Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration is making waves in Edo State with its ambitious Project SHINE, and the Ministry of Lands and Housing is leading the charge. As part of efforts to drive progress, the ministry recently hosted a Stakeholders’ Policy Validation Workshop on Land Administration and Housing, bringing together key government officials and stakeholders to discuss pressing issues affecting the sector.
The workshop was a major milestone, with top officials like Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Musa Yakubu, praising the ministry’s efforts.
Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Hon Vincent Uwadiae, emphasized that the Land Administration Policy will support sustainable housing, improve access to affordable housing, and strengthen land tenure security.
Also speaking,Permanent Secretary Ministry of Lands and Housing Dr ( Mrs )Joy Akhigbe disclosed that the stakeholder’s engagement will help support sustainable housing policy planing,improve access to affordable ho⁹using and strengthen land tenure system.
The policy is expected to have far-reaching benefits for the state’s housing sector, curbing issues like land grabbing and farmer-herder conflicts. With representatives from key stakeholders like REALDAN, Edo Civil Society Organization, and the Nigerian Society of Engineers in attendance, it’s clear the administration is committed to improving the lands and housing sector.
When a policy document is finally produced, it will be a game-changer in the lands and housing sector, providing a proper framework for land administration, delivering affordable housing, and ensuring effective regulation. Edo State anticipates a brighter future in housing with this development
The South South APC Support Group Leadership Caucus, Edo State Chapter, was recently inaugurated in Benin City. The event, officiated by Hon. Eugene Utubor, Special Adviser on Political Matters, Mobilization and Engagement to the Edo State Governor, drew a large crowd to the Festival Hall, Government House.
Utubor appreciated the group’s support for President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration, saying their “New Edo Rising Agenda” has made a positive impact across the state. Hon. Ahmed Odolevbo Haruna, Chairman of the group, praised Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, describing it as a “government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” He pledged the group’s continued support.
The inauguration highlights the progress made by Governor Okpebholo’s administration in 16 months.
The management of Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin City, Edo State, has expelled two students, Dino Uyi and Choice Asoro, involved in a viral bullying video. The video showed the duo brutally attacking a fellow student, sparking widespread outrage.
The school condemned the behavior, citing its zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, cultism, intimidation, harassment, and violence. Esama of Benin, Sir Chief Dr Gabriel Igbinedion, also visited the school to condemned the incident.
The Edo State Police Command has urged the victim and his parents to come forward and file a formal complaint to enable a thorough investigation. The Edo State Ministry of Education has also condemned the incident in strong terms, promising to carry out strong investigations.
The incident highlights the need for parents, schools, and authorities to work together to tackle bullying and ensure a safe learning environment for all students.
Former Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Edo State, Dr. Samson Osagie has extended his warmest congratulations to Engr. Abbas Briamah on his appointment as Nigerian Ambassador to Budapest, Hungary.
In a statement, Dr. Osagie praised Engr Briamah’s dedication and service, expressing confidence in his ability to excel in this new role. “You are equal to the task, and we’re confident you’ll make a significant impact as Ambassador,” he said.
He akso wished Braimah God’s guidance and strength as he embarks on this new journey, describing the appointment as “God-ordained”.
As Engr. Abbas Braimah assumes his new role, Dr. Osagie extends his best wishes to the Congressman for excellence and success in his ambassadorial duties.
Ambassador Abbass Braimah is among the non career Ambassadors appointed by Mr President,Bola Ahmed Tinubu and posted to Budapest, Hungary with concurrent accreditation to oversee Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina but based in Budapest, a Four country foreign service.
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Taiwo Oyedele as the Minister of State for Finance. The nomination is pending Senate confirmation, according to a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Oyedele previously chaired the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, leading efforts to revamp Nigeria’s tax system.
This appointment reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to driving economic growth and reform as Oyedele’s nomination is expected to boost investor confidence and stimulate economic development.
“The new tax laws will provide relief to Nigerians, with 98% of workers paying little or no PAYE taxes and 97% of small businesses exempt from Corporate Income Tax, VAT, and Withholding Tax,” Oyedele stated.
Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, previously Minister of State for Finance, will now serve as Minister of State for Budget and National Planning.
It was Napoleon Hill who once said the ” Whatever the mind can conceive it can achieve “. Benjamin Franklin also pointed out “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest “
It is against the backdrop of the foregoing that on behalf of my Law Firm SAMSON IMA-OSAGIE & ASSOCIATES we celebrate our newest scholar and business man par excellence COMRADE SUNNY OSAYANDE, PhD on this momentous occasion of his academic accomplishment of the Doctorate Degree in Public Administration from the University of Benin, Nigeria.
