Month: June 2025

THE 8TH ASSEMBLY A BEACON OF HOPE FOR THE 24 CONSTITUENCIES OF EDO STATE.

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As is usual universally, the proclamation of an Assembly is preceded with the inauguration of Members – Elect and the subsequent election of the Speaker and his Deputy, and, sometimes with other principal officers of the House. The uniqueness of this 8th Assembly for all intents and purposes was their resolve to work together to legislate for the common good of Edo people which they represent, irrespective of their differing political parties and opinions. The 8th Assembly led by Rt. Honourable Chief Agbebaku Blessing Sheriff,from Owan West Constituency of Edo State, initiated and processed many developmental Bills which are today Laws that have been assented to by the Governor of Edo State, these laws now regulate the operation of our political, economic and social sectors of the State. The dynamic 8th Assembly Resolved to partner with the executive arm to revamp the health institution by legislating to have more teaching health institutions that will train the personnel to care for the medical needs of our people, particularly in the rural areas, hence an amendment Health Bill for the State Public Health lnstitution and another two new Bills for private health institutions were passed respectively, as it is intended to train future nurses and health facilitators. It is a sin qua non that a healthy mind requires a healthy body, so when a society is healthy productivity increases and social behaviour responds positively. Realizing the role of agriculture in the development of a society and by extension the nation, the current 8th Assembly of Edo State wasted no time in dotting the i(s) and crossing the t(s) to ensure that the “Bill for a Law to provide a Legal Framework For The Establishment Of The Edo State Palm Oil Programme” for the development of Edo State Palm Oil lndustry was given a speedy passage and transmitted for assent which today is one of the bedrock for generating income for Edo State. Amongst other things inherent in this Oil Palm industry law, is the increase in food production and other forward and backward integration related to Palm Oil industry, as well as increase in per Capita income. As a follow up to the above, the 8th Assembly rejigged its legislative actions with another passage of a Bill for Fishery Related Purposes which again have been assented to by the Executive Governor of Edo State. This Fishery Related Law will wipe out quackeries from the business so as not to compromise our health, as fish production through chemicals and subsequent poisonous fish would be wiped out of the marketing mix. More important in the Bill is the provision of regular training for investors and those who intend to invest in fish production, as experts have been well schooled to handle this sector of the economy. In all of the above, the 8th Assembly of Edo State is conscious of the employment that would be associated with the implementation of the relevant Laws as more graduates and skilled personnel would be enlisted and conversely expand productions. Suffice to say that a former Agency for job related matters was made a full Board through legislative backup by the ingenuity of the 8th Assembly of Edo State whose term started June 16th 2023. The mid term report of this Assembly cuts across every sector of the State Economy. No meaningful impact would be seen if the produce are unable to get to the desired markets, it becomes imperiative for the 8th Assembly to fathom how the roads can be worked on, hence the Bill for a Law for the State Roads Funds Establishment Bill and the that of the State Roads Funds Establishment Board were expeditiously passed; thus leading to the massive road works done and is still ongoing in the various local governments. The efforts of members of the 8th Assembly in the various Constituencies projects are laudable.Wards and small towns have a minimum of two Constituency projects executed, more Constituency projects are been processed in line with the extant laws to cover more people oriented needs.Credit be given to the current Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo. This is an improvement over the 7th Assembly. Considering the proviso in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended in 2023, “that the protection of lives and properties shall be the primary purpose of government” as enshrined in Section 4, there was a collaborative action with the Executive Arm that led to the passage of a “Bill for a Law to Establish the Edo State Security Network( Vigilante )and for Connected Purposes”, to partner with the various security agencies to nip crime in the bud. To chase criminals down to the forest and through bad roads, about fifty (50) motor bikes were bought to add to the mobility apparatus on ground and distributed through the collective efforts of the twenty four (24) members.However, much is required in this regards, as security is everyone’s business if we are to attain zero tolerance for crime. Only recently, the 8th Assembly have to its credit the passage and subsequent signing by His Excellency, Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo an Anti Cultism Law in our cherished State. This to say the least, have driven cultists from Edo State and inversely, a great reduction in social vices perpetuated by Cultism related activities. The 8th Assembly under the leadership of the charismatic Speaker, Rt Hon Blessing Sheriff Agbebaku have rebased what legislative actions should be in the 21st century, by sacrificing their time and energies with feedback and co operation as a tool for democratic governance. We call for more prayers and support for better legislative actions that is people centered as the entrant into the beginning of another mid term begins on the 17th of June 2025. A good legislative business as exemplified by this 8th Assembly of Edo State brings a better hope for the electorates. Paul Odiahi Public Relations Officer. Edo State House of Assembly.

