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

By Akpomejero Friday, Benin A former  lawmaker in Edo state House of Assembly, Hon. Simon Oloruntoba  has joined hands with others to  endorse the former Governor of Edo state Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole as the right person for the position of the National Chairman of All Progressives  congress (APC). He made this known through a press release made available to newsmen in Benin city, the Edo State capital Hon Oloruntoba who is currently a Commissioner in Edo state local Government Service Commission said "making Comrade Adams Oshiomhole the National Chairman of the party APC is timely as he will deploy his experience in  party politics and his national influence as former labour leader to enhance the victory of the APC in upcoming 2019 General Elections."Oloruntoba said delegates of the party to ensure that the choice of the former Governor is  realized at the convention pointing out that President buhari had done enough research before zeroing his choice on comrade Oshi

Catholic Priests had a peaceful protest earlier today in Akure, Ondo State against the disheartening killings in the middle East and other parts of Nigeria. ‘Every Soul Matters’, the priests said. The demonstration is coming days after suspected herdsmen stormed St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Ukpor-Mbalom Parish, Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, killing two Catholic priests and 17 parishioners. The deceased were members of the parish who were in the church to attend the 5:30am Mass and burial ceremony.

By Akpomejero Friday , Benin The leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Iyoba ward in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State led by Engr. Reuben Eboigbodin has unanimously said they have lost confidence in the Commissioner for Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Saturday Uwuilekhue as the leader of the ward over alleged financial misappropriation of N500,000 meant for the governorship election of governor Godwin Obazeki and many others. In a press statement signed by the leaders and executive members of APC in Iyoba ward made available to newsmen in Benin City, accused the  Commissioner of numerous offenses which include undemocratic practices. According to them, the sum of N500,000 brought for the election of Godwin Obaseki, suddenly developed wings in the hands of Mr. Saturday Uwuilekhue and disappeared into the tin air till date and never accounted for by the NDDC Commissioner. In the area of party activities, they claimed that since his nomination

News from the source The Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) lacks the powers to impose fines on erring motorists. Justice James Tsoho held that FRSC cannot turn itself into a court of law by punishing those who commit traffic offences. The court gave this judgment in a suit filed by one lawyer, Mr Tope Alabi. The lawyer had asked the court to declare that only a court of competent jurisdiction can pronounce a person guilty under Section 10 sub section (4) and 28 subsection (2) of the FRSC (Establishment Act) 2007 and Regulation 143 of the Nigerian Roads Traffic Regulation, 2011. The judge declared the sections null and void for being inconsistent with Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution which vests judicial powers in the courts. The judge also awarded N1 million as damages to the lawyer because FRSC confiscated his vehicle and driver’s license. “It is my conviction that the plaintiff is entitled to remedy on this account,” the judge

By Olotu Henrietta Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Rt. Hon. Paul Ohonbamu has commended the Pan-African Online Journalists Association (POJA) for the role they play in the dissemination of information to the public. Rt. Hon. Paul Ohonbamu made this commendation when he received members of POJA who where in his office on courtesy call. The Commissioner who pointed out that the social media lacks the creed and ethos unlike the conventional media, said that because the social media is not controlled by the National Broadcasting Corporation, there is distortion that negates genuine information. The Commissioner said Sole Soyinka described social media as promiscuous facilitators bastardizing news because of the manner they go about their job. He called on POJA to look into this and ensure they balance their reports. The President of POJA, Mr. Isaac Eranga earlier told the Commissioner that the association is an independent body of professional online journali

News from the source To equip youths to exploit opportunities in Nigeria’s evolving technology eco-system and deliver on the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki’s promise to create 200,000 jobs, the state government has concluded plans to partner Microsoft and Tech4Dev in training  50,000 persons on digital literacy skills. EdoJobs, the state government’s job creation and skills development platform, is coordinating the training in the state and will, through its portal, supply participants as well as other logistics for the programme. Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Job Creation, Mrs. Ukinebo Dare, in a statement, said that of the 50,000 participants in the programme, 500 will be coached as master trainers, who will facilitate the step-down training for others. According to her, “We have reached advanced stage of preparation for the training programme to commence in Edo State. Microsoft and Tech4Dev plan to train about 500,000 persons across Nigeria. Of that numb

