Month: February 2025

Gov Okpebholo’s Historic Ride to First 100 Days In Office By Fred Itua

Emporium Reporters

An elated father in one of the Whatsapp groups I belong recently posted an invitation flyer of her daughter, who was inducted into the Medical and Dentistry Profession on the 13th of February, 2025. As members sent in their congratulatory messages, one in particular caught my attention. It reads, “delay is not denial, God’s time is the best. Congratulations sir”.   I couldn’t help but smile as I reflected on the depth of that post. I realized, like many others in the group would have, that this feat/celebration, was almost…

Governor Okpebholo’s 100 Days of Purposeful Governance In Edo State By Fred Itua

Emporium Reporters

As Governor Monday Okpebholo marks his 100 days in office, a New Edo State Has Risen and is already witnessing significant changes. From infrastructural development to education, security, and good governance, his administration has taken decisive steps to fulfill campaign promises and lay the foundation for a progressive Edo.   These first 100 days have been characterized by swift actions, strategic appointments, and bold policy decisions, all aimed at repositioning the State for growth and stability.   *Strategic Appointments: A Team for Progress*   Understanding the importance of competent leadership,…

House of Reps reshuffles Committees, names Hon Ifeoluwa Ehindero Chairman of Students Loans Committee

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Representatives has announced a major reshuffling of its standing committees, appointed new Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons to enhance legislative oversight and efficiency. Among the newly appointed leaders, Hon. Ifeoluwa Ehindero, representing Akoko Northeast/Northwest Federal Constituency, has been named Chairman of the House Committee on Students Loans, Scholarships, and Higher Education Financing, which oversees the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). Hon. Ehindero, in his reaction, expressed gratitude to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, and the leadership for entrusting him with the role. He…

Customs MMIA Command Intercepts N290 Million Worth of Cannabis

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command, has intercepted three boxes containing 142 parcels of refined cannabis, commonly known as Canadian Loud. The illicit substance was seized from a passenger arriving from Canada aboard Ethiopian Airlines.   Speaking to journalists at the Arrival Hall E around 1700 hours on February 18, 2025, the Area Controller, Comptroller EJ Harrison, revealed that the intercepted drugs have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) exceeding N290 million.   In accordance with established protocols, the suspect, the illicit drugs, and his passport…

SEC surpasses 2024 revenue target by 20.34% ….. Senate Pushes for N10bn Investor Education Fund

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac ,Abuja   The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) exceeded its projected revenue for 2024 by 20.34%, generated N26.9 billion against the estimated N22.4 billion, according to its Director General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama.   Dr. Agama, who appeared before the Senate Committee on Capital Market on Tuesday for a budget appraisal, attributed Nigeria’s strong market performance to the robust support from the National Assembly. He described the country as one of the best-performing markets globally in 2024.   During the session, the Committee Chairman, Senator Osita Izunaso, announced…

N96bn LG Fraud: Nazi,Obaseki and Fellow Treasury Looters Have Murdered Sleep in Edo State By Fred Itua

Emporium Reporters

Governance at the grassroots level is the most fundamental pillar of democracy. When local government councils, which are closest to the people, fail in their responsibilities, the impact is felt directly by citizens through stalled development, poor infrastructure, and diminished public trust. This is why the recent report of the Investigative Panel on Local Government Finances in Edo State is not just another document; it is a call to action.   The decision to set up the Investigative Panel was not arbitrary; it was necessitated by growing concerns over financial…

Niger Police arrests 9 suspects for various crimes

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Niger State Police Command, has arrested nine suspects for various crimes, including culpable homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, office breaking, theft, and drug-related offenses in different parts of the state.   According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP W.A. Abiodun, the arrests were made by the Crack Squad and divisional patrol teams during intensified operations to curb criminal activities in the state.   Among those apprehended were Ibrahim Umar (33) of Maitumbi, arrested for possessing stolen Air Conditioners, an inverter, and a solar battery worth over…

Gov Okpebholo mourns passing of Elder Statesman Edwin Clark

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Chief Edwin Clark, described him as a revered statesman, a champion of social justice, and a leader who dedicated his life to the service of the nation.   In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Tuesday, Governor Okpebholo noted that Clark’s demise is a great loss not only to Edo State but to Nigeria as a whole.   “Today, Edo State mourns the loss of a true giant. Edwin Clark dedicated…

100 Days in Office: Gov Okpebholo’s road projects transform Edo state ….. Residents applaud massive infrastructure development

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Barely 100 days into his administration, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has made significant strides in road construction across the three senatorial districts, with about 14 key road projects reaching advanced stages of completion.   On Tuesday, Governor Okpebholo personally inspected several ongoing road projects in Edo South, including those in Temboga, Uteh, Ekiuwa, Orior-Ozolua, and Iguovbiahianmwen communities. Residents of these areas expressed appreciation, commending him for fulfilling his campaign promises to improve road infrastructure and enhance mobility.   During his visit, the Governor and his team assessed drainage projects…

NAPTIP foils Trafficking of 13 Nigerians to Iraq, shuts down Kwali Hotel over child exploitation … Intercepts victims at Abuja Airport, rescues 11 underage girls from sexual abuse

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has intercepted 13 Nigerian girls at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, as they attempted to travel to Baghdad, Iraq, for suspected forced labor and sexual exploitation. The victims, aged between 19 and 39, were allegedly recruited by unregistered labor agents suspected to be part of a larger human trafficking network operating between Nigeria and the Middle East. Their interception followed a tip-off from concerned individuals who noticed their unusual behavior at the airport’s departure lounge. In another crackdown,…