Month: February 2025

Umahi declares Okpebholo ‘Infrastructure Governor’ for transformative projects in Edo

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dave Umahi, has described Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, as an “infrastructure governor” in recognition of his commitment to road construction and other developmental projects within his first 100 days in office.   Umahi made the remark on Thursday while addressing journalists in Benin City after inspecting the ongoing reconstruction of the Benin-Warri Road at the Sapele Bypass axis.   The minister commended Governor Okpebholo’s proactive approach to infrastructure, noting that his administration is building on the developmental foundation…

Edo State Governor signs key bills into law

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has signed into law several critical bills passed by the Edo State House of Assembly, aimed at improving infrastructure, energy, and security in the state.   Among the newly enacted laws is the establishment of the Edo State Rural Access Roads Agency (RARA), which will oversee the management, rehabilitation, construction, and maintenance of Class C and Class D roads. Another law set up the State Roads Fund and the Edo State Roads Fund Board (EDSRFB), creating a structured funding mechanism for road projects. These…

100 DAYS IN OFFICE: GOVERNOR MONDAY OKPEBHOLO IS DEFYING DOUBTS, DELIVERING PROGRESS ,By Fred Itua

Emporium Reporters

I liken the grand theater of Edo State politics, the first 100 days of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s tenure have unfolded like a plot twist that left the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) clutching their scripts in dismay. They had cast him as an unlettered protagonist, a “stark illiterate” unfit for the role. Yet, here he stands, not just reciting lines but delivering a performance that has critics eating their reviews. Governor Okpebholo has proven that leadership isn’t about flaunting degrees but delivering deeds. While his predecessor, the technocratic Godwin Obaseki,…

Tietie accuses Foreign Economic Hitmen of Fueling Insurgency in Africa

Emporium Reporters

Frank Tietie, Executive Director of Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER), has accused foreign economic hitmen of secretly fueling insurgencies across Africa to exploit the continent’s vast natural resources. Tietie made this claim while speaking on Channel Africa’s Africa in Business Podcast on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, monitored by Persecondnews. He alleged that these individuals and groups, operating under the guise of economic advisors or development workers, manipulate African economies through unsustainable loans, political interference, and resource exploitation. “Economic hitmen are professionals who pose as altruistic advisors but…

Foreign Relations Professionals hail NIDCOM’s Achievements, seek stronger partnership

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Association of Foreign Relations Professionals of Nigeria (AFRPN) has commended the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) for its contributions to Nigeria’s foreign policy implementation and engagement with the diaspora.   President of AFRPN, Ambassador Garba A. Lawal, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja. He described NIDCOM as a strategic force in Nigeria’s diplomatic landscape and called for closer collaboration between both organizations.   Amb. Lawal also invited NIDCOM to participate in AFRPN’s upcoming Annual Conference, which he described…

Core Reporters Honours CBN Governor Cardoso, NHRC Boss Ojukwu, and Rep Jimbo for Outstanding Performance

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Core Reporters, an online media platform known for investigative and developmental journalism, has recognized three distinguished Nigerians for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.   The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, was named “Financial Man of the Year” for his leadership in stabilizing the naira and implementing financial policies that have positively impacted the economy. The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN), was awarded “Executive Secretary of the Year” for his unwavering commitment to human rights advocacy,…

Gov Okpebholo Commissions New Buses, Security Vehicles

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commissioned 56 Toyota Hiace buses for Edoline Transport Services, alongside 38 Toyota Hilux vans and 16 Prado Jeeps for security agencies in the state. The commissioning mark a significant step in his administration’s commitment to improving public transportation and enhancing security.   The event, held in Benin City, was attended by top government officials, including Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon Dennis Idahosa; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; former Governor of Edo State and Senator representing Edo North, Comrade Adams Oshiomole; Secretary to the…

Tinubu flags off dualization of Ekpoma-Auchi-Okene Expressway

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially flagged off the dualization of sections two to four of the Ekpoma-Auchi-Okpella-Okene-Ajaokuta Expressway, a strategic federal road project aimed at enhancing socio-economic activities in Edo and Kogi States.   The President, represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, performed the groundbreaking ceremony in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering durable road infrastructure across the country, ensuring national development.   According to Umahi, the road is a vital economic corridor linking the two…

Public Petition Committee Exists to Serve Nigerians – Sen. Neda Imasuen

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac, Abuja   Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions in the 10th Senate, has emphasized that the Committee is dedicated to serving Nigerians by providing an alternative means of conflict resolution without the complexities of the legal process.   Speaking during an interactive session with selected journalists on Tuesday in Abuja, Senator Imasuen highlighted some of the Committee’s notable achievements. He cited two high-profile cases handled by the Committee, including that of a final-year student of…

Gov Okpebholo’s First 100 Days: A Masterclass in Leadership and Governance By Fred Itua

Emporium Reporters

  _“Leadership is about taking responsibility, not making excuses.” – Mitt Romney_   The first 100 days of any administration serve as a defining period, setting the tone for governance and providing an early glimpse into the leader’s vision, priorities, and capacity to effect change. While the Nigerian Constitution grants a governor a full four-year tenure to implement policies and drive development, public scrutiny is fiercest during the formative days. Although this period represents only a fraction of a governor’s tenure, its significance lies in the foundation it lays for…