Global Perspectives (2024)

01/07/2022

We start this month on an advocacy note. Happy New Month, July 2022.
We must strive to take back 9ja
All hands must be on deck that only the competent candidate emerge in the next general election 2023.
Join us as we X-ray this topic-Diaspora voting and the role of Nigerians in diaspora in furthering and advancing democracy in Nigeria.
Streaming live on our Facebook and YouTube channels-Global Perspectives.

01/07/2022

It is believed that Nigerians in diaspora play a significant role in furthering democracy in Nigeria due to their level of exposure and having experienced how better democracy is run across the world.
Join us on the round table streaming live on our Facebook and YouTube channels Global Perspectives on Saturday July 2nd, 2022 @ 3pm EST and 8pm WAT.

16/06/2022

The cost of nomination and expression of interest forms set by most political parties in Nigeria is above the roof, is this healthy for Nigeria's democracy, join us our the round table let's have this discussion on Friday June 17th 12pm EST, and 5pm WAT.

07/06/2022

We have lost count of the incidence of gun violence and mass shootings in the United States, we wake up mostly on the daily to such devastating news, what must the policy shapers do as a matter of agency to address such ugly trend.

03/06/2022

Nigeria has become the top three most terrorized country in the world, this discuss brings to bear some of the remote causes and proffers possible ways to achieve national and world peace.

02/06/2022

Nigerian Public Universities have embarked on strike in almost every administration, what are the demands of ASUU, how can their demands be met, impact on the education sector and what does the future holds

12/06/2021

Obaseki salutes Nigerians on Democracy Day, urges eternal vigilance to consolidate ideals

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, felicitates with Nigerians, as the country marks this year's Democracy Day.

It has, indeed, been an eventful two decades during which the country has undergone tremendous changes, with citizens and government joined in an ongoing assignment of harnessing the human and material resources of our dear country in pursuit of peace, development, equity and progress.

We are currently faced with numerous challenges which tug at the very core values that hold us together, but as with all of life challenges, it takes commitment, sacrifice and noble intentions to get through the rough patches we are experiencing. The people and the government hold the key to the solution of our problems and we must work together to make our country truly great.

We have a ready example in Edo State, which today is a beacon of hope for democracy. It is the doggedness to rescue the state from the doldrums exhibited by Edo people during the last election that Nigerians need so as to keep faith in the country alive. It takes eternal vigilance to keep our country one and prosperous.

As we mark this year's Democracy Day on June 12, I urge all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to salvaging our country and positioning it for greatness, with the same vigour and commitment displayed by our founding fathers. It is only then that we can make real progress.

Happy Democracy Day

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Godwin N. Obaseki

Governor, Edo State.

Democracy Day: Obaseki salutes Nigerians, urges eternal vigilance to consolidate ideals

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has felicitated with Nigerians, as the country marks this year's Democracy Day.

Obaseki, in a statement, urged Nigerians to rededicate themselves to salvaging the country and positioning it for greatness, with the same vigour and commitment displayed by the nation’s founding fathers.

The governor noted: “It has, indeed, been an eventful two decades during which the country has undergone tremendous changes, with citizens and government joined in an ongoing assignment of harnessing the human and material resources of our dear country in pursuit of peace, development, equity and progress.

“We are currently faced with numerous challenges, which tug at the very core values that hold us together, but as with all of life challenges, it takes commitment, sacrifice and noble intentions to get through the rough patches that we are experiencing.

“The people and the government hold the key to the solution of our problems and we must work together to make our country truly great,” he added.

According to him, “We have a ready example in Edo State, which today is a beacon of hope for democracy. It is the doggedness to rescue the state from the doldrums exhibited by Edo people during the last election that Nigerians need so as to keep faith in the country alive. It takes eternal vigilance to keep our country one and prosperous.

“As we mark this year's Democracy Day on June 12, I urge all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to salvaging our country and positioning it for greatness, with the same vigour and commitment displayed by our founding fathers. It is only then that we can make real progress.”

29/05/2021

4+4 Ogbane

14/05/2021

Edo govt to resume demolition of illegal structures, reads riot act to developers, street traders

The Edo State Government has disclosed plans to continue with the demolition of illegal structures on unauthorized places across the state.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chris Abode, in a statement, said the exercise became necessary following the expiration of the notices earlier served illegal developers and street traders for gross violation of the state’s extant town planning laws and regulations.

Abode further charged illegal developers and street traders to, in their own interest, demolish or remove the illegal structures and reinstate the land to its original status.

