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Tag: Godwin Obaseki

  • Adams Oshiomhole clocking 66 excites Gov. Obaseki

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, as the immediate past governor of the state clocks 66 years on April 4.

    In a statement, Obaseki praised Comrade Oshiomhole for his accomplishment as a former Governor and labour leader, noting, “We celebrate you and all that you have accomplished through your humble beginnings to your illustrious career as a labour leader, and as the immediate past formidable, progressive governor of our dear state.”

    He added, “Your leadership prowess has ushered in a new chapter in our quest for development and we celebrate your unforgettable contributions to advancing our march to modernisation.”

    According to him, Oshiomhole’s commitment to humanity, and how he has, at different times through various capacities, impacted the people he leads, cuts him out as “a light that cannot be hidden.”

    “We appreciate you and all you have done and what you represent to the people of Edo state and all Nigerians. We wish you many more years of fruitful service to humanity,” he added.

     

  • Nigerians react as Gov. Obaseki sacks environment commissioner after protest

    Nigerians react as Gov. Obaseki sacks environment commissioner after protest

    Nigerians have aired their opinions about the recent sacking of Edo State Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Mr. Reginald Okun by the State Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    TheNewsGuru reports the environment and sustainability commissioner was sacked after road sweepers protested delayed and non-payment of salaries and allowances today.

    Governor Obaseki made the sack of Mr. Okun known in a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Osarodion Ogie, and made available to journalists on Wednesday.

    Reacting to the development, @jeffphilips1 said “I have to confess I have never seen what Governor Obaseki just did in Edo state today anywhere in this country before” on Twitter.

    The Edo state governor also directed the re-deployment of the permanent secretary in the ministry, R. E. Obahiagbon and the retirement of the General Manager, Edo State Waste Management Board, Aiyamenkue Akonofua.

    According to the statement, the officials are 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,” the statement added.

    Although no reason was given for the government’s action, the state government thanked the disengaged officials for their services to the state and wished them well in their future endeavours.

     

  • Obaseki unveils plan to facilitate steady power supply in Edo state

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has revealed the state government’s plans to strategically develop industrial layouts away from residential areas to ensure proportionate power supply to help actualize the state’s developmental plans.

    Obaseki disclosed this during an interview with journalists in Benin City, Edo State capital.

    According to him, “We have developed plans to help overcome the challenges of power distribution to industries, residential buildings and other users. This includes building areas of use, that is, developing industrial parks, housing estates and other clusters that can be directly connected to generating plants.”

    He said, “When these plans are fully achieved, the state would have steady power supply to support businesses and other users. With time, Benin City and other towns in the state will be better planned and segregated so that industrial use of power can be separated from domestic use.”

    “When this is done, the structural challenges along the chain of generation and distribution will then be reorganised and steady power supply will then be guaranteed,” he said.

    He explained that steady power supply cannot be achieved overnight until the structural impediments are addressed, noting, “Even if the issue of generation of power is addressed, efforts must be made to address issues mitigating distribution and transmission.”

    Obaseki said, “As long as we have determined people like the developers of Edo Azura Independent Power Plant (IPP), Edo state and Nigeria can become self-sufficient in power supply. As long as there is power generation, we will find a way to get it to users.

    “If we have people who know what they are doing like the developers of Edo Azura IPP, we will overcome issues of power supply. In terms of generation, I believe, given the resources available, hydro, thermal and green energy, we can generate all the electricity to power the state and country.”

     

  • Obaseki begins restructuring of Edo Mgt. Institute

    Obaseki begins restructuring of Edo Mgt. Institute

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has announced the appointment of Prof. Abiodun Falodun, as the Acting Rector of the Edo State Institute of Technology and Management, Usen.

    In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq., Obaseki said, “The appointment of Prof. Falodun takes immediate effect, while the outgoing Rector, Patience Omosigho Edoimioya, is to handover the administration of the institute and its property to the new rector.”

    Prof. Falodun, a Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, until his appointment, was the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, at the University of Benin, Benin City.

