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GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO INAUGURATES GOVERNING COUNCILS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, EDO UNIVERSITY, AND ASSEMBLY SERVICE COMMISSION

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has inaugurated governing councils for the Edo State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Edo University, Iyamho, and the Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission. The Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The inauguration ceremony took place at the new Festival Hall in Government House, Benin City, where Governor Okpebholo charged the newly appointed council members to carry out their duties efficiently and in accordance with the state’s laws. He emphasized the importance of their roles in driving development across the state. “We have carefully selected great minds to run the affairs of these institutions, believing they will bring the needed change required to develop Edo State,” the governor said. Addressing the Edo State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, led by Chairman Theophilus Egbodion, Governor Okpebholo assured them of his administration’s commitment to inclusivity. “There is no discrimination in this administration. We are all one, working to achieve our common goal, which is to develop Edo State. Your situation is not made by you but caused by circumstances, and with you in our government, we will relate with others very well. You are not disabled in mind, and I promise to work with you as all your requests will be looked into,” he stated. For the Edo University, Iyamho Governing Council, chaired by Prof. Olusegun Akinyinka, the governor expressed confidence in their ability to elevate the institution. “Your choice is deliberate, as we believe that with your experience, the school will do very well. The university will experience a new dawn and assume an enviable height,” he said. Itua reported that the newly inaugurated chairmen—Hon. Ezehi Igbas (Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission), Mr. Theophilus Egbodion (Persons with Disabilities Commission), and Prof. Olusegun Akinyinka (Edo University)—thanked the governor for the opportunity and pledged to support his administration’s vision. Itua further noted that Governor Okpebholo reiterated the importance of collaboration, urging the councils to uphold the state’s laws in their operations. The event marked a significant step in the administration’s efforts to strengthen governance and institutional frameworks in Edo State.

EDO STATE GOVERNOR COMPLETES REMEDIAL WORKS ON 55KM BENIN-IRUEKPEN FEDERAL ROAD

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has completed remedial works on the 55km Benin-Iruekpen federal road, making movement easier for motorists. The Governor undertook a tour of the expressway, expressing satisfaction with the specifications and job done by the contractor. The Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, stated that the Governor acknowledged that federal roads are also used by Edo people, and as such, his administration will continue to collaborate with the federal government to fix the roads for the benefit of the people of the State. “You can see what my administration has done in terms of fixing federal roads in the State,” Governor Okpebholo said. “Initially, the road was not passable as several accidents were recorded on this road, both small and big vehicles, and lives were lost as well.” Governor Okpebholo emphasized that his administration is committed to improving the lives of Edo people. “I work because I love my people and want to give them the best,” he said. “I work because I have a working President who at every point in time asks me about Edo people.” Itua added that the Governor wants Edo people to know that their votes were worth it, and the only way to pay them back is to work for them and ensure their lives get better. The Governor also inspected other roads, including the Ekiuwa University of Benin road, Oba Erediuwa road, and Ekiuwa Uteh, Orior-Ozolua, new Uteh road Ekiuwa Quarters. Additionally, he inspected a massive drainage at Uteh Temboga constructed to channel flood around the area into the Ikpoba River. Itua stated that the Governor and his entourage also inspected a gully site at Temboga, which had claimed several houses, turning landlords into tenants. The site engineer, Obuh Ugochukwu, said the job of reclaiming land already taken by gully erosion is a difficult one, but the Okpebholo administration has addressed it. Fred Itua noted that the contractor, Engr. Mohld Bajuwa, said work started at Obadan junction, which was experiencing lots of gridlock. “The road is of good quality and will stand the test of time, and with His Excellency’s supervision, we have delivered a quality job on time as well,” Bajuwa said. Itua concluded that the Governor’s commitment to infrastructural development in Edo State is unwavering.

EDO STATE GOVERNOR, OKPEBHOLO, TO PROBE OBASEKI OVER $10M SPENT ON OBSERVER NEWSPAPER

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has hinted at plans to probe the reported sinking of $10 million in the State-owned newspaper, The Nigerian Observer, by the immediate-past governor of the State, Godwin Obaseki. Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, in a statement, disclosed that Governor Okpebholo made this known when he led top officials of his administration on an unscheduled visit to the premises of the Observer titles to inspect facilities on ground. Itua stated that the Governor and his entourage were shocked as they could not gain access to the buildings where all the machines purportedly bought by the previous administration were kept. Fred Itua noted that Obaseki’s Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, as well as the Publicity Secretary, Edo PDP Caretaker Committee and former Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, were the foot soldiers used by Obaseki on the project. Itua stated that the once vibrant newspaper organization was closed by Obaseki for the purpose of revamping it and ensuring it competes favourably with other national dailies, but instead of delivering on his administration’s promise to Edo people, the media house has been worse off. Fred Itua quoted the Governor as saying: “I was in the premises of The Observer Newspaper company to see for myself the money claimed to have been spent by the former governor, Godwin Obaseki, on revamping the State-owned media outfit.” Fred Itua further stated that the Governor promised to revisit the premises again to inspect the buildings and see for himself the machines Obaseki claimed to have bought with taxpayers’ money. Itua noted that the Governor said: “Edo people need to ask what happened to their money spent in revamping The Observer Newspaper. I am here as their governor to provide them with the answers. Hence, the visit to the organization became necessary.”

