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Showing posts from August, 2026

6,000 Teachers Employed: Governor Okpebholo Restores Hope To Edo Classrooms

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Script By Festus Alenkhe. Education is the foundation upon which every thriving society is built. And at the heart of that foundation are teachers. In a landmark decision, the Edo State Governor, * Senator Monday Okpebholo *, has approved the employment of * 6,000 teachers * into the state’s public school system. This is not just a recruitment exercise. It is a rescue mission for basic education in Edo State. For too long, many of our schools, especially in the rural areas, operated with skeletal staff. Some schools had more pupils than teachers. Others depended on PTA teachers and volunteers just to keep classes running. The result was predictable: poor learning outcomes, teacher burnout, and declining confidence in public schools. That narrative is changing. Reports from across the state confirm that * most schools in rural areas now have teachers working in their schools *. For communities that had almost given up on government presence in education, this is a new da...

UBTH Receives Federal Government Ambulance to Enhance Emergency Services

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The Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, on Monday, August 31st,  received a newly donated ambulance from the federal government to bolster emergency medical response. Speaking during the ambulance presentation by the federal government delivered by the Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Prof. Ize-Iyamu said that the donation would significantly strengthen patient care and emergency operations. The CMD expressed gratitude for the ongoing federal support under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and pledged judicious use of the ambulance.  "We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led federal government under the Renewed Hope Agenda for the invaluable support to UBTH. This donation will enhance our emergency medical services and deliver our mandate to provide quality healthcare delivery. " Presenting the ambulance to UBTH on behalf of the federal government, the Edo State De...

Dickson’s Reconciliation Drive Deepens Unity in NDC Ahead of 2027 - TDM

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... _Some aspirants voluntarily withdrawing cases in court._  The National Leader of the NDC, Distinguished Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has continued to demonstrate remarkable statesmanship, political experience and strategic leadership in his efforts to reconcile aggrieved stakeholders within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement signed by a prominent member of the party and  national coordinator of the Dickson Movement (TDM) Comrade Emmanuel Ogbidi," In recent weeks, Dickson has intensified engagements with critical stakeholders, aggrieved party members and aspirants who contested the recently concluded primaries, particularly in the South-East and South-West. " The meetings, which have at times lasted several hours into the night, have provided opportunities for the various parties to express their grievances, while the NDC National Leader has patiently listened to their concerns and offered counsel aimed at rebuilding tru...

CONGRATULATORY BIRTHDAY MESSAGE TO HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR MONDAY OKPEBHOLO, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF EDO STATE, ON HIS 56TH BIRTHDAY

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On behalf of my family, and the entire management and staff of Tranoris Construction Nigeria Limited, I warmly felicitate with His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State, on the joyous occasion of his 56th birthday. Your Excellency, this remarkable milestone is an opportunity to celebrate not only your life and achievements, but also your commitment to the progress, development, and transformation of Edo State. Your dedication to public service, leadership, and the well-being of the people continues to inspire confidence and hope for a brighter future. As you mark your 56th year, I pray that Almighty God grants you greater wisdom, sound health, strength, and courage to continue providing purposeful leadership to the good people of Edo State. May your administration be blessed with remarkable accomplishments, peace, unity, and sustainable development. May the years ahead bring you greater opportunities to make lasting contributions to the g...

2027: Political Credibility of HSD, Boost Confidence of NDC Candidates Across Nigeria - TDM

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...his tested loyalty, influences support from past leaders._  By Chris Akhabue, Benin As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, the political credentials, consistency and democratic convictions of the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Distinguished Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, have been identified as major sources of confidence for the party’s candidates across the country. According to the national Coordinator of the Dickson Movement For Democracy (TDM) and a prominent member of NDC, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbidi, the Dickson’s longstanding record of political engagement, ideological consistency and commitment to opposition politics has strengthened the confidence of NDC candidates preparing to contest elective positions at both the national and state levels. TDM described Dickson as a political figure with the capacity to defend the interests of the party and its candidates, while remaining ...

