News View Digest

Edo State Govt Expects Imminent Resolution to MOWAA Ownership Dispute as Presidential Panel Wraps Up Report Rasak Zekeri Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Edo State on Public Affairs The Edo State Government has expressed confidence that the lingering tussle over the ownership of the Museum of West African Arts, MOWAA, will be settled in the near future.  Speaking recently in Benin City, the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilo, said a final decision on the contested project is on the horizon. He made the remarks at the Summit, Exhibition and Fashion Show 2026, organised by the Edo State Tourism Agency.  According to Ikhilo, a presidential committee set up to examine the matter is already at work and close to concluding its findings.  “Any issue regarding who owns MOWAA is being actively addressed. A presidential committee is currently reviewing it, and we expect their report very soon. We are confident it will offer a conclusive resolution t...

Igbinedion Quits Oghomwen’s Defence Team as Court Adjourns Money Laundering Case to October  Falmata Ibrahim  Veteran Benin-based lawyer, Dele Igbinedion Esq, has exited the legal team defending Jessica Iguodala Oghomwen in an alleged money laundering case before the Federal High Court in Benin City. The withdrawal came on Tuesday after the defendant formally informed the court of a change in legal representation. At the resumed proceedings before Justice B.O. Quadri, Igbinedion told the court that a Notice of Change of Counsel had been filed on behalf of Oghomwen by C.I. Ehikioya Esq. of C.I. Ehikioya Law Firm. Relying on the filing, he announced his immediate withdrawal from the matter and confirmed that he would no longer be appearing for the defendant. The notice, entered in Charge No. FHC/B/53/2024 — Inspector General of Police v. Jessica Iguodala Oghomwen  — indicated that the defendant had engaged Ehikioya to take full charge of her defence. With that developm...

Edo State Govt Halts EDOHERMA Revalidation Exercise for Review After Stakeholder Outcry Habiba Sam  The Edo State Ministry of Health has ordered an immediate halt to the ongoing revalidation process being carried out by the Edo State Health Regulatory Monitoring Agency, EDOHERMA. The suspension follows strong objections raised by major players in the state’s private health sector.  The directive was issued by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole.  It came in response to formal appeals submitted by the Association of General Private Nursing Practitioners, AGPNP, and the Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors, GMLD. Both groups had urged the government to pause and reassess how the exercise was being conducted.  In a statement, the Ministry said the suspension will stay in place while a full review of the implementation structure is carried out. The goal, it explained, is to make the process more equitable, workable, and aligned with the co...

Iyanomon Women Lead Peace Drive to End Community Clash for a Safe Return Home Habiba Sam The women of Iyanomon Community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State have taken the lead in the fight for peace, staging a solemn protest to draw government attention to months of recurring youth clashes that have torn their neighbourhood apart. Displaced from their homes and livelihoods, the women, joined by other affected residents, marched through the community with one unified demand: restore calm, reconcile the warring factions, and allow families to return and rebuild. Speaking for the group, Mrs. Aiwekhoe Omon said the latest flare-up had not claimed lives, but had left deep psychological scars as residents lived in constant fear of gunshots and loud explosions. “We are crying out for peace. The government should bring the two sides to a table and settle this matter finally. We, the women and children, are the ones bearing the pain,” she said. Mrs. Omon explained that the underl...

Mothers on the March- Iyanomon Women Lead Peace March to End Communal Crisis and a Return Home Habiba Sam      Women of Iyanomon on their knees for            peace to return to their Community.  When gunfire replaced normal life in Iyanomon, it was the women who stepped forward. In Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, mothers, traders, and grandmothers have become the community’s frontline peacekeepers, staging a heartfelt protest to confront the youth clashes that have fractured their town and scattered families.  Clutching placards and chanting for calm, the women, alongside other displaced residents, walked through Iyanomon with a single, urgent appeal: end the fighting, reconcile the factions, and open the way for people to return home and restart their lives. Mrs. Aiwekhoe Omon, speaking for the group, said while the most recent episode did not result in fatalities, it left residents deeply shaken by relentless burs...

