THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

Italy Govt., Obaseki, Edo Monarch strategise to combat human trafficking ITH the Government of Edo State clamping down on human Wtrafficking and vowing to institute the necessary legislation and Edo Government policies to tackle the malaise, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II has said that more hails workers can be one in the fight against Human trafficking in the state and county in S the country celebrates the general. International Workers Day, workers The prominent monarch stated this Ain Edo State have received the as the State's Governor, Mr. Godwin greetings of Governor Godwin Obaseki, Obaseki and the Presidente of the Italian who felicitated and appreciated their efforts Chamber of Deputies, Hon Laura towards making the state work. Boldrini, paid him a courtesy at his A statement from the Office of the Chief palace during the weekend. Press Secretary to the governor read: “The The Oba suggested that a lot more governor genuinely felicitates with the great should be done in the areas of youth workers of Edo State on the worthwhile empowerment and creation of the celebration of the International Workers relevant industries to absorb the youths Day, also known as Labour Day. As after they have been trained, recalling workers, we play an indispensable role in that he had always being in the vanguard nation and state building and without of the fight against human trafficking workers, an economically viable and especially while he was the Nigerian socially stable society is not achievable”. ambassador to Italy. The governor continued that the He said: “I did a lot on human essence of the workers' day was to trafficking and I worked closely with the lPresidente of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Hon Laura Boldrini, speaking at the underscore the role and significance of Director of Interior, Italy, to get an MoU palace of the Oba of Benin, as Gov. Obaseki, The Oba of Benin and others listen workers in nation building, a festive tradition signed that would allow the Nigerian that workers all over the world now Police work with the Italian Police to that the full report of the workshop would the same way. Benin City is your home”, celebrate annually. identify Nigerian immigrants in their be presented to him. he said. “On this Labour Day in Edo State, I country”. He also intimated the Oba of the Boldrini also commended the Oba for identify fully with all workers. I assure you The Oba, meanwhile, commended Italian government's readiness to his active role in addressing human once more that I am committed to the Nigerian Police who went to Italy for collaborate with the State to address a lot trafficking while he was the Nigerian enhancing the welfare of workers and the the cause, noting that they contributed to of issues including human trafficking, ambassador to Italy. great people of Edo State. To achieve this Meanwhile, she discussed that illegal curtailing trafficking of Nigerians to the while commending Boldrini's efforts in objective, we are laying with speed, the humanitarian services. migration was a global phenomenon country. foundations for socio-economic and In addition, Oba Ewuare commended He said: “Her activities in food and which every country should join forces to agripreneur revolution in Edo state, which the Obaseki-led administration for agricultural organisation has helped in no address while, however, noting that the will empower workers and Edo citizens and prioritising skill acquisition and vocational little way to bring succour and food to state government was on track with its training for youths in the state. migrants and refugees. We thank you for decision to prioritise vocational training provide revenue for the State to implement For his part, Governor Obaseki your diligent services to humankind and for young girls to open opportunities for people-oriented policies and programmes,” notified the Oba of a workshop on human humanity in general. We believe and we them. the governor said. trafficking organised in the state, adding are convinced that you will continue in –Date Published: May 7, 2017 –Date Published: May 1, 2017

lAerial view of the Benin Technical College lGov. Godwin Obaseki being presented with a portrait while Hon. Laure lHon. Laure Boldrini the Presidente of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Boldrini the Presidente of the Italian Chamber of Deputies and others applauds delivering her speech as Gov. Obaseki and others look on Edo to commence BTC contract bids Monday DO State governor, Mr. Godwin upgrading the technical college to of which would be female because the Company limited (BEDC) to supply Obaseki has revealed that his excellent standards. government was prioritising female uninterrupted power to the college. Eadministration would start He said: “We are clear on what to do; empowerment. Meanwhile, the Boldrini expressed receiving bids for the award of contract to we are ready to take up the challenges to He therefore urged Boldrini to support for the governor's policy to prioritise rebuild and retool Benin Technical tackle the problems head on. My first encourage Nigerians in Italy to return Education, affirming that education was the College on Monday. assignment as the Governor of Edo State back home and collaborate with the key of progress and prosperity and He disclosed this as he visited the was to visit the Benin Technical College government in the task of developing Edo everything in life because it helped to build school yesterday in company of the to inspect the school. I am happy to State, adding that his administration capacity to move ahead in life. Presidente of the Italian Chamber of inform you that by Monday we will open would utilize the school's premises to She said: “Education is the key of progress, Deputies, Hon. Laure Boldrini. the bid to award the contract to build the build facilities. dignity and prospect of life. It helps you with The governor revealed that his school”. On power supply to the school, he the capacity to move ahead in life. administration was focused on how to He continued that by 2019, the disclosed that an agreement had been Education gives you the capacity to choose tackle the challenge of revivifying and school would have 5000 students, most reached with Benin Electricity Distribution in life”. www.godwinobaseki.com basekiTHE 02 NEWS POST www.godwinobaseki.com Edo, Italy, Britain meet to curb human trafficking

O arrest the phenomenon of The aim of the workshop was to human trafficking and illegal generate and meet minds over ideas that Temigration, the government of Edo would help in legislation and formulation State has revealed it would adopt policies of policies to deal with the cartels to clamp down on the cartels involved in involved in human trafficking and the unwholesome act while meeting with eradicate the menace due to the dangers lL-R: Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, wife of the Edo State Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, Dep. Gov. of Edo expatriates from Italy and Britain to victims were exposed to in search of State, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, chairman of the workshop and Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa at the workshop address the scourge. greener pasture outside the shores of The State Governor, Mr. Godwin Nigeria. we dusted our laws to nip the problem in were already captured in the data base. Obaseki disclosed this at a 2-day On why it was important for the the bud.” “The issue of unemployment will soon workshop in Benin City themed 'Human foreign delegates to be present, Represented by his Deputy, Comrade be history in Edo State because we have Trafficking – Plight, Plan and the Way Governor Obaseki said: “They are Phillip Shaibu, the governor revealed put in place policies to address the Forward'. concerned about what they see on the economic solutions that the government problem. While people are banking on Meanwhile, representatives from Italy streets in their countries and they feel we was already exploring to tackle the the 200,000 jobs we promised, we have and Britain were at the workshop, which need help, and truly we need help so we problem of human trafficking, announcing put modalities in place to go beyond what was chaired by the President of Centre had to converge. Some of the girls are that the state government would soon roll we promised in Edo,” he said. for Change and Women Arise, Dr Joe victims of the cartel that want to make out the first set of jobs for unemployed Okei-Odumakin. money by all means, and it is about time graduates in the Edo Jobs Initiative, who –Date Published: May 6, 2017 Edo, Italy revisit history, strengthen ties

DO State Governor, Mr. Godwin Boldrini's service to humanity through Obaseki has revisited Edo's history migrants and refugees was Ewith the Roman Empire, while commendable. discussing ways to strengthen ties He said: “Her activities in food and between the state and the Italian agricultural organisation has helped in no government, particularly in areas of little way to bring succour and food to migration and human trafficking. migrants and refugees. We thank you for This was as Governor Obaseki your diligent services to humankind and hosted the Italian 'Presidente' of the humanity in general. We believe and we Chamber of Deputies, Hon. Laura are convinced that you will continue in Boldrini, accompanied by Italian the same way. Benin City is your home”, Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Fulvio he said. Rustico, to a state dinner at the Edo Meanwhile, Boldrini, who noted that State Government House in Benin City, she was in Benin for the first time, and during the weekend. expressed delight at the hospitality she Governor Obaseki stressed that over had enjoyed in Benin, said the 400 years ago, the first ambassador from relationship would open doors of the Old Bini Kingdom was in Rome and investment for Italian government and the about 500 years ago, the kingdom had Edo State government. relationship with the Roman Empire. She added that their renewed He noted that human trafficking was relationship would open new frontiers to a challenge facing the state and the explore the potentials of both country, while expressing confidence that governments and create new ways of a sustainable relationship could be enhancing development to better the Presidente Italian Chamber of Deputies, Hon. Laura Boldrini while enjoying the display by the Edo established with Italy, adding that lives of the people. cultural dance trope drawing Governor Godwin Obaseki attention to something Obaseki receives list of Political nominees HE Professor Dennis Agbonlahor- districts in the state. Out of the six, two led screening committee on are female; which represents 33% of the TPolitical Appointments, on Friday, nominees. presented its report on the nomination of “We used the same criteria to screen Special Advisers (SA) and Senior Special the SSAs. We received 150 applications Assistants (SSA) to the Edo Governor, Mr and after interview with the leaders of the Godwin Obaseki. various Local government Councils and Presenting the report to the governor the applicants when necessary, we at the Edo State Government House in nominated 54 people. Benin, Agbonlahor, Chairman of the Agbonlahor added that ten committee, described the screening distinguished Edo sons and daughters process as innovative and democratically found qualified to work with the present driven. administration were also included in the He said the committee had earlier report. submitted its report on the Receiving the report of the political nominees, the governor commended the recommendations for the appointment for lGov. Obaseki with Professor Dennis Agbonlahor Commissioners to the governor three committee members for adhering to the weeks ago. principles and criteria set up for the He said “we must involve people at up to listen and review the compliant of Elucidating on the statistics of the screening process. the grassroot level to participate in the those who felt they were left out of the Obaseki said that the screening nominees, he said: “We received 11 process of nominating people they political screening process. process was necessary to allow people at applications for the positions of Special believe will represent their interest to He assured that before the end of the the grassroots participate in the selection Advisers, we recommended 6 nominees; work in government. month, political nominees would be two each from the three senatorial of political leaders. He also said the committee was set appointed in the state. basekiTHE www.godwinobaseki.com NEWS POST 03

lGovernor Obaseki distributing treated nets to women in attendance lGovernor Obaseki administering immunisation to children lGovernor Obaseki administering immunisation to children Obaseki promises N5m to LG with highest immunisation

OVERNOR Godwin Obaseki of caregivers, especially mothers, to ensure traders as well as bringing healthcare government to do its job by ensuring that Edo State, yesterday, announced that they immunise their wards up to 59 closer to the people of Edo State. they clean-up the market, install electricity Gthat a prize of N5m would be months. “I have seen and inspected a space and convenience facilities in the market so given to the Local Government Council He said: “We will continue to designed for clinic in Oba market, I will that people can trade in the market not in that would achieve the highest strengthen immunisation as it provides a clean up the space and put a Primary the street or walkways,” he said. immunisation coverage in the state this holistic approach to controlling of health care clinic to cater for the health – Date Published: May 5, 2017 year, adding that his administration would vaccine-preventable disease and needs of the traders' children and a restructure the popular Oba Market reducing infant and child mortality. We will crèche to take care of traders children”, located in the heart of Benin City. make immunization service an integral he said. Obaseki to reaccredit This was as he flagged off the part of our health care delivery” he He frowned at the phenomenon of second round of the National assured. street trading, which obstructed traffic, nursing school, make Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) at The governor, accompanied by his saying it was unacceptable and his Urhokpota Ground in Benin on Friday. Deputy, Hon Philip Shaibu and other top administration would take drastic actions it top-notch-to Obaseki announced that the state government functionaries, also visited to curb the trend, while the market would would be introducing an immunisation Oba market where he revealed that a be upgraded to encourage traders move restructure Oba Market championship for LGAs to improve crèche and primary health care centres into the market. OVERNOR Godwin Obaseki of Edo immunisation reach and uptake in the would be constructed across markets in “We need to improve the facilities State has said his administration would state, while urging parents and the state to attend to the health needs of within the market and get Oredo local Gwork with the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) to reaccredit the School of Nursing and Midwifery in the state before October, and thereafter make it a world class Nursing School. He made this disclosure at the Edo State Edo IDPs receive relief Government House in Benin City while receiving Executive members of the Edo State Branch of the association on Wednesday. Obaseki, reaffirming his commitment to materials, support from FG ensuring the school met international standards, said his administration would The governor also disclosed that collaborate with members of NANNM to make ....Gov. Obaseki hails FG blocks of classrooms had been built at Edo State a hub for Nursing and Midwifery, Uhoghua community of Ovia North-East adding that he would set up a committee to NTERNALLY Displaced Persons In addition, he disclosed that the relief work on the modalities for accomplishing this. Local Government area of Edo State, “I want us to build a world class nursing (IDPs) camped in Edo have received materials to be distributed in Edo include promising to continue his predecessor's School. When we reposition the school, we will Irelief materials and support from the bags of rice, vegetable oil, clothes, efforts at ensuring that priority attention be able to train our people to address Federal Government just as the shoes, cartons of spaghetti, among was given to improve the IDPs' welfare. quackery in the state and raise health government also constituted a committee others. Meanwhile, he said disclosed that the standards in the state. Work is ongoing to to distribute relief materials to IDPs in Responding, Governor Obaseki Permanent Secretary Cabinet had been reposition the health care system in the state. We are working on domesticating the health Edo and three other states including appreciated the federal government for appointed as the state government Adamawa, Bornu and Yobe, as well as not neglecting the IDPs and conducting care bill focusing on Primary health care delegation to work with the Federal system. We will do the right thing to put Edo Abuja, the Federal capital territory. activities to reduce waste and alleviate government's strategic committee in the State back on track in terms of health and this Members of the strategic committee, the plights of the refugees at the IDP distribution of the relief materials to the will provide more jobs,” the governor said. comprising officers and men of the camps. IDPs. In addition, Governor Obaseki stressed Customs Service, Federal Road Safety the need to work together with the association Corp (FRSC), Nigeria Security and Civil to upgrade the school's standard as well as Defence Corps (NSCDC), National that of health personnel in the state as this would, in turn, upswing medical tourism and Agency for Food and Drug Administration boost the state's revenue. and Control (NAFDAC), and For her part, Comrade Catherine Eseine, representatives of News Agency of who led the delegation, assured the governor Nigeria (NAN) and Nigeria Television that his election meant he had the trust and Authority (NTA) visited Governor Godwin confidence of the people of Edo State, while Obaseki of Edo State in Benin City, also assuring him of the association's unflinching support and loyalty for his yesterday. administration. Leading the delegation was Azarema She, however, highlighted some of the Abdul Kadiri, who disclosed that the union's challenges, including non-accreditation federal government had mandated the of Edo State owned School of Nursing and Customs Controller General to distribute Midwifery, promotion of workers, quackery and the relief materials to the refugees in the discrimination. On promotion of workers, the governor various IDPs camps located in Nigeria. said the issue would be handled through the He revealed that the committee, lGov. Obaseki with Members of the strategic committee, comprising officers and men of the Customs office of the State Head of Service, Mrs Gladys which had commenced distribution of the Idahor, while also assuring them that having materials to Adamawa, Yobe, Bornu, and Service, Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), visited the school after assuming office, he Abuja, was in Edo State for the 3rd National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and representatives of would improve its standard and make it top- phase. News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) notch. basekiTHE 04 NEWS POST www.godwinobaseki.com Edo First Lady, FIDA plan advocacy he First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. She said government would Betsy Obaseki has called on ameliorate some of their challenges Twomen in the state to stand by the especially in securing a befitting office truth and exhibit a sincerity of purpose secretariat and assisting them to attend while also urging the International conferences both nationally and Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) internationally. not to relent in helping women and Meanwhile, FIDA chairperson, Mrs. children fight for their rights. Edeke Maria Omozele said the body's Receiving Executives of Edo State's activities included seeking legislative branch of FIDA at the Edo State reform to facilitate passing the bill on Government House in Benin City on equal opportunity aimed at guaranteeing Thursday, she said the government women elevation in political positions. would give priority attention to improving FIDA, according to Barrister the welfare of children in the state. Omozele also collaborated with security Mrs Obaseki also acknowledged the agencies and the Ministry of Women group for their passion and for identifying Affairs to seek legal justice on issues of with the present administration in its violence against children and the determination to move the state forward. vulnerable, while also disclosing the She, however, appealed to FIDA to union's resolve to execute an advocacy work with the government because the campaign in Esan land to sensitise government would soon commence people on the issue of female children advocacy programmes across the having a stake in their parents' estates. lMrs. Betsy Obaseki, Wife of Edo State Governor with Executives of Edo State's branch of FIDA at the various local government areas, which – Date Published: May 5, 2017 Edo State Government House would sensitise women on their rights. Edo Government inaugurates State's Oil palm is our new Task Force on immunisation crude oil – Gov. Obaseki OVERNOR Godwin Obaseki of Edo State on Thursday, do State Governor, Mr. Godwin Ginaugurated the Edo State Task Obaseki has revealed that his Force on Immunisation to improve the Eadministration would massively uptake and reach of immunisation invest in the Oil Palm sector in its quest activities in the state. to diversify the state economy beyond Inaugurating the Task force at the Edo crude oil. State Government House in Benin, the The governor announced this governor said his administration would yesterday at the Edo State Government ensure that every child up to five years of age in the state was immunised against House in Benin when a 14-member fatal diseases. committee set up to develop an oil palm He said: “We are strengthening plan for the state presented its report to primary health care and one strategy is to him. get all children in the cities and hinterlands He said: “Oil Palm is our new crude in the state immunised. In March this year, oil; it will be the key driver of our we achieved 75% immunisation coverage, development. The state still has one of but that is not up to the national average the largest estates of oil palm, which of 95%. We will institute a mechanism to have the highest yield in the country. We reach every mother with a newborn baby want to leverage on our high-yielding to ensure that no child is left out in our varieties and long tradition of oil palm immunisation campaign'', he said. He charged the team to live up to its production to acquire about 100, 000 responsibilities and ensure transparency hectares of land for the development of lGov. Obaseki, his deputy, Philip Shaibu, Edo SSG, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, Edo COS, Mr. Taiwo and accountability in the discharge of their oil palm estates. The production will be Akerele and the 14-member committee duties. of global standards and yield”. He also charged the team to ensure that the state achieved 100% Continuing, the governor immunisation coverage just as it has been commended the committee members for polio free since 2009. their efforts towards gathering the report The committee included, Deputy assuring them that the government Governor of the State, Hon Philip Shaibu, would acquire the necessary resources who will serve as Chairman of the task to execute the project. force, and Commissioners from the State's ''We will, within the next two weeks, ministries of Health, Information, create a smaller team to come up with a Education, Women Affairs and Social Development and Commissioner of Police. work plan on how to execute the Meanwhile, other members were feasibility plan, work out the image representatives from the Edo Traditional capturing of the land to be used, and get Council, religious bodies, Department of the involvement of the host community State Security, State Immunisation Office, for the project. Director of the State Primary Health Care, Meanwhile, the committee Rotary Club, National Primary Health Care Chairman, Toni Ogunbor, explaining the Development Agency (NPCDA), World report, revealed that the committee Health Organisation, UNICEF and EU- recommended four key issues in the SIGN. report that need to be addressed to Hon Shiabu, Chairman of the task bring the project to fruition. force, assured that the committee would These were land development, fulfil its given mandate, saying that the team would work assiduously to ensure provision of security, infrastructure and that all the negative indices in the need to have data on soil and immunisation activities in the state would weather conditions. be rectified. – Date Published : May 4, 2017 lGov. Obaseki with Toni Ogunbor the 14-member committee Chairman – Date Published: May 4, 2017 basekiTHE www.godwinobaseki.com NEWS POST 05 Shippers Council to establish container depot in Edo

