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Tag: Godwin Obaseki

  • JUST IN: Obaseki places 90-day total ban on grazing

    JUST IN: Obaseki places 90-day total ban on grazing

    As an interim measure to forestall further killings and destruction of property, Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has placed a 90- day total ban on grazing in Odighi, Odiguetue communities and environs.

    Obaseki announced the ban during a meeting with members of Odighi, Owan and Odigwuetue communities at the palace of the Enogie of Odighi Community in Ovia North East Local Government Council of the state.

    The governor said the ban became necessary to stop further killings as the duty of his administration is to protect lives and property of the people of the state.

    “We have set up a special taskforce made up of the Army, Police, State Security Service, hunters and vigilante groups to comb the bushes and dislodge squatter camps of killer herdsmen and ensure no grazing takes place in Odighi, Odiguetue communities and environs”.

    He added that within two weeks, the taskforce will go round the affected communities to get information that will help dislodge the criminals who pose as herdsmen in the forest.

    Obaseki noted that “before now fulani herdsmen were known for carrying sticks around to control their cattle” and lamented that “today some of them have become criminals.”

    He said there is need to separate herdsmen from cattle rustlers who steal cattle, invade farms, rape and kill people, and assured that efforts are being made to identify the real herdsmen in the state.

    Obaseki said his administration is set to scale up agricultural activities in Odighi Community which was once known as the food basket of the state, and pledged to fix the water system in the area and re-construct the old roads in the community to open up the area for development.

    “We have taken the designs of the old roads in these areas and in two weeks’ time we will start the re-construction of the roads. Tomorrow, government officials will be here to check the water system in the communities and fix it so that the people will have access to potable water.

    A resident of Odighi Community, Uyiosa Okundia, said the people lived together peacefully with herdsmen until they started invading their farms with their cattle and eating their crops, killing their men and raping their women.

    Ebohon Pius from Odigwuetue community said the only source of water in the community has been taken over by herdsmen as they now buy water and food to feed their family because they cannot farm anymore.

    “We now have kidnappers, robbers and criminals in our community who operate under the cover of herdsmen”.

    Earlier, the governor worshiped at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church Odighi, where he assured the vicar of the church Rev. Canon David Obakozuwa-Edokpolor, the members and people of the community of the readiness of his administration to restore order and peace in the communities.

     

  • 253 teachers to teach Benin language, history – Obaseki

    Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the state government has completed the training of 253 teachers, who will be deployed to teach Benin culture, language and history in secondary schools and selected primary schools across the state.

    Obaseki disclosed this at the weekend during the presentation of a book titled: “Ogiamien And The Illusion of Kingship,” written by the Esogban of Benin, Chief David Edebiri, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    He said the deployment of the teachers to the schools is in line with the state government’s policy to preserve Benin’s rich history and culture, noting, “We are emphasising the study of Benin language, culture and history to preserve it for the present and the future generations. This is to ensure that we preserve our identity.”

    The governor said a major focus of his administration is to reform basic education in the state, adding, “In few years to come, children who complete basic education in the state would have obtained quality education, similar to the quality of education obtained by the author of the book.”

    According to him, “During the last book presentation by Chief Edebiri, I made a commitment to restore the teaching of history in our school curriculum. We have not only achieved the promise but happy that the Federal Government is following suit by reintroducing the teaching of history in the national curriculum.”

    He commended the author of the book, whose generation, he said, has helped build local communities, the state and country.

    The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, also commended Chief Edebiri, noting that the book has revealed more historical facts about the Benin monarchy by dispelling the wrong perception relating to the defeat of Ogiamien by the Oba of Benin in the 13th Century.

    The Benin monarch, who was represented by the Oliha of Benin, Chief Edionwe Oliha, noted that the book is significant in presenting the real issue about Ogiamien, adding, “I commend the author in going the extra mile to present such a book. I have confidence that the book will serve as valuable research material for researchers and all those interested in Benin history.”

