ARTICLE OF THE MONTH:::

HISTORY OF EDO STATE SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA:::

The Mid-Western Region was a division of Nigeria from 1963 to 1991,

from 1976 being known as the Bendel state.

It was formed in June 1963 from Benin and Delta provinces of the

Western Region, and its capital was Benin City.

It was renamed a province in 1966, and in 1967 when the other provinces

were split up into several states, it remained territorially intact, becoming a state.

During the Nigerian Civil War, the Biafran forces invaded

the new Mid-Western state, en route to Lagos,

in an attempt to force a quick end to the war.

While under Biafran occupation, the state was declared as the

"Republic of Benin" as Nigerian forces were to retake the region.

The republic collapsed a day after the declaration as

Nigerian troops overtook Benin City.

In 1976 it lost Ughelli to the new Rivers state and was renamed Bendel.

Edo State was formed on August 27, 1991 when

Bendel State was split into Edo and Delta States.

THE PEOPLE OF EDO STATE

THE PEOPLE OF EDO STATE
With Benin City as capital, the population of the entire s

tate is approximately 4million.

Edo State is made up of three major ethnic groups;

namely the Binis, Esan and Afemai.

However the state has a high presence of residents

from across the country and the world because of its cosmopolitan tendencies.

Benin City the capital has a history of being one of the foremost destinations of Europeans

during their exploration of Africa continent many centuries ago.

Some of the flash points have remained enviable tourists’ attraction for the state.

PEOPLE AND DEMOGRAPHY
The main ethnic groups in Edo State are: Edos, Afemais, Esans, Owans and Akoko Edos.

Virtually all the groups traced their origin to Benin City hence the dialects of the groups

vary with their distance from Benin City.

The Bini speaking people who occupy seven out of the 18 Local Government Areas

of the state constitute 57.54%

while others Esan(17.14%) Afemai compirising of Etsako (12.19%),

Owan (7.43%), and Akoko Edo(5.70%).

However, the Igbira speaking communities exist in Akoko Edo as well asUrhobos, Izons,

Itsekiris communities in Ovia North East

and South West Local Government Areas especially in the borderlands. Also,

Ika speaking communities exist inIgbanke in Orhionmwon LGA.

A lot of communities and indeed the ruling dynasties in all the clans trace their roots

to the ancient kingdom of Benin.

Cultural similarities are in the areas of religious worships, folk-lore, dances,

festivals, traditional modes of dressing, arts and craft.

The political pattern and behaviour are based on a situation where both

the monarchial and republican ideas flourished in an integrated manner.

The colourful traditional festivals in the state manifest its rich cultural heritage.

Critical among these are the Igue andEkaba festivals done among the Binis and

Manhood initaition (age groups) by the Etsakopeople.

With an estimated population of 3,218, 332 made up of 1,640,461 males and

1, 577, 871 females and a growth rate of 2.7% per annum (NPC, 2006),

as well as a total landmass of 19,187 square kilometers, the state has

a population density of about 168 persons per square kilometers.

CULTURE IN EDO STATE

CULTURE
The ancient Bini Kingdom dates back to 900 AD. Historical evidence lends credence

to the fact that the Oba of Benin

used to send his sons to different parts of the then Bini Kingdom as vassals to establish

and consolidate his imperial authority in these areas.

This explains the cultural similarities of these people with the core Bini ethnic stock.

MUSIC, SONGS, AND DANCE:
In the music sector, Edo State is blessed with a large coterie of nationally

and internationally renowned performers.

Sir Victor Uwaifo leads his pack, a multi media artist who was trained

at Yaba College of Technology and the University of Benin.

He has performed in major cities in the world. In 1995,

Sir Uwaifo was invited for a performance at the United Nations Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Others in this category include Sunny Okosun, Peter King, Felix Duke, Osayomore Joseph and

many others who have flown the flag of Edo State creditably.

Itinerant traditional performers who are mainly hired for burial, naming ceremonies,

age-grade festivals and others abound in Edo State.

Chief Omobuare, who died in February 2002 at the age of 92 years, was a leading exponent

of the traditional Esan music genre called Asologun.

His virtuosity on the wooden piano and his philosophical

ditties won him fame in Esan land and beyond.
Collins Elaiho, Segun Alile, the late General Bolivia Osigbemhe,

Vincent Ugabi, Sir WaziriOshomah, Aibor Bello,

Omo Smart Idonijie, Constantinopolous Osigemhe, BenjiIgbadumhe, Patrick Idahosa, Omoadoni, Adesua,

Queen Orete and scores of others have modernized the rich folklore songs

of their people into universally-accepted music forms.

