Social Reporters News Service, published by IOE Publishers - CAC/BN/3400383

The governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki has revealed that the Okpeke 10km road race would take a new face this year as more activities would be added to spice the event. Obaseki announced this when the board and management of Ecobank, paid him a courtesy visit at government house in Benin on Thursday. Obaseki, thanking the financial institution for the level of support they have shown towards promoting good governance and his administration said that the state was beefing up plans to make the next edition more outstanding and organise a festival at the end of the event. ‘’Okpekpe is a flagship race and we want to take it to the next level this year. We want you to step up your support as we intend to give the race more promotion and have a brand.  We want to introduce more activities; people will run for more causes, like running for charity’’, he said. A statement from the Office of the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Obaseki said, the Okpekpe Road Race invited world-c

The National President of Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers Association of Nigeria (NURTW) Alhaji Usman Yassim on Thursday congratulated Governor Godwin Obaseki for his success at the 2016 gubernatorial election saying his  victory shows that the people wanted continuity and consolidation. The President, represented by his deputy, Chief Elijah Uwamakpo expressed confidence in the steps Governor Obaseki has taken since he assumed office, noting that it is an indication of his ability to lead. Although he admitted that the governor has a great task before him in developing the state, Yassim revealed that the group has absolute trust and confidence in his ability to meet the challenges ahead and transform the state beyond expectations. Meanwhile, Governor Obaseki, for his part, urged the NURTW to study the state’s model for better collection of revenue from members of the union, explaining that with the electronic method of collecting revenue, previous lapses would be addressed

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Edo State Council, Comrade Pullen Noruwa has commended Governor Godwin Obaseki's effort on the recently concluded pensioners verification exercise by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), adjudging it as the best the country has had. Comrade Noruwa gave this remark on Wednesday when he led the executive members of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners on a courtesy visit to the Government House in Benin City. He also expressed satisfaction at the hospitality of the process as participants were seen going home with extra packs of food, soft drinks and other items. Noruwa said the verification process was well organised and the welfare of pensioners was given due consideration during the process. The Chairman, however, appealed to the state government to review the state of the Edo State Pension Board by creating a Pension Bureau as alternative means to settle pension issues especially on cases

A Green SUV Honda car with registration number Ehor 888 AA belonging to one Mr. Napoleon Enojomwan was on Saturday stolen in the premises of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) on Saturday 25th March, 2017. This according to many people present, shows the state of insecurity in the premises.        In the cause of searching for the vehicle, it was discovered that the Edo State House of Assembly didn't have a CCTV camera. This caused an alarm of insecurity by the people who came for a book launch authored by Chief David Edebiri, a Benin High Chief. "How can an institution like the Edo State House of Assembly don't have a CCTV camera", the people lamented. The people also said what pained them most was that the car was not snatched at gun point but gently taken away in the unsecured premises of the Edo State House of Assembly. "This is a very big shame", the angry people shouted.

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested three suspected armed robbers, who shot and killed a dispatch rider, who had gone to deliver smartphones to them. It was gathered that the armed robbers had ordered for smartphones from an unnamed company and had waited at their hideout for the firm to send the items across through a courier. It was learnt that the dispatch rider, who had gone to deliver the items on Saturday, was unmindful of the fact that the receivers of the goods were armed robbers. A source said that on getting to his destination, the yet to be identified dispatcher rider was thoroughly beaten and killed with a gun. It was learnt that the body of the courier was thrown into a soak-away pit. Confirming the incident in a telephone interview, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Nnamdi Omoni, said a group of policemen, who were on patrol arrested three hoodlums, including a girlfriend to one of them. “I can confirm the incident. What happened

The immediate past governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole has described the job of Ibrahim Magu, the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as ‘most challenging’ in Nigeria. According to him, Magu’s job was more demanding than those of President Muhammadu Buhari and Senate President Bukola Saraki. Speaking on Monday at the first national anti-corruption stakeholders’ summit at the EFCC Academy in Abuja, he said, “You have the most difficult and challenging job in this country today, more challenging than the job of a governor, the job of a President, the job of a Senate President or any other person because those ones are clearly defined and the values are there but this one is really problematic.” According to Oshiomhole, the anti-corruption efforts of the present administration were not selective. “In the past we were made to believe that you could not probe the armed forces because of security reasons because they could overthrow; so, army accou

