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Tag: Edo

  • By-election: Five aspirants face PDP screening in Edo

    By-election: Five aspirants face PDP screening in Edo

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commenced screening of five aspirants that picked nomination forms for the August 16th by-election to fill vacant seats in the National Assembly.

    Vacant seats in Edo are the Edo Central senatorial seat vacated by Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Ovia Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.

    Aspirants that picked forms for the Edo Central seat are John Yakubu, Friday Itulah, Joseph Okojie and Festus Edogun. 

    Only one aspirant, Johnny Ikponmwosa Aikpitanyi, picked the form for Ovia Federal Constituency.

    Edo PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, assured the aspirants the process would be fair and credible.

    Aziegbemi urged PDP members and Edo people to disregard the gimmicks and theatrics those posing as PDP Caretaker Committee members in Edo State.

    According to him: “The national headquarters of the PDP is the body statutorily mandated to conduct congresses and primaries for selecting candidates for the party. The PDP national has sent a five-man team from Abuja to conduct the screening of aspirants for the Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency by-elections. 

    Read Also: Lagos PDP chairmen reject council election results

    “We just had a meeting with them at the conference room of our party secretariat and we believe that this goes to show to our party members and indeed Edo people that we are the duly recognised Caretaker Committee handling the affairs of the PDP in Edo State. Even the man that bought his form in Abuja is here with us for the screening.

    “It is why you are seeing the team sent by the PDP national in Abuja here and not anywhere else. This puts to rest the doubts anybody would have about the authentic Caretaker Committee in Edo State.”

    The aspirants who spoke in turns expressed optimism that the primary would be free and fair.

     Edogun said he remained the rallying point for Edo Central.

    Yakubu commended the Screening Committee for conducting a fair and transparent process even as Okojie expressed confidence that the party would emerge victorious at the polls.

  • Edo domestic debt drops to N82.4bn

    Edo domestic debt drops to N82.4bn

    Edo State domestic debt has dropped from N113bn in the fourth quarter of 2024 to N82.4bn in the first quarter of 2025.

    It was gathered that the prompt payment of the domestic debt was due to high revenue accrued to the state from the Federation Account.

    Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua, said Edo reduction of its domestic by ₦30.6bn within three months showed the state’s emergence as a national model for fiscal discipline.

    He said Edo reduced its domestic debt as a time ten other states reportedly accumulated ₦417.7 billion in new domestic debt despite increased revenue inflows from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

    Read Also: By-election: Edo APC opts for consensus candidates

    Itua stated that Edo adopted a different path, rooted in restraint, accountability, and long-term planning.

    Governor Monday Okpebholo at a recent event said his administration revamped the state’s internal revenue framework by empowering the Edo Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) with digital tools, enhanced compliance strategies, and broader citizen engagement.

    He said the reforms boosted Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and instilled public confidence in the state’s financial management.

    “We’re committed to growing Edo’s economy without mortgaging its future,” he said. “Borrowing must be strategic, purposeful, and productive, not a default mode for governance. We are here to build, not to burden.

    “Here in Edo, we have implemented a value-for-money budgeting framework that prioritizes capital projects and outcome-based spending. From rural electrification to roads, education, healthcare, and digital infrastructure, government resources are now strategically deployed to deliver tangible impact.”

  • Lagos, Edo, Benue, Sokoto, 16 others at risk of flooding, NiMet warns

    Lagos, Edo, Benue, Sokoto, 16 others at risk of flooding, NiMet warns

    •  Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Cross River, Rivers, Akwa Ibom threatened

    The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released a list of states that will be at risk of flooding this month.

    The flash flood risk alert for July 2025, released yesterday in Abuja by the agency, shows the states with varying probable risks of experiencing flash flooding events due to the onset of rainfall across the country.

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    NiNet said Sokoto State has a high risk of experiencing flash floods. Other states with notable risk of flash flooding are: Kaduna, Zamfara, Yobe, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Delta, Edo, Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom.

    The weatherman advised residents of the states to relocate, if necessary, clear drainage systems, prepare emergency kits, turn off electricity and gas during flooding, and strengthen mudslide prevention.

  • Soldier escapes death in Edo

    Soldier escapes death in Edo

    A soldier attached to the Nigerian Army School in Nicoho, Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, narrowly escaped death after being swept away by a flood during a heavy downpour.

    The unnamed soldier reportedly attempted to leap across a drainage near Igbira Camp in Auchi but missed his step and fell into the raging floodwaters.

    An eyewitness, identified simply as Justice, said the soldier was rescued through the swift intervention of passers-by and residents.

    Read Also: Edo wins 4th EKUS Judo championship

    “As he tried to jump across the drainage, he lost balance and fell in. The flood swept him away, but people quickly ran after him, placed a barricade, and managed to pull him out alive,” he said.

    An Army officer, who confirmed the incident on condition of anonymity, also confirmed that the soldier survived the ordeal.

  • Suspected killer of three vigilance members in Edo arrested

    Suspected killer of three vigilance members in Edo arrested

    A suspected cultist, Bello Salami, aged 33, who was fingered in the recent killing of three vigilante members along Wire Road in Benin-City, has been arrested.

    Salami was arrested at the Benin airport, while attempting to flee the state.

     Edo State Police spokesman, Moses Yamu, in a statement, said 15 other suspected cultists were arrested in various parts of the state.

    Read Also: Bayelsa Judge regains freedom after 12 days in captivity 

    Yamu said the arrests were made during combing of criminal hideouts as well as conduct of house-to-house searches.

    He said the arrested suspects confessed to be members of various cult groups like Maphites, Vikings, Black Axe and Aye confraternities.

    Yamu stated that the Esan Area Zonal Leader of the Neo Black Movement (NBM) also known as Black Axe Confraternity, Itua Odion, was arrested at a hotel in Ekpoma.

    The PPRO said all suspects would be arraigned before the court as soon as investigations were concluded.

  • Edo confirms outbreak of Dengue fever

    Edo confirms outbreak of Dengue fever

    The Edo State Ministry of Health has confirmed the outbreak of Dengue Fever in the state.

    It said 86 cases have been reported across various local government areas of the state.

    Edo Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Benin City, said an Emergency Operation Centre has been activated.

    Dr. Oshiomhole said a statewide response plan, including surveillance, case management, vector control, and environmental sanitation, has been activated in all affected areas.

    Oshiomhole said the state government was committed to protecting the health of residents and assured that all outbreaks would be brought under control.

    He said all healthcare workers across the state have been placed on high alert and are to report any suspected case.

    Read Also: WAHO steps up efforts against Lassa fever

     According to him, “Dengue Fever is caused by a virus transmitted through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti.

    “The disease spreads quickly, especially in areas with poor sanitation and stagnant water, which provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

    “Residents are advised to keep their surroundings clean, cover water containers, use mosquito nets, apply insect repellents, and destroy mosquito breeding sites.”

    Speaking on other diseases, Dr. Oshiomhole said the state has recorded 147 Lassa Fever cases with 24 deaths, Yellow Fever has two confirmed cases with one death, Monkeypox (Npox) has eight confirmed cases with no deaths, and Diphtheria has eight confirmed cases with three deaths.

  • BREAKING: Edo generates N52.6bn IGR in six months

    BREAKING: Edo generates N52.6bn IGR in six months

    Edo state government said it has generated N52.6bn between January and June 2025 in Internally Generated Revenue.

    It said the money was a 46% increase in what was generated within the same period in 2024, in which it raked in N36.1bn.

    Executive Chairman of the Edo Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) Otunba Oladele Bankole-Balogun, who stated this at a press briefing in Benin City, said the figure represented 89.5% performance year-to-date.

    Bankole-Balogun stated that the EIRS would continue to widen the tax net in the state, even as he urged people to pay taxes as a civic duty.

    He said he focused on capacity enhancement of staff, regular stakeholder engagements, infrastructure upgrade, improved staff welfare and strengthened compliance with tax laws since he assumed office in December last year.

    The EIRS boss stated that the collaboration with the judiciary led to the recovery of tax liabilities owed to the state government.

    Bankole-Balogun assured that the EIRS would continue to widen the tax net even as he urged people to pay taxes as a civic duty.

    Speaking on the Nigeria Tax Reform Law recently signed by President Bola Tinubu, Bankole-Balogun said the EIRS would intensify its public enlightenment efforts to ensure taxpayers were fully aware of the changes and how they affect them.

    Read Also: Imo IGR hits ₦4b, debt profile reduced by 60%- Uzodimma 

    According to him, “Seeing what the Governor is doing with the taxes, I am sure we will increase tax collection from the people.

    “Our commitment is sacrosanct. To build a sustainable Edo State. The road ahead may be tough. We invite all stakeholders to join us in building tax compliance and see taxation not as a burden but as a patriotic. Truly, a new Edo has risen under Okpebholo.

    “We are committed to delivering value-added services, improving transparency, and strengthening the tax system to build a sustainable Edo State-one where tax revenue powers development, and development rewards taxpayers.

    “Our job is dynamic. It is not possible to bring everybody within the tax net. It is a progressive thing. We pulled in 1900 people into the tax net within the period. We are going to look to the organisation to give us information so that we can bring them in.

    “We are hoping we will continue to improve our tax-based. We believed we would be focusing more on the big income earners who will now contribute according to the new law. The focus is not on the low-income earner. With a bit more creativity and technology, we will continue to improve our tax collection.”

  • Edo pledges to support Osayi-Samuel’s quest to develop young talents

    Edo pledges to support Osayi-Samuel’s quest to develop young talents

    Edo State Government has pledged support for the desires of Super Eagles defender and Fenerbahçe star, Bright Osayi-Samuel, to give back to society by organising an annual U-13 football tournament

    Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, spoke when he played host to Osayi-Samuel in his office.

    Idahosa said Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration was interested in using sports as a tool to empower youths by developing and initiating sporting activities across the 18 local government areas of the state.

    He said football has become a money-spinning business for youths.

    “This is why the government of Monday Okpebholo will prioritise sport development by investing massively and also attract the right investment in the sector.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Supreme Court reserves judgment in Ighodalo’s challenge of Okpebholo’s election in Edo

    “For us, a government, this is not a better way to curb youth restiveness, create employment opportunities and also improve the impact on income of families.”

    Osayi-Samuel, who called for increased investment in grassroots football development in Nigeria, said the country has abundant football talent, saying a lack of opportunities and exposure has kept many future stars in the shadows.

    “I think it’s an opportunity. There are a lot of very good footballers, but they’re not seen.

    “Everyone has a story. We just need to listen and invest. My tournament is a platform to let these young boys showcase what they are good at.

    “This is my home. I’ll do anything to give my support. I love football, and I want to see the new stories from Benin,” he said.

    On his part, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC) Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, said the Governor was deeply passionate about identifying and nurturing young talents across the state.

    He said the governor has mandated communities within the state to actively engage in discovering raw talent.

     “When we talk about Under-13, we are deliberate about ‘catching them young.’ This tournament aligns perfectly with the Governor’s vision for sports development in Edo State.” 

  • JUST IN: Supreme Court reserves judgment in Ighodalo’s challenge of Okpebholo’s election in Edo

    JUST IN: Supreme Court reserves judgment in Ighodalo’s challenge of Okpebholo’s election in Edo

    The Supreme Court has reserved judgment till a later date in the appeal filed in relation to the dispute over the last governorship election held in Edo State.

    After taking arguments from lawyers to parties on Wednesday, a five-member panel of the apex court, presided over by Justice Mohammed Garba, said the date for judgment would be communicated to them.

    The appeal was filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the election held on September 21, 2024, Asue Ighodalo (SAN).

    Respondents in the appeal are the  Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Okpebholo and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

    Read Also: Okpebholo not waiting for Supreme Court to appoint full cabinet, says legal adviser

    While arguing the appeal, appellants’ lawyer, Ken Mozia (SAN) prayed the court to allow the appeal, set aside the earlier decision of the Court of Appeal and return Ighodalo as the winner of the election with the majority of lawful votes cast.

    Lawyers to the respondents prayed the court otherwise and sought a dismissal of the appeal.

    Details shortly…

  • Edo community protests over planned installation of Okpella monarch

    Edo community protests over planned installation of Okpella monarch

    Members of the Ukhomuyio Community in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, on Friday staged a protest against the planned installation of Michael Sado as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.

    The protesters claimed that the selection process violated the provisions of the Declaration of the Customary Law governing succession to the traditional title.

    According to them, Sado was chosen by a group not recognised under the customary law guiding the selection of the traditional ruler.

    Speaking on behalf of the protesters, the Obodeanokpella of Okpella, Chief Charles Adogah, said the Declaration clearly states that the power to nominate a new Okuokpellagbe lies with a designated component branch of the appropriate ruling house, under the supervision of the village head.

    Chief Adogah expressed concern over what he described as the endorsement of an alternative process allegedly approved by Governor Monday Okpebholo, which, he said, did not align with the recognised traditional procedures.

    The community called for adherence to the established customs and appealed to the authorities to respect the provisions of the Declaration to maintain peace and unity in the area.

    He said many of the community elders have been harrased, arrested and detained for speaking against the selection of Okuokpellagbe.

    He appealed to Governor Okpebholo to suspend what he termed unlawful coronation of Sado as well as cancellation of the flawed process that led to his appointment.

    Read Also: Suspected diphtheria cases surge in Edo

    He sai Komunio village of the Oteku ruling house be allowed, without interference, to carry out its traditional and lawful responsibility of selecting a candidate to the exalted throne of Okuokpellagbe of Okpella.

    According to him, “The selection process proceeds strictly in line with the Declaration of Customary Law regulating the selection.

    “All arrests and harassment of peaceful innocent community members should cease immediately and those arrested be released unconditionally without delay.

    “Your Excellency, your kinsman, Professor Ambrose Folorunsho Alli, is remembered with reverence and pride in Okpella. We pray that your name, too, will be etched not in controversy, but in honor. Let your legacy be one of justice, not of injustice dressed in political convenience.

    “To all Okpella sons and daughters, we say remain calm, but resolute. Remain peaceful, but firm. Our culture, our voice, and our heritage must not be silenced.”

    Edo Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lucky Eseigbe, said the protest against the installation was ‘too late.’

    Eseigbe stated that the Governor approved Sado’s selection being the nominee from the community.

    He urged the aggrieved Ukhomuyio Community members to seek legal action.