OVIA NORTH EAST FORUM

24/08/2026

> Edo people, wake up!
> Erosion is destroying our homes. In 10 years, if we don't act, it will be too late.
> Before you build, get your BUILDING PLAN approved.
> Build with plan. Save our land. Save our future
, no building!*

23/08/2026

23/08/2026

President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu reelection is in process 🙌 💪

23/08/2026

*Edo government vows to stop quackery, urges professionalism in building*
BENIN CITY – THE Edo State Government has declared a zero-tolerance policy against quackery and unprofessional practices in the building industry which is part of efforts to curb the growing incidence of building collapse and safeguard lives and property across the State.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Vincent Uwadiae, made the declaration when he received the leadership of the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA), Edo State Chapter who were on a working visit to his office.

He said the move is in line with the commitment of the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo to deliver a safe, orderly and well-planned built environment under the SHINE Agenda.

According to the Commissioner, “findings from engagements with stakeholders revealed that many building failures in the State are not accidental but are largely caused by avoidable acts of quackery, professional negligence and widespread violations of established building regulations.”

He noted that the Ministry has identified cases where individuals who are neither trained nor licensed as registered architects prepare and submit building drawings for approval, contrary to statutory requirements.

The Commissioner described as disturbing the growing practice of some registered architects merely appending their professional seals to drawings they neither prepared nor supervised which is known as “sealing by proxy.”

“Let me state unequivocally that this practice will no longer be tolerated in Edo State. Lives are being endangered by these unprofessional actions, and the government will take decisive measures to end them.

“Henceforth, the Ministry will only process building applications accompanied by drawings that have been properly prepared, coordinated, personally signed and sealed by duly registered architects holding valid Professional Practice Licences.”

He warned that any registered professional found aiding quacks by endorsing or sealing unverified drawings would be identified, blacklisted and formally reported to the appropriate regulatory bodies, including the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), and other relevant professional institutions.

“No building plan will be approved without adequate provision for parking spaces, setbacks and other statutory planning requirements. Developers who violate these provisions will face stop-work orders and, where necessary, demolition of illegal structures,” he warned.

The Commissioner reaffirmed that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo remains committed to building a safer, more orderly and prosperous Edo State.

“We cannot build the Edo of our dreams by compromising standards and gambling with the lives of our people. The time to act is now. Building collapse must stop in Edo State,” he said.

21/08/2026

Edo State Govt Begins Fertilizer Distribution to Over 14,000 Farmers
The Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has commenced the direct distribution of fertiliser to registered smallholder farmers across the State, with more than 14,000 farmers expected to benefit from the first phase of the initiative.

According to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Dr. Jerry Uwangue, the exercise is part of the Edo State Government’s efforts to ensure that agricultural inputs reach genuine farmers directly and to boost food production across the State. He stated that the initiative followed months of consultations with farmers across the 18 local government areas of the State, during which stakeholders raised concerns about previous input-support programmes that failed to adequately reach intended beneficiaries.

According to him, the Ministry promised farmers during the statewide engagement that the new intervention would adopt a different approach by ensuring direct delivery of agricultural inputs to verified beneficiaries. In his words, “During the question-and-answer session with our farmers, we received a lot of complaints. Whatever was promised to them didn't get to them, and some said this exercise had been done before and nothing happened. We promised them this was going to be different, and we are about to keep that promise.”

The Commissioner disclosed that between 14,000 and 15,000 farmers were registered across the State during the earlier engagement exercise. He said the Ministry had received 8,000 bags of fertiliser for the first phase of distribution, which would be delivered directly to registered farmers. He also disclosed that 30,000 cocoa seedlings had been received and would similarly be distributed directly to farmers.

“These are the first batch, and we would continue this way. We will no longer give it to local governments to distribute; it will be given directly to farmers,” he said.

Hon. Uwangue urged beneficiaries not to resell the fertiliser, stressing that the inputs were intended to increase farm productivity and contribute to food security in the State. He also disclosed that the Ministry would support farmers in securing markets for their produce to improve their income and reduce concerns about operating at a loss.

“The only appeal is not to sell them; use them to boost food production. We will also help you get buyers for your products, so you don't complain that you're running at a loss,” the Commissioner assured.

The Commissioner encouraged farmers to adhere to the required registration and verification procedures to access their allocations free of charge, adding that the Ministry remained open to enquiries from farmers and other stakeholders.

