BudgIT ranks Edo high on ability to meet monthly recurrent expenditure

...Edo leads in covering all expenditure without borrowing

The frugal allocation of resources by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration in Edo State which has enabled the state to meet her monthly recurrent expenditure commitments has been applauded by independent researchers, BudgIT.

The organisation's favourable ranking validates investors' rating of Edo State as an emerging investment haven with sound reforms in critical sectors such as land administration, company registration and the positive disposition of the government to investment, domestic and foreign.

In its "State of the States 2018 Report on the ability of States to Meet Monthly Recurrent Expenditure Obligations for January – June 2018," BudgIT, a civic organisation, said: "Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Edo and Ondo are among the top ten states in our Index."

The organisation in its fiscal sustainability index analysis explained that "Index A looks at the ability of states to meet their recurrent expenditure obligation with state-owned revenue like value added tax, 13 per cent derivation and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). States like Rivers, Lagos, Delta, Bayelsa and Edo sit top of Index A."

On Index B which looks at the states' ability to cover all recurrent expenditure without resorting to borrowing, the organisation noted: "Interestingly about 16 states could cover the recurrent expenditure obligation without borrowing funds – a marked improvement over 2017.

"In the first six months of 2017, only four states could effectively meet their recurrent expenditure without borrowing, selling assets or/and donor funds. States like Kano, Bayelsa, Edo, Rivers and Delta sit on top of the index.

BudgIT added that "Edo State appears to have shown some initiative by trying to resuscitate its rubber and palm plantations in conjunction with the private sector, a move likely to increase earnings."

The plan is to "leverage on high-yielding varieties and long tradition of oil palm production to acquire about 100,000 hectares of land for the development of oil palm estates."

BudgIT advised that "the timelines in which this project will be achieved are crucial.

It assured that "the Gelegele Seaport, which is to be transformed into a container port, holds great promise, if Edo aggressively revitalises her rubber industry – especially as the commodity trades at about $2,000 per ton.

The organisation projected that "If Edo puts 400,000 hectares under rubber cultivation and invests in research to take yield above four tons per hectares, its rubber-based economy could top $3bn in the near term, on the back of efficient distribution through the seaport."

It further explained in the State of the States Report that "Despite increasing production capacity over the last seven years, Nigeria ranked 15 on the global production chart for rubber, as at 2016, with a capacity of 156,341 tons - a mere 1.19% of global output (at 13.15million tons).

"This leaves a lot of market room, more so with the increasing application of rubber in the production of items such as stamp, shoes, mulch and roofing. Edo can therefore achieve increase output by putting the following measures in place: mechanised farming; standard storage facilities; stellar transportation systems; processing facilities and alternate point(s) of export/exit point from the country.

"Formal trade agreements with any importing countries would also be a great advantage. Investment in rail infrastructure could also potentially open Edo's economy to the Southwest and North-west corridor, ensuring smooth transfer of goods and services that in turn results in a larger transfer of funds into the public purse."

Edo IGR set to soar as Edo Govt deploys Tech-based revenue collection scheme

The Edo State Government has deployed its innovative technology-based revenue administration scheme which automates the entire process of revenue administration from capture, profiling, assessment generation and notification through to cashless settlement and is set to boost internally generated revenue in the state by expanding the tax net and enhancing payment convenience for citizens.

The State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, explained that the new scheme will eliminate man-made barriers and other extraneous variables that interfere with the revenue collection process.

According to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Edo Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Mr Igbinidu Inneh, the innovative solution christened Edo Revenue Administration System (ERAS), "is being delivered as part of the strategic institutional transformation of the EIRS and feeds off the Governor's objective to transform Edo State into an innovation hub.

Inneh explained that "The ERAS solution is a distributed revenue administration system which seeks to solve the challenges faced by revenue authorities in Nigeria for Edo State."

Tagged Project Dobberman, ERAS according to the technology partners, "in every sense has been delivered in an unprecedented record time in less than 18 months from conceptualisation, partner selection to development and integration.

"This is significantly ahead on time for the deployment of most Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems anywhere in the world."

The EIRS boss noted that "the current tax base which grew within weeks of testing ERAS from just about 190,000 to over 250,000, will double within the first six months of operations and to one million within two years."

The visibly elated EIRS boss further said that "This accomplishment is truly one legacy Edo State will bequeath to the Nigerian Revenue Administration process and indeed other emerging economies of Africa.

On the project name 'Dobbermann', Mr. Inneh explained that it took its root from tax history and the strategy of Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, who first bred the Doberman Pincher dog breed in the town of Apolda, Germany, around 1890 as the local tax collector. He ran the Apolda dog pound and aimed to create a breed that would be ideal for protecting him during his collections, which took him through many dangerous, bandit-infested areas.

"It is simple to see that ERAS has been conceived, conceptualised and developed as the technological, modern day watch dog of government revenues."

He added: "The following revenue streams, Personal Income Taxes (PAYE and Direct Assessment), Withholding Tax, Land Use Charges, Consumption Tax, Vehicle Administration, Vehicle Insurance Policy Assurance, Business Premises (Regulations, Management and Control), Lottery Regulations, Stamp duties and other MDA services will be administered by the system.

"And has payment solutions that cater for cashless and seamless transaction processing for both formal and informal sectors with online and offline features."

World leaders so doze off during international meetings. What is new about this?

http://www.informationng.com/2017/09/president-mugabe-dozes-off-u-n-general-assembly-meeting-photo.html


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eC5WtRdhQ_0

Ease of Doing Business: EDOGIS MD warns against cash-based transactions in processing documents

As landowners troop to the premises of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) to process their documents in the wake of Governor Godwin Obaseki's reform in land administration, Managing Director of the agency, Arch. Frank Evbuomwan, has warned against paying cash to any EDOGIS staff for acquiring the document and titles, as the process has been fully automated.

Evbuomwan, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists, said that any staff of the agency found demanding or collecting cash from landowners to process their documents risks instant sack. The agency is responsible for the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy, Governor's Consent, Mortgage Consent, Lodgment of Surveys, among others.

He said, "We have a fully automated system, such that no one would have to make any cash-based transaction when they come to our office. Hence, after the amount for processing documents has been calculated on our system, payment is made without having to part with cash on our premises.

"We believe this reduces the incidence of corruption in the system. We are very determined to sustain this. And we have trained our staff to be at their best when they attend to landowners who come to process their papers. Any of them found collecting cash from our customers risk instant sack. This policy is in line with the Governor's stance on transparency and accountability."

He assured landowners of quality service when they come to the agency's premises to process their documents, noting that it is now mandatory to convert all old Certificate-of-Occupancy (C-of-O) to a digital version to guard against duplication, fake documents.

He said EDOGIS is deploying an efficient mapping technology in its operations, calling on Edo people to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the agency to obtain necessary land documents.

According to him, "EDOGIS is a successor agency of the defunct Ministry of Lands and Survey. We are here to serve the people and to provide them with efficient services. As a customer-focused agency, we are implementing the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration's key reforms in land administration.

"Following the governor's directive for a drastic reduction in the cost of processing land documents, we are implementing this directive vigorously. For instance, the cost of processing C-of-O for land has been reduced to a minimum of N50,000, depending on the location of the land."

