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   The UK Executive Forum, themed "Edo SHINE 2026: Shining Beyond Borders", with the Executive Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo as the Special Guest of Honour represents far more than another diaspora engagement.  It signals a deliberate effort by the Edo State Governor to reposition the diaspora as a strategic partner in the state's economic transformation. As it were for decades, diaspora engagement in many Nigerian states has often revolved around goodwill visits, cultural celebrations and occasional investment appeals. While such engagements have helped sustain emotional ties with home, they have rarely produced structured partnerships capable of driving sustainable development.  For Governor Okpebholo, SHINE 2026 sought to change that narrative. It reflects an emerging governance philosophy that sees Edo professionals and entrepreneurs abroad not simply as ambassadors of the state, but as investors, innovators, mentors and collaborators whose expertise can acce...

Crime is complex and difficult most times to be resolved, criminals ready to carry out their nefarious and clandestine activities unchecked because the State lacks the capabilities to check their activities due to lack of technology. Several criminal elements go unchecked and their activities have gradually become a normal way of life as they allegedly make money from their evil acts, live large in the society, their activities has influenced the youths negatively as they emulate their lifestyle.  Nigerians especially the younger generation now gradually see crime and criminality as a way of life and the route out of poverty as criminals go most times unchallenged by the system, hence a rise in crime.  Kidnapping, banditotry, terrorism, robbery became the order of the day as successive administration fought to curtail criminal elements across the Country and the fight is yielding positive results as the scourge is being depleted and our dignity gradually being restored as Nige...

Edo State Government (EDSG) prompt intervention to the Idogbo bypass bridge have led to the commence of repair work by the logistics Company whose truck caused the damage. Leading a team of engineers to the site to inspect the repair work, Special Adviser on Projects Implementation and Monitoring Phoebe Williams-Bello said governor Monday Okpebholo is determined to protect both Federal and State government properties in the State, hence his intervention leading to the quick repair of the damaged portion of the road. She thanked the governor for his quick intervention given the necessary directive which brought the concerned government agencies to inspect the damage portion two days ago. "We saw the damage caused. They have signed an agreement to fix the road and the road is being reinstated back to how it was to enable vehicular movement. "It's raining now and work is ongoing and we are proud of the response by various agencies concerned. The governor is determined to pro...

Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has charged staff of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) to embrace innovation, digital transformation and strategic thinking as key drivers of sustainable revenue generation and institutional excellence. Okpebholo gave the charge on Wednesday in Benin at a one-day workshop organised to advance his administration's SHINE Agenda. The workshop, themed "EDOGIS Revenue Increase: Thinking Outside the Box – A Strategic Framework for Sustainable Revenue Growth, Digital Transformation and Institutional Excellence," brought together heads of departments, heads of units and other key officers of the agency to explore practical strategies for improving the state's internally generated revenue. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Yakubu Musa, the governor said his administration remained committed to repositioning government institutions to become more efficient, transparent and productive. He noted that EDOGIS plays a critical rol...

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has congratulated  Archbishop Margaret Idahosa on the occasion of her 83rd birthday, and described her as a symbol of unwavering faith, selfless service and enduring spiritual leadership whose contributions have transformed lives and strengthened society. In a goodwill message,to the Matriarch of the Church of God Mission International, Governor Monday Okpebholo said he joins the Benson Idahosa family, the Christian community, and well-wishers across Nigeria in celebrating the milestone. The governor praised Archbishop Idahosa's decades of commitment to the Christian faith, saying her ministry has inspired generations through steadfast leadership, compassion, and dedication to advancing the Gospel. He said the renowned cleric's influence extends beyond the pulpit, citing her sustenance of her husband's vision and contributions to education, humanitarian service, peace-building, and community development. According to the governor...

There is no doubt, 2027 will definitely change the course of history of Nigeria and the major characters in this plot are President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State. As every day draws  closer to the Presidential election in January 2027, Nigerians are realizing that they are the solution to their problems by identifying and voting for leaders who can re-write the history of Nigeria politics It is very obvious that most Nigeria problems are self created and people are waking up to the fact that their destiny is in their hands. In the coming election, performance and achievements of the candidate on the ballot would be rewarded by  eligible voters that will cast their votes on that day It will be a decisive year in the history of this country when voters  will vote for  a candidate that has done very well and not based on rhetoric or propaganda. As we all know, every journey starts with a  first small step and as...

