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CHAN Eagles Qualification: A New Dawn For NPFL Players By Tolulope Oguntimehin  For two consecutive CHAN tournaments, the Home-based Eagles failed to secure qualification, casting a shadow over the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL). For league managers, it became an albatross—a glaring gap that questioned the league’s progress. But now, a new chapter is being written. The CHAN Eagles’ qualification for the 2025 tournament is not just a triumph; it’s a resounding testament to the remarkable strides the NPFL has made in recent years. The last three seasons have seen an unprecedented transformation in the league. Refereeing standards have improved significantly, bolstered by timely payment of indemnities and a commitment to professionalism from the Gbenga Elegbeleye-led board. No longer do referees face uncertainties; their fees are secured, resulting in better officiating and greater integrity on the pitch. While perfection is a journey, the league is miles ahe...

Edo PDP Accuses  Okpevbolo For Disgrading The Rule Of Law Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Edo state chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), has accused governor Monday Okpevbolo for disregarding the rule of law in the state over the suspension of the local government chairmen. Addressing journalists in Benin city, the Chairman Edo State PDP Caretaker Committee,  Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, said PDP are aware that the Governor seeks to enforce and has indeed commenced his devious and illegal agenda with the help of vile and violent thugs and other non state actors. He said,"We are deeply worried that if urgent and decisive action is not taken to address this lawlessness and restore order within the system, we may witness an escalation that could result in crisis, anarchy, and chaos and which presents a clear and imminent danger of a breakdown of law and order in Edo State.  "As you are aware, recent events have brought to light the unlawful suspension of t...

  Gov. Okpebholo Vows To Bring Massive Development To Edo  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has advocated for a healthy competition among State Governors as a panacea for the current developmental challenges facing the country. He stated this at the weekend, when he visited his counterpart in Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma. During the meeting with the Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum, Uzodinma. Gov.  Okpebholo equally stressed the need for Governors  to pay working visits to other States to compare notes and see the progress being made. He said the aim is not only to replicate the same but to surpass them in their home States.  The governor disclosed that such visits could ignite a healthy competition that would spiral massive development across the country to the benefit of the people. According to him, “most times, sitting back in your comfort zone or State, you assume you are doing great. More so, when you are in a State whe...

killing Of 17 Military: Delta Closes Ewu IDP Camp As Indigenes Return To Ancestral Home ...Says Management Committee Received A Total Of N62 Million  By Editor  The Delta State Government has officially announced the closure of the internally displaced persons camp for Indigenes of Okuama community in Ewu Kingdom of Ughelli South LGA.   The closure is coming seven months after the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, inaugurated the IDP Camp as a temporary shelter for displaced indigenes of the community following the destruction of the entire town by the Nigerian military over the killing of 17 military personnel by unknown gunmen around the community riverbank. Chairman of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Management Committee, Mr. Abraham Ogbodo, announced the closure of the camp on behalf of the state government at Ewu town in Ughelli South on Tuesday. Ogbodo, a former editor of the Guardian Newspaper, said with the completion of the camp duti...

NPFL25 MD19: Bendel Insurance Play A Goalless With Enyimba FC Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin,on 2025 new year-eve put up an impressive performance against former CAF Champions League winners Enyimba FC, forcing a goalless stalemate against the People's Elephants in Aba to end the first round of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League on a positive note. The Benin Arsenals started the match day 19 game on a good footing, looking comfortable and confident against the hosts,the People's Elephants who looked heavy and unconvincing. Vincent Okeke who started in the attack in the place of Kayode Oke who picked up a knee injury during the warmup session, became a thorn in the flesh of the People's Elephants as the pacy striker kept  penetrating into the area but wasted several scoring chances good enough to bring down the Elephants in the first half of the game. The former champions Enyimba FC on the other hand stepped up their game in the second half af...

