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Oshiomhole Faults Atiku For Criticizing Okowa's For Defecting To APC ...As Okpebholo Extols Chief Igbinedion For Keeping The Station Remain  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin    Adams Oshiomhole, Senator representing the Edo North senatorial district, has faulted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for criticizing Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for defecting to All Progressives Congress (APC). The federal lawmaker also said that there was never a time he said defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and your sins will be forgiven. Comrade Oshiomhole refuted the allegation at the 28th Founders Day Lecture of the Independent Television and Radio, with the theme: “Nigeria, where are we going”?, an event organized by the media outfit in Benin city, Edo state.  Oshiomhole's said that he was only trying to explain to one of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members whose surname was “Iluobe” meaning I do no wrong. He said that the former PDP member decamped to the All Pro...

Edo Cult War Claims 15 Lives, As Governor Ordered Crackdown  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  There is serious tension in Benin, Edo State Capital as rival cult groups, Black Axe and Maphite Confraternities have resumed their battle of supremacy that has led to the killing of no fewer than 15 people so far. The unfortunately circumstances is coming barely three months after the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpehbolo, signed the Secret Cult Prohibition Bill into law, thereby approving 21-year jail term for cultists and their sponsors. It was gathered that the renewed cult war said to be between the two rival groups started on Friday, April 25, 2025 with the killing of a physiotherapist, simply identified as Alex and one another at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) back gate, Ugbowo in Benin . According to an eyewitness account, Alex, one of the victims was reportedly gun down by the hoodlums while he went for lunch. Apparently as a reprisal attack, t...

Relatives Protest Murder Of Their Son, Edwin Ogiemwense In Edo ...Want Killers Prosecuted  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The families of Ogiemwense in Obaretin Community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, have protested the murder of their son, a father of five children, Mr. Edwin Ogiemwense. Speaking with Journalists in Benin during the protest, spokespersons for the protesters, Apostle Kassy Chukwu, said that Mr. Ogiemwense, 43, was allegedly killed on March 29, 2023 in the presence of security personnel. He said those who were allegedly arrested in connection with his death have been released and are walking freely on the streets without any justice served to the family. They called on the authority to ensure that the rule of law prevail in the state and frowned while some group of people will take law into their hands. According to the protesters, they appealed to the state government to intervene in the issue and want killers prosecuted. "We have be...

Obaretin Indigenes Protest Murder Of Edwin Ogiemwense In Edo ...Want Killers Prosecuted  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The people of Obaretin Community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, have protested the murder of a father of five children, Mr. Edwin Ogiemwense. Speaking with Journalists in Benin during the protest, spokespersons for the protesters, Apostle Kassy Chukwu, said that Mr. Ogiemwense, 43, was allegedly killed on March 29, 2023 in the presence of security personnel. He said those who were allegedly arrested in connection with his death have been released and are walking freely on the streets without any justice served to the family. They called on the authority to ensure that the rule of law prevail in the state and frowned while some group of people will take law into their hands. According to the protesters, they appealed to the state government to intervene in the issue and want killers prosecuted. "We have been asking for jus...

 GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO ORDERS CRACKDOWN ON CULT-RELATED VIOLENCE IN EDO STATE The Edo State Government is deeply concerned about the resurgence of cult-related violence in some parts of the state. It is important to recall that following earlier disturbances last year, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, among several proactive steps taken, convened personally and through his agents series of critical meetings with the known leaders of groups suspected to be involved in these criminal activities. At those meetings, firm agreements were reached: they were to rein in their members and take full responsibility for their conduct. The Governor made it abundantly clear that the State would no longer tolerate the senseless killing of our youth and the destabilization of our communities. Regrettably, recent developments indicate that some individuals and groups have chosen to defy that understanding. Governor Okpebholo has therefore directed security agencies to move in deci...

TUESDAY FLAT OUT Adenuga, Politicians And Lessons In Loyalty  By Suyi Ayodele (Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, April 29, 2025) https://tribuneonlineng.com/adenuga-politicians-and-lessons-in-loyalty/ “Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways and be wise”, Proverbs 6:6. The business colossus and owner of Globacom, the nation’s giant telecommunication outfit, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr (GCON), is 72 years old today. In celebrating the giant man of means on his birthday, I have decided to use the ‘thesis’ written about him 12 years ago as a link between the character of the man the entire world has been celebrating in the last two weeks and the characters of the locusts God, in His infinite wisdom, sent to oversee our affairs as a nation. The ‘thesis’ was written by no other person than the maverick retired General and Military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), when Dr. Adenuga turned 60 on April 29, 2013. We shall come to that presently. The essenc...

