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

By Isaac Eranga Benin: The chairman of Edo State chapter of Labour Party (LP)- Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi has congratulated Christians in the State as  they celebrate Christmas and New Year. In his Christmas message made available to journalists,  Comrade Kelly  urged  Christians in the  State to offer prayers to support the process which will lead to having a good leader possessed with Love for the people, to emerge as Governor of the state in 2024 . According to him, 2024 is another golden opportunity before Edo People to choose wisely who will lead them with love and create the enabling environment for their prosperity. "The indignation in our faces across board shows  that the People are sad and disappointed, let us therefore sieze this opportunity of Christmas celebration to pray for the emergence of a True Leader who will change the narrative for better. I assure you that Labour Party is working very hard to ensure such true Leader emerges on its platform". "Let's a

The Sustainable Environment Development Initiative (SEDI) has presented her 2023 audit report tagged: Plastic Brand Audit Result, revealing the effort so far made by the organisation in reducing the deleterious effect of plastic pollution on human health and environment mostly caused by top plastic polluters in Nigeria such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi.  The audit result was presented to the Social Reporters News Service in Benin City, Nigeria by SEDI's Executive Director- Dr. Tom Aneni. According to the report, Plastic collection was out door in an estate of 1000 hectares of land housing offices, residential houses, religious houses (Churches and Mosques), schools and commercial centers. "Volunteers were recruited and trained by SEDI staff following BFFP training guide. Training videos were utilized and emphasis was laid on health and safety in the plastic collection process. Detailed planning and coordination meetings were held. During the designated period, volunteers collected p

... Frawned at the absence of Edo Ministry of Education, others By Isaac Eranga cross-section of participants Benin city: In a bid to promoting social accountability in Edo public schools, key stakeholders recently converged in Benin city to brainstorm on the way forward. The interactive session which was put together by the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA) had as its theme- Promoting Social Accountability in Education: Building Stakeholders Synergy Project.  The stakeholders frawned at the absence of Edo state Ministry of Education, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), who were supposed to be part of the interactive session, despite the volume of letters written to them. Speaking, the Edo State Coordinator of CSACEFA, Ronke Ojeikere said the meeting was meant to promote social accountability within the education sector, encouraging stakeholders in decision making process, and promoting collaborative and constructive dialogue especially with line

  By Isaac Eranga In 2022, the global plastic pollution treaty was adopted by 175 countries at an annual conference held by the United Nations Environment program (UNEP). The treaty according to UNEP, was aimed at tackling the entire life-cycle of plastic, with the primary goal of developing circular economy that break the region of single-use plastics.  This has led people from different countries of the world to devise myriad of methods in tackling the global crisis of plastic pollution. Various countries have enacted restrictions on different types of plastic. These ranges from updated recycling facilities, reduction in plastic use, development of bio-plastics, and investment in alternatives. According to globalcitizen.org, "communities have staged clean-up efforts to remove plastic waste from coastlines, rivers and landscapes. Technologies have been invented to trap microplastics and massive machines have been mobilised to clear away ocean plastic". "But the problem

 Edo NUJ Boss Congratulates Fred Newton On His Emergence As Edo FA Board Chairman ... describes his victory as product of hard work The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council - Comrade Festus Alenkhe has described the victory of Mr. Fred Newton Erhunmwunse in the just concluded elections of Edo State Football Association (FA) as a reflection of his hard work in developing football in the State. He described Newton Erhunmwunse as round peg in round hole. This was contained in a statement signed by Festus Alenkhe and made available to newsmen by the Director of Sports- Dr. Isaac Eranga. According to the statement, "Fred Newton is a trusted name when it comes to grassroot football. 

