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Tag: Benin

  • Armed robbers shoot soldier to death in Benin heist

    Armed robbers shoot soldier to death in Benin heist

    A soldier was killed in a robbery attack in Benin on Wednesday, the police confirmed on Thursday.

    Spokesman of the police in Edo, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, told newsmen that the robbery occurred at the First Eastern Circular and Akpakpaba Roads intersection in the Edo capital.

    She said the soldier was shot dead by suspected armed robbers who attacked the patrol van conveying the soldier and two of his colleagues.

    The patrol van was escorting another van loaded with “Ghana-Must-Go’’ bags presumably loaded with cash.

    Nwabuzor said investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack was on-going.

    “Edo State Police Command can confirm that a soldier was killed in Benin on Wednesday. A good Nigerian reported the incident at the police station covering that neighbourhood.

    “The hoodlums carted away `Ghana-Must-Go’ bags believed to have been loaded with cash from the van.

    “Since they were in their patrol vehicle, they should be armed. The assailants acted on information, Nwabuzor added.

    According to an eyewitness, the assailants, numbering four, drove in an unmarked Toyota Camry car, against traffic, as they headed toward the army vehicle.

    He said two of the assailants alighted from the vehicle and opened fire on the soldiers.

    “The soldiers jumped out of the vehicle but one of them was hit by bullets and could not escape from the scene.

    “Many people would have died if the soldiers had responded to the hail of bullets shot at them as the area is a busy spot for business activities,’’ the witness said.

  • The Benin-Sapele-Warri road nightmare – By Hope Eghagha

    The Benin-Sapele-Warri road nightmare – By Hope Eghagha

    Traveling from Lagos through the East-West Road to Warri is a nightmare for commuters. This is because travelers are compelled to waste three to six hours on the two kilometer-road stretch in the small sleepy town of Ologbo because the road has simply failed. Perhaps failed is an understatement. There is no road. There is no road in a place that used to be the envy of other road users, a road that was commissioned in 2007 amidst fanfare.

    There are gullies and craters, filled with rainwater in that section of the expressway. Expressway? I refer to what used to be an expressway! The ground is marshy. But the first shock on that road starts from the by-pass end of Benin City. It was reported weeks ago that the vehicles of Edo state governor got stuck there. What exactly is going on? The Benin bypass and the dualization of the Benin-Sapele-Warri highway was commissioned in 2007 by President Olusegun Obasanjo, and it cost N11.8 billion naira. Generally, the road needs to be worked on. So, it is not only Ologbo that calls for urgent attention. The Delta State government had in the past intervened at the Sapele Warri end as well as the Oghara section of the road. But the elephant in the room is the almighty federal government!

    Over five hundred products-moving tankers are stuck at the Ologbo end at any given time. Most bear petroleum products. If an explosion occurs in that chaotic scene, too many lives and property would be lost. Yet anyone who sits through the ordeal feels the degree of danger in the whole environment. It is a story of the jungle – no order, no control, no authority. We return the base nature of man. The pervasive authority is that of hopelessness, the kind of hopelessness that makes desperation a way of life! Survival of the fittest is the rule. Tempers flare up, sometimes. There are curses rained on the absent federal government. Curses are rained on the Edo and Delta States governments by some too. Travelers argue that the governors of both states ought to synergize and lift the burden off their citizens. The road is federal government owned. Edo State government has put up a sign board which announces to the world that the road is the property of the federal government. Delta State section is not as affected. Yet, the road is a nightmare to any commuter who is returning to the oil-bearing zone of Delta State.

    Sometimes, agberos do what could pass for traffic control. Sometimes a big man shows up and his police orderlies clear the way for him. He then zooms off, leaving the ordinary people in utter bewilderment. An army officer in his official vehicle shows up. His men clear the way, using threats and threats of violence. Smal and medium sized vehicles belonging to the private citizens, or which are used for commercial transportation take a beating. How did this expressway degenerate into a death trap for all travelers to Warri on the East-West Road? Why is the Niger Delta, the goose which lays the golden egg for Nigeria, so neglected, abandoned, and denigrated? Minority agitation will never go away as long as we have acts of injustice!

