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Tag: Governor of Edo State

  • People with Albinism deserve our support – Obaseki

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called for support for people with albinism, urging societies that marginalise and stigmatise them to turn a new leaf.

    Obaseki, who made the call in commemoration of the International Albinism Awareness Day, marked on June 13, each year, stressed that it was time for a change of attitude towards people with albinism.

    “With the deluge of information on the internet, the myth and unscientific views many societies hold of people with albinism should have no place in an information age. But unfortunately, some societies still despise and exclude them. This needs to stop,” the governor advised.

    According to Obaseki: “Some of the most hardworking people I have met are people with albinism, despite their peculiar needs, which are often not captured by human resource managers in the private and public sectors.”

    Read Also:Lagos frowns at discrimination against albinos

    He saluted champions of the cause of people with albinism and challenged families, religious institutions, the media, opinion and thought leaders as well as governments at all levels,  to intensify the campaign for the social inclusion of people with albinism.

    The United Nations General Assembly in 2014 adopted a Resolution proclaiming, with effect from 2015, 13 June as International Albinism Awareness Day.

    According to the global body, “The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution in 2013 calling for the prevention of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism.

    “Moreover, in response to the call from civil society organisations advocating to consider persons  with albinism as a specific group with particular needs that require special attention, on 26 March 2015, the Council created  the mandate of Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism.

    “In January 2016, Ms. Ikponwosa Ero, United Nations Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of Human Rights of Persons with Albinism submitted her first report on albinism to the UN Human Rights Council. Adding to the information contained in the July 2016 report to the General Assembly, the latest report was presented to the Human Rights Council in 2017 and included a focus on witchcraft as a key root cause of attacks against persons with albinism.”

  • Eid-El Fitr: Obaseki preaches love, peaceful coexistence

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated Muslims in the state as they celebrate Eid-El Fitr after the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

    In his Eid-El Fitr message released on Thursday, Obaseki said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Edo State, I felicitate with our Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr after completing the Ramadan fast, a major pillar of Islam.”

    Read Also:Eid-el Fitr: IGP orders tight security nationwide

    He noted that “the Holy month of Ramandan is an opportunity for our Muslim brothers and sisters to deepen their relationship with Allah, promote a life of sacrifice, charity and love for one another.”

    He urged Muslims in Edo State “to sustain these values even after the Holy month,” and called on them to support his “administration’s vision to build a prosperous and peaceful Edo State where everyone can actualise their dreams.”

  • Obaseki plans special intervention fund for Uhunmwode LGA

    …schools, roads, hospitals, others to get facelift

     

    Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, says his administration has resolved to set aside special intervention fund that will be used for the development of infrastructure in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the state.

    Obaseki said this at an interactive session with indigenes and residents of Uhunmwode Local Government Area, at the council’s headquarters in Ehor at the weekend, noting that the special fund will be expended in developing basic education, healthcare system, roads, and rural electrification.

    He explained, “I have decided to have in place a master plan for the development of Uhunmwode Local Council Area. Certain amount of money will be set aside as special intervention fund which will be used for the development of Uhunmwode LGA in the next three years.”

    He noted that the objectives of the master plan are to make the council area attractive for investors and assist the council’s administration improve its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) receipts to meet its financial obligations.

    According to him, “In the next six months, all the 90 primary schools in Uhunmwode LGA will be refurbished. Teachers will be assigned to teach in all these schools. The schools will be automatically integrated into the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EDO-Best) programme. We will introduce the school feeding programme across the state.”

    Read Also:Obaseki vows to recover funds from EDSOPADEC contractors

    Obaseki disclosed that, “We have commenced work on the designs for the old roads that will be reconstructed in the area. The reconstruction will be carried out in the next 18 months to link communities and open the area to more economic activities.”

    He said the state is working with the Federal Government on rural electrification which will be extended to Uhunmwode LGA, noting, “Since the area has the highest number of rural communities in the state without electricity, with our plan in place, we will change the narrative.”

    The governor assured the people that a security arrangement will be in place to protect life and property in the area, which will make the area more attractive to investors.

