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Edo Launches New Campaign to Bolster Efforts at Becoming Cleanest State in Nigeria
…begins daily clean-up exercise in major markets, roads, others
The Edo State Government has launched a new cleanup campaign to strengthen ongoing efforts by the government to transform Edo into the cleanest State in the Country, in line with its Making Edo Great Again (MEGA) Agenda.
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The exercise tagged “Cleanup MEGA” commenced in Benin City and will be expanded to other local government areas of the State to ensure a cleaner and healthier Edo State.
As part of the exercise, the Edo State Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Architect Joshua Omokhodion led other members of the team to clean up major markets, roads, and streets, among others
Other members of the team are health officials from Oredo Local Government Area, the Edo Waste Management Board, the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Edo State, and the Edo Tipper Drivers Association of Nigeria, among others.
Architect Omokhodion while addressing journalists after the exercise in Benin City, said the exercise is part of renewed efforts to transform the State into the cleanest and most conducive place to live in.
He said the programme which is in phases will be expanded, noting that “this first phase is a pilot scheme and a general model for the entire state. First to ensure that there is Monday to Monday cleaning of all the markets across the state.”
The Commissioner continued: “However, we would graduate into a monthly environmental sanitation exercise. The idea is that Mr. Godwin Obaseki said in the year 2030, Edo State would become a destination where people live in good health and their general well-being would be guaranteed. The only way to achieve this is to start a programme that makes Edo State as habitable as possible unlike what it used to be in the past.”
Omokhodion, while urging the people to participate actively in the exercise, thanked the Tipper Drivers’ Association of Nigeria and the National Union of Road Transport Workers for their collaboration in the provision of additional trucks to support the evacuation of debris in some of the areas visited.
Earlier, the General Manager, Edo State Waste Management Board (ESWMB), Charles Imariagbe, said: “We call it re-enactment because we once had that practice in the past. It is going to be a routine cleanup exercise.”
The Waste Management boss noted that trucks were designated to Siluko in Egor Local Government Area; Oregbeni and Ramat Park axis as well as other far-reaching locations within the Benin metropolis to ensure a hitch-free sanitation exercise.
According to him, “It is one of the mandates of Mr. Governor to see that Edo State becomes one of the cleanest states in the country. Therefore, we are telling the people to take responsibility by participating actively in the exercise. Going forward, the task force is going to reach out to traders and ensure compliance and create awareness of the consequences of violating the environmental laws.”
In a startling turn of events, a video has surfaced online showing a group of armed bandits conducting Eid prayers deep within the forests of Kaduna State, Nigeria.
The footage, which has sparked widespread alarm, was shared by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama on his account on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
According to reports, the armed groups gathered in at least two distinct locations Maidaro, Sabon Birni, and East Kaduna, within the Dogon Dawa Forest.
The bandits armed with a variety of sophisticated weapons. In addition to carrying automatic rifles, the bandits were seen equipped with drones and mobile phones, suggesting an alarming level of coordination and access to technology.
Security analysts, including Makama, have expressed deep concern over the implications of this gathering. Tagging both the Nigerian Army and the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in his post, Makama emphasised the urgent need for strategic countermeasures against these criminal elements.
The National Youth Vanguard of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations made by Honourable Aminu Sani Jaji, who accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, of orchestrating claims of anti-party activities against him.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Adeniyi Wale, described Jaji’s accusations as “baseless” and an attempt to distract from his own political manoeuvres.
“Jaji has long positioned himself as a loyal APC member and a unifying force within the party, but his actions suggest otherwise. His political moves appear more self-serving than focused on party unity,” Wale said.
The APC Vanguard emphasised that Nigerians deserve transparent and accountable leaders rather than those who, it said, manipulate public trust for personal gain. The group also questioned Jaji’s credibility, citing what it described as a pattern of inconsistency in his political engagements.
“The remarks made by Jaji not only lack substantiation but also raise concerns about his reliability and judgment,” the statement read. “Leadership is not merely about holding a position of power; it is about demonstrating qualities that inspire trust and confidence among the people.”
The group commended Minister Matawalle for his efforts in strengthening national security and promoting peace. It said his leadership had contributed significantly to fostering unity and improving community relations across the country.
“Minister Matawalle exemplifies the qualities of effective leadership. Under his stewardship, significant progress has been made in enhancing national security and community relations,” the statement said.
The APC Vanguard further criticised Jaji’s leadership approach, accusing him of lacking the foresight and responsibility required for credible governance.
“This pattern of inconsistency not only weakens the integrity of his decisions but also erodes the confidence of party members and stakeholders who seek dependable representation,” Wale added.
The group reaffirmed its support for Matawalle and urged APC members to remain focused on unity and national progress while rejecting divisive rhetoric that could undermine the party’s strength.
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Two brothers Launch Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, Sponsor WAEC Registration For 50 vulnerable Students
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
In a significant effort to promote education, two brothers have launched the Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, sponsoring the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration for 50 vulnerable students in Kamaru Ikulu Ward, Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Yusuf Ismail Ashafa, popularly known as Sardaunan Ikulu, urged the beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies and strive for academic excellence. He assured them that the foundation would continue to support outstanding students by facilitating their admission into higher institutions.
Ashafa also called on parents to play an active role in motivating their children to focus on education, emphasizing that their success would contribute to a brighter future for the community.
Meanwhile, Ashafa, who played a crucial role in the emergence of Engr. Bege Gaiya Joseph as the Executive Chairman of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, expressed deep appreciation for Joseph and his brother, Reuben Richman Bissla, for sponsoring the students’ WAEC registration in his honor.
He pledged to build on these efforts, ensuring continued support for students’ education as a means of fostering societal development.
In his remarks, the co-sponsor, Engr. Joseph Bege Gaiya, popularly known as Lordbeckson, disclosed that the initiative was aimed at improving the education of the most vulnerable students for the betterment of society.
“I am one of the beneficiaries of the goodwill of Sardaunan Ikulu. If he had wanted to become the Council Chairman, he would have been, but he decided to push me forward, and today I am the Council Chairman through his mentorship,” he stated.
He urged the beneficiaries to consider themselves fortunate and to take full advantage of the opportunity by studying hard to achieve excellent results.
“With the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, we must ensure that our students pursue science courses. We cannot afford to have a Federal University in our region and yet have our children unable to gain admission to study science-related fields,” he added.
The initiative has been widely commended as a timely intervention, helping underprivileged students overcome financial barriers to education.