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)...