News
Edo Governor Suspends Market Unions to Tackle Rising Food Prices
Aimed at addressing the soaring cost of foodstuffs in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has announced the immediate suspension of all market unions and associations across the state.
The decision follows growing concerns over the harmful activities of these market unions, which have been accused of exploiting consumers and driving up food prices in the region.
Governor Okpebholo, in his statement, expressed deep concern over the actions of these unions, which he said were preventing farmers from directly selling their goods to consumers at the market.
Additionally, he pointed out that the unions were arbitrarily fixing prices for staple foods, ultimately making life more difficult for low-income residents in Edo State.
These practices have reportedly led to a sharp increase in the prices of essential commodities, putting a strain on families who are already struggling with the rising cost of living.
The suspension was officially communicated to the public in a statement from Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, on Wednesday.
The statement also included a stern warning to those involved in such activities.
Governor Okpebholo ordered the police and other law enforcement agencies in the state to take immediate action against the leaders of the suspended unions and associations.
Anyone found violating the directive will face swift legal consequences.
According to the Governor’s office, the suspension of these market unions and associations is part of a broader effort to protect the interests of consumers and ensure fair pricing in the state.
The Governor stressed that while the state acknowledges the vital role market traders play in the economy, it cannot allow a small group of union executives to hold the entire state hostage with extortionate practices.
The government described the actions of these unions as “extortionist” and vowed to take steps to put an end to them.
This change is due to several public calls for the government to intervene in the activities of the market unions.
One call came from the Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) in Edo State, which urged the Governor to take stronger actions to regulate the unions.
The CRPP had pointed out that the unchecked activities of market unions were contributing to the skyrocketing prices of foodstuffs, further burdening residents who were already struggling with the high cost of living.
Samson Isibor, the state chairman of CRPP, emphasized that the Governor’s focus should also include addressing the rising insecurity in the state, which has made it increasingly difficult for farmers to safely access their farmlands.
This, according to Isibor, has contributed to the scarcity of produce and, consequently, the inflated prices of food.
Nigerian Gospel Artist Israel Terhemba Ikyereve, popularly known by his stage name New Jerusalem, has reportedly passed away.
The late gospel singer passed away at the age of 53, friends and family as well as the government in Benue state mourns the loss of the singer.
The date of burial was also announced by his family, on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Sati Agirigi, Mbamo, Shitile, Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State.
Suspended Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, has distanced himself from campaign materials being circulated ahead of the 2027 elections. Fubara made it clear that he never approved the production of caps, shirts, or any other campaign items for the next general election.
Speaking to his supporters in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Fubara stressed that his focus is on restoring peace and stability in the state, not on political campaigns. His reaction follows the recent resolution of the political crisis in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
The clash between Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory had sparked months of tension, which eventually led to Fubara’s six-month suspension from office. Tinubu even declared a state of emergency in Rivers State during the height of the crisis.
However, the president stepped in last week, holding talks with all parties at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, leading to a temporary truce. Fubara expressed his frustration over the campaign materials, saying, “I was really upset when someone sent me a video of people producing caps and shirts for the 2027 elections.
“I didn’t approve that, I didn’t send anyone to do that. For now, what Rivers State needs is peace so that we can focus on progress and development.”
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, will be leading a national prayer session focused on reviving Nigeria’s struggling economy. The prayer is scheduled to take place during the church’s July 2025 Thanksgiving Service, themed “Divine Intervention”, at the RCCG national headquarters in Oyingbo, Lagos.
Speaking ahead of the event through his Special Assistant on Administration, Pastor Dele Balogun, Pastor Adeboye acknowledged that both Nigeria and other countries are facing tough times. But he believes the current hardship is not beyond repair if people embrace faith and take positive action.
“Our nation is going through serious challenges, just like other parts of the world. But the truth is, we can overcome them with faith, as long as we don’t give room to fear or doubt,” Adeboye said. He encouraged Nigerians to reject negative confessions and instead focus on faith-driven solutions, adding that with God’s intervention, the country’s economic situation can still turn around.
The upcoming prayer session, according to him, is not just about asking for change but about opening doors to new opportunities and paving the way for national transformation.
-
Business17 hours agoCooking Gas Price Increases by 2.18% as Nigerians Pay More to Refill
-
Sport17 hours agoOsimhen Waits for England Move as Man United Adds Him to Summer Transfer List
-
Sport17 hours agoMessi Becomes Free Agent and Can Talk to Other Clubs
-
Sport14 hours agoLiverpool’s Diogo Jota and His Brother Dies in Heartbreaking Car Accident
-
Sport14 hours agoCristiano Ronaldo Mourns Diogo Jota’s Shocking Death
-
Sport17 hours agoFedele Tells Atalanta to Sell Lookman as Napoli Show Interest
-
Entertainment9 hours ago‘I Chose Well’ — Chimamanda Urges Women to Prioritize Kindness in Partners
-
Entertainment9 hours agoDaddy Freeze Questions 2Baba’s Change After Viral Interview and Apology