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Tag: Mr Godwin Obaseki

  • Obaseki inaugurates committee on privatisation, commercialisation

    Obaseki inaugurates committee on privatisation, commercialisation

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has inaugurated a 10-man Technical Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation (TCPC), which will take inventory of all non-operational enterprises owned by the state government and provide guidelines for their privatisation and commercialisation.

    The committee to be chaired by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu, was inaugurated on Tuesday, by the governor at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

    Obaseki noted that the TCPC will “carry-out due diligence on the Uromi Cassava Factory; review and end the previous process for the sale of the factory and carry-out actions that will ensure the selection of capable investors for the uptake of the factory.”

    Obaseki said, “The objectives of the committee will include visits to sites of the state-owned enterprises to identify enterprises that require urgent restructuring through commercialisation, privatisation or partnership. It will carry out due diligence on the status of the identified enterprises.

    He added, “The TCPC will make recommendations for the review of the TCPC law and appoint the Public Private Partnership Office as a standing and Adhoc Committee to facilitate the performance of its functions.

    Chairman, TCPC, Rt. Hon. Shaibu, represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, Hon. Emmanuel Usoh, expressed appreciation to the governor for the opportunity to support the economic agenda of state government.

    He said, “The committee will put their best in discharging its duties in line with the provision of the Law and economic agenda of Obaseki’s administration. We will be transparent in our engagements.”

    Other members of the committee include, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Kabiru Adjoto; Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Osagie Inegbedion; Commissioner for Infrastructure, Hon. Osahon Amiolemen; Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, Hon. Emmanuel Usoh; and the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Prof (Mrs.) Yinka Omorogbe.

    Others include, a Director in the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, who will act as Secretary of the committee; Mr. George Etomi, of Etomi and Partners; Mr. Olu Akpata, Templars Law firm and Mr. Cephas Afebuameh, Supply Chain and Operations Director, Suntory Beverage and Food Nigeria.

  • Edo flags off implementation of EU-NDSP Water, Sanitation projects 

    Edo flags off implementation of EU-NDSP Water, Sanitation projects 

    The Edo State Government has commenced the implementation of the Construction Phase of the Niger Delta Support Programme (NDSP) -3, to improve access to safe water supply and basic sanitation facilities in the state.

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, launched the programme at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State, noting that, “with the support of suitable technology, improved access to finances and strong commitment, the state government will provide access to safe water in all parts of the state.”

    The NDSP programme is initiated by the Federal Government and the European Union (EU) to improve access to safe water supply in the five Niger Delta states. The project is funded jointly by Edo State Government and the EU.

    The governor, who was represented at the flag-off by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, commended the EU and its partners for supporting the state to improve access to safe water, adding, “The support of the EU will enable the state government drastically reduce challenges with safe water supply, which contributes to many water-borne diseases in rural areas.”

    Representative of the EU, Albert Achten, said that the EU adopted a strategy to involve beneficiaries of water schemes in the programme design so that they can own the projects, noting “There are hundreds of water schemes in the Niger Delta region that have been abandoned or not functioning effectively due to lack of maintenance culture. The sustainability of the project by the benefiting communities would attract more investments and funding from donor and international agencies.”

    Assistant Director, International Cooperation, Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Mr. Ileuma Ahonsi, said contractors for the project have been mobilised to site to commence the construction work.

    Ahonsi said: “The objective of the NDSP is to assist the state reduce poverty in rural areas and sub-urban communities and improve access to water supply.”

    He added that technical issues affecting the proposed Uromi Water Supply Reticulation Scheme have been resolved and the contract for the project will be signed before the end of March.

    The Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources, Hon. Yekini Idaiye, said that 10 communities in Ovia South West and Estako West Local Government Areas of the state have benefitted from the NDSP project which started in 2014.

  • Lassa fever: Obaseki releases N100m for Dialysis Machines, others

    Lassa fever: Obaseki releases N100m for Dialysis Machines, others

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has ordered the immediate release of N100 million as first tranche payment for the procurement of four dialysis machines, ventilators, Personal Protective Equipment, drugs and other consumables required for the treatment of Lassa Fever patients.

