News View Digest

United We Stand: Akwa Ibom Community in Edo State Calls for Unity Meeting Habiba Sam  The Akwa Ibom Believers United Front Worldwide has extended an invitation to Akwa Ibom people residing in Edo State to come together and form a united front.  The call for unity is aimed at enabling the Akwa Ibom community to have a stronger voice and greater impact in the state's political, social, and business climate. According to the International President of Akwa Ibom Believers United Front Worldwide, Mr. Obong Oniel Duke, the community has been fragmented, with various factions operating independently.  This has led to a lack of recognition and neglect of the community's interests. Mr. Duke notes that politicians in Edo State have complained about the disunity among Akwa Ibom people, which has hindered their ability to effectively engage with the community. The Convener emphasizes that the time for unity is now, and that it is essential for the community to come together under one...

Iyanomo  Community Seeks Govt Intervention over Escalation Of Land Dispute With Nigerian Army  Habiba Sam one of the destroyed buildings in Iyanomo village by Army A long-standing land dispute between the Nigerian Army and the Iyanomo community in Edo State has reached a boiling point, with both sides trading accusations and seeking high-level intervention.  The Iyanomo community has appealed to the Edo State Government and the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, to intervene in the matter. The community alleges that the Nigerian Army has been destroying their ancestral homes and farmlands, claiming ownership of the land.  According to the community leaders, Pa Agbonavbare Ohiengbomwan and Iyayi Eboigbe, soldiers have been invading their village, demolishing buildings, and digging trenches to block access.  The community claims that they have lived on the land for generations and are now facing homelessness and food insecurity. The community also ac...

AKBUFW Celebrating the Success of Operation Feed the People in Edo State Chapter  Habiba Aniekan Sam  The Akwa Ibom Believers United Front Worldwide (AKBUFW) recently celebrated the success of its Operation Feed the People initiative in Edo State. The event, which was attended by members of the organization, marked a significant milestone in the group's efforts to support the needy and promote the values of kindness and compassion. During the event, the International President of AKBUFW, Dr. Duke Obong Oniel, expressed his gratitude to God for the success of the initiative. He noted that the organization's efforts to feed the people were in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ, who fed thousands of people during his time on earth.  Dr. Oniel encouraged members not to relent in their efforts, emphasizing that there is a greater reward in giving to the needy. The Edo State chapter of AKBUFW has a new executive committee, which was inaugurated during the event.  The ...

Nigerian Red Cross to Empower 400,000 Households against Floods Habiba Sam The Nigerian Red Cross Society is set to launch a Flood Resilience Project that will benefit approximately 400,000 households across 12 states in Nigeria.  The project, sponsored by the Italian government, aims to enhance the resilience of communities to flooding, which has become a recurring problem in the country. According to Wilson Ekhomogiazin, Edo Branch Secretary of the Nigerian Red Cross, the project will be implemented in 12 states, including Edo, Gombe, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Enugu, Borno, Ogun, Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger, and Lagos. In Edo State, the project will focus on two local government areas: Esan South East and Etsako Central. The project will include several key components, such as training community volunteers on flood preparedness and response, early warning systems, rehabilitation of public WASH infrastructure, and pre-positioning of shelter materials for affected households....

Governor Umo Eno's Media Support Earns Him NUJ's Highest Honor Habiba Sam The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) recently celebrated its 70th anniversary with a grand ceremony at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre in Abuja.  The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including state governors, captains of industry, and stakeholders from across the 36 state councils and the Federal Capital Territory. Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, was honored with an Award of Excellence in the Development of Media Infrastructure.  Represented by the Honorable Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, Governor Eno was commended for his commitment to promoting a free press and supporting the development of media infrastructure in Akwa Ibom State. In his remarks, Hon. Umanah emphasized the importance of development journalism and urged the NUJ to ensure that the dynamics of technological-driven information dissemination do not threaten the traditional media.  He also ...

Benin Kingdom Welcomes 119 Looted Artifacts Repatriated Habiba Sam   In a landmark victory for cultural heritage, the Benin Kingdom has welcomed back 119 priceless artifacts looted during the 1897 British invasion. The artefacts have been the highest  number received  of several returned thus far. The repatriation ceremony, held at the palace of Oba Ewuare II, marked a significant moment in the kingdom's history.  The artifacts were returned by the Netherlands, following sustained advocacy by the Benin Royal Court and formal diplomatic requests from the Nigerian government. The Oba revealed that an international art cartel had attempted to re-loot the artifacts, but their efforts were thwarted by the Dutch government's commitment to cultural restitution. The monarch expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Monday Okpebholo, and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) for their roles in securing the artifacts' return. The ...

Three Suspects to Face Court for Kidnapping and Armed Robbery Habiba Sam The Edo State Police Command is set to arraign three alleged kidnappers and armed robbers who have been terrorizing Benin City and its environs.  The suspects, identified as Asemota Osamede, 38, Michael Tomminiwei, 43, and Kelly Aitoya, 34, were apprehended by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit after an intensive investigation. The police investigation revealed that the suspects were responsible for kidnapping over 10 individuals in Benin City, collecting hefty ransoms from their victims.  One of the victims, Mrs. Vivian Diode, was kidnapped on April 10, 2025, and forced to withdraw N1.5 million from her bank account while in captivity.  Her family paid N6 million in ransom for her release, but the suspects continued to demand more money, threatening to kidnap and assassinate her. Further investigation exposed the suspects' involvement in multiple kidnappings and armed robberies, targeting prominent individual...