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ERA/FoEN Empowers 30 Women In Edo Community  ...As Women Lament Taking Over Their Land By Multinational  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin   The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, in Benin organised a one-day workshop for women in such impacted communities. The one day workshop: ‘Promoting Solidarity Economy. Building Resilience,’ attracted women from no fewer than 15 communities spread across six local government areas of Edo State. The women numbering 30, were trained on Snail farming, mushroom cultivation, and soap making, with the potential to grow into a thriving local economy powered by women. Commenting during the workshop, the Interim Administrator, ERA/FoEN, Rita Uwaka, said the workshop was aimed at empowering and supporting women from impacted communities through a structured learning and healing programme that would equip them with information on environmental issues, their rights, and the...

NOCSON Decries Over Cult Killings In Edo   A group on the aegis of Network of Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria (NOCSON), has raised concern over the high rate of cult killings in Edo State, saying that the lifting of the ban on the Edo State Security Network (ESSN), will help nip the situation in the bud. President of the group, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbidi expressed his resentment in a statement signed and made available to journalists in Benin. He said the recent killings in the state has called for a serious concern and that proactive and urgent steps need to be taken to stop it before it snowball into a bigger crisis in the state. “The Network of Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria has recently frowned at the Killings in Edo State in which an estimated number of 10 persons have been confirmed dead- four persons recorded at Upper Sokponba, while others are scattered in various parts of Benin Metropolis, with some other victims sustaining various degree of injurie...

Again,Tinubu Increases Petrol Pump Prices N1,030 Per Litre  By Editor  The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has again increased the pump price of petrol. This was observed on Tuesday at NNPC filling stations. Also about three weeks ago, NNPC hiked fuel price to about N1,030 per litre in Abuja and N998 in Lagos. It was learned that this new increment will see Nigerians in Abuja and Lagos buy petrol for N1,060 and N1,025 per litre respectively. Previously in other places, fuel sold for over N1,250 at NNPC stations. This increment comes barely one week after President Bola Tinubu boasted that his administration has provided Nigerians with a workable solution to the hike in the fuel price. According to the President, “motorists can buy petrol at N1,000 per litre or equivalent gas per Standard Cubic Meter at N200”. A press statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) last Tuesday stated that President ...

Peter Obi Berates Borno Speaker’s  For Asking New Aircraft For Shettima      By Editor  Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has criticized Borno State House of Assembly Speaker Abdulkareem Lawan for his request for a new aircraft for Vice President Kashim Shettima. Lawan expressed concerns about the Vice President’s safety due to the continued use of a “faulty” presidential aircraft for international duties, a situation highlighted by Shettima’s recent cancellation of his planned attendance at the Commonwealth Summit in Samoa. In a statement on X, Obi labeled the demand for a new aircraft as insensitive, suggesting that the Speaker is disconnected from the serious economic challenges currently facing the nation. He emphasized that leaders should focus on issues that benefit the public instead of indulging in selfish desires for unnecessary luxuries that come at the people’s expense. Obi remarked, “I came across ...

Kidnappers Of Edo Catholic Revered Father Oyode Demand N200m Ransom Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The  kidnappers of the Rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi in Ivhianokpodi, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode, are reportedly demanding for a N200 million ransom for them to release Oyode who was kidnapped on Sunday by gunmen when they went to the evening mass in the area. The Director of Communications of the  Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, confirmed the ransom demand in a  text message to journalists in Benin City saying “It is true”.  A source who asked not to be named, said:”The kidnappers on Monday evening contacted the Auchi Catholic Diocese and asked them to pay ₦200 million if they want them to release the kidnapped priest. “As at yesterday, negotiation was yet to commence with the Kidnappers and I don’t know whether the Catholic family will discus...

Ambition Without Plans  President Olusegun Obasanjo said Tinubu’s government came to power without a plan. The response from the Villa is the number of people who committed suicide under the government headed by Obasanjo. When one reads such base responses from the president’s handlers, one begins to wonder what happened to the antecedents of those guys in the Villa! If Obasanjo accused the government of being without a plan, what could have been a better response than to give the retired General the plans the government had initiated and executed? If it is true that more people died under the Obasanjo regime, must the Tinubu administration struggle to beat that record? Do we need a Professor Kunle Ogunbameru or an Emile Durkheim, or any clinical psychologist, to tell us that there would be more cases of depression when the people cannot afford basic things of life than when there is abundance of life? Poets and cartoonists are the most ‘dangerous’ users of language. Th...

