Alert News

POWER SUPPLY: How Okpebholo's Power Generation Plan At Ologbo Is Attracting Investors And Jobs.   Edo State is advancing into a new phase of industrial and economic growth as the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo deepens efforts to build an investment-friendly environment anchored on security, infrastructure and reliable electricity supply. At Ologbo in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, the ongoing 100-megawatt power project and industrial park being developed by CCETC are emerging as central elements of the administration’s strategy to strengthen the state’s productive economy. The project, formally launched in February 2026, comprises a 100MW natural-gas-powered electricity generation facility and an industrial park. The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation described the development as part of efforts to promote manufacturing, employment and sustainable economic growth in Edo, while the state government has presented it as a major s...

Trump Signs Order To Target Foreign Drug Cartels Hard ... As Nigerians Await Release Of US Records On Tinubu By Editor  President Donald Trump this week signed an executive action designating major foreign drug cartels as terrorist organisations, a step that allows the United States military to use lethal force against foreigners. Video from the Oval Office shows the president receiving the document, signing it at his desk and returning the folder after brief remarks.Africans & Diaspora The announcement has intensified attention in Nigeria on a long running demand for the full release of American investigative files on President Bola Tinubu. Many Nigerians have called for the unredacted records to be made public. Tinubu and his lawyers have moved in court to stop or limit that release. The files relate to an early 1990s inquiry into a white heroin network in Chicago. Court papers identified Adegboyega Mueez Akande as a leader of the organisation and Abiodun Agbele a...

ICPC Questions Ekiti APC Candidate Over Fraud Allegations By Editor  The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ikere/Ise-Orun/Ekiti South West Federal Constituency in the 2027 House of Representatives election, Toyin Okoro, has been questioned by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations bordering on fraud, conflict of interest and false declarations. Okoro, a former Senior Legislative Aide to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, appeared at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, September 17, 2026, following an invitation from the anti-graft agency. The investigation centres on allegations concerning his alleged involvement in a private company while serving as a legislative aide at the National Assembly. The commission is also looking into claims that the company secured government contracts from public institutions during the period Okoro was allegedly holding...

  Court Convicts 33-Year-Old Man  Over 1.043kg Cocaine Trafficking in Ibadan By Editor  Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, on Thursday, convicted a 33-year-old man, Eze Emeka, for dealing and trafficking 1.043kgs of cocaine. The NDLEA counsel, Mr D. O. Otunla had informed the court that the convict was arrested on April 20 on the Ibadan-Oyo Expressway while Sokoto-bound. Otunla informed the court that the defendant, who was arrested for dealing and trafficking in cocaine, excreted a total of 1.043kgs of cocaine which contravened Section 11b and 11c of NDLEA Act 2004. Otunla urged the court to sentence the defendant has charged. Emeka, at his arraignment, pleaded guilty to the charges leveled against him. Subsequently, Agomoh convicted the defendant after taking his guilty plea to the two-count charge of trafficking and dealing in 1.043kgs of cocaine leveled against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The judge said th...

Edo NLC Passes Vote Of Confidence In EBS Acting MD Alenkhe BENIN CITY: The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has passed a vote of confidence on the Acting Managing Director of the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), Comrade Festus Alenkhe, citing what it described as significant improvements in the station since his appointment. The NLC, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Bernard Joman Eguakhide, in Benin City, said that Alenkhe's leadership had brought renewed vibrancy to EBS, particularly in news dissemination, current affairs, cultural programming and live broadcasting. The labour body said the Acting Managing Director, who has worked with EBS for more than two decades, had introduced changes that had strengthened the station's connection with the people of Edo State. According to the NLC, EBS now runs live news bulletins with reporters providing reports from Lagos, Abuja and different parts of Edo State, thereby giving wider visibili...

FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup: Falconets Defeat  England’s  Lionesses 3-0 To Secure Quarter-Final Match  By Editor  Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, to secured a place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after a comfortable 3-0 thrashing of England’s Young Lionesses at the Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała, Poland. Tosin Rafiu opened scoring for the falconets in the 8th minute of the Round of 16 clash before Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamodu scored the second and third goals in the 47th and 73rd minute to seal victory for Nigeria. The Moses Aduku led Falconets have now advanced in the competition and continue their pursuit of a deep run at the tournament as they face hosts Poland or Colombia in the Quarter finals stage. The Falconets booked their place in the knockout stages in emphatic fashion, thrashing New Caledonia 10-1 in their final Group F fixture. The result lifted Nigeria to second place in the grou...

CRPP Now PAGG: Dr. Isibor Accuses Okpebholo For Non Performance  ...Says Edo People Are Passing Through Hardship  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has been restructured and renamed the Peoples’ Assembly for Good Governance (PAGG), with the new body pledging to intensify its advocacy for good governance and improved living conditions in Edo State. The body  in a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Samson Isibor, and General Secretary, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nkama, said the decision to adopt the new name followed what it described as a petition against the CRPP name by an IPAC organisation in Edo State. Also, PAGG, in its Executive Council resolved to change the name in response to the development and to provide a broader platform for engaging with the people, particularly residents concerned about governance and development in the state. The group said it remained committed to exercising the freedom of association g...

