NewStats: 3,259,434 , 8,170,090 topics. Date: Saturday, 24 May 2025 at 11:51 PM 75m34

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Monday, swore in the Chairman of the State Universal Education Board (SUBEB), six new Commissioners, Chairmen and of Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC), Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), and State Secondbary Education Board (SSEB).

Addressing the newly sworn in executives at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Edo State, Governor Okpebholo charged them to help him drive development and progress in the State, stressing that his istration is in a hurry to bring development.

Harping on the unique qualities and capacity of the newly sworn in executives, Governor Okpebholo noted that they reflect the requisite commitment of his istration to bring good governance, efficient and effective service delivery and fulfill the promises made to the people of Edo State.

Governor Okpebholo said: “To the newly appointed executives, congratulations on your appointment. This appointment is not just an honor but a call to serve with dedication, integrity, and excellence. You have been chosen because of your skills and the trust we have in your ability to contribute meaningfully to the development of our State.

“I encourage you to work with a share sense of purpose, prioritize teamwork, and remain focused on improving the lives of our citizens. Together, we can make Edo State a model of growth and prosperity.”

The new Chairman of SUBEB is Onomen Goodness Briggs. The new Commissioners are Sir Lucky Eseigbe; Hon. Paul Nosayaba Ohonbamu; Dr. Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu; Hon. Dr. Washington Osa Osifo; Mr. Andrew Ijegbai; and Barr. Marie Olabisi ldaomi.

Portfolios for the new Commissioners will be announced later.

Also sworn in are Jonathan Aifuobhokhan as Chairman, EDSIEC; Francis Osaretin Osabuohien as chairman, EDSOGPADEC; and Omozane Ebanehita Sonia as chairman, SSEB.

Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in executives, Hon. Paul Ohobamu thanked Governor for finding them worthy of the appointment and assured him of their commitment and dedication to ensuring that Edo people enjoy good and practical governance in the State.

Present at the swearing in ceremony were the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to Edo State Government, Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Gani Audu; Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Samson Osagie; former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Phillip Shaibu; immediate-past State chairman, All Progressive Congress (APC) Col. David Imuse (rtd); Party leaders, top government functionaries, amongst others.

https://metrowatchonline.com/okpebholo-swears-in-six-commissioners-subeb-edsiec-chairs-others/

Edo politics

A Federal High sitting in Abuja has declined jurisdiction in a case filed by the suspended chairmen of the 18 Local Government Councils in Edo State.

The court presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, had adjourned the matter to Monday, the 20th of January, 2025 for hearing of a Motion on Notice for an interlocutory injunction filed by the suspended chairmen.

When the matter came up on Monday morning, the presiding Judge informed the lawyers to the parties that upon an application by the counsel for the 1st to 5th Defendants, the case file has been transferred to the Benin Division of the Federal High Court.

The Judge had ordered the parties to maintain status quo. It is uncertain whether or not the interim order will stand, following the transfer of the case from Abuja to Benin.

A senior lawyer present in Court, who did not want his name in print, said the implication of the transfer of the case to Benin is that the Federal High Court in Abuja lacks the territorial jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

“The implication of the transfer is that the Federal High Court Abuja lacks the territorial jurisdiction to entertain the case, since the parties are based in Edo and the main subject matter of the suit is the interpretation of the Edo State Local Government Laws,” the lawyer said.

Aggrieved 18 LG chairmen and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) filed a motion ex parte marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1952/V/2024. In the motion dated Dec 20, 2024, but filed Dec 24, 2024, the chairmen and PDP sued Speaker, Edo state House of Assembly; Executive Governor of Edo State as 1st to 4th defendants.

Also ed in the suit are the Attorney General and Commissioner for justice, Edo state: the Attorney General of the Federation; and the Inspector General of Police, as 5th to 7th defendants respectively.

https://metrowatchonline.com/suspended-edo-lg-chairmen-abuja-court-declines-jurisdiction/

Edo politics

A socio-economic group, Onitsha Zone Shareholders’ Association has uncovered alleged plans by Afrinvest, a company owned by a former governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki to sell N100 billion bond with the aim of converting them to his personal shares in the future.

The group, led by its chairman, Bishop Goodluck Akpore, made the allegations during a protest visit to Governor Monday Okpebholo in government house, Benin City.

