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Tag: Obaseki

  • Obaseki’s 100 days in office

    From virtually every indication, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo State has made quite an impression on the people of the state as he clocked 100 days in office on Monday, February 20. I was not an enthusiast of his while he was campaigning for the election, but then, I was neither enthusiastic about Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. While his clergyman act was and continues to be fascinating, it did not particularly have any effect on me. Obaseki’s quietness also made me doubt, like every other concerned son of Igodomigodo, whether his regime would really be his and whether he even had any plan for what path his government would take.

    In a hundred days, he has corrected that notion and even made me blush like an errant analyst for harbouring such a notion in the first place.

    His January 1 speech this year was the first sign I perceived of a man of steel.  Without batting an eyelid, he ‘upped and done away’ with manual tax collection in Edo State. Some cynics, quite unsatisfied about the genuineness of his intent with that move, labelled it a political move to curtail the overreaching influence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) youth leader, Comrade Eriyo Osakpanwa.

    I beg to differ. In hundred days, Obaseki has been able to show that he has little time for politics because he has a state to run. To buttress this, he has warned political figures not to come to the Government House in Benin City without prior appointments otherwise, they would not be granted audience.

    Valid reports from dailies and workers at government house prove that he has thus far stuck to his guns with that policy. The Government House has now developed some significant level of decorum, and even loitering around the place could earn an individual some questioning. This, I believe is how a government house should be.

    Still keen not to let politics interfere with his administration, he has delegated the task of political appointments to the various wards and Local Government councils.

    However, while in 100 days he is keeping a level head with political affairs, he has also done commendably well with his interim appointments thus far – he has appointed mostly young fellows and women who know their onions. Yet, he operates without a cabinet or any permanent appointments.

    Based on how well Obaseki listens to the people’s voice, he seems like he already understands that the people of Edo whisper in the streets that it is about time he appointed his cabinet so that people will know who is who in the state.

    However, he is a careful man. He takes his time and plans exceedingly well before implementing any decisions. What will it profit him if he allows himself to be carried along in haste by people’s whispering and then he appoints the wrong people who may even end up sabotaging his government? It is better to take a shot once and hit the target than to misfire severally.

    Having excluded politics from the equation in his administration, Obaseki has shown genuine concern for the people, for though he may have a heart of steel, this heart beats, and it beats with emotion and care for the people.

    He understood pretty well the power women have when given the chance to excel; he has accordingly appointed what has come to be known as lady mechanics to fix the broken vehicles at The Government House in Benin City.

    In addition, he hosted religious leaders at a breakfast in the Government House where he discussed, among things, how to sort out the issue of street children. They talked at length with the religious leaders proffering solutions on how to handle the issue.

    To that end, Governor Obaseki is set to get the educational sector functioning at its optimum capacity so that even when the children have been lifted off the streets, they will be grafted into a functional educational system.

    Meanwhile, his economic policies also seem to have developed a pattern in tandem with his 2017 budget philosophy. The idea of the budget philosophy was to “develop a modern and progressive Edo State, where every citizen is empowered with opportunity to live life in its fullness”. These were modelled along the following pillars; Economic Revolution, Infrastructural Expansion, Institutional Reform, Social Welfare Enhancement, Culture and Tourism and Environmental Sustainability.

    He has since held a strategic dialogue with stakeholders in the production industry, and has started working to make sure that technical colleges around the state are what they are meant to be. He has also held an agribusiness conference, and he has put plans in place to make Tayo Akpata University of Education in Ekiadolor an excellent tertiary institution. The essence of these moves is to groom talents locally in the state.

    The truth is that highlighting Governor Obaseki’s achievements in 100 days would take a small book. He has however indicated enough zeal towards executing his mandate that we, the people of Edo, can rest easy in the knowledge that we have not shopped in error for a governor, despite what misgivings we may have initially harboured.

    Still, the good governor must neither relent nor rest on his oars. His conduct thus far has revealed a tendency for extra-meticulousness in his affairs. That is a commendable trait and people need to come to the realisation that if every leader Nigeria has witnessed had been this careful, perhaps we would not be as bafflingly backward as we are in our affairs as a country. It is only just 100 days, and time’s winged chariot has not yet found reason to hurry Mr. Obaseki along. He is so far on the right track, and in the next 100 days, there is some hope people will start seeing action.

     

    • Dr. Oviosun, a public affairs analyst is based in Benin City, Edo State.
  • Obaseki explores tourism potential of Amarho waterside

    Obaseki explores tourism potential of Amarho waterside

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has visited Amahor waterside to ascertain the tourism potential of two rivers, which form a confluence at Amahor town in Igueben Local Government.

    During the tour around the waterside located in a forest reserve, the governor visited a rest house used by colonial masters when they visited the waterside and rain forest.

    He said the area, when developed, would boost economic activities and draw tourists to view the natural wonder of the rivers that do not mix.

    According to Obaseki, the government is trying to identify economic opportunities “and the landmark we have for economic activities such as that for tourism and agricultural production.”

    “We understand that we have a lot of landmark and space here.

    “We came here to appreciate nature and begin to direct interest to places like this so that people can come here for relaxation and to appreciate nature,’’ he said.

  • Obaseki signs budget, Contributory Pension Act

    Obaseki signs budget, Contributory Pension Act

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki yesterday signed this year’s Appropriation Bill of N153.2 billion into law.
    The governor also signed into law a bill for the amendment of the state’s Contributory Pension Act.
    Obaseki told the House of Assembly in Benin signing both bills was remarkable and showed his administrations commitment.
    The governor said the appropriation was “a budget of consolidation and prosperity”, adding that it would consolidate on achievements of previous administration and lead to prosperity.
    He hailed the House of Assembly for the speedy passage and for retaining the budget for the reform of the civil service.
    Obaseki said: “It was clear in our minds that we want to appropriate more money to the civil service. I am grateful that you have retained all we asked for.
    “Without improving the conditions of the civil service, we will not be able to get the level of productivity required from them.”
    The governor said the goal of his administration was to eliminate outstanding pension arrears before the end of his term.
    According to him, the state government started implementing the contributory pension scheme in January.
    Obaseki said: “We have cut off from the old system and the responsibility we have now is to settle all outstanding pension issues.
    “We now have a scheme which will not have pension deficit in future.”
    The governor hinted the lawmakers of his administration’s plan to create 500 agro-entrepreneurs and the approval by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) to run Taiwo Akpata University of Education.
    The Speaker, Justin Okonoboh, said: “Today, we are ready with the Appropriation Bill and I am excited to present it to Mr Governor.”
    Okonoboh said Edo pensioners would soon smile.
    The Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Damain Lawani, told reporters the committee gave priority to Health and Agriculture, considering reforms in the sectors.
    He said the committee would perform oversight duties to ensure the budget was appropriately implemented.
    The House of Assembly, on Monday, passed this year’s budget proposal of N153.18 billion.
    Obaseki, on December 19, presented a budget proposal of N150 billion to the Assembly for consideration and passage.
    The budget consists of N75.11 billion for capital expenditure and N74.9 billion for recurrent expenditure.