he received the management of Nigerian and stimulate economic activities in the Shippers Council, on Wednesday. state, as port would have all the trappings Leading the NSC delegation was of a seaport while the customs would own it Hassan Bello, who revealed that the and duties would be paid with full economic purpose of the visit was to inform the participation. governor of their intention to establish an Governor Obaseki assured the group Inland Container Depot and a Truck of his government's support, especially as Transit Terminal, while seeking the state both parties had the same aim of creating government's collaboration. more jobs. He added that these projects would “We have made promises to our people open up economic possibilities as well as and those promises will certainly be kept. create more jobs for residents in the Our focus as a government is not on what state, noting that Governor Obaseki, as we say; the emphases is on execution. We lGovernor Obaseki exchanging pleasantries with Hassan Bello, leader of the delegation host, would provide land, building decide what we want to do, draw up a permits, provision of amenities, security timeline for it and put responsible people to and immediately constitute the state monitor the success”. DO State Governor, Mr. Godwin Depot and a Truck Transit Terminal, Inland Container Deport implementation Meanwhile, he continued that power Obaseki has indicated his which would facilitate diversity in Committee. would not be a problem as uninterrupted Eadministration's readiness to economic activities. Continuing, Bello explained that the power supply was being developed for support the Nigeria Shippers Council This was at the Edo State proposed Inland Container Depot in Edo industrial parts of the State. (NSC) to establish an Inland Container Government House in Benin City where State would help decongest Lagos Port – Date Published: May 4, 2017 Abundant resources in Edo for prosperity agenda, PwC, British High Commission ...'Business will be easy in Edo' – Obaseki DO State Governor, Mr Godwin received the management of Obaseki has assured people that Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC); led by Ehis administration was hard at the British Deputy High Commissioner work, formulating plausible strategies to for Lagos, Ms Laure Baufils. ease conduct of business in the State. For her part, Baufils, the British Besides, Pricewaterhouse Coopers Deputy High Commissioner for Lagos, (PwC) and the British High Commission said the visit was to discuss the better have said the state has abundant ways of doing businesses in the state resources to support its prosperity and to know the on-going reforms and agenda, observing that industrialization challenges being faced. of the state was a major focus of the She also praised the governor newly elected government with a Obaseki-led administration for the on- l6th Left, Governor Obaseki, to his left, Laure Baufils. with other Government functionaries and PWC strategic plan to ensure the state going reforms on land rights, tax representatives becomes an economic hub of agricultural harmonisation and proper data collection process for businesses to thrive in the and industrial activities. revealed that the state was gearing to transfer of land titles for business purposes. The governor stated this on state. launch its Geographical Information He said: “When people seek to do On the modalities to make business Wednesday at the Edo State System (GIS) to facilitate prompt business in a particular place, they are easier in the state, Governor Obaseki Government House in Benin City as he issuance of Certificate of Occupancy and looking at the Land issues, ease of transferring titles, and obtaining C of O. DO State Governor, Mr Godwin The good news is that we have taken Obaseki has revealed that his New revenue policy has boosted Edo measures in the past six months to come Eadministration's zero tolerance to up with a system that will ease these waste in the civil service has boosted the IGR by more than 500% – Obaseki processes and attract investors to the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in state”. nine pilot locations in Oredo LGA by the state a tax leave until the modalities and levies from its members in the In addition, the governor disclosed, his more than 500 percent. for the electronic technology, which State. administration was working closely with the The governor disclosed this at the includes e-payment, Point of Sales He explained further that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin (POS) apparatus and purchase of tax technology was being test run and the speedily ensure that the process of getting City during the recently celebrated vouchers, had been put in place. union would start collecting levies from approval for businesses was simplified and annual International Workers' Day in Edo Governor Obaseki revealed that 9 its members via electronic payment easy to follow. specific areas in Oredo local government before the end of May. Meanwhile, infrastructural development State, where he also promised prompt such as road construction and rehabilitation and regular payment of workers' salaries area used to remit N42,000 a day prior to The Governor also said that the implementation of the policy, but that promotion of workers was up to date to ensure easy access to rural areas, as by the 26th of each month. well as security measures, were being It would be recalled that Governor sum had since climbed to N500,000. and that he had mandated the State's improved upon to also make business Obaseki had, in his 2017 New Year He added that his administration was Head of Service, Mrs. Gladys Idahor to determined to correct the ills of the past review cases of demoted Permanent easy. speech, outlawed the activities of non- He elucidated that a new security not create new ones, and that his Secretaries with a view to reinstating state actors in Edo State, while promising master plan was being finalised to make that payment of taxes and revenue would administration had not banned the those who were punished in error. the state safer and more secure for be paid electronically. Nigerian Union of Road Transport businesses to thrive. In the interim, he granted workers in Workers (NURTW) from collecting dues –Date Published: May 2, 2017 basekiTHE 06 NEWS POST www.godwinobaseki.com

lGov. Obaseki with Michael Ezeani, President of Akugbe Multi Traders Association lMichael Ezeani, President of Akugbe Multi Traders Association explaining the paper work to Gov. Obaseki, his deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, Edo Chief of Staff Mr. Taiwo Akerele and Secretary to Edo State Government Barr. Osarodion Ogie. URSUANT to his promise to decongest major roads in Benin PCity by relocating illegal street traders, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Obaseki visits proposed Edo State has inspected the proposed site for the planned ultramodern market in Benin City. Accompanied by his Deputy 'ultramodern' market site Governor, Philip Shaibu; Secretary to market, which will have over 5,000 cater for the needs of buyers and sellers Edo State Government, Barr. Osarodion government to help facilitate the building stores, would be sectionalised to in the market. Ogie; Chief of Staff, Taiwo Akerele; the of the market by assisting us to get maintain a sense of order, and the stalls President of Akugbe Multi-Purpose President of Akugbe Multi-Purpose financial institutions to support the Traders Association, Mr. Micheal Ezeani, would be arranged based on the types Traders Association, Mr. Micheal Ezeani appreciated the Governor Obaseki for building of the market”. and other government functionaries, the of goods sold in each section. Mr. Ezeani revealed that the traders According to the masterplan, there assessing the proposed site of the governor visited the proposed site for were ready to relocate from the Ring would be sections for electronics, ultramodern market, adding that they the building, which spans 1,000ft by Road axis to the proposed location once provisions, furniture and fashion, had started moulding blocks to show 1,000ft, along Ikwunero Road. the market was completed, noting that it building materials, bookshops and seriousness in building the market. It was revealed that the ultramodern was a viable for business since it was stationary shops, mosque, church, a Meanwhile, he urged the governor to strategically easy for travellers, who Police Station, Eateries. Even banks encourage financial institutions to support the building of the market. plied that route, to access the market. would have a place to operate, while a – Date Published: May 4, 2017 Obaseki vows not functional hospital would be erected to He said: “I call on the state to owe salaries, assures TUC, NLC N1.8bn CBN loan empowers of retraining entrepreneurs, booms business in Edo

OVERNOR Godwin Obaseki of HE sum of N1.8bn loan facility Beneficiaries across the three senatorial secured uninterrupted power and Edo State met with members of the secured by Edo State Government districts in the state described the constant supply of oxygen for his GNigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Tfrom the Central Bank of Nigeria's initiative by the state Government as fingerlings. and Trade Union Congress (TLC), Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises impressive and laudable because it “I started with only my wife and now yesterday, to mark the annual International Development Fund (MSMEDF) may enabled them to become financially we have about 8 staff members, who run Workers' Day and readdress the already be yielding dividends as new independent with a stable economic shifts daily, including technicians, and relationship between the government and opportunities are opening for base. who are all on our payroll. With the profits the labour force. beneficiaries to sustain themselves in Mr Akinmeji Segun James, who is from this loan, we have been able to This was at the Samuel Ogbemudia gainful employment. CEO of Meseg Capital Investment in Edo acquire our land with Certificate of Stadium in Benin City, where the Edo State It would be recalled that Edo state south, disclosed that his business, which Occupancy. This loan has enabled me to Governor outlined his plans for Government had last year with the trained people in Fishery also engaged in achieve, within this short time, what could rejuvenating the civil service to loud cheers assistance of the world bank provided farm settlements based on consultations. not have been possible for me and my from hundreds of Union members loans with little interest rate to boost the Akinmeji revealed that the facility wife in the next 150 years working in the gathered. business of deserving SMEs in the provided by the State Government had bank,” he disclosed. Governor Obaseki appreciated what State. created new avenues for his enterprise to Meanwhile, Mr Isaac Babatope he described as “the strategic place of The loan facility, secured under the expand and improve in new ways, as well enthused that he had been able to found workers in the wealth creation process” of Chairmanship of Mr Godwin Obaseki at as employ labour. his own printing press called Babatope the state, disclosing that he would stand the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), was Despite the initial funds deployed as Printing Press International, of which he with both unions and their affiliates to a product of the economic team's capital, Akinmeji noted that he had been was the Managing Director, and that improve working conditions and reward policies under former governor, Comrade able to stabilise his business with the speed and delivery is now the slogan. systems for workers in the state. Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole. help of the low interest loan, and had “The scheme is not about “I have no doubt that working together 'godfatherism' preference was shown to and putting the interest of our state first, anybody. Edo State Government gave we can rapidly reposition our state for me this loan with low interest rate and peace and progress,” he began. now I have, polar 92 cutting machine, “Be assured that this Government will computers, printing machines”. not take your support for granted. Our He continued that he only had a most valued asset as a government is our partner before receiving the loan, but workers. Labour and Government must three other people had since joined, collaborate to assist the Local under remunerative employment, while Governments to restructure so they would he was able to deliver promptly because be better positioned to address their he now had machinery. perennial problems of unpaid salaries and For his part, Job Adedoyin, who was pensions, low revenue generation and into pig farming, disclosed that his staff poor service delivery,” he said. number had increased, courtesy the loan, He also added that it would be while he had been able to combat recidivistic if the government owed salaries sanitation challenges more effectively. to workers, so he would ensure that all He however called on the salaries are paid by the 26th of every Government to provide more facilities to month. encourage others to join the business. basekiTHE www.godwinobaseki.com NEWS POST 07 Obaseki to solve Edo Poly problems Obaseki, religious leaders to in a month strengthen education in Edo ...As Edo Gov tasks AAU alumni on education DO State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called on religious Eleaders in the state to collaborate with his administration to strengthen the state's educational system as he hosted new executives of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Edo State Chapter, led by the Chairman, Bishop Oyonnude Kure at Edo State Government House in Benin City, on Wednesday. He said: “We must strengthen our educational system and in doing this, we must clean up our primary school system. We have recasted the State Universal DO State Governor, Mr. Godwin Basic Education Board (SUBEB) staff to Obaseki, has assured staff of reposition the system for optimal EEdo State Polytechnic, Usen that productivity. We have to start anew to clean his administration would pay the 10- our curriculum, train our teachers and month salary arrears owed them, and revive the foundation of our educational would enforce prompt salary payment in system”. the institution. The governor urged the religious body This was as he received executives to support his government spiritually and from the school's chapter of the tactically, stressing that he was not afraid to take steps that would reposition and set the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic state for development. (ASUP) at the Edo State Government Meanwhile, Bishop Kure revealed that House in Benin City. the visit was to introduce the newly elected Governor Obaseki noted that the executive members of CAN, Edo State lGovernor Godwin Obaseki the new CAN Chairman, Bishop Oyonnude Kure at Edo State Government blame for the school's condition lay with Chapter, to the Governor adding that they House in Benin City. both the government and the school's had perceived God's grace upon this administration. administration, and that the body was ready believe is right and just before God. We revivify the University and restore it to its “Most of the challenges faced by to give the government moral and divine have to go beyond the three partnerships past glory. the Institution are not new to this support, as well as continuous prayer for you mentioned and include social He lamented the declining educational the administration's success. partnership. If the society does not work, standard of the Ivory tower noting that the administration. We have reflected on state government would not relent on its the issues and the position of this He additionally expressed delight with you carry the burden. If our children or the progress made so far by the Godwin effort to improve the standard of the school administration is to depart from the old youths are not educated, they cannot be Obaseki-led administration in the state, properly employed, they want to travel and and that the State government, in its quest ways of trading blames or doing things. especially in road construction, saying they run away the burden return to you”. to ensure quality education in the institution, Instead, we'll work to ensure that things were God's works. In another development, the governor allocates N200 million on a monthly basis are done differently to take us away Governor Obaseki however replied also tasked the Alumni Association of the as subvention. from the past,” he said. that: “I am not afraid but can only do what I Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma to – Date Published: May 3, 2017 Continuing the governor said his administration would set up a committee involving organised labour 'I will build a state that works for and the government to identify the cause of the problems faced by the government's activities to help them roll institution and find ways to solve them. out policies that will better the lots of the Governor Obaseki said: “We will Edo people' – Obaseki people, but not to become critics of the have an agreement with you on the government without the necessary facts”. structure and modalities the school will The governor said his administration DO State Governor, Mr. Godwin My focus is to use the available resources be operating with, and also take a would not expand the government, but Obaseki has restated his to pursue my administrations programme utilise resources accrued to the critical look at the masterplan of the administration's commitment to and improve the lives of the Edo people school to get the commitment of both E government to improve the lives of the building a state that works for Edo people who trusted us and elected us to power”, the students and staff of the institution people of the state. and improving the citizens' standard of the governor said. “I am not keen on establishing more and ensure the progress of the School. living. He urged the group to be exemplary government institutions but training and Any Council that cannot meet the This was as he received executive because total independence, which would retraining our people to contribute their obligation of payment of staff salaries members of Conference of Non- enable the group positively check the quota to the development of the society will be removed and replaced. I want to Governmental Organisations (CONGOS), government, was the hallmark of and the state at large”. assure you that your issue will be who paid him a courtesy visit at the Edo credibility. For his part, the leader of delegation resolved this month, after which I will State Government House in Benin City. He said: “NGOs should contribute in of Conference of Non-Governmental hold you responsible for any problems “We are not afraid; we are transparent providing solutions to the challenges faced Organizations (CONGOS), Comrade Jude that surface in the institution again”. and have nothing to hide from the people. by the government or review the Obasanmi lauded the governor's policies Meanwhile, the leader of delegation and success rate with these policies, while Mr. Edobor Sunday appreciated the also applauding the governor for his governor for his efforts in revamping tenacity and courage to ban revenue technical education in the state with his collection in the state, which had become visit to Benin Technical College, while worrisome and negative to the state's commending the governor on the image. SEEFOR Project going on in the school, The governor, he said, was already especially the renovation of computer addressing other important issues of classroom block in the Institution. concern to the group, adding that they He drew the governor's attention to were more prepared to be involved in the issues, including promotion of staff; success story of the present none payment of workers' salaries administration led by Godwin Obaseki. spanning 10 months; increase of He, however, called on the governor to establish Edo State Emergency subvention to the school to help Management Agency to enable the state accredit some of her courses; not take proactive steps against disasters, and obeying the 65 years retirement age for that the state government should merge or staff; none payment of promotion redefine the services and operations of arrears, and the appointment of a Edo State Transport Service and Edo substantive rector for the Institution Line, even as he commended the amongst others. lGov. Obaseki with the leader of delegation of Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations governor on the rehabilitation and –Date Published : May 3, 2017 (CONGOS), Comrade Jude Obasanmi. construction of road in the state. basekiTHE 08 NEWS POST www.godwinobaseki.com Obaseki to absorb Edo NLC, TUC award Bendel Breweries workers into Edo Civil Service

