BENIN CITY – Edo State government yesterday made good its promise to sanitize the Oba Ovoranmwen Square, Benin City and its adjoining Streets of Mission Road, Ibiwe, Oba Market Road and Lagos Street which were recently noted for their chaotic human and vehicular movement as all illegal structures were removed and cleared.

The sanitization project code named “Project Clean Up Edo”, headed by the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Barr. Osarodion Ogie began at midnight on Sunday with the demolition of make shift structures. At about 10 a.m. yesterday, when the government team arrived, everybody, traders especially, scampered to salvage their goods.

The move, it was gathered, is targeted at ridding the area of street hawking, trading on walkways, street trading and operations of illegal motor parks in various guise, for the purpose of ensuring free flow of human and vehicular movement.

With yesterdays exercise, the usual gridlock which had recently become a common feature in the area disappeared within 30 minutes of commencement of the operation.

Speaking with newsmen, Barr. Ogie said the Godwin Obaseki led administration will sustain the clean up of Edo state to restore sanity, law and order.

He said the task to clean up the State is a priority in line with the administration’s resolve to ensure Edo State is one of the cleanest in the country.

According to him, street and walkway trading have become a cause for concern as major markets in the state are devoid of traders as they all prefer to sell and trade on the streets while most stores in the markets are empty.

“As I speak with you, Edo State government has engaged four contractors to clean up Oba market, fix steel doors in the market to replace all the wooden doors so as to prevent fire.

“The government has also had discussions with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to ensure steady power supply in the market,” he added.

He said the effort is to ensure that the market is conducive for traders and also to encourage street traders to enter the market instead of trading on the streets.

He added that government has spent millions of naira and people are destroying the good works of the government while government will not fold its hands to watch.

“The exercise is a continuous one; we started from Ring Road and we will spread to other areas as we progress in the task of keeping the city clean.

“The biggest problem we have is the fear to start, but this government is bold, courageous and has the will power to start and we have started.

“This exercise is in line with our administration’s objectives to ensure security for the people of the state.
“We are ready to deal with the cabal that promotes this illegality; we have started the clean up exercise and will continue unstopped.

“The exercise will continue all round the state as this phase is the starting point to send signal to other areas,” he said.

Barr. Ogie said Ring road is the strong hold and the move by the government to clear the area is to ensure law and order.

“The traffic around Ring road is unacceptable to this government, the menace has been on for over ten years, but this government; is determined to fix it,” he said.

A trader identified as Mrs. Gloria who commended the governor for a good job called on government to help them reduce the prices of renting stores in the market as they (traders) are ready to comply with the new policies of government on cleaning Edo State.

Another trader, Henry Okere praised the courage and determination of the government to keep the state clean, saying the youths are behind Obaseki, but however called on the government to find alternatives for the displaced traders as trading is their livelihood.

For Ezuwa Festus, the intention of the government is not a bad one, saying government should extend this to other markets in the state and ensure law and order is restored.

Earlier, the state government held several meetings with traders, landlords, shop owners, market leaders and stakeholders on modalities to clear traders from walkways and the streets around the King square in order to ease traffic around the area in accordance with the policy of the Edo Clean Up Project.

Also speaking with The Nigerian OBSERVER, Comrade Tony Kabaka Adun, the Chief Executive Officer of Akugbe Ventures, a former revenue collecting agent to the state government aligned with the administration’s resolve to clean up the state so as to make the state attractive to investors and tourists.

Comrade Kabaka, however, advised traders and bus drivers to cooperate with the state government so as to achieve a clean and attractive Edo State.

Also, a landlady along Lagos Street, Ambassador Omuwa Elegon (aka Mama Lagos) commended the Edo State Government for taking a bold step towards the actualization of a clean and attractive Edo State.

According to her, I support the government on this movement, to tidy up the whole road around Lagos Street and environs, despite the fact that peoples finances might be affected indirectly, but, wealth without health is not worth it; so, I support this action,” she said.

Also, a trader who gave his name as John Ken applauded the action of the Edo State Government but, argued that the Oba market cannot accommodate all traders coupled with the poor ventilation in the market.

He added that although the immediate past administration took the same action it was not sustained, stressing that the present administration needs to provide a suitable market environment so as to ensure effectiveness of the exercise.

However, a trader who gave her name as Mrs. Juliet James said she is not against the cleaning up exercise but noted that there should be alternative place for trading.

A Benin High Chief and the Ayobahan of Benin, Chief John Osamede Adun commended the state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for bringing sanity to the Ring Road/ Kings square axis of the state capital.

In a chat with The Nigerian OBSERVER, he said that the action of the state government was long overdue, in view of the menace of street trading, especially on walk ways, which according to him cost billions of naira to construct. He said that the ban and subsequent enforcement would create a conducive atmosphere in the areas.

