News

Defection: Ize-Iyamu Clears The Air, Discloses That He Is Not Desperate For Political Office

Published

6 years ago

November 29, 2019

Says He Is Passionate About Good Governance, Better Edo

Following the recent resignation of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and it attendant criticism and controversy, he has come out open to say his movement to the APC was not desperation for political office but a drive for a better Edo State.

He said his movement to the APC was not to escalate problem but to be solution, add value and for the betterment of the party and the state in general, adding that he wants to make sure the party is well connected to the grassroot.

Pastor Ize-Iyamu who disclosed this on Thursday during an interactive session with newsmen in Benin City, expressed surprise the controversy his defection has generated so far in the public partucularly on the social media.

According to him, he was one of the funding members of the party both at the state and national levels and so, his coming back should be seen as homecoming rather than the rumours and the stone being thrown at him.

He said many people join politics for different reasons but his own is based on good governance, service delivery and a better Edo, adding that he wants to belong to a party that he can connect to the grassroot.

When asked which of the factions he was going to join with the apparent division of the party in the state, Ize-Iyamu disclosed that the party division is not as complicated as being portrayed in the public domain, stressing that if there is no room to accept him at the state level, he could be accepted at the national level or even at the ward level where according to him, is the most legitimate place for such politics.

He said, “The faction is not as worst as it is being portrayed. For example, who are the two secretaries; who are the two publicity secretaries; who are the parrallel chairmen in the different local government areas; who is the national chairman of the other side. So, you find out that it is not as deep as being presented. You may find disagreement in some very few areas, but I am telling you that, when you really want to see faction, it goes down to the wards.

“When you see a ward chairman here, you see another one there, that is when you see real faction in play, but my people are highly intergrating at the local level, and you find out that there is no faction. At the local level, it is one APC. If it happens that we have crises at the state level, the national can receive me, anybody can receive me. I can also decide they receive me at the ward level. In fact, to be honest with you, where you actually join politics is at the ward level. There is a disagreement at the top but at the bottom, it is still one APC”, he disclosed.

Ize-Iyamu emphasised that his joining the APC was not borne out of desperation for political office nor to escalate the crises, rather, to strengthen it and actualise a better Edo State

“I am passionate about developing Edo, a party you and I will do very well. If I left a place and later decide to come back, what’s is surprising or new about that. I have not come to escalate the problem, rather, I want to be solution”, he noted.

News

YULETIDE: UBTH CMD Charges Nigerians To Be Hopeful In Coming Year

Published

26 minutes ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu has urged Nigerians to remain optimistic about the upcoming year, despite current challenges.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu expressed optimism that the coming year would bring improvements for everyone.

The CMD made these remarks during the Nine Lessons and Carol night /End of Year Party organized by UBTH for staff and students held in Benin.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu encouraged everyone to place their trust solely in Christ to overcome the numerous challenges facing the country.

She expressed her gratitude to the hospital community for their support during her first four months in office.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu assured them that the coming years hold many opportunities and that hope in Christ would transform lives daily, just as Christ’s birth brings joy and is the reason for the season.

She also extended her appreciation to everyone in the spirit of the season.

“I want to appreciate everyone in the spirit of the season. Our commitment to excellence and professionalism remains at UBTH.

“UBTH CARES and just like Christ cares. As we celebrate Christ and the season. Let’s hope on him. When you have Christ, you have hope.We are hopeful that the coming year will be better as a people and institution,” Ize-Iyamu said.

The ceremony’s highlight featured a visit to the hospital wards where the CMD distributed gifts to patients and newborns, with management, staff, and students in attendance.

News

Christmas: Edo Deputy Gov Preaches Unity, Hope

Published

40 minutes ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa has called on residents of the state to embrace unity, love, and renewed hope as Christians celebrate Christmas.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, Idahosa emphasised that Christmas represents values that unite people, regardless of tribe, religion, or politics, promoting compassion, generosity, and peace.

He described the birth of Jesus Christ as a timeless reminder of the values of peace, sacrifice, and compassion, which he said are critical to societal growth and harmonious coexistence.

He urged Edo people to take advantage of the festive season to strengthen communal ties, extend goodwill to the less privileged, and recommit themselves to the collective development of the state.

The deputy governor further said that Christmas underscores the importance of shared humanity and collective responsibility in building a prosperous society.

“Christmas is a season that reminds us of the power of hope and shared humanity.

“As a people, we must continue to stand together, support one another, and work collectively for a more prosperous Edo State,” Idahosa said.

He reassured residents of the state of the firm commitment of the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration to enthrone good governance, inclusive development, and people-oriented policies aimed at improving the welfare and well-being of all Edo citizens.

Idahosa also appealed to residents to celebrate the season responsibly and sustain peace and harmony before, during, and after the festivities.

He wished Christians a joyous Christmas celebration and prayed for a peaceful, progressive, and prosperous Edo State.

News

YULETIDE: Edo Sports Commission Boss Preaches Unity, Peace

Published

11 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has extended warm Christmas greetings to athletes, coaches, sports administrators, journalists, and the people of Edo State, urging them to uphold the enduring values of love, peace, and unity that define the festive season.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Hon. Enabulele described Christmas as a period of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to collective progress and shared responsibility.

“I sincerely appreciate all stakeholders in the sports sector for their cooperation, resilience, and unwavering support throughout the year. Your contributions have been instrumental to the growth and success of sports in Edo State,” he said.

He further commended Edo athletes for their dedication and discipline, noting that their consistent performances have continued to bring pride and recognition to the state at both national and international levels.

According to him, the Commission remains committed to athletes’ welfare, grassroots sports development, and the creation of opportunities that will enable talents to flourish.

Enabulele also called on residents of the state to celebrate responsibly and show compassion to one another, particularly the less privileged, emphasizing that unity and peaceful coexistence are vital for sustainable development.

He reaffirmed the Edo State Sports Commission’s resolve to strengthen collaboration with partners and stakeholders in the coming year, with increased focus on excellence, transparency, and inclusive sports development.

The Sports Commission boss concluded by wishing everyone a joyous Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year filled with hope, good health, and greater achievements.