DAILY Parrot News

11/08/2025

Benin Descendants Canvass For Preservation of Edo Language and Values

...as Edo language Day holds across cities......

By Okocha Stanley Edamwen

The annual Edo language Day organized by Mrs Nekpen Obasogie has been held across cities of the world.

In Benin City,the capital of Edo State where the event was commemorated at Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub with the theme "The Voices of our Ancestors: Preserving the Edo Linguistic Heritages saw speakers after speakers emphasized the need for the preservation of the Edo language and traditional values which have stood the Edo people out since time immemorial through educational contents in schools and the home.

In her address,Mrs Nekpen Obasogie represented by Comr.Omoregie Amienye thanked the attendees and sponsors for supporting the actualization of the vision towards ensuring that the Edo language does not go into extinction.

She also admonished all Edo people to ensure the speaking of the language in their various homes especially with their wards as means to ensure the Edo language is preserved for the coming generations.

The Edo born Canadian based Edo language advocate further stated that the event was been held simultaneously across the three senatorial districts of the state.

Notable Edo sons and daughters present at the event called on the government and examination bodies to include Edo language in the national education curriculum as well as Edo language writers and teachers to arouse the interest of Edo children in the language through the inclusion of short dramas,riddles, proverbs and stories in Edo language books.

Highpoint of the event was the giving of special recognition awards to deserving Edo sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in the promotion of Edo language and traditional values amidst special recitations in Edo language by students of Idia and Emotan colleges as well as display of songs and dances by the members of the Edo State arts and culture commission with notable Edo music legends, Sir Richard Ugiagbe, Prince Omochico Bay, Sir Miki Jaga among others in attendance.

15/07/2025

Hon Charity Aiguobarueghian Calls For Unity Among PDP Faithfuls.

.....express confidence in Asue/Aziegbemhin leadership.....

The minority leader and honourable member representing the Ovia North-East Constituency 1 at the Edo State House of Assembly,Hon Charity Aiguobarueghian has called on the leadership and members of the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to remain united despite the Supreme Court verdict on the Edo 2024 Governorship Election.

Speaking at the PDP stakeholders meeting held at the party's State secretariat,the minority leader said he is disappointed in the manner in which some hitherto elected members of the party defected to the ruling party in the state without recourse to the sacrifices made by the party and the people of the constituency they represent to see them elected as representatives of the people which saw the party moving from being majority to minority in the house.

He however reiterated his unalloyed resolve and loyalty as well as those of the other four members of the party in the Edo State House of Assembly to remain in the PDP.

On the future of the PDP in the state,the lawmaker called on PDP members to remain intact irrespective of the setback posed by the recent Supreme Court judgement but bemoaned the unfavorable taunts by his former partymen elected under the party's platform on his person because they have defected and stated that he has Immense confidence on the capacity of the duo of Dr Anthony Aziegbemhin and Dr Asue Ighodalo to steer the party to greater heights as the state caretaker chairman and leader respectively while urging that all the party faithfuls be carried along in the scheme of actions.

Hon Aiguobarueghian further applauded the Edo People who defied all odds to give the PDP and Asue Ighodalo their mandate only to be robbed and assured them of better days ahead.

On his future plans,the Ovia North-East Constituency 1 representative said he owes the privilege of being the lawmaker from the constituency to the people and PDP members of his constituency and as such are the ones who can dictate the path for him to follow as their representative.

29/05/2025

Ighodalo Heads To S’Court As Appeal Court Affirms Okpebholo As Edo Gov

Updated May 29, 2025

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Thursday upheld the election of Monday Okpebholo as the Governor of Edo State and dismissed the case of Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21, 2024 governorship election in the South-South state.

Delivering judgment, a three-member panel of the appellate court led by Justice Mohammed Danjuma, unanimously held that the appeal by Ighodalo was unmeritorious and dismissed it.

The court held that the appellants failed to show that the election tribunal erred in its decision and proceeded to affirm the judgment of the tribunal delivered.

However, Ighodalo has rejected the judgment and said the verdict of the appellate court would be contested at the Supreme Court.

At the poll last September, Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured 291,667 votes to defeat PDP’s Ighodalo who got 247,274 votes, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) who came a distant third in the race with 22,763 votes. Fourteen other candidates contested the seat but got less than the three frontline candidates.

The APC candidate cleared over 10 of the 18 local government areas, leaving the PDP candidate with marginal victory in the other local councils. The APC gained control in two of the three battleground senatorial districts in the state.

He was immediately declared returned elected by the electoral umpire INEC and sworn in as governor on November 12, 2024 when he took over the much-coveted seat at the Dennis Osadebe House from PDP’s Godwin Obaseki.

