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Tag: Oba Ewuare II

  • Obaseki’s battle against irregular migration, receives UK govt support

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki’s all-out fight against modern slavery and irregular migration has received a huge boost from the United Kingdom (UK) Government with the roll-out of a package to protect thousands of vulnerable men, women and children from modern day slavery and unsafe migration through the use of former slaves as myth-busters, among other innovative prevention work.

    The programme will comprise “public information campaigns, awareness raising at schools and universities, and new research.”

    The Obaseki administration has been at the forefront of the fight against the menace, leading a state government-backed effort that has seen the enactment of a law in the state prohibiting trafficking in persons, a taskforce as well as an elaborate reintegration programme for returnees and enlisting the support of the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, among others.

    UK aid, in a statement, said it is “investing a further £6 million in the ‘Stamping Out Slavery’ in Nigeria (SOSIN) programme, taking its total value to £10 million.”

    International Development Secretary, Penny Mordaunt, said: “It is a necessity that we step up and stamp out modern slavery for good. I am appalled that this shameful stain on our global conscience still exists in the 21st Century.

    “I am proud UK support is driving the charge in tackling the root causes of dangerous migration to prevent vulnerable men, women and children from becoming targeted by traffickers or attempting treacherous journeys again. The benefits of this will be far reaching – preventing regional instability and helping us tackle slavery here in the UK.

    Read Also: Obaseki urges behavourial change in anti-corruption fight

    “The package is expected to facilitate deployment of British expertise to “help reduce vulnerabilities to trafficking and unsafe migration through targeted public information campaigns in Edo State. UK government communication specialists will design and lead this in partnership with the Nigerian anti-trafficking police.”

    It will also “boost engagement with young people at schools and universities to change the aspirations of potential victims; commission innovative research on what works to prevent dangerous migration attempts and support NGOs who use former slavery victims to counter false myths that tempt people towards the traffickers.”

    The statement added, “Working in partnership with Edo State, a critical trafficking hotspot, this UK aid will shape scalable, cost-effective interventions that tackle the key drivers of modern slavery and unsafe migration attempts. Changing the aspirations of potential victims and migrants in a targeted and tailored way will be essential to achieving this. This is why UK government communication specialists will design and lead a new public information campaign to do just that, in partnership with the Nigerian anti-trafficking police.”

  • Lend your voice to stop NASS crisis, Monarch urges Kwankwaso

    The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has urged Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to lend his voice to ensure there is peace in the National Assembly.

    Oba Ewuare II described the situation at the National Assembly as worrisome and capable of plunging the country into chaos.

    The Benin Monarch spoke at his palace when Senator Kwankwaso paid him a visit to seek prayers in his quest to secure the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party for next year’s presidential election.

    Oba Ewuare II who wondered what would happened to the rest of the country if the National Assembly is in chaos said it is only God and the ancestors that could look into people’s heart and choose the best.

    He stated that the ancestors taught them to pray for the right person that would take care of the masses and respect the traditional institution.

    The Benin Monarch warned of dire consequences if the cultural value of the Africa society is not respected.

    Read Also: Ganduje versus Kwankwaso: Who will laugh last in Kano?

    According to him, “If we respect our traditional values, things will be better for us.””You can contribute your quota and lend your voice to ensure peace in the National Assembly. Whatever thing that is happening there is worrisome.”

    On his part, Senator Kwankwaso promised to build a strong nation and support traditional institutions if elected president.

    Senator Kwankwaso said he would promote the Edo cultural heritage and culture as well as solve security challenges.

    Kwankwaso later visited the Edo PDP secretariat where he met with party delegates to sue for support.

  • Human trafficking: Obaseki lauds EU, Benin Monarch

    As Taskforce clocks one year

     

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday saluted the roles of the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II and the European Union in the fight against human trafficking and illegal migration in the state, in the last one year.

