The Edo Specialist Hospital (ESH), Benin, has commended Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) equipment to support couples experiencing infertility, saying the initiative will expand access to reproductive healthcare in the state.

The commendation came on Monday during a press conference and media tour organised to mark the hospital’s seventh anniversary.

Speaking at the event, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Anthonia Inibokun Njoku, praised the governor for what she described as his commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery across Edo State.

She said the newly acquired IVF equipment would provide hope for couples unable to conceive naturally.

“In reproductive healthcare, many couples who find it difficult to have their babies will now receive assistance through the IVF programme,” Njoku said.

The CMD also announced that the hospital’s residency training programme in Obstetrics and Gynaecology has received full accreditation from both the West African College of Surgeons and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

According to her, the hospital also recently completed accreditation for its Family Medicine and Dentistry departments.

Njoku attributed the institution’s progress to the support of the state government, saying the administration had strengthened healthcare services from the primary to tertiary levels.

She said the governor approved the absorption of 126 contract workers into the Edo State workforce and granted the hospital the authority to recruit additional medical personnel, leading to more than 290 direct employments.

The hospital has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mudiame University, Irrua, to serve as a teaching hospital for the training of medical students.

“The partnership strengthens our role as both a healthcare provider and a training institution,” she said.

Njoku added that Edo Specialist Hospital now offers Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) services to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

She said the hospital is enrolled on the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme (EDOHIS) platform and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) platform, enabling it to provide services to beneficiaries of both state and federal health insurance programmes.

The event concluded with a guided tour of the hospital’s facilities led by Dr. Suleman Ozemoka among others, giving journalists an opportunity to inspect the equipment and services available at the institution.

By Mercy Onyenweli

Thousands of worshippers, Party faithfuls , Loyalists, Supporters friends and family members of DPIF dressed in white atires were converged in Cathela Hall, Benin City, over the weekend for the Oredo White Worship Extravaganza, organised by the Dr. Paddy Iyamu Emmanuel Foundation, in a spirit-filled worship that featured some of Nigeria’s leading gospel music ministers.

Delivering a message at the event, the Zonal Pastor of Christ Embassy, Pastor Obayomi, urged Nigerians to continually pray for those in positions of authority, irrespective of their personal opinions about them.

According to him, praying for Political leaders is a divine responsibility that invites God’s wisdom and guidance upon them, enabling them to make policies and decisions that positively impact the lives of the people.

He advised Nigerians to desist from cursing or speaking negatively about their leaders, stressing that sincere prayers would produce better results for the nation than criticism and condemnation.

Speaking earlier, the Founder and President of the Dr. Paddy Iyamu Emmanuel Foundation and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Oredo Federal Constituency, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, said the worship extravaganza was organised primarily to express gratitude to God for His goodness and faithfulness to Edo State and its people.

He encouraged participants to cultivate the habit of thanksgiving, noting that appreciating God even for the smallest blessings opens the door for greater miracles and testimonies.

The event featured powerful praise and worship sessions by renowned gospel artistes, including Mercy Chinwo, Chinyere Udoma, the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Mass Choir, and several other anointed ministers whose performances inspired the congregation.

Among dignitaries present were the First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Anani Okpebholo; former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dr. Pius Odubu; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; the APC candidate for the Ovia North East/Ovia South West Federal Constituency, Osamwonyi Evbaguehita Atu; and the Chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, Hon. Gabriel Iduseri, among other political and community leaders.

The atmosphere was filled with heartfelt worship, joyful praise, and spiritual renewal as worshippers lifted their voices in songs of thanksgiving.

Several participants who spoke with The Crusaders Voice described the programme as uplifting and spiritually refreshing. They appealed to Dr. Paddy Iyamu to make the White Worship Extravaganza an annual event, saying it had rekindled hope, strengthened their faith, and provided a memorable atmosphere of worship and fellowship.

By Paul Okojie

The renewed wave of anti-immigrant protests in South Africa has once again laid bare one of Africa’s greatest contradictions. A nation whose liberation from apartheid was sustained by the political, diplomatic and financial support of fellow African countries now finds itself struggling to protect African migrants from recurring xenophobic violence.