By Isaac Eranga BENIN CITY: The All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo state chapter, said the recent declaration by President Muhammad Buhari to go for second term as President of Nigeria was as a result of the President's determination to render more service to the people. This was disclosed by the Publicity Secretary of Edo APC, Mr. Chris Azebamwan. Mr. Azebamwan said the APC faithfuls and critical stakeholders know that President Buhari has done very well and that there are more to be done. He described President Buhari as APC's focal sales point. "Every product has focal sales point, Buhari is APC's focal sales point. Buhari has succeeded in bringing security under control. Security situation in Nigeria has been stabilized, while activities of Boko Haram curtailed. When Buhari took over the mantle of leadership, Boko Haram was occupying two States, but today, is no more   so. "Buhari has also improved the Nigerian economy by fighting corruption and reducing

By Isaac Eranga BENIN CITY : The Current Initiative for Peace and Conflict Resolution Advocacy (CIPCRA), a nationally registered NGO with the Nigerian Corporate Affairs Commission, said they were ready to partner with the Edo State Traffic Control and Management Agency (EDSTMA), in ensuring pedestrian safety along the roads of Edo State. This was disclosed by the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Amb. Dr. Richard Aifuwa Omoregbe, when members of Edo State School Road Safety Advocacy Programme (EDSTSAP), an initiative of EDSTMA paid him a courtesy visit penultimate weekend in Benin. Amb. Richard Aifuwa said he was happy to receive the team, saying CIPCRA was ready to collaborate with them in ensuring that the safety of the people on the road is guaranteed. "You can always count on us because we at CIPCRA knows that the project is too much for only EDSTMA to carry. CIPCRA will always ensure that the purpose of the road safety advocacy programme is achieved",

...sets up special taskforce to comb out herdsmen from forests, communities As part of measures in addressing the problem of herdsmen activators, the Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has placed a  90- day total ban on grazing in Odighi, Odiguetue communities and environs. Obaseki announced the ban during a meeting with members of Odighi, Owan and Odigwuetue communities at the palace of the Enogie of Odighi Community in Ovia North East Local Government Council of the state. The governor said the ban became necessary to stop further killings as the duty of his administration is to protect lives and property of the people of the state. "We have set up a special taskforce made up of the Army, Police, State Security Service, hunters and vigilante groups to comb the bushes and dislodge squatter camps of killer herdsmen and ensure no grazing takes place in Odighi, Odiguetue communities and environs". He added that within two weeks, the taskforce will go round the affected

...to create 7,000 direct jobs Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the construction of 60 roads across the state’s 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs), to bring development closer to the people and open up rural communities for business activities. Obaseki said infrastructural development being pursued by the government will engender job creation and poverty alleviation, as 7,000 youths will be engaged during the road construction. Obaseki, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Taiwo Akerele, during the inspection of ongoing road construction at Ogunmwenyin community, Lucky Way, Osayande Ize-Iyamu Drive and Nneka Street in Ugbor Village, said, “The roads to be constructed are semi-rural/urban roads, ranging from 1 to 1.5 kilometers. The effort is geared towards deepening the spread of economic enablers to engender development.” The inspection train also got to Amagba Community, where the governor assured of the re-construction of the road, noting, “We don’t

Akpomejero Friday, Benin Environmental Rights Action and Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN),  said they are in support of the plan by Friends of the Earth in Netherlands to institute a legal action against Shell if it does not act on demands to stop its destruction of the climate. Executive Director of ERA/FoEN, Dr Godwin  Ojo who addressed a press conference in Benin yesterday, said " By the day it is becoming evident that Shell may be running from the mess, but it evades justice. The plan by the Friends of the Earth Netherlands to take Shell to court will further embolden imparted communities in the Niger Delta to institute cases to demand that lives seized and ruined by Shell' activities are taken back "This case is supported by Friends of the Earth International which campaigns for climate justice for people across the world impacted by dirty energy and climate change. Friends of the Earth International has 75 member group globally, many of them working to sto

...Interns to earn 20,000 stipend monthly The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has deployed the students of College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, to five world class agricultural institutions in the state for internship; Okomu Oil Plc, Presco Plc., Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN), and the Leventis Farm, in the state government’s effort to equip the students with technical knowledge and revamp the institute. According to Obaseki, “The students of College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi have been distributed to five reputed agricultural institutions in the state, where they will receive practical training in their chosen field of study and will be paid N20,000 monthly for three months. “The team that is restructuring the institute is almost ready with the report that will guide our transformation of the institute to a world class training institute for future experts in the agricultural sector. The new vision for the inst

