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Tag: Edo State

  • Edo becomes model for devt funding in developing countries

    Edo becomes model for devt funding in developing countries

    Following the successes recorded in executing major infrastructure and social development projects in the state, especially the Edo-Azura Power Project, the World Bank has said that Edo State has become a model for development financing at the sub-national level in developing countries.

    World Bank Executive Director, Angola, Nigeria and South Africa sub-group, Ms. Bongi Kunene, gave the verdict during a lunch organised for 10 visiting World Bank Executive Directors, at the Government House, Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    She said that the Bretton Woods institution is impressed with the level of work done through its various projects as well as the partnership that birthed the Edo-Azura Power Project.

    Noting that the state is among the two sub-national governments that accessed its budget support instruments, she said the projects executed in the state are not just impressive but meet the expectations of the visiting delegation.

    She added that the World Bank is willing to “partner with the state on future projects, as long as the projects are in line with the Bank’s focus.”

    On the Edo-Azura Power Project, she said, “The project is transformational. It gives us a scope of what we can do together. We are delighted to see solutions. We would want to commit ourselves to projects that make sense and are in line with our focus.”

    She said more of such projects can be executed if governments are willing to cooperate with the bank in granting necessary approvals, allowing for thorough impact assessment and are open to multilateral financing arrangements.

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on his part said that with the 450MW Edo-Azura Power Project now on stream, the state wants more investors for the Benin Industrial Park and technology innovation hubs.

    He said the enabling environment to host diverse investors is now available, especially with the provision of power by companies like Edo-Azura Power.

    According to the governor, “Power is the key to industrialisation and development. We need to extend the benefits of this investment. Now that we have power, what are we going to do with it? The next set of projects are those that have to rely on this key infrastructure we have just created. So, we would be looking at the Benin Industrial Park, building infrastructure to encourage and support manufacturers to come in. We are looking at innovation hubs; we want to use the factor and advantage of 24/7 electricity to encourage technology groups and companies to be located in Edo State.”

     

  • Police arrest 7 kidnap suspects in Edo

    The police in Edo on Wednesday in Benin disclosed that its personnel had arrested seven members of a kidnap gang.

    The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Johnson Kokumo, announced this at a news conference on the command’s achievements in the fight against crime.

    Kokumo, who said the suspects were arrested on April 27, added that they were responsible for the kidnapping and killing of one Osagie Omayavbo in Benin on April 21.

    The commissioner also said that the gang had on April 19 shot one Ferdinand Osakwe, a journalist with the Independent Television, and made away with his car.

    According to him, the suspects also kidnapped a young mother and her five-month- old baby and made away with her unregistered Nissan Altima car on April 26.

    He, however, said that efforts were being made to arrest other members of the gang with a view to recovering the stolen vehicles from them.

    The commissioner said items recovered from the gang included two locally made pistols, three pump action guns and six locally made double barrel guns.

    Kokumo said that a cut-to-size double barrel gun, nine live and six expended cartridges as well as some wraps of weeds suspected to be cannabis were also recovered from the suspects.

    He said that 23 others, including a robbery suspect, serial rapist and murder suspect, were arrested within the period.

    Kokumo said that other suspects arrested by the command included two armed robbery suspects, two kidnap suspects and 22 suspected cultists.

    He said that items recovered from the suspects included two locally made pistols, one single barrel gun, Gionee M2 phone, three live cartridges and one locally made cut-to-size gun.

    Kokumo stressed the need for citizens to be vigilant at all times and report any illegal activity in their domains to security agencies for prompt attention.

     

  • Edo IDPs rice scandal: Obaseki’s Chief of Staff drags newspaper to court

    Chief of Staff to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state, Mr Taiwo Akerele, has dragged The Guardian Newspapers before a Benin High court on the footing of what he calls “general and/or exemplary or aggravated damages for libel.

    The case which was filed on Mr Akerele’s behalf by his twin brother, Kehinde, a legal practitioner relates to a report which the newspaper published earlier in the year with the title, “Probe of Alleged diversion of relief materials begins in Edo”.

    Recall that at the time of the report, which was published by many other local and national dailies, 4,781 bags of rice out of the 6,822 ostensibly approved for the Internally Displaced Persons Camp at Uhogwa in Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state by the Federal Government that was reported missing was generating controversy.

    The rice scandal which the state government insisted was judiciously disbursed saw the Nigerian Police inviting Chief Dan Orbih,Chairman of the Edo State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for questioning after he said the governor must account for the missing bags of rice.

