The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Oredo Local Government Area

  • APC leaders adopt Obaseki as sole candidate for 2020 Edo election

    The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oredo Local Government Area has adopted Governor Godwin Obaseki as their sole candidate in the 2020 gubernatorial election in the state, owing to the governor’s sterling performance and inclusive governance style.

    The decision was reached at an expanded meeting of the leaders of Oredo LGA APC, held on March 31, in Benin City, which was attended by party leaders, who unanimously endorsed Governor Obaseki’s candidature.

    They also congratulated the party’s National Chairman and Leader, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, on his effective leadership and victory at the 2019 Presidential election, and passed a vote of implicit confidence on his leadership.

    In a statement signed by the Chairman, Oredo LGA chapter of the APC, Hon. Godwill Alabi and his Secretary, Hon. Magdalene Isekhure, the party leadership said those who attended the meeting and endorsed Governor Obaseki’s candidacy include the Local Government Executive, Councilors, Ward Chairmen and leaders from the twelve (12) wards in the LGA.

    The meeting was attended by over 90 party members and leaders, including the Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Political and Community Matters, Chief Osaro Idah; Secretary, Edo State Chapter of the APC, Mr. Lawrence Okah; Chairman, Oredo LGA, Hon. Jenkins Osunde and Edo APC Youth Leader, Hon. Valentine Asuen, among others.

    According to them, “Considering the pace of development in different sectors of the state from infrastructure to education, industrialization, civil service and judicial reforms, enterprise development, prompt payment of pensioners and civil servants’ emoluments, among others, we are convinced beyond doubt that the only way to sustain the current rapid growth trajectory is to ensure that Governor Obaseki continues as governor of the state after the expiration of his first four-year term.

    “We, therefore, with full sense of responsibility, call on him to run for 2nd term and hereby adopt Governor Godwin Obaseki as our sole candidate in the coming 2020 governorship election in the state.”

    The leaders said Governor Obaseki has made them proud as Edo people, noting “At the moment, among states in the Federation, Edo State stands out in all development spheres, heads and shoulders above states that are far more privileged than us in terms of federal allocation and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

    “As the saying goes, the reward for hard work is more work, we, therefore, urge Governor Obaseki to heed our call to take on the responsibility of governing the state for another four years, beginning from 2020.”

    They added, “We also assure, as leaders of the party in Oredo, of our readiness to pull all our resources together to ensure that Governor Obaseki not only fly the flag of the party in the forthcoming gubernatorial election, but also emerge as governor for a second term.”

    Other party members at the meeting include Barr (Mrs) Faith I. Osaze, Otabor Vincent, Inneh Bright, Prince Enikaro Eweka, Mr. Ojo Oni, Kingsley Erhunwunse, Dr. Sam Osato Igbinoba, Hon. Johnson Osemwengie Elema, Hon. Efosa Ogiamien and Hon. Enabulele Eweka, among others.

  • 2019 polls: Security operatives nab man with 2000 PVCs in Oredo

    Barely few hours to the rescheduled general elections, security agencies in Edo State, have apprehended one Edwin Edosomwan, in Iyekogba axis of Oredo Local Government Area, for being in possession of 2,000 Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).

    The PVCs, it was learnt, were purchased from residents in Iyekogba, Oredo Ward 2, but Edosomwan, who was nabbed on Thursday evening, claimed he was a mobiliser for one of the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) contesting in today’s election.

    The development is coming less than 24 hours after a Benin-based research group, Edo Socio-Political Research Group, released findings of a study on PVC collection in the state, which showed that some candidates of the PDP had engaged in ‘systemic rigging.’

    In the study, it was discovered that there was a dubious rate of PVC collection in Oredo and Ovia North East, areas where the PDP candidates in the state would vote. The research showed that the two local councils were outliers in the rate of PVC collection, while the trend seemed normal in the 16 other local councils.

    Edosomwan was caught in Oredo local council, one of the councils that the Edo Socio-Political Research Group had raised the alarm of a possible case of ‘systemic rigging.’

    Speaking to reporters while being paraded by security operatives, Edosomwan  claimed to be a member of the ‘Operation Show Your Result’ team, a support group for a PDP legislative candidate.

    He said he was mandated to get as many PVCs of eligible voters as possible with the aim of buying over their votes.

    Edosomwan added that he bought the PVCs for as low as N5,000 per PVC, noting that he and members of his campaign group have been instructed to deliver their units at all costs.

    The suspect was later taken in by law enforcement agencies for further interrogation.

  • Obaseki’s security reform: Operation ‘Wabaizigan’ begins deployment of personnel

    To boost the security of life and property in the state, the Edo State Government through the state’s security architecture has commenced deployment of operatives of the Operation Wabaizigan across the 18 Local Government Areas in the state.

