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Easter Merriment: Obaseki Greets Christians ...Urges Hope, Resilience Amid Economic Headwinds Iduozee Paul, Benin The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has urged Christians to reflect on the lessons of Easter celebration, charging them not to lose hope amid the economic headwinds. The governor in his Easter message in commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the hallmark of the Easter season, noted: “I heartily felicitate with our Christian faithful as we commemorate the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. “Easter is a time for reflection, love, sacrifice, renewal and hope.  I urge that we use this opportunity to ponder on the lessons and purpose of the celebration and renew our resolve towards achieving a more progressive and prosperous Nigeria.” He said, “As a people, we may have been stretched beyond limits occasioned by the high cost of living and other economic headwinds, but we must not lose hope. Working together in unity, we ...

Easter: Dr. Azemhe Calls On Christians To Pray For Edo State By Austen Akhagbeme  The youthful Governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People's Party, NNPP, Dr Azemhe Azena has called on all Christians and residents in Edo state to pray for the betterment of the state in these trying times. In his goodwill message for the Easter season made available to newsmen in Benin city, the Edo state capital, the ebullient Televangelist and politician tasked Christians to "take advantage of the season to reflect on the sufferings of Christ and his final resurrection which ushered in a new kind of freedom for mankind" Dr Azemhe Azena added that in the same vein, prayers should be offered to God "for a better Edo state after many years of suffering and deprivation". The popular politician also called on all Christians to pray for a peaceful, free and fair election that will usher in the perfect will of God, as the state prepares for Gubernatorial elections in S...

Easter Celebration: Alenkhe Salutes Christians ...Urges The People To Rejoice In The Gift Of Salvation Iduozee Efe Paul.  The chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists,  Edo state council Comrade Festus Alenkhe JP. has sent a message of felicitation to Christians and non Christian alike as the world celebrate Easter. According to the statement,  Easter celebration signifies the resurrection of Jesus christ who confirmed that " It is finished ", an indication that all our intending pains, trouble and problems have ended at the cross of crucification.  In the message,  Comrade Festus Alenkhe urged the people to rejoice in the gift of salvation and the promise  of new beginnings.  He wished and prayed that the people of Edo state experience the beauty of God's Grace and the joy of Jesús Christ's resurrection.  The message also said good friday and Easter sunday are sacred days marked by reflection,  remembrance and celebrations en...

Past  NUJ Chairmen  Call On NBA  To  Probe The Actions Of Ogbankwa    Iduozee Efe Paul The Conference of Past Chairmen, Edo State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, has condemned in its entirety the invasion of the Oba Oguola Press Center, Benin City,  by one Douglas Ogbankwa, accompanied by some unidentified policemen to assault and arrest a journalist as well as threaten to ‘bring down’ the NUJ Chairman, our highly respected Comrade Festus Alenkhe. The Conference  in a statement issued and jointly signed by its Chairman, Comrade Godwin Erhahon and Secretary, Otunba Mike Aladenika and made available to newsmen said the action is not acceptable to practicing journalists in Nigeria, most especially in Edo State. “Information at our disposal is sacrosanct and a fact, that the said Douglas Ogbankwa was actually docked and currently undergoing trials in a court of competent jurisdiction for crime allegedly committed. “It is our convi...

Obaseki Gives Edo NUJ 18 Seater Bus  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin Edo State government led by Mr. Godwin Obaseki has donated an 18 seater bus to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Benin city, Edo state. The 18 seater bus came after the promise made by governor Godwin Obaseki recently when he visited the Union last year. The donation was presented to the State Chairman of the council, Conrade Festus Alenkhe by the Chief of Staff (CoS) to the state governor, Mr. Osaigbovo Iyoha on behalf of the governor at the Oba Oguola press centre in Benin City. Mr. Iyoha said that the governor having promised to give the union a bus some time ago to aid their work, has decided to make good his promise. He said that the governor of the state values the work the media do and that he holds them in high esteem and will continue to support them in ensuring that they succeed in the state. Responding in a happy mood, the State Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, c...

