The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Governor of Edo State

  • Nigeria at 57: Obaseki approves release of 70 prisoners

    Nigeria at 57: Obaseki approves release of 70 prisoners

    …Urges Nigerians to aim for greatness

     

    As part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 57th independence anniversary, Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, approved the release of 70 inmates from various prisons across the state.

    The 70 inmates to be released have been in prison for a considerable time, some of them not less than two years without trial.

    Obaseki said this was a step towards improving the justice delivery system in the state as well as reducing the number of awaiting-trial inmates by 50 percent, which is part of Federal Government’s policy on decongesting prisons.

    He, however, stated that the inmates would be sternly cautioned to stay away from crime before they are let go.

    At a church service held earlier to mark the independence anniversary, Governor Obaseki, urged Nigerians to be grateful for the opportunity to coexist peacefully in a free nation for 57 years, stressing, “We are united as a nation and poised for greatness.”

    The service held at the Christ Embassy Zonal Headquarter, Erediauwa Street, off Ekehuan Road, Benin City, Edo State.

    Governor Obaseki said Nigerians have all accepted that we are one indivisible nation and added that the ongoing conversation on restructuring is not one that would divide the nation, but rather enhance its growth and prosperity.

    “As a country, we are endowed. The problem is not Nigeria. We only need to change our attitude as a people and the nation will certainly grow and develop and our people will prosper.”

    He said, as a people, Nigerians need to be much more productive, as the era of easy oil money is over and to get ahead in the new dispensation, the people must become more productive and enterprising.

    Obaseki called on leaders in all spheres of society to go back to their communities and organise their people towards spurring the country to greatness.

    The head Pastor of the church, Moses Olayemi, called on Nigerians to always have positive thoughts towards the country, and only make good statements about themselves, no matter how challenging their circumstances may appear to be.

    Other government functionaries at the church service include the first lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; the Chief of Staff, Taiwo Akerele; the Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie; the Commissioner for Art, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Osazee Osemwegie-Ero; Commissioner for Environment, Reginald Okun; Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, Emmanuel Usoh; Commissioner for youth and Special Duties, Mika Amanokha; Commissioner for Health, David Osifo and APC Women leader, Aisosa Amadasun.

  • Obaseki installed First Patron of Benin Club

    Obaseki installed First Patron of Benin Club

    • pledges to support upgrade of Club’s facilities

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, was on Saturday installed as the First Patron of the prestigious Benin Club.

    Speaking after the investiture ceremony, Obaseki pledged to support the growth of the club and upgrade its facilities to boost its profile.

    The investiture and new members’ induction ceremony also featured the launch of a N200 million Development Fund to upgrade facilities at the club.

    The governor said it was necessary to build institutions that would stand the test of time and explained that he learned how to swim as a child at the Benin Club.

    “I am accepting to serve in the capacity of the first patron of Benin Club for us to lift this club up and make it a big club in Nigeria.

    ” I will work with you to raise the development fund within the next three years of my tenure as governor and upgrade this club to the standard we desire, and invest in projects  that will yield returns to the club”, Obaseki said.

    President of the Association, Dr Ade Edeki, said the club, formerly called the European Club, was founded in 1931 but the name was changed to Benin Club in 1964.

    Edeki said the club is a non-political and non-profit recreation place that admits credible members of the society with impeccable character, who must have contributed to the development of their communities in the state or country.

    He extolled the exceptional qualities of the persons installed as Patrons, noting that they have excelled in their different areas of human endeavours.

    Earlier, the chairman of the event, Mr Alan Omorogbe, commended Governor Obaseki for being a focused leader and said that he has achieved a lot within a short period in office.

    Also decorated as patrons of the Club were Capt. Idahosa Okunbo, Hon. Justice Isaac Aluyi, and Mr Parry Osayande, while Mr and Mrs Felix Onojolu and Mr and Mrs Emmanuel Obaraye were made life members.

    Over 30 people were inducted as members.

  • Nigeria at 57: Obaseki congratulates Nigerians, urges peaceful co-existence

    Nigeria at 57: Obaseki congratulates Nigerians, urges peaceful co-existence

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki has congratulated Nigerians as the country celebrates 57 years of independence, Sunday, with a call to co-exist peacefully.

    Obaseki said the joy of being independent people cannot be qualified as it brings limitless freedom and a high sense of self-worth.