OVERNOR Godwin Obaseki of Edo Osunbor, Odubu, Ihonvbere State may have provided a lasting Gsolution to address the plight of DO State Governor, Mr. Godwin state workers in the now comatose Bendel Obaseki, has restated his Breweries, which is enmeshed in litigation. Ecommitment to completing 3000km This was as the governor responded to of roads within his first four years in entreaties by members of the NLC and office, adding that more youths would be TUC to provide succour to the workers, trained in road design and construction whose affairs were in limbo due to the using concrete technology. stagnated affairs of the breweries. It would be recalled that workers in the He stated this as he commissioned defunct brewery had staged numerous the newly reconstructed 500m Nevis protests and repeatedly cried out Street, which links four major roads in concerning non-payment of their salaries Benin City. as well as their pension arrears due to the The newly reconstructed Nevis Street current legal battle facing the company. is the first road to be reconstructed in the Governor Obaseki, however, revealed state, using concrete technology to that he would not use the state's funds to facilitate durability. revive the breweries, but he would instead Governor Obaseki stated that with withdraw the state workers from the the success recorded in the use of breweries and absorb them in the state civil concrete technology, he would, in the service. next few weeks, award contracts for the He said: “Do you want me to take the construction and reconstruction of 45 money of taxpayers in the state and settle roads across the state, explaining that he the debts of Bendel Breweries, form where would construct the roads with raw people have stolen so much from? I will not materials sourced from the state. do that. I will rather take out all our workers The Governor noted that the state did there and absorb them in the civil service, not need to depend on foreign exchange lGovernor Godwin Obaseki held dinner with workers. and then they will get their salaries and for road construction as all materials and pensions promptly and regularly”. human capital could be found locally, design and construction without waiting within a short period, and that it was while he also urged the youths in the for foreign exchange. We have all the durable and cheap. state to register in the Edo Jobs Initiative raw materials here.” “Concrete has always made most MAY DAY: to be gainfully employed. For his part, Mr. Ashif Juma, the sense in the long run. No other paving He said, “I have come to change the Managing Director of AG-Dangote, the materials matches concrete's strength Edo NLC commends face of politics in Nigeria. The company contracted to refurbish the and durability in standing up to heavy construction of this Nevis Street within road with concrete, said the road was usage and truck traffic. Concrete lasts Obaseki policies seven weeks showed that this constructed in compliance with Governor longer without the need for resurfacing, government can make promises and fulfill HE Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Obaseki's directive that the materials patching or surface sealing. Concrete Labour Congress (NLC) has them. This is a revolution in our road must be sourced locally delivers structurally, financially and commended Governor Godwin He continued that his company had T construction. We will design our roads, environmentally, he said”. Obaseki of Edo State for his strategic and we will train our youths on roads proved that concrete roads could be built – Date Published: May 2, 2017 policies to develop the state and create jobs for the citizens. This was as they gathered at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City Obaseki inaugurates 500m to celebrate the Annual International Workers' Day with Governor Obaseki. Addressing the Governor, the NLC Chairman of Edo State, Emmanuel concrete pavement roads Ademokun said: “On the side of the working people we are grateful that issues of workers' welfare are still being attended to DO State Governor, Mr. Godwin state, using concrete technology to materials and human capital could be by the government despite the economic Obaseki, has restated his facilitate durability. found locally, while he also urged the recession in the country. The need to Ecommitment to completing 3000km Governor Obaseki stated that with youths in the state to register in the Edo diversify the economy of the state cannot be of roads within his first four years in the success recorded in the use of Jobs Initiative to be gainfully employed. overemphasised. It is in this direction that office, adding that more youths would be concrete technology, he would, in the He said, “I have come to change the we salute the courage and zeal of the state trained in road design and construction next few weeks, award contracts for the face of politics in Nigeria. The governor to create about 200,000 jobs in using concrete technology. construction and reconstruction of 45 construction of this Nevis Street within the state”. He stated this as he commissioned roads across the state, explaining that seven weeks showed that this Continuing, he noted that the governor's the newly reconstructed 500m Nevis he would construct the roads with raw government can make promises and fulfill agricultural program was an economic Street, which links four major roads in materials sourced from the state. them. This is a revolution in our road masterstroke due to its lucrativeness for the Benin City. The Governor noted that the state construction. We will design our roads, state's economy and citizenry, adding that it The newly reconstructed Nevis Street did not need to depend on foreign and we will train our youths on roads had sufficient capacity to produce outlets for job creation. is the first road to be reconstructed in the exchange for road construction as all design and construction without waiting He, however, urged the government to for foreign exchange. We have all the raw be strategic and holistic in its approach to materials here.” ensure that the youths and other citizens in For his part, Mr. Ashif Juma, the the state were gainfully employed through Managing Director of AG-Dangote, the entrepreneurial schemes. company contracted to refurbish the road Nevertheless, the NLC Chairman with concrete, said the road was expressed confidence that the issue they constructed in compliance with Governor had brought before the governor would be Obaseki's directive that the materials attended to clinically. must be sourced locally “As a listening governor, we crave your He continued that his company had indulgence in having a positive rethink proved that concrete roads could be built towards resolving the challenges, as we also thank you for the steps taken so far in within a short period, and that it was attending to the salary plights of the workers durable and cheap. in Tayo Akpata University of Education, “Concrete has always made most which we now implore you to replicate in the sense in the long run. No other paving other institutions. materials matches concrete's strength “While government has released and durability in standing up to heavy promotions to staff in ministries and few usage and truck traffic. Concrete lasts boards and parastatals, I wish to make a longer without the need for resurfacing, clarion call on the state government to patching or surface sealing. Concrete quickly extend the release of promotions to delivers structurally, financially and all ministries,” he said. l L-R Mr. Taiwo Akerele, Edo COS; Gov. Obaseki; Mr. Ashif Juma, the Managing Director of AG-Dangote, environmentally, he said”. –Date Published: May 1, 2017 and Edo Dep. Gov. Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu basekiTHE www.godwinobaseki.com NEWS POST 09 Kudos for Obaseki over 'Edo Clean-up' project

HE government of Edo State, on sustainability because negligence by the task Monday, embarked on a clean-up force slacked would encourage the scourge Tprocess at Ring Road as part of the to return. implementation of the 'Edo Clean-up' In addition, motorists hailed the clean-up as Project aimed at decongesting major areas it facilitated smooth flow of traffic. They, in the city centre and restoring order and however, pleaded with the government to sanity to the metropolis. open new markets for the displaced traders The process, which was executed by the and ensure that all traders in the state stayed state's Task Force on Environmental within market parameters. Sanitation, was ordered by Governor “Before, the refuse dumped everywhere Godwin Obaseki, who has demanded the would block the drainages restoration of the serenity of the affected constructed by Oshiomhole, which reduced areas in the state capital. the incidents of floods in the Some residents hailed the sanitisation affected areas. Now that the rains are here, measures, with Johnson Omoregie, a the government's measures are businessman and lawyer describing the timely. The street traders may prove stubborn former situation as sickening and making people, so the government nonsense of the amount spent by the last must use 'iron hands' if it wants result,” a administration on beautifying the affected resident and housewife, Madam areas, especially Ring Road. Grace Ikpokpoh warned. For his part, Tony Obinne, a trader, praised clean up the areas calling for - Date Published: May 9, 2017 Edo Govt to develop world class traffic system DO State Government has Project'. also use technology to monitor the volunteers, who were trying to help the revealed its intention to roll out a In a statement from the Office of the activities of our men and some of the government, noting that they undertook the Eworld class traffic management Chief Press Secretary (interim) to the technologies have never been used in responsibility because the congestion had system across the state, adding that the Edo State Governor, Mr. John Mayaki Nigeria. become intense and the clean-up was long process had already commenced with the explained that Edo State would have top “There will be a TV room where we will overdue. implementation of the 'Edo Clean-up traffic managers directing traffic in the network and see what is going on with However, he continued, trained and state and that the recent clean-up in Edo the road users and the traffic enforcers so uniformed officials would replace them, who State was carried out by volunteers, who that when you are arrested and you are would be of civil dispositions to enforce the were not being paid but decided to work complaining, we will play back the video law would replace them and when the traffic Joint Account with the government to clean up the for you. Even the officials will be restructuring was completed, the officials state. empowered to use some technology to would have a department for event Committe declares The statement read in part: “Be record offences”. management where enlightenment would assured that we will have one of the best He added that the personnel involved take place at various religious places of N2. 10bn allocation traffic managers in the State and create a in the clean-up process at King's Square worship. for LGs in Edo model for people to learn from. We will (Ring Road) recently were only -Date Published: May 12, 2017

HE Edo Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC) Thas declared N2.10 billion as Traders rejoice as Edo total allocation accrued to the 18 local governments in the state from both Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and the Federation Account for March. enforces 'Clean-Up' Project The Head of Local Government Administration, Owan East Local ESIDENTS and traders in Benin Godwin Obaseki-led administration “As I speak with you, Edo State Government, Mr Akeens Ade-Akhani, City have lauded Governor would sustain the clean-up of Edo state government has engaged four contractors disclosed this on Friday at the end of RGodwin Obaseki as the state to restore sanity, law and order. to clean up Oba market, fix steel doors in the JAAC meeting at the Edo State commenced the enforcement of the Edo He said the task to clean up the State the market to replace all the wooden doors Government House in Benin. Clean-up Project by clearing the major was germane to his administration's to prevent fire. The government has also It would be recalled that the streets around King's Square to restore resolve to ensure Edo State was one of had discussion with Benin Electricity law and order and ensure free flow of the cleanest in the country, adding that Distribution Company of Nigeria (BEDC) to committee declared N1. 89 billion as traffic for vehicular and human street and walkway trading had become ensure steady power supply in the market. total allocation accrued to the 18 LGs movement. a major concern for the state “The traffic around Ring road is in the state for the month of February. A trader, who was simply identified as government. unacceptable to this government, the Ade-Akhani attributed the increment Mrs. Gloria, commended the governor As a result of this, he continued, major menace has been on for over ten years but of about N21 million in the month of for what she described as a good job, markets in the state were devoid of this government is determined to fix it”, he March to the introduction of an while also calling on him to reduce the traders while many stores in the markets said. electronic means of revenue collection price of renting stores in the market, are empty. - Date Published: May 8, 2017 process in some LGs in the state. especially as they were ready to comply He said that about N15million and with the government's policies on N7 million were collected as revenue cleaning Edo. in Oredo and Egor LGs respectively Another trader, Henry Okere, praised using the electronic process from the courage and determination of the government to keep the state clean, March 22 to May 11. adding that the youths were behind In addition, he noted that N1.36 Governor Obaseki. billion of the total allocation accruable For Ezuwa Festus, he said the in March was used as mandatory intension of the government was expenditure including payment of genuine, saying it should be extended to primary school teachers' salaries, other markets in the state to ensure law traditional rulers' and training fund and other was restored. percentage. It would be recalled that the state While the N748 million left served as government had earlier called several distributable amount to the LGAs for meetings with traders, landlords, shop the payment of staff salaries. owners market leaders and stakeholders Meanwhile, he also revealed that on the modalities to be employed to clear traders from walkways and the streets Governor Godwin Obaseki had around the King square to ease traffic charged the heads of the various around the area in accordance with the councils to ensure that they joined the policy of the Edo Clean-Up Project. state government to tackle security On the implementation of the exercise, challenges in the State. the Secretary to Edo State Government – Date Published: May 14, 2017 (SSG) Barr. Osarodion Ogie said the basekiTHE 10 NEWS POST www.godwinobaseki.com

