News Reporters

29/06/2025

EDO STATE GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES “PROJECT EDU RESCUE” – FROM STREETS TO SCHOOL

In a bold and compassionate move to reshape the future of Edo State’s children, the Edo State Government has officially launched Project Edu Rescue — a flagship initiative aimed at significantly reducing the number of out-of-school children across the state.
The programme was officially flagged off by Senator Monday Okpebholo.

Speaking at the launch, Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring every child in Edo State has access to quality education, in safe, well-equipped schools, taught by qualified teachers.

Project Edu Rescue is a direct and urgent response to the rising number of out-of-school children seen daily in markets, on the streets, and in public spaces during school hours. The programme’s goal is simple yet powerful: locate these children, understand their challenges, and provide immediate pathways back into school and towards a brighter future.

The launch marks a turning point in the government’s broader vision for human capital development, with education at its core. Governor Okpebholo’s active participation at the event sent a strong message — that getting every child off the streets and into school is a top priority for this administration.

The initiative began with a pilot phase, involving community outreach, direct identification of vulnerable children, and engagement with families. It is now set to expand statewide across all 18 local government areas, led by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with key education partners and stakeholders.

At the helm of this transformative project is Dr. Emmanuel Paddy IyamuEdo State’s Commissioner for Education, whose leadership continues to drive meaningful reforms to ensure no child is left behind.

Project Edu Rescue is more than an initiative, it is a lifeline, a promise, and a future secured through education.

29/06/2025

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

Akume remains SGF

There has been no change in the status of His Excellency, Senator George Akume, as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, currently in Saint Lucia, has not made any new appointments.

The information circulating about Akume's replacement is untrue. Agents of mischief fabricated it.

The Presidency advises Nigerians to disregard the fake news.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
June 28, 2025

12/06/2025

26 years of uninterrupted civil rule, Chris Ekiyor Calls for Sustained Democratic Norms

© Friends of Chris Ekiyor - FOCE

The Convener, Integration Summit Group Nigeria, Dr Chris Ekiyor, has called on leaders to maintain shared expectations and values that uphold the principles of democracy, respect for individual rights, rule of law and political equality.

Dr Chris Ekiyor gave the charge while speaking to newsmen on the significance of June 12 and the sacrifices made by late MKO Abiola and other heroes of democracy who fought tirelessly for Nigeria's democracy.He advocated for strong democratic norms that are crucial for maintaining public trust in political institutions, ensures citizen's engagement in civic activities and political will on the part of leaders to advance the aspirations of the people.

He maintained that democratic norms creates foundation for effective governance, accountability and political culture that prioritizes the cross-pollination of ideas.

The ISG-N Convener stressed the erosion of democratic norms in the nation's polity has lead to increased political polarization, with different groups entrenched in their views and less willing to compromise or collaborate in the interest of national growth and development.

He called on leaders, political parties and Nigerians, to put Nigeria first, embrace unity and work collectively for a society that recognises the voice of the voiceless in order to secure a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and generations to come.

29/05/2025

PRESS RELEASE NO.121/EDSGH/2025

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
EDO STATE GOVERNMENT

GOV OKPEBHOLO MULLS AMNESTY FOR CULTISTS, ILLEGAL ARMS POSSESSORS
■ BEGINS WORK ON NEW CITY

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has dangled a window of restitution for cult members in the State to renounce and turn a new leaf, while those in possession of illegal arms and ammunition have been called upon to surrender them to authorities in exchange for amnesty.

Governor Okpebholo made this known on Tuesday while meeting with the leaders of Obagie, Oke-Oroma, and Amagba communities over land and insecurity concerns in Benin city.

While reinstating his administration’s resolve to develop the proposed new city around the communities, the Governor said a technical committee will soon be announced to handle the restitution of cult members and criminally-minded youths in a bid to reduce the menace of violent crime including kidnapping.

A major component of the amnesty programme for such youths will include skills acquisition and empowerment programme in order to make them useful to themselves and to the society on the long run, said Governor Okpebholo.

He further assured the visiting community leaders of his support to bring about lasting peace in their communities, especially as government embarks on the development of the new city in their domain.

According to him, peace will be restored to all restive communities in the State, including Obagie, Oke-oroma and Amagba in Benin city.

He, however, assured that government was ready to listen to the victims of demolition by the immediate-past administration.

