Oblongata News update

EDOHERMA PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR WOMEN AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Edo State Health Regulation and Monitoring Agency (EDOHERMA) introduced the Agency and highlighted its statutory mandate of regulating, monitoring, licensing, and ensuring compliance with minimum health standards across health facilities and services in Edo State. She explained that EDOHERMA was established by the Edo State Government through a law signed by His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on 5th December 2025 and commenced operations in February 2026. The CEO stated that the Agency is responsible for regulating a wide range of health facilities, including hospitals, clinics, nursing and maternity homes, medical laboratories, alternative medicine centres, and other healthcare establishments across all relevant sectors. She clarified that EDOHERMA does not have the statutory mandate to regulate pharmacies but would regulate their attached clinics ...

 FROM CRITICISM TO COMMENDATION: GOVERNOR MONDAY OKPEBHOLO'S PERFORMANCE SPEAKS FOR ITSELF By Comrade Mark Anthony (Hon. Senator) There is a timeless saying: When a leader consistently performs exceptionally well, even the harshest critics will eventually acknowledge and applaud their achievements. This appears to be the case with Arise TV news co-anchor, Oseni Rufai, and the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, popularly known as Akpako Rescue. When Governor Monday Okpebholo assumed office, Oseni Rufai was among those who questioned his capacity and expressed doubts about what his administration could achieve. Like many others, he was skeptical of the governor's ability to deliver. However, history has consistently shown that leadership is judged not by opinions or assumptions, but by tangible results. Today, Governor Okpebholo's performance is speaking louder than the voices of his critics. Through his commitment to good governance, infrastructural d...

 *THE BULLDOZER AND THE CATERPILLAR: The two Edge Sword of Governor Monday Okpebholo's Leadership* Written by Hon. Jackson Isangofon Leadership is often defined not by words but by the courage to make difficult decisions and the vision to build a better future. In Edo State today, Governor Monday Okpebholo has increasingly come to embody two powerful symbols of purposeful governance: *The Bulldozer and the Caterpillar*. At first glance, these machines serve different purposes. One demolishes; the other constructs. Yet together, they represent a complete cycle of transformation. Before anything enduring can be built, what threatens its foundation must first be removed. This is the philosophy increasingly defining Governor Okpebholo's administration. *The Bulldozer: Crushing Criminality* For too long, insecurity threatened the peace and economic potential of Edo State. Kidnappers established camps. Cult gangs terrorized communities. Criminal syndicates operated with increasing bo...

Edo Police Rescue  Kidnapped AAU Students, Kill One Suspect The Edo State Police Command has rescued three students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were kidnapped by gunmen in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. The students were abducted on Sunday, July 12, 2026, during an attack in the Ujemen G.T. Extension area of Ekpoma. One student, Peter Ekpen, a 24-year-old 300-level undergraduate, was killed during the attack. The rescued students were identified as Praise Obagbalu, 18, Favour Okoroji, 21, and Balogun Precious, 19. State Commissioner of Police, Mr Monday Agbonika, disclosed the development on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the Nigeria Police Divisional Headquarters in Ekpoma. Represented by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Eno Ikoedem, the commissioner said the command received a distress report that armed men suspected to be kidnappers had attacked the area and abducted the students. He said the commissioner immediately...

EDOHERMA CEO PAYS A VISIT TO EIRS CHAIRMAN, EMPHASISES TRANSPARENCY AND DIGITAL REVENUE COLLECTION The Chief Executive Officer of the Edo State Healthcare Regulation and Monitoring Agency (EDOHERMA), Dr. Adesuwa Urhoghide-Edigin, paid a visit to the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) to strengthen collaboration and foster a productive working relationship between the two agencies. The meeting focused on enhancing transparency in revenue administration, improving Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) payment systems, and strengthening collaboration to support efficient revenue collection for Edo State. Discussions also explored practical strategies for streamlining IGR payments and ensuring greater accountability through digital payment platforms. Dr. Urhoghide emphasized that transparency and integrity must remain at the heart of public financial management, reaffirming her commitment to the values that have defined her public service career. She stressed ...