During the visit, Bishop Akpore expressed dissatisfaction with the alleged plan, citing its adverse economic impact on the State and its communities.

He presented a report highlighting issues involving Okomu Oil Palm and Presco PLC and urged Governor Okpebholo to initiate a thorough investigation and take corrective actions to mitigate any further harm.

The association accused Obaseki of using his Afrinvest Company to plan a ₦100 billion bond transaction involving Presco PLC, and alleged a potential conversion of the bond to shares for personal gains.

Bishop Akpore alleged that the oil palm companies colluded with Obaseki’s istration to deprive the State of economic benefits, and criticized the refusal of Presco PLC to compensate host communities for the 36,388 hectares of land acquired for their operations.

He also highlighted the failure of the Obaseki istration to enforce tax collection from the companies, despite their significant profits and lack of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects.

“A trailer load of palm oil leaving Edo State for Lagos is valued at around ₦80 million,” Akpore stated. “Yet, these companies neither remit taxes nor compensate for the lands they have used freely.”

In his response, Governor Okpebholo pledged to launch a comprehensive investigation into the allegations, and emphasized his istration’s commitment to protect the interests of Edo people.

He assured the group that all irregularities would be addressed, and those found culpable would face appropriate sanctions.

“We will seek a peaceful resolution and invite Presco and Okomu Oil Palm to a meeting to discuss these issues,” Okpebholo said.

“While we recognize their contributions to the State’s economy, they must ensure fair contributions and uphold their responsibilities to the host communities.”

The Governor also referenced recent protests over the activities of the oil palm companies and stressed the importance of dialogue in achieving lasting solutions.

The Onitsha Zone Shareholders’ Association, is responsible for protecting shareholder and community interests across Edo, Delta, and other States in the zone, and plays a critical role in monitoring companies’ activities. The group emphasized the need for ability from Presco and Okomu Oil Palm PLC to assess their tax contributions and CSR impact accurately.

https://metrowatchonline.com/shareholders-uncover-alleged-plans-by-obaseki-to-sell-convert-n100bn-okomu-oil-presco-plc-bonds/

Lala Seun Mynd44

Edo

By Isioma Ogochukwu

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has employed at least 360 Edo citizens from the three Senatorial Districts into the state’s Civil Service.

Those recruited have been deployed to various government ministries and parastatals to boost the state’s workforce.

State Head of service, Dr Anthony Okungbowa disclosed this in his office in Benin City while briefing newsmen on the steps taken by the Okpebholo-led istration to embark on people-centered initiatives.

Okungbowa said the previous istration had a contractual agreement with consultants and contractors who could hire and fire at anytime it pleased them.

He noted that those employed by this present istration are to receive the N70,000 minimum wage paid to all Edo State workers showing the Okpebholo istration’s commitment to delivering good governance in all sectors.

“Recently the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo directed that cleaners should be employed into the State civil service as against using consultants and contractors.

“These consultants and contractors were into business and contract with government. They were paid to employ cleaners to clean government offices, and their take home pay then was not encouraging and couldn’t take them home.

“Gov Okpebholo was not pleased with the arrangement of the Obaseki istration, and as such instructed that a direct employment should be embarked on to ensure Edo people were recruited into the State civil and public service and get paid the N70,000 minimum wage.

“Before now, cleaners in the State were receiving N20,000 to N30,000. They were paid less because consultants are businessmen trading to make gains but the Okpebholo istration decided to change the narrative by giving direct employment to enhance the lives of the people and ensure they enjoy good and practical governance.

“These cleaners then under the previous istration were not government workers but workers to different contractors and consultants and job security was not guaranteed as workers under consultancy services could be sacked unceremoniously”, Okungbowa added.

The HOS further said the present istration has brought into the Edo State Civil and Public Service 360 Edo citizens across the three Senatorial District through direct employment and are now civil and public servants in Edo State.

“They have been given appointment letters and they cut across the three Senatorial Districts of the State.

“This is not the only batch that will be employed by the Edo State government as there will be another batch coming up. We want to bring in the number of cleaners required to clean government offices. 360 have been employed now and also been assigned to their various government ministries and prarastatals”, he said.