AAU Suspends 34 Students Of College Of Medicine Over Exams Malpractices ...As Six Students Were Exonerated From Allegation leveled Against Them Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  Wonder they say shall never cease, as no fewer than 34 students of the College of Medicine of the Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, Edo State, have been suspended by the authorities of the university. According to the management of the AAU said this in the school news bulletin dated April 14, 2025, and signed by F. O. Omoigui and Otunba Mike Ade Aladenika, Deputy the Registrar (Senate) and Principal Assistant Registrar (PAR) Information and Public Relations respectively. “This is to inform you that the university management, after due consideration of the reports submitted by the Mobile Disciplinary Committee (College of Medicine), has approved the penalties recommended for the offenses committed by the following students during the 2022/2023 session,” it said. It said the suspension of the students ...

2027: Former IGP Indicates Interest To Run For Governorship Seat In Nasarawa Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  A former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, has officially declared his intention to run for governorship in 2027 in Nasarawa State under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform. Adamu made his declaration during a meeting with members of the State Working Committee of the APC held in Lafia, Nasarawa state. The former IGP said his decision was driven by a “clarion call” from the people of Nasarawa. According to him, said the people believe in his leadership capabilities and experience. Adamu pledged to run an all-inclusive and people-oriented administration if elected as governor. “I am answering the call of my people who believe I can serve and move Nasarawa forward. “My administration, by the grace of God, will be inclusive, transparent, and focused on delivering tangible development across all sectors,” Adamu stated. More so, his declaration h...

   IGP Egbetokun Launches School Protection Squad In Edo ...As Governor Says Education Is Foundation Upon Which We Build Our Future   Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has stated his determination to ensure security and conducive learning environment for teachers and students in Edo state. Egbetokun's stated on Friday in Benin city at the launching of the Nigeria Police Force School Protection Squad, who he said was part of the ongoing commitment of the Force to safeguard educational institutions in the country. Speaking at a stakeholders forum IGP Egbetokun who was represented by AIG in charge of Zone 5, Benin, Salman Garba-Dogo, described the School Protection Squad as a milestone in the He stressed that the Squad is specifically trained to work with school communities, and will serve as a rapid response and preventive unit, assess threats, respond to emergencies, and build trust between student...

EFCC Arrests 15 Suspected Internet Fraudsters In Lagos By Editor  Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  have arrested 15 suspected internet fraudsters in Lagos. According to Dele Oyewale, the Commission’s spokesperson in an official signed statement asserted that, they were arrested during a sting operation on Friday, April 25 , 2025  at Maple and Jand Court, Royal Pine Estate, Orchid Road, Lekki, Lagos, following credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in fraudulent internet-related activities.  Some of the items recovered from them at the point of arrest include mobile phones, laptop computers and cars.  Following their nabbed the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. 

Cyber-Terrorism: Federal Court Grants Interim Forfeiture Of 73 Lagos Properties Linked to Chinese Nationals By Editor  Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday , April 23, ordered the interim forfeiture of 73 properties, including 1,596 laptop computers recovered from Chinese involved in cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. They are members of the syndicate of 792 alleged crypto currency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 10, 2024 in Lagos during a surprise operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” by operatives of the EFCC The commission’s spokesperson Dele Oyewale, in an official signed statement disclosed that the judge gave the order, following an ex parte motion filed on April 17, 2025 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, through its counsel. B.M. Isah, against Genting International Co. The forfeited items include 1,596 computers/laptops; 4,091 mobile phones; 350 foreign SIM cards...

FG To Spend 1 Trillion Naira On Renewed Home-Grown School Feeding Programme By Editor  In a move to reduce child hunger, boosting school enrollment, and supporting local farmers, the Federal Government has engaged key stakeholders in revamping the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Speaking at the strategic meeting in Abuja, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Tanko Yusuf Sununu, posited that an estimated ₦900 billion to ₦1 trillion will be needed annually to provide nutritious meals to primary school pupils in grades 1 to 3, three times a week. “We cannot do this alone,” Dr. Sununu stated. “We need partnerships beyond government funding—private sector, international donors, and even repatriated funds must come into play.” Reinforcing this, the National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme, Associate Professor Badamasi Lawal, stressed that the revamped programme goes beyond...