Obaseki, Shaibu, Oshiomhole, Dalung, others complete 10km Okpekpe race

OVERNOR Godwin Obaseki of local resources. explained. In the male categories for elite Edo State, today, completed the In addition, the state governor The Hourable Minister of Sport and Ethiopian swept the first, second and G10km Okpekpe Road Race in 86.4 reiterated that the race had created Youths development Solomon Dalong third price. minutes to fulfill his promise to run for We added value and prosperity to the appreciated the quality put into the Luwe Gabriel Salassi won the cash Care Trust Charity. people. preparation that led to the success of the price of 15,000 dollars finishing at 29:28 Hot on his heels were Deputy He said: “It was a challenge getting event calling on the sustainability of the sec followed by Dawit Ammosu in second Governor Phillip Shaibu, who completed to Okpekpe before it was constructed. event to promote sports in the country. place with 10,000 dollars with 29:34sec the race in 86.7 minutes and former Today, we have a free and motorable He appreciated the hospitality of the and Jemeti Bebeti (7,000 dollars) governor Adams Oshiomhole, who road. We have International people who people of Edo State and also participant 32:22sec. completed the race after 87.3 minutes of have come to run in Okpekpe to this city running for various causes saying this In the women category Gedre Azemo perspiration. and town”. determination will promote sport in Edo (Ethiopian) won the first price, Veronica Speaking after the race, Governor Meanwhile, former Governor Adams State and by extension Nigeria. Maiya (Kenyan) came in second place Obaseki said he would set up a sport Oshiomhole expressed delight for “Okpekpe tradition is unique and I call while the third place goes to another commission backed up by the law to witnessing the 5th Edition of the race. on private sectors to key into the Kenyan Tibiti Alice. reposition sporting activities in the state. “There were a lot of people who programme to improve it. -Date Published: May 13, 2017 He said: ” The focus is strictly in thought that once comrade Oshiomhole ensuring that there is development of is out of office the Okpekpe race will be sports in Edo State. I decided to run for out of the way. The point I really want to orphanage. We have more than 30 of amplify is for us to appreciate what Edo Govt to develop them in Edo State. Some chose to run for Obaseki has done by his own cancer to raise money for the cure, some participation by coming here to give students of AAU decided to run against affirmative action or expression to put world class traffic system cultism.” commitment to continue to gaurd out He continued that it was also an votes because that is the problem of DO State Government has were not being paid but decided to work opportunity to draw attention to areas and Nigeria. revealed its intention to roll out a with the government to clean up the issues of concern, adding that the ” So, I'm happy that the programme Eworld class traffic management state. serenity and safety in the area could also has outlived my own tenure of office and system across the state, adding that the The statement read in part: “Be attract investors planning to work with that is the way it should be”, he process had already commenced with the assured that we will have one of the best implementation of the 'Edo Clean-up traffic managers in the State and create a Project'. model for people to learn from. We will Obaseki commissions In a statement from the Office of the also use technology to monitor the Chief Press Secretary (interim) to the activities of our men and some of the Edo State Governor, Mr. John Mayaki technologies have never been used in Nigerian art at Italian Biennale explained that Edo State would have top Nigeria. traffic managers directing traffic in the “There will be a TV room where we DO State Governor, Mr Godwin He continued that the aim of the state and that the recent clean-up in Edo will network and see what is going on Obaseki, yesterday, Nigerian Pavilion, themed 'How About State was carried out by volunteers, who with the road users and the traffic Ecommissioned the Nigerian NOW?', was to expand the enforcers so that when you are arrested Pavilion at the 57th International Art understanding of Nigerian and you are complaining, we will play Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, contemporary life through the works of back the video for you. Even the officials which was the first time Nigeria would three artists; Victor Ehikhamenor will be empowered to use some have a pavilion at the historical art (painter), Peju Alatise (sculptor) and technology to record offences”. biennale. Qudus Onikeku (Choreographer) He added that the personnel involved The governor revealed that his love Governor Obaseki disclosed that he in the clean-up process at King's Square for the arts, which was ignited at an early was excited about the exhibition not (Ring Road) recently were only age, was born in the ancient city of only because it was Nigeria's first volunteers, who were trying to help the Benin, which he described as “a place showing at the Biennale, but also government, noting that they undertook rich in culture and history”, adding that because it corresponded with Edo State the responsibility because the congestion an expansion of his world view later Government's vision to engender socio- had become intense and the clean-up made him appreciate art as a veritable cultural and economic development was long overdue. medium of transforming and advancing through the promotion of art and However, he continued, trained and society. tourism. uniformed officials would replace them, “Art brings beauty into our world, Meanwhile, curator, Adenrenle who would be of civil dispositions to giving us a sense of enjoyment and Sonariwo revealed that their enforce the law would replace them and pleasure. But art is not all fun and presentation sought to use the narrative when the traffic restructuring was personal gratification; it is central to of the present to interrogate the completed, the officials would have a social change! Through their expressive minefield of societal consciousness in department for event management where talents, artists can deepen knowledge of, addressing aspects of identity and enlightenment would take place at as well as initiate positive changes in a belonging as they relate Nigerian various religious places of worship. people's political, economic and moral history. - Date Published: May 12, 2017 life”, he explained. - Date Published : May 10, 2017 basekiTHE www.godwinobaseki.com NEWS POST 11

OR men as old as 58 and even 65 years old to run 10km, perspiring Fheartily and garnering approving cheers from their younger counterparts, A Tale of Two Governors, who, it must be noted, were quite unable to keep up with their pace, there is a spirit of leadership afoot. First, as a Governor, Obaseki could have doled out state funds to care for the a Race for Two Worlds orphanage. But no. He upped, kitted himself in sporting habiliments, displayed By John Mayaki was strong enough to finish the 10km enviable gallantry for the course of 10km, Okpekpe Road Race. and put even me to shame for thinking he have served and the people will The incumbent governor, however, is of would run only 6km or so. gratifyingly cheer them. a more different breed. He came from a He ran for a charitable cause — We In the Afemai hills of Okpekpe, they relatively comfortable background. He is Care Trust Fund. He did it because he slugged it out, the one a fresh comrade a technocrat, who avoids politics as much genuinely cared about people, who were and well-meaning, wise governor, the as possible. vulnerable and he meant to help them. other, a seasoned comrade and However, of governance, both are Additionally, the quintessential accomplished, gallant former governor. equally progressive-minded, and comrade and former governor could have Kilometre after Kilometre, they ran, yesterday, despite their differences every chosen to enjoy the relative peace and forging bonds of dedication with their athlete that ran forgot their differences, comfort that accompanies 8 years of people in sweat. which could have easily polarized them. humble servitude to the people of that Both men, who, yesterday, raced as This was the initial aim of the Olympics state of many ancient kingdoms, Edo one, are, of disposition and history, games; to unite people of different tribes State. denizens of two different worlds. The and backgrounds, and that is what the Rest is most enriching and delightful former governor was an astute politician, 10km Okpekpe race did on May 13; that only after hard labour. When rest is climbing the rungs of governance's race, which two governors ran, telling a delightful, he who has worked to deserve arduous ladder through open struggle. story from two different worlds. such rest will be empowered with the He was not born with a silver spoon, but courage to make public appearances in he worked extremely hard to get to where -Date Published : May 14, 2017 simplicity to mingle with the people they he is now in life. It was no surprise he “In six months, we have proved critics wrong” – Edo SSG Obagie Nevbosa road, which is about had organised a series of workshops to 29km in Edo South”. engage stakeholders in the various He added that erstwhile-congested sectors, while the promise of 200,000 jobs areas such as Oba's market and King's was on course as 150,000 unemployed Square had been freed up and they had youths had been registered for the Edo shown Edo people that politicians could Jobs programme. keep their words. To boost the state's revenue also, the “This government is about law and Gelegele seaport was being developed, order and nobody is above the law. In while contracts had been awarded to six months, we have promulgated the facilitate the refurbishment of the Benin CDA law, which has outlawed all forms Technical College, with an industrial park of community development chairmen, attached to the school so that interested HE Secretary to the Edo State raised on the government's and we have abolished the collection of companies could establish workshops and Government, Barrister Osarodion achievements. government revenue by non- factories where the students could obtain TOgie has explained that the He said: “In six months we have been government officials,” he said. practical knowledge. Godwin Obaseki-led administration had able to chart a course that will carry Edo He continued that the government On electricity, he explained: “Our not only laid the template for People along and intimate them on what had also restored some order to forestry governor believes if you can think it then sustainable development, but it had to expect from the government in four administration in the state, while they you can do it. First we have the highest commenced work on it already, all in six years. In terms of infrastructural had also commenced the agripreneur volume of gas in this country and it is here months. development, already we are working program where farmland was cleared in Ologbo, less than 35km from Benin. We This was as the administration on over 35 roads including Agbede- for interested members of the public. have agreed an investor to generate clocked six months in office and the top Awain road, which is more than 25km in On accountability, the government power from Osiomon” government official addressed issues Edo North, we have awarded Evbevbe- Edo begins screening for traffic management HE government of Edo State, On the speed of the screening today, began the screening and process, he revealed that 100 people Tverification process of would be screened daily for 5 days, prospective officers of the State Traffic continuing that the process had, thus Control and Management Agency in far, been successful with the the state, who had erstwhile registered Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of through the Edo Jobs initiative. transport present. The Managing Director of the He also explained that some of agency, Mr Dennis Oleregbe disclosed those, who would pass the screening, this in Benin City while explaining that would be mobilised and deployed to the verification process included an sustain the clean-up process, which interview as well as biological check- had commenced at the King's Square ups to ensure they were physically (Ring Road). sound and qualified to do the job. He, however, warned members of It would be recalled that Governor the public to be careful to avoid dupery Godwin Obaseki had promised to during the verification process, adding create over 200,000 jobs in the state that prospective workers should ensure and had earlier introduced the Edo they appeared at the screening venue Jobs initiative to register interested with their certificates, birth certificates people in a database for allocating and original credentials. employments to them when such employments were available. - Date Published : May 15, 2017 lAn applicant undergoing screening in Benin City… yesterday… basekiTHE 12 NEWS POST www.godwinobaseki.com Obaseki commends Education is in the front burner Channels on sports of this administration – Obaseki tournament

DO State Governor, Mr Godwin OVERNOR Godwin Obaseki of Obaseki has said his administration Edo State has restated his would prioritise education to ensure E commitment to developing sports the sector received rapid infrastructural G in the state as he expressed support for development in continuation of the the Channels Kids Cup, which started in policies put in place by the Adams Oshiomhole-led administration. Edo State and which is co-sponsored by The governor disclosed this in Benin, the Edo State Government. on Monday, during the 77th Plenary He explained that the tournament Meeting of the Joint Consultative was important to the state government Committee on Education (JCCE) holding because his administration saw it as a in New Era College, where he was corporate social responsibility to be represented by the permanent secretary, encouraged, and because his Ministry of Education, Mrs Osazuware government was also keen to develop Idahosa. youth and sports in the state. Addressing delegates during the He said: “You cannot succeed, or plenary, the governor called on all say you are successful as a cooperate stakeholders in the education sector to entity without thinking of how to give deliberate meaningfully and ensure that back meaningfully to the community. It is an ideal we will embrace and support. It the challenges militating against the lOsazuware Idahosa representing Gov Obaseki at the 77th JCCE plenary in Benin City… sector were nipped in the bud for good. is also important for us from the Meanwhile, he charged them to come issues in Education. In the same vein, she continued that perspective of youth sports. As a up with qualitative policies that would put She added that the overall objective the recommendations of the committee government, we are trying to re-ignite value on education for effective service of the meeting was to develop a policy would be forwarded to the National one of those aspects that has made us delivery, reaffirming the state framework that captured, inclusively, a Council on Education (NCE), which was grate as a state, which is sports”. government's commitment to the laudable system of education in Nigeria where the highest policy making body in The governor continued that it was programme. everyone had equal opportunity to learn, Nigerian on education. part of the state's sports development For her part, the Chairperson of regardless of vulnerability and disability. Present during the event were policy to encourage school sports, JCCE, Magdalene Anene Maidoh noted The stakeholder explained that this distinguished delegates drawn from adding that they had finalized plans to that the meeting was to examine the could only be achievable if teachers' across the education sector in the 36 build more playgrounds or convert memorandum that has come from the capacities were expanded, and their role states of the federation. school grounds to sporting arenas, reference committee concerning policy in nation building was recognised. - Date Published: May 16, 2017 football pitches and racing grounds as well as ensure that local competitions among schools were initiated or strengthened. Edo to boost forex with rubber For his part, Steve Judo, General Manager Special Duties explained that the Channels Kids Club started 9 years ago for children between the ages of 7 and 13 years old, who were in primary school. He also disclosed that Edo state had been at the forefront before it became an international tournament, while also elucidating that sports could be used as a tool for Public Relations. He said: “When Edo state won the competition 2 years ago, it was like we won the world cup, because it was Edo state that brought glamour to the competition. This gives a peep into the lGov. Obaseki with Dr. Airguamen Aigbodion Acting Executive Director of lGov. Obaseki, Osarodion Ogie Esq. Edo SSG to his left with future of sports in the state. This is an the Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN) management of the Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN) avenue, a platform to showcase the talents of the Kids and it goes to show DO State Governor, Mr. Godwin “We will support local farmers and could collaborate with the institution in that the state has love for the Obaseki has declared his investors to grow rubber. We need to rubber nursery development and budding grassroots”. administration's readiness to understand the value chain and the operation to enhance production of E - Date Published: May 17, 2017 reposition the state at the vanguard of stakeholders in the rubber cluster to certified planting materials for plantation rubber production and processing in order make Edo a key rubber-producing region establishment. to increase foreign exchange earnings. on the continent. These were the crops This was as he received the that helped the state to generate foreign management of the Rubber Research earnings before the advent of Crude but Institute of Nigeria (RRIN) at the Edo Crude Oil made us to forget rubber”. Edo Govt orders probe State Government House in Benin on The governor also disclosed that the Monday, where he noted that rubber was state would adopt an MoU with the a major source of foreign earnings for the institute to allow for inter change of into cuffed man saga country before the advent of crude oil, and human capacity, while requesting a round DO state Government has condemned, sane or civilised society. The Governor has that investment in rubber would be table meeting to put about 100,000 in strong terms, the dehumanizing directed the Edo State Ministry of Justice to worthwhile investment because it was a hectares of land for rubber plantation in Etreatment meted to one Kester Edun, initiate immediate action to identify and who was handcuffed to the back of a moving prosecute all or any officers or persons found global commodity. Edo in the next 5 years. police van recently, while also ordering a to have been complicit in this outrage”. Revealing that his administration Earlier, the Acting Executive Director probe into the matter. Continuing, the government noted that it would create a master plan for rubber of the institute, Dr. Airguamen Aigbodion The state government also added that was inhuman behaviour of that nature that production, he said: “We want to know the said the institute had developed rubber those involved in the act would be brought to compelled it to ban the activities of non-state book. actors collecting revenue on the streets as locations and soil types where rubber can clones, which were believed to be some It would be recalled that material recently well as Community Development Associations do well in the state. We want to agree on of the highest yielding clones in the world circulated the internet containing a man with (CDA), who were fond of resorting to violence his left hand cuffed to the back of a moving how much land we should make available capable of yielding 2,500kg. to obtain illegal levies from innocent citizens. police van from Sokponba Road to 1st East Meanwhile, the government added that it for rubber cultivation, the quantity of yield Aigbodion said that the Institute was Circular Junction. was committed to ensuring lawful behaviour involved in provision of technical In a statement from the Office of the Chief from those charged with the enforcement of to expect and to know the key investors”. Press Secretary to the Governor, the Governor Obaseki continued that the assistance in all aspects of rubber law and order. government condemned the act and restated “This government resolutely believes that state government would not be directly production to farmers and capacity its commitment to ensuring civil and lawful whilst the law must be rigorously enforced, it involved in rubber production but would building for youth and women group behaviour. The statement read in part: “This must be done within the bounds of decency, cruel, inhuman and barbaric treatment is give the needed support to boost and involved in rubber production. civility and legality,” the government said. totally unacceptable to the Government of - Date Published: May 18, 2017 sustain rubber production in the state. He added that the state government Edo State and is in fact unacceptable in any basekiTHE www.godwinobaseki.com NEWS POST 13

lGov. Obaseki with the National Institute for Education Planning and Administration (NIEPA) team lGov. Obaseki receiving a gift from Prof Lilian Salami, Head of the National Institute for Education Planning and Administration (NIEPA) NIEPA, Edo set to train educationists NDO State based National she said “NIEPA was established in administrators, performing evidence Obaseki acknowledged the need to train Institute for Education Planning 1992 by the federal government in based researches to help inform policies education practitioners, noting that 'you Oand Administration (NIEPA) has collaboration with UNESCO to revive formation and dissemination of such cannot give what you do not have'. declared its intention to collaborate with the standard of education in the country. information to educationists,” she He continued that his administration the Edo State government to equip Our mandates include training of explained. had commenced reforming the state's educators, education planners and education managers, planners and Meanwhile, Governor Godwin education system and disclosed that he Administrators in the state with relevant was ready to collaborate with the Institute skills to enable them raise education in the provision of leadership and standard in the country. managerial skills for education The Head of the Institute, Prof Lilian practitioners Salami, disclosed this at the Edo We don't have the capacity and He said: “We don't have the capacity Government House in Benin City on and resources to tackle all the challenges, Monday after presenting a proposal to resources to tackle all the challenges, but we want to prioritise primary partner with the state government on education, because the key problem is at the training of its education practitioners but we want to prioritise primary the basic level. We have started by to Governor Godwin Obaseki restructuring our State Universal Basic She expressed the belief that when education, because the key problem Education Board (SUBEB), we are educationists and administrators were sourcing the data and people to manage equipped with the requisite skills and is at the basic level our education system at this level and we knowledge, they could translate such will need your help as we take our action skills and knowledge to students. steps,” he said. Giving a brief about the Institute, -Date Published : May 16, 2017 Applause as Edo Jobs verification continues

