The former Attorney General of Edo State and Managing Partner of Samson-Ima Osagie and Associates, Dr. Samson Osagie, has expressed profound grief over the passing of Late Madam Charity Okpebholo, mother of the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani.
In his condolence message, Dr. Osagie described the late matriarch as a pillar of virtue, faith and selfless love whose life was a blessing to all who knew her.
He noted that the loss of a mother is profound, for she is the root from which the family draws strength.
“Madam please accept my sincere condolences on the demise of your beloved mother. May her soul rest in peace. Amen” He said
Dr Osagie prayed that God grants the family fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, and that the legacies of love, discipline and godliness left by Late Madam Charity will continue to shine through her children and grandchildren.
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has inaugurated four new boards and agencies, charging members to uphold integrity, transparency and dedication in the discharge of their duties.
During the ceremony held at Government House, Benin City, the governor said the appointments were a call to serve both the people and God.
He listed the inaugurated bodies as the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Consumer Protection Committee and the Edo State Rural Access Roads Agency, RARA.
Governor Okpebholo urged the appointees to work in unity and ensure their decisions bring tangible benefits to Edo people.
“This is not merely a responsibility to the people; it is also a responsibility before God. I urge you to place the interests of the people above personal considerations,” he said.
Representatives of the various boards also addressed the gathering.
Speaking for the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Chairman Very Rev. Fr. Alfred Agbonlahor thanked the governor and pledged to promote the welfare of Christian pilgrims.
Chairman of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mallam Musa Muhammad Uduimoh, assured of efficient and transparent service delivery to intending pilgrims.
Also,Chairman of the Consumer Protection Committee, Mr. Iyamu Osaro Destiny, promised to protect consumers and ensure fairness in trade across the state.
Engr. Momodu Oghenakhoghie Goodluck was likewise inaugurated as Director-General of Edo State Rural Access Roads Agency.
The event had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Edo State Rt. Hon Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff, Hon Yakubu Musa; members of the State Executive Council, and other dignitaries.
Chief Daniel Osi Orbih, a scion of the Legendary Chief MCK Orbih political dynasty from Ogbonna, in the heartland of the Afemai nation, Edo State, was a n undeniable titan in Nigerian politics, whose strategic brilliance and unwavering leadership shaped the political landscape of Edo State and the South-South geopolitical zone for over two decades.
Fondly nicknamed, the Kulukulu 1 of Africa, he was reputed for his courageous but calm disposition, tactical mastery, and capacity to build formidable coalitions. Orbih, indeed bestrode the political Nigerian political landscape like the colossus he is.
His death on August 31, 2026, at a middle age of 64, marked the end of an era and the fall of one of the biggest trees in the political forest of Edo State.He was a great Leader
The Benin Consultative Forum (BCF), a socio-cultural organisation founded for the advancement of the Benin people and Nigeria, has marked the one-year remembrance of its late Pioneer President, Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, CFR.
In a statement issued today, to commemorate one year of his demise, the Forum described the late Dr. Arase as a visionary leader whose wisdom and foresight laid the foundation for the socio-cultural organisation.
Describing him as a trailblazer who united many, celebrated the Benin heritage and dedicated his life to building a just and egalitarian society, the Benin Consultative Forum describes him as a visionary leader whose wisdom laid a foundation of the organization.
They said his dedication to justice, cultural preservation, unity, and service to humanity has continued to inspire members of the Forum and the Benin nation at large.
“We remember him as a trailblazer who united many, celebrated our heritage, and dedicated his life to building a just and egalitarian society,” it stated.
“The Benin people, Nigeria, and humanity at large will continue to cherish Dr. Arase’s exemplary life, uncommon dedication, selfless service, and compassionate leadership,” the statement further read.
BCF further noted that although the late Dr. Arase is no longer alive, his enduring legacy, treasured values, and unceasing struggles for humanity and service continue to guide its path forward.
The late Dr Solomon Arase was the pioneer President to the Forum while Dr Samson Osagie, who now serves as the Acting President, was the Vice President of the Forum
He will be remembered as a trailblazer who celebrated Edo heritage using his position as NCP to create a safer society for all to thrive particularly in Edo State.
The Forum has prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul, extending their loving thoughts and solidarity to his family,and expressed optimism that although he is no longer with them physically, his enduring legacy, treasured values and unceasing struggles to humanity and advance service will continue to guide the Forum’s pathway forward.