EDO STATE GOVERNMENT RAISES ALARM OVER RISING INSECURITY, CALLS FOR ACTION AGAINST SPONSORS OF ARMED THUGS

The Edo State Government has expressed grave concern over the rising wave of insecurity fuelled by armed thugs and criminal elements associated with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, noted that these individuals, who were heavily armed before the 2024 Edo Governorship Election, have refused to surrender their weapons, posing a clear and present danger to the safety of citizens. Itua stated that former Governor Godwin Obaseki had openly threatened that “Nigeria would burn” before the last election, which was not a mere political outburst, but a premeditated declaration backed by the systematic arming of touts and thugs. These individuals, many of whom were drafted into the Edo State Security Network under the previous administration, still possess over 5,000 illegal firearms, which they now use to perpetrate robbery, kidnapping, and violent attacks across the State. The Edo State Government is aware that PDP leaders, who had direct control over these armed operatives, have refused to assist in disarming them. Instead, they continue to shield these criminals, providing them with cover as they unleash terror on innocent citizens. Itua said intelligence reports indicate that PDP leaders are stockpiling additional arms, with the intention of orchestrating mayhem should their candidate, Asue Ighodalo, fail to secure victory at the Tribunal. The State Government is calling on all security agencies to intensify their investigations, track down these armed criminals, their sponsors, and bring them to justice. Itua emphasized that no individual, regardless of political affiliation, is above the law, and Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, will not tolerate any attempt to destabilize the peace and security of the people. Itua urged law enforcement agencies to move swiftly and ensure that all illegally possessed firearms are recovered, and those responsible for the current state of insecurity in Edo are held accountable. The security and well-being of Edo people remain Governor Okpebholo’s utmost priority, and he will not allow politically sponsored violence to take root in the State. Itua concluded that the State Government will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.

EDO STATE GOVERNMENT DISMISSES CLAIMS OF INSECURITY AS “EXAGGERATED AND MISLEADING”

The Edo State Government has dismissed recent claims that the state is “under siege” and that “lawlessness is now the order of the day” as exaggerated and misleading. In a statement, the government emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents and highlighted the decisive steps taken to enhance security across the state. Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, explained that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo has reorganized the Edo Security Network, improved collaboration with law enforcement agencies, and increased investment in modern security infrastructure. “These measures are already yielding positive results, as security personnel are better equipped to tackle emerging threats and ensure peace in Edo communities,” Itua said. Itua also noted that concerns about market disruptions and illegal revenue collection are being addressed through structural reforms in the transport and revenue sectors. “Unlike previous administrations that tolerated extortion and intimidation of traders, this government is actively working to eliminate multiple taxation and illegal toll collection,” he added. The government has also engaged Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd as an enforcement compliance consultant to ensure proper enforcement and transparent revenue collection. Itua emphasized that Edo State has made significant progress in curbing insecurity, with the current administration procuring modern security equipment, deploying personnel to identified hotspots, and establishing a rapid response mechanism. “Governor Okpebholo welcomes constructive criticism and values diverse perspectives on governance,” Itua said. “However, public discourse should be grounded in facts rather than politically driven misinformation.” Fred Itua reiterated that the administration remains focused on fostering a safe and conducive environment for businesses and residents alike.

CONCERNED EDO YOUTHS URGE IGNORE OF LUCKY AGAZUMA, DESCRIBE HIM AS CLUELESS

A group of concerned Edo youths has urged the public to ignore Lucky Agazuma, the Director General of the state Migration Agency, following a threat story against the Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor, Alhaji Gani Audu, circulating on social media. The youths described Agazuma as “clueless” and “unreasonable”. Comrade Jackson Osaro, who addressed journalists in Benin, expressed disappointment at Agazuma’s rebellion against the government, despite being a government official. Osaro stated that Agazuma should focus on promoting government activities and policies instead of attacking the government that pays his salary. “At this point, we want to appeal to our respected Chief of Staff, who has been working diligently with our workerholic Governor, Senator Monday Okpevbholo, to deliver his electoral promises to Edo state people to ignore the clueless Agazuma,” Osaro said. “We advice Agazuma and his cohort to move on the speed lane with Governor Okpevbholo with the Theme ‘Edo State is Rising.’” The youths also advised Doris Ekuase to be cautious not to be misled by Agazuma, who they claim is ignorant of the workings of government. The group urged Agazuma to seek help from Edolites who could turn around the agency for the good of the people.