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

    Comrade Festus Alenkhe The Pan-African Online Journalists Association (POJA) has described as monumental the victory of Comrade Festus Alenkhe in the just concluded Edo NUJ election where he emerged as Chairman elect. This was contained in a statement signed by the President- Dr. Isaac Eranga.  According to Dr. Eranga, the victory was as a result of his hard work and commitment towards developing the journalism profession in Edo State. According to him, "Alenkhe has succeeded in carving out a nitch for himself, thereby making his name an household name in Edo State. "POJA will be on ground to assist the newly elected  NUJ Exco in the area of training and sourcing for scholarships abroad for members.  "We also use this medium to congratulate the other elected  executives for the victory well deserved. We urged them to support Comrade Festus Alenkhe in moving the Edo NUJ forward. The Secretary elect, Comrade Andy Egbon is a man reputed for honestly, integrity,   and se

Crusoe Osagie writers and t that Ikhide’s tirade against the Edo State governor is unfortunate. Serial rabble rouser without much substance, Erasmus Ikhide, has taken a complete detour. He used to try to mask his unfair, vicious attacks on Governor Godwin Obaseki, without developmental criticism, asking for more infrastructure, roads and education reforms. Alas, in his latest retort to the governor, he has come full circle to show that the attacks have nothing to do with seeking more development for Edo State but purely borne out of personal hatred for Obaseki, which is derived partly from his belief that it was Obaseki who destroyed the political career of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. According to Ikhide, Obaseki “destroyed his (Oshiomhole’s) political career totally.” The other half of Ikhide’s hatred for the governor is apparently derived from the fact that his proposal to Obaseki’s media team to offer his gun for hire was politely turned down. Since then, he has run amok dreaming, thi

By Isaac Eranga Benin City: As part of effort in ensuring gender balance in the  educational system of Edo State, the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education For All (CSACEFA) recently held a step-down training workshop in Benin City. Speaking, the workshop facilitator, Comrade Ufuoma Akpobi, said the objectives of the training workshop which attracted representatives of different civil society organizations, include "strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations and staff on adaptive learning; encouraging the use of monitoring and evaluation feedback aimed at improving education service delivery and promoting girls education in States in Edo State, subsequently contributing to increase in enrollment. Other objectives according to Comrade Ufuoma Akpobi include "retention, completion and transition in basic and senior secondary schools with  focus on improved access to basic and secondary education which is central to the CSACEFA project; educating participants

The Civil Society Action Coalition on Education For All (CSACEFA) has called on Nigerian government at all levels to consider girl child education when preparing their budgets.  CSACEFA made this call recently in Benin during an advocacy visit to the office of the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Education. The Permanent Secretary was represented by Mr Isibor Idahosa. Speaking, leader of the delegation- Mrs Margaret Ibikwi said CSACEFA was a network of Civil Society Organisations and other line Ministries working on educational issues in Nigeria, with the mission of ensuring free qualitative and inclusive education for all. "Our visit here is to request for a copy of the Edo State Educational Sector Plan (ESP) in order for it to be reviewed while taking into consideration the issue of  gender sensitivity. The benefit of the ESP is that it brings about donor funding, and more awareness on gender based education. "To educate a girl child means to train her mind, chara

By Our Correspondent 3rd from left is Mrs. Adegboyega, 2nd is Dr. Tom Aneni, and other's Benin City: In a bid to curbing the incessant increase in the rate of typhoid fever in Edo State, the state government has assured the residents, of clean and affordable water.  This was revealed by the Managing Director of Edo State Urban Water Corporation- Mrs. Rose Adegboyega, when representatives of Network for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN), Edo State chapter paid her a courtesy visit Thursday November 25, 2021. She said the State government was ready to partner with NEWSAN in achieving clean and portable water for the populace.  "The governor has approved operational funds for the upgrade of facilities. We have been able to put our pumping station at Upper Sokponba on.  "There is increase rate of typhoid fever because people are building borehole s close to sucker-way. Our own is to sunk  industrial boreholes which could serve as source of drinking water, while individual borehol