The late Chief Isaac Ayeni and Anco Momodu (Anco Limited) are exponents who are largely

regarded as the doyens of the traditional music genre in Edo State.
In Edo State, there is no dance or song that has no satirical connotation or bearing.

The songs or dances that have evolved in many communities in the state have socio-cultural backgrounds.

The same pattern of call and response mode of singing and

the deftchorographical dance steps obtain in all the areas of Edo State.
Most traditional songs are accompanied by heavy beats which the dancers step in tune with.

Praise-singing is commonplace among musicians in the state.

The involvement of the youths in the performance of these songs and dances ensures

continuity in the traditional heritage of the people from one generation to the other.

FESTIVALS AND MASQUERADES:
Edo State has a very rich tradition of festivals and masquerades through

which the people either appease the various gods

and goddesses initiate men and women into age-grades or as a traditional get-together.

The Igue festival takes pre-eminence among festivals celebrated in Edo State.

It is celebrated every December each year by the Oba of Benin to usher in the

New Year and as a thanksgiving for the outgoing one.

The Igue festival attracts tourists from across Nigeria and abroad.

Most of the festivals have a yearly cycle and are open to general viewing and sometimes, participation.

Some others like the Obazu festival held among the Aomas of luleha in Owan West Local Government Area

is strictly restricted to the men folk.

Other important festivals celebrated in Edo State are Ekaba, Ukpe, Irua, Agiele,

Adu-Ikukwua, Ebomisi, Eho, Ipihionua,

Ugbele, Itakpo, Ofarhe, Emomorhe, Iko, Uzo,Ugozo/Ihiasa, Uba, Egbere, Owere,

Ukpako, Oriminyam, Ohonmoimen,

Itikiri,Ivhamen/Ororuen, Amekpe, Oto-Uromi, Ighele and Okpuge-Oro.
The masquerades in Edo State are generally believed to be earthly representatives of some

celestial gods, goddesses or ancestors.

Masquerades like the Igbabonelimi of Esanlandare very popular social entertainers

whose secrets and workings are only known to initiates who are sworn to utmost secrecy.
Many masquerades are linked to traditional festivals, while others are only social and have no ritualistic backgrounds.

CUISINE
The traditional cuisine in Edo State is fairly representative of what obtains in most southern states in Nigeria.

Pounded yam or eba are eaten with vegetable, melon or okra soups cooked with either bush meat

(Antelope, Pig and Grasscutter etc), beef or fish.

Yam and rice, which are grown in the state is also eaten with other varieties of soup and meat or fish throughout the state.

Garri, which comes in white or yellow variants can be eaten or soaked in water and

accompanied with beans, meat, fish, groundnuts etc.
Rice and beans are popular across the state. The people of Edo State also prepare

yam or cocoyam porridge in homes and restaurants.
Non-indigenous foods like amala, starch, pepper soup, fufu and banga soup, have lately crept into the local cuisine.

This is due to the constant social interaction of the people with large migrant community from other parts of Nigeria.

Geography

The State has a land mass of 19,794 km square. Lying on 05 44 N and 07 34 N latitudes, 05 4 E and 06 45 E longitudes.
Edo State is low lying except towards the north axis where the Northern and

Esan plateaus range from 183 metres of the Kukuruku Hills

and 672 metres of the Somorika Hills.

Location
It is so located that it forms the nucleus of the Niger Delta region.

It is bordered by Kogi state to the North and Delta State to the East and South, Ekiti and Ondo States to the West.

Climate
The climate is typically tropical with two major seasons- the wet (Rainy) and the dry (harmattan) seasons.

The wet season lasts from April to November and the Dry Season December to March.

Click on red icon to veiw Edo State weather forcast

Arts and Craft

From the earliest times of civilization, specialized professional guilds or societies

were set up to promote the highest ideals in the various arts.

These guilds were accorded royal patronage. To this day, some of these guilds,

like those of wood carvers and bronze casters, are still operating at Igbesanmwan and Igun streets in Benin City.

Art, as a form of communication, has been greatly explored, especially

for recording memorable events in the life of the various communities.

Effigies of Obas, heroes and heroines were molded for posterity. Different media such as bronze, brass, mud (terracotta),

ebony wood and ivory feature in these works of art. In the 13th century, Igueha introduced brass casting into Benin City.

