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Tag: Governor of Edo State

  • Edo LGAs’ IGR rises by 500 percent

    Edo LGAs’ IGR rises by 500 percent

    Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has said that Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) reforms being implemented by his administration have yielded positive result, as annual collection in local council areas has climbed from N30 million in November 2016 to 150 million in November this year.

    The governor said this when he inaugurated the Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, at the Government House, in Benin City.

    Obaseki said that the appreciable rise in revenue collection was as a result of various institutional reforms being implemented in the state, noting that the use of automated systems, such as Point of Sale (POS) machines, tax vouchers, among others, have revolutionised revenue collection in the local councils.

    He added that the increased revenue profile has made local councils buoyant and now able not only to meet their statutory obligations, but also contribute to development.

    The governor said that the state took a methodological approach in attaining the feat with IGR, as it conducted pilot study in 9 locations in Oredo local council, to operationalise the concept, adding, “When we conducted the study, Oredo LGA used to remit N42,000 a day, but after we introduced electronic devices, that sum climbed to N500,000.”

    Assuring that even more revenue is expected in the coming months, he said, “We are opening up Edo State for business and companies are heading down here. It is expected that with increased business activity to be occasioned by our investment drive in the state, more companies will spring up and the revenue profile we see today, will rise even further.”

    Obaseki said that the state is now a Mecca for investors, which is why heavyweights in agriculture, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies, and manufacturers are siting their businesses in the state.

    He added, “The State Government is open for business because of our peculiar location as a nexus to different parts of Nigeria. This is why the companies are coming here. The influx of businesses will provide avenues for increased activity create more jobs and will drive development.”

  • Obaseki to World leaders: Build enduring structures to guarantee rights

    Obaseki to World leaders: Build enduring structures to guarantee rights

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has called on world leaders to build structures and create enabling environment for people to express their inalienable and God-given rights.

    He added that given the intricate role it places in ensuring that people are prioritised in quest for advancement, good governance should be elevated to become a human right for electorates the world over.

    Obaseki said this on the occasion of the commemoration of International Human Rights Day, declared by the United Nations Assembly in 1948, which led to the adoption of the International Declaration of Human Rights in Paris, France.

    He added that the need for structures and spaces that guarantee the expression of human rights is sacrosanct and a genuine cause, as human rights should never be thought of as a privilege, but as God-given and inalienable.

    According to him, “It is important for world leaders and anyone charged with the responsibility of leading the people to continue to make structures available to guarantee and protect human rights. This is necessary not only because it allows for peace and unity, but because it ensures that people are given the right to be themselves and aspire to whatever heights they deem fit.

    “It is key to point out the fact that much as we are plagued with issues that demand that people are guaranteed their basic rights here, in some climes, there are continuing debates on what should constitute human rights.

    “The right to internet access, for instance, is being debated to be elevated to the status of human right. It is in the same vein that the right to good governance should be considered a human right in this clime. So also should be the right to technical education, given our level of development and role of technical skills in advancing society.”

    Human rights, he said, includes but not limited to the right to be protected against enslavement, noting that the episode with immigrants in Libya, requires a global action to protect the rights of immigrants who are being held captive.

    The International Human Rights Day came into force, in 1948. Ever since, there have been raged debates about the rights to be included within the framework of human rights, but many scholars and public policy experts agree that human rights should be a minimum requirement to avoid worst-case abuses, while others see it as a higher standard.

    This year’s celebration is devoted to the launch of a year-long campaign for the 50thanniversary of the two International Covenants on Human Rights, namely: the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 16 December 1966.

  • Edo, CBN set aside N500m credit facility to de-risk Agric investments  

    Edo, CBN set aside N500m credit facility to de-risk Agric investments  

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has inaugurated a nine-man committee to oversee the N500 million Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS) initiated in alliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to de-risk investments in agriculture in the state.

    Obaseki inaugurated the committee headed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Prince Joe Okojie, at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    He said the programme, which was set up by the Federal Government through the CBN, is aimed at providing credit for agricultural transactions in the state, stressing that the scheme is critical to his administration’s agricultural initiatives.

    He said members of the committee were selected based on their expertise and accomplishments, noting that it is not another avenue for political patronage.

    He emphasised that the idea is to support large scale commercial agriculture so that their growth would stimulate and scale up activities of small scale farmers.

    “Time, experience and technology are very important in agriculture. We need to engage the services of consultants and experts to work with the committee and use the advantage of the dry season to our benefit,” he said.

    Obaseki said the committee members would serve as monitoring team and manage funds from the CBN to guarantee its judicious use by farmers across the three senatorial districts.

