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

SOCIAL REPORTERS NEWS SERVICE: news from source A Pan-Ohanaeze Ndigbo socio-political organisation, Conference of Igbo Professionals Worldwide, (COIPOW), said it has commenced an intensive campaign with series of meeting and lobbying, to enable the South-East region produce the next president in 2023. The group, however, expressed concern that the formation of a security outfit by the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, would thwart the plan as most leaders from other zones would perceive it in a bad light and withdraw their support. COIPOW’s National President, Prof. Patrick Kalu, and National Secretary, Dr Uche Mbaka, in a statement on Wednesday, described the Security Network as Illegal, and appealed to the people of the region not to take Kanu and his security structure seriously. Prof Kalu said: “We wish to express our profound appreciation to the key Igbo leaders who attended our just concluded emergency meeting in Akwa, Anambra State, where we delibera

…reviews curfew from 12am to 4am daily … facemasks now mandatory in public place; schools shut till Jan 18 … active COVID-19 cases now 32 The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has rolled out measures to halt the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the wake of the second wave of the pandemic. The governor, in a broadcast on Wednesday, announced the reintroduction of restrictions and reactivation of disease surveillance and management protocols, including public health and safety guidelines to fortify the state government’s efforts at flattening the curve of the second wave of the virus. Obaseki noted that “In line with the Federal Government directive, we have adjusted our curfew to now begin from 12 mid-night to 4 am daily, beginning from today, December 23, 2020, except on December 31st, 2020”  According to the governor, all schools in the state will remain shut until January 18, 2021. He said: “the government has decided to reintroduce the following measures in Edo State to lim

  Godswill Akpabio’s plot to loot NDDC: State governors should speak up now – Kalu Social Reporters News Service National Coordinator of People’s Democratic Party Coalition, Chief Emeka Kalu, has described as worrisome, the total silence of all the governors from the Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC)States over the plot by Godswill Akpabio and the Presidency to sabotage the role of NDDC agency to the oil producing region by appointing a sole administrator that will make it expressly possible to embezzle the N453.2B 2020 budget of the agency without recourse to the suffering masses of the area, interalias, environmental degradation and neglect by successive federal governments. Recall that in a press statement, Chief Kalu threatened that if the intended rape on the collective future of NDDC member states, which he belong to, is allowed to proceed with impunity, the concerned citizens of the region will have no option than to embark on heavy regional protests and/or other related

The Edo State Government has paid December salaries and pension of workers and retirees, in furtherance of efforts by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to meet its obligations for the wellbeing of workers in the state. Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., in a statement said the governor gave the directive in line with the standing order for prompt payment of  salaries and pensions to workers. Ogie noted that the early payment is also aimed at  supporting Christians in the state who are set to celebrate the Christmas festivities. According to him, "The Edo State Government has paid pensions and salaries of workers and retirees in the state in line with the governor's standing order on prompt payment of salaries and pensions. "The early payment is also a way for the government to identify with Christians in the state during the Christmas celebrations. The gesture is timed to ensure that our Christian brothers and sisters are well-catered for

… says hub for music, movie production, others to be ready first quarter 2021 The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has reassured that his government will continue to support the state’s creative industry, providing the enabling environment for the subsector to thrive. Obaseki, who spoke in Benin City during a virtual Town Hall meeting, noted that with the necessary support and training, the creative industry will contribute significantly to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and create employment opportunities for youths. Obaseki said: “We are working with the German Government through the German Development Agency, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), who have just supported us with about $500,000, which we matched with our own funds.” Noting that the state government will ensure the utilization of the fund to build local capacity in the creative industry, he noted: “As a government, we have come to the realization that the real issue is not

Benin City: The Edo indigenous Movement (EIM) also known as Edo Progressive Indigenous Association (EPIA), has described as disrespectful, the non-usage of Edo attires by elected Edo political leaders. This displeasure was made by the Edo indigenous leader and President of EPIA - Chief Dr. Bishop Enoyiogiere Omogiade Edokpolo while reacting to the recently held South/South Governors' meeting presided over by the Delta State Governor and Chairman of the South/South Governors forum- Senator Ifeanyi Okowa. Chief Dr. Edokpolo reiterated that written records have shown that traditional attires have aplayed and still play an important symbolic role in the preservation of cultural values and heritage and in the creation of a feeling of unity of the people. He said traditional attire is formed and existed in certain geographic and economic circumstances and continually evolved within different traditions. "Today traditional attire or costume has a different application than in earlier

