News View Digest

United We Stand: Akwa Ibom Community in Edo State Calls for Unity Meeting Habiba Sam  The Akwa Ibom Believers United Front Worldwide has extended an invitation to Akwa Ibom people residing in Edo State to come together and form a united front.  The call for unity is aimed at enabling the Akwa Ibom community to have a stronger voice and greater impact in the state's political, social, and business climate. According to the International President of Akwa Ibom Believers United Front Worldwide, Mr. Obong Oniel Duke, the community has been fragmented, with various factions operating independently.  This has led to a lack of recognition and neglect of the community's interests. Mr. Duke notes that politicians in Edo State have complained about the disunity among Akwa Ibom people, which has hindered their ability to effectively engage with the community. The Convener emphasizes that the time for unity is now, and that it is essential for the community to come together under one...

Iyanomo  Community Seeks Govt Intervention over Escalation Of Land Dispute With Nigerian Army  Habiba Sam one of the destroyed buildings in Iyanomo village by Army A long-standing land dispute between the Nigerian Army and the Iyanomo community in Edo State has reached a boiling point, with both sides trading accusations and seeking high-level intervention.  The Iyanomo community has appealed to the Edo State Government and the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, to intervene in the matter. The community alleges that the Nigerian Army has been destroying their ancestral homes and farmlands, claiming ownership of the land.  According to the community leaders, Pa Agbonavbare Ohiengbomwan and Iyayi Eboigbe, soldiers have been invading their village, demolishing buildings, and digging trenches to block access.  The community claims that they have lived on the land for generations and are now facing homelessness and food insecurity. The community also ac...

AKBUFW Celebrating the Success of Operation Feed the People in Edo State Chapter  Habiba Aniekan Sam  The Akwa Ibom Believers United Front Worldwide (AKBUFW) recently celebrated the success of its Operation Feed the People initiative in Edo State. The event, which was attended by members of the organization, marked a significant milestone in the group's efforts to support the needy and promote the values of kindness and compassion. During the event, the International President of AKBUFW, Dr. Duke Obong Oniel, expressed his gratitude to God for the success of the initiative. He noted that the organization's efforts to feed the people were in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ, who fed thousands of people during his time on earth.  Dr. Oniel encouraged members not to relent in their efforts, emphasizing that there is a greater reward in giving to the needy. The Edo State chapter of AKBUFW has a new executive committee, which was inaugurated during the event.  The ...

Nigerian Red Cross to Empower 400,000 Households against Floods Habiba Sam The Nigerian Red Cross Society is set to launch a Flood Resilience Project that will benefit approximately 400,000 households across 12 states in Nigeria.  The project, sponsored by the Italian government, aims to enhance the resilience of communities to flooding, which has become a recurring problem in the country. According to Wilson Ekhomogiazin, Edo Branch Secretary of the Nigerian Red Cross, the project will be implemented in 12 states, including Edo, Gombe, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Enugu, Borno, Ogun, Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger, and Lagos. In Edo State, the project will focus on two local government areas: Esan South East and Etsako Central. The project will include several key components, such as training community volunteers on flood preparedness and response, early warning systems, rehabilitation of public WASH infrastructure, and pre-positioning of shelter materials for affected households....

Governor Umo Eno's Media Support Earns Him NUJ's Highest Honor Habiba Sam The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) recently celebrated its 70th anniversary with a grand ceremony at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre in Abuja.  The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including state governors, captains of industry, and stakeholders from across the 36 state councils and the Federal Capital Territory. Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, was honored with an Award of Excellence in the Development of Media Infrastructure.  Represented by the Honorable Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, Governor Eno was commended for his commitment to promoting a free press and supporting the development of media infrastructure in Akwa Ibom State. In his remarks, Hon. Umanah emphasized the importance of development journalism and urged the NUJ to ensure that the dynamics of technological-driven information dissemination do not threaten the traditional media.  He also ...