The statement reads: “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public, especially illegal developers and street traders that the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development will forthwith continue with the demolition of illegal structures following the expiration of the notices earlier served on them for gross violation of the State Extant Town Planning Laws and Regulations.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the illegal structures include eave-extensions, structures erected on the right of way of Roads/Streets, Walk-ways, Moats, River Banks, TCN High Tension Lines, as well as all attachment on wall fences, caravans, kiosks and wooden sheds.

“All such illegal developers and street traders are hereby advised in their own interest to demolish or remove the illegal structures and reinstate the land to its original status.”

“Such illegal developers are to note that those who fail to remove the offending structures will be sanctioned and the cost of removal by the Government recovered from them in accordance with State Laws,” Abode noted.

12/05/2021

Eid-el-Fitr: Obaseki felicitates with Muslim faithful, urges tolerance, peaceful coexistence

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated Muslims in the state as they celebrate Eid-El Fitr after the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

In his Eid-El Fitr message, Obaseki charged Muslim faithful to remain steadfast and continue to pray for peace and unity of the country, noting that development and growth can only take place when the people are united.

The governor further urged them to embrace the spirit of love, selflessness, tolerance, sacrifice and charity, as taught by the Holy Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W).

“On behalf of the Government and people of Edo State, I felicitate with our Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr after completing the Ramadan fast, a major pillar of Islam.

“The Holy month of Ramadan is an opportunity for our Muslim brothers and sisters to deepen their relationship with Allah. I urge you to use the season as a period to reflect on our individual and collective roles in promoting and sustaining love, peace and harmony in the country.”

The governor also hailed Muslims in the state for their support in the state government’s response to the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, urging them to continue to observe the COVID-19 safety protocols as laid out by the government and health authorities.

11/05/2021

Obaseki boosts security, donates 15 operational vehicles to Edo Vigilante

_…canvasses increased inter-agency partnership to combat crime_

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki on Monday donated 15 operational vehicles to the Edo State Community Vigilante Security Network to enhance their performance and strengthen security in the state.

The governor presented the vehicles after a meeting with members of Edo State Community Vigilante Security Network and heads of various security agencies in the state, held at the Government House, Benin City.

“We have made some vehicles available for the first batch to enhance your mobility, as the fueling arrangements have been put in place. We are making arrangements for more bullet proof vests to protect your men when you go out on operations. Also, we will give you more communication gadgets to enhance communication,” he noted.

Obaseki, who commended the efforts of the Vigilante Network, thanked them for their efforts in dislodging kidnappers in the state, as well as supporting the federal security agencies in ensuring the security of lives and property in Edo State.

He said: “I get daily reports of the success of your activities and successes recorded in recovering arms and ammunition, as well as your efforts in recapturing escapees from the prison jailbreak. I want to commend you for the role you have played in supporting the over-stretched federal security agencies in maintaining law and order in various communities. I thank you for the risks you are taking for us.

“We are aware of your challenges and decided that the Force grows from the base, organically, not politically; that was why you people were selected, not imposed from your various communities. You have justified your existence, vindicated yourself and the government, knowing that security is local.”

He continued: "We are also going to work with you and the federal agencies. Last week, l was in Ogida training school to see the state of the training facility and committed to helping the police refurbish the facility, which we have already started in order to make it available for your training.

"You all are aware of the height of the security challenges and we quietly worked out our own response and created our own security volunteer network. Today, it has grown, doing what we expected it to do by connecting security between local communities and federal security agencies.”

The governor reassured that his administration will put in place a legislation to strengthen the security network and help it discharge its responsibilities effectively.

"We will put the necessary legislation in place, ensuring it doesn't conflict with the existing arrangements on ground. You are like an operational force to support the existing security structures in the state,” he added.

Obaseki, while commending them for the rescue of the 13 kidnapped victims, reassured, "As you move deeper into the forests to dislodge kidnappers from their camps, we will continue to support you in cash and in facilities.”

Earlier, Coordinator of the state’s Vigilante Network, Mr. Yusuf Haruna, noted, "We have established a Vigilante up to about 75 percent of the 1,416 communities across the 18 local councils of Edo State. We have divided Edo State into zones and units and have appointed 240 zones in Edo South, five zones in Edo Central and six zones in Edo North; making a total of 251 zones across the state.

PHOTO CAPTION:
IMG_01:
L-R: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Coordinator, Edo State Community Vigilante Security Network, Mr. Yusuf Haruna; Commander, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. S.A. Abdullahi and Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, after a meeting with members of Edo State Community Vigilante Security Network and heads of various security agencies in Edo State, at the Government House, Benin City, on Monday, May 10, 2021.

