Author: Iduozee Efe Paul

Members of Akpakpava Youth Coalition have staged a protest in Benin City, Edo State to complain about the lack of electricity in some parts of the city for more than eight months now. The protesters, who marched through the streets to the House of Assembly and the Government House, demanded immediate action to rectify the situation. They said the affected areas, which included Akpakpava and Dawson Roads, have been without electricity for eight months following the theft of a transformer. They accused the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) of negligence, alleging they were asked to solicit funds for a new…

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged multinational companies operating in Edo State to provide impactful projects that meet the needs of host communities. During the launch of a report on human rights violations in the palm oil supply chain by the African Law Foundation (AFRILAW), NHRC representatives emphasized the need for companies to go beyond token CSR gestures and involve communities in decision-making. Researchers highlighted the displacement of farmers due to land acquisition and called for binding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) laws. AFRILAW called on governments to protect oil palm host communities and ensure their rights are respected.…

At least 21 people were killed and several injured in attacks on seven farming communities in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State. The affected communities include Marindoti, Gbelemontin, and Dipe Community. Eyewitnesses reported that armed assailants, suspected to be Ijaw militants, attacked the communities, burning houses and shooting indiscriminately. Community leaders appealed for military protection and accused the attackers of long-standing encroachment and extortion. Police confirmed seven deaths and six injuries, attributing the violence to a communal clash. Residents refuted this, claiming it was an unprovoked attack by militants. Army intervention was praised, and calls were made…

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has appealed to real estate agencies and landlords in the state to cut down rents in the state. Mr Johnson Erijo, the Chief of Staff, Government House made the appeal at the 13th anniversary/annual convention of Property World Africa Network Marketing Company in Asaba, the state capital where he represented the governor. “I would like to use this medium to appeal to real estate organisations to help in reducing the cost of rents payable on rented properties. “The current skyrocketing rents are not sustainable, especially for public service workers. I urge you to apply your…

The Publicity and Sensitisation Committee of the Bayelsa Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) has advocated review of the fund’s enabling laws to expand its scope of interventions. Chief Fidelis Agbiki, Chairman, Publicity and Sensitisation Committee of the EDTF, who spoke during a visit to the Federated Correspondents Chapel in Yenagoa, observed that the EDTF can only intervene within limited situations with its current enabling laws. Agbiki said having operated for close to eight years, there was need to review the scope of the fund and make more resources available to enable the EDTF to do more. According to him, the…

The Attorney General of Edo State and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Samson Osagie, has said that since its inception, the Citizens Meditation Centre has received and attended to 634 civil matters, covering disputes including inheritance conflicts, matrimonial cases, employer-employee disagreements, landlord-tenant issues, property disputes, inter-communal clashes, and matters involving government entities. Osagie disclosed this at a press briefing on the activities and achievements of the Citizens’ Meditation Centre (CMC) and the Citizens’ Rights Department (CRD) in Benin City, Edo State capital, where he said 70 percent of these cases have been resolved amicably thereby preventing unnecessary litigation. He said, “The…

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has assured Edo people that his administration would collaborate with all security agencies to crimes and criminality in the State. Governor Okpebholo who disclosed this when he received in audience the new Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Betty Enekpen Isokpen Otimenyin, said his administration was ready to fight crime and make the state peaceful. “We thank the CP for agreeing to work with us. She is a woman with the heart of a man. I knew her from several years ago in Jos, as far back as 1994. That was the day I…

A former Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Prof. Tony Iredia, has said that Nigeria was in critical need of an impartial electoral umpire to correct the wrongs in the nation’s electoral system. He said this at the Dr. Osahon Enabulele Foundation official launch and colloquium while speaking on the topic “Election management and the leadership recruitment process: The way forward in Benin City. Iredia said that Nigeria can’t get its electoral processes right when those saddled with the responsibility to man the process are grossly soaked in partisan politics. “Nigeria is in dire need of an impartial…

Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has arrested 15 illegal gold mining suspects, following their mining activities in Egbetua Community, Ososo, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area in the state. The suspects were arrested by operatives of Auchi Area Command of the NSCDC, at Ode forest (site of the illegal gold mining) in Egbetua on Monday night following a tip-off. It was gathered that acting on intelligence, the operatives of the NSCDC stormed the Ode forest and arrested the suspects. Confirming the report, Edo State Commander of the NCDSC, Gbenga Agun, said that it is the…

The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Adekunle Salako, has urged newly recruited staff at the National Orthopedic Hospital, Benin, to stay and contribute to the country’s development rather than emigrating. He emphasized President Tinubu’s commitment to improving living standards and transforming Nigeria into a comfortable and prosperous nation. Dr. Adekunle Salako made the appeal while touring the hospital facilities in Benin. Dr. Salako said that the country belongs to them and it is their duty to join hands to make it work and not by migrating to other countries. “I want to come back and see that all the…