Benin Kingdom Welcomes 119 Looted Artifacts Repatriated Habiba Sam   In a landmark victory for cultural heritage, the Benin Kingdom has welcomed back 119 priceless artifacts looted during the 1897 British invasion. The artefacts have been the highest  number received  of several returned thus far. The repatriation ceremony, held at the palace of Oba Ewuare II, marked a significant moment in the kingdom's history.  The artifacts were returned by the Netherlands, following sustained advocacy by the Benin Royal Court and formal diplomatic requests from the Nigerian government. The Oba revealed that an international art cartel had attempted to re-loot the artifacts, but their efforts were thwarted by the Dutch government's commitment to cultural restitution. The monarch expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Monday Okpebholo, and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) for their roles in securing the artifacts' return. The ...

Three Suspects to Face Court for Kidnapping and Armed Robbery Habiba Sam The Edo State Police Command is set to arraign three alleged kidnappers and armed robbers who have been terrorizing Benin City and its environs.  The suspects, identified as Asemota Osamede, 38, Michael Tomminiwei, 43, and Kelly Aitoya, 34, were apprehended by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit after an intensive investigation. The police investigation revealed that the suspects were responsible for kidnapping over 10 individuals in Benin City, collecting hefty ransoms from their victims.  One of the victims, Mrs. Vivian Diode, was kidnapped on April 10, 2025, and forced to withdraw N1.5 million from her bank account while in captivity.  Her family paid N6 million in ransom for her release, but the suspects continued to demand more money, threatening to kidnap and assassinate her. Further investigation exposed the suspects' involvement in multiple kidnappings and armed robberies, targeting prominent individual...

Iyekogba Community Demands Justice for Murder and Attempted Murder Habiba Sam The Iyekogba community in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State, has called on the Edo State Police Command to bring to justice those responsible for the murder of Frank Osagie, a youth leader, and the attempted murder of Victor Iredia and four others.  The incident occurred on June 11 during a meeting to resolve a boundary dispute between Evbuerohun Village and Okoebor Village. According to eyewitnesses, some individuals from Okoebor Community arrived late to the meeting and began shooting sporadically, resulting in Osagie's death and injuries to several others. The community has condemned the violent attack and demanded that the perpetrators be held accountable. In a statement signed by His Royal Highness Anthony Osayemwrnre Osagie, Enogie of Umegbe and President, Iyekogba Elders' Council, the community expressed outrage over the incident and called on the police to ensure justice is served. The ma...

Empowering Africa's Future: Edo First Lady Champions Inclusive Education Habiba Sam As the world commemorates the International Day of the African Child, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady in Edo State, has reaffirmed her office's commitment to promoting inclusive education and child welfare.  The theme for this year's celebration, "Education for All Children in Africa: The Time is Now," serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address the educational disparities faced by many African children. Mrs. Anani drew inspiration from the historic Soweto Uprising, where brave school children stood up against educational injustice, paving the way for future generations to demand better. She emphasized that education is a powerful tool that can unlock a child's potential and reshape society.  The Coordinator called on governments, families, and stakeholders to work together to break down barriers that prevent children ...

Kidnapped Businessman Found Dead in Shallow Grave Habiba Sam A 59-year-old businessman, Henry Ohiengbomwan, was allegedly kidnapped, murdered, and buried in a shallow grave in Igueze Village, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. The incident occurred on May 13, 2025, after Ohiengbomwan sold his pineapple produce for over N900,000.  His alleged kidnappers, five in number, demanded a N60 million ransom but killed him before the family could pay. The family had requested to hear from Ohiengbomwan before paying the ransom, and after sending N300,000 for him to speak with them, they were unable to reach him.  This raised suspicions, and it was later discovered that the kidnappers had already killed him and buried him in the forest. The police received a report and mobilized a team to track down the suspects. Using technical means, they arrested one 32-year-old suspect, Bassey Nyong Uweh, in Akwa Ibom State. Uweh confessed to the crime and led the police to the forest...

