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Tag: Mr Godwin Obaseki

  • Democracy Day: Obaseki lauds Edo people for unflinching support

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commended residents and indigenes of the state for the peaceful Democracy celebrations, thanking them for their unflinching support for his administration and policies.

    Obaseki, who noted that his government is strengthening relevant institutions for democratic consolidation, applauded the serene and reflective mood with which the day was marked.

    He enjoined the people of the state to continue to play their role in deepening democracy by actively participating in the electoral process, which has improved over the years.

    He said the state government will continue to work for the people, by designing and implementing people-centric policies, assuring space for equal access to justice and ensuring economic growth and development.

    According to him, “This day is one of extreme significance in our history as a nation as it marks the 19th year of return of power to the people under this republic. I therefore join Nigerians in the celebration.”

    “For nearly two decades, our democracy has continued to mature, leading to strengthened institutions, social justice and economic development. Also, as our democracy is being progressively deepened, our electioneering process is getting better,” he noted

    Noting that improved structures have deepened the dividends of democracy in Nigeria, he said, “In Edo, this advancement in our democracy has resulted in better infrastructure, improved education and health care delivery system, and a government that empathises with those dislocated by social crisis, many of whom unfortunately became victims of human trafficking and modern-day slavery but are now being reintegrated into society.

    “I use this opportunity to call on all Edo people, Nigerians and friends of our dear country to support our effort to enlarge the gains of our democratic journey.”

  • Obaseki tasks conference of NGOs on public trust

    …Group lauds Obaseki’s developmental strides

     

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has pledged to work with a non- government organisation as his administration is open to ideas and public scrutiny, urging NGOs to defend public trust.

    Obaseki gave the assurance when he received the new executive members of Conference of Non-Governmental Organisations (CONGOs), who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

    He said, “Since we are elected to uphold public trust, we will continue to put tax payers’ money and other resources at our disposal to proper use in our mission to transform and develop the state and make life better for our people.

    “We will not relent in making public, government activities and information for scrutiny, because we have nothing to hide. We will tell you what we have spent on our projects,” the governor pledged.

    Read Also:Democracy Day: Obaseki urges support to enlarge gains

    He assured CONGOs’ new executives that his administration would work with the group by ensuring that the group gets free access to government information on demand.

    Obaseki noted that his administration will not waste public wealth as the administration remains diligent in expending public funds to develop the state.

    He urged the group to be credible in carrying out its mandate to ensure that the public interest it represents is not replaced with self-interest.

    “You should not use this platform to access government and negotiate your own private benefits,” he advised.

    “We will support you to succeed because we believe in your organisation, in your cause and your mandate,” Obaseki added.

    He expressed optimism that the new executives will advance CONGOs’ interest in ensuring the group remains transparent, noting, “We believe with the caliber of people managing the affairs of the group, we will have a transparent partner in our dealings.”

    Earlier, the President of CONGOs, Comrade (Mrs.) Daisy Idufueko Abiola, said they will work with Edo State Government on different thematic areas of development.

    “In line with the vision of the group we will work with the state government to drive development,” she said.

    She commended governor Obaseki for the state’s developmental strides and the success recorded in tackling illegal migration and human trafficking; job creation; education reforms; infrastructural development; improved traffic management system and in open governance.

     

  • Democracy Day: Obaseki urges support to enlarge gains

    …says non-interruption, proof of overwhelming popularity

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has described Democracy Day as a day of extreme significance to Nigerians and urged support for the system of government in order to enlarge its associated gains.

    Obaseki who said this in his Democracy Day Message in Benin City, noted that: “This day is one of extreme significance in our history as a nation as it marks the return of power to the people.”

    He maintained that “Despite the challenges we have faced in our effort to firmly establish our democratic institutions and deepen the values, the non-interruption of our democracy since 1999, is proof of its overwhelming popularity and acceptance.”

    Read Also:Democracy Day: Nigeria on the right track, says Osinbajo

    He added: “It has proven to be the best form of government for human development and advancement because it encourages the participation of everyone in the society and we are happy that it is now firmly rooted in our country.

    “In Edo State, we have taken development to the grassroots in recognition of the fact that power belongs to the people.

    “We have institutionalised our relationship with all Edo people and residents in every ward of the state by appointing aides who report the needs of our people in every ward, directly to me.”

