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Tag: Edo State

  • Edo diaspora group to rebuild community hospital

    Edo diaspora group to rebuild community hospital

    The Ora-Ekpen Association, a socio-cultural organisation of Owan indigenes in the diaspora, is set to renovate the General Hospital in Sabongida-Ora, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, neglected over the years.

    The association has announced an initial N10 million donation on the rehabilitation of the hospital, which has remained non-functional, forcing residents to seek medical care in distant towns.

    In a statement, its National President, Desmond Alufohai, and National Secretary, Evelyn Aremu, said the cash would address infrastructural and service gaps at the facility.

    The funds would be used to procure solar power panels, high-powered fans for patient wards, television sets for each ward, furnishings for doctors’ and nurses’ quarters, washing machines, and essential medical supplies, the two officials added.

    The association lamented the state of the hospital, saying it mirrored prolonged neglect, citing dilapidated buildings, obsolete and inadequate equipment, unstable electricity and water supply, poor sanitation, and severe shortages of medicines and diagnostic tools.

    “These conditions have severely limited the hospital’s ability to deliver safe, effective and dignified healthcare,” the statement said.

    “They compromise patient safety, weaken public confidence and place enormous physical and emotional strain on healthcare workers,” the officials said.

    It described the situation as a public health and social equity concern, stressing the need for comprehensive rehabilitation and sustained investment to restore the hospital to acceptable standards.

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    “It is in this context that the Ora-Ekpen Association has resolved to contribute meaningfully to the restoration of the General Hospital in Sabongida-Ora, with the goal of improving access to quality healthcare and rebuilding community trust in the facility,” the group said.

    The association commended the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, for donating a 30KVA generator to the hospital, noting that the support would enhance service delivery.

    It called on governments, community leaders, public officials and well-meaning individuals—particularly sons and daughters of Ora—to support the revival effort, emphasising that safeguarding public health requires collective responsibility.

    “Only through sustained commitment and shared action can the General Hospital in Sabongida-Ora once again serve as a centre for healing, prevention and community well-being,” the statement said.

    The hospital was shut after the Adams Oshiomhole administration failed to complete its rehabilitation, leaving residents of Ora and neighbouring communities to travel to Auchi and Irrua for medical attention.

    The Ora-Ekpen Association USA, Inc. is a non-profit, non-political and non-religious organisation made up of descendants of Ora people living in the United States and Canada, committed to philanthropic initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of the Ora community.

  • Six suspected kidnappers nabbed in Edo forest

    Six suspected kidnappers nabbed in Edo forest

    Six suspected kidnappers have been arrested inside Agbede forest in Estako West local government area as part of a forest clearance operation to take the fight to the kidnappers’ den.

    The six suspects were arrested after a two-hour trek into the forest.

    Spokesman for the Edo Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, said the operation was launched after an intel was provided by a kidnapped victim who was able to identify the forest camp where he had been held captive.

    Ikoedem said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, acted on the lead and formed the joint team comprising the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), and local hunters into the heart of the forest under the cover of darkness.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Four suspected kidnappers arrested in Edo forest

    She said the joint team drove for three hours until the end of the last accessible motorable road and advanced on foot, navigating the dense forest paths for another two hours.

    “Upon arrival at the location at about 3:45 a.m., the area was swiftly cordoned off in a well-coordinated encirclement, effectively cutting off all escape routes.

    “A thorough sweep of the camp resulted in the arrest of six suspects identified as Mikel Gendaga, aged 41, Yusuf Abubakar, aged 34, Isyaka Abraham, aged 30, Isyaka Abubakar, aged 37, Mohammed Sumo, aged 20, and Mohammed Abubakar, aged 25.

    “The suspects are currently being profiled and subjected to intensive investigation by officers of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Benin City, for diligent prosecution.”

  • Edo APC, Oyegun trade words over N150m indebtedness

    Edo APC, Oyegun trade words over N150m indebtedness

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has advised a former national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, to pay the outstanding debt owed to the party.

    It said the debts arose from alleged loans and accumulated membership dues spanning several years when Oyegun was National Chairman of the party.

    This was contained in a statement signed by the Edo APC Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe.

    In the statement, the Edo APC chairman said Chief Oyegun failed to respond to several official demands for repayment, with the total liability of over ₦150m.