Beneficiaries who spoke during the distribution exercise commended the initiative, describing the direct distribution model as a departure from previous experiences.

Prof. Osifo Aikpehiomwan of Ambrose Alli University, who is also a smallholder farmer, recalled that fertilizer distribution during his time as a student at the Obafemi Awolowo University often failed to reach individual farmers. He said similar challenges persisted during the early years of Nigeria’s democratic dispensation, when access to agricultural inputs was sometimes influenced by political considerations.

“It gladdens my heart that an ordinary farmer like me, with a small-scale farm is given free fertilizer. I feel happy and fulfilled,” Aikpehiomwan said. He pledged to provide free extension services to neighbouring farmers and educate them on the initiative, adding that increased access to agricultural inputs would contribute to higher food production and help address food-price pressures.

Another farmer, Mr. Efosa, who cultivates cassava, maize and palm kernel, said the intervention would improve his farm productivity. “This will boost our production. We thank him for this and hope he does more. We are glad it got to direct farmers,” he said.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security stated that the current exercise is the first of several planned phases and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that agricultural inputs are delivered directly to genuine, registered smallholder farmers across Edo State.

The initiative is expected to strengthen farmers’ productive capacity, support increased food production and contribute to the Edo State Government’s efforts to advance food security under the SHINE Agenda of the Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo.

20/08/2026

Edo State Govt Opens Bids for Statewide Drainage Desilting, Maintenance Project

The Edo State Government has opened bids for the proposed desilting and maintenance of drainage structures across the State in a bid to tackle flooding and erosion, and improve environmental sustainability.

The bid opening ceremony was held at the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability in Benin City, with participating companies, procurement officials, civil society organisations, government agencies and senior Ministry officials in attendance.

The Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Hon. Nosa Adams, said the open competitive bidding followed the Governor’s directive on transparency and due process. He urged successful contractors to immediately evacuate waste generated during desilting, and warned against dumping silt and other debris on roads or around drainage channels, stressing that poor ex*****on would not be tolerated.

Hon. Adams noted that the project was approved to address flooding and erosion in the Benin metropolis and other parts of Edo State following complaints from residents. He directed contractors to execute the work according to specifications from the Ministry’s Engineering Department, and cautioned that contracts could be revoked for non-compliance.

Declaring the exercise open, the Chairman of the ceremony and member of the Ministry’s Tenders Board, Mrs. Edith Ebomoyi, described the process as a critical step toward achieving the Sen. Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, which according to her, seeks to build a sustainable, resilient and well-planned Edo State that responds to citizens’ needs and aspirations.

Mrs. Ebomoyi said desilting and maintaining drainage structures were essential to keeping channels functional and controlling stormwater during heavy rainfall. She explained that the exercise complied with the Edo State Public Procurement Law 2020, and was guided by transparency, fairness, accountability, value for money and competitiveness.

She added that successful contractors must demonstrate professionalism, competence, integrity and commitment to quality. She maintained that all works must follow approved specifications and comply with environmental, engineering, health and safety standards.

Photo Caption:1
The Bid Opening Chairman, Mrs. Edith Ebomoyi giving her opening remarks during the Bid opening ceremony in Benin City

Photo Caption2
Bid Box shows locked with key before it was flagged open

18/08/2026

Governor Okpebholo Charges New Edo Assembly Leadership on Unity, Transparency, Teamwork

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has charged the new leadership of the state House of Assembly to embrace humility, unity, transparency and teamwork, urging lawmakers to put aside personal differences and focus on serving the people.

The governor gave the charge when he received the newly elected speaker, Prince Yekini Oisayemoje Idaiye, who represents Akoko-Edo Constituency 1.

The governor said political office was temporary and should be handled with humility and a strong sense of responsibility.

According to the governor, “We must put arrogance aside to serve our people better because today we are here and tomorrow we don’t know where we will be."

He urged the new leadership to promote transparency, dialogue, and inclusiveness while advising lawmakers to resolve disagreements within the assembly rather than taking them to social media.

“It’s a new leadership. I don’t know what happened. Whatever must have happened in the House is for the House, and it remains there. I was also a parliamentarian, and I know that we respect one another,” he said.

Governor Okpebholo said disagreements among lawmakers should be handled internally, adding that the emergence of a new leadership presented an opportunity for members to work together.