 *PRESS RELEASE* WOMEN IN CHRIST HOLDS SPIRIT-FILLED MONTHLY VIGIL, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PRAYERS FOR EDO STATE AND NIGERIA  The Office of the Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Edo State on Women in Christ has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to seeking God's divine intervention for Edo State and Nigeria through the successful hosting of its monthly vigil. The gathering brought together women from different Christian denominations in an atmosphere of heartfelt worship, fervent prayers, and thanksgiving. United in one accord, participants interceded for the peace, security, unity, and continued development of Edo State, while committing the administration of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the nation into God's hands. Speaking during the vigil, the Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Edo State on Women in Christ, Pastor Courage Iziegbe Aburime-Walter, charged believers to remain steadfast in prayer, stressing that prayer rema...

 BREAKING! Hon. Chidire Valentine Etonyeaku Pays Courtesy Visit to Governor Alex Otti Alongside Abia Labour Party Chairman, Hon  Peter Azubuike. Hon. Chidire Valentine Etonyeaku paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, alongside the Chairman of the Labour Party in Abia State,Hon  Peter Azubuike The visit comes amid growing speculation that Hon. Chidire Valentine Etonyeaku, who recently resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), is set to officially defect to the Labour Party in the near future. During the courtesy visit, Hon. Chidire Valentine Etonyeaku expressed his deep appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for what he described as the remarkable transformation taking place across Abia State under his administration. According to Etonyeaku, Governor Otti's commitment to good governance, transparency, infrastructure development, improved healthcare, education reforms, and economic revitalization has restored hope among the...

 Barr.Kelvin Adesotu Congratulates the Chairman Elect of Ovia South-West LGA ,his vice and all the 10 councilors elected today in the just concluded LGA election  On behalf of myself, my family, supporters, friends, and the entire Adesotu Political Family, I, Barr. Kelvin Adesotu, Former Aspirant for the Edo State House of Assembly (2023 & 2027), heartily congratulate Hon. Osarobo Osaro Anthony  on his well-deserved victory as the duly elected Chairman of the Local Government of Ovia South-West I also extend my warm congratulations to the elected Vice Chairman Hon.Bakare Issac and all the ten Councillors who emerged victorious in the just-concluded Local Government Election today. Your victories are not merely personal achievements but a clear affirmation of the confidence, trust, and hope the people have reposed in your leadership. The mandate you have received is both a great privilege and a profound responsibility to serve with integrity, fairness, humility, and un...

 EDOHERMA PARTICIPATES IN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PUBLIC HEARING ON THE NATIONAL HEALTH FACILITY REGULATION AGENCY ESTABLISHMENT BILL The Edo Healthcare Regulation and Monitoring Agency (EDOHERMA) participated in the Public Hearing on the Bill for the Establishment of the National Health Facility Regulation Agency, convened by the Distinguished Senate Committee on Health at the National Assembly, Abuja. EDOHERMA submitted a comprehensive Memorandum outlining its position on the proposed legislation. While supporting the establishment of a National Healthcare Regulation Agency, the Agency emphasised that it should function strictly as a national coordinating, standard-setting and capacity-building institution that complements and strengthens State Healthcare Regulatory Agencies without interfering with, controlling, duplicating or rendering obsolete their statutory operational responsibilities. The Memorandum further noted that the current Bill contains significant gaps, drafting inconsis...

MLSCN Registrar Commends EDOHERMA's Regulatory Innovations, Pledges Partnership The Chief Executive Officer of the Edo Healthcare Regulation and Monitoring Agency (EDOHERMA), Dr. Adesuwa Urhoghide, paid a courtesy visit to the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Dr. Donald I. Ofili, at the Council's headquarters in Abuja. During the visit, Dr. Urhoghide congratulated Dr. Ofili on his appointment as Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria and wished him a successful and impactful tenure. She reaffirmed EDOHERMA's commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Council in advancing medical laboratory regulation, healthcare quality and patient safety in Edo State. The meeting provided an opportunity for both institutions to discuss areas of mutual collaboration and strategies for strengthening healthcare regulation through effective partnerships between Professional Regulatory...

