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Showing posts from July, 2025

Governor Okpebholo Cannot be Threatened - Ohonbamu

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Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has no reason to fear any opposition of whatsoever, because  he is fulfilling his promises to the people. The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon Paul Ohonbamu stated this in response to an Editorial published by the Punch Newspaper on July 22, 2025 with the title, 'Okpebholo's reckless outburst endangers freedoms.' The Commissioner, noted that Governor Monday Okpebholo has made tremendous impacts  in delivering the dividends of democracy since assuming office eight months ago to Edo people contrary to the opinion of the Punch editorial. The Punch Newspaper claimed amongst others that, " if Okpebholo were truly delivering democratic dividends to his people, he would have no reason to fear an opposition leader's visit. Issuing public threats or creating bureaucratic hurdles for political opponents is the age old tactics of those who fear competition." The Commissioner stated that, "There is no pa...

Are Esan People Allergic to Brilliance? Part one By Rev Olu Martins

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  Every coach knows well enough to hit a challenge with his best team because you may never have another opportunity to make a first impression.  Whilst we are still explaining to people that we are better than what the man at the State head represents, there is another surreptitious agenda to impose another intellectually bankrupt individual on an otherwise intelligent race. Very soon, people may soon begin to ask us if it isn't the same Esan people that produced Chief Anthony Enahoro who moved the motion for Nigeria's independence at the tender age of 26 years.  Or whether it is not the same Esan people that produced the duo of Chief Tony Anenih and Chief Tom Ikimi who were simultaneously party chairmen of The National Republican Congress and the Social Democratic Party?  Is it not the same Esan people who produced Professor Ambrose Alli, a former governor who was easily judged the best governor so far in Edo State?  Time would fail me to mention the Egbadons,...

MONTHLY CLEAN-UP EXERCISE HAS COME TO STAY IN EBONYI By Maxwelll Okechukwu Abakaliki.

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Ebonyi State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Victor Chukwu, has commended the total compliance in the monthly clean-up exercise held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Ebonyi State. According to Hon. Chukwu, the compliance was impressive, with most businesses and individuals adhering to the instructions. "I've gone round the state, I've not seen any shop that is open, even the people that are outside and they are not working, most of them have been arrested and we charge them to court." Those who failed to comply were arrested and taken to court, where they would face penalties or other consequences.  The Commissioner emphasized the importance of keeping the environment clean, stating that it is for the benefit of individuals and the community as a whole.  "If you keep your environment clean, you are not doing it for any other person, it is for you." He also highlighted the potential health risks associated with poor environmental sanitation, noting that dise...

Joe Okojie Has Never been my choice for Edo Central Senatorial Election By Rev Olu Martins

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  In a typical Nigerian political ecosystem, sometimes being smart and intelligent can be somewhat of a disadvantage.  In a nation like ours where the people in power are usually less intelligent than the people who are not in power it seems strange to find someone who is not only sagacious but also has proven results to show for.  To be confident and independent may be the terror of those who hate excellence but it is strength for those who love challenges and want to grow.  Those who criticize Joe Okojie don't do it for lack of education competency and capacity, they do it because they perceive him as coming as "arrogant" simply because he knows his onions and doesn't pretend about what he knows or what he has achieved.  Joe is forceful, vocal and daring. He is the kind of General that leads an army to success. Joe is not afraid to stand for what he believes in even if he stands alone. Hate him or like him, you can't ignore him.  As we go into the Edo Cen...

Public Announcement TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN RE: Disclaimer against lyama Enahoro

 The inclusion of Dr. Eugene Enahoro's name in the list of signatories was an error. His name was mistakenly included among the Enahoro family members whose names are there and it should be disregarded as having any significance. The Okotako Enahoro Family Descendants Mary Home Group

FOI: Supreme Court Ruling Lauded by CSO's...Edo Govt Committed to Transparency Reforms

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  Civil Society Organizations, CSO's have commended the Supreme Court Ruling affirming that the freedom of Information, FOI Act applies to all tiers of government, just as the Edo State Government declares commitment to transparency and public accountability reforms. The Executive Director, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, Rev. David Ugolor said the land mark ruling by the Supreme Court on April 11, 2025 is not only timely, but transformative as it laid to rest all controversies regarding the applicability of FOI Act to subnational government and provided a renewed legal foundation upon which to test the applicability of the legislation in accessing information from public institutions and some category of private organizations. The ANEEJ Executive Director who was represented by the Deputy Executive Director of ANEEJ, Comrade Leo Atakpu during the Strategy meeting on the implementation of the FOI Act in Nigeria, held in Benin City, disclosed that since i...