From, Osemwengie Ben ogbemudia Benin Edo state Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has announced a winning bonus of N1 million for Bendel Insurance Football Club. Besides, the Governor who promised to support the club both financially and morally said it would enable them compete favourably and secure promotion to the elite division at the end of the current season of the Nigerian National League. The Governor gave this assurance on Saturday evening at Samuel Ogbemudia stadium where he watched the Insurers stand their own by defeating the visiting Papilo FC of Owerri two goals to one. Governor Obaseki, accompanied by his Deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu and the Secretary to the State Government, Barr Osarodion Ogie at the stadium, commended coach Roland Ewere and his team for an impressive outing, which saw them cart away all 3 points. He also announced a winning bonus of N1 million for the club. He said that his administration is ready to do everything necessary to encourage the state-owned

Mr. John Mayaki  is the  Chief  Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor  Godwin  Obaseki of  Edo state. In this interview with TEMIDAYO AKINSUYI, he spoke on the achievement of the governor in his first 100 days in office. He also countered the claim by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the governor has refused to constitute his cabinet because of selfish reasons. Excerpts: It is over 100 days since the Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration took over in Edo state. How has the journey been? It has been… a whirlwind of sorts. When you work for a governor, who is serious and intends to industrialise the state and even create nothing less 200,000 jobs, not to talk of providing 24-hour power supply, then, frankly speaking, you’ve got your work really cut out for you. Governor Obaseki, because of the huge mandate he has to fulfil to the people of Edo State, barely rests.  He is always working. One minute, he is in one meeting, another minute, he is in another meeting. All th

By Alecia Swasy Twitter reflects the good, the bad and just plain ugly reality of social media these days. For academics, journalists and voters, there’s never been a more crucial time to talk about the impact these social media platforms have on factual journalism and being watchdogs of the powerful. It’s in vogue to attack the messenger for the message. We are called liars. We are called “nasty people.” We are told to shut up. So, what else is new? What administration has loved the press? Washington Post editor Marty Baron recently told the Code Media conference : “We’re not at war with the administration, we’re at work. We’re doing our jobs.” We work to get the facts. And as academics, we work to teach future journalists the key principles of news gathering. With the advent of Twitter and other social media, it’s important to teach critical thinking so all can ask: Who is setting the news agenda? I didn’t set out to become a Twitter scholar. Indeed, I made fun of it like most j

Isaac Eranga The heir to the Samsung empire and four other top executives from the world’s biggest smartphone maker have been indicted on multiple charges including bribery and embezzlement, South Korean prosecutors said. “Special prosecutors today indicted Samsung Electronics vice chairman Lee Jae-yong … for bribery, embezzlement, hiding of assets overseas … and perjury,” said Lee Kyu-chul, spokesman for the team probing the corruption and power abuse scandal that has seen President Park Geun-hye impeached, on Tuesday. “The potential penalties if this goes to trial, and he is found guilty, are severe,” said Al Jazeera’s Harry Fawcett, reporting from Seoul. “He can get up to life in prison if embezzlement is found to be of a sufficient amount.” Lee was arrested on February 17 over his alleged role in the corruption scandal involving President Park, dealing a fresh blow to the technology giant and standard-bearer for Asia’s fourth-largest economy. Samsung is suspected of providing

The Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has commended Governor Obaseki for appointing one of its members John Mayaki as the Chief Press Secretary to the governor. Speaking yesterday in Benin City during a courtesy visit to the governor, the state Chairman of NUJ, Roland Osakwe said Mayaki’s appointment was most appreciated. “We are grateful to the governor for appointing one of our own as your Chief Press Secretary. We assure you that Mr. Mayaki will leave up to the challenges of the office,” Osakwe said. John Mayaki, a quintessential and one of the finest flashiest journalist was called into the government of Godwin OBASEKI to help optimize the publicity and publicization of the activities of the governor. Since his assumption of office as the CPS, John Mayaki has left no stone unturned in the management of information and the dissemination of same.