Over 2,500 Youths Attend Edo Youth Summit The Edo State Government says over 2,500 youths are part of the Edo Youth Summit holding currently in Benin, the state capital. The Youth Summit has participants onsite and others connected virtually. The event has in attendance, the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, and his deputy Philip Shaibu. The panelists include Anambra State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development Partners, Mark Okoye; and Head of Tracka NG, Uadamen Ilevbaoje. The panelists are discussing the role of Edo youths in actualising ‘Making Edo Great Again’ Agenda of the state government and other issues. Other panelists include the Chief Operating Officer at Starzs Investments Company Ltd, Iroghama Ogbeifun; Co-Founder, Elect-Her, Abosede George-Ogan; Founder, Genius hub Global Initiative, Isimeme Whyte and the Minority Leader, Nigerian Youth Parliament, Daniel Uwadia.

 Edo Football Referee solicits financial assistance for kidney surgery A member of the Edo State Football Referees Council- Mr. Israel Gometi,  has called on well meaning Nigerians, corporate bodies, NGOs, and Sports association to assist him financially in order for him to successfully undergo kidney operation. Mr. Gometi said this in a letter which was made available to Social Reporters News Service in Benin. He said the money he has so far  received, could not foot the bills. "I have started tests and investigations. I was formerly in Jos University Teaching Hospital but now in Lagos doing tests and investigations with dialysis and also preparing for the surgery. "I'm admitted already into St Nicholas Hospital, though there is no date for the surgery yet, but I'm under doctors supervision before the date which I really don't know yet will be declared", said Gometi On his part, the Chairman of  Edo Referees Council, Mr. Johnbull Nosa Okundolor said the Edo

Edo Progressive Indigenous Association (EPIA), also known as Edo Indigenous Movement (EIM) has blamed Edo State and Nigeria government for the breaking into warehouses by angry youths, where Covid-19 palliatives that were meant for the vulnerable and the poor were kept   months after they were being released by the Federal government of Nigeria. This was contained in a statement signed by the Edo indigenous leader and President of EPIA, Chief Dr. Bishop Omogiade Enoyiegiere J. Edokpolo. EPIA lamented the spate of destruction of lives and property which are the results of the looting meted on the warehouses.  "The palliatives were supposed to be distributed to the poor and vulnerable so as to cushion the effect of the covid-19 on them but why were they in the warehouses. This is disheartening and highly lamentable. No wonder we didn't see anybody that boasted he or she went home with a palliative when the heat of the covid-19 was high. "The government should stop playing p

 Kayla Megwa Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has applauded the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu for banning the routine patrol of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) and other Tactical Squads of the Nigeria Police Force. Speaking to State House reporters at his residence in Abuja on Sunday, Professor Osinbajo described the routine attacks on young people as infuriating. While condemning the actions of some officers he called bad “eggs of the Force”, the Vice President asked the police to stick to their mandates. He also commended Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) for speaking up against injustices meted out by some security operatives on young Nigerians. Osinbajo’s remarks come shortly after IGP Adamu warned FSARS and other Tactical Squads of the Force against carrying out stop and search duties, checkpoints, mounting of roadblocks, traffic checks, etc with immediate effect. According to a statement issued by the Force spokesman, Frank Mba, the police boss warned th

The Edo Progressive Indigenous Association (EPIA) also known as the Edo Indigenous Movement (EIM) has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Muhammed Adamu to listen to the plea of Nigeria youth, especially Edo indigenous youth, and scrap the State Anti-Roberry Squard (SARS), saying the unit has caused more harm than good among Edo youth. This was contained in a press statement signed by Edo indigenous leader and President of EPIA, Chief Dr Bishop Omogiade Enoyiogiere Edokpolo. He said EPIA is a voice to the voiceless and the vulnerable. "Edo Indigenous youth have spoken with respect to SARS. They want the federal government to terminate the SARS unit in the Nigeria Police Force, as they have been perpetuating more harm than good and their operations not in tandem with their primary purpose. "we use this opportunity to send a clear message to the other security agencies like the DSS, the NSCDC, the Nigerian Army, to focus on their primary duties and avoid  the oppres

