Borderline News 24

By Deborah Coker  No fewer than 431 returned migrants in Edo have so far benefitted from the support programmes provided by the Hub Global Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in the state. Mrs Isimeme Whyte, Managing Director of the organisation, disclosed on Thursday in Benin, while briefing the media on the achievements of the organisation in 2021. Whyte said that the support programmes include rehabilitation as well as various forms of skills support. She also disclosed that 761 persons have been trained by the organisation on life and vocational skills management. She explained that the NGO was a human capital development centre, which was upgraded within the year from just being a business name to a limited liability company. She also disclosed that within the period under review, the organisation had expanded to two other states Lagos and Kano. She said these expansions were strategic, particularly in view of the fight against human trafficking and i...

By DADA AYOKHAI The deputy Chief of Staff to the Edo State deputy governor, Barr Jimoh Ijegbai has indicated an  interest to represent  Owan Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives come 2023. He made his interest known  when he hosted some party faithful in his residence in Afuze, Owan East Local Government area of the state to celebrate the Yuletide season with them. Ijegbai, while addressing mammoth of party faithful who graced the occasion, said  politics is local and that he will make sure he localize it.  He said the name Ijegbai is a household name and that he is familiar with almost everyone in the Owan Federal Constituency.  The Chief of Staff to the deputy governor boasted that he won't be an Abuja based politician who wouldn't be in tandem with the reality and happenings at the grassroots. While asking for the support of all and sundry to realizing his political ambition, he promised to operate a-people-oriented and open d...

By DADA AYOKHAI     The umbrella body of  Fugar people across the globe, Fugar Progressive Union (FPU), has   bestowed awards of excellence in community service to some of her  outstanding sons as part of the activities to mark this year's Fugar day celebration. The annual Fugar's day, which wore the garb of a carnival-like event took place at the popular John Akhigbe Centre  in Fugar. The award ceremony was the climax of the Fugar's day activities which commenced  on  December 19 and  rounded of on 27. The ceremony  attracted a large number of invited guests, indigenes and others, all decked in colourful regalias.  The climax of the event witnessed the investiture of award of excellence in community service as well as exceptional leadership to deserving recipients.  Those honoured at the event include Hon. Chris Umogbai, an Accountant by profession, a member of chartered institute of Taxation of Nigeria, ...

By DADA AYOKHAI Neo-Black Movement of Africa (NBM) has dissociated itself from the Black Axe confraternity, a vicious group reportedly blamed for many cult-related killings in Nigeria. The BBC Africa Eye, in a new documentary, “Black Axe,” linked NBM to the murderous cult group. But the movement, on Wednesday, denied having any link with Black Axe. It stated it was not a dumping ground for criminals and should not be dragged into acts of criminalities committed by unscrupulous elements. The movement, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Mr Oluwatosin Dixon, said the movement was a non-violent group as wrongly portrayed by the BBC documentary, describing the “trumped-up allegations” against NBM as a mystery.   He said though the group had its internal challenges created by non-conformists and renegades who flouted its code of conduct, the movement’s leadership was working tirelessly to flush such recalcitrant persons out of its fold. Read him: “NBM is an organ...

By DADA AYOKHAI   As 2023 approaches, new entrants are coming into the political arena with the hope of making an impact.  Akoko Edo politics is often synonymous with producing vibrant new entrants who later go on to make significant impact on the political landscape of the local government.  The latest entrant, Mrs Adetutu Owolabi, is causing a lot of political ripple. As the newest entrant, Tutu, as she's fondly called, is regarded as a breadth of fresh air in the politics of Akoko Edo.  Tutu's passion to serve humanity is undisputably effusive and propelled by an uncommon philanthropy which seems to reach out and touch a wider segment of the populace. Same way the likes of Domingo Obende, Peter Akpatason and Kabiru Adjoto emerged from the political backwaters and took the centre stage in Akoko Edo politics, Mrs Owolabi is in a familiar terrain.  She has set the Akoko Edo political arena agog with her legion of political activism which has end...

