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Tag: Governor of Edo State

  • Obaseki, Indonesian, Malaysian envoys, brainstorm on poverty eradication

    …seek removal of trade barriers in oil palm trade

     

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Tuesday joined 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, at an international conference on poverty eradication in Rome, Italy, to proffer solutions to the myriad of factors bedeviling  efforts to fully harness the gains in the agricultural sector to eradicate poverty in developing countries.

    According to Obaseki, there is a strong correlation between poor agricultural policies that inhibit growth and development and poverty, urging stakeholders to come together with broad minds and adopt policies that are not discriminatory.

    He showcased the growing confidence of investors in Edo State, which accounts for the expansion of plantations by Presco Plc, Okomu Oil Plc and other companies in the state.

    The governor commended the organisers of the conference and reinforcing the nexus between agriculture, specifically, the plantation industry and poverty eradication with the conference themed: “Eradicating Poverty through the Agriculture and Plantation Industry to Empower Peace and Humanity.”

    Read Also:Poverty Eradication: Obaseki calls for global consensus on strategy

    The Indonesian delegation noted that the European Union’s discrimination against Indonesia’s crude palm oil (CPO) products has prompted the industry and government to synergise intensively with governments and communities in the European region.

    Coordinating Minister of Agriculture in Indonesia, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, explained that the Government of Indonesia is very transparent in addressing environmental issues associated with the development of oil palm plantations and CPO derivatives industries.

    He added that his country has adopted sustainable palm oil standards and adheres to certification schemes in export destination countries.

    Experts at the conference held inside the Auditorium of the Pontifical Urban University in the Vatican, Rome, shared experiences of their home countries and states, citing the roles of oil palm plantations and the agricultural sector in poverty reduction.

    The well-attended event, attracted policymakers, heads and representatives of governments, members of the diplomatic community, the academia and industry players.

     

     

  • World Bank visit: Obaseki anticipates more project funding partnerships

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has said that with the success of the visit of 10 Executive Directors of the World Bank to the state, his administration anticipates stronger and extensive partnership with the bank on development funding to accelerate growth in the state.

    Obaseki disclosed that, “the visit was a huge success. The World Bank Executive Directors saw the results of their partnership with Edo State across the broad spectrum of our partnership.

    “They took their time to appraise what they met on ground and it is safe to say that our relationship, which is anchored on development, has been further strengthened and more support is on the way.”

    The governor who hosted his guests to launch after a tour of the Edo-Azura 450 Power project, took the World Bank Executive Directors through the various social development and agricultural projects, including the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP); Community and Social Development Programme (CSDP), FDAMA among others.

    Read Also: Obaseki, World Bank Directors, inspect completed Azura-Edo power plant

    He noted that “Edo State’s commitment to best practice in projects that have rekindled economic growth, empowering youths and women; reforms in the public sector and massive investment in infrastructure have earned her a place of pride in the bank’s relationship with development partners.”

    Obaseki said with the Edo-Azura power plant coming on stream, “we need to extend the benefits of this investment. Now that we have power, what are going to do with it. Power is the key to industrialisation and development. The next set of projects are those that have to rely on this key infrastructure we have created.”

    He added that “we will be looking at the Benin Industrial Park, building infrastructure to encourage and support manufacturers to come in. We are looking at innovation hubs; we want to use the factor an advantage of the 24/7 electricity to encourage technology groups and companies to be located in Edo State.”

    The Executive Director, Angola, Nigeria and South Africa sub-group, World Bank, Ms. Bongi Kunene, said that the institution was open to partnerships as long as they were in line with its focus.

    She also described the Azura-Edo power plant as a transformational project, which had the capacity to provide solutions.

    “The project is transformational. It gives us a scope of what we can do together. We are delighted to see solutions. We will want to commit ourselves to projects that make sense and are in line with our focus,” she said.

     

  • Obaseki proposes Livelihood Sustainability Programme for oil communities

    … as Committee on PIB meets oil communities

     

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has decried the poor state of affairs in oil producing communities and has proposed a Livelihood Sustainability Programme to address the developmental gaps in the communities.

    He made the proposition on Friday, in Benin City, while receiving members of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), who are in the state to meet with stakeholders in oil producing communities to assess the impact of oil exploration in the communities.

    Obaseki described the visit as timely, as the state was working on a bill that will deal with issues that affect oil producing communities in the state.

    He said the state was also embarking on an enumeration exercise to ascertain the impact of oil exploration activities on oil producing communities.

    “We want to have a tripartite arrangement involving communities, the state government and  oil companies so that the situation in which host communities are abandoned will no longer exist. We want to have a livelihood sustainability programme in the communities” he stressed.

