NEWS Curve

By Lucky Isibor  The second in command(ozukpogieva), elders and the people of Ekhor -Nuwaya community in Uhunwonde local government areas of Edo State have appealed to Edo state government,the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II and other relevant security agencies to come to their aid over alleged attack on them and subsequent killing of an indigene by the people of Ekhor-Noguokhuan community The Ozukpogieva, Pa Iruogbetin Edokpayi made the appeal while speaking to the press on the development bothering on unlawful possession of Ekhor-Nuwaya's community land  He said the height of the illegalities by the people of Ekhor-Noguokhuan community came to the open when they openly attacked them in their community land which rightfully belong to Ekhor-Nuwaya and shooting sparodically as  if there was war, thereby allegedly killing an indigene,Mr Saturday Idahosa He said the land in question belong to the Ekhor-Nuwaya from time immemorial and that they were surprise

By Lucky Isibor The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme, an intervention of the European Union in the reform of justice system and anti-corruption has urged the Edo State government to sustain the gains of its intervention in the state and learn from the experiences during the implementation of the programme. Represntative of RoLAC National Programme Officer, Danladi Tanko, Oluwatoyin Badejogbin, making his opening remarks The National Programme Manager of RoLAC, Danladi  Tanko made the call at the dessemination, lesson learning and close out event held in Benin City on Thursday, 26 January. Danladi who was represented by Oluwatoyin Badejogbin noted that the success recorded by RoLAC in the state would not have been possible without the enabling environment created by the Edo State government to intervene adding that though the programme is ending, the European Union will continue to work in the sector. According to  Danladi, "The programme worked in 4 co

By Lucky Isibor Concerned Ekpoma Emminent Stakeholders Forum (CEESF) has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to release the N75billiom he approved for the reconstruction of three sections of the Benin- Abuja road comprising of Okene-Auchi, Auchi-Ehor and Ehor-Benin.                 Dr. Jude Obasanmi                    Convener CEESF The group made the appeal in a press release signed by the Convener of CEESF, Dr. Jude Obasanmi and Secretary, Comr. Lawrence Isiraojie and thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the approval which is made up of N25b for each of the three sections. President Muhammadu Buhari has last Thursday approved N75b for the reconstruction of three sections of the Benin-Abuja high way comprising Okene-Auchi, Auchi-Ehor and Ehor-Benin with a sum of N25b for each section captured in a memo for the reconstruction of select federal roads under the Federal Government Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishing Investment Tax Credit Scheme Phase 2 by the

By Lucky Isibor Ahead the 25 February 2023 National Assembly election, the Concerned Edo Citizens Forum (CECF) has endorsed Sunny Aguebor of the People's Democratic Party for Oredo Federal Constituency, House of Representatives and appealed to residents of Oredo to give him their vote.   The group stated that the decision to support Sunny Aguebor who is also know as BiBi to represent Oredo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives  was taken at an enlarged meeting of the Concerned Edo Citizens Forum held on 21 January, 2023. In a statement urging voters in Oredo to vote Sunny Aguebor of the PDP for the Oredo Federal Constituency election on 25 February, 2023 and signed by Comrade Roy Oribhabor, the Convener of CECF and Comrade Felix Osas Osagie, the Director of Publicity of CECF, enumerated the reasons for choosing him to represent the good people of Oredo in the House of Representatives. The group noted that Oredo people need a personality like Sunny Aguebor

By Lucky Isibor The Edo State chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), has condemned in very strong terms a statement purportedly issued by the Edo Central Campaign Council of the APC alleging that the shooting at Ewu on Wednesday, 17 January took place at the PDP campaign ground stating that the shooting took place outside Its campaign venue. The PDP which stated it's position in a statement described the APC' statement as a twisted narrative and called on security agencies to investigate the incident with a view to unraveling those behind the shoot out. According to the statement, "The attention of the  Edo Central People's Democratic party (PDP) Campaign Council has been drawn to a Statement purportedly issued by the  inept Edo Central All Progressive Congress (APC) over yesterday's happenings at ward 7 in Esan central local government area. While the PDP campaign Council states unequivocally that the incident did not take place at the ven