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has expressed shock and sorrow on the passing of Kenneth Enahoro, who he described as a good friend and supporter.

Besides, the governor also condoled with the family of the statesman on his unexpected death.

Late Kenneth Enahoro

Also recalling his relationship with the late Enahoro, Governor Obaseki said even before he campaigned to run for governorship, the statesman had been a friend and adviser, whose wise counsel guided him in many of the decisions he took.

The governor said: “Nigeria, Edo state, Esan land and the Enahoro family have lost a brilliant son with a very analytical and patriotic mind”.

Meanwhile, he also urged the Enahoro family to bear the loss, which he shared with them, bravely and with fortitude.

Abuja – The Senate on Tuesday received the report of the Joint Committee on Appropriation and Finance on the 2017 Appropriation Bill.

The report was laid at plenary by the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Appropriation, Sen. Danjuma Goje.

In his remarks, Senate President Bukola Saraki, commended the committee for a job well done.

He said the senate would ensure the passage of the bill on Thursday.

Saraki commended the committee for laying the report with details, saying it would help speed up the passage of the bill.

“On behalf of our colleagues let me congratulate the committee.

“This is history been made, because this is the first time report of the Appropriation Bill will be laid with details.

“Because of that, by tomorrow (Wednesday) you will get hard copies of the report, but the soft copy will be ready today.

“We will distribute them and ensure we pass the bill on Thursday,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the 2017 Budget proposal report was laid four days after the expiration of the 2016 fiscal year.

President Muhammadu Buhari had presented a budget proposal of N7.30 trillion for the 2017 fiscal year before a Joint Session of the National Assembly on Dec. 14, 2016.

From details of the proposal presented by President Buhari, the sum of N2.24 trillion, representing 30.7 per cent, will be committed to capital expenditure, while N2.98 trillion will go to recurrent spending.

Also, the oil benchmark price was set at 42.5 dollar per barrel and a production estimate of 2.2 million barrels per day.

The proposal also put the aggregated revenue available to fund the budget at N4.94 tn, which is 28 per cent higher than that of 2016.

Ozoro (Delta) – Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta said the State Government would collaborate with the Federal Government to sustain the existing peace in the Niger Delta region.

Okowa gave the assurance on Tuesday when he paid a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty, Anthony Ogbogbor, the Uzorigbudu of Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of The state.

The governor who was in Ozoro to commission some completed road rejects in the area, urged the people to remain peaceful to attract more projects to the area.

According to the governor, the Federal Government is committed to ensuring sustained peace in the region.

“We shall collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure that the existing peace is sustained in the entire Niger Delta region.

“So, I urge you to remain peaceful and your request on the OML 26 operating in this area is noted,” he said.

Ogbogbor commended the governor for his prudence in the management of the “lean resources” accruing to the state currently.

He, however, called on the governor to insist and advise the operators of the OML 26 on the local content.

“Host communities should be giving right of first refusal, we are peaceful people but they should look our way,” the monarch said.

Sango-Ota (Ogun) – Personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Ikeja, on Tuesday killed a suspected smuggler at Sango-Ota, Ogun.

Confirming the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone, the Ogun Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Bimbola Oyeyemi, said the suspected smuggler was killed during a gun duel.

Oyeyemi said that officers of the NCS had intercepted some smugglers at the toll gate in Ota.

They, however, resisted arrest and opened fire and in the exchange, the yet to be identified man was killed.

”There was a gun fire between the officials of the NCS and the smugglers at the toll-gate, Ota, Ogun, that brought about the death of one of the smugglers,’’ he said.

The spokesman said that the police had, however, restored peace in the area and prevented loss of innocent lives.

He said that the police had started investigation into the incident.

Following the removal of makeshift trading spots and illegal bus stops, as well as the sweeping and clearing of refuse around the popular King’s Square in Benin City by the Edo State Government, traders, motorists and pedestrians have applauded the political will of Governor Godwin Obaseki for bringing to life, the beauty of the city.

The government of Edo State, on Monday, embarked on a clean-up process at Ring Road as part of the implementation of the ‘Edo Clean-up’ Project aimed at decongesting major areas in the city centre and restoring order and sanity to the metropolis.

The process, which was executed by the state’s Task Force on Environmental Sanitation, was ordered by Governor Godwin Obaseki, who has demanded the restoration of the serenity of the affected areas in the state capital.

Some residents hailed the sanitisation measures, with Johnson Omoregie, a businessman and lawyer describing the former situation as sickening and making nonsense of the amount spent by the last administration on beautifying the affected areas, especially Ring Road.

For his part, Tony Obinne, a trader, praised clean up the areas calling for sustainability because negligence by the task force slacked would encourage the scourge to return.

In addition, motorists hailed the clean-up as it facilitated smooth flow of traffic. They, however, pleaded with the government to open new markets for the displaced traders and ensure that all traders in the state stayed within market parameters.