Edo Govt warns churches, religious leaders against promoting human trafficking

The Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking (ETAHT), has issued a stern warning to pastors and reverends of some Christian denominations, particularly in some of the Pentecostal churches actively promoting irregular migration and the trafficking of Edo young men and women to desist from such acts or risk imprisonment.

In a statement, the Taskforce noted that, "these offences are highly prohibited and punishable under 'the Edo State Trafficking in Persons Prohibition Law 2018,' with punishment ranging from conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than 5 years and a fine of not less than ₦1,000,000.00."

"It is an offence for any person to promote foreign travels which encourage prostitution or other forms of exploitation, as this is punishable for a term of not less than 7 years and a fine of not less than ₦1,000,000.00."

The taskforce also warned that it "will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute any pastor, reverend or any person, no matter how highly placed or connected in the society, who engages in such activities and ensure they face the legal consequences of their actions."

The taskforce cautioned members of the public to desist from making statements in church debates and shows on media channels, which promote and encourage human trafficking and irregular migration, as such statements cannot be said to be expression of the Right to Fair Hearing.

Obaseki orders full roll-out of Ward Devt C'ttee initiative, reads riot act to cultists

...sets up Sports Commission with Executive Order No. 2

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has directed the full roll-out of the Ward Development Committee initiative across the state, to drive inclusive, sustainable development in the grassroots.

The governor also issued a stern warning on cult-related violence in the state, directing the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the State to activate relevant sections of the law to fish out and punish those found culpable for cult-related offences in the state.

Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, disclosed this during a press briefing after the Weekly Executive Council (EXCO) meeting, at the Government House, Benin City, the Edo State Capital.

He disclosed that the governor has set up the Edo State Sports Commission with the signing of Executive Order No. 2, to drive sports development and administration in the state.

He said the governor directed the full rollout of the Ward Development Committee initiative to 16 other local councils after the success of the pilot phase of the initiative in Orhionmwon and Uhunhwunde Local Government Areas.

According to him, "EXCO ordered that the constitution of the committee must adhere to the laid down template. The committee must not be subjected to undue influence as it is not set up for political reasons but to drive development. The committee has an in-built mechanism for monitoring and anyone who falls short of the standards set by the governor will be disqualified. The roll-out of the Ward Development Committee initiative was piloted in Orhionmwon and Uhunhwunde Local Government Areas and will now be replicated in the 16 other local government areas in the state.

On Executive Order No. 2, he said, "The governor has signed the Executive Order 2, setting up the Edo State Sports Commission. The Edo State Sports Commission will oversee sporting activities and drive policy, regulation and administration of sports in the state. The commission will regulate activities of sports associations in the state and provide direction for sports development.

On the state government's stance against cult-related violence in the state, he said that the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of State has been ordered to activate relevant sections of the laws in the state to ensure severe punishment for those found culpable in cult-related activities."

He added, "It has come to the notice of the council that some cult groups are rearing their heads in recent times, which has led to the loss of lives. EXCO frowns on this and the governor has ordered that aspects of the law that relates to violence and cult related activities be deployed to fish out and punish those found culpable.

FG hails Obaseki's basic education reform, as UBEC sites model school in Edo

The Federal Government has commended Governor Godwin Obaseki's basic education reform in Edo State, especially the deployment of tech-based teaching in classrooms under the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme, noting that reforms will lead to sustainable development in the state.

Director, Physical Planning, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Engr. Sadiq Sa'ad, made the submission during a visit by officials of the commission to the proposed site of a multi-billion naira Model School project, at Esigie Demonstration Secondary School, in Abudu, Orhionmwon Local Government Area.

He said the choice of Edo State for the project was informed by efforts made by the state governor to reposition the basic education sub-sector, adding that similar projects will be located in each of the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory. He noted that construction of the school projects will commence in October.

Sa'ad expressed satisfaction with the proposed site for the project in the state, which meets the requirements for the project to be funded by UBEC.

"The inspection visit is a follow-up to the meeting we had with Governor Obaseki in Abuja. We are here to see the land and we are satisfied with what we have seen. We are here with the team that designed the project and from all indications, there is no cause for alarm. The project will commence on the first week of October this year,'' he added.

He noted that the model school in Edo State will complement the effort of the Edo State government in repositioning the education sector, noting, "The multi-billion naira project includes four components: nursery, primary school1 – 6, Secondary JSS 1 – 3 and a school for the physically challenged."

Lead Consultant for UBEC, Prof Mas'ud Abdulkarim explained that the idea of the project is to upscale education at the basic level, stressing that the school will serve as a model for both the state and local government in the ongoing process to reposition the sector.

Prof. Abdulkarim said UBEC is going to maintain a uniform standard for the curriculum and monitor the teachers' performance, noting, ''A state of the art digital technology will be deployed to the school to aid teaching and learning in these schools. There are going to be seven of these projects, six in each of the geopolitical zones and one in the FCT."

"The idea is to maintain a uniform standard for the curriculum to be adopted. The teachers will be monitored by UBEC. Edo state was selected from the South-South geopolitical zone because of the state government efforts in this direction which falls within the purview of the federal government plans to reposition basic education system,'' he said.

The UBEC team also visited the Odionwere of Abudu Community, Pa Sunday Izeko, who expressed gratitude to the state and the Federal Government for the gesture.

Obaseki's tech revolution: EdoJobs hosts 500 local businesses, launches digital marketplace for Edo artisans

In pursuit of Governor Godwin Obaseki's job creation and skills development drive in Edo State, EdoJobs in partnership with Genius Hub, has concluded plans to host not less than 500 local businesses to a stakeholders' gathering to assess skills gaps and proffer workable solution to unemployment and underemployment.

Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Skills Development and Jobs Creation, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists, said that the gathering will hold on Thursday, September 27, at the Imaguero College Hall, in Benin City.

She noted that the gathering is aimed at mobilising local businesses to benefit from the training opportunities offered by EdoJobs and also tackle the various impediments to attracting skilled hands in the state.

She added that EdoJobs will also be launching a digital marketplace for artisans in collaboration with Genius Hub, which provides a platform for artisans to advertise their trade for increased patronage.

According to her, "The gathering will provide opportunity for networking and building stronger collaboration among over 500 businesses in the state. The one in Edo South is the first; other legs would hold in Edo North and Central. We are very keen on building a strong workforce in Edo state and this will give us the opportunity to directly interface with the employers of labour and entrepreneurs to see how best to support them.

"The digital marketplace for artisans will expand their scope and reach and expose the really good ones to many persons who want their services but do not know where to get them. We believe this will revolutionalise the sector in the state."

She added, "This will be a gathering of the big players and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). No one is going to be left behind. We want to assure them that Edo is indeed a place to do business. Also, we will be witnessing a boom in the industrial sector in the state with the big-ticket projects the governor and Chinese partners have signed off on. This is an opportunity to brainstorm on how the local businesses can benefit from them."

EdoJobs, a skills development and job creation platform, is an initiative of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration that is delivering jobs and highly sought after skills in the state. The initiative has since been at the forefront of strategy, planning and implementation of job creation projects across the state's three senatorial districts and manages the Edo Innovation Hub, where it facilitates capacity building in tech-focused jobs and skills.

