General News
GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO DECLARES VICTORY OVER VIOLENT CULTISM IN EDO STATE, HIGHLIGHTS FIRST-YEAR ACHIEVEMENTS
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced that his administration has successfully subdued and defeated violent cultism in the state through a combination of strategic security interventions, intelligence coordination, and political will. He emphasized that under his watch, the commercialization of killing will never be tolerated in Edo.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Thursday, Governor Okpebholo described the battle against cultism as one of the most decisive and uncompromising campaigns of his administration. He stated, “We will not commercialize killing. Every life in Edo matters to me. Our fight against cultism, kidnapping, and all forms of violent crime is total and irreversible.” The governor noted that close collaboration with the police, the DSS, and other security agencies has restored peace across the state, making Edo safer, calmer, and freer than it has been in many years.
Itua quoted the governor explaining that the motivation behind the sustained offensive against violent groups was purely humanitarian, not political. “Serving Edo people is the most important thing to me. What drives us is not the next election but the next generation. We came to change the narrative and restore order after years of fear, neglect, and decay,” Okpebholo said. He highlighted significant progress in tackling insecurity and rebuilding public confidence through community collaboration and professional policing, noting that nightlife has returned to Benin and other parts of the state after coordinated efforts restored calm following multiple cult-related killings before Christmas last year.
The governor disclosed substantial investments in security operations, including providing vehicles, logistics, and operational support to law enforcement agencies. “We have made Edo safe again. People now walk freely at night. That is what good governance is about; protecting lives and giving citizens confidence in their government,” he affirmed. Itua further reported that the governor decried the state of decay inherited from the previous administration, including dilapidated schools, broken roads, and a collapsing public service, but stated that his team refused to be deterred and immediately began fixing roads, rebuilding schools, and restoring public institutions.
In less than a year, the administration has rebuilt schools across the three senatorial districts, boosting teacher morale and parent trust. “When we took over, public schools had leaking roofs and no chairs or desks. That was the EdoBEST of the last government. Today, we have reconstructed and revitalized schools, and enrollment has surged because people now believe in the system again,” Okpebholo said. On agriculture, he reaffirmed commitment to food security under the S.H.I.N.E. Agenda, pledging to open more farmlands in 2026 and align with the President’s vision to boost food supply and economic growth.
Governor Okpebholo stressed financial prudence, transparency, and accountability, vowing not to borrow recklessly. “Edo’s resources don’t belong to me. We are managing funds prudently, paying debts, and restoring fiscal discipline,” he said, pointing to the Radisson Hotel project as a major financial burden that consumed about ₦30 billion with Edo owning only 20 percent and now paying ₦380 million monthly on that debt. Itua added that the administration has paid outstanding entitlements to teachers, doctors, pensioners, and staff of the College of Education, Ekiadolor, and increased the monthly subvention for Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, from ₦41 million to ₦500 million to correct past anomalies.
The governor also revealed that 50 CNG-powered buses have been ordered for distribution across the three senatorial districts to ease transportation, stimulate commerce, and create jobs. “We are creating employment, boosting productivity, and attracting investors. Edo will soon be a model of economic renewal in Nigeria,” he said. Reflecting on his first year, Okpebholo described the achievements as just the beginning, noting, “We have subdued violent cultism, restored safety, revived schools, reawakened agriculture, and reclaimed public trust. But we’re not done yet. We are rebuilding Edo, one step at a time, until every citizen feels the peace, progress, and prosperity we promised.”
He concluded with a message of unity and hope: “We will not go back to the days of fear and bloodshed. Edo belongs to all of us. Together, we will protect it, rebuild it, and make it shine again.”
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.