“Before, the refuse dumped everywhere would block the drainages constructed by Oshiomhole, which reduced the incidents of floods in the affected areas. Now that the rains are here, the government’s measures are timely. The street traders may prove stubborn people, so the government must use ‘iron hands’ if it wants result,” a resident and housewife, Madam
Grace Ikpokpoh warned.

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, yesterday, commissioned the Nigerian Pavilion at the 57th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, which was the first time Nigeria would have a pavilion at the historical art biennale.

The governor revealed that his love for the arts, which was ignited at an early age, was born in the ancient city of Benin, which he described as “a place rich in culture and history”, adding that an expansion of his world view later made him appreciate art as a veritable medium of transforming and advancing society.

“Art brings beauty into our world, giving us a sense of enjoyment and pleasure. But art is not all fun and personal gratification; it is central to social change! Through their expressive talents, artists can deepen knowledge of, as well as initiate positive changes in a people‘s political, economic and moral life”, he explained.

He continued that the aim of the Nigerian Pavilion, themed ‘How About NOW?’, was to expand the understanding of Nigerian contemporary life through the works of three artists; Victor Ehikhamenor (painter), Peju Alatise (sculptor) and Qudus Onikeku (Choreographer)

Governor Obaseki disclosed that he was excited about the exhibition not only because it was Nigeria’s first showing at the Biennale, but also because it corresponded with Edo State Government’s vision to engender socio-cultural and economic development through the promotion of art and tourism.

Meanwhile, curator, Adenrenle Sonariwo revealed that their presentation sought to use the narrative of the present to interrogate the minefield of societal consciousness in addressing aspects of identity and belonging as they relate Nigerian history.

Abuja – For any political party to succeed in living up to its promises in its manifestos, there must be active interaction between the party, the legislature and the executive, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, has said.

The Speaker, who made this known when he received a delegation from the International Republican Institute, IRI, in the National Assembly, also stressed that until the use of indirect primaries by political parties for selecting flagbearers is jettisoned, the hope of having true representation of the will of the people will not be achieved.

He also noted that political parties are only active in Nigeria during election periods, since all politicians seeking offices are mandated to run on party platforms, but once elections are won, in most cases, the party becomes an appendage of those in executive who assume control of its activities.

“Obviously, as they say, he who pays the piper dictates the tune,” he said.

“Political parties manifestos are jettisoned and there are no effective linkages between those in government and the party. And the party, because of those who hold the reins of power, is unable to rein them in terms of enforcing what they sold out to the public as their manifesto.

“So, it is very, important that we have an opportunity to re-examine the role of caucuses, the role of party leadership in the legislature, in the executive and in the party itself.

Dogara also explained that since party faithful will accept whoever the party fields out of loyalty, unpopular candidates are accepted and voted for in the elections, against their will.

“In most cases, indirect primaries give rise to candidates that are not popular. In the sense that they are elected as delegates to get the ticket and to run on the political party’s platform and since it is an indirect election, delegates are easily manipulated.

“At the end of the day, since most people vote along party lines, if the process of producing candidates who run on political parties platform are not transparent, are not all inclusive, it is actually the delegates that are electing the person who will represent the generality of the people, as against someone with acceptability and kind of clout required to get the ticket,” the Speaker stated.

Earlier Sentell Barnes, country director, IRI, whose delegation was led by the director general of National Institute of Legislative Studies, Dr Ladi Hamalai, informed the Speaker that the institute is organising a workshop which will focus on strengthening intra-party communication and the role that legislative caucuses play in moving along the party manifestos and party policies.

Barnes also added that the IRI, which has worked with political parties in US and UK to address gaps and deficiencies that exist in party/legislature relationship, seeks to also strengthen the role of leaders of caucuses and political parties.

“We truly believe that if you strengthen the way leaders come through the party process and how the party communicates with the leaders, then you will in turn strengthen the democratic process and also strengthen the government process,” the country director stated.

Benin city – Edo state government is set to declare it’s Immunization day, in its determination to achieve hundred percent coverage of vaccination for under five children and to improve the health status of the state.

The state deputy governor and Chairman of the state Immunization Taskforce, Rt Hon comrade Philip Shaibu made this known during the state evening review meeting on the Immunization, meant to appraise their performance in the state.

Comrade Shaibu who presided over the review meeting, received reports from the state Immunization Officer, the World Health Organization representative, and other stakeholders on the level of success recorded in this years immunization exercise in the state.

The deputy Governor said the governor has tasked his committee to come up with plans to have a day for the State Immunization Day, to complement the National and world Immunization days as well as to ensure total coverage of vaccination of under five children.

Meanwhile,Comrade Shaibu has declared the National Immunization Plus days in the state as successful, noting that all current indicators show a large coverage of under five children already.