Bendel Insurance Beat Metrice FC  2-1 Iduozee Efe Paul Bendel Insurance Football Club on Thursday evening defeated. Metrice FC of Ekpoma 2-1 in the Edo FA cup semifinals clash to book the tickets for the final match,scheduled to hold on Sunday in Benin. Midfield Star Divine Nwachukwu gave Insurance the lead in the 30th minute as he calmly shot from a close range to complete  Raymond Ikhenoba's assist from the right flank. Metrice ensured that the rampaging Insurance attack led by Chukwudi Meze, Raymond Ikhenoba,Paul Obata and Divine Nwachukwu did not get another goal before the halftime whistle.  On resumption of the second half,the coach Greg Ikhenoba led Benin Arsenals immediately increased the tally as Chukwudi Meze headed home a cheap one as Metrice goalkeeper's groaping hands gifted him the ball three minutes into the second half to make it 2-0. Meyinwa Oritseweyimi set up the attack following his line breaking pass from the right flank which the Metrice ...

Ogbankwa, Ex-Edo NBA Publicity Secretary Assaults  NUJ Chairman ...Accuses Him Of Stealing Stabilizer  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin A former Publicity Secretary of the Benin Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Douglas Ogbankwa late Thursday at the Edo State Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) assaulted journalists including the State Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Festus Alenkhe and others over an online report of alleged case of stealing preferred against him by the state. Douglas Ogbankwa was expected to be arraigned today at the Criminal Court in Benin City over alleged attack on the matrimonial home of one Sandra Palmer-Kelvin for alleged issues with Ogbankwa’s client based in Denmark who is Sandra’s husband. When his case was mentioned in the court, several lawyers including the Benin Branch chairman of the NBA, Nosa Edo-Osagie, Emmanuel Usoh and others pleaded with the judge to allow them intervene in the issue which they assured would be...

 Commissioner Omokhodion Rates Obaseki Regime In Infrastructures ...Extols Governor For Creating Parks, Gardens Iduozee Efe,Benin Edo State Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Architect Joshua Omokhodion, has rated the administration of governor Godwin Obaseki high in term of infrastructures, as well structure and has provided the dividends of democracy to Edo people.   He made the exclusive interview when he spoke with some journalists in his office at the secretariat complex along Sapele Road, Benin City, Edo state. He commented on some level of work being put in place by some of the local government councils, ministries, departments and government agencies. Omokhodion also described the state governor,  as the best governor to have come to the state. Omokhodion said: “What you must be doing must be things that people can take ownership of because ultimately you are doing it for the people.  “Governance is not what you see from the top to t...

NDLE Insists Chief Of Defence Staff To Tender An Unreserved Apology To EK Clark  Iduozee Efe Paul Niger Delta Lawyers For Equity, (NDLE, ) a group of lawyers from the Niger Delta have called for an immediate national apology from President Bola Tinubu and Chief of Army Staff over the senseless raiding of Pa Edwin Clark, South-South Leader’s home by soldiers searching for arms. In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Akpokona Omafuaire and Secretary, Barr Amos David, on Tuesday in Warri, the group is demanding an apology within one week. According to the statement, “We at Niger Delta Lawyers for Equity read with dismay and utter disbelief the raiding of the home of our South-South Leader in a commando style. “We want the President and Chief of Defence Staff to tender an unreserved apology within one week, failure of which we shall institute a legal action for this great disrespect and international humiliation. “While everyone condemned the ill-fated incident near Okua...

Abure Re-Elected As Labour Party National Chairman  Labour Party National Chairman, Mr Julius Abure has been re-elected to steer the ship of the party for another four years despite protest against the holding of the national convention by a section of the party’s faithful. Announcing his victory, the Chairman of the National Convention and Deputy Governor of Abia State, Mr. Ikechukwu Emetu declared him the winner during the party’s national convention that was held on Wednesday in Nnewi, Anambra State. Julius Abure’s emergence as Labour Party National Chairman is without the support of Obidients who constitute the fulcrum of Peter Obi’s support in the 2023 presidential election. There are whispers that Obi is not in solidarity with Abure who has been locked in a controversy over campaign funds mismanagement as alleged by the now suspended Labour Party national treasurer, Oluchi Oparah, who accused the national chairman of misappropriating N3.5 billion.

Kidnappers Release Edo PDP Chairman  Iduozee Efe, Benin The Edo State People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, who was kidnapped on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, has been released by his captors.  Source revealed that,  Dr.Tony Aziegbemi arrived at his residence in Benin City at around 3: am, where he was welcomed by his family and friends. It was gathered that Dr. Aziegbemi was released unharmed and in good health. The news of his safe return has been received with great joy and relief by everyone who has been following the story. The PDP Chairman’s abduction had caused a lot of anxiety and apprehension among his supporters and the general public, and his release has been welcomed as a positive development. Hon. Andy Ojiemhekele, who shared the news of Dr. Aziegbemi’s release via social media group, did not provide any details about the circumstances surrounding his release or whether any ransom was paid. However, the Chairman is safe and bac...