Open-source reports indicate that the latest unrest has forced thousands of African migrants to flee their homes and businesses, while governments including Nigeria, Ghana and Malawi have organised voluntary repatriation programmes for their citizens. Reuters reported that Nigeria evacuated 1,490 of its nationals from South Africa following the recent violence, underscoring the level of fear among African migrants living in the country.

According to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, two Nigerian citizens were killed on June 28, 2026 one allegedly by unidentified attackers and another during an encounter involving South African police. The deaths occurred amid rising anti-immigrant tensions that have seen foreigners blamed for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.

South African authorities have disputed aspects of Nigeria’s account. Police have maintained that one of the deaths was unrelated to the anti-migrant protests and remains under investigation, while Pretoria has asked Nigeria to provide evidence supporting its allegations.

These conflicting narratives only reinforce why Nigeria must move beyond diplomatic protests and compile an official, evidence-based record of every Nigerian killed, assaulted, displaced or whose property has been destroyed in xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Such documentation should include names, dates, locations, witness statements, police reports, medical records and the value of destroyed property. This is not merely an administrative exercise. It is the foundation for any diplomatic demand, international legal process or compensation claim.

No nation can effectively defend its citizens abroad without credible documentation.

Human Rights Watch has warned that vigilante groups have carried out violent attacks against African and Asian migrants with what it described as inadequate intervention by law enforcement authorities. The rights organisation urged South Africa to end the scapegoating of migrants and ensure accountability for those responsible for the attacks.

The South African government has repeatedly condemned xenophobic violence and deployed security forces to contain unrest. President Cyril Ramaphosa has also warned citizens against taking the law into their own hands. Yet the persistence of these attacks raises legitimate questions about whether sufficient preventive measures are being taken and whether those who incite hatred against foreign nationals are being held accountable.

Every sovereign nation has the right to enforce its immigration laws. Illegal immigration is a legitimate policy concern that governments are entitled to address through lawful means. However, immigration enforcement cannot become a licence for mob justice, racial profiling or violence against Africans whose only offence may be their nationality or accent.

The leaders of groups that organise or incite violence against foreign nationals should be investigated and, where evidence exists, prosecuted under South African law. Freedom of expression does not extend to incitement of violence or criminal intimidation. Failure to enforce the law creates a culture of impunity that emboldens future attacks.

Nigeria should also internationalise the issue. The African Union, ECOWAS, SADC and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights should treat recurring xenophobic violence as a continental concern. African integration cannot thrive where Africans fear for their lives in another African country.

History imposes a moral obligation on South Africa. During the anti-apartheid struggle, Nigeria and many African states provided financial assistance, diplomatic backing, scholarships and refuge to South Africans resisting institutionalised racism. That shared history should inspire stronger efforts to ensure that no African is targeted simply because of where he or she comes from.

This is not an indictment of the South African people. Millions reject xenophobia and have stood in solidarity with migrants during periods of unrest. They represent the true spirit of Pan-Africanism. The challenge lies in ensuring that the rule of law prevails over mob sentiment.

Nigeria must equally fulfil its constitutional responsibility to protect its citizens wherever they reside. Evacuating citizens during crises is commendable, but it cannot substitute for justice. Every Nigerian killed, injured or dispossessed deserves to have his or her case officially documented and pursued through every available diplomatic and legal channel.

African unity cannot be built on silence while innocent Africans are attacked. Justice begins with documentation, accountability and the unwavering insistence that every African life matters equally.

By Davidson Ogbebor

BENIN CITY – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Friday swore in the state’s first virtually impaired Permanent Secretary, Mr. Melody Omosah, alongside 19 others, describing the appointments as a reflection of his administration’s commitment to merit, competence and inclusiveness.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Festival Hall of Government House, Benin City, also witnessed the inauguration of two commissioners and seven members of the Governing Council of the Edo State College of Health Sciences and Technology.

Governor Okpebholo said the appointments followed a transparent and rigorous selection process, noting that only the most qualified candidates emerged.

“About 250 officers sat for the examination. I met with 25 candidates, but only 20 were successful,” he said, adding that the appointments were based strictly on merit.

The governor said the Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, had confirmed the competence of the newly appointed permanent secretaries, assuring them of his administration’s support.

He urged the appointees to uphold due process and avoid acting on directives falsely attributed to him.

“If you are uncertain about any directive, seek clarification from me. Where that is not possible, channel your concerns through the Head of Service,” he advised.

