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Tag: Edo State

  • Market women, NURTW stage solidarity march to Edo Govt House

    Market women and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Edo State have staged solidarity walks in support of the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

    The leader of the Market Women Association, Madam Blackie Ogiamien, in their separate march, told the governor “We are here to express our appreciation to your leadership style. As keen followers of your administration, we salute you for your various initiatives which includes the promotion of cleanliness through the weekly sanitation introduced by your administration.

    “Many persons have attested to the restoration of law and order in the state capital. This has improved the free flow of human and vehicular traffic especially around markets. In the beginning it seemed like child’s play but today, we have seen the result.”

    Ogiamien maintained that “As mothers, wives and workers, your prompt payment of workers is quite commendable as it encourages workers to plan ahead and meet the demands of their families.

    “We market women commend you for demobilising street urchins and thugs or ‘agberos’ who were terrorizing our markets and making trading almost impossible. We commend you for restoring sanity in this area as we the market women now have peace and are able to do our business without any harassment.”

    She appealed to the governor not to allow for the return of thugs in the state, recalling the harrowing experiences they had in the hands of the thugs while they held sway.

    In his response, Governor Obaseki expressed his appreciation to the women for their support, and explained: “With the support of members of my administration, we stopped ticketing through which different groups were extorting market women. I never knew that my pronouncement would go far and restore sanity in the city, which has improved the total revenue collected by the local government monthly.”

    In a separate event, the Chairman, Edo State Chapter of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mr Odion Olaye, who led other members of the union on a solidarity walk to the Government House in Benin City, commended the governor for what he called “the good work Obaseki has done within a short time in office,” and assured that members of the union are behind him.

    “We are here to pass a vote of confidence on you as the governor of Edo State, because of the good work you are doing for us in the state. It is only those who are blind that will not see the good work you are doing. You are building roads, we are seeing the projects and our members are happy with you. We appreciate the good work you are doing with the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA), the vigilante group and the Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV) programme.

    He urged those peddling falsehood to distract the governor to desist from the act and maintained that the governor deserved to be praised.

    In his remark, the governor expressed appreciation to members of the union for their support and assured that his administration is determined to make life more meaningful for the average Edo person.

    “My vision is to transform the economy and make the state viable for businesses to thrive. I have engaged contractors to rehabilitate and reconstruct roads across the 18 local government areas of the state.”

     

  • APC suspends Edo lawmaker for anti-party activities

    APC suspends Edo lawmaker for anti-party activities

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker in Edo, Mr Ojo Asein, has been suspended by his Uhonmora Ward 2 for alleged anti-party activities.

    The APC Ward Chairman, Mr Lucky Aroye, said the local government and the state party secretariats have been notified of the suspension.

    Aroye said in a statement, signed by all the ward executives on Thursday in Benin, that Asein allegedly held several meetings with an opposition party during which he allegedly told his supporters

    to prepare for defection.

    The lawmaker, representing Owan West Constituency in Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), was also accused of inciting his supporters against decisions of the state party secretariat.

    “Asein has been going about holding meetings under the disguise of the APC where he openly told the members to prepare themselves for defection.

    “All this, we have warned him against, but rather than stop, he persisted. We drew the attention of the local government and state officers to this, and we have their support to do what is constitutionally right against such action.

    “It is in this regard that at an enlarged meeting of the ward, we took the decision for his suspension by invoking Article 21 of the party’s Constitution. The same Article, spelt out disciplinary procedures,” the statement said.

    When contacted on phone, the lawmaker declined to comment on his alleged suspension, saying that he would not speak on the issue, as `nobody has the right to suspend me.”

     

  • Edo Govt. gives warring communities one month ultimatum

    Edo Govt. gives warring communities one month ultimatum

    Edo Deputy Gov. Philip Shaibu has given communities in four local governments across the state one month ultimatum to amicably resolve all disputes.

    Shaibu, also the Chairman, Edo state Boundary Committee, said this during a meeting with the representatives of affected communities at Government House, Benin on Wednesday.

    He explained that Gov. Godwin Obaseki gave his committee a clear mandate to ensure that all land disputes between communities and local governments within the state were resolved by the end of next year.

    “The best way to achieve peace is when both parties in a dispute amicably agree on a compromise, rather than allowing judgment which always favours one person and breeds hatred in the other.

    “Edo government is committed to ensuring that peace reigns in all communities in the state.