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has welcomed filmmakers from Germany on a cultural exchange programme in Benin City, with a promise to continue to support and provide an enabling environment and equipment for creatives to practice and promote their crafts. The governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Uyi Oduwa-Malaka, assured the six German filmmakers, who are to work and collaborate with six Nigerian filmmakers, a fulfilling time in Benin City, noting that all that is required for their training have been provided by the State Government. The training and workshop sessions, which have since commenced at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, will span 21 days. It is expected to climax with the shooting of a short fiction or documentary by the two teams as part of the exchange programme initiated by the Edo State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism. The commissioner expressed appreciation to the German team and the Nigerian st

The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council has congratulated Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State for rebranding The Nigerian Observer Newspaper which hit the news stand on Monday November 13, 2023. In a letter of commendation addressed to the Governor, the union described the rebranding as a positive development and a legacy of the present Edo State Government. The letter was signed by Festus Alenkhe and Andy Egbon, the union's Chairman and Secretary respectively. According to the NUJ, with the rebranding, The Nigerian Observer Newspaper has come to take its rightful place in the Nigeria newspaper industry. The union recalled that The Nigerian Observer at a point in history rose from being a regional Newspaper to becoming the flagship in the Nigeria Newspaper industry. It also recalled that the Newspaper has also produced more notable Nigerian journalists than any other newspaper in Nigeria, expressing optimism that Nigerians would be proud of the

As part of activities in commemorating the 2023 Mercury-Free Dentistry Week, the Sustainable Environment Development Initiative (SEDI) has called for the use of mercury-free alternatives in tooth filling, saying amalgam does much harm to the body.  This was contained in a press statement signed by the Executive Director of SEDI- Dr. Tom Aneni. According to the statement, "Mercury-free fillings are tooth-friendly, amalgam is tooth unfriendly.  Amalgam is a colonial relic which requires removal of good tooth matter, creating weaker teeth and the need for future repairs.   "By contrast, the alternatives are tooth friendly.Glass ionomers are child-friendly: atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) does not require a power drill, or an electrical source.  Hence ART can be done in remote villages where electrical service is intermittent.  "Composites are technically superior to amalgam, preserving the tooth rather than removing good tooth matter, and easier for future repairs, m

...  Assures of Government’s Readiness to incentivize Critical Areas of Sports Development Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has advised investors and major players in the private sector to take advantage of incentives put in place by the current administration to invest massively in the sports sector. Delivering a lecture titled, “Sports Development as a Panacea for National Unity and Economic Development”, at the National Defence College in Abuja on Tuesday, the minister who described sports in Nigeria as untapped goldmine for economic development said that sports have the capacity to provide gainful employment to millions of our youths and other unemployed Nigerians if properly harnessed. He said,” The new vision and thinking of government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu now sees sports as both recreation and business. It is the right approach to jumpstart the desired transformation of sports in our country. I therefore invite the private sector, investors, t

…appeals to residents, commuters to remain calm By Isaac Eranga The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has directed the reconstruction of the old Benin-Agbor Road. This is as the State Government commenced the palliative work on the failed portions of the Federal Government Benin-Agbor Road in Ikpoba/Okha Local Government Area of the State, and others to ameliorate the sufferings of motorists and other road users who ply the road. Obaseki, who inspected the ongoing palliative work being undertaken by the State Government, following the refusal of the Federal Government to attend to the road and other failed federal government roads across the State, lamented the poor condition of the road and the hardship imposed on the people due to the poor state of the roads. Pained by the outcry and pleadings of the residents and commuters, who trooped out in their numbers to welcome the governor and his entourage, Obaseki immediately directed the reconstruction of the old Benin-Agbor Road as a la

The family of Ojeme  has announced November 17th for the interment of the Matriarch of the Ojeme’s Family, Elder Lucy Okhelen Ojeme who passed on at the age of 90 years. This was made known to newsmen  through the burial invitation  that was released by the family in Benin City. Elder Lucy Okhelen Ojeme is the grandmother of Apostle Gordon Osagide Ada Osagiede , General Overseer of Spirit and Life Family Bible Church who doubles as the Patron of Federated Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council. She is survived by 10 Children, including the Founder of Jesus Women Prayer Band Ministry, Apostle Mrs. Deb’rah Eunice Gordon-Osagiede of blessed memory. The first service of songs which  is scheduled to hold at Prof. Ogunlesi hall, Ibadan, Oyo State on the 13th of November, 2023 will be followed by another  Service of Praise  at Tony Anenih Avenue, GRA, Benin City, Edo State by 4pm while on Friday 17th of November, the final Service of songs will further hold at Uwane-IIleh E

The last may not have been heard of the gale of defections hitting the political airwaves across the country.  Like the everyday Nigeria politicians devoid of party ideology, the  rush  is always tended towards any political party in power . In the last general election, the Obedient Movement factor , no doubt favoured certain persons in Labour Party who merely came out to test their popularity  in the mulky  waters of Nigeria politics. Though, they were the Candidates of Labour Party for Senate, House of Representatives and the  house of Assembly but never believed they could win their seats considering  the calibre of more popular and formidable opposition Candidates that were jostling for the same position.

  Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi is the Chairman   of Edo State Labour Party, he has been an arrow head in the Obedient Movement struggle, clamoring for a better Nigeria and Edo State in particular. In this Interview with The Crusaders Voice News, he dwells on lessons learnt from the General Elections and how his party has reposition to meet up with election challenges  ahead of the 2024 Governorship Election in Edo State.  He further clears the air  on the stand of LP on zoning. He posited that the Constitution of Labour Party do not contain zoning. Excerpts: Q : What lessons did your Party drew from the last general election?   A : Well as Chairman of Labour Party at the State level, I and my Executives and even members of the Party did had a very bitter experience  in the last general elections. The last General elections was a replica of the old ways of conducting elections in this Country. Though, we were expecting a more better election wishing the Electoral law as assented  by the former

  --- call for community participation in funding education as way forward Stakeholders comprising civil society organisations, public and private school teachers/administrators, parents, the media, religious leaders, school based management committee members, have blamed the Edo State Government for the Inconducive learning environment that pupils and students of primary and post primary schools in Edo State are being subjected to.  This was contained in communique drawn at the end of a one-day stakeholders roundtable dialogue meeting  organised under the auspices of Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), Edo State chapter. According to the communique, primary and post-primary schools in the state share many of the characteristics such as under-staffed, especially in the rural communities; under-financed and poor operational condition.  "Community participation in the financing of education in Edo State should be encouraged. Financial contributions are the

By Isaac Eranga Benin City:T Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council  has felicitated with the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II on his 7th coronation anniversary. In a congratulatory message to the Oba signed by the Comrade Festus Alenkhe and Andy Egbon, the union Chairman and Secretary respectively, Edo NUJ wished the Oba long reign and fruitful years on the throne. The statement recalled the peace in the kingdom so far and appreciated the Benin Monarch for the efforts the Palace put in place to outlaw the Community Development Association. The union described the Oba as a Life Patron of the Nigeria Union Of Journalists that has always given the union all the needed support. The statement also prayed to God Almighty to grant the revered monarch more knowledge and wisdom to administer the Benin Kingdom.

... Champions, MFM Basketball on winning title By Isaac Eranga  The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has commended  the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF), led by Engr. Musa Kida, for their organization of the Women's Basketball League Final Four, held in Lagos from October 17th to 19th, 2023. The Minister was present at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, where he witnessed a thrilling match between MFM Basketball and Nigerian Customs. MFM Basketball clinched the victory with a 64-60 score, to claim the league title. Senator Enoh showered encomiums on the Lagos-based team for their tenacity, determination, and resilience displayed on their path to securing the championship. He expressed his enthusiasm about the quality of the games and the wealth of talent available for potential national team selections. "In this Final Four, the level of competition we've seen unequivocally demonstrates the significant progress women's basketba

By Isaac Eranga In a bid to crewating awareness about the sustainable development goals (SDGs), the Echoes of Women in Africa Initiatives (ECOWA) with support from Action for Sustainable Development and ZOVU, has  organised a bicycle race for 17 women from different occupational, socio-cultural, and experiential backgrounds.  Speaking, the founder of ECOWA- Dr. Louisa Eikhomun Agbonkhese said the race apart from creating awareness, aimed at promoting gender equality. She used the medium to call for new accelerated approaches and solutions by the government of Nigeria and Edo state government in particular to leave no woman or girl behind on the SDGs. "This bicycle race is basically aimed at the implementation of the SDGs adopted in 2015 with a mantra of transforming the world and leaving no one behind", she said. Delivering a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary of the Edo state  Minisry of Social Development and Gender Issues (MSDGI)- Mrs. Barbara N. Osobajo, represente