    Obaseki’s order followed report of the rising number of Lassa Fever patients brought from across the country to the Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control, in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Edo State, the only specialist facility for the treatment of the disease in Nigeria and the West Africa sub-region.

    The governor directed his commissioner for Health, Dr. David Osifo to deliver the equipment within twenty four hours and make them available for use at the hospital, while tasking the Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie and the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, to intensify Lassa Fever awareness campaign in all nook and cranny of the state.

    Earlier in the week, the Edo State Government as part of its proactive measures to curtail the spread of the disease in the state reactivated its Rapid Response Team and commenced contact tracing for confirmed cases of the disease.

    The state government is also working closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for case management and disease surveillance.

    The Commissioner for Health, Dr. David Osifo, said that the state government prevention and control of Lassa Fever is multi-sectoral involving the Ministries of Health, Environment, Agriculture, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Information, who are working together to put measures in place that will stop the further spread of the current outbreak.”

    Edo State and some other parts of the country are currently experiencing the outbreak of Lassa Fever with significant proportion of the Local Government Areas in Edo Central and Edo North senatorial districts of the state already involved in the outbreak while the others are at risk of being affected.

  • Obaseki approves N600m to access UNICEF-EU water

    Obaseki approves N600m to access UNICEF-EU water

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the payment of N600million counterpart fund for the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme implemented in some local government areas across the state by the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the European Union (EU).

     Obaseki disclosed this when he received the Chief of WASH programme, UNICEF Nigeria, Zaid Jurji during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

     According to the governor, “The counterpart fund is to enable the state access N1.4 billion from the EU/UNICEF for the implementation of WASH project in rural areas across the state. The project would cover the provision of clean water, toilets and other sanitation facilities in the rural areas to discourage open defecation.”

     He said the project will enable the state government continue to support policies geared towards development of rural communities and human capacity building.

     “This administration would ensure that programmes organised by donor agencies are sustained and the impact felt by benefiting communities.”

     Obaseki commended the state’s WASH implementation team for the progress recorded, noting, “We want the implementation of the programme to be extended to include the training of more persons in repairs and fixing of water pumps and boreholes.”

     He assured that, “The state government would take ownership of the water and sanitation projects while local government councils would be mandated to set aside specific amount of their monthly allocations for water and sanitation projects in their councils.”

     The Chief of WASH programme, UNICEF Nigeria, Zaid Jurji, said the support of the state government is required for the effective implementation of the WASH programme in the state.

     He added, “The WASH programme is aimed at improving access to clean and safe drinking water supply and sanitation facilities in rural areas across Nigeria. This will assist the state to tackle the problems of open defecation.”

     Jurji expressed appreciation to the state government for promoting access to clean and safe water supply through the bill for the establishment of the Small Town and Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency.

  • Gelegele Seaport: Obaseki signs MoU with China Harbour

    Gelegele Seaport: Obaseki signs MoU with China Harbour

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC), for the development of the Gelegele Seaport and other transport infrastructure in the state.

    The landmark event which held in China today, will see China Harbour Engineering Company, the biggest infrastructure company in China, with a robust portfolio covering the broad infrastructure spectrum, lead the development of the seaport that will serve as the gateway for exporting manufactured goods from the Benin Industrial Park under construction and other manufacturing companies in the region.

    The MoU signing is the result of series of engagements between Governor Obaseki and the Chairman of China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC), Mr Lin Yichong, which started last year.

    Some of the projects the Chinese company is handling include the construction-dredging/ excavation for waterfront development in Yanbu, southwest Saudi Arabia and on the northern shore of the Red Sea as well as the Lagos moles repair project, being executed by the Nigeria Port Authority.

    Others are the Offshore Approach Light Structure in New Doha International Airport, which includes three terminal bridges and three temporary steel bridges and the Ma’aden Infrastructure Project Port Design and Construction, owned by the Saudi Arabian Mining Company, amongst others.

    Earlier, the governor was at the Nigerian Embassy in China to discuss his developmental plans for Edo State with officials of the Nigerian Mission in the Asian country and sought areas of collaboration.

