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Edo Govt, IFAD Launch Life-Changing Livelihood Programme for 630 Youths and Women Habiba Sam In a significant step towards empowering young people, women, and individuals with disabilities, the Edo State Government, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has launched a comprehensive livelihood programme aimed at transforming the lives of at least 630 beneficiaries.  The programme, known as the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), kicked off with an orientation ceremony in Benin City. Representing Governor Monday Okpebholo, Commissioner for Agriculture, Jerry Uwangue, emphasized the administration's commitment to modernizing agriculture and ensuring food security in the state.  He highlighted the importance of agriculture as a pathway to prosperity and economic development, noting that the government's agricultural initiatives are designed to empower rural youth and women to engage meaningfully in ag...

Federated Chapel Lauds Sports Commission Chairman for Transforming State's Sports Landscape Habiba Sam  .The Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, has expressed its profound appreciation and admiration for the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, for his outstanding leadership and transformative impact on the state's sports sector.  A high-powered delegation from the Chapel, led by Chairperson Mercy Onyenweli, paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman at his Benin City office, where they commended his visionary approach to sports development. During the visit, Onyenweli described Enabulele as "a trailblazer who has revolutionized sports in Edo State," highlighting the Commission's expanded focus beyond football to encompass multiple sports disciplines.  "Under your proactive leadership, sports activities have flourished, and Edo State is now reaping the benefits of your ef...

Empowering the Future: Okomu Oil Palm Company Awards N8.4m Bursaries to Indigent Students Habiba Sam In a heartwarming display of corporate social responsibility, Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc has awarded bursaries worth N150,000 each to 56 indigent students from communities surrounding its operational areas in Edo State.  The ceremony, which took place recently, was a testament to the company's commitment to promoting access to quality education and empowering the next generation of leaders. The bursaries, totaling N8.4 million, were presented as part of the company's 2025 corporate social responsibility initiative.  According to Mr. Fidelis Olise, the company's Communication Officer, the gesture is aimed at easing the financial burden on students from low-income families and promoting education in the company's host and neighboring communities. Olise emphasized that the bursary scheme is a reflection of Okomu's long-standing commitment to human capital development an...

Daniella Shines Bright: A Nursing Star is Born Barbara Ibrahim -Sam  "I couldn't have done it without you," said Little Miss Kenneth Erhumwunsee Daniella, beaming with pride, as she reflected on her remarkable achievement.  Having been inducted into the nursing profession with flying colors, Daniella's outstanding academic performance at Wellspring University in Benin City, Edo State, has earned her a well-deserved place among the esteemed ranks of nursing professionals. With a second-class honors degree in Nursing (Upper Division), Daniella's accomplishment is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for the noble profession.  Her family, friends, and mentors, who have supported her every step of the way, must be incredibly proud of her feat. In her heartfelt appreciation message, Daniella expressed her gratitude to those who have been her pillars of strength throughout her academic journey.  "I'm endlessly grateful for the love, support, ...

Benin Unity Cup Kicks Off: Senator Imasuen 's Initiative Gets Rave Reviews Habiba Sam  The maiden edition of the Benin Unity Cup, initiated by Senator Neda Imasuen, has taken a significant step forward with the unveiling of the trophy and the conduct of the draw ceremony.  The event, held at the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, was attended by key stakeholders in the state's sports sector. The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, commended Senator Imasuen for the initiative, describing it as a laudable effort that aligns with the state's vision for sports development.  Enabulele emphasized the importance of nurturing young talents discovered during the competition through sustained development programs. Senator Imasuen stated that the Benin Unity Cup was conceived to empower young people through sports by providing a structured platform for them to showcase their abilities.  He assured that ...

Digital Learning Center Inaugurated in Edo: A Step Towards Bridging the Digital Divide Habiba Sam  The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has taken a significant step towards promoting digital inclusion in communities by inaugurating a Digital Learning Center (DLC) in Edo State.  The center, located at Ujabhole Grammar School in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, was commissioned on October 23, 2025, in a hybrid ceremony. This initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Federal Ministry of Communication Innovation and Digital Economy.  The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, revealed that the administration has established 296 digital learning centers across Nigeria, with plans to add 148 more this year, aiming to reach 592 centers by 2027. The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady in Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, emph...

