News

Ijaw Media Charged To Be Courageous As IPF New Exco Inaugurated

Published

3 months ago

February 27, 2026

….Ozobo, IYC, Eselemo Harp On Unity

Ijaw media practitioners have been charged to be courageous enough to praise genuine leadership and bold enough to challenge failure amongst leaders in the Ijaw ethnic nationality and the Niger Delta as a whole.

Chairman, Delta State Scholarship/Bursary Board, Dr. Shedrack Agediga, gave the charge in Warri at the inauguration of new executives of the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF).

Agediga, who was the Chairman at the event, said IPF is not just a social club, describing members of the IPF as not ordinary publishers but nation-builders.

According to him, for a long time, Ijaw stories have been told by mainstream media and outsiders with diluted versions, just as he stressed the need to support indigenous media.

He added: “The Ijaw Publishers Forum is not a social club. It is a necessity. It exists because for too long, our story has been told about us, but never by us. And when others tell your story, they decide who is villain and who is victim.

“In global history, no people have ever been emancipated without controlling their narrative. Media has always been the engine room of resistance.

“For years, mainstream narratives labelled us as troublemakers and militants; without context, without history, without justice.

“It was Ijaw-focused media that insisted on telling the fuller story: environmental destruction, broken agreements, and systematic neglect.”

The Delta State scholarship board boss, who described the media as a strategy, defence, power, added: “I speak as someone who has walked the creeks, sat in tense community meetings, listened to angry youths, disappointed elders, and helpless mothers and has seen, first-hand, how silence continues to harm the Ijaw people.

“As publishers, journalists, broadcasters, and content creators of the Izon Nation, the pen in your hand is stronger than any weapon. Use it with courage. Use it with discipline. Use it with love for our people.

“Let every headline, every broadcast, every book, every post send one clear message: The Ijaw people will no longer be spectators in their own land.”

In his goodwill message, spokesperson, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Worldwide, Princewill Binebai, while congratulating the IPF new exco, warned Ijaw people to know that they are surrounded by the enemy, hence they (Ijaw people) cannot afford to be enemy to themselves.

In his speech, a frontline Ijaw politician, Collins Eselemo, who traced the origin of journalism in Nigeria to the Ijaw ethnic nationality, frowned at Ijaw politicians who were absent at the event said he had wanted the event “ceremonious” with the Ijaws registering their presence as the true owners of Warri.

In his acceptance speech, the President, IPF, Comrade Austin Ozobo, promised to uphold the values of “our great organization and work tirelessly to promote the interests of our organization, the Ijaw Nation and the Niger Delta at large.”

He added: “The IPF will continue to advocate for the rights and interests of the Ijaw people, and will continue to promote accurate reporting and storytelling about the over 50 million Ijaw people that are balkanized and marginalized in Nigeria. The Ijaw people have a rich cultural heritage, and it is our responsibility to preserve and promote it.

“We will work with stakeholders to promote peace, unity, and development in the Niger Delta region. We will also provide a platform for Ijaw journalists and publishers to advance and grow in the media profession.”

He appealed to “Ijaw leaders to prioritize Ijaw Nation’s development; we should know where we are coming from. This is not the time for divisive governance, but rather a time for inclusive governance.

“Let us wake up from our slumber and stop doing things that will further divide us or underdevelop the Ijaw Nation.”

The IPF President, who expressed appreciation to stakeholders who have been supportive to the organisation, called on “all well-meaning Ijaw sons and daughters to join and support the organization (IPF) in this journey. Let us work together to build a stronger, more united Ijaw Nation where love, justice and peace will reign.”

News

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

Published

12 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
‎
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.
‎
‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
‎
‎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

13 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

13 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.