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Tag: Obaseki

  • Obaseki: The quiet tempest

    Obaseki: The quiet tempest

    In this piece, Charles Ikhaghe examines the Edo State governorship election and highlights the factors that will make the All Progressives Congress (APC) win the poll.

    After three decades of my existence I have had the privilege of going through most of the profiles on great minds and feel that some parallels can be drawn from what the great have in common.

    Few that came to mind are:  Intelligence/character, Charity and prag-matism, Unwavering determination in pursuit of a beliefs, often described as focus.

    Public spiritedness, actions affecting people in their environ-ment. How do these fit the characters of Godwin Obaseki? First among the noticeable traits is the welfare or public concern. His vision and purposeful mission inspired by a matchless passion for his beloved Edo State.

    I must say here openly and honesty speaking I was privileged to be at the Benson Idahosa University (BIU) leadership chart with him in August last month and he made the most impressive presentation of how to be a leader in the contemporary world of ideas, issues, pro-grammes and people in the face of new global challenges.

    Obaseki as head of the Economic and Strategy Team in Oshiomhole’s administration as proved that with the right leadership in place, Edo can be made a successful state. His eight years of selfless and dedication to service has also raised the bar of public service by ensuring that those policies that engender the good life of the citizenry of the developed societies can also be implemented in our clime. He has punctured the myth that our leaders are bereft of ideas to develop our country.

    Very little is known of the personality of Godwin Obaseki before  emerging as the APC gubernatorial flag bearer in Edo State.

    Though for more than seven and half years he has been one of backroomforces that has serve as the Chairman of the Edo State Government’s Economic and Strategy Team (EST) since 2009, without a salary because of his passion to serve his people.

    In many parts of Africa and in South Africa in particular, where emerging leaders work underground before their emergence, it has become a model, to find such emerging leaders meeting the aspiration  of the teaming populace.

    Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma an enigma African leader whose class Godwin Obaseki belong is an example. Jacob Zuma joined the African National Congress (ANC) and enlisted in the armed wing (Umkhonto We Sizwe), that fought the obnoxious apartheid policy till black rule was put in place in 1994. Gov. Fashola was underground working in the internal structure of Lagos State government and by extension Action Congress in Lagos State. It is his superlative view on public matters that soon endeared him to the eagle eyed Governor Emeritus Bola Tinubu as Jacob Zuma was made the leader of African National Congress in 2009.

    While Zma was involved in the underground work with  President Tam Mbeki and others giving leadership to the ANC operatives inside South Africa, Godwin Obaseki is the engine hub that is propelling Oshiomhole work force.

    Against this background, through his advice theComrade Governor has been able to pay pensions, build roads, school, hospitals and also brought a cement factory with jobs to Okpella etc.

    The government was able to do all these because it cut cost by reversing the budget arrangement that existed before. The government  appropriated 60 per cent of the expenditure to capital projects and 40 per cent to recurrent spending. It then proceeded to block leakages in government.

    The governor and his team looked inwards to boost internal revenue generation. The outcome, Oshiomhole saved N5b for the recurrent expenditure.

     It is obvious that these three great sons of Africa (Jacob Zuma, BabatundeFashola and Godwin Obaseki) have many things in common and like Zuma has become the President of South Africa, Fashola became the Governor of Lagos State now Minister in the Federal Republic of Nigeria so the coast is getting clearer for our inestimable Obaseki to cruise into Dennis Osadebey House Seat of Edo State Gov. in September, later this year if voted for.

    Last line

    When God blesses you financially, raise your standard of giving.

    Life is measured by the number of faces who smiles when they hear your name.

    Two things define you-your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.

     “I have no enemies to fight, you are all my friends and we share a common destiny”.

    It is on these guiding principles that Godwin Obaseki hinges his gubernatorial campaign and he intend to govern on the foundation of these principles. Edo, let’s do it right by doing it right.

    • Ikhaghe, a public policy analyst, wrote from Ihievbe, Owan East L.G.A., Edo State. 
  • Why Obaseki ‘ll win poll, by Amegor

    Why Obaseki ‘ll win poll, by Amegor

    The Edo South All Progressives Congress (APC) leader,  Mr. Gentleman Amegor, yesterday said the people will vote for the party because Governor Adams Oshiomhole has lived up to expectation.

