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NPFL Commits to Enhancing Players’ Future Through Sports, Education By Editor  The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the lives of Nigerian players by promoting a combination of sports and education. The league’s chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, has been working tirelessly to create opportunities for players to balance football with academic pursuits, ensuring a brighter future beyond their playing careers. Speaking in Abuja after a meeting with representatives from the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, led by Dr. Zoltán Lakner, Elegbeleye emphasized the importance of education for young footballers. “We are targeting our youths, particularly the younger generation of premier league players, to encourage them to mix education with football,” Elegbeleye said. “Football careers can be short, with many retiring by 30 or even earlier. What happens after that? We want to equip them with skills and know...

EFCC Arraigns  Okoye Ex-P-Square Manager Over Alleged N1.38bn Fraud  By Editor   The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate, has arraigned Jude Okoye Chigozie, former manager and elder brother of Paul and Peter Okoye of the defunct P-Square music group, on charges of money laundering. Jude Okoye, alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd, appeared before Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on February 26, 2025. The EFCC filed a seven-count charge against him, alleging involvement in money laundering amounting to N1.38 billion, $1 million, and £34,537.59. One of the charges states that Okoye and his company, in 2022, acquired a property worth N850 million in Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, knowing it was linked to proceeds of unlawful activity. Another charge accuses them of converting $1,019,762.87 through a bureau de change and distributing the funds across multiple bank accounts to conceal its...

Dr. Enabulele Tasks Edo South Zone Of  NMA To Be Proactive  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Director General of the Dr.  Osahon Enabulele Foundation(DOEF) and Past President of the World Medical Association(WMA), Dr. Osahon Enabulele, recently played host to the Executives of the Edo South Zone, of the State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association(NMA) on a courtesy visit.  The delegation was led by the Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Ivie Ehizonaga and the Zonal Secretary, Dr. Omo-Okhuasuyi Igbinosa. According to the Zonal Coordinator, the visit was to familiarize the newly elected executives with the Past President of the WMA and to officially present a copy of the bye-laws recently passed by the Zone to him. In her opening remarks, Dr. Ivie outlined the various programmes/projects to be embarked upon by her administration in the two-year tenure and sought support towards equipping the new zonal secretariat/office. More so, the Zonal Coordinator said that ...

FCCPC Summons MultiChoice Nigeria Over Move To Hike Subscription Rates  By Editor  The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria over its move to hike subscription rates for DStv and GoTV. FCCPC summoned MultiChoice Nigeria’s chief executive officer to a hearing at the agency’s headquarters on Thursday. A statement issued on Tuesday by FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu said “The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned MultiChoice Nigeria to explain its proposed subscription price increase, set to take effect on March 1, 2025″. “Exercising its mandate under Sections 32 and 33 of the FCCPA, the FCCPC directed the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria to attend an investigative hearing at the Commission’s headquarters on Thursday, February 27, 2025. “This action follows MultiChoice’s formal notification of the price adjustment, which raises concerns ab...

NHRC Admonishes Multinational Firms To Provide Host Communities With Impactful Projects  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Anthony Okechukwu Ojukwu has advised multinational companies operating in the various host communities in the country against carrying out projects that are not of meaningful impactful on the lives of the people. Anthony Okechukwu Ojukwu made the statements during the public presentation and launching of "The community-based research report on human rights violation in the palm oil supply chain in Edo State, an event put together by the African Law Foundation (AFRILAW). Ojukwu, who was represented by the deputy director legal/Focal Point Business and Human Rights, NHRC, Abuja, Mrs.Mary Okoh, said the era where multinational companies go to their host communities, acquire all their farm lands without adequately involving them with the view of stating their demands, is far gone adding that ...

Students Of AAU Ekpoma Flee Campus Over Fear Of EFCC’s Arrest Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  Students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, have reportedly abandoned the university campus and classes for fear of being arrested by the operatives of the the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This followed a recent raid by operatives of the anti-graft agency at various locations in Ekpoma on February 15, 2025. A student of the institution who identified herself as Chioma, said the school premises is now devoid of the usual human and vehicular traffics. “Since the raid, the streets are virtually empty. During lecturer hours, majority of students you see are those who reside in the school hostels,” she volunteered. There are however, conflicting reasons given to why the anti-graft agency raided the community. A source attributed it to the activities of syndicate fraudsters who reportedly duped unsuspecting victims the sum of N1.4 billion, while another...

