NATIONAL VIBES

…to release orgy photos of billionaire with underage girls at parties A civil society group, Girls For Change (GFC), has berated the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for not conducting extensive background checks on Captain Hosa Okunbo, before short-listing him for its Anti-Human Trafficking Hero of the Year 2020 Award. According to the president of the group, Ms. Uwanna Umukoro, “Captain Hosa Okunbo is not a fit and proper person for NAPTIP’s Anti-Human Trafficking Hero of the Year 2020 Award, because the Benin billionaire has been accused of recruiting young girls, some of them between ages 15-17 for his illicit drug business.” She noted that, “The Internet is awash with stories of Okunbo’s involvement in illicit drug business with a vast network that spans the continent. Young girls in his ring are used as slaves to pick up and drop off hard drugs in Europe, North and South America and elsewhere. Some of these girls are sex sl...

_…insists that group remains united, committed to reelection of Obaseki/Shaibu_ The leadership of the Obaseki/ Shaibu Movement (OSM) has described the purported resignation of Mr. Patrick Okoudoh Iyoha, as the State Director General of the group, as false, baseless and a ploy to fraudulently obtain money from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who is known for giving out funds to decampees to score worthless political points. In a statement by the state coordinator of the movement, Hon. Eigbe Osezele Samuel, the OSM said it has no position of a State Director General, noting that the recent misguided action of Mr. Patrick Okoudoh Iyoha is not only misleading but ludicrous and provoking. According to the OSM, “Mr. Patrick Okoudoh Iyoha must stop parading himself as a member of the movement as the movement has since dissociated itself from his dealings. The Obaseki/ Shaibu Movement (OSM) is a body of noble men and people of proven ...

…tasks faithful on COVID-19 guidelines …assures of improved security, consequences for violent behaviour Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has felicitated with Muslims on the occasion of Eid-El-Kabir, urging them to reflect on the key messages of the event which are sacrifice and penitence. In his message, which was broadcast statewide on Friday, Obaseki said: “My dear good people of Edo State, on this occasion of Eid-El-Kabir, I join our Muslim brothers and sisters to thank God Almighty for preserving and protecting us thus far.  “This year, we are celebrating the Eid-El-Kabir differently because of the disruptions caused by corona virus (COVID-19).  This makes it more pertinent for us to reflect on the key messages of Eid which are sacrifice and penitence, which bring us blessings and hope.” The governor who reinforced the need to observe the coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines, advised: “As we go about with celebrations, I urge you to protect yo...

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, as an uncommon patriot that has devoted his entire life to the service of Nigeria and humanity. Senator Diri stated this in his birthday message to celebrate the first Military Governor of the old Rivers State, who turned 78 years on Thursday.  He said the indelible imprints of the retired naval officer while he was governor of Rivers, which included Bayelsa at the time, could still be seen and felt in both states many years after. The governor noted that despite his uncommon achievements in office, the Twon-Brass monarch and chairman of the Bayelsa Council of Traditional Rulers continues to render selfless service to Bayelsa, the Ijaw nation and indeed the country. "I join other well wishers and admirers to celebrate an uncommon Izon patriot; a man that has dedicated his whole life to serve his country and humanity.  "Your legaci...

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has mourned the death of elder statesman and Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Fasanmi, who died at age 94. The governor, in a statement, said Senator Fasanmi was a grounded leader and thoroughbred politician, who was deeply committed to the welfare of his people and the development of the country. According to him, “I received the sad news of the passing of Senator Ayo Fasanmi with a heavy heart. He was one of the finest politicians around who prioritised the needs of the people above all else. “He made indelible marks in the political development of the country that would not be forgotten in a hurry. His wise counsel would be greatly missed.” The governor sent heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Osun State, Afenifere and the immediate family of late Pa Fasanmi over his passing.    Pa Fasanmi served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Old Western Nigeria Housing Corporation in the old Wes...

The Staff and Management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, have thrown their weight behind the reelection bid of the Edo State Governor and gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Godwin Obaseki, noting that his reelection will ensure that the governor completes the good work he started in the institution. In a statement, Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof Ignatius A. Onimawo, said the developmental impact of the Governor Obaseki-led administration in the university is undeniable. He said the management of Ambrose Alli University, at its meeting held on Friday, July 17, 2020, considered the numerous insinuations and unfavourable misrepresentations by detractors with regard to the re-election bid of the governor and resolved to openly express solidarity with the governor. “The university is an apolitical organisation. However, the developmental impact of our Visitor, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki in our university is undeniable. He...

