COMPILATION OF NEWS FROM LAGOS, EDO STATES
LAGOS NEWS
LAGOS FIRE AGENCY BOSS PROMISES EFFECTIVE USE OF GOVERNMENT’S INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE
The Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye has promised effective and maximal use of the government’s investment in infrastructure, just as she gave an assurance of improved, effective and efficient service delivery to Lagosians.
Mrs. Adeseye spoke during a strategic meeting held at the Ikeja Fire Station with Officers and Men of the Agency to chart a way forward on efficient service delivery to achieve the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) set towards Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy.
Advising Officers to focus on discipline and dedication to the ethics of the profession, the Director said “there is no room for indiscipline as bad eggs will be fished out and decisively dealt with in accordance with the Fire and Civil Service Rules and Regulations.”
She acknowledged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s support towards mitigating Fire Emergencies, Rescue, Public Order and Safety in the State, while admonishing firemen to get acquainted with emerging trends, especially as the Agency is moving towards digital management systems after the completion of renovation works in all the State’s Fire Stations.
Giving an assurance that Officers will be trained to acquire modern firefighting techniques, Mrs. Adeseye hinted that the new Fire and Rescue Service Bill 2021 will, among other things, address the welfare concerns of the firefighters and envisaged that officers will reciprocate the government’s gesture with optimal dedication to duty.
“You should bear in mind that your job to save lives and property is service to mankind and humanity and no strings should be attached”, she said.
LAGOS UNVEILS SDGs YOUTH CHAMPIONS
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Investment, Mrs. Solape Hammond, has stated the need to establish a supportive structure that will enhance the youth network to effectively solve emerging challenges.
Briefing the press at the official launch of the Lagos SDGs Youth Alliance in Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday, the Special Adviser described the campaign as an opportunity to amplify and reposition the broad tendencies of youths for the common good.
Mrs. Hammond said: “The birth of the lofty initiative emerged from our conviction that youths represent a formidable and potent force, through which positive impact can be made in all spheres of human endeavours and, where meaningful engagements with them is a prerequisite for achieving the Greater Lagos Agenda and by extension the Global Sustainable Development Goals”.
Confirming that the State is starting a journey to get young people immersed in social reality and responsibility for the common good, the Special Adviser noted that the government is establishing a clear and enduring pathway for meaningful youth participation in governance to shape the future.
She maintained that having an active and substantive engagement with youths of great potential and deploying their competence into planning will improve articulation and implementation of development priorities, as well as efforts of the government, and establish a positive influence on society.
Speaking on the significance of getting youths involved in development efforts, Mrs. Hammond disclosed that they bring drive, enthusiasm and a diversity of fresh perspectives and interpretations to the challenges and opportunities faced by citizens.
Her words: “The youths are the native speakers of the global language of this decade; you are the most tech-savvy, digitally-enabled and media-driven generation of all time. You are fiercely creative, incredibly innovative, amazingly resourceful and very vocal; instigators of movements that speed through our digital and physical worlds and shift culture and attitudes in a manner and pace never before seen”.
She encouraged youths to maximise the advantages of invaluable networking, priceless contacts, profound deliberations, quality mentorship, exchange of brilliant ideas and collaborative action made available through the SDGs youth alliance platform.
While encouraging well-meaning Lagosians, corporate institutions and other good-spirited bodies to renew their efforts towards the advancement of society, the Special Adviser submitted that some notable Champions of the fellowship are already committing resources and efforts to solve some emerging challenges in communities.
EDUCATION DISTRICT II HOLDS SPORTS DAY
The Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Education District II, Mrs. Anike Adekanye, has advised staff of the District to create time for sports in order to stay healthy, keep fit and also relax their brains from the daunting activities of imparting knowledge to students.
Mrs. Adekanye gave the charge during the Education District II Sports Day with the theme, “Recreation At Work”, held at the District’s headquarters in Maryland.
According to the Tutor-General, the Sports Day was declared “work-free” for staff to promote welfare and alertness in the course of carrying out their statutory responsibilities.
She expressed delight that the staff embraced sporting activities and participated actively, despite being the first of its kind organised by the District, adding that the work-free day was approved by Governor Sanwo-Olu because of his special love for all Lagos State Government staff, especially those in the teaching profession.
