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Lockdown: BEDC Donates 6,000 Bags Of Rice, Others To Franchise States As Palliative

Published

5 years ago

April 18, 2020

…Assures Stable Power Supply To COVID-19 Centres, Others

As part of efforts to cushion the effect of the lockdown occasioned by the novel coronavirus, Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) Plc, has donated 6,000 5kg bags of rice and 4,000 cartons of Idomie noodles to the governments of Edo, Delta, Ekiti and Ondo states for onward distribution to the vulnerable groups and households in these franchise states.

The breakdown shows 1,500 5kg bags of rice for each state and 1,000 cartons of Idomie noodles for each state respectively.

Making the announcement and the consequent presentation of the palliative to Edo State government on behalf of the Managing Director of the company in Benin, Mr. Abu Ejoor, the Executive Director Commercial, said, as a company that is sensitive to the residents of franchise states, BEDC is set to further donate 50 units of motorised hand washing gears to strategic markets, and some communities under the DISCO.

Ejoor added that, as part of the company’s support, stable power supply up to 24hours would be ensured in various government established COVID-19 centres and related hospitals.

Mr. Osarodion Ogie (left) and Mr. Abu Ejoor, during the presentation at the government house, Benin

” This has already commenced in Irrua Specialist Hospital in Uromi, Edo Central Hospital where we also intend to look at other supports we can give in ensuring that some of their vehicles/ambulances are fully operational. Also, for the centres under preparation in Oba Adejuyigbe Specialist Hospital, Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State and Warri in Delta State, BEDC has already commenced working with the government to ensure adequate electricity”, he added.

The Executive Director emphasised that BEDC has increased significantly, power availability to several customers in its coverage areas, stressing that the process of boosting the present grid power with additional power supply source through embedded generation has commenced.

He announced that the company has, in this trying time, suspended the ratotional load management schedule for several areas to enable customers enjoy more supply in their different locations.

On the recent proposal by the House of Representatives to promote free electricity for two months, Ejoor said though BEDC align with the proposal, it is not yet signed into law hence electricity currently supplied to customers is not free.

He added, ” Though BEDC fully align with the proposal by the House of Representatives to promote free electricity supply to all Nigerians for 2 months to make life easier during the lockdown period over COVID-19 pandemic, this is not yet signed into law, as such the electricity currently supplied to customers is not free.”

The food items to donated by BEDC to Edo State government for onward distribution to the vulnerable groups and households

Receiving the food items on behalf of the Edo State government, Mr Osarodion Ogie, Esq., thanked the management of BEDC for supporting the government in reaching out to the vulnerable in the society in this trying time.

He lamented that, due to the outbreak of the pandemic and the consequent lockdown, many families lifestyles have changed for the worst, as he called on individuals, corporate bodies to toe the path of BEDC.

He noted that, with what the distribution company has done, it shows the management is with the government in the fight against the pandemic.

Bags of rice and Indomie noodles to donated by BEDC

He said, “People have lost jobs; people who are into daily earnings cannot earn anything again. And the vulnerable people are feeling it more than some of us who are on salary. So, we are appealing to corporate bodies and individuals to assist the government.”

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Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

Published

29 minutes ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.

A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.

“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.

“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”

The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA

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JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

Published

2 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

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UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

Published

2 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.