Dr. Azemhe Visits Okpekpe, Received By Royal Fathers By Austen Akhagbeme  The Governorship Candidate of the New Nigeria People's Party, NNPP, Dr. Azemhe Azena, yesterday visited his hometown of Okpekpe in Etsako-East local government of Edo state again, but for the first time after clinching the Gubernatorial ticket of the NNPP for the upcoming election in Edo state. The youthful politician was well received by His Royal Highness, Sir Peter Osigbemhe, the Onweweko of Okpekpe, and his Council of Chiefs amidst fanfare and cheers from admirers and dance troops from neighboring villages. The occasion which saw the presence of the council chairman, Mrs Benedicta Attoh of the PDP, was graced with several dignitaries and indigenes from far and near many of whom spoke glowingly about the capacity and sincerity of purpose of the esteemed Governorship candidate to lead the state to the promised land. In his speech at the occasion, Dr Azemhe Azena thanked his people for the love a...

NAPVID Boss Laments How Dollarization Policy Affected Their Members Iduozee Efe Paul. Benin The Executive Director, Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID) Barr. Melody Omosah, Esq has asserted that, the Dollarization of Nigeria economy has brought about by floating of naira against the dollar has impoverished Nigerians with PWDs being worst impacted by these policies. Barr. Omosah who is also the convener, Edo Disability Forum (EDF) made the statements in a press briefing on Edo disability forum engagement outcomes with government MDAs, Benin city, Edo state. He said their engagement with NBA, government officials and political office holders had yielded a meaningful progress. He stressed that they are optimistic that government should march their word with action to bring the needed change. Omosah said," As you are aware, on the 8th of February 2024, we convened to address the severe impact of fuel subsidy removal on Persons with Disa...

Edo SSG Extols Author Of ' Rising To The Top' At Book Launch  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Secretary to the Edo State Government, (SSG), Osarodion Ogie Esq, have eulogised Mr. Eugene Onyebuchi Odoh for keeping hope alive at a time of distress and misplaced societal values. Barr Ogie made the assertion  during the public launch of the book, 'Rising to the top: From zero to hero; Modus operandi," at the St. Joseph Catholic Church Hall in  Benin City. The book launch was a 3in 1 ceremony which was also used to celebrate   the author's  twenty (20) years of public service and ten (10) years marriage anniversary . The Book reviewer, Bernard Irusota Esq  while reviewing the book said,"  The book he said showed the ability of man to work seamlessly without breaking his role, trusting God, keeping faith and organizing his life in such a manner that God will bless his efforts. This he observed is "What we inherited from our Catholic educat...

Alli Optimists In Revivaling  Ogbe Hard Court ... Extols Elo Jackson veteran Tennis Iduozee Efe Paul As the Elo Jackson International Veteran Tennis Tournament South-South 2024 begins in Benin City, the Executive Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Olympian Yussuf Alli stated that his commission is working out plans and programmes towards the revival of Ogbe Hard Court and grassroots tennis championships that will be beneficial to young athletes in Edo State.  The Edo Sports Commission boss made the commitment on Friday in his remark during the opening ceremony of the second edition of the Elo Jackson International Veteran Tennis Tournament at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.  Yusuf Alli urged the Executive Board of the Edo State Tennis Association and other stakeholders to explore the opportunities the ongoing International Veteran Tennis Tournament provides to galvanize support for the commission as plans are underway towards reviving...

Gunmen Kidnap Edo State PDP Chairman  Iduozee Efe Paul The Chairman of Edo State chapter of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Tony Aziegbemi has been kidnapped. Sources  disclosed  to Alertnews that Dr. Aziegbemi was kidnapped at the entrance of his house along Country Home Hotel Road, Off Sapele Road, Benin City while returning from meeting with the governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki. According to the source, as the driver was about to enter the compound, the kidnappers blocked the jeep and took Dr. Tony Aziegbemi away and left the driver. The sources also disclosed that Dr. Barr Asue Ighodalo, the Edo 2024 PDP governorship candidate was to have meeting with the Mr. Godwin Obaseki along Dr. Tony Aziegbemi yesterday (15th March, 2024) evening, but due to Dr. Ighodalo’s meeting with PDP leaders in Uromi, headquarters of Esan North-East local government area, he was unable to return back to Benin in time hence he missed the meeting with the governor. W...

