News

Midwest At 60 Anniversary: Obaseki, Oborevwori, Oshiomhole, Others Chart Path For Region’s Devt., Growth

Published

2 years ago

August 28, 2023

…We must plan for our future, promote competition, stop reliance on FG for direction, resources – Obaseki

… Edo is one, we must continue to work for our progress – Oshiomhiole

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his Delta State Counterpart, Sheriff Oborevwori and the Senator Representing Edo North Senatorial District and former Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and other stakeholders from the South-South region, on Monday, converged on Benin City, to chart a new path for the region’s growth and development during a colloquium to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Midwest Referendum.

The colloquium, with the theme, 60 years after the referendum, which way Midwest?’ had in attendance leaders and other stakeholders from Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa states.

Obaseki, who noted that the region is still bedeviled by numerous social and economic challenges 60 years after the referendum, reiterated the need to plan better for the future of the people and attain accelerated development with a less cumbersome system of government that promotes competition among sub-nationals and discourages the constant resort to Abuja for direction and resources.

The governor in his welcome address said, “Today marks a significant milestone in our history as we reflect on our journey as a people, celebrating our achievements, acknowledging our challenges, and renewing our commitment to the ideals that shape our present and future.”

He stated, “Six decades ago, the people of Edo, Delta and parts of Bayelsa State united in agreement for their self-determination, to chart their own course to political and economic freedom and break free from the chains of regional dominance.

“The Midwest Region in 1963, which was carved out of the then Western Region, three years after Independence and colonial rule, was a product of the bold character and love for freedom of our forebears. The region which later came to be known as Bendel State in 1976, was the first State in Nigeria to be created by a referendum, signaling our staunch belief in democratic ideals.

“It was the foresight, sacrifice, and struggle of courageous and notable leaders such as Oba Eweka II, Oba Akenzua II, Chief Dennis Osadebe and Chief Anthony Enahoro, among others that secured the creation of the then Midwestern Region. They had braved the odds and battled to create a distinctive political identity for a people who have always loved and cherished their freedom, culture and creative energies.”

Obaseki added, “The story of the Midwest Referendum is one of unity, resilience, and the power of collective action as it marked the beginning of a new era with which we took control of our destinies and that resulted in growth, development and progress. It is a story that continues to inspire us to this day, reminding us of our capacity to overcome challenges, transform adversity into opportunities, and forge a better path for ourselves.”

The governor continued: “Sixty years after the referendum, we are still bedevilled with numerous socio-economic challenges, which require a reset of the institutions and structures that propped the region up in the past.

“This is why we have undertaken holistic reforms of our institutions in Edo State in the last seven years. We have advanced reforms and innovations in various spheres of the economy that have opened Edo up for investment.

“We must continue to work together to overcome challenges, build on our successes, and sustain collaborations toward building a strong and virile region.”

He queried, “An important question to ask is: Are the conditions that led to the Midwest Referendum in 1963 not staring us in the face in Nigeria today? Would we not be able to plan better for the future of our people and attain accelerated development with a less cumbersome system of government that promotes competition among sub-nationals and discourages the constant resort to Abuja for direction and resources?”

The governor further noted, “Nigeria is in dire straits today as a result of the poor handling of our economic fortunes. And with the removal of the fuel subsidies among other political and economic challenges, perhaps the Midwest option may just be what we need to fall back to in order to stand a chance at survival and set a new course for economic rejuvenation.

“I extend my deepest appreciation to all those who have contributed to the growth and development of our dear Midwest region, now Edo and Delta States. We must continue to work together to build a State that stands as a beacon of progress, a model of good governance, and a testament to the indomitable spirit of our people.”

The Governor of Delta State represented by his Deputy, Monday Oyeme, said, “It is worthy of note that when the people decide on a stand, nothing can change it not even intimidation. 89 percent of people voted for a referendum to opt-out from the western region to form the Midwest region without violence as the people’s choice prevailed.”

Oshiomhole, who described the event as apt, thanked Governor Obaseki for organising the event and bringing stakeholders from Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa states to chart a path for their future.

He said, “This is the kind of event that is needed as it will bring the unity we need for the progress of our people. When I received the invitation letter personally signed by you, I said to myself that I must be here to solidarise and support you as Edo is one.

“There are a lot of young people here in this hall and this kind of event will enable our young people to know when the Midwest was created and formed. The Midwest is truly the only region of unity that came together to fight for its freedom.”

News

Foundation Holds School Debate In Benin To Address Negative Narrative About Education

Published

11 hours ago

November 19, 2025

Editor

Osahon Enabulele Foundation, (DOEF), has given reason for organising interschool secondary schools debate in Edo State, saying it was “conceived to tackle the negative narrative surrounding the value of education among the younger generation.”

The Director—General of the foundation, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, stated this at the grand finale of the maiden edition of the debate held in Benin on Wednesday.

The competition, titled: “If education is a scam or not” was informed by the social-economic reality with students demonstrating impressive intellectual competition and depth.

Enabulele stressed that the debate was aimed at promoting intellectual development, encouraging civic engagement and public speaking, and fostering leadership qualities and critical thinking.

He added that the foundation, established nine months ago, was driven by strategic pillars that include leadership and governance, health, education, policy advocacy and social philanthropy.

