By Abel Johngold Orheruata, MNIPR

The Neo Black Movement (NBM) of Africa, a legally recognized and globally active non-governmental organization, has strongly condemned the recent demolition of its International Secretariat in Amagba, Benin City, Edo State. The structure, located at Oba Ewuare II Cultural Centre, 7 Arena Way, was brought down on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, under the directive of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

In a statement jointly signed by the organization’s National President, Olorogun Ese Kakor, and Secretary, Chief Kelvin Agbroko, the NBM described the demolition as an unlawful and unconstitutional act, carried out without prior notice, and in clear violation of the Nigerian Constitution.

According to the statement, the demolition was allegedly executed under Section 7 of the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2025 — a provision the NBM argues is inconsistent with sections 36, 40, 42, 43, and 44 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). “The provision relied upon by the Edo State Government is null and void to the extent of its inconsistency with the constitution,” the statement emphasized.

The NBM’s International Secretariat, completed in 2022, was a multimillion-naira facility housing a 2,000-seat event center, 20-room accommodation block, fully furnished offices, a skills acquisition center, and other amenities. The center served both administrative and humanitarian purposes, including empowering over 300 youths annually and employing more than 100 staff.

Despite its apolitical stance, the NBM expressed concern that the demolition may have been politically motivated, targeting members of the organization affiliated with opposition parties. “We note with dismay that even some political opponents of the Governor have had their properties marked for demolition,” the statement said.

The NBM highlighted its numerous contributions to society, including recent donations to 12 government-recommended schools in Edo State, as well as humanitarian interventions during natural disasters across Nigeria. These include relief packages worth over N150 million distributed in 2023 flood-hit states and donations to victims of the Owo church attack and the Okuama IDP camp.

Reiterating its law-abiding nature, the organization disassociated itself from any alleged criminal affiliations. “NBM of Africa is not Black Axe and should not be mistaken for such. We are not a cult group but a Pan-African organization focused on promoting African unity, culture, and humanitarian development,” the group affirmed.

The organization confirmed it has taken legal action, filing a fundamental human rights case against the Edo State Government at the Federal High Court in Benin.

“We remain committed to justice, peace, and development. This act of demolition is not only a violation of our rights but an affront to the rule of law,” the statement concluded.

By Abel Johngold Orheruata, MNIPR

For the first time in decades, residents of Abah-Unor in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State no longer have to trek over three kilometers to fetch water from streams, thanks to a life-changing intervention by the Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa Worldwide.

The organization, through its United Arab Emirates (UAE) chapter, has donated a solar-powered motorized borehole worth ₦16 million to the community, providing a sustainable solution to a long-standing water crisis.

At the commissioning ceremony, Deputy National President of NBM, Chief Eribo Emwanta—who represented the National President, Olorogun Ese Kakor—described the gesture as a demonstration of the group’s commitment to grassroots development and humanitarian service.

“This project is about giving back to our roots,” Chief Emwanta said. “The community now has access to clean water—something many have lived without for decades. It’s not just a borehole; it’s hope, health, and a future.”

He praised the UAE chapter of NBM for initiating and fully funding the project, noting that the borehole is the only one in the community and was built through voluntary contributions from members.

He called on the residents to take ownership of the project and ensure its proper maintenance. “If managed well, this will open the door for more impactful projects in the future,” he added.

The traditional ruler of Abah-Unor, HRH Obi Innocent Maduabunachukwu II, thanked the organization for what he described as a “timely and transformative” project. He highlighted the advantages of the solar-powered system, noting that it eliminates the need for generators and ensures uninterrupted water supply with minimal maintenance.

In his remarks, Prince David Mekoma, Country President of NBM’s UAE Chapter, said the project aligns with the organization’s corporate social responsibility and commitment to sustainable community development.

“This initiative is about saving lives, improving health, and reducing poverty. With access to safe water, the risk of waterborne diseases in the community will significantly drop,” Mekoma said.

Excited residents, some of whom had spent years battling water scarcity, hailed the project as a “gift from God,” expressing deep gratitude to the NBM for the intervention. They pledged to protect the facility and ensure its longevity.

The event also featured a donation of 200 exercise books and other educational materials to pupils of Champions Nursery and Primary School, aimed at boosting learning in local public schools.

For Abah-Unor, the borehole is more than a water project—it’s a symbol of progress, partnership, and the power of giving back.

A group, South-South Professionals & Transparency Initiative (SSPTI), has berated Governor Monday Okpebholo, of Edo state, over the demolition of the multi-purpose Secretariat complex built at an estimated N1.2B belonging to the Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa in Benin over alleged war against criminal elements in the state.

The body who took a swipe at the action of Governor Okpebholo, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Ugochukwu Alozie, described the decision as vindictive and outrageous, considering the fact that there was nothing incriminating or illegal that had been reported or said to have been associated with the very building.

SSPTI has therefore called on the members of the Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa, to explore all available legal means in seeking compensation from the Edo state government for the fragrant display of abusive power of authority by Governor Okpebholo, noting that through a court of competent jurisdiction the body can be sure of getting justice that would compel the government to pay for this senseless act.

It would be recalled that Governor Monday Okpebholo yesterday morning led his team to destroy some perceived hideout of criminals in the state, including a place the military had rescued some kidnaped victims who were held against their wish to learn internet frauds and other crimes.

It was in the process that the Governor led his team and security operatives to the NBM Multi purpose national Secretariat located at Oba Ewuare ll cultural center No 7 Arena way Amagba, in the heart of Benin city and ordered demolition of the structure based on an unfounded and imaginary explanation that it was being used as criminals hideout.

