Connect with us

News

Forest Reserve: Okpebholo Broker Peace Between Host Communities, Investors

Published

on

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo state on Wednesday brokered peace between host communities and investors on the use of government forest reserve land for agricultural purposes and investors.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Hon Dennis Idahosa, appealed to the various stakeholders to always tow the line of peace at all times

Okpebholo noted that by virtue of the Land Use Act, the land in dispute belongs to the Edo state government.

Advertisement

The governor blamed activities of the previous administration of the state for the hostility between the investors and the host communities over the land that spreads across Ovia South West and Ovia North East Local Government Areas.

He accused the previous administration of arbitrarily allocating the said forest reserve to investors to without due consultation with host communities of Iguomon, Egbetta and Usen.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Pledges To Clear Inherited Salary Arrears, Gratuities At AAU

Advertisement

He stated that the meeting with stakeholders became expedient in order to straighten out facts and restrategize.

We had three investors that want to invest in oil palm production in the council areas, which is in line with the vision of Governor Monday Okpebholo to turn the state into investment heaven.

“Today, we met with the critical stakeholders of Ovia South West and Ovia North East to ensure all interests are captured.

Advertisement

“The investors were here, the community leaders, led by the Elawure of Usen, Oba Wilson Oluogbe II, and Palace Chiefs all came.

“Initially, a 5 percent buffer was proposed by the previous administration, but based on the conversation we had today, the investors agreed to increase to 10 percent.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Removes Itua As Chief Press Secretary

Advertisement

Haven put into consideration that Ovia is an agrarian area, with 80 percent of people relying on subsistence farming for survival,” he stated.

Okpebholo maintained that part of the resolution involved the raising of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) by investors with their host communities to keep all parties involved in decision making.

IHe declared, “Our administration is people oriented. The interest of investors are paramount to us as well as the interest of our people.”

Advertisement

The Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Musa Ikhilor stated that before the said land allocation to investors, the previous administration was supposed to have carried out diligent studies and a NEEDS assessment in relations to the communities.

He said basic steps ought to have been followed, such as meetings with Community Development Associations (CDA) with agreements reached on community development.

READ ALSO:IYC Expresses Displeasure Over Okpebholo’s Neglect Of Edo Ijaw

Advertisement

Historically, Ikhilor said Usen community started as a farm stead hence the need to carry such a community along in decision making on issues that affect their means of livelihood.

He further encouraged investors to engage in Corporate Social rlResponsibility (CSR) acts as well as put in place activities that promote job creation and general welfare of their host.

The Elawure of Usen, Oba Wilson Oluogbe II praised the Edo State Government for its intervention.

Advertisement

He appealed for communities to be carried along when critical decisions are being made, especially on issues that affect their livelihood.

The investors, included: Nimbel Shaw Limited; Professional Support Farms Limited and Steve Integrated Limited, commended Edo state government for the peaceful resolution of the matter.

Advertisement

News

NAF Launches Attack On Terrorists In Borno

Published

on

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, operating as part of the joint task force of Operation Hadin Kai, has carried out a coordinated air interdiction at AbbagaJiri in the Timbuktu Triangle, Borno State.

According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF, the air strikes successfully paved the way for ground troops.

He explained that the operation was based on actionable intelligence from multiple sources, which confirmed the presence of terrorists, their structures, and concealed logistics facilities in the area.

Advertisement

Ejodame stated that NAF air assets were deployed in integrated surveillance and precision strike roles to target identified threats.

READ ALSO:NAF Hits Bandit Logistics Hub, Neutralises Many In Zamfara

The operation aimed to degrade terrorist capabilities, deny them sanctuary, and shape the battlefield for ground forces, all while strictly adhering to rules of engagement and protecting civilians.

Advertisement

He added, “The Identified terrorist structures were decisively engaged and destroyed, denying the terrorists freedom of action, while a follow-up engagement neutralised armed elements observed converging on the location.”

Subsequent advances by ground troops into the area confirmed the effectiveness of the air strikes and validated the success of the joint air–land operation.”

Speaking on the mission, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said, “The success of the mission reflects the NAF’s resolve to dominate the air domain in support of joint operations.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:NAF Hits Bandit Logistics Hub, Neutralises Many In Zamfara

Aneke further emphasized that the operation highlighted the service’s commitment to providing precise and decisive air power in support of ground forces.

In his words, “We will continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary, and logistics wherever they seek to hide. Air operations will remain relentless and intelligence-driven.”

Advertisement

“Our operations are carefully planned and intelligence-led, ensuring maximum effect on hostile elements while safeguarding innocent civilians.”