Edo Speaker, Agbebaku Tasks Journalists On Balance Reportage Iduozee Efe Paul.  The speaker Edo State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku has urged journalists in the state to always balance their reports before disseminating to the general public. Hon. Agbabaku stated this when the  Chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ Edo state chapter,  Adesuwa Ehimuan  led some members of the Association on a courtesy visit to his office. He welcomed NAWOJ delegation and  commended them for acknowledging the role the house of assembly.  Hon. Agbebaku appealed to women journalists in the state to encourage young girls to help them actualize their dreams and aspirations in their various careers.  The speaker assured Edo NAWOJ of his unflinching support ahead of International Women's Day Celebration in collaboration with other professional women groups in Edo State on March 28th at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Ac...

2024 NEPL/Seplat JV Eye Can See  Receives Much Crowd In Edo State ..... Places More Commitment To Quality Healthcare  ...Extols  Edo State Health Management Board BENIN CITY-The  NEPL/Seplat Energy JV has kicked off the 2024 edition of the Eye Can See initiative,one of its flagship Corporate Social Investment in Benin City ,Edo State  The event,which took place at the Oba Palace ,Benin is designed to provide free reading glasses,treat other related eye problems,educate patients on ways to care for the eyes and how to detect glaucoma and also educate patients on lifestyle changes required to reduce the rate of hypertension and Diabetes. Given his welcome address,the Managing Director,Seplat West Limited ,Ayodele Olatunde who was represented by the Base Manager, Western Assets , Emmanuel Otokhine commended the Edo State Health Management Board and other partners ,who have supported the programme over the years . He assured that, "Seplat and...

Edo Speaker Describes The Activities Of BEDC As Criminal Iduozee Efe Paul .The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku has described as criminal and exploitative, the activities of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) with the current inadequate supply of electricity to the people of Edo State This reaction followed the disposition of the member representing the Uhunmwonde constituency, Hon. Kaycee Osamwonyi under matters of urgent public importance.  Hon Osamwonyi while addressing the House called on the legislative arm to prevail on BEDC to as a matter of urgency provide the indigene of the State with prepaid meters, and put a halt to estimated billing which has brought untold hardship to the people and crippled commercial activities in the state. After deliberations by Other Honourable Members who spoke of the hardship faced by indigenes in their various constituencies, the House reached a decision. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Agbebaku then directed the management of ...

Dr Azemhe Storms Ambrose Alli University With Free Medical Outreach By Austen Akhagbeme  The youthful Governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People's Party, NNPP in the upcoming election in Edo state, Dr Azemhe Azena, has scheduled to offer free medical services to students and residents of the university campus next week on Monday, the 18th of March. The free medical outreach is being carried out through the William Azena Turning Point Foundation in collaboration with the Law Students Association of Nigeria, AAU Chapter. The medical services include Health Education, medical consultation and counseling, Eye check-ups, distribution of medicated and reading glasses, and blood group testing. It should be recalled that such humanitarian gestures have become a hallmark of Dr Azemhe Azena's quest to ensure good health and wellness for the people of Edo state. In late December last year, the ebullient Televangelist and politician offered free medical care to three comm...

Seplat Rewards Teachers With Cash, Urges Them To Be Good Ambassadors ...As Soji Says Teachers need our support to fully harness their potential to build the nation.   Iduozee Efe Paul The Director, External Affairs and Social Performance, Chioma Afe said, training programmes and educational value are link to workforce that can easily drive the development of education in Nigeria. She said SEPLAT Energy over the past years had empowered  teachers and education managers at the secondary school level, and equipped them with the necessary technology, capacity and competence to teach their students Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. In her remarks, Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe, disclosed that in this 21st century of learning that it is not easy to be a teacher, especially in the public schools. Dr. Oviawe made the statements at Seplat JV Education Summit and Stem Graduation ceremony, with the theme:" Transforming the Edu...

LAPO Honours 633 Staff, Promotes 31 of Them Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin                    The Chief Executive Officer, LAPO Group, Dr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe PhD, has disclosed that this year, a total of 633 employees who have completed 10, 15, 20, and 25 of continuous service across the LAPO eco-system shall be honoured, while 31 staff shall receive performance-driven Best Staff Awards with automatic promotion.  Dr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe, made the statements at the 2023 annual Lapo Staff Long service and Meritorious award ceremony, Benin city, Edo state, said the award ceremony represents an opportunity for them to celebrate their hardworking and dedicated staff members who have served the organization diligently and conscientiously for 30 years or more. "I am exceedingly delighted to welcome you to this year’s Annual LAPO Staff Long Service and Meritorious Award ceremony holding today. "LAPO prides herself on the strong work eth...