Civil society groups in Edo State have raised the alarm over the rising incidence of violence ahead of the September 19, 2020 gubernatorial election, alleging that the All Progressives Congress (APC), its sacked National Chairman, Comr. Adams Oshiomhole and the party’s candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, were stirring violence across the state with the intention of causing fear and voter apathy in order to action their plans of rigging the forthcoming poll. The groups while speaking to journalists in Benin City noted that the heightened political tension in the state is a ploy by the APC to ensure low turnout of voters as it will give them the ample opportunity to rig the election. The Director General, No Sidon Look, Mr. Portrait Peterson said: “The widespread violence in Edo State is alarming and it is consequently causing fear and tension among residents. This is a threat to a peaceful, credible, free and fair election in the state and the government and its agencies must qu...

… Ex-governor asked to come back after guber poll …planned apology is a trick to beg for votes - Esan Agenda Efforts by the former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Adams Oshiomhole, to appease the Onojie of Uromi, HRH Anselm Okojie, Aidenojie II, and woo Esan voters to support Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the APC in the September 19, 2020 election, have been rebuffed. However, it was learnt that Oshiomhole has been asked by the royal father to come back after the gubernatorial election if he is committed to genuine reconciliation. Sources familiar with the development, said Oshiomhole’s overtures were informed by the growing number of Esan people opposed to Ize-Iyamu’s candidature, more so, with Oshiomhole leading his campaign trail, and eating words he swore to, four years ago. Commenting on the planned reconciliation, Convener of Esan Agenda, Akhere Obozele, said “Oshiomhole is insincere and only wants to use the so-called reconc...

The PDP Governors' Forum under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has  congratulated Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku, the Governor of Taraba State, on his 66th birthday anniversary. A press statement dated July 30, 2020 and signed by Hon. C.I.D. Maduabum, the  Director-General of the Forum said:         "You are a great asset to the PDP Governor's; an icon of service, a patriarch of hope and peace, thus on this your special day, be assured that we admire and respect you; and wish you a truly marvellous birthday! "We pray that your administration shall continue to be impactful and engender rapid improvement upon the lives and times of Tarabans in particular and Nigerians in general. "We identify with your vision, leadership, promotion of peace, the numerous pace-setting achievements and the drive to make a difference in Taraba State through the Rescue Agenda. "Your giant strides in Taraba has led to the revival of the M...

…says 30 % reduction will not affect workers’ salary, pensions Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has signed the Revised 2020 Appropriation Bill into law with a pledge to make necessary sacrifices to ensure the sustenance of critical sectors of the state’s economy amid disruptions caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The budget, which was reduced by 30 percent from N179bn to N128.8 billion, was signed into law after the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye and leadership of the House presented it to the governor, at the Government House, Benin City. Obaseki said the budget is coming at an unusual time when the COVID-19 pandemic has imposed certain challenges, noting, “The challenges may be difficult now but in the medium and long-term, this administration would need to re-think the economy of the state. "The financial and economic consequences of COVID-19 pandemic are challenging, if not more challenging than the ...

…says no amount of kneeling stunt will save Oshiomhole from defeat, humiliation The Edo State Deputy Governor and the running mate of Governor Godwin Obaseki in the state’s forthcoming gubernatorial election, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has insisted that no amount of kneeling stunt will save the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole and his party’s candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu from defeat and humiliation at the September 19, 2020 poll in the state. The Deputy Governor said this in the course of a road show across Edo State that spanned from Akpakpava Road in Benin City, through Ekpoma to Jattu, in Etsako West Local Government Area (LGA). He insisted that no amount of kneeling stunt will save the former national chairman of the APC and his candidate from defeat and charged Edo electorate to vote for the PDP and defend their votes on election day.             Shaibu, however, noted that th...

