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Tag: Mr Godwin Obaseki

  • Obaseki hails Oshiomhole’s election as APC National Chairman

    …Commends Odigie-Oyegun for purposeful leadership

     

    The Edo Sate Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has hailed the election of his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Speaking after Oshiomhole was announced the elected National chairman of the APC at the party’s National Convention in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Saturday,  Obaseki noted that “the former governor’s emergence is an acknowledgement of his people-centered  leadership and his commitment to the advancement of the nation.”

    Obaseki who also congratulated other elected officials of the party, said, “We are very proud of Comrade Oshiomhole’s emergence as the National Chairman of our great party, the APC. He is adequately equipped to foster unity and provide a new direction for the party, as we move closer to the general elections in 2019.”

    He saluted the immediate past National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, for providing purposfull leadership that brought the APC to global reckon after defeating the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general elections.

    The Governor described Chief Odigie-Oyegun as a worthy leader with honour.

    “Chief John Odigie-Oyegun’s impressive rise to prominence was the product of a combination of hard work, humility and faith in God.

    “From his humble background, he was taught the inestimable value of hard work, integrity and a good name.

    “In the federal civil service, Chief Odigie-Oyegun distinguished himself and was propelled to the enviable position of a federal permanent secretary.”

    According to Obaseki, “Chief Odigie-Oyegun’s forthrightness, civility and decorousness garnered from his impressive years of service to our great country in the civil service, marked him out for higher national call to serve our country after his retirement from the federal civil service.

    “These sterling qualities earned him the confidence of Edo people, when they turned out in their numbers to entrust him with their mandate as the first Governor of Edo State, in the aborted third Republic, from 1992-1993.

    “As a loyal and dedicated party man, his leadership qualities earned him the position of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and under his leadership, the APC grew into the largest party in Nigeria and displaced the then ruling party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from power at the center, through popular vote in the 2015 presidential election.”

    Recalling the achievements of the former APC National Chairman, Obaseki noted: “In particular, the 2015 presidential elections marked a turning point in the political history of our great country and reset the destinies of over 180 million Nigerians for greatness.

    “It was the first time since the return of democracy in 1999, that an opposition party would obliterate a “behemoth” ruling party.

    “Chief Odigie-Oyegun’s sagacity and wealth of experience helped in stabilising our great party during our most trying moments, when members of the decimated opposition wished us doom.

    “He is passing the baton of leadership of our great party, the APC, after successfully navigating the party out of troubled waters and making it stronger, stable and better prepared for the challenges of the future.

    “Edo State is proud of this illustrious son for his immense contributions to the entrenchment of democracy in this country.

    “History will forever adjudge Chief Odigie-Oyegun a worthy son of Edo State, one who elevated our politics and ushered in a new era of positive change and development for our great party and our country.”

    Oshiomhole’s election at the well attended APC National Convention in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, followed the withdrawal of other aspirants from the chairmanship race.

     

  • Obaseki hails Super Eagles’ triumph over Iceland

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has praised the Super Eagles for their 2-0 victory over Iceland, on Friday evening in the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament in Russia.

    Obaseki, who lauded the brilliant performance of the attack led by Ahmed Musa, said the team restored the hope of Nigerians in the campaign for a place of pride in the soccer mundial.

    “The Super Eagles’ exceptional performance against Iceland shows the true Nigerian spirit, that when we are committed to a task, we would give it our all, to succeed,” the Governor said.

    Read Also:Ekweremadu hails Super Eagles on victory over Iceland

    He urged members of the team not to rest on their oars as they prepare for the last group game against Argentina on Tuesday, June 26, adding, “All that is required of the players is to keep their eyes on the trophy and approach the game with Argentina with a high sense of commitment to national duty.”

    Obaseki reiterated that Nigerians have the team in their prayers and hopeful that the team will do the country proud by qualifying for the next round of 16 and go even further to claim the highly prized trophy.

    “The current Super Eagles team is made up of young and talented players who have distinguished themselves in their various teams, home and abroad. With their performance against Iceland, they have shown determination to excel in Russia,” he added.

    The Super Eagles are tipped to qualify for the next round of 16 in the month-long soccer event, after their victory over Iceland which earned the team three points behind Croatia with six points. Argentina and Iceland are below on the table with one point each.

     

  • World Refugee Day: Obaseki harps on global action to curb crisis

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called on global leaders to join hands in building structures to provide support for people forced to flee from crisis and other forms of social and economic issues that cause dislocation from homes.