  • Obaseki and Edo’s economic revolution

    Obaseki and Edo’s economic revolution

    Since November 12, 2016 when Governor Godwin Obaseki formally assumed office, there has been an unprecedented infusion of energetic visions and systemic policy re-alignment in the affairs of Edo State. Irrespective of the partisan inclination of ardent political analysts, it is incontrovertible that the governor is focused on constructing a formidable architecture for socio-economic revolution. The mere notion of a vibrantly healthy and economically competitive Edo State in the heart of Nigeria- an idea which would have been declared hallucinatory in the PDP years, is now forming into a solid reality under Governor Obaseki.
    With characteristic gentleness and diligent focus, the governor has introduced a new brand of sensible activism into developmental economics and democratic statecraft. Edo populace is witnessing a political paradigm where the governor constantly and courageously articulates and synchronizes visions with missions, and he declares objectives and expected outcome with approximate precise metrics for assessments of accomplishments. Without equivocation, the governor has showed unparalleled fidelity to his major electoral pledges while keeping faith with his constituencies in other developing crucial fronts. Beginning with his conscientious work culture in Osadebey House to his breathless working visits to the various local government areas and foreign journeys, the governor is dutifully engaged in transmitting a set of quintessential message of the dawn of a new era of: job creation, agriculture and agri-business, industrial revolution and security for Edo State.
    No matter the angle of critical examination of his major actions since assuming office, there is a centrality of economic fusion for sustainable growth and development in these efforts. An encapsulated memo of these initiatives will include the governor’s assessment visit to the once vocational skills-incubation centre of Benin Technical College, the hosting of series of forums and workshops on agriculture and agri-businesses, his leadership role in framing the philosophical foundation of the 2017 budget, the launch of the technical committee for the development of Gelegele Seaport as well as the meetings and exchanges on technical and fiscal cooperation with the Chinese and Japanese among other potential global partners. Each and every part of the administration’s endeavour qualitatively improves the economic synthesis as envisaged by the governor- all the consequential factors for a buoyant economic equation are being perfectly aligned. There’s indeed a philosophical coherence and progressive consistency to the utterances and actions of the governor. It could be said that within a short span of about 60 days in office, Obaseki has thoughtfully and boldly commenced the establishment of new foundations for the emergence of a vibrant economic power house.
    To read some of the detailed economic thoughts and action plan of the governor is to relish in the inspirational profile of a new crop of Nigeria’s global pragmatic leadership. For instance, on the matter of revitalizing Benin Technical College, Obaseki aims at elevating the school to the height of producing internationally certified Edo citizens as part of the much-valued mid-level skilled employees at home and in West African nations. Thus, Edo State will become a cherished location in the world market of scarce vocational skills. Equally remarkable is the span of the Governor Obaseki’s decision to create agricultural hubs around some selected crops in which the state has comparative advantage, his programme of increasing the value chain for the selected crops and government-assisted rapid process of land acquisition for farming and linkage of farmers with relevant industrialists, are equally profound. This initiative could significantly and beneficially alter and modernize the structure of agriculture in the state, cause a boost in employment in the sector while stimulating foreign investments for farming and agri-businesses. For Obaseki, the issue of economic diversification is far beyond mere slogans; rather the governor considers urgent alternatives to the current precarious oil-dependent structure as a fiscal and historical imperative for the survival of the Nigerian polity. Without a doubt, Obaseki’s commitment to a well-planned and efficiently-executed Green Revolution and flourish of agri-business is unrivalled in contemporary history.
    In general, the velocity of the governor’s economic activities and the horizon on which he’s focused are by no means surprising taking into consideration his professional background in the world of finance. Beginning with his declarations at his swearing-in- ceremony to the thoughtfully established philosophical pillars of the 2017 budget in tandem with series of other on-going initiatives, the state is undoubtedly en route to a leap forward in various spheres of development. The budget which was appropriately titled ‘’ The Road to Prosperity’’ offered a clear projection of six key areas of broad policy objectives accompanied with calibrated milestones of quick wins, as well as medium and long term goals. The six pillars which span Economic, Infrastructure, Social Welfare, Institutional, Environmental revolutions and New Township Development are inextricably foundational for an evolving economic giant.
    Within and beyond the altitude of these aspirations, the governor has vowed that the state will attain new heights of more respectable locations among Nigerian states and in further geographical arena- to paraphrase Obaseki from his recent statements: the dawn of Edo’s economic revolution is now, the only limitations to the zenith of Edo’s aspirations is the obstacles that the people create for themselves. There is an endearing earnestness and patent honesty in Obaseki’s devotion to public service. It is therefore noteworthy that the confident strides of the governor on the terrain of history are steadily being consolidated.
    Unfortunately, the specie of bold and imaginative vision being cultivated by Obaseki may appear illusory and unattainable to those who raided the collective patrimony of the state during the wilderness years of 1999-2007. It is the same gang that is now actively seeking surreptitious avenues to negate the legitimacy of the peoples mandate so overwhelmingly expressed on September 28, 2016 – there’s nothing altruistic, democratic or legal in the distracting drama that the defeated PDP factional cabal is currently attempting to create using the otherwise hallowed halls of justice. Obaseki’s drive for a new Edo economy will remain a mystery to the PDP plundering crew that neither had the inclination nor the capacity for job creation.
    But for the larger Edo citizenry, there is credible enthusiasm for the actualization of the governor’s agenda in a way to securely advance Edo’s journey on the road of accelerated progress. The voters opted for the pledge of 200,000 jobs, for an unprecedented era of industrial and agricultural revolution and a season of increased productivity and wealth for the shared prosperity of all Edo State community. The soundness of the administration’s economic policies is indisputably emblazoned with the imprimatur of a committed public servant, the foresightedness of a global finance technocrat and the precision of a scientific economic planner. Governor Obaseki is indeed exhibiting some of the very endearing qualities for which the mass majority of the Edo electorate polled in his favour. The new economic map of Edo State is being steadily unveiled and the momentum towards epochal horizons of accomplishments for the people is now unstoppable, the incubation of Edo’s economic renaissance by Governor Obaseki could become a storied aspect of the first half of the 21st Century.