Hon Shaibu however frowned at the attitude of some Local Government Administrators who were not present at the various review meetings in their areas as well as those who did not release their counterpart funds.

He however directed the Permanent Secretary, ministry of health, Dr Peter Ugbodaga to carry out an investigation and come up with a report on why the concerned local governments defaulted.

Earlier in her presentation, the state Immunization officer Mrs Justina Akhurele said despite the failure of three Local Governments to provide their counterpart funds, the programme was a success across the state, with early indicators giving the state a green status on vaccination.

Also speaking, the Edo state representative of the World Health Organization, Mrs Faith Ereye commended the political will of the state government to ensuring total coverage of vaccination in the state.

It could be recalled that the state Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki had tasked the state taskforce on immunization to ensure proper monitoring of the exercise, as his government was committed to reducing infant and child mortality rate in the state, with an announcement of N5m prize for outstanding performance for local governments.

Several monies worth over two $225m have been recovered by the federal government through the whistle blowers’ policy. And this is within the space of four months. Some of these monies were banked under guise, using fake identities, while some were kept in homes, business shops and offices. The amounts include the sum of N8 billion, $151 million, N15 billion (in different currencies of $38 million, £27,000 and N23 million); $9 million, N448,850 million, N250 million, N49million, and all amounted to over 70billion in local currency. Public office holders and close government allies were responsible for this outrageous plunder of the nation’s common wealth.
These discoveries of stolen funds by the anti-graft agencies are scandalous and have not only sent shock waves to the spines of Nigerians, but they are a reason of the present economic recession in the country. Funds numbering billions of dollars have been looted within and are either siphoned from our shores or stashed in highbrow buildings and shanties. Most of the funds become unproductive and hardly contribute to our economy. While all this larceny goes on, public facilities, hospitals, schools and security are poorly funded. There is maternal mortality, poverty, unemployment and insecurity is on the increase. Many Nigerians schooling abroad, business owners who rely on foreign currency for importation of raw materials to do business, have been forced to shut down because of the non-availability of foreign currency.

The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, upon resumption of office vowed to recover monies looted from the country’s treasury over the years. Within his first one year in office, an unprecedented amount of N3.4trillion was recovered from looters. This amount is equivalent to half of Nigeria’s yearly budget. Over USD200 billion is still stocked in Dubai alone, while about USD300 million is being expected from the government of Switzerland, including the UK & US among others.

Many Nigerian workers are still faced with huge backlog of unpaid salaries and gratuities of pensioners who had served their country meritoriously. There is incessant strike by workers across institutions owing to poor emolument, inadequate infrastructures in health, education, and other sectors. The poor funding of IDPs camps, insufficient funding of security equipment to fight the insurgents – and the reliance on excessive borrowing, juxtaposed with the amounts being stolen daily dents Nigeria in the eyes of the international community. These stolen funds are now hidden in homes, soakaway pit, cemeteries, villages, business centres and other strange areas that would hardly cross the minds of unsuspecting citizens.

While some Nigerians have continued to heap praises on the country’s anti-graft agencies’ effort in recovering looted monies, there is still cause for concern in the terms entered with foreign countries. For instance, within theperiod the policy was formed, it still is not backed by the law for adequate regulation. Lots of issues have been thrown up on the absence of an efficient legal instrumentality which regulates and enhance the activities of the various anti-graft agencies.
The speedy passage of the key anti-graft bills such as Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (MA), Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and Whistle Blowers Policy Bill (WBPB) into law, can institutionalise Nigeria’s fight against corruption, rather than making it seem like one -man- show.

Recommendation 29 of the Financial Action Task Force mandates countries to establish an independent Financial Intelligence Unit, FIU, to serve as a national Centre for receiving, analysing and propagation of suspicious transaction and other information regarding potential money laundering or terrorist financing. The FATF has a framework for countries to implement and combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and the financing of proliferation ammunition. By implication, Nigeria risks sanction from the FATF over poor legislation on money laundering. More worrisome is the fact that it is happening at a time when Nigeria needs the information most, considering the challenge of terrorism and recurrent looting of the nation’s resources.

The unwarranted delay it has taken to pass the bills which have either passed through second reading or waiting presidential assent or still pending at the National Assembly, has created difficulty in the repatriation, management, disbursement and utilization of recovered funds. This will pose a major setback to the economic recovery plan of the government, and make it difficult for an average Nigerian to feel the impact of the reinvested loot in the economy.

Finally, passing of these bills is critical to foreign investors interested in the protection of their investments.
Therefore, the government must stand up to its responsibility to support the anti-corruption fight by ensuring immediate passage of the bills, to create some form of cooperation between anti-corruption agencies, create independence and avoid overlapping of their functions. Most importantly, credible and reliable persons must be appointed to head the agencies to avoid re-looting of these recovered monies.