By Isaac Eranga Benin City: In a bid to improving the skill set of members for better performance, the Nigeria Red Cross Society (NRCS), Edo State Chapter recently held a capacity workshop. Speaking, the State Secretary - Mr Wilson Ekhomogiazin said the training was to strengthen the leadership capacity of NRCS leaders in Benin. He commended the Edo State Governor- Mr Godwin Obaseki for the developmental  supports given to the Edo NRCS. Mr. Ekhomogiazin also extolled the leadership quality of the State Chairman- Comrade Festus Alenkhe.  "Comrade Festus Alenkhe has proven himself to be a role model when it comes to leadership. He has succeeded in attracting development to Edo Red Cross and has set a template for those coming after him to follow. I think it was his leadership prowess that qualified him for the position of Manager News- Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS)", he said. On his part, the Branch Communication Coordinator (BCC)- Oghenetejiri Ovwigho Ugbede called for proper

By Isaac Eranga Bishop Dr Sunday Aigbefoh- Rector, Africa Theological Institute Benin City: The 2021/2022 academic session of the Africa Theological Institute (ATI), commences on November 13, 2021. This was disclosed in Benin City by the Rector of the institute- Bishop Dr. Sunday Aigbefoh. According to the Rector, ATI being the most affordable theological institute in Benin, was established to empower those that are being called by God academically and spiritualy, and it's located at 16, Oviasogie Street, opposite Ojo junction, off Uwasota road, Ugbowo, Benin City. He said the institute is divided into three faculties- Evangelism, Missions, and Theology. "The tuition fee is moderate and affordable even to the low-income earners. This is to encourage the called to pursue after knowledge in order for them to build their capacity about God. Without information, deformity is inevitable. "Our students are being trained to handle their Work of Ministry in the fear and tenets of

 By Isaac Eranga Benin City: In a bid to getting women involve in peacebuilding and security issues in Edo State, a 3- day workshop geared towards the development of the state action plan has been held in Benin.  Participants at the workshop are members of the Technical Steering Committee on  United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325. They are drawn from government ministries, civil society organizations, paramilitary, the media, and religious leaders. The 3- day workshop was under the auspices of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), with support from the Norwegian government. In a remark, Mrs Ebuwa Odeh who representated the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning said the State governor- Mr Godwin Obaseki is in support of the development of Edo SAP, saying  he has always be in the forefront in promoting the wellbeing of women and girls in the State. On her part, representative of the Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues- Mrs Eseosa O

Chief Dr Omogiade Enoyiogiere Edokpolo, President and Founder of EPIA Benin City: The long awaited Edo World Cultural Carnival bid to hold on January, 2022, has been postponed indefinitely.  This was contained in a press release signed by the Edo Indigenous Leader and President of Edo Progressive Indigenous Association (EPIA)- Chief Dr. Omogiade Enoyiogiere Edokpolo. According to the release, the postponement was due to the governor's directive on covid-19 vaccination. The governor of Edo State- Mr Godwin Obaseki had earlier passed a directive that for anyone to access public facility in the State, the person must show proof of covid-19 vaccination. "In a bid not to be disobedient to the directives of the State governor, we  resolved at the Executive Council Meeting held on the 10th of October 2021, to postpone the carnival to a later date that will soon be made known. "We have rather decided to reunion all EPIA members come the 11th and 12th of January 2022. This reunion

Chief Dr. Omogiade Enoyiogiere Edokpolo, President and Founder of EPIA A pan-Edo sociocultural pressure group- Edo Progrtessive Indigenous Association (EPIA), has called on the Lagos State Commissioner of Police- Mr Hakeem O. Odumosu to render unreserved apology to the people of Edo State for humiliating Edo indigenous human right activist Chief Patrick Eholor, aka ultimate Equal.  Reacting to the arrest and detention  of Chief Patrick Eholor in Lagos by the operatives of the Lagos state police command, Edo indigenous leader and president of EPIA- Chief Dr Omogiade Enoyiogiere Edokpolo said it was an abuse on the fundamental human right of the rights activist whom he described as a peace advocate. Chief Patrick Eholor, aka Ultimate Equal “Verbal apologies are not enough to assuage the pains and humiliation meted out on Chief Eholor by men of the Lagos State Police command, we deserve written apology to proof that the police was really sorry for what they did to Chief Eholor. “Mr Odumos

Africa Theologian Bible Institute for Global Opportunities located at 16, Oviasogie, Street, Opposite Ojo Street, off Uwasota Road, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria, has been given full accreditation by a foremost theological accreditation body- Global Partnership for Theological Accreditation and Mission, South Korea. This was disclosed by the Rector of the institute- Bishop Dr. Sunday Aigbefoh during the 2021 academic session graduation ceremony held recently in Benin.  Dr. Aigbefoh said the name of the institute as a result of the full accreditation, has been changed to Africa Institute for Theological, Mission and Evangelism Studies.  "Before now, ATBIFGO has been an affiliate of Institute for Global Opportunities, Asian Bible School, Chiang Mai, Thailand. All our degrees then were approved by IGO. But with this accreditation, we can now offer degrees to qualified individuals.  "Africa Institute for Theological, Mission and Evangelism Studies is affordable and the s

