The Masses Advocate

​ By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday presented an audacious ₦939.85 billion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, which he christened the “Budget of Hope and Growth.” This proposal outlines an ambitious fiscal roadmap designed to consolidate the gains of his first year in office, significantly accelerate development, and restore public confidence in governance. Governor Okpebholo affirmed that the 2026 fiscal plan is a strategic blueprint to build on the foundations laid in 2025, ensuring government programmes directly and positively impact the lives of Edo citizens across all sectors of the economy. The budget strategically prioritises key areas critical to sustainable development, including security, infrastructure, agriculture, education, job creation, and healthcare, with a focus on delivering "development the people can see and feel." The defini...

-​By Ruben Mario Brodrick  Benin City, December 15, 2025 — The Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze , hosted delegates from the Catholic Artists and Entertainers Association of Nigeria (CAEAN) , Benin Province/Archdiocese chapter, on a courtesy visit today, marking the spirit of the Yuletide season.  The delegation was led by the newly appointed Provincial/Archdiocesan Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Christian Enitayan . The purpose of the visit was threefold: to familiarise Archdiocesan CAEAN members with the Archbishop, to express appreciation for his recent approval of a new Chaplain to coordinate the Association's affairs within the Benin Ecclesiastical Province (which includes Warri, Issele-Uku, Auchi, Uromi, and Bomadi Dioceses), and to seek the Archbishop's formal collaboration and approval for CAEAN's future activities.  Receiving the delegates, Archbishop Akubeze promised his support for the entertainment body whe...

​-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  Rev. Fr. Odigie Urges Faithful to 'Rejoice' and Cultivate a Positive Mindset, Highlighting the Critical Need for Resources to Support Seminarians in the Archdiocese of Benin City. ​ BENIN CITY, December 14, 2025 – The Catholic Men Organisation (CMO) of the Benin City Deanery hosted a joyous and highly significant event, combining their annual End-of-Year Get-Together with a special Mass of Thanksgiving, culminating in the official launching of a fifteen million naira (₦15,000,000) fundraising appeal dedicated to supporting the training of priests—the third season of this vital Archdiocesan project. The Thanksgiving Mass featured a profound and uplifting Homily delivered by the Deanery CMO Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Christopher Odigie , who ably represented His Grace Most Rev Dr. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Benin City.  Fr. Odigie’s message was timely, centered around the theme of rejoicing as th...

​-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  The Bayelsa State Government and the nation have been thrown into deep mourning following the sudden death of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo , who passed away at the age of 60. ​The Tragic Incident ​ Collapse: Deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo reportedly collapsed in his office at the Government House in Yenagoa on Thursday afternoon while attending to official duties. ​ Emergency Response: Security aides and staff immediately rushed him to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa , where medical personnel attempted emergency resuscitation. ​ Confirmation of Death: Despite the swift efforts, Senator Ewhrudjakpo was later confirmed dead . ​A Life of Service ​Born on September 5, 1965, the late Deputy Governor was a well-respected figure in Nigerian politics. His professional life included roles as a trained administrator and lawyer . ​ Political Career: Prior to assuming the role of Deputy Governor...

-By Ruben-Mario Brodrick   Brodrick ​BENIN CITY, NIGERIA — In a powerful demonstration of community commitment to human rights, the Justice, Development and Peace Centre (JDPC) Benin hosted a critical Multi-Level Dialogue on the Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on December 10, 2025, coinciding with the International Human Rights Day celebration. ​Held at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre main hall, the event gathered a diverse group of participants, including men, women, youth, cultural figures, faith leaders, and critical stakeholders, all under the rallying theme: "Human rights our Every Day Essentials." ​A Necessary Focus on Dignity: ​The dialogue was officially opened by Rev. Fr. Benedict Onwugbenu, Executive Director of JDPC Benin, who delivered a stirring welcome address. ​"Today's gathering is especially significant as we join the global community to mark International Human Rights Day—a day that reminds us of the u...

By Ruben Mario Brodrick  Bishop Ogun of Uromi Visits Benin Archdiocese, Appeals for Help to Expand St. Camillus Catholic Hospital BENIN CITY, EDO STATE—The Esan Catholic Sons and Daughters in the Archdiocese of Benin City hosted a grand reception and fundraising event on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, to welcome His Lordship, Bishop Donatus Aimioshion Ogun, O.S.A., of the Catholic Diocese of Uromi.  The purpose of the visit was to formally announce the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Diocese of Uromi and to solicit support for its various developmental projects, particularly the expansion of the St. Camillus Catholic Hospital, Uromi. A Hearty Welcome and Call to Action: The event commenced with a special Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Paul Catholic Church, Benin City. The Bishop was given a rousing welcome by the Esan Catholic Women who trouped out singing many praises of the Bishop in Esan language while he was earlier escorted from the Bishop's court by ...

​ -By Ruben Mario Brodrick  Nsukka, Nigeria – Most Rev. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, inaugurated the new academic year at St. John Cross Seminary on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, with a powerful and resonant charge: “Don’t settle for less when you can have more.” ​Presiding over the Mass for the inauguration, Bishop Onah dedicated the academic year to God’s guidance, offering prayers for the students, formators, and all collaborators. His sermon, centered on the theme of striving for excellence, used the Gospel’s parable of the lost sheep to underscore the inestimable value of every human life. ​The Gospel of Value: Love Stronger Than Economy ​The Bishop emphasized that God’s love transcends all economic calculation and efficiency models. "It is not the will of my Father in heaven that one of these little ones should perish," he quoted, reminding the community that divine attention is not driven by numbers but by ...