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Obaseki Reflects on Edo’s Growth, Development and Legacy as His Tenure Ends

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The outgoing Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has taken a moment to reflect on the significant progress made under his leadership, particularly in terms of the state’s economy.

In his final statewide address, Obaseki proudly pointed out that during his eight-year tenure, the state’s economy grew from a modest N10 billion to an impressive N25 billion plus.

Obaseki delivered the address on the eve of his departure from office on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, as he prepared to hand over the reins of leadership to Senator Monday Okpebholo of APC.

Reflecting on his achievements, the governor outlined the remarkable strides made in key sectors such as agriculture, oil and gas, and manufacturing, all of which he credited for the state’s economic transformation.

One of the key highlights of his administration, according to Obaseki, was the agricultural revolution that took place in Edo State.

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Through the Edo State Oil Palm Program, the government allocated over 120,000 hectares of land for the development of oil palm estates.

So far, about 40,000 hectares have been cultivated, positioning the state to become a leading player in Nigeria’s palm oil industry.

Additionally, the governor mentioned the state’s commitment to developing cassava as a critical feedstock for the two ethanol plants in Edo, further strengthening the state’s agricultural base.

Obaseki also emphasized the strides made in the energy sector, particularly in oil and gas.

His administration successfully attracted investments, including two modular refineries: the Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Company, which operates a 6,000-barrel per day refinery, and the DuPont Energy Park, with a 5,000-barrel per-day modular refinery.

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These investments have not only bolstered the state’s oil and gas sector but also contributed to the broader petrochemical industry, creating new job opportunities and expanding the state’s economic footprint.

Beyond hydrocarbons, Obaseki pointed out Edo’s growing manufacturing sector, which has attracted billions of dollars in investments.

These investments span industries such as ceramics, tiles, glass, iron and steel, cement, and wood, positioning the state as an emerging hub for manufacturing in Nigeria.

The governor emphasized that these developments were the direct result of his administration’s efforts to create an environment conducive to business, making Edo State an attractive destination for both local and international investors.

In addition to the economic achievements, Obaseki also took pride in the infrastructure improvements his administration had overseen across the state.

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He noted that over 850 kilometres of roads had been constructed, benefiting all local government areas.

The governor also pointed to the progress made in the energy sector, with the state now generating nearly 1,000MW of electricity daily.

Edo State’s new electricity law, he said, had paved the way for the development of an electricity market, attracting further investments in digital infrastructure.

One of the standout achievements mentioned by Obaseki was the state’s advancements in digital connectivity.

Edo State now has a network of nearly 2,500 kilometres of fibre optic cables, the largest in Nigeria.

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This development, he noted, was crucial in laying the foundation for the future of technology and digital innovation in the state.

As his term came to a close, Obaseki reflected on the journey he had undertaken with the people of Edo.

He expressed pride in leaving behind a roadmap for the future—a plan that would guide the state’s continued development long after his departure.

The outgoing governor shared that, while he hadn’t inherited such a plan when he first assumed office, he was now confident that Edo was in a much stronger position for sustained growth.

Obaseki credited the collective effort of the people of Edo and other stakeholders for their role in achieving these milestones.

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He hopes that the state will continue to build on the foundation laid during his tenure and that future leaders will carry forward the vision of turning Edo State into a beacon of hope and prosperity for all Nigerians.


 

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PDP Says Tinubu Wants to Kill Other Parties and Make Nigeria a One-Party Country

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged Nigerians to resist any move towards a one-party system, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of trying to silence opposition and undermine democracy. In a statement issued ahead of its upcoming National Convention set for August 2025 in Kano, the PDP said the event would be a turning point to elect new national leaders, strengthen the party’s internal structure, and prepare to challenge the APC in the 2027 general elections.

The party stressed that this convention would focus on electing capable leaders through a process rooted in merit, transparency, and fairness. It said this was necessary to confront what it described as the APC’s mismanagement of the country. The PDP accused the APC of using threats, intimidation, and interference in opposition parties to weaken Nigeria’s democratic system. It also blamed the ruling party for worsening economic conditions, growing poverty, and rising insecurity, calling the situation “unprecedented hardship” under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The opposition party urged Nigerians not to allow democracy to be replaced with authoritarian control. It encouraged citizens to unite behind the PDP and support efforts to bring back true democratic governance in the country. According to the statement, the Kano convention will help reawaken the PDP and prepare it to lead a renewed fight for a better Nigeria where all citizens can live in peace and prosperity.

