By Dr Patrick Akhere Ebojele

The criticism of the visit by members of the Scout Association to the newly completed Ramat Park Flyover in Benin City by some on-air persons on AriseTV displayed complete ignorance about civic education, youth development, and public appreciation of infrastructure projects with due respect Ayo.

The discussion came up during the segment tagged ‘Videos Trending’ around the world.

The criticism suggested that the tour of the flyover in Benin City, the Edo State capital, by young Scouts who live in Edo State, was unworthy of recognition. It portrayed the exercise as an embarrassing celebration of a routine public project. However, such views overlook the educational purpose and broader significance of the visit because, for one, flyovers are not routine public projects. This particular flyover is the first in Edo State.

But thank God for Dr Rueben Abati for quickly intervening.

The critics were unaware that the Scout movement is built on principles of character development, leadership, community engagement, and practical learning. There is no way they would have known that the visit to the Ramat Park Flyover provided an opportunity for young people to witness firsthand a major infrastructure project within their city and understand how public investments affect everyday life.

It was learning by experience, which remains one of the most effective methods of education. Rather than learning about governance and development only through textbooks, TV, movies and online, the Scouts were able to see a first hand, a completed project designed to improve transportation, ease traffic congestion, and enhance mobility within Benin City.

For many young people, exposure to modern infrastructure projects can be inspiring. Flyovers are still relatively uncommon in several parts of Nigeria, making them significant landmarks in the urban landscape. There should be no shame in young citizens taking pride in improvements within their communities. Instead, such experiences help strengthen their connection to their state and encourage greater civic awareness.

The Ramat Park Flyover in Benin City stands as one of the key infrastructure projects delivered under Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda. Beyond its physical structure, the project represents his commitment to improving public infrastructure and creating a more efficient transportation network for residents.

More importantly, the visit offered the young Scouts a useful lesson in citizenship. It demonstrated that public projects can move from promise to reality and that government actions can have visible and measurable effects on people’s lives. These are important lessons for a generation that will eventually assume leadership roles in society.

Constructive criticism of government projects remains essential to grow our democracy. Legitimate questions should focus on issues such as project quality, cost-effectiveness, engineering standards, maintenance plans, and whether the project achieves its intended objectives. Such scrutiny promotes accountability and good governance.

However, criticism directed at young people for visiting and learning about a completed public project misses the larger issue. The Scouts were not engaged in politics; they were participating in an educational exercise that broadened their understanding of development within their state.

The visit to the Ramat Park Flyover rather than being a source of embarrassment, it reflected the importance of helping young people understand and appreciate the development taking place around them.

Dr. Ebojele has his PhD. in Public Administration and the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State

BENIN CITY – The Edo State Government has unveiled a simplified version of the state’s Disability Rights Law aimed at improving awareness, accessibility, and protection of the rights of persons living with disabilities across the 18 local government areas of the state.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Benin City on Wednesday, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Musa Umar Ikhilor, said the initiative underscored the government’s commitment to promoting the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ohunyon Ekikioya, the SSG noted that the true measure of a society lies not only in its infrastructure but also in its ability to provide equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of physical ability.

The programme was organised by the Edo State Commission for Persons with Disabilities with support from the Network for the Advancement of People with Disabilities (NAPVID) and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme.

Ikhilor said while laws are enacted to protect rights and promote justice, their effectiveness depends largely on how accessible and understandable they are to the people they are designed to serve.

According to him, the simplified version of the Disability Rights Law is intended to ensure that persons with disabilities, their families, and the wider public can better understand the provisions of the law and take advantage of its protections.

“The simplification of the Disability Rights Law is a thoughtful and commendable initiative aimed at ensuring that its provisions are better understood by citizens, particularly persons with disabilities and their families.

“By doing so, we are strengthening public awareness, encouraging compliance, and empowering citizens with the knowledge required to claim and protect their rights within the framework of the law,” he said.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to building an inclusive society where persons with disabilities are recognised for their abilities and contributions rather than viewed through the lens of limitation.

The SSG also commended the Edo State Commission for Persons with Disabilities for its sustained advocacy and efforts toward advancing disability inclusion in the state.

