Alert News

‎Enabulele Hosts AFFAN, Reaffirms Commitment To Encouraging Women’s Participation In Sports Growth  ‎By Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  ‎The Executive Chairman,Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, on Tuesday received the leadership of the Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN) during a courtesy visit to him in his office. ‎ ‎The leader of the delegation and the state coordinator of the association Mrs. Abudu Faith said the visit was aimed at briefing the Commission chairman on their activities and to explore areas of collaboration to advance sports development, particularly for women in Edo State. ‎ ‎Receiving the AFFAN’s Executive , Hon. Enabulele welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting female participation in sports. ‎ ‎The Edo State Sports Commission boss disclosed that a dedicated committee has already been  instituted to drive the process of the policies and programs tha...

Gov Okpebholo Receives ICAN Leadership, Reaffirms Commitment, Transparency By Editor  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday said the state’s consistent top ranking on the accountability index reflects his administration’s commitment to transparency and prudent financial management, as he received the leadership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) at the Government House, Benin City  The delegation, led by ICAN President and Chairman of Council, Haruna N. Yahya, paid a courtesy visit to the governor, during which they presented the institute’s incoming president, Hajia Queensley Safuratu Seghosime, an indigene of Edo State. Welcoming the delegation, Governor Okpebholo expressed delight at hosting the body, noting his long-standing interest in the accounting profession.  He emphasized the close relationship between accounting and his background in ICT, describing both as disciplines that demand precision and integrity. ...

Court Remands Tunde Ayeni In Kuje Prison Over ₦15.6bn Fraud  By Editor  A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, on Monday remanded a former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, in the Kuje Correctional Centre over alleged N15.6bn fraud. Ayeni was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission before Justice Jude Onwuzuruike on 17 charges bordering on criminal breach of trust, misappropriation, and conversion of investors’ funds amounting to N15,665,085,429. A statement by the EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said the prosecution counsel, E.E. Iheanacho (SAN), told the court that the matter was set for arraignment and that the prosecution was ready to proceed to trial. “We have before the court a 17-count charge dated April 28, 2026. We humbly apply that the charge be read to the defendant,” Iheanacho said. However, the defence counsel, Ahmed Bashir (SAN), informed the court that the charge had been served on the defendant on a p...

Poor Asset Valuation Delaying Progress, Restricting Credit Access — Surv. Isiokherhe ,,,Urges Urgent Reforms In Land Administration  By Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Chairman of the Edo State Branch of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), ESV Rogers Isiokherhe, has identified robust valuation practices as a critical lever for unlocking Nigeria’s vast but underutilised wealth, urging urgent reforms in land administration and asset documentation systems. Speaking during the 2026 Valuation Day celebration and awareness march in Benin City, Isiokherhe said Nigeria’s economic constraints are less about resource scarcity and more about the failure to properly account for and optimise existing assets. Despite the country’s abundance of natural and economic resources, he stated that weak valuation frameworks continue to constrain growth, widen inequality, and limit access to finance. “Valuation is fundamental to economic planning, investment dec...

CRPP Threatens To Petition EFCC To Investigate  Govt  Okpebholo Projects  ...Lampoons On  Him For  Single-Handedly Picking Candidates Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has condemned governor Monday Okpebholo's over his undue interference and single-handedly picking candidates in the forthcoming primaries elections in Edo state APC, and urged him to let democracy breathe.  The Coalition therefore blamed the regime of Governor Monday Okpebholo, rating its performance as below public expectation while raising concerns over transparency in key infrastructure projects in Edo State. This follows a communiqué issued at the end of its second general meeting held in Benin City and signed by its National Chairman, Dr. Samson Isibor, the coalition said citizens of Edo state have shown “resilience and endurance” despite what it termed economic hardship and rising insecurity, particularly in Ekpoma, Edo Centra...

Legal Net Tightens: Defamation Suit Against Jessica Iguodala Adjourned  ... As She Evades Service, Criminal Charges The legal walls are closing in on Jessica Iguodala, as she faces mounting pressure in both civil and criminal courts. Today, the civil suit involving the alleged malicious character assassination of Elder Francis Omoruyi Oloton with suit number B/167/2026, took a brief pause before Honourable Justice E.O. Ahaomoje at the Edo State High Court No. 4, following Iguodala’s continued absence. When the matter was called for mention, the claimant’s legal representative, Samson R. Osagie, Esq., was present and ready to proceed. However, the court was informed that Iguodala has yet to be formally served with court processes. Despite repeated efforts to bring her to account for the damage caused to Elder Oloton’s reputation, every attempt at service has "proved abortive." Justice Ahaomoje has adjourned the matter to June 16, 2026, for mention, giving the legal...