    Special Adviser to the State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said the deployment of components of the state’s new security architecture is strategic and will change the face of security operations in the state.

    The components of the state security architecture include: 50 special security cars fitted with modern communication and security gadgets; 30 Toyota Hilux patrol vans; 30 patrol motorbikes and three Tropicalized Armoured Personnel Carriers; three Ambulances; Integrated Command and Control Centre and five special security checkpoints to be manned at all the entry and exit points in the state.

    Others are: Special Patrol Units (land and waterways); Integrated Electronic City Surveillance Unit; Establishment of a Special Force unit/anti-kidnapping squad; establishment of K-9 unit; establishment of paramedics unit; establishment of the Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV) scheme with 3000 trained and kitted workforce and a community police radio network.

    According to Osagie, “The special security cars fitted with modern communication and security gadgets; 30 Toyota Hilux patrol vans; 30 patrol motorbikes are already being deployed and are manned by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Army, Airforce and Department of State Services.”

    He said some of the vehicles and personnel have been deployed to major flashpoints across the state including Ekehuan and Airport Roads in Oredo Local Government Area and Iguobazuwa in Ovia South West Local Government, among others.

    The governor’s aide urged members of the public to support the officials of the security architecture by supplying them with vital information, adding, “Members of the public can use the 100 phone numbers of heads of Divisional and Area Commands across the state, which have been released to the public, to provide relevant information to the security agencies. Public support is vital to the success of the security architecture.”

    “A substantial number of members of the Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV) scheme have been recruited and trained by the Nigeria Police, and integrated into the security architecture to assist the Police in intelligence gathering, in rural areas across the state,” he added.

    Osagie explained that Governor Obaseki is committed to the strengthening the security architecture with the pledge to channel not less than 25% of the state’s security votes to the state’s Security Trust Fund

    “The Command and Control Centre, a component of the security architecture, is receiving rapid attention. The centre, when fully operational, will integrate the police, Military, Department of State Services (DSS), Fire and ambulance services, in responding to emergencies across the state,” he said.

     

  • Firm reaps N10m from Edo job seekers

    …they are extorting Edo people

    Over 500 job seekers in Edo State have been reaped of over N10m from a consulting firm claiming to be recruiting environmental officials for the Edo State Government.

    The firm known as KAI Environment operates from Bins Hotel along Ekenwan Road in Oredo local government area.

    Investigations showed that prospective job seekers are made to part with N2000 for registration, N2000 for handouts during training and N15, 000 for uniforms.

    It was gathered that a first batch of 150 persons have already concluded training and waiting to be dispatch to their place of work.

    A visit to the Bins hotel Monday revealed that many persons were driving to the hotel to buy forms for their friends and relatives while others were seen undergoing interview session.

    In the poster advertising for available jobs, the firm said it is promoting healthy environment with the Edo State Government on environment matters.

    Our reporter who posed as a job seeker met with one Franklyn Nwachukwu who said he is a disciplinary officer of the firm.

    It was observed that new recruits pay salute to the Franklyn whenever they are passing by.

    Franklyn said his boss was recruiting youths with the permission of the state government through the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability.

    He said their target is to recruit 500 persons across the state and they would be made to write examination as well as undergo physical fitness.

    According to him, “We will be responsible for ensuring that people put dirt in Waste bins even when they are inside the vehicle. We will put waste basket in every parts of the state.

    “We have not posted people out. We are still collecting credentials. We are recruiting for the state government. Without the state government approval, we will not be here.

    “Officials of the Ministry of Environment were here to talk to the recruits even Road safety people were here. People are to pay for forms and uniform. They can go and buy their boot.”

    However, officials at the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability said the firm has not been given the nod to carry out at recruited exercise.

    The officials who pleaded anonymity said the firm’s proposal to Governor Godwin Obaseki was sent to them for further discussion.

    According to the source, “We are still talking but we were surprised to hear that they are recruiting people and collecting money. However good their intentions are, they should have waited.

    When contacted for comments, Edo State Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Omoua Alonge Oni-Okpaku, said the firm was carrying out illegal and criminal recruitment exercise.

    Oni-Okpaku said the firm has no approval from the state government to recruit on its behalf.

    In her words, “We heard they are selling forms and collecting forms from job seekers which is criminal and illegal.

    “They don’t have documents authorizing them to act on behalf of government. What they are doing is simply extortion.

    “We have people registered under Edo jobs where we can pull from whenever the need arises. It does not make sense for government to now give job recruitment to outsiders. We understand they are from Lagos State.”

  • Obaseki hails Edo pupils for winning Lafarge National Literacy Competition

    Obaseki hails Edo pupils for winning Lafarge National Literacy Competition

    The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated Master Yusuf Hassan and Miss Faith Toun-Agbai for winning the keenly contested first prize in the 2017 Lafarge National Literacy Competition, which was held in Lagos State.

