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Tag: Edo

  • Gov. Okpebholo appoints Musa Ikhilor SSG, names Attorney-General, others in Edo

    Gov. Okpebholo appoints Musa Ikhilor SSG, names Attorney-General, others in Edo

    Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has appointed Musa Ikhilor as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and named Samson Osagie, State Attorney-General and Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, Health Commissioner-designate.

    In a statement on Tuesday in Benin, Mr Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, said the nomination of Osagie and Oshiomhole would be confirmed by the Edo House of Assembly.

    “Ikhilor was born on Aug. 6, 1980 at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State.

    “Ikhilor attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained an LL.B in 2008 (Second Class Upper Division).

    Read Also: Shettima, others grace inauguration of Okpebholo as Edo Governor

    “In 2009, he obtained a B.L. (Second class Upper Division) at the Nigerian Law School and was enrolled as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “In 2017, Ikhilor proceeded to acquire his Masters’ degree in Telecommunications Law (LL.M) from Sir Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria,” the statement said.

    According him, Ikhilor has over 11 years of experience in Legislative Drafting, Parliamentary Administration, Lawmaking procedure and processes, Constitutional drafting and amendment, among others.

    The statement added that Ikhilor also had experience in general legislative governance having worked in various capacities at the National Assembly.

    (NAN)

  • UPDATED: My deputy and I will not betray you, Okpebholo assures Edo residents

    UPDATED: My deputy and I will not betray you, Okpebholo assures Edo residents

    Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo has pledged to deliver the benefits of democracy to the people of the state.

    Okpebholo was sworn in on Tuesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, approximately two months after his election victory.“Today, you have officially given me the mandate to preside over our dear State as Governor for the next four years,” Okpebholo said during his swearing-in.

    “We will not betray this confidence you have reposed in me and the Deputy Governor, Rt. Honourable Dennis Idahosa,” he said. 

    The governor expressed gratitude to the people of Edo State for their support in the September 21 governorship election where he defeated Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other candidates.

    He pledged to make “the welfare of our citizens a top priority” and emphasized his commitment to supporting small businesses.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Okpebholo, Idahosa sworn-in as Edo Governor, Deputy

    The new governor also expressed concern over the poor state of roads and rising insecurity in the state, describing the situation as “ugly.”

    However, he promised to “be firm in dealing with criminals and improve the security of our land so that farming and other business activities can thrive once again.”

    “The deplorable condition of our roads has made it difficult for people to move from one part of the State to another.”

  • Okpebholo sets out 5-point agenda for Edo devt.

    Okpebholo sets out 5-point agenda for Edo devt.

    Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo on Tuesday unveiled a five-point agenda for the development of the state after he was sworn in as the 5th civilian governor of the state.

    Okpebholo, in his inaugural speech, pledged to prioritise security, infrastructure, healthcare, food sufficiency, and education.

    The governor declared war on criminals, saying the era of incessant kidnapping and other violent crimes was over.

    “Our citizens is top priority for us. To achieve this, we shall implement programmes carefully outlined in my five-point agenda, designed to grow robust economic growth and improve the lives of our people.

    “We will not betray this confidence you have reposed in me and the Deputy Governor, Rt. Honourable Dennis Idahosa,” Gov. Okpebholo said.

    While bemoaning incessant cases of kidnapping and other crimes, the governor said his administration would be firm in dealing with criminals and improve the security of the state.

    “For a long time now, our people have become victims of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

    “To end this ugly situation, we will be firm in dealing with criminals and improve the security of our land so that farming and other business activities will flourish again.

    “The deplorable condition of our roads has made it difficult for people to move from one part of the state to another

    “Our policy to develop road infrastructure is targeted at constructing roads, drainages, and bridges to ease transportation for all.

    “We shall immediately commence work to make the roads passable again.

    “We are also ready to partner with the Federal Government, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, those in the diaspora, and other stakeholders, to develop our state across all sectors”, he said.

    According to him, the new administration will support small businesses and market women with soft loans.

    “Our teeming youthful population will not be left out. We shall support them to acquire relevant skills for self-empowerment.

    “My administration shall immediately swing into action to recruit teachers and rebuild the deplorable classrooms.

    “Tertiary education will be strengthened in many ways, too, to ensure quality education,” Okpebholo said.

    The new governor announced a panel of inquiry into the remote cause of the failure to inuagurate 14 House of Assembly members-elect in the state in 2019 for seventh assembly.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Okpebholo, Idahosa sworn-in as Edo Governor, Deputy

    “Fellow citizens, my administration is ready to link communities that have not yet been connected to the national grid to ensure that they have electricity.

    “Our traditional institution shall be given the necessary support to play their role as custodians of our rich cultural heritage.

    “It is in recognition of this that my administration shall support the decision of the Federal Government to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned artefacts, that were looted by British Colonial Forces during the Benin Massacre of 1897,” he said.

    He promised to work closely with other arms of government to strengthen democracy and good governance in the state.

    (NAN)

  • Shettima, others grace inauguration of Okpebholo as Edo Governor

    Shettima, others grace inauguration of Okpebholo as Edo Governor

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday led the Federal Government delegation to grace the inauguration of Sen. Monday Okpebholo as the fifth democratically elected governor of Edo.

    Shettima was joined by governors across the country, who were elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The APC governors include  Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Hope Uzodinma of Imo, and Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto, among others.

    The National Chairman of the APC, Dr Umar Ganduje and his predecessor, now Sen. Adams Oshiomhole were also part of the ceremony, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.

    Amidst heavy crowd and security presence, Okpebholo, accompanied by his two daughters, took the oath of office and allegiance at 1:00p.m administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Daniel Okungbowa.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Okpebholo, Idahosa sworn-in as Edo Governor, Deputy

    Earlier, Dennis Idahosa, accompanied by his wife, had mounted the podium to take the oath as the Deputy Governor of the state.

    The governor later went ahead to inspect the guard of honour as well as parade by the officers and men of the Nigeria Police.

    (NAN)

  • Edo Gov-Elect Okpebholo makes first appointment

    Edo Gov-Elect Okpebholo makes first appointment

    Edo Governor-Elect Senator Monday Okpebholo has named Fred Itua as his Chief Press Secretary, making it the first appointment made by the incoming administration. 

    Itua’s appointment came ahead of the inauguration of the new administration in Benin tomorrow. 

    Itua, an accomplished writer, journalist, and communications consultant with over 13 years of experience, is recognised for expertise in covering diverse and critical issues, from humanitarian crises to national governance. 

    Known for his strategic and resourceful approach, Itua excels in crafting compelling narratives and breaking down complex topics for wide audiences. With extensive experience covering the National Assembly, migration issues, health, anti-corruption, and environmental concerns, Fred possesses deep insight into national and international affairs. 

    With a strong foundation in public relations and communication strategy, Itua effectively builds and maintains relationships across government, media, and public spheres.

    Read Also: Why Okpebholo pulled out of Obaseki’s transition team

    Itua demonstrates resilience, diligence, and professionalism in fast-paced environments, making him adept at both live and pre-recorded broadcasting, news writing, and editorial roles. 

    Skilled in content development, social media management, and comprehensive media strategies, Itua is committed to delivering accurate, high-impact journalism. 

    Itua holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, a Masters degree in Media Arts from the University of Abuja and is in the final stages of his Ph.D. thesis in Development Communication at Veritas University, Abuja.

  • Okpebholo appoints Fred Itua as Chief Press Secretary

    Okpebholo appoints Fred Itua as Chief Press Secretary

    Edo Governor-Elect, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, on Monday announced the appointment of Mr Fred Odianosen Itua as his Chief Press Secretary.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the appointment,  the first of the incoming administration, would take effect on November 12, 2024, according to a statement signed by Okpebholo.

    Read Also: Why Okpebholo pulled out of Obaseki’s transition team

    Itua is a distinguished journalist with a wealth of experience, having previously served as the Assistant Political Editor at The Sun Newspapers

    (NAN)

  • Edo to inaugurate joint transition committee today

    Edo to inaugurate joint transition committee today

    Edo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Chris Nehikhare, says the state government has received the names of All Progressives Congress (APC) transition committee members.

    Speaking at a news conference in Benin yesterday, he said the government has also scheduled an inaugural meeting for today.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 24-member is led by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Joseph Eboigbe, while the 24-member APC committee is headed by Mr Pius Odubu.

    Read Also: Edo gov asks Okpebholo to wait till Nov 12 to begin governance

    “We have received the names of the APC Transition Committee members and are pleased to announce that the inaugural meeting is scheduled for Friday (today).

    “The meeting will take place at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy,” Nehikhare said.

    He said the “primary objective of the transition committee is to facilitate a smooth handover of government.

    “We look forward to collaborating efforts of members to ensure a seamless transition,” Nehikhare added.

