Connect with us

News

NURTW Re-elects MC Oluomo As Lagos Chair

Published

on

Lagos State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, also known as MC Oluomo, has been re-elected for a second term in office.

Akinsanya, Alhaji Sulyman Ojora – Deputy Chairman; Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle (Sego) – Treasurer and 20 other executive members were elected unopposed yesterday at the 10th Quadrennial State Delegates Conference held at the state union secretariat, Agege.

They were sworn-in by Adejare Kembi, Principal, Excel Practitioners in the presence Acting National President of the union Alhaji Aliyu Issa Ore; former National Secretary Kabiru Ado Yau; Controller, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Lagos Office Eshomounu Itemoagbo; Assistant Chief Labour Officer in the ministry Anthony Ogwu; and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Lagos State Public Relation Officer Comrade Ismail Adejumo among others.

Advertisement

Akinsanya thanked Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ore-led national body of the union and other stakeholders for standing by him during the crisis.

READ ALSO: Celestial Church Bows To Criticism, Drops Portable, Pasuma From Praise Night

He reserved special commendation for members of the union in the state for their loyalty to him as their leader and perseverance.

Advertisement

He promised more assistants and for union members.

Akinsanya also vowed to continue his reform policies that have transformed the union activities in the state for better.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by a Director in the State Ministry of Transportation, Lateef Tiamiyu, hailed the union members for re-election Akinsanya for a second term in office.

Advertisement

He praised Akinsanya’s exemplary leadership qualities and ability to reform the union activities in the state.

READ ALSO: Delta Police Arrest Eight Suspected Kidnappers

According to the governor, gone were the days NURTW members took to violence to effect leadership change.

Advertisement

He implored them to continue to key into the government policies.

Itemoagbo described Akinsanya as a leader that is moving in the right direction.

He said Akinsanya’s employment of over 123 graduates to work in various units of the union is highly commendable.

Advertisement

He promised that the ministry would continue to partner Akinsanya-led union to ensure more people are employed in the union.

Itemoagbo enjoined union members to maintain for their association to record more progress.

READ ALSO: Ego Explains Exit From Lagbaja’s Band

Advertisement

Acting National President of the union Alhaji Ore hailed Akinsanya’s emergence and other executive members.

He said: “Those who will emerge victorious from this election must serve in such a way that demonstrates exemplary leadership, capacity and sacrifice. Both the leadership and followership must strive through a collaborative effort to turn the union fortune for the better.

“Those elected must carry others along. I therefore urge you all to within your limitations try as much as possible to run an open administration that will be devoid of victimization and committed to fairness, equity, and justice; so that unity and harmony will prevail amongst others and members of this great union at the various levels.”

Advertisement

Commissioner of Police in Lagos Command, CP Idowu Owohunwa, who was represented by Olatunji Oladimeji, a Chief Superintendent (CSP), hailed Akinsanya for cooperating with the police force.

He called for more collaboration between the police and the union.

 

Advertisement

News

Senator Imasuen Kicks Off Benin Unity Cup To Foster Unity

Published

on

In a bid to foster unity and discover young talents at the grassroots, the Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, Neda Imasuen, on Friday launched a football tournament titled Benin Unity Football Cup.

The tournament, which will feature teams from Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Orhionmwon, Uhunmwode, Ovia North East, and Ovia South West, is slated to kick off on 20 November and climax on 20 December.

Speaking during the unveiling, Senator Imasuen said the project was born out of his passion for youth empowerment and the revival of football in Edo and Nigeria at large.

Advertisement

“This initiative is not about my position, but about helping our youths to discover their purpose,” he stated.

“Edo is overflowing with untapped talents. We must harness these opportunities so that our young people can have dignity, respect, and pride in what they do.”

READ ALSO:Nigerian Singer Attih Soul Performs At Barcelona Star Lamine’s Birthday

Advertisement

The senator noted that the tournament aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the sporting vision of Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, saying both leaders share a deep interest in youth development and sports as a tool for empowerment.

“Empowerment isn’t just about giving people jobs; it’s about helping them become who they are meant to be. Through sports, we can tackle unemployment, idleness, and restiveness among our youths,” Imasuen added.

Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Hon. Philip Shaibu, lauded the senator for what he described as a lofty initiative that will live beyond his tenure.

Advertisement

He pledged NIS’s partnership to help identify and train emerging talents through its facilities.

Shaibu also called for an audit of former sports ministers for allegedly neglecting the NIS facilities, which he said had deteriorated due to years of mismanagement.

READ ALSO:Edo Bye-Elections: Show You Are On Ground, Idahosa Tasks APC Leaders

Advertisement

Commending the senator, Hon. Idehen Ebomwonyi described football as “a powerful tool for unity and cultural pride,” expressing hope that the tournament would unearth new stars comparable to Julius Aghahowa and Baldwin Bazuaye, both of whom rose from Edo to national prominence.

Earlier, Chairman of the Edo Football Association, Fred Newton, also hailed the initiative as “a ground-breaking legacy,” promising that international scouts would attend the games to spot promising players for opportunities abroad.

On his part, former Commissioner for Transport and Coordinator of the Benin Unity Cup Tournament, Orobosa Omo-Ojo said: “We must commend Distinguished Senator Neda Bernards Imasuen for his visionary sponsorship and unwavering belief that empowering our young people through sports is key to building a stronger, safer, and more United Edo South.

Advertisement

“His support reflects true grassroots leadership—one that sees sports and other intangible talents as a unifier and a driver of human development.

READ ALSO:Choice Of Dennis Idahosa As Deputy Gave Us Victory- Okpebholo

“As coordinator of this initiative, I see first-hand the dreams, the discipline, and the determination football inspires. From the streets of Iyekeorhionmwon to the fields of Iyekovia and the bubbling streets of Adesogbe, Ehor and others, we will discover tomorrow’s champions—young men who only need a platform to shine. This tournament gives them that platform.”