    Prof. Falodun had his bachelor and Postgraduate education in Pharmacy at the University of Benin. A Fulbright scholar, he has held several academic and administrative positions at the University of Benin, as well as, post-doctoral research positions in the United States, Japan, China, Germany, and many other countries. He is a renowned researcher in natural product chemistry.

    Meanwhile, as part of ongoing plans to streamline the state’s policy on forestry and structure the State’s Forestry Commission, Governor Obaseki has approved the constitution of a 16-member Advisory Committee on Forestry.

    In a statement, Ogie said, “Members of the committee include: Dr. Felix Idumah, Chief Osayande Obaseki, Andrew Egbadon, Dr. Felix Onogholo, Hon. Omo Ezomo, Abu Julius Ekpeshie, Daniel Omobude, and Barr. Garrick Ede Blessing.”

    Others are: Christopher Omoregie, Prof. Esohe Obonor, Mr. Duke Osunbor, Hon. Samson Abu, Hon. Olajina Benjamin, Mr. Lucky Odeh, Mr. Oregbeme Anthony and Mr. Nimmo Bassey.

    Osarodion added that the swearing-in ceremony of the committee is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 4, 2018.

     

  • Okowa, Obaseki celebrate Kachikwu chieftaincy

    Okowa, Obaseki celebrate Kachikwu chieftaincy

    Governors of Edo and Delta states have congratulated the Kachikwu family over the conferment of Ochiligwe of Onicha-Ugbo and Ezinne Oligbo on Barr. Mrs. Josephine Ada Kachikwu, with Governor Godwin Obaseki describing the honours as well deserved.

    Speaking at the conferment ceremony of the chieftaincy titles, in Issele-Uku, Delta State, Obaseki said that Mrs. Ada Kachikwu, who is the stepmother of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, has over the years contributed to her immediate community and exhibited exemplary qualities that marked her out for the titles.

    According to him, “the double titles show that she has a unique personality. This is not forgetting that her husband, late Justice Francis Okafor Kachikwu was a prominent Jurist in the defunct Bendel State and Nigeria, and they both impacted and touched lives.”

    Obaseki added that Mrs Kachikwu provided support to her husband throughout his successful career and even when her husband died, she continued to champion the cause of her community. “This tells of her character and commendable personality. We are happy to be here to celebrate her,” he said.

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa eulogized Mrs Kachikwu’s outstanding life of service to humanity, noting that she was a mother to all. “We are happy with her, as her service to her community has earned her double chieftaincy titles by two communities here in Delta State. It is wonderful to have this kind of honour.”

    Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu said Barr. Mrs. Ada Kachikwu is a wonderful, committed, dedicated woman, who though married his father at the age of 18, was adept at managing home chores and many other maternal responsibilities of her step-children.

    He said her determination saw her achieve her dreams of being a midwife, lawyer and later a politician, which she used to positively to touch lives.

    He said the story of Nigeria will not be properly told until we are united, irrespective of our political affiliation, noting that it was important to tolerate one another as citizens of the country. “The earlier we rise against sentiment and live as one and united people, the better for us,” he added.

     

  • Azura Power Project: Obaseki markets Edo state

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the successful partnership between the state government and developers of Edo Azura Power Project has further demonstrated how much other investors can achieve if they invest in the state.

    The governor made the submission during an interview with journalists in Benin City, Edo State capital, noting, “The impact of the Edo Azura project is quite significant because it tells the world that things can be done properly and in line with global best standards in Nigeria, particularly in Edo State.”

    Obaseki said, “The Edo Azura Power Project signals the opportunities available in Edo State and what can be achieved. On the back of Azura, we have the confidence to continue to develop other ground-breaking transactions with the experience with lenders from the World Bank and other partners who supported us.

    “If we go out today to talk about investments in Edo, the positive experience of Azura will be referenced. It makes us very confident when it comes to embarking on groundbreaking initiatives or projects,” he added.

    Obaseki noted that the project signals to the outside world that Edo State is ready and open for investors to do business, as it has key elements required for industrialisation.

