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Articles by Patrick Ebojele
Ballot box has the final word
Opinion October 8, 2026 12:22 am Big man Sonala Olumhense’s latest intervention on Edo State duly elected, INEC-certified and Supreme Court of Nigeria-affirmed Governor Monday Okpebholo’s 2.5 million-vote target for President Bola Tinubu come January 2027 makes a big mistake from the outset- even the visually impaired can see it, but not the author. It treats a future election as though its result has already been calculated. Olumhense’s arithmetic may look neat. But the politics is not.
The ballot box has the final word
Big man Sonala Olumhense’s latest intervention on Edo State duly elected, INEC Certified and Supreme Court of Nigeria affirmed Governor Monday Okpebholo’s 2.5 million-vote target for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come January 2027, makes a big mistake from the outset- even the visually impaired can see it but not the author. It is treating an election that is in the future, as though its result has already been calculated. Olumhense’s arithmetic may look neat. But the politics is not.
CAF’S Integrity Test: The Edo Queens verdict and the question of finality in African football
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), under its president, Patrice Motsepe, once again finds itself confronted with an uncomfortable question about the administration of the game: when an error is committed by match officials or competition administrators, where should responsibility lie, and how far can a football governing body go in correcting the consequences after the final whistle?
African Volleyball honours Gumel, recognises decades of distinguished service
The Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) has honoured Nigeria’s Olympic Committee President, Engineer Habu Ahmed Gumel, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development and promotion of volleyball in Africa and around the world. The recognition was presented by CAVB President, Mrs Bouchra Hajij, at the continental volleyball body’s Congress in Sal, Cape Verde, celebrating Gumel’s decades of service to the sport and the wider Olympic movement.
NPFL Matchday 7: Insurance FC thrash Barau FC 4-1 to end unbeaten run
Bendel Insurance FC returned to winning ways in impressive fashion on Sunday, October 4, thrashing Barau FC of Kano 4-1 in Matchday 7 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). The emphatic victory at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, brought Barau FC’s unbeaten run to an end, as the Benin Arsenals produced a dominant performance in front of their home supporters.
CAF apologizes to Super Eagles, bans Guinea-Bissau stadium over poor pitch
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has apologized to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the poor playing surface used for the Super Eagles’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Guinea-Bissau. Nigeria suffered a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro, with the condition of the pitch becoming a major concern before and during the encounter.
NPFL Matchday 7: Bendel Insurance chairman Tenebe says team is unstoppable…hails Coach Boboye after thrashing Barau FC 4-1
The Chairman of Bendel Insurance Football Club, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, has described his team’s impressive performance against Barau FC as highly commendable, expressing confidence that the Benin Arsenals are unstoppable this season. Tenebe gave the commendation while speaking with sports journalists after the Matchday 7 encounter between the Benin Arsenals and Barau FC on Sunday evening in Benin City.
Edo Govt Condemns Abduction of 90-Year-Old, Orders 24-Hour Rescue
BENIN CITY — The Edo State Government has condemned the abduction of 90-year-old Pa Joseph Iduoriyekemwen by unknown gunmen, describing the incident as reprehensible and an affront to the peace and security of the state. The government, in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said it was particularly disturbed that an elderly father and grandfather had become the target of such a crime.
Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria appoints coaches into various disciplines
The Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria has released the list of 44 coaches to handle the various disciplines in the national teams. In a statement signed by Rose Verisimo, the Technical Director of GFN, Isaiah Erhunwunse (OLY) has been appointed head coach of the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG), to be assisted by Bala Magaji Juwara and Anthony Duilemi, while Helen Albert (head coach), Edem Umor Patric, and Emmanuel Enejo will be in charge of the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG).
46 Kidnap Victims Rescued as Army Intensifies Nationwide Operations
Army rescues 46 kidnapped victims, neutralises suspected militia member Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 46 kidnapped victims and neutralised a suspected militia member in separate operations in the last 24 hours across the country. An operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Tuesday, said troops also recovered firearms, disrupted terrorist activities and rescued other victims during the period.
Clanging of a Dysfunctional Cymbal
Ijeoma Osamor’s article, “Edo Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo: Think Again,” is not advice. It is a lengthy sermon on humility delivered with the confidence of someone who came looking for faults and found insinuations instead. If criticism were a road project, her article would have broken ground, held a commissioning ceremony and gone home without laying a single block. Her opening argument, “Announcements are not results,” sounds reasonable. Nobody disputes that.
Okpebholo Pledges to Deliver on Edo People’s Mandate, Seeks Support for APC in 2027
…Visits Egor, Oredo LGAs to Mobilise Party Members Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Monday assured residents that his administration will continue to work in line with the mandate given to it by the people to promote the state’s development. He gave the assurance during visits to party members in Egor and Oredo Local Government Areas as part of efforts to strengthen the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the January 2027 general election.