    Obaseki gave the commendation while taking stock of the activities of the Edo State Task Force against Human Trafficking, during its one-year anniversary, at the Weekly State Executive Council Meeting at the Government House, in Benin City.

    The governor, one year ago, initiated a multi-pronged fight against human trafficking, few months into assumption of office, deploying a mix of approaches to curb the ugly trend.

    “We believe that if we tackle the issue of poverty by making people more comfortable, they will not want to travel illegally. For us as a government, we have encapsulated the challenge of migration as one that is driven by under-development.

    “We thank the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II for his support and responsiveness, which have been praised by the World. This has shown that trafficking and prostitution are not in our culture,” the governor said.

    He expressed his gratitude to the European Union, Christian Association of Nigeria and Muslim leaders for their support in ensuring that the menace of human trafficking is tamed.

    Earlier, Chairman of the taskforce, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, during her presentation, said that they have received 3, 883 returnees, who have benefited from the state government’s reintegration package.

    Prof. Omorogbe explained that the taskforce’s data showed that 80.17 percent were independent migrants between 18 and 25 years of age, which is alarming, as they are members of the active population.

    Read Also: Obaseki awards contracts for construction of roads

    In a report released to mark its one-year anniversary, the taskforce said the state government received 3883 persons from Libya, noting that the holistic approach includes receive the victims; provision of medical diagnosis and assistance; contact and reunion with family; security screening, investigation and protection, vocational training and empowerment and payment of stipends.

    The taskforce added that it has intensified advocacy in areas where human trafficking is endemic, as “it has fought the scourge through various strategies including vigorous investigation and prosecution of traffickers and their accomplices; the eventual passage of a state law against trafficking in humans; various measures to aid understanding of the nature and causes of this menace.

    “We have engaged communities where trafficking is prevalent, to proactively discourage the practice through knowledge exchanges, and appropriate training packages ranging from basic education to assistance with establishing business. The entire programme is anchored on efficient data collection, analysis and research” Prof. Omorogbe said.

  • Monarch advocates establishment of ECOWAS Council of Traditional Rulers

    The Benin Monarch Omo N’ Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has made a case for the establishment of a Council of Traditional Rulers to support efforts at riding the West African sub-region of cross-border crimes.

    Oba Ewuare II made the submission in his lecture entitled “The Role of Traditional Institutions in the Preservation of Cultural Values and the Management of National Security” which he delivered at the Institute for Security Studies, Bwari, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    Read Also:Buhari elected ECOWAS Chairman

    According to him, Traditional Rulers as divined statutory authority closest to the grassroots are better placed to curb crimes by unscrupulous migrants, leveraging on the closer ties and shared values among traditional rulers in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    He called for the creation of an Upper Chamber, made up of traditional rulers, through the instrumentality of the Constitution.

    The Omo N’ Oba also canvassed for the establishment of a Security Trust Fund, from where money could easily be drawn to provide the necessary equipment, training and other requirements, devoid of impediments, in combating and prosecuting security challenges.

    In his incisive lecture, the Royal Majesty noted that the creation of an Advisory Council of Traditional Rulers, would put the wealth of experience of traditional rulers at the disposal of the various heads of governments on matters of security in the West African economic bloc.

    “Such mechanism would strengthen the role of heads of states and governments, through the sharing of intelligence and provisions of grassroots support, which traditional rulers represent,” he said.

    The well attended event, had in attendance Course Participants at the Institute for Security Studies Centre, Bwari, Abuja, security experts and representatives of agencies saddled with the management of the nation’s security.

    To obliterate the unpleasant consequences of losing the battle against insurgents, hoodlums of different categories across the country and the perennial herders/farmers’ clashes, the Benin Monarch charged the federal government, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to prioritise security.

    Oba Ewuare II reiterated that though security is the collective responsibility of all, he maintained that security remains the primary responsibility of the government, and urged governments to ceaselessly act as catalysts by leading the way through strategic planning; adequate funding of security agencies; forging effective and rewarding partnerships and collaborations with stakeholders in the security sector.

