Ebonyi Pioneers Councillors lauds Gov Nwifuru for appointing its Chairman as Executive Sec, EBS-ALDA


The members of the Ebonyi State Pioneers Councillors Forum (1999–2002) have commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru on the appointment of Hon. Maxwell Nwali Nkem as the Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Agricultural Land Development Authority,(EBALDAB) describing it as well deserved.

In a statement issued in Abakaliki, endorsed by Hon. Ali Daniel Ogbuzuru, the secretary; Hon. David Uka Eze, director of media and publicity; and others, the group thanked the governor for finding Hon. Maxwell Nwali, chairman of the Ebonyi Pioneers Councillors Forum, worthy of the appointment, describing him as a square peg in a square. 

They expressed confidence in the qualities of Hon. Nwali, saying, “He has a well-grounded personality and is adequately prepared for the job of repositioning the agricultural sector and boosting food sufficiency in the state.

"On behalf of the Ebonyi State Pioneer Councillors Forum (1999–2002), we heartily congratulate our able Chairman, Hon. Maxwell Nwali, on his appointment as the Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Agricultural Land Development Authority by the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.".

"Your Excellency, sir, the echoes of your kindness are truly endless. We are highly delighted by this appointment, and we are thanking you dearly for finding the Chairman of the Ebonyi State Pioneer Councillors Forum (1999–2002); Hon. Maxwell Nwali worthy of this appointment".

Hon. Maxwell Nwali is a man of proven capacity and integrity, and we are confident that he will bring his wealth of experience to bear on the task of repositioning the agricultural sector and boosting food sufficiency in the state.".

The group, however, commended the governor for his infrastructural and human capital development in the state since his assumption of office nine months ago, pledged their continued unalloyed support to the administration, and prayed to God Almightyto inspire you with more wisdom, strength, and understanding to pilot the affairs of our dear state to greater enviable heights.".

"Thank you so much, Your Excellency, for your kind gestures that have no limits.".

"Once more, congratulations, Hon. Maxwell Nwali." The group stated.

Parents of the Federal Science Technical College (FSTC) Amuzu in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, under the umbrella of Concerned Parents, have raised alarm over financial impropriety perpetrated by the executive members of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA).

This was disclosed during a press briefing in Abakaliki during which the PTA Chairman, Monday Eze, the Financial Secretary, Mrs. Nwali Nkechi, and the PRO, Mr. Ogbonnaya James, were accused of recklessly squandering over fifteen million naira (15,000,000.00) belonging to the PTA.

Addressing the press on behalf of the concerned parents, Mr.Okoro Chukwu Olughu, Treasurer, FSTC, Amuzu, PTA, said they considered it reasonable to brief the press so that ignorant parents and other PTA members will feel the pains Mr. Monday Eze-led PTA is inflicting on the commonwealth of the PTA and how the school principal is folding his hands and watching silently.

He said, “We, on behalf of ourselves, all FSTC PTA members, and concerned parents, wish to use this medium to bring to the knowledge of the public the flagrant mismanagement of the PTA funds by the PTA Chairman, Mr. Eze Monday.

“Within his first six (6) months in office, he has lavishly squandered over N15 million, Fifteen million Naira, in his wanton recklessness without any substantial physical structure to show for it.

This document is intended to fully expose the details of all his financial and non-financial impropriety and his untamed, unethical administrative style. We want to let Ebonyians, Nigerians, and the whole world know that Mr. Monday Eze came to plunder the meager resources of FSTC Amuzu, empty the PTA account, and enrich himself and his family.

It is important to mention, at this juncture, the key players whose supportive roles enabled the chairman to go this far. They are:

“The Financial Secretary, Mrs. Nwali Nkechi, who firmly joined forces with the Chairman to sign withdrawals with reckless abandon, in keeping with her vow and determination to empty the PTA treasury as a revenge for the Principal’s refusal to give admission to her child who could not meet entrance requirements, You can refer to the attachment.

“The PRO, Mr. Ogbonnaya James, who was always ready to execute the Chairman’s orders without minding whether or not they were repugnant to equity and natural justice, He has always volunteered his personal account for some of those dubious transactions, and he knows exactly what financial rewards he gets. He has blown away over N15 million since his assumption of office on June 24, 2023.

The concerned parents took time to expose the excesses of the PTA chairman, including but not limited to the following:

“Mr. Monday Eze insists that every financial transaction and withdrawal from the PTA account must be routed through his personal account. Parents never knew this until the Treasurer, Mr. OkoroOlughu, had a fallout with him while insisting that due process must be followed.

“He goes all out alone to negotiate and contract with a supplier, a laborer, or a service provider, only to come back and feed Exco with the final costs he agreed with the contractors, and the payment must always pass through his bank account to the final beneficiary.

“Mr. Monday Eze flouts the laid-down procedures of the Procurement Act and does not care about the provisions of the Financial Regulations. And he operates as if none of those regulatory instruments exist. Even the PTA Financial Secretary, Mrs. Nwali Nkechi, who was a former LGA Vice Chairman, is supposed to guide him.


“He directed his Exco to always collect empty receipts from clients, which they could always fill out later after making transactions.

He dabbles in any project without analyzing the costs and benefits. He is motivated by the financial benefits he has padded into the contract or supply and does not care whether it is prudent to embark on such projects.

“He seems not to be aware of any PTA operational guidelines, or he deliberately does not want to follow them. This finds expression in the way he floated a compulsory development levy of N30,000 for every new student and forced it down the throats of the parents last year.

“This presumptuous wickedness generated a lot of reactions because it happened exactly at the same time he was releasing several media publications condemning the sudden increases in school fees and asking the Federal Government to reconsider her position in that regard.

“In a bid to cover up all of these and many more, he excommunicated the PTA Treasurer and removed him from both the Exco platform and the general parent WhatsApp platforms. And when he saw that this pleased his political allies and some uninformed parents, he was in the business of removing legitimate parents from the platforms. He has removed about six (6) other parents from whom he felt their comments in the WhatsApp group threatened his ego and cynical subterfuge to defraud the innocent parents.

“While we await the response of the Federal Ministry of Education in a letter that requested the urgent intervention of the Honorable Minister and the Director of Senior Secondary Education, dated January 18, 2024, we considered it reasonable to make this press release so that our ignorant parents and other PTA members will feel the pains Mr. Monday Eze is inflicting on the commonwealth of the PTA and how the school principal is folding his hands and watching silently.

“Monday Eze operates the PTA like a sole proprietor and never allows any transparency or follows due processes in pressing home his demands as required from a public office holder.

“The Chairman has taken further steps, in his desperate attempt to cover his glaring sins and iniquities, to connive with the PTA accounting officers from UBAbank, and they have disabled my alert system such that since January 31, 2024, I have not been getting alerts for all the withdrawals and other transactions going on in the PTA account.

This is a high-profile fraud and ploy for him to have unfettered access to the parents