Edo State Government of Nigeria, Dennis Osadeby Way, GRA, Bénin (2026)

03/06/2026

Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy Onboards Staff, Emphasizes Digital Literacy

The Edo State Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy has organized a one-day Staff Onboarding and Capacity Building Workshop themed, "The Future of Work and Digital Literacy," as part of efforts to build a digitally skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and enhancing public service delivery.

According to the Commissioner for Communication and Digital Economy, Hon. Ohimai Ehijimetor, the Workshop, which held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) in Benin City, was designed to equip newly recruited and existing staff with the knowledge, skills, and ethical standards required to thrive in an increasingly digital and technology-driven work environment.

In his opening remarks, the Commissioner welcomed participants and stressed the importance of continuous learning, professionalism, and digital competence in improving service delivery across the public sector of the State.

The workshop featured presentations by resource persons on key areas relevant to effective public administration and digital transformation. Topics covered included the Civil Service Rules and Ethics, presented by Mrs. B. J. Igbinobaro; the Best Practices in Financial Management in the Public Sector, was delivered by Mr. S. T. Obigho; and the Future-Proofing: Upskilling Civil and Public Servants for the Automated Economy, was presented by Dr. Benjamin Ben.

Participants actively engaged resource persons during the interactive question-and-answer sessions to gain deeper insights into the subjects discussed and their practical applications in the workplace.

A major highlight of the programme was the onboarding session for newly recruited staff, facilitated by Mrs. Rita Ehidamem of the Department of Planning, Research and Statistics. The session familiarized participants with the Ministry’s vision, operational procedures, core values, and expectations.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Jennifer E. N. Aisuan, commended participants for their active engagement throughout the Workshop and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to developing a digitally competent and future-ready workforce.

The Workshop forms part of the commitment of the administration of Sen. Monday Okpebholo to the SHINE Agenda and aligns with the Ministry’s broader efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, accelerate digital transformation, and promote efficient, technology-driven governance in Edo State.

The Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Corporate Change, Communication and Performance Management, Dr. Peter Osagie. Others were permanent secretaries, heads of ministries, departments, and agencies from across the State Public Service.

02/06/2026

Edo Pilgrims Visit Historic Islamic Sites in Makkah Ahead of Return to Nigeria

By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah

Edo State pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday embarked on visits to some of Islam's most significant historical sites in Makkah as they await the commencement of their return journey to Nigeria.

The educational and spiritual tour was led by the Chairman of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mallam Musa Muhammad Uduimoh, alongside the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Eranga Abdulkabir Muhammadkabir.

Among the sites visited were the Cave of Hira, where Prophet Muhammad (SAW) received the first revelation of the Holy Qur'an; the Cave of Thawr, where the Prophet and his companion sought refuge while migrating from Makkah to Madinah; the site where Prophet Ibrahim (AS) prepared to sacrifice his son, Ismail (AS), in obedience to Allah's command before a ram was provided as a substitute; and Jabal Al-Rahmah (Mount of Mercy) in Arafat, one of the most important landmarks associated with the Hajj pilgrimage.

Speaking during the tour, Mallam Uduimoh emphasized the importance of exposing pilgrims to the rich history of Islam and the sacrifices made by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and other prophets in establishing and propagating the religion.

He said, "It is important to visit these places so as to appreciate the efforts made by Prophet Muhammad in establishing the religion,"

He added that the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board remains committed to providing pilgrims with a comprehensive Hajj experience beyond the core rites of the pilgrimage.

The chairman stated, "For us, we want to ensure that our pilgrims are exposed to everything they need to do and know because we are determined to make a difference,"

The pilgrims expressed appreciation to the board for organizing the visits, describing the experience as both enlightening and spiritually rewarding.

The tour formed part of activities lined up for the pilgrims following the completion of the major Hajj rites and before their scheduled departure from Saudi Arabia.

Photo Caption:
Edo pilgrims during a guided visit to key Islamic historical sites in Makkah on Monday, ahead of their departure from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the completion of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

02/06/2026

Oil and Gas Ministry Engages Foreign Investors on Solutions to Soaring Petroleum Prices

The Edo State Ministry of Oil and Gas Resources has hosted some foreign investors on a strategic meeting focused on addressing the high cost of petroleum products and efforts to advance the Gas Sector development in the State.

The Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Hon. Andrew Momodu, while welcoming the investors and the NIPOS delegation, stated that their vision and proposed investments would be beneficial to the people of Edo State. According to him, Edo State possesses more than 35 percent of Nigeria’s gas deposits, making it one of the Country’s most significant gas-producing states. He noted that the concept of using alternative fuel sources for vehicles gained momentum in the State and explained that the reactivation of dormant gas wells would significantly increase availability and supply.

Hon. Momodu disclosed that several wells in the State have remained inactive for over 40 years, and called on investors to take advantage of opportunities in the Gas Sector, which he said, aligned with the Federal Government’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Commissioner remarked that he had not briefed the Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, else, he would have personally taken the delegation on a tour of some of the State’s Gas facilities. He noted that one of the major gas plants operating in Edo State is globally listed on the London Stock Exchange and that the State’s largest gas processing facilities are located within its borders.

In his remarks, the Chairman of NIPOS and Clove Energy Mr. Jamil Sadanki stated that the purpose of the visit was to demonstrate the Company’s expertise, capabilities, and readiness to support Edo State’s Gas and Petroleum Development Agenda. He stressed the importance of CNG as a more affordable and attractive alternative fuel for motorists, capable of easing transportation costs for citizens. He outlined key measures including strategic investments, improved distribution networks, and stronger collaboration among stakeholders in the Oil and Gas Industry as efforts aimed at reducing the cost of petroleum products in the State.

Mr. Sadanki revealed that the Company has secured land and has engaged with Chinese infrastructure partners. He explained that the major requirements for advancing their proposed projects are the necessary licenses and a reliable gas supply to support infrastructure development.

Present at the meeting were the Director of Oil and Gas Operations, Mrs. Osifo Stacy; the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Osezua S**e E.; the Director of Local Content Development, Mr. Omorogbe Osazee Harrison; among other senior officials of the Ministry.

Ogbole Caroline
Faith Ojeaga
Irenma Favour Airaoje
Information officers
Ministry of information and strategy

02/06/2026

EDOHERMA Strengthens Partnership with AMELTAN, Reaffirms Commitment to Professional Standards

The Edo Health Regulation and Monitoring Agency (EDOHERMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to professional standards, effective regulation, and stakeholders’ collaboration including the Edo State Chapter of the Association of Medical Laboratory Technicians and Assistants of Nigeria (AMELTAN) for effective service delivery in the State's Healthcare Sector,

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EDOHERMA, Dr. Adesuwa Urhoghide, gace the assurance while playing host to members of AMELTAN, who paid a courtesy visit on her office in Benin City. She described collaboration with professional bodies as essential to strengthening healthcare regulation and ensuring quality health service delivery across the State.

Dr. Urhoghide reiterated the Agency's zero-tolerance policy towards unlicensed healthcare practices and called on members of the Association to support efforts aimed at sanitizing the Sector by reporting cases of quackery and professional misconduct.

The EDOHERMA CEO emphasized the importance of Project CLEAR, noting that EDOHERMA remains committed to engaging stakeholders through regular interactions and participation in professional meetings to address concerns and provide clarity on emerging regulatory frameworks.

Addressing issues relating to workforce requirements in medical laboratories, the EDOHERMA CEO affirmed that Medical Laboratory Technicians and Assistants remain integral members of the healthcare workforce and are recognized within the approved staffing structure for medical laboratories in Edo State. She clarified that members of the Association are eligible to establish medical laboratories, provided all statutory requirements are fulfilled, including the mandatory supervision of a licensed medical laboratory scientist.

Dr. Urhoghide commended AMELTAN's readiness to support healthcare regulation and stressed the importance of healthcare professionals maintaining valid annual practicing licences through their respective regulatory councils, noting that compliance remains critical to building a safe and efficient healthcare system.

The Chairman of AMELTAN, Edo State Chapter, Mr. Joseph Prince Ibe, expressed appreciation to EDOHERMA for its inclusive approach to healthcare regulation. He emphasized the indispensable role of Medical Laboratory Technicians and Assistants in laboratory services and advocated for their continued inclusion in staffing requirements across medical laboratories in the State.

