The Masses Advocate

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​In a swift move to maintain peace and protect local livelihoods, the Executive Chairman of Oredo Local Government Council, Hon. Engr. Gabriel Iduseri, has intervened in the burgeoning crisis involving the Hamburger Traders Union at Oba Market.  The intervention followed a spirited but peaceful protest by the traders, who marched to the Council Secretariat on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the union members voiced their anxieties over alleged quit notices and the potential takeover of their long-held shops. ​Addressing the crowd directly, Hon. Iduseri emphasized his administration's unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and the protection of small business owners. He acknowledged the gravity of their concerns, noting that any threat to their shops is a direct threat to the economic stability of their families. Rather than allowing tensions to escalate, the Chairman sued for peace, assuri...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​Former Edo State Governor and current Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has ignited a fierce national debate following a bold declaration regarding the integrity of his historic 2012 re-election victory.  Speaking with the trademark candor that defined his time as a labor leader, Oshiomhole revealed that his landmark sweep of all 18 local government areas in Edo State was achieved without spending a single kobo on financial inducements for voters.  This revelation comes as a stinging rebuke to the modern "money politics" era, with Oshiomhole describing electoral malpractice as the ultimate betrayal of democratic values and the "worst crime" possible in a functioning democracy. ​Recounting the atmosphere of the 2012 polls, Oshiomhole emphasized that his mandate was built on a foundation of public trust rather than cash transactions.  He recalled telling the electorate at the time that while his opponents might offer them money, they ...

​ -Ruben-Mario Brodrick  BENIN CITY – The Executive Chairman of Oredo Local Government Council, Hon. Engr. Gabriel Iduseri , has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a robust alliance with the media, describing it as a "veritable engine" for grassroots development and service delivery. ​In a recent high-level engagement with key media stakeholders, Hon. Iduseri emphasized that transparent governance is impossible without a free and active press. He commended the "Retainer" media stations for their consistent and professional coverage of the Council’s initiatives, noting that timely communication remains a cornerstone of his administration’s success. ​"The media is a critical partner in grassroots governance. We value professionalism and timely engagement because it enhances our ability to deliver on our promises to the people of Oredo," Iduseri stated. ​ A Partnership for the People ​Responding on behalf of the media houses, the...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​In a vibrant celebration blending centuries of tradition with contemporary spiritual renewal, the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City marked the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the 30th World Day for Consecrated Life at St. Augustine Catholic Church on Monday, February 2, 2026. Representing the Archbishop, Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze, the Archdiocesan Chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Oyanoafoh, delivered a powerful and soul-searching homily that challenged religious men and women to move beyond the mere "labels" of their congregations and embrace a life of authentic Christian charity. He began by tracing the deep historical evolution of the feast—from its 4th-century roots in Jerusalem, where it began without the specific focus on consecrated life, to its 5th-century spread to Rome and the Eastern Empire, and eventually its 8th-century transformation into "Candlemas" with the addition of the blessing of candles. ...

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ​In a profound demonstration of devotion to both spiritual and national duty, Reverend Father Philip Yaw Nsobiabah has officially begun a new chapter as an officer of the Ghana Navy. The Catholic priest was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant during a graduation ceremony at the Ghana Military Academy on Friday, January 30, 2026, an event graced by President John Dramani Mahama and the top hierarchy of the Ghana Armed Forces. ​Now holding the unique dual title of Reverend Father Sub-Lieutenant, Nsobiabah’s journey to the military is rooted in nearly eight years of faithful ministry within the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi. He was ordained to the priesthood on July 14, 2018, by the Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp—who served as the Bishop of Sekondi-Takoradi at the time and is currently the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra. ​His transition from the pulpit to the parade ground follows a distinguished tenure of pastoral work across th...

​-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  ABUJA, NIGERIA – Cardinal Francis Arinze, a distinguished voice in the global Catholic hierarchy, has provided a profound explanation for a question that has long puzzled the faithful: Why has Nigeria—a nation with one of the world’s most vibrant and devout Catholic populations—not yet produced a formally canonized saint? ​In a candid breakdown of Vatican proceedings, the Cardinal clarified that the "sainthood gap" is not due to a lack of holiness among Nigerians or any reluctance from Rome. Instead, he pointed to a combination of rigorous procedural requirements and the specific pastoral focus of the Nigerian Church. ​ The Grassroots Journey to Sainthood ​Cardinal Arinze debunked the common misconception that the Vatican independently "selects" saints. He emphasized that the journey to the altar is a bottom-up process . For a Nigerian to be canonized, the initiative must start within the local diocese where the candidate ...

​-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has officially entered a new era, shattering its previous enrollment records by welcoming a staggering 15,077 new students for the 2025/2026 academic session. This historic intake represents the largest single-session admission in the institution’s long-standing history, signaling a major expansion in the university's capacity and academic reach. ​Speaking during the matriculation ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edoba Omoregie , revealed that this surge in numbers is closely tied to the university's strategic growth. A significant portion of the new intake consists of pioneer students for approximately 20 newly introduced academic programs , which have been designed to align the institution with modern global demands and professional trends. ​Despite the unprecedented volume of admissions, Prof. Omoregie was firm in his assertion that quality was not sacrificed for quantity. He emphasized that ever...