By DADA AYOKHAI   In a rare display of sportsmanship, Edo State deputy governor, Rt Hon Phillip Shaibu, paid an unscheduled visit to the South South zonal chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih.  Shelving aside the acrimonious political relationship that exists between them, Hon Shaibu visited the Ogbona, Etsako Central local government area country home of Chief Orbih, to felicitate with him The Godwin Obaseki administration, with Hon Shaibu as a key player, has been at loggerhead with the Orbih political camp over who controls the PDP structure in the state Hon Shaibu reportedly told his host that the visit, though impromptu, is permissible this Christmas season to promote brotherliness as well as the exchange of gifts.  In his remarks, amidst the "friendly banters" both political gladiators exchanged, Chief Orbih thanked his guest for the visit, while restating that the birth of Christ signifies love, unity and togetherness Political pundits, however, believe...

By Deborah Coker  The new Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Zone 5, Benin, Ahmad Abdurrahman, has warned against bullying and extortion by any police personnel serving in the zone. Abdurrahman gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Saturday. He also warned officers in the zone comprising Edo and Delta, against being overbearing on suspects, saying that suspects had their own rights. “I will not tolerate bullying, extortion, and officers being overbearing on suspects because even suspects have their own rights,” the AIG said. Abdurrahman described a policeman as one who does his job without fear or favour and in accordance with the law. The assistant inspector-general said officers in the zone must work in accordance with the provisions of the force law and police act. “This means they must not indulge in illegal duty and harassment of citizens. In everything they do, they must follow the law,” he said. The AIG noted ...

By DADA AYOKHAI  The  Supreme Subordinate President, Nigeria (SSPN), Knights of St. John International (KSJI),  Prof. Remy Uche has beckoned on  Christians in Nigeria to endure whatever human-made religion based odds or biases currently against them and take the path of example and extend the spirit of real love, happiness and tolerance for one another to the people of other religions or faiths in the country.  The country's president of the Roman Catholic organisation made the submission in his Christmas and New year message  signed by his Chief of Staff, Sir Abuchi Anueyiagu. According to Prof uche,  tolerance among religious faith would create the elusive convivial atmosphere that would encourage and breed peace and tranquillity, as well as eliminate mutual suspicions that tend to create unnecessary conflict among the citizens because of religion differences and intolerance. Prof. Uche noted that mutual suspicion arising from religion is...

By Deborah Coker The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Edo State Command, says not less than 1,250 personnel have been deployed for special operations and enforcement of 13 critical areas during the Yuletide. Mr Henry Benamaisia, Sector Commander of the corps in the state, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Benin. Benamaisia explained that the critical enforcement target included dangerous driving, speeding, route violations and the use of mobile phones while driving. He said other targets were: under-aged drivers, driving under the influence of drugs, wrongful overtaking, overloading, and seat belt violations, among others. According to him, 25 patrol vehicles, two ambulances, two towing trucks, and one light duty tow van have been deployed to ensure free flow of traffic, and clear obstructions on the road during the period. “Two taskforce teams have also been set up for clearing of obstructions and traffic control, while 32 delin...

By DADA AYOKHAI  Edo stateDeputy Governor  Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu had  commissioned the renovated Magistrates' Court 1 in Auchi, Etsako West local government. In his address at the ceremony, the deputy governor said  the renovated building coupled  with the latest facilities  will create a conducive work environment for the judiciary staff. Also speaking at  the occasion,  Chief Judge of Edo state, Hon. Justice Acha expressed total delight and satisfaction on the state government's political will in strengthening the justice system and also extended to the Judiciary especially in providing a conducive atmosphere for judges to perform their duties  The state chief judge had during the ceremony to mark the beginning of the 2021 legal year said the renovation of the abandoned Magistrates' court is a major milestone of his administration. According to justice Acha, the Auchi High Court building that now house magistrates court...

