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Edo 2020: PDP adopts no zone option for governorship election

Edo 2020: PDP adopts no zone option for governorship election

By Deborah Coker
Zoning
Benin, Oct. 7, 2019 (NAN) The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo has adopted a no-zoning policy in picking the party’s governorship candidate for the state gubernatorial election in 2020.
The party also resolved that the position of the state chairman of the party would not be zoned as well.
This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Chris Nehikhare, the PDP Publicity Secretary in the state in Benin on Monday.
According to Nehikhare, candidates for both positions can emerge from any part of the state irrespective of their senatorial zones of origin.
He said that the resolution was reached at a stakeholders meeting hosted by former governor Lucky Igbinedion at the weekend.
He explained that the party rather than limit itself to zoning formula has resolved the party must seek for the best materials for both positions irrespective of senatorial district.
Nehikhare said that the resolution was part of the road map to 2020 by the party in the state.
He said it was also agreed that it was the responsibility of the National Working Committee (NWC) to conduct congresses that would produce new officials at the end of the tenure of the present executive.
He further said it was also resolved that the chairman at the earliest possible time would liaise with the NWC to know the time table for Edo congresses coming up in 2020.
He further said that unity, peace and fairness was canvassed by all the leaders at the meeting, adding that with the problems in APC, that marketing and expanding the PDP frontiers had become imperative.
Nehikhare said that the party leaders unanimously agreed that the stewardship of Chief Dan Orbih and that of his executive had been exemplary and worthy of praise.
He said some of those who spoke include Chief Tom Ikimi, Chief Lucky Igbinedion and Sen. Victor Oyofo.
He said the consensus on the overwhelming performance of the chairman led to all the leaders giving the party chairman a standing ovation. (NAN)
DCO/OYE/MST
Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Respect our tradition, culture, Gov. Obaseki charges NYSC members

Respect our tradition, culture, Gov. Obaseki charges NYSC members

By Monday Ajogun
Culture
Okada (Edo), Sept. 9, 2019 (NAN) Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has advised members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to the state to respect the tradition and culture of Edo people.
Obaseki, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Philip Shaibu, gave the advice on Monday at Okada, Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state at the closing ceremony of the 2019 “Batch B” stream II orientation course.
While urging the corps members to interact with their host communities freely, he described Edo people as good, peaceful and loving.
“I want to assure you that the good people of Edo are enlightened, accommodating and God fearing.
“Let me further assure you all the total support of our people in making your stay in the state memorable and rewarding one.
“As you move into various communities in the state, you will find the right environment to live and work, get yourselves occupied and avoid unnecessary journeys.
“Ensure that your positive impact are felt in different sectors of the economy, most especially within your host communities,” Obaseki said.
The governor, however, enjoined the corps members to impact knowledge they acquired from their various institutions of higher learning to the younger ones and join hands with him in moving the state to higher levels.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr Adebayo Ojo, while presenting the 1,228 corps members duly registered, said majority of them would be posted to rural areas where their services are most needed.
Ojo urged them to accept their posting in good faith and settle down immediately for the rest part of their service year. (NAN)
AJOM/OYE/MST
Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Irregular Migration: NGO develops 30-yrs development plan for Edo youths

