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Nigeria’s Poverty Reduced By Seven Per Cent – World Bank

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The World Bank has estimated that improved access to internet coverage over three years led to a seven per cent reduction in extreme poverty in Nigeria and Tanzania.

This was disclosed in a new brief titled, “Digital transformation drives development in Africa,” noting that the exposure has also led to an increase of 8 per cent in labour force participation and wage employment.

The World Bank said, “In 2023, a World Bank flagship report found that in Nigeria and Tanzania, extreme poverty declined by about seven per cent after three or more years of exposure to internet coverage, while labour force participation and wage employment increased by up to eight per cent.”

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In the brief, World Bank Chief Economist for Africa, Andrew Dabalen, was quoted as saying, “The minimal usage of mobile internet is a lost opportunity for inclusive growth in Africa. Closing the uptake gap would increase the continent’s potential to create jobs for its growing population and boost economic recovery in a highly digitalised world.”

The brief further highlights that over the past five years (2016-2021), sub-Saharan Africa experienced an extraordinary 115 per cent increase in internet users, a change that has been instrumental in spurring economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating job opportunities.

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The brief adds, “The region’s digital infrastructure coverage, access, and quality still lag other regions. At the end of 2021, while 84 per cent of people in SSA lived in areas where 3G service was available, and 63 per cent had access to 4G mobile coverage, only 22 per cent were using mobile internet services.

READ ALSO: FG Relocates FAAN Headquarters To Lagos

“The gap between coverage and usage is similarly large for broadband, with 61 per cent of people in sub-Saharan Africa living within the broadband range but not using it.”

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The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, recently noted that the cost of data in Nigeria was still one of the cheapest in the world, but lamented that many operators are not willing to lay fibre in many parts of the countries outside the major cities because it would be unprofitable.

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NUJ Reacts As Sacked Edo Taskforce Boss Assaults EBS Staff

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Sacked boss of the defunct Edo Public Safety Response Team, Kelly Okungbowa popularly known as Ebostone on Wednesday assaulted two staff of the Edo Broadcasting Service at the government house.

The incident happened during an empowerment programme for 250 special people in the state at the Festival Hall, government house.

It was gathered that trouble started when nine others who were not captured in the programme stormed the venue, to protest their exclusion.

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At that moment, the Edo Broadcasting Service cameraman at the venue was attacked by Okungbowa, who felt he (the cameraman) was recording the commotion.

The reporter, Juliet Aisien, immediately stood up to defend her cameraman and explain the need for Okungbowa not to assault her cameraman and that they belong to a state-owned outfit.

READ ALSO:Gunmen Attack NUJ Secretariat, Injure Police Officer

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Okungbowa, who was piqued at this point, hit the reporter on her shoulder when he attempted to slap.

Reacting to the development in a statement, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, condemned the act and described it as an attack on press freedom.

The statement signed by Festus Alenkhe and Andy Egbon, Chairman and Secretary respectively, reads: “The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, condemned in strong terms the assault on Juliet Enabulele Asein, a reporter with the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), who was assaulted and manhandled by Kelly Okungbowa (Ebo Stone) at a public function in Benin City on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

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“The leadership of the union considers this act as a blatant attack on press freedom, the safety of journalists, and the right of media professionals to carry out their lawful duties without fear, intimidation, or violence.

READ ALSO:Osun Monarchs Donate Air-conditioners, Computers To Support NUJ’s E-Library Project

“The NUJ further warns that attacks on journalists in the line of duty will no longer be tolerated, and urges members of the public, especially public figures, to exercise restraint and show respect for the constitutional role of the media in strengthening democracy and promoting accountability.

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“The Union calls on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to immediately arrest Kelly Okungbowa, investigate him and bring him to justice.”

Recalled that in March, Governor Monday Okpebholo suspended indefinitely the activities of the Public Safety Response Team headed by Kelly Okungbowa.

There have been several complaints about the activities of the body, with the latest resulting in the death of a two-year-old girl on Wednesday.

