The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Mr Godwin Obaseki

  • Edo to embark on massive reconstruction of dilapidated schools

    Edo to embark on massive reconstruction of dilapidated schools

    The Edo State Government is set to embark on the reconstruction of dilapidated schools across the state.

    Commissioner for Education, Dr. Christopher Adesotu, who disclosed this during a meeting with School-based Management Committee (SBMC) members, parents and other stakeholders in the education sector in Oredo, Egor and Ikpoba Okha Local Government Areas of the state, decried the high level of vandalism in public schools.

    Adesotu told the stakeholders that the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, “has drawn up a list of schools that will benefit from the reconstruction and remodelling programme, but is concerned about the activities of vandals.”

    He urged the stakeholders to support the programmes and policies of the Governor Obaseki-led administration by protecting government facilities in their respective communities.

    Some of the stakeholders suggested that local vigilante groups be set up in various communities to protect public schools and other facilities.

    In his response to a suggestion by Mr. Michael Ajayi, a parent, that students be made to pay money to the schools for security purpose, the Chief Inspector of Education (CIE) in Oredo Local Government Area of the state, Dr. Uyi Ekhosuehi, emphasised the role of the SBMC and said that the “body is the only recognised and authorised body to provide infrastructure in schools as the law does not allow government officials to pay or collect monies for infrastructural development in schools.”

    Adesotu further said that the state government was working on a plan to partner with the communities to ensure government facilities are protected by the people in the various communities.

     

  • Edo to re-brand culture, tourism assets

    Edo to re-brand culture, tourism assets

    The Edo State Government is set to rebrand her culture and tourism assets, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osazee Osemwengie-Ero, has said.

    Osemwengie-Ero said the rebranding project is in line with the vision of the Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, which includes revival, preservation and the exhibition of the rich cultural heritage of Edo people on the world stage for tourism receipts.

    The commissioner who disclosed this during a guided tour to historical sites in Unuamen Village in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, said the state is richly blessed with a lot of cultural and tourism sites.

     “We have a lot of hidden treasures in the state which have not been brought to the knowledge of the world. The Obaseki’s administration is doing everything possible to bring these hidden treasures to the world stage.”

     According to him, “the heritage materials form the identity of the people of any community, they are unique and worth preserving. We have an Oba that promotes our culture and a governor that has the vision to reposition our culture sector, including the traditions and festivals for domestic and international tourism earnings.”

    The commissioner expressed delight at some historical sites in Unuamen Village and said: “Unuamen Village is relevant today because of the history of Oba Esigie and Queen Idia. Today I have seen what I read in books about Oba Esigie and Queen Idia and where the event happened. It is overwhelming.”

    He noted that what he saw in Unuamen “are worth preserving as they take us way back to over 300 years ago.”

    He added: “You can see the tourist sites like Olekhu Namebo; Odigi Shrine; Okutaesigie; Okebu; the site where Queen Idia hosted Udo warrior as piece of broken pot where visible and a host of other interesting sites.

    The Okao of Unuamen, Chief Engr. Kingsley Nogheghase Igbinosa, said he decided to invite Edo State government officials to the tourist sites in the village because he read in newspapers that 58 tourists sites in the state were marked for revamp.

    He thanked the state government for sending its officials to assess the tourist site and urged them to include them in the list of sites that will be developed.

  • Obaseki hails Edo pupils for winning Lafarge National Literacy Competition

    Obaseki hails Edo pupils for winning Lafarge National Literacy Competition

    The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated Master Yusuf Hassan and Miss Faith Toun-Agbai for winning the keenly contested first prize in the 2017 Lafarge National Literacy Competition, which was held in Lagos State.

    Obaseki said the triumph of both pupils in the competition would inspire other students across the state to aspire to great heights in their educational pursuit.

    He further said that the feat showcases the boundless spirit of healthy competition among pupils in the state and reaffirms his administration’s commitment to discovering more talent in the state through the various educational initiatives.

    Master Yusuf Hassan is a pupil at Eso Nerie Primary School in Oredo Local Government Area while Miss Faith Toun-Agbai attends Eguare Primary School in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area.

    According to the governor, “the performances of the pupils underscore the effort of the state government to deliver quality education. Even with outings such as this, we are not resting on our oars in the state. There are ongoing reforms at the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to ensure that more pupils in Edo State continue to come tops in competitions such as this.”

    Recall that the pupils were feted by Governor Obaseki and got cash prizes when they emerged overall winners at the regional level of the same competition.

  • Trafficking: Edo has built systems to receive Europe, Libya returnees – Obaseki

    Trafficking: Edo has built systems to receive Europe, Libya returnees – Obaseki

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state has built formidable structures and systems to receive and re-integrate victims of human trafficking and illegal migration who are indigenes of the state.

