Thursday, January 15, 2026
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Local News

2026: expect stronger security, inclusive development, Okpebholo assures

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  Senator Monday Okpebholo   From our news desk, Benin     Edo people have been assured of a renewed hope, stronger security, and accelerated development in the year 2026. Governor Monday Okpebholo gave the assurance in his new year message to the people while describing the new year as a defining phase of “Hope and Growth” for the State. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebojele Akhere Patrick, PhD made this known in a press release circulated amongst journalists in Benin, on Thursday, 1 January, 2026. Governor Okpebholo...
Politics

Improving the Economy: The need for Consumer Credit Leverage

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CreditCorp Is Not Another Government Bank: CreditCorp's mandate is to build and enable the ecosystem for consumer credit; it is not to build another Government Bank. Mr. Nwagba must resist pigeonholing the agency into becoming a direct lender. CreditCorp can never have enough money to lend and should not even begin to lend directly. They must avoid the suboptimal position that the Federal Mortgage Bank (FMB) and the Bank of Industry (BOI) have created for themselves.
Sports

Afcon: Super Eagles sails into round of 16

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• Beats Tunisia 3-2   From our Sports desk, Benin The Nigeria Super Eagles have qualified for the round of 16; knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, after beating Tunisia 3–2 on Saturday night. The Nigeria team was purposeful from the blast of the whistle dominating play through sustained possession and quick ball circulation. In their sustained push, several opportunities were created early in the game, repeatedly testing the Tunisian defence through crosses and set pieces. But the opening goal did not come until the...
Politics

AFCON 2025: Tunisia will stop Osimhen, Lookman, others – Trabelsi

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      DOHA, QATAR - JANUARY 7: Sami Trabelsi, coach of Tunisia looks on during the international friendly game between Tunisia and Ethiopia at the Al Wakrah Stadium on January 7, 2013 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images)   From our news desk, Benin In a few hours away from now, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will be locking horns with the Tunisia senior men football team in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco; second game after defeating Tanzania 2-1 on Tuesday. Both teams...
Sports

News Update: FIFA rejects Nigeria’s petition against DR Congo

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The Nigeria team lines up during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Nigeria's Super Eagles and Rwanda's Amavubi, which Nigeria wins 1-0, at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, on September 6, 2025. (Photo by Adekunle Ajayi/NurPhoto via Getty Images) • Ends World cup dream Football World governing body FIFA has rejected Nigeria's petition against the Democratic Republic of Congo alleging the fielding of ineligible players in the playoff game held in Rabat. The decision which filtered into town weekend, has officially quashed Nigeria’s hope...
Articles & News Features

UMAEGBANEDO: FACT OR FABLE?

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In contemporary times, UMAEGBANEDO is no longer a curse of the past; it is a mindset that must be deleted from our collective psyche. The real battle before us is mental, strategic, and developmental. We must consciously and intelligently navigate Nigeria’s complex political terrain with clarity of purpose and unity of vision
Local News

How Governor Okpebholo’s First Full Budget Year Set Direction for Edo’s Development By Ebojele Akhere Patrick Patrick PhD Budgets are often judged by figures and projections, but their true meaning lies in what people can see, feel and experience in their daily lives. A close look at Edo State’s 2025 budget performance, compared with the 2024 exit budget of the previous administration, shows a clear shift in both the tempo and direction of governance under Governor Monday Okpebholo. The 2024 budget closed an era. It was largely a consolidation document, focused on sustaining existing structures, maintaining fiscal order and completing ongoing programmes. It performed creditably in revenue terms and helped stabilise the state’s finances at the point of transition. However, it was never designed to be bold or transformational. The 2025 budget, Governor Okpebholo’s first full fiscal year in office, has been different in both tone and intent. It was crafted at a time when Edo faced deep security concerns, mounting social pressures and growing public expectations. Rather than slow down, the Governor chose to act. Security: A Clear Break from the Past Perhaps the most visible change between 2024 and 2025 is in the area of security. When this administration came in, cult killings, kidnapping and violent crime had reached worrying levels. Governor Okpebholo moved quickly, not with promises but with decisions. A stronger anti-cultism law, the recruitment and training of 2,500 personnel into the Edo State Security Corps, and the deployment of patrol vehicles and motorcycles across the state sent a strong message. Communities that once lived in fear are now beginning to breathe easier. This did not happen by chance; it was the result of firm leadership and clear priorities. Infrastructure: From Paper to the Streets Infrastructure under the 2025 budget has moved beyond plans on paper. The award of 28 road projects covering about 255 kilometres and the construction of two flyovers in Benin City — a first in Edo’s history — have changed the conversation around development. While the 2024 budget made steady but limited infrastructure interventions, the Okpebholo administration raised the bar. Roads are opening up communities, easing movement and supporting local businesses. The flyovers, once considered impossible, are now taking shape and symbolising a government willing to do what others deferred. Healthcare and Education: Investing in People In healthcare, the difference is equally clear. The rebuilding of primary health centres, the provision of diagnostic equipment and the commencement of a 150-bed specialist hospital in Edo Central show a government that understands that development begins with healthy citizens. Education has also received uncommon attention. The recruitment of 5,000 teachers and the significant increase in subventions to Ambrose Alli University and Edo State University, Iyamoh, go beyond routine budgeting. They reflect a belief that Edo’s future depends on what happens in classrooms and lecture halls today. Economy and Livelihoods The 2025 budget also shows a human face. The ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme for market women and traders and the creation of over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs speak to an administration that understands the daily struggles of families and small businesses. Unlike previous approaches that focused mainly on macroeconomic indicators, this administration has paid attention to how policies affect ordinary people at the grassroots. Putting the Comparison in Perspective It is important to be fair. The 2024 budget performed well in revenue mobilisation and fiscal discipline, reflecting years of institutional reform. But the 2025 budget has delivered wider impact, stronger visibility and a more direct connection to people’s needs. In simple terms, 2024 kept the system running. 2025 began to move the system forward. Looking Ahead The lessons from the 2025 budget explain the confidence behind the 2026 Budget of Hope and Growth. Governor Monday Okpebholo has shown, within a short time that leadership is not about managing expectations but meeting them. Indeed Edo is shining and many Edo people are beginning to see the difference — in safer streets, better roads, improved schools and renewed confidence in government. That, more than any statistic, is the real measure of performance. Ebojele Akhere Patrick PhD is Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Edo State

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How Governor Okpebholo’s First Full Budget Year Set Direction for Edo’s Development By Ebojele Akhere Patrick Patrick PhD   Budgets are often judged by figures and projections, but their true meaning lies in what people can see, feel and experience in their daily lives. A close look at Edo State’s 2025 budget performance, compared with the 2024 exit budget of the previous administration, shows a clear shift in both the tempo and direction of governance under Governor Monday Okpebholo. The 2024 budget closed an era. It was largely a consolidation...
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