Bendel Insurance Feeders Begin NLO: Campaigns with Victory, Beat FC Rolly 4-0  By Editor  Bendel Insurance Feeders on Thursday, April 24,2025  began their campaigns in the National League One on a bright note as they thrashed FC Rolly 4-0 at Ijebu Ode. Center. Agu Precious opened scoring for the junior Benin Arsenals in the 26th minute. The fine winger put the junior Bendel Insurance in full control in 70th minute with a fine finish. Bekewei Stephen increased the goals tally for the Coach Stanley Osazee managed Bendel Insurance Feeders in the 76th minute. FC Rolly who are not strangers to Bendel Insurance Feeders how put up some resistance but Insurance Feeders remained hungry for more goals as Victor Edem shocked the opponents with another goal 90+2 minutes to wrap up the game in favour of the young Benin Arsenals  Benin Insurance Feeders will be facing  Big100 FC in Sunday at 12:00 noon.

ESC Chairman Reiterates Commitment To Grassroots Sports Advancement  ...As Edo FA Announces Date For Bright Osayi Under 13 Football Tourney By Editor  Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has reiterated his commitment  to working in line with the mandate that the Commission was given by the state Governor to go to the grassroots to scout for young talents in sports for nurturing. The Edo Sports Commission boss  made the pledge on Thursday at a Press Parley held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, while offering a word of encouragement to Bright Osayi Samuel, the sponsor of the annual Bright Osayi Samuel under 13 football tournament.  Enabulele whose birthday was celebrated by staff of the Sports Commission and the Edo football family, including Bendel Insurance FC at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium same day asserted that the Bright Osayi Samuel Under 13 tournament is the type of tournament that the g...

Property Owners On Govt Layouts To Come For Verification, Re-certification  Exercise  By Editor  The Edo State Government under the stewardship of His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo has called on all property owners in Six different Govt Layouts in Benin City to come forward to verify and recertify their  documents. A Government Special Announcement endorsed on behalf of Edo State Government by the Managing Director, Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS), Dr. Tony Ikpasaja explained that property owners in the  Under-listed Layouts  in  Benin City are to comply without fail. The affected layouts include Etete Government Layout; Iyekogba Housing Estate; Evbuoriaria layout and Ikpoba River Dam Acquisition. Others are Oka-Oseni/Egba/ Okanaruovia and Evbuodia Acquisition.     In addition, property owners and corporate organizations with the old Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) are encouraged to come forward...

Crisis Rocks Zamfara Assembly As Factional House Emerged ... Demands Re-presentation Of State Budget By Editor  A factional House of Assembly has emerged in Zamfara state with members demanding the re-presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by Governor Dauda Lawal. The group, made up of nine lawmakers who were suspended in February 2024 over allegations of misconduct, conspiracy, and illegal sitting, convened in Gusau, the state capital, and declared the formation of a parallel legislative body. At the session, the lawmakers elected Hon. Bashir Aliyu Gummi as Speaker of the factional assembly. During the sitting, the faction addressed several issues, including the state’s deteriorating security situation, economic challenges, and the recent reports of mass sackings within the state civil service allegedly carried out by the Lawal administration. The group further demanded that Governor Lawal re-present the 2025 budget, arguing that the process followed in its initia...

RE: IPOB'S BASELESS ATTACK ON GOVERNOR MONDAY OKPEBHOLO—A MALICIOUS PROPAGANDA BY A DECLARED TERRORIST ORGANIZATION The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to a recent press statement issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed terrorist organization by the Federal Government of Nigeria, in which it falsely accuses His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, of allocating N6 billion to compensate so-called “Fulani terrorists” and alleges betrayal of the people of Edo State. We consider this publication not only inciting but also a vile attempt by a terrorist group to distort facts, sow ethnic division, and destabilize the peace and unity of Edo State. It is a familiar strategy of IPOB to spew falsehood and incite hatred under the guise of activism. Their desperate attempt to drag Governor Okpebholo into their agenda of violence and ethnic disintegration will fail. Let it be made clear that: 1. No compensation of N6 billion was approved...