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator. Douye Diri, has given kudos to the state assembly for the expeditious passage of the revised 2020 appropriation bill. The initial budget bill of N242.1billion, which was signed into law in April this year, was on Monday reviewed downward to N183.1billion at a citizens participatory budget session. It was immediately sent to the assembly for consideration. Signing the revised bill into law on Wednesday evening in his office, Governor Diri noted the prompt attention given to it by the lawmakers. He said the bill was revised within two days, which, according to him, was remarkable at a time the coronavirus pandemic was having an effect on private and governmental businesses. He added that without the passage of the appropriation bill, activities of the three arms of government would be grounded and the goal of good governance defeated. His words: “We have promised to work together in synergy to ensure development of our state and for the peace...

A message signed today July 30 th  2020, by Kolawole Oredipe, Director and Co-Ordinator New Media to the Bayelsa State Governor expressed the governor’s greetings to Muslims on the occasion of Eid-El-Kabir as follows; I bring to all the Muslim faithful across the length and breadth of our dear state, Bayelsa, a message of a greater tomorrow and Prosperity. In the spirit of this celebration, ( Eid -el-Kabir),  let us continue to imbibe the spirit of peace, love  human kindness and religious tolerance. I celebrate with you all on this occasion and request you to continue to live peacefully with people of other faiths. I urge you to key into the prosperity agenda of our administration as we prepare to serve with integrity and accountability. We request for your continued prayers and support to our collective desire in achieving the lofty dreams for a prosperous Bayelsa. Congratulations and Barka de- Salah as I wish you all a happy Eid –el- Kabir celebration....

A message signed today July 30 th  2020, by Kolawole Oredipe, Director and Co-Ordinator New Media to the Bayelsa State Governor expressed the governor’s greetings to Muslims on the occasion of Eid-El-Kabir as follows; I bring to all the Muslim faithful across the length and breadth of our dear state, Bayelsa, a message of a greater tomorrow and Prosperity. In the spirit of this celebration, ( Eid -el-Kabir),  let us continue to imbibe the spirit of peace, love  human kindness and religious tolerance. I celebrate with you all on this occasion and request you to continue to live peacefully with people of other faiths. I urge you to key into the prosperity agenda of our administration as we prepare to serve with integrity and accountability. We request for your continued prayers and support to our collective desire in achieving the lofty dreams for a prosperous Bayelsa. Congratulations and Barka de- Salah as I wish you all a happy Eid –el- Kabir celebration....

A message signed today July 30 th  2020, by Kolawole Oredipe, Director and Co-Ordinator New Media to the Bayelsa State Governor expressed the governor’s greetings to Muslims on the occasion of Eid-El-Kabir as follows; I bring to all the Muslim faithful across the length and breadth of our dear state, Bayelsa, a message of a greater tomorrow and Prosperity. In the spirit of this celebration, ( Eid -el-Kabir),  let us continue to imbibe the spirit of peace, love  human kindness and religious tolerance. I celebrate with you all on this occasion and request you to continue to live peacefully with people of other faiths. I urge you to key into the prosperity agenda of our administration as we prepare to serve with integrity and accountability. We request for your continued prayers and support to our collective desire in achieving the lofty dreams for a prosperous Bayelsa. Congratulations and Barka de- Salah as I wish you all a happy Eid –el- Kabir celebration....

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has congratulated the spiritual leader of Church of God Mission International, Archbishop Dr. Mrs. Margaret Benson-Idahosa, as she marks her 77th  birthday. Obaseki said: “I congratulate Archbishop Dr. Mrs. Margaret Benson-Idahosa, on this auspicious occasion and thank you specially, for your invaluable counsels and support for my administration.” The governor noted that, “Archbishop Dr. Mrs. Margaret Idahosa is a special gift to all of us in Edo State and beyond. She has been a source of inspiration and strength to millions of families across the world. “Through her religious works, she has contributed significantly to nation-building, and remains a source of hope to our youth population who are in constant search for light-bearing role models.” Follow Governor Obaseki on Social Media Website: www.godwinobaseki.com Facebook: fb.com/godwinobasekiofficial Twitter: @governorobaseki Instagram: @governorobas...

…vows to vote persons of integrity, honour, not party The leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Egor Local Government  Area (LGA) of Edo State have reaffirmed their support for the re-election of Governor Godwin Obaseki in the September 19, 2020 Gubernatorial Election on account of the governor’s sterling performance across all sectors of the state. At an enlarged APC Ward Seven meeting in Egor LGA, the party members noted that come September 19, 2020 they will come out en masse with their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC) to vote the candidate of their choice based on competence, integrity and honour, adding, “Edo State politics has gone beyond party affiliation. We are only interested in the development of our state and this, Governor Obaseki has pursued in the last three years and eight months through his people-oriented policies and programmes.” Present at the meeting were the chairman, APC Ward Seven, Mr. Daniel Iyangbe; Egor APC LGA Secret...