    Speaking at the International Conference on Women Empowerment and the Fight Against Trafficking in Persons: Partnership Between Nigeria and Italy, organised by the President of Italian Chamber of Deputies, Ms Laura Boldrini, in Rome, Italy, the governor said the state government needs support to sustain its efforts and ensure that youths do not have reasons to embark on treacherous journeys.

    Recall that the state government recently received three batches of over 200 returnees from Libya, who were subsequently enrolled in capacity development programmes and placed on a stipend for three months.

    The state government has set up a task-force to oversee the process of rehabilitating and assimilating returnees and has sent a bill to the Edo State House of Assembly, for the enactment of a law to strengthen the fight against human trafficking in the state.

    Obaseki said that the state requires huge funds to sustain the rehabilitation of the returnees, noting, “we are spending a lot to reintegrate these young people into the society and we anticipate that the expenses would be more in the nearest future. We solicit for support from the European Union, the Italian government as well as other countries affected by this menace to be able to sustain the structures we have set up in the state.”

    “All parties affected by the menace of human trafficking both the countries of origin and the destination countries stand to benefit from the system we have set up in Edo State to engage these youths, which would give them no reason to contemplate migrating illegally. So, we want to strengthen these structures in Edo State to make staying back and working gainfully the preferred choice,” he said.

    On indigenes who are victims of human trafficking and are willing to return to the state, the governor said, “We acknowledge the fact that they are victims, and in many instances, they are entangled in human trafficking due to no fault of theirs. We are extending an open hand to them, and assuring them of support when they return.”

  • Obaseki calls for action to make Nigerian children globally competitive

    Obaseki calls for action to make Nigerian children globally competitive

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said that grooming Nigerian children to compete with their counterparts across the globe, especially arming them with skills and knowledge to meet the peculiar demands of a globalised society would be the best legacy the country can bequeath her children.

    Governor Obaseki said this in commemoration of Universal Children’s Day, marked every November 20, by the United Nations.

    November 20 is important for a couple of reasons in the United Nations System. It is the date in 1959 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, and on the same date in 1989, the assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

    The governor said that the theme for this year’s celebration, it’s a #kidstakeover, points to the imperative of providing for children opportunities and allowing them the right to express themselves in all sphere of life.

    According to him, “As we mark this day, it is important to understand the delicate situation the child in Nigeria lives. In the nearest future, they would be competing with children who have been exposed to the best of cutting-edge technology. With the world morphing into a global village, it is not impossible to have every kid exposed to same opportunities.”

    “It is with this thinking that we have embarked on a holistic policy reform to reposition the basic education system in Edo State. We do not want our children to compete with their counterparts in Nigeria; we want to make them global citizens,” he said.

    He urged policymakers, teachers, parents and other stakeholders involved in child development to work closely to provide the needed support and incentives for children to realise their full potential.

    He noted, “The place of children in the matrix of development is sacrosanct. We must endeavour to build enduring legacies, not just by erecting structures, but by investing in our young, giving them the opportunity to, tomorrow, have reasons to look back and be grateful that they lived in this country.”

  • Anambra Election: Obaseki congratulates Obiano

    Anambra Election: Obaseki congratulates Obiano

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated Chief Willie Obiano of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on his re-election in the November 18 gubernatorial election in Anambra State.

    Obaseki said reports of the conduct of the Anambra election are heart-warming and reinforce the commitment of the All Progressives Congress to credible polls in Nigeria.

    “I salute the spirit of good sportsmanship demonstrated by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election, Mr. Tony Nwoye, for conceding defeat,” he said.

    “We are impressed with the process that produced the winner of the Anambra gubernatorial election and wish to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his insistence on a free, fair and transparent election,” the governor added.

     

  • Alex Ekwueme: Obaseki commiserates with family, Nigeria

    Alex Ekwueme: Obaseki commiserates with family, Nigeria

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki has commiserated with the Ekwueme family and Nigeria over the death of the country’s first Executive Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, whose death was announced on Sunday night at a London hospital.

    Obaseki described the late Ekwueme as a visionary, peace-loving and a creative Nigerian who contributed immensely to the advancement of Nigeria’s democracy.

    “Specifically, his role in the struggle to return Nigeria to civil rule during the military era, under the dictatorial regime of General Sani Abacha is worthy of note,” Obaseki said.

    He also lauded Ekwueme’s numerous contributions to human development through his philanthropic activities and added that his famous proposition for six-geopolitical zones for the country, has to a large extent, helped in putting in clear perspective, the common demands of Nigeria’s minority groups for a platform that will advance their interests.

