congratulation to and the entire Edo state

*Int’l Women’s Day: Obaseki hails Nigerian women’s resilience, courage in tough times*

_*…urges increased investment, global action to bridge gender gap, accelerate progress in advancing equality*_

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has hailed Nigerian women for their resilience and courage in the wake of the dire conditions that they have had to operate occasioned by the rising inflation and other economic challenges.

The governor, in a statement to mark International Women’s Day (IWD), noted that the inflationary trend has heavily impacted families, which are struggling to survive amid the high cost of living and other economic headwinds.

The 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) marked by the United Nations (UN) and other development organisations across the globe has the theme, 'Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.'

Obaseki who celebrated women for their impact and immense contributions to the growth and development of the society, called for increased global action, including strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and improving investment towards efforts at bridging the gender gap and accelerating the progress on gender equality.

According to him, “As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I am moved to praise the resilience and courage of Nigerian women who are forced to make tough decisions every day over the rising cost of living. This has impacted them when they go to work and even on the home front. It takes fortitude to keep things running smoothly.

“As commissioners, permanent secretaries or heads of agencies, market women or business owners in Edo State, women have proven to be expert managers of resources. They have been resilient and courageous in the discharge of their duties and we celebrate these great traits on this day.”

“However, beyond this, I must acknowledge women for their contributions to societal advancement, from changing the narrative in the world of business to their complementary role in the home.

“It is worth noting that the family unit remains one of the strongest forces of socialization. While we witness severe attacks on this essential unit that holds our core values and virtues, women have stood as vanguards of hope and positive change.”

The governor also noted that efforts have been taken to support women-led enterprises in the State, stating that women play key roles in business and politics and must be supported because of their unrelenting commitment to making society better.

“For us, we believe women must be supported. This is why we have made necessary investments to support their businesses. We are redesigning and rebuilding markets and giving more women roles in government because we believe in their innate ability to do good and care for others,” he added.

*Interest Rate: Obaseki blasts CBN, warns of tougher times ahead*

_*… ‘Nigeria must focus on production, discourage dollarization of nation’s economy’*_

_*.. ‘Edo among leading States in GDP growth’*_

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has predicted tougher economic times for the country due to bad economic policies by the Federal Government, condemning the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to increase the interest rate to 22.75 percent.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the CBN had last week raised the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), also known as the benchmark interest rate by four hundred basis points to 22.75 percent from 18.75 percent.

Obaseki, who spoke at the annual Edo Zone Bankers' Committee Dinner held in Benin City, the Edo State capital, cited the potential adverse effect of the interest rate increase by the CBN on businesses and the nation’s economy, reiterating the need to focus on productive activities.

The governor said, “The next few months will be difficult because the policies rolled out by CBN will unfortunately not support growth in our economy. The interest rate is already high and jacking it up will not allow small businesses access to credit to make them grow.

“We must focus on the fundamentals which is increasing production, making sure our citizens produce what we consume and depend less on imports. Our economic and monetary policies should not be determined by exchange rate alone.

“The issue of increasing the cash reserves in a bid to tighten liquidity is going to be detrimental to our economy. We should focus on fiscal issues to enable us to grow our economy, not panic about the interest rate. Creating jobs should be a priority for us as a nation.”

Commending the role of commercial banks in societal development, Obaseki tasked the banks to come up with products and services which can assist the majority of citizens in overcoming the harsh economic realities experienced nationwide.

He however reassured that his government will continue to partner with the financial sector to cushion the effects of the present economic realities on the people of the State.

Noting that his government has over the last seven and half years undertaken several policies and programmes to reposition the State as a leading subnational in terms of GDP growth, the governor reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the welfare of the people.

He said, “We have built institutions, empowered our people with skills, and ensured they are gainfully employed and seven years after, we are ranked as one of the top States in terms of GDP growth in Nigeria.

“I am here to thank you for collaborating with us to grow the economy of Edo State in the last seven years. You have supported me to make progress this far. I thank each bank and management for taking advantage of the opportunities created in the last seven years, especially with our reforms and growth.