__________________________
Iyare writes from the Human Rights Department, ANEEJ.

Benin City – The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, has hailed the Nigerian government’s negotiations with the Boko Haram sect leading to the safe return of 82 girls who have been in captivity in three years.
A statement released to the media by ANEEJ executive director, the Rev David Ugolor, said that the unrelenting effort of the Buhari government to secure the release of the girls is worthy of commendation, especially at a time when all hope at the safe return of the girls seemed lost.

‘So that the moment of the celebration of the return of the girls is not lost on the remaining girls, we urge the Federal government to continue to work with the same effort to negotiate the release of the remaining girls in captivity’, Rev Ugolor said in the statement.

He said that if the government pursues issues of corruption in Nigeria with the same resolve with which it has pursued and negotiated the release of the 82 Chibok girls, corruption will be a thing of the past in Nigeria.

‘When the presidential panel set up by Mr. President to look at the case of the suspended Secretary to the government Babachir Lawal, and DIG of the National Intelligence Agency Mr. Ayo Oke, ANEEJ called for an independent body rather than the presidency setting up an investigative panel of inquiry. The initial panel headed by the Attorney General of the Federation, had already carried out an investigation and submitted its report to Mr. President.What we are witnessing now is that the Osinbajo panel report on the erstwhile SGF and DIG is now in limbo because Mr. President is away on medical leave and action cannot be taken’, Ugolor said.

‘We believe that the proper thing must be done by the setting up of an independent panel to investigate the allegations against the SGF and DIG to logical conclusion. ANEEJ suggests that this independent panel can begin their investigations irrespective of the Osinbajo panel, so as to come up with a trusted and credible document which would promote the course of justice and reduce corruption in governance’, the Rev Ugolor stressed in the statement.

Asaba – The Speaker, Delta House of Assembly, Rt Hon Monday Igbuya and Majority Leader, Mr. Tim Owhefere were yesterday impeached over incompetence and highhandedness.

The new Speaker is Hon Sheriff Oboriowori representing Okpe constituency in the state house of Assembly.

The house also at the plenary which was held at the hallow chamber of the state house of assembly, presided over by the deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Friday Osanebi with both the clerk and sergeant-at-arm, the custodian of the mace in attendance, removed Hon Tim Owhefere, Isoko North as the Majority Leader and elected Hon Johnson Erijo, Isoko South two as the new Majority Leader.

The house upon reconvening for the day business, called for opening prayers, said by Hon Alphonsus Ojo, representing, Ukwuani constituency and thereafter, Hon Johnson Erijo armed with a list of members and coming under matters of urgent public importance moved for the removal of the Speaker, Rt Hon Monday Igbuya.

Hon Erijo said the removal became necessary following the incompetence of the former speaker, highhandedness and his unacceptable leadership style, saying that for the house to move forward, a new Speaker was needed as the state legislature was key to the growth of democracy and development of the state.

The motion was seconded by Hon Peter Onwusanya, Oshimili South and was unanimously adopted, following which the Deputy Speaker who presided called for nomination of the new Speaker.

Hon Peter Onwusanya then nominated Hon Sheriff Oboriowori, Okpe constituency, seconded by Hon Daniel Mayuku, Warri South West, while Hon Efe Ofobruku, Uvwie, nominated, Hon Eric Oharisi, Ughelli North two, seconded by Hon Daniel Yingi, Burutu one.

The second nominee, Hon Eric Oharisi then announced his stepping down for the first nominee, Hon Sheriff Oboriowori, who he described as a brother and elder brother, commending the members that nominated him.

The Deputy Speaker, then put the nomination of Hon Sheriff Oboriowori to vote and was also unanimously carried.

Hon Oboriowori was immediately swore to relevant oaths of office and allegiance as Speaker by the Clerk of the house, Mrs Lyna Ocholor.

In his acceptance speech, the new Speaker promised to adhered strictly to the rules of house, saying as the first among equals he will accord every member his due respect.

Hon Oboriowori said he would not allow the integrity of the house to be depleted and called for the support of the house.

He immediately announced the dissolution of all standing committees of the house.

Hon Peter Onwusanya then rose again for the removal of Hon Tim Owhefere as the Majority Leader and nominated Hon Johnson Erijo as new Majority Leader.

The motion was seconded by Hon Peter Uviejitobor, representing Udu constituency in the house.

The new Majority Leader, Hon Johnson Erijo upon moving to his new seat, then moved for the suspension of the impeached Speaker and Majority Leader for three months.

The motion was seconded by Hon Eric Oharisi, Ughelli North Two and was unanimously adopted.

The house in the absence of any other item in the order paper adjourned to Tuesday, 23rd May 2017.

The members then moved to government house to present the new Speaker and the new majority leader to the governor.

Outside the hallow chamber, there were jubilations by Assembly workers and legislative aids of members.