EGISTERED applicants and experiences and observations proved to weight. Then my biometrics were verified successful, this Edo Job initiative by observers of the ongoing Edo them that the exercise would be free of and in less than 15 minutes, I was Governor Godwin Obaseki means that our RJobs initiative have commended any form of external and political through. This exercise is truly fair”. Governor is keeping to his promises when the smooth and transparent process of influence. For her part, an applicant, who he was campaigning; I really thank God for the ongoing verification exercise for Mr Julius Obasogie, who was among identified herself as Mercy described the today”. prospective officers of the State Traffic those who registered at his local exercise as extremely fast as she did not Godwin Omonua, who also went Control and Management Agency in government of residence and was expect the orderliness she experienced, through the screening process, expressed Benin City, the State capital. captured in the Edo jobs initiative while also commending the process, belief in the credibility of the exercise and This was as the screening and database, described his experience at saying: “As soon as they called my called for sustenance. verification process of the week-long the verification as fair. number, I took the necessary procedures. The ongoing screening and verification exercise reached its third day on He said: “I was surprised when I saw I got here 7:49am, and looking at my time exercise commenced on Monday and will Wednesday. the test message on my phone inviting now, it is 8:15am. I have finished. Edo see about 100 people attended to daily, The visibly optimistic applicants, who me to come for this interview, so, as I state is moving faster than we thought with about 500 up for verification before the expressed acclivitous levels of came this morning, I joined the queue before.” process closes on Friday. confidence in the conduct of the and they checked my credentials, blood Another applicant, Omogbeme verification exercise, revealed that their pressure, blood sugar level, height and Timothy said: “No doubt, I will come out - Date Published: May 17, 2017

lRegistered applicants undergoing verification exercise for prospective officers of the State Traffic Control and Management Agency in Benin city basekiTHE 14 NEWS POST www.godwinobaseki.com Obaseki urges NDDC on resource management, to repair major road

contractors were doing, noting that Edo working on image redemption. formed an integral of the Niger Delta As part of plans to diversify the region and the state would work with the commission's sustenance, he revealed commission to foster development of the that a Niger Delta Development Bank region. would be established and that the budget lGov. Obaseki with Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, leader of the NDDC delegation He also revealed that his formation process for the commission administration was unhappy with some of would be strengthened, with governors of OVERNOR Godwin Obaseki Abraka road in the state. the projects executed in the state, urging the member states forming an integral Governor Obaseki revealed that the of Edo State has urged the the commission to manage one major part of such processes. Benin-Abraka road was of high priority GNiger Delta Development account made up of management fees On the commission's activities in Edo, Commission (NDDC) to help in the and great economic benefit to the state. he said that 708 projects, valued at N86. “The road links Benin with Oben, a paid by member states, while separate management of resources for the Niger 34 billion, had been awarded in Edo location which is the gas hub of the accounts should be dedicated to member Delta states, adding that individual since the inception of the commission. country. Rehabilitation of the road will states for project execution. member states accounts should be Meanwhile, Senator Victor Ndoma- These included 233 ongoing projects, also open up 25, 000 hectares of land for operated to facilitate appropriation of Egba, who led the delegation, said that 130 yet to commence, 131 completed but funds for project execution. agricultural production”, he said. He explained that the prior notice the commission had resolved to not inaugurated while 173 were This was as both parties met at the collaborate with member states in the completed and inaugurated. Edo State Government House in Benin given to NDDC contractors in the state to stop work was not to embarrass the Niger Delta to execute projects, adding City on Wednesday where they also that the commission's present board was - Date Published: May 17, 2017 agreed to join forces to repair the Benin- commission, but to understand what the Obaseki will not allow the spirit of Sanballat et al to distract him HE Government of Edo State has distract the government from its primary with a Bronze status,” he said. As we have always said and I wish said it is focused and committed to mandate to the people. Meanwhile, he revealed that the to repeat here, we need constructive Tthe mandate freely given by Edo Said he, concerning the outcome of state government, banks and other criticism. If PDP has criticism or a people to reconstruct the broken walls of their efforts: “God frustrated their development partners co-sponsored the proposal to move Edo forward let them the state, which was the legacy left for purposes just as in the past successful event, noting that organising bring it. But you and I know that they do the All Progressives Congress (APC) by administration of Adams Oshiomhole, an international competition of that level not have them. If they had them, they the opposition People's Democratic God is fading out these enemies and required money. would have remained in power at the Party (PDP). their antics even as quickly as they “Countries organise sports State and national,” he said. The state government was reacting appear on the scene. Please, competitions and spend hundreds of The Chief Press Secretary went to an allegation by the PDP that it had discountenance any accusations from millions and billions. In our own case, further to encourage the PDP to quit spent over N70m to fund the Okpekpe the PDP and their loyalists because the we have cut our coat according to our animosity and participate in the race as International 10km Road Race, and that God of heaven will prosper us after all cloth or size, instead of commending us, they could win prizes and they would be the governor allegedly wasted the state's the evil they perpetuated in office. I urge they want to again paint the government given equal chances. resources on foreign athletes, instead of Edo people to rise and support the black. - Date Published: May 18, 2017 developing sports at the grassroots and Governor to build the state. We are paying the pension arrears of retired civil confident in what God has called servants in the state. Governor Obaseki to do. Edo people In a swift reaction, the Chief Press will stand with the Governor to build Edo clean up: Govt provides Secretary (interim) to Governor Godwin despite the scorners, despisers and Obaseki said when the people voted the accusers”. Governor, the mandate was to He, however, noted that regardless temporary bus terminal consolidate the gains what ex-Governor of PDP's statements, Governor Obaseki Adams Oshiomhole achieved, rebuild would consolidate on the foundation HE Edo state government has provided in the city centre”. broken infrastructures by PDP and guide and progress made by former governor, provided a temporary central bus He explained that for the city to be the state out of recession. Adams Oshiomhole, adding that it Tterminal at the Oba Akenzua kept clean, some sacrifice had to be He said: “We knew it would come would benefit Edo people to understand Cultural Central premises to alleviate the made by everyone and the government with opposition. I never thought it would the background and status of the plight of commuters and drivers in the would sustain the initiative to keep the play out with literal Sanballats. But that's successfully hosted Okpekpe Road Benin metropolis till the proposed central state clean, by establishing mobile courts just what has happened—and often Race. park would be completed. to persecute defaulters of the sanitation these Sanballats come in sheep's “PDP is talking about sports The Chief of Staff to the state law. clothing”. development. Is the Okpekpe race not a governor, Mr Taiwo Akerele, disclosed Meanwhile, the Managing Director of He explained that PDP was averse way of developing sports and attracting this on Wednesday as he visited the the Edo State Traffic Management to Edo's revival, hence their actions. universal attention to sport activities in King's Square, popularly known as Ring Authority, Mr Dennis Oloriegbe said that “Sanballat was a serial persecutor, Edo State? Road to assess the level of compliance to as a measure to reduce the long distance pedestrians trekked before boarding who slandered the people and rallied Now, the International Association the Edo Clean-up Project aimed at vehicles, temporary bus terminals had others to the opposition, such as Tobiah of Athletics Federation (IAAF) and the decongesting the city centre. Revealing that the government was been created. and Geshem. This is the graphic picture Association of International Marathons aware of the challenges faced by “All vehicles coming from Airport of the PDP in Edo state and Chief Dan and Distance Races (AIMS) have listed pedestrians trying to board vehicles, road, Sapele road, and Sokponba road Orbih is misleading people again,” he Okpekpe 10km Road Race in the Akerele said: “We are appealing to will use the Oba Akenzua centre as a said. January-to-June calendar of road races residents, especially those who do temporary park pending when the central Continuing, the media aide revealed that worldwide and the only race in Nigeria, business in the King's Square to exercise motor park will be completed, while all since the advent of the APC in Edo, whose course the accredited officers of patience with the state government. In other parks still remain,” he said. soulless Sanballats had repeatedly IAAF/AIMS have measured by the next two weeks, a central park will be - Date Published: May 17, 2017 reared their heads and attempted to international standards and certified basekiTHE www.godwinobaseki.com NEWS POST 15 Obaseki talks up education, 'WHY WE assures alumni of support

OVERNOR Godwin Obaseki of CO-SPONSORED Edo State has revealed that the Gemergence of 3 state-owned universities in the state was testament to the state government's prioritisation of university education, while reaffirming his OKPEKPE RACE' administration's readiness to ensure the 2017 Conference of Alumni Associations of Nigerian Universities (CAANU) was successful. This was as the governor, represented –EDO GOVT by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Osarodion Ogie, met with members of the National HE government of Edo State has economist, as well as his commitment to Insurance and Channels Kids Cup. They Executive Committee (NEC) of CAANU reacted strongly to claims that it plugging up waste channels in the state's want to keep us back and not explore the at the Edo State Government House in Tlavished the state's money on the Internally Generated Revenue should benefits of hosting the only internationally Benin City. recently concluded 10km Okpekpe Race, have proved his frugality. certified long distance race in West and adding that funds invested into the race The Chief Press Secretary said: East Africa”, he said. He also emphasised that the were carefully analysed to determine the “Governor Godwin is not operating a He also added that the government establishment of Tayo Akpata University cost and yields ratio. government that spends money was very clear on its policies to develop in the state was to build capacity so that A statement from the Office of the wastefully and thoughtlessly. The the youths and sports sector in the state students who acquired skills from the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State government was only one of several as well as the tourism sector with institution would be self-reliant and Governor described the allegations of sponsors. I believe those accusing us workshops boasting of a high attendance employers of labour. wasteful spending as nonsense, noting lack imagination and ideas. To them, we of stakeholders having held in that Governor Obaseki also commended that the governor's experience as an are also wasting money on Bendel regard. the alumni on the visit, commenting that the conferences and seminars being held in Edo State were indications of the confidence and trust reposed in his administration, with the latest of them set to hold in Igbinedion University, Okada. Meanwhile, the National Chairman of CAANU, Professor Ahmed Tijani, who led the delegation, intimated the state government on the activities of the association, while appreciating the state government for promoting tertiary education in the state. -Date Published : May 18, 2017

DO State government has met with stakeholders to examine the Echallenges of unstructured and Stakeholders meet illegal urbanisation and proffer solutions to ensure Benin regains its city status. This was at a workshop on Urban and to restructure Town Planning themed “Urban Chaos – Refocusing Town Planning in Edo State”, which held in Benin City, the State urbanisation in Edo Capital on Friday. Chairman of the workshop and former government to compensate those that beautiful and conducive for relaxation. It commissioner for Housing and Urban would be affected. will also increase tourism and tourist Development, Architect Frank Another participant and a former activities. This is a worthwhile Evbuomwan, noted that Benin City, surveyor general to Bendel and Edo programme and exercise, the which once had good design and State, Dr. Sunny Ukpaise, said: “The government of the state must be planning, had become a shadow of itself, outcome of the workshop will help the commended for the laudable steps taken and this called for a restructuring. government on what to do to bring so far”. He said: “It is about doing the right orderliness in developing the city. If the thing. We discovered that the way Benin city is well developed, it becomes - Date Published: May 19, 2017 City is developing presently is not the best for all of us. This government is a government that has the political will to do the right thing. The recommendations that come from this workshop will be Obaseki hails 27-year old Nigerian presented to the governor for implementation. I am confident that he will do the needful”. recipient of British Honour Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban OVERNOR Godwin Obaseki of Anne-Marie, who is the eldest daughter government to develop the state”. Development, Dare Dania said Edo State has applauded the of Professor Chris and Ann Imafidon from Explaining further, Governor Obaseki professional bodies in the building Gassiduity and resilience of 27-year Edo State, holds the record of being the revealed that the state was working on industry must work together as a team old Nigerian, Anne-Marie Osawemwemze youngest girl ever to pass two GCSE developing internally with emphasis on for the state to get it right, adding that Imafidon, who, on Friday, received a examinations — for Mathematics and education, female empowerment and the initiative of the programme was to national honour from Queen Elizabeth II. Information Technology and A-level anti-human trafficking measures. find lasting solutions to the chaotic Imafidon, who hails from Edo State, computing at the age of 11 in Britain. “There is always a place in the state for development in the state. received the national honour of Member A statement released by the Office of such distinguished sons and daughters of A participant, Dr. Chukwujekwu of the Most Excellent British Empire the Chief Press Secretary to the governor the soil, who show intention to work with Ifenna, also called on the state (MBE) from the Queen on account of her said: “Edo State and even Nigerians all us in moving the state forward and government to deploy political will to outstanding services to the community, over the world are proud of Anne-Marie's improving the standard of living of the implement policies and decision that especially to young women with specialty achievements. She has proved that people of Edo State. would rectify illegal urbanisation in the in Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Nigerians are reputable people and we state, while also urging the state Mathematics (STEM). enjoin her to come and work with the - Date Published: May 19, 2017 basekiTHE 16 NEWS POST www.godwinobaseki.com Textile Mill Road set for reconstruction as Obaseki heeds media feedback HE government of Edo State has which an asphalt overlay would be responded to complaints from performed to complete the road repair Tresidents and motorists plying the going on there. popular Textile Mill Road in Egor Local It added that the road was a major Government area of Benin City, the State one that linked many parts of Benin and Capital by awarding the contract for was even an alternative route to Lagos drainage construction and asphalt from Benin City as well as a major route overlay on the road. to other parts of Edo State. In a statement from the Office of the Meanwhile the Chief Press Secretary Chief Press Secretary to the governor, it reminded the public that the State was revealed that reports and pictures Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, had from the social media went a long way in promised to run an open government with making the government understand the information at the centre of it. plight of the people and facilitating the He said: “It would be recalled that award of contract for the road. Governor Obaseki mentioned in the early The statement said: “On a daily basis, days of his government that he would we receive reports from social media- make sure information played an savvy people, who constructively inform important role in his administration. I us of things happening in and around the believe that if people want to pass across state. It was the same with Lucky Way; information to him, they do not have to the contract has been awarded and work come to the office. Information reaches has started. The Governor is very active him faster through the media, traditional on social media and he believes it is a or social, than if you schedule way of hearing undiluted information from appointments”. the people”. He, however, advised that the social Continuing, the statement noted that media should be used to pass soon enough, the contractors would constructive information, as the governor resume work at Textile Mill Road and the would not heed unconstructive comments drainages would be constructed, after or posts. Obaseki tasks AAU on revenue generation, management ONCERNED with the finances of Governor Obaseki also charged the state-owned Ambrose Alli University university to be more innovative, especially C(AAU), Ekpoma, Governor Godwin with its student population of 28,000, Obaseki of Edo State, on Monday, apprised advising that since it offered high quality the institution's management on revenue service, it should also be able to generate generation and management, noting that enough funds and revenue to sustain the the school had it to be a world-class University sustainable. university. “I do not know if you have a master This was at the Edo State Government plan and when it was last updated. The House in Benin City where the institution's starting point is to see the masterplan for management fed the governor in on the the school to know exactly where we are school's status quo, adding that although working towards and the timeline the school rated highly in use of technology Universities all over the world are funded it still needed about N2bn to accredit 32 primarily from two sources – tuition and courses. endorsement. You are lucky to have both The university's Vice Chancellor, combined with a clear roadmap and Professor Ignacious Onimawo revealed that masterplan. I do not see why we should the institution had 12 faculties, 50 have any challenges and problems. All it department and 65 academic programmes requires is a determined, focused and and called on the governor to urge the CBN disciplined management,” he concluded. and NDDC to complete their projects in the school, as it would go a long way to solve - Date Published: May 22, 2017 lGov. Obaseki in a handshake with Professor Ignacious some challenges confronting the school. “As a University, we have done our very best to reposition the institution amongst the community of Universities in As Edo hosts its own, Pinnick Nigeria”. Governor Obaseki, however, while OVERNOR Godwin Obaseki, on By celebrating him, we are challenging him repositioned to facilitate productivity. admitting that the school was a source of Friday, played Chief Host to to go and do it. All the things that you have The country, he explained, had people pride to Edo because of its past glory, it had GNigerian Football Federation (NFF) complained about Nigerian football; it is with football experiences as well as those to be upgraded to international standards, president, Melvin Amaju Pinnick at the Edo now your responsibility to come and fix it. interested in repositioning the game and continuing that the management had to State Government House where he was “We are truly proud of you; we are with the required support and sponsorship, improve its finances to develop. celebrated in a grand reception organised looking up to you, we believe that you do Nigeria would be have created an enabling The governor said: “The priorities are by the South-South Congress of the NFF. not only owe it as a duty to yourself and the environment for Nigerian football to different now. We do not have the kind of Pinnick, a member of the FIFA country, but the entire continent to develop. money, resources we erstwhile spent, so Organising Committee, was recently reposition sport, particularly football the “We have the calibre of people so it is we need to review and focus on those key elected into the Executive Committee of way it should be,” the governor said. just the environment that is difficult but by things that are important; this will enable us the Confederation of African Football Meanwhile, he also pledged the the grace of God, we are getting it right. save resources for more important things”. support of the Edo people to the NFF We have secured a sponsorship in the He explained that the state had set a (CAF). Lauding Pinnick on his achievements, president who grew up and schooled in the history of Nigeria that no MD has secured. standard with Edo University, Iyamho, and Governor Obaseki said: “It is worthwhile to state. At least for the next five years, you will not expressed the belief that he could work with celebrate our own, who has been elevated Pinnick, however, revealed that running hear again that our coaches are being the management of AAU to upgrade the Nigerian football administration was not quality and standard of the infrastructure of into executive positions in CAF and FIFA. If owed. difficult, but the environment needed to be - Date Published: May 21, 2017 the institution. you do not celebrate your own, nobody will. basekiTHE www.godwinobaseki.com NEWS POST 17

lGov. Obaseki in company of Osarodion Ogie Esq. (Edo SSG), Wole lGovernor Obaseki interacting with the staff of Edo Line lGovernor Obaseki inspecting the vehicles in the Edo Line Iyamu Esq (PS Min. of Justice), Mr. Taiwo Akerele (Edo COS) and Mrs. Edugie Agbonlahor (MD ECTS) during the inspection of Edo Line Obaseki shuts down Edo Line, relocates staff to ministry of transport