Her words: “I want to appreciate the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s approval of today as a work-free day for all staff of District II for us to engage in extra-curricular activities, after putting in so much effort since the beginning of the year up until now. This, to us, is not just an avenue to catch fun among ourselves but more importantly, coming together like this will help create a bond among one another”.
“Sports is vital to human life because it is a way of keeping our senses and organs alert. It also helps in burning out some calories. In as much as we do our work as expected, it is also ideal that we create time for relaxation and sporting activities from time to time”, the TG/PS further explained.
While reiterating her commitment to any activity that will further promote mental alertness of staffers, Adekanye promised that sporting activities have come to stay in the District, saying “Our indoor games day and activity has come to stay and this will be coming up quarterly in the District”.
Some of the sporting events organised for the staff include Table Tennis, Scrabble, Boogie, Monopoly, Chess, Musical Chairs, Ludo, Ayo and Whot, among others.
LASDRI TO COMMENCE ONLINE TRAINING OF PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS
… Plans Annexe Office in Bolade, Oshodi
In its effort to curb the “delta variant” of COVID-19 and achieve the objective of training professional drivers, the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute has concluded plans to commence online training across the State.
The General Manager of the Institute, Mrs. Afusat Tiamiyu, who disclosed this during an interview on “Ire Ni Ti Wa”, a magazine radio programme on Bond FM 92.9, noted that the commencement of the online training was due to the influx of professional drivers wanting to renew their LASDRI Recertification Cards at the Agency’s various centres across Lagos.
She explained that Professional Drivers wanting to renew their recertification cards can now have training conducted online and print out temporary recertification certificates by visiting www.new.lasdri.org. The certificates will subsequently be presented at the nearest Centre or Annexe office of the institute for the issuance of a permanent recertification card.
Her words: “Professional Drivers can now access and conduct their mandatory training in the comfort of their homes, through our online platform. After going through the training, a temporary recertification card will be issued immediately. They are to print it and take it to the nearest Centre or Annexe of the institute to get their permanent recertification cards”.
While clarifying the recent controversy generated over the LASDRI Recertification Card, the General Manager said that the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) are both empowered by Law to ensure that all professional drivers comply with the government’s directives, which require all professional drivers to attend the Institute for their yearly mandatory training.
“It is of great importance for private and commercial vehicle operators to have the LASDRI Card and renew it annually. This is necessary, in view of the fact that the Institute has a curriculum, which differs from year to year, for drivers to update their driving skills and have an in-depth knowledge of driving rules and regulations”, she asserted.
The General Manager maintained that any trainee driver attending the Institute must have obtained a valid Drivers’ Licence, declaring that the LASDRI Recertification Card is not a substitute for a valid Drivers’ Licence.
While reiterating the unrelenting efforts at sharpening the skills of professional drivers, Mrs. Tiamiyu informed that the Institute will be opening a new annexe at Task Force Office, Bolade, Oshodi, to further decongest the number of trainee drivers attending the Ikeja Centre of the Institute.
She averred that the new location will bring the total number of the LASDRI’s centres and annexes to 10, appealing to all professional drivers to visit the Institute and benefit from its impactful training sessions, just as she emphasised the importance of compliance with all the rules and regulations guiding transportation in Lagos State.
LASURA INSPECTS 13 ROADS EARMARKED FOR REGENERATION IN SOMOLU
The General Manager of Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), Tpl. Ajibike Shomade, alongside members of the management team, has inspected 13 roads earmarked for regeneration in Somolu LGA.
Speaking during the tour, the General Manager disclosed that Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has approved commencement of the project, adding that the regeneration and redevelopment plan of the roads will start before the end of the year.
She, however, solicited for the cooperation of all residents of the community towards the timely and successful completion of the project, seeking their continued support for the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu.
Mr. Rotimi Olowo, representing Somolu Constituency I at the Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA), who welcomed the team to the area, thanked Mr. Governor for his approval of the project, informing that all residents of the community would forever be grateful to the present administration for the laudable project in the Local Government Area.
Some of the locations inspected by the team include Fagbenro Street, Olaoshebikan Street, Olatunde Street, Ikija Street, Oluwalogbon Street, Balogun Link Road, Ayeipe Street, Ogunbadejo Street and Akanni Street, among others.
