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Tag: Governor of Edo State

  • Obaseki salutes Nigerians as country celebrates 58th anniversary 

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 58th independence anniversary celebration.

    The governor, in a statement, reflected on the sacrifices and broad mindedness of Nigeria’s founding fathers, noting that the efforts of past heroes shall not be in vain as Nigeria remains on the path to greatness.

    According to him, “On behalf of the government of Edo State, I heartily salute all the people of our great country Nigeria, as we celebrate the 58th anniversary of the nation’s independence.”

    He noted, “As we mark this historic event, let us passionately reflect on the memory of our broad-minded and visionary founding fathers who laboured day and night to secure our freedom on October 1, 1960, thus creating for us a sovereign nation under God.

    “On this day, I join all patriots to once again affirm that the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain.”

    Noting that Nigeria has remained together despite challenges, he said, “We have indeed travailed and triumphed over several challenges and have remained united, resolute and undaunted.

    “The hiccups in recent times are normal occurrences in a democratic, developing nation and would naturally be overcome because democracy has self-correcting mechanisms.

    “Like millions of Nigerians, I believe that Nigeria, indeed Edo State will continue to witness transformation in every sector, remain politically and economically strong and indivisible in line with the principles of our founding fathers.”

    On the commitment of his administration to sustain the gains of independence, he said, “Edo State Government will continue to renew its robust commitment to social justice, security, economic development, improved infrastructure and education as well as healthcare delivery system.”

    He urged all Edo people and Nigerians to join hands with government and peacefully lift the nation to higher heights of greatness.

  • TCN raises capacity with 60MVA transformer in Edo, Ogun

    In line with the Buhari administration’s policy on incremental power, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has again successfully completed the installation of two units of 60MVA 132/33kV power transformers at Papelanto and Okpella Transmission Substations in Ogun and Edo States respectively.

    The 60MVA transformer in Okpella will be commissioned by the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on September 22, part of ceremony in his honour by his ancestral home, Igara Community in Edo State.

    Read Also:TCN’s capacity is 4,000mw not 7,000mw, say DisCos

    The 60MVA at Papalanto will be commissioned by the Minister of Power Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN at a later date.

    The 60MVA power transformer installed at Okpella, is long overdue and will greatly support the industrial policy of His Excellency the Executive Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, which is based on the existence of huge deposit of limestone and other solid minerals in the area. Already BUA Cement has a factory at Okpella which could be expanded with improved power supply.

    According to the statement issued by TCN General Manager Public Affairs Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, prior to the new installation, the capacity of Okpella Substation was only 15MVA and has now increased to 75MVA with the installation of a 60MVA power transformer. Consequently, several communities including Okpella, BUA Cement Company, Aghenebode Town and environs, who are customers of Benin Electricity Distribution Company, are expected to experience improved power supply.

    Also, the capacity of Papalanto Substation was 75MVA before the new 60MVA power transformer was installed. The additional transformer has increased the stations capacity to 132MVA. Electricity users in Ilaro, Lapeleke, Sango, Onihale and environs in in Ogun State who are customers of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company are expected to experience improved power supply. Potential eligible customers such as Lords Mint and Dolphin could also benefit from the increased supply.

    TCN noted that several projects are currently on-going in its network nationwide and re-affirmed its resolve to continue to pursue and implement the incremental power policy of the Federal Government by consistently investing in capacity expansion initiatives through its Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Program (TREP). TCN expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Power Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola for providing the needed leadership under which the company has continued to achieve laudable milestones.

  • Edo industrialisation policy resets state on growth path – Obaseki

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the Edo Industrial Development Policy has put the state on an economic growth path that is absorbing local manpower.

    He explained that the state has been working on the comprehensive industrialisation policy with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), which he said would be unveiled soon.

    Read Also:Obaseki finalises investment with Chinese firms

    Obaseki who is pushing hard on the various stages of projects designed to transform the state into an industrial hub, noted that “the steps that have been taken by our administration are in line with the state’s well-articulated Industrial Development Policy that will support increasing growth rates, generation of sufficient employment opportunities and sustainable economic growth and development.”

    Experts contend that experience from successful national and local economies indicates that a “coherent Industrialisation Policy is a prerequisite for the advancement of industrial development in any territory.”

    Specifically, the Benin Industrial Park is conceived to serve as a base for manufacturing and processing companies that will add a great deal of value to products that are sourced from the state and her neighbours, for onward exportation through the Benin River Port in Gelegele.

    The Modular Refinery in Benin has received a N700 million as initial investment and sources familiar with the progress of the Edo-China investment collaboration, said the projects hold a lot of promise for the state.

    According to Obaseki, “the company will be involved in the production of petroleum and petrochemical products and other related businesses.

    “The venture will enhance the local refining capacity, thereby increasing the volume of naphtha, kerosene, diesel and residual fuel oil products available in Edo State.”

    He added that the venture “will create legitimate employment opportunities thereby reducing poverty and providing job opportunities for teeming youth in the communities and facilitate the establishment of a fabrication yard as proposed by the promoters, thereby creating basis for expertise, professionalism and further training in oil and gas industry.”

    The governor assured that the set of strategies adopted in the industrialisation plan will alter the structure and distribution of industrial activity to promote economic growth and development.

    The Edo Fertiliser and Chemical plant commissioned by the governor last year has provided employment opportunities for over 500 people and has created allied businesses in Auchi where it is located, aside providing access to fertiliser.

    The governor added that the technical manpower required to drive these industries are being groomed at the Benin Science and Technical College, which is being revamped by the state government, to ensure that skilled manpower will be sourced locally.

     

  • Obaseki awards reconstruction of Ugbor-Amagba road

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has announced the award of contract for the reconstruction of Ugbor- Amagba Road in Benin City, which will bring to an end the frustration experienced by users of the road.

    Obaseki who made this known during a courtesy visit by the Registrar, West African Examination Council (WAEC), Dr. Uyi Uwadiae, in Government House, Benin City, assured that the reconstruction work would last 12 months.

    The governor explained that the request for the reconstruction of the Ugbor-Amagba Road received the blessing of the Edo State Executive Committee, in line with his administration’s commitment to invest in infrastructure and enhance the quality of life of Edo people and residents in the state.

    Earlier, the WAEC Registrar, expressed his excitement about the governor’s decision to reconstruct the Ugbor-Amaga Road, which also links the South-South Computer-based Centre of the examination body.

    Uwadiae explained that following the federal government’s approval to partner with WAEC in setting up Computer-based Test Centres in each of the six geopolitical zones in the country, the South-South Centre was sited in Ugbor area of Benin City, and would take six hundred candidates.

    He noted that the road, when constructed will make access to the examination facility easier for candidates.

    Uwadiae maintained that the decision to bring cutting-edge technology to the doorsteps of stakeholders in the education sector was informed by current global trends such as e-testing and e-marking.

    Obaseki further assured of his administration’s readiness to extend other forms of support to WAEC in order to raise the standard of education in the state.

    He shared with his guests, the progress so far recorded by the state with the deployment of technology in teaching, a component of the Edo State Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme.

    He charged the WAEC registrar and other members of his team to address the issue of examination malpractice among students.

  • Edo JAAC records N5m increase in councils’ IGR

    … Declares N2.9bn for June

     

    The Edo State Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) has recorded N5 million increase in Internally Generated Revenue of the local councils for the month of June, which formed part of the N2.9 billion declared as the total allocation that accrued to the state for the sixth month of the year.

    This was disclosed by the Chairman, Oredo Local Government Area, Hon. Evbareke Jenkins Osunde, at the end of the JAAC meeting presided over by the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki.

    Read Also:Lassa fever: Edo urges residents to sustain prevention efforts

    Osunde noted that the internally generated revenue in local councils increased from N206 million recorded in May to N211 million recorded in June 2018.

    He explained that, “Teachers’ salaries deducted for the month was N1,081,654,814.22, contribution for pension stood at N264, 115, 845.36, while pension arrears paid was N100 million.”

