The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Godwin Obaseki

  • Hydro-power: Edo to dam Ikpoba, Ovia Rivers, partners UNDP

    Hydro-power: Edo to dam Ikpoba, Ovia Rivers, partners UNDP

    …to support bill on Maritime Security Agency

     

    The Edo State Government has disclosed that it is in talks with the United Nations Development Programme ( UNDP ) to harness the state’s water resources to generate electricity.

    This was disclosed by the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, when he received the Coordinator and Officers of the Maritime Security Agency (MSA) during the group’s courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

    Obaseki said the partnership talks with the UNDP on electricity generation is to strengthen the state government’s efforts to promote economic activities.

    He said, “We are currently working with the UNDP to develop a mini-hydro project from the water resources in the state, specifically from Ovia and Ikpoba Rivers.

    “We have identified two major projects. The state government will take advantage of the opportunity provided by these water bodies to generate electricity to boost economic activities in the state.”

    According to Obaseki, “this administration is open to collaboration with relevant groups and agencies to complement government policies designed to grow the economy of the state and secure our internal waterways.”

    The governor added that his administration supports the bill for the establishment of the Maritime Security Agency as the creation of the agency will safeguard internal waterways across the country.

    Coordinator and facilitator, Maritime Security Agency, Bishop Goodluck Akpore, commended the governor for his drive in promoting economic development in the state, noting “your effort in promoting economic development in the state is visible to all.”

    Akpore said the objectives of the agency include to provide security, information and mechanisms to protect national maritime zones in the country, coordinate Nigeria’s Maritime security in collaboration and consultation with the relevant agencies.

  • Human trafficking: Edo to partner Peace Corps on returnees’ re-integration

    Human trafficking: Edo to partner Peace Corps on returnees’ re-integration

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed his administration’s readiness to partner the Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) on the reintegration programme for Libya returnees as soon as the bill establishing the Corps gets assent from President Muhammad Buhari.

    Governor Obaseki disclosed this when he received Edo State Commandant of PCN, Patriot Ayuba Hammed, at the Government House, Benin City, on a courtesy.

    The governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Hon. Yakubu Gowon, said the support of the Peace Corps is required in empowering the Libya returnees.

    “I want to liken your duties to that of Edo State Government, which is empowering Libya returnees in the state by setting up skill acquisition centers, where they can truly acquire skills and be re-integrated into society,” he said.

    He commended the Corps for its involvement in combating social decadence in educational institutions in the state, noting “One of the key areas this government is working on is to revamp basic education in Edo State.

    “We are aware that the bill establishing the corps is awaiting assent. We are sure that when assented to, the corps will train more people for employment.”

    State Commandant, Edo State Peace Corps, Patriot Ayuba Hammed, said the corps aims to train, educate and re-orientate youths, particularly students on their leadership role in the society.

    He said the Corps was formed due to the alarming involvement of youth in criminal and anti-social activities in educational institutions across the state.

    Hammed said the state command of the corps parades over 5,000 officers spread across the three senatorial districts, where they work with schools to actualise set objectives.

  • Libya returnees appeal to Obaseki to fulfill pledge of N100m

    Libya returnees appeal to Obaseki to fulfill pledge of N100m

    Some returnees from Libya have appealed to Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo to fulfill his pledge and release the grant of N100 million for 150 hectares of land to them.

    They appealed to the governor to give the land he promised to the 150 trained returnees.

    Some of the trained returnees made this appeal when they spoke with journalists in Benin on Thursday.

    The state government in November 2017 organised two weeks training programme on various aspects of agriculture to some of the returnees.

    The returnees, who are indigenes of the state, were trained on poultry, fishery, food processing and crop planting.

    Obaseki had at the closing ceremony of the two weeks programme, announced the approval of N100 million seed grant as well as 150 hectares of land as seed grant for the trained returnees.

    The governor said that the State Agricultural Development Programme ( ADP ), would work with the returnees for the implementation of the project.

    However, some of the returnees who pleaded anonymity said they were in the dark on the implementation of the programme almost two months after the approval was made.