Making of a new chapter in Nigeria Army history
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has made the operationalisation of the Nigerian Army’s 83 Division in Benin a personal mission. Not in the ceremonial way, but in his dogged, infrastructure-heavy style that leaves no room for excuses but action. For him it is not just about hosting the new Division.
Three Injured, Six Vehicles Damaged as Tanker Crashes at Ikpoba Hill
Panic erupted on Sunday afternoon at Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, when a 40-foot tanker lost control while descending the slope, crashing into several vehicles. At least three people were reportedly injured, while six vehicles were damaged in the multiple crash. The tanker, laden with groundnut oil, was said to have suffered brake failure while descending from the Ikpoba Hill/Ramat Park axis.
Opening battlefield to media broke Boko Haram’s propaganda grip – Buratai
Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, says opening the battlefield to journalists helped the Nigerian Army break Boko Haram’s grip on information and counter terrorist propaganda. Buratai, also a former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, stated this on Friday in Abuja when the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) Annual Lecture and Awards Committee paid him a courtesy visit.
What Okpebholo’s E-Governor Award Means For Digital Governance
Edo State was celebrated recently following the recognition of Governor Monday Okpebholo, as E-Government Governor of the Year – Digital Transformation Award 2026. It is an award that places his administration’s digital governance reforms at the center of its broader effort to rebuild the state’s public service. For Governor Okpebholo, the award is not simply an honor for adopting new technology.
Power supply: How Governor Okpebholo’s power generation plan at Ologbo is attracting investors, jobs
Edo State is advancing into a new phase of industrial and economic growth as the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo deepens efforts to build an investment-friendly environment anchored on security, infrastructure and reliable electricity supply. At Ologbo in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, the ongoing 100-megawatt power project and industrial park being developed by CCETC are emerging as central elements of the administration’s strategy to strengthen the state’s productive economy.
Police, Army Pally to Beef Up Security in Edo
The Edo State Police Command and the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army have strengthened their security partnership, with both agencies resolving to deepen intelligence sharing and joint operations to tackle emerging security threats across the state. The resolve was reached when the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Patrick Daaor, paid a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army in Benin City on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
A Multifaceted Bid to Reset Edo’s Security
Governor Monday Okpebholo is taking a very aggressive approach to the state’s security challenges, combining faster emergency response, community intelligence, traditional security structures and expanded military operations in an attempt to tackle headlong all the vices of kidnapping, cultism and armed violence. It is not news because abinitio it is what he set out to do.
Oil hits $100 a barrel for first time since July after US and Houthi strikes
Oil prices rose past $100 (£74) a barrel on Wednesday after further strikes in the conflict between the US and Iran and continuing Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia. In back and forth attacks, the US hit five Iranian tankers in reprisal strikes after Tehran targeted one of its warships. Brent crude – which is the global benchmark for prices – has not been as expensive since the end of July, when a ceasefire between Iran and the US collapsed.
How Okpebholo’s Shine Agenda is addressing Edo’s 35-year reckoning (2)
By Patrick Akhere Ebojele When Governor Monday Okpebholo took office in November 2024, his inaugural messaging centered on five pillars: Security, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Agriculture, and Education. To those familiar with Edo’s history, this framing carried particular significance. It was not a vague promise to “transform” the state through undefined initiatives.
LIFE-ND Training Begins for 1,020 Edo Beneficiaries
The training of 1,020 beneficiaries under the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) Project has commenced in Edo State, with participants receiving practical knowledge and skills to establish sustainable and profitable agribusiness enterprises.
The greatest defensive dynasties in football history
Champions are usually remembered for the goals, points and spectacular moments. Yet some of the greatest footballing empires were built on something less glamorous, making sure the other side could not play. Across different eras and countries, a handful of teams turned defensive organisation into an art form. Here are some of the finest examples. Chelsea 2004-07: Mourinho’s wall José Mourinho’s first Chelsea side remains the Premier League’s defensive benchmark.
How Okpebholo’s shine agenda is addressing Edo’s 35-year reckoning (1)
In 1991 General Ibrahim Babangida regime, carved Edo State out of the old Bendel state and that was beginning its peculiar journey — neither entirely in the southwest’s sophisticated political machinery, nor quite aligned with the midwestern traditions that once defined the region. Thirty-five years later, has it truly progressed? To understand the present, one must reckon with the past.
Ending Edo’s public revenue fragmentation through consolidation
By Patrick Akhere Ebojele Governor Monday Okpebholo has renewed his commitment to strengthen financial discipline, reduce revenue leakages and ensure that money generated by government institutions is properly accounted for. This explains his decision for the Revenue Consolidation Account (Establishment and Operation) Law, 2026.
