Ministry of Information and Strategy

13/10/2026

09/10/2026

EDOHIC Marks Customer Service Week, Reaffirms Commitment to Enrollee-Centred Service Delivery

By Portia Osayande, anipr

The Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) has rounded off activities marking its 2026 Customer Service Week with a renewed commitment to putting enrollees at the centre of its operations and continuously improving the quality of services delivered under the Edo Health Insurance Scheme (EDOHIS).

The week-long celebration themed, “Extra Mile,” featured a range of activities designed to appreciate staff and enrollees, promote meaningful engagement, gather feedback and strengthen customer service across the Commission’s Head Office and Regional offices. It commenced with an enrollee engagement session, which provided an opportunity for walk-in enrollees to interact directly with the Management Team and staff of the Commission.

During the activities, the Director of Customer Success Department, Mrs. Aya Femi-Monye, emphasised the importance of listening to enrollees and responding to their needs as part of the Commission’s commitment to improving service delivery.
She noted that going the “Extra Mile” will extend beyond the Customer Service Week, stating that every interaction with an enrollee presented an opportunity for the Commission to build trust and provide better experiences.

The Week offered enrollees an avenue to share their experiences, ask questions and provide feedback on the services of the Commission, as well as enrollees’ experience on the EDOHIC Portal, where beneficiaries were introduced to the platform and guided on how it can support easier and more convenient interaction with the Commission. The Portal forms part of EDOHIC’s ongoing digital transformation efforts aimed at simplifying processes, improving accessibility and strengthening coordination between the Commission, enrollees and healthcare providers. Other activities included games, gifts and cake-cutting ceremony.

It also featured a customer service capacity-building session for Customer Success staff and representatives from departments across the Commission. The session focused on strengthening staff capacity and promoting a shared understanding of effective and responsive customer service. Another activity was the Staff Appreciation and Team-building, formed part of the celebration, providing an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Customer Success personnel and encouraged stronger collaboration among staff.

The Regional offices also participated in the celebration, reflecting the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that its customer service culture extends across its operations and remains responsive to the needs of enrollees in the different parts of Edo State.

The Customer Service Week provided EDOHIC with an opportunity not only to celebrate its staff and enrollees, but also to reflect on lessons from beneficiary interactions and identify areas for continued improvement. The Commission reaffirmed that its commitment to customer service remains an integral part of its broader mandate of expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare coverage in Edo State.

As the 2026 Customer Service Week comes to an end, the message from EDOHIC remains clear, “Going the extra mile is not just a theme for a week, but a commitment to delivering a better EDOHIS experience for every enrollee”.

09/10/2026

Farmers With Disabilities Receive Free Fertilisers from Edo State Govt

The Edo State Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has distributed free fertiliser to over 100 persons living with disabilities and profiled farmers in the State.

According to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Jerry Uwangue, represented by the Director of Agriculture and Extension Services, Mr. David Ogunbor, the Ministry has been distributing free fertiliser across the three senatorial districts of the State, leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that profiled farmers benefit from the intervention.

In his words, “The mandate of the Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, to us is to make sure that the fertiliser gets to the real and profiled farmers. We are glad to say that the State now has a comprehensive database of farmers that is all-encompassing, and you can see today that people living with disabilities are also farmers. They are part of the society and are not left out.”

The Commissioner stated that the day marked a memorable moment in the history of agricultural development in the State, as all categories of profiled farmers, whether living with disabilities or not, were entitled to farm inputs, which was also extended to people living with disabilities.

“This is unprecedented. I have been working for over two decades, and I have not seen a thing like this, where you see downtrodden people, people you never thought would be remembered, being touched by Mr. Governor’s kind gesture in making sure farmers get farm inputs on time, and that it cuts across. I want to use this medium to thank the Governor for all he has done for Edo farmers. I appreciate the Commissioner and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, for making this dream come through.”

The Commissioner urged the beneficiaries to utilise the farm inputs judiciously to increase food production and contribute to ensuring food security in the State.

Some of the beneficiaries, including Mrs. Ekuasa Osayanmon Tessy, Umukoro Kingsley, Mr. Onone Otueroro, and Mrs. Rita Peter, in their separate remarks, thanked the State Governor for the free fertiliser, adding that they were happy that the State Government recognised and included them in its agricultural support programme. They said the free fertiliser would help them boost their crop production, while pledging to utilise the inputs effectively to increase their crop yields.

Okojie Francisca
PRO
Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

09/10/2026

Commissioner for Education Recommits to Enabling Science Education in Schools

… Flags Off Distribution of Mobile Laboratories

By Osobase A. Oseremen

The Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Washington Osifo, has reaffirmed the Ministry of Education's commitment to strengthening science teaching across schools in the State.

Dr. Osifo made the pledge at the Ministry's premises in Benin City, during the official presentation of 100 mobile science laboratories to principals of secondary schools across the three senatorial districts of the State, to enhance practical science teaching.

