Express News

The Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc has rewarded  82 of its employees for their commitment, dedication, and loyalty during its 2025  Long Service Award Ceremony held at the company’s headquarters in Edo State. The awardees, who had served the company for 15, 20, and 25 years respectively, received various household gift items including King-sized beds, Wardrobes, Dining sets, Upholstery chairs, Generators, and 32-inch flat-screen television sets. They also received cash prizes in recognition of their years of service. Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the company, Dr. Graham Hefer, commended the recipients for their unwavering commitment and contribution to the growth of the company. “The staff who have been rewarded today have given back part of their contributions to this company. They have shown loyalty and commitment over the years, and we are privileged to have people who have worked with us for as long as 25 years,” Dr. Hefer said. “The company is happy to celeb...

The Edo State Special Security Squad, operating under the code name “Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultism”, has arrested 31 suspects following coordinated raids across Uromi in Esan North-East Local Government Area.  The operation is part of the State Government’s intensified efforts to curb cult-related violence and rising criminal activities. The arrests which are linked to a violent clash between rival cult groups on Thursday, 13 November 2025, left one individual hospitalized with severe injuries.  Acting on intelligence, the Squad conducted simultaneous raids on Sunday, 16 November 2025, targeting known hideouts in Osigbemhe Lane, Okhenlen-Uromi; Arue Street, Ivue-Uromi; and the Ewoyi axis of Uromi. Leading the operation were the Chief Security Officer and Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, supported by the Divisional Police Officer of Uromi, local vigilante teams, and personnel of the Nigerian Army.  The joint forces stormed residential l...

The Edo State Special Security Squad, operating under the code name “Operation Flush Out Kidnapping and Cultism”, has arrested 31 suspects following coordinated raids across Uromi in Esan North-East Local Government Area.  The operation is part of the State Government’s intensified efforts to curb cult-related violence and rising criminal activities. The arrests which are linked to a violent clash between rival cult groups on Thursday, 13 November 2025, left one individual hospitalized with severe injuries.  Acting on intelligence, the Squad conducted simultaneous raids on Sunday, 16 November 2025, targeting known hideouts in Osigbemhe Lane, Okhenlen-Uromi; Arue Street, Ivue-Uromi; and the Ewoyi axis of Uromi. Leading the operation were the Chief Security Officer and Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, supported by the Divisional Police Officer of Uromi, local vigilante teams, and personnel of the Nigerian Army.  The joint forces stormed residential l...

The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on the Muslim community in the state to sustain their prayers and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and to stand firmly behind his reform-driven leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Governor made the call while hosting members of the Muslim community at a special Walimah titled “365 Days in Office Celebration Walimah of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo” held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Benin City, as part of activities marking his administration’s first anniversary in office. Addressing the large gathering, Governor Okpebholo expressed gratitude to the Muslim faithful for their prayers, loyalty, and partnership in his first year of governance, describing their unwavering support as a vital pillar of his administration’s success. “It has been a long and challenging journey, but by the mercy of Allah who presides over the affairs of men, we have come this far,” the Governor said. “F...

The second edition of Comprehending Gen Z + Gen A with the theme “My Body and Boundaries” held on Friday in Benin City drew wide commendation for its bold approach to youth empowerment, inclusion, and personal safety. Sponsored by the Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, Senator Neda Imasuen, the event gathered students, policymakers, and child advocates to discuss the importance of body autonomy, consent, and mutual respect among young people. In his keynote address, Senator Imasuen said this year’s edition took “a bold step towards inclusion” by addressing both the boy and girl child, stressing that understanding one’s body and personal boundaries was critical to building a just society. “Our theme ‘My Body and Boundaries’ is not merely a slogan — it is a call to awareness, respect, and responsibility,” he declared. “The girl child must know that her body is hers, not a tool for validation, exploitation, or control. The boy child must equally learn that true strength l...

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s empowerment, gender equality, and the protection of the Nigerian child. The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imman Sulaiman-Ibrahim gave this assurance at the 25th Regular National Council Meeting on women Affairs and Child Development, on Thursday in Benin  The event featured distribution of cooking gas to 100 women to encourage clean cooking as well as financial aid to some women entrepreneurs. Sulaiman-Ibrahim,  emphasized  the importance of women's empowerment in driving Nigeria's economic growth. According to  the minister,   closing the gender gap in labour force participation could add $229 billion to Nigeria's GDP by 2030. The minister highlighted the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs' initiatives to promote women empowerment, including the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions programme.  She noted that the programme aimed  to enhance wome...

The Edo government has reiterated its commitment to sustaining and expanding the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) project. The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Jerry Uwangue, made this known  in Benin  during the wrap-up of the 5th Joint Supervision Mission of the FGN/NDDC/IFAD LIFE-ND Project.  This  Joint initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)  is aimed to enhance rural livelihoods through agribusiness development. Uwangue  said the eight-day mission marked another milestone in the collective efforts of partners to enhance rural livelihoods through agribusiness development, youth empowerment, and food systems transformation across the Niger Delta region. The Commissioner said Edo’s collaboration with IFAD and NDDC under the proposed LIFE-ND Plus Initiative, designed to consoli...

By Owaen Fred Itua  For weeks, the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) controversy has dominated Nigeria’s media space, reopening old wounds and raising critical questions about transparency, heritage, and leadership integrity. But as the facts continue to unfold, one truth stands indisputable: the MOWAA project, conceived under the immediate past administration of Mr. Godwin Obaseki, is a legacy tainted by secrecy, conflict of interest, and historical betrayal. MOWAA’s story is neither about art nor culture, it is a tale of political ambition cloaked in philanthropy. Recent revelations have exposed the network of actors behind the project: Mr. Ike Chioke, Group Managing Director of Afrinvest (West Africa) Limited and key fundraiser for MOWAA; Mr. Philip Ihenacho, founder of Afrinvest (UK) Limited and now MOWAA’s Executive Director; and Mr. Godwin Obaseki himself, founder of Afrinvest and the political force that drove the museum’s establishment. These three names; Obaseki, Chioke, ...

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed shock over the recent visit of foreign envoy to the State for activities related to the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), revealing that his administration was not informed. The Governor made the clarification on Monday when he received a high-powered delegation of European diplomats, including the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, and the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Annett Günther, at the Government House, Benin City.  He later led the delegation on a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II. Speaking at the palace, Governor Okpebholo described the development as another example of the “lack of transparency” that has surrounded the MOWAA project since its inception. “We are here with the European and German Ambassadors, and their colleagues from the Netherlands and Belgium, to see His Royal Majesty,” the governor sai...

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has finally declared an end to the long-drawn controversy surrounding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), affirming that the project will be restored to its original and rightful purpose; a cultural edifice envisioned to honour the heritage of the Benin Kingdom. The Governor made the declaration on Friday when he received the revered Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, at the Government House in Benin City.  The historic visit drew a distinguished audience of traditional rulers, political leaders, senior civil servants, and members of the public, filling the New Festival Hall to capacity. Governor Okpebholo described the visit as a defining moment of unity between the State Government and the Benin Monarchy, noting that the relationship between both institutions remains the foundation of Edo’s identity and pride. “Your Majesty,” the Governor said, “I wanted to make a speech, but the video...

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared that his administration has successfully subdued and defeated violent cultism in the state through a combination of strategic security interventions, intelligence coordination, and political will. In a statement released in Benin City and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua on Thursday, Governor Okpebholo, said the battle against cultism was one of the most decisive and uncompromising campaigns of his administration, stressing that under his watch, the commercialization of killing will never be tolerated in Edo. Speaking ahead of his one year anniversary, Governor Okpebholo noted: “We will not commercialize killing. Every life in Edo matters to me. Our fight against cultism, kidnapping, and all forms of violent crime is total and irreversible. “We have worked closely with the police, the DSS, and other security agencies to restore peace across the state. Today, Edo is safer, calmer, and freer than it has been in many...

Benin-City-The arraignment of Paul Okungbowa, the young people's party governorship candidate in the last governorship election in Edo, was stalled  in a Benin High Court. This was  due to the  absence of Okungbowa and  his counsel. Subsequently, Justice Rita Irele-Ifijeh adjourned the case in charge No/B/CD/208c/2025 for the offence of cyber stalking until November 21, 2025. When the matter came up,  Mrs  E.E. Ageloisa  announced his appearance as watching the brief of the nominal complaint,  while Paul Okungbowa was absent and unrepresented.  The State counsel informed the court that from her investigation, the case has not been assigned . He  applied that hearing notice be served on the office of the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP and the defendant to enable the substantive state counsel to make the necessary application on the next adjourned date if the defendant fails to show up in court on the next adjourned date.  . Subs...

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has  declared that his administration will continue to reconstruct and repair damaged federal highways in the State in order to ease the suffering of the people. Governor Okpebholo said after the major interventions on the federal roads by the State Government, he will approach the Federal Government for reimbursement of funds spent.  The governor spoke during an inspection of the Ogheghe-Ologbo axis of the Benin -Sapele Road. The section of the road which has become unmotorable after the bypass drawing widespread concern from motorists and residents. He said he cannot sit back and continue to allow the daily carnage on major federal highways, which the previous administration refused to handle in the State.  Governor Okpebholo, who inspected the project on Sunday, November 2, 2025, expressed dismay at the deplorable condition of the road. The Governor said during the inspection: "You can see for yourself how terrible this pla...

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has  declared that his administration will continue to reconstruct and repair damaged federal highways in the State in order to ease the suffering of the people. Governor Okpebholo said after the major interventions on the federal roads by the State Government, he will approach the Federal Government for reimbursement of funds spent.  He said he cannot sit back and continue to allow the daily carnage on major federal highways, which the previous administration refused to handle in the State.  Governor Okpebholo made the remarks when he visited the Ogheghe–Ologbo axis of the Benin–Sapele Road. The section of the highway had become almost unmotorable after the bypass, drawing widespread concern from motorists and residents. Governor Okpebholo, who inspected the project on Sunday, November 2, 2025, expressed dismay at the deplorable condition of the road. The Governor said during the inspection: "You can see for yourself how terr...

 In a move aimed at strengthening security operations across Edo Central Senatorial District in particular and Edo State in general, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has commissioned and handed over ten new Toyota hilux patrol vehicles to the Nigeria Police Force, Irrua Area Command. The vehicles, which were officially received by the Area Commander recently, are part of the State Government’s continued efforts to support security agencies in combating crime and ensuring the safety of residents. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the initiative was driven by concern for the safety and welfare of the people. The Governor said: “It is not because we have bought vehicles for the police. It is because of the concern of our people in terms of security.” “To me, it is painful that somebody will go out from his house, he may not come back because of evil people. So what do we do? We must continue to fight them and chase them out of our l...