    The governor said “the duties of the 192 special assistants in the state’s 192 wards complement those of the elected local government councillors and chairmen, who have since embarked on the transformation of our 18 local government areas, following the successful local government polls.”

    He further said that the appointment of the aides was informed by his administration’s “recognition of people power in a democracy.”

    He called on “all Edo people, Nigerians and friends of our dear country to support our effort to strengthen our democratic institutions to deliver the dividends of democracy to every nook and cranny of the state.”

  • Obaseki rolls out investment windows for agribusiness investors 

    …commits to infrastructure to fast-track bankable projects

     

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has unveiled windows for investment in the agricultural sector in the state, noting that a competent team has been set up to address investors’ queries and ensure a conducive environment for agribusiness.

    Obaseki said the state will be focusing on investment in high value crops like oil palm, rubber, and cocoa; cassava, soybeans, fruits, and legumes.

    The governor, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists, said that there are three teams in the state working to make investment in the agribusiness sector hassle-free.

    Obaseki said the state has zeroed in on specific crops, where the state has comparative advantage, urging potential investors to request information on how their businesses can benefit from the master-plan being designed.

    He explained that aside from going through the Special Adviser on Agriculture and the State Ministry of Agriculture, the state has set up a Private Partnership Office and a Business Bureau to attend to challenges confronting private investors as well as other agribusiness-related inquiries.

    “In the area of agriculture, we have three teams working from different areas. First there is the special adviser on agriculture, Joe Okojie, who is a former commissioner for agriculture. Then there is the ministry of agriculture, with a commissioner and his team, and there is the Public Private Partnership office. We also have a business bureau so there are several points of entry where you can engage with us on the type of opportunities available,” he said.

    He added that the state is “being mapped out to determine what commodities do well in Edo State. Fortunately, we have enough information and data, soil analysis, rainfall pattern, agronomic reports to help would-be investors have enough information to make enlightened decisions on what to do.”

    Obaseki explained that the state is “currently finalising the master plan on agriculture with specific reference to oil palm. We have an institution from Indonesia that is working with us on this. Once it is completed, we would have identified the areas where we want to allocate land for oil palm. We would have finalised communication with the communities in those areas.

    On the focus on high value crops, the governor said, “Edo pineapples are the sweetest in this country. If you haven’t tasted it yet, try Edo Rose Pineapple and you won’t eat any other.”

     

  • LG Polls, APC Congresses demonstrate resolve for participatory democracy- Obaseki

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the successful conduct of the 2018 local government elections, the local and state governments’ congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC)  in the state, demonstrates his administration’s resolve to deepen democratic culture that allows for popular participation.

    The governor said this when he received the report of the March 2018 local government election from the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), led by its Chairman, Prof. Stanley Orobator, at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    He said the feat was achieved because of the structures put in place to allow for inclusive and participatory democracy, noting that the state chapter of the APC has entrenched a culture of democracy.

    He noted that this was demonstrated during the conduct of the local government election, and the party congresses held in units, wards, local government areas, and at the state level.

    Obaseki noted that aspirants, who passed through the screening at the ward and local government levels had the popular support of their constituencies, adding that this goes to show that the state has successfully entrenched a culture of participatory democracy.

    He explained, “The Party congresses were conducted relying on the endorsements of party members. This accounts for the reason why Edo State is one of the few states where there was no record of violence or any serious appeal against the process. We all agreed that those who were vying for political positions be subjected to scrutiny by their people at the ward level.”

    Obaseki commended members of EDSIEC for successfully conducting the 2018 local government polls, which have been adjudged by observers as one of the most credible in the history of the state.

    “We were able to successfully conduct the election due to your dedication, commitment and level of professionalism put into organising the process,” he noted.

    Earlier, Chairman of EDSIEC, Prof. Stanley Orobato, expressed appreciation to the governor for not interfering in the activities of the commission, which resulted in the success of the election.

    Prof. Orobator hinted the governor that the commission has continued to receive accolades, including an award from Ghana on the successes recorded in the conduct of the 2018 local government polls.

  • Obaseki appoints Oni-Okpaku as Commissioner

    … Imariagbe as GM, Waste Mgt. Board

     

    Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has appointed Omoua Alonge Oni-Okpaku as commissioner nominee and has forwarded her name to the Edo State House of Assembly for confirmation.

    The governor has also appointed Osadebamen Charles Imariagbe as the General Manager of the Edo State Waste Management Board.

    In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Alhaji) Adjoto Kabiru, Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. said “I am directed by the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki to humbly forward for consideration and confirmation by the House of Assembly, the name of Omoua Alonge Oni-Okpaku as commissioner nominee.

    In the appointment letter by Ogie to Imariagbe, he said, “I write to inform you that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, has approved your appointment as General Manager, Edo State Waste Management Board.”

  • Obaseki to sign human trafficking Bill into Law

    …As donor conference holds in Abuja Wednesday

     

    Following the timely passage of the bill for the prohibition of trafficking in persons into law by the Edo State House of Assembly, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, is set to sign the document and set the stage for a legal onslaught on perpetrators of the illicit trade in the state.

    The signing ceremony will take place in Abuja, Wednesday, on the sidelines of the international donor conference organised by Edo State Government in partnership with the United Nations and other international development partners.

    The law, which is a product of series of consultations by the Obaseki administration, following observed gaps in the existing legal frameworks on human trafficking, also provides for the establishment of the Edo State Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons.

    The document with federal government laws, adapted to deal with the state’s peculiar challenges, is made up of 80 sections. It will send offenders to a period of not less than five years imprisonment, amongst other provisions.

    Read Also: Who ends human trafficking in Edo: Benin monarch, govt. or the church?

    Explaining the sudden drop in the numbers of victims of human trafficking, Obaseki said: “We have been very honest about this fight from the onset. We admitted that we have a problem that is claiming a frightening proportion of our youth population and as responsible leaders and parents, we cannot fold our arms and watch it continue.”

    He added: “Our engagements with the international community, the traditional institution, the clergy, parents and guardians, trade and professional groups and the law makers, are paying off.

    According to the governor, Edo State has taken up the fight head on, with several of the state’s youth population lured into slavery in Libya, while thousands died either in the Sahara Desert or in the Mediterranean as they attempt to cross the sea to Europe.

    “Less than six months of our honest and strategic engagement of critical stakeholders like the traditional institution, the clergy, market men and women, students and youth, the figures of victims of human trafficking have ebbed and the incidence is losing popularity daily.”

    He further said that while the Task Force on Human Trafficking is combing the state for members of the ring perpetuating the illicit trade to arrest and prosecute them, the traditional institution headed by the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has since placed a weighty curse on anyone that engages in the inhuman activity.

    According to the governor, the clergy community is leading the battle from the pulpit, sensitising members of their respective congregations about the dangers associated with human trafficking.

    For the returnees from Libya and elsewhere, most of whom were evacuated by the federal government and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the European Union, the Edo State government has in place a rehabilitation programme that includes a monthly stipend of N20,000 for each returnee, an empowerment package that has a training component, after which they are given starter packs.

  • Biological Diversity Day: Obaseki implores environment activists to deepen awareness

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has implored environment activists, community leaders and local councils to deepen the crusade to preserve the pristine features in Nigeria’s forest belt, noting that more stakeholders are needed in the crusade for the protection of the country’s unique flora and fauna.

    The governor made the call on the occasion of the commemoration of the World Biological Diversity Day marked every May 22, by the United Nations and its various organs.

    According to him, “On this day, it is important to stress the need to conserve nature and preserve the defining features of our pristine flora and fauna, not just for the sake of humans but to sustain diverse ecosystem and other organisms that benefit from our peculiar biological makeup.

    He maintained that it was time to recognise the roles of local communities and local governments in driving government policies on the protection and preservation of our natural world.

    Read Also: Microbiology marks Week

    “Most times the disruptions recorded in biological communities result from the poor knowledge of the long term value of the balance in our ecosystem.

    “The current danger posed by human activities can be mitigated if more stakeholders are identified and carried along in the campaign to save the diverse, interconnection and harmonious relationship among the various animals, plants, the physical environment and other elements of the ecosystem.”

    He described the theme for the 2018 celebration, Celebrating 25 years of Action on Biodiversity, as germane, adding that the partnership with ProForest will enable the state government properly manage and conserve the defining features of its biodiversity.

    He said the state government was working with the Federal Government to preserve the Okomu Forest Reserve, noting that the Okomu National Park is a national asset that must be promoted to boost tourism receipts for the state and the country at large.