Rahi, NDDC Others Partner To Create More Awareness On HIV/AlDs Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  In a bid to reduce the widespread of HIV/Aids in Edo state Rahi Medical hospital, Arit Walden Nigeria Limited and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), have organised HIV/Aids awareness campaign and road show to curb the menace. The awareness campaign and road show which mark the World Aids day, with the theme:" Take the Right Path; My Health, My Right," aimed to prevent people for contacting the disease.  Speaking on the essence of the awareness campaign, the Medical Director, Rahi Medical hospital, Dr. Chris Ekiyor, said their focus is to take HIV reduction to another level . He said the focus is to let the people know how to leave a safety life, and how to protect themselves when having sex with their partners. Dr. Ekiyor posited that, the campaign is a continuous process that in this 2024, they have carried out four medical outreaches and screening were done for pe...

Mary Omokhagbor, CEO Okpella TV, Bags Female Media Personality Of The Year Award By Editor  The Chief Executive Officer, Okpella TV, Mary Onoge Omokhagbor has bagged the female media personality of the year award at Afemai Beauty Pageant. The award was bestowed on her after scaling through thorough scrutiny of selected female media personalities who also bided for the same award. The award was given to her by Amidat Ilegar Austine (CEO, Miss Afemai) Mary Omokhagbor is a highly accomplished media executive, hails from Okpella, Edo State Nigeria. She's born into the family of Pastor & Mrs Thomas Omokhagbor, February in Badagry, Lagos State.  Mary has achieved a strong educational background in Music Technology, Broadcast Journalism, and Mass Communication, She has established herself as a leading figure in the Nigerian media landscape. Her love for advocacy inspired the creation of Okpella TV, serving as a voice to the voiceless. Some of her achieveme...

Gov Okpevbolo Extols  President Tinubu, NNPC For Operation Of Warri Refinery By Editor  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, for the restart of the 125,000 barrels per day (bpd) Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC). An excited Governor Okpebholo stated that the restoration of the Warri refinery marks a turnaround in the nation’s petroleum sector. Governor Okpebholo hailed President Tinubu for his reform in the sector, which he said has started yielding positive results for the advancement of the economy and called on Nigerians to support him.  “With the Warri, Port Harcourt and Dangote refineries working simultaneously, there is hope that the petroleum sector is taking a new turn. “I want to join other numerous Nigerians to congratulate President Tinubu and the NNPCL under Mele Kyari for successfully reviving the Warri Refinery. “For me,...

 Efosa Uwangue Bags Double Awards In ITV End Of Year Party  By Editor  The Head of Reportorial of Independent Television and Radio, Mr. Efosa Uwangue has won the highest marketer and best reporter of news department of the station. This was announced during the stations 2024 end of year party held in Benin.  The Managing Director of ITV & Radio, Engr. Elvis Obaseki during the presentation, said the event is an Avenue to reward hardworking and dedicated staff and champion a new cause for another year. Egr. Obaseki advised staff to cultivate the drive to contribute to the development of the station, stressing that the management would continue to encourage staff who had distinguish themselves through hardwork and dedication to work. Receiving the award, the head of reporter ITV & Radio, Efosa Uwangue said it will spur him to do more for the station as he sees it as a call to more efforts to take the station to an enviable heights. He thanked the own...

Trump Insists U.S. College Graduates To Get Automatic Green Card  By Editor  Donald Trump has proposed granting automatic green cards to all graduates of U.S. colleges as a strategy to prevent brain drain and retain top talent in the country. The proposal would apply to graduates from two-year colleges, four-year universities, and doctoral programs, regardless of their field of study or the prestige of their institution. “When we lose phenomenal individuals from schools like Harvard and MIT or even lesser-known colleges that produce exceptional talent, it’s a loss for our economy,” Trump stated He highlighted the struggles of international students who want to stay in the U.S. after graduation but are often forced to leave due to visa limitations. These graduates frequently return to India or China and establish companies that become multi-billion-dollar enterprises, employing thousands of people abroad instead of in the United States. “They leave with innovative i...