By DADA AYOKHAI The former chairman of Owan East LGA ,,Abdulraman Momoh  is dead. The News of his  death   took over the social media late yesterday evening with pouring of condolence messages  by friends and well wishers. The news of  sudden death of the former chairman was confirmed by the world Wide President of Our lady lady of Fatima college Auchi,  Hon Pascal Ugbome who said the news came to him as a shock considering the fact that he was not  known to be sick. The late  former chairman was an Almata of Our lady of Fatima college Auchi  in the 70s . Alhaji Abdulraman Momoh hails from warake, owan East local government and was the council chairman under the PDP banner between 1999 _ 2003.

By Deborah Coker   The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) e-registration committee in Edo says it has registered and revalidated no fewer than 202, 019 party members in the state in the ongoing party e-registration exercise in the state. Alhaji Kabiru Adjoto, Chairman, e-registration committee in the state disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Benin on Wednesday. Adjoto explained that the figure recorded was from the inauguration of the exercise in September till date. He said that the exercise was in furtherance of its determination to ensuring that the PDP in the state set an enviable trajectory in the ongoing PDP e-registration exercise across the country. He noted that the progress made so far in the ongoing e-registration exercise was a testament that PDP in the state remained the popular choice of Edo people. He disclosed that so far Edo South Senatorial District was leader in the number of those registered with 57 per cent, while Edo No...

By DADA AYOKHAI   The Edo State Government has said it has advanced local government areas in the state a loan to the tune of N850 million to clear salaries of council workers in the month of December in lieu of the release of Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations to the councils.  This disclosure  was made in a statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Barr Osarodion Ogie  According to the statement,the   Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at an Executive Council (EXCO) on Wednesday approved the release of N850m to the councils to enable them clear their salary obligations for the month of December. However, local governments in the state have been unable to pay December salaries and pension to workers and pensioners due to delay in the release of their FAAC allocation. Recall that FAAC allocation is distributed between the Federal, State and Local Governments in the state after the monthly statutory FAAC ...

 By Deborah Coker No fewer than 500 homes in Ohordua community in Esan South East Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday benefitted from the annual Peter Esele food donation to community and environs. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries cut across the widows, the vulnerable as well as some residents of the community. Esele, a former president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), while presenting the food items said that the donation was in line with the spirit of the Christmas season. He noted that Christmas was the season of reaching out in love, sharing and giving not just to family members and loved ones but to other people. He also noted that it was  a common knowledge that while some homes and families would be fortunate to have more than enough to eat and celebrate during the Yuletide, some others may not be so fortunate. “So, it is in view of this that in spite of the economic downturn in the country and astronomical increase...

By DADA AYOKHAI A 25-year-old housemaid, Dominion Okoro, on Tuesday in Benin revealed that she killed Madam Maria Oredola Igbinedion, 85, the mother of a former Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion. Narrating how she carried out the nefarious act on December 2, Okoro, who was arrested in her hometown, Calabar, said she hit her late boss with a stool while sleeping in order to rob her of her possession. Okoro, who stated this while being paraded at Edo State Police headquarters in Benin, disclosed that she made away with N100,000, a wristwatch and jewellery from the GRA residence of the Igbinedions. She said, “I killed Mama (Madam Maria Igbinedion) to carry her money. She did not offend me. While she was sleeping on her bed, around 12:01 a.m. on December 2, 2021, I used a stool to hit her on the head and she was shouting for help, but only the gateman was around and he did not hear the shout. Mama later died. “I waited till 4 a.m. on December 2, 2021, before leaving...

By DADA AYOKHAI The World Wide President of Our Lady of Fatima College, Auchi, Old Boys Association, Hon. Paschal Ugbome, said  that alumni associations in the country have a critical role to play in the overall growth and development of the education sector.  According to Ugbome, alumni associations all over the world do assist various levels of  governments by playing complementary roles  to meet the ever increasing demands of educational institution and the citizenry. Hon. Ugbome  a former lawmaker and Etsako Central Council Chairman, made the declaration in Benin, Edo State capital, at the annual dinner cum award night organised by the Benin chapter of Our Lady of Fatima College Auchi. The dinner cum awards night, tagged "celebration of life", was an opportunity to appreciate God for his grace upon the lives of members of the Association considering the great havoc wrecked on the human race by the Covid- 19 pandemic.  A minute silence in hon...

