The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Mr Godwin Obaseki

  • Obaseki to meet NSA over violent crimes in Edo

    Obaseki to meet NSA over violent crimes in Edo

    …As Army deploys personnel to security flash-points

     

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, is to meet and discuss with the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Mongonu, on ways of tackling the upsurge in criminal activities in parts of the state.
    Obaseki disclosed this in Government House, Benin City, on Wednesday, while fielding questions from journalists on the measures his administration has put in place to check the violent crimes in parts of the state.
    He said the meeting with the National Security Adviser will provide the opportunity for him to discuss areas of security collaboration, and raise the bar in intelligence gathering and proactive surveillance in the state.
    The governor called on residents of the state to go about their normal businesses without panic, and assured that adequate arrangements have been made to effectively tackle the recent upsurge in security challenges experienced in the state.

    He said that the Nigerian Army has since deployed its personnel to the areas where the crimes were committed, as well as, other flashpoints in the city, to forestall reoccurrence.

    “We have useful information about those who we suspect, were involved in the incidents of last few weeks. I want to assure Edo people that normalcy has been restored and they will not likely see the occurrence of such incident again,” he said.
    He added that all arms of government will need to collaborate in sharing of intelligence and trust to ensure efficient security arrangement in Nigeria.
    Recall that security concerns arose in Edo following the killing of three police officers attached to the Chief Executive Officer of Ogba Zoological Garden, Mr. Andy Ehanire and his subsequent kidnap and the kidnap of prominent musician, Osayomore Joseph.
    The incidents led to protest in Abuja by Edo indigenes calling for the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Haliru Gwandu Abukar.

     

  • Int’l Day for Girl-child: Empowerment will mitigate vulnerability – Obaseki

    Int’l Day for Girl-child: Empowerment will mitigate vulnerability – Obaseki

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has said that the empowerment of the girl-child will mitigate her vulnerability in the society.

    Obaseki said this on the occasion to commemorate the United Nations International Day for the Girl-child, marked on October 11, each year.

    He said that “comprehensive education covering formal, informal and non-formal modes, for the girl-child will prepare her adequately for the challenges of a largely patriarchal society.”

    The governor explained that the All Progressives Congress-led government is fully committed to eliminating the hurdles and societal drawbacks hindering the full participation of the girl-child and women in general, in the affairs of state.

    He assured that his government is fully committed to the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of the Universal Basic Education Act with emphasis on gender equality in primary and secondary school enrolment as well as the building of more schools.

    “One of our priorities in the education sector is to build world-class technical schools that can train our boys and girls who will be employers of labour.

    The Benin Science and Technical College is undergoing reconstruction to better serve this purpose,” Obaseki said.

    He further said: “In Edo State, our support for the Female Mechanic Initiative has produced young, professional female mechanics that manage the state government’s fleet of vehicles. This effort is mainstreaming girls and ladies in the workforce and arming them with the capacity to earn good wages and walk shoulder high with their male counterparts.”

    He decried the socio-cultural practices that relegate the girl-child to the background in the society and urged governments to create equal opportunities for both boys and girls, who are equally talented, to fast-track socio-economic development.

    Obaseki called on Nigerians to continue to support the federal government’s efforts at rescuing the remaining Chibok girls abducted by the Boko Haram terrorist group.

    According to the United Nations, the International Day for the Girl-child highlights and addresses the needs and challenges girls face while promoting girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.

    This year’s edition kick-starts the beginning of a year-long effort to spur global attention and action to the challenges and opportunities girls face before, during, and after crises.

  • Malu: Obaseki commiserates with Benue People

    Malu: Obaseki commiserates with Benue People

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has commiserated with the government and people of Benue State over the death of the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Victor Malu (rtd.)

    Obaseki said Lt. General Malu will be remembered for his courage to speak truth to power and defend his opinions even when it may not be popular.

    “My heart goes to the family he left behind and I pray that the Almighty God grants them the strength beyond normal, to bear the loss,” the governor said.

    News of Malu’s death broke on Monday morning as his family reportedly said that Malu died in Cairo, the Egyptian capital, where he went for medical check-up.

    He was born on 15 January 1947 at Katsina-Ala, Benue State of Tiv origin. He enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna in 1967 as part of the 3rd Regular Course and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant enlisted upon graduation in 1970

    Malu served as Chief of Army Staff under former president Olusegun Obasanjo.

    He chaired the military tribunal that tried former Chief of General Staff and Vice Chairman Armed Forces Ruling Council  Gen. Oladipo Diya and others in 1998 over alleged coup plot against the then head of state, Gen. Sanni Abacha.

  • Obaseki promises capacity enhancement for Edo teachers

    Obaseki promises capacity enhancement for Edo teachers

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated teachers on World Teachers Day, celebrated on October 5, each year.

     

    Obaseki assured that more capacity enhancement programmes were underway in view of the importance his administration attaches to teachers and the teaching profession.

     

    “We felicitate with Edo State teachers and their counterparts elsewhere in the world and appreciate their unique role in the overall development of the society” the governor said.

