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Tag: Edo

  • Cultism: Edo denies arm-twisting opposition leaders to join APC

    Cultism: Edo denies arm-twisting opposition leaders to join APC

    • PDP: Okpebholo has embarked on political witch-hunt

    Edo State government has denied allegations by leaders of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that it is using the anti-cultism law to force them to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    It said it was impartial in enacting the law.

    Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Paul Ohonbamu, said  the APC does not need to force anybody to join the party.

    Ohonbamu said several buildings linked to kidnappers and cultism hde been demolished in line with the laws.

    The Iruekpen country home of a former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Marcus Onobun, was on Tuesday, marked for demolition because cultists reportedly grouped in the house after a clash between rival cult groups.

     Onobun, who represents Esan West/Esan Central/Igueben Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, said the anti-cultism law targeted opposition leaders.

    Read Also: PDP, Edo govt bicker over good governance

    Onobun challenged the Edo government to persuade opposition leaders to support the party rather than marking their houses for demolition.

     “If there were cult activities they should be able to bring proof. Don’t target opposition leaders,” he said.

    The PDP condemned what it termed ‘perpetual resort to political harassment and witch-hunt in a desperate attempt to intimidate, silence, and cripple the opposition in Edo State’.

    It said the building of another PDP chieftain, Collins Aigbogun, was also marked for demolition.

    Caretaker Chairman of the Edo PDP, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, said the Edo government’s move represented a disturbing abuse of power and a misuse of legislation to target political opponents.

    He said the anti-cultism law, as passed, stipulates that property could only be subject to forfeiture or demolition after a valid conviction by the court.

    PDP said in a statement: “This is not law enforcement; it is a political witch-hunt,’’ he added.

  • Edo community revives age-grade tradition after 30 years 

    Edo community revives age-grade tradition after 30 years 

    Odionwere (village head) of Okada community in Ovia North East local government area, Pa Samson Idehen, has revived the age grade tradition 30 years after it was abandoned.

    Pa Samson, who initiated 54 persons into the Edion (Elders council) age grade, said the ceremony was a vital aspect of the community’s cultural heritage that emphasised significance of age, responsibility and community service.

    He said initiation into the Edion was a privilege reserved for respected individuals who have served the community, demonstrated wisdom, integrity and leadership.

    The Odionwere explained that the Edion played vital role to preserving culture as well as passing down traditions, customs and historical knowledge to younger generations.

    Read Also: New City: Edo begins profiling of property owners

    Those initiated were dressed in white attires and made to perform several rituals while Pa Samson pronounced blessings on them before they were offered to sit with the Elders Council.

    As part of the tradition, the new initiates into Elders Council visited residence of prominent leaders of Okada community including the residence of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom.

    Chairman of Wantan Group of Companies, Barr. Mike Igbinedion, who was among those initiated into the Elders Council, said it has brought honour and glory to the House of Igbinedion.

    He said he loved to identify with his cultural roots through his style of dressing.

    Another initiate, Elder Ogbeide Uhunmwose, stated that youths between the ages of 18 and 30 were initiated into the Ighokhae while those between 30 and 55 were initiated into the Ighele age grade.

    Uhunmwose stated that Chief Igbinedion was present in Okada throughout the duration of d ceremony to ensure its success.

    He stated that Edion belong to the Elders council from where the Odionwere will emerge according to seniority.

  • New City: Edo begins profiling of property owners

    New City: Edo begins profiling of property owners

    The Edo State Government has begun profiling property owners in the New City Development Area, formerly known as Coral City.

    Former Governor Godwin Obaseki had demolished several houses in his bid to develop the ‘Coral City’.

    But Governor Monday Okpebholo has resolved to tackle the lingering community land dispute by identifying actual owners of property in the area.

    A statement by the Secretary to the Edo State Committee on Land Dispute Resolution, Dr  Abdulwasiu Oyakhire,  called on all property owners in Lot-A and Lot-B of the project area to come forward with their ownership documents for verification.

    The statement said the exercise would   begin on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, and end on June 13, 2025.

    It said the profiling would be conducted simultaneously on-site by relevant state in both Lot-A and Lot-B.

    It said affected property owners were expected to present their survey plans or accurate property coordinates.

    Read Also: Okpebholo distributes 17 new SUVs to Edo council chairmen

    The statement read:  “This initiative follows a recent peace-building meeting convened by Governor Okpebholo with leaders from the Oke-Oroma, Obagie, and Amagba communities at the Government House in Benin City.

    “During the meeting, the governor emphasized the need for all stakeholders to submit their documents to the verification committee for profiling, authentication, and eventual regularization for the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O).

    “Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace in the area, stressing that harmonious coexistence among residents is vital for the development of the New City.”

  • Edo CP warns officers against extortion, harassment

    Edo CP warns officers against extortion, harassment

    Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has issued a stern warning against extortion and harassment by officers under his command.

    Speaking on Thursday, Agbonika ordered the immediate reform of the anti-money laundering unit and directed that all policemen in the state, especially those in tactical units, area commands, and special teams, must have their name tags permanently sewn onto their uniforms.

    He also mandated that all unmarked vehicles used by police teams must display official stickers on the front and both sides while on any assignment.

    He said: “All Point of Sale (PoS) operators in Edo State are to be cautious when transacting business with police officers in unmarked vehicles. They must ensure the particulars of such policemen are taken for record and reference purposes, before transacting with them.

    Read Also: Edo approves renovation of burnt Oba market

    “Any policeman or team found violating the directives will be decisively dealt with. The X-Squad is directed to ensure compliance with the directives.

    “I wish to plead with members of the public to report any act of extortion or harassment by policemen to the following numbers: 08132919576, 08036363531, 08150999335 and 08100389992.”

    Edo commissioner of police also assured that there would be immediate retraining of police personnel across the state, including area commands and divisions.

    Agbonika expressed renewed commitment to protect lives and property of Edo residents, devoid of harassment or extortion.

  • Okpella Kingship Crisis: Ukhomuyio Community rejects Sado’s nomination, sets up new committees

    Okpella Kingship Crisis: Ukhomuyio Community rejects Sado’s nomination, sets up new committees

    The Ukhomuyio community of Okpella in Edo State has rejected the recent nomination of Mike Sado as the Okuokpellagbe, citing a flawed process that excluded the community’s participation.

    This was contained in a Communique jointly signed by the President of the Community, Sam Afemikhe, High Chief Julius Ederefo of the Ukhomunyio Council of Village Heads and Comrade Merrv Omoalu President, Ukhomunyio Youth Association.

    The communique stated that Mr Sado was the only candidate in that meeting conducted by a few individuals who were not from Ukhomuyio.

    According to the communique, Ukhomunyio, whose turn it is to produce the Okuokpellagbe, feels disenfranchised because the government has not allowed the Ukhomunyio Sub-Ruling Area to carry out the process of choosing an acceptable Okuokpellagbe in line with the directives of Government and the extant laws for the appointment of Okuokpellagbe.

    Following the development, Ukhomuyio has set up a new executive group to resolve the impasse and engender growth and development in the community.

    Members of the community during a meeting at the Afokpella Secondary School on Sunday had their focus on unifying and repositioning the community.

    According to a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the community, Dr Samson Omosotomhe, the meeting marked a significant turning point as new executive leadership was established, with a vision for the future.

    The newly elected executive, with a mission of rescue and recovery and a vision to make Ukhomuyio socially and economically developed, was tasked with steering the community towards unity, justice, and progress.

    “The agenda includes uniting the entire Ukhomuyio community to heal the wounds of the past seven years, fostering integration between Ukhomuyio and the wider Okpella community, engaging with government stakeholders to resolve the Okhuokpellagbe impasse equitably, and partnering with operating companies to ensure Ukhomuyio benefits from local economic resources. 

    Other agenda are: “To launch aggressive development initiatives to make up for lost time and collaborate with the government to enhance security, enabling safe farming and peaceful living”.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Appeal Court reserves judgments in Edo governorship dispute

    Omosotomhe emphasized that the renewed leadership was a call to all Ukhomuyio sons and daughters to rise in unity, filled with hope and purpose, towards a brighter future. 

    The executive members include; Samuel Sunday Onoshioagbe Afemikhe as president, Dr. Henry Idogun Vice President, Charles Ikumesomi Chairperson, Roland Ediawe Secretary, Mathew Okun Assistant Secretary, Okhale Labeshi Financial Secretary, Eshio Omokhagbo Assistant Financial Secretary, Mark Adogah Treasurer, Philip Odion Magnus Assistant Treasurer, Dr Samson Omosotomhe Public and Osaru Usman Relations Officers, Bar(s) Philip Thomas Ilukholo, Benjamin Onekpe, and Mutairu Hope Aliu as Legal Advisers, Jonathan Abu, and Lucky Afiabor as Security Officers and Engr. Sunday, Iremia; Dr. William Odiwo; Barr. Nicholas Aliu; Barnabas Eshiobho; Hon. Philip Akemokue; Hon. Ekhis Uduafemeh; Jerome Francisca as Ex Officio Members.

    It was also agreed that the Community empowers the President, working with other stakeholders, to create a robust and all-Inclusive team of well-meaning Ukhomunyio sons and daughters that will pilot the affairs of the community In collaboration with the Village Heads.

  • Edo approves renovation of burnt Oba market

    Edo approves renovation of burnt Oba market

    The Edo state government has approved the Renovation of the Burnt Oba market in fulfillment of the promises made by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

    This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon Paul Ohonbamu, after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the Governor and Chairman-in-Council in Benin City.

    He said, during the campaigns, Governor Monday Okpebholo promised to rebuild the Oba market, which was burnt. Today, Exco has approved the renovation of the entire Oba market, including the burnt areas.

    According to the Commissioner, EXCO also approved the construction of a road to the village of his immediate predecessor, Godwin Obaseki.

    Hon Ohonbamu said, ex-Governor Obaseki betrayed his people by failing to construct the road leading to his village.

    He noted that Governor Okpebholo, who is leading an all-inclusive administration, believes that development must be universal and has therefore approved the construction of the road, which is in the Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of the state.

    Read Also: Edo Assembly appoints new PDP Whip amid uproar

    “People from the former governor’s area in Uhunmwonde Local Government came to appeal to Governor Monday Okpebholo to help them repair the road, which was abandoned by Obaseki, who betrayed his people, leaving the road in bad shape.

    “Okpebholo feels development is universal, and he approved the construction of the road to ensure the people enjoy the dividends of democracy”, he stated.

    Hon. Ohonbamu also disclosed that a 25 per cent advance payment was approved for the construction of about eleven roads, including the second flyover bridge at Sapele road, Adesuwa intersection.

    He further noted that the approval of the 25 per cent will enable contractors to embark on the construction of these roads, and also the second flyover bridge at Sapele Road.

    “Exco also approved the construction of EDSTMA office at Sapele road and to achieve the dream of food sufficiency in Edo State, Exco also approved fertilizer warehouses across the three Senatorial Districts, with one lot in Irrua, another in Auchi while the third will be in Benin City to boost agricultural activities and aid farmers in the farming season.”

    Ohonbamu also disclosed that the Council approved a 100-bed capacity hospital at Uwessan, which will serve the nursing school being constructed at Udomi, Uwessan in Esan Central Local Government.

    “Finally, EXCO approved the contract for the construction of Uhie Road, off Sapele Road, and also the purchase of furniture and electronics for various MDAS, which have already been renovated, the Commissioner added.

  • Okpebholo approves new minimum wage of N75,000 for Edo workers

    Okpebholo approves new minimum wage of N75,000 for Edo workers

    Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has raised the minimum wage for Edo workers from N70,000 to N75,000 to further improve their standard of living.

    The governor announced this during his May Day speech at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.

    The governor, while appreciating Edo workers’ contributions to the state’s development, said his administration would always look for ways to improve the welfare of Edo workers.

    “Today, I am proud to announce that our administration has approved a new minimum wage of N75,000 per month for all Edo workers.

    “It’s our way of saying thank you, Edo workers. We believe this makes a real difference, and we count on your dedication to a better Edo.

    “Since taking office, my administration has prioritised workers’ welfare.

    ” One early action was converting over 1,000 casual workers, including cleaners, into permanent civil service employees,” he said.

    Okpebholo disclosed that his administration had also hired 500 teachers, adding that he was reviewing over 3,000 casual teachers for full employment.

    “We also approved recruitment of 450 clinical and non-clinical hospital staff and regularised 126 contract workers at Edo State Specialist Hospital for stability and growth,” he added.

    The governor also disclosed that his administration had cleared outstanding salary arrears owed to Edo Polytechnic staff.

    “In the judiciary, judges whose appointments were delayed have been properly sworn in and are now actively performing their constitutional duties without further administrative hindrances.

    “To prove our commitment, we approved health insurance for retirees because we believe support must continue after workers leave active service,” the governor said.

    Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s dedication to prompt salary and pension payments, structured recruitment, workers’ welfare and professional development

    “As we celebrate today, I join President Tinubu and fellow governors in wishing Nigerian workers a peaceful, fulfilling celebration. Your efforts build our nation daily.”

    Acting NLC Chairman, Edo chapter, Comrade Bernard Egwekhide, praised Governor Okpebholo for laudable policies that ease the hardship experienced by workers and pensioners across the state.

    He said the theme, “Reclaiming the Civil Space Amid Economic Hardship,” was appropriate and highlighted the critical issues faced by Nigerian workers in today’s tough economy.

    Read Also: Okpebholo suspends agency boss

    Egwekhide appreciated the governor’s seriousness towards workers’ welfare, noting that recent interventions had significantly improved the lives and civil rights of Edo workers.

    “Within six months in office, you have performed excellently for Edo workers. Your achievements surpass our expectations and show real commitment to the needs of workers

    “We also thank President Bola Tinubu for supporting Edo State. The first flyover is under construction, and a second has already been approved for development.

    “Additionally, federal roads across the state are now receiving the urgent attention they have long needed, thanks to the partnership with the Federal Government,” Egwekhide said.

    (NAN)

  • Southsouth PDP sacks Edo caretaker committee as Aziegbemi, others kick

    Southsouth PDP sacks Edo caretaker committee as Aziegbemi, others kick

    The Chief Dan Orbih-led Southsouth Zonal Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dissolved the Dr. Tony Aziegbemi-led PDP caretaker committee in Edo State, replacing Aziegbemi with Mr. Nosa Ogieva. 

    Chief Sunny Okomayin has been appointed as Vice Chairman, while Hillary Otsu will continue as Secretary. Bob-Manuel Umoru replaces Chris Nehikhare as the new Publicity Secretary.

    Additionally, the PDP Southsouth leadership dissolved the state working committee in Bayelsa and appointed new replacements for both states for a three-month period.

    The announcements were made by the PDP Southsouth Zonal Publicity Secretary, Prince Etim Isong, following a regular meeting held at the zonal secretariat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    Isong said: “The decision to set up caretaker committees for both states follows the dissolution of the State Working Committee of Bayelsa State and the Caretaker Committee in Edo State on account of various acts of gross misconduct by the dissolved executives, which are in clear breach of the party’s constitution, the poor performance and woeful outing by the party in Edo State at the last governorship election, and the poor handling of internal crisis rocking the party in both states.

    “The zonal working committee took these decisions in the best interest of the party, after a careful review of the activities of the party in both states, in line with the Constitution of the party, as amended in 2017, particularly Articles 10(1),(f), (g),(k), and (4) as well as Articles 26(2), (a), 27(2)(a&b), 58(1),(a), (c), 0),(), and 59(1)(f).

    “The zonal working committee hopes that this bold move will strengthen the party’s foundation and ensure effective leadership in both Bayelsa and Edo States.”

    PDP’s National Vice Chairman, Southsouth, Chief Dan Orbih, also called for unity and discipline within the party, while he advised the newly-appointed party leaders to pursue genuine reconciliation among members, so as to foster the cohesion necessary for repositioning the party for future political successes in both states.

    Edo PDP caretaker committee publicity secretary, Chris Nehikhare, however, dismissed the claim by Orbih and his “illegal” zonal executive that Edo caretaker committee had been dissolved, while insisting that the Dr. Tony Aziegbemi-led caretaker committee was still in charge of the party’s affairs in Edo.

    Nehikhare, who is Edo state’s immediate Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, while addressing reporters in Benin, declared that Orbih, a former Edo chairman of PDP, had no authority to sack any executive, with his statement having no validation, while alleging that the zonal chairman was running the All Progressives Congress (APC) arm of PDP.

    Edo PDP caretaker committee publicity secretary said: “Only the national body of our party has the authority and constitutional power to set up caretaker committees.

    Read Also: JUST IN: PDP sacks Diri-backed Bayelsa SWC

    “It is the National Working Committee/the National Executive Committee that organises congresses from the ward to the state and local government to the zonal and the national convention.”

    Nehikhare also stated that PDP’s congress had not been held in the Southsouth zone to unveil the new party executive.

    He said: “What we have in the Southsouth zone is a caretaker committee, headed by Emmanuel Ogidi and not Dan Orbih.

    “Orbih is now in the APC, following his unsolicited praises for the APC-led government in Edo State.”

    Edo PDP caretaker committee publicity secretary also urged the teeming members of the party in the state to remain calm and law-abiding.

  • Edo gov assures of recruitment of more teachers for public schools

    Edo gov assures of recruitment of more teachers for public schools

    The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has promised to improve learning facilities, recruit more qualified teachers, provide good infrastructure, a conducive learning atmosphere, and secure school environments across the state.

    Okpebholo gave the assurances yesterday when he inspected the ongoing renovation of some schools in Edo Central Senatorial District, which were in very bad shape when he visited them in January 2025.

    Edo governor, who, since his assumption of office, had taken bold steps by embarking on people-focused programmes and policies, had earlier declared a state of emergency in the education sector.

    He said he was working to change the narrative in the education sector.

    The infrastructural development of the Okpebholo-led administration had already transformed many public schools, with many of the public schools abandoned by Godwin Obaseki-led administration now have new structures, including good classrooms and perimeter fences, to ensure the safety of school children.

    Read Also: 10 kidnapped students, two sisters rescued in Edo

    Okpebholo disclosed that his administration had put modalities in place to ensure that public schools in Edo compete favourably with private schools in terms of learning, quality facilities, good infrastructure, secure and conducive environment, as well as affordable fees.

    Edo governor stated that his administration had embarked on construction and renovation of schools across the three senatorial districts of the state and planned to employ more qualified teachers that would ensure that school children get quality education.

    He said, “School renovations are ongoing across the three senatorial districts of Edo State. After this, more qualified teachers will be employed to ensure our children get a quality education.

    “As a government, we are working to ensure we restore quality in our education system and ensure it is affordable.

    “Our goal as a government is to see every Edo child attend a public school and get the quality education that will woo more people to embrace public schools.”

    Okpebholo also stated that his administration was working to ensure the education system in Edo was able to meet global standards.

  • 10 kidnapped students, two sisters rescued in Edo

    10 kidnapped students, two sisters rescued in Edo

    Edo State Police have rescued 10 students who were on their way to Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State for the yearly Generation of Youth for Christ (GYC), Africa conference, but were kidnapped on April 16, at the Edo and Ondo states’ border.

    The command also rescued a woman and her sister, who were seized after the gunmen shot the woman’s husband at Oluoke in Etsako West Local Government Area. By the time the injured man got to the hospital, he was confirmed dead.

    The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), stated that upon receiving the information, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, deployed operatives of the Ohosu Division, IRT, tactical teams and vigilance members and hunters into the bushes.

    Read Also: Advertising tribunal issues bench warrant against Aero Contractors’ boss, Sanusi

    The operatives tackled the kidnappers and killed one of them, while others escaped with bullet wounds. But, an Inspector sustained a gunshot injury.

    Yamu added that two suspects: Binigolo Ebimene, 25, and Mathew Denwei, 27, were also arrested, following a distress call that they robbed their victim of his motorcycle and his phones at Malim Camp, Gbelebu in Ovia Southwest Local Government Area.

    The suspects were arrested with a local pistol, two headlamps and the motorcycle they stole.

    The CP warned miscreants to stay away from crime or they would be dealt with.