Kakaki

The Deputy Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Mrs.) Maria Omozele Oligbi-Edeko Esq, (Representing the industrious people of Esan North-East Constituency II), has extended her warmest regards to Rt. Hon Friday Itulah, a former Speaker of Edo state House of Assembly and former House of Representatives member on the joyous occasion of his birthday.

In a Statement personally signed by the deputy Speaker, she described Itulah as a patriotic leader who has brought unity to Esan land and among Edo people in general.

Edeko said ” On behalf of my family, the people of Esan North-East constituency 11, I congratulate you on the occasion of your birthday.

“You are a patriotic leader, who has been diligent in the acts of uniting the people and nation-building.

“As a leader, you worked tirelessly for the success of your people and delivered on the aspirations and developmental needs of the good people of the state.

” I join your family, Esan people, friends, well-wishers and the People of Edo state to wish you more years of glory,”.

… Investors to partner with indigenous Miners in the State.

Edo State Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Hon. Enaholo Ojeifoh has unveiled plans by the government to develop Lithium and other solid mineral mining operations in the State.

This came to the fore at a meeting organized by the Ministry to find lasting solutions to challenges bedeviling Lithium and other Minerals mining in the State.

“The State Government is already working on implementing the agenda enumerated during the last Stakeholders meeting on leasing of Equipment, training of Youth in the mining Business, Power, etc.

Lithium mining is capital intensive, and the State Government wants to know the challenges faced by Miners”, he said.

He harped on the necessity for every Miner to join the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) while pointing out that it has become essential to establish a framework for providing power support to Miners through thorough profiling.

Hon. Enaholo further said, “The State Government’s objective is to foster the growth of the Lithium Industry by establishing a Lithium Processing Plant. There is a plan to convert Gas to power for Industrial Park. We intend to create a framework centered around Lithium Partnerships, leveraging connections with International Companies. Some of these foreign entities are willing to cover investment expenses.
The Government also aims to set up a buying centre for Lithium and other Minerals at very affordable prices. We must have a dialogue on the operational aspect of the system”.

Furthermore, the Commissioner said that Government was prepared to develop a model and explore additional minerals like Kaolin, Gypsum, and Coal. Our limestone reserves can also be utilized for manufacturing high-grade products beyond our current usage. It’s imperative to establish a power cluster, pinpointing the suitable Local Government area as our power hub. Clear consensus is required regarding the specific metrics and criteria for our power facilities”.

Additionally, the Director of Mining, Mr. Ihianle Omoruyi, stated that the State Government plans to set up a Weighbridge to weigh the quantity of minerals carried by Trucks conveying minerals.

The Chairman of Miners Association of Nigeria, Engr. Micheal Okhumode applauded the Commissioner for his interest in the State’s Mining sector. He stated that the Miners are ready for partnership but will not allow foreigners to mine directly, stressing that the foreigners will have to partner with the Indigenous Companies and follow the guidelines of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development. He appealed to the Government to help in equipment leasing, adding that laboratory analysis would help the Miners to know the percentage of each element present in a mineral.

The Chairman suggested nearness to the source of raw materials as regards the base power. He enumerated some Local Government Areas (Akoko Edo, Etsako West) in Edo North, where minerals such as Limestone, Dolomite, Kaolin, Feldspars, and Lithium are present in commercial quantities. He suggested Auchi for the Lithium Processing Plant.

Oyiro Orumen, a representative of the Freedom Group, pointed out that partnerships from Europe are welcome, but they must collaborate with indigenous Miners. He maintained that the indigenous Miners are knowledgeable and have a wealth of experience.

He expressed the belief that the Mineral Analysis Centre will flourish if established in the State, referencing Kaduna State, which owns one of the best analysis centres with high standards.

Another Representative of Freedom Group, Bamikole Segun commended the Commissioner for implementing the agreement reached with the Miners earlier. He said Edo State can take advantage of the Lithium Processing Plant, maintaining that Edo State is blessed with Kaolin that extends from Igueben-Ubiaja, then straight to Benue. Bamikole further stated that professionals should have a perfect understanding of the mineral formation and that there is an ongoing plan in Freedom Group to set up Weighbridge in the corridors and strategic points in no distant time in Edo State.

The representative of Goopex Company, Osayanmen Rapheal commended the State Government initiative, noting that miners are ready to participate. He said that the faraway miners were ready to join the drive.

The Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Engr. Fatai Jimoh stated that the Commissioner is working hard to offer solutions to the challenges in the state’s mining sector. He called on everyone to develop a model for both the host indigenous miners and those who are entering the sector. He added that Edo State is blessed with Coal around Ugiamen in Ekpoma axis; the cost of sampling is making miners lose interest in mineral evaluation.

