News

Edo IPDs Lament Economic Hardship, Seek Assistance

Published

7 months ago

November 13, 2025

The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Uhogua, Benin City, Edo State capital, has lamented hardship caused by the economic situation of the country.

Coordinator of the camp known as Home for the Needy Foundation, Pastor Solomon Folorunsho, said due to the economic hardship, feeding lifestyle of the IDPs has drastically dropped, adding that many of the students sponsored by the foundation in various universities are at home due to backlog of unpaid school fees.

Pastor Folorunsho, who spoke with newsmen on how the IDPs have been coping with the current hardship, said due to the economic hardship, a single meal where they used to cook 15 bags of rice has been reduced to 5.

Pastor Folorunsho, who is also the overseer of the International Christian Centre, while lamenting that the IDPs currently have no food, stated “it has not been easy feeding multitude as this especially with this economic situation of Nigeria, but the passion we have for the less privileged has kept us moving.”

He added: “Normally, we cook like 15 bags of rice per meal, 12 bags of garri per meal, 100 tubers of yam per meal, but because of the economic situation, what we have is what we cook for them. Sometimes, we cook 5 bags, and this is very little. Their eating has drastically reduced because of the economy.

“At times, it will get to a stage that we will not have money to buy foodstuffs, but good customers we have usually give us, and when money comes we pay. Currently, we don’t have food. We really want people to come support their feeding and school fees.”

The coordinator, who disclosed that Home for the Needy Foundation is currently sponsoring over 400 students in various universities across the country, however, lamented that “some universities are not allowing our students to write exams because they have been unable to pay their school fees.”

“We have over 400 students currently in different universities, and as I talk to you we have over 60 that just graduated. A few days ago, 6 doctors graduated amongst the students, likewise lawyers. We have about 70 students that ought to have graduated by now but the universities didn’t allow them to write their final year exams. They are currently with us, crying, but we keep encouraging them that God will send a good Samaritan.”

On healthcare, Pastor Folorunsho said: “We also need an abundance, because, at times, when we have emergencies, we have to be running up and down to get a vehicle, but if we have an abundance stationed here, we can rush to UBTH.

“We also need medical laboratory equipment for our medical personnel to run tests in the health centre.”

The coordinator, while appreciating those who have been donating to the IDPS, passionately appealed to “well-meaning Nigerians, Non-Governmental Organisations, the international community, even food producing companies like Dangote and everyone that loves humanity to come provide food for these children.

“What these children need is food to eat, and they are able to go to school. They need notebooks and textbooks. We need those that will pay our teachers and their school fees.

“We all know where these children are coming from— Some of them saw their parents beheaded, some saw dead bodies — they saw all sorts of horrible things, so, they were highly traumatized in the beginning. Now that they are out of trauma, we don’t want them to go back to trauma again because of not having food to eat, or because of inability to pay school fees. Inability to pay school fees will bring trauma back, of which we don’t want.”

News

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

Published

13 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.
‎
‎ 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.”
‎

News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

14 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

14 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.