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READ ALSO: Easter: Edo NUJ Chairman Felicitates Christians, Journalists 

At Ring Road in Benin, officers of the PSRT attempted to take over the steering wheel of a moving vehicle, causing the driver to lose control.

The bus then veered off the road and rammed into a roadside POS kiosk where the young girl and her mother were standing, killing the child instantly.

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Also in the same month, operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested Okungbowa for alleged naira abuse.

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Kingsley Aigbangbee: A Name Built On Grassroots Impact

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In communities across Edo State, development is often spoken of in promises, big words waiting for action. But every so often, a name emerges that shifts the conversation from expectations to evidence. In IGUOSHODIN–NEBUDIN In Ovia North East Local Government Area that name is Kingsley Aibangbee… a man whose work has quietly reshaped everyday life. His approach is rooted in a timeless philosophy once echoed by an American president: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

For Aibangbee, this message is more than a quote, it is a blueprint.
September 2023 marked a turning point for Orenolomi Secondary School. Once a tired structure with fading walls and empty classrooms, the school had become a symbol of abandonment. But that changed when Aibangbee stepped in. With no fanfare, no political stage, he reconstructed the school completely, restoring not just a building, but the future of hundreds of children.

READ ALSO:Alleged Cybercrime: Court Grants Sowore Bail

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Yet, for him, the work wasn’t finished. A school is only as strong as the people who keep it running. So he employed four teachers—paid directly from his own pocket—who remain on his payroll to this day. In an era where many wait for government intervention, his actions stood out as a reminder of what one individual can choose to do for the many.

But Aibangbee’s impact didn’t stop in the classroom.
Every student received free uniforms and writing materials a simple gesture that removed financial barriers for families and drew many children back to school. In homes where survival often competes with education, this support made all the difference.
Beyond education, the heartbeat of the community, its economy also felt his touch. A modern market now stands proudly in IGUOSHODIN–NEBUDI, built through his effort. What used to be makeshift stalls and risky trading corners has transformed into a structured, safer space where local traders can earn their living with dignity.

READ ALSO:US Senator Proposes Bill To End Dual Citizenship

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Across the community, the message is resounding, Kingsley Aibangbee isn’t waiting for government rescue, political promises, or applause. His story reflects a quiet revolution, one built on service, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief that true leadership begins where the people stand.

In every corner of IGUOSHODIN–NEBUDIN, in every classroom, every uniform, every stall in the new market… his actions echo the challenge of that famous American quote. Not what your “country can do for you but what you can do for your country”!!!!

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Edo Expresses Commitment To Ease Of Doing Business

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The Edo State government has expressed commitment to providing the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.

The state Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, gave the assurance after a closed door meeting with representatives of Pan Ocean Oil Corporation Nigeria Limited, NewCross Exploration and Production Limited in Benin.

The deputy governor, who served as chairman of the state boundary committee, noted that this is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the SHINE Agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

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Idahosa, who said “it is part of the state’s strategy to create employment opportunities,” pointed out that it is in line with Governor Monday Okpebholo economic drive to turn the state into an investor friendly one.

READ ALSO:2027: I Will Resign If Tinubu Loses In Edo – Governor Okpebholo

He also emphasised meed to resolve the lingering disputes, saying the boundary committee is proactively looking into and settling areas of concern regarding the issue.

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All communities that are in the boundary line between Edo and Delta States where there are communal disputes, we want to assure them that we are doing everything within our power, using diplomatic and democratic means to make sure this is resolved amicably,” he assured.

The deputy governor noted that under the SHINE Agenda of this administration, much has been done in the area of infrastructural development.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo’s One Year Performance Outshines Some governors’ 8 Yrs, Says Idahosa

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This has made it possible to access roads to major companies, communities, and, ensuring the security of life and properties across the state by investing aggressively in security,” he stated.

On the outcome of the robust interface with the oil workers, Idahosa said through deliberations at the meeting, both parties successfully forged a headway.

He said this has resorted to the invitation of the Edo State Boundary Committee for an on the spot inspection of operation sites in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state.

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He called on investors and multinational companies operating in Edo State to go about their businesses with ease as the Okpebholo led administration is investment friendly.

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