    Sadly, this is the only route available for travelers going from Lagos to Warri. Some other travelers connect to Port Harcourt and Aba through this route especially if they want to beat the Monday sit-at-home order in the southeast. The strategic importance of this road to the economy of the region cannot be overemphasized. Warri is home to a dormant oil refinery. The road leads to oil wells in the Delta region without which the nation will crumble. Ologbo where the road has failed completely is in Edo State. Last year, the youths of that community vented their frustration on travelers when they blocked the road to catch the attention of the federal government. Nothing has changed.

    The road should be declared an emergency. Senators and other federal legislators from the region should take this upon themselves and act on behalf of the citizenry. President Tinubu will never travel on that road. He may not be aware of the condition of the road. Representatives of Edo and Delta states in Abuja must rise to the occasion. Of course, the Number One person must be the State governors whose duty it is to cajole the federal government into saving the poor commuters on this fundamental artery in the body of the region.

    This kind of failure exists in some other parts of the country. I once traveled by road from Abuja to Minna and was appalled that a town that plays host to two former Heads of State could be that terrible. Fundamental to this conversation is whether the federal government has any business controlling roads within the geographical space of states. What sense does it make to say that the portion of the road in question which is inside Benin belongs to the federal government? What sense does it make to say that the Oshodi-Mile Two Expressway is federal government property? A federal government that is already overwhelmed by the heavy burden of governing amorphous territories with an inefficient bureaucracy cannot deliver on road construction. The FG is too far from the scene of disastrous roads. This is an anachronism from our days of big government which we believed has the resources to do just about everything. The notion, interpretation and practice of federalism should be revisited. This is the time to remind President Tinubu about his promise to tinker with certain aspects of the 1999 Federal Constitution. There should be devolution of power to the constituent parts of the federation. He has been an advocate of this move since his days as a senator and later as governor. With a stroke of the pen as it were, states would no longer be incapacitated in managing their affairs because of an obnoxious provision in the Constitution.

    Sixty odd years after independence, no road in the country should be in such a state of debilitating disrepair. It impacts the economy negatively. It is a risk to lives. It is dangerous to health. It lengthens the time for goods delivery. It also increases the cost of doing business in that axis. It is another indication of failed leadership. It is something we should be ashamed of. If the federal roads concept must be retained, we should restore road camps which will make urgent intervention possible.

    Finally, the Benin-Sapele-Warri Road deserves urgent attention both for the sake of the economy and the lives of the thousands of commuters who are compelled to travel that road daily or weekly. The state governors, elected, and appointed representatives from the region should ensure that this nightmare ends. Whereas they can afford to fly in and out of the towns, the millions of ordinary folks from the area cannot afford that luxury!

  • Collapsed overhead water tank kills lady in Benin

    Collapsed overhead water tank kills lady in Benin

    A collapsed Overhead Water Storage Tank has crushed a 34-year-old lady, Joy Amadi, to her death in Benin.

    A Correspondent, who visited the scene of the incident, reports that the family of the deceased, who recently completed her NYSC service, has been plunged into grief.

    The deceased was said to have been in her room when the tank erected in a neighbour’s new building, collapsed, penetrating the roofing sheet and crushing her to death.

    The incident, was learnt, occured on Aug. 4 on Enagbare Street, off Lucky Street in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo.

    In an interview with NAN on Friday, Mrs Beatrice Amadi, the deceased mother, said her daughter was inside helping her to shell melon when the tragedy struck.

    The deceased, who was a teacher at a private school in the area, the mother said, did not go to work because she had free periods throughout the day.

    She described Joy as kind, humble, and hardworking, who helped the family to pay their house rent.

    Mrs Amadi said the death of her daughter was devastating and had left a vacuum in the family, which would be difficult to be filled.

    “Since Joy grew up, I have neither swept this house nor washed my clothes. She did everything and even helped to pay our house rent.

