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Tag: Edo State

  • Obaseki begins restructuring of Edo Mgt. Institute

    Obaseki begins restructuring of Edo Mgt. Institute

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has announced the appointment of Prof. Abiodun Falodun, as the Acting Rector of the Edo State Institute of Technology and Management, Usen.

    In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq., Obaseki said, “The appointment of Prof. Falodun takes immediate effect, while the outgoing Rector, Patience Omosigho Edoimioya, is to handover the administration of the institute and its property to the new rector.”

    Prof. Falodun, a Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, until his appointment, was the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, at the University of Benin, Benin City.

    Prof. Falodun had his bachelor and Postgraduate education in Pharmacy at the University of Benin. A Fulbright scholar, he has held several academic and administrative positions at the University of Benin, as well as, post-doctoral research positions in the United States, Japan, China, Germany, and many other countries. He is a renowned researcher in natural product chemistry.

    Meanwhile, as part of ongoing plans to streamline the state’s policy on forestry and structure the State’s Forestry Commission, Governor Obaseki has approved the constitution of a 16-member Advisory Committee on Forestry.

    In a statement, Ogie said, “Members of the committee include: Dr. Felix Idumah, Chief Osayande Obaseki, Andrew Egbadon, Dr. Felix Onogholo, Hon. Omo Ezomo, Abu Julius Ekpeshie, Daniel Omobude, and Barr. Garrick Ede Blessing.”

    Others are: Christopher Omoregie, Prof. Esohe Obonor, Mr. Duke Osunbor, Hon. Samson Abu, Hon. Olajina Benjamin, Mr. Lucky Odeh, Mr. Oregbeme Anthony and Mr. Nimmo Bassey.

    Osarodion added that the swearing-in ceremony of the committee is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 4, 2018.

     

  • Okowa, Obaseki celebrate Kachikwu chieftaincy

    Okowa, Obaseki celebrate Kachikwu chieftaincy

    Governors of Edo and Delta states have congratulated the Kachikwu family over the conferment of Ochiligwe of Onicha-Ugbo and Ezinne Oligbo on Barr. Mrs. Josephine Ada Kachikwu, with Governor Godwin Obaseki describing the honours as well deserved.

    Speaking at the conferment ceremony of the chieftaincy titles, in Issele-Uku, Delta State, Obaseki said that Mrs. Ada Kachikwu, who is the stepmother of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, has over the years contributed to her immediate community and exhibited exemplary qualities that marked her out for the titles.

    According to him, “the double titles show that she has a unique personality. This is not forgetting that her husband, late Justice Francis Okafor Kachikwu was a prominent Jurist in the defunct Bendel State and Nigeria, and they both impacted and touched lives.”

    Obaseki added that Mrs Kachikwu provided support to her husband throughout his successful career and even when her husband died, she continued to champion the cause of her community. “This tells of her character and commendable personality. We are happy to be here to celebrate her,” he said.

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa eulogized Mrs Kachikwu’s outstanding life of service to humanity, noting that she was a mother to all. “We are happy with her, as her service to her community has earned her double chieftaincy titles by two communities here in Delta State. It is wonderful to have this kind of honour.”

    Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu said Barr. Mrs. Ada Kachikwu is a wonderful, committed, dedicated woman, who though married his father at the age of 18, was adept at managing home chores and many other maternal responsibilities of her step-children.

    He said her determination saw her achieve her dreams of being a midwife, lawyer and later a politician, which she used to positively to touch lives.

    He said the story of Nigeria will not be properly told until we are united, irrespective of our political affiliation, noting that it was important to tolerate one another as citizens of the country. “The earlier we rise against sentiment and live as one and united people, the better for us,” he added.

     

  • Azura Power Project: Obaseki markets Edo state

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the successful partnership between the state government and developers of Edo Azura Power Project has further demonstrated how much other investors can achieve if they invest in the state.

    The governor made the submission during an interview with journalists in Benin City, Edo State capital, noting, “The impact of the Edo Azura project is quite significant because it tells the world that things can be done properly and in line with global best standards in Nigeria, particularly in Edo State.”

    Obaseki said, “The Edo Azura Power Project signals the opportunities available in Edo State and what can be achieved. On the back of Azura, we have the confidence to continue to develop other ground-breaking transactions with the experience with lenders from the World Bank and other partners who supported us.

    “If we go out today to talk about investments in Edo, the positive experience of Azura will be referenced. It makes us very confident when it comes to embarking on groundbreaking initiatives or projects,” he added.

    Obaseki noted that the project signals to the outside world that Edo State is ready and open for investors to do business, as it has key elements required for industrialisation.

    According to the governor, “The state government that supported Edo Azura project is still open and in place. Despite that the project began in the Adams Oshiomhole’s administration, my administration is a continuation of that government. Edo Azura Power plant is also in place to support other ground-breaking transactions with other investors.”

    Obaseki said, “We are currently talking with developers of Edo Azura Independent Power Project to work with us in other ground-breaking development projects.”

    Noting that the state government will continue to partner with investors, he said, “As a government that is very interested in development, that understands the transformational capacity of industries, we will support any developer who is ready to invest in the state.

    He added that after the state contributed land to the developers of Edo Azura Power project, she ensured compensation was paid and that the host community was sensitised on the need to cooperate with the developers.

    Obaseki said, “The project has made quite a lot of impact because of the developers of the project acted responsibly and were committed to ensuring that the project impacts on the community, which was top priority. In the selection of contractors and other conversations and discussions, it was made clear that the project creates jobs.”

    Noting that there was a deliberate plan to create jobs in the local community with the project, he said, “The contractors on site are Siemens, Julius Berger as well as other consultants, who had detailed work plans on how to hire locally and build local capacity. Throughout the period of construction of the project, I can’t recall any incident between the community and developers. This was because the developers were committed to hiring and building capacity locally.”

     

  • Gelegele Seaport: China Harbour intensifies work, wraps preliminary phase

    The Edo State Government has said that efforts to industrialise the state is gaining momentum as China Harbour Engineering Company Limited intensifies work on the development of the Gelegele Seaport in Benin City.

    Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said “we are excited at the pace of work on the project. We foresee the delivery of this project well ahead of the scheduled delivery date.

    “Our partner, China Harbour Engineering Company Limited is living up to its billing as its personnel have been on ground for over about two months now. They have been working round the clock doing soil testing, ground mapping, following the aerial survey they did immediately they arrived Benin City, to ascertain the positioning of the facility in line with best environmental practice.

    “A visit to the site showed some de-watering, excavation and land reclamation work and the Project Execution Plan revealed that the Seaport will be delivered well ahead of the scheduled date of delivery.”

    Osagie added: “Governor Obaseki is in a hurry to transform Edo State into a state with solid industrial base. A lot of work is ongoing in the background to ensure that these projects are delivered in record time. It is not his style to create a buzz around projects.

    He further said: “The Edo Fertiliser and Chemical Company came on stream without any media hype until it was commissioned. The first phase of the Edo- Azura Power project was delivered in same manner and we are looking forward to receiving the first ship that will berth at the Gelegele Seaport. It will be a landmark event that will change the face of the state’s economy forever.”

    The governor’s Aide assured that with a functional port in Gelegele, Edo people and residents in the state will start enjoying the benefits of exporting and importing their goods to and from Europe/America, respectively.

    “We foresee the establishment of allied businesses such as tank farms, private dry ports and others, that by default go with seaports.,” he added.

    China Harbour in January, began the execution of the project with an in-depth assessment of the Gelegele Seaport Report submitted by the Engr. Greg Ero-led Technical Committee on the Actualisation of the seaport, to the state government.

    The company with over 90 branches and operating in about 100 countries across the world commenced operations in 1994, is handling various projects in Nigeria including Calabar, Warri ports and most recently, the $1billion Lekki Deep Seaport.

     

  • Easter: Sen. Alimikhena harps on defending democracy

    Senate deputy chief whip, Senator Francis Alimikhena has urged Nigerians to shun their parochial and ethnic interest by defending the nation’s democracy through a new sense of purpose and determination to make things work.

    He said the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ was a sufficient example of self sacrifice by defending his calling.

    “As Nigerians we have been called into a collective ship as a nation and we must join hands together and shun our personal agitations in order to defend the ship and our democracy from sinking and further slide,” he said.

    The Edo North Senator, called on all Nigerians to be alert and defend our Democracy against political jobbers and merchants who are determined to truncate our democracy by sponsoring revolt and crisis across the nation for their personal enrichment against the growth and development of the Nation.

    According to him “Whichever side of the religion or political divides we may find ourselves, let us unite across tongue and creed to move our long suffering nation forward. What must be paramount is the interest of our country. What makes for the good of all; welfare and security of our citizens must of a necessity be our vision and purpose.”

    While reiterating his commitment to the people of Edo North, Senator Alimikhena said he has not performed below expectation due to his various developmental land marks in the area. “With the ongoing efforts in upgrading the Auchi polytechnic into a Federal University of Technology the economic life of the area will be revive and Edo North will be producing the human resource for the productive sector of the Nigerian economy.

    He expressed the need for unity of purpose and collective commitment by all Nigerians in overcoming the challenges confronting us as a nation.

    “Easter is a time for all Christians to ponder over the supreme sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and take a cue from his selflessness, by eschewing all forms of political, social and religious vices.”

    In a press statement issued by his Personal Assistant Benjamin Atu, Senator Alimikhena maintained that Easter is a time for spiritual renewal and commitment to the progress of humanity.