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SACHO POST 6BILLION PROFIT BEFORE TAX.

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CHUKS OKOH The Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC (SAHCO) has posted a significant increase in its revenue for the year 2024 with a 74.8 percent increase as it earned a whooping over six-billion-naira profit before tax.   The Nigerian giant ground handling firm disclosed that it board of directors recommend a dividend of sixty kobo per shares to its shareholders just as it said it secured major contracts with renewed global carriers in the year under review.   Speaking at the SAHCO’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held the prestigious Marriotts Hotel in Ikeja on Thursday, its Chairman, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi said that despite the challenges in economic environment, SAHCO demonstrated remarkable resilience and strategic agility in its businesses.   According to Dr Afolabi, the company posted a profit before income tax expenses of N6,486,469 in 2024 as against N2,630,287 in 2023   Afolabi said the 2024 Global Aviation Performance in 2024 continued its post-   pandemic recovery, quoting the International Air Transport Association   (IATA), global passenger traffic rebounded to   approximately 88% of pre-pandemic levels, driven by a strong resurgence in international travel.   “Cargo operations saw a 3.5% year-over-year growth, reflecting shifts in global trade dynamics.   Airlines focused on enhancing operational efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, with increased investments in fuel-efficient aircraft and alternative fuels” .   On challenges in the country, Afolabi remarked that the country remained one of Africa’s largest aviation markets, with rising passenger demand and expanding international routes. He however, lamented the operational costs, infrastructure gaps, and forex constraints pose challenges facing the sector “Nigeria’s avataion sector remains competitive on the global stage” He noted that SAHCO’s operational and business performance for 2024 despite the challenges in the economic environment, demonstrated remarkable resilience and strategic agility. On Revenue Growth, Afolabi declares, “I am pleased to report that SAHCO achieved a 74.8% increase in revenue for the year ending December 2024 compared to the previous year, driven by new contracts and operational efficiency”   According to the chairman, SAHCO secured major contract renewals, including, renewal of a 5-year ground handling contract with British Airways, signing of a 5-year agreement with South African Airways Others include, securing partnerships with major carriers, including Bristow Airlines, Value Jet, Ilyin Air, Green Africa, and Air Cote D’Ivoire, while expanding operations in securing Air Peace London route, Ibom Air’s regional operations to Accra and Uganda Airlines’ extended services to Abuja. It also secured the full handling contract for Neos Air, reviving the Nigerian-Italian route after nearly two decades. On operational efficiency and safety, Afolabi said SAHCO set a record with a 37-minute turnaround for Offloading 37 pallets from an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 777 cargo flight. He explained that the company renewed IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations ISAGO) and RA3 certifications, reinforcing adherence to global safety standards. It got several awards of as a result of improved business performance which also culminated ithe receipt of regional and international awards  like the British Airways Safety & Punctuality Awards at Lagos Dr Afolabi noted the inflation rate surged to a 28-year high of 34.6% in 2024, driven by rising food and energy costs, while the naira depreciated significantly, closing the year at N1,535/$1, marking a 40.9% decline compared to the previous year. According to him, the agricultural sector recorded a modest growth of 2.5%, supported by government policies aimed at enhancing food security, adding that insecurity in farming regions remained a major setback. The SAHCO chairman noted that the technology sector continued its rapid expansion, attracting significant investment in fintech and digital services, positioning the country as a growing innovation hub in Africa. Afolabi said the team remained committed to expanding the market presence within leveraging opportunities in regional aviation, investing in technology and digital transformation to enhance operational efficiency and experience. Photo Caption: L-R: Executive Director, Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC,Mr Abiodun Adegbesan; Managing Director/CEO, SAHCO, Mrs Adenike Aboderin; Chairman, SIFAX Group/ SAHCO, Dr Barr Taiwo Afolabi (CON); Executive Director,SAHCO, Mrs Boma Ukwunna; Executive Director, SAHCO, Dr Babatunde Afolabi;  Company Secretary,SAHCO, Ms Jesuyemisi Odeyemi at the SAHCO PLC 15th Annual General Meeting.

