SOLIDNEWS

By Besiru Enakhimion. A frontline PDP governorship aspirant and Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu,  has charged leaders of PDP to eschew politics of division and intimidation. He gave the charge at a Christmas party hosted by the PDP South - South  Vice Chairman, Chief Dan. Osi Obirh for members of the party and people of Ogbona, at  his country home in Etsako Central Local Government Area of the State, on Boxing day. The Edo State number two citizen also extolled the leadership qualities of Chief Obirh and appreciated him for bringing members of the party together. " That all of us are here today to celebrate with our national leader speaks volume . It has further shown his leadership capacity". He said. " For a long time we have not been able to gather like this, having this, kind of get-together . For all of us to be here today, it's a clear testament to Chief Dan. Obirh's leadership qualities. This is leadership people c

By Besiru Enakhimion. Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has said that Edo state must be at the top where it belongs and must continue to be the heart beat of the nation. He stated this in a  Christmas message he co - authored with his wife to the people of Edo state. Below is his full message: " My good people of Edo State, Christmas is here again. As usual, it is here with so much fun, gifts and time out with families, friends, associates, loved ones and neighbours. " In the midst of all these, we shouldn't forget the significance of this celebration which is the sharing of love to the weak, the poor, the sick, the motherless and the widows . Sending out our  love is key to putting smiles on their faces and  motivating them. Of course and assure brighter future . That is what the season is all about. "As we celebrate, let's not forget our state in our celebration and

  By Besiru Enakhimion. Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has felicitated the Benin Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare 11, Oba of Benin, on the celebration of this year's Ugie Festival. The historic annual festival has been celebrated over the years by the Omo N' Oba, the Benin Royal Family and the good people of the great  Benin Kingdom, as part of traditional end of year activities to usher in the new year in peace and glad tidings. In his congratulatory message, the Edo State number two citizen stated: "I am profoundly delighted to congratulate His Royal Majesty on this momentous occasion of the 2023 Annual Ugie Festival. "The age-long festival has  become a glamorous event to showcasing the rich cultural and traditional heritage of Benin Kingdom to the world. "For the records, Ugie Festival has, over the years, provided a veritable platform for citizens of the Benin Nation to interact, socialize, promote love and mutua

By Besiru Enakhimion. Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, Tuesday received a rousing welcome from staff of the State House of Assembly when he paid an unscheduled private visit to the Speaker and leadership of the parliament. It was like a home coming for the number two citizen of Edo State, who was a former member of the House and  two-term Majority Leader. As soon as the Deputy Governor made attempt  to leave the complex, staff of the Assembly trooped out in their numbers, chanting "100 percent homeboy, our next Governor", in apparent solidarity with his political aspiration. It could also be seen as a mark of honour for Rt. Hon. Comrade Shaibu whom they see as one of their own.  The Deputy Governor in his usual tradition, exchanged pleasantries and extended warm handshake with virtually everybody before departing the premises.

By Besiru Enakhimion. Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu recently declared his intension to contest for the Edo State governorship election in 2024.  A brief and sound speech was delivered by the articulate, vibrant and youth friendly deputy governor. What are the salient points in the speech ? Will the content of the package be beneficial to the residents of Edo state who are to be governed ? This piece is on the five point agenda set by the Frontline governorship aspirant .  (1).  INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION : We will commit ourselves to building modern, sustainable infrastructure that drives economic growth and enhances our quality of life.  By diversifying our economy, and exploring new sectors for growth, we will create more jobs and economic prosperity for all. (2). EDUCATION, SPORTS, SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND JOB CREATION : We believe that every child deserves quality education that will equip them with the skills nece

By Besiru Enakhimion. The 2023 edition of Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu's annual breakfast meeting with Journalists in Edo State has been slated for Wednesday, December 20, 2023. At the ceremony, winners of the Deputy Governor's Annual Award For Investigative Journalism will be announced and given prizes . It is the second edition of the award, which was instituted in 2022 by the Deputy Governor . The sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (#500,000.00) has been earmarked for the  award winners.  According to a statement from the Award Screening Committee, interested journalists have been directed to send in their entries .  *Eligibility*  The award is open to accredited journalists in Edo State who are members of the union working for the print, electronic and the online media.  *CRITERIA*  The work which must be either news, editorial, features, News Commentary/analysis or opinion must have been published between December 20, 2022 and December 10, 2023. The entry sho

