News

Obaseki Hosts Delta Gov, Oborevwori, Others At 60 Midwest Referendum Colloquium

Published

2 years ago

August 27, 2023

Governor of Edo State Mr. Godwin Obaseki, will, on Monday, August 28, 2023, play host to his Delta State counterpart, Sheriff Oborevwori, and other stakeholders from Delta and Edo states at a colloquium to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Midwest Referendum.

The referendum for the creation of the then Midwestern region of Nigeria, later renamed Bendel State in 1976, now Edo and Delta states, was held on Saturday, July 13, 1963, following the March 29, 1963 proclamation of the Federal Government of Nigeria, empowering the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs, to conduct the referendum.

The colloquium, being organised by the state government is among other activities lined up to celebrate the Diamond anniversary of the Referendum, bringing together leaders from the two states among other stakeholders to chart a path forward.

In a statement, Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Andrew Okungbowa, said the Colloquium with the theme, ‘60 years after the referendum, which way Midwest?’ will be held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Airport Road, Benin City by 10 am, on Monday, August 28, 2023.

According to him, the event will have a panel session with Prof. Michael Vickers, Prof. G. G. Darah, Prof. Uyilawa Usuanlele, Amb. Nkoyo Toyo, and Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed as panelists, with Chief Nduka Obaigbena as moderator.

Okungbowa said, “The Colloquium will begin with the National Anthem (in Edo Language) by Princess (Mrs.) Ivie Betty Uwa-Igbinoba, Zonal Director, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Edo Zonal Office (comprising Ẹdo, Delta and Kogi states).

“The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki who is the Chief host will give the welcome remarks at the event, while his Delta State counterpart, Sheriff Oborevwori will give the closing remarks.

“Prof. Eghosa Osaghae and Prof. Edward Erhagbe will be the keynote speakers at the event with the topics, ‘Referendums and Federal Solutions’ and ‘Restructuring Nigeria: The Fears, Challenges and Prospects’ respectively.”

He added, “The panel session will be facilitated by Chief Nduka Obaigbena, while the panelists Prof. Michael Vickers, Prof. G. G. Darah, Prof. Uyilawa Usuanlele, Amb. Nkoyo Toyo and Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed.”

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

6 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

6 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

7 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.