Edo State Government To Reintroduce History In Schools

The Edo state government has announced plans to bring back history as a subject in schools in the state, for the young generation to know more about past heroes.

Governor Godwin Obaseki stated this during a lecture to honour foremost nationalist, late Anthony Enahoro, at the Edo state House of Assembly complex in Benin City, the state capital.

Mr Obaseki said the state-owned tertiary institutions would be equipped to teach the Bini history, while scholarships would be made available for post graduate students studying Bini history.

“I have now decided that history will be restored to Edo schools – it is going to be history and social studies. We are going to give scholarships to Ph.d candidates or people who intend to study Edo history at Ph.d level.

“Our quest for nation building should be assisted by a renewed acknowledgement of Nigerians who in various spheres of endeavor are role models to be emulated for their distinct and distinguishing contribution to the process of building the Nigerian nation,” he stated.

The Governor then went on to unveil a life-sized statue of Chief Anthony Enahoro, erected by a group under the aegis of the “Castle of Legends” initiative.

 

Source: Channels TV

Governor Obaseki commends Fashola for Edo roads, housing.

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state, yesterday, commended the Minister for Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) for the progress of work at the Benin-Ehor axis of the Benin-Ehor-Lokoja roads.

This was as the minister inspected ongoing works at the Aduwawa axis of the Benin-Ehor-Lokoja road.

While inspecting the road, Fashola (SAN) briefed the Edo State governor of his inspection tour on roads leading into and out of the state.

He said that plans were also in the making to rehabilitate the bad portions at the Ekpoma axis of the same road.

Speaking further, the minister noted that full reconstruction of the bad portion would carried out to ensure durability of the road.

“I have gotten recommendations about the fail portions of the Ekpoma axis of the road. I have asked them to get money for the contractor to do full reconstruction of the bad portions, instead of patching it up, which will wear away soon. As soon as we get money, the contractor will come back to site”, he said.

Meanwhile, the governor, represented by his deputy, Hon Philip Shaibu commended the Minister for the inspection tour, saying that it would ensure good quality and speedy completion of the road project.

He however called for prompt action to be taken at the bad portions of the road around the Auchi junction at Jatto, Ekpoma axis and Ramat Park in order to prevent total collapse of the road.

Moreover, he also commended the ministry over its housing programme in the state.

For his part, Fashola (SAN) additionally briefed the governor about the on-going projects being executed by the ministry; he said that the major challenge facing the power sector was shortage of gas to power gas turbines.

He however said that the power generation in the country had stepped up to 4000mw for two weeks now and could be increased to 7000mw if vandalism of gas pipelines was stopped.

“3000mw of power is not available because of vandalism of gas pipelines, which is not helpful to the country. If we can recover the 3000mw lost to vandalism and add to the 4000mw, we will have 7000mw. We cannot continue to destroy something and say it is unavailable to us, all of us most begin to speak to each other and sensitise against vandalism”, he said.

In addition, the Federal controller of works, Eng Okey Oweh, speaking about the Benin-Ehor-Lokoja road said that the road’s contract was awarded in 2012 and divided into three phases.

He said that a 12 km carriage way had been constructed along the Auchi axis of the road and that the accident-prone section at Ewu -axis of the road had been improved upon.

He said that the contractor handling the road would complete the Benin-Ehor axis of the road by May ending and work on the Ewu-Agbor-Sapele road had started.

He also said that 445 staff drawn from within and outside the state were currently working with the contractors on the road Project.

Meanwhile, the Controller of Housing in the state, Mr Andrew Ikechucku said that the national housing programme for the ministry had commenced in the state.

He said that the state government had provided a land around the Benin-Auchi road and that clearing of the land was on-going.

#Edo2016: Aisha Buhari, Others Pledge Support For Godwin Obaseki

Wife of the President, Hajia Aisha Buhari, and other women of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday expressed support for the party’s governorship candidate Godwin Obaseki in Edo State.s

 

The APC Women leader in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Mrs. Hailmary Aipoh, represented the First Lady at Obaseki’s campaign office to register their support.

 

The president’s wife said they were in the state to inform him “he must remember women and children if he wins the election.”

 

The women later visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp at Uhogua community in Ovia North East, where they donated foodstuff, writing materials and toiletries.

 

According to her: “Governor Adams Oshiomhole is our great brother who has done us proud with his developmental projects. APC has done well for the people and that is why we are asking for continuity.”

She described Obaseki as someone who is tested and trusted, adding that the women will rally round him to ensure that he wins the election.

 

The South-South zonal women leader, Mrs Racheal Akpabio, commended the president’s wife for her vision and assistance to the IDPs.

 

She said: “Winning the Edo election is non-negotiable, because it is the only APC-controlled state in the south-south and we intend to win more states in the region.”

 

The zonal leader urged the women to go back home and talk to their husbands and children about the achievement of the party in the state.

 

Obaseki promised that if elected, he would invest in women, as they constitute “57 per cent of our population.”

 

He added that common sense and logic demand that if more money is put into women empowerment, the economy would be better developed.

Eghosa Igbinóvia: Continuity As A Necessary Tool For The Development Of Edo State.

In the face of the new economic challenge we face, we need leadership with fresh and original ideas to take on these new challenges, so that we can build on and deepen the success of the current administration. There is only one course of action- we must be courageous and determined, we must build on and extend the success of the current administration to achieve the aspiration of Edo people (Godwin Obaseki, 2016).

 

There is no iota of that in the fact that Godwin wants to transform Edo State from its current state to a better one, this is evident in his manifesto delivered on the 16th July, 2016 at the official flag off APC campaign for Edo Governorship election. This foresighted man has held different positions, which he judiciously utilized in implementing his part to the development of the state. He is the wax burning the fire of development in Edo state, leading a team of professionals and technocrats in the progressive government of the Comrade Governor as Chairman, Edo State Economic Team for about eight years.