“In the last seven years, we have improved our security, ensuring our people walk freely as the ability to restore security gives confidence to our people who come back home to invest in our State.”

The governor further stated, “Before now, our young ones traveled at will to seek greener pastures but our administration in 2017 got the report about how desperate our youths are traveling out but we have changed the narrative.

“As I wind down as governor, I am leaving a strong State economically; agricultural production has been ramped up significantly. We are leaving a State that is the most digitally connected in Nigeria today as we have laid over 2,000km of fiber optic connection across the state and we have connected the 18 LGA and all your branches are well connected.”

“We are leaving a State that is leading in terms of electricity generation. We have Azura, contributing to the stability of the national grid. We also have Ossiomo Power. Investors are ready to support our initiative in the State. We have the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Law that will allow us to regulate those who want to generate and distribute electricity in Edo State.”

“We have laid the basis for economic growth and development in Edo State and Nigeria. We saw this difficult time coming but could not move and make the necessary decision that would have saved us, but those who ought to act to save us failed to do that, hence here we are today,” Obaseki added.

*PHOTO CAPTION*

*DSC_01*

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left), with the Branch Controller, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Benin Branch, during the annual Edo Zone Bankers’ Committee Dinner in Benin City, at the weekend.

*DSC_02*

L-R: Mrs. Esther Mgbeze; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and Branch Controller, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Benin Branch, during the annual Edo Zone Bankers’ Committee Dinner in Benin City, at the weekend.

God bless governor Godwin Obaseki for always saying the truth

thank God for PDP for given the ticket to asue

Edo brainbox is acceptable by all

God bless our working governor

NLC Protest: Obaseki empathises with Edo people, Nigerians over high cost of living

assures sustained measures to ease suffering, hardship

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has empathised with people of the State and Nigerians over the incessant rise in prices of goods and services and overall cost of living in the Country, which has inflicted pain and suffering on the people, reassuring that his government will continue to provide measures to ease the hardship faced by the people of the State.

Obaseki spoke when he received members of the Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other concerned Nigerians who were on a peaceful protest, at the Government House, Benin City, the Edo State capital, to register their displeasure over the high cost of living occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government.

Obaseki who was represented by the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, in company of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, said the government stands with the people in this very challenging times.

He said, “The Edo State Government supports the protest. We identify with you because this hike in price has affected everyone. We are doing our best to see how this hardship is reduced or limited for Edo people.

“The important thing is to ensure that we are able to feed Edo people. We will do our best in terms of feeding but we don’t have power over fuel. We are doing our best to ensure all the filling stations in Edo State sell fuel at the agreed prices.

“We are concerned about the hardship facing Edo people that was why few days ago, the Edo State Government had a meeting with market women, farmers, traders, civil society groups and a host of others in the food chain at Urokpota Hall in Benin City.”

Noting ongoing efforts to address the rise in price of food, the governor stated, “The Edo State Government has put many things in place to change the narrative and help reduce the cost of food.

“Our government feels the pain of the Edo people. We want Edo to thrive and are not happy as a government that we have to protest to register our displeasure over the high rise of food prices.

“We appeal to Edo people and will make sure that the government has put in groundwork for the people and reduces the hardship.

“The farming season is just beginning. We are assisting with the preparations of land, farming inputs, and equipment and are ready for a bumper harvest. We are making sure that roads are good and reduce the cost of transportation. We are also assisting in bringing the food to the City.

“The message of this protest will be carried to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We want to also let Edo people know that the Edo State Government identifies with Edo people because of the rise in cost of living and will do all necessary to ensure Edo people don't suffer from this hardship."

