I Never Carried A Placard In Protest Against Jonathan - Pastor Adeboye Breaks Silence

I Never Carried A Placard In Protest Against Jonathan - Pastor Adeboye Breaks Silence

Imawiyisi-Emmanuel Eghaghe 

General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God , Pastor E.A. Adeboye has finally cleared the air on a particular video which some persons have turned into a propaganda tool to misinform  Nigerians  and the world even as 2027 elections draw near.

Speaking on a message  'Activating Your Potentials” at the November thanksgiving service held on November 1st 2026 at Ebute-meta, he debunked ever carrying a placard in protest against the government of former President Good luck Jonathan.   

He further warned Journalists, Influencers and content creators in general to explore their potentials in the right direction.

“ They brought out the picture of where I was dressed in white and green carrying a placard. When I heard about it, I said me carrying a placard in protest against Jonathan ? I did not carry a placard in protest against Jonathan but they insisted I did that and that they even have the pictures. True, I carried a placard and I cannot deny that. However it wasn’t a protest, it was a prayer walk”.

According to the clergyman, “It was a directive from the President of Christian Association of Nigeria CAN  that all churches should do a prayer-walk near their churches and that is what I did in Ebute-meta but the whole country swallowed that information without proper investigation “

He appealed to Journalists and influencers in general to embrace professionalism and carry out proper investigations before they take it to the public space because not all things appear the way they seem. “I carried a placard in 2020 but Jonathan ceased to be President in 2015. A journalist twisted and said I did what I did in 2015 and everybody swallowed it, nobody checked “.

He further condemned how  persons  lift just a line in a statement to generate misleading contents capable of misinforming the people who mostly will not verify but believe it as presented. 

While making reference to the occasion of Donald Trump’s threat to bomb Nigeria, Adeboye clarified that he  said “ Once President Trump finished giving his order, he went to bed. So don’t blame my President because he has already given instructions to his soldiers, he should be allowed also like Trump to go to bed. He has done all that is required  of a Commander-in-chief to do”

“ I spoke for thirty minutes but somebody took what I said in less than five minutes as though it was the whole speech and said Pastor Adeboye said the President has done his best and you all swallowed it. Every other things I said there was not news including when I told Trump thank you, you have helped us but you have not done enough. We still need help but don’t bomb us anymore ”

He also stated that he further appealed to President Trump to take care of those who are sponsoring terrorists in Nigeria if they were to further help Nigeria but that was never considered news.

Benin City Agog As 18 Contestants Arrive For Miss Corporate Nigeria Pageant

Benin City Agog As 18 Contestants Arrive For Miss Corporate Nigeria Pageant

By Admin 

The ancient city of Benin is agog with excitement as 18 contestants from across the country arrived in the Edo State capital for the 2025 edition of the Miss Corporate Nigeria beauty pageant.

The contestants, drawn from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), converged on Benin City on Friday ahead of the grand finale of the prestigious competition, which is known for celebrating beauty with brains.

Now in its latest edition, the Miss Corporate Nigeria pageant has once again chosen Benin City as its host city, reinforcing its long-standing relationship with the Edo State capital since its inception in 2014.

Miss Corporate Nigeria is not just a conventional beauty contest. It is a women-empowerment platform that seeks to redefine the meaning of beauty by focusing on intelligence, confidence, professional excellence, personal development and social responsibility.

The organisers say the initiative is designed to promote the totality of womanhood, projecting the idea that beauty goes far beyond physical appearance. According to them, the pageant celebrates the decent, educated, ambitious and intellectually sound woman who is capable of making meaningful impact in society.

On arrival at their official accommodation, Reina Villa Hotel, located along Commercial Avenue in the Government Reserved Area (GRA), Benin City, the contestants made elegant and colourful entrances that added glamour and excitement to the build-up to the competition.

Dressed in stylish outfits, the ladies exuded elegance, poise and confidence as they were ushered into the hotel, which will serve as their camp throughout the duration of the pageant.

