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Tag: Edo State

  • Obaseki to build 3 super general hospitals in Edo

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has unveiled plans to build three Super General Hospitals in the three Senatorial Districts in the state and assured medical personnel of improved working conditions for an effective and efficient healthcare system in the state.

    The governor gave the assurance when he received executive members of the Association of Resident Doctors with the Edo State Hospital Management Board (SHMB) at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State on Monday.

    Obaseki said, “This administration is aware of the challenges confronting the state healthcare system. We are working to resolve these challenges. We have held several meetings to see how to address the peculiar problems with the healthcare system in the state. We have records of medical personnel and state of facilities in the healthcare system in the state.”

    Obaseki, however, appealed to the medical doctors to be patient and continue to support the reforms of the state government to revamp the health sector, noting, “The state government appreciates efforts of medical doctors. Government is working to establish one General Hospital per local government council across the state, while one super General Hospital will be sited in each Senatorial District for optimal performance.

    Noting that the state has made plans for a health insurance scheme, he said, “A bill for a law to set up the State Health Insurance Scheme is before the State House of Assembly. The bill is structured to make provision for affordable and accessible healthcare for people in the state.”

    President, Association of Resident Doctors, Edo State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Karl Umakhine, said, “The visit is to enable us present the challenges confronting the health sector and to contribute to the solutions. It is not true that doctors in the state don’t report at their duty post. We work under difficult conditions but need to be motivated.”

     

  • Obaseki urges tougher measures against slavery

    Obaseki urges tougher measures against slavery

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has urged world leaders to strengthen existing laws and policies against all forms of slavery, to uphold the dignity of the human being.

    Obaseki made the call in commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, marked on March 25 each year.

    He decried the reappearance of slavery in Libya and other parts of the world, several decades after it was abolished, and hailed the efforts of the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, at bringing an end to human trafficking in the state.

    “Since the intervention by Oba Ewuare II, we have received positive feedbacks from the camps of the human traffickers in Europe and other parts of the world. They have been rattled and many of them have given up the inhuman trade for decent lifestyles, knowing the weight of the royal pronouncements.”

    The governor assured that “with the extensive and speedy work that have been done by the Edo State House of Assembly on the ‘Bill to Prohibit Trafficking in Persons and Establish the Edo State Taskforce Against Trafficking in Persons’, the stage is set for an all out war against human traffickers and their collaborators.”

    He said the Bill, when signed into law, will strengthen existing Federal Government laws and agencies in tackling human trafficking.

    Obaseki noted that the United Nations International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, should remind everyone of the millions of lives that were lost; namely women, children and young men.

    “We must never go that route again. In Edo State, we have lost thousands of our young men and women to illegal migration and human trafficking and this is unacceptable.

    “My administration is committed to a new order that will engage our productive youths in dignifying and rewarding economic ventures that earn them decent wages,” he added.

    According to the United Nations, “for over 400 years, more than 15 million men, women and children were the victims of the tragic transatlantic slave trade, one of the darkest chapters in human history.

    “Every year on March 25, the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade offers the opportunity to honour and remember those who suffered and died at the hands of the brutal slavery system. The International Day also aims to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice today.”

    In order to more permanently honour the victims, a memorial has been erected at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

    An exhibition titled “Remember Slavery: Say It Loud” has been on display since March 5, in the Visitors Lobby at United Nations Headquarters New York.

    The exhibit is organised as part of the commemoration of the 2018 International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, under the theme “Remember Slavery: Triumphs and Struggles for Freedom and Equality”.

    “The theme celebrates the gains of people of African descent from slavery to present. It also acknowledges the challenges that have been overcome in the movement towards freedom and equality in all professions” the UN said.

     

  • Edo floats new waste management scheme

    Edo floats new waste management scheme

    The Edo State Government has said a new waste management scheme will be launched, in April, to monitor the activities of waste managers across the state.

    Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Hon. Reginald Okun, disclosed this in a chat with journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    Okun said the new waste management scheme will ensure effective monitoring of activities of waste managers and ensure that the people are better served by the service providers, noting, “Waste managers in the state will be required to register with the state’s waste management board.”

    Warning that the state will no longer tolerate the practice where operators go about their activities without following the set guidelines, Okun said, “With the new waste management scheme in place, before anyone goes about claiming to be a waste manager in the state, he or she must be certified by the state’s waste management board.”

