NUJ SWC Celebrates Chairman Festus Alenkhe On Birthday

NUJ SWC Celebrates Chairman Festus Alenkhe On Birthday

By Admin 

 

In a heartfelt celebration, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), State Working Committee (SWC) in Edo State, marked the birthday of their esteemed Chairman, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, on September 22, 2025. 

This special occasion was an opportunity for the SWC to express their appreciation for Comrade Alenkhe's exceptional leadership and contributions to the union.

In a goodwill message filled with admiration and gratitude, the SWC described Comrade Alenkhe as a visionary leader. His dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to enhancing the welfare of journalists in Edo State and beyond have significantly propelled the objectives of the NUJ. Under his guidance, the union has witnessed strides in unity, professionalism, and overall advancement.

The committee highlighted that Comrade Alenkhe's leadership approach has been a source of inspiration for members, fostering an environment of confidence, unity, and professional excellence.

 His ability to lead with vision and empathy has earned him respect among his peers and colleagues in the journalism community.

As part of their birthday wishes, the SWC prayed for Comrade Alenkhe's continued good health, wisdom, and divine protection as he navigates the challenges and opportunities of leading the NUJ in Edo State. 

They also wished him greater accomplishments in both his personal and professional life, acknowledging the impact of his work on the union and the broader journalism community.

Expressing their confidence in Comrade Alenkhe's continued leadership, the SWC stated their belief that he will maintain purposeful and effective leadership for the NUJ in Edo State. 

This celebration served as a moment for the NUJ SWC to recognize the value of Comrade Alenkhe's leadership and to wish him well on his special day.

Aruogba Community Seeks Help From Gov. Okpebholo For Reliable Power Supply

Aruogba Community Seeks Help From Gov. Okpebholo For Reliable Power Supply

Habiba Sam 

The residents of Aruogba community, situated in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, have appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo for the installation of a transformer to enhance their electricity supply. 

This request was made by Mr. Kingsley Ogbeide, Secretary of the Landlord Association, in a recent discussion with journalists in Benin City.

Ogbeide explained that the community has been experiencing recurring power interruptions due to an antiquated and feeble transformer that no longer suffices for the community's requirements. 

"The inhabitants of the area have been dealing with electricity deficiencies because of a very old and weak transformer that is no longer adequate for the community's demands."

The transformer in question, with a capacity of 300KV, is located on the access road in Aruogba, adjacent to St. Andrew's Catholic Church. 

It is outdated and inefficient, leading to frequent power outages. "In spite of contributing almost N2 million, the community still needs an extra N10 to N11 million to buy and install a new transformer, amounting to roughly N12 to N13 million," Ogbeide added.

According to Ogbeide, the community had previously appealed to the Edo State government led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, but their plea did not receive attention. 

Members of the Landlord Association have been attempting to communicate with the new administration headed by Senator Okpebholo, seeking help to resolve the power outage problem.

Ogbeide underscored the hardships faced by residents, affecting both daily life and economic pursuits. Significantly, Okpebholo's administration has initiated a rural electrification program aimed at connecting neglected communities to the national power grid and tackling issues such as estimated billing and damage to power infrastructure.

 The government has stressed the importance of transparent metering and billing practices.

A viable solution to alleviate the power outage issue in Aruogba, according to Ogbeide, would involve installing a new, more efficient transformer to cater to the community's power demands. 

The Aruogba landlords have expressed their willingness to cooperate with the State Government to obtain funding or support for upgrading infrastructure and ensuring the durability of the solution to prevent future complications.

 Through this partnership, the Aruogba community could find a lasting remedy to their power outage challenges.

Edo Govt To Seal Dangote, NPDC, Barnsley, 7UP Bottling, Others For Tax Default

Edo Govt To Seal Dangote, NPDC, Barnsley, 7UP Bottling, Others For Tax Default

By Admin 

 Edo State Government is set to take decisive action against companies that have defaulted on paying their Land Use Charge (LUC), which encompasses property tax, ground rent, and tenement rate, as stipulated in Section 30 of the Edo State Land Use Charge laws.

 Companies like NPDC, Barnsley Int'l Coy Ltd, Ossiomo Power, Okpella Cement (part of Dangote Group), 7 Up Bottling Company Ltd, Nigerian Bottling Coy Ltd, and others operating within the state without adhering to the LUC payment requirements are affected.

Sources within the state government indicate that the decision to impose sanctions on these defaulters was prompted by their persistent failure to comply with the LUC law provisions despite repeated reminders. 

The government had issued an enforcement notice on July 24, 2025, published in national newspapers and on social media platforms, as mandated by law.

