dailyfrontlinenews

…We must clear construction corridors of obstructions and street trading — Osemwigie From Chris Akhabue  Construction work on the Benin–Asaba Expressway has recorded significant progress following the voluntary intervention of youths from Ikpoba Hill who stepped in to decongest traffic and protect the construction corridor from obstruction. Chairman of the Ikpoba Hill Youths Forum, Comrade Kingsley Osemwigie, identified unsafe and unconventional driving habits by bus drivers and other road users as one of the major challenges slowing down work on the road. Osemwigie made this known on Tuesday while speaking with journalists at the construction site, where he was personally supervising traffic control efforts coordinated by youths in the area. According to him, reckless driving, including driving against traffic, has been a major cause of gridlock and interference with construction activities. “Bus drivers and other road users often drive against traffic, causing gridloc...

... true leadership is not about pleasing everybody- Oris Okpebholo  AKHERE ORIS OKPEBHOLO  The African Democratic Party's (ADC) article, "THE POLITICS OF FAILURE AND BACKDOOR AMBITION " is not only laughable but replete with specious arguments and a deliberate misrepresentations, which serves futilely to diminish the glaringly undeniable achievements of Governor Monday Okpebholo's administration, which was an exercise in futility, lacking merit of sound judgement to sane minds. ‎ That little attempt by the ADC hatchet to rewrite reality cannot mask the truth: Okpebholo Is Working And Edo People Are Applauding. No one would have bothered engaging the ADC in an intellectual conversation, particularly a subject matter relating to governance which is far and above their scope of compression, but for the sake of the reading public and to put the record in its proper perspective, this rebuttal becomes imperative. At a time when leadership requires bold dec...

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Edo State Chapter, has called on parents and guardians to avail their children to participate in the ongoing measles and Rubella vaccination exercise across the state.  According to a release made available to the press by the State Chairperson, Comrade Habiba Sam, the immunization will protect children from preventable diseases and other future health challenges. "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 ...

A Group of Stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Owan East local government area, Edo State, has called for an end to alleged "dictatorship" and "subversive" leadership tactics by party leaders, including Abdulganiyu Lawani aka Abu Millionaire and Hon. Eric Okaka. The Group, known as "Axis-Two Stakeholders", on Saturday convened a meeting to address growing concerns over the party's management, citing issues such as lopsided appointments and misplaced adoptions for elective offices.  The Allegations has it that both Alhaji Abdul Ganiyu Lawani and Hon. Eric Okaka, two top officials of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Owan East, Edo State, were accused of hijacking the party's functions. Sources indicate that Abdul Ganiyu Lawani has been unilaterally determining party patronage and appointments at all levels and blocking certain individuals from elective positions, declaring them "not vacant" even before...

By Chris Akhabue  In what appears as a tradition of excellence in crisis management and conflicts resolution in administration of justice in Benin Kingdom, the revered monarch, Omo N'Oba N'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare 11, the Oba of Benin, on the 21st January 2026, waded into the lingering dispute generated by who becomes the next Odionwere of Oriozolua community by sending high power delegation of palace chiefs on a fact finding mission to seek mutually acceptable way of resolving the conflict. The delegation, led by Chief Akenuwa, met with residents and community leaders to gather firsthand information and explore mutually acceptable solutions to the conflict, which has generated tension within the community. Addressing the gathering, Chief Akenuwa appealed to residents to maintain peace and avoid violence, stressing that the Oba does not tolerate falsehood in any matter brought before the palace. “The Oba wants the t...

... Retains Femi Falana, alerts global rights bodies BENIN CITY - A prominent Edo indigene, Dr. Pedro Agbonifo Obaseki, has announced his decision to seek justice through the courts following what he described as his brutal public abduction, violent assault and extra-judicial humiliation in Benin City on December 28, 2025. In a strongly worded press statement, Dr. Obaseki said the decision was taken after extensive consultations with his wife and children, members of the Obaseki family and clan, senior legal advisers and respected elders.  He stressed that the move was driven, not by revenge or political motives, but by the need for accountability, deterrence and the protection of human dignity. According to the statement, Dr. Obaseki was forcibly seized in public by armed men in a brazen daylight operation that he said was designed to instil fear in the wider population.  He was reportedly beaten, stripped naked, threatened with death and paraded along major roads...