     

     “We are changing the face of teaching in Edo State, beginning with basic education through secondary and to tertiary education, with series of capacity building programmes designed to equip our teachers with new teaching methods and equipment for the challenges of the modern world.

     

    “We are calibrating the broad spectrum of education so that more attention will be paid to technical as well as non-technical education. We are repositioning the College of Education, which is now being upgraded to a university, to ensure world class training for future teachers in the state,” Obaseki said.

     

    He urged teachers to see their highly respected job as an opportunity to groom the best minds for the society and ultimately the world at large.

    The governor further said that the theme of this year’s celebration: “Teaching in Freedom, Empowering Teachers,” was timely as it reflects the state government’s desire to build a pool of well-trained teachers.

     

    He called on teachers to use the occasion to assess the challenges ahead of them in view of the impact of information and communication technology (ICT), noting that in the years ahead, literacy will not be determined by the ability to read and write but by how well people are able to use technology to solve problems around them.

  • Obaseki, Malaysian experts brainstorm on framework for Edo Industrial Park

    Obaseki, Malaysian experts brainstorm on framework for Edo Industrial Park

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, and officials of the Malaysian East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) are currently reviewing the progress report on the proposed institutional framework that will support the planned Edo Industrial Park in Malaysia.

    The choice of the ECERDC according to Obaseki, “was informed by the excellent way the Malaysian statutory body is spearheading the rapid socio-economic development of Malaysia’s East Cost Economic Region.”

    He explained that the Malaysian council deployed its expertise in the successful completion of ten industrial parks in four states across the Eastern part of the Asian country.

    “We have made significant progress in our consultations and the Malaysian industrial park model is very inspiring. We are sharing experience and we are interested in their institutional framework because we want to build an Edo industrial park that will stand the test of time,” Obaseki said.

    The governor further said that “if the needed attention is not paid to the institutional framework that will underpin the project, our desire to generate thousands of jobs in Edo State will not be achieved.”

    The ECERDC is a statutory body established by the Malaysian government to lead the socio-economic development of the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).  It provides guidance in policy formulation and in the development of strategies for the socio-economic development of ECER by promoting and facilitating investments into the Region.

    The ECER of Malaysia covers Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and the district of Mersing in Johor. It occupies an area of 66,000 sq km or 51 percent of the total area of Peninsular Malaysia.

     

  • Global Tensions: Obaseki urges agitators to adopt non-violent solution

    Global Tensions: Obaseki urges agitators to adopt non-violent solution

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki has urged agitators in Nigeria and other parts of the world to adopt non-violent solutions to the rising tensions across the globe.

    Obaseki made the recommendation on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day of Non-Violence, marked on October 2, each year.

    “From the South-East to South-West, the central states, the North-East and other parts of Nigeria as well as in North America, Western Europe, the Middle East and Asia, political tensions are on the rise over the ownership and control of natural resources, political ideologies, geographical boundaries, creation of states and political participation,” he said.

    The governor explained that “while several tactics such as restiveness, arms struggle, bombings and hate-laden speeches, are being adopted to push home these demands by the various agitators, evidence shows that the best option to resolving such feelings of perceived marginalisation, disaffection or discontent, is rooted in non-violence.”

    He advised dissenting groups to come to the roundtable and maintained that “When everything else fails, non-violent approach has proven to be reliable as it allows for continuous dialogue, realignment of interests, open and frank conversations, endurance and forgiveness of human mistakes and the conviction that our perceived critics today, could become our most dependable allies and partners after honest discussions.”

    Obaseki further said that the late Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence and in whose honour the day is celebrated, every October 2, left a model for contemporary leaders to follow.

    “Gandhi contributed to global leadership models with his passive resistance or non-violence teaching, and with it, he led Indian people to independence, without applying the principle of an eye for an eye,” the governor said.

    He stressed that “non-violence is still a viable and potent conflict resolution model even today, and should be explored by thought leaders and opinion moulders instead of the rush to unconventional tactics that leave in their wake, deaths, sorrow, regrets and debts.”

    The commemoration of the International Day of Non-violence was established by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution in 2007 and it is an occasion to disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.

    According to the UN, “the resolution reaffirms the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence and the desire to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence.”

  • Agriculture is pillar for Edo’s economic revolution – Obaseki

    Agriculture is pillar for Edo’s economic revolution – Obaseki

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has said his administration would take advantage of opportunities in the agricultural sector and provide requisite support to communities that are ready to open up their land for agricultural investment.

    Obaseki said this while delivering a goodwill message at the 2017 Sobe Day Celebration held at Uhebe Community in Sobe, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

    He said that the state was driving economic growth by encouraging investments in agriculture and allied industries so that Edo will not only become self-sufficient in food production but also diversify its revenue base.

    The governor, who was represented by the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, said the state government identified the resolve of the Sobe people, who as an agrarian community were ready to welcome investments in agriculture, and stepped in to provide them with the necessary support to expand their operations. He commended Sobe community for contributing to economic development by actively promoting and investing in agriculture.

    He said the community’s appeal for qualitative healthcare and education aligns with his government’s priorities. “Primary healthcare and basic education are part of our priorities as an administration and we are working to develop primary healthcare centres in the state as well as laying a good foundation in basic education for our children at the early stage in their life,” he said.

