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I Only Knew What Poverty Is When I Became Emir – Sanusi Lamido By Editor  The Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has said he got to know what poverty truly is when he mounted the throne. Sanusi said this in a goodwill message at a public lecture with the theme: “Weaponization of poverty as a means of underdevelopment: A case study of Nigeria,” commemorating the 60th birthday celebration of former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, in Abuja, on Saturday. The former CBN Governor said, “Many of the elite in Nigeria do not know what poverty is. As an economist, former CBN Governor, I see the numbers. I did not know poverty until I became Emir. “And you go to the village and see the water they drink, the houses they live in, they two block classrooms without roofs. “Do we actually love the people or do we just love ruling over them? What are our priorities. We make overheads and underpasses for ourselves in the cities w...

NUJ Edo, NEMA to Hold One-Day Training on Disaster and Emergency Management The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), is organising a one-day capacity-building training on *Disaster and Emergency Management.*  The training is scheduled to take place on Friday, June 13, 2025, at the NUJ Conference Room, located at No. 1 Sir Gabriel Igbinedion Way, GRA, Benin City, beginning at 9:00 a.m. prompt. In view of this, all NUJ chapels across the state are requested to nominate two representatives each to participate in this important exercise. The names of the nominees should be submitted to the Council on or before 12pm on June 1, 2025. This initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance the preparedness and response capacity of journalists in times of emergency, and to ensure accurate and responsible reportage during disaster  situations. The training is free. *However, those inte...

Seplat Energy Says Over 110,000 Nigerians Benefit From  Free Eye Care  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  A total of 110,634 people have benefitted from Seplat Energy JV’s “Eye Can See” programme since its launch in 2012, offering free eye care services across its host communities. The programme, part of Seplat Energy’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, provides free consultations, reading glasses, cataract surgeries, and health education on eye-related and general health conditions like glaucoma, hypertension, and diabetes. Speaking at the 13th edition of the programme held at the Oba of Benin’s Palace in Benin City, Seplat Energy’s Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Chioma Afe, represented by Esther Icha, stressed the initiative’s sustained success through the cooperation of Joint Venture partners. Icha said,"Every service in this programme is completely free. For those with other health issues such as hypertension and diabetes, we h...

Ogun Games:Team Edo Excel In Wrestling, Para-athletics,Judo,para Table Tennis ...As Hon Bazuaye Praises Ogun Govt,Soname Team Edo began Tuesday's proceedings with 2 Gold and 2 Bronze medals in Wrestling as Bright Irobekhian (72kg) and Enienibodi (60kg) beat Delta,Bayelsa and Jigawa to the top spots Perezilgha Obaze was also outstanding in wrestling  92kg class, clinching gold to increase the medal haul. The heartbeat state's Para-athletics team also gave a good account of themselves with 6 Gold,2 Silver and 3 to their credit. Faith Obazuaye's skills and abilitiy made her unstoppable in the women's singles event in para table tennis, smashing Gold for Edo state as the heartbeat state remained hopeful in other events at their finals. Meanwhile, the Executive Director(Football Development),Edo state Sports Commission Hon Baldwin Bazuaye,MON,has commended the Main Organising Committee,MOC and the LOC of the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival for their efforts...

OGUN Games: Enabulele Greets Victorious Gymnastics Athletes  The Executive Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele has congratulated all the victorious Gymnastics athletes at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun state. The Edo state Sports Commission boss said that the athletes deserved commendation for their outstanding performances. Hon Enabulele was speaking during medal presentation ceremony at the MKO Abiola stadium on Tuesday afternoon. He said he was happy to present the medals to the gymnasts.  He described them as wonderful athletes who have made Edo state proud in their chosen sport. While congratulating the medalists, Enabulele commended their commitment, discipline, and excellence, noting that their achievements reflect the strength of Edo’s sports development programme and the state Government's commitment and investment in the development of sports in Edo state. " I'm really impressed with the performances ...

Enabulele's Extols Gov. Okpebholo’s Support For Grassroots Sports The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has congratulated Ogbe Secondary School and Idia College for emerging champions in the male and female categories, respectively, at the 2025 Governor’s Cup, which concluded on Tuesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City. In a statement issued through his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele commended the outstanding performances of the winning teams and lauded Governor Monday Okpebholo’s consistent commitment to sports development in the state. He noted that Governor Okpebholo’s sports policy is rooted in grassroots development, aimed at discovering and nurturing raw talents from communities across Edo State for participation at national and international levels. “Sports is a vital tool for educational advancement, helping to improve the learning process of our young ones,” Enabulele said. He expresse...

Ekole Community Appeals To  Oba Of Benin, Govt Okpebholo To Call Monday Igbinoba To Order  ... Alleged Destruction of Farm Crops, Sale of Farm Lands Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The people of Ekole Community in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, have raised the concern over the alleged destruction of their farm crops and sale of farm lands by one Monday Igbinoba. They also appealed to the Oba of Benin and governor Monday Okpebholo to call Monday Igbinoba to order over the encroachment and sales of their lands. The inhabitants of the community in their numbers, protested to the state secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, with songs and placards to express their displeasure. Addressing Journalists on behalf of the community, the Secretary, Mr. Elvis Obaruyi said the people of the community have been met with hardship since their crops have been destroyed. He accused Mr. Monday Igbinoba of being responsible for the...

TUESDAY FLAT OUT How Long Can The President Run From His Shadow? By Suyi Ayodele (Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, May 27, 2025) https://tribuneonlineng.com/how-long-can-the-president-run-from-his-shadow/ At his coronation as the Deji of Akure, an old man, according to the legend, was asked to choose a regnal name. Being a man who had advanced in age before he was named the Deji-designate, the would-be Oba chose the name, Òjìjígògún. That is a strange name. The simple meaning of Òjìjígògún is I have ascended the throne with my shadow. The English Language equivalent of Òjìjí is shadow. Ògún or Ìmògún, in the royal dialects of Akure, Owo, and up to Benin, means throne.    The kingmakers present in Ìpèbí (seclusion) when the Deji picked the regnal name were shocked. Name is significant in Yoruba world outlook. Names carry meanings. So, they asked the new king to explain the meaning of the name he chose. Picking his words, the Deji asked the kingmake...

Children's Day:Gov. Okpebholo, Extends Warm Felicitations To All Children  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, extends warm felicitations to all children in Edo State and across Nigeria on the occasion of Children's Day. The Governor, in a statement, urged parents and guardians to dissuade their children from joining cult groups.  Governor Okpebholo recognizes Children's Day as a significant opportunity to celebrate the boundless potential, innocence, and vibrant spirit of our young ones, who are the true leaders of tomorrow.  He reaffirms his administration's unwavering commitment to ensuring their well-being, providing them with quality education, and creating an environment where they can thrive and realize their full potential. In his message, Governor Okpebholo emphasized: "Our children are our most precious assets.  Their dreams are the blueprints for a brighter future for Edo State. As an administration, we are ...

PASTOR AZEMHE GOES HOME FROM SCHOOL  By Austen Akhagbeme It was the late Nigerian writer and academic, Onuora Nzekwu and his British co-author, Michael Crowder, who gave Africa one of the most popular Children's Novel titled "Eze Goes To School" It was the story of an indigent student who struggled to go to school but later distinguished himself by his intelligence and hard work. While the popular Philanthropist and Politician, Pastor Azemhe Azena's early story in life may have a semblance of Eze Adi's, the protagonist of the Children's Novel described above, his determination to join the Law Faculty as a student at the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, in Edo state, five years ago and hard work, has successfully come to an inspiring ending this week Wednesday. Amidst pomp and pageantry, Pastor Azemhe Azena "signed out" from the faculty with a Bachelor's degree in his yawning intellectual bag,  surrounded by schoolmates, lecturers and s...

NPFL25: Bendel Insurance Makes Top Five Finish As League Ends  ...Succumbes To 2-1 Defeat To Lobi Stars  As the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL)2024/25 season ame to an end on Sunday,May 25,2025,Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin  finished among the top five teams in the elite division. Though succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at the 'Cathedral, Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium in Enugu in the last fixture'against already relegated Lobi Stars but the loss has no effect on the Benin Arsenals who fought from the relegation zone in the first round to become contenders in the Continental battle. In the Match  day 38 and last  of the season, Uche Collins raised the hope of Insurance finishing on a winning note with an early lead goal (Penalty) scored in the 5th minute of action,only for Lobi Stars to come from behind to score twice (Kumaga 28, ,Kunduahima 53') for a 2-1 result in favour of the hosts. Bendel Insurance finished fift on the table after winning 15 g...

NUJ Edo Partners NCDF For Entrepreneurship Training For Journalists In a bid to create alternative income opportunities for media professionals, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, has partnered with the Nigerian Capital Development Fund (NCDF) to organise a one-day entrepreneurship training for journalists in the state. The training aims to equip journalists with the knowledge and tools needed to access funding from the NCDF. Each chapel is expected to nominate two members to participate in the session. Those selected will be required to share and implement the knowledge gained within their respective chapels. Nominations should be submitted to the Union Secretary by 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Signed: Andy Egbon NUJ Secretary

Politicians Spend More Time Preparing For Next Election Than On Governance – Shehu Sani   By Editor  Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has raised concern over Nigeria’s political culture, describing it as a major impediment to effective governance and national development. Speaking during an interview with Arise News on Sunday, the outspoken All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain said the country’s democratic cycle is heavily dominated by political maneuvering, leaving little time for real governance. According to Sani, only about one year out of the constitutionally mandated four-year tenure is truly dedicated to governing. “Our constitution provides for a four-year term in office, but in practice, governance only happens in the first year,” he lamented. “The second year is used to talk about the next election, the third year is about conducting the election, and the final year is for handover preparations. We waste more than 70% of each administration...

22nd NSF Ogun Games:  Team Edo Excels In Para Powerlifting,Karate,Judo By Kehinde Osagiede As team Edo continued with its impressive performance in the ongoing National Sports Festival in Ogun state,the para athletes and Karate on Sunday made their contributions as Daniel Omogbai  in 107kg( male) category, of para Oowerlifting. cliched a Gold medal with a  lift of 200kg to defect Obinna from Abia state. On the same Parapowerlifting event Musa Muhammad also won Silver in the +107kg just as Hycent Nnaji won Silver in the 72kg as they round off with 2 Gold,6 Silver and 4 Bronze In Karate,Wilkinson Agbeishoma clinched Gold in the +84kg Male Kumite category of the combat sport  Team Edo is pushing close to the top three in the medal table as the heartbeat state still eyes more gold in their strongholds which includes boxing, kickboxing, athletics, gymnastics and cricket. Boxing competition continues on Monday morning as Wrestling events begin at Civic Centre,O...

NUJ Pledges Full Support For Government's Media Ideas ...As Minister Expresses Concern Over The Rising Misuse Of Artificial Intelligence (AI) By Editor  The President of the Nigeria Union of Jour nalists (NUJ),  Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, on Friday led National Officers as well as FCT Council executives of the union on a courtesy visit to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.  Comrade Yahya reaffirmed the union’s commitment to working with the Federal Government in promoting professionalism and countering misinformation in the media space. Also, during the high-level engagement, held at the Minister’s office in Abuja, Alhaji Yahaya congratulated the Minister on his appointment and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a seasoned media professional to head the ministry.  He also briefed the Minister on upcoming activities lined up to mark the NUJ’s 70th anniversary, for which the Minister is bill...

Onojie Of Ekpoma Gathers Native Doctors To Rain Curse On Kidnappers Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Onojie of Ekpoma, HRM, Barr. Anthony Ehizojie II has asked the traditional practitioners and native Doctors in Ekpoma Kingdom, and Esanland in General to issue curses and cast spells on anyone who henceforth dares to involve in Kidnappings. This new development took place in Ekpoma where Native Doctors, including Chief Ominimini, Chief Dr. Noble, Chief Napoleon, Dr. Abu, Dr. Oyas,amongst others, were seen at the market square Ekpoma, announcing the development and thereafter, went ahead to issue curses on whosoever will  henceforth be directly or indirectly involve himself or herself in kidnappings. In a one-on-one exclusive chat with Traditional Doctor Tunde Abu, aka Ominimini, one of the native doctors, he revealed to Winning Media Online that the implication of the curses is far reaching, as it will affect anyone that may covertly be indirectly or directly be involve...

2025 NSF: Team Edo Continues To Dazzle, Wins More Medals Team Edo, ably led by the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, continues to shine at the ongoing 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival tagged Gateway Games, taking place in Abeokuta, Ogun State. More so ,Team Edo secured victory in the 4x4 mixed relay at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, advancing to the final stage of the event. In a remarkable display of patriotism and grit, Iweobi Gift, despite feeling slightly unwell, teamed up effectively with Omah Ruth to defeat Team Osun, securing a place in the semifinals of the Beach Volleyball competition. In a surprising and inspiring moment, Imoisemeh Azobudi claimed Gold in the 100m T13 Para Athletics event. Her dominant lead was a testament to her extraordinary sprinting ability, earning admiration from both competitors and spectators at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena. At the Tennis events, the Edo male doubles team—compris...

Fuel Smuggling: Customs Seize 49,000 Litres of PMS  By Editor  The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its anti-smuggling operations in Nigeria’s North-eastern corridor, intercepting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and vehicles with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over ₦63 million. This success was recorded through Operation Whirlwind, a targeted enforcement drive against the smuggling of PMS outside Nigeria. Announcing the seizure during a press briefing at the Customs House in Yola, the Adamawa State Capital, on Friday, 23 May 2025, the National Coordinator of the operation, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG), Hussein Ejibunu, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the outcome as a clear result of intelligence-led and coordinated enforcement within Zone ‘D’. He disclosed that 1,959 jerry cans, amounting to nearly 49,000 litres of PMS, were intercepted along with five vehicles used in their conveyance. The ...

Gov. Okpebholo's Media Aide,  Itua, Bags Award For Digitalization Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Mr. Fred Itua, has been honored with a prestigious award for Digitalization by Pinnacle Builder Homes and Properties in Benin City.  The award recognizes Mr. Itua's outstanding contributions to the media space, particularly in digitalizing the governor's activities and achievements. According to the CEO of Pinnacle Builder Homes and Properties, Samson Areladia, Mr. Itua's recognition is a testament to his dedication, commitment, and years of experience in the media world. He commended Mr. Itua for using digital platforms to enlighten the Edo public on the governor's activities and achievements. Receiving the award, Mr. Itua expressed surprise and gratitude, saying it was a motivation to continue delivering quality work. He dedicated the award to the Edo people, his colleagues in the media, and the governor, Monday Ok...

Ogun Games: Team Edo Official Raises Concern Over Medal Collation,Table ... Expresses Confidence In team The Permanent Secretary,Edo state Sports Commission Agharese Patricia Efe-Amenze, has raised concerns about the manner the officials of the Ogun Games' Main Organising Committee( MOC) in charge of  collation and recording of medals have been going about the exercise. Mrs Efe-Amenze said she is worried about the slow pace and inconsistent manner medals won particularly the Gold medals won by Team Edo so far have not reflected in the daily official table being released. According to her, Team Edo Officials have lodged a complaint, requesting that the actual medals Edo has won be posted daily.She said that when compared what Edo has achieved with what is being released daily and how other States' are getting theirs updated correctly,it gives the officials of Edo reasons to be worried. Mrs Efe-Amenze expressed the hope that the anomalies that  have been observed at ...

Edo NUJ Chairman Alenkhe's  Honoured With Award ...As Okpebholo CPS Bags Award of Honour  The Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State governor, Fred Itua has bagged an award of Honour in Digitalization of the Office of the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Government. The award was given to him by the Pinnacle Builder Homes and Properties in Benin City.  Speaking on the essence of the award, the Chief Executive Officer, Pinnacle Builder Homes and Properties, Benin, Samson Areladia, said it is to recognize those who have impacted on the society using their intelligence. Receiving the award, the CPS to the state governor, Fred Itua, said the award has proven to him that the citizens of the state appreciate what he is doing, adding that, it will spur him to be more committed to his job. Itua commended the state governor, Monday Okpebholo for providing him the opportunity to serve in his government as the Chief Press Secretary to him. He also lauded the journa...

Court Mendes Charges In Fraud, Suicide Case Involving Daughter Of Uyi Technical CEO By Editor  The high-profile case concerning the alleged aiding of the suicide of Mrs Lilian Omokhuale, daughter of Omoruyi Oloton, Chief Executive Officer of Uyi Technical Limited, took a new turn as Justice B. O. Quadri, of  the Federal High Court in Benin Cityv accepted an amended charge sheet that significantly altered the list of accused persons. This development followed an application by the prosecution counsel, P. O. Odion, acting on the directive of the Inspector General of Police, which led to the formal withdrawal of charges against three of the original defendants, Chukwudi Akpotowho, Blessing Jatto, and Vincent Uhunmwangho.  As a result, the amended charge now lists only Jessica Iguodala Oghomwen, Akpes Omorodion, and Esther Eguomo Oisamoje who remain at large as defendants. The revised charge sheet, dated 22 May 2025 and replacing the earlier version filed on 24 Ju...

N95m Fraud: Moniepoint, Kuda, Opay, Other CEOs Risk Prison For Defying Court Orders By Editor    PRO International Concept Ltd. has filed an application at the Federal High Court in Lagos seeking to commit the managing directors of several banks to prison for contempt of court. The respondents include, Mr. Babatunde Olofin, MD of Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, Mr. Musty Mustapha, MD of Kuda Microfinance Bank, Mr. Henry Obiekea, MD of FairMoney Microfinance Bank and Mr. Daudu Gotring Wuritka, MD of Opay Digital Services Ltd. The company alleges that the executives willfully disobeyed court orders issued on November 21, 2024, relating to a case of unauthorized withdrawal of N95 million from its bank account. In an affidavit sworn by Omotayo Adebayo, litigation manager at the firm representing the company, it was stated that PRO International’s operational account was hacked on September 5, 2024, leading to the fraudulent transfer of N95 million across multiple account...

JAMB Saga: Why I Won’t Reveal Workers Who Caused Candidates Failure – Oloyede By Editor  The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Ishaq Oloyede has admitted that human error, not system glitch, caused the mass failure of South East and Lagos Candidates. He had earlier blamed system glitch for the failure of South East and Lagos candidates. However, his excuse was condemned by South East senators and House of Representatives members. The body has been called to cancel the examination and reschedule a new exam for all candidates. Speaking with chief external examiners, civil society organisations, and tertiary school stakeholders on Wednesday in Abuja, Oloyede said the error did not target any ethnic group. He, however, agreed that certain individuals had made the error, but refused to reveal their identities. He insisted that he had taken responsibility on behalf of those who committed the error. “I’m not interested in the ethnic identity of ...

Edo Youths Protest Against Kidnappings, Hardship       Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  Following the recent hardship and suffering hundreds of youths on Wednesday blocked the ever busy Auchi-Igarra-Ibillo road , protesting the dilapidated state of the road which has resulted in a high rate of kidnapping and other violent crimes. They complained that kidnapping had become a daily occurrence because of the bad state of the roads and lack of adequate infrastructure. They also lambasted political office holders from the area who they said were not sensitive to the plights of the people. The protest created gridlock on the road as travelers including heavy duty vehicles along the road were stalled for several hours. They also lamented the case of a chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), Okasime Olowojoba who has been kidnapped for almost a month and is yet to be released despite the kidnappers already collecting over five million naira from the family and friends. ...

    Edo Youths  Protest Against Kidnappings       Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  Following the recent hardship and suffering hundreds of youths on Wednesday blocked the ever busy Auchi-Igarra-Ibillo road , protesting the dilapidated state of the road which has resulted in a high rate of kidnapping and other violent crimes. They complained that kidnapping had become a daily occurrence because of the bad state of the roads and lack of adequate infrastructure. They also lambasted political office holders from the area who they said were not sensitive to the plights of the people. The protest created gridlock on the road as travelers including heavy duty vehicles along the road were stalled for several hours. They also lamented the case of a chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), Okasime Olowojoba who has been kidnapped for almost a month and is yet to be released despite the kidnappers already collecting over five million naira from the family and...