This achievement is remarkable in so many respect chief amongst which are the fact that Dr SUNNY OSAYANDE has now demonstrated in unequivocal terms that despite his huge responsibility of managing the Big Joe Conglomerate, pursuit of knowledge remains an important ingredient in advancing the frontiers of any endeavor.
He has by this feat shown that knowledge acquisition should and must be a continous adventure. Added to the above, this remarkable endeavor is and should become an inspiration to others who believe that life is complete with material acquisition. Knowledge is power and this has remained an indisputable fact over the ages.
Our dear son and brother congratulations on your new academic attaining of the Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration. You shall continue to soar in all your endeavors like an eagle. Egba Community is proud of you.
The National Boundary Commission (NBC) has reaffirmed positions aligning with Edo State’s long-standing call for a peaceful and lawful resolution of the protracted Edo/Kogi interstate boundary dispute, signaling renewed momentum toward final demarcation.
At a Joint Meeting of Officials held at Lucy Hall, Bon Hotel (Elvis), Wuse II, Abuja, the Director-General of the Commission, Surveyor Adamu A. Adaji, convened representatives of Edo and Kogi states alongside federal technical agencies to review progress and chart a path for the resumption of the stalled boundary monumentation exercise.
Leading Edo State’s delegation, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Edo State Boundary Committee, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, reiterated the state’s commitment to a technically sound and legally grounded resolution process. He pointed to the 2006 mutually agreed boundary alignment as a definitive milestone that provides both the legal and technical framework required to conclude the exercise.
Idahosa stressed that the immediate task is to overcome the factors that disrupted monumentation efforts initiated in 2007, particularly resistance encountered in some host communities. He called for the urgent resumption of fieldwork in the overall interest of residents along the affected corridor.
Technical briefings at the meeting confirmed that the Internal Boundary Technical Committee (IBTC) had, in 2006, approved the Edo/Kogi boundary based on Legal Notice 126 of 1954. Both states had formally adopted the alignment, and monumentation commenced in 2007 before operations were halted.
The Commission acknowledged Edo State’s sustained cooperation with federal authorities throughout the process, noting that the foundational boundary framework is already established and that what remains is the completion of physical monumentation.
Resolutions reached at the meeting outline a coordinated roadmap toward final demarcation. The Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation and the NBC are to provide Edo State with large-scale maps of the agreed alignment. The Commission will also engage directly with Edo authorities to facilitate early resumption of monumentation.
In preparation for field operations, Edo State will undertake targeted sensitization and enlightenment campaigns in affected border communities, working closely with traditional institutions to address local concerns. The Federal Government and both states are to jointly identify pillar sites ahead of full deployment, while adequate security arrangements will be put in place to ensure smooth and uninterrupted operations.
The renewed federal-state coordination is widely seen as a decisive step toward resolving one of the lingering interstate boundary issues, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the long-delayed demarcation may soon reach completion.
The requirements for good governance are as simplistic as having a populace that buys into governmental policies to make the right impact. Governance is a two-way traffic; between the leader and the followers, between promise and performance. Projects are easy to contend with if the urge is truly to serve the people. During his campaigns, Okpebholo was very practical in his examples; using Edo money to build Edo. He identified security, health, infrastructure, natural resources and education as the key component of a state that requires urgent intervention. He lamented during his campaigns that Edo state should not be captured among the backward states, if only the government of the day took time to deploy the resources of the state in addressing the numerous developmental challenges. He is very sublime in his humility, very calm in his disposition, very bold in his decision making, very unassuming in his comportment yet unrelenting in his delivery.
Okpebholo does not come across as your verbose leader, whose stock in trade was the long arm of propaganda. Okpebholo is your typical Edo mind who’s got his eyes on the job, coordinating all the centripetal and centrifugal forces, to derive the best to move the state forward. Barely few months into his second year in office, opposition are already worn out in their vitriolic, seeing the huge development across the state. Edo state is no doubt a construction site at the moment, but the rains during this dry season have become another challenge that may inadvertently slow down his construction drive. Yet, he’s not giving up, as he rolls up his sleeves everyday, to execute inspection of projects to the admiration of the people. He’s in a hurry to make a huge impact. He’s taking his practical governance model with the seriousness it deserves, to leave his imprint in the sands of time, while addressing potential threats in the infrastructure gaps that he inherited from his predecessor.