By DADA AYOKHAI  Almost two years after his demise, former Edo State House of Assembly Speaker, RT Hon Zakawanu Garuba, is still been celebrated for his good deeds while alive.  His Alma mater, Our Lady of Fatimah  College, Auchi, Etsako West, bestowed a posthumous award on the late politician whose clout still bestrides the Edo North political landscape like a Colossus, even after death.  The old boys of the school, at its annual dinner party, held in Benin, Edo State capital, rekindled the memory of the man fondly called Hon Zak by admirers, with a posthumous award of excellence for his uncommon leadership.  Describing Hon Zak as a "rare breed", the Benin chapter chairman of the old boys association of the school, Mr B. I. Emoeduma, noted the imprints of the late politician in galvanising financial and moral support for the overall growth and development of the school would never go unnoticed.  Mr Emoedume narrated how the Covid-19  pande...

By DADA AYOKHAI The Federal Ministry of Aviation (FMA) has approved the construction of an airport at Uzairue/Okpella axis in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo state. The grant of approval was conveyed to the Governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki, through a letter dated 16th December, 2021 signed by the Ag Director, Aerodrome Development Department, Engr. Clement Olayinka Awogbami on behalf of the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika. The letter with reference number FMA/ADD/402/5.42/C.9/1/12, titled: Re: Application For The Construction of An Airport In Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State read in part: “Sequel to the receipt of your Excellency’s letter Ref No: OG. 51/Vol.4/120 dated 16th February, 2021 and subsequently visit of the technical team from the Ministry and its agencies on the 3rd to 5th of November, 2021, I am directed to convey approval of the Honourable Minister for the construction of an airport at Uzairue/Okpella in Etsako West Local ...

By DADA AYOKHAI  In the midst of the excitement that enveloped Akoko Edo, following the emergence of Comrade Benard Ajobiewe, as Edo State chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, the floodgate of goodwill messages is yet to abate.  More and more prominent Akoko Edo sons have jumped in on the bandwagon to also express their delight on his emergence, describing it as "well deserved and long over due".  Comrade Benard Ajobiewe recently emerged chairman of Edo NUT, in a keenly contested election.   Among the first to congratulate the number one teacher in the state was Hon Kabiru Adjoto, a former Speaker of the state assembly, himself a prominent Akoko Edo son.  In his verifiable Facebook page, Hon Adjoto wrote, " Congratulations to my brother, Comrade Benard Ajobiewe, on your emergence as the chairman of Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT".  He further reminded him that Akoko Edo people are known for excellence and...

By DADA AYOKHAI The  Supreme Subordinate President (SSP) of Knights of St John International, KSJI, Major Gen Professor Remy Uche has  appointed Professor Augustine Orhue as Supreme Subordinate Surgeon General. Sir Prof Orhue's appointment was contained in a press release by the KSJI Director of Publicity, Hon Sir Chris Umogbai. With the appointment, Prof. Orhue becomes the first Supreme Subordinate Surgeon for Supreme Subordinate Commandery in Nigeria. According to the statement, Prof Orhue is expected to: ✓ initiate and drive medical outreach programmes within the Grand Commanderies for the benefit of KSJI members   and their immediate communities as part of Christian obligation. ✓ arrange periodic hospital visitations to comfort and defray the bills of the very indigent patients within the limits of budgetary provisions as part of fraternal and charity requirements of the Order. ✓ help cascade all national health directives and guidance from the Federa...