Today a new chapter opens in the annals of the Legal Profession in Nigeria with the inauguration of the first elected female President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsoya, SAN.
I congratulate her on this historic accomplishment. I also wish to commend Mazi Afam J. Osigwe, SAN, the immediate past President of the NBA for his achievements & the successful transition to a new Leadership of the Bar in Nigeria. The Legal Profession must continue promote the cause of justice & progress in our fledging democracy.
Inspite of the challenges, the NBA has continued to play its role in defending the administration of justice particularly the independence of the judiciary.
At this crucial stage of another democratic transition, the NBA must rise up to its abiding responsibility while also consolidating on the programs of the bar aimed at ensuring sanity in the profession and enforcing the regime of appropriate remuneration of Legal Practitioners in Nigeria. Once again congratulations Madam #NBAPresident.
Samson R. OSAGIE, Ph.D,FICMC Former Attorney General, Edo State
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Thursday joined the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the presentation of financial support to families of fallen heroes of the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force.
The event, organised by the Office of the First Lady through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme, was held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
This second edition of the initiative targeted families of security personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty since the inception of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
A total of 1,638 families of deceased police officers received financial empowerment packages aimed at helping them rebuild their livelihoods and cater for their dependants.
The ceremony was also attended by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima; Wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio; Service Chiefs; the President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA); and wives of heads of security agencies.
Speaking at the event, IGP Disu expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the First Lady for the intervention, describing it as a demonstration of national gratitude and compassion.
“The Renewed Hope Initiative goes beyond policy. It is about restoring dignity and supporting citizens at vulnerable moments,” the IGP said.
He assured the bereaved families that the sacrifices of their loved ones would never be forgotten, and reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of its personnel and providing continued support to families of officers who paid the ultimate price.
Sovereign wealth is a pool of a sovereign nation’s financial assets and resources managed and invested for savings, economicstabilization and infrastructural development.
For Nigeria, the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority is charged with the mandate to manage its sovereign wealth fund
The fund is set up to secure long-term prosperity for the nation beyond short-term revenue and government expenditure cycles.
At the this year’s Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference (NBA-AGC 2026), the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice,Edo State Dr. Samson Osagie said the fund which must be managed with sound governance principles and transparency has the capacity to grow beyond $3.44 billion which it is currently and urged government to harness all necessary revenue sources particularly the mineral resources which are been exploited in some parts of the by private individuals in connivance with their foreign partners without been accounted for in the national revenue pool.
Dr. Osagie spoke on the topic that sovereign wealth exists to manage fluctuating sources of national revenue and convert them into lasting economic value as Its purpose is to save during periods of high income, stabilize public finance when earnings fall, and diversify Nigeria’s wealth beyond a single source. He tied this directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, stressing that sovereign wealth must drive sustainable growth, resilient infrastructure, decent work, and responsible use of national resources.
The core idea, he said, is to convert revenue from finite or fluctuating resources into assets that generate value over the long term. That shift moves Nigeria from dependence on narrow income streams to a broader, more sustainable economic base.
On ownership and structure, Dr. Osagie noted that sovereign wealth covers stabilization funds and savings or future generation andinfrastructure funds. But it is the law that gives it meaning. The law defines ownership, control, mandate and objectives of the fun. The laws lays down the parameters for receiving, investing and withdrawing funds, and the governance structure of the institution(NSIA)
He described sovereign wealth as unique in the financial system because it combines public ownership, investment activity, and national development objectives or goals. It functions as both capital and an institutional vehicle, working with securities, fund managers, stock brokers and other professionals under financial regulation. Key partners he identified include the World Bank Group, IMF and the CBN for monetary coordination and surveillance.
Dr Samson Osagie with the NBA-AGC President Mazi Afam Osigwe at the NBA,AGC conference
To strengthen Nigeria’s Sovereign wealth architecture, Dr. Osagie urged adoption of elements of the Norwegian investment model for a disciplined contributions to the Nigerian SWF and diversified, long-term investments for substantial returns. He stressed the need for financial strength, capital adequacy, quality investment management, and strong research and advisory capacity.
He concluded with a charge: Sovereign wealth can convert current wealth into long-term prosperity through fiscal stability and infrastructure. But it must remain a long-term national trust, not a pool for short-term political spending. The government must prioritize strategic investments that expand productive capacity, infrastructure and employment nationwide.
