News
Edo leaders slam PDP, Obaseki
Edo leaders slam PDP, Obaseki
· Pronounce Okpebholo next governor
· Say September 21 election will be violence-free
By: Our Reporter
Top political leaders in Edo State on Sunday slammed the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for spreading unfounded rumour, refusing to sign the peace agreement and envisaging election violence.
They also urged PDP and Labour Party members in the state to shun violence in the September 21 governorship election.
At a meeting to review strategies for the September 21 governorship election, the leaders expressed belief in Okpebholo’s capacity to restore trust in government and open new business and investment.
‘’ ’There is a strong hunger for change right now in Edo State. There is no question about APC’s expected victory as the party has very strong connection to the grassroots in the state’’
The notable leaders spoke with deep sincerity on the APC candidate’s approach, skill at persuasion and ethos.
They hailed Okpebholo for making a positive difference in the lives of the people of Esanland.
‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo is the candidate that is strong on the economy, security, infrastructure and welfare programmes’’.
Dr. Amos Obasuyi, spokesman of the Edo Rescue Mission 2024, in a statement in Igueben pronounced the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as ‘’ the right man for the governorship job’’.
‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo will run an economy driven by the private sector, improve the business environment, empower the people and ensure good governance and unity in the state’’
The influential people in Edo politics listed infrastructure, healthcare, security and, education, agriculture, industrialization, minimum wage and good jobs for all as areas of interest to the APC governorship candidate.
‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo will attract foreign investments, lower certain taxes to encourage industrialization and get rid of useless regulations that discourage economic development. He will push for more investments in roads, bridges and infrastructure’’
The statement emphasized Okpebholo’s exceptional creativity, liveliness and positive leadership traits.
’’Senator Monday Okpebholo will increase public education funding and expand state’s literacy programmes’’
The statement also highlighted economic growth, a strong focus on modern education for our children, meaningful infrastructural development that properly integrates our state from end to end, qualitative, consistent and accessible healthcare and expansion in private sector led industry that takes our youth of the streets.
They praised Okpebholo for having the type of empathy and direction Edo State needs
‘’Edo North people are looking up to Okpebholo. The Esan hope is in Okpebholo. The Benin people want Okpebholo to be the next governor of Edo State’’
They said Okpebholo has the record to govern Edo State and that the people of the state were ready to take their destiny in their hands through Okpebholo in the September 21 polls.
‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo has ideas and understands the current challenges’’
Edo leaders slam PDP, Obaseki
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
By: Michael Mike
As Christians begin Lent and Muslims commence Ramadan, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.
In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.
IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offer an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence. It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.
The institute warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability. Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
According to the institute, true spirituality is measured not only by acts of worship but also by how individuals treat neighbours of different beliefs. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength capable of fostering resilience rather than division.
“With both faiths engaged in solemn reflection at the same time, Nigerians are presented with a timely reminder that we share a common humanity and destiny,” the statement noted, urging citizens to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who signed the statement, extended goodwill wishes to Christians and Muslims, expressing hope that the sacred period would inspire reconciliation, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A canoe conveying seven passengers capsized while in transit between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving several persons missing.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, carrying six females and one male passenger, overturned during the journey.
The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all from Jata/Bmagara via Kami Village.
Rescue teams, including police and local divers, were immediately mobilised to the scene. The boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
Lent and Ramadan Tribute: To the Jagaban of Burgu and the Jagoran Arewa
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Police neutralise two suspected kidnappers, recover rifle in Akwa Ibom
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News10 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
