[img]http://edostate.com/PF.Base/file/attachment/2016/08/bd85f940560080cd7befbf90c4395a99_view.gif[/img] Ize-Iyamu Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/08/edo-2016-pdp-candidate-compelled-sign-pact-communities/ Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the September 10, 2016 governorship election in Edo state, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has reached a pact to build roads and other amenities for communities of Iyekogba, Oredo local government area of Edo State, if he becomes governor. The pact commits Pastor Ize-Iyemu to execute the projects in the document if voted governor. The communities of about 53 villages had vowed only to support the governorship candidate who would be willing to enter into a formal agreement with them on the provision of amenities and other infrastructures. At a meeting with traditional rulers and youth groups, the candidate was presented with a list of projects contained in a document he would be required to execute on assumption of office. The list contained roads, schools and the appointment of indigenes into influential positions into his government. The governorship candidate went ahead to sign the document, saying he had no problems doing. Chairman of the traditional council of the area, Anthony Osayemwenre, said the communities had resolved that their support for any candidate would be dependent on his going into a signed agreement with them. He lamented that in spite of their size and contributions to the determination of the electoral process, Iyekogba communities had always lacked government impact by way of provision of necessary infrastructure. He said this time, their demands had been spell out clearly and would become a reference point when the candidate was elected governor. Ize-Iyamu said he was impressed by the initiative of the communities and he had no difficulty signing because all the requests were in consonance with his development drive and that of his party. He used the occasion to introduce his written manifesto titled the Simple Agenda which articulates how he intends to achieve his development goals. Ize-Iyamu, called the attention of the members of the communities to a page in the Agenda where he mentioned the construction of the roads in Iyekogba to link Ekewan Communities in Ovia North East Local Government Area. He said beyond the facilities requested, he desired to bring industrialization to Iyekogba so as to enhance the economy of the place as well as create jobs for members of the communities.

[img]http://edostate.com/PF.Base/file/attachment/2016/09/c1fd3ff82e4a6157d2a12f6a1f8ee03c_view.jpg[/img] The Nigeria Army in Edo State The Nigerian Army has arrested a deserter and 10 other suspects over plans to cause mayhem in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Edo State. The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, denying reports that security agents molested some journalists in the state. Usman debunked the report as false but clarified that the Nigerian Army and Department of State Services (DSS) arrested 11 people including a soldier that deserted his post. He said: “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to an online publications alleging that Soldiers of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army and personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) Edo State command of arresting and molesting 10 journalists in Benin, Edo State earlier today. “This is not correct as the online media did not get their facts right. “It is important to state that sequel to the prevailing security situation in the state which led to the postponement of the earlier scheduled Gubernatorial Election in Edo State, there were credible security reports that some unpatriotic persons have hired hoodlums with the intention of causing mayhem during the forthcoming election in the State.”

[img]http://edostate.com/PF.Base/file/attachment/2016/12/18817e64d5159b0e28a020b8d4918bb1_view.jpeg[/img] Phill-Hallmark Supermarket BENIN—THE biggest shopping mall in Benin, Edo State capital, Phil Hallmark Shopping Mall, was, yesterday razed by fire, even as Governor Godwin Obaseki has said there would be full investigation to unravel the immediate and remote cause(s) of the fire. [img]http://edostate.com/PF.Base/file/attachment/2016/12/01c8f5bc193212de86f0ba052a429889_view.jpg[/img] Godwin Obaseki, Governor of Edo State The governor, who spoke when he paid an on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene, also said investigation would be conducted into the activities of the state fire service. Obaseki described the damage as catastrophic and a major disaster. According to him, ”this incident happening at this time of the year is a catastrophe. I have asked for a written report and investigation into the cause of the fire. “We will also investigate the claim by an official of the state Fire Service on the allegation of lack of equipment. “I understand that trucks were distributed by the NDDC and the state government during the last administration.” Earlier, Managing Director of the mall, Mr. Philip Edigin, said the fire started at midnight and lamented that all efforts to get the state fire service proved abortive, as an unnamed official told him there was no diesel to work. According to him, he was later able to get help from the Nigeria Air Force Fire Service, IDSL NPDC and UNIBEN, before the state fire service arrived at 6a.m. By: Gabriel Enogholase

