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Tag: Edo State government

  • School resumption in Edo Central postponed over abductions

    School resumption in Edo Central postponed over abductions

    The Edo State Government has postponed resumption of all public and private schools in Edo Central Senatorial District for the second term academic session.

    The postponement followed last week’s violent protest in Ekpoma, Esan West local government area, over incessant kidnappings in the locality.

    Several persons were injured in the protest and the Palace of the traditional ruler of Ekpoma vandalised.

    Some shops were looted and commercial activities grounded in Ekpoma.

    A statement by Edo Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, said the school resumption postponement was till further notice.

     Iyamu explained that the postponement was to address some exigencies to improve the welfare of the pupils.

    According to him: “The new date of resumption will be duly communicated to the public in due course.

    “Parents, guardians, and all education stakeholders within Edo Central Senatorial District are kindly requested to take note of this development and comply accordingly.”

  • Edo to begin enforcement of new sanitation law in January

    Edo to begin enforcement of new sanitation law in January

    Edo State Government said it would begin enforcement of the new Edo State Sanitation and Pollution Management Law from January 2026.

    It said the new law was recently signed by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

    Edo Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Nosa Adams, spoke over the weekend in Benin City at an interactive session with journalists.

    Adams solicited media support for a green, clean, and safer environment in the state.

    He said the new Sanitation Law would be implemented to the letter, even as he appealed for media support for advocacy and enlightenment of the general public.

    “There is a new law called the Edo State Sanitation and Pollution Management Law, 2025. The law was signed by His Excellency some weeks ago. We want to embark on a rigorous implementation of the new law. Laws are not meant to be in the archives.

    “The enforcement will start from January 2, 2026, to the extent that everyone will know there is a new law in town.

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    “We are embarking on enlightenment, we are embarking on advocacy, before we proceed to enforcement. Enforcement like never before. But in doing this, we need the press. So, let’s synergize to save our environment from further degradation.”

    “Since I assumed office, I have tried my best to improve the environment in our state.

    “The level of environmental degradation with no remediation and regeneration, if we allow it to continue like this, the current generation will not be able to survive it, let alone the coming generation.

    He continued, “Industries are springing up. They emit flame into the air, and we breathe in the air. This is not safe for us. I am very determined to have a cleaner and greener environment. Our environment must be clean, safe, and habitable. In doing that, we need partners like the media.”

    “We have discovered that the environment is life. If you are a billionaire and you do not live in a good environment, you are not safe. Environment and food are the most important things in man’s existence. Unfortunately or probably ignorantly, people embark on activities that are very detrimental to our environment.”

  • Edo Govt unveils plan to convert waste to power, promote clean rivers

    Edo Govt unveils plan to convert waste to power, promote clean rivers

    The Edo State Government has announced that it has concluded plans for the effective collection and conversion of all waste into useful purposes, including power generation.

    Edo Commissioner for Water and Energy Resources, Washington Osifo, disclosed this in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, during an awareness campaign to mark this year’s World Rivers Day, themed “Clean Rivers, Healthy Communities.”

    Represented by Mr. Emma Ofordu, the Commissioner urged communities to adopt responsible practices in protecting rivers and to avoid indiscriminate waste disposal.

    Managing Director of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), Dr. Olufemi Adekanmbi, also appealed to residents of Ologbo and its environs to collaborate with the authority in preserving water bodies within the catchment areas.

    Adekanmbi stressed the need to stop harmful practices that degrade rivers such as Ossiomo, noting that years of abuse have reduced aquatic resources and water quality.

    He reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to restoring water quality and promoting safe environmental practices, adding that the campaign was aimed at drawing global attention to the importance of rivers in sustaining life.

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    According to him, “Abuses as a result of harmful human activities, such as pollution, over extraction, damming, deforestation, and climate change, threaten their health and sustainability, thus causing great danger to human health and existence.

    “Rivers are the lifeblood of our Planet. They sustain ecosystems, provide water for agricultural and industrial use, support biodiversity, and serve as vital sources of drinking water for billions of people worldwide. They also hold cultural, spiritual, and recreational significance, enriching the lives of communities across the globe”.