Chairman, Senate  Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye has said that following the Senate rejection of the nomination of Mr. Ibrahim Magu as chairman of the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission  (EFCC) on two different occasions, President Muhammadu Buhari cannot validly re-nominate the same candidate again. Melaye while commenting on the debate in the media about whether Magu can continue to act as EFCC boss in spite of his failure to be confirmed by the Senate or if the President can renominate him, Melaye said there is a provision of the Senate rules which would not allow members consider Magu for the same position again. Citing Order 131 of the Senate Rules, Melaye said after the rejection of Magu's nomination, his candidacy is considered lapse and therefore advised the President to consider a fresh nominee who is qualified, in terms of experience, integrity, knowledge and temperament to lead the anti-graft agency.

By Osemwengie Ben ogbemudia Benin Gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen in the early hours of yesterday ambushed travellers along the busy Benin-Auchi-Okene Highway and kidnapped 15 persons including the immediate past chairman of Etsako East local government area in Edo state. The armed men were said to have stopped many of the motorists at the popular Ogbemudia Farm at Iguevbihobo village where they searched all occupants of the vehicles after the victims laid face down on the road. It was gathered the former council chairman, Mr. Suleiman Afegbua, a cousin to the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Vice, Malik Afegbua and ex-Special Adviser (SA) on Media to former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Prince Kassim Afegbua, was said to have attempted to escape from the scene of the attack when the gunmen opened fire at him. The former council boss was shot and died on the spot while other occupants of the vehicles trapped at the scene were also kidnapped and taken to an unknown location

Edo State Government has declared Friday, 17th of March as public holiday in honour of the late Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia, one of the patriarchs of the defunct Midwest and the first and two-time governor of the then Bendel state who died in the early hours of Thursday, 9th of March 2017. The holiday is to enable Edo people mourn and pay their last homage to the great leader and father of Edo and Delta state respectively. A statement from the Office of the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. John Mayaki said students are expected to queue up in their Uniforms at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium by 9am while Civil Servants are expected to be seated for the Inter-denominational Church Service at the same venue by 10am on Friday, February 17th, 2017. According to the statement, “Government hereby urges all Edo people to pay their last respect during the burial ceremonies”.

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has expressed shock and sadness over the alleged assassination of former Council Chairman of Etsakor East Local Government Area, Hon. (Prince) Suleiman Afegbua. The Governor, while condemning, in strong terms, the dastardly act, urged security operatives in the state to immediately swing into action, unravel those behind the act and bring them to justice. Preliminary reports indicate that unknown assailants, thought to be assassins, on the Benin-Auchi road, allegedly attacked Suleiman Afegbua, who was on his way to Benin. Meanwhile, the visibly miffed governor, who received the news in company of his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, described late Suleiman as a progressive, peaceful and hardworking council Chairman, while promising that government will do what it needs to do to apprehend the culprits of this heinous crime and bring them to book. “This is wicked and mindless”, Governor Obaseki said. Continuing, Governor Obaseki noted that the i

The Governor of Ekiti state, Ayo Fayose has declared his support for the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries, Apostle Johnson Suleman. He said “I stand by Apostle Suleiman and other men of God being directly or indirectly persecuted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) cabal.” According to Daily Post, Fayose said the allegation of adultery levelled against the man of God is a high level conspiracy. Miss Stephanie Otobo had alleged that Suleman had an affair with her and tried to kill her when she got pregnant for him. According to Fayose, the allegations are aimed at discrediting the man of God, and quietening every voice of opposition in the country. The Governor said “This was the same way they tried to drag the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christians Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye in the mud. The whole world was aghast at how they insulted and ridiculed the highly-revered RCCG General Overseer. But for the outcry from all over the world, they alm

By Isaac Eranga, Benin Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has inaugurated a committee to work out modalities for the implementation of the federal government Social Investment Programme in the state. The committee, which will be chaired by the governor, has his Deputy, Mr Philip Shaibu as Vice Chairman, while his Chief of Staff, Mr Taiwo Akerele will head other sub-committees. The governor, addressing members of the Social Investment Programme Steering Committee charged them to work hard to ensure the state’s enrollment into the federal government programme.   He listed various components of the social investment programme to include the N-Power Programme, from which over 14,000 people have benefited in the state. Others are the school feeding programme and the National Conditional Cash Transfer programme, which the state was yet to adopt.   “I am imploring us to, within a fortnight, finalise all the work we are currently doing to ensure that we qualify people for the school f

