Esan Magazine Online

Orior Community Elders Back Siting of Gas Pipeline Routing At EDOGIS Public Hearing, Commend Gov. Okpebholo. By Muyiwa Akinsanya and Davina Ushere. BENIN CITY -  A  public hearing to deliberate on the desirability or otherwise of routing of Ying Zhi Energy Gas Pipeline through Orior Community in Uhunmwode local Government Area of Edo State has received the full backing and endorsement of the Odionwere and members of the Orior Community. The public hearing organised by Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS ) on Friday, May 29,2026  to clear issues of compensation and Corporate Social Responsibility, brought together  all relevant Stakeholders and was presided over by the EDOGIS Managing Director, Dr. Innocent Bello. The event had in attendance,  representatives from the Nigerian Mainstream and Downstream Petroleum Limited, officials of Ying Zhi Energy Limited, and Community leaders from Orior, including some traditional chiefs, who converged to ensure ...

Asiwaju Campaign Office To Be Opened In Gov. Okpebholo's LG By: Our Correspondent In preparation for the 2027 Presidential election, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the candidate for the All Progressives Congress, APC, the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Campaign Office, will be officially opened on Saturday the 6th of June 2026, in Ibore, Esan Central local government area of Edo State. Speaking on the opening of the Campaign office, High Chief Abudu Ugbesia, JP, the Chairman, Edo State Traditional Medicines Board, TMB, and an APC Leader In Ibore, Ward one of Esan Central local government area, used the opportunity to invite all and sundry to witness the official commissioning of the Campaign office, which according to him, will be available for use for all political activities and gatherings relating to Asiwaju 2027 Presidential campaigns. Chief Ugbesia said; "... I built this Campaign office for use for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2027 Campaign. As the Chairman of Edo State Tr...

  EDO LG ELECTIONS:  Support Akpakomiza's Candidates.                 -Ugbesia. By: Our Reporter A leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, High Chief Abudu Ugbesia, JP, has called on the people of Edo State in general and people of Esan Central local government area, in particular, to support the candidates of Governor Monday Okpebholo, in the forth coming local government and other elections in the state, saying; "...this is one way to thank Senator Okpebholo for all the dividends of democracy that the people of Edo State has been enjoying since the assumption into office of Governor Okpebholo". High Chief Ugbesia made this call on Wednesday, the 27th of May, 2026, while addressing a mammoth crowd gathered at the APC Secretariat in ward one, Ibore, of Esan Central local government area. Introducing to the mammoth crowd, Hon. Prince Abdulahi Momodu, the all progressives Congress Chairman candidate for the Esan Central local go...

  ESAN CENTRAL: Vote Of No Confidence Passed On Inactive APC Ward Leader By: Our Reporter On Wednesday 27th May 2026, a vote of no confidence, was passed on Hon. Theophilus Okoh for  his ineffectiveness, abandonment of responsibilities, poor leadership, financial malfeasance, gross incompetence and other sundry matters, in managing the affairs of the Party in Ward one of Esan Central Local Government, ECLG, area of Edo state. Moving the motion, in a meeting that held today, at the All Progressives Congress, APC, Ward one Party Secretariat, in Ibore-Irrua, Mr. Oriaifo C.O, an ex-Officio of the APC in the ward, said; "...in this Ward, the All Progressives Congress, has been operating like sheep without Shepherd. The leadership of this party in this Ward, is sick". "... before now, we hardly have a crowd as large as this whenever we call for meetings. Thank God that is now becoming a thing of the past". "Theophilus Okoh, is supposed to be a Super leader in this Wa...

ESAN CENTRAL:  Ward 1, APC Gets Acting Chairman By: Our Reporter A new Party Chairman, for the All Progressives Congress,APC, today, Wednesday, 27th May 2026, emerged in Ward one, of Esan Central Local Government, ECLG, area of Edo state. The ward one of the local government area, includes, Obiabi, Ibore, Ugbalo, Atuagbo,Ekilor and Okhoromi communities. The above development, is as a result of the vacuum created in the Chairmanship position of the ward. Addressing the mammoth crowd, the Acting Chairman, Hon. Aitimoe announced that, he called for the meeting to thank the entire members and leadership of the All Progressives Congress, in Ward One, for having confidence in him to lead the party in Ward One, and also to know, one-on-one, all the members, executives and leadership of the All Progressives Congress, in Ward One, saying; " ...for me, this familiarisation meeting, is very important, and I am immensely happy to see this large turn out". Continuing, Hon. Aitimoe, who th...

