges, from the primary health care system, which is the bedrock of our health sector.

    Read Also: Manufacturers laud Obaseki’s reform initiatives

    “In line with the federal government’s policy of one primary health care centre to a ward, we have already set up machinery to renovate, upgrade and reconstruct the first 20 health care centres across the 18 local government areas of the state.

    “The pilot phase of the reconstruction work will start in August, with 20 primary health centres and training programme for the personnel that will run the system.”

    He however assured that the lessons learnt from the pilot phase will guide the roll out of the other primary health centers later in the year.

    Chairman of Edo NMA, Dr. Emmanuel 0saro 0saigbovo, said the body was poised to partner with all vital bodies to develop the healthcare delivery system in the State to an enviable heigh.

    Dr.  Osaigbovo called for periodic retraining of medical experts as well as provision of modern equipment is very important for doctors to carry out their work on daily basis to make patients comfortable.

    “The annual general meeting is a period of critical apprasial of the activities of the association for the past one year.”