    Adekambi later planted some coconuts and palm fruits along the riverbank as a symbolic commitment to preserving water bodies.

  • Blackout: Edo denies having 5% shares in Ossiomo

    Blackout: Edo denies having 5% shares in Ossiomo

    Edo State Government has denied allegations that it has five per cent shares in Ossiomo Power, an indigenous electricity generation and distribution firm.

    It said Ossiomo Power was a private firm and that it was one of its customers.

    Ossiomo Power has been shut down since September 1, due to ownership tussle between Nigerian partners and Jiangsu Communication Clean Energy Technology (CCETC).

    It generates 95MW of electricity, which it supplies to government buildings, Edo Government House, Edo NUJ Secretariat, private organisations, streetlights, among others.

    Already, 115 subscribers of Ossiomo Power have indicated interest to switch back to Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

    Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting with Ossiomo Power subscribers, the Director General of Edo State Electrification Agency, Saturday Egbadon, said available records showed the state had no shares in Ossiomo Power.

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    He said 80 per cent of state government facilities had been migrated to a dedicated line provided by the BEDC.

    He said management of Ossiomo Power was yet to officially inform the state government about troubles in the firm.

    Egbadon insisted that the state government provided the 11kva lines Ossiomo subscribers were connected to.

    According to him, “we cannot keep the state like that. We have to act quickly. Ossiomo did not consult the state government. We did not play any role in their crisis. We are just their customers. We were told the state government has shares in Ossiomo, but records show we are their customers. We don’t have any five per cent shares. They are using our facility. We pay over N200million monthly to vend.

    “Before this crisis, we have given Ossiomo licence to operate in Edo Central. It is between the firm and the Chinese partners.”

    Chief Technical Officer of BEDC, Kingsley Achengbu, said adequate power would be provided for Ossiomo subscribers.

  • Edo govt, PDP disagree on public funds spending

    Edo govt, PDP disagree on public funds spending

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Edo State Government yesterday disagreed on the spending style of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

    Spokesman for Edo PDP, Chris Nehikhare, in a statement had accused Governor Okpebholo of planning to spend N4.2billion to buy official vehicles for commissioners.

    Nehikhare said Governor Okpebholo would have the most bloated Executive Council in the history of the state, following request to the House of Assembly for confirmation of 28 commissioner-nominees.

    He accused the governor and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, of abandoning the state for foreign trips without any direction or handover arrangement.

    Nehikhare said political appointments by Okpebholo drove the cost of governance in Edo to an all-time high in the state’s 34-year history.

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    According to him, “this wasteful spending spree is especially offensive at a time Edo hospitals are collapsing, schools lack teachers, roads have become death traps, and communities are left at the mercy of bandits and kidnappers.

    “Reports abound of delayed payment of workers’ entitlements, abandoned development projects, and worsening insecurity—yet the governor and his deputy prefer endless foreign junkets and reckless extravagance.

    “We urge Governor Okpebholo and his deputy to end their reckless junketing abroad and return home to confront the urgent task of governance—restoring security, fixing schools and hospitals, paying workers, repairing roads and giving Edo people the dignity they deserve.”

    Governor Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said Nehikhare’s statement was a product of mischief and deliberate falsehood.

    He said there was no time the state was left without a leadership.

  • Education remains free in Edo, govt tells parents

    Education remains free in Edo, govt tells parents

    Edo State Government has appealed to residents to take advantage of its free education policy to enrol their children and wards in public schools next week.

    It reiterated its stand on punishment for out of school students and their parents, saying its ‘Back to School Campaign’ was part of efforts to reduce out of school children population.

    Executive Chairman, Edo State Senior Secondary School Education Board (SSEB), Dr. Maureen Ekhorangbon, who spoke at a road show sensitisation exercise in Benin City, reminded residents that education remained free in the state.

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    She urged residents to take advantage of the free education offered by the state government to ensure their children and wards were properly educated.

    Ekhorangbon said the road show was to sensitise parents and students on the need for adequate preparation ahead of school resumption slated for Monday.