LAWMA SET TO BAN DISPOSABLE PLASTICS WITHIN ITS WORKPLACES
Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) is set to ban single-use plastic materials, popularly known as ‘Disposable Plastics’ across its formations, as part of efforts to curtail the environmental menace posed by the item.
A release signed by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Lagos Waste Management Authority, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, noted that the agency is taking the step as a key stakeholder in the implementation of the Lagos State Plastic Policy, which is geared towards making the environment free from plastic pollution.
Odumboni said: “LAWMA, as an environment-friendly organisation, is totally committed to promoting the ban of single-use plastic across our work formations in the State. We are glad to lead by example while looking forward to other public and private bodies doing the same. The initiative is aimed at making the environment cleaner and safer from plastic pollution”.
He also called on residents to shun the act of indiscriminate dumping of waste at unauthorised locations such as canals, gutters, road medians and uncompleted buildings, pointing out that such practices worsen the challenge of flooding during the rainy season.
The Managing Director urged Lagosians to call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 07080601020 or 617 (for GLO users only), to report environmental infractions and make inquiries on waste management related issues within their area.
LAGOS ANNOUNCES SCHOOL RESUMPTION SCHEDULE FOR NEW ACADEMIC SESSION
… Adopts Staggered Resumption for Boarders in Model Colleges, Upgraded Schools
The Lagos State Government has announced the resumption guidelines for the Y2021/2022 academic session for public and private schools across the State.
In a release issued on Monday by the State Ministry of Education, the Honourable Commissioner, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, stated that all schools are expected to resume on Monday, 13th September 2021, while students of Model Colleges and Upgraded Schools will be required to resume in batches from Sunday 19th September, 2021.
In her words, “Boarders in Model Colleges and Upgraded Schools, as well as SS2 students seeking placement into SS3 class are expected to resume on Sunday 19th September, 2021. The revision for the classes will run from 20th to 26th September while promotion examination to SS3 class will start from 27th September to 8th October, 2021.
Mrs. Adefisayo further noted that the newly admitted JS1 students into Model Colleges and Upgraded Schools are to resume on Saturday, 2nd October, 2021 for a one-week orientation programme to intimate them on secondary school structure and modalities.
The Commissioner averred that other returning students in JS2, JS3, SS1 and the newly transited SS2 in the various Model Colleges and Upgraded Schools are to resume on Saturday, 9th October 2021, while classes for the students will commence on Monday, 11th October, 2021.
She also revealed that the adoption of staggered resumption for Model Colleges and Upgraded Schools was due to the presence of Y2020/2021 SS3 students currently writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) scheduled to end on the 6th of October, 2021, adding that another reason is that the schools cannot accommodate seven sets at once in the boarding system.
Adefisayo, therefore, appealed to parents to abide by the new development for a smooth academic session, just as she implored the students to be more diligent and devote more time to their studies.
LASG PLEDGES TO RESTORE GLORY OF SATELLITE TOWN
… As Forum Backs Hitch-Free Delivery of Right of Way
The Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, has reiterated the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration to restore the glory of Satellite Town, which was characterised by well-laid-out environment devoid of setback encroachments.
Speaking at a meeting with the members of the Satellite Town Forum at Alausa, Ikeja on Tuesday, Salako explained that the removal of encroaching structures is the last step in the process of establishing the Right of Way, which is usually preceded by adequate notices through newspaper publications and stakeholder meetings, amongst others.
The Commissioner assured the forum of the determination of Governor Sanwo-Olu to complete the project, adding that the valuation of affected structures by the Lands Bureau for the payment of compensation will also precede the eventual removal of encumbering structures.
Salako gave an assurance that the project will be executed in a friendly manner, stressing that owners of structures on the Right of Way have been adequately informed, through published notices and stakeholder meetings, over the past two months.
Responding on behalf of the Satellite Town Forum, the Chairman, Mr. G. Emitini, pledged the support of residents for a hitch-free delivery of the Right of Way for a successful reconstruction of Buba Marwa and Navy Town Roads in Satellite Town.
He also denied opposition to the project by members of the forum, imploring all affected residents to prepare for movement out of the Right of Way so that the axis could ultimately reap the benefits of good connectivity.
