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Edo ‎Private School Owners Groan Over  Increase In Personal Income Tax Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  ‎ Private School Owners in Edo state said they will be compelled  to increase School fees as a strategy to stay in operation in view of the recent increase in the personal income taxes paid by private school owners by 300 percent by the Edo state government. ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎The state chairman of National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, NAPPS,Dr Lemmy Oare Russell made the statement when he briefed the press in Benin,Edo state capital. ‎ ‎ ‎The body  condemned the over 300 percent personal income tax increment for private school owners by the State Government.saying that the adoption of the arbitrary taxes of over 300 percent increment on private schools would negatively affect the economy of parents. ‎ ‎. ‎ ‎Dr Russell said increasing school fees would not speak well of the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration. ‎ ‎He said the press briefing became...

Monday Lines 2 Natasha And Her Osun Goddess By Lasisi Olagunju  (Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Monday, 31 March, 2025) A short four minutes, thirty three seconds video of what looks like Kogi senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, worshipping at the Osun shrine in Osogbo is trending. If she is truly the one in the video, then his traducers better back off before the deluge comes with its fury. You do not beat the child of the goddess and get its applause. Professor Karin Barber is a foremost authority in Yoruba praise names (Oríkì). In a 1990 piece, she tells two Osun goddess stories which may guide those fighting her daughter. The first, Barber says, is from a devotee of Oya which stressed the ferocity of Oya contrasting it with the meekness of her co-wife Osun: "Osun was the senior wife, Oya the junior. Oya was very beautiful, given to dressing up and showing off. She didn't do her share of the housework. She was lazy, bossy, violent and unco-operative, and jus...

Monday Lines 1 Balling with Bola Tinubu at 73 By Lasisi Olagunju  (Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Monday, 31 March, 2025). The Nigerian presidency is an energizing elixir. It has proven to be very effective in breathing life into dry bones. To old creaky engines, it gives deep cleaning; it replaces worn parts and upgrades the lubrication system. Olusegun Obasanjo went in there and got transformed from an imprisoned stork to a clean-shaven ladies' egret. The Balogun Owu has since refused to age. Muhammadu Buhari entered the Villa peaky, ill and ailing. He left the place with his engine and chassis reinvented. His successor, super rich Lion of Bourdillon, broke the Internet with gaffes, slips and falls during the 2023 campaigns. He hasn't yet spent two years in the Villa but he has also had a dramatic TAM (Turn Around Maintenance). The rough idling, vibrations and engine misfires are all gone. His cooling system is now cool and steady. These and many more are wh...

ACJL Condemns The Recent Killing Of 16 Travellers In Uromi ...Urges Govt. Address Issue Of Insecurity  By Editor  The Civil Society Observatory Group on Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), Edo State, has condemned the recent incident in Uromi, Edo State, where persons were burnt under suspicion of being kidnappers.  This incident highlights the growing concern of kidnapping and insecurity in Edo State, particularly in Edo Central and Edo North. The group attributes the rise in jungle justice to factors like poverty, unemployment, lack of trust in the justice system, youth frustration, corruption, and bad governance. They urge: - *Security Agencies and Law Enforcement*: to step up efforts to address security challenges through careful, objective, and strategic actions. - *Stakeholders' Meeting*: for the Governor of Edo State, Chief Judge, Speaker, Federal Lawmakers, Oba of Benin, prominent traditional rulers, and security agency heads to convene and ...

Oba Ewuare ll Extols All for Successful Funeral For Iyoba …Lifts Suspension On The Use Of Red Coral Bead.   By Sebastine Ebhuomhan     Sunday, 30th March, 2025. Benin City. The Monarch of Benin Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, has expressed his profound appreciation to all the members of the Royal Family, the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), the people of Benin Kingdom, the people of Edo State, the people of Nigeria, and the global people from all walks of life, who made the burial ceremony for his mother, the Queen Mother, Omo N’Ikuoyemwen, Iyoba Ewuare II, a huge success. Today, Sunday, with Thanksgiving (Ekponmwen) at the Holy Aruosa Cathedral on Akpakpava Road, Benin City, where he worships, the monarch drew the curtain on the six-week-long funeral ceremony that had different cultural, traditional and spiritual events underlining the Benin Traditional Kingdom’s throne as the most powerful of any kingdom in t...

