dailyfrontlinenews

_By Professor Charles Oyakhilome Amadin, Public Affairs Analyst_ Distinguished Senator JOE IGIAGBE IKPEA speaks well and speaks loud. Not for noise, but because leadership demands clarity and conviction. He is *a political guru that shuns gossip*. In a season of distractions, he chooses service over speculation. That discipline is why institutions respect him. He *holds the APC in high esteem*, and he also *holds Edo Central in high esteem*. To him, party is a platform, but the people are the purpose. As *host and Distinguished Senator*, he has set one clear agenda: development with dignity and unity without division. Across Edo Central, his presence is felt in the quiet consistency of his work — showing up, listening, and following through. That is why his name *rings bell in every door across Esanland*. The political ground has shifted. *The opposition have all collectively moved to the APC* under Distinguished Senator JOE IGIAGBE IKPEA. He remains *top of eve...

_By Professor Charles Oyakhilome Amadin, Public Affairs Analyst_ In Shakespeare’s plays, greatness is never loud. It is steady. It is measured. It is logic made flesh. "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them." *Distinguished Senator JOE IGIAGBE IKPEA belongs to the first and first alone in his class.* He was born with the bearing of service, he achieved greatness by work, and greatness was confirmed by the trust of his people. He is *a man of a different part of excellence*. Like Shakespeare’s Duke Vincentio in _Measure for Measure_, he governs not by noise, but by presence. He watches, he listens, and then he acts. He is *a paragon of our time, and a pride to Esanland.* His name speaks volume in all towns and villages in Esanland. This is the phenomenon of logic. Cause leads to effect. Unity leads to progress. Service leads to trust. And trust, once earned, opens every door. Today, that logic is visible from one end ...

_By Professor Charles Oyakhilome Amadin, Public Affairs Analyst_ Hon. Senator Joe Ogiagbe Ikpea is a man of different parts of excellence. He is not one-dimensional. In him you find wisdom, humility, service, and vision. That is why he stands today as *a paragon of our time, and a pride to Esanland.* His name speaks volume in all towns and villages in Esanland. When you mention Senator Joe Ikpea, doors open. When you mention Senator Joe Ikpea, people listen. Because his conduct and his work have gone ahead of him. This is a leader who does not shout, but his results speak. A leader who does not divide, but unites. A leader who does not forget home, but carries home along. Today, his name is very loud and open doors in ten towns and villages across Edo Central: 1. *Uromi* – the heart of Esanland, where his commitment to unity has brought calm and collaboration among stakeholders. 2. *Ekpoma* – home of our university, where his support for education and youth developm...

The Edo State Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Mr. Nosa Adams  has urged media practitioners to uphold credibility, balance, and objectivity in their reportage. He gave the advice during a courtesy visit by members of the Edo Online Media Practitioners  to his office in Benin City.  He noted that for the media to genuinely earn public trust and confidence, it must verify facts and present balanced stories, especially in the age of social media. Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Edith Ebomoyi, the Commissioner urged the delegation to take a leading role in efforts to purify social media, eliminating fake news and other harmful influences. Mrs Ebomoyi emphasised that the fight against misinformation cannot be won in isolation; collaboration with other media associations is essential.  She expressed serious concerns about the current state of journalism, pointing out that with easy access to modern phone technology, ...

From Chris Akhabue, Edo   A mental health expert, Dr. Okonkwo Bartholomew, has reiterated the critical role of mental health awareness in driving productivity and national development, warning that untreated psychological conditions continue to undermine workforce efficiency and economic growth. Dr. Bartholomew, a Senior Registrar at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin City, made this assertion while delivering a keynote lecture titled “Knowing Your Mental Health Status: A Pre-requisite for a Robust and Productive Economy” at a one-day programme in Benin City, Edo State. The event was organized by the Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, in collaboration with the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Uselu, with a particular focus on commercial drivers. According to the mental health specialist, regular screening, early diagnosis, and timely intervention are essential steps in addressing mental health challen...

