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Tag: Benin City

  • Fire razes 25 shops at New Benin Market 

    A total of 25 shops at the popular New Benin Market in Benin City were on Sunday night razed by fire whose cause is yet to be ascertained.

    Goods and property worth millions of naira were lost to the inferno even as thieves who posed as sympathizers made away with some goods.

    It was gathered that the fire started at about 7:25pm and lasted for about two hours before men of the Edo Fire Service stopped it from spreading to other shops.

    Witnesses said the fire began from a shop where food items such as rice, beans and beverages are sold.

    Many of the affected traders were called from their various residences that their shops were on fire.

    Read Also:Olusosun dump undergoes capping to stop smoke, fire

    One of the traders was said to have collapsed when he saw that his shop and the N2m cash he kept inside from previous sales were consumed by the fire.

    Another victim who simply gave his name as Samuel Ijezie said he lost his entire wares to the evil fire.

    “I was somewhere close to the market to buy something. I saw people gathering around here; I don’t come to market on Sunday but because of the gathering I rushed to the area to see what was happening only to see it was fire but before I could come down fire had taken over everywhere. I didn’t save anything; millions of naira wasted here. I lost more than two million to the fire; I did not bring anything out. The fire was everywhere even my generator I did not bring out anything.”

    Mr. Chukwudi Anisieke said his warehouse was stockpiled with assorted goods worth N7m on Saturday night.

    He disclosed that he had returned from market on Saturday and stocked his shop with goods at about 8pm same day.

    “The entire thing got me tired. I am totally confused. I was at home yesterday evening when people called me on phone that New Benin market was burning. Before I reached here everywhere had caught fire and I could not pick out a single thing from my shop. I lost more than N7million to the fire,” he said.

  • Those saying Buhari gave CAN money are our enemies, says ECWA

    General Secretary of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Rev. Yunusa Sabo Nmadu, has said that those spreading rumours that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) received N25m from President Mohammadu Buhari are enemies of the church.

    Rev Yunusa said such talks were unnecessary and not good for the Christian body.

    Yunusa spoke in Benin City when he inaugurated the newly elected executives of the Edo/Delta District Church Council headed by Rev. Lucky Osagbakhoe.

    He urged President Buhari to stem the tide of violence and insecurity across the country.

    The ECWA scribe noted that Nigeria’s economy must be improved upon before the next general elections.

    He urged the new executives do their work diligently and promote peace in the land where the church is located.

    His words, “We are not in the best shape as a country now. Insecurity has gone out of hand. Our message is that our political leaders must do all within their powers to stem the tide of violence and insecurity of the country and work hard for the betterment of our economy.

    “We as spiritual leaders, we will continue to preach peace. ECWA pastors have no privacy. We live our life for the interest of others.”

  • Breaking: PDP, APC youths clash at Benin Airport over motion to impeach Buhari

    Youths and supporters of both the All Progressive Congress and the People’s Democratic Party have clashed at the Benin Airport over the motion moved by Senator Matthew Urhoghide seeking the invocation of Section 143 of the Nigeria’s Constitution.

    It took the intervention of the State Commissioner of Police, Babatunde Kokumo for a free for all not to take place at the airport.

    The PDP supporters were at the airport to give a rousing welcome to Senator Urhoghide for moving the motion for the Senate to begin impeachment proceedings against President Muhammadu Buhari.

    But the APC supporters who had earlier protested through the street of Benin City disowning Senator Urhoghide were at the airport to express disappointment with the motion.

    Tension was rife as more supporters besieged the airport either for the APC or the PDP.

    Both sides sang anti-Buhari and anti-PDP songs.

    The Police Commissioner had to personally stand between the protesters to prevent a free for all.

     

    More details later…

  • Sports reforms to drive job creation, youth development in Edo – Obaseki

    Sports reforms to drive job creation, youth development in Edo – Obaseki

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his administration’s vision to reform sports is aimed at creating jobs and curbing restiveness among youths.

    The governor made the submission during a dinner organised to unveil the new logo, jersey, team bus, technical team as well as manual for the rebranded Bendel Insurance Football Club (FC) in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    Obaseki said, “We have a keen interest to reform the sports sector in the state, and this is aimed at providing solutions to youth restiveness and unemployment. For us, sports have the potential to uplift the lives of our people and offer hope to youths who seek a better country.