The HOS, on behalf of Edo State workers, thanked the governor for embarking on the people-centered initiative of employing a good number of Edo people into the Service and ensuring they benefit from the minimum wage as opposed to what was obtainable in the previous istration.

https://metrowatchonline.com/okpebholo-employs-over-300-into-edo-civil-service-commits-to-minimum-wage-payment/

Lala Seun Mynd44

Edo politics

By Isioma Ogochukwu

The Chairman, Edo State Media and Publicity Directorate, APC Presidential Campaign Council, in the 2023 election, Mr. John Mayaki, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all the security agencies to stop ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki from making real his threat to “burn down the country”, since his candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo failed to emerge winner of the governorship election in the state.

It would be recalled that the former Governor, had in a viral 20-second-long video before the governorship election and while addressing leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) threatened to burn down the country. He said, “We just kept quiet last Thursday, if they try what happened last Thursday again in Edo, Nigeria will burn.”

In a statement, Mayaki called on the security agencies to be on the alert now that the elections petition tribunal has commenced its sitting, to frustrate the threat by the former governor since his candidate lost out in the election.

“Obaseki and his party, the PDP are busy spreading falsehood in Edo state and making every efforts to discredit the government. They have made efforts to blackmail the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and even obstructed officials of the anti-corruption agency from effecting arrest in Benin city.

“Obaseki and his boys are also plotting to blackmail the judiciary and every institution in the country just to instal his candidate as governor of the state. His threat to burn down the country is real and must be stopped immediately.

“These anarchists and bad losers who cannot wait for the next governorship election must be stoped before they set the country ablaze. The records of Obaseki in promoting violence is fresh in our memories.

“Obaseki’s tenure in office was characterized with chaos, insecurity, and division. Let’s not forget the killing of Inspector Akor, one of the security aides attached to Senator Monday Okpebholo before the election.

“The attack on Senator Matthew Urhoghide under Obaseki’s watch, where thugs attacked the Edo South Senatorial District Senator at the Benin Airport. Rather than condemn the act, Obaseki stood idly by, allowing the breakdown of civility.

“Under his watch, we saw the oppression of political opponents and how Obaseki ordered his predecessor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, to stay out of Edo State without “permission” and boasted about “dealing” with him. Such is the character of the man who threatened to burn down the country, if his candidate does not emerge the winner of the governorship election.

“This dictator must be stopped. His threats to democracy is unbecoming and must be tamed. It was Obaseki who notoriously barred 14 elected House of Assembly from inauguration, and ruled the state with only six legislators. He also suspended local government chairmen, defying Supreme Court judgments.

“Obaseki is a dictator who breathes only violence and intimidation. His istration violently disrupted Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s gubernatorial declaration in 2020 at the Garrick Memorial College and also orchestrated attacks on the Benin Royal Palace during the same period.

“There are several other examples of infractions that Obaseki carried out while in office and outside office – the dictator who ruled with iron-fists, impunity, mismanagement, and intimidation must be stopped forthwith.

“It is time to tame Obaseki and his boys in Edo state, before he sponsors a conflagration across the country. I call on Mr. President and the security agencies to monitor the activities of Obaseki and his boys before they burn down the country. A stitch in time, saves nine”.

Edo politics

By Ogochukwu Isioma

The leading All Progressive Congress (APC), Edo State chapter, has taken possession of its party secretariat at 59, Airport Road, Benin City, four years after it was forcefully evicted by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) under the immediate-past state governor, Godwin Obaseki.

APC State Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, speaking shortly after the takeover of the party secretariat said the property rightfully belonged to the APC as they had renewed the rent for a period of seven years before the PDP, with the help of Obaseki, forcefully took it from them.

Tenebe said, “About 4 years ago, APC made frantic effort to extend the rent-age of this particular building which has always been the office of the APC. If you search on google, you will discover that this secretariat still reads “APC’s office”. The party in the state approached the national office to arrange so that we will be able to pay for more years for the rentage off this facility. The national obliged us and sent us money to renew it for 7 years.

“The Governor then, Mr Godwin Obaseki decamped to PDP and in a military way, they took us out of this secretariat. Destroyed all our properties, took our vehicles and drove us out of this place.

“At that time, we complained to the Inspector General of Police and he, in his wisdom agreed that we should take over the secretariat. But because the Commissioner of Police in the state was working hand in hand with the then Governor, they refused to allow us access. Then, I was the deputy chairman of APC.”

