News View Digest

Orior Traditional Rulers Endorse Ying Zhi Gas Pipeline Route at EDOGIS Public Hearing, Hail Gov. Okpebholo’s Approach By Admin    Traditional leaders and elders of Orior Community in Uhunmwode LGA have thrown their full weight behind the planned routing of the Ying Zhi Energy gas pipeline through their domain, following a public hearing convened by Edo State Geographic Information Service, EDOGIS. The stakeholder engagement, held on Friday, May 29, 2026, was organized to address concerns around compensation and Corporate Social Responsibility for the project. It was chaired by EDOGIS Managing Director, Dr. Innocent Bello, and drew participants from key institutions and the host community. In attendance were officials of the Nigerian Mainstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, executives of Ying Zhi Energy Limited, and Orior community chiefs led by the Odionwere. The meeting was designed to ensure the process met regulatory standards while promoting openness and c...

Edo  NUJ  Chairman Festus Alenkhe Takes Over EBS in Acting Capacity Habiba Sam  In a major shake-up of Edo State’s media institutions, Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the appointment of Mr. Festus Alenkhe, Chairman of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, as Acting Managing Director of Edo Broadcasting Service, EBS. The development was contained in an official statement released by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Umar Musa Ikhilor.  According to the statement, Alenkhe will take charge of the day-to-day running of the state-owned radio and television station with immediate effect, pending the appointment of a substantive Managing Director. The appointment comes on the heels of the redeployment of the former EBS Managing Director, Mr. Suleiman Aledeh.  Governor Okpebholo has moved Aledeh to lead the newly established Edo State Orientation Agency as its pioneer Director-General. The new agency is expected to drive public ...

Edo  NAWOJ  Empowers Girls at Benin Technical College with Free Pads and Menstrual Hygiene Education By Admin  The Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, marked World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026 by taking practical support and education directly to teenage girls at Benin Technical College. Led by Chairperson Comrade Habiba Sam, NAWOJ exco members visited the school to distribute free sanitary pads and hold an interactive session on proper menstrual hygiene. The outreach aligns with NAWOJ’s core mission: to support the girl child, amplify the voices of women, and protect vulnerable groups in society.  Addressing the students, Comrade Sam explained that the visit was aimed at equipping young girls with correct knowledge and confidence to manage their periods without shame.  “Do not feel less of yourself when you are menstruating,” she said. “It is a normal and healthy part of growing up. The key is to maintain cleanliness,bathe re...

Strengthening Land Governance: EDOGIS and NAGIS Chiefs Meet to Share Ideas By Admin    The Managing Director of Edo State Geographic Information Service, EDOGIS, Dr. Innocent Ehi Bello, visited his counterpart at Nasarawa State Geographic Information Service, NAGIS, Dr. Sonny Agasi, in Karu. The visit formed part of his tour to study how other state GIS agencies manage land administration in Nigeria. Receiving Dr. Bello, Hon. Agasi recalled their first meeting in 2023 when Dr. Bello, then National Secretary of the Nigerian Cartographic Association, visited ahead of the association’s international conference in Lafia. He commended Dr. Bello for taking time to assess NAGIS facilities, software, and work culture firsthand, stressing that collaboration among state GIS bodies is key to progress. Hon. Agasi explained that his achievements at NAGIS were made possible by the strong backing of Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule. He noted that reporting directly to the Gov...

PDP Picks Barr. Jemide Atie as Consensus Candidate for Warri South II in 2027 By Tosan Atie, Warri Barr. Jemide Atie has emerged as the consensus candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Warri South II Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections, following a peaceful and well-attended primary held in Warri. Atie was adopted as the party’s sole aspirant during the PDP constituency primaries conducted at Ekpen Lane, Ajamimogha, Warri. The motion for his adoption was moved by Mr. Ola Odeyemi of Okere Ward and seconded by Mrs. Joyce Osunde of Okumagba Ward 2. With no other aspirant stepping forward to contest, Atie was declared the consensus candidate and returned unopposed at the end of the exercise. The atmosphere at the venue was orderly, with party members across the constituency turning out to witness the process and affirm their support for unity within the party. Speaking after his emergence, Atie expressed gratitude to the leader...