The party concluded by calling on its members, stakeholders, and every patriotic Nigerian to stand firm, support the party’s mission, and help build a stronger front against what it described as the APC’s anti-people policies. “Together, we can stop the APC’s plans and return Nigeria to a path of progress, safety, and economic stability,” the PDP said.


 

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“The Day Wike Joins APC, We’ll Sing ‘As E Dey Pain Dem, E Dey Sweet Us’” – Tinubu Says

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President Bola Tinubu has made it clear he’s open to having the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, join the All Progressives Congress (APC) if he decides to officially leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

During the commissioning of Arterial Road N16 in the Katampe area of Abuja, Tinubu praised Wike for his work as FCT Minister, despite still being a PDP member. He then jokingly referenced one of Wike’s most popular campaign catchphrases, saying, “Wike is not a member of my party—at least not yet. But if he ever makes that decision and joins the progressives, we’ll welcome him warmly. We’ll even enjoy singing ‘as e dey pain dem, e dey sweet us.’” His comments drew loud laughter from the audience, including Wike himself.

Although Wike has not officially left the PDP, his loyalty has long been questioned within the party. After falling out with the PDP leadership during the 2023 presidential primaries, Wike refused to support the party’s flagbearer, Atiku Abubakar, and instead backed Tinubu’s campaign—a move that caused serious internal rifts.

Tinubu rewarded Wike’s political support with the appointment as FCT Minister in August 2023, and since then, Wike hasn’t hidden where his loyalty lies.

In fact, he recently said he would personally lead Tinubu’s 2027 re-election efforts in Rivers State. “I am a major political asset. I will take charge of President Tinubu’s campaign in Rivers,” Wike boldly stated during a media chat.

His actions have continued to stir division within the PDP, with growing calls for his expulsion from the party. However, Wike still commands a strong base of support among some PDP members, making any move against him tricky for the party.

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Earlier this week, Wike took another swipe at the PDP, echoing a demand by some stakeholders that the party must zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South to maintain a sense of fairness and balance. He also pointed out that, by the PDP’s constitution, only the National Secretary—currently Senator Samuel Anyanwu—is empowered to call a valid party meeting, hinting at disputes over how the party is being run.


 

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“Peter Obi Is Misleading Nigerians About Labour Party Crisis” – Abure Camp Claims

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The crisis within the Labour Party has taken another turn as Julius Abure, the factional National Chairman, has cautioned the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, against what he described as attempts to blackmail the party.

This caution came through a statement released by the faction’s National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, following an interview Obi granted Arise TV on Monday. In the interview, Obi reportedly claimed that the ruling APC had infiltrated the Labour Party’s leadership and was fueling internal conflict.

Reacting to the interview, Abure’s camp dismissed the allegations, stating that the troubles rocking the party were not caused by any external interference from the APC but were rather the result of internal actions taken by Obi and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti. The faction emphasized that Governor Otti, currently under suspension for anti-party behavior, and Obi played key roles in triggering the issues now affecting the party.

They went further to challenge Obi to present any solid proof—tangible or not—that links the Abure-led leadership to any collaboration with the APC. They also addressed Obi’s claim that Abure referred to Otti as a “dwarf,” describing the accusation as an attempt to distract from more pressing matters.

While the group said they didn’t wish to publicly drag Obi, they criticized what they see as his consistent misrepresentation of the situation, urging him to stop misleading Nigerians. They noted that like many political parties, Labour Party is facing internal challenges, but insisted Obi must take responsibility for his part in it.

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The statement stressed that the party had several chances in 2023 to form alliances but chose to stick by Obi and Otti—before, during, and even after the elections. Now, they believe it’s time for Obi to accept responsibility for his own shortcomings. “Leaders aren’t perfect, but when they make mistakes, they should own them,” the statement read. “Peter Obi failed in providing the leadership the party needed. Instead of pointing fingers, he should take accountability.”


 

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