NLC President Condemns Invasion Of The Office Of Edo NLC Boss ...As Olaye Insists Is The Chairman  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, has condemned the invasion of the office of the Edo state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Odion Olaye. Comrade Joe Ajaero, gave the condemnation through a communique issued at the end of the meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NLC, held in December 18, 2024, in Owerri, Imo state. He said in the communique issued that, the NEC resolved to give the Edo state government and the police deadline of 14 working days, up to January 8, 2025, to vacate the Secretariat premises. " The NEC strongly condemned the actions of the Police and the Governor of Edo State in orchestrating an invasion of the NLC State Secretariat.  "This brazen act of impunity included the ransacking of properties and the unlawful removal of items, all in a bid ...

Food Security: Gov.  Okpebholo  Provides Over N70 Billion For Agriculture  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  In line with his administration’s commitment to address food insecurity and make Edo sufficient in food production, Governor Monday Okpebholo has earmarked over N70 billion for agriculture in the newly-signed Edo 2025 budget.  The 2025 budget tagged, “Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo” is meant to revive the economy of Edo State and deliver the dividends of democracy, with special focus on agricultural revolution, food production and infrastructural development. Assenting to the bill, Governor Okpebholo stressed that, as an administration that is people-centric and concerned about the acute food shortage currently ravaging the country, the 2025 budget was given a significant boost to address the agricultural and make Edo State food sufficient. Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt.  Hon. Blessing Agbebaku while presenting the approved 2025 Ap...

We Have Performed Over 40,000 Surgeries In 2024--UBTH By Editor  The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has disclosed that the hospital had performed over 40,000 Surgeries in 2024. Given the keynote address, UBTH’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Darlington Obaseki, said the institution’s strides in healthcare delivery over the past year. He said,“Today is a day to thank God and celebrate our staff for their unwavering dedication and outstanding work,” Prof. Obaseki began. “From improving hospital equipment to ensuring uninterrupted services, our staff have gone above and beyond in 2024. We’ve treated nearly 300,000 patients and performed over 40,000 surgeries this year, a feat that underscores the depth of our commitment to the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.” Prof. Obaseki painted a picture of transformation within the hospital, recalling how the management’s vision upon assuming leadership seven years ago was to rebrand UBTH into a healthcare institution s...

Azemhe Azena Felicitates With Christians At Christmas By Austen Akhagbeme  Edo State renowned Televangelist, Philanthropist and the gubernatorial candidate of the NNPP in the last election, Dr Azemhe Azena JP, has sent a congratulatory message to all Christians and people of Edo State on the occasion of this year's Christmas celebration. In his message, the Clergyman called on the need to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas "as the birth, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ marked the beginning of redemption for mankind"  " It is a season of Love, the God type of love that made him send his son to die for our salvation so we can enjoy life to the fullest" he added.  Dr Azemhe Azena called on the government and people of Edo State to pray for the peace and progress of the state while upholding the virtues of Christ in the spirit of the season. The ebullient politician who was also born on Christmas Day, used the occasion of the celebra...

Etsako East Ward 6 EXCO Dismisses Suspension Of Hon. Dekeri By Editor News  The leadership crisis in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State has taken a new turn, as the Executive Members of Ward 6 have dismissed the purported suspension of Hon. Anamero Dekeri, representing Etsako Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Instead, they have unanimously passed a vote of confidence in his leadership. This development was contained in a statement signed by Mr. Godwin Justice Esho, Publicity Secretary of Ward 6, and other executive members, and made available to journalists in Benin City.  The statement categorically rejected the suspension initiated by a faction of the party led by Peter Okponekhe, describing it as unconstitutional and lacking merit. "Peter Okponekhe and his associates in Etsako East LGA do not possess the constitutional authority to suspend Hon. Anamero Dekeri," the statement declared. "In line with the APC Constitution, this...

Edo NUJ Honours Ex-Vice Chairman, Imelda With Meritorious Service Award   By Editor                   For her outstanding service to the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the immediate past Vice Chairman, Imelda Ilenwotse Osayande has been honoured by the union.  The award ceremony took place during the Edo NUJ Christmas Carol, Musical Extravaganza and Awards Night recently in Benin. Osayande's remarkable journey began in Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State, where she was born into the family of Mr. Daniel Elogie and Mrs. Catherine Elogie.  She excelled academically, attending Omogbai Primary School, Jattu; St. Angela's Girls Grammar School, Uzairue; and Ogbona Mixed Secondary School.  Osayande of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) bagged a degree in English from Lagos State University and later pursued a Master's degree in Communication Management at Delta State Universit...