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19TH ANNIVERSARY: FINCHGLOW IN STRATEGIC SHIFT IN REBUILDING FOR A NEW ERA IN TRAVEL

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CHUKS OKOH, Finchglow Travels, says it is redefining the nation’s travel landscape with a renewed focus on strategic growth, people development, and purposeful innovation. Rather than host a conventional celebration, the company signalled a new era with Summer90 Plus Power Up and Shine, a dynamic three-day internal workshop designed to realign its workforce, reinforce core values, and reposition the business to thrive in an increasingly competitive travel ecosystem. “This anniversary marks a strategic inflection point for Finchglow Travels said Mr. Ezekiel Ikotun, Managing Director, Finchglow Travels. “The travel industry is evolving fast, and our response is to evolve faster from the inside out. We are making deliberate investments in people, processes, and platforms to lead the next phase of growth.” The workshop brought together employees from across Nigeria to engage with the latest industry trends, unpack technological shifts, and strengthen service delivery. It reflects a growing belief at Finchglow Travels: transformation must begin internally to deliver external excellence. “Our people remain our greatest asset,” Mr. Ikotun added. “We’re investing in upskilling, data, automation, and forward-looking technologies like AI to ensure we stay ahead not just operationally, but intellectually and strategically. We understand that a team aligned in purpose is a competitive advantage in itself.” Speaking to the broader aviation sector, Mr. Ikotun noted, “The industry is progressing albeit unevenly. At Finchglow, we’re helping drive that progress through capacity development, tech-forward strategies, and a push for stronger data intelligence across the ecosystem. The future will belong to those who can blend service excellence with smart, scalable infrastructure.” As the travel and tourism sector adjusts to global shifts, Finchglow Travels is positioning itself not only as a player but as a purposeful force shaping what comes next.

