Obaseki Sets Up 7-man Visitation Panel to Look Into Affairs of Ambrose Alli Varsity

By the9jatrend

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has set up a Seven-man Special Visitation Panel to look into the affairs of Ambrose Alli University and submit its report within six (6) weeks.

In a statement issues and signes by Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., said the Committee is to be inaugurated on Friday, 9th of October, 2020 at the Exco Chambers at 10am prompt.

The Panel is chaired by Prof. I. K. Omoruyi, with Prof. Lawrence Atsegbua, SAN; Mrs. M. E. Ohiowele and Mr. Roland Ogbebor as members.

Other members of the panel are Dr. J. O. Okovido, Venerable Osaze Egbenusi and Mrs. P. E. Aziegbemhin.

According to Ogie, “The Terms of Reference of the Visitation Panel include to examine the administrative structure of the university in line with the law establishing it.

“To establish the actual student population both regular and non-regular students against the accredited Faculties and Departments.

"To investigate the quality of training programmes in the university especially in relation to standard.

“To examine the finances of the university in the area of revenue generation, expenditure transparency, accountability and observance of due process.

“To critically look at the mode of employment and promotions at the university with a view to determining whether due process was observed in the recruitment and promotion and whether the staff strength vis-a-vis the carrying capacity of student's population of the university is balanced and reasonable.”

Other terms of reference include “to look into all issues regarding the implementation of Government directives between the university and members of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

“To look into the future funding for the university in the light of the Coronavirus pandemic," and “To look into any other matter, which in the opinion of the Visitation Panel, is incidental to its assignment.”

ERA/FoEN Removes Nnimmo Bassey as Trustee/Chairman of Board

By The TREND Media

The General Assembly of the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has removed Nnimmo Bassey as Trustee and Chairman of the Board for betrayal of trust.

This was contained in a resolutions issued at the end of ERA/FoEN General Assembly of 7th October, 2020 held at Precious Palm Hotel, Benin City, Edo state capital.

"It took cognisance of the lingering crisis among the Trustees and Management Team of ERA/FoEN prior to 2013 onwards when Godwin Uyi Ojo took over from Nnimmo Bassey.

"The main cause of the ongoing crisis is the lack of trust and conflict of interest by Nnimmo Bassey's leadership style, control and direct involvement in the day to day management of the organisation that is the primary role of the current Executive Director," the resolutions stated.

The organisation claimed that Nnimmo Bassey occupies dual position as ERA/FoEN Executive Director and Chairman of the Board since inception in 1993 to 2013, and remain as chairman of the board for over 27 years.

"Nnimmo Bassey occupies dual position as ERA/FoEN Executive Director and Chairman of the Board since inception in 1993 to 2013, and remain as chairman of the board for over 27 years.  He combines these as the Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), an organisation which he established for the purpose of sabotaging the progress of Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN). The conflict of nterest has caused rivalry and entrenched conflicts that is inimical to the smooth running of the Environmental Rights Development Foundation (also known as ERA/FoEN)."

The General Assembly explained that Section 834(1) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 has given the General Assembly the approval to nominate and appoint members to feel in the vacant positions and therefore nominated Chief Saint Emma Pii as Chairman, Godwin Uyi Ojo as Secretary while Mike Karikpo and Jennifer Ero to serves as members.

"Going by the provisions of Section 834(1) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, the General Assembly  has vetted and approved the nomination and appointment Chief Saint Emma Pii (Chairman), Godwin Uyi Ojo to serve as Secretary while Mike Karikpo and Jennifer Ero as members respectively."

The General Assembly also passed a vote of confidence on the Executive Director, Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo as a leading environmental and human rights advocate community and grassroots mobilizer and urged him not to be detracted by anyone in the discharge of his duties.

In a swift reaction to his purported removed as Trustee and Chairman of the Board, Nnimmo Basset said, " On the 3rd of October, 2020, Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo appointment as Executive Director was terminated. The Board, Nnimmo Basset said prohibits Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo   to henceforth stop parading himself in any manner as representative of the organisation or in any capacity as ERA/FoEN Executive Director.  

Edo 2020: We Are Not In Support Of ADP Candidate Contesting The Victory of Obaseki - Mr. Oloruntobi

By Simeon OSAJIE

Chairman of the Action Democratic Party, ADP  Edo State chapter, has reacted to petition filed by its candidate in the recently conducted gubernatorial election in the state where His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and Comrade Philip Shaibu emerged victorious at the poll.