    The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonaya Onu, said the heritage of Benin Kingdom is significant to the social development of Nigeria, noting, “When I visited the Benin Museum and Igun Street, where the great Benin art works are made, I was marvelled by the resourcefulness put into creating such works. The Federal Government will review how such resources can be used in deepening the development of science and technology in the country.”

    The author of the book, Chief David Edebiri, expressed appreciation to dignitaries who were at the event, noting, “The book is the 8th in the Benin historical essay series. I realised that if I fail to document these aspects of our history, it would mean denying the present and future generations the knowledge of these facts in our historical development.”

     

  • 2019 polls: PFN urges Nigerians to shun divisive speeches

    The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has urged Nigerians to shun divisive speeches which create tension among various ethnic and religious groups in the country.

    Deputy National President of PFN, Bishop Wale Oke, stated this at the Edo State Government House in Benin City, at the weekend on a courtesy call to Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    Bishop Oke said political and religious leaders, Nigerians in general must work towards promoting unity among the people.

    “We all as Nigerians should emphasise what unite us as a people rather than what will create lines of division amongst us,” he said.

    He noted that Nigeria as a country is stronger together, adding, “Political, religious leaders and other Nigerians must avoid politics of ethnicity and religion which are capable of dividing the country”.

    “Nigeria belongs to all of us and as such, we must make effort to build the country through collective efforts. Let’s emphasise what unites us, as one indivisible nation,” he further stated.

    The cleric urged Nigerians to hold leaders accountable by ensuring political office holders deliver on campaign promises such as security, education and other dividends of democracy.

    “Let our political leaders tell us in concrete terms what they are doing to protect lives, stop the killings, kidnappings and other issues confronting the country,” Bishop Oke said.

    He tasked political office holders to be more responsive to the people and urged those yet to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to do so in order to participate in the forthcoming elections.

    Governor Obaseki tolled the same lines with the Bishop, saying, “We should always remember that we are our brothers’ keeper and must imbibe the teachings of our faiths on peaceful coexistence by shunning acts that divide rather than unite us as Nigerians”.

    The governor noted that the peace being experienced in the state could be attributed to prayers of religious leaders, adding, “I will continue to encourage spiritual leaders to always pray and work for the peaceful coexistence of all the people in the state and country”.

     

  • Federal Character: Obaseki tasks commission on compliance

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has urged the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to set up a compliance unit that will monitor the distribution of federal government appointments and infrastructural facilities across the country, in line with the principle of federal character.

    Obaseki made the call on Thursday, at the commission’s seminar for South-South Zone, with the theme: The Spread of Socio-economic and Infrastructural Facilities – Need for Strategic Partnership with Stakeholders,” in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

    According to the governor, “we must constantly project a national outlook in the appointments of Nigerians into federal ministries and agencies and ensure that infrastructural facilities are evenly spread across the country. We must reinforce the principles of fairness, equity, justice, which form the tripod upon which the Federal Character Commission rests.

    “To ensure harmony in our polity, I will suggest that the Federal Character Commission establish a compliance monitoring department that will scrutinise federal government appointments and the distribution of infrastructural projects across the country. The compliance monitoring department should raise the red flag when the provisions of the Federal Character are abused or flouted.”

    Obaseki who was represented at the event by the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Yakubu Gowon, advised that “If appointments and infrastructures are skewed or tilted in favour of one part of the country or state, those from other parts of the country will feel short-changed and become agitated.”

    He said “stories abound of how some people abuse the provisions of the Federal Character. We learnt that some people fraudulently change their states of origin and take over appointment slots reserved for other states. This is condemnable.”

    On synergy, Obaseki told the commission “to strengthen synergy with the state governments and publicise its activities by advertising appointment slots regularly, so that the various state governments can utilise their respective slots. I recommend that similar strategy should be adopted in the allocation of infrastructural facilities.”

    He said: “There is a raging debate about whether the Federal Character Commission has outlived its usefulness and therefore should be scrapped. Some argue that the principle of federal character negates meritocracy, industry and creativity. My position is that, everything in life is dynamic. The only institutions that die with time, are those that refuse to modify their ways to keep steps with changing times and trends.