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SMOKE IN THE KITCHEN: WHY CLEAN COOKING IS A FEMININE ISSUE

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by Sustyvibes Lagos, Nigeria   When we think about kitchens, we often envision warmth, family gatherings, and shared meals. However, for countless women and girls in low- and middle-income countries, these spaces are fraught with danger.   The daily act of preparing food can expose us to hazardous smoke from burning traditional fuels like wood and charcoal, leading to serious health risks such as respiratory illnesses and burns.   To make matters worse, women often spend hours each day not only cooking but also gathering fuel. This relentless cycle underscores systemic neglect that acknowledges women’s roles primarily as caretakers rather than addressing their vulnerability to harmful cooking practices.   While it is seen as primarily an environmental or public health challenge, clean cooking fundamentally intersects with gender equality. The burden should not fall disproportionately on women when simple solutions exist to transform their cooking environments into safer spaces for nourishment without sacrificing their well-being or time.   How Traditional Cooking Fuels Affect Women   Across many low and middle income countries, women and children are most affected by cooking with smoky fuels. Wood, charcoal, dung, and crop waste are still the main way of cooking for nearly 2.3 billion people around the world.   That’s according to the 2023 joint report Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report, published by the World Health Organization, the International Energy Agency, the World Bank, and other global partners working on clean energy access.   Household air pollution from these fuels contributes to millions of deaths annually and the majority of these deaths are among women and children. In Nigeria alone, over 120 million people are exposed to harmful smoke from open fires and traditional stoves every day.   This estimate comes from a 2020 study by Sarah Jewitt, Paul Atagher, and Michael Clifford, which highlights the widespread health risks tied to cooking with firewood and other polluting fuels across the country.   Women, often with children in tow, inhale large volumes of smoke for hours every day, seven times a week, and all year round. The health implications include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cataracts, low birth weight, and early mortality.   Young Nigerians hear things like “Pregnant women are not allowed to go near fire,” or “Too much exposure to firewood heat can prevent a woman from giving birth.” Yet, despite all these beliefs and well documented harm, clean cooking has never received the same policy attention or financing as other infrastructure priorities.   And when policies are created, implementation and enforcement efforts are next to zero on the government part. While NGOs and aid groups have the power to organise outreaches and campaigns, they generally lack the absolutely necessary data, access, and resource capacity to bring about real change.   Toxic Cooking Fuels Steal Time, Money and The Future   The use of firewood and other biomass fuels is not only a health hazard but also a time trap. According to the World Health Organization, women in sub-Saharan Africa often spend between 1.5 to 4 hours every day just collecting firewood.   This is time that could be spent in school, at work, or at rest. In urban slums, women are often forced to choose between purchasing fuel and buying food. Cooking becomes a cycle of economic constraint that reinforces gendered poverty.   The issue is made worse by the fact that many women must rely on stove stacking, using multiple types of stoves and fuels to cope with shortages, costs, or cooking needs. In one Nigerian home, you’re likely to find at least three types of cookstoves and the chances of all three using toxic cooking fuels is high.   Lack of access to clean cooking limits women’s mobility, productivity, and autonomy. It curtails their ability to take on income generating activities, engage with impactful passion projects, or further their career. It forces them to rely on traditional roles not because of choice but because of energy scarcity. Women are kept in the kitchen by policy failures as much as by social norms.   Furthermore, the psychological toll of time poverty is seriously overlooked. The mental burden of juggling caregiving, cooking, and fuel collection with no structural support is invisible in most policy debates. Yet this daily pressure diminishes well being, limits rest, and contributes to long term stress related health issues.   Clean Cooking and Reproductive Justice There’s a link between energy access and women’s health. Exposure to biomass smoke during pregnancy has been linked to stillbirth, low birth weight, and developmental delays. In households where cooking is done indoors with poor ventilation, pregnant women face risks that complicate childbirth. All that could be avoided with clean cooking technologies.   Reproductive justice requires that all women have the ability to make safe and healthy choices for themselves and their families. This includes the right to cook without jeopardizing their own health.   It includes the right to raise children in environments not compromised by state neglect or energy inequality. Clean cooking, then, is not a marginal issue, but part of the vast campaign for gender equity in health, safety, and dignity.   When health outcomes are shaped by the absence of clean energy, reproductive rights become entangled with energy justice. Without clean cooking, millions of women face avoidable risks during the most vulnerable periods of their lives.   From Tokenism to Structural Reform Interventions in clean cooking often focus narrowly on distributing improved stoves, many of which do not meet user needs. Some stoves are incompatible with local cooking practices, such as cooking for large households or preparing specific traditional meals. Others require fuel types that are expensive or unreliable.   Women are not passive victims. They are often the first to innovate, adapt, and maintain cooking systems. Yet they are routinely excluded from energy planning, financing mechanisms, and policy development.   In many cases, concerns about safety, such as fear of gas explosions or previous experiences with kerosene related injuries, lead women to reject clean options altogether, even

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HELICOPTER LANDING LEVY, STRATEGIC NECESSITY, NOT A BURDEN SAYS EXPERT.