Okpebholo also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, assuring members of the Igbo community and other ethnic groups of equal opportunities in government.

“There is no discrimination in Edo. We are building an inclusive government, and there will be more opportunities for all groups,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in permanent secretaries, Omosah expressed appreciation to the governor for the confidence reposed in them and pledged their commitment to implementing the administration’s policies and programmes.

Also speaking, newly sworn-in Commissioner, Mr. Martin Oli, described Governor Okpebholo as a leader who prioritises competence, integrity and capacity over ethnic or regional considerations in making appointments.

Davidson Ogbebor

Benin City-A 29-year-old man has voluntarily renounced his membership of a cult group and surrendered a Beretta pistol to security authorities in Edo State, in what officials have described as a significant breakthrough in the state’s campaign against cult-related crimes.

The Zonal Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Joel Aidamebor, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Benin City on Friday.

Aidamebor said the development followed a security alert from the Acting Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Hon. Blessing Ebhodaghe, who reported hearing suspicious noises from a school located near his residence.

According to him, the chairman promptly alerted the Edo State Security Corps, which immediately contacted the Nigeria Police. Security operatives responded swiftly, arrested several young men and took them to the police station for interrogation. Some of the suspects were later released after investigations established they had no criminal involvement.

He explained that following the incident, Ebhodaghe held a meeting with the youths, during which he urged them to shun cultism, armed robbery and other criminal activities.

Aidamebor said one of the youths later approached the chairman, expressing his desire to abandon cultism and begin a new life.

“The chairman immediately informed the Edo State Security Corps and the Divisional Police Officer. The young man voluntarily surrendered a Beretta pistol in his possession,” Aidamebor said.

He added that the suspect and the recovered firearm were subsequently taken to Benin City, where the pistol was formally handed over to the police for further investigation.

The security commander commended the young man’s decision, describing it as courageous and worthy of emulation. He urged other cult members across the state to take advantage of the government’s rehabilitation efforts by renouncing criminal activities and embracing lawful means of livelihood.

Aidamebor also reaffirmed the commitment of the Edo State Government, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, to sustaining its crackdown on cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes.

Confirming the development, Ebhodaghe appealed to youths involved in cult activities to follow the example set by the 29-year-old by abandoning crime and embracing a productive future.

The former cult member, who described himself as an aspiring musician, said he had no regrets about his decision to leave the group.

He explained that he made the decision after listening to Ebhodaghe’s message to residents on the dangers of cultism and other social vices during a recent visit to his community.

According to him, the chairman’s appeal prompted him to reflect on his life and resolve to turn a new leaf. He said he informed a friend of his decision before surrendering the Beretta pistol to the authorities.

The young man added that he deliberately chose not to sell or hand over the firearm to anyone because he feared it could be used to commit crimes that might eventually be traced to him.

He further disclosed that Governor Monday Okpebholo encouraged him to use his experience to persuade other youths to renounce cultism and also motivated him to pursue his ambition of building a career in music.

Davidson Ogbebor

Uselu- The Chairman of Egor Local Government Council, Hon. Osaro Osa Eribo, has strengthened security operations in the area with the presentation of 12 motorcycles and a Toyota Sienna operational van to security agencies.

At the presentation ceremony, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), Egor Command received the 12 motorcycles and the Sienna van to enhance patrol, surveillance and rapid response, while the Nigerian Police Force, Ugbowo Division also benefited from the intervention aimed at improving security across the local government.

Speaking at the event, Eribo said the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, noting that the prevailing security challenges across the country require local governments to complement the efforts of the Edo State Government in ensuring public safety.

He said the intervention aligns with the security agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo, whose administration has continued to prioritise the protection of lives and property across the state.

According to the chairman, the operational vehicles will improve emergency response, strengthen surveillance and enhance the operational capacity of security agencies in tackling crime and maintaining law and order in Egor.

Also speaking, the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), Mr. Richard Edenamigho, commended the council chairman for the initiative and praised Governor Okpebholo for his sustained investment in security.

Edenamigho described security as a fundamental requirement for development, noting that although Egor has not recorded any major violent crime in recent times, the proactive measures introduced by both the state and local governments would further consolidate the prevailing peace and protect residents and businesses.

