Nigeria Mandate Forum

Congratulations Your Excellency Sir!!!🙏🏽🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬

Edo, Canada explore potentials in mining, tech industries

_... plan multi-billion dollars funding window_

The Edo State Government is in talks with the Government of Canada to harness the huge potentials in the state’s mining and tech space to boost economic growth and development.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, recently met with the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner and Senior Trade Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Teshome Nkrumah, to chart a path towards reaping the enormous gains inherent in the sectors.

The two leaders met at a luncheon in honour of Nkrumah at the Government House, Benin City, which was attended by stakeholders from the technology and mining sectors.

The Deputy High Commissioner noted that Edo State is blessed with numerous mining assets which, if properly harnessed, could translate to economic transformation and prosperity for the state.

He said the state has about 18 explorable mineral resources in the mining sector that could turn around the economic fortune of Edo State if properly and effectively utilized.

According to him, “The state is blessed with numerous minerals in the mining industry but in terms of exploration, the state has about 18 explorable mining minerals. The sector has the potential to transform the economy of Edo State.”

Nkrumah disclosed that with the policy framework by the Edo State Government, more Canadian companies will be coming in to explore the potentials and benefits in the mining sector.

On the tech scene, the Deputy High Commissioner said the Canadian Government will partner with Edo State Government to support the growth of startups in the tech space.

He noted, “Techstarts Toronto Accelerator programme is a platform created for investment and innovation as we connect entrepreneurs, investors and corporations.

“Techstarts gives seed capital to startups; it provides co-chain, network, and all necessary platforms to scale up to the next level.

"We are planning to have one event in the startup space to introduce Canadian incubators and accelerators to the Nigerian marketplace. I assure Edo State that we would find an opportunity to let them know the great work you are doing in the startup space.”

Obaseki on his part said the government will sustain reforms and policies to make the state the darling of investors, noting that Edo is being transitioned socially, politically and socially under his administration.

“In diversifying the economy away from oil, the state's emphasis is on human capital development, education, infrastructure and capacity building.

"We are also focusing on our environment, especially our rainforest. We have suffered from deforestation, and knowing that Canadians are experts in forestry management, we would love to work with you in this area.”

On reforms to support the technological advancement of the state, Obaseki said, "Our Tech Park is for talents and startups. We have built some basic infrastructure to support the growth in the area of technology and connectivity.”

"We are one of the largest producers of limestone and host two cement companies in the State. We want to do the same with other specialized minerals that would support manufacturing locally. We know Canada is a place to go to raise money for such,” he added.

*PHOTO CAPTION*

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Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki (left), with the Canadian Deputy High Commissioner, His Excellency Teshome Nkrumah, during a courtesy visit at the Government House, in Benin City.

*Uromi Robbery: Obaseki embarks on-the-spot assessment, says attack was coordinated*

*_...increases surveillance in Uromi_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Friday, led other top government functionaries for on-the-spot assessment of the scene of the robbery incident in Uromi, the administrative headquarters of Esan North East Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

Obaseki, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, was accompanied by heads of security agencies and was taken on the assessment of the affected banks by the Area Commander of Uromi Police Headquarters, Tarzan Tsav.

The affected banks include Unity, Union, UBA and Zenith Banks, all located at Market Road in Uromi.

He appealed to the people of Uromi to go about their normal businesses as the state government has beefed up security and surveillance to ensure peace is restored in the area.

According to him, "This attack is a well-organised crime. We have heard from the people and have increased surveillance in the area. We are here on behalf of the governor to find out what happened and know the extent of the damage. We are here on a fact-finding mission and have interacted with bank officials, eye witnesses, traders and people living in the area and seen the level of destruction and damage done.

“I am here with all the security chiefs and have seen the damage and beefed up security in the area. I urge all living in the area to go about their normal businesses.”

“We reassure our people of improved security in the area and guarantee their safety. In the next week, people of this area will see government action on the matter," he reassured.

The entourage also visited the palace of the Ojuromi of Uromi, HRH Anslem Odaloighe Eidenojie Il.

Addressing the traditional ruler, the governor noted, "We have come to see the level of damage and assure you that the state government has increased surveillance and safety of the people of Uromi.

"By the grace of God, these people will be arrested and brought to book. The people should go about their normal businesses."

On his part, HRH Anslem Odaloighe Eidenojie II, said, "The situation was like a war zone and it lasted for over two hours and the robbers took control of the area and killed my subjects."