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CHUKS OKOH A former Director , Air Transport Management in the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development , Hassan Tai Ejibunu has called on oil companies engaging in offshore operations and other players who rely heavily on helicopter transport for personnel and equipment to comply with the regulatory enforcement regime approved by the Federal government. Compliance in the payment of the prescribed helicopter landing levy by the affected organizations, Ejibunu said, has not only become compelling, but part of the targeted contribution toward the maintenance, modernization, and expansion of Nigeria’s air navigation infrastructure, which is now a backbone of both civilian and military aviation. Ejibunu’s comment is coming on the heels of the regulatory enforcement of Helicopter Landing Levy by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, which has sparked a huge debate among stakeholders in the oil and gas sector in recent weeks. Though critics have argued that the levy, which is to be paid on a pay-as-you-use- basis by oil companies operating offshore, constitutes an undue financial burden, Ejibunu, however, noted that such perspective overlooks the broader national interest and the critical role played by NAMA in safeguarding the country’s skies, as well as the high cost of such critical aviation infrastructure. He said : ” The levy, which is on a pay-as-you-use basis, is unavoidable and only charged for the use of Nigerian Airspace and NAMA Air navigational services. “NAMA’s infrastructure supports not only commercial flights but also helicopter operations to offshore platforms, military surveillance, and increasingly, the regulation of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in our airspace. “To suggest that oil companies, who are among the primary beneficiaries of these services, should be exempted from contributing to their sustainability is both inequitable and short-sighted. “Offshore oil operations rely heavily on helicopter transport for personnel and equipment. These flights depend on NAMA’s radar systems, communication networks, and air traffic control to ensure safety and efficiency. “Without adequate funding, these systems risk degradation, which could lead to delays, accidents, or worse—security breaches. “Indeed, the absence of modern navigational infrastructure is a national security risk. As NAMA has flagged, outdated equipment and poor inter-agency coordination already pose threats to aviation security.” Ejibunu said in an era of heightened drone activity and evolving aerial threats, the ability to monitor and manage Nigeria’s airspace in real time is no longer optional, but essential. He went on: “The military, too, relies on NAMA’s infrastructure for coordinated operations, making its upkeep a matter of sovereignty. ” Moreover, the levy aligns with global best practices. Similar charges exist in other oil-producing nations, where aviation infrastructure is funded through user-based contributions. “The oil companies operating in Nigeria, many of which are multinationals, are no strangers to such frameworks, but are being aided by some Nigerians to work against adherence to established regulatory requirements.” Ejibunu said rather than resist the levy, stakeholders should view it as an investment in safety, security, and operational continuity. He said :” The cost of a single aviation incident, whether in lives, environmental damage, or reputational loss to Nigeria’s rating in the global aviation community, would far outweigh the cumulative impact of this modest fee. ” The Helicopter Landing Levy is not a burden. It is a shared responsibility. And in a sector as vital and high-risk as aviation, shared responsibility is the only path to sustainable progress and enhanced national security.”

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AIR PEACE ACQUIRES FIRST EMBRAER 190 AIRCRAFT.

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CHUKS OKOH Air Peace Limited, Nigeria’s leading airline, has further deepened its operational capacity with the addition of its first Embraer 190 aircraft to its fleet. The aircraft, bearing registration 5N-CEF, touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at exactly 19:38 on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Speaking with newsmen, the airline’s spokesperson, Osifo-Whiskey Efe, disclosed that the newly acquired aircraft is a 118-seater and the first of its type in the carrier’s growing fleet portfolio. He revealed that another unit is expected to arrive next month, further reinforcing the airline’s strategic expansion plan to bolster both domestic and regional operations. “This aircraft type brings a new dimension to our service offerings. It is designed for efficiency, eco-friendly installations, and passenger comfort, such as a 2-2 seating layout, quiet and spacious cabin, making it the ideal fit for many of our routes. It enables us to connect more cities seamlessly and serve underserved destinations with the right capacity,” Efe noted. He reiterated the airline’s commitment to easing the burden of air travel in Nigeria by continually investing in the right aircraft for its expansive network. With a fleet of over 30 aircraft, Air Peace has remained at the forefront of West Africa’s aviation space. As of May 2025, the airline recorded an average on-time performance of 85% across its domestic network, a testament to its operational reliability and service delivery promise. Looking ahead into the third quarter, Air Peace says it is optimistic about its growth trajectory. The airline plans to open new domestic routes, expand regional reach, launch more international destinations, and continue strategic fleet acquisition to meet growing passenger demand

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ON ZIK GBEMRE’S CAMPAIGN OF CALUNMY IN HIS DIATRIBE TITLED “WHY OKPE KINGDOM AND UPU MUST BEWARE OF PROF. NATUFE’S DIVISIVE CAMPAIGN TO TEAR URHOBO APART”.