Edo N-Power beneficiary organises skills training for 42 students

A beneficiary of the Federal Government Social Investment Programme, N-Power, in Edo State, Mrs. Haruna Fausat has completed a 4-week intensive training programme on basic fashion design, bag and shoemaking for 42 students, drawn from six Junior Secondary Schools in Benin City.

The training programme themed: "The Importance of Skill Acquisition for the Girl Child in the 21st Century," had female students from girls-only schools in the state, including Imaguero, Emotan, Idia, Oredo, Oba Ewuare Grammar schools and a number of Combined Junior

Secondary Schools.

In a welcome address, the Edo State Focal Person on National Social Investments Programme, Ms. Abieyuwa Aladeshelu, noted that Mrs. Haruna Fausat, was among the 4,701 beneficiaries in the 2016 batch of N-Power, deployed to the state.

Aladeshelu, who was represented by Head of Monitoring and Evaluation of the scheme in the state, Mr. Asemota Festus, said "In the second batch of the N-Power Programme which kicked off in December 2017, out of the 300,000 beneficiaries who have been enlisted for the programme across the country, 6,610 beneficiaries were allocated to Edo State."

She commended the organiser of the skill acquisition programme, Mrs. Haruna for her foresight in contributing to the empowerment of the girl-child through skills acquisition, noting that the training has equipped the students with skills to be self reliant.

Mrs. Haruna expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for the initiative, which has created opportunity for her to contribute her quota to the development of the society.

She said since her deployment as beneficiary of the N-Power Programme, this was the third training she has organised, adding that certificates can no longer sustain one considering global trends where hands-on skills are required to provide solutions to daily human challenges.

"I want to thank the girls for making themselves available for the training. If not for them I would not have the opportunity to contribute my quota as N-Power beneficiary. I want to also thank their parents for allowing their children to be part of the programme," she added.

The guest speaker, Mrs. Sarah Ohenhen, noted that skill acquisition gives the girl child an extra edge, ability and confidence to stand out and contribute to the development of the society. She urged the the girls to make the best use of the skills they have acquired.

Akingbuda Joy, who benefitted from the training, praised the organiser for her efforts in impacting the knowledge on them and promised to utilise the skills effectively.

Edo industrialisation policy resets state on labour absorptive growth path – Obaseki

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the Edo Industrial Development Policy has put the state on an economic growth path that is absorbing local manpower.

He explained that the state has been working on the comprehensive industrialisation policy with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), which he said would be unveiled soon.

Obaseki who is pushing hard on the various stages of projects designed to transform the state into an industrial hub, noted that “the steps that have been taken by our administration are in line with the state’s well-articulated Industrial Development Policy that will support increasing growth rates, generation of sufficient employment opportunities and sustainable economic growth and development.”

Experts contend that experience from successful national and local economies indicates that a “coherent Industrialisation Policy is a prerequisite for the advancement of industrial development in any territory.”

Specifically, the Benin Industrial Park is conceived to serve as a base for manufacturing and processing companies that will add a great deal of value to products that are sourced from the state and her neighbours, for onward exportation through the Benin River Port in Gelegele.

The Modular Refinery in Benin has received a N700 million as initial investment and sources familiar with the progress of the Edo-China investment collaboration, said the projects hold a lot of promise for the state.

According to Obaseki, “the company will be involved in the production of petroleum and petrochemical products and other related businesses.

“The venture will enhance the local refining capacity, thereby increasing the volume of naphtha, kerosene, diesel and residual fuel oil products available in Edo State.”

He added that the venture “will create legitimate employment opportunities thereby reducing poverty and providing job opportunities for teeming youth in the communities and facilitate the establishment of a fabrication yard as proposed by the promoters, thereby creating basis for expertise, professionalism and further training in oil and gas industry.”

The governor assured that the set of strategies adopted in the industrialisation plan will alter the structure and distribution of industrial activity to promote economic growth and development.

The Edo Fertiliser and Chemical plant commissioned by the governor last year has provided employment opportunities for over 500 people and has created allied businesses in Auchi where it is located, aside providing access to fertiliser.

The governor added that the technical manpower required to drive these industries are being groomed at the Benin Science and Technical College, which is being revamped by the state government, to ensure that skilled manpower will be sourced locally.

Edo SACA, Ogbona Elites Forum take medical outreach to rural communities

Edo State Agency for the Control of Aids (EDOSACA), in collaboration with Ogbona Elites Forum and other partners have concluded a 3-day medical outreach programme in Ogbona, Fugar in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

Speaking in Ogbona, Chairman, Etsako Local Government Area, John Osi Akhigbe, commended EDOSACA, Ogbona Elites Forum and other partners for the medical outreach which complements the Governor Godwin Obaseki led-administration's effort at repositioning the health sector in the state.

He said the council's focus on primary healthcare is to improve the wellbeing of people in the council area, noting that his administration is doing everything to reduce maternal mortality.

"We are bringing development to the people at the grassroots and I will support any programme that will bring development to the people."

Executive Director, EDOSACA, Flora Oyakhilome said that the agency worked to ensure the success of the outreach programme and provided support on HIV/AIDS testing.

"We are here to sensitise and counsel the people to know their HIV/AIDS status and anyone who tests positive will be directed to the nearest facility. They will be counselled and enrolled for free Anti-Retroviral Drugs (ARV) treatment"

President, Ogbona Elites Forum, Mr. Gilbert Erelumhe, expressed appreciation to the partners for bringing medical care to the people and putting a smile on their faces.

"We have embarked on several programmes to improve the lives of our people but this is the first time we are embarking on medical outreach to identify challenges facing the people's health and doing everything possible to address it. This provides them with treatment and surgery is performed on critical cases as we have experts on ground".

A beneficiary, Chief Lamai Aloysius, thanked the organisers for the programme, noting "I had issues with my eyes and I came here and I was given glasses, after series of checks."

Edo in diaspora light-up Toronto as Obaseki outlines economic growth strategies, achievements at ENAW 2018


Top officials of the Edo State Government have converged on Toronto, Canada, to pitch the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration's innovative economic and educational reforms and programmes to indigenes of the state in the Diaspora, who are in Canada, for the 27th edition of the Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW) Convention.

The officials at the convention include the Executive Chairman of the Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), Isoken Omo; Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora, Hon. Osaze Osemwingie-Ero; Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Affairs, Osaro Idah, among others.

ENAW Convention is a gathering of top professionals and experts of Edo extraction in the Diaspora, where they engage and discuss mutually beneficial issues to bring development to the state.

The four-day Toronto convention, started on August 31 and will run till September 3.

Governor Godwin Obaseki will be engaging the gathering on the imperative and investment prospects in the revolutionary Emotan Gardens estate, a 1800-unit real estate project that will provide affordable housing in the state.

The estate is being developed by the state government through EDPA, which is partnering Mixta Africa, a leading real estate development company.

The EDPA boss who spoke from Toronto, said "The Edo State Government and her partners are upbeat about the Emotan Gardens and similar housing projects coming on stream soon. It is an opportunity many of our people have been waiting for to acquire decent housing through a very transparent process devoid of encumbrances."