Uniting Against Breast Cancer: Edo State's Vibrant Celebration of Pink October Habiba Sam The Office of the First Lady, Edo State, in collaboration with the BeLiEF & Care Foundation and Edo Specialist Hospital, recently hosted the 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, a powerful event that brought together dignitaries, healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, and community members to promote women's health and raise awareness about breast cancer. The awareness walk, which commenced at Edo Specialist Hospital and proceeded to major streets within the Benin metropolis, including Oba Market and its environs, was a testament to the state's commitment to prioritizing women's health.  The event aimed to educate, sensitize, and empower women to take proactive steps toward safeguarding their health through regular screenings and self-examinations.  The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, emphasized the importance of early detecti...

Edo Govt Cleans House: Heads of Local Gov't Administration Sent on Compulsory Leave Habiba Sam  The Edo State Government has directed the Heads of Local Government Administration ( HoLGAs ) across all 18 local government areas to proceed on compulsory leave, effective immediately.  This decision was announced by the Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission , Alhaji Kabiru Adjoto , who explained that the move aims to revamp and reform the local government administration in the state. According to Adjoto, the decision is part of the ongoing restructuring and revamping of the local government system, designed to strengthen administrative efficiency, promote accountability and transparency, and reposition the local government service for improved service delivery.  The compulsory leave, he said, will enable a thorough assessment of administrative operations at the local government level, ensuring a fair and objective review of postings, staff deploym...

Edo Commissioner For Public Safety And Security Pledge Safer Edo Under Okpebholo  Habiba Sam The Ministry of Public Safety and Security in Edo State has a new Commissioner, Chief Ebea Festus Odianosen, who has hit the ground running with a promise to ensure the safety and security of the people.  Addressing staff of the ministry, Chief Odianosen emphasized the importance of collaboration among staff to achieve the SHINE agenda of the present Administration in the State led by Governor Monday Okpepholo. The Commissioner assured that his Ministry would work extra miles to guarantee the safety and security of the people in the State.  He believes that effective collaboration among safety and security agencies in the State is key to achieving success. With this approach, Chief Odianosen is optimistic that his Ministry would make a significant impact in ensuring peaceful environment for Edo people. In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Orebedo, congrat...

Unlocking Nigeria's Solid Minerals Potential for Economic Growth By Admin  The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) is set to unlock the vast potential of solid minerals to drive economic growth and development in Nigeria. According to Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, the council's initiative aims to contribute to the growth and development of the solid minerals sector, which is richly endowed in Nigeria, particularly in Edo State. Edo State is blessed with an array of mineral deposits, including kaolin clay, limestone, gypsum, marble, granite, feldspar, dolomite, iron ore, and lignite.  These mineral resources have the potential to drive economic diversification and job creation, particularly in rural areas where artisanal mining activities are significant sources of livelihood. However, the solid minerals sector is faced with numerous challenges, including informality, lack of funding, and inadequate mining technology.  To address these challenges, ...

EDOGIS : One Year of Transformative Land Administration Under Governor Okpebholo " By Admin When Governor Monday Okpebholo took office in November 2024, Edo State was plagued by land grabbing, hooliganism, and land racketeering, which had become a significant security challenge. However, the Governor's administration has made significant strides in addressing these issues and restoring order in land administration and allocation. Mandate of EDOGIS The Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) was established in 2017 to administer land resources, including land titling and management of landed properties. The agency is also responsible for administering land-based taxes and facilitating land acquisition and compensation for public interest projects. Under Governor Okpebholo's leadership, EDOGIS has been empowered to deliver cutting-edge services across the state. Land Administration Reforms Governor Okpebholo's administration has taken a bold step in reversing t...

Tragic Loss: Edo NSCDC Commandant Gbenga Agun Passes Away Suddenly Habiba Sam  In a shocking turn of events, the Commandant of the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Gbenga Agun, has tragically passed away. The incident occurred on Thursday at an event in Benin City, where Agun had been invited to deliver a keynote address. According to eyewitnesses, Agun slumped and died shortly after concluding his speech at the event organized by the International Association of World Peace Advocates.  Despite being rushed to the Military Hospital at Airport Road, Benin City, for immediate medical attention, Agun was pronounced dead on arrival. As news of his passing spreads, the security community and the general public are in shock, mourning the loss of a dedicated and respected leader. Agun's sudden demise has left many questions unanswered, and the circumstances surrounding his death are yet to be fully disclosed. At the time of this report, neithe...