Edo State Govt Takes Bold Step to Combat Diphtheria Outbreak Habiba Sam The Edo State Government has taken a significant step in fighting the diphtheria outbreak by donating medical supplies to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).  The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, handed over the supplies, which include essential drugs, hospital beds, protective gear, and disinfectants, to support the hospital's efforts in treating and isolating affected patients. The commissioner explained that the government's intervention aims to reduce the risk of further infections and ensure that patients receive proper care.  As part of the initiative, the State Government will cover the hospital bills of all diphtheria patients currently receiving treatment at UBTH. The Isolation Centre at UBTH, which had been closed, will be reopened to accommodate patients. The Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at UBTH, Dr. Stanley Okugbo, praised the government's t...

Edo Health Commissioner Strengthens Partnership with NCDC to Enhance Disease Response Habiba Sam The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, has paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in Abuja, solidifying the state's commitment to national health security.  The visit aimed to foster a stronger partnership between Edo State and the NCDC in managing infectious disease outbreaks. Dr. Oshiomhole commended the NCDC for its dedication to public health, citing its effective response to recent outbreaks, including COVID-19, Lassa fever, and diphtheria. He emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration, community engagement, and data-driven health interventions in preventing and controlling diseases. The commissioner stressed that achieving sustainable disease prevention requires a collective effort from government institutions, civil society groups, traditional leaders, healthcare provid...

Child Rights Protection :Edo NAWOJ Sue For Its Sustenance  Habiba Sam As we commemorate the World Day Against Child Labour, the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Edo State urges Nigerians to join hands in protecting the rights of our children. Millions of children are engaged in child labour, depriving them of their childhood and interfering with their education. Child labour is a menace that harms children's physical, mental, social, and moral development. It is a violation of their rights and a threat to their future.  We must work together to eliminate child labour and provide children with opportunities for education, health, and development. Edo NAWOJ is committed to advocating for the rights of children and women, promoting their welfare. We believe that every child deserves a childhood free from exploitation and abuse.  We urge the government, parents, and stakeholders to join us in this fight against child labour. It's time for collective action to...

Office Of The Edo First Lady, Championing The  Fight Against Child Labour Habiba Sam The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has emphasized the need to accelerate efforts to eliminate child labour as the world commemorates the World Day Against Child Labour on June 12.  With approximately 160 million children worldwide engaged in child labour, the issue remains a significant challenge. Mrs. Anani attributed poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, social inequality, and lack of awareness as the underlying causes of child labour. She highlighted the importance of protecting children's rights and providing them with opportunities for education, health, and development. The theme for the 2025 World Day Against Child Labour, "Progress is evident, but there is more work to be done: Let's accelerate efforts!", underscores the need for collective action to address this issue.  In Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo's admin...

Office Of Edo First Lady Praises Students' Innovative Waste Management Project Habiba Sam The Office of the First Lady of Edo State, led by Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has commended students of Usugbonu Technical College in Irrua for their groundbreaking project on waste management.  The students, who recently won a science competition in Abuja, showcased their innovative project to the First Lady's office. The project involves developing waste management sensors that can detect when waste bins are full and signal waste management teams for collection.  The system uses sensors to categorize waste into different types, such as plastics and metals, and includes an app for efficient communication between waste bins and management teams. Mrs. Anani praised the students' ingenuity, highlighting the potential of their project to improve waste management in Edo State.  She encouraged them to continue pursuing their passion for science and technology, emphasizing the importance...

Edo Govt Rescues 20-Year-Old Trafficking Victim from Burkina Faso Habiba Sam The Edo State government has successfully rescued a 20-year-old woman, Iwinosa Okunrobo, who was trafficked to Burkina Faso and forced into prostitution.  Iwinosa was just 15 when she was taken abroad with promises of a better life. She spent years in slavery before crying out for help in a viral TikTok video. The state governor, Monday Okpebholo, intervened, working with the Office of the First Lady and the Edo State Migration Agency to bring Iwinosa home safely.  Upon her return, the governor reaffirmed his administration's commitment to enforcing laws against human trafficking, particularly the Edo State Trafficking in Persons Law 2018. Iwinosa's mother, Mrs. Imuetiyan Osabuoyen, expressed gratitude to the governor for rescuing her daughter, denying any involvement in her trafficking.  The Director General of the Edo Migration Agency, Mr. Lucky Agazuma, who brought Iwinosa home, advised par...