    He added that those who fail to register with the board will be considered as criminals and will be prosecuted, adding, “Those who also patronise these illegal waste managers will also be prosecuted. Individuals and companies are also required to have waste managers in place for evacuation of wastes.”

    Okun urged Edo people to support the state government in her effort to control and manage waste effectively. He said, “People must ensure they patronise waste managers who are duly registered. We will continue to focus more effort in sensitising people to develop the right attitude to waste management.”

    On the speculation that harmful chemicals are disposed indiscriminately in rivers, Okun said, “The state government monitors the activities of companies, which dispose harmful chemicals, and ensures that such chemicals are disposed adequately and are done in such a way that people’s lives are not threatened.”

    “A section of the state’s waste management board is in place to monitor liquid evacuation. It ensures that companies who discharge harmful chemicals evacuate them properly without posing threat on the environment.”

    Okun added the state government intends to work with local government councils to ensure effective waste management in major areas and markets across the 18 local councils in the state.

     

  • Broadband penetration: NCC to license more infracos, auction additional spectrums

    In the bid to achieve its broadband penetration target, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said it will license more infrastructure companies (Infracos) and also auction additional spectrums very soon.

    Professor Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC stated this recently saying Nigeria is left with just 8 per cent to attain the 30 per cent broadband target set by the Federal Government by the end of this year.

    “At the moment, Nigeria has moved from 10 per cent to 22 per cent broadband penetration in the pursuit of the 30 per cent target set for December 2018.

    “Effort is ongoing to deepen the penetration as part of this administration’s eight-point agenda.

    “Plans are also ongoing to license Infrastructure Companies, Infracos, auction some frequency licences, while some are being initiated and some being reframed to achieve the broadband penetration target.

    “In broadband, we have moved from 10 per cent to 22 per cent broadband penetration at the moment. All these are going on simultaneously,” Danbatta said.

    Meanwhile, Edo state government has made drastic moves to take advantage of this development with the view to attracting more telecoms infrastructure to the State in order to provide its citizens with world class telecoms and ICT services.

    In an elaborate meeting between the Executive Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the NCC, led by the Commission’s Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Mr Sunday Dare, the NCC assured Obaseki of readiness to support the achievement of the ICT aspirations of the State through the deployment of fiber infrastructure under the Commission’s InfraCo project and interventions by the Universal Service Provision Fund.

    Dare, at the meeting, assured the Governor that NCC is keen to partner Edo State to achieve win-win solutions in the overall interests of the good people of Edo State.

    In his remarks, the Governor noted that the Edo State Government is focused on exploring non-oil resources and has therefore articulated developmental priorities focusing on creating a sense of order (participative, accountable and open governance); and a sense of security, safety and stability necessary to attract requisite investments to develop the State.

    Since its developmental goals relies on the seamless availability of telecoms/ICT infrastructure, Edo State is passionate about the need to attract robust telecoms infrastructure to drive manufacturing, education and other socio-economic activities.

    As an example of the State’s forward-looking approach, the Governor noted that Edo State has always made provision for shared fiber ducts in its road projects and looks forward to engaging with NCC and operators to agree on fiber deployment projects and routes as necessary.

     

  • Edo state pushes for robust telecoms infrastructure

    Edo state pushes for robust telecoms infrastructure

    The Government of Edo State and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have reaffirmed their commitment to work together to improve access to telecoms infrastructure and provide citizens of Edo State with world class telecoms and ICT facilities.

    This commitment was made during a meeting between the Executive Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the NCC, led by the Commission’s Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Mr Sunday Dare.

    In his welcome remarks at the meeting, which was held at the NCC headquarters on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, Mr. Dare commended the forward-looking policies of the Governor and assured him of the NCC’s readiness to support the achievement of the ICT aspirations of the State through the deployment of fiber infrastructure under the Commission’s InfraCo project and interventions by the Universal Service Provision Fund.

    He noted that the NCC is aggressively driving accessibility to telecoms networks at all nooks and crannies of the Federation.

    He, however, regretted that situation with multiple taxation and regulation in some States of the Federation is counter-productive for the States – this is because they end up losing substantial revenues and developmental opportunities which could have been stimulated with the presence of telecoms infrastructure.

    He assured the Governor that NCC is keen to partner Edo State to achieve win-win solutions in the overall interests of the good people of Edo State.