She explained that "the appeal of Emotan Gardens has been phenomenal, as would-be subscribers are just waiting for us to open sales. Governor Obaseki is passionate about this product and will be exhibiting it at the ENAW Convention."

Other themes penciled down for discussion are the industrialisation drive of the government, reforms in critical sectors and the Edo Basic Education Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme, for which approval has been given for full roll-out in three oil and gas producing local government areas, comprising Ovia North East, Orhionmwon and Ikpoba-Okha. A pilot phase is running in select local governments across the state. However, more investment is needed for full roll-out across the state.

Chairman-designate for Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, is also expected to be at the convention to pitch the initiative to Edos in Diaspora.

Obaseki charges 'Not-too-Young-to-Lead' campaigners on entrepreneurship

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged youth to remain committed in their quest to add value to the society, noting that the 'Not too Young to Lead' campaign should motivate more youth to become entrepreneurs.

Obaseki who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Special Duties, Hon. Mika Amanokha, made the submission when he received members of Today's Youth Organisation in Benin City, Edo State.

He commended youths for spear-heading the 'Not too Young to Lead" campaign, adding that the youth should take the advocacy to other spheres of the society, and not restrict the campaign to the realm of politics.

The governor said, "if we all focus on politics and political offices, at what point do we begin to build business leaders? At what point do you begin to build careers? 'Not too Young to Lead' should be all encompassing, as leadership is not just about political offices.

"You do not only become a leader by being a political office holder. If we narrow this advocacy to politics and political office alone, we will miss the point because political office holders do not make up 10 percent of the Nigerian population."

He tasked them to begin to look at successful businessmen and women and draw inspiration from how they started their ventures. He asked: "At what age did they start building their own businesses? What are the factors limiting young people from building such businesses today? What can be done to eradicate these factors?"

Obaseki noted, "If we centre our advocacy around these questions and get answers; young people with their energy, enthusiasm, innovations and resilience will become leaders in the economy, technology, arts, agriculture and so much more."

Obaseki urged youth with interest in holding political office to participate actively and ensured that they are counted in decision making process at the grassroots, and assured that "this administration will remain youth-friendly with a very significant number of young people as Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.

National Coordinator, Today's Youths Organisation, Mr. Joseph C. Brown, commended the state government for its youth-friendly policies and the support for the group's youth skills acquisition programme.

Obaseki hails Stella Anukam on new role as African Union Court Judge, urges Edo youths to emulate strides

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated Justice Stella Isibhakhomen Anukam, on her new role as African Union Court Judge, urging youths to emulate her exemplary strides and commitment to service.

The governor, in a statement, said that Justice Anukam’s election as one of the Judges of the African Union Court on Human and People’s Rights deserves commendation, as she would serve as a beacon of hope to young Edo people, especially young girls, who need credible mentors in the public space.

Justice Stella Isibhakhomen Anukam (nee Eremionkhale) was among the three new judges elected to the African Court in July and was sworn-in on August 27, in Arusha, Tanzania.

According to Obaseki, “On behalf of the government and people of Edo State, I congratulate Justice Anukam on her new role. She has shown once again that we have many illustrious sons and daughters that have proved themselves in their various fields of endeavor.

“Her ascension to the role of a judge at the African Court is of immense benefit to us, as a people with a thriving youth population that is seeking role models across different career paths. While battling issues such as human trafficking and illegal migration and other social ills, icons such as Justice Anukam helps to point our young people, especially young girls, to the right path with the assurance that if they do work hard, they are sure to reach the peak of their careers.”

Obaseki hailed her contribution to upholding human rights and other engagements in Nigeria.

He urged Justice Anukam to uphold human rights and rights of African peoples, charging her to leave an indelible mark at the African Court during her tenure as a judge.

Justice Anukam, before her election was the Director, International and Comparative Law, Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja. She holds an L.L.B degree from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), in 1984 and B.L in 1985. She is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in Nigeria and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.

PHOTO CAPTION:

IMG_0012:

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left); and African Union Court Judge, Justice Stella Isibhakhomen Anukam, after her election at the 31st Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union, in Nouakchott, Mauritania.

Obaseki approves new Board for Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC)

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved a new board for the state’s Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC).

A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Osarodion Ogie Esq. on Monday, August 27, 2018, said the appointments are in line with the provisions in Section 3 (1) of the Law Establishing Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission, 2007, and subject to confirmation by the Edo State House of Assembly.

The appointees are: Mr. Kennedy Osifo – Chairman; Mrs. Omosede Obamwonyi – Representing Ovia North-East; Mr Osamwonyi Atu – Representing Orhionmwon; and Mr. Williams Dudu – Representing Ikpoba Okha.

Others are Mr Rilwanu Oshiomhole – Representing Edo North; Princess (Mrs) Iku Ewuare Aimiuwu – Representing Edo South and Mr Emmanuel Odigie- Representing Edo Central.
...

Obaseki's education reform: Edo Poly floats Nigeria's first Open Distance Flexible Learning programme

... capacity building for resource persons commences

In furtherance of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration's focus on capacity-building and continuous education, the Management of the Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, (formerly Edo State Institute of Technology and Management) has concluded plans to commence its Open Distance and Flexible Learning (ODFL) programme, in the next six months, the first in a Nigerian polytechnic.

The course to be featured for now in the programme, is Public Administration. Other courses to be included in the first phase of implementation include Accountancy, Business Administration and Computer Science.

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) recently gave the nod for 29 polytechnics to pioneer the ODFL system, in a move to increase access to Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) through the schools, and Edo Poly will be the first to float the programme.

Rector of the institution, Prof. Abiodun Falodun, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists, said that the objective of setting up the programme is to increase access to Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) to indigenes and residents in Edo State and environs, improve visibility of the polytechnic globally, allows for the internationalisation of learning opportunities and access to global resources and experts via internet communication and Internet resources.

He noted that in preparation for the smooth take-off of the programme, a mandatory 3-day training for all academic and some non-academic staff has been organised to hold from August 27 - 29, 2018 at the ICT Centre of Edo State Polytechnic.

"At the conclusion of the training, the Polytechnic intends to mount its online distance and flexible learning programme within the next six months," he said.

According to him, "We are going to be the first polytechnic in Nigeria to run the ODFL programme. In the University system, University of Ibadan, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), already run such programmes. The University of Benin (UNIBEN) is about to start, with Accountancy. So, we are the first polytechnic."

He added that three renowned ODL experts in the field of Online Distance and Flexible Learning will anchor the training, led by Prof. Bayo Okunade of the University of Ibadan, and explained that the decision to run the proposed ODFL programmes became expedient with the increasing adoption of technology for teaching and learning.

"The training programme is expected to cover the basic requirements to commence the running of the programme.

Also speaking, the Director of the Edo Poly Distance Learning School (EP-DLS), Dr. Kess Aisikhia, revealed that the training for staff will cover a wide range of issues in ODFL, which, according to him, include "legal policies to guide staff on aspects such as intellectual property, plagiarism, liability, educational technology, and labour relations. Student policies to regulate aspects such as registration, resources, training and tutoring, assessment, and student support services."