    •Adams, a political analyst, writes from Benin City, Edo State.

  • Obaseki to partner religious leaders on social development

    Obaseki to partner religious leaders on social development

    …..As religious leaders promise to lend their support

    Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, on Saturday morning, hosted religious leaders at the Government House to discuss the place and role of religion within the social framework of the state.
    Addressing the religious leaders, the governor thanked them for their support during and after the election, even as he noted that he was not collaborating with them to satisfy political desires, but to achieve social objectives.
    He further explained that the issue of street children was important to his administration and explained how the social leaders, being close to the pulse of the society, can work with the government to correct the situation and prevent the land from failing.
    “We are very keen on education and are trying to see how we can train the children. You (religious leaders) have a long history in training children. One of my major aims is to create 200,000 jobs, but our style as a government is to be efficient with our greatest resource, which is time, not money”, he said.
    Meanwhile, Reverend Felix Omobude, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, noted that he would have been unlettered had good government policy been absent from the system. He also urged Governor Obaseki to do the best to uphold good governance.
    He said, “You cannot please everyone, but if you do good for the majority, you will be remembered. I also want to commend you; we must all realise it is only in an atmosphere of peace we can practise our religions. Be assured of our support and understanding.”
    For his part, the Otaru of Auchi, Alhaji Aliru H. Momoh (Ikelebe III) commended the governor and said that the meeting had been a long time coming.
    “You are on the right track for calling this meeting because we will leave here and meet, Christians and Muslims, at the interreligious councils, although we hardly ever have clashes at Auchi”.
    Also at the meeting were Rt. Rev. Peter Imasuen, Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, Evangelist (Mrs) Margaret Agbonifo, Imam Abdulfatai Enabulele, Chief Imam of Benin, and other religious leaders.

  • Obaseki’s, Oba Ewuare’s grand plans for agriculture

    The face agriculture in Edo State seems about to change for good, with the grand plans of Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, writes OSAGIE OTABOR

    Since he was crowned the 40th Oba of Benin last year, the Bini monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has not hidden his desire to engage youths in his kingdom and Edo State in productive ventures, such as agriculture. The dreams of Oba Ewaure II appeared to be in tandem with the vision of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    Both came to power in the state three weeks apart. Oba Ewuare II was crowned on October 20, last year while Obaseki was sworn into office on November 12, last year. Obaseki’s great-grand father, Chief Agho Obaseki, was in charge of commerce and trade with the white men during the reign of Oba Ovoranmwen.

