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Tag: Godwin Obaseki

  • Human trafficking: Obaseki advocates skills-based migration

    Human trafficking: Obaseki advocates skills-based migration

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that Edo indigenes migrating to other parts of the world stand a better chance at life if they are equipped with on-demand skills to make them globally competitive.

    Governor Obaseki, who said this during a town hall meeting with indigenes of Edo under the aegis of Great Benin Origins (GBO) Worldwide, in Brussels, Belgium, noted that the state government is already working out modalities for Edo youth to develop these skills in the state.

    He kicked against the activities of human traffickers, who have given the state a bad name, noting that the state government is firming arrangements with local and international partners to train youth in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), so that they can be globally competitive.

    “Instead of all these people coming in to take money from these children, you can come, we will register you, we will train you, we will certify you and give you visas to go and work abroad. That is how it is done in other countries.

    “Our people are very important, and I am calling on you to join me in laying the foundation for the future,” he said.

    He lauded the group for working assiduously in sustaining the Benin identity, calling for a united front in the quest to develop the state.

    According to him, “Let us not make ourselves sub-minorities. Let us show unity and strength in numbers. So, we must make sure we come together, and reach out to others as Edo people.

    “We are doing other things in the area of infrastructure. That is the one you will see. We are rebuilding our road networks. Thank God we have a well-planned like city”

    President, Great Benin Origins (GBO) Worldwide, Engr. Isaac Igbinosun, lauded the governor for his leadership style, commitment to attracting investment to the state and initiatives on youth development.

    “We are proud of you, we are proud of your achievement since you took over the leadership of governing our state, Edo. We feel safe each time we look at what you are doing. We are solidly behind you and anytime we are called upon, we will be there to contribute our quota back home. It is always said that no matter where you go, home is home. We are very proud of you, we encourage you to continue,” Igbinosun said.

    The Great Benin Origin (GBO) is a social cultural organisation that seeks to bring all Edo indigenes in diaspora under one umbrella with the purpose of restoring the lost glory of the great Benin Kingdom, promoting the Edo culture and tradition and assisting the economic development of the state.

    Igbinosun noted that some of the programmes of the group in promoting the preservation of Edo cultures include sponsorship of Edo culture and language competitions, award of scholarships to primary and secondary schools’ students as well as organising a diaspora state workers’ programme for the youth.

    He urged the state government to continue with the reforms on the ease of doing business, as members of the group are interested in investing in various aspects of the state’s economy with focus on agriculture and food security.

    The group also applauded the governor on his initiatives to improve the security architecture and guarantees on the sanctity of contracts, noting that these would endear the state to investors.

     

  • Human trafficking: Obaseki makes case for improved support, partnership

    Human trafficking: Obaseki makes case for improved support, partnership

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has made a strong case to the European Parliament for improved and sustained support that will strengthen the state government’s efforts to curb human trafficking and illegal migration.

    Governor Obaseki, who said this during a session with the European Union Parliament Sub-Committee on Human Rights (DROI), in Brussels, Belgium, noted that the state government has created structures and set up institutions such as the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking, to ensure reintegration of victims of human trafficking and illegal migration.

    Part of the state government’s delegation is the Chairperson of the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking and the state’s Commissioner for Justice/ Attorney General, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe.

    The governor said that much as the institutional framework has been firmed up, the state also needs improved support for sustainable implementation of its programmes to curb human trafficking, which will serve to reintegrate returnees and provide teeming youths with on-demand skills to become employable and self-sufficient in the long run.

    According to him, “We have a wholistic programme to curb human trafficking and illegal migration. Already, the campaign has gotten the backing of the Oba of Benin, whose support has proved instrumental to curbing the trend.

    “Our programmes do not only stop at receiving and reintegrating returnees into society, but also include well laid out plans to rebuild institutions for capacity building and vocational training such that our youths would acquire globally-competitive skills to enable them lead better, fulfilling lives.”

    Governor Obaseki earlier met with a member of the European Parliament Sub-Committee on Human Rights, Mr. Josef Weidenholzer, to firm up modalities for the European Union’s engagement with the state government on strategies for enduring solutions to human trafficking.

    Governor Godwin Obaseki has led an all-out-war against human trafficking and illegal migration.

