Posts in category: General News

By:Dr Patrick Akhere Ebojele

The Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called for unity, hope, and renewed faith among Christians in Edo State and across Nigeria as they celebrate Easter, marking the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In his Easter message, the Governor described the season as a sacred period that embodies the virtues of sacrifice, love, hope, and redemption.

He urged Christians to reflect deeply on the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life exemplified humility, selflessness, and strong faith.

Governor Okpebholo noted that Easter serves as a reminder of the triumph of light over darkness and life over death, encouraging citizens to remain hopeful and resilient in the face of present challenges.

He called on the people of Edo State to embrace unity, peace, and mutual respect, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.

The Governor further reassured Edo residents of his administration’s commitment to delivering good governance, fostering economic growth, and improving the overall well-being of the people. He emphasized that the collective efforts of all citizens are essential in building a prosperous and secure Edo State.

He said, “Let this Easter season inspire us to renew our faith in God and in one another, as we work together towards a better future for our dear state,”

Governor Okpebholo also urged citizens to use the festive period to pray for sustained peace, progress, and development in Edo State and Nigeria as a whole, especially as the 2027 elections draw near.

He wished all Christians a joyful and peaceful Easter celebration.

Edo State Former Attorney General, Dr. Samson Osagie, has lauded Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North District, on his 74th birthday.

In a statement personally signed by Dr. Osagie, he highlighted the Senator’s profound impact on Edo State and Nigeria, describing him as a leader of excellence.

Dr. Osagie noted that Senator Oshiomhole’s years in service have been remarkable, with his legacies speaking volumes about his dedication and commitment to public service and commended the Senator’s selfless contributions to the growth and development of Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.

“Sir, on a personal note, I note with gratitude your immeasurable support to my family and your kind support in the Federal House of Representatives,” the statement read.

The birthday felicitation highlights Senator Oshiomhole’s unwavering commitment to serving the people, making a lasting impact on many lives. As the Senator celebrates this 74th birthday, Dr. Osagie and his family extend their warmest wishes for a happy birthday and many more years of service.

Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice,Edo State has sent tribute to his late Father ,Pa Imarhiagbe Agharese Ogbewe on the occasiona of his 11th year remembrance.of his death anniversary.The statement which reflects on his enduring legacy of hard work and community service, reads thus:

“Today, we remember our late Father Pa Samson Imarhiagbe Agharese Ogbewe, who passed away 11 years ago. Dad, your legacy of hard work and community service has continued to resonate with us, your children. You came, saw, and you conquered.

We can not but continue to miss your invaluable impact on our lives. We miss you, Baba, and all we can say is that we wish you continued rest in the bosom of the Almighty God. Adieu Daddy, till the resurrection day.”

Signed,
Rt Hon Samson R Osagie, PhD
For the Family

By:The Editor

The Edo State Ministry of Lands and Housing has taken a significant step towards effective land administration in Edo State by hosting a Stakeholders’ Policy Validation Workshop, a key component of Project SHINE, the state government’s ambitious agenda to transform Edo State. Project SHINE stands for Security, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Food Security, and Education, with the Lands and Housing sector falling under Natural Resources.

In his keynote address, Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor emphasized the importance of the Land Administration Policy in enhancing effective service delivery and curbing issues like land grabbing and farmer-herder conflicts

Also, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Musa Yakubu (JP) commended the ministry’s efforts, saying the policy would guide land administration and enhance housing accessibility.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Hon Vincent Uwadiae Esq, emphasized that the policy will support sustainable housing, improve access to affordable housing, and strengthen land tenure security.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands and Housing, Dr. (Mrs.) Joy Akhigbe noted that the final policy document will have far-reaching benefits for the state’s housing sector.

The Stakeholders’ Policy Validation Workshop is a major milestone in this effort, providing a platform for stakeholders to discuss and deliberate on the Land Administration Policy.

The event had a goodwill message from the representative of the Attorney General of the state, Professor Roland Otaru (SAN), and was attended by representatives from key stakeholders like Edo Civil Society Organization, the Nigerian Society of Engineers,delegates from various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), underscoring the administration’s commitment to improving the lands and housing sector

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.

Rt Hon Samson R Osagie, PhD

Former Attorney Geneal,Edo State.

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.