NEWS Curve

By Lucky Isibor A Benin High Court, Criminal Court 4,  has adjourned the 'Trial Within Trial' in the alleged murder case between Edo State Government and Chief Johnson Atseleghe and Others for conspiracy, kidnapping and murder of Sunny Etchie, the Okhaighele of Kolokolo Community, in Ologbo Dukedom in Ikpoba Okha local government Area of Edo state to 26th April  for the adoption of written addresses  by the prosecution and Counsel and Defence Counsel on the Trial Within Trial brought by the Second Defendant, Robinson Ayokotsie  The defendants Johnson Atseleghe the Iyasere Of Warri , Oluwa Esimijie, Felicia Otikpere, Monday Iluwa, Ayokotse Robinson, Nosa Omoregie, Mofe Samuel, Benjamin Erewa and kaka are being tried for the alleged murder of Sunny Etchie, the Okhaighele of Kolokolo Community, in Ologbo Dukedom  in charge  No. B/CO/717M/20 in a Benin Criminal Court 4 sitting in Benin City.  At today’s hearing the 2nd defendant, Robinson Ayokotsie called his Co-defenda

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before Kings, he shall not stand before mean men. Proverbs 22:29. The above biblical quote from the Holy Bible aptly captures the personality of Dr. Dorry  Afe Efosa Okojie, who is one of those being called upon by well meaningful Edo people to throw his heart into the race to succeed the incumbent Governor, Godwin Obaseki in November 2024.                 Dr. Dorry Afe Okojie Dr. Dorry Afe Efosa Okojie is a businessman with over twenty years in the Nigerian difficult busineess terrain where he has been weathering the storm, creating wealth, creating employment and also deploying his hard earned resources into philanthropy and human capital development among the nation's youths. Sired by the late astute sports administrator, Hon. Paul Engo Okojie, whose nativity is Ohordua in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Dr. Dorry Okojie has elevated himself to a pan-Edo Citizen; seeing himself as an Edo ma

By Lucky Isibor  The Chief Responsibility Officer of Josie Maria Escriva Foundation (JOSEF), an Ekpoma based civil society organisation, Dr. Jude Obasanmi has said that Tuberculousis is preventable, noting that the infection is not a death sentence pointing out that early detection of the ailment will go a long way in assisting the patients to survive. Obasanmi who stated this during the foundation's activities marking the 2023 Tuberculosis Day held at Ekpoma main market and Emuhi community in Ekpoma, appealed to residents to ensure that they regularly observe changes in their bodies particularly if they are experiencing prolonged coughing, high temperature and chest pains amongst others, for a period of two weeks, admonishing such individuals to visit the nearest health centre for necessary tests. While commending the Liason Officer, Esan West Local Government Area Council, Hon. Friday for collaborating with the foundation over the years, Obasanmi lamented that the har

By Lucky Isibor  A Youth football competition organised by the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) as part of its Brighter Future project tagged "Building Youth Resistance to Crime", ended on Saturday, 25 March at the Edo State School of Health Technology football pitch in Benin City.  Leo Atakpu, presenting the trophy to the champion of the competition  The finals  between Unity Football Club and Community Football Club, both of Ogummwenyin community in Oredo Local Government Area, saw the two teams displaying football artistry and Unity Football Club emerged the champion by 5-3 vie penalty shoot out as the score line remained 1-1 at the end of full time.  In his remarks, the Deputy Executive Director of the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Mr. Leo Atakpu pointed out that sports and football in particular is one of the activities that occupy the youths positively and keep them out of the temptation to join org

By Lucky Isibor  A consortium of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Idia Renaissance, Society for Awareness and Family Initiative (SAFI),  Christabel Otueroro Foundation and Smiles Africa International Youth Empowerment Initiative have  commended the European Union and the British Council for training and empowering women at Utagban Community in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State under the European Union Agents for Citizen Driven Transformation (EU-ACT) programme financed by the European Union and implemented by the British Council.  Making the commendation at the exhibition and graduation ceremony of trainees on Friday, 24 March at Utagban, on behalf of the consortium implementing the "Reducing Gender Based Violence (GBV)in Edo South Senatorial District" project financed by the European Union; being implemented by the British Council, the project manager of Idia Renaissance, the lead organisation in the consortium,  Mr. Moses Urowayino pointed out that the