    The Odiabiado of Sobe, His Royal Highness, Anthony Ero Aleburu 1 expressed delight for the 2017 Sobe Day Celebration, noting that the people started marking the day since 1991 and that the event was in its 26th edition. He called for the sustenance of peace and security, adding that no society can develop without relative peace.

    The chairman of the occasion, Prof. Smart Uhakheme, said that the celebration has not only occupied a major spot on Sobe’s festival calendar but also has become a permanent feature in the life of Sobe people.

    He said for the community to record appreciable progress it has to focus on economic development and effective political participation. He emphasised that focus on these themes would place the community in strong stead to tackle some of its pressing needs, which include security, healthcare and resource management.

  • Obaseki tasks Edo SUBEB on service delivery, accountability 

    Obaseki tasks Edo SUBEB on service delivery, accountability 

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has tasked the newly recruited staff of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) on efficient service delivery and accountability to ensure a strong and vibrant education board.

     

    Obaseki gave the charge at the closing ceremony of a two-day Orientation/Retreat held for the newly recruited staff of SUBEB, in Benin City.

     

    He explained that strong institutions are needed to sustain his administration’s educational policies geared towards repositioning basic education in the state.

     

     “We want to build a very strong and dynamic SUBEB that is focused and free from unnecessary external influence. We want the board to be self-sustaining, that was why we moved everyone out of SUBEB and recruited new crop of workers” he said.

     

    The governor regretted that SUBEB across the country has been turned into a political tool, to the detriment of the educational wellbeing of the Nigerian child.

      

    He said: “Now is the time for us to train our children to fit into the current technology-driven world so that they can contribute their quota to global advancement.”

     

    He warned that his administration has zero tolerance for corruption, and declared that any fraudulent or redundant person would be dismissed.

     

    “We have given you the right orientation so you have to align with the mandate of the board; we will equip you with the appropriate technology to boost your productivity.

     

    “Anybody we find lagging behind will be dropped because our goal is to have a renewed basic education system,” he stressed.

     

    The governor mandated the agency to come up with a work plan within a 30-day period so that it could source funds, and disclosed that the state government has made money available for it to do its work. 

     

    He commended the outgoing board committee members for their efforts at strengthening the agency.

     

    Obaseki further said that the Special Adviser on Basic Education, Dr Joan Osa Oviawe will serve as the Sole Administrator of the board pending when a new board would be constituted. 

     

    Mrs Caroline Aikoriogie, an administrative staff, who spoke on behalf of the staff, thanked the governor for deeming it necessary to reposition the board and assured him of their support.

  • Obaseki installed First Patron of Benin Club

    Obaseki installed First Patron of Benin Club

    • pledges to support upgrade of Club’s facilities

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, was on Saturday installed as the First Patron of the prestigious Benin Club.

    Speaking after the investiture ceremony, Obaseki pledged to support the growth of the club and upgrade its facilities to boost its profile.

    The investiture and new members’ induction ceremony also featured the launch of a N200 million Development Fund to upgrade facilities at the club.

    The governor said it was necessary to build institutions that would stand the test of time and explained that he learned how to swim as a child at the Benin Club.

    “I am accepting to serve in the capacity of the first patron of Benin Club for us to lift this club up and make it a big club in Nigeria.

    ” I will work with you to raise the development fund within the next three years of my tenure as governor and upgrade this club to the standard we desire, and invest in projects  that will yield returns to the club”, Obaseki said.

    President of the Association, Dr Ade Edeki, said the club, formerly called the European Club, was founded in 1931 but the name was changed to Benin Club in 1964.

    Edeki said the club is a non-political and non-profit recreation place that admits credible members of the society with impeccable character, who must have contributed to the development of their communities in the state or country.

    He extolled the exceptional qualities of the persons installed as Patrons, noting that they have excelled in their different areas of human endeavours.

    Earlier, the chairman of the event, Mr Alan Omorogbe, commended Governor Obaseki for being a focused leader and said that he has achieved a lot within a short period in office.

    Also decorated as patrons of the Club were Capt. Idahosa Okunbo, Hon. Justice Isaac Aluyi, and Mr Parry Osayande, while Mr and Mrs Felix Onojolu and Mr and Mrs Emmanuel Obaraye were made life members.

    Over 30 people were inducted as members.

  • Nigeria at 57: Obaseki congratulates Nigerians, urges peaceful co-existence

    Nigeria at 57: Obaseki congratulates Nigerians, urges peaceful co-existence

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki has congratulated Nigerians as the country celebrates 57 years of independence, Sunday, with a call to co-exist peacefully.

    Obaseki said the joy of being independent people cannot be qualified as it brings limitless freedom and a high sense of self-worth.

    He urged Edo People and Nigerians in general to remain broad-minded, accommodating and living with one another peacefully, irrespective of our diversity.

    He further said: “On this occasion of our 57thindependence anniversary celebration, I urge all Nigerians to bask in the euphoria of self-governance and extend the excitement to non-Nigerians in our midst.”

    He added that his administration was building on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor, to build a secure and safe state where people will develop their God-given potential.