You Are A Disappointment, Umahi Tells Benin-Asaba Expressway Concessionaire

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...You should have been arrested for destruction of public assets From Chris Akhabue, Edo There was a mild drama yesterday in Benin City, Edo State, when the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, alongside the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, inspected the ongoing rehabilitation and expansion of the Benin-Asaba Expressway. The Minister expressed strong displeasure over the deplorable condition of portions of the strategic highway, particularly the manner in which the existing asphalt had been removed without adequate measures to protect the underlying road structure. Umahi, who was visibly angered by the state of the road, openly confronted the concessionaire handling the project, accusing the company of incompetence and poor execution. He also commended Governor Okpebholo for intervening to calm residents and commuters whose frustration, he said, could have resulted in civil unrest. “Governor, we want to thank you. Without you, there would have been an outbrea...

2 YEARS OF ASPHALT: OKPEBHOLO’S ROAD REVOLUTION CONNECTING EDO CENTRAL, NORTH & SOUTH”

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_By Festus Alenkhe_ Two years ago, Edo people voted for action. Today, the evidence is on the ground — in the hum of graders, the laying of asphalt, and roads that were once death traps now opening up for business, farming, and daily life. Under * Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo *, the story of Edo’s infrastructure has changed from promises to projects. His administration has made road construction the loudest voice of government, and it is speaking clearly across * Edo Central, Edo North, and Edo South *. * SOME ROADS OPENED UP, CONCLUDED & READY FOR COMMISSIONING * The governor’s “SHINE agenda” is yielding visible results. Some projects are completed and awaiting commissioning, while others are at advanced stages: * Edo South – Benin & Environs * * Ramat Park Flyover * – Edo’s first flyover. Construction has reached 99% completion and will be ready for Commissioning in November,  2026. The 949-metre bridge with 350m and 214m adjoining roads is set...

Dickson’s Democratic Style, Politics of Brotherhood, Empathy Deserves Commendation, Emulation — TDM

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At a time when political differences often degenerate into personal conflicts and hostility, the National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has continued to demonstrate that political competition and human compassion can coexist. This was recently demonstrated when Senator Dickson led other senior officials of the NDC on a condolence visit to His Excellency, Rotimi Peter Amaechi, over the death of his mother. The visit, according to the Dickson Movement for Democracy (TDM), was a powerful demonstration of political maturity, empathy and the spirit of brotherhood. It also showed that the death of a loved one should never be subjected to political considerations or partisan affiliations. TDM said Senator Dickson's decision to commiserate with Amaechi, despite their political differences and affiliations, reflects the kind of leadership and democratic values that should define Nigeria...

Stop The Attack On Democracy In Edo, TDM Tells Okpebholo.

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...We will Resist Any Attempt To Undermine Our democratic Institutions_ The National Coordinator of the Dickson Movement for Democracy (TDM) and a prominent member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Comrade Emmanuel Ogbidi, has called on Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to halt any move to repeal laws granting financial autonomy to the legislative and judicial arms of government in the state. Ogbidi described the reported proposal as a threat to the principles of separation of powers and the independence of democratic institutions. Speaking on the development in a release signed and made available to the press earlier today in Benin-City  he said the reported request by the Edo State Government to the State House of Assembly to repeal the laws granting autonomy to the judiciary and legislature was a cause for concern. According to him, such a move could make the two arms of government financially dependent on the executive, thereby undermining their ...

Ikpoba Hill Youths Protest Benin-Asaba Road, Demand Urgent Federal, Edo Intervention

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By Chris Akhabue, Edo Youths from Ikpoba Hill in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State on Wednesday barricaded parts of the Benin-Asaba Expressway in protest against the deplorable condition of the road, causing traffic gridlock and leaving several travellers stranded. The protesters, under the aegis of the Ikpoba Hill Youth Forum, demanded urgent intervention from the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, and the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, over what they described as the worsening condition of the federal road. Chairman of the forum, Kingsley Osemwingie, who spoke during the protest, said the demonstration was aimed at drawing the attention of the federal and state governments to the hardship being experienced by residents, motorists and businesses along the road corridor. Osemwingie said residents had been hopeful when the rehabilitation of the road was flagged off, following assurances that the project would be complete...

