TheNewsGuru

Tag: Edo State

  • Okomu Plc’s expansion project to create 40,000 jobs in Edo

    Chairman of Okomu Oil Company Plc., Gbenga Oyebode SAN, has pledged that the company is committed to creating not less than 40,000 jobs with expansion of the company’s operations into 10 communities in the state, representing 20 per cent of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s 200,000 jobs creation target in Edo State.

    Oyebode said this at the commissioning of the Okomu Extension 2 Plantation in Ovia North East Local Government Area, which was witnessed by captains of industries, Benin high chiefs and members of the companies’ host community.

    He said that the Edo State government’s support has been tremendous, noting, “We expect to plant the whole 11,400 hectares by next year. Then in 2020, we will start milling. For us, the state government has been phenomenal. It shows that the state government is not just in full support of agribusiness but of commercial enterprise.”

    On his company’s support for Obasek’s job creation drive, he said, “We expect to contribute to the governor’s job creation drive and we have already started. Right now, we are at 2,000. Our expectation is that before we get to 2020, we would have created 4,000 jobs. There is a multiplier effect, however. Of that 4,000 we are looking at, we are going to have 40,000 new jobs that will be directly linked to this company.”

    The jobs include those to be generated from the activities of contractors, out-growers, suppliers, maintenance and security services, and other agro-allied activities needed for the proper running of the plantation.

    Commissioning the new estate, the governor said that Edo State is working towards attaining the status of an economic hub with the expansion project, and that raw materials from the plant will be deployed to factories at the Benin Industrial Park when it commences operation.

    He commended the Federal Government for taking the right decision in 1976 to open up the space for private investment in oil palm sector in Nigeria, noting “since the move, Okomu Plc has been standing tall. We are made to understand that the yield per ton on the farm is highest in Nigeria.”

    He said he was impressed with the speed of development at the plantation, noting that it was a landmark achievement to have cultivated 9,000 hectares of oil palm in a year.

    He assured that he would continue to support the company as long as they continue to expand in the state, “They were able to prepare and cultivate 9,000 hectares of land in one year. Can you imagine if we had more companies expanding at this pace; the amount of jobs and economic activity that they will create. I think this is a feat and it is amazing.”

    He assured that he was going to work with the governments of oil palm producing states in Nigeria, such as Ondo and Cross River states, to move for the establishment of an oil palm council in Nigeria.

    He also said that the Edo State government is intent on creating a master plan for agricultural development in the state.

    Managing Director, Okomu Plc, Graham Hefer, said that the company is committed to contributing to the state and Nigeria’s economy by creating jobs, boosting productivity and impacting lives.

    He said that the company has a robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme that runs into millions of naira per annum, noting that the host communities have been worthy partners in progress.

     

  • Palm oil company commissions 11,400 hectares plantation in Edo state

    Riding on the wind of a conducive investment climate guaranteed by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government in Edo State, Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc has commissioned an 11,400-hectare oil palm plantation covering over 10 communities in the state.

    The commissioning of the plant held on Wednesday, at the Okomu Extension 2 Plantation in Ovia South West Local Government Area, was witnessed by captains of industries, Benin high chiefs and members of the companies’ host community.

    Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, said that the state is pursuing far-reaching reforms to open up the state for investments, assuring that the state is committed to attracting even more investors.

    He commended the Federal Government for taking the right decision in 1976 to open up the space for private investment in oil palm sector in Nigeria, noting “since the move, Okomu Plc has been standing tall. We are made to understand that the yield per ton on the farm is highest in Nigeria.”

    According to the governor, “We are grateful that my predecessor took the right initiative to sign the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the expansion project, despite the opposition to the move at the time. We will continue to support the effort of Okomu Plc as long as it continues to expand.”

    Noting that the speed of development at the plantation was evidence of the conducive business climate in the state, he said, “You can see that this is quite extensive. But, more importantly, it is second to none in Africa. They were able to prepare and cultivate 9,000 hectares of land in one year. Can you imagine if we had more companies expanding at this pace; the amount of jobs and economic activity that they will create. I think this is a feat and it is amazing.”