Emitini appealed to the Ministry to be considerate during removal of structures on the Right of Way, suggesting that the State Government should also consider the payment of adequate compensation to owners of affected buildings.
MEDICAL DIRECTOR ENJOINS PHYSIOTHERAPISTS TO EMBRACE TELEREHABILITATION
… As General Hospital Ifako-Ijaiye Celebrates World Physiotherapy Day
The Medical Director, General Hospital, Ifako Ijaiye, Dr. Bamidele Mustapha has enjoined physiotherapists in the country to embrace Telerehabilitation, also known as e-rehabilitation, due to the emergence of COVID-19.
Dr. Mustapha made the call on Wednesday in his address at an event to mark Y2021 World Physiotherapy Day, noting that Telerehabilitation would allow patients to interact with providers remotely and can also be used to assess patients and deliver therapy.
Represented at the event by the HoD, Community Health and Secretary, Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos Chapter, Dr. Ime Maria Okon, he described the method as the delivery of rehabilitation services over telecommunication networks and the internet, stressing that the practice will allow health professionals start adapting to changes in conformity with global trends necessitated by the pandemic.
“Telerehabilitation should be considered as a coping mechanism in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. People don’t need to be physically present at the hospital all the time to access healthcare services. It will also help everyone to follow all safety rules and regulations of social distancing”, he stated.
Speaking on the theme of Y2021 World Physiotherapy Day, “Rehabilitation and Long COVID-19”, Mustapha said the day is devoted to creating awareness, recognising and highlighting the services of physiotherapists to their patients and community despite facing unnecessary risks from the ravaging virus.
He explained that physiotherapists play crucial roles in the rehabilitation process of a patient convalescing from an ailment, adding that the rehabilitation for individuals recovering from COVID-19, which is still relatively new, should differ from person to person and should be based on their fitness level.
Dr. Mustapha said: “To optimise recovery, consider symptoms management and other factors beyond physical activity. Above all, in this hospital, we appreciate our physiotherapists for making sure our patients are well, mobile and independent. We will continue to support them to enhance their capacity and performance towards full recovery.”
The Head, Physiotherapy Department of the hospital, Mr. Victor Akande, affirmed that rehabilitation for long COVID-19 patients are tailored to the individual as well as full consideration of the symptoms, reiterating that safe and effective rehabilitation is a fundamental part of recovery.
Listing the exercise prescription for Long COVID-19 patients, Akande maintained that the exercise should be approached with care to minimise risk and ensure the implementation is restorative rather than exacerbating the individual’s symptoms.
“Breathing exercises can help restore diaphragm function and increase lung capacity after COVID-19 ailment, as well as help deal with feelings of anxiety and stress. Your breathing should be effortless and quiet, if you can hear your breathing you may be overdoing the exercise”, he said.
LAGOS, BELGIUM TO EXPAND BILATERAL TIES, EXPLORE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The Lagos State Government, on Tuesday, received a major economic boost as the Kingdom of Belgium expressed readiness to expand bilateral ties with the State government in order to tap into the several investment opportunities that abound in the State.
The State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Sam Egube, while welcoming the Belgian Ambassador in Nigeria, Mr. Daniel Bertrand, to his office in Alausa, Ikeja, reiterated the State government’s resolve to improve the economy through effective partnership and collaboration on investment opportunities.
He said, “We are pleased to have you in Lagos, we believe that effective partnerships form the bedrock of development and, in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda, Mr. Governor believes that we must have several levels of engagement and partnerships to make things work. So, one of the things we strive to do is to ensure that those partnerships go beyond talk into real definitive actions and as a result of this, we welcome you with a lot of excitement”.
“At the heart of it, we must attract investment and that means working very closely with the Federal Government, other State Governments and our developmental partners.
We are quite alive to that responsibility. We are restructuring our development partnership department here in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget to make it more proactive in partnering with others to solve mutual problems. We will like to co-create with our development partners”, Egube said.
On his part, the Belgium Ambassador, Mr. Daniel Bertrand, said the purpose of his visit was to familiarise himself with Lagos and the various opportunities which will be presented to a delegation of Belgian business entrepreneurs, who are interested in doing business in the State, despite the already active Belgian business community in Nigeria.
He informed that a Belgian delegation would soon be in Lagos to explore investment opportunities in the Nigerian market.
