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Tag: Mr Godwin Obaseki

  • Obaseki swears-in elected council executives

    Obaseki swears-in elected council executives

    …Urges prudent mgt. of N2b Paris Club savings

     

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has sworn-in the newly elected local council chairmen for the 18 local government areas of the state, charging them on prudent management of resources saved up in their treasuries.

    Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Government House, in Benin City, Edo State capital, on Monday, Obaseki charged the new heads of the councils to be accountable, responsive and responsible in administering the affairs of their councils.

    He said, “My administration has kept aside N2 billion saved from the Paris Club refunds in the councils’ treasury for the new executives to commence activities.

    According to him, “You are not coming to meet an empty treasury. I have saved your Paris refund in excess of N2billion and some of you have savings in excess of N2billion.

    “So, you will be coming into office with some reserves and savings, but you have to focus on enduring projects.”

    He said the era, in which council bosses left offices with debts for their successors would not be accepted, noting that his administration has spent the last 17 months offsetting debts incurred by former local government executives.

    The governor described the peaceful conduct of the electoral process as historical, noting, “The increasing acceptability of the laudable programmes of the All Progressives Congress (APC) enabled you to secure victory at the polls. We do not expect less from you.

    “Your elections were free and fair, so you must go and serve the people who voted you into office. You have no Godfather to settle. Your sole responsibility must be the welfare of the people in your council,” the governor charged the newly elected executives.

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, who witnessed the swearing-in ceremony, commended Governor Obaseki for saving up funds for the chairmen to kick-start their activities. He described the act as benevolent and urged the council bosses to utilize the fund for the benefit of the masses.

    In his vote of thanks on behalf of other chairpersons, Mr Jenkins Osunde, Oredo Local Council chairman, thanked people of the state for finding them worthy to pilot their affairs.

    He assured that they would live up to the confidence reposed in them and build on the foundation already laid by the Godwin Obaseki-led administration.

    Read Also: Obaseki reassures of Economic Expansion, urges social, political harmony

  • Obaseki reassures of Economic Expansion, urges social, political harmony

    Obaseki reassures of Economic Expansion, urges social, political harmony

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reassured Edo people that a major focus of his administration is to expand the economy of the state and improve the socio-economic status of the people.

    Obaseki said this while receiving members of Great Benin Vanguard, who paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Benin City.

    He added that his administration was also committed to consolidating on the political and social stability of the state.

    “As a governor, I have the responsibility to protect everybody who lives in Edo State and their properties,” he said, and appealed to the various ethnic groups in the state to give peace a chance for the overall progress and development of the state.

    He stressed that he would never be a party to any decision that will lead to anarchy or detrimental to the wellbeing of Edo people, who he swore to protect.

    He said his administration was laying the foundation for a greater Edo State and urged his guests not to be distracted by trivialities, noting that his government has been engaging stakeholders at various levels to ensure that there is harmony among the various ethnic groups in the state.

    The governor said one of such engagements was his recent trip to Bayelsa State where he had audience with Governor Seriake Dickson, of the state, over the issue.

    He noted that his Deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu has equally been visiting some neighbouring states like Kogi and Ondo, where there are disputes and assured that those issues will soon be resolved in line with the provisions of the law.

    Earlier, chairman of the Great Benin Vanguard, Professor Ovenseri  Aibueku, expressed displeasure over what he called an attempt to distort history by some people.

    “Our kingdom is known for its hospitality, which has been attracting settlers to our much cherished Benin Kingdom. However, it is dismaying to read newspaper publications where some Ijaws gave conditions for peace in the state.”

    Prof. Aibueku told the governor that some boundary communities in Benin Kingdom were under the threat of losing their lands and called on him to reinvigorate the state boundary commission to address the issue. He assured the governor of the continued support of the Benin Vanguard to the government of Edo State.

    Read Also: Obaseki reveals plans to reposition state-owned media

  • Sports reforms to drive job creation, youth development in Edo – Obaseki

    Sports reforms to drive job creation, youth development in Edo – Obaseki

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his administration’s vision to reform sports is aimed at creating jobs and curbing restiveness among youths.

