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RJN Trains Community Monitors, Demands Transparency, Accountability in Resource Governance By  Emmanuel Iyoho  Some participants including the North Central Coordinator of RJN Nigeria, Macdonald Ekemezie,  FCT State Coordinator of RJN Nigeria, Collins Nyong, others pose for the press at the One-Day Step-Down Training on Community Monitoring organised by the Resource Justice Network Nigeria, FCT Chapter, The training, held at the Centre for Transparency Advocacy, Gwarinpa Estate in Abuja recently. The Resource Justice Network (RJN) Nigeria has called for greater transparency, accountability and equity in the management of Nigeria’s natural resources, urging communities and civil society organisations to take a more active role in monitoring extractive activities, government projects and the implementation of public policies. The call was made in Abuja at a One-Day Step-Down Training on Community Monitoring organised by the Resource Justice Network Nigeria, FCT Chapter, on ...

A'Ibom Community, Abuja Unveils Three-Member Liaison Team to Strengthen Ties with Home State By  Emmanuel Iyoho  From right. Mr Peter Saturday, His lordship Bishop Anthony Udeh, and Mr Emmanuel C. Udoh listening while the Obong of Akwa Ibom community in  Abuja,  Mkpisong  Jackson Ndueso admonishing the  three-member Liaison Team  during the inauguration in Uyo recently. The Akwa Ibom Community, Abuja (AKCOM), has ushered in a new era of institutional coordination with the inauguration of a three-member Liaison Team in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, replacing its long-standing one-person liaison structure in a move aimed at strengthening engagement between members in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and their home state. The newly inaugurated team comprises His Lordship Bishop Anthony Udeh as Chairman and Liaison Officer, Mr. Emmanuel C. Udoh as Deputy Liaison Officer, and Mr. Peter Saturday as Secretary. The appointments, approved by the President of the Akw...

NEWS EDITORIAL: OKPEBHOLO’S CRUSADE AGAINST CULTISM — EDO FINALLY BREATHES AGAIN  By Festus Alenkhe For too long, Edo State carried the burden of shame. Communities that were once known for peace and hospitality became theatres of violence. Cultism entrenched itself as a parallel authority, trading in bloodshed, extortion, and fear. Our youths were lost to it, our mothers were left to mourn, and the future of the state was held hostage. Today, however, there is cause for cautious optimism. There is cause to acknowledge that governance has returned to its primary duty: the protection of lives and property. Under *Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo*, the fight against cultism has moved beyond rhetoric to measurable action. And the results are becoming evident on our streets: *peace and harmony are gradually returning to Edo.* Political Will, Decisive Action What made the difference? Political will.   This administration drew a clear red line and told cultists in plain terms...

A BOUNTIFUL BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO THE ENGINE ROOM OF EDO STATE GOVERNMENT From: Razak Zekeri, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs  To: Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., Secretary to the Edo State Government On this 6th of August, we celebrate not just a birthday, but a man whose vision, diligence and quiet strength power the heart of governance in Edo State. Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., the Secretary to the State Government, is widely acknowledged as the “engine room” of the Monday Okpebholo-led administration. As the very first appointee into the executive council in November 2024, he set the tone for a government built on competence, discipline and service. Born at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, and proudly from Irrua in Esan Central Local Government Area, the SSG’s journey reflects a life dedicated to learning and nation-building.   He earned his LL.B with Second Class Upper Honours from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 2008, proc...

  GOVERNOR MONDAY OKPEBHOLO LEADS APC CAMPAIGN IN OSUN, CALLS FOR UNITY AND DEVELOPMENT By Razak Zekeri S enior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Edo State on Public Affairs Osun State stands at a defining moment in its history, a moment of redemption, renewal, and resurgence. Osun is the Land of Hope. Osun is the Macedonia State, and it must rise again and shine in development, progress, and dignity. Since the creation of Osun State on the 27th of August, 1991, carved out of the old Oyo State, history has followed a particular pattern. For over three decades, an indigene of Osogbo, the state capital, has never had the opportunity to lead the state as Governor.  Today, that narrative is about to change. Today, history is being made — not just for Osogbo, but for the entire state and for the future of progressive governance in Nigeria. As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and in alignment with the SHINE Agenda being driven in Edo S...

SHINE AGENDA ACROSS BORDERS: BRING EDO’S DEVELOPMENT HOME THROUGH GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP  By Festus Alenkhe In an era where development is borderless, governance must also be borderless. It is in this context that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s “SHINE Agenda Across Borders” event in London deserves not just attention, but commendation and support. This was not a ceremonial gathering. It was a strategic economic diplomacy mission  one that recognizes a fundamental reality: Edo State cannot develop in isolation. We endorse this initiative because it is timely, practical, and rooted in data. THE CASE FOR GOING ABROAD: FACTS AND FIGURES Edo State has one of Nigeria’s largest diaspora populations. The UK alone hosts an estimated 250,000+ Edo people, with heavy concentrations in London, Manchester, and Birmingham. According to World Bank and CBN 2023 data, Nigeria received $20.1 billion in diaspora remittances. Edo consistently ranks among the top 5 states in remittance inflow. Yet f...