Irregular Migration: NGO develops 30-yrs development plan for Edo youths
Igbaugba Ehigimetor
Migration
Benin, Sept. 5, 2019 (NAN) Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta (PIND), an NGO, says it has developed a 30-year development programme for Edo as part of initiative to assist the state to fight irregular migration.
The Advocacy and Analysis Manager of the organisation, Mr Chucks Ofolue, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Thursday.
He said that part of the plan was to train the youths on skills in order for them to be productive and generate income for themselves.
Ofolue said it was part of the development plan that saw to the training and graduation of 200 youths from the state on how to operate, install and maintain small to medium solar PV technology solutions and project management.
PIND works with the government on a macro level, the aim of the development plan, which basically centres on acquiring skills, was to curb peculiar issues relating to youths in Edo, especially irregular migration.
“As part of the programme, those trained will be matched with internship, opportunities and support their business plan,” he said.
He noted that the programme would be in batches, adding the youths will be given a starter pack to go into the business and in turn, become employers of labour in their various skills acquired.
He stressed that “the goal was to promote peace and development in the Niger Delta. We work in the states of the Niger Delta.
“We have four major works in the Niger Delta which include economic development, peace building, advocacy and analysis, and capacity building.”
On the PV technology training, he said that the essence of the training was to provide alternative measure to the problem of electricity in the country due to incessant failure of electricity providers.
According to him, light is very important to human existence and these youths have been trained to be industrious and establish their own businesses to provide solar energy for Nigerians especially in this era of incessant power failure.
“It will keep them from thinking of how to migrate and keep them busy to generate economy thereby contributing their quota to the state revenue,” said the official.
Ofulue explained that PIND foundation has a market development programme to groom the youths on marketing skills to sell their products to the people.
He said that the NGO has been at the forefront of creating and showcasing working technologies that reduce energy consumption, recycle waste and provide alternative to traditional power sources in the Niger Delta region.
PIND was established by Chevron to promote economic development and peace through partnership in the Niger Delta.
The organisation is in partnership with the Skills Development for Youth Employment (SKYE) programme, a four-year programme funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft Fur Internationale Zusammenarbelt (GIZ). (NAN)
ESI/NNO
Edited by Nick Nicholas/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Stop stigmatising Lassa fever survivors – Edo Govt warns

Photo attached

Stop stigmatising Lassa fever survivors – Edo Govt warns

Health

NDLEA arrests graduate with 250gms of skunk cannabis in Edo

NDLEA arrests graduate with 250gms of skunk cannabis in Edo
By Deborah Coker
Cannabis
Benin, March 12, 2019 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo has arrested a 23-year-old graduate with substance suspected to be skunk Cannabis.
The state Commander of the NDLEA, Mr Buba Wakawa, who disclosed this to newsmen on Tuesday in Benin, said the substance weighed about 250 grammes.
According to Wakawa, skunk cannabis is a hybrid-sativa strain of marijuana that creates a skunk-like smell.
He said that the suspect, who hailed from Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue, was arrested at Okada in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo.
He said other suspected illicit drugs recovered from the suspect included eight wraps of crack cocaine weighing 24 grammes, and 45 tablets of rohypnol.
He explained that the arrest was based on information received on the illegal activities of the suspect in the state.
While advising youths and the general public to shun drug trafficking and fulfil their dreams and aspirations in life, the commander warned that trafficking and abuse would cut short their enviable future.
“This suspect ought to be preparing to further his studies or engage in any meaningful work but that can only take place after he has been cleared of this criminal charge,” he said.
He also disclosed that the suspect in his statement said that he had been smuggling drugs for the past one year.
“I have been selling drugs for the past one year. I attended Okada Grammar School, Okada, and graduated in 2010.
“Thereafter I studied Business Administration at Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, in 2013.
“After my diploma course, l wanted a job to sustain myself but there was none; that was how a friend introduced me to drug trafficking.
“In order to get more profit, l sell different types of drugs like cocaine, cannabis and rohypnol. I get my supply from new road in Ovia South West of Edo State,” the suspect was quoted to have said.
The NDLEA commander warned drug dealers to quit the illegal business or be prepared for arrest and prosecution.
He added that the suspect would soon be charged to court on completion of investigation. (NAN)
DCO/CHOM/MST
Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Politics

PDP youth leader in Edo defects to APC

By Monday Ajogun
Defection
Benin, Feb. 8, 2019 (NAN) Mr Frank Izuaige, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South-South Youth Leader in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Izuagie, on Friday in Benin led some of his members on a courtesy visit to Edo Government House, and assured that they would work to ensure victory of all APC candidates in the forthcoming general elections.

Izuagie and his supporters were received by Mr Mathias Momoh, the Edo North APC political leader.

