By Prof. Matthew Izibili Yesteryears, in most Esan families, there used to be gardens around the house; there also used to be a prepared space in the compound called Azorkhor, were birds are kept and cared for especially for consumption. These birds are of different brands both in colour, size, and even their usages. In the midst of them, there's one usually called Okhi-Iza, a special breed for special purpose(s). To describe Okhi-Iza, it has usually scattered feathers on its body with tiny but long legs. They are smallish, very strong, and sensitive. By it's nature, it is defensive of her young ones against hawk or any perceived enemy. It has special built and such enhances it's smartness while making provisions for the little ones.  Though it appears smallish, it is near impossible for it to be caught or suffer external attacks.  It is for this reason that it is said by those who have encountered this fowl's unique nature that Aikpakomuizaa! This is interpreted to mea...

By Isaac Eranga, Peace Journalist  Dr. Bridget Osakwe has been honoured with a Distinguished Achievers Award in appreciation of her contributions to Peace, growth and development of Uneme Nation and Humanity at large. This award was presented to her on occasion of the launch of N500M Uneme Education and Security Trust Fund on September 14th, 2024. Chief Dr. Bridget Osakwe is the National Network Coordinator for the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) in Nigeria. Previously, she worked as the Program Manager for the Women In Peacebuilding program (WIPNET) in Nigeria, which was launched by  WANEP and provided a platform for women’s groups and associations to promote social justice and advocate for vulnerable sectors of the population in times of conflict. Dr. Bridget Osakwe was born into the Usiobaifo family of the Okhafe clan in Uneme Nekhua, Edo State. She grew up as a girl-child and faced attendant challenges of being a girl but was optimistic in her chances in life...

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo state Council- Comrade Festus Alenkhe, JP, has lauded the Edo state chapter of Partners for Peace (P4P) in the Niger Delta over their peacebuilding activities in the state. He said the network's campaign for peaceful and nonviolent election in the forthcoming September 21st Edo governorship poll is a welcome development.  Festus Alenkhe made this known when members of the Project Implementation Committee of the P4P paid him an advocacy visit recently in his office in Benin.  The Edo NUJ boss who extolled the leadership qualities of Edo P4P Coordinator- Engr Eugene Okoeguale,  said "everybody needs peace". He said peace attracts development be it political, economic, social or religious.  "Where there's no peace, there's no development. Peace and love is what everybody needs. The NUJ is ever ready to support your peace building activities in the area of publicity and Enlightenment.  "I want to use this...

By Isaac Eranga,  Peace Journalist  Benin: As the Edo 2024 Governorship election drew near, the Partners for Peace (P4P) in the Niger Delta, Edo State chapter, has collaborated with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo state Command in ensuring peaceful and violence free election.  Speaking during an advocacy visit by members of the Project Implementation Committee (PIC), of Edo P4P, to Edo  state Commandant of NSCDC, the State Treasurer- Pst. Maria Okoh applauded the state Commandant for the good works he's doing in the state and reiterated the achievements of Edo P4P to include varied interventions in the area of rape, kidnapping, gender based violence, land/boundary disputes, communal crisis management, individual and communal conflict resolution, etc.  Pst. Maria Okoh said the advocacy visit was aimed at informing the NSCDC Commandant of the P4P present intervention ongoing in the state meant in sensitisating Edo people on the need to es...

…As one in critical condition In less than two weeks to Edo governorship election, the convoy of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Monday Okpebholo has crushed one Emmanuel Edionwe and four of his friends to death on Warrake Road around Uzebba axis in Owan West Local Government Area of the State. The tragic accident has left the families of the deceased traumatized and devastated with many of them shattered by the fact that the victims were returning from a burial ceremony when they met their untimely death. The bodies of the victims were deposited at the Edo State University, Uzaurie Mortuary in Etsako West Local Government Area.  It was gathered that Okpebholo’s convoy rammed into the victims’ Silver Camry Sedan car when they were attempting to negotiate a sharp bend on the road, with many eye-witnesses stating that the accident occurred as a result of rough driving. A relative of Emmanuel Edionwe, one of the deceased, who spoke on ...

Secretary to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state, Mr. John Mayaki has expressed confidence that the Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie ticket will win the governorship elections on the 21st of this month. Mayaki said, “I have no doubt whatsoever, in my heart of hearts that the people will invest confidence in the Asue/Ogie ticket to continue to lead Edo state. “ The great day for the people of Edo state is coming – it’s a day when our people will decide on their own future and that of Edo state on who should lead them as their governor,” he said. Mayaki stated that Asue and Ogie have been conducting successful, issue-based campaigns across Edo State. He believes that the people know what is best for themselves and will grant Asue and Ogie a decisive majority. In a statement, he said: “We all want to see change in our state. Let us come out and vote for the man who truly understands our pains and can bring us economic prosperity and security. It is our democratic right to choose ...

By Isaac Eranga  Uyo: The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) has organised a  3-day capacity building workshop for civil society organisations, women, youth and  men group leaders on conflict prevention, peacebuilding, crisis management and violent extremism. The training workshop which was  supported by the European Union (EU) was held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, from  August 20 to 22, 2024. The workshop was part of the Research and Action for Peace Network (REcAP Network) Project. The REcAP network project is being implemented in Nigeria by the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) Nigeria. Speaking, the National Network Coordinator of WANEP Nigeria- Chief Dr. Bridget Osakwe said the workshop was organised to build the capacity of civil society actors, women, youth and men's groups on conflict prevention,  violent extremism, crisis management and peacebuilding. "The REcAp project funded by the European Union, is implemented by ...