Posts in category: General News

By :The Editor

The Great Pals of Benin Technical College Association has been restrained from conducting any election into the office of the President, Vice President or any office whatsoever. This order was made today by the Benin High Court following a Motion Exparte moved by Gabriel Ehigiator Esq.

The Great Pals of the Benin Technical College has been embroiled in a factional supremacy arising from attempting by duly elected President of the Association to enforce discipline among members of the Executive of the Association. In a suit filed by the President and Vice President Messrs Benson Osazuwa and Osayemwenre Unuabona respectively against the errant factional members of the Executive led by the appointed General Secretary of the Association Idahosa Osagie, the Claimants sought among other reliefs a perpetual injunction against the said Idahosa Osagie Felix and his cohorts from conducting any illegal election into the office of the President and Vice President of Association in gross violation of the Association’s Constitution.

The said Idahosa Osagie Felix and his cohorts have fixed an election into the office of the President and Vice President of the Association for Sunday 14th of September, 2025, at the Talk of the City Hall, Urubi, Benin City without due regard to Constitution of the Association. With this orders already served on the Defendants, it will amount to contempt of court for which sanctions including imprisonment can be meted out on the Defendants if they go ahead to conduct any election for the Association in breach of the explicit order of the Benin High Court.

Edo State Government, in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has announced that it will be carrying out staff verification for selected Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

In a letter signed by the Director of Public Service Matters, Bamaiyi Osadebamen Rebecca, for the Head of Service, the various MDAs are listed below:

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its resolve to entrench transparency, accountability, and open governance as the hallmarks of its administration, stressing its determination to build stronger institutions and empower citizens through sustainable reforms.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the “Strengthening Accountability and Governance in Nigeria Initiative” (SAGNI) project, organised by the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) in Abuja, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie, described the initiative as a transformative partnership that has contributed significantly to strengthening democratic institutions across the country and in Edo State in particular.

Dr. Osagie noted that the Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, is deeply committed to upholding the principles of openness and public trust. He explained that SAGNI has gone beyond the scope of a conventional development programme, serving instead as “a strategic platform for institutional strengthening, citizen empowerment, and the advancement of accountability.”

Highlighting the direct benefits of the project, the Attorney General revealed that the Edo State Ministry of Justice has, over the past twelve months, enjoyed critical technical support, collaborative engagements, and valuable knowledge exchange. These, he said, have improved the Ministry’s capacity to promote accountability, enhance service delivery, and restore public confidence in the machinery of government.

He emphasised that Edo’s reform-driven approach to governance is guided by its determination to enforce transparency laws and ensure that citizens have access to information. The state, he said, remains committed to the effective implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, which is central to building trust between government and the governed. In his words, “Governor Okpebholo is unwavering in his belief that a government must be open, accountable, and responsive to its people. That is the spirit we are nurturing in Edo.”

Dr. Osagie commended the Centre for Transparency Advocacy and its partners for their dedication to the project, describing their contributions as invaluable to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic space. He pledged that Edo would not only consolidate the gains of SAGNI but would also expand its principles across ministries, departments, and agencies of government, thereby embedding accountability as a culture of governance.

The Attorney General further recalled that Edo, alongside Anambra State and the Federal Capital Territory, had benefitted immensely from the SAGNI project. This, he stressed, placed the state in a position of responsibility to sustain the progress achieved and to serve as a model for other states striving to improve governance and accountability frameworks.

“The closeout of this project is not an end but a call to action,” Dr. Osagie declared. “We must carry forward the spirit of SAGNI to consolidate strong institutions, promote transparency, and secure a better, more prosperous future for our people.”

