₦airaland Forum

*Obaseki shocked, devastated by passing of Herbert Wigwe, wife, son, Ogunbanjo, others*

The news of the passing of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Bank Holdings, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, who died in a helicopter crash in the United States of America has left me extremely shocked and devastated.

We also unfortunately lost Wigwe's wife and son as well as the former group chairman of Nigeria Stock Exchange, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, in the crash.

The tragic incident is painful and heart wrenching and we pray for God's abiding comfort in this profoundly difficult time.

Wigwe was a colossus in Nigeria's financial sector, leading Access Bank to become an international brand that placed Nigeria on the global map of first class financial services.

I commiserate with the Wigwe family, the Ogunbanjo family, Access Bank Holding, the Nigeria Stock Exchange, friends and associates and pray that God will grant all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

*Godwin Obaseki*
_Governor, Edo State_

*Obaseki shocked, devastated by passing of Herbert Wigwe, wife, son, Ogunbanjo, others*

The news of the passing of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Bank Holdings, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, who died in a helicopter crash in the United States of America has left me extremely shocked and devastated.

We also unfortunately lost Wigwe's wife and son as well as the former group chairman of Nigeria Stock Exchange, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, in the crash.

The tragic incident is painful and heart wrenching and we pray for God's abiding comfort in this profoundly difficult time.

Wigwe was a colossus in Nigeria's financial sector, leading Access Bank to become an international brand that placed Nigeria on the global map of first class financial services.

I commiserate with the Wigwe family, the Ogunbanjo family, Access Bank Holding, the Nigeria Stock Exchange, friends and associates and pray that God will grant all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

*Godwin Obaseki*
_Governor, Edo State_

Update

Update

*AFCON 2023: Obaseki to host Osimhen, others after tournament*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has promised to host Edo-born 2023 African Footballer of the Year and Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen and other Super Eagles players of Edo origin after the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) competition taking place in Ivory Coast.

Obaseki said this while speaking to journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital, shortly after the Super Eagles defeated the Bafana Bafana of South Africa 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 score line in regulation time.

Obaseki watched the match at Ring Road, one of the viewing centers set up by the government for free live transmission of the AFCON semi-final clash between Nigeria and South Africa.

The governor said, “We can’t thank Osimhen enough and all these young stars. They have made Nigerians proud. We are very glad and happy over the final outcome of the game. My administration has the intention of inviting Victor Osimhen to Edo State after the end of the tournament.”

On his part, the Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Dr. Osaigbovo Iyoha, said, “Congratulations Nigerians, Congratulations Super Eagles; See you in the finals. This game was a wonderful one and we want to thank Governor Obaseki for creating the atmosphere for Edo people to watch the match.

“From this viewing center, you can see the mammoth crowd. We have nine locations today created for people of the State to watch the game including the hometown of our own striker, Victor Osimhen. We also have one of our own Osayi; Onyeka was also born in Benin; they have all made us proud.”

Rt Hon Barr Omosede Igbinedion, former House of Representatives member for Ovia Northeast/Ovia Southwest constituency and a notable Edo PDP gubernatorial aspirant, announced her decision not to contest the outcome of the February 4 Ward Congresses in Edo State.

This move comes amidst claims by nine out of ten PDP gubernatorial aspirants, immediately after the congresses, alleging manipulation and vowing to challenge the results.

However, Mrs Omosede, in an exclusive conversation with Truth Live News, revealed her choice to refrain from appealing the outcome. She also said she does not see Barr Authur Esene, a fellow aspirant, contesting the outcome of the ward congress because of the recent passing of his father.

This decision contrasts with numerous aspirants’ assertions that the congress either did not take place or did not adhere to party guidelines. It appears that her decision may be influenced by widespread evidence on social media indicating substantial turnout and the most extensive deployment of electoral staff by the PDP during the ward congress.

Many commended her for preserving the integrity of her family name and distancing herself from anything that could tarnish her family’s reputation and her own hard-earn

*AFCON 2024: Edo opens viewing centres in Ring Road, Osimhen's village, others for Nigeria/South Africa clash today*

The Edo State Government has set up viewing centres across various locations across the State for free live transmission of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final clash between Nigeria and South Africa.

In a statement, the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Chris Nehikhare said the centres are strategically located and adequately secured to guarantee the safety and comfort of football enthusiasts and residents.

He noted that the viewing centers are located across the State including Garrick Memorial School Gate; Oliha Market by the Traffic Light; Nadia Bakery, Opposite Uniben Main Gate; New Benin Market, opposite Total fuelling station; Ring Road by Mission Road Junction, and Ramat Park.

Other Edo State Government AFCON 2023 Viewing Centres in other parts of the State include: Jattu Junction, in Auchi, Etsako West LGA; Market Square, Ekpoma, Esan West LGA; and Eguare, Okhuesan in Esan South East LGA (Victor Osimhen's Village)

The statement reads, “We are pleased to announce the set-up of viewing centers across various locations within the Benin metropolis to watch the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final clash between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, today by 6pm.

“As a government, we understand the unifying power of sports and urge all football enthusiasts, supporters, and members of the public to join us for an exciting and captivating experience, as we cheer on our beloved Super Eagles to victory.”