    According to the statement, “The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State wishes to inform the general public that, as a law-abiding, people-centred political organisation, we have formally demanded the settlement of debts owed by the National Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

    “The debts include loans allegedly advanced to Oyegun during his tenure as National Chairman of the APC, as well as accumulated membership dues which he allegedly failed to remit throughout his period of membership.

    “Our records also reveal accumulated membership dues which the ADC National Leader refused to pay into the party’s coffers all through the period of his membership of the APC.

    “This open demand has become necessary due to the refusal by Chief Oyegun to settle his commitments to the APC, the party that gave him the platform to tower politically.”

    Read Also: Edo APC kicks off e-registration of members

    Oyegun, who is National Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said the claims were baseless, and a sign of panic within the ruling APC.

    He said the allegations were driven by growing unease within the APC following the emergence of the ADC as a strong political force.

    “People will have a good laugh at that. All I can say is that, negative as what they are doing, it finally shows that they now know they have problems with the advent of the ADC.

    “They now know they are in trouble. We are ready for them. Whatever they do, we are ready. They are finally acknowledging that there is a threat to them in Nigeria.

    “They have dragged Edo State down into the mud. The only thing they can do is violence and unnecessary attacks. Instead of thinking, planning, and strategising, they resort to violence and abusive, stupid statements.

    “We are on the ground, and whatever way they want to choose, we are waiting for them,” he added.

  • Seven jailed for drug trafficking in Edo

    Seven jailed for drug trafficking in Edo

    Seven persons have been jailed by a Federal High Court sitting in Benin City for drug trafficking.

    The seven persons were jailed in the month of January while 105 cases are are still pending before the Federal High Court in Benin City. 

    Edo State Commander of NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, who disclosed this in a press statement, said 46 suspected traffickers were arrested across the state in possession of 6,439kg of narcotic drugs 

    Ofoyeju said one Shaibu Yusuf was arrested in connection with 792kg bags of cannabis along the Auchi-Abuja expressway while attempting to convey the drugs to the northern part of the country.  

    He said Commander of the Nigerian Army 4 Brigade Benin City, Brigadier General A. O. Balogun, transferred two drug suspects, Chief James Abamu aged 48 and Aboy Egah aged 31, arrested with a total of 862kg of cannabis seeds to the NDLEA.

    The Edo NDLEA Commander said the command would remained resolute in its mission to combat drug-related crime and ensure a healthier, drug-free environment for the citizens of Edo State.

    Read Also: FG’s free metres yet to arrive Edo, says Commissioner

    Accordind to him, “The NDLEA seized a staggering total of 6,439.4 kilogrammes of various drugs. This haul predominantly consisted of 6,438.31 kilogrammes of cannabis. The cannabis includes 4,063.87 kilogrammes, which were destroyed in a cannabis farm, while 2,374.46 kg were seized during raid operations. Other seizures are 0.7957 kg of psychotropic substance, 0.0264 kg of methamphetamine, 0.011kg of cocaine, 0.013kg of heroin and 3.5 litres of codeine-based syrup.

    “The eradication of cannabis cultivation also featured prominently in the month’s activities, with the destruction of a cannabis farm spanning 1.625547 hectares in Ebora Camp, Ilushi Forest. This farm was estimated to yield approximately 4,063.87 kg of cannabis, representing a significant blow to local cannabis cultivation cartels.

    “Determined to address the underlying issues of drug abuse, the command provided counselling services to sixteen clients, comprised predominantly of males, while an additional seven clients are undergoing rehabilitation at the State Command headquarters. Anti-drug abuse outreach efforts also continued, with four sensitisation programmes conducted during the month.”

  • FG’s free metres yet to arrive Edo, says Commissioner

    FG’s free metres yet to arrive Edo, says Commissioner

    Edo State Commissioner for Power, Paul Usenbor, has said that the meters released by the Federal Government for free distribution to electricity consumers have yet to reach Edo State.

    Usenbor said the state government would not allow any irregularities in the distribution of the metres.

    Speaking in a telephone chat, Usenbor said investors who have shown interest in investing in the power sector appeared not to be serious-minded.

    He said some of the investors were hawking for letters from the state government with which they would seek loans from the bank.

    The Edo Commissioner for Power said Governor Monday Okpebholo tasked his Ministry to follow due standard and technicality to ensure those who have the requisite capacity got the license to generate and distribute power in the state.

