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  • Three years after Boyega, Edebiri gets Golden Globes award

    Three years after Boyega, Edebiri gets Golden Globes award

    Nigerian-American, Ayo Edebiri, 28, has won her first Golden Globe award.

        The event held last Sunday.

    This is coming three years after a Nigerian-British actor and producer, John Boyega, won the Golden Globe award at 29 years.

    Boyega won his first-ever globe award for the ‘Best Supporting Actor’ in a TV series at the 78th Golden Globe awards.

    Edebiri, whose father, Dele Edebiri, hails from Benin City, the Edo State capital, won the award for her role as Sydney Adamu in the series, ‘The Bear.’

    The comic actress defeated Selena Gomez, Rachel Brosnahan, Natasha Lyonne, Quinta Brunson, and Elle Fanning to win the Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series.

    Read Also: Buhari hails Chief Edebiri at 90

    Unknown to many, Edebiri replaced Judith Hoag as the voice of April O’Neil character in the 2023 CGI film ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.’

    “I have many boy cousins, so I spent a lot of time watching the animated shows, the movies, my first skateboard deck was mickey deck, I have spent a lot of time, so I was very excited to get to be a part of the franchise,” she said on getting the role to voice April O’Neil in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

    Edebiri also spoke about her feelings when she got the nod to take part in the globally accepted film.

    “I mean, it was so insane, I feel like I’m me, so whenever something insane happens to me, I’m just like okay, I guess, if that’s true, and I go on a very long walk and I listen to history podcasts. But I was very excited and I think, I just now I’m processing how big this movie is,” he said.

    Edebiri has also featured in other titles that include Bottoms, Abbott Elementary, Thunderbolts, The Sweet East, Big Mouth,  Ayo and Rachel are single, Theatre Camp, and We lost our Human.

  • Ize-Iyamu, Iduoriyekemwen, Edebiri battle for PDP ticket

    Ize-Iyamu, Iduoriyekemwen, Edebiri battle for PDP ticket

    Compared to weekend’s governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), today’s contest among the three aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is believed to have been decided even before delegates formally cast their votes to produce a winner. OSAGIE OTABOR looks at the chances of the aspirants.

    Three aspirants are contesting for the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State in today’s governorship primary for the September 10 election. This is the first time the PDP will be going into an election in Edo State as an opposition party, both at the state and the federal level.

    The aspirants are a former Secretary to the Edo State Government, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Chief Solomon Edebiri and Matthew Iduoriyekemwen. The 576 delegates that would decide the fate of the aspirants were elected from the 192 wards across the state. They are to be joined by other statutory delegates whose figures are yet to be disclosed.

    All the aspirants are from the Edo South senatorial district, the zone where the governorship seat was zoned to in the PDP. Unlike the APC, the build up to the Edo PDP primary appeared rancour-free, with low apprehension: a situation which made many to believe the party delegates already know where the pendulum would swing.

    At different fora organised by a PDP group, the Unity League, the aspirants pledged to work together after the primary. At a seminar held last weekend in Benin City, the Edo State capital, a former Minister of National Planning, Prof Sulaiman Abubakar, said the survival of the PDP as a party depends on winning the Edo governorship election in September.

    Abubakar noted that putting Edo under the PDP family would open the path to true federalism in the Southsouth region, provide a platform to reclaim power in 2019, if the aspirants and supporters accept the outcome of today’s primary election and not cause disaffection in the party.

    In his address entitled, “Edo State Election: The last Hope of the deprived”, Abubakar said: “The Southsouth must as a matter of strategy be under the same political platform. This will be a challenge to the hegemony in the Northwest. We should not forget that you have been described as people who provided just five per cent of the presidential vote. So, as long as the APC remains in power, you should not expect anything significant.

    “The surest way to negotiate, bargain and diplomatically make a point is to be united, integrate and form a formidable front under the PDP. Such political formation is sharper, result-oriented and more consequential than a thousand avengers.”

