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Uproar Over Relocation Of NHIS Zonal Office From Benin To PH

Published

4 months ago

February 9, 2026

Editor

Concerned indigenes of Benin have condemned the relocation of the Zonal Office of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) from Benin to Port Harcourt.

They argued that the relocation of the zonal office was a deliberate affront on the people of Benin and Edo state in general.

A memo dated February 4, 2026 and addressed to all staff, named Port Harcourt as South South zonal headquarters rather than Benin from where it has operated for years.

The memo stated in part: “This is to inform all that the NHIA Governing Counci at its first retreat in August, 2025 approved the creation of two (2) new Departments: 1. Strategic Purchasing Department 2. Risk and Regulatory Services Department.

“These Departments have been forwarded to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for ratification. However, the Departments have commenced operational activities. “

The memo signed by Halima Y. Zakari, Director HRMD, stated further: “Furthermore, the Organizational Structure of the Authority now has seven Zonal Offices as follows.”

It listed the zonal offices and their headquarters as North Central Zonal Office (Ilorin); North East Zonal Office (Maiduguri); North West Zonal Office (Kano}; South East Zonal Office (Enugu); South-South Zonal Office (Port Harcourt); South West Zonal Office (Ibadan); Lagos Zonal Office (Lagos).

However, reacting to this, group known as Edo First said the plot to relocate the office from Benin to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was without justification and hatched by the zonal director of the South South zone.

In a statement signed by its President, Edosa Idahosa and Secretary, Ehiadolor Osakue, the group accused the zonal director of orchestrating the move for selfish reasons, citing proximity to his adopted home base of Bayelsa and his country home in Delta state.

The statement noted that Edo State Government in her gratitude manner provided rent-free accommodation for about 20 years and a Certificate of Occupancy for a permanent site, but the zonal director, from Delta State, refused to settle in Benin, with his family and business interests based in Bayelsa State.

The zonal office, the organization alleged, is currently suffering from neglect, self-interest, and intimidation swirling around the zonal director.

Sources revealed that the director is never present in the Benin office since his deployment in 2024. He is said to be in his adopted state rather than being in the zonal office thereby giving room for laxity.

The office is reportedly in disarray, with no alternative light source, no staff motivation, and weeds overgrowing the premises. His support for the relocation to Port Harcourt is purely on the basis of being closer to his Bayelsa base, the group said.

The group said a visit to the Benin Zonal Office of the health insurance body obviously will reveal the absence of leadership.

“He has virtually not appeared in office for over six (6) months and two of the official vehicles meant for the zonal office are said to be in his Bayelsa home, with no alternative source of light, no form of motivation for other staff to work, with weeds taking over the office”, the group maintained.

The statement noted that no notable achievement has taken place in the zonal office since he was posted there. The group stated that Benin is home to numerous zonal offices and National Headquarters of many Federal agencies/parastatals and emphasized that the good people of Edo State that have hosted the NHIA Zonal Office since inception are already seeing it as being shortchanged.

Edo First therefore called on the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, and influential Edo State personalities to investigate the matter and prevent the relocation, allegedly being pushed by the zonal director for personal gains, adding the whole issue is presently politicized.

The group accused the zonal director of soliciting support from an influential governor from the zone to back the move.

However, when journalists visited the office for comment, staff members on ground, fearing intimidation, refused to speak on the issue.,

Related Topics:#Benin #Port Harcourt NIHS

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Migration Agency Warns Migrants Against Irregular Travel Routes

Published

3 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Giving is Healing Foundation, has sensitised residents of Ayobo in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State on the dangers of irregular migration and the need to embrace legal travel procedures.

Speaking during a sensitisation programme held at Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association in Ayobo, the founder of Giving is Healing Foundation, Mr. Gbolahan Ayediran, warned intending migrants against using illegal travel routes.

Ayediran said many Nigerians desire to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities but often ignore proper procedures, thereby exposing themselves to several dangers.

“Lots of people want to migrate and most of them do it in the wrong direction. The reason for the programme is for us to advise people on how they can migrate in the right way. As much as migration is their right, they should do it correctly,” he said.

He advised intending travellers to obtain the necessary travel documents before embarking on any journey, noting that such documents include international passports, visas, flight tickets and yellow cards, depending on the destination country.

According to him, migrants should also gather adequate information about their destination countries to enable them make informed decisions before travelling.

Ayediran further highlighted some of the dangers associated with irregular migration, including abuse, exploitation, discrimination and forced labour.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association, Elder Mathews Amusan, commended the organisers for enlightening members of the community on safe migration practices.

He urged residents planning to travel abroad to always follow legal migration procedures to avoid falling victim to human trafficking and other migration-related challenges.

One of the participants, Mr. Kolawole Adenoko, said the programme enlightened him on the dangers of irregular migration and the importance of travelling through the proper channels.

He added that he would also educate his relatives and friends on the risks associated with illegal migration.

News

Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Published

6 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

21 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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