NEWS Curve

Concerned citizens, community stakeholders and political advocates from Owan West and Owan East Local Government Areas of Edo State have condemned what they described as the “forced resignation” of Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku as Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, alleging that his removal was the result of executive intimidation and political pressure. The group, in a statement signed by Hon. Gordie Aigbodion (Esq) on behalf of concerned citizens, community leaders and youth coalitions in the two local government areas, said Agbebaku’s exit represented not only a setback for the Owan people but also a threat to the independence of the legislature. The stakeholders alleged that the circumstances surrounding the former Speaker’s departure amounted to an attempt by the Executive arm of government to interfere with the affairs of an independent legislative institution. “The Owan Nation, across Owan West and Owan East Local Government Areas, registers its profound discon...

By Lucky Isibor  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has urged the newly crowned Okumagbe of Uwanno Kingdom, Senator Francis Asekhame Alimikhena, to use his wealth of public service experience to foster unity, peace and development in the kingdom. Okpebholo gave the charge on Saturday at the coronation of Alimikhena, describing the ceremony as a historic occasion and a new chapter for Uwanno Kingdom. The governor noted that Alimikhena brings decades of leadership experience to the throne, including his service as a two-term Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “Your Highness, you come to this throne with a wealth of experience gained from decades of distinguished public service, including two terms as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “You have served at the highest levels of government, and your experience in leadership, governance, and community development will surely be valuable in your new role,” Okpebholo said. He, however, reminded th...

NEWS EDITORIAL By Festus Alenkhe_ Two years ago, Edo people voted for action. Today, the evidence is on the ground — in the hum of graders, the laying of asphalt, and roads that were once death traps now opening up for business, farming, and daily life. Under *Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo*, the story of Edo’s infrastructure has changed from promises to projects. His administration has made road construction the loudest voice of government, and it is speaking clearly across *Edo Central, Edo North, and Edo South*. * SOME ROADS OPENED UP, CONCLUDED & READY FOR COMMISSIONING* The governor’s “SHINE agenda” is yielding visible results. Some projects are completed and awaiting commissioning, while others are at advanced stages: *Edo South – Benin & Environs*  *Ramat Park Flyover* – Edo’s first flyover. Construction has reached 99% completion and will be ready for Commissioning in November,  2026. The 949-metre bridge with 350m and 214m adjoining roads is set...

By Lucky Isibor  The first phase of the automation of Edo State High Courts which comprises of automated recording of Court proceedings has been completed. This will be followed by the second phase which comprises of electronic filing of Court processes, electronic scheduling and others which will be completed in the next few weeks.  The Chief Judge of Edo State,  Honorable Justice Daniel Okungbowa disclosed this in his opening remarks at the  first quarterly meeting of the Edo State Programme Steering Group (SPSG) of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) held at the High Court complex in Benin City on Friday, 13 March.  The Chief Judge noted that judges no longer record proceedings in long hands, adding that machinery has also been put in motion to approach the state government to extend it to Magistrate Courts in the state.  He disclosed that the second phase of the court automation which involves e-filing of processes is neari...

By Lucky Isibor  Reverend Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus has taken the campaign against human trafficking to Catholic Churches in the Archdiocese of Benin City with a view to enlightening young people, parents and members of the public on the dangers of human trafficking and irregular migration.  Speaking at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in the Upper Sokponba area of Benin City,  Rev. Sis. Anthonia Okoroafor appealed to young adolescents, parents and guardians to beware of traffickers who go about promising juicy employments in Europe and other continents of the World, pointing out that they're not real, but ploys to lure them into being trafficked into modern day slavery.  Sis. Okoroafor who said that herself and other Reverend Sisters of the Sacred Heart work for "Fullness of Life Counselling and Development Initiative," a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) pointed out that the organisation  takes care of victims of human trafficking, ab...

By Innocent Edemhanria Nigeria is endowed with abundant natural and human resources, yet it remains plagued by high rate of poverty, inequality and pervasive corruption. Despite decades of development plans and exploitation of natural resources resulting in significant oil and non-oil revenues, millions of Nigerians continue to live below the poverty line of $3.00 per day, being the World Bank's current international poverty line for low-income countries updated in June 2025. This figure replaces the previous $2.15 poverty line based on 2017 purchasing power parities (PPPs). The Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Bureau of Statistics launched the results of the 2022 Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Survey in 2022. The report showed that 63% of persons living within Nigeria (133 million people) were multidimensionally poor. The report further established that 65% of the poor (86 million people) live in the North, while 35% (nearly 47 million) live in ...