    On road construction, Obaseki explained that a committee will be set-up at the ward level with members drawn from the community to include religious and political leaders.

    “The state will work with the committee to ensure completion of the designs for roads, appointment of contractors and supervision of the contractors to meet deadlines project delivery.”

    The Enogie of Ehor, Chief David Igiehon, told the governor that Uhunmwode LGA has long suffered neglect and people in the area are desirous of development that will attract investors to the area.

  • Ongoing reforms will drive job creation – Obaseki

    …to revive Agbede Farm

     

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that ongoing reforms in basic education, health and agricultural sectors would create more jobs and wealth for youths in the state.

    Obaseki said this when he visited the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State, Alhaji Akokhia Abubakar.

    According to the governor, “Reforms in basic education, health and agricultural sectors will continue to attract investors to the state. This will, in turn, create more job opportunities for youths. We are working with investors to revive the Agbede Farm, which will create jobs for our people.”

    The governor added that the state government will continue to embark on reforms that will make life more meaningful for the people, especially youths and discourage them from embarking on illegal migration or become prey for human traffickers.

    Read Also:World Bank Reps in Edo, meet Obaseki on strategies to transform LGs

    He said the state will not relent in the fight against human trafficking which caused the illegal migration of at least 10,000 persons from the state, in the past one year.

    The governor who also visited Alhaji Usman Shaghadi, a state leader of the APC, and lauded Alhaji Shaghadi for his contributions to the growth and stability in the state chapter of the APC.

    He noted, “We appreciate your contributions to the growth of the party, especially the role you played during the local government elections and the state congress, which has been adjudged peaceful by independent observers.”

    The APC Chairman, Etsako West Local Government Area, Alhaji Abubakar, expressed appreciation to the governor for the visit, and assured that the people in the local government area will continue to support his reforms to make the state better for all.

    Similarly, Shaghadi commended the governor for the peace being enjoyed in the state, adding, “security has greatly improved in Edo State. We appreciate your effort, approach to handling security issues and your style of leadership, which has improved security across the state.”

  • Obaseki assures of support structures for Art, Culture sector

    …lauds ‘Journey of An African Monarch’ exhibitor

     

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has assured artists, curators, collectors and art enthusiasts of his administration’s support for the art and culture sector through a mix of market-oriented policies, promotion of Edo arts and crafts in the international market as well as the construction of a new museum in the state for the kingdom’s prized artworks.

    Obaseki said this at a photo exhibition in Benin City, with the theme: “Journey of An African Monarch,” organised by Mr. Omoregie Osakpolor.

    According to the governor, “Edo State has continued to produce some of the finest artists in the industry and I urge our youths to take advantage of the enabling environment we are creating for them to express themselves.”

    The organiser said the exhibition showcased a photography series reenacting the great Benin kingdom’s coronation rites of the 40th Oba, Oba Ewuare Ogidigan II.

    “The series which tells the two-week coronation story of the Omo n’Oba n’Edo, Oba Ewuare II’s ascension to the throne of the King of the ancient Benin kingdom, goes beyond just a collection of pictures, but also the reenactment of the Benin traditional rites of the coronation of the Oba and rich cultural heritage of the Edo people.”

    He expressed his gratitude to the governor for identifying with the exhibition, and noted that the governor’s endorsement of the event will raise its profile.

    Osakpolor explained that “the exhibition having witnessed a huge success in Lagos and Abuja, will be running in Benin at Ben Osawe Art Centre, till June 3.

    He expressed his thanks to God for the success of the exhibition, which he said is “his first exhibition amongst other projects he has achieved in recent times.

    Osakpolor is a documentary photographer and 2017 nominee for the Edwin George Prize for Photography at The Future Africa Awards.

  • Obaseki swears-in Oni-Okpaku as Environment Commissioner 

    …says govt in a hurry to transform sector

     

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has sworn-in Omoua Alonge Oni-Okpaku as the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability in the state, following her confirmation by members of the Edo State House of Assembly.