PLEASE LETS MEET YOU
I am Rev. Fr. Andrew Aigbe Obinyan. Ordained Catholic Priest of Benin City Archdiocese 25 years ago. I am from Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State. Presently working in St. Francis Catholic Church, Benin City.

WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN POLITICS THAT IS GENERALLY ASSOCIATED WITH FILTH ESPECIALLY IN AFRICA?
Politics should not be seen as exclusionary activities of core politicians or elected officials. Churches play politics when they are organizing to create social change like those campaigning. Face plain facts, this is not a personal matter. I am not stretching further than I ought to, because Priests have been carrying the Gospel far beyond the Church to places like State House Chapel, Government House Chapel, speaking to every subject in front of politicians in government.
I have ministered to politicians as Chaplain of Edo State Government House from 2008 till date. I came close to Student Union Government as resident Priest in the University of Benin Campus for ten (10) years. As much as we are able, our sole purpose in politics is to kindle a light in the dark crevices and in tetrad traits in the human mind and society. I will put a blame on self-centered politicians who have caused men to associate filth and misgivings with politics. Hence, good people are admonished not to harness themselves in an uneven team with politicians. This should not be!
No matter how politically disengaged or cynical we may be, we must accept and face the fact that policies and decisions that enrich or impoverish society are defined and dependent on politics and politicians.

Politics that is about the common good and advancement of the society ought not to be associated with filth or left in dirty hands.

AS THEY SAY, WHO IS YOUR GOD FATHER? WHO ARE YOUR POLITCAL MENTORS?
Quite frankly, Jesus, who exemplified servant leadership and went about doing good is my godfather and mentor. Apart from him (Jesus), I am influenced and inspired by political leaders who sit around good ideas and harvest them for benefit of the people. Those who put ideas and actions in line with the good of the people; they are my mentors. Needless to say, that we have had leaders who soared greater height in governance.

SHARING MONEY PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN WINNING ELECTIONS. POLITICIANS SAVE BILLIONS TOWARDS THE RAINY DAY. WHAT IS YOUR TAKE?
I am unwilling to agree that sharing money alone on election day can guarantee victory. Nowadays, the rich and the poor alike face the ugly, worrisome and unpleasant consequences of bad governance. The evolving reality is that money at this time is only a deceptive hope for electoral victory. Good conscience, personalities and a longing for a better tomorrow now take the centered stage. This is fast robbing money bags of anticipated victory. However, if billions of naira is genuinely needed it will come speedily and cheerfully from men and women of good will to a trust worthy politician.

WHAT ARE YOUR DISLIKE IN POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE?
I hate when politicians major on the minor. Let me throw more light: The “major” for the politician is to fight poverty, unemployment, diseases, insecurity etc. Irrelevant distractions that are not about the people, should not draw their focus or attention from the major task at hand.

The people suffer when some politicians spend resources, time, and energy on inherently self-centered, self-serving ventures that their selfish ego deem ok. A breach of trust and declining confidence in political leaders is repugnant to me.

WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ABOUT THE CLAMOUR FOR A GOVERNOR OF ESAN EXTRACTION THAT HAS BEEN REFERRED TO IN SOME QUARTERS AS ESAN AGENDA?
Equity and fairness are some of the basic elements of socio-cultural and political tradition. Rather than calling it a clamour, I see it as healthy yearning that points to the foundation of our brotherhood and collective patrimony.
Edo is not big enough to split along tribal lines because of politics. Edo is good enough to remain united after election.
A sense of fairness, will help us manage our unity in diversity instead of managing our disunity in diversity.
I encourage all well-meaning Edolites at home and abroad, to join in chanting this chorus, in which individual voices become one united voice, maintaining the beat and rhythm which has travelled far.

The Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Mrs.) Maria Omozele Oligbi-Edeko Esq, (Representing the industrious people of Esan North-East Constituency II), has congratulated the Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie, Esq, on his decoration with the Excellent Leadership Award by a group in the United States of America in recognition of his exemplary leadership qualities, generosity and Humanitarian services to his community and Edo people.

Edeko, while celebrating the Award, said the news of the Excellent Leadership Award did not come to her as a surprise, adding that, the SSG, a ditrabalised Edo man, has been a pillar of support to all those who came across him.

She noted that the SSG’s exceptional leadership qualities, his generosity, open door policy and Humanitarian services to his community, Edo people, friends and Associates earned him the recognition.