  • Edo professionals in Diaspora defend schools football tourney

    Edo professionals in Diaspora defend schools football tourney

    The Chairman, Coordinating Committee for the third Edo State Secondary Schools’ Football Championship, Lt. Col. Charles Asowata (rtd.), has disclosed that the competition by Edo professionals in the Diaspora is to give the same opportunities they had while growing up, to secondary schools’ students, to develop their talents and make them become world stars. 

    Asowata, who made the disclosure yesterday in Benin at a news conference, revealed that eight teams would compete in the championship holding between October 28 and November 1 in the Edo State capital.

    The championship, which is powered by Edo Peoples Forum 2020, would have Idia College, Eyean Secondary School, Obiaza Mixed Secondary School, and St. Angela Girls Grammar School in the female category.

    Read Also: West Africa Deaf Football Tourney begins in Lagos Oct.12

    In the male category, there would be Edokpolor Grammar School, St. David Mixed Secondary School, Arue Secondary School, and Ogue Community Secondary School.

    Asowata also stated that the tournament would help to develop the participants mentally, physically and emotionally, so that they would be able to study well and become great in their chosen careers, outside football even as he pleaded with football stakeholders in Edo to support the tournament.

    He disclosed that the winners in both categories would get N1million, gold medals, trophies and certificates of participation, while the second place teams would be presented with N500,000, silver medals, trophies and certificates of participation, with the third placed teams to get N300,000, bronze medals, trophies and certificates of participation.

    A former Eagles’ Coach, Alabi Aisien, hailed Asowata and his team from instituting the competition, which he said would help to discover talents.

  • Edo poll: APC, PDP clash again over inspection of Sept 21 electoral materials

    Edo poll: APC, PDP clash again over inspection of Sept 21 electoral materials

    The Chairman of the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, and the Director-General of Asue-Ogie Governorship Campaign Management Council of the governing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, have clashed again over the inspection of electoral materials used for the September 21, 2024 governorship election in the state.

    Tenebe, at a news conference in Benin, accused the leaders and members of PDP in Edo of trying to deploy violence to get their way through, in the inspection of electoral materials, now scheduled for 11 a.m. tomorrow (on Monday) at the state headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Aduwawa, Benin.

    Edo chairman of APC said: “Sadly, an exercise that should have been seamless has become problematic and dangerous due to the desperation of PDP’s governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and Governor Godwin Obaseki of PDP, as they have continually invaded INEC’s Edo headquarters.

    “The brazen gun attack on APC’s supporters last Thursday at INEC’s office in Aduwawa, Benin, was carried out by the same alleged criminals, who on July 18, 2024 at the exit gate of Benin Airport, murdered police Inspector Onuh Akoh of No. 45, Police Mobile Force, Abuja, who was attached to the then governorship candidate of APC in Edo, Senator Monday Okpebholo, now Governor-elect, who arrived from Abuja, in company with the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo, Comrade Philip Shaibu, who got favourable judgment the previous day, at the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, which reinstated Shaibu.

    Read Also: Edo governor-elect promises immediate focus on development upon assuming office

    “The refusal of the police to arrest some fingered PDP’s leaders and members of the banned Edo State Security Network (ESSN) has emboldened them to continue their murderous attacks on APC’s members in the state.

  • Political parties adjourn inspection of electoral materials in Edo till Oct 14

    Political parties adjourn inspection of electoral materials in Edo till Oct 14

    Representatives of six out of the eighteen political parties that participated in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State have postponed their inspection of electoral materials at the Edo State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Aduwawa, Benin, to October 14.

    The decision was reached on Friday, October 11, after a crucial meeting among the party representatives.

    The joint inspection of election materials, ordered by the election petitions tribunal, had encountered difficulties in recent days. However, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Edo, assured that the issues had been resolved and the inspection would proceed as scheduled.

    Despite this, the party representatives decided to reschedule the inspection to Monday, citing INEC’s inability to begin the process on October 11.

    Read Also: Imo Decides: LP accuses APC of hijacking electoral materials

    The resolution to postpone the inspection was signed by representatives of six political parties that participated in the closely contested election, which was won by Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The representatives were Obodeje Oghorin, counsel to All Progressives Party (APP); Kenny Isokpan, Edo Chairman of Boot Party (BP); Osahon Obamogie, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP); Sylvester Ugberase, counsel to Action Peoples Party (APP); Dr. Bishop Akahaime, of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP); and Jarret Tenebe, Edo Chairman of APC.

    The representatives also indicated that the rescheduled inspection of electoral materials would commence at 11 a.m. at Edo headquarters of INEC, thereby obeying the order of the tribunal.