    Osunde said the total deduction was N1, 979, 354, 951.11; while net allocation was N1, 001, 089, 151.83.

    The Oredo Council boss lauded Governor Obaseki for assisting local councils with the payment of workers’ salary for the month of June.

    “It is important to note that because of the deadlock in the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meetings over the revenue for June, Governor Obaseki made money available for the payment of staff salary in the local government councils in the state. We greatly appreciate him for that,” he added.

  • Obaseki condemns killings of policemen in Edo

    …commiserates with their families, Police hierarchy

     

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has condemned the ambush and killing of four policemen by assailants, while on routine patrol in Sabongidda Ora, Owan West Local Government Area of the state, at the weekend.

    Obaseki said the ugly incident is being investigated to ascertain the motive of the killers while assuring that efforts to arrest them was ongoing.

    “I commiserate with the Inspector-General of Police, the Edo State Police Command, and the families of the dead. Our administration will work with the security agencies to apprehend the criminals and bring them to justice,” he said.

    Read Also:Breaking: Robbers kill, set four policemen ablaze in Edo

    The governor stressed that the unprovoked attacks on men and women of the police force and sister security agencies is unacceptable and assured that the state’s security architecture will create roles for communities and local groups as well as the organised private sector to support security agencies in eradicating crimes across the state.

    According to media reports, the four policemen who were attached to the Sabongidda -Ora Divisional Police Headquarters were on Saturday evening killed and burnt in their patrol van by unknown persons.

    The police officers were killed at a road block at Uzebba-Aviosi junction along Ifon road, Sabongidda-Ora, the reports said.

  • Obaseki urges global action on population growth

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called on world leaders to take decisive action to ensure development efforts meet and surpass the pace of population growth, to reduce inequality and engender inclusive growth across the world.

    Obaseki, who said this in commemoration of the World Population Day, marked every July 11, noted that growing population shouldn’t be seen as a curse, but a challenge for developing countries to articulate innovative pathways that will drive inclusive and sustainable development.

    Read Also:Discordant tunes over Nigeria’s rising population

    According to him, “The World Population Day reminds us of the need to be circumspect in a number of policy issues, especially as it affects population growth and its implications for economic development and social cohesion. On a day like this, it is imperative to make the case for planned parenthood and family planning so as to ensure that the world’s population doesn’t become untamable.

    Noting that this year’s theme for the day, Family Planning is Human Right, makes it imperative for families to determine the size and spacing of their children, he said it behoves government to provide structures for individuals to dream and actualise their dreams.

    “Due to its economic implications, growing population has been a double blessing for developing countries, such that many are still grappling to articulate policies to manage the growth and the attendant socio-political as well as economic fallouts of a bulging population.

    “However, we cannot wish away the import of human life. Hence, even as the debate and policy actions are tweaked to contain population growth, governments and world leaders should take critical actions to ensure that development meets needs of people, in such a way that they would be assured of support structures to carve out their destinies and live happy, fulfilled lives.”

    The governor said that the state government has undertaken a number of development initiatives to help in delivery of affordable, accessible healthcare, quality basic education and expand the space for wealth creation so as to deepen inclusive growth and development.

    He added that the state government will not relent in its efforts in industrialising the state, attracting investments to open up new vistas for economic expansion and deepen reforms to ensure that people have opportunities to express themselves and earn decent wages.

  • Obaseki partners ANAN on capacity building for Edo civil servants 

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has disclosed his administration’s plan to partner with the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) in the training of accountants in the state civil service to enhance productivity.

    Obaseki disclosed this when the National President of ANAN, Alhaji Shehu Ladan, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City on Monday.

    The governor maintained that the goal of his administration is to expose civil servants in the state to trainings that would increase their productivity.

    “We have upgraded our software packages and have automated the accounting platform for the state. The next step is to train the accounting staff to use the technology to anchor accounting processes and procedures.

    Read Also:Edo Speaker, Deputy clash over Assembly renovation

    “We want to partner with you in building the capacity of a lot of our accounting staff in government,” Obaseki said.