Gov. Umo Eno Scores High on Security and Inclusion Under the ARISE Agenda — Aide  By Emmanuel Iyoho                    Comrade Kingsley Iwok Comrade Kingsley Iwok, Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Mobilization in Abuja, has described Governor Pastor Umo Eno’s three years in office as “impactful and successful,” citing landmark strides in security, education, inclusion, and economic development under the ARISE Agenda. Speaking in an interview, Iwok said the administration has fulfilled the social contract it signed with Akwa Ibom people, which is anchored on *A*griculture, *R*ural Development, *I*nfrastructure, *S*ecurity, and *E*ducation. Iwok identified security as the administration’s most notable achievement, noting that Akwa Ibom is now rated among the most peaceful states in Nigeria despite national security challenges. “It costs a lot to maintain security, but the Governor has deployed our resources effe...

PVC Collection Drive: SSA Razak Ikpe Zekeri Mobilizes Edo Residents for Last Phase of Voter Registration Falmata Ibrahim  With the presidential and senatorial elections approaching, Governor Monday Okpebholo has assured residents across Benin City and the entire state that PVCs are ready for collection in all 192 wards and 18 Local Government Areas. As part of the statewide mobilization, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, Comrade Razak Ikpe Zekeri, embarked on a tour of various LGAs to sensitize citizens on the importance of collecting their Permanent Voter Cards in this final phase of registration. Addressing residents and market stakeholders during the tour, Comrade Razak urged the electorate, and particularly those who have shown little or no interest, to take advantage of the opportunity. He described the PVC as the only legitimate tool for citizens to decide the direction of leadership at all levels. He explained that the ongoing Continuous Voter R...

It Is Clear: Governor Okpebholo Is the Messiah Edo People Need-- "The Taste of the Pudding is in the Eating”: How Governor Monday Okpebholo is Making Edo Residents Proud Razak Zekeri  Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Edo State on Public Affairs When Senator Monday Okpebholo first  stepped into office, many Edo residents watched with cautious optimism. His quiet demeanor did not sell him as a loud politician. Today, however, the conversation across Benin, Auchi, Uromi, Ekpoma, and every LGA in between has shifted. The reason is simple: results. As the saying goes, “The taste of the pudding is in the eating.” And Edo people are tasting governance that delivers, across roads, health, education, markets, security, jobs, and transport and in record time.   Across the three senatorial districts, construction crews are on site daily. New and rehabilitated roads are cutting travel time, opening up farms to markets, and giving communities a fresh sense of l...

ITV/RADIO Station Hails Festus Alenkhe:s Appointment As EBS Acting MD, Cite Track Record Of Service  By Admin  The Advisory Board, Management and entire staff of Independent Television and Radio have sent warm congratulations to Festus Alenkhe on his new role as Acting Managing Director of Edo Broadcasting Service, EBS.  In a goodwill message, the organization described the appointment as timely, merited, and a clear reflection of his outstanding contributions to broadcasting and journalism in Edo State. In the statement signed by the Managing Director of ITV and Radio, Edwin Edebiri Obaseki, the station noted that Alenkhe’s elevation did not come as a shock.  According to them, his career has been defined by high professional standards, boldness in decision-making, and a consistent drive to uplift journalism while defending the welfare of media workers across the state. The message particularly spotlighted his tenure as Chairman of the Edo State Council of the Nig...

Palpable Tension in Etsako APC as Jimawo’s Supporters Call Out Dekeri Anamero Over Unpaid ₦10m Deal By Falmata Ibrahim  The political atmosphere in Etsako Federal Constituency is heating up as associates of Chief Dr. Abraham Jimawo, JP, are demanding that Hon. Sunday Dekeri Anamero, Esq. honour a ₦10 million reimbursement pledge made during the 2026 APC House of Representatives primaries. In a press statement released on June 24, 2026, Dr. Jimawo’s political team alleged that their principal stepped down for Dekeri Anamero on May 14, 2026, following appeals from party leaders and Edo State Governor. The move, they said, was a sacrifice to keep APC united ahead of the elections. According to the statement signed by Comrade Dr. Kenneth Oshiogwemoh, Chief PRO of the “Chief Dr. Abraham Jimawo 2027 Project Organisation,” the agreement was sealed in the presence of APC State Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, and chairmen of Etsako East and Etsako West LGAs.  Part of the deal, they c...

Governor Okpebholo Applauds Ewu Leaders for Calm Approach During Kingship Tussle Razak Zekeri  Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Edo State on Public Affairs Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has applauded the people and traditional leaders of Ewu Kingdom in Esan Central LGA for upholding peace despite the ongoing royal succession dispute between HRH Barr. Razak Ojeifo and Prince Jafaru Israel Ojeifo. The governor’s message was delivered by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Musa Yakubu, when a delegation from Ewu Kingdom visited Government House, Benin City. Speaking on behalf of Okpebholo, Hon. Yakubu commended the community for its patience, wisdom, and orderly conduct throughout the disagreement. He said their calm approach prevented tension from escalating and kept the door open for dialogue and settlement. The Chief of Staff assured the delegation that the governor is committed to fairness, justice, and lasting peace in every part of Edo. He noted that th...

Edo  State Government Intensifies Campaign Against Drug Abuse, Seeks Public Partnership Falmata Ibrahim  The Edo State Government has renewed its pledge to tackle drug abuse and illegal drug trade through continuous sensitization, preventive programs, and grassroots involvement aimed at creating a safer, healthier state. At a press briefing in Benin City, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, Chairperson of the Edo State Drug Control Committee and Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, said the administration remains committed to stopping substance abuse, helping victims recover, and cracking down on drug traffickers across Edo. Mrs. Anani explained that the 2026 theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persistent Issues, Emerging Threats, and New Solutions”,  highlights why governments, organizations, communities, and citizens must work together to deal with changing patterns of drug use and related crimes. She pointed to poverty, joblessness, poor education, and social imbalan...

Okpebholo ln  Good Book of Edo Residents As Peace And  Security Take Center Stage  Razak Zekeri  Every thriving society stands on one pillar,  security. Without safety, there’s no growth, no investment, and no real peace for families. In Edo State today, residents say Governor Monday Okpebholo gets it. He has made protecting lives and property the bedrock of his administration. Since he stepped into office, Okpebholo has worked to rebuild public faith in government by putting safety first. While insecurity remains a nationwide issue, Edo people say his proactive steps to tackle crime have made daily life less fearful. Markets are busier, roads feel safer, and families sleep with less anxiety. The governor has repeatedly made his stance clear: Edo will not shelter kidnappers, robbers, cultists, or any criminal group. But he hasn’t stopped at speeches. His government is actively backing police, DSS, and other agencies, while also bringing traditional rulers, commu...

National Institute for Sports DG, Philip Shaibu, Applauds BAO’s Historic Second Term Victory Razak Zekeri  The Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has sent warm congratulations to Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, following his remarkable re-election at the polls. In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Ben Ogbemudia, Shaibu said the governor’s win is a clear vote of confidence from Ekiti people in recognition of his impactful governance and people-centered policies. He described Oyebanji’s return to office as a defining moment in Ekiti’s political history. Since the state was created in 1996, he noted, the governorship seat has been highly contested — with power often shifting after one term, through court rulings, or other political realignments. Shaibu pointed out that many past governors, though competent, could not achieve back-to-back victories. That makes BAO’s re-election through popular vote a r...

🎈🎈🎈Happy Father’s Day to Pst. Sunny  Anyanwu🎈🎈🎈    Our  distinguished Father in the Lord👏🏻 Numbers 6:24-26*  “ May the Lord bless you and keep you🙏🏻 The Lord makes His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you🙏🏻 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.”🙏🏻 Heavenly Father,  Today we lift up our dear Father in the Lord, our Pastor, our Teacher, our Shepherd, Pastor. Sunny Anyanwu🤷🏼‍♀️ The man whose heart is wide enough  to carry a congregation like his own children.  The “Daddy” to many  not by blood,  but by love, sacrifice, and standing in the gap. Bless him, Lord🙏🏻 Let his hands, lifted in intercession, never grow weary.  Let his knees, bent in prayer without ceasing, be strengthened.  Let his voice, steady with Your Word, keep guiding us home🙏🏻 Let his eyes, sharp with discernment, keep seeing as You see 🙏🏻 And Lord, as he sees through You,  so let it be wi...

Oba of Benin Summons Traditional Rulers, Native Doctors and Priestesses to Emergency Meeting Over Escalating Insecurity Habiba Sam Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, has summoned traditional rulers, native doctors, priests, priestesses and other custodians of Benin customs to an emergency meeting to address the rising cases of insecurity in Edo State and across Nigeria. According to a statement issued by Chief Victor Nosakhare on behalf of the Secretary of the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, the directive came under the full authority of the monarch who expressed deep concern over the spate of kidnappings, cult clashes and violent crimes threatening peace in the kingdom and beyond. The palace announced that the crucial meeting will hold at 12 noon on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Ogha Ozolua axis of the Oba’s Palace in Benin City. The statement stressed that the meeting should be treated with utmost urgency and attendance is mandatory for all invit...

