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Tag: Godwin Obaseki

  • How Edo is battling paedophiles

    It all started in May when Governor Godwin Obaseki read reports of a 12-year-old girl, who was sexually assaulted by 58-year-old Lambert Ighodaro.

    Obaseki, aside ordering the immediate arrest, prosecution of Ighodaro, constituted an inter-ministerial committee to give tooth to the Child’s Right Act.

    The governor’s worries, his aides said, stemmed from his belief that abused children become disturbed adults, who most likely, become dangers to the society.

    The committee comprises representatives from the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, State Universal Basic Education Board  (SUBEB), media and civil organisations. It was mandated to identify children with traits of sexual assaults, arrest and prosecute their abusers.

    The thinking is that pupils will not fully benefit from the good-intentioned programmes of the government if they were continuously exposed to paedophiles, whose actions alter their psychological and emotional balance.

    To achieve its mandate, the committee launched a state-wide campaign to names and shame paedophiles, just as it partnered trained Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo BEST) teachers, who have been schooled on the art of fishing out pupils going through physical, sexual or emotional abuse.

    Barely two months into its mandate, the committee, according to SUBEB’s acting Chairperson, Dr. Joan Oviawe, has recorded many arrests, while some cases were being investigated.

    Among those arrested, Oviawe said, was 65-year-old Matthew Omokhafe, who defiled a 13-year-old pupil in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.

    She said Edo SUBEB was instrumental to the suspect’s arrest by ensuring the case was moved from Akoko-Edo Police Division to State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Benin City.

    Oviawe said: “With the collaborative efforts of the Child Protection Network (CPN), SUBEB was able to handover the child’s custody to the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.”

    Another milestone in the campaign against child molesters was the arrest of 70-year-old Francis Ezomo with his two sons, Nosa, 26, and Festus, 29, who defiled their nine-year-old relative.

    Oviawe said: “The issue came to limelight when the headmistress of the minor’s school noticed a change of behaviour in her. She decided to ask her what the problem was and the pupil narrated her ordeal to the headmistress, who then informed the Education Secretary of the local government council where the alleged crime took place.

    “We then swung into action and got the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development involved,” Oviawe said. When we could not get the necessary action required from the police, the state government swung into action and these three men were apprehended almost immediately.

    She said: “What the men have done is bad and their actions have attempted to destroy the life and future of the minor. The three men took advantage of the child and exposed her to trauma. We waded into the case to ensure justice prevails.”

    Already, a medical report has established the defilement of  the nine-year-old girl, whose hymen was torn.

    Oviawe explained that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has taken custody of the child who is now in a safe place and assured that SUBEB would ensure that her education is not truncated.

    Explaining while the suspects were being paraded, Oviawe said it was to send a clear message that Paedophilia was unacceptable in Edo, adding that the Governor has vowed to create a safe society where children can pursue and actualise their dreams.

    Kokumo said: “Scientific investigation on the minor was sent to the hospital and a doctor’s report has shown that her hymen has been broken. The scientific report has established that the minor was sexually abused. We will investigate the case and charge them to court.”

     

  • Obaseki slashes market levy by 40%, as NURTW lauds devt strides

    To boost the profit margin of traders in the state, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reduced by 40 per cent the levy paid in selected markets.

    Obaseki announced the cut when he received members of the Market Women Association led by Madam Blackie Ogiamien, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, in Benin City, Edo State.

    In a related development, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state have thrown their weight behind Governor Godwin Obaseki for delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

    According to the governor, traders who would benefit from the cut are those whose businesses are not viable in Agbado, Oliha, Ogiso and Uwa markets in Benin City, the state capital, and declared that traders who were paying N5, 000 before the announcement, will now pay N3,000.

    He assured market women that his administration has made double ticketing and touting history in the state, noting that he would give priority to Edo citizens on job creation.

    He said that in the coming months, the state government would ensure that power, water and sanitation issues receive the desired attention in all the markets within Benin metropolis.

    Obaseki said that traders who trade in densely populated areas would have access to health care services.

    He urged the traders to support his administration’s effort to eradicate child labour in the state by reporting suspected cases to the appropriate authority.

    Earlier, the leader of the traders, Madam Blackie Ogiamien, commended the governor for the steps taken to spread development across the state, adding that Obaseki’s governance style is worth commending.

