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Paddy urges journalists to promote development, highlights social interventions

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By Elvis Omoregie, Benin Dr Paddy Iyamu, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, has urged journalists to prioritise development-oriented reporting by highlighting policies, programmes and interventions capable of improving the welfare of the people. Iyamu, a former Edo State Commissioner for Education, made the call on Wednesday during a meeting with members of OTUEDO N’OGBENBE (Benin Journalists Forum) in Benin City, where he emphasised the media’s role in promoting accountability, development and the public interest. He said his involvement in politics was motivated by a desire to improve the lives of ordinary citizens rather than accumulate wealth, stressing that public office should be used to create opportunities for the less privileged. Reflecting on his tenure as commissioner for education, Iyamu highlighted interventions he said were aimed at improving educational infrastructure and supporting students ...
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PAGG accuses Edo govt of opposition intimidation over arraignment of ADC candidate’s father

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By Elvis Omoregie, Benin The Peoples’ Assembly for Good Governance (PAGG) has accused the Edo State Government of using state institutions to intimidate opposition figures following the arraignment of Pa Joseph Iduoriyekemwen, the 90-year-old father of Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Edo South Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections. The group, in a statement jointly signed by its National Chairman, Dr Samson Isibor, and National Secretary, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nkama, described the arrest and arraignment of the nonagenarian as an attempt to muzzle opposition voices ahead of the elections. Pa Iduoriyekemwen was reportedly arrested by armed policemen from the Edo State Police Command at about 4 a.m. on October 6 at his residence in Amagba, a suburb of Benin City. He was arraigned alongside three others at the Edo State Special Criminal Court on Monday, October 19, over allegations bordering on cultism, conspiracy, attempted murder...
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PAGG faults Edo govt over Oluku market fire, demands modern firefighting facilities

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By Elvis Omoregie, Benin The People Assembly for Good Governance (PAGG) has criticised the Edo State Government over the fire incident that ravaged Oluku Market in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, calling for improved firefighting infrastructure, safer roads and adequate compensation for affected traders. The group, in a press statement, expressed shock over the loss of lives and destruction of goods in the inferno, which occurred in the Oluku area of Benin City, sympathising with the bereaved families, affected market women and residents of the state. PAGG described the incident as avoidable, blaming what it called the government's failure to provide adequate firefighting facilities and address the poor condition of roads across the state. The group questioned the absence of a well-equipped fire station in Oluku, a rapidly expanding community along the Benin-Lagos Expressway, arguing that the incident had exposed gaps in emergency response infrastructure. It urge...
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CEDDI urges Edo to provide free skills training for youths to tackle poverty

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By Elvis Omoregie, Benin The Centre for Edo Delta Development Initiative (CEDDI) has called on the Edo State Government to provide free vocational training for youths as part of efforts to tackle poverty, promote economic self-reliance and expand livelihood opportunities across the state. Lawrence Omoregie, Executive Director of CEDDI in Edo State, made the call during an awareness rally organised in partnership with the Heartbeat People Development Initiative (HPDI) to mark World Poverty Day at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council. Omoregie said accessible skills acquisition programmes would equip young people with practical competencies to earn a living, establish businesses and contribute to the state's economic development. He identified limited public awareness of existing vocational training opportunities as a major obstacle to youth empowerment, urging the government to intensify public enlightenment and expand access to relevant training pr...
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Accord Party disowns Lagos leaders’ statement, backs Tinubu’s 2027 re-election

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By Elvis Omoregie, Benin The Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Accord Party has disowned a statement purportedly issued by two individuals claiming leadership positions in Lagos State, describing them as impostors seeking to misrepresent the party’s position on Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s political allegiance. The statement, reportedly issued under the banner of Concerned Leaders of Accord, Lagos State, had called on Adeleke to clarify his political allegiance following reports of his appointment as coordinator of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign in Osun State. However, the party’s BOT said the individuals, identified as Oke Sewedo and Oladeji Oluwatosin, were not authorised to speak on behalf of the party, insisting that there was no recognised platform known as Concerned Leaders of Accord in Lagos State. In a statement signed by Dr Samson Isibor on behalf of the BOT chairman, the party urged members of the public to disregard the publication, desc...
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Uniaro community raises alarm over alleged attack on Okaighele, calls for probe

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By Elvis Omoregie, Benin Residents of Uniaro community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State have appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Oba Ewuare II of Benin and security agencies to intervene in an alleged attack on the community’s Okaighele and other residents by a man identified as Mr Omoregbe, popularly known as “ATM Machine,” and some armed men. The community alleged that the incident, which reportedly occurred recently, involved the destruction of property belonging to residents and the physical assault of the Okaighele, who was said to have collapsed and subsequently been rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, where he is currently receiving treatment. Speaking to journalists, Mrs Ekhator Glory, the heavily pregnant wife of the Okaighele, alleged that she was attending to her business in her shop when Omoregbe and a group of men arrived in a vehicle, accompanied by policemen. According to her, the men allegedly began...
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One year after mother’s death, Efosa Uwangue celebrates her enduring legacy

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By Elvis Omoregie, Benin One year after the death of his mother, Madam Theresa Ejose Inneh, popular journalist with Independent Television (ITV)/Radio, Efosa Uwangue, has paid tribute to her enduring influence on his life, describing her memory as a continuing source of strength, values and inspiration. For Uwangue, the first anniversary of his mother’s death is not only a painful reminder of the loss of a beloved parent, but also an opportunity to celebrate a woman whose life, sacrifice and devotion to her family helped shape the man he has become. Madam Inneh, remembered by family members and those who knew her as caring, prayerful and deeply devoted to her children, died a year ago, leaving behind memories that, according to her son, have remained a powerful part of the family’s daily lives. The anniversary has therefore provided an occasion for Uwangue and his siblings to reflect on the values their mother instilled in them, particularly discipline, compassion, resilien...
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