The Edo Progressive Indigenous Association (EPIA) also known as Edo Indigenous Movement (EIM) has condemned the suspension of the proposed Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) strike action as a result of increase in electricity tarrif and increase in petroleum products, describing it as disappointment and  betrayal of trust and contrary to the indigenes' choice. This statement was made by the Edo Indigenous Leader and President of EPIA- Chief Dr. Bishop Omogiade Enioyiegiere Edokpolo in Benin City, while feeding questions from newsmen. According to Chief Dr. Edokpolo, the decision to suspend the strike action by the NLC is completely unacceptable by EPIA, and by the Edo indigenous people. "We place all our hope, believe and trust on the NLC as a pressure group to pressurize the government whenever they come out with wrong decisions that can affect the people or that could depress the people's welfare.  "We call on Edo NLC and national NLC to review their stand because they

  The Edo progressive  Indigenous  Association (EPIA) also known as Edo Indigenous movement (EIM) has called on the Edo governor elect in the just concluded Edo 2020 gubernatorial election and the incumbent governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, to embrace the Edo indigenous development template put together by Edo indigenes.  This was disclossed in Benin City by Edo indigenous leader and President of EPIA- Chief Dr. Bishop Omogiade Enoyiegiere Edokpolo while discussing with newsmen on the way forward for Edo indigenous people. He said development is all about the people. "This template when fully adopted, will bring about the needed development Edo indigenes desire. This template is holistic and speaks directly into the development needs of Edo people.  "Though Governor Obaseki did well in his first tenure, but more is still expected from him and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comr. Philip Shaibu. Their administration did well with the memorandum of understanding (MOU)

By Isaac Eranga Benin City: Edo progressive Indigenous Association EPIA also know as Edo  Indigenous movement Worldwide,  said with the free and fair conduct of the Edo Governorship election, Edo Indigenes have proven to the world that civilization started with the Edo people of West Africa. This was disclosed by the Edo indigenous leader and President of EPIA, Chief Dr. Bishop Omogiade Enoyiogiere Edokpolo in Benin City after the end of September 19th Edo Governorship election. He called on other Nigerian States to emulate Edo State in moving Nigeria forward.  Chief Dr. Edokpolo said Edo election attracted the attention of the world. He said Edo State became the focus of the world, saying Edo election became popular like that of Nigeria general election. "Even the media was not exempted;  the election can be described as one of the most peaceful elections in the history of Nigeria irrespective of the negative predictions  of violence.  "This will go a long way to further sen

Governor Obaseki of Edo State endorsed the Vote Not Fight Campaign Coalition of Niger-Delta Concerned Youth (CONCY) has lauded  Connected Advocacy for Empowerment and Youth Development Initiative over their  Vote Not Fight: Elections No Be War campaign in Edo State. According to the group, the campaign helped in forestalling peace in the just concluded Edo State governorship election. This commendation was contained in a press statement signed by the Publicity Secretary- Evelyn Oigbochie and made available to news men in Benin City. The group described the election as free, fair and peaceful election.  "We want to commend the Connected Advocacy for the campaign on non-violence election they carried out under the auspices of the Vote Not Fight: Elections No Be War campaign; the outcome of it is what played out at the Edo election. I want to use this medium to appeal to other civil society organisations to borrow a leaf from Connected Advocacy.  "We want to also thank the Indep

Ahead of the Edo governorship election, major stakeholders converge in Benin to forge the way forward. The event held  at Oba Akenzua 11 cultural centre, Benin city, had in attendance major election stakeholders which include leaders of  political parties and her candidates, Security personnel, NOA, CSOs/NGOs, Religious leaders, International and Domestic observers, Media and representatives from the palace of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N ‘Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare Il, Oba of Benin.  The INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu in his speech said Card readers for the Edo governorship election have been configured and received, non-sensitive materials received, Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) for INEC officials have been received in the state, INEC  officials trained and voters register given to the political parties. Mahmood assured the stakeholders that sensitive materials would be deployed as scheduled, adding that card readers will be used during the election while the