Speaking further, the party chairman said he came into office with a commitment to reclaim the state and redress all the wrongs done by the PDP and Obaseki.

“The day I became the chairman of the party in the state, I made two promises to our party faithfuls; to make sure that APC take over the state and to ensure that all the properties taken from the APC are returned to them.

“Some few months ago, there was governorship election in this state and everybody can attest to it that Senator Monday Okpebholo emerged as the governor of the state, fulfilling one of the promises I made to our party faithful.

“Today is the happiest day of my life, that I am fulfilling the second promise I made to my party to make sure all the properties taken from APC are returned. That is why we are here today. To take over the secretariat that was forcefully taken from us.”

Officially announcing the takeover of the property, Tenebe said the APC will remodel the building into its official pattern and promised to resist any attempt by any group, or vested interest to displace them from the property, or any of their other properties.

He said, “Today, we have taken over this secretariat. It belongs to us now, we are going to allocate offices today. We have also called the painters to repaint this place to APC color today, because this place rightfully belong to us.

“We are ready to resist anybody that will try to make any noise or try to do anything with everything that we have”, the party chairman concluded.

The Deputy Commissioner for Police in charge of Operations, Ben Abang, accompanied by other senior police officers was also at the newly reclaimed APC Secretariat to get a first hand brief on the reclaiming of the office as he interacted with APC Chairman and other top party executives.

The State PDP chairman, Dr Tony Aziegbemi who was in the premises as at the time of the building takeover was later escorted out of the building by the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku.

https://metrowatchonline.com/breaking-edo-apc-reclaims-party-secretariat-in-benin/

Edo political drama

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has reacted to a trending video insinuating that one Mr. Jonathan Okunbor, a suspect reportedly being investigated for an alleged N6 billion fraud, was an election witness in Edo state.

In a statement on Wednesday by Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head, Media & Publicity, the anti-graft agency clarified that the suspect is not a witness of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election tribunal as claimed by the party’s candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo.

“Rather, he (Okunbor) is a prime suspect connected to a case of misappropriation of funds involving all the 18 local government areas of Edo State,” the commission stated.

“Ongoing investigations showed that about N6 billion was diverted to Kezmith Global Ventures owned by Okunbor. The suspect was running the ventures using the name and identity of Mr. Godfrey Emode.

“The Commission’s investigators, in their quest to unearth the shadiness of Ogunbor, arrested Emode who led them to the suspect in Eterno Hotel where a pre-trial meeting was being held.

“Investigators interrogated the counsel to Ighodalo on the status of Okunbor in the election tribunal matters and he clearly stated that he was not a witness in the matter.

“In spite of this, Mr. Ighodalo and his co-travellers at Eterno Hotel prevented EFCC officers from carrying out their constitutional duty and obstructed them from arresting Okunbor.

“Specifically, Ighodalo insisted that Okunbor was his witness when it was obvious that he only wanted to aid his escape from the Commission’s investigators.”

The EFCC says it remains committed to its adherence to the rule of law, noting that the anti-graft agency has no business with any Edo State election witness that has no corruption charge before it.

“The EFCC will not hesitate to bring anyone to trial, witness or no witness, if it has a basis for doing so,” the commission insisted.

EFCC assured that Okunbor will be brought to book soon in connection with the alleged N6 billion fraud involving his firm, Kezmith Global Ventures.

The EFCC is currently investigating the eighteen (18) suspended Local Government Council chairmen in Edo State over alleged financial impropriety.

Okunbor is an official in Orhionmwon, one of the affected councils, and also an ally of the then suspended but now impeached council boss, Newman Ugiagbe.

https://metrowatchonline.com/tribunal-efcc-denies-arresting-pdp-asue-ighodalos-star-witness-in-edo/

Edo politics
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Edo politics

The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the nomination of hip of the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOPADEC).

The Governor, in a statement by Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor, also approved the nomination of hip of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).

Both nominations came barely 24 hours after the governor on Tuesday approved the immediate dissolution of all the commissions in the state public service.