Group Commends Tinubu Over Establishment of 83 Army Division in Benin
BENIN CITY — The Nigeria Citizens Watch for Good Governance and the Edo People’s Initiative for Peace and Security have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the establishment of the 83 Division of the Nigerian Army in Benin City, describing the development as a significant step towards strengthening security in Edo State and the South-South region. The groups made their position known during a joint peaceful rally held in Benin City to celebrate the establishment of the new Army division.
Benin-Asaba gridlock: FG appeals to concessionaire for contract termination
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has appealed to the concessionaire handling the Benin-Asaba road to immediately write to the Federal Government through the Ministry of Works to enable it to terminate their contract. The minister also ordered the concessionaire to urgently remove all the blockages on the Benin-Asaba road to allow free flow of traffic. Umahi made the appeal and issued the directive on Wednesday in Benin at a stakeholders’ engagement in Government House, Benin.
Oshiomhole at 74 Celebrates Idahosa at 46, Hails Deputy Governor as Youth Role Model
…says cordial relationship with Okpebholo strengthening governance in Edo Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has congratulated the Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, on his 46th birthday, describing him as a shining example of the ingenuity, resourcefulness and leadership potential of Nigerian youths. Oshiomhole, in a congratulatory message issued by his Chief of Staff, Hon.
Okpebholo Joins Dignitaries to Receive Remains of Late Archbishop Akubeze
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday joined other dignitaries, including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq, Emperor Jaret Tenebe,APC Chairman and other top government officials, to receive the remains of the late Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, in Benin City.
Giving the SHINE Agenda A Practical Grassroots Presence
One topic that is less discussed when problems of governance in Nigeria come up, is the seeming long distance between government and the governed. In many parts of our country, state capitals exist and often very remotely from community or village squares. So are the myriads of plans, policies and programmes, announced in Government Houses in the State capitals. The result: they take long times to reach the communities they are meant to benefit.
Okpebholo Appoints Aigbe Security Adviser, Nominates Ayewoh as SUBEB Chairman
BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the appointment of Engr. Kelvin Ovanbor Aigbe as Special Adviser to the Governor on Security. The Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., announced the appointment in a government statement, noting that it takes immediate effect. According to the statement, Aigbe is an entrepreneur with experience in humanitarian service, community development, politics and grassroots leadership.
WAFU-B: Edo Queens camp bubbles as Tenebe visits team…redeems pledge,task team to go for glory
Nigeria women premier league football champions Edo Queens’ preparation for WAFU-B continental football tournament received a big boost today as the Chairman of All Progressives Congress APC, Edo State, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe paid a surprise visit to their camp and redeemed the pledge he made during the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Super Six in Portharcourt.
NAF air strike kills 9 ISWAP fighters, top commander in Borno
Abuja – The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has killed nine Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in a precision air strike in Borno including a key commander responsible for escorting high-value members of the group. This is contained in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
CBT, best way to curb exam malpractice – WAEC
MAKURDI – The West African Examination Council (WAEC), has called for strict computer-based testing to curb examination malpractice in some centres, popularly known as “miracle centres.” Mr Timothy Manga an official with WAEC office in Makurdi gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on the growing concerns over examination malpractice and its impact on the credibility of public examinations and educational certificates.
An Endorsement That Goes Beyond Ceremonial Prestige
Endorsements from highly respected traditional rulers often carry very symbolic significance in Nigeria. Nevertheless, many of such endorsements very often transcend protocol and, in reality, are statements about leadership itself. It is in this category that the endorsement by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo during a courtesy visit to the ancient palace in Ile-Ife falls.
Police Ambush Kidnappers, Rescue Hostage, Recover N1.5m Ransom in Edo
The Police in Edo State have said a member of a gang of kidnappers has been killed after the gang walked into an ambush by a joint security team while attempting to collect a N1.5m ransom. The police also said a gun battle ensued, forcing two other suspects to flee into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds, while their victim was rescued unhurt.
Vice President Shettima, WTO DG Okonjo-Iweala, Prof Lumumba arrive Asaba for Delta Economic and Investment Summit
Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on Sunday arrived in Asaba ahead of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit, which begins on Monday at the Dome Event Centre, Asaba. The Vice President is expected to formally declare the summit open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, while Dr. Okonjo-Iweala will deliver the keynote address.
NAICOM confirms 43 insurers, reinsurers meet NIIRA 2025 capital requirements
Lagos – The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has confirmed that 43 insurance and reinsurance companies have complied with the new minimum capital requirements stipulated under the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025. The commission madel this known in a public notice on Monday in Lagos.