How 21 Persons Were Killed During Communities Clash In Edo  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  Tragedy struck during an attack on seven farming communities in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State has left at least 21 people feared dead and several others injured. Alert News.ng  earlier learnt that five persons died, and four others injured in the clash between cocoa farmers and some alleged produce thieves in the agrarian community of Gbelemotin in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State. The clash which started on Thursday night escalated on Friday morning as those believed to be sympathetic to the victims of the Thursday night fight, mobilised and launched a counter attack on Friday morning . The effected members of the communities leaving their homes. But continuing the fight on Sunday, eyewitnesses said the assailants, believed to be Ijaw militants from nearby creeks, stormed the settlements early in the morning, wielding firearms and other ...

Edo Police Arrest Man For Allegedly killings His Wife     Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Edo State Police Command on Sunday confirmed the arrest of one Kelvin Izekor over the murder of his wife, Success Izekor, aged 38, on Saturday. In a viral video, police and resident of the area were seen taking the deceased who had matchet wounds on her head being taken from her apartment into the police hilux truck. The couple were said to be newly married and resident were at a loss as to what could have happened between the couple that led to the killing of Success. The Spokesperson of the Edo State Police command, Moses Yamu, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday, said that the husband was about to be lynched by irate mob before the police arrived, pacified the mob and arrested the suspect. Yamu said, “On 22/02/2025 at about 22:00hrs, information was received that one Kelvin Izekor of No 50 Upper Mission extension, Benin-City has killed his wife named Succe...

Ogoni Women Vow To o Protest Nude Over Panned Oil Resumption By Editor  Some aggressive Women of the oil-rich Ogoni ethnic nationality in Rivers State have threatened to stage a nude protest if the Federal Government proceeds with plans to resume oil extraction in the area without addressing key concerns. Under the aegis of the Ogoni Women Coalition for Sustainable Environment, the women made their stance known in a statement jointly signed by 15 women groups, including Mba Okase Initiative, Eedee Ladies of Tai, De Voice of Eleme Women Association, and League of Queens International. The women declared that oil activities must not resume until the fundamental issues that led to the termination of oil operations in the 1990s are fully addressed. Dr. Patience Osaroejiji, leader of Mba Okase Initiative, speaking in Port Harcourt, warned that Ogoni women would take to the streets naked if the government proceeds with the oil resumption. “If the government disregards our pos...

NSF: Zonal Coordinator Extols Edo State Govt  ...As South-South Zonal Elimination Proceeds In Benin By Editor  As the South South Zonal Elimination for ball games begins in Benin, Edo State with the arrival of various states contingent and technical meetings, the South South zonal Coordinator Mr Njoku Peters has commended the Edo state Government and the Executive chairman,Edo State Sports Commission Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele for the prompt response to the hosting of the games in Benin city. Njoku said  that Edo State Government's magnanimity is a demonstration of the heartbeat state's leadership in sports development. Njoku gave the commendation while speaking on behalf of the participating states after some technical meetings on Monday afternoon at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium,Benin. He particularly commended the state Governor Monday Okpehbolo for accepting to host the rest states in the zone and  thereby creating an enabling environment for athlete...

  IBB: He Who Borrows Till The Creditor Forgets  By Suyi Ayodele       Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, 1992/1993 academic session: Trendy Professor Adebayo Williams strolled into the class and gave us a term paper to write: “Chaka is a Man sinned against than sinning. Discuss.” Our teacher strolled off. Professor Williams is a lecturer of delight. He taught my set Literary Criticism in our final year at the university. One of the classics we read for the course is Thomas Mofolo’s “Chaka.” The term paper is about Mofolo’s protagonist, Chaka, a pure-A-heroic character in pure oral characterisation. As Professor Williams strolled off, he left behind a group of rascals shouting, ‘Baba Aro’! What did he want us to write; ‘wicked’ lecturer? We attempted the paper based on our intelligence then. Williams scored every student and then came back to lecture us! Two weeks later, Professor Williams returned to ‘dissect’ the term paper. The summary of the di...