07/05/2021

Obaseki commits to upgrade of Police Training School, reassures safety, improved security

_…pledges increased support, capacity building for security personnel_

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his government has concluded plans for the upgrade of the Police Training School in Ogida Barracks, Egor Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Obaseki, who disclosed this when he was led on an inspection tour of the facility by the Edo State Police Commissioner, Philip Ogbadu, said his administration remains committed to the safety and security of lives and property of Edo citizens.

The governor noted that the upgrade of the Ogida training school will provide the State with a permanent training facility that will benefit policemen and other security agencies, equipping them with skills needed in discharge of their duties effectively and efficiently.

Obaseki said: “We are fortunate to have the Ogida training facility in the State to train policemen. We have been in touch with the police headquarters and agreed that Edo State Government will intervene in upgrading and improving the training facility and make it available for training the policemen and other members of the security architecture in the State.

"We are redesigning the security architecture for the state and it will enable us to have a permanent training facility for about five or six squads at a time, made up of fifty men in each squad.

"They will be equipped with introductory training in security, intermediate and advanced training as well in different levels. It can't happen with the facility in a state of disrepair.”

“This is why we have come in to do an evaluation and assessment ourselves. The clinic needs to be rehabilitated and re-equipped and the hostels need to be rebuilt and re-equipped for decent habitation. The classroom needs to be rebuilt and the training ground and the obstacles need to be upgraded and repaired,” he added.

The governor further noted that “the state government is concerned about the state of the security system and cannot leave it for the Federal Government alone. Security is everybody's concern and as a state government, we have decided to put our money where our mouth is and use what we have to try and solve our problem”

Earlier, the Police Commissioner said that “as a Force, we are happy that this facility is going to be upgraded by the Edo State Government. It will make it easier for us and other security outfits to carry out refresher courses and training here at the Ogida Training facility.”

05/05/2021

Govt alone can't fund varsities, says Obaseki

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has called on universities in the country to deploy new technologies in upgrading teaching and learning outcomes so as to meet up with the demands of modern societies.

He noted that they must evolve and become more viable, as the government alone cannot fund their operations.

Obaseki gave the charge while addressing members of the Presidential Visitation Panel to the University of Benin (UNIBEN), led by the Chairperson, Mrs. Amal Pepple, during a courtesy visit to Government House, Benin City, the Edo State capital.

According to him, “With the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic, the whole process and method of learning and impacting knowledge has changed or is changing radically globally. Therefore, the way we think about university and the purpose of university must also change.

"We have seen the role of technology in education and the role of technology in transforming lives. We cannot ignore that fact and continue to believe that it is not relevant.

"The other challenge I am sure you will have to deal with is that of funding the university. Realistically, I don't think the government alone can fund universities. I think we should explore other means to make our universities viable.”

He continued: "As far as we are concerned, the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has produced more manpower than any other institution in the state. So, we have an interest and a stake.

"We don't see it as a federal university; we see it as our own university. We will always do everything we can to support the institution. We have our own universities and we are going through the same challenges you just mentioned.”

"I received the result of the visitation panel of Ambrose Alli University, so I can imagine the kind of work you will have to deal with. Your track records speak for itself; if anyone can do the job, it's you. We have no doubt that you are going to do a thorough job,” the governor noted.

He charged the panel to come up with recommendations that will help in strengthening the university to be more viable, adding that “all our institutions have suffered from a lack of a sense of accountability. It has disappeared from our universities. It is disappointing to see the level of corruption in some of our universities.”

Earlier, Amal Pepple said that they have a huge task ahead of them, as they have a 60-day duration to submit their report.

Pepple, however, thanked the governor for the rehabilitation of some of the link roads within the campus and the renovation of the university hostels, which was used as the Games village for the just concluded National Sports Festival, tagged Edo 2020.

PHOTO CAPTION:
DSC_01:
L-R (front row): Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Vice Chancellor, University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prof. Lilian Salami; Chairman of the Presidential Visitation Panel to UNIBEN, Mrs. Amal Pepple; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; member of the Visitational Panel, Prof. Ahmed Fayam, during a courtesy visit to Government House, Benin City, on Wednesday, May 5th, 2021.

05/05/2021

Obaseki: We must restructure NDDC to engender devt in South-South

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reiterated the call for the restructuring of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to drive development of the South-South region.

The governor made the call during a meeting with the South-South Zone Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Government House in Benin City.

Obaseki said, "In the South-South, we must stand up to defend ourselves economically, politically and security wise. We have pretenders in the region who try to exploit the region and we must stop them.”

According to him, the South-South region has the needed resources to develop itself, but the inability to do this has impeded growth.

He added: “The current structure of the NDDC has caused underdevelopment in the region, with the federal government not showing any concern.

"What is going on in NDDC today is totally untenable. NDDC can't do any work in Edo and other states in the South-South. You can't use the resources meant for the region to develop other regions of the country."

Obaseki expressed worry that “the federal government seems not to care about the scandalS associated with NDDC. We have enough money in the region to build infrastructure and revive the economy. We can do it ourselves by stopping the interference.

29/04/2021

Obaseki moves to review Edo forestry laws, set up commission to secure assets

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has disclosed plans to set up the Edo State Forestry Commission and update the state’s forestry laws to checkmate activities of criminal elements and preserve the state’s forest assets.

Obaseki who disclosed this during a meeting with forestry stakeholders in Benin City, said the forests need to be policed and the process properly governed to keep criminal elements at bay.

He said his administration closed the forest following massive illegal deforestation, particularly the virgin forests such as Okomu and the Gele axis.

The governor noted: “Forestry is very important and can't be under any Ministry as it has to stand alone. We have to set up a Forest Commission that is only for forestry. This will help us update our outdated laws, which we have been operating for 60 years under the defunct Bendel State.

“You can't be using or operating the law of Western Region (60 years ago) today; we need to update the laws,” he added.

Obaseki continued: “We must come up with a Master plan for our forest that will put all of us in the know of what to expect in the business 20 years from now.

"We must have a new forestry law to stop us from operating lawlessly. We must secure the forest and this process must commence with the hiring of people and training them to secure the forest to help us carry out our reforms.

“The forest must be policed. Some of the security challenges we face today as a nation is as a result of the activities of bandits in the forest. We must know what is going on in our forests; it must be governed and we must know what is going on there.”

"Before now, Bendel (Edo) can boast as one of the areas of the British Commonwealth that has the best forestry management practices but the same cannot be said of the state today. We are taking serious measures as a government to correct this,” the governor noted.

He said his administration will carry all relevant stakeholders along, put a new law in place, hire forest guards and train them to secure the forest, adding “until all these are achieved, the forest will not be opened.”

Urging for collaboration among stakeholders to preserve the state’s forest reserves, Obaseki said: "There are allegations that politicians are a part of the problem with the degrading of our forest; we want to correct that and find out who these politicians are and ensure that we correct this.

“There is also an allegation of corruption in the Department of Forestry that people collect money to compromise the system; we would find them out.”

A Timber License Contractor, Isokpan Precious, drew the Governor’s attention to the illegality of a Chinese Company that degraded and is doing havoc to the forest as their movement is not tracked or monitored.

He said the Government is losing money daily following their illegal activities in the forest, urging the government to stop their operations and not allow them to have a field day.

On his part, Friday Aiguokhian, urged the government to block the entrance gate of the company to discourage the act for a safer forest, adding, "Our neighboring states still benefit as over 50 vehicles still convey wood through the Forest with the help of some security forces.”

26/04/2021

Obaseki congratulates Kamaru Usman for retaining UFC title

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has congratulated UFC Welterweight Champion, Kamaru Usman, who hails from Edo State, for retaining the coveted title.

Usman, at the weekend defeated his rival, Jorge Masvidal in a rematch with a vicious second-round knockout, to retain the UFC welterweight championship, putting his name on the short list of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.

Obaseki, in a statement, celebrated the undisputed champion for his agility, vigour and confidence, commending him for always showcasing the indomitable Edo spirit to the world.

He said: “I congratulate our own Kamaru Usman for retaining his title as the undisputed welterweight champion of UFC. The ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ once again shines brightly as an Edo Star, showcasing the indomitable Edo spirit to the world.

“We are proud of his achievements and wish him more victories in his career.”

16/04/2021

Mayaki and his Expired Media Practice

_By Crusoe Osagie_

I ignored the irresponsible journalism that John Mayaki, the attack dog of the Edo Peoples Movement (EPM), has displayed in the Edo State public space in the last three years primarily because of my respect for the office I held in government as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy and spokesperson of the governor. Now that I am not encumbered by the weight of that office, I want to give him the benefit of my experience as an editor.

So, I would like to educate him on the responsibilities of a journalist, which are to educate, inform, enlighten and entertain the public as well as the ethos of the profession which is the sacredness of facts, fairness, integrity and balance.

In a Christmas Day, December 25, 2020 message published by Premium Times, The Will, The EagleOnline and in other print and online newspapers, Mayaki fell on his sword by apologizing to Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akwa Ibom State, Mike Igini. In that apology, he admitted to willfully being a purveyor of falsehood in diminishing the estimation of the character of these persons in the eye of the public.

Unfortunately, he does not seem to understand the significance of this low point in his career as a journalist, apparently taking refuge in the assumption that Nigerians forgive easily and often do not hold people to account in the long term for their actions and inactions.

To put it mildly, however, Mayaki’s career as journalist and media practitioner is dead.

His current predicament is likened to that of a chicken whose head has been cut off, but the frantic, rhythmic movements of its legs and wings gives the false sense that it is still alive.

“I unfortunately allowed my political interest, and not my judgement as a professional journalist, to guide me on the information…” This is a line from Mayaki’s apology to Obaseki and Igini, which was widely published in the media.

Had this happened in climes where integrity forms the basis of operations for professionals, such as in Japan, where an individual’s integrity is considered more important than their life, a man like Mayaki would be strung in the sun to dry and would never again find relevance in any organization whatsoever, whether large or small.

I am providing this advisory for him with the assumption that he is even a trained journalist as I have it on good authority that he never completed secondary school education. He was rumoured to be a helping hand for journalists at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) complex in GRA, Benin City.

He was later said to have attended some remedial programmes to shore up his deficiencies and meandered his way to obtain some passable certifications. His last position was as a freelance reporter for The Nation Newspaper before he was co-opted into the political scene by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as a Special Assistant, the lowest aide in the political ladder.

Mayaki has tried to drum very loudly the recent issue of Governor Obaseki’s comments on Nigeria’s economic challenges. I hope he has heard from the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, who has admitted that the apex bank actually intervenes using the instruments the governor spoke about in supporting the government in instances of fiscal deficit. It is also clear that the advice by the governor urging responsibility in deploying this instrument is in order. But this means nothing to Mayaki who is still hallucinating from the terrible defeat in the September 19, 2020 governorship election in Edo State, which he seems to be completely unable to get over.

As for using one’s privileged position in government for the benefit of their family members, I hope Mayaki remembers that his direct family relatives, Kazeem Aliu, is a Still Photographer while Ernest Jeremiah is a Sound Man in the Press Unit in Government House. He had brought them in during his three-month stint in the Obaseki-led administration.

Our sense of natural justice would not allow us to take any action against them, as they cannot be held accountable for the infractions Mayaki committed while in office, the details of which I would not like to go into in this piece.

It is rather unfortunate that Mayaki still has the temerity to engage on this merry-go-round when he should bury his head in shame and spend the rest of his days trying to make it up to all the people he has put off with his nasty character.

_Osagie, an Editor with THISDAY Newspaper (on leave of absence) and public commentator, writes from Benin City_

13/04/2021

Int’l day for street children: Edo govt urges parents to embrace free education policies, skill acquisition programmes for children

The Edo State Government has urged parents to take advantage of the administration's policies on free education and skill acquisition programmes to check the menace of children roaming the streets.

During an event organized by Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, to mark the International Day for Street Children, in Benin City, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Dorcas Idehen, said the state government has put in place policies to support children to realise their fullest potential.

Idehen noted, “We are here to cry out against the ills of children living on the streets. We are joining our counterparts all over the world to say no to children living on the streets. It is sad that instead of our children living with their parents, guardians and under the shelter of their homes, they live on the streets and parks and sleep there too.”

“We are using this opportunity to tell the street children to unite with their parents, caregivers and guardians. We also urge our parents to look out for their children wherever they are and bring them home so that they can embrace the opportunities that the government has put in place for them,” she said.

According to her, “We have free education and if they cannot pursue the formal education, we have the skill acquisition centre and the technical and vocational college which the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has spent a lot of money to revamp to educate and empower these children so that they can be self-reliant and be useful to themselves and the society.

The Director, Child Development Department, Dr. Patience Uyigue, noted the street walk was carried out to sensitise members of the public on the plight of children on the streets.

She said, “We want to lend our voices with the voices of others across the globe to reserve the impact of COVID-19 on the children and also to let them know like other children that they have access to essential services provided by the government such as education, health services, clothing, food and other services that will improve their wellbeing and make their lives a healthy life, so that they can reach their full potentials.”

According to the Director, “living the children on the streets exposes them to so many hazards; they are vulnerable to ritualists, cultism, armed robbery and all forms of social vices, which in turn will fall back on the innocent citizens of the state.”

*PHOTO CAPTION:*
*DSC_01:*
Staff of the Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, during a walk to mark the International Day for Street Children, in Benin City.

Global Perspectives

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