News

ERA/FoEN Pushes For Zero Waste Environment

Published

4 years ago

May 29, 2022

The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) says it is committed to attaining a zero waste environment in Nigeria Edo State in particular.

This was the resolution reached at the organization’s Zero Waste Ambassadors Parliament held in Benin over the weekend.

The parliamentarians who were later paired into three groups with a mandate of proffering a way forward in achieving a clean and zero waste environment in Edo State came up with different recommendations.

In his welcome address, Executive Director, ERA/FoEN, Chima Williams, Esq., said in ERA they believe that no individual can single handedly achieve a zero waste environment, hence the setting up of the Zero Waste Ambassador, which according to him had been on for almost a year now.

While declaring that the activities and engagements by the programme have been yielding positive results since its inception, Chima said: “For us at ERA/FoEN, we believe that nobody can do it alone. The problems are so much enormous. Neither you nor me, neither the government can individually solve our problems. So, this is the time for a collective action; this is the time for a collective engagement; this is the time for a collective projection and collective work, because this is the only way we can solve our problems.”

Tobi Yusuf, in her contribution and recommendation on behalf of other group members, on the sub topic ‘Keeping Liters of our Streets: Our Collective Responsibility,’ attributed indiscriminate dumping of refuse to ignorance, saying that many people do not know that dumping of refuse on the roadside is creating problem to the environment.

She therefore called for periodic enlightenment of members of the pubic on the dangers associated with dumping of refuse on the roadside and what it could cause to the environment.

She also called for the use of alternative such as clothing bags which according to her could serve for months.

While advocating for sorting and segregation of waste, Yusuf said there was need for waste managers to be up and doing in the timely picking up of waste from different locations rather than keeping them for days.

On her part, Hannah Akpan, from group two of the parliament said waste managers need to be trained for effectiveness and efficiency, adding that another challenge of refuse collection is unavailability of waste managers after packaging such waste for days.

Dr. Ekene Biose of group three who said Nigeria needs a system that works, added that in a society that works, waste are properly sorted and disposed without much delay.

Earlier, Mr. Ubrei- Joe Mariere, of ERA/FoEN said the Waste Parliament was introduced by ERA as a way of bringing the government, community, everybody into a common room and chat.

“There is an issue with our environmental policies, there are issues with our Waste Management Policies that is why we are having the Waste Management crisis that we are having in our society today.

“To tackle this, we came up with Zero Waste Ambassadors, they have become our own exit strategy, they in turn were able to come up with Brand Auditing, which is something that even the state government have never done,” he said.

News

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

Published

14 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

15 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

15 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.