FACTBECKIE BLOG: February 2017

Tuesday 28 February 2017

EDO STATE GOVT FLAGS OFF 3-DAY TRAINING WORKSHOP ON TECHNICAL & VOCATIONAL TRAINING

Governor Obaseki addressing the participants

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has identified Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) as a vital key to ending youth unemployment in Nigeria.

Obaseki made the call while flagging off a 3-day Technical and Vocational Education Training Workshop in Benin on Thursday. He noted that the training would also help stem the tide of migration of youths to foreign countries through dangerous routes.

Governor Obaseki and Chairman of the Workshop, Prof. David Awanbor

Edo State Chief of Staff, Taiwo Akerele and Head of Service, Gladys Idahor

The workshop, with the theme; “Revamping Technical and Vocational Education in Edo State” which is in line with the vision of his administration to revamp technical education in the state was inspired by low human capacity development and general depreciation in technical and vocational based education.

He regretted that the situation had created a huge gap in the system noting that "there is no technical manpower to fill the growing technical demands of the modern economy and called for the incorporation of entrepreneurial education as an integral component of Technical and Vocational Education in the state.

He also made it known that a substantial amount had been voted in the 2017 budget for the development of technical and vocational schools in the state.

The governor therefore called on experts gathered at the workshop to use the platform to deliberate on the way forward in revamping TVET in the state.

The chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere and the Chairman of the Workshop, Prof. David Awanbor said they were optimistic that the workshop would achieve its aim.

They said that the participants were to come up with what will serve as a guide to the state government on how to revamp Technical and Vocational Education in the state.

Also speaking, the Registrar, National Board of Technical Examination Board (NABTEB), Prof. Ifeoma Isiugo-Abanihe described the workshop as an epoch-making one as technical education remains the fastest way to develop a state.

The 3-day workshop which started on the 22^nd of February, 2017 ended on 24^th of the same month.

REPORT BY KINGSLEY UCHEGBU

FASHOLA RECEIVES COMMENDATION FOR PROGRESS ON EDO ROADS, HOUSING

The Minister for Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has been commended by Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State for the progress of work on the Benin-Ehor axis of the Benin-Ehor-Lokoja Roads.

This was during the minister’s recent inspection of ongoing works at the Aduwawa axis of the road.

Mr. Fashola who was on an inspection tour of roads leading into and out of the state noted that full reconstruction of the bad portions on Ekpoma axis of the same road would be carried out to ensure durability of the road.

“I have gotten recommendations about the failed portions of the Ekpoma axis of the road. I have asked them to get money for the contractor to do full reconstruction of the bad portions, instead of patching it up, which will wear away soon. As soon as we get money, the contractor will come back to site”, he said.

The Governor, represented by his deputy, Hon Philip Shaibu commended the Minister for the works, saying that it would ensure good quality and speed up the completion of the road project.

He however called for prompt action on the bad portions of the road around the Auchi Junction at Jatto, Ekpoma axis and Ramat Park in order to prevent a total collapse of the road while commending the ministry on its housing programmes in the state.

Mr. Fashola (SAN) briefed the Governor about the ongoing projects being executed by the ministry; he said that the major challenge facing the power sector was shortage of gas to power gas turbines.

He however said that the power generation in the country had stepped up to 4000mw for two weeks now and could be increased to 7000mw if vandalism of gas pipelines was stopped.

“3000mw of power is not available because of vandalism of gas pipelines, which is not helpful to the country. If we can recover the 3000mw lost to vandalism and add to the 4000mw, we will have 7000mw. We cannot continue to destroy something and say it is unavailable to us, all of us most begin to speak to each other and sensitise against vandalism”, he said.

In addition, the Federal Controller of Works, Engineer Okey Oweh, speaking about the Benin-Ehor-Lokoja road said that the road contract was awarded in 2012 and divided into three phases. He added that a 12km carriage way had been constructed along the Auchi Axis of the road and that the accident-prone section at Ewu -axis of the road had been improved upon.

It is expected that the contractor handling the road would complete the Benin-Ehor axis of the road by May ending and work on the Ewu-Agbor-Sapele road had started.

