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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...

Edo NUJ Inaugurates  Compendium Update Committee Urges Chapels To Submit Members Credentials Within Two Weeks  By Admin  The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has launched a two-week exercise to update the professional records of its members, with chapel leaders being urged to ensure their members submit updated qualifications before the deadline. The initiative began on Wednesday, April 16, 2026, following the formal inauguration of the Edo State Council’s Compendium Update Committee by the Council Chairman, Comrade Festus Alenkhe. Speaking at the NUJ congress, the committee appealed to chapel leaders to mobilize journalists in their respective chapels—particularly those who have acquired new academic qualifications or professional certifications—to forward their documents for inclusion in the updated compendium. Members are expected to channel their submissions through their chapel chairmen, who will then pass the documents on to the committee ...

Edo Nawoj To Reach School Girls With Lebatry Community Health Foundation's Sanitary Pad Donation  Habiba Sam  In commemoration of the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day, the Lebarty Community Health Foundation has donated cartons of assorted sanitary pads to the Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ). The gesture forms part of the Foundation’s corporate social responsibility and supports NAWOJ’s plan to mark the day with school outreaches to educate girls on menstrual hygiene. The items were presented on behalf of the Medical Director of the Foundation, Dr. & Pharm. Nosa Aigbe Lebarty, by a delegation led by the Vice President of Lebarty Community Health Foundation, Mrs. Orion Lebarty Olaye, and the Communication Director, Pst. Mrs. Ovis Enahoro. Receiving the donation on behalf of the association, the Chairperson of Edo NAWOJ, Comrade Habiba Aniekan Sam,  alongside with her Vice, Comrade Oyemwense  Odeh,  expressed deep appr...

JUSTICE DELAYED: UGBOHA'S PLEA FOR COMPENSATION CAUGHT IN EDO'S PEACE POLICY LIMBO BY ADMIN In Ugboha,Edo State ,a farming community in Esan South-East, the familiar sound of cassava pounding for garri has long defined daily life. Today, however, that rhythm is broken. It is now interrupted by the silence of deserted farmlands and the anguished voices of women whose grief has spilled into the streets in a peaceful but urgent demonstration. Led by Dr. Mrs. Louisa Eikhomun-Agbonkhese, scores of women marched to the palace of the Onojie of Ugboha, HRH Stephen Eidenojie Ukato II, bearing a list of demands born from desperation: protection from armed groups, recovery of seized ancestral farmlands, and immediate restitution for women who have suffered violence. But while these women call for action to save their lives and livelihoods, a policy instrument that could directly address their plight remains unsigned in Benin City.  As of April 2026, the State Action Plan (SAP) on Women, P...