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EDO WOMEN ROOT FOR OKPEBHOLO
EDO WOMEN ROOT FOR OKPEBHOLO
By: Our Reporter
Women in Edo State have opted for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship flag bearer, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as their candidate of choice in the September 21 election.
‘’ We just have a government in Edo State that can’t seem to get the job done’’
The women said they found Okpebholo to be credible, patriotic, a true democrat and God fearing.
‘’We need new, fresh leadership; leadership with big, bold ideas; the kind of leadership that can actually get things done. Senator Monday Okpebholo will turn things around, transfer power from Government House to the hard-working people across the state.
At a gathering of women groups from the 18 local government areas in the state, the women listed a clear track record of the past, accountability, transparency and selflessness in service as reasons for endorsing Okpebholo.
‘’The state’s best days are ahead. Senator Monday Okpebholo will move Edo State to the Promised Land’’
In a statement signed by the Secretary General of the Edo Women Progressive Movement (EYPM), Mrs. Odegua Aigbokhan, the women said the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had put the development of Edo State on the reverse gear.
‘’The current governor prefers hoarding power, often leaving his deputy and cabinet members shorn of any real decision-making ability. Edo State is leading from behind and we’re headed toward a disaster. The decision now is to get the current holder of the office and PDP out of Edo Government House and end obscure promises in the state.
The women movement, set up primarily to promote peace and development of the state through good governance, said Edo people are sick and tired of the PDP and are yearning for change.
‘’At the venue of the Benin meeting, participants openly discussed the issue of the governorship race. The conclusion is that Senator Monday Okpebholo is ahead, and he is ahead in all the local government areas. Akpata and Asue Ighodaro look headed to a defeat’’
The women underscored Okpebholo’s progressive values, reform, growth and safety.
They listed public education, security, agriculture, job creation, living wages, health, gender equality, local economy, social security for the aged and infrastructure projects as policy thrust of Okpebholo’s administration.
‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo will build Edo State economy from the ground up in a way that is new and fresh, organic and dynamic’’
They also listed transportation and workforce development.
‘’Okpebholo will put in place a new political order, provide the enabling environment for the desired change in Edo State and ensure that the people enjoy the dividend of democracy’’
EDO WOMEN ROOT FOR OKPEBHOLO
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
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Police neutralise two suspected kidnappers, recover rifle in Akwa Ibom
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