DO State Governor, Mr. Obaseki discovered some buses in liquidate the debt and plan how to use the May 2015, had workforce that was 186- Godwin Obaseki has shut disrepair with major departments, premises for other ventures”. people strong with its headquarters located Edown state-owned transport including the mechanic unit, the courier Noting that company's debt was at James Watt Road, Off Mission road, outfit, Edo line, indefinitely and directed section and the staff office, among others, about N1.5bn, he said: “This is a typical Benin City and other outlets in Lagos, that its staff be relocated to the Edo State quite out of kilter. waste. Can you see how many vehicles Abuja, as well as other parts of the country. Ministry of Transport. The governor, accompanied by the are around? We have been paying - Date Published: May 22, 2017 The governor gave this directive in Secretary to the State Government, Barr. people close up to four years without Benin as he paid an on-the-spot Osarodion Ogie, his Chief of Staff, Mr. doing any work. The company has a assessment of Edo line to ascertain the Taiwo Akerele, and other top officials, huge amount of debt and as a state of the transport company, which had lamented the condition of the state- government, we cannot continue in this allegedly been systematically collapsing owned transport company. situation. What we are doing is that we for several years. He said: “We will shut down this are absorbing the staff”. During the assessment, Governor place, clean it up, and decide on how to The company, which last operated on Edo to domesticate School Feeding Programme DO Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki were trying to understand how the facilities, adding that his administration has revealed his administration's programme would work without hitches. would work with the federal government Governor Obaseki Eintention to adopt and domesticate This is a programme we are committed to provide electricity to enhance efficient the federal government's Home Grown to and we will do everything to make it use of technology in primary schools in School Feeding Programme (HGSFP) in work because we believe in it”, he said the state. commiserates the state before the year runs out. The governor said that the state Meanwhile, the National Operation The governor made this disclosure would make funds available to extend Manager of the programme, Mr Dotun with Channels, at the National Home Grown School the feeding programme beyond Primary Adebayo said the HGSFP national Feeding Programme Workshop in Benin, 1 – 3 to accommodate pupils in primary workshop was to build capacity of Onuekwusi family on Tuesday, where he said that the 4 – 6. stakeholders on the implementation of benefits of the feeding programme He said: “When children are hungry, the programme in the Edo. OVERNOR Godwin Obaseki of Edo outweighed the promotion of basic their attention and retentiveness reduces In addition, he disclosed that the State has grieved the death of education, but would also boost and this makes the learning process workshop would develop a state-specific GChannels Television's State House agricultural and economic activities in the tedious, but when they are mindful that framework that was compatible with the correspondent, Chukwuma Onuekwusi, state. they will be given a meal in school, they state in the domestication of the saying that the media industry had lost a He continued that the HGSFP was will like to go to school to learn''. programme and that the commitment of crucial soldier, whose reports, free of bias critical and important, and was one of the To facilitate this, Governor Obaseki the state governors was key as they as they were, should serve as an example key policies that the state would prioritise explained that access roads would be would need to legislate for the to other journalists. and adopt. linked to farms to allow for easy sustainability of the programme at the The state governor noted that although “The only reason we have not yet evacuation of farm produce while people state level. he did not know the reporter personally, he adopted the programme is because we would be encouraged to invest in storage - Date Published: May 23, 2017 was no stranger to his works, adding that his reports smacked of professionalism and that they connected the public with the country's seat of power such that everyone was up-to-date on what was going on. He said: “I always feel touched when I hear that someone hardworking and diligent is no more. I feel the vacuum in creativity that has come with the passing of Onuekwusi and I hope Channels Television, a media outfit that demands professionalism, can find a way to cope with the irreplaceable loss of Onuekwusi. The governor also exhorted other journalists in the country to remain on top of their game through hardwork, honesty, and commitment to their media outfits, while urging them to eschew blackmail and other such unethical conducts. Gov. Obaseki delivering speech at the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme Workshop -Date Published : May 24, 2017 basekiTHE 18 NEWS POST www.godwinobaseki.com

lGov. Obaseki with members of the State Library Joint lGov. Obaseki with Mrs Grace Sanni, Head State Library Joint Revival Implementation Committee Gov Obaseki inaugurates Edo Library OVERNOR Godwin Obaseki of would coordinate it, while the members Edo State has followed up on his would submit a report on the terms of Gpromise to revivify Edo State's Revival Committee reference within a four-week period. Library system by inaugurating the State For her part, the committee head, Mrs Library Joint Revival Implementation committee to work on the revamping and library sector. Grace Sanni, who is also the librarian of Committee on Tuesday, and mandating remodelling our public libraries. I was Others, he continued, are maintaining Benson Idahosa University, commended the members to reposition reading culture displeased with the dilapidated facilities library infrastructures across the state, the governor for his interest in upgrading and library services. at the state library when I visited it and I suggesting the best ways of archiving the state's library to world standards, Tasking the committee members at decided to task the best brains with government books, documents and noting that constituting the committee was the Edo State Government House in carrying out this job,” he said. historical materials, considering e- a step in the right direction. Benin City, where he also inaugurated the The governor also listed the learning opportunities in the library sector She said members would adhere to committee, the governor reiterated that committee's terms of reference, including and helping to establish and manage a the terms of reference given to them his administration was poised to revamp reviving the state of public libraries in the public library in the state's government adding that a good library would facilitate public libraries and key into e-library state, recommending ways of reviving house. an informed society, which would also services, which was the contemporary reading culture among students and On the management of the promote development. international standard. youths, and suggesting possible public committee, Governor Obaseki disclosed He said: I pledged to set up a private partnerships and initiatives in the that the Chief of Staff, Mr Taiwo Akerele, -Date Published : May 23, 2017

DO State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has indicated his Governor Obaseki Eadministration's readiness to work with Bridge International Academies, welcomes Ramadan, which, yesterday, expressed interest in improving the standard of Primary School advocates peace education with technology. This was at the Edo State OVERNOR Godwin Obaseki of Government House in Benin City where Edo State has joined the President the governor also restated his Gof the Nigeria Supreme Council for administration's priority to continually Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Saa'd Abubakar III, upswing education standards in the state the Sultan of Sokoto, and all Muslims to by consolidating on the work of the past welcome the month of Ramadan while government, which, he noted, had already also urging Nigerians to maintain peaceful improved infrastructure in primary schools conduct. The Governor, in a broadcast, by 60% and in secondary schools by expressed his belief that the Ramadan 30%. The governor said: “My agenda is to was a significant period in the life of Muslims and in Islam as it represented improve the quality of education, l Gov. Obaseki with the co-founders, Jay Kimmelman and Dr. Shannon May as well as members of one of the five Pillars of Islam, and was a especially at the primary school level. If a global team of Bridge International Academies you do not get it right at the primary period that called for sober reflection, school level, such pupils will struggle all sacrifice, patience and endurance. He said: “We have so much to be through life. Therefore, it is imperative for thankful to Allah for, for he has been this administration to fix the system”. Edo set to improve He commended the academy for the merciful and he has preserved us and our initiative to collaborate with his nation thus far. Let us use this significant administration using technology to primary education with month of Ramadan to continue to pray for improve the system noting that our nation, our state, and our President, technology was key to plugging up the Muhammadu Buhari”. -Date Published : May 27, 2017 vacuum in the state's education system technology and adding that his administration was committed to improving the quality of would also leverage on the use of “We will also teach them to prepare teachers for effective service delivery. technology to improve the quality and lesson guide for each subject of each day The governor however urged the performance of teachers, which would and ensure every teacher has the core academy to set up a teaching laboratory translate to better learning outcome in content and activities for the day at their in the state before the commencement of pupils. fingertips. We will also Supply each the next academic session. “Teachers from the selected schools teacher with an e-reader tablet to which Meanwhile, Mrs. Adesuwa Ifedi, Head would be trained on the use of e-service all lessons and teacher resources library of Policy and Partnership Department of teachers' guide and classroom will be published'', she said. Bridge International Academies said the management procedures that would Also with the governor were co- educational body would support the state effectively drive learning outcomes in the founders, Jay Kimmelman and Dr. government with technology to increase schools. We want to establish a learning Shannon May as well as members of a learning outcomes in 100 primary schools laboratory in a college of education to global team of the organisation. in the state in the next 3 years. provide optimal training for teachers in She explained that the academy Edo state. -Date Published : May 24, 2017 basekiTHE www.godwinobaseki.com NEWS POST 19 Edo commences enforcement of town planning law, demolishes shopping complex

HE Government of Edo state has declared its shop owners would have had to park by the commitment to enforcing all physical and town roadside, which could stifle traffic and cause Tplanning laws in the state to restore integrity to congestion on the roads. the environment's masterplan, it was learnt on “In specific terms, Mayaki revealed, “the plan, for Thursday. which the owner sought approval, provided for 30 A statement endorsed by the Chief Press shops with adequate allowances for space and Secretary to the Governor, Mr. John Mayaki said, internal staircases, but what Edo people later “There are town planning rules and laws in the state, discovered was a structure with 150 shops and and nobody is bigger than the law. So, for the external staircases, just as there were no provision development of Edo state and to upgrade the for parking”. Obaseki people's standard of living, there should be full The structure therefore constituted a breach on compliance from everyone to the law”. the property and to all known town planning laws and On the issue of the building recently demolished even to the plan, which was submitted for approval. along Mission Road, which had about 150 shops, the The governor's CPS also stressed that one becomes first Governor's media aide said, “The structure, for which person could not create a crisis to disturb other the owner sought the government's approval, was at people, adding that the building would have variance with what was erected. In other words, the inconvenienced many people. structure which was built was in contravention of Meanwhile, the land would remain the owner's patron of what was approved”. property but the property erected on it should not “Before the demolition, notices were served, aggravate the very crisis, which the government was which have since expired. And, as you may as well avoiding at the Kingsquare, also called Ring Road. be aware, nobody is above the law, neither is “I am also glad to report to you that the Benin Club anyone's interest bigger than the public's interest. government exists for the good and interest of the He continued that no parking space was provided public and that is the interest the administration of HE management team of Benin Club, on Wednesday, for owners of the would-be shops at the property, as Governor Godwin Obaseki is serving. The public is commended Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state for well as there was no parking space for those who even happier that the government is creating the This developmental strides and the steps taken to would go there to shop. right of way for them,” he further explained. reposition the state for investments, while also appointing him The property, he explained, was being as the first patron of the club. constructed at the heart of the city and shoppers and - Date Published: May 25, 2017 This was at the Edo State Government House where Governor Obaseki said that his administration aimed to return the state to an enviable height in the country and open it for investments to improve the economic wellbeing of the state and her people. Obaseki congratulates He expressed delight at the investiture, and thanked the management team of the club for commending his performance so far in office, while also appreciating the past and present executives of the club. He revealed that he had been visiting the club as a child and that he learnt how to swim there adding that he still visited the golf section of the club once a week to play golf. Meanwhile Engineer Ade Edeki, president of the Benin Clark at 90 club, explained that the club was founded in 1931 and called 'European Club' before it was changed to 'Benin Club in 1964'. HE Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has continue to give of himself in service to the overall “The club is not political, none profit club and its members joined many notable Nigerians, especially in good of humankind. Nigeria at present, the governor are people without questionable character, people that have Tthe political circle, to congratulate a observed, is in dire need of the insights and wisdom contributed immensely to the development of their distinguished Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo of elders like Chief Clark. communities,” Edeki explained. Clark, as he clocks age 90. Chief E. K. Clark, the founder of Edwin Clark In his congratulatory message to the elder University (ECU) Kiagbodo, Delta State, was born statesman, Governor Obaseki described him as “a on May 25, 1927, at Eriawvarien in the present seasoned administrator, great politician, elder Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. statesman, dynamic Ijaw leader, university proprietor From local to national levels, Chief E. K. Clark and educationist, lawyer and advocate of the people, has held varied positions which included Federal and solid bridge builder across Nigeria”. All of these, Commissioner for Education, Finance and he pointed out, are landmark avenues through which Establishment, Federal Minister for Information and the respected leader has contributed to his people, National Orientation, Senator, among a couple of the Southsouth Region, and to Nigeria. other prominent ones. The governor praised Chief E. K. Clark for his An alumnus of the Holbom College of Law, unwavering commitment to the struggles for justice London, he was called to the Bar in England as a and fairness for minority groups and for the progress member of the Honourable Society of the Inner of Nigeria. Temple and as a solicitor and advocate of the He wished him “great vigour and sound health, Supreme Court of Nigeria. and sagehood” as he takes his place among other eminent nonagenarians. He implored him to - Date Published: May 25, 2017 Obaseki hails Edo school on Channels Kids Cup victory OVERNOR Godwin Obaseki, on the better of X-Planter Primary School contest against a school from another state. Thursday, commended Paragon from Ikorodu in Lagos by a goal to To both the governor and the entire state, it GDemonstration School for nothing, courtesy a strike by Orobosa is a further indication that we have talents recording a victory on the opening day of Aghahowa. already in the state that we can groom. You the ongoing Channels International Kids The statement also revealed that the can be sure that the state is paying attention Cup, noting that the school had made the governor was paying keen attention to the to developments in the tournament”. state proud. football tournament to discover talents It would be recalled that group stage A statement from the Office of the that would facilitate his plans to revamp action commenced with Community Primary Chief Press Secretary disclosed that sports in the state by developing young School, Lagos, Paragon Demonstration Governor Obaseki was particularly elated talents. School, Edo, Mowoe Primary School, Delta when news filtered into town that in one of He said: “Governor Obaseki was and Jaafaru Primary School from Kaduna the Group A matches, Paragon delighted to find that a school from Edo recording opening day victories. Demonstration School from Edo State got State came out tops in the opening day - Date Published: May 25, 2017 basekiTHE 20 NEWS POST www.godwinobaseki.com

lMrs. Betsy Obaseki applauding the speech given by one of the special children lMrs. Betsy Obaseki joining the special children in singing a chorus