As the  COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc and ravaged unprepared humanity across the globe, many leaders were preoccupied with their own personal provisions and safety while many affluent individuals and politicians hid in the comfort of their well secured palaces with every provision in stock,  turning a blind eye to the suffering of the majority. However, Honourable Joseph Ikpea, a man of remarkable character and compassion, rather than locking himself and his family members in the safety of his home, came out with a truck load of food stuff looking for the downtrodden in his constituency, demonstrating  the strategic virtue of love in its purest form by shouldering the responsibility of making available the much-needed relief to the vulnerable at that critical period. While many of his contemporaries were securing and providing only for their immediate families, Honourable Joseph Ikpea exhibited a rare profound sense of empathy by distributing thousands of ba...

From Chris Akhabue, Edo  No fewer than 68 passengers narrowly escaped death on Thursday after an Enugu Air aircraft crash-landed at the Benin Airport in Edo State. The aircraft, with registration number 5N-ENR, was said to have been operating on the Enugu–Benin–Lagos route when the incident occurred. A source at the Benin Airport, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claims the aircraft overshot the runway after landing and veered into a nearby bush. The source said officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) responded promptly to the incident and safely evacuated all passengers from the aircraft. “The aircraft overshot the runway and entered the nearby bush. FAAN officials immediately swung into action and evacuated all the passengers. No casualty was recorded,” the source said. The exact number of crew members on board the aircraft could not be confirmed as of the time of filing this report. Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the c...

_By Professor Charles Oyakhilome Amadin, Public Affairs Analyst_ Leadership is best measured by who it carries along. In Edo Central today, * Hon. Senator Joseph Ogiagbe Ikpea * has made his choice clear. His agenda puts three groups at the front: the youth, the women, and the workers. To him, these are not just voter blocks. They are the engine room of our society. #### * The Youth: Energy That Must Be Harnessed *   Edo Central is blessed with young people who are smart, creative, and ready to work. What they need now is not empty praise, but real opportunity.  Senator Ikpea believes the future of Esanland will be built by young entrepreneurs, skilled artisans, and tech-savvy graduates. That is why his focus is on skills acquisition, vocational training, and access to small business support. He is also pushing for more digital hubs and partnerships that can link our youth to jobs and funding.  “Our young people are not waiting for tomorrow to lead,” Se...

_By Professor Charles Oyakhilome Amadin, Public Affairs Analyst_ Leadership is best measured by who it carries along. In Edo Central today, * Hon. Senator Joseph Ogiagbe Ikpea * has made his choice clear. His agenda puts three groups at the front: the youth, the women, and the workers. To him, these are not just voter blocks. They are the engine room of our society. #### * The Youth: Energy That Must Be Harnessed *   Edo Central is blessed with young people who are smart, creative, and ready to work. What they need now is not empty praise, but real opportunity.  Senator Ikpea believes the future of Esanland will be built by young entrepreneurs, skilled artisans, and tech-savvy graduates. That is why his focus is on skills acquisition, vocational training, and access to small business support. He is also pushing for more digital hubs and partnerships that can link our youth to jobs and funding.  “Our young people are not waiting for tomorrow to lead,” Se...

From Chris Akhabue, Benin City The Edo State Government has paid N800 million as counterpart funding to the European Union to tackle persistent erosion and flooding, particularly within the Benin metropolis, in a renewed push to revive critical infrastructure projects. The Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Nosa Adams, disclosed this on Wednesday during the Ministry of Information and Strategy’s bi-monthly press briefing. He explained that the initiative represents a continuation of the Benin Storm Water Project originally initiated by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole. Adams noted that the project, conceived in 2012 with an estimated cost of N30 billion, was designed to address perennial flooding through extensive drainage construction, including a 13-foot-deep channel along New Lagos Road linking key canals across the city. However, the project was halted by the immediate past administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki, which had raised concerns over its viabi...