Full list below

EDSOPADEC:
(i) Francis Osaretin Osabuohien – Chairman
(ii) Felix Osazee — Member
(iii) Linda Aliyu Omonzele — Member
(iv) Princess (Mrs.) Ikuoyemwen Ewuare-Aimiuwu — Member
Edosomwan Kelvin Iredia — Member
(v) Stanley Odidi — Member
(vii) Tony Osazuwa — Member

EDSIEC:
(i) Jonathan Aifuobhokhan — Chairman
(ii) Asein Ojo Victor — Member
(iii) Ighomo Egharevba Thomas — Member
(iv) Imafidon Hope Osarodion — Member
(v) Dr. Suleman Ovuehor Ikhuoria — Member
(vi) Hon. Anthony Aikpoghome — Member
(vii) Umoru Habib Frank — Member
(viii) Aremiyau Aligamhe Momoh — Member

https://metrowatchonline.com/okpebholo-reconstitutes-edsiec-edsopadec-commissions-in-edo/

Edo politics

The Edo State House of Assembly, Tuesday, suspended all the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 18 Local Government Councils over allegation of ‘misappropriation of funds’.

The decision to suspend the local council s was taken during the plenary, after a heated debate by the various lawmakers representing the local councils.

Meanwhile, the heads of the various legislative arm have been directed to oversee the running of the councils for the next two months.

https://metrowatchonline.com/breaking-edo-assembly-suspends-council-chairmen-vice/?amp=1

The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the dissolution of all Commissions in Edo State Public Service with immediate effect.

The news of the dissolution was contained in a statement on Tuesday morning signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor.

He listed the affected Commissions as the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission, the Civil Service Commission, Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission, Edo State Forestry Commission, the House of Assembly Service Commission, the State Audit Service Commission and the Judicial Service Commission.

The statement, therefore, directed all Chairmen and of the affected Commissions to handover all Government properties in their possession to the most senior Public Officer in their Commission.

https://metrowatchonline.com/breaking-okpebholo-dissolves-all-edo-public-service-commissions/?amp=1

UNIBEST

The Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, Professor Edoba Omoregie, SAN, has revealed plans to spread development of infrastructure to Site ‘B’ of the Ugbowo Campus of the University.

Prof. Omoregie disclosed this when he met with the Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Dandutse in Abuja.

He emphasised the importance of transforming the infrastructure architecture of the neglected site ‘B’ in order not to further congest the already oversubscribed Site ‘A’.

The Vice Chancellor, therefore, solicited the of the Senate Committee to actualise his plans.

Responding, Senator Dandutse pledged his Committee’s and intervention to the Omoregie istration whenever it is necessary.

https://metrowatchonline.com/uniben-to-develop-site-b-of-ugbowo-campus-says-vc-omoregie/

The host of the UNIBEN Alumni Series, Kevin Omokaro, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Mrs Christine Aluyi, an exceptional alumna, on her recent conferment as the Funtebere of the Ngbilebiri Mein Kingdom (Kiagbodo).

The prestigious chieftaincy title was bestowed upon Aluyi in recognition of her exemplary contributions to societal development, leadership, and unwavering commitment to her community. Her elevation as Funtebere underscores her dedication to service and her impact on the lives of those around her.

Aluyi is the current Registrar of Federal Polytechnic Orogun. She was before now, the registrar of College of Education Warri.

“Mrs Aluyi who has been a guest on UNIBEN Alumni Series, is a shining example of the university’s core values of excellence, integrity, and community service. Her investiture as Funtebere is a proud moment not just for her but for everyone around her. Her accomplishments inspire us all, and we are thrilled to see her recognized in this extraordinary way,” Omokaro remarked.

https://metrowatchonline.com/uniben-alumni-series-host-congratulates-christine-aluyi-on-her-chieftaincy-title/

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The recent remarks made by the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Lilian Salami, labeling the majority of UNIBEN students as “uncultured” and likening the institution to a motor park, are not only deeply offensive but a clear attempt to deflect attention from her istration’s failings.

Her derogatory comments serve as an unwarranted attack on students who were left with no other recourse but to protest against the systemic neglect and poor living conditions under her leadership.

A Misguided istration: Neglecting Students for Aesthetic Projects

Throughout her tenure, Professor Salami prioritized the beautification of the university’s environment, focusing on trees, grasses, and flowers while leaving critical student welfare issues unaddressed.