Dissatisfied with the outcome of the poll, Ighodalo approached the election petition tribunal to disqualify Okpebholo but a three-member panel headed by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, in April 2025, dismissed Ighodalo’s petition.

‎‎In its judgment, the panel ruled that Ighodalo, alongside other petitioners like the Accord Party, failed to call competent witnesses to prove the allegations of non-compliance with the Electoral Act.

‎‎In the lead judgment read by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, the Tribunal said non-compliance must be proven convincingly. It noted that the failure of the petitioners to call polling unit officers, presiding officers or even voters during the election proved fatal to their petition.

Ighodalo further proceeded to the Appeal Court to seek redress but the appellate court threw out his case, leaving him with the Supreme Court as the last court of resort.

29/05/2025

WAEC speaks on ‘late-night WASSCE exams.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has defended the delay which led to students writing the English Language paper of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) late into the night on Wednesday.

The examination body explained that the development was part of effort to prevent leakage of question papers and protect the integrity of the examination.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Moyosola Adeshina, WAEC said it successfully achieved its objective but faced logistical challenges and security concerns that impacted the timelines and seamless conduct of the examination.

WAEC said it is working with security agencies to prevent a future occurrence of this nature.

The examination body apologized to candidates, schools and parents.

“We recognise the importance of timely conduct of examinations and the impact of this decision on the candidates, their schools and parents, and we sincerely apologise for any inconveniences caused,” the statement said.

“The West African Examinations Council appreciates the understanding and support of all stakeholders during this period. We remain committed to upholding the highest standard in the conduct of examinations and shall continue to promote academic excellence.”

26/12/2024

Breaking: Ikpoba-Okha Legislative Arm Pass Vote of Confidence on the Council Boss, Dr Eric Osayande.

..... emphasize the peoples oriented programs and projects of the council boss .....

The members of the Ikpoba-Okha Legislative Arm has reaffirmed it's absolute loyalty to the Executive Chairman of the local government council, Dr Eric Osayande.

This was made known today when the Legislative Arm led by the leader, Rt Hon Kingsley Balogban paid a solidarity visit to the council boss as part of the Christmas festivities.

Speaking to the councillors, Dr Osayande appreciated them for their visit and support since his assumption of office and briefed them on issues about the recent Edo State House of Assembly statement on local government councils while applauding President Ahmed Tinubu through the AGF for standing on the Supreme Court judgement on local government autonomy.

He further highlighted his achievements across the wards of the local council.

In his address, the leader of the Ikpoba-Okha Legislative Arm, Rt Hon Kingsley Balogban stated that the chairman, Dr Eric Osayande, the vice chairman, Hon(Mrs) Osamuyimen Omosigho Idehen and themselves, the Councillors were democratically elected to pilot the affairs of the local council for a three year term.

Rt Hon Balogban also enumerated the developmental strides of Dr Osayande which he said are visible across the ten Wards since his assumption of office amidst cheers from the Councillors.

The Ikpoba-Okha Legislative Arm leader further described the Ikpoba-Okha council chairman as a man who believes so much in the wellbeing of the good people of Ikpoba-Okha; hence, his people oriented programs and projects which have greatly impacted the lives of the people of the locality and called for more support from all stakeholders for a continuation of the progress being achieved by the administration of Dr Eric Osayande.

Highpoint of the solidarity visit was a move for a vote of confidence on Dr Eric Osayande which was unanimously adopted by all the Councillors representing the various wards making up the local government.

17/12/2024

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13/11/2024

Inauguration Chaos Raises Concerns Over New Edo Governor’s Approach to Governance – Analyst

The inauguration ceremony for Edo State’s new governor which held yesterday at the Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City was meant to set the tone for a fresh chapter of leadership. Instead, the event highlighted troubling organizational issues, from poor traffic management to an ad hoc and jumbled program of events, raising questions about whether this administration can competently deliver on its promises for the state, Chief Magnus Oziegbe, a public affairs analyst stated.

If the challenges of organizing an inaugural event are any indication, the road ahead may be fraught with obstacles that demand far more than political vision; it will require adept administration, project management, and a capable team behind the scenes to carry plans through to ex*****on.

VIPS and other attendees struggled from the start, as chaotic traffic management left roads choked with vehicles, making it nearly impossible to reach the venue. Some guests spent hours navigating gridlock, while others abandoned their cars altogether. Those who eventually arrived found an event beset by problems: pickpockets roamed freely, the parades and guards of honour looked disheveled and uncoordinated, the microphones repeatedly malfunctioned, creating interruptions during key speeches and marring the solemnity of the occasion. The program itself, meanwhile, was disjointed, with no clear flow or organization, leaving attendees uncertain about what to expect next.