The indigenous artists in Benin have since evolved a peculiar house style in

brass casting and created the largest brass industry in the African continent.

The Benin bronze works are the most favored and renowned art works of Edo State.

Many of these artworks were looted by the British forces during the invasion of Benin Kingdom in 1897.
In recent years, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba Erediauwa has spear-headed

renewed efforts to repatriate these valuable art pieces from Europe.

The Idia ivory mask, which was the official symbol of the Second World Black

and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC),

is still lying captive in a British museum.

Edo State has produced some of the best crop of outstanding contemporary artists in Nigeria.

Some of these renowned artists are Sir Victor Uwaifo (who is a multi media artist), Festus Idehen,

Dr. Colette Omogbai-Onyeka, Tayo Aiyegbusi, Osagie Erese, Klem Emoda, Roseline Thomas-Osakwue,

Cliff Oguigo, High Priest Osemwingie Ebohon,

late Felix Idubor and late Professor Solomon Irein-Wangboje, who in their life times and even now,

stand proud as some of the world’s best.

Formal art education is taught at the school of Art and Design, Auchi Polytechnic,

Auchi and the Department of Fine and Applied Arts of the University of Benin.

Art galleries are mainly located in the state capital, Benin City, especially on the Airport and Mission Roads axis.

The bigger and popular ones like Idubor Art Gallery on Sakponba Road, Victor Uwaifo Gallery along Ekenwan Road,

Wangboje Creative Arts Centre on Owoseni Street and

Ebohon Cultural Centre off Dumez Road all in Benin City attract tourists and art buffs all year round.

Other arts and craft shops are found in the major towns of Edo State.

In the literary arts, the banner of Edo State

has continued to be hoisted on the national and international fora.

Dr. Festus Iyayi won the Commonwealth Prose Prize in 1989,

while Funsho Aiyegina won the Poetry Prize

of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) with his poetry collection

“A Letter to Lydia and other Poems”.

Frank Aig-Imoukhuede, a former Federal Director of Culture,

is the pathfinder in the virgin area of Pidgin English poetry.

Odia Ofeimun, a past President of ANA, Harry Garuba,

Mabel Segun and Helen Ovbiagele are authors of note in the poetry and prose genres.

In the performing arts, drama groups are mostly located in Benin City with the Edo Cultural Group,

Uyi Edo Theatre Group,

Earth Pot Cultural Group, Ova Theatre Group, Inneh Troupe,

and Ebohon Cultural Troupe featuring prominently.

The State Arts Council has performing troupes that have represented

the state at many national and international events.

The Oba Akenzua II Cultural Centre, Benin City is the hub of cultural activities in the state,

a fine architectural masterpiece with beautiful murals of Edo traditional motifs.

The Centre is complemented by Urhokpota Hall which is close by on Ring Road.

These two theatres have hosted performances, symposia and exhibitions.

Pottery, basket making, cane furniture, cloth-weaving,

mat-making and gold-smiting trades thrive in Edo State with quality

and standards comparing favorably with others anywhere in the world.

A craft shop, with wares such as carving, hand-woven clothes,

ebony rings, bowls, ash-trays, flower pots and bronze objects,

were opened by the state government in July 1968 in Benin City.

The art of basket-making is popular among the Esan ethnic stock.

The ready availability of palm fronds has engendered the prevalence of practitioners

in this trade in the five local government areas that are Esan-speaking.

Their products, which are veritable works of art, include shopping baskets,

waste paper baskets and farmer’s wicker baskets.

The Uneme-Nekhua and the South Uneme people in Akoko-Edo and

Etsako West Local Government Areas

are renowned for their dexterity and skills in traditional black smithing and ceremonial swords.

Gold and silver smiths are found in all the major towns in the state.

They specialize in the fabrication of ornamental adornments like trinkets, bracelets, bangles,

chains and earrings favored by fashion-conscious men and women.
Somorika, Auchi, Igarra and Ubiaja take pre-eminence as major areas of traditional cloth-weaving.

The colorful, artistic motifs of the Igarra people have won national and international acclaim.

Molded statues, statuettes and figurines of Olokun the goddess of the sea, is a major

feature of the traditional worship in the core Bini council areas of Oredo,

Orhionmwon, Uhunmwode, Egor, Ikpoba Okha, Ovia North East and Ovia South west.