    “It is the consensus of the clan heads that government should do a demarcation of disputed areas for clear understanding of boarder areas.

    “Let me warn that failure to resolve the problem within the stipulated time will amount to risking forfeiture of such land,’’ he said.

    The affected local governments are Oredo, Uhunmwonde, Etsako East and Etsako Central.

     

  • Boundary dispute: Edo, Delta call for urgent demarcation of land

    Boundary dispute: Edo, Delta call for urgent demarcation of land

    The Edo and Delta governments on Tuesday called on the National Boundary Commission to urgently demarcate the disputed land between both states.

    The call was made in a communiqué issued after a meeting between the two states’ boundary committees led by their deputy governors at the Edo Government House in Benin.

    The meeting was called by the Edo government following series of attacks on border communities in Orionmwon and Esan South East Local Government in Edo and Ethiop East, Ika South East and Ukwani Local Governments of Delta.

    Edo Deputy Governor, Mr Philip Shaibu and his Delta counterpart, Mr Kingsley Otuaro stressed the need for the National Boundary Commission to urgently carry out physical demarcation of the disputed areas.

    Shaibu harped on the need for both states to call on the commission to carry out the final demarcation of the boundary between Edo and Delta.

    He urged communities in the border areas of both states to embraced peace, while the commission should carry out the demarcation of the boundary between both states without further delay.

    Delta deputy governor said that there was need for both states to abide by the various decisions of past joint meetings of Edo and Delta as they relate to maintaining of status quo.

    He said that boundary meetings for dispute resolution could only be done with the active participation of the national boundary commission, hence the need to expedite action on the resolution of the boundary between both states.

    Both states reached an agreement during the meeting and constituted a joint committee comprising the attorney general, surveyor general, deputy chiefs of staff and commissioners of police of both states and local government chairmen of the disputed areas.

     

  • Edo Govt. reviews operation of old people’s homes, orphanages, others

    Edo Govt. reviews operation of old people’s homes, orphanages, others

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state government is reviewing the operations of orphanages, old people’s homes, remand centres, schools for people with special needs and other such centres for vulnerable persons, for efficiency and improved impact.

    Obaseki disclosed this during the Foundation-laying ceremony for Baba Rabi Foundation at Uzairue, in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

    He noted, “We are reviewing how orphanages, old people’s homes, remand centers, schools for people with special needs, and centres catering for vulnerable persons are managed in the state. As a government, we will do all it takes to support people with goodwill as we are ready to work with them to help us reach out to more vulnerable persons in our society.”

    He commended the Chairperson of Baba Rabi Foundation, Mrs. Fatima Mede, on the initiative to build the facility, noting, “this is the kind of values people should celebrate. Even as a retired Permanent Secretary living off her gratuity and pensions, she considered it worthy to follow in the footsteps of her parents, Alhaji Baba Saliu Egele and Hajiha Rabi Saliu Egele, who were reputed for their philanthropy.”

    Obaseki said, “Mrs. Fatima Mede is an accomplished Edo woman who rose through the ranks to become a Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning. We are proud of her and happy that she is utilising her experience to serve her people.”

    Earlier, the South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Major General In-Tae Lee (retd.), commended the Chairperson of the Foundation for her contribution to the development of the society, noting, “This effort is quite commendable as it is geared towards eradication of poverty in rural communities through agricultural development. Rural development is a part of the policies of South Korea as a nation. We will continue to support the center to improve the lives of the people.”

    On her part, Mrs. Fatima Mede commended Governor Obaseki and his entourage for taking part in the foundation-laying ceremony, adding, “The Foundation started as far back as 2006 with a focus to touch the lives of the people of the community.”

    She said there was need for more people to work with government, as such support will fast-track development in the grassroots, noting that the foundation is her way of contributing to the development of the state.

    According to her, the center will house a hospital for women and children, nursery and primary school, orphanage, vocational center, recreational facilities, which will serve the people of the community.

    The Etsako West Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Yakubu Musa, represented by his vice, Hon. Abubakar Imonekhe, pledged to provide support to the foundation, and explained that NGOs play vital roles in the social and economic life of any community.

     

  • Human trafficking: Obaseki advocates skills-based migration

    Human trafficking: Obaseki advocates skills-based migration

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that Edo indigenes migrating to other parts of the world stand a better chance at life if they are equipped with on-demand skills to make them globally competitive.