    He described the governorship candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, as an experienced administrator who will build on the solid foundation.

    He said the flag bearer has the attributes of  credibility, reliability and excellence, assuring that he will not let the people down, if given the mandate.

    Amegor told reporters in Benin City, the state capital, that the PDP candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, cannot match Obaseki’s attributes. He said the PDP will take the state backward, if given another opportunity.

    Amegor added: “We have all resolved that we will work day or night to ensure the victory of Mr Godwin Obaseki, who is a credible, reliable and excellent gentleman. He is fit to succeed Oshiomhole.

    “I call on the seven local governments in Bini, including members of other parties, market women, old and young to vote massively for the APC for Obaseki to be elected as governor.

    “He is a very focused man and we believe in him. He has all it takes to take Edo to the next level. Obaseki is a man of his words and he will perform very well.”

  • Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu on students’ hot seat

    Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu on students’ hot seat

    Students of the Benson Idahosa University (BIU) have hosted the two leading candidates in the September 28 governorship elections in Edo State. During the interaction, Godwin Obaseki (APC) and Osagie Ize-Iyamu explained how they would engage youths if elected. EVERISTUS ONWUZURIKE (Corps member, NYSC Benin City) reports.

    For hours, the two leading candidates in the September 28 Edo State governorship election literally sat on the hot seat, fielding questions from students and explaining how they would govern the state if elected.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) standard bearer, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, were hosted to an interactive forum with the theme: “Why me”.

    The event was organised by International Leadership Idea Exchange (ILIX), a non-governmental group at the Benson Idahosa University (BIU) in Benin City.

    The candidates shared their manifestoes, defending why they should be voted as the next Edo governor. The governorship hopefuls answered questions on health, security, human resource development, job creation and industrialisation and education, among others. They also unveiled their programmes for the youth.

    For Obaseki, it is time to harness the energy of the youth for irreversible development. He said his administration would engage the youth in productive ventures, promising to create 200,000 jobs through his agricultural programmes.

    Obaseki said his experience as a member of the economic team of Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s administration gave him the privilege to know how best to engage the youth.

    He said: “As a wealth management expert for over 30 years, I promise to create over 200,000 jobs through agriculture and its value chain. Through this, the state would become the driver of the country’s food production if I emerge the governor.

    “Many people would generate wealth by keying into our value chain development of oil palm, cassava, cocoa, grains, rubber, fruits and vegetables.Our plan for the next four years is to create jobs that will be adequate to make the youth dream of better future.”

    If elected, Obaseki, an investment banker, said his administration would ensure smooth running of government, because he already had a blueprint of what the state should look like, saying: “We need to continue to keep Edo State as the hub of quality education.”

    He added that his government would make the state an investment destination by creating an enabling environment for public private partnership (PPP).

    “There is so much we have done and we need someone who understands the terrain to continue,” he said.

    On his own part, Ize-Iyamu said he was in the race because of his deep concerns about happenings in the state. He hailed the university for fostering democratic practice in the state, saying he was more than qualified to govern the state with his wealth of experience.

    He said: “I am not contesting because I am concerned or passionate, but because I also have the experience to change things for better in the state.”

    On job creation, he said investments in industries would create jobs for the youth. He said the administration is not creative in creating jobs for the youth, noting that the state depended on payments of taxes and allocations from Abuja only.

    He assured that how to repair the poor condition of the road that leads to the university would be his priority if elected, promising to complete the road within his first tenure.

    “The more attractive we make Benson Idahosa University, the better it is for the state, and we will make BIU road a priority,” he said

    Ize-Iyamu promised a state that would be different from the present situation, saying he would right the wrongs perpetrated by Oshiomhole’s government.

    The PDP candidate said the state’s Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) would improve through his strategic investment programme, adding that his administration would discourage multiple and increased taxation.

    He said his administration would invest in a film village and railway station, promising to expand the operation of Benin Airport to make it to be of international standard.

    The BIU President, Bishop Faith Emmanuel Idahosa, who moderated the event, said the forum was to make students politically knowledgeable to think and address issues, rather than casting vote based on sentiment. He said the event would improve democratic practice in the state.