Earlier, the Chairman of NLC, Edo State Chapter, Comrade Odion Olaiye said, “Members of NLC are here to register their protest on behalf of the Congress to Mr. Governor for onward transmission to Mr. President. We can’t bear hunger anymore. Food items are very high now and people are finding it difficult to eat. Things are hard for Nigerians as we call on the president to intervene.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Representative of Civil Society Groups, Kola Edokpayi; Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Media Projects, Mr. Crusoe Osagie; Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State Chapter Comr. Odion Olaiye; representative of Edo State Governor and Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, during a peaceful protest to Government House, Benin City, Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

*Obaseki reforms: We’ve cultivated over 2,000 hectares of oil palm, now exporting to Ondo, Kwara, others – Bravag Ltd*

The Managing Director of Bravag Nigeria Limited, Mr. Erhunse Oviawe, has said that with reforms pioneered by Governor Godwin Obaseki through the Edo State Oil Palm Programme (ESOPP), his company has developed a 2000 hectares farm estate and is now exporting Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) to other parts of the country.

In a chat with journalists, Oviawe noted that the company’s milling plant will start processing FFB next month, when the equipment installation is complete.

According to him, “We have 2,000 hectares of oil palm. We will start milling in the next one month, as I said, because we have fruits coming out in bunches. We call them FFB (fresh fruit bunches). We are now selling to other mills in Edo State; they come in to buy. Even from outside the state, from as far as Ondo.

“Today, we have enquiries from Kwara; they want to come down and collect from us. Even from Delta, they come in to buy oil palm from us. We have a mill that is starting production in another month or two. But because our mill is not ready, that is why we are selling bunches to other millers.”

He added that the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS) has also been instrumental to the ease of doing business in the State as it has simplified ease of securing of legitimate land titles which has eased access to finance.

congratulation to the entire PDP family

*Edo 2024: Ighodalo receives certificate of return, confident of victory*

*_…PDP is one, organised only one legal primary in Edo, says PDP nat’l chair_*

*_…Guber candidate pledges to transform Edo to first world economy_*

Former Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc and Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21, 2024 Edo governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, on Tuesday, received his Certificate of Return as the party’s flag bearer in the election, from the PDP National Working Committee.

The certificate presentation comes after he emerged winner of the governorship primary which took place last week Thursday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

The renowned businessman, accomplished lawyer and boardroom guru, in a landslide victory, polled 577 of the 585 accredited votes to clinch the party’s ticket, defeating nine other aspirants including the incumbent deputy governor of the State, Philip Shaibu and Anselm Ojezua, among others.

He was accompanied to receive the certificate by the State’s Party Chairman, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi; former Deputy Governor, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe, and Senator Ehigie Uzamere, among others.

Presenting the certificate of return to the Edo PDP guber candidate at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja, the Party National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, said the PDP is one and that the party organized and recognized only the primary election which took place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City and produced Ighodalo as its candidate.

Expressing confidence that the party will emerge victorious in the September governorship election, Amb. Damagum said: “Edo is an easy ride for us. We will emerge victorious. What we should be focused on now is uniting our party and bringing all stakeholders together to ensure we retain our seat at Osadebey Avenue.

“You have to put in your all going forward. I wish to use the opportunity to congratulate our party’s gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and wish you success as you go around the State during your campaign.”

He added, “The PDP is one and we organized and recognized only one primary in Edo which produced Dr. Asue Ighodalo. There are rules and guidelines in line with our party’s Constitution. We set up an electoral committee led by the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal as Chairman, and the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwhori as the committee’s Co-Chairman. They held the primary in a transparent, fair, and credible process which was live on several television stations. To the glory of God that primary election produced Dr. Asue Ighodalo as our party’s candidate.”

In his appreciation speech after receiving the certificate of return, the Edo PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Ighodalo commended all stakeholders of the party for their support, promising to transform Edo State to a first-world economy if elected as governor.

He said, “I thank our party members and leaders as well as other stakeholders of the party, especially the youths, who took me through the length and breadth of Edo State during my consultation to become our party’s candidate. I am extremely proud to be a member of this party. I also appreciate our women for their love and support. They carried me on their back from day one.

“I am grateful for the fairness and transparency of the national leadership of the party. I salute the National Working Committee (NWC) for the transparent and fair manner in which it conducted the primary election in Edo State. The MKO Abiola election of 1993 was the closest to what we recorded at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Thursday, February 22, 2024.”