Beyond their physical beauty, the contestants also impressed onlookers with their eloquence and communication skills as they spoke about their aspirations, expectations and what they hope to achieve through the platform.

Their arrival signals the commencement of a series of activities lined up for the pageant, including rehearsals, intellectual engagements, empowerment sessions and other pre-finale events that will test their character, intelligence, leadership qualities and ability to inspire positive change.

With the stage now set, attention has shifted to who among the 18 ladies will distinguish herself and clinch the coveted crown.

Organisers say this year's edition promises to be one of the most competitive and iconic, as the contestants battle not just for beauty, but for the opportunity to become ambassadors of intelligence, character, confidence and social impact.

As preparations intensify for the grand finale, Benin City has once again taken centre stage nationally, playing host to a colourful celebration of beauty, intelligence and women empowerment.

I Will Sponsor Law To Protect Journalists As Vulnerable Group - Oredo APC Reps Candidate, Paddy Iyamu

I Will Sponsor Law To Protect Journalists As Vulnerable Group - Oredo APC Reps Candidate, Paddy Iyamu

Habiba Sam 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, has pledged to sponsor a law to protect journalists who he described as among the most vulnerable in the society.

Dr. Iyamu made the pledge on Tuesday when he visited the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Benin City, as part of the Oredo APC's tour to formally introduce its candidates to journalists.

The APC campaign team was led by the Oredo APC Chairman, Osamudiamen Osarenkhoe, who led party leaders and other candidates to the NUJ Press Centre.

The former Edo State Commissioner for Education said his decision to prioritize legislation for journalists was informed by the critical role they play in democracy and the enormous risks they face daily in the line of duty, often without adequate protection.

He said journalists, like other vulnerable groups, deserve legal safeguards that will guarantee their safety, welfare and freedom to carry out their constitutional duties without fear or intimidation.

"Journalists are among the vulnerable in our society. You go to war zones to get information, you expose ills in society at great personal risk, yet there is little protection for you. If elected, I will sponsor a law that will protect journalists and ensure you are recognized and protected as a vulnerable group," Iyamu assured.

Beyond media protection, the APC candidate said his legislative agenda would focus on improving access to quality healthcare, education, and promoting youth and women empowerment in Oredo Federal Constituency.

He said his blueprint is anchored on policies that will improve living conditions, tackle poverty and expand economic opportunities for residents of Oredo.

Iyamu expressed confidence that his experience in public service and his wide network of contacts would enable him to attract federal presence and meaningful development to the constituency.

Citing his track record as Education Commissioner, he said he facilitated the construction and commissioning of about 6.2 kilometres of internal roads at a state-owned polytechnic through strategic engagements with relevant authorities in Abuja.

He noted that the feat demonstrated his capacity to leverage relationships to bring development, promising to deploy the same approach for Oredo if elected to the House of Representatives.

On education, Iyamu described it as the most potent tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, addressing insecurity and preparing young people for a productive future.

He disclosed that nearly 100 schools were reconstructed and remodelled within one year during his tenure as Commissioner, with improved classroom facilities and provision of furniture for pupils.

He added that his administration initiated aspects of the Safe School Initiative before the Federal Government's intervention, stressing that he would prioritize legislation to strengthen school security and improve learning conditions.

According to him, every child deserves access to quality education and opportunity to succeed, regardless of family background.

On healthcare, he promised to support legislative measures that would expand access to medical services and improve the wellbeing of residents.

He also emphasized women's economic empowerment, noting that investing in women strengthens families, improves livelihoods and drives community development. He said his foundation had supported women through various interventions and he would expand such efforts if elected.

Speaking on youth development, Iyamu described young people as critical to societal progress and called for greater investment in skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.

He cited partnerships facilitated during his tenure, including an agreement with Chinese counterparts that enabled some Edo youths to travel to China for training.

The APC candidate said his desire to represent Oredo is driven by a commitment to translate his public service experience into tangible benefits for the people.

