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Tag: Godwin Obaseki

  • Positive economic outlook in Edo increases investor traffic

    …as Edo trails Lagos in states with highest air fares

     

    The prevailing investment-friendly environment in Edo State, resulting from a series of reforms embarked upon by the Godwin Obaseki administration, to open up the state to private sector investment is impacting on air transportation, stretching airlines to their limit.

    Figures obtained from a publication by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), entitled ‘Transport Fare Watch May 2018,’ showed that ‘’average fare paid by air passengers for specified routes single journey increased by 1.04 percent year-on-year to N31,659.82 in May, 2018,  from N31,833.46, in April 2018, but decreased by 0.40 per cent month-on-month.’’

    The statistics bureau listed Edo State as the state with the second highest air fare, at N39,950.00, after Lagos State, N40,500.00; while the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja was listed third at N39,592.59.

    The states with the lowest air fares, according to the NBS, are Katsina N24, 300.00; Osun N24, 950.48; and Nasarawa N25, 700.18.

    Read Also:Azura-Edo IPP proof of enabling environment for private investors – Osinbajo

    The May 2018 figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics validate reports by operators of hotels and guest houses, tour operators and other practitioners in the tourism and hospitality industry who have attributed the boost in hotel subscription to the wide range of economic activities such as the development of Benin Industrial Park, the Gelegele Seaport project, the 450 Edo-Azura Independent Power Project and the various road construction work across the state.

    New and prospective investors are unperturbed by the high air fares, and investor confidence is at all-time high.

    Recall that the Chairman, Golden Tulip Essential Hotel, Benin City, Mr. Edobor Ozakpolor, explained recently that “the current frenzy in the sector can be traced to the emerging socio-economic opportunities being created by the governor of the state.

    “Hotel accommodation before now was driven by seasonal activities like cultural and political events. But what we have now is a surge and it started since the governor’s inauguration. We thought activities would nose-dive after the inauguration but the tempo has been sustained by visitors and contractors who are seeking jobs and businesses.

    On air travels, he noted that “bookings have increased to 99 per cent as all the airlines that operate the Lagos-Benin route come into Benin City fully booked. This was not the trend before this administration.

    “We have moved from weekend to daily business. When we ask some of our guests what they are doing in the state, they always tell us that they are here to see the state governor. Some guests are impressed by the ease with which they can see the governor and seal business deals, because of the reforms in the system.”

    Mr. Ozakpolor added that “the improvement in security is also boosting the confidence of our people who now come to town often. People feel safer in the city now and we are aware that the security architecture of the state has been interrogated and improved upon. The impact of the improvement is being felt in the sector as there is a direct relationship between the hospitality industry and security.”

    Osazuwa Ehiorobo, owner of The Hamptons Travel Inn, on Boundary Road, Benin City, said “more people are coming into the state now with improved security. The number of contractors that we receive at our facility is on the increase.

    The governor is attracting more people to the state with his work in the road sector and the development of the industrial park and other projects in the state.”

    Mr. Ehiorobo urged hotel owners to take advantage of the emerging business climate by improving their services. “Some of the factors that can keep guests in your hotel include your ability to provide steady power, suitability of your accommodation, the environment, and the security in the city,” he added.

    The National Bureau of Statistics Transport Watch Report for May 2018 covers bus journey within the city per drop constant route; bus journey intercity, state route, charge per person; air fare charge for specified routes single journey; journey by motorcycle (Okada) per drop; and water way passenger
    transport.

    According to the Report, “Average fare paid by commuters for bus journey within the city increased by 0.53 per cnet month-on-month and 32.71 per cent year-on-year to N166.85 in May 2018 from N165.94 in April 2018.

    “States with highest bus journey fare within city were Abuja FCT (N325.23), Cross River (N282.14) and Abia (N235.54) while States with lowest bus journey fare within city were Bauchi (N87.92), Anambra (N93.33) and Rivers (N96.36).

    “Average fare paid by commuters for bus journey intercity decreased by 0.05% month-on-month and increased by 14.89% year-on-year to N1,716.31 in May 2018 from N1,722.86 in April 2018. States with highest bus journey fare intercity were Abuja FCT (N4,125.51), Adamawa (N3,166.53) and Borno (N2,744.44) while States with lowest bus journey fare within city were Bauchi (N1,064.54), Enugu (N1,096.88) and Yobe (N1,125.00).”

