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How Gov Okpebholo’s ₦1 Billion Interest-Free Loan Is Transforming Edo’s  Economy By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah  When Governor Monday Okpebholo unveiled a ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme in June 2025, it was more than a policy announcement.  It was a statement of intent. At a time when small businesses across Nigeria are grappling with high operating costs and limited access to affordable credit, Edo State chose a different path, one that places trust, opportunity, and economic power directly in the hands of its people. The result is a quiet but far-reaching economic intervention that is reshaping livelihoods, strengthening local commerce, and laying the foundation for inclusive growth across the state. Unlike conventional loan programmes that often favour a few, the Okpebholo administration adopted a uniform and transparent model.  Under the scheme, ₦200,000 was disbursed to each of 5,000 beneficiaries spread across the three senatorial districts (40 percent in Edo Ce...

Edo Security Situation: Protests and Ongoing Security Efforts** The Edo State Government considers it necessary to further clarify issues arising from the recent protest that disrupted vehicular movement in Ekpoma on Saturday, January 10, particularly as it concerns public perception of the state’s security situation. While the government recognises the constitutional right of citizens to express concerns, it is important to state and very clearly, that matters of security require calm, coordination and constructive engagement. Actions such as blocking roads and disrupting movement, especially in the name of protest, do not aid security operations and may inadvertently expose residents to further risks or be exploited by criminal elements. Citizens must resist the urge to be caught in such dangerous tendencies. It is on record that since he took office, Governor Monday Okpebholo who understands the concerns of Edo residents has remained responsive to genuine complaints rela...

AIGUOBASINMWIN MOVEMENT WORLDWIDE STATEMENT OF FACTS Re: Enlisting of Certain Self-Acclaimed Benin Elites for Reconciliation It is a settled principle that when an error is left uncorrected, abuse becomes inevitable. It is, therefore, necessary to clearly address the ongoing attempts by certain interests to enlist names for so-called “reconciliation” within the Benin Kingdom. Our attention has been drawn to a list of individuals pencilled down for reconciliation, many of whom are well-known supporters, enablers, and apologists of Mr. Godwin Obaseki’s sacrilegious actions and calculated plots against the highly revered Benin Royal Palace. While a few individuals on the list are considered exceptional like Prince Aghatise Erediauwa, Edion Oliha, the Oliha of Benin Kingdom, His Excellency Lucky Imasuen, Honourable E.J Agbonayiman, Professor Edoba Bright Omoregie (SAN), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and West Idahosa (SAN) but others who were enlisted are either active participants o...

Gov. Okpebholo Applauds Performing Road Contractors, Issues Tough Warning on Project Delays Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commended road contractors delivering quality jobs across Edo South Senatorial District, while warning firms lagging behind to sit up or risk losing their contracts. The governor gave the commendation during an inspection tour of ongoing road construction projects in Edo South, as part of his administration’s push to ensure timely delivery and value for public funds. Governor Okpebholo said the inspection was necessary to separate serious contractors from those failing to meet agreed standards and timelines. “We’ve gone round several places today. We were at Church Road, Upper Ekenwan road and we were not too happy with the contractor there. We have made our observations to the contractor on the need to meet with specifications and by the time we return next time and nothing ...

*Edo Youths Stage Peaceful Walk to Defend Benin Throne, Warn Against Disparagement of Royal Institution* Hundreds of youths, men and women under the aegis of the Aiguobasinmwin Movement Worldwide on Thursday embarked on a peaceful road walk in Benin City to protest what they described as sustained attacks and disparagement of the revered Benin Throne and Palace. The peaceful procession, led by the President of the movement, Mr. Iyamu Osaro, attracted members of various youth groups and cultural stakeholders who carried placards and inscriptions warning individuals and groups against ridiculing, insulting, or undermining the authority and sanctity of the Benin Royal Palace. The protesters cautioned Edo people and the general public not to be misled by what they termed an “insignificant number of persons” whom they accused of deliberately portraying the palace and the Benin Throne in bad light through statements and coordinated media campaigns. Speaking during the walk, Mr. Iyamu Osaro, ...

Odionwere Dissolves Okaighele's Cabinet of Obazuwa community  The Odionwere of Obazuwa Community in Ovia North-East local government area of Edo State, Pa Roland Aimuamrwosa Oyenmwense on Tuesday, 9th December, 2025 dissolved the cabinet of Odaro Peace Ibizugbe,  Okaighele over gross misconduct at the community.  This was contained in a statement signed by the Odionwere, Pa Roland Oyenmwense and made available to journalists in Benin, the state capital. The statement read: "At the general meeting held at the Odionwere’s compound in Obazuwa Community, on Tuesday the 9th day of December, 2025, the Odionwere of Obazuwa Community, Pa Roland Aimuamwosa Oyenmwense, declared the dissolution of the cabinet of the Okaighele of the community, Odaro Peace Ibizugbe.  "The sacked Okaighele carried out abominable acts, by creating community boundaries without the knowledge and authorization of the knowledge of the Odionwere and the elders of community and the consent o...