    He stressed that government was not interested in agribusiness to start farms, but only interested in de-risking the process and creating an environment for entrepreneurs to emerge and thrive.

    He said that over N500 million is available from expected funds and the committee’s terms of reference include: to oversee and ensure equitable distribution of fund; promote an efficient and inclusive participation of key stakeholders; ensure proper monitoring and evaluation, guarantee integrity of each access to information; ensure fund usage by beneficiaries are in line with the terms of the scheme; monitor the impact and constantly look for ways to improve the probability of reaching the expected result of the scheme.

    In his vote of thanks, Chairman of the committee, Prince Joe Okojie, pledged to deliver on the terms of reference and promised to be fair and objective in the management of the credit facility.

  • Obaseki appoints One Special Adviser, 18 Special Assistants on Gender

    Obaseki appoints One Special Adviser, 18 Special Assistants on Gender

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the appointment of one Special Adviser and 18 Special Assistants on Gender, in pursuance of his administration’s policy designed to give the required attention to gender issues.

    Obaseki gave the approval for the appointment of the 19 aides on Thursday in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    According to the governor, “It is a deliberate policy to ensure that there is gender balance in my administration and that more women should participate in governance. These appointments are therefore geared towards the implementation of this policy.”

    The new appointees on gender issues are:

    Efosa Uyigue, Special Adviser on Gender, from Ovia North East LGA

    Ebikueluye Jessica Bose, Special Assistant, Gender from Esan Central LGA

    Christiana Ehidiame, Special Assistant, Gender from Esan North East

    Mrs Sarah Eluojierior, Special Assistant, Gender from Igueben

    Asuelimen Felicia Eyebe, Special Assistant, Gender from Esan South East

    Egboh Oseyi Jennifer, Special Assistant, Gender from Esan West

    Mrs Kate Igbinomwanhia, Special Assistant, Gender from Uhunmwode

    Aivenhenyor Victoria, Special Assistant, Gender from Ovia South West

    Gift Osaretin Osarose, Special Assistant, Gender from Ovia North East

    Mrs Regina Egbomeade, Special Assistant, Gender from Orhionmwon

    Mrs Ihaza Bose Orobosa, Special Assistant, Gender from Ikpoba-Okha

    Mrs Bose Erhabor, Special Assistant, Gender from Oredo

    Miminu Animat, Special Assistant, Gender from Owan East

    Gloria Baby Oarhe, Special Assistant, Gender from Owan West

    Cordilia Iyogun, Special Assistant, Gender from Akoko Edo

    Comrade Rabi Egujie, Special Assistant, Gender from Etsako East

    Aludo Juliet Lamosi, Special Assistant, Gender from Etsako Central

    Paulina Okwilagwe, Special Assistant, Gender from Etsako West

    Mrs Edna Obaseki, Special Assistant, Gender from Egor.

    The swearing in ceremony will take place on Monday, 11th December, 2017, at 12noon

  • Edo set to construct Nigeria’s Largest Auto Spare-Parts Market in Benin

    Edo set to construct Nigeria’s Largest Auto Spare-Parts Market in Benin

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has revealed plans to construct the largest auto spare-parts market in Nigeria in the state capital, as part of ongoing efforts to grow the state’s economy.

    The governor disclosed this during a meeting with executives of the Auto Spare Parts Dealers Association (ASPAC) at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    According to Obaseki, “the state government has acquired a 200-hectare land in a choice location in the state capital for siting of the largest auto spare-parts market in Nigeria.”

    He thanked the ASPAC for supporting his administration during the last election, adding that they would get the needed support to go about their businesses in a conducive environment, especially given the fact that the state is a gateway to different parts of the country.

    The governor said, “the state government will develop the 200-hectare land and provide necessary infrastructure to enhance trading activities, which is expected to grow the state’s economy.”

    He added that the architectural design for the market will be ready next month and the dealers from ASPAC will be invited to make their input, to enable the government commence construction of the market.

    He assured the dealers that contract for the construction of the road leading to the New Auto Spare Parts market at Evgbareke has been signed, and promised improved security in the market.

    President of ASPAC, Comrade Omoregbe Eboigbodin, assured the governor of the support of the spare-parts dealers in the state and urged the governor to assist the association with a micro-finance scheme to aid members expand their businesses, noting that there was need to assist in recovering debt owed them by Edo Line Transport Service.

     

  • Edo to move against human trafficking cartel – Obaseki 

    Edo to move against human trafficking cartel – Obaseki 

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has described human trafficking as the greatest security challenge facing his administration and has vowed to deploy the state’s powers and resources to break the hold of the human trafficking cartel on Edo youths and end the illicit trade.

