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Edo State Leadership Accused of Sabotaging Cultural Progress, MOWAA Under Threat.

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There is a form of leadership that confuses destruction with strength, believing that progress can only be demonstrated by undoing the achievements of predecessors. Such an approach appears to characterize governance in Edo State under Governor Monday Okpebholo, whose open antagonism toward projects initiated by former Governor Godwin Obaseki signals a troubling regression.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The controversy surrounding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and the November 5, 2025, protest in Benin City exemplifies this dangerous tendency. MOWAA, conceived as a visionary cultural and research institution, aims to re-establish Nigeria’s central role in West Africa’s artistic and historical landscape. Its first building, The Institute, is set to open on November 11, 2025, as part of a multi-phase campus including galleries, conservation laboratories, an archaeological center, and public gardens, reflecting the potential of enlightened governance where purpose transcends politics.

MOWAA is not a partisan project but a national cultural infrastructure designed to preserve, study, and celebrate West African art. Its facilities place Benin City among a select group of African cities capable of restoring and exhibiting world-class artifacts. The institution works in harmony with the Oba of Benin and the proposed Benin Royal Museum, complementing them through research, technical assistance, and training. Attacks on such an institution threaten both Edo State’s cultural heritage and its broader development.

The Institute occupies approximately 4,500 square meters of rammed-earth architecture, with climate-controlled galleries, laboratories, seminar rooms, archives, and an auditorium. Planned expansions include a performance center, Rainforest Gallery, boutique hotel, and gardens with over 2,000 indigenous trees. MOWAA has also led extensive archaeological excavations in Benin City, positioning it as a hub for conservation, research, and cultural diplomacy.

The benefits of MOWAA are far-reaching, from enhancing Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy and boosting tourism to creating employment and training opportunities in conservation, archaeology, and cultural management. It also contributes to urban renewal by revitalizing the city center. These are concrete outcomes that advance both economic growth and civic pride.

Yet, the Edo State Government’s current posture reflects hostility rather than collaboration. Governor Okpebholo’s actions and comments regarding the November 5 protest demonstrate a consistent pattern of undermining Obaseki-era initiatives, evident also in projects like the Ossiomo Power Project, Radisson Hotel, Benin Mall, EdoBEST education reforms, and the digitalization of the civil service. This approach amounts to a systematic regression of state development.

Proposals to dismantle MOWAA to make way for a new central hospital are equally misplaced. The state’s health hub has already been relocated and expanded, rendering such calls unnecessary. Instead of prioritizing vengeance over vision, the government could establish an independent panel of experts to review the project transparently, allowing facts to guide decisions rather than political animosity.

Governance is about stewardship, continuity, and public service, not personal vendettas. By seeking to dismantle what he did not create, Governor Okpebholo risks leaving a legacy of bitterness rather than progress. Edo State deserves leadership that values wisdom, innovation, and the enduring benefits of thoughtful governance. History will judge harshly those who wage war against progress.

Daniel A. Noah Osa-Ogbegie, Esq., LL.M, MCIArb, PNM, FCAI, is Lead Counsel at Noah Attorneys, Benin City, Nigeria.


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Tragedy Strikes: Beloved Mount Zion Star Oyeyemi Passes Away, Leaving Fans In Absolute Shock!.

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The Christian film community is in mourning following the passing of gospel actor Oluwasegun Oyeyemi, celebrated for his role as Flora’s husband in the hit Mount Zion series Abattoir. The news was shared via an Instagram post by the Bowen University Alumni Association, which remembered him as a revered alumnus and dedicated drama minister whose ministry deeply impacted many lives. While the cause of death remains undisclosed, the association has requested prayers for his grieving family and urged local alumni in Ibadan to attend the funeral to pay their respects.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the burial arrangements, a Service of Songs is scheduled for Thursday, July 2, in Ibadan, followed by his interment at the Garden of Saints Cemetery on Friday, July 3. Attendees are kindly requested to wear white.

Beyond Abattoir, Oyeyemi was a staple in Mount Zion Faith Ministries, starring in productions like Fiwajomi, Seyifunmi, Olukoya, and Finding Grace. His career was defined by his commitment to portraying Christian characters and utilizing film to propagate the gospel.

His passing marks another somber loss for the Abattoir cast. This follows the death of actress Toluwalope Adegboyega-Alagbe—who played his on-screen wife, Flora—in February 2025, after sustaining injuries in a December 2024 accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that also claimed the life of her young daughter. Additionally, the industry previously mourned the loss of Abattoir actor Moses Korede Are, widely known as Baba Gbenro, who passed away in 2024.

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Locked In: Imo APC Unveils Bold Strategy To Ensure Tinubu’s Sweeping Re-election!.

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Austin Onyedebelu, the Imo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has declared that the party leadership in the state is prepared to “fight like a wounded lion” to secure a second term for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. He made this announcement during a key stakeholders’ meeting in the Owerri Zone, which brought together party executives from nine local government areas and 105 wards.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During his address, Onyedebelu emphasized unity as the party’s primary tool for success. He outlined a clear expectation of accountability for all party officials:

  • Party leaders will be held directly responsible for the electoral performance within their respective jurisdictions.

  • Officials were urged to proactively identify and report any potential challenges or individuals that might sabotage the party’s efforts before the election occurs.

  • The chairman stressed that victory must be secured through genuine grassroots mobilization and real votes, rather than seeking shortcuts.

Warning Against Anti-Party Activities

Onyedebelu issued a stern caution to members regarding anti-party activities, noting that those who undermine their own party should not expect to benefit from the opposition. He explained that if the opposition wins, they will prioritize rewarding their own loyal members before considering anyone who worked against their own party. Furthermore, he identified the 2027 cycle as a crucial milestone for the Owerri Zone, particularly regarding its ambition to produce the next Governor of Imo State.

Party Mobilization

The meeting, organized by the State Working Committee, was described by State Secretary Onyekachi Ibezim as a vital opportunity to engage with grassroots leadership, whom he labeled the “engine room” of the party. In response to the committee, Justus Ogu, the APC State Vice Chairman for the Owerri Zone, pledged that the zone would remain loyal and deliver comprehensive victories for all APC candidates, ranging from the presidential level to the state House of Assembly.

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Bonus Bonanza! Governor Oborevwori Delivers Major Financial Boost To Thousands Of State Employees!.

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In a landmark decision, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has authorized the payment of a 13th-month salary bonus for civil servants in Delta State. The governor unveiled this initiative on Wednesday during a Dinner and Award Night in Asaba, which was organized to commemorate the 2026 Public Service Week.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The announcement was met with widespread enthusiasm from those in attendance. According to Governor Oborevwori, the bonus serves several purposes:

  • It is intended to recognize the dedication and hard work of employees who support the state’s progress.

  • The payment is designed to enhance the overall welfare of the workforce.

  • It aims to inspire continued commitment among staff toward their professional duties.

With this approval, Governor Oborevwori becomes the first governor in Delta State to implement a 13th-month salary bonus for civil servants. The 2026 Public Service Week celebration itself was held to honor the vital contributions public servants make in delivering essential services and government programs throughout the state.

Potential Federal Salary Review

On a broader note, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has indicated that the Federal Government is considering a review of workers’ salaries. He noted that the current ₦70,000 minimum wage, established by President Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2024, is no longer aligned with current economic realities in Nigeria.

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