    Edo state accounts for a considerable share of illegal migrants out of Nigeria to Europe, a good number of who die in the Mediterranean while attempting to cross to Europe. But the Governor Obaseki administration has sustained a campaign against the trend, with the signing of the law against human trafficking last June which has been hailed by experts and analysts as a major milestone in institutionalising the campaign.

    The state government’s law prohibiting trafficking in persons signed into law provides an “effective and comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the prohibition, prevention, detection, prosecution and punishment of human trafficking and related offences in Edo State.”

    The European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights is responsible for “evaluating the implementation of EU instruments in the field of human rights and democracy, the right to hold the Commission and the Council accountable for their activities in this area and ensuring the continuous dialogue with international agencies working in the field of human rights in order to guarantee consistency between EU and international instruments in this field.

    “The committee is also responsible for providing a platform for the analysis of human rights claims related to specific topics and/or regions and using this platform for input on human rights and democracy in reports to the Parliamentary Committee for Foreign Affairs, agreements with third countries included.”

     

  • Obaseki mourns Amb. Worlu, commiserates with family

    Obaseki mourns Amb. Worlu, commiserates with family

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commiserated with the family of Ambassador Queen Worlu, an indigene of the state and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Sao Tome and Principe, whose passing was announced on Tuesday night.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, the governor said the death of Amb. Worlu was a huge loss to the state and the country at large, noting that her reputation as a disciplined career diplomat was worth emulating.

    According to him, “I received with shock, news of the passing of Ambassador Queen Worlu (nee Ogiamien), who has had an illustrious, enviable career as a diplomat. On behalf of the good people of Edo State and the state government, I commiserate with her family. We have indeed lost a rare gem, who shone brightly in her assignment as a diplomat to India, Portugal and recently to Sao Tome and Principe.”

    He said the passing of Amb. Worlu was even more painful because the state is at a point where youth need inspiration from illustrious sons and daughters of the state, to act as role models, noting, “We are, however, blessed with the memory that she represented our state meritoriously and made us proud while she lived.

    “The state government is deeply saddened by the loss,” he said, calling on Edo youth to emulate the Ambassador’s knack for excellence and dedication to duty.

     

  • Smart city: Obaseki, global city leaders examine barriers

    Smart city: Obaseki, global city leaders examine barriers

    The Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the President of Singapore, Halimah Yacob, Minister of National Development and Second Minister for Finance, Singapore, Lawrence Wong; with over one hundred representatives of national and municipal governments as well as leading private sector players in cities development, at the weekend began deliberations on how to eliminate challenges to sustainable cities at the World Cities Summit in Singapore.

    The meeting of experts organisers say, “is an exclusive platform for government leaders and industry experts to address livable and sustainable city challenges, share integrated urban solutions and forge new partnerships.”

    Jointly organised by Singapore’s Centre for Livable Cities and Urban Redevelopment Authority, the biennial summit, features the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize; the annual World Cities Summit Mayors Forum; and World Cities Summit Young Leaders Symposium.

    In his contributions at the global summit, Obaseki made a case for smarter cities that would rely on information and communication technology (ICT) for the efficient management of cities’ assets and resources.

    The governor’s smart city proposition, according to experts“ is an urban center that uses different types of electronic data collection sensors to supply information which is used to manage assets and resources efficiently.

    “This includes data collected from citizens, devices, and assets that is processed and analysed to monitor and manage traffic and transportation systems, power plants, water supply networks, waste management, law enforcement, information systems, schools, libraries, hospitals, and other community services.

    “The smart city concept integrates information and communication technology (ICT), and various physical devices connected to the network (the Internet of Things (IoT) to optimise the efficiency of city operations and services and connect to citizens. Smart city technology allows city officials to interact directly with both community and city infrastructure and to monitor what is happening in the city and how the city is evolving.”

    Organisers explained that the “World Cities Summit Mayors Forum is an annual by-invitation-only global event for city leaders to discuss pressing urban issues and share best practices with one another.

    “The peer-to-peer platform invites mayors and senior leaders from international organisations and the industry to exchange experiences in developing integrated urban solutions, building economic and environmental resilience, engaging with communities and sustaining a high quality of life in urban regions. Participants will hear from each other on innovations and changes they are implementing in their cities, and how these are managed.”