Ighodalo further noted, “To the youths, it’s our time. By the grace of God and the will of the people of Edo State, we will run a government upheld by youths and with youths. Together, we will turn Edo into a state that everyone will be proud of.

“I will show leadership and direction. Our youths have promised that they won’t fail. We will show the rest of the world what we can achieve together as a people. We can become a first-world sovereign in Africa. I have seen the path and together, with your support and collaboration, we will achieve this.”

Urging for a united front ahead of the September gubernatorial election, Ighodalo stated, “I can’t complete this gratitude without acknowledging my co-aspirants, especially those who stepped down for me from the beginning of this process up to the day of the primary election, particularly Omosede Igbinedion who stepped down for me on the day of the primary.

“The contest is over. Let’s come together as one. We need to work together as one team. We must unite to retain our seat at Osadebey Avenue and drive the progress of our State.”

“I promise that this ticket is for all of us. I will take your advice; we will work together in the interest of our people. You’re all great men and women with varying capabilities and capacities. We will bring these capabilities together to move our State forward,” he added.

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Umar Ililya Damagum; National Secretary of the PDP, Senator Sam Anyanwu; Governorship candidate of the PDP for the Edo State September 21, 2024 governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and his wife, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, during the presentation of certificate of return to Ighodalo as flagbearer of the party at the PDP National Secretariat, Abuja, Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

*Edo 2024: Ighodalo receives certificate of return, confident of victory*

*_…PDP is one, organised only one legal primary in Edo, says PDP nat’l chair_*

*_…Guber candidate pledges to transform Edo to first world economy_*

Former Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc and Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21, 2024 Edo governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, on Tuesday, received his Certificate of Return as the party’s flag bearer in the election, from the PDP National Working Committee.

The certificate presentation comes after he emerged winner of the governorship primary which took place last week Thursday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

The renowned businessman, accomplished lawyer and boardroom guru, in a landslide victory, polled 577 of the 585 accredited votes to clinch the party’s ticket, defeating nine other aspirants including the incumbent deputy governor of the State, Philip Shaibu and Anselm Ojezua, among others.

He was accompanied to receive the certificate by the State’s Party Chairman, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi; former Deputy Governor, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe, and Senator Ehigie Uzamere, among others.

Presenting the certificate of return to the Edo PDP guber candidate at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, in Abuja, the Party National Chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, said the PDP is one and that the party organized and recognized only the primary election which took place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City and produced Ighodalo as its candidate.

Expressing confidence that the party will emerge victorious in the September governorship election, Amb. Damagum said: “Edo is an easy ride for us. We will emerge victorious. What we should be focused on now is uniting our party and bringing all stakeholders together to ensure we retain our seat at Osadebey Avenue.

“You have to put in your all going forward. I wish to use the opportunity to congratulate our party’s gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and wish you success as you go around the State during your campaign.”

He added, “The PDP is one and we organized and recognized only one primary in Edo which produced Dr. Asue Ighodalo. There are rules and guidelines in line with our party’s Constitution. We set up an electoral committee led by the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal as Chairman, and the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwhori as the committee’s Co-Chairman. They held the primary in a transparent, fair, and credible process which was live on several television stations. To the glory of God that primary election produced Dr. Asue Ighodalo as our party’s candidate.”

In his appreciation speech after receiving the certificate of return, the Edo PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Ighodalo commended all stakeholders of the party for their support, promising to transform Edo State to a first-world economy if elected as governor.

He said, “I thank our party members and leaders as well as other stakeholders of the party, especially the youths, who took me through the length and breadth of Edo State during my consultation to become our party’s candidate. I am extremely proud to be a member of this party. I also appreciate our women for their love and support. They carried me on their back from day one.

“I am grateful for the fairness and transparency of the national leadership of the party. I salute the National Working Committee (NWC) for the transparent and fair manner in which it conducted the primary election in Edo State. The MKO Abiola election of 1993 was the closest to what we recorded at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Thursday, February 22, 2024.”