Itsekiri Youths Reject INEC’s Warri Federal Constituency Delineation Proposal, Allege Electoral Fraud By Tosan Atie/Warri The apex Itsekiri youth body, Ugbarajo Itsekiri Youths (UIY), has rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) latest proposal on the delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency, describing it as fraudulent, unjust, and unacceptable to the Itsekiri Nation. In a press release issued in Warri yesterday, UIY said the outcome of the stakeholders’ meeting held at the INEC Secretariat in Asaba, Delta State, could not be sustained in any society governed by law and justice. The group vowed that the Itsekiri people would reject the proposal in its entirety. The statement was signed by UIY President Comrade Joseph Okotie, Secretary General Comrade Jolomi Jakpah, and Legal Adviser Barr. Onesiosan Ogholaja. UIY acknowledged that INEC carried out the delineation pursuant to the Supreme Court judgment in _ Hon. George Timinimi & Ors v. INEC (SC. 413/...

Abraham Jimawo Steps Down for Party Unity, Endorses Dekeri for Etsako Federal Constituency Habiba Sam  In a move widely hailed as a sacrifice for party cohesion, Chief Dr. Abraham Jimawo JP, Ilunamie I of the Three Ibie, has stepped down his aspiration for the Etsako Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat and thrown his weight behind Hon. Sunday Anamero Dekeri’s second-term bid. The decision was announced on May 14, 2026, following a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on May 13 at the Government House, Benin City. The meeting brought together all five APC aspirants from Edo North Senatorial District.  Governor Okpebholo urged aspirants to make concessions in the interest of party unity ahead of 2027, advising that some should step down for a consensus candidate. In a statement, Chief Jimawo said the decision followed extensive consultations with party leaders, stakeholders, and his supporters. He noted tha...

  🌹🥙🍻🥮❣️💝Happy Birthday to My Sister of Another Land🥙🍻🥮❣️💝🌹 Sister,  Today the heavens pause to celebrate you,  For a light was born that brightens every foreign shore we call home.  Though we met as strangers in a land not our own,  God stitched our hearts together till “friend” became “sister🥰 May this new year you’ve entered overflow with His abundance—  Grace upon grace, favor upon favor, joy that refuses to fade🙏 May every tear you’ve shed in silence turn to testimony,  And every seed of faith you’ve sown rise into harvests too great to hide.🙏   I pray for you: sound health to carry your days,  Strength to walk where He leads, and peace that guards your nights.🙏   May longevity be your portion, and laughter be your daily bread.🙏 And when your next thanksgiving comes,  May it shake the world with the sound of God’s goodness in your life A testimony so loud that nations will hear and give H...

EDOGIS Commits To Support Trade, Investment , Ease of Doing Business In Edo By Blessing Oseghale/ Davina Ushere  Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) has committed to provide the needed support to the Ministry of Business, Trade and Investment  to realise the SHINE Agenda of the State Governor , Sen. Monday Okpebholo . Managing Director, EDOGIS, Dr. Innocent Bello disclosed this when the Commissioner, Ministry of Business, Trade and Investment , Hon. Omoh Anabor led his team of management staff on a courtesy visit to him. Dr. Bello while thanking the Commissioner and his team for the visit, promised to provide the needed support to realise the goal of Ease of Doing Business which he described as a major cornerstone of the present adminstration's SHINE agenda. He, however, tasked the visitors to make a detailed documentation of their requests to enable EDOGIS  facilitate and  fastrack same in record time. Earlier, the Commissioner, Hon. Omoh Anabor said t...