Dr Cyril Oshiomhole Leads Edo Men’s Wellness Drive, Says ‘Water, Rest and Routine Checks Save Lives Habiba Sam The Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, has taken the lead in Edo State’s push for better men’s health, urging men to make water intake, exercise, adequate sleep and regular medical screenings part of their daily routine to boost productivity and wellbeing. Dr Oshiomhole spoke recently in Benin at the Executive Men’s Wellness Session organized by the Edo State Health Insurance Commission, EDOHIC, to mark Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. The session, themed “Men’s Health Matters: Taking Responsibility for a Healthier Future”, brought together health experts and stakeholders. Speaking at the event, Dr Oshiomhole emphasized that science has consistently proven that staying well-hydrated is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent kidney stones and other health complications.  “My message to Edo men today is simple: drink more water, rest well, exer...

SSA on Public Affairs Commends Governor Okpebholo for Move to Establish Special Courts for Kidnapping, Cultism Cases Habiba Sam  The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Edo State on Public Affairs, Razak Zekeri, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for initiating steps to set up special courts dedicated to the speedy trial of kidnapping and cult-related offences across the state. Razak described the governor’s move as “timely, bold, and a clear demonstration of political will” to curb violent crime and restore public confidence in the justice system. He noted that by the governor’s decisive action, there will be relative peace and renewed sense of security across the three senatorial districts of Edo State. Governor Okpebholo made the declaration during the parade of suspects linked to recent incidents at the Vegetable Market in Benin City, where a woman was kidnapped in broad daylight and taken away.  Razak praised the governor’s swift intervention, which led to co...

FARMERMONI REGISTRATION NOW ONGOING IN EDO STATE This is to inform all farmers in Edo State that registration for the *FarmerMoni Programme* is currently ongoing. *Eligibility Requirements:*   1. Must be an active farmer   2. Must own or rent a farm   3. Must have a valid phone number   4. Must possess a valid Bank Verification Number, BVN   5. Must possess a valid National Identification Number, NIN   6. Must meet all other beneficiary criteria of the programme *To Register:*   Interested and qualified farmers should send the details listed below via WhatsApp to *07069655588*:   State, LGA, Ward, Title, First Name, Last Name, Middle Name, Gender, Date of Birth, Marital Status, Home Address, Phone Number, NIN, BVN, Business Address, Guarantor Details, Guarantor Phone Number, Bank Name, Account Number, Farming Type, Farming Season, Type of Crops, Farm Location. Do not miss this opportunity to access support f...

Governor Okpebholo Warns Kidnappers of Public Execution at Ring Road, Rewards Police for Vegetable Market Arrest By Admin  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern warning to criminals, stating that kidnappers and cultists operating in the state will face the full weight of the law, including capital punishment if convicted by the courts. The governor spoke on Thursday during a parade of suspects at the Edo State Police Command Headquarters in Benin City. The event also served to commend officers who arrested a suspect linked to Sunday’s kidnapping at the Vegetable Market. “We will establish a special court to fast-track prosecution of kidnappers and cultists. Within two weeks, cases should be concluded.  "And I will sign it, the execution by hanging. I will take you to the roundabout, that is Ring Road roundabout so that the whole Edo people will see you. And this, I will not have any regret about it. So please don’t take my simplicity for granted”, Ok...

EBS Gets a Proven Builder: South-South NUJ Voices Full Confidence in Alenkhe’s Developmental Achievements The South-South Zonal Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has extended warm congratulations to the Edo State Council Chairman, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, following his appointment as Acting Managing Director of Edo Broadcasting Service, EBS. In a communiqué released on Saturday, June 13, 2026, after its zonal meeting in Calabar, Cross River State, the Council described the appointment as a fitting acknowledgment of Alenkhe’s exemplary leadership and years of dedicated service to the journalism profession. The session was chaired by the Zonal Vice President, Comrade Opaka Dokubo. The Council praised Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo of Edo State for selecting Alenkhe, noting that the decision reflects foresight and sound judgment. In the words of the South-South NUJ, the appointment is “a round peg in a round hole,” given Alenkhe’s deep understanding of broadcast oper...