    The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Ernest Izevbigie, hailed the candidates for honoring that university’s invitation and promised to work with them in the future.

    ILIX is a platform established by Bishop Idahosa to bring together thought leaders, industry experts, practitioners, researchers, and young innovators to dialogue and proffer solutions to national and global issues.

  • Obaseki ‘ll win poll, says Uwuilekhue

    Obaseki ‘ll win poll, says Uwuilekhue

    Niger Dellta Development Commissioner-Nominee Hon. Saturday Uwulekhue has said there was no basis for comparing the 10 years of the administration of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the eight years of All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The Edo State Commissioner for Oil, Gas and Natural resources said it was hypocrisy for the PDP leaders to pose as if they have the capacity to win. He said:  “When we all know that there is no basis for comparing the 10 years of administration of the PDP and the eight years of the APC, what do they take Edo people for, ingrates? No, Edo can never be cowed to go on a reverse. You can fool some people sometimes, but you can’t fool all the people all the time”.

    Uwuilekhue said no amount of propaganda against Oshiomhole and Obaseki will save the PDP  from defeat.

    The nominee spoke when he hosted a group of Community Development Associations, chairmen and youth leaders from Orhionmwon Local Government Area in Benin City, the state capital.

    He spoke on the infrastructural situation in Edo State during the PDP era and commended Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for the sharp departure from the past.

    He also commended the governor for laying uncommon foundation for education, the revolution in the  health sector, the investment in urban-rural roads to create grounds for private investment in agriculture, and the Azura Power Plant.

    Uwuilekhue urged the people not to gamble with the future of  state. He said the two categories of people left in the PDP are those who play politics of self benefit and those who have been brainwashed to believing that a governor of any state has the capacity to determine global and national economy, particularly as it concerns the prices of goods and services.

  • Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu on students’ hot seat

    Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu on students’ hot seat

    Students of the Benson Idahosa University (BIU) have hosted the two leading candidates in the September 28 governorship elections in Edo State. During the interaction, Godwin Obaseki (APC) and Osagie Ize-Iyamu explained how they would engage youths if elected. EVERISTUS ONWUZURIKE (Corps member, NYSC Benin City) reports.

    For hours, the two leading candidates in the September 28 Edo State governorship election literally sat on the hot seat, fielding questions from students and explaining how they would govern the state if elected.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) standard bearer, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, were hosted to an interactive forum with the theme: “Why me”.

    The event was organised by International Leadership Idea Exchange (ILIX), a non-governmental group at the Benson Idahosa University (BIU) in Benin City.

    The candidates shared their manifestoes, defending why they should be voted as the next Edo governor. The governorship hopefuls answered questions on health, security, human resource development, job creation and industrialisation and education, among others. They also unveiled their programmes for the youth.

    For Obaseki, it is time to harness the energy of the youth for irreversible development. He said his administration would engage the youth in productive ventures, promising to create 200,000 jobs through his agricultural programmes.

    Obaseki said his experience as a member of the economic team of Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s administration gave him the privilege to know how best to engage the youth.

    He said: “As a wealth management expert for over 30 years, I promise to create over 200,000 jobs through agriculture and its value chain. Through this, the state would become the driver of the country’s food production if I emerge the governor.

    “Many people would generate wealth by keying into our value chain development of oil palm, cassava, cocoa, grains, rubber, fruits and vegetables.Our plan for the next four years is to create jobs that will be adequate to make the youth dream of better future.”

    If elected, Obaseki, an investment banker, said his administration would ensure smooth running of government, because he already had a blueprint of what the state should look like, saying: “We need to continue to keep Edo State as the hub of quality education.”

    He added that his government would make the state an investment destination by creating an enabling environment for public private partnership (PPP).

    “There is so much we have done and we need someone who understands the terrain to continue,” he said.

    On his own part, Ize-Iyamu said he was in the race because of his deep concerns about happenings in the state. He hailed the university for fostering democratic practice in the state, saying he was more than qualified to govern the state with his wealth of experience.

    He said: “I am not contesting because I am concerned or passionate, but because I also have the experience to change things for better in the state.”

