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.

By, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele

When the aircraft carrying dozens of Nigerians among them 41 Edo indigenes touched down in the nation’s commercial capital city of Lagos, after fleeing xenophobic violence in South Africa, many stepped onto home soil with little more than the clothes they were wearing. The homes and businesses they had spent years building were gone – dreams shattered overnight. Some returned with a single suitcase, while others came back with nothing at all. They were not thinking about politics or protocol. They wanted safety, dignity, and a chance to begin again: at Home!

For many of those of Edo State origin, that chance appeared to arrive on Monday when Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo received the returnees at the Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City and announced a ₦1 million grant for each person to support their resettlement.

The governor said the money was intended to help the returnees secure accommodation and meet immediate needs while the state government developed longer-term programmes to help them rebuild their lives. The announcement drew an emotional response from many in the hall, some of whom had endured weeks of fear before finally making the journey home.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Okpebholo told the returnees that their future should not be defined by the violence they had escaped.

“Your success begins today. Many of you possess knowledge and skills in different areas. Once you identify what you want to do, come to us. We will give you a soft loan to start with because we want you to fully reintegrate into society,” he said.

The governor stressed that the state’s intervention would not end with the cash grant. According to him, the government intends to provide soft loans and other forms of support to help those affected establish businesses, regain financial independence, and settle back into their communities.

“Between now and tomorrow, you will receive that money so you will not be stranded. There is no place better than home. Nobody will chase you away from here. We have peace here. Edo is safe, and Nigeria is safe,” he added.

His remarks reflected an effort to reassure people who had watched years of hard work disappear during the attacks in South Africa. While acknowledging the scale of their losses, the governor said preserving their lives remained more important than replacing property.

“They may have taken everything away from you, but your life is more important than the things they took. As a government, we will continue to support our people wherever they are. If they are in distress, we will rescue them and ensure they do not go through such experiences again,” he said.

Governor Okpebholo also recalled Nigeria’s support for South Africa during the struggle against apartheid, saying Nigerians had historically stood by South Africans during difficult periods. Despite the attacks, he urged the returnees not to allow bitterness to define their future or replace one form of hatred with another.

The stories shared by the returnees illustrated the human cost of the violence far more vividly than official statistics ever could.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Riches Evbagbe Unubun from Igor/Emuhi in Ekpoma said many had returned home after losing virtually everything they owned while sojourning in South Africa. He said some of them operated successful businesses and accumulated significant assets over several years before the violence erupted. Others had built homes, raised families, and established lives they believed would last.

Instead, many fled with only a few personal belongings. According to Unubun, some returned with what he described as “one luggage which is our breath,” a phrase that captured the reality of escaping with nothing except life itself.

He said there were people who had once owned several vehicles, thriving businesses and comfortable homes, but were now starting over from scratch. Some families, he added, also suffered bereavement during the crisis.

Unubun recalled the uncertainty surrounding the evacuation, describing the final days before departure as a period of anxiety and despair. Even after boarding the aircraft to Nigeria, many remained unsure what awaited them.

He said that uncertainty began to lift when officials from the Edo State Government met them at the airport in Lagos and asked a simple question: Who among them was from Edo State?

“This has not happened before. Where does this happen? How does it happen?” he asked.

For many of the returnees, he said, that moment represented the first sign that someone had recognised their suffering and was prepared to help.

Unubun thanked the Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Dr Lucky Agazuma, and officials who coordinated the reception, saying their intervention restored hope to people who had almost lost confidence in the future.

He also pledged that many of the returnees intended to register to vote after settling down because they wanted what he described as the positive developments taking place in Edo State to continue.

The assistance announced by the Edo State Government forms part of a broader national effort to support Nigerians returning from South Africa following the latest wave of xenophobic violence. Several state governments, faith-based organisations, and private companies have also announced financial assistance and relief packages aimed at helping affected citizens restart their lives.

Federal officials have repeatedly stressed that the returnees were not deported because of criminal offences but voluntarily returned after the violence made their continued stay unsafe. The federal government has also emphasised that successful reintegration requires cooperation between governments, local communities, humanitarian organisations, and development partners.

Within Edo State, the Migration Agency has been profiling returnees to identify their skills, business backgrounds, and immediate needs. According to Dr. Agazuma, the exercise is intended to ensure that government support goes beyond emergency relief and provides practical opportunities for long-term economic recovery.