EDOHERMA CEO Pays Courtesy Visit to Edo State Commissioner of Police to Strengthen Healthcare Regulation and Enforcement Collaboration The Chief Executive Officer of the Edo Health Regulation and Monitoring Agency (EDOHERMA), Dr. Adesuwa Urhoghide-Edigin, paid a formal courtesy visit to the Edo State Commissioner of Police in his office in Benin City. The visit was aimed at ensuring reinforced collaboration and strengthening law enforcement partnerships across the state. During the strategic meeting, Dr. Urhoghide highlighted that EDOHERMA is a new agency established by law under the leadership of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, with the explicit mandate to regulate and monitor healthcare facilities across Edo State. Addressing the Commissioner, the CEO emphasized the historical relationship between the agency and the police force, noting that the visit was vital to continue and deepen this partnership. The CEO explained that robust law enforcement support i...

EDOHERMA CEO EMPHASIZES INTER-AGENCY COLLABORATION DURING VISIT TO TRADITIONAL MEDICINE BOARD CHAIRMAN The Chief Executive Officer, Edo Health Regulation and Monitoring Agency (EDOHERMA) Dr Adesuwa Urhoghide paid a visit to the Chairman of the Edo State Traditional Medicine Board at his office in Benin city. The visit was geared toward fostering inter-agency synergy and partnership. During the visit, Dr Urhoghide reaffirmed EDOHERMA’s commitment to harmonious public governance, emphasizing that there is no competition between the various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the state especially between health MDAs. The CEO underscored the core philosophy of collective responsibility, stating that all administrative bodies must work collaboratively toward the goal of building a better and more prosperous Edo State.  Addressing recent public misconceptions during the engagement, Dr Urhoghide clarified that EDOHERMA has no intention of regulating traditional medicine, expli...

Free of charge, urging practitioners not to pay any fees for obtaining such documents. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EDOHERMA, Dr. Adesuwa Urhoghide-Edigin, stated that the clarification became necessary to eliminate misconceptions surrounding the issuance of the letters and to promote transparency in the Agency's regulatory processes. According to the CEO, the primary purpose of the Letter of Introduction is to enable EDOHERMA verify that a healthcare practitioner is actively practising within Edo State. She explained that the document supports accurate record-keeping, effective regulatory oversight, and the maintenance of a credible database of healthcare professionals operating in the State. Dr. Urhoghide-Edigin disclosed that during the Agency's recent stakeholders' engagement, representatives of the Nigerian Medical Association, the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, the Association ...

press release  NO 462/ EDSGH/2026 OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, EDO STATE  Gov Okpebholo Celebrates Rt. Hon. Pius Odubu at 69 Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has extended warm felicitations to former Deputy Governor of Edo State and respected leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rt. Hon. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu, on the occasion of his 69th birthday. Governor Okpebholo described Rt. Hon. Odubu as a distinguished statesman, accomplished legal practitioner, and committed party leader whose decades of service have positively impacted Edo State and Nigeria. The governor noted that throughout his public life, Rt. Hon. Odubu has demonstrated exemplary leadership, integrity, and strong commitment to the growth of democratic institutions, adding that his wealth of experience continues to serve as a source of inspiration to younger generations. "On behalf of the government and the good people of Edo State, I heartily congratulate Rt. Hon. Pius Odubu on the joyous occasi...

 Rufai Oseni Backs Gov Okpebholo’s Push for Public Execution of Criminals Media personality and Arise Television anchor, Rufai Oseni, has backed Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo’s plan to establish special criminal courts to fast-track the prosecution of kidnappers and armed bandits and their public execution. Oseni, while speaking on his platform, said the proposed measure reflects the seriousness of the security challenges facing the country, although he noted that aspects of the policy may require further refinement. “At this point in time, yes, we may have to fine-tune it, but I largely agree with Governor Okpebholo and Senator Adams Oshiomhole. This matter is more than being careful,” Oseni said. He argued that the severity of punishment should correspond with the level of violence committed by criminal groups, noting that victims of kidnapping and banditry often suffer extreme brutality. “When they kill people, they do so publicly. It gets to the point you will ne...