Senator Neda Imasuen Empowers Edo South Farmers With Farm Implements  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, Senator Neda Imasuen has appealed to farmers not to sell their farm tools and implements given to them, but make good use of it to enable them sustained their families, and the nation at large. The federal lawmaker said the essence of the event in his own little way is to reduce the price of food in the market by empowering his constituents of being farmers and producers more food. He appealed to the farmers to pay proper attention to the various speakers at the programme and ensure they make good use of the knowledge they acquire during the training. Senator Neda Imasuen gave the advice at a training organised for his constituent members in Benin city, Edo state warned the farmers not to sell the farm implements and tools ensure they make good use of the opportunity. " This items we are giving you, some ...

Sen. Imasuen Trains 100 Edo South Farmers On Farm Seedlings ...Urges The Beneficiaries To Make Use Of The Opportunity  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, Senator Neda Imasuen, has trained 100 Edo South Farmers on farm seedlings to enable them to be self reliance.  Senator Imasuen who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions at the Red Chambers of the National Assembly, also called for the establishment of State Policing, as a solution to the increasing insecurity in Nigeria. Senator Imasuen proposal comes in response to growing concerns about the attacks on farmers, particularly by groups of purported hunters from the Northern part of Nigeria. The Senator made the statements during an empowerment programme he organised in Benin City, Edo State capital, where 100 farmers from the seven local government areas that made up  Edo South were provided with seedlings for cash...

Edo State Targets Investors To Drive Economic Growth By Editor  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is taking the state’s development agenda to the global stage as he pushes to attract strategic investments from the United States and other developed markets. The initiative is part of a larger drive to reposition Edo as a hub for sustainable growth across key sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and manufacturing. Governor Okpebholo is leveraging the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) currently taking place in Washington, D.C., to engage credible investors and development partners with the aim of securing long-term partnerships. In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, he explained that the governor’s approach marks a significant shift from past models of development financing.   “Unlike past approaches reliant on debt financing,” Itua no...

Edo State Sports Commission Shelves State Sports Festival ...Begins Preparation For Ogun Games Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The management of the Edo State Sports Commission has shelved its plans to organize the 4th Edo Sports Festival following the significant impact of the recently concluded maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo on the athletes and the fast approaching National Sports Festival scheduled to hold in Ogun in May. The decision was taken during the Commission's Management meeting presided over by the Executive Chairman, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele on Monday, April 22, 2025 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium  Rising from the management meeting attended by the four Executive Directors, the Permanent Secretary and directors, the Executive Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele disclosed that the postponement of this year's state sports festival became necessary having considered the impacts of the Niger Delta Games on the ath...

Azemhe Azena Condoles With The Catholic Faithful Worldwide Over The Passing Of The Pope By Austen Akhagbeme  Renowned Preacher and Politician, Dr Azemhe Azena, has sent condolences to the Catholic Faithful all over the world on the demise of the Holy Pontiff, Pope Francis on Monday, April, 21. In a message released by his media team in Benin City on Tuesday, the Regional Pastor of Omega Fire Ministries worldwide, Benin-Region 3, called on everyone to live the exemplary life of the departed Pope and head of the Roman Catholic Church, which was solely dedicated to the well-being of the poor and the less privileged in society. Dr Azemhe Azena described the late Pope Francis "as a lover of peace and a champion of Environmental well-being of the world through his advocacy for Climate change and related issues around the world" he added.  Pope Francis, who replaced Pope Benedict XVI, the former head of the Catholic Church following his resignation in 2013, died after a ...

For Greener Pastures: UK Documents 22,000 Nigerian Asylum Seekers Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The United Kingdom Home Office received 22,619 asylum applications from Nigerian nationals from 2010 to 2024, according to findings by our correspondent. This is as Nigerians accounted for one in 30 UK asylum claims over the period, ranking 11th on the Home Office’s newly released year-end Asylum and Resettlement statistics, reports The PUNCH. According to the Home Office, nearly twice as many Nigerians (2,841) applied for asylum in 2024 as in 2023 (1,462). Overall, 2024 saw the highest number of asylum applications to the UK, with 108,138 people, a 378 per cent rise from 2010. Most were first-time claims by South Asian and Middle Eastern nationals. Iran topped the chart with 75,737, likely propelled by the increasing persecution of dissidents by the Iranian regime. Pakistan followed far behind with 57, 621. 2024 saw 10,542 Pakistanis claiming asylum in the UK, driven by po...