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

    She lauded the governor’s resolve to address double taxation and touting which place much burden on the traders, noting that the gesture would increase their profit.

    The State Chairman of NURTW, Mr Odio Olaye who led other members of the union on a solidarity walk to the Government House in Benin City, commended the governor for what he called “the good work Obaseki has done within a short time in office,” and assured that members of the union are behind him.

    He urged those peddling falsehood to distract the governor to desist from the act and maintained that the governor deserved to be praised.

    The union leader said: “It is only those who are blind that will not see the good work you are doing. You are building roads, we are seeing the projects and our members are happy with you. We appreciate the good work you are doing with the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA), the vigilante group and the Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV) programme.”

    In his remark, the governor expressed appreciation to members of the union for their support and assured that: “My administration is determined to make life more meaningful for the average Edo person. My vision is to transform the economy and make the state viable for businesses to thrive. I have engaged contractors to rehabilitate and reconstruct roads across the 18 local government areas of the state.”

  • Coomassie: Obaseki commiserates with Katsina Govt, family

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has condoled with the government and people of Katsina State over the passing of former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie, who passed on last Thursday, after a protracted illness.

    In a statement, Obaseki said that Coomassie’s death was a loss to Nigeria, the Arewa Consultative Forum, which he chairs, as well as his family.

    “I condole with the Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari and the people of the state over the passing of former IGP, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie. The former IGP served Nigeria gallantly and worked for the progress of the country as evidenced in the various assignments he held,” he said.

    Read Also: Obaseki condemns killings of policemen in Edo

    He added that the death occurred when Nigeria needed the wisdom of her senior citizens in resolving challenges facing the country, noting that late Coomassie’s strong influence was also felt in his position as the chairman of Arewa Consultative Forum.

    He added, “We are consoled that he was a courageous Nigerian and one who worked for the good of the country.”

    Late Alhaji Coomassie until his death held the traditional title as Sardaunan Katsina.

  • Edo Govt, Orhionmwon LGA identify priority projects

    …mull skills center in Okogbo

    Following the inauguration of Ward Development Committees in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, by the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, officials of the state government have commenced engagement with community leaders, resulting in the identification of the need for a skills center by indigenes and residents of Okogbo in Ukpato Ward of the local council.

    The priority projects were agreed on at a meeting attended by the officials of the state government and community leaders and other members of the community.

    The Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osazee Osemwingie-Ero, said members of the community would be trained in textile design, leather works, welding and fabrication, sewing, among others, as the state government rolls out its machineries to deepen grassroots development.

    Osaze-Ero noted that more infrastructural projects including the construction of mini-stadium and roads are in the offing as Governor Godwin Obaseki is committed to upscaling development in the local council area.

    He said the projects will discourage illegal migration among the youth, adding that members of the community and their leaders must do more to support the effort of the government.

    Read Also: IGP orders probe of Edo policemen’s killing

    Member, representing Orhionmwon Constituency I in Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Roland Asoro, said the Obaseki-led administration was making history by constructing the first tarred road in the community.

    Asoro said it would only be rational to reciprocate the gestures of the state government.

    Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Skills Development and Job Creation, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, explained that all government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state will contribute to the success of the center, as plans are underway to equip the youth with relevant skills.

    She urged members of the community to take ownership of the project and protect it from vandals.

    Mrs. Ukinebo said officials of EdoJobs were already visiting wards across the local government council to identify individuals, who are unemployed to pave way for the siting of skills development centres across the local government for training youth in various skills.

    Community leaders and residents of the community described the project as laudable and pledged to cooperate with the state government in protecting it.

  • Edo reaffirms commitment to people-centered development

    Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq., has reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to drive development that will deliver more value to Edo people by strengthening the institutions and structures in the state.

    Ogie disclosed this when a delegation of the Edo State Chapter of the Bible Society of Nigeria, paid a courtesy visit to the Government House in Benin City, the state capital.

    He said that Edo people are already counting the gains of a peaceful and enabling environment, as a result of the ongoing institutional reforms and policies being implemented by the present administration, adding that the administration will not rest on its oars.

    Ogie said Governor Obaseki acknowledges the role of the clergy and religious bodies in praying for the state and proffering solutions to development challenges.

