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 GOV OKPEBHOLO RECEIVES MUSLIM LEADERS IN BENIN, ASSURES OF PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has assured Muslims in the State that his administration will continue to promote policies and programs that will foster peace and unity among people of all faith. Governor Okpebholo made the remarks when he played host to Muslim faithful who were in Government House, Benin City, to pay the Governor Sallah Homage on this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration. The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa explained that as a government that promotes peace, he has given marching orders to security agencies to identify and arrest perpetrators of the killing of travellers in Uromi a few days ago. Governor Okpebholo therefore called on the Muslim faithfuls in the State to continue to pray for peace and development, assuring that Edo will continue to be a fertile ground for investors and investments to thrive. Governor Okpebholo tasked them to continue...

 President Tinubu Hails Okpebholo’s Educational Reforms, Says His Effort is an Inspiration  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the educational reforms currently being undertaken by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, describing it as an inspiration to other tiers of government as well as other states to do better.  The President made this glowing remarks during the Iftar Dinner Party held to mark the end of the Ramadan Fasting on Saturday in Abuja. Acknowledging the result oriented reforms of Edo State Governor, President Tinubu said Governor Okpebholo’s efforts in the education sector is an inspiration to work harder and do more for the nation's development, calling on others to emulate his effort.  President Tinubu therefore stressed the need for government to strive to provide practical leadership while he berated the previous Administration of Godwin Obaseki for leaving nothing of worth in the education sector, despite all the noise and bragging on...

 EDO NUJ CHAIRMAN SALUTES MUSLIMS ON EID AL- FITR The Chairman of the  Nigeria Union of Journalists,  Edo State Council, Dr Festus Alenkhe has sent a message of felicitations to all Muslim faithful in Edo state on the completion of their one month Ramadan fast which led to Eid al-Fitr. In the statement,  Dr Festus Alenkhe prayed for all the sacrifices that went with the fasting to be rewarded and the prayers answered.  The statement further prayed that the period would bring peace, Joy and countless blessings to the people of Edo state.  Dr Alenkhe also prayed for all the Muslim journalists in Edo State for Allah to grant them the zeal and temerity to continue to carry out their job diligently devoid of any form of intimidation and harassment, but to align with the ethics of the journalism profession.  The statement further wished everyone in Edo state and their loved ones a beautiful Sallah filled with Unity, gratitude  and barakah. Dr Festus Ale...

 GOV OKPEBHOLO VISITS UROMI, VOWS TO FISH OUT KILLERS OF TRAVELLERS  BY OSARIEMEN IDIAGHE  The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has condemned a  sad  incident  of the killing of innocent travelers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of the State describing it as  unwarranted murder and arson. The State governor described the act allegedly committed by members of a local vigilante as barbaric. Reports indicate that the victims were travelling through the town from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, when they were intercepted on suspicion of being criminals by the local vigilante members.  Governor Monday Okpebholo who visited the town on Friday to access the situation, expressed dismay over the heinous killings. He condemned the action of the vigilante members in the strongest terms and promised justice for the victims.  The Governor said there is no excuse for the vigilante members to take the law into their hands without r...

 GOV OKPEBHOLO NAMES PRESIDENT TINUBU FATHER OF MODERN NIGERIA, SALUTES HIM ON HIS BIRTHDAY Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has on behalf of the Government and the good people of the Heartbeat State, extended warm and heartfelt birthday wishes to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the occasion of his birthday. Governor Okpebholo joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating the president described him as a leader whose dedication to national development and unwavering commitment to the progress of our nation as truly commendable.  “President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and tireless efforts to steer Nigeria towards greater heights are deeply appreciated. As the father of Modern Nigeria, President Tinubu is making huge impacts that Nigerians will one day remember him for.” Governor Okpebholo noted that President Tinubu’s wealth of experience, political sagacity, and unwavering resolve in addressing the challenges facing our nation have been instrumenta...

  EFCC GIVES UPDATE ON THE RELEASE OF GOV OKPEBHOLO'S EX AID BY OSARIEMEN IDIAGHE  The Acting Zonal Director of the Benin Zone of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in charge of Edo, Effang Okim, has given an update on how  Governor OKPEBHOLO'S ex- aid   Kelly Okungbowa(aka Ebo Stone) who was arrested on allegations of naira abuse was released from its custody. He gave the update when answering questions from journalists  at the Secretariat of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) in Benin City, Edo state. Effang Okim explained that Kelly Okungbowa was taken to a federal High Court were his case was presided over by a Judge who granted him bail, and having met the bail conditions, the commission had to release him. The Zonal Director stated that the EFCC as an agency does not make laws but only enforces laws hence the decision to place the suspect in a separate cell was a  matter of  public interest and s...

