Tag: Igbinedion

The lawmaker representing Ovia Federal Constituency, Omosede Igbinedion, has rejected calls for the creation of Toru-Be State from Ovia and Ikpoba-Okha local government areas of Edo State.

He said the affected communities from where the Toru-Be state would be created from were foundational to the Benin Kingdom and held deep ancestral, historical as well as cultural significance to the Edo people.

She listed the communities to include Ughoton, Siluko, Aghamioba, Udo (Okomu), Ekewan, Ikoro, Obazuwa, Ologbo, and surrounding riverine areas

This was contained in motion sponsored by Igbinedion and supported by Hon. Engr. Eseosa Iyawe, Murphy Osaro Omoruyi and  Chief Dr. Billy Osawaru.

Igbinedion noted that the Benin Kingdom, which is over 1,200 years old, remained one of the oldest and most sophisticated pre-colonial civilisations in Africa, globally renowned for its advanced political structure, urban development, military organisations and the world-famous Benin Bronzes, which continue to define Nigeria’s cultural heritage in global institutions.

She stated that any attempt to cede such historically significant Edo lands constituted a threat to the territorial integrity of Edo State, a violation of the cultural and ancestral rights of the Edo people.

She said such action might provoke widespread unrest and undermine national unity.

Igbinedion who  condemned the proposed ceding of any part of Edo State for the creation of Toru-Be State said no individual, political caucus, or regional group has the authority to offer any portion of Edo State land without the consent of its people and constitutional process.

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She called on the Federal Government, particularly the President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, to reject any recommendation involving Edo territory in the proposed new state.

“This motion urge all stakeholders in the South-South region to refrain from actions that threaten the unity and historical integrity of constituent states.

“The House must mandate the Committees on Constitutional Review, Intergovernmental Affairs, and State Creation to investigate the matter, uphold state boundaries, and engage relevant stakeholders to ensure transparency and equity in any future state creation discussions

“We reaffirm the commitment of the people of Edo State to defend their land, heritage, and historical identity, and declare that Edo land is not up for negotiation, and Edo State will not cede an inch.”

House of Representatives member from Ovia Federal Constituency of Edo State Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion   has applauded First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her support for the Bill on Reserved Seats for Women.

Speaking in response to the First Lady’s remarks at a dinner in Abuja, the lawmaker described the advocacy as bold and timely.

Mrs. Omosede described it as “a strong and visionary step towards inclusive governance,” noting that Nigeria’s progress must be built on the full participation of women at all levels of decision-making.

“Her Excellency’s voice on this important matter reinforces the truth that gender inclusion is not a favour to women, it is a necessity for national development. I commend her for standing with Nigerian women and for giving strength to this legislative effort”, she noted.

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The representative further stated that the Bill on Reserved Seats was not just symbolic, but practical in ensuring equitable representation and promoting policies that were responsive to all segments of society.

She urged fellow lawmakers, civil society, and political leaders to support the passage of the Bill, adding that it would inspire a new generation of female leaders and restore faith in democratic equity.

Mrs. Omosede said: “We must move beyond rhetoric and act decisively. Women are not asking for handouts; we are asking for fair access, for a seat at the table where decisions that shape our nation are made.

“I stand firmly in support of this Bill, and with every Nigerian woman working to break barriers. Let this be the era when our daughters begin to believe rightly that they too belong in Nigeria’s leadership story.”

House of Representatives-elect for Ovia Federal Constituency seat, Barr. Omosede Igbinedion, has promised to listen, serve and deliver on her electoral promises. 

Igbinedion won last Saturday’s by-election with a large margin. 

Reacting to the electoral victory, Igbinedion described the victory as a shared triumph for every son and daughter of Ovia as well as a powerful affirmation of their collective resolve for progress and representation. 

Igbinedion thanked the people of Ovia Federal Constituency and assured them she remained committed to serving them with renewed dedication, transparency, and compassion. 

She appreciated Governor Monday Okpebholo and Deputy, Dr. Dennis Idahosa, for their strategic leadership and support throughout the campaigns. 

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According to her: “I am especially grateful to the Deputy Governor for his active role in leading party leaders, stakeholders, and loyal supporters across the 23 wards of our constituency during the campaign. 

“This victory is especially significant for women and youths. It serves as a bold reminder that our voices matter and that we belong at the table where decisions are made. I stand as a symbol of what is possible when we dare to dream and rise above barriers. To every young girl looking up and every young person seeking purpose, this is your moment too. Together, we will build an Ovia that works for all, especially for the next generation. 

“With your continued support, I pledge to be a true representative, one who listens, serves, and delivers.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has affirmed that patriots like the Esama of Benin Kingdom, High Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, have made Nigeria a better country through their sacrifices and dedication to national progress.

President Tinubu’s affirmation came as he congratulated the Esama on his 90th birthday, praising his lifetime achievements and trail-blazing efforts as a businessman, philanthropist, and advocate for education and community development.

Chief Igbinedion, founder and chairman of the Igbinedion Group, has contributed immensely to job creation and economic growth, with interests in oil and gas, construction, and hospitality.

He also established Igbinedion University, the first privately owned university in Nigeria, demonstrating his commitment to advancing quality education and academic excellence.

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In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 10, by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu joined the Oba of Benin, the people of the Bini Kingdom, family, friends, and well-wishers in praying that the Esama’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.

“President Bola Tinubu rejoices with Chief (Dr) Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, for attaining another milestone age on September 11, 2024. 

“The president praises the Esama for his lifetime achievements and trail-blazing as a businessman, philanthropist, and advocate for education and community development.  

“The president notes that Chief Igbinedion, who will be 90 on Wednesday, has contributed immensely to job creation and the growth of the nation’s economy as the founder and chairman of the Igbinedion Group, a conglomerate with interests in various sectors, including oil and gas, construction, and hospitality. 

“He also commends the Esama for establishing Igbinedion University, the first privately owned university in the country, and for his commitment to advancing quality education and academic excellence. 

“The President affirms that Nigeria is better because of the sacrifices of patriots such as high Chief Igbinedion, who have dedicated their time and resources to the progress and development of the nation. 

“The President joins the Oba of Benin, the people of the Bini Kingdom, family, friends, and well-wishers, praying that the Esama’s legacy continues to inspire future generations”, the statement said.  

A former representative of Ovia Federal Constituency of Edo State in the House of Representatives, Omosede Igbinedion has introduced a new slang into Nigeria’s politics, by declaring that AiO2, an indirect reference to the candidate of the ruling party and his running mate, is equal to “Edionwan” (old man) square.

AiO2 is being used by the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, the immediate Secretary to Edo State Government (SSG), with both of them being over 60 years of age, unlike their All Progressives Congress (APC) counterparts, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who is 53, and Dennis Idahosa,  44.

Omosede, the daughter of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Sir Gabriel Igbinedion, a founding member of the PDP, recently defected from the PDP to the APC. While speaking at the APC campaign rally in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, where Ogie hails from, the former representative of Ovia Federal Constituency (Igbinedion) urged Edo residents to vote for the youths on September 21.

Igbinedion is being speculated to emerge as the APC’s candidate for the Ovia Federal Constituency by-election, if Idahosa emerges as the deputy governor-elect in September.

The former House of Reps member stepped down for Ighodalo, shortly before the PDP governorship primary at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, barely one year after she failed to win re-election to the House of Representatives; as she was defeated by Idahosa, during the last general elections.

She said: “Youths talk to youths, youths will understand. Women talk to women, and women will understand. This election is your election.

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“There is nothing on the other side (PDP). AiO2 is equal to Edionwan (old man) square. In this context, we do not need Edionwan. We want youths that are able, agile and ready, and Government House, Benin City will be open to all of you, and you will have access to your governor and the deputy governor.

“I have come to work for Edo residents. I have come to work for Senator Monday Okpebholo, and my brother, Dennis Idahosa. This election is about the Ovia agenda. We have not had a deputy governor in Ovia before. So, it is important for us.”

Idahosa, in his remarks, urged Edo youths to work together to elect him and Okpebholo, to secure their future.

Former APC National Chairman, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who currently represents Edo North Senatorial District, berated Ogie for failing to influence Governor Godwin Obaseki to build access roads in his locality.