    The governor added that, “The enumeration will involve a baseline study and an action plan that will guide the proper implementation of the tripartite arrangement.”

    He told his guests that the state is planning to utilise the energy sourced from some of the communities to power companies that will be located in the state.

    Earlier, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Tayo Alasoadura, said the visit was to allow oil producing communities in the state make input in the three petroleum-related bills in the National Assembly.

    “We are propagating three bills on oil exploration and the third bill is the Host Community Bill which is the most important because it is the oil-bearing community that gets degraded in the long-run.

    “So we want inputs from the committee before we hold the public hearing in Abuja later in the year,” he said.

     

  • Why Obaseki reinstated Ojuromi of Uromi

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has explained the reasons for the reinstatement of the Ojuromi of Uromi, His Royal Highness, Anselm Aidenojie II, by the state government, who was deposed by the administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

    Obaseki disclosed that “Consequent upon his tendering of apology to the Edo State Government and a plea for leniency from well-meaning citizens of Edo State, the Executive Council of the state, approved the reversal of his deposition and was reinstated as His Royal Highness Anslem Aidenojie II, the Ojuromi of Uromi.”

    The governor said that “the people who pleaded for his reinstatement reported that the Ojuromi of Uromi had been sober and remorseful and we are happy that he has undertaken to eschew acts unbefitting of his royal status.”

    Prominent sons and daughters of Edo had pleaded on the Ojuromi’s behalf, and begged for his reinstatement, as his conduct, mien and relations in public and private showed his readiness to work with the state government in manners worthy of the exalted Ojuromi throne.

    It is said that the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II also waded into the matter and pleaded for leniency for the Onojie.

    News of the reinstatement was greeted with excitement in Uromi and other parts of the state, on Wednesday after the Edo State government announced the decision.

    Recall that he was deposed on October 26, 2016 following the approval by the Edo State Executive Council that, amongst other things, the Royal father engaged in acts capable of breaching the peace in Uromi Community in Esan North East Local Government Area, contrary to section 130 and 131 of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.

    Read Also: Obaseki assures of sustenance of Edo cultural heritage

  • Press Bus accident: Edo refurbishes, hands over accidented vehicles

    The Edo State Government has handed over two vehicles that were damaged in the accident involving the Government House Press Corps Bus, to their owners, after refurbishment.

    The refurbished vehicles, a Toyota Corolla saloon car with Registration Number FC 291-APP belonging to Ezeora Obiora, and a Honda Civic saloon car with Registration Number USL 380-AH belonging to Mr. Obi Charles Ifechukwu, were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force at the Government House, in Benin City.

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Taiwo Akerele, said the vehicles were refurbished and handed-over to the Police for onward delivery to the owners.

    He said the handing-over was a fulfilment of the governor’s promise, noting, “The handing over was done as we operate a responsive government that cares for its people and take responsibility for its actions.”

    Obaseki  said the state government took care of the hospital bills of all the victims of the accident as promised, adding “All the victims were adequately attended to as the state government ensured that the medical bills were cleared.”

    He expressed appreciation to the owners of the vehicles for their patience and understanding, adding, “we also appreciate the level of professionalism displayed by the Nigeria Police while investigating the cause of the accident.”

    The Chief Executive Officer, Lady Mechanic Initiative, Sandra Aguebor, whose company refurbished the vehicles, said the state government made real its promise to refurbish the vehicles, adding that the vehicles were in better working condition.

    Recall that a bus assigned to the Press Unit of the Edo State Government House was involved in an accident on its way from an official assignment, on March 14, opposite the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), in Benin City.

    The medical bills of all the victims of the accident were settled by Governor Obaseki when he visited the patients in the hospital, including the bills of a medical doctor, a mother with her five-year-old child, Freeman Okoro, whose cancer treatment has been taken over by the state government.

  • Obaseki charges journalists on ethics, independence

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has charged journalists to uphold the ethics of the journalism profession to deepen good governance and fast-track the nation’s advancement.

    Obaseki who gave the charge on the occasion of the United Nation’s World Press Freedom Day, celebrated on May 3, each year, noted that “a free, uninhibited and independent press is a major pillar for the sustenance of democracy, good governance and economic advancement.”

    He commended the display of courage by journalists who daily challenge oppressive governments, obnoxious policies and impunity by political actors, and explained “that the world’s history is replete with inspiring stories on the doggedness of journalists, who published objective reports in defense of truth, that changed the course of history for the better, even at great personal cost.”

    “In Nigeria, the struggle for independence from the colonial masters was led largely by journalists and sustained by their fiery articles. Media practitioners were in the fore-front to oust the military from the country’s political space and enthrone democratic governance with such values as; the Rule of Law, free and fair elections, accountability of the government to the people, independent judiciary, tolerance of opposition views and multi-party system, which we all enjoy today,” he said.