    The Omo N’Oba further charged governments to continuously demonstrate the political will in dealing with proven cases of criminal activities.

    In an overview of the material ingredients of Oba of Benin’s Lecture, Dr. Abdulwahab Mohammad Wali, Deputy Director of Studies, who represented the Acting Director-General of Department of State security, said the Oba of Benin’s presentation would help in finding a lasting solution to the numerous security challenges bedevilling the nation.

    While commending the Benin Monarch for his in-depth Lecture, Dr. Wali noted that the Benin Monarch’s submission was apt and timely, in view of national and global security challenges, and assured that the Oba’s thoughts, as encapsulated in his presentation would serve as template for an enduring, workable, efficient and effective National and Regional Security Policy and Programme of action.

    In attendance at the Lecture were Dr. Solomon Arase, former Inspector-General of Police, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, Hon. Ehiozuwa J. Agbonayinma, Ambassador Martins Uhomoibhi, Ambassador Daniel Hart, chiefs, Enigies, members of the Benin Royal family, amongst others.

     

  • Osinbajo holds close door meeting with Oba of Benin

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday held a private meeting with the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II at his Palace in Benin, the Edo capital.

    Also at the meeting, which lasted about 45 minutes were the Governor of Edo, Mr Godwin Obaseki, his Deputy Governor , Phillip Shaibu and former Governor of Edo, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

    Journalists were however not briefed about what transpired at the meeting.

    The Vice President left the palace to the Benin Airport for Abuja at about 2.00 pm.

    Read Also: Govt to empower millions, says Osinbajo

    Osinbajo arrived Benin on June 14 for a two-day working tour of Edo.

    During the visit, the Vice President performed the ground breaking ceremony of 1800 Housing Units Emotan Garden Estate at Ikpoba Okha Local Government Council and commissioned the Solar Lighting Project at Edaiken Market in Benin.

    Osinbajo also launched the South-South Innovation Hub and attended the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Clinic, where he had a chat with owners of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programme.

    He also visited the Azura Power Project in Benin.

     

    NAN

  • Obaseki assures of support structures for Art, Culture sector

    …lauds ‘Journey of An African Monarch’ exhibitor

     

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has assured artists, curators, collectors and art enthusiasts of his administration’s support for the art and culture sector through a mix of market-oriented policies, promotion of Edo arts and crafts in the international market as well as the construction of a new museum in the state for the kingdom’s prized artworks.

    Obaseki said this at a photo exhibition in Benin City, with the theme: “Journey of An African Monarch,” organised by Mr. Omoregie Osakpolor.

    According to the governor, “Edo State has continued to produce some of the finest artists in the industry and I urge our youths to take advantage of the enabling environment we are creating for them to express themselves.”

    The organiser said the exhibition showcased a photography series reenacting the great Benin kingdom’s coronation rites of the 40th Oba, Oba Ewuare Ogidigan II.

    “The series which tells the two-week coronation story of the Omo n’Oba n’Edo, Oba Ewuare II’s ascension to the throne of the King of the ancient Benin kingdom, goes beyond just a collection of pictures, but also the reenactment of the Benin traditional rites of the coronation of the Oba and rich cultural heritage of the Edo people.”

    He expressed his gratitude to the governor for identifying with the exhibition, and noted that the governor’s endorsement of the event will raise its profile.

    Osakpolor explained that “the exhibition having witnessed a huge success in Lagos and Abuja, will be running in Benin at Ben Osawe Art Centre, till June 3.

    He expressed his thanks to God for the success of the exhibition, which he said is “his first exhibition amongst other projects he has achieved in recent times.

    Osakpolor is a documentary photographer and 2017 nominee for the Edwin George Prize for Photography at The Future Africa Awards.

  • Stolen artefacts: Oba of Benin, Obaseki to build world-class Museum

    Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state government is working with the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, to build a world-class Royal Museum, to hold stolen artefacts being recovered by the Benin Kingdom.