He also remarked that 445 staff drawn from within and outside the state were currently working with the contractors on the Road Project.

Meanwhile, the Controller of Housing in the state, Mr. Andrew Ikechuchukwu said that the National Housing Programme for the ministry had commenced in the state.

He disclosed that the state government had provided a land around the Benin-Auchi road and that clearing of the land was on-going.

REPORT BY KINGSLEY UCHEGBU

GOVERNOR UMAHI (EBONYI STATE) NOW CHAIRMAN OF SOUTH EAST GOVERNORS

Middle – Governor Umahi (Speaking)

Governor Willie Obiano and Governor Rochas Okorocha

After a closed door meeting of South East Governors yesterday, Governor Umahi of Ebonyi State emerged new Chairman of the forum.

FILED IN BY KINGSLEY UCHEGBU

RIVERS ELECTION: SUSPECTED THUGS ARRESTED

Reports have confirmed that soldiers have overpowered and arrested suspected thugs who invaded Ulakwo in Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State during the election which held on Saturday, 25^th February this year.

It is not clear which political party hired the suspected thugs as interrogation is still on.

However, many of the arrested thugs have admitted that they were brought in from as far as Ogoni, Woji, Emohua and Ikwerre Local Government Area of the State.

The Saturday Election which was postponed due to violence in the area was held to choose representatives for the Etche Constituency II and Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency Seats.

See more pictures below:

REPORT BY KINGSLEY UCHEGBU

Monday 20 February 2017

PHOTO: SUSPECTED CULTIST BEHEADED IN SAKPONBA, BENIN CITY

PHOTO CREDIT: KINGSLEY UCHEGBU

Monday 13 February 2017

NGO AWARDS CHILD-FRIENDLY BRANDS

The child is the most vulnerable human being in the world. In most African countries, children don’t get all the help they need to grow and develop the way they should.

Unfortunately, Nigeria isn’t an exception.

Children need love and assurance of Safety. They need an inclusive society where they can participate especially in matters affecting them.

This was one of the concerns expressed on Sunday by the organisers of the Nigerian Child Friendly Awards (NCFA). NCFA is an offspring of a Non-Governmental Organisation called the Nigerian Child Safety Report Initiative.

Patron, Nigerian Child Friendly Awards (NCFA), Mrs. Annette Adeoba said the award ceremony was initiated to recognize, encourage and reward individuals, corporate organisations/institutions as well as the media for their roles in Child Support and Development in the Nigerian Society.

Patron, NCFA & Former Special Adviser to Former Governor of Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu - Mrs. Annette Adeoba

Guest Speaker- Deputy Provost, Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Lagos – Mr. Jide Johnson while speaking on ‘The Role of Media in Promoting Child Development’ remarked that as agents of change, the various forms of the media should intensify their efforts in the areas of awareness of the rights of children as well as indepth and unbiased coverage plus analysis of issues relating to children for the promotion of child development.

Deputy Provost, NIJ - Mr. Jide Johnson

Chief Host of the event – Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode represented by the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Mrs. Uzamat Yusuf while commending the efforts of the organisers reiterated the present administration’s determination in protecting the rights of every child in the state.

Lagos State Governor’s Representative - Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Mrs. Uzamat Yusuf

The nomination exercise was conducted in five centres across some chosen states of the Federation and the collated nomination list was approved by the Nigerian Children Parliament (of NCSRI).

Chairman, Jury, NCFA - Miss Jessica Ituan

As part of this year’s celebration of the award, the NCFA Team paid courtesy visit to corporate organisations and media firms for support and partnership.

From Left to Right: Patron, NCFC, Mrs. Annette Adeoba, Lagos State Governor’s Representative - Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Mrs. Uzamat Yusuf

Nollywood Actress – Grace Amah

The event climaxed with donations and support from sponsors (individuals and corporate organisations). The proceeds will be used for the execution of the Potable Safe Water Project; where every family in rural communities will have access to clean safe drinking water.

Some of the recipients of the awards are Lagos State Government, KLM Airline, Dana Airline, Bobo Foods and Beverages, BIC, Berger Paints, The Nation, Encomium, City FM, Mr. Jide Johnson amongst others.