News View Digest

  Is Nigeria at 66 Worth Celebrating? The Paradox of Progress: Surv. Anthony Sam The milestone of 66 years as an independent nation is a significant chapter in any country’s history. For Nigeria, reaching this age invites a complex introspection. It is an anniversary that demands we look beyond the superficial pomp of parades and national anthems to grapple with the nuanced reality of a nation that has survived against overwhelming odds, yet continues to struggle with the promise of its own potential. Whether Nigeria at 66 is "worth celebrating" depends entirely on how one defines the metrics of nationhood: is it a celebration of survival, or a demand for accountability? To understand the case for celebration, one must first acknowledge the remarkable resilience of the Nigerian spirit. Surviving 66 years—including a brutal civil war, decades of military intervention, and the fragile, often volatile experiment of modern democracy—is no small feat. Nigeria has remained a single...

ITV/Radio Holds Pre-Independence Lecture, Falana Speaks On Nigerian Dream Habiba Sam  The Independent Television and Radio (ITV/Radio) on Tuesday held its 2026 Pre-Independence Anniversary Public Lecture with the theme, "The Nigerian Dream: Still Valid or Dead On Arrival," at Airport Road, Benin City. The event featured a performance by an Edo cultural dance group. Welcoming dignitaries, the Managing Director of ITV/Radio, Engr. Elvis Obaseki, said the lecture was a call to duty. "This lecture is our call to duty. As we celebrate Nigeria's Independence tomorrow and look towards 2027, we ask: what kind of Nigeria do we want to bequeath to our children? A Nigeria where the dream is valid for all, not just for a few? A Nigeria where our vote brings hope, security and justice?" he said. He thanked guests on behalf of the Chairman-Emeritus, Sir (Chief) Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Advisory Board, Management and Staff of ITV/Radio. In his keynote address, Dr. P...

Edo NAWOJ Chairperson, Comrade Habiba Sam, Leads Women In Exciting Cooking Exercise By Admin  The Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Edo State chapter, Comrade Habiba Sam, on Tuesday led members of the association in a special cooking exercise as part of activities to strengthen sisterhood among members. The event, which was the Second Edition of "Truth, Taste, and Tradition: NAWOJ Congress & Culinary Training" featured a repeat preparation of the popular Afang Soup. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as the women journalists actively participated in the cooking exercise, sharing moments of joy, laughter and learning. Addressing the women, Comrade Habiba Sam said the programme was deliberately designed to foster unity and promote sisterhood, which remains a core objective of NAWOJ. According to her, the initiative is aimed at encouraging members to help and stand by one another whenever the need arises. She explained that when wome...

Edo Special Court Sentences 3 Men, 1 Woman To Death By Hanging For Kidnapping, Cultism Habiba Sam  Barely three months after it was established, the special Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City dedicated to kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes on Tuesday sentenced three men and a woman to death by hanging for kidnapping and membership of a secret cult. The judgment, which lasted over three hours, was delivered by Justice T. A. Momodu on an 11-count charge preferred against the convicts. The condemned persons are Marvelous Isaac, 32; Wisdom Michael, 36; Rufus Michael, 30; and Gift Raphael, 27. The special court was set up following a brazen daylight kidnapping and robbery incident at the popular Vegetable Market off Airport Road, Benin City. Days after the incident, and at the request of Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Andrew Okungbowa, dedicated two courts to handle kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes. The suspects arrested in...

  NEWS  EDITORIAL OKPAGHA-AMUFI ROAD: FROM FLOOD AND DESPAIR TO PROSPERITY AND HOPE There are roads, and there are roads that redefine a people's destiny. The newly completed Okpagha-Amufi road, which strategically links the Benin-Auchi road to the Benin-Agbor road, constructed by the administration of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, clearly belongs to the latter. For decades, Amufi was a community defined by its challenges. The story was the same: impassable roads, inaccessible homes, and a perennial flood that held the entire area hostage every rainy season. Many landlords became tenants elsewhere. Many who had invested their life savings in building houses watched helplessly as flood water took over. The area was fast becoming abandoned. But today, the story has changed completely. And it is a story every Edo person should hear. Governor Monday Okpebholo did not just award a road contract; he provided a holistic solution. At th...

FG Moves In On Collapsed  Benin-Asaba Highway, Begins Emergency Rescue After Concessionaire Failure Habiba Sam  Worried by the total collapse and crippling gridlock on the 125-kilometre Benin-Asaba highway, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate emergency rehabilitation of the critical federal road. The President, who was represented by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, at the flag-off of the emergency works in Benin , said the intervention was a direct response to the outcry and untold hardship faced daily by motorists and residents along the Edo-Delta corridor. According to President Tinubu, the Benin-Asaba road was earlier concessioned under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) with a three-year delivery timeline, but the company failed to live up to the terms of the agreement. Tinubu maintained that the federal government could no longer fold its arms while Nigerians suffer. “We are...