Perhaps most striking was the platforming of figures like Tony Kabaka, a controversial political figure whose presence dominated parts of the day and clashed with the atmosphere expected at a state event. This public celebration brawn and muscle inevitably spilled into the streets of Benin City – where pro-government louts and thugs, commonly referred to as Lions and Tigers, emerged from the shadows to extort buses and taxis in broad daylight. By nightfall, the challenges continued with an inaugural dinner that unfolded in near-chaotic scenes. The atmosphere shifted from one of dignified celebration to something resembling a crowded market, as a boisterous crowd of revelers took over the space, some appearing visibly intoxicated. Many guests left early, some citing discomfort, while others reported concerns for their safety amidst the escalating commotion.

This haphazard rollout of the governor’s inaugural events is not merely an isolated embarrassment but potentially indicative of larger governance issues. Effective leadership demands not just a compelling vision but the structural capacity to plan, organize, and execute. An inability to successfully manage even symbolic moments such as this inauguration hints at deeper challenges ahead. Successful governance requires that plans be laid out with precision and carried through with foresight. This goes beyond political know-how; it calls for administrative skills, project management, and technocratic expertise.

Too often, however, political figures are elevated to leadership roles while experienced civil servants and administrators are sidelined, resulting in a lack of competence in essential areas of government administration. Policy successes hinge on well-executed strategies, where plans are not only envisioned but executed effectively by teams skilled in logistics and management. Without these skills, even the best-intentioned policies can falter.

As the new administration embarks on its term, the chaotic scenes at yesterday’s inauguration should serve as a stark reminder: competent governance will require more than ambition and political clout. The success of this administration—and by extension, Edo State—will depend on the ability to mobilize the right people for the right roles, prioritizing administrators, project managers, and technocrats over political figures unprepared for the demands of governance.

30/10/2024

Obaseki, Zamfara gov, Dauda Lawal, others commission newly reconstructed Edo College of Health Sciences, Technology

......we’ve revamped our health institutions, built a resilient system to cater for Edo people....

....Obaseki has rekindled hope in Edo, Nigeria, says Zamfara gov...

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his Zamfara State counterpart, Dr. Dauda Lawal, and other dignitaries, on Wednesday commissioned the Edo College of Health Sciences and Technology (EdoCOHEST), which has been reconstructed and upgraded to meet global standards.

Obaseki at the 3-in-1 event, including the commissioning, matriculation and 60th anniversary of the institution said his government in the last eight years has revamped all healthcare institutions and built a resilient system to cater for the health care needs of Edo people.

Others at the event include the Edo State Deputy Governor, Marvellous Godwins Omobayo; candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo 2024 governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo and chairman of the Edo PDP, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, among others.

Governor Obaseki, who called for support from all stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of all programmes and projects embarked on by his government to better the lives of the people, said the revamping of institutions is part of his administration's commitment to build on the legacy of the State's founding fathers.

Obaseki said, “60 years ago, our founding fathers, having broken away from the Western Region came and founded the Mid-West Region and decided that an institution like this was very important to our healthcare system and therefore founded this school 60 years ago.

“For some accidents of history, people came along the line and never appreciated an institution like this. But COVID-19 opened my eyes to the State of healthcare in Edo State and Nigeria. Our inability to respond to COVID-19 scared me of that pandemic.

“COVID-19 caged everybody both rich and poor and the lessons of COVID-19 for me is that we should be able to build our own. We must build our healthcare system.

“Healthcare is not just the hospital or infrastructure you see but the most important thing in the healthcare system are the people who must be able to deliver services to you.

“COVID-19 opened my eyes. The school of nursing closed down, no accreditation, school of health technology was closed down too. How are we therefore employing people working in our hospital?

Obaseki continued, “I brought down Central Hospital and have no regret as we now have 10 primary healthcare centers replacing that and serving the people well now. Go and see what we have done with Oredo Primary Healthcare Center, Amagba, Evbuotubu and other places we are building centres.

“Nigeria has more than 25,000 political wards, and the policy is that there must be one PHCs in every ward so that the sick doesn’t need to travel far to get medical care. We have almost 200 wards in Edo. If you need 10 people in each PHC, how many workers would we require. That's about 2,000. Where do we train them?

“In Nigeria, we need more than 250,000 healthcare workers from our PHC system.

“To develop any system, the focus must be on the middle level manpower and it's important to train every other worker in the chain to enable us get quality healthcare.

“An effective primary healthcare center helps detect diseases and safe lives because the disease is treated entirely and will not lead you seeking medical care abroad.