    On job creation, he said investments in industries would create jobs for the youth. He said the administration is not creative in creating jobs for the youth, noting that the state depended on payments of taxes and allocations from Abuja only.

    He assured that how to repair the poor condition of the road that leads to the university would be his priority if elected, promising to complete the road within his first tenure.

    “The more attractive we make Benson Idahosa University, the better it is for the state, and we will make BIU road a priority,” he said

    Ize-Iyamu promised a state that would be different from the present situation, saying he would right the wrongs perpetrated by Oshiomhole’s government.

    The PDP candidate said the state’s Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) would improve through his strategic investment programme, adding that his administration would discourage multiple and increased taxation.

    He said his administration would invest in a film village and railway station, promising to expand the operation of Benin Airport to make it to be of international standard.

    The BIU President, Bishop Faith Emmanuel Idahosa, who moderated the event, said the forum was to make students politically knowledgeable to think and address issues, rather than casting vote based on sentiment. He said the event would improve democratic practice in the state.

    The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Ernest Izevbigie, hailed the candidates for honoring that university’s invitation and promised to work with them in the future.

    ILIX is a platform established by Bishop Idahosa to bring together thought leaders, industry experts, practitioners, researchers, and young innovators to dialogue and proffer solutions to national and global issues.

  • Obaseki assures NUJ of support

    Obaseki assures NUJ of support

    Edo All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate in the governorship election rescheduled for September 28, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured journalists in the state of  unhindered access, if elected.

    The governorship candidate, according to the Godwin Obaseki Campaign Organisation in a statement in Benin City, made this pledge during a thank-you-visit to the NUJ Press Centre in Benin, the state capital.

    Obaseki told reporters at the crowded Press Centre that he was there to thank union for making him a honorary member during his last visit.

    “I thank you for the honour, which has made me to become one of you, and the subsequent support you have been giving me since then. You have really shown that we have you as partners in progress. I want to assure you that in and out of government, you will always have my support,” he said.

    Commenting on the rescheduled poll, Obaseki said: “There is no need shedding blood for election. Painful as the postponement is, expensive as it is, we still feel the election was worthy of postponement. We need the people to vote. So, why shed their blood for election?.

    “We have no fear of losing the election. If we had any concern, events of last week vindicated us. If our opponents knew they could win the election, they would not have brought in such armed men.”

    On the facilities at the Centre, Obaseki said he was happy that as promised during his last visit, the internet facility has been reconnected. He promised to do more.

  • Obaseki: Edo needs competent, credible governor

    Obaseki: Edo needs competent, credible governor

    All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the September 28 Edo governorship elections, Godwin Obaseki, believes the state needs a competent, credible and hardworking governor.

    Such governor, he said, will be able to efficiently manage its resources and  effectively  execute people-oriented programmes.

    He spoke yesterday at an interactive session with civil society organisations in Edo State.

    He noted that with declining oil revenues and the consequent reduction in federal allocation to states, fresh ideas are needed in the running of government today.

    According to him: “Edo State lost two generations to bad governance by the PDP and ‘career politicians’.

    “The political base can no longer be restricted to people with traditional political anthem.

    “We need to infuse fresh blood, thinking and resources into our politics and that is what people like me came into the political scene to characterise.”

    Declaring he fits into such mode, Obaseki said: “With a successful career of over 30 years as an investment banker and wealth management expert and the valuable experience I have garnered as Chairman of the State’s Economy & Strategy Team in the last eight years, I am very clear on the direction that we should be looking to move Edo State to the next level of infrastructural development, industrial growth and technological advancement.

    ”Lagos has shown itself as a model and I don’t see the reason why we can’t have other models in Nigeria with Edo blazing the trail as a mini-sized Nigerian state that can survive as a country.

    “To achieve this status, we require competent, credible and hardworking managers, and that is what I am.”

  • Trust me with your votes, Obaseki tells electorate

    Trust me with your votes, Obaseki tells electorate

    THE governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Godwin Obaseki, has urged the electorate to trust him with their votes.

    He said the September 28 election would be the beginning of an economic revolution, adding that there will be  more wealth creation and better opportunities for the people.

    Speaking at an interactive session with 2000 support groups in Benin City, the state capital, Obaseki noted that Governor Adams Oshiomhole has laid a solid foundation on which he and his running mate, Honourable Philip Shaibu, would build on.