    “Edo people are sports-loving. We will leverage this as we continue our reforms and give hope to our teeming youths. The steps made in reforming the Bendel Insurance FC will serve as reference point to drive more reforms in the sector.”

    He added the reforms will focus on grassroots sports development, noting, “Design and contracts for the construction of mini stadium in each local government area across the state have been completed. Local government chairmen will be mandated to ensure that the project is completed to encourage young men and women at the grassroots to tap into sports.”

    Obaseki called on investors in the state to support the present administration’s efforts to restore the state to its pride of place in sports in the country.

    Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, hailed “the achievements of the club, which has a reputation of producing contenders in the national team. These include, Peter Osazee Odemwingie, Austin Eguavoen, amongst others. These great players have represented the state at national and international assignments.”

    Shaibu added, “The decision to rebrand the Bendel Insurance FC’s logo with the image of Queen Idia was to project the club members as warriors, out to win battles. I am optimistic that the rebranded Bendel Insurance FC will emerge as a force to contend with.”

    On his part, President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, commended the state government for its initiatives in repositioning Bendel Insurance FC, and urged “The state government to partner corporate bodies for sponsorship to achieve self-funding and ensure the club is not dependent on government grants.”

    “It is important for football clubs to run independent of government interference to ensure consistency. The club can develop its cards; Silver and Premium cards and VIP stand to serve as means for generating funds,” he added.

    Read Also: Obaseki lauds FG on welfare package for IDPs in Edo

  • Suspected robber mobbed in Kano

    Suspected robber mobbed in Kano

    The Kano state Police Command has said a suspected armed robber, who posed as a staff of Kano Electricity Distribution company (KEDCO), to rob a housewife was Killed by mob.
    The suspect, one Bashir lsah of Benin city, Edo state had conspired with another suspect now at large, went to their victim’s house in the guise demanding for the records of bill payment.
    Isah was said to have rode on a motorbike to the victim’s house at sharada ja’en on arrival, Knocked at the gate, claiming to be officials of KEDCO.
    lmmedately the housewife opened the gate and in the process of trying to check for the bills, they pulled out a locally made pistol and demanded for money.
    The housewife (namewithheld), told the suspects that she had no money, at that requested for bank transfer. 
    On this note, the suspects dispossessed her of loptop, two phones, two computer Disks, and the sum of N8000 cash.
    However, luck ran for the suspects, when their bike failed to start, upon this, she raised the alarm, which attracted the neighbours who rushed and captured them. While the other suspect managed to escape. And lsah was blue and black by the mob.
     spokesman of the Police command, DSP magaji musa majia said the suspect died before police could rescued him and that all the exhibits were recovered from the suspects.
  • Ex-militants warns against removal of Mowarin

    Ex-militants warns against removal of Mowarin

    Ex-militants from Edo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Ondo and Delta states, have kicked against alleged plot by unknown persons to remove Head of Onshore Education Unit, office of the Amnesty Programme, Major Hassan Kesiena Mowarin (rtd).

    The ex-militants said there have been improvement in the scheme since Morawin assumed office and his appointment showed that the ruling party meant well for the people of the Niger Delta region.

    Spokesman for the ex-militants, Mr. Atangbala One, who spoke to newsmen in Benin City said some few individuals want Morawin removed because true beneficiaries of the Amnesty Programme are now selected for the scheme.

    Atangbala alleged that the few cabal in the system placed fake beneficiaries in schools and subsequently force them to remit the sum of N30, 000 to N40,000 monthly to them

    According to him, “Major Mowarin has been fighting feverishly against the commercialization of admission process for amnesty sponsorship which was supposed to be free for the genuine delegates for the program.

    “But a cabal hijacked it and sell the beneficiary codes of the poor children of the Niger Delta to their cronies.

    “The few cabals who do not mean well for the people of the region have gone as far as paying for on-line media, smear publications and also  paying some uninformed persons to stage protest against him all in attempt to remove him and continue with their blood money business.”

  • When climate change comes knocking: The Benin City example

    When climate change comes knocking: The Benin City example

    Since the coming together of countries to chart a path for global climate in 2015, the topic of climate change has gained much relevance and the spotlight in national discussions. Nigeria, who happens to be a signatory to this contract did not pay the due attention to implementing the resolutions met at the conference until climate change came knocking at the borders of the country. The incidents of recurrent flooding, typhoons and evident temperature increase are fast becoming a norm in the country. This has pushed the government and policy makers to pay the necessary attention to climate action in the past months. This saw Nigeria been represented by a train of delegates headed by the Honourable minister of state for the environment , Ibrahim Usman Jibril in COP23 that was held in Bonn, Germany last year November. The president alongside key players in the country politics were also participants in the One planet summit hosted in Paris, France a month after. These activities of the government has put ‘climate stories’ in the league of main stream issues in the country but the implementation of the Paris agreement of 2015 still remains an uncompleted task leaving the citizens at the mercy of climate change.

    A perfect case study of this theme is Benin City. Benin City, the capital of Edo state is an ancient town globally known for its dexterity in bronze casting and home to the most revered royalty in Africa- Oba of Benin. It is the fourth largest city in Nigeria with its population equaling that of Luxembourg, Cape Verde and Seychelles put together. The prevalence of flooding in this elephantine city can be easily attributed to its high greenhouse gas emission and carbon usage.  Benin City plays host to the International center for bronze casting that attracts millions of tourists across the world. This monument unfortunately contributes a large quota to the high carbon emission in the Niger Delta region. Artisans make use of coal at high temperature to mold and cast sculptures. Speaking with Chris, a sculptor in Igun, He clearly spelt out the tedious process involved in bronze sculpturing. He explained that coal is used to generate heat for melting the wax used in carving the bronze to desirable shapes and structures. He even joked that there is no fair person in Igun because the heat generated does a lot of damage to the skin of the artisans. He further stated that the Governor of the state promised to provide ultra-modern facilities that would aid cheap, clean and timely bronze artefact production but they insisted on sticking to the archaic method claiming it was passed to them by their forefathers and must be transmitted to their children without adulteration from the westerners.

    This high level of carbon emission has left Benin City stranded with endless flooding when it rains which has led to an inevitable loss of lives and properties, devastating health effects, traffic congestion, relocation of industries and manpower, cut-off in power supply and a low internally generated revenue (IGR). In recent times, Benin residents have had unforgettable experiences that would not be quick to erase from their memory such as the massive flooding that occurred on Saturday 7th October, 2017, sacking thousands from their homes and causing millions of naira in damages to properties. Amongst the worst affected places was the Edo State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Benin City. A section of the building’s perimeter fencing collapsed after two hours of heavy downpour, pushing in muddy waters inundated vehicles, files, computers and card reading machines. Another incident was when the landlords of Anigboro Street and its environs in Egor Local Government Area of Benin city sent a Save Our Soul (SOS) to the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in August 2017 appealing to him to come to their aid before their houses and property were swept away by flood in the area.

    The residents of Uhunmwode community in Benin City are another set of people with a first-hand experience of climate variability especially with regard to food crop production which is a common sight in the area. Farmers are beginning to notice the impacts of climate variability on their food crop production. They found out that climate variability/change has caused poor crop yields, reduced soil fertility, increased flood, poverty and food shortage. Food crop agriculture in Uhunmwode does not only provide food for the inhabitants of the area, but also for nearby local government areas and cities. However, the recent changes in patterns of climate/weather elements are a huge challenge to food crop production in the area. For the crop farmers in the community, climate has greatly varied over recent years with rainfall decreasing and air temperature increasing. This combination is not in any way healthy for crop production, especially for farmers who are dependent on rain for their farming, as in the Uhunmwode community. Also, onset of rain in the area, according to the farmers has shifted. This also in no small measure will adversely affect food crop production, as adjustment may be difficult, especially where what will happen the next farming season is not known.

