Social Reporters News Service, published by IOE Publishers - CAC/BN/3400383

Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has called for sustained collaboration among world leaders including religious leaders to combat the upsurge of migrant crises and mitigate the ugly trend of human trafficking across the world. Obaseki made this submission in commemoration of the World Day of Peace declared by Pope Francis to be marked on New Year's Day. Obaseki, who noted that the input of religious leaders was critical to stemming human trafficking because of the influence and moral suasion required to convince people about the attendant risks, said it is pertinent for well-calculated lines of action to be taken especially in the new year to combat illegal migration on a global scale. Stressing that the theme for the celebration, “Migrants and Refugees: Men and Women in Search of Peace,” captures the essence of migrants' struggle, he added that though the search for peace is universal, it is not right for dubious persons to exploit their fellow men for financial ga

The Edo State Government has said 18 trucks carrying 720,993 litres of petroleum products have arrived the state to ease the lingering fuel scarcity, warning filling stations against hoarding the product. The Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Oil & Gas, Hon. Joseph Ugheoke, in a chat with journalists, said the products are being discharged at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)'s  Mega stations as well as stations of major distributors of petroleum products across the state. He added that the products are to be sold at the official rate of N145 per litre, noting that a team from the state government and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), will go round to enforce this and sanction erring filling stations. According to him, “We have just received 18 trucks of petroleum products, with a total of 720,993. NNPC Mega stations and oil majors that are receiving these products are mandated to sell the products at N145 per litre. Anyone found to be selling abov

The Edo State Government has prioritised the development of livestock and fisheries projects with a programme that targets youths to revitalise the state’s agricultural sector for improved food security. This was disclosed by the governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, when he signed the state’s 2018 budget into law at the Government House, Benin City. Obaseki, who stressed that the state was committed to providing incentives for youths to participate in income generating activities, especially agriculture, noted that the state government was intent on getting youths engaged. According to Obaseki, “In the area of agriculture, I observed that the House increased our estimates significantly by almost 100 per cent. In particular, in the area of livestock and fisheries, there was a N1billion increase. “This is important because, as you know, we have a lot of initiatives in this regard, especially as it relates to the resettlement programme we have for persons who were trafficked and have now ret

By Peter Nwokolo In a documentary captioned “The Africans, a triple heritage” written by one of Africa’s most distinguished history scholar, the late Professor Ali Mazrui, a Kenyan national and serialized on NTA in the 1980s, a true story was told of how a junior accountant of one of the Ministries in Ghana in the 1960,s uncovered a huge fraud while going through some documents in his office. Amazed at the volume of the fraud, he had immediately taken the documents to his superior and announced excitedly to his boss about his discovery, apparently expecting a pat on the back for what he thought was a patriotic duty. But his boss had smiled at him whimsically, asking him “not to worry, that there is always enough to go round for every one” It is such notion of  “plenty to go round” that had triggered off a culture of graft and wanton looting of State treasuries across Africa. This monster was then passed on from one administration to the other, resulting naturally to serious under-d

The Kwara State Government has refuted allegations by opposition party in the State that it was planning to sell Kwara Hotel to private individuals. The State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Alhaji Mahmud Ajeigbe said in a statement on Thursday, that contrary to the allegation, the State government has actually concluded arrangements to embark on a comprehensive renovation of the state-owned hotel. Ajeigbe explained that what Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed said during his last interactive radio programme, ‘The Governor Explains’, was that Kwara Hotel would be upgraded to an internationally recognized new dual brand of 3 and 4 star hospitality outfit. The Commissioner said that what the State government intends to do is to give interested Kwarans home and abroad, opportunity to invest and own shares in the hotel, and make its turn-around to be inclusive in line with best global practice. Ajeigbe emphasized that the government had no plans to sell Kwara Hotel to private in

By Isaac Eranga …As Agric estimate rises by 100% The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has signed the state’s 2018 appropriation bill as passed by the Edo State House of Assembly, into law. At the signing ceremony in Government House, Benin City, on Friday, Obaseki said the speedy passage of the appropriation bill was remarkable as it shows the harmony between the state’s executive and legislative arms of government.  The 2018 budget estimate which was pegged at N146 billion by the executive, was increased to N150 billion by the House of Assembly to allow for more infrastructural and agricultural projects. According to him, “We cannot express our gratitude enough as an executive arm of government for this unique and historic event of the signing of our Appropriation Bill before the end of the year. I cannot recall when this sort of thing occurred in Edo State in the last seven to eight years. “This portends a lot of good things to come. It shows the seriousness of both ar