Edo Indigenous Movement gets working Committee Chairman for Indigenous Global Festival Mr. Been Owens Ifionayi As part of preparations for the  Edo indigenous home coming global festival, a working committee Chairman has been appointed. He is Mr. Ben Owens Ifionayi, who hails from Edo south senatorial district of Edo State. This was revealed to newsmen in Benin City by the Edo indigenous leader and President of Edo Progressive Indigenous Association (EPIA), also known as Edo Indigenous Movement (EIM)  worldwide, Chief Dr. Bishop Omogiade Enoyiogiere Edokpolo. According to Chief Dr. Edokpolo, "the responsibilities of the Chairman working committee include helping  EPIA/EIM to plan and organize or put the right modalities in place for the Edo indigenous home coming global festival bid for January, 2020" The EPIA leader urged Mr. Ben Owens Ifionayi to comply with EPIA/EIM guidelines and directives in carrying out all his duties in this regard. According to EPIA boss

2022 Edo Indigenous Global Festival: EPIA appoints Diaspora Artists' Coordinator By Indigenous Journalist Isaac Eranga Mr. Spice Vision Edosa Benin City: As part of preparation for the Edo Indigenous Home Coming Global Festival bid for January, 2022, the Edo Progressive Indigenous Association (EPIA) also known as Edo Indigenous Movement (EIM) Worldwide has appointed Mr. Spice Vision Edosa as Edo Indigenous Festival Diaspora Artists'Coordinator. Mr. Edosa is the CEO of  Spice Vision Music House Entertainment Limited. This was contained in a letter signed by the Edo Indigenous Leader and President of EPIA, Chief Dr. Bishop Omogiade Enoyiogiere Edokpolo and made available to newsmen in Benin City.  "The responsibility of the 2022 Edo Indigenous Festival Diaspora Artists' Coordinator is to coordinate all the diaspora artists for the upcoming Edo Indigenous Home Coming Global Festival for EPIA/EIM worldwide. He is expected to carry out all activities and transac

Edo indigenous movement tasks Edo voters on guber candidates manifestoes, antecedents By Isaac Eranga indigenous leader and President, Edo Progressive  Indigenous Association ( E.P.I.A), Chief Dr. Bishop Omogiade  Enoyiogiere Edokpolo has called on Edo eligible voters to take into consideration the manifestoes and previous records  of those currently jostling to be governor of the state come September 19, to determine who they will vote for. The non- partisan group, founded in 2014 with the sole aim to promote amongst others, Edo indigenous language, cultural heritage and empowerment, said the governorship candidates aganda constitute a major determinant to evaluate their ability to deliver the dividends of democracy to Edo indigenouns people . “We think both candidates, although there are others in the race, are all Edo prominent indigenes, they have the technical know how on how to pilot the affairs of the state. We are putting it before Edo indigenes to go and look at th

Edo Indigenous Movement appoints new General Secretary By Isaac Eranga Edo Progressive Indigenous Association (EPIA) also known as Edo Indigenous Movement (EIM) has appointed Barr. Chris Otasowie as General Secretary of the association. This was contained in a letter signed by the Edo Indigenous leader and Presiden of EPIA Chief Dr. Bishop omogiade Enoyiogiere Edokpolo  and made available to the Nigerian Observer in Benin City.  Speaking, Chief Dr. Bishop Edokpolo said the newly appointed Secretary General will help the movement to follow-up with all her record keeping and documentations. "Barr. Otasowie has proved himself to be an astute administrator and legal luminary and having such a person as General Secretary, will be a plus to the association. "All activities and transactions of this office is subject to the approval of EPIA/EIM President and Elder's Council. "You are to comply with EPIA's guidelines and directives in carrying out all your

Edo Indigenous People are the most United in the world, says EPIA By Isaac Eranga Chief Dr Bishop Omogiade Enoyiogiere Edokpolo Benin City: The Edo indigenous movement (EIM) worldwide, also known as Edo Progressive Indigenous Association (EPIA), said despite the turbulence in the leadership of Edo State, Edo people remain the most United in the world.  Speaking under the auspices of World Indigenous Peoples' Day, the Edo Indigenous leader and President of EPIA, Chief Dr Bishop Omogiade Enoyiogiere Edokpolo said history shows that Edo people has a way of reuniting themselves after going through a period of political and social instability. He said Edo is a typical situational example of Marxist dialectics of thesis, antithesis and synthesis. "We may have turbulence here and there in our leadership, but when the storm is over, we know all Edo indigenes will come back again. "I see Gov. Godwin Obaseki and Pastor Osagie Ize- Iyamu working  together before t

