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Tag: Mr Godwin Obaseki

  • Obaseki declares war on cultists

    EDO State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has declared war on cultists and cult related activities in the state. Obaseki said there were hundreds of investors waiting to invest in the state and the investors had to be assured that the state is safe and secure for businesses to thrive.

    Obaseki said providing security and tracking of cultists and cult related activities were now a priority for his administration. Speaking at an interdenominational church service to celebrate peaceful elections in the state and victory of the All Progressives Congress in the March 9, House of Assembly elections, the governor  said he would invoke the full wrath of the law on cultists. He said plans were on to set up a Special Security Squad on cultism in collaboration with the Nigerian Police. According to him: “I am going to go heavily on cultism.

    We are setting up a special squad on cultists. We must make Edo safe and make people know Edo is safe to do business. “I am giving full effect to the law on cultism. I will also not accept thuggery and ‘agbero’ in this state. If we find anybody collecting revenue illegally, we will take appropriate action to deal with who ever is involved. “Security is now my number one priority. We have started investing in security. We have raised the Security Trust Fund and it is the sustainable ways of dealing with security  “We have a lot of economic plans. We have to convince the investors that Edo is safe.

    “The issue of cultism is going to be my next agenda. We already have a law in place against cultism. I am going to give full effect to that law. Please if you have any persons or relations who are involved in cultism, tell them to desist from it. “In the next several months, I am going to go tough on cultism.

    With the new Commissioner of Police of Edo, we have set up a Special Squad.” Chairman of Edo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Bishop Oyennude Kure, had in his statement urged Obaseki to tackle cult activities before it gets too late. Kure suggested the setting up of a committee to look into ways of providing lasting solution to stopping cult activities in the state. He lamented  that secondary schools in the state were becoming citadel of cultism instead of learning.

  • Edo needs supportive House of Assembly – Obaseki

    …urges electorates to vote for APC candidates in House of Assembly election

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called on electorates in the state to vote for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) vying for seats in the state House of Assembly to enable his administration to sustain the ongoing human and infrastructural development in the state.

    Obaseki made the call during an interview with journalists in Benin City, shortly after the thanksgiving service at the New Covenant Gospel Church, held to celebrate the peaceful conduct of the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly polls in the state.

    The governor said his administration has executed numerous projects in the health, education and agricultural sectors,  as well as several projects designed to strengthen the infrastructure of the state.

    He explained that the achievements were made possible by a supportive House of Assembly, and urged Edo voters to come out en masse to vote for APC candidates come March 9, to sustain the harvest of developmental projects in the state.

    “I need the support of the House of Assembly to ensure we carry out more developmental projects in the state. We have constructed less than 10 percent of urban roads;  I need to do more. We have accomplished a lot in the area of Education, but so much needs to be done. We need to build 200 more Primary Health Care Centres in the state. We need a House of Assembly that will not pull us back,” the governor said.

    Noting that the current Assembly was supportive of his administration’s vision, he stressed the need to sustain the level of cooperation between both arms of government.

    Speaking during the thanksgiving service, Obaseki said “I am here to thank God for what happened on Saturday, Feb 23. We have not lost any soul during elections in the state in my tenure as governor. I believe it is something we should thank God for.”

    In his sermon, General Superintendent of the Church, Rev. Felix Omobude, kicked against voters’ apathy in the state during the February 23 elections.

    He called on every eligible voter to come out and vote for upright candidates to occupy seats in the state House of Assembly during the March 9 elections.

    “Who you wanted to win in the February 23 election might not have won, but you need to thank God for everything. March 9 should not be a time to sleep but to vote for God-fearing leaders” he said.

    Omobude, who is also the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) commended Governor Obaseki for his developmental projects and assured him of more support from the church.

  • Obaseki inaugurates 17-member Edo PHC board

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has charged the newly inaugurated 17-member Edo State Primary Health Care Board, to deepen the revamp of the state’s primary health care system for responsive, efficient and accessible health care delivery.

    The governor, who gave the charge at the inauguration of new members of the board in Government House, in Benin City, said the board is not a typical public service boa rd but one that must deliver service to the people.

    He said, “Our vision as a government is to ensure we have a health care system in the state that will be responsive, efficient and effective in delivering health care in Nigeria.”