He appealed to voters to support his candidacy in 2027, promising effective representation, people-oriented laws, including the proposed journalists' protection law, and sustained efforts to attract development projects to the constituency.

Okpebholo Assures Edo Journalists Of Lasting Partnership, Says New Dawn Begins For Media-Government Relationship

Okpebholo Assures Edo Journalists Of Lasting Partnership, Says New Dawn Begins For Media-Government Relationship

 Falmata Ibrahim 

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, of a strong and enduring partnership with his administration, declaring that a new dawn has begun in the relationship between government and the media in the state.

The Governor gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received the leadership and members of the Edo NUJ Council at the Government House, Benin City, during a courtesy and thank-you visit.

Governor Okpebholo described journalists as critical partners in nation-building, commending them for their sacrifices, resilience and invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, national unity and peace.

According to him, journalists have played pivotal roles in defending democratic values and keeping citizens informed, often operating under harsh and risky conditions to ensure Nigerians are abreast of happenings across the country.

“You people have contributed to Nigeria’s democracy. You fought for what we are enjoying today. You fought for the peace of Nigeria. You fought for the unity of this country, and you remain in our hearts,” he told the journalists.

He noted that the media remains indispensable to democratic governance and deserves recognition for its round-the-clock commitment to information dissemination.

“I will continue to take you as one of us because of what you are doing day and night. Even during the war, you go in there just to get information so that people will know what is happening. That is very serious, and you are highly commended,” he added.

Governor Okpebholo said the visit marked the beginning of a long-lasting relationship between his government and the NUJ, expressing confidence that the renewed partnership will usher in a turning point for Edo State and a new era for the journalism profession in the state.

“Today, we have started our relationship. We have started a partnership. This meeting will last long, and it will bring about a turning point for Edo. It is a new dawn for NUJ,” the Governor declared.

He also spoke about ongoing reforms at the state-owned Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), assuring that his administration is determined to reposition the station to compete favourably with leading private television networks in the country.

“Anywhere I am in the world, EBS should be watched. EBS is transforming. By the time I leave Edo State as governor, EBS will be like TVC or Channels, because that is our primary station. We have a design for how we want EBS to look like,” he said.

Governor Okpebholo said he identifies more with contents from conventional media, citing instances where unverified reports from social media influencers falsely claimed his Chief Security Officer had been sacked, when the officer was actually away on official assignment.

He charged journalists to remain objective at all times and continue to contribute to the development of the state through balanced and responsible reportage. He encouraged them to aspire to the highest heights in life, including becoming Governors and President, stressing that Nigeria belongs to all.

The Governor linked his administration’s ability to pay salaries regularly, execute infrastructure projects and intensify the fight against insecurity to improved revenue allocations to states following the removal of fuel subsidy, disclosing that Edo State now receives about ₦7.8 billion.

Earlier, Chairman of the Edo NUJ Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, JP, who is also the newly appointed Managing Director of EBS, thanked Governor Okpebholo for finding him worthy of the appointment. He assured the Governor that he would not disappoint the administration, the union and the people of Edo State, pledging to uphold the law establishing the station and work with his team to realise its objectives.

Alenkhe also pledged the support of journalists in the state in publicising government activities with strict adherence to the ethics of journalism and appreciated members of the union for their solidarity

Other council leaders, including the Vice Chairman, Comrade Ede Agho; the Secretary, Comrade Andy Egbon; Chairman of the State Information Chapel, Comrade Erharuyi A. Joe; and Executive Director of OJ FM, Comrade Olabisi Akpaida, also expressed gratitude to the Governor for honouring journalists through the appointment of Alenkhe as EBS MD and Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele as Chief Press Secretary to the Governor. They reaffirmed the union’s commitment to promoting professional journalism and strengthening communication between government and the people.

Dignitaries present at the meeting included the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq.; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Yakubu Musa, JP; and the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, among others.

Edo First Lady Champions Early Detection, Urges Women To Go For Regular Breast Checks

Edo First Lady Champions Early Detection, Urges Women To Go For Regular Breast Checks

 By Admin 

The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has called on women across the state to make regular breast screening a priority, insisting that detecting breast cancer early remains the most effective way to ensure successful treatment and save lives.