Dr. Azemhe Greets Muslim Faithfuls On Eid Al-Fitr By Ngozika Aniebo  The Candidate of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), in the 2024 gubernitorial election in Edo State , Dr. Azemhe Azena JP, fecilitated with the Muslims in Edo state, as they come to the end of the Ramadan fast. Speaking from his base in Benin City, the Edo State Capital, the outstanding politician greeted all Muslims in Edo State for using the Ramadan fasting period to pray for the peace and development of Nigeria, especially Edo State. He said,"Barka da Sallah, as a pastor, I extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt wishes for a blessed and peaceful Sallah to all my Muslim faithfuls, friends and neighbors in Edo State, after the  Ramadan fast and dua's comes heavy rewards ,may all your sincere prayers be awarded and you be taker of rewards and may this celebration bring joy, unity and reflection to your heart and home".  In his final words, he  said "May God continue to strengt...

NSF: ESC Head Hon Amadin Enabulele Brainstorms With Coaches ...Urges Team Edo To Strive For Laurels By Editor  In apparent proactive move to boost the confidence of team Edo State ahead of the upcoming 2025 National Sports Festival, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele on Thursday engaged with coaches from various sports at the commission in a stakeholders meeting on the preparation for the fiesta in Ogun. Speaking during the meeting at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium,Hon Enabulele stressed  the importance of the meeting which according to him is to assess  the strategic preparation, for the Ogun games, emphasizing that Team Edo must aim for top honours.  He said that the aim of the meeting was to get feedback from the coaches, and to assess thei current strengths and challenges of the athletes as the state'.continues  preparation for the competition. "We are not just going to the festival ...

President Tinubu Praises Okpebholo’s Educational Reforms ...Says His Effort Is An Inspiration President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the educational reforms currently being undertaken by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, describing it as an inspiration to other tiers of government as well as other states to do better.  The President made this glowing remarks during the Iftar Dinner Party held to mark the end of the Ramadan Fasting on Saturday in Abuja. Acknowledging the result oriented reforms of Edo State Governor, President Tinubu said Governor Okpebholo’s efforts in the education sector is an inspiration to work harder and do more for the nation development, calling on others to emulate his effort.  Stressing that government must strive to provide practical leadership, the president berated the previous Administration of Godwin Obaseki for leaving nothing of worth in the education sector, despite all the...

NUJ Head Alenkhe's Salutes Muslims On The Completion Of Ramadan  The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists,  Edo State Council, Dr Festus Alenkhe has sent a message of felicitations to all Muslim faithful in Edo state on the completion of their one month Ramadan fast which led to Eid al-Fitr. In the statement,  Dr Festus Alenkhe prayed for all the sacrifices that went with the fasting to be rewarded and the prayers answered.  The statement further prayed that the period bring peace, Joy and countless blessings to the people of Edo state.  Dr Alenkhe also prayed for all the Muslim journalists in Edo State for Allah to grant them the zeal and temerity to continue to carry out their job diligently devoid of any form of intimidation and harassment, but to align with the ethics of the journalism profession.  The statement also wished everyone in Edo state and their loved ones a beautiful Sallah filled with Unity, gratitude  and barakah. D...

Gov. Okpebholo Promises To Fish Out Killers Of Innocent Travellers Iduozee Efe Paul Benin The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has received a sad report of an incident in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of the State on Thursday, March 27. 2025 , leading to unwarranted murder and arson. The State Government strongly condemns the barbaric act allegedly committed by members of a local vigilante. Initial reports report indicate that the victims were travelling through the town from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, when they were intercepted on suspicion of being criminals by the local vigilante members. Governor Monday Okpebholo who visited the town on Friday to access the situation, expressed dismay over the heinous killings. He condemned the action of the vigilante members in the strongest terms and promised justice for the victims. The Governor said there is no excuse for the vigilante members to take the law into their hands without r...

Jehovah’s Witnesses Announce Invitation Campaign ...As Delta/Edo Residents Invited To Two Special Events ln April By Editor  Benin/Warri – 19th March—For Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world, the most important day of 2025 will be Saturday, April 12.  The day corresponds to Nisan 14 of the Jewish calendar. On that date, over 2,000 years ago, Jesus introduced the observance of the Lord’s Evening Meal hours before his death. As a result, Jehovah’s Witnesses gather annually on Nisan 14 to remember the death of Jesus Christ in adherence to his words recorded at Luke 22:19, “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” “While there are more than 9 million Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide, more than 21 million people attended the Memorial last year,” said Duncan Iyawe, spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “We hope our local community members will join us in remembering the death of Jesus Christ and reflecting on its profound significance.” The annual observance of the Lord’s Evenin...