    The SSEB boss said many parents had expressed their willingness to withdraw their children from private schools and enrol them in public schools.

    She said: “Early resumption in a new academic session gives room for improved grades, development of strong work ethic, and set goals for learning and achievements in specific subjects.

    “Teachers are ready to engage students in activities that will foster positive school environment and grant access to quality education, thereby strengthening education system.

  • Edo Govt, S/Africa explore strengthened bilateral ties

    Edo Govt, S/Africa explore strengthened bilateral ties

    The Edo State government and the South African government are exploring ways to revitalize and strengthen their bilateral relations. Representatives from both governments met in Benin City today to discuss potential collaborations across various sectors.

    Professor Bobby J. Moroe, South Africa’s Ambassador to Nigeria, and his team met with Mr. Amen Odigie, Managing Director of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO) and Ease of Doing Business Secretariat, and his team at ESIPO on Monday February 10, 2025.

    According to a statement by Abdul-Kadir Abdullah, representative of Edo State Investment Promotion office, (ESIPO) in Benin was quoted to have stated that during the meeting, Ambassador Moroe emphasized the importance of rekindling the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and South Africa.

    He noted ESIPO’s role in facilitating communication between the government and private sector, suggesting a more coordinated approach to leveraging opportunities between the two sub-nationals.

    According to him, “We are focusing on key areas such as technology, agro-processing, tourism, and hospitality. We want to explore how we can capitalize on the opportunities within these sectors.”

    He also extended an invitation for Edo State to participate in the upcoming South Africa Week in Lagos in April, 2025, suggesting a cultural performance by an Edo cultural group and opportunities to connect with South African businesses operating in Nigeria.

    The Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Mr. Amen Odigie responded enthusiastically, highlighting the numerous possibilities for collaboration, especially given Nigeria’s position as the largest economy in Africa.

    He said, “As a state, we are interested in collaboration within the aforementioned sectors. Mining is another sector we believe we have to offer because, Edo state has a lot of untapped solid minerals. We have Gold, Lithium, Bitumen, Granite, Limestone, Dolomite and so many other mineral resources. So, we really want to tap into these opportunities.

    “We have been given the mandate to bring investors into this space to develop the state. And for us, in this administration, along with agriculture and other sectors, mining sector is also key and I know South Africa is big on mining”.

    He emphasized the Edo State government’s focus on technology transfer, entrepreneurship training for the state’s large youth population (approximately 68%).

    “As a state, we are interested in human capital development. We want to be able to create opportunities for our youths, developing training pogrammes in collaboration with South African institutions to build capacity in numerous sectors, technology inclusive, thereby taking the youths out of unemployment. ESIPO and the Edo State government assure you of our full collaboration. Edo State is rich in opportunities and we are open for business.” Mr.Odigie noted.

    Following the meeting with ESIPO, Ambassador Moroe and his team also engaged with the Benin Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BEMCCIMA) and heads of other government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). He expressed his commitment to working with Edo State on a clearly defined action plan with specific timelines.

  • Roads: Edo backs federal government on concrete technology 

    Roads: Edo backs federal government on concrete technology 

    The Edo State government has backed the Federal Government’s commitment to adopting Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology in road construction, emphasizing its durability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term benefits.  

    During a visit to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Abuja on Monday, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, expressed strong support for the Federal government’s efforts in deploying CRCP for road infrastructure projects across the country.  

    Commending the Minister for the ongoing construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, and emergency repairs of Federal roads in Edo State, the governor highlighted CRCP as a transformative solution to Nigeria’s road durability challenges.  

    “We’ve come to thank the Minister for the excellent work he’s doing in the state. Concrete technology is benefiting us and the country at large. We appreciate his efforts and that of the Federal Ministry of Works,” Okpebholo said.  

    According to a statement by Mohammed Ahmed, Director of Press and Public Relations, the Governor acknowledged that CRCP has significantly improved the quality and performance of federal roads. 

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    With its continuous steel reinforcement, CRCP extends road lifespan and reduces maintenance costs, making it particularly suitable for high-traffic corridors and regions with challenging environmental conditions, he noted.  