Auchi – Ahead of the 2017 Okpekpe 10 kilometer marathon race scheduled for Saturday May 13, Edo state deputy governor Comrade Philip Shaibu yesterday declared open, school pupils sports programme, tagged Let’s Play as part of events heralding this year’s road race.

The Deputy Governor was joined by Former Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in the exercise which had over 1000 pupils gathered as participants.

While addressing the pupils at the Edo University, Iyamo Sport Complex, the deputy Governor encouraged the pupils to engage in all kinds of sports for their physical and mental development.

Comrade Shaibu described sports as a sector that keeps children busy meaningfully aside from keeping them away from social vices. He urged teachers to always encourage their pupils to engage in sporting activities.

On plans to have a wider coverage for the exercise, Comrade Shaibu explained that government is currently working out a plan to provide sports facilities in all primary schools across the eighteen local government areas of the state to regenerate grassroots sports.

Speaking with newsmen, immediate past governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole explained that he instituted the Okpekpe road race to bring government presence to the surrounding communities, as well as to take advantage of the natural landscape of the area.

Comrade Oshiomhole described the “Let’s Play” initiative as a supper well -thought out plan to encourage development of grass root sports.

On his part, one of the organizers and former Nigeria Super Eagles striker, Victor Ikpeba explained that the Let’s play Initiative was born along the Okpekpe race to expose the children to different kinds of sports and encourage them to engage in physical training to keep fit.

A teacher who brought his pupils out for the training, Evans Uhunamure called on government to include sports as a core subject in the curriculum of Primary and secondary schools to further develop grassroots sports.

Some of the pupils who spoke on the Let’s Play sports initiative, thanked the organizers and Edo state Government for the opportunity, describing it as a good way to keep the children fit and to better build their mental frames.

In the football match between the pupils, former governor, Adams Oshiomhole side (male team), defeated the females team led by his wife Iara and the deputy governor 2 nill.

Abeokuta – Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun on Thursday escaped death in an auto accident at the Ibafo axis of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

The governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Juwon Soyinka, said in a statement that the incident happened when a bullion van belonging to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) ran into Amosun’s convoy in the area.

He said: “The incident which occurred around Ibafo while the governor was travelling to Lagos for an official assignment, resulted in damage to the escort vehicles in the governor’s convoy.

“The CBN convoy drivers, driving dangerously, attempted to overtake the governor’s convoy without regard for the safety of other road users.

“On sensing danger, the governor’s escort commander used a public address system mounted on his vehicle to warn the CBN convoy drivers to desist from such reckless driving.

“Not only was the governor’s escort commander ignored, the CBN convoy drivers went ahead to crush his vehicle and subsequently went after other vehicles in the governor’s convoy, including his official car.

” The CBN convoy was later brought to a halt by the security team attached to the governor,” Soyinka said.

Amosun, according to Soyinka, described the manner of driving of the drivers in the CBN convoy as reckless.

“We will not allow such senseless and reckless behaviour in Ogun State,” Soyinka quoted Amosun as saying.

Soyinka also said: “ If this could happen to a governor within his territory, you can imagine what they would do to our citizens who are simply going about their legitimate business.

“Governor Amosun, who expressed disappointment at the reckless manner in which the CBN bullion van convoy moved on the road, warned that such act of impunity will no longer be tolerated within the borders of Ogun.’’

He explained that the governor had cause to personally caution reckless CBN convoy drivers in the state on a number of occasions.

“On several occasions, the Ogun State governor had to personally turn back reckless CBN bullion van drivers who often drive against traffic with impunity on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway,” he said.

A Benin-based lawyer and a Policeman have been shot dead by gunmen in Benin City.

While Barr. Agbontaen Eghosa Odiase was killed before his wife and children at his residence in Odiase Street, Off Pipeline Road, Upper Sokponba, Avbiama Community, the cop Sgt. Sunday Agbonmwema Eguakun a.k.a Barry was shot dead in Ogbemudia Street, Off Avbiama Road in the same area.

Until the unfortunate incident the cop was attached to the Iyase of Benin kingdom Chief Sam Igbe.

It could not be ascertained at press time whether the police officer was also a target but he was murdered a distance away from his private residence while driving.

The separate but brutal killings which occurred between 9pm and 11pm on Monday, May 8, 2017 sources revealed, were plotted and executed by a gang of gunmen who operated unchallenged.

“About 10pm we were watching cartoon in my children’s room, suddenly we heard a bang inside the compound.

Mrs. Agbontaen with her children

“My husband jumped up from the bed, we peeped through the window we saw a boy half naked with a scar on his head. My husband started making calls.

“Before we knew it they shot and broke through the window and were inside with us.

“They told my husband to shout or call anybody he wanted to call as they were ready for him that night. I quickly took my three children to the other room while the eldest child ran back to meet his father with the three gunmen.

