News
Insecurity: Okpebholo Summons Stakeholders’ Meeting, Talks Tough

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has threatened to deal decisively with criminal elements in the state, stressing that he will make sure the state is inhabitable for them.
Okpebholo spoke on Tuesday when he met with political, religious, traditional leaders, heads of security agencies, and other key stakeholders in Iyamho, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.
Those in the security meeting included: the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku; former governor of Edo State and Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh; former deputy governor of the state, Philip Shaibu.
Others were former Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Ogiadomeh; former Minister for State Budget, Clem Agba; traditional and religious leaders, security chiefs, and other stakeholders in the security sector.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Okpebholo Suspends Agenebode Traditional Ruler Over Kidnapping
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, Okpebholo was said to have summoned the security meeting to brainstorm on how to address the peculiar security challenges in the state and in particular Edo North.
Okepbholo said the security stakeholders’ meeting became necessary to ensure peace and security are maintained across the state, particularly in Edo North.
He emphasized that under his watch, criminal elements will not succeed in distabilizing the state.
He promised Edo people a better security situation in the state, saying all the deliberations arising from the meeting would be properly utilized.
“We came here for a peaceful discussion regarding security, and all our leaders are here, both traditional and religious leaders.
READ ALSO: Defection: Okpebholo Mocks PDP, Predicts Collapse Of Party In Edo
“The closed door meeting was successful as we had a good deliberation, and discussions were fruitful.
“We had a perfect discussion. Let us watch it from here. Things will be perfect in our land,” he stated.
On his part, Oshiomhole, while commending Okpebholo for his approach to handling security issues in the state, assured Edo people of safe of their lives and businesses under the current administration in the state.
“The governor gave us the assurance that he will continue to ensure Edo is safe for us all,” he said.
“The governor recognized that the local people have their own role to play. We have discussed how the community will work with security agencies and forward any information they have to the governor through available channels.
READ ALSO: Okpebholo’s Administration Will Engender Development In Rural Areas – Idahosa
“The governor came to meet us and to hear us out. This is the first time a governor is doing this. I do not think during my time as a governor, I came for security meetings like we have done today.
“The people have expressed their confidence in the governor. They have reaffirmed their loyalty and commitment to working together with the security agencies so that Afenmai land will be safe,” he added.
On his part, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Bishop Gabriel Dunia, appreciated all who came for the stakeholders’ meeting and urged them to collaborate to ensure peace in Edo State.
“We are very much appreciative of our Governor and all the traditional rulers who have come for us all to deliberate on the security of our people and our land. People have spoken their minds on the way forward, and we will work with it to ensure our land knows peace,” he stated.
News
Migration Agency Warns Migrants Against Irregular Travel Routes

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Giving is Healing Foundation, has sensitised residents of Ayobo in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State on the dangers of irregular migration and the need to embrace legal travel procedures.
Speaking during a sensitisation programme held at Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association in Ayobo, the founder of Giving is Healing Foundation, Mr. Gbolahan Ayediran, warned intending migrants against using illegal travel routes.
Ayediran said many Nigerians desire to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities but often ignore proper procedures, thereby exposing themselves to several dangers.
“Lots of people want to migrate and most of them do it in the wrong direction. The reason for the programme is for us to advise people on how they can migrate in the right way. As much as migration is their right, they should do it correctly,” he said.
READ ALSO:How Wike Rescued Me From Political Oblivion — Oshiomhole
He advised intending travellers to obtain the necessary travel documents before embarking on any journey, noting that such documents include international passports, visas, flight tickets and yellow cards, depending on the destination country.
According to him, migrants should also gather adequate information about their destination countries to enable them make informed decisions before travelling.
Ayediran further highlighted some of the dangers associated with irregular migration, including abuse, exploitation, discrimination and forced labour.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association, Elder Mathews Amusan, commended the organisers for enlightening members of the community on safe migration practices.
READ ALSO: He Can’t Fix His Party Let Alone Nigeria – Oshiomhole Blasts Atiku
He urged residents planning to travel abroad to always follow legal migration procedures to avoid falling victim to human trafficking and other migration-related challenges.
One of the participants, Mr. Kolawole Adenoko, said the programme enlightened him on the dangers of irregular migration and the importance of travelling through the proper channels.
He added that he would also educate his relatives and friends on the risks associated with illegal migration.
News
Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.
Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.
He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.
READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack
Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.
“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”
He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.
He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.
Watch the video here
News
Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

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.”
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.
Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached
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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