…as group names Obaseki ‘Most Innovative and Investment-friendly Governor’  The Edo State Government and the Atarlor Crack Team, a social media group, have called for stronger collaboration among relevant stakeholders to create a conducive environment to engage young Nigerians in productive ventures and discourage them from embarking on dangerous trips through the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, who spoke at the maiden edition of the Atarlor Crack Team’s Dinner and Award Night, in Benin City, said, “there is urgent need for individuals, religious organisations and civil rights groups to support government in the fight against human trafficking and illegal migration.” Represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Osaro Idah, Obaseki added that everyone must join hands with governments to condemn illegal migration and human trafficking, which subject migrants to horrible ordeals, which include, but not limited to slavery, prost

By Isaac Eranga, Benin The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, paid a condolence visit to the family of political stalwart, Late Sir David Ogbomo in Benin City, the Edo State capital on Friday, December 29, 2017. The governor, who signed the condolence register at the Siluko road residence of the late political leader, described the demise of Sir Ogbomo as a great loss to the state and the entire country. He prayed that God will grant the family the fortitude to bear the great loss of the illustrious son of Edo state.

…As state ratifies solar plant proposal in Edo North  The Edo State Government has said that the state is now poised to become the latest power generation hub in Nigeria, with the coming on stream of the Azura-Edo Power and incursion of solar power operators in the Edo North axis. This was disclosed by Chairman, Edo State Strategic Planning Team, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, during a chat with journalists in Benin City, the state capital. Prof. Ihonvbere said that the ease of doing business reforms in the state have significantly reduced the turn-around time for investment propositions in the state, adding that it “now takes seven days to complete the processing of land papers in the state through the Investment Bureau.” Noting that reforms in easing investment transactions are yielding positive results, he said, “We have set up an ease of doing business committee and an investment bureau to serve as a one-stop shop for investors, so they don’t have to deal with bureaucracies. Once you

Dagomo Foundation provides medical care to the elderly By Isaac Eranga As Part of showing love, care and support to the elderly, the Dagomo Foundation, a privately owned, charitable, nonprofit organisation, has organised a two-day medical mission to the elderly in the Benin metropolis. The medical mission which started yesterday 28th December and to end today 29th December, 2017, featured diagnosis, screening and treatment of various illnesses. Speaking at the opening of the event, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru said the medical mission which engaged 30 medical practitioners both from the United Kingdom and Nigeria, is part of activities carried out by Dagomo Foundation to put smiles on the faces of the elderly. "We do our best to put a smile on their faces not just through what we do, but getting their loved ones to give freely of themselves. "Our ethos in one word is love. We give love, and provide care, support and humanitarian ser

By Desmond Agbama, CPS to Oba of Benin The wickedness, greed, insensitivity and lack of concern for the welfare and well-being of ordinary Nigerians by some of our leaders and businessmen, especially in the petroleum industry have resurfaced again with unending queue at filling stations across the country. It has become a tradition in Nigeria for people to experience fuel scarcity and arbitrary hike in pump prize of premium motor spirit otherwise known as petrol during the yuletide. This is because, the authority of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), PENGASSAN, NUPENG, IPMAN and other stakeholders in the petroleum industries usually see the period of Christmas and New Year as opportunity to exploit the people and make marginal profit by creating artificial scarcity, thereby leading to forced increased in prizes of petrol per litre. The importance of petrol to Nigerians cannot be over emphasized. Vehicles need it to keep moving on the road and transport needed goods a

● Says governor could not sleep after seeing mayhem against Nigerians  ● Obaseki did not order the repatriation of natives in Italy’  Mr Taiwo Akerele is the Chief of Staff to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State. In this interview, Akerele, who was, last week, honoured with the name, Omokhafe 1 (son that knows home) of Somorikaland, by the people of Somorika in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, speaks on the plans of the state government for Libyan returnees. Q. The state government has been receiving large numbers of Libyan returnees. How is it coping with the pressure? A. We have made adequate arrangements; the governor approved what we call ‘voluntary return framework’. There are two legs to it: there are people who voluntarily want to return home and there are people who are stranded in Libya that the Nigerian government is bringing back. The two groups, when they arrive, are collapsed into a component and the component is, receive them, bring them to Benin and ac

Why fuel price must be increased – Marketers President Muhammadu Buhari has reportedly rejected subtle move by marketers to increase fuel price. The Nation reports that Buhari has also said no to the return of fuel subsidy. “The key issue is a price war. The marketers have made representation to the Federal Government and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, to allow price hike of petroleum products and leave the sector to market forces. “The President and Senior Government Officials are, however, opposed to price hike because of its spiral effect on the socio-economic life of the nation. It also has grave political implications for the survival of the present government. “In the last few months, the government has been trying to cope through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) until there was stress in the supply chain following threats by PENGASSAN and the challenge in Lagos,” a source stated. A Minister, also unnamed by The Nation, said:

…State to partner EU on water projects in Edo North, Central The Edo State Government has revealed plans to drive rural and urban development by prioritising agriculture, provision of potable water, roads, and market-linkage initiatives for agribusiness in the 2018 appropriation bill, awaiting the assent of the Governor. The Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Budget, Mr. Joseph Eboigbe, disclosed this in a chat with journalists in Benin City, adding that the state government intends to drive massive rural and urban development programmes that will propel investments and improve the lives of the people. He said, “in the first quarter of 2018, the state government will roll out urban development master plan that will enable it drive infrastructure and social development in Benin City, the state capital; Ekpoma-Uromi axis in Edo Central; and Auchi in Edo North.” He noted that the state government will focus on building water infrastructure in Edo North and Central, where the

As Christians celebrate Christmas on Monday, the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has extended good wishes to Christians in the state and all over the world, urging them to uphold the spirit of the season. Obaseki, in a Christmas message, wished Christians “The beauty and peace which the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ signify." He explained that the birth of Jesus Christ is significant to Christians as his life symbolises redemption from condemnation and reconciliation with God, hence the celebration” He enjoined Christians to extend the love, which he described as the hallmark of the Christian faith, to their neighbours and everyone they encounter in their businesses and work places. "As we celebrate, let us reflect on the life of Jesus Christ and imbibe his self sacrificing spirit, his entire life of peace even in the face of adversity and his love for mankind," the governor urged. “I pray that the festive period will help us build and sustain the peace

By: Desmond Agbama, CPS to Oba of Benin   The historic visit of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin to Presidential Villa in Abuja and the Sokoto Caliphate have no doubt left indelible and unforgettable memories in the hearts of his guests and the people generally. This is so because the visit is a very rare one, as the Oba of Benin hardly leaves his throne to other climes. Besides, the visit was quite significant in many ways. First, it goes to show the dexterity, and exposure of Oba Ewuare II to modern ways of traditional administration, Oba Ewuare II is well able to combine the ancient with the modern to create a perfect and harmonious blend of culture, values and tradition. The very rich Benin culture and tradition was on display right from the domestic wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, where sons and daughters of Edo State, as well as other ethnic groups came in their hundreds to welcome the Benin Monarch. The Ai

By Simon Ebegbulem BENIN—Edo State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, has said that it has concluded arrangements to recall indigenes of the state who were deported from Libya, so they can undergo HIV/AIDS screening before integrating them into the society. Executive Officer of SACA, Mrs. Flora Oyakhilome, who disclosed this yesterday to newsmen during the screening of some of the deportees in Benin City, said that the exercise became necessary as the agency found that some of them were HIV positive. She said: “We are making arrangement to recall all those who were deported to have them tested for HIV/AIDS. We have discussed with the Commissioner for Women Affairs.   We are compiling the list so that they will have the exact data to know how to get these persons tested and integrate into the society.” Noting that the health of the returnees was important to the state government, Mrs Oyakhilome said any one found with the virus will be given opportunity to access the drugs. Accor

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki today paid stipends to Libya returnees to fast track their reintegration into society. The disbursement took place at Idia College Hall, Benin City. The stipend is part of the state government's package to reintegrate returnees into society and is accompanied with capacity building workshops. Recall that the state has been facilitating the reintegration of its indigenes who had been trapped in slavery in Libya after a CNN report revealed the trade in migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean sea.

The Edo State Government has commenced the establishment of Ground Control Points for the planned Aerial Survey of the state. Managing Director, Edo Geographic Information Service, Architect Frank Evbuomwan, said this on Wednesday at the Government House, Benin City. According to Evbuomwan, “The ground control points are necessary for the aerial survey that will take place soon across the state. Surveyors from the Edo State Government will be going to the various communities in the state to establish these points.” He advised that people should not panic when they see stationary or hovering aircraft in their communities. “There is no need to fear or panic when they see the surveyors in their area or when they see stationary aircraft in their communities.” He explained that “the surveyors are not surveying any body’s land and not taking measurement of anybody’s land. They are just establishing ground control points” and urged the people to give them all the cooperation and assistan

…Begins review of school curriculum, intensifies market campaigns The Edo State Government is set to embark on a state-wide tracking of members of the human trafficking cartels in the state including religious leaders and other individuals aiding the illegal trade. The government also said that part of the strategies to halt the menace of human trafficking include the development of a new social studies curriculum for students and an economic empowerment programme. Others are reintegration and counselling programmes and public enlightenment campaigns to markets and streets among others. Speaking with journalists in Government House in Benin City, Chairman, Edo State Strategic Planning Team, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, said the initiatives are in support of the Edo State Taskforce on Anti-Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration, which is leading the effort to reintegrate returnees from Libya and coordinating the state’s campaign to curb trafficking in persons. “Governor Obaseki’s admin

