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From Hustle to Hope: Okpebholo Promises Economic Revival for Edo Youths

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Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, stating that young people across the state have been provided with the tools and enabling environment needed to excel in their chosen fields.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking at the 2025 edition of the Edo Youth Impact Forum (EYIF), themed “Empowered Youths, Transformed Future”, the governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Umar Ikhilor, addressed a vibrant audience at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Airport Road, Benin City.

Governor Okpebholo noted that his government is intentional about supporting the youth through structured initiatives and sustainable policies. “Our administration strongly believes in the power of youth development. We are creating platforms and opportunities for them to thrive and innovate,” he said.

He highlighted the efforts of the Edo State Skills Development Agency, which has trained thousands of youths across diverse sectors. He also announced the commencement of disbursement for the first tranche of the state’s N1 billion interest-free loan, approved to empower residents—particularly the youth—to create wealth and boost the state’s economic resilience.

“This forum reflects the vision of our SHINE agenda. It is the beginning of bigger achievements to come. Today is a day for birthing dreams that can transform the world,” the governor added, encouraging young people to remain resilient and dream big.

Also speaking at the event, Edesili Okpebholo, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, reiterated the administration’s unwavering focus on youth development. She urged participants to channel their energies into building a better future, while steering clear of social vices like cultism, fraud, and sexual violence.

Delivering a goodwill message, APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, advised youths to stay courageous and committed, describing Africa’s youth population as its greatest opportunity. He called on the government to harness their talents and support their aspirations.

Kizito Okpebholo, Team Lead of EYIF 2025, revealed that the governor personally initiated the forum, which produced a remarkable outcome during the Hack the Future Challenge. Five outstanding participants — Dr. Iyere Great, Prince-Will Okpe, Joseph Origho, Chidinma Aduba, and Oluchi Edozie — each received N2 million in seed funding for their innovative ideas. The other finalists received N1 million each to support their projects.

The forum also featured a masterclass led by influential industry experts, including Metroman Goldie Iyamu (founder/CEO), Oladapo Segun (founder of Kagan Tech), and comedian Jonathan Gbadamasi (popularly known as MC Edo Pikin), who educated attendees on using digital platforms to drive societal impact.

Dignitaries at the event included the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu; Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu; Commissioner for Mining, Oil and Gas, Andrew Ijegbai; members of the Edo State House of Assembly, permanent secretaries, agency heads, and other top officials.

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Dele Momodu Denies 2027 Ambition, Rejects VP Campaign Poster With Atiku Abubakar.

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A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has dismissed a viral presidential campaign poster linking him as a running mate to Atiku Abubakar.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The poster, tagged “AtiDele 2027,” suggested Atiku as presidential candidate with Momodu as his deputy, but the media entrepreneur described it as a misleading creation aimed at distracting the ADC.

Reacting via his X handle, Momodu clarified that he is not interested in any electoral contest and urged supporters to disregard the circulating image.

He said when he first saw the poster, he assumed it was a joke, but later began receiving repeated messages about it, prompting him to publicly address the issue.

Momodu stressed that he is not contesting any political office, but remains committed to supporting a coalition of parties working to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he accused of weakening Nigeria’s democracy.

He added that he believes the ADC has many capable leaders, stating that he is ready to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.

According to him, his role will be to offer support rather than seek personal political ambition, especially as preparations toward future elections continue.

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Hard Times Return As Petrol Price Jumps To N1,440 Per Litre Across Nigeria

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Petrol prices have surged across Nigeria, with filling stations now selling fuel between N1,364 and N1,444 per litre, as rising global crude oil prices continue to pressure the domestic market.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Findings on Thursday evening showed that major marketers such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), MRS, BOVAS, Ardova (AP), and Mobil have adjusted their pump prices to between N1,364 and N1,370 per litre.

Other outlets, including AA Rano, Emedab, Empire Energy, and Ranoil, are selling at even higher rates, ranging from N1,370 to N1,440 per litre.

This represents a sharp increase from about N900 per litre recorded in February 2026.

The latest hike comes just 24 hours after Dangote Refinery and depot operators raised their gantry and ex-depot prices to N1,275 and N1,320 per litre respectively, citing rising global crude oil costs.

Market data on Friday morning showed that Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose to $111 and $105 per barrel, driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel in the Middle East.

The situation has also been worsened by the recent withdrawal of the United Arab Emirates from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), further increasing volatility in the global oil market.

Reacting to the development, the spokesperson of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, said the global oil price increase is directly affecting fuel costs in Nigeria.

He noted that while Dangote Refinery has helped cushion the impact, fluctuations in the international crude market are still influencing domestic pricing.

The continuous rise in petrol prices has sparked fresh calls for government intervention, as Nigerians struggle with worsening economic hardship.

The development comes at a sensitive time as workers mark May Day, with the national minimum wage at N70,000 and the cost of living rising alongside fuel prices edging close to N1,500 per litre.

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AGF Fagbemi Moves To Deregister ADC, Accord, AA And Other Political Parties

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The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has called for the deregistration of several political parties, including the Action Alliance (AA), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Zenith Labour Party, and Action Peoples Party (APP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Fagbemi made the request before the Federal High Court, arguing that it is unconstitutional to allow political parties that have consistently failed to win electoral seats to remain registered.

His position was presented in an affidavit filed in response to a suit by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which is also seeking the deregistration of the affected parties.

The AGF urged strict enforcement of Section 225A of the Nigerian Constitution, stating that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no discretionary power to retain parties that do not meet the required electoral performance threshold.

He further argued that the continued existence of non-performing political parties contributes to ballot paper overcrowding, increases the cost of elections, complicates electoral administration, and weakens the intent of the Constitution.

According to him, the constitutional amendment was introduced to address challenges such as ballot clutter and inefficiencies in the voting process.

Fagbemi also noted that, as the chief law officer of the federation, he is empowered to initiate or support actions aimed at ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions.

Earlier in the proceedings, counsel to the NFFL, Yakubu Ruba (SAN), told the court that the case seeks judicial clarification on constitutional and legal provisions governing the registration and continued recognition of political parties in Nigeria.

He explained that the suit is strictly for constitutional interpretation, insisting that some political parties may have violated the law, and therefore require judicial guidance on their status.

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