    Obaseki disclosed this when he hosted Prof. Nicholas Thomas of Cambridge University and Prof. Mrs. Annie Coombes of the University of London, both experts in Benin History, to a dinner, at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

    The governor said the state government plans to work with the monarch to build the museum in the Oba’s Palace in Benin City, and counter the arguments of art collectors, who are still in possession of stolen artefacts from the Benin Kingdom and have maintained that the safety of the artifacts is not guaranteed if they are returned to the ancient Kingdom.

    According to Obaseki, “The decision to establish a world-class museum at the Oba’s Palace, one of the safest places in the world, will encourage curators across Europe and in other parts of the world, to be confident and support the advocacy for the safe return of stolen artefacts of Benin Kingdom.”

    He expressed appreciation to Prof. Nicholas Thomas and Prof. Annie Coombes, for their advocacy for the safe return of artefacts of the Benin Kingdom looted during the 1897 invasion.

    He said, “We hope your experience in Benin City will encourage you to sustain the advocacy for the return of our stolen artefacts. When the artefacts are returned, they will assist generations yet unborn to understand who they are, as a people and how they have dominated this environment in the past.”

    In his remarks, Prof. Nicholas Thomas, said his experience in Benin City was exciting as the visit gave him the opportunity to see first-hand, the place where the historic stolen artefacts are fashioned in Igun Street.

    Prof Thomas said, “True knowledge about artworks is not in University museums but lies in the makers, creators, communities where these works are created.” He noted that the advocacy for the safe return of the stolen artefacts of the Benin Kingdom will be sustained until the artworks are safely returned.

    Read Also: We want stolen Benin artefacts returned – Obaseki

     

  • ‘How Pastor caused deaths in our community’

    Elders and residents of Iguomon community in Uhunmwode local government area has blamed activities of a fleeing pastor as being responsible for the deaths and afflictions killing those they termed factional leaders of the community.

    Secretary of the community, Pastor Joseph Ighodaro, had on Monday told journalists that deaths and strange ailments in the community was as a result of a curse by a past Oba of Benin.

    Pastor Joseph who said they want the present Oba Ewuare II to revoke the curse claimed that sacrilegious acts of former members of the Community Development Association made the Oba to place a curse on the community.

    However when our reporter visited the community Wednesday to ascertain how many people were suffering as a result of the curse, some elders laughed it off insisting that there was no time any Oba cursed the community.

    The elders said Pastor Ighodaro and his factional leaders were the ones experiencing deaths and affiliations in the community since they caused the problems.

    They said trouble started for Pastor Ighodaro after he invited one unknown Pastor to hold a crusade in the community in December 2016.

    After the crusade, the elders said the unknown pastor led some of the villagers to destroy some shrines in the community including the sacred Okhuaihe N’ Ahonde shrine and cut down a iroko tree planted by Oba Ewuare.

    Pa Jolly Agbontean who spoke on behalf of the elders said all the shrines in the community were sacred as they belonged to the Benin Monarch.

    His words, “The iroko tree is over 500 years old. The iroko and the shrine were planted by Oba Ewuare. We serve it on behalf of the Oba. The pastor said it was the iroko that is causing them not to progress in life.

    “They said all the witches and wizard were in the iroko tree. Policemen were around to protect them while they destroy all the shrines including Oguedion (elders place). They were many that came after the crusade. We only watched after which we reported to the Oba.

    “When the Oba invited them to produce the Pastor, they said they can no longer find him. The Oba told them what to do for them to be saved but they refused to perform the sacrifice. Three of them have died since that time.

    “We were not cursed by any Oba. This shrine is a tourist place. We worship it every three days and people visit the place from across the country.”

    Another elder, Pa. Sunny Igbinovia, said he was forced to delete pictures he took on the day the shrines were destroyed and the iroko tree fell.

    Priest of the Okhuaihe N’ Uleku shrine, Joseph Uyi Odeh, said affliction would not affect the entire community but those that cut off the sacred tree.

