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Tag: Godwin Obaseki

  • Obaseki orders arrest of BEDC officials

    Obaseki orders arrest of BEDC officials

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has ordered the arrest of some Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) officials, for allegedly removing a transformer bought and installed by a community in the state.

    The governor gave the order when a delegation from Ihovbor community, Uhunmwode Local Government Area led by Chief Tony Otakpolor, paid him a protest visit in Benin on Monday.

    Obaseki bemoaned BEDC’s alleged lawlessness, noting that it was uncharitable for the company to remove a transformer that was procured by the community and put the people in total darkness.

    The governor who gave approval for the purchase of another transformer for the community said: “I am ordering the arrest of officials that have done this.

    “If you can’t arrest them, arrest the Managing Director and get him or her to explain why they will remove a transformer bought by the community, throwing them into darkness for 16 months.”

    He said the state was having power challenges because it had an “inefficient” electricity distribution company which was holding back progress in the state.

    “They will not supply light. When we make alternative arrangements to help ourselves BEDC will do everything to truncate them.

    “We have reported the matter to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and I am sure that very soon something positive will be done,” he said.

    The governor said his administration was working to make Ihovbor community one of the largest single producers of electricity in Nigeria as it hosts NIPP and Azura power plants.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Politics and Community Affairs, Chief Osaro Idah, said that community barricaded the facility of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in Ihovbor.

    Idah said the removal of the transformer bought by the community to an unknown location necessitated the action by the people.

    He said: “this act angered the people, who used traditional means to barricade the facility hindering the transmission of electricity.”

    Idah said the community bought two transformers two years ago and alleged that BEDC removed one while the other went bad.

    He said that all efforts made by the community to make BEDC return the transformer fell on deaf ears, as the people have remained in darkness for 16 months now.

    Chief Tony Otakpolor had earlier said that the delegation was at the Government House to lay a complaint about their experiences with officials of BEDC.

    The leader of the delegation told the governor that the distribution company had put the entire community in darkness for the past 16 months.

    He later thanked the governor for his intervention, promising that the community believed in his administration and would continue to maintain peace.

    “I want to thank you for your kind gesture today by ordering the purchase of another transformer for the community,” Otakpolor said.

     

  • Productivity Award: 23 Edo Workers get automatic promotion, N11.5m

    Productivity Award: 23 Edo Workers get automatic promotion, N11.5m

    Edo Government has given 23 workers drawn from the state Civil and Public Service automatic promotion and N500, 000 each for their productivity and dedication to duty.

    Speaking at the award ceremony held at the state government house in Benin on Thursday, Gov. Godwin Obaseki said a productive civil service was needed to fulfill the promises his administration made to the Edo people.

    He said the 23 recipients made the 2016-2017 Edo Productivity Order of Merit Award List and congratulated them for being outstanding.

    Obaseki announced an automatic promotion for the 23 workers to the next level in their civil service career and a cash reward of N500,000 each.

    He said his administration was working to digitise the state civil service process and had completed plans to build the Edo Public Service Training Academy.

    “The training facility will have 25 rooms to 28 rooms and will accommodate 1,000 people at a time.

    “No public servants will be promoted, or receive increment, without attending at least one training session a year.

    “We inherited a civil service developed during the analog era but today technology has taken over so we have to move from what we inherited into modernity,” the governor said.

    Earlier, the State Head of Service, Mrs Gladys Idahor, thanked the governor for creating a harmonious relationship with workers and rewarding hard-working civil servants in the state.

    Idahor said the governor was workers friendly and had previously promoted three officers who were diligent in their work not minding when they were last promoted.

    Speaking on behalf of the awardees Mr Fedelis Ediagbonya thanked the governor for the awards pledging their readiness to do more and put in their best.

    Present at the ceremony were the State Chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.

