The Edo State Deputy Governor, Engr. Marvellous Godwins Omobayo, has been inducted as Honourary Fellow into the Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Risk Management Institute (ECRMI) of Nigeria.

The induction ceremony took place on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, during the Institute’s “5th Annual Hybrid Nigeria Special Emergency Preparedness & Crisis Management Simulation Week & Exhibition, Edo, 2024” Conference, themed: “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks”.

The Deputy Governor was represented at the colourful event by Dr. Austin Otas-Osegbe, Director, Media & Public Relations, Office of the Deputy Governor.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the induction, the Deputy Governor affirmed the commitment of Governor Godwin Obaseki to the welfare and well-being of Edo citizens, while dedicating the award to the Governor.

He said, ‘The present administration is a responsible and responsive government that has accorded top priority to the management of emergency and disaster situations.’

The Deputy Governor noted with delight, the active collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government, resulting in the passage of a bill to repeal the Edo Fire Service Law No.7 of 1975 and establish the Edo State Fire and Rescue Service 2024, by the Edo State House of Assembly.

He stated that it was a proactive move aimed at regulating, improving and strengthening government efforts in emplacing fire safety services and mitigating its impact on citizens, in case of emergency and disaster, while describing Obaseki as a compassionate and caring leader.

Omobayo added that Governor Obaseki has ensured the establishment of institutions and structures such as the Edo State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Edo State Security Network (ESN), and Edo Command Response/Rescue Team, all equipped with necessary work tools and manned by well-trained specialists and thorough-bred professionals, for seamless operations and maximum efficiency with the mandate to combat, mitigate and cushion emergencies across the three senatorial districts of the State.

Earlier in his speech, Dr. Chuks Akawo, Director-General/CEO, Emergency, Crisis & Disaster Risk Management Institute, said the Deputy Governor and other deserving recipients were found worthy of the Honourary Fellow and Professional Fellow Award on account of their leadership qualities and commitment to advance the frontiers of humanity.

Other Honourary Fellowship Awardees include Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Olusesan Oduyebo, Nigerian Army, Brigade Commander, 4th Mechanized Brigade, Benin City, Edo State, Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, Director General, Nigeria Television Authority and Kingsley Uwagbale, Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Public Safety and Security, Edo State. While the Professional Fellowship Awardees include, Edward Omoruyi Oseghe, Sports, Environment, Health & Security Editor, The Nigerian Observer; Amb. (Dcn.) Theodore Osas Ehannire, Edo State Coordinator, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA); Osas Maria Ogbeide-Ihama Esq., Director, Monitoring & Enforcement (R&C0 Dept., Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) and Osemwegie Ogbemudia, Head of L.G. Administration (HOLGA) Esan South-East Local Government Council, Ubiaja, Edo State.

Highlights of the induction ceremony included a presentation of an abridged profile of the Deputy Governor, presentation of the award plaques and certificates, as well as the decoration of His Excellency and other deserving distinguished honourary and professional fellowship awardees with the institute’s paraphernalia, amidst cheers from conference participants and guests.