General News
RESIDENTS CELEBRATE AS GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO INSPECTS SIGNATURE PROJECTS ON ANNIVERSARY TOUR
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, continued his one-year anniversary tour of key infrastructure projects across Edo State, particularly in the Southern Senatorial District, on Tuesday, drawing jubilant crowds and widespread celebration. In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Fred Itua, reported that the inspection attracted residents who thronged the streets to hail what many described as a new dawn of purposeful leadership and development. From the newly renovated Army Day Secondary School in Ikpoba Hill to the fast-rising Adesuwa Junction Flyover and the 8.23-kilometre Okpagha–Amufi Road, the Governor’s convoy was met with excitement, dancing, and cheers as communities celebrated his achievements within just one year in office.
At Army Day Secondary School, students in crisp uniforms waved flags and sang songs of praise as they welcomed the Governor, Itua said in a statement. Teachers, parents, and residents held placards with inscriptions such as “Okpebholo, the Hope Restorer!” and “Edo is Shining Again!”, reflecting renewed optimism. Governor Okpebholo expressed deep satisfaction with the quality of work done, stating in a statement that the transformation from a dilapidated school to one with air-conditioned laboratories, renovated classrooms, and a secured perimeter represented true change. He announced plans to install solar-powered streetlights across the school premises to enhance security and credited the success to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which inspires his administration’s focus on people-centered governance.
Commissioner for Education, Hon. Paddy Iyamu, described the project as “a total rewrite of the story” in a statement, noting that the once abandoned and unsafe school has become a model for public education in Edo. PDP chieftain, Otunba Segun Sowunmi, commended the Governor’s leadership style and vision in a statement, remarking that “every investment in education is an investment in human capital” and that the future of Edo under Okpebholo is bright. Dr. Oduwale Egwaigie, chairman of the School Management Development Committee and an old student, recounted the school’s years of neglect in a statement, describing the governor’s swift intervention as “nothing short of historic” and noting that parents are now transferring their children from private schools to Army Day.
From Ikpoba Hill, the Governor’s entourage proceeded to Adesuwa Junction, where construction work on the state’s second flyover bridge is advancing rapidly, Itua stated. Excited residents lined the streets, chanting and waving as the governor inspected progress. Special Adviser on Project Monitoring, Engr. Phoebe Williams-Bello, disclosed in a statement that the flyover is on track for early completion, six months ahead of schedule, and that affected property owners had been fully compensated. She commended the governor for his commitment to infrastructural renewal, emphasizing that the progress is tangible development taking shape before everyone’s eyes.
At the 8.23-kilometre Okpagha–Amufi Road, residents erupted in joy as the Governor’s convoy arrived, with dancing and singing celebrating the long-awaited project that links Ikpoba-Okha and Uhunmwonde Local Government Areas, opening access to markets, schools, and rural communities. A community leader declared in a statement that the road was once a nightmare but now allows free driving, restoring faith in government. The inspection tour ended in a carnival-like atmosphere as traders, artisans, and students flooded the streets, waving banners and chanting songs of appreciation, symbolizing a celebration of progress, hope, and the rebirth of Edo State under a governor who has matched words with action.
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.