Azemhe Azena Condemns Killings In Okpekpe ...Calls On Security Agencies To Find A Lasting Remedy  By Austen Akhagbeme  Frontline politician and New Nigeria People's Party ( NNPP) candidate in the 2024 Edo State Governorship election, Dr. Azemhe Azena, has condemned the recent killings in Okpekpe, Etsako-East local Government Area of Edo State. In a statement released by his media team in Benin city on Monday, the Clergyman emphasized the need to put an end to this incessant killing of innocent farmers by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the Community. "The gruesome murder of Philip Batemue and Christopher Bello, who were on their way to the farm this morning, barely a few months after the murder of three prominent farmers last November is unacceptable" he added.  Dr Azemhe Azena, an indigene of the community, called on the law enforcement agencies to act decisively to bring the perpetrators to Justice.  "Human life is sacred and must be treated as such. I con...

Bendel Insurance FC Retains Edo FA Cup After Defeating Assemblies FC 3-0 By Editor  Bendel Insurance Football Club, Sunday evening defeated Assemblies of God FC of Ekpoma 3-0 at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium to win the 2025 Edo FA Cup. The 2023 Federation Cup champions have been undisputed champions of Edo FA Cup since 2019. In this year's Edo FA Cup finals,Vincent Akpikpi opened scoring for Insurance in the 30th minute of the game. The amateur side AG FC of Ekpoma put up strong resistance to prevent Insurance from increasing the tally before half time. As the second half began,Coach Greg Ikhenoba expressed confidence in his boys' ability to lift the cup as he made  double substitution, withdrawing his best central defenders Dennis Chigozie and Ugwu Emmanuel for Abel James and Promise.  The Benin Arsenals notwithstanding, continued to mount more pressure on the Assemblies Boys which paid off in the 61st minute of the game when Meyiwa Oritseweyinmi brilliantly c...

Protest Rocks FUDMA  Over The Death Of A Students’  ...As Management Shut Down School  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The management of the Federal University Dutsinma in Katsina has announced a one-week mid-semester break starting from February 24. The closure of the school followed a protest embarked on by the students on Sunday after they alleged that the Civilian Joint Task Force had shot to death one of their colleagues. The students’ protest continued Monday morning. Reports indicated that the JTF members on Sunday shot the student, alleging that he was an informant. The FUDMA vice-chancellor, Armaya’u Bichi, announced the decision of the Senate to close the school in a statement issued in Katsina on Monday. Mr Bichi further advised the students to leave campus before 6:00 p.m. on February 24. “The management wishes the students a happy and peaceful mid-semester break,” he said.

Gov. Okpebholo Inspects 36 kilometers Utako-Unewa-Eworah-Uromi Road  By Editor  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has inspected the ongoing 36 kilometers Utako-Unewa-Eworah-Uromi road and has assured the people of a quality job delivery. The Governor, who led top officials of the administration on the inspection, received accolades and prayers from residents of the communities who were thankful that government has now remembered them. Governor Okpebholo also inspected Anko road and Udomi Primary school which are at various stages of completion. The Governor said his administration has embarked on practical governance, which will see the people enjoying the dividends of democracy. He said: “You can see the joy on the faces of the people. We are happy that the people we are serving are happy and appreciate what we do for them and we will do more to develop the area and the State. “We have embarked on practical governance, doing what the people will see and...

Edo Community Appreciates Okpebholo On Planned Return of Village Assets By Kadiri Christopher  The Oke-Oroma Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State has sent an appreciation to the Governor of Edo State, Sen Monday Okpebholo, over the Governor's plan to restore the community's properties forcefully taken by the immediate past administration of Godwin Obaseki. Thanking Sen Monday Okpebholo the Edo State Governor in a letter titled "APPRECIATION" which was co-signed by Gaius Emokpae and Monday Omorogiuwa, the Ōzukpogieva and the Community Secretary, respectively, the community described the governor as a man who match his words with action. A part of the letter reads, "We can recall that during your campaign to our community, you promised to return all forcefully taken landed properties back to the rightful owners and immediately after your inauguration as the Governor of Edo State, you visited our community again and pronounced that...

Azemhe Azena Mourns Edwin Clark By Editor  Popular politician and Benin-based Televangelist, Dr Azemhe Azena has expressed his condolences to the family of the late politician and the people of the entire South-South Region over the death of renowned administrator and Father- figure, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark. Speaking from his office in Benin- City on Wednesday, the NNPP Gubernatorial candidate in the last elections in Edo State described the nonagenarian as " the last of the tribe of fearless Nationalists who fought for Nigeria's independence and a strong advocate for true Federalism"  Dr Azemhe Azena added that the late federal Commissioner and Senator was equally a voice for the rights of the Niger Delta people "who never allowed ageing to slow him down"  The Clergyman, however, calls on politicians, especially those from the South-South to emulate the qualities of the late Chief Edwin Clark and build a peaceful society for all. Chief Clark died...