    “January is almost gone and we are totally at loss as to what is happening to the project that is meant to cushion the effect of what some of us who returned from Libya.

    “It is our belief that when implemented, we will be gainfully and meaningfully engaged and thus stopping us from being involved in social vices.

    “We also believe that with timely release or implementation of the programme, those who are yet to be trained will be encouraged as well as prevented from going back to Libya.

    “Whether we like it or not, some of those that have returned are still planning to go back to that country because of the hardship in the country,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the government had pleaded for patience from the returnees as modalities for the implementation of the programme was being drawn out.

    Mr Solomon Okoduwa, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Anti-Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration, made the appeal while reacting to the call by the returnees.

    He said the governor remained committed to the course and had been working assiduously to ensure timely release of the fund.

    “I can tell you that he (Obaseki) has not relented on ensuring better life for the returnees, especially to encourage the returned once to stay back home and discouraged those planning to leave.

    “It is for this reason he graciously approved the training programme and the subsequent the approval of the seed grant and 150 hectares of land.

    “It will also interest you to know that about 600 others have returned and they have started receiving a monthly stipend of N20, 000, which will last for three months pending their scheduled training programme.

    “So, I am also appealing to them to be patient as they have not been forgotten by the governor who has been working very hard toward this course,” he said.

    NAN

  • Obaseki meets Ijaw leaders, preaches peace

    Obaseki meets Ijaw leaders, preaches peace

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo, on Friday, said without the rule of law, peace and order, there would be no progress and the realisation of individual and collective ambition in any society.

    Obaseki made this disclosure at the Government House when he met with the elders and leaders of thought and the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress, Edo chapter in Benin.

    The governor said that the meeting, which held at his instance, was to interact with the Ijaw leaders on their basic needs in their communities.

    Obaseki said that the State Government had not marginalised any group in the state.

    He said the government was ready to provide the needed amenities but he would not embark on a project that would be hindered by any crisis.

    Obaseki tasked the leaders to shun unnecessary sentiments, which was capable of hindering the development of the marine area of the state.

    He enjoined the leaders to sheath their swords and assured them that his administration would attend to their needs.

    Read also: Buhari, IGP meet over Benue, Rivers killings

     Mr Edmond Doyah-Tiemo, who read an address on behalf of the Ijaw leaders, complained of alleged marginalisation, oppression and balkanisation of the Ijaw people, which he said, had hampered their existence as a people.

    He lauded Obaseki for his efforts to open up the area, especially through the proposed Gelegele Seaport and assured him of their support.

  • ‘Fertiliser plant storing products, to start selling’

    ‘Fertiliser plant storing products, to start selling’

    The Edo State Government has said that the Auchi Fertiliser and Chemical Company Ltd is producing and storing products which will be available for sale when the planting season commences.

    Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Agriculture and Food Security Programme, Joe Okojie, disclosed this in a chat with journalists in Benin City.

    The Auchi Fertiliser and Chemical plant which is run on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model with WACOT Limited, is part of the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative. It is expected to produce 55,000mt of fertiliser yearly and serve farmers in Edo State and its environs.

    Okojie said the fertiliser blending plant is currently producing and storing products to be used during the planting season, stressing that the plant is not selling fertiliser yet.

    According to him, “The Auchi Fertiliser plant was commissioned recently by the Vice President. The plant is producing and storing products. I’m sure when it is time to go to the farm, we will have enough fertiliser supplies from the blending plant.”

    Recall that the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, recently, appealed to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State to ensure that fertiliser from the state-owned fertiliser plant in Auchi, is sold directly to farmers in the state and not through middlemen.

    Alhaji Abdullahi Oshiobugie, Edo North coordinator of AFAN, who said that the farmers were worried because they did not want to suffer adverse effects of price inflation by the middlemen.

    He commended governor Obaseki for ensuring that the Auchi fertiliser plant commenced production fully, and stressed the need for the state government to set up a committee to monitor the movement of fertiliser in the state to avoid diversion.

  • Obaseki assents to 2018 budget of N150bn in Edo

    Obaseki assents to 2018 budget of N150bn in Edo

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo on Friday assented to the 2018  budget of N150.09 billion pledging 95 per cent implementation before the end of 2018.

