News

Undermining Power Of The Media Is Self-destructive, Says Edo Commissioner-designate

Published

5 years ago

June 5, 2020

The Edo State Commissioner-designate for Communication and Orientation, Mr. Efe Stewart, says any leader or government who undermine power of the media does that the detriment of such government or leader.

Stewart who made this assertion while paying a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, noted that his appointment was for the media, as he urged practitioners to cooporate and work with him for a onward success.

He promised to put media practitioners first in all his official duties, adding that he has come to bridge the gap between journalists and the government.

” I’ll continue to wear your armour in government; I am going to represent your interest, it is not going to be business as usual. And so, I need your support for a resultful tenure.

” I know the importance and power of the media and so, I cannot underrate it. Any government that undermine power of the media does that at it own detriment”, the former media practitioner said.

L-R: Deacon Ralph Okhiria, former chairman, NUJ, Efe Stewart, Edo Commissioner-designate, Roland Osakue, present chairman, Edo NUJ, and Otunba Mike Aladenika, former chairman, Edo NUJ.

Responding, Roland Osakue, chairman, NUJ, Edo State Council, thanked the Commissioner designate, as he urged him to keep his promises by bringing the government closer to the media.

Osakue, who decried neglect of media practitioners by the present government in Edo State, noted: “when the governor was campaigning for his election he was here, but after he won the election he has not visited us here in our secretariat.”

The Chairman continues, “We have written many reminders as regard his promises and proposals to him but no reply. So, you as our own, we want you to bridge the gap; we want you to bring the governor here and interact with our members. As you are fighting and representing the government, do the same thing for us.”

He urged the Commissioner-designate to carry along all journalists in the state and not to discriminate against any one.

Top NUJ members present at the Secretariat to welcome the Commissioner-designate include: the present NUJ chairman, Roland Osakue, former chairmen of the Council, Deacon Ralph Okhiria, and Otunba Mike Aladenika; Bimbo Oyetunde, General Manager, Bronze FM (FRCN), Benin; Joy Bisi Akpaida, Head of Station, Daar Communication (AIT & Raypower), Benin, among other senior journalists.

News

Edo Gov Sacks Education Board Chair, Names Replacement

Published

7 minutes ago

October 13, 2025

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has removed Dr Maureen Ekhoragbon as Chair of the State Senior Secondary Education Board, effective immediately.

The Secretary to the State Government, Ikhilor Musa, announced the sack in a statement on Monday and named Dr Rita Otibho Erewele as Ekhoragbon’s replacement.

The statement did not give reasons for the dismissal.

Erewele was described as “an accomplished educationist and administrator” with more than two decades of experience in Nigeria’s education sector.

“She holds a PhD in Educational Administration and Planning, along with a master’s and bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Benin.

“Dr Erewcle has served in various leadership capacities, including as a lecturer, education consultant, and senior education officer.

“Her contributions to policy development, teacher training, and curriculum enhancement have earned her recognition for excellence in academic leadership and educational reform,” the statement read.

Earlier this month, Edo State Government announced the absorption of 4,000 volunteer teachers under the EdoStar Teaching Programme and recruitment of 500 new teachers to strengthen the state’s education system.

Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, said the move reflected Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to rewarding dedication and addressing the dearth of teachers in public primary and secondary schools.

“Come October 15, we are going to present letters of appointment to about 4,000 EdoStar volunteer teachers who have been teaching for the past three years,” he said.

News

INEC Accredits 121 Observers For Anambra Governorship Poll

Published

2 hours ago

October 13, 2025

Editor

The Independent National Electoral Commission has accredited 121 domestic and international organisations to observe the Anambra State governorship election.

The development was announced in an advertisement published by the commission in The PUNCH newspaper on Monday.

Accredited foreign observers include the British High Commission, the European Union, and the High Commission of Canada, among others.

On the domestic front, organisations such as Yiaga Africa Initiative, The Electoral Hub, and the Centre for Democracy and Development have been cleared to monitor the exercise.

The observers are expected to assess the conduct of the election and report on its transparency, credibility, and compliance with democratic standards.

INEC had earlier confirmed that 2.8 million voters are registered to participate in the election.

The Anambra governorship poll, one of Nigeria’s off-cycle elections, is set to take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

The electoral body has released the final list of candidates and announced the official commencement of campaign activities.

Sixteen political parties met the submission deadline of May 12 and will field candidates in the upcoming election.

News

UPDATED: Renowned Evangelist, Uma Ukpai, Is Dead

Published

3 hours ago

October 13, 2025

Editor

Renowned Nigerian evangelist and spiritual leader of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, is dead.

This was confirmed in a statement on Monday by his family, who said he passed away on October 6 2025 at the age of 80.

The family described his passing as a “glorious transition” from a life of devoted service to eternal rest.

Ukpai, widely recognised as a spiritual general and founding father of faith, dedicated over six decades of his life to evangelism, dynamic teaching of the Word, and prophetic demonstrations of God’s power.

His ministry impacted millions of lives in Nigeria and around the world, shaping destinies and nurturing spiritual growth across generations.

“He was a faithful soldier of the cross who devoted his life to spreading the gospel with passion and integrity.

“His teachings, prophetic insights, and mentorship have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire believers for years to come,” his family said.

Over the course of his ministry, Ukpai became known for his fiery evangelistic campaigns, transformative teachings, and commitment to empowering both clergy and lay leaders.

Beyond his spiritual work, he was also celebrated as a loving husband, devoted father, and mentor to countless individuals who regarded him as a guide in faith and life.

The family expressed gratitude for the life and work of Ukpai, highlighting that while they mourn his physical absence, they rejoice that he has “finished his race and is now resting in eternal praise.”

They assured the public that details of his obsequies would be shared in due course.

Ukpai’s ministry, spanning over sixty years, leaves behind a profound spiritual and social legacy, with churches, educational initiatives, and humanitarian efforts that continue to influence communities globally.

His life, the family said, was a testament to the biblical truth that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).