News View Digest

Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority Marks 100 Days In Office with Key Commissions Habiba Sam  The Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA) has celebrated its 100-day milestone in office with the commissioning of critical infrastructure projects in its host communities.  These projects include five solar-powered boreholes, a police post and lodge, and agricultural projects such as a cassava and maize farm at Owena. Five boreholes were commissioned in host communities, specifically in Obayantor, Ekosa, Owanoba, Agbonmoba, and Iyanomi. These boreholes aim to provide clean water for residents and support agricultural activities. A police post and lodge were commissioned n Obayantor to enhance security in the area. The authority also donated Hilux trucks to support security efforts. The authority has initiated various agricultural projects, including the development of a cassava and maize farm at Owena, to boost food production and support local farmers. B...

UBTH's New CMD Pledges Excellence And Staff Welfare Habiba Sam  The newly appointed Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, has promised to enhance the hospital's healthcare infrastructure and prioritize staff welfare.  Prof. Ize-Iyamu made this commitment when she assumed office today, surrounded by staff and students of the institution. A Professor of Orthodontics and a trailblazer in several ways,she is the first female CMD, the first dentist to hold the position, and the first orthodontist to lead the institution.  She expressed her dedication to excellence and her commitment to supporting the national drive for equitable, cost-effective, and reliable healthcare for all Nigerians. The new CMD pledged to align her administration with President Bola Tinubu's "Renewed Hope" Agenda, which aims to restore faith in public institutions and deliver healthcare that is accessible, affordable, and of the hig...

Distinguished APC Chieftain,  Chief,Dr. Abraham Jimawo (JP) Receives Honorary Doctorate in Divinity Habiba Sam  In a grand ceremony  held at Sabogida Ora, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, Dr. Abraham Jimawo, a respected chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Executive Director of the Edo State Rapid Response Agency, was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.  This prestigious award was bestowed upon him by The Shiloh Embassy Spiritual Defence Academy, an institution affiliated with the World Communion of Christian Celtic Convergence College, UK. Dr. Jimawo's remarkable achievement is a testament to his tireless efforts in serving his community and promoting the values of his party.  Chief Jimawo is known for his robust commitment to religious leadership and philanthropy activities. By supporting the spread of the gospel and engaging in charitable exercises to assist the less privileged and needy across th...

UBTH Outgoing CMD Says He Is Confident In Idia Ize-Iyamu's Ability To Do Better Habiba Sam  The outgoing Chief Medical Director of University Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Darlington Obaseki, has expressed confidence that his successor, Mrs. Idia Ize-Iyamu, will excel in her new role and even surpass his achievements during his eight-year tenure as CMD. Prof. Obaseki made this statement at the end of his valedictory lecture and book launch, which marked the culmination of his eight-year tenure at the hospital. According to him, "I have known Mrs. Ize-Iyamu for years, and from her attributes, I know she will improve on what she's inherited and even do better." "I am very confident that you will do well and even more better than I have done, with her God-fearing attributes, which is my prayer too for the betterment and growth of UBTH," he added. Prof. Obaseki stated that his focus from the outset was to reposition UBTH as a future-ready teaching hospital gro...

Edo By-Election Marred by Violence, PDP Alleges APC Thuggery Habiba Sam  The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ovia federal constituency, Johnny Aikpitanyi, has raised serious concerns about the ongoing by-election in Edo State.  According to Aikpitanyi, there is a massive presence of vigilantes and thugs at polling units, particularly unit 7 in Oghede, Ovia North East Local Government Area, which is hindering the free expression of voters' will. Aikpitanyi expressed his outrage, questioning the logic behind having over 150 vigilantes armed and present in a polling unit.  "How can you see more than 150 vigilantes holding guns in a polling unit? It doesn’t make sense," he said, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of invading polling units with thugs and vigilantes. The PDP candidate emphasized that if the APC feels confident about their performance and popularity, they should allow voters to freely cast their ballots without intimidation....

Free Our Seminarians: Catholic Diocese Appeals To Tinubu, Security Agencies Habiba Sam  The Catholic Diocese of Auchi in Edo State has made a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Monday Okpebholo, and security agencies to intervene in the release of two seminarians kidnapped from the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary in Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, Etsako East local government area.  The seminarians were abducted on July 10, 2025, and a recent viral video showed them holding human skulls and pleading for financial assistance to secure their release. Bishop Gabriel Dunia, the chief shepherd of the Diocese, expressed his distress and frustration over the prolonged captivity of the seminarians, stating,  "As the chief shepherd of the Diocese, I feel personally hurt and disturbed that my seminarians, our children, are living with armed strangers for 35 days now."  He has been praying fervently for their safe release and is calling on people everywhere to joi...

NUJ President Lauds Governor Umo Eno For Unprecedented Support To Journalists Habiba  Aniekan Sam  The President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya, has expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his remarkable gesture of donating 10 brand-new cars to members of the State Working Committee of the NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council. This unprecedented act has set a new standard for support and recognition of journalists' contributions in the state. Comrade Yahya described Governor Umo Eno as a media-friendly leader who understands the critical role journalists play as watchdogs of society and as a bridge between government and the people.  The NUJ President noted that this gesture is a testament to the governor's commitment to supporting the welfare of journalists and promoting a positive working relationship between the government and the media. During the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the N...

Young Chess Champions Celebrated in Edo State Habiba Sam  The Edo State Sports Commission has commended the winners of the Under-17 Male and Female Chess Tournament, which took place in Benin City. Over 50 young participants showcased their skills, and the winners were celebrated for their outstanding performances. The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, expressed delight at the talent displayed by the young players.  "This tournament was designed to promote talent discovery across the state, and I am thrilled with the performance of the players," he said. Kelechi Chukwudi and Leonard Gabriel emerged as the top two winners in the male category, while Oyakhilome Christabel and Shadrach tied for first place in the female category. The winners received cash prizes, with the overall winners in the male and female categories receiving ₦25,000 each.  The second-place winners received ₦15,000, while the third-place winners rece...

Edo North Residents Praise Government For Bringing CofO Services Closer To Them Habiba Sam Auchi residents, including traditional rulers, government officials, politicians, students, council staff, and artisans, have expressed their gratitude to the Edo State Government for extending Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) services to Edo North.  This development follows the official launch of the Edo North office of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) at the Etsako West Council Secretariat in Auchi. The Managing Director of EDOGIS, Dr. Tony Ikpasaja, explained that the decision to decentralize the agency's services aligns with Governor Monday Okpebholo's vision of taking government services to the grassroots level. Dr. Ikpasaja assured stakeholders that the agency is committed to delivering prompt and efficient services, provided all necessary requirements are met.  Residents are encouraged to visit the EDOGIS office at the Council Secretariat in Auchi to initiate t...

Edo NUJ Unveils Ultra-Modern Gate In Celebration Of Progress And Unity Habiba Sam  The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has marked a significant milestone with the commissioning of a newly constructed ultra-modern entrance gate, valued at N9.5 million.  This impressive structure is a testament to the council's commitment to enhancing its facilities and promoting a sense of pride among its members. The State Chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, expressed his delight in fulfilling a promise he made upon assuming office. He revealed that he personally funded the project through contributions from friends, family, and associates. Alenkhe emphasized that this achievement is just the beginning, as he plans to execute more projects to further strengthen the union. A former Chairman of the Edo NUJ, Godwin Erhahon, praised Comrade Alenkhe for his visionary leadership and commitment to improving the union's facilities.  Erhahon noted that some o...

Historic Appointment: Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu Becomes UBTH's First Female CMD Habiba Sam In a landmark decision, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Idia Nibukun Ize-Iyamu as the first female Chief Medical Director of the  52 years old University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), effective August 18, 2025.  This appointment marks a significant milestone in Nigeria's healthcare sector, underscoring the government's commitment to strengthening healthcare standards nationwide. The appointment letter, signed by Minister of Health Professor Muhammad Ali Pate on August 8, 2025, congratulates Professor Ize-Iyamu on her new role while emphasizing the importance of collaborative work with stakeholders to deliver quality healthcare services.  The minister also urged her to consolidate and improve the hospital's state to realize its mandate as a teaching hospital. Professor Ize-Iyamu's impressive career trajectory spans over 27 years of uninterrupted service at U...

APC Dominance: Edo Governor Predicts APC Landslide Victory In 2027 Habiba Sam  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed confidence that the opposition will collapse in the state before the 2027 general elections.  He made this prediction while flagging off the campaign for the August 16th Senatorial by-election in Edo Central Senatorial District.  Okpebholo urged opposition candidates to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the party's developmental achievements in the state. The governor emphasized that the by-election is a crucial test for the APC's momentum heading into the 2027 elections, which he believes are already a done deal in Edo State.  According to Okpebholo, the APC will secure 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election bid, starting with this senatorial election. Governor Okpebholo assured that the APC will win all five local government areas in Edo Central, capturing all 51 wards in the s...