dailyfrontlinenews

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has extended his felicitations to the Muslim community in Edo State and across the world as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the successful completion of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Governor Okpebholo commended the Muslim community for their steadfastness, piety, and sacrifice during the Ramadan fast. He acknowledged the spiritual discipline, acts of charity, and prayers offered during this sacred month, emphasizing their positive impact on the moral fabric of the society. The Governor urged Muslims to sustain the lessons and virtues learned during the Ramadan, including compassion, tolerance, and unity, and to continue to live in peace and harmony with their fellow citizens of all faiths. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and progressive Edo State where religious tolerance and mutual respect thrive. “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Edo State, I heartily congratulate ou...

The Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced the immediate suspension of all illegal vigilante groups operating in Edo State and the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP. Friday Ibadin (Rtd.). According to a statement issued, signed and made available to the Press yesterday by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq. this is a fall out of the recent killings of some travellers in Uromi, Esan North East local government area of Edo State last Thursday the 27th March, 2025. According to him, "it is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that after a review of the preliminary report of the unfortunate incident of Thursday 27th March, 2025 at Uromi in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State involving the gruesome killing of some travelers, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has ordered the immediate suspension of all illegal Vigilante Groups operating under w...

Delta State school of Nursing, Agbor has threatened to punish one of its students, Osato Edobor over her involvement in a viral controversial “welcome” song in which student nurses ridiculed Nigeria’s First Lady and wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.  Recall that it had earlier been reported that Mrs Tinubu on Tuesday visited Delta State , in her advocacy for free treatment programmes for Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV/AIDS patients in the country. However, what caught the attention of many Nigerians, is the way the student nurses embarrassed the president’s wife, after rejecting her as the mother of the nation. This comes after the MC of the event sang a praise song describing Mrs Tinubu, their mother, in pidgin English, calling on students to join in the song. “Na our mama be this o, we no get another one,” the MC sang, expecting students to respond in affirmation that the first lady is their mother. However, the stud...

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on behalf of the Government and the good people of the Heartbeat State, extends warm and heartfelt birthday wishes to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the occasion of his birthday. Governor Okpebholo joins millions of Nigerians in celebrating a leader whose dedication to national development and unwavering commitment to the progress of our nation is truly commendable. “President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and tireless efforts to steer Nigeria towards greater heights are deeply appreciated. As the father of Modern Nigeria, President Tinubu is making huge impacts that Nigerians will one day remember him for.” Governor Okpebholo noted that President Tinubu’s wealth of experience, political sagacity, and unwavering resolve in addressing the challenges facing our nation have been instrumental in shaping the current trajectory of our country. “We recognize and applaud his dedication to fostering unity, promoting eco...

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has condemned in strong terms the setting ablaze of some suspected kidnappers by residents of a community in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of the state. Describing the act as barbaric and condemnable, the Governor represented by the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Government House, SP Solomon Osaghale, vowed to ensure that the perpetuators are brought to justice and made to face the full wrath of the law. He stressed that such a barbaric act is strange in our climes and will not be tolerated in the State. SP Osaghale said he was in Uromi on the instance of the Governor to ascertain the level of damage done and to ensure that prompt investigation is carried out to ensure justice and forestall a reoccurrence. He revealed that investigations have shown that the people who were killed had boarded a commercial truck and was stopped by members of local security who upon search of the vehicle, discovered some guns, a situa...

  The Senator representing Edo  South Senatorial district at the Senate, Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has said that he acted in good faith as the Senate Committee Chairman in the case brought before it regarding Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan representing Kogi Central Senatorial district and the Senate President Godswill Akpabio adding that those seeking his recall were hungry people who were taken to Kogi to be briefed on what to do and were paid and were therefore working for their money. He made the observation earlier today in a press briefing at the premises of the Edo Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Benin City the Edo State capital. " I want to put it on record here that the issue that was before my committee was on a conduct on the floor of the Senate and has absolutely nothing to do with sexual harassment. Sexual harassment came after the first petition that was brought ...

  Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma has been described as an institution delivering on its mandate of providing quality education for the development of society.  This was made known yesterday by the Principal Assistant Registrar/Head, Information & Public Relations, Otunba Mike Adelegun Aladenika during an interactive section with journalists in Benin City. He said before now there were many issues that retarded the progress of the institution, noting that due to the genuine efforts being made by the present management led by the acting Vice Chancellor, Sunday Olowo Samuel, the university has been repositioned to be a destination of choice for academic excellence. Aladenika thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for keeping to his promise as he has not failed to remit the five hundred million naira monthly subvention to the institution. He also recalled the period the school's gate was often locked by students and staff due to one unsettled issue or the other. He f...

