NEWS Curve

By  Lucky Isibor A University Don, Prof. Festus Imuetinyan has said that Local Government administration as in Nigeria as presently constituted by the 1999 Constitution as amended cannot generate national development as it suffers from the crisis of contrived uniformity in the face of indegenous and deep rooted diversity.                              Prof. Festus Imuetinyan Prof. Imuetinyan who stated this in Benin City while delivering a lecture titled, Sustaining "An Autonomous Local Government As A Catalyst For National Development: The Role of NULGE", as part of the programmes lined up for the 2022 NULGE WEEK said "the present system is not patterned to achieve any developmental goal. It is rather a smooth vehicle for the transfer of centrally collected funds to the pockets of States’ political elites." The University Don emphatically said, "the 1999 Constitution makes it possible for State governments to cripple Local Government Councils financ

By Lucky Isibor The Edo State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria NYCN, has said it has not conducted election into the Edo State Executive of the youth organisation and urged members of the public to disregard anyone or group going round to say they've conducted election. Speaking on behalf of the Edo State chapter of NYCN at a news briefing, Comrades Dove Igeri and Jolly Osahon, chairmen of the Electoral Committee and Congress Planning Committee respectively, said their committees are not parties to a purported NYCN election said to have been conducted at the Supply and Transport( S$T) Army Barracks. Dove Igeri noted that electoral materials such as ballot boxes, ballot papers, result sheets and certificates of return are usually procured by the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria and given to all states for election, adding that the committee has not been availed the said materials for the election. "Consequent upon recent developmen

By Lucky Isibor A Nigerian-born US-based Professor of Mathematical Biology, Abba Gumel has been elected Fellow of the American Mathematical Society (AMS). Professor Gumel is among distinguished mathematicians elected for 2023 Class of Fellows of the Society.                   Prof. Abba Gumel Gumel's recognision came by vitue of his contributions to the mathematical theory of epidemics, applied dynamical systems, and promoting the use of mathematics to help solve global public health challenges. He is among the four Africans to be elected Fellow of the American Mathematical Society. Two other Africans – one originally from Benin Republic and another from Central African Republic – are fellows of the prestigious society. The last from Nigeria was appointed during the inaugural year in 2013. Gumel was a Foundation Professor of Mathematics at the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Arizona State University, before becoming The Michael and Eugenia Brin Endowed

By Lucky Isibor The New Apostolic Centre for Development (NCD), a Faith Based Organisation (FBO), and an arm of the New Apostolic Church has set up a desk office to handle Sexual and Gender Based Violence (GBV) referral issues. The desk office which is working closely with the Edo State Sexual Assault Referral Centre (Vivian Centre) established by the Edo State government to manage issues of sexual and gender based violence, is also handling cases of human trafficking.  Group photograph of participants at the project close out press briefing This was disclosed to newsmen Tuesday, 29 November at a press briefing by a member of the board of trustees of the Apostolic Centre for Development, Victor Oriakhi on the project close out of the "NCD Preventing Trafficking in Persons and Responding to Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Edo State" project which NCD has been implementing since June this year. Oriakhi, while stating that the project has achieved the purpose for whic

By Lucky Isibor A Civil Society Organisation, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountablility Project (SERAP) has dragged the Muhammadu Buhari administration to ECOWAS Court of Justice over the failure to investigate the operations of illegal oil pipelines between 2001 and 2022, to name those involved and prosecute them, and to recover the proceeds of illegal sales of the nation's common wealth. Other Plaintiffs in the suit beside SERAP are Eric Dooh, who is filing for himself as a leader of the Goi Community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, and on behalf of Goi Community and 15 other concerned Nigerians. The suit is coming against the backdrop of recent reports of the discovery of at least 58 illegal oil pipelines used to steal the country's oil wealth. The stealing is reportedly carried out through the illicite pipeline connected to the trunk line via an abandoned pipeline. It is linked to a location in the high sea where they load crude oil into ves

By Lucky Isibor The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called for collective action to end violence against women and the girl child adding that his government is taking deliberate steps to engender inclusive and sustainable development in the state, providing opportunities for young girls and women to realize their fullest potential. Obaseki gave the assurance in a statement to commemorate the 2022 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, marked yearly by the United Nations and its sister agencies, with the theme, “UNiTE! Activism to End Violence against Women and Girls!” The governor, who assured that his administration will continue to advance policies and programmes to guarantee the protection of every girl-child, noted that his administration is women-friendly as there are more women occupying top positions in the government. According to him, “In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Wom