    The governor, who said this on the occasion of the commemoration of the World Refugee Day, marked every June 20, by the United Nations and its various organs, stressed that support should be provided for refugees so that they don’t succumb to the harsh conditions of forced resettlements, such as malnutrition, poverty and all forms of rights’ abuse.

    The governor said the rising cases of refugees within Nigeria and across the world is an indication of the need for governments to strengthen institutions to protect and provide for conditions necessary for inclusive development.

    He noted, “On this day, we are reminded of the need to shun ideas, practices and agendas that promote strife, violence and crisis, all of which are conditions that force people out of their natural settlement and seek refuge elsewhere.

    Read Also:Obaseki tasks world leaders on collaboration to fight desertification

    “In Nigeria, we have had to contend with the issues of Internally Displaced Persons as a result of the insurgency in the Northeast. The imperative to continue to support our fellow countrymen cannot be over-emphasized and in Edo State, we have extended a hand of support to the IDPs in the various camps built in the state to shelter them and we will continue to make provision for them.”

    He stressed that while the challenge of refugees cannot be wished away as a result of ongoing conflict in different parts of the world, he called on world leaders to strengthen their support for initiatives that provide succor to affected persons, fortify multilateral coalition and deploy resources to ensure that refugees’ rights are protected and that they get to live decent lives regardless of their current circumstance.

    “We acknowledge that this issue strikes home as many of our sons and daughters who were deceived and trafficked may have fallen to the unfortunate fate that now make them refugees in other countries. In the last few months, we have worked to reintegrate them into society. We will continue to do this as we strengthen institutions to stem the rise of the menace,” he added.

  • Sickle Cell Day: Obaseki harps on sensitization

    …Urges speedy deployment of improved disease management options

     

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called for increased sensitisation on the choices that lead to the increased cases of sickle cell incidence in society, noting that his government would continue to support sufferers of the health condition by creating the right environment for management of the genetic disease.

    The Governor said this in commemoration of the World Sickle Cell Day, noting that advancement in science has brought hope to sufferers of the diseases even as efforts need to be harmonised in deploying new techniques of treatments.

    He said the state government is revamping the primary healthcare sector to address challenges in the sector.

    According to him, “On this day, we stand with sufferers of the disease and urge them to keep on the good fight against whatever limitations the disease may have foisted on them. The commemoration gives opportunity for reflection on incidences of sickle cell, and reminds us of the work to be done to ensure that more people are not exposed to the trauma that parents or children go through in managing the disease.

    Read Also:Human Trafficking: ‘Obaseki has set template for managing menace’

    He maintained that there was need for increased sensitisation to stem the rise in cases of sickle cell, “It is pertinent to stress that the incidence of sickle cell disease can be checked if more people are aware of the implications of marrying people with genetic make-up that can cause their offsprings to become carriers of the sickle cell genes. Much as it is a matter of the heart, intending couples should be properly guided.”

    He added that while advances in science may have made management of the disease less cumbersome, with increased prospects of sufferers for longer, healthier lives, civil society groups and other stakeholders need to work together to curb the increased cases of the illness, and provide support for sufferers.

    According to the United Nations, “Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is the most frequent genetic disease worldwide. It is present on four continents: in sub-Saharan Africa and in the Maghreb, in Asia (Middle-East, Arabic peninsula, India), in the Americas, on the North (USA), centre (Guatemala, Caribbean islands), and on the South (Brazil, Surinam, Guiana), in Southern Europe (Southern Italy and Sicily, Greece, Turkey). It is estimated that 500.000 people are born every year with this severe and invalidating condition and that 50 per cent of them will die before the age of five.”

  • Obaseki tasks world leaders on collaboration to fight desertification

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called for sustained collaboration among world leaders, donor groups and environmental right activists among other stakeholders in the sector, to tackle the twin challenge of desertification and drought.

    Obaseki gave the charge on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Day to combat Desertification and Drought.

    According to Obaseki, “Drought and Desertification are both national and regional problems that require concerted response for sustained outcomes and creative reforestation solutions will check the frequent farmer-herder clash in parts of the country.”

    He noted that the negative impact of climate change is not restricted to any one state or country and urged “transnational synergy in policy formulation and execution to mitigate its effect.”

    While calling for “radical effort to re-green areas prone to desertification,” the governor noted that “policy makers must embrace proactive strategies to check practices that exploit the land and render it vulnerable.”

    He urged leaders to be alive to the impact of climate change across the world, and come up with creative ways to cut back on the human factors that are fueling climate change and exacerbating its impact.