The other areas are: "Technical policies, including ICT issues, internet and contractual agreements. Functions of webmaster, instructional designers, course administrators, e-tutors, and computer assistants. The role and integration of hardware, software, distance delivery technologies, technical staff, and academic support for staff, Instructional development support staff, administrative support, student services, financial plans and staff development and training."

The rector said the other deliverables of the training are: "How to deploy support function such as curriculum and course development system, call centre, examination administration centre, student support services, student counselling and career development, strategic planning, administration, staffing and training, control and monitoring for quality, policy, organisation and culture, course development, support structures, teaching and learning processes and challenges."

Edo Govt reads riot act to owners of illegal structures under high tension cables

The Edo State Government has warned owners of illegal structures under and within the statutory right of way of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in the state to remove such structures, as the government intends to enforce appropriate sanctions against defaulters.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Erimona Edorodion Oye, the state government warned that the actions of the defaulters amount to an act of 'illegality' which constitutes 'environmental nuisance and threat to the lives and property of the violators and users of such space."

According to him, the state "has observed with dismay the illegal development of structures under and within the Statutory Right of Way of the TCN or Electricity High Tension Transmission Line across the State."

He continued, "the act of illegality has constituted serious environmental nuisance and threat to the lives and property of the violators and users of such space."

"The state government condemns this act of violation and advises all owners of such illegal structures to with immediate effect remove them without delay.

"Failure to comply with the above directive, the Ministry will not hesitate to enforce appropriate sanctions against violators in line with Extant Planning Laws of the State, by removing all the illegal structures and recovering of the cost of carrying out such exercise," Hon. Erimona added.

Edo civil service recruitment: Only best candidates will be employed – Inneh

Chairman of the Edo State Civil Service Commission, Princess (Mrs.) Ekiuwa Inneh, has assured that the ongoing recruitment into the state's civil service is being conducted in an open and transparent manner, to ensure that the best candidates are employed.

Princess Inneh, who said this in an interview with journalists, noted that the commission allowed for a neutral body to conduct the examination to ensure that there is no interference and undue pressure on the commission.

According to her, "We are in the process of recruiting now. We decided at the Commission to allow a neutral body conduct the examination. We listed the positions that are available and asked people to apply online. The test began from the moment you applied."

Noting that the commission will recruit the best for the jobs being advertised, she said, "If you applied wrongly, of course, you have failed. There is nothing anybody can do about that. By the nature of such failed application, you are weeded out. If the application is successful, then fine. After that, then you need to ask if you applied for a position you are qualified for. If you did not, that's up to you."

She stressed that she has rebuffed pleas for interference in the recruitment process, noting, "We asked a neutral body to conduct that part of the recruitment for us. This is so that we can be free from pressure. People have been coming to me and I tell them there is nothing I can do. I don't even have the database. I don't have information about who has applied and who did not apply.

"Let everybody go and write the exam. I have been analysing the report of the exercise after the exams were conducted. The way to manage pressure is to allow a neutral body to conduct the test. It is a government body, anyway, not a consultant. Once you finish the test, the computer tells you to stop when the time is up.

She said that after the exams, if the commission is satisfied with the results, it can either call for another test to trim down the numbers or move to the interview stage, adding, "but at the moment, we are studying the results. If we are satisfied, we will call for interview. We will see everybody, check their credentials and be certain that we are recruiting the best into the civil service. That is what we do even for promotions."

Edo Govt. orders arrest of two-man fake motor licencing syndicate

The Edo State Government has ordered the arrest of two persons for allegedly operating a fake motor licencing syndicate and defrauding unsuspecting members of the public.

The two suspects are Igbinidu Osagbemworhue and Austin Nwadili, who were allegedly processing fake motor licence and vehicle particulars.

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security and Surveillance, Comrade Emmanuel Orukpe, said that the suspects were apprehended when a team of surveillance operatives tracked them and uncovered their dealings in fake motor vehicle particulars.

According to him, "The suspects in the course of a fresh negotiation for the production of drivers' licences were arrested. The two suspects who were arrested gave their names as Igbinidu Osagbemworhue and Austin Nwadili. The suspects were searched on the spot and found with two sets of drivers' licences, bearing the name of one of the suspects, Austine Nwadili, suspected to be fake; Courier Service Report belonging to Mr Igbinidu, which was suspected to have been unlawfully obtained and one suspected fake PCRC ID Card bearing the name Igbinidu."

He said that the suspects claimed that the documents were perfected by another suspect who hangs around the premises of the Board of Internal Revenue.

He said that investigations on the documents found on them showed that they were fake, as, "the two documents bear the same date, whereas the one with Reg. No. ASB372 RK was handed over before the one with No. EJ543 BEN. The Certificate of Road Worthiness seems to have originated from ML 9. The Road Worthiness Certificates for the two vehicles which were purported to have been issued on the same day were also from different booklets."

He said that investigation is in progress at the State Criminal Investigation Department, and that the Chairman of the state's Board of Internal Revenue will look into the matter.

He warned others engaging in such criminal act to desist forthwith as the state government has a standing surveillance team which will leave no stone unturned in fishing them out for prosecution.

Obaseki unveils strategy to mitigate operational cost for MSMEs, boost production scale, employment

...as APC leaders laud administration's focus

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Governor Obaseki, has said that the establishment of production centres across the state which will share support infrastructure such as electricity, security and low-cost financing will boost economic growth in the state.

Obaseki said this at a meeting with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo South Senatorial District, ON Sunday in Benin City, the state capital.

He told the party leaders that his administration is partnering with private investors to establish production centres across the state beginning with Edo South Senatorial District.

"This will boost economic growth, reduce cost of operations and create employment opportunities while enhancing economies of scale," he explained.

He assured that efforts are being made to "expand opportunities for micro-credit of single-digit interest rate for women to encourage entrepreneurship and boost disposable income while improving the quality of lives of the beneficiaries."

In attendance were cabinet members, members of the Federal House of Representatives and leaders and representatives of the seven local government areas that make up the senatorial district, including women.

The party leaders commended the focus of the Obaseki administration and described the Ward Development Committees (WDCs) as a game changer, which they said are bringing the dividends of democracy to the grassroots.

On the drive to industrialise the state, Obaseki maintained that his administration's local content policy has ensured that local companies are integrated in the demand and supply chains of all economic activities in the state, for economic integration, skills transfer and empowerment.

Responding to questions on the status of Tayo Akpata University, Ekiadolor, College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi and the Benin Science and Technical College, the governor explained that the ongoing effort to reposition the institutions would transform them into world class centres for learning, and sought the understanding and patience of the party leaders.

The governor received words of commendation for encouraging the appointment/election of physically challenged persons into the party's hierarchy and the recognition of the role of women in the state's development, with the appointment of women into boards and many as Special Advisers, special assistants, commissioners, and other positions.


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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (standing), addressing leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Edo South Senatorial District, during a meeting with the party leaders on Sunday, in Benin City, Edo State.

On behalf of the Government and people of Edo state, l felicitate with the Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.

Eid-el-Kabir offers our Muslim brothers and sisters yet another opportunity to deepen their relationship with Allah, promote a life of sacrifice, charity and love as exemplified by Prophet Mohammed.

