Author: Iduozee Efe Paul

Angry youths in Auchi in Etsako West Local Government Area, on Monday staged a peaceful protest over gully erosion ravaging the community and incessant kidnapping activities in the area. The youths converged at the strategic Jattu Junction with their placards, calling on the government to address the gully erosion and incessant kidnapping. The youths under the umbrella of Auchi Youth Council (AYC) blocked the Jattu axis of the Benin-Auchi road. Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr. Chalaman Momoh, said the protest was to draw the attention of the government and relevant authorities to the gullies and incessant kidnapping in…

The National Association of Retired Police Officers Contributory Pension Scheme, Edo State chapter, called on the federal government to exit the retired officers from the scheme, saying they are now living in abject poverty. The group made the call during a press briefing in Benin City. Addressing Journalists on behalf of the association, the state chairman, SP Anthony Nnachor Rtd, said the officers who served their country meritoriously could barely feed themselves while others were dying daily due to lack of money to treat themselves when they fall ill. Nnachor said, “We are here to let the whole world know…

Seplat Energy Plc, Nigeria’s leading indigenous energy company, has acknowledged the rising contribution of indigenous capacity and innovation to the growth of the energy sector. The company, which participated in the 13th Annual BusinessDay CEO Forum Nigeriain Lagos, also reinforced its commitment to responsible leadership and sector transformation through active participation. The CEO Forum, with the theme, “Nigeria: From Reform to Recovery,” brought together senior government officials, investors, corporate leaders and experts to discuss Nigeria’s ongoing reforms, and share strategic insights for national renewal and sustainable economic growth. Seplat Energy’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Roger Brown, represented by the company’s…

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has described Sen. Seriake Dickson, (Senator representing Bayelsa West) Senatorial District as a true son of the Ijaw cause. In a statement, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President, INC, noted that in spite of visible attempts to intimidate or entice the lawmaker into compromising his and ljaw collective values and principles that premises on justice and the rule of law, he had remained standing and firmly with the Ijaw people. According to him, Dickson has remained unshaken, consistent, dogged, sagacious and courageous in defence of the Ijaw nation, especially in the face of recent political and economic…

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has revealed that an international art cartel had attempted to re-loot the priceless Benin artifacts returned to Benin in the last few years. The Oba made the disclosure as the Government of the Netherlands returned 119 looted Benin bronzes to the ancient kingdom. The Monarch made this declaration at a symbolic ceremony held at his palace to receive the repatriated artifacts, originally plundered during the infamous British invasion of 1897. Present at the event were the Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Mr. Olugbile Holloway; and the Director-General…

The body of a 59-year-old businessman, Henry Ohiengbomwan, who was allegedly kidnapped has been found in a shallow grave in Igueze Village, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. The incident occurred on May 13, 2025, after Ohiengbomwan sold his pineapple produce for over N900,000. His alleged kidnappers, five in number, demanded a N60 million ransom but killed him before the family could pay. The family had requested to hear from Ohiengbomwan before paying the ransom, and after sending N300,000 for him to speak with them, they were unable to reach him. This raised suspicions, and it was…

The elders and youths of the various villages comprising Iyekogba community in Oredo Local Government Area, have called on Edo State Police Command to bring to justice the alleged murderer of one Frank Osagie, one of the youth leaders in Iyekogba community and attempted murder of one Victor Iredia and four others on 11 June. Members of the community made the demand while addressing journalists at the premises of the press centre of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in Benin City, Edo State. Mr. Bright Omo-Asuen, who read a statement signed by His Royal…

As nations around the world marked 2025 World Environment Day, the Foundation for Earth Rights Assembly (FERA) has called for urgent and decisive action to eliminate plastic pollution. At a press briefing in Benin City, Edo State, FERA’s Executive Director, Nosa Tokunbor, emphasized the gravity of the crisis, noting that this year’s theme, “End Plastic Pollution,” reflects growing concern over the environmental and health hazards posed by plastics. “Plastic pollution is no longer a distant threat it’s everywhere, even in our bodies in the form of microplastics,” Tokunbor said. “The global production of plastics hit 413.8 million metric tons in…

As part of its continuous investment in the education sector, the NEPL/Seplat Energy Joint Venture has inaugurated three new state-of-the-art Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) laboratories in Benin City, Edo State.The three laboratories commissioned and handed over to the Edo State Ministry of Education on Thursday, are located at Niger College, Army Day Secondary School, and Oba Akenzua Secondary School.These are in addition to the three existing STEAM Labs earlier commissioned at Ihogbe College, New Era College and Edo Boys High School, all in Benin City, to deepen the JV’s investment in education across its host communities.The Director,…

Edo Civil Society Organization has thrown its weight behind Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration in the fight against cultism and cult-related matters. The group, led by its Coordinator General, Comrade Omobude Agho, staged a march to Government House in Benin City to show solidarity with the government’s efforts. The protesters, who were received by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohonbamu, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Fred Itua, expressed their support for the government’s actions against cultism. Agho commended Governor Okpebholo for his efforts so far and expressed the group’s readiness to support the government in…