  • Edo Innovation Hub partners Siemens on ‘The Hack Edo Series’

    …seeks new solutions to power generation, distribution challenges

    Sequel to its launch only last week, the Edo Innovates tech cluster has concluded modalities for The Hack Edo Series, a multi-dimensional initiative to identify and incubate the best ideas that tackle problems of power generation and distribution faced by individuals, businesses and the digital ecosystem, with a N3.5 million prize money.

    In a statement by Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Skills Development and Jobs Creation, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, said that The Hack Edo Series which is being organised in partnership with Impact Hub and Siemens Nigeria, will leverage innovation technology to identify solutions in the area of power generation, adding that N3.5 million in cash prizes will be won by the best ideas.

    She said starts-ups or groups with ideas can apply on the Edo jobs website, as deadline for application is on June 30.

    According to her, “Through a series of practical Hackathons, the Hack Edo series aims to equip young Nigerian innovators with the skills necessary to make impact in their various communities.”

    She said the series will help increase the number of individuals taking action on social and economic issues, build a collaborative community that tackles issues and identify the best ideas that will be supported through the incubation phase.

    Read Also: Eid-El-Fitr: Obaseki lauds Edo residents on peaceful celebration

    She said the hackathons will catalyse high-growth startups within Edo State, support development of ventures from ideation to commercialization and promote job creation and economic development, adding, “this will drive and ensure the increased adoption of local technology by government, corporates and development agencies across Edo state and Nigeria, strengthen and raise the standard of startups in the region and deliver positive social impact returns to communities and people across the region.”

    Recall that the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, alongside Governor Godwin Obaseki, last week, launched the South-South Innovation Hub in the state, kicking off activities for the state’s fledging tech ecosystem at the remodeled Institute of Continuing Education (ICE).

    The state government has partnered with over 25 technology firms in setting up the facility, which will serve as a one-stop shop for training, incubation, acceleration for start-ups and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the state.

  • International Remittances: Obaseki challenges Diaspora Community on Investment in Edo

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has challenged the Diaspora community to plug into his administration’s economic blueprint, which is creating investment opportunities in the various sectors of the state.

    Obaseki threw the challenge in commemoration of the International Day of Family Remittances, marked onJune 17, each year.

    While lauding the members of the Diaspora community for the difference they are making in the lives of their families back home through foreign remittances running into billions of naira each year, the governor said the Edo State economy is ripe and ready for grab.

    “We have successfully changed the narrative about Edo State being a civil service state. We have eliminated encumbrances in land procurement and use, and have created a team that is saddled with the promotion of investment in the state, and are ready to guide potential investors on the opportunities that abound in the state,” he said.

    According to Obaseki, “Edo ranks high in several reports on the ease of doing business in Nigeria and the economic outlook is being improved upon with the mandates to the new Edo Geographic Information Service Agency, the revamped Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), the Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development and the Private Property Protection Law, which have sanitised land administration in the state.

    “The 1800 Emotan Gardens project has been flagged off by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and structures have been put in place by EDPA to ensure seamless payment plan for the various  housing units.

    “We have created several business corridors linking the Benin Industrial Park (BIP) to the Benin Seaport and another corridor linking the cement factories in Edo North and their allied companies, through Edo Central to the ongoing Benin Seaport in Gelegele.”

    He explained that “Another corridor links the Benin Industrial Park to the industrial cluster in Utesi, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area to the 1800 housing units Emotan Gardens, with boundless business opportunities on all the corridors, for all Edo people, home and abroad and residents in the state.

    Read Also: Osinbajo, Obaseki partner to give Edo life-changing projects

    He further said that his administration has made remarkable progress in opening up the health, education and agricultural sectors for private sector participation.

    The United Nations said the celebration of the International Day of Family Remittances is “aimed at recognizing the significant financial contribution migrant workers make to the wellbeing of their families back home and to the development of their countries of origin.”

    The global body notes that “It is also aimed at encouraging the public and private sectors, as well as the civil society, to do more together and collaborate to maximize the impact of these funds in the developing world.

    “The IDFR was unanimously proclaimed by all 176 member states of IFAD’s Governing Council at its 38th session in February 2015, and adopted by the UN General Assembly in June 2018 (draft A/72/L.56).

    “Proclaiming an International Day of Family Remittances represents an invaluable opportunity not only to recognize the efforts of migrant workers globally, but also to strengthen current partnerships and create new synergies among sectors to promote the development impact of remittances worldwide.