    One notable personality that has been silent since the race to September 10 began is Chief Tony Anenih, a former Minister of Works and Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT). On a good day, a snap from him is capable of deciding who gets the PDP nomination. But, the story is different today. Though Anenih is yet to announce his retirement from partisan politics, he has been taking a back seat since the former ruling party was defeated in the last general elections.

    The aspirants are in for a stiff contest.

     

    Ize-Iyamu

    He has a bright chance of emerging victorious in today’s primary, because he has effectively taken control of the PDP at the grassroots. Top PDP chieftains across the state are in support of his candidacy. They believe Pastor Ize-Iyamu is the only person that has the political clout to lead a successful campaign against Governor Adams Oshiomhole. He was a founding member of the PDP and strongly opposed to the over-bearing influence of Chief Anenih on the administration of Chief Lucky Igbinedion. This made him to propagate the slogan: “No man is God.” He joined others to fight Anenih by forming the Grace Group. Ize-Iyamu returned to the PDP in 2014 with his supporters after he sensed that his ambition to succeed Oshiomhole under the APC would not succeed. He has however told critics that he should not be blamed for the failure of the Igbinedion administration, because, according to him, he was not in charge of contracts award and the final decision rests with the executive governor.

    He had said: “You will be surprised the way the ordinary man understands the matter. For them, Ize-Iyamu is a good man. He has not been a governor, let us give him a chance and know if he will do well.

    “If you sample opinion round the state, you will find out that form of attack will not work at all. People are very enlightened. They see me as somebody who is very experienced and courageous enough to bring the kind of changes they want in the state.”

     

    Edebiri

    This is the first time Edebiri would be contesting a party primary since he has been contesting for the governorship since 2007. He was the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP) governorship candidate in 2007. In 2012, he endeared himself to the people at a political debate when he contested under the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). After the merger that led to the formation of the APC, Edebiri joined the APC where he stayed briefly before he moved to the PDP in 2014, after the party’s congresses. Many said he is seen as an outsider in the PDP and that party leaders would not be able to control him. He might spring surprises if the thinking of his supporters that some leaders were in secret pact with him is anything to go by.

    Edebiri has promised to develop the agricultural potentials of the state to boost internally generated revenue (IGR) without over taxing the people. He has also promised to generate N12 billion annually from rice production.

    His words: “What is uppermost in my mind is that we must develop our agro potentials to tackle poverty and boost the economy in the face of the dwindling oil price. If we produce rice in this state and tax N1000 per bag, we will generate N12 billion in a year from rice production. This state will become a centre for food production. We will negotiate and get crude oil from the Federal Government. We will build modular refinery and produce petrol at N45 per litre. Enough is enough of electing people who get into office and treat people like slaves.

    “If you make an error of not electing a labour-conscious candidate, we are in for a mess. There will no welfare and there will be low-staff morale.  For workers not to be corrupt, we must look at all the issues.

    “The only way to create jobs is to set up industries. How many workers can say they have gone for a capacity-training programme? It is pathetic. I know we will manage a state where workers will be happy and the people will be happy.”

     

    Iduoriyekemwen

    He was the former Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly and a Commissioner in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Matthew lost the PDP primary in 2012 to Charles Airhiavbere. He is tagged as Mr. No stain and said his performances as NDDC commissioner would secure votes for him. Matthew said he should be rewarded for being a loyal party man and not those that moved from one party to another.

    All the aspirants have pledged to work for whoever emerges in today’s primary and the delegates are poised to vote according to the dictates of party chieftains. There is however a snag in the contest over the pending court ruling on who is the authentic National Chairman of the party. It was the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led leadership that screened the three aspirants.

  • Makarfi’s committee clears Ize-Iyamu, Edebiri and Iduoriyekemwen

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has screened and cleared three aspirants who bought its nomination and expression of interest form for the primary scheduled for September 20.

    Those cleared are Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Chief Solomon Edebiri and Matthew Iduoriyekemwen.

    They were screened by a committee sent to the state by the national headquarters, led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi.

