CONCORD ONLINE NEWS

                 Omo N'Oba Ewuare II Hendrix Oliomogbe Edo State Government has vehemently denied withholding the statutory five percent allocations from the coffers of local government areas to the revered Oba of Benin, Omo N'Oba Ewuare II and other traditional rulers in the state. A statement weekend in Benin by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr. Chris Nehikhare explained that in the wake of disagreement among the royal fathers between April and July this year over some administrative issues, an agreement was reached with the government to temporarily warehouse the funds in a central pool pending the resolution. Against the backdrop of fake news that funds to the Benin monarch were withheld from July 2022 to July 2023, Mr. Nehikhare insisted that the statutory payment was fulfilled until April 2023, when it was agreed for the money to be warehoused. The commissioner said that with the  resolution of the issue by th...

                    Princess Okojie Hendrix Oliomogbe Worried by the plight of sickle cell patients in the country, a governorship aspirant in the 2024 election, Princess Asaha Okojie has advised the government to classify sickle cell as a disability. Speaking recently in Benin City during the unveiling of her plans to embark on a sickle cell awareness campaign in the country to alleviate the plight of sufferers of the disease, Princess Okojie wailed that the disease is invisible and impoverishes the family. The United States based politician said that the government can do a whole lot to alleviate the sufferings parents of sickle cell patients go through, lamenting that some of them practically sell their properties to take care of their sickle cell children, living a terrible life. The Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area born governorship aspirant insisted that there's a need for the classification of sickle cell as a disabili...

           Asuen, Shaibu Hendrix Oliomogbe In a move which amounted to influence peddling, Edo State deputy governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu Wednesday in Benin explained how the Edo South All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial candidate in the February 25 polls, Mr. Valentine"DVD" Asuen lobbied him to bend the law and release his truck which was impounded for illegal parking along Third East Circular Road, Benin. In a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Musa Ebomhiana, Comrade Shaibu charged that the action of Mr. Asuen who claimed in his statement to have called his wife more than fifty times to intervene was baffling as the law is no respecter of anyone, most especially for an aspiring lawmaker. Irked by the outbursts, Comrade Shaibu, who demanded an unreserved apology, has threatened to drag DVD to court, noting that his claim without evidence was "riddled with puerile conjectures, infantile lies, belly-aching, outright misinformation and imbecilic bigotr...

           HRM Otaru of Auchi Hendrix Oliomogbe Dissatisfied with the May 8, 2023 judgment of the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa which struck out the suit between the different sub-ruling houses of Ikelebe Family of Auchi, Edo State, the claimants have headed to the Appeal Court, Benin to challenge the decision of the Benin High Court.  The appellants who listed seven grounds of appeal want the Benin appellate court to  set aside the judgment of the Benin High Court in suit No.B/329/2018 between the claimants Mamudu Ikharo, Yahaya Ikharo against the Attorney General, Edo State; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government Affairs; and the Otaru of Auchi, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Haliru Momoh.  Faulting Justice Okungbowa, counsel to the claimants,  Mr. Dan Okoh (SAN) argued that the trial judge erred when he relied on the case of the Secretary Local Government V. Oyinloye (2020) when in dismissing the action, he ...

           Some Edo youths at the Boot Camp in Benin Hendrix Oliomogbe Buoyed by the large turnout and the enthusiasm of a cross section of Edo youths at the just concluded boot camp in Benin City, the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Eire Ifueko Alufuhai weekend in Benin reiterated the determination of the state government to create a safe platforms where young people’s voices can be heard to harness and nurture their talents, creativity and potentials. Mrs. Alufohai who spoke during the 2023 International Youth Day expressed hope that the participants would have developed competences that contribute to a positive sense of self-control, decision-making, moral system of beliefs, and pro-social connectedness. The scribe told the over 200 youths drawn from the 18 local government areas of the state that the ministry will soon organize a four month training programme for participants to have the opportunity of bui...

  Speaking at the Youth Camp: Mrs.  Alufuhai Hendrix Oliomogbe Impressed with the new skills acquired at a 3-day camping in Benin, youths from across the 18 Local Government Area of the state have commended Governor Godwin Obaseki and GIZ for investing in the training of young Edo people with green skills that will save the environment. The event which has as its theme, "Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World" was organized by the Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs and supported by GIZ and Romanpage Global to commemorate the International Youth Day 2023. The youths who were taught about the problem of greenhouse gases and global warming by Mr. Victor Obaro, director of training in Business, Kushi Expert were advised to make cautious efforts to save the earth by imbibing attitudes to save the environment. According to Mr. Obaro, “most disasters are man made and consequences of neglecting the climate. The training is to teach best technology that can preven...

             Shaibu, Obaseki when the going was good Hendrix Oliomogbe Facts as to why Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki wants his deputy, Comrade Phillip Shaibu impeached emerged weekend in Benin City. A source close to Comrade Shaibu disclosed that the amity between the governor and his deputy turned to enmity following the latter insistence on contesting the primaries of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in next year's governorship election in Edo State. The duo who were originally elected on the ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2016 however fell out with their benefactor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the immediate past governor of the state over sundry issues and made a move to the PDP during the run up to the 2020 governorship election. With the falling out, as a result of his decision to gun for the governorship ticket of the main opposition party, Comrade Shaibu is presently at a Federal High Court in Abuja in a desperate a...

  From left Edo NUJ Chairman Alenkhe, Osagie and Okungbowa          Hendrix Oliomogbe Edo State Government has concluded plans to roll out free internet services in selected public areas in the state. The Special Adviser on Media Projects, Mr. Crusoe Osagie told journalists in Benin that the initiative which started with the Edo State capital will be extended to other parts of the state. Osagie who spoke at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Press Centre during a visit in company of Mr. Andy Okungbowa, the new Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Obaseki said that as part of the initiative, the administration has since installed free internet services at Government House, Benin and was currently doing same at the Press Centre. The Edo State Government spokesman assured that the plan for the free internet services which will soon be extended to downtown Oba Market and other parts of the metropolis was to cushion the effects of the recent hike in the...

                           Mrs. Alufohai Hendrix Oliomogbe About 300 youths from across Edo State are scheduled to converged in the state capital of Benin from August 10 to 12 for the celebration of the 2023 International Youth Day. A statement in Benin Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Eire Ifueko Alufohai disclosed that the event which will take place at Wellspring University, Benin City is being organized by Edo state government in partnership with the German Corporation for International Cooperation  (GIZ) and Romanspage Global Services Nigeria limited. Mrs. Alufohai explained that the theme of this year’s celebration is "Intergenerational Solidarity; Creating a World for all ages and Encouraging  Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World". The scribe explained that the International Youth Day is an annual global event generally aimed at highli...

  Hendrix Oliomogbe Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has made good his promise of installing a 24-hour internet service at the Edo State Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Benin following a visit Monday by representatives of the Cyber firm handling the project.  The officials who were received by the chairman of the Edo State Council of the union, Comrade Festus Alenkhe in company of the Secretary, Mr. Andy Egbon explained that they came for a feasibility study of the project to  assessed the coordinates. Elated, Comrade Alenkhe said that the initiative by the state government along with the provision of 24 hour power supply from the Ossiomo Independent Power Plant, Ologbo will tremendously help journalists to send their reports to their various media houses.  Comrade Alenkhe commended Governor Obaseki for the bold initiative, noting that the Edo number one citizen who is fondly called the "Wake and See Governor" by his admirers was only living up to h...

                                                  Ugbo Hendrix Oliomogbe The president of Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM), Comrade Curtis Ugbo has raised alarm of a plot by a top Edo politician to kidnap/assassinate him. In a statement in Benin Sunday, Comrade Ugbo, a Labour Party (LP) governorship hopeful in the Edo 2024 election explained that some thugs accosted him in Benin on Thursday July 27 shortly after he arrived from a business trip to Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The activist said that the young thugs placed a call on their mobile phone to their sponsor, who happened to be a top politician in Edo State, after they cornered him. According to the BSM president, the sudden arrival of a police patrol team saved his life as the hoodlums immediately fled the scene when they sighted the law enforcement agents. The statement which was silent on the exact scene ...

Hendrix Oliomogbe Over 20,000 trafficked Nigerians young girls and boys, particularly girls are currently stranded in Mali, the Edo State Zonal Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mr. Nduka Nwawene has disclosed. Nwawenne who spoke Sunday in Benin during the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons lamented that Mali used to be a destination for so many trafficked victims from the Benin Zone, adding that Malians are now being trafficked to the Edo State capital of Nigeria. He said: "We just gathered intelligence that victims are now being trafficked from Mali to Benin City. We are currently investigating. Over 20,000 Nigerians young girls and boys, particularly girls are currently stranded in Mali. Mali used to be a destination for so many trafficked victims from this command but the Malians are now coming. "We have heard stories of Malian men who are ready to do whatever they can do to meet Nigerian girls but now the rever...

           Governor Obaseki and Alenkhe Hendrix Oliomogbe Impressed with what he described as the  giant strides of the Comrade Festus Alenkhe led leadership of the Edo State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has assured that his administration will continue to identify with the union at all times. Governor Obaseki who spoke last week during a visit to the NUJ Press Centre in Benin City lauded the executive council of the union for bringing sanity into journalism practice in the state. The governor who solicited the continued support of journalists to his administration disclosed that the visit was to strengthen the bond between members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm and the state government. According to the governor, the vision of the Comrade Alenkhe's led state NUJ in the area of physical development is in line with the Make Edo Great Again (MEGA) agenda of his government. He said: "The infrastr...

                         High Chief Edebiri, Esogban of Benin Hendrix Oliomogbe Former Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has described the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri as a father figure to Edo People and an adviser who stood for the truth at all times. Born on September 2, 1929, Chief Edebiri joined his ancestors on Thursday July, 20 at private hospital in Benin after a brief illness. He was 93. In a statement in Auchi by Mr. Victor Oshioke, his media aide, Senator Oshiomhole of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) (Edo North) noted that Chief Edebiri was a courageous leader whose lifelong ideology revolved around enhancing the welfare of the people. He mourned: “It is with sadness and deep sense of loss that I received the news of the death of my friend, the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Uyunmwun Edebiri. “He preached unity at all times, fought for what he believed in, and was al...

                       Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief                                   Edebiri Hendrix Oliomogbe Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu Friday described the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri as a father figure who played a critical role in his political odyssey. Comrade Shaibu who spoke during a condolence visit to the Esogbans in Benin  likened the relationship between him and the high chief as that of father and son. Born on September 2, 1929, Chief Edebiri joined his ancestors Thursday at the ripe age of 93 in the Edo State capital, 44 days shy of his 94th birthday. Getting emotional, the deputy governor recalled that his relationship with the Benin high chief who was fondly called "the oracle has spoken" dated way back to 2003 when he first contested for a seat in his native Etsako West Cons...

                         Chief Edebiri Hendrix Oliomogbe The Esogban of Benin,  Chief David Edebiri Thursday died at the ripe age of 93 in Benin City after a brief illness. According to a family member, who craved anonymity, pending the formal announcement of the news, Chief Edebiri, who would have been 94 on September 2 died peacefully at about 12:20 pm in a private hospital in the Edo State capital, surrounded by close family members. The family member said: “The Esogban has not been too strong and we took him to the hospital a few days ago where he passed on this afternoon. The family will follow the protocols for the formal announcement to be made.” The Esogban who is next after the Iyase (traditional Prime Minister of Benin Kingdom) is often referred to as the Odiownere (elder) of Benin due to his top position in the hierarchy of chiefs. His last major outing which was reported widely in the press was during the...

          Obaseki Hendrix Oliomogbe Peeved by the terrible state of federal highways in Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) led federal government of having a deep hatred for Edo people. Fielding questions from journalists Wednesday in Benin during an interactive session at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat, a visibly angry Governor Obaseki said that all his determined efforts to make the federal government construct and rehabilitate federal roads in the state have been fruitless. Making specific reference to Ovia River bridge on the Benin-Lagos, Benin-Auchi, Benin-Sapele and Auchi-Igarra-Ibillo Roads, he remarked that he was deeply troubled by the agonies and pains of Edo people and commuters who travel through the state because of the terrible state of federal roads in the state. The governors said that very soon, if urgent rehabilitation and construction works are not carried out, vehicular moveme...

  Edo Deputy Speaker Edekor Hendrix Oliomogbe Worried  by the deficiency in Information Communication Technology (ICT) among Edo State House of Assembly staff, the deputy speaker, Mrs. Maria Edekor Wednesday in Benin assured that the lawmakers will soon design a road map and strategic work plan for them so as to upskill their knowledge in Information Communication Technology (ICT).  Speaking during a visit by members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Mrs. Edeko said that it was cause for deep concern that most of the staff are still stuck in the old analogue system instead of being ICT compliant which will go a long way in making them more proficient and improve the quality of government services. The deputy speaker disclosed that in line with the reality of the 21st century, ministry and judiciary staff are expected to be ICT compliant, noting that Governor Godwin Obaseki long ago digitalised the state public and civil service, moving away from a...

      Comrade Alenkhe (right) presenting birthday card to Governor Obaseki in Benin Hendrix Oliomogbe Edo State chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Festus Alenkhe has described Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki as a role model and an administrator par excellence. In a congratulatory message to Governor Obaseki on his 66th birthday, Comrade Alenkhe remarked that the governor's leadership style is now a  reference point to young and upwardly mobile persons in Edo State and Nigeria as a whole. The Edo NUJ chairman prayed God Almighty to grant the governor more years on earth in good health just as he wished him a development oriented administration in Edo state. He said: "You have been a role model and an administrator par excellence. Your leadership acumen is now a  reference point for young persons in Edo State and Nigeria as a whole. I am happy to be part of your special day as God has made you to see  66 years on earth." He continue...

  Hendrix Oliomogbe No fewer than 11 passengers were feared dead Wednesday while eight others sustained injuries when a Dangote Cement Company truck rammed into a Benin, Edo State bound 18 seater mini bus along the Benin-Lagos expressway at Ovia River bridge, near Benin City.  It was gathered that the accident which happened at about 11 in the morning occured when the vehicle which was on top speed ran into a failed section of the road by the bridge.  Sources explained that the truck which was heading towards Benin from Lagos at top speed  rammed into the 18 ill-fated mini bus which slowed down at the failed portion of the bridge. The deceased reportedly died on the spot while those injured were rushed to an undisclosed hospital in the Edo State capital, some 15 minutes drive.  The mini bus, a Toyota Hiace was said to be heading to the eastern part of the country en route Benin when the accident happened on the bridge which is notorious for several auto crashes....