    “My recommendation is that the commission should be ready to reinvent its systems from time to time so that it is not left behind.

     

  • Gov. Obaseki gives ear to Street Children

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state government has robust policies and laws to cater for the needs of children to ensure that none of them is left unattended to on the street.

    The governor said this in commemoration of International Day for Street Children marked every April 12, by the United Kingdom-based Consortium on Street Children and other partners across the world.

    He said that the state’s Child Rights Law has provisions for the protection of children against abuse, urging people to blow the whistle on parents who abandon their children.

    “The state’s Child Rights Law is clear on punishment for people who abandon their children. On this day, I want to make it categorically clear that we will come hard on people who violate the law. I also want to call on people to report parents who abandon or abuse their children,” he said.

    He added that the state government has made adequate provision to cater for children in the state, especially to their health and education needs, noting, “We implore parents to look after their children on the home front. As much as we are providing the environment and other amenities for acculturation of children into society, there is also the need for parents to look after their children, ensure that they get enrolled and stay in school, and are not left to wander about.”

    He added that it was imperative to provide basic needs for children because they are the bedrock of societal progress, assuring that the state government is reforming the health and education sectors in Edo State to ensure that children are better prepared to compete favourably with their peers anywhere in the world.

    According to him, “On this day, it is important to warn against abandoning children and leaving them to fend for themselves on the street. Not only will this stunt their development, they will be shortchanged later in life and will get fewer opportunities to succeed.”

    “In Edo State, we are making sure we close gaps that expose children to vices on the streets and ensure that they are in classrooms during school periods. It is for this reason that we are revamping the support structures for them to get the best of healthcare and education and be well prepared to contribute to societal growth,” he added.

     

  • Edo Govt. opens up rural communities

    The Edo Government has approved the construction of 60 roads across the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state to open up the rural communities for business activities.

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki, disclosed this while inspecting the ongoing road projects at Ogunmwenyin community, near Benin on Wednesday.

    Obaseki, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Taiwo Akerele, said that the approved road projects were semi-rural/urban roads, ranging from one kilometre to 1.5 kilometre long.

    He said that the infrastructural development strides of the present administration would create jobs and alleviate poverty in the state.

    The governor said that 7,000 youths would be engaged during construction of the approved roads.

    “The effort is geared towards deepening the spread of economic enablers to engender development and improve the livelihoods of the people, especially the agrarian communities,” he said.

    The governor noted that those in the agrarian communities needed good roads to move their produce to the cities for sale.

    He said the inspection of the roads in Ogunmwenyin was to ensure that the contractors handling the projects worked in accordance with specifications.

    “The communities where roads are being constructed must ensure that the projects are protected.

    “The state government will sign a Community Action Agreement (CAA) with communities where projects are sited.

    “Failure to ensure the protection of the projects will mean that no additional projects will be sited in such places,” Obaseki said.

    He added: “We are not only interested in building infrastructure in the state but also in developing human capacity.

    “We have created 188 direct jobs through the construction of the one kilometre road in Ogunmwenyin community,” Obaseki said.

    Also speaking, Dr Samuel Uwadia, the Odionwere of Ogunmwenyin community, lauded the efforts of the state government on road construction.

    “This will improve the lives of the people and business activities.

    “We hope more roads will be constructed in the communities to connect them to other areas of the state,” he said.

     

  • Cambridge University vows safe return of Benin Kingdom stolen artefacts

    Cambridge University vows safe return of Benin Kingdom stolen artefacts

    Cambridge University and the University of London have vowed the advocacy for the safe return of stolen artefacts of the Benin Kingdom will be sustained until the artworks are safely returned.

    Professor Nicholas Thomas of Cambridge University and Professor Mrs. Annie Coombes of the University of London, both experts in Benin History, made the vow when they visited Edo state.

    In his remarks, Prof. Nicholas Thomas, said his experience in Benin City was exciting as the visit gave him the opportunity to see first-hand, the place where the historic stolen artefacts are fashioned in Igun Street.

    “True knowledge about artworks is not in University museums but lies in the makers, creators, communities where these works are created,” Prof. Thomas said.