    “For us in Edo State, our primary health care system will be built on several pillars which include human capacity, provision of technology and data, quality assurance, financing and infrastructure of the health care system.”

    Obaseki said that the inauguration of the board is to formalise the process which started over six months ago in working with consultants to develop 20 Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs), noting, “The objectives of these PHCs is to promote a package of preventive, curative and rehabilitative health care services to our citizens.”

    The governor explained that part of the key functions of the board includes, “to initiate, organise and sponsor programmes for effective health care management and manpower development and creation of public awareness of the importance of PHCs in the state.

    He urged the board to “determine the general policies for the administration of your agencies including the management of its properties and finance. Make regulations for the appointment, promotion, transfer and discipline of staff of the agencies.”

    Chairman of the Board, Dr. Victor Iyekekpolo, expressed appreciation for efforts made by the Governor Obaseki-led administration in repositioning the health sector in the state.

    Iyekekpolo noted the need to expedite actions on the proposed amendment to the Edo Primary Healthcare Development Board Bill to provide a legal framework for the successful implementation of the Primary Healthcare policies and programmes in the state.

    The board chairman expressed appreciation to the governor for the appointment, adding, “We have noted the high points in the governor’s address and we pledge that they will form the basis for our actions.”

  • Obaseki expresses shock at passing of Joe Aisien Ogbebor

    Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has expressed shock at the news of the passing of Chief Joe Aisien Ogbebor, a leading industrialist and philanthropist who was committed to the uplift of society.

    “I am in deep shock. Chief Joe Aisien Ogbebor was a worthy Edo son, a personal friend and brother who invested his time and other resources in worthy causes.

    “My heart goes out to his family and I pray for the repose of his soul until the resurrection morning when we shall meet to part no more,” Obaseki said.

    The governor stressed that “he will be sorely missed” and urged the family to take solace in the unique life Chief Joe Aisien Ogbebor lived, “excelling in business and touching the lives of everyone around him.”

    The Governor assured the family of his support in this difficult time and prayed that God will grant them the fortitude to bear the devastating loss.

  • Obaseki, others attend funeral mass for Edo’s APC chair’s mother

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, led members of the state executive council to the funeral mass for late Princess Mrs. Lami Beatrice Ojezua, mother of Barr. Anselm Ojezua, chairman of the state chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Late Princess Mrs. Lami Beatrice Ojezua died at 87 years of age.

    The governor who was at St. Anselm’s Catholic Church, Aloha Irrua, in Esan Central, on Friday, for the funeral mass, was accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Chief of Staff, Chief Taiwo Akerele; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Osaro Idah among other aides.

    Recall that during a condolence visit to Ojezua’s residence in Benin City to commiserate with the family, Governor Obaseki described late Mrs. Beatrice Ojezua as a good Christian who lived a good life, which can be attested to by those who knew her.

    “Mama was a mother to all; she lived a good life and accomplished a lot in her lifetime. She emphasised education, among other things. We all are her children; we thank God for her life.”

    According to the governor, Late Mrs. Ojezua had a fair share of success and accomplishment in life, leaving good legacies for her children to emulate, adding, “We are here to assure you of our administration’s support as we stand by you at this trying time.”

    Late Princess Ojezua was a consummate politician who commanded immense influence in the political scene in Edo State and led a number of political parties in her area until her passing.

  • Osinbajo launches school feeding programme in Edo

    …as FG feeds 9.3 million children

     

    Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has launched the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) in Edo State, to provide free meals for children in public schools in the state.

    During the launch of the programme at Eyaen Primary School in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the state, Osinbajo said the NHGSFP feeds 9.3 million children in 49,937 public primary schools in 27 states, including Edo State.

    Earlier, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who received Prof. Osinbajo at Western Boys High School in Benin City, thanked the Vice President for the visit, and commended him for the Social Investment Programme, which has added value to the lives of Nigerians.

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    In his speech, Osinbajo noted that the programme employs 94,422 cooks while over 100,000 small-holder farmers are linked to the programme.

    The Vice President said in feeding the children across the country, 594 cows are slaughtered, 138,000 chickens killed, and 83 million tonnes of fish used in preparing the meals.

    He said the NHGSFP is part of the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programme which is one of the largest safety net programmes in Nigeria.