    Read Also: Edo Poly Usen strikes deal with Huawei on Tech Hub

    He praised the Bible Society of Nigeria for the role it has played over the years, noting that for bringing God’s word to the people, the Bible Society of Nigeria deserves to be encouraged.

    Leader of the Edo State Chapter of the Bible Society of Nigeria, Reverend Olu Aderibigbe, commended the Obaseki led-administration for the developmental strides recorded in the state.

    Aderibigbe urged the state government not to be distracted in its resolve to drive development, adding that, with the abolition of Community Development Associations (CDAs) and other illegal activities, law and order have been restored, which are indispensable for sustainable development.

  • Obaseki tasks religious leaders to groom credible leaders

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has tasked religious leaders in the country to play active role in grooming God-fearing leaders who will provide credible leadership for the future.

    Obaseki made the request on Friday in Benin City, at the Men’s Ministries Convention 2018 organised by the Assemblies of God Nigeria, Edo District, themed: “Men, His Agent of His Glory.”

    He described the convention as a good ground for leaders of the church to pray for Nigeria to overcome her challenges, adding, “The major problem this country is facing is that of leadership, as most of our past leaders failed us as a country.

    Read Also: Obaseki places N10m on police killers

    “The country is where it is now because of bad leadership. At a time in our history, Nigeria was the largest producer of palm oil. God has specially blessed Nigeria in terms of climate and other natural resources across all parts of the country.”

    He maintained that spiritual leaders have an important role to play in praying for the country and contributing to political and economic development, among others.

    In his remark, the Church District Superintendent, Rev. Paul Ekeasi, assured that Nigeria would experience good leadership in the country.

    Ekeasi offered prayers for Nigeria’s economy to experience a boom that would reduce the level of unemployment in the country.

    He urged spiritual leaders to ensure they offer prayers for the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians, irrespective of tribe or other considerations.

  • Ex-Oshiomhole ADC joins Kogi Senatorial race

    A former Aide de Camp to former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Yusuf Abiona Haruna, has declared his intention to run for the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in 2019,

    Haruna who is currently the Chief Security Officer in Governor Godwin Obaseki administration said he would be contesting the election under the All Progressive Congress.

    Speaking in a chat with newsmen in Bénin City, Haruna said he opted to join in the race because he has garnered political experience to make the society better.

    Haruna stated that he does not want to return to a regimented environment like the Nigeria Police Force because the political experience he has may not be useful there.

    He said he learnt a lot about management of funds and human beings while working under Oshiomhole.

    Read Also: Oshiomhole gets spokesman

    According to him, “It never crossed my mind to go into politics or run for elections but just like they said, the environment can change your life and can also change your lifestyle. Having served with Oshiomhole, I believe that I have acquired the experience.

    “Oshiomhole is a man who has eyes for details and being under his tutelage for eight years, he taught me how to manage humans. I also develop interest on how he manages the public fund under his care. Having acquired all this knowledge, what do I do with it?

    “Do I now leave and go back to the police or I transfer this knowledge into the political environment where it can translate to prosperity or assets to my people? Political experience may not be useful when you take it to a regimented environment like the police.

    “It does mean that if I leave this political environment to the Police, it then means I will need to start learning again to suit the lifestyle. I believe that I have all it takes to drive the wheel of change, I have all it takes to make a difference,  I have what the it takes the narratives of the people of Kogi Central.”

  • Human Trafficking: Obaseki advocates skills-based migration

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that Edo indigenes migrating to other parts of the world stand a better chance at life if they are equipped with on-demand skills to make them globally competitive.

    Governor Obaseki, who said this during a town hall meeting with indigenes of Edo under the aegis of Great Benin Origins (GBO) Worldwide, in Brussels, Belgium, noted that the state government is already working out modalities for Edo youth to develop these skills in the state.

    He kicked against the activities of human traffickers, who have given the state a bad name, noting that the state government is firming arrangements with local and international partners to train youth in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), so that they can be globally competitive.

    “Instead of all these people coming in to take money from these children, you can come, we will register you, we will train you, we will certify you and give you visas to go and work abroad. That is how it is done in other countries.

    “Our people are very important, and I am calling on you to join me in laying the foundation for the future,” he said.