    These incidents have seen the birth of organisations that are geared towards sustainable development and climate justice in the mega city. A vivid example is the Borokinni Joshua Initiative, a non-profit that centers on climate action. They flagged a campaign in Benin City tagged #SafeClimate4Africa in collaboration with the Nigeria society of Victoria (NSV). The campaign featured awareness-raising, school tours and round table discussions. The team of five visited Patricia Private School (Ikpoba hill) and Torch Bearers Academy (Ikhueniro), in November 2017 to sensitise and intimate the staffs and students of these institutions on climate change which spread across various topics such as; Carbon pricing, Mitigation and Adaptation of cities, Greenhouse gases, deforestation among others. They aired their views on radio stations and online websites, stressing the role of Benin residents in ensuring a safe climate for all. Their focus lies strongly on improving education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

    • Borokinni, a climate activist and final year student of the University of Benin, writes from Benin City.

     

  • ‘Stop deporting comfortable Nigerians in Libya’

    ‘Stop deporting comfortable Nigerians in Libya’

    Some Nigerians who were recently deported from Libya have urged the federal government to focus on securing the release of Nigerians languishing in various prisons a rather than deporting Nigerians doing well in the country.

    They said it was wrong for Nigerians who owned their houses and doing well  are deported when thousands of Nigerians are in prisons

    Matthew Ereyemwen, who spoke to newsmen in Benin City shortly after he was lodged in a hotel by the state government said it was  better for the government to concentrate on how to evacuate Nigerians who are languishing in various prisons in Libya.

    He noted that the deportation of Nigerians living comfortably in their various houses has ruined the chances of those who are in dire need of coming back to Nigeria.

    According to him “I travelled to Libya and I knew what I passed through there. Our people are still suffering over there.

    “Those people who are living in their living houses  which is their comfortable houses are oppressing us. They are living comfortably in Libya and are not in prisons.

    “Those who are living in their living homes are not part of us. Those people that came back from Libya with luggage. We that came from prisons we do not have luggage but only shirt.

    “This is the way we dress those of us in prisons. So anybody you see like this with unkempt hair are those who have been kept in prisons for a long time.

    ” It was not their intension to keep their hair unkempt but it was because they never had combs to comb their hair.

    “We do not have our bath and we eat once in a day but those who they have brought along with us who are living in their comfortable houses are not like that”

    Another returnee, James Itama appealed to the federal government to concentrate on how to evacuate Nigerians in Libya prisons before concentrating on those living in their comfortable houses in Libya.

    “Our people are suffering in Libya prisons. They are more than 2,000 of them in prisons and they are dying.

    Reacting to the allegation, the South-West Zonal Coordinator of National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA,  Alhaji Suleiman Yakubu, said the federal government is working assiduously round the clock to ensure that all Nigerians living in Libya are brought back to their country whether in prisons or outside the prisons

    Also read:  6,672 Nigerians voluntarily returned from Libya in 12 months

  • Edo Investment Summit: Over 3, 000 companies indicate interests

    Edo Investment Summit: Over 3, 000 companies indicate interests

    With less than three weeks to the commencement of the maiden edition of the high profile Alaghodaro Investment Summit holding in Benin City, the Edo State capital, organisers say online registration began in the early hours of Thursday, for the over 3, 000 participants expected at the event.

    Ayo Binitie, who is a member of the Marketing and Communication team as well as the Programme Research and Documentation team, said traffic on the summit’s Website is impressive as enquiries on the user-friendly website are treated with dispatch.

    “Registration is ongoing, all that is required of participants is a simple e-mail after filling the registration form on the Alaghodaro Investment Summit website. We respond to all enquiries within 24 hours,” Binitie said.

    He explained that the online registration is best for a high-profile summit of this nature as it fast-tracks registration of companies coming from the different parts of the world, irrespective of the different time zones.

    The updated list of participants has  Dr. Ndidi Edozien of Growing Business Foundation; Capt. Hosa Okunbo, Founder, Wells Sam Carlos Farm; Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli MFR, Co-Founder, AACE Foods; Dr. Nteranya Sanginga, Director General  (DG), International Institute of  Tropical Agriculture (IITA); Steve Oronsaye, Former Head of Service of the Federation; Andrew Nevin of  PWC and Jumoke Oduwole of EBES.

    Others are Seun Onigbinde of Budgit; Mr. Tayo Amusan, Chairman, Persianas; Andrew Alli, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC); Wright Dejo, Transport Services Limited; Niyi Oguntoyinbo of Philly and Mools Group, Mr. Lazarus Angbaso, President, General Electric.