[img]http://edostate.com/PF.Base/file/attachment/2017/02/0ad4c6bff678b0d21d4050f9e3702642_view.jpg[/img] In a rare feat, Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, was ranked the second best in Nigeria after Auchi Polytechnic which has remained the first polytechnic in the country since 2011. With the current ranking of tertiary institutions in the world by webometrics, Edo state Polytechnic emerged 54th best tertiary institution in Nigeria leading several private and public tertiary institutions in the country. [img]http://edostate.com/PF.Base/file/attachment/2017/02/111cfe7c03f9d4422e546bc2ddbf9839_view.jpg[/img] The Webometrics Ranking of World Universities, also known as Ranking Web of Universities, is a ranking system for the world’s universities based on a composite indicator that takes into account both the volume of web pages and files as well as the visibility and impact of these web publications according to the number of external site citations they received. The ranking is published by the Cyber metrics Lab, a research group of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) located in Madrid. The ranking started in 2004 and is updated every January and July. From the current webometrics ranking, University of Ibadan (UI) emerged number one in the country followed by Covenant University, Otta in Ogun state, University of Benin is 13th, Auchi Polytechnic 38th, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, 44th, Igbinedion University Okada 74th and Benson Idahosa University ranked 81st while Lagos State Polytechnic completed the log as the 100th ranked tertiary institution in the country. Acting Rector of the institution, Patience Edoimioya attributed the rise in ranking of the school to support for research from Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and the creation of an enabling environment for learning by the state government. She said with the right support, the school could come first in the next ranking. By: Alemma Ozioruva Aliu

[img]http://edostate.com/PF.Base/file/attachment/2016/08/e453221c9af77886ba9a6a6008524fb6_view.jpg[/img] Governor Adams Oshiomhole November 2016, residents of Edo state, South South Nigeria will go to the polls to elect another governor after 8 years of Governor Adams Oshiomhole's rule in 'The Heartbeat of the Nation'. Adams Oshimhole, came into politics after his retirement as a radical labour leader. As he prepares to hand over power in the coming months, here is a look at the controversies that have engulfed his 8 years administration in Edo state. [img]http://edostate.com/PF.Base/file/attachment/2016/08/da4d9e43359c3f8bfa63728d1b78f56b_view.jpg[/img] 1. Fight Between Edo Government and UNIBEN: A fight between the government of Edo state and UNIBEN became a full scale war after the Ex-VC’s house was destroyed and lecturers molested by alleged government loyalists. In protest, UNIBEN students went rioting, blocking roads, burning state owned vehicles. It was gathered that a 'thug', who is an alleged loyalist to the state governor drew the ire of the students after beating up some lecturers. The lecturers were said to be returning from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre where they had gone to protest what they called molestation by the Edo State Government. The lectures’ vehicles were destroyed while their personal items were stolen. This, coupled with the demolition of Oshodin's house provoked the students who went on rampage. Several reports also allege that the trouble is connected to the court case between the Edo state government and UNIBEN over 18 properties situated at a location in the GRA area, where some of the university's staff reside. After winning the first hearing, the state government reportedly went ahead to destroy the contested buildings, despite a pending appeal by the university and a court injunction. 2. 'Go And Die' Widow Controversy: This issue got so many tongues wagging. In the video that went viral online, Oshimohole, while leading officials of the state to sanitize the city of Benin, was seen issuing an order to men of the State War Against Indiscipline to confiscate some goods of an alleged roadside hawker. The woman was accused of obstructing the Mission Road. Upon hearing her pleas for mercy on grounds that she was a widow, the Governor infamously retorted, “You are a widow, go and die.” Afterwards he stood for some seconds looking indifferently on how the officials took the women’s belongings away, and he left the scene of the drama. Because of the public outburst, few days later, Governor Adams Oshiomhole apologized to the widow and gave her N2 million, offered her employment and promised to help her second child in getting education. 3. Wedding Controversies for Marrying a 'Foreign' Wife: Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole got remarried on Friday, May 15, 2015, and the affair had so many people talked about it. The governor tied the knot with beautiful Cape Verdean, Iara Fortes 5 years after the death of first wife, Clara. Oshiomhole’s wedding trended on social media for three days amid contoversies that include: Marrying a foreign wife: Senator Dino Meleye of Kogi state took a swipe at Oshimohole for marrying a foreign wife. He added that Nigerians should not emulate the governor who chose not to patronise 'made-in-nigeria' women.Age Difference:The governor was 63 when he married Iara, who is said to be 36-years-old; Child's Absence: Oshiomhole’s daughter, Winifred, didn’t attend the wedding citing a busy schedule. 4. War with Duputy: Edo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, and his boss, Governor Adams Oshiomhole, came on board November 12, 2008, when the Court of Appeal nullified the election of Professor Osarhiemen Osunbor, then of the Peoples Democratic Party. Oshiomhole and Odubu had since their coming enjoyed so cordial a relationship that the governor on many occasion describe his deputy as the most loyal deputy governor in Nigeria. To demonstrate to the public that there was no rancour between them, Oshiomhole had during his re-election campaign in 2012 rejected pressure from Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who was then in Action Congress of Nigeria, to drop Odubu as running mate. The governor in conjunction with members of the Edo in Safe Hands, led by his Commissioner for Works, Osarodion Ogie, came to Odubu’s rescue and subdued Ize-Iyamu. But the relationship between Oshiomhole and Odubu recently rned sour. Although there have been no public disputes between the two men.The friction between the governor and his deputy began with the governorship ambition of Odubu, who is alleged not to have informed his principal of his ambition to run for governorship when Oshiomhole summoned his political associates, including Odubu, to support Godwin Obaseki. At the meeting, Odubu was said to have kept quiet, only to open a campaign office later. It was further learnt that because of the choice of Obaseki, Ogie, earlier believed to be the governor’s choice, had to shelve his ambition as a mark of honour to Oshiomhole. The deputy governor was expected to do the same. But he did not. Based on this, Oshiomhole was alleged to have said that since both of them joined the boat at the same time, they will disembark at the same time.