    Obaseki said: “In Edo State, strategies are being deployed to boost afforestation across the state, through the promotion of plantation agriculture, green parks and gardens.

    Read Also:Osinbajo, Obaseki partner to give Edo life-changing projects

    “The state government has been working with stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to stop flaring gas in line with global best practice.

    “We are working with private investors to invest in plantation agriculture, the most recent is the N5 billion Urhonigbe Rubber Plantation, coming weeks after Okomu and Presco began their expansion programmes.”

    The United Nations notes that “Desertification is the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas. It is caused primarily by human activities and climatic variations. It occurs because dryland ecosystems, which cover over one third of the world’s land area, are extremely vulnerable to over-exploitation and inappropriate land use. Poverty, political instability, deforestation, overgrazing and bad irrigation practices can all undermine the productivity of the land.’

    The governor said this year’s theme: “Land has True Value-Invest in it,” dovetails with his administration’s “conviction that land as a resource for development must be efficiently managed for the good of everyone.”

    He enumerated the reforms in land administration in the state to include the creation of Edo Geographic Information Service Agency Edo (GIS); the repositioning of Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), the Law on the protection of private property and the scrapping of Community Development Associations, amongst others.

    The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed on June 17, every year to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification.

     

     

  • Eid-El-Fitr: Obaseki lauds Edo residents on peaceful celebration

    Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commended residents, especially the Muslim faithful, on the peaceful celebration of Eid-El-Fitr across the state.

    Obaseki, who noted that his administration will continue to foster religious harmony among members of different religious groups, hailed the peaceful celebration of Eid-El-Fitr, which shows Edo people as peace loving.

    He said the peaceful conduct of different groups in the state while the celebrations lasted, showed a shared commitment to the progress of the state, noting that the state government will not relent in deepening the revamp of the security architecture to make the state safer for everyone to carry out their legitimate activities without fear of security threats.

    Read Also:Human Trafficking: ‘Obaseki has set template for managing menace’

    Obaseki added, “Edo State has space for everyone, regardless of the religious convictions, to do business and contribute to economic growth and development.”

    According to him, “The spirit of celebration of Eid-El-Fitr should guide us in accommodating one another and building strong alliances in entrenching development.

    “Muslims constitute a major force for peace and progress wherever they are and have always upheld the import of the Prophet’s teachings. ”

    Obaseki reassured Muslims of his commitment to create an environment where everyone would have a fair chance of contributing to his administration.

    He expressed appreciation to Muslims for supporting his administration’s policies and programmes, which are aimed at improving the state’s economy and assuring prosperity for all in the state.

     

  • People with Albinism deserve our support – Obaseki

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called for support for people with albinism, urging societies that marginalise and stigmatise them to turn a new leaf.

    Obaseki, who made the call in commemoration of the International Albinism Awareness Day, marked on June 13, each year, stressed that it was time for a change of attitude towards people with albinism.

    “With the deluge of information on the internet, the myth and unscientific views many societies hold of people with albinism should have no place in an information age. But unfortunately, some societies still despise and exclude them. This needs to stop,” the governor advised.

    According to Obaseki: “Some of the most hardworking people I have met are people with albinism, despite their peculiar needs, which are often not captured by human resource managers in the private and public sectors.”

    Read Also:Lagos frowns at discrimination against albinos

    He saluted champions of the cause of people with albinism and challenged families, religious institutions, the media, opinion and thought leaders as well as governments at all levels,  to intensify the campaign for the social inclusion of people with albinism.

    The United Nations General Assembly in 2014 adopted a Resolution proclaiming, with effect from 2015, 13 June as International Albinism Awareness Day.

    According to the global body, “The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution in 2013 calling for the prevention of attacks and discrimination against persons with albinism.

    “Moreover, in response to the call from civil society organisations advocating to consider persons  with albinism as a specific group with particular needs that require special attention, on 26 March 2015, the Council created  the mandate of Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism.

    “In January 2016, Ms. Ikponwosa Ero, United Nations Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of Human Rights of Persons with Albinism submitted her first report on albinism to the UN Human Rights Council. Adding to the information contained in the July 2016 report to the General Assembly, the latest report was presented to the Human Rights Council in 2017 and included a focus on witchcraft as a key root cause of attacks against persons with albinism.”