National Assembly By-Election : Prince Joe Okojie Thanks the People as he Emerges PDP Candidate

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   Prince Joe Okojie has emerged as the candidate of the Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the August 16, 2025 National Assembly by-election for Edo Central Senatorial District. He emerged as the winner of the PDP Primary election, which was held in Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area (LGA) of the State on Monday, July 21, 2025. ‎Okojie clinched the ticket after scoring 84 votes ahead of his close rivals, Hon. John Yakubu, who secured 52 votes and Friday Itulah, who got 21 votes. 157 out of the 158 ward and national delegates took part in the primary election, with no void votes recorded. ‎Addressing journalists after the election, Okojie expressed appreciation to the delegates and other aspirants who took part in the election, noting that he will work with leaders and members of the party in ensuring the PDP emerges victorious in the forthcoming by-election. In a statement Prince Joe Okojie thanked the people for standing behind him- "...

Gov. Okpebholo Believes Government is for Governance, Not Looting--Ohonbamu

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Edo State Governor, Senator Monday  Okpebholo is on a mission to make people know that the government can be for governance and not for looting. The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon Paul Ohonbamu who disclosed this during an interview on Channels TV said the Governor is concerned about  bringing dividend of democracy to Edo people which previous administration refused to do.  Hon Paul Ohonbamu  said the Governor inherited a lot of maladies in the state that needs his full attention to resolve and he will not be distracted by derogatory statements against his government. According to him, "Governor Okpebholo inherited a state taken over by cultist, with series of kidnappings and killings and he has been fighting the criminality to make the state safe for everyone. " These vices gave credence to two legislations from the House of Assembly, the law against kidnapping and the one against cultism with stiffer penalties. "The fertile ground they were op...

Breach of Protocol: Governor Okpebholo's Advice to Peter Obi is for Safety of Edo People- Ohonbamu

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  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo advised the Former Anambra State Governor,  Peter Obi to follow due protocol for the interest and safety of the people of the state, including himself. This was disclosed by the Commissioner For Information and Communication, Hon Paul Ohonbamu during the Morning Brief interview on Channels television. The Commissioner said as the Chief Security officer charged with the responsibility to protect every citizen, Governor Okpebholo has the right to take decisions to protect the people by avoiding any incident that will incite violence in the state. "The Governor told Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential  candidate to follow the standard practice and protocol of informing the government when he is in the state. "Like any other responsible leader, Peter Obi was advised by the Governor to inform the government when he visits the state  because if anything happens and he becomes a victim, it is the state government that...

A FRESH BREATH OF POSITIVITY

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Rejoice! Dear people of Esanland. The unravelled schedule for the Edo central senatorial bye election gongs the victorious ovation with cheerleaders calling on the household name PRINCE JOE OKOJIE.  As we begin the countdown to a historic turn of event, wishes and prayers are offered in honour of the leading candidate for PRINCE JOE OKOJIE. Our hearts are united, will for common progressive course remains resolute. It is the best over the rest and leader of pack who bears the vision is committed to this assignment. An insignia of development and reformative policies  *NOMINATE AND SUPPORT PRINCE JOE OKOJIE FOR EDO CENTRAL SENATORIAL BYE-ELECTION✅*

APC Delta Central Senatorial District Executive Committee Reaffirms Commitment to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as Sole Candidate for 2027 Gubernatorial Elections

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  The Delta Central Senatorial District Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reaffirmed its total commitment to the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, declaring him as the sole candidate of the Party for the 2027 gubernatorial elections in Delta State. The decision was reached at a strategic meeting held in Sapele, Delta State on Wednesday the 16th of July, which was presided over by the State Vice Chairman and Chairman of Delta Central, Chief Paulinus Akpeki. The meeting had in attendance members of the State Executive Committee and local government chairmen of the Party from the senatorial district. Speaking with our correspondent at the end of the meeting, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, stated that Governor Oborevwori has performed creditably well since his assumption of office, describing his achievements within a short period as unprecedented and a testament to his commitment to good governance, infrastructural development, and inclusive leadership un...