    The governor made the submission during a dinner organised to unveil the new logo, jersey, team bus, technical team as well as manual for the rebranded Bendel Insurance Football Club (FC) in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    Obaseki said, “We have a keen interest to reform the sports sector in the state, and this is aimed at providing solutions to youth restiveness and unemployment. For us, sports have the potential to uplift the lives of our people and offer hope to youths who seek a better country.

    “Edo people are sports-loving. We will leverage this as we continue our reforms and give hope to our teeming youths. The steps made in reforming the Bendel Insurance FC will serve as reference point to drive more reforms in the sector.”

    He added the reforms will focus on grassroots sports development, noting, “Design and contracts for the construction of mini stadium in each local government area across the state have been completed. Local government chairmen will be mandated to ensure that the project is completed to encourage young men and women at the grassroots to tap into sports.”

    Obaseki called on investors in the state to support the present administration’s efforts to restore the state to its pride of place in sports in the country.

    Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, hailed “the achievements of the club, which has a reputation of producing contenders in the national team. These include, Peter Osazee Odemwingie, Austin Eguavoen, amongst others. These great players have represented the state at national and international assignments.”

    Shaibu added, “The decision to rebrand the Bendel Insurance FC’s logo with the image of Queen Idia was to project the club members as warriors, out to win battles. I am optimistic that the rebranded Bendel Insurance FC will emerge as a force to contend with.”

    On his part, President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, commended the state government for its initiatives in repositioning Bendel Insurance FC, and urged “The state government to partner corporate bodies for sponsorship to achieve self-funding and ensure the club is not dependent on government grants.”

    “It is important for football clubs to run independent of government interference to ensure consistency. The club can develop its cards; Silver and Premium cards and VIP stand to serve as means for generating funds,” he added.

    Read Also: Obaseki lauds FG on welfare package for IDPs in Edo

  • Gelegele Seaport: Edo, Navy strengthen ties to deliver project

    Gelegele Seaport: Edo, Navy strengthen ties to deliver project

    Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has said that the Nigerian Navy has provided tremendous backing for the actualisation of the Gelegele Seaport project in the state, as its men are providing support to its foreign partners, China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC), who are currently conducting feasibility study for the project.

    Obaseki also thanked the Navy for its swift response to security challenges, especially in the coastal areas of the state, noting that these gestures have endeared the Navy to the people of the state.

    Governor Obaseki said these in his remarks at the closing ceremony of the Nigerian Navy Retreat 2018, themed “Optimising Operational Availability of NN fleet” held from February 18 to 20, at the Nigerian Naval Engineering College, Ogorode, Sapele, Delta State.

    According to the governor, “We thank the Nigerian Navy for the continuous support we have received from your men, especially the response squad in the Niger Delta. As you are aware, we are working with some foreign investors who will be building a port at the confluence of the Benin and Ovia Rivers. Your men have provided support and security to these investors as they conduct feasibility study of the project.”

    He hailed the Navy for the foresight in organising the retreat, as it affords policymakers a platform to debate and offer solutions to issues and challenges bedevilling the Navy, noting, “I am impressed to find that this retreat is an assemblage of policymakers and other officers to brainstorm on the challenges they face. I must say that the quality of thought has left me bewildered. The Navy is seeking solutions and this kind of reflections is an indication of an organisation that wants to move forward.”

    In his remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ebok Ibas, expressed appreciation to Governor Obaseki for his unflinching support for the Nigerian Navy, noting that the Navy’s exploits are fueled by the support it enjoys.

    He disclosed that the Nigerian Navy’s improved presence at sea and in backwaters has improved security, forced criminal elements to relocate to other regions of the Gulf of Guinea and safeguarded Nigeria’s territorial waters.

    According to him, “The Nigerian Navy has adopted innovative strategies to optimise the availability of its fleet for operation. This has not only led to improved security but also in the deployment of its deterrence and surveillance abilities.”