    While speaking at a dinner organized for the professors at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki expressed appreciation to Nicholas and Annie for their advocacy for the safe return of artefacts of the Benin Kingdom looted during the 1897 invasion.

    The governor revealed the state government is working with Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, to build a world-class Royal Museum, to hold stolen artefacts being recovered by the Benin Kingdom.

    He countered the arguments of art collectors, who are still in possession of stolen artefacts from the Benin Kingdom and have maintained that the safety of the artifacts is not guaranteed if they are returned to the ancient Kingdom.

    “The decision to establish a world-class museum at the Oba’s Palace, one of the safest places in the world, will encourage curators across Europe and in other parts of the world, to be confident and support the advocacy for the safe return of stolen artefacts of Benin Kingdom,” Obaseki stated.

    “We hope your experience in Benin City will encourage you to sustain the advocacy for the return of our stolen artefacts. When the artefacts are returned, they will assist generations yet unborn to understand who they are, as a people and how they have dominated this environment in the past,” the governor further stated.

     

  • NIS set to launch Passport to Safe Migration

    NIS set to launch Passport to Safe Migration

    The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) says all arrangements are now in place to launch its enlightenment handbook called Passport to Safe Migration with Edo state picked as a pilot city for the launch.

    The new Comptroller of the NIS, Edo State Command, Mr. Kayode Eniolohunda revealed this when himself and other senior officials of the Service paid a courtesy visit to Governor Godwin Obaseki at the Government House, Benin City, the Edo State Capital.

    The Edo State Comptroller of the NIS expressed the Command’s support for the governor’s policies, far-reaching reforms as well as the fight against illegal migration.

    “We hope to launch this programme in collaboration with other stakeholders, particularly the Edo State Taskforce on Human Trafficking, which has done wonderfully well within the short period of its establishment,” he said.

    Receiving the NIS entourage, Governor Obaseki reiterated the state government’s commitment to curbing the menace of human trafficking and illegal migration.

    Obaseki noted that his administration will be counting on the support of the Service, particularly in the areas of investigation and prosecution.

    He said, “With the feelers we have received so far, we are confident that human trafficking will be reduced by at least 50 percent before the end of this year.

    “We are encouraged by the support received from the European Union and have agreed to have a conference in the state before June this year, where we will reveal all the steps taken to deal with human trafficking and illegal migration.”

    He said he has directed the local governments to secure office spaces for officers of the Service to enable them integrate properly into the state’s security architecture.

    The governor added that he will continue to work with the Service to secure Visas and other necessary documents for foreign investors coming into the state for business.

     

  • What Gov. Obaseki wants from newly inaugurated advisory committee

    What Gov. Obaseki wants from newly inaugurated advisory committee

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has inaugurated an advisory committee and revealed plans to develop a policy document on forestry and set up a Forestry Commission, as part of ongoing reforms to boost economic growth through agriculture.

    Obaseki disclosed this when he inaugurated the 16-man Advisory Committee on Forestry at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State capital.

    According to him, “In my inaugural address in November 2016, I promised to focus on agriculture to drive socio-economic transformation, as agriculture remains strategic in attaining economic development. This committee will help drive one of the cardinal programmes we have outlined for the agricultural sector.”

    He said, “The Advisory Committee will assist the state government draft a policy document on forestry; advice the government on issues on forestry it plans to put in place, and structure for the forestry commission. This would aid the state government develop effective frameworks in managing its forestry assets in line with international best practices, as its relate to forest reservation, preservation, conservation and regeneration.”

    Obaseki noted that the state government intends to unveil a policy document on forestry at an International Conference to be held in Accra, Ghana, in May 2018, where the state government will showcase how it intends to work with international partners in managing its forest assets.

    He said the advisory committee will “develop a workplan and budget for the forestry commission as well as guidelines for monitoring and implementing its mandate. It will also assist the state government to re-build the forest management and operation plans, and advice government on steps to take.”