…as Edo Govt thanks Buhari for not coming to showcase corruption Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on  I and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday shunned the official flag-off of campaign by Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 19 election in Edo State. Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, expressed thanks to President Muhammadu Buhari for not attending the event that took place in Benin City, the Edo State capital. According to Osagie: “Once again, President Muhammadu Buhari reaffirmed his commitment to his administration’s fight against corruption by staying away from the public unveiling of the corruption-scarred gubernatorial candidate of the APC. “Knowing the collateral damage such a gesture would have caused the anti-corruption war and its promoters, home and abroad, the President decided to stay away. The vice president,

Edo Indigenous Movement condenm the dysfunctional disposition of Edo law makers The Edo Indigenous Movement (EIM) worldwide, also known as Edo Progressive Indigenous Association (EPIA), penultimate weekend condenmed the nonchalant attitude displayed by please members of the Edo State House of Assembly on August 6th, 2020, describing it as infantile and disrespectful to the rule of law. This was contained in a press statement signed by the indigenous Publicity and Research Committee Chairman- Mr. Nelson Osazee Godwin.  "Edo indigenous people calls for peace and order in the State House of Assembly and condenm every crisis brewed by political parties to continue to divide Edo Indigenous people. The House is supposed to be a home for law makers and an epicentre for law and order in the State and not an animal kingdom. "EPIA frowns at the idea of supposed law makers in Edo state demonstrating as political prostitutes because of their selfish interest without putting the

Breaking: NGO calls for state of emergency on unsafe migration By Isaac Eranga  Benin City: Connected Advocacy for Empowerment and Youth Development Initiative, a non-governmental organization registered in Nigeria, has called on the Nigerian government to declare a state of emergency on unsafe and irregular migration, saying uncounted number of lives have been lost through the process. Speaking under the auspices of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Executive Director of Connected Advocacy, Prince Israel Orekha said unsafe migration has brought perpectual pains to the lives of many who have relatives that have died through irregular migration. He opined that the total number of human trafficking victims outside of Nigeria is largely unknown.  Prince Israel Orekha According to Prince Orekha, "Nigeria remains a I and s country when it comes to human trafficking.  According to the Global Slavery Index Report of 2018, Nigeria ranks 32/167 of the countrie

Amaechi has vindicated me – Gov. Obaseki Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo, has said that the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has vindicated him on the cancellation of a maritime security contract awarded to Hosa Okunbo. Recall that Chairman of Ocean Marine Security Limited (OMSL) Hosa Okunbo, had in an open letter, accused Governor Obaseki of influencing the cancellation of the contract. Obaseki had also denied having a hand in the termination of the contract. And in a statement on Saturday, Crusoe Osagie, Obaseki’s spokesman, said that the Minister vindicated Obaseki when he(Amaechi) appeared on an AIT programme on Friday, and gave reasons for the cancellation of the contract. Osagie quoted Amaechi as saying that his Ministry cancelled the maritime security contract, which Okunbo’s OMSL was undertaking, because the deal was laced with fraud. Osagie quoted the Minister to have said on AIT, “What security was he (Hokunbo) providing?” . Speaking further, the Min

Edo2020: APC candidate writes off Governor Obaseki's MEGA slogan ...Explains how he came up with Simple Agenda The APC candidate for the September governorship elections in Edo state, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has described the outgoing Governor Obaseki's, 'Make Edo Great Again', slogan as a mark of failure. He said the new slogan shows Governor Obaseki had no agenda since he took office in 2016 until now when he is completing his four year tenure meaning he only succeeded in wasting Edo people's time and resources by doing nothing.  According to Pastor Ize-Iyamu, "So the past four years he was groping in the dark. A man who came in as a technocrat four years ago. A man who was in government and promised continuity. He wasted the time of Edo people. And now he wants to make Edo great again realizing nothing has been done?". The APC candidate who was addressing Media Executives and reporters based in Edo state at the weekend in Benin City when he