He then urged Speaker Idaiye to understand the responsibility that comes with his office and ensure that all members of the Assembly are carried along.

“It is not just to be a leader, but a responsible leader. You are not just assuming a new office, to be just an ordinary speaker. You should know that you are now carrying the shoulders of many people and you have to be transparent with your colleagues. You have to carry everybody along,” he said.

He warned that failure to involve members in the affairs of the House could create fresh divisions.

" The only way you can have an effective leadership is for you to carry everybody along,” Okpebholo said.

Urging the new speaker to live up to the positive comments made about him by his colleagues, the governor said, “Everyone is saying good things about you. I want you to remain the way they have described you,” he said.

The governor identified teamwork as essential to effective legislative leadership and encouraged lawmakers to raise their concerns through dialogue.

“Teamwork is the bedrock of effective leadership. And for you to make progress, you need to believe in yourselves. When you have anything in mind, always voice it out either in private with the Speaker or in the open. Dialogue is always the key,” he said.

Okpebholo said he wanted the Assembly to remain peaceful, noting that the House had operated without a major crisis for about two years.

“I want us to have a peaceful house. For about two years, there have never been crises in the House. And I pray that in another two years, there will be no crises in the House,” he said.

With elections approaching, the governor urged the lawmakers to strengthen their presence in their constituencies and work towards electoral success.

“I pray that you people will take charge of your constituencies. Elections are coming. We have to work hard to see that we record success,” he said.

He also encouraged lawmakers who might not return to the assembly after the elections to remain optimistic, assuring them of continued cooperation.

“Those of you that are not coming back, don’t worry. We will work together. Sometimes, every disappointment is another appointment that can lead you to somewhere higher or greater,” Okpebholo said.

The new Speaker Idaiye said the new legislative leadership visited the governor to formally introduce itself and assure him of the Assembly’s support for his administration.

“Your Excellency, we are here this afternoon to formally introduce the new leadership of the Edo State House of Assembly to you and to inform you that with this new leadership, we are ready to stabilise the House,” the Speaker said.

Idaiye assured the governor that the assembly would provide the support needed to advance the state.

“And to ensure that we give you the maximum support because we are all proud of you. You are doing well. The only way you can continue to do well is to have the support of the House. We are there for you. Whatever you want us to do to move Edo forward, we are ready for it,” he said.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Yakubu Musa; Edo State APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe; and members of the party’s State Working Committee.

15/08/2026

Following my visit to the Deputy Governor’s Village last month, I am pleased to provide this feedback on ongoing projects
Healthcare Center Work is in progress. During my visit last month, the site was being cleared. Currently, contractors have commenced bringing in materials. Block molding is ongoing on site.
Weather Progress is slightly affected due to the ongoing rainy season. However, work will accelerate once the rains subside.

Additionally, I wish to inform the citizens that *the Governor has awarded the Ovia Road project*. We appeal to our people to remain patient as the government is committed to delivering quality infrastructure across the state.

The administration is working and results will be seen soon.

Thank you.
Donblackytv

14/08/2026

The Edo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, has highlighted series of interventions and institutional reforms undertaken by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development under the administration of Sen. Monday Okpebholo, asserting that the initiatives are strengthening the protection, empowerment and welfare of women, children and vulnerable persons across the State.

Hon. Abdallah gave the reports during a press briefing on the activities of the Ministry from October, 2025 to August, 2026, noting that the achievements were recorded under the broader framework of the Governor’s SHINE Agenda. She stated that such interventions focused on women’s economic empowerment, child protection, response to sexual and gender-based violence (GBV), mental-health rehabilitation, social protection, policy reforms and strategic partnerships.

The Commissioner listed the successful hosting of the 25th National Council on Women Affairs and Child Development in Benin City as one of the major milestones recorded during the period, which brought together stakeholders from across the Country to deliberate on issues affecting women, children and vulnerable groups. On the fight against GBV, she said the Ministry had strengthened survivor-centred services through the commissioning and operation of a sexual assault referral centre in Uromi, with ongoing efforts at establishing another centre in Auchi.

The Commissioner disclosed that Edo State Government has taken steps to address emerging forms of digital violence through the development and validation of a Technology-Facilitated GBV Policy Framework. On women’s economic empowerment, the she said 171 women from the three senatorial districts received business and digital-marketing training with grants of ₦100,000 each to support their businesses, the Ministry organised a three-day Women’s Mini Trade Fair to provide entrepreneurs with opportunities to showcase their products, expand their markets and build business networks.