  ESAN CENTRAL: Winning Is Assured, Ward 1 Councillor Candidate, Declares By: Our Reporters As the preparation for the local government, House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate and Presidential elections gradually builds up, Hon. Mathew Ebhotemen, the Councillorship Candidate for Ward One in Esan Central Local Government Area, the Edo state governor's local government, has declared that, Winning is Assured across all the upcoming elections. Speaking on Wednesday, the 27th of May, 2026, in Ward One Secretariat, in Ibore, Hon. Matthew Ebhotemen, aka Apostle, said; "...I want to first of all, appreciate all the members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for this unity, and this unity will definitely be transformed to massive and landslide winnings in the upcoming Local Government, House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate,and Presidential elections". "The governor of Edo state, Senator Monday Okpebholo, aka Akpakomiza, the working governor, has...

ESAN CENTRAL:  Former Ward 1 Councillor, Relocates To Ward 3, His Ancestral Home By: Our Reporter On Saturday, 23rd May 2026, Hon. Solomon Agene, a former Councillor of Ward One, in Esan Central Local Government, ECLG, area of Edo state relocated his Party registration from Ward one to Ward 3, Ibhiolulu, of Esan Central Local Government Area, saying; "I am back to my ancestral home". The ceremony that marked his welcome by the All Progressives Congress, APC, members, executives and leaders of ward 3, started after the conduct of the APC Presidential Primary of the 2027 Presidential election, at the Party's Ward secretariat in Ibhiolulu. Hon. Obeimen Omoiyebagbe, a former Councillor that represented ward 3, Chief Odalo Goferey, Hon. Felix Ibhade and High Chief Stainless Ijegede, all leaders of the APC in the ward, who all described Hon. Solomon Agene as a strong and quality member of the APC,  expressed joy at Hon. Agene's relocation of his party's registration, an...

Esan Central Witnessing a New Era of Grassroots Development Under Rt. Hon. Iyere By: Oriaifoh Godwins Within barely eighteen months in office, the Executive Chairman of Esan Central Local Government Area, Edo state, Rt. Hon. Kelvin Ainiyalenhimi Iyere has continued to distinguish himself through purposeful leadership, pragmatic governance, and people-oriented administration that many residents now describe as unprecedented in the history of the council. At a time when many local government administrations across the country struggle to deliver visible and impactful projects, the Esan Central Chairman has demonstrated that committed leadership at the grassroots level can still transform communities and improve the lives of ordinary citizens. From Education to Healthcare, Rural infrastructure, Commerce, and Public utilities, the administration has embarked on, and completed several landmark projects across the local government area, even as a number of other projects are still ongoing, t...

LG Chairman Completes Block Of Six Classrooms In Ewu By: Oriaifoh Godwins Again, the Chairman of Esan Central Local Government, ECLG, area, Rt. Hon. Kelvin Ainiyalenhimi Iyere, has completed a block of six Classrooms for Iduwele Primary School, Ewu, as a way of fulfiling his promise that, all Wards in the local government area will benefit one way or the other from the dividends of good governance, in line with the sterling examples that the governor of Edo state, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is setting. Speaking over the weekend, at the site of the project, Rt. Hon. Iyere said; "...Iduwele Primary School, is one of the schools in Esan Central Local Government Area that has groomed a good number of our children in the past. This legacy must be maintained". "...Besides, in Esan Central Local Government Area, we are working assiduously in line with the SHINE Agenda of our governor". It will be recalled that, in just one year and a couple of months that he...

COMMENT: APC Primaries In Edo Central: Nemesis, Still Playing Out By: Oriaifoh Godwins I have been following the 'words of war', that has been crisscrossing between the supporters of Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun, and Sir Barr. Lucky Eseigbe, since the conclusion of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Primary elections that held on Saturday, May 16 2026, and I can only come to one conclusion: NEMESIS IS STILL PLAYING OUT. Some may recall that, on the 10th of May, 2026, I voiced my opinion, captioned: Endorsements of Eseigbe: Nemesis to Onobun? and published in Esan Magazine... https://esanmagazineonline.blogspot.com/2026/05/endorsements-of-eseigbe-nemesis-to.html Many hailed it, while it didn't go down well with some people, but one thing remains, what I wrote, is a true reflection of all that happened in 2019, when some people saw themselves as the Alpha and Omega, hence cann do and undo. What is happening in the Political atmosphere of Edo state, particularly, Edo Central, today...