“Then, I heard two gun shots and everywhere was silent.

“Thereafter, they said to themselves, let us go the man is dead”. Bereaved and pregnant Mrs Odiase Agbontaen narrated her ordeal.

She further revealed that aside her husband’s phone, the gunmen did not take away any other item from them.

He was the head of a private Benin-based legal firm.

Owner of the legal firm Barrister Chris Agbonwanegbe said “Barr. Odiase’s brain was a store house of legal authorities”.

He charged security agencies to be discreet in their investigation.

It was learnt that the police sergeant met his death few hours after informing his wife that he would return home after a mechanic fix his car that fateful day.

“My husband called me in the afternoon to inform me that he would not travel again and he was preparing to return to the house.

Rosemary Agbonmwema Sunday

“About 8pm I called my husband because he does not come home late. He said the mechanic was still working on his car and that he has bought a torch for him to work with.

“I waited throughout the night I did not see or hear from him.

“The following morning, somebody came to the house to inform me that my husband was shot dead before this street”. Wife of the Police Sergeant mourned.

Contacted, the Iyase of Benin kingdom Chief Sam Igbe said the officer from his office about 5pm that fateful Monday as he committed to his duties.

Mrs Odiase Agbontaen and Rosemary Agbonmwema Sunday, 37, mother of six children appealed to government and security agencies to unmask and prosecute the killers of their husbands.

Text massages sent to the Edo State Commissioner of Police Mr Haliru Gwandu and his Public Relations Officer DSP Moses Nkombe to ascertain whether any arrest has been made were not responded to at press time yesterday.

Edo State Government has revealed its intention to roll out a world class traffic management system across the state, adding that the process had already commenced with the implementation of the ‘Edo Clean-up Project’.

In a statement from the Office of the Chief Press Secretary (interim) to the Edo State Governor, Mr. John Mayaki explained that Edo State would have top traffic managers directing traffic in the state and that the recent clean-up in Edo State was carried out by volunteers, who were not being paid but decided to work with the government to clean up the state.

The statement read in part: “Be assured that we will have one of the best traffic managers in the State and create a model for people to learn from. We will also use technology to monitor the activities of our men and some of the technologies have never been used in Nigeria.

“There will be a TV room where we will network and see what is going on with the road users and the traffic enforcers so that when you are arrested and you are complaining, we will play back the video for you. Even the officials will be empowered to use some technology to record offences”.

He added that the personnel involved in the clean-up process at King’s Square (Ring Road) recently were only volunteers, who were trying to help the government, noting that they undertook the responsibility because the congestion had become intense and the clean-up was long overdue.

However, he continued, trained and uniformed officials would replace them, who would be of civil dispositions to enforce the law would replace them and when the traffic restructuring was completed, the officials would have a department for event management where enlightenment would take place at various religious places of worship.

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, yesterday, completed the 10km Okpekpe Road Race in 86.4 minutes to fulfill his promise to run for We Care Trust Charity.

Hot on his heels were Deputy Governor Phillip Shaibu, who completed the race in 86.7 minutes and former governor Adams Oshiomhole, who completed the race after 87.3 minutes of perspiration.

Speaking after the race, Governor Obaseki said he would set up a sport commission backed up by the law to reposition sporting activities in the state.

He said: ” The focus is strictly in ensuring that there is development of sports in Edo State. I decided to run for orphanage. We have more than 30 of them in Edo State. Some chose to run for cancer to raise money for the cure, some students of AAU decided to run against cultism.”

He continued that it was also an opportunity to draw attention to areas and issues of concern, adding that the serenity and safety in the area could also attract investors planning to work with local resources.

In addition, the state governor reiterated that the race had created added value and prosperity to the people.

He said: “It was a challenge getting to Okpekpe before it was constructed. Today, we have a free and motorable road. We have International people who have come to run in Okpekpe to this city and town”.

Meanwhile, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole expressed delight for witnessing the 5th Edition of the race.

” There were alot of people who thought that once comrade Oshiomhole is out of office the Okpekpe race will be out of the way. The point I really want to amplify is for us to appreciate what Obaseki has done by his own participation by coming here to give affirmative action or expression to put commitment to continue to gaurd out votes because that is the problem of Nigeria.

” So, I’m happy that the programme has outlived my own tenure of office and that is the way it should be”, he explained.

The Hourable Minister of Sport and Youths development Solomon Dalong appreciated the quality put into the preparation that led to the success of the event calling on the sustainability of the event to promote sports in the country.

He appreciated the hospitality of the people of Edo State and also participant running for various causes saying this determination will promote sport in Edo State and by extension Nigeria.

“Okpekpe tradition is unique and I call on private sectors to key into the programme to improve it.

In the male categories for elite Ethiopian swept the first, second and third price.

Luwe Gabriel Salassi won the cash price of 15,000 dollars finishing at 29:28 sec followed by Dawit Ammosu in second place with 10,000 dollars with 29:34sec and Jemeti Bebeti (7,000 dollars) 32:22sec.

In the women category Gedre Azemo (Ethiopian) won the first price, Veronica Maiya (Kenyan) came in second place while the third place goes to another Kenyan Tibiti Alice.

Auchi – Athletes from North Africa have continue to dominate the international Okpekpe 10km road race held yesterday in Okpekpe, Etsako East Local government area of Edo state as Leul Gabrielsilasia Aleme,Dawit Fiagu and Jemeli Bakala Reata from Ethiopia claimed the three medal available in the men category of the event.

Gabrielsilasia, the overall winner of this year’s edition touched the finishing line in a time of 29:28(twenty nine minutes and twenty eight seconds)to pick the star prize of $15,000 while runners up Dawit and Jemeli returned in a time of 29:34 and 32:22 to pocket $10,000 and $7,000 respectively.

In the female category, Ethiopia’s Gebu Azemra also claimed the number one position, finishing in a time of 33:59 to claim the first prize of $ 15,000, leaving the second and third positions for Kenyan nationals Veronica Maina(34:59) and Timbili Alice (34:39) to pocket $10,000 and $7,000 respectively.

Nigerian athletes also gave a good account of themselves as Monday Jigak from Plateau state snatched the first prize of N250,000 having completed the race in 31:53 time while Emmanuel Gyan also from Plateau and Sadjo Ismail from Cross River state settled for second and third positions with 32:18 and 32:22 time to get N100,000 and N80,000 respectively.

Others are Deborah Pam from Plateau (38:15),Elizabeth Nuhu from Nasarawa(38:41) and Rose Akusho also from Plateau state (38:55) who won the female category,to claim the same prizes as their male counterparts.

Etsako(Ibie people) participants were not left out as N150,000,N100,000 and N50,000 got to winers respectively.

Okpekpe village in Etsako East local government area was agog yesterday as It played host to international athletes and sports lovers from over twelve countries, including local athletes from different parts of Nigeria in the fift edition of the Bronze label and IAAF certified 10 km road race,boosting the economic activities of the area.

This, the Observer sports believed prompted the state Governor Mr Godwin Obaseki to announced that his administration will soon introduce International cycling meet along side sustaining the Okpekpe 10km race.

According to the Governor who completed the VIP race with his deputy comrade Philip Shaibu, former state Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and their wives, said he was happy that the event held this years,insisting that it has put Edo in a special place in the global map.

“I commend the initiative of my predecessor in office comrade Adams Oshiomhole. I was the chairman of the economic team in his administration. After construction of the Okpekpe road, we felt there was need to add value to it looking at the importance of the road to various neighbouring communities and the bad state of the road before the construction. The world lens is now on us. It provides the opportunity for the world to see the beauty of our environment and to know what we have.

We just concluded sports workshop in Benin and we have a well thought out plans to develop our sports sector. We want to have a sports commission to coordinate the development plans.” Obaseki explained.

Meanwhile, the former governor Adams Oshiomhole has commended his successor Governor Godwin Obaseki for the sustaining the Okpekpe road race, putting to rest the erroneous belief that the competition will end after his tenure.

Comrade Oshiomhole said the governor has broken the traditional negative record of typical Nigerian politician who are always in the habit of abandoning projects initiated by their predecessors.

The former governor clarified that the Okpekpe Road Race was not born out of tribalism, but of conviction that rural dwellers need projects that have direct impact on their communities.

He explained that in the past, politicians were of the habit of preaching sermons to rural dwellers on the difficulties in citing projects in their domains, as well as reasons why they should stop rural urban migration instead of providing infrastructure for them.

He also appreciated Governor Obaseki for bringing in more partners into this years event, giving it a more international outlook, adding that he was proud of his successor.

The former Governor who is now the Grand Patron of the event said the result was an improvement of previous years making it his personal best and hopes to improve on his records next year.

Comrade Oshiomhole urged people to always participate in sports, as it helps in strengthening the body system and prevent illnesses.

Benin – The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare 11 has warned against illegal extortion under guise of palace authorization.

The monarch in a statement issued on Saturday in Benin by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Desmond Agbama, alleged that some groups were extorting using the name of the palace.

He said that a group, Association of Sand Quarry Owners, was hiding under the guise of paying royalty to the palace to increase prizes of various categories of sand in the state.

The Oba said that any group bent on inflicting hardship on the public, using the palace authority as cover would be dealt with accordingly.

He frowned at the unwholesome development, adding that the palace authority does not authorise anybody or group to collect any form of tax, levy or royalty on its behalf.

Ewuare reiterated the determination of the palace authority to ensure economic and general well-being of the people.

Oba warned that those engaged in sharp practices should desist from that or face the full consequences.