    According to the governor, “The state government that supported Edo Azura project is still open and in place. Despite that the project began in the Adams Oshiomhole’s administration, my administration is a continuation of that government. Edo Azura Power plant is also in place to support other ground-breaking transactions with other investors.”

    Obaseki said, “We are currently talking with developers of Edo Azura Independent Power Project to work with us in other ground-breaking development projects.”

    Noting that the state government will continue to partner with investors, he said, “As a government that is very interested in development, that understands the transformational capacity of industries, we will support any developer who is ready to invest in the state.

    He added that after the state contributed land to the developers of Edo Azura Power project, she ensured compensation was paid and that the host community was sensitised on the need to cooperate with the developers.

    Obaseki said, “The project has made quite a lot of impact because of the developers of the project acted responsibly and were committed to ensuring that the project impacts on the community, which was top priority. In the selection of contractors and other conversations and discussions, it was made clear that the project creates jobs.”

    Noting that there was a deliberate plan to create jobs in the local community with the project, he said, “The contractors on site are Siemens, Julius Berger as well as other consultants, who had detailed work plans on how to hire locally and build local capacity. Throughout the period of construction of the project, I can’t recall any incident between the community and developers. This was because the developers were committed to hiring and building capacity locally.”

     

  • Obaseki lauds Oba of Benin’s salary support for Libya returnees

    Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has hailed the magnanimity of the Oba of Benin, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewaure II, for placing some returnees from Libya on salary, noting that the gesture was a landmark effort in rehabilitating the returnees.

    The governor, in a statement, said that the gesture shows Oba Ewuare II’s commitment to seeing that the youths, who have returned home from treacherous sojourn overseas, are catered for and protected from the vagaries of idleness.

    According to the governor, “I commend the Oba’s support for the returnees. This has shown that the Oba is not just committed to ensuring that our youths break loose from the grip of human trafficking, but that those who survived the hellish experience in Libya are catered for and do not have any reasons whatsoever to go back to their vomit.”

    Noting that the Oba Ewaure II’s gesture came at a time the returnees need to be assured that they were not left in the lurch, Obaseki said, “This gesture came at the right time and will further complement the state government’s efforts to rehabilitate the returnees and reintegrate them into society. We are delighted and appreciate the Oba’s support since the onset of the recent campaign to stem the tide of illegal migration and human trafficking.”

    The governor said much as the Oba of Benin is to be commended for the gesture, it was imperative to use the opportunity to call on philanthropists, wealthy Edo businessmen and others to support the campaign by also providing such palliative measure in rehabilitating the returnees.

    “We, at this juncture, want to call on our illustrious sons and daughters to join in this campaign and help our brothers and sisters as they settle back into society. The Oba’s gesture is a clarion call to all. Much as the state government is committing resources to make this happen, we are certain that this cause could do with more hands. This will help build structures and institutions to stem the tide of the menace and restore our ethos and pride as a people,” Obaseki said.

     

  • Good Friday: Obaseki tasks Christians on sacrifice, passion for national rebirth

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called on Christians to imbibe the virtue of selfless service in commemoration of the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ at Calvary.

    Obaseki made the call to mark Good Friday, a holiday in the Christian calendar which marks the end of the 40 days Lenten season. It is celebrated by several Christian denominations across the world.

    He noted, “As Christian faithful celebrate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary, I urge everyone to take this opportunity to reflect on the significance of this day, the solemnity of selfless service and the passion for the downtrodden.

    “As we go about our activities to mark this day, we should not forget to make sacrifices for the development of our nation. This is necessary to set Nigeria on the path of progress.”

    Obaseki added, “Good Friday brings to the fore, the love of Christ for mankind, for which he gave his life. So also should we remember to be our brother’s keeper, upholding the spirit of togetherness and sacrifice for the greater good of all.

    “The spirit of sacrifice as exemplified by Jesus Christ who offered himself for mankind on the cross of Calvary should be a lesson for all Christians. Genuine love for humanity can only be expressed when we take the teachings and examples of Christ to heart.”

