NEWS
Work Towards Nigeria’s Unity, Not Break Up, DG Urges Corps Members

By Evelyn Terseer – Abuja
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim has advised Prospective Corps Members to utilise the opportunities of the service year to uphold National Unity and preach peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.
He said the NYSC Scheme was established for the promotion of National Unity and integration.
Ibrahim stated this on August 1, while addressing the 2021 Batch ‘B’ Stream One Prospective Corps Members during his visit to NYSC Plateau State Orientation Camp in Mangu.
The Director-General also urged them to use the service year to build teamwork and preach against Nigeria’s break-up.
“Take advantage of the Orientation Course to foster unity, national integration and peaceful co-existence.
“NYSC was established to promote national unity and the Scheme will continue to live up to its mandate,” he said.
Speaking further, lbrahim appealed to the Prospective Corps Members to respect dignity of labour, have vision for excellent performance and drive it with passion.
He warned them against social vices saying, “Avoid cutting corners, respect the law, do the right thing and maintain good integrity,” he said.
“Avoid cybercrimes, drugs and don’t allow any of your actions today haunt you tomorrow,” he added.
General Ibrahim advised the Prospective Corps Members to be security conscious and adhere strictly to the security tips given to them in the camp by not exposing themselves to danger.
He warned them against embarking on authorized journeys, and advised that they must obtain permission from the NYSC if it becomes compelling to travel.
“Don’t travel at night, avoid boarding vehicles by the roadside and don’t take chances,” the DG stated.
Ibrahim cautioned them against wrong usage of the Social Media, admonishing them to “Be careful on the way you use the Social Media. Don’t post or share fake news”.
NEWS
Edo Sports Commission Boss Celebrates Bezi on New GWR Feat

From Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin
The Edo State Sports Commission has applauded Bolade Bezi for her remarkable achievement in setting a new Guinness World Record (GWR) in E-Sports.Bezi completed an extraordinary marathon of 57 hours, 10 minutes, and 5 seconds playing the popular video game “God of War”.
The feat was officially recognized during a ceremony held at the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, expressed admiration for Bezi’s resilience and groundbreaking accomplishment.In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele congratulated Bezi and praised her determination, focus and passion for E-Sports.“I must celebrate Bolade Bezi for her commitment and dedication to setting this new world record.”Since the event commenced on Friday, she has demonstrated unwavering resilience and passion for E-Sports,” Enabulele said.He noted that the officially recorded gameplay time was 49 hours, 0 minutes, and 14 seconds, surpassing the previous record set by Peer Bresser and Jimmie Smets in Cologne, Germany, on November 8–9, 2017, which stood at 24 hours, 15 minutes.“Bolade Bezi’s accomplishment in achieving the longest videogame marathon in the hack-and-slash genre is truly commendable. She has not only shattered the previous record but also placed Edo State on the global E-Sports map,” he added.Enabulele emphasized that the milestone is a source of immense pride for Edo State and Nigeria.He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting youth engagement in constructive ventures like E-Sports, which he described as powerful tools for personal growth and social development.”This achievement aligns perfectly with our vision to inspire and empower our youth, steering them away from social vices and toward meaningful pursuits. It reflects the aspirations of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for sports development in Edo State,” he stated.In her remarks, Bezi, a clinical physiologist, said her motivation for undertaking the intense marathon was to raise awareness about mental health, particularly depression and anxiety—two of the most widespread mental health issues today.“This challenge was physically and mentally demanding. Sleep deprivation was the biggest obstacle, but I am grateful to God for making it possible. We are also using this platform to show that E-Sports is a viable and growing sport in Edo State,” she said.Bezi expressed deep appreciation to Enabulele and the leadership of the Edo E-Sports Association, led by Ovebedaro Dean Bezi, for their unwavering support throughout her journey.NEWS
Okpehbolo Suspends Adviser, Sacks EDOFEWMA Boss

From Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has suspended his Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, Felix Osemwengie Isere for alleged unauthorized fund raising.In a special announcement containing his suspension which was signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, in the early hours of Tuesday, stated that the Special Adviser, without authorization, used the Edo State Government name to raise funds for a proposed Oil and Gas Summit scheduled to hold in Benin City on August 7.
”In view of the foregoing, the proposed Summit is hereby suspended and Felix Osemwengie Isere has been ordered to refund monies to the various donors.”Prospective donors, are by this announcement, advised to desist from dealing with the suspended appointee,” the statement read.In a related development, Okpebholo also approved the sack of Ahmed Musa Momoh, Executive Director/CEO of the Edo State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency (EDOFEWMA).Momoh has been consequently replaced by Fashanu Emmanuel as the Executive Director/CEO, of the EDOFEWMA.Umar Musa Ikhilor, Secretary to the State Government, in a statement described the newly appointed CEO as a seasoned Architect with experience spanning over two decades.NEWS
Ebonyi NSCDC Warns Residents in Flood Prone Zones to Vacate

From Godwin Okeh, Abakaliki
The Nigeria Security and civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ebonyi state on Tuesday warned citizens of the state living in flood zones to vacate immediately.The Commandant of NSCDC, Francis Nnadi made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen in Abakaliki by the command’s spokesperson, Emmanuella Ibeneme.
The Nnadi noted that the order to vacate the flood prone zones by citizens of the state followed the severe flood warnings by the Nigeria hydrological services agency (NIHSA). DAILY ASSET reported that the Nigeria hydrological services agency (NIHSA) had issued a critical warning to residents of flood-prone communities in Ebonyi state, urging immediate relocation in anticipation of severe flooding expected to hit the region in the coming days.”This alert was made public today in Abakaliki by the commandant, who emphasized the need for proactive evacuation from high-risk zones to avoid potential loss of lives and properties.”The warning follows recent hydrological assessment indicating rising water levels across river basins in the state, particularly around the Ebonyi and Cross River systems,” the statement partly read.According to NIHSA, communities in Ikwo, Abakaliki, Ishielu, Ivo and Afikpo South are among those most at risk.The agency has noted that the ongoing heavy rainfall and over saturation of waterways could lead to dangerous overflow, flash floods, and widespread destruction if precautionary measures are not taken.It was gathered that the state commandant has mandated the head of the disaster response unit to do the needful without delay including mobilization of emergency teams to high risk areas, public awareness and sensitization campaigns.Also to ensure immediate coordination with local authorities and traditional leaders to ensure compliance with relocation advisories.”The safety of our citizens is paramount, we cannot afford to be reactive, we must act now. We are calling all residents in low- lying or flood prone zones to relocate to designated safe areas until the danger subsidies.He, however, advised residents to stay tuned to verified news sources and official bulletins. Avoid crossing swollen rivers/ flooded areas and follow instructions from emergency personnel and community leaders.