His words: “One of the priorities of my term is to strengthen our bilateral ties in Nigeria, especially in the economic and commercial fields. It has a huge potential as there are some very active Belgian companies in Nigeria, like Nigerite. But I think we can be far more productive than we are now and that is why we are going to welcome in the next few months a delegation of business entrepreneurs coming to Nigeria to see what they can do here, as they are very interested in the Nigerian market and they will visit Abuja and Lagos soon”.Other dignitaries in attendance include Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Belgium in Nigeria, Mr. Stef Commers; Special Adviser to the Governor on Economic Planning and Budget, Aare Adebayo Sodade; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning & Budget, Mrs. Abiola Liadi and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Budget, Mr. Lekan Balogun, among others.
EDO NEWS
We’re open to serve Edo people – JARA Stores
JARA Stores, Nigeria’s leading discount outlet, on Wednesday, opened its second store to residents in Edo State, promising to serve Edo people with exciting discounts and promos, as the state’s retail sector opens for more investment.
The new store is the second to be opened in Edo State on the back of a favourable business environment by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration that has attracted local and international retail giants into the state.
JARA stores in Edo State is operated under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) and EDLP Nigeria Limited.
Store Manager, JARA Stores, Osamede Igbinosa, who spoke during the official commissioning and opening ceremony of the new store in BDPA, Ugbowo, Benin City, said that the new outlet is meant to serve the people and provide discount sales to shoppers.
According to her, “JARA, as we all know, is the first discount store in South-South. It has improved the economy of the state a whole lot. JARA has employed people both indigenes and non-indigenes. It has actually improved and affected the economy positively.
“It is a discount store that enables you to enjoy discounts when you buy more. The more you buy, the more you save. For now, we are doing a huge promo for bulk buyers, retailers, and wholesalers. When you come with our discount card, it enables you to enjoy promos and discounts.”
She added: “We have promos that run every day. We have our weekly promos, monthly promos and we have weekend promos. We are giving you more for less because JARA has the best prices.
“We have unbeatable prices you can’t get anywhere except JARA stores. We thank the Edo State Government for providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. In less than two years, we are opening a second store and we give God the glory.”
We’re building strong institutions to restore Edo’s lost glory – Obaseki
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his government is building stronger institutions to restore the state’s lost glory and reposition it for sustainable growth and development.
Obaseki stated this when he received members of the panel for the appointment of principal officers into the Edo State College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, who were on a courtesy visit, at the Government House, Benin City.
The governor noted that “to restore Edo to its God’s given position in the country and in the subcontinent, there are certain things we need to do. We have to build institutions to build human capacity to explore and exploit our national resources.”
According to him, “That is why we carefully selected the people who will now select those to run the institutions for us. I pray that our people now realize that there are certain things that we don’t play politics with. You don’t play politics with the future of your children.
“We believe that when we have a proper renewal of our institutions and begin to train our naturally-endowed young people in this country, they will dominate this subcontinent as they have always done.”
Reassuring the team of his support, the governor said, “I want to assure you that whatever you come up with, which I trust will be professional and well-considered; that is what we will go with.”
He continued: “We are politicians; yes, we know that we need to give things back to our supporters, but not this way. We need to build institutions.
“We are working with international institutions to make sure that this school becomes a centre to train extension workers, because you cannot have a viable agricultural industry in this country without well-trained and motivated agriculture extension workers.”
“I am hoping that this institution becomes the school of excellence for that. Please, have that in mind as you consider the candidates, because that is one thing that we are passionate about,” Obaseki charged.
Earlier, Prof. Kolade Ayorinde, who is head of the panel, assured the governor that the team would put in their best in ensuring that the best candidates are recommended for his consideration for appointment as principal officers for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
COVID-19 3rd wave: Four more unvaccinated persons die in Edo, as fatality hits 30, confirmed cases reach 840
…govt inoculates over 53,914 persons with Moderna, AstraZeneca vaccines
The death of persons who are unvaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccines is on the rise in Edo, as the state recorded four more fatalities, raising the total number of confirmed COVID-19-related deaths in the third wave of the pandemic in the state to 30.