The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons(NAPTIP), Julie Okah-Donli, has disclosed that more than 25,000 Nigerians have been held in slave and sex camps in Libya. Okah-Donli made this known while defending the agency’s 2018 budget before the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on Tuesday. She said of the figure,  about 5000 of the victims were repatriated within the period. ”A large number of Nigerians have also been returned from other countries in Europe and Africa. ”All these people need to be properly received, profiled and assisted. ”NAPTIP has been working in conjunction  with other governmental and non governmental agencies such as NEMA, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and others to provide help to these unfortunate Nigerians,”she said. She lamented  that in spite of the evils of human trafficking not so much attention was focused on the menace. She said the recent trend which marked

House Speaker, Yakubu Dogara has said that governors who refuse to conduct council elections should be removed from office for gross violation of the Constitution. He accused governors of violating the 1999 Constitution by undermining local councils’ independence. The Speaker accused governors of using local government funds instead of making the money available to the councils. He described the state/local government joint accounts as “evil”, adding that governors had emasculated councils and turned them into cash cows. According to him, “it is unfortunate that most governors have ‘pocketed’ Houses of Assembly, making them toothless, hence their inability to impeach governors who violate the constitution.” To Dogara, failure to conduct council elections amounted to “serious violation of the provisions of the constitution”, which he said was “one of the biggest grounds for impeachment”. Speaking with newsmen on Tuesday, Dogara said the constitution provided that the local governm

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has hailed the United Nations (UN) for its commitment to world peace and security, eradication of poverty, and building coalition to address challenges of social and economic development. Obaseki said this on the occasion of the commemoration of the International Human Solidarity Day marked by the United Nations on December 20, each year. He said that the day is particularly important because its principle under-girds the philosophy of the United Nations, which has worked over the years to strengthen and sustain world peace and security. According to him, “the need for solidarity across the globe in the propagation of an equitable society to advance ideals of social justice and engender development has been the bedrock of the UN. Much as there is a call for global solidarity and cooperation, there ought to be solidarity in-country among various agencies in society to deepen the conversation on development. “As a day dedicated to the pr

Edo State is set to receive 296,000 litres of petroleum products, according to a document made available to journalists in Benin City on Tuesday. The document, which was signed by the Edo State  Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Oil & Gas, Hon. Joseph Ugheoke, said that “the petroleum products were loaded to Edo State on Monday, December 18, 2017.” He explained that the products were assigned to eight petrol stations spread across the state: Win Oil, Auchi, 33,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS); ConOil, Akpakpava, 33,000 litres of PMS; Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Retail, Benin Mega- Station, 45,000 of PMS; NNPC Retail, Relmotro Oil and Gas, 40,000 litres of PMS; NNPC Retail Benin Mega-Station 33,000 litres of PMS; NNPC RetaiL, Benin Mega Station, 40,000 litres of DPK; NNPC Retail, Auchi Standard Services, 36, litres of PMS; and NNPC Retail, Auchi Standard Services, 36,000 litres of PMS. Sources of the products are Lagos, Port Harcourt, Warri and Pinnacle.

When Governor Rochas created a Happiness Ministry and appointed his sister as Commissioner he came under intense criticism. Especially for keeping the public in the dark regarding the Ministry's Terms of Reference. Nevertheless, citizens of Edo State are happy and fulfilling purposes as the yultide approaches even without  the creation of a Happiness Ministry. On the 24th December, 2016, Mr Obaseki played the role of Santa Claus in the spirit of the yuletide as he hosted members of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the International Christian Centre, in Benin, Edo State, to a Christmas party where he, Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, played the role of ‘Father Christmas’ to the admiration and excitement of the children. The event was hosted by his wife Mrs Betsy Obaseki and afforded the children the opportunity to engage in various fun-sports activities such as bouncing castle, merry-go-round, coconut ride, electric train, mountain climber,

As part of measures to prevent the hoarding of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) during the yuletide, the Edo State Government has said that it would commence monitoring of marketers and petrol stations across the state from Wednesday, December 20, 2017, and will shut errant stations. The Commissioner for Oil, Gas & Solid Minerals, Hon. Joseph Ugheoke, gave the warning in a chat with journalists at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State capital, on Tuesday. “People in the state should not engage in panic buying as there is no justifiable reason for doing so. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has assured the state government that it would supply enough products to the state to address the shortage.”  He explained that the state government has placed a ban on the sale of PMS in jerry cans, adding that notice has been sent to managers of petrol stations not to sell PMS of more than 20 litres to buyers with jerry cans. “We are aware of the reduced allocatio