New Media Direction To Foster synergy with Heads of MDAs and PROs in Edo

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  Edo State Government has unveiled a new media direction that will change the dynamics of information dissemination in the state through synergy by the Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs and  Public Relations Officers, PROs. The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon Paul Ohonbamu and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Fred Itua disclosed the new media direction during an interactive session with PROs attached to the MDAs in the state They enjoined the Heads of MDAs  to work closely with the PROs to drive the new media direction of the administration to foster Communication Strategy among Practitioners in service. Also present in the  meeting was the Managing Director, Edo Broadcasting Service, Mr.  Sulaiman Aledeh and Mr. Paul Ezenwa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Electronic media. To achieve the new media direction of the administration it was noted that, "with the change going on in the Civil Service by the Gove...

EBONYI STATE EXPERIENCED DEV UNDER DR SAM EGWU'S GOVERNMENT--DR OTU By Maxwell Okechukwu, Abakaliki

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Dr. John Otu, the  Former Commissioner OF Information and  State Orientation, Ebonyi State, during the Administration of Dr. Sam Omiyi Egwu the first civilian Governor of Ebonyi State shared his views and thoughts on the accessibility and opinions on both the past and present government.  As a key figure in the administration of Dr. Sam Egwu, the first governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Otu reflected on the challenges that faced  the state when it was newly created in 1996 According to him, when Dr. Sam Egwu took office as the first civilian Governor of the  State, he was faced with numerous challenges, including illiteracy and underdevelopment.  "The state was often referred to as the "Siberia of Nigeria," a metaphor for a place where rejects were kept. However, under Dr. Egwu's leadership, the state began to experience significant development, with a focus on human capital, infrastructure, and spiritual growth. Dr. Otu highlighted the importance of investing i...

Governor Okpebholo Has Leadership Capacity --Ohonbamu

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Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has demonstrated leadership capacity  that will enhance the living standards of Edo people. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon Paul Ohonbamu in a statement in Benin City. According to him, Governor Okpebholo will never allow himself to be misled by sycophants or noise makers, but will rather continue to take bold steps to give Edo people good living standards. "In the words of German philosopher, Peter Ducker, effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked, rather leadership is defined by results and goal oriented  Programmes which Governor Okpebholo has commenced in the state. "Edo people should be rest assured that the present administration is determined to surpass all previous administration in all ramifications of development. "The Governor believes that education is the bedrock of every society, hence the priority given to the massive rehabilitation of  dilapid...

PUBLIC NOTICE: DISCLAIMER AND WARNING RE: MR. IYAMA ENAHORO

This is to advise the general public, especially Purchasers, Prospective Purchasers, their Solicitors, Agents, Brokers, Developers, Land Speculators and any others by whatsoever name called, NOT to engage in any dealings whatsoever with Mr. Iyama Enahoro (son of late Kenneth Aigbokhaigbolo Enahoro, one of the grandsons of our late Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro, and one of several great-grandsons of late Chief Okotako Enahoro of blessed memory) ...who impersonates and parades himself as, the self-styled "Head of the Enahoro Family".... or any other persons acting for and/or on his behalf, with respect to the Sale, Transfer, Disposition, Lease,  Mortgage or howsoever described, of ALL THAT Large Expanse of Land lying at no.7 UBIAJA  ROAD (also referred to as no.26 UBIAJA Rd), popularly referred to as "Mary Home"  land(s)... bordered by Etiobhio Street, Uwalor Road and Ubiaja Road, Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, Edo State. Iyama Enahoro or any person/s...

Supreme Court Verdict is Victory for Edo People over bad governance--- Ohonbamu

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Edo State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon Paul Ohonbamu has described the ruling of the Supreme Court as Victory for Edo people from the shackles of bad governance The Commissioner who disclosed this in Benin City, shortly after the supreme court dismissed the Petition Challenging the Edo Governorship election, noted that with this outcome of the election as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC Edo people have now been vindicated that they voted for a visionary leader who has been destined to make Edo rise again. "Today,  Edo people celebrate a significant victory for our state from the hands of those who are more concerned about their personal interest, and watch the people suffer untold hardship. "We celebrate a significant victory as our elected Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo emerges triumphant from the Supreme Court to give selfless service to his people. " This milestone no doubt is a testament to the trust in the l...

Governor Monday Okpebholo Will not be distracted by Arm Chair Critics-Ohonbamu

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Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo will not be distracted from his commitment to building a New Edo by  Arm Chair critics of the government. The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon Paul Ohonbamu who disclosed this in Benin City, said the government will not be distracted by unnecessary criticisms by Arm Chair critics of the government. "In as much as we welcome constructive criticisms, the Senator Monday Okpebholo administration  should not be criticized for problems created by the past administration," Ohonbamu noted. According to the Commissioner who was responding to a social media post concerning  comments that the state government is responsible for the poor condition at the  Federal Government Girls College, venue of the primary six exams, the Governor will not be distracted by unnecessary criticisms. "The Governor has since swung in to action by renovating and constructing some designated schools across the state. " Any criticism of ...