By Lucky Isibor  Members of Kolokolo , Ajamimogha and Ikara communities in the riverine areas of Ologbo  Dukedom in Ikpoba/Okha Local Government Area of Edo State have congratulated the Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki on the recent victory of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in the Edo State House of Assembly election held last Saturday.  In a congratulatory message, the president of Kolokolo community, Mr. Roland Maye noted that Governor Obaseki's developmental strides earned the pdp and its candidates in edo State the victory and called on Edo State House of Assembly members-elect to join hands with the Governor to give Edo people more dividends of democracy.  According to the president of Kolokolo community, "On behalf of Kolokolo community, I congratulate the Governor, His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki on his victory in the Edo State House of Assembly election held last Saturday.  "We came out enmass to vote for his candidates because of the laudable pr

An aspirant in the forthcoming 2024 Edo Governorship electionDCP, Valentine Olumese (Rtd) has admonished the Muslim Umah to use their prayers and fasting to arbitrate for Edo State in particular and Nigeria at large during this holy month of Ramadan.                   Valentine Olumese In a press statement issued and signed by DCP Valentine Olumese ,(Rtd) made available to newsmen call in a camaraderie message to the Muslim Umah as they begin the holy month of Ramadan which is practical by prayers, fasting and abstinence. According to the governorship aspirant, "this year's Ramadan is of special importance as it coincides with the holy season of Lent in Christendom, adding that it underscores the significance of religious tolerance among the entire religious group across the country." The former Deputy Commissioner of Police urge the Muslim to pray that the generality of our people absorb the lessons of Ramadan which includes fasting, prayers, abstinence and s

By  Lucky Isibor The Chairman,  Edo State chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Tony Aziegbemi has urged the Muslim Umah to use their prayers and fasting to intercede for Edo State and Nigeria during this holy month of Ramadan. Dr. Aziegbemi made the call in a solidarity message to the Muslim Umah as they commence the holy month of Ramadan which is observed by prayers, fasting and abstinence. The PDP chairman noted that this year's Ramadan is of special significance as it coincides with the holy season of Lent in Christendom, adding that it underscores the importance of religious tolerance among all the religious groups. "As our Muslim brethren commence this holy month of Ramadan, I urge the Umah to be consistent in their intercession for Edo State and the nation at large. "I urge you to pray that the generality of our people imbibe the lessons of Ramadan which includes fasting, prayers, abstinence and strive for piety as espoused by the teac

By Lucky Isibor  The Justice Development and Peace Caritas Initiative of the Catholic Diocese of Uromi (JDPCI), has appealed to journalists in Edo State to assist in creating publicity and galvanise support in the fight against trafficking in persons as enshrined in the faith based organisation's project "Galvanize Action for Effective Trafficking in Persons Response at the LGAs of Edo State”.                        Group photograph of participants at the dialogue  The Executive Director of Uromi JDPCI  Rev. Fr.Dr. Fidelis Arhedo made the plea at a Social Dialogue Forum with journalists put together by the Localizing Trafficking In Persons Response Cluster (LOTIP-R) under the SCALE Palladium coordinated project titled “Galvanize Action for Effective Trafficking in Persons Response at the LGAs of Edo State”, held at the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ  press Centre in Benin City Friday, 17 March.  Father Arhedo while disclosing that the pro

By Lucky Isibor The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State have denied the alleged suspension of  leaders of the party in Edo Central Senatorial District . The State Vice Chairman, Edo Central , Chief Francis Inegbeniki, in a statement made available to journalists said there was never a meeting of the All Progressives Congress APC in Edo Central Senatorial District where such a decision to suspend any leader was taken, adding that the only  matter before the party is a petition recieved by the leadership of the party wherein one Hon Victor Edoroh was accused of embezzling and stealing the sum of N2,162,053.75, being property of the party. The statement further noted that a meeting was called by the Esan Central leadership of the APC where Hon. Victor Edoror was invited to defend himself on the allegations, but failed to attend and was subsequently suspended from the party until he comes to obsolve himself from the accusation leve

By Lucky Isibor  The Edo chapter of Coalition Against Land Grabbing and Deforestation (CALD) has vowed to retrieve their community lands given to individuals and companies in the various communities in the local government areas where land has been allegedly taken by Edo State government and ceded to individuals and companies.  The coalition made its position known at a press conference in Benin City on Thursday, March 16. Addressing the press, the coordinator of the Edo State Chapter of the Coalition Against Land Grabbing and Deforestation, Tony Erah pointed out that all the parcels of land that were retrieved from land grabbers in Edo State in Owan West, Uhunwonde, Orhionmwon, Ovia North East and Ovia South West by previous administrations have been given back to the individuals and companies, thereby depriving the community members who are mostly farmers their means of livelihood just as the environment is being degraded by the land grabbers.  All lands in its vastness t

By Lucky Isibor Josemaria Escriva Foundation (JOSEF), Ekpoma has appealed to eligible voters at Ekpoma and its environs to come out enmass on Saturday, 18 March to cast their vote for the candidate of their choice, reminding them that it's their Civic duty to do so.                      Dr Jude Obasanmi JOSEF CRO leading the voter education The Chief Responsibility Officer CRO of Josemaria Escriva Foundation, Dr. Jude Obasanmi who led members of the foundation on voter education at Ekpoma market square and other areas in the university town, appealed to the people to come out to cast their vote for the candidate of their choice irrespective of the outcome of the presidential and National Assembly elections held Saturday, 25 February. The voter education with the theme, "Vote Not Fight", saw members of the foundation in a carnival like procession, educating the people on the need to come out to cast their vote and conduct themselves peacefully during the exerci

By Lucky Isibor   Members of Ajamimogha community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State have refuted claims by one Chief Johnson Atseleghe the lyatsere of warri kingdom that the Executive esco of Ajamimogha community has been dissolved by the Iyatsere Descendants of Warri as reported by a Warri based news tabloid, the Warri Trumpet of 7th March 2023, adding that Justice Otikpere remains the Ajamimogha Community trust president, as he was duly elected for a term of four years.  The community members led by Moses Otikpere, an elder in the community while addressing the press in Benin City, also debunked the claims by Johnson Atseleghe that Pa. Olayemi O J. Nanna, the Olare-Aja of Ajamimogha community said he was cajoled to swear-in Comrade Justice Otikpere as the trust president of Ajamimogha Community Trustee. "There was never a time comrade Justice Otikpere and his executives were dissolved. We as a community (Ajamimogha) see that dissolution as a step-moth

By Ehichioya Steve Odion  Let's think of it, Dan Orbih of the PDP and Oshiomhole of the APC are already working together for 2024, all is for the interest of Edo North. We also want to hear our Esan brothers and sisters in APC and PDP meeting and working together towards the realization of Esan Agenda come 2024. What has Esanland benefited from APC as a party or government?. The only thing we hear and see in APC  is individuals working for their own interest and benefits. When it comes to election,  they will be begging around for votes. That was how they deceived Esan people in 2019 when they got 24/24 at EDHA. In your mind is it possible for APC to defeat PDP in Esan West, Esan North East constituency 1 and 11 even if the people are sleeping?  But they were able to apply their usual propaganda to deceive the leaders of PDP and they fell into their trap. Till today many people are still angry with that shameful act. Although many people do not know those individuals th

By Lucky Isibor The Chairman of the Edo state chapter of the Labour Party, Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi has said that the news trending on social media  that the Presidential candidate of Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi and the national chairman of the party, Barr Julius Abure had a meeting with the governor of Edo state, Mr Godwin Obaseki and the Secretary to the Edo  state government, Barr Osorodion Ogie is unfounded, baseless, mere falsehood lacking in objectivity, logic and truth. According to Ogbaloi, "Our attention has been drawn to a current trending news on the social media to the effect that the Presidential Candidate of  our great Party, Mr Peter Obi and the National chairman, Barr Julius Abure had a meeting with governor of Edo state, Mr Godwin Obaseki and  the Secretary to the Edo state government, Barr Osarodion Ogie during the last visit of the two principal officers of our great party to Edo state is mere fabrication whose sole intent is to mislead the simple minded

By Lucky Isibor Ahead the 18 March House of Assembly election, presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi visited Benin City, Edo State Saturday 11, to rally support for candidates of Labour Party in the election. Peter Obi at New Benin Market, Benin City on Saturday, 11 March There was traffic gridlock on major streets in Benin City, the Edo State capital as residents trooped out in their numbers to welcome the Labour Party presidential candidate and listen to his message of hope for the masses amidst alleged irregularities in the 25 February presidential election. Obi whose convoy drove from Ramat Park, Ikpoba Hill to the popular New Benin Market, Mission Road and Sapele Road was almost mobbed by the crowd of supporters at the market.  He appealed to the people to vote all Labour Party candidates in the 18 March House of Assembly election, assuring them that he will retreave the madate they gave him which he alleged was st

By Lucky Isibor Eight Civil Society Organisations and Trade Union in Edo State have appealed to Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, to revisit the draft Edo State Freedom of Information Bill, with a view to presenting the bill to the State House of Assembly for consideration as an executive bill.  The appeal is contained in a letter by the CSOs and trade union to the Governor on the draft bill which has been awaiting the Governor's attention for quite some time now. Led by the Executive Director of Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, the Rev David Ugolor, the CSOs used the letter to draw the Governor’s attention to the draft bill and appealed to him to re-visit it, so that Edo will be one of the States in Nigeria that has domesticated the FOI Act.  Other CSOs and Trade Union which signed the letter include Festus Alenkhe - Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State, President Aigbokhan - Executive Director, FOI Counsel, Rev. Fr. Benedi

By Lucky Isibor Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has urged residents of Edo State to accept the old N500 and N1000 notes in their transaction noting that the Supreme Court has laid the matter to rest as they now legal tenders again. In a statement signed by the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Chris Nehikhare stated that the Governor noted that the old Naira notes are now to be accorded the same treatment as the new notes in line with the Supreme Court judgement. According to the statement, "Following the Supreme Court ruling on the circulation of old N500 and N1000 notes, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, calls on residents in the State to accept the old notes.  "The old notes are to be treated and exchanged just as the new ones and are necessary to facilitate trade and boost economic activity. "With the Supreme Court judgement, the controversy over the circulation of the notes have been put to rest and the people

Sensing the uneasiness in the Nigeria’s body polity, following the spiraling disagreements about the recently held presidential and national assembly elections, the Committee of Benin Elders, has reviewed the current situation nationwide and urged Nigerians to continually abide by the law and live peacefully with their neighbours. The call was made through a press statement issued in Benin City, the Edo State capital, by General Godwin O. Abbe (rtd) and Dr. Omorefe Asemota, Chairman and Secretary, respectively of the respected body of the elderly.  “The Committee wishes to appeal to everyone We urge our people to discharge their civic duties by going out massively to vote according to the dictates of their conscience in the forthcoming elections slated for Saturday the 11th of March, 2023”, the statement quoted. The group also appealed to the relevant establishments at the national and state levels, to remain neutral and to provide the needed environment for democracy and e

By Lucky Isibor Youths in Umagbae South Ward 6 of Uhumode Local Government Area of Edo State have thrown their weight behind Ambassador Kaycee Uhunoma for the Uhumode State constituency, Edo State House of Assembly under the platform of the People's Democratic Party PDP describing him as one of their own whom they cannot abandon. In a statement by youths and signed by a youth leader in the area, Pizaro noted that it is the time for the youths to take the lead adding that he has their unalloyed support ahead the election. According to the statement, "We the people of Ward 6 Umagba South assures you our very own son Amb.  Kaycee Uhunoma osamwonyi  that we are solidly behind you, it's time for the  youth to take the lead. Edo must be great again". The youths assure the PDP House of Assembly hopeful that they'll criss cross the nooks and crannies of Uhumode to canvass for votes for him and will ensure they use their PVC to give youths a place in the leader

By Lucky Isibor  A group of Civil Society Organisations CSOs, have called for collaborative efforts to stem incidents of Gender Based Violence GBV in communities in Edo South Senatorial District.  A consortium of Civil Society Organisations made up of Idia Renaissance, Smiles Africa International Youth Development Initiative, Society for Family Initiative SAFI and Christabel Otueroro Foundation,  who are working on Reducing Gender Based Violence in Edo South Senatorial District made the call in Benin City at a stakeholders meeting to share experiences on the implementation of the project which is financed by the European Union and implemented by the British Council in collaboration with the consortium.  Speaking at the stakeholders meeting, Project Manager of Idia Renaissance, the lead organisation in the consortium,  Mr. Moses Urowayino while suing for collaboration of the stakeholders, appealed to community members to always be on the look out for cases of GBV in their co

 By Lucky Isibor  An Edo sociocultural group, Concerned Edo Citizen Forum has called on security agencies, including the Directorate of State Services DSS to arrest the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu for plunging the nation into tumour with the conduct of the 2023 presidential election which they alleged failed to meet the minimum requirements of the Electoral Act 2022 particularly as it relates to the transmission of election results through the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System BVAS. The group made the call at a press conference in Benin City to condemn the 25 February elections, observing that the election was day light robbery, accusing INEC of working against the principles of democracy.  Reading from a press statement signed by the Director of Publicity of Concerned Edo Citizen Forum, Comrade Osas Felix Osagie noted that, "INEC  seriously and shamelessly worked against the principles of democracy hence, as a

By Lucky Isibor  Coalition of Edo National Voters  have called for the cancellation of last Saturday's presidential election won by the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC candidate, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu and a neutral body of forensic experts be set up to audit the entire presidential elections with a view to unearthing the electoral fraud which the group alleged marred the election.  The coalition which made the call Thursday, March 2 in a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ press centre in Benin City, noted that the nation's electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, deliberately refused to upload election results on its portal to enable it manipulate the results in favour of the APC candidate, adding that it's the reason the party is not condemning the alleged irregularities perpetrated by INEC during the presidential election.  "INEC, deviously failed to upload the election res