    “The Oba told them they will suffer if they did not appease the gods. The shrine is owned by the Oba. Only the Oba will know what to do to them. The Oba did not curse us.”

    Read Also: Pastor arraigned for ‘fraudulently obtaining vehicle, money from member’

     

  • Human Trafficking: Edo Diaspora Community backs Benin Monarch’s orders

    As more Edo people and groups in the country throw their weight behind the orders of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Edo people in the diaspora have expressed their support for the orders and curses of the Monarch and the state government’s tough stance on human trafficking.

    President, Edo Global Organisation, Dr. Stephen E.O. Ogbonmwan, a frontline pan-Edo cultural group, with members spread across various countries of the world, said the drastic times the Edo people found themselves called for the drastic measures.

    The United Kingdom-based Consultant Obstetrician, said: “What happened in the Palace shows the concern of the Omo N’Oba about the current negative trend in Edo land. We need more of such actions from religious, political and traditional leaders to stop our youths on the sliding slope to self-destruction, greed, excessive love for money and the get-rich-quick syndrome, to come back to the straight and narrow path.”

    Ogbonmwan decried “the behaviour of the ‘madams’ (traffickers) and the attitude of our young women, which made many of us ashamed in the Diaspora, hence we were working relentlessly to support the young ones on the right path to success to show to the world that Edo People are not bad people.”

    He explained that “the love of money, more than the love and care for our fellow brothers and sisters and greed, degenerated to a point where brothers were selling brothers into slavery or ‘grassing on them’ by sending armed robbers and kidnappers on their brother’s trail. It is to reverse these ugly trends that we in Edo Global Organisation support our Oba.

    “Drastic issues call for drastic measures in the language our people understand. It shows how very well the Palace understands the current issues affecting our people.”

    He noted that “with the Edo State government’s tough stance against illegal migration, the involvement of Omo N’Oba and the event in the Palace a few days ago, we have seen the final nails on the coffin of illegal migration and prostitution which are organised crimes against our young men and women.”

    On the efforts by his organisation to check the menace, Ogbonmwan said “in July last year, we organised an international conference to draw attention to it. The effort was lauded by the United Nations and the European Union. We wrote petitions that went viral on the internet.”

    He urged Edo youths to embrace the several opportunities in the state, to improve their lives and become respected citizens of the nation.

    Read Also: FG, Edo, others brainstorm on strategise to tackle youth unemployment

  • CAN warns Pastors against praying for human traffickers

    CAN warns Pastors against praying for human traffickers

    Edo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has warned Pastor’s to desist from offering prayers for human traffickers and their victims.

    The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II had last week said it was regrettable that some church leaders in the state encouraged human trafficking and illegal migration in the country.

    Oba Ewuare II also called on church leaders to help discourage illegal migration and trafficking of the youths as reports showed that some church leaders were encouraging it.

    Addressing journalists Monday, Chairman of CAN, Bishop Oyenude Kure, said the Bible preached against human trafficking and as such pastors that prays for traffickers to succeed are fake.

    Bishop Kure who condemned the action of pastors supporting human trafficking urged them to repent of their sins or face will face the wrath of God.

    He stated that the action of such pastors was worrisome and declared that any Pastor involved in the act either through prayers or directly as an enemy of the church.

    Kure disclosed of plans by CAN to on the 18th of May pray for Edo State and the country especially for the release of Dapchi school girls.

    The Christian body also condemned killings by Fulani herdsmen and urged government to establish cattle ranches rather than cattle colonies.

    Bishop Kure said CAN will resist any attempt to establish cattle colonies in Edo state.

    On the coming 2019 general elections, Bishop Kure admonished Christians in the state ‘to get their PVCs. If you have not done that we are asking you to do that. We are also saying that all Christians should go and join political parties of their own choice so that we will be involved in the political destiny of our state and nation. So that we can move our nation forward.”

    Read Also: CAN: abduction a national disgrace