We have put in place measures to guarantee that everyone is secure in the state during the celebration of this significant event and beyond.

My administration is consolidating on the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the state which has engendered harmony among the various religious groups in the state.

I urge all Muslim faithful to support our vision to build a prosperous state where all Edo people and residents would realise their dreams, through our various socio-economic growth initiatives and the prudent allocation of the state's resources.

Eid Mubarak!

Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki,

Governor, Edo State

Obaseki's Education reform: Edo SUBEB completes training for fresh 1, 500 teachers on tech-based teaching

The Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has completed training for a new batch of 1, 500 public primary school teachers in the state, on the use of modern technologies in the classroom.

The training is an initiative of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to reform the basic education sub-sector of the state, and restore the glory of public education.

It entails training of teachers and deployment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and reforming the school system to adapt to modern trends in pedagogy.

The training of the teachers selected from public primary school across the state is a component of the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) Teachers' Professional Development (TPD) phase II programme.

Recall that in May 2018, Governor Obaseki launched the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme, which signalled the start of the overhaul of the basic education sub-sector in the state.

The Edo-BEST TPD phase II programme entails the training of teachers on new teaching methods, deployment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools in teaching; harmonisation of teaching and learning outcomes across locations as well as the adoption of interactive classroom management model among others.

Other aspects captured by the training include: governance and institutional development; teacher and curriculum development; community participation and partnership; and infrastructure and organisational development.

The 1, 500 teachers who have completed their training, are part of the 5, 000 teachers selected from primary schools across the three senatorial districts of the state and are being trained in three batches.

According to the Chairman of Edo SUBEB and Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic Education, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, 3, 500 other teachers are expected to complete their training on August 31 and September 14, noting that by September, the state government would have successfully trained a total of 7000 teachers and outfitted them with digital devices and smart phones for the headteachers.

Obaseki attributes Edo's progress to people-centric governance, pays August salary

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has ordered the immediate payment of workers' August salaries ahead of the Eid-el Kabir celebrations next week, noting that the progress being recorded in the state is the result of a people-centric governance model adopted by his administration.

According to Obaseki, the focus of his team is the wellbeing of Edo people and residents and not a few individuals.

The payment of August salary on the 17th day of the month, the governor explained, is the result of the prudent and sound management of the state's resources, which has prioritised a robust reserve, grown over time, despite the massive investment in infrastructure and other critical sectors of the state.

Recall that in June, the state governor released funds to the local government councils to settle workers' salaries following the stand-off between the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and the state governments, which resulted in the delay in salary payments in other states of the country.

Obaseki gave the order during the Second Anniversary Thanksgiving of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Christian Prayer/Contact Committee, held at Government House in Benin City, on Friday, August 17, 2018.

The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq., said: "We cannot be sharing the money for the development of the state and still be able to meet up with our electoral promises to the people. Our focus is on the people, to develop the state and make life better for everyone."

He maintained that his administration has done well by fulfilling some of the promises he made during the electioneering campaign, such as the restoration of law and order, strengthening of critical institutions of government, creation of jobs and provision of infrastructure.

He added that pensioners no longer protest over delayed payment of their entitlements as they are now paid, as and when due, while the civil servants receive their credit alerts, on the 26th of every month.

He reiterated his administration's commitment to quality education with the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) programme, which is revolutionising teaching and learning in Edo schools.

"We spend $40 on every Edo child in the Edo-BEST programme and our children in the primary schools can now read. Every primary school in the state will be part of the Edo-BEST programme before the end of this administration," he assured, adding that the dream of his administration is to turn the state into the economic hub of the country.

The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the governor on religious matters and chairman APC Prayer/Contact Committee, Edo State, Pastor Eghosa Omoruyi, said that governor Obaseki is a blessing from God, to Edo people and residents, as he has touched the lives of many people in the state.

"This is just the second year and as a state we have experienced good governance with landmark achievements in critical sectors of the state, and it can only get better," Omoruyi said.

The General Overseer of Covenant Ministry International, Imo State, Bishop Chukwu Anayo, who also participated in the Thanksgiving Service, said the governor has made the state peaceful for people of various religious convictions to worship God.

"Prayer is very helpful, and you can see the impact as the governor has achieved huge developmental strides and the people are benefiting from his leadership style" Bishop Anayo added.

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R-L: Edo State Head of Service, Mrs. Gladys Idahor; Representative of Governor Godwin Obaseki and Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Senior Special Assistant to Edo State Governor on Christian Religious Matters, Pastor Eghosa Omoruyi; Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, Barr. Emmanuel Usoh; and General Overseer, Covenant Ministry International, Bishop Chukwu Anayo, during the 2nd Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of APC Christian Prayer/ Contact Committee Edo State, at the Government House, Benin City, on Friday, August 17, 2018.

Vlisco, Obaseki heighten talks to locate factory in Benin Industrial Park

... as Edo aims to become textile Hub

The Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that fruitful negotiations are ongoing to attract Vlisco, one of West Africa's largest textile companies to set up at Benin Industrial Park (BIP), as the state plans to reposition the state as a textile hub in the country.

He stated this when he received the executive members of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter, led by the chairman, Comrade Isaiah Okungbowa, who were in Government House on a courtesy visit.

The Benin Industrial Park is a landmark industrial complex being developed by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration close to Benin City, that is set to stimulate large scale industrialisation and create wealth for Edo people and residents. The park, which is expected to cover 996 hectares of land, will host textile, agro-processing, equipment manufacturing and other industries.

The governor said his administration is focused on building the manufacturing hub, which will be sited in a secure environment, where there will be stable electricity supply, water, and other basic needs to enhance the ease of doing business and allow members of the union to work 24 hours a day to allow for mass production.

Noting that the state is keen on becoming a textile hub, he said, "We are negotiating to attract one of the largest textile companies (Vlisco Textile) to Edo State to reside at the industrial park, in Iyanomo, to make the state a textile hub in Nigeria."

"We want to develop the state and create wealth for Edo people by increasing economic activity in the state. We want to ensure our state is developed and promote an environment that attracts investors to contribute to the development of the state," he added.

He assured that his administration will make it a policy to allow the union sew uniforms of students in the state to deepen government's partnership with members of the union.

Earlier, leader of the delegation, Comrade Isaiah Okungbowa thanked the governor for his continued support for them, stressing that they will continue to play their role in supporting the administration.

He commended the governor for his drive to create 200,000 jobs for the people of the state and expressed the readiness of the union to partner with his administration.

He appealed for the establishment of a cottage fashion industry, which can be managed by the union.

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (middle); Chairman, Edo State Chapter, National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, Comrade Isaiah Okungbowa (2nd left); Secretary of the Union, Bayo Oladipupo (2nd right); Chairperson of the Union, Eunice Edo (right); and Provost, Segun Olowolayemo (left) during the courtesy visit by the executive members of the Union to the governor, at Government House, Benin City.

DSC_0536

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (2nd right); Chairman, Edo State Chapter, National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, Comrade Isaiah Okungbowa (2nd left); Secretary of the Union, Bayo Oladipupo (right); and Provost, Segun Olowolayemo (left), during the courtesy visit by the executive members of the Union to the governor, at Government House, Benin City.