The entourage also visited the Nigeria Police Force, Uromi Command, which was also attacked by the robbers to demobilize the officers before the robbery.

They also visited the hospital where the injured victims were being treated.

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R-L: Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun, with heads and representatives of security agencies IN Edo State, during an on-the-spot assessment of the scene of the robbery incident in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, on Friday, February 25, 2022.

Addressing journalists after presiding over our monthly Security Council Meeting, I disclosed that over 120 security personnel have been deployed to forests in the state, particularly the Ovia Forest to dislodge criminals from the area.

"while some states have made it clear to their workers that they cannot pay the minimum wage, some have equally agreed with their workforce that they will pay 30% less and noted that Edo state is currently spending over in paying salaries and pensions as and when due, as well as working on infrastructure."

Barr. Anthony Okungbowa, Edo State Head of Service

“We will not allow ourselves to be divided again. Edo is one; whether you are Edo South, Edo Central or Edo North, Edo is one. So, when people begin to manipulate and try to create divisions where they don't exist, we must ignore them.

"They tell lies; they go-ahead to manufacture information and figures where they don't exist just because they want to continue to divide us and manipulate us. They have now met a government that has refused to be divided.
Governor Godwin Obaseki

Today, I swore in nine new Permanent Secretaries with a charge to act responsibly in the discharge of their duties to ensure the realization of our Making Edo Great Again (MEGA) Agenda, aimed at achieving a progressive and prosperous state.

The newly sworn in Permanent Secretaries are: Iryn Omorogiuwa, Efosa Aisien, Nyamali Erumuse, Igbinomwanhia Abieyuwa, Imoihosen Oziegbe, Peter Osagie, Sabina Chikere, Osawemwenze Kayode-Iyasere and Bernard Aigbe.

While inaugurating an eight-man Edo State Private Property Protection Law Implementation Committee, I charged them with the responsibility of improving land administration, and checking the activities of land grabbers and property speculators in communities across the state.

"A level 8 officer should earn same salary as an SSA, and if you performed well, there will be percentage on revenue generated. In the civil service rules being reviewed, there is provision for paternity leave, then there is also 13th month coming." Barr. Okungbowa stated amidst excited uproar by staff of the ministry.

Edo State Head of Service on Governor Godwin Obaseki vision for Edo State Civil Servants.

Mrs. Esther Ogbeide, principal at Etoka Junior Secondary School addressed Governor Godwin Obaseki during his visit to the EdoBEST training taking place at New Era in Benin City.

Mrs. Ogbeide who is the ambassador of her class at the training thanked the governor for the effort he is making at sanitising basic education in Edo State.

While delivering my opening remarks at a four-day retreat for staff of the Ministry of Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development, I posited that Edo is strategically located to become the nation’s economic and industrial centre.

Assuring that we will sustain policies and reforms to place the state on the path of sustainable growth and development, I urged citizens’ collaboration towards the realization of the state's 30-year development plan.

"Every child in Edo must be in school; hence, we will not accept the ugly trend of children loitering the streets during school hours. Going forward any child found begging on the streets of Edo will be taken to one of our rehabilitation centres. We are collating the data of out-of-school children and their locations. We are working with the Department of State Services (DSS) in this regard.”

“I am using this opportunity to let parents and guardians know that, as part of our policy, if we find any child out of school, the parents or guardian will be arrested and prosecuted.”

- Governor Godwin Obaseki

While addressing participants at the Edo State Education Policy Town Hall meeting, held in the state capital, I warned that we will begin the prosecution of parents and guardians of out-of-school children as part of measures to take all children off the streets and improve access to education.

Join in today as Pharm. Iremiran, Comr. Oriakhi & Dr Agbons hosts the MD of Edo Jobs Ukinebo O. Dare
Time to engage with Governance.
Time :6pm
Venue The Comrade show on Facebook and Youtube

Obaseki wonder!

The Edo state revealed that over 300 businesses across the state have benefitted from the N2 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) loan of the government in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BoI)..

A minimum of 100k and a maximum of 20million can be borrowed with an interest rate of 5%.

Businesses eligible for this fund are micro, small and medium scale enterprises, and limited liability companies, that have been in operation for at least 1year.

Take advantage of this MSME loan offer. For enquiries on how to apply and the required document, visit Edo Innovation Hub (ICE Road), EdoJobs office (Government House) or Bank Of Industry (BoI) office on Sapele Road, Benin City.

Governor Godwin Obaseki has taken a tour of the facility where for principals and teachers is taking place.

The governor inspected classrooms and interacted with facilitators, principals and teachers.

The trainees expressed delight at the opportunity given to them by Edo SUBEB and spoke about how the training will improve their capacity to impact knowledge as teachers. .

During a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Nigerian Governors' Forum (NGF), and Ernst and Young, a consulting firm, as well as representatives from five states who were in Edo to understudy our e-procurement model, I called for implementation of reforms that will improve transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.

Yesterday, my Jigawa State counterpart, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who is also the Chairman, Presidential Committee on Fertilizer, and I disclosed to journalists that Nigeria has become self-sufficient in fertiliser production, which will boost the country's economic diversification drive.

During his visit to the Government House, I commended Abubakar for his role in ensuring that local blending of fertiliser was reviewed across the country, adding that with the revamp of the Edo Fertilizer and Chemical Company Limited, in Auchi, all stakeholders are now working assiduously to ensure the product gets to local farmers at affordable prices.

Acknowledging our developmental strides across all sectors of the state, the Board of Editors of Vanguard Newspapers Limited has named me Governor of the Year 2021.

As I received the letter of notification from the newspaper’s deputy editor, Adekunle Adekoya, I assured that my administration will continue to prioritize infrastructural and human capital development in Edo.

No society develops without education and the most important element in any educational system are the teachers. That is why in Edo, we do not joke with our teachers.

In line with governor Godwin Obaseki's vision to digitalise education and expand the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) programme to capture all institutions of learning in the state, we have commenced a 10-day Information Communication Technology (ICT) training for junior secondary school teachers.

The training will equip our teachers with the requisite skills, competence and tools to improve learning outcomes and grow a new generation of students that can compete with their peers globally.

Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA)

They have erring drivers correctional models, which includes psycho-tests etc

They have driving simulators.

They have accident rescue management teams and first aid equipment.

They have motor bikers...all well trained personnel.

reforms

I have advocated for the devolution of the control of mining activities to state governments, so as to maximise the sector’s potential and make it an alternative source of revenue generation for the country.

I made this call when receiving the Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, who was on three-day visit to the state to solicit the cooperation of stakeholders in the mining industry, in the federal government's quest to harness the potential of the industry and make it a thriving venture.

Edo Clamps Down on Motorists without Registration Numbers

…says use of unregistered vehicles poses security risk

The Edo State Government has commenced enforcement against motorists with unregistered vehicles, which pose a security risk to residents in the state.

Speaking to journalists during an enforcement exercise, the Managing Director, Edo State Traffic Control and Management Agency (EDSTMA), Dennis Oloriegbe, said the agency will not relent in ensuring a crime-free state.

He noted, “The Edo State Government is worried over the number of vehicles without registration numbers plying our roads. Some vehicles are masked, some without numbers at all. Some with plate numbers either side of the vehicle: they have a number at the front and no number at the back or have a number at the back, and none at the front.”

The Managing Director added, “They use some of these vehicles to perpetrate a lot of atrocities. In case of a hit-and-run incident, you cannot identify the vehicles. The state government gave the directive that EDSTMA should go all out to make sure people without plate numbers are apprehended and that is why the operation started."

According to him, “there have been sensitizations through the press. The Secretary to the State Government and the State Deputy Governor have plate numbers on their vehicles. I see no reason why people will flaunt the law unnecessarily. Some of these vehicles have plate numbers but they are masked with either black cellophane or nylon.

“Some remove their numbers. Others keep vehicles in their houses without registration and come out only at night to use it to work and when they have accidents, you cannot identify them and they just go away free. This is why we started the operation.”

Oloriegbe noted that any vehicle impounded will be required to pay a fine and come with their registration number before the vehicles are released to them, adding, “they will have to get a clearance to come and collect the vehicles."

“You bought a vehicle for N5 to 10 million and now you cannot even afford to put a registration number of about N30,000 to N35,000; that is absurd. Any motorist arrested will pass through this process and go through a compulsory training. For those of them who resist arrest, we're going to send them to the psychiatric hospital. What we are doing is to make sure they comply with the law."

"The programme itself is World Bank-assisted; they have ranked Edo to be the leading state in terms of e-procurement. So, states that have not gotten to our level have decided to come and understudy us."

“We signed on to the e-procurement framework agreement on the 1st of December 2020 and we went live on the 16th of July 2021. As of today, we have conducted 38 electronic procurements across the four pilot MDAs on the portal and that portal is live."

