General News
GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO HAILS EDO’S REBIRTH, DETAILS TRANSFORMATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS IN ANNIVERSARY ADDRESS
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, marked one year in office with a landmark anniversary address that resonated with optimism, gratitude, and renewed determination, celebrating the state’s rebirth and outlining significant achievements across key sectors. The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, Fred Itua, in a statement, said the governor delivered the address on Thursday before a distinguished audience in Benin City, declaring that his administration had restored hope, rebuilt institutions, and renewed the people’s confidence in government.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his commitment to deepening reforms across all sectors of the state’s economy, reflecting on a journey that began with daunting challenges but has evolved into a story of courage, reform, and measurable transformation.
The governor stated that upon assuming office, he met a state weighed down by rot, debt, insecurity, and distrust, but through focus, prayer, and teamwork, his administration had begun laying a solid foundation for a new era of growth. He emphasized that his government is replacing PowerPoint governance with Practical Governance, one that touches lives, revives faith, and renews communities.
On security, Governor Okpebholo said Edo was previously almost a war zone plagued by cultism, armed robbery, and kidnappings, with over 300 cult-related killings recorded in 2024 alone. He declared that his administration acted decisively by repealing the weak anti-cultism law, enacting a stronger one, equipping security forces with 60 Hilux vans and 400 motorcycles, and recruiting 2,500 officers into the Edo State Security Corps, resulting in a safer and calmer state no longer a sanctuary for criminals.
In healthcare, the governor described the sector as one of the worst-hit by neglect before his intervention, noting that hospitals lacked basic drugs and health workers were demoralized. He highlighted the construction of new Primary Health Centres across the 18 wards, equipped diagnostic facilities in local councils, and the start of work on a new 100-bed Specialist Hospital in Udomi, Edo Central, aiming to make quality healthcare accessible to every citizen.
On infrastructure, Itua stated that the governor noted the administration has redefined urban renewal and rural development by awarding 28 new road projects covering over 255 kilometers and constructing two major flyovers at Ramat Park and Adesuwa-Sapele Road simultaneously for the first time in the state’s history.
Regarding agricultural development, Governor Okpebholo revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda inspired aggressive investment in food security, with the agriculture budget raised from ₦4.5 billion to over ₦70 billion. He said over 400 hectares have been cultivated, harvesting has begun, and funds are now producing food instead of funding corruption. In education, the governor reversed years of decay in public schools by permanently employing over 5,000 teachers, renovating and upgrading 63 schools to modern standards, and increasing Ambrose Alli University’s subvention from ₦41 million to ₦500 million monthly, making education a priority.
Itua further reported that on economic reform, Governor Okpebholo inherited over ₦600 billion in local and foreign debts and ₦180 billion owed to contractors, but through prudent management, reduced the burden, created over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, and launched a ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme for small businesses and traders while promoting transparency and efficiency.
The governor also highlighted achievements in governance, including restoring judicial integrity by swearing in previously sidelined judges, re-establishing the Customary Court, and strengthening traditional institutions. He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and support, and thanked cabinet members, political leaders, royal fathers, and the people of Edo for their loyalty and cooperation. Itua noted that the ceremony featured goodwill messages from Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Chief Lucky Imasuen, Dr. Pius Odubu, and other prominent leaders, who praised Okpebholo’s reform-driven approach, and a high-level policy panel explored Nigeria’s economic outlook and Edo’s positioning for sustainable growth.
Concluding his address, Governor Okpebholo delivered a rousing message of hope, urging youths that a New Edo has risen built on faith, service, and accountability, and promising to extend the touch of practical governance to every community. The event ended in an atmosphere of celebration, with guests and dignitaries hailing the governor’s performance and reaffirming confidence in his leadership.
The monarch of Ozoro Kingdom in Delta State has denied any prior knowledge of a controversial festival linked to the alleged abuse of women and girls, as outrage continues to trail the incident across Nigeria.
The traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Anthony Ogbogbo, made the clarification when a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) visited his palace following reports of harassment during the ‘Alue-Do’ festival.
According to the monarch, he had never encountered such practices in his over two decades on the throne. He stated that he had “never heard that a festival is celebrated with girls being harassed or molested” in the community, distancing the palace from the widely condemned incident.
The controversy stems from viral videos showing women being chased, stripped, and assaulted by youths during the cultural event held in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area. The disturbing footage sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over gender-based violence.
During the palace visit, the NANS delegation; alongside student leaders from Southern Delta University, confirmed that some of the victims were students who had since received medical attention. While reports indicated no confirmed cases of rape, the students described the incidents as serious molestation and a violation of human dignity.
NANS condemned the attacks, describing them as a gross violation of human rights and a threat to the safety of students in the community. The association called on security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and bring perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has also condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric” and unacceptable, stressing that no cultural practice should justify violence against women. Authorities have launched investigations, with police confirming the arrest of suspects linked to the incident.
Civil society organisations, including ActionAid Nigeria, have also demanded immediate prosecution of those responsible, insisting that cultural traditions must not be used to excuse abuse or undermine the rights and dignity of women and girls.
The incident has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of laws protecting women and for a review of traditional practices that may expose individuals to harm.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed that one of its officials has been taken into custody following the death of a corps member, Miss Victoria Ariyo, in Abeokuta South.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the NYSC described the incident as “tragic and deeply disturbing,” noting that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, disclosed that the staff member allegedly linked to the incident is currently in custody while relevant authorities continue their probe.
According to the scheme, it is working closely with security agencies to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation without interference.
“The management of the NYSC is deeply saddened by the loss of a corps member in Abeokuta, Ogun State, under circumstances currently being investigated,” the statement read.
The organisation extended condolences to the family of the deceased, praying for strength and comfort during the difficult period.
It also reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, stressing that the scheme maintains strict standards for both staff and corps members.
“We assure the public that we are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities to ensure the truth is established and justice is served without fear or favour,” the statement added.
The NYSC further urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow due process to take its course, emphasising that the welfare, safety, and dignity of corps members remain a top priority.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 additional suspects in connection with the sexual assault of women in Ozoro, bringing the total number of persons in custody to 15.
Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, noting that the arrests followed a detailed review of video evidence and intelligence by operatives.
According to him, the suspects include Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others.
The Command stated that preliminary investigations, under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, revealed that the acts were carried out by criminal elements who took advantage of the situation to perpetrate sexual violence.
Police authorities emphasised that the actions were in no way reflective of any legitimate cultural practice.
“The Command condemns these acts in totality and remains committed to ensuring that all perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted,” the statement added, while urging victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage following the circulation of a viral video showing young women being sexually harassed during a local festival in the community.
The footage was linked to the Alue-Do Festival held in Ozoro, a cultural event associated with traditional rites.
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Bar Association described the incident as a “national disgrace,” calling for swift justice for the victims.
Similarly, the Delta State Government condemned the act, with the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
However, the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom refuted claims circulating online, stating that the incident was a misapplication of certain symbolic aspects of the Alue-Do Festival by some youths.
Earlier, the police had announced the arrest of a community head and four other suspects in connection with the case, as investigations continue.