    “The first IDFR was celebrated on 16 June 2015 by more than 400 policy-makers, private sector representatives and civil society leaders at the opening of the Fifth Global Forum on Remittances and Development in Milan.

    “In 2016 over eighty money transfer operators endorsed the IDFR and committed to take concrete action to ensure that family remittances count for even more. Read their statements.

    “In 2017 and 2018 the Day received an unprecedented support from the private sector, with over 100 Money Transfer Operators (MTOs) through IAMTN, 800 mobile companies through GSMA, 6,000 savings banks across 80 countries through WSBI, and several individual private sector entities. The Day was also supported by the 22 UN organizations within the Global Migration Group (GMG), individually by IOM and by several member states.”

     

  • Osinbajo holds close door meeting with Oba of Benin

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday held a private meeting with the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II at his Palace in Benin, the Edo capital.

    Also at the meeting, which lasted about 45 minutes were the Governor of Edo, Mr Godwin Obaseki, his Deputy Governor , Phillip Shaibu and former Governor of Edo, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

    Journalists were however not briefed about what transpired at the meeting.

    The Vice President left the palace to the Benin Airport for Abuja at about 2.00 pm.

    Read Also: Govt to empower millions, says Osinbajo

    Osinbajo arrived Benin on June 14 for a two-day working tour of Edo.

    During the visit, the Vice President performed the ground breaking ceremony of 1800 Housing Units Emotan Garden Estate at Ikpoba Okha Local Government Council and commissioned the Solar Lighting Project at Edaiken Market in Benin.

    Osinbajo also launched the South-South Innovation Hub and attended the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Clinic, where he had a chat with owners of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programme.

    He also visited the Azura Power Project in Benin.

     

    NAN

  • Obaseki to remove lawmakers’ constituency projects

    Solar powered street lights influenced by some lawmakers in the National Assembly as part of their constituency projects may soon be removed from the streets of Benin City by the Edo State Government.

    Posters of the lawmakers are placed on the solar powered street lights erected.

    It was gathered that the State Government has already approved street lights to be erected along some of the street the lawmakers have placed their street lights as constituency project.

    Government sources said the posters of the lawmakers placed on the street lights on roads under construction by the state government made the people believed that the road projects were part of the constituency projects.

    Governor Godwin Obaseki gave the indication when he ordered the removal  of substandard and unauthorized road furniture including similar projects, on roads and other projects across the state.

    The Governor who gave the order after the state’s weekly Executive Council meeting said it was not right to erect substandard electricity poles that are either abandoned mid-way or lack sustainable maintenance plan and pose safety risk.

    Obaseki noted that the decision became necessary in order to streamline project execution across the state and eliminate the chaotic situation currently being experienced.

    He stated that the growing trend of executing projects without recourse to the agencies of government that give approvals and licences for such projects, in line with laid down rules was worrisome and must stop.

    Read Also: Obaseki backs NBC’s youth entrepreneurship programme

    According to him, “The state is littered with substandard projects that disrupt the infrastructure master plan and violate laid down rules for such projects.

    “The chaotic and indiscriminate execution of substandard and unapproved projects, which are not known to state government agencies and other tiers of government, is unacceptable. This ugly trend must stop,” the governor said.

    “We have a template for the wide array of developmental projects which are being implemented in every ward in the state and anyone who is executing any project in any part of the state should seek approval from the relevant government agencies.

    “The right thing to do is to run your projects through officials of government saddled with the task to give approvals for such projects and secure the necessary approvals

    “Currently, consultation has reached advanced stage to have a dedicated electricity line that will feed government hospitals, the state secretariat complex and other government offices, to ensure regular power supply in those offices. You cannot disrupt such a plan with a project that the approving agencies are not aware of, and have not approved.”

    The lawmakers could not be reached for comments.

  • Obaseki advocates Bottom–up approach to governance

    …As Edo APC retreat begins

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has recommended a Bottom–up approach to governance which he said will ensure the speedy development of the country.

    Obaseki made the submission while declaring open the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Executive Retreat in Benin City, on Friday, June 8, 2018.

    “We cannot continue to operate the top-down approach to governance which over the years has not delivered the dividends of democracy to the base. This accounts for why we have continued to record crises in most communities today,” he told his fellow party men and women at the event.

    Read Also: Obaseki plans special intervention fund for Uhunmwode LGA

    The governor advised: “Let us use the logic of democracy to govern, which is government of the people, by the people and for the people. We need to provide for the people at the base. We need to go to them, empower them because they elected us to serve them.”