The State COVID-19 Incident Manager, Dr. Andrew Obi, disclosed this after the daily virtual meeting of the State COVID-19 Taskforce, chaired by the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
He said the state also confirmed 65 new cases, bringing the number of confirmed cases in the state to 840.
Obi, who decried the rising number of infections and deaths in the state, expressed worry that more unvaccinated persons have continued to die from the virus.
He further charged citizens to leverage the opportunity of the availability of the vaccines in the state to get inoculated against the virus in order to stay alive and healthy.
According to him, “Edo State, in the last 24 hours, recorded the death of four more persons who were unvaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccines, bringing the total number of fatalities recorded in the state to 30.
“We also confirmed 65 new cases from the 339 samples collected within the 24-hour timeframe, with a case positivity rate of 19.2 percent. Edo currently has 578 active cases that are being managed at various treatment and isolation centres across the state.”
The Incident Manager said the state has now collected 11,647 samples and recorded 840 confirmed cases and 233 recoveries since the outbreak of the third wave of the pandemic in the state.
Noting that the government has intensified the vaccination of residents across the state’s 18 local councils, Obi said Edo has inoculated over 53,914 persons since the commencement of the second phase vaccination exercise, with 48,057 persons vaccinated with Moderna, while 5857 others were inoculated with the AstraZeneca vaccines.
COVID-19 3rd wave: Death toll climbs to 26, as four more unvaccinated persons die in Edo
…govt urges full vaccination to get complete protection against virus
Edo State has recorded four more COVID-19-related deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities recorded in the third wave of the pandemic in the state to 26.
Head of the state’s COVID-19 Case Management, Dr. Ebomwonyi Osagie, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Government House in Benin City.
He said the state, in the last 24 hours, also confirmed 14 new cases and recorded three new recoveries, with 592 active cases that are being managed at various treatment and isolation centres in the state.
“Over the weekend, we collected a total of 1,273 samples and confirmed 148 cases, four recoveries, and four deaths. From the weekend till date, we have had a total of 8 deaths,” Osagie noted.
He said three out of the four deaths recorded in the state are unvaccinated, while the other one was partially vaccinated, adding that taking just one dose of the vaccine is not enough to prevent the virus from affecting people.
He stated: “When you have partial vaccination, it covers you for a period of time pending when the coverage expires. To be protected, one needs to be fully vaccinated by ensuring one takes the two doses of the vaccines. You must complete the vaccination; you can’t take one dose and say it is enough but need to complete the dose which protects you from the virus. We should ensure that we get fully vaccinated as the risk is getting high.”
On his part, Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Health Dr. Osawonyi Irowa, noted that government’s aim is to minimize COVID-19 avoidable deaths, urging citizens to keep off from crowded environments, ensure the compulsory wearing of facemasks and obey the non-pharmaceutical protocols against the spread of the virus.
He added: “One jab will not protect you as only the two jabs will do. Each jab protects you for a certain period. I urge Edo citizens to please show up for their second dose as there is enough for them.
“Many persons carrying the virus are not down with sickness and don’t have symptoms but yet transmit the virus to people. Some people who are COVID-19 positive are not sick but those that are sick are those that we are working hard and battling to keep alive.”
Obaseki, Onu seek synergy among varsities, research institutions, others to drive nation’s growth, devt
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu have tasked universities and research institutions to work in synergy in pursuit of the country’s economic prosperity and technological advancement.
The duo made the call when the minister paid the governor a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
Obaseki, who commended the minister for his efforts at uniting institutions across the country to propel development in the nation, called on the Federal Government to allow states to have significant control over research institutes, particularly that of oil palm and rubber.
He said: “We are proud of your initiative in trying to bring everybody together under one sector, which is the Nigerian sector: the ministry is an enabler in the Nigerian economy.
“What you have started is the right way to go and we have no choice, but execution is the issue. There is nothing new in this country, but everything said has been written and researched over again. Things have not changed because of self-interest, not national interest.
“I assure the minister that Edo State is ready to work with the ministry as the state is blessed with different federal institutions in the state, but they work independently rather than working together to develop the state and nation at large.”
Obaseki continued: “If we want to thoroughly develop this country, the Federal Government should understand that the ministry is an instigator, as well an enabler that makes things happen.