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    INTRODUCTION On June18, 2025, an Urhobo friend forwarded an article by one Mr. Zik Gbemre on the above subject. I thanked him for it. I also thank Mr. Gbemre for penning the said article, because he has broadened the debate of Okpe Union’s demand for the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality, outside the territory of the Okpe Kingdom. Thus, I shall disregard his insulting outbursts against my person. We have to focus on the main ISSUE, which is the retrieval or restoration of the independence of the Okpe Nation. Let us exchange facts based on historical and cultural evidences instead of trading personal insults and falsifying History. THE ISSUE Students of Nigerian history are familiar with the British colonial policy of fusing diverse ethnic nationalities into one. Outside the contemporary Delta State, this British policy was more pronounced in the “Hausa-Fulani” phenomenon which most Nigerians, until recently, assumed to be one ethnic nationality. We are living witnesses to the awakened consciousness of the Hausas as they engage in an existential struggle to extricate themselves from the “Hausa-Fulani” appellation. It was this same British policy that birthed the false classification of Okpe as “a clan of Urhobo”. At its infancy they referred to Urhobo as “Sobo”. Contemporary Okpe nationals were born and raised in this falsity especially as they relate externally.   This classification has robed Okpe of its ethnic identity, as contributions by Okpe nationals are credited to the Urhobo and not to the Okpe nationality. This cataloguing illegally extinguished Okpe ethnicity and institutionalized the assimilation of the Okpe nationality by the Urhobo. For the benefits of Mr. Gbemre and his cohorts, it is pertinent that we recall the British fusion of Okpe with the Urhobo by providing the following excerpts from the website of the Okpe Union:   “According to R. E. Bradbury, a renowned British scholar, (The Benin Kingdom and the Edo-Speaking Peoples of South-Western Nigeria, 1970, p.128) the classification of Okpe among the Urhobo was influenced by geographic contiguity and the expediency of British colonial administration “rather than a linguistic basis.” He concluded that “Okpe is …closer to the Edo of the Benin Kingdom than are the Urhobo dialects proper”. In the 1930s the Okpe was placed in “Western Urhobo” and the Isoko in “Eastern Urhobo.” By administering the Okpe under the Urhobo umbrella, the British set in motion a process that led to the gradual but a systematic erosion of Okpe ethnicity which was erroneously subsumed under the Urhobo. Over time, this grave error of British colonialism assumed a “truth” of its own as the outside world and several Okpe began to refer to the Okpe as “Urhobo.” This falsity was inherited by post-colonial Nigerian governments. A similar fate befell the Isoko of “Eastern Urhobo.” However, unlike the Okpe, their western counterpart, the Isokos were able to extricate themselves from the Urhobo appellation and restored their independence as a distinct ethnic nationality”. “Notwithstanding the long years of interregnum, and the attempts by some powerful leaders to establish mini kingdoms, the Okpe people remained together as a Nation, thus giving significance to the slogan “Okpe Agbamua eni” (the unity of Okpe is an Elephant or Okpe Unity enables the lifting of an elephant). The establishment of the Okpe Union on May 16, 1930, in Lagos, galvanized the Okpe people into greater resolve. The Okpe Union, the oldest registered ethnic organization of Delta State, and in Nigeria, became the mouth piece of the Okpe Nation and a defender of Okpe Identity. It championed the fight for the restoration of the Okpe Monarchy and succeeded in doing so when the British colonial regime approved the coronation of the second Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Esezi II on January 1, 1945. Though the monarchy was to rotate among the four ruling houses, it was however decided by the Ruling Houses that a prince from the Esezi Ruling house be crowned the Orodje, as a way of appeasing the gods for the curse placed on Okpe Kingdom by Esezi l”. It is instructive to note that, during the Midwest and Bendel State regimes era, when the current Edo and Delta states were together as one state, the colonial blurring of Okpe ethnic identity receded tremendously as Okpe people became practically recognised as a people with a distinct language. This paved the way for the use of the Okpe Language for public newscast and language requests and magazine programmes in the then Bendel Broadcasting Service Radio and Television, separate from the Urhobo Language. This was continued in Delta State in the first years of the military regime. Unfortunately, when the first Civilian Government of Delta State headed by Governor Felix Ibru came on board, there was established a policy of officially recognizing five Ethnic Groups in Delta State which were, in alphabetical order, Anioma, Ijaw, Isoko, Itsekiri, and Urhobo. The Ikas, Ndokwas (Ukuanis) and the Enuanis were to express or parade themselves as Anioma people; the Okpe and Urhobo people were to express or parade themselves as Urhobo people while the Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri retained their identities that they already had in the defunct Bendel State. However, as the James Ibori Government established the DESOPADEC Law of Delta State in 2007, Ndokwa was officially recognised as an ethnic nationality in the DESOPADEC Law which rendered the previous ethnic nationality policies obsolete. In fact, the Delta State Government followed up by issuing a letter of apology to the Ndokwa Nation for previously omitting its name from the list of recognized ethnic nationalities. Unfortunately, the Okpe people did not seize the opportunity to protest the omission of Okpe. By the time Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan came on board, the struggle concentrated on having a Commissioner for the Okpe Nation in the DESOPADEC Commission scaled through when the House of Assembly moved a motion to dissolve the Commission. Governor Uduaghan then reconstituted the DESOPADEC Board to include an Okpe Commissioner in the person of Chief Joseph Egigba. In 2015, the