    Obaseki said his administration would be a people-oriented with an open and efficient channels of communication to allow the people make an input into how the state is run through their critical feedback.

    He said: “For me, September 28 will be the beginning of a real economic revolution in Edo State. When the comrade Governor assumed office almost 8 years ago the circumstances were very different: we have to fight hard to free the state from the stranglehold of the PDP cabal who had held us down in perpetual under-development for 16 years.”

    “In spite of their fierce resistance because they were used to sharing our money, we still were able to rebuild schools for our children, and we opened up many communities across the state through the massive road construction projects that we undertook. Nobody thought it was possible but we did it; we proved to our people that with good and determined leadership Edo State can work again.”

    Obaseki added: “Today, Edo State is in a better place than we met it almost eight years ago. Yes, there are many challenges facing us – mostly as a result of the global economic recession – but we believe that with the solid foundation that the Comrade Governor has laid in infrastructure development we now have a unique opportunity to bring about an economic revolution in the state by broadening of our revenue stream through strategic investment in non-oil sectors of the economy.”

    “As an investment banker of over 30 years standing, I have helped create wealth and jobs for many organisations. And with the experience I have garnered in the last 8 years of working with the Comrade Governor, I believe that I have all it takes to be the driver of Edo’s economic revolution. I, therefore, ask you to trust me with this all-important task by voting massively for the APC come September 28, and I promise you that – by the special grace of God – I will make Edo State greater and more prosperous than we have ever experienced.”

    “I want to assure you that the way we have campaigned – with the people and issues affecting them at the core – is the way we will run our government. We will have functional call centers for citizen feedback on problems within their communities, and we will do everything in our power to address them. So even if you may not always see the governor one-on-one to talk to him, you can be rest assured that we will have a system where you can bring your issues and complaints to us, and we will respond to them”.

  • APGA State Executives, others defect to APC in Edo

    The Publicity Secretary and Chieftain of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Edo State, Hon (Chief) Pius Okolie, with over 1,000 of his supporters, including executive members and chieftains have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Those who defected with him included, the Organising Secretary, Mr Chidi Eze; Ikpoba Okha Ward 1 Chairman, Festus Agbonlahor; Ward 2 Chairman, Uchenna Ogugba; Ward 7 Youth Leader, Pastor Peter Akeredolu; Woman Leader, Mrs Blessing Aikharaekpen; Uhunmwode Youth Leader, Godfrey Ogbarate and Chief Raymond Okpara, Ex-Officio.

    Okolie, a former aspirant for House of Representatives for Oredo Constituency and House of Assembly, Ikpoba-Okha Constituency who spoke with newsmen in Benin City said his action was based on his conviction that only an APC government led by Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Hon Philip Shaibu can sustain the good works already started by the Oshiomhole’s led government.

    According to him, “I believe Obaseki will consolidate on Oshiomhole’s good works and even do better.”

    Okolie said the pedigree of Obaseki will live up to expectations.

    He disclosed that his defection to APC would enable him contribute his quota more to the development of the state where he had lived for over 40 years.

    Assuring his Igbo kinsmen that under the Godwin Obaseki led government, the enabling environment would be created for their businesses to grow, he said there would a review of the tax regime with a view to making it more people friendly.

    He also assured his kinsmen that Obaseki led government would build more markets for their businesses to flourish, while urging them to vote APC during the election.

     

  • My manifesto is holistic, says Obaseki

    My manifesto is holistic, says Obaseki

    All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Godwin Obaseki, yesterday declared in Benin-City the state capital, that his 10-point manifesto was designed to move Edo State forward and to further consolidate on the achievements of the Adams Oshiomole administration.

    He made the declaration in a statement by his campaign outfit, the Godwin Obaseki Campaign Organisation (GOCO).

    Obaseki, who claimed he had a holistic manifesto, assured the people that his administration would take the state to the next level.

    He said if elected, Edo State would have become the cynosure of all eyes and a show-piece in good governance.

    Obaseki said, in addition to providing access to Medium and Small Scale Enterprises financing for Edo youths his administration would further focus on the development of the youths through investments in sports, arts and craft.