Ovisnews.com

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has congratulated His Eminence, Anthony Olubunmi Cardinal Okogie, on his 59th anniversary in the Catholic priesthood, describing him as one of the country’s most respected moral voices and an enduring symbol of courage, humility, and principled leadership. The Governor said Cardinal Okogie’s long service to the Church and the nation stands out as a shining example of what true devotion looks like. He noted that from his early years as a young priest to his time as Archbishop of Lagos and later as Cardinal, Okogie has consistently shown rare boldness in speaking truth, compassion toward the vulnerable, and a deep commitment to justice and human dignity. Governor Okpebholo highlighted the Cardinal’s Edo roots, calling him “one of Uromi’s finest and a national treasure whose clarity of thought and balanced disposition have shaped public discourse for decades.” He added that the Cardinal has always found a way to pass difficult messages with ma...

  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Thursday led a formidable contingent of All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders to Ugo, in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, where hundreds of new supporters were received into the party in a show of renewed strength, unity, and strategic mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections. The rally, described by party chieftains as one of the largest political gatherings in the district in recent years, consolidates APC’s soaring influence across Edo South while amplifying the state’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and future political direction. Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Governor Okpebholo delivered a firm message on the party’s resolve. “Asiwaju is coming back. Is this not something that has been settled in Edo State; that Asiwaju is coming back?”  We make this declaration because of the progress we have made in advancing the welfare, security and infrastructural development we are giving our...

Since taking office in November 2024, Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has made the security of lives and property a central pillar of his administration. With a series of bold and strategic moves, the governor has signaled that Edo is a state where criminality will not go unchecked. Recent operations and reforms indicate that his promise of a safer Edo is steadily becoming a reality. One of the most visible actions under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership is the crackdown, last week , on cultism and criminal hideouts. In Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, the government recently demolished buildings linked to violent cult activities. The demolition followed a raid by the State’s Special Security Squad on 17 November 2025, conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies. Thirty-one suspects were arrested during the operation, while leaders of the notorious Black Axe and Eiye confraternities were given a seven-day ultimatum to surrender. ...

Nigerians have been Urged To Preach Peace and Be the Light of the World, just as Over 300 families have been empowered with foodstuffs by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Edo State The Presiding President, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Sampson Eguavoen admonished Nigerians to preach peace and love to each other  during the launching of the Light the World activities and presentation of Food stuffs to over 300 families in Edo state. While demonstrating the presentation of the food stuffs to the beneficiaries, President Eguavoen disclosed that the Iguovbiahiamwen and Okuo Communities in Uhunwonde local government area are the first communities  benefiting such food gesture which includes bag of rice, beans, palm oil, groundnut oil, indomi noodles, salt, sugar, tomatoes and other cooking ingredients and a live chicken.  The Ihogbe Stake President, Igbinidu Iyobosa Philip also noted that the light the world is a program started long ago by...

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to securing the lives and property of citizens. He made this known in Benin City while receiving the new Commander of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, General Ahmed Olatunboju Balogun, on a courtesy visit to the Government House. Governor Okpebholo assured the Nigerian Army of the state government’s full cooperation and continuous support in the fight against insecurity and other crimes. The Governor said, "Let me welcome you to Edo. In truth, we had a very good relationship with the outgoing commander, and I believe we will continue from where he stopped. The security and protection of the people and properties of Edo State are very important to us. I want you to know that we are going to work with you wholeheartedly to ensure Edo remains secure.” The governor also encouraged the new commander to communicate any operational challenges requiring the state’s intervention. He said, ...

  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the appointment of a visually-challenged lawyer, Ms. Kindness Ikponwonsa Idahosa, as a Law Officer in the Ministry of Justice — a move that underscores his administration’s commitment to inclusion, equal opportunity and genuine empowerment of persons with disabilities. Governor Okpebholo said the appointment is a clear message that disability does not diminish potential, noting that “there is always ability in every disability.” He added that the state is intentional about creating pathways for talented and hardworking citizens, regardless of their physical limitations. Ms. Idahosa’s journey reflects resilience and an uncommon triumph over adversity. Diagnosed with Hereditary Sensory Neuropathy, a debilitating spinal condition, she was forced to drop out of school in JSS 3 and remained at home for thirteen years. Her life took a new turn when the Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities intervened, ...

   Join us for a spectacular celebration of culture, heritage, and creativity at the Edo State Carnival 2025, themed "Illuminating Heritage, Celebrating Today". This seven-day extravaganza promises to be an unforgettable experience, showcasing the rich traditions and contemporary expressions of the Edo people. The Edo State Carnival 2025 is a platform for cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and artistic innovation. It brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate the state's vibrant heritage, music, and artistry. The carnival features  - Heritage Carnival: A colorful procession of masquerades, traditional wrestling, musical dramas, and age-grade dance performances - Cultural Fiesta and Food Festival: A grand celebration of Edo and Nigerian cuisine, cooking competitions, and palm wine tastings - Dream alive Talent Quest: A platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents and perform at the grand finale - Shine Beer Barn and Christmas Grotto: A ...