In his goodwill message, the Executive Director of the Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID), Mr. Melody Omosah, called for the introduction of dedicated radio programmes to promote public awareness of disability rights and related issues.

Omosah highlighted provisions of Section 18 of the Disability Rights Law, stressing that education is a fundamental right of persons with disabilities from primary to tertiary levels.

He explained that the law provides for the establishment of at least one special school in each of Edo State’s 18 local government areas to ensure access to education for children with disabilities.

“The law stipulates that there should be at least one special school in every local government area. It is also an offence for parents or guardians to deny children with disabilities access to education by keeping them out of school,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Edo State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Theophilus Egbodion, said the simplified law would empower persons with disabilities with a better understanding of their rights and available legal protections.

One of the participants, Mr. Ovenseri Iduozee, expressed appreciation to the state government for enacting and simplifying the law, noting that it would help persons with disabilities realise that they enjoy the same rights, privileges, and opportunities as other citizens.

Signed:

Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo
June 4, 2026

David Ogbebor

Benin City – The Edo State Government has announced that training for newly recruited Forest Guards will commence on Friday, June 5, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen security and forest protection across the state.

According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea, the six-week training programme will involve candidates who have successfully completed the profiling exercise conducted by the Department of State Services (DSS) and medical screening at the Edo Specialist Hospital.

The statement directed all eligible candidates to report to the Police Training School, Ogida Barracks, Benin City, on or before 5:00 p.m. on the commencement date.

The government advised the recruits to arrive with all required documentation and comply fully with the protocols of the training facility. It added that information regarding additional training centres would be communicated to participants upon arrival at the camp.

The training programme is part of the state government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal security, protecting forest reserves, and curbing criminal activities within forested areas.

Candidates seeking further clarification have been advised to contact the Office of the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security.

The statement was signed by Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea, Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Edo State.

Davidson Ogbebor

Benin City-Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commended the Provost of the Edo State College of Education, Igueben, Dr. Victoria Okojie, for revitalising the institution within five months of her appointment.

The governor gave the commendation on Wednesday while receiving the management team of the college during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Benin City.

Governor Okpebholo praised the Provost’s leadership and commitment to repositioning the institution, noting that significant progress had been recorded within a short period.

“First of all, let me thank you for your efforts in growing the school within five months of your appointment. At a time, I thought the institution was almost a write-off, but with your efforts, a lot has been achieved within a very short time,” the governor said.

He added that the administration had confidence in Dr. Okojie’s ability before her appointment, citing her professionalism and competence.

“Before we appointed you, we knew your capability, we knew who you are and your professionalism. I had no doubt that you would succeed. Some of the requests you have made are achievable, and I will also look at visiting the school personally to assess the situation and determine how the government can further support the institution,” he stated.

Earlier, the Provost, Dr. Victoria Okojie, expressed appreciation to the governor for increasing the institution’s monthly subvention from N19 million to N100 million.

She noted that the increased funding had significantly enhanced the college’s operations and enabled the management to focus on strengthening internal quality assurance systems, staff welfare, and students’ development.

Dr. Okojie appealed to the governor to provide shuttle buses for students to facilitate movement within and outside the campus for academic activities.

She also identified several critical areas requiring government intervention, including campus security, additional student accommodation, staff quarters, and the rehabilitation and expansion of the institution’s internal road network.

The Provost assured the governor of the college’s commitment to maintaining high academic standards and producing quality teachers for the state’s educational sector.

Signed:

Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo

Davidson Ogbebor

The Edo State Police Command has recovered the decomposing bodies of two kidnapping victims from a forest along the Benin-Lagos Expressway following the arrest of a suspected kidnapper linked to a notorious seven-man kidnapping syndicate operating along the Benin-Lagos and Benin-Akure highways.

The breakthrough was recorded by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), who engaged members of the gang in a gun duel during an operation in the forest. One of the suspects, identified as 24-year-old Haruna Musa, was subsequently arrested while seeking treatment for gunshot wounds allegedly sustained during the encounter.