    Speaking at the event that took place at the Government House, shortly before the weekly Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, Obaseki charged the new commissioner to adopt best practice in the management of the environment as his “administration is in a hurry to address challenges in the sector.”

    He urged the environment commissioner to bring her wealth of experience to make the desired positive change in the ministry, and advised her to eschew acts that could derail the progress that has been recorded in the sector.

    Read Also:Democracy Day: Obaseki lauds Edo people for unflinching support

    The governor assured that he was optimistic about the capacity of the new commissioner to transform the sector, considering her background in the sector, and maintained that “We did not feel it was right that Owan West Local Government Area was not represented in our cabinet.”

    He warned: “Your coming to join us is for service and not for self-enrichment.”

    In her remark, Oni-Okpaku pledged her loyalty to the government and assured that she would live up to the confidence reposed in her.

    She said the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability under her watch, would engage youths in the protection and preservation of the environment, in line with the state government’s Keep Edo Clean Project and other programmes.

    Recall that governor Obaseki forwarded the name of Omoua Alonge Oni-Okpaku as commissioner nominee to the Edo State House of Assembly for confirmation recently, following the sack of the former Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Mr. Reginald Okun.

  • Obaseki tasks conference of NGOs on public trust

    …Group lauds Obaseki’s developmental strides

     

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has pledged to work with a non- government organisation as his administration is open to ideas and public scrutiny, urging NGOs to defend public trust.

    Obaseki gave the assurance when he received the new executive members of Conference of Non-Governmental Organisations (CONGOs), who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

    He said, “Since we are elected to uphold public trust, we will continue to put tax payers’ money and other resources at our disposal to proper use in our mission to transform and develop the state and make life better for our people.

    “We will not relent in making public, government activities and information for scrutiny, because we have nothing to hide. We will tell you what we have spent on our projects,” the governor pledged.

    Read Also:Democracy Day: Obaseki urges support to enlarge gains

    He assured CONGOs’ new executives that his administration would work with the group by ensuring that the group gets free access to government information on demand.

    Obaseki noted that his administration will not waste public wealth as the administration remains diligent in expending public funds to develop the state.

    He urged the group to be credible in carrying out its mandate to ensure that the public interest it represents is not replaced with self-interest.

    “You should not use this platform to access government and negotiate your own private benefits,” he advised.

    “We will support you to succeed because we believe in your organisation, in your cause and your mandate,” Obaseki added.

    He expressed optimism that the new executives will advance CONGOs’ interest in ensuring the group remains transparent, noting, “We believe with the caliber of people managing the affairs of the group, we will have a transparent partner in our dealings.”

    Earlier, the President of CONGOs, Comrade (Mrs.) Daisy Idufueko Abiola, said they will work with Edo State Government on different thematic areas of development.

    “In line with the vision of the group we will work with the state government to drive development,” she said.

    She commended governor Obaseki for the state’s developmental strides and the success recorded in tackling illegal migration and human trafficking; job creation; education reforms; infrastructural development; improved traffic management system and in open governance.

     

  • Democracy Day: Obaseki urges support to enlarge gains

    …says non-interruption, proof of overwhelming popularity

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has described Democracy Day as a day of extreme significance to Nigerians and urged support for the system of government in order to enlarge its associated gains.

    Obaseki who said this in his Democracy Day Message in Benin City, noted that: “This day is one of extreme significance in our history as a nation as it marks the return of power to the people.”

    He maintained that “Despite the challenges we have faced in our effort to firmly establish our democratic institutions and deepen the values, the non-interruption of our democracy since 1999, is proof of its overwhelming popularity and acceptance.”

    Read Also:Democracy Day: Nigeria on the right track, says Osinbajo

    He added: “It has proven to be the best form of government for human development and advancement because it encourages the participation of everyone in the society and we are happy that it is now firmly rooted in our country.

    “In Edo State, we have taken development to the grassroots in recognition of the fact that power belongs to the people.

    “We have institutionalised our relationship with all Edo people and residents in every ward of the state by appointing aides who report the needs of our people in every ward, directly to me.”

    The governor said “the duties of the 192 special assistants in the state’s 192 wards complement those of the elected local government councillors and chairmen, who have since embarked on the transformation of our 18 local government areas, following the successful local government polls.”

    He further said that the appointment of the aides was informed by his administration’s “recognition of people power in a democracy.”

    He called on “all Edo people, Nigerians and friends of our dear country to support our effort to strengthen our democratic institutions to deliver the dividends of democracy to every nook and cranny of the state.”

  • Obaseki appoints Oni-Okpaku as Commissioner

    … Imariagbe as GM, Waste Mgt. Board

     

    Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has appointed Omoua Alonge Oni-Okpaku as commissioner nominee and has forwarded her name to the Edo State House of Assembly for confirmation.

    The governor has also appointed Osadebamen Charles Imariagbe as the General Manager of the Edo State Waste Management Board.

    In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Alhaji) Adjoto Kabiru, Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. said “I am directed by the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki to humbly forward for consideration and confirmation by the House of Assembly, the name of Omoua Alonge Oni-Okpaku as commissioner nominee.

    In the appointment letter by Ogie to Imariagbe, he said, “I write to inform you that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, has approved your appointment as General Manager, Edo State Waste Management Board.”

  • We’re strengthening int’l collaboration to boost oil palm production – Obaseki

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured of stronger international collaboration with more foreign partners and investors in the state’s agricultural sector, following the commitments he secured at the Rome conference on Eradicating Poverty Through the Agriculture and Plantation Industry to Empower Peace and Humanity, held on Tuesday in Italy.

    The event assembled heads of governments, elite investors in the agricultural sector, particularly the oil palm sub-sector, members of the diplomatic community, the academia, the clergy, amongst others.

    In attendance were the Ambassador of Indonesia to Germany, Arif Havaz Oegroseno; Maritime Coordinating Minister of Indonesia, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan; Malaysian Ambassador to the Vatican, Tan Sri Bernard Gilgal Dompok; and the  Prefect, Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development, Cardinal Peter Turkson.

    Others were the Indonesian Ambassador to Poland, Peter Gontha; Executive Director, Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), Mr. Mahendra Siregar; and Mr. Ryan Edwards of Dartmouth University as well as investors, regulators and other stakeholders in the agricultural and allied sectors.

    Obaseki said: “The conference provided the platform for oil palm producing countries and states such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Edo State, amongst others, to articulate the peculiar challenges militating against unhindered access of agricultural produce to European market.

    “We compared notes on several issues and shared our experiences. Edo State is the largest producer of oil palm in Nigeria which makes the sector an area of strength for us.”

    Marketing Edo State as the preferred investment destination on the continent, the governor told the conference participants that “the reforms in land administration in the state have removed all man-made encumbrances and have made land acquisition stress-free.

    “We have moved away from the dark ages in which land grabbers reigned supreme, harassed and killed themselves over land. This scared away potential investors and sent the wrong signal to people prospecting for businesses in the state.

    “Our rising profile on the Ease of Doing Business Index is attributable to the reforms in land administration and other sectors. Access to land is no longer a big deal in Edo State. We have very creative and industrious workforce; my administration is favorably disposition to supporting businesses; and our state is strategically located for  markets in all parts of the country.”

    He added, “We are committed to leveraging the competitive advantage we have in this sector to create jobs for our youths and create wealth for our people.

    The governor noted that “the takeaways from the conference will add a great deal of value to our agricultural roadmap in Edo State,” and pledged his administration’s continued support to private investors in the state.

    According to the governor, “Indonesia and Malaysia are currently the top two countries in the global oil palm industry, our collective aspiration is to sustain the tempo, expand our plantations, create more markets for our produce, come up with innovative ways of producing more at less cost.”

    Obaseki assured that more investors are set to come to Edo State to invest in the agricultural sector. “Our reforms are spurring investors’ interest and we have also communicated our high sense of hospitality, the creativity and industriousness of our youths and we are ready and open to business.”