OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Edo NAWOJ Urges Parents to Allow Children to Participate in Ongoing Measles and Rubella Vaccination

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Edo State Chapter, calls on parents and guardians to avail their children to participate in the ongoing measles and Rubella vaccination exercise across the state. This timely opportunity for effective immunization will protect children from preventable diseases and future health challenges that could result in death.

We commend the Edo State Government, in collaboration with development partners, for organizing this vaccination exercise targeting approximately 2.2 million children aged between 0 and 14 years across the 18 local government areas of Edo State. The vaccination is being administered at designated health facilities and temporary vaccination posts, and is completely free of charge to all eligible children in government health facilities across the state.

We urge parents, guardians, and caregivers to take advantage of this opportunity to safeguard the health and well-being of their children. We also call on religious leaders, community leaders, school authorities, and other key stakeholders to advise parents on the importance of vaccinating their children against measles and Rubella, which are major causes of death and congenital abnormalities among children globally.

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Edo State Chapter, commends the organizers of this exercise and urges everyone to support this effort to eradicate child mortality and lifelong disabilities.

E Signed

Comrade Habiba Sam

Chairperson, NAWOJ, Edo State Chapter

January 27, 2026

Edo State's Aviation Dreams Take Flight as Governor Okpebholo Meets Minister Keyamo

Edo State's Aviation Dreams Take Flight as Governor Okpebholo Meets Minister Keyamo

Habiba Sam 

The Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, in Abuja, where they engaged in in-depth discussions on the future of aviation in Nigeria. 

The meeting focused on advancing Edo State's aviation sector, with a particular emphasis on the proposed Edo Air initiative.

Governor Okpebholo highlighted the importance of the aviation sector in driving economic growth and development in the state.

 He stated that the Edo State Government is committed to positioning the state as a regional hub for business, logistics, and tourism. 

The Governor noted that the establishment of Edo Air would significantly boost economic activities, enhance tourism, and make transportation easier and more reliable for the people and investors.

Minister Keyamo welcomed the Governor's vision and expressed delight that the Edo State Government is taking steps to revive the state's aviation legacy. 

He assured the Governor of the Federal Government's full support in actualizing the Edo Air project, noting that it would enhance passenger movement, boost trade, attract investors, and create jobs for Nigerians.

The meeting underscored the strong collaboration between the Edo State Government and the Federal Government in advancing infrastructure development, economic transformation, and national connectivity. 

Governor Okpebholo expressed appreciation for the Minister's openness and support, emphasizing that the Federal Government's backing is vital to the success of the initiative.

The two leaders are confident that the partnership will yield positive outcomes for the state and the nation, driving growth, tourism, and regional development. With the Federal Government's support, Edo State is poised to become a major player in Nigeria's aviation sector, unlocking new opportunities for economic growth and development.

New Year, New Beginnings: NUJ Chairman Secures Freedom for Three Inmates

New Year, New Beginnings: NUJ Chairman Secures Freedom for Three Inmates

By Admin 

In a heartwarming display of compassion and kindness, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, has facilitated the release of three inmates from the Oko Correctional Service in Benin City. 

The inmates, who had been serving varying jail terms for different criminal offenses, were freed after Comrade Alenkhe paid their fines.

The beneficiaries of this generous act are Godspower Nathaniel from Nasarawa State, Francis Joshua from Ebonyi State, and Ikechukwu Udu from Imo State. 

Despite being found guilty and sentenced to prison terms ranging from six months to one year, the inmates were unable to secure their release due to their inability to pay the fines. However, Comrade Alenkhe's timely intervention has brought joy and relief to the inmates and their families.

In a bid to usher in the new year with acts of kindness, Comrade Alenkhe embarked on a mission to free inmates who were detained due to their inability to pay fines.

 The authorities of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Edo State Command, recommended the three inmates for release after Comrade Alenkhe's gesture. 

The fines were subsequently paid into government coffers, paving the way for the inmates' release on Friday.

Expressing their gratitude, the beneficiaries thanked Comrade Alenkhe for his benevolent act, which has given them a second chance . 

