News

Edo Modular Refinery Privately-owned, Not Obaseki’s Project – APC

Published

5 years ago

August 23, 2020

Editor

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State has accused the governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin of attempting to steal credit for the construction of the privately-owned modular refinery in Ologbo, adding that his administration lacks any achievement to show for its four-year term.

Mr. John Mayaki, Chairman, Edo APC Media Campaign Council in a press conference on Sunday challenged Obaseki to publicize the contribution of his government to the success of the project.

Explaining that the modular refinery is an FG-backed privately-funded project undertaken by the AIPCC Energy Limited in a joint venture between AFCOM and Peiyang Chemical Equipment Company of China, Mayaki said the Edo Governor, contrary to his media posture, frustrated the development of the project with his disastrous economic policies and disregard for the rule of law which have driven investors away from the State.

He also challenged the Governor to name at least five projects that have emanated from the MOUs he nomadically signed in four years, stating that a Governor that failed to fulfill his own promises to build an industrial park and GeleGele seaport should not be laying claims to a private initiative to deflect blame and criticism arising from his failure.

The statement read, “As we draw nearer to September 19, the day Edo people will head to the polls to determine the leadership of the state for another four years, it has become glaring to Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his party of tax-collectors that their reign of falsehood, terror, and lackluster leadership will be brought to an end, and a new era of responsible and competent leadership under an APC government led by Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu will be ushered in.

“This realization, and the consequence it holds for this group of corrupt and irresponsible persons, has seen them scurrying around for survival, making truth, common sense, and decency easy casualties in their vile campaign of deceit and falsehood.

“As it stands now, no one can debate the fact that Mr. Godwin Obaseki is falsehood personified, a wrapped bag of lies that continues to give. From falsified and inconsistent academic records and credentials, the baloney has come to the point of broad daylight robbery of projects and initiatives. Today, the lie is with the Edo Modular refinery at Ologbo, a project that having been funded by both foreign businesses and the federal government, has neared completion and commissioning.”

“And then, suddenly, Obaseki the MoU and sleeping governor emerges from his slumber, scheming to mount tape and ribbon at the site and take glory for a project he knew and contributed little to.”

To be clear, and for the records, it is important to state here that the Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Company is owned by AIPCC Energy Limited, a joint venture between AFCOM and Peiyang Chemical Equipment Company of China and was built at the cost of 10.2million dollars. The refinery will be producing diesel, Naptha, and Fuel oil (LPFO).

“The Federal Government supported the project by granting duty waivers on refinery equipment and components. The PCC, equally, is a partner to the EPC. If the Federal Government that offered tangible support which if factored in cost would amount to millions of dollars not claiming credit for the project, why is the Obaseki-administration parading the premises of the refinery, claiming to have achieved a landmark project?

“The answer is clear: the Edo State Government of Godwin Obaseki has achieved nothing for the past four years they have been at the helm. Now, then, that it has come to a period where it is important to showcase its job portfolio, the.”

However, Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, in his reaction to the accusation said the APC has been having sleepless nights because of the project.

He noted that, after being confronted with facts about the role Governor Godwin Obaseki played in the establishment of the Modular Refinery, which is nearing completion in Ologbo, Edo State.

According Osagie, “After last week’s visit of a federal government delegation to the Edo Modular Refinery in Ologbo, the APC is now clearly confused as their campaign seems to have been deflated by the stellar performance of Governor Obaseki and the near total acceptance Obaseki enjoys from Edo people.”

He stressed, “Truth will continue to dwarf and ultimately blot out falsehood and propaganda, as the Ologbo visit by the federal government delegation has just done to APC’s efforts.”

News

Tragedy In The Sky As Pilot Dies Mid-air

Published

8 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

What began as a routine trip from Seattle to Istanbul turned tragic. Turkish Airlines Flight 204 was cruising normally when one of the captains, 59-year-old İlçehin Pehlivan, suddenly collapsed.

Despite the crew’s efforts, he sadly passed away mid-flight a veteran aviator lost among the skies he loved.

Over the radio, the co-pilot’s voice trembled: “Initially we had three pilots, but we lost one of our captains today.