    “I will wish a lot about her. It will be difficult to live without my daughter,” the obviously grieved mother said.

    The deceased father, Mr Michael Amadi, said he was at work when he received a distressed call.

    “When I  returned home, I met people gathered at my residence where the sad news was broken to me.”

    Meanwhile, sources, who spoke with NAN blamed the incident on a shoddy job by the engineer handling the project.

    The sources said the neighbour’s new house belonged to somebody who lived abroad.

    “You know our people now, perhaps because the owner is not around, the engineer carried out a shoddy job.

    “Unfortunately, the thing left the compound to kill the lady in the next house,” one of the sources said.

    However, Mr Amadi said the site engineer had been arrested by the police while the corpse of her daughter had been deposited at an undisclosed morgue.

    The deceased family hails from Affa in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    When contacted, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, Public Relations Officer of the Edo Police Command said he was yet to be briefed.

  • Niger deploys extra troops on borders with Nigeria and Benin

    Niger deploys extra troops on borders with Nigeria and Benin

    The government of Niger has taken decisive action by deploying additional troops along its borders with Nigeria and Benin.

    The decision to reinforce border security comes as a proactive measure to address various challenges that have been impacting the region.

    Niger, a country situated in the volatile West African region, has faced security threats in the past, ranging from cross-border criminal activities to the spillover effects of conflicts in neighboring countries.

    By deploying additional troops, Niger seeks to bolster its defense capabilities and ensure the protection of its territorial integrity. This move will undoubtedly serve as a strong deterrent against any potential security breaches, and it demonstrates the government’s commitment to safeguarding its borders and citizens.

    The decision is likely to be met with approval by Nigeriens and neighboring countries, as enhanced security measures can lead to increased stability and peace in the region. The proactive stance by the Nigerien government showcases their dedication to tackling security challenges head-on and protecting the wellbeing of their populace.

    As events unfold, it will be important to closely monitor any further developments along the Niger-Nigeria-Benin borders.

    The situation underscores the ongoing importance of maintaining regional security cooperation and collaborative efforts among neighboring countries to address common challenges effectively Niger’s decision to deploy additional troops on its borders with Nigeria and Benin represents a proactive response to the security concerns facing the region.

    The move is aimed at fortifying border security, protecting the nation’s territorial integrity, and fostering stability.

    As events continue to unfold, the international community will closely observe the developments in this strategically significant region.

     

  • Oba Ewuare’s advice to selfish, sectional leaders – By Ehichioya Ezomon

    Oba Ewuare’s advice to selfish, sectional leaders – By Ehichioya Ezomon

    An Esan proverb says, “It’s in the mouth of an elder that the maize is strong.” That’s, it’s an elder – with farming experience – that can decide if the corn is mature to harvest.

    Figuratively, though, only the bold, courageous, and unwavering can broach what the lily-livered can’t contemplate.

    Fittingly, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, has lately admonished leaders to pursue the people’s collective interest.

    Like his forebears – from Oba Erediauwa I to Oba Akenzua II down the ages – Oba Ewuare seldom speaks in public. When he does, it’s to tell truth to power.

    It’s usually when that power is present, either at the Palace of the Oba in downtown Benin City, the capital of Edo State, or when the Oba pays a visit to the subject.

    If the subject visits the Royal Court, the Omo N’Oba will deliver his punch, as he formally responds to the subject’s reason for the courtesy. (If the Oba visits, the uppercut will rank in his address).

    It doesn’t matter if the subject touches on the theme of the Oba’s remarks. What’s apt is, the Royal Father seizes on the moment to tell the subject the home truth.

    Unlike most of his peer Royal Fathers, the Oba doesn’t massage visitors’ egos in public, and draw their ears behind the scenes. On matters of public interest, he’ll censure them in the open!

    On a thank-you-visit on June 20, former Minister of State for Budget and Planning, Prince Clem Agba, got a shocking appraisal from Oba Ewuare: He’d failed Edo people – on whose behalf he became Minister.

