By Isaac Eranga  Benin City : As part of measures towards ensuring the fitness of Edo football Referees for the year 2026, the State Chairman- Mr. Sylvester Okungbonwa has announced Saturday 17th January, 2026 as resumption date for the weekly keep fit exercises .  Mr Okungbonwa made this known in Benin while revealing plans for consistent fitness programs for Referees in the State.  According to Edo Referees ' boss, "the reason why we are intensifying efforts in promoting fitness programs this year, is to ensure that no Referee fails in this year's National Fitness Test . This will help increase the number of Referees that will officiate in the different football leagues in the State.  "This year, we are going to embark on different training programs that will help enhance the capability of Edo Referees. These training programs will be in the areas of health/nutrition literacy , physical fitness and interpretation of the Laws of the Game ", he said.

A training program aimed at empowering individuals with the knowledge needed to implement composting in their daily waste management practices has been held in Ekiadolor community dumpsite , near Benin City , Edo State .  The training which brought together nine waste pickers in the community, was conveyed by the Sustainable Environment and Development Initiative (SEDI).  Welcoming the participants, the program coordinator, Dr. Tom Aneni , emphasized the importance of composting in waste management. He reiterated that the workshop was designed not only to provide theoretical knowledge but also to offer practical, hands-on experience to participants. He said the goal was to equip waste pickers with the necessary skills needed to manage organic waste and integrate composting techniques into their daily practices. He also expressed gratitude to the participants for their commitment to improving the local waste management system which in turn fosters a cleaner, more sustainable e...

As part of effort towards restoring the Okomu landscape from deforestation and forest degradation , communities and stakeholders recently met at the Okomu National Park under the auspices of Okomu Biodiversity Stakeholders Platform (OBSP). The meeting also served as the inception of a new project aimed at galvanizing partnerships amongst  communities, government  and private organisations towards long-term  restoration of the Okomu Forest Landscape , enabling the forest to recover and improve the livelihoods and well-being of over 100 households.  The Technical Program Coordinator, of the Society for Sustainability and Conservation Education for Rural Areas (SCERA), Mr. Joseph Molokwu , unveiled the project’s core objective, which includes, incentivizing local communities to support the restoration of the Okomu forest landscape through community empowerment and livelihood programmes. This will benefit about 100 households, support the construction of nurseries and ...

Mrs. Habiba Barbara Sam of the Akwa-Ibom State owned Newspaper- The Pioneer, has been elected Chairperson of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Edo State chapter. She's replacing the immediate past Chairperson- Adesuwa Ehimuan of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Bronze FM.  The immediate past Secretary, Barbara Sam has been a selfless committed member of NAWOJ and actively participated in all her activities. This to many of her peers, won her the leaders endorsement for the position of Edo NAWOJ Chairperson. Those elected include: Habiba Sam- Chairman; Oyemwense Ode- Vice- Chairman; Joy Ebuanekpe- Secretary;  Joyce Alohan- Assistant secretary; Iyabo Osagiede - Treasurer; Elizabeth Owotuoma- Financial secretary; and Anita Erhenhi- Auditor.  Delivering a speech, the newly elected Edo NAWOJ boss said she was grateful for the trust reposed in her to lead the Edo State Chapter of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) for the next th...

By Isaac Eranga , Edo Indigenous Journalist   Benin City – The Businesses and Hoteliers Stakeholders Forum (BSHF) in Edo State has hailed the emerging partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a turning point that will eliminate misunderstandings and abrupt raids on legitimate hotel businesses. Speaking on behalf of the Forum, Chairman, Chief Omogiade Edokpolo described the development as a “new era of trust and collaboration,” stressing that the cooperation will ensure hotel owners no longer feel targeted without justification. “We have in the past experienced raids that sometimes occurred without prior engagement or clear understanding of our operations. These actions, though within the EFCC’s mandate, often created fear and disrupted genuine businesses,” Chief Edokpolo said.  “With this new partnership, we are confident that such misunderstandings will become a thing of the past. Our members can now operate in a safe and predictable environm...