“These students here in this school will be trained to the highest quality because the facilities on this campus is better than the facilities in many universities in Nigeria. Just go round and see for yourself.

“I was here about two days ago to come and inspect the facilities here and saw young students coming into the institution for their academic pursuit, I was almost emotional.”

He continued: “In 2016, when I came in as governor, these young people did not have this opportunity but rather were victims of trafficking and illegal migration and were turned into slaves. The young ones had no hope as nobody cared for them as it was always about politics. When I look around and see the opportunities we are creating for young people, I have no regrets. If there is a need to fight, I will continue to fight for the interest and the betterment of the young people of Edo State.”

On the facilities in the institution, the governor noted, “This campus has free Internet, 24/7 electricity from Ossiomo Power and we have ensured that the selection process is based on merit.

“This project was started a year ago. I wish we had money, we would have started it earlier. People make things happen, not money alone.

“We hired the management of the institution about 6 months ago and they have worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth takeoff of the programme. We are thinking about exchange programme with other institutions like this.”

On his part, the Zamfara State Governor who commended Obaseki for prioritizing the needs of the people, noting that Governor Obaseki has rekindled hope in Edo State and Nigeria.

He said, “It’s truly a privilege and honour to be here at the instance of my brother and the good people of Edo State to share in this milestone in the life of the Edo college of Health Sciences and Technology, especially of the matriculating Students.

“As we gather here, I am reminded of the transformative power of vision and determination under the capable and visionary leadership of His Excellency, my brother, Governor Obaseki who have rekindled hope in Edo State that with a clear vision, excellence is possible despite all odds.

“Listening to the details of this whole project, I commend my brother for this shining example of what can be achieved when resilience, vision, and dedication comes together. As I looked at the students being matriculated here today, I will say to you that you are the symbol of our hope and pride.

“You represent the abundant potential that exists in Edo State and in our Country in general. Don't limit yourself, study and excel. Protect this investment for yourself and future generations of students yet to come.”

The governor added, “Aside from producing health professionals, I pray that this institution would be a bridge to connect people, create jobs and foster economic growth for both within and outside Edo State and stand as a testament to unlock talents.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the Provost of the Institution, Dr. Moyo, thanked Governor Obaseki for investing in the institution which has now become one of the best schools of health sciences in Nigeria.

According to him, “I thank the Executive Governor of Edo State for bringing this College Project to a positive reality. If not you, Your Excellency, who could have remembered us. For what you have done, the management and staff of this College will ever remain grateful to you.”

To the matriculating students, he charged, “Our vision is to make the Edo State College of Health Science and Technology (EDOCOHEST) the best, and the top 3 (three) colleges of health sciences and technology in Nigeria, and this will be reflected in you as our students.

“The future holds many challenges and success for all of you. Each of you will have your own unique opportunities to grow; and I am therefore confident that you will rise to every occasion.”

As part of the event, Governor Obaseki on behalf of the college, presented an award of excellence to Governor Dauda Lawal for visionary leadership and support for excellence.

Other awardees are Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Osaigbovo Iyoha; Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Osa-Oviawe; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Stanley Ehiarhimwian and Managing Director of Public Building and Maintenance, Engr Austin Osakue.

PHOTO CAPTION

DSC_01

L-R: Provost, Edo College of Health Sciences and Technology (EdoCOHEST), Dr. Moyo Kasim; Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal; his Edo State counterpart, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and Project Consultant for the reconstruction of EdoCOHEST, Esther Oshunluyi, at the commissioning and matriculation of over 422 students of EdoCOHEST, in Benin City, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

DSC_02

L-R: Project Consultant for the reconstruction of Edo College of Health Sciences and Technology (EdoCOHEST), Esther Oshunluyi; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his Zamfara State Governor counterpart, Dr. Dauda Lawal, and Provost, EdoCOHEST, Dr. Moyo Kasim, at the commissioning of EdoCOHEST, in Benin City, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

DSC_03

L-R: Provost, Edo College of Health Sciences and Technology (EdoCOHEST), Dr. Moyo Kasim; Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal, and his Edo State counterpart, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at the matriculation of over 422 students for EdoCOHEST, in Benin City, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

DSC_04

L-R: Candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo 2024 governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo; Provost, Edo State College of Nursing Sciences (ESCNS), Prof. Patricia Ukaigwe; Provost, Edo College of Health Sciences and Technology (EdoCOHEST), Dr. Moyo Kasim; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his Zamfara State Governor counterpart, Dr. Dauda Lawal, and Project Consultant for the reconstruction of Edo College of Health Sciences and Technology (EdoCOHEST), Esther Oshunluyi, at the commissioning of EdoCOHEST, in Benin City, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

02/10/2024