According to the deputy Speaker, the news of your Excellent Leadership Award did not come to me as a surprise. It is an award well deserved and long overdue.

“Congratulations on reaching such a significant milestone. You have earned every bit of recognition coming your way.

“This achievement is a testament to your passion, determination and commitment to ensuring the well-being of your people.

Edeko said” You have set the bar high for all of us with your amazing leadership qualities and Humanitarian gestures,”.

The Deputy Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Mrs.) Maria Omozele Oligbi-Edeko Esq, (Representing the industrious people of Esan North-East Constituency II), on Monday congratulated Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki and the People of Edo State on the 32nd anniversary of the creation of Edo State from the defunct Bendel State.

Commending the Governor for his transformative projects, Edeko noted that, the Make Edo Great Again, MEGA agenda of the governor has put the State on the threshold of sectoral & institutional transformation; technological innovations, Education, Sports, Agriculture, Social welfare, Justice and women inclusiveness in governance in the State.

Edeko, while eulogizing the developmental strides the state has recorded in the past 32 years, thanked all well-meaning Edo people, present and past leaders who have contributed in one way or the other to make Edo the envy of other states in Nigeria.

She said “I congratulate the Governor and the people of Edo State on this auspicious occasion of the celebration of the 32nd anniversary of the creation of our dear state from the defunct Bendel state and the 60th anniversary of the Midwest Referendum,”.

According to the Deputy Speaker, as we celebrate, I enjoin all stakeholders irrespective of political affiliation to unite and be committed to the glory of a New Edo. We should all be committed and resolute to sustain the fundamental & basic transformation that has taken place in Edo State under the leadership of His Excellency, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki as this is the Road map to a Transformed Edo.” she said.

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The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) in collaboration with Edo Agricultural Development Project (ADP)on Saturday concluded the training of 50 Small Holder Farmers (SHFs) along Yam value chain enterprise and other key actors in Edo State.

The training which began on August 23, had yam farmers selected from the three senatorial district of the state in attendance.

Dr Samuel Owoicho the Edo State coordinator of FMARD, Edo office who was represented by Mr Micheal Amadin noted that the training took place simultaneously in South South, South West and South East geopolitical zones of the country.
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Samuel Owoicho said the farmers were trained on yam value chains which included processing, packaging, distribution, marketing and utilisation aimed at enhancing entrepreneurial skills amidst the global best practices.

Also speaking, the Project Manager, Edo ADP, Dr Edward Izevbigie said the training was expected to enhance the productivity of yam farmers in the state.

The Deputy Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, RT Hon. Maria Edeko on Tuesday raised alarm over the increasing rate of kidnapping in Uromi and Uzea communities in Esan North-East local government areas of Edo.

Edeko urged the state government to procure drones for surveillance for the troubled areas in order to curb the resurging kidnapping menace .

The alarm was raised in a matter of urgent public importance co- sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Rt.Hon Maria Omozele Oligbi-Edeko, (Representing Esan North-East Constituency II), Donald Okogbe and 9 others on the floor of the house.

Moving the motion, the Deputy Speaker and Co-Chief sponsor of the motion noted with dismay the resurgence of the activities of Kidnappers at Uromi and Uzea communities.

Edeko stated that their activities had made life difficult for the people of the areas as they could no longer go to their farms and carry out their daily commercial activities.

According to her, some armed gunmen have been adopting people in different parts of Uromi community in the past few weeks making them to live in perpetual fear and to close up their businesses quite earlier than usual.”

“My people are under siege in Uromi and environs. Some people were reportedly kidnapped at various times and locations in Uromi by armed gunmen and were only released after seven days in captivity while some others have not been released.

“It is now common knowledge that the kidnappers often request for ransom, food, illicit drugs and recharge cards from families of kidnapped victims

“The activities of kidnappers in Uromi and Uzea communities forced the United Uromi Youth Association to protest and cried out to the government and security agencies to protect the people from kidnapping” Edeko said.

In her consequential motion, Edeko called on the commissioner of Police and state security network to deploy security personnel to comb the bushes, mount surveillance in the affected areas to prevent further mayhem on the people with a view to arresting and prosecuting the kidnappers.

The Deputy Speaker also tasked the NDLEA, Commissioner of Police and DSS on intelligence gathering with a view to arrest and prosecute those manufacturing, selling and distributing illicit drugs within Esan North-East local government Area and Edo State in general, adding that, drug is a catalyst for crime.

Hon.Donald Okogbe (PDP Akoko-Edo11) who also narrated the ordeal his constituency had gone through, said that about 15 persons have so far been kidnapped in different parts of Akoko-Edo local government area with one killed while five others are still missing till date.

