General News
ORHIONMWON LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL ADDRESSES LAND DISPUTE BETWEEN COMMUNITIES AND PRESCO PLC
Abudu, Edo State – A critical high-level stakeholders’ meeting was convened on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, by the Executive Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government Council, Hon. Thompson Osagie, to tackle brewing tensions over land acquisition between Obozogbe Niro, Ugboko Niro Communities, and Presco Plc. The gathering, held at the Council’s Administrative Headquarters in Abudu, also included representatives from relevant government agencies and was described as cordial, frank, and constructive.
According to Chief Press Secretary to The Executive Chairman, Dennis Ugbudian, the meeting aimed to address issues related to land acquisition, business operations, and community relations concerning a proposed agricultural project by Presco Plc within parts of Orhionmwon Local Government Area. Hon. Osagie emphasized that the engagement became necessary following concerns raised by the host communities in a statement on a letter previously issued by Presco Plc, indicating the company had acquired hectares of land through the Edo State Government during the past administration. He noted that the matter had lingered due to inadequate consultation and required urgent dialogue to prevent further tension and ensure peaceful coexistence.
Key stakeholders from Obozogbe Niro Community included Pa Alex Uhunmwangho, Mr. Mathew Ogbebor, Mr. Amas Oghoghogiare, and Mr. Osagie Emwinghare. Representing Ugboko Niro Community were Mr. Peter Ogbeiwi, Mr. Felix Iyamu, Richard Erinmwingbovo, and Roland Abusomwan. The Presco Plc delegation comprised Mr. Charles Onwuasoanya, Mr. Israel Adaramoye, and Mrs. Omolara Ezra. Officials from the Edo State Oil Palm Programme (EDSOPP), Mr. Emmanuel Omodiagbon and Mr. Oseriemen Inegbedion, were also present.
Speaking on behalf of Presco Plc, Mr. Israel Adaramoye stated that the company had acquired approximately 10,000 hectares of land from the Edo State Government for an oil palm development project spanning about ten communities, including Obozogbe Niro and Ugboko Niro. He revealed that while an initial engagement had taken place, subsequent follow-up meetings and essential land studies were stalled due to lack of access. Mr. Adaramoye highlighted that Presco Plc had conducted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and required further studies, including participatory land demarcation, to determine the exact land size within each community. He stressed that the purpose of the engagement was to foster collaboration, clarify concerns, and achieve a win-win outcome for all parties, adding that prolonged delays were increasing operational costs for the company.
In response from Obozogbe Niro Community, Mr. Amas Oghoghogiare stated that their delegation was mandated by community elders to listen and report back. He recalled assurances given by the current Edo State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, during his electioneering campaign regarding the return of the land for community use, and affirmed that the community awaited clarity from the present administration. Similarly, Mr. Roland Abusonwan of Ugboko Niro Community reiterated that the land remained a critical source of livelihood for the people and emphasized the need for the Governor to clearly state his position on the matter.
Hon. Thompson Osagie intervened, stressing the importance of dialogue, transparency, and community inclusion in land-related matters. He acknowledged past lapses in stakeholder engagement that contributed to the current challenges and urged all parties to focus on peaceful and lawful resolution. He commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his people-centred leadership and commitment to grassroots development, citing recent investments in rural infrastructure across Edo State as evidence of the administration’s development agenda.
As a way forward, Hon. Osagie advised Presco Plc to formally engage the Edo State Government through appropriate channels, noting that government adjudication would provide clarity and a lasting resolution. He appealed to the communities to remain open to dialogue and assured them of the government’s commitment to protecting their interests. He also proposed the creation of a broader stakeholders’ forum involving all relevant parties to harmonize positions and chart a sustainable path forward.
Mr. Charles Onwuasoanya of Presco Plc reaffirmed that the company would not proceed with any activity without community consent and appealed for permission to carry out non-intrusive preliminary studies, assuring that culturally significant sites would be respected and protected. However, Hon. Osagie advised caution, noting that such activities could be misinterpreted at the community level. He disclosed plans to engage the Deputy Governor, Ministry of Agriculture, EDSOPP, and Ministry of Local Government, with a formal briefing to the Governor for a comprehensive and coordinated response.
Mr. Emmanuel Omodiagbon of EDSOPP outlined the agency’s mandate in supervising oil palm projects in the interest of host communities, investors, and government, highlighting its role in conflict resolution and community engagement across the state. In his closing remarks, Hon. Thompson Osagie stressed the need for sustained public enlightenment, education, and stakeholder sensitization, particularly by relevant agencies, to prevent misunderstandings in large-scale agricultural investments. He reaffirmed that development must be pursued responsibly, with respect for ancestral land rights and livelihoods. The Chairman thanked all delegates for their maturity, patience, and commitment to peace, urging them to relay the discussions to their respective constituencies as consultations continue. The press release was signed by Dennis Ugbudian.
Oluremi Tinubu has commended the people of the Itsekiri people and other residents of Delta State for maintaining peace, unity and purposeful development.