Pottery making is largely done by the womenfolk who specialize in the production of the

earthenware like cooking pots, bowls, mugs, water pots, pipes etc.

Ojah in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area is known nationally for its fine pottery.

Other trailblazers in the art of traditional pottery are the people of Udo in Esan South

East Local Government Area,

Uhonmora in Owan West Local Government Area, Okpekpe and Imiegba in Etsako East Local Government Area.

Religion

The freedom to worship and believe in any religion is one of the features for which Edo State is known.

This is why there has never been any incidence of religious violence in the state. Edo State has 3 main relgions:

1
Christianity- Some of the christian ministries in the state are
Miracle assembly
Voice of freedom
Believer's Ministry
Christ Embassy,
Family Intercessory Ministries
Redeemed Christian Church
Winners Chapel
Church of God Mission
St. Joseph Catholic Church
St. Paul's Anglican Church, etc

2 Islamic Religion- There are various mosques all over the state

3. Traditional Worship- This is for people who believe in the traditional worship.

The biggest place of worship in the state for the adherents of this faith is the Holy Arousa Cathedral in Benin City.

WHERE TO STAY

Edo State has hotels and other types of accommodation with world-class services.

Whether you are looking for a smart, comfortable self catering property,

an elegant bed and breakfast or guest house,

hospitable farms and motels, or top-of-the-range hotels,

the various cities and towns in Edo State will surely meet your needs.

For people on a budget holiday, there are a number of hostels all around the country,

or if you are looking for an outdoor holiday why not stay on a camping site. Some of these are:

Vichi Gates
Randekhi Hotel
Excalibur Hotel
Efex Executive
Constantial Hotels
Sage Hotels
Meridian Lodge
Royal Marble Hotels
Kenbrill Hyatt Hotel
WHERE TO GO/ TOURISM

Edo State has a lot of interesting places for any visitor to go. These places are simply breath taking.
Some of these are:

Ogba Zoological Garden:
The zoological gardens was established in 1915 and it was the first to have a legal statute backing in Nigeria.

The garden is located in a forest reserve area near Ogba village about six kilometers

from Benin City and covers a land area of about 20 hectares,

which exhibits trees for their scientific and educational interestand value.

Ogba zoological gardens has an appreciable stock of local and foreign species of wildlife .

Over the years the gardens has served as a functional recreational park with very strong educational impact

Okomu National Park
Benin Moat:
The Benin moat, also known traditionally as Iya,is the largest man-made earthworks in the world.

One of the wonders of the world. It predates the use of modern earth-moving equipment or technology in these parts.

The moat encircles the old perimeter precinct of the City constructed,

as a defensive barrier in times of war during the reign of {5th} Oba Oguola in the 13th century .

An extension of the moat was constructed in the15th century during the reign of {12th} Oba Ewuare the great .

The Benin moat is over 3200 kilometers long.

The Oba's Palace:
No visit to Edo State is complete without a visit to this edifice which itself

is a personification of the proud and rich cultural heritage of Benin kingdom.

Revelation Tourist Centre:
Researchers, historical events, excursions and entertainment.

Its a reflection of the creativity for whichProfessor Victor Uwaifo is known.

The tourist centre is open daily from 10am to 5pm daily. Highlights at thecentre include- the hall of fame,

slave market, public execution of criminals, ritual voodoo corner,

ancestral shrine, british punitive war battle field, e.t.c

SOMORIKA HILLS:
This is located in Akoko Edo Local Government Area. Somorika hills consist of an extended expanse of hills

crowned by massive boulders perched precariously on the summits of hills

and alongside seemingly inadequate locations on the sides.

Somorika is about five kilometres north east of lgarra and 165 kilometres from Benin city.

The hills are a part of the rolling landscape of the Kukuruku range.

The beauty of the scenery is the huge, hanging rocks that rest on one another

Ososo Hills:
This centre is located atop the rocky area of Ososo in Akoko-Edo local government,north of Edo state.

It presents a beautiful scenery for nature lovers and rock climbers.

The tourist centre is an offshoot of a colonial rest house built in the 1930s.

The first phase of a massive renovation programmed was commissioned in 1993 with a VIP lodge,

four chalets and a main lounge consisting of a kitchen, restaurant and bar.

Emotan Statue:
The statue of the stately woman, clad in the traditional wrapper and a headgear associated

with the Benin royalty stands opposite the Oba market in Benin City.