IMG_8542

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); and the State Chairman, National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, Comrade Isaiah Okungbowa, during the courtesy visit by the executive members of the Union to the governor, at Government House, Benin City.

We will not share Edo people's money – Obaseki

... says taxpayers' money is for devt.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that under his watch, money meant for the development of the state will not be shared.

Obaseki made the declaration at the Government House, in Benin City, the state capital, during the first-year anniversary celebration of the Edo State Task Force Against Human Trafficking.

"All Edo State Government's money will be used for the development of the state. This is the brand of politics I have chosen to play. Our developmental challenges are so enormous and only a frugal and prudent utilisation of tax payers' money would ameliorate the sufferings of our people," he said.

The governor emphasised that "no matter the pressure and irrespective of the quarters such pressure would come from, I will not break my oath with Edo people, to provide purposeful leadership."

He assured that his administration is opening up rural areas through the provision of infrastructure to stimulate the local economy and enhance the lives of the people.

He maintained that people will not embark on illegal and life-threatening journeys to Libya if there are structures that will support quality life at the grassroots.

"Taxpayers money is meant for development and it will be used to develop the state and make life better for our people. We are taking development to those in the grassroots where the need is greater. We will not share money like those we displaced from government."

He assured that his administration's "target is for Edo State to be ranked as one of the three most developed states by the end of my tenure, in infrastructural development, education, improving the business environment especially in the rural areas, amongst other indicators of growth and development.


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Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

Obaseki's education reform: Edo Poly Usen hosts Buratai, Ibas, others for 2nd eminent lecture series

... seeks solutions to security challenges

In line with the drive of the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to revamp state-owned tertiary institutions to world-class solution centres, the Edo State Polytechnic Usen, will feature the Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Auchi, Brig. Gen. Dickson Ehiorobo, for the school's second Eminent Scholar Lecture Series, to proffer engineering-based solutions to Nigeria's security challenges.

A statement signed by the institution's Registrar, Simire Cyril, said the lecture will hold at the institute's complex, with the theme: "Security Challenges and the Implications on National Development in Nigeria: Engineering Technology perspective."

In an interview with journalists, Rector of the institute, Professor Abiodun Falodun, said other military chiefs, who are invited to the lecture series include Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai and the Chief of Navy Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas.

Professor Falodun said the guest speaker for the second lecture series, Brigadier General Ehiorobo is a renowned expert in the use of engineering technology, and he will be sharing his knowledge and experience in the use of technology to address security challenges.

He explained that the lecture scheduled for September 3, 2018, is part of ongoing effort by the management of the institution to provide practical solutions to problems confronting the society, in line with current global trends.

"The second lecture series will strengthen collaboration with the Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Auchi," Falodun said.

Recall that in May 2018, the Polytechnic played host to Professors Eddy Erhagbe and Christian Oduma in its first Eminent Scholar Lecture Series, on the topics: Right to Education and Work: Panacea for Insecurity in Nigeria; and Polytechnic Education: A gateway for Youth Empowerment, Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Economic Development.

Falodun noted that "Governor Godwin Obaseki has thrown his support behind the lecture series and has also shown that he is indeed happy with the lecture series. The second lecture series will deepen our collaboration with the Army School as we have an arrangement for our students to undertake their internship at the School."

"During their internship, our students will assist the Army School refurbish some of its equipment. The internship will also expose our students to the industry, especially in repair of military equipment. We also have an arrangement for staff exchange between the two schools," he added.

Obaseki, World Bank firm up partnership on agriculture

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the deepening of partnership with the World Bank in agricultural development would usher the state into a new era of prosperity, which will directly impact on the lives of Edo people.

The governor, who said this during a lunch with a team from the World Bank at the Government House in Benin City, noted that the state government has implemented crucial reforms to engender transparency, probity, and accountability in public finance and policy implementation.

The visiting World Bank team consists of its Agricultural Economist, Adetunji Oredipe and Lead Financial Management Specialist, Governance Global Practice, Parminder Brar.

The meeting is coming on the heels of extensive engagements with top hierarchy of the World Bank, which has sent expanded teams to the state in the last couple of months, to assess the progress of development efforts and landmark projects such as the Edo-Azura Power Project, which the Bretton Woods institution is a major partner.

According to the governor, the state government has ensured the implementation of reforms that have made the state attractive to investors and development partners, who have committed to invest in capacity building, technical education, innovation and technology development as well as in attaining the sustainable development goals in the state.

He added that the focus on technical education has attracted investment from the World Bank, in the rehabilitation project, which will see the school offer top-of-the-range education in technical areas, and award globally-respected certificates to the students.

The state government has been pursuing a multipronged agricultural development plan, which led to a recent visit to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

At the meeting with IITA Director General (DG), Nteranya Sanginga, Governor Obaseki reiterated his administration's vision was to establish a cassava production zone of at least 50,000 hectares where cassava will be produced and processed with the active participation of smallholder farmers and the private sector.

He demanded an actionable plan from IITA, that will guide the state in becoming a hub of agricultural development in the region.

The World Bank team assured the governor of continued support on his developmental projects, noting that the World Bank will support the state's reforms for the benefit of the people.

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L-R: Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Chief Taiwo Akerele; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Senior Agricultural Economist, World Bank, Adetunji Oredipe; and Lead Financial Management Specialist, Governance Global Practice, Parminder Brar, during a lunch with the governor at the Government House, in Benin City.

Performance Evaluation: Obaseki charges appointees on deliverables at half year stock-taking retreat

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has charged senior appointees in his administration to adopt innovative solutions to solve problems in their various sectors in order to deliver on set goals.

Obaseki gave the charge at the weekend in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, at the State Executive Council retreat, held to appraise the performances of handlers of the ministries, departments and agencies of government, in the first half of the year.

At the well-attended event, commissioners took turns to bring other members of the EXCO to speed on developments in their various ministries, sharing achievements, challenges and the strategies they adopted in dealing with the variables around their tasks.

Setting the tone for the event on day one, the governor reinforced the vision of his administration and the need for the handlers of the various sectors of the state, namely; education, infrastructure, health, agriculture, job and wealth creation, among others, to continue to review their processes and procedures to better serve Edo people and residents in the state.

"We need to be more scientific in the way we approach our tasks because governance is organic. It is about enhancing the quality of life of our people and to do this, we need a robust bank of data on their locations, needs, yearnings and aspirations and their perception of what we are doing as a government," Obaseki said.

He harped on the need to deploy the right tools, best practice and regular self and team evaluation mechanism to constantly measure performance internally, as well as comparing notes with similar agencies from other parts of the world.

He said that while "much work is being done in the basic education sector, the other levels of education must witness as much reforms to sustain the tempo of ongoing transformation of the state's education sector."

Former Vice Chancellor of Covenant University and Educational Administrator, Professor Aize Obayan, who served as resource person on the session on education, took the EXCO members through the conditions that must exist for a robust and reform-oriented education sector that will deliver quality manpower, highly sought after by industries.

The event was rounded off with reassurances to push through the last half of the year with better outcomes.

In attendance were commissioners, special advisers and other appointees of the Edo State government.