 By Isaac Eranga Benin City: The Leader of Edo Indigenous Movement (EIM), also known as Edo Progressive Indigenous Association (EPIA), Chief Dr. Omogiade Enoyiogiere Edokpolo, said Edo is gradually returning to her enviable position in world's affairs. Dr. Edokpolo said this while commending Dr. Osahon Enabulele as he emerged the President of World Medical Association, headquartered in Norway.  According to him, "with this historic development, Dr Enabulele, has once again attained another milestone by being the first ever Nigerian and West African physician to be elected President of the World Medical Association since the global body of all physicians in the world was established in the year 1947.  "Dr.Enabulele's victory is a testimony to his global acceptability and recognition of his many years of hard work within the WMA, his profound intellect, sagacity and excellent performance in all responsibilities assigned to him, and his undeniable progressive contributio

By Matthew Izibili, PhD Professor of Philosophy, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma Introduction      Prof. Matthew Izibili of Ambrose                 Alli University, Ekpoma Marriage is a respected institution among Esan people of the Central Senatorial District of Edo State. Traditionally, beside the companionship purpose for marriage, there exist the procreation/reproduction dimensions to it. It is part of the firm beliefs of an average Esan person that it ought not to be entered into unadvised. Hence, in traditional Esan society, parents of the would-be couple have an important role(s) to play in the coming together of their children or wards in matrimony. Meanwhile, there once existed the betrothal system of marriage contract. By this, the young man or woman has little or nothing to say in who should be married and to whom. Parents make proposals on behalf of their children and ensure that serious care is taken of them morally in matters of skill acquisition, and other related areas.

The Partners for Peace (P4P) in the Niger Delta has called on bodies saddled with the responsibility of carrying out peace building activities, to engage in critical reflection on their strategies so as to decipher if they are doing the right thing.  This call was made yesterday by the National Coordinator of P4P- High Chief Pius Akomolafe in a press conference in Benin City, as part of celebration of the 2021 World Peace Day and the annual general meeting (AGM) of P4P. The high Chief said the 2021 AGM gave opportunity for looking at whatever had been done, "where we were and where we are, and projecting to where we are going to. "The essence of which we are here today is to look back: how effective, how functional are the bodies carrying out peace building activities, are we doing it right? If yes, how can we do it better? If you are not doing it right, what can we do to make it right? This is the essence why we are here today. "P4P is a corporate organisation structure

  The authorities of the University of Benin has made a U- turn in its face-off with the students over its decision to charge N20, 000 for late payment of school fees. The authorities also rescinded their decision to close down the school just as the Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Lilian Salami tendered an unreserved apology to the students. According to a statement by the University’s Registrar, Ademola Bobola on Wednesday, the management urged the students to disregard the closure order issued on Tuesday. “After due consultation, and in the overall interest of the general students’ body, the Vice Chancellor has, on behalf of Senate, apologized to our dear students. “This is based on security reports from the Department of State Security (DSS) to avoid the students’ action being hijacked by hoodlums; and thereby prevent any form of breakdown of law and order within and outside the campuses of the University.”   Before the U-Turn by the authorities, thousands of students of the University of

𝑶𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒃𝒂𝒋𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒗𝒕. 𝒅𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒉 𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔' 𝒅𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒔 𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 As the Buhari administration continues to work hard at solutions to the challenges confronting the nation, clergymen and congregants at the All Saints Anglican Church Wuse Zone 5, and the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David Parish, Utako, Abuja, are praying for an end to the spate of violent attacks in parts of the country.  At the churches earlier today with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, leading other Federal Government officials to grace the dedication of new buildings opened by both denominations, there were intercessions on behalf of the nation for God to grant Nigeria victory over the sponsors and perpetrators of violence in the country.  First was the Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of all Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Revd. Henry Ndukuba, ass