 PRESS RELEASE  NO 461/ EDSGH/2026 OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR ,EDO STATE  Okpebholo Urges Governors To Take Charge Of Security In Their States, Says Tinubu Critics Are Nigeria's Enemies Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has urged the 36 state governors to take greater responsibility for tackling security challenges in their respective states and protecting lives and property. The governor made the call during an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ interactive session held at the Okaijesan Town Hall over the weekend in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State Okpebholo said addressing insecurity across the country requires a collective effort from all levels of government, adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can not be physically present in all states at the same time. He described those blaming the President alone for the nation’s security challenges as unfair, saying such critics were failing to recognise the responsibilities of state ...

 PRESS RELEASE  NO 456/ EDSGH/2026 OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, EDO STATE  *Edo Will Be Secure for Farmers to Return to Farms, Says Governor Okpebholo* Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Friday  assured residents that his administration is taking decisive steps to rid the state of criminal elements and restore confidence among farmers and residents. He said his government will make Edo safe enough for farmers to return to their farms without fear, stressing that security remains a major priority of his administration. The Governor gave the assurance during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) LG election campaign for Edo Central Senatorial District at the Uromi Town Hall, Esan North-East Local Government Area. He said his administration would continue to work with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to protect lives and property while ensuring peace, unity, and stability across Edo State. According to the governor, the fight against in...

EDOHERMA Inaugurates TWGs to Develop Blood Bank, Cosmetic Services Guidelines. By Igene Stephen  The Edo Health Regulation and Monitoring Agency (EDOHERMA) has inaugurated two Technical Working Groups (TWGs) to develop comprehensive regulatory guidelines for blood bank services and cosmetic procedures in Edo State, reinforcing the Government's commitment to strengthening healthcare regulation, improving service delivery, and safeguarding public health. According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EDOHERMA, Dr. Adesuwa Urhoghide-Edigin, the inauguration marks a significant milestone in Agency's efforts at establishing robust regulatory frameworks for emerging and critical areas of healthcare practice, as well as ensuring that service providers operate in line with nationally and internationally accepted standards. At the inauguration, Dr. Urhoghide-Edigin stressed the need for clear, practical, and evidence-based guidelines to regulate the evolving healthcare sector. She no...

 Edo State Govt Donates Operational Bus to EDOHERMA to Strengthen Healthcare Regulations By Igene Stephen  The Edo State Government has donated an operational bus to the Edo State Health Regulation and Monitoring Agency (EDOHERMA) to strengthen the agency's capacity for healthcare regulation, monitoring, and enforcement across the State. The vehicle which was presented on behalf of the Executive Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, is expected to enhance EDOHERMA's mobility, improve field operations, and bolster the Agency's oversight of healthcare facilities to ensure compliance with established standards and regulatory requirements. Presenting the vehicle, the Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa Esq., congratulated the management of EDOHERMA on the milestone and commended the Governor for his continued investment in strengthening public institutions. He described the donation as a demonstration of the administration's commitment to improving healthcare servic...

 *EDOHERMA PEFRI The agency seems to be on a vindictive mission as she attempted to revoke existing registrations of all healthcare facilities already registered by the State previously by the Ministry of health. Again is there any synergy between EDOHERMA and the professional associations❓  *CLARIFICATION ON EDOHERMA'S STATUTORY MANDATE AND REVALIDATION EXERCISE*  It has come to our attention that certain comments circulating in the public space may create an inaccurate impression of the activities and mandate of the Edo State Healthcare Regulation and Monitoring Agency (EDOHERMA). For the avoidance of doubt, EDOHERMA is carrying out its statutory responsibilities strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Edo State Healthcare Regulation and Monitoring Agency Law, 2025. The Agency remains committed to promoting healthcare quality, patient safety, regulatory compliance, and the protection of lives across Edo State. Contrary to suggestions that EDOHERMA is acting vi...