The Masses Advocate

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​ BENIN CITY – In a move that has sent ripples through the political landscape of Edo State, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa has officially endorsed Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama as the consensus candidate for the Edo South Senatorial District. ​This high-profile endorsement was made public during Ogbeide-Ihama’s ongoing local government consultation tour, specifically during a strategic stop in Ovia South West . The alignment between two of the state’s political heavyweights is being hailed by insiders as a "game-changer" for the upcoming senatorial race. ​ The Impact of the Endorsement ​The backing of the Deputy Governor provides more than just a name; it offers a significant organizational boost and a clear signal to party faithfuls. Here is why this matters: ​ Strategic Consolidation: The move suggests a narrowing of the field, aiming to present a united front to avoid internal friction. ​ Political Momentum: By securing Idahosa’s...

​ -By our Reporter  BENIN CITY – Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern warning to criminal elements following a horrific shooting that claimed the life of a young man right at the doorstep of the University of Benin (UNIBEN). ​A Brazen Assault on Public Safety ​The tranquility of Sunday was shattered when gunmen launched a daring, daylight attack near the university’s main gate. The victim was shot dead in a manner the Governor described as "brazen and cold-blooded"—a chilling act of violence that has left the local community in shock. ​In a statement released through his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Governor Okpebholo made it clear that his administration views the killing not just as a crime, but as a direct challenge to the state's authority. ​"The killing on a day regarded as sacred by many is an affront to human dignity and a threat to public safety," the Governor stated. "It is completely unaccep...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​Edo State is revving its economic engines as Skyewise Group announces plans to establish a state-of-the-art automobile assembly plant in the heart of the state. ​Dr. Elvis Abuyere, Founder and CEO of Skyewise Group, revealed that the decision was fueled by the investor-friendly climate fostered by Governor Monday Okpebholo . According to Abuyere, the administration’s SHINE Agenda has effectively turned Edo into a "preferred destination" for both local and international capital. ​Key Highlights of the Expansion ​After over a decade of dominating the Nigerian automobile retail market, Skyewise Group is shifting gears from sales to manufacturing. Here is what the project brings to Edo: ​ Local Manufacturing: Transitioning from 11 years of auto sales to a dedicated assembly plant based in Edo. ​ Youth Empowerment: A focus on building technical capacity and "financial competence" for the state's younger demographic. ...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​The Republic of Chad has entered a period of profound national mourning following a devastating string of attacks by Boko Haram insurgents that claimed the lives of 24 soldiers and two high-ranking generals.  The violence, which unfolded in the volatile Lake Chad Basin, has prompted President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno to declare three days of solemn remembrance as the nation grapples with the loss of those he termed "martyrs who fell in the field of honor."  The bloodshed began on Monday evening with a brutal assault on the Barka Tolorom military base, located on the Chadian shores of the lake, leaving nearly two dozen troops dead.  The tragedy deepened on Wednesday afternoon when a security patrol navigating the region's intricate network of islands fell into a sophisticated ambush, resulting in the deaths of two generals—a rare and significant blow to the military's leadership. ​This resurgence of violence comes as a bitter s...

​ - By Ruben Mario Brodrick ​The atmosphere at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Abudu was charged with spiritual fervor on May 9, 2026, as the Benin Provincial Evangelization Week reached a powerful crescendo.  Presided over by the Dean of Abudu Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. James Chima (Okosisi), the Thanksgiving Mass served as both a celebration of faith and a strategic launching pad for the divine mandate of spreading the Gospel.  The gathering brought together the faithful in a stirring conclusion to a week dedicated to outreach, emphasizing that the call to evangelize is not merely an option but a fundamental obligation for every believer. ​Delivering a potent message rooted in the Great Commission, Rev. Fr. Everest Nwankwo, Parish Priest of St. John Neumann Catholic Church, Idokpa, drew from Mark 16:15 to remind the congregation of Christ’s direct command: "Go ye into the world and preach the Gospel."  Fr. Nwankwo stressed that this mandate is the prima...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​Standing at the heart of the Iguobazuwa Deanery on May 9, 2026, the Dean of Iguobazuwa Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Benjamin Brodricks brought the Benin City Provisional Evangelization Week to a stirring conclusion with a message that resonated far beyond the church walls.  Addressing an expectant assembly of priests, religious, and dedicated lay faithful from the CMO, CWO, and CYON, the Dean framed the week’s intense missionary efforts not as a finished task, but as the beginning of a radical shift in the Church’s identity.  He reminded the congregation that while the week was marked by sacrifice and prayer across various parishes and zones, its true success lies in whether the Church remains "in motion."  Drawing a direct parallel to the first reading of Acts, he highlighted how Paul and Timothy were not stationary figures but travelers who carried the Gospel into the heart of the unknown, insisting that the modern Church must likew...

