The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Obaseki

  • Obaseki promises e-governance

    Obaseki promises e-governance

    Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Mr Godwin Obaseki has stated that he planned to eliminate wastage and block leakages by introducing  e-governance.

    Obaseki said e-governance is more transparent, accurate and makes governance run faster.

    He spoke at an interactive session with some social-media expert.

    The APC candidate said he would make Edo the hub of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), with a view to gainfully engage youths in the sector.

    Obaseki  promised to revolutionize governance in a manner that both the people and government can have immediate feed backs on issues affecting them.

    He did, “We have built the foundation where we can consolidate on the achievements made in the education sector, but priority will be on primary education because that is the basis and we must get it right from day one.

    “And that is why I said this election is very critical to me and the APC because we want to avoid a disconnect of what the current administration has achieved in the past seven and half years

    “Not getting it right with polices have always been the problem of many state governments. Once you get the policy right, every other thing will fall into place,” he stated.

  • Benin palace chief, others endorse Obaseki

    The Etuedoseghe, a socio-cultural organisation in Edo State, made up of chiefs from the palace of the Oba of Benin, farmers union and professionals led by the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, yesterday endorsed the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Godwin Obaseki.

    The group who said they were endorsing him following what they described as the laudable role he played in the Governor Adams Oshiomhole-led administration, urged him to build an international market in Edo South when he is elected governor.

    Esogban, who also is the Odionwere of Benin Kingdom, said: “We are not a partisan body in the sense that we don’t attend meetings of political parties, but we are not oblivious to the good works of some political parties and the bad work of some other political parties. Consequently, we have the right to endorse, particularly if those wanting a particular thing are more than one.

    “So, Etuodeseghe at a meeting held in my house, unanimously voted to support the candidature of Godwin Obaseki of the APC. This is the same place we endorsed Oshiomhole and today we are all proud of him. We believe that Godwin (Obaseki) will work more than the Comrade-Governor.”

  • Obaseki accuses PDP of destroying his posters, bill boards

    Obaseki accuses PDP of destroying his posters, bill boards

    The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Godwin Obaseki, has accused supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of destroying his bill boards and posters.

    Obaseki, who spoke through the Director-General of his campaign organization, Osarodion Ogie, said the APC has uncovered plots by the PDP to mobilise thugs to start destroying the posters and bill boards under the guise of protesting local government workers.

    Ogie warned that any attempt to destroy the APC campaign posters would be resisted.

    He said genuine pensioners were receiving their pensions regularly, while aggrieved local government workers know where to go and what to do.

    He added; “Last Saturday, we woke up and found out that our posters and bill boards around Sapele Road and Ikpoba Hill were destroyed by PDP supporters.

    “Apart from that we have it on good authority that they have recruited some hoodlums under the guise that they are local government workers who are protesting for their pensions and gratuities.

    “The idea is for them to go out and destroy our posters under the guise of protest. This is a workers’ friendly government; this is the only state that raised its minimum wage from N18,000 to N25,000.

    “This is not about politics; it is real. So, we are using this opportunity to alert security agents to watch out for these people, because we are ready for a peaceful election. They intend to coerce us into violence, but we will not. Edo will be calm for this election because we have no opposition.

    “PDP leaders should be warned; they must stop destroying our posters for the interest of peace. They should know that nobody has monopoly of violence, but we will continue to remain calm because victory is sure.”

  • Edo ethnic nationalities drum up support for Obaseki

    The Coalition of Ethnic Nationalities (COAEN)in Edo State, which is made up the Igbo, the Yoruba, the Hausa, the Ibira, the Urhobo, the Itsekiri, the Efik and other tribes, has backed the candidature of Mr. Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he is more prepared for the challenges of governance.

    Its Executive Director, Mr. Clement Shola, said the choice of Obaseki and his running mate, Hon. Philip Shaibu, was the best for the state at the moment, given the precarious state of the  economy.

    He said the group would mobilise and move from one location to another to educate the people on the need to vote for Obaseki, because he is the best man that can tackle the current economic challenges facing the state.

    Shola said: “We recognise that Mr. Godwin Obaseki is the best candidate amongst all the contestants. We have seen and we know that Mr. Godwin Obaseki is aptly prepared for the job, especially as a high-ranking member of Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s administration.

    “We trust also that as a man who has shown good and sound advisory qualities becoming the next man in charge will definitely lead to further developments in the right track for the state.”

    “We assure you that we will be moving from one location to another, particularly places where we have a comparative advantage to sensitise our people to unite en masse for the Obaseki/Shaibu ticket, which we believe is the best we can get in the current circumstance.”

    In his remark, Obaseki thanked the group for their support and promised to empower them, by not discriminating against any tribe and group living in the state.

    He said: “There is no road constructed that I don’t know about, because I raised the money to pay the contractor. There is no school built that I don’t know of; there is no borehole that has been sunk that I don’t know about and I know in the plan we have. We will do more of what we have started.

    “I have never stolen from government and I want to assure you that all the money that Edo will make will be used to work for the people. There are still a lot of roads to be done and by the grace of God, we will continue doing the roads. There are many schools that we are yet to build, we will build them and train teachers to all the schools.