  • Eid-El Fitr: Obaseki preaches love, peaceful coexistence

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated Muslims in the state as they celebrate Eid-El Fitr after the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

    In his Eid-El Fitr message released on Thursday, Obaseki said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Edo State, I felicitate with our Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr after completing the Ramadan fast, a major pillar of Islam.”

    Read Also:Eid-el Fitr: IGP orders tight security nationwide

    He noted that “the Holy month of Ramandan is an opportunity for our Muslim brothers and sisters to deepen their relationship with Allah, promote a life of sacrifice, charity and love for one another.”

    He urged Muslims in Edo State “to sustain these values even after the Holy month,” and called on them to support his “administration’s vision to build a prosperous and peaceful Edo State where everyone can actualise their dreams.”

  • Obaseki decries vandalisation, defacement of infrastructures

    …orders removal of substandard, unauthorised projects

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has decried the defacement and destruction of the state government’s infrastructural projects across the state and has ordered the immediate removal of substandard and unauthorised road furniture and similar projects, on roads and other projects across the state.

    Obaseki gave the order after the state’s weekly Executive Council meeting, in Government House, Benin City.

    “It is not right to destroy roads, vandalise drainage system without government approval and erect substandard electricity poles that are either abandoned mid-way or lack sustainable maintenance plan and pose safety risk,” he added.

    “The state is littered with substandard projects that disrupt the infrastructure master plan and violate laid down rules for such projects.

    “The chaotic and indiscriminate execution of substandard and unapproved projects, which are not known to state government agencies and other tiers of government, is unacceptable. This ugly trend must stop,” the governor said.

    Read Also:NDDC, EDSOPADEC to reconstruct Benin-Abraka Road – Obaseki

    He explained that “the decision became necessary in order to streamline project execution across the state and eliminate the chaotic situation we are currently having.

    “We have a template for the wide array of developmental projects which are being implemented in every ward in the state and anyone who is executing any project in any part of the state should seek approval from the relevant government agencies.”

    He noted that several projects have been lined up for different parts of the state by his administration, and said that checks with the agencies of government would avail anyone embarking on a project, the insight into the plans of the state government for such areas, and the necessary approvals given.

    According to him, “The growing trend of executing projects without recourse to the agencies of government that give approvals and licences for such projects, in line with laid down rules is worrisome and must stop.”

    “The right thing to do is to run your projects through officials of government saddled with the task to give approvals for such projects and secure the necessary approvals.

    “Currently, consultation has reached advanced stage to have a dedicated electricity line that will feed government hospitals, the state secretariat complex and other government offices, to ensure regular power supply in those offices. You cannot disrupt such a plan with a project that the approving agencies are not aware of, and have not approved,” Obaseki stressed.

     

  • Obaseki backs NBC’s youth entrepreneurship programme

    …Pledges to fund two additional winners in Edo

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured participants drawn from the state in the Youths Empowered Nigeria Workshop Programme that the state government will support the setting up of two additional firms from the pool of best ideas from the participants.

    Obaseki, who said this while declaring open the workshop organised by Nigeria Bottling Company Limited, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, noted that of the two firms the state intends to support, one would be exclusive for women.

    He disclosed: “We have set aside some funds to support you. We will provide you with the opportunity to create two companies, with one of the companies to be exclusive for women.”

    Noting that the state was poised for growth, Obaseki explained that the best way to achieve sustainable development is to look inwards and create opportunities for people to realise their full potential.

    He added, “Through the state government’s various skills development programmes, we will continue to support and encourage youths to improve talent required for sustainable development.”

    Read Also:June 12: Obaseki hails sacrifice of Abiola, CSOs, others

    According to the governor, “if youths under 32 years, who make up 65 per cent of Nigeria’s population are assisted to discover and improve their talent, Nigeria will become better for it.

    Obaseki noted that the workshop by the Nigerian Bottling Company was crucial, as his administration will continue to create opportunities for youths to acquire skills, and match them with existing job opportunities through the EdoJobs portal.

    “As companies help in developing youths’ entrepreneurial skills, my administration has set up policies that will ensure that we take advantage of such skills, and create the atmosphere for our youths to have a better future for themselves,” he noted.

    He charged the participants to “register on EdoJobs portal through which we can assist you and monitor your progress and match you with existing job opportunities in construction, agricultural, manufacturing and other sectors.”

    Regional Public Affairs Manager, East/Central, Nigeria Bottling Company Ltd, Ekuma Eze, commended the governor for finding time to encourage the participants, urging the participants, who have been divided into groups, to develop brilliant business ideas as those with best proposals will be funded.