Mr. Ibe assured the Agency of the Association's full cooperation in promoting professionalism and maintaining high standards of practice. He requested formal guidance on registration procedures for members seeking to establish laboratories and advocated for greater collaboration during monitoring and inspection exercises aimed at eliminating quackery.

The Association's Public Relations Officer, Mr. Otsoi Paul Oshioleumhe, congratulated Dr. Urhoghide on her leadership and briefed the Agency on AMELTAN's activities, revealing that the Association currently has a registered membership strength of 534 in Edo State.

The visit culminated in the presentation of a commemorative picture frame award to the EDOHERMA CEO in recognition of her leadership and commitment to healthcare regulation.

The engagement further underscored EDOHERMA's collaborative and stakeholders-driven approach to regulation, aimed at strengthening the healthcare system and to ensure the delivery of safe, quality healthcare services to all residents in the State.

Igene Eromosele Stephen
Public Relations Officer
EDOHERMA

Photo Caption
The Chief Executive Officer, Edo Health Regularlion and Monitoring Agency(EDOHERMA), Dr Adesuwa Urhoghide(2nd left) in a group photograph while receiving an award from the Chairman, AMELTAN, Mr Joseph Prince

02/06/2026

Climate Change: Govts Sensitise Stakeholders on NAP to Strengthen Resilience

By Joy Ifekwe

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Edo State Government have sensitised stakeholders from across the South-South Geopolitical Zone on the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), a strategic framework aimed at strengthening climate resilience and preparing vulnerable communities for the growing impacts of climate change.

The sensitisation workshop as organised by the Federal Ministry of Environment through its Department of Climate Change, was held at the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) in Benin City, Edo State.

Speaking at the event, the Edo State Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Hon. Nosa Adams Esq., represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Mrs. Edith Ebomoyi, emphasised that climate change adaptation is no longer optional, but an urgent necessity. Citing reports of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), he noted that nearly half of the world's population remained vulnerable to climate-related hazards, including floods, droughts, storms, heat stress and food insecurity.

Hon. Adams highlighted several adaptation initiatives being implemented by the Edo State Government to include urban greening projects, tree-planting campaigns, flood-control interventions, drainage infrastructure development and community-based flood management programmes, aimed at protecting lives, property and livelihoods. He advocated for increased adaptation financing, noting that developing countries are projected to require about $387 billion annually by 2030 to effectively address climate adaptation needs.

The Commissioner observed that current funding levels remain significantly below the target and urged governments, development partners, communities and other stakeholders, to intensify climate awareness efforts and to prioritise resilience-building initiatives across all sectors.

Declaring the workshop open, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Salihu Aminu Usman, represented by the Director of the Department of Climate Change, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, described climate change as one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. He noted that Nigeria remained particularly vulnerable to climate-induced shocks, including flooding, drought, desertification, rising sea levels, food insecurity and public health threats.

According to Dr. Usman, NAP aligns with Nigeria's commitments under UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement. He explained that the framework is designed to reduce vulnerability to climate impacts while integrating adaptation measures into national and sub-national development planning. He disclosed that NAP was developed with support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and technical assistance from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). He noted that its development was informed by extensive Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessments conducted across Nigeria's ecological zones.

Dr. Usman added that economic appraisals undertaken during the process demonstrated both the benefits of investing in climate adaptation and the substantial costs associated with inaction. According to him, adaptation financing and monitoring frameworks have also been established to facilitate implementation and track measurable outcomes.

During the technical session, the NAP Coordinator, Mr. Kayode Aboyeji, underscored the urgent need for adaptation measures to address the increasing effects of climate change across the country. He explained that NAP was developed to strengthen resilience and mainstream climate adaptation into development planning across all sectors of the economy. He identified agriculture, water resources and energy as some of the most vulnerable sectors requiring immediate intervention.

Mr. Aboyeji highlighted key adaptation strategies to include climate-resilient infrastructure, enhanced flood-control systems, climate-smart agricultural practices and nature-based solutions such as afforestation and ecosystem restoration. He revealed that economic assessments conducted under NAP indicate that every ₦1 invested in climate adaptation could generate at least ₦2.30 in benefits, reinforcing the need for increased investment in climate resilience initiatives.

He encouraged participants to support the implementation of NAP, and collaborate in mobilising both local and international resources to address climate change challenges in building a more resilient Nigeria.