TUESDAY FLAT OUT OPINION -Tinubu: Borrowing Is Leprosy   By Suyi Ayodele (Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, May 5, 2026) https://tribuneonlineng.com/tinubu-borrowing-is-leprosy/   “Neither a borrower nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend, And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.” William Shakespeare, Hamlet (Act 1, Scene 3)   Nigeria has shifted from incurring debt as an instrument of policy to embracing it as a condition of survival. It is a dangerous evolution—made worse when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appears to regard debt not as leprosy, but as ornament.   Greek philosopher, Plutarch (before AD50-after 120), wrote a piece titled: “That We Ought Not to Borrow.”   What the old Greek philosopher said in the piece, published in Vol. X of the Loeb Classical Library edition of the Moralia, 1936 (Pg. 315-339), shows that borrowing is worse than leprosy in all ramifications. Plutarch’s piece summarises the Greeks...

Monday Lines OPINION: APC’s Politics Of Consensus By Lasisi Olagunju (Published by the Nigerian Tribune on Monday, May 4, 2026) In a democracy, victory won through real elections brings enduring legitimacy. ‘On Your Mandate We Shall Stand’ was composed and sung for Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola because he submitted his ambition to a competitive process: he had a competent opponent, votes were cast, counted, and he won. The song, its defiance, and resilience followed that mandate because it was legitimate. Those who chant similar slogans today may find themselves clutching empty matchboxes tomorrow if they continue to sidestep competitive elections. A democratic seat secured through elite manipulation and backroom agreement cannot command enduring popular support, especially when those same elites decide to take it back. Nigeria today stands in the grip of what is called consensus politics; choosing candidates without the 'trouble' of voting. We are even scheming ...

Dispute In NDC Registration As ADA questions Process ... Dickson Reacts To Allegation   Fresh controversy has erupted over the registration of the Senator Seriake Dickson-led National Democratic Congress, with the All Democratic Alliance raising concerns about the legitimacy of the process. It will be recalled that a few weeks ago, a chieftain of the All Democratic Alliance, Umar Ardo, alleged that the NDC’s registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission did not follow due process. Ardo claimed there were irregularities in the documentation submitted by the NDC and questioned the speed of INEC’s approval. “We have written to INEC to ask for a review. Political parties cannot be registered through the back door,” he said in a statement last month. Dickson : “I’m disappointed in my friend Ardo” However, his claims were dismissed by former Bayelsa governor and NDC convener, Senator Seriake Dickson, who expressed disappointment in Ardo. “I’m disappointed in my friend Uma...

‎ ‎NPFL 2026:  Bendel Insurance FC Fefeat Katsina United 1-0 In Benin ‎ ‎ ‎Bendel Insurance Football Club, Monday morning defeated Katsina United 1-0 in the match day 36 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL)and climbed to 4th on the league table. ‎ ‎Alex Oweifaleya scored the only goal of the match in the 87th minute with a classy header. The young striker is Bendel Insurance highest goal scorer now with 9 goals,one ahead of their main striker Kayode Oke. ‎ ‎The match day 36 played at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium which was postponed after 62 minutes of action on Sunday evening due to heavy downpour was concluded on Monday morning with Alex Oweifaleya scoring the only goal of the match in the 87th minute. ‎ ‎The decisive moment came after much pressure on the visitors when Emmanuel Akpan delivered a fine corner kick which connected well positioned Alex Oweifaleya who calmly delivered a classy header to break the deadlock for Bendel Insurance FC. ‎ ‎Katsina United...

Edo NUJ Calls On Govt, Security Agencies, Others To Protect Journalists The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, joins journalists worldwide in commemorating World Press Freedom Day 2026, themed “Defending Media Freedom as a Cornerstone of Democracy and Human Rights.” Today, we celebrate the resilience, courage, and dedication of journalists in Edo State and across Nigeria who, despite intimidation, economic challenges, and evolving digital threats, continue to uphold truth, promote accountability, and protect the public’s right to know. Our Position " Journalism is Not a Crime We strongly condemn the harassment, arbitrary arrests, and cyberbullying of journalists in the course of their duties. A free press remains fundamental to the growth and sustainability of democracy in Edo State and Nigeria at large. “We call on the Edo State Government, security agencies, and all stakeholders to ensure the protection of journalists, especially those...