In response, Comrade Alenkhe attributed his actions to his love for humanity, emphasizing that his gesture was not limited by geographical boundaries. He noted that despite the inmates not being from Edo State, he felt compelled to assist them, underscoring the unity and solidarity that exists among Nigerians.

To facilitate their return to their respective states, Comrade Alenkhe also provided the inmates with cash assistance. This thoughtful gesture has brought immense joy to the beneficiaries, who are now eager to reunite with their families and start anew.

Comrade Alenkhe's act of kindness serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and empathy in our society. As the nation celebrates the new year, his selfless act will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in his footsteps, spreading hope and joy to those in need.

Bishop Hezekiah Urge Faithfuls To Trust In The God Of Wonders Through Message Of Faith And Obedience

Bishop Hezekiah Urge Faithfuls To Trust In The God Of Wonders Through Message Of Faith And Obedience 

By Tosan Atie/Warri

Bishop Dr.Hezekiah Agbroko has challenged Christians on total obedience to the world of God and to to trust God in all situations to experience His  wonders.

The cleric who was the Guest Minister, made this remark at the Christ Diadem Church, Ughoton, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State during the 2025 Annual Thanksgiving service with the theme ,"God of Wonders"

Taking his sermon from the Holy Book of Psalms 77:14,72:18 and Ex:15:11,he said, Christians only need to believe the word of God because God is always with them in whatever situation they are passing through.

According to him,God is always present and ready  to remove every obstacle in the life of a Christians provided they  walk in faith while he admonished all not loose hope as God is the God of the eleventh hour who can turn things around but they only need to be strong 

Earlier, Pastor Iyabor Hector, of Christ Diadem Church, said, thanks giving, is a time to appreciate God for his goodness towards mankind for guidance,. protection and the unseen battles fought on our behalf.

According to her, we should be able to appreciate God with our substance and no amount of sacrifices we make can quantify the goodness of God towards us while saying, as Christians, we should learn to give generously. 

Amongst those present at the event are Pastor Umoru Awhotu,Pastor Okpabe and Brother Roland Akukpe.

Benin Monarch Urges Oke-Oroma Community Leaders to Foster Unity /Development

Benin Monarch Urges Oke-Oroma Community Leaders to Foster Unity /Development

By Admin The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, Uku Akpolokpolor, has charged leaders and prominent individuals of the Oke-Oroma community in Edo State's Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area to prioritize unity, peace, and collective efforts towards the most pressing issues facing their community. 

During a courtesy visit to the royal palace, the community leaders were encouraged to work towards the development and progress of Oke-Oroma, leveraging the monarch's support and guidance to achieve their goals.

The monarch's remarks were made in response to the community leaders' visit, during which they praised Oba Ewuare II for his remarkable reign, marked by peace, stability, and notable achievements. 

The community leaders, led by Gaius Emokpae, the Ozukpogieva of Oke-Oroma community, Abel Emokpae, the Ozukpogieha, Monday Omorogiuwa, the Community Secretary, and Owie Festus Daniel, the community Public Relations Officer, expressed their gratitude to the monarch for his leadership and vision.

In their letter to the monarch, the community leaders highlighted the significant progress made during Oba Ewuare II's reign, including the return of looted artifacts, which they described as a monumental achievement.

 They commended the monarch's efforts in promoting peace, stability, and development in the kingdom and beyond.

The Oba, in his response, urged the community leaders to remain committed to their community's development and to strive for a more egalitarian society. He emphasized the importance of peace, unity, and collective effort in achieving progress and prosperity.

The visit was part of the annual Ugie festival of the Benin Kingdom, during which the community leaders paid homage to the monarch and sought his blessings. 

They prayed for the monarch's long life, good health, and continued wisdom, as well as the prosperity and progress of the Benin Kingdom.

The Oba's call to action serves as a reminder of the importance of community leadership and collective effort in driving development and progress. 

As the Oke-Oroma community looks to the future, the monarch's words of wisdom and encouragement are expected to inspire a new wave of community-driven initiatives and projects.

Nigeria First Lady Empowers 250 Elderly Citizens in Edo

Nigeria First Lady Empowers 250 Elderly Citizens in Edo

Habiba Sam 

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to the welfare of senior citizens with the disbursement of funds to 250 elderly individuals in Edo State. 