On a final note,Dr. Osagie left the NBA-AGC 2026 with one demand: protect the fund with law, run it with expertise, fund it adequately, adopt global best practices and keep politics out of it. That is how it can enable sustainable economic development for the future of Nigeria.
There is a certain irony in watching a man whose capacity was once deemed expendable at home emerge as a voice of consequence on a national professional stage.
Samson Raphael Osagie, PhD, FICMC—former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Edo State—is not a man whose credentials require embellishment. His record, intellect, experience and professional standing speak with sufficient authority.
Yet, his departure from public office was handled in a manner that many considered unbefitting of a man of his calibre and contribution.
But history has a way of correcting the limitations of political judgement.
While some at home may have sought to diminish his relevance, the wider professional community has continued to recognise his value. Today, that recognition is on full display as he takes the stage as a Speaker at the Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference (NBA-AGC) 2026, under the theme, “Beyond Limits ’26.”
This is more than an invitation to speak. It is professional validation.
It is a reminder that competence does not become irrelevant because political circumstances change; intellectual capacity does not disappear because an appointment ends; and a man of substance does not cease to matter because those in a position to recognise his worth choose otherwise.
From Uhunmwode to Edo South, and from Edo State to the national professional arena, Samson Raphael Osagie continues to demonstrate that genuine excellence ultimately finds its platform.
You may edge a man out of office, but you cannot easily edge excellence out of relevance.
Congratulations to Samson Raphael Osagie, PhD, FICMC.
Edo South should celebrate him. Uhunmwode should own his achievement. Edo State should recognise the distinction.
When excellence is recognised beyond home, perhaps home should pause—not to ask why the man is being celebrated elsewhere, but why his value was not celebrated enough at home.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
The appointment takes effect from August 27, 2026.
This was announced in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga
Mr. Enitan, the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service and an indigene of Osun State, will succeed Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who is set to retire upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.
President Tinubu expressed deep appreciation to Mrs. Walson-Jack for her distinguished service, noting the reforms, impact, and innovations recorded in the Civil Service during her tenure.
With over seven years as Permanent Secretary, Mr. Enitan has served in the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Office of the Vice President, and currently the Federal Ministry of Education.
The statement added that Mr. Enitan “brings considerable institutional experience and a deep understanding of how the Federal Civil Service works to his new responsibility.”
As Head of Service, he is expected to provide leadership for the Federal Civil Service and deepen ongoing reforms to enhance efficiency, professionalism, and service delivery in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Principal Partner of Samson Ima-Osagie & Associates and former Attorney General of Edo State, Dr. Samson Raphael Osagie, has been invited to speak at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, themed “Beyond Limits.”
In an invitation signed by the Chairman of the Annual General Conference Planning Committee, AGCPC, Abdul Mohammed, SAN, and the Secretary, Barbara Omosun, the NBA listed Osagie among the distinguished speakers selected for the 2026 edition.
He will serve as a panelist on the topic “Sovereign Wealth” and its role in driving Nigeria’s long-term economic development.
The conference will hold from August 21 to 28, 2026, at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to the association, the gathering will bring together jurists, policymakers, business leaders and industry experts to interrogate pressing national and global issues. These include economic growth, reforms in the legal sector, trade expansion, foreign exchange regulation and Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
The session will focus on how sovereign wealth funds and strategic investments can be deployed to promote sustainable growth, finance critical infrastructure, attract capital and strengthen economic resilience.
“As Nigeria pursues economic diversification and sustainable growth, strategic investment decisions have become more crucial than ever,” the invitation stated.
The NBA added that the session will provide a platform for in-depth dialogue on the legal, policy and governance frameworks required to support sound investment strategies, while also exploring practical pathways to secure prosperity for future generations.
The week-long conference will feature a keynote address by former Liberian President, George Weah, alongside other prominent speakers from Nigeria and overseas.
The invitation affirmed the association’s confidence in Dr. Osagie’s expertise and expressed optimism that his contribution will add value to discussions on strategic investments and national economic transformation.
Beyond the technical sessions, delegates are expected to participate in professional networking, peer learning, conversations on social justice, as well as entertainment and interactive programmes throughout the conference.
Dr Osagie’s participation as discussant at this all important professional conference is an acknowledgement of his recognition by the National professional body as a key figure with requisite knowledge and experience in Nigeria’s governance system.