Gov Okpebholo’s Historic Ride To First 100 Days In Office By Fred Itua An elated father in one of the watsapp groups I belong recently posted an invitation flyer of her daughter, who was inducted into the Medical and Dentistry Profession on the 13th of February, 2025. As members sent in their congratulatory messages, one in particular caught my attention. It reads, “delay is not denial, God’s time is the best. Congratulations sir". I couldn’t help but smile as I reflected on the depth of that post. I realized, like many others in the group would have, that this feat/celebration, was almost becoming a mirage for this family as it was for many other medical graduates of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, until Senator Monday Okpebbholo came onboard as Governor of Edo State. In this reawakening, my mind drifted as I reminisced on the ecstasies and joy that erupted in various parts of Benin metropolis, particularly in Uteh- Temboga community during the reconstruction of Uteh...

Governor Okpebholo's 100 Days Of Purposeful Governance In Edo State By Fred Itua As Governor Monday Okpebholo marks his 100 days in office, a New Edo State Has Risen and is already witnessing significant changes. From infrastructural development to education, security, and good governance, his administration has taken decisive steps to fulfill campaign promises and lay the foundation for a progressive Edo.  These first 100 days have been characterized by swift actions, strategic appointments, and bold policy decisions, all aimed at repositioning the State for growth and stability. *Strategic Appointments: A Team for Progress*  Understanding the importance of competent leadership, Governor Okpebholo made key appointments to strengthen governance soon after he was sworn in. Among those appointed are: Fred Itua as Chief Press Secretary Barr. Musa U. Ikhilor as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Hon. Samson Osagie, PhD as Attorney General and Commissioner for Just...

NPFL25: Bendel Insurance FC Obtain Away Point At Warriors Stronghold By Editor  Bendel Insurance Football  Club of Benin,Wednesday, February 19,2025 continued with their impressive run since the change in their technical crew as they grabbed another valuable away point in a tough terrain after a goalless draw with El-kanemi Warriors in the match day 25 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). The resurgent Benin Arsenals showed hunger and thirst for victory throughout the encounter at the El-Kanemi stadium ,with Osahon Osobo connecting well with Oke Kayode whose brilliant efforts  almost to the visitors getting a breakthrough in the 26th minute of the tough and highly entertaining game,but former Insurance goalkeeper Kolawole Oladipo denied him  the chance with his magical gloves.  Insurance young goalkeeper Joshua Baba proved his worth as he made three incredible saves (16,76,84 minutes) to keep  his side in the game as Insurance held on ...

Dr Azemhe Performs Surgery For Miss Esohe By Editor  Dr. Azemhe Azena JP, who has always displayed his philanthropic nature in ending afflictions, wiping away tears and restoring men to their destiny through the revelation of the word, manifestation of power and reality of the spirit. Also followed the successful surgical case of Miss Idaosa Esohe who was diagnosed with HUGE INTRA ABDOMINAL CYST MASS. More efforts been put in place, Dr. Azemhe Azena has also made sure that, Living as a transformed being , adiquate drugs and diets have been prescribed by medical practitioners to enhance proper, fast recovery and a standard living. Dr. Eghosa Enomionmwanye who supervised the surgery, appreciated Dr. Azemhe Azena JP, for his selfless services rendered to humanity, not minding the current economic status of the country.

Gambaryan’s Flower Of Thorns  by Suyi Ayodele   Gambaryan’s flower Buhari’s poverty Amaechi el-Rufai Our ‘fada who art in Villa his mouth and wild pigeon Nothing is left Let the prince walk naked el-Rufai and the cost of Yuletide horror Portable Queens Badenoch Still on Afe Babalola Tinubu ECOWAS and its ‘Bad boy’, Gambaryan, chose the day of love to throw sand in the gari of honour of the officials of this government. He chose Valentine’s Day to go for the jugular of officials of the Bola Tinubu government whom he accused of unimaginable graft. The American understands Nigeria very well. He said so himself that he “met amazing people in Nigeria”, but regrettably, “It’s a shame that these muppets are in charge.” He knew the psychology game he wanted to play, and he went for the very soul of the nation’s security architecture by accusing the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, of demanding bribes running into millions of dollars from him. Do Nig...