Express News

 GOV OKPEBHOLO HAILS PRESIDENT TINUBU, NNPCL  AS WARRI REFINERY BOUNCE BACK TO OPERATIONS  By Osariemen Idiaghe  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, for the restart of the 125,000 barrels per day (bpd) Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC). In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the  Governor  stated that the restoration of the Warri refinery marks a turnaround in the nation’s petroleum sector. Governor Okpebholo commended President Tinubu for his reform in the sector, which he said has started yielding positive results for the advancement of the economy and called on Nigerians to support him.  “With the Warri, Port Harcourt and Dangote refineries working simultaneously, there is hope that the petroleum sector is taking a new turn. “I want to join other numerous Nigerians to congratulate President Tinubu and the ...

GOV OKPEBHOLO RENAMES EDO STATE UNIVERSITY  By Osariemen Idiaghe  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has renamed the Edo State University Uzairue now to be known as Edo State University Iyamho. This was made known in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State  Government  Umar Musa Ikhilor Esq, which was made available to journalists in Benin City. The statement reads       "It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the change of the name of "Edo State University, Uzairue," to now be known as "Edo University, Iyamho" with immediate effect. Accordingly, all documentations in respect of the Institution henceforth shall reflect the above change.

 OKPEBHOLO’S ELECTORAL MANDATE ORDAINED BY GOD- AKPABIO   Senate President and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio has described the emergence of the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo as "divinely ordained by God to bring respite and development to Edo State." Akpabio made the remarks on Saturday when he received Governor Okpebholo at his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Ascribing Okpebholo’s electoral victory to God, Akpabio said God had chosen him at this time to rewrite the history of Edo State and place it on the path of development. Akpabio said: “Your excellency, every leadership comes from God,  and God chooses whom He pleases. It pleases Him at this time to choose you and the APC to lead Edo people at a time like this. “You are a man of few words but full of action. Edo people have not misplaced their votes in choosing you. You have the heart of the common man, and I am confident that your leadership will bring development ...

 Gov Okpebholo fulfills  promise pays 13th month salary  Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has fulfilled one of his promises made to Edo State workers as he paid the 13th month salary to spice up the festive period for the workers. The governor in previous engagements have expressed the readiness of his administration to make welfare of Edo State workers a priority saying he is determined to pay Edo State workers as at when due monthly. Governor Monday Okpebholo who was sworn in on the 12th of November 2024 paid Civil and Public servants in the State on the 27th of November amidst criticism by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) telling workers in the State that they will not get their salaries on time.  In a press release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Fred Itua said  Governor Monday Okpebholo is not an accidental governor but that  he came prepared for governance as such within two weeks of assuming office as governor of Edo S...

 Masters of Bitterness versus Okpebholo's Increasing Trust in Edo State By Fred Itua Masters of Bitterness versus Okpebholo's Increasing Trust in Edo State By Fred Itua  In George Orwell’s Animal Farm, Napoleon, the pig rises to power not by virtue of competence or vision but by undermining others, spreading falsehoods, and manipulating the system to serve his selfish interests. Like Napoleon, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, after its crushing defeat in the 2024 governorship election, has adopted a strategy of sabotage. Incapable of delivering themselves, they now pour scorn on Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration, attempting to derail the progress he is committed to achieving. Since losing the election, the PDP has displayed post-traumatic bitterness. Its factional spokespersons—some of whom served in previous administrations and were accused of absconding with official properties, including luxurious vehicles allegedly disposed off, at scandalously low ...

 Governor Okpebholo Mourns the Death of Godwin Abbe The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has mourned the passing of a legendary son of the State, General Godwin Osagie Abbe, who died on Saturday night in Abuja after a protracted illness.  As a revered military officer, administrator, and statesman, General Abbe’s life was a testament to discipline, dedication, and service to the nation. Born on January 10, 1949, General Abbe would have attained the milestone of 75 years on January 10, 2025. His illustrious career in the Nigerian Army was marked by numerous achievements, including his promotion to Lance Corporal in 1967, Lieutenant in 1969, and subsequent appointments as Battalion Commander, Instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy, and Staff Officer Grade I, among others. As a proud son of Edo State, General Abbe’s distinguished service to the nation is a source of inspiration and pride.  His tenure as Military Governor of Akwa Ibom State from 1988 to 1990, ...

 GOV OKPEBHOLO LIFTS BAN ON NURTW IN EDO STATE  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has lifted the ban on activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the State. Accordingly, the Union has elected a new set of executive members who will pilot its affairs for the next four years. The governor, the National President of NURTW Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya  popularly known as MC Oluomo and other  national officers therefore charged  the new executive led by Comrade Saturday Oamen which was inaugurated at the Government House in Benin City, to bring peace, progress, orderliness and protection of the rights of the common man. The swearing-in of the newly elected chairman and other executive members of the Edo NURTW followed the lifting of ban on union activities by Governor Okpebholo. The inauguration of the new executive  was performed on behalf of the National Headquarters by the National Secretary of the Union, Comrade Kayode Agbe...

 GOV OKPEBHOLO CONGRATULATES EDO-BORN NEW MISS NIGERIA. Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has extended his warmest congratulations to the newly-crowned 45th Miss Nigeria, Doris Esiokhayamhe Ogah on her outstanding achievement.  Governor Monday Okpebholo who  conveyed his congratulatory message through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Fred Itua, said that Miss Ogah’s triumph is not only a testament to her beauty, intelligence, and charm but also a reflection of her exceptional talents and passions.  The governor who described her as a proud representative of the South - South  Geo-political zone and Edo State in particular said Miss Ogah has brought honour and prestige to our great state.   "As a lawyer and gender advocate, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to promoting the rights and empowerment of women and girls. Her participation in the Miss Nigeria pageant was more than just a beauty contest; it was an opportunity for her to showcase her s...

CHIEF Ikpea PRESS RELEASE  OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR EDO STATE GOVERNMENT  GOVERNOR OKPEBHBOLO CELEBRATES CHIEF LEEMON IKPEA'S 68TH BIRTHDAY Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has extended his warmest felicitations to Chief Leemon Ikpea, a renowned oil and gas engineer, and local content promoter, on the occasion of his 68th birthday, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career.  This year’s birthday celebration presents a unique opportunity to reflect on Chief Ikpea's enduring legacies and immense contributions to Nigeria's oil and gas sector. As a distinguished businessman and philanthropist, Chief Ikpea has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the development of Nigeria's energy sector, earning him widespread recognition and accolades.  His company, Lee Engineering and Construction Company, has been a beacon of excellence, marking 33 remarkable years of existence and achieving landmark records in the industry.  This accom...

  We Remain Chairmen of Our Local Government Councils -- ALGON Chairman By Osariemen Idiaghe    The 18 Local Government Council Chairmen in Edo State have described their suspension by the Edo State House of Assembly as nullity and vowed to remain in office as Chairmen. The local government Chairmen under the aegis of Association of Local Government of Nigeria while addressing journalists on Wednesday at the Edo State Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists said the purported suspension was based on the premise of alleged gross misconduct.   Speaking on behalf of the Chairmen, Hon Newman Ugiagbe, Chairman Orhionmwon Local Government Council stated that the suspension by the Edo State House of Assembly on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 was against the order of the court.   Ugiagbe who is also the Edo State ALGON Chairman said their suspension was unconstitutional, ultra vires, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.   According to him, the association...