As 2027 approaches, the political conversation in Edo Central is no longer about speculation. It is about records. And the name that keeps coming up in every market, motor park, and town hall is *Senator Joe Ikpea*. Senator Joe Ikpea is the senator with a signature methodology. It is not politics as usual. It is politics with results, with presence, and with people at the center. In a short time, he has set the record straight ahead of 2027. While others are still on billboards, his work is already on the ground. He is a paragon of service. A man who understands that representation is not a title, but a responsibility. That is why he remains the mass choice across the board. I traveled across the five local governments under his constituency to hear directly from the people. The message was loud and clear. In *Uromi, Esan North East*, Mama Agnes, a trader at the main market told me:   _"Since I born, I never see senator wey dey come market to ask us wetin we need. ...

From Chris Akhabue, Benin The Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City has adjourned proceedings in the ongoing dispute between the Edo State Government and Everal Services Ltd, franchise holder of Ogba Zoo, to October 26, 2026, for continuation of hearing. The suit, marked B/2070S/2002, was instituted by Everal Services Ltd, seeking enforcement of a N36.5 million arbitral award granted in its favour against the state government. When the matter came up before Justice P. A. Akhihiero on Tuesday, proceedings were stalled due to the absence of legal representation for the Edo State Government.  Consequently, the court adjourned the case to the new date. Addressing journalists after the session, counsel to Everal Services Ltd, Kingsley Obamogie (SAN), stated that the company is pursuing enforcement of an arbitral award delivered on November 3, 2016, over the alleged breach of a lease agreement relating to the management of Ogba Zoo. He disclosed that the sole arbitrator ...

Ikpea Media Team Network  As the political landscape gradually takes shape ahead of the 2027 general elections, a powerful movement is gaining momentum across Edo Central Senatorial District. From the towns and villages of Esanland to professional circles, youth groups, women, community leaders, and party faithful, one message is resonating with remarkable clarity: Ikpea Again. The growing support for the re-election of Senator Joseph Igiagbe Ikpea is rooted in the belief that effective leadership deserves continuity. Across the five local government areas of Edo Central, many supporters view his first term in the Senate as one marked by dedication, accessibility, responsible representation, and a steadfast commitment to advancing the interests of the district at the national level. Since his election to the Senate, Senator Ikpea has consistently demonstrated the qualities of a leader who understands the responsibilities of public office. His contributions to legislativ...

IKEJA, LAGOS — The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with OFY Multi Dynamics Ltd, has launched a specialised training and empowerment programme for 50 beneficiaries in electricity meter repairs and electrical distribution switchgear in Ikeja, Lagos State. The capacity-building initiative, which commenced on July 13, 2026, is scheduled to run until July 24, 2026. It is designed to equip participants with practical, industry-relevant skills in electrical metering, fault diagnosis, and power distribution systems. The programme features a blend of theoretical instruction and hands-on training, covering key areas such as electricity meter installation, calibration, troubleshooting, and repairs. Participants are also being trained in switchgear operation and maintenance, wiring techniques, safety compliance, and customer service within the power sector. Speaking on the initiative, the management of OFY Multi Dynamics Ltd commend...

From Chris Akhabue, Benin The Edo State Waste Management Board (EWMB) has intensified its statewide public awareness campaign, urging residents to engage only government-accredited waste collectors. The sensitization team visited areas including Upper Lawani Road in Benin City, where households and business owners were encouraged to register with, and patronize, accredited waste collection operators. Speaking during the exercise, the Managing Director of EWMB, Amb. Dr. Lucky Enehita-Inegbenehi, emphasized that indiscriminate waste disposal by cart pushers contributes to blocked drains and flooding, especially during the rainy season. According to the MD, cart pushers do not have access to approved dumpsites and therefore dispose of refuse in undesignated areas, thereby worsening environmental hazards. “Residents should patronize approved waste collection operators, refrain from indiscriminate waste disposal, avoid dumping refuse on road medians, and desist from handing over...

