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Edo State Launches Comprehensive Festive Security Framework

Phinadon Mag

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Quick Summary:
The Edo State Government deploys a multi-agency security strategy involving the Police, NSCDC, Army, DSS, and vigilante groups to safeguard residents, travelers, and tourists during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

As the 2025 festive season reaches its peak, the Edo State Government, in collaboration with multiple security agencies, has rolled out a comprehensive security framework to protect residents, visitors, and travelers across the state.

The proactive initiative, led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, integrates high-visibility policingintelligence coordination, and community-based vigilance to ensure a peaceful and secure Yuletide period.

Enhanced Security & Personnel Deployment

NSCDC Deployment

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 1,200 personnel across Edo’s three senatorial districts to safeguard critical national assetspublic spaces, and transport corridors before, during, and after the festive period.

Police Operations

The Edo State Police Command has intensified operations through intelligence-led raids on known criminal hideouts and increased patrols along highways and urban centers to deter kidnapping, robbery, and other crimes common during the holidays.

Joint Show of Force

On December 19, 2025, the Nigerian Army led a 10km joint security road march across Benin City, featuring personnel from the PoliceAir ForceDepartment of State Services (DSS), and Civil Defence. The exercise demonstrated inter-agency unity and tactical readiness to respond to any security threat.

Logistics and Infrastructure Support

Operational Mobility

To enhance rapid response capabilities, the state government recently procured and distributed 20 new patrol vehicles to various security agencies operating within Edo State.

Forest and Boundary Security

Over 300 motorbikes have been distributed to security operatives to improve mobility in forest terrains and border communities, particularly in areas vulnerable to banditry and illegal migration.

Vigilante Groups

The government has lifted the previous ban on the Edo State Vigilante, allowing them to resume community-based operations in close collaboration with federal security forces. This move aims to strengthen grassroots intelligence and local response capacity.

Public Safety and Traffic Measures

Traffic Control

An inter-ministerial task force began full enforcement on December 18, 2025, to clear road obstructionsremove illegal parking, and ensure smooth traffic flow for the high volume of holiday travelers.

Fireworks Ban

The use of pyrotechnics, including “bangers and “knockouts,” has been strictly prohibited to prevent public panic and false security alerts during the festive period.

High-Profile Clearances

The government has advised high-profile visitors and politically exposed persons to seek security clearance from the Governor’s Office before hosting public events, ensuring that large gatherings do not create security vulnerabilities.

Tourism and Diaspora Assurance

The Edo State Diaspora Agency (EDSDA) and the Edo State Tourism Agency (EDTA) have issued a joint statement assuring that the state remains “safe, vibrant, and fully prepared” to host returnees and tourists throughout the Yuletide.

They emphasized that the enhanced security measures are designed not only to protect lives and property but also to promote confidence among visitors and investors during the festive season.

Entertainment

Burna Boy makes history as the first male artist to reach No. 1 on Spotify’s Global Music Video Chart.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian superstar Damini Ogulu, famously known as Burna Boy, has once again etched his name in history, this time by becoming the first male artist to claim the coveted #1 spot on Spotify’s newly launched Global Music Video Chart. This monumental achievement comes courtesy of his electrifying World Cup anthem with pop icon Shakira, ‘Dai Dai.’

‘Dai Dai’ has proven to be an unstoppable force, not only conquering the Spotify chart but also making significant waves on the Billboard Hot 100, where it recently soared to a new peak of #13. Industry experts are already predicting a top 10 entry next week, fueled by the highly anticipated World Cup Final Halftime Show performance by Burna Boy and Shakira this coming Sunday.
The song’s dominance extends far beyond these charts. ‘Dai Dai’ remains the most-streamed music video of 2026 on YouTube, boasting an astonishing half a billion views. It has also reached the pinnacle of the Apple Music Global Songs Charts, solidifying its status as a global phenomenon.

Burna Boy’s incredible success with ‘Dai Dai’ has further cemented his position as a titan of the music industry. He has extended his record as the African artist with the most monthly listeners in Spotify’s history, surpassing an astounding 53 million. Not stopping there, he has also set a new benchmark on YouTube Music, becoming the African artist with the most monthly listeners, exceeding 600 million.
These extraordinary achievements are a testament to Burna Boy’s undeniable talent, global appeal, and the ever-growing influence of Afrobeats on the international music scene. He continues to break barriers and inspire millions, proving that music truly knows no boundaries.

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Entertainment

Cardi B Addresses Maduka Okoye Speculation: “I’m Really Hip Hop’s Britney Spears”.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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In the relentless glare of public scrutiny, Grammy-winning artist Cardi B has once again found herself at the center of swirling rumors, this time concerning her burgeoning friendship with Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. Recent public appearances, including a dinner in Venice, ignited speculation about a potential romance, prompting Cardi B to candidly address the incessant public interest in her personal life.

The rapper, known for her unfiltered honesty, voiced her frustration in a widely circulated video, lamenting the disproportionate attention her activities receive compared to those of her peers. She highlighted a perceived double standard, where ordinary facets of her life become subjects of intense public debate, while similar situations involving other celebrities garner little to no interest.

“No cap, I’m really hip hop’s Britney Spears,” Cardi B declared, drawing a parallel to the pop icon who has famously navigated intense media scrutiny throughout her career. She continued, “I got all the tea on these celebrities. I know who’s with who and what’s doing what. But guess what? Nobody reports about it because nobody cares.”

Her exasperation was palpable as she added, “But when it comes to me, I can’t even do anything without people talking about it. This is crazy. You’ve got to take the good with the bad. It is what it is. People pay for this type of talk.”

Cardi B’s comments arrive amidst a crescendo of speculation surrounding her relationship with Okoye. The pair have been observed together on multiple occasions, notably during Paris Fashion Week and their recent rendezvous in Venice, fueling the ever-present social media buzz. Despite the widespread conjecture, neither Cardi B nor Okoye has publicly confirmed any romantic involvement, leaving the nature of their connection open to continued public interpretation and discussion.

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News

Fabian Ruiz Targets 2026 Ballon d’Or After Incredible Trophy-Laden Season.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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In a sport often dominated by household names, Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield maestro, Fabian Ruiz, has boldly declared his ambition to claim the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2026. The Spain international, fresh off a truly remarkable season, has articulated a desire that resonates with every professional footballer: to be recognized as the world’s best.

Ruiz, at 30 years old, has enjoyed a sensational campaign that has seen him achieve the pinnacle of both club and international football. Lifting the Champions League trophy with PSG and, even more significantly, securing the World Cup with Spain, has propelled him into conversations previously reserved for a select few. His performances throughout these triumphs have been nothing short of exceptional, showcasing a blend of tactical intelligence, technical prowess, and an uncanny ability to dictate the tempo of a game.

The World Cup, in particular, served as a global stage for Ruiz to demonstrate his undeniable talent. As the tournament progressed, his name began to circulate with increasing frequency among pundits and fans alike as a genuine contender for individual accolades. This growing recognition is a testament to his consistent high-level play and his ability to perform under immense pressure.

When questioned about his aspirations, Ruiz’s response, as reported by Marca, was both humble and resolute: “Who wouldn’t want to win a Ballon d’Or? I’m happy with the season I have had, winning the Champions League and the World Cup. If I’m in the running, it will be an honour.” This statement encapsulates the sentiment of a player who appreciates his current successes while simultaneously striving for even greater heights.

Fabian Ruiz’s declaration injects an exciting narrative into the footballing world. As he continues to perform at an elite level, all eyes will be on whether this gifted midfielder can transform his audacious ambition into reality and etch his name into the annals of football history as a Ballon d’Or winner.

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