Abuja, Nigeria- At a charged gathering in Abuja  young Nigerians were handed a bold challenge: disrupt corruption, rewrite the nation’s future, and refuse to accept business as usual. This call came powerfully from Rev. David Ugolor, Executive Director of the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), as he opened the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day Public Dialogue at Rockview Hotel, (Royale), Abuja, Wuse II. Ugolor told the audience—dominated by energetic young people—that Nigeria’s destiny will be shaped by their courage, values, and willingness to ask hard questions. “The future integrity of this nation rests on your shoulders,” he declared. “Challenge the status quo. Demand accountability. Bring fresh ideas. The dialogue today belongs to you.” He stressed that understanding the drivers of corruption and illicit financial flows is no longer optional for the youth: “Meaningful action begins with knowledge.” Taking a broader view, Ugolor noted that this ye...

The Edo State House of Assembly Special ad-hoc committee, constituted by Rt.Hon.Blessing Agbebaku to inspect all ongoing projects in the state by the Governor, Sen.Monday Okpebholo, has commended the Governor for  judiciously deploying  monies appropriated and approved by the House into the execution of all ongoing projects across the state.  Rt.Hon.Agbebaku made this known  when he led a special ad-hoc committee on an oversight function to inspect Governor’s Okpebholo ongoing projects in the state. The special ad-hoc committee at the ongoing construction of Ramat Park flyover bridge in Benin City, inspected the work  and all other  projects currently being executed across the state by the Governor . Addressing journalists shortly after the inspection of the Ramat Park flyover, the Speaker said the pace of work executed was encouraging, adding that its completion by July 2025 will certainly ease vehicular movement of goods and services around the Ramat Park...

  The newly elected Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) , Edo State Council,  Mrs Habiba Sam  has promised an all inclusive and progressive administration  during her tenure. elected and inaugurated a new leadership led by Akwa Ibom State Correspondent,  as Chairperson. She disclosed this during the inauguration ceremony of the new leadership of NAWOJ which was held at the conference hall of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Press Center in Benin City According to the NAWOJ Chairperson, the administration will  run an all inclusive and progressive administration, as well as bring all members of the association together to drive collective growth of members. “I pledge to strengthen this bond, promoting harmony and collaboration amongst members,"  she noted While commending the contribution of the out going Executive, she promised to build on the existing legacies and surmount their achievements. The State Chairman of NUJ,...

Crusoe Osagie has returned to seek public attention and has armed himself with his favourite medical condition which is selective amnesia. Don’t forget that this is a strange illness that deletes the eight-year wreckage he helped supervise but leaves him with bionic eyesight whenever he needs to manufacture outrage against Governor Monday Okpebholo. Crusoe has written again. He has written another emotional buffet garnished with tribal pepper, served hot from the kitchen of political nostalgia. This time, he attempts to turn routine governance into an ethnic civil war, painting Senator Monday Okpebholo as an enemy of “Benin-speaking Edo South,”. Here is the title of his jejune: “Okpebholo's Attack on Benin-Speaking Edo South Leaves Economic Carcasses on His Trail”.  For a man whose political career was built on spinning fairy tales for a former governor, Crusoe seems unable to adjust to the new Edo where facts, not fiction, now drive public discourse. So, he returns to his comfort ...

Na wah oh! I just finished reading my friend, Robinson Crusoe Osagie’s latest passage- for want of better label. The trash is less a defense of Edo South and more an unprovoked howl from the retarded guard of the Failed Godwin Obaseki communication machinery. Edo people cannot forget in a hurry how this machinery spent eight years polishing failure into propaganda while our people groaned under the weight of deception. His vague attempt to paint Governor Monday Okpebholo as some anti-Benin demolition squad collapses under the faintest scrutiny because the facts do not align with his badly-packaged outrage. Since when did Crusoe or his failed boss, Obaseki start claiming Benin or Edo South as origin? The Pastor in Crusoe forgot the most important aspect of his boss wasted years : the investments he paints as Edo’s lifelines were, in reality, Obaseki-era pipelines to funnel State funds into the pockets of his friends, frontmen and favoured foreign consultants. Edo people know this. Civil...

  As Nations celebrate International Anti-corruption Day December 9, 2025  the United Nations Human Rights Committee has been urged to implement its recommendations on human rights violations and to address the prevailing poverty and lack of job opportunities for youths in Nigeria. The Executive Director of Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice,  ANEEJ, Rev David Ugolor who made this observation during a special zoom webinar on the United Nations Human Rights Committee: Dissemination of the Priority Recommendations addressed to the state of Nigeria said because of poverty young people are being used to engage in  violence in the country. "Our youths are easily recruited due to poverty and lack of jobs, thereby making conflict a source of income. "They have become conflict entrepreneurs due to the lack of jobs, no job opportunities and the youths see this as the only way to survive. "Efforts must be made to open up the space for young people to be engage...

  Governor Monday Okpebholo has sincerely delivered positive service to Edo people to the consternation of many who had underrated him during the elections. His quiet approach, driven by humility and accountability has continued to elicit a lot of interest from Edo people, who readily see a Governor that is not carried away by the paraphernalia of office, displaying a down-to-earth approach as he fulfills one promise after another.  The discussion around Edo presently is no longer about whether Governor Monday Okpebholo is performing, but about where he's getting money to carry out the humongous constructions that are presently ongoing in the state.  From Edo South through Edo Central to Edo North, Edo state has become a huge construction site with several projects in the area of roads infrastructure, Primary Health Care centers, Schools renovation and reconstruction projects, water reticulation, security and agricultural interventions.  The Governor's intervention i...

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the full implementation of the disability laws in a bid to ensuring that persons living with disabilities receive the necessary support and protection from the government. The governor, who reiterated the commitment pledge at an event held in Benin City, the state capital, to mark the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPD 2025), emphasized the importance of promoting inclusion across all sectors of the economy. In demonstration of the administration’s dedication to improving the welfare of persons with disabilities, Governor Okpebholo had earlier inaugurated the Edo State Commission for Persons with Disabilities (EDSCPD) on March 26, 2025, a proactive step to strengthen advocacy and address the needs of vulnerable groups in the state. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Musa Ikilor, the governor assured that the Commission would be empowered to e...

The Edo State Government has begun demolishing properties allegedly linked to cult activities in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, as part of intensified efforts to curb kidnapping, cultism and other criminal acts across the state. The action followed a major security raid on 17 November 2025 by the State’s Special Security Squad, conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies. During that operation, 31 suspects were arrested at various hideouts, while leaders of the Black Axe and Eiye confraternities—accused of orchestrating the violent clash in Uromi on 16 November—were given a seven-day ultimatum to surrender. With the ultimatum expired and no compliance from the wanted cult leaders, the government moved to pull down buildings where officials said incriminating evidence had been uncovered. Authorities described the demolition as a clear signal of the administration’s resolve to stamp out criminality. The operation was led by the Principal S...

The management of Pakville Private School in Benin City has commended the Forum of Nigeria Women in Politics, FONWIP and Foundation builders for their advocacy against violence against children, especially the girl child. The commendation was made by the Principal of Pakville Private School Mrs. Funke Aiyamekhue during the interactive session held by FONWIP and Foundation Builders with  students of the school to mark 16 Days of Activism on Gender Based Violence and International day for the elimination of violence against women and the girl child. The principal thanked the President of FONWIP,  Hon. Amb D'ness Florence Gbinigie who provided entertainment during the lectures, Foundation Builders and other non government, organizations, NGOs for fighting for the rights of children, women and girl child. Speaking on the effects of Bullying, Comrade Onome Otueroro said many school children are going through bullying in silence and this is not acceptable. According to him, the 16 D...

  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has presented cheques to 47 families of deceased Edo State workers and awarded educational scholarships to one member from each of the families.  The event, held at the Government House, Benin City, marked the latest milestone in the State’s implementation of the Group Life Insurance Scheme in partnership with Tangerine Life Insurance. Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Okpebholo said the initiative was driven by humanity and a responsibility to support families who lost their loved ones in active service. The Governor said: “It is not just about insurance. It is about goodness. The important thing is that you receive your entitlements because of the painful loss you have suffered. Today, we are supporting you further by giving scholarships to one member of each family. This is our way of ensuring you are not left behind.” He commended Tangerine Life Insurance for their efficiency and partnership, which has enabled Edo State to be...

The Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Youth Mobilization, Hon. Collins Aigbogun has warmly congratulated Hon. Sylvester Aigboboh, the Edo state  deputy chairman of the All Progressive Congress on his well-deserved emergence as the Edo State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Agenda 2027 for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The inaugural ceremony which took place at the Federal capital territory was an assembly of political titans across the states of the federation to chart progress plans for the continuity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Hon. Collins stated that his appointment is a clear recognition of your steadfast loyalty to the progressive ideals of the great party and exceptional capacity for leadership, coordination and grassroots mobilization. In his words, “your elevation to this crucial role affirms the confidence reposed in your ability to galvanize stakeholders, strengthen party structures, and drive the cohesive vision required to advance the Renewed Hope mandate in ou...