Clementina Agweda

Public Relations Officer

Ministry of Justice, Edo Stae

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By:Gloria Osemudiamhen

‎The Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has commended the Renewed Hope Initiative’s (RHI) National Scholarship Programme, and highlighted the importance of educational empowerment as a crucial catalyst for personal and societal development.
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‎Mrs. Anani who gave the commendation during an interview at the RHI’s Midterm Assessment and Interactive Session with its National Scholars, which held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, emphasized the transformative power of educational empowerment and its transformative potential in bridging gaps, unlocking opportunities, which enable individuals to reach full potential, thereby contributing significantly to the State’s growth and prosperity.
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‎ She explained that the initiative was designed to shape lives, break poverty cycles and pave the way for a brighter future.
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‎According to Mrs. Anani, “Empowerment through education is at the core of our mission. By providing our students with the tools and resources they need to succeed, we are not only transforming their lives but also shaping the future of our society. Education has the power to break cycles of poverty, challenge stereotypes and unlock potential. As we invest in the education of our young people, we are investing in a brighter future for all”.
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‎Mrs. Anani commended the Renewed Hope Initiative of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, explaining that it had benefited students like Eigbirenmonlen Sonia, a 300-level Zoology student at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, in Edo State.
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‎ She further appreciated the Initiative’s efforts in empowering citizens, particularly women and youths, expressing confidence in its lasting positive impact.
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‎”I am delighted to see a student from Edo State benefit from the Renewed Hope Initiative spearheaded by the wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu. This initiative is a testament to the administration’s commitment to empowering citizens, particularly women and youths, across the Country. I commend the First Lady’s efforts in driving this programme, which aims to bring hope and positive change to our people. I have no doubt that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of our citizens”. Mrs. Anani said.
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‎Some guests and benefitting students including Miss Eigbirenmonlen, expressed gratitude for the First Lady’s life-changing opportunity.
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‎Highpoint of the event was the disbursement of the third tranche of scholarship funds to forty seven (47) students, with each receiving N1 million and a brand-new laptop.
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‎The Edo State House of Assembly has passed a resolution aimed at tackling the rising spate of killings and kidnappings across several constituencies in the state.
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‎The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Kingsley Ugabi, member representing Etsako East Constituency, who expressed deep concern over the escalating insecurity in Okpella, Agenebode, and surrounding areas. He revealed that eight officers of the NSCDC and a village head were recently killed, while four others sustained severe injuries during an encounter with kidnappers. Hon. Ugabi appealed to security agencies to act swiftly in restoring peace to the affected communities.
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‎Supporting the motion, Hon. Addeh Isibor, representing Esan North-East I Constituency who doubles as the Deputy Majority Leader, stressed the need for competent leadership in the state’s security apparatus. He advocated the appointment of the most capable officers from the police or military to head the Edo State Security Corps. He further urged security operatives to investigate individuals who suddenly acquire unexplained wealth, cautioning society against celebrating such trends. He also encouraged community members to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing timely intelligence.
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‎Also lending her voice, Hon. Maria Edeko, member representing Esan North-East II Constituency, called on security agencies to monitor herbal drink hawkers, popularly known as “Agbo sellers”, alleging that many of them clandestinely distribute dangerous and banned substances to criminals.
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‎Other lawmakers, including Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian (Ovia North-East I) and Hon. Sunny Ojiezele (Esan South-East), also spoke in support of the consequential motion, which was later amended by the House before adoption.

Summing up ,‎Speaker , Edo State House of Assembly,Rt Hon Chief Blessing Sheriff Agbebaku directed the Nigeria Police and other Security agencies who benefited from the Governor Okpebholo’ s Hilux donation to as a matter of urgency use it for patrols across the state and not for other purposes.

This according to The Speaker is to boost security and curb incessant kidnapping and Killings of the people.

Also at plenary ,the House received two letters from Governor Monday Okpebholo. The first, dated August 21, 2025, requested the confirmation of Barr. Aiyo-Aigie Godswill as a replacement for Mrs. Monica Igbadumhen as a member of the Edo State Civil Service Commission.
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‎ The second, dated September 1, 2025, sought the confirmation of Hon. Barr. Osikhena Boih Donald as Chairman, alongside six nominees as members of the Edo State Law Reform Commission. Both letters were referred to the House Committee on Rules, Business, and Government House for screening and further consideration.
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‎The House also sent a message of Felicitation to the APC State Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe on the occasion of his Birthday Celebration.