_By Hon. Senator Ogiagbe Joe Ikpea_  _Issued by Professor Charles Oyakhilome Amadin, Public Affairs Analyst_ With a heart full of joy and a golden heart of gratitude, I, * Hon. Senator Ogiagbe Joe Ikpea *, representing the good people of Edo Central Senatorial District, use this medium to send my warmest congratulations to the five Local Government newly elected Executive Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, and their Councilors in Edo Central, and indeed to all victorious Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Councilors across * Edo State * at large. Your victory at the polls is not an accident. It is the clear voice of the people. It is a loud endorsement of trust, competence, and the people’s belief in your capacity to deliver. To have emerged through a credible process and to have been embraced by your communities speaks volumes about the goodwill you carry. This landslide victory has once again proven that the * All Progressives Congress, APC, is a political party whose spectrum of ...

By Chris Akhabue, Benin City The Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) has declared candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winners of all chairmanship and councillorship positions in the local government elections conducted across the state on Saturday. Announcing the results at a press conference in Benin City on Sunday, the Commission’s Chairman, Mr. Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, confirmed that the APC clinched all 18 local government chairmanship seats as well as the 192 councillorship positions contested. According to Aifuobhokhan, the elections were successfully conducted across the state’s 18 local government areas and 192 wards, with all stages of the process carried out in compliance with the Edo State Local Government Electoral Law 2022, as amended in 2026, and other relevant regulations. “Following the completion of collation at ward and local government levels, duly appointed returning officers declared the results in their respective juris...

_Rights Group, Residents Urge Station To Sustain Standard_ The Edo Broadcasting Service, EBS, under the leadership of the Acting Managing Director, Festus Alenkhe, has received widespread commendation for its comprehensive live coverage and incisive analysis of the just-concluded Local Government elections in Edo State. Throughout the election day, EBS TV provided uninterrupted real-time updates from polling units and collation centres across the 18 local government areas, ensuring that viewers across the state and beyond were kept abreast of developments as they unfolded. In a bid to deepen public understanding of the electoral process, the station also featured erudite university lecturers, political analysts and governance experts in its studio. The scholars provided top-notch commentary, context and analysis of the election throughout the day, a development that was widely applauded by viewers. The high point of the coverage was the live transmission of the confirmation...

From Chris Akhabue,  Edo  The Winner of the just concluded Edo state local government election in Esan South-East local government area, Mr. Tega Amiegbebhor  of the All Progressives Congress, APC,  has vowed to use his people centered government at the local government council as the Chairman of the council to pursue the actualisation of the 2.5 million votes support for the re-election bid of President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He stated this yesterday after casting his vote in his polling unit in Ugboha in Esan South-East local government area of Edo state. According to him, "What you are seeing today is just the beginning of the mobilisation for the 2.5 million votes support for the re-election bid for the Bola Ahmed Tinubu re-election. The people came out massively to vote for me because they have faith in me that the development impact of my tenure as the local government Chairman would be visible across the ten wards of the local government area. I know ...

By: Ikpea Media Network The Chairman, Edo State Traditional Medicines Board, TMB, High Chief Abudu Ugbesia JP, has emphasized on the need for the people of Esanland to be focused, and not make the mistake of derailing the developmental process in Edo Central Senatorial district by supporting any other candidate, apart from Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Senator currently representing Edo central Senatorial district, who is asking for the people's mandate to contest in the 2027 Senatorial election. High Chief Ugbesia made this emphasis on Saturday, 27th June 2027, at the palace of the Okaijesan of Esanland, where he granted interview to media men during the 55th coronation anniversary of the Okaijesan of Esanland, Alhaji.W.O Momodu, JP, CON. Speaking, High Chief Ugbesia said; "Let us not make any mistake about it, we are gradually getting political leadership right in Edo State, as we have a governor who is practically delivering the dividends of democracy, and the p...

Ikpea Media Team Network  ‎The dynamics of constituency representation has evolved over time, and as the dynamics of society continue to change, new leadership styles and approaches become imperative if we must aspire to strike a balance between good representation and development. ‎ ‎ ‎ Fortunately, we have a vibrant, patriotic, empathetic and perceptive representative who is from the crucible of our shared experiences as Esan people, one  who possess a deep sense of understanding of our peculiar needs, challenges, fears, viewpoints,  qualities and virtues that will allow him to effectively navigate complex crevices of challenges when fully given the opportunity and supported to represent our district at the national Assemble. ‎ ‎ Senator Joseph Ikpea has been able to evaluate and understand the perspectives and experiences of our people as a man who has lived with his people and has a deliberate detailed forensic analysis and study of our peculiar challenges...