When The Voice oF Reason Speaks, People In Authority Should Listen, Take Action By: Oriaifoh Godwins  A couple of weeks ago, Izibili Emmanuel Esq. a Notary Public and Barrister of law, advised those in authority in Edo State, on the best way to go, so as to successfully scale through the Primary elections, adding that, if not tactically handled, may lead to devastating consequences, especially bearing in mind that; like vultures, laying in wait, and hovering over a dead animal to feed on it, there are political parties hovering over the political climate in Edo state, to feed on their anticipated disintegration of the All Progressives Congress, APC. In his write-up captioned: "Direct Primary: a default of consensus... 3.5m votes promised, at risk? - implications and impacts" published in: https://esanmagazineonline.blogspot.com/2026/04/direct-primary-default-of-consesus-35m_0999395636.html Barr. Izibili carefully x-rayed the options, their implications and the way out of any ...

APC Primaries: MD, ECTS Congratulates Odi Okojie On Victory Hon. Chief Robert Okoinemen, the Oduma Of Uromi kingdom, has congratulated Hon. Prince Odianosen Henry Okojie on his emergence as the winner and candidate of the APC in the just concluded House of Representatives primaries for Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency. Hon. Chief Robert Okoinemen, who is also the Managing Director, MD, of Edo City Transport Services, ECTS, In his congratulatory message to Hon. Odi Okojie, and made available to Esan Magazine, said; "indeed, this victory is a reflection of destiny, leadership, and the trust the people have placed in you".  "You are truly God-sent, born to rule, and destined to serve with excellence, wisdom, and integrity". Describing Hon. Odi Okojie's victory as "a new chapter", the MD of ECTS, prayed  that the new chapter will bring greater success, impactful leadership, and outstanding representation for the good people of Esan Nort...

  ESAN SOUTH EAST, EDHA 2027: ... It's A New Platform, Same Vision.                            - OTA OKOJIE By: Oriaifoh Godwins  Barrister Felix Ota-Okojie, an aspirant contesting to represent Esan South East Constituency in Edo State House of Assembly, EDHA, has called on his teeming supporters, friends, stakeholders and all the people of Esan South East Local Government Area, to join him on this new journey, in a new platform, to continue the work of building a stronger and more prosperous future for Esan South East constituency in Edo state House of Assembly. Speaking with a team of newsmen recently, Barrister Ota-Okojie, said; "the party may be different, but it is the same vision, the same purpose, the same determination, and same commitment to service". Continuing, Barr. Ota-Okojie, who maintained that, his resolve remain firm, to work for the progress, effective representation, development, and stron...

  OPINION Reviving Uromi Cassava Plant Will Boost Job Creation, Manufacturing In Edo Central. By: Emmanuel Ebare Exactly two years ago, in April 2023, a company headed by one Dr. Mike Iseghohi, a native of Uromi, in Esan North East Local Government, ENELG, area of Edo state, partnered with Edo State Government to take over the Uromi Cassavita factory. What exactly is the situation of the factory today? does anyone have detail information about that Uromi Cassava Plant? whether it is functioning at all, and what the present situation is? Some people have suggested that it should be brought to the attention of Governor Monday Okpebholo, so the factory can be brought back to life. According to stakeholders, Uromi Cassavita factory, is considered a key "quick win" project for Edo State to diversify its economy and create jobs. I want to use this opportunity to draw the attention of Edo State Government to this viable project, as it will create employment for our youths as well as...

PRESS RELEASE: UZEA Not Marginalized Under Okpebholo Administration The people of UZEA and indeed the entire Esan North East can confidently attest that we are not marginalized under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo. From the very onset, the Governor demonstrated his appreciation for UZEA. Notably, one of the first road projects in the region was was flagged off in UZEA. Even on the very day of his electoral victory, His Excellency paid homage to our Royal Majesty in recognition of the overwhelming support from our people. One of his first appointment was the appointment of the then acting Chairman of Esan North East Local Government Hon. Paul Ohonmesele from UZEA. All these were doing by his Excellency immediately he was announced the Governor because he appreciated UZEA for our support to him. He never forgot that.  This administration has also ensured fair representation for other UZEA indigenes: Chief Hon. Robert Okoinemen serves as Chairman of Edo Cit...

PRESS RELEASE. I APPRECIATE APC LEADERS AND GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO OVER MY ENDORSEMENT FOR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES — SIR LUCKY ESEIGBE. I, Sir Lucky Eseigbe Esq., House of Representatives hopeful for the Esan Central, Esan West and Igueben Federal Constituency, wish to sincerely express my profound appreciation to leaders, stakeholders, and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the federal constituency for the confidence reposed in me through their unanimous endorsement as the party’s preferred flag bearer as we look forward to the party primaries on the 15th of May, 2026. This endorsement represents a humbling demonstration of trust, unity, and belief in my capacity to provide purposeful representation and quality leadership for the people of Esan Central, Esan West, and Igueben Federal Constituency. The overwhelming support from party leaders and faithful across the constituency has further strengthened my resolve to pursue a people-oriented agenda anchored on develo...