The Commander of the VCRU, CSP Osagie Godspower, led journalists and health officials into the forest where the remains of the victims were recovered.

One of the survivors, whose 66-year-old mother was among those killed, recounted the traumatic ordeal. She said armed kidnappers invaded their residence in Iyowa Community, Ekiadolor, abducting her, her mother and their maid.

According to her, three additional families were later kidnapped and brought to the same camp, bringing the total number of captives to four families.

She explained that the victims were forced to trek through the forest at night while remaining hidden during the day.

Narrating the events that led to the deaths of the victims, she said the kidnappers separated her mother, another woman and a 15-year-old boy from the rest of the captives after asking their ages.

“We initially thought they wanted to release them because of their ages, but later that evening they took them away. After some arguments, they shot the other woman, and the bullet also hit my mother. The woman died immediately, while my mother continued praying before eventually passing away. About five minutes later, they moved us to another location where they shot the 15-year-old boy, who also died,” she said.

The survivor disclosed that her family eventually paid N11 million in ransom alongside other items demanded by the kidnappers before securing their release. Other affected families also paid ransom before regaining their freedom.

Speaking on the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the Command achieved a major breakthrough on May 19 when VCRU operatives sighted four members of the syndicate in the forest and engaged them in a gun battle.

She said several of the suspects escaped with gunshot injuries, prompting an intensified manhunt.

“We recorded another breakthrough a few days later when one of the suspects, Haruna Musa, was arrested while attempting to receive treatment for gunshot wounds. During interrogation, he confessed to participating in the kidnappings and led investigators to the location where the bodies of the two women were recovered. The body of the 15-year-old boy had earlier been evacuated,” she said.

The police spokesperson assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.

“We are still on the trail of the other suspects and are confident that the Violent Crime Response Unit will soon round up the remaining members of this kidnapping syndicate,” she added.

Meanwhile, the arrested suspect, Haruna Musa, admitted being a member of the gang but claimed he was drawn into criminal activities after travelling from Ogun State, where he had worked as a cattle handler.

According to him, he was invited by a relative for what he believed was another job opportunity after a cattle business during a previous Sallah celebration. He claimed he only discovered the nature of the operation after arriving in Edo State.

Musa further alleged that he feared for his life and felt compelled to remain with the gang after realizing they were involved in kidnapping activities.

Police investigations into the case are continuing as security operatives intensify efforts to dismantle the criminal network and improve security along major highways in Edo State.

Davidson Ogbebor

Abuja, -The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed claims that its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database was hacked, stating that preliminary investigations show no evidence of an external breach of its information technology infrastructure.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, the electoral body said it had commenced a comprehensive investigation following allegations circulating on social media and in sections of the media regarding unauthorized access to voter information and the publication of details relating to a candidate who participated in a recent political party primary election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to INEC, the matter is being treated with utmost seriousness, with investigators already examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Commission explained that, as part of the ongoing nationwide CVR exercise, designated registration officers were granted controlled access to specific sections of the voter registration system to facilitate voter registration, record updates, and transfer requests. Such access, it noted, is strictly tied to official duties and is withdrawn once the exercise concludes.

INEC disclosed that its preliminary audit trail has identified the user account through which the information was accessed. Officials connected to the incident have been questioned, while relevant departments are cooperating fully with the investigation.

“The Commission is examining all technical, administrative and operational factors associated with the matter in order to establish individual responsibility and determine the circumstances surrounding the use of those credentials,” the statement said.

The electoral umpire emphasized that findings so far indicate there was no hacking incident, external intrusion, or compromise of the broader CVR database. Rather, the information in question was reportedly accessed through valid credentials assigned to personnel involved in the ongoing voter registration exercise and subsequently disclosed without authorization.

INEC further clarified that the incident under investigation relates only to the retrieval of a specific voter record and does not suggest any compromise of the personal information of more than 90 million registered voters contained in its database.

Reaffirming its commitment to data protection, the Commission stated that the security, confidentiality and integrity of voter information remain paramount and that measures are in place to safeguard citizens’ personal data.