Edo Governance: Okpebholo Not in Charge - TDM

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 _...alleged gross financial misconduct in EDHA, Speaks of Weak Procurement Process._  By Chris Akhabue, Benin City A prominent member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and National Secretary of The Dickson Movement (TDM), Comrade Emmanuel Ogbidi, has alleged that Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is not fully in control of governance in the state. Ogbidi made the allegation in a statement issued and made available to journalists in Benin City, in which he expressed concern over recent developments in the Edo State House of Assembly, particularly the removal of the former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku. According to him, the governor, as the chief executive and number one citizen of the state, ought to be sufficiently informed about major developments within the state, including issues involving the legislature. Ogbidi questioned the governor's reported claim that he was unaware of the moves leading to Agbebaku's removal, arguing that the de...

Edo’s Dream To Be Cleanest State: Residents Collaboration imperative

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   By Chris Akhabue, Edo The ambition of the Edo State Waste Management Board (EWMB) to make Edo the clea nest state in Nigeria is bold, timely and commendable. But while the government can provide the framework, policies, infrastructure, equipment, regulation and enforcement required to drive the initiative, the ultimate success of the campaign will depend largely on the willingness of residents to embrace and sustain the vision. Without the full cooperation and ownership of the project by the people, the ambition of making Edo the cleanest state risks remaining a worthy aspiration rather than a sustainable reality. In its determination to achieve this objective, the EWMB has embarked on a series of initiatives designed to transform the state’s environmental landscape. These include strengthening waste collection, maintaining existing dump sites, acquiring modern equipment, installing waste bins at strategic locations and introducing the EWMB Academy as part of a ...

IKPEA’S TOWN HALL: A NEW STANDARD OF LEGISLATIVE ACCOUNTABILITY IN EDO CENTRAL

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Ikpea Media Team Network What Senator Joseph Ikpea did yesterday in Edo Central is exactly what representative democracy should look like. By convening a town hall under the theme _“Deepening Legislative Accountability, Development Dialogue, and Inclusive Participation,”_ the Distinguished Senator has shown that he is very articulating in his doing, and more importantly, very deliberate. * 3 reasons this meeting matters: * * 1. Clarity Over Confusion *  For too long, our people have judged lawmakers only by roads and buildings. Senator Ikpea, with the support of elder statesmen like Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe and legal minds like Rt. Hon. Patrick Ikhariale and Rt. Hon. Barr. Friday Ituah, took time to educate constituents on the constitutional roles of the legislature. Lawmaking, representation, appropriation, oversight. Not contract award. That is leadership. * 2. Unity Over Division *  At a time when politics divides, Ikpea chose unity. He deliberately opened...

2027: Osun Election a Wake-Up Call, Results Must Be Decided at Polling Units, Not Courts — TDM

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From Chris Akhabue Edo,  A prominent member of the NDC and  National Secretary of The Dickson Movement for Democracy,  (TDM), Comrade Emmanuel, has described the outcome of the recent Osun State governorship election as a victory for democracy and the people, while warning opposition parties against becoming complacent ahead of the 2027 general elections. TDM congratulated the people of Osun State on the victory of Governor Ademola Adeleke, said the outcome of the election should serve as a wake-up call for political parties and stakeholders to intensify preparations for the 2027 polls in safeguarding their votes. He maintained that the 2027 general election must be conducted in a manner that ensures that the people's votes count, stressing that electoral outcomes should be determined at the polling units rather than through prolonged legal battles in the courts. According to him, the Osun election, although largely credible, was not completely free of violenc...

EWMB Takes Environmental Campaign To Aduwawa Market, Rewards Cleanest Shops‎

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‎BENIN CITY – The Edo State Waste Management Board, EWMB, in collaboration with the EWMB Academy, has taken its environmental awareness campaign to the Aduwawa Market community in Benin City, in another step toward building a cleaner, healthier and more environmentally responsible Edo State. ‎ ‎The Aduwawa outreach was aimed at sensitising market stakeholders on the importance of maintaining clean surroundings, proper waste disposal, patronising approved waste channels, and making cleanliness a shared responsibility. ‎ ‎A major highlight of the programme was the celebration of positive environmental behaviour. Rewards were presented to shops and market spaces that demonstrated commendable adherence to proper waste management and cleanliness practices.  ‎ ‎According to the Board, the approach reinforces a critical message: environmental responsibility should not only be enforced, it should also be recognised, encouraged and rewarded. ‎ ‎The outreach was more than an awar...

Edo Government Defends Motorcycle Ban in Benin, Cites Rising Security Concerns

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...70 cases of child defilement  recorded in Edo- Abdallah By Chris Akhabue, Edo The Edo State Government has defended its restriction on motorcycle operations in the Benin metropolis, saying the measure was introduced primarily to address growing security concerns and protect residents. The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, stated this on Thursday while briefing journalists in Benin City. Afegbua explained that intelligence and security reports received by the government had raised concerns over the use of motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, in criminal activities, including kidnapping and robbery. According to him, some criminal elements allegedly use motorcycles to pick up unsuspecting passengers before taking them to isolated locations, where they dispossess them of their valuables. “We are not pretending about it. The reason why this was done was purely for security reasons. The kind of reports we receive daily has become a security conc...

CMD Celebrates UNIBEN School of Dentistry at 50th Anniversary, Bags Awards for Excellence

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The Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu on Tuesday joined colleagues and associates of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) to celebrate the School of Dentistry 50th anniversary. Speaking at the event held at the University of Benin Main Auditorium tagged: " Scientific Conference/Alumni Reunion & FICD Awardee," the CMD described the UNIBEN school of dentistry as a centre of academic excellence. Prof. Ize-Iyamu emphasized that UBTH remains committed to deepening its collaboration with the school of dentistry in achieving academic excellence in training and research. Prof. Adebola Ehizele, Deputy Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (DCMAC) Research and Ethics UBTH accompanied the CMD to the School of Dentistry 50th anniversary celebration. The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Award of Excellence to Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu by the School of Dentistry, UNIBEN, and BUDENSAA for her exceptional c...

Edo People Rejects Proposed Appointments of 4800 "Election SAs/SSAs" With Taxpayers Money

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_...Girlfriends of Party Chieftains May likely Dominate List..._ Edo people under the aegis of HSD Movement Arising from a meeting of coordinators accross the state, has rejected the poported plan by the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo to appoint about 4,800 Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Assistants (SAs). The movement also known as Ofurumapepe Movement, is describing the planed action as a wasteful expansion of government and a possible diversion of taxpayers’ money to political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections. The coordinator of the group, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbidi, who expressed strong opposition on behalf of th people said the reported appointments and proposed figure was excessive and difficult to justify at a time when governments are being encouraged to reduce the cost of governance and redirect public funds towards infrastructure, employment, youth empowerment and other critical sectors. Comrade Ogbidi alleged that the appointments w...

Ikpea Opens Legislative Scorecard, Seeks Stronger Unity and Grassroots Partnership in Edo Central

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Ikpea Media Team Network  The Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial districts at the national Assembly, Senator Joseph Ikpea, yesterday  convened a town hall meeting, bringing together critical stakeholders, political leaders and traditional rulers  as he presented his  record of stewardship. During the engagement, stakeholders from across  the district  called for stronger unity, sustained grassroots engagement and greater understanding of the constitutional roles of elected representatives.   The meeting, held under the theme, “Deepening Legislative Accountability, Development Dialogue, and Inclusive Participation,”  provided an opportunity for constituents to engage directly with Senator Ikpea on his legislative activities, constituency projects, budget implementation, the responsibilities and limitations of lawmakers, the political future of Edo Central and the dangers of drug abuse. Delivering the opening address and the goo...