    This innovation, according to the Governor is crucial for rapidly growing and urbanizing states like Edo, where road infrastructure plays a critical role in economic development. 

    The technology is especially beneficial in areas with high water table levels and heavy vehicular movement, ensuring longevity and improved safety for road users, he stressed.  

    In response, Umahi appreciated Governor Okpebholo’s visit and recognition of the ministry’s work while also congratulating the Governor on his recent electoral victory, wishing him success in his administration.  

    Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure, Umahi emphasized that CRCP aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes modern, durable, and economically viable road networks to drive national development.  

    “The Federal Government remains committed to strengthening Edo State’s infrastructure through innovative technologies like CRCP. This commitment is integral to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes sustainable development for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Umahi said.  

    He noted that with the increasing adoption of concrete road technology, the Federal Ministry of Works aims to enhance road quality, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and ensure safer, more durable highways across Nigeria.

  • Edo govt declares over 200 vehicles missing, recovers three from past officials

    Edo govt declares over 200 vehicles missing, recovers three from past officials

    •As Okpebholo suspends recruitment into state’s civil service

    The Chairman of the committee set up to recover vehicles belonging to Edo State Government, Kelly Okungbowa, has declared that over 200 vehicles are currently missing, while disclosing that within 24 hours of the committee’s existence, it has recovered three vehicles in a private residence.

    He revealed yesterday in Benin that the three vehicles included one Hilux van and two Toyota Hiace buses, while disclosing that in one of the Toyota Hiace buses, the committee recovered some palliatives (bags of garri and rice of 10kg and 25kg), which were meant to have been shared to Edo residents.

    Okungbowa pleaded for more information from members of the public, and revealed that it was the information earlier obtained that led to the recovery of the three vehicles, while assuring whistleblowers of handsome rewards.

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    The committee’s chairman urged former Edo government officials and other persons still holding the state government’s vehicles to return them within 48 hours.

    Meanwhile, Edo Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, yesterday approved the suspension of recruitment into the state’s civil service, until further notice.

    Okpebholo also ordered a comprehensive review of all recruitment exercises carried out by the Godwin Obaseki-led administration, between May and November, 2024.

    Edo governor accused heads of the state’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of carrying out clandestine recruitment exercises into Edo civil service.

  • US backs Edo State’s anti-human trafficking model

    The United States Government has praised the Edo State Government’s anti-human trafficking model.

    U.S.  Chargé d’ affairs David Young pledged the U.S. Mission’s commitment to expanding the scope of its collaboration with states such as Edo, which serve as a source or transit point for human trafficking.

    Young spoke Tuesday during a visit to the state, with a view to understanding the socio-economic factors that perpetuate trafficking in persons in the state and efforts towards eradicating it.

    At a courtesy call on Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shuaibu at the Government House in Benin City, the envoy said: “We are pleased with the important progress that has been made to combat trafficking in persons in Edo State, through the Three Ps: Prevention, Protection and Prosecution of those individuals involved in human trafficking.

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    “This is one of the issues the U.S. government is focused on, as it is a horrific crime and we recognize its long-term effects on people who are trafficked to other countries.”

    He also visited the palace of the Oba of Benin, where he had an audience with Oba Ewuare II.

    Chargé Young emphasised the pivotal role of traditional institutions in eliminating the scourge of human smuggling.

    “We note that the Benin monarchy has taken the lead in statewide efforts to prevent young people from being trafficked.

    “Survivors with whom we have interacted confirm that the King’s nullification last year of all oaths sworn by trafficking victims had a remarkable impact, by neutralizing the psychological hold of the trafficking syndicates and encouraging survivors to return home.

    “This, in addition to the laudable efforts of the Oba Ewuare II Foundation, continues to bring freedom to many,” the envoy noted.

    Chargé d’ affaires Young also met trafficking survivors at Idia Renaissance Center, a non-government organization focused on ending human trafficking in Edo State.

    He also participated in a round-table discussion on trafficking and illegal migration with representatives of the Edo State Task Force Against Human Trafficking.