The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed sadness over the tragic fire incident that occurred in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, following the fall of a petroleum tanker which resulted in a fire outbreak involving several vehicles.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Ebojele, Okpebholo described the incident as painful and unfortunate, noting that it has brought grief and distress to families, motorists, and residents of the area.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Edo State, the Governor commiserate with the Otaru of Auchi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aliru H. Momoh Ikelebe III, and the entire people of Auchi Sacred Kingdom over the tragic occurrence.

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“This unfortunate incident is a painful reminder of the dangers associated with the transportation of petroleum products on our highways. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Auchi Sacred Kingdom at this difficult time.”

Okpebholo extended heartfelt sympathies to all those who suffered losses, including individuals whose vehicles and properties were destroyed in the inferno, and prayed for the repose of the souls of those who may have lost their lives, as well as quick recovery for the injured.

The Governor assured the people of Auchi that the Edo State Government is working closely with relevant emergency and safety agencies to assess the situation, support affected victims, and put measures in place to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

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He also urged motorists and tanker drivers to strictly adhere to safety regulations and traffic laws to safeguard lives and property across the state.

Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of Edo people and called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities as investigations continue.

The Bauchi State Local Government Service Commission has conducted a 2-day Sensitisation workshop for 14,000 local government staff on how to excel in the forthcoming promotion examination.

Speaking before the commencement of the workshop, Alh. Abubakar Wabi, the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, said that the importance of the workshop for the LG workers could not be over-emphasised.

He said according to the tenets of examination policy, the main thrust of the exam, apart from paving the way for promotion, was to acquaint the staff with regulatory professional and general knowledge.

This, he added, contributed immensely in boosting their capacity and reading culture as well as increase effective performance of their duties for efficient service delivery.

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According to him, the administration of Gov. Bala Mohammed of the state has resolved to sustain the examination policy and do everything within its reach to strengthen it for the benefit of civil servants and the Civil Service.

“The conduct of this sensitisation workshop is therefore a continued demonstration of the governor’s commitment and concern towards the upliftment of Local Governments as well as human capital development,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Nasir Dewu, the Overseeing Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, said promotion examination has the main merit of keeping staff up-to-date with the staff regulations, procedures and General Knowledge.

These, he said, were vital for ensuring effective, efficient and productive Local Government Service.

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“I am happy to inform you that the success witnessed in the 2023 edition of the examination held in 2024 is a further signal that the policy is a worthwhile one.”

He commended governor Mohammed for his commitment to ensure the examination policy’ success in the state.

Dewu urged the participants to reciprocate the kind gestures of the governor by being more dedicated to duties as well as contributing immensely in the revamping efforts of the Local Government Service.

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In his address, Alh. Gambo Magaji, Dugge Management Services Limited (DMSL) the Consultant of the promotion examination, called on the participants to listen attentively to the papers that would be presented during the workshop.

Magaji, who said that the resource persons were experienced retired and serving technocrats billed to prepare them for the examination and beyond, added that the examination questions won’t be outside of what they would be taught.

The sensitisation workshop was carried out to help the staff writing the 2024 promotion examination on December 27 to excel.

The Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, has called on members of the media to continue to support government policies and programmes through objective, professional and balanced reportage, describing them as critical stakeholders in governance.

Ikhilor made the call while receiving members of the Governor’s Press Crew, Edo State Government House, led by the Chief Press Secretary, Ebojele Akhere Patrick, PhD, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office as part of the season’s greetings.

Responding, Ikhilor expressed gratitude for the gesture, noting that it was thoughtful and symbolic.

According to him, the media plays an indispensable role in governance and public accountability.

He said, “Whatever it is that we do, it still will not matter much if we do not have you guys to be our eyes and our ears to report some of those things so that Edo people will be aware and people globally will be aware, and that is where you come in very important.”

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The SSG further emphasized the strategic role of journalists, describing them as the fourth estate of the realm.

Ikhilor stated, “Because without the press, the government is blind, deaf and dumb. You are the ones we can see with and you are the ones we can hear with and talk with as well. So we consider you very critical stakeholders in the affairs of governance. That is the sincere sentiment of the government,”

He acknowledged the challenges faced by the media, particularly poor working conditions, and assured that the government was aware and already taking steps to address them.

He said, “Your working conditions have not been the best one would have expected. These are some of the things we have made recommendations to His Excellency the Governor, and he has promised from next year, after this budget by January, with a new budget that is coming, there will be something substantial to cater for the media.”

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Explaining the initial constraints of the administration, Ikhilor noted that spending was limited by budgetary provisions inherited at the time the government assumed office.

He explained, “When we came in, we met a budget already prepared. We just tried and tinkered with it to pass it as at then November–December. Once you don’t have an appropriation, you can’t spend. That would be a criminal offence,”

The SSG urged journalists to remain professional and committed to truth, regardless of circumstances.

He said, “Your responsibility as a journalist, your first training, your first duty, is the pursuit of truth wherever you find it. Reporting should not be based on a special relationship. Professionalism actually means you are consistent and you deliver, whether the day is good or the day is bad.”

He encouraged the media to continue to support government policies and programmes through accurate and diligent reporting, stressing the importance of teamwork in effective communication.

Commending the press crew, Ikhilor added, “I have seen exceptional reports from a lot of reporters here. Our camera men have done very well in terms of proper coverage. Everybody needs to work together as a team for the story to come alive and for the story to be complete.”

Earlier, while presenting a gift on behalf of the team to the SSG in appreciation of his leadership and support, the Chief Press Secretary, Ebojele Akhere Patrick, PhD, said, “In the spirit of the season, I present this to you on behalf of the Governor’s Press Crew in appreciation of your effort as the engine room of government.”