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CONUA-UNIBEN Greets Omosefe On His  Appointment As Acting Provost Of College Of Agric Iguoriakhi Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Congress of University Academics (CONUA), University of Benin Chapter, has congratulated Dr. Andrew Osaigbovo Omosefe on his appointment as Acting Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Iguoriakhi, Edo State. In a statement signed by its Chairperson, Comrade Patriot Ishaq Osagie-Eweka, the union described the appointment as a “round peg in a round hole,” commending Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for what it called his visionary leadership in selecting a member of the union for the position. The union expressed confidence in Dr. Omosefe’s capacity to deliver on the mandate of the college and contribute to the growth of the agricultural and natural resources sector in the state. “We have no doubt that Dr. Omosefe is fully prepared to work and raise the rank of the College in line with the vision of Mr. Gove...

NAWOJ Frowns At The Harassment Of Former National President,Ladi Bala By NRC MD By Editor  The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, strongly condemns the harassment, intimidation, and verbal abuse of our member and former National President, Comrade Ladi Bala, by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa. The incident, which occurred while Comrade Ladi Bala was performing her lawful duty as a journalist on official assignment in Abuja, is a gross violation of her dignity and a direct attack on press freedom. "We are shocked that a public officer occupying such a high office could resort to derogatory remarks such as “You are stupid” against a respected professional. Even more disturbing was the attempt to shame her with unfounded comments about dressing — an unacceptable form of gender-based humiliation." Comrade Ladi Bala is widely known for her decency, professionalism, an...

CRPP Faults Gov Okpebholo For Donating N2.5bn To UBTH Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  Following the donation of N2.5 billion  to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, by the Edo State Government, the Coalition of Registered Political Parties, CRPP, has urged the Governor Okpebholo not to be a Father Christmas to the Federal Government while the state is yearning for infrastructural developments. Alertnews disclosed that, the state chairman of CRPP Dr Samson lsibor made the appeal in a statement released to newsmen on Friday, in Benin City. Dr. Isibor described the donation as uncalled for, also urged the governor to be prudent in spending and work alleviate the lamentations of the masses. He urged the governor to judiciously preside over the utilisation of the state’s funds, opining that the management of UBTH knows where to cry to if they are short of funds to execute projects or expand the hospital. “God bless our state that is yearning for the dividend of de...

Glo Marks 22 Years Of Empowerment, Service, lnnovation   By Editor  Globacom has expressed gratitude to its millions of customers in Nigeria and beyond, whose devotion, patronage, and trust have been the cornerstone of its 22-year success story. In a thank you message to its customers, Globacom said, “22 years of Glo is a story of resilience and strength, and through every storm, you, our loyal subscribers, have powered our network. With every connection, you have fuelled our growth”. The organization has been true to its mission of changing businesses and inspiring people since it began operations on August 29, 2003. Globacom defied expectations right from launch by being the first Nigerian operator to implement per-second billing and lowering cost of SIM acquisition, two groundbreaking innovations that gave millions of Nigerians access to mobile phones. Globacom has continuously supported revolutionary developments and industry interventions over the last 22...

Return To Clay Vessels 'll Save Nigeria Billions In Healthcare, Says Don  BY Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  Nigeria and Africa must return to the use of clay vessels for cooking, eating and drinking if the continent is to tackle rising public health challenges and reduce billions spent on disease treatment, a university don has said. Delivering the 134th Inaugural Lecture of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, Professor Emmanuel Eghe Egbon, a scholar of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, urged Nigerians to embrace clay as a multifunctional earth material that promotes healthier living and sustainable communities. The lecture, titled “Drinking and Eating with Clay Vessels, Renewed Hope: Dynamics of Multifunctional Earth Material," stressed that water stored in clay pots contains up to 200 times more oxygen than bottled water, which he described as “dead water” due to plastic storage and processing. “Drinking from earthen vessels improves digestion, prev...

Witheld Salaries: National Judiciary Workers Extol Okpebholo For Release of Funds The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has commended the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for approving the long-awaited release of withheld salaries owed to judiciary workers in the state, describing the move as a profound demonstration of empathy, fairness, and responsive leadership. In a letter of appreciation signed by its National President, Marwan Mustapha Adamu, and addressed to the Governor, the Union said the gesture has brought immense relief to its members while rekindling confidence in the state government’s commitment to workers’ welfare. “This gesture has not only brought great relief to us but has also rekindled our trust and confidence in your leadership’s commitment to the welfare of staff,” the letter read. “By addressing this long-standing challenge, you have demonstrated empathy, fairness, and responsiveness, qualities which will continue to inspire gr...

NYG 2025: Enabulele Appeals Team Edo To Adopt Winning Attitude Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  As Edo State gears up for the 9th National Youth Games (NYG) 2025, scheduled to hold in Asaba, Delta State, under the theme “We Are the Future,” the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has charged athletes and coaches to embrace a winning mindset and uphold a culture of excellence throughout the competition. In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele urged the athletes to compete with pride, discipline, and sportsmanship, stressing that the journey to victory begins with the right attitude. “Our athletes must imbibe a winning mentality in every aspect of their participation. They are not just representing themselves, but the entire Edo people. They must be worthy ambassadors—on and off the field—while aiming for gold,” he said. The Commission Chairman expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation ...

AAU Lecturers Fault Acting VC, Olowo Over Payment of Backlogs of Staff Salaries ... Say Claim Insensitive, Untrue, Misleading By Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin   The Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has faulted the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Sunday Olowo Samuel over his claim that the institution has succeeded in clearing the salary backlogs of teachers from the monthly subvention of N500 million given by the state government. Prof. Olowo who was appointed August 2024, had on Thursday, August 21, 2025 told journalists that the university was enjoying peace, stability, regular payment of salaries, and had paid all the outstanding salaries of staff it inherited from the previous administration of the university.                                In a joint statement in Ekpoma by the chairman, Dr. Cyr...

Edo Assembly Directs EDSIEC To Conduct Bye-Election Within 3 Weeks  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  Edo State House of Assembly, (EDHA) on Monday adopted a resolution directing  the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) to conduct by-election to fill the vacant positions of affected councillors in different wards of the local government areas of the state.  The affected councillors were said to have abandoned their duty post since January 2025, an action deemed to have grossly contravened Section 12(1) of the 2000 local government law.  The adoption of the resolution was sequel to the consideration of a motion moved by the majority leader, Hon. Jonathan Ibhamahu and seconded by Hon.  Addeh Isibor. Moving the motion for deliberation, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Jonathan Ibhamahu said the legislative arm of government was very fundamental in local government administration in a democracy.  He said, "But in Edo, we are having...

Sultan Of Sokoto Laments Incessant Corruption In Nigeria’s Judiciary  By Editor   The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has lamented about the integrity of the judicial system in Nigeria that it is being undermined by corruption and inequality, saying “today, justice is increasingly becoming a purchasable commodity.”  He said: “the poor are becoming victims of this kind of justice, while the rich commit all manner of crimes and walk the streets scot-free.”  He spoke on Sunday as chairman of the opening ceremony of the ongoing Annual General National conference of the Nigeria Bar Association NBA taking place in Enugu. He urged the participants to ensure the implementation of their communique that will be issued at the end of the programme. The revered Monarch, however, commended the NBA for choosing the theme “Stand Out and Stand Tall”, saying it aligns with the urgent need for lawyers to deliver on their professional mandate. In his keynote...

Edo State Government Should Act Urgently Against The Use Of Calcium Carbide To Ripen Fruits By George Omobude  The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) recently issued a stern warning to Nigerians on the health dangers associated with consuming fruits ripened with calcium carbide. Despite this warning, reports indicate that nearly 90% of the fruits consumed in Edo State are still ripened using this dangerous chemical. Calcium carbide is an industrial chemical that is not meant for human consumption. When used to ripen fruits like bananas, mangoes, and plantains, it releases acetylene gas, which contains harmful impurities such as arsenic and phosphorus. Long-term consumption of such fruits can lead to severe health issues including cancer, kidney failure, and neurological disorders. Given the grave health risks, it is imperative for the Edo State Government, through the Ministry of Health, to take immediate and decisive action. A dedicated Task...

TUESDAY FLAT OUT A Voyage To Caligula’s Rome By Suyi Ayodele (Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, August 26, 2025) https://tribuneonlineng.com/a-voyage-to-caligulas-rome/ Rome’s history offers timeless lessons for all nations to jealously guard their freedom. Consider one of its emperors, Caligula: Born Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, he reigned from AD 37 to AD 41. Known as Little Boots, Caligula’s four-year reign epitomised tyranny. Albert Camus captured his ruthlessness in his 1938 play “Caligula”, while Stephen Dando-Collins’ 2019 book, “Caligula: The Mad Emperor of Rome”, and Kate Zusmann’s article, “Roman Emperor Caligula: The Mad Tyrant of Rome”, give vivid portraits of his excesses. Zusmann wrote: “Caligula’s reign lasted only four years, but his cruel and unpredictable behavior earned him a reputation as one of the most notorious emperors in Roman history... He engaged in construction projects to emphasize his power and divine status. He humiliated sena...

APC Chairman, Tenebe Pledges To Reward  Ex-2023 Chairmanship Candidates By Editor  Edo APC Chairman Jarret Tenebe has reassured former local government chairmanship candidates from the 2023 elections that their efforts won’t go unrewarded, emphasizing the party’s appreciation for their contributions. Tenebe made the statement during a meeting with the Party’s Chairmanship candidate at the party’s secretariat in Ikpokpan, Benin, where they expressed interest in the upcoming local government elections. Tenebe praised the former candidates for their resilience, confidence, and loyalty to the party, noting that they showed remarkable determination by contesting against the incumbent government led by former Governor Godwin Obaseki while the APC was in opposition. He thanked them for sticking out their necks despite the very many challenges facing the APC as an opposition party in the state, contesting the election to keep hope alive for the 2024 governorship election w...

Monday Lines 2 'ADC Is A Mere Distraction' By Lasisi Olagunju  (Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Monday, 25 August, 2025). Yesterday, someone asked me to give my current impression of that coalition party called the ADC. I asked if the person knew the meaning of the idiom: a loud fart in a windstorm, or simply, a fart in the wind. That is my impression of the party that came loud and furious like Hurricane Katrina just a few weeks ago. And unlike that hurricane of devastating results, the ADC appears to have gone limp like a boastful eunuch's potency, so soon after its entry. Apart from beautifully written press releases, what else have you seen of the ADC that should make any person in government uncomfortable, or make the distraught street trekker hopeful of a coming change? ADC's National Secretary is Mr Rauf Aregbesola. The secretary is the engine room of the party. But the gadfly appears more interested in the politics of Western Nigeria than in mak...

Monday Lines 1 Death Of World's Nicest Judge By Lasisi Olagunju  (Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Monday, 25 August, 2025). He was just a municipal court judge in a US city. Some years ago, he was asked: "In your 38 years of sitting on the bench, is there a case you still think about today?" This judge looked up, and did not hesitate before answering yes, there was a case, and he told the story: "I get upset even thinking about it. I felt crumbled at that moment. I've never forgotten that (case) up to this day and I was on the bench for 38 years... It was my first day on the bench. I asked my dad, I said 'dad why don't you come down and view me, I am sitting on the bench today for the first time.' A woman came before me who had three kids. She owed, I think, $300 in parking tickets. And she said 'I just can't pay the money, I don't have the money.' And I said 'maybe I can place you on a payment programme.' She ...

Urhobo, Itsekiri,  Youths In Loggerhead Over Land Dispute, Olu’s Coronation Celebration By Editor  Warri, Delta State, was thrown into chaos as violent clashes erupted between Itsekiri and Agbarha-Warri (Urhobo) youths over renewed land claims and a disputed cultural celebration. According to The Nation, trouble started on Saturday, August 23, 2025, as unrest began around midday in Warri South Local Government Area when Agbarha youths allegedly attempted to obstruct an Itsekiri procession marking the fourth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri. Eyewitnesses reported that chants of “na we get Warri” (“we own Warri”) from the Itsekiri procession ignited a fierce response from Agbarha youths, sparking violence. The confrontation quickly spread to Ibo and Okere market areas, forcing traders to shut down abruptly. Viral social media videos showed mobs from both sides armed with cutlasses, planks, and stones. Security operatives deployed to the scene fired gunshots...

Edo Sports Commission Head Extols Team Edo Athletes For Continental Victory  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has congratulated athletes from Team Edo who represented Nigeria at recent continental championships and returned home with medals. The athletes, led by Team Edo Athletics Head Coach, Mr. Mutiu Oluwa, paid a courtesy visit to the Commission’s Chairman on Monday. They had competed at the 3rd CAA U18/U20 African Athletics Championships held at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and the CAA Region II Senior Athletics Championship in Accra, Ghana. In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko, Hon. Enabulele praised the athletes’ performances, describing their achievements as a reflection of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s strategic investment in sports development. “The results we are witnessing today are a testament to Governor Okpebho...