It is worth asking: What good is a serene campus environment if the students within it are subjected to substandard living conditions? Dormitories, which should have been safe havens for learning and personal growth, often lack basic amenities such as water and electricity.

Students were forced to live in overcrowded and dilapidated hostels while the istration turned a blind eye to their suffering. Food vendors operate without proper regulations, leading to frequent cases of food poisoning.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor’s office was more concerned with external appearances, prioritizing manicured lawns over the well-being of the university’s most important stakeholders — the students.

A History of Protests

Under Professor Salami’s istration, protests became the norm rather than the exception. Students repeatedly raised their voices against the istration’s inability to address their legitimate demands for improved living conditions, affordable tuition, and functional facilities.

Rather than addressing these concerns, the istration often responded with hostility and repression. Instead of seeing these protests as a cry for help, Professor Salami has chosen to describe these students as “uncultured.”

But what is truly uncultured is an istration that consistently ignored its responsibilities, forcing students into the streets to demand what should have been theirs by right.

From blocked highways to sit-ins, these protests were borne out of frustration with a leadership that refused to listen or act in the interest of the student body.

The former Vice-Chancellor’s recent comments reveal not just a lack of understanding of the challenges faced by UNIBEN students but also her inability to take responsibility for her failures.

By blaming students for their own plight, she exposes her lack of empathy and leadership skills.

Strong leaders face challenges head-on and work collaboratively to find solutions. Weak leaders, on the other hand, deflect blame and seek excuses for their ineptitude.

Professor Salami’s istration will be ed for its incompetence and ineffectiveness. Rather than addressing the core issues affecting students, she sought to silence them with dismissive remarks, hoping to shift public focus away from her years of mismanagement.

This is not the hallmark of a leader but of someone desperate to salvage a tarnished legacy.

Students Are Not the Problem; They Are the Victims

It is essential to set the record straight: UNIBEN students are not the problem. They are the victims of years of neglect and mismanagement.

The “uncultured” label used by Professor Salami is both baseless and insulting. It fails to acknowledge the resilience and courage of these students, who have continued to excel academically and personally despite the odds stacked against them.

Instead of painting students as troublemakers, Professor Salami should reflect on the systemic issues that led to their protests.

Why were students forced to block highways? Why were basic needs like water, electricity, and security left unmet? Why was the istration so quick to dismiss their concerns?

These are the questions that demand answers.

A Call for ability and Apology

We demand an unreserved apology from Professor Salami for her remarks, which have done nothing but further alienate students who suffered under her leadership.

Her comments do not reflect the values of the University of Benin or the hardworking students who continue to bring honour to the institution despite its challenges.

Furthermore, it is imperative that future istrations learn from these failures. A university is not just a collection of buildings and greenery; it is a community built around its students.

Their welfare must be the top priority, not an afterthought.

In conclusion, Professor Lilian Salami’s comments are a feeble attempt to deflect attention from her istration’s glaring failures.

Rather than owning up to her shortcomings, she has chosen to insult the very students whose lives she failed to improve.

History will her not as a leader but as a symbol of misplaced priorities and unfulfilled promises.

It is time for the University of Benin to turn a new page, one that centres on student welfare and restores the dignity of its academic community.

Divine Oguche
Concerned Alumnus,
SUG PRO – Students’ Spokesman
2014/2015 Academic Session

Edo politics

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has ordered an immediate review of the State’s electronic governance platform.

The order was contained in a “Government Special Announcement,” dated 25th November 2024, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor.

According to the statement, the review became necessary following a discovery that the entire e-governance platform of Edo State Government is being run and operated from the backend by unknown non-state actors and no one within the entire Public Service of Edo State has istrative control of the platform.

“While all officials and staff of Ministries, Departments and Agencies are to continue to work on the e-governance platform, pending the outcome of the review, this statement is to also dismiss as untrue, some reports in a section of the social media that the state government has shut down the platform.

“The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to a report making the rounds that the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led istration has shut down the e-governance platform initiated by the previous istration. Nothing could be further from the truth.

“It has however been observed that the entire e-governance platform of Edo State Government is being run and operated from the backend by unknown non-state actors and no one within the entire Public Service of Edo State has istrative control of the platform.

“This is considered a serious data security threat as it has placed the entire governance structure of the state at the mercy of non-state actors or so-called consultants. This, therefore, calls for an urgent need to review the process.