Gunmen Murdered Drummer In Edo By Editor  Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed a renowned drummer identified as HC Ikhamateh Akhumhele in the Osholo community, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State. Akhumhele was killed between Iviukwe and Akioli on Saturday, October 26, 2024. The spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Benin City on Sunday, October 28. “We are meeting with community leaders on this unfortunate incident while tactical teams have been deployed to comb the crime scene and its surroundings for possible arrest of the suspects,” the PPRO stated. “The DPOs sharing boundaries with that area have also been alerted on the matter to be on the lookout for these suspects. “The Command will appreciate any information from members of the public that could help the police in fishing out the perpetrators.” Meanwhile, the deceased was laid to rest on Sunday 27, October 2024.

ChariLove Founder, Omusi Decries Neglect Of Less Privileged Children  ...Calls On Govt To Visit The Facilities Destroyed  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Servant-Leader and Founder of ChariLove Centre, Chris Omusi,  decried the neglect, abandoned and the dire conditions faced by the less privileged children of the Center and  failure of government to provide basic educational support. Omusi made the statements during a press briefing in Benin cty, said  Ossiomo is the poorest of the poor community in Edo state. " Ossiomo is certainly the poorest of the poor community in Edo State and, perhaps, in Nigeria. The place has continued to witness a circle of poverty striken generations. And the only way and end can be put to this is through proper education off the children.  "Very sadly, this is what the children are systematically deprived of through the culpable lack of teachers in their school. " One of the several sad side effects of such neglig...

Uniben Appoints Prof. Omoregie As New Vice-Chancellor Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The management of the University of Benin has appointed Professor Edoba Omoregie, a specialist in constitutional law and governance, as the new Vice-Chancellor of the institution. The Chairman of the Governing Council of the university, Professor Shaibu Umaru, announced the appointment on Friday in Benin. According to Umaru, stated that Omoregie emerged as the 11th Vice-Chancellor of the university out of the 27 candidates who applied for the coveted position.

Dr Azemhe Salutes The New Minister Of Regional Development By Austen Akhagbeme Candidate of the New Nigeria People's Party, NNPP, in the September governorship election in Edo State, Dr Azemhe Azena, has sent congratulatory message to Hon Abubakar Oshiokpekhe Momoh, the pioneer minister of the newly created Ministry of Regional Development, by President Bola Tinubu. In a message signed by him and released by his media team on Friday in Benin- City, Edo State, the Clergyman and Politician, who is also a Kinsman of the Minister, thanked God for giving an Ivie man an opportunity to serve the Nation in such a capacity while expressing confidence in the ability of Hon Momoh to perform excellently well in the new and expanded Ministry. " Engr Momoh is a seasoned political figure in Ivie land and Edo North in general and we're so glad and excited about his new assignment, a call to a higher service of our dear nation. This is, no doubt, a sign of his excellent perform...

_EDITORIAL As the first tenure of Comrade Festus Alenkhe as Chairman of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) approaches its conclusion, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the accomplishments that have marked his leadership. In a sector where journalists often focus on highlighting the successes and failures of others, it is only fitting that we turn the lens inward to assess the significant strides made under the Alenkhe administration. The initiatives undertaken between 2021 and October 2024 reveal a chairman deeply committed to enhancing the working environment and welfare of journalists in Edo State, while strengthening the infrastructure and reputation of the Press Centre. From the outset, Alenkhe’s les administration was intent on addressing the basic infrastructural needs of the NUJ Secretariat. His leadership focused on restoring the functionality of the physical space, starting with critical interventions, such as the renovation of toilet facilit...

