News

Edo Approves Payment Of Funds To 10 Contractors

Published

1 year ago

March 20, 2025

The Edo State Executive Council has approved the payment of funds to 10 contractors engaged by the immediate past administration for continuing work and ensuring timely execution of projects across the state.

In addition, the Council approved the termination of 10 road contracts, which, according to the Council, will be reviewed to ensure uniform standards, avoid overlaps, and appropriately re-scope them for speedy completion.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Paul Ohonbamu, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

He said, “The government has agreed to pay 10 contractors from the previous administration who are still working in the state, to the extent of the work they have done, to ensure there are no delays in the execution of projects.

“This is to defray the cost of the work already done and any other payments accrued. The government is not terminating them as punishment. Rather, the volume of work completed will be assessed, and payments made accordingly. This shows clearly that the governor is fair-minded, follows due process, and is committed to rewarding performance.”

Ohonbamu further stated that the Executive Council also ratified major contracts and approved the renovation of some public schools, as well as the reconstruction of roads in Ovia North-East, Esan North-East, and Oredo Local Government Areas.

He explained that the Council ratified major contracts earlier awarded by the State Tenders Board and the Chairman-in-Council—being the Governor—prior to the inauguration of the current Executive Council.

The Commissioner confirmed that since the contracts had passed through the State Procurement Law and received Tenders Board certification, the Council found it necessary to formally ratify them.

“Approval was also given for the purchase of vehicles for the Edo State Oil and Gas Development Commission. These include four Hilux vans and four Prado Jeeps,” he added.

Ohonbamu reiterated that the termination of the 10 road contracts was to ensure uniformity of standards, eliminate overlaps, and re-scope the projects appropriately for timely completion.

“The Council also considered it prudent, in line with the governor’s disposition, to assess the affected contracts to determine the extent of work done by the contractors for the purpose of making payments as deserved,” he noted.

The State Executive Council further approved the renovation of dilapidated public schools across the state in line with the government’s drive to provide a better learning environment.

It is worth recalling that the state government inherited public schools in deplorable conditions and has therefore taken steps to provide a conducive atmosphere for learning.

“There was also Executive Council approval for the variation of some ongoing contracts in line with prevailing conditions to ensure that projects executed meet required standards and that no contractor causes delays or wastes government resources.

“In just four months, the governor has laid a solid foundation for sustainable infrastructure and human capital development for the people of Edo State,” Ohonbamu concluded.

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

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.
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‎ 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.”
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‎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
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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.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

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.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

16 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

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.

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.

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.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

16 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.