    Obaseki will showcase the impact of the revamped Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) in the state, the agency’s civil but firm approach to traffic management after months of training and the positive reception and feedbacks from road-users months after its revamp.

    He will also showcase the work of the Edo State Geographic Information Service Agency (EGIS), the Ministry for Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Land Bureau that are working together in generating land data for development, easing transfer of land titles and in obtaining Certificate of Occupancy as well as the simplification and speedy issuance of approvals for businesses amongst others.

    The Edo State delegation has the Managing Director of the Edo Geographic Information Service Agency, Architect Frank Evbuomwan, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Edorodion Oye Erimona, the chairmen of Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha and Egor local government areas.

    The Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Lecture & Forum, a major feature of the Summit, recognises outstanding international initiatives for city excellence by outstanding individuals and organisations who have contributed urban initiatives, policies or projects which epitomise foresight, good governance or innovation in overcoming the challenges faced by cities.

    The organisers further said that the Lecture and forum discussions will focus on four key pillars that are instrumental to the success of every city and its quality of urban life – livability, vibrancy, sustainability and quality of life.

    The World Cities Summit Young Leaders Symposium is an annual gathering of a select group of change-makers from diverse sectors who shape the global urban agenda where the decisions that leaders make today will impact more than half of the world’s population. The World Cities Summit Young Leaders Symposium provides a platform for discourse on pressing urban issues and to launch initiatives to tackle the challenges of urbanisation such as planning for urbanisation and preparing cities to be inclusive by creating better access to opportunities such as affordable housing, sustainable transportation, accessible education and meaningful employment.

    With participants drawn from Europe, North and Latin America, Middle East, Asia and Africa and the Oceania, the summit will also feature a series of high-level plenary sessions which provide strategic insights from senior city and organisational leaders on the interplay of leadership and governance and the latest debate on livability and sustainability. The Plenary sessions will be complemented by thematic tracks for in-depth discussion of specific urban issues.

     

  • Global brands commit to partnership with Edo govt

    Global brands commit to partnership with Edo govt

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured global automotive industry players, including BMW, Bosch, Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford, Uber, among others, of the state’s readiness to provide mouthwatering incentives and other business-friendly policies to enable them set up at the proposed Benin Auto Park, opposite the Benin Industrial Park (BIP).

    Obaseki gave the assurance at the Edo Automotive Investment Forum, which hosted members of the Africa Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    He urged the delegation of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Africa Operations of global automotive industry players to explore investment opportunities in the state, with focus on investments to boost the automotive sector in Benin City, one of the most vibrant auto sales and services hubs in the country.

    Governor Obaseki said Edo State is strategically located to become one of the largest automotive hubs in West Africa and maintained that the state has a robust automotive sales and services sector, which guarantees impressive Return on Investment (RoI).

    Noting that the state has a thriving automotive industry that services the Niger Delta market, parts of the North and even South Western Nigeria, he said, “Benin City boasts of a stock of not less than half a million cars. We want the companies to work within and even go beyond what the national automotive council provides.

    He said the Benin Auto Park will transform Nigeria’s automotive industry and help upgrade the used car market, such that more Nigerians would start buying new cars at affordable prices and be assured of top-of-the-range after-sales services.

    Making a case for the park, he said, “We want you to work with car dealership to create the largest single market location in Benin City, where people can buy cars. We want to properly organise the auto dealers in Benin City, transform the car components sector and attract investment to the state.”

    He said the investment strategy in the first instance will be to attract companies to formalise the auto sales market and thereafter the emphasis will be to assemble cars.

    Other companies in attendance include Graffiti SA, Nissan, Toyota, Deloitte, Gauteng Infrastructure Financing Agency (GIFA), Automotive Industry Development Center, DataDot Technology, Standard Bank of South Africa, International Finance Corporation, Afropulse Group, component sellers in Uwellu, Evgbareke, James Wyatt markets, and Service Providers.

    During a visit to auto dealers along Benin- Sapele Road, a dealer with Idris and Sons Motors, Salihu Abdulahi, told the delegation that the corridor hosts at least 100 dealers and the vehicles in their inventory stretch to thousands.

    Dr. Jelani Aliyu, the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, said that the council is excited with the proposal of the Edo State Government, and sees at least two scenarios for growth.