“Other states are expected to follow suit and replicate the laws of procurement in their various states and take into account the peculiarities in their respective states. Here in Edo, we joined the league of states that have procurement regulatory framework in 2012.”

Managing Director of Edo State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Henry Idogun,

Obaseki harps on bye-laws to improve traffic mgt, as EDSTMA trains over 1,200 drivers
-copied from Sarah Igunbor’s wall

Obaseki boosts economic activity in coastal communities with modern jetty, marine police base. 🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬
Copied from Sarah Igunbor’s page.

*Edo retail sector booms, as new entrants disrupt market*

*_… experts see rise in tax revenue_*

On the back of a favourable investment climate, Edo State is proving to be the new bride of investors in the retail business, with the growing number of businesses opening in the state.

The Edo State Government has in the last few years advanced policies to attract investors, promising favourable policies and infrastructure to make the state an investors’ haven. This resulted in the setting up of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO) and support for the provision of investment-friendly infrastructure.

Findings reveal that not less than 30 standard-sized retail businesses have opened for business in Benin City since the last quarter of 2021, showing uptake in the sector and providing residents with a variety of options to choose from.

Some of the new players include Reign Restaurant and Arcade; Exquisite Plaza and Restaurant; Kilimanjaro, and Valz Foods, among others.

While some operate as restaurants serving local and continental dishes, others are entering the market to provide unique services, including games and arcade and outdoor dining, among others.

Analysts say the growing retail sector is a sign of rapid urbanisation, which is benefiting from the provision of infrastructure and social amenities to facilitate city living.

A staff of one of the outlets, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said her outlet is providing jobs to school leavers and graduates in the area and servicing clients.

She added that the provision of regular electricity supply has also reduced their running costs, which puts the business in better stead to attain profitability.

The state welcomed Domino Pizza and Cold Stone outlets in 2020 and JARA stores, which has now expanded to two stores, in 2021.

An academic and finance expert, Nosakhare Ikponmwosa, said the entrance of the new outlets will formalise the retail food sector and result in more tax for the government.

According to him, “A lot is happening with the retail sector in Edo State. The new entrants are poised to provide jobs, thereby increasing economic activities. They will help in the collection of indirect taxes and also provide jobs for youths. It is indeed a welcome development.”

Golf Mews: Edo real estate sector booms, as investors oversubscribe new luxury asset

… as govt eyes new 100 units

The Edo State Government-backed real estate project, Golf Mews is redefining the state’s luxury apartment scene, as findings show that the development is over-subscribed, showing a growing up-scale property market in the state.

The development, which is being promoted by the Edo State Development and Property Agency (EDPA), is a block of 26-luxury apartments and sits on a 2,962sqm land.

It is located close to the Golf Course of the Benin Club and lies opposite the 4th Brigade Headquarters. It is a 5-minute drive from Benin Airport.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, said the vision for the development is to offer luxurious property options to the urbane and upwardly mobile class of professionals, who can enjoy the opportunity to live, work and play in the apartment block.

According to him, “We are excited with the reception of our project, Golf Mews. It is already oversubscribed. The development offers a great opportunity for Edo sons and daughters to enjoy luxury living in their state. The apartment is comparable to anything obtainable anywhere in the world as it is fitted with an exquisite touch of luxury.”

The governor added that plans are ongoing to develop about 100 more units of luxury apartments around the Government Reservation Area (GRA), in the city.

“We know a lot of Edo people are desirous of such an asset as it affords them the right atmosphere to live, work and play when they visit Benin City. So, it is strategic and one of the best places to acquire a property in Benin City at the moment,” he added.

Copied: from Community Angel

Update Report:
12th January 2022.
Etsako West...
Ongoing road rehabilitation and reconstruction by Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.

ANGELIC VOICE FOR GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENTS ( NGO ), Edo North Coordinator, Mr Usman Yusuf reports:
"Construction of drainage and culverts on the ongoing road reconstruction and rehabilitation projects within the vicinity of Iyogbe and Iyano. Courtesy the Edo State Government under the leadership of Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki."

Special thanks to to the Obaseki administration and the people of Ososo Kingdom, Edo State for the warm welcome and secure environment to bring in American based musician, Leegit to perform in Akoko Edo LGA over the holidays. It was fun and we look forward to bringing even more artists to enjoy Ososo Carnival/ PITO nite during Christmas season 2022!!! Obaseki is making Edo State great again!!!