    He further urged: “Let us go back to the basis and start ward development, let us get people who live in those wards to organise themselves and tell us what their needs are, and what the government needs to do.”

    Obaseki challenged the state APC executives to use the opportunity of the 2-day retreat to brainstorm and come up with sustainable models that would drive governance at the grassroots, and which will serve as models for other states of the country.

    “I charge you to interrogate, discuss the nature, structure, financing models and management, as well as the role of the APC party and politics in general, in an emerging democracy. You must now give the people a reason to vote for our great party,” he said.

  • Forest depletion: Obaseki raises alarm, commits to preservation

    …Regenerate Edo forest assets

    …assures of new law, policy to check trend 

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state government has resolved to take proactive steps to regenerate and preserve the state’s forest assets to conform to global practices.

    Obaseki said this after receiving the report from the 16-man Advisory Committee on Forestry, inaugurated in April to assist the state develop effective frameworks in managing her forest assets in line with international best practice with focus on forest reservation, preservation, conservation and regeneration based on a report presented by Pro-Forest.

    He said the state’s forest assets require urgent action on regeneration, noting, “An executive bill for a law on forest regeneration has to go to Edo State House of Assembly and we will not waste time in implementing the law.”

    Read Also: Obaseki, World Bank, step up consultation

    He said the state government would study recommendations made by the committee and lead conversation around forest regeneration, adding, “We will come up with policy guidelines and action plan based on the recommendations before the end of June.

    “We must do something urgently on forest reservation. Our advantage is that we have a history and something to fall back to on forest reservation. It is our responsibility to restore our forests.”

    Chairman of the 16-man Advisory Committee, Dr. Felix Idumah, said the committee was set up because of the governor’s concern about rejuvenating the state’s forestry assets.

    He said findings in the report revealed a high level of degradation, deforestation and depletion of the state’s forest resources, noting, “The forest assets are no longer there. If nothing is done to halt the trend, we will not have any forest.”

  • Obaseki vows to recover funds from EDSOPADEC contractors

    44 abandoned projects identified

     

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has vowed to recover funds from contractors found to have abandoned projects awarded to them by the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOPADEC).

    Governor Obaseki said he would not constitute a new board for the commission until he has cleaned up the system.

    Obaseki said he was disappointed with the manner the commission utilized funds given to it in the last six years.

    He spoke when he received the Engineering Audit of EDSOPADEC’s projects from 2011 to 2017.

    The audit was done by Development Engineering Konsult Limited and EDSOPADEC is being funded by the 13% derivation fund accrued to oil producing states.

    Governor Obaseki who expressed dissatisfaction with the poor handling of projects said it was discouraging that the commission failed in its mandate to utilise funds to ameliorate developmental challenges in oil producing communities.

    Read Also: Obaseki sacks staff of College of Agriculture

    Obaseki mandated the permanent secretaries in the state’s ministries of Infrastructure and Urban & Regional Planning, to review the audit report submitted by the Development Engineering Konsult Limited and develop a white paper thereafter.

    According to him, “There is need for baseline study of the oil and gas producing communities in order to develop economic master plans for the development of the communities. The state has developed a tripartite arrangement for project execution in oil and gas producing communities, which would involve the companies, host communities and government.

    “I am not happy that of the funds for projects made available to the commission only 30 percent were put to use, while similar commission at the regional level had only expended 10 per cent of funds for project execution.

    “These commissions that were supposed to build alternative economies and assist oil and gas producing communities to prepare for a time when crude oil resources would be exhausted, have not done enough for the communities.

    “This is unacceptable. Hence, we will not constitute new board for EDSOPADEC until we clean up the system. We will invite contractors who abandoned projects and where there is need for the contractors to return funds meant for projects we will not relent until such funds are fully recovered.

    Presenting the audit report, representative of the audit firm, Engineer Sylvester Osara, said a total of 117 projects were executed and completed by EDSOPADEC in oil and gas producing communities across Orhionmwon, Ikpoba -Okha and Ovia North East local government areas.

    Osara said 46 out of the 117 projects either failed or were vandalised while 44 other projects were abandoned across the three local government areas.

    He called for assessment to be carried out before execution of projects to allow host communities own and maintain projects in their areas.

  • World Bank backs Obaseki’s devt drive

    …Urges other states to replicate Edo blueprint

     

    The World Bank has thrown its weight behind the ongoing developmental drive of the Godwin Obaseki-led administration in Edo State, urging other states in the country to replicate the Edo model.