Ighodalo further noted, “To the youths, it’s our time. By the grace of God and the will of the people of Edo State, we will run a government upheld by youths and with youths. Together, we will turn Edo into a state that everyone will be proud of.

“I will show leadership and direction. Our youths have promised that they won’t fail. We will show the rest of the world what we can achieve together as a people. We can become a first-world sovereign in Africa. I have seen the path and together, with your support and collaboration, we will achieve this.”

Urging for a united front ahead of the September gubernatorial election, Ighodalo stated, “I can’t complete this gratitude without acknowledging my co-aspirants, especially those who stepped down for me from the beginning of this process up to the day of the primary election, particularly Omosede Igbinedion who stepped down for me on the day of the primary.

“The contest is over. Let’s come together as one. We need to work together as one team. We must unite to retain our seat at Osadebey Avenue and drive the progress of our State.”

“I promise that this ticket is for all of us. I will take your advice; we will work together in the interest of our people. You’re all great men and women with varying capabilities and capacities. We will bring these capabilities together to move our State forward,” he added.

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Amb. Umar Ililya Damagum; National Secretary of the PDP, Senator Sam Anyanwu; Governorship candidate of the PDP for the Edo State September 21, 2024 governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and his wife, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, during the presentation of certificate of return to Ighodalo as flagbearer of the party at the PDP National Secretariat, Abuja, Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

Edo Ministry of Roads and Bridges Hosts Civil Society Organization for Road Tour

The Edo State Ministry of Roads and Bridges led by Hon. Ethan Uzamere recently organized an insightful road infrastructure tour for members of the Civil Society Organization. This initiative aimed to provide stakeholders with a firsthand look at the ongoing road projects in Benin metropolis.

Comrade Bevy Efe, the PRO of the Network of Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria, expressed appreciation for the opportunity provided by the Executive Governor of Edo State. The tour commenced with visits to various projects at Ogbe Stadium vicinity, Plymouth, and Akenzua. Others include 19th and 18th Street projects.

According to Efe, "Well first of all I want to thank the Executive Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki. It has become very imperative for the Civil Society group to inspect ongoing road project in Benin metropolis. Reason is because we have been hearing some fillers that the Governor has not been working on roads. We approached the Ministry and they decided to take us round to see what the governor has done."

"So since morning we have been going round. Now we are at 19th street, 18th street opposite UNIBEN we have also seen that the construction there is very massive and we also appreciate the deep the drainage that is being done at 19th street. For me I am overwhelmed so we just pray that God gives the executive Governor the ability to do more roads before he leaves the office."

Others in the tour including Comrades Annie Omoru and Kelly Osunbo shared insights gained from the tour, acknowledging the Governor's efforts in executing projects that were previously unknown to the public. In particular, commendation was extended for the meticulous underground drainage work along 19th Street, facilitating effective water management.

The tour not only unveiled the progress of road projects but also underscored the collaborative engagement between the Government and Civil Society in fostering transparent, sustainable, and impactful infrastructure development in Edo State.

EDO STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION

Dr. Asuerinme Ighodalo
Edo State Gubernatorial Candidate
Peoples Democratic Party

*PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE OF RETURN*

This is to formally inform you; pursuant to the earlier approved and published Timetable of our Great Party, the PDP, and the ratification of your candidacy by the National Working Committee (NWC), that our Ag. National Chairman *H.E. Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum*, shall present to you, Your Certificate of Return as follows:

DATE: Wednesday, 28th February, 2024.

TIME: 12:00 Noon

VENUE: NEC Hall, Wadata Plaza, National Secretariat, FCT, Abuja.

Please note that you are required to be in attendance to receive this certificate.

Congratulations!

HON. UMAR M. BATURE
National organizing secretary

ASUE IGHODALO: A BEACON OF INTELLECTUALISM AND INTEGRITY FOR EDO STATE*


*Obomighie media team OMT*
February. 24. 2024.

The emergence of Asue Ighodalo as the People's Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Edo State has restored hope for all and asundry to the entire community in Edo state. Asue Ighodalo embodies a rare combination of intellectual prowess and unwavering integrity, making him an exceptional choice to lead the state into a brighter future.