    Agba ought to reciprocate in kind, and service the three senatorial districts of Edo State, rather than pander to sectional interest.

    The Omo N’Oba noted Agba’s appreciation of his intervention – writing to former President Buhari for Edo State to have two cabinet slots – that Agba benefitted from.

    Yet, he said he couldn’t remember seeing Agba on more than two occasions, first at a visit when the Oba complained about the flood in Benin, and at the expiration of Agba’s tenure as Minister.

    Omo N’Oba declared: “I will keep certain things from the public domain. However, I am constrained to talk about them.

    “We interacted once in a while. It is true that my intervention to former President Buhari made you benefit from the office you held. We thank God for that.

    “But I was also wondering about many things, as you were a beneficiary of that office, Budget and Planning.

    “I was wondering if any of our people was also a beneficiary from your office! I am stating that they should thank you if anyone benefited from your being in the office.”

    Though he put Agba on the spot, saying he performed “below expectation,” Oba Ewuare’s posers were also directed at leaders with Agba’s kind of opportunity.

    He advised all Edo indigenes to use their “good offices” to attract development to the entire state, and to better the lots of the people.

    An obviously dumbstruck Agba couldn’t answer the pointed questions, or didn’t want to, to avoid countering the revered Monarch. Either way, it wasn’t a sign of good omen for Agba!

    Agba’s at the Palace to thank Oba Ewuare for his intervention that landed him cabinet appointment in 2019.

    He’s also to brief the Oba on his stewardship, and efforts made to ensure the Benin Royal Museum – a project the Oba’s very passionate about – got an allocation from the Federal Government.

    Agba began from the national level: “I have come here with some of my friends and brothers, to thank His Royal Majesty, for his love for Edo State and your love for this country, Nigeria.

    “You will recall that after the elections, a lot of people thought that the country would go on fire; but His Royal Majesty continued to organize prayers to ensure that there is peace in our country, Nigeria.

    “So… I thought it worthy of commendation that His Royal Majesty should be thanked for the prayers you offered to God and our ancestors.”

    On the homefront, Agba said: “You will recall that in 2016, Edo State had one Minister in the cabinet of immediate past President of Nigeria, but in 2019, His Majesty wrote to the then Mr President to consider and let Edo have two Ministers.

    “I became a beneficiary of that prayer, and I happen to have become the first Minister from Edo North since 1999. I have come to His Majesty for that privilege of his prayers to Mr President, for which I am a beneficiary.

    “So, having done my job for three and half years and I completed it; I thought it wise to come back to His Majesty and thank you for your prayers; for your support and the advice that throughout the three and half years, I was a Minister… So, I am indeed very grateful to His Majesty.”

    Agba took Oba Ewuare’s seeming rebuke with calmness, but some busybodies felt the Oba’s less charitable chiding Agba publicly, and denounced the Monarch.

    But Agba issued a disclaimer and a cease-and-desist to the media warriors, as they weren’t known to him, nor fighting on his behalf.

    In a “Disclaimer Notice,” Agba said: “I do not, I repeat, I do not, and I will not have any disagreements with His Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin Kingdom, on any matter whatsoever.

    “I would like to address some commentaries and articles that have come to my attention, purportedly in response to the questions I received from our esteemed Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin Kingdom, about my stewardship.

    “Let me make it clear, without any doubt, that the commentaries and articles that have surfaced are neither sought nor sponsored by me. It is not my nature to join issues in public. He (Oba) is not only my father but also the father of all of us in Edo State.”

    Agba revealed that the Oba later granted him a private audience, where he clarified some of the issues raised by the Monarch.

    He said: “Unaware to most, later that evening, His Royal Majesty graciously granted me an opportunity to privately discuss and address those concerns, allowing me to provide clarifications and answers.

    “Especially regarding how the provision for the storage of the artefacts was captured in the Budget, for which I apologized and clarified that was not my intention.”

    Agba advised those, who insist on writing articles and commentaries, “attempting to politicize the situation,” to stop the “fruitless pursuit.”