​ -By Ruben Mario Brodrick  The streets surrounding the Holy Cross Cathedral on Mission Road became a vibrant mission ground as the Benin City Ecclesiastical Province successfully concluded its week-long Evangelization exercise.  Drawing participants from across the Province—including the Archdiocese of Benin City and the Dioceses of Warri, Issele-Uku, Auchi, Uromi, and Bomadi—the event served as a powerful reminder of the Great Commission.  In a spirited display of faith, evangelizers were organized into five distinct groups and dispatched from the Cathedral into the heart of the Benin City metropolis, engaging residents in their homes, offices, and shops to share the Gospel. ​During the Thanksgiving Mass that capped off the outreach, Very Rev. Fr. Paul Ashoro, CRS, the Archdiocesan Vicar for Religious, delivered a stirring homily that drew parallels between modern believers and the biblical missionary zeal of Paul and Barnabas.  Proclaiming that "we a...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​In a moving encounter that bridged the gap between contemporary youth and the pursuit of holiness, The Assistant Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Evbuoriaria, Benin City, Rev. Fr. Emanuel Ogude recently conducted a deeply impactful sensitization visit to the students and staff of Holy Child Christian Academy in Okabere.  Centered on the luminous life and virtues of the late Vivian Ogu, the visit served as a spiritual wake-up call, utilizing the Vivian Ogu story booklet to weave a narrative of extraordinary grace found in an ordinary life.  Fr. Emanuel who is also a promoter of the Vivian Ogu Movement, masterfully brought Vivian’s story to life, painting a vivid picture of a young girl who balanced her earthly responsibilities with a heavenly focus, emphasizing her exemplary commitment to purity, academic brilliance, and her tireless dedication to both God and humanity. ​The atmosphere in the hall was one of profound ref...

​ -By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ABUJA — In a dramatic legislative U-turn, the Nigerian Senate has scrapped a newly minted rule that would have restricted the race for the Senate Presidency to "veteran only" lawmakers. The move, which comes just days after the rule was first introduced, marks a significant victory for political newcomers and ambitious heavyweights eyeing the 11th National Assembly leadership. ​ The Rule That Sparked the Fire ​Earlier this week, the Senate amended its Standing Orders to stipulate that only senators who had served at least two consecutive terms could qualify for the positions of Senate President or Deputy Senate President. ​The amendment was widely viewed as a "protectionist" move by the current leadership to: ​ Gatekeep Power: Effectively locking out first-term senators or returning former governors from top spots. ​ Secure the 2027 Succession: Narrowing the field of candidates to a small pool of long-serving inside...

​ -By Ruben Mario Brodrick  The world has lost one of its most audacious pioneers. Ted Turner, the swashbuckling billionaire who tore up the rulebook of modern broadcasting and taught the world to watch news in real-time, has passed away at the age of 87. Turner, who famously disclosed his battle with Lewy body dementia in 2018, leaves behind a legacy that is etched into every glowing screen across the globe. ​Long before the internet made instant information a commodity, Turner had a "crazy" idea: news shouldn’t have an expiration date or a bedtime. In 1980, against a tide of industry skepticism, he launched CNN, the world’s first 24-hour news network. He didn't just create a channel; he created a global pulse, turning local events into international milestones and forever changing how humanity experiences history as it unfolds. ​Born Robert Edward Turner III in 1938, his journey began in the billboard business, but his ambitions were far too large for sta...