He said that he was very happy to receive the defectors into the ruling APC, assuring that Izuagie and his supporters will be given the necessary positions that due them.

Momoh presented defectors to the state Deputy Governor, Mr Philip Shaibu.

Shaibu while speaking said that their coming into APC was a blessing to the party, noting that it is a plus to the APC.

“From today, all APC programmes taking place, you and your supporters shall be part of it, for the fact that you are just joining us today will not make any difference between us.

“We are family now, as soon as you join us, you will enjoy all the benefits, we look forward to seeing you help us win our opponents with a very good margin,” he said.

The deputy governor thanked the leaders of his party in Edo North for working hard to ensure that the APC and all its candidates emerged winners in the upcoming elections. (NAN)
AJOM/BOLA/MST
Edited by Bola Akingbehin/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

CNPP wants Edo Govt to introduce health insurance scheme

CNPP wants Edo Govt to introduce health insurance scheme
By Deborah Coker
Healthcare
Benin, Jan. 8, 2019 (NAN) The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has called on the Edo Government to adapt and introduce the health insurance scheme for the people of the state.
Mr Roy Oribhabor, the State Chairman of CNPP, made the appeal on Tuesday in Benin in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Oribhabor said it had become necessary to call on the state government to commence scheme reminiscent of what was obtainable in Lagos and other states of the federation.
He noted that research carried out by the state chapter of the conference clearly showed that Edo people needs health insurance scheme to better their health management programmes.
He said that it was in view of this that the appeal had become pertinent in order to prevent avoidable deaths.
“Health insurance scheme will provide wide range of opportunities and accessibilities for health seekers and drastically reduce the stress of emergency situations and give sense of belonging to tackle health issues and challenges.
“It i also of great importance to establish more civilised methods to access healthcare services because this administration under Gov Godwin Obaseki has shown seriousness in regards to primary healthcare.
“It is on record that about 200 primary health centres have been mapped out to be constructed under four years with up to date equipment to deliver healthcare services.
“With only 20 primary health centres currently constructed it is a clear indication that more effort should be invested through health insurance scheme as a welcome development to enhance and further position the system,” Oribhabor said.
He commended the renovation of existing primary health centres and lauded the performing disposition of the governor. (NAN)
DCO/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Obaseki’s youth agenda motivated me into politics – Idahosa

Obaseki’s youth agenda motivated me into politics – Idahosa

By Igbaugba Ehigimetor
Youths
Benin, Dec. 9, 2018 (NAN) Ms Charity Idahosa, a candidate seeking to represent Oredo West Constituency at the Edo House of Assembly, says Gov. Godwin Obaseki’s decision to throw up youths in the governance system motivated her ambition.

Idahosa made this disclosure while fielding questions from newsmen in Benin on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Idahosa is contesting under the platform of the Mass Action Joint Alliance (MAJA).

According to her, there could not have been a better time for her than now, especially with signing into law of the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Bill.

“A lot of people keep asking, ‘why are you vying to be a member of the state legislature instead of just going about business or probably seek for appointment like Special Assistant in government.’

“My response is that it time for youths to partake in the political affairs of our State and country and demand for our rights.

“No doubt, Gov. Obaseki has paved the way for young people to vie for political offices by removing money bags that had been a clog for others to grow politically.

“The political terrain is now conducive and that is why a youth like me can come out.

“If you look around, most of the appointments and elective positions under Obaseki are young people and by doing this he has injected fresh blood into the system. Am excited by that.

“I believe that the same thing should happen in the Edo House of Assembly where youths will be given the opportunity to serve and legislate on behalf of their people,” she said. (NAN)
ESI/KTO/MST
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

APC chieftains upbeat on Buhari’s victory in 2019

APC chieftains upbeat on Buhari’s victory in 2019
By Igbaugba Ehigimetor
Buhari
Benin, Sept. 28, 2018 (NAN) Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo are drumming support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election victory in 2019.
The party’s stakeholders upbeat the campaign in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the aide line of the Presidential Primaries of the APC in Benin on Friday.
While noting that the goodwill enjoyed by the president at the wake of the 2015 elections have not wane, they stressed that their optimism was further awaken by Buhari’s achievement in office.
They made particular reference to his fight against corruption, massive investment in infrastructural development and agriculture.
The party chieftains lauded the massive turnout of members for the Presidential Primaries which they described as peaceful.
Mr Bagudu Suleiman, the Chairman of the party in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo, said it was based on this goodwill that the people defied the heavy downpour on Friday to identify with the president.
Mr Patrick Aguenede, the Esan West Local Government Council Chairman, said it was not all about the primaries, but the general elections itself.
“I am not only impressed about the turnout of our members today to identify with President Muhammadu Buhari, but we are assuring him that he will be returned elected in 2019,” he said.
In Esan North East, a leader of the party, Mr Joe Okojie, said his people’s preparation to return Buhari have gone beyond the primaries.
Okojie said APC members in the locality believed in Buhari’s ability to develop the country.
In Ovia South West, Mr Peter Ajayi, the Chairman of the APC, said they have endorsed Mr Dennis Idahosa for the House of Representatives just as they want Buhari to return in 2019.
The State Secretary of the APC, Mr Lawrence Okah, said Edo APC has demonstrated its love for the person of Buhari and his leadership style.
“You can see for yourself that the crowd was tremendous. We could not even finish counting. As I speak in this Ward 7, we have more than 1,147 persons voting for just one candidate, Buhari.
“In spite of the rain, people came out. That is to show the support our president has. If this can happen in one ward and we have 192 wards in Edo state.
“You better imagine at the end of today, you will see a lot of people coming out to vote for Buhari. This is just a party matter.
“It is raining yet people are coming out to vote. You can see for yourself. They have been here since 8 a.m waiting for this day to come,” he said.
NAN also reports that APC members in Edo on Friday defied the heavy downpour to participate in the direct primaries to elect the party’s presidential candidate.
At the various wards visited across the state, party members came out in their large numbers.
NAN also observed the presence of security personnel across all the wards visited to maintain law and order. (NAN)
ESI/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Only 3 out of 34 state hospitals in Edo functioning – NMA

Only 3 of 34 state hospitals in Edo functioning – NMA
By Deborah Coker
Hospitals (08035927476, 08055855324
Benin, April 18, 2018 (NAN) Dr Emmanuel Osaigbovo, Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Edo, says only three hospitals out of the 34 owned by the State Government are functioning.
Osaigbovo disclosed this on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin.
He named the functional hospitals as the Central Hospital, Stella Obasanjo Hospital and General Hospital, Auchi.
However, he said that in the course of the five days warning strike embarked upon by the association last March, the state government hinted of its intention to ensure the rejuvenation of all its hospital.
The NMA chairman said this was contained in a government blueprint on the health sector in the state, which was made available to the association.
He noted that the blueprint also contained government possible solution to some of the issues raised, which prompted the strike.
He added that the government blueprint outlined plans for new development of primary healthcare centres, with the first 20 to be fixed within three months and an additional 200 to be completed within 24 months.
Osaigbovo also said that the government has given assurance to employ more doctors and allied health workers before the end of the year.
While underscoring the need for government not just build facilities without utilisation due to dearth of manpower, he said that the people of the state deserve the best.
The NMA chairman, who blamed strike actions in the country on the inability of government to do the needful for her citizens, urged government to always show commitment to the welfare of citizens and stop reneging on promises.
He said that this was because the citizens were the most hit by hardship and the effect of any industrial action.
Osaigbovo revealed that it took the intervention of the Benin monarch, the State House of Assembly and well meaning citizens of the state to stop the association from proceeding on an indefinite strike after the five days warning strike in March.
He therefore said that the state government owed an obligation to implement the agreement reached with the association. (NAN)
DCO/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola