News View Digest

NUJ, NAWOJ Leadership Pay Condolence Visit to Family of Late Mrs. Ekiuwa Umuerri Habiba Sam  It was a solemn morning in Benin City as the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Edo State Chapter, paid a condolence visit to the children of the late Mrs. Ekiuwa Umuerri. The NUJ delegation, led by its Chairman, Dr. Festus Alenkhe, included Vice Chairman Comrade Ade Agho and Secretary Comrade Andy Egbon. They were joined by NAWOJ Chairperson, Comrade Habiba Sam. Mrs. Umuerri, a retired journalist and former member of the State Information Chapel of the NUJ, was described as a pillar of NAWOJ and a mother to many in the profession. Until her death, she was the proprietress of Mega Montessori, Benin City. Addressing the family, Dr. Alenkhe recalled the late journalist’s generosity and loyalty to the union. “Your mother was a kind and generous woman. She played a vital role in my election and honor...

Red Carpet Welcome as Chief Dr. Abraham Jimawo Declares Federal Constituency Ambition at Benin Airport Habiba Sam Benin City came alive on Friday, April 24, 2026, as Hon. Chief Dr. Abraham Jimawo (JP), the Ilunamie 1 of The Three Ibie, touched down at the Benin Airport to a rousing reception from supporters, family, and well-wishers. The former Diaspora President of Edo Indigenes in the UK & Ireland was received with drums, dance, and chants as he formally signaled his ambition to represent Etsako Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Leading the colorful welcome was Princess Loveth Awe Ewere, President of the National Afemai Women Leadership Initiative. She led a vibrant contingent of women who ushered their “son” home with a warm, rosy reception and a loving rendition of traditional songs. Friends, family members, and political associates also lined the arrival lounge, waving APC flags and holding placards that read _“Etsako Is Ready”_ and _“The Time Is Now.”_ Tak...

Women in Christ Holds Inaugural Meeting, Sets Agenda for Greater Female Participation in Politics Habiba Sam Pastor Aburime Walter Courage Iziegbe, Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on “Women in Christ,” convened the group’s first meeting, framing it as the start of a deliberate movement to empower Christian women for active roles in politics and governance. Addressing the gathering, Pastor Aburime said the group would focus on encouraging and supporting women  in politics while also rallying behind Governor Okpebholo, who she said shares President Tinubu’s commitment to including more women in leadership. “We are going to be encouraging and supporting our women in politics,” she told the attendees. “We are going to be supporting our governor, who has the women’s interests at heart, just like our president.” She urged members to make the vision part of daily life—talking about it with others, keeping it in mind at work, in prayer, and...

Akubeze’s Spiritual Guidance Shaped My Leadership, Says Okpebholo at 20th Episcopal Anniversary Habiba Sam Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State says the spiritual guidance and prayers of the Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, played a decisive role in his leadership journey, as the cleric celebrated his 20th Episcopal Anniversary on Wednesday. Speaking at the thanksgiving service held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Okpebholo recalled his first meeting with the Archbishop as a turning point that strengthened his resolve to serve Edo State. “It is a special day for me,” the governor said. “The first day I met him, I saw the glory of God upon his life. I knew, by the time I knelt before him, that I was going to conquer.” According to Okpebholo, he approached the Archbishop at a critical moment, asking for prayers as he prepared to confront some of the state’s most pressing challenges. “I requested a prayer from him. I said I was going to fight cul...

Gov. Okpebholo Hails Archbishop Akubeze on 20th Episcopal Anniversary Habiba Sam Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, as he marks his 20th Episcopal Anniversary on April 22, 2026. In his message, Governor Okpebholo said the milestone stands as a testament to the Archbishop’s enduring commitment to faith, service, and moral leadership. He noted that since his consecration as a bishop in 2006, Archbishop Akubeze has shown remarkable consistency in pastoral responsibility, institutional growth, and community engagement. The governor recalled the Archbishop’s journey from pioneer Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Uromi to his elevation as Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City in 2011, roles in which he has continued to provide spiritual guidance and stability. Highlighting the Archbishop’s episcopal motto, _“Ut Testimonium Perhibeam Veritati” ...

Prof. Abhuere at 75: A Life of Service, Scholarship, Youth Development and Nation- Building By OBOH SYLVESTER/ TUNDE EIGBIREMOLEN As Professor John Imonbhio Abhuere marks his 75th birthday today, April 21, 2026, reflections on his life reveal a distinguished career defined by service, scholarship , commitment to youth development and national growth. Prof. Abhuere is an examplary personality whose patriotic fervour and burning passion about the Nigerian Project are both unparralled and remarkable. His love for the country is undying while his contributions to national growth  are profoundly enigmatic. Born on April 21, 1951, at Unuwazi, Uromi in Edo State, Prof. Abhuere had his early education at St. John’s Anglican Primary School, Unuwazi, before attending Edo Boys High School (now Adolor College), Benin City. He pursued higher education at notable institutions including the University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Ibadan, University College Swansea in th...