  -By Ruben Mario Brodrick  In a powerful convergence of faith and social responsibility, the 2026 Father’s Day celebration at St. Augustine Parish in Benin City served as a clarion call for Catholic men to step out of the shadows and into the forefront of national transformation.  Under the timely theme, "Civic Engagement of Christian Fathers as Agents of Change for Good Governance," the event transcended mere celebration, challenging men to integrate their spiritual values into the looming political landscape of Edo State and Nigeria.  The tone for the day was set by the Parish Chairman of the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO), Mr. Henry Okhe, who reminded the assembly that a just and responsible society is built on the active participation of its fathers.  He emphasized that good governance is not a product of chance but the result of consistent actions guided by Christian virtues, urging all men to be decisive and principled in the forthcoming gene...

-By Ruben-Mario Brodrick  Beneath the soaring arches of the Holy Cross Cathedral, the Archdiocese of Benin City ignited a month of profound grace on May 1st, 2026, as legionaries gathered for a powerful "Day with Mary."  Marking the start of the month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, the event seamlessly wove together the liturgical Feast of St. Joseph the Worker with a deep, communal immersion into Marian spirituality. From the rhythmic chanting of the Rosary and the solemnity of Eucharistic Adoration to the anointing of members, the atmosphere was one of intense devotion and a collective call to finish the long-awaited Legion House at Blessed Tansi Parish. ​The spiritual fire of the day was stoked by Rev. Fr. Alfred Agbonlahor, Vice Chairman of CAN in Edo State, who challenged the faithful to view the "Hail Mary" as the ultimate angelic salutation—a greeting so potent it paved the way for the Incarnation itself. He dismantled criticisms of "repetitive...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​The burial of Reverend Ayuba Choji, his wife, and their two children on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Kwi, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, marked a somber chapter for the Middle Belt region following their brutal murder earlier that week. The family was killed in the early hours of Monday, April 27, when suspected Fulani militants surrounded their home in Gako village within the Rim community, executing an attack that has once again plunged the local area into mourning and confusion.  Rev. Choji was a dedicated minister serving under the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) Bukuru District Church Council, and his death has ignited a wave of grief and outrage among his congregation, relatives, and the broader Christian community in Nigeria. ​In the wake of this tragedy, the leadership of ECWA has voiced strong condemnation regarding the persistent insecurity that continues to claim innocent lives across the nation. Speaking...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​In a landmark move for Nigeria’s diplomatic future, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as the nation's new Minister of Foreign Affairs . This elevation follows the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to focus on his 2027 political ambitions. ​ The Rise of a Diplomatic Powerhouse ​This is not just a political appointment; it is a strategic promotion. Having recently served as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ojukwu has now been handed the full steering wheel of Nigeria's international relations. ​Her resume reads like a masterclass in public service: ​ Spanish Success: Former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, where she also served as the Permanent Representative to the UN World Tourism Organization. ​ Seasoned Advisor: A former Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Matters, ensuring she understands the pulse of Nigerians living abroad. ...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​As Catholic Television of Nigeria (CTV) prepares to celebrate its 15th anniversary, the station has announced an ambitious roadmap to transition from a faith-based niche broadcaster into a major player within Nigeria’s mainstream media landscape.  During a press briefing held in Abuja on Monday, Barr. Dr. Princess Frank-Chukwuani, Chairperson of the National Planning Committee, outlined a future where CTV becomes a staple in national discourse, with plans to expand coverage to the State House, the National Assembly, and high-level interviews with top government officials.  This vision for national prominence follows a year of explosive growth; since migrating to GOtv Channel 115 on March 13, 2025, the station has seen its viewership surge by over 300 percent, reaching an estimated eight million people across the African continent. Founded in 2010 by Emeritus Archbishop John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the station has evolved from its religio...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick ​ The Edo State Police Command has officially moved to clear the air following a viral social media video featuring the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, and a popular comedian, Emmanuel Eghogho (also known as SSA Egogo). ​In a formal disclaimer, the Command clarified that while the Commissioner was captured on camera while performing his official duties, the remarks made by the comedian are strictly personal and do not represent the official stance of the Police Force. The Command emphasized that at no point did CP Agbonika endorse, adopt, or align himself with the views expressed in the video, maintaining that his presence in the clip should not be mistaken for political affiliation. ​Reiterating the Commissioner's reputation as a thorough professional, the statement, signed by PPRO ASP Eno Ikoedem, stressed that the CP remains a non-partisan officer committed to the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force. This clarifi...