The House thereafter adjourned sitting to Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

Edo State College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ECANR) is now accepting applications for the 2025/2026 academic year. The college offers various programs, including Basic Science, National Diploma (ND), and Higher National Diploma (HND) options in Agricultural Technology, Animal Health and Production Technology, and Fisheries Technology.

Program Requirements:
National Diploma (ND): Credit pass in English Language, Mathematics, and three other science subjects (maximum two sittings) and a minimum UTME score of 100.
Higher National Diploma (HND): Relevant National Diploma certificate.

Application Details:
Apply online at https://www.ecanr.edu.ng or visit the college’s main campus in Iguoriakhi.
Application fee: N10,500 (non-refundable).

Contact Information:
Hotlines: 09048300797, 08082030280, 08037611557
WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JjzYuYK6xgR3RUzfO0rsL6?mode=ac_t

The Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Samson Osagie has extended warm congratulations to Chief Mike Oghiadumhe CON, former Deputy Governor of Edo State and former Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan, on his 70th birthday.

In a congratulatory message, the Attorney General praised Chief Oghiadumhe’s remarkable career, marked by dedication, leadership, and public service, noting that his contributions have significantly impacted Nigeria’s political landscape.

The Attorney General also acknowledged Chief Oghiadumhe’s long-standing commitment to public service, particularly in Edo State, describing his legacy as remarkable and his tenure as characterized by visionary leadership.

The Federal Government has declared Friday, September 5, 2025, a public holiday to commemorate Eid-ul-Mawlid, marking the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad. Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, extended warm greetings to Muslims, urging them to emulate the Prophet’s virtues of peace, love, humility, tolerance, and compassion.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo also called on Nigerians of all faiths to use the occasion to pray for peace, security, and stability in the country, and to support government efforts toward national harmony and sustainable development. He urged citizens to remain law-abiding, security-conscious, and supportive of government policies that enhance the well-being of all Nigerians.

The declaration was made in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister.

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The Benin Consultative Forum (BCF) has released a statement mourning the passing of Former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, CFR, who was the President of the Forum until his death on August 31, 2025.

The statement was jointly signed by the Vice President Rt. Hon. Samson Osagie, Ph.D., and Secretary Prof. Edoba Omorogie, SAN

The BCF described Dr. Arase as a remarkable individual who prioritized giving back to society. The BCF highlighted Dr. Arase’s scholarly enterprise, noting that he leveraged his years of experience in the security and civil relations sector to benefit society through his books.

These books offered prescriptions for advancing Nigeria’s internal security system and electoral management. Dr. Arase’s contributions to security and policing in Nigeria have left a lasting impact on the country. His legacy continues to inspire a new generation of security experts and policymakers, who draw on his experiences and insights to shape their own approaches to security management and community engagement.

During his tenure as IGP, Dr. Arase implemented various reforms aimed at modernizing the Nigeria Police Force and improving its relationship with the public. His leadership style and commitment to community policing earned him widespread recognition and respect.

The BCF leadership expressed deep sadness over Dr. Arase’s unexpected passing, describing him as “Uhunosievbokoko,” meaning a lover of people who prioritized giving back to society.

The Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie, has sent birthday greetings to the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief Bisi Idaomi.

In a statement, the Attorney General felicitated with Chief Idaomi on the auspicious occasion of her birthday and, on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, highlighted her remarkable dedication to the advancement of women and children in the State.

“Your dedication to the advancement of women and children in the State has become legendary. Your tireless service to our state is truly commendable,” he said.

As the Commissioner for Women Affairs marks another year of life, the Attorney General wishes her continued strength, wisdom, and success in all her endeavors.

“Happy Birthday, and many happy returns!” he concluded.

Clementina Agweda
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Justice