    Usenbor noted that the electricity business was no joking matter.

    He said an investor who showed interest in hydro power was currently at the Ojirami dam to do a feasibility study on how to generate power from the dam due to an industrial cluster within that region.

    Usenbor said some investors have shown interest in generating power from gas.

    We enacted the Electricity law in February 2025, and I have taken deliberate steps to develop an Edo State Power market.

    A lot of investors have approached the state, but they are not very serious-minded. Power business is not a joking matter. It is very expensive. Some of them are hawking for letters from the Edo State government to go and use to solicit funds. We want those who have the capacity after we have done due diligence, before we can engage them.”

    Usenbor dismissed allegations that power investors were scared of coming to Edo State due to the current challenges being faced by Ossiomo Power.

    He said challenges at Ossiom Power were an internal tussle within the structure of their business.

    “We are not chasing investors away. Okpebholo did not stop anybody from doing business in the power sector. Ossiomo had issues with their technical partners, the Chinese, and these issues are tied to finances. Okpebholo has mandated that we dive into these issues and give them the needed support to ensure the problem is resolved amicably.”

    Speaking on the free metering policy of the federal government, Usenbor said the free metres were yet to arrive in Edo State.

    “As we speak, the free metres have not arrived, Edo. We will not accept irregularities in the distribution of free metres.”

  • Edo records huge wins at teachers summit

    Edo records huge wins at teachers summit

    Edo State yesterday won big at the 2026 National Teachers Summit at the State House Banquet Hall in Aso Villa, Abuja.

    At the event, where some teachers were rewarded for their outstanding performances, Edo State won big in the Southsouth  Zone, with Mr Okhide Eugene, a physics teacher at Imaguero College, Benin City, going home with N25 million.

    Outstanding teachers were given N25 million each and the overall best teacher went home with N50 million.

    Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, thanked  President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa and  Governor  Monday Okpebholo for continually providing the enabling environment for teachers to thrive.

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     Iyamu reiterated that the Nigerian education system is experiencing a wave of positive change in Edo under the education-loving Okpebholo, and at the national level under minister of Education, who has continually raised the bar of excellence under the visionary leadership of the President.

    “The honour today is a testament to what we can achieve if we are really committed to a cause just like my governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is committed to taking education to higher heights in Edo State. I am grateful to the governor for the opportunity to serve and the support he gives to us as a team in the ministry.

    “Today’s award is also coming on the heels of the recognitions and awards the state has won in the education sector since the administration came into office a little over a year ago. Mr Governor is not relenting in his effort at repositioning the sector and making it better than we met it and we are getting results.

    “We are not focusing only on the provision of modern facilities in our schools, we are also making life better for the teachers as their welfare is also a top priority and we expect more of our teachers to excel not only at national stage but even at global level,” he said.

  • Fuel price hits N900 per litre in Edo

    Fuel price hits N900 per litre in Edo

    Fuel marketers in Edo State have increased pump price of fuel to N900 per litre.

    This is coming few hours after 

    Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals announced an increase in the ex gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N699 per litre to N799 per litre. 

    Read Also: Fuel price drops to N800 per litre in Edo

    Before the increment, fuel stations in Edo sold fuel at between N739 per litre to N795 per litre.

    A visit at some fuel stations in Benin City and environs showed price adjustment to between N850 per litre to N900 per litre.

  • JUST IN: Four suspected kidnappers arrested in Edo forest

    JUST IN: Four suspected kidnappers arrested in Edo forest

    Combined security operatives have arrested four suspected kidnappers in the forest in Ewu, Esan Central local government area.

    They were reportedly arrested after a shoot-out with security operatives.

    Edo Police spokesman, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the arrest and said the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department.

    Read Also: NDLEA arrests 67-year-old, destroys over 11 tonnes of cannabis in Ogun, Edo forests

    She said a detailed statement would soon be issued.

    Details shortly…

  • FG sets up committee for launch of Edo indigenous airline

    FG sets up committee for launch of Edo indigenous airline

    • As PDP faults Okpebholo’s plan

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has set up a technical committee for the launch of an indigenous airline in Edo State.

    The committee was constituted when the Governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo paid him a courtesy visit to advance discussions on the immediate activation of an indigenous airline for Edo State.