    He assured that he was going to work with the governments of oil palm producing states in Nigeria, such as Ondo and Cross River states, to move for the establishment of an oil palm council in Nigeria.

    He also said that the Edo State government is intent on creating a master plan for agricultural development in the state.

    “Within the first two years since we came on board, we have initiated a number of projects, such as the Benin River Port project, Edo-Azura Power Plant, Benin Industrial Park as well as the refinery project. We want to ensure that Edo State becomes an economic hub in Nigeria. We are excited that the Okomu plantation will be producing raw materials for industries in the Industrial Park,” he added.

    Chairman, Board of Directors of Okomu Plc, Gbenga Oyebode SAN, said that government support has been tremendous, noting, “We won’t be here today if we hadn’t been allocated this land in 2014 by Governor Adams Oshiomhole. We have planted since then 9,000 hectares of land.

    “We expect to plant the whole 11,000 hectares by next year. Then in 2020, we will start milling. For us, the state government has been phenomenal. It shows that the state government is not just in full support of agribusiness but of commercial enterprise in Edo State.”

    Noting that the company was keen on supporting the governor’s job creation drive, he said, “We expect to contribute to the governor’s job creation drive and we have already started. Right now, the expansion has created 2,000 jobs. Our expectation is that before we get to 2020, we would have created 4,000 jobs. There is a multiplier effect.”

    Managing Director, Okomu Plc, Graham Hefer, said that the company is committed to contributing to the state and Nigeria’s economy by creating jobs, boosting productivity and impacting lives.

    He said that the company has a robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) progamme that runs into millions of naira per annum, noting that the host communities have been worthy partners in progress.

     

  • Unemployment: Edo state launches EdoJobs 2.0

    Edo State Government has launched version 2.0 of its EdoJobs portal, a platform set up to coordinate skills development and job creation initiatives and tackle unemployment in the state.

    In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor on Skills Development and Jobs, Ukinebo Dare, the state government said that there are existing vacancies for jobs and upcoming training on the portal.

    The state government urged appointees and top government officials to mobilize their constituents in local government areas to register on the EdoJobs portal.

    “We humbly appeal that you use your good office to reach out to constituents in your local government so they can apply for jobs and upcoming trainings,” the aide said.

    She explained that opportunities advertised on the portal cut across all senatorial districts in the state and there are relevant vacancies for various levels of qualifications and ages.

    The governor’s aide said that the EdoJobs 2.0 is a relaunch of the project, which is the skills development programme set up to meet Governor Obaseki’s desire for job creation and employability of residents in Edo State.

    Recall that the state government reopened the EdoJobs portal on March 2, calling on residents in the state to register for job and training opportunities.

    At the press conference to relaunch the programme, Dare explained that the state government is partnering with organisations that are specialised in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), mobile phone and laptop repairs, automobile mechanics among others, to train youths across the three senatorial districts in the state.

    The training, she said, “is designed in such a way that some programmes have stipend packages, start-up packs while others have business support packages for trainees. The programme will also address the needs of the participating business partners and individuals.”

    She added that youths will be trained in various skills to meet the increasing demands for highly skilled workforce in the state.

    “The objective of the programme is to enable the state government prepare youths as entrepreneurs and employers of labour in line with the vision of the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to create 200,000 jobs,” she said.

     

  • ICT-based teaching: Edo Govt. calls for 300 primary school teachers

    ICT-based teaching: Edo Govt. calls for 300 primary school teachers

    The Edo State Government has called for 300 volunteers among primary school teachers working in public schools to pilot its Edo Best programme, an initiative designed to introduce and entrench the use of computers, tablets and other Information and Communication Technology-based gadgets for teaching across the state.

    Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Basic Education and Acting Chairperson, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Joan Oviawe, who disclosed this, urged teachers in public primary schools to tap from the opportunity to upgrade their skills and become versed in updated approach for imparting knowledge.

    She said the programme is expected to lead to better learning outcomes and a more robust, up-to-date approach to classroom management in public schools.

    Edo Best Programme is an initiative of Governor Obaseki administration, conceived to transform primary education in the state.