    He urged Edo People and Nigerians in general to remain broad-minded, accommodating and living with one another peacefully, irrespective of our diversity.

    He further said: “On this occasion of our 57thindependence anniversary celebration, I urge all Nigerians to bask in the euphoria of self-governance and extend the excitement to non-Nigerians in our midst.”

    He added that his administration was building on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor, to build a secure and safe state where people will develop their God-given potential.

  • Obaseki unveils plans to decongest Benin City

    Obaseki unveils plans to decongest Benin City

    …Commissions new official residence of Chief Judge

     

     

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Friday commissioned the new official residence of the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen, in Benin City.

    Speaking at the event, Obaseki said the edifice is an expression of his administration’s resolve to establish a strong and virile judiciary that will perform its constitutional role effectively.

    He also said his administration has acquired a large expanse of land at the Sapele-Iriri axis of the state for new residential estates and towns to decongest the Benin metropolis.

    He added that the survey work at the site has been done, and on completion, the estate will have common infrastructural facilities.

    Obaseki further said that the state cannot develop without a strong judiciary and stressed that judges need to be well treated. He commended the judicial system for its confidence in his administration to deliver good governance to the people of the State.

    He disclosed that the “Clean Up Edo Project” wouldn’t have been a success if not for the support of the state judicial system.

     

  • Commitment to wealth creation, justice sacrosanct – Obaseki

    Commitment to wealth creation, justice sacrosanct – Obaseki

    …Hosts US Envoy

     
    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the imperatives for wealth creation, law and order and justice administration, are the key drivers of his administration, noting that steps have been taken to ensure a well-motivated judiciary and an enabling business environment for investments.

    Governor Obaseki said this on Thursday night when he hosted the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr.  Stuart Symington, at the Government House, Benin City, Edo State. The Ambassador is in Benin City for an exhibition of photographs by Chief S. O. Alonge, a photographer of the Royal Court of Benin, organised by the United States Diplomatic Mission and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art at the National Museum, Benin City, Edo State.

    Stressing that law, order and justice are major pillars of his administration; he added that building an equitable society must be anchored on peace and justice. To ensure that the state’s judiciary works at optimal capacity, he said the state government invested in training about 150 court reporters and also upgraded court infrastructure.

    He added that Edo State is an integral part of Nigeria, and as such was in full support of Nigeria’s unity. “There are certain things that are not negotiable. Nigeria is not negotiable. But it is not just enough to say that Nigeria is not negotiable. Everything has to work for the common man. That is why we are prioritising wealth creation so that people are equipped to contribute meaningfully to society,” he said.

    Speaking on the issue of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), he said the state government has been in the eye of the storm, as it has in recent years played host to some of those affected by insurgency in the North East, adding, “We have 3000 internally displaced children at the IDP camp in Benin. I was with them last Christmas, as their Father Christmas. We hope that when these children go back to their homes and communities, they would go with ideal and values from the Edo people.”

    Mr. Symington said with Nigeria’s population projected to climb to 450 million by 2050 amid concerns of rising youth bulge and other social economic implications, the country would stand a better chance to exploit its potential if it prioritises justice administration, girl-child education and delivery of good governance.

    He said that despite the challenges that may come with a huge population, the onus lies on Nigerian leaders to carve a positive narrative for the country by being benevolent in handling issues of development and justice administration, adding that there was need to embrace everyone irrespective of where they come from, as members of a united Nigeria.

    According to him, “If Nigeria goes to 450 million people in 33 years’ time, the country would be the third largest nation, behind China and India. Depending on what you do with girl child education, governance and justice, and a whole lot of other things, if the projection continues that way, by the end of the century, Nigeria would be the second or even the most populous country on earth.”

    “When I said this up North, three of the wisest counsellors of great leaders there were surprised and two said Alhamdulillah. I think that describes Nigeria. You are somewhere between being surprised or screaming Alhamdulillah. And it is up to you. But you cannot just focus on one thing, the approach has to be broader. It has to be about caring about people in the North East as well as those in the South East. We have more than two million people displaced in this country, and they are not just from the North East. Now is the perfect time to treat them all as what they truly are – brothers and sons of a united Nigeria,” he added.

  • Unhindered access to information will fast-track devt – Obaseki

    Unhindered access to information will fast-track devt – Obaseki

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki has said that unhindered access to information will fast-track efforts to attain socio-economic and political growth and development in third world countries.