Hon. Abdallah also highlighted reforms in child protection to include the introduction of digital child-welfare case management through the Children First Software and the review and validation of the Edo State Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy to address emerging threats such as online exploitation, social media risks, artificial intelligence and institutional abuse. She said the Ministry had also intensified monitoring of children’s homes, resulting in the closure of an alleged illegal children’s home in Afuze, Owan East Local Government Area, over suspected irregular adoption practices, with the operator handed over to law-enforcement authorities for further interrogation and possible prosecution.

The Commissioner noted that the Ministry’s social-protection mandate has translated into direct interventions for vulnerable persons, including the rescue, treatment and reunification of Mr. Peter Guobadia, a Nigerian deportee found wandering in Benin City, the rehabilitation of other vulnerable persons and successful family reunifications, among others. She added that the Ministry has commenced a structured mental-health rescue and rehabilitation programme that goes beyond street evacuation to include medical and psychiatric assessment, treatment, shelter, psychosocial support, family tracing and reintegration.

Other achievements are support for vocational training and reintegration, where 80 beneficiaries have completed skills-acquisition programmes, received certificates and start-up support to facilitate their return to productive livelihoods.

She attributed the progress recorded by the Ministry to the support and policy direction of the Governor, and acknowledged the collaboration of the Office of the First Lady, development partners, civil-society organisations, traditional and religious institutions, law-enforcement agencies and other stakeholders. She assured that the Ministry would continue to consolidate the gains made, with a renewed commitment to protecting children, empowering women, supporting vulnerable persons, strengthening families and promoting dignity and inclusion across Edo State.

12/08/2026

EdoGIS Fulfils Governor Okpebholo's Promise as Over 500 Certificates of Occupancy Signed in Massive Rollout

The Edo State Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS) has once again demonstrated the Okpebholo administration's commitment to transparent and efficient land governance, as over 500 Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) were signed on Tuesday, 11th August 2026, in what stands as one of the most significant single-day rollouts in the agency's recent history. The exercise fulfils an earlier promise by Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, who had assured Edo State residents of a massive turnout of processed and signed C of O documents as part of his administration's broader drive to formalise land ownership and boost investor confidence across the state.

The feat was made possible through the sustained reforms instituted by the Managing Director of EdoGIS, Dr. Innocent E. Bello, whose leadership has placed rigorous scrutiny and full-scale digitisation at the centre of the Certificate of Occupancy process. Under his direction, the agency has not only tightened due diligence on land documentation but has also significantly accelerated processing timelines, enabling EdoGIS to clear substantial backlogs of applications left unresolved by the previous administration.

This latest milestone is a direct expression of Governor Okpebholo's SHINE Agenda, the five-pillar development framework built around security, health, infrastructure and natural resources, agriculture, and education, which anchors his administration's vision of a "New Edo." Land administration reform sits squarely within the infrastructure pillar of that agenda, and the mass signing of Certificates of Occupancy reflects the same practical, results-driven governance philosophy the Governor has championed across the state, from rural infrastructure empowerment to diaspora investment mobilisation. Where previous administrations left land documentation mired in delay and uncertainty, the Okpebholo government has approached the sector with deliberate reform and technological innovation, treating secure land tenure as a right that should be efficiently delivered rather than a privilege withheld.

By formalising land ownership at this scale, EdoGIS is also directly reinforcing the Governor's drive to reposition Edo State as one of Nigeria's most investment-ready destinations, a priority he has personally taken to platforms as far as London, where he has urged Edo professionals and investors in the diaspora to bring their capital and expertise home. Secure, verifiable land titles are foundational to that pitch, and today's rollout gives tangible weight to the administration's promise of practical governance that places the interests of Edo people at the centre of policy.

Stakeholders have described the development as a clear demonstration of good governance in action, noting that the pace and scale of the exercise reflect a shift away from the bureaucratic bottlenecks of the past toward a system driven by accountability and results. With over 500 Certificates of Occupancy issued in a single exercise, the Okpebholo administration continues to consolidate its legacy as one focused on institutional reform, transparency, and the delivery of the SHINE Agenda's promise to every community across Edo State.