Edo Assures Refund Of Pension Contributions For Workers Moved From Contributory To Defined Benefit Scheme From: Razak Zekeri, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs  The Edo State Government has given a firm assurance that it will refund the 8 percent pension contributions made by workers who were recently migrated from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) to the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS). The assurance was given by the Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Pension Bureau, Mr. Washington Abbe, while speaking with journalists in Benin City on the issues surrounding the transition of affected pensioners from CPS to DBS. Mr. Abbe said the state government is fully committed to ensuring that no pensioner suffers any loss or disadvantage as a result of the migration exercise, stressing that the welfare of workers and retirees remains a top priority of the present administration. According to him, all personal contributions made by the affected workers while under...

  OFFICE OF COMRADE DR. (PRINCE) KENNETH OSHIOGWEMOH PUBLIC.  COMMUNICATOR AND POLITICA ANALYST MELITA PLAZA, AREA 11, GARKI, ABUJA. 23RD SEPTEMBER, 2026. PRESS STATEMENT MY FINAL VERDICT AFTER COURTESY VISIT TO DISTINGUISHED SENATOR NEDA BERNARDS IMASUEN. FROM  SENIOR   LEGISLATIVE AIDE TO A SENATOR WHO TURNED FIRST-TERM REPRESENTATION IN EDO SOUTH INTO HISTORIC EVIDENCE On Monday, 21st September 2026, I, Comrade Dr. (Prince) Kenneth Oshiogwemoh, Public Communicator and Political Analyst from Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo North, paid a courtesy visit to Distinguished Senator Neda Bernards Imasuen, Senator Representing Edo South Senatorial District, Benin, Edo State, in his office at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja. My engagement with Edo South politics has never been partisan. It has been analytical, evidence-based, and focused on documenting performance. After my extensive interaction with the Distinguished Senator, I present my final verdict on ...

OFFICE OF COMRADE DR. (PRINCE) KENNETH OSHIOGWEMOH PUBLIC COMMUNICATOR AND POLITICAL ANALYST MELITA PLAZA, AREA 11, GARKI, ABUJA. 23RD SEPTEMBER, 2026. POLITICAL ANALYSIS PROF. IHONVBERE'S FIRST PHASE NOTEBOOK DISTRIBUTION IN OWAN FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY: A MASTERSTROKE IN GRASSROOTS EDUCATIONAL EMPOWERMENT AND RESPONSIVE LEADERSHIP. As a Public Communicator and Political Analyst from Edo North Senatorial District, I have followed with keen interest the announcement by the Office of the Leader, House of Representatives, Prof. Julius O. Ihonvbere, OON, Member Representing Owan Federal Constituency, Edo State, on the commencement of the first phase distribution of free exercise notebooks to all public primary schools in Owan Federal Constituency on Monday, 21st September, 2026. My analysis of this intervention is based on evidence, impact, and political foresight. 1.EDUCATION AS FOUNDATION, NOT TOKENISM: In an era where many politicians focus on cosmetic empowerment, Prof. Ihonvbere has...

Women Empowerment: Egor Council, WHW Flag Off Six-Month Vocational Training For Women ,Girls By Admin  In a bold move to boost economic self-reliance and fight poverty among women, the Women Helping Women for a Sustainable Tomorrow Foundation (WHW), in collaboration with the Egor Local Government Council has commenced a six-month free skills acquisition programme for women and girls in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The empowerment programme, which kicked off on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the Egor Skills Acquisition Centre, is aimed at equipping beneficiaries with practical vocational skills that will guarantee sustainable livelihoods, self-reliance and economic independence. The flag-off ceremony attracted government officials, community leaders, development partners, trainers, media practitioners and the beneficiaries. Organisers explained that the initiative was designed to help women and girls discover their hidden potentials, acquire income-generating skills a...

Happy Birthday to our Dear NUJ Capacity Leader💪 Whose grace radiates like a daily harvest in turns👏  Your hard work is now yielding fruits👏 Fruits that are bountiful and unstoppable🙏 The seeds you sowed in labour, Are blossoming in honour🙏 May you rise to greater heights in turns, Where your light never dims, but ever burns🙏 Long life, more wisdom, more wins in view to bask in total wellness 🙏 The best is yet to come for you🙏 Happy Birthday, Sir!