NRFF President Salutes Shehu Dikko On His Appointment  ...As Chairman of the National Sports Commission The President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Dr. Ademola Are, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Mallam Shehu Dikko on his recent appointment as Chairman of the National Sports Commission. Dr. Are thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his astute decision-making, noting that the move demonstrates the President’s attentiveness to the voice of the people. After Team Nigeria’s underwhelming performance at the last Olympic Games in Paris, the reinstatement of the National Sports Commission became crucial to ensure that Nigeria’s talented youth can collaborate with the right professionals who will bring out the best in them. According to Dr. Are, the appointment of Mallam Shehu Dikko is the icing on the cake, bringing joy to millions of sports enthusiasts across the nation who have long advocated for a seasoned technocrat to lead such a presti...

Fubara/Wike Fracas: South-South Governors Threatened To Attend NGF, NEC Meetings ... Demands Instant Removal Of Wike’s From  Cabinet By Editor  Governors from Nigeria’s South-South region have announced their intention to boycott all meetings of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and the National Economic Council (NEC) in protest over the handling of crisis between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike. The South-South governors are demanding immediate action from President Bola Tinubu, calling for the President to either caution or remove Wike from his ministerial position. The governors accused Wike's of targeting Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, especially Governor Fubara, with hostile actions and inflammatory remarks.  The announcement comes amid growing unrest within the region, as the governors expressed dissatisfaction with the NGF’s leadership under its chairman, Governor AbdulRahman Ab...

Burna Boy, Davido Set to Perform At NPFL All-Star Game ...Each Player To Get ₦1 Million Appearance Fee In a bid to further elevate the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), the league’s board has partnered with leading sports management company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML), to organize the NPFL All-Star Game. Scheduled to take place at the end of the season, this highly anticipated event will showcase top players from the northern and southern regions of Nigeria, competing in a thrilling showdown at a venue to be announced soon. During the contract signing ceremony in Abuja, NPFL Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, saying, "This marks another step in raising the profile of the league and creating a more engaging and entertaining environment for fans, players, and the private sector. We are constantly seeking innovative ways to grow the league, and we’re excited to have Nilayo Sports Management Limited on board to hel...

Cabinet Reshuffle: EFCC Clears Beta Edu, To Be Among The New Ministerial List By Editor      The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has  Cleared  Beta Edu, paving the way for her inclusion in the new Ministerial list to be released by President Bola Tinubu very soon. According to undisclosed Presidential Aide, piled pressures on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to clear former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Beta Edu, so she can be represented as a Ministerial nominee in the planned cabinet shakeup. The former minister was suspended in January 2024 over the alleged diversion of more than N585 million ($640,000; £500,000) of public money into a personal bank account. Edu was also an accomplice in allegedly siphoning the over N3bn from the NSIPA account using various fraudulent schemes such as inflating the number of beneficiaries, paying ghost workers, awarding contracts to fake companies and di...

  Prof. Utomi Criticizes Policymakers For Failing To Prioritize The Nation’s Progress  ...Expresses Strong Dissatisfaction With Nigeria’s National Assembly By Editor  A political guru in economist, Professor Pat Utomi,  has  expressed strong dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s National Assembly, criticizing lawmakers for failing to prioritize the nation’s development. Prof. Utomi accused many lawmakers of being more concerned with their personal interests than with the welfare of the public. He described the National Assembly as “captured” by individuals who are focused on maintaining power rather than addressing pressing national issues such as economic hardship and governance. According to Utomi, the current political climate is plagued by a focus on power struggles and budget discussions that, in his view, have become mere public relations exercises with little real impact on Nigerians. Utomi’s frustration also extends to Labour Party lawmakers, who he...

South-West, Run, Ganduje Is Coming by Suyi Ayodele   IN this geopolitical zone, we must deliver 100 per cent in favour of APC. Therefore, Ondo State, you must be at the forefront, the two other states – Oyo and Osun – we will capture them, but I will not reveal our secret. We are strategising. Everything must be 100 per cent behind President Bola Tinubu.” The above vow was made by Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, APC National Chairman, at a meeting with APC stakeholders ahead of the November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State. He did not stop at vowing to capture Ondo State. He listed two other states: Osun and Oyo, as part of the states he would “capture” for supper. When that is done, the entire South-West geo-political zone will be 100 percent APC-controlled region. Related Posts Close ranks to win Ondo gov election, Ganduje charges aggrieved aspirants Close ranks to win Ondo guber election, Ganduje charges aggrieved aspirants Ganduje mourns victims of Jigawa ...