Meanwhile, the Department of State Services (DSS) has also commenced an independent investigation into the matter. INEC pledged full cooperation with security agencies and vowed to ensure that anyone found culpable faces appropriate legal action.

The Commission urged members of the public and the media to avoid speculation while investigations continue, assuring Nigerians that the outcome of the probe and any subsequent actions would be made public in due course.

The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC).

BENIN CITY – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the appointment of Hon. Justice Mary Nekpen Asemota as the Acting President of the Edo State Customary Court of Appeal.

The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq.

According to the statement, the appointment is in line with Section 55(1) of the Customary Court of Appeal (Re-establishment) Law of Edo State, 2025, which empowers the Governor to appoint the most senior serving judge of the defunct Customary Court of Appeal as Acting President pending the recommendation of a substantive president and judges by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

The government explained that Justice Asemota emerged as the most senior judge of the former Customary Court of Appeal who is still serving within the Edo State Judiciary and is therefore qualified for the position under the provisions of the law.

Justice Asemota is widely regarded as a distinguished jurist with more than four decades of experience in the Nigerian legal system. Her career has spanned private legal practice, customary court administration, appellate adjudication at the Edo State Customary Court of Appeal, and service on the High Court Bench.

Since her appointment as a Judge of the Edo State High Court in March 2016, she has continued to contribute significantly to the administration of justice through her extensive legal expertise, institutional knowledge, and commitment to judicial excellence.

The state government noted that her professional journey has been marked by integrity, leadership, and pioneering achievements, making her well-suited for the new role.

Justice Asemota is expected to be sworn into office by Governor Okpebholo at a date to be announced.

By Davidson Ogbebor

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured that the ongoing renovation of the long-abandoned Doctors’ Quarters located on Ezotti Street, Benin City, will be completed and ready for occupation within the next two months.

The governor gave the assurance during an inspection tour of the facility, accompanied by the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, and other top government officials. The team was conducted round the project by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole.

Speaking after inspecting the project, Governor Okpebholo said he deemed it necessary to personally assess the level of work done following reports he had received on the facility.

“I have heard a lot about this building and decided to come here today to inspect the project myself. I also came with the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly so that he can see what funds are being appropriated for.

“The contractor has assured us that the building will be ready in about one month and two weeks. Once completed, our doctors will be able to move in. I will return to inspect the project again, and I hope the contractor meets the deadline so that our doctors can begin occupying the facility,” the governor stated.

Commending the governor for reviving the project, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, described the rehabilitation as a landmark intervention in the state’s healthcare sector.

According to him, the facility had been neglected by successive administrations for more than four decades before the present government initiated its renovation.

“This is the Doctors’ Quarters, and I have known this building for about 40 years. Before work commenced, the structure was in a deplorable condition. This is the first time any government has undertaken major renovation work on the building in the last four decades,” he said.

Dr. Oshiomhole disclosed that the project is now over 85 per cent completed, noting that the administration of Governor Okpebholo had demonstrated commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure within its first year in office.

“The facility has existed for more than 40 years, but in less than one year, Governor Monday Okpebholo has commenced and substantially completed its renovation. The project is now over 85 per cent completed.

“I thank the governor for making healthcare a priority under the SHINE Agenda of his administration, and I pray that God grants him the wisdom and strength to continue delivering development to the people of Edo State,” he added.

The renovation of the Doctors’ Quarters is expected to provide improved residential accommodation for medical personnel and enhance healthcare service delivery across the state.

Signed:

Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Edo State

By Paul Okojie

Nigeria today stands at a dangerous crossroads. Across the country, from the forests of the North-West to the highways of the South-South, from rural farming communities to the outskirts of major cities, kidnapping and violent killings have become frightening features of daily life. Citizens who should be pursuing their livelihoods now live under the shadow of fear, uncertainty and insecurity.

Recent event and statistics paint a grim picture. Official and independent reports indicate that millions of Nigerians have been affected by kidnapping and killing incidents in recent years, while thousands have lost their lives to banditry, terrorism, farmers and Herdsmen communal violence and other criminal activities. Ransom payments have risen into trillions of naira, creating a criminal economy that appears to thrive despite repeated government interventions. This should raise serious concerns for every patriotic Nigerian.