Posted by Isaac Eranga, Award winning Health Journalist A multi-pronged campaign in Benue state, Nigeria, aims to stop preventable child deaths from diarrhea by reaching diverse audiences with important prevention and treatment information. Local government leaders, faith leaders, farmers, motorcycle taxi drivers, and informal law enforcement groups are among some of the groups reached. More than 200,000 children in Nigeria die each year from diarrhea-related illness, and most communities in Benue state have seen diarrhea-related deaths. The “Push Diarrhea Away” campaign uses thought leaders and community volunteers to help spread the message that ORS and zinc should be used to treat uncomplicated diarrhea in children under 5. The campaign has reached nearly 30,000 people through road show performances, advocacy visits to rulers of all 23 local government areas in the state, and an official campaign launch event with speeches from well-known public figures. At the launch, Dr. Cecili

It is with sadness but glory to God Almighty that the Government of Edo State announces the death, in the early hours of today, of Brigadier General (rtd) Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia. Dr. Ogbemudia served as Military Governor of the Mid-West State from 1967 to 1975 and Executive Governor of the old Bendel State from October 1983 to December 1983. He was also a former Minister of Labour and Productivity, former Chairman of Petroleum Products Monitoring Company, and Chairman Governing Council of the University of Abuja. A fine Military officer who helped to liberate the Mid-West region during the Civil War, under his administration, Bendel became a leading state in education, sports and industry. As two time Governor of Bendel, which comprised present-day Edo and Delta states, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia will be fondly remembered for the strong foundation that he laid to consolidate the infrastructural, social and economic development of both states. Amongst his several milestone achiev

9th March, 2017 PRESS RELEASE: MURIC CALLS FOR PRESIDENTIAL PARDON FOR 54 SOLDIERS As five hundred dismissed soldiers plead with the Nigerian Army to “tamper justice with mercy”, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) is reiterating its appeal for presidential pardon for the 54 soldiers who are currently serving a ten-year jail sentence for requesting for proper armament before advancing on Boko Haram insurgents.        They had earlier advanced with their battalion on 9thJuly, 2014 under Lt. Col K. C. Uwa to recapture Damboa but they were ambushed and they lost 23 men and four officers due to inadequate equipment. Without fresh arms and without a single armoured tank, they were again asked to advance on Damboa,Deluwa and Bullabilin. This made them request for more equipments from their commander, Lt. Col. Oporum. For daring to demand arms before engaging a better equipped enemy, they were rounded up. Their death sentence which was pronounced on 17th December, 2014 was commuted to ten

By Senator Ehigie Uzamere, ksc Days after the news of Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo  Ogbemudia's demise broke, his house on Ihaya Street, Benin City, has become a mecca of sorts. For who he was, and friendships he cultivated across the length and breadth of this country and beyond, such pilgrimage is expected. This also, coupled with the fact that he did not  retire into oblivion after his military career, but went into active politics, makes a huge turn out of people on condolence visit to his family, inevitable. However, I am taken aback by the number of fellow Benin men and women on condolence visit to his home. The same people who did not recognize him while he was alive. The same people who disregarded him in the party, PDP, he co-founded, but showed allegiance to a non- Benin, are now crying more than the bereaved. I hasten to ask: Is this belated show of love out of guilty conscience? A show of regret of what ought to have been, but was left undone till death parted our ways with h

From, Osemwengie Ben ogbemudia Benin   Independent National Electoral Commission yesterday issued certificate of return to Mr Godwin  Ogbemudia  Adenomo as the duly elected member representing  Ovia South West Constituency, Edo State House of Assembly  The Court of Appeal in its judgment last week  sacked the member representing the constituency, Hon Sunday Aghedo and consequently ordered the immediate swearing in of Mr Godwin Adenomo as the rightful elected member     Adenomo had dragged All Progressives Congress(APC) including the Party  Primary Election Committee to court over alleged imposition of the embattled lawmaker in 2014.     Speaking with newsmen, Adenomo who stormed the State House of Assembly  Accompanied by large number of supporters said he came to formerly submitted  the certificate of return and court judgment to the leadership of the State Assembly while awaiting to be sworn in       "Today I presented  myself before the State House  of Assembly and presen