By Professor Chuke Nwude I wrote this and a lot of people said, "No course is useless." In Nigeria, if you come from a struggling family and your main reason for going to university is to study a course, graduate, get a job, and help your family financially, then there are courses you need to think very carefully about before choosing When I say "useless," I don't mean the course itself has no value. I mean it may be useless to your specific goal if your goal is to use it to put food on your table after graduation  The problem is not the course itself, the problem is the Nigerian job market. In an ideal country, every course should have enough opportunities for graduates. Unfortunately, that is not the reality we are living in. NIGERIA IS DIFFERENT. Let me explain. If you go to a teaching hospital today, depending on how big the hospital is, you might find between 100 and 300 medical doctors working there. Now let's look at some other professions...

The Edo State Waste Management Board, EWMB, has deployed waste bins at strategic positions along the popular Ring Road in Benin City in a bid to sustain the cleanliness of the area. The Managing Director of the Board, Amb. Dr. Lucky Enehita-Inegbenehi, disclosed this while addressing stakeholders at Ring Road . According to him, a total of 9 waste bins, arranged in sets of 3 different types in one chain, have been placed at 9 locations within the arena. He said the purpose of the bins is to sustain the cleanliness of the area, which has received a major facelift from the state government in line with the vision of a “New Edo is Rising.” Dr. Enehita-Inegbenehi stressed that the waste bins are provided for passers-by to dispose of litter and are not to serve as alternative refuse disposal points for households and traders. He urged households and traders to continue to patronize their registered waste managers for proper waste disposal. He also warned against the use of cart ...

_By Prof. Oyakhilome Charles Amadin_ Benin City — *Distinguished Senator Joe Ikpea* has become a shining example of purposeful representation for the people of *Edo Central Senatorial District*. In the *Red Chamber*, he has distinguished himself with wisdom, calmness and commitment. His contributions in debates and committees reflect a deep understanding of the issues affecting our people, and a clear desire to provide solutions. Across *Esan West, Esan Central, Esan North-East, Igueben and Esan South-East*, Senator Ikpea has brought new impetus to development. He is focused on education and youth empowerment, improved healthcare, better roads, water supply and rural electrification. His style of leadership is simple: listen to the people, work with colleagues, and deliver results. This approach has earned him respect both at home and in the National Assembly. Senator Joe Ikpea remains committed to the mandate of *People First, Development Always*. His goal is to ensure Edo...

Ikpea Media Team Network  The trajectory of   representation of the Senator representing  Edo  Central Senatorial district, Senator Joseph Ikpea, could be likend to the story of the feather of an eagle. There is an adage in the Esan dialect which tells of a person who once used merely a feather from an eagle to prepare a pot of soup which intriguingly turned out to be exceedingly delicious. This adage suggests  a deeper reflection: if a single feather could yield such satisfying results, how extraordinary would the outcome be if the whole eagle were available? This proverb speaks volumes, profoundly too, of a simple reflection of the immense dividends that would be gained from empowering and supporting someone like Joseph Ikpea who wasn't in any elective position and yet was empowering his people.  Before his election as  Senator, Joseph Ikpea demonstrated a commendable commitment to great and enviable community  social responsibi...

From Chris Akhabue, Edo  The Edo State Chapter of the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR) has called for strategic collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to strengthen specialised reporting in the country’s critical energy and maritime sectors. The appeal was made during a courtesy visit by the EMR executive committee to the Chairman of the NUJ, Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe. Speaking during the visit, EMR Chairman in Edo State, Andrew Ohwobetehe, congratulated Alenkhe on his leadership of the union and his recent appointment as Acting Managing Director of the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS). He commended his commitment to journalists’ welfare, professionalism, and ethical standards. Ohwobetehe explained that the visit was aimed at formally introducing the association to the NUJ leadership, outlining its vision, and seeking guidance and collaboration to advance its objectives. He described EMR as a professional media platform ded...