  • Job creation: Edo Govt, Institute of Welding to train youths – Obaseki

    Job creation: Edo Govt, Institute of Welding to train youths – Obaseki

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said plans are underway for youths and local artisans to undergo proficiency training and re-training to be organised in partnership with the Nigeria Institute of Welding.
     
    Obaseki, who said this in his New Year broadcast, assured that, “Our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Institute of Welding will provide proficiency training and re-training for youths and artisans that will enable them  earn certification.”
     
    He said that the proficiency training is part of the strategies of his administration to fulfil the promise to create a minimum of 200,000 jobs in the first four years.
     
    The training of the artisans and technicians, he said, “will empower the artisans and technicians employ themselves and provide services and manpower to the investors the government is attracting to the state.”
     
    He added that the training will also be available to practicing artisans in the state to enable them acquire certification.
     
    Similarly, Obaseki said his administration has commenced re-building technical colleges, with the Benin Science and Technical College as pilot, to enable it train qualified and competent artisans and technicians.
     
    He assured that his government will continue to serve the interest of the people, adding, “leadership is about solving problems and providing direction across all sectors for our people to realise their God-given potential.”
     
    He noted that his administration will continue to explore opportunities that will enable government grow the economy and significantly improve the social and economic conditions of the people.
  • Obaseki tasks Nigerians on love at Xmas Carol Concert 

    Obaseki tasks Nigerians on love at Xmas Carol Concert 

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called on Nigerians to uphold virtues of peace, share good tidings and express love among themselves during the Christmas celebration.

    The governor said this at the maiden edition of the Governor’s Carol Concert held at Government House, in Benin City, on Wednesday night.

    Obaseki said the concert would be held annually in the life of his administration, adding that there was so much to be thankful to God for in 2017 and expressed optimism that 2018 would be a fruitful year.

    Present at the concert were the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Rev. Felix Omobude, the Edo State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Bishop Oyonnude Kure; Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, (UNIBEN), Prof. Friday Orumwense and other government functionaries.

    Earlier in the day, the wife of the governor, Mrs Betsy Obaseki, organised a Christmas party for less-privileged children in the state.

    Mrs Obaseki said the society can only be a better place when people learn to show love to one another, especially to the less-privileged.

    The First Lady said she was inspired to organise the party because she plans to bring the less- privileged children to the same social pedestal with their privileged counterparts.

    She said, though this is coming during the Christmas period, showing love and kindness especially, to the less privileged should not be restricted to a particular season of the year.

    The kids, numbering over 350, were randomly selected from schools in three local government areas within Benin City metropolis.

    The party featured dance competition, gift presentation and many more.

    Also present at the event were wives of the Deputy Governor, Maryam Shuaibu and other top government functionaries.

  • Obaseki inaugurates Edo Electoral Commission Board

    Obaseki inaugurates Edo Electoral Commission Board

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has charged the newly inaugurated Board of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) to be fair, impartial and objective in the discharge of its duties and responsibilities.

    Obaseki gave the charge at the inauguration of the Board at the Government House, in Benin City, Edo State, Thursday.

    He said he decided to retain some former members of the board in view of their wealth of experience coupled with the daunting task ahead.

    The governor emphasised his administration’s mission to build credible institutions, which are critical to sustaining democratic principles, particularly the conduct of local government elections, on which the democratic structure rest.

    “The whole purpose of reforms in democratic tradition is to build institutions that will sustain democracy itself. Local government elections, which happen at the grassroots, are the bases and foundation on which our democratic system rests,” he said.

    He added, “As usual, we will like to be the leading light in the country in consolidating our democratic experience. I trust that with the chairman and the calibre of the board members, they will not only do Edo State proud, but will also discharge their responsibilities judiciously”.

    Responding on behalf of the board, the Chairman of EDSIEC, Prof. Stanley Orobator, assured the governor that the board would do its best to deliver on its responsibility and make the state proud.

    He said the task ahead is challenging, but the board members are committed to deepening the democratic process.

  • Obaseki, Ijaws in Edo meet, commit to peaceful coexistence

    Obaseki, Ijaws in Edo meet, commit to peaceful coexistence

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki and leaders of Edo-Ijaws Wednesday, committed to peaceful co-existence, agreeing to work together for the economic development of the state.