 

Some ten years back, Edo state was in comatose in the hands of hind-sighted men, it was indeed a decade of mismanagement and failed promises. Then came in a man of purpose, he was ready to transform things, and that he has been doing with the help of other foresighted men, notable of which is Godwin Obaseki. Godwin doesn’t want the progress of the inland state dragged back, he wants to continue with the good work the present administration has embarked on.

 

Godwin understands the plight of the people; he has gathered enough experience to control the affairs of Edo State. He has plans of focusing on job creation, which is one of the challenges facing our country today. Within his four-year term he hopes to create 200,000 new jobs across the state, through Agriculture, Entrepreneurship schemes attracting investments for the development of industries, technical and vocational skills development. He believes many Edo people will generate wealth by keying into value chain development of Oil Palm, Cassava, Cocoa, Grains, Rubber, among others.

 

Currently the electricity demand in Edo State is over 450 megawatts but the Benin Electricity Distribution company is rationing about 150 megawatts of electricity between four States. Attracting more investments in large and small scale electricity generation and partnering with BEDC will ensure that more power is available for domestic and industrial activities, this and many others have been lined out to be worked on.

 

Also, Godwin plans to see to the empowerment of Women. He plans on providing an enabling environment for them, to help them achieve their highest potential by taking their empowerment beyond the phase of women empowerment. Launching development projects under the leadership of women, improving the access to low interest rate for financing their business among others is what this vision man has envisioned for the progressive women of Edo State.

 

Exempting the youths from the government is one risk Godwin’s administration wont undertake. He understands the impact of youths in the development of the nation. And as a result he has planned to provide medium and small scale enterprises financing for the young entrepreneurs, he will also focus on the development of the youths through investments in sports, arts and crafts.

 

Godwin wont also forget to protect the lives and properties of his people. This is paramount to a man who understands what it means to be safe, just as learnt from the administration of the Comrade Governor. He plans to formulate a comprehensive strategy with inputs from all stakeholders with a view to making Edo State safe for the citizens and for investors. He would also implement a pocket friendly tax regime to grow the tax as which will help the state run so many things in times like this.

 

The plans have been rightly set, execution is what is left, immediately after the collective support for the emergence of the man of purpose. Continuity is what is needed, change is out rightly out of discuss!

#Edo2016: The Comrade Governor Is Leaving, Who’s Next? By Patrick Omoregie

The election that saw President Muhammad Buhari emerge as the president of Nigeria could be described as the most inclusive presidential election, after the all-out 1993 general election, which General Babangida annulled; it was recorded to have been the most peaceful election Nigeria ever had. You will agree with me that people are seeing things from the root now, and not from the flamboyant and fragrant flowers anymore. Nigerians don’t want to be deceived any longer, they don’t want looters for leaders any more, they don’t want to rest their hands on their cheeks to wait for years to pass, they now want leaders of repute.
 
The heartbeat of Nigeria will in some days witness the transition of power from the Comrade Governor to the hands of another leader. Edo state which was created on the 27th August, 1991 was in no shape some ten years back, as all the inland state in the southern Nigeria had was a government of failed promises. Then came in the change maker, Governor Adams Oshiomole, who rescued the drowning ship of Edo state. The former Nigeria Labour Congress President was determined to change the spate of things, and he has been changing things for the better. His administration undertook one of the greatest revolutions in Education in Nigeria, by reconstructing and rebuilding over 50% of primary school infrastructures and over 30% of secondary schools within the space of seven and half years. This progressive leader also constructed state-wide roads, and is still on the storm water project, among many other achievements.
 
If the transition within few years can put smile on the faces of the people, what then could be more desirable than continuity?  When a drummer is drumming, and people are enjoying him, they fail to give credit to the drum producing the interesting sound, all that comes out of their mouth is, that drummer is the best. It would be interesting to note that Godwin Obaseki has been the drum sounding unnoticed; he has indeed played numerous and countless roles in the achievements of the Comrade Governor. If he can do that under the capacities he held, he would definitely make a good Governor.
 
Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki was born into the famous and illustrious family of Obaseki of Benin city. He didn’t try ignorance, and as a result, had his early education in St. Matthews Anglican Primary School Benin City, from where he proceeded to Eghosa Anglican Grammer School, also in Benin City. He graduated from Premier University, University of Ibadan, obtaining BA in classics. Godwin didn’t just stop there; he proceeded to study abroad where he bagged different degrees. He is a professional in what he has chosen for himself, as he is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stock Brokers.
 
People are graduating away from celebrating mediocrity; everybody wants to work with intellectuals. Godwin began his career 30 years ago and has established track records in Investment Banking, Asset Management, Securities Trading and the Public Sector both internationally and in Nigeria. Godwin Obaseki has got all it takes to steer the boat of the state for the next four years. It would interest you to know that, he is currently the Chairman of the Edo Sate Government’s Economic and Strategy Team, a position he has held for years. He was responsible for the documentation of the State’s Economic Development Frame work through Sector’s Strategic Planning; he was also the brain behind the Introduction and Enculturation of Retreats as a platform to ensure all parties engagement.
 
Godwin was also the Chairman of the Tax Assessment Review Committee for Edo state Internal Revenue service, just as he was an active member of the Committee on Contributory Pension Scheme, just to mention a few. The mark of difference has been drawn, brilliant initiatives have also been transformed into what Edo state is today, the success story will not only end well for Governor Oshiomole, but the good times will continue for the good people of Edo State if Godwin Obaseki is elected as the Governor of Edo state.
 
When the right things are in place, continuity should be the ultimate request of the people.