Edo  Government Awards  Azemhe  Justice Of the Peace Austen Akhagbeme  The renowned Televangelist, Philanthropist and the gubernatorial candidate of the NNPP in the recently held governorship election in Edo State, Dr Azemhe Azena, on Monday received the prestigious honour of Justice of the Peace, JP, awarded by the Edo State Judiciary. Dr Azemhe Azena, who is a popular Pastor in Benin city, known for his popular youth-centric program where violent and criminally minded youths are rehabilitated and reintegrated into the society, was among the 99 recipients of this year's award, 2024. Speaking at the occasion after the oath taking, Dr Azemhe Azena thanked the government and people of Edo State for finding him faithful as an ambassador of peace and justice in the state. Justice of the Peace, JP, award is often given to people of high value for peace and Justice in the society. Recipients are expected to promote peace and justice education in society, while ...

South-South League: Four Players Cited After Intense Brawl Five players are set to face a disciplinary hearing next week after being cited for their involvement in incidents during Wednesday's top-of-the-table clash between Delta State and Edo State. The tension boiled over just before halftime when Edo player Anwar Aliyu tackled Delta winger Isidor Okafor into touch, sparking a massive brawl. Another Edo player escalated the situation when a power struggle ensued, igniting a full-blown melee that dragged in numerous players. It took officials ten minutes to restore order. Two players, Christian Eleberi from Edo and Isidor Okafor from Delta, were sent to the sin-bin for initiating the altercation. Fortunately, the game resumed peacefully after the heated exchange. “Discipline is one of rugby’s core values. The physical intensity of the game demands strict boundaries to ensure it remains safe and fair for all players,” said NRFF General Manager Mr. Azeez Ladipo, who was ...

Dr. Azemhe Azena Felicitates With Oba Ewuare 11 On Birthday, Coronation Anniversary Austen Akhagbeme  Candidate of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) in the recently concluded governorship election in Edo State, Dr Azemhe Azena, has sent heartfelt greetings to the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N'Oba N'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare 11, on the occasion of the 8th coronation anniversary and the 71st birthday of the revered monarch. In a message signed by the ebullient Philanthropist and Pastor on Monday morning and released by his media team, Dr Azemhe Azena extolled the good virtues of the Oba as a Man of Peace and an astute administrator. " Your efforts at preserving the cultural heritage of the Edo people and your wisdom and guidance which has kept us in peace and harmony is highly commendable and worthy of emulation" he said. The young politician added that "the Oba has become a symbol of Unity that must be respected by his subjects...

#EndSARS: Protests To Take Place As Group Declares Tomorrow October 20  For Possession  By Editor  To mark the Memorial Day For Martyrs’ #EndBadGovernance Movement, a coalition of civil society groups and activists, has declared tomorrow, Sunday, October 20, 2024 as a day to honour the martyrs of the collective struggle for liberty to liberate Nigeria. For this , the Lagos chapter of the group, in a statement, has announced some activities that will mark the day to include memorial procession, speeches, prayers and laying of wreaths at Lekki Toll Gate, reports Saturday Independent. The group’s statement jointly signed by Hassan Taiwo-Soweto, Osugba Blessing and Oloye Adegboyega-Adeniji, noted that Sunday October 20, 2024 makes it four years since scores of protesters were massacred by the Nigerian Army and the Police at the Lekki Toll Gate during the #EndSARS protest, which erupted nationwide in October 2020. It said: “To honour these martyrs of our collective...

GIZ-SKYE, Stakeholders Chart  Ways For Gender Budgeting Inclusivity ...Says 200 Women Trained For Capacity building  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin   Edo state commissioner for the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, Mrs. Christabel Omon Ekwu, has asserted that, Edo State has made great strides in promoting gender equality, but  recognize that true progress requires intentionality in their  planning, resource allocation, and implementation processes. Omon Ekwu made the statement in an event to institutionalising gender building for Inclusive Development with the theme:" Gender Responsive Budgeting-An Imperative for Edo state," said the issue of gender equality is not just a women's issue, but a development issue that affects us all. She said," As we gather here, we are reminded that the budgeting process is one of the most powerful tools we have to ensure that the needs and aspirations of both men and women are fairly addresse...