    Edo House of Assembly on December 21 passed the state’s budget with an increase of about N3.4 billion.

    Gov. Obaseki, had on November 29, presented a budget proposal of N146.6 billion, made up of N66.7 billion recurrent and N79.8 billion capital expenditures to the legislature for consideration.

    Assenting to the budget in Benin, the governor described the occasion as ‘historical’, noting that it was the first time in the history of the state a budget was given assent before the beginning of the new fiscal year.

    “It shows seriousness of both arms of government and it also demonstrates the level of alignment between the legislative and the executive,” he said.

    The governor commended the legislature for fine-tuning the budget, saying that the increment of about N4 billion was realistic going by the current crude oil prices.

    “The ratio of capital to expenditure is now better; 2018 will be much better than what we experienced in 2017.

    “We will implement the budget to bring succour to the people of the state,” he said.

    Earlier, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Kabiru Adjoto, had said the budget was designed to meet with the prevailing realities as well as for the benefit of the people of the state.

    Adjoto said the legislature increased the budget allocation for agriculture and infrastructure to allow for revenue generation for the state.

    NAN

  • Edo Assembly passes 2018 N150.09 bn budget

    Edo Assembly passes 2018 N150.09 bn budget

    The Edo House of Assembly on Thursday passed the state’s N150.09 billion budget for 2018 with an increase of about N3.433billion.

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki had on November 29 presented a budget proposal of N146.6 billion, made up of N66.7 billion recurrent and N79.8 billion capital expenditures to the House for consideration.

    The House increased the proposal by about N3.433 billion.

    Considering the bill clause by clause, the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation and Project Monitoring, Mr Damian Lawani (APC-Etsako Central), said the proposal, christened “Budget of Growth’’, was designed to ensure completion of ongoing projects in the state.

    The house also raised the capital expenditure from N79.8 billion to N82.53 billion, while the recurrent was raised from N66.7 billion to N67.55 billion.

    The House, after considering the amendments, passed the bill into law.

    The speaker, Kabiru Adjoto, directed that clean copies of the document should be sent to the governor for his assent.

    NAN

  • Fuel Scarcity: Edo to clamp down on errant petrol stations 

    Fuel Scarcity: Edo to clamp down on errant petrol stations 

    As part of measures to prevent the hoarding of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) during the yuletide, the Edo State Government has said that it would commence monitoring of marketers and petrol stations across the state from Wednesday, December 20, 2017, and will shut errant stations.

    The Commissioner for Oil, Gas & Solid Minerals, Hon. Joseph Ugheoke, gave the warning in a chat with journalists at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State capital, on Tuesday.

    “People in the state should not engage in panic buying as there is no justifiable reason for doing so. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has assured the state government that it would supply enough products to the state to address the shortage.”

    He explained that the state government has placed a ban on the sale of PMS in jerry cans, adding that notice has been sent to managers of petrol stations not to sell PMS of more than 20 litres to buyers with jerry cans.

    “We are aware of the reduced allocation of PMS to Edo State. The shortage of PMS is not peculiar to Edo State, as other states in the country are also recording similar shortage in supply though there is no record of scarcity in some states,” the commissioner said.

    “The ministry has been reliably informed by the NNPC that the quantity of PMS supplied to Edo State will adequately serve the needs of users during the yuletide. There is no need for panic buying by motorists across the state.”

    Ugheoke said the state government through the Ministry of Oil, Gas and Solid Minerals, is putting measures in place to prevent some marketers from exploiting the people by hoarding the product to create artificial scarcity and make excessive gains to the detriment of the people.

    “The queues we have been seeing at petrol stations across the state were caused by the fears over the planned strike by members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). But with the suspension of the strike on Monday, loading of petroleum products has commenced and our staff will be going round to monitor the supply and dispensing of PMS to motorists at the petrol stations,” he said.

    According to him, officials of the ministry will ensure that petrol stations that were supplied PMS, dispense the product to buyers based on the regulated price of N145 per litre and any station hoarding the product will be shut down.