    He noted that the state government has enjoyed a good working relationship with ANAN as its members have continued to add value to accounting procedures in the state.

    Earlier, the president of ANAN, Alhaji Shehu Ladan, commended the governor for the ongoing transformation of Edo  State, and the appointment of ANAN members into key positions in the state.

    Ladan explained that he was in the state for the association’s 3rd session of the 2018 Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme.

    He appealed to the state government to assist the association to complete its secretariat in the state and issue a Certificate of Occupancy for the land on which the ANAN’s building is being erected.

    In his response, the governor promised to look into the issue of upgrading members of ANAN in the state public service, who are still below grade level 10, as approved by the National Council on Establishment.

     

  • Obaseki tasks world leaders on collaboration to fight desertification

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called for sustained collaboration among world leaders, donor groups and environmental right activists among other stakeholders in the sector, to tackle the twin challenge of desertification and drought.

    Obaseki gave the charge on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day to combat Desertification and Drought.

    According to Obaseki, “Drought and Desertification are both national and regional problems that require concerted response for sustained outcomes and creative reforestation solutions will check the frequent farmer-herder clash in parts of the country.”

    He noted that the negative impact of climate change is not restricted to any one state or country and urged “transnational synergy in policy formulation and execution to mitigate its effect.”

    While calling for “radical effort to re-green areas prone to desertification,” the governor noted that “policy makers must embrace proactive strategies to check practices that exploit the land and render it vulnerable.”

    He urged leaders to be alive to the impact of climate change across the world, and come up with creative ways to cut back on the human factors that are fueling climate change and exacerbating its impact.

    Obaseki said: “In Edo State, strategies are being deployed to boost afforestation across the state, through the promotion of plantation agriculture, green parks and gardens.

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

    “The state government has been working with stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to stop flaring gas in line with global best practice.

    “We are working with private investors to invest in plantation agriculture, the most recent is the N5 billion Urhonigbe Rubber Plantation, coming weeks after Okomu and Presco began their expansion programmes.”

    The United Nations notes that “Desertification is the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas. It is caused primarily by human activities and climatic variations. It occurs because dryland ecosystems, which cover over one third of the world’s land area, are extremely vulnerable to over-exploitation and inappropriate land use. Poverty, political instability, deforestation, overgrazing and bad irrigation practices can all undermine the productivity of the land.’

    The governor said this year’s theme: “Land has True Value-Invest in it,” dovetails with his administration’s “conviction that land as a resource for development must be efficiently managed for the good of everyone.”

    He enumerated the reforms in land administration in the state to include the creation of Edo Geographic Information Service Agency Edo (GIS); the repositioning of Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), the Law on the protection of private property and the scrapping of Community Development Associations, amongst others.

    The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed on June 17, every year to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification.

     

     

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

    Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commended residents, especially the Muslim faithful, on the peaceful celebration of Eid-El-Fitr across the state.

    Obaseki, who noted that his administration will continue to foster religious harmony among members of different religious groups, hailed the peaceful celebration of Eid-El-Fitr, which shows Edo people as peace loving.

    He said the peaceful conduct of different groups in the state while the celebrations lasted, showed a shared commitment to the progress of the state, noting that the state government will not relent in deepening the revamp of the security architecture to make the state safer for everyone to carry out their legitimate activities without fear of security threats.

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    Obaseki added, “Edo State has space for everyone, regardless of the religious convictions, to do business and contribute to economic growth and development.”

    According to him, “The spirit of celebration of Eid-El-Fitr should guide us in accommodating one another and building strong alliances in entrenching development.

    “Muslims constitute a major force for peace and progress wherever they are and have always upheld the import of the Prophet’s teachings. ”

    Obaseki reassured Muslims of his commitment to create an environment where everyone would have a fair chance of contributing to his administration.

    He expressed appreciation to Muslims for supporting his administration’s policies and programmes, which are aimed at improving the state’s economy and assuring prosperity for all in the state.