Constituents Call On EFCC, ICPC To Probe Edo Lawmaker, Imasuen  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The people of Edo South Senatorial district have called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Commission (ICPC) to probe the lawmaker representing Edo South, Sen. Neda Imasuen for his alleged involvement in a $25 million bank fraud case in United States of America. They made the call in a press conference in Benin city, Edo state, by the constituents of Edo South Senatorial District and the human rights community on the recall and prosecution of Senator Neda Imasuen to publicly declared his asserts before assuming office and his current assets to ascertain his claims of unexplained wealth and corruption. Spokesperson of the people, Marxist Kola Edokpayi, said Senator Neda Imasuen tenure in the Nigerian Senate has been marked by failure, corruption, abuse of office, and gross betrayal of public trust. " We call...

Edo Policymaker Trains 500 Youths On How To Make Shoe, Bag Iduozee Efe Paul Benin  The senator representing the Edo South senatorial district, Senator Neda Imasuen, yesterday, trained 500 youths on skill acquisitions to boost the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The skill acquisitions which centre on shoe making and leather bags, were meant for residents of the Edo South senatorial district. Addressing the participants, in Benin, Senator Imasuen said that there is a lot of money in shoes and bag making, therefore they should take the training seriously and be economically self-sufficient. "The shoes that I wear is made by someone and I will not mention his name, but it's made by somebody from Enugu state. As a matter of fact, apart from this hat that I am not sure I know where it comes from, the rest of everything I am wearing here is made in Nigeria. "And so, Nigerians are making a lot of money from this. "And I recall that when I go abroad and ...

EFCC Extols Edo NUJ For Cordial Partnership  By Editor  The Acting Zonal Director of the Benin Zone of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in charge of Edo, Delta and Ondo states, Effang Okim, has revealed that the agency released Kelly Okungbowa(aka Ebo Stone) it earlier arrested on allegation of naira mutilation and abuse so that he can be properly served justice.  He made the statements when responding to enquiries on the issue while on a visit to the Secretariat of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) in Benin City, Edo state. Okim affirmed that the EFCC enforces laws and don’t make laws insisting that the decision to place the suspect in a separate cell is not a private matter but public and was informed by the fact that he has some form of influence within the community especially among the population of youths and is politically exposed.  “He was detained in the best and right procedure and he was taken to...

Edo NIS Sensitizes Officers On The Dangers Of Corruption  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  With the aim of strengthening services and reducing corruption in the sector, the Edo State command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has joined in the 3rd edition of the ongoing NIS nationwide sensitisation and awareness campaign against corruption. The annual event is to sanitise the immigration system for efficient and service delivery. It is therefore important for the orientation given to other officers on job ethics which is in line with the vision of the Nigerian Immigration Service. Speaking, the Controller of Nigeria Immigration Service, Edo State command, Martin Monyei, (PCC), said this year's theme:" Increased Digitalization and Consolidated Innovations for Efficient and Transparent Services," resonate deeply with our commitment to transforming the Nigerian Immigration Service into a corruption free organisation. Also there was a paper presentations...

Insurance Hold Pillars To  Goalless Draw In Kano By Editor  Bendel Insurance FC of Benin played a goalless draw away to Kano Pillars in the match day 31 of the Nigeria Premier Football League. It was a precious point for the Benin Arsenal who repelled everything thrown at them while also creating a few chances of their own in the game played at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano. It was grudge game for the visitors who had lost 1-0 at home in the reverse fixture at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.  Despite playing away, Insurance were full of confidence apparently from 1-0 victory at home against Sunshine Stars last weekend. Insurance were prepared to take their pound of flesh in Kano but the host gave insurance no breathing space in the games. Insurance's Meyiwa Oritseweyinmi expressed expressed delight in the hard-earned draw, noting that players remained committed till the end of the season. Insurance will host the defending champions, Rangers Internationa...

ICP Condemns Intimidation Of Kano Journalists Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The International Press Centre, IPC, Lagos-Nigeria, through its Safety and Protection of Journalists (SPJ) hub condemns the intimidation, harassment and detention of Buhari Abba Rano, Online Editor with Kano Times and Isma’il Auwa, a freelance journalist by Kano State Police Command on the alleged orders of the Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Waiya.  Speaking with Melody Akinjiyan, the Press Freedom Officer of IPC, Buhari Rano confirmed that he was invited by the Kano State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (CIID) of the Kano Police Command where he was detained for three (3) hours and his phone seized. “I honoured their invitation yesterday and was detained for three hours and asked to come back tomorrow. This intimidation my colleague and I are going through is in connection to an opinion article published by Kano Times, which I did not author,” Buhari Rano noted.  T...