    A timely disapproval, particularly as politicians can do with some benevolence – from the calibre of Omo N’Oba Ewuare II in the society – to put a word for them in high places!

    The Benin Monarch’s done it before with the two ministerial slots granted to Edo State on his intervention. He can do more to benefit Edo people and the state.

    Those crying more than Agba wouldn’t want to “use the Oba to scratch their teeth.” Or else, they lose all 32! They should respect Agba’s disclaimer, and halt fanning the flames of discord in Edo State!

  • 11 persons killed in Benin road crash

    11 persons killed in Benin road crash

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said that 11 persons were killed in a multiple crash on the Ore -Benin Road.

    This is contained in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO) Bisi Kazeem on Thursday in Abuja.

    The statement said that the unfortunate fatal crash occured on kilometer 20 OVIA BRIDGE inward Benin, Edo State at exactly 9:04 a.m. on June 26, 2023.

    The multiple crash involved, 19 people comprised of 10 male adults, eight female adults and one female child.

    The corps said that out of the number, 11 persons were killed comprised of three female adults, seven male adults, one female child were killed, while eight persons sustained various degrees of injuries.

    “A total of three vehicles were involved comprising of a Dangote trailer at the rear, one Kia saloon car with registration number LSD553HY which was brushed aside and a Toyota Hiace Bus with registration number KET779AV in front,” he said.

    Reacting to the accident, the Corps Marshal, FRSC, Dauda Biu, advised drivers to avoid being careless whenever they notice mechanical faults in  their vehicles.

    Biu also reiterated the need for drivers to ensure routine and regular maintenance of their vehicles.

    This, he said, was to avert unwarranted road traffic crashes that could lead to loss of human lives and damage to properties.

    Biu said that investigation conducted revealed that the multiple crash occured as a result of mechanical deficiency (Break Failure) which resulted in loss of control.

    He said that the injured were evacuated to the Saving Grace Hospital, Ovbiogie in Benin, Edo, while the dead had been deposited at University of Benin Teaching Hospital mortuary.

    The Corps Marshal directed that a technical investigation should be conducted into the immediate and remote causes of the crashes.

    This, he said would be with the aim of prosecuting erring offender(s) in order to protect the rights of the crash victims accordingly.

  • Celebration of Sports: 2023 Olympic day run set to hold In Benin

    Celebration of Sports: 2023 Olympic day run set to hold In Benin

    Edo state Sports Commission has announced the participation of Edo state in the 2023 Olympic Day Run, holding tomorrow (Saturday, June 24) as Nigeria joins the rest of the world in the celebration of sports.
    The International Olympic Day is celebrated worldwide every June 23 to encourage more and more participation regardless of age, caste, gender, social background in sporting activities and to focus on expanding opportunities in cultural, educational.
    The chairman,Edo Sports Commission Olympian Yusuf Alli confirmed the readiness of the
    sports commission for the global event,calling on all staff of the commission and Edo people to participate in the event which is scheduled to be flagged off by the state sports loving Deputy Governor Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu.
    This year’s Olympic Day Run is with the theme: ‘ Let’s Move’ and it aims to prompt people around the world to spare time for daily physical activities.
    According to the programme of events of Edo Sports Commission,the following roads in Benin metropolis are marked as routes for the event: Stadium Road,Akenzua Road, Plymouth Road,Ring Road and Oba Market Road, as the Sports Commission boss Yusuf Alli appealed to motorists playing the routes to be conscious and take note of the global event.
    The Edo Sports Commission expects all staff and other Edo residents participating in the run to assemble at the Car Park of the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Benin at 7:00 Am for take off at 8.00 AM. #
  • 19 internet fraudsters sentenced to prison in Benin

    19 internet fraudsters sentenced to prison in Benin

    Edo High Court on Tuesday sentenced 19 persons to prison for engaging in internet fraud popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo”.

    The convicts in separate judgements by Justices Efe Ikponmwonba and Mary Itsueli in Benin, were found guilty of the charges levelled against them.