    Senator Ali Modu Sheriff on Monday set up a screening committee on the Edo election and named Senator Hope Uzodimma as Chairman. But, it was ignored.

    Certificates of clearance are issued to the three aspirants after the screening.

    Members of the committee were a former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran (Chairman), Senator Joshua Lidanin (Secretary), Chief Abiye Sekibo, Ndubuisi Nwigwe and Hon Farouk Yahaya.

    Adeniran said the party would not be distracted by the action of those he said were sponsored to cause disaffection in the PDP.

    Adeniran said the screening was to enable the party elect a candidate that has unblemished records.

    He said that the three aspirants wee found worthy and met the stipulated conditions of the party to contest the primaries.

    The former Education Minister assured the aspirants of a level playing field since he party has learnt its lessons.

    He said: “The era of imposition is over. The era of impunity is over. We are entrenching internal democracy. We are determined to get back on track.”

    “We are not deterred. The members of the PDP know what is happening. Imposition cannot work. Self proclaim leaders have no place in the PDP. We want a candidate that can win election and is accepted by the people”.

    Edebiri said the screening was transparent adding that he would now go ahead to solicit votes from delegates for the primary scheduled for Monday.

  • How I will boost Edo economy, by Edebiri

    How I will boost Edo economy, by Edebiri

    A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Edo State Chief Solomon Edebiri has promised to develop the agricultural potentials of the state to boost its internally generated revenue without over-taxing the people.

    Edebiri said he would make Edo the food basket of Nigeria, if elected as governor on September 10.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Benin City, the state capital, he noted that Edo could generate N12 billion annually from rice production.

    Edebiri, however, said that building a viable economy would require a workforce that is well motivated.

    He warned of dire consequences of not voting for a labour-conscious governor.

    Edebiri said: “What is uppermost in my mind is that we must develop our agro potentials to tackle poverty and boost the economy in the face of the dwindling oil price.

    “If we produce rice in this state and tax N1000 per bag, we will generate N12 billion in a year from rice production. This state will become a centre for food production. We will negotiate and get crude oil from the Federal Government. We will build modular refinery and produce petrol at N45 per litre.”

    The aspirant noted said the sufferings of workers would be prolonged, if a labour-conscious aspirant does not emerge.

    His words: “Enough is enough of electing people who get into office and treat people like slaves. If you make an error of not electing a labour-conscious candidate, we are in for a mess. There will no welfare and there will be low staff morale.  For workers not to be corrupt, we must look at all the issues.

    “The only way to create jobs is to set up industries. How many workers can say they have gone for capacity training? It is pathetic. I know we will manage a state where workers will be happy and the people will be happy.”

  • My plan for Edo, by Edebiri

    My plan for Edo, by Edebiri

    Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant Chief Solomon Edebiri  has promised to transform the state through industrialisation.

    He said Edo will be transformed from a tax-reliant state to an economic hub, if elected as governor.

    Edebiri, who met indigenes of the state in London, attributed poverty, unemployment and under-development to over-reliance on tax and federal allocation.

    The aspirant said the key to industrialisation is the establishment of an export base in the Southsouth state..

    Edebiri said: “I have perfected my strategy of a one- local- government, one- crop -programme. This will serve as a base for the much desired industrialisation and commercialisation bid.

    “ I have also perfected plans to ensure that there is a constant electricity power supply in the state just as we intend to stimulate independent investors and industrialists by putting in place government owned cottage factories to serve basic purposes”

    He added:”Our state is quite endowed with various natural and a vibrant human resources. All the government needs to do is to have the right will and intent to ensure theexecution of policies that will translate these to progress.

    “My government will focus on reducing unemployment as a way of reducing crime and violence and make the state one of the most developed and  peaceful states in the country.”

  • How PDP can win Edo, by Edebiri

    How PDP can win Edo, by Edebiri

    What is Solomom Edebiri, the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant, up to? The technocrat, businessman and Benin chief is on the popularity weighing scale as he warms up for the primary election. Many observers believe that he has a big hurdle before him. But, at the weekend, the aspirant reiterated his resolve to succeed Governor Adams Oshiomhole. “I have goodwill among the people of Edo and this gives me confidence,” he told reporters in Lagos.

    “We need to have a government that will cater for the future. How can the state grow without a solid foundation? I am on a rescue mission. That is the motivation for entering the race,” he added.

    However, it is a moment of storm and stress for his party. Not only has the party lost power at the federal level, it is also grasping for breath in Edo. Greed, disunity and godfatherism are the bane of the Edo chapter. Yet, Edebiri is of the view that the party has prospect, if it can put its house in order. Noting that the governorship poll offers an opportunity for the chapter to bounce back, he , however warned that the chance can be bungled, if a wrong candidate is picked. “If a wrong candidate is picked, the exodus from the party will be worse,” he stressed.

    Edebiri believes that the PDP needs a new name to sell it to the people of Edo. This corresponds to a call for a clean break from the past. Flaunting his credentials, he said his competence, clear understanding of Edo, liberal disposition and cognate experience as an operator in the oil industry for 26 years have marked him out. He urged delegates to swing the pendulum of victory towards his direction during the shadow poll.

    Unfolding his vision, he said:”My vision for Edo State as a governor is to build s state on strong foundation that future leaders can build upon, a state where human capacity development , technology transfer and industrial development will be top on the agenda, where the state can become an export hub rather than an import based economy to guarantee self-satisfaction, confidence in the future within a healthy environment and sound educational base.”

    The aspirant also said that he has a mission to employ the services of the natural and human resources in the state to actualise his vision without ignoring the experience of more advanced and developed nations. “When Edebiri is mentioned, it is about credibility, integrity, accountability, transparency and push for industrialisation, human capacity development and a new order to create a new society,” he added.

    Edebiri may not be an aspirant on the fringe. He described himself as a highly educated and well connected person. But, he could be described a politician who is ready to embrace reality. Not only does he knows his onions, he also understands his limitations. The aspirant has set up a campaign structure, the Ise Initiative, to actualise his dream. He knows that he has other formidable aspirants to contend with at the primary. He also understands that politics is a slippery field. Party insiders agree that the shadow poll will not be a walk over for him and indeed, other aspirants. Edebiri, also said the exercise is not a do or die affair.

    The first critical step to the electioneering is fortifying the party. Edo PDP, in the aspirant’s opinion, needs to present itself as a better alternative. “We must move away from the greed and disunity of the past and ensure cohesion,” he said. To forge unity and harmony in the party, he promised to use his liberal disposition to bring stakeholders together and chart a new course. Edebiri said the party must know that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not sleeping on guard. He said a wrong flag bearer will boost the chance of the ruling party at the poll. “APC is interested in the PDP primary. We can’t afford to get it wrong,” he stressed.

    If elected as governor, Edebiri said he will restore the lost glory of Edo. “In the past, we had bendel Insurance Company, Edo Line, Bendel Breweries. All these industries have been castrated. There is job loss, no money for trade and nowhere to work. We need to revive the dead industries and create job opportunities for youths,” he said. If these are done, the aspirant said crime, corruption, armed robbery, kidnapping and insecurity will end.

    Edebiri acknowledged that Oshiomhole has done well in certain areas. He applauded him for constructing roads. But, he alleged that the governor has ignored other areas, including transportation, industrialisation, healthcare and human capacity development. The PDP chieftain also chided the administration for what he described as the tax burden. He said: “If the intent of the leader is at variance with the intent of the people, things will not work.”

    The aspirant promised to harness the resources of the state to fuel its development. Noting that Edo is endowed with a lot of mineral resources, he said these can be converted into financial resources, instead of leaning on the now elusive federal allocation. He said the state will survive if it creates wealth, instead of the penchant for sharing wealth.

    Edebiri also said that Edo should embrace agriculture as a viable alternative for revenue generation. “I will initiate one local government, one commercial crop syndrome. We have studied the local governments. Some can engage in rice planting. Others can go for cassava. We have local governments that can go for pineapples,” he added.