“Government should be responsible for making sure that all the institutions in the state deliver to the people; whether in industry, agriculture, or all other sectors in the state.”
Earlier, Onu said the synergy among the institutions was imperative to boost the nation’s economy.
According to him, “All the centres of knowledge in the nation; be it university, research laboratories, institutes, or polytechnics, have all been working independently on their own as if others don’t exist. It’s not good enough for Nigeria as a nation.
“It has created a tremendous problem for the nation, as we have our problems that we need to collaborate to solve, but instead, we now import everything that we need. It’s not good for us as a nation. We now export jobs and have a serious unemployment problem in the country. This can only be checked if we start producing in Nigeria.”
The minister further stated: “We want to establish technology and innovation centres for global competitiveness. These centres will be established in the six geo-political zones as all the universities, polytechnics, research laboratories and institutes in each of the zones will come together to collaborate in order to help accelerate development in Nigeria.
“We will no longer allow all these centres of knowledge to work independently, but rather start working together to enable them to carry out good research that will solve the nation’s problems. The collaboration will enable commercialization, and standardization will be made easy.”
Obaseki assures of improved LG service commission to enhance productivity, efficiency
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the Edo Local Government Service Commission will be repositioned, and workers empowered for better efficiency and optimal service delivery.
The governor gave the assurance when the commission presented its 2020 Annual Report at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
Obaseki maintained that the local government is an important tier of government, noting that achievements by any government will be insignificant if the local government councils are not viable.
According to him, “the local governments have a bigger role to play in the life of the people in terms of the perception and impact of government than at the state level.
“We pay salaries and pensions on time on the 26th of every month, but if the local governments don’t pay, there will be more people that will not get money. So, we cannot justifiably argue that the government is paying salaries on time when there is a segment of government workers that are not getting their salaries as and when due. It will rubbish whatever achievements that we have made at the state level.”
Governor Obaseki further stated that the government is mulling more investments in the local governments, adding that the quality of human resources is weak, hence the need for capacity building for better service delivery.
He expressed worries that monies were being removed from the coffers of the councils without due process, adding, “A situation where people take cash advances in huge amounts and they don’t retire it and nothing happens is worrisome. A situation where you cannot correlate the staffing in certain local governments with their resources or earnings is a problem.”
On his part, the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Chief Tom Uloko, said the commission, which was inaugurated on 26th November 2019, has recorded some achievements, including the promotion and advancement of 5,372 senior and junior staff across the 18 local government councils, confirmation and conversion of 574 junior staff, and approval of voluntary and compulsory retirement from service for 191 members of staff, among others.
Nigeria’ll overcome security challenges – Obaseki
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed optimism that the country will overcome its present security challenges, but called on Nigerians to join hands with the government in the fight against insecurity.
Obaseki stated this while addressing the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, during a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City.
The governor, who hailed Buratai for his service to the nation, said the country is building on the foundation laid by the ex-Army chief in the fight against insecurity.
According to him, “The foundation you laid as Chief of Army Staff is what we are building on today. You are here in Edo because we appreciate what you have done for this country.
“Our Esama of Benin, whom we are very proud of, is a very vast and foresighted man that is always full of gratitude. When he named that centre after you, you were in service. It was deliberate because at no time in our history were we faced with the kind of security challenges that you faced as Chief of Army Staff.
“We could see how God used you to overcome those challenges. For us as a state, the relationship that we have with the military today was laid during your tenure. You have always been dependable and that encouraged us to develop a very mutual relationship with the military commission in Edo.
“You are here today to commission a centre. At no time in our history have we needed to focus on security as strategically as we should now, which is why this centre for me is important. It is necessary that we are taking the issue of security seriously.”
He continued: “As a state, we will continue to work with the national authorities. Like I keep saying, Nigeria has come to stay. We are facing our challenges like other countries and communities in the world and that is where we need leaders like you to step up.
“It doesn’t matter what people do to you personally; as long as you know you are there serving God and the people, doing what we believe is the right thing and in the interest of our people and our country. Politics will come and go; politicians will come and go, but Nigeria will remain.”
“As far as we are concerned in Edo, we will continue to do our own bit in contributing to the harmony and unity of Nigeria,” the governor reassured.
Earlier, Buratai said he was in Benin to inaugurate the Buratai Centre for Contemporary Security Affairs, a centre which was named after him by Igbinedion University, Okada.
