News

Edo 2020: Ize-Iyamu Bags ‘The one Who Will Wipe Our Tears’ Honorary Title

Published

5 years ago

August 27, 2020

Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the candidate of the APC in the Edo Guber election, has again been honored with another title in Ora, Owan West Local Government Council, where he was named the ‘Oyakhire of Ora clan’.

The Okpojenaga of Ora, Joshua Akhikero, conferred the honorary title on Ize-Iyamu when the candidate visited his Palace on Thursday in continuation of his ward tour across Edo State.

The Oyakhire title, meaning the one who has come to wipe our tears, is said to be indicative of the acceptance of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu in the Local Government Council and the hope that his administration will erase the pains and failures of the incumbent government.

The Okpojenaga of Ora affirmed this when he explained that he conferred the title on Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu because of his demonstrated competence and ability to solve problems.

He clarified that the title is honorary as the people of Ora are aware of Ize-Iyamu’s status as an ordained Pastor and will thus not give him a title that contradicts his religious belief.

He said: “We know that you are a Christian and we cannot give you a title that will make you start serving idols.

“This title is honorary and we gave it to you because we know you are a man who wipes away the tears of people.”

Ize-Iyamu who was accompanied by his running mate, Mallam Gani Audu, and other APC leaders, expressed gratitude to the Ora clan for the honor, stating that although he came to solicit for votes, the reception and acceptance he got exceeded his expectation.

He promised to live up to the title conferred on him as the wiper of tears and solver of problems by using the instrument of state to eradicate poverty, provide infrastructure, and create jobs for youths across the three senatorial districts of the state if he is supported to become the next Governor of the State.

Ize-Iyamu also promised to bring development to the council by revamping and building new infrastructure there to boost commerce and improve security in partnership with the traditional institutions.

At the venue of the campaign rally in the locality, he promised to build a standard police station in the community and support local vigilante groups to ward off kidnappers and strengthen intelligence gathering in the combat of crime so previous businesses and banks that deserted the community over insecurity would return.

The APC candidate had earlier visited the palace of the Onotare of Ozalla, Owan West, where he was equally warmly received and offered royal blessings.

The Okpojenaga of Ora, Joshua Akhikero, conferred the honorary title on Ize-Iyamu when the candidate visited his Palace on Thursday in continuation of his ward tour across Edo State.

The Okpojenaga of Ora affirmed this when he explained that he conferred the title on Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu because of his demonstrated competence and ability to solve problems.

He clarified that the title is honorary as the people of Ora are aware of Ize-Iyamu’s status as an ordained Pastor and will thus not give him a title that contradicts his religious belief.

He said: “We know that you are a Christian and we cannot give you a title that will make you start serving idols.”

“This title is honorary and we gave it to you because we know you are a man who wipes away the tears of people.”

Ize-Iyamu also promised to bring development to the council by revamping and building new infrastructure there to boost commerce and improve security in partnership with the traditional institutions.

The APC candidate had earlier visited the palace of the Onotare of Ozalla, Owan West, where he was equally warmly received and offered royal blessings.

News

FG Makes History Compulsory Subject In Primary, Secondary Schools

Published

14 hours ago

September 17, 2025

Editor

The Federal Government has announced the reintroduction of Nigerian History as a compulsory subject from primary to senior secondary school, 16 years after it was removed from the curriculum in 2009, under the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua administration.

The Federal Ministry of Education announced this in a statement posted on its X handle on Wednesday.

It said the reintroduction aimed at strengthening national identity, unity, and patriotism among diverse citizens.

“For the first time in decades, Nigerian pupils will study History continuously from Primary 1 to JSS3, while SSS1–3 students will take the new Civic and Heritage Studies, integrating History with Civic Education.

“Primary 1–6: Pupils will learn about Nigeria’s origins, heroes, rulers, culture, politics, economy, religions, colonial rule, and post-independence governance.