With a proven track record of excellence in both the private and public sectors, Asue Ighodalo brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. His visionary leadership style, coupled with his deep commitment to the welfare and progress of the people, sets him apart as a formidable candidate capable of steering Edo State towards prosperity and sustainable development.

Asue Ighodalo's dedication to good governance, transparency, and accountability is commendable, and his unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of justice and equity resonates with the aspirations of the people of Edo State. His leadership promises a future where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive and succeed, regardless of background or circumstance.

We are confident that under Asue Ighodalo's leadership, Edo State will experience a new dawn of progress, unity, and prosperity. His intellect, integrity, and passion for service make him the ideal candidate to lead our state to greater heights.

Asue Ighodalo is not just a candidate; he is a beacon of hope and a symbol of positive change for Edo State. Together, let us rally behind his candidacy and work towards a better, brighter future for all.


EDO HOPE IS RESTORED

labour party is a confuse party

Asue Ighodalo: best foot forward to govern modern Edo

Today's Edo can best be described as a beautiful bride in the wait for a perfect man; she is the star of the moment, shining brighter than any diamond, and her beauty is the type that cannot be sacrificed on the altar of the toga of marriage, but to the most perfect man who can compliment her beauty and keep her on the radar of public admiration.

Edo is bustling with enthusiasm, ready to be tapped into for significant economic advancement.

The State has witnessed sizable reforms in recent times, her people getting greatly exposed, her infrastructure growing and her economic base gaining grounds by the day; the Obaseki-led administration has set the tone for improved conversation on the development of Edo State.

This conversation must be seen to be forward-driven, capable of addressing the yearnings and aspirations of Edo people.

Without doubt, the 8-year journey of the Governor Godwin Obaseki will meet the finish line this November, the development of Edo cannot be said to end with the hard working Governor, hence the need to get that perfectionist who can take Edo to the next level post-Obaseki.

Asue Ighodalo stands tall in the whole governorship arrangement, he alone bears the torch to keep Edo on the radar of public admiration, considering the various initiatives his administration stands to garner.

On infrastructure, Ighodalo has pledged to make Edo a cynosure of all eyes, building infrastructure with aesthetic designs capable of competing with global trends; on economy, Ighodalo has said he will make Edo a first world economy; on youth development, the PDP Candidate, who parades a number of youths in his train has promised to develop policies, programmes aimed at prospering majority Edo youths once on board.

Asue Ighodalo, a renowned player in the business community, principal contributor to the gains of the current administration, possessing award-winning economic blueprints set to drive Edo on prosperity path; having played significant policy role in Edo State governments since 2008, he best understands the challenges, he knows the people, familiar with the terrain and possesses contemporary solutions to the ever-increasing socio-economic and political demands of Edo State.

The PDP deserves commendation for putting its best foot forward, exploring the individual ability of its aspirants, and further producing the most competent, with unblemished character and unwavering capacity to drive Edo along the path of development—Asue Ighodalo.

From community to community, ward to ward, LGA to LGA, there are recorded interventions by the Obaseki-led administration, these narratives deserves to be sustained, built on, further expanding the frontiers for advanced development of Edo State and considering the contemporary developmental demands and the need to continue to improve our State's economic potentialities, Asue Ighodalo stands in the gap, ranking as the best foot forward to govern a modern Edo.

Consequently, in today's Edo, we owe it a sacrosanct duty to employ one of our best in 2024, to now direct the affairs of our dear State, steering the corporate existence of our State to the land of milk and honey for the good of the larger majority of Edo people.

Asue Ighodalo, man for the job; vote "Ai" for Governor of Edo State 2024.

N'Edo Gha Ma.

BREAKING NEWS

ASUE IGHODALO WINS EDO PDP GOVERNORSHIP PRIMARY

Barr Asue Ighodalo has clinched the Edo State PDP governorship primary conducted today by the NWC of the party and monitored by INEC officials at the Samuel Ogbomudia Stadium lawn tennis court.