Arise with Renewed Hope Initiative Scores Gov  Eno High for Delivering Roads, Arise Homes From Emmanuel Iyoho               Comrade Tommy Etim Okon Governor Umo Eno’s administration in Akwa Ibom State has been scored high for delivering rural roads, building ARISE Compassionate Homes for the poor and keeping the state peaceful, even as stakeholders insist the next phase must bring more industries, reliable electricity and stronger public accountability. Comrade Tommy Etim Okon,  Chairman and Coordinator of Arise with Renewed Hope Initiative, Abuja, gave the assessment while speaking with The Pioneer on the Pastor Umo Eno-led government in Abuja recently. He said any fair judgment of the governor must be balanced because the achievements are real, yet citizens expect faster reforms in key areas of the economy. According to Okon, the administration has invested heavily in road construction and rural development across Akwa Ibom, while also revi...

A'Ibom Community Pledges Unity, Legacy At Solemn Assembly From Emmanuel Iyoho (President of  Akwa Ibom Community Abuja,  Mkpisong (Barr)  Gabriel Fan) President of Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja, Mkpisong Gabriel Fan, has pledged his administration’s commitment to the welfare of Akwa Ibom indigenes in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs, vowing to take the community to greater heights. Speaking at the weekend during a Solemn Assembly of thanksgiving, fasting and prayers organized by the community leadership, Fan said with God on his side, he and the entire executive would steer the community to an enviable position. He commended members for the massive turnout and full participation in the spiritual exercise. He specifically appreciated immediate past President Aniefiok Ibah, a legal practitioner, and other dignitaries present at the event held at Akwa Ibom House, Central Business District. Organizers said the gathering was more than “another event on the calenda...

A'Ibom Community, ICAN, Constituency Forum Honour Late Elder Mfon Brooks From Emmanuel Iyoho Late  Elder Mfon Asuquo Brooks Tributes flowed at Qua Iboe Church, Kubwa Superintendency, Abuja Area Conference on Sunday, 7th June 2026, during a service of song held in honour of Late Elder (Akparawa) Mfon Asuquo Brooks, FCA. The event became a convergence point for grief, gratitude and glowing tributes as family, friends, professional colleagues and community leaders gathered to celebrate his life. The atmosphere was solemn yet celebratory, as speakers eulogised a man described as a devoted servant of God, exemplary leader, and pillar of the Akwa Ibom community in the the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Officiating minister, Rev. Udeme Friday Udoh, anchored his sermon on the theme “From That Time” with text from Matthew 26:14-15. He emphasised service and restoration as defining marks of Christian living, urging believers to emulate Elder Brooks’ commitment to God and humanity. Rev. Udo...

A'Ibom Community, ICAN, Constituency Forum Honour Late Elder Mfon Brooks From Emmanuel Iyoho  Tributes flowed at Qua Iboe Church, Kubwa Superintendency, Abuja Area Conference on Sunday, 7th June 2026, during a service of song held in honour of Late Elder (Akparawa) Mfon Asuquo Brooks, FCA. The event became a convergence point for grief, gratitude and glowing tributes as family, friends, professional colleagues and community leaders gathered to celebrate his life. The atmosphere was solemn yet celebratory, as speakers eulogised a man described as a devoted servant of God, exemplary leader, and pillar of the Akwa Ibom community in the the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Officiating minister, Rev. Udeme Friday Udoh, anchored his sermon on the theme “From That Time” with text from Matthew 26:14-15. He emphasised service and restoration as defining marks of Christian living, urging believers to emulate Elder Brooks’ commitment to God and humanity. Rev. Udoh prayed for “all-round restor...

Nigeria’s Audit System: Why Tinubu Must Urgently Assent to  Federal Audit Service Bill - CSJ By Emmanuel Iyoho Eze Onyekpere Lead Director Centre for Social Justice (CSJ). Recently, civil society leaders, lawyers, and budget experts gathered in a packed Abuja conference room. On the table was an 83-page document that, to most Nigerians, sounds technical and boring. But to the people who manage public money, it is a blueprint for plugging one of the biggest leaks in the country’s finances. The document is the _Audit Opportunities Assessment Study_, produced by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), The Statecraft Report, and Princewill Eziukwu. Its message is blunt: Nigeria is losing billions yearly not because we lack an Auditor-General, but because the office is still bound by a 1956 colonial law with no real enforcement teeth. That, the group says, is why President Bola Tinubu must urgently assent to the _Federal Audit Service Bill, 2025_. A 69-Year-Old Law for a ₦68 Trillion Budge...