    Governor Obaseki, who said this during a town hall meeting with indigenes of Edo under the aegis of Great Benin Origins (GBO) Worldwide, in Brussels, Belgium, noted that the state government is already working out modalities for Edo youth to develop these skills in the state.

    He kicked against the activities of human traffickers, who have given the state a bad name, noting that the state government is firming arrangements with local and international partners to train youth in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), so that they can be globally competitive.

    “Instead of all these people coming in to take money from these children, you can come, we will register you, we will train you, we will certify you and give you visas to go and work abroad. That is how it is done in other countries.

    “Our people are very important, and I am calling on you to join me in laying the foundation for the future,” he said.

    He lauded the group for working assiduously in sustaining the Benin identity, calling for a united front in the quest to develop the state.

    According to him, “Let us not make ourselves sub-minorities. Let us show unity and strength in numbers. So, we must make sure we come together, and reach out to others as Edo people.

    “We are doing other things in the area of infrastructure. That is the one you will see. We are rebuilding our road networks. Thank God we have a well-planned like city”

    President, Great Benin Origins (GBO) Worldwide, Engr. Isaac Igbinosun, lauded the governor for his leadership style, commitment to attracting investment to the state and initiatives on youth development.

    “We are proud of you, we are proud of your achievement since you took over the leadership of governing our state, Edo. We feel safe each time we look at what you are doing. We are solidly behind you and anytime we are called upon, we will be there to contribute our quota back home. It is always said that no matter where you go, home is home. We are very proud of you, we encourage you to continue,” Igbinosun said.

    The Great Benin Origin (GBO) is a social cultural organisation that seeks to bring all Edo indigenes in diaspora under one umbrella with the purpose of restoring the lost glory of the great Benin Kingdom, promoting the Edo culture and tradition and assisting the economic development of the state.

    Igbinosun noted that some of the programmes of the group in promoting the preservation of Edo cultures include sponsorship of Edo culture and language competitions, award of scholarships to primary and secondary schools’ students as well as organising a diaspora state workers’ programme for the youth.

    He urged the state government to continue with the reforms on the ease of doing business, as members of the group are interested in investing in various aspects of the state’s economy with focus on agriculture and food security.

    The group also applauded the governor on his initiatives to improve the security architecture and guarantees on the sanctity of contracts, noting that these would endear the state to investors.

     

  • Human trafficking: Obaseki makes case for improved support, partnership

    Human trafficking: Obaseki makes case for improved support, partnership

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has made a strong case to the European Parliament for improved and sustained support that will strengthen the state government’s efforts to curb human trafficking and illegal migration.

    Governor Obaseki, who said this during a session with the European Union Parliament Sub-Committee on Human Rights (DROI), in Brussels, Belgium, noted that the state government has created structures and set up institutions such as the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking, to ensure reintegration of victims of human trafficking and illegal migration.

    Part of the state government’s delegation is the Chairperson of the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking and the state’s Commissioner for Justice/ Attorney General, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe.

    The governor said that much as the institutional framework has been firmed up, the state also needs improved support for sustainable implementation of its programmes to curb human trafficking, which will serve to reintegrate returnees and provide teeming youths with on-demand skills to become employable and self-sufficient in the long run.

    According to him, “We have a wholistic programme to curb human trafficking and illegal migration. Already, the campaign has gotten the backing of the Oba of Benin, whose support has proved instrumental to curbing the trend.

    “Our programmes do not only stop at receiving and reintegrating returnees into society, but also include well laid out plans to rebuild institutions for capacity building and vocational training such that our youths would acquire globally-competitive skills to enable them lead better, fulfilling lives.”

    Governor Obaseki earlier met with a member of the European Parliament Sub-Committee on Human Rights, Mr. Josef Weidenholzer, to firm up modalities for the European Union’s engagement with the state government on strategies for enduring solutions to human trafficking.

    Governor Godwin Obaseki has led an all-out-war against human trafficking and illegal migration.

    Edo state accounts for a considerable share of illegal migrants out of Nigeria to Europe, a good number of who die in the Mediterranean while attempting to cross to Europe. But the Governor Obaseki administration has sustained a campaign against the trend, with the signing of the law against human trafficking last June which has been hailed by experts and analysts as a major milestone in institutionalising the campaign.

    The state government’s law prohibiting trafficking in persons signed into law provides an “effective and comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the prohibition, prevention, detection, prosecution and punishment of human trafficking and related offences in Edo State.”