[img]http://edostate.com/PF.Base/file/attachment/2016/09/1c54ef0b6e01d563fa4a80f343c05017_view.jpg[/img] Operation Show of Force in Benin City, yesterday. Photo: MIKE OSAROGIAGBON BENIN CITY-Eligible voters in Benin have expressed eagerness to participate in the Sept. 28 governorship election in Edo State as security agencies, yesterday, displayed readiness for the poll. The residents comprising market women, traders, artisans, bankers and Civil Servants thronged out amass to watch gallant security agents displayed their readiness to provide adequate security before, during and after the election. The agencies comprising the Police, Army, Immigration, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence (NSDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) paraded major roads in Benin City, yesterday, in an exercise codenamed, “Operation Show of Force”. Commenting on the exercise, the Commander, 4brigadge, Benin, Brig-Gen Benbella Ahmed Raji stated that the event is one of the precursor operations for the election security. He said that the exercise which he disclosed, is holding simultaneously across the state, is meant to demonstrate the synergy between all the security agencies in the state. Brig-Gen Raji disclosed that the role of the army for the election is to ensure security of strategic locations across Edo State. “The army is expected to be at strategic locations to ensure that security in and out of Edo State, is top-notched, to ensure that we do not have unwanted elements to come and disrupt the election process”. Brig-Gen Raji stated. Also, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations at the Edo State Police Command headquarters DC Olatunji Ayodele stated that the morale of security agencies in the state, is very high. He disclosed that the state police command had mapped out strategy for the election. “This “Operation Show of Force” is to warn criminal elements that Edo State is not a place for them”. DC Olatunjito reiterated. The eligible voters who were among thousands of residents that thronged out to watch gallant security officers drove in over 30 patrol vehicles including two ambulances, along major roads in the state capital. “With what we are seeing now, I have no doubt of voters’ safety at the various voting centres, no security collaboration can be more than this. I hail this oneness. Whoever foment trouble would have him or herself to blame”. Some of the residents stated. The exercise, organized by the state police command, lasted several hours as the security men finally returned to the command headquarters, where they earlier took off. It will be recalled that similar operation was carried out on Wednesday, August 31, 2016. By: MIKE OSAROGIAGBON

[img]http://edostate.com/PF.Base/file/attachment/2016/12/67783c807084727dfb5e8c2b46c338fe_view.jpg[/img] Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and Olusegun Obasanjo, President of Nigeria BENIN CITY Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki on Tuesday received in audience, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Billionaire businessman, Capt. Hosa Okubor, as part of government’s efforts to create conducive business environment in the state. A government house statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. John Mayaki, said Obasanjo was in Government House to give his blessings to Governor Obaseki, his policies and programmes, especially in the area of job creation, industrialization and wealth creation. The statement added that both investors – ex-President Obasanjo and Okunbor had visited “Wells Sam Carlos Farm” in within Benin metropolis – along Sapele Road Bye-Pass before calling on Mr. Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki. It said former Obasanjo, who parried reoporters’ questions said “I have come to visit the Governor and the Governor has accepted my visit.’’ In his normal humorous manner, Chief Obasanjo said, “I come salute Governor and Governor don pick my salute. That one no do?” When prodded further, he said again, “I say, I come greet Governor, I come salute Governor and Governor don pick my salute,” and laughed his way through the crowd of reporters who besieged him to extract words over his visit. It is recalled that Capt. Okunbor had recently started a multi-billion naira agro-allied business in the State in partnership with a Mexican firm, Wells Sam Carlos Farm worth $750million (about N150 billion). The farm, designed to create 85,000 jobs in the State, will create 25,000 direct jobs and 60,000 indirect jobs.