    According to Dr. Oviawe, “In the pilot phase, 300 schools will be selected to launch the initiative and the headmasters/headmistresses and teachers who would head or teach in these schools have to be trained in the use of computers and other gadgets to teach in the classroom. By the next academic year, all headmasters/headmistresses and teachers in the state will be required to go through this training.”

    She said at the end of the training, teachers and head teachers will each receive a computer tablet loaded with lesson notes.

    On how the teachers can enroll for the programme, she said, “Teachers are requested to forward their Names, positions (HM or Teacher), salary grade level, academic qualifications, the LGAs where they currently teach and their present school to Edo SUBEB. Every volunteer must send their information.”

    She allayed fears that the programme is intended to test teachers, noting that further enquiries on the programme should be routed to SUBEB.

     

  • Gov. Obaseki assures of more mother-friendly policies

    Gov. Obaseki assures of more mother-friendly policies

    Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has hailed mothers for their sacrifices to society in the face of a challenging work culture that places less premium on work-life balance, promising to do more for mothers through government policies and initiatives.

    Obaseki, who made the pledge in commemoration of Mother’s Day, marked in Nigeria on March 11, applauded the organisations that are drumming support for the acknowledgement of the roles of mothers in the society and calling for adequate reward for their contributions to nation building.

    According to him, “On this day, it is important to celebrate mothers who have contributed so much in moulding society. They are expected to be many things at once and have held these responsibilities in these very challenging times.

    “But it is also important to stress that the mothers can be given a much fairer deal by pushing for reforms in workplaces to afford mothers better opportunity to work and also take care of the other roles they play.”

    He used the opportunity to celebrate mothers in Edo State, who appreciate the wisdom in speaking out against the ugly trend of human trafficking after learning of the horrors their children pass through on the dangerous journeys abroad.

    He added, “Mothers are germane to societal advancement and one cannot deny the sacrifices they have made. At the same time, we also know that they are change agents, and to a large extent wield immense influence in homes.

    “That is why we are happy that a number of them are now speaking against the ills of human trafficking and illegal migration. We know that with their support, we will make tremendous progress.”

    He said his administration was committed to creating the enabling work and business environments for mothers to attain their heights in society.

    “Our commitment to placing the issues of mothers and women on the front burner informed my recent appointment of 19 female aides on gender to mainstream women issues in governance,” Obaseki said.

    He explained that his administration’s resolve to bring human trafficking to an end, was due partly, to the conviction that if Edo women are empowered through skills acquisition programmes and education, they will do more for themselves and the society and will not fall prey to human traffickers.

    He added: “It is imperative on this day to assure mothers of policies that will make it possible for them to pursue their careers and reach their full potential even as they run the home.

    “So, this behooves on us to develop reforms, which we have started, to afford women more time and space to contribute to societal development”.

     

  • Flood scare: Edo govt. assures of timely waste evacuation

    The Edo State government has urged residents in the state to clear gutters and embrace best practice in disposing their wastes as the raining season sets in.

    Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, said the early rains, though good for agricultural activities, “could impact on the physical environment if proactive measures are not taken by residents to desilt drains and properly dispose their wastes.”

    He noted that “the heavy rains are coming earlier than projected by the federal government weather monitoring agencies and could cut short the dry season window and impact on ongoing road construction work across the state.”

    Osagie assured that efforts are being made by the appropriate agency of government to reduce the down time of domestic wastes at collection points and evacuate debris from drainages.

    “The Ministry of Environment is worried over the delay in evacuating debris on the road side and is currently simulating several options with a view to adopting the most effective way of dealing with this challenge.

    “When the debris are left on the road side, the rains could wash them back into the gutters and when that happens, the surrounding environment will be flooded. People can be sacked from their homes and business places.

    “We need a new attitude towards waste disposal and management as stakeholders in our human environment. Often times we bring home things we do not need, that end up in our trash cans.”

    He maintained that the medium to long-term plans of the state government are to harness the energy generation potential in wastes and recycling/reprocessing through robust private sector investment, to create jobs, produce renewable energy and environmentally-friendly materials, among other benefits.