 FOOD SECURITY: GOV OKPEBHOLO EARMARKS 3,000 HECTARES FOR FARMING IN EDO STATE  The Edo State Government has embarked on the cultivation of 3,000 hectares of farmlands across the three Senatorial Districts of the State while  it has commenced the cultivation of 60 hectares (148 acres) in Iguoriakhi, Ovia South West Local Governments Area, Edo South Senatorial District of Edo State for the commencement of this year’s farming season.   This move by Edo State Government is the first phase of the back to farm project of Governor Monday Okpebholo, whose administration has keyed into President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, part of which is food sufficiency for the nation. Governor Okpebholo who was taken on an inspection tour of the farm settlement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Osagie Peter noted that his administration will replicate the farm settlement in Edo Central and Edo North to ensure food sufficiency in the State. ...

 Count Us Out Of Child's Death: EIRS Boss Clarifies By Osariemen Idiaghe  The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS),Hon Barrister Oladele Bankole Balogun, has denied any link between the EIRS and activities/ members of the suspended Public Safety  Response Team (PSRT) which resulted in the death of a two-year-old child in Benin City. Barrister Balogun made the  clarification when the leadership of  the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Edo State Council led by Dr Festus Alenkhe paid him a courtesy visit in Benin City saying that they are not members of staff of EIRS  He frowned at the political undertones surrounding the incident, stating that some individuals take delight in discrediting the democratically elected government of Senator Monday Okpebholo On the issue of increase of tax for private schools, Barrister Balogun also denied any increment  nothing that the service cannot abitrarily increase tax without relevant ...

 Ebo Stone in EFCC Custody over naira abuse Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC, on Monday, March 17, 2025 arrested Kelly Okungbowa (a.k.a. Ebo Stone) for alleged naira abuse. Dele Oyewale, Head, Media & Publicity of the anti- graft agency, said in a press statement that "Okungbowa, who until recently was the Coordinator of the Edo State Public Safety Response Team , PSRT, now suspended by the State Government, was  arrested owing to a viral video where he was seen spraying and mutilating the naira at a bar on March 9, 2025." The EFCC added that Okungbowa "will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed."

 Former Ijaw Youth Council President Cautions Wike Former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Dr. Chris Ekiyor, has cautioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Nyesom Wike, to guard his tongue and be cautious of his utterances against the Ijaw nation. He gave the warning while reacting to the recent comment that Wike made against the Ijaw nation and people.  Ekiyor said: "The Ijaw nation is bigger than Wike. He has bitten more than he can chew to drag the Ijaw nation into simple political greed. When privileged people in this country find themselves in a place of power they suddenly forget who they are and they tend to throw caution to the wind.  "They talk anyhow as if they are going to remain in power perpetually. He is a lucky man. He has been in the corridors of power since 1999. He has been council chairman, Chief of Staff, Minister and governor.  "If Goodluck Jonathan, who is an Ijaw man, did not make him Minister of State for Education...

 Natasha Urged To leave The Senate President Alone  The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan has been called upon to stop  the allegations of sexual harassment against  the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio. The call was made by women of Edo State  Chapter of the All Progressive  Congress (APC) who protested to  the premises of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) Edo State Council in Benin City.   The protesters who were led by former chairman of Ikpoba-Okha local government council, Hon Itohan Osahon Edokpolor said Natasha's suspension was not as a result of sexual harassment but for disobeying the Senate rules. "The Public should be well educated not to dabble into the affairs  of the senate because in every organization, there are rules that guides them and they have the right to implement the rules which ever ways that is suitable. "And our Women should equally comport themselv...