  • Lassa fever: WHO, NCDC synergise with Edo govt to end scourge

    Lassa fever: WHO, NCDC synergise with Edo govt to end scourge

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have commencedwork with the Edo State Government to bring to an end the Lassa Fever outbreak in the country.

    They commended the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for the state government’s purposeful and strategic response to the current Lassa fever outbreak in the country.

    Coordinator, Lassa Fever Outbreak Response Team in Nigeria, Dr. Emmanuel Musa, relayed the commendations when he led the surveillance team from the WHO and NCDC on a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State and said that his team will be stationed in the state to tackle the disease.

    In his remarks, Governor Obaseki expressed appreciation to the WHO and NCDC teams for supporting the state’s effort to contain and control the spread of Lassa Fever disease in the state.

    He said the outbreak threatens the wellbeing of people in the state, a situation he will not tolerate, noting, “My administration takes public health and wellbeing of people in the state seriously. This accounts for the speedy response of the government in mobilising resources to control the spread of the disease.”

    According to Obaseki, “With the team of experts deployed to the state by WHO, we should be able to get things right. There is need for us to be proactive and not always wait for the outbreak before responding.”

    Musa said, “The prompt response of the state government led by Governor Obaseki in containing the outbreak of Lassa fever disease in the state is highly commendable. The approach adopted to halt the spread of the disease was strategic. We commend the state government for the facility set up to assist the Institute for Lassa Fever Control and Research at the Specialist Hospital, Irrua. This includes the Isolation Center and Emergency Operation Center.

    He added, “The team of experts from the WHO and NCDC were the first six experts deployed to Edo State to complement the state government’s effort in controlling the spread of the disease. The team will work alongside the state government’s response team to halt the spread of the disease. This team is also ready to work with the team put in place by the government to curtail the spread as they have been in the state for about four weeks now.

    “Other partners will be mobilise to Edo State to assist the state government contain the spread of Lassa fever disease. The WHO is concerned and decided to mobilise experts to Nigeria to help out.”

    Read Also:Edo marshal plans to combat Lassa fever

  • Resilient project monitoring, evaluation key to economic devt – Obaseki

    Resilient project monitoring, evaluation key to economic devt – Obaseki

    Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has said that economic growth and development can only be attained when state institutions are driven not only by well-defined strategies but also monitored and evaluated through well-thought-out, reliable metrics.

    Obaseki said this in Benin City on Monday, at a Workshop on Designing, Building and Sustaining Result-based Monitoring and Evaluation System, organised by the state government in conjunction with Carter Consulting Limited for top civil and public servants in the state.

    Condemning the negligent attitude that short-changes the state of project funds, he said that contractors collude with civil or public servants to walk away with billions of naira for jobs poorly done due to “the tradition of people not being diligent.”

    He decried what he called a ‘bastard mentality,’ which allows contractors to throw paltry sums of money at officials of government while they walk away with billions of naira after executing poor quality projects.

    “When you think about it. It is like a bastard mentality. That is, you are taking your money from your home and giving it to outsiders. At the end of the day, who loses? You make peanuts and the contractor has walked away with billions of naira. That is what I see across the country.”

    He maintained that often times, monitoring and evaluation processes are inadequate because they are not informed by policymaking, noting that the workshop would serve to intimate the participants with the primacy of monitoring and evaluation for sustainable project delivery.

    According to him, “Over the years, monitoring and evaluation processes have been applied in a manner that did not adequately inform the policymaking. Neither did it address the issue of planning in budgeting as well as projects and programme implementation. In fact, most employees in the civil and public services have a very limited understanding of the essence and value of monitoring and evaluation to the overall development process in the state.”

    He argued that some civil servants lack tools, processes and methods required not only to efficiently and effectively monitor and evaluate but also to determine if the interest of the people is being served.

    “It is not uncommon when you send out people to go and monitor ongoing government projects, and the people say they are on a witch-hunt. You normally hear things like, let us help the person. So, you are helping your friends or beneficiaries of state contracts at the expense of the people of our state?” He asked.

