Edo ADP Came, Saw and Conquered - Hon. Oloruntobi

By Simeon OSAJIE

Chairman of Action Democratic Party (ADP), Edo State Chapter, Hon. Gabriel Oloruntobi has assured  party members of the  readiness to take over Edo state government house comes 2024 governorship election.

He said this  was informed by the party performance in the just concluded Edo gubernatorial election. 

Hon. Oloruntobi disclosed this at the party Secretariat during a get-to-gether party organised to appreciate chairmen at the local government for effectively  coordinating their LGAs in the just concluded gubernatorial election in the state. 

In his address Oloruntobi said, "In view of our performance in the just concluded Edo state gubernatorial election, there is hope that in subsequent election ADP will surely wax strong.

"If you look at the result, you will see that ADP inspite of  our age; we are just about 3 years, we came third after the two major political parties."

The state chairman appreciated the party governorship candidate Mr. Iboi Emmanuel whom he said is very respectful.

"We saw the passion in him, we gave him the party ticket without any money attached, very respectful young boy, he ought to be here with us to celebrate but unfortunately, base on his time scheduled, he needed to return back to Abuja but made provision for our relaxation while we discuss way forward for the growth of our party ADP."

Responding, Uhunwonde local government party chairmen, Chief Great Omoruyi said, "today we are happy because of the wisdom God has bestowed on our party chairman to pilot the affairs of our party,  l thank you sir on behalf of my local government; don't relent in your leadership creativity, continue the good work you are doing, we decided to honour your invitation because of our love for the party".

Contributing, Pastor Henry Ekenomonenfu, Ovia North local government East party chairman opined, "I thought our entire ADP has decamped little did l know we still have somebody like you as our chairman; your transparency is something to write home about, you are a leader to hold on to, we are really moving forward and our target is to get to the government house, l know of sure one day, with you as our state chairman we shall get there."

Also contributing, Egor local government party chairman, Hon. Friday Uwaifo said, "In fact, our chairman is a great man, he keep encouraging us, and without much efforts on our side, we came 3rd in the election we know the lions and tigers are already begging, we are not going to beg, they will come to us."

Speaking to journalist after the meeting, Hon. Gabriel Oloruntobi said, "If you look at the results you will see that ADP in spite our age of about 3 years we came third after the two major political parties. So, l felt it was necessary to appreciate our party chairmen in various local government area for their efforts, because the votes that we recorded were spread across the 18 LGAs, and l said, let us celebrate our self and prepare again for the subsequence elections. 

Reacting to INEC performance in the election, the ADP chairman said, "the election was free, fair and credible, there is no doubt it. Normally the fact that we didn't win, but there is no gainsaying that the election was not fair, for the first time, INEC did a good work; the security agencies did their best and the electorates also conducted themselves because they saw the seriousness and sincerity in INEC and the security agencies; like where l voted, l waited until the results were announced. the various party agents signed, so to me the election  is one of the best l so far witnessed and l pray and hope INEC will build on the tremendous level recorded during the Ondo election. 

"As a party we have no issue about the election results. If other parties want to go to court l wish them well.

"The party that came third from nowhere, you can see our performance, you will be surprise that in the subsequent elections a lot of people will want to run under our platform and I am very optimistic that the way we are going, the sky is our limit, you can see all of us, the party chairmen both at the state and local government levels, everybody is free, that is how to build a political party; no boss here, all of us are colleagues and so with that kind of commandeering system, we will believe in ourselves and as far as l am concern, I will also be very open to the members, when they see me open, they will follow willingly because you need power as well as authority to succeed.

"I told my members that they should go home and go strengthening the party structures preparatory to the 2923 election and that they should be vigilant," he concluded.

You're 'God Servant Governor' Kure tells Obaseki

...As Edo CAN Hosts Victory Thanksgiving

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Edo State chapter, has organised a thanksgiving service for Governor Godwin Obaseki and Comrade Philip Shaibu, his deputy, for their re-election in the just concluded Edo State governorship election.