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WHERE WILL PDP’S BUSINESSMAN ,IGHODALO, TAKE HIS APPEAL AFTER SUPREME COURT?

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By Sebastine Ebhuomhan     Monday, 23rd June, 2025. Abuja. Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC)-elected governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo’s defeated opponent and People’s Democratic Party (PDP)’s candidate, Dr. Asuerinme Ighodalo, should have his wish to hear his petition challenging his loss of Saturday, 21st September, 2024, governorship election granted by the Supreme Court of Nigeria any time from now. According to a close friend of the embattled lawyer and investment banker, Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, Supreme Court received his appeal on Tuesday, 10th June, 2025. Tweeting under his official handle on X (formerly Twitter), @ChidiOdinkalu, the Professor of Law said, “3 days ago, on 10 June, @Aighodalo appealed to @SupremeCourtNg against the decision of @CourtOfAppealNG in the governorship petition.” Odinkalu’s tweet voiced a fait accompli on the face of reasonable and justified persuasion of Ighodalo by the good citizens and indigenes of Edo State in a bid to stop him from continuing his meaningless Damascus journey to political oblivion. They had appealed to save him and his few remaining party members from the heartbreak of another inescapable defeat at the apex court, the highest, final constitutional court of appeal in Nigeria. But Ighodalo, like the proverbial stubborn dog heading for disaster, has refused to heed the plea of his loving people. In a Friday, 13th June, 2025 tweet partly quoted above, Odinkalu, a human rights activist and former chair of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) confidently claimed, “Shortly after 8pm last night, a senior, male JSC left Protea Hotel (near ShopRite in Benin) in the company of the Edo State Attorney-Gen. How so?!” In a following tweet to @NigeriaLawyers’ retweet of his original allegation, Odinkalu finally mentioned the name of the senior, male JSC in an apparent response to his followers’ demand after initially challenging the unnamed JSC to try to deny first before revealing the name. He made further allegation in the process. “The records will show that senior, Justice of @SupremeCourtNg, Inyang Okoro, drove out of the premises of Protea Hotel near ShopRite in Benin last night with State Attorney-General, Samson Osagie, in the latter’s car. Did he disclose that to the CJN? Where did they go together?” In a following tweet the same day, Odinkalu posted a 23-second video of the Honourable Justice of the Supreme Court, Inyang John Okoro, approaching the lobby of Protea Hotel alone after alighting from a small car that drove off. Odinkalu captioned it: “For the benefit of those seeking corroboration of my claim about Justice of @SupremeCourtNg in Protea Hotel, yesterday…” In yet another tweet, his last for the day, Odinkalu said, “I am happy we are no longer discussing whether or not Inyang Okoro, Justice of the @SupremeCourtNg, was in Benin or at Protea Hotel yesterday. Folks now want to know what more I know. If the #NigerianJudiciary will not police itself, citizens will help them…” Within hours of the claims, The Nigeria Lawyer, Law and Society Magazine, The Nigerian Barrister, Nigerian Law and Politics News, Daily Justice, ChatNewsTV, Sahara Reporters and the notorious PDP propaganda machine feasted on the controversy and amplified it globally. Nigeria’s reckless opposition quickly made a meal of the unverified claims by secretly contacting authorities and sending out copies of its petition from which People’s Gazette published a report from a new angle that “Justice John Okoro, accused by SSS of taking bribes, spotted loitering Benin hotel as Edo election dispute reaches Nigerian Supreme Court.” Odinkalu went ahead next day to ground his allegation on the NJC Code of Conduct for judges, which he titled: Concerning Judicial Integrity: A Statement, specifying how a judge should carry himself or herself professionally and privately in order to avoid impropriety and appearance of impropriety. Spurred, perhaps, by Odinkalu’s action, his followers and oppositional mob further alleged without proof or evidence that Justice Okoro was lobbying to be named into the Supreme Court panel to adjudicate Ighodalo’s petition. However, the Supreme Court denied the allegations in a swift rebuttal on Saturday, 14th June. In a press statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Dr. Festus Akande, it clarified that Okoro’s travel to Benin City on 12th June was solely to attend the funeral rites of a prominent member of the legal profession, a former President of the African Bar Association (ABA), Hannibal Uwaifo. The statement added that the trip was a personal trip that the Chief Justice of Nigeria approved for Okoro. “This private visit was strictly for the purposes of condolence and bereavement as is customary and humane,” the statement underlined while clarifying that the events Justice Okoro attended in Benin City were a service of songs and a funeral service at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church after which he returned to his hotel room. The court categorically denied Odinkalu and his opposition friends’ allegations against Justice Okoro. “The Honourable Justice neither attended any political meeting nor solicited for inclusion on any panel as falsely alleged,” it highlighted before rubbishing Odinkalu’s video. “The image being circulated purportedly as evidence merely shows the Justice returning alone to his hotel, hardly a basis for the sensational claims being peddled. The Supreme Court wishes to state unequivocally that this sort of baseless speculation and malicious conjecture, especially when publicly propagated by persons who ought to know better, is not only unhelpful but also deeply harmful to the integrity of the judiciary.” Dr. Akande condemned the baseless and malevolent narratives against Justice Okoro, warning that such wicked actions undermine the judiciary’s credibility and public confidence. “The judiciary remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will not be distracted by deliberate attempts to undermine its credibility,” the statement concluded. In his reaction, Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Rt. Hon. Samson Osagie also denied all the allegations. In a keynote address at the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Benin Branch Monthly Meeting held at the Bar House on Sunday, 15th June, 2025, Dr. Osagie vehemently denied meeting, attending or having any discussion with Justice Okoro in Benin