Advertisement

The grand finale of the Benin Unity Football Cup will hold at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, with preliminary matches scheduled for Irhirhi Sports Ground and the University of Benin Sports Centre.

Winners of the competition will cart home ₦1 million, runners-up ₦700,000, third place ₦500,000, and fourth place ₦300,000. Each of the eight participating teams will also receive a full set of jerseys for 22 players, courtesy of the senator.

The Benin Unity Football Cup, conceived at the Benin Unity Summit, is expected to become an annual platform for promoting peace, sportsmanship, and youth development across Edo South.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

CSOs, Academia, Impacted Communities Launch Climate Justice Campaign In Edo

Published

on

In a bid to advancing environmental justice and protecting biodiversity, a Climate Justice Assembly — comprising members of the civil society community, academia, representatives of oil extraction impacted communities, media, etc on Friday launched a campaign tagged #Yasunize and #Ogonize in Benin

The Assembly, convened by Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), was themed: Climate Justice Assembly: Yasunize & Ogonize the World for Socio-Ecological Wellbeing.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director, HOMEF, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, said the campaign was “inspired by the struggles of the Ogoni people in Nigeria, who have faced decades of environmental devastation and halted oil extraction in their territory in 1993, and the struggle of the people of Ecuador to stop oil extraction at Yasuní-ITT, one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. The people of Ecuador voted massively against crude oil extraction at Yasuni ITT in a national referendum in August 2023.”

Advertisement

Bassey added that the “campaign aims to advance environmental justice, protect biodiversity, and build resilience in the face of a changing climate. It is powered by people on the ground – activists, community groups, and allies around the globe – who are demanding that corporations and governments clean up their mess and help communities heal.”

L-R: Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Edo State, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana; Dr. Ofuani Sokolo, Faculty of Law, University of Benin; A Professor of French Language, University of Benin during the launching on Friday.

READ ALSO:World Ocean Day: HOMEF Wants An End To Human’s Exploitative Relationship With The Ocean

The ED explained further that “#Ogonize is more than a campaign; it is a fight for what is right. We want to ensure that communities impacted by environmental disasters are heard, that their land is restored, and that future generations inherit a healthy planet.

“#Yasunize is about rethinking our relationship with nature. It is recognising that some places are too valuable to exploit and that we need to prioritise the health of our planet over short-term profits.”

Advertisement

“Together, #Ogonize and #Yasunize paint a picture of a world where environmental justice and sustainability are not just ideals, but realities.

“They challenge the status quo and insist that protecting the environment and ensuring social fairness go hand-in-hand. These campaigns remind us that real change comes from community-led solutions and global cooperation.”

READ ALSO:HOMEF’s School of Ecology Empowers Young Activists with Environmental Knowledge

Advertisement

He urged authorities concerned to ensure those “responsible for environmental damage pay reparations and face legal consequences, while shielding biodiversity hotspots and indigenous territories from harmful activities.”

Bassey also called on the
governments, organisations, and individuals are invited to join the movement, stand with affected communities, and advocate for policies that prioritise justice and halt ecocide.”

On his part, Executive Director, Miideko Environmental Development Foundation Initiative, Celestine Akpobari, who is an Ogoni man, urged people to expose those carrying out environmental degradation, adding: “If you see anyone destroying our environment and keep silence, you are an accomplished.”

Advertisement

In his goodwill message, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana, urged people not to burn the planet, just as he warned: “We are all threatened; everyone of us is at risk.”

Dr. Ofuani Sokolo, from the Faculty of Law, University of Benin, also spoke on Gender Climate Change and Community Mobilisation, while other academia and CSO members gave goodwill messages.

 

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Ovia South West Council Chairman, Edobor Bags National Merit Award

Published

on

The Acting Chairman of Ovia South West Local Government Council in Edo State, Hon. Charles Nosakhare Edobor, has bagged the 2025 Nigerian Local Government Merit Award (LOGMA).

He was awarded as the Best Performing Local Government Chairman in Nigeria (Security and infrastructure development, purposeful leadership).

Speaking after being conferred with the prestigious award, Edobor applauded the organizers for recognizing his administration’s commitment to localizing good governance.

Advertisement

He highlighted his leadership’s remarkable strides in building a sustainable, livable, and prosperous council area through numerous people-oriented programmes and projects-particularly in road infrastructure and the provision of basic social amenities.

READ ALSO:Why We Arrested Sowore – Police

Edobor dedicated the award to the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and to the good people of Ovia south west Local Government Area.

Advertisement

He expressed satisfaction with the honour. He emphasized that the award would further spur him to work harder in pursuing people-centred programmes aligned with Senator Monday Okpebholo’s S.H.I.N.E and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Edobor commended Governor Okpebholo for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for local government administrations across the state.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening rural development, empowering youth and women, and ensuring the dividends of democracy reach every ward in Ovia south west local government.

Advertisement

READ ALSO:How I Nearly Abandoned Presidential Library Project – Obasanjo

Earlier, in his welcome address at the event which held on Wednesday at the National Merit House, Abuja, the National Coordinator of LOGMA, Chief Bayode Ojo, stated that the award was designed to showcase the achievements of local government chairmen and reward excellence in grassroots governance – particularly those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to promoting grassroots development despite the challenges confronting the third tier of government.

He congratulated all the awardees for making the final list after rigorous scrutiny and spot-checking of some of their executed projects to verify the authenticity of their claims.

Advertisement

Chief Ojo further urged the awardees to continue to be shining examples of sustainable growth at the grassroots and in the country at large.

 

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending