dailyfrontlinenews

... distances govt from Emmanuel Egogo's Statement  By Chris Akhabue, Benin City The Edo State Government has called on both local and international investors to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the state, citing ongoing reforms, improved security architecture, and expanding economic prospects. The Commissioner for Communication and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, made the appeal on Monday while briefing journalists in Benin City.  He emphasized that the state has become increasingly conducive for business, with strengthened safety measures and investor-friendly policies. According to him, Edo offers vast opportunities across multiple sectors, particularly in agriculture. He noted the availability of large expanses of arable land suitable for rice cultivation, alongside ongoing investments in cassava, palm produce, and maize farming.  Existing agro-industrial players such as Okomu Oil Palm Company and Presco Plc were cited as examples of successful large-...

By Prof Ikhimwin Osagiede What could have passed as a general statement by Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, has been unnecessarily amplified by the handlers and supporters of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu—a former governorship aspirant who is now jostling for the APC ticket to contest the forthcoming Edo South Senatorial seat. What has happened in the process is a complete strategic miscalculation that confirms the fear that the pulpit-turned-political evangelist is incapable of restraining himself, especially when his interests are threatened. I watched the TVC interview in which the hardworking, result-oriented party chairman stressed the need to deliver the 3.5 million votes Governor Monday Okpebholo had earlier promised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He merely cautioned against fielding individuals who are serial losers in elections. I have replayed the video several times in search of any justification for Ize-Iyamu’s outbur...

The management of Biglex Homes Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to ethical real estate practices and corporate social responsibility during a courtesy visit to the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa. The visit, which took place in Benin City, was led by the company’s Managing Director, Mr. Paul Akarue, alongside senior team members including Mr. Eke Michael.  According to a statement issued by the company, the delegation sought to formally introduce its operations within the state and to obtain the Chief Judge’s support and guidance. Mr. Akarue explained that the engagement was part of the company’s broader strategy to strengthen institutional relationships while promoting transparency and professionalism in the real estate sector.  He noted that Biglex Homes Limited, duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, aims to distinguish itself through strict adherence to ethical standards and sustained investment in community-focus...

 From Chris Akhabue Edo  Residents of Uteh Ekoko in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State have appealed to the state government to intervene in an alleged diversion of funds raised for the purchase of a community transformer. The call was made during a peaceful protest to the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, where the aggrieved residents addressed journalists. Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr. Ifeanyi Aniodo alleged that households contributed ₦40,000 each, while some paid ₦80,000, bringing the total to over ₦15 million. He accused the Chairman of the Landlords Association, Mr. Henry Edo, and the Transformer Committee Chairman, Mr. Onwugbufor Celestine aka zion, of misappropriating the funds. Aniodo further claimed that attempts to question the handling of the money led to residents being labeled as suspected cultists. He also alleged that Mr. Edo threatened to use his influence in government to demolish the...

The Management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, has taken note of a recent publication circulating on social media and other platforms alleging a crisis within the institution.  According to the Principal Assistant Registrar, Head, Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Otunba Mike Aladenika, in a statement made available to the Press in Benin-City the Edo State Capital, said the publication circulating on social media lacked substance and factual inaccuracies. Ordinarily, such a write-up would not deserve a response, given its evident lack of substance and factual inaccuracies. However, in the interest of setting the record straight and reassuring stakeholders, the University considers it necessary to respond.  The said report can best be described as a product of wild imagination, crafted to misinform the public and create unnecessary apprehension about the state of affairs in the University. Contrary to the claims made in the publication, there is...

‎ ‎The race for the Owan East seat in the Edo State House of Assembly is becoming more interesting with a new and widely favoured contender joining ahead of the 2027 elections. ‎ ‎Kayode Jeffrey Iriabekhai has declared his intention to contest for the Owan East Constituency seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC and is set to formally make his intentions known to the Owan East people on Saturday, 18th April, 2026 at Arokho, the political headquarters of ward 7, in Owan East Local Government area of Edo State. ‎ Kayode Iriabekhai, a recently retired and highly profiled security personnel, hails from Iruoke in the Ivbimion Clan of Owan East LGA. ‎  Married with children, he was born into the respected Ohiolei Iriabekhai family of Iruoke, noted for excellence in their pursuits. ‎ ‎Rumours on the streets of Owan East expects him to vie and clinch the APC ticket against incumbent Hon. Eric Okaka, who is widely believed to be seeking another term. His maj...

