News
Analyzing Nehikhare’s Open Letter to Ize Iyamu: Unmasking Obaseki’s Orhionmwon Developmental Claims

Analyzing Nehikhare’s Open Letter to Ize Iyamu: Unmasking Obaseki’s Orhionmwon Developmental Claims
By: Augustine Osayande
In my professional capacity, it is imperative to express a reluctance towards narratives that tend to target personalities instead of addressing pertinent issues. Nevertheless, this engagement with an open letter directed at Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu from the Honorable Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, representing Orhionmwon Local Government Area in the Edo State Executive Council, has left me compelled to dissect the content without dismissing it outright.
Titled “OPEN LETTER TO PASTOR OSAGIE IZE IYAMU,” the letter, penned by Nehikhare, draws attention to the commendable feat of documenting all political appointees from our Local Government—a practice worthy of archival for future references.
The crux of Nehikhare’s missive revolves around the assertion that Governor Obaseki has ushered in significant development and impactful projects in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, thereby benefiting the populace and enhancing the lives of thousands of residents. While Nehikhare contends that Obaseki’s legacies in the area are beyond reproach, I cannot help but approach this claim with a degree of skepticism.
Particularly, Nehikhare’s assertion that Governor Obaseki facilitated the establishment of the Energy Park in Egbokor Community appears to be a fallacy. Contrary to the claim, the Energy Park is part of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park being developed by the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). The overarching goal is to promote a cluster model of production, fostering collaboration among enterprises to enhance productivity, efficiency, and competition. It is crucial to emphasize that similar parks are being developed across all Niger Delta States by the NCDMB.
During the test run of the Modular Refinery in the Energy Park, Governor Obaseki pledged to provide necessary road infrastructure and address the educational and healthcare needs of the area. In light of this commitment, I challenge Nehikhare to present evidence showcasing the current state of the road, schools, and healthcare facilities in Egbokor Community.
Nehikhare highlighted the refurbishment of several classroom blocks as a noteworthy accomplishment of Governor Obaseki in Orhiomnwon Local Government. However, specific details regarding the current student and faculty statistics were not provided, despite the claim that the school has become one of the best in the country. Additionally, there was a lack of information regarding the accreditation status of the various programs offered at the college by the National Commission for College of Education. During my visit to Abudu in 2023, I observed that specific sections of the institution were overlooked, giving rise to an aesthetic reminiscent of a conventional forest. This was notably in contrast to the vibrant condition observed in the surrounding areas, exemplified by the well-maintained state of my village’s Oheze-Nake traditional cemetery.
According to Mr. Nehikhare, Governor Obaseki has successfully transformed Orhionmwon into a significant gas and petrochemical hub, with the local government now hosting more than four prominent oil and gas companies. It is a commendable accomplishment, and in the spirit of transparency in this digital era, I respectfully urge him to disclose the names and precise geographical locations of these companies. Such information would be valuable for geo-referencing purposes and could be cross-referenced with the latest available financial statements.
Regrettably, Mr. Nehikhare’s attempt to highlight Governor Obaseki’s purported accomplishments in Orhionmwon Local Government seems to have encountered a misstep. Specifically, his reference to individual oil palm farms as state government achievements raises questions. To provide a more accurate representation of the governor’s impact, I encourage Mr. Nehikhare to elaborate on the government interventions that these farmers have benefited from. Additionally, it would be insightful to know the number of farmers in Orhionmwon who have reaped the rewards of such government interventions. This level of detail would contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the true impact of Governor Obaseki’s initiatives in the local community.
Finally, Mr. Nehikhare highlighted a bill passed by the State House of Assembly in September 2022 and the Ossiomo Power Plant situated at Ologbo in the Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area as Governor Obaseki’s accomplishments in Orhionmwon Local Government. However, crucial data regarding the number of communities in the local government that benefited from the government’s outgoing electricity program was not provided.
In conclusion, while Nehikhare’s open letter provides a valuable record of political appointments, critical scrutiny is essential when evaluating claims related to the development attributed to Governor Obaseki in Orhionmwon Local Government Area. It is essential to respectfully point out to Mr. Nehikhare that his name has been included with other politicians in his Open Letter who were granted the opportunity to represent our esteemed local government but have, unfortunately, fallen short of meeting the expectations of the people.
Osayande, PhD, contributed this piece from Abuja via austinelande@yahoo.com
Analyzing Nehikhare’s Open Letter to Ize Iyamu: Unmasking Obaseki’s Orhionmwon Developmental Claims
Crime
Herdsman loses two cows to suspected hoodlums in Adamawa

Herdsman loses two cows to suspected hoodlums in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected hoodlums have killed two cows belonging to a herdsman in Shelleng Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday at about 3:30 p.m., took place in the Wuroyanka District of Shelleng.
A source in the area told Zagazola that the attackers, believed to be from Bare in Numan Local Government Area, ambushed the herder, Shehu Alhaji Yakubu, while he was grazing his cattle in the bush.
The assailants reportedly killed two of the animals before fleeing the scene.
Police and local hunters later visited the area to assess the situation and appealed for calm among residents to avoid reprisals.
A stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled to discuss measures to prevent further tension between herders and farmers in the area.
Herdsman loses two cows to suspected hoodlums in Adamawa
News
Over 600 patients receive free kidney dialysis, and other treatment on a monthly basis……………Bego

Over 600 patients receive free kidney dialysis, and other treatment on a monthly basis……………Bego
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Over 600 patients receive free dialysis and additional treatment on a monthly basis at the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital (YSUTH), the Yobe state commissioner of information Abdulahi Bego has said.
He said that the free treatment was initiated by former Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam and was consolidated upon by the present administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni.
The Commissioner of information, Abdullahi Bego said that the increase of cases of Kidney diseases, mostly recorded in Jakusko, Nguru, Gashua, Yusufari and some other communities in Northern parts of the state, Governor Mai Mala Buni has came up with the continuation of the free treatment of all patients to save lives.
Bego gave this hint yesterday in an interactive session with some Journalists at the end of the 2-Day Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) 2025 Quarterly Strategy Meeting of Commissioners for information of All Progressive Congress, (APC) Governed States.
He noted that, yobe state has many cases of kidney diseases, as most of the communities on the shores of Yobe/Kumadugu River in northern part of the state suffered most”.
To address the roots causes of the incident, the Commissioner pointed out that, the State Government has established a Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre located at the College of Medical Sciences, Yobe State University.
The centre is fully equipped with equipment worth billions of naira, even as it is collaborating with University of Sussex, United Kingdom and some Researchers, including a US-based Dr. Mahmoud Maina, to take the place to the next level.
Mains a British-Nigerian neuroscientist and educator whose research is focused on the cellular and molecular pathogenesis in Alzheimer’s disease is expected to bring his expertise to bear in the project.
The impact of the state government’s initiative according to Bego, goes beyond providing immediate relief and medical consumables, but to also delve into the root causes of the kidney disease and prescribe proactive solute. .
He also explained that, Governor Buni who have since declared a State of Emergency in the health sector, has constructed over 400-bed capacity at Mamman Ali Maternal and Child Complex hitherto commissioned by the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
The state of the art facility located within the premises of YSUTH, he added, is not only saving millions of lives, but also serve as referral and research centre in addressing maternal mortality in the North East region.
On social infrastructures especially roads and drainage networks within rural and urban centres, the Commissioner said that, “apart from the ongoing construction of multi billion naira Fly Over within Damaturu metropolis, the state government has completed the rehabilitation of key roads such as Katarko-Goniri and Siminti-Godowoli stretch.
Other interventions are the Geidam-Bukarti, Bayamari-Yunusari, and Yunusari-Kanamma roads, Damaturu-Kalallawa 25.5-kilometer dual carriageway, facilitating access to the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport, and the dualization of the Abattoir Junction-New Bye-pass Roundabout on Potiskum road to manage high traffic volumes.
Additional projects are the construction of roads connecting various communities, such as Damagum-Gubana, Bulanguwa-Kumagannam, Nguru-Bulanguwa, Danchuwa-Garin Abba-Garin Bingel, Chumbusko-Tagali, Nguru Highway-Karasuwa Galu town, Fika-Maluri, Jaji Maji-Karasuwa town, and Kukuri-Chukuriwa-Dawasa among others”. Bego stated.
The Commissioner further explained that Governor Buni expended N3.5 billion in building four Ultra Modern Sesame Seeds Cleansing, Processing and Packaging processing centres across the state.
These factories he said, are located in Machina, Potiskum, Nguru and Damaturu local government areas, as Yobe state is the largest producer of Sesame seeds in Nigeria as at today.
Over 600 patients receive free kidney dialysis, and other treatment on a monthly basis……………Bego
News
Man beaten to death over alleged affair with married woman in Bauchi

Man beaten to death over alleged affair with married woman in Bauchi
By: Zagazola Makama
A 30-year-old man has been allegedly beaten to death by a husband for attempting to entice his wife in Lumbu community, Ningi Local Government Area.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the incident occurred at about 2:09 a.m. on Friday when the deceased, identified as Sanusi Tinau, allegedly visited the house of a yet-to-be-identified man to entice his wife.
The husband reportedly attacked Tinau, beating him to a state of unconsciousness before fleeing the scene.
Police operatives responded promptly, evacuating the victim to the General Hospital, Ningi, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
The report said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect as investigation continues.
Man beaten to death over alleged affair with married woman in Bauchi
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