“Those whose properties were affected should see the Committee on Land Resolution with their papers.”

On the development of LOT ‘A’ in the new city plan, the Governor said that government will look around and protect the traditional sites in the process of developing the new town, while those in LOT ‘B’ can come forward with their documents to the committee once the process commences.

The Governor also added that government was ready to carry out a regularization of land properties in the affected areas so that property owners could have their lands backed in other LOTS.

He, however, called on property owners in the state to register their properties with Edo Geographical Information System.

“Survey your land and register them with Edo GIS so that you can collect your land titles.”

In their reaction, the community assured the Governor of their total support, especially in the development of the LOT ‘A’ in the new city and in his drive to improve the security of their communities.

Pa. Michael Omoruyi, Pa Abel Emokpae and Ebo Amagba, spoke respectively for Obagie, Oke-Oroma and Amagba communities.

Recall that Edo State Government during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, had serially engaged the communities in violent confrontations, which the communities described as regrettable because of the loss of lives and properties.

They commended Governor Okpebholo for setting up the committee to engage them, saying it was the first time that the State Government was interfacing with them since 2017 when their lands were first acquired by government.

Governor Okpebholo had a few weeks ago set up the Committee on Land Resolution in the State, with Dr Tony Ikpasaja as the Chairman and Dr Abdulwasiu Oyakhire as Secretary.

Other members of the Committee include the Surveyor-General of the State, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning, a State counsel from the Ministry of Justice and Dr Felix Iyalomhen from the office of the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly.

Signed:
Owaen Fred Itua
The Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor.
Wednesday, 28 May, 2025.

25/05/2025

Transforming young athletes into budding Stars

**Stella Stars Sports Academy Initiative

A significant step in grassroots sports development in Nigeria, has been birthed with the unveiling of Stella Stars Sports Academy in Benin City. Stella Stars Sports Academy was founded on June 1st 2024 to nurture young talents into resilient and successful individuals.

The Sports Academy which has young players from 8-17 years, seeks to train football talents to reach their full potentials under an enabling environment that will expose them to the game of soccer.

The vision bearer of the Sports Academy, Engr. Dr Darlington Obakpolor is a seasoned administrator and youth friendly personality who is passionate about empowering the youths to become successful in life, hence the inclusion of trainings in football skills, character and learning so as to make them useful to the society and their families.

The football academy, in synergy with the parents, sports organizers, football associations and relevant stakeholders is determined to produce top-notch footballers that will compete with their counterparts in any part of the world. Such collaboration will improve the standard of football in the country. It will also act as feeder ground for clubs to tap into the potentials of the young players.

Stella Stars Sports Academy prides itself with an array of seasoned sports administrators and football icons with both international and local experience in the game of football, such as Mr Denis Goavec, former Head Coach of Benin Republic National team and UEFA licenced professional Coach as Chancellor of the football academy and Ace footballer, Ndubuisi Okosieme as Technical Director, amongst others.

The Sports Academy is set to produce budding football stars through hardwork and inspirational football skills.

22/05/2025

Gov Okpebholo: Edo State loses over $1bn worth of investments annually over cult-related violence

■ As Gov Okpebholo urges Edo natives in Nigeria, diaspora to invest in the State

The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has expressed deep concerns over the adverse impacts of long years of cultism on the state's economy, particularly the loss of lives and the the loss of over $1 billion worth of potential investments annually.

These acts of violence, predominantly driven by clashes among rival cult groups, have not only led to tragic loss of lives and property but have also discouraged investments and tourism, ultimately slowing economic growth.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Owaen Fred Itua, stated that the high spate of cult-related violence in the last five years, long before Governor Okpebholo assumed office, has caused substantial disruptions to economic activities, as investors and business owners increasingly grew wary of the security situation.

“What we have witnessed in Edo was more than a threat to public peace—it was a significant drain on our economic potential.

“According to statistics by The Diaspora Commission, Edo State tops the list of states with the highest remittance from the diaspora. However, 95% of the repatriated funds ended up in different states because of cultism and other violent crimes as our people in the diaspora were scared of coming home to invest. This loss in disposable income, closure of businesses, and decline in tourism severely impacted the state's business climate,” Itua said.

He noted that the state's critical infrastructure and commercial centers were also affected, with some businesses forced to shut down temporarily or permanently, owing to security concerns. The fear of violence also deterred potential visitors, resulting in a downturn in hospitality, transportation, and other tourism-related sectors.