Edo  Indigenous Movement Leader, Dr. Bishop Omogiade Enoyiogiere Edokpolo has commended the 24BITS and Edo indigenes resident in England for successfully organizing the Edo legendary show by promoting indigenous  actors and artists from Edo State in England. Dr. Omogiade Edokpolo made this commendation while describing the unity that exist amongst Edo indigenous people in the diaspora. He said this was a true  reflection of Edo cultural identity.  "Edo culture is very rich and a reflection is the artifacts confiscated by the Europeans when they invaded Benin Kingdom in 1897.  "I want to use this medium to laud the 24BITS and Edo sons and daughters for their successful hosting of Edo legendary show in England,  they have made Edo people both in Nigeria and in the diaspora proud. "This is in tandem with the vision of Edo Indigenous Movement (EIM), also known as Edo Progressive Indigenous Association (EPIA). EPIA has succeeded in uniting Edo both in Nigeria and in diaspora

The Sustainable Environment Development Initiative (SEDI), has called on Edo State government to prohibit the open burning of household, industrial, and biohazard wastes in order to avert harmful pollution which poses as risk to human health in the State. According to SEDI,  Burning of trash releases dioxin, lead, and mercury. This call was made by the Executive Director of SEDI- Dr. Tom Aneni, in a one-day workshop on Pathway to Municipal Waste Management in Edo State, organised by SEDI in Benin City. Dr. Aneni said managing solid waste has become an important concern in both domestic and international material cycles, for environmental preservation, efficient resource utilization and sustainable development.  "Open and indiscriminate burning of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste as a disposal method, is still a common practice among the citizenry. This workshop is in line with the Federal Government Gazette No. 5, Vol. 98 on the 5R’s of waste management, namely: Reduce, Rep

Dr. Bishop Omogiade Enoyiogiere Edokpolo- Founder of EPIA The President of Edo Progressive Indigenous Association (EPIA), Dr Bishop Omogiade Enoyiogiere Edokpolo has commended members of EPIA in Switzerland most especially the coordinator Mr Kingsley Omobude, and other executives in Switzerland over the successful conduct of their second summer reunion BBQ Party. The Edo Indigenous Leader made  this commendation while highlighting the achievement of EPIA worldwide. He said the joy experienced in the party will strengthen the bond that exist amongst members.  Dr. Edokpolo said the grill that followed the BBQ party is a true  reflection of the brotherly love that characterized a typical Edo man/woman. "A summer without the BBQ party wouldn’t be a real summer. It is a reunion that will have lasting imprint in the heart those that experienced it. Such party helps in promoting 'we feelings' amongst participants. "I want to use this medium to call on all EPIA Members in var

  Alenkhe Promises To Sustain Support For Bendel Insurance FC The Crime correspondent of Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), Mr. Festus Alenkhe has said that he would sustain his motivational support for the state owned Bendel Insurance Football Club in order to continue to bring sports glory to the state. Alenkhe disclosed this in a chat with newsmen after presenting #20,000 to Ojo Tolulope, the scorer of the first goal of the last home match for the football season played at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City weekend. The match was against the Crown Football Club of Ogbomosho that lost the encounter by four goals to nil. He had presented the amount for the third time running to the scorers of first goal in every home match in line with his promise. He said that there was nothing too big to motivate a team that was doing the state proud with quality play and positive results. According to him, while the state government was doing its bit, the efforts need to be complemented by other

The President and founder of Edo Indigenous Movements (EIM), also known as Edo Progressive Indigenous Association (EPIA), Dr Bishop Omogiade Enoyiogiere Edokpolo, has described as a sign of good things to happen to Edo people, the delivery of quadruplets from the fifth wife of Oba Equate 11, the Oba of Benin, Princess (Oloi) Esosa Ewuare II into the Benin Royal family. Dr Bishop Omogiade Edokpolo said this while answering questions from newsmen in Benin City. He said the multiple births have attracted attention and that there was generally a great deal of fascination about the concept of more than one baby being born at the same time.  "Different cultures view multiple births in diverse ways. For us in Edo, multiples are seen as a blessing from God and a sign that they shared one soul which had been split between the two. We see their existence being attributable to the blessing from an almighty God. "Edo indigenes both in diaspora and at home heartily felicitate with our mon

By Isaac Eranga   Edo  Indigenous Leader- Chief Dr Bishop Omogiade Enoyiogiere Edokpolo Benin City: The Edo indigenous leader and founder of Edo Progressive Indigenous Association (EPIA)- Chief Dr Bishop Omogiade Enoyiogiere  Edokpolo has lauded the Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, for heeding to his plea and that of Edo indigenous people, by  assenting on the bill amending private property protection law of 2017 into the new Edo State private property protection law of 2021. This new law apart from banning the activities of community development association, also put an end to the activities of the Okhaigele.  According to Bishop Omogiade Edokpolo, "the ousting of the activities of  Okhaigele in Benin kingdom, will help fast track  development in the kingdom. When the governor put an end to the activities of CDAs, the Okhaigele took over the proscribed CDA's activities and turned themselves to warlords in their various communities, thereby confiscating landed property belo