Disobedience: Edo Dukes Appeal To  Oba Of Benin For Forgiveness ... Denies Swearing An Oath Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  Wonder they say shall never cease, as ome of the disobedience Enigie who were suspended recently by the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II for alleged rebellion, have appealed him for forgiveness in whatever ways they may have offended him. The dukes also denied swearing to an oath not to pay allegiance to the throne. The embattled dukes made the denial during a press conference in Benin city, Edo state. Speaking for the dukes, Ogiugo Victor Etinosa, the Enogie of Ugo N'Iyekikpoba, said that they were very sorry for whatever error they must have committed adding that, they are the Oba's subjects and he should treat them as his children. "We, the undersigned Enigie wholeheartedly write to your Majesty to deny with great trepidation that we are innocent of all the allegation of misconduct against us.  "Your Majesty Sir, it is often said that, it will be ...

Niger Delta Sports Festival: Edo Govt Restates Commitment to Sports Devt As Hon Enabulele Receives Unity Torch   KEHINDE OSAGIEDE/EDWARD OSEGHE The Edo state Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has restated his administration's commitment to sports development in Edo state, reassuring the state Sports Commission of his support. The Governor gave the assurance on Monday,March 24,2025 when he received the unity torch of the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival in Government House,Benin. Represented by his Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa at the colourful ceremony,Governor Okpebholo, reaffirmed his commitment to sports development, saying that Sports occupy special place in his administration's development programme. “Our government has laid so much emphasis on sports development in Edo State, and by the grace of God, we will give you all the support to win this competition,” Governor Okpebholo stated while also assuring Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele led Edo state S...

GOV OKPEBHOLO’S STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENTS: ATTRACTING FEDERAL PRESENCE FOR EDO’S DEVELOPMENT By Fred Itua In a federal system of government, such as Nigeria’s, subnational governments enjoy a level of autonomy that allows them to pursue development aggressively within their jurisdiction. However, this autonomy does not render federal collaboration irrelevant. On the contrary, history has shown that states that adopt a confrontational stance toward the central government often suffer developmental setbacks, particularly in areas where federal intervention is crucial. Edo State, under the immediate-past administration of Godwin Obaseki, is a prime example of such a miscalculation. Obaseki’s tenure was marked by an adversarial approach to governance, one that alienated Edo from the federal government’s intervention programs. His refusal to engage constructively with the federal government resulted in a near-total absence of federal presence in the state. Federal roads in Edo were ...

CSOs Situation Room Call On Tinubu To Reverse State Of Emergency In Rivers    ...Call On Judiciary, Stakeholders To Safeguard Nigeria’s Democracy Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, South-South zone, has called on President Bola Tinubu quickly revoke the proclamation declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State. The  Coalition also told President Bola Tinubu to ensure it restore democratic institutions in the Rivers state. The body, which comprised over 200 civil society organisations, also charged Tinubu to “apologise to the people of Rivers state and Nigerians in general, for undermining their democratic choice and usurping the powers of their elected leaders.” Their call was contained in a statement signed by by Dr. Jude Obasanmi, South-South Representative; Dr. Bright Oniovikukor of Indomitable Youth Organisation, Comrade (Mrs) Abiola Igaga of Take a Cure Development Initiative; Comr Batholomeum Okundo, CONGOs, Comr. Edem ...

TUESDAY FLAT OUT Rivers, Where Is My Own 5,000 Dollars For Sallah? By Suyi Ayodele (Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 Democracy is sweet, especially when jeun soke is the doctrinal philosophy that undergirds it. Read this: “The chairman of the House Committee on FCT, Mukhata Aliyu Betara, has clarified to me that he only shared $5,000 to each member of his committee as ‘Sallah Gesture’ not an inducement to support emergency rule in Rivers State. According to him, he maintains the tradition-like Santa Claus – every year. As we say in Hausa, nothing but hind leg.” The credit of the above quote goes to Jaafar Jaafar. Jafaar Jaafar, the founder and publisher of Daily Nigeria, you will recall, broke the news about the Abdullahi Ganduje dollar bribe story, when the current All Progressive Congress (APC) National Chairman was the governor of kano State. At the official rate of N1,600 to a dollar, $5,000 equals N8 million. If we agree that this is just...