By Besiru Enakhimion. Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ward 5 in Oredo local government area of the State, Tunde Igbinoba. Speaking during the visit, Rt. Hon. Comrade Shaibu expressed his condolences and that of his office to the family of the deceased and assured them of support and solidarity.  "His death remains a great loss not only to the family but to the PDP and Edo State as a whole. I salute him for his invaluable contributions and commitment to the development of our party, the PDP and Edo State. "Though my visit may seem belated. From day one, the agreement was that I should focus on Edo North when it comes to party and political matters. And going by that arrangement, Oredo was  out of the picture. It was  until recently that I got to know that  no formal visit has been made since

By Besiru Enakhimion. Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has congratulated Nigeria's Super Eagles and Napoli FC forward, Victor Osimhen, for clinching the coveted 2023 African Footballer Of The Year Award.  Rt. Hon. Comrade Shaibu also congratulated sensational female footballer,  Asisat Oshoala of the Super Falcon for clinching  the African Women's Player of the Year Award for the 6th time.  In his congratulatory message, the Deputy Governor said : "I am profoundly delighted to congratulate our own Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala for bringing football glory to our dear country, Nigeria.  Super Eagles of Nigeria forward, Victor Osimhen, has been crowned the CAF Best Footballer of the year 2023 while Asisat Oshoala, for the record 6th time, clinched the CAF's African Best Women's Player of the Year 2023.  Indeed, the icing on the cake is the fact that for the very first time, these two prestigious football  titles  are won by Ni

By Besiru Enakhimion. Edo State  Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has expressed sadness over the recent armed robbery attack on players and officials of Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure. The Deputy Governor who visited the players and their officials at their camp to interact with them, shared a similar unfortunate experience that propelled the Edo State Government to reform the sports sector, under his watch.  "When we had this similar experience that left many of our Bendel Insurance players with different degrees of injuries,  we had no choice than to change and rebrand our sports in Edo State. " Players welfare and salaries were accorded top priority, including  the team going by air to meet engagement anywhere that  is more than four hours by road.  This has helped to boost their morale". He explained. The Edo State number two citizen who has maintained a regular check on th

By Besiru Enakhimion. There is a compelling reason for All Progressives Congress ( APC), Edo state Chapter, to field Senator Matthew Urhoghide as it's candidate in the Edo 2024, Governorship election.  The reason is his appealing and favourable track records; A track record that will attract votes from the appreciative people of Oredo Local Government Area.  As a Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District from 2015 to 2023, he attracted One Hundred and Eighty-Six ( 186) developmental projects in Oredo Local Government Area. The list of his projects in the Local Government Area is below : 1.Installation of Solar Street light at Igbesanmwan Street. 2. Installation of Solar Street light at Igun Street. 3. Installation of Solar Street light at Oza Street.  4. Installation of Solar Street light at Asoro Street. 5. Installation of Solar Street light at Ezoba Street. 6. Installation of Solar Street light at Erie Street. 7. Installation of Solar Street light at Iyamu la

 By Besiru Enakhimion. Below are projects attracted to UHUNMWODE Local Government Area by Sen. Matthew Urhoghide when he represented Edo South Senatorial District in the Senate from 2015 --2023 : 1. Construction of Town Hall at Hausa Cattle Market - Eyaen. 2. Construction of Town Hall at Ugiamwen Community. 3. Provision and installation of 500kva transformer at Ugbeka Community. 4. Provision and installation of 500kva transformer at Ugbogun Community. 5. Provision and installation of 500kva transformer at Ilobi Community. 6. Construction of one block of three classrooms at Edaiken Grammar, Okhuaihe Community. 7. Installation of Solar-powered Borehole at Ediaken Grammar, Okhuaihe Community. 8. Construction of Maternity Health Center at Ehor Township. 9. Construction of Solar Borehole at Ehor Maternity Health Center, Ehor. 10. Construction of Doctors and Nurses Quarters at Ehor Health Center, Ehor. 1. Installation of Deep well Borehole at Uvbe Community. 12. Establishment of

Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt.Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu  Wednesday paid a condolence visit to the family of the late National Woman Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Professor Stella Effah Attoe, in Abuja. He was received by the husband of the late politician, Chief Shaibu Oyedokun . Rt. Hon. Comrade  Shaibu described the late PDP National Woman Leader as a mother who sacrificed her personal comfort for others, adding that he missed her motherly advice. On the condolence register, the Deputy Governor wrote:  " Goodnight my Prof, sleep  well my  National Woman Leader. May God grant you eternal  rest in the bossom of the Lord. May your labour for our  nation and our great party not be in vain. May God grant the family the fortutide to bear the loss.   Amen."  Chief Oyedokun in his remark said his late wife excelled in three major areas in her life time. According to him, as an academia, she rose to the top , as a politician, she was also there at the top