Okpebholo is a child of destiny whose date with history has defined his intervention in the Edo governance narrative. From one project site to another, Okpebholo preoccupies himself with resetting the Edo ugly narrative, to a more flourishing narrative that resonates with the historical antecedent of the state. His predecessor tried to disrupt the homogeneity of the people, by planting divisions and political crises across the state. All that has been corrected by a deliberate action of courageous leadership, promoted by a strong desire to address the leadership atrophy that he inherited. From Federal government structures to state structures, Okpebholo is not looking back as he delivers on them. A typical day’s projects inspection is enough nerves cracking engagement; from the Ramat Flyover to Temboga through Upper mission to University of Benin down to the bypass. From Sapele road to Ekhehuan extension, down to Gelegele, from Siluko Road down to remote villages that were hitherto forgotten. As he’s fixing roads, he’s fixing schools, healthcare facilities and Security.
Okpebholo’s dreams to regain Edo’s lost glory are bigger than one can contemplate. From Edo North to Edo Central, the zeal is the same. Only recently, he signed agreement for the production of 10million metric tonnes of Cement in the Owan axis of the state. Asked whether this should be publicized, his response typifies a man who does not want to be praised. “When the cement plant begins, it will not be hidden. Everyone will see the plant. Can you hide such a huge industry?” That is a man who is not carried away by media blitz in promoting his huge intervention in the life of the state. Abandoned roads are being fixed, ecologically challenged environments are being attended to, new schools are being built, old hospitals are being renovated while new ones are being built. Chairs and tables are being supplied to our Secondary and Primary schools, while teachers are being recruited to beef up the population of teachers to meet up with the growing needs of our schools.
When he was awarded by New Telegraph Newspaper a couple of weeks ago, it was just to score additional point that observers are truly watching Edo’s developmental trajectory; a trajectory that may appear unsung, but recognized for the huge impact being recorded across board. The sweet smell of positive governance is pervading Edo state, and all lovers of democracy and positive governance must join hands with Governor Okpebholo in this journey of rebuilding Edo state. The opposition must realize that it is not just about criticising, it is about appreciating positive governance, when they see one. Edo is on course, Okpebholo is on course. The people are on course.
The requirements for good governance are as simplistic as having a populace that buys into governmental policies to make the right impact. Governance is a two-way traffic; between the leader and the followers, between promise and performance. Projects are easy to contend with if the urge is truly to serve the people. During his campaigns, Okpebholo was very practical in his examples; using Edo money to build Edo. He identified security, health, infrastructure, natural resources and education as the key component of a state that requires urgent intervention. He lamented during his campaigns that Edo state should not be captured among the backward states, if only the government of the day took time to deploy the resources of the state in addressing the numerous developmental challenges. He is very sublime in his humility, very calm in his disposition, very bold in his decision making, very unassuming in his comportment yet unrelenting in his delivery.
Okpebholo does not come across as your verbose leader, whose stock in trade was the long arm of propaganda. Okpebholo is your typical Edo mind who’s got his eyes on the job, coordinating all the centripetal and centrifugal forces, to derive the best to move the state forward. Barely few months into his second year in office, opposition are already worn out in their vitriolic, seeing the huge development across the state. Edo state is no doubt a construction site at the moment, but the rains during this dry season have become another challenge that may inadvertently slow down his construction drive. Yet, he’s not giving up, as he rolls up his sleeves everyday, to execute inspection of projects to the admiration of the people. He’s in a hurry to make a huge impact. He’s taking his practical governance model with the seriousness it deserves, to leave his imprint in the sands of time, while addressing potential threats in the infrastructure gaps that he inherited from his predecessor.
Okpebholo is a child of destiny whose date with history has defined his intervention in the Edo governance narrative. From one project site to another, Okpebholo preoccupies himself with resetting the Edo ugly narrative, to a more flourishing narrative that resonates with the historical antecedent of the state. His predecessor tried to disrupt the homogeneity of the people, by planting divisions and political crises across the state. All that has been corrected by a deliberate action of courageous leadership, promoted by a strong desire to address the leadership atrophy that he inherited. From Federal government structures to state structures, Okpebholo is not looking back as he delivers on them. A typical day’s projects inspection is enough nerves cracking engagement; from the Ramat Flyover to Temboga through Upper mission to University of Benin down to the bypass. From Sapele road to Ekhehuan extension, down to Gelegele, from Siluko Road down to remote villages that were hitherto forgotten. As he’s fixing roads, he’s fixing schools, healthcare facilities and Security.