    A statement by Wilson Uwujaren, Head, Media and Publicity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) identified the convicts as Fidelis Esajini, Nicholas Azeke, Marvelous Alakpa, Adelike Destiny and Osamwingie Osarenwinda.

    According to him, others are Mathias Friday Gbenga; Collins Etiosa Iyekeoretin, Anyanwu Miracle, Justice Aifo, Emmanuel Efetobor.

    “Also sentenced to prison are Osahenie Uwoghiren, Emmanuel Osifo, Timothy Nowamagbe,  Desmond Taiwo, Atunu Ewomaoghene, Elvis Onojebe, Promise Uduaghan, Francis Okoliko and Omokaro Omonefe.”

    The convicts were arraigned separately by the Benin Zonal office of the commission on count charges bordering on retention of proceeds of crime, fraudulent representation and unlawful possession of fraudulent documents.

    “The charge against Collins Etiosa Iyekeoretin reads: “that you, Collins Etiosa Iyekeoretin sometime between January 23, 2018 and May 26, 2023 in Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did retain the control of the aggregate sum of N303,304,519:69 in your UBA bank account number: 1021606211 on behalf of Osawonyi Ella.

    “Knowing that same represent the proceeds of criminal conduct of the said Osawonyi Ella and others and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 17(a) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( Establishment ) Act, 2004 and punishable under section 17(b) of the same Act.”

    The charge against Fidelis Esajini reads. “That you, Fidelis Esajini sometime in May, 2023 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did with intent to defraud represent yourself to be one Lisa, a citizen of the United States of America and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 48, Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria (as applicable in Edo State) 1976”.

    The EFCC spokesman said upon arraignment, they all pleaded guilty to their respective charges prompting the prosecution counsel,  F.A. Jirbo, I.M Elodi, Saliu Ahmed, A.A.Ibrahim and A.S Balariba to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.

    “Counsel to the defendants, however, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as the defendants were first time offenders who had turned a new leaf.

    “Justice Ikponmwonba convicted and sentenced Esajini, Destiny, Osarenwinda, Gbenga, Iyekeoretin, Nowamagbe, Ewomaoghene and Okoliko to three years imprisonment with an option of N200,000 fine.

    “Azeke, Miracle, Aifo, Efetobor, Uwoghiren, Osifo on the other hand bagged three year imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 each.

    Alakpa was committed to three year imprisonment or a fine of N300,000 while Taiwo bagged two year imprisonment or a fine of N200,000.”

    According to him, Justice Itsueli convicted and sentenced the trio of Promise Uduaghan, Elvis Onojebe and Omokaro Omonefe to three year imprisonment with an option of N200,000 fine.

    “The court also ordered the forfeiture of six vehicles –  Lexus ES350, Black Mercedes ML350, Mercedes Benz C-30 model, Mercedes Benz ML 350,  Lexus NX,  Toyota Corolla- iPad, laptops, phones and the balance in the defendants’ bank accounts to the Federal Government of Nigeria through the EFCC,” he said.

  • IUO: How we started with 111 students but today our undergrads are over 5,000-Pro Chancellor, Igbinedion

    IUO: How we started with 111 students but today our undergrads are over 5,000-Pro Chancellor, Igbinedion

    The Esama of Benin Kingdom, Pro Chancellor of Igbinedion University Okada, IUO Gabriel Igbinedion has narrated the success story of Nigeria’s premier private university how it started in 1999 with just 111 students but today has over 5000 undergraduates fully accommodated.

    Speaking at the varsity’s 24th Founder’s Day in Okada, the Pro Chancellor who was represented by the Deputy Pro Chancellor, former Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion disclosed this with nostalgia.

    He said: ” The university started with just 111 students in 1999 today it has over 5,000 students, all comfortably accommodated on campus.

    He pointed out that IUO has lived true to the vision of a cosmopolitan entity offering world class education in a conducive environment.

    According to him the Board of Regents will continue to deliver on its mandate of ensuring that excellence is maintained in the university and that it remains world-class at any point in time.