By Besiru Enakhimion. As a Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District from 2015 to 2023, Senator Matthew Urhoghide attracted various projects to the 77 wards in the Seven Local Government Areas of the District.  Below are the projects he sited in Ovia North East Local Govt Area: 1. Construction of Primary Healthcare Centre, with equipment in Egbaen Community  2. Provision and installation of a 500kva transformer at Egbaen Community. 3. Installation of Deep well Borehole at Egbaen Community.  4. Installation of 300KVA Transformer, at Akugbe Community . 5. Installation of a solar-powered borehole at Age-Emokpae Community. 6. Installation of a solar-powered borehole at Agekpanu Community. 7. Construction of one block of three classrooms Agekpanu Community. 8. Construction of one block of three classrooms at Ikpiti Grammar School Gelegele. 9. Construction of one block of 3 classrooms with lights/ceiling fan and solar system at Eko-Abetu Primary School. 10. Construction

By Besiru Enakhimion. Sen. Matthew Urhoghide is now fondly called, ' the promise keeper' because before the 2015 general election, he promised to facilitate projects to the people of Edo South Senatorial District. He actually fulfilled the promise by providing projects in the 77 wards in the district.  Below is the list of projects Sen. Urhoghide attracted to Egor Local Government Area : 1. Installation of solar street light at Evbareke Spare Parts Market Road. 2. Construction of borehole at Evbareke Spare Parts Market  3. Renovation/furnishing of the Town hall inside Evbareke Spare Parts Market  4. Installation of solar street light at Uwelu Spares Parts Road  5. Construction and installation of borehole at Uwelu Spare Parts Market 6. Installation of solar street light at Believers Ministries Inc. 7. Installation of solar-powered street light at Useh, From Olumoza Palace to High Tension Road 7. Installation of  deep well borehole at Igue-Ikpe Community. 8. Construc

By Besiru Enakhimion. "The checkout or Japa syndrome of young people that has become an issue of national and international discourse , is an issue that government at all levels need to address by  creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and stimulate the consumption of our locally made goods and services". The above statement was made by Edo State Deputy Governor,  Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu at the 11th - 13th combined convocation ceremony of Western Delta University ( WDU), Oghara, Delta State. " Government business is to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Many have asked, who is this enabler ? Yes, it is true that government may have no business in businesses, but it is the duty of the government to ensure a safe environment for businesses to grow". He opined. He further said : "We don't need to start disturbing ourselves to seek to end the dollars and naira discr

By Besiru Enakhimion. The main priority of a political party in an election is victory and the first step towards getting victory is to field  a candidate that possesses qualities that can attract victory to the party . Winning qualities are usually found in the candidate's tract records. The strength of the population of a candidate's home base can also be a winning factor . In fact some political parties usually pick their candidates from areas that have large population . Such parties believe that candidates from areas with large population will easily garner more votes for them than candidates from lowly populated areas. Interestingly, this advantage of large population favours Senator Matthew Urhoghide. Edo South Senatorial District has the highest population in the state . Sen. Urhoghide is from this District with the largest population in the state. Definitely he will attract more votes to the APC as  the party's candidate than any other governorship aspi

By Besiru Enakhimion. Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has disclosed that his office has been starved of statutory funds in the past five months . He made the revelation at a ceremony organized by his aides and staff of his office to mark his 54th birthday anniversary.  "The office of the Deputy Governor has been starved of statutory funds in the last five months and this has negatively affected the smooth running of the office, especially staff welfare". He stressed. In spite of the financial crunch, the Edo State number two citizen promised to create smiles on the faces of his staff. " Though the situation may not be too pleasant, I will continue to ensure that I put smiles on your faces in my private capacity and make the Christmas and new year festivities worth celebrating for you and your families as it has always been my tradition over the years we have been together a

By Besiru Enakhimion. Nigerian electorates, especially those in Edo State have become very wise.  Having been deceived in the past by political office seekers who make electioneering promises and later renege in them, they (electorates) have become skeptical over promises made by candidates vying for electoral offices. This is why any wise political party that is determined to win in an election should field a candidate that has fulfilled electioneering promises made in the past .  A candidate that  has provided dividends of democracy for his/her people through political office(s )he/she had earlier occupied.  This is where Senator( Pharm.) Matthew Urhoghide has an edge over every other governorship aspirant in the All Progressives Congress, APC.   Sen. Urhoghide who is the immediate past Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts at the Nigerian Senate has a lot of projects and programmes that he can showcase in the 77 wards of Edo South Senatorial District. He has give