READ ALSO:NAF Announces Two-hour Road Closure In Abuja For 10km Walk

The Nigerian Air Force will sustain pressure until terrorist networks are completely dismantled.”

Advertisement

He further noted that the operation showcased NAF’s aggressive stance, precision employment of airpower, and dedication to sustained joint operations.

Aneke added that such missions play a crucial role in enabling ground troops to maintain momentum and deliver decisive outcomes against terrorist networks threatening lives, property, and Nigeria’s national security.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Lagos Parks To Close For Maintenance – State Govt

Published

on

The Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, LASPARK, has announced that all public parks under its management across the state will be temporarily closed for routine maintenance and upgrades.

In a statement released on January 9 and shared via its official platforms early Saturday, LASPARK said, “All parks under our management will be closed to the public from January 12 to January 31, 2026.

“This follows increased visitor activity during the recent festive season.”

Advertisement

The agency listed several popular recreational spots that will be affected, including “Ndubisi Kanu Park, Alausa JJT Park, Dr. Finnih Abayomi Park in Oregun, and all other LASPARK-managed parks across Lagos State.”

READ ALSO:

Explaining the reason for the closure, LASPARK added, “The temporary shutdown is necessary to carry out essential landscaping, facility repairs, and general upgrades to ensure that our parks remain safe, clean, and enjoyable for residents and visitors.”

Advertisement

The agency also stressed that the exercise aligns with its broader mandate, noting, “This maintenance programme is part of our commitment to providing well-maintained green spaces that promote relaxation, wellness, and environmental sustainability.”

LASPARK assured residents that “all parks will reopen at the end of the maintenance period.”

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

PAP Sends Additional 34 Foreign Post-graduate Scholarship Beneficiaries To UK Varsities

Published

on

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has deployed an additional 34 foreign post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries to various universities in the United Kingdom for the 2025-2026 academic year.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri by Mr Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator, PAP.

According to the statement, the scholars’ programmes include data science, fintech analytics, cyber security, international energy law and policy, construction project management, public health, agri-food technology, electrical and petroleum engineering, among others.

Advertisement

The statement added that more foreign post-graduate scholars will be sent to UK universities in the current academic session.

“In December 2025, nine students, who were the first set of offshore post-graduate scholarship developments by the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, for the 2024-2025 academic year, graduated from their various programmes in UK universities.

READ ALSO:PAP Scholarship Scheme Vehicle For Better Future For Niger Delta —Otuaro

Advertisement

“Otuaro has deployed over 9000 students to universities within and outside Nigeria for different industry-relevant programmes since he assumed office in March 2024,” the statement partly reads.

Speaking at the pre-departure orientation programme for the scholars at the PAP headquarters in Abuja, on Thursday, Otuaro said that the large-scale deployment was aimed at making the Niger Delta a knowledge-driven region.

He said that his leadership reinvigorated the programme to give it a new momentum in service delivery to the people of the region based on the mandate of President Bola Tinubu.

Advertisement

Otuaro said, “We are sending all of you for post-graduate studies in various universities in the United Kingdom.

“The PAP now has a new momentum and direction because of the repositioning and broad reforms that we carried out in line with the mandate of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

READ ALSO:Otuaro Tasks Media On Objective Reportage

Advertisement

The objective behind the huge scholarships deployment is to ensure that we develop the needed human capital to transform the Niger Delta and generate knowledge-wealth.

“We want to develop relevant manpower in critical disciplines for our region and by extension, the country, because you are expected to contribute your quota to national development after successful graduation.”

The PAP boss, who was represented at the event by his Technical Assistant, Mr Edgar Biu, advised the scholars to study hard to achieve academic excellence in their various fields of research.

Advertisement

According to him, the scholars have an obligation to justify the Federal Government’s investment in their education and future.

READ ALSO:I’m Not Distracted By Anti-Niger Delta Elements, Says PAP Boss, Otuaro

He reiterated his warning that beneficiaries should not take for granted the opportunity to further their academic pursuits in the interest of the Niger Delta and indeed the country.

Advertisement

Otuaro expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his “enormous interest and support for the Programme”, particularly the approval of an upward review of the programme’s budget from N65billion to N150billion.

He also expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his impeccable guidance and supervision of the programme’s initiatives.

Otuaro, therefore, cautioned the scholars to obey their host country’s laws and the rules and regulations of their various institutions, stressing that they are ambassadors of Nigeria, the Niger Delta and their communities and families.

Advertisement

Highpoint of the orientation programme was the presentation of laptops to the scholars to help them in their studies.

Continue Reading

Trending