    “This is a period for us to be committed to the ideals of Nationhood by putting the Nation first in all our endeavors and put our past behind us in order to come together to nurture the Hope and Unity that has always bound us together as one great nation. As believers we must not forget the price of redemption and the hope ahead of us in our struggle for livelihood.

    The Senate Deputy Whip who described violent as a very limited political tool that must not be explores or encourage said, “Unity is our weapon not aggression. Violent is an ignorant way of expressing interest.

    While cautioning against politics of violence He said, ‘in our quest for political power we must not destroy the nation we seek to rule. ‘Power comes from God and power is only given to those who lower themselves to pick it up and not those who instigate the best of violence.’

    “We must come together and have faith in Nigeria in order to combat ignorance and intolerance of atrocities. The Senator called on those crusading for war and instigating crisis to direct their energy in other productive venture for the betterment of humanity. “No preaching can make any difference if we do not resolve individually to change our attitude towards government irrespective of political party.

    He urged the Nigerian youth to shun truancy and other anti socio behavior that would jeopardize their future. The Edo North Senator appealed to politicians at all level to endear themselves to the people by their words, deed and actions and not place partisan politics above the immediate needs and priorities of Nigerians in order to serve as model for the upcoming generation.

    Senator Alimikhena assured Nigerians that better days are ahead for our nation. We must collectively seek the future we desire by making the nation a safe place for us to dwell. As Nigerians, we must emulate the steadfastness of our Lord and savior by defending the peace and unity of our country in order to strengthen our democracy.

     

  • Good Friday: Obaseki tasks Christians on sacrifice, passion for national rebirth

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called on Christians to imbibe the virtue of selfless service in commemoration of the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary.

    Obaseki made the call to mark Good Friday, a holiday in the Christian calendar which marks the end of the 40 days Lenten season. It is celebrated by several Christian denominations across the world.

    He noted, “As Christian faithful celebrate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary, I urge everyone to take this opportunity to reflect on the significance of this day, the solemnity of selfless service and the passion for the downtrodden.

    “As we go about our activities to mark this day, we should not forget to make sacrifices for the development of our nation. This is necessary to set Nigeria on the path of progress.”

    Obaseki added, “Good Friday brings to the fore, the love of Christ for mankind, for which he gave his life. So also should we remember to be our brother’s keeper, upholding the spirit of togetherness and sacrifice for the greater good of all.

    “The spirit of sacrifice as exemplified by Jesus Christ who offered himself for mankind on the cross of Calvary should be a lesson for all Christians. Genuine love for humanity can only be expressed when we take the teachings and examples of Christ to heart.”

    Obaseki urged Christians to use the occasion of Good Friday to pray for peace and progress of the country, noting, “It is only when there is peace that meaningful progress can be achieved. We must all work towards ensuring peace in our neighbourhoods, state and country.”

     

  • Oba of Benin places Libya returnees on salaries

    The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has placed each returnee from Libya, on three months salaries.

    A statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Desmond Agbama, on Thursday said Oba Ewuare, announced this when he hosted to Libyan returnees in his palace.

    Apart from the allowances, the Oba said the Oba Ewuare Foundation would provide the necessary tools/facilities for those who had gone through the various skills acquisition programmes.

    He expressed disappointment over the mentality of the Nigerian youth, with the quest to make quick money without legitimate means, noting that youths must embrace agriculture and other legal businesses to excel.

    The statement said the monarch frowned at the attitude of some parents who encouraged illegal migration via sea and desert, stressing that the palace would employ all traditional means to eradicate the scourge.

    Oba Ewuare, who was full of praises for ancestors and for steps taken so far to curb the menace of human trafficking and wave of crime in the state, called for concerted efforts of all to win the fight against the inhuman acts.

    Earlier, the leader of the returnees, Mr Vincent David, told Omo N’Oba that they were at the palace to seek assistance for tools to enable them start up lives after acquiring the necessary skills from the government.

    The returnees further praised Oba Ewuare for deploying traditional means to rescue trafficked victims from their slave masters.

    The monarch further promised to assist all the trafficked victims to begin better lives.

     

  • APC youth leader, Sedi shot dead in Edo state

    A youth leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Etsako West Local Government Area of the Edo State, Mr. Samson Sedi, has been reportedly shot dead by armed robbers while attempting to rescue a female petrol station attendant from robbery attack.

    Confirming the development the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, expressed shock at the news of the brutal killing of the APC youth leader that happened on Wednesday night in Jattu.

    “I was shocked on receiving the news of Mr. Samson Sedi’s death. My heart goes out to his family. I have ordered the relevant security agencies to arrest the killers and prosecute them without delay,” Obaseki said.

    He described the late Sedi as “a grassroots mobiliser, a philanthropist who cared for orphans and a great lover of people, whose death is a huge loss to Edo people and the APC”.