By Lucky Isibor A Benin socio-cultural group, the Coalition of Benin Socio-cultural Organisations have condemned in very strong terms the alleged crowning of one Meshach Ubabiri as the Agadagba of Egbema Kingdom within the boundaries of Benin kingdom, describing the purported action as provocative, against the laws of Edo State and an invitation to break down of law and order.  The group made the condemnation Saturday, 26 November at a press briefing in Benin City. The press statement which was signed by Osazee Amas Edobor, Mr Iyamu Osaro Culture, Maxist Kola Edokpayi, Coordinator General, Secretary and Public Relations Officer respectively and eight others on behalf of the coalition tasked the Governor Godwin Obaseki led Edo State government to take decisive actions against those involved in the alleged crowning of the said Agadagba of Egbema Kingdom. According to the statement, "We are here today to notify you on some nefarious, treacherous and sacrilegious activitie

By Innocent Edemhanria About 112 heads of States and over 46,000 delegates including ministries, CSOs, scientists, policy makers, oil companies and the private sector as well as other stakeholders gathered at the Red Sea Resort, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt from 6th to 18th November 2022, for the 27th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP27. The global event opened officially by 10am on Sunday, 6th November 2022, where the conference president Sameh Shoukry, intimated parties that it was a conference for concrete action and implementation.  A major item on the agenda for discussion was financing for loss and damages to support frontline countries. This was against what happened at COP26 in Glasgow where developed countries tactically dodged the issue. At COP27 developing countries positioned themselves to demand huge financing from developed countries. This was in line with ANEEJ and Nigerian CSOs demand as reflected on the sign o

By Lucky Isibor The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, has  thrown its weight behind the nomination of the chairman and members of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), by President Muhammadu Buhari and called on the Senate to immediately consider the nominees without delay. Executive Director of ANEEJ, the Rev David Ugolor while commending President Muhammadu Buhari for courage in making the nomination, noted that the action was long overdue since the last board was dissolved in November 2019.  It will be recalled that effort to reconstitute the board in 2020 did not also materialize as result of the  intrigues that trailed the Senate confirmation and anticipated inauguration of the Pius Odubu led board of NDDC in 2020 which led President Muhammadu Buhari to disband the board. A forensic Audit was thereafter commissioned which report is yet to be made public.                   Rev. David Ugolor             Executiv

By Lucky Isibor The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has called on traditionalists in the Benin Kingdom to immediately perform the traditional ceremony of waving away calamity, known in the local parlance as “Bisusu”.                         Oba Ewuare 11 Bisusu, is a Benin traditional appeasement ritual, performed to ward off calamity from the kingdom. In a statement signed by Chief Stanley Obamwonyi, the Esere of Benin Kingdom on Friday, on behalf of the Benin Monarch, stated that the “head of a deer” must be one of the items to be used in the ritual. Oba Ewuare II also directed that the ceremony must be performed “with immediate effect”. According to the statement, “His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, has directed that all Chiefs, Enigie, Ikao, Edionwere and all Igie Ohen of various deities in Benin Kingdom, to perform the traditional ceremony of waving away calamity known as “Bisusu”. The head of a deer should be included in the tradi

By Lucky Isibor Security operatives Thursday arrested five persons from Oke-Oroma community at the premises of the National Museum in Benin City, who were protesting over the demolition of their properties by the Edo State government. One of the protesters who spoke to newsmen said a combined team of security agencies made up of Department of State Security Service (DSS) and policemen stormed the venue of their protest with three hilux vehicles full of personnel, two prado Jeeps, Armoured Tank and Machine guns after the protest. The source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the protesters were in the museum premises to round off the protest when the security agencies swooped on them. He said the five persons include one Comrade Ojo Collins and four others adding they're yet to know where the  arrested persons were taken to. The  people of Oke-Oroma community as well as land developers in the area had earlier Thursday morning, took to the streets to protest against

By Lucky Isibor Professor Michael Osehon Osuide will on Thursday, 24 November deliver the 97th inaugural lecture of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.               Prof. Michael Osehon Osuide In a statement by the University signed by the Acting Registrar of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Ambrose Odiase, said the 97th inaugural lecture titled "Healing the waters" is to be delivered by Prof. Michael Osehon Osuide of the Department of Chemistry. According to the statement, the lecture which will hold at the Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Auditorium, will begin at 3 pm and will be chaired by the Acting Vice -Chancellor, Prof. Asomwan Sonnie Adagbonyin. The statement further urged guests to be seated by 2.30pm. Prof. Michael Osehon Osuide is a professor of Industrial and Environmental Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. He holds a B.Sc in Chemistry, M.Sc in Industrial Chemistry and Ph.D in Environmental Chemistry. According t

By Lucky Isibor Over Eighty (80) Global Civil Society Organisations and Seven (7) leading environmental activists  drawn from around the world have called on the Nigerian Government and investors in oil and gas companies to offer significant financing for loss and damages to the people of Niger Delta and other oil and gas host communities and countries affected by the negative impact of fossil fuel extraction which has resulted to climate change.  They also called on investors in the extraction of fossil fuels to stop availing financial support to companies that are expanding oil and gas production in defiance of the Paris Agreement. Led by the Executive Director of Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, the Rev David Ugolor, National Coordinator, Publish What You Pay, PWYP, Nigeria Campaign, Otitaloye, PWYP International, Both ENDS,  350.org, BiPoC Climate Justice Network Germany, Ogoni Solidarity Forum-Nigeria, Electra Energy Cooperative (Greece),  Ex

