News
Edo State Postpones School Resumption Amid Security Concerns and Rising Fuel Costs

The Edo State Government has announced a postponement of the 2024/2025 academic session for primary and secondary schools, citing the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of children.
This decision follows growing concerns about the current economic and political climate in the state.
In an official circular dated September 6, 2024, the State Ministry of Education communicated that the school resumption, initially scheduled for September 9, 2024, would be delayed until further notice.
The circular, signed by Ojo Akin-Lounge, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, on behalf of the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Oviawe, pointed to the difficulties arising from the recent spike in fuel prices as a significant reason for the delay.
Many parents and guardians are struggling with the increased cost of living, which has made it challenging to meet the demands of school resumption.
However, during a press briefing held in Benin City, Edo State’s Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, emphasized that the primary reason for the postponement was to safeguard the children amidst rising security threats.
Nehikhare explained that intelligence reports had alerted the government to possible threats from armed thugs allegedly brought into the state by the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
These thugs have reportedly been causing disturbances and violence in various parts of the state, heightening concerns about the safety of students traveling to and from school.
“This decision was made out of our deep commitment to ensuring the safety of our children,” Nehikhare stated.
“We are particularly concerned about the potential dangers that could arise due to the current economic strain caused by the substantial increase in fuel prices, as well as the general rise in the cost of living.
But beyond that, we have received reports of armed individuals, linked to the APC, who are instigating chaos and putting the lives of innocent citizens at risk.
We are not willing to take any chances with the safety of our children, so we believe it is best to keep them at home until the situation is resolved.”
Nehikhare went on to accuse the APC of deliberately escalating tensions within the state, alleging that their actions were part of a broader plan to create chaos and push for the declaration of a state of emergency.
According to him, innocent people have already been harmed, and the government’s decision to delay the academic resumption is a proactive measure to prevent further escalation.
He further reassured the public that the government is actively working to restore normalcy, and that any learning loss during this period will be addressed through special interventions once schools reopen.
“We understand the value of education and will do everything necessary to make up for the time lost.
Our commitment to ensuring that our children receive quality education remains firm, even in these difficult times.”
Nehikhare concluded by calling on the public to remain vigilant and cooperative in maintaining peace.
He urged citizens to avoid being drawn into any actions that could disrupt the stability of the state.
“We must work together to ensure that Edo remains peaceful and that our children can return to school in a safe environment.
The safety and future of our children are our top priorities, and we will not rest until we are confident that they are secure,” he added.
This development underscores the complex interplay between politics, security, and economic challenges in Edo State, where families are feeling the strain of recent fuel price hikes, and the government is grappling with maintaining law and order.
The state remains on high alert, with many hoping for a swift resolution to the current challenges so that students can resume their academic activities without further delay.
Entertainment
Gospel Singer New Jerusalem Dies at 53, Leaves Family and Fans in Mourning

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.
News
Fubara Disowns 2027 Campaign Materials, Says He Only Wants Peace for the 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.”
News
Pastor Adeboye to Lead National Prayers for Nigeria’s Failing Economy

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.
-
Sport12 hours ago
Juventus Denies Transfer Interest in Victor Osimhen
-
Sport12 hours ago
Gonzalo Garcia’s Goal Helps Real Madrid Pass Juventus Into Club World Cup Quarter-Finals
-
Politics13 hours ago
Deji Adeyanju Hails Atiku and Others for Dumping PDP to Unite Opposition
-
Entertainment8 hours ago
Egungun of Lagos Celebrates Wife’s Birthday with Touching Throwback Story
-
Entertainment12 hours ago
2Face Apologises for Saying Men Cannot be Sexually Committed to One Woman
-
Entertainment13 hours ago
HYBE Set to Open Office in India as K-Pop Grow and Expand in Mumbai
-
Entertainment9 hours ago
Drama Unfolds as Singer Portable Mocks TikTok Star Peller Over Viral Romance
-
Entertainment9 hours ago
May Edochie Shuts Down Apology Rumors, Confirms Divorce Still Ongoing