 *Task Force Operatives Storm Kidnappers' Hideouts In Edo Central*  In a continued effort to curb kidnapping in Edo State, the State Government has stormed a major hideout used by kidnappers in Esan North-East Local Government Area, Edo Central Senatorial District of Edo State  The Task Force during the operation cleared abandoned structures and thick bushes along the Uzea-Itakpe railway corridor been used by kidnappers.   The exercise was led by the Task Force against Kidnapping, aimed to eliminate criminal hideouts and improve visibility for enhanced security surveillance. Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr. Akhere Paul described the area as a notorious transit point for kidnappers operating along the railway axis, Esan forests, and parts of Etsako West. He explained that criminals used the abandoned structures as temporary holding camps for their victims before relocating them. "If they kidnap people here, they bring them to this hideout, rest, and th...

 EDO GOVERNOR SUSPENDS PUBLIC SAFETY RESPONSE TEAM BY OSARIEMEN IDIAGHE  Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has ordered the indefinite suspension of the Public Safety Response Team (PSRT) headed by Kelly Okungbowa. The suspension was contained in a statement signed by Secretary to the state Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor which was made available to newsmen in Benin City.  The statement said  the  decision  by the state Government is occasioned by several complaints received on allegations of extortion, harassment and unruly behaviour by members of the Team. It added that  the Government remains committed to upholding law and order and will not tolerate any deviation from the original purpose for which the Team was set up, which is to help maintain public order, assist in protecting public infrastructure and curb illegal activities like street trading and illegal parking in our communities. "A thorough review of the Team’s struc...

 Unite Against Addiction - Advocacy Group Amplifies Awareness On Drug And Substance Abuse Prevention  Habiba Aniekan Sam  BENIN CITY  In a concerted effort to eradicate the scourge of drug and substance abuse in Edo State, Smile Africa International Youth Development Initiative convened a multi-stakeholder meeting to strategize on effective solutions.  The event, which marked the 5th Bi-Annual Multi-Stakeholders Dialogue and Coordination Meeting, took place at Vichi Gates Hotel in Benin City. The gathering brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLA), Immigration, Civil Society Organizations, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), among others. Odion Festus, the keynote speaker, emphasized the imperative of collective action to combat the devastating consequences of drug abuse.  He noted th...

 North America Chapter of SMAGOGA Renovates Administrative Block The North America Chapter of Saint Maria Gorretti  Old Girls Association has renovated and Commissioned the Administrative Block of the school.  The renovated administrative block of the school project which  was majorly financed by the North America chapter of the school's old girls association(SMAGOGA) was commissioned and handed over to the school's management. In her speech on the occasion, Lucy Dunmi Ukponmwan, the President of the North America chapter of SMAGOGA, said that the renovated administrative block building "is a symbol of hope, a place where dreams are nurtured" adding "it is our collective responsibility that the students feel valued and supported." In her own submission, Janet Adenrele, the Global Publicity Secretary of SMAGOGA said that the renovated building, based on the caliber of people who came to witness the event, had shown its value. While reflecting on the values an...

 Edo State PDP Criticize the leadership of Governor  Okpebholo  of (APC) Over Insecurity in the State  The People's Democratic Party(PDP)  has criticized in strong terms the Edo State Governor and his administration over the widespread insecurity in the state and economic losses. The Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi speaking in what he tagged   state-of-the-state address the Chairman  alleged that the Governor Okpebholo's government has subjected Edo people and residents to physical and psychological abuse thereby leaving the state in a worse condition than ever. To buttress its argument, the PDP averred "this was even acknowledged by Okpebholo’s political ally, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, during his public outcry on the floor of the Senate in Abuja, where he lamented the worsening insecurity in Edo State under Okpebholo’s watch. "From Edo South to Edo Central to Edo North, killings and violent attacks have become rampant. The State, whi...

 PDP Reiterate that Okpebholo has lost grip of the state of insecurity in Edo The People's Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed its claim that Edo State is under siege and Governor Monday Okpebholo has lost grip of the situation. In a statement by Chris Nehikhare, the Publicity Secretary of the party's Caretaker Committee, PDP hinged its affirmation on the stance of Senator Adams Oshiomhole on the issue of insecurity in the state while talking on the floor of the red chambers of the National Assembly in Abuja. The PDP stated that Senator Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, "has joined the growing league of esteemed Edo sons and daughters who have taken to various platforms to raise the alarm over the worsening spate of insecurity in Edo State under the Monday Okpebholo government and calling for the Federal Government’s intervention in tackling the menace, which has claimed the lives of at least 35 innocent Edo citizens and led to the destruction of ...

 EDOGIS ESTABLISH MORE OFFICES IN OTHER LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS By Osariemen Idiaghe  The Edo State Geographic Information Service( EDOGIS)has established two new offices in Edo Central Local Government Area, Ekpoma and Estako West Local Government Area, Auchi.  In a statement issued by Director of Media, Mr Tunde Egbiremolen, he said this is in a bid to take it's services closer to the grassroots.  He said Edo State Geographic Information Service( EDOGIS) is mandated to administer land resources in the state   thereby computerising land across the state. Mr Egbiremolen added that the Senator Monday Okpebholo's administration has found it necessary to take the services to the grassroots due to its desire to reduce land crises among it's citizens.  The EDOGIS office in Ekpoma is located at Esan West Local Government Council Secretariat along Ekpoma - Benin Expressway while in Auchi, the office is at Estako West Local Government Council Secretariat.

 Unite Against Addiction - Advocacy Group Amplifies Awareness On Drug And Substance Abuse Prevention  Habiba Aniekan Sam  BENIN CITY  In a concerted effort to eradicate the scourge of drug and substance abuse in Edo State, Smile Africa International Youth Development Initiative convened a multi-stakeholder meeting to strategize on effective solutions.  The event, which marked the 5th Bi-Annual Multi-Stakeholders Dialogue and Coordination Meeting, took place at Vichi Gates Hotel in Benin City. The gathering brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLA), Immigration, Civil Society Organizations, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), among others. Odion Festus, the keynote speaker, emphasized the imperative of collective action to combat the devastating consequences of drug abuse.  He noted th...

 Association of Deaf Seeks Justice for Slain Colleague, Urge Government to Support family  By Osariemen Idiaghe  The Edo State Association of the Deaf, has called on the  Police to bring to Justice the perpetrators of the dastardly act of the murder of Efe Ogbeide. The association also urged the government to provide automatic employment for his wife and scholarship to university level for his three children saying it would reduce the burden on the young family  he left behind. The association disclosed this during a protest march to the premises of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State council in Benin. Addressing Journalists, chairman of the association, Mr. Eromosele Kingsley Irabor, said Mr. Efe who went to the site to supervise a building project at Obazagbon Community in Oredo Local Government Area of the state, was gunned down by trigger happy, criminal minded persons over land tussle in the community. Mr. Irabor said the late Mr. Efe was not ...

 PDP condemns Okpebholo’s alleged N200m bribery tactics to buy defection of each Edo Lawmaker The People Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has condemned the alleged move by Governor Monday Okpebholo to splash N200m on each of the state lawmakers elected on the party's platform to induce them into defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement signed by  the Publicity Secretary of the party's Caretaker Committee, Chris Nehikhare, the PDP stated: "We condemn in the strongest terms Senator Okpebholo’s desperate plans to squander the resources of the people of Edo State on political horse-trading for his own survival, while critical sectors of the state remain in dire need of government intervention." PDP averred that "in the last few weeks alone, at least 34 innocent Edo citizens have been brutally murdered across various communities in the state as a result of rising insecurity. While properties worth millions of naira have been destroyed on the...

 EBS GIVES STERN WARNING TO GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS  The management of the Edo State Broadcasting Service (EBS) has issued a strongly worded notice to the state government appointees who "have consistently declined to engage with journalists," particularly those representing the station. According to the statement, "this has significantly hampered our efforts in covering the first 100 days of Governor Okpebholo’s administration. As the fourth estate, the media has a vital role in promoting transparency and accountability within our society.  "Clear communication regarding government policies and programmes is essential; the public deserves to hear directly from their leaders and access the information that impacts their lives. "As a government-owned television and radio station, EBS operates under the mandate of the distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, our governor, with the objective of functioning with the same standards as privately-owned stations.  "Co...

 *EDO STATE GOVERNMENT DEMOLISHES KIDNAPPERS DEN IN UROMI, EKPOMA*  Edo State Government has taken bold steps  towards ensuring the safety of its citizens and curbing criminal activities in the State, by embarking on the demolition of houses linked to kidnappers.  Leading security personnel on the demolition exercise that took place in Illeh, Esan West Local Government Area and Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr. Akhere Paul said the demolition exercise was in accordance with the law. He assured of the State Government’s commitment to securing the lives and properties of its citizens by  emphasizing that the administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo will not tolerate any house or establishment used as a hideout for criminal activities and called on landlords to ensure proper profiling of their tenants before subletting their properties. “This house has been used for criminal activities. The...