THE 45 GIANT STRIDES OF DR AZEMHE AZENA (JP) By Austen Akhagbeme  It is often said that it is not the number of years that matters in life, but the quality of life you bring to the years. This adage encapsulates the eventful life of the renowned Televangelist, Philanthropist and Benin City-based Politician, Dr Azemhe Azena JP. In just 45 years of life earlier threatened by poverty, squalor, and deprivation in the formative years, the highly esteemed and respected Clergyman has affected the lives of so many people in such a remarkable way, across religious divides and social strata at least, in the last ten years. Born on Christmas day 45 years ago in Okpella, Etsako-East local government in Edo state, Dr Azemhe Azena fought vigorously to remain afloat in the contrary waters of privation and hopelessness that confronted him at such a tender age, when he lost the care of his beloved mother and benefactor to the cold hands of death. The battle against hunger and daily surv...

Gov Okpebholo Expresses Sadness Over The Death Of Late Gen. Abbe By Editor  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has described the death of Gen Godwin Abbe as shocking and a big blow to Edo State at a time his services was still needed. The Governor in a press statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary- Fred Itua and made available to journalists said General Abbe died in a private hospital in Abuja yesterday just few weeks to his 75th birthday.He said General Abbe gave all his life serving the Nigerian Nation, having served as military Governor of Akwa ibom and Rivers states as well as Minister of Defense and Interior Ministries. The Governor expressed sadness over the death of the late Retired General and extended his heart felt sympathy to the family and the good people of Edo State and pray God to grant the deceased eternal rest in peace as well as grant the state the fortitude to bear the loss. The late Retired General Abbe according to family sources di...

Gov. Okpebholo Acknowledges  Goodness Of God In Edo State  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has assured that his administration will make 2025 a better year for the people, through practical and good governance. The governor equally acknowledged  goodness of God in the state and called for more prayers in 2025. Okpebholo gave the assurance while delivering his goodwill message at the hallowed chamber of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), venue of the 2024 Nine Lessons and Carol, organized by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku for Honourable Members and Staff of the Assembly. The Governor who joined the 24 Honourable Members and Staff of EDHA in a melodious tune, thanked God for his blessings upon the State and prayed for love, oneness and unity of the State as it progresses into 2025. "God has been good to us in the State. As the year is coming to an end, we will not end with the year, but see the end of it a...

 Senator Imasuen Trains  Ovia Indigenes On Traditional Birth Attendants Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District, has disclosed that, the importance of traditional birth attendants exercising caution during deliveries to minimize risks to mothers and newborns. The senator made this statement at a three-day training session for traditional birth attendants from Ovia North East and Ovia South West Local Government Areas of Edo State, held at the NUJ Press Centre in Benin City. The training, organized at the instance of Senator Imasuen, aimed to equip traditional birth attendants with critical skills for safe delivery practices.  Senator Imasuen said that the training program would be continuous and called on the Primary Health Care Development Agency to play a significant role in sustaining such initiatives.  He encouraged participants to pay close attention to the lessons and apply the knowledge in thei...

Edo LP Boss Tasks Newly Inaugurated Committees To Go For Membership Drive Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Edo State, Rt. Hon. Elizabeth Ativie, has inaugurated  three executive committees in the local government areas that would help to mobilise and registered members ahead of the 2027 general elections. Addressing labour party members  at the party's State Secretariat on Ogbelaka street in Benin City, Hon Ativie, said the urgent assignment that the party has now is mass mobilisation of membership drive and registration. She explained that the only way to achieve that is through hard work and dedication to their various local government areas. Hon. Ativie posited,"We have your scorecards at the local government levels, because while you were working, we were watching you. We have returned some of you and some of you were ask to step down. " When you are a project for hard work, what is the meaning of that? More hard work. So, ...