For many migration experts, reintegration extends beyond providing financial assistance. It also involves helping returnees regain confidence, reconnect with their communities, and rebuild livelihoods after traumatic experiences. The emotional scars left by displacement often last much longer than the immediate financial losses.

That reality was evident throughout Monday’s reception. While the ₦1 million grant attracted attention, many returnees said what mattered most was the feeling that their government had acknowledged their suffering and responded quickly.

The simple act of sending officials to identify Edo indigenes immediately after their arrival in Nigeria carried powerful symbolism for people who had spent weeks feeling abandoned and vulnerable.

For those who had escaped violent attacks, the reception at Government House represented more than a government program. It became a reminder that home remained a place where they belonged.

The financial support announced by Governor Okpebholo will not replace businesses destroyed in South Africa or restore years of investment lost to violence. It can not erase painful memories or undo the trauma experienced by families forced to flee. Rebuilding lives after such experiences will require sustained support, determination, and time.

However, the grants and promised soft loans offer something equally important: an opportunity to begin again. Whether the program succeeds will ultimately depend on effective implementation and continued support in the months ahead.

For now, the returnees have exchanged uncertainty for hope. After surviving violence thousands of kilometres from home, they have returned to a state that says it is prepared to stand with them as they rebuild their lives. In a story defined for weeks by fear, displacement, and loss, that commitment may prove to be the beginning of a different future.

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

Davidson Ogbebor

BENIN CITY – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Monday pledged N41 million in immediate financial assistance to Edo indigenes evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, promising additional soft loans to help them rebuild their lives.

The governor announced a grant of N1 million to each of the 41 returnees during a reception held at the Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City, describing the intervention as part of the state government’s commitment to supporting citizens in distress.

Okpebholo said the funds, to be disbursed within 24 hours, would enable the returnees to secure accommodation and begin the process of reintegrating into society.

“Your success begins today. Many of you possess valuable knowledge and skills. Once you identify the business or trade you want to pursue, come to us. We will provide soft loans to help you get started because we want you to reintegrate fully into society,” the governor said.

He assured the returnees that they would not be abandoned, stressing that Edo remained a safe and peaceful place to rebuild their lives.

“Between now and tomorrow, each of you will receive N1 million so you will not be stranded. There is no place better than home. Nobody will chase you away from here. We have peace in Edo, and Nigeria is your home,” he added.

The governor urged them to look beyond the losses suffered during the attacks, noting that preserving their lives was more important than any property left behind.

“They may have taken everything you owned, but your life is far more valuable. As a government, we will continue to stand by our people wherever they may be. Whenever they are in distress, we will do everything possible to rescue and support them,” he said.

Okpebholo also reflected on the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, recalling Nigeria’s historic support for the anti-apartheid struggle and urging peaceful coexistence despite the recent attacks.

Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Riches Unubun expressed appreciation to both the Edo State and Federal Governments for facilitating their evacuation and providing immediate support.

He said the returnees were grateful for the governor’s intervention and pledged their support for the state’s development.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Lucky Agazuma, commended Governor Okpebholo for his prompt response and commitment to the welfare of Edo indigenes facing hardship abroad.

The returnees were recently evacuated from South Africa following renewed incidents of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals. The Edo State Government said the relief package forms part of broader efforts to assist them with rehabilitation and economic reintegration.

By Paul Omo Okojie

The media has long been regarded as the fourth estate of the realm, serving as a watchdog over government, business, and society. In a democracy, journalists have the responsibility to inform citizens accurately, hold those in power accountable, and provide a platform for diverse opinions. In Nigeria, however, public confidence in sections of the media has been tested by growing concerns over sensationalism, misinformation, political influence, and commercial pressures.

Many Nigerians increasingly question whether some media outlets are fulfilling their constitutional and ethical obligations. Critics argue that the rush to break stories first has sometimes taken precedence over thorough fact-checking, leading to inaccurate or misleading reports. In an era where social media amplifies every headline within seconds, even a small error can spread widely before corrections are issued.

Another concern is the influence of politics and ownership. Media organizations, like many institutions, often operate within financial and political realities. Where editorial independence is compromised by owners, advertisers, or political interests, reporting may reflect those influences rather than the public interest. Such perceptions can weaken trust in journalism and deepen political divisions.

Journalists themselves also face immense challenges. Poor remuneration, threats to personal safety, legal intimidation, and limited resources can make independent reporting difficult. These realities do not excuse ethical lapses, but they help explain the pressures under which many media professionals work.

It is important, however, to avoid painting all Nigerian journalists with the same brush. Across the country, many reporters, editors, and investigative journalists continue to demonstrate courage and professionalism. They expose corruption, document human rights abuses, and provide accurate reporting despite significant risks. Their work reminds us that ethical journalism remains alive in Nigeria.

The solution lies not in condemning the entire profession but in strengthening it. Media houses should invest more in editorial standards, rigorous fact-checking, and continuous professional development. Journalists must adhere to established codes of ethics by verifying information, correcting mistakes promptly, and maintaining independence from undue influence. At the same time, media owners should protect editorial freedom, while regulatory bodies should enforce professional standards fairly and without political interference.

The public also has a role to play. Citizens should verify information from multiple credible sources, question sensational claims, and support media organizations that consistently demonstrate accuracy and integrity. A healthy democracy depends not only on responsible journalists but also on an informed and discerning society and audience.

Ultimately, the credibility of the Nigerian media will be determined by its commitment to truth, fairness, accountability, and the public interest. Trust, once lost, is difficult to regain, but through ethical journalism and institutional reform, the media can continue to play its indispensable role in Nigeria’s democratic development.

Paul Okojie is a journalist/Media Consultant.

By Paul Okojie

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Diaspora Worldwide has expressed concern over reports of a proposed increase in the registration fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO), warning that such a move would place additional financial pressure on Nigerian families.

In a press statement signed by its Youth Leader, Hon. (Dr.) Abdul-Malik Rabiu Jaafar, FMNES, FCILRM, the group said increasing examination fees at a time of widespread economic hardship could prevent many students from completing their secondary education.

According to the statement, education remains one of the nation’s most important tools for development, and policies that make access to public examinations more expensive could undermine opportunities for young Nigerians.

The organization called on the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, WAEC, and NECO to reconsider any proposed increase in examination fees and instead adopt measures that would make education more affordable and accessible.

The ADC Diaspora Worldwide also urged the government to strengthen funding for the education sector and introduce support programmes for indigent students, arguing that no qualified student should be denied the opportunity to sit for national examinations because of financial constraints.

The group reaffirmed its solidarity with Nigerian students, parents, and other education stakeholders, calling for policies that promote equal access to education and safeguard the future of the nation’s youth.

The statement was signed by Hon. (Dr.) Abdul-Malik Rabiu Jaafar, FMNES, FCILRM, Youth Leader, ADC Diaspora Worldwide.

Davidson Ogbebor

BENIN CITY – Chairman-Elect of Egor Local Government Council, Hon. Osaro Osa Eribo, has expressed profound appreciation to the people of Egor Local Government Area for their overwhelming support and confidence in him following his victory in the recently concluded local government election.

In a message of appreciation issued after the election, Eribo attributed the successful outcome of the poll to the grace of God and the unwavering support of residents across the local government.

He described the massive turnout of voters and the mandate given to him as a clear demonstration of the people’s trust in his vision for a more progressive and prosperous Egor.

The Chairman-Elect also commended the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Egor Local Government Area, including ward chairmen, party executives, youths, women, elders, campaign council members, polling unit agents, canvassers, volunteers and supporters, for their dedication and sacrifices throughout the electioneering process.

According to him, the victory was the product of collective hard work, unity and commitment by party faithful and the people of Egor, assuring that their efforts would not be forgotten.

Eribo emphasized that the electoral victory belongs to all residents of Egor, describing it as a triumph for unity, progress and the collective aspiration to build a local government that serves every community without discrimination.

Reaffirming his commitment to effective governance, the Chairman-Elect pledged to provide transparent, accountable and inclusive leadership focused on delivering sustainable development across all wards and communities in the council area.

He assured residents that his administration would remain accessible to the people while prioritising policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of citizens and accelerating development.

Calling for reconciliation after the election, Eribo urged political stakeholders and residents to put partisan differences behind them and work together in the interest of the local government.

“The election is over. It is now time for all of us to unite and build the Egor of our dreams. Together, we can usher in a new era of growth, peace and prosperity for our people,” he said.

Eribo concluded by thanking the electorate once again for the confidence reposed in him and promised to justify the mandate through dedicated service to the people of Egor Local Government Area.