L-R: Head of Finance and Account, Edo Public Procurement Agency (EDPPA), Mary Ikhajiagbe; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, EDPPA, Henry Imogiemhe Idogun; Head of e-procurement unit, EDPPA, Ezekiel Obazele and Director of Admin and Supplies, EDPPA, Paul Aigboje during the launch of the state’s e-procurement portal in Benin City, on Friday, July 16, 2021. The Edo State Government has launched an electronic public procurement system to ensure a transparent and accountable process in its public procurements. The Managing Director of Edo State Public Procurement Agency (EDPPA), Mr. Henry Imogiemhe Idogun, who spoke to journalists in Benin City during the launch of the system, said the portal will enable contractors to bid for contracts from any part of the world. Idogun noted that Edo State has taken a bold step towards a better, transparent and accountable system in its public procurement process as the launch will guarantee a fair and seamless process. He said: "We are the

By Isaac Eranga Victor Osaigbovo-one of the suspects arraigned in court Benin City: Edo indigenous leader and President of Edo Indigenous Movement (EIM) also known as Edo Progressive Indigenous Association (EPIA), Chief Dr. Omogiade Enoyiogiere Edokpolo, has lauded members of the Nigerian Police, especially men of the zone 5 headquarters, for charging to court, persons that assaulted him over plots of land that "rightly" belongs to him at the Uhunokire/Aguwagboi close to Amagba axis in Benin. Dr. Edokpolo made this commendation in Benin while feeding questions from newsmen. He thanked everyone who has shown solidarity on the subject matter and also to those who have shown "sympathy on this notorious assault that was done" on him. "I want to thank God almighty and the Nigerian Police Force for securing the prosecution of the hoodlums and thugs led by one Mr Victor Osaigbovo who assaulted me and threatened my life couple of weeks ago. They invaded my property at

By Isaac Eranga Benin: A two-day Stakeholders Engagement and Consultation on the Development of Edo State Action Plan (ESAP) on United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 meeting, has been held in Benin City. The meeting which was conducted by the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), in collaboration with the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), is in furtherance of a three-year project on 'Enhancing Women's Participation in Peace and Security in Nigeria' aims to broaden the understanding of stakeholders of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. The meeting which had representatives of the Edo State Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Planning and Budget, Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, Police Wife's Association, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Civil Society Organisations, the media, the Christian Association of Nigeria, etc., was declared opened by the Permanent Secretary of Edo State Ministry of Social De

--- takes anti-irregular migration campaign to schools Benin City: A nongovernmental organization known as Strategy and Innovation for Development Initiative (SI4DEV), has called on the Federal government of Nigeria to include migration education as a subject in schools curriculum. This call was made by Edo Coordinator of SI4DEV- Dr. Isaac Eranga during a one-day sensitization workshop on anti-irregular migration at Gleen Miller Schools, 16 Oviasogie Street, off, Uwasota Road, opposite Ojo junction, Ugbowo, Benin City. Dr Eranga said the prevalent rate of irregular migration amongst Edo teenagers and youths is alarming. He said many promising boys and girls have lost their lives due to irregular migration. "It's irregular migration that makes people to travel through the desert to Libya where they meet with tortures and displacement of destinies. The females are incessantly raped and get pregnant for unknown fathers and inversely involves in unsafe abortions which has led to l

  Football Coach Killed By Gunmen In Benue Tori Jun 15, 2021 Read original It was gathered that the deceased was shot dead by the assailants at Asese 1, North-Bank, Makurdi. The deceased, Torkuma Chihe Promise A football coach identified as Torkuma Chihe Promise has been killed by gunmen in Makurdi, the Benue state capital. It was gathered that the deceased popularly known as Coach Mboma was shot dead by the assailants at Asese 1, North-Bank, Makurdi on Sunday evening, June 13. A Facebook user, Kingsley Terkimbi Usongo, said he spoke to the deceased same day he was murdered. "Rest in peace my brother coach Mboma Torkuma Promise Chihe. I spoke with u early yesterday, requesting you to take ur phone to my mom so I could speak with her. I guess I was the first person's voice u heard yesterday. It's unfortunate that u couldn't end the day as you were shot dead later in the evening of yesterday, 13/06/2021. Continue to find rest with the Lord until we meet to part no more&q