Alleged Anti-Party Affairs: Edo APC Suspends DVD’s Oil, Asuen Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin    For involving in anti party activities, the Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended Hon. Valentine Asuen, owner of DVD Oil from the party, referencing acts of indiscipline and conduct considered harmful to its unity. According to a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Barr. Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, the decision followed careful consideration of Asuen’s actions, which the party said were in direct violation of its constitution. The APC accused him of engaging in affairs that incited division and undermined the collective spirit of loyalty expected of members. The statement explained that the suspension was carried out in line with Article 21 of the APC Constitution (2022, as amended), which outlines offences and disciplinary measures for members whose actions threaten the stability of the party. It added that such behaviour, as attrib...

Edo Hospital In Trouble Over The death Of Two Babies’  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  Wonder they say shall not cease, as bereaved couple Mr. Jerry Sylvester and Mrs. Edwina Ezuruike Jerry is mourning the death of their nine-day-old twin babies at a private hospital in Edo State, sparking a police investigation into the tragic incident. The babies, born preterm on July 9, 2025, were referred to Med-Vical Medical Centre in Benin City for paediatric and neonatal intensive care but unfortunately passed away on July 18 and August 2, 2025. The parents claimed they had already paid ₦4.4 million in medical bills before the second baby’s death. However, when Mrs. Jerry arrived at the hospital, she was shocked to find her child’s remains wrapped in a carton with hands and legs tied, and a heavy bandage on the head with blood seeping through. The hospital allegedly demanded an additional ₦2.7 million before allowing the parents to see the corpse, and later moved the body to a mort...

Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority Marks 100 Days in Office with Key Projects The Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA) has marked its first 100 days under new leadership with the commissioning of critical infrastructure projects across its host communities. At the event, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, commended the Managing Director of BORBDA, Hon. (Dr.) Olufemi Samuel Adekanmbi, and his team for delivering tangible projects within a short period of assumption of office. Speaking on behalf of the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Deputy Governor described the milestone as unprecedented in the history of the Authority. He noted that, for the first time, host communities are directly benefiting from the institution’s interventions. He said: *“On behalf of the Governor of Edo State, I appreciate all you are doing for the host communities. You are representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ve...

Edo South Senator, Imasuen Narrates Why The Road Leading To His Amagba Residence is Unpaved Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Senator representing Edo South, Senator Neda Imasuen, has narrated and explained why the road leading to his residence at Amagba community in Benin City has remained unpaved, despite mounting pressure and criticism from constituents. It would be recalled residents had accused the lawmaker of neglecting his immediate community, with a viral video circulating online portraying the road as evidence of his alleged indifference. Speaking on Sunday while hosting members of the Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, and the Edo South Journalists Forum, Imasuen dismissed the claims, insisting his decision was guided by compassion and priority. He posited that, he had earmarked funds for the Amagba road project but redirected them to Oluku community, which was facing severe flooding at the time. “Oluku people came to me ...

NSC Concludes Zonal Elimination Ahead Of 2025 NYG ...As Edo Female Teams Shine Bright By Editor  The zonal eliminations for the 9th National Youth Games (NYG) ended on Monday across different centres nationwide, setting the stage for the main event in Asaba, Delta State, scheduled for August 26 to September 6, 2025. In the South-South zone, the competition took place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, with athletes competing in Abula, Baseball/Softball, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cricket, Football, Handball, Hockey, Rugby, and Volleyball. At the Uyo Township Stadium, Edo’s Female Football Team defeated Bayelsa 2–0 to emerge zonal champions, thanks to goals from Favour Enodumwen and Nwodo Joy. At the West Itam Sports Centre, Edo’s Female Hockey Team also qualified impressively, beating Rivers 2–0 through strikes from Uyiosa Ikpomwen and Emmanuel Favour. In contrast, Edo’s Male Hockey Team narrowly lost 2–1 to Bayelsa in a heated game marked by controversial officiating. Edo als...

MD Of BORBDA Lists Insecurity, Infrastructures, Others Affecting Operation  ...Commissions Boreholes, Police Post/Lodge In Host Localities Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA),  Dr. Olufemi  Samuel Adekanmbi, has asserted that, no meaningful agricultural activity can take place without security.  Dr Olufemi Adekanmbi, stated this at a press briefing held at the headquarters of the authority in Obayantor, Benin, Edo State, as part of the programmes marking the management's 100 days in office. According to him, said upon assuming office his team and him identified other plights such as; high cost and limited access to farm inputs and equipment; inadequate irrigation infrastructures; piecemeal and unreliable funding. He also mentioned ageing farming population; harsh weather patterns driven by climate change, and vital post harvest losses....