Amina A. Umar​1,MBBS, MPH,  Hassan Adam Murtala2 MBBS, MPH, MIPC, MBA,  Aisha Adam Abdullahi2 MBBS, MSc, Amina Aminu2 MBBS,  Muktar H. Aliyu3 MD, DrPH,  Sani H. Aliyu4 MBBS, MSc,  Ololade D. Adeyemi5 MD, MPH, MLA,  Deepa Dongarwar6 MS,  Jordi B. Torrelles7 PhD,  Gambo Aliyu8 MBBS, PhD,  Hamisu M. Salihu2MD, PhD 1Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria 2Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Kano Independent Research Center Trust, Kano, Nigeria 3Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America 4Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom 5Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria 6University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America 7Population Health Program, The International Center for the Advancement of Research and Education, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, United States of...

 By Isaac Eranga  Comrade Ismail giving words of encouragement to the displaced persons A 2-day field exercise on sensitisation and enrolment of learners in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps at Ohogua, near Benin City, has been put together by National Commission for Mass, Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education (NMEC), in collaboration with Edo State Agency for Mass Education.  Speaking to participants, an Assistant Director of Education from NMEC- Comrade Ismail Arabambi Oniyangi, reiterated the importance of learning. He said they were at the camp to inform the displaced persons that they can read and write, not minding their age. "We are here to tell you that you can read and write. It could be in any language, not necessarily English. We are here to know about your education journey", he said. On her part, an Assistant Director of ESAME- kadiri Onose Charity, said they were at the camp to bring education to all levels of the displaced persons. Hear her: "I ...

The slow but steady rise in plastic pollution has become one of the most serious environmental problems of our day. It crosses national borders and needs a worldwide solution. In response to this pressing necessity, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) commenced in March 2022 the formulation of an international legally binding treaty addressing plastic pollution, particularly in marine ecosystems, commonly referred to as the Global Plastic Treaty (GPT). This noteworthy treaty seeks to tackle every stage of the life cycle of plastics, from manufacturing to disposal, promoting a circular economy and preserving both the environment and the general public from its damaging effects. At the UNEA in March 2022, 175 countries passed UNEA-5.2, creating an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) tasked with drafting this treaty. In contrast to voluntary agreements, this treaty seeks to establish universal norms and standards, offering a unified and responsible strategy for reduci...

In a mark of deep respect and national mourning, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced the suspension of the commissioning ceremony of 102 ultra-modern buses acquired for the newly rebranded Edoline Mass Transit Scheme. Governor Okpebholo stated that proceeding with the flag-off of the public transportation initiative at this time, following the unfortunate passing of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, would be insensitive and out of tune with the national mood. "President Muhammadu Buhari was a towering figure in Nigeria’s democratic journey and governance history. As a people, we must reflect this period of national loss with appropriate solemnity. Therefore, we have decided to postpone the unveiling of the Edoline buses in honour of his memory,” the Governor said. The Governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the late President, the government and the people of Katsina State, and indeed all Nigerians who feel ...

Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has described the Supreme Court verdict as a call to higher Service, unity and shared progress for Edo State.  This was contained in a press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo- Mr. Fred Itua.  According to the Statement, "this definitive verdict is not merely a legal triumph—it is a solemn reaffirmation of the sacred mandate freely given by the people of Edo State. It signals the beginning of a fresh chapter rooted in unity, inclusiveness, and accelerated development. "His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, extends profound gratitude to the judiciary for its courage and fidelity to justice, and to the great people of Edo State for their unflinching support, patience, and faith in democracy.  "He views this moment not as a personal victory but as a shared triumph for every Edo citizen, regardless of political, ethnic, or religious affiliation. "Governor Okpebholo renews his vow to lead with humil...

A Federal High Court sitting in Benin City has adjourned hearing in the high-profile case involving allegations of aiding  suicide and financial crimes linked to the death of Mrs Lilian Omokhuale, daughter of the Chief Executive Officer of Uyi Technical Limited,  Mr Omoruyi Oloton. The financial Crimes and aiding suicide case of Lilian Omokhuale will now continue on 21st of  October 2025, following some administrative issues that did not allow the presiding judge ,Hon. Justice B. O. Quadri to sit. At the last sitting, the prosecution counsel, P. O. Odion Esq., substituted the original charge sheet dated 24th July 2024 with a revised version dated 22 May 2025, effectively altering the direction of the case. Under the amended charge, Jessica Iguodala Oghomwen is now listed as the principal defendant, while two others, Akpes Omorodion and Esther Eguomo Oisamoje are co-defendants.  This development followed the formal discharge of three individuals previously charged, Ch...