     

  • Breaking: AAU 8-man Governing Council inaugurated

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has inaugurated an 8-man Governing Council for the state-owned university, Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, urging members of the council to work towards repositioning the university into a world-class institution.
    Reflecting on the history of the university as the second state-owned university established in Nigeria, Obaseki said the high-quality standard set by the institution 34 years ago has waned over the years, which showed that urgent action is needed to address the situation.
    He said, “The mandate of the institution is to teach, carry out research and provide services to the community. After 34 years of its establishment, these expectations have not been met. We have reduced our university to one driven by political agents of whoever is in government.”
    Obaseki assured members of the governing council of his administration’s support in ensuring they succeed in the task of repositioning the institution, noting that “We spend over N300 million monthly on the university and we are ready to put more money on infrastructure but we will not do so until we are convinced that the government arrangement in the university is the right one that can properly manage the resources.”
    “One of the first things you will do is to work with us to set up a visitation panel to review and understand what went wrong in the university,” Obaseki added.
    According to him, the state government is working on developing an education policy in the state which will be unveiled in the coming weeks, adding, “This policy will emphasise basic education which is the foundation to prepare our children for the challenges of life. The move is a fundamental shift from what obtained in the last 30 years.”
    The Chairman of the Governing Council, Mr. Lawson Omokhodion, lauded the governor for the confidence in members of the council, noting that the council will put in their best to move the university forward and make it one of the best universities in the world.
     

  • Edo Govt. proposes N16.2bn as 2018 supplementary budget

    Edo Govt. proposes N16.2bn as 2018 supplementary budget

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has proposed a N16.2-billion Supplementary Budget for the 2018 fiscal year to allow for more investments in education and agriculture, among other sectors.
    The information is in a statement by Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie in Benin on Wednesday.
    Osagie stated that the governor announced the proposed supplementary budget after the weekly State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held at Government House in Benin, an increase of about 10.79 per cent to the N150 billion budget for the year.
    He quoted the governor as saying“the supplementary budget would be channelled to education, agriculture, among others, to build human capital and create wealth for people of the state.
    “In the course of the 2018 fiscal year, President Muhammadu Buhari approved the disbursement of the final tranche of refunds from Paris/London club of borrowers to states and local governments.
    “The state’s share of the refund amounts to N5 billion and Mr President further approved the application of a portion of this refund to clear the arrears of state government’s cash contribution for Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Grants.
    “As of August 2018, the state government had achieved over 80 per cent budget performance on capital expenditure.”
    Obaseki added that the Supplementary Budget would be forwarded to the State House of Assembly for passage.
     

  • Obaseki assures safe space for children as court jails paedophiles in Edo

    Obaseki assures safe space for children as court jails paedophiles in Edo

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state government would not relent in its effort at enforcing the Child Rights Law and protecting children from the vices of molesters in the state.
    The governor took the stand, as the Evbuoriaria Magistrate Court in Benin sentenced six persons to various terms in prison, giving legal teeth to the governor’s campaign against paedophiles in the state.
    According to the governor, “We are committed to protecting our children and enforcing the Child Rights Law to ensure that children are not exposed to the vices of child molesters and abusers.
    “We want to assure parents that the campaign by the state government is yielding results. We will not relent. In fact, there is no hiding place for these deviants in our society anymore. This campaign will be intensified and we will ensure that those caught molesting children will face the full wrath of the law.”
    Recall that the Chief Magistrate, Evbuoriaria Magistrate Court, J. O. Ejale, sentenced Friday Moses, and two others to different jail terms and remanded another three in prison for charges pertaining to child molestation.
    Moses, a commercial motorcycle operator, was sentenced to 14 years in prison with hard labour, without the option of fine, for defiling and impregnating his 13-year-old daughter.
    Lambert Ighodaro and Benjamin Uzoma Nwachukwu, bagged 14 and 20 years jail terms respectively. Mr. Nwachukwu, who was recently dismissed from the seminary, was arraigned on two-count charge and got 10 years each, with hard labour and without the option of fine.
    Others remanded in prison are Matthew Omokhafe, 65; Pastor Matthew Braimoh, 31; Corporal Michael Eriarebhe, 33 and others who were remanded in prison for allegedly defiling children aged 15 years and below.
     

  • Edo Govt finalizes plans for Oba of Benin 2nd coronation anniversary

    Edo Govt finalizes plans for Oba of Benin 2nd coronation anniversary

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has said preparations, especially those pertaining to security, are being finalized for the 2nd coronation anniversary of Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolo kpolo, Oba Ewuare II.
    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Governor Obaseki made this known after meeting with heads of security agencies in the state, including the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo, and Head of the Department of State Security (DSS) in the state.
    He assured that adequate security measures have been set up in preparation for the 2nd coronation anniversary of the Benin Monarch, while noting that a combined team of security operatives will be deployed to ensure adequate security for the ceremony.
    TNG gathers that the security meeting followed the receipt of intelligence on plans by those who do not mean well for the state to disrupt the peace and scale up nefarious activities with the ceremony, and as the year comes to an end.
    The Governor said the state government will not relent in its effort to flush out criminal elements from the state, assuring that security has been beefed up with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of life and property in the state.
    “I have met with the Commissioner of Police and the DSS boss over the increased spate of cult activities in the state and we are deploying resources to ensure that those fuelling the crimes are brought to book.
    “We are committed to a safe Edo State and will not tolerate any criminality. I am very much committed to stemming the increased criminality perpetuated by cult groups and gangs in the state.
    “As a state that is forward-looking and desirous to attract foreign investment, I want to reiterate that we have exited the days when cult activities held sway in society. We have beefed up measures to check the reported cases. The new security architecture is taking shape to ensure that the people are safe,” Obaseki said.
    Oba Ewuare II, born October 20, 1953, was crowned the Oba of Benin on 20 October 2016. He is the 40th, and not the 39th Oba, a title created for the Head of State (Emperor) of the Benin Empire at some time between 1180 and 1300.
    Meanwhile, the Benin Traditional Council has announced the launch of a book on the history of Benin kingdom for October 20, 2018.
     

  • Edo Govt., Army want PPP model logistics to tackle security challenges

    Edo Govt., Army want PPP model logistics to tackle security challenges

    The Edo Government and the Nigerian army on Wednesday called for the adoption of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model logistics support to address the nation’s security challenge.

    Edo governor, Godwin Obaseki, said for the nation’s fight against terrorism and other crimes to succeed, all hands must be on deck to support the Nigerian army and related security agencies.

    Obaseki, spoke through the State’s Head of Service, Mrs Gladys Idahor, at the opening ceremony of the 20th Combat Service Support Training Week, held at the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Benin.

    He said that government alone could not provide all the logistics needs of the Nigerian Army especially in the face of new security challenges.

    “The academia and the organised private sector need to share ideas on ways of meeting the contemporary needs of the Nigerian Army,” he said.

    The governor noted that the theme of the training: “Enhancing Combat Service Support capability through Public Private Partnership to meet Nigerian Army’s Contemporary Challenge” was, therefore, apt.

    He also commended the Army for its planned medical outreach to people in selected communities in the state.

    He said regular training of security officials was important in the face of new threats to national security, adding that Edo’s current status as the most peaceful state in the country, was due in part, to the partnership with the Nigerian Army.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, said tackling contemporary security challenges in the country required a more robust logistics plan.

    He noted that to a large extent, logistics determined the capability of any army to perform its duties.

    Buratai, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. Ademoh Salihu, explained that it had become expedient to have a more efficient and effective logistics model for the Nigerian Army through public private partnership.

    He said the Army’s continued dependence on importation of military hardware has had adverse effects on its operations, especially in the fight against insurgency in the North-East.

    He commended the combat service support corps for their relentless service in the fight against insurgency in the country and urged them to leverage on the three-day training programme.

    The chief of army staff said the training was an opportunity to fashion out ways to enhance their capacity in the provision of logistics to nip in the bud the security challenges facing the country.

     

  • Obaseki accompanies Buhari on investment tour in China

    The Edo State Governor is scheduled to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari on an investment tour in China following the federal government’s listing of several Edo State government’s projects which are backed by Chinese investors, on its itinerary.

    The Chinese investors-backed big ticked projects in Edo State include the Benin River Port in Gelegele, the Benin Industrial Park and a modular refinery in Benin City, for which the Edo State Executive Council has approved a N700 million, as initial investment.

    Sources familiar with the progress of the Edo-China investment collaboration, said “all these projects which Chinese investors have committed to, will receive final nod during the visit of president Buhari.”

    Governor Obaseki was at the Chinese Embassy during the week for more consultations with officials of the People’s Republic of China, preparatory to the Buhari-led investment tour of the Asian country.

    To further demonstrate the state government’s readiness to kick-start work on the modular refinery in Benin City, Obaseki on Friday at the weekly EXCO meeting, approved the release of N700 million as redeemable preference shares (investment) in the Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited.

    According to Obaseki, “the company will be involved in the production of petroleum and petrochemical products and other related businesses.

    “The venture will enhance the local refining capacity, thereby increasing the volume of nahtha, kerosene, diesel and residual fuel oil products available in Edo State.”

    He added that the venture “will create legitimate employment opportunities thereby reducing poverty and providing job opportunities for teeming youth in the communities and facilitate the establishment of a fabrication yard as proposed by the promoters, thereby creating basis for expertise, professionalism and further training in oil and gas industry.”

    The take-off of the Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Company follows series of groundwork by the Obaseki administration that led to the setting up of Edo Investment Scheme Limited, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to hold N2 billion investment funds in which the Ministry of Finance Incorporation (MOFI) and the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC) which are to hold shares of 20 per cent and 80 per cent respectively, would facilitate the state’s investment in various initiatives across the oil and gas services, petroleum exploration, drilling and filling station, sales and supply of gas, oil agro allied products, petroleum and petrochemical products and other related businesses.

    In the transaction design, the investment funds will be repaid in three years after the execution of the projects, besides the interest that will accrue to the state within the interim. The project will, in essence fund itself.

     

  • Obaseki inspects CBN’s school project in Isi

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured the people of Isi-North in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of the state that the project executed by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) located in the area will be put to good use, as the state is in dire need of such structures for building local capacity to solve problems.

    The Governor gave the assurance during an on-the-spot assessment of the completed CBN facilities, which include blocks of furnished classrooms and dormitory in Ward Seven, Isi-North, in Uhunmwode local council.

    Obaseki emphasised that his administration would conceptualise plans on how best to utilise the facilities, adding that his administration will embark on the reconstruction of Isi Community Road during the dry season.

    He noted: “I was informed of the facilities lying waste here and decided to come and see for myself. I want to assure and appeal to you all to give me three months to come out with a master plan on how best to utilise these facilities. During the dry season, I will make sure that the road linking this community is rehabilitated.”

    The Governor, who adduced the improper handing over of the project by the CBN to the state as the reason for its non-capture in his administration’s plans, noted that the project would be put to good use.

    According to him: “I came here to see for myself and to see how to put these facilities to best use, as we have urgent need of such structures for an educational institution. It’s very extensive, furnished and we will find use for it.”

    The Principal of Elahor Grammar School, where the project was sited, Mr. Odigie Evbarmwenraya, said the blocks of classrooms and dormitory are fully equipped and officially handed over to the community on completion this year.

    Mr. Odigie noted that “the projects are greatly underutilised and we needed to alert the government as the facilities here are of high standard and state-of-the-art, compared to those paraded by some conventional universities in the country.”

    He said the contract for the facilities was awarded in 2014 and handed over to the community in 2018.

     

  • We will not share Edo’s money – Gov. Obaseki

    We will not share Edo’s money – Gov. Obaseki

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that under his watch, money meant for the development of the state will not be shared.

    Obaseki made the declaration at the Government House, in Benin City, the state capital, during the first-year anniversary celebration of the Edo State Task Force Against Human Trafficking.

    “All Edo State Government’s money will be used for the development of the state. This is the brand of politics I have chosen to play. Our developmental challenges are so enormous and only a frugal and prudent utilisation of tax payers’ money would ameliorate the sufferings of our people,” he said.

    The governor emphasised that “no matter the pressure and irrespective of the quarters such pressure would come from, I will not break my oath with Edo people, to provide purposeful leadership.”

    He assured that his administration is opening up rural areas through the provision of infrastructure to stimulate the local economy and enhance the lives of the people.

    He maintained that people will not embark on illegal and life-threatening journeys to Libya if there are structures that will support quality life at the grassroots.

    “Taxpayers money is meant for development and it will be used to develop the state and make life better for our people. We are taking development to those in the grassroots where the need is greater. We will not share money like those we displaced from government.”

    He assured that his administration’s “target is for Edo State to be ranked as one of the three most developed states by the end of my tenure, in infrastructural development, education, improving the business environment especially in the rural areas, amongst other indicators of growth and development.