The thanksgiving service which was held at the indoor sports hall of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin to rededicate the duo to God, witnessed  galaxy of clergy men and women across the state and included the President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, (PFN) Bishop Felix Omobude, Edo CAN Chairman, Bishop Oriname Oyonnude Kure. Also present were chieftains of the People's Democratic Party, (PDP) across the state.

The entrance of the incumbent governor and governor-elect dressed in Benin white attire, accompanied by his amiable wife, Betsy, heralded the commencement of the thanksgiving service.

The choirs of Church of God Mission International, Faith Arena, and Miracle Centre treated the congregation to melodious Christian songs.

In his message, Bishop Kure advised the governor to shun every acrimony and distraction by setting his eye as a fluid in full concentration for the continuation and great laudable work he had began in the state.

"I want to advice Governor Obaseki to  shun every acrimony and distraction by setting your eye as a fluid in full concentration for the continuation and great laudable work you had began in the state in the accomplishment of God's destiny for the people of Edo State which God has ordained to be wrought by your hand.

"This is your time for more mighty works to be wrought by your hands like never before in Edo State as a legacy made in the obvious fact that you are indeed 'God Servant Governor' sent for Edo's generational greatness.  Go, save the next generation, creating a future for the next generation by putting Edo State on the world map.

"I therefore declare that with a divine mandate, you will not fade and you will not fall. You shall be practically  indestructible, the hand of God is mighty upon you in the name of Jesus Christ", he prayed.

Kure congratulated the governor and his  team, and the entire people of Edo State for "this remarkable victory" at the just concluded gubernatorial election.

In his address, Governor Obaseki appreciated God Almighty for all that He has done in Edo State.

"We are here to thank God, to give thanks to the Almighty God for what He has done;  not only for my colleagues in the government, but for all of us in Edo State and Nigeria as a whole. This is a day for thanksgiving and appreciation. There is no doubt in our minds that we would not have been here today; we would not have accomplished what we had accomplished if not for God Almighty. 

"If God had not willed it, it would not have happened. So, while l am thanking everyone, starting with my deputy who in my view, was that anchor the Lord sent to preserve us.  Himself and his wife are the motivating force of this struggle. He did it, not for me, but for God Almighty. He did it because that is who he is because those are the values we share; the value of truth, the value of honesty and the value of loyalty."

The governor-elect also poured encomiums on the legislature headed by Hon. Frank Okiye.

"I want to also thank our colleagues in the legislature; we know what we went through. You know you were the theatre, the arena for the battles. We know the pains you and your family went through. We want to thank God for your life and l also want to thank you for holding fast and believing in God and  in Edo people."

The judiciary was not left out in the governor's appreciation.

"We have no armies of our own; we have no weapon, we only have the rule of law.  We also have a constitution. With the design of our democracy, we have a responsibility for interpreting the constitution and thank God for the quality of the people who man the judiciary in Edo State and Nigeria."

The governor acknowledged the 'umbrella' that gave them shelter without which he said, he and his deputy would not have been here today.

"They thought we were finished; they thought we were done with, but God Almighty knew that we were not done with."

Obaseki said he and his deputy perhaps had one of the most straineous, innovative campaigns in the history of politics in Nigeria.

"We had a campaign council that did what had not been done  before. They moved with us around the 192 wards of Edo State; we travelled thousands of kilometres through difficult terrains. I thought we would not finish, but the campaign council members moved across the state with us to every nook and cranny of the state.

"I want to use this opportunity to say thank you. There were so many times in this struggle we did nothing; things just happened. The events continued unfolding themselves; it was not because of us, it was because of what God wanted. Today, we just want to appreciate God for the glory for heeding and hearing our prayers."

The elated governor  also thanked the members of CAN and the Muslims for praying tirelessly to ensure peace prevailed during and after the election.

"The victory we are thanking God for today is not about me but about God Almighty. God just wanted to tell us that He is God; we cannot take the glory but leave the glory to God Almighty. God giving us the grace, we will do more for the good people of Edo State."

