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Okpebholo, Idahosa Bag UNIBEN Distinguished Service, Leadership Awards

Published

3 weeks ago

October 7, 2025

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo and his deputy, Hon Dennis Idahosa have been awarded the University of Benin Distinguished Service and Leadership Awards, respectively, for their exemplary leadership styles since assumption of office on November 12, 2024.

The awards, which were conferred on them by the university’s Vice Chairman, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, is part of the activities lined up for the institution’s Faculty of Social Sciences golden jubilee celebration.

The deputy governor who received the awards said expressed delight for the recognition by the university as an alumnus.

“It is an honour to be part of this historic occasion marking the 50th anniversary of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

“For five decades, this faculty has produced outstanding scholars and change-makers who have contributed immensely to national and global development,” he said.

The deputy governor commended the faculty’s legacy of excellence, describing it as “a beacon of research, critical thinking, and civic engagement.”

He praised the university for its role in shaping generations of leaders who continue to influence public policy and nation-building.

Reflecting on the governor Okpebholo-led administration’s priorities, Idahosa reiterated the governor’s commitment to revitalising education in the state.

“The administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo is committed to strengthening the education sector, with a particular focus on inclusivity and infrastructure.

“We are determined to guarantee access to quality education for all, including children with special needs,” he stated.

Idahosa concluded with an appeal to students to steer clear of vices, particularly cultism, stressing that the government would deal decisively with anyone found engaging in such acts.

“You are our most precious assets and the hope of a prosperous Nigeria. Shun all forms of vices and violence. Focus on your studies and become agents of positive change,” he pleaded.

Speaking on a lecture titled: ‘We Will all Be Consumed Unless,’ Prof. Brownwell Amadasun, sparked lively reactions among attendees as the academic delved into Nigeria’s foundational challenges and their lingering impact on national development.

Amadasun critiqued the ideological roots of the Nigerian state, asserting that the nation’s founding fathers laid a framework deeply entrenched in ethnic and religious divisions.

“Our national leaders were ethnic leaders. They laid the foundation we are struggling with today. Ethnicity and religious allegiance continue to hinder national growth. We must move away from it or we will all be consumed,” he said.

He called for a fundamental shift in leadership philosophy and collective mindset to foster unity and sustainable progress.

The Faculty’s 50th anniversary celebrations continue throughout the week with lectures, exhibitions, and alumni engagements celebrating five decades of scholarship, service, and societal impact.

News

JUST IN: Tinubu Reverses Maryam Sanda’s Pardon, Convict To Spend Six Years In Jail

Published

56 minutes ago

October 29, 2025

Editor

After backlash for granting a presidential pardon to Maryam Sanda, sentenced to death in 2020 for the killing of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, President Bola Tinubu has revoked the pardon and reversed her sentence to 12 years.

This was revealed in an official gazette released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday.

According to the gazette, Sanda, who had already spent six years and eight months at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre, got the new approved term on compassionate grounds.

Details later…

News

JUST IN: Tinubu Bows To Pressure, Reviews Pardon For Kidnapping, Drug-related Offences

Published

1 hour ago

October 29, 2025

Editor

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a review of the presidential pardon granted to at least 175 persons at the National Council of State meeting on October 9, 2025, following nationwide outrage over the inclusion of individuals convicted of serious offences.

In a statement on Wednesday, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “Consequently, certain persons convicted of serious crimes such as kidnapping, drug-related offences, human trafficking, fraud, unlawful possession of firearms/arms dealing, etc., were deleted from the list.”

Onanuga added, “Others who had been hitherto pardoned in the old list had their sentences commuted.”

Details shortly…

News

JUST IN: Senate Clears Oluyede As Chief Of Defence Staff

Published

2 hours ago

October 29, 2025

Editor

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Chief of Defence Staff-designate, General Olufemi Oluyede, as it began the screening of the newly appointed service chiefs at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.

Oluyede was confirmed barely an hour after he and other nominees arrived at the complex amid tight security.

Welcoming the nominees to the chamber, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the screening as a constitutional duty aimed at ensuring that only the most competent and patriotic officers are entrusted with safeguarding the nation.

Akpabio said, “Distinguished colleagues, it is with great pleasure that I welcome our newly appointed Service Chiefs to the hallowed chamber of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

On behalf of the entire Senate, “I congratulate you on your well-deserved appointments and commend you for the years of dedicated service you have rendered to our great nation.”

He further explained that the exercise was part of the Senate’s oversight responsibility to guarantee discipline and professionalism within the armed forces, adding that the chamber looked forward to a constructive interaction that would strengthen Nigeria’s security system.

The Senate President added, “Today’s exercise is in keeping with our constitutional duty to provide oversight and ensure that only the most competent, patriotic, and disciplined officers are entrusted with the task of safeguarding our national security and territorial integrity.”

Leading the delegation, Oluyede arrived at the National Assembly complex around 10 a.m. alongside other senior officers. The nominees are being screened by the Committee of the Whole, chaired by Akpabio, before formal confirmation.

Their appearance follows a letter from President Tinubu, which was read during Tuesday’s plenary, urging the Red Chamber to give “expeditious consideration” to the nominations.

The President listed the nominees as General Olufemi Oluyede (Chief of Defence Staff), Major General Waheedi Shaibu (Chief of Army Staff), Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (Chief of Naval Staff), Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke (Chief of Air Staff), and Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye (Chief of Defence Intelligence).

The screening comes just a week after Tinubu held a closed-door meeting with the new service chiefs at the Presidential Villa — his first official engagement with the military hierarchy following last week’s sweeping shake-up in the armed forces.

According to the Presidency, the appointments form part of the administration’s broader efforts to strengthen the national security architecture and improve coordination among the military and intelligence agencies.

Tinubu had also lauded the outgoing service chiefs for their “patriotic service and leadership” and urged their successors to justify the confidence reposed in them by upholding professionalism, unity, and vigilance within the Armed Forces.