    “The commemoration also demands that we synergise to protect wildlife and other elements of the ecosystem that benefit from conserving the environment,” he added.

    According to the United Nations, “2018 marks the 25th anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Since entering into force, the Convention has been implemented through the vision and leadership displayed by countries, non-governmental and inter-governmental organisations, indigenous peoples and local communities, the scientific community and individuals alike.”

    “The results are considerable: the development of scientific guidance for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity for biomes around the world, the entry into force of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilisation and the creation and implementation of national biodiversity strategies and action plans.”

     

  • Benin River Port: Obaseki tours Edo waterways

    …Assures investors of security, communal support

    As plans for the commencement of the Benin River Port Project reaches advanced stages after preliminary work by the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured investors that the state government will not relent in strengthening security on the waterways and ensuring communal support for projects in riverine areas.

    Obaseki disclosed this after a three and half hour tour of riverine communities including  Gelegele, Kolokolo, Ajoke, Ajamogha, Koko, Abiala 1, Abiala 11, and Ologbo, in the state, at the weekend.

    He said that the tour was in furtherance of the survey of the waterways around the state, which kicked off some weeks back and is aimed at strengthening security to protect lives and properties on the waterways.

    Obaseki said that more investors are interested in the project and would want to know how the Benin River Port project will connect the Benin Industrial Park, noting that the two areas are connected by water, even as enough provision is being made for road network.

    He said discussions with investors and partners about the Benin River Port has reached a critical stage where critical issues are raised and addressed, noting, “Some of the issues have to do with the actual location of the Port vis-a-vis the extent of road network to connect the Port with other facilities like the Industrial Park.”

    Read Also:Obaseki calls for tolerance, inclusive mindset to drive sustainable growth

    He said, “We will not underestimate security on the waterways. Security is of prime importance to us as an administration, as we work to attract investors to the state. We will not relent in working very hard to create a conducive environment for investors to do business.”

    Obaseki added, “We have decided to establish a Marine police post in Gelegele. The construction for the post will commence soon as the design is ready. We will also have another Police post at Osiomo River. That is why we are at Ologbo to look for a suitable location for the post.”

    According to the governor, the state will leverage the huge economic potentials in water transportation, adding that the waterways offer the state a unique economic opportunity for transporting goods and people from one place to the other.

    The spokesman for the Ologbo Ikaye Itsekiri Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Chief Johnson Atseleghe, commended the governor for the visit, noting that it was the first time any governor would visit the area through the waterway.

    Lauding the governor for the construction of Ajokin, Ologbo, Ikara Roads linking Abiala, he noted that the people of the community are desirous of development.

    Atseleghe pledged that the people are willing to cooperate with the government to ensure security and peace in the community as they anticipate more developmental projects.

  • Obasanjo, Obaseki, Ajimobi, others extol legacy of Pa Abebe

     Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, his Oyo State counterpart, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Friday extolled the legacy of late Dr. Christopher  Abebe.

     

    The dignitaries joined the family, friends and well-wishers at the Funeral Mass of late Dr. Abebe held at the Stella Maris Catholic Church, Iruekpen in Esan West Local government Area of Edo State, on Friday.

     

    Bishop of Uromi Diocese, Donatus Ogun, during the homely, extolled the quality and exemplary life of late Dr. Christopher Abebe, calling on the congregation and Nigerians in general to emulate Pa Abebe, as he lived for God.

    Read Also:Buhari commiserates with family of Christopher Abebe

    Ogun described late Dr. Abebe as a true soldier of Christ, whose life has positively influenced the society.

     

    First son of the deceased, Mr John Abebe, thanked Governor Godwin Obaseki for his support, especially in the area of logistics, which accounted for the success of the burial.

     

    John Abebe also thanked the former president of Nigeria and an in-law to the family, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for standing with the family at their time of grief.

     

    Dr. Abebe who died at the age of 99 was at various times the first Nigerian Chairman/ Managing Director of the United African Company Nigeria Limited, and the first Nigerian Chairman of Nigerian Breweries. He also served at various times as the pro-chancellor of the University of Benin, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and the University of Calabar.

     

    Other dignitaries at the event included former governor of Edo State, Prof. Osarheimen Osunbor,  Senator Daisy Danjuma, and Odion Ugbesia, among others.