By Isaac Eranga EHOR: The Ighovee Foundation/ Uhunmwonde Gold Cup Football tournament has commenced penultimate weekend in Ehor, the administrative headquarters of Uhunmwonde local government area of Edo State. The competition which was organised by the IGHOVEE FOUNDATION, has 10  wards in contention. Declaring the football tournament open, the Enogie of Ugha, who was also the Father of the day, His Royal Highness, Lucky Ugbo thanked the organisers of the competition which he said has never been seen in the history of Uhunmwonde. He urged the youths to use the competition as a means of unifying themselves into one formidable force. "I was happy when I came to see that we still have somebody that have the interest of Uhunmwonde youths at heart", the traditional rural said". Speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Owere Dickson Imasogie lauded the organisers for developing the game of football through the youths. "I once had Dickson Imasogie Cup for the then Bende

As Benin City, the Edo State capital observed the special environmental sanitation at the weekend, market women, youths and other residents have lauded the swift reaction of the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in ensuring major parts of the city were cleared of refuse dumps and debris. According to Mrs. Ruth Abieyuwa, a trader at the Oba Market in Oredo Local Government Area, the speedy response of the governor over public outcry on the heaps of refuse around major markets and parts of the city is highly commendable. Abieyuwa said: “The governor must be highly commended for responding to complaints for the market to be cleared of refuse dumps, which exposed traders and shoppers to foul smell. Before today, one cannot stay in the market for long because of the offensive smell from the heaps of refuse.” The special environmental sanitation which was observed along major routes, markets and other public places in the state capital was flagged off by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ph

By: Desmond Agbama, CPS to Oba of Benin His Royal Majesty, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin has called on the Federal Government to intensify its fight against corruption and avoid wastages in the system of governance in order to be able to provide jobs and curb the menace of illegal migration and human trafficking in the society. The Benin Monarch made the call when he received a delegation from the European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Right who paid the Omo N’Oba a courtesy visit in the Palace. His Royal Majesty said Nigeria is rich in natural and human resources which should be adequately tapped by the Federal Government for the benefit of Nigerians. The Omo N’Oba told his guests that the Palace, people and government were troubled by the incidence of human trafficking which assumed worrisome dimension in the form of modern day slavery, and appreciated the federal and state governments as well as the international organization for migration for their efforts to ensure the safe retur

----says it will serve as deterrent for others   The Green Party of Nigeria (GPN) says Wednesday’s sack of Edo Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability by Gov. Godwin Obaseki will deter others from taking the welfare of state workers for granted. The state chairman of the GPN, Mr Roy Oribhabor, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Benin. NAN reports that the Commissioner, Mr Reginald Okun, was sacked during the State Executive Meeting, following Tuesday’s protest by street sweepers. The sweepers had staged a protest round major roads and the Government House, Benin, over alleged none payment of salaries for six months. Oribhabor described the none payment of salaries and the subsequent protest as an embarrassment not only to the state government but the state as well. “However, we call on the government to be more proactive than reacting because research conducted by us clearly shows that street sweepers are the least paid worker

Social Reporters News Online News from the source FIFA instructor and former coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Adegboye Onigbinde, has revealed why he divorced his wife. The 80-year-old recently dragged his wife to court and divorced her after lingering family issues. He said he did so in order to have a long life, advising young men to always study their partners before marriage. According to him, “I don’t really like discussing the issue. I can’t face a trouble that is capable of taking my life. “We have been on the domestic issue for almost two decades and I think it is time to put an end to it. That was the reason I dragged her to court for a divorce. “I’m using this medium to advise young boys to study their partner well before jumping into marriage. “There are different ladies out there with different characters, I won’t want such thing that happened to me at this age to happen to any of my children or fans. “Even if I end up staying alone, it’s okay by me, as

The Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) has handed over the collection of revenue in the 16 Local Government (LG) areas of the state back to their respective councils. This was disclosed by KWIRS Chairman, Dr Muritala Awodun in a press conference after the Joint Revenue Committee (JRC) meeting on Thursday in Ilorin, the state capital. He said JRC was established by law to ensure that there is harmony in tax administration in the State to prevent double taxation, deal with other revenue matters and enlighten the people appropriately about revenue processes and collection. Awodun noted that due to the success of KWIRS in improving the State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), the local councils entered into an agreement with the Service to collect revenues on their behalf and remit amount due to each council every month. The chairman added that, out of the 21 list of approved revenue lines at the local level, 17 lines have been returned to the councils, who will now be in