    Obaseki said this when he received a delegation of the management and members of Edo Forum of Patriots (EFP), led by the chairman, Patriot Aiyamenkhue Edokpolor, who paid a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City.

    “Human Trafficking has become a security threat in the state as over 10,000 young men and women were trafficked in a space of 12 months and more than 30 per cent of them lost their lives in the process,” he lamented.

    The governor told his guests that “human trafficking is one disaster that has befallen us as a people since the European invasion of 1897,” noting that “Even before the invasion, Edo people were never sold into slavery because we had a very powerful army.”

    According to him: “For us to start selling ourselves into slavery, means something fundamental has happened and much has gone wrong.  We cannot fold our hands, keeping mute as if nothing is happening is even scarier. As a government we took actions and some persons on social media are condemning our actions, I think those people should be arrested for aiding the crime.”

    Obaseki further said that the tales of the returnees are disheartening as “one cannot but weep for their harrowing experiences, who are deceived and moved from Nigeria by a cartel and syndicate who trade these people like common commodities.”

    He assured that his administration will not relent in the fight and would mobilise the state’s resources to make sure the scourge is brought under control.

    Earlier, the chairman of Edo Forum of Patriots, Patriot  Aiyamenkhue Edokpolo, said since the governor mounted the saddle of governance in the state, he has demonstrated extraordinary commitment towards the progress, and well-being of Edo people and the state at large.

    “We have set up a security and economic summit central planning committee to consult and seek collaboration with the Edo State Government and relevant agencies of the federal government for realistic solutions to our socio-economic challenges,” Edokpolor said.

  • Edo set to develop Health Master Plan

    Edo set to develop Health Master Plan

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has revealed plans to constitute a council on health, which will assist in developing a Strategic Master Plan on Health and to coordinate activities of healthcare service providers in the state.

    Obaseki disclosed this when he played host to members of the Institute of Health Service Administrators of Nigeria, at the Government House, Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Tuesday.

    He said: “the state plans to develop a strategic health master plan to enable her outline various services offered by the health care service providers. We intend to involve qualified health professionals to assist us develop a master plan in the health sector. This will transform the health sector and make it more efficient as all elements needed to achieve this are available in the state.”

    Obaseki assured that the state government is set to reform the health sector and strengthen it to deliver quality health care services to Edo people, adding, “the focus for us is to strengthen primary health care service delivery through collaboration with private investors. We also intend to improve secondary and tertiary healthcare service delivery in the future.“

    Chairman, Edo State Branch of the Institute of Health Service Administrators of Nigeria, Sir. Oyaseh Ivowi, who led members of his association to the Government House, noted, “Edo State, which was the first to establish a state health and hospital management board in Nigeria with a network of hospitals and health care centers and clinics across every nook and cranny of the state, needs to develop a master plan for the health sector.”

    Ivowi said that the master plan will assist the state monitor various healthcare providers in the state, ensure that they provide quality health services and provide insight to inform siting of health institutions where they are mostly required.

    “A situation where health centres spring-up indiscriminately signifies a dangerous trend. Such centres will likely be offering unprofessional healthcare services,” he said.

  • Obaseki approves health centers in markets

    Obaseki approves health centers in markets

    …Reaffirms commitment to curb Neonatal deaths

     

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the establishment of primary health care centres in major markets in the state, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to significantly reduce neonatal mortality.

    Obaseki said this at the 3rd Stakeholders’ Meeting on Implementation of Action Plan on Prevention of Neonatal Deaths in Edo state, organised by the Reduce Neonatal Deaths Initiative, a pet project of his wife, Mrs. Betsy, held at the Government House, Benin City.

    He said, “Neonatal mortality is a serious challenge in the healthcare system due to the loss of life at birth. We must all join hands to address child mortality because it negatively impacts the economy in the long run.

    “We are prioritising reforms in primary healthcare to address the burden of neonatal mortality. Part of our plans is to rehabilitate and reconstruct at least one Primary Healthcare Centre in each ward across the state by next year. I have also instructed that at least a Primary Health Care centre be sited in every major market, particularly those in the urban centres,” he added.

    Obaseki assured the stakeholders of his resolve to efficiently utilise scarce resources to support and improve primary healthcare services, adding, “initiatives which bring stakeholders and experts together to provide solutions to the problem of neonatal death should be assisted to achieve their aims. This will improve the healthcare system of the state.”

    Wife of the governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, commended the stakeholders, who have continued to show commitment to advancing the objectives of her pet project.

    According to her, “efforts to address neonatal mortality in the state will certainly be a success judging by your contributions, zeal, and courage. This will assist the state to reduce neonatal deaths and become a model for other states to emulate.”