    Obaseki said the triumph of both pupils in the competition would inspire other students across the state to aspire to great heights in their educational pursuit.

    He further said that the feat showcases the boundless spirit of healthy competition among pupils in the state and reaffirms his administration’s commitment to discovering more talent in the state through the various educational initiatives.

    Master Yusuf Hassan is a pupil at Eso Nerie Primary School in Oredo Local Government Area while Miss Faith Toun-Agbai attends Eguare Primary School in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area.

    According to the governor, “the performances of the pupils underscore the effort of the state government to deliver quality education. Even with outings such as this, we are not resting on our oars in the state. There are ongoing reforms at the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to ensure that more pupils in Edo State continue to come tops in competitions such as this.”

    Recall that the pupils were feted by Governor Obaseki and got cash prizes when they emerged overall winners at the regional level of the same competition.

  • Obaseki projects N250m monthly revenue for Oredo LGA

    Obaseki projects N250m monthly revenue for Oredo LGA

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has said the improved method of revenue collection initiated by his administration will ensure Oredo Local Government Council generate as much as N250 million monthly from 2018.

    The governor stated this on Sunday at Urhokpota Hall, during his thank-you-visit at Oredo Local Government Area, Benin city.

    He noted that, in the last one year, revenue generation in the council has improved from N4 million on a monthly to N37 million as at October 2017. He added that such increase would translate to more development and opportunities for the people of the council and the state at large.

    Obaseki commended the council for keying into the ‘Keep Edo Clean Project’, noting that Oredo is the heart of the state and would be supported to attract more investments. He urged the council to be receptive to change, which has become necessary, given the current economic situation in the country.

    He noted that the reconstruction of Benin Science and Technical College, will be ready by May 2018, and explained that several ongoing projects in Benin City will impact on the council positively.

    Earlier in his opening remarks, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Oredo, Godwin Alabi, welcomed the governor and thanked him for his several transformational programmes, which impact are being felt within the city.

    Also present at the event were the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., Edo State APC Chairman, Mr Anselm Ojezua, Special Adviser to the Governor on Political and Community Matters, Chief Osaro Idah, party leaders, among others

     

  • Three policemen killed as gunmen kidnap Ogba Zoo boss

    Three policemen killed as gunmen kidnap Ogba Zoo boss

    Three policemen posted to provide security for fun seekers at the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park in Oredo local government area of Edo State have been killed by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

    The three policemen were killed at about 6pm while their arms and ammunition were collected by the attackers.

    Director and Chief Executive of the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park, Dr. Andy Ehanire, was abducted by the gunmen.

    It was gathered that the killing disrupted activities at the zoo as many fun seekers scampered for safety.

    Edo State police spokesman, DSP Moses Nkombe, who confirmed the killings and abduction on the phone said the situation has been brought under control.

    DSP Nkombe said the attackers would soon be arrested as security has been beefed up in the area.

    He assured members of the public that the zoo is safe for fun seekers.

  • Fire razes two storey buildings in Benin

    Two separate storey buildings in Oredo Local Government Area were on Tuesday razed by fire.

     

    One of the building located along Forestry road is a commercial building while the other located at Ehiozomwangie street is a residential building owned by a retired soldier, Elder Daniel Orobedo.

     

    Both fire incidents were said to have occurred after electricity was restored.

     

    Property worth millions of naira was destroyed in both incidents.

     

    The building located at Forestry road had many business centres, a generator store and spare parts shops.

     

    It was learnt that the fire started at about 6pm‎ when the shops owners have closed for the day.

     

    Efforts by men of the state fire service to put out the fire were unsuccessful as the fire had already engulfed the entire building.

     

    An eyewitness, Chinedu Victor, said the fire was caused by an electric surge as power supply was interrupted when it broke out.

     

    Victor said, “It was an electric surge‎. There was power supply then but it has been interrupted now. The fire service people came after 15 minutes.

     

    “There were a lot of rooms there. The place is like a barracks. But everybody was rescued. Nobody was injured.”

     

    A girl who claimed to be a daughter of the building, Sarah Etiben, said she saw the flames from afar but did not know that it was their house that was burning.

     

    Etiben said ‎ “My workplace is not too far from here. I saw the flame and thought it was come from another place.

     

    “I cannot really explain what happened. My mother and siblings lived in the building but I cannot find them now.”

     

    Some of the shops owners who spoke said they were at a shock over the incident.

     

    On his part, Elder Orobedo said all his credentials including his Nigeria Army certificate were burnt in the fire.

     

    He said nothing was rescued from the building as the fire spread rapidly.