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, dedicated to promoting credible elections and governance in Nigeria, condemns the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by the President of Nigeria, Ahmed Bola Tinubu and therefore Urged him to revoke the state of emergency and apologize to Nigerians. This was contained in a press statement issued and co- signed by its various group heads and made available to the Press earlier today in Benin City the Edo State capital. According to Comr. Obasanmi Jude Phd South-South Representative, he said the group strongly expressed its reservation about the President's decision. "As members and partners of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, South-South Zone, we express our strong reservations about the President's decision, which appears to exceed his constitutional authority and undermine the principles of federalism. The release further stated that, "the President's declaration of a state of emerge...

The Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie, has said his ministry has finalized plans to establish Citizens Mediation Centres in Ubiaja and Auchi to help speed up the dispensation of justice in conflicts resolutions and promote harmonious coexistence among the residents of the given areas, respectively. He disclosed this in Benin while speaking on the activities and achievements of the Citizens' Mediation Centre (CMC) and the Citizens' Rights Department (CRD), Edo State Ministry of Justice. Dr. Osagie said that the CMC has facilitated quick and amicable resolutions of disputes, thereby reducing the backlog of cases in our courts and mitigating potential social unrest.  Osagie said that recognizing the need for a more accessible, cost-effective, and timely means of resolving disputes, the Edo State Government established the CMC as part of his broader justice sector reforms.  Osagie said the Centre was created to serve as a plat...

The Edo State officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), today, paid a courtesy visit to the leadership of the Edo State council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital to seek for collaboration with the union to disseminate information to the general public on disaster control and prevention management. Speaking during the courtesy visit, the Head of Operations, Edo State NEMA, Ojuederie Kenoma who led other agency’s management team said the media can improve areas of mutual understanding as regards disaster issues. According to him, the media is a critical stakeholder when it comes to disaster management and it's only the media who can help to disseminate vital information out to the public to prepare them for impending disasters, to mitigate against disasters, so that we can have a better disaster management system like that in the United States. Responding, the Chairman of the Edo State Council of the NUJ, Comra...

The Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, has said that the Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has distanced himself from the position of the South South governors on the declaration of (SOE) state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This was contained in a statement signed and made available to the Press by the Chief Press Secretary, today in Benin City the Edo State capital. According to the statement, "the South-South Governors' Forum, of which the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo is a member, has condemned the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State. The position by the Governors of the South-South, did not get the nod of Governor Okpebholo. Governor Okpebholo was neither consulted, nor informed. "While Governor Monday Okpebholo acknowledges the right of other Governors in the South-South geopolitical zone to take a position, he, however dissociates himself from any stat...

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has completed remedial works on the Benin-Iruekpen federal road to make movement easier for motorists. Okpebholo, who undertook a tour of the expressway from Aduwawa, Obadan junction, Ugha, Okhuo, and Obagie to other areas, expressed satisfaction with the specifications and job done by the contractor who handled the project. The Governor who spoke to newsmen after the inspection, said his administration acknowledges that federal roads are also used by Edo people and as such his administration will continue to collaborate with the federal government to fix the roads for the benefit of the people of the State. He said: “You can see what my administration has done in terms of fixing federal roads in the State. Initially, the road was not passable as several accidents were recorded on this road, both small and big vehicles, and lives were lost as well. “Once upon a time, we had a government in Edo State that used to place signboards...

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Mr Oladele Bankole Balogun, has stated that the death of a two-year-old child in an incident involving a member of the suspended Public Safety Response (PRS) team has no connection to the EIRS. Balogun made this clarification when the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) led a delegation of journalists on a courtesy visit to the revenue service in Benin City.  He criticised the political undertones attached to the matter, saying some individuals are attempting to discredit a democratically elected government. “There’s a lot of unfortunate politics aimed at bringing down the government of this state. Some people refuse to accept the will of the people and instead cook up dangerous narratives to create problems in the political landscape,” Balogun said. “That incident has absolutely nothing to do with the revenue service.” On the alleged increase in taxes for private schools in Edo St...