Group Calls For Domestication Of Freedom Of Information Act In Edo Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin In a bid to ensure the Freedom of Information Act is domesticated in Edo state, some group known as; Conference of Non Governmental Organisations (CONGOs) in conjunction with ResearcherNG Abuja have embarked on a peaceful protest to press for the usage of the FOIA in the state. The event which was organized by ResearcherNG Abuja and funded by USAID with the help of Media and Public Mobilization campaign for the domestication of the Act.  The group also went to the Edo State House of Assembly to let the lawmakers know the essence why the FOI Act should be domesticated. Stating what brought them to the House of Assembly, the Policy and Governance Advocacy Officer ResearcherNG, Modupe Akinwale, said:"we are here called for the domestication of this law because we are also aware that there is a court case that may be an obstacle to this domestication. " Aside of that, we are req...

Shaibu Absconded As Impeachment Notice ls To Be Publish Iduozee Paul, Benin  Edo State House of Assembly has directed that the impeachment notice served on the State Deputy Governor, Rt Hon  Comrade Philip Shaibu be published in the Nigerian observer and other National dailies. This is Sequel  to the  refusal of the Deputy Governor to acknowledge the impeachment notice. But, the deputy governor is not to be found to receive the impeachment notice. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku who stated this  at plenary today explained that the action became necessary because the Deputy Governor refused to acknowledge an earlier impeachment notice sent to him through the clerk of the house. The latest move by the House is to ensure all grounds are explored to adequately serve the impeachment notice to elicit his response within the seven(7) day ultimatum given by the House. The House received two(2) petitions.  The first one is titled "A case of vicio...

Uyi Technical Daughter's Death: Arraignment Of 6 Suspected Suicide Aiders   Stalled ln Edo  The arraignment of six persons who allegedly aided the suicide of Mrs Lilian Omokhuale , the  daughter of the Chief Executive Officer of Uyi Technical Ltd was today Stalled  at the Federal High Court in Benin City.   The court could not seat due to some administrative reasons. Journalists drawn the various media organisations have besieged the court as early as 8.30 am but later told that the court will not sit. It would be recalled  that the case was earlier adjourned to Tuesday 12, March , 2024 for hearing. The six persons are Jessica Iguodala Oghomwen, Akpes Omorodion, Chukwudi Akpotowho, Joy Noren, Vincent Uhunmwangho and Blessing Jatto.  The  40-year old Lilian Omokhuale took her life on October 7, 2022  in the GRA axis of Benin City, Edo State.   The Situation prompted the police to commence investigation into the ...

Dr. Azemhe Salutes Muslim Ummah On Ramadan By Udukhokhe Odalumhe The Edo state Governorship Candidate of the New Nigeria People's Party, NNPP, Dr Azemhe Azena has sent a congratulatory message to the Muslims in the state on the successful commencement of the holy month of Ramadan. Speaking through his media team in Benin, the Edo state capital, the ebullient Televangelist and politician calls for a moment of solitude and prayers for God's intervention in the affairs of the state and the nation in general. Dr. Azemhe Azena also calls for peace and piety as " we fulfill one of the five pillars of Islam while living an exemplary life of our great Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)" In a similar development, the state chapter of NNPP has earlier called on the Muslim faithful to take advantage of the moment to pray for a peaceful and transparent election that will usher in a God-fearing governor in the upcoming governorship election in the state. The NNPP state chairman, ...

NPFL24: Bendel Insurance Defeat Gombe Utd 2-0  Bendel Insurance Football Club, Friday evening shrugged off their burden of disappointments and put up an outstanding performance against Gombe Utd with a convincing 2-0 victory in the Nigeria Premier Football League Match Day 24 engagement in Benin city. To make Benin  Arsenals happy, Sarki Ismael scored a brace to help the Benin Arsenal stroll past the Desert Scorpions and put an end to their goal drought.since resumption for the second round of the season. Sarki Ismael's goals looked divine as the number seven hardworking striker opened scoring for Insurance in the 7th minute of play  after picking a through pass from Osaghae Junior and rounded Gombe Goalkeeper Itodo Akor, before slotting it into the empty net conveniently. Determined to quench their thirst for victory after suffering huge disappointments in four games, Sarki pounced on another fine pass from Chisom Okereke and swiftly buried it into the l...