    Mr. Sedi was allegedly killed by armed robbers while attempting to rescue a female petrol station attendant in Jattu, Etsako West Local Government Area, who was being robbed on Wednesday in Jattu.

    “I learnt he was driving into a road around a petrol station in Jattu and heard a female petrol station attendant shouting for help.

    “The late Sedi, drove into the petrol station to ascertain what was happening, only to be shot by the armed robbers who were operating at the petrol station.

    “Sedi has been with us in our party for a long time and I sympathise with his family,” the governor said.

    Sedi who was fondly called ‘Power Remain’ by his friends and supporters, was a rallying point for APC youths in his ward and constituency.

     

  • JUST IN: Obaseki appoints 6 new permanent secretaries

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the appointment of six permanent secretaries in the state Civil Service.

    A statement signed by the Head of Service (HoS), Mrs. Gladys Idahor, said the state governor approved the appointment of Mrs. Oboh Akongie Usiriedo, Mrs. Imasuen S. I, and Ms. Enakhimion D. O. as permanent secretaries.

    Others are Engr. Enabulele Ferguson, Mr. Oigboke B. O., and Mr. Ogbebor R. O.

    Mrs. Idahor said the date for their swearing-in will be announced later.

    In a recent development in the State, Governor Obaseki inaugurated the state’s Food and Nutrition Committee to develop sustainable strategies to tackle the problem of malnutrition in the state.

    Governor Obaseki, who inaugurated the committee at the Government House in Benin City, said, “The committee will assist the state government to identify and encourage the consumption of nutritious food in the state. Eating highly nutritious food goes a long way in ensuring that people not only get needed energy to work but also sustain good health to contribute to development.”

    “We are concerned about the health status and nutrition of our people, particularly among very young persons and old people. Therefore, setting up this committee is important,” he said.

    Explaining the role of nutrition in development, he said, “We are aware that there is a connection between healthy eating, preventive medicine, girl-child education, women empowerment and childhood development. And we don’t want to leave all of these issues to chance.”

    Obaseki said, the terms of reference for the committee include to identify the problems of nutrition in the state; coordinate efforts to improve nutrition and ensure adequate resource allocation towards addressing issues bothering on malnutrition.

    He noted, “The committee has the mandate to identify measures to be put in place by various stakeholders and institutions to tackle malnutrition in the state. They will also review strategies to tackle malnutrition and their impact on the society.”

    Obaseki called for synergy among various stakeholders in the food and nutrition sector to avoid duplicity of roles, as this will allow for optimal use of resources.

    Chairperson of the Committee and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Vera Obadan, said, “The initiative will put nutrition on the front burner, which is key to human development.”

    Obadan, who was represented by Vice Chairman of the committee and Vice Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Prof. Ignatius Onimawo, said the bedrock of nutrition is breastfeeding, noting that the rate of breastfeeding in the country is low.

    She said the committee will embark on massive sensitisation campaign to educate mothers on the importance of breastfeeding which will ensure healthy childhood development.

     

  • Edo Govt. hands over father, 2 sons to police for defiling 9-yr-old child

    The Edo State government has handed over 70 years old Francis Ezomo, and his two sons; Nosa Ezomo, 26 years old and Festus Ezomo, 29 years old, to the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Johnson Kokumo, for allegedly defiling a nine-year-old girl, who is a relative of Mr Francis Ezomo’s wife.

    The Acting Chairman of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Basic Education, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, told journalists after the suspects were handed over to the Police at Government House, Benin City, that the case was reported to her office by the headmistress of the minor.

    “The issue came to the limelight when the headmistress of the minor’s school noticed a change of behaviour in the minor and decided to ask her what the problem was. The nine years old girl narrated her ordeal to the headmistress who then informed the Education Secretary of the local government council where the alleged crime took place. We then swung into action and got the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development involved,” Dr. Oviawe said.

    The SUBEB boss added that when “we could not get the necessary action required from the Police, the state government swung into action and these three men were apprehended almost immediately.”

    She explained that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has taken custody of the child who is now in a safe place and assured that SUBEB would ensure that her education is not truncated.

    “What the men have done is bad and their actions have attempted to destroy the life and future of the minor. The three men took advantage of the child and exposed her to trauma. We have waded into the case to ensure justice prevails,” Oviawe said.

    The commissioner of police assured that his men would investigate the allegation and charge the case to court.

    “Scientific investigation for the minor was sent to the hospital and a doctor report has shown that her hymen has been broken. The scientific report has established that the minor was sexually abused. We will investigate the case and charge them to court,” Kokumo said, and urged parents not to leave the duty of nurturing their children to teachers in schools.

    “Nurturing a child is not just the responsibility of the school, both parents and guardians have a lot of roles to play in the proper training up of our children,” the police boss said.