The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to advance climate adaptation initiatives, strengthen resilience mechanisms and support the effective implementation of NAP. Participants also engaged in interactive discussions and made valuable contributions aimed at enhancing climate action and sustainable development across the Zone.

Photo Caption
Photo 1:
6th from right, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Mrs. Edith Ebomoyi Atomre, and 2nd from left, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Department of Climate Change and South-South Representative, during the South-South Stakeholders Sensitization Workshop on Nigeria's National Adaptation Plan (NAP).

Photo 2:
Participants during a cross-technical session at the South-South Stakeholders Sensitization Workshop on Nigeria's National Adaptation Plan (NAP).

02/06/2026

Otamere Assumes Office as PS Education, Commences Monitoring of Ongoing Examinations

The newly appointed Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Edo State Ministry of Education, Mr. Enodolomwanyi Otamere, has officially assumed office, with the monitoring of the ongoing examinations, pledging to sustain the Ministry's drive towards educational excellence and effective service delivery.

Mr. Otamere assumed duty on Monday, 1st June, 2026, taking over from the outgoing PS, Mrs. Edith Ebomoyi, during a brief handover session marked by goodwill and reflections on service.

In her remarks, Mrs. Ebomoyi expressed appreciation to the Management and staff of the Ministry for the cooperation and support she received during her tenure. She urged them to accord the new PS, same level of commitment and collaboration to ensure seamless continuity in the Ministry's operations.

Responding, Mr. Otamere thanked the outgoing PS for her contributions to the development of the Education Sector and assured staff of his readiness to foster teamwork, transparency, and inclusiveness through an open-door policy. Demonstrating his commitment to duty, he immediately embarked on his first official assignment of monitoring the conduct of the ongoing Senior Secondary School Examination (SSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in selected schools across Benin City.

The schools visited included Idia College, Emotan College, Baptist High School, and Ihogbe College, where he assessed the examination process and commended school administrators and examination officials for maintaining order and adherence to established guidelines. The PS was accompanied on the inspection by the Director of Shared Services, Mr. Obasuyi Joseph; the Director of Examinations, Mrs. Ero Ugiagbe; the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Gabriel Orire; among other senior officials of the Ministry.

The inspection underscores the Ministry's commitment to maintaining the integrity of certificate examinations to ensure quality standards across the State's education system.

Osobase A. Oseremen
Public Relations Officer
Edo State Ministry of Education

02/06/2026

Boosting Healthcare, Community Access to Power: Edo State Govt Issues 3MW Mini-Grid Licence to Halimatu Hospital

The Edo State Government through its Ministry of Power, has issued a three megawatts (3MW) mini-grid generation licence to the Halimatu Hospital Ltd., located at Okpella in Edo North Senatorial District, as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, expand electricity access, and advance sustainable energy development to communities across the State.

Speaking during the licence presentation ceremony, the Commissioner for Power, Hon. Paul E. Usenbo, said the initiative reflects the Sen. Monday Okpebholo administration’s commitment to deepening the Energy Sector reforms and attracting private-sector investment in electricity infrastructure. He noted that the project aligns with the State’s Renewable Energy and Rural Electrification reforms, which are aimed at improving access to electricity in underserved communities.

The Commissioner asserted that the Project prioritises improved healthcare delivery, inclusive economic growth, and sustainable energy solutions. He expressed confidence that, upon completion, the 3MW mini-grid would enhance healthcare service delivery, provide stable electricity for critical medical operations, and stimulate socio-economic activities within the host Community through improved power access.

Hon. Usenbo explained that the initiative is being implemented under the Edo State Electricity Law 2025 (as amended), which provides the legal framework for electricity generation, distribution, licensing, and investment within the State. According to him, the Law has strengthened the State Government’s capacity to regulate and accelerate independent power projects, thereby creating an enabling environment for sustainable energy investments.

Responding on behalf of the Management of the Halimatu Hospital Ltd., Mr. Jonah Giwa, commended the Edo State Government for creating an enabling policy environment that encourages private-sector participation in the Energy Sector. He particularly praised the implementation of the Edo State Electricity Law 2025 (as amended), noting that it has opened up opportunities for independent power projects which is capable of delivering direct benefits to communities.