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a blistering condemnation of the All Progressives Congress (APC)–led Edo State Government under Monday Okpebholo, describing its handling of the worsening insecurity in Ekpoma and environs as a combination of incompetence, indifference, and authoritarian reflexes. In a strongly worded statement released to newsmen by the Publicity Secretary of the Party in Edo State,, the PDP said Ekpoma had been abandoned to kidnappers and violent criminals, with residents living in fear as attacks escalated unchecked. The party accused the Okpebholo administration of having no credible security strategy, noting that instead of confronting criminal gangs through intelligence-led policing and coordinated action, the APC government had chosen the easier but disgraceful option of unleashing state power against unarmed, peaceful citizens. The PDP stated that the arrest and continued detention of peaceful protesters, many of them students, exposed...

One time governor of Edo State, and prominent leader of the African Democratic Party (ADC) Chief John Odigie Oyegun has said that the nation Nigeria has been under severe burden since independence and that the burden was getting too hard and that all must work together to redeem the country from the needless burden adding that it needed principled minds like Chief Dele Momodu to make the difference. He made the declaration yesterday at the official declaration of Chief Dele Momodu who formerly joined ADC at the party Secretariat in Benin-City the Edo State capital. According to him, "The people of this Country have carried a burden since independence and the burden is getting too hard and we must all work together to redeem the country from the needless burden and we need principled minds like Chief Dele Momodu to make the difference  " Today is unique in the history of the African Democratic Party because it marks a significant milestone in the party's quest...

  In a startling affront to Constituted authority and corporate ethics, the Chinese company CCETC has been consistently engaging in illegal activities at the Ossiomo Power Plant, blatantly disregarding court orders. Since October 5th, their relentless intrusion into Ossiomo Power Plant has not only disrupted its operations, it has been a direct attack on the livelihood of thousands of customers who are dependent on this essential service for their livelihood and sustainance. Since October 5th, 2025, the illegal actions of CCETC are nothing short of shocking. Armed with thugs, they have unlawfully disconnected the Ossiomo 33 kV Line, leading to widespread power outages that have persisted for over three months. This power disruption has plunged the communities who are relying on the Ossiomo power supply into economic turmoil, accruing losses exceeding an estimated N1.5 billion losses to Ossiomo Power Plant. To subvert the federal Court Order   ⁠CCETC and FCI...

...Consistent Inhaling Of Cement Dust Harmful To Health, Kingsley Osemwigie ...Gives Seven working days altimatum to remedy situation  The Ikpoba Hill Youths Forum Chairman, Comrade Kingsley Osemwigie has petitioned the   Edo State Ministry of Health, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other related ministries in Edo State of the inherent health hazard of the consistent Inhaling of Cement dust caused by the ongoing Benin-Asaba road construction, urging Benin–Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC)  to urgently find a remedy to the health hazards associated with the dust in the communities on the road corridors where construction is ongoing. In a letter titled " Letter of Complaint" addressed to the Edo State Ministry of Health, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ministry of Transportation and to the Ministry of Environment and Urban Development and a copy made available to the Press, Kingsley Osemwigie highlighted the various health implications...

Reports of continued illegal activities at the Ossiomo Power Plant by the Chinese firm, CCETC, raise grave concerns about respect for the rule of law, corporate responsibility, and the protection of host communities. If these allegations are accurate, they represent not only a breach of commercial agreements but a direct challenge to constituted authority and the judicial process in Nigeria. Since October 5, 2025, operations at the Ossiomo Power Plant have reportedly been repeatedly disrupted, including the unlawful disconnection of the 33kV transmission line supplying several communities. These actions, allegedly carried out with the aid of hired thugs, have resulted in prolonged power outages lasting several months, crippling businesses, disrupting healthcare and education services, and threatening the economic survival of thousands of residents who depend on stable electricity for their livelihoods. The economic impact is significant. Estimates suggest losses exceeding ₦...

…Unanimously Passes A Vote Of Confidence On Commissioner For Lands And Housing, Team The Property Owners at Oke-Oroma Community in Oredo local government area of Edo State on Tuesday debunked false report by faceless individuals against Dr. Abdul-Wasiu Oyakhire, Secretary of the team set up by His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Executive Governor of Edo state to restore property back to the owners in Community in the State. Just as the Property Owners stated that they are satisfied with the exercise so far and unanimously passed a vote of implicit confidence on the State Commissioner For Lands and Housing Hon.Yakubu Musa and his Team and also urged them to conclude the exercise as they are anxiously waiting.  In a joint press statement signed by Hon. Ojo Collins Oghomwen, Mr. Osayomwanbor Osamudiamwen and Mr. Efe Kennedy Ewemade, Coordinator, Secretary and Public Relations officer respectively and made available to newsmen in Benin city, the state capital, the...