    In his inaugural address, Oba Ewuare II said he would partner with government to attract domestic and international resources for the establishment of clusters of Agro-based industries in seven local government areas to ensure youth empowerment and economic development.

    To affirm that he was serious about his vision for agricultural revolution, Oba Ewuare II began move to revive all ‘Ugbo-Oba’ (Oba’s farm) in all communities in the seven local government areas in this year’s planting season.

    Speaking during his first official meeting with his people, the monarch expressed disappointment at the way Edo people have lost interest in farming. His angst was also directed at some traditional rulers and community youth leaders who opted to engage in sales of land and other unwholesome activities instead of farming.

    Oba Ewuare II informed the people that produce from the farms would be sold to low income earners at prices lower than prevailing market prices and that his ascension to the throne was a sign of good things to come to the kingdom.

    He said: “Why is it that we no longer do farming activities. Farming used to be our main occupation but nobody wants to go to the farm again. The Oba has land in all the villages and we plan to reintroduce Ugbo Oba (Oba Farms). People will work there and the produce from the farms will be sold at special markets at reduce prices to the poor.

    “A Committee to be set up will ensure that only the poor have access to buy things from the special markets.”

    A visit to some communities revealed that Oba’s parcels of land were being cleared in preparation for cultivation of crops.

    During a visit of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to his palace, Oba Ewuare II said agricultural development is the only way for Nigeria to move out of economy recession. The monarch told the ex-president that he was interest in farming.

    Last week, Obaseki inaugurated an ad-hoc committee under the Agriculture Empowerment Initiative to revamp agriculture. The committee headed by Chief Osaro Idah is a product of the Public Private Partnership (PPP).

    The state government is in partnership with Saro AgroSciences, a leading company in the agribusiness space with expertise in crop production and protection and Afrinvest W.A. Ltd, a leading financial advisory service provider in Nigeria and West Africa. The plan is to create between 50,000 and 80,000 agricultural jobs in five local government areas.

    The key areas the committee is expected to focus on include cultivation of 5,000 hectares of maize, 10 000 hectares of green house for vegetables and tomatoes, 4000 hectares of piggery as well as provide support to 3000 cocoa farmers to improve their yields for this season

    Obaseki said: “We want to ensure that we begin some agricultural activities before the next cropping season. We want to cultivate 5,000 hectares of maize located in five local government areas of the state producing at least 25,000 metric tons of maize in the first year.”

    There will be another 1,000 Greenhouse Farm producing 4,000 metric tons of tomatoes yearly, piggery producing 30,000 animals annually and the Golden Cocoa Programme primed to turn the state into a major cocoa producing state by improving yield by more than 50 per cent in the first year of implementation.

    Obaseki explained that the partnership would generate employment for the teeming youth population, create wealth through agricultural activities that will lead to the creation of 2000 millionaire Agripreneurs and ensure food security for the over four million people in the state.

    Other members of the eight-man committee include Oluwole Adeyegbe as Deputy Chairman, Mr. B. S. Kadiri as Secretary, and Dr. Tunde Faturoti, Mr Olumide Ogunedojutimi, Mr Walter Obaseki, Surveyor Godwin Osayande and Mr Victor Ndakauba as members.

    This success of these drives to revamp agriculture in Edo State by the Oba of Benin and the state government will be determined by how many people were employed and reduction of food prices in the state.

     

  • Obaseki flags off Agbede-Awain Idegun road

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki on Thursday flagged off 29 kilometer Agbede Awai-Idegun road in fulfillment of his electioneering campaign promises to the people.

    Flagging off the road construction, the governor recalls his experience during his visit  to the area in August 2016.

    According to him, when I came around August 2016 during our campaign and I wanted to go to ward 8 for campaign at Idegun, we left around 7am; I got to Idegun around 8:30 a.m or 9. 00 a.m. Our vehicle was losing balance, then, I promised that if God made me governor, the road would be one of the first that I will construct.

    He said his plan is to build the road to meet the standard set by the immediate past administration.