----Desist from being used as agent of destabilization, says COSON By Isaac Eranga Senior Members of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Edo State chapter has dissociated themselves from the embattled former member of the board of COSON, Mr. Efe Omorogbe through a letter , advising him to desist from further being used as an instrument of destabilization in the society. The letter which was made public at a press conference held on Easter Monday, April 2, 2018, at the NUJ Press Center in Benin City, was signed by notable artists such as: Prince Saka Balogun Omo Lawal-Osula, the Arala of Benin; Prince Roland Igunma Igbinigie, aka Akabama; Amb. Osayomore Joseph; Dr. Fabomo, the Itendo of Benin; Raphel Ehis Oboh, aka Oligbese 4 Sale; Tony Okate; Osas Osasco; and others. The letter reads as follows: "On December 7, 2017, you led a coup to remove the chairman of the Governing Board of COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji. Your being named by your cohorts to succeed Chief Tony Okoroji w

… Wants Probe Extended Into Buhari’s 2015 Campaign Funds April 1, 2018 Press Statement The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Federal Government are chasing shadows in their desperate plot to implicate the opposition in the alleged hacking into the personal record of its Presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari. The party said while it welcomes an open investigation into the Cambridge Analytica saga, it demands that such inquest be extended to cover the sources of the looted funds used to prosecute President Buhari’s campaign in 2015. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement, on Sunday, said the APC is merely seeking to divert public attention from its manifold failures and scandals, as it is already public knowledge that neither the PDP nor any of its officials or members were ever linked or indicted in any way, in the said saga. It is also public knowledge that the document being relied upon by the APC clin

----say it’s because we’re poor  A Bayelsa State High Court (Yenagoa Division), has sentenced a 38-year-old vicious cult leader, Diepreye Sunday Olayo to death by hanging. Delivering his judgment on Thursday, Justice Emmanuel Ogola found him guilty for the murder of Being Ilebiri on September 6 2011 along Ebis Mechanic road, Amarata, Yenagoa. Olayo a member of Greenlanders cult group was said to have shot dead Ilebiri believed to be the hitman of Bobos cult in the state. The prosecution counsel, Andrew Seweniowor Arthur who tendered the confessional statement of the accused and 13 witnesses said its case has been proved beyond reasonable doubt that Olayo murdered Ilebiri on the fateful day. Ogola before delivering his judgment advised the two parties to seek redress in aHigher  Court if they disagree with his ruling. While going through the history of the case which, according to him, was inherited upon his transfer, he stated that he had to deliver judgment of trial within trial

Better days are here for unemployed youths in the communities hosting the Benin Industrial Park, in Edo State as contractors handling the road construction and other civil engineering aspects of the project commence work. Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said “the contractors handling the road construction work have deployed their heavy earthmoving vehicles like bulldozers, excavators, scrappers, dump trucks and motor graders inside the Benin Industrial Park. They are clearing natural barriers, opening up the area and doing the earthwork for the roads.” Osagie explained that his recent visit to the communities on the stretch of land hosting the park was revealing, as “the people are thrilled by the socio-economic prospect that the project holds.  The positive spirit in the area is palpable and things are going to get better with the jobs being created as the contractors hit the ground running.” He added that “a giganti

As part of ongoing reforms in the state’s agriculture sector, the Edo State Government has called for off-takers of farm produce and livestock products to bid in its Agricultural Entrepreneurship Development Programme (AGEDEP). In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security Programme, Prince Joe Okojie, the government said, “The programme, which has spurred massive production and created youth agripreneurs in the crop and livestock value chains, is seeking for off-takers." Okojie said the state’s AGEDEP is part of government's drive to stimulate market access and secure agricultural investments in the state, adding, “We expect applications from qualified firms/organisations in agribusiness to take advantage of the scheme to procure farm produce and products. The farm products include: maize, cassava, rice, soya bean and plantain. While the livestock products include: beef (cattle), pork (pig) and broilers/eggs.” He sa