    But in reaction, the state government said that all the bags of rice and other items like shoes, apart from the ones that were damaged in storage before they were allocated, were distributed to the Internally Displaced Persons camp and other orphanage homes within the state.

    According to the Media Adviser to the Governor, Mr Crusoe Osagie, said: “The allegation is laughable and completely false and is a design of detractors to smear the image of a performing government”.

    He said, “They have tried and failed on all other fronts, now they have stooped lower to a commodity as cheap as rice.”

    However, Akerele in his four paragraph claims before the court is asking it for an order for the newspaper to pay him a total sum of N2,250,000.00.

    He is asking for N250 million as general and/or exemplary or aggravated damages for libel and another N2.5 million as costs.

    In addition, Akerele is asking the court for an order so that the newspaper and one other, can publish a ” well- worded retracted and apology in a similarly conspicuous manner”.

     

  • Fake Vin Diesel, 2 others end up in jail

    Fake Vin Diesel, 2 others end up in jail

    The Benin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of a fake Vin Diesel and two other fraudsters at the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State.

    Two of the convicts, Prince Henry Ofeyi and Afatakpa David were convicted and sentenced by Justice P. I. Ajoku on Wednesday April 2 while the third convict, David Abumhere was convicted and sentenced on Thursday April 3, by the same judge.

    Henry Ofeyi and David Afatakpa were arraigned by the EFCC on a one-count charge each bordering on intent to defraud.

    Prince Henry Ofeyi was said to have on or about the 5th of October, 2017 falsely represented himself to be one Dexter Smith, a false identity he used in defrauding his victims.

    Court jails fake Vin Diesel, 2 others for internet fraud

    For Afatakpa David, he was alleged to have represented himself as Vin Diesel, an American movie star on social media platforms, an identity he used to defraud his victims.

    Upon arraignment, the duo pleaded guilty to charge prompting the prosecution counsel, Aso Larry Peter to ask the court to convict the accused persons accordingly.

    He also told the court that the EFCC recovered from Prince Henry Ofeyi the sum of N400,590.00 and a Toyota Corolla Saloon car while the sum of was recovered from Akatakpa. D.Tageme.

    The defence counsel Moses Oriazowan pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy saying the accused persons were remorseful and have promised never to go back to such despicable act.

    After listening to both counsels, Justice P. I. Ajoku sentenced the accused persons to one month imprisonment each adding that the proceeds of crime be forfeited to the Federal Government so that their victims can be restituted.

     

  • Obaseki advocates non-punitive tax regime for local companies

    Obaseki advocates non-punitive tax regime for local companies

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has made a strong case for more incentives for local companies, including a non-punitive tax regime to encourage more investments and boost the nation’s economic growth.

    Obaseki made the case while playing host to the management team of Guinness Nigeria Plc., led by the Chairman, Babatunde Savage, who paid a courtesy visit to the governor, at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    According to the governor, local investors who choose to contribute to the economic growth of the country must be encouraged with a tax regime that will serve as an incentive for their businesses.

    He said the state government will continue to encourage local investors, noting that “such measure will attract other investors to locate their businesses in the state.”

    He emphasised that “Without strong local investors, we cannot attract international investors,” and assured that he would take the campaign for a non-punitive tax regime to the federal government to attract more companies that will create jobs for the nation’s teeming unemployed youths.

    Obaseki commended Guinness Nigeria Plc for expanding its investment in the state with the unveiling of the company’s new product, Royal Kingdom Premium Lager Beer, noting that it is the beer for Edo people.

    He lauded the company for complementing the drive by the state government to create employment opportunities, “We commend Guinness for the direct and indirect jobs it has continued to create in the state. Local companies like Guinness Nigeria Plc. have continued to contribute to the overall development of the state.”

    Earlier, Chairman, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Babatunde Savage, expressed his company’s appreciation to the governor for supporting their operations in the state, noting, “Through the support of the state government, the company has been able to expand its business in the state.

    Savage said “The company’s new product: Royal Kingdom Premium Lager Beer, has its materials sourced locally. This was a deliberate choice to empower people in the state.”

     

  • Workers’ day: Obaseki approves N1.5bn Paris refunds for payment of arrears

    Workers’ day: Obaseki approves N1.5bn Paris refunds for payment of arrears

    Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo has approved the use of N1.5 billion from the Paris Club refunds to offset part of N2.5 billion salary and pension arrears of local government workers in the state.