Speaking further, the governor recalled how his mother, "in a casual conversation with me about 30 years ago, l never dreamt of becoming governor; she said, you your generation is the last of the old order and the beginning of the new. If you of your generation will not accept the responsibility of beginning to fix Nigeria, nobody is going to do it for you. And if you do not, this country will be on a tall spin for  very very long time. l always remember that. So, when l found myself in politics which l never planned to be, I have no choice but to give my all."

He said "I want to assure the nation that we are very conscious of the fact that without peace, without harmony, you cannot have growth and progress. Like l said, the war is over; it needed not be a war but it was a war; it is over. Our responsibility is to unite our sub-region so that we can have the peace that is required. We can create the environment that is needed to begin the tedious and enormous task of building or rebuilding our state and our country.

"l call on everyone to continue to pray for us as the task ahead will not be easy. With COVID-19, the world has changed; the world will never be the same again. The way we relate to one another, see me talking to you with face mask, with my mouth  and nose covered. The way the world economy will operate, the thing that will be important to mankind will be different from what they used to be. There will be a lot of upsets, there will be a lot of tensions; and same God that saw us through these centuries, that brought us here will see us through difficult times".

The men of God later prayed for Edo State and Nigeria at large.

The event later shifted to the Edo Hotel premises for a lavish entertainment.

The fervent prayer of Edo people is that the second coming of Governor Godwin Obaseki  as governor of Edo State would bring more dividends of democracy to every nook and cranny of the state. 

Obaseki Makes Case For Extension of Railway Line to Benin Industrial Park

By Simeon OSAJIE

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has made a case for extension of the Itakpe-Warri Standard Gauge to link the Benin Industrial Park in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state.

The governor made the appeal in his goodwill message at the virtual inauguration of Goodluck Jonathan Railway Complex in Agbor (Owa-Oyibu), Delta State, by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said an extension of the railway line to Ologbo would help in the movement of goods from the industrial park, adding that the railway line would be a critical infrastructure to easily convey products from the Benin Industrial Park, when completed, to the northern part of the country.

“We are excited in the state. As a government, we are going to be working with you to ensure that we utilise the infrastructure we are privileged to have. We appeal to the Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi to work with us as a state to extend the rail line to the Industrial Park which we have commenced in the state to enable us freight the things we produce to the northern part of the country,” Obaseki said.

The governor congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari for completing the Itakpe-Ajaokuta railway line project, adding, “It is quite fortuitous that few days to our 60th independence anniversary as a nation, our President has achieved this feat of completing this critical infrastructure required for our development as a country and in our region.”.

Uniben to benefit from Ekehuan Road dualization, Ossiomo Power project - Obaseki assures VC

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has assured management of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) that his administration will ensure the university community benefits from the ongoing dualization of Ekehuan Road project as well as the Ossiomo Independent Power Plant project.

Obaseki gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by management of UNIBEN led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Lilian Salami at Government House in Benin City, on Monday.

He said, “I am governor of everybody and everything in the state including UNIBEN. We look forward to collaborating more with you. We are working on the Ekehuan Road project which is now going to make the Ekehuan Campus of the university accessible. We are happy we have UNIBEN in our state particularly in Benin City. It will not be fair for a government that emphasizes education not to take advantage of the very fact that the institution resides in our territory. We are happy we have UNIBEN, we know how much it has contributed to educational and social development of our state over the last four decades."

According to the governor, “It doesn't matter if it is ours, but for the fact that the university is located here in our state, it gives us a responsibility to make sure we make it part of our existence.”

“We are working very hard to connect 50 megawatts of electricity from Ossiomo Power Plant to the Government Science and Technical College and some of the power will be extended to UNIBEN so that you can have uninterrupted power supply. I am making the whole axis an Integrated Science and Technology Hub with a Data Centre.”