According to the Commissioner, the aim of the project is to curb the challenge of schools which lacked well-equipped laboratories, and to put content back into secondary education. In his opening remarks, he appreciated principals, and teachers for their work, assuring them of the Governor's commitment to improving the teaching of science in the State. "When a student fails an examination because of unavailability of science apparatus, it is not the student who has failed," He stated.

The Commissioner conveyed the regards of the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Distinguished Sen. Monday Okpebholo, and said the dream of the Governor is to see that every school in the State is equipped with the necessary science laboratory. He urged them to make good use of the investment provided by the State Government.

In the same vein, the Permanent Secretary, Sir Enodolomwanyi Otamere, charged the principals to take ownership of the equipment by protecting it and ensuring that none of the apparatus is missing after the handing over.

In a vote of thanks, the Principal of Eweka Senior Secondary School, Mrs. Izedonmwen, and the representative of the Science Teachers' Association, Dr. D. O. Idahosa, unanimously appreciated the Governor and the Ministry of Education for the kind gesture in providing the mobile equipment. They pledged to put it to the best use as it regards science teaching.

Highpoint of the ceremony was the training of various principals on the contents and uses of the various apparatus by Dr. G. O. Bello and Mr. Sylvester Ogeaga of the University of Benin.

Present at the occasion were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Students Affairs, Hon. Victor U. Akande; directors, chief inspectors of education (CIEs), principals, among others.

09/10/2026

Edo State Tourism Agency Embarks on State Tour for Tourism Promotion

The Edo State Tourism Agency has commenced tour of Edo North and Edo Central senatorial districts as part of efforts to identify, inspect and promote tourism attractions while strengthening collaboration with local government authorities and traditional institutions.

Led by the Director-General (DG) of the Agency, Lady Vivian Elabor, the Team’s first stop was at Owan East Local Government Area (LGA), where it engaged local authorities and explored the area’s tourism and cultural potentials.

At Owan East LGA, the Chairman, Hon. Ernest Aitalegbe, represented by the Head of Local Government Administration, Dr. Matthew Bes, received the Team and described the visit as a welcome development. He assured the Agency of the Council’s cooperation and said a designated liaison officer would facilitate communication between the Council and the Tourism Agency. He also pledged to provide relevant information on the Area’s tourism potentials, festivals and programmes to support their development and promotion.

The Team also visited Owan West LGA, where it was received by the Chairman, Hon. Aikpokpo Enaholo; represented by Mr. Sunday Unuigbokhai, who expressed the Council’s readiness to collaborate with the Tourism Agency. He noted that Owan West is blessed with festivals and other cultural resources, which if properly developed and promoted, could attract visitors and contribute to the economic development of the Area. He assured the Agency of the Council’s support in showcasing its attractions, festivals and cultural heritage.

As part of the tour, the Team also visited the palace of the Odidiafo of Sobe, His Royal Highness, Anthony Ero Aleburu I, where it was received by the Palace Secretary, Chief Larry Enaholo, and the Palace Public Relations Officer, Chief Prince Clement Aleburu. The palace representatives apologized for the absence of the Traditional Ruler and assured the Team that the message of the visit would be conveyed to him. They also expressed the Palace’s readiness to support the Agency’s efforts to develop and promote the tourism and cultural heritage of Sobe.

Speaking during the visits, Lady Elabor said the tour was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the Agency and local governments to create greater synergy for tourism development across the State. She noted that tourism is a major driver of economic growth and stressed the need to identify, develop and promote festivals, traditional institutions, royal heritage, historical sites and other attractions as viable tourism products.

Lady Elabor advocated proper data collection, documentation and preservation of tourism sites, adding that the partnership would promote the Orange Economy through cultural preservation, events, investment and employment opportunities.

Eghosa Emily,
PRO
Edo State Tourism Agency

09/10/2026

Commissioner for Power Inspects Gully Erosion Threatening Transmission Tower

… Reiterates Edo State Govt’s Resolve to Protect Critical Assets

The Edo State Commissioner for Power, Hon. Paul Usenbo, SCN, has assured the State Government’s commitment to protect critical assets, during an inspection of a gully erosion site ravaging the pipeline road, off Old Agbor Road, where he raised concerns about a 32KVA transmission line tower supplying power to some part of the State.

Hon. Usenbo who was on the inspection with his counterpart from the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Barr. Nosa Adams, and officials of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), also expressed concerns over the severity of the ecological damage and its looming threat to the critical power infrastructure as well as residents in the area.

He attributed the worsening situation to failure to address the erosion at an early stage, and noted that his key priorities were to ascertain the extent of erosion as well as technical and environmental interventions to create coordinated responses to the issues. In his words, "Edo State Government remains committed and responsive to ensure that those critical infrastructure within the State are well guarded and protected. We implore all stakeholders to come onboard to ensure that we are able to create lasting solution to this ecological damage."

On his part, Barr. Adams who expressed fear at the extent of damage already done by the gully, said that the State Government will not limit its intervention to remedial works, but would undertake comprehensive measures to reclaim the affected ecological site. He also assured the readiness of government to protect critical infrastructure located within the State.