    “The waste to wealth initiative has become very popular across the world and Edo State is ready to key into it and get its fair share of the initiative,” Osagie said.

     

  • Edo state parleys native doctors in fight against human trafficking

    Edo state parleys native doctors in fight against human trafficking

    Governor Godwin Obaseki has commended the initiative of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, to engage all priests, priestesses, native doctors, traditional chiefs, market women and village heads on ways to curb human trafficking, kidnapping and other security challenges in the state.

    TheNewsGuru reports the Benin Traditional Council, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, had invited junior and senior priests and priestesses, native doctors of all manifestations, traditional religious groups, all Benin chiefs and dukes, village heads, all market women leaders, directors and officials of NAPTIP amongst others, to an emergency meeting on Friday, March 9, 2018, at the Oba’s Palace to deliberate on ways of tackling human trafficking, kidnapping and other security challenges in the state.

    And according to the Edo state Governor, “the initiative is commendable” and that “it is a royal endorsement of the state government’s fight against human trafficking, illegal migration and other crimes in the state”.

    “Those who know the factors fuelling human trafficking and illegal migration will appreciate the wisdom behind this meeting that His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, has called.

    “Some traditional priests, priestesses and native doctors have valuable ideas and inputs that we need to develop a robust bouquet of strategies that we will use to finally bring an end to this modern day slavery and criminal trade in humans,” Obaseki said.

    He added that he was confident that after the meeting at the Royal Palace on Friday, “some priests and native doctors will adjust their ways because there are instances where some of these priests and native doctors have breached their codes of practice and are involved in the illegal trade”.

    The governor noted that “As a government, we could not have asked for a better deal from the Oba of Benin. He is rich in wisdom and always there to offer his support to us. I am excited about the meeting, especially with the apex anti-human trafficking agency, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) scheduled to attend.”

    He maintained that it was time for all Edo people and friends of the state to come out and proffer workable solutions to the crisis.

    “It is time to be frank about this crisis and tackle it with all we have. We cannot continue to fold our arms and watch as we lose the most productive class of our population to human trafficking and illegal migration.”

    Obaseki assured that the emerging Edo State under his leadership is committed to harnessing the human resources of the state through technical education, skills acquisition programmes and employment creation so that the people can live decent lives and do jobs that are dignifying and more rewarding in the long-run.

    “We are setting the stage for socially and legally approved enterprises and ventures that will keep our creative youths at home and contribute to nation building. We have committed the last one year of our administration to industrialising the state and things can only get better,” he assured,” he said.

     

  • FG approves upgrade of Benin Airport to Int’l standard with cargo terminal

    The Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, has said that the Federal Government has approved the upgrade of the Benin Airport to international standard with a cargo terminal.

    The minister disclosed this during his courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State, on Monday.

    Sirika said the approval was due to the fact the Benin Airport is one of the oldest airports in Nigeria and that the zone needs a standard international airport to serve its growing economic interests.

    He added that the airport will be fitted with necessary facilities within 12-months, as part of the plans to upgrade it to an international standard.

    He said that “Plans have been concluded to upgrade landing system with adequate radio equipment that will enable the Airport handle both day and night operations, even in adverse weather conditions.

    “There are plans to also extend the runway at the Benin Airport to enable it handle high volume of traffic with capacity to accommodate cargo planes.”

    Sirika further said, “Aviation connects businesses, trade, cultures, nations and people. With a standard airport in place, it becomes easy to achieve economic growth and development. We will work with Edo State Government to ensure that within the next 12 months, Benin Airport will become an International Standard Airport with all the necessary aviation equipment in place.”

    Governor Obaseki expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the effort to make the Benin Airport an International Airport, noting, “This is the most astonishing news I have heard as a governor this year.”

    He said the federal government has shown commitment to support efforts to industrialise the state.

    According to him, “Our hope is that all the economic activities that will be generated from this critical investment will drive commence across the state and the country”.

    He said his administration has taken giant stride to establish Benin Industrial Park, Gelegele Sea Port and other laudable investments.