The Founder and President, Forum of Nigerian Women in Politics (FONWIP)  Hon. Amb. Deaconess Florence Gbinigie, JP, PhD has called for the Protection and Justice for survivors of traffickers in persons The Former Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development made the call in a statement  issued in Benin City to commemorate the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on the 30th of July, 2026  "Today, as we mark the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, I join the global community, and especially the women of Nigeria to raise our voices against a crime that continues to rob our people of dignity, freedom, and hope. "This year’s United Nations theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam”, brings urgent attention to a rapidly expanding form of trafficking where organized criminal networks deceive young men and women with fake job offers abroad, only to force them into industrial-scale online fraud, romance scams, and cyber crime. Victims are held in ille...

  The Dean/Provost, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, UNIBEN, Prof Wilson Sadoh has commended the pioneer Director of the Institute of Child Health, University of Benin, Prof Charles Eregie for a successful career in Medical science  Prof Sadoh made the commendation during the Egress Seminar held by the ICH in honour of Prof. Eregie who turned 70 years He said Prof. Eregie was a problem solver who saved the ICH from going extinct, adding that, he made the Institute survive  because of his doggedness and principles. " Prof. Eregie has spent 31 years in the Institute and he has finished his duty tour, but his services would be needed to enable the system  continue to benefit from him" he noted. Prof. Wilson Sadoh who was the Chairman of the occasion, thanked Prof. Eregie for advancing knowledge and training students on behalf of the department of medical science  While delivering the Egress lecture titled, " The Inaugural Deluge of Questions," Prof...

  The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), ⁠Warri Correspondents' Chapel extends its warmest felicitation to it's immediate past Chairman, Mr. Victor Okpomor, as he celebrates his birthday. In a statement, jointly issued by the chapel's Chairman and Secretary, Okakuro Akpokona Omafuaire and Edeki Igafe respectively, the body  expressed profound gratitude to the Almighty God for granting Mr Okpomor  another fulfilled year. The chapel, while reflecting on the strong bond of the media community in Delta State, wished the celebrator a new age of excellent health, peace, continuous societal impact and an age filled with sweet memories. The chapel described the immediate past Chairman as a visionary leader, an astute professional, and a steadfast pillar in the Fourth Estate of the Realm. The pen pushers further described the celebrator as a bridge-builder, an institutional reformer and a visionary leader whose administrative blueprint continues to resonate and guide the chapel t...

The Mother of Hon Paul Ohonbamu, Edo State Commissioner for Local government and Chieftaincy affairs, Late Mrs Victoria Ohonbamu, nee Isikpojie will be laid to rest this weekend. According to a statement by the family, "Mama was more than a mother. She was a teacher of values, a woman of faith, and a custodian of discipline.  "She raised her children with the fear of God and the spirit of service to humanity. It is therefore no surprise that one of her sons, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, a former Deputy Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly has dedicated his life to public service While describing Mama as a humble woman, the family noted that, "We saw humility,  we saw prayer, we saw a community mother who opened her home to all in her. "Though she is gone, her lessons live on in the children she nurtured and the lives she touched  "As she is finally laid to rest we pray that the Almighty God will grant her eternal rest. We also pray that God will grant the family  the st...

                                         The Edo State Special Security Squad  codenamed "Operation flush out Kidnappers and Cultists" have recorded yet another success as personnel of the squad and other sister security agencies raided a hideout at Egbaen Community in Ovia North East local government area of Edo State arresting four suspected Cultists. Principal Security Officer (PSO) Saturday Okoh leading other security agencies stormed the hideout at about 6am to apprehend the suspects and dangerous weapons were recovered from them linking them to cult related activities. The weapon found with the suspects includes four locally made pistols, cut to size gun, one baretal pistol and one matchet despite finding the evidence in their hideout they all denied ownership but confessed to be members of Aiye Confraternity. Speaking to journalists, the coordinator of the squad Noah Idem...