Mr. Giwa added that the mini-grid project would significantly improve healthcare service delivery and contribute to raising the standard of living of residents in the Edo North Senatorial District. He assured that the Halimatu Hospital Ltd. remains committed to delivering the project in accordance with best technical standards and sustainable principles, in collaboration with relevant government agencies and stakeholders.

The initiative marks another milestone in Edo State Government’s efforts to expand energy access, strengthen critical infrastructure, promote sustainable development, and enhance energy security across the State.

Edeniyere Abraham Osose
Public Relations Officer
Edo State Ministry of Power

Photo Caption 1

(R_L) Commissioner for Power, Hon. Paul E. Usenbo.. Mr Jonah Giwa the representative of the Management of Halimatu hospital Ltd

Photo Caption 2

L-R: Representative of Halimatu Hospital Ltd.; the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power; Engr. Dr. Stephen Uyiekpen, Hon. Saturday Egbadon, Director-General, Edo State Electrification Agency; Hon. Paul E. Usenbo, SCN, Commissioner for Power; and other officials of the Management Team of the Ministry of Power.

30/05/2026

Environmental Sanitation Exercise Records High Compliance Without Restriction of Movement

By Joy Ifekwe

The Edo State Government has recorded a high level of compliance during the May, 2026 monthly environmental sanitation exercise even with the nullity of the usual restriction of movement during the early hours of 7.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m.

The Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Hon. Nosa Adams Esq., represented by the functioning Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Enodolomwanyi Otamere, led the monitoring exercise across various parts of the State. The monitoring teams commenced inspections from Oba Market through First Ibiwe, Second Ibiwe, Iguisi, and Lagos streets’ axis, to assess the level of participation by residents.

Speaking during the exercise, the Commissioner stated that the level of compliance recorded demonstrated that effective environmental sanitation could be achieved through public cooperation and proper enforcement without necessarily restricting movement. He commended residents for their participation and expressed appreciation to the Edo State Waste Management Board (EWMB) for its strong collaboration with the Ministry, describing the partnership as crucial to the success of environmental sanitation efforts across the State.

According to the Commissioner, both entities remain committed to ensuring that the monthly sanitation exercise, scheduled for the last Saturday of every month, continues to receive the support and compliance of residents. "The level of compliance we witnessed today is impressive. We will continue to encourage residents to keep their environment clean because sanitation is an everyday responsibility. A clean environment is essential for the health and well-being of all citizens," he stated.

The noted that while some residents were initially reluctant to participate, the presence of monitoring teams encouraged them to come out and clean their surroundings. He added that the exercise served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a clean environment and commended residents for their eventual cooperation and active participation. He reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to sustaining public awareness and enforcement efforts aimed at promoting environmental cleanliness and safeguarding public health across Edo State.

The Managing Director of EWMB, Mr. Lucky Enehita-Inegbenehi, also commended residents for their response to the sanitation exercise. He noted that the exercise had demonstrated that environmental sanitation compliance could be effectively achieved even without restricting movement. "What I have seen today shows that even without restriction of movement, we can enforce compliance with environmental sanitation regulations. The level of compliance recorded is impressive, and I commend residents who came out to clean their environment," he stated.

Mr. Enehita-Inegbenehi emphasized that environmental sanitation should not be viewed as a monthly activity alone, but as a continuous civic responsibility. He assured residents that the Government would sustain its monitoring and enforcement efforts to promote a cleaner and healthier environment. Saying, "Sanitation is an everyday responsibility. We must continue to ensure that our environment remains clean and healthy for all. The collaboration between the Ministry and the Board will continue to drive awareness and compliance across the State."

A Unit Waste Manager, Mr. Silas Ajayi, disclosed that participation had improved significantly compared to previous sanitation exercises. According to him, the monitoring team observed approximately 70 per cent compliance across the areas visited. In his words, "We have seen remarkable improvement. Compared to previous exercises, residents came out in greater numbers to clean their surroundings. We visited areas including Iguisi Street and observed a much better level of participation and environmental cleanliness."

The exercise further underscored the commitment of the Edo State Government to promoting a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment through continuous public enlightenment, stakeholder collaboration, and effective monitoring of sanitation activities across the State.

Photo Caption:

Middle: The Functioning Permanent Secretary, Mr. Enodolomwanyi Otamere, representing the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Hon. Nosa Adams, Esq.