    Obaseki said that Dr Ekwueme will be greatly missed as Nigerians seek the best of ideas in the ongoing conversation for a greater Nigeria.

    “May the Good Lord grant the Ekwueme family, the good people of Anambra State and all Nigerians, the strength to bear the loss of a worthy son as Dr. Alex Ekwueme,” he noted.

  • Dogara leads Nigerian delegation  to Italy over Human Trafficking:

    Dogara leads Nigerian delegation  to Italy over Human Trafficking:

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara,  is leading Nigerian delegation to Italy to discuss women empowerment and the fight against  human trafficking, statement from his office has said.

    The visit is sequel to the death of 26 Nigerian women in the Mediterranean  sea while trying to cross to Europe.

    The statement further reads: ” The Italian government had extended invitation to the Speaker to attend an international conference on “Women empowerment and the fight against trafficking in persons. The Partnership between Nigeria and Italy” which will take place in Rome.

    “The journey is also a reciprocation of the  official visit of the President of Italian Chamber of Deputies, Ms. Laura Boldrini,  to the Speaker in May 2017.

    “Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki,  and  Director General of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP),  Ms Julie Okah-Donli, among others are also in the delegation .

    “The Nigerian delegation are  billed to attend the Conference on the invitation of the Italian Parliament who are seeking partnership with Nigeria to stem human trafficking especially the increasing number of Nigerian citizens that enter Italy every year.

    “During her visit to Speaker Dogara, in May this year,  Laura Boldrini, had lamented that in 2016 alone, 37,000 Nigerians arrived in Italy through the Mediterranean sea. The conference also seeks ways of empowering Nigerian women to stop the illegal and dangerous  migration of Nigerians to Europe.”

  • Obaseki to cheer Falconets, as they face Morocco in Benin City

    Obaseki to cheer Falconets, as they face Morocco in Benin City

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki will on Saturday lead residents of Edo State to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, to cheer Nigeria’s U-20 female national football team also known as the Falconets.

    The Falconets will battle the Moroccan girls in the second-leg of the U-20 FIFA Women World Cup Qualifiers on Saturday at 4 pm.

    Commissioner for Youths and Special Duties, also supervising Sports, Hon. Mika Amanokha, who spoke on behalf of the governor, said that Governor Obaseki’s presence at the stadium will give the girls the morale boost to overpower their counterparts.

    He added that necessary arrangements have been made to ensure an incident-free match, stressing that the Super Falconets have no reason not to beat Morocco in Benin City, as Edo State has become a victory ground for Nigerian national teams.

    “We are ready for the game. As you know, Edo State has become a winning ground for Nigerian national teams. This particular match is not going to be different. I am proud to say that the state governor will personally lead members of his executive to the stadium to give maximum support to our girls” he said.

    He added “We are very much committed to ensuring that the Super Falconets win the game to advance to the last stage of the qualifiers. Our goal is to support them to the last. We have to be at the World Cup in France in 2018. We are very confident that we will carry the day. We know that the Moroccans are not a push over, but with the home support, the girls will do us proud.”

  • Obaseki warns Ijaws not to take Edo Govt.’s tolerance for granted

    Obaseki warns Ijaws not to take Edo Govt.’s tolerance for granted

     

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called on Ijaws of Edo State, not to take the State Government’s tolerance for granted.

    Obaseki who made the call in commemoration of the International Day for Tolerance, marked on November 16, each year, said the state government’s commitment to a free society where people can express themselves freely, must not be taken as grounds for violating the law.

    “We are creating a culture that appreciates human diversity in all its colours for a robust pool of ideas that would drive socio-economic development at an unprecedented speed in Edo State,” he said.

    “To oppose what is cast in law by acts of illegality such as the purported installation of one Godwin Oguyenbo, as the “Pere of Olodiama Kingdom,” an Ijaw community in Ovia North East Local Council Area of the state, is irresponsible enough” he stressed.

    The governor urged the few people behind the plot to beat a retreat in the interest of the majority of Ijaw people of Edo State, who have since expressed their willingness to abide by only laid down laws in the state.

    We are proud of our diversity as a state and our peaceful coexistence, but will not tolerate acts of illegality by any group, who for their selfish desires want to rail-road the peace-loving Ijaw people of Edo State into a criminal aspiration.

    He added that the state government will continue to protect all law abiding indigenes and friends of the state.

    The International Day for Tolerance was set aside by the United Nations in its efforts at strengthening tolerance by fostering mutual understanding among cultures and peoples. “This imperative lies at the core of the United Nations Charter, as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and is more important than ever in this era of rising and violent extremism and widening conflicts that are characterised by a fundamental disregard for human life,” the UN said.