    In his remarks, the Governor noted that the Edo State Government is focused on exploring non-oil resources and has therefore articulated developmental priorities focusing on creating a sense of order (participative, accountable and open governance); and a sense of security, safety and stability necessary to attract requisite investments to develop the State.

    Since its developmental goals relies on the seamless availability of telecoms/ICT infrastructure, Edo State is passionate about the need to attract robust telecoms infrastructure to drive manufacturing, education and other socio-economic activities.

    As an example of the State’s forward-looking approach, the Governor noted that Edo State has always made provision for shared fiber ducts in its road projects and looks forward to engaging with NCC and operators to agree on fiber deployment projects and routes as necessary.

    During the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the USPF, Mr Ayuba Shuaibu confirmed that the USPF has evaluated and agreed to support the College of Education in Benin City and the Institute of Continuing Education in Abudu, Edo State with a grant to establish a computer laboratory and provide Optic Fiber Connectivity to the institutions.

    The Governor thanked the USPF for the gesture and emphasized that the State is committed to the deployment of technology solutions to enhance basic education delivery, skills development and economic opportunities for its citizens. Mr Dare assured the Governor of NCC’s support in this regard.

    The parties therefore agreed to explore opportunities for partnership in the deployment of telecoms infrastructure in Edo State in a manner that supports the State’s developmental objectives and provides citizens with access to fast, efficient and effective telecoms service whilst affording necessary protection for telecoms infrastructure in the State.

     

  • Recent promotion excites public primary school teachers

    In the wake of the promotion of public primary school teachers in Edo State by Governor Godwin Obaseki, the teachers have thrown their weight behind the governor, stressing that the directive has brought them joy.

    They said that the development would boost the morale of teachers and lead to better teaching and learning outcomes in public schools.

    Governor Obaseki reiterated his commitment to teachers’ welfare when he announced the promotion directive, noting “The release of outstanding promotion of teachers in public primary schools in the state further demonstrate the commitment to the welfare of teachers in the state.”

    He said, “As part of the reforms to improve the quality of basic education in the state, it is important to motivate teachers, especially as we roll out the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (BEST) programme.”

    In reaction to the development, some teachers have commended the governor for the directive, noting that it was long overdue.

    A teacher in Estako West Local Government, who doesn’t want her name in print, said, “the news of the promotion is highly commendable. The promotion is long overdue. I am happy as the promotion will motivate us to do more.”

    She said while the affected teachers await the release of the promotion letters, it is necessary that the authorities monitor the conduct of some officials who might want to exploit the opportunity to fleece teachers.

    According to her, “Much as we applaud the initiative, we want to ask that the Education Secretaries should not use the avenue to demand for money from teachers before the letters get to those of us expecting promotion. We do not want anyone to cut short our joy, as the governor is committed to improved welfare of teachers.”

    According to another teacher in Obi Primary School, Uzebba, Owan West Local Government Area, Mr. Okun Dada Gabriel, “The approval of the governor for the release of promotion letters for teachers in primary school, covering three years is a step forward for the better.”

    He said that teachers in the state expect more of such move from the governor, who has shown interest in improving primary education, which is the bedrock of education in Nigeria.

    “We also use the opportunity to appeal to the governor to consider the promotion of other teachers, so that the joy will be spread evenly. With this move, teachers will be motivated to support the vision of the governor for primary education in the state.”

     

  • Ugboha killing: Edo Govt. to overhaul Operation Thunderstorm

    Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State on Monday said the state government with immediately overhaul the formation of Operation Thunderstorm, the special taskforce dedicated to fighting violent crimes in the state.

    Governor Obaseki made this known at a security town hall meeting in Ubiaja, where the governor unveiled new measures the state government is adopting to tackle attacks on innocent Edo people.

    This followed the killing of a 17-year-old undergraduate of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (AAU), Akhere Ojierakhi; a toddler and a secondary school student, Victor Momodu.

    The Governor on Monday also visited the families of the three persons killed by alleged bandits in Ugboha, Esan South East Local Government Area, to commiserate with them.

    He strongly condemned the actions of the assailants and promised that the state will spare no resources in fishing them out for prosecution.

    While pledging support of the state government to the families of the victims in their struggle to overcome the loss of their relatives, he reiterated his earlier directive to security agencies to apprehend the bandits within seven days.