    Also, South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Thamsanqa Dennis Mseleku, who was the guest speaker, said IUO got it right for adopting a model of university education that is relevant to African nations at their current level of national development.

    He said that the multi-programme model of university education provides opportunities for all-round growth, quite unlike the single programme/discipline model that some foreign universities were trying to plant in some African nations.

    The envoy said that university education in Africa must overcome the challenges of alienating the educated from the rest of the society. Instead, he said, university education should be a tool for integration and bridge-building.

    According to him, African universities should also establish a legacy of being solution providers for the many problems that plague African societies.

    He also enjoined the institutions and scholars alike to be Afrocentric in their research by focusing on areas that address the challenges of Africa. In this regard, he said research by African scholars and African universities must address issues African diseases, poverty alleviation, deepening democracy and engagement with society.

    For African scholars having collaboration with universities outside of Africa, he cautioned that the purpose should not be just to have an opportunity to run away, but through interactions see how they can improve the system at home.

    He pointed out that the 24th Founders Day event was not just a celebration of Igbinedion University, but actually a celebration of the dawn of private university education in Nigeria.

    Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, pointed out that the university is focused on producing what he referred to as “future-ready graduates”. According to the professor of eco-toxicology and environmental forensics, “ our blue-sky graduates are already making waves globally”.

    He used the occasion to highlight some of the recent achievements of the university which include the commencement of production of drugs by the pharmacy department of the university. According to him, the pharmacy programme has also been upgraded from bachelor of pharmacy degree (BPharm) to doctor of pharmacy degree (DPharm).

    In the area of infrastructure development, while all the students are fully accommodated on campus, construction has also begun for ultra-modern hostels.

    According to professor Ezemonye, the university will also soon start the construction of a five-star hotel on campus, in addition to an18,000 seater auditorium, which will cement IUO not just as the first but foremost private university in Nigeria.

    Academically, according to the VC, the immediate focus is to “digitize every aspect of learning on campus. The university will also soon start its Open Programmes to make education accessible to more interested members of the public.”

    We recall that Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO) Edo State, is the first private university in Nigeria, with license No 001, issued May 10, 1999. From just 111 students when it began learning in October 1999, it has produced over 16,000 graduates, and currently boasts of having the highest number of academic programmes and departments of any private university in Nigeria, and maintains a partnership with the Lancaster University in the United Kingdom, among others

  • Buhari approves reconstruction of Benin-Sapele-Warri expressway

    Buhari approves reconstruction of Benin-Sapele-Warri expressway

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the reconstruction of the Benin-Sapele-Warri expressway, according to the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mr Clem Agba.

    According to Mr Agba, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja issued by Mr Sufuyan Ojeifo, Special Adviser on Media to the Minister, President Buhari approved the road reconstruction during Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

    Agba disclosed that the reconstruction was approved under the Federal Government Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

    The report revealed a breakdown of the sections of the road that had been awarded for reconstruction.

    “Section one, made up of the 28.275 kilometre long Benin – Imasabor in favour of Messrs Levant Construction Company Limited in the sum of N98,916,451,227.28 inclusive of 7.5 per cent VAT with a 24 months completion period.

    “Section two, made up of 38.525 kilometre long Imasabor-Ibada Elume in favour of Messrs GELD Construction Company Limited/Triata Limited in the sum of N127,648,926,047.37 inclusive of 7.5 percent VAT with a 36 month completion period.

    “Section three made up of 23.2 kilometre long Ibada Elume-Warri in favour of Messrs SKECC Nigeria Limited in the sum of N89,142,998,919.59 inclusive of 7.5 percent VAT with a 42 month completion period”.

    Agba said that he was delighted that the contract was fresh unlike the Benin-Okene road contract that had existed for years and was yet to be completed.

    He, however, said that the contractors in charge of the Benin-Okene road work were yet to mobilise due to inflationary trend that had affected the original costs of the project.

    He said that augmentation of the rates is currently being processed by the Ministry of Works.