Mrs. Anani made the appeal during a breast cancer awareness walk in Benin City, organised by the Office of the First Lady in partnership with Edo Specialist Hospital to promote early detection and deepen public understanding of the disease.

The walk, held under the theme: “Early Detection Saves Lives,” kicked off at the Edo Specialist Hospital, moved through the popular King’s Square area, and ended at Oba Market, covering several major streets in the Benin metropolis.

Addressing participants and onlookers during the exercise, Mrs. Anani stressed the need for early detection, consistent screening and prompt medical intervention as critical pillars in the fight against breast cancer.

She stated that raising awareness about breast cancer should go beyond merely wearing pink ribbons and colours, but must translate into deliberate action, access to reliable health information, and routine medical checks to guarantee better health outcomes for women.

She advised women to be observant of their bodies and to seek medical attention without delay whenever they notice unusual changes. She also used the opportunity to encourage men to undergo regular prostate screening as part of a broader push for preventive healthcare and early detection of diseases.

Earlier, the Chief Medical Director of Edo Specialist Hospital, Dr. Anthonia Njoku, encouraged residents to take full advantage of the ongoing free medical screening exercise to know their health status and identify potential health issues before they become serious.

In a related  development, Mrs. Anani also flagged off activities marking World Polio Day at the Ekiosa Primary Health Centre in Oredo Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking at the event, she commended the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, frontline health workers, parents and caregivers for their sustained contributions to immunisation and the protection of children’s health.

She said the combined health initiatives underscore the importance of preventive healthcare, public awareness and early intervention in reducing preventable diseases and improving the overall wellbeing of residents across Edo State.

Edo Govt Allays Fears Over Ebola, Warns Against Panic And Misinformation

Edo Govt Allays Fears Over Ebola, Warns Against Panic And Misinformation

Habiba Sam 

The Edo State Government has moved to reassure residents of their safety following reports of a confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in the country, calling for calm, vigilance and strict compliance with health guidelines.

The assurance was given in Benin City at a press conference held at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Health recently, where officials addressed concerns raised by the development.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, was represented at the briefing by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Eighemherio Paul Ikhumosa, who spoke on behalf of the state government.

Dr. Ikhumosa disclosed that the Edo State Ministry of Health is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) to closely monitor the situation and ensure the state remains prepared.

According to the briefing, the confirmed case in Nigeria involved a woman who travelled into the country on an international flight from Uganda. She was later admitted to a private hospital in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, where laboratory investigations confirmed that she had contracted the Ebola Virus Disease.

In his address, Dr. Ikhumosa explained the nature of Ebola to the public, describing it as a highly contagious and severe viral disease that is transmitted through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or secretions of an infected person, a deceased person who had the disease, or contaminated materials and objects.

He clarified that a person who has contracted the virus but has not yet developed symptoms cannot spread the disease, noting that the incubation period is between two and 21 days after exposure.

The Permanent Secretary said the state government regards the situation as a serious public health matter, which is why it is actively engaging relevant health agencies and partners to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response capacity across the state.

He advised residents to avoid direct contact with blood and other body fluids of infected persons, to wash their hands regularly with soap and running water, and to use alcohol-based hand sanitisers when water is unavailable.

He also warned against handling the personal effects and belongings of confirmed cases without appropriate protective measures, and urged residents to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene.

On symptoms, Dr. Ikhumosa advised anyone who experiences fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain or other signs, especially after a suspected exposure, to promptly seek medical care and follow the directives of healthcare professionals.

He cautioned the public against circulating unverified reports, rumours and false information on social media and other platforms, stressing that such actions could cause unnecessary fear and panic and could undermine the efforts of health authorities.

He appealed to residents to stay alert, remain calm and faithfully observe preventive measures while the government continues to monitor the situation.