  As part of its annual tradition for starting the year, THE IKPOBA HILL YOUTHS FORUM, today, at the Living Faith Church, aka, Winners Chapel, Amufi, Benin-Asaba Expressway, Ikpoba Hill, appreciates God in a thanksgiving service for what they described as a way of committing the new year into God's hands and also thanking God for peace all through the previous year. In his testimony, the Chairman of the group, Comrade Kingsley Osemwingie, thank God for the peace in Ikpoba Hill all through the year 2025 and also appreciates the Church for their support during their protests against the deplorable roads situation in Ikpoba Hill. " I want to use this opportunity to thank God for the peace we enjoyed all through the year 2025 and we appreciate the fact that it was God who made it possible and that is why we are here today to appreciate God for his mercies and to commit the new year into his able hands  " We are also thanking God that all through the year 2025...

By Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Ph.D Security is no longer a slogan in Edo State of today; it has become the backbone of governance since Governor Monday Okpebholo assumed office.  At a time when public anxiety is high and emotions are understandably raw following recent security incidents, it is important to pause, look beyond the noise, and examine the facts, the actions, and the direction Edo State is heading under his leadership. An insider assessment shows that security remains the central pillar of Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE agenda, not just in words, but in clear policy choices, massive investments, and sustained operations across the state. From the very start of his administration, Governor Okpebholo made it clear that no meaningful development can happen in an unsafe environment. Roads, schools, hospitals, businesses and even community life collapse when fear takes over. That understanding shaped the government’s priorities, especially as reflected in the state’s b...

Chris Akhabue  From the remote villages of Ewatto kingdom, Ukhun, Opoji, Ohordua in Edo State, to the Banana Island in the urban city of Lagos and to the capital cities across the globe, the name Ikpea, is synonymous with selflessness, compassion, philanthropy, and community service and it evokes admiration, respect, gratitude, inspiring trust and confidence, eliciting feelings of inspiration for others to engage in charitable activities in support of worthy causes.  From Joseph Ikpea's ancestry to his immediate family, the ethos of giving back runs uninterruptedly deep. This bloodline traces its origin to influential figures who fostered charitable initiatives in every sphere of life; in education, healthcare, social welfare and in the process attracting universal reverence for the family's unalloyed commitment to community service and each generation of the Ikpeas has deeply imbibed and advanced the gesture of selflessness and community service by susta...

From Chris Akhabue  The Edo State Government, in collaboration with development partners, has targeted about 2.2 million children aged between 0 and 14 years for measles and rubella vaccination across the state. The vaccination exercise is scheduled to take place simultaneously from January 20 to January 30, 2026, across the 18 local government areas of Edo State at designated health facilities and temporary vaccination posts. Speaking at a stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting in Benin City, the Director of Disease Control and Immunization at the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Eseigbe Efeomon, said the campaign aims to contribute significantly to the reduction of measles and rubella incidence in Nigeria to 10 cases per million by 2026 and further to one case per million by 2030. He explained that achieving this target requires increased population immunity through sustained vaccination. Dr. Efeomon noted that the campaign would cover all 18 local g...

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe on Friday secured the release of three inmates from the Oko Correctional Service, Benin City after paying their various fines. Those that regained freedom are Godspower Nathaniel from Nassarawa state, Francis Joshua from Ebonyi and Ikechukwu Udu from Imo State. They were arrested, investigated and charged to court for various criminal offences. The court however found them guilty of the various charges and subsequently sentenced them to different jail terms ranging from six months to one year, with options of fine. Their inability to pay the fine had made them continue with the prison terms. Succor however came their way as the chairman of the Nigeria Union Of Journalists, Edo state council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe in the spirit of the new year decided to pay the fines of some inmates in the Correctional centre to effect their release. The approach led to the recommendation o...

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commended road contractors delivering quality jobs across Edo South Senatorial District, while warning firms lagging behind to sit up or risk losing their contracts. The governor gave the commendation during an inspection tour of ongoing road construction projects in Edo South, as part of his administration’s push to ensure timely delivery and value for public funds. Governor Okpebholo said the inspection was necessary to separate serious contractors from those failing to meet agreed standards and timelines. “We’ve gone round several places today. We were at Church Road, Upper Ekenwan road and we were not too happy with the contractor there. We have made our observations to the contractor on the need to meet with specifications and by the time we return next time and nothing has happened the way we want it, we can revoke that job,” the governor warned. He, however, expressed satisfaction with work quality at other project si...