​-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  BENIN CITY – In a high-profile meeting at the Edo State Government House, the City Boy Movement received a formal endorsement today as they paid a courtesy visit to discuss the future of urban development and national leadership. ​The visit served as a platform for a major political declaration: Edo State has officially thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, citing a belief in the "Renewed Hope" agenda. ​ A Vision of Structure and Purpose ​During the reception, the leadership of the movement was praised for its organizational discipline. The discussion centered on the idea that transforming Nigeria’s urban centers requires a specific pedigree of leadership—one that understands the heartbeat of the city. ​“Only a city boy can truly build and brand a city. What I see here is a movement that is coordinated, organized, and driven by leadership. That alone gives me confidence that Nigeria’s...

​ -By Ruben Mario Brodrick  Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has offered a stirring tribute to the Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Dr. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, identifying the cleric’s spiritual mentorship as the cornerstone of his administration’s success.  Speaking on Wednesday during a vibrant Thanksgiving Service at St. Paul Catholic Church to mark the Archbishop’s 20th Episcopal Anniversary , the Governor shared personal reflections on how a single encounter with the clergyman redefined his political trajectory and personal resolve. ​Governor Okpebholo recounted his first meeting with Archbishop Akubeze as a defining moment of spiritual clarity, noting that he recognized the "glory of God" upon the cleric immediately. He revealed that he had specifically knelt before the Archbishop at a critical juncture in his journey to seek strength for the challenges ahead.  According to the Governor, he made a solemn request for prayers to help ...

​ -By Ruben Mario Brodrick  WASHINGTON D.C. — In a stunning breakdown of diplomatic and religious protocol, President Donald Trump has launched a scorched-earth rhetorical campaign against Pope Leo XIV. The escalating war of words comes as the administration faces mounting pressure over the conduct of the Iran War and recent allegations regarding civilian casualties in the region. ​The "Puppet" Allegation ​In a series of scathing statements, the President characterized the Pontiff’s election as a strategic political maneuver by the College of Cardinals designed specifically to "counteract" the MAGA movement. Trump dismissed the Pope’s authority on foreign policy, suggesting Leo XIV—the first American Pope in this timeline—owes his position to the political climate created by the Trump presidency. ​"If I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican," the President asserted, further complicating the rift by praising the Pope’s ...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​ ABAKALIKI – The Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki and the global community of the faithful are in deep mourning following the transition of their revered Shepherd, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Nworie Chukwu , who returned to his Maker on Friday, April 10, 2026 . He was 60 years old. ​The announcement, released with a spirit of "total surrender to God and firm faith in the Resurrection," marks the end of an impactful era for the Church in Ebonyi State. Bishop Chukwu was known not only as a spiritual leader but as a scholar and a voice of conscience for his people. ​ A Legacy of Faith and Intellect ​Born on November 5, 1965, Bishop Chukwu dedicated over three decades to the priesthood. Before his appointment as the third Bishop of Abakaliki by Pope Francis in 2021, he distinguished himself as a brilliant academic and a compassionate pastor. ​ Scholarly Service: He held a Doctorate in Philosophy from Marquette University and served as a lecture...