Dennis Idahosa, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, has revealed that Adams Oshiomhole, the senator representing Edo North, opposed the nomination of his son Cyril as commissioner in the state.

Cyril, a medical doctor, was nominated by Governor Monday Okpebholo to serve as the Commissioner for Health and was sworn in on Tuesday at the Government House in Benin City.

In an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Idahosa denied claims that Oshiomhole had any role in influencing the appointment, clarifying that the decision was based entirely on Cyril’s qualifications.

The Deputy Governor emphasized that Cyril, a US-trained medical doctor, is fully qualified for the role.

“Senator Adams Oshiomhole is a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and his son, like any other individual, has his own destiny,” Idahosa said.

“Cyril is a seasoned medical doctor. He studied in Nigeria and went on to further his studies in the United States.

“He is fully qualified to be in the cabinet, the fact that he is Oshiomhole’s son does not disqualify him from holding a position he is competent to manage. He will serve as Commissioner for Health based on merit.”

The Deputy Governor also responded to allegations of nepotism, asserting that the nomination had no connection to family ties.

“This position has nothing to do with Adams Oshiomhole. In fact, Adams opposed it,” the Deputy Governor said.

“He was against the nomination because of the vision the governor has for the people of Edo state.”

Idahosa also addressed criticisms from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who recently commented on the issue of state capture.

He rejected any connection between Obasanjo’s remarks and Oshiomhole’s actions, stressing that Edo State is committed to merit-based governance.

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has welcomed its new Director General, Dr. Abisoye Fagade, who officially resumed office this week.

NIHOTOUR, a collaboration between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and the Federal Government of Nigeria, is at the forefront of human capacity development in Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

Upon his assumption of office, Dr. Fagade was warmly received by the institute’s management team, which includes:

Dr. Green, Director of Travel and Tourism

Dr. Baba, Director of Hospitality Management

Dr. Ibru, Director of Human Relations

Dr. Shehu, Registrar

Ahmed Attah, Director of Finance

Victor Salako, Director of Planning and Research

Maryam Inuwa, Director of Legal

In his inaugural speech, Dr. Fagade outlined his agenda, emphasizing his commitment to human development and the transformation of the institute. “My emphasis will be on human development, and I shall ensure we turn the institute around,” he stated.

His agenda centers on:

1. Building Capacity: Enhancing training programs to equip professionals with the skills required for global competitiveness in tourism and hospitality.

2. Innovative Leadership: Introducing modern strategies to reposition NIHOTOUR as a leading institution in the sector.

3. Stakeholder Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships with industry players, international organizations, and local stakeholders.

4. Institutional Development: Improving infrastructure and operational efficiency to support NIHOTOUR’s mission.

The management staff expressed their confidence in Dr. Fagade’s vision and pledged their support in realizing his goals for the institute. Stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sectors are optimistic about the positive impact of his leadership on the industry.

Dr. Fagade’s resumption marks a new era for NIHOTOUR, with a renewed focus on human development and sectoral transformation.

Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno South, has urged the upper legislative chamber to support Uchenna, the wife of the late lawmaker Ifeanyi Ubah, to succeed him.

Ndume made the call during a valedictory session held on Tuesday in the Senate to honor the late Anambra South senator, who passed away in July at the age of 52.

He told his colleagues that Ubah’s wife should take over his seat in the Senate to preserve his “legacy and aspirations.”

“This has happened before. When Chuba Okadigbo, a great politician, passed away, his wife, Margery, joined the Senate and carried on his legacy,” he said.

“Similarly, our first lady, Oluremi Tinubu, served in this chamber, largely supported by the goodwill of Lagosians and the legacy of her husband, who was a former governor. In fact, she told me that her dream was to be a pastor.”

Ndume also mentioned that Abdulaziz Yar’Adua carried on the political legacy of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua by joining the Senate.

“Senator (Iyabo) Obasanjo, if you remember, is the daughter of General Obasanjo. Sitting in front of me is Dafinone; his father was a great senator.”

“What I want to appeal to you, Mr. President, is that we keep the spirit and aspirations of Ifeanyi alive.”

“His wife, fortunately, is around 50 years old and has been a wonderful support system to him.”

“Finally, Mr. President, my appeal to you and distinguished colleagues is that we support his wife, who is around 50 years or so—a wonderful wife.”

“Let us support the family to have a representative in the chamber who embodies the spirit of Ifeanyi when the election for the Anambra South senatorial district comes up. This will ensure continuity and honor for the Anambra South senatorial district.”

Senate membership is neither automatic nor transferable from one individual to another.

According to Section 65 of the 1999 Constitution, a person can only become a member of the Senate through election.

The individual must be qualified for election by having been educated up to at least the school certificate level or its equivalent, being a member of a political party, and being sponsored by that party.