The NBM multi-purpose national Secretariat, estimated to have cost over N1.5B, made up of a state-of-heart 2,000 capacity hall used as an event center,a skill acquisition center to help train and prepare the youths to be self reliant and self employed, in addition to 20 tastefully furnished room accommodation for hospitality purpose, with a standard indoor swimming pool, a relaxation lounge, 250 KVA generator and other indoor appliances.

According to SSPTI statement; “We have taken out time to investigate the remote cause of the Governor’s action and we have come to the realization that Governor Okpebholo did what he did to settle score with prominent members of the opposition People Democratic Party (PDP) who are perceived to be members of the NBM of Africa”.

“Obviously, there is no smoke without fire in this singular action of the state Governor and it’s all about politics and the desire to weaken the opposition in Edo state ahead of his second term bidding”.

“Our findings reveal this was a politically motivated act aimed at weakening the opposition over court cases concerning the 2024 elections that brought the governor into office”

“Our grouse to the action of the Governor is that he failed to take the battle to the individual houses of these perceived political opponents but rather preferred to unleash the act of oppression against a collective body who have done him no harm or disturbed his government in any way”.

“We even have it on good authority that the members of NBM of Africa, recently carried out some Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) in 12 secondary and primary schools in Edo state, where they donated furnitures, writing materials, school desks and chairs to selected government schools to assist the poor pupils and students to settle into serious academic sessions, as part of an effort to giving back to the society”.

“This is the same set of people the Governor decided to demolish their buildings all because he wanted to get even with some perceived political opponents in the state”.

“Consequently, we want the members of NBM of Africa, to proceed to court so as to get justice over Governor Monday Okpebholo high handedness and arbitrarily use of power to oppress a group whose members have proven to be responsible and cultured in the society”, SSPTI concluded.

By Abel Johngold Orheruata

Asaba, April 24, 2025 — The political landscape of Delta State has been stirred by Governor Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). While the move has sparked widespread reactions, civil society leaders in the state are urging all stakeholders to remain focused on development and inclusive governance.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, the Delta State Civil Society Actors Community (DSCSAC) called for calm, continuity, and constructive collaboration. The group stressed that political transitions must not derail progress or truncate the Governor’s signature MORE Agenda—a people-centered policy framework driving development across the state.

“This is a defining moment,” the statement read. “It calls for maturity, wisdom, and above all, a firm commitment to the needs and aspirations of Deltans.”

Following consultations with the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Civic Engagement and Civil Society, Civicist Rex Emojitte Anighoro, DSCSAC expressed confidence that the Governor’s switch is driven by a strategic vision for Delta’s future. They urged the Governor to maintain his developmental stride under the new political umbrella.

Reaffirming its apolitical stance, DSCSAC also called on development partners, donor agencies, and private sector stakeholders to stay the course. “Now is not the time to pull back,” the statement noted. “Let this political shift become a platform for even greater synergy—not division.”

The coalition pledged its continued commitment to the principles of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), good governance, transparency, and inclusive decision-making. The group also emphasized its dedication to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and ensuring government remains responsive to the people.

Signed by DSCSAC President Comrade (Olorogun) Venture Ewerhamrhe, Secretary Activist Egbe Ambrose, and BOT Secretary Dcn. Okezi Odugala, the statement ended on a hopeful note:

“Sustainable development transcends politics. Together, we can build a Delta State where prosperity, equity, and peace flourish.”

By Stephen Ekuerarhe 

The Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has taken a significant step toward reviving agricultural education in schools with the launch of a one-day sensitisation exercise in Asaba. The programme targets stakeholders in public primary and junior secondary schools under the 2024 Agricultural Education Training Programme (AETP).

Speaking at the event, Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Hon. Samuel Mariere, highlighted the urgent need to reintroduce agriculture as a core part of early education. “We’re returning to our roots,” he declared. “Oil has dominated for too long while agriculture—the bedrock of our economy—was neglected. Now, we’re going back to the basics, and that starts with the child.”

Mariere recalled a time when pupils in schools tended personal farm beds, cultivating vegetables and learning firsthand about food production. “Imagine every child growing pepper or tomatoes at home. That alone could feed a family. That’s the vision we’re working toward,” he explained.

The AETP, according to him, is structured in phases, with 60 public primary and junior secondary schools selected to participate in this year’s edition. These schools will receive agricultural starter packs, including tools such as cutlasses, hoes, shovels, spades, rakes, and wheelbarrows. They will also be provided with planting materials like cassava stems, plantain suckers, groundnut seeds, and fertilizers.

Funding will be provided to support land preparation and planting activities, while participating schools will also benefit from field excursions to established farms across the state. “This is not just a seminar,” Mariere noted. “It’s a practical, hands-on initiative designed to make agriculture a lived experience for our students.”

He added that the programme, which began in 2019, grows each year. “Every year, new schools join, and those previously enrolled continue building on what they started. Some have even returned with bags of maize harvested through the initiative. That’s real progress,” he said, revealing that fish farming has also been introduced as a key component.

Flanked by board members, Permanent Secretary Sir Byron Unini, State Coordinator Mrs. Sharon Dafiluelo, and Director of Academic Services, the SUBEB boss described AETP as a transformative strategy aimed at blending academic knowledge with practical skills that can foster self-reliance and entrepreneurship.

He urged all participating schools to adhere strictly to the programme’s guidelines to ensure its success and sustainability across Delta.

Earlier in her welcome address, Mrs. Okpeh Fransisca, Director of Academic Services, underscored the importance of agriculture in national development. She noted that AETP empowers young learners with life skills, promotes self-employment, and reinforces the value of labour. “This programme is growing every year. Our goal is for every school to eventually run its own farm,” she stated.

Participants praised the initiative and pledged their collective support for the sustainability of school farms and agricultural learning throughout the state.