    The European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights is responsible for “evaluating the implementation of EU instruments in the field of human rights and democracy, the right to hold the Commission and the Council accountable for their activities in this area and ensuring the continuous dialogue with international agencies working in the field of human rights in order to guarantee consistency between EU and international instruments in this field.

    “The committee is also responsible for providing a platform for the analysis of human rights claims related to specific topics and/or regions and using this platform for input on human rights and democracy in reports to the Parliamentary Committee for Foreign Affairs, agreements with third countries included.”

     

  • Obaseki mourns Amb. Worlu, commiserates with family

    Obaseki mourns Amb. Worlu, commiserates with family

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commiserated with the family of Ambassador Queen Worlu, an indigene of the state and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Sao Tome and Principe, whose passing was announced on Tuesday night.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, the governor said the death of Amb. Worlu was a huge loss to the state and the country at large, noting that her reputation as a disciplined career diplomat was worth emulating.

    According to him, “I received with shock, news of the passing of Ambassador Queen Worlu (nee Ogiamien), who has had an illustrious, enviable career as a diplomat. On behalf of the good people of Edo State and the state government, I commiserate with her family. We have indeed lost a rare gem, who shone brightly in her assignment as a diplomat to India, Portugal and recently to Sao Tome and Principe.”

    He said the passing of Amb. Worlu was even more painful because the state is at a point where youth need inspiration from illustrious sons and daughters of the state, to act as role models, noting, “We are, however, blessed with the memory that she represented our state meritoriously and made us proud while she lived.

    “The state government is deeply saddened by the loss,” he said, calling on Edo youth to emulate the Ambassador’s knack for excellence and dedication to duty.

     

  • Mobile court convicts 34 persons for traffic offences in Edo

    Mobile court convicts 34 persons for traffic offences in Edo

    A mobile court, at the instance of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Edo Command, sitting in Okhuaihe, near Benin, on Tuesday, convicted 34 persons for various road traffic offences.

    TheNewsGuru reports the 34 convicted persons were prosecuted and arraigned before Chief Magistrate Edowaye Edokpayi.

    Edokpayi, while sentencing the convicts to various jail terms ranging from 14 days to 30 days in prison,
    however, gave them option of fines.

    One person was, however, discharged and acquitted by the court.

    Offences for which the offenders were convicted included overloading, violation of driver’s licence, fire extinguisher, number plate, worn-out tyre.

    One of the convicts, Taiwo Kamoru, with a Sienna vehicle Reg.No. ASB 513 ZL, was sentenced to 30 days in prison for multiple traffic offences.

    Some of his offences include failure to install speed limiting device, road obstruction, obstructing and assaulting marshal on duty and dangerous driving.

     

  • Edo NSCDC destroys 16 illegal refineries

    The Anti-Vandal Unit of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Edo has destroyed 16 illegal refineries in the last six months.

    The State Commandant of the Corps, Makinde Ayinla, disclosed this on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin.

    Ayinla said that the illegal refineries destroyed included eight in Edo South Senatorial district, six in Edo North and two in Edo Central.

    He also said that about 350,000 litres of illegally refined and adulterated petroleum product was seized and destroyed by the unit within the period.

    The Counter Terrorist Unit of the command, he added, arrested 14 suspects for various offences ranging from phone snatching to armed robbery.

    He further said that the Legal Unit secured five convictions, while 23 cases were still pending in various courts within the period under review.

    The Commandant told NAN that the Peace and Conflict Resolution Unit between January and June handled 10 cases, with seven concluded and three still ongoing.

    He also disclosed that the Private Guard Companies (PGCs) Department during the period sealed three PGCs for illegal operations while it registered and licensed 61.

    He also said that the department provided training and retraining for 18 private guard supervisors.

    Ayinla further said the Solid Minerals Unit of the command within the same period arrested nine illegal miners for operating various pits and quarry sites within the state.

    “Our Agro-Allied Unit within the period arrested nine suspected herdsmen with various locally made arms in various parts of the state.

    ” Also our Anti Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration Unit arrested two persons for alleged sexual assault and abuse of minors,’’ he also said.

    The Anti Fraud Unit of the command, he said, handled 25 cases of fraud which led to the cash recovery of N2. 27 million.

    He further said that the Operations Department within the period covered various operations, just as the Critical National Asset and Infrastructure Department deployed its personnel for the protection and preservation of government assets within the state.