IRST Lady of Edo State, Mrs Besty Obaseki, on Thursday, Fassured students with special needs in the state of the government's Special needs students to assistance to help them actualise their dreams and full potentials, while also commending them for their zeal to acquire education in spite of their get Edo First Lady's support challenges. This was in Benin City as she get Mr Governor and the relevant their welfare. special needs in the state, had produced visited Ihogbe College, a government stakeholders to provide all the The governor's wife, however, students excelling in journalism, the school for students with visual, hearing necessary materials needed to teach admonished the teachers to be more academia and other disciplines. and mental impairments to celebrate the you properly and make you comfortable. proactive to stand up for what was due They also applauded the state 2017 National Children's Day, alongside “I am assuring you that toilets, them and acquire more knowledge and Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, for the wife of the Speaker of the Edo electricity, learning materials and other trainings in order to improve the learning approving the 30% special allowance for House of Assembly, Mrs Betty Okonobor facilities that will make you learn better conditions of their students. special needs teachers in the state, but and the Permanent Secretary of the will be provided”, she said. Meanwhile, the Principals of the called for state government's support in Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Meanwhile, Mrs Obaseki also Senior and Junior Secondary sections the provision of transportation or boarding Development, Mrs Itohan Obayagbona. commended the teachers for their of the College, Mr Williams Iyekekpolor facilities for the students, who came from “We are committed to doing what selfless service and commitment and Mrs Edith Onaiwo, commended the different parts of the state adding that God has brought us to do in Edo state. towards ensuring that the children First Lady for the visit, noting that the more special need teachers should be You are God's special children and we received quality education and promised school, which was the only government deployed to the school. will take extra care of you. I will work to frequent visits to the school to check on approved school for Children with - Date Published: May 25, 2017

lGov. Obaseki with the Pro Chancellor of UNIBEN, Mr Isa Ashiru lGov. Obaseki with the management of the University

ever busy Benin-Lagos expressway in front of the institution to address the Edo Govt to leverage on UNIBEN's issue of accidents in front of the school gate. We will also help the institution curtail illegal encroachment within the Power Plant for Industrial Park institution,'' Governor Obaseki said. For his part, the Pro Chancellor of OVERNOR Godwin Obaseki of Governor Obaseki said his them that contracts had been awarded UNIBEN, Mr Isa Ashiru, commended the Edo State has revealed that his administration would leverage on to rehabilitate Benin Technical College, governor on his policies for governing the Gadministration would take technology to boost economic activities which is located close to University of state while also assuring him of the advantage of the University of Benin's in the state to make it a hub of the Benin. institution's support in the state's drive for Electricity Generating plant to drive an nation. The governor also said that the technological advancement. industrial park within Benin Technical He continued that his administration state was proud with the academic He added that the new governing College (BTC) in the state. would build an industrial park within the performance of the tertiary institution council would help to improve the This was at the Edo State Benin Technical College premises, and would assist to improve the learning academic standards of the ivory tower. Government House in Benin, on which would serve as the 'Silicon Valley' conditions of its students. Wednesday, where the management of of Nigeria. “We have finalised the contract to - Date Published: May 24, 2017 the University paid him a courtesy visit. Meanwhile, he also disclosed to create an overhead bridge across the basekiTHE www.godwinobaseki.com NEWS POST 21 Edo First Lady launches Child Protection Policy

HE Wife of Edo State Governor, members of the Edo Children Parliament Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, on Thursday, to prevent abuse of children's rights Tlaunched the Edo Child Protection emphasising that the government was Policy to strengthen the child protection set to end child trafficking, strengthen the system in the state. newly established family court with better Launching the policy book with staffing and provide help lines for executive members of the Edo Children children to report cases of abuses. Parliament and members of the State's On the nature of the Children Child Right Implementation Committee at Parliament, Mrs Abieyuwa Efeomo, its the Edo State Government House in speaker, revealed that the Parliament Benin City, she expressed delight that was established in 2015, aiming to Edo pioneered the development and advocate for the protection of children's launch of such a policy in Nigeria. rights, but also called on the government In addition, the governor's wife noted to create awareness about the existence that the Obaseki-led administration of the Family Court so that abused prioritised child protection and provision children could take full advantage of it. of quality education for Edo children, as She also decried the rate of child well as vocational education for students abuse and rape in the state, calling on to facilitate skill acquisition and self- the government to act against violence reliance. directed at children in the state. “This administration wants to produce -Date Published : May 25, 2017 medium manpower through vocational skills acquisition because when people SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMME: don't have skills they are helpless. I will also like the introduction of vocational skills/handwork into the curriculum of primary and secondary schools in the Edo set to collaborate with private firm state”, she said. Meanwhile, the First Lady HE Edo State Government has Akerele, made this known in Benin City on Commending the initiative of the commended the proactive steps of revealed that it may collaborate with Friday as he received the management company, the governor revealed that the TDufi Prima Food Plc, a private firm, team of Dufi Prima Food Plc at the Edo state government would draw out a plan in to domesticate and implement the Federal State Government House where the food line with the state's procurement law on Government's Home Grown School company indicated its interest to engaging service providers to bid for the Feeding Programme. collaborate with the state government on Home Grown School Feeding Programme. Governor Godwin Obaseki, the Home Grown School Feeding He said: “We are going to come up with a represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Taiwo Programme. proposal. We have the state procurement law and we will open up the procurement process for invitation to everybody who is into this line and see that the best in terms of production and output is chosen”. Meanwhile, Dufi Prima Food consultant, Efosa Cliff-Ogiugo, congratulated the state government on the successful launch of school feeding programme held in Benin City “Sports unify revealing that the company's visit was to officially introduce its products and develop a people of all partnership on the use of its products for the programme. The consultant noted that the company races”, says was already into partnership with the federal government on the programme and wanted to engage as many states as possible, Oba of Benin adding that the company also intend to OLFING with Governor Godwin introduce programmes to upgrade school Obaseki of Edo State last weekend, infrastructure. Gthe Oba of Benin, HRM Oba Ewuare II, He, however, maintained that the has stated that sports, including golf, unify company would extend the gesture to people from various tribes, professions and disabled children and ensure that the value even countries in general. This was as he flagged off the 6th Oba of of the N10m proposed for the feeding Benin Pro-Am Golf Tournament at the Golf programme would span nine months. Course in Benin City where the Oba also expressed his love for sports and his history with golf. Oba Ewuare said: “The game of golf Edo First Lady, MWAN to establish health facilities helps social interaction and relaxation of the mind. Apart from golf, I have also played HE Wife of the Edo State Governor, lot of work to be done in the state. I will like reforms in the state's health system including tennis in times past”. Mrs Betsy Obaseki has disclosed to support the Well Women Clinic and restructuring the schools of Nursing and Continuing, the Benin monarch added that Tthat the Office of the First Lady Youth friendly centre and institutionalise Health Information and the proposed once upon a time, he would jog 8-10 times would collaborate with the state's chapter some of these projects. I will also work establishment of clinics in market places. round Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, also in Meanwhile, Dr Njoku, revealed that the Benin City, to keep himself fit. of the Medical Women's Association of with you, and by the grace of God, we will Meanwhile, Governor Obaseki, who golfed Nigeria (MWAN) to establish a Well do many things together in the state,” she association planned to launch its Adolescent with his deputy, Hon. Philip Shaibu, noted that Women Clinic in the state. said. Health Manual and a youth friendly centre golf was an interesting game that required Mrs Obaseki also assured of the state She also intimated the association on while declaring the wife of the Governor as a concentration and attention, and that he had government's support to collaborate with the Obaseki-led administration's ongoing Patron of the association. to create time to engage in sports, especially the Association to establishment of a youth golf, to maintain fitness. Governor Obaseki, who recently ran 10km at friendly centre to handle reproductive and Okpekpe Road Race, explained that: other health issues of adolescents and “Governors are interested in sports and have youths. participated in sporting activities. Our father She received executive members of Samuel Ogbemudia and some other notable Edo State MWAN, led by the President, Dr governors engaged in sports during their time. Mrs Anthonia Njoku at the Edo State The responsibilities and challenges of work Government House in Benin, on Friday do not give enough time to engage in sporting activities, but I am determined to continue to and stressed that the goal of the present participate in sports. administration was to improve access to On the benefits of golf, the governor said it health care and to make the state a was a game that relaxed the mind, explaining medical tourist destination. that the attention of the player was needed for She also commended the association the four hours the game would be played, and for promoting improved health care for concentration had to remain trained on the small golf ball. women and adolescents, saying: “I am glad that you are up to the task. There is a basekiTHE 22 NEWS POST www.godwinobaseki.com Obaseki Inaugurates ICD, TTP Project Committee

lGov. Obaseki with the Chairman Edo Inland Container Deport (ICD) and Truck Transit Park (TTP) lGov. Obaseki with the Edo Inland Container Deport (ICD) and Truck Transit Park (TTP) Implementation Committee, Engineer Charles Akhighe Implementation Committee

NAUGURATING the eight-man transaction. As an implementation step, conduct meetings with stakeholders and turning Edo State into a globally committee, chaired by Engineer we have to set up a committee of partners on the importance of the ICD, competitive state and we are here to ICharles Akhighe, Governor Godwin experts. This team is not a statutory to make recommendations on solutions encourage exports, especially in cash Obaseki said members of the team body of government, but the for outstanding facilities, live roads and crops. It will create innovation, as this is an were chosen without partisan government is facilitating the take-off by other infrastructure on the container opportunity to boost the state's economy,” invidiousness, but that their technical giving the impulse and push. deport and truck transit pack as well as he said. knowledge and experience as experts On the committee's terms of processes and procedures to increase Other members of the Committee selected them. reference the governor charged the Edo's IGR and to set targets and plans include Theophilus Okoh, Austin Atakpu, He said the implementation committee to work with promoters to ahead of commencement. Francis Ehiguese, Chief Chris Orode, and committee had become necessary given ensure that all federal and state permits For his part, Engineer Akhigbe Princess Biddy Adele. Others his administration's strategy to make required for the project take-off are expressed the committee's interest and representative of the government in the Edo a logistic hub. obtained, to conduct road shows within readiness to work with the government committee are the MD/CEO of ECTS and He said: “As a government we have and outside the state on potentials for in developing the state. Edugie Agbonlahor. taken these transactions seriously and industrialists, manufacturers, innovators, “You have given us the mandate of - Date Published: May 26, 2017 are putting our support behind the small and large business owners, to CHILDREN'S DAY: Edo to introduce e-learning in schools

He said: “We want to key into to collaborate with the government to President Muhamandu Buhari's vision to ensure that the children's rights were reposition the nation's education system protected and they were morally brought as a foundation for economic and social up. development. As a first step, we will Meanwhile, the governor's wife, Mrs start from Primary 1 and JSS 1 to Betsy Obaseki, launched a child-friendly introduce computers and notepads in version of the Child Right Law, saying that the learning process of the state. the state government produced the easy- “Pupils and students will start to to-read version for children in the state to receive lectures and instruction with understand and be acquainted with their lGov. Obaseki and his wife Betsy celebrating with children during the 2017 children day celebration computers and notepads this year,” he basic rights. OVERNOR Godwin Obaseki has Day with young children and parents at said. The First Lady noted that the state's revealed that the state the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in In addition, the governor stated that Ministry of Women Affairs and social government would introduce the Benin City, on Saturday. his administration would also subscribe development would ensure that copies of G to the Sustainable Development Goals the books were distributed to every child in use of computers and notepads as tools Governor Obaseki revealed that the for teaching and learning in primary and move to introduce technology in primary campaign and reduce instances of child the state through their schools, while secondary schools across the state from and secondary educational institutions trafficking and violence against children expressing optimism that the version of September this year. of the state was in line with his through the domestication of federal the law would bring better protection and The governor announced this as he administration's goal to improve the government laws against human joy to every child in the state. celebrated the 2017 National Children's quality of education in the state. trafficking. He therefore called on stakeholders - Date Published: May 27, 2017

lGov. Obaseki receiving salutes from School children march past during the children day celebrations in Benin basekiTHE www.godwinobaseki.com NEWS POST 23 Obaseki promises to boost revenue for LGs LOSING 2-day retreat tagged The governor said: “Let us be frank “Reforming Local Government with ourselves, we need to strategize on CAdministration in Edo” organised how we can boost revenue and reduce for Local Government administrators in costs; those are the solutions I can see. the state, Governor Godwin Obaseki has We have introduced the use of pledged his administration's commitment technology to collect revenue for LGAs to work with Local Government in the state. In the pilot phase of the administrators to boost their Internally scheme, we were able to raise IGR from Generated Revenue (IGR). N42, 000 to N500, 000 at nine different The state, Governor Obaseki collection points in Oredo LGA on a revealed, organised the retreat to daily basis”. discuss the challenges confronting LGAs He continued that the state would in the state with a view to proffering make 15 out of its 18 LGAs viable solutions. before September this year through the He said that the drop in Crude oil new method of IGR collection while he security challenges in state. IGR and technology at the LG councils, Meanwhile, the Chairman of the prices, had made it impossible for also urged the administrators to support and urged the LG administrators to key Unified Local Government Services Federal allocation to sustain LGAs, so the process and emphasised the need into the state governor's vision to improve Commission, Mr Simon Imuekheme his administration had decided to put for LG councils to improve on their IGR of their councils. revealed that the retreat deliberated on measures in place to assist LGAs boost intelligence gathering system to curtail their IGR. ways of improving education, security, -Date Published : May 28, 2017 Edo First Lady restates commitment to youth development

he wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs. However, in Edo state, the case is different; Betsy Obaseki, has reaffirmed that our youths are very responsible and have Tthe Godwin Obaseki-led positive energy, which they use for the good administration believed in empowering of the state”. youths and would lay emphasis on The first lady also revealed that there imbuing them with the skills they require were elders, who were ready to to become independent, which will in turn understand and work with them while help the economy. encouraging them to engage themselves This was as she met with members of gainfully by learning a skill and not relying the National Youth Council of Nigeria at only on academic qualifications, so that the Edo State Government House in they could also be employers of labour in Benin City where she also noted that the the future. government partner with the Edo State Meanwhile, the president of the Edo state chapter of the youth council to chapter of the youth Council explained accomplish its visions for the youths in that The Youth house in Benin City was the state. an independent school involved in Skill She said: “Youth restiveness is a major acquisition (fashion design, computer challenge in today's world. Whenever section, advanced ICT section, catering you hear of violence, youths are usually section, laundering section among others), in the middle of it. Its either the youths are which run between 6 months and 1 year. fomenting trouble or hijacking the trouble Gov. Obaseki because they have so much energy. - Date Published: May 28, 2017 commiserates Democracy Day: Obaseki with Otaru, calls for all hands on deck Governor Obaseki said: “I cannot OVERNOR Godwin Obaseki of Edo built in a day and that it took conscious efforts imagine the loss that the sacred kingdom State has assured the people of from both the people and the government to Momoh familyfeels concerning the passing of Professor GEdo State that his administration is make the system of governance work. Abubakar, but I am shocked and grieved in He said: “Needs and demands are in OVERNOR Godwin Obaseki of Edo committed to adhering to democratic my heart. He was one of those, who flew their legions, but the resources available are State has sent his heartfelt conduct and that it would deploy democratic the flag of Edo State both within and inadequate. Democracy requires all hands to condolences to the Otaru of Auchi, ideals to develop every sector of the state G beyond the bounds of the entire country. He to make it an international model of good be on deck. The people democracy should Alhaji Aliru H. Momoh (Ikelebe III) and the was royal, not only in lineage, but in uplift have a number of roles to play just as entire Momoh family on the passing of governance. thinking”. This was as the governor released a the government, which represents the interest Professor Abubakar Momoh, who was of the The governor added that Momoh's statement congratulating Edo State and of the people cannot afford to run away from royal family. legacies both in the Electoral Institute and Late Professor Momoh, who died in the Nigeria or sustaining democracy and its responsibilities. in the academia, including the many Meanwhile, he thanked the people of Edo early hours on Monday, was described by remaining united and focused on its path to universities where he had lectured, and State for the trust they reposed in his the governor as a “bright mind and a worthy greatness. urged the Momoh family to bear the loss The governor explained that administration, promising to fulfil the mandate son of the rich Momoh heritage whose with courage”. democracy entailed many features and he was elected to execute. contribution to the academia and to politics “It is never a happy thing to lose connoted different meanings to different In addition, the Governor also was remarkably significant”. someone you love and cherish, but I urge remembered those, who sacrifice for the Momoh, until his death, was a people in the world, vowing to promote it in the family and friends of the late Momoh to realisation of democracy day, paying tribute to Professor and Director General of the the state by observing the Rule of Law, bear his loss with good courage and take their struggle and calling for emulation of their Independent National Electoral orderliness in the society, fair distribution of comfort in the knowledge that the entire labour, continuing that democracy and its Commission's Electoral Institute having resources, and welfare and infrastructural Edo State and even Nigeria will not forget tenets must be protected and nurtured to served as the Dean of Faculty of Social enhancement. the legacy of their relative and friend,” he Governor Obaseki, however, stated establish an enduring culture for generations Sciences at the Lagos State University, said. that democracy, like Rome, could not be yet unborn. LASU. -Date Published: May 30, 2017 Date Published: May 29, 2017 basekiTHE 24 NEWS POST www.godwinobaseki.com Appeal Court dismisses PDP, Ize-Iyamu attempt to amend records counterarguments as 'busy body' present this application when they know responses. it is undoable”. Meanwhile, INEC counsel, Onyechi Fagbemi, contending the appeal Ikpeazu (SAN), urging the panel of further, urged the court to dismiss the justices to strike out the appellants' application saying that appellants' motion, noted that the issue raised by records were incoherent, and that the the appellants of judges not presumption of the law is on the responding to the notice of appeal was correctness of court records. immaterial, adding that the appellant In her ruling, chairman of the appeal could not depend on evidence C, panel, Justice M. B. Dongban-Mensem Judge Igele's record, which it did not agreed with the respondent counsels that HE Court of Appeal sitting in tribunal judgment, while Obaseki filed produce. He described the application due and fundamental procedure were not Benin has dismissed a motion by four grounds of cross appeal. as lacking merit, saying it was based followed as there was no affidavit of non- the People Democratic Party Counsel to PDP, Yusuf Ali (SAN) T on documentary hearsay. service nor notice of hearing. (PDP) and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu to, contended that the correctness of a For counsel to Obaseki, Wole She held that the record of the by way of substitution, amend certain Court's record was probable and asked Olanikpekun (SAN) the appellant did tribunal Chairman, Justice Ahmad portions of the Edo Election Tribunal the court to only rely on Exhibit C, as not move any motion as serving judges Badamasi was the authentic record of Chairman, Justice Ahmed Badamasi's recorded by the 2nd judge at the could not be in opposition in law. He the tribunal and not those of his other two record in favour of another tribunal tribunal to commence the appeal, argued that the act of recording judicial members, and then dismissed the PDP's judge, Gilbert Igele's record, which which to him contained the actual, proceedings is a judicial act under the motion to amend certain portions of the they contended was more accurate. correct and true account of what law. tribunal Chairman's record. The PDP and its candidate, Pastor transpired as testified by PW01. He continued that the appellants The four other justices on the panel, Ize-Iyamu, are challenging the He also contended that the had not moved any application before which included Tom Yakubu, Bolaji Yusuf, judgement of the Edo Election Petition respondents' counsels could not speak the court and described it as a U. Ogakwu and Mohammed Mustapha Tribunal delivered on the 14th of for the judges after the latter had misconception. as members, verbally consented to her Aprilupholding the victory of the contended that all three judges of the He said: “How were the judges ruling. The appellate court later reserved candidate of the All Progressive election petition tribunal, as well as the served? When and where were they a date for judgement. Congress (APC), Mr Godwin Obaseki tribunal secretary were served the served? There is nothing forbidding as Governor of Edo State. They filed application to amend the tribunal's oral evidence. It is unfair for them to -Date Published: May 30, 2017 41 grounds of appeal against the records, describing their Governor Obaseki commissions electricity project in Benin

OVERNOR Godwin Obaseki of community, promising to begin Edo State, on Tuesday, construction of the road and build a Ginaugurated a 300KVA primary school in the community, as transformer substation valued at over well as train 20 selected people to teach N40 million in Ogbekpen Community of in the school before the commencement Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of of the next academic session in the state. September. Earlier, the Managing Constructed and donated to the Director of PRESCO plc, Mr Felix community by PRESCO PLC, the Nwabuko, said that the electrification project was one of the company's project included the extension of high- corporate social responsibilities to tension line from Rubber Research ?(Gov. Obaseki delivering his speech at Ogbekpen Community of Ikpoba Okha LGA provide better living conditions for Institute of Nigeria (RRIN) to the people in the community. community, the 300kva transformer The governor commended the substation at the community centre company's gesture, noting that square and opening up a 3.5 km road partnership between the private sector for the community. and rural communities was necessary Meanwhile, the leader of the to drive development in the state, while community, Mr Alex Odigie, also commending members of the commended the company, RRIN and community for actualising the project, the Edo State government for bringing urging them to protect it from development to them, revealing that the vandalism. project would boost economic activities He said: “As government is bringing in the locality as well as reduce rural- the needed infrastructure, communities urban drift. should also provide peaceful He commended the developmental atmosphere for companies to do strides of the Governor Obaseki-led business and employ people in the administration, but appealed for community. Ogbekpen is now a priority government primary and secondary community for us because we want to schools to be erected at the site already reposition Edo as the Rubber hub in earmarked by the government for that Africa”. purpose. Obaseki commended the 3.5km road opened up by PRESCO in the -Date Published: May 31, 2017 Gov. Obaseki with Mr Felix Nwabuko, the Managing Director of PRESCO plc basekiTHE www.godwinobaseki.com NEWS POST 25 PwC's Study and Edo's Path to Economic Prosperity

O country can grow and prosper By John Mayaki no means of actualising it. economically without a As the PwC report asserts, “Edo Nsustainably favourable workable policies and decisive state has abundant resources to support environment that enables business to engagement of the challenges in the its prosperity agenda”. The government thrive. Indeed, no state can flourish business sphere. is keenly aware of this and it is economically and progressively improve It captures the unembellished and methodically and consistently taking the Again, while study the socioeconomic condition of its people unfeigned reality that the state right step to make judicious use of the if it lacks workable economic policies and government has a deep business- resources. finds out that “Edo has business-friendly atmosphere. oriented consciousness, hence its One of those resources being To engender economic prosperity, organised move to improve and build effectively harnessed for the economic recorded improvements those who drive the machinery of public infrastructure, expand revenue development of the state is in the area of in the areas of starting a government must manifestly see to it that base, improve the capacity of the agriculture. The Agripreneur Programme they constantly initiate and implement workforce, and provide incentives that initiated by the government is a worthy business and enforcing policies that make for the thriving of attract investors. example of how it is using available contracts”, it observes business and competitiveness, and This is not any surprising when resources to transform the state continually address challenges that may viewed against the backdrop of the fact economically and considerably reduce that it still has a few hamper the booming of business even as that Governor Godwin Obaseki is a unemployment. they beat every path of available business-oriented mind with a rich trove This point is clearly made by the more strides to take “in opportunities therein. To do otherwise is of experience in the private sector. It is state's Ministry of Budget and Planning: other indicators”, which to stagnate, nurture poverty, and worsen this background that the man brings to “Agriculture and agriculture processing is the human condition. the service of the state as its chief a main focus of the current include dealing with The foregoing position is a fitting executive officer. administration because of the large summary of the strongly considered As the study rightly observes, the agricultural endowments: there is land construction permits conclusions of a notable organisation, Obaseki administration wastes no time in and also because the country is in dire and registering a PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), based walking the path of economic prosperity need of food.” on a report of its findings in a recently for the state. Within three months of “With over 2 million hectares of property. conducted study in the area of State- taking office, the administration was able arable land,” the PwC report notes, “the Level Business Environment. to perfect a trade mission to China in state is well positioned to enjoy strong Entitled “Promoting Economic order to attract relevant investors to the expansion in crop production including Prosperity: Analysis of the State-Level state. oil palm, rubber and cassava. Deposits depending solely on Abuja for big income Business Environment in Nigeria”, the As every business-inclined entity is of limestone, marble, gypsum, feldspar has inspired a coordinated move towards report provides findings from the State- wont to do, the outlined goal of making and granite among others have also aggressive improvement in the state's Level Business Environment Analysis Edo State an emporium of economic been reported to exist in abundance in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). carried out in four different states of prosperity within the Southsouth region the state. As the report reveals, the state Anambra (Southeast), Edo (Southsouth), is being undertaken through a carefully The state houses major Agro-allied reduced its major source of revenue from Ogun (Southwest), and Niger (North mapped-out plan of institutional reforms, companies in Nigeria including Presco, monthly allocation from 80% in 2011 to Central). economic revolution, culture and tourism, Okomu Oil and PZ-wilmar with large 55% in 2016, adding that “during the PwC's 2017 study was informed by environmental sustainability, socio- expanse of oil palm and rubber review period,” the state's IGR “increased two specific objectives, viz to “[i]dentify welfare enhancement, and infrastructure plantations. The government has begun by only 5.4% annually, which was below challenges and opportunities for doing development. efforts to increase the agricultural output the zonal average annual growth of 8.2%.” business, and examples of good This inclusive governance structure, of the state through the provision of What this presupposes is that Edo practices in the focus states; and provide as the PwC report describes it, is the incentives for investors and active State must intensify and sustain its efforts key recommendations as to how the administration's way of ensuring that it partnerships for the development of the to expand its income base. Every creative United Kingdom (UK) can broaden avoids a one-sided, limiting development agricultural value chain.” means necessary must be explored to prosperity and commercial engagements culture. Additionally, the development of a achieve, for in the view of the researchers Similarly, it is worthy of note that the that help Nigerian states make the most major seaport is another means through of that study, it “requires significant commitment of the Obaseki of their economic development which Edo State under Governor increases to its IGR and total revenue to administration, like its immediate opportunities”. Obaseki is creating a business-favouring meet both recurrent and capital It must be noted that the report is “a predecessor, to the socioeconomic environment for the prosperity of the Edo expenditures”. It cannot afford to relent in sequel to the March 2016 publication [of development of Edo State is not a ruse. people. The Gelegele Seaport has as its its legitimate strive to expand its revenue PwC] which evaluates the key sectors of In other words, the vision is not a feel- major features an agribusiness portals if the prosperity it hankers for is to opportunity for UK businesses in good idea for which the government has development park, marine facilities, an materialise. Nigeria”. inland port, and supporting infrastructure More precisely, the government must In drawing its conclusions based on and facilities. not at any point renege on its laudable its findings with regard to the realities of Already, since large conglomerates commitment to such initiatives as taxes, the business environment from each of such as BUA and Dangote group land, infrastructure, public-private the focused states, the agency informed consider the state an attractive partnership scheme, and execution of that it “used a combination of quantitative investment destination, according to business-friendly policies as practical analysis of publicly available data as well PwC's 2017 study was PwC, it may yet emerge “as a trade hub means of enhancing business environment as insights gathered from interviews with informed by two for the southern region with significant in the state. a sample of private sector companies, impact on its prosperity”. Again, while study finds out that “Edo key state parastatals, business and trade specific objectives, viz To achieve its objectives through has recorded improvements in the areas of groups, and development agencies”. agriculture, the state government must starting a business and enforcing For each of the states, the study to “[i]dentify challenges also heed the concerns respondents contracts”, it observes that it still has a few reveals that certain positive efforts are and opportunities for raised as contained in the PwC report. more strides to take “in other indicators”, already in place and others are being According to them, what constrain which include dealing with construction taken to nurture such business-friendly doing business, and business in the agricultural sector permits and registering a property. The environment that encourages effective examples of good include “[i]nsufficient funding, limited challenges in these areas require urgent competitiveness, motivates investment agriculture research, poor network of stout responses to enable the state widens and boost investors' confidence and, practices in the focus feeder roads and inadequate skills and its business-friendly domain. consequently, realise economic states; and provide key funding to upgrade the agriculture The enabling business environment prosperity for the people. sector”. the administration in the state is given to is In the case of Edo State, which is the recommendations as to In the area of revenue, the state also being realised through the principle of focus of this piece, the study explicitly government is deeply uncomfortable with transparency and commitment to the rule affirms the fact that the state government how the United Kingdom the envelop economy that ensures that of law. The developed and now available demonstrates renewed interest in (UK) can broaden its biggest source of revenue comes Edo State Open Data platform helps in the significantly improving the business from the monthly statutory federal quick dissemination of information on environment in the state through prosperity allocation to states. This disinterest in -CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 basekiTHE 26 NEWS POST www.godwinobaseki.com

-CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 government contracts and initiatives as well as receiving feedback from the PwC's Study and Edo's populace. There is also the Public Procurement Law to guide the process for government contracts. Trust is critical to the success Path to Economic Prosperity of any contract and institution of Public-Private Partnerships, the business-favourable environment. The and strategic infrastructure development What is clear from this is that the governor Overseas Private Investment Edo State Government is very much constitute, among others, the incentives and his team are fully aware of the benefits Corporation (OPIC) is considering a aware of this, hence the embracing of the state government is providing to of technology to the actualisation of significant commitment in the project,” the transparency culture. Its zero attract investors into the state. socioeconomic prosperity and are therefore the study informs. tolerance for corruption is also a huge Technology-based reform in the civil wasting no time in deploying it. A truly The Gelegele Seaport has service and across all sectors of the plus. discussions ongoing on it already while modern Edo State is gradually but surely The Obaseki administration is equally state forms another pivotal move of the “private sector investors like the emerging. determined to use industrialisation to administration in Edo State to engender As the PwC study equally makes clear, Atlantique Marine and Engineering boost its attainment of economic economic prosperity. The report lists a the Obaseki administration's hands are Services (AMES) are also exploring prosperity for Edo State. This becomes couple of areas in the civil service and firmly on the plough of development for all- plans to develop industrial parks within necessary in view of the fact that, as the state where carefully conceived round economic prosperity in the state. It is the state”. Tax breaks for fresh investors PwC study reports, Edo State, in spite of technological reforms are taking place. unswervingly labouring to become a “the abundance of solid minerals and reference point in building a truly business gas, which serve as raw materials for friendly environment. manufacturers, the state currently has no Already, since large conglomerates such Its efforts towards restoring and industrial cluster and only has a handful maintaining the human dignity of the of manufacturers of scale”. as BUA and Dangote group consider the people are yielding the desired fruits as the In order to put an end to this misery of unemployment is being pointedly anomaly, the state government has state an attractive investment destination, reduced. It is quite unlikely that the designed a number of ideas, chief administration will look back; it has among which is the industrialisation park according to PwC, it may yet emerge “as a identified the ways and means through being developed. There is the Ossiomo trade hub for the southern region with which to make the state a business hub Industrial park project which is expected and investor-friendly. It is getting creatively to attract close to USD 1 billion in significant impact on its prosperity”. and productively busy in those directions. Foreign Direct Investment. -Date Published: May 31, 2017 “According to the Department for

(Gov. Obaseki with members of the newly inaugurated Private Property (Gov. Obaseki with Solomon Arase, Chairman Private Property Protection Protection (PPP) law Task Force) (PPP) law Task Force)

DO State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has restated Ehis administration's Obaseki inaugurates determination to enforce the Community Development Association (CDA) law, stressing that the long arm of the law would catch up with anyone found contravening PPP Law task force any section of such law. The governor also expressed provisions of the law, prohibit CDAs turn would distribute them to all the This was on Tuesday in Benin displeasure at the CDAs' flagrant City where the governor inaugurated and other groups from selling landed communities so that nobody would disregard for the Rule of Law to properties or collecting any related claim ignorance of the law. the committee, led by the achieve their selfish interests, Chairman and former Inspector fees or levies, and help apprehend or For his part, Arase said that the explaining that the task force on direct to the security agents any committee would ensure that the General of Police, Solomon Arase. Private Property Protection (PPP) Governor Obaseki noted that the person or persons found purpose of promulgating the law was law set up to enforce the law was activities of the so-called CDAs not contravening the law. achieved, while also appreciating the one of the provisions enshrined in only posed challenges to the political In addition, he directed the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II for his the CDA law. climate of the state, but also retarded Secretary to State Government passion and love for the people of the The committee, meanwhile, was (SSG), Barrister Osarodion Ogie, to state in criminalising the activities of economic growth and development mandated to enforce the PPP law, in the communities particularly and make available ten thousand copies the CDAs. monitor the CDAs and other group of the law to the committee, which in -Date Published: May 31, 2017 the state in general. activities, ensure compliance with the

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