St. Saviour, PZ-Okabere roads: Edo residents jubilate, laud Obaseki for awarding contracts

Following the award of contracts for the construction of over 25 kilometre-road spanning St. Saviour-Oba-Obazagbon-Obadoloivbiyeyi communities to Idogbo/Agbor Road Bypass and PZ-Okabere-Oka Market-Upper Sokponba Road, by the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, residents in the area in Benin City, are caught up in a jubilant mood, lauding the governor for the projects.

The state government in recent times has awarded contracts for the construction of major roads in the state, in a renewed effort to connect communities and impact the lives of people in the state.

A resident of St. Saviour area in Benin City, Osunde Godwin, commended the governor for awarding the contract for the reconstruction of St Saviour Road, noting, "the step taken by the governor will bring an end to our suffering and it is highly commendable. The construction of the road will revive economic activities in the area, which was cut off from other parts of the town."

Another resident, Mrs. Agnes Lucky said, "At a point, we in this area wondered when Governor Obaseki would extend his 'wake and see' gesture to our area and fix the deplorable roads. Now that the governor has taken us all by surprise, I would not be surprised if I see the contractors on site soon."

She added, "I commend the governor for awarding the contract for the construction of the roads that were neglected in the past."

Imadiyi Paul Osa who resides in Oka Community, said "I want to commend Governor Obaseki for the award of contract for the construction of the PZ-Okabere Road. With this project the governor now has my full support because he did not consider the fact that most residents of this area did not support his election as governor. He is indeed a true leader. When the road is constructed, we will be able to access Sapele Road with ease."

Recall that Governor Godwin Obaseki at the weekend, awarded the contracts for the construction of the over 25-kilometer roads cutting across Saint Saviour (4.4kilometer); Oba Community-Obazagbon Community-Obadoloivbiyeyi Community to Idogbo/Agbor Road Bypass (10.92 kilometer), both valued at N3.55bn; and the popular PZ- Ehioghae-Okabere-Oka Market Road, linking Sapele Road and Upper Sokponba Road (10.78 Kilometres), valued at N1.9bn.

According to Obaseki, "when completed, the roads would not only ease human and vehicle movement in the metropolis, but decongest Upper Sokponba and Sapele roads, and provide alternative route to residents who want to connect the Bypass.

The governor who assured that the state government has invested in making necessary infrastructure available to make life comfortable for Edo people and residents, maintained that more efforts would be committed to building critical roads and other support structures to not only improve the ease of doing business but also impact on the lives of the people.

The roads would also enhance access to the Emotan Gardens Estate, an ambitious 1800-unit residential estate supported by the state government.

The project follows closely behind the award of contract for the construction of the Ugbor-Amagba Road, which was also hailed by Benin City residents.

EDPA opens new car park, seeks to decongest Sokponba Road

The Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) has opened a new car park in its premises to the public, in a renewed effort to decongest portions of Sokponba Road and Murtala Mohammed Way, by 3rd Junction in Benin City, the state capital.

The car park, which can take up to 60 cars, is an effort by the agency to repurpose its space and put it to productive use.

Executive Chairman, EDPA, Isoken Omo, said that the opening of the car park would decongest the road, provide a safe and conducive space for car owners to park their vehicles when they come visiting at the EDPA building, or to do business in the area.

According to her, the EDPA is intent on contributing to efforts to clear the notorious vehicular traffic on Sokponba Road, which is why it opened up the parking space, so that road users on the axis can have an option of a safe, conducive space to park their vehicles.

She added that the move would ensure judicious use of the space, as efforts are in top gear to expand the facility and repurpose it to accommodate more vehicles.

According to her, "The car park is going to serve businesses at the busy 3rd East Circular Junction, by Ekiosa Market and others on Sokponba Road as well as visitors to the EDPA building, which houses a number of offices. The cost per parking is quite affordable."

Obaseki inspects Ekiosa Market, promises improved business environment

...says govt investigating illegal ticketing

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has assured traders in Ekiosa Market located in Oredo Local Government Area of the state, of his administration's commitment to revamp markets across the state.

Obaseki who gave the assurance during a tour of the market, said plans are being concluded to ensure regular electricity supply to the market and disclosed that the claim of illegal ticketing in the market is being investigated.

He told the traders that modern toilet facilities would be provided in the market to improve the sanitary condition of the market.

He maintained that there was need for the state government to improve the infrastructure in the market as the traders spend quality time doing their business, more than the time they spend at home.

"The inspection helps us to have first-hand information about the activities of traders and the condition of the infrastructure in the market, to enable us fix them," he added.

The governor further said that he has directed that markets in the state should have management committees to take care of sanitation, security, maintenance of infrastructure, particularly power infrastructure in the market so that people can trade in comfort.

"The other reason for my coming is to see for myself, those people that are harassing traders for ticket money. The provision of the law on who collects revenue is very clear.

"You will recall that we amended the local government law on markets and we are currently investigating the claim of illegal printing of tickets," the governor added.

"We are going to work with Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) to see how we can create a sustainable financing model for the market," he said, and assured that the model will come with affordable prices.


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L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Edo State Market Women Leader, Madam Blacky Omoregie; and the Executive Chairman, Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA), Isoken Omo; during the governor's visit to Ekiosa Market, in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State.

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left), acknowledging cheers from traders, during his tour of Ekiosa Market, in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State.

Edo Joint Account Allocation Committee declares N3.2bn for July

The Edo State Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) has declared a total of N3.2 billion as the total allocation that accrued to the state in the month of July.

The state recorded an increase of N300 million compared to the previous month, when it hauled in a total of N2.9 billion.

Chairman, Oredo Local Government Area, Mr. Evbareke Jenkins Osunde, disclosed this while briefing newsmen shortly after the end of JAAC meeting presided over by the Governor of the state, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.

Osunde said that of the N3, 243, 012,057.44 teachers' salaries will gulp N1, 091, 070, 754. 84 while pensions fund contribution stood at N264, 115, 845.36.

He added that the total deduction for July stood at N1, 667, 738, 909.66 and net allocation shared was N1, 406, 769, 191.71.

He said that the governor also approved a special grant for traditional rulers through the Local Government Councils, assuring that details of the grant would be announced later.

Recall that JAAC recorded N5 million increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the local councils in June, which formed part of the N2.9 billion declared for the month.

Osunde had noted that the internally generated revenue in local councils increased from N206 million recorded in May to N211 million recorded in June 2018.

"Teachers' salaries deducted for June was N1,081,654,814.22, contribution for pension fund stood at N264, 115, 845.36, while pension arrears paid was N100 million," Osunde was quoted as saying and lauded Governor Obaseki for assisting local councils with the payment of workers' salary for the month of June.


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L-R: Chairman, Etsako West Local Government Area, Hon. Yakubu Musa; Chairman, Esan South-East Local Government Area, Hon. Victor Emuakhagbon; Chairman of both Oredo Local Government and the Edo State Chapter of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Evbareke Jenkins Osunde; and Chairman, Etsako Central Local Government Council, Comrade Akhigbe Osi John, briefing newsmen shortly after the end of the State Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting presided over by Governor Godwin Obaseki, at Government House in Benin City.