    According to him, “with this support by the state government, I see the state becoming a hotbed for automobile sales. The first instance will see the state grow from supplying used cars to brand new cars. Also, we see the influx of automobile component makers, who are also here.”

    Chief Executive Officer, Volkswagen South Africa, Thomas Schaefer, said that the delegation is keenly interested in the Nigerian market, its growth and deepening investments, especially with the increased drive for the Automotive policy.

    According to him, “the automotive industry is quite critical in South Africa. It generates 350,000 jobs. The market boasts of 600,000 new cars. There is zero importation. We hope to replicate this in Nigeria and are interested in the Nigerian market.

    “We are interested in Nigeria and Edo State and impressed with the proposal for the Benin Auto Park. We hope to deepen the partnership,” he said.

     

  • Obaseki mulls Security Trust Fund for Edo

    Obaseki mulls Security Trust Fund for Edo

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has revealed plans to pass into law, a bill to set up a Security Trust Fund for the state, as part of measures to revamp the security architecture.

    Obaseki disclosed this when executive members of the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers Association of Nigeria (RANAO), Edo State Chapter, paid a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    He noted, “As part of the rethinking of the state’s security architecture, we will, very shortly, pass into law the new Security Trust Fund Bill, which is going to be the anchor on which our security architecture will be built on.”

    The governor commended members of RANAO for their contributions to the security of the country, noting, “Nigeria has been shaped by your activities as retired security officers and you have fought to keep the country as one.”

    He urged the group to provide advice and assistance to improve the security of life and property in the state, adding that security is a major challenge facing the country, and all hands must be on deck to solve the nagging problem.

    Obaseki said, “As a government, we realise that the challenges we face as a country is quite deep and formidable. Without law, safety and order, government will not succeed. That is why we have tried, as a government, to do our best in terms of safety, security and order to enable us build a great state.”

    Earlier, leader of the group, Retired Major General (Retd.) Paul Edomwande, commended Governor Obaseki for the developmental strides recorded since he assumed office as governor of the state.

    “We laud your effort in abolishing the Community Development Associations (CDAs) that had caused carnage in our communities.

    “Nothing should be allowed to disrupt the mop-up that is still going on,” he added.

  • Assembly plant deal: Obaseki hosts 36 automobile CEOs

    Assembly plant deal: Obaseki hosts 36 automobile CEOs

    Efforts by the Godwin Obaseki-led administration to harness the vast economic opportunities in the global auto industry through the state’s economic diversification strategy have begun yielding result as 36 chief executive officers of leading global auto brands and component suppliers, arrive Benin City on Wednesday.

    The high-profile meeting between the Edo State government and chief executives of German, Japanese, American, British and other European top-range car manufacturers, will focus on the emerging investor-friendly climate in Edo State and how the companies can leverage the socio-economic offerings in the Benin Industrial Park by locating their assembly plants in the facility.

    The 36 chief executive officers overseeing the Africa operations of their companies, include those of BMW, NISSAN, Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford, Bosch, Jaguar, and Deloitte, a consulting company, and Uber, amongst others.

    The governor said “the one-day event will discuss our agenda for the auto sector and the opportunities we are creating for investors.”

    He added that “during the meeting, we will showcase the Edo State’s auto trading site on Sapele Road and the future trading site at the Industrial Park also on Sapele Road.

    “There will be a session to discuss government’s blueprint for the automotive sector which includes job creation for Edo people, the local sourcing of car components amid an environment of high exchange rate regime and volatility, which have made local sourcing of components cost-effective.”

    The automotive investment forum follows a recent $500 million auto assembly plant deal with Chinese investors.

    The growing investor confidence in Edo State stems from market-oriented reform of the Obaseki administration, driving the industrialisation of the state.

    Obaseki explained that his administration is vigorously pursuing the goal to turn the state into an industrial hub and a major investment corridor by strengthening the state’s security architecture and reform of critical business-support institutions to improve the ease of doing business.

     

  • Edo becomes model for devt funding in developing countries

    Edo becomes model for devt funding in developing countries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

  • Obaseki advocates non-punitive tax regime for local companies

    Obaseki advocates non-punitive tax regime for local companies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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