Present at the briefing were the Governor's Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Andrew Iyamu; the Executive Secretary of the Hospitals Management Agency, Nelson Tenebe; Directors of the Ministry of Health; a former Director of Nursing Services, Dr. Aliu Nurudeen; representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO); and Dr. Oguira Osamuede, who represented the Director of Medical Services.

Oredo Reps Candidate Calls For Journalism Of Societal Repair

Oredo Reps Candidate Calls For Journalism Of Societal Repair 

Habiba Sam 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency, Hon. Dr. Paddy Iyamu, has urged members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) to practise journalism of societal repair ,journalism that heals, educates and builds, rather than journalism that scatters society through manipulation and false narratives.

Iyamu made the call recently, during a courtesy visit by the Edo State Chapter of NAWOJ led by its Chairperson, Comrade Habiba Sam, to appreciate his humanitarian services.

He said journalists have a powerful voice to repair society by pushing the right narrative and educating the public on the true state of the country.

"Let's continue to educate, use our platform to educate people. Let's judge it from where we are coming from and where we are now. You have a voice to help us continue to push the right narrative," he said.

Iyamu said there are a lot of misconceptions about the administration of President Bola Tinubu, but the truth is that the government is making progress.

"If someone is playing a football match, you don't call the result after the first half. You call the result after the second half. So, let's give the man the opportunity to finish," he said.

He cited the drop in food prices as evidence of societal progress.

"After the first subsidy removal, the price of Gari, the price of rice was about 100,000 or something. Am I right? But today, you guys go to the market. It goes to show you that the government knows what they are doing. And slowly but surely, things will be better," he added.

Iyamu also urged journalists to put Nigeria's challenges in global context, noting that earthquakes, disasters, flooding and inflation are affecting countries all over the world, including Paris recently.

"When you see things like that, you should also write about it. What's happening in Paris, what's happening because of inflation. People will also be informed. Because the misconception is really very bad," he said.

He appealed for support for the APC joint ticket , National Assembly, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly ,describing the candidates as credible men and women who will not disappoint.

"I want to appeal that we work for all of us. We are now running for seats as National Assembly, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly, it's a joint ticket. And we require your support," he said.

He thanked NAWOJ for amplifying the voices of women, the girl-child and the vulnerable.

Earlier, NAWOJ Chairperson, Comrade Habiba Sam, said the visit was to appreciate Iyamu's selfless humanitarian services.

She described NAWOJ as the umbrella body of women journalists in Nigeria, formed on September 12, 1989, to gain more recognition for women in a profession dominated by men.

She recalled that as a private citizen, Iyamu helped many vulnerable Nigerians through his Foundation in health, education and financial grants, and later distinguished himself as Chairman, SUBEB, and Commissioner for Education, where he was recognised as the 'Star Commissioner'.

She commended his peaceful campaign, particularly his promise to replace the billboard of a political opponent that was destroyed, and pledged NAWOJ's support to give voice to women, the vulnerable and the girl-child in collaboration with his office.

Also speaking, APC candidate for Oredo West Constituency, Hon. Richard Osaro Edosa, charged journalists to rise above politics of protest, hatred and manipulation, and embrace journalism anchored on truth, accountability and integrity.

"You are not just journalists, you are instruments for information. With you, society can be scattered through manipulation and deception, but with you also, truth can be saved. There is nothing that can set us free except the truth," he said.

He defended President Tinubu's reforms, citing no fuel queues, no nationwide strikes by doctors, teachers and nurses, and falling food prices.

In his remarks, APC candidate for Oredo East Constituency, Hon. Osamuede Edwin Edebiri, promised to prioritise women and youth empowerment if elected.

He said he would support deserving women with non-refundable grants to establish small businesses, noting that when you empower a woman, you empower the family.

On youths, he said unskilled youths would be enrolled in vocational training such as furniture making and hairdressing, with apprenticeship agreements signed and transportation support provided, while skilled youths would be nurtured to realise their dreams.

He promised regular engagement with constituents and quality representation beyond sponsoring bills.