“JSS1–3: Students will study civilisations, empires, trade, European contacts, amalgamation, independence, democracy, and civic values,” the statement read.

The Ministry said the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, CON, together with the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for championing the reform.

“They emphasised that History is not merely a record of the past, but a vital foundation for shaping responsible and patriotic citizens.”

According to the Ministers, the reform is a priceless gift to the nation, reconnecting children with their roots while inspiring pride, unity, and commitment to national development.

The Ministry has released the revised curriculum and will retrain teachers, provide resources, and strengthen monitoring.

The former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua-led government in 2009 removed history from Nigeria’s basic education curriculum.

Then, it was justified that students were avoiding it with the claim that there were few jobs for history graduates, and that there was dearth of history teachers.

In 2022, the Ministry of Education under former Minister Adamu Adamu inaugurated the reintroduction of the subject.

The Ministry also trained history teachers at the basic education level in Abuja.

However, history has always remained optional in the few schools that offer it.

News

Police Announce Burial Arrangements For Ex-IG Arase

Published

14 hours ago

September 17, 2025

Editor

The Nigeria Police Force has released the burial arrangements for former Inspector-General of Police Solomon Ehigiator Arase, who died on August 31, 2025, at the age of 69.

Arase, who served as the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police, was described by the Force as a dedicated officer remembered for his leadership, philanthropy and commitment to police reforms.

According to the programme of events signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, released on Wednesday, the burial rites will begin in Abuja on September 24 with a Day of Tribute at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi.

A requiem mass will follow on September 26 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, while a lying-in-state is scheduled for September 27 at his Abuja residence. His body will then depart for Benin City, Edo State.

In his hometown, Sabongida Ora, a candlelight procession is slated for September 29.

A valedictory session organised by the Edo State judiciary and the Nigerian Bar Association will hold at the Edo State High Court, Benin, on October 2.

Other activities include a service of songs at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin, on October 2, followed by a family lying-in-state.

The funeral mass will take place on October 3 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, after which interment will be held at his private residence in Benin City.

A reception is planned at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, while a thanksgiving mass will round off the events on October 5.

Arase, who held national honours including CFR, and was also a PhD holder, was appointed Inspector-General of Police in April 2015 and retired in June 2016.

He died at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness.

News

Lagos Begins Monitoring As Schools Resume

Published

14 hours ago

September 17, 2025

Editor

The Lagos State Government, through the Office of Education Quality Assurance, has commenced the monitoring of schools for compliance with standards as students resumed activities this week.

The OEQA spokesperson, Adepeju Adeyemi, said in a Wednesday statement sent to newsmen that the inspection began on Monday across the state for schools below the tertiary level.

The monitoring team, led by the Coordinating Director of OEQA, Remi Abdul, visited several schools, including Dolphin Senior High School, Lagos Island, where the team was received by the Principal/Director, Comfort Agunlejika.

Abdul explained that the purpose of the monitoring was to ensure compliance with the approved resumption date as stated in the Year 2025/2026 Harmonised Academic Calendar.

The PUNCH reports that basic and secondary schools in Lagos resumed on September 15, 2025, for the First Term of the Y2025/2026 session.

According to the approved 2025/2026 harmonised calendar made available to our correspondent, the First Half of the term is scheduled for September 15 to October 31, 2025, with a duration of 34 days. The second half will commence from November 10 to December 19, 2025, with a duration of 34 days. In between the halves are Open Day and Mid-Term Break.

Abdul noted that the monitoring team deployed was also verifying whether school administrators held pre-resumption meetings and whether key teaching and statutory records, such as lesson notes, diaries, and makeshift attendance registers, were in place for the smooth take-off of the new academic session.

“While addressing SSS 3 students, Abdul encouraged them to take their academics seriously, noting that how well they perform this term would determine their transition to higher education. He urged them to read well, stay focused, avoid skipping classes and begin early preparation for their WASSCE examinations,” the statement said.

He also encouraged teachers to remain dedicated and committed to delivering quality education.