By DADA AYOKHAI  The Managing Director  of Benin Owena River Basin Development Authority, BORDA, Engr Saliu Ahmed, is quite hopeful about the workability of the integrated farm models recently embarked upon by the Authority in addressing the food security challenges facing the country.  The BORDA management recently commissioned some integrated farms in  Edo North senatorial district as well as other parts of the state.  Three of such farm models, already operational, are located in Auchi in Etsako West; Okpe and Uneme  N'ekhua in Akoko-Edo   They are, in the short to middle term, expected to serve as "production hubs", while in the long term become centres for processing, training and the integration of both old and modern agricultural practices.  Describing the farm models in superlative terms as a "bold and flagship innovation" by BORDA, Engr Ahmed said it will not only act as catalyst for accelerated food production but will a...

By Deborah Coker The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Zone RS 5, has assured of safer and crash free celebrations in the zone during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Zone Rs 5 comprises Edo, Delta and Anambra states. Mr Ayodele Kumapayi, Zonal Commanding Officer (ZCO) in charge of the zone, gave the assurance on Wednesday at Owa Aleiro, Delta, during a one-day Special Retreat for Commanding Officers and Heads of Operations in the zone. Kumapayi said that participants from the zone gathered to brainstorm on how to improve on performances from previous years in line with orders from the corps headquarters. He said it was also to know how best to have a seamless end of year special patrol and operation zero tolerance. He said that the corps would deploy body cameras in the zone for operation zero tolerance as a major traffic corridor in the country. “We will try as much as possible to minimize crashes with FRSC personnel o...

By DADA AYOKHAI Edo State governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has welded the big stick  by  suspending  the swearing in of  a Special Adviser recommended by Akoko-Edo local government chapter of the peoples Democratic party, PDP ,  on age ground. Governor Obaseki was recently in Auchi, Etsako West council area, and also the administrative headquarter of Edo North senatorial district, during which he swore in three special advisers, drawn from the three clans that  which makes up the district namely, Etsako, Owan and Akoko Edo respectively.  One of those affected by the governor's embargo is Barrister Babatunde James Agbogun.  The Akoko Edo nominee  is said to be in his late 60s, an age the governor consider to be outside the scope or age bracket for those he expects to cue into the agenda as well as market the administration's policies and programmes to the people.  PDP leaders who spoke under anonymity said the nomination of Bar Ag...

By DADA AYOKHAI It was a joyous moment on Wednesday in Abuja as indigenes of  Imiegba community, Etsako East Local Government Area in  Edo North district of Edo state, celebrated one of their own, Ibrahim Abdullahi, who was conferred with the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).  Abdullahi is an associate Professor of Law  at the Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. With his investiture of the rank of SAN, he becomes the first person in Imiegba and North Ibie  axis to attain the feat in the legal profession. His elevation  is based on the heels of his outstanding contribution to the development of law in Nigeria, in addition to his enviable feats in the legal profession. He was among those sworn in on Wednesday, 8th December, 2021 by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Muhammad, following recommendations and approval by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC). Leadership of Imiegba community’s associat...

By DADA AYOKHAI To demonstrate his seriousness to "grab power" and make the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a dominant force ahead of the 2023 elections, Gov Obaseki has already begun surreptitious moves to entrench the party in Edo North District. Governor Obaseki  let out this   hint at the swearing in ceremony for the recently appointed political aides in Auchi, Etsako West local government.  Gov Obaseki noted that his administration, in a bid to actualise this political agenda within the shortest possible time, deliberately allotted three special adviser slots to the district,  while the other two senatorial districts in the state, Edo South and Edo Central respectively, got a slot each.  He said, "We have focused on the political development of Edo North because the district deserves a special status. To show our resolve to correct past mistakes and give the district and its people a sense of belonging, we  allocated three political adv...