    Emphasizing the importance of the road, Obaseki said the road is strategic to the plan to open up the area for the proposed 40,000 hectares of land for mechanized agricultural purposes as foreign investors are already indicating interest.

    The governor said the construction company handling the project has been mobilized to site while the project is expected to be completed within 24 months.

    He however called on the elders to cooperate with the construction workers and offer them protection.

    In an address, the spokesman for the communities, Prince Abudu Lateef Momodu, thanked the governor for matching words with action. “We have had so many promises in the past which were never fulfilled up till now, but today, we are witnessing the fulfillment of Obaseki’s promise he made less than three months after assumption of office.”

    He described the governor as a unique person; adding that the Oba of Agbede, H.R.H. Momodu 11, has already acknowledged the unique qualities of the governor.

  • Edo will be agribusiness hub, Obaseki promises

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has promised to make the state a leading agribusiness hub in Nigeria.

    He assured he will do this by initiating strategies that could enhance agricultural development, create jobs and guarantee food security.

    Obaseki stated these at a three-day agribusiness workshop with the theme: ”Harnessing resources and opportunities to optimise agribusiness in Edo State.”

    The governor advised participants to apply modern agricultural techniques to improve production as an alternative means to generate income.

    “While we must continue to encourage small farm holdings to improve and obtain modern technology, we must address the policy of mechanization, characterisation using technology,” he explained.

    He stated Edo had promised to synergise with the federal government to revive and reclaim the nation’s arable lands, which have not been put into optimal use over the years.

    He also unveiled some economic strategies which according to him include some key areas such as making land accessible for usage,  providing security and infrastructure,  driving agriculture from the top and not bottom, and giving the necessary support  towards achieving the desired objective.

     

  • My job is to stabilize Edo economy – Obaseki

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Monday said he is committed to stabilizing economy of the state since it has been liberated politically.

    Obaseki noted that he would make the people reap the economic benefits accrue from a stable polity.

    He stated that for his economic plan to succeed, the logic of democracy that created the three arms of government to balance must be maintained and respected.

    Governor Obaseki spoke when he received the outgoing Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Cromwell Idahosa, who paid a valedictory farewell visit to the Government House.

    Obaseki said Justice Idahosa has done well by bringing stability to the judiciary.

    He said his plans to industrialize the state and ensure food sufficiency would not be feasible without strengthening the rule of law.

    The governor said, “If any arm of the tripod must survive, it has to give respect to the other. I am not of that school that says one arm is more superior to the other. All arms must collaborate to bring about stability in the state. I see myself as a logical part of the process of the evolution of our democracy.

    “The key ingredient required for economic development is the rule of law. Without the rule of law, without the sanctity of contract, without security, you cannot have economic development.

    “If I plan to create 200,000 jobs and more, being able to increase food production and sufficiency, being able to industrialize the state or whatever the aspiration in my manifestoes, if we do not have stable judiciary and the rule of law, it is not going to happen. For this to happen the rule of law must be strengthened.”

  • Obaseki targets 80,000 agric jobs

    Obaseki targets 80,000 agric jobs

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has inaugurated a nine-man committee headed by Chief Osaro Idah, to start agricultural empowerment programme.

    He hoped it would generate between 50,000 and 80,000 jobs.

    Obaseki said the committee was constituted to ensure his administration began some of its agricultural activities before the cropping season.

    He listed four areas the programme would focus on to include 5,000 hectares of maize, 10,000 hectares of green house for vegetables and tomatoes, 4,000 hectares of piggery, saying his administration would provide support for 3,000 cocoa farmers to improve their yields.

    The governor said: “This is an advocacy committee which we expect to start the agriculture mandate as contained in my manifesto. We will soon constitute a full committee to look at our agricultural initiative.

    “We cannot wait given that we are in a race against time. We want to ensure we begin some of our agricultural activities before the next cropping season. We want this committee to help the government think and identify the project we must implement. We have three months of dry season to prepare before the rains.”

    Idah said the committee will not fail.