Economic Benefits of Governor Okpebholo’s “Shine Beyond Borders” Interaction with Edo in Diaspora
Rather than a ceremonial gathering full of speeches last weekend, EdoSHINE 2026 UK Executive Forum held in London under the theme, “Shine Beyond Borders” was an ambitious economic engagement that sought to reconnect one of Nigeria’s most influential diaspora communities with the future of their homeland, Edo State.
The Koro-Koro Approach: Nigeria’s “Market Women” Administrators in Glasgow 2026
The Commonwealth Games 2026 are rounding off this weekend in Glasgow, and the Games should have been about competitions, Personal Bests, Games Records, and national pride. Instead, for Nigeria, it became about something else entirely: athletes being paid “koro-koro” by officials — a Pidgin English term for face-to-face, cash-in-hand. The administrators failed to realize that this is not one of those “catch them young” events in Ajegunle.
Why Okpebholo Is Taking the SHINE Agenda Beyond Borders
The UK Executive Forum, themed “Edo SHINE 2026: Shining Beyond Borders”, with the Executive Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo as the Special Guest of Honour represents far more than another diaspora engagement. It signals a deliberate effort by the Edo State Governor to reposition the diaspora as a strategic partner in the state’s economic transformation.
Mogadishu City Club’s Fast Starts Fail to Deliver
Mogadishu City Club have taken only one point from their first two matches at the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup despite giving themselves a platform to compete in both games. The Somali champions opened Group B with a goalless draw against six-time winners Simba SC. Keeping the Tanzanian side out was a useful result, particularly in a group containing two clubs from one of the region’s strongest domestic leagues. Their second outing began even better.
Cultism, Kidnapping And The Special Security Squad
Crime is complex and difficult most times to be resolved, criminals ready to carry out their nefarious and clandestine activities unchecked because the State lacks the capabilities to check their activities due to lack of technology. Several criminal elements go unchecked and their activities have gradually become a normal way of life as they allegedly make money from their evil acts, live large in the society, their activities has influenced the youths negatively as they emulate their lifestyle.
EDSG Quick Intervention Led To Commencement Of Repair Work Under The Damaged Idogbo Bridge
Edo State Government (EDSG) prompt intervention to the Idogbo bypass bridge have led to the commence of repair work by the logistics Company whose truck caused the damage.
Phillips Consulting’s findings lay bare Obaseki’s governance failures
It is not uncommon every year for all and sundry to carry out governance rankings, generate headlines, shape public opinion, and create ammunition in political debates. The Phillips Consulting 2026 State Performance Momentum Index is the latest example. While it has attracted widespread attention, its assessment of Edo State has been misconstrued and very dangerously, too. Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo assumed office on November 12, 2024.
14th Women AFCON: Africa’s queens Super Falcons target Begin title defence against debutants Malawi
Women AFCON title holders Nigeria will begin the defence of the Women Africa Cup of Nations title in today when they lock horns with debutants ‘Scorchers’ of Malawi at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat. Kick off time is 9:00PM. Last year, the most successful women’s team on the African continent and one of the best in the world came from behind to snatch the crown from the hands of Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses, with a 3-2 win in a memorable Final.
Edo orders immediate repairs after haulage equipment damages Benin bypass
The Edo State government said it had ordered immediate temporary repairs to a section of the Benin Bypass after haulage equipment belonging to Build Well Nigeria Limited damaged the road, disrupting traffic on the federal highway. Special Adviser on Project Implementation and Monitoring to Governor Okpebholo, Phoebe Williams-Bello, gave the assurance on Monday after inspecting the damaged section at Idogbo on the Benin Bypass.
Edo forest guards urged to deny criminals safe havens
Edo State Commissioner for Security and Public Safety Festus Ebea on Monday urged 497 newly recruited forest guards to use their knowledge of local communities to deny criminals hiding places and strengthen efforts to tackle insecurity across the state. Speaking at the passing-out parade for the recruits at the Nigerian Police Training School in Ogida Barracks, Benin City, Ebea said the guards would serve as first responders and community protectors in their respective local government areas.
Tolu Arokodare set for Ajax loan move with £17m buy option
Tolu Arokodare is closing in on a move to Ajax after the Dutch club reached an agreement with Wolves over a season-long loan. Ajax will pay a £1 million loan fee, cover the Nigerian striker’s wages in full for the 2026/27 season and hold an option to sign him permanently for £17 million plus add-ons. Wolves will also receive a further £500,000 if Ajax qualify for European competition. The 25-year-old has been expected to leave Wolves throughout the summer after falling down the pecking order.
Nigeria men’s, women’s teams qualify for 2026 African Volleyball Nations championship
Nigeria’s men’s and women’s national volleyball teams have both secured places at the 2026 African Volleyball Nations Championship following their successful campaigns at the CAVB Zone 3 Championship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The Nigerian men’s team will compete at the continental championship in Kenya, while the women’s team will feature in the tournament to be hosted by the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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