UBTH Gets Commendation On Financial Responsibility As Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) Delegation Pays Visit By Editor  The management of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) led by the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, on Monday, 14th September 2026, received a team from the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) on a courtesy visit to the hospital. The CMD thanked the NRS delegation for the visit and the gesture of recognition. She reaffirmed the Hospital’s commitment to transparency, accountability, prudent resource management, and continuous improvement in its operations. Prof. Ize-Iyamu emphasized deeper collaboration between both institutions, noting that partnerships that promote accountability, efficiency, and institutional sustainability are essential to UBTH. Mr. Space Salami, Director of the Government Business Department, Abuja, and leader of the NRS delegation, representing the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr. Zacch A...

Edo Federated NUJ Honours High Chief Atseleghe With Double Blessing Awards ...Says Use 138 million To Pay Salary Every Month, Urges Wealthy Nigerians To Invest In Localities *As NUJ Describes Him As Great Philanthropist  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin   Businessman and philanthropist, High Chief Johnson Atseleghe, has received two separate Awards of Excellence for his humanitarian contributions, support from media practitioners and sustained efforts toward the development of Ologbo Kingdom in Edo State. The honours were presented by the Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, and The Crusaders Voice News at Ologbo Hospital Limited, the newly established healthcare facility build by Chief Atseleghe in Ologbo community. The event was attended by representatives of the Federated Chapel, community leaders and other stakeholders in the locality. Speaking after receiving the honours, Atseleghe challenged wealthy Nigerians to invest mo...

Edo NUJ Honours High Chief Atseleghe With Double Awards ...Says Use 138 million To Pay Salary Every Month, Urges Wealthy Nigerians To Invest In Localities *As NUJ Describes Him As Great Philanthropist  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin   Businessman and philanthropist, High Chief Johnson Atseleghe, has received two separate Awards of Excellence for his humanitarian contributions, support from media practitioners and sustained efforts toward the development of Ologbo Kingdom in Edo State. The honours were presented by the Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, and The Crusaders Voice News at Ologbo Hospital Limited, the newly established healthcare facility build by Chief Atseleghe in Ologbo community. The event was attended by representatives of the Federated Chapel, community leaders and other stakeholders in the locality. Speaking after receiving the honours, Atseleghe challenged wealthy Nigerians to invest more of their resourc...

CPC Calls For Collaboration With 4th Mechanized Brigade In Edo By Editor  , Following the ongoing engagement meetings with relevant government authorities and stakeholders towards securing their buy-in for the core mandate of the Edo State Consumer Protection Committee, the Management of the Committee led by its Chairman, Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture, in company of the Edo North Coordinator, Mr. Eshesimua Sunday Charles and other co-opted members, held a roundtable meeting with the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General A. O. Balogun, 4th Mechanized Brigade and his team at the Brigade Headquarters, Benin City. Speaking during the visit, Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture who highlighted the statutory functions of the Committee solicited the collaboration and synergy of the Brigade towards effective and productive statewide enforcement on the eradication of counterfeit products and the exploitation of consumers by private sector operators across Edo State. He al...

  Oba Of Benin Urges Nigerians To Support Continuity In Governance  By Editor  The Oba of Benin, Omo N'Oba Nedo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, has urged Nigerians to support continuity in governance, saying there is no point in seeking change for its own sake. The monarch spoke on Tuesday when the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Abdulaziz Yari, led members of the council to the Benin Palace to seek royal blessings, prayers and support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. Oba Ewuare II said the Benin throne was not partisan, adding that his position should not be interpreted as support for any political party. “The Benin throne is not partisan. There is no point for change for the sake of change. That is not to say that I belong to one party or the other,” he said. The monarch appealed to former governors, senators, and other political leaders to work together in the interest of the country, stressing the importance of ...

TUESDAY FLAT OUT Bishop Kukah And Nigeria’s Poverty Alleviation Profiteers By Suyi Ayodele   (Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, September 15, 2026) https://tribuneonlineng.com/bishop-kukah-and-nigerias-poverty-alleviation-profiteers/ As of today, the poverty index rate in Nigeria stands at 63 per cent! This means that of Nigeria's roughly 235 million people, 140 million live below the poverty line. These huge numbers reflect the poorest, with non-existent health facilities, poor standards of living, and a lack of basic education. Available data also show that 35 percent of the poor population faces “severe food insecurity and living on less than $2.15 per day.” It added that “Around 65 percent of poor individuals (86 million people) reside in the northern regions, while 35 percent (47 million people) live in the southern regions.” A caveat here: The statistics above are not mine; they were sourced from the World Bank’s 2026 Poverty and Inequality Platform. I...