    They said that the recent agitations by groups to set the Edo-Ijaws against their Benin brothers and sisters are the machinations of interest groups out to frustrate economic advancements being recorded in the state.

    At the meeting, the Ijaw leaders declared that they have been living peacefully with their Benin brothers for centuries and were ready to deepen the relationship, more so with the planned development of their area by the Godwin Obaseki-led administration.

    The governor speaking to journalists at the end of the meeting said “There has been some angry publications in the newspapers and as a government, we have decided to have a conversation with our Ijaw brothers and sisters to understand what is really wrong, from our findings, the publications were sponsored by outsiders.

    “The Edo Ijaws have lived here for many years so they understand the customs and traditions of the land.

    “I guess some other fellows from outside of the state perceived some threats; have seen the pace at which we were developing the area; to build an ultra-modern port in Gelegele area and those are all developments that suddenly led to the agitations”.

    The governor said the Edo government and the Ijaw community have taken a stand that law and order must be maintained in the area to allow for meaningful development.

    He said his administration was determined to develop every part of the state and the Gelegele area would not be excluded from the plan.

    “They have agreed and accepted that they will work with government and that they will talk to their kinsmen”.

    He said the Ijaw community also agreed to support government to tackle security threats in their area.

    The governor also assured to construct one of the main roads leading to the community which was abandoned by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) about five years ago.

    A leader from Gelegele Community, Hon. Prince Barbs Pawuru, commended the governor for the heart-to-heart meeting with the Ijaw community and expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting.

    Pawuru said Ijaw people are peace-loving people and are ready to work with the Edo government to ensure law and order in the community.

    “We highlighted the issues and the governor understood them, we are so satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, we are going home to tell our people we should embrace peace, the Ijaw people are peace loving people, we want peace, but there cannot be peace with injustice.

    The governor said the Ijaws in Edo are no strangers, we have been here for centuries and we have never had problems, but all of a sudden it came up”, he said.

  • Obaseki inaugurates pension committee, to clear N3.9bn arrears

    Obaseki inaugurates pension committee, to clear N3.9bn arrears

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state has put up structures to clear pension arrears accumulated from 1996 to 2000, noting that the migration of public servants to the contributory pension scheme will forestall a repeat of the trend.

    Obaseki made this known while inaugurating the Ad-Hoc Committee on Pension Management at the Government House, Benin City, Edo State, on Wednesday, December 20, 2017.

    Obaseki said his administration would continue to work to clear pension arrears, adding, “We cannot solve all the problems of pensioners in one day. This problem accumulated for a long time. As a government, we are committed to resolving all pension-related problems.”

    He said a critical step the government has undertaken to avert delay in pension payment is to ensure civil servants start documentation for pensions six months to their retirement. He noted that this would ensure immediate payment after retirement from service.

    He further said that the inauguration of the committee is in accordance with the provisions contained in section 17 sub-section 3 of the Pension Act, adding “The committee is meant to supervise and ensure effective administration of contributory pension scheme in the public service”.

    Obaseki said that Edo State government has begun the implementation of the contributory pension scheme as the first realistic step to end pension problem in the state.

    “Edo State Government employees who have more than five years to retirement have joined the contributory pension scheme. The fund for the payment of their pension is in a special account usually with their pension fund administrators. We have also appointed pension fund administrators and custodians who will hold those funds.”

    He said Edo State has been rated as one of those states in the country that pay their pension contributions under the contributory pension scheme on time.

    “We have mandated that the Pension Bureau office at Ring Road (Ethiope Building) should be refurbished in the first quarter of 2018 to reduce the discomfort of pensioners and make things easy for them”.

    Chairman of the Committee, Dannis Juwobor, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them as members of the committee promising to do their best and discharge their responsibility effectively.

    He said they will deliver on the committee’s mandate which is to ensure smooth operation of the contributory pension scheme.

    “We are delighted to note that members of the trade union are represented on this committee and are in position to understand the workings of the committee and enlighten their members to eliminate the fear  by their members and work together to ensure that the mandate of the Bureau is achieved as all pension matters will be handled diligently to the benefit of all stakeholders.”