NEWS EDITORIAL  THE ADESUWA ROAD JUNCTION FLYOVER IN BENIN CITY- MORE THAN A BRIDGE, AN ECONOMIC LIFELINE BY FESTUS ALENKHE For decades, the story of Benin City has been a story of growth, but that growth has come with a familiar pain point for every resident, every trader, and every motorist: the traffic logjam at Adesuwa Road Junction. Today, that story is being rewritten before our very eyes. The ongoing construction of the flyover at Adesuwa Road Junction is arguably one of the most strategic infrastructure interventions by the administration of His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo. It is not just another project; it is a bold statement that government understands where the shoe pinches. ON TRAFFIC REDUCTION Let us be clear on what this junction represents. It is the meeting point for thousands of vehicles daily - those coming from the kings square, GRA, Dumez road, MM Way, Ikpokpan and Warri, Sapele at peak hours will now heave a sigh of relief as what should be a two-min...

NLC Backs EBS Boss Alenkhe ,Says Station Now More Vibrant, People - Focused  By Admin  The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has passed a vote of confidence on the Acting Managing Director of the Edo Broadcasting Service, EBS, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, saying his leadership has brought remarkable turnaround and renewed energy to the state-owned broadcaster. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Bernard Joman Eguakhide, in Benin City, the NLC said Alenkhe’s appointment has repositioned EBS as a vibrant and competitive media house. According to the labour body, the EBS boss, who has served the station for over 20 years, has introduced far-reaching reforms that have improved news delivery, current affairs, cultural content and live programming. The Council noted that EBS now runs robust live news bulletins with reporters filing in live reports from Lagos, Abuja and across the three senatorial districts of Edo State, a development that has given greater...

  Governor Okpebholo Marks Posthumous Birthday of Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia at 93, Hails Him as Father of Modern Edo From: Razak Zekeri, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs  The Edo State Government, led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, today marked the posthumous birthday of former Governor of defunct Bendel State, Brigadier General Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia (rtd), describing him as the father of modern Edo State and a colossus whose legacy remains indelible. Dr. Ogbemudia, who was born on September 17, 1932 and passed on March 9, 2017 at the age of 84, would have been 93 years old today. He served as military Governor of the Mid-West State, later Bendel State, from 1967 to 1975, and as elected civilian Governor of Bendel State from October to December 1983.  In a tribute to commemorate the day, Governor Okpebholo said Edo State and indeed Nigeria will never forget Ogbemudia, whose vision, courage and love for his people laid the foundation for th...

Philanthropist High Chief Johnson Atshelghe Bags Double Excellence Awards, Urges Rich Nigerians to Invest at Home Habiba Sam  Prominent businessman, philanthropist and community leader, High Chief Johnson Atshelghe, has been honoured with two Awards of Excellence in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian service, support for journalism and commitment to the development of Ologbo Kingdom in Edo State. The dual honours were conferred on him by the Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Edo State Council, and The Crusaders Voice News at a ceremony held inside Ologbo Hospital Limited, the newly established private medical facility founded by the honouree in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area. The well-attended ceremony drew journalists, community leaders, associates and well-wishers who came to celebrate the philanthropist’s contributions to humanity and grassroots development. Speaking shortly after receiving the awards, High Chief Atshelghe used the op...

  OFFICIAL STATEMENT   FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC COMMUNICATOR AND POLITICAL ANALYST  Melita Plaza, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, FCT   Tel: 07079924290 14th September, 2026. LET US CONSOLIDATE OUR VOICE IN ABUJA: RE-ELECT HON. SUNDAY ANAMERO DEKERI, ESQ. FOR SECOND TERM. House of Representatives, Etsako Federal Constituency The good people of Etsako West, Etsako Central, and Etsako East Local Government Areas are presented with a rare and strategic "Apple Opportunity" to strengthen our representation in the 11th National Assembly. For many years, the voice of Edo North in the Green Chamber was made strong by distinguished leaders such as Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, former Majority Leader, and Hon. Peter Akpatason. As they bow out, a significant leadership vacuum has been created for our Senatorial District at the Federal level. At this critical moment, Hon. Sunday Anamero Dekeri, Esq., the incumbent member representing the good people of Etsako Federal Constituenc...

New NMA Edo Executives Meet Health Commissioner, Seek Stronger Collaboration to Advance Healthcare By Admin  The newly inaugurated Executive Council of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Edo State Branch*, has paid a courtesy visit to the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole*, to congratulate him and explore ways of deepening partnership in the health sector. The delegation was led by the newly elected NMA Chairman, Dr. Andrew Elgbedion, who assumed office in August 2026, succeeding Dr. Eustace Oseghale. The meeting served as an avenue for the new NMA leadership to applaud the state government’s strides in healthcare delivery and to propose areas for enhanced collaboration between medical practitioners and the Ministry of Health.    Welcoming the NMA team, Dr. Oshiomhole congratulated the new executives on their election and pledged the continued commitment of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration to improving the health and welfare of Ed...

