The Edo State Diaspora Agency has appointed more than 70 volunteers as Diaspora, Local Government, and Special Liaison Officers to serve in different parts of the world and within Nigeria.
The Agency said the appointees, who include indigenes and friends of Edo State, will act as vital links between the government and Edo State communities outside of the state, ensuring effective communication and coordination in line with its mandate.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, while commending Edo State people in the Diaspora for their steadfastness and contributions to the growth of the state, said their sacrifices would be duly acknowledged and celebrated.
He praised the spirit of volunteering and unity, noting that Edo State indigenes are replicating the culture of giving back both at home and abroad.
In a statement, the Director-General of the Edo State Diaspora Agency, Dr. (Mrs.) Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor, congratulated the appointees, stressing that the list was not exhaustive and would continue to be expanded as the Agency deepens her engagement with Edo State people across the globe in the non-partisan manner spelt out by the establishing law.
The list of appointed Liaison Officers as released by the Agency includes:
Africa – Abdulrazak Abubakka and Jeffrey Obazee (South Africa); Stephen Gameli Tettey Logah (Ghana); Hamza Osa and Ode Idahosa (Egypt); Bishop Akioya Osakwe (Mali and Burkina Faso); and Pastor James Hussein Momodu (Benin Republic).
Europe – Evangelist Gladys Osamuyimwen Ogbeide (Scotland); C-Amb. Joseph Ehigiamusoe (England); Mark Giwa Amu (Wales); Steve Osccar and Isaac Agbonlahor(Germany); Samuel Omokaro Izekor, Mrs. Comfort Osifo, and Roland Okungbowa (Rome); Mr. Patrick, Prince Bishop Ehis Ayere, Victor Osaheni Ogbodu, and Omoakhia Peter (Napoli); Elder Bruce Kevin Idahosa, Helen Owie, and Asenoguan Agharese (Milano); Faraday Ebose, Paul Oghomwen Airhienbuwa, and Harry Omorodion Prince (Verona); Okpioba Iredia Osakue (Torino); Mrs. Osatohamwen (Como); Iyore Iyi-Aiwekhoe (Pisa); Elizabeth Erhas Hannisdal (Bergen, Norway); Collins Oregbe Osazuwa (Oslo, Norway); Johnson Odibo (Switzerland and Europe Continental Lead); Chief Amenaghawon Henry (Starsbourg, Austria); Amb. Osawaru Uwadiae (Graz, Austria); Pastor Rachel Omobude (Russia); Isi Negbenebor and Igharo Uhunoma Godfrey (Athens, Greece); Austin Omogiate and Steven Aghator (Thessaloniki, Greece); and Asemota Osayame Kelly (France).
North America – Ken Bazuaye, Dr. Isoken Ibie (Toronto) Dr. Eseosa Aghedo (Saskatchewan), Apostle Prof. Elizabeth Pedro (Alberta), and Sunday Ehrabor (Canada); Dr. Osagie Igbinosun (Chicago), Dr. Martins Imudia (Florida), Blessing Egbon (Queens), Richard Iyasere (Bronx), Mrs. Julianah Inneh (California), and Princess Abieyuwa Obaraye (California).
Asia and Middle East – Prince Omoruyi Agbagie Davis (Dubai, UAE) and Dr. Simple Azenabor (Japan).
Oceania – Elder Peter Imalenowa (Melbourne); Hubert Igbinoba (Sydney); Dr. Christopher Iredia (Queensland); and Dr. Queen Ohireime Oviagele (Perth).
Nigeria Liaison – Hon. Chris Ekomemen and Qs. Nosa Robert Okhiendovbehe (Rivers State); Eki Gladys Ogbeide and Judith Ebaguehita Aghator (Lagos State); Festus Omorogie and Anthony Momodu (Federal Capital Territory)
Edo State Local Government Liaison Officers – Louis Osamuyi Osayende (Ikpoba-Okha, Edo South); Florence Asemota (Uhunmwonde, Edo South); Abdulmalik Salisu Afegbua (Etsako East, Edo North); and Pastor Oyakhire (Owan East, Edo North). The cordinator for Edo Central Senatorial District LGA Liaisons is Prince Kelly Genesis Udebhulu
Special Liaison Officers – Alasa Braimoh, Osigwe Omo-Ikhirodah, and Jessica Amafe (Social Media); Treasure Aisosa Osayabamwen and Violet Osatohawmen Obamwonyi (NGOs, IDPs and Vulnerable Persons); Edwin Omoregie (Oba of Benin Palace and Traditional Institutions); Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen (Nollywood); Amal Asemota and Bayae Sylvester Isiomah (Youth and Sport); Godwin Jombo and Stella Ogba-Aburu (Education and Institution); Ehimen Ikheloa (ICT and Data Management); Dr. Eki Emovon (Health); Prof. Ehigie Alile Egbon (Education); and Eki Gladys Ogbeide (Women Empowerment and Microfinance).