By Isaac Eranga  The poor state of Nigeria's healthcare system and the migration of medical professionals to foreign lands orchestrated by good working condition once again came under serious scrutiny at the annual lecture of the Federated Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, held in Benin city.  Stakeholders at the lecture decried the worrisome state of the sector and blamed both the federal and state governments for paying lip services to the issue of adequate funding and the welfare of healthcare professionals.  Speaking at the theme "Brain Drain: the Way out for the Medical Profession"  the President of the World Medical Association (WMA), Dr. Osahon Enabulele  particularly blamed both the federal and the state governments for the rot in the healthcare sector, explaining further that the migration of healthcare professionals is triggered by the dearth of basic facilities including water, constant electricity, gloves, drugs, etc and fur

There is no iota of doubt, irrespective of political differences, that Governor Godwin Obaseki has significantly improved State Competence, relative to his predecessors and across the States in the Country.  To achieve this, he had to rescue the State from private capture by ruthless non-State actors; this freed up public resources for public purposes.  He has held himself to a very high ethical and work-ethics standards, scrupulously focusing on the interests of the real people whilst staying on the Constitutional tracks in line with his oath of office. As a result, it was difficult to derail or defeat him despite uncountable battles in the judiciary and in other political machinations, orchestrated from high quarters.  Edo State is not yet on the mountain top, it still needs concerted push to avoid a free relapse or rollback.  The quality, intensity, ruggedness, doggedness and character of the next Governor is therefore so crucial that those lining up for the job should critically as

By Isaac Eranga The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council has charged the newly sworn-in Chairmen of Local Government Councils in Edo state to appoint their Press Secretaries and media aids from practicing  journalists in the state. In a joint  statement signed by the  Chairman of the Edo state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalist, Comrade Festus Alenkhe and Secretary, Comrade Andy Egbon, the union said the charge became necessary in order to ensure professionalism in the handling of media related matters in the grassroot government The union noted that there is need to depart from the old order where things were done without recourse to professionalism, a development, the union added, was counter-productive. The old order, the NUJ noted has failed to yield the desired result.   The statement said , the engagement of professional journalists into the local government media team will boost the publicity of such local government administration.

By Isaac Eranga Benin City: In a bid to phasing out dental amalgam in Nigeria, the Sustainable Environment Development Initiative (SEDI) has called for the use of Mercury-free dental restoration  alternatives. According to SEDI, dental amalgam is a mercury-added product containing about 50% of mercury, forming. Metallic alloy with silver, copper and tin. It is widely used in the restoration of teeth affected by dental caries which is about the most common dental disease worldwide. This was contained in a press statement signed by the Executive Director- Dr. Tom Aneni. According to the statement, "dental amalgam has been available for over 150 years and has the largest life expectancies of all the direct materials used in the restoration of carious teeth. It is easier to use, less expensive and has adequate mechanical and bacteriostatic properties. "However, in contrast to today's alternative materials which are renowned for being used for minimally invasive treatment, ama

The chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe JP. has  congratulated the Executive Governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki on his 66th birthday .  This was contained in a statement personally signed by Comrade Festus Alenkhe. He prayed God almighty to grant the Governor more years on earth in good health as he wished him a development oriented administration in Edo state . He prayed to God Almighty to give the Governor adequate wisdom to continue to pilot the affairs of Edo state . 

By Isaac Eranga Benin: In a bid towards enhancing the capacity and skills of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) case management, a two-day training program was organised for Edo SGBV-focused CSOs by the BraveHeart Initiative for Youth and Women (BHI), with support from the MacArthur Foundation. In her opening remark, the Executive Director of BHI- Ms. Priscilla Usiobaifo said out of the 1000 CSOs domicile in Edo state, only 50 are SGBV-focused. She said out of the 50, 14 were invited for the training. According to her, the training was meant to fill the training gap of the SGBV-focused organisations in SGBV case management. The Executive Director said prior to the SGBV case management training, BHI also organised a training for health sector providers in Akoko-Edo.  "The training was made up of technical sessions; documentation and data intelligence; discussions about work tools; distribution of job aids such as - power banks, electric boxes