    Obaseki said it was regrettable that the state’s forest resources have been depleted over the years with inevitable consequences, charging the committee to work assiduously to help reverse the unfortunate trend.

    “We are determined to set up a framework to safeguard the resources God has endowed us with in terms of our forest assets. As part of the design of the Benin Industrial Park, a section of the park will be built on inputs from the state’s forestry sector,” he said.

    The Chairman of the advisory committee, Dr. Felix Idumah, expressed appreciation to the governor for the appointment. He assured that the committee will deliver on its terms of reference in a timely manner.

     

  • Breaking: Obaseki shakes up Edo Civil Service after sacking environment commissioner

    Breaking: Obaseki shakes up Edo Civil Service after sacking environment commissioner

    In a major shakeup of the Edo State Civil Service, Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has redeployed top civil servants across Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs).

    The redeployments affected permanent secretaries, who were reshuffled across MDAs, even as six newly sworn-in top officials were assigned offices.

    Obaseki on Wednesday swore-in the six newly appointed Permanent Secretaries.

    The new Permanent Secretaries are Mrs. Oboh Usiriedo, posted to the Ministry of Water and Energy Resources; Mrs. Stella-Marice Imasuen, who now holds fort at the Ministry of Women Affairs; and Ms. Debra Enakhimion who is now at the Directorate of Establishments.

    Others are Mr. Bernard Oigboke posted to the Board for Technical and Vocational Education; Mr. Enabulele Ferguson, who is to resume at Ministry of Infrastructure; and Mr. Roland Ogbebor, who is posted to the Ministry of Finance, as Accountant-General.

    The governor also approved the redeployment of permanent secretaries across the state’s MDAs, with Mrs. Obahiagbon R.E. of the Ministry of Environment, now in the Ministry of Education; Emoedume B.I, from Government House and Protocol Unit to the Ministry of Environment; S. O Oko-Ose, from the Directorate of Cabinet and Special Services to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

    Others are Wasa L. A. from the Oil and Gas Commission to the Ministry of Communication and Orientation; Mrs. Aziegbmhin P. E., from the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment to the Office of the Head of Service; while Mrs. Obayuwana I.J, was redeployed from the Ministry of Arts and Culture to the Ministry of Minerals, Oil and Gas.

    In addition, Omozeghian M.O. was redeployed from the Bureau of Lands to the Ministry of Wealth Creation; Dania D.I., from the Ministry of Physical Planning to the Ministry of Science and Technology; Omoruyi A.I. from the Ministry of Minerals, Oil and Gas to the Ministry of Local Government; Ms. Idugboe H. A., from the Directorate of Establishments to the Oil and Gas Commission; Abode C.O., from the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources to the Office of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDGIS).

    Also, Ms. Bazuaye I.E., of Ministry of Education was posted to the Ministry of Youth and Special Duties; Iyekekpolor M., from the Ministry of Local Government to the Government House and Protocol Unit; Aigbirio Samuel from the Ministry of Communication to the Ministry of Arts and Culture; Mrs. Olatunji J.I was redeployed from the Ministry of Women Affairs to the Directorate of Cabinets and Special Services; while Igberaese G. O, moved from the Ministry of Science and Technology to the Directorate of Central Administration.

    At the swearing-in ceremony, Obaseki tasked civil servants to be diligent and committed to their duties, adding “This administration is committed to strengthening the state civil service for optimal productivity. Civil servants should be ready to contribute their quota.”

    He maintained that capacity building and training for civil servants would be given top priority in his administration, as it will be used as criterion for promotion. “Strong institutions are needed to drive development and we are determined to fix our civil service to ensure its reforms,” he said.

    In a related development, the state governor has sacked the Commissioner of Environment and Sustainability, Mr. Reginald Okun.

    The General Manager, Edo State Waste Management Board, Mr. Aiyamenkue Akonofua, has also been retired.

    In a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., the state government directed the officials to “handover their assignments to the most senior government official in their offices with immediate effect. They are also to handover all government property in their possession to the appropriate authorities.”

    In the statement, the government thanked the disengaged officials for their service to the state and wished them well in their future endeavours.