    Also attending are Mr. Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.; Yewande Sadiku, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC); Engr. Joseph Makoju, DANGOTE Group; Dr. Cosmas Maduka, President/CEO, Coscharis Group and Dr. Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma of Innoson Motors.

    Dignitaries expected to enrich discussions on security, law and order are Mr. Solomon Arase, Former Inspector General of Police; Justice Esohe Ikponwen, Chief Judge, Edo State; Olasupo Shasore, SAN, Former Attorney General, Lagos State; Dr. Nicholas Okafor, Co-Head, Udo Udoma & Bello-Osagie and Hon. Patrick Ikhariale, Member, National Assembly.

    The sessions on tourism, arts and culture will feature Mr. Folorunsho Folarin-Coker, Director General, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC); Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, Chairman, Silverbird Group

    Bolanle Austen-Peters of Terra Kulture; Victor Ehikhamenor, Artist and Mr. Theo Lawson, Creator, Freedom Park.

    The education and health sectors will have Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, Executive Secreatary of UBEC; Mrs. Magdalene Anene-Maidoh of UNESCO; Adesuwa Ifedi, Director, Policy and Partnership Africa at Bridge International Academies; Mrs. Nike De Souza, MD, PeoplePrime and PeopleTemp Ltd.; Mr. Obinnia Abajue, CEO, Hygea HMO; Dr. Ola Orekunrin, Founder, Flying Doctors Nigeria; Mr. Fisayo Okunsanya, Director, Medical Credit Fund; Dr. Olasimbo Davidson, CEO, Pinewood Medicare and  Mr. Sanjay Advani, CEO, Beta Healthcare

    Speaking after the inauguration of the Local Organising Committee on Wednesday by  Governor  Obaseki,  Professor Julius Ihonvbere, who is the Organising Committee Chairman, said the investment summit is an opportunity to market Edo State on the world stage, considering the profiles of the international companies that have indicated interest in the event.

    He said the sub-committee on Logistics has commenced work to ensure a hitch-free outing come November 10-12.

    On the choice of an investment summit to mark his one year anniversary as governor of the state, Obaseki said the summit would be used to evaluate the efforts his administration has made in governance and articulate aspirations in the various sectors of the state.

    He added that participants would include local and international business leaders, investors seeking new environments where governments are committed to providing incentives for businesses, policy makers, industry experts as well as the academia.

    “We are going to see how the active collaboration between the state and the private sector can produce a win-win-situation for both parties. The essence of our government is to serve as an enabler for businesses to thrive,’’ he said

  • Edo plans Alaghodaro Investment Summit

    Edo plans Alaghodaro Investment Summit

    …Set to boost State’s Economy

     

    In a bid to re-engineer the economy of Edo State towards a better future for its citizens, the Godwin Obaseki-led government is set to host the maiden Edo State Investment Summit with the theme “Envisioning the Future” from November 10 – 12, 2017 at Edo Hotels, Okada Avenue, Benin City.

    Christened ‘Alaghodaro’ meaning ‘progress’, the three-day summit will bring together local and international business leaders and investors, bankers, financiers, industry experts, policymakers, the diplomatic community and the academia to explore Edo’s rich potential across various sectors.

    Speaking on the importance of the summit, Asue Ighodalo, Chairman of Alaghodaro 2017 said: “The world over, governments are looking beyond oil to alternative revenue sources in order to ensure sustainable development, and we must also get creative and take action today for our future and the future of our children.”

    “Alaghodaro is part of the response of the Edo State Government to the imminent threat of an oil-dependent economy. It seeks to explore opportunities for local and foreign direct investment in the state by highlighting the state’s competitive advantage across various sectors.”

    Ighodalo also disclosed that the key areas of focus at the three-day event would include Law and Order, Civil Service Reform, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Transportation, Forest Regeneration and Conservation, Education, Healthcare, Arts, Culture, Tourism and Hospitality.

    The Edo State Investment Summit is in line with the vision of the Obaseki administration to build “a modern and progressive Edo state where every citizen is empowered with opportunity to live life in its fullness.”

    Alaghodaro 2017 is designed to foster knowledge sharing, build relationships, spark innovation and inspire commitment to strategic deployment of capital for greater socio-economic and environmental impact.