The Principal Manager of TCN, Ogbiri Eda, expressed appreciation to the State Government for the bold step of inspecting the gully ravaged site with a view to finding lasting solutions to the ecological problem that has become a threat to the transmission tower.

Olotu Henrietta
PRO
Min. Of Power

09/10/2026

Special Duties Ministry Engages Stakeholders’ on Strengthening Inter-MDAs, Intergovernmental Collaborations for Effective Governance

The Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations has held a one-day stakeholders’ engagement aimed at strengthening collaborations among ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) across the three tiers of government for effective governance and sustainable development in the State.

The engagement which held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, brought together government officials and other stakeholders to deliberate on ways of improving institutional coordination, information sharing and collective action in the implementation of government policies and programmes.

At the event, the Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Corporate Change Communication and Performance Management (Transformation), Dr. Peter Osagie, said the engagement was designed to strengthen institutional relationships and promote effective collaborations among MDAs for improved governance and service delivery.

The HOS urged public servants to move beyond institutional boundaries by sharing relevant information, responding promptly to issues and taking collective responsibility for matters requiring coordinated government action. He stressed that effective collaboration would ultimately translate into tangible results and improved services for the people of Edo State.

The Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Hon. Kenneth Ihensekhien, emphasised the need for stronger collaborations among the three arms of government and the three tiers of government to achieve sustainable development in the State.

Hon. Ihensekhien said effective governance and the implementation of the Edo State Government’s SHINE Agenda required coordinated efforts among government institutions, development partners and other stakeholders. According to him, improved communication and better alignment of interventions would enable institutions to complement one another and respond more effectively to the needs of citizens.

The Commissioner explained that the engagement was intended to deepen institutional synergy, strengthen relationships among government entities and develop practical approaches to improving governance and development outcomes in Edo State.

The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Washington Osifo, commended the competence and intelligence of civil servants, noting his appreciation for working with them.

The Ministry of Special Duties’ Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Osawe Paul, explained that the Inter-Governmental Coordination Committee (IGCC) was established to strengthen coordination among MDAs, improve information sharing, eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and prevent duplication of responsibilities. He said the initiative would support the implementation of the SHINE Agenda by promoting coordinated action on key development programmes, adding that designated SHINE agents would serve as liaison officers across MDAs to facilitate communication, data gathering and monitoring of government programmes.

The Information and Communication Technology officer in the Ministry, Mr. Nosamudiana Izeko; stressed the importance of effective coordination among MDAs, noting that government responsibilities often cut across institutional boundaries and therefore require timely communication, shared responsibility and coordinated action.

Mr. Izeko urged participants to move beyond meetings and resolutions towards practical collaborations that would improve decision-making, policy implementation and service delivery. He called for collective ownership of cross-cutting issues and stronger institutional relationships to ensure that government policies and programmes translate into meaningful results for the people.

During a panel discussion, participants highlighted the need to strengthen collaboration among MDAs and institutionalise policies within the Civil and Public Service to ensure continuity and effective implementation of government programmes. They emphasised the development of knowledge, experience and capacity of civil servants to sustain government initiatives.

The discussion also focused on the importance of harnessing the skills, expertise and resources of young people and Edo indigenes in the diaspora, as well as strengthening cooperation among the three tiers of government to promote employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.

The stakeholders’ engagement underscored the importance of moving from institutional cooperation to practical and sustained collaboration, with stronger coordination, communication and shared responsibility as key requirements for effective governance and improved service delivery in Edo State.

Ilobekemen Mary
P.R.O
Ministry of Information and strategy

06/10/2026

PRESS STATEMENT

STILL ON PA JOSEPH IDUORIYEKEMWEN.

We are delighted to announce that Pa Joseph has been released by the Nigeria Police. The initial report was that he was abducted around 4am in the early morning of Tuesday, until further clarifications were made that he was actually arrested following petition by some members of Amagba Community. Whatever be the motive, arresting a 90 years old and fragile man at 4am in such gestapo manner was a no-no for us. Governor Monday Okpebholo is a law abiding Governor whose approach to issues often follows due process and rule of law. At 90, Pa Iduoriyekemwen could have been invited to answer to issues raised in the petition, instead of this approach.

In Edo state, little issues often ignite passion and easily politicised to blackmail the government. We treat our elders with respect and decorum as a way to deepen our emotional intelligence in driving our governance agenda. People should respect the rule of law and due process to drive narratives that place Edo state at the epicentre of decency and common sense. We implore the Security agencies to apply the best of methods and approaches in dealing with petitions and issues that require clarification. Land ownership and acquisition must follow the pattern laid out by the Government of Edo state, in line with Governor Okpebholo's ongoing reforms to strengthen processes and documentations in the administration of lands. Anyone who tries to abuse the process, no matter how highly placed, will naturally face the full wrath of the law.

PRINCE KASSIM AFEGBUA
HON. COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION AND STRATEGY.
EDO STATE.