    Project Coordinator, Reduce Neonatal Deaths Initiative, Dr. Bridget Okoeguale, said the project will help in addressing the problem of neonatal death as Nigeria records the second largest incidence of neonatal mortality with a rate of 5.1 percent.

    She commended the Federal Government for training health workers drawn from various parts of the country, noting that the plan for the trainees to train others is a welcome development.

    She said 12 health workers, who benefited from the training, are billed to train 96 other health workers to be selected from the state.

  • Surge of illegal migration caused by failure of critical institutions – Obaseki

    Surge of illegal migration caused by failure of critical institutions – Obaseki

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the current surge in illegal migration is as a result of the lack of critical institutions to equip youths with requisite skills to survive in a globalised world.

    Obaseki said this when he received Senior Participants of Course 40, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, led by Rear Admiral Kamarudeen Lawal, who were on a courtesy visit to Government House, Benin City.

    Obaseki said practical steps must be taken to control Nigeria’s population and opportunities created to engage youths to stem the menace of illegal migration and avert future crisis.

    He said President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts at diversifying the economy has created opportunities for youth empowerment.

    He explained that there is a strong linkage between education and youth empowerment, and that it was unfortunate that politicians often fail to emphasise the importance of basic education in moulding minds that can make informed decisions.

    “People that had no business in classrooms were hired to teach in primary schools. This created a generation, where illiterates taught children while they are at critical stage of their life,” he said.

    Noting that there was need for reorientation of youths to be self-driven and motivated, he said, “Part of the challenges we deal with today are caused by youths, who have not been given quality education at the foundation level – that is, basic education – as this level of education prepares one to face the challenges of life.”

    He said Edo people are confident, but some of the youths are deceived by people who lure them with tales of better life outside the country.

    “Statistics shows that last year alone, over 10,000 youths from Edo State alone were trafficked to Europe and at least 3,000 of them would have died traveling through dangerous routes to Europe. This certainly is a threat to national security. Our people are sold as slaves,” he added.

    Obaseki said his administration is encouraging indigenes of the state to come home as his government has built structures to reintegrate them into society, noting, “As they come, we now have an opportunity to retrain them, using them as ambassadors to dissuade others from embarking on the dangerous journey”.

    Earlier, the team leader of the tour to Edo State, Rear Admiral Kamarudeen Lawal, commended the governor and people of the state for the hospitality and warm reception the team received on arrival, stating that they are billed to visit eight other states.

    He said the College makes annual environmental study tours to selected states, as part of its curriculum for the Senior Course for the College, adding, “During the visit, students of the College are expected to research into critical areas of the social economic life of the people that have direct impact on national development or national security.”

    He explained that the theme for this year’s tour is “National Security and Youth Empowerment,” and said that the visit will afford students opportunity to carry out on-the-spot assessment of the Edo State Government’s efforts to empower youths for national security and development.

  • Obaseki to commence payment of outstanding Pension Arrears

    Obaseki to commence payment of outstanding Pension Arrears

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed his readiness to commence the payment of the outstanding pension arrears his administration inherited from past governments, dating back to the years the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) held sway.

    Obaseki’s decision is in fulfillment of his earlier promise to settle the outstanding pension arrears of the State Government pensioners in phases.

    Conveying the governor’s approval, the Office of the Head of Service in the Edo State Government, in a circular signed by the permanent secretary/chairman Pension Bureau, I.D.S. Juwobor, on Thursday, explained that the payments will begin with pensioners in Batches 37 and 38.

    “In order to ensure that only bonafide pensioners are paid, all pensioners in the aforementioned batches 37 and 38 are invited to present themselves for physical and documentary verification at the small hall of Imaguero College, Sapele Road, Benin City on Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th December, 2017 at 9:00 am each day,” the letter directed.

    The letter advised the affected pensioners to: “Check the list of pensioners in the indicated batches at the Office of the Head of Service on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5thNovember, 2017 and come to the venue of the verification exercise with the following: Pension Authority; Retirement Letter; Letter of First Appointment; Pension Identity Card; Biometric Slip; and Bank details including bank name and Account Number.”

    The circular added that “immediately upon the conclusion of the verification exercise, the outstanding pension arrears will be credited into the pension account of each pensioner.”

    Recall that the clamor for the pension arrears by Edo pensioners few months into Governor Obaseki’s administration was hijacked by members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which sponsored several protest marches at the Ring Road in Benin City, despite the state government’s repeated explanation that the arrears would be paid in batches.

    The governor therefore called on the good people of Edo State to trust his administration and not pay attention to detractors who want to politicize an issue as sensitive as the entitlements of the state’s senior citizens.