    The governor announced the decision during May Day celebration in the state which held at the University of Benin Sports Complex in Benin on Tuesday.

    Obaseki said his administration was committed to the welfare of workers.

    “I have instructed that all outstanding salaries and pension arrears owed local government workers be paid before the end of this year,’’ he said.

    The governor said his administration had successfully paid batches 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41 of the state pensioners.

    He promised to increase the monthly allocation of N100 million for the payment of pension arrears to N200 million with effect from Tuesday.

    He said plans were on to enrol all local government staff in the contributory pension scheme like their counterparts in state service who were already captured in the scheme.

    Obaseki said every worker who deserved promotion would be promoted to encourage productivity in the service.

    The governor also promised to provide a new printing press for the state-owned Nigerian Observer newspaper company within the next three months.

    He also said the government would set up Edo State Civil Service Training Institute and get it ready before the end of the year.

    In their speeches, Mr Emmanuel Ademokun, the Edo Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress and Mr Marshall Orhue of Trade Union Congress, commended the governor for the prompt payment of workers’ salaries.

    They also lauded the governor’s efforts in infrastructure development, reformation in the state Basic Education sector and economic reforms.

    Ademokun, however appealed to the state government to immediately commence recruiting staff into the state Ministries, Departments and Agencies to strengthen the workforce.

    He also called for the implementation of the new technical cadre approved by the National Council on Establishment for the state health sector.

    On his part, Orhue called on the governor to give attention to issues affecting some state establishments and improve the working conditions of permanent secretaries.

    The May Day celebration was based on the theme, Labour Movement in National Development: Dare to Struggle Dare to Win.

     

  • Obaseki converts ICE to tech-innovation hub

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state government has converted the Institute for Continuing Education (ICE) in Benin City to a technology innovation hub, as part of initiatives to engage and develop skills of the teeming youth population in the state.

    Obaseki disclosed this at a two-day workshop organised by the state government in partnership with First Bank of Nigeria, for young entrepreneurs as well as Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the state, at the weekend, in Benin City.

    He noted, “In a few months’ time, the state government will set-up the first technology innovation hub with thousands of computers supported with high-speed connectivity. The state will invite technological companies to provide support services at the hub.”

    The hub, he said, “will serve as a facility for training youths in the state. It would also be used as a centre for follow-up training for youths who are participating in similar training programmes organised by the state government in partnership with the First Bank of Nigeria.”

    Obaseki explained, “The state government has decided to reposition the former Institute of Continuing Education into an advanced learning centre and an innovation hub. Work has started and, in few months, the Centre will be ready with computers and equipment for the training of our youth.”

    The governor also tasked youth in the state to register on the EdoJobs portal, noting, “The portal was created to provide data from which youth who will benefit from the state government’s job and wealth creation initiatives will be selected.”

    He added that the state will retrain youth to be able to realise their potential, noting, “We are trying to correct the faulty education and prepare our youth to compete favourably with youth in other parts of the world.

    “We will not lament and continue to make excuses as we have drawn the line to make youth in the state productive. The next generation of children in the state will have world class basic education that will see them through life.”

    Obaseki noted that the state will continue to partner with firms like First Bank of Nigeria to provide youth with remedial knowledge and skills to make them employable and become entrepreneurs.

    Chairperson, First Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, commended the governor for his people-centered policies, noting, “The state is fortunate to have a governor whose heart is with his people. He has the right network with firms that can assist youths create wealth for themselves.”

    Awosika tasked youth in the state to embrace the job and wealth creation initiatives of the Godwin Obaseki-led administration. “If youth do not see good in Nigeria, then you cannot get anything good from her. Within the same Nigeria, people are creating value from what the likes of Obaseki are putting together for youth,” she said.

     

  • Youths burn police officer’s residence in Edo

    Some youths in Evbuomama community in Ikpoba-Okah Local Government Area of Edo have set ablaze the residence of a police officer following the death of one, Glory Imarogie.

    The deceased was said to have died in a hospital after he was allegedly tortured at the Edo Police headquarters.

    He was said to have been arrested after he had an altercation with his landlord, a serving police officer, SP Austin Ehiziegbe.

    His landlord was said to have been annoyed because late Glory’s niece celebrated her birthday at his residence without his permission.

    A fracas was said to have ensued between the landlord and his tenant when the deceased and his brothers resisted attempts to stop the birthday party.