    Governor Okpebholo, who was accompanied by key members of his cabinet, stressed the urgency of establishing a homegrown airline to operate from Benin Airport, describing aviation as a critical driver for Edo State’s economic revival, investment inflow and job creation.

    Okpebholo in a statement by the Media Aide to the Aviation Minister, Tunde Moshood, revealed that the state government is already exploring several partnership options, including engagements with South African investors who have pledged to provide aircraft for the take-off of operations.

    He said: “If I have my way, I want this airline to kick off immediately, like tomorrow, even before the election. Edo State needs a strong aviation presence to open up our economy and reposition Benin as a major hub.”

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    The Minister, who welcomed the initiative and described it as timely revealed that the Ministry has also been engaging potential investors who have shown growing interest in the Benin Airport and its commercial viability.

    Keyamo recalled the historical significance of Benin Airport in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem, noting that it once served as a major hub for the old Midwest region during the heyday of the defunct Okada Air.

    “Benin Airport used to be a strong aviation hub during the glory days of Okada Air. There is no reason it cannot reclaim that status. The interest we are seeing today confirms that Benin is ready again.”

    To fast-track the process, the Minister requested that the governor nominate a point person who will work directly with the Director of Air Transport Management at the Ministry for effective coordination, regulatory compliance, and operational planning.

    “This committee will report to me and you every week for effective coordination. With proper collaboration, Benin Airport should be fully operational between the first and second quarters of this year.”

    Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State has faulted plans to float a state-owned airline.

    It said the plan was ill-conceived and another exposure of a government profoundly disconnected from the urgent realities confronting Edo people.

    The Edo PDP said the idea of establishing an airline was not only unrealistic but profoundly insensitive.

    It said running an airline was capital-intensive, technically demanding, and historically disastrous for most sub-national governments in the country.

    Spokesman for the Edo PDP, Dan Osa-Ogbegie, in a statement, said an airline required massive upfront investment, continuous subsidies, and world-class operational competence, which, it said, the Edo State Government lacked.

    Osa-Ogbegie said Governor Okpebholo has displayed an uncanny penchant for indulging in white elephant projects that offer optics without substance.

    He stated that Okpebholo’s projects were expensive, poorly prioritised interventions in a city desperately in need of comprehensive road rehabilitation, drainage solutions, traffic management, and coherent urban renewal.

    According to him, “This fixation on grand but misaligned projects only reinforces the reality of an administration that was never adequately prepared for the rigours of governance and now appears rudderless, reactive, and bereft of ideas beyond headline-chasing spectacles.

    “Edo State does not need an airline to fly above its problems. It needs a government prepared to confront them squarely on the ground. Development begins with fixing the basics, restoring confidence, and pursuing realistic, people-centred priorities.

    “The Edo PDP therefore calls on the Edo State Government to immediately jettison this ill-advised airline fantasy and redirect its focus to the pressing needs of Edo people. Anything less only reinforces the growing perception of a government without direction, seriousness, competence, or a coherent development agenda.”

    Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, Patrick Ebojele, urged the Edo PDP to endeavour to celebrate success and development.

  • Igarra imposes night curfew over rising kidnappings in Edo

    Igarra imposes night curfew over rising kidnappings in Edo

    Leaders and elders of Igarra, the headquarters of Akoko‑Edo Local Government Area, have imposed a curfew from 9 pm to 6 am following a surge in kidnapping incidents in the community.

    The decision also includes a ban on all-night parties, while burial dances are now restricted to between 4 pm and 6 pm.

    The move followed the abduction of the wife of the Chairman of the Akoko Youth Forum, Ubani Okuo, after kidnappers reportedly invaded their residence. Her abduction came just 24 hours after seven residents of the Imoga community regained their freedom after paying ransom.

    A town crier, acting on the directive of the traditional ruler, announced the curfew, noting that a young girl had also been kidnapped in another part of Igarra days earlier.

    Read Also: 11 die in Edo road accident

    Confirming the development, the traditional ruler, Oba Adeche Saiki, said the curfew was jointly agreed upon by the local government leadership, security agencies, and traditional authorities to curb criminal activity across the council area.

    Meanwhile, Edo State government spokesperson Eno Ikoedem said security agencies have launched coordinated efforts to rescue the abducted victim, adding that Divisional Police Officers in the area have been directed to intensify operations.