News
BIC To Boost Economic Growth In Edo, Says Initiator

The initiator of Ughoron Group, Mr. Imasuen Amowie Izoduwa has said that the Benin Investors Conference (BIC) will promote the most needed economic growth, stimulate peace and progress among the people of Edo State.
He said this while speaking with journalists ahead of the programme in Benin.
Mr. Izoduwa said the BIC,
an annual strategic economic platform is designed to advance the prosperity of the Benin
people through structured collaboration, enterprise development, and intentional investment.
Izoduwa added that the Benin homeland carries a legacy of organization, trade, governance, and craftsmanship that once positioned it among the most respected empires in Africa.
He said that legacy is not merely history — it is a reminder of what is possible when a people build with
direction and unity come together to champion a common cause.
READ ALSO:Benin Monarch Cautions Youths Against Violence Amid Rising Insecurity
The BIC initiator, who pointed out that today, Benin sons and daughters contribute meaningfully across industries around the world, however, one critical question remains before them: “How do we intentionally connect that experience, capital, and influence back to the economic development of the Benin people?”
He maintained that the answer they are presenting is the Benin Investors Conference.
Izoduwa stressed that the BIC 2026 is a four-day gathering that will bring together investors, entrepreneurs, business leaders, policymakers, creatives, and members of the global Benin community here in
Benin City.
He added that the conference is built on a guiding philosophy — The Benin First Philosophy.
According to him, the Benin First Philosophy is not a slogan; it is a principle of priority.
READ ALSO:Togo, Niger, Benin Owe Nigeria Over $17.8m For Supplied Electricity – NERC
He said this philosophy ensures that investments connected to Benin land, culture, and economic
activities intentionally prioritize Benin participation and ownership.
“It is not about exclusion. It is about responsibility. It means that when capital flows into Benin-related ventures, Benin people must be active beneficiaries — as owners, partners, professionals, and decision-makers, because the only people that can truly help them grow is they themselves,” he said.
He added: “We are also developing collective investment structures that allow Benin people both at home and in the diaspora to pool resources into structured funds.
READ ALSO:Edo Dethrones Bayelsa To Win Niger Delta Games
“These funds will support sectors such as film, agriculture, technology, real estate, and creative industries.
“The goal is simple: move from individual effort to coordinated economic strength, supporting viable Benin-led businesses and talents anywhere in the world and building institutions that can sustain growth for generations.
“The conference will feature high-level keynote sessions, curated investment pitch presentations, structured networking engagements, business hubs, product showcases,
cultural exhibitions, and an award night recognizing outstanding contributions within the
Benin community.
“In addition, BIC 2026 will formally present key long-term initiatives, including: The Benin Trust Fund — a collective investment purse designed to empower the future of
our people”.
News
Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan
Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.
Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.
He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.
READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack
Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.
“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”
He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.
He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.
Watch the video here
News
Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint
Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.
The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.
READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached
Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.
He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.
Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.
“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.
“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
News
Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.
READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central
According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.
“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”
Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.
READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration
He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.
“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.
The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.
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