New EDOGIS MD Meets With Staff, Outlines Vision, Incentives for The Agency  By Muyiwa Akinsanya/ Davina Ushere The new Managing Director of  Edo State Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS), Dr. Innocent Ehiaguina Bello, on Monday  had his inaugural meeting with All staff of the Agency where he unveiled his vision for  EDOGIS, assuring that signing and issuance of CofO would  commence soonest. According to Dr. Bello, his primary objective  would be to  promote  the welfare of all staff under him, and tackle the menace of land racketeering , uphold a firm and deliberate shift towards Professionalism, regular training and retraining of members of staff, transparency, discipline,  and enhanced service delivery in land administration in the State. While declaring that Governor Okpebholo's administration  has "zero-tolerance"  for illicit land activities, the Managing Director reaffirmed Edo State Government’s strong commitment towards ...

30 Years in the Making: Benin Chief Bob-Izua Rewards Himself with Fleet of Luxury Cars Habiba Sam  After three decades of relentless work and unwavering determination, Benin Kingdom Chief John Osamede Adun, popularly known as Bob-Izua, has marked a personal milestone by acquiring a fleet of luxury automobiles.  The Ayobahan of Benin Kingdom hosted family, friends, and well-wishers to a lavish reception at his Benin residence to celebrate the arrival of four high-end vehicles he recently purchased. The highlight of the collection is a 2013 Rolls Royce, a dream he said he has held since 30 years ago. Speaking to guests, Chief Adun described the moment as the fulfillment of a long-held vision born out of years of sacrifice and persistence.  “I called you all here today to celebrate with me,” he said. “I am overjoyed because this Rolls Royce 2013 model has been my dream for three decades. I will drive it from Ogbelaka to the Oba’s palace, and if I get tired, I’ll step out, wa...

Edo To The World Launches in Benin: 18 LGAs, 3 Senatorial Districts Set for Historic Talent Hunt and Grand Finale Concert_ Habiba Sam A new chapter for Edo State’s creative scene opened in Benin on Sunday as showbiz mogul and creative industry expert Markus Mckane Okoebor unveiled _ “Edo To The World” _ , a statewide talent hunt designed to discover, nurture, and project the next generation of Edo artists onto the global stage. The initiative, driven by Brotherly Love Entertainment in partnership with the Edo State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, is more than a competition. It’s a structured platform aimed at empowering young creatives, preserving Edo’s cultural heritage, and creating a sustainable pipeline for talent development across music, comedy, dance, and performance arts. Speaking at the launch event in Benin City, Okoebor set the tone for what he described as a transformative moment for the state’s creative economy.  “Edo State is a powerhouse of raw ta...

 “Clean Hands, Safe Lives”: Edo Health Commissioner Leads Call for Better Hygiene on World Hand Hygiene Day Habiba Sam  As the world marked World Hand Hygiene Day on May 5, Edo State turned the spotlight on one of the simplest yet most powerful tools in public health: clean hands. Leading the state’s observance, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, urged healthcare workers, patients, and the general public to make proper hand hygiene a daily habit, warning that poor handwashing practices remain a leading cause of preventable infections. Speaking at a press briefing in Benin City, Dr. Oshiomhole described handwashing with soap and water as a low-cost, high-impact intervention that can protect lives across hospitals, homes, and communities.  “Hand hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent infections and save lives,” he said. “When done consistently and correctly, it protects not only patients, but also health workers an...

  Jimawo Cleared for Etsako House of Reps Race as Screening Committee Gives Nod Habiba  Sam  Chief Dr. Abraham Jimawo (JP) has scaled a major hurdle in his bid for the House of Representatives seat for Etsako Federal Constituency after being successfully screened and cleared by the party’s Screening Committee on Sunday, 10th May 2026. The screening, held in Abuja, was conducted thoroughly and professionally, according to the Project 2027 Jimawo Organisation. Dr. Jimawo presented his credentials, policy agenda, and record of public service, which the committee found to be in full compliance with party guidelines. With the clearance, the frontline aspirant moves a step closer to contesting the party primaries scheduled for 18th May 2026.  Speaking after the exercise, Dr. Jimawo expressed gratitude to the committee for its diligence and reiterated his pledge to provide inclusive and accountable representation for the people of Etsako East, West, and Central. He said the...