What is particularly alarming is that insecurity is no longer confined to traditional flashpoints. Criminal gangs have expanded their operations across regions, targeting farmers, travellers, students, traditional rulers, clergy and ordinary citizens. Highways have become death traps in many parts of the country, while vast stretches of rural territory remain vulnerable to attacks. And sadly the government has no clear plan that is explicable to Nigerians on the way forward to tackle these challenges, except press release on some directives given by some government employee.

The persistence of this crisis raises troubling questions about the effectiveness of existing security strategies. Despite increased military deployments, security operations and numerous assurances from public officials, criminal elements continue to demonstrate an unsettling capacity to regroup, rearm and reinvent their tactics. Like the mythical hydra, every head cut off seems to be replaced by another.

This situation poses a direct challenge to the authority and legitimacy of the Nigerian state. The primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property. When citizens cannot travel freely, cultivate their farms, conduct business or send their children to school without fear, confidence in public institutions inevitably erodes. The recent case in Oyo State is the most gruesome at ever soon since this attacks and they now show Nigerians that even babies means nothing when they hit any community.

As the nation gradually moves toward the 2027 general elections, security will likely emerge as one of the defining issues of political discourse. Nigerians are increasingly less interested in grand promises and political slogans. They seek practical solutions that will restore safety to their communities and confidence in their future. The ones who are displaced and now live in IDP camps would want to go back to their homeland and cultivate their farms and rare their animal farms.

The next generation of political leaders must therefore recognize that the fight against insecurity cannot be won through military force alone. It requires a comprehensive approach involving creation of a National Guards, intelligence gathering, clandestine counter terrorism, effective policing, increase in border security, judicial reforms, technological surveillance, economic opportunities for vulnerable youths and stronger collaboration between federal, state and local authorities.

Equally important is the need for political will. Security should never be viewed through partisan, ethnic, religious or regional lenses. Criminality has no tribe, religion or political affiliation. The victims of kidnapping and violence come from every part of the country, and the response must reflect a united national commitment.

Nigeria cannot afford to enter another election cycle with insecurity continuing to spread unchecked. The economic consequences are severe, discouraging investment, disrupting agriculture and worsening poverty. The social consequences are even more devastating, as communities become traumatized and trust among citizens declines.

The question confronting the nation is simple but urgent: who will finally cut off the head of the kidnapping hydra? That is destroying families, communities and states. Who will stand up and say no to this monster? I guess Nigerian would have a better answer thinking about the coming election.

However, we know answer will not be found in rhetoric. It will be found in leadership, competence, courage and the ability to deliver measurable security outcomes. Between now and 2027, Nigerians will be watching closely. The political leaders who offer credible solutions and demonstrate genuine commitment to ending this crisis may well determine the direction of the country’s future.

For now, however, the hydra remains alive, and every day it survives, more Nigerians pay a very high price.

Paul Okojie is Journalist/Media Consultant writing from Edo State.

By Davidson Ogbebor

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has urged members of the public to disregard various results currently circulating on social media as the purported outcome of its nationwide primary elections conducted on May 28 and 29, 2026.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director Esq., the NDC clarified that the official results of the primaries remain in the custody of the National Executive Council (NEC), which is solely responsible for announcing the outcome of the exercise.

The party stressed that any result being circulated outside the official channels of the NEC should be treated as unauthorized and misleading.

According to the statement, the National Leader of the party, Distinguished Senator Seriake Dickson, has directed the convening of a NEC meeting to deliberate on matters arising from the primaries and finalize the process of ratifying the results.

The statement disclosed that all NEC members have been directed to arrive in Abuja for a pre-NEC meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, 2026, while the main NEC meeting will hold on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

The NDC further assured party members, stakeholders and the general public that the official list of candidates who will fly the party’s flag in forthcoming elections would be made public after the NEC concludes its deliberations and submits the names to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party reiterated its commitment to transparency and due process, urging supporters to await official communication from its authorized organs.