By DADA AYOKHAI The  Order's Supreme Subordinate President, (SSP), Sir Prof Remy Uche,  has constituted   a 7 man Advisory Commitee to the order in Nigeria to ensure  an all inclusive administration of Knights of Saint John International, KSJI, in the country.   Members of the Advisory Board include  Sir Hon Justice Paul Onumajulu Rtd (Chairman),  Sir Williams Adegoke (Secretary),  Sir (Chief) John Nnia Nwodo, Sir Aondona Simon, Sir George Zangir, Sir (Prof) Epiphany Azinge (SAN) and Sir David Polycarp. This was disclosed by the  Director Media and publicity to the Supreme subordinate President, Hon (Sir) Chris Umogbai. According to the  Supreme Subordinate Secretary, Nigeria, Sir Cletus Ntong, the appointees will advise the Supreme Subordinate President (SSP) and the Supreme Subordinate Board (SSB) on matters considered to promote the ideals of the Order. He also added that the Advisory Board shall meet often to interfa...

By Deborah Coker  The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Benin Zonal Command, on Wednesday, took its campaign against gender-based violence to the New Benin Market. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Benin Zonal Command comprises Edo and Delta. NAN also reports that the event was part of the annual 16 days of activism against gender-based violence which began on Nov. 25 and ends on Dec. 10. Speaking at the event, Mrs Chidiebere Oruruo-Ifudu, the Zonal Commander, said that in recent times, women feeling of safety had been eroded by various acts of violence against them. Oruruo-Ifudu also said that such feeling had negatively impacted on women’s mental and emotional well-being; adding that violence against women was a global crisis. “Conflict, climate-related natural disasters, food insecurity, human right violations, all contribute to women and girls living with a sense of danger even in their homes. “Therefore, the ess...

By DADA AYOKHAI A  Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Barr. Fred Okiemute Majemite, yesterday, fete students in the department of Theatre Arts in the University of Benin (UNIBEN) as part of his commitment to promote scholarly works of Arts . Speaking with journalists in Benin City during a special theatre production of Jatto's The Challenge/Chairman/Esohe and other variety productions organised by the Students of the department of Theatre Arts under the artistic direction of Mr.Godswill Osose Jatto, managed and produced by Dr. Vincent Oghenevweta Diakpomrere, Majemite expressed optimism to partner with the students and the department  in promoting excellence in their academics and artistic works. Majemite, who was representated by Rev. Lucky Oteheri, an educationist commended the Manager and  producer, Dr. Vincent Oghenevweta Diakpomrere for his dogged commitment to excellence and a high standard of professionalism in promoting art...

By DADA AYOKHAI  The wish of the people of Edo North senatorial district to have their public water supply fully restored and functional, particularly among the residents of Auchi community and its envurons may, after all, not be a pipe dream.   For the umpteenth time, the managing director of Benin Owena River Basin Development Authority, BORDA, Engr Saliu Ahmed, once again restated the irrevocable commitment of his agency towards revamping the abandoned water boards in the district, with a view to ensure that clean and drinkable water is delivered to the people. Engr Ahmed made this disclosure in Benin, the Edo State capital, in his welcome address at the 10th National Water Conference,  According to him, BORDA, under his command, has already embarked on the rehabilitation of the urban water schemes in Auchi and Jattu, both in Etsako West local government area, preparatory to the full restoration of public water supply.  Similarly, he said BORDA is...

By DADA AYOKHAI Edo state governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has declared with confidence and sence of finality that the PDP in Edo North district has been harmonized. Governor Obaseki made the disclosure in Auchi during the swearing in of two Special Advisers, 24 Senior Special Assistants and  others in Edo North. Recall that the PDP Leaders in the district led by supporters of the party former state chairman, chief Dan orbih have on several fora said  harmonization is not recongnize in PDP constitution.  According to him, "We have harmonised PDP in Edo North Senatorial District as the party is now one in the area. The party belongs to all of us. This is the first time in our history when the government will move to a senatorial district to perform a vital ceremony like this. The two Special Advisers sworn in  are Yakubu Gowon and Jimfred Obadiku. During the inauguration ceremony in Etsako-West Local Government Area of Edo State, Governor Obaseki said the appoi...