In a press statement issued and signed by Edo State Chairman of the party, Mr. Gabriel Oloruntobi said the party was shocked to hear that the candidate of the party in the recently conducted governorship election in the state where His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki emerged winner is being challenged in the tribunal. 

"The party was shocked to hear that the candidate of the Party in the recently conducted gubernatorial election in the state where His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki emerged winner is being challenged in the tribunal. 

"At the enlarged meeting held in the state recently to appraise the election and appreciate our members, where the candidate was involved, the party commended INEC, Security Agencies and the electorates for doing a good job in ensuring a free, fair and credible election.

"It is therefore an embarrassment to the party to be dragged into an action not supported by us. The party is not interested in any litigation against the choice of Edo people and will not want to be seen as anti Edolites.

"The conviviality that exist in the state since the outcome of the election is not to be jeopardized be anyone including our party," the statement concluded.

Teachers Day: Obaseki Commends Edo Teachers For Resilience, Commitment to Human Devt.

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has hailed teachers in the state for their resilience and commitment to human development, which is exemplified in their seamless adoption of the technology-driven pedagogy now operational in over 840 schools covered by the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) programme in the state.

The governor, who spoke in commemoration of World Teachers’ Day, specially thanked teachers in the state for their unwavering support during the just concluded governorship election in the state, noting that he would continue to prioritise their welfare, professional growth and emplace a favourable work-life balance to drive productivity.

According to him, “I am delighted to celebrate with teachers in Edo State as we mark World Teachers' Day. It must be noted that in the entirety of my first term in office, I took special interest in teachers and worked assiduously with them to redirect the course of public education in Edo State, with the introduction of the EdoBEST programme. We had initial hiccups, but today, we are all the better for the key reforms and policy choices made.

“We now have a public primary school system that is the envy of the world, with different governments sending down delegations to understudy what we have done. We are proud of our teachers and would continue to seek more rewarding and uplifting ways to reward them for the successes we have recorded.”

Expressing appreciation to the teachers for their support during the election, he said, “I will not fail to specially thank the wonderful teachers in Edo State who showed uncommon courage during the elections, contributing their own quota to ensuring that we emerged victorious. This, indeed, showed that the teachers are committed to human development, which is a key focus of my administration.

“We would continue to prioritise initiatives that would ensure that our people become the best versions of themselves through well-packaged capacity building programmes. Such packages would be extended to other levels of our education system and also to different arms of the state’s civil and public service to sustain the gains made thus far.”

Reelection of Obaseki/Shaibu, A Divine Mandate - Comrade Eigbe

By Simeon OSAJIE

A member of the Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission, Comrade Godwin Ebatamehi Eigbe, has described the victory of His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and Comrade Philip Shaibu as a divine mandate, fulfilling the will of the Almighty.

Comrade Eigbe said this during an exclusive interview with the9jatrend. He pointed out that only God  could have made such landslide victory possible amidst all odds and shades thrown into the process by the main opposition party.

In his words, "the low turnout people are talking about in the aftermath of the Edo gubernatorial polls was the direct result of threats issued by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), that our votes will not count. They told us bluntly that Abuja will change the result. But that gave us hope, meaning they've already acknowledged that we (People's Democratic Party) will win."

.     Comrade Godwin Ebatamehi Eigbe

     Member, EDHA Service Commission

The grassroot politician and activist noted that Obaseki's victory had a God-factor in it. "The people of Edo State saw what God was using the Governor to do and the refusal of the opposition to acknowledge these good deeds and achievements further exposed their sinister intentions" he added. 

Comrade Godwin Eigbe has however called on all Edolites to support Governor Godwin Obaseki and Comrade Philip Shaibu in order for them to surpass their achievements in their first tenure.

Edo State NUJ Congratulates Obaseki, Shaibu on Election Victory

By Simeon OSAJIE

Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has congratulated the governor elect and Edo state governor Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy Comrade Phillip Shaibu over the overwhelmed victory recorded in the just concluded Edo gubernatorial elected held on Saturday, September 19th, 2020.

