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Tag: Godwin Obaseki

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

  • Obaseki advocates multi-stakeholder collaboration to manage glaucoma

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called for sustained awareness efforts to reduce blindness caused by glaucoma, urging for increased collaboration among public and private stakeholders for testing and management of the disease.

    Obaseki made the call in commemoration of the World Glaucoma Week, an annual weeklong event marked between March 11 to 18. It is marked across the globe by the World Glaucoma Association and the World Glaucoma Patient Association.

    According to Obaseki, “There is need for sustained awareness campaign to educate people on the need to go for regular eye screening as a measure to prevent glaucoma.

    “We have prioritised the revamp of our health institutions in Edo State to cater to the needs of the people, as healthcare is a cardinal mission for the state. In the 2018 budget, we set aside N2.3bn for the health sector, to drive reforms and infrastructural renewal that will make public health care accessible and affordable.”

    The 2018 theme of the weeklong event is “Green = Get Your Eyes tested for Glaucoma: Save Your Sight.”

    Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness across the globe, after cataract.

    “Religious groups, traditional rulers and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) should complement government’s effort in leading awareness campaigns on the need to submit to regular eye checks to prevent Glaucoma,” he noted.

    Obaseki added, “Since Glaucoma occurs without any visible symptom, it is important for people to know about its existence and the damage it can cause to the eyes.

    “Early detection of Glaucoma through regular eye screening is essential in managing the disease. Much as government has a number of health issues to attend to, it is encouraging that health missions have done a lot in detecting and treating glaucoma. This is important to stop the disease from getting to the critical stage when blindness becomes irreversible.”

     

  • Gov. Obaseki assures of more mother-friendly policies

    Gov. Obaseki assures of more mother-friendly policies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

  • New council executives will deepen strategic leadership – Obaseki

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

  • Sports reforms to drive job creation, youth development in Edo – Obaseki

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his administration’s vision to reform sports is aimed at creating jobs and curbing restiveness among youths.

    The governor made the submission during a dinner organised to unveil the new logo, jersey, team bus, technical team as well as manual for the rebranded Bendel Insurance Football Club (FC) in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    Obaseki said, “We have a keen interest to reform the sports sector in the state, and this is aimed at providing solutions to youth restiveness and unemployment. For us, sports have the potential to uplift the lives of our people and offer hope to youths who seek a better country.

    “Edo people are sports-loving. We will leverage this as we continue our reforms and give hope to our teeming youths. The steps made in reforming the Bendel Insurance FC will serve as reference point to drive more reforms in the sector.”

    He added the reforms will focus on grassroots sports development, noting, “Design and contracts for the construction of mini stadium in each local government area across the state have been completed. Local government chairmen will be mandated to ensure that the project is completed to encourage young men and women at the grassroots to tap into sports.”

    Obaseki called on investors in the state to support the present administration’s efforts to restore the state to its pride of place in sports in the country.

    Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, hailed “the achievements of the club, which has a reputation of producing contenders in the national team. These include, Peter Osazee Odemwingie, Austin Eguavoen, amongst others. These great players have represented the state at national and international assignments.”

    Shaibu added, “The decision to rebrand the Bendel Insurance FC’s logo with the image of Queen Idia was to project the club members as warriors, out to win battles. I am optimistic that the rebranded Bendel Insurance FC will emerge as a force to contend with.”

    On his part, President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, commended the state government for its initiatives in repositioning Bendel Insurance FC, and urged “The state government to partner corporate bodies for sponsorship to achieve self-funding and ensure the club is not dependent on government grants.”

    “It is important for football clubs to run independent of government interference to ensure consistency. The club can develop its cards; Silver and Premium cards and VIP stand to serve as means for generating funds,” he added.

     

  • Police/Youth clash: Gov. Obaseki consoles deceased wife, sets up N10m fund for children

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has set up a N10 million education fund for the training of two children of late David Okoniba, whose death was allegedly caused by an exchange with a police officer at Upper Igun, Third Junction area of Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    Obaseki disclosed this when he led some members of his cabinet on a condolence visit to the family of the deceased at Urora community, in Benin city.

    The governor said he was at the victim’s home to assure his relatives that the government of Edo State share in their grief, assuring them that those culpable in the killing will be brought to book.

    “I am here today to get the details of what happened. Listening to you, I am heartbroken. I can feel your pain and appreciate your pain and anger. I want to assure the family that the case will not be swept under the carpet.

    “It will be followed to a logical conclusion as a reputable retired Judge of Edo State High Court, Justice Olubo has been selected to head the panel of enquiry which will investigate what truly happened on the said date of the incident that led to the death and consequent fracas between the youths and the police,” he said.

    According to him, “I learnt that the deceased has two children. I have released N10 million fund to be used for their education, to reduce the pain of the absence of their father and ensure their education does not suffer much because of this incident.”

    Obaseki also assured the family that government will support in the burial of late David Okoniba and advised the family to take the wife of the deceased to the hospital for medical attention at government expense, as she was still traumatised from the incident.