Prof. Ngamen Kouassi And The Institute For Peace & Conflict Studies AT GVU By Igbotako Nowinta

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  When a high profile academician, a man of exceptional educational accomplishments; a colossus in his specialty carries himself moderately, easily and responsibly without bullying his subordinates or students, in spite of the fact that the cosmic forces have positioned him magnificently, then you know that there is no academic mountain he cannot climb. Therefore, when the Senate of the Glorious Vision University (GVU), Ogwa, Edo State, in its wisdom, approved the establishment of the Institute for Peace and and Conflict Studies, with Professor Cyrille Ngamen Kouassi, as the pioneer Director, on Thursday July 3rd, 2025, the ivory tower was simply putting a perfect round peg in a round hole.It is incontrovertible that Prof. Cyrille Ngamen Kouassi is a fountain of integrity and ability; a reservoir of knowledge and wisdom; a star in the pantheon of the most gifted; a blueprint for intellectual curiosity, ingenuity, innovations and development, who has demonstrated a voracious appetit...

PUBLIC NOTICE- DISCLAIMER AND WARNING RE: MR. IYAMA ENAHORO

This is to advise the general public, especially Purchasers, Prospective Purchasers, their Solicitors, Agents, Brokers, Developers, Land Speculators and any others by whatsoever name called, NOT to engage in any dealings whatsoever with Mr. Iyama Enahoro (son of late Kenneth Aigbokhaigbolo Enahoro, one of the grandsons of our late Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro, and one of several great-grandsons of late Chief Okotako Enahoro of blessed memory) ...who impersonates and parades himself as, the self-styled "Head of the Enahoro Family".... or any other persons acting for and/or on his behalf, with respect to the Sale, Transfer, Disposition, Lease,  Mortgage or howsoever described, of ALL THAT Large Expanse of Land lying at no.7 UBIAJA  ROAD (also referred to as no.26 UBIAJA Rd), popularly referred to as "Mary Home"  land(s)... bordered by Etiobhio Street, Uwalor Road and Ubiaja Road, Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, Edo State. Iyama Enahoro or any person/s...

Humanitarian : Orphans Pray for Kingdom International Ministries and FONWIP

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  BENIN CITY- Orphans from Tender Hearts Orphanage in Benin City have expressed appreciation and showered prayers to God to grant the desires of the Kingdom International Ministries, USA, Forum of Nigeria in Politics, FONWIP and others that have been assisting them. The Orphans who received food items, clothes and books from the Kingdom International Ministries and, FONWIP prayed that God should continue to bless those supporting them and that they should not run dry. The representative of Kingdom International Ministries, Pastor Vincent Ogbebor thanked God for the lives of the Orphans, noting that the Bible says that in everything we should give thanks. "The Kingdom International Ministries gave the Orphans two barrels of clothes and books. Unfortunately, one of the barrel of clothes was vandalized on the way from Lagos to Benin". The representative of FONWIP, Mrs. Adodo Joy disclosed that Overseer Veronica of the Kingdom International Ministries and all others she reached o...

Gov. Okpebholo Is Impacting lives Positively Across Edo State- Ohonbamu

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  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo is rewriting the narrative in the state with the positive impact on the lives of the people and on going renovations of schools across the state. The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon Paul Ohonbamu who disclosed this in a statement in Benin City said Edo people are now feeling the impact of governance as contractors are busy working across the local governments in the state. According to him, this new wave of positive change across the state will  improve the  learning environment of students who had to cope with the dilapidated buildings in the past.  "We have been getting feedback that the state has become a construction site and they  are proud of what they see. Due to this visible development, they now align themselves to the Project 'SHINE' agenda. "Even the youths are encouraged with the recently organized Edo Youth Impact Forum where several of the youths who excel in their  callings we...

Development: Why President BolaTinubu Must Be Supported in Edo-- Ohonbamu

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  Edo State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon Paul Ohonbamu has said that Edo People  have no other choice than to  overwhelmingly support President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for making available the resources required to develop the state. The Commissioner who disclosed this in a statement in Benin City, stated that Governor Monday Okpebholo has been able to commence the massive construction of projects across the state with the support of the President. According to the Commissioner, Governor Okpebholo has revealed that if the President is not behind the state, the development  going on today cannot be possible. " In the words of Governor Okpebholo during the South South All Progressives Congress,  APC Governors and leaders meeting hosted by the Governor in Benin City, this is the first President that is providing what is required for the development of the nation. "With President Tinubu at the helm of affairs, Edo State will continue to witness trem...
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Diphteria: Institute of Child Health Lauded for Championing Children Health Care

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Edo State Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Dr. Stephenson Ojeifo has commended the Institute of Child Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital,  UBTH for what they have been doing in the health space for children. The Director who made the commendation during the monthly seminar organized by the Institute of Child Health, at the UBTH in Benin City said the Department of Public Health will collaborate with the Institute to continue to be there for children. "We commend the Institute Director, Prof. Ayebo Sadoh for the effort she puts in managing children and treating them as her child. We appeal that you sustain and train others to take after you."  Dr. Ojeifo who was the Chairman of the seminar, titled, " Is the strangling Angel of Children Back? Said " we love our children, that is why mother's are encouraged to take them for Vaccination. According to him, " the immunity of the children is compromised. We love our children, that is why w...

2027: SOUTH SOUTH GOVS, APC LEADERS ENDORSE TINUBU

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The All Progressive Congress (APC) governors and leaders of the party in the South South have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office. The position of the South South governors and leaders of the ruling party was made known during APC's stakeholders interactive session held in Benin City, Edo State, on Saturday, June 28, 2025.  The event witnessed various prominent figures extolling the leadership qualities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and throwing their weight behind him to continue his Renewed Hope Agenda in 2027 to solidify his developmental strides and put the country on the path of continuous growth. Prominent speakers at the event included Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, representing Edo North senatorial district; Hon. Abubakar Momoh, the Minister for Regional Development; The Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Edet Otu, who spoke on behalf of the Progressive Governors' Forum. Also at the event was the former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipr...

Setting the Record Straight on the Edo State Graduate Development Programme (GDP) By A. O. Okungbowa, Esq

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  In light of recent misleading narratives circulating in the public domain regarding the Edo State Graduate Development Programme (GDP), it has become necessary to provide accurate information and set the records straight. Upon assuming office in November 2024, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, readily approved the continuation of the Edo State Graduate Development Programme without hesitation. The initiative was conceived to attract the brightest minds into the State's workforce and to strengthen governance and service delivery across Edo State by granting automatic employment to first-class graduates of Edo origin. This applies to those who studied both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, with a focus on graduates from the year 2020 to date. The expansion of the GDP is a visionary move by His Excellency to enhance long-term performance and foster the career growth and development of enrollees. This initiative is designed to ensure...

How Governor Okpebholo’s Political Orchestra Is Re-writing the South South Script and Reshaping 2027 Optics By Fred Itua

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  By any political standard, what played out at the inaugural Regional Meeting of the All Progressive Governors Forum in Benin City at the weekend, was not just a gathering of party chieftains; it was a powerful orchestration of political symbolism, deft leadership, and rising influence. When Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Governor of Edo State, hosted the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), he didn’t just roll out the red carpet, he rolled out a new narrative for Edo and positioned himself firmly on the national radar ahead of 2027. In a region long seen as politically fluid and fiercely competitive, the successful hosting of over 20 APC governors in Edo State was more than a show of logistics and hospitality; it was an emphatic declaration that Edo is no longer a peripheral player in national politics. Under Okpebholo’s rising profile, Edo State is fast becoming the South South engine room of the All Progressives Congress, and the optics are impossible to ignore. For the PGF, a fo...

As Election don come so, Na Hon. Joe okojie be the MAN wey we want

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  Make we gather and celebrate the election wey dey come. This election na very important election as na through this election Hon. Joe Okojie, the MAN wey we know go fit become senator for Edo Central Senatorial district. My people make we nor let this election pass us by, make we come together to support  and elect Hon. Joe Okojie make him change our story from bad to good.  As our people talk am say na MAN wey go change our story we go vote for, na Prince Joe Okojie be the MAN wey we see Esan North-East say Na Joe Okojie ✅ Esan South-East say Na Joe Okojie ✅ Esan West say Na Joe Okojie ✅ Esan Central say Na Joe Okojie ✅ Igueben say Na Prince Joe Okojie✅ My brothers and sisters, we don see say na Prince Joe Okojie go fit change our story, make we put hand together vote for Prince Joe Okojie make him change Esan land. ©Joe Okojie's Smart Media Team