NEWS
Atedo Peterside Charges Youths to Participate in Politics

By Joseph Amah, Abuja
The Founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Atedo Peterside, has called on Nigerian youths to participate actively in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
Peterside who is also the President and founder of ANAP Foundation while urging the youths to shun all forms of violence, urged them to use the Foundation’s GoNigeria campaign, to elect forward-thinking leaders of their choice and for a better nation.
Peterside in a recent tweet, stated that the youths which consist over 60 percent of the Nigerian voting populace should endeavor to register and collect their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) before June 2022 ahead of next year’s elections, as stipulated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He added that the numerous killings of innocent citizens in the country is not the solution to youths’ aggressiveness for a better Nigeria, that such should be channeled to the 2023 elections towards voting for credible candidates that would ensure their dreams and aspirations are attained.
With notable quotes by the late Herbert Hoover, America’s 31st President which states “Older men declare war, but it is the youth that must fight and die;” Niko Bellic, the protagonist of Grand Theft Auto IV, that “War is when the young and stupid are tricked by the old and bitter into killing each other;” and Bertrand Russel, the British Philosopher, and Logician, that “War does not determine who is right, but who is wrong,” the Anap Foundation President pointed out that Nigerian youths should rethink and be part of the country’s electoral process, for the actualization of a desired and deserved country. “This is what the GoNigeria project intends to achieve,” he said.
According to Peterside ‘’a situation whereby the youths do not show interest in the country’s electoral process would mean conceding their birthrights to politicians, whose policies may not reflect the collective objective of the populace, especially young Nigerians.’’
Peterside’s position is coming as Anap Foundation kick-starts its enlightenment campaign, themed GoNigeria, a campaign to sensitize Nigerian youths to participate in the election of visionary leaders.
Anap Foundation will be partnering with the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] and other advocates, celebrity ambassadors, corporate bodies as well as volunteers in ensuring a huge success is attained in encouraging the youths in understanding that their votes count in having the right leaders at the country’s helm of affairs.
“Every kobo of the approved fund must be accounted for and we must see and broadcast the pre and post rehabilitation of all the identified 21 federal roads to the whole nation.
“Tax payers’ money must be accounted for.
“We urge every patriotic Nigerians to rise up and join us in this struggle, this is not a fight for NUPENG alone, it is our collective fight.
“Our solidarity remains constant, for the Union makes us strong”, he added.
Oladiti lamented that its members were spending over three weeks on the road transporting petroleum products across the country, saying the situation has become unbearable.
He stressed that Federal Highways in Niger State, Sapele in Delta State and Okene-Auchi in Kogi and Edo state have become death traps for its members, calling for urgent action by the Federal Government.
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.