General News
GOV OKPEBHOLO LEADS THANKSGIVING MASS, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Sunday led members of the State Executive Council and top leaders of the All Progressives Congress to a thanksgiving service at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Auchi Diocese to mark his one year in office. In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, Fred Itua, detailed that the Governor expressed profound gratitude to God for His grace and faithfulness, recalling a vow he made a year ago to return in thanksgiving upon winning both the primaries and the governorship election.
Governor Okpebholo declared during the service, “Sometimes last year, I was in this church and I said, by God’s grace, that if I win the primaries and the gubernatorial election, I will return here to give thanks to God. Today, I have come to redeem that vow.” Itua reported that the Governor extended heartfelt appreciation to the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel G. Dunia, and the Catholic faithful for their prayers and moral support, describing them as partners in the journey of faith and governance.
The Governor reflected on his administration’s priorities, particularly road infrastructure and security, which he identified as pressing challenges. “As I came here today, my mind was on how we will fix the bad roads. The second thought on my mind is about a matter that concerns us all — insecurity. We will continue to do our best to fight insecurity and ensure that the evil ones are driven out of our midst,” Okpebholo affirmed. Itua stated that the Governor also sympathized with the Church and families affected by recent kidnappings of priests within the Diocese, assuring them of the government’s resolve to restore peace and order. “While I sympathize with the Church over the kidnapped priests in recent times, I want to say that there is never a day we are not concerned about the insecurity in our land. We are doing everything possible to bring it to an end. I assure you that very soon, with your prayers and our efforts, we will overcome,” the Governor declared.
Governor Okpebholo further reaffirmed his administration’s determination to rebuild Edo State on the foundation of peace, faith, and purposeful leadership, emphasizing that governance must reflect compassion, service, and accountability. Itua noted that the thanksgiving service was officiated by Bishop Dunia, who delivered a sermon centered on cleanliness, holiness, and the virtues of gratitude in leadership. The Bishop commended the Governor for his reintroduction of the State’s monthly environmental sanitation exercise, describing it as a necessary step toward public health and moral discipline. Bishop Dunia also lauded the Governor for being a man of integrity who keeps his word, stating, “You made a promise before God and His people that you would return to this altar to give thanks if you emerged victorious. Today, you have kept that promise. This is the mark of a man of faith and truth.”
The service drew dignitaries and worshippers from across all strata of society, reflecting an atmosphere of unity and gratitude. Itua highlighted that Governor Okpebholo’s return to the same altar where he made his vow a year ago affirms a rare blend of humility, faith, and integrity in leadership, reechoing the Governor’s consistent message that service to the people must be anchored on divine guidance, moral integrity, and a commitment to collective well-being. As Edo State marks one year under his stewardship, the thanksgiving offered a symbolic reminder of a leader who acknowledges divine providence while reaffirming his pledge to make governance a tool for peace, progress, and the restoration of public trust.
General News
Alue-Do Festival Assault: First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Condemns Attack on Women, Calls for Justice
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has strongly condemned the reported assault of women and girls during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, Delta State, describing the incident as “horrific” and unacceptable.
Reacting to viral footage from Ozoro, the First Lady expressed outrage over scenes showing young girls being physically and sexually assaulted, as well as subjected to degrading treatment during what was meant to be a cultural celebration.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, Mrs. Tinubu stressed that no tradition or custom should be used as justification for violating the dignity and rights of women and girls.
She commended the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force for making arrests in connection with the incident and urged authorities to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
The First Lady also called on victims to seek immediate medical and psychological support, offering prayers for their healing, peace, and strength in the aftermath of the ordeal.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for stricter measures to protect women and girls during cultural and public events across the country.
General News
World Water Day 2026: Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Gender Equity Through Improved Water Access
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for collective action to promote gender equality through improved access to water and sanitation, as the world marks World Water Day 2026.
In a message commemorating the day, Senator Tinubu highlighted this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” alongside the campaign slogan, “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” emphasizing the strong link between water access and gender equity.
She noted that in many communities, women and girls bear the burden of sourcing water, often trekking long distances to streams, a situation that negatively impacts their education, health, and economic opportunities.
“When we ensure safe, clean, and accessible water, we do more than quench thirst; we open doors for girls to stay in school, for women to pursue livelihoods, and for families to live healthier lives,” she said.
The First Lady urged Nigerians to work together to ensure equitable access to water resources across the country, stressing that improved water systems can drive social and economic development.
She concluded by encouraging citizens to embrace the spirit of the global observance and reaffirm commitments toward building a more inclusive society.
“Let us work together to ensure that where water flows in Nigeria, equity truly grows,” she added.
World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to raise awareness on the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of water resources worldwide.
Fresh hostilities in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict intensified early Sunday, with Iran launching strikes near Israel’s main nuclear research centre, leaving dozens injured and raising fears of wider regional escalation.
According to reports, missiles hit areas close to the nuclear facility in Dimona and the southern city of Arad. Rescue services confirmed that nearly 70 people were injured in Arad alone, with several in serious condition and multiple residential buildings severely damaged.
The Israeli military said it had begun retaliatory strikes targeting locations in Tehran, further escalating the conflict, which has now entered its fourth week.
Iran warned that any attack on its energy facilities would trigger retaliatory strikes on U.S. and Israeli infrastructure across the region. The threat followed a statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that the United States could target Iranian power plants if Tehran fails to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Iranian authorities described such threats as provocative, vowing a firm response if carried out.
Saudi Arabia also confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted missiles and drones targeting its territory, including areas near key oil installations, with no casualties reported. In a separate incident, a projectile struck near a commercial vessel off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, causing an explosion but leaving the crew unharmed.
Iran’s state media reported that the death toll within the country has surpassed 1,500 since the conflict began, raising humanitarian concerns. Legal experts have also warned that targeting civilian infrastructure such as power plants could violate international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the situation as “a very difficult moment,” as emergency teams continued search-and-rescue operations in affected areas.
In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels warned they could join the conflict if attacks against Iran intensify, cautioning that further escalation could disrupt global energy supplies and economic stability.
Despite diplomatic signals, including a temporary U.S. move to ease sanctions on Iranian oil shipments, there are no clear signs of de-escalation, with both sides continuing military operations. Analysts warn the conflict risks expanding into a broader regional war with significant global implications.