The statue was erected in honor of Emotan a patriotic woman who traded

in foodstuffs at the very spot where the statue stands in the 15th century.

At that period, {11th} Oba Uwaifiokun {1430AD-1440AD} usurped the throne of the

Benin kingdom in place of his senior brother, Prince Ogun who was the heir apparent.

Ogun in those times of travail, paid secret and nocturnal visits to Benin from his exile.

On many occasions, this market woman called Emotan warmed Ogun of impending dangers and advised him against

interacting with some treacherous chiefs who may reveal his presence. On one occasion

Emotan actually hid prince ogun from his adversary.

When Prince Ogun eventually regained the throne and was subsequently

crowned as the real Oba of Benin, he took the name {12th} Oba Ewuare the great {1440AD-1473AD}.

He did not forget the pivotal role played by this simple market woman, Emotan who saved him

from glaring dangers during his exile years.

When Emotan died, Oba Ewuare ordered that the sacred Uruhe tree be planted at the very spot

where Emotan used to display her goods in Oba market and decreed that thereafter,

every person in Benin who is performing any ceremony of whatever must pay homepage to Emotan.

Thus to this day every citizen, including the Oba himself pays homage to Emotan.

During the reign of {33rd} Oba Osemwende {1816AD-1848AD} the commemorative tree fell

and he replanted another Uruhe tree on the same spot.

In 1951, the British colonial administration officials injected the tree with poisonous chemicals and uprooted it.

This action almost led to a violent mass reaction.

After which the {37th} Oba Akenzua II {1933AD-1978AD} vehemently protested the destruction of the Emotan shrine.

This had been there since the 15th century. Consequently, the colonialists acceded to the request for a replacement.

A life-size statue was cast by Mr. J.A.Danfor in London from a clay Marquette modeled by Enomayo,

professional brass caster from the Igun-Eronmwon.
The new Emotan statue was unveiled amidst pomp and pageantry by the Oba Benin, Akenzua ll on March 20, 1954.

The National Museum, Benin City:
The National Museum, Benin City contains artworks,artifacts and relics of the rich cultural history of the Bini people.

Tourists can take a visual excursion through the varied collections and relish and re-live the artistic culture of the bini people.

The Museum is a repository of the ancient, modern and contemporary artistic ingenuity,

not only of the people of Edo state, but also of the major cultures of Nigeria.

It is situated on king's Square, Ring Road, Benin City.

Edegbake/Oghodoghodo caves:
Those two caves are located near Fugar in Etsako central Local Government Area.

They are prehistoric and are believed to have been the abode of a community of early men.

Edegbake the smaller of the two, can conveniently accommodate 50 persons while Oghodoghodo has a capacity for 200 persons.

A slow-flowing stream runs through Edegbake and there are prospect for amateur fishing, excursions and general relaxation.

The giant footprint of Ukhuse Oke:
Located in a sacred grove between Ukhuse-oke and Ukhuseosi in lulehe clan of Owan west local government area,

very distinct footprints of a prehistoric giant are permanently embedded on the flat granite rocks.

It is believed that the footprints were made when the world was still in its molten state.

It presents a challenge for archaeologists and anthropologists.

The animal footprint of Ivbiodohen:
Footprints of various species of animals are embedded ia a flat granite stab that confound all imaginations.

Legend has it that the footprints were imprinted during the formative stages of the planet earth.

The footprints are very detailed and like the ones in Ukhuse Oke,

will require an extensive archaelogical or anthropogical research.

Ivbiodohen is in luleha clan of Owan west Local Government area north of Edo state.

The Ede or Anagwu Caves:
These caves also know in the local parlance as Igodo, are located in the heartland of Edegbe village which lies between

Ivioghe and Iviukwe towns in Etsako East Local Government Area. The Anagwa stream flows through the basement of the caves.

The caves play a significant role in the initiation rituals for the age-grade members of the community.

The biggest chamber of the two caves is used for this purpose. The two chambers combined, can conveniently sit up to 500 persons

THE TOMB OF ASORO at Sakponba Road.
He was the valiant Odionwere Omada, Head of household staff, of Oba Ovonramwen.

He mobilized a handful of Omadas and fought a very ferocious and gallant last ditch

battle against the British invaders in defense of his Oba.

The tomb marks the spot where he finally fell.

IGUN STREET:
The guild of Benin bronze casters’ world heritage site. The street has the largest collection of bronze casters imaginable.

