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Edo State Government Says They Welcome Constructive Criticism, Lists Gains in Jobs, Security, and Infrastructure Habiba sam The Edo State Government has declared that it welcomes constructive criticism and robust engagement from the opposition, stressing that dissenting voices help the ruling party govern better.  Speaking at a media briefing in Benin City, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, made the position clear while outlining the administration’s achievements in civil service reform, infrastructure, security, and investment.  Afegbua used the forum to distance the government of Governor Monday Okpebholo from a viral video credited to Emmanuel Akpan, popularly known as Egogo, a Senior Special Assistant to the governor. In the video, Egogo was heard threatening opposition parties, including the African Democratic Party, and suggesting that figures like Peter Obi would be arrested if they came into the state.  Describing the comments a...

Two Years On, Her Light Still Glows Habiba Sam Two years have slipped quietly by since the icy  of death snatched you from our midst, dear sister-in-law. Yet time has not dimmed your light. Your laughter still echoes in the corners of our home, your kindness still walks the paths you once walked, and your love still wraps around us like a familiar shawl on a cold evening. Death thought it had the final word when it stole you away. But it did not know you. It did not know that some souls are too radiant to be buried, too tender to be forgotten, too deeply woven into ours to ever truly leave. In every family gathering, there is an empty chair that only your smile could fill. In every prayer, there is a whisper of your name. In every act of grace among us, there is the imprint of the woman you were—gentle, generous, elegant in spirit, and fierce in love. Two years today, and the ache still visits. But so does gratitude. Gratitude that we had you. Gratitude that for a season, God lent ...

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...