...... two remaining NRC staff regain freedom By Lucky Isibor Edo state government on Wednesday said two traditional rulers and five others have been arrested in connection with the Igueben train station attack. The State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon Chris Nehikhare made the disclosure at a press briefing with newsmen in Benin City after the weekly State Executive Council meeting. Nehikhare also disclosed that the two remaining victims of the attack who are staff of the Nigerian Railways Corporation have been rescued by security agencies. "The Council was also informed that the remaining two hostages from the Igueben train station kidnap incident had been rescued and Seven suspects have been arrested and currently in police custody including two village chiefs.  " As at today, none of the victims are in the hand of the abductors. Also seven persons which include two traditional rulers have been arrested in alleged connection with the train s

By Lucky Isibor Youths in the five Local Government Areas of Edo Central Senatorial District have been tasked on the need to be involved in the governance of their communites with a view to holding government at the third tier of government accountable and enhance their ability to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots. Market campaign on collection of PVCs in Ubiaja Esan South East LGA The Chief Responsibility Officer (CRO) of Josemaria Escriva Foundation (JOSEF), Dr. Jude Obasanmi gave the charge at a rally at Ekpoma, the administrative headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State to mark the project close out of the European Union Agents for Citizens-Driven Transformation EU-ACT project titled "Empowering the Youth to Stimulate Participatory Democracy at Community Level in Edo State", which was funded by the European Union and implemented by the British Council in collaboration with Josemaria Escriva Foundation. While

By Lucky Isibor Youths in the five Local Government Areas of Edo Central Senatorial District have been tasked on the need to be involved in the governance of their communites with a view to holding government at the third tier of government accountable and enhance their ability to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots. Market campaign on collection of PVCs in Ubiaja Esan South East LGA The Chief Responsibility Officer (CRO) of Josemaria Escriva Foundation (JOSEF), Dr. Jude Obasanmi gave the charge at a rally at Ekpoma, the administrative headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State to mark the project close out of the European Union Agents for Citizens-Driven Transformation EU-ACT project titled "Empowering the Youth to Stimulate Participatory Democracy at Community Level in Edo State", which was funded by the European Union and implemented by the British Council in collaboration with Josemaria Escriva Foundation. While

By Lucky Isibor Sounding upbeat and hopeful of a rousing victory, the Edo south senatorial candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Barrister Bernard Neda Imasuen has said  he is is the candidate to beat in the forthcoming National Assembly elections in  Edo South.                     Neda Imasuen (Esq)       LP Senatorial Candidate, Edo South The well-credentialed LP candidate who Made this statement at an interactive session with journalists in Benin, Edo state capital, said "my vast legislative experience is an added asset. Indeed, it is part of the sing-song and the focal point of my campaign to harp on the vast experience that i acquired while serving as a Senior Legislative Assistant at the National Assembly.  Bar Imasuen who was an insider, in the workings of the National Assembly   served as Senior Legislative Assistant to the incumbent senator representing Edo South in the Senate, Sen. Matthew Ugbohinde said " my political philosophy is driven by the desire to

By Lucky Isibor The rescued victims of the Igueben train station kidnap incident in Edo State, have narrated their ordeal with the kidnappers and hailed the Edo State Government for ensuring their safe return to their families. Speaking with journalists at the Police Cottage Hospital, where they were taken for tests and rehabilitation after their ordeal, the rescued victims noted that a combined team of security operatives led the operation. One of the kidnapped victims, Mr. Christian Iyere commended the Edo State Government and all the security agencies that collaborated to rescue them. “We appreciate the state government and all the security agencies who worked to ensure our rescue. The eight days we spent in captivity was not easy.” Another victim identified as Aguele Beatrice, who was also rescued along with 11 others, thanked the security team. “We were rescued by the security from the forest. The rescue operation was timely, as it has saved our lives. It has also ensu

By Lucky Isibor Following the high risk operation that led to the safe rescue of the kidnapped victims of the Igueben (NRC) train station by the Edo State government and the combined security operatives that constitute the State Security Tactical Team, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sent a congratulatory message to the Governor Godwin Obaseki and the gallant security institutions and personnel who worked assiduously to effect the rescue of the victims.  In a thought-provoking statement issued in Benin City by the party chairman, PDP, Edo state, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi "the fit achieved within a week to rescue these victims is a function of the proactive nature of a government that cares for the peoples safety.  "The determination and resilient nature of our security outfit, our local vigilantes, and community hunters are indications that a people's determination can never be compromised, most especially with a government that has invested in technology, the

By Lucky Isibor   The President of Igueben Area Customary Court, Mrs Precious Aigbonoga, who  was kidnapped on Monday morning around Ugoneki axis of the Benin - Asaba highway in Edo State, on her way to the court in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State has been released. Mrs Precious Aigbonoga, was kidnapped two days after the kidnap of 20 train passengers at Igueben Local Government Area Of Edo State. Mrs Precious Aigbonoga, is the wife of Mr. Afebu Aigbonoga, PDP Candidate for Etsako West Constituency 2  Speaking with Newscurve On telephone , the husband , Afebu Aigbonoga, said his wife was rescued by the military inside the bush around the area she was kidnapped.