By DADA AYOKHAI The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Tuesday, led top government functionaries to commiserate with the people of Ivbiaro Afeshotor in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State over the death of their clan head, His Royal Highness (HRH) Alhaji Salufu Elabor. The late traditional ruler retired as a colonel in the Nigeria Army in 1995 and ruled Ivbiaro for over two decades. Obaseki was accompanied on the condolence visit by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comr. Philip Shaibu; Chief of Staff, Osaigbovo Iyoha and Deputy Chief of Staff, Jimoh Ijegbai, among other top government officials. The governor described the late traditional ruler as a friend of his administration, noting that his support and prayers contributed immensely to his victory in last year’s gubernatorial election. According to him, "He always supported and prayed for us. He governed the people well, and ensured peace, harmony and progress for his people. He is no longer with us but he stoo...

By DADA AYOKHAI Concerned Members of the Butchers association of Edo State have appealed to the State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki to remove the purported State Chairman, Mr Akhere Odigie, who they say was never a butcher but imposed on the association by his government against their wishes, five years ago. They say the gross incompetence of Mr Akhere Odigie is costing members millions of naira daily, to the extent that butchers lose between N80,000 and N120,000 for each cow slaughtered in Benin City on a daily basis. They also say that the said Mr Akhere Odigie now goes about and daily extort monies at gun point from innocent butchers while threatening to close down the abbatoir of those who fail to pay up, boasting that he has the governor's backing and is above the law.  One butcher Hajia Bilikisu Sule said, "Many butchers are also indebted to banks and money lenders, besides the Cattle dealers. While some owe a minimum of N20million others owe N40million and abo...

By DADA AYOKHAI The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the appointments of three new Special Advisers. Two of the three nominees are from the Edo North District of the state. They are Yakubu Gowon and Jimfred Obadiku From  Etsako West and Owan West local government, respectively. Governor Obaseki new appointees were announced through a statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.   According to him, “The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, has approved the appointments of the underlisted persons as Special Advisers in the Edo State Government. “The appointees are: James Babatunde Agbogun Esq.; Yakubu Gowon, and Jimfred Obadiku.” He added that the swearing-in of the appointees will be conducted at a date to be announced later. This follows the recent appointment of 38 Senior Special Assistants and 96 Special Assistants drawn from across the state after the harmonization of the Peoples Democratic Party (PD...

By DADA AYOKHAI The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has earmarked the Iruekpen-Sabogida-Ora  and Sobe-Sabogida-Ora roads both in  Owan West local government in Edo north district of the state  among those  roads slated for construction by his  administration .    Governor Obaseki made the revelation during the 2022   budget presentation at the Edo State House of Assembly.   According to the governor,  N30bn will be spent on improving roads and bridges,  N21bn for building  more physical infrastructure and maintaining existing ones. Reassuring the completion of all ongoing road projects in the state, Obaseki, reassured residents that his government remains committed to infrastructural development across the state. According to him, “Our commitment to infrastructure renewal remains steadfast. In the new financial year, we have budgeted N30bn to improve roads and bridges and N21bn for building more physical...

By DADA AYOKHAI Some of  unwittingly, supporters of Hon Shaibu, in their unbridled desperation to launder his image, may have stoked a political war of attrition between him and those in the political family of the late former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Zakawanu Garuba. They have a right to launder the image of their paymaster. Nobody quarrels with that. Under the umbrella of   BULLETS OF THE HARMLESS RABBIT MEDIA TEAM (BHR)  a special purpose vehicle to  launder the image of its principal, the media was  awashed  with misrepresentations about the former House  Speaker which left sour taste in the mouth of many . Like spin doctors with little or no regard for truth, hard earned reputations and, regardless also of whether its victim is dead or living, the BHR showed a lot of disdain for the soul of the late Speaker.  Ostensibly to portray Zak,as he was fondly called by admirers, the BHR issued a release of a re...