    At the town hall meeting, Obaseki said 36 patrol vans have been approved to security agencies to patrol the 18 local government areas of the state, with each local council receiving two patrol vehicles each.

    Addressing elders from the senatorial district at the security town hall meeting as well as women, representatives of Hausa community and youths on plans to ensure that the attacks on innocent people are not allowed to happen again, Obaseki said:

    “We will apprehend the people who committed this heinous crime and we shall prosecute them and bring them to justice.

    “We are also deploying economic development initiatives to combat this crisis. With these initiatives that I have for this state and Esan land, I cannot allow these atrocious acts to persist.”

     

  • Edo Govt. promotes teachers, clears 3 years backlog

    The Edo state government has approved the promotion of teachers in public primary schools in the state.

    Acting Chairperson of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic Education, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, made this known today.

    She said the outstanding promotions approved by the State Governor Godwin Obaseki covers three years, from 2013, 2014 and 2015.

    She revealed that the Governor has also directed that promotion letters be issued to the affected teachers by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

    “The details of the promotion letters are being finalised. A list of the teachers affected by the directive of the governor will be sent out to education secretaries in the Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) indicating teachers who have been promoted across the 18 local government areas.

    “Clearing the backlog of promotion for teachers speaks to the prevailing narrative that Governor Obaseki cares about the welfare and wellbeing of teachers in the state.

    “The governor’s directive has further demonstrated his commitment beyond mere rhetoric. He has continued to display maximum support to provide conducive environment for effective teaching and learning,” Dr. Oviawe stated.

    Noting that lifting the ban on the promotion of teachers in primary schools is significant, she added, “This will enable the state government achieve the objectives of Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST).”

     

  • Police command gets facility valued at N30m

    The Ekpon community in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo, has donated a facility valued at about N30 million to the Edo Command of the Nigeria Police Force.

    The facility, a police station, was handed over to Commissioner of Police in Edo, Mr Johnson Kokumo by Mr Celestine Edobor.

    Edobor said that the facility was started in 2014 and completed in 2016.

    Edobor who is the Chairman of the Building and Handover Committee, said the initiative to build the facility came about when herdsmen began to attack farmers in the community both in the farms and around the town.

    He said that kidnap as at that time was also in the increase, adding that youths of the area were forced to migrate to urban areas.

    Edobor said the community was prompted to pull resources to erect the structure, which comprises a block of six office rooms, seven toilets, armory, male and female cells.

    He also said an operational vehicle, a motorcycle, a 6.5KVA generator as well as DPO quarters, among others were provided.

    Kokumo in his remarks, commended the effort of the community, and pledged that the command would make best use of the facility and won’t let the community down.

    He appealed to the community to cooperate with the force in fighting crimes and criminality, by giving useful information that would assist the command in its intelligence gathering.

    Mr Jossy Ogedegbe, Chairman, Igueben Local Government Council, who spoke, commended the effort of the community towards enhancing security in the area.

    He gave assurance that the local government was ready to collaborate with police to ensure the safety of lives and property.

     

  • Gov. Obaseki reacts to motorcade accident

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed his gratitude to God and Edo people for their prayers, following the news of the accident involving a bus attached to the Press Unit of the Edo State Government House, on Wednesday, in Ugbowo area of Benin City, wishing the accident victims speedy recovery.

    “I received the news of the accident with great shock, especially when I learnt that a mother and her child of five years of age were involved. We are praying fervently for the quick recovery of everyone involved in the accident.

    “Thankfully, no life was lost. We have taken over the care of the child and his mother and other victims, we are in touch with the management of University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), where they are receiving treatment,” Obaseki said.

    He added that the few journalists that sustained injuries in the accident have been discharged after routine checks and treatment.

    The governor said he was moved by the torrent of messages and calls from friends, family members, Edo people and residents in general, to him, enquiring about the incident.

    “The calls and messages from people showed how much value we place on our common humanity as accidents can happen to anyone, irrespective of class and status. I appreciate the love and as a government, we will continue to do our best to transform the lives of Edo people and residents,” he added.

    Shortly after the accident on Wednesday, Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, issued a press statement explaining the incident.

    He assured that an official of the state government was sent to the hospital to ascertain the degree of injuries sustained by the victims and interface with the doctors managing the victims.