By Fred Itua Governor Monday Okpebholo has taken a firm and uncompromising stance against the menace of cultism with the passage and signing into law of the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025. This bold step, championed by His Excellency, Monday Okpebholo, demonstrates the Government’s commitment to restoring peace, security, and order in Edo State. For too long, cultism has held our communities hostage. Once confined to academic institutions, cult-related activities have escalated into a dangerous social problem, threatening lives, disrupting businesses, and undermining the progress of Edo State.  The Edo State Government, having studied the devastating impact of cult-related violence, has taken the necessary and urgent step of enacting a law that imposes stiffer penalties on all those who participate in, sponsor, or facilitate cult activities. This new law provides for 21 years imprisonment for individuals who financially or materially sponsor cultism; 10 ...

By Prof. Matthew Izibli  'Isoken' in Esan language means contentment.  The Economists posited that human wants are insatiable. The understanding of the above is not an imported idea from the Occidental world to African world view. It is an existential truth that all humans ought to take to heart.  No one has it all,  here lies the ethics of 'complimentarity'. The society in which we live has undergone astonishing changes in recent decades.  Everyone,  it seems, lives his or her life at a break neck pace;  constantly rushing here and there to get everything done even when such activities does not give glory to God. Technological advances that once promised more leisure time now seem only to push us further behind making it ever difficult to catch up. So,  we frantically scramble. This scenario aptly describes the "crowdy" nature of our society today. And it tends to swallow up the unsuspecting victims.  What is 'Isoken' and why is it a Virtue?...

By Isaac Eranga, Journalists for Peace Network  Dr Tom Aneni- Executive Director, SEDI   The Sustainable Environment Development Initiative (SEDI), a registered nongovernmental organisation in Nigeria has initiated a campaign for the reuse of waste materials. According to SEDI, sustainable living involves imbibing the concept of "reuse" and as a way of life and turning items considered as waste into a useful resource.  This was revealed by the Executive Director of SEDI- Dr. Tom Aneni while answering questions from Social Reporters News Service. Tom Aneni said "current disposal methods threaten our health, safety, and environment, and pose additional indirect costs to society. Most industrial, commercial, and household waste is now being placed in dumpsites or landfills. Waste treated in this manner may contaminate groundwater, rivers, and streams.  "When waste is burned, it releases hazardous gases into the air and leaves toxic residues in the form of ash. These ha...

... expressed fear of being used as a third-degree and unprofessional policing of citizen’s human rights in Nigeria By Isaac Eranga, Journalists for Peace Network   A human rights group has issued a warning to the Nigeria Police Force to suspend its planned enforcement of vehicle insurance policy slated to take effect from February 1, 2025. COMPART Foundation for Justice and Peace building issued the warning during a press conference in Uyo recently in a letter dated January 20, 2025 and addressed to the Inspector General of Police, the group expressed the fear that the exercise may be used by the police as an avenue for third-degree and unprofessional policing of citizen’s human rights in Nigeria. The letter, signed by the executive director of the group, Saviour Akpan Esq. also added that the police, in carrying out this duty which the law does not assign to them but to other government agencies, would amount to dubbing into the duties which belong to others, thus violating the r...

,,, call for more commitment to quality education  As the world mark the 2025 International Day of Education, the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has called for the celebration of the transformative power of education.  According to the education board, "education is the cornerstone of human progress, a beacon of hope that illuminates minds and empowers individuals". This was contained in a press statement signed by the Executive Chairman of Edo SUBEB - Mrs Onomen Goodness Briggs.  "This year's, focus is on “AI and Education: preserving Agency in a World of Automotive”. "Education transcends borders, cultures, and backgrounds. It equips us with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities to navigate an ever-changing world. It fosters empathy, understanding, and a lifelong love of learning. "In Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo is working with critical stakeholders to ensure that curriculums of public schools conform with mode...

The Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has described as shocking the death of former Military Administrator of defunct Bendel State, Jeremiah Useni.  This was contained in a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor- Mr Fred Itua. According to the release, "the demise of the former military administrator of the defunct Bendel State, General Jeremiah Useni (rtd), is a big loss to the people and Government of Edo State.  "The late Army General served Bendel State (now Edo and Delta States) with distinction and dedication, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless citizens. "General Useni was a true statesman who championed education reforms, oversaw the development of crucial infrastructure, and was a tireless advocate for justice. "He will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to public service, his kind spirit, optimism, and his  dedication to the people of Bendel State (now Edo and Delta States). "During ...

By Isaac Eranga  The remains of Deaconess (Mrs.) Irene Akhigbe, the late wife of an Edo-based journalist, Comrade Titus Akhigbe will be committed to mother earth in Benin City, on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Late Mrs. Irene Akhigbe, went to be with her maker during the early hours of January 2, 2025. She was aged 45. According to the family’s announcement, the late Mrs. Akhigbe will be committed to mother earth on Saturday, 18th January, 2025 at her residence situated near KB Estate, off Covenant Road, Upper Mission Extension axis of Benin City. The burial will be preceded by a service of songs on Friday, January 17, 2025 while a thanksgiving service in her honour will take place on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at the Mountain of Horeb International Ministry located in Benin City. Comrade Titus Akhigbe is an award winning senior Nigerian journalist who has held several positions in the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council. May the gentle and peaceful soul of Deaconess (Mrs)...