Many of them are in family units who have been in the business for generations.

EGEDEGE NOKARO:
The first story building in Benin as it is fondly called, was started in 1903 and completed in 1905 by Chief Iyamu, the Ine of Benin.

The splendor of the building as shown in the photographs above during the centenary

celebration is a testimony to the awe the building must have generated a century ago

when the architectural landscape was made up of mud huts.

THE BENIN MOAT at Sakponba Road.
The first phase of the moat was dug from 1280-1290AD by Oba Oguola as a defensive shield against invaders.

The third and final phase was completed in 1460AD.

Notable People[edit]

• Oba of Benin
• Late Professor Ambrose Alli, Former governor of the defunct Bendel State. He created the Bendel State University now named after him.
• Chief H.I. Igiehon, Engineer and two term president of the Nigerian society of Engineers, Former Chairman of Delta Steel Company
• Professor Osayuki Godwin Oshodin, Vice Chancellor of University of Benin
• Chief D.N. Oronsaye, prominent politician instrumental in creation of Midwest region and junior Minister of Finance
• Jacob U. Egharevba, a Bini historian and traditional chief
• Samuel Ogbemudia, former governor of the Midwest region of Nigeria and later Bendel state
• Late Chief Anthony Enahoro, prominent anti-colonial and pro-democracy activist and politician
• Dr. G.Sam Edo, Ph.D - Cyber Security Expert and an adjunct professor at Northeastern University, Boston, Ma
• Dr Iyi Uwadiae, Ph.D - Former Head of National Office and current Registrar (WEST AFRICAN EXAMINATION COUNCIL)
• Professor Emmanuel Emovon, first Nigerian Ph.D. in chemistry from the University College London and former Minister of Science and Technology of Nigeria
• Late Dr J.O Itotoh, Ph.D - Former minister Internal affairs
• Late Professor Festus Iyayi, novelist and first African to win the Commonwealth Writers Prize
• Odia Ofeimun, poet and former president of the Association of Nigerian Authors
• Solomon Iwelomen Solomon, Accountant
• Tiamiyu Bello-Osagie, medical practitioner and long-running gynaecologist to several first families of Nigeria
• Late Dr Abel Guobadia, educator and former Nigerian ambassador to the Republic of Korea
• Chris Aire Iluobe,a world acclaimed jeweler of the Aire wrist watch
• General Godwin Abbe, Former Nigerian Minister for Interior and Defence
• Sir Victor Uwaifo, musician
• Late Sonny Okosun, musician
• Felix Idubor, artist
• Festus Idehen, sculptor
• Erhabor Emokpae, painter, sculptor, and graphic designer
• Solomon Irein-Wangboje, painter
• Ben Osawe, sculptor
• Dominic Osaghae, Medical Doctor, former National Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association
• Festus Ezeli, basketball player with the Golden State Warriors
• Dr. Tunde Obanor, Distinguished Medical Practitioner, Activist
• His Royal Highness, The Olokpe of Okpe, Oba Idogun the 3rd of Okpe Kingdom JP, OON.
• Modupe Ozolua, Body Enhancement and Reconstructive Surgery
• Cliff Ogiugo, Artist, Cartoonist (Creator of Little Joe character)
• Chief Tony Anenih, Chairman Board of trustee (PDP) Once Minister of Work.
• Dr Tonnie Iredia, former Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)
• Rawlings Ogedegbe, Prominent Politician And Good Will Ambassador
• Charles Osasere Omere, Legal Practitioner and Social Commentator
• Late Vice Admiral Mike Akhigbe, former chief of naval staff and vice president of Nigeria
• Late Vice Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, former chief of naval and vice president of Nigeria
• Mike Ozekhome, Legal practitioner, politician and human rights activist
• Gabriel Igbinedion, foremost and international business mogul and bini high chief
• Raymond Dokpesi, owner of Africa largest private television network and politician
• Grace Egbagbe, former director of Nigerian Television Authority
• Late Prof. Omo Omoruyi, Distinguished Political Scientist and former Director General, Center for Democratic Studies
• Late ArchBishop Benson Idahosa, Founder Church of God mission, Benson Idahosa University
• Oliver Johnson Akhadelor, Prominent Software Engineer.
• Late Bishop John Edokpolo founder and financial Midwest Region, Bendel state and Edo State. Founder Edokpolo grammar school
• osaze odemwinge footballer.westbrom and Nigerian