Other lawmakers unanimously supported the motion and called fir urgent measures to stem the menace of kidnapping in order to restore security of life and property in every nook and cranny of the state.

The Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, thereafter directed the clerk of the house Mr. Yahaya Omogbai to forward clean copies of the resolution to the relevant authorities for immediate action.

The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP) on Tuesday said that the Party was fully ready for the forthcoming local government election scheduled for September 2.

The Chairman of the Party, Tony Aziegbemi made this known while briefing newsmen on the party preparedness ahead of the election.

He noted that the local government election campaign council would be inaugurated on Wednesday adding that, governor Godwin Obaseki would be the chairman of the campaign council.

“We have our campaign councils in place, and they will be inaugurated tomorrow. We are starting the campaigns from Owan West local government area on Thursday.

“With this, we wish to state very clearly that we are ready for the elections. As a party, we have done everything that needs to be done and all arrangements have been made.

“It is a case of catch us if you can in terms of other political parties. This shows that PDP is growing stronger and stronger.

“We just wish that Edo people will listen to our message of delivering the dividend of democracy to our people and the fantastic job the governor is doing in the state,” he said.

Speaking further on the rift between the governor and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, Aziegbemi said there was no cause for concern adding that, leaders were doing their best to resolve the perceived disagreement.

“I do not want to speak much on this issue, the governor dealt with the issue very extensively when he met with some leaders of the party yesterday.

” The leaders of the party are not sleeping on this and we are looking at various options. You will expect that such rift will exist because even identical twins have different DNA.

“More so, when it comes to the political ambition of human beings, the DNA can go haywire. So, as a party, we think that we will control this.

” I assure you that we have this under our control. There is absolutely nothing to worry about. The rift will soon be a thing of the past,” Aziegbemi said

The Deputy Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Maria Edeko on Monday flagged off the renovation of Idumonza Senior Secondary School buildings in Uromi, Esan North East constituency 11, in Edo.

The project, a charity work, is being executed in collaboration with Mr Fred Ojeaga and other partners.

Speaking during the flag off ceremony in Uromi, Edeko noted that the gesture was to provide a decent and conducive environment for learning for the school children in the community.

This is actually a charity project, it is not a government funded project, my brothers and I are executing this project as a way to give back to the society for the benefit of our children.

“We are going to be renovating this Idumonza Senior Secondary school with modern building facilities

” It is going to be a total rebranding of the school and hopefully, we will complete it before the new school academic calendar begins in September

” It is not because we have too much money, it is because of the generosity of our hearts. When I brought up the idea, my brothers bought into it and in collaboration we are executing the project because they have the interest of the community at heart,” she said.

She advised the community to take ownership and ensure that they secure the facilities after its completion.

The Deputy Speaker, however, called on well meaning- Nigerians and indigenes if Esan land to begin to think of what they can do to better the lives of the vulnerable poor in the rural areas.

In a related development, the deputy Speaker also inspected the ongoing construction of Esan mobile police barracks in Ujogba in Esan North East.

The Leadership of the Law Students Association (LAWSA), University of Benin (UNIBEN) chapter on Sunday honoured Arigbe Victor Foundation with a Humanitarian award in recognition of its philanthropy services to humanity.

Arigbe Victor Foundation is a Non governmental organization(NGO) providing support and empowering youths and students including the welfare of the vulnerable poor in Edo.

The award ceremony organised by LAWSA, UNIBEN chapter, was part of activities for its final year students and it had in attendence the creme de la creme of the legal profession as well as staff and students of the Faculty of law in UNIBEN.

,The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof Ikponmwonsa Omoruyi Presented the Award to representatives of Arigbe Victor Foundation during the ceremony.

Presenting the Award, Omoruyi noted that the choice of the recipient for the special recognition award was informed by the foundation’s relentless commitment to the welfare of the downtrodden through his philanthropic deeds

According to Omoruyi, the award was also in recognition of the foundation’s efforts at enhancing and encouraging youth inclusiveness in leadership and governance.

Also speaking, the chairman of the organising committee, Miss Favour Itua lauded the founder of the Foundation, Hon. Arigbe Victor, for his support for the youths and the activities of the association over the years.

Responding on behalf of Arigbe Victor Foundation, the foundation’s director of publicity, Mr Idris Zekeri, thanked the organisers for considering it worthy of such recognition.

Zekeri urged the upcoming lawyers to always work on the path of truth, equity, and justice adding that, the future of the country depended on their informed input in the affairs of the nation and its development.

He assured them of the foundation and its founder’s continued support.