Care for Creation is a Moral Duty”: Catholic Secretariat Calls for Justice in Nigeria’s Energy Transition Habiba Sam  As Nigeria stands at a crossroads between its fossil fuel past and a cleaner energy future, the Catholic Church has urged the nation not to lose sight of the human face of development. Speaking at the GreenFaith Nigeria Multifaith and Multisectoral Forum on Nigeria’s Just Energy Transition Plan in Abuja on 7 May 2026, Rev. Fr. Michael ‘Leke Banjo, Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, framed the energy transition as more than economics. It is, he said, a moral and spiritual responsibility. “We gather today not merely as advocates, policy actors or religious leaders, but as stewards,” Fr. Banjo told faith leaders, policymakers, and civil society actors from across Africa. “The question is: what kind of future do we want to leave behind, and who will be allowed to share in it?” Drawing from Genesis and Pope Francis’ encyclical _ Laudato Si’ _ , ...

Jubilation in Etsako as Chief Dr. Abraham Jimawo Submits APC House of Reps Forms for 2027 Habiba Sam  ABUJA/BENIN CITY — Celebration erupted among supporters on Wednesday as Hon. Chief Dr. Abraham Jimawo (JP), ILUNAMIE 1 of The Three Ibie, formally submitted his Nomination and Expression of Interest forms to the All Progressives Congress, APC, National Secretariat in Abuja. The submission, which took place on May 6, 2026, marks a key step in Jimawo’s bid to represent Etsako Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives in 2027.  In a statement issued Thursday by his campaign team, the _ JIMAWO Project 2027 Organisation _ , the event was described as both a procedural milestone and a moment of jubilation for members, supporters, and stakeholders across Etsako West, Etsako Central, and Etsako East. According to the statement signed by the organisation’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Comrade Dr. Kenneth Oshiogwemoh, the submission was carried out in “strict com...

Happy 5th Birthday💃🎂🍿🍬🎂💃 Prayer for God’s One-in-a-Million Son, Master Cedric Kini’Abasi Sam ❣️   The Victor and Conqueror, Always 💃 Lord, You who make all things beautiful in Your time,   Today I thank You for this son You have blessed us with at five 🙏🏻   Our one in a million, a rare gift wrapped in grace 🙏🏻   A shining light with destiny written on his face 🙏🏻   May he grow as *Victor*, never broken by the fall 🙏🏻   May he stand as *Conqueror*, undaunted by the wall 🙏🏻   Let wisdom guide his steps as he learns and plays each day 🙏🏻   Let courage fill his heart and truth light up his way 🙏🏻   Bless this five-year-old spirit, so tender, bold, and true 🙏🏻   May his laughter bring joy and his dreams be born anew 🙏🏻   Keep him safe in Your care, pure in heart and strong in mind 🙏🏻   A child of purpose, a blessing to all mankind 🙏🏻  ...

Edo NUJ Mourns ITV/Radio Correspondent Kingsley Uchegbu: "A Monumental Loss to Journalism Habiba Sam  A heavy silence has fallen over the Edo State media community as the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, mourns the sudden passing of Mr. Kingsley Uchegbu, a respected ITV/Radio staff member and Government House Correspondent. The news struck like a thunderclap on Thursday evening, leaving colleagues and friends grappling with disbelief. In a heartfelt condolence message to the management of ITV/Radio in Benin City, the Edo State Council of the NUJ said it received the report of Uchegbu’s death with “profound shock, deep sorrow, and heavy hearts.” To many in the press gallery and beyond, Kingsley was more than a reporter. He was the familiar, steady presence at Government House briefings, notebook in hand, always approachable and quick with a smile.  Colleagues remember him as a dedicated professional whose passion for journalism went hand in hand with humility and warmth. “...

Edo South 2027: Ogbeide Ihama Banks on Legislative Experience, Seeks APC Senate Ticket Habiba Sam  Former two-term federal lawmaker, Hon. Ogbeide Ihama, has thrown his hat into the race for the Edo South Senatorial seat, urging leaders of the All Progressives Congress in the district to hand him the party’s ticket ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking during a consultation visit to APC leaders in the Edo South Senatorial District recently in Benin City, Ihama formally declared his intention to contest, stressing that his track record in the National Assembly makes him the most prepared among the aspirants. “All of us seeking this ticket are qualified, no doubt. But I believe I bring deeper experience and stronger capacity to the table,” Ihama told party stakeholders.  “Having served twice in the House of Representatives, I understand the workings of the National Assembly. The Senate is not a place for trial and error. Legislative business demands experience, and Edo South dese...

2027 Race Heats Up: ILUNAMIE 1 Picks APC Nomination Forms, Vows Responsive Representation for Etsako Habiba Sam  The road to the 2027 general elections grew more defined today as Chief Dr. Abraham Jimawo (JP), the ILUNAMIE 1 of The Three Ibie, formally took a decisive step toward the Green Chamber by picking up the All Progressives Congress Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for Etsako Federal Constituency. The forms were obtained at the APC National Headquarters, Buhari House, 40 Blantyre Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja, in strict compliance with the timetable and guidelines issued by the party’s National Working Committee. The move signals the official commencement of what his campaign team calls “a people-driven journey to effective representation.” Flanked by aides and party loyalists, Chief Jimawo described the moment as both humbling and historic. “This is not just about forms. This is a bold step in our collective mission to give Etsako Federal Constituency a voice that is...

Walls Closing In: Jessica Iguodala Dodges Court Service as Defamation Case Stalls, Property Seizure Looms in Criminal Trial Falmata Ibrahim  The legal noose appears to be tightening around Jessica Iguodala as she faces mounting pressure from two courts over separate civil and criminal cases, with judges now warning that evasion will not shield her for long. At the Edo State High Court No. 4 on Wednesday, the defamation suit filed against her by Elder Francis Omoruyi Oloton, with suit number B/167/2026, was stalled yet again. Presiding Judge, Honourable Justice E.O. Ahaomoje, was told that Iguodala has still not been served with court processes despite “repeated efforts” to reach her. Claimant’s counsel, Samson R. Osagie, Esq., was in court and ready to proceed, but the absence of service forced an adjournment. Justice Ahaomoje has now fixed June 16, 2026, for mention, giving the legal team what sources described as a “final window” to perfect service on the defendant. The civil cas...

A Son’s Homage: Chief Abraham Jimawo Seeks Motherly Blessing from Hajia Aishetu Oshiomhole in Iyamho Ahead of 2027  Habiba Sam  The quiet, ancestral town of Iyamho stirred with quiet reverence recently as Chief Dr. Abraham Jimawo (JP), the ILUNAMIE 1 of The Three Ibie and aspiring Member of the House of Representatives for Etsako Federal Constituency, paid a deeply symbolic consultation visit to one of Etsakoland’s most treasured matriarchs — Hajia Aishetu Oshiomhole. Hajia Aishetu, mother of former Edo State Governor and serving Senator, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, is widely regarded as a moral compass and unifying force in Afemai land. Her home in Iyamho has, over the decades, become a sanctuary where leaders seek wisdom, prayers, and the kind of blessing only a mother of the land can bestow. Chief Jimawo did not come alone. He arrived with the full weight of the Jimawo Project 2027 Organisation, led by Director General Uduimoh Esilama Ayo. Flanking him were Chief Public...

Rooted in the Press: Gov’s Spokesman Marches with Edo Journalists, Affirms Media’s Place in Democracy By Admin  The Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Dr. Patrick Ebojele, on Thursday stepped back into familiar territory as he joined journalists in a spirited march past at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, during this year’s Workers’ Day celebration. Ebojele, who built his career in journalism before his appointment, walked shoulder-to-shoulder with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, a gesture that drew applause and warm nods from participants and onlookers at the stadium. Speaking shortly after the parade, the governor’s spokesman said his decision to march with his former colleagues was a deliberate return to his professional beginnings and a public show of solidarity with media practitioners across the state. “Journalism is a calling I remain proud of,” Ebojele told reporters at the sidelines of the event. “Marching with my colleagues today is my ...