News View Digest

Edo State Intensifies War Against Malaria with Statewide Free Screening, Treatment, and Public Sensitization on World Malaria Day 2026 Habiba Sam In solidarity with the global fight against malaria, the Edo State Ministry of Health marked World Malaria Day 2026 with a series of interventions aimed at reducing the disease burden, including free testing, treatment, and large-scale awareness drives across the state. Addressing journalists at a media briefing in Benin City, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, said this year’s theme, _Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must_, serves as an urgent reminder that the time for decisive action is now. Dr. Oshiomhole lamented that Nigeria continues to bear the heaviest malaria burden globally, a reality he described as a public health emergency demanding united action from government, healthcare professionals, and every citizen. He stressed, however, that Edo State is responding with practical, people-centered measures ...

Masari: The Trusted Fixer Driving Results, Loyalty, and Grassroots Strength in Tinubu’s Presidency By Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat, Phd In politics, the most consequential figures are not always the most visible. Some operate beyond the glare of headlines, shaping outcomes through trust, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to results. Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari belongs to this rare class, a quiet force whose influence within the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) is both significant and steadily consequential. From his vantage point within Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Masari has built a reputation as a dependable operator, trusted with sensitive assignments and known for delivering them with precision, honesty, and without distortion. In a political environment where competing interests can easily blur intent, such reliability is not just valuable; it is indispensable. This trust is rooted in more than proximity to power. It is g...

Catholic Television of Nigeria Marks 15 Years on Air, One Year on GOTV with 300% Viewership Surge Habiba Sam  Catholic Television of Nigeria (CTV) is marking a double milestone — 15 years of pioneering faith-based broadcasting and one year since its strategic move to GOTV Channel 115 — celebrating a legacy of spiritual enrichment, national unity, and record-breaking audience growth. At a media briefing in Abuja, the station’s leadership described the anniversary as a moment to honor God, acknowledge partners, and recommit to delivering uplifting content that shapes families and society. Since launching in 2010 under the vision of former Abuja Archbishop John Cardinal Onaiyekan, CTV has lived out its founding creed of building “a world where the love of God and neighbour reigns supreme.” Fifteen years on, it has emerged as a leading voice for professionalism, balanced journalism, and Catholic spirituality in Africa’s media space. Officials said CTV has set the pace in Catholic broad...

Debunking the ‘Solar Tax’ Myth: Why NEMSA Is Regulating Installations to Save Lives By Engr. Abdullahi Ramat, Phd The incessant fire outbreak has been attributed to poorly installed rooftop solar systems, affecting both private residences and public spaces. The statement, signed by the agency’s Managing Director, who also serves as the Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, comes in response to the rising number of fire outbreaks. Last week, the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), pursuant to Sections 176(m) and 184(8) of the Electricity Act 2023, issued new regulatory guidelines for solar installations across Nigeria.   There is growing concern that several recent fire incidents in markets and commercial centres are directly or indirectly linked to substandard solar installations, often handled by unqualified personnel without adherence to basic safety standards. The issue is not solar energy itself. It is the quality of installation. Across Nigeri...

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...

Gov. Okpebholo Hails Archbishop Akubeze on 20th Episcopal Anniversary Habiba Sam Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, as he marks his 20th Episcopal Anniversary on April 22, 2026. In his message, Governor Okpebholo said the milestone stands as a testament to the Archbishop’s enduring commitment to faith, service, and moral leadership. He noted that since his consecration as a bishop in 2006, Archbishop Akubeze has shown remarkable consistency in pastoral responsibility, institutional growth, and community engagement. The governor recalled the Archbishop’s journey from pioneer Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Uromi to his elevation as Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City in 2011, roles in which he has continued to provide spiritual guidance and stability. Highlighting the Archbishop’s episcopal motto, _“Ut Testimonium Perhibeam Veritati” ...

Prof. Abhuere at 75: A Life of Service, Scholarship, Youth Development and Nation- Building By OBOH SYLVESTER/ TUNDE EIGBIREMOLEN As Professor John Imonbhio Abhuere marks his 75th birthday today, April 21, 2026, reflections on his life reveal a distinguished career defined by service, scholarship , commitment to youth development and national growth. Prof. Abhuere is an examplary personality whose patriotic fervour and burning passion about the Nigerian Project are both unparralled and remarkable. His love for the country is undying while his contributions to national growth  are profoundly enigmatic. Born on April 21, 1951, at Unuwazi, Uromi in Edo State, Prof. Abhuere had his early education at St. John’s Anglican Primary School, Unuwazi, before attending Edo Boys High School (now Adolor College), Benin City. He pursued higher education at notable institutions including the University of Lagos, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Ibadan, University College Swansea in th...