[img]http://edostate.com/PF.Base/file/attachment/2017/02/e259cb915abb7232f409b73bfcec5730_view.jpg[/img] Mr Justin Okonoboh Edo State speaker, Justin Okonoboh has escaped assassination attempt at Igueben Local Government Area of the state. The Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Mr Justin Okonoboh, on Friday evening escaped assassination attempt at Igueben Local Government Area of the state. Okonoboh (APC Igueben constituency) made this known when he briefed newsmen in Benin City on Saturday. He thanked his backup driver for shading him from the assassins. On my way back from my constituency at about 5.00 p.m. on Friday where I went to settle some land issues, my aide in the escort van called me from his phone that we should be on the alert that a Toyota Camry was chasing us. When we looked back, the car was behind my back up Hilux van. The Camry wanted to overtake the Hilux to block me but the driver did not allow them. The Toyota Camry struggled with the Hilux for about five kilometres and they almost crashed but did not give up. The policemen inside the Hilux van fired a shot into the air to scare them but that did not deter them as they kept chasing us. It happened around Ugbegun-Nebudin-Ujogba Road, it was when we got to the Benin-Auchi expressway they waved their hands to give us a warning. I do not know whether they are armed robbers or kidnappers but I know that only assassins will behave the way the men did. My security aides inside the Hilux said the men were armed. I have enough security aides attached to me but the challenge is that there are no vehicles to convey them when I am traveling,” he explained. The Speaker said he had reported the matter to the Commissioner of Police.

[img]http://edostate.com/PF.Base/file/attachment/2016/08/3f2c1cc02cf35fb317448dbc2c0fd272_view.jpg[/img] Adams Oshiomhole - Governor of Edo State Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, has said that the people of the state are proud of the invaluable services of the Nigerian armed forces to the peace and security of the state and the nation, especially in defeating the Boko Haram terrorists. Speaking at the 18th Combat Service Support Training Week of the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport in Benin City, Tuesday, Governor Oshiomhole said, the army has gone beyond their call of duty in protecting the territorial integrity of the nation to also ensuring internal security. He said “I cannot imagine what would have become of this State in terms of security if we have not had the support of the armed forces going beyond their conventional call of duty to support the police and the State Security Service to ensure the security of our people in this State. None of us ever thought that the issue of security is far more complicated. It goes beyond defending, as they say, the territorial integrity to now dealing with internal issues of insurgency in ways that are so complicated that just a few years back many of us would never have thought of the possibility of a full-blooded Nigerian carrying out what they would refer to as suicide bombing.” [img]http://edostate.com/PF.Base/file/attachment/2016/08/8a38f71fe6f3564d4979a39e5110066f_view.jpg[/img] He continued, “So, our armed forces have risen to the occasion. We in Edo State appreciate the fact that, but for the determination of our officers and men in uniform, only God knows which part of Nigeria that would have been under the control of insurgents, and which part would have been free. “We in Edo State are very proud of the accomplishment of the Nigerian armed forces in defeating Boko Haram. For me, defeat in this sense is in terms of the impunity and the arrogance and the confidence with which they moved freely, hoisting flags and claiming more territories and our people were on the run. I believe today, there is no doubt that it is they who are on the run, and the Nigerian armed forces have re-established the fact that we have the best armed forces in our continent.” He noted that the armed forces are also playing a stabilizing role for the nation’s democracy, adding “Democracy only thrives under the condition of peace. If people don’t have a sense of security, if they are unable to move freely without fear for their lives, even the minimum requirement of being able to vote or be voted for can be guaranteed.”

[img]http://edostate.com/PF.Base/file/attachment/2016/09/31d08989c32a8cf4ab8448dcce46666a_view.jpg[/img] Several trucks loaded with operatives of different Nigerian security agencies arrived Benin City, the Edo State capital on Monday ahead of the September 28 governorship election in the state. [img]http://edostate.com/PF.Base/file/attachment/2016/09/b5f55e5d528f5316a6efade3b40f2333_view.jpg[/img] photos of the arrival of the security operatives [img]http://edostate.com/PF.Base/file/attachment/2016/09/11aa45129f89ecd7ff2548901f7f5609_view.jpg[/img] Abdullahi Gana, the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, directed the immediate deployment of 20,000 personnel for the guber poll scheduled for Saturday. Information about the directive is contained in a statement issued by Assistant Commandant, Emmanuel Okeh, Corps Public Relations Officer in Abuja on Monday. He said Gana had directed the acting Deputy Commandant General, Operations, Hillary Madu, to relocate to Edo State for the purpose of the election. Okeh stated that Madu would be assisted by two Assistant Commandant Generals (ACGs) in charge of Zone G Benin and Zone E Owerri with five commandants drawn from neighboring states. He noted that the personnel were to be re-deployed from Kogi, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa and Anambra state commands respectively to complement the Edo Command. He advised the personnel to work in synergy with other sister security agencies in order to ensure peaceful conduct of election without rancor. [img]http://edostate.com/PF.Base/file/attachment/2016/09/471d7e9efee828f0ad7476cf96e8061d_view.jpg[/img]