Bendel Insurance Defeat Kun Khalifat 4–2, Enabulele Extols ‘Roaring’ Benin Titans By Editor  Bendel Insurance FC continued their impressive start to the 2026/27 Euromatch NPFL campaign on Sunday, roaring to a thrilling 4–2 victory over Kun Khalifat FC at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City. The team wasted little time announcing their intentions, with Alex Oweiyalefa heading home the opener in the 5th minute before Suraju Lawal doubled the advantage in the 19th minute. Insurance came out firing after the interval, with Chinedu Nwosu striking almost immediately after the restart to make it 3–0 in the 46th minute. Kun Khalifat missed a penalty before eventually converting another spot kick to pull one back. But the Benin Arsenal refused to surrender their dominance, with Nwosu completing his brace in the 66th minute to restore Insurance’s three-goal advantage. The visitors grabbed a late second goal, but Insurance held firm to seal a convincing 4–2 triumph and...

ASUU Lampoons On Ondo State Government Over Prolonged Strike In Three State Universities  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  ‎ ‎The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Benin Zone, has condemned in strong terms the Ondo State Government for its lukewarm disposition towards the implementation of the 2025 FGN/ASUU Agreement in Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, and the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo. ‎ ‎Academic staff in the three institutions, under the aegis of ASUU, have been on strike for more than 30 days without the State Government taking decisive action to end the strike through the swift implementation of the Agreement. The 2025 FGN/ASUU Agreement was formally unveiled on 14th January, 2026, by the Federal Government. The unveiling signalled what has been described as the end of years of struggle to renegotiate the 2009 Agreement and to secure enduring industrial peace in our public ...

 OKPEBHOLO GREETS CHIEF IGBINEDION AT 92, HAILS LEGACY OF SERVICE AND NATION-BUILDING Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has commended Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, as the distinguished businessman and philanthropist marks his 92nd birthday, recognising his life-long commitment to using personal success as a vehicle for public good. In a message to mark the event, the Governor said: "It is with immense joy and profound gratitude to Almighty God that I felicitate with you, our esteemed father, illustrious son of Edo State, and distinguished philanthropist, on the joyous occasion of your 92nd birthday." The Governor described Chief Igbinedion's trajectory—spanning business, aviation, education, broadcasting, and community infrastructure—as a testament to faith, vision, and unwavering dedication to uplifting society. "At 92, we celebrate not merely longevity, but an extraordinary legacy of faith, vision, enterpri...

 NISLT Applauds UBTH For Building Of Drug Testing Centre In South-South By Editor  The University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), led by the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu on Thursday received commendation from the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT) following the successful establishment of a Drug Testing Centre at the hospital. Prof. Ize-Iyamu, accompanied by the management staff of UBTH, received the delegation from the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT) led by the Acting Director General, Dr. Adefisoye Oluwafisoye in Benin. Speaking during the visit, the CMD started that the concept is part of the UBTH CARES Agenda designed to proactively address the rising tide of drug and substance abuse in the region. Presenting the letter of commendation to the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Oluwafisoye lauded the management for their dedication to advancing healthcare delivery and scientific standards in the co...

Adesuwa Ehimuan Appointed TTB National Director of Engagement Edo State BENIN CITY— Hon Adesuwa Ehimuan, a former aspirant for the Edo State House of Assembly, Oredo East Constituency and immediate past Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Edo State Chapter, has been appointed National Director of Engagement, Edo State Chapter, Tinubu Torch Bearers (TTB). Her appointment was contained in a list of National Directors of Engagement approved by the National Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Convener of the Tinubu Torch Bearers, Hon. Dr. Mary Alile Idele, PhD. The appointment is part of efforts by the Tinubu Torch Bearers to strengthen its engagement structure across Nigeria, deepen grassroots interaction and advance its mobilisation and advocacy activities. As National Director of Engagement, Edo State Chapter, Hon. Adesuwa Ehimuan is expected to coordinate the movement’s engagement activities across the state, strengthen relatio...

Edo CPC Requests EBS Partnership For Statewide Enforcement By Editor  The Edo State Consumer Protection Committee has sought the support of the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) to enhance public awareness and coverage of its planned statewide enforcement activities. The Committee, led by its Chairman, Mr. Iyamu Osaro Culture, made the request during a courtesy visit to the management of EBS in Benin City. The Committee said it is set to commence operations covering consumer rights enforcement, market inspections and the promotion of standards across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state. Iyamu said the Committee’s priority is to protect consumers from exploitation, counterfeit and substandard products, as well as unfair market practices. He appealed to EBS to provide regular media coverage of the Committee’s activities and engagements before and during enforcement operations, stressing the importance of keeping residents informed. Responding, the Acting Managing Dire...

  Former Ecuador President Bucaram, Son Jailed for 9 Years Over COVID-19 Corruption medical supplies By Editor Former Ecuadorian P resident Abdala Bucaram and his son, Jacobo Bucaram, have been sentenced to nine years and four months in prison over a corruption case involving the illegal sale of medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ruling was handed down by Ecuador’s judiciary on Wednesday after a trial that lasted six years. Prosecutors said the pair were found to have acted as “collaborators” in organised criminal activity linked to the sale of medical equipment, including COVID-19 test kits. Bucaram, who was removed from office in 1997, followed the proceedings remotely from a medical clinic in Guayaquil, where he was receiving treatment for heart-related problems. Police officers were reportedly stationed at the facility during the hearing. According to Ecuador’s attorney general’s office, the two individuals identified as the main perpetrators in the ...