Mayaki John  The President of the Nigeria-Agro Cooperative Society (NACS), Mr. John Mayaki, has urged Nigerians to persistently pray for the President of the country, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governor of Edo state, Senator Monday Okpebholo among other leaders, asking for divine wisdom and guidance to govern effectively.  Speaking in Benin city during a meeting with the state’s executive, Mayaki said, “it is the responsibility of Christians to pray for all leaders, regardless of political affiliation and to do otherwise is to disobey the word of God. “As Christians, we are obligated to pray for our leaders, starting with our local government chairmen, Governor Monday Okpebholo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”, Mayaki stated. Continuing, he said, “The Bible does not provide caveats about which leaders need our prayers. Even when we disagree with them or they are not members of our political party, we must still pray for them”.  “We must understand the importance of...

A former Chief Press Secretary to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state, Mr. John Mayaki has called on all the impeached local government council Chairmen in the state, to consider challenging their impeachment in court rather than constituting nuisance in the heartbeat state.  Speaking to newsmen in Benin city, Mayaki warned the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state against making statements capable of hitting up the political space in Edo state, adding that, “no amount of cheap blackmail or campaign of calumny will stop the governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo from doing the right thing and delivering on his divine mandate.  “If the legislators at the local government councils decide to impeach their council chairmen, how does that concern the governor? The councilors are PDP just as the council chairmen. Whereas, the governor belong to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The governor has no authority over the legislators at the 18 local government councils of the state...

By Isaac Eranga  According to Southeast Pain and Spine Care cited in https://www.sepainandspinecare.com/what-are-the-best-ways-to-relieve-neck-pain/ "neck pain is a result of weakened muscles due to poor posture". The CDC reports that nearly 20% of people have experienced neck pain in the last three months, which is no surprise since we are constantly gazing into our computers and looking down at smartphones. Everyday life can be hard on the muscles in your neck. Muscles get tired from misuse and that can cause the joints to become stiff. The joint will often catch on something, pulling a muscle or pinching a nerve causing instant pain and the muscle to spasm. 5 Ways to Relieve Neck Pain 1. Stretch Often Employ proper stretching techniques to help relieve strain on your muscles. Here are some stretches you can do at home or at work when your neck feels stiff: Roll your shoulders back 10 times Bring your ear to your shoulder, 10 times on both sides Push your shoulder blades to...

By Our Reporter Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, made fresh revelations on how the suspended 18 Local Government Council Chairmen remitted about N12 billion to leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 15 months. Governor Okpebholo made these revelations while playing host to the acting Chairmen and Councilors of the 18 Local Government Areas, who were in Government House on a courtesy visit  While commending the acting Chairmen and the Councillors for their courageous act in upholding democracy and ensuring transparency at the Local Government level, the Governor stressed their funds do not belong to any individual, irrespective of their status. Governor Okpebholo said: “When I assumed office, I had a meeting with the Accountant-General, and he showed me some books. Some of these spending had no explanation. "I picked interest in some of the spending because I saw an item which was tagged "Environmental security funding. " I have never he...

By Isaac Eranga  Studies   show that not less than 60% of women in sub-Saharan Africa experiences vaginal infection on a daily basis, and this has resulted in varied health complications. One striking fact is that not up to 30% of these women know they are infected. The good news is that most vaginal infections are easily treatable, and sometimes preventable. Here’s what you should know about these infections. This article is meant to sensitize the women about vaginal infection, its symptoms, complications, treatments, and prevention. What is Vaginal Infection? Vaginal infections are divided into bacterial infections, fungal infections and parasitic infections. Vaginal infection usually occurs with itching, discharge and pain in the vagina. Causes Vaginal Infection? Vaginal infections or vaginitis, may develop after an external bacterial, virus, parasite or fungal infection into the vagina, or they may occur with the proliferation of small amounts of disease-causing bacte...

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, said Governors will support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to crash food prices and bring succour to Nigerians. Governor Okphbholo stated this after he joined the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, other State Governors and the leadership of the National Assembly, to pay a new year visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos on Wednesday. Reflecting on the progress and challenges of the previous year, Governor Okpebholo assured Nigerians of their resolve as State Executives, to collaboratively tackle the challenges facing the country and ensure an all round development in the new year.  Acknowledging the present food crisis plaguing the nation, Governor Okpebholo said Governors are working closely with President Tinubu to ensure food security for the nation, stressing that the current spike in food prices will soon be over, as agricultural programs meant to crash food prices across the country are already being impl...

...Condemns False Information, urges Fact Checking  By Isaac Eranga, Journalists for Peace Network  The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has described as false the Baze University Lecturer's claim on social media as false and misleading.  This was contained in a press release signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja- ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, mnipr, mipra, fCAI. According to the release, "the Nigeria Police Force hereby addresses and clarifies a false and misleading claim circulating on X (formerly Twitter), made by one Adamu Garba Zango, a lecturer at Baze University. "Mr. Zango, while recirculating a picture which has been in the internet archives since 2019, alleged that it was that of a Deputy Commissioner of Police serving at the Kaduna State Police Command who was arrested for supplying firearms to bandits and kidnappers. "He further shared the said image to support this baseless claim. "It is pertinent to state that the individual de...

By Isaac Eranga  Solid waste management (SWM) is one of the most pressing environmental challenges faced by Nigerians. The existing solid waste management system is affected by economic, institutional, legislative, technical and operational constraints.  Recognizing these challenges, initiating a zero waste advocacy movement to shift the paradigm from disposal-centric practices to a circular economy approach will be of immense benefit to the Nation. Nigeria has a national policy on solid waste (2020), and the government has made a commitment to protect human health and environment from the management of solid waste. But SEDI is using this channel to call on the Nigerian government to make the national policy on solid waste effective and by adopting Zero Waste, which is aimed at achieving sustainable waste management.  Effective zero waste adoption was the central theme of an advocacy project recently implemented by SEDI in Delta State. The objective of the advocacy projec...