The First Lady made the remark during a visit to the Olu of Warri Palace where she addressed the Itsekiri nation in appreciation of their cultural cohesion and communal harmony.
Speaking largely in the Itsekiri language, Mrs. Tinubu said she was proud to communicate in her mother tongue, noting that love and mutual respect among the people have strengthened unity despite the community’s relatively small population.
She urged Nigerians to embrace national unity, stressing that peaceful coexistence is essential for the country’s progress.
“God is not foolish for bringing us together,” she said, adding that the simultaneous observance of religious fasts by Muslims during Ramadan and Christians during Lent symbolises shared humanity.
The First Lady also praised traditional rulers in the area, including the Ogiame Atuwatse III, for promoting peace, unity and exemplary leadership among their people.
Speaking at the event, Sheriff Oborevwori, who attended with his wife Tobore Oborevwori, described the First Lady as a role model and a “sweet mother” who promotes inclusiveness.
The governor expressed appreciation that Mrs. Tinubu had visited Delta State three times since assuming office, describing the visits as a demonstration of love and commitment to national harmony.
He also referenced international recognition of the First Lady, noting praise reportedly received during a prayer gathering in the United States involving Donald Trump.
The Olu of Warri thanked the First Lady for the visit and pledged continued support for the federal administration.
Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has firmly denied ever meeting disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, telling lawmakers she has no recollection of any interaction with him and no knowledge of his crimes.
Clinton made the declaration on Thursday during a closed-door deposition before the House Oversight Committee in Chappaqua, New York.
In a written statement issued during the session, she said she never boarded Epstein’s private jet, visited his properties, or had any encounter with him.
The testimony comes amid renewed congressional scrutiny over Epstein’s connections to powerful political and business figures before his 2019 jail death while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges.
Political Tensions Rise
Clinton accused the Republican-led committee of attempting to deflect attention from President Donald Trump and his past social relationship with Epstein.
She also criticized the Trump administration, alleging it weakened a State Department office tasked with fighting global sex trafficking.
The deposition briefly stalled after a photo of Clinton during the session surfaced on social media. According to her adviser Nick Merrill, the image violated committee rules. Conservative commentator Benny Johnson posted the photo, claiming it was taken by Republican Representative Lauren Boebert.
Contempt Threat Forced Testimony
Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, had initially resisted appearing before the panel. They agreed to testify only after lawmakers initiated contempt proceedings.
Bill Clinton is expected to face questioning on Friday.
Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer dismissed claims that the probe is politically driven, noting that some Democrats had also supported calling the Clintons to testify.
“No one is accusing the Clintons of wrongdoing at this point,” Comer said, adding that the panel wants clarity on any potential contact with Epstein, his involvement in the Clintons’ charitable initiatives, and possible links to Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently imprisoned.
Comer said transcripts of both interviews will be released publicly.
Democrats Demand Broader Accountability
Representative Robert Garcia, the committee’s ranking Democrat, countered that the investigation should not stop with the Clintons. He called for testimony from Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who has acknowledged visiting Epstein’s private island years after cutting ties with him.
Garcia also accused the Justice Department of withholding portions of nearly three million Epstein-related documents recently made public. He claimed the missing records include allegations from a woman who accused Trump of sexual abuse when she was a minor.
In Washington, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats would review unredacted materials and urged the Justice Department to safeguard all related records.
The department has stated it is reviewing whether any documents were improperly withheld and has warned that some released materials contain unverified or sensational claims.
Authorities have not charged Trump with any crimes connected to Epstein. The two were known to have socialized in the 1990s and early 2000s before Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
Comer said the committee has not uncovered evidence implicating Trump.
While Bill Clinton has acknowledged flying on Epstein’s private jet several times after leaving office, he has denied any misconduct and expressed regret over the association. Comer also stated that Epstein visited the White House 17 times during Clinton’s presidency.
Recently released documents have further highlighted Epstein’s links to prominent figures across politics and business, including Lutnick and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
General News
Breaking: INEC Announces New Dates for 2027 General Election, Reschedules Osun Governorship Poll
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a revised timetable for the 2027 general election and adjusted the schedule for the 2026 Osun State governorship election following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026.
The commission disclosed this in a statement issued late Thursday by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
According to the revised timetable, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
The adjustment follows the repeal of the Electoral Act 2022, which previously guided electoral timelines, and the introduction of new statutory provisions under the 2026 law.
The commission explained that the review was necessary to ensure compliance with the updated legal framework governing pre-election and electoral activities.
Under the new schedule, political party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from the exercises, will run from April 23 to May 30, 2026.
Presidential and National Assembly election campaigns will commence on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for governorship and state assembly elections will begin on September 9, 2026.
INEC reiterated that all campaigns must end 24 hours before election day and urged political parties to strictly adhere to the approved timelines, warning that the commission would enforce compliance.
The commission also confirmed that preparations for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections had already begun but stated that outstanding activities would now be conducted in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
INEC stressed that the revised timetable aligns with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and called on political parties and stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections.
“The successful conduct of the forthcoming elections remains a collective responsibility,” the commission said, urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening the country’s electoral process.