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Showing posts from February, 2026

Keeper Obasogie Denies Match-Fixing Allegations as SWAN Backs Goalie, Calls Suspension Premature

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  Keeper Obasogie Denies Match-Fixing Allegations as SWAN Backs Goalie, Calls Suspension Premature Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas OEaglesbasogie has strongly denied allegations of match-fixing levelled against him by his Tanzanian club, Singida Black Stars SC, describing the claims as unfounded and damaging to his image and integrity. In a statement made available to journalists on Friday night in Benin, the former Bendel Insurance F.C. shot-stopper maintained that he has “never in his career engaged in match-fixing and will never do so.” Obasogie insisted that the goals he conceded in recent matches were the result of footballing errors rather than deliberate misconduct. The Sigida FC goalkeeper was on Friday handed a three-month temporary suspension by the club following the errors he committed during their CAF Confederation Cup clash against Flambeau du Centre FC and an NBC Premier League fixture against Namungo FC. Reacting to the development, Obasogie said: “I respec...

Okpebholo Praises Edo’s Grit As State Ends 24-Year Wait With Niger Delta Games Title

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Okpebholo Praises Edo’s Grit As State Ends 24-Year Wait With Niger Delta Games Titlel Iduozee Efe   Monday Okpebholo has hailed the resilience, discipline and unity of Team Edo after the state was crowned overall champions of the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, tagged ‘Edo 2026,' ending a Two-year wait for a major multi-sport tournament title. Edo topped the medal table with an impressive haul of 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze medals, amassing a total of 111 medals to surge past traditional powerhouses, Delta and defending champions Bayelsa in a keenly contested week-long regional fiesta. The triumph marks Edo’s first major tournament victory since hosting and winning the 2002 National Sports Festival, breaking a title drought that had lingered for over two decades. Receiving the overall winners’ trophy on behalf of Governor Okpebholo at the closing ceremony held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, comme...

NBC Eagers To Resolve Edo/Kogi Interstate Boundary Crisis

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NBC Eagers To Resolve Edo/Kogi Interstate Boundary Crisis  By Editor  The National Boundary Commission has reaffirmed key positions that strongly support Edo State’s commitment to the peaceful and lawful resolution of the Edo/Kogi interstate boundary, following a Joint Meeting of Officials held at Lucy Hall, Bon Hotel (Elvis), Wuse II, Abuja. The meeting, presided over by the Director-General of the Commission, Surv. Adamu A. Adaji, brought together representatives of the affected states and federal technical agencies to review progress and facilitate the resumption of the stalled boundary monumentation exercise. Leading the Edo State delegation, Hon. Dr. Dennis Idahosa, Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Edo State Boundary Committee, reaffirmed the state’s unwavering commitment to a peaceful, technically sound, and lawful demarcation of the boundary. Idahosa noted that the mutually agreed boundary alignment endorsed in 2006 remains a critical mileston...

Governance Is Rooted In Humility, Faith And Total Dependent On God Says-- Gov. Okpebholo

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Governance Is Rooted In Humility, Faith And Total Dependent On God Says-- Gov. Okpebholo  By Editor  Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo said his practical governance embarked on by his administration is rooted in humility, faith and totally dependent on God and responsible for the many  successes recorded in the past one year. Gov Okpebholo who spoke while delivering his speech at an interdenominational Church programme held at the Govt House chapel with the theme: "Power of God as of old" said strategy and policies are important but divine guardian is required for lasting impact. The governor represented by the coordinator office of the first lady of Edo State Edesili Anani Okpebholo said the Okpebholo led administration has totally depended on God for directions and the signs of growth and development is experienced by Edo people, urging the congregation to uphold God's supremacy "Governance must be rooted in faith, humility and totally depende...

Okpebholo, Oyegun To Attend SPCOBA Convention In Benin ...As Barr. Odiadi Says The Aims Is To Focus On School Development

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Okpebholo, Oyegun To Attend SPCOBA Convention In Benin  ...As Barr. Odiadi Says The Aims Is To Focus On School Development   ...Idea Is To Create A System Where Old Boys, Alumni Bodies Play Key Roles Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Benin Branch of the St. Patrick’s College Asaba Old Boys Association (SPCOBA) will host its 2026 Annual National Convention and Feast Day celebration from March 16 to 18 in Benin City, with discussions centred on school development, alumni-led governance reforms and communal security. President General of the association, Barr. Tony Odiadi, said that activities will start on March 16 with a Gala Night and Convention Lecture, setting the tone for a three-day engagement that will bring together old boys from across Nigeria and the diaspora.  Odiadi, added that the March 17 programme, which coincides with the Feast of St. Patrick and the association’s Founders’ Day, will feature a Thanksgiving Mass, keynote addresses and deliber...

NWF Boss Extols NDDC, Dunamis Icon As Edo Clinch Weightlifting Crown At Edo 2026 Niger Delta Games

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NWF Boss Extols NDDC, Dunamis Icon As Edo Clinch Weightlifting Crown At Edo 2026 Niger Delta Games By Editor  The President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, has praised the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Dunamis Icon for the successful organisation of the Weightlifting event at the Edo 2026 2nd Niger Delta Games, describing the championship as a landmark initiative for grassroots sports development and youth engagement in the region. Dr. Abdul, who was unavoidably absent due to other pressing national assignments, was ably represented in Benin City by NWF Board Member, Barrister Amos Dushu, alongside Dr. Steve Olarinoye, another board member. Speaking at the close of the three-day event, the NWF President commended the organisers for their vision and seamless execution of the event. “The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation is deeply impressed with the standard of organisation and the quality of competition witnessed here in B...

NIGER DELTA GAMES | Team Edo Soars, Ends 24-Year Drought in Historic Medal Surge

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NIGER DELTA GAMES | Team Edo Soars, Ends 24-Year Drought In Historic Medal Surge …A Testament To Inspiring Leadership Of Amadin Desmond Enabulele By Editor  Day Six of the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, tagged Edo 2026, will remain a defining moment in the annals of Edo sports history, as Team Edo shattered a 24-year jinx with a commanding and record-breaking performance. Driven by the strategic direction and unwavering motivation of the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Enabulele, the state’s athletes delivered one of their most dominant outings yet, reinforcing Edo’s supremacy on the regional stage. In wrestling, Peremobowei Abacha powered his way to gold in the 71kg male category. Alison Amakoro secured silver in the 65kg male division, while Jennifer Okhihie added another silver in the 65kg female category. Janet Odimalo rounded off the wrestling medals with bronze in the 61kg division. Scrabble proved another goldmine fo...

LP Chieftain Okundaye Faults Invasion, Gun Shooting At Oyegun’s House

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LP Chieftain Okundaye Faults Invasion, Gun Shooting At Oyegun’s House ...Alleges Preliminary Facts Suggest Involvement Of Members Of  APC Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  As politicians across and outside Edo state condemned sporadic gunshots in ADC secretariat, a chieftain of the Labour Party (LP) and National Coordinator of the Liberal Progressive and Patriotic Members Congress (LPPMC), Dr. Kingsley Oghogho Okundaye, has condemned in strong terms the violent attack on the residence of the national leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), John Odigie Oyegun, in Benin City. Oyegun, a former governor of Edo State, was hosting a crucial party meeting at his residence when gunmen allegedly stormed the premises, firing sporadically, injuring several individuals and vandalising vehicles parked within the compound. The incident reportedly occurred shortly after the defection of Barrister Olumide Akpata to the ADC. Witnesses said the attack initially began at the ADC stat...

CRPP Zonal Chairman, Isibor Condemns Gun Shooting In Oyegun's House

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CRPP Zonal Chairman,  Isibor Condemns Gun Shooting In Oyegun's House Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Zonal Chairman Coalition of Registered Political Parties CRPP, Dr Samson Isibor has condemned in totality the shootings at Chief John Odigie Oyegun's house yesterday during the meeting of ADC party at the former Governor's house, in Benin city. According to Dr Samson Isibor, described the unfortunate incident as outrageous, uncalled, which he said Edo State is not known for this dastardly act, "all these are happening during this current government tenor. It is given us a course for concern." "we condemned the APC government in the state.The state government is required to protect the citizens of the state not to witch hunt, intimidate members of the opposition. it's the beauty of democracy to  have pluralistic political parties in the country instead of trying to eliminate the opposition members. "We are there for advising the APC government...

Peter Obi Optimistic On Building A New Nigeria, Welcomes Akpata To ADC

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Peter Obi Optimistic On Building A New Nigeria, Welcomes Akpata To ADC Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, said in Benin yesterday that a new is possible when the right people are elected as leaders. This is as he assured that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is totally committed to a new Nigeria despite the political move by those in power to do everything possible to stop the party. Obi, who made the statements at the ADC secretariat in Benin where the former party governorship candidate, Olu Akpata and members of the Obidient Movement formally defected to the ADC. Obi stated: “Let me assure all of us here, we are committed to a new Nigeria. They might do everything possible to stop us, but I assure you our commitment is total. “We must build a country that works for everybody. It is not working for everybody today. We must build a country where nobody can be somebody without knowing anybody. I...

Olumide Akpata Decamps To ADC In Edo, Expresses Gratitude To Members

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Olumide Akpata Decamps To ADC In Edo, Expresses Gratitude To  Members  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Governorship candidate of the Labour Party(LP) in the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election, Barrister Olumide Akpata, has defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in Benin city. Akpata was received by the State Chairman of the ADC, Kennedy Odion; former governors of Edo State and leaders of the ADC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, former Senate Chief Whip, Roland Owie; Hon. Murphy Omoruyi, member representing Egor/Ikpoba-Okha federal constituency at the House of Representatives, alongside Peter Obi, Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, amongst others. Akpata, who was handed the party card by the State Chairman, said he took the decision to join the ADC after Peter Obi joined the party on December 31, 2025, stressing that he joined the party to add value. Akpata, who expressed gratitude for the warm reception...

Obi Assassination Attempt:Kenneth Okonkwo Indicts Edo Govt. As Sponsored Of Attack

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Obi Assassination Attempt:Kenneth Okonkwo Indicts Edo Govt. As Sponsored Of Attack  By Editor  Veteran Nollywood actor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has alleged that the assassination attempt on Mr. Peter Obi, Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections,  was sponsored by the Edo State government or its agents. It would be recalled that gunmen on Tuesday attacked Peter Obi, former Edo State Governor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun along with other chieftains of the ADC in Edo State. During an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’, Okonkwo recalled a previous threat issued by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpehbolo to Peter Obi against entering the state without his clearance. According to him,  “The attack on Peter Obi in Edo State was an attempted assassination by the government or their agents. “I was in touch with the former Edo State Governor, John Odigie Oyegun, who de...

Obi, Odigie Narrative How They Escape Assassination In Edo

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Obi, Odigie Narrative How They Escape Assassination In Edo …We got intelligence Of attack – Odigie-Oyegun …APC, Edo Govt deny complicity, ADC, Atiku, Akpata, Owie react Fear gripped Benin City, Edo State capital, yesterday, as Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) 2023 Presidential Candidate, Chief Johnb Odigie-Oyegun, former Edo State Executive Governor and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress, (ADC), escaped assassination from gunmen. Few minutes after leaders of the ADC, including Mr. Peter Obi received Barr. Olumide Akpata, former governorship candidate of the LP into the party, gunmen attacked the facility at the state secretariat of the party along Ogbelaka Street, Between Off Sapele and Off Sokponba Roads, Benin City, and the residence of the National Leader of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. Narrating his ordeal, Obi declared: “It is time to speak up. It is time those in government act. They are not going to be there forever. What they allowed to hap...

NIGER DELTA GAMES | Team Edo Hauls Gold in Swimming, Other Sports, Maintain Dominance

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NIGER DELTA GAMES | Team Edo Hauls Gold in Swimming, Other Sports, Maintain Dominance BENIN - Team Edo’s Swimming, Weightlifting, Kokowa contingent has delivered an extraordinary performance at the ongoing Niger Delta Games tagged Edo2026, harvesting gold medals and reaffirming the host state’s dominance. Leading the charge was Peremobere Joy, who powered her way to gold in the Individual 100m Freestyle, showcasing speed, precision, and confidence from start to finish. In the longer distance event, Mary Dimeji demonstrated remarkable endurance and tactical strength to secure gold in the 400m Freestyle, thrilling spectators with a commanding performance. The relay teams added further brilliance to Edo’s medal harvest. In the 4x400m Medley Relay (Male), the quartet of Albert Akintokun, Biloha Simeon, Precious Tissa, and Kolade Otunla combined strength and seamless coordination to capture gold in impressive fashion. Equally outstanding was the 4x100m Freestyle Rela...

Edo2026: Team Edo Ahead Of Medal Table As Enabulele Begs Team Edo To Remain Focus For Victory

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Edo2026: Team Edo Ahead Of Medal Table As Enabulele Begs Team Edo To Remain Focus For Victory  Iduozee Efe Paul  Host,Team Edo has taken the lead in the ongoing  second edition of the Niger Delta Games,tagged Edo '2026' after unprecedented dominant display in swimming and weightlifting events to surge forward with 22 gold and 12 silver against second and third placed Delta (14 Gold) and Bayelsa (13 Gold) respectively. As at  7pm,Edo had won seven or more gold medals as their chess, traditional wrestling and other athletes were dominating. The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele,in a chat with sports journalists, expressed satisfaction with Team Edo’s impressive outing so far, attributing the success to strategic planning, discipline and early preparation ahead of the competition. According to him, the 12-day closed camping with  intensive training he arranged for the athletes played a cruci...

Okpebholo Faults An Attack On ADC Members, Says Party Internal Fracas Taken Too Far

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Okpebholo Faults An Attack On ADC Members, Says Party Internal Fracas Taken Too Far  Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has strongly condemned the recent attack on members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the incident as an internal party crisis that was taken too far. In a statement personally issued on Tuesday night, the governor expressed sympathy with the affected members of the party, noting that it was unfortunate that certain elements allegedly exploited the peaceful atmosphere of Edo State to perpetrate violence. According to the statement, “As peace-loving people, the importation of thugs and miscreants from outside the state under the guise of party politics remains totally condemned and will not be tolerated going forward.” He stressed that, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, he would not stand by and allow Edo to be turned into a theatre of conflict in the name of political rivalry. “Even though the precise motive behind this...

Niger Delta Games Considering Adding More Sports In Subsequent Edition- Ikpokpo

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Niger Delta Games Considering Adding More Sports In Subsequent Edition- Ikpokpo Iduozee Efe Paul  The Managing consultant of Dunamis Icon Limited, the lead consultant and organizers of annual Niger Delta Games Sir.  Malik Itiako Ikpokpo has revealed that they are considering increasing the number of sports in the tournament to 21 during the next edition, stressing that the organisers are not interested in who wins but talents discovery and development. Sir Ikpokpo disclosed this while addressing the Press on Tuesday at the Media Centre of Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.  He noted that the decision to increase the number, depends on their popularity in the region. The second Niger Delta Games are presently going on in Benin City, the Edo State capital with  16 sports featuring. “Our plan is to give opportunity to athletes of all sports to be part of the Games. You will notice that this year, we removed canoeing because the equipments are not in any of the partic...

UBTH CMD, Ize-Iyamu Outlines Major Achievements Within Six Months

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. UBTH CMD, Ize-Iyamu Outlines Major Achievements Within Six Months  Iduozee Efe Paul  The Chief Medical Director, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. (Mrs.) Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu, has posited that, the management of the institution understand that healthcare is a fundamental right, and that many  patients who come to them are among the most vulnerable in the society. She made the statement in a press briefing on her achievements marking 180 days in Office, Benin city, Edo state, said since her assumption in office they have employed 401 new staff members. The CMD added that, they have also improved security for staff, patients and visitors, and the construction of a Creche for children of staff with 80% completion supporting staff work-life balance. " Amid debt disruption, and constrained resources, and having functioned at full operational capacity for only two of the six months under review, UBTH nevertheless delivered measurable and meanin...

OPINION : Ave Tinubu Morituri Salutamus Te

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TUESDAY FLAT OUT OPINION : Ave Tinubu Morituri Salutamus Te   By Suyi Ayodele (Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, February 24, 2026) https://tribuneonlineng.com/ave-tinubu-morituri-salutamus-te/ President Bola Ahmed Tinubu proved critics wrong last Wednesday. Those who hold the belief that the President is old, tired and physically inactive were damned when, with the speed of light, Tinubu appended his signature to the controversial Amended Electoral Bill 2026. By the stroke of his presidential pen, the strong man of the moment has shut down all protests and agitations against the controversial law.   It is not funny. The National Assembly led by the whippy Senator Godswill Akpabio passed the Bill on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Only 12 senators voted against the Bill. The rest of the yes-men senators endorsed the Bill. In the House of Representatives, opposition lawmakers left the chamber, singing and denouncing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)...