Onobun Rejects Premature Endorsements of APC Aspirant By: Our Reporter Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun, the Member representing Esan West/Esan Central/Igueben Federal constituency, who is also an aspirant for the upcoming House of representatives election under the auspices of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has rejected in its entirety, the endorsements of his competitor in the APC Primaries coming up next month. Rt. Hon. Onobun made this condemnation in a Press statement made available to Esan Magazine,  captioned: "REJECTION OF PREMATURE ENDORSEMENT" dated: 8th May, 2026, and signed by: Rt. Honourable Marcus I. Onobun KSC. The Press statement reads in part; "My attention has been drawn to the circulating reports of a purported endorsement of an aspirant ahead of the forthcoming party primaries. While I hold the leadership of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the highest regard, I wish to state unequivocally that such an action is premature, unnecessa...

OPINION: Endorsements of Eseigbe: Nemesis to Onobun? By: Oriaifoh Godwins  I have always maintained that: "every action, has an equal and opposite reactions", but some wave it off as mere talk. We live in a natural world, though ruled/controlled by the spiritual world, where what you sow, is what you will eventually reap.  Hon. Sir Lucky Eseigbe may have sowed some good seeds in the past, that is eventually culminating into his imminent victory in the upcoming Esan West/Esan Central/Igueben Federal constituency election, I don't know, but I do know that Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun sowed some seeds in time past, that some people that were at the receiving end of those 'seeds' sown by Marcus Onobun, are yet to recover from the dent and scars it made in their lives. For those that still remember the infamous midnight inauguration of  Monday, June 17, 2019, where only 9 out of 24 members elect were Inaugurated into the 7th Assembly of EDHA, will recall the role that Marcus...

Valedictory Session Held In Honour of Former LG Chairman By: Oriaifoh Godwins Today, Friday, 8th May 2026, a valeditory session held at the Council Hall of Esan Central Local Government, ECLG, area of Edo state, in honour of a one time Chairman of the local government, Hon. Sylvester Ford Esoimeme, who died on the 19th of March 2026. Speaking during the session, the Secretary to the Local Government, SLG, Hon. Pastor Davies Oigbochie extolled the virtues of Hon. Engr Esoimeme when he was the Chairman of the local government, and also commended the exemplary life of discipline, purpose and impact that he lived. In same vein, Mr. Raymond Omomele the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Local Governments Employees, NULGE, Esan Central chapter, enumerated some of the changes that Engr, Esoimeme made when he was the Chairman of Esan central LGA, to  include, the purchase of brand new vehicles for use by the Councillors and key staff of the local government, which was an unprecedented phenomenon b...

Esan Central LG Chairman, Flags-off Grading Of Adjourning Roads ...appreciates Gov. Okpebholo By: Our Reporter Today, Wednesday 6th May 2026, the Chairman, Esan Central Local Government, ECLG, area, Rt. Hon. Kelvin Ainiyalenhimi Iyere, flagged off work on the grading of the secondary roads in the local government area, beginning with Benson Odaman road, in Agua-Irrua. Commenting on the commencement of the grading of the roads, Rt. Hon. Iyere said; "...first of all, I want to appreciate the initiative and efforts of our governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo for providing the earth moving equipment for Esan Central Local Government Area, that is enabling us to begin to open up some of the dilapidated adjourning roads in this local government". "As the governor is working assiduously in the major towns in Edo state, he has also tasked us as local government Chairmen, to do same in our various local government areas, hence what you are seeing today". Speaki...

  Uzea Is Not Marginalized By Uromi ...Uzea needs self reflection -Bishop By: Oriaifoh Godwins The narrative that has been making the rounds that the people of Uromi in Esan North East local government area of Edo state, has over the years, been marginalising, the Uzea people, has been criticized on the ground that the Uzea people needs synergy, love, unity and alliance with a shepherd often known in the political circle as a 'leader', to be able to attract political positions and other dividends of democracy to Uzea land. The above opinion, was expressed by a politically active Clergy, Bishop Solomon Oriaifoh, the General Overseer of Ascending Tarbanacle Worldwide, Benin city. According to Bishop Oriaifoh; "...what we the Uzeans need to do, is self reflection...why are we being marginalised"? "...for me, I see that we are not being marginalised, after interrogating the process. I discovered that we have some internal wranglings amongst us". Continuing, Bish...