Responding to the requests made by the Vice Chancellor, Obaseki said the state government has awarded repairs of the road network in the institution, adding, “We will mandate the Edo 2020 National Sports Festival (NSF) contractor in charge of the hostel renovation to go back to site. We are beneficiaries of the Federal Fire Service; I am going to make a case for you.

“I’m also going to talk to some of our corporate organisations who are operating here to see if we can support the university with fire trucks, but we are hoping to create a fire service centre that people can call when there is a fire outbreak. We have been talking with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) to create an ambulance service for the citizens in the state, where you can call an ambulance when the need arises.”

Earlier, Prof. Salami congratulated Governor Obaseki on his victory in the September 19 governorship election in the state and assured him of the institution’s readiness to support the administration, adding, “The victory at the poll has actually told a lot about our performing governor. We are sure you will even perform more in your second tenure. We are proud of you. We hope and pray that in good health, you will continue the good work you have started.”

She intimated her host that, “The Federal Ministry of Education has asked universities to come up with a process for resumption and we had picked October 24 as our tentative date for resumption. The institution has resolved in taking the final year students and professional programmes because of COVID-19."

 

She commended the governor for his massive renovation of the hostels in UNIBEN ahead of the 2020 National Sports Festival (NSF).

Shelves Immediately The Increase in Patrol Pump Prize, Electricity Tariff - ERA/FoEN Advises Fed. Govt.

By Simeon OSAJIE

Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo, Executive Director, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the East Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to shelve immediately the increase in patrol pump prize and electricity tariff also revisit the imposed value added tax (VAT) and immediately reduce to 2 per cent. "Government should continue to take the interests of the youths into consideration in the formation and implementation of its polities and programmes and to provide start up grants for youths and local renewal energy SMEs and business showcasing innovative clean technologies and the generation of free jobs".

This ERA/FoEN said during the "Youth Talent Hunt and Empowerment as catalyst to drive renewable energy sector development in Nigeria."

Dr. Uyi Ojo, on behalf of ERA/FoEN emphasises that "tax burdens impose severe obstacles to the promotion of renewable energy for all, addressing clean energy access for all in order to reduce the nation's carbon footprints in line with the Paris Agreement in 2015.

"It also helps to provide opportunities and logistics support for our youths to lead in the production of innovative cleaner technologies to drive the renewable energy sector."

Stressing forward, ERA/FoEN condemned in strong terms the unnecessary tax burdens that have characterised Nigeria's economic development thrust in recent times by the federal government of Nigeria.

"The sudden increase in the Value Added Tax from 5 percent to 7.5 percent, the increase in the pump price of petrol to N162.00 per litre and electricity tariff of over 100 percent hike by the federal government can be counterproductive on the productive sector of the economy especially in the development of the nascent renewable energy sector."

ERA/FoEN stated that the "tax burden are ill-timed as the federal government has carried on without due consultation with the civil society groups, labour unions and other stakeholders to gauge the mood of the people."

Describing the youths as catalyst of change, ERA/FoEN asserted that "they understand the need for clean energy transition to reduce the burden of oil dependency and unbearable tax regimes from the oil sector which is leading to harsh economic realities in Nigeria."

Earlier in his remark, Engr. Abdullahi Aliyu, the Assistant Director (Training) of the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIP), promised that his agency would always be available to offer the needed help to any youth who has an innovation to showcase.

Damilola Asaleye, the Co-founder/Chief Operating Officer of Ashdam Solar Company Ltd, gave reasons why Nigerians have to embrace renewable energy which includes to provide reliable power supply; to allow fuel diversification; to enhance energy security; to lower risk of fuel spills; to help conserve the nation's natural resources and to mitigate climate change.

Over twenty youths from across the country participated in the one day programme held at the Precious Palm Royal Hotel, Benin.

The youths later displayed their innovative creativities of to the delight of all present.