From Communications Development (DEVCOM), Lagos   March 8, 2017 The overall development of a country depends upon the maximum utilization of her people, both men and women. In Nigeria, women comprise nearly half of the total population and are identified with domestic life while politics is seen as a male-dominated public activity that is typically masculine in nature. The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day campaign BEBOLDFORCHANGE  is a call to the masses and the women to help forge a better working world - a more gender inclusive world. Despite the advancement in time, the status of Nigerian women is much lower than that of men especially in the Northern part of the country. Situation analysis shows that women and children are marginalised and denied the opportunities to develop to their full potential in lending their hands in development. Gender concerns militate against the extension of equal opportunities to children and women and therefore, lead to frustration, a

The Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Health Services, Hon. Segun Olulade on Tuesday, commended the member representing Surulere Federal Constituency I, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, for donating a primary health centre and ambulances to some hospitals in Surulere. Olulade, who gave this commendation during an oversight to Randle General Hospital, Surulere and some Public Health Care Centres in the area, also called on well-meaning Nigerians to complement efforts of the government in providing qualitative health care services to the citizens. The lawmaker, who noted that the state government alone would not be able to attend to all the challenges facing the health sector, pointed out that “the task of providing standard health care services that everyone will be proud of anywhere in the world should not be left in the hand of the government. “Government needs support from of well-meaning people. It is heart-warming that a Federal lawmaker, Hon. Gbajabiamila donate

Isaac Eranga, Benin There a heavy pandemonium as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) , Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State today protested against what they termed politics of exclusion by some few party leaders from the area to schemed them out of the would be list of political office holders The protesters who stormed the State House of Assembly,APC State Secretariat and Government House to registered their grievances also passed a vote of no confidence on the local government party chairman and his vice, Mr Sunday Adoga and Musa Afegbua respectively They equally rejected the list of nominees for political appointment allegedly concocted by four persons in the bed room of one of the party chieftain in Benin City, saying that the list was designed to serve the parochial interest of those who do not care about the general interest of the party Oba Steven Peter who spoke on behalf of other conveners from seven wards of the local government area accused the party

By Osemwengie Ben ogbemudia,  Benin A Footballer according to ex-Super Eagles player, Edema Fuludu says can change the Lives of a Family, if given the opportunity and necessary encouragement. Fuludu, who captain University of Benin football team to many National and international competitions in his school days said any child discovered to have any Sports potential should be encouraged by the parents and their game masters or Coach. The ex-Super Eagles player used his self as a point of encouragement, while playing football and at the same time schooling. The former New Nigeria Bank player was speaking at a two day seminar on Mentoring the youth soccer coaches in Edo state primary schools held at the indoor hall of Idia College, Benin city. The program which was organized by the Community Sports and Education Development, was a give back initiative by a distinguished son of Edo state. Edema Fuludu said as a student in university of Benin and at the same time playing for New Niger

By Isaac Eranga, Benin Acting President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has assured oil-producing communities in Edo state of the federal government’s support in resolving the lingering problems in the communities.   Osinbajo gave this assurance during a stakeholders meeting with oil-producing communities at New Era College in Benin on Monday. He noted that the federal government was aware of the problems in the oil-producing communities of the state and was making efforts to resolve them. ‘’The Federal government has gone into partnership with host communities as they represent the future of the country. Our visits to all oil-producing communities in the country is to understand the problems in these communities and seek a new vision for them”, he said. In addition, Professor Osinbajo revealed that that over 4,000 graduates from the state had been included in the federal government’s N-Power Graduate Programme and some of them had been deployed to the oil producing communitie

If you are carrying an extra few pounds around your middle, one of the easiest ways to lose it is to take a close look at the types of foods that you are eating. When you want to lose some weight, from any part of your body, you need to burn more calories than you eat, so cutting out the high calorie foods that give you little nutritional value is the first step. You also need to be aware of that. If you want to have a flat stomach, you need to cut out foods that could be causing water retention and bloating, as well as take more exercise and eat healthy foods. Here are some foods that you need to cut out from your diet, if you want to get a flatter stomach. Too many carbohydrates When you eat too many carbs, your body stores them up in the form of fat for you to use as energy later. Quite simply, if you cut down on the carbs that you eat, your body will start to use the stores of fat around your belly and this will, eventually, lead to a flatter stomach. Chewing gum You may not