    “What we will do that has not been done is to emphasise on human development. We will bring investors to the state, so that jobs will be created. I have over 30 years experience in investment and that is how I made my money and many investors are waiting to come to the state. Once we start work by November, I will give 70 per cent of my time to the economy.

    “But you must make sure it happens; I don’t want to preach to the converted, so you have to go out to the markets and in your individual meetings convince people that Obaseki is a businessman, he has worked hard and he is capable of governing Edo state. Tell the people that we made a mistake before and that we will not make it again.”

  • Obaseki promises to establish large scale rice farm in Esanland

    The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Edo, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has promised to establish a large scale mechanised rice farm in Ilushi, near Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area of the state, if elected.

    Obaseki made the promise at the palace of the Onogie of Ubiaza, Curtis Aidenoje, when he and his running mate, Philip Shaibu, visited him during their campaign.

    The candidate said he would reignite the thriving economy in the area, through the establishment of a large scale mechanised rice farm that would help boost the economy of the state.

    He reassured the monarch that with his knowledge of the area and after years of neglect by successive governments, what the present APC administration had done was only a scratch on the surface.

    The monarch, who presented a white chalk to the candidate and his running mate, gave them his blessing.

  • ‘Obaseki ‘ll win by landslide’

    The governorship election in Edo state is just few weeks away from now the big question is: what are the options before Edolites? From all indications, everybody knows where the pendulum will swing to. And that is the election of  Godwin Obaseki.

    The choice is therefore, before Edo residents as the survey shows that Obaseki will win the election by a landslide election. Edolites are no pushovers. They cannot be deceived. They are not blind. They have realized that giving Obaseki the first four year team will transform the state into another Dubai after Oshiomhole.

    A new Edo with modern infrastructure, good roads, finer environment, good hospitals stocked with equipment and potable water and good learning environment is guaranteed.

    Edo under “OshioBaba  has become the envy of all. It is a reference point for foreigners and even those who know what governance is.

    Governor Oshiomhole in eight years has made us to believe that Edo can work and it is working. Go to Ring road and see the difference. Is it sapele road or Airport road that has not been transformed? People now obey traffic lights because of the fear of Comrade Osakpamwan Eriyo, the State Chairman Road Employee Transport Association of Nigeria.

    Many roads have been rehabilitated. New ones have been constructed and commissioned. Water flows thus reducing epidemic in the city. Healthcare especially for the people have been given top priority. In the area of transportation the Comrade bus is a success story which Obaseki will build upon in his first four years in office.

    These are the giant strides Obaseki as the man behind Oshiomhole’s success has accomplished in just eight years. Come to think of it, are there other contestants in Edo State? We are not hearing about them. Mr Paul Obazee Party Secretary ward 12, Oredo LGA recently said that PDP should forget about Edo because of the massive progress made by Oshiomhole and its team. Truth is bitter, but it must be said. The Lagos State governor Ambode said as the campaign chairman I am personally taking responsibility to ensure that beyond the campaign and the success of the election, a major commerce and economic relationship commence immediately with the in-coming governor, and also to let us actually start to have bilateral economic and political relations that will be of benefit to the people of Edo state, and then to the improvement of the economic growth of Edo state”.

    Oshiomole introduced the governorship candidate Mr Godwin Obaseki and his running mate Mr Philip Shaibu to governor Ambode and said “we have a candidate messenger that we you are going to be able to help us to market, and we also have a compelling message to put across to Edo people. And we believe the election will be won on the basis of the pedigree of the political parties, the pedigree of the individual and what the two parties have to show to the people”

    The Commissioner for Works, Mr. Osaradion Ogie who is also the DG of Godwin Obaseki campaign Organization said “we must be courageous and determined to achieve the goals we want for our people. I therefore stand before you today, on the shoulders of the success built by the current administration over the last seven and half years. We have transformed Edo state in all aspects. Pastor Izeiyamu of PDP is no match for Obaseki. APC is waxing strong. Obaseki desire to change Edo will be seen in his First term. The man means well for Edo. At this stage of our development in Edo State we need a man like Obaseki to take it to greater heights.

    Edo of all calling, tribes, religion know that he is the best man for the job. He has been tested and proved to be the best. My advice is that you should shine your eyes, vote wisely and for the right man, and that is Obaseki. Edo cannot afford to fall into the hands of mediocres, charlatans.

    Edo people should resist rigging and vote with their conscience for the person who been part of Oshiomhole’s massive development of the state. There should be continuity in a peaceful Edo where security is even more guaranteed now than Abuja.

    • Ikhaghe is a public commentator and author of”The Wind of Change Across Edo State” yet to be published.
  • Edo South monarchs back Obaseki

    Edo South monarchs back Obaseki

    Traditional rulers from Edo South Senatorial district, have stated reasons why they will mobilise support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the poll.

    The traditional rulers, who endorsed, Mr. Godwin Obaseki said their decision was because “Oshiomhole has worked for our people”.