. The political landscape in Edo State is heating up as the tenure of the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Blessing Agbebaku, hangs in the balance. A seismic shift is underway, fueled by fervent agitations from various concerned groups of the ruling APC, determined to unseat him from his esteemed position. Leading the charge is the Edo North Conscience (ENC), a dynamic political and highly opinionated Group that has unleashed a bold statement aimed at overturning the Speaker's hold on power. The Group fervently believes that his continued tenure clashes with both the moral and political values dear not only to the state, but members of the party in power, who went through endless turmoils and pains to install their candidate as governor. At a recent high-stake stakeholders meeting in the ancient city of Auchi, Etsako West, members from across the Edo North district rallied together, unified in their opposition to Rt Hon Agbebaku's continued retenti...

  The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial district, Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan has been called upon to leave the Senate President Godswill Akpabio in peace stating that the suspension of Senator Natasha Was not as a result of any sexual harassment but as a result of her disobedience to Senate rules.  They made the call today when they led a peaceful protest to the premises of Edo Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benin City the Edo State capital. Speaking to Journalists, the Edo South All Progressives Congress Woman leader, former Council boss of Ikpoba Okha local government Council, Mrs Itohan Edokpolor, advised Senator Natasha to comport herself and be obedient to the rules of the house rather than whipping up unnecessary emotions. According to her, " Our Women should comport themselves in a way and manner that will be respected by Men and shouldn't bring out their waywardness to the public and radicle the dignity of other Women...

A teacher, Winifred Iwenamen, is set to break the Guinness World Record with an ambition of riding a Cross- over Country bike covering a distance of over 500 kilometers in 12 hours nonstop.  Speaking to Journalists today at the premises of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Benin City the Edo State capital, the English and literary studies graduate from the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State , pointed out that she nurses the ambition to surpass the existing record of 500 kilometers.  According to the Ewatto born bicker from Esan South East local government area of Edo State, Winnifred told journalists that the race is set to take place on the 29th day of March 2025 in a dedicated and approved race track in Ebhobanosa, after Light House Polytechnic along Benin- Agbor Road in Benin City Edo State capital.  She said that her motivation or driving force that propelled her to the endeavor is her love for riding bikes.  Ac...

  The Coalition of Civil Society Organization, women group and other concerned Edo people in their numbers have demanded an impartial investigation into the sexual harassment claim by the senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial district, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, demanding an end to the culture of silence, intimidation, and victimshaming.  The group which made the call earlier today at the premises of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benin City, the Edo State capital, the spokesperson of the group, Comrade Solomon Orukpe-Idiogbe in his statement said that Sexual harassment and misogyny must never be tolerated, and those who come forward with such claims deserve to be heard, protected and given the opportunity to prove their claim and not victimized. "We the above named, as advocate of the voices of the masses Stands firmly on the side of the law and equity and as such c...

Four members of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal divisions within their former party.  The lawmakers pledged their commitment to working with Governor Monday Okpebholo to advance the development of Edo State. The defectors who announced their decision on Wednesday afternoon, include three lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—Hon. Donald Okogbe (Akoko-Edo Constituency II), Hon. Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon Constituency II), and Hon. Sunday Ojiezele (Esan South-East)—as well as Hon. Richard Edosa (Oredo West) from the Labour Party (LP). Speaking on behalf of the group, Hon. Edosa stated that the deep-seated divisions within the PDP and the Labour Party at all levels—national, state, and local government—left them with no choice but to seek a new political direction.  He emphasized their belief in un...

The Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Mrs.) Maria Omozele Oligbi-Edeko, has been honored with two awards as a Gender Inclusion Champion by the Forum of University Women (FUNW), University of Benin (UNIBEN), and New Dawn Legislative Consultants Services. The two awards were in recognition of her outstanding contribution to promoting gender equality, inclusion, and the empowerment of women in Edo State. One of the prestigious awards was presented during the 2025 International Women's Day celebration, which took place on Tuesday at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) campus, while the other was presented to her in her office at the House of Assembly complex. The 2025 International Women's Day celebration at UNIBEN was a significant occasion, marking a day of reflection on the progress made by women in various sectors, as well as a call to action for greater gender equality and empowerment. The award presented to Hon. Oligbi-Edeko was in recognit...

  In a controversial legal ruling, Nigerian farmer Sunday Jackson has been sentenced to death by hanging for killing a Fulani herdsman in self-defense. The incident, which occurred on February 11, 2021, in Adamawa State, involved a violent altercation between Jackson and the herdsman, who allegedly attacked him with a machete in his farm. Despite Jackson’s claim that he acted purely in self-defense, the Supreme Court of Nigeria on March 7, 2025, upheld a lower court’s verdict, ruling that he should have fled instead of retaliating after disarming his attacker and subsequently, he has been sentenced to death by hanging. The judgment has sparked outrage and renewed calls for legal reforms, particularly concerning the right to self-defense in life-threatening situations.   According to reports, Sunday Jackson, a farmer from Adamawa State, was working on his farm when a Fulani herdsman attacked him with a machete, intending to kill him. In a desperate struggle, Jackson...