“[b][/b]In the light of the foregoing and in order to remedy this clear and present danger, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has ordered the immediate review of the entire e-governance platform with a view to enabling the Edo State government gain total istrative control of the platform and restoring institutional memory of government which the current platform lacks.

“While the review is ongoing, all officials and staff of Ministries, Departments and Agencies are to continue to work on the e-governance platform pending the outcome of ongoing review.”

https://metrowatchonline.com/data-breach-gov-okpebholo-orders-urgent-review-of-edo-e-governance-platform/

Lala Seun Mynd44

Edo politics

As part of moves aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the public service sector, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okphebholo, has approved the immediate dissolution of Local Government Service Commission.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua said the development “is part of Governor Okpebholo’s ongoing reforms designed to streamline government operations, ensure efficiency, and improve the overall performance of all public sector institutions within the State.”

Governor Okpebholo assured Edo citizens, of the public, and staff of the Commission that the dissolution will not affect the ongoing official affairs.

He reaffirmed his commitment to engaging with all stakeholders to develop a robust plan for restructuring the Local Government Service Commission for enhanced effectiveness and efficiency.

“This move became necessary in order to revitalise our Local Government Service Commission and reposition it for more efficient service delivery. By this decision, we aim to eliminate inefficiency and build a more able and effective local service structure.

“Edo State Government remains committed to transparent, efficient, and effective public service delivery with the intent of bringing the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

“Updates regarding this decision and changes in the Local Government Service Commission will be communicated in due course,” the statement added.

https://metrowatchonline.com/breaking-gov-okpebholo-dissolves-edo-local-government-service-commission/

Edo politics

In a bid to further right the wrongs of the immediate-past istration and foster cordial relations between the Government and the people, the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has restored the full statutory rights of the Benin Monarch over the contentious issue of the ownership of ancient artefacts looted from the palace of the Oba of Benin during the 1897 Benin Massacre by the British colonial forces.

Also, the State Government is withdrawing the letter revoking the concession of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre issued by the last istration to be used as a motor park.

These were contained in a statement issued on Sunday and made available to journalists in Benin City by Mr Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

“This istration is restoring the centre to a suitable condition for its original purpose, he said.

“This istration also hereby abolishes the new traditional councils in Edo South, created by the last istration.”

Accordingly, Governor Okpebholo has restored the statutory financial entitlements of the Benin Traditional Council (BTC) and has ordered that the status quo before the creation of the now abolished councils be maintained.

“The Okpebholo istration is backing the initial plan of the State Government to build the Benin Royal Museum that will house the returned artefacts and is distancing itself from the Museum of West Africa Art (MOWA) which the previous istration fronted as the museum to hold the returned Benin artefacts,” the statement added.

The Federal Government has also issued a Gazette for the recognition of ownership and custody of the repatriated Benin artefacts to Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II. This was done through a Government Notice No.25 in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No.57, Volume 110.

“Governor Okpebholo respects the rights and privileges of the traditional ruler of Benin Kingdom, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare ll and pledges the of his istration to ensure the Monarch plays his role as the custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people.

“It is in recognition of this that the istration of Governor Okpebholo shall the decision of the Federal Government to uphold the Oba of Benin as the exclusive owner of the returned Benin artifacts that were looted by the British Colonial forces during the Benin masaca of 1897.

“The Oba of Benin, as the father of all Benin people, is the sole custodian of the customs and traditions of the Benin people and my istration respects customs and traditions in the land and hereby restores the statutory rights of the Oba of Benin as the true custodian of the returned Benin artefacts,” the statement noted.

Governor Okpebholo said his istration is committed and will refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the Benin Traditional Council.

“The Governor is using his constitutional powers and the respect for traditional institutions and the revered Oba of Benin to restore all other Statutory Rights of the Monarch not mentioned hereof,” the statement added.

https://metrowatchxtra.com/2024/11/24/obaseki-gov-okpebholo-restores-full-statutory-rights-to-oba-of-benin/

Lala Seun Mynd44

Global2000:
The Alumni needs to step up. The students needs encouragement. This amount is way too poor.

That’s just one Alumnus and not the Alumni body

Others can do their own part too

It’s not easy to cough out N1m this period expecting nothing in return.