  • Edo pensioners get N244m for October payment

    Edo pensioners get N244m for October payment

    …As govt, BEDC strategise to light up state 

     

    Teachers in Edo State got N1,108,476,358.72 for their October salaries from the N2, 391,150,633 allocation accrued to the Local Government Areas from the Federation Account, while N244 million was used to pay pensioners, the Joint Account and Allocation Committee, (JAAC), has said.

    Besides, the Edo State Government has outlined strategies to engage the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to ensure stable electricity supply to residents in the state.

    Head, Local Government Administration, Uhunmwode Local Government Area, (LGA), Mr. Anthony Osa Kaduna Eboigbodin, disclosed at the end of JAAC meeting held at Government House, in Benin City and presided over by the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

    Eboigbodin said the N2.4 billion allocation accrued to the 18 local government councils in the state from the Federation Account for the month of October, 2017.

    According to him, of N2,391,150,633 total allocation to the councils, N1,108,476,358 was set aside for the payment of teachers’ salaries while N244,087,081.04 was used for payment of pension. He added that the total allocation distributed to the 18 local government councils in the state is 732,850,981.56.

    Eboigbodin said other decisions reached at the meeting as directed by the Governor Obaseki was to ensure stable power supply in the state.

    He said that a committee to be chaired by the 18 commissioners, assisted by Heads of Local Government Administrations and officials of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) was set up to see to the improvement in electricity supply across the state.

    The three intervention areas include communities that have infrastructure for power supply; those with deficient power equipment, which will be fixed and others, who are not connected to the national grid, may have to wait till after the Christmas celebrations.

  • Anti-human Trafficking fight: Obaseki’s initiatives get int’l attention

    Anti-human Trafficking fight: Obaseki’s initiatives get int’l attention

    Efforts by the Edo State Government to bring an end to human trafficking and illegal migration in the state has caught the attention of international media organisations, whose representatives are in Benin City, the state capital, for on-the-spot assessment of the government’s initiatives.

    The list of the international media include, Cable News Network (CNN), premier America news channel, was in Benin City recently to follow the trail of human trafficking, dwelling on the role of local ‘juju’ men in propagating the illicit trade.

    About 144 returnees arrived the country on Tuesday, some of whom are heading to Benin City. The increased number of returnees from Libya came after a CNN report sparked global outrage on the sale of Africans into slavery for as low as $400.

    RTL Television, Germany’s largest private free-to-air broadcaster, by market share, is another news channel that has beamed its spotlight on Edo State, particularly on the governor’s effort at tackling human trafficking. It distributes its content through cable and satellite and digital terrestrial platforms in densely populated areas.

    The broadcast station, owned by the RTL Group, signified interest in the Libya returnees’ reintegration programme of the Obaseki-led administration, due to the growing popularity of the Edo State home-grown initiatives to tackle illegal migration and human trafficking in Edo State.

    The empowerment programme has successfully trained 150 returnees from Libya in Agribusiness, who were given 150 hectares of land and N100 million to start a new life as agripreneurs.

    Also in the state is the prestigious Agence France-Presse (AFP), an international news agency with headquarters in France, known for its objectivity and independence in news presentation and ranked the third largest news agency in the world.

    The major attraction for these media companies is Obaseki’s resolve to deploy a mix of strategies to curtail the illicit trade in humans, ranging from engagements and an all-out war against the human trafficking cartels in the state, with links in Europe and other parts of the world.

    The international community’s interest is further driven by the benefits derivable from the Edo State government’s strategy, which will save their governments the troubles of dealing with a problem that has defied solutions across Europe and other parts of the world.

    At the graduation ceremony of the 150 Libyan returnees in Benin City recently, Governor Obaseki said the returnees would be organised into cooperatives that will be supervised by the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority and the Edo Agricultural Development Programme, to become creators of jobs and not job seekers.

    Reuters, the world’s second largest news agency, also reported the governor’s efforts to stem the tide of human trafficking, particularly his move to enact and enforce laws to prosecute traffickers.

    There have also been other reports by publications in France and India, chronicling the governor’s intensified efforts to tackle human trafficking in the state.