Ward 7 PDP Esan North-East Members Give Thanks to God For Obaseki's Re-election

By Simeon OSAJIE

It was a moment  of thanksgiving at St. Theresa of the Christ Catholic Church, Ukoni, Uromi in Esan North-East local government area of Edo State as leaders and members of Ward 7 People’s Democratic  (PDP) as well as other  members of the church converged in the church auditorium to give thanks to God on the reelection of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu in the just concluded gubernatorial election.

In a sermon, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Andrew Ogbenbe said God is indeed faithful for the peaceful election that took place on September 19, 2020. I pray God Almighty to guide, protect and direct the elected candidates so that they can do more for the state.

“I want to appreciate God Almighty for the lives of our amiable Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu for the success recorded in the just concluded gubernatorial election in Edo State. My pray is to God Almighty to guide, protect and direct our wake and see  governor throughout the remaining period of his first term and lead him all through the huddles that may come his way in his second tenure as governor of Edo State”.

A former lawmaker in the National Assembly and two time speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Friday Itulah and other PDP leaders in Ward 7, Ukoni Uromi, while speaking on the thanksgiving service said the victory of Governor Godwin Obaseki and Philip Shaibu at the September 19 poll is God ordained hence the thanksgiving mass.  They thanked God for the free and fair election that brought Godwin Obaseki and Philip Shaibu to power, noting that God is the reason for their re-election, adding that the protection of God will surely continue to be upon them.

Rt. Hon. Friday Itulah said, "For 13 years,  the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has been out of government and we have being pray to God and we were hoping that by this election, there will be a turn around, and before this election, Governor Obaseki came and with that, PDP came back to power. The ways of God is different from the ways of man. You can see what has happen, God has done us great wonders."

Also speaking, Barr. Odutto Eronmosele said, "From the look of things, it is not by might neither by power but the God supreme came to play  that Edo governorship election was adjudged free, fair and transparent in the history of Nigeria.."

People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Governor Godwin Obaseki defeated his closest rival of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu with 307.955 to 223,619 with a difference of  84,336 votes in the Edo State governorship election held last Saturday, 19th September, 2029  and adjudged to be free, fair and credible by both domestic and foreign observers.

Hon. Aguele Took Victor Emukhagbon to Cleaners as Appeal Court Delivered Judgement

By Simeon OSAJIE

It was another victory for democracy and for the good people of Esan-South East local government area following a judgement by the Appeal Court in respect to the appeal brought before it by the former Chairman of Esan South-East local government council Mr. Victor Emukhagbon against the judgement by the lower court that earlier ended his chairmanship position. The lower court in earlier judgement ordered him to refund all salaries he collected from the council within the period under review. 

It will be recalled that following the rape of our hard democracy orchestrated by the godfathers in favour of Mr. Victor Emukhagbon in  year 2018 when he was not a card carrying member of the party, neither his name found anywhere within  the party's register nor collected the party's nomination/expression of interest form and never contested as chairman in the first place but had his name submitted to the Edo State Independent Electoral committee (ESIEC) as the chairmanship candidate of the party at the expense of Hon. Peter Aguele the valid and authentic chairmanship candidate of the party whose name was illegally dropped by the for reasons best known to the self acclaimed godfathers.

As a result of this act, Hon. Peter Aguele being a patriotic Nigeria and would not take laws into his hands thereafter approached the law court which is the last hope of the common man.

On the 20th day of March, 2020, the illegal council chairman Mr. Victor Emukhagbon was consequently removed and directed by the court to refund all the salaries he has so far received from the council while the validly elected authentic council chairman Hon. Peter Aguele was declared the authentic elected council chairman and was therefore sworn-in.

Mr. Victor  Emukhagbon further advance to appeal and in a  judgement; the appeal court have set aside Mr. Victor Emukhagbon's prayers and upheld the judgement of the lower court and subsequently declared Hon. Peter Aguele as the authentic chairman of Esan South-East local government council while Mr.  Victor  Emukhagbon was consequently directed to in addition pay the sum of N500,000  (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) only  to the duly elected council chairman Hon.  Aguele as compensation. 

So Sad This Country Has Not Attain Its Full Potentials - Chief Oyegun

By Simeon OSAJIE

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Chief John Odigie Oyegun, said he was so sad that the country has not attained its full potentials and that, this saddens his heart.

Chief Oyegun said this while responding to questions from media practitioners in his country home residence in Benin City, Edo state capital.

The former Edo governor said starvation, terrorism, and dwindling economic resources has bedeviled the nation but added that though the country is facing such a huge challenge, a very solid foundation has already be laid by the present government for it to thrive above all its challenges.

"Things has been so tough in this country of ours. What I can say confidently is that, the basic foundation of our future growth has been laid, no question in my mind about that but this administration has not been lucky at all. 

"We have had a very tough periods of dwindling resources right from the beginning of this administration and I think but for careful management we would not have gotten as far as we have today. There is no question at all.

"There is hunger in the land, economy is not growing  as it ought to be, unemployment is very high, terrorism has risen its ugly head again after initial success and controlling it, cost of production of crude oil now is almost equating what we are getting from selling crude oil. So, the resources are just not there.

"I must confess this,  I am so sad that things have gotten to this kind of situation, totally outside control", he said.

Chief Oyegun emphasised that the problem the country is facing is those in the helms of affairs of this nation are not doing enough in building hopes and confidence in the people that though things are rough at the moment, there would always be better days ahead and that they should keep their hopes and faith in the country alive.

"The only missing link that I will think is that, we are not sufficiently giving the people hope or explaining things to people and giving them hope that tomorrow will be better.

"So, there is despondency in the land, that critical ingredient that make people say okay, things are bad today, but they are telling us that it will be better tomorrow, that is missing. In addition to economic difficulty, economic deprivation, we have not successfully conveyed to them, the picture of a better tomorrow.

"We prayed that COVID 19 which has played also a very major role will be contained and put out of the way because it has also created major economic problems, massive diversion of resources to protecting the lives of Nigerians", Oyegun said.

Oyegun, while decrying the spate of insecurity in the country, alleged that there could be external forces that do not mean well for the survival of the nation that could be responsible for its resurgence, stressing that the reawaken of the insecurity in the country has to be investigated.

"60, tough but I have hope that if we can contain the difficulties that beset us, particularly, insecurity, then, this country still has a bright future. 

"I am very worried about insecurity because of my untutored mind, I don't know anything about security.

"It is beginning to sound to me as if somebody outside this nation, groups outside this nation have interests in our country that are contrary to the public notice because what is happening otherwise doesn't make sense and there are a lot of foreigners involved, a lot of AK47 all of which are coming in through the Sahara desert. 

"I am a layman and I don't know much about it but it is something that needs a very in-depth investigation. Are we as a nation being sabotage by an external forces? It is a question That has to be looked at to and must be investigated", he said.

On the just concluded Edo State governorship election and why he didn't participate in the APC governorship campaigns, he said he never wanted to be part of illegality.

"Let me put it this way, I am a man of conscience. I am a strong believer in justice and fair play. I am a strong believer that, when the rules of an association you belong to have been so flagrantly disregarded, put aside, not complied with, then, you have to go back to your cons.

Edo Govt. Shifts Schools Resemption To October 6

By Simeon OSAJIE

.

The Edo State Government has rescheduled the resumption of primary and secondary schools across the state for the 2020/2021 academic session to Tuesday, October 6, 2020.

In a press statement, issued and signed by the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said Primary and Secondary Schools in Edo State will resume for the 2020/21 academic session on the new date as against the earlier announced date, Monday September 28, 2020,

Osagie said, “The Edo State Government has moved the resumption of primary and secondary schools for 2020/21 academic calendar from Monday, September 28, 2020, to Tuesday, October 6, 2020.”

Orhionmwon LG. Boss Lauds Okowa's Support For Obaseki

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Executive Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government Council, Hon. Sylvester Okoro has appreciated and saluted the doggedness of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Executive Governor of Delta State for supporting the overwhelmed victory of Mr. Godwin Obaseki at the just concluded governorship election in Edo state.  He described the kind gesture of the Delta state governor as a rare exercise.

Hon. Okoro described Okowa as a 'deus ex machina' in ensuring that the PDP defeated APC in Orhionmwon and Edo State in general even though the APC Candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu hails from Orhionmwon local government area.

According to Hon. Okoro, "It is my pleasure to wholeheartedly appreciate an Icon of steadfastness, His Excellency, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Executive governor of Delta state, who has been able to distinguished himself as a sincere brother and father, for his immerse role in supporting the re-election of Governor Godwin Obaseki, which has culminated to the PDP victory at the just concluded Edo governorship polls."

The Orhionmwon council boss also appreciated his Delta state counterpart of Ika South Local Government Council, Barr. Victor Okoh and other Chairmen in Edo and Delta States for their tireless role in ensuring that Edo State had upper hand in the election.

Obasek's Victory Is A Referendum For Continuity, Good Governance In Edo State - Tenebe

By Dada AYOKHAI

A staunch supporter of Governor Godwin Obaseki  and foremost political leader in Edo North, Hon. Henry Duke Tenebe has congratulated  Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, on their well deserved victory in the recent Edo governorship election.

Describing the victory as a referendum by Edo people for continuity and good governance, Hon Tenebe commended President Muhammed Buhari, INEC and security agencies for supervising a free, fair and credible election.

In a press statement  signed by him, Hon. Tenebe commended Governor Obaseki for confronting and demystify  the powers of  godfatherism in the state  to nothingness as shown in the  election results. 

He equally thanked Edo electorates for the confidence they reposed in the PDP candidates in the election, stressing their support as evidently shown in the voting pattern which saw the governor scoring the required spread across the local government areas in the state as a watershed.

Tenebe also commended the deputy governor of the state, Comrade Philip Shaibu for his strength and courage  in mobilising support for his principal in Edo North, noting that by his actions and comportment, Comrade Shaibu has proven to be a trusted  and highly dependable person.

The Ikabigbo born politician, who was also a former commissioner in the state, assured Edo people that Governor Obaseki would not depart from his administration's focus on transforming the state into an economic hub where opportunities are bound for generations yet unborn.

In particular, he said: "l am delighted at the large crowd of enthusiastic voters who defied all forms of intimidation, inducement and bullying deployed by the opposition on election day and gave their mandate to Governor Obaseki and the PDP. 

"By this act alone, the voice of the people resonated loudly across the nook and cranny of Edo State. It was  indeed a sweet victory, and a political referendum which will remain in the heart of Edolite for many years to come".

Okuwe, Ogaji Makes METZ FC Academy List to France

By Simeon OSAJIE

Football Academy FASA Nigeria duo youth soccer players Okuwe Joshua Mercy and Ogaji Samson Williams have been selected for trainig at the ongoing METZ Football Academy of France Youth Football Development Programme. 

The duo who exibited high football prowess at the just concluded youth soccer programme in Benin- the Edo State capital won the hearts of fans and the chief sponsor of the event.

As part of state government initiative to use sports as a tool to create employment, METZ Football Academy representative in Nigeria Harrison Okaka entired into partnership with the the France based Football Academy for the development of the game in Nigeria. 

The chief Executive Officier CEO of COVIS CLUB LIMiTED Company, Dr. Caleb Akpasubi, who bank rolled the competition, has also taking up the sponsorship of these two boys to France for the programme.

"As part of my contributions to youth development in my state and Nigeria, my heart is full with joy to be part of this human capacity building program in Edo State. I have taken up the sponsorship of these two young upcoming Nigerian players to France to attend this youth football development programme which METZ has brought to Edo State." 

"Want to charge them to be good ambassadors when they get there. They must show total commitment and know why they left Nigeria. I also want to commend METZ FC Academy for this opportunity."

Meanwhile,  CEO of Football Academy FASA Nigeria, Harrison Okaka also praised the duo for being the two players to be selected for the youth football development programme in France.