    He added that “the recent global outcry over the activities of human traffickers and modern slave masters by the horrifying report of the international media outfit, the Cable News Network (CNN), on illegal migration by Africans, exposed the frightening scale of the inhuman activity.”

    According to the governor, “media practitioners will do more to advance the quality of governance if they uphold the ethics of the profession, leverage on the power of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and strive for more independence in carrying out their task as the society’s watch- dog and members of the exalted forth estate of the realm of governance.”

    He assured that his administration is set to commence the revamp of the state-owned media enterprises; Edo Broadcasting Service Radio and Television and the Observer Newspapers, to strengthen the media platforms for people in the state to express themselves and contribute to the development discourse.

    “The United Nations General Assembly declared May 3 to be World Press Freedom Day  to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and marking the anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration, a statement of free press principles put together by African newspaper journalists in Windhoek in 1991,” the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) said.

    The global body organises a series of activities to mark World Press Freedom Day, including “the conferment of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize on a deserving individual, organisation or institution that has made an outstanding contribution to the defence and/or promotion of press freedom anywhere in the world, especially when this has been achieved in the face of danger.”

    Read Also: Obaseki assures Edo workers of timely completion of Labour House, industrial harmony

  • OAU Sex-for-mark scandal: Obaseki salutes Monica Osagie’s courage

    …Tasks varsity authority on justice

     

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has saluted Miss Monica Osagie, for her courage in the ongoing investigation of the alleged sexual harassment by one Professor Richard Akindele, in a sex-for-marks scandal.

    Obaseki said, “Miss Osagie’s uncommon bravery at a time many female students have come to accept sexual harassment as a norm in our educational institutions, is worth commending.”

    The governor urged the university authority to ensure painstaking and thorough investigation of Osagie’s allegation and serve justice without fear or favour.

    “Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) ranks high in moral standard and educational excellence in the country and I urge the university authority to rise to the occasion and defend its hard-earned reputation. Justice should not only be done, but must be seen to have been done,” he said.

    “The world is watching the university closely, to see the way the case will be handled and my administration is equally interested in the matter, as Osagie hails from Ohordua, Esan South East Local Government of Edo State. Our institutions of higher learning must appreciate that it is a privilege to be saddled with the task of moulding the minds of young ones, to whom the future belongs,” the governor added.

    He urged students at all levels of learning “to give knowledge acquisition their best shot, commit quality time to research and put forward, ideas and models that can solve the nation’s developmental problems.”

    Osagie, a student in the Masters of Business programme, told an investigative panel set up by the university that the disgraced Professor Richard Akindele deliberately failed her because she refused his sexual demand. She said she did not score 33 per cent as the lecturer claimed, but was failed so that she could bow to his sexual demand.

    Her testimony followed the release of a recorded telephone conversation, which went viral, in which the lecturer identified as Akindele, demanded five rounds of sex to enhance her marks.

    Prof. Akindele has since been suspended by the university authority after the report of the university’s investigative committee indicted him.

    The committee said that Akindele’s suspension followed its observation “that a prima facie case of inappropriate relationship with the female student was established.”

    Obaseki called on students to emulate Monica Osagie by becoming voices against all forms of harassments and oppression in the nation’s ivory towers.

    Read Also: OAU Sex Scandal: Monica Odige appears before investigative committee

  • Okpekpe Road Race: Obaseki tasks committee on higher tourism receipts

    With less than forty days to the commencement of the 6th Okpekpe International 10-kilometre Road Race, the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has challenged the event’s organising committee to ensure that more tourism receipts accrue to the state.

    Obaseki said the 10-kilometre road race has placed the state and the host communities on the global sporting map, attracting sports lovers and participants from various parts of the world to the state.

    “The growing popularity of Okpekpe Road Race is heartwarming and I urge the organising committee to strengthen the partnership with stakeholders such as hotel owners, transporters, producers of souvenirs and other key actors in the tourism sector so that we can record more gains from the event,” he said.

    The governor assured that the state government will work with the relevant security agencies to ensure a hitch-free outing and stressed that sports is a major industry that deserves the attention of governments at all levels as well as the private sector.

    “With a well-structured sports sector, most of our youths will be engaged and the tourism sector will experience a major boost. We are committed to the development of the sector with our blueprint that will deliver 20 mini-stadia and a remodelled Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, in the near future, to serve as platforms for discovering and honing sporting talent,” the governor added.

    Chairman of the organising Committee and Commissioner for Youths and Special Duties, Mr Mika Amonokha, assured that the 6th edition of the race will build on the gains of the previous edition.