Itua said the narrative has however changed, since Governor Okpebholo declared a total war on cult-related violence in Edo State.

He said the efforts of Governor Okpebholo are already yielding results, with more stakeholders joining the support groups against cult-related violence in Edo State.

Itua noted that the State is regaining its lost glory and that sanity is being restored. He urged Edo sons and daughters both in Nigeria and in the diaspora to bring their investments home and help in the economic development of the state.

“Governor Monday Okpebholo is restoring peace to Edo State, especially in Benin City, where cult-related violence had held sway for too long. Our hardworking sons and daughters, both in Nigeria and in the diaspora, can now bring their investments to their home land, Edo State.

"Hospitality is a big business in Edo State. We have real estate. Governor Okpebholo is also sanitizing land administration. This means Edo people can now invest massively in real estate.

"Agriculture is a viable sector in Edo State, and it can bring huge returns on investments and create jobs for our people. Governor Okpebholo is urging our people to look towards that direction.

"We have the skills, and the needed support will be given by the administration of Governor Okpebholo for Edo people to set up industries, hotels, commercial farms, real estate, and other key investments. These investments will be protected and guaranteed by the State Government," Itua noted.

"As for the remnants of miscreants still holding sway in some isolated areas, Governor Okpebholo is engaging community leaders, youth groups, civil society organizations, and security stakeholders to foster peace-building and tackle the root causes of cultism.

“This is not a fight for government alone. It is a collective responsibility. We are calling on all well-meaning Edo citizens to work with Governor Okpebholo in reclaiming our communities from the grip of violence,” Itua added.

He reassured the public that Governor Okpebholo remains committed to building a safe and secure environment where businesses can flourish and citizens can live without fear.

“Edo State has immense economic potentials. Governor Okpebholo will not allow violence and cultism to define our future. With the right partnerships and firm action, Governor Okpebholo is restoring peace, attracting investments, and repositioning our economy for sustainable growth."

22/05/2025

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21/05/2025

20/05/2025

Breaking News:Drama ensued today as the Abia State Governor blocked the EFCC convoy in Aba, preventing the transfer of 59 detained youths to Abuja. Governor Otti ordered his security team to stop the convoy and demanded the immediate release of the youths, directing the EFCC to leave Aba.

"Youths from Aba are not thieves or killer herdsmen. I will not condone such arrests under my administration. I suggest the EFCC redirect their efforts towards arresting Fulani herdsmen in Sokoto, rather than innocent Aba youths," he stated.

16/08/2024

Forward Operating Base Nigeria Army Ehor Commissioned to Beef up Security along Benin/Auchi Road

** Obaseki Reaffirms Edo state government's commitment to security of citizens

** Uhunmwode Council Chairman commends FOB Ehor for security coverage

In realization of Edo State government's commitment to ensuring the security of citizens of the State, the Forward Operating Base Nigeria Army Ehor, built by Edo State government has been Commissioned and handed over to the Nigeria Army.

Governor Godwin Obaseki in his speech said that the military base was built to provide backup security along the Benin/Auch expressway. He commended the Nigeria Army for the support since the commencement of the base in 2022. He said that another Forward Operating Base is being built in Sobe to reduce the incidence of kidnapping along the axis. He appealed to the Nigeria Army for approval to build a base in Akoko Edo.

The Military base was commissioned by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General T. Lagbaja represented by Major General Obinna Godwin Onubogu, General Officer Commander 2 Brigade of the Nigeria Army under the watchful eyes of the Commander 4 Brigade Nigeria Army, Brigadier General E.O. Oduyebo and other officers of the Nigeria Army formations.

In an interview with newsmen, Hon Adodo Kenneth Osarobo, the council Chairman commended the Forward Operating Base Ehor, for security coverage of the local government area and sued for more cooperation with the Army in combating the activities of criminals within the area.

Dignitaries at the ceremony include the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Marvelous Godwin Omobayo, Serving Commissioners, Member representing Uhunmwode Constituency at Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Kaycee Osamwonyi, Deputy PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Hon Tim Osadolo, Hon Richard Edebiri, Vice Chairman, Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Hon Bright Egharevba, Councillors, Supervisors, women groups and party faithfuls.

20/07/2024

Celebrating my 4th year on Facebook. Thank you for your continuing support. I could never have made it without you. 🙏🤗🎉