    Speaking on their behalf, Enogie of Ogiomo, David Igiehon said Adams Oshiomhole’s performance in the state will guarantee victory for Obaseki.

    Enogie Igiehon spoke when the campaign team of Obaseki stormed his ancestral home in Uhumwonde local government.

    Traditional rulers from  communities like Iguoboe, Emo,  Ogha,  Erhua, Osemwinda, Ibadan,  Ugoneki and others were present at the meeting.

    Igiehon said: “Adams Oshiomhole has worked and has shown us love since he came. We cannot disappoint him because he has worked for our people. we have roads, schools and a beautiful city now in Benin. So we are going to support his candidate because Obaseki will work like Oshiomhole.

    “We regard Oshiomhole as the political redeemer of Edo State who has come to redeem the State like Napoleon Bonaparte who came, Saw and Conquered his opposition for the overall benefits of his people”.

    He tasked Obaseki not to forget roads in Uhunwonde and presented a white chalk to him symbolising victory.

    Obaseki assured that, if elected, his administration will complete the on-going general hospital project in Uhumwonde.

    “This place is my ancestral home and I will not forget that at all. We will provide jobs for our youths and I will ensure that Oshiomhole’s legacies are not abandoned”

  • I ‘ll focus on human capital development, says Obaseki

    I ‘ll focus on human capital development, says Obaseki

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Godwin Obaseki, yesterday commended the Oshiomhole administration for building roads and infrastructures in the last seven and half years. He said if voted in as governor his administration will focus more on human capital development.

    Addressing APC supporters at Afuze and Sabongida Ora, Owan East and Owan West Local Government Areas, Obaseki said: “The College of Physical Education is now a degree awarding institution, I will make sure we put more money into the college to make it a world class institution in terms of physical education.

    “As part of our job creation, we will create jobs even from sports. Governor Oshiomhole has done well in the last seven and half years, but we have a lot to do.

    “We focused on education, health, roads and water, but the incoming administration will now focus more on human development. We want to create 200,000 jobs for our youths. The jobs we will create in Owan is not only from agriculture, we will create jobs through mining. They are over 25 mining licenses in Owan East and we are collaborating with the Minister of Solid Minerals to make sure we invite investors here. In the next one year we will bring investors to Owan East.”

    In his remark, Oshiomhole said beating the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, will be the easy for the APC.

    Oshiomhole added, however, that the PDP may adopt a new message in the event that Matthew Iduoriyekemwen becomes its flag bearer, following the recent Federal High Court ruling that recognized, Ali Modu Sheriff as the authentic national chairman of the PDP.

    He pointed out that the founding fathers of the PDP are dumping the party every day for the APC, due to the emergence of Ize-Iyamu.

  • I ‘ll focus on human capital development, says Obaseki

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Godwin Obaseki, yesterday commended the Oshiomhole administration for building roads and infrastructures in the last seven and half years. He said if voted in as governor his administration will focus more on human capital development.

    Addressing APC supporters at Afuze and Sabongida Ora, Owan East and Owan West Local Government Areas, Obaseki said: “The College of Physical Education is now a degree awarding institution, I will make sure we put more money into the college to make it a world class institution in terms of physical education.

    “As part of our job creation, we will create jobs even from sports. Governor Oshiomhole has done well in the last seven and half years, but we have a lot to do.

    “We focused on education, health, roads and water, but the incoming administration will now focus more on human development. We want to create 200,000 jobs for our youths. The jobs we will create in Owan is not only from agriculture, we will create jobs through mining. They are over 25 mining licenses in Owan East and we are collaborating with the Minister of Solid Minerals to make sure we invite investors here. In the next one year we will bring investors to Owan East.”

    In his remark, Oshiomhole said beating the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, will be the easy for the APC.

    Oshiomhole added, however, that the PDP may adopt a new message in the event that Matthew Iduoriyekemwen becomes its flag bearer, following the recent Federal High Court ruling that recognized, Ali Modu Sheriff as the authentic national chairman of the PDP.

    He pointed out that the founding fathers of the PDP are dumping the party every day for the APC, due to the emergence of Ize-Iyamu.

  • Ex- footballers play for Obaseki

    Ex- footballers play for Obaseki

    A GROUP of Edo State-based ex-professional footballers under the aegis of Sparta Group has set up an open football championship to boost the chances of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Godwin Obaseki, in the September 10 governorship election in Edo State.

    According to the chief organiser of the championship, Sunday Enobakhare, football clubs from across the 18 local government areas of the state will be participating in the championship which kicks off on August 1.

    He disclosed that arrangements have been concluded to accommodate clubs from the three senatorial districts for the championship to be played on a league format and is expected to last for one month.

    Enobakhare who affirmed that the championship is non political, added that the organisers intend to make it an annual event open to all age-grades, with exception of players from nationwide and professional leagues.

    “This championship is not political, which accounts for the reason why teams from the three senatorial districts [and] across political divides are being invited to be part of it.

    “From the enrolment, we have thrown it open and it will be for all age-grade, with exception of players in the professional leagues and the national leagues.”