Three aspirants, Barr. Omosede Igbinedion, Hon. (Dr.) Felix Ehiguese Akhabue and Rt. Hon. Ogbeide Ihama withdrew from the contest before voting by the delegates started.

The scores are announced after counting by the Electoral Committee are as follows:

Anslem Ojezua 0
Felix Akhabue 0
Philip Shuabu. 1
Amb. Martins. 0
Barr. Esene. 0
Asue. Ighodalo 577
Omosede. Withdrew
Ogbeide Ihama. Withdrew
Void votes. 6

Congratulations to the incoming Governor of Edo State, Dr. Asue ighodalo,, the people's choice

The Edo Official Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Nigeria delegates go to the field today to elect our flag bearer for #Edo2024.*
*I passionately appeal to them to make the most appropriate decision in voting overwhelmingly for the best candidate, Asue Ighodalo , the Man Wey Sabi
#Asueighodalo2024

The Commissioner for Roads and Bridges in Edo State, Hon. Ethan Uzamere has held a press briefing in Benin City to shed light on the efforts by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to reposition Edo in terms of road and energy infrastructure.

In his address to the newsmen, the Commissioner emphasized the importance of an honest assessment of the country's economic landscape. Reflecting on the challenges faced, he highlighted the need for innovative approaches in managing infrastructural projects.

He said: "There was a narrative which was false that the State is not doing any federal road which is very false because you’re aware we are doing the Benin-Abraka road, we are doing a lot of roads in the Edo central area. Also, since I took over this office one thing I’ve done is to see how we can think differently in this space."

"We had a big push last year on the state of the federal roads like the Benin-Auchi roads which has been ongoing for more than ten years and some of those contractors have been paid even more than their certificates. How is the audit? Who is auditing them and How do we bring back those money that has been paid? And look at the state of it."

Uzamere also noted substantial increases in the costs of essential materials like bitumen, diesel, and cement over recent months. According to him, these price hikes have significantly escalated the expenses associated with road construction, posing challenges for contractors and project timelines.

"When I assumed this Ministry, I think about last year, we were doing a kilometer of road between 400 and 600 million naira but now as of last year December it went up to about a billion depending on the terrain which is one of the cheapest around the country. We are dealing with contractors and they are business men running their own businesses. That’s why we have decided to partner with private entities and Federal government for us to prioritize some of these roads that are classified as federal roads."

"The first one I will be doing during my tenure as commissioner will be the Benin-Asaba road which is a very important transaction. We should look at how we can save money In the future in terms of road construction because it’s an investment which the state is going to get back dividends and it’s privately ran so the bureaucracy would not be that much compared to if it’s government, " Uzamere said.

The Commissioner recalled struggles faced by the State in establishing private power generation initiatives, such as the Ossiomo Power project.

According to him, "Yesterday, the Minister of Power came out and said we can no longer afford subsidy for electricity. During the beginning of this administration of His Excellency, Mr Godwin Obaseki, what the economic team then decided to do, we decided that we need to think differently on how to manage an economy, how to manage a State."

"And I can remember when we were promoting the private power generating company called Ossiomo Power. I don’t know if anyone remembers, the issue with the Federal Government, the issue with the BEDC, not wanting to give us licenses and it was a battle for years just for us to even get licenses and these are the issues that we kept talking about."

"They can’t afford even all these subsidies and all the feedstock for even generating power is still ran and controlled by the Federal Government which most importantly is gas. And it was a battle and we thank God that we won that battle," Uzamere said.

i believe PDP will not make same mistake APC made that is why we are supporting Asue Ighodaro

PDP is a big family

Edo state is now safe with Governor Godwin obaseki

God bless obaseki

ojezuwa has never won his ward before

I wish super Eagle all the best today God bless Governor Godwin obaseki

The only governor that talk less and work more

the esan has to be united

God bless Governor Godwin obaseki

Nice one Edo state is one irrespective of our political party we must put the first

APC are know to spread lies God will continue to expose them

God bless Governor Godwin obaseki for giving hope to PDP and his member