 The Fruit of the Spirit and Falulu Fohalowo: Synergy of Christian  Values and Nias Culture in Character Education for Teenagers Niat Hati Waruwu1*, Etika Merlin Gea2 , Wira Zai3 1-3Christian Religious Education Study Program of the Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Ekumene Jakarta, Indonesia *Coressponding Author: niathatiwaruwu@sttekumene.ac.id1*, etikamergea@sttekumene.ac.id2,  wirasusantizai@sttekumene.ac.id3 Abstract This article aims to examine the synergy between the values of the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22– 23) and the cultural values of Falulu Fohalowo from the people of Nias as a basis in the formation of the  character of today's Christian youth. This research uses a literature study method by examining various  sources such as the Bible, theological literature, books, and relevant scientific articles. The results of the  study show that the Fruit of the Spirit emphasizes inner transformation through the development of  love, joy, peace, patie...

By Isaac Eranga, Edo Indigenous Journalist The Edo State Chapter of the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA) has joined the national body and other State chapters in celebrating the coalition’s 25th anniversary, expressing deep appreciation and heartfelt acknowledgment of its remarkable contributions to advancing quality education across Nigeria. Speaking at a special commemorative gathering in Benin City, the Edo State Coordinator- Ronke Ojeikere commended CSACEFA’s visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education for every child.  According to Ronke Ojeikere, "over the past twenty-five years, CSACEFA has evolved into a dynamic coalition that amplifies the voices of civil society organizations, strengthens accountability systems, and promotes citizens’ engagement in education governance". She said the Edo Chapter acknowledged that CSACEFA’s coordinated advocacy, policy dialogues, and community int...

Culled from tvcnews.tv Dr. Samuel Okpuku of NDDC The Niger Delta Development Commission , NDDC , has demanded a retraction and apology from the Punch and Daily Times newspapers over an alleged coup rumour against the Federal Republic of Nigeria . The Commission’s Legal Counsel, ADEDIPE AND ADEDIPE Legal Practitioners , in a strongly worded letter signed by Chief Ayodeji Adedipe , SAN , demanded that The Punch, the Daily Times and others retract the offensive and false publication and tender an unreserved public apology. Adedipe said the report, “falsely alleged that Dr Samuel Ogbuku , Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), was arrested by military intelligence for allegedly co-sponsoring a failed coup plot against President Tinubu . “The publication further claimed, without any factual or evidential basis, that Dr Ogbuku transferred funds from NDDC contracts to finance an alleged coup plot. These allegations are entirely false, malicious, and defamatory.”...

By Fred Itus The recent attempt to romanticize the so-called “re-enactment of Obaseki’s education reforms” is not only misleading but also a desperate attempt to whitewash the failures of an administration that left behind a trail of disillusionment, deceit, and betrayal among Edo teachers. The ongoing narrative, deliberately sponsored and amplified by a few individuals nostalgic about the past government, seeks to misinform the public and distort the truth about the state of education in Edo. But facts, as always, are sacred and cannot be buried under political propaganda. It is important to set the records straight: the Obaseki-led government did not reform education - it weaponized it for political survival. What was branded as “innovation” was, in fact, a carefully packaged illusion that crushed the hopes of hundreds of young Edo teachers who were lured into the system without proper employment letters, pension benefits, or confirmation of their civil service status for more than t...

By Fred Itua In a political and economic landscape where debt accumulation has become a norm, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State is quietly scripting a new narrative; one anchored on prudence, discipline, and purposeful leadership. His administration is redefining what is possible when integrity meets strategy in governance. The Debt Management Office (DMO) recent release, shows that Edo State’s domestic debt has dropped significantly from ₦113 billion in December 2024 to ₦80 billion by June 2025, while foreign debt has reduced from $383 million to $337 million. This rare achievement did not come through new loans, bailouts, or federal interventions; it came through careful management, transparent spending, and strategic prioritization. In less than a year in office, Governor Okpebholo has demonstrated that progress does not depend on reckless borrowing, but on sound economic thinking and disciplined governance. The governor’s stewardship has shifted the state’s fiscal trajectory...

