News

Recognise, Elevate Ijaw Royal Stools In Edo, IYC Tells Okpebholo

Published

6 months ago

December 4, 2024

Following the reinstatement of statutory authority to the Oba of Benin by Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, has called on the governor to recognise and elevate Ijaw royal stools in the state.

INFO DAILY reports that the IYC, Western Zone comprises Delta, Edo and Ondo states.

The IYC, Western Zone, in a statement jointly signed by Comrade Nicholas Igarama, Chairman; Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo Esq, Secretary, and Comrade Tare Magbei Information Officer, said the call became necessary following the pronouncement made by the governor which abolishes the Edo South Traditional Councils and reinstated statutory authority to the Oba of Benin.

According to the IYC, former Governor Godwin Obaseki, knowing well the multi-ethnic status of the state particularly Edo State Senatorial District, created the Edo South Traditional Councils, hence abolishing the body by the incumbent governor called for concern.

The IYC, while reminding “Okpebholo that Ijaws are independent and self-sufficient people who are not under the rulership of the Oba of Benin,” further reminded the governor that “Ijaws were strategically instrumental towards his emergence.”

Read full statement below:

Press Release
December 4, 2024

Abolishing of Edo Traditional Council a Disrespect to Ijaws, Other Edo Tribes

“Following the pronouncement made by Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, abolishing the Edo South Traditional Councils to reinstate statutory authority to the Oba of Benin, the Ijaw Youth Council Western Zone (Delta, Edo and Ondo) hereby express concern on the rationale behind the move.

“It is a known fact that Edo State is a multi-ethnic state with various traditional institutions well established according to the customs of these differing nationalities.

“It was on that premise the former administration led by Godwin Obaseki created the Councils under view in order to uphold sanctity and respect for customs.

“It leaves the IYC with great worry that Okpebholo is well on the way to ignite rancour, instability, and disrespect towards the cultures and traditions of the people of Edo South.

“Wth due respect to the throne, we remind Okpebholo that Ijaws are independent and self-sufficient people who are not under the rulership of the Oba of Benin.

“As peace loving and progress-driven citizens, we call on Governor Okpebholo to give regard and respect to royal stools, particularly those of Ijaw territories.

“We need not remind Okpebholo that Ijaws were strategically instrumental towards his emergence, and as such, it is a typical case of turning around to stab us in the back with his recent action.

“The IYC, therefore, calls on the Governor Okpebholo to take heed and look into recognizing and elevating Ijaw Royal stools in Edo State.”

Signed
Comrade Nicholas Igarama
Chairman, IYC Western Zone

Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo Esq
Secretary, IYC Western Zone

Comrade Tare Magbei
Information Officer, IYC Western Zone

News

NiMet Forecasts Three-day Thunderstorms, Rain From Wednesday

Published

2 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has predicted thunderstorms and rain from Wednesday to Friday across the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Tuesday in Abuja envisaged early morning thunderstorms on Wednesday over parts of Taraba,

Kaduna and Adamawa in the northern region.

It anticipated thunderstorms with rain over parts of Kebbi, Taraba, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Gombe and Bauchi states later in the day.

According to it, early morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Benue, Kwara, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa States in the North central region.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi and Plateau states.

“In the southern region, a cloudy atmosphere is expected with chances of morning rain over parts of Ondo, Ekiti and Edo states.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers during the afternoon or evening hours,” it said

NiMet envisaged prospects of morning thunderstorms on Thursday over parts of Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa and Taraba in the northern region.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, Gombe and Bauchi states.

“In the North-central region, patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected with prospects of early morning thunderstorms to affect parts of Niger, Nasarawa, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Benue and Plateau states,” it said.

According to NiMet, morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states in the southern region.

It envisaged isolated thunderstorms with rain over most parts of Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states later in the day.

“On Friday, prospects of morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Jigawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Adamawa and Taraba in the northern region.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kano, Kaduna and Bauchi states.

“In the North-central region, patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected with prospects of thunderstorms with rain over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kwara and Niger,” it said.

NiMet forecast thunderstorms over parts of Kwara, Benue and Kogi in the afternoon or evening hours.

According to it, cloudy atmosphere is expected in the southern region with chances of morning rain over parts of Oyo, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

It predicted isolated thunderstorms with rain over most parts of the region later in the day.

“Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur. The public should take adequate precautions and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision.

“Driving under heavy rain should be avoided. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets.

“Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.

“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng,” it said.

NAN

News

Democracy Day: Gov. Mohammed Advocates Unity, Good Governance

Published

2 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Editor

As Nigeria is set to celebrate 26 years of uninterrupted democratic dispensation on Thursday, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has called on all citizens to remain steadfast in promoting unity, peace, and good governance.

This is contained in his felicitation message made available by Mr Mukhtar Gidado, the Special Assistant to the governor on Media and Publicity to the people of the state and Nigerians at large in marking the 2025 democracy Day celebration.

According to him, the governor acknowledged the sacrifices of heroes past and the collective determination of the Nigerian people to uphold the tenets of freedom, justice, and accountable leadership.

“The governor said, Democracy Day serves as a solemn reminder of the nation’s collective journey toward democratic governance, civil liberties, and the rule of law.

“According to him, the day also honours the sacrifices of those who stood firm in the face of oppression and paid the ultimate price in the struggle for democratic freedom .

“He salutes the resilience and unwavering spirit of the Nigerian people, whose commitment continues to sustain the ideals of democracy.

“He also acknowledges the contributions of past and present leaders, civil society actors, and ordinary citizens who have played a pivotal role in deepening the democratic culture in our country,”said Gidado.

He said that Mohammed noted that Democracy Day also honoured the sacrifices of those who stood firm in the face of oppression and paid the ultimate price in the struggle for democratic freedom.

“While observing that the day was not just about elections, the governor said it’s about delivering tangible dividends that uplift the lives of the people.

“He reaffirms his administration’s commitment to transparency, inclusive development, and the protection of the rights of every resident of the state.

“Governor Mohammed further calls on the people of Bauchi State to use the occasion of Democracy Day to reflect on the progress made so far and to renew their commitment to building a more just, equitable and prosperous society for all,”Gidado said.

News

Edo Deputy Governor, Idahosa Preaches Unity As Honour For Martyrs Of June 12

Published

3 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Editor

The deputy governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has said that Nigerians must continue to fight for a united and indivisible nation as a mark of honour for those who fought for the country’s democracy.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Mr Friday Aghedo, the former federal lawmaker, noted that despite the challenges confronting Nigeria, “there is no alternative to democratic governance.”

“Today, we celebrate not just a date, but a journey; our collective commitment to freedom, justice, and the right of every Nigerian to have a voice.

“June 12th reminds us of the resilience of our people, the sacrifices made for democratic rule, and the unyielding hope we hold for a better and united Nigeria.

“As we mark this important day, let us honor the memory of those who stood for truth, uphold the values of transparency and accountability, and continue to build a nation where every citizen can thrive,” he stated.

Idahosa said that the Governor Monday Okpebholo leadership underscores the power of democracy to bring about meaningful change.

He said that the administration remained committed to transformative governance with it’s SHINE mantra.

This was just as the deputy governor noted that the people’s collaborative efforts were needed to foster a more effective and responsive democracy.

According to him, “As we commemorate this day, let us renew our commitment to supporting leaders who prioritize the welfare of the people.

“Democracy is not a destination, it is a continuous process. Together, let’s build Edo of our dreams.”