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Two prominent clerics, Pastor Margaret Agbonifo and Pastor Obby Okeke, have commended Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for his administration’s efforts to tackle insecurity, while calling for urgent intervention on the deplorable condition of roads across the state. The clerics made the commendation during the 2026 Harvest of Family Intercessory Ministries (FIM) International Inc., which was attended by the governor and top government officials. The delegation also visited Christian Brethren Ministries (CBM) to celebrate Okeke’s 65th birthday. Agbonifo, the vision bearer of FIM, praised the governor for what she described as significant progress in the fight against kidnapping, cultism, banditry and other criminal activities. She said the improved security situation had restored public confidence and brought relief to residents who previously lived in fear of kidnappers and cult-related violence. According to her, the governor’s courage and determination to confront criminal element...

By Osariemen Idiaghe The Edo State Government has urged parents and guardians to prioritise the education of the girl child and reject child marriage, stressing the need to empower girls to realise their full potential. The call was made by the Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Anani, during an event to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child at Government House, Benin City. Mrs Anani urged parents to provide their daughters with the necessary support, guidance and educational opportunities to enable them to achieve their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society. She said the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo was committed to dismantling barriers to the advancement of the girl child, noting that girls should be encouraged to discover their worth and pursue their dreams rather than being forced into early marriage. “Marriage is good when the time is right. Our Constitution stipulates that a girl must be 18 years and ab...

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering women, protecting the girl child and expanding access to education, healthcare and vocational training across the state. The governor gave the assurance in his message to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, stressing that his administration would sustain policies and programmes aimed at promoting the safety, welfare and economic independence of women and girls. Okpebholo described investment in the girl child as a critical component of the state’s development agenda, insisting that every girl deserves access to quality education, adequate healthcare and opportunities to realise her full potential. “A girl who is in school, healthy and safe today will lead a family, a business or an institution tomorrow. That is why we treat the girl child as a development issue, not a ceremonial one,” he said. The governor noted that his administration was committed to equipping women wi...

By Osariemen Idiaghe The Edo State Government has urged parents and guardians to prioritise the education of the girl child and reject child marriage, stressing the need to empower girls to realise their full potential. The call was made by the Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Anani, during an event to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child at Government House, Benin City. Mrs Anani urged parents to provide their daughters with the necessary support, guidance and educational opportunities to enable them to achieve their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society. She said the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo was committed to dismantling barriers to the advancement of the girl child, noting that girls should be encouraged to discover their worth and pursue their dreams rather than being forced into early marriage. “Marriage is good when the time is right. Our Constitution stipulates that a girl must be 18 years and ab...

BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Friday received the remains of Chief Dan Orbih, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Chairman of the Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, at the Benin Airport. The governor, accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Umar Ikhilor, received the remains at about 9:55 a.m. before leading family members, friends, political associates and government officials to the deceased’s residence in Benin City for the lying-in-state ceremony. Describing Orbih’s death as a painful loss to Edo State, Okpebholo said the late politician was more than a political associate, describing him as a brother. “He was a brother,” the governor said, as he called on God to grant the bereaved family and others mourning the deceased the strength to endure the loss. “At times like this, when the loss is difficult to bear, we can only turn to God for comfort and strength. “I pray that God will give us al...

The Edo State Signage and Advertising Regulatory Agency has removed campaign materials bearing the images of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, from a billboard at Stadium Road Junction, by Ekehuan Road, Benin City. The development has sparked controversy, with the NDC candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, Hon. Frank Uyi Omosigho, condemning the action and alleging that it was part of a growing pattern of attacks on the party's campaign materials in the area. The removal reportedly followed an earlier attempt by officials of the agency to dismantle the campaign materials, which was said to have been resisted by residents who confronted the officials and prevented them from pulling down the billboard. However, the taskforce reportedly returned to the location on Wednesday in about three Sienna vehicles and subsequently removed the campaign materials. Reacting to the incident, Omosigho, ...

 Special Coronation Anniversary Tribute to Oba Ewuare II High Chief Johnson Atseleghe JP,  the Iyatsere of Warri Kingdom and Chief Executive Officer of Ologbo Hospital Ltd., has felicitated  the Omo’ N’Oba N’Edo Uku’ Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, on the 10th anniversary of His Royal Majesty’s coronation, describing the milestone as a deeply significant occasion to celebrate the monarch, the Benin Kingdom and the enduring institution of traditional leadership in Nigeria.  High Chief Atshelege stated this  in a Press Statement signed and made available to newsmen in Ologbo community expressing his profound personal respect and admiration for Oba Ewuare II, describing the occasion as more than a celebration of a decade on the throne. According to him, it is an opportunity to honour a monarch whose leadership, dignity and commitment to the preservation of the heritage of the Benin people have continued to command respect. “Your Majesty, I celebrate you today not ...