    “The effort this administration has made since assuming office is gradually paying off with the assurance coming from the Minister that in a couple of months, work will commence in Benin Airport to upgrade it to international standard,” Obaseki said.

    He added, “This administration is working hard to transform Edo State to an economic hub. What is missing is rail transport linking the state with other parts of the country. The upgrade of the Benin Airport to international standard will complement our strategic geographical location.”

     

  • Edo Govt partners Cedarcrest Hospital on primary healthcare

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state government will partner private healthcare service provider, Cedarcrest Hospital, in driving the state’s Primary Healthcare reforms.

    Governor Obaseki said this when he received the Medical Director, Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Felix Ogedegbe, at the Government House, Benin City.

    The governor said the state government is driving reforms to improve the standard of healthcare delivery in the state, with a grand-plan to re-vamp the healthcare system and attract investors.

    He said, “The aim of our reforms is to improve the healthcare system and provide access to quality healthcare to Edo people. A wing of the specialist hospital was built with the objective to partner with private healthcare providers, who have the experience and resources to collaborate with government to provide better medical care. This is expected to end medical tourism.”

    Obaseki commended Dr. Ogedegbe for establishing a medical hospital of international standard in Abuja, noting, “Similar investment can be replicated here in Edo through collaboration with the state government. Edo State prides itself as a state with capable human resources. We are proud to identify with Dr. Ogedegbe to deliver excellent healthcare.”

    On his part, Dr. Ogedegbe applauded Governor Obaseki for providing leadership capable of transforming the state, adding “Cedarcrest Hospital is ready to partner with the state government to provide complex, surgical and medical procedures. We have the resources to save the country’s foreign exchange and end medical tourism.”

    He added, “Cedarcrest is reputed for providing quality healthcare services to prominent Nigerians and we are open to replicating similar services here in Edo State and to review how we can provide quality and affordable healthcare services in the state.”

     

  • New council executives will deepen strategic leadership – Obaseki

    Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the new helmsmen at the local councils in Edo State will deepen his brand of strategic leadership at the 18 local councils, to ensure that those at the grassroots enjoy result-oriented governance.

    The governor, who said this during a Thanksgiving Service at the St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City, on Sunday, stressed that the ‘wake and see’ phenomenon of leadership will now be felt by those at the grassroots across the state.

    Speaking after the service, Obaseki said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will introduce the same quality of service he is pioneering at the state level, in the local government through the new chairmen and councilors.

    According to him, “That is why our party, the APC, decided to field candidates we know are very credible, and are people with experience to take charge of the affairs of our local government areas.

    “So, we are quite excited and happy, and assure the people of Edo State that the new heads at the local governments will render services to the people that will surpass what they have seen before.

    “We will want to deepen the ‘Wake and See’ concept of programme execution. We want to make sure that the same spirit gets to the local government areas,” he added.

    Some of the new local government chairpersons who attended the service are Ogbemudia Eghe of Egor Local Government Area (LGA); John Akhigbe of Etsako Central LGA; Destiny Enabulele of Ovia South West LGA; Jenkins Osunde of Oredo LGA and Eric Osayande of Ikpoba Okha LGA.

    The Parish Priest, Reverend Father, Edwin Omorogbe commended the state government for organising the elections to enable the people choose those to lead them at the local government areas.

    He expressed appreciation to the governor for spearheading the campaign against human trafficking and illegal migration, noting that the church was worried about the trend and was committed to ensuring that the incidence is brought to a halt.

    “We are committed to end the scourge of illegal migration. The Archbishop Augustine Akubeze of Benin Archdiocese has thrown his weight behind the governor’s campaign and we are happy he is battling the ugly trend.

    “At the same time, we appreciate the state for organising the local government elections. The turnout showed that the people are concerned about electing who they see on a daily basis. So, the charge is now for these new heads not to disappoint,” he said.

    The only female chairperson-elect, Eghe Ogbemudia, said that she wouldn’t disappoint her people for reposing confidence in her and trooping out to vote for her.

    “I appreciate the people for coming out en mass yesterday. This confidence reposed in me will not go to waste. I promise not to disappoint my people,” she pledged.