Connect with us

News

Obaseki Approves 13th-Month Salary For Edo Workers, Charges On Sustainability Of Ongoing Reforms

Published

on

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Monday, approved the payment of 13th-month salary to Edo civil and public servants this year, urging the collaboration of the workers to ensure the sustainability of ongoing reforms by his administration to guarantee improved livelihood for the people and economic prosperity for the State.

Obaseki disclosed this while interacting with civil and public servants between levels 8 and 17 at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Benin City, the Edo State capital.

The governor, who commended Edo workers for their support of his administration over the last six years, assured the development of the Benin Port and other projects aimed at placing the State on the path of sustainable economic growth and development.

He said, “You have asked for a 13th-month salary to be paid to you in December. We will do it but between now and December, how will you pay the state government back?”

Obaseki noted, “I am here today to say thank you for your support. When I look back, I know I have people. You have supported me for the past six and a half years.

“I thank you for coming out to vote during the last election to sustain our developmental strides in Edo State. Our focus should be on how to sustain our developmental strides in the state.

“All that I have done in the last six and half years is to put you where you really should belong because you are the heart and the engine of Edo State.”

The governor added, “Our focus is on how to ensure the sustainability of the reforms we have embarked on and you need to play an active part in this journey. We want Edo to be a model for the nation and give the nation hope.

ALSO READ:  Shamseldeen Ogunjimi Not Qualified to Apply for Position of Accountant General - Groups Raises Alarm

“I appreciate the efforts you have put in to ensure the state develops. You must participate in the reforms and must be trained and retrained. We should ensure that the next leader of the State will not take us back.”

Reassuring on the development of the Benin River Port project, Governor Obaseki said, “The state government, the federal government, Nigeria Port Authority, and the Ministry of Transportation are considering all the applications, and very soon, we will zero in on one partner, and start the development of the port.

“It’s my hope that within the next nine to twelve months, work will have started in terms of building the port on the Benin River and that will be a game changer. We already have partners who are setting up an LNG plant near the River Port in anticipation of the port.”

The Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Edionwe Joel, thanked the governor for his developmental strides and commitment to the welfare of workers in Edo, assuring the support of the civil and public servants in the state.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Sterling Bank Eliminates Transfer Fees, Challenges Industry Standards

Published

on

Sterling Bank has made a groundbreaking move by eliminating transfer charges on local transactions, aiming to create a more equitable banking experience for Nigerians. The question now arises: will other financial institutions follow this lead?

On April 1, Sterling Bank announced the removal of transfer fees for all local digital transactions, positioning itself as the first major bank in Nigeria to implement such a policy. Initially, the announcement faced skepticism, with many believing it to be an April Fools’ Day joke. However, Sterling has since reaffirmed the policy’s legitimacy and immediate implementation, signaling a significant evolution in the industry’s customer service approach.

Obinna Ukachukwu, the Growth Executive overseeing the Consumer and Business Banking Directorate, stated, “We believe that accessing your own funds should not incur a penalty. This decision transcends financial implications; it reflects our core values.”

With this new policy, Sterling customers can now make free transfers for all local transactions via the bank’s mobile app. This initiative is anticipated to yield considerable savings for individuals and small business owners who frequently engage in transfers.

“We may not be the largest bank in Nigeria, but we are certainly the most audacious,” Ukachukwu declared. “Sterling Bank is committed to the future of Nigeria, and we are backing our fellow citizens with more than just words.”

Sterling Bank has a history of prioritizing customer welfare, having previously offered financial assistance to healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This latest initiative has garnered widespread public support, igniting conversations on social media and prompting calls for other banks to adopt similar practices.

ALSO READ:  Sierra Leone: Inhaling Human Bones Prompt Friends Of The Dead Formation

“We take pride in leading this transformative change,” Ukachukwu concluded. “We hope to inspire others to rethink what customers truly require from their banks, not only in terms of services but also in values.”

Continue Reading

News

Breaking News: Edo Tribunal Rejects Action Alliance’s Challenge Against Governor Okpebholo

Published

on

On Wednesday, the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, convened in Abuja, dismissed the Action Alliance’s (AA) petition aimed at overturning the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi and comprising a three-member panel, determined that the petition, filed by AA and its National Chairman, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, was without merit.

The tribunal concluded that the issues raised in the petition were pre-election matters, falling outside its jurisdiction to adjudicate.

The petitioners claimed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had excluded their legitimate candidate from the governorship election held on September 21, 2024. They argued that, in contradiction to several court rulings, INEC recognized a candidate who had not been validly nominated by the party.

Furthermore, the petitioners contended that INEC’s failure to publish the name of their party’s rightful candidate constituted a significant violation of Section 134(1)(b) of the Electoral Act.

In addition to these claims, they asserted that Governor Okpebholo, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), did not receive the majority of legitimate votes and that the election was tainted by corrupt practices.

As a result, they sought the annulment of the election; however, the tribunal panel denied their request on Wednesday.

The panel upheld all preliminary objections raised against the petition. The respondents, including INEC and Governor Okpebholo, argued that the National Chairman of the AA lacked the standing to file the action, as he did not participate in the gubernatorial election.

They also asserted that the petition was barred by statute, as it involved pre-election issues that exceeded the tribunal’s jurisdiction.

ALSO READ:  Fubara commends I-G for donating gunboats to police in Rivers

It is noteworthy that AA’s candidate, Mr. Tom Iseghhi-Okojie, withdrew from the race in favor of Governor Okpebholo just days before the election.

Continue Reading

News

All set for Niger Delta Sports Festival in Akwa Ibom – Umo

Published

on

Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has commended the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for investing in sports for the discovery of talents for the region and the country at large.

The governor gave the commendation at the Monthly State Covenant Service held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, as arrangements have been concluded for official opening ceremony of the Niger Delta Sports Festival at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Eno, therefore, implored citizens and residents in the state to be fully involved in the festival.

He stressed the need for adequate maintenance of facilities recently revamped by the interventionist agency and assured successful hosting of the sports festival.

He promised to provide necessary support to ensure safe stay of all participants and tasked the organisers to leverage the peaceful ambiance of the state and make the competition a memorable one.

According to the organisers, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected in Uyo today (Wednesday) to declare the festival open, with no fewer than 3,000 athletes from the nine states of the Niger Delta to compete for laurels in 17 sporting events.

The competition will be hosted at six venues, including the Godswill Akpabio international stadium and West Itam Sports Centre, while the closing ceremony is billed for April 9.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that contingents from the nine Niger Delta Development states had arrived Uyo for the festival. (NAN)

ALSO READ:  Harnessing Wind Energy for Sustainable and Efficient Port Operations: Lessons for Nigeria
Continue Reading