The event, held at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, was part of the Renewed Hope Initiative's Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), which aims to improve the quality of life of elderly Nigerians.

Representing the First, Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, the initiative has brought hope and joy to many elderly citizens who have been struggling to make ends meet.

The scheme, which is part of the Renewed Hope Initiative's annual social investment programs, aims to capture a total of 9,500 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 years and above across the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers' Wives Association (DEPOWA).

 Each beneficiary will receive the sum of ₦200,000, with a total amount of ₦1.9 billion approved for disbursement

In her remarks, Senator Tinubu described the scheme as a demonstration of a compassionate government that values the dignity, comfort, and well-being of its elderly population. 

She urged senior citizens to remain hopeful, active, and engaged, stressing that ageing gracefully goes beyond longevity to include community, compassion, and care.

The First Lady also encouraged those who are able to continue contributing to society through charitable activities and meaningful engagements. 

She expressed gratitude to the beneficiaries for their service, sacrifices, and prayers for the nation, while also appreciating Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, State Coordinators of the Renewed Hope Initiative, and partner organizations for their continued support.

In a goodwill message, the Special Adviser on Health to the Edo State Government, Dr. Andrew Iyamu, underscored the importance of empowering vulnerable groups, describing care for the elderly and the poor as a service to God and humanity. 

He offered practical health advice to senior citizens, cautioning them against rising abruptly from bed in the morning and encouraging them to engage in light physical exercise and undergo regular medical check-ups.

The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Wife of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hajiya Nimata Umar Ikhilor; the Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Edo State on Religious Matters and Chaplain of the Government House Chapel, Apostle Faraday Sule; and the Executive Secretary of the Edo State Drugs and Health Commodity Management Agency, Pharm. Kenny Okojie, among others.

The beneficiaries, who expressed their appreciation to the First Lady for her kindness and support, were visibly moved by the gesture.

 The scheme is a testament to the government's commitment to the welfare of its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable members of society.

Widow Cries Out for Help: 8- Year -Old Son Discharged, but Family Struggles to Settle ₦223,000 Hospital Bill

Widow Cries Out for Help:  8- Year -Old Son Discharged, but Family Struggles to Settle ₦223,000 Hospital Bill

Habiba Sam In a poignant and emotional appeal, Mrs. Juliet Eze, a widow and devoted mother, is reaching out to the general public and kind-hearted Nigerians for financial assistance to help settle her 8-year-old son's hospital bill after his discharge. 

Master Miracle Chidera Eze was diagnosed with cerebral malaria and underwent treatment at St. Philomena Hospital  Benin City,,after being referred from two private hospitals within the state. 

Despite the medical team's tireless efforts, Miracle's road to recovery has been marked by the family's financial struggles. 

Mrs. Eze is now burdened with a mounting hospital bill, which has become a significant obstacle in her quest to finalize the payment. The total bill initially stood at ₦423,000, and although she has managed to pay ₦200,000, a balance of ₦223,000 remains outstanding.

Her  story is one of resilience and determination in the face of overwhelming adversity. Having lost her husband, John Eze, eight years ago when Miracle was only three months old, she has been the sole breadwinner for her two sons, struggling to make ends meet through her small cooking business. 

The medical expenses have depleted her meager savings, leaving her with nothing to sustain her family with at the moment 

In a heartfelt appeal, Mrs. Eze expresses her deepest gratitude to the medical team and management of St. Philomena Hospital for their selfless service and dedication to her son's care. 

She is particularly touched by their willingness to provide treatment without demanding payment upfront, which has given her a glimmer of hope in these dark times.

Mrs. Eze's primary concern is to settle the outstanding hospital bill. However, without financial assistance, this may not be possible. She is, therefore, reaching out to the public for help, appealing to kind-hearted individuals and organizations to contribute towards the settlement of the hospital bill.

Mrs. Eze's account details are as follows:

Phone number -0906 742 5074

Account Name: Juliet Eze

Account Number: 2131629550

Bank: UBA

Every contribution, no matter how small, will bring Miracle closer to closure. Mrs. Eze's story is a testament to the power of kindness and generosity. Your support can make a significant difference in the life of this young boy and his mother.