  CHIEF DR. ABRAHAM JIMAWO, JP   Ilunamie I of the Three Ibie   Former Executive Director, Edo State Rapid Response Agency.  Immediate Aspirant, Etsako Federal Constituency, Edo State DATE:13TH SEPTEMBER 2026 Hon. Sunny Epetika Ekpeson  Executive Chairman,   Etsako East Local Government Area Council,  Agenebode, Edo State. Dear Hon. Sunny Epetika Ekpeson, CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE I warmly congratulate you on your swearing-in as the Executive Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area, Agenebode. Your emergence as Chairman is a significant responsibility and a call to duty. It is a reflection of the confidence and trust reposed in you by the good people of Etsako East who gave you their mandate. I therefore urge you to approach this office with humility, dedication and an unwavering commitment to the welfare and development of the people of Etsako East. As you assume office, I encourage you to carry your Executive Council and the Legisla...

  FELICITATION MESSAGE COMRADE PRINCE WILLIAM AKPOREHA   Former NUPENG Boss National Coordinator, Working People United for Good Governance DATE: 13TH SEPTEMBER 2026 CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO THE ESAMA OF BENIN KINGDOM, CHIEF DR. GABRIEL OSAWARU IGBINEDION, ON HIS 92ND BIRTHDAY On behalf of the entire members of Working People United for Good Governance, and in my personal capacity as a former president of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, leader, I heartily felicitate with our father, elder statesman, and distinguished philanthropist, Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, The Esama of Benin Kingdom, on the auspicious occasion of your 92nd birthday. 92 years of impact is not just age  it is legacy.. Your life trajectory stands as a masterclass in vision, enterprise, and service. From pioneering indigenous business and aviation, to revolutionizing broadcasting and education, you have consistently demonstrated that true wealth is measured by t...

  PRESS RELEASE 14 SEPTEMBER 2026   BENIN CITY, Edo State APC STAKEHOLDERS URGE GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO TO RECOGNIZE CHIEF DR. ABRAHAM JIMAWO, JP, ILUNAMIE I OF THE THREE IBIE'S SACRIFICE FOR PARTY UNITY Concerned stakeholders and leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State have called on the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo to recognize the longstanding contributions and sacrifices of Chief Dr. Abraham Jimawo, JP, Ilunamie I of the Three Ibie. Chief Dr. Jimawo, Ilunamie I of the Three Ibie, a longstanding member and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, has been associated with the party from its earlier formations as AC, ACN through to the APC. Over the years, he has participated actively in party activities and supported and campaigned for several APC candidates at the local, state and national levels elections. His political engagements have included mobilisation of support and campaigns for Comrade Senator Adams Oshiomhole in the 2007 a...

OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC COMMUNICATOR AND POLITICAL ANALYST  Comrade Dr. Kenneth Oshiogwemoh   Melita Plaza, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, FCT 13th September, 2026 The Distinguished Senator  Senator Neda Imasuen, LLM. Senator Representing Edo South Senatorial District. National Assembly Complex, Three Arms Zone. Abuja, FCT. ATTN: Office of the Senior Legislative Aide Dear Distinguished Senator, COMMENDATION ON THE SUCCESSFUL TRAINING OF OVER 120 TRADITIONAL BIRTH ATTENDANTS IN EDO SOUTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT I write to convey my heartfelt commendation for your exemplary leadership and people-centered intervention in Edo South Senatorial District. I note with profound appreciation the successful conclusion of the second phase of the Training Programme for Traditional Birth Attendants, held from 9th to 11th September, 2026 in Benin City. The programme, themed “Strengthening the Knowledge and Skills of Traditional Birth Attendants for Safer Motherhood and Newborn Care” and implement...

  PRESS RELEASE 14 SEPTEMBER 2026 BENIN CITY, Edo State APC STAKEHOLDERS URGE GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO TO RECOGNIZE CHIEF DR. ABRAHAM JIMAWO, JP, ILUNAMIE I OF THE THREE IBIE'S SACRIFICE FOR PARTY UNITY Concerned stakeholders and leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State have called on the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo to recognize the longstanding contributions and sacrifices of Chief Dr. Abraham Jimawo, JP, Ilunamie I of the Three Ibie. Chief Dr. Jimawo, Ilunamie I of the Three Ibie, a longstanding member and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, has been associated with the party from its earlier formations as AC, ACN through to the APC. Over the years, he has participated actively in party activities and supported and campaigned for several APC candidates at the local, state and national levels elections. His political engagemnts have included mobilisation of support and campaigns for Comrade Senator Adams Oshiomhole in the 2007 and 2012 Edo S...