By Chris Akhabue, Edo Three political heavyweights in Edo Central Senatorial District—Senator Clifford Ordia, Hon. Joe Edionwele, and Mrs. Philomena Ihenyen—have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection was announced at an event in Irrua and is seen as a major political shift in the district. The defection is expected to weaken the PDP’s presence in the area while strengthening the APC. The trio said their decision was based on the need to support the development efforts of Governor Monday Okpebholo. They also pledged their loyalty to his administration and called for unity across the state. Speaking at the event, Senator Ordia said the move was aimed at supporting progress in Edo State. He urged political leaders and residents to work together in support of the government. Hon. Edionwele on his part praised the governor’s performance and asked APC members to accept the new entrants. He said the defection was n...

BY CHRIS AKHABUE , Edo  The redeployment of Felix Akhabue (aka Joefel) last week from the Ministry of Works to the Water Resources Ministry by the Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was greeted with mixed reactions. While it was perceived by some as a way of forcing him to resign instead of being edged out through outright sack, others see it as a blessing in disguise. Though the actual reason for his redeployment remains shrouded in the realm of speculation, it may not be unconnected with what some observers perceived as his alleged discontentment with unrestricted interference by state actors and powerful politicians in the administration of the Ministry, leaving the presiding Commissioner who ought to be in charge as a mere spectator. To some, the redeployment of Felix Akhabue from the Ministry , a more " juicy" portfolio, to a "near non-existent" Ministry of Water Resources, where there won't be much "interference by state act...

Findings just revealed that a publication alleging the scrapping of the Benin Passport production center of the Nigeria lmmigration Service, Edo state command is fake news and should be disregarded by members of the public.  A team of journalists that visited the lmmigration command's headquarters in Benin city reports that there is no extortion of applicants due for international passport as posited in the fake news. The fake news report do not reflect the true situation in Edo State Command of the Nigeria Immigration service. The reporters' findings revealed that international Passport processing within Edo state command is carried out in a transparent, orderly, and professional manner, strictly in accordance with the established rules of engagement and extant regulations of the Nigeria Immigration service. It is now clear that the said report is entirely false, baseless, and appears to be the product of deliberate misinformation, possibly orchestrated by disg...

From Chris Akhabue, Edo  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has adopted a “practical governance” approach aimed at addressing the state’s development challenges, with tangible progress recorded over the past eighteen months in office. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, during a press conference in Benin City. Afegbua said the governor has been “relentless” in confronting governance challenges with “equanimity of purpose,” noting that the administration has moved decisively to reverse what he described as the “rot inherited” from previous governments through verifiable projects across the state. “Governor Okpebholo has confronted developmental challenges in a manner that provides solutions to nagging underdevelopment, infrastructural decay, crippled social infrastructure, and poor healthcare facilities,” he said. “In the last eighteen months, we can beat our chest that the governor has done so much to ad...

The path to excellence in crime reportage is often fraught with unforeseen peril, yet Festus Alenkhe has undauntedly confronted the hazards of the profession with dogged resolve, his determination unshaken by the lurking shadows of the criminal underworld.  His unflinching courage and unyielding perseverance have seen him through the most harrowing of circumstances, as he has fearlessly delved into the heart of criminal operations, unearthing the truth and presenting it to the world with unparalled lucidity and depth.  As the esteemed Assistant General Manager, News and Defence and Security Chief of Edo Broadcasting Service and the revered Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe has carved a legacy as one of the most formidable and respected crime reporters of our time. Fearlessly navigating the treacherous terrain of the criminal underworld, Festus Alenkhe has confronted danger with a steadfast resolve that h...

By Chris Akhabue  In the demanding and often perilous world of crime journalism, few figures have demonstrated the consistency, courage, and professional depth that define the career of Festus Alenkhe. Over more than two decades, he has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most formidable crime reporters, combining investigative rigor with an unflinching resolve for truth. As Assistant General Manager (News) and Defence and Security Chief at Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), and Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Alenkhe stands at the intersection of media leadership and frontline reporting. His career has been marked by a willingness to venture into high-risk environments, uncover complex criminal networks, and present findings with clarity and precision. Crime reporting often demands proximity to danger, and Alenkhe’s professional journey reflects this reality. Known for his fearless approach, he has consistently pursued difficult ...

The Management of Ambrose Alli University has firmly dismissed reports suggesting an impending crisis within the institution, describing such claims as misleading, unfounded, and deliberately sensational. In an official rejoinder issued in response to a publication titled “AAU Ekpoma on the Verge of Crisis as Management Dares Governing Council, Visitor,” the University authorities stated that there is no conflict between Management, the Governing Council, or the Visitor. According to the statement, the University remains stable and fully operational, with its administrative processes anchored on established laws and institutional procedures. Management emphasized that its relationship with the Governing Council is guided by mutual respect and strict adherence to the legal framework governing the institution. The University leadership rejected allegations of administrative misconduct, including claims of withholding entitlements, disrupting Council operations, or acting in d...