    Obaseki urged Christians to use the occasion of Good Friday to pray for peace and progress of the country, noting, “It is only when there is peace that meaningful progress can be achieved. We must all work towards ensuring peace in our neighbourhoods, state and country.”

     

  • APC youth leader, Sedi shot dead in Edo state

    A youth leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Etsako West Local Government Area of the Edo State, Mr. Samson Sedi, has been reportedly shot dead by armed robbers while attempting to rescue a female petrol station attendant from robbery attack.

    Confirming the development the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, expressed shock at the news of the brutal killing of the APC youth leader that happened on Wednesday night in Jattu.

    “I was shocked on receiving the news of Mr. Samson Sedi’s death. My heart goes out to his family. I have ordered the relevant security agencies to arrest the killers and prosecute them without delay,” Obaseki said.

    He described the late Sedi as “a grassroots mobiliser, a philanthropist who cared for orphans and a great lover of people, whose death is a huge loss to Edo people and the APC”.

    Mr. Sedi was allegedly killed by armed robbers while attempting to rescue a female petrol station attendant in Jattu, Etsako West Local Government Area, who was being robbed on Wednesday in Jattu.

    “I learnt he was driving into a road around a petrol station in Jattu and heard a female petrol station attendant shouting for help.

    “The late Sedi, drove into the petrol station to ascertain what was happening, only to be shot by the armed robbers who were operating at the petrol station.

    “Sedi has been with us in our party for a long time and I sympathise with his family,” the governor said.

    Sedi who was fondly called ‘Power Remain’ by his friends and supporters, was a rallying point for APC youths in his ward and constituency.

     

  • JUST IN: Obaseki appoints 6 new permanent secretaries

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the appointment of six permanent secretaries in the state Civil Service.

    A statement signed by the Head of Service (HoS), Mrs. Gladys Idahor, said the state governor approved the appointment of Mrs. Oboh Akongie Usiriedo, Mrs. Imasuen S. I, and Ms. Enakhimion D. O. as permanent secretaries.

    Others are Engr. Enabulele Ferguson, Mr. Oigboke B. O., and Mr. Ogbebor R. O.

    Mrs. Idahor said the date for their swearing-in will be announced later.

    In a recent development in the State, Governor Obaseki inaugurated the state’s Food and Nutrition Committee to develop sustainable strategies to tackle the problem of malnutrition in the state.

    Governor Obaseki, who inaugurated the committee at the Government House in Benin City, said, “The committee will assist the state government to identify and encourage the consumption of nutritious food in the state. Eating highly nutritious food goes a long way in ensuring that people not only get needed energy to work but also sustain good health to contribute to development.”

    “We are concerned about the health status and nutrition of our people, particularly among very young persons and old people. Therefore, setting up this committee is important,” he said.

    Explaining the role of nutrition in development, he said, “We are aware that there is a connection between healthy eating, preventive medicine, girl-child education, women empowerment and childhood development. And we don’t want to leave all of these issues to chance.”

    Obaseki said, the terms of reference for the committee include to identify the problems of nutrition in the state; coordinate efforts to improve nutrition and ensure adequate resource allocation towards addressing issues bothering on malnutrition.

    He noted, “The committee has the mandate to identify measures to be put in place by various stakeholders and institutions to tackle malnutrition in the state. They will also review strategies to tackle malnutrition and their impact on the society.”

    Obaseki called for synergy among various stakeholders in the food and nutrition sector to avoid duplicity of roles, as this will allow for optimal use of resources.

    Chairperson of the Committee and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Vera Obadan, said, “The initiative will put nutrition on the front burner, which is key to human development.”

    Obadan, who was represented by Vice Chairman of the committee and Vice Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Prof. Ignatius Onimawo, said the bedrock of nutrition is breastfeeding, noting that the rate of breastfeeding in the country is low.

    She said the committee will embark on massive sensitisation campaign to educate mothers on the importance of breastfeeding which will ensure healthy childhood development.