    According to him, “N-Power employs over 500,000 graduates and 200,000 non-graduates across the nation. Two million people benefit from our Micro Credit Scheme which includes Trader-moni and Market-moni. This will be expanded to the next level to enable more Nigerians benefit from it.  We will be able to reach five to 10 million Nigerians.”

    The Vice President said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has been able to achieve these because it has fought corruption to secure the country’s resources and develop the nation.

    Speaking on the impact of the Social Investment Programme, Obaseki said the programme has provided an opportunity for vulnerable families to feed and send their children to school.

    He explained that the NHGSFP would be linked to the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation programme to bring out the best in school children, and thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and Prof Yemi Osinbajo for the initiative to feed children in schools.

    “This is a new dawn in Edo State that is ensuring that our children in schools across the state are not malnourished,” he added.

    The focal person of N-Power in Edo State, Ms. Osayuwamen Aladeshelu, said the NHGSFP has benefited thousands of Nigerians, who now include people in Edo State.

    “The programme is targeted at making children healthy. We are starting from Uhunmwode and Orhionmwon local government areas before spreading to other areas in the state.”

  • Obaseki awards contracts for reconstruction of roads

    …Ehor-Ukpogo, Obadan-Ugonoba, Oke-Oruah among roads awarded

     

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that his administration has embarked on the reconstruction of several roads in Uhunmwode Local Government Area to open up the area for more socio-economic activities and change its development narrative for the better.

    Obaseki said this during a parley with All Progressives Congress (APC) faithful at Ehor, the administrative headquarters of Uhunmwode Local Government Area, on the side-lines of the party’s campaign rally.

    Read Also:I didn’t become Governor to make money, says Obaseki

    According to the governor, his administration’s decision to invest in road infrastructure across the state was informed by the important role that roads play in economic development.

    “Obadan-Ugonoba Road has been awarded for reconstruction and by next week, the contractor will commence work. I have awarded contract for the reconstruction of Ehor-Ukpogo Road and have mobilised the contractor to immediately commence work and I have done same for Oke-Oruah Road.

    “I have taken all these steps because I know the importance of roads. I will construct many more roads in this local council.

    “Our youths in this local council need jobs and I will create more jobs for the youths of this council area. Water is another problem our people are facing here and I have already started working on water projects, and soon water will begin to flow in the area,” Obaseki said.

    He assured that in the area of education, all the primary schools in the council would be captured in the state’s Basic Education Sector Transformation (EDOBEST) programme, that will train teachers on the use of information communication technology in teaching.

    He urged the electorates: “If you vote for candidates of the APC in the forthcoming elections, you are sure of quality and effective representation as they will assist me to bring more development to the area.

    “I am confident that we will win the elections, but I want us to win convincingly because I have promised president Buhari that at least one million people will vote for him in Edo State.”

    Chairman of the Edo State chapter of APC, Barrister Anslem Ojezua, also called on the supporters of the party to mobilise the one million votes for all APC candidates in the general elections.

    Washington Osifo, APC candidate vying for a seat in the House of Assembly explained that he is in the race to give his people quality representation while Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, the party’s Edo South Senatorial candidate said he would carry his constituents along in the business of law making.

    Earlier Obaseki was at the palace of the Enogie of Ehor, Dr. David Igiehon, to solicit for the support and prayers of the royal father and present the party’s candidates for the elections to the traditional ruler and elders in the community.

     

  • Obaseki hails legacy of Ambrose Alli

    …Promises more devt at APC campaign rally in Ekpoma

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday paid glowing tributes to Late Prof. Ambrose Alli, whose legacy of governance, he said, is his driving force.

    Speaking to a mammoth crowd during an APC rally in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of the state, Obaseki said the council is bouncing back to its past glory as recorded during the era of former governor Ambrose Alli, with his people-oriented government.

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    The governor said his leadership style borrows from the governance model of Late Prof. Ambrose Alli from Esan West, who prioritised development of the people during his tenure as governor.

    He described Alli as one of the best governors the state has ever had, noting that he has chosen him as mentor and is determined to surpass his achievements.

    “Alli did only one tenure and you can see the development in Esan West. I am assuring you that the APC-led government has one purpose which is to serve the people. I am not a governor that is out to make money but to work for my people.”