A teacher, Winnifred Iwenamen, is set to break the Guinness World Record with an ambition of riding a Cross- over Country bike covering a distance of over 500 kilometers in 12 hours nonstop.  Speaking to Journalists today at the premises of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Benin City the Edo State capital, the English and literary studies graduate from the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State , pointed out that she nurses the ambition to surpass the existing record of 500 kilometers.  According to the Ewatto born bicker from Esan South East local government area of Edo State, Winnifred told journalists that the race is set to take place on the 29th day of March 2025 in a dedicated and approved race track in Ebhobanosa, after Light House Polytechnic along Benin- Agbor Road in Benin City Edo State capital.  She said that her motivation or driving force that propelled her to the endeavor is her love for riding bikes.  A...

  BY CHRIS TONY AKHABUE   An abhorrent epidemic has taken root in our society—a relentless and needless escalation in the killings of young girls and women across our nation. This grim reality is not mere statistics, but a profound tragedy that reverberates through families; communities and the very fabric of our humanity. Unfortunately, this barbaric attitude is being accepted in Nigeria as part of the numerous evils that have defiled known solutions.  From the urban centers to the rural communities, the scourge of gender-based violence knows no geographical bounds. These heinous acts are often perpetrated by those who claim to love or protect, revealing a disturbing undercurrent of misogyny that is now permeating our culture. It is a sinister paradox that in a society that professes to value life and liberty, women and girls remain disproportionately vulnerable to violence and unwarranted brutal killings. The record is replete with stories of orgies of ...

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved N1 billion in soft loans for market women in the State to help boost their businesses and improve their lives. Declaring open an event in commemoration of the Day, Governor Okpebholo commended Edo women for their steadfastness, dedication, and commitment to moving the State forward. The Governor said his administration has approved N1 billion in soft loans for market women in the State to improve their businesses and boost the economy. He said: “Since I assumed office as Governor of Edo State, this is the first event that has been very colourful. I have been coming to the Festival Hall in Government House but have never seen a colourful event like this. “We can actually do nothing as men without the women, and that was why when a memo came before me on soft loan approval, I quickly approved N1 billion for our market wome...

By Chris Tony Akhabue  The Deputy Speaker, Edo House of Assembly, Maria Edeko, has called on the National and State Houses of Assembly to support the passage of the bill to create special seats for women in elective positions.   Edeko made the call on Friday in Benin at an event organised by the state ministry of women affairs to commemorate the year 2025 International Women's Day celebration.  She acknowledged the pain women go through in the community, especially in the political circle, adding that the special seats would give women increased representation.   She added that it would be a measure to create equality, noting that Nigeria has only four percent women representation compared to Rwanda, which has over 60 percent women in governance.   "It is sad to see that we have a country where we have few women in elective positions and in the legislature, and they are also constantly suppressed.   "We have a bill for a law ...

A former Edo gubernatorial aspirant on the All progressive Congress (APC) platform and immediate past Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe has announced the demise of his father, High Chief Adewole Umakhihe. The immediate past Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, made the announcement in a terse statement issued on behalf of the Umakhihe family. He disclosed that his late father, High Chief Adewole Umakhihe of Iyeu, in Otuo, Owan East Local Government Area, passed on 2nd March 2025 at the age of 84. The statement reads,"With a heart, full of gratitude, I announce the peaceful passing of my beloved father, High Chief Adewole Umakhihe of Iyeu, Otuo, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State. He departed this world on March 2, 2025.  "Until his death, my beloved father was a man of several parts. He was a retired military personnel, a politician, and ...

The Chairman of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Dr Festus Alenkhe has sent a message of goodwill to Muslims across the state as they embark on Ramadan Fasting to herald Sallah.   In the message, Dr Festus Alenkhe said the sacred and spiritual period is a moment and time for reflection, prayer and goodwill to usher in good things for Edo state, Nigeria and the world as a whole.      He prayed for the blessings of Allah and the forgiveness of our sins. He reminded Muslim faithful on the need to use the period to strengthen bonds with one another and prayed for a successful Fasting period while also emphasizing the need to continually pray for Edo State and the country as a whole to enhance progress and development.