Mr Figo at 52: Citizens Charged To Drive Good Governance Through Accountability, Inclusion By Editor  A public advocacy lecture held to mark a 52nd birthday anniversary has underscored the critical role of citizen participation in promoting good governance, with a strong emphasis on accountability, inclusiveness, and collective responsibility in nation-building. The event, held at the NUJ Press Centre, Modern Hall, GRA, Benin City, and themed “Good Governance & Citizens’ Participation,” brought together community leaders, political actors, stakeholders, and members of the public to reflect on the nexus between leadership and civic engagement. Delivering the keynote lecture, Hensley Otabor stressed that leadership should not be viewed as the exclusive preserve of those in positions of authority, but as a shared responsibility in which citizens play a decisive role in shaping outcomes. He noted that while leaders occupy positions of authority, the true test of leaders...

Workers’ Day: Enabulele Greets Workforce, Urges Renewed Commitment By Editor  The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has extended his congratulations to Nigerian workers on the occasion of Workers’ Day, recognizing their resilience, dedication, and invaluable contributions to both national and state development. In a statement released on Friday by his Media Aide, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele referred to workers as the “backbone of progress,” highlighting their essential role in sustaining institutions, driving productivity, and strengthening society amidst prevailing economic challenges. “Today, we celebrate the strength, courage, and commitment of Nigerian workers. Your contributions are the driving force behind development, and your sacrifices do not go unnoticed,” he expressed. The sports commission chairman specifically praised workers in the sports sector for their efforts in nurturing talent, promoting disci...

OKPEBHOLO GREETS EDO WORKERS, REELS OUT LABOUR MILESTONES, PLEDGES SUSTAINED WELFARE COMMITMENT Governor Monday Okpebholo, on Friday expressed deep appreciation to labour leaders across the state for their steadfast support and constructive engagement with his administration, describing the relationship between organised labour and the Edo State Government as a model of productive partnership rooted in mutual respect. Speaking at the 2026 Workers' Day celebration held in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo paid tribute to the working men and women whose daily contributions continue to drive the development of Edo State. Represented by his deputy, Rt Hon Dennis Idahosa, Governor Okpebholo said, "I am very delighted to join the hardworking men and women of Edo State on this special occasion of Workers' Day 2026," he said. "Today, we celebrate the men and women whose daily efforts keep our state moving forward. From teachers to health workers, civil servants,...

U.S. Congressman,  Moore Accuses President Tinubu Over Alleged  Persecution Of Christian   Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The U.S. House Appropriations Committee has advanced a State Department funding bill that would impose strict conditions on security assistance to Nigeria, citing ongoing violence against Christian communities. U.S. Congressman Riley Moore accused the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu of failing to address what he described as escalating persecution, particularly in the Middle Belt where attacks have been linked to ethnic militias, criminal gangs, and jihadist terrorist groups. “This bill takes serious steps to address this crisis,” Moore said, adding that the United States “will not turn a blind eye to the brutal persecution of our Nigerian brothers and sisters in Christ.” The legislation requires Nigeria to show measurable progress in tackling violence, prosecuting perpetrators, and supporting displaced communities before aid is released...

PDP Faction Loses As Supreme Court Cancels Ibadan Convention The Supreme Court on Thursday, April 30 has canceled the national convention the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025. The convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025, produced the Tanimu Turaki, SAN-led factional national executives of the party. The Ibadan convention had been the subject of protracted legal disputes prior to the Supreme Court’s verdict. More so, the exercise was conducted amid subsisting court orders restraining the party from proceeding with the gathering. A Federal High Court had earlier barred the convention, citing breaches of the party’s constitution and the failure to comply with due process, including unresolved disputes arising from state congresses. The court also noted that certain aspirants were excluded from the process, rendering it defective. Despite the order, the convention went ahead, prompting further litiga...

Ibrahim Kabir Masari: The Quiet Force Powering Stability, Loyalty, And Grassroots Strength In Nigeria’s Politics By Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat, PhD In politics, the most consequential figures are not always the most visible. Some operate beyond the glare of headlines, shaping outcomes through trust, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to results. Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari belongs to this rare class, a quiet force whose influence within the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) is both significant and steadily consequential. From his vantage point within Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Masari has built a reputation as a dependable operator, trusted with sensitive assignments and known for delivering them with precision, honesty, and without distortion. In a political environment where competing interests can easily blur intent, such reliability is not just valuable; it is indispensable. This trust is rooted in more than pr...

Ibrahim Kabir Masari: The Quiet Force Powering Stability, Loyalty, and Grassroots Strength In Nigeria’s Politics By Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat, PhD In politics, the most consequential figures are not always the most visible. Some operate beyond the glare of headlines, shaping outcomes through trust, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to results. Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari belongs to this rare class, a quiet force whose influence within the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) is both significant and steadily consequential. From his vantage point within Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Masari has built a reputation as a dependable operator, trusted with sensitive assignments and known for delivering them with precision, honesty, and without distortion. In a political environment where competing interests can easily blur intent, such reliability is not just valuable; it is indispensable. This trust is rooted in more than pr...