According to him, many young people are becoming disillusioned by society’s “defective role modelling” and the “unfortunate reward for individuals with questionable sources of wealth,”

He said, “The debate is totally driven by the Foundation as a deliberate interventionist initiative that seeks to reverse the worrisome negative narrative about education, particularly amongst our upcoming generations, including our youths who are increasingly becoming victims of our society’s defective role modelling and unfortunate reward for individuals with very questionable sources of wealth, with leadership and societal positions. Our younger ones are truly becoming disillusioned as a result of these inanities.

“Some no longer think it is worthwhile to acquire education or task their brains in any way. This debate initiative is therefore our Foundation’s committed efforts to contribute to the reversal of this worrisome trend and mindset affliction.”

The interschool debate saw Eghosa Grammar School clinching the N1m star prize while other winners were also presented with a certificate of participation, books and other sundry items.

The outstanding speakers during the debate also went home with cash prizes ranging from N100,000 to N200, 000.

News

Trump’s Military Threat: ‘Poor Man Is Already A Sinner’ – Shehu Sani

Published

12 hours ago

November 19, 2025

Editor

Former lawmaker, Shehu Sani, has criticised United States President Donald Trump’s approach to global relations, alleging a double standard in the way he engages with different regions of the world.

In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Sani said Trump had secured a trillion-dollar deal from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and consistently defended the kingdom, while raising issues of human rights, terrorism and religious persecution only when dealing with African leaders.

According to him, no African, European or Latin American nation could offer Trump the kind of financial leverage that oil-rich Arab states provide.

Sani’s remarks come amid Trump’s recent threat of military action in Nigeria over allegations of Christian genocide.

The former lawmaker argued that in a materially driven world, “a poor man is already a sinner,” suggesting that economic power continues to shape international attitudes and interventions.

He wrote: “Mr Trump got a deal of a trillion dollar from Bin Salman and defended everything about Saudi Arabia. No African, European or Latin American country can give him that.

“When they are talking with oil rich Arab countries, issues of human rights, executions, terrorism and religion doesn’t come up, until they meet with African leaders and start asking them where they learned ‘how to speak English’. In a material World, a poor man is already a sinner.”

News

Why Nigerians Are Not Feeling Inflation Drop – Economists

Published

12 hours ago

November 19, 2025

Editor

Despite Nigeria recording its seventh consecutive month of disinflation, economists and financial analysts have raised concerns that the easing inflation trend has brought little or no relief to Nigerians and households already overwhelmed by high living costs and economic hardship.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that headline inflation slowed to 16.05 per cent in October 2025, down from 18.02 per cent in September, one of the strongest single-month declines this year.

Food inflation also moderated to 13.12 per cent, compared to 16.9 per cent in the previous month.

But economists and analysts insist the improved figures do not reflect the economic reality facing millions of Nigerians.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr Muda Yusuf, said the gains from the latest figures have not translated into real cost-of-living relief because price pressures remain elevated across essential sectors.

“Inflationary pressures remain elevated in critical household sectors—including food, transportation, housing, utilities, education, and health—which jointly account for 84 percent of inflation,” Yusuf noted.

He attributed the limited impact of disinflation to persistent structural challenges such as high logistics costs, energy constraints, insecurity in food-producing regions and climate-related disruptions that continue to suppress supply.

According to him, “the full welfare benefits are yet to be sufficiently felt by households due to persistent structural constraints.”

Yusuf advised that deeper and sustained reforms across key sectors—supported by coordinated monetary, fiscal and structural policies—are necessary to turn statistical improvements into real economic progress.

‘NBS Inflation Figures Are Flawed’ — Former CIBN President, Okechukwu

In an interview with DAILY POST, Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu, former President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), said the October inflation report is detached from the real-life experience of Nigerians.

Unegbu insisted the country’s true inflation rate is significantly higher than official figures suggest.

“The inflation figure by the National Bureau of Statistics is flawed because it does not reflect reality. In real terms, the country’s inflation is as high as 29 percent,” he said.

He argued that the persistent rise in the cost of food, rent, transportation, fuel, and other essentials shows that the declining inflation rate “does not make sense” to the average Nigerian.

Why Nigerians Still Feel No Relief — Oyedokun

An economist and a university don, Prof Godwin Oyedokun, said most Nigerians feel no impact from the inflation slowdown because the structural drivers of the cost-of-living crisis remain intact.

He outlined six reasons why Nigerians are yet to feel the impact of inflation: “Prices are still rising— just more slowly- A drop in inflation does not mean prices are falling. Nigerians are still paying historically high amounts for food, transport, energy and rent.

“Incomes remain stagnant- Wages, pensions and SME earnings have failed to keep up with inflation for two years, weakening purchasing power.

“Key cost drivers remain unresolved- Exchange-rate volatility, high energy costs, logistics inefficiencies, insecurity in food belts and elevated interest rates continue to fuel price increases.

Inflation expectations are still high- Businesses expect prices to rise further and therefore adjust prices upward in advance.

“State-to-state variations distort relief- Some states still record much higher food and transportation inflation than the national average.

“Poverty levels overshadow economic data- With high unemployment and widespread poverty, even a slowdown in inflation does little to improve household welfare.”

Prof. Oyedokun concluded that “Nigerians have yet to feel any relief because the level of prices— not just the rate of change— remains painfully high, and the structural conditions driving hardship persist.”