    Earlier, Spokesperson for the family, Mrs. Aremu Roseline, expressed appreciation to the governor and the state for the visit to the family, noting that the presence of the governor has given them hope for justice.

    She also thanked the Commissioner of Police, Mr Johnson Kokumo, who visited the family and showed concern over the death of David, thanking him for promising to get to the root of the matter.

    “We appeal to the governor Mr. Godwin Obaseki to help the family ensure David gets Justice. His death must not be in vain as he was the pillar of the family. He had two children and his formal wedding was to be in two-weeks’ time. His wife who was an eyewitness of the incident is psychologically affected and seriously traumatised,” she added.

     

  • Edo Govt. bans night grazing to avert Herdsmen/Farmers clash

    The Edo State Government has banned night grazing in the state to avert further herdsmen/farmers clashes.

    The ban also prohibits the carrying of guns by herdsmen while taking care of their herds.

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo, who announced this on Thursday in Benin, said that the government had set up a seven-man committee in each of the 18 Local Government areas of the state to enforce the order.

    Obaseki was speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting with the Serikin Hausa/Fulani from the 18 LGA’s of the state.

    Obaseki charged the committee to visit all cases of herdsmen/farmers clashes in all the local government areas for amicable resolution.

    The seven-man committee composed included the Chairmen of the LGA’s, the Divisional Police Officers (DPO’s), representatives of State Security Service (SSS) and four representatives from each of the communities in the state.

    He said the state government would release the report of clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the state to the committees for review and action.

    “The committees will ensure the registration of all the Serikin Fulani in every community across all the local government areas and the Serikin Fulani will liaise with everyone rearing cattle in the state.

    “There will be another committee that will be headed by me that will include the State Commissioner of Police, the Director of the State Security Service, the Commander of 4 Brigade.

    “Every month, we will meet with representatives of the local government committees to review and examine the progress being made in resolving the herdsmen and farmers’ clashes in the state.

    “A special team made up of the Police, Army, Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies in the state will carry out random patrols and search operations.

    “Any herdsman found possessing firearms will be arrested and charged with illegal possession of firearms as cattle rearers do not need an AK 47 to herd cattle, ” he said.

    The Chairman of Hausa Community in the state, Alhaji Badamasi Saleh, requested that mechanism should be put in place to protect the sources of security information as most members of the communities find it difficult to volunteer information to the security agencies.

    Saleh pledged readiness of the Hausa and Fulani communities to cooperate with the state government and work with the security agencies to fish out any member of their communities who engages in criminal activities.

    He urged the state government to provide the necessary logistics that would aid the task of the monitoring committees in the various local government areas.

    The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Johnson Kokumo, thanked members of the Hausa/Fulani community for finding time to attend the meeting and assured that with their support the clash between Herdsmen and farmers will be checked.

     

  • Edo Govt reopens job portal March 1

    Edo Govt reopens job portal March 1

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has disclosed that the state government is finalising arrangements to reopen the EdoJobs portal on March 1, 2018.

    In a statement on Thursday, in Benin City, by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, the governor said the reopening of the portal would extend the window of opportunities for more youths to be captured in the state’s jobs database.

    The governor reassured youths in the state of his administration’s commitment to fulfil his campaign promise of creating 200,000 jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.

    According to Obaseki, “The reopening of the job portal is to capture more youths in the state, who are to undergo employability and capacity building training. After their training, these youths will be matched with employers of labours, who have indicated interest in employing young people.

    “It is clear that we have a crisis of youth unemployment and we are making frantic efforts to address it. There are various options the applicants on the jobs portal can choose from.

    The EdoJobs initiative trained a batch of 500 youths late last year, and also supplied over 4,000 people trained by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) this year.

    EdoJobs is an employment initiative of Godwin Obaseki-led administration to train and retrain graduates with post-secondary school certificates on business writing, workplace ethics, problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence and managing conflicts, among others. The initiative gives applicants the opportunity for job placements in companies across the state.

    The portal provides the state government with data of applicants, which it uses for planning skills training for the job seekers in collaboration with companies requiring skilled labour.

     

  • Govt. calls for calm as Edo youths clash with mobile police leaving 2 dead

    Govt. calls for calm as Edo youths clash with mobile police leaving 2 dead

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has called for calm following clash between some youths and mobile policemen at Upper Igun area by 3rd East Circular Road Junction in Oredo Local Government Area, Benin City.

    TheNewsGuru reports there was commotion around the Igun axis after a policeman reportedly killed a bus driver and drivers retaliated by killing a policeman.

    Soldiers have been drafted to the scene.

    In a statement by Mr Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Governor Obaseki called for calm, urging aggrieved parties to “allow for justice to run its due course, as efforts are underway to ensure that those liable for the crime are brought to book”.

    The governor condemned the fact that the incident degenerated into civil disturbance, noting that there were better ways to resolve the scuffle.

    “The relevant security agencies are on the alert to quell further breakdown of law and order in the area. We also appeal to the people to be calm and cooperate with security agencies to bring in those responsible for the unrest,” he stated.