Right: The Managing Director, Edo State Waste Management Board, Mr. Lucky Enehita-Inegbenehi.

Inset: Residents cleaning and maintaining their surroundings during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.

29/05/2026

Okpebholo Deeply Concerned About Welfare of Edo Pilgrims in Saudi — Amirul Hajj

By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah

The Edo State Amirul Hajj and Oghieaga of Ivbie, HRH. Mallam Ali D. Suleyman, has disclosed that the State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo is deeply concerned about the welfare of Edo pilgrims participating in the ongoing 2026 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia.

HRH. Oghieaga made the disclosure during an engagement between officials of NAHCON and the Edo State pilgrims in Mina, where he assured the pilgrims that the Governor was closely monitoring their situation and remained committed to their wellbeing throughout the pilgrimage exercise. He stated that the Governor personally contacted him on Tuesday, 26th May, 2026, after receiving reports about challenges affecting some pilgrims, particularly in the area of logistics under the Management of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

According to the State Amirul Hajj, "When the Governor heard some of the reports, he called me on Tuesday, and I told him it was not as bad as reported. As soon as we leave here, I am going to submit a report because I owe that duty to the pilgrims and to the Governor, who is concerned about their welfare,”

The Amirul Hajj assured the pilgrims that the Governor, whom he described as genuinely committed to the comfort and wellbeing of Edo State pilgrims both at home and abroad, was following developments closely. He however, expressed disappointment over what he described as a decline in this year’s Hajj operations compared to that of last year. In his words, “This year’s performance is below average because last year you people did very well and we commended you, hoping that this year, there would be improvement.”

HRH. Oghieaga added that while some efforts had been made to improve the situation, many of the challenges encountered were beyond the control of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. “They are not within what Edo State can handle. They are for NAHCON,” he stated. However, he appreciated NAHCON for acknowledging the existing challenges, but stressed the need for accountability among service providers.

“But the fact that they have already acknowledged these challenges, it is not for us to blackmail them. Leave that to Allah. Anybody who does not do his or her duty after collecting money for it should remember that Allah will ask questions in the hereafter,” The Amirul Hajj submitted. He expressed optimism that the shortcomings recorded during this year’s pilgrimage would be addressed ahead of future Hajj exercises.

Responding to concerns raised by the Edo State pilgrims, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NAHCON, Ambassador Abba Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Policy, Personnel and Finance, Prince Aliu Abdulrazak, commended Edo State officials for their mature and constructive approach in addressing issues encountered during the Hajj operations.

Ambassador Yusuf stated, “We want to sincerely thank the Chairman of Edo State Pilgrims Welfare Board for his relentless effort in ensuring that Edo State pilgrims are properly coordinated. The Governor of Edo State again selected an Amirul Hajj who is very experienced in Hajj activities, and looking at those things put together, we are not expecting anything less. We can even go and sleep believing that Edo State pilgrims are in safe hands.”

The Chairman and CEO of NAHCON further commended the Amirul Hajj and the Edo delegation for maintaining constant communication with NAHCON despite operational challenges experienced in some areas of the pilgrimage. His representative disclosed that following some issues over accommodation in Madinah, the NAHCON Chairman directed him to personally visit Edo pilgrims to assess the situation. “We understand the problems that have occurred. We are not going to sleep or assume as if nothing has happened. We are not happy as well,” he stated.

Ambassador Yusuf assured pilgrims that NAHCON would renegotiate with service providers over unsatisfactory services rendered during the Hajj exercise, stressing that any service paid for but not satisfactorily delivered, would attract refunds after proper assessment and renegotiation with the affected service providers. According to him, similar challenges were also experienced by pilgrims from other states including Sokoto, Zamfara and Plateau, adding that efforts were ongoing to improve welfare and provide basic amenities for pilgrims.

The South-East Commissioner of NAHCON, Hajia Aishat Obi, applauded Edo State officials and pilgrims for their responsible conduct and constructive criticism. Other Edo pilgrims who spoke during the engagement, included Luqman Abdulqadir and Abubakar, who also appreciated the efforts of the Edo State delegation, and urged NAHCON to further improve pilgrims’ welfare and logistics.

Edo State Government of Nigeria

03/06/2026

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