In a press statement issued and signed by the council chairman, Sir Roland Osakue and the union secretary, Comrade Titus Akhigbe, while commended President Mohammadu Buhari for ensuring free, fair and credible election emphasised that the governor's overwhelming victory was a confirmation of his acceptance by the people of the state, who spoke loudly with their votes.

"This is a confirmation of your acceptance by the people of Edo State based on your laudable projects that cuts across every nook and cranny of Edo State, the Edo people have spoken and loudly too."

"We commend President Mohammadu Buhari for ensuring and insisting on free, fair and credible election.

"It is on record that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies added colour to the credible election and we commend them too for standing on the path of truth", the statement concluded.

Esan South-East PDP Hosts Party Supporters To Victory Reception

By Simeon OSAJIE

People's Democratic Party (PDP), Esan South-East local governnent chapter hosted party faithfuls to victory reception in the just concluded Edo gubernatorial election which took place on the 19th September, 2020.

The who-is-who  in the politics of the  local government graced the occasion which included Immediate past senator represented Edo Centre Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Odion Ugbesia and his twin brother, former member, Edo State House of Assembly and CEO Happydays Production Studios, Hon. Barr. Akhere Ugbesia, the executive chairman, Esan South-East local government council, Hon. Peter Aguele, Mr. Emmanuel Ododugha, Executive Director, Edo State Inland Revenue Board, Hon. Godwin Ebatamehi Eigbe, member, Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission,  former Chairmen and vice chairmen of the local government council, amongst others.

Addressing the mammoth crowd, Hon. Barr. Akhere Ugbesia who spoke on behalf of his twin brother, while encouraging Esan South-East PDP supporters to keep faith in the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki appreciated them for the different contributions recorded in the just Edo  gubernatorial election.  

“We encourage you, PDP supporters and the entire Esan South-East local government people to keep faith in the government of Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, we should give the governor all the support required to succeed in the years ahead so that he and his deputy will be able to do the things that are necessary.

"What are the basic things for our people; road, electricity and good schools, others are just neither here nor there, once these basic things are provided, the people will be happy, we are very sure that with all the infrastructural the governor had put in place, in the next four years things are going to be better for the citizens of Edo State.” 

Speaking with newsmen after the ceremony, the Executive Director, Edo State Inland Revenue, Emmanuel Okodugha call on the governor to continue the good things he had started in Edo state.

“Our amiable Governor should keep on doing  the good work he is known for, his victory at the poll was because of his policy oriented programmes, infrastructures, the development in the educational sector, the reformed in the health sector and agricultural sector.

"It is so evident to even the blind, the deaf heard about what the governor has done, so we are saying he should continue. This is a victory dance for continuity and again, the politics of inclusion and diversity comes to play, he should learn to forgive as many that had wronged him because we are all brothers and sisters, he should begin to build the bridges of love across the three senatorial districts that make up Edo State

“What you can see here today is an expression of joy, an expression of happiness, peace for what God has done for us as a people starting from the people of Esan South-East local government area for the victory at the poll, because this victory is not for one person alone, this victory is for everybody, victory for democracy, victory for Edo State citizens, victory for our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, victory for everybody. 

"Today is a thanksgiving victory; thanking God for what he has done, so this is not the time to hate, this is not time for discrimination, is a time for all of us to come together  as one PDP family", he opined

The PDP victory reception took place at the Ugbesia Twin Villa,  Ubiaja, headquarters of Esan South-East local government area of Edo state.

Gov. Godwin Obaseki's Reelection Is Victory For Democracy - Edo NAWOJ

By Simeon OSAJIE

Executive and Members of the Edo State Chapter of  the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has congratulated the incumbent and governor elect of Edo state  Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu on the victory recorded in the just concluded Edo gubernatorial election.

In a press statement issued and signed by the Edo state Chairman of NAWOJ, Comrade Adesuwa Ehimuan Chairperson and Comrade Rosemary Okoduwa Secretary said the victory is well deserved and pray to God Almighty to grant them more wisdom to pilot the affairs of Edo State and improve on the socio-economic development of the state.

"We pray God Almighty to  grant you more wisdom to pilot the affairs of Edo State and improve on the socio- economic development of Edo state which you kicks started during your first tenure.

Edo NAWOJ Chairperson and Secretary

"The Association eagerly looks forward to a more robust working relationship with your administration in the collective efforts to make Edo State Great Again," the statement concluded.