By Lucky Isibor The Catholic Order of Knight of St. John International (KSJI) has donated eight million naira to ameliorate the plight of flood victims across the country. Presenting the donation to the president of Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Ugorji, the national president of Knights of Saint John International Nigeria, Major Gen (Professor) Remy Uche said the donation is aimed at supporting the rehabilitation efforts of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) of Catholic institutions affected by the ravaging flood in the country.   while explaining  that Knights and Ladies of St. John International are devoted to acts of charity, both for the church and within the Order, Remy Uche pointed out that beneficiaries of the donation include the Idah Diocese; Markurdi Diocese; Lokoja Diocese; Auchi Diocese, Bomadi Diocese; Warri Diocese, Onitsha Archdiocese and Owerri Archdiocese. According to the KSJI President, "The act o

By Lucky Isibor Members of Nigeria Professionals for Atiku/Okowa, a group of Nigerian professionals in various fields of human endeavour, has vowed to mobilise five million votes for the Atiku /Okowa presidential ticket to ensure victory for the People's Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election.                         Dr. Folus Ejele The national coordinator of the group, Dr. Folus Ejele who disclosed this to newsmen in a chat, said their desire is to ensure that Nigeria starts working again with the Atiku/Okowa presidency, adding that the group is motivated by Atiku's promise to enthrone a regime of economic development and sustainable prosperity for Nigerians when elected president in 2023. Ejele, who is also a member of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, assured that the Atiku presidency will be founded on the principle of transparency, accountablility and the rule of law. "This goal will be achieved through an inclusive servan

By Lucky Isibor The Edo State chapter of Joint National Association of Persons With Disability (JONAPWD) has commended Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State for signing into law the Edo State Disability Law.  In a telephone interview, the president of the Edo State chapter of JONAPWD, Miss Anne Ojugo members of the association in Edo State are so excited about the law and thanked Governor signing the bill into law. Governor Obaseki signing the Disability Bill into law. The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has last Wednesday, 2 November signed into law the Edo State Disability Bill. The law vests in the government the responsibility for the protection of education, Health care, and social, economic, cultural, civil and political Rights of persons with Disabilites in Edo State. Anne Ojugo, while noting that with the new law persons with disabilities will be able to raise their shoulder high, she pointed out that it will stamp out discremination against persons with disabi

By Lucky Isibor The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has signed into law the Justice Sector Reform Bill and three others, Thursday. (L-R) Hon. Justice Joe Acha, Edo State Chief Judge, Gov. Godwin Obaseki, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly and Hon. Roland Asoro, Deputy Speaker, in Government House during the signing of the bills Signing the bills into law which include the bill for the establishment of Edo State Development and Building Regulatory Agency, the bill to repeal the Criminal Code Law of 1916 and enact a law to provide rules on criminal conduct, regulate public order and connected purposes; repeal the Forestry Law of 1968 and enact a law to establish the Edo State Forestry Commission and provide for preservation, conservation of forest and various matters, Governor Obaseki said the reforms which will be ushered in by the laws will assist the government to coordinate in the judicial institution. According to the Governor, “Today is

By Lucky Isibor Take A Cue Development Initiative (TACDI), on Saturday, 29 September organised a one day free medical services for residents of Akugbe-Neriye community in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. Executive Director of TACDI, Mrs. Abiola Daisy Igaga (l) and a medical personnel during the free medical outreach Welcoming participants to the free medical services which was organised by TACDI in collaboration with the Akugbe-Neriye Landlords and Landladies Association, Society for Awareness and Family Initiative (SAFI) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Executive Director of TACDI, Mrs Abiola Daisy Igaga,   encouraged participants to make good use of the opportunity and urged them to ask questions that concerns their health, that of their children, dependants and wards.  Mrs Abiola who is also the president of the Conference of Non-governmental Organizations (CONGOS) also appreciated SAFI and the other partners, w

By Lucky Isibor There was palpable tension in Ibillo  Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State Tuesday, when farmers discovered ten unidentified dead bodies at the Ibillo-Lampese axis of the Lagos-Abuja road in Akoko-Edo local government area of the state. An unspecified number of dead bodies were said to have been first discovered by farmers on their way to the farm around 7am on Tuesday and a report was subsequently made to the vigillantee in the area who later combed the adjoining bushes and discovered more bodies numbering ten. A resident in the area, Comrade Victor Arogunyo who confirmed the incident in a telephone interview, said they contacted the police on discovering the corpses and that with the support from the medical personnel at the General Hospital Ibillo, the bodies were evacuated to the morgue.     According to Arogunyo, “This morning, I got a call that our farmers who were going to the farm saw some dead bodies littered on the sides of the road around