Edo State Newspapers: 10 things you need to know Friday Evening

Good evening ! Here is today’s summary from Edo state Newspapers:

Here are 10 developments Edo residents should know this Friday evening, September 25, 2026.

1. Edo lawmakers back State Police proposal, confirm Obosa for EDSOGPADEC

The Edo State House of Assembly has approved the proposed constitutional amendment seeking to provide for the establishment of State Police Services in Nigeria.

The proposal is part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process and was transmitted by the National Assembly to the 36 state Houses of Assembly for consideration.

During debate on the proposal, lawmakers who supported it argued that a state-controlled policing structure could bring security personnel closer to communities and improve responses to local security challenges.

Following the vote, Speaker Yekini Idiaye directed the Clerk of the House to prepare and forward the state’s resolution to the National Assembly.

The Assembly also screened and confirmed Ogbeide Jolly Obosa as a member of the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission, EDSOGPADEC.

2. Omobayo apologises as contempt proceedings come to an end

Former Edo State Deputy Governor Godwins Omobayo has apologised before a Federal High Court in Abuja over actions connected with the long-running dispute surrounding the office of deputy governor.

The contempt proceedings were initiated by Philip Shaibu following the July 17, 2024 judgment which overturned his impeachment and ordered his reinstatement.

Ahead of Friday’s proceedings, Omobayo had asked Justice James Omotosho to suspend his ruling to enable both parties to conclude settlement discussions.

According to the account of Friday’s proceedings provided to EdoToday, the parties subsequently informed the court that the outstanding issues had been resolved.

Omobayo apologised in open court and said he regretted the actions that resulted in the contempt proceedings. Shaibu’s counsel thereafter applied to withdraw the charge.

Justice Omotosho stressed that court orders must be obeyed and warned against conduct capable of undermining the authority of the judiciary.

3. Okpebholo’s UK petrol comparison sparks affordability debate

A comment by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo comparing petrol prices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom has attracted public discussion.

Speaking during the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event on Thursday, Okpebholo said he checked petrol prices during a recent visit to London and found that a litre cost the equivalent of more than ₦3,000 after conversion to naira.

He argued that, compared with that figure, Nigerians paying around ₦1,400 per litre were paying considerably less.

Current figures broadly support the governor’s claim about the nominal pump-price difference. The average UK petrol price on September 24 was reported at about £1.74 per litre, which converts to more than ₦3,000 depending on the exchange rate used.

However, the comparison has also attracted criticism because converting a British pump price directly into naira does not account for differences in wages, purchasing power, taxation and living costs between both countries.

The governor’s statement concerned fuel prices and the economy, rather than a claim that Nigeria was safer than the United Kingdom.

4. Edo sanitation exercise holds Saturday without movement restriction

Residents across Edo State have been notified that the monthly environmental sanitation exercise will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

The exercise is scheduled to run from 7am to 10am.

Importantly, there will be no restriction of movement during the exercise.

Residents have been encouraged to use the period to clean their homes and immediate surroundings, clear blocked drainage channels and dispose of waste properly.

The exercise comes as authorities continue to emphasise the need to keep drains and waterways free from refuse, particularly during the rainy season.

5. Eight-month power outage pushes Akoko-Edo communities to protest

Residents of several communities in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area have taken their electricity complaints to state authorities after enduring what they described as about eight months without regular power supply.

Youths from Ososo, Ojah, Ijiranmi and neighbouring communities protested at the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Power in Benin City.

They said the prolonged outage had affected businesses, livelihoods and other economic activities.

Some protesters also complained about money allegedly contributed by communities for repairs to electricity infrastructure without a lasting resolution to the problem.

Officials of the electricity regulatory commission and state government subsequently assured the protesters that efforts were being made to restore supply.

6. Benin-Asaba Road gets emergency attention as FG changes approach

Motorists using the troubled Benin-Asaba corridor could begin seeing temporary relief following a fresh Federal Government intervention on the road.

President Bola Tinubu directed emergency work on the route following severe deterioration, repeated gridlock and lengthy travel delays.

Works Minister David Umahi has, however, clarified that the immediate intervention is not a newly awarded rehabilitation contract. He said government is using hired equipment for temporary work while preparing a more comprehensive reconstruction plan.

Umahi also disclosed that the entire Benin-Asaba Road is expected to be redesigned using reinforced concrete pavement.

The road is a major link between Edo and Delta states and carries substantial passenger and commercial traffic.

7. Bawa takes NDC campaign outreach to Okpella after venue change

Chief Muhammed Bawa has continued his political outreach across Etsako Federal Constituency with a visit to Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area.

Bawa, also identified in recent reports as Bawa Muhammed Qaleeph, is the National Democratic Congress candidate for the Etsako East/Etsako West/Etsako Central Federal Constituency seat.

According to information from his campaign, the team’s originally proposed venue in Okpella was sealed ahead of the engagement.

The campaign said it subsequently moved the gathering to another location rather than cancel the programme.

Residents, supporters and other stakeholders attended the engagement, where Bawa continued his community visitation programme.

The claim surrounding the sealing of the original venue is based on the campaign’s account and has not been independently established by the sources reviewed by EdoToday.

8. Preparations advance for Nigerian Army’s 83 Division in Benin

Work is progressing on facilities being prepared for the Nigerian Army’s new 83 Division in Benin City.

Governor Monday Okpebholo inspected the temporary location this week and said clearing had been completed, with fencing and other works expected to follow.

The Army had earlier announced that the 83 Division headquartered in Benin would cover Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states.

Commander of the 4 Brigade, Brigadier-General Ahmed Balogun, said work on the temporary facility was progressing while other necessary amenities were being incorporated.

The new formation is part of a wider restructuring of the Nigerian Army.

9. Edo changes contractor on troubled Benin-Abraka Road section

The Edo State Government has revoked the contract covering the failed Ikpe Waterside section of the Benin-Abraka Road in Orhionmwon Local Government Area.

Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa disclosed the decision following protests by residents over the deteriorating condition of the road.

According to the state government, the road had been divided between two contractors before the current administration came into office.

While one contractor was said to have completed about 76 per cent of its section, authorities said the contractor handling the Ikpe Waterside stretch failed to deliver to the expected standard.

Government says the affected section will now be re-awarded, while temporary remedial work is expected on the worst areas.

10. MOWAA releases audited figures amid debate over Edo funding

The Museum of West African Art has published audited financial figures detailing the cost of developing and equipping its institute in Benin City.

According to figures released by the organisation, the project cost approximately ₦22.26 billion, while the Edo State Government contributed ₦3.95 billion in cash.

MOWAA said the state contribution represented about 17.7 per cent of the total development and equipment cost.

The organisation said its accounts for the year ending December 31, 2025 were audited by Ernst & Young and received an unmodified opinion.

The disclosure follows public disagreement over how much the Edo Government contributed to the project and the overall cost of establishing the institute.

From security legislation and political activity to infrastructure, sanitation and electricity concerns, these developments are shaping conversations across Edo State as the week draws to a close.