By Lucky Isibor An Edo Socio-cultural organisation, the Edo National Voice (ENV) has warned Enigie in Benin Kingdom against actions that could be regarded as rebellion against the Benin Royal Throne by the people of the kingdom adding that they ought to know the consequences of such deeds.  The Edo National Voice stated this at a press conference it addressed Wednesday, 11 January in reaction to the letter addressed to the Edo State Government by some Enigie requesting the constitution of Traditional Council for the 7 Local Government Areas in Edo South.  The group in a statement at the press conference signed by its president, Iyamu Osaro Culture; secretary, Comrade Osaghae Collins Amadin and nine others noted that the Enigie who wrote the letter under reference to Edo State Government ought to know that no letter regarding the traditional institution in Benin Kingdom must fly without informing the Benin Royal Throne and urged the affected Enigie to immediately denounce th

By Lucky Isibor   The President of Igueben Area Customary Court, Mrs Precious Aigbonoga, was kidnapped on Monday morning around Ugoneki axis, on her way to the court in Igueben Local Government Area of Edo State. It would be recalled that on Saturday, 32 train passengers were kidnapped at Igueben train station while waiting to board a train to Warri, Delta State. Earlier today, Monday, a former member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Festus Edughele and a staff of the Office of Accountant General of Edo State were kidnapped  at Ugoneki town, Uhumlnmwonde Local Government Area, while on their way to Benin City to board a flight to Abuja Festus Osagie, Usiobaifo, Publicity Secretary of Benin branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), said that the kidnapped customary court judge is the wife of Mr. Afebu Aigbonoga, PDP Candidate, Etsako West Constituency 1 “The Chairman of the Lion Bar, Chief Nosa Francis Edo-Osagie is deeply sad by this news and condemns, in strong term

…Edo Deputy Gov. Shaibu visits train station By Lucky Isibor The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, has said that a combined team of the Military, the Police, men of the vigilante network and hunters are currently on the heels of the kidnappers that attacked the Igueben train station on Saturday and abducted 32 passengers of which one escaped.  Nehikhare who gave an update on efforts of the Edo State Government to rescue the kidnapped passengers in Benin on Sunday, said: “At the moment, security personnel made up of the military and the police as well as men of the vigilante network and hunters are intensifying search and rescue operations in reasonable radius to rescue the kidnap victims. As at 3pm Sunday, one suspect has been captured and is helping Police with their investigation.  “One victim out of the 32 people kidnapped  escaped from the hands of the abductors. We are confident that the other victims will be rescued in the coming hou

By Editor Edo state APC chairman, Col David Imuse RTD, has called on the Federal Government to stop allocation from the Federation Accounts to Edo Local Governments for alleged failure to conduct Local Government elections by the Edo State Government. He said that Governor Godwin Obaseki is not sincere by awarding himself a clean bill of financial health as one prudent state executive that distances self from local government funds. Col Imuse also labelled the Governor's appointments of sole administrators for the local governments as illegal and as such appealed to the Federal government to immediately withhold all local government funds until elected councils are put in place in Edo State. In a statement by Victor Ofure Osehobo, the Assistant State Publicity Secretary of the party, the Edo APC chairman said Governor Obaseki's failure to conduct local government council polls for the third year running amounts to a constitutional breach that should attract appropri

By Editor The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has ordered security agencies to eradicate crude oil theft and vandalisation of petroleum products pipeline in the Niger Delta before May 29. He said the Federal Government could no longer tolerate the criminality.             President Muhammadu Buhari Buhari gave the directive through the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, while addressing troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe in Effurun, Delta State, and Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday. Sylva was quoted in a statement issued in Abuja by his media aide, Horatius Egua, as saying, “Mr. President has mandated us to eradicate crude oil theft. He has directed that no litre of crude oil should be stolen across the country again, especially in the South-South. “He wants crude oil theft completely eliminated by May 29, 2023, as one of the legacies of his government. This is the message from Mr President. We are not

says party could not mobilise to fill 3,000 capacity sports complex By Lucky Isibor The much taunted presidential campaign rally of the All Progressives Congress in Benin city has come and gone with tracks of unfulfilled outing comparable to the huge resources and energy deployed.                   Dr. Tony Aziegbemi               Chairman, PDP Edo State The unsuspecting APC presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu may have been defrauded by his Edo state lieutenants who failed to remind him that "Edo Nor Be Lagos" or that the party operators are still leaving in their ghost past of no consequence.  This was the position of Edo state Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  Dr Tony Aziegbemi who while chatting with newsmen in Benin City said "what was regarded as APC presidential rally with the party candidate, Tinubu Bola in attendance was an avenue for the  party leaders in the state to make money for themselves and as always failed woefully to deliver. 

  By Lucky Isibor The Edo State chairman of Labour Party, Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi has described as preposterous and erroneously misleading,  the spurious   allegations trending on social media by one Agbo Blessing that the  11- man security, peace and conflict resolution committee set up  to reconcile the aggrieved members witthin the party in the state has directed " mandate to be returned to the legitimate owner, Murphy". Comrade Ogbaloi while  reacting to the  post making the round on social media described the post as high level demonstration of absurdity lacking merit, objectivity or common sense.  In a statement issued,signed and made available to the press, Comrade Ogbaloi observed that the entire story was ridiculously lacking in any sensorial wisdom and moral objectivity  which are expedient of sound mental postulations. According to him, "The entire story  is outright elevated  falsehood by moles planted by political enemies to discredit and tarnish t

By Lucky Isibor The Edo State Ministry of Education has said that the arrest and prosecution of parents and guardians of school children found loitering the streets during school hours will resume as schools resume for the second term on 9 January.                     Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe Commissioner for Education, Edo State  A statement signed by the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Dr. Oni Ekhosuehi, on behalf of the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe directed all the school heads to ensure that schools are clean and made ready for teaching and learning which will commence on the resumption date. According to the statement, "The Edo State Ministry of Education wishes to inform School Owners, School Administrators, Parents, Guardians and the general public that the official date of 2nd term resumption as contained in the 2022/2023 harmonized School calendar remains Monday, 9th January 2023.” She added: “Please note that teaching and

By Newscurve New facts have emerged of details of the unprecedented fraud in the nation's oil sector showing that  over 17.877 million barrels of crude oil were exported between 2016 and 2020 without proper documentation. The quantity which is valued at $1,020,969,281.12 is contained in a report by the Auditor General of the Federation (AuGF) obtained by news men. In the report, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation was indicted for making payments of over N73 billion to “service providers” (Pre-Shipment Agents (PIAs) and Monitoring and Evaluation Agents (MEAs)  for inspection and monitoring of oil and gas exports without budgetary appropriation. The AuGF stated that the payments without budgetary appropriation were a violation of the provisions of Section 80(4) of the 1999 Constitution.  The AuGF also faulted the NNPC (now Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)  for appointing two PIAs and one MEA in 2017 knowing fully well that President M

…Urges Edo people to key into PDP's project of rebuilding Nigeria By Lucky Isibor The Edo South Senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekenmwen has called on all well-meaning Nigerians particularly members of his Edo South constituency to be committed to the project of building a strong and virile nation where everyone will have a sense of belonging through a unified government of the PDP which Alhaji Atiku represents. Iduoriyekemwen made the call in his  new year message to the good people of Edo South Senatorial District, Edo State and Nigeria in general which he personally signed and made available to the press earlier today. In his goodwill message, Hon. Iduoriyekenmwen urged every well-meaning Nigerian to remain steadfast in their resolve to be united in the struggle of building a virile and economically viable nation where everyone irrespective of tribe, tongue or religion will have a sense of

By Lucky Isibor Edo state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Dr. Tony Aziegbemi has  called on  Edo people and  Nigerians in general    to "show more, pure and undiluted love that connects with God in all ways with a view to bringing out the best in all of us. Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, in his new year message, copies of which were made available to newsmen in Benin City, said " we must continue to show more Godly love  in our daily dealings with our family, friends, political associates and everyone that comes our way in 2023. The PDP, Edo State Chairman also enjoined the people "to radiate God's presence in our lives in 2023, so that Nigeria will be able to get things right again.  Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, then called on all the "electorates to perform their civic responsibilities by electing responsible people into respective elective positions in the forthcoming general elections scheduled for year 2023." According to him, the Peoples Democr