The Agency noted that the appointments which are being done in batches are part of Governor Okpebholo’s engaging, enabling, and empowering of the Edo State diaspora through the stable and formal platform of government for a renewed drive to foster stronger connections amongst the people that will translate to impact between Edo State and her people worldwide.
+++++
New VC sets agenda to position Edo State University among world-class institutions
BENIN CITY – Prof. Victor Olawale Adetimirin, the new Vice Chancellor of Edo State University, Iyamho, has outlined an ambitious roadmap to place the institution on the global map through research excellence, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
Speaking at his first press conference since assuming office, Prof. Adetimirin said his priority is to make the university the best in Nigeria as a first step toward continental and international recognition.
He stressed that this would be achieved by strengthening academic standards, improving research output, and building infrastructure to support innovation.
He pledged to diversify and expand the university’s revenue base, noting that adequate funding is central to achieving global competitiveness.
His administration, he said, will also adopt a circular economy model to make the campus environmentally sustainable through reuse, recycling, and regeneration, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
On academics, the VC promised to drive excellence in teaching and encourage world-class research by creating an enabling environment for lecturers to publish in high-impact international journals.
He also unveiled plans to digitalise all administrative and academic operations, including admissions, results, timetables, and financial systems, to curb corruption, ensure transparency, and promote efficiency.
Prof. Adetimirin further assured staff and students of improved welfare, scholarships, mental health support, and other incentives to boost productivity. He thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for entrusting him with the leadership of one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing universities and commended the state government for its investment in modern facilities at the institution.
—++++
Edo govt to fund medical care of student injured by Dangote truck
BENIN CITY – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has taken over the treatment costs of Miss Elizabeth Obi, a 22-year-old final-year student injured in a road accident involving a Dangote truck in Auchi.
Elizabeth, who sustained serious injuries in the September 7, 2024 crash on the Auchi axis of the Benin-Auchi Expressway, was admitted to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) on September 11.
She has since been moved out of intensive care and is said to be responding to treatment.
According to Dr. Obagaye Olakule Michael, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at ISTH, Elizabeth requires laser surgery to correct an airway obstruction.
The procedure can only be performed in Kaduna because ISTH lacks the necessary equipment.
Governor Okpebholo directed that all her medical expenses be covered by the state government, given her family’s inability to meet the cost.
A government delegation led by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, visited Elizabeth at the hospital and conveyed the governor’s support.
Dr. Iyamu reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of citizens, particularly students, during difficult times.
+++++
Food prices differ across Benin markets, Survey reveals
By Veronica Antai and Osawaru Laura
BENIN CITY – A recent market survey has revealed significant variations in the prices of staple food items across major markets in Benin City, with Ikpoba Hill and New Benin markets emerging as the most affordable for buyers.
The study, which covered Ekiosa, Oba, Ikpoba Hill and New Benin markets, found wide disparities in the cost of rice, beans, garri, tomatoes and onions.
At Ekiosa Market, a bag of garri sells for N37,000, while rice is priced at N65,000 depending on whether it is local or foreign. A bag of beans goes for N110,000, and a basket of tomatoes costs N38,000.
By contrast, at Ikpoba Hill Market, garri is slightly cheaper at N35,000 per bag, rice sells at N63,000, beans remain N110,000 per bag, while tomatoes are N35,000 per basket.
Prices vary further in Oba and New Benin markets. At Oba Market, garri costs N30,000 per bag or N2,180 in smaller quantities, while rice ranges from N60,000 to N95,000 per bag, depending on variety. Beans remain N110,000 per bag, while tomatoes sell for N40,000 per medium basket and N25,000 for smaller baskets.
In New Benin Market, garri is sold at N30,000 per bag or N1,900 in rubber measures. Rice costs about N60,000 per bag and N4,500 in smaller quantities.
Tomatoes are relatively higher here at N46,000 per medium basket and N30,000 for small baskets.
Analysts attribute the price differences to accessibility, transportation costs, supply-demand factors, local tariffs, and the mix of local versus imported goods. Ikpoba Hill Market benefits from direct sales from farmers, reducing transport costs and offering discounts on bulk purchases.
The competitive environment there also drives down prices.
Similarly, New Benin Market’s proximity to New Lagos Road ensures easy access to a wide variety of goods from direct suppliers, eliminating intermediaries and lowering costs.
The affordability and variety at both markets have made them popular not only with residents but also with vendors from other markets who buy in bulk for resale.
The study highlights the importance of location, supply chains, and market dynamics in determining food prices, underscoring why many Benin residents prefer to shop at Ikpoba Hill and New Benin markets for cheaper alternatives.