    He noted that Esan people need to align with the ruling APC so they could continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

    The governor assured the council members of more roads and water projects, adding that support for President Muhammadu Buhari and all APC candidates in the forthcoming general elections is the right decision to make.

    Chairman of the chapter of APC, Barrister Anselm Ojezua, who received defectors to the party, said the party was sure to win the elections, noting “For a long time, Esan West has not felt the impact of government but in the last two years, Governor Obaseki has brought good governance to this council. We must continue to support him by voting for APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.

    In his welcome address, the APC chairman in the council, Mr Onabwekhlen Ehikioya, commended the Governor Obaseki-led administration for bringing development to the council.

    “We are seeing the ongoing road construction work in the council, Esan West has been turned into a construction site and we promise to deliver the needed votes for APC to win the forthcoming elections.”

    Meanwhile, candidates of the APC in the elections, including John Inegbedion, running to represent Edo Central in the Senate; and Marcus Onobun, vying for Esan West seat in Edo State House of Assembly, all promised to bring development to Esanland when voted into office.

  • Raw materials for Indomie, others to be sourced from Edo

    Far-reaching reforms in land administration, tax system coupled with a favourable investment climate and an endearing support structure being spearheaded by Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, have set the stage for the coming on board of Dufil Prima Foods to the oil palm scene in the state, as the company has acquired 17,954 hectares of land in the state to operate an oil palm plantation.

    The plantation, according to the management of Dufil Prima Foods, will serve as the company’s source of raw materials for its products which include Indomie Instant Noodles, Power Oil, among others.

    During a recent meeting with governor Obaseki, where the company finalised the take-off of the oil palm plantation project following the acquisition of the land, Chairman, Dufil Prima Foods, Haresh Aswani, said that the project was initiated to boost Nigeria’s economy while fulfilling the raw material requirement for the company’s backward integration programme.

    Aswani added that the project will provide raw materials for the production of Indomie Noodles, Power Oil (Vegetable Oil) and other products manufactured by the Dufil Group as well as create employment opportunities for Nigerians.

    Aswani explained that Nigeria has a great potential to increase production in the agro-allied sector through the application of improved processing methods and creation of incentives for manufacturers in the agro-allied industry sector to embark on backward integration by investing in palm plantation and sourcing their vegetable oil requirements locally.

    On his part, Governor Obaseki commended the company for indicating interest in establishing palm oil plantation and sourcing of other raw materials in  Edo State, noting that the state government is always ready for investment.

  • Obaseki takes campaign to Akoko-Edo, assures of robust security arrangement

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured residents of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of his administration’s plan to provide an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and collaborate with security agencies to improve security of life and property in the area and boost commercial activities in Igarra Town.

    He gave the assurance while addressing a mammoth crowd at a rally in Igarra, administrative headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, as part of political campaigns for candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming general elections.

    He said his administration was doing everything necessary to provide jobs for youths in the area, adding that the state government with the support of the World Bank will provide a platform for youths to acquire skills that will enable them contribute to the state’s development.

    “On job creation, the World Bank has provided us with funds to train youths and make them skilful, which will enable them contribute to the development of the state,” he said.

    Obaseki promised residents of the area that more roads will be constructed in the year, noting that a vote for all APC candidates in the election will translate to more development for the people.

    “Ibilo, Okpe, Ososo, and other roads in the area have been captured in the 2019 Budget. A vote for the president will ensure the continuity of development in the state. We need you to vote for President Muhammadu Buhari to enable us have the resources to construct these roads across the council.”

    He added that arrangements have been made to get the Ojirami Dam functional. On electricity, Obaseki called on the residents to thank President Buhari for appointing a son of Akoko-Edo to head the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), adding that there would soon be an improvement in electricity supply in Igarra.

    Chairman, Edo State chapter of APC, Barr. Anslem Ojezua, who presented the party’s candidates in the forthcoming general elections, urged voters to come out and vote for the APC to ensure quality representation.

    The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele said Akoko-Edo is home for the APC, which has been proven by the large crowd, adding that the election would be about the choice between performance and non-performance as the APC would show its scorecard and records.

    Earlier, the governor led members of his entourage on a visit to the Palace of the Otaru of Igarra, Oba Emmanuel Adeche Saiki, where he thanked the traditional ruler and the people for their support.