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IGBINEDION UNIVERSITY DECLARE DAY OF MOURNING FOR LATE STUDENT

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The management of Igbinedion university, Okada has declared Monday 23rd of June , 2025 has a day of mourning in honour of a student of school, late miss Belema Godswill . According to a statement signed by the registrar of the school, Mr Friday Benji Bakare, “the Management of Igbinedion University, Okada is once again, deeply saddened by the unfortunate demise of our dear student, Miss Belema Godswill, a 100-Level student of Business Administration. ” Accordingly, the University has declared Monday, 23rd June 2025 as a day of mourning in honour of the deceased student. All examinations scheduled for that day have therefore been rescheduled to a new date to be communicated later. “All staff and students are enjoined to use the Mourning Day to pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased and fortitude for the parents and indeed the entire University community to bear the loss. Your support and understanding in navigating this difficult period are highly appreciated.”  

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NIS DG: SHAIBU ATTRIBUTES APPOINTMENT TO DIVINE FAVOUR

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  The director general of the National Institute for Sports and immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State ,Comrade Philip Shaibu has attributed his appointment to divine favour during a thanksgiving service held at Saint Paul Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin City on Sunday. The thanksgiving service was attended by notable dignitaries including the current Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt Hon Dennis Idahosa, former Chief of Staff to the Edo State Government, Hon Taiwo Akerele, Hon Member representing Akoko-Edo Constituency II, Honorable Donald Okogbe, and many others. Shaibu expressed his unreserved gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility of reforming and rebranding the National Institute for Sports. He assured that he would make the President proud by delivering on his mandate and aligning the institute’s operations with the Renewed Hope agenda. The Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Dennis Idahosa, congratulated Shaibu on his appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to deliver on his mandate. Shaibu, in turn, assured that he and Idahosa would be good ambassadors of Edo State, working tirelessly to promote the state’s interests. The thanksgiving service was followed by a reception at his residence on Adeyan Avenue, where friends and well-wishers gathered to celebrate his appointment.

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