  Edo State government  has ordered immediate temporary repairs to a section of the Benin Bypass after haulage equipment belonging to Build Well Nigeria Limited damaged the road, disrupting traffic on the federal highway. This was disclosed by the Special Adviser on Project Implementation and Monitoring to Governor Okpebholo, Phoebe Williams-Bello, who gave the assurance on Monday after inspecting the damaged section at Idogbo on the Benin Bypass. She said the company  accepted responsibility for the damage and signed an undertaking to carry out palliative repairs on a 150-metre stretch of the affected road. Williams-Bello said the state government would meet with relevant agencies to ensure the repairs comply with required engineering standards. "Following our inspection, the company responsible has accepted liability and signed an undertaking to carry out palliative repairs on about 150 metres of the damaged road. We will also meet with all relevant stakeholders to ensu...

Edo State Commissioner for Security and Public Safety Festus Ebea on Monday urged 497 newly recruited forest guards to use their knowledge of local communities to deny criminals hiding places and strengthen efforts to tackle insecurity across the state. Speaking at the passing-out parade for the recruits at the Nigerian Police Training School in Ogida Barracks, Benin City, Ebea said the guards would serve as first responders and community protectors in their respective local government areas. "You are indigenous to your respective local government areas and possess the ultimate tactical advantage of terrain familiarity and community trust," he said. "You are the shield that will deny these criminals a place to hide. You are tasked with holding ground, gathering actionable intelligence and flushing out criminality ruthlessly." Ebea said the recruits had completed two months of training and would be deployed to support the fight against kidnapping and other violent cr...

  It is not uncommon every year for all and sundry to carry out governance rankings,  generate headlines, shape public opinion, and create ammunition in political debates. The Phillips Consulting 2026 State Performance Momentum Index is the latest example. While it has attracted widespread attention, its assessment of Edo State has been misconstrued and very dangerously, too. Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo assumed office on November 12, 2024. By the time Phillips Consulting compiled its Momentum Index, his administration had been in office for barely seven months. That is hardly enough time for any government to reverse inherited challenges, execute major projects, and produce measurable outcomes across critical sectors. This is the first sign that it was not about the present government in Benin City. Of truth, governance is a process and not necessarily an event. Budgets must be passed, contracts awarded, projects mobilised, and policies implemented before citi...

   Politics is inevitable just as facts are indispensable. However when the two collide, responsible citizens know that facts own the day. And also generally for politics in our climes, it has become the reality for perception to be manufactured long before facts are examined. This is the new norm for those who want to malign Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo over his recent diaspora engagements and security policies. A baggage of weird allegations has been presented as truth, whereas a closer look reveals a different story. Let's take the governor's recent Glasgow engagement. It was actually the Edo State Global Investment Summit held in Glasgow, and brought together investors, development partners and members of the Edo diaspora to discuss ideas, perspectives, investment opportunities and strategies for economic growth. As scheduled, it generated discussions on partnerships and investment, and was so reported. How it's critics woke up a conclusion that the summ...

  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has charged 497 newly trained forest guards to secure ungoverned forest areas and strengthen the state's security architecture. The governor gave the charge during the passing-out parade and induction ceremony for the recruits at the Police Training School, Ogida Barracks, Benin City. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Musa Yakubu, Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration's commitment to improving security and ensuring residents live in a peaceful and safe environment. Congratulating the recruits on completing the rigorous training programme, the governor urged them to uphold discipline, professionalism and integrity as they begin active duty across forest communities in the state. He described the Forest Guard initiative as a key part of his administration's security strategy to reclaim forests from criminal groups, curb illegal activities and improve public safety. "The training you have undergone is only the beginning of...

  Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has commended the resilience and sacrifices of healthcare workers across the State, describing it as a critical partner in his  administration's drive in building a healthier and more prosperous State. Governor Okpebholo congratulated the management, staff and partners for its dedication, professionalism and sustained excellence in healthcare delivery services in the past 7 years. The Governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa reaffirms his administration's commitment to healthcare services delivery noting that it's  committed to strengthening the health sector by supporting Institutions that continue to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare for residents across the state. He commended the hospital for its unwavering commitment to quality service, adding that the Institution has continued to distinguish itself through excellence in patient care, innovation and professionalism....

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Edo Healthcare Regulation and Monitoring Agency (EDOHERMA) Dr. Adesuwa Urhoghide-Edigin has disclosed that building strategic partnerships with private school proprietors is a vital step toward safeguarding the state's future. Dr Urhoghide-Edigin who spoke while delivering her address at a two-day stakeholder engagement organised for private school proprietors and stakeholders in the education ecosystem. The event was held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) in Benin City and jointly organized by EDOHERMA and the Directorate of Education Quality and Accountability (DEQA) Ministry of Education is to provide a critical platform to address school security, child safety, conflict management, financial planning, regulatory compliance, and environmental hygiene across educational facilities. EDOHERMA boss said the partnership has become necessary because schools host the largest concentration of children anywhere in the world, en...

Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has been recognized with a national award of excellence for his contribution and outstanding commitment to promoting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Edo State. The award which was presented to him by the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) at a national summit on Technical and Vocational Education, further affirming the state’s efforts to equip young people with practical skills for economic growth and self-reliance. Receiving the award, Governor Monday Okpebholo who was represented by his Chief of Staff Hon. Yakubu Musa said the recognition reflects the deliberate investments being made by the Okpebholo led administration in education, skills acquisition, and youth development.  The governor described the honour as one that belongs to the people of Edo State, especially the youth and women, whose growth and empowerment remain at the centre of his administration’s development agenda. He noted that...

The Edo State Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Mr. Nosa Adams  has urged media practitioners to uphold credibility, balance, and objectivity in their reportage. Mr. Adams gave the advice during a courtesy visit by members of the Edo Online Media Practitioners  to his office in Benin City.  He noted that for the media to genuinely earn public trust and confidence, it must verify facts and present balanced stories, especially in the age of social media. Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Edith Ebomoyi, the Commissioner urged the delegation to take a leading role in efforts to purify social media, eliminating fake news and other harmful influences. Mrs Ebomoyi emphasised that the fight against misinformation cannot be won in isolation; collaboration with other media associations is essential.  She expressed serious concerns about the current state of journalism, pointing out that with easy access to modern phone technology, anyon...

  From left- Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Eddie Osayi, The Coordinator,  office of the First Lady,  Mrs. Edesili Anani Okpebholo, represented by Mrs. Amen Ajayi, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty, Barr. Bisi Idaomi who represented the Commissioner for Health, the Oliha of Benin, Pharm. Omoyemwen Aigbe Lebarty and Dr. Nosa Aigbe Lebarty during the Commissioning of Lebarty Medi-Care Hospital in Benin City Nigerians have been urged to take advantage of the state-of-the-art medical facilities and advanced diagnostic equipment at the newly inaugurated Lebarty Medi-Care Hospital, Aruogba, Benin City, to improve their health outcomes and enhance access to quality healthcare services. The call was made by the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, who was represented by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Barr. Bisi Idaomi, during the grand commissioning of the ultra-modern healthcare facility. The colour...

1. Introduction  From Colonial Liberation to Regional Autonomy Seventy-three years ago, a young man of twenty-nine stood on the floor of the Federal House of Representatives. His name was Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro. On that historic day in 1953, he shook the foundations of empires by moving the first motion for Nigeria’s self-government. Enahoro was not just a politician; he was a visionary. At age twenty-one, he was editing radical newspapers. By his late twenties, he was challenging the gender gaps of his era, demanding and securing seats for women in governance. He understood that a nation built on exclusion and forced unity cannot stand. When Enahoro cried out, 'Let my people go,' he was directing his fury at Imperial Britain. But history has a way of echoing. Today, in 2026, that same cry is no longer an international demand across the Atlantic. It has become an internal mandate aimed directly at our centralized capital, Abuja." 2. The Structural Crisis The Myth ...