    Obaseki said this on the celebration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information, September 28 each year, set aside by the United Nations to emphasise the relevance between access to information and the 2030 Development Agenda, and in particular with Sustainable Development Goal 16 target.

    He stressed that third world countries that desire exponential economic growth, advancement in their justice system, legislative procedures and media systems must have very strong laws that allow unhindered public access to information about government activities so that relevant stakeholders such as the organised private sector, civil society, international partners and other actors on the development scene can make informed input.

    “We are in an information age indexed by computerisation of systems and processes, which have revolutionised the means, methods and modes of sharing knowledge, experiences, ideas and intelligence, at a speed never before imagined. We have to make the best of the moment by opening up our doors to as many genuine and well-meaning individuals and groups to add value to our ideas,” Obaseki said.

    He tasked his contemporaries in developing economies to adopt information and communication technology in their governance systems and exploit information on best health care practices, modern farming, town planning, education and security management amongst other sectors.

    “In Edo State, we have created a Geographic Information System Agency to capture and store the state’s land surface data for effective planning.

    “We are reviewing propositions to adopt internet-based teaching that will redesign subjects and courses taught through mobile applications that can be downloaded and used by students. This, we hope, will complement our traditional teaching method and close observed gaps in the education sector,” Obaseki said.

    He further said that “the Freedom of Information Act in Nigeria has armed journalists, individuals, civil societies with the power to demand and if need be, compel governments and their institutions to produce information that they need.”

  • ‘Fraudsters soliciting funds on fake Gov. Obaseki website’

    ‘Fraudsters soliciting funds on fake Gov. Obaseki website’

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has raised the alarm over the activities of fraudsters, who defraud unsuspecting members of the public on fake digital platforms, purportedly belonging to him.

    Obaseki explained that the criminals use all kinds of tactics, including posing as the Governor of Edo State or his agents, who can give jobs, contracts and other favours for a fee.

     He advised his growing number of supporters on the various digital media channels to be circumspect and disregard the antics of the fraudsters.

     “Our attention has been drawn to this extremely fraudulent act. As a state government, we do not advertise jobs or contracts on my personal website, Facebook, Instagram pages or twitter handle. We have specialised ministries and agencies that handle such and related matters,” he said.

    The governor stressed, “We do not collect money for jobs or contracts. Our employment process is transparent and job seekers compete for the available job opportunities. Our contractors go through standard procurement process to secure jobs or contracts.”  

    For the avoidance of doubts, the correct digital and social media contacts of the governor are:

     Website: http://www.godwinobaseki.com

     Facebook: @godwinobasekiofficial

    Link: https://facebook.com/ godwinobasekiofficial

    Twitter: @GovernorObaseki

    Link: https://twitter.com/ GovernorObaseki;

    Instagram: @GovernorObaseki

    Link: https://www.instagram.com/ governorobaseki

    Obaseki acknowledged the support of “Edo people at home and those living in various countries of the world who wake up with us daily and hit the news sites to monitor what we are doing at home.” He assured that his administration is committed to transforming Edo into a modern state.

     “We are humbled by our rising profile on the various digital media platforms and the kind comments of the growing number of followers. We appreciate your suggestions and constructive criticisms and are inspired by them to do more,” he added.

  • Obaseki restates commitment to PHC in Edo

    Obaseki restates commitment to PHC in Edo

    …To waive call duty tax for UBTH doctors

     

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has reiterated his commitment to boosting primary health care delivery in Edo State, stressing that the government would deploy the bulk of its resources to address gaps in the system and allow for world-class partners to invest in improving secondary and tertiary health care.

    The governor said this during a courtesy visit by the new Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Dr. Darlington Obaseki, and the hospital’s newly inaugurated management team, to the Government House, Benin City, Edo State.

    Dr. Obaseki said that the visit was to show appreciation for the governor’s role in ensuring the smooth transition from the previous management of the hospital and initiating a hitherto non-existent cordial relation between the state government and the hospital.  Noting that incessant industrial actions plaguing the health sector were a result of inadequate welfare, he urged the state governor to look into the state’s insistence that doctors pay taxes from their core duty allowance.