    Country Director of World Bank, Nigeria and Co-ordinating Director for Regional Integration Programme in West Africa, Rachid Benmessaoud, who led the bank’s delegation on a visit to the governor at the Government House, Edo State, on Thursday, said: “Obaseki has established a flagship effort that has resulted in the Edo Azura Power Plant where he brought the World Bank Group together and we are ready to replicate the model and build more Azura projects in Nigeria and West Africa.”

    He was accompanied on the visit by the Country Manager, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Nigeria Office, Eme Essien; Programme  Leader, Muna Salih Meky; Programme Leader, Kofi Nouve; Lead Procurement Specialist, Bayo Awosemusi; Senior Private Sector Specialist, Feyi Boroffice; Senior Agriculture Economist, Adetunji A. Oredipe; and Senior Operations Officer, John Paul Ngebeh, amongst others.

    Benmessaoud explained that the strong partnership between Edo State Government and the World Bank is highly cherished by his institution, and commended the  insistence of the Obaseki administration on transparency and accountability.

    Read Also: Obaseki rolls out investment windows for agribusiness investors

    “I want to assure the governor that the World Bank will help in addressing the human capital needs by pulling her resources together to support the Edo State government,” he pledged.

    In his response, Obaseki expressed the gratitude of the Edo State government to the World Bank for finding the state a worthy partner in their commitment to bring development to all Edo people and residents.

    He showcased the achievements of the government in agriculture to his guests and said that one of his goals is to replace crude oil with oil palm, as aggressive effort is being made to make Edo State the oil palm hub in the country and beyond.

    He highlighted some of the challenges faced by his government, including illegal migration and human trafficking, explaining that 60 per cent of returnees to Nigeria are from Edo State.

    According to him, “Trafficking is high because the people are very aspirational and are prepared to take the risk of embarking on the dangerous journey. If they can turn such zeal to learning a skill and contribute their quota to development, the nation will be a better place for us all”.

    Obaseki further said that in the state alone, about 3,300 people have returned home after a painful experience in Libya and elsewhere and added that his administration has been reintegrating them  into the society through a bouquet of initiatives including creating jobs, mentoring, technical and vocational education; skill development programme, amongst others.

    Benmassoud’s visit follows the visit of 11 Executive Directors of the Bretton Woods institution, who were in the state for on-the-spot assessment of the bank-sponsored developmental projects in the state, recently.

     

  • Edo displaces 35 states on transparency, legislative engagement – Research

    …leads in access to budget, user-friendly website

     

    Reforms by Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in opening up governance to public participation and access to state’s legislature’s activities have been applauded by independent researchers, who affirm that the state beat other 35 Nigerian states on different parameters for open governance.

    In a statement on Thursday, in Benin City, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said the accolades for transparency and accessibility show that Governor Obaseki’s collaboration with the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) on the deployment of Information and Communication Technology (ICTs) for open governance is yielding results.

    The verdict was contained in a recent publication by Enough is Enough Nigeria titled Legislative Engagement: Why Are Our State Legislators Inaccessible? to identify states’ legislature with active website, members’ contact details online and budgets available online.

    The non-governmental organisation (NGO) said, “The role of state legislators cannot be underestimated in national development. This makes it imperative for citizens to engage state lawmakers for optimal representation and maximum service delivery.”

    Read Also: Obaseki rolls out investment windows for agribusiness investors

    From the published data, of Nigeria’s 36 states, only seven states have their annual budget published; four had members of their state assembly’s contact details online and five operated active websites. Edo ticked the three parameters that were measured.

    Osagie said the state government’s commitment to e-governance would open the space for citizens to get involved in the governance process, noting that the improved rating for Edo state shows that the people are not only carried along by government but that the legislature allows for the input of their constituents in the legislative process, among others.

    According to him, “Governor Obaseki will continued to maintain a healthy relationship with the legislators in the interest of the people to improve governance.

    He added, “In February this year, the governor inspected the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities at the State Assembly complex, where he commended the foresight of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Adjoto, in adopting technological solutions to improve legislative proceedings.

    “As a government, we promise to continue to uphold these principles to give our people the opportunity to engage in the governance process. The governor will not relent in providing needed support to drive the adoption of improved communication technologies to enhance governance at all levels, including legislative proceedings at the State Assembly Complex,” Osagie added.