Edo NUJ Inaugurates  Compendium Update Committee Urges Chapels To Submit Members Credentials Within Two Weeks  By Admin  The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has launched a two-week exercise to update the professional records of its members, with chapel leaders being urged to ensure their members submit updated qualifications before the deadline. The initiative began on Wednesday, April 16, 2026, following the formal inauguration of the Edo State Council’s Compendium Update Committee by the Council Chairman, Comrade Festus Alenkhe. Speaking at the NUJ congress, the committee appealed to chapel leaders to mobilize journalists in their respective chapels—particularly those who have acquired new academic qualifications or professional certifications—to forward their documents for inclusion in the updated compendium. Members are expected to channel their submissions through their chapel chairmen, who will then pass the documents on to the committee ...

Edo Nawoj To Reach School Girls With Lebatry Community Health Foundation's Sanitary Pad Donation  Habiba Sam  In commemoration of the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day, the Lebarty Community Health Foundation has donated cartons of assorted sanitary pads to the Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ). The gesture forms part of the Foundation’s corporate social responsibility and supports NAWOJ’s plan to mark the day with school outreaches to educate girls on menstrual hygiene. The items were presented on behalf of the Medical Director of the Foundation, Dr. & Pharm. Nosa Aigbe Lebarty, by a delegation led by the Vice President of Lebarty Community Health Foundation, Mrs. Orion Lebarty Olaye, and the Communication Director, Pst. Mrs. Ovis Enahoro. Receiving the donation on behalf of the association, the Chairperson of Edo NAWOJ, Comrade Habiba Aniekan Sam,  alongside with her Vice, Comrade Oyemwense  Odeh,  expressed deep appr...

JUSTICE DELAYED: UGBOHA'S PLEA FOR COMPENSATION CAUGHT IN EDO'S PEACE POLICY LIMBO BY ADMIN In Ugboha,Edo State ,a farming community in Esan South-East, the familiar sound of cassava pounding for garri has long defined daily life. Today, however, that rhythm is broken. It is now interrupted by the silence of deserted farmlands and the anguished voices of women whose grief has spilled into the streets in a peaceful but urgent demonstration. Led by Dr. Mrs. Louisa Eikhomun-Agbonkhese, scores of women marched to the palace of the Onojie of Ugboha, HRH Stephen Eidenojie Ukato II, bearing a list of demands born from desperation: protection from armed groups, recovery of seized ancestral farmlands, and immediate restitution for women who have suffered violence. But while these women call for action to save their lives and livelihoods, a policy instrument that could directly address their plight remains unsigned in Benin City.  As of April 2026, the State Action Plan (SAP) on Women, P...

PHILANTHROPIST FLOCERENCE TONLAGHA HONOURED FOR HUMANITARIAN WORK Tosan Atie A Warri-based philanthropist, Mrs. Florence Tonlagha, Founder of World Changer Foundation, has been commended for her love and commitment to humanity.  The commendation was given by Mr. Blessing Okotie, Manager of MT International Resources Limited, Warri, Delta State, when congratulating her on receiving the Excellent Leadership and Transformational Service award from the Advanced Management Academy, Abuja. The award, conferred on her for her selfless service to humanity, especially women and the girl child, was presented at an event organized by the Advanced Management Academy in Abuja to mark this year's International Women's Day (IWD). The event celebrated women dedicated to promoting equity and defending human rights. Okotie, speaking on behalf of himself and staff of MT International Resources Limited, said Tonlagha's contributions to society, including empowering marginalized and underserved...

FESTUS ALENKHE: UNIQUE JOURNALIST OF HIGH REPUTE AND MULTIFACETED PERSONALITY The path to  excellence in crime reportage is often  fraught with unforeseen peril, yet Festus Alenkhe has undauntedly  confronted the hazards of the profession  with dogged resolve, his determination unshaken by the lurking shadows of the criminal underworld.  His unflinching courage and unyielding perseverance have seen him through the most harrowing of circumstances, as he has fearlessly delved into the heart of criminal operations, unearthing the truth and presenting it to the world with unparalled lucidity and depth.  As the esteemed Assistant General Manager ,News  and Defence and Security Chief of  Edo Broadcasting Service and the revered Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, Comrade  Festus Alenkhe has carved a legacy as one of the most formidable and respected crime reporters of our time. Fearlessly navigating the treacherous terr...

Empowering Women, Inspiring Change: Tsaye Mene Receives Icon of Social   Justice Award Tosan Atie/Warri The 1st Vice President of Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths, Mrs. Tsaye Mene, has commended the executives of Advanced Management Academy, Abuja, for their initiative in developing Women and the Girl Child in the country. Mene made this remark in Warri while speaking to our correspondent after being presented with the "Icon of Social Justice and Leadership Award" in recognition of her sterling qualities and commitment to social justice in Abuja, during the Advanced Management Academy's 2026 Edition of the International Women's Day conference and Awards Night. The International Women's Day event, with the theme "Rights, Justice, Action for all Women and Girls", brought together women from all spheres of life who have attained certain heights in their chosen careers. The theme of the conference was "Taking Action for Justice and Rights of Women and Girls...