The primary goals of this debt recovery initiative are not only to penalize non-compliant defaulters but also to recover all outstanding LUC debts owed to the government. 

Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has stressed the importance of accelerating infrastructural development across the state, a move that has been commended by taxpayers.

Dr. Tunde Eigbiremolen, Director of Media at EdoGIS, has expressed appreciation for companies and individuals who have consistently paid their taxes without needing reminders.

 He assured that the government has mechanisms to reward such compliant entities and individuals.

On August 27, 2025, the State Government's enforcement team sealed several commercial premises in Benin metropolis for violating the LUC law by not settling outstanding bills. 

The upcoming enforcement round is expected to expand beyond Benin metropolis to include Edo North and Central Senatorial Districts.

The Land Use Charge (LUC) is a consolidated land-based tax comprising property tax, ground rent, and tenement rate. 

Edo State is empowered by law to collect these taxes via the Edo Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) and the Edo State Geographic Information Service (Edo GIS).

Dr. Eigbiremolen hinted that the next phase of enforcement will target various sectors including financial institutions like banks, filling stations, trading companies, and private residences across the state.

Ossiomo Power Asserts Ownership Of Critical Infrastructure In Edo State

Ossiomo Power Asserts Ownership Of Critical Infrastructure In Edo State 

By Admin

Ossiomo Power, a leading indigenous electricity firm in Nigeria, has reaffirmed its ownership of critical power infrastructure in Ologbo, Edo State. According to the company, it has held exclusive rights to the gas infrastructure and power facilities since 2008, backed by statutory licenses and approvals for power generation and transmission within the state.

The Deputy General Manager of Ossiomo Power, Engr. Francis Ekwe, clarified that the company's ownership rights are unequivocal. He explained that the firm's partnership with CCETC, a Chinese company, was limited to a contract for the supply and installation of engines for the Independent Power Project (IPP1) in 2018. However, this contract did not transfer ownership of any facilities to CCETC.

Sources close to the development suggest that CCETC's recent attempts to assert ownership may be aimed at influencing state authorities and creating uncertainty around Ossiomo Power's operations. 

Analysts warn that if CCETC's efforts are successful, it could undermine Nigeria's local content policy and pose significant risks to energy security in Edo State.

Ossiomo Power has established itself as a reliable and efficient power provider in Edo State.

The company has invested heavily in infrastructure development, including a 33kV transmission line and 11kV distribution lines, serving government establishments, businesses, homes, and communities. 

With an average performance of 97.5% or 22 hours of power supply per day, Ossiomo Power has become a vital component of the state's economic development.

The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for energy security in Edo State. If Ossiomo Power is able to maintain control over its infrastructure, it will continue to provide reliable power supply to its customers, supporting the state's economic growth and development. 

However, if CCETC's efforts are successful, it could lead to disruptions in power supply, undermining the state's economic progress.

In conclusion, Ossiomo Power's assertion of ownership over critical infrastructure in Edo State is a significant development that will have far-reaching implications for the state's energy security. 

The company's commitment to providing reliable power supply has made it a vital component of the state's economic development. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the dispute between Ossiomo Power and CCETC will be resolved.

Make Search Before Property Purchase - Edo GIS

Make Search Before Property Purchase - Edo GIS

By Admin 

 To prevent land grabbing and fraudulent real estate deals, the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) recommends that prospective property buyers conduct thorough searches with the agency before making any payments. 

According to the Director of Land, one of EDOGIS's key mandates is to provide various search services to property buyers in a timely manner.

Searches Offered by EDOGIS includes ,;

1. Cadastral Search: This search helps determine if a parcel of land is encumbered, registered, or has any pending applications, court cases, or government restrictions.

2. Legal Searches: This search provides information on the status of properties with registration references in the registry.

3. Omnibus Search: A general search using a name or street name to check if a property has any registrations.

4. Certified True Copy: This service provides certified copies of documents for properties registered with EDOGIS, useful for information and litigation purposes.

5. Registration of Documents: EDOGIS also offers registration services for documents such as Power of Attorney, court judgments, and mortgages.

6. Caveat Placement/Removal: The agency registers caveats and facilitates their removal.

By conducting a search with EDOGIS, property buyers can avoid falling victim to land grabbers who often sell government lands or already registered properties to unsuspecting buyers. 

The Director of Land emphasizes that buying government land does not guarantee ownership, as the government can reclaim its property.

For more information, prospective property buyers can reach out to EDOGIS at:

Plot 102, Sapele Road, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Phone: 07066935910, 08076478335

Email: mailto:edogis@edostate.gov.ng