    He continued, “The most embarrassing demonstration of this glaring limitation is that in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), where some form of monitoring takes place, the activities are reduced to periodic onsite visits, without analysis of how the activities are linked to the broader chain of results. You hardly see an M&E framework with clear measurable indicators used in evaluation or a holistic and replicable format for reporting achievements or setbacks.”

    He said it is expected that the participants learn the need for MDAs to first think about strategic objectives, why they do what they do, why government sets out on certain initiatives, the impact and implications and why we have opted for certain policy choices.

    “It is only when we have done that, can we now have a system where we can measure whether we are making progress in line with the choices we have made and how effectively these initiatives are being implemented,” he stressed.

    He added that the workshop is targeted not only at decision-makers but all senior government officials responsible for M&E, noting that it would provide common understanding of M&E in policies, programmes, projects, including monitoring of public financial expenditure in line with the Fiscal Responsibilities Acts.

    Speaking on The Context of Change and Project Portfolio Management, Chief Strategist, Carter Consulting, Dr. Adeniyi Onamusi, said it was pertinent for public servants to embed M&E components in their activities, not only to ensure proper project management but also to get value for money and for taxpayers.

    According to him, “There is need for Edo State to improve the competence of its workforce as the good intention of the governor is the first step for the creation of value for projects in the state. Monitoring and evaluation of projects must be carried out to benefit the people of the state.”

    Read Also: Obaseki to begin construction of 150km of roads

  • Edo New Cities: Obaseki seeks input of Architects’ regulatory body

    Edo New Cities: Obaseki seeks input of Architects’ regulatory body

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has sought the input of the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA) and the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) in the design of masterplans for the new cities billed to be developed across the state.

    Obaseki also made a case for well-planned cities across Nigeria, arguing that “poorly planned cities are unattractive to investors and are most difficult to police.”

    Obaseki said these when members of the National Executive Council of NIA and ARCON, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, in Benin City.

    The governor said, “Nigeria has for several decades continued to evolve without benefiting from proper planning of its cities. This has contributed to unstructured cities that are difficult to police in the 21st century.”

    He noted that his administration is making efforts to make Edo attractive and safe for investors by developing new cities that are well-planned and would be conducive for investors.

    Obaseki mandated the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Edorodion Erimona and Managing Director (MD), Edo Geographic Information Service, Mr. Frank Evbuomwan to collaborate with members of NIA and ARCON on a workshop to finetune masterplans for the new cities in the state.

    President, ARCON, Mr. Umaru Aliyu, said that they intend to provide solutions to urban chaos and unstructured development in the state, adding, “The present system where only one professional body reviews the works of at least three distinct disciplines is old-fashioned, prone to corruption and not sustainable for the development of the state. As an association, ARCON proposes that the development control function of the government should be situated in an independent agency.”

    According to him, “The proposed Development Control Agency should have three technical departments to cover for the three-main components of built environment, which are Architecture, Engineering and Town Planning.”

    Aliyu commended the governor for his efforts to improve quality of life and the built environment in the state, noting, “The associations are ready to support the state government in promoting sustainable built environment.”

     

     

  • Obaseki commends speaker, Edo Assembly on e-governance

    Obaseki commends speaker, Edo Assembly on e-governance

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commended the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) led by its Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Adjoto for the foresight in adopting technological solutions at the Anthony Enahoro Assembly Complex, to improve legislative proceedings.

    Obaseki gave the commendation while inspecting the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities at the Assembly complex in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    The governor, who was accompanied by some members of the State Executive Council, said “This administration will continue to provide support to drive the adoption of technological innovation to enhance governance, which include legislative proceedings at the State Assembly Complex.”

    According to him, “We are pleased with what we see, and the improvement made so far by the present leaders and members of the State Assembly. By adopting technology to digitise its legislative proceedings, the assembly has cast its name in gold, as this will stand as a legacy which will be remembered in future. This development will enhance quality legislation at the Assembly.”