Okpebholo’s dreams to regain Edo’s lost glory are bigger than one can contemplate. From Edo North to Edo Central, the zeal is the same. Only recently, he signed agreement for the production of 10million metric tonnes of Cement in the Owan axis of the state. Asked whether this should be publicized, his response typifies a man who does not want to be praised. “When the cement plant begins, it will not be hidden. Everyone will see the plant. Can you hide such a huge industry?” That is a man who is not carried away by media blitz in promoting his huge intervention in the life of the state. Abandoned roads are being fixed, ecologically challenged environments are being attended to, new schools are being built, old hospitals are being renovated while new ones are being built. Chairs and tables are being supplied to our Secondary and Primary schools, while teachers are being recruited to beef up the population of teachers to meet up with the growing needs of our schools.
When he was awarded by New Telegraph Newspaper a couple of weeks ago, it was just to score additional point that observers are truly watching Edo’s developmental trajectory; a trajectory that may appear unsung, but recognized for the huge impact being recorded across board. The sweet smell of positive governance is pervading Edo state, and all lovers of democracy and positive governance must join hands with Governor Okpebholo in this journey of rebuilding Edo state. The opposition must realize that it is not just about criticising, it is about appreciating positive governance, when they see one. Edo is on course, Okpebholo is on course. The people are on course.
Inaugural Address by Pastor Dr. Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Chairman, Board of Trustees, University of Benin Trust Development Fund
Good afternoon.
Today, I stand before you deeply humbled and profoundly honoured, fully conscious of the responsibility that this moment represents. The inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the University of Benin Trust Development Fund is not merely ceremonial it is a defining institutional milestone; a covenant with our future.
This occasion is historic because it signals vision. It is significant because it affirms continuity. It is transformative because it safeguards posterity.
NATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND EDUCATIONAL RENEWAL
In this journey of transformation, we commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his Renewed Hope Agenda, which recognizes education as one of Nigeria’s most strategic investment. This vision was recently solidified in January 2026 through a landmark agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), replacing the 2009 pact to increase lecturer salaries by 40% and restructure allowances.
Alongside the revitalization of infrastructure and the launch of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), these reforms ensure sustainable funding and expanded opportunities for students nationwide.
STATE LEADERSHIP AND MEASURABLE COMMITMENT
Closer to home, we salute the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, whose dedication to education continues to inspire immense confidence. It is this unwavering commitment that earned him the well-deserved distinction of Education Governor of the Year 2025 by Telegraph Newspaper.
This honor is firmly rooted in tangible results. Your Excellency has redefined state support for higher learning, evidenced by the staggering increases in monthly subventions: moving Ambrose Alli University from ₦41 million to ₦500 million, and Edo University from ₦25 million to ₦250 million. This bold investment is further matched by your ₦2.5 billion pledge for a Paediatric Complex at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital- a powerful affirmation that your foresight embraces the holistic wellbeing of our people, reaching far beyond imaginary boundaries.
It is because of this vision that we view a stronger University of Benin as a vital partner in the continued transformation of our State. We are more than an institution; we are a strategic asset for the growth and prestige of Edo. Be assured, therefore, that this Board will seek your partnership to translate this shared momentum into lasting, measurable progress.
THE LEGACY OF PHILANTHROPY
In that same vein, we owe a debt of gratitude to everyone who has shaped the University of Benin over its 55-year history- our global alumni branches, corporate partners, and the many organizations and individuals whose generosity built the UNIBEN we honor today.
Standing as modern pillars of this tradition are three individuals whose contributions are truly transformative.
We honor Senator Daisy Ehanire-Danjuma for her extraordinary commitment to her roots; her donation of the solar-powered Legacy Hostels is a selfless investment in the dignity and safety of our students.
Similarly, we recognize Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, a proud 1986 Law graduate. Beyond delivering our Annual Graduation Lecture, his mentorship and leadership serve as a definitive bridge between this institution and global professional mastery.
Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), is a distinguished alumnus who translated his legacy of public service into tangible growth. As Minister of Power, Works and Housing, he facilitated the critical reconstruction of internal roads and the remediation of gully erosion sites across our campuses; contributions recognized with an honorary doctorate in 2023.
To immortalize this spirit of altruism, the names of all past and future donors to the University’s development will be permanently enshrined in her Hall of fame. This sanctuary of honor will reflect our enduring culture of philanthropy and ensure that those who build UNIBEN are never forgotten.
A PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE
Of prime importance, is my deepest appreciation to the University’s leadership, particularly the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Edoba Omoregie, SAN, whose strategic clarity gave birth to this Fund. I must also acknowledge the Governing Council for their laudable superitendence and for consistently creating the enabling environment required for this University to grow and excel. Leadership is not defined by the occupation of office but by identifying systemic gaps and daring to bridge or fill them. This Trust Development Fund is a testament to that courage; one that resonates with me at a remarkably personal level.
Having walked these halls as a student and witnessed firsthand how a degree from the University of Benin can shape destiny, my acceptance of this role is rooted in a profound connection to the transformative power of education for which I carry a boundless and an abiding debt of gratitude to this great alma mater.
Moreso, my calling as a Pastor has taught me that true leadership is stewardship. I have spent much of my life teaching that we are blessed not for ourselves alone, but to be a blessing to others. As a result, I see this task as an extension of my ministry of service; an opportunity to apply the principles of faith, uprightness, and communal responsibility to ensure that the University of Benin does not merely endure, but thrives for generations to come.
THE SHIFT: FROM SUBSISTENCE TO SUSTAINABILITY
Distinguished guests, the global landscape of higher education is shifting. Traditional funding structures alone can no longer sustain global excellence. The world’s most prestigious institutions thrive because they deliberately invest in their own future through endowments, philanthropy, and industry collaboration.
This Trust Development Fund is the University of Benin’s strategic response to that global imperative. This Fund represents:
A Bridge between aspiration and achievement.
A Catalyst for research, innovation, and global relevance.
A Safety Net for brilliant but disadvantaged students.
A Vehicle for infrastructure renewal that reflects the dignity of a 21st-century scholar.
THE CHAIRMAN’S PLEDGE: A CALL TO PERFORMANCE
As Chairman of this Board of Trustees, I will undertake this obligation with solemn commitment and unwavering resolve.
This Board shall not be symbolic; it shall be strategic. It shall not be passive; it shall be purposeful. It shall not merely exist; it shall perform. Our mandate is clear: to mobilize resources, inspire confidence, and safeguard the credibility of this institution. To our donors and partners, let me be clear: Transparency will be our shield, and accountability will be our compass. We will manage this fund with the precision of a world-class financial institution, ensuring that every naira results in visible, measurable impact.
THE CALL TO THE UNIBEN GLOBAL COMMUNITY
To our 350,000-strong Alumni across the globe: You are the living proof of UNIBEN’s excellence. Your degrees draw their strength from the reputation of your alma mater. When the University rises, the value of your credentials rises with it. This is your moment to transition from being graduates to being co-owners of this legacy. We do not ask for charity; we invite you to invest in the soil that nourished you.
To Corporate Nigeria: This Fund offers a credible pathway to shape the future of human capital. The partnerships forged here will echo far beyond these campus walls.
Yet beyond funding and partnerships lies something greater- the responsibility of legacy.”
CONCLUSION: EXPANDING THE VISION
Decades ago, visionary leaders such as Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia entrusted that legacy to us. That inheritance now calls for stewardship- deliberate, disciplined, and forward-looking.
As we undertake this task, we are guided by the promise in Isaiah 58:12:
”And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.”
On behalf of this Board, I pledge integrity, dedication, and dexterity as we join hands with University leadership, alumni, and partners to make a definitive stand for excellence. Together, we shall build not just a Trust Fund, but a reservoir of generosity and a pillar of academic distinction that will sustain this institution for generations to come.
In the years ahead, may we look back at this day and say: Here, a stronger future began. Here, commitment replaced complacency.
Thank you, and may God bless the great University of Benin..
Former Attorney General of Edo State,Dr. Samson Osagie has congratulated Paator Osagie on his appointment as chairman of the University of Benin Trust Development Fund.
In a statement, Dr. Osagie noted that this new assignment demands Ize-Iyamu’s usual commitment and patriotism, as his leadership is expected to drive the university’s development goals, building on the vision of Vice Chancellor Professor Edoba Omoregie, SAN.
Dr. Osagie said, “I wish you success as you and your team begin to steer this important endeavor,” adding that the Development Trust Fund is a key initiative to boost the institution’s growth and impact, under Professor Omoregie’s trajectory of excellence.
The Development Trust Fund is expected to play a significant role in advancing the university’s mission, expressing confidence that Ize-Iyamu’s leadership will be instrumental in achieving this goal.
The statement further read Ize-Iyamu will bring his wealth of experience and expertise to drive the university’s growth and development and wishes him well in this new role.