That’s why we’re diverting to JFK.” Air traffic controllers responded with compassion, arranging medical help on the ground.

The aircraft landed at New York’s JFK Airport at dawn, met by emergency teams and a heavy silence. Turkish Airlines later paid tribute to Captain Pehlivan, who had passed medical checks just months earlier and spent nearly two decades flying safely around the world.

Passengers continued to Istanbul, but the memory of this flight endures a reminder of the resilience of aviators, the fragility of life, and the bond shared by those who soar through the skies.

News

Foundation Engages Traditional Leaders To Curb GBV In Bauchi

Published

9 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

The Iqra Foundation for Women and Youth Development (IKFWYD) has engaged traditional leaders across three Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Bauchi State to promote male involvement in efforts to curb Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

The intervention is being implemented in Bauchi, Ningi, and Toro Local Government Areas.

Speaking during an advocacy visit, Mr. Ismail Umar, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of the foundation, said the role of traditional institutions in influencing positive behavioural change could not be overstated.

“The programme is designed to engage men on issues related to protecting the rights of women and girls.

“Family wellbeing and social harmony cannot be achieved without the meaningful involvement of men.”

Umar noted that challenges such as gender-based misunderstandings, domestic tensions, poor communication between spouses, and limited awareness of shared responsibilities often contribute to family instability.

“By focusing on men as partners in promoting peace and wellbeing, this programme aims to reinforce their positive influence within families and communities.

“We are piloting the initiative in Bauchi, Ningi, and Toro LGAs, and are engaging respected community members to support and guide male involvement in promoting peace, family wellbeing, and the dignity of women.”

He further explained that the initiative would foster unity and cooperation between men and women as partners in building stable and peaceful homes.

Also speaking, Mr. Bamidele Jacobs, Director of Legal at Lawyers Alert, an implementing partner of the project, said the engagement of men was crucial to ensuring sustained support and protection for women in the state.

In their separate remarks, traditional rulers expressed their support and commitments to the programme.

Alhaji Yusuf Danyaya, the District Head of Ningi, pledged to mobilise men for the initiative, noting that “a violence-free home leads to a peaceful society.”

Similarly, Alhaji Hussaini Uthman, District Head of Miri in Bauchi metropolis, said the mission of the programme aligns with the traditional role of community leaders in fostering reconciliation between couples.

On his part, Alhaji Umar Adamu, the District Head of Toro, said addressing GBV is a collective responsibility to ensure that communities remain safe and peaceful.

News

Okpebholo Believes In Courage, Capacity Says Edo Poly Rector

Published

12 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

The acting rector of Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, Dr Nosakhare Arodoye has promised to implement to the fullest the SHINE agenda of the state government.

Dr Arodoye said he was appointed by the governor to change the narrative of the Polytechnic from the present state to global standard with market-ready graduates and wealth creators within and outside Nigeria.

He spoke during the handover ceremony of the leadership in the state tertiary institution.

According to him, “the governor sent me here for development that will position this institution in a manner that will be productively and evidently attractive to all for visible intellectual results and deliveries.

“I’m for greater impact, lesser noise, the governor as a game changer understands this hence he approved my appointment as a tool for change in Edo Poly. Governor Okpebholo believes in courage and capacity.

“The governor is not a cut to size, he knows how the academic environment works. You can see that his team is made up of global scholars and that is where I belong.

“I’m here to work, I’m going to teach, courses must be allocated to me. I go for what people run from as a progressive, just like the governor, you can see the turnaround of things affecting every area positively.”

Earlier, the immediate past acting rector, Engr. Sylvester Omoruyi briefed the new rector on the present state of the institution particularly the continuous support from the state government.

He said Sen Monday Okpebholo has cleared the backlog of salaries as staff now receive their salary as at when due.

He noted that a total of twenty-two programmes have successfully been accredited with NYSC calling for various HND awarding departments.

On partnership, he said the polytechnic is currently in collaboration with Xianzi and Fuzhou Polytechnic in China where seven students are currently undergoing studies on student exchange programmes.

Before arriving at the polytechnic premises, Dr Arodoye had visited the palace of the Elawure of Usen, Oba Oluogbe III.