Edo PDP commences e-registration, targets one million members
The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Monday, commenced its e-registration exercise for membership drive, with a target to register one million members for the party in the state.
Speaking at the flag-off of the nationwide exercise, at the state party secretariat in Benin City, Chairman of the Edo State e-registration committee, Rt. Hon. Kabiru Adjoto, expressed optimism that with the cooperation of party members, stakeholders and leaders, the exercise would be successful.
According to him, “the committee’s target is to register one million members for the PDP in the state. We are also setting up e-registration Technical Academy in each Senatorial District, where agents will be receiving adequate training throughout the period of this exercise.
“The exercise will be leadership-driven; party leaders are encouraged to help deepen awareness creation through diverse publicity mechanisms such as sponsorship of jingles on television and radio, as well as banners which may even bear the image of the sponsor.”
Adjoto added, “Party leaders are also at liberty to recommend individuals to us who they wish to sponsor as ward field agents for the exercise, details of such persons should be forwarded to Edo PDP e-registration Help Desk Centre, located at No. 59, Airport Road, Benin-City.”
He further stated that the party had “put all modalities in place to ensure that the exercise is all-inclusive, across various categories of party members and intending members.”
On his part, Edo State PDP Chairman, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, urged members and intending members to turn up for the exercise, noting that with Governor Godwin Obaseki as national chairman of the e-registration committee, the state could not afford to fail in ensuring the success of the exercise.
COVID-19 3rd wave: Edo urges vaccination as infection rises, fatality climbs to 22
…unvaccinated persons account for 100 percent of deaths
The Edo State Government has intensified the vaccination of citizens across the state’s 18 local government areas, urging those who have been inoculated to come out and get vaccinated in order to remain healthy and protected against the deadly virus.
The State COVID-19 Incident Manager, Dr. Andrew Obi, disclosed this after the daily virtual meeting of the State COVID-19 Taskforce, chaired by the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki.
Obi, who decried the rise in the number of infections and deaths in the state, noted that it is imperative for all residents to be vaccinated to stay alive and healthy, as more unvaccinated persons continue to die from the virus.
He said Edo has recorded 22 deaths since the outbreak of the third wave of the pandemic in the state, adding that all deaths in the state are persons who were never inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccines.
According to him, “Edo State, in the last 72 hours, recorded the death of four more persons who were unvaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccines, bringing the total number of fatalities recorded in the state to 22.
“We also confirmed 146 new COVID-19 cases, 48 recoveries, with 514 active cases that are being managed at various treatment and isolation centres across the state.”
Restating the need for all residents to get vaccinated, Obi said “all persons who have died from the virus in the third wave were unvaccinated, while over 96 percent of confirmed cases are those who were never vaccinated.”
The Incident Manager said the state has now collected 10,936 samples and recorded 761 confirmed cases, 225 recoveries, as well as vaccinated over 42,668 persons across the state.
Edo Police, local vigilante comb forests, assure arrest of killers of Olajide Sowore
A combined team of security operatives in Edo State at the weekend combed the forests in search of the killers of Olajide Sowore, the younger brother of Sahara Reporters’ Publisher and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore.
The security team includes men and officers of the Edo State Police Command, local hunters and members of the Edo State Vigilante Security Network.
The Edo Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Kontongs Bello, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Benin City on Sunday.
According to him, “It has become very necessary for the police to inform the general public that the police are on top of the situation since the incident happened yesterday at about 6:45 a. m.
“Bush combing has started yesterday; the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Philip Ogbadu, has directed that all the tactical teams and the Divisional Police in Okada put hands together in combing the forest.
“The local vigilante in Okada, the police team from the state headquarters and the divisional police in the area are all together combing the bush to arrest the perpetrators and also rescue five others who are still with the kidnappers.”
The Police spokesperson added: “Olajide Sowore was not part of the occupant of a commercial bus belonging to a private company that got spoilt at about 2:00 a.m on the said day, who were the target of the kidnappers.
“Sowore who was coming from Okada going towards Benin was just a victim whom they tried to stop and he refused and they shot at his car. The Commissioner of Police is doing everything possible to ensure that these people are arrested and those kidnapped are rescued.”