Edo State Governor , Senator Monday Okpebholo , has pledged the State Government’s full support to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in its efforts to curb vandalism and regulate scrap and scavenging activities across the State. The Governor made the commitment on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the new NSCDC Commandant, Edo State Command, Commandant Akintayo Saidi Ayinla , at the Government House in Benin City , the State capital. Governor Okpebholo, during the visit, extended his condolences to the NSCDC over the passing of the late Commandant Gbenga Agun Joseph , describing the news of his death as a shock. Okpebholo said: "Let me welcome you to Government House this morning and, first of all, condole with you once again on the passing of our friend and brother, your predecessor. Having said that, I want to welcome you back to Edo. With the information I have before me, you are not new to the State. So, I can say that you are a son of the soil.”  Addressin...

.... extolled the Revered Monarch, on the occasion of his birthday. By Isaac Eranga, Edo Indigenous Journalist The Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has extolled the revered Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N'Oba N'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, on the occasion of his birthday. Governor Okpebholo has also extended his best wishes to the Benin Monarch on his 9th year coronation anniversary.  In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo celebrated the Monarch's firm commitment to the preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the Edo people and his impactful leadership since ascending the revered throne of his ancestors. Governor Okpebholo described the Oba as a unique Monarch whose reign has been characterized by peace, development, and a push for the unity and progress of the Benin Kingdom and Edo State at large. “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Edo State...

The redeployed Acting Zonal Director of EFCC- Effa Imoh Okim Chief Bishop Omogiade Enoyiogiere Edokpolo- BHSF Chairman The Business and Hoteliers Stakeholders Forum (BHSF) has applauded the EFCC Chairman- Ola Olukoyede for redeploying the Acting Zonal Director- Effa Imoh Okim from Edo State , saying  it has long be the prayer of business owners and hoteliers in the State. The group also thank the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for throwing its weight behind them. This was made known in a press statement signed by the Secretary of the group- Osarobo Onaghise, Esq , and made available to newsmen in Benin City . This press statement is sequel to  the press conference conveyed by BHSF on October 1st, 2025, where the chairman of BHSF- Chief Bishop Omogiade Enoyiogiere Edokpolo called for the removal of the Acting Director from office  According to the statement, the call for the removal is not unconnected to the incessant attack on business premises by the  anti-graft a...

In its continued effort towards promoting quality education and learning support among children in public schools, the Edwin Omoregie Foundation , under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Edwin Omoregie , visited several primary schools across Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State to distribute educational materials to pupils and teachers. The outreach, which took place on Monday 13th October, saw pupils in various schools receive essential learning materials such as notebooks, pencils, erasers, biros, blackboard markers, and other instructional tools. In addition, the foundation presented special packages to pupils who came out first in their classes during the last academic term- a gesture aimed at recognizing academic excellence and motivating other students to work harder. This initiative by the Edwin Omoregie Foundation aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4- Quality Education , which seeks to ensure i...

Benin City: In an effort towards localizing the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 in Edo State, the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) Nigeria has reiterated the importance of a costing workshop in aligning the State Action Plan (SAP) with Nigeria's third National Action Plan (NAP) on UNSCR 1325 . The workshop which brought together members of the Edo State Action Plan Localization Steering Committee , reflecting Edo State Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), the Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps , the Media, Religious and Community Leaders, is part of the project "Strengthening Local Leadership in Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security in Nigeria, was anchored by the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) Nigeria , in partnership with the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP), and with support from Global Affairs Canada . In her welcome address, WANEP's Nigeria National Network Coor...