Edo Labour Party Dissolves  LG, Ward Executives ... Sets Feb 2025 Congress Date The Chairman of the Labour Party (LP) in Edo State, Rt. Hon. Elizabeth Ativie, has dissolved the party’s executive committees across the 18 local government areas and wards following the expiration of their tenure. Speaking at a meeting of LP members held at the party's State Secretariat on Ogbelaka street in Benin City, Hon Ativie announced that newly inaugurated interim executive committees, alongside the State Working Committee, will oversee party affairs until the party's congress in February 2025, where new executives will be elected. Rt. Hon Ativie, while inaugurating the Oredo Local Government Area executive committee, revealed that the party leadership will commence visits to all local government areas within the next two weeks to inaugurate their respective executives.  She noted that the process would kick off with Ovia North East, Ikpoba Okha, and Egor local government areas ...

Edo Council Chairmen Frown At Their Suspension  By Editor  The embattled 18 local government council chairmen and their vice chairmen suspended by the Edo State House of Assembly for alleged gross misconduct, have frowned at their suspension. The Chairmen described it as a bitter politics which will not augur well for the betterment of the state. They said that they will continue to carry out their elective duty pending the expiration of their tenure in September, 2026. The chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government Council, Dcn Newman Ugiagbe, said this while addressing journalists in Benin on behalf of the local government council chairmen. He said the chairmen were duly elected by their various local government in September last year and that constitutionally, they are bound to vacate office in September 2026.  "From the forgoing, the 18 local government chairmen elected in the election of sept 2nd 2023 and sworn into office on Sept 4th 2023, remains the Execu...

Edo Assembly Suspends 18 LGAs Chairmen, Vice Chairman  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) has passed a resolution suspending chairmen and vice chairmen of the 18 local government councils of the state for two months. The House also mandated leaders of the legislative arms to take over leadership of their respective councils. The suspension of the council’s chairmen and their deputies was sequel to a motion moved by the member representing Esan North-East one, Mr. Isibor Adeh and seconded by the member representing Akoko-Edo two, Mr. Donald Okogbe. The governor of the state, Senator Monday Okpebholo had written a petition to the House over refusal of the chairmen to submit financial records of their local government to the state government. In the letter, the governor who described their action as an act of insubordination and gross misconduct, requested the House to look into the matter. When the matter came up for debate, 14 members suppor...

Edo Deputy Speaker Commends Late Chief Anthony Enahoro ... Describes  Him As An Icon Of  leadership By Editor  Deputy Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, (EDHA), Rt. Hon. (Mrs.) Maria Omozele Oligbi-Edeko has ascribed chief Anthony Enahoro, the Adolor of Uromi, as the pillar of democracy in Nigeria. Barr. Maria Oligbi-Edekor said the motion for the granting of internal self-rule from the colonial masters which eventually became practicable in 1960 was the foundation of the present Democratic structures which are now flourishing. According to Edekor, who spoke in Benin City, Edo State capital during the unveiling and launching of the book titled: “Chief Anthony, An Icon of  leadership”, written by an illustrious son of Uromi Kingdom, former Editor, The Nigerian Observer Newspaper, Eubaldus Enahoro said with the boldness of Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro,  who stood before all odds to tell the colonial masters that Nigeria needs freedom was a great ...

Portable, Queens And Badenoch Badmouth Matters  Suyi Ayodele         The Oxford English dictionary defines ‘portable’ as “able to be easily carried or moved…” Now, I am using ‘portable’ to qualify Yoruba queens – wives of obas – who are now easily snatched by any loudmouth in town with enough careless cash. A Queen Dammy dashed out of the Aafin in Oyo and landed on the laps of dirty-looking musician Okikiola in Lagos. It is not an isolated case. In Ile Ife, in Ilesa, in Iwo, it happened. Wives of our kings have become snacks (guguru and epa) in the mouths of street urchins. It is sad. The happenings between Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, and Queen Dammy, the ex-wife of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III (October 15, 1938- April 22, 2022), the late Alaafin of Oyo, run contrary to the Yoruba ethos of Omoluabi. It is a sad commentary about the future of the Yoruba race, its culture, worldview and respect for age-long traditions. I co...