The Urhonigbe Rubber Estate in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State has created not less than 200 jobs in Urhonigbe Community, as youths in the area have vowed to ensure the re-election of Governor Godwin Obaseki, who they said paved way for the revival of the erstwhile moribund plantation. A cross-section of youths in the community, who spoke with journalists, said that the Governor Obaseki-led administration has ensured the development of rural communities by aggressively pushing for investment in the agricultural sector, which has led to the revival of plantations and setting up of new ventures across the state. One of the youths who works in Urhonigbe Rubber Plantation, Imade Johnbull, said that the revival of the plantation is one of the greatest achievements of the governor in Orhionmwon LGA, for which the communities in the council will handsomely reward him with a second term ticket. According to him, “Governor Obaseki is deserving of a second term because he h...

Convener of the group, Esan Agenda, Mr.  Akhere Obozele, has advised the Adams Oshiomhole-backed candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osagie Ize-Iyamu to suspend his aspiration of becoming Edo State governor, in order to save him the humiliation Esan people have reserved for the sacked APC national chairman. Obozele, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital on Tuesday, said “the odds against the APC candidate increased the moment the sacked APC national chairman threw his weight behind him.” According to him, “For Esan people, this election is first about a governor that has worked so hard, and in the people’s estimation, deserves a second term in office. Beyond Governor Godwin Obaseki’s second term ticket, which Obaseki will get without much ado, come September 19, 2020, this election is also about the redemption of Esan people from the series of humiliation meted on us by Oshiomhole.”  He added: “This is the Esan consensus. Nothing w...

Hundreds of beneficiaries of the Edo State Skills Development Agency (EdoJobs) in Akoko Edo Local Government Area (LGA) have dismissed claims by the former Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor, Mr. Taiwo Akerele, that there are no beneficiaries of the government’s employment agency in the local government, describing the former Chief of Staff as an enemy of Edo youths. The beneficiaries under the aegis of EdoJobbers Association in Akoko Edo, in a statement to refute the false claim, noted: “We are proud to state that among us are people that EdoJobs has empowered with jobs, those who have started their solar panel installation businesses, and those employed by the civil service and the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA), among others. The statement was jointly signed by the President of the association, Isreal Alegbe, and 28 others. They include Abu Jackson Friday, Bayode Lugard, Jimoh .E. Jonah, Adomokhai  Sylvester , Olorunda  Lewis, Akpara Francis, Olo...

Hundreds of beneficiaries of the Edo State Skills Development Agency (EdoJobs) in Akoko Edo Local Government Area (LGA) have dismissed claims by the former Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor, Mr. Taiwo Akerele, that there are no beneficiaries of the government’s employment agency in the local government, describing the former Chief of Staff as an enemy of Edo youths. The beneficiaries under the aegis of EdoJobbers Association in Akoko Edo, in a statement to refute the false claim, noted: “We are proud to state that among us are people that EdoJobs has empowered with jobs, those who have started their solar panel installation businesses, and those employed by the civil service and the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA), among others. The statement was jointly signed by the President of the association, Isreal Alegbe, and 28 others. They include Abu Jackson Friday, Bayode Lugard, Jimoh .E. Jonah, Adomokhai  Sylvester , Olorunda  Lewis, Akpara Franc...

The Ijaws in Edo State have applauded Governor Godwin Obaseki for engendering economic development and improving the lives of Edo people, reaffirming support for the governor’s reelection bid to ensure continuity of his sterling performance and consolidation of good governance in the state. The Ijaw communities under the aegis of ‘Ethnic Nationality’, declared their support for Obaseki’s second term bid when they paid a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Benin City. Commending the governor for his achievements, representatives of the communities, High Chief Hon. Joel Wodubamo; Prominent Chief Hon. Daniel Agagha, and Mr. Ebiye Milton, urged Governor Obaseki not to relent in his vision of transforming the state and positively impacting the lives of Edo people. Receiving the governor's supporters, the First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, said: “There can be no meaningful development in an atmosphere of rancor. Development is a gradual process and I urg...