    According to the Director of Organisation for the 6th Okpekpe International 10km road race, Zack Amodu, this year’s event will be bigger and better organised and in strict accordance with International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) rules.

    The race has been elevated by the IAAF to a silver label status, the first in Nigeria and West Africa.

    Read Also: Okpekpe Race: expect a bigger event – Amodu

     

  • Herdsmen/Farmers crisis: Obaseki, Security Chiefs meet Miyetti Allah

    …Strategise to curb herdsmen/farmers’ clashes

     

    Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state government will continue to intensify efforts to stem clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the state to ensure harmonious relationship among different groups in the state.

    Obaseki disclosed this during a parley with the national leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and heads of security agencies in the state, at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State capital.

    He said though there might be challenges with identifying some herdsmen due to their itinerary nature, the state government was working to ensure that such issues are cleared to ensure smooth relations among the herdsmen and farming communities across the state.

    He said the meeting was organised as part of the measures to engage stakeholders and exchange ideas to ensure peace, noting, “As a member of the committee of the National Economic Council led by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, to deal with the issue, I know how sensitive the issue is and how it has led to the loss of lives and property in many states across the country.”

    He said the state is fortunate to have recorded fewer incidents as efforts have been intensified to manage the situation. He said this was done by setting up the security committee in the 18 local government councils, noting “The committee was made up of council chairmen, two leaders of the Hausa/Fulani community, Directorate of State Security, Divisional Police officers and two native farmers. They will continue to meet monthly and report any incident in their areas to the committee at the state level.”

    Obaseki explained that in addition to the structures in place to address the situation, the state has resolved challenges by identifying herders and organising sensitisation programmes for them. He added, “With the structures in place, sensitisation programmes will be organised for the Hausa/Fulani herdsmen, farmers and other relevant stakeholders in different communities across the state. Through these, we hope to reduce the incidents of clashes between herders and farmers.”

    He maintained that the ban on night-grazing still stands, and approved a 40-day window request by the group to allow strangers in their midst to register with the state government.

    National President, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Muhammadu Kirowa, represented by the group’s National Secretary, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, commended the governor for the positive steps taken to ensure peaceful co-existence between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in the state.

    He said, “The stand against night-grazing shows the governor’s seriousness to maintain peace in the state. The setting up of the committee with representatives of local communities, who are critical stakeholders, will go a long way to ensure a lasting peace.”

    Kirowa said it was worrisome that the clash between farmers and herdsmen, which is a national security problem, has assumed a new dimension with political, religious and ethnic colourations.

    “If the problem must be resolved, it must be approached holistically. We are ready to capture the data of our people through biometrics as it has become necessary for us to identify our members,” he said.

    “The sensitisation for relevant stakeholders is another important step that will contribute to peace in the state.  We have tried this method in Ekiti state and it has worked effectively to reduce the clash between farmers and Fulani herdsmen,” Kirowa added.

     

  • Stolen artefacts: Oba of Benin, Obaseki to build world-class Museum

    Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state government is working with the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, to build a world-class Royal Museum, to hold stolen artefacts being recovered by the Benin Kingdom.

    Obaseki disclosed this when he hosted Prof. Nicholas Thomas of Cambridge University and Prof. Mrs. Annie Coombes of the University of London, both experts in Benin History, to a dinner, at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

    The governor said the state government plans to work with the monarch to build the museum in the Oba’s Palace in Benin City, and counter the arguments of art collectors, who are still in possession of stolen artefacts from the Benin Kingdom and have maintained that the safety of the artifacts is not guaranteed if they are returned to the ancient Kingdom.

    According to Obaseki, “The decision to establish a world-class museum at the Oba’s Palace, one of the safest places in the world, will encourage curators across Europe and in other parts of the world, to be confident and support the advocacy for the safe return of stolen artefacts of Benin Kingdom.”

    He expressed appreciation to Prof. Nicholas Thomas and Prof. Annie Coombes, for their advocacy for the safe return of artefacts of the Benin Kingdom looted during the 1897 invasion.

    He said, “We hope your experience in Benin City will encourage you to sustain the advocacy for the return of our stolen artefacts. When the artefacts are returned, they will assist generations yet unborn to understand who they are, as a people and how they have dominated this environment in the past.”

    In his remarks, Prof. Nicholas Thomas, said his experience in Benin City was exciting as the visit gave him the opportunity to see first-hand, the place where the historic stolen artefacts are fashioned in Igun Street.

    Prof Thomas said, “True knowledge about artworks is not in University museums but lies in the makers, creators, communities where these works are created.” He noted that the advocacy for the safe return of the stolen artefacts of the Benin Kingdom will be sustained until the artworks are safely returned.

    Read Also: We want stolen Benin artefacts returned – Obaseki