Responding on behalf of the Edo State Security Corps, Egor Command, the Coordinator, Mr. Omusi Omoregie, expressed appreciation to the council chairman for the support, assuring that the motorcycles and operational van would be effectively deployed for patrols, intelligence gathering, crime prevention and other security operations within the local government.

The presentation, observers say, reinforces the Egor Local Government Council’s commitment to partnering with security agencies to sustain peace, improve public safety and support the Edo State Government’s efforts to combat crime across the state.

By,Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele

One of the biggest challenges facing public leadership in Nigeria is trust. Over its six decades of existence, many citizens have become disappointed because political promises are often made with enthusiasm but forgotten once those who made them take office. That is why Governor Monday Okpebholo’s recent action is germain.

41 Edo indigenes were forced to return home from South Africa after the recent xenophobic attacks. They came back carrying painful memories and an uncertain future. Many had lost their jobs, businesses and the lives they had struggled to build. They needed more than sympathy. They needed practical support.

Governor Okpebholo welcomed them home and announced that each returnee would receive ₦1 million to help them settle down and start life again. Initially it sounded like another government promise that could take weeks or months to materialise.

Instead, within 24 hours, the beneficiaries began receiving credit alerts.

That single act spoke louder than any speech. It showed the kind of governor Senator Monday Okpebholo is. One who believes that government should respond quickly when its people are in need. At a time when many Nigerians have become used to waiting endlessly for official promises to be fulfilled, the prompt payment is a radical departure.

The excitement among the returnees is understandable. Some could not believe the bank alerts were real until they checked their phones themselves. Their reaction reflected genuine relief and appreciation for a governor that backed words with action; one that bypassed bureaucracy.

The gesture has not gone unnoticed. On Arise Television’s The Morning Show, veteran broadcaster Dr Reuben Abati commended Governor Okpebholo and suggested that other governors should emulate the example. His colleague, Rufai Oseni, also praised the intervention, noting that the governor did more than receive the returnees with kind words; he immediately backed his promise with action.

Their comments highlight an important point. While the Federal Government often takes the lead in responding to emergencies involving Nigerians abroad, state governments also have a responsibility to care for their citizens. Edo State has demonstrated that such support is both possible and necessary.

The governor’s promise of soft loans for beneficiaries who want to establish businesses is another positive step. Financial support can ease immediate hardship, but helping people rebuild sustainable livelihoods is what creates lasting impact. If properly implemented, the programme could enable many of the returnees to become business owners and employers instead of remaining dependent on government assistance.

Leadership is often tested during challenging moments. Anyone can make promises, but not everyone keeps them. Governor Okpebholo has shown that leadership is ultimately about action. By fulfilling his pledge without delay, he has given the returnees more than financial support. He has given them hope and renewed confidence that government can still stand with its people.

In a political environment where public confidence has been weakened by broken promises, keeping one’s word has become a powerful statement. Governor Monday Okpebholo has reminded both leaders and citizens that credibility is earned not through rhetoric but through timely action.

For the 41 Edo returnees, the ₦1 million grant is the beginning of a new chapter. For the rest of the country, it is a reminder that responsive and compassionate leadership is still possible.

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

By Davidson Ogbebor

BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, assuring members of the Welders Association of Nigeria (Edo State Chapter) of improved infrastructure and reliable electricity to boost their operations.

The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received the association’s state president, Mr. Peter Osagie, and other executives on a courtesy visit to the Government House in Benin City.

Okpebholo said his administration was addressing the challenge of unstable electricity supply, describing reliable power as critical to the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises.

According to him, a 100-megawatt power project being developed in Ologbo is expected to become operational before November.

“We are already working on it. The 100-megawatt project is on course, and I am confident that before November it will begin supplying electricity in Edo State. It will be one of the biggest power projects in the state,” he said.

The governor added that similar power projects were being planned for Edo North and Edo Central Senatorial Districts to decentralise electricity distribution and improve access across the state.

He said ongoing road projects were aimed at improving the business climate and enhancing the welfare of residents, noting that the rehabilitation of the Benin-Sapele Road was about 90 per cent completed.

“I have made up my mind to leave Edo State better than I met it in terms of infrastructure and security. We are building an inclusive Edo where everyone can thrive,” Okpebholo said.

The governor also disclosed that the state government would soon provide new vehicles for all the 18 local government councils and roll out about 200 buses under an instalment payment scheme to improve transportation.

Speaking on national politics, Okpebholo praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, saying the policy had created resources for developmental projects across the country.

He also defended the Federal Government’s tax reform initiative, describing it as a policy designed to benefit low-income earners.

The governor urged members of the association to continue supporting the government and avoid being used to undermine the electoral process.

Earlier, the President of the Welders Association of Nigeria, Edo State Chapter, Mr. Peter Osagie, commended the governor for improving security and creating a conducive environment for businesses.

He disclosed that the association had developed a proposal to construct bus terminals along the reconstructed Benin-Sapele Road and appealed to the state government to establish a dedicated welding village to accommodate members.

Osagie identified erratic electricity supply as the association’s major challenge and sought government support to improve power availability for welders across the state.

He also said the association had designed a vocational training programme across the state’s 18 local government areas to reduce the number of out-of-school children through skills acquisition.

“We want to partner with the Edo State Government to train more out-of-school children and equip them with vocational skills that will make them self-reliant,” he said.

The association further pledged its support for the Tinubu administration ahead of future elections, expressing confidence in mobilising its members and their families in support of the President.

By Davidson Ogbebor

BENIN CITY – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the appointment of 20 Permanent Secretaries into the Edo State Public Service as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s administrative machinery and enhance public service delivery.

The appointments were announced in a public statement signed by the Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Osas Okungbowa, who said the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries would be sworn in on a date to be announced by the state government.

According to the statement, the appointees are: Otamere Gina, Irusota Pauline Ighoomo, Bamaiyi Rebecca Osedebamen, Anelu Wilson Oziegbe, Ukpebor Ehiabhi Jonathan, Erhaze Samson, Sadoh Martins Imonmion, Otamere Enodolomwanyi, Enabulele Abdulfatai Ikponmwonsa, Akhimien Emmanuel Eboreime, Obanor John Osarobo, Aliu Nurudeen Obogai, Balogun Aiyegbeni Aina, Imoisili Edith Amenawon, Momoh-Odihinrin Justina Akhazimeye, Ozigbo Osayande Duke, Eigbiremolen Godson Tunde, Efe-Amenze Agharese Patricia, Ohunyon Ernest Ehikioya, and Omosan Melody Ismaila.

Dr. Okungbowa said the appointments reflect the state government’s commitment to strengthening the leadership of the civil service and ensuring efficient implementation of government policies and programmes.

He added that further details regarding the swearing-in ceremony would be communicated to the public in due course.

The appointments are expected to fill key administrative positions across various ministries, departments and agencies of the Edo State Government, providing strategic leadership for the implementation of the Okpebholo administration’s development agenda.

Davidson Ogbebor

The Edo State Police Command has rescued three students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were kidnapped by gunmen in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The students were abducted on Sunday, July 12, 2026, during an attack in the Ujemen G.T. Extension area of Ekpoma. One student, Peter Ekpen, a 24-year-old 300-level undergraduate, was killed during the attack.

The rescued students were identified as Praise Obagbalu, 18, Favour Okoroji, 21, and Balogun Precious, 19.

State Commissioner of Police, Mr Monday Agbonika, disclosed the development on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the Nigeria Police Divisional Headquarters in Ekpoma.

Represented by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Moses Joel Yamu, the commissioner said the command received a distress report that armed men suspected to be kidnappers had attacked the area and abducted the students.

He said the commissioner immediately ordered the deployment of tactical teams for a joint rescue operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) and local hunters.

According to the police, the rescue operation was carried out on Tuesday at the kidnappers’ hideout in the Erah Forest, where security operatives engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle.

One of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised, while another was arrested with gunshot injuries. The three abducted students were rescued unharmed.

The police said the operation led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, five mobile phones, two power banks, a charger, a lady’s handbag and other incriminating items.

Agbonika commended the bravery, professionalism and resilience of officers and personnel of the Edo State Police Command, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps and local hunters whose joint efforts led to the successful operation.

He also appreciated the support of the Edo State Government and members of the public for providing timely and credible information that aided the operation.

Speaking to journalists after their rescue, the three students said they were held in the forest by their captors, who repeatedly moved them from one location to another while demanding that they contact their relatives to raise ransom.

They said they were eventually rescued by the joint security team without any ransom being paid.