Okpebhol Congratulates Akwa Ibom Governor On APC Defection, Sees Opportunities For South South Region Habiba  Sam  Basking in the euphoria of "A New Era of Progress", the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has extended his warmest congratulations to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on his historic decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).  This move marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the South South region, and Governor Okpebholo believes it will unlock new opportunities for growth and development. Governor Okpebholo commended Governor Eno's bold and courageous decision, noting that it demonstrates a profound commitment to the advancement and development of Akwa Ibom State.  By aligning with the APC's progressive ideals and national vision, Governor Eno has positioned his state for seamless integration into the federal government's developmental agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope mantra. The Edo...

Catholic Media Practitioners  Association Of Nigeria Honor Secretary General with Appreciation Award By Falmata Ibrahim  The Catholic Media Practitioners Association  of Nigeria in Benin City Archdiocese has honored one of their own with a prestigious award, recognizing her tireless dedication to her duties. Mrs. Habiba Ibrahim-Sam, the Secretary General, was the recipient of the Appreciation Award, presented by the Chairman of CAMPAN in Benin City Archdiocese, Ruben Mario Brodrick.  This award was a testament to Mrs. Sam's relentless commitment to her work and her invaluable contributions to the organization. The award ceremony took place on June 1st, 2025, during the Jubilee of Social Communications and Media Practitioners. It was a momentous occasion that brought together media practitioners from across the archdiocese to celebrate their work and dedication. Mrs. Sam's award was a highlight of the event, and she was visibly moved by the recognition. Mrs. Habiba ...

Fr. Mbakwe Urges Media Practitioners to Uphold Unity and Patience in the Face of Challenges Habiba Sam The Campan Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Romanus Mbakwe, has issued a heartfelt appeal to media practitioners, emphasizing the importance of unity and perseverance in the face of challenges.  At the reception of the,Jubilee of Social  Communications and Media Practitioners, Rev. Fr. Mbakwe encouraged media professionals to remain steadfast and patient, reminding them that their work is a sacred trust from God. Rev. Fr. Mbakwe's message underscored the need for media practitioners to foster a spirit of unity and cooperation. He urged them to look beyond their differences and work together towards a common goal, recognizing that their collective efforts can have a profound impact on society. The Reverend Father's words of encouragement were designed to bolster the resolve of media practitioners, reminding them that their work is not just a profession, but a calling that requires dedicatio...

Archbishop Akubeze Urges Media Practitioners to Share Hope with Gentleness, Echoing Pope Francis' Message Habiba Sam The Archbishop of the  Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze, has called on media practitioners to share hope with gentleness, echoing the message of Pope Francis.  This appeal was made during the celebration of the 59th World Day of Social Communication, marked with a Mass and celebration themed "Share with gentleness the hope that is in your heart." Archbishop Akubeze emphasized the importance of communicating hope with gentleness, highlighting the dangers of disinformation, aggressiveness in speech, and the loss of human dignity in public discourse.  He urged media practitioners to be "communicators of hope," countering the prevalent news of fear and despair with stories of love and healing. The Archbishop commended media houses that defend the truth, promote the dignity of the human person, and uphold the voices...

Congratulations to Governor Monday Okpebholo Chief Abraham Jimawo I am delighted to extend my warmest congratulations to the Executive Governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, on the landmark victory at the Appeal Court judgment, which reaffirmed his triumph in the September 21, 2024, Edo State election. This significant win is a testament to the people's mandate and a validation of Governor Okpebholo's leadership. I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations not only to our able Governor but also to our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and to the good people of Edo State who have shown unwavering support for his administration. The outcome of the appeal court judgment clearly indicates that the opposition party, PDP, has lost its ground in Edo State. I urge Governor Okpebholo to continue his developmental work, which has endeared him to the people of Edo State. The love and support from the good people of Edo State are evident, and I assure you, Mr. Gove...