Dr. Isaac Omo-Ehiabhi Eranga, CPM, FSFSN  The International Conference of Family Planning (ICFP), 2025 has honoured Edo-born Science and Peace Journalist- Dr. Isaac Omo-Ehiabhi Eranga with a Certificate of Recognition for his outstanding role as a Super Abstract Reviewer.  This was contained in a letter which was made available to newsmen in Benin City. According to the letter signed by Dr. Philip Anglewicz, Chair- the ICFP 2025 International Steering Committee, the ICFP expressed their gratitude to Dr. Isaac Eranga for his invaluable support to the ICFP 2025 scientific program.  "We are writing to express our deepest appreciation for your invaluable support to the ICFP 2025 scientific program. Your time, expertise, and commitment as a Reviewer/Super Reviewer have been essential in helping us shape a strong, inclusive, and rigorous scientific agenda". "Thank you once again for your incredible support—it truly means a great deal to all of us working to make ICFP 2025 a su...

The Edo State Government on Friday, July 4, 2025 set a new national standard in female empowerment and economic development, as 50 bold young women graduated from a specialized training programme on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion. The pioneering initiative, a collaboration between the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), the Edo State Government and the Lady Mechanic Initiative, marks a historic first in Nigeria, with all participants being female mechanics. The event, themed "CNG Conversion: A New Horizon for Women in the Automotive Industry," was held in Benin City and saw high-level representation from the Edo State government and federal ministries. Delivering the speech of the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Umar Musa Ikhilor, noted that the governor lauded the uniqueness of the Edo State programme. The SSG said, "I'm ver...

The State Working Committee (SWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Edo  State chapter, has announced the suspension of the State Chairman- Elder Felix Obayagbon. This was contained in a Statement made available by the Party's SWC in Benin City.  "Following the findings and recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee established by the Edo State Working Committee (SWC) to investigate allegations of serious constitutional infractions by Elder Felix Obayagbon, it has become necessary for the SWC to suspend him from the position of Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Edo State Chapter", the Statement said. Also suspended is Mr. Ekeria Hycenth Esangbedo for impersonation and unlawful usurpation of the office of the State Secretary of the Party. According to the Statement, "this decision is in full compliance with Article 19, Subsections 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 of the SDP Constitution. In accordance with the provisions of the aforementioned article, both indivi...

Former Vice President , Atiku Abubakar were among eminent Nigerians who has joined the global football community in mourning the death of legendary Nigerian goalkeeper Peter Rufai, popularly known as Dodomayana. Rufai died on 3 July 2025 at the age of 61 after a long illness. In a brief statement on Thursday night, Atiku extended his condolences to Rufai’s family and the Nigerian football community, describing the late goalkeeper as a national icon whose impact on the game would never be forgotten. “It is with deep sorrow that I mourn the passing of our legendary national team goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, popularly known as Dodomayana. His death is a profound loss to the global football community,” Atiku said. Rufai was a towering figure in Nigerian football, best known for his role as first-choice goalkeeper during Nigeria’s victory at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and their appearances at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups. He earned 65 caps for the national team and enjoyed a successful...

Dr. Edwin Omoregie, answering questions from newsmen  The Founder of Edwin Omoregie Foundation- Dr. Edwin Omoregie says two years after contesting for the position  of Chairman in Ovia North East Local Government Council, alongside his running  mate- Comrade Ogunsede Famous, in Edo State local government council elections, his  loyalty to the good people of Ovia North East Local Government Area, and Edo State at large, remains unwavering. According to the philanthropist, leadership is not about holding a position, it’s about holding on to purpose, that his purpose have always been to serve. "That purpose continues through the work of my foundation, 'Edwin Omoregie Foundation', which has remained committed to positively touching lives and uplifting our communities". Dr. Edwin Omoregie highlighted his Foundation's achievements to include the following: "Periodic palliatives for our elderly and the less privileged, because dignity and care should not be seasonal...