    SP Austin allegedly invited policemen from the Anti-Cult Unit and told his colleagues that cult members had invaded his residence to celebrate a birthday party.

    Father of the deceased, a retired police officer, Mr Joseph Imarogie, said his two sons were arrested during the birthday party of his grand daughter because the landlord said he did not give them permission.

    Imarogie said his sons were arrested and tortured till they were granted bail, but one of his sons had already taken ill.

    He said Glory later died at the hospital.

    “This policeman asked why would my son celebrate birthday without permission.

    “He locked the gate and brought out pistol. We begged him that we will come and see him after the party, but he did not agree.

    “I was at the hospital with my son and did not know about the mob action,” Imarogie said.

    A niece of the landlord, Odion Jimoh, said the deceased and his brothers dragged the gun with his uncle after a first shot was fired before the anti-cult arrested them.

    On his part, the landlord said he was surprised when he received a call that the house had been set ablaze.

    “I received a call this morning that the boy that fought me and was granted bail was rushed to the hospital where he died.

    “My family later called me that people have set fire on the house.”

    Edo police spokesman, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the incident and said some persons had been arrested.

     

  • Edo Govt. to engage 3,600 youths in public works scheme

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has disclosed plan by the state government to engage 3,600 youths from the 18 local government areas to strengthen the state’s Public Works Volunteer (PUWOV) scheme.

    Speaking at a one-day, well-attended Youth Entrepreneurship, Empowerment and Leadership Seminar organised by the state government in collaboration with the youth wing of the Edo State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) at Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, Obaseki urged the youths to take their place in the development of the state and nation.

    He noted that the seminar with the theme “Owning Your Future,” was designed to integrate the youth in the overall development of the state, as the government is in talks with the heads of local government councils to engage at least 200 youths from their local government areas.

    “The youths will receive world class training on security; traffic management and other areas related to law and order,” he added.

    The governor assured that youths are very strategic in his economic development plan for the state as he is committed to engaging them in productive activities to enable them contribute positively to the development of the state

    “In the last 15 months we have employed over 45,000 Edo youths through Edo Jobs portal and we are calling on more youths to register as we have created a friendly business environment for investors to create more opportunities for the youths.”

    Obaseki said his administration is ready to change the narrative that youths are better used as thugs and train them to be self sufficient and employers of labour.

    “Politics must be used to expand the base for millions of youths who are the productive population,” the governor emphasized.

    He noted that in the last 15 months, his administration has been able to win the hearts of the people through improved security; orderliness and the prevailing friendly environment for investors who are flocking to the state to invest.

    He charged youths in the 192 wards across the state to prepare business proposals that are well tailored to business ideas within their locality as he will recommend them to investors to finance them.

    Earlier, the APC Youth leader in the state Hon. Valentine Asuen, urged the youths to leverage on the business opportunities being provided across the state.

     

  • Edo Govt. trains senior civil servants on PER

    In line with Governor Godwin Obaseki’s ongoing reforms of the state civil service, the Edo State government has trained senior civil servants on Performance Evaluation Reporting.

    Speaking at the workshop held in Benin City, Edo State capital, Head of Service (HoS), Mrs. Gladys Idahor, who represented the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, said the training was to acquaint senior civil servants with requisite knowledge for annual evaluation of junior civil service officers.

    She said the training became necessary to ensure that the promotion of civil servants in the state does not suffer unnecessary hitches because of poor knowledge of Annual Performance Evaluation Reporting (APER).

    The one-day training themed: Appreciating the Rudiments of Annual Performance Evaluation Reporting was organised for senior officers in the civil service. It focused on Civil Service Ethics in Assessment of Workers’ Annual Performance.

    Idahor said, “The state government will not tolerate sentiment and bias either in form of personal interest and undue gratification among senior officers evaluating junior officers for promotion. The training will broaden knowledge of officers in-charge of Annual Performance Evaluations Report (APER) Form.”

    Noting that the government is determined to sustain ongoing reforms in the civil service, she urged participants to leverage on the opportunities provided by the training to acquaint themselves with up-to-date knowledge of Annual Performance Evaluation Reporting in line with international best practice.

    Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Establishments, Training and Manpower Development, Barr. (Mrs.) D.O Enakhimion, said the training provided top civil servants with modern methods of processing the APER form.

    Mrs. Enakhimion urged the officers to put the knowledge acquired to good use to improve the state civil service in line with the objectives of the state government.