    In his remarks, Speaker, EDHA, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Adjoto, said, “The decision to adopt new communication technologies in the Assembly became necessary to promote quality legislation and ensure the legislative process becomes fully digitalised. This will assist us embrace the use of modern technologies in our proceedings, as it befits any legislative assembly in carrying out its duties in the 21st century.”

    Adjoto noted, “Our intention to adopt new technologies is to achieve full digitalisation of the Assembly Complex as the use of modern technologies are also extended to the hallowed chamber of the Assembly Complex to allow for recording of the proceedings of the house. This will ensure effective legislation in the future.”

    He added that this became necessary because it will encourage each member of EDHA to contribute to the legislative process, noting, “When members are aware that proceedings of the house are recorded, everyone will be encouraged to make contributions to the legislative process. We will also create a website to provide members of the house easy access to important documents which can be easily retrieved and worked on.”

  • Obaseki sets up N10m education fund for late Okoniba’s children

    Obaseki sets up N10m education fund for late Okoniba’s children

    …assures relatives of proper investigation, justice

     

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has set up a N10 million education fund for the training of two children of late David Okoniba, whose death was allegedly caused by an exchange with a police officer at Upper Igun, Third Junction area of Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    Obaseki disclosed this when he led some members of his cabinet on a condolence visit to the family of the deceased at Urora community, in Benin City.

    The governor said he was at the victim’s home to assure his relatives that the government of Edo State share in their grief, assuring them that those culpable in the killing will be brought to book.

    “I am here today to get the details of what happened. Listening to you, I am heartbroken. I can feel your pain and appreciate your pain and anger. I want to assure the family that the case will not be swept under the carpet.

    “It will be followed to a logical conclusion as a reputable retired Judge of Edo State High Court, Justice Olubo has been selected to head the panel of enquiry which will investigate what truly happened on the said date of the incident that led to the death and consequent fracas between the youths and the police,” he said.

    According to him, “I learnt that the deceased has two children. I have released N10 million fund to be used for their education, to reduce the pain of the absence of their father and ensure their education does not suffer much because of this incident.”

    Obaseki also assured the family that government will support in the burial of late David Okoniba and advised the family to take the wife of the deceased to the hospital for medical attention at government expense, as she was still traumatised from the incident.

    Earlier, Spokesperson for the family, Mrs. Aremu Roseline, expressed appreciation to the governor and the state for the visit to the family, noting that the presence of the governor has given them hope for justice.

    She also thanked the Commissioner of Police, Mr Johnson Kokumo, who visited the family and showed concern over the death of David, thanking him for promising to get to the root of the mater.

    “We appeal to the governor Mr. Godwin Obaseki to help the family ensure David gets Justice. His death must not be in vain as he was the pillar of the family. He had two children and his formal wedding was to be in two-week’ time. His wife who was an eyewitness of the incident is psychologically affected and seriously traumatised,” she added.

     

  • Edo reopens job portal March 1

    Edo reopens job portal March 1

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has disclosed that the state government is finalising arrangements to reopen the EdoJobs portal on March 1, 2018.

    In a statement on Thursday, in Benin City, by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, the governor said the reopening of the portal would extend the window of opportunities for more youths to be captured in the state’s jobs database.

    The governor reassured youths in the state of his administration’s commitment to fulfil his campaign promise of creating 200,000 jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.

    According to Obaseki, “The reopening of the job portal is to capture more youths in the state, who are to undergo employability and capacity building training. After their training, these youths will be matched with employers of labours, who have indicated interest in employing young people.

    “It is clear that we have a crisis of youth unemployment and we are making frantic efforts to address it. There are various options the applicants on the jobs portal can choose from.

    The EdoJobs initiative trained a batch of 500 youths late last year, and also supplied over 4,000 people trained by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) this year.

    EdoJobs is an employment initiative of Godwin Obaseki-led administration to train and retrain graduates with post-secondary school certificates on business writing, workplace ethics, problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence and managing conflicts, among others. The initiative gives applicants the opportunity for job placements in companies across the state.

    The portal provides the state government with data of applicants, which it uses for planning skills training for the job seekers in collaboration with companies requiring skilled labour.