    Governor Obaseki said that the commitment to primary health care was due to its impact on the poor masses, as the Edo State needed a strong primary health care system to ensure that residents don’t develop health complications that would limit their chances of contributing to the development of the state.

    Noting that the challenges in the health sector arose from false assumptions, he said, “We need to revamp our health care system to be relevant and realistic. We need to treat health care as one, it doesn’t matter who owns what.

    “When this government came on board, we talked about change. We were not joking; it was something fundamental. It is because certain things have changed that is why the burden has been shifted to the hospital. And we need to address these things. And one of the ways to do this is to focus on primary health care,” he said.

    Obaseki said that the state would require the expertise of UBTH in upgrading the skills of its workforce as well as in training nurses, adding, “We are mapping health care services available and we need you on board. We also need initiatives to open up our facilities. We would like to have world-class investors in health care to manage some of our tertiary health facilities, so we can focus on primary health care.”

    On the issue of personal income tax for doctors, the governor said that inasmuch as the doctors under the state employ are exempted from the tax, which was granted them by the immediate past administration, those in UBTH should also enjoy the same, noting that a directive would be given to the state’s board of internal revenue to maintain status quo on call duty allowance tax.

  • Obaseki to meet Buhari on Edo security challenge

    Obaseki to meet Buhari on Edo security challenge

    • Decries state of facilities at ICE

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has disclosed plans to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari to strengthen the security apparatus in the state to address the security challenge.

    Obaseki stated this while responding to questions on the killing of three police officers and the kidnap of the Chief Executive Officer of Ogba Zoological Garden and Nature Park, Mr. Andy Ehanire on Sunday, in Benin City.

    He said the incident was unfortunate and assured that a revamp of the security structure in the state especially the strengthening of the State Police Command will curb crime and improve security in the state.

    “As we move towards the end of the year, crimes of this nature tend to raise their ugly heads, but we have taken the necessary steps to ensure the state is safe and secure for everyone and we have enough information on what has happened,” he added.

    The governor, who also paid an unscheduled visit to the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) in Benin City for an on-the-stop assessment of the facilities at the institution, decried the state of facilities at the institute.

    Obaseki who was taken round the institute by the Acting Rector of the, Victor Ajagun, told journalists after the inspection that based on the facilities on the ground, the institute did not deserve to be called a school.

    “I am here to see things for myself and this does not deserve to be called a school. I have seen the facilities and I am heartbroken. We are going to take a decision on what to do with the institute,” he said.

  • International Peace Day: Obaseki sues for peace

    International Peace Day: Obaseki sues for peace

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has harped on the need for tolerance, dialogue and good neighbourliness among the citizenry and nations as an essential ingredient for attaining global peace.

    Obaseki said this in commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Peace, marked on September 21, with this year’s celebration, tagged Together for peace: respect, safety and dignity for all.

     According to the governor, tolerance of each other’s differences is vital to global peace and harmony, just as is conflict avoidance in our continuous quest for the best human environment to realise our God-given potential.

     He noted that while the imperative for peace is sacrosanct, “conflict has come to define relations among countries and even communities. In addressing these conflicts, we must always remember that critical stakeholders and competing interests would always clash. Hence, the need for continuous dialogue, support, tolerance and reconciliation.”

     He acknowledged that the journey to peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic nationalities has been characterised by thorny paths, noting that the onus lies on critical stakeholders, including government and other actors in society, to design programmes and policies that guarantee equity, safety, security and dignity for all and promote initiatives that instil hope in  the poor masses.

    He added, “Building a just society requires that everyone is given equal opportunity to live to their full potential.

    Creating equal opportunities that respect and guarantee rights of the weak as well as safeguard the interest of minorities is a principle that must and should be upheld. As we preach peace on this day, it is important that these issues do not just get a fleeting mention but that we see them fit as ingredients for policy design.”

    The governor condemned the resort to violence in the quest to resolve conflicts and advised that there has never been a better option than to engage in dialogue and reconciliation in managing conflict or transitioning from a conflict situation.

    “We have seen the adverse effects of violence, whether in Nigeria or elsewhere. We encourage everyone, especially young people, to take this day out to show unconditional kindness to their neighbours and other members of their communities,” he said.

    The ideals of peace, according to him, should be a guiding principle in interacting with others, ensuring that our relations are not defined by parochial considerations or targeted at alienating any member of the community, irrespective of their ethnic and religious orientations.