Refrain From Activities That Will Engender Violence, Under Development - Okodugha Urges Nigeria Youths

By Simeon OSAJIE

Executive Director, Tax Compliance Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Emmanuel Okodugha has called on Nigeria youths to refrain from activities that will engender violence and under development but productively engage in activities that will foster hope, peace and unity in our dear country. "As the buds of today and the stars of tomorrow, I count on you to make positive difference in cultivating the passion that defeats impossibilities and above all be the rare courage that defeat fear in all that you do."

Okodugha made this goodwill message to the Nigeria youths as the country marked her 60th years Independent Celebration.

He assured the youths not to loose hope in Nigeria, stressing that with an abiding sense of faith and hope in God he is consciously optimistic that tomorrow hold a greater promise than our today.

"I am consciously optimistic that your tomorrow holds greater promise than your today, as a result of this revelation, God shot you as an arrow from eternity into time and space to fulfill purpose and destiny in a grand style. 

"I write to you today as an emissary of hope and a messenger of the reality of divine possibilities through the one that is interested in giving you a new lease of life; that is God almighty. 

Continuing, he said, "You may be in the category of those who are planning to leave the shores of Nigeria through the desert or through the Mediterranean sea due to the Vissicitudes of life, you may be among those who have built a career in frustration due to several years in the unemployment market and as a result of this you have little or  no choice than to adopt the Hushpuppi survival mentality with a view to defraud innocent people of their hard earned money across different nationalities.  

"In the same  vein, you may be a female and you may be in the category of those who have resigned to prostitution in a bid  to eke  out a livelihood due to the harsh economic  realities, in the midst of all these challenges, you have completely given up hope in the Leadership of our great country and everything this nation represent. In all these,  I want to let you know that I  share in your pains, fears and frustration. 

"I believe that your tomorrow is pregnant with good tidings, God has a covenant plan of success and blessings for everyone of you but you will need to fulfill your own part of bargain by being the change that you greatly desire.

On the occasion of Nigeria 60th years Independence Anniversary he stressed, "I strongly believe that  the birth of a new nation begins with all of us as  Nigerians particularly the youth demography, this is so because as youths of this  great country you remain a critical Stakeholder in the value chain governance. 

"You remain a special ingredients in the soup of this nation. You are a raw material that is well blended for the readiness of a brighter and prosperous future.   You have the responsibility to lay a solid foundation for your  dreams and that of your children and the children of your children.  Regrettably , you have not been able to leverage your demographic advantage in the overall population strength of our nation."

He therefore promised the youths that he is passionate of new nation fostered together by the strength of the resilient and hardworking youths.

"I am  passionate on the emergence of a new nation fostered together by the strength of our resilient and hardworking youths", he concluded.

 

Aguele Felicitates With Nigerian At 60

 By Simeon OSAJIE

Executive Chairman. Esan South-East local government council Hon Peter Aguele has felicitated with all Nigerians as we celebrate our 60 years Independence Anniversary. 

The Council Boss reinterated the need to celebrate this great feat in our National lives acknowledging  that despite the enormous challenges before us as a nation, we still remained bound by the love and common identity we share as a people. 

He urged Nigerians irrespective of ethnic  diversity to keep hope alive, remain  resolute and united as one indivisible Nigeria by imbibing the culture of tolerance, love and patriotism while considering the challenges as necessary sacrifices towards moving our nation forward and thereafter call on all Nigerians to be their brother's keepers in order that the labours of our Heroes past will not be in vein. 

Hon. Aguele without reservations congratulated the president and commander in-chief of the Nigeria Armed Forces President Muhammadu Buhari as we mark our 60th year of Independence and for standing above party divides and sentiments in conducting a world class credible election in Edo state which coincided with the Nigeria's 60 years Independence Anniversary celebration and urged him to persevere with a view to leaving behind robust legacy and setting an intimidating pace for others to emulate.

The council Boss also thanked the good people of Esan South-East local government council areas in particular and Edo state in general over the peaceful way they conducted themselves in the just concluded Edo state Governorship election and congratulated them for collectively adopting the part of posterity by opting for light against satanic darkness while admonishing all to continuously support the administration of Governor Godwin Obasek and his Deputy Philip Shaibu in delivering the dividends of democracy to the good people of Edo state.