Compiled by Isaac Eranga, Nigeria Dubai, 26th June 2023 – ( AFRICA NEWSWIRE)  -  TCL Electronics ( 1070.HK ), the global top 2 TV brand and top 1 98-inch TV brand, has recently revealed its new TCL 4K QLED TV C645 which is an excellent value for those who want high-quality, interactive home entertainment to enjoy any HDR movies, sports and games, as part of a connected and smart lifestyle. The C645 is now available in various screen sizes in leading retailers near you. Exceptional Colour Performance with Powerful Visual Enhancement Thanks to state-of-the-art Quantum Dot Technology, the TCL C645 delivers genuine cinematic colour made from over a billion colours and shades (all of the colours that cinema cameras can capture). It delivers an enjoyable level of brightness that even in midsummer when the sun shines into the room, users still can see clear pictures with vivid colours. In addition, C645 is equipped with HDR10+ for a superior High Dynamic Range (HDR) experience delivering grea

By Isaac Eranga Warri: Some operatives of the Nigeria police force in Warri, Delta state have shot dead a member of a notorious robbery gang, Bobone, in the area, while others fled with bullet injuries. The state Police spokesman, DSP Bright Edafe disclosed this in a statement to newsmen in Warri, adding that the police operation was led by the Divisional Police officer, A Division, CSP T.Y. Mahmud. “DPO ‘A’ Division Warri CSP T.Y Mahmud acting on credible intelligence led operatives of ‘A’ Division Warri and stormed the hideout of a criminal gang located along stadium road Warri, arrested a 58yr old suspect and recovered one AK-47 rifle and three magazines, upon interrogation, suspect confessed to being a member and armourer of the dreaded “bobone” armed robbery gang terrorizing Warri and environs. “He also gave the police additional information on the location of the other gang members and later led the Police to their hideout along Chevron Road where the team on approaching the hide

By John Mayaki The Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa has lamented what it termed “preferential treatment” in the dissolution of Boards of all Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Institutions and Government-Owned Companies, while a letter by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs directed the MD/CEO of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to oversee the affairs of the interventionist agency until a new board is constituted.   The NGO called on President Bola Tinubu to order the dismissal of the Managing Director of NDDC, Mr. Samuel Ogbuku and his cronies, and  subsequently order a probe of the letter from the Ministry of Niger Delta which reinstated the management while not doing so for other interventionist agencies with similar mandate so as to avoid suspicion that something was fishy.  A statement released in Portharcourt by the group’s Executive Director (Niger-Delta), Mr. Balogun Atari Radcliff said whereas, the office of the Secretary to the Fede

 By Isaac Eranga Badagry: Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, a  member of the House of Representatives representing the Badagry Federal Constituency, has praised the Federal Government for reopening the Seme Border in Badagry to vehicle importation. He said the reopening of the border is a good omen and a sign of the attention the constituency will receive from the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In a phone conversation with a media house reporter, Sesi expressed his delight at the reopening of the Seme border. He noted that the border reopening came just a few days after he appeared on Channels Television's HardCopy interview with a renowned Badagry media personality, Maupe Ogun-Yusuf, in which he lamented the effects of the border closure on some Badagry youths who engage in legitimate cross-border businesses.  Recall that the Federal Government announced yesterday, through the Director of Road Transport in the Ministry of Transportation, Ibrahim Musa, that t

By Isaac Eranga A foremost peacebuilding network in Nigeria - the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP)- Nigeria, has won the 2022 Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Civil Society Leadership Award for outstanding achievements in gender-transformative interventions, specifically aimed at addressing conflict related to climate change. This distinction was awarded by Global Affairs Canada as part of their second annual WPS Awards. In honour of the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Security Resolution (1325), Global Affairs Canada launched its Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Awards Program. These awards recognize those who have gone above and beyond to advance the WPS agenda by highlighting excellence in research and civil society leadership. According to Global Affairs Canada cited in https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/issues_development-enjeux_developpement/gender_equality-egalite_des_genres/wps-fps-award-prix.aspx?lang=eng on Wednesday June 14, 2023, WANEP Nigeria &qu