News View Digest

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...