    He lauded the group for working assiduously in sustaining the Benin identity, calling for a united front in the quest to develop the state.

    According to him, “Let us not make ourselves sub-minorities. Let us show unity and strength in numbers. So, we must make sure we come together, and reach out to others as Edo people.

    Read Also: Obaseki urges global action on population growth

    “We are doing other things in the area of infrastructure. That is the one you will see. We are rebuilding our road networks. Thank God we have a well-planned like city”

    President, Great Benin Origins (GBO) Worldwide, Engr. Isaac Igbinosun, lauded the governor for his leadership style, commitment to attracting investment to the state and initiatives on youth development.

    “We are proud of you, we are proud of your achievement since you took over the leadership of governing our state, Edo. We feel safe each time we look at what you are doing. We are solidly behind you and anytime we are called upon, we will be there to contribute our quota back home. It is always said that no matter where you go, home is home. We are very proud of you, we encourage you to continue,” Igbinosun said.

    The Great Benin Origin (GBO) is a social cultural organization that seeks to bring all Edo indigenes in diaspora under one umbrella with the purpose of restoring the lost glory of the great Benin Kingdom, promoting the Edo culture and tradition and assisting the economic development of the state.

    Igbinosun noted that some of the programmes of the group in promoting the preservation of Edo cultures include sponsorship of Edo culture and language competitions, award of scholarships to primary and secondary schools’ students as well as organising a diaspora state workers’ programme for the youth.

    He urged the state government to continue with the reforms on the ease of doing business, as members of the group are interested in investing in various aspects of the state’s economy with focus on agriculture and food security.

    The group also applauded the governor on his initiatives to improve the security architecture and guarantees on the sanctity of contracts, noting that these would endear the state to investors.

  • Group rejects ranching in Edo

    The Benin National Congress has rejected plans by the Federal Government to include Edo State as one of the pilot state for its cattle ranching scheme.

    It said it would mobilize youths, women and artisans to protest against establishing ranches in any parts of the state.

    President of the BNC, Mr. Aiyamenkhue Edokpolor, stated this while briefing journalists at the end of the group’s emergency meeting in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    Edokpolor said farm lands in the state have been abandoned and deserted because of herdsmen activities.

    He said the Benins should not be punished because of their hospitality.

    Read Also: Man jailed 15 years for burglary in Edo

    Edokpolor also urged Governor Godwin Obaseki to ask the Federal Government to include youths on Bénin extraction into the amnesty programme.

    According to him, “Rising from an emergency meeting today, we wish to respectfully remind Edo State Governor that Benin youths are worried over their exclusion from the amnesty program.

    “Our counterparts in Niger Delta are enjoying skill acquisition and scholarship programs of the amnesty office under the National Security Adviser, and our youths are completely excluded because our people have not shown inclination and tenacity in armed militancy.

    “Our senatorial district is host to the largest gas terminal in West Africa, oil and gas pipelines transverses our seven Local Government Areas, and oil and has have been discovered in very large proportions in six out of seven LGAs of our areas.

    “We are appealing to the coordinator of the Amnesty program Prof. Charles Dokubor not to succumb to the antics of his predecessors who undermined peaceful ethnic nationalities and dealt only with warring communities.”

  • Adamu Ciroma: Obaseki extols virtues, commiserates with Yobe govt

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has extolled the virtues of late Adamu Ciroma, whose passing at an Abuja hospital, was announced on Thursday.

    Aged 84, Ciroma was at various times former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), former Minister of Finance and Managing Editor of New Nigerian Newspaper.

    Obaseki lauded Late Ciroma for his contributions to Nigeria’s development and his selfless service to building a thriving nation.

    “I am saddened by the loss of elder statesman, Adamu Ciroma, whose passing was announced today at an Abuja hospital.

    Read Also: Obaseki mulls Security Trust Fund for Edo

    “Ciroma was a respected leader, who rose to serve Nigeria meritoriously when the occasion demanded. This can be gleaned from the number of public service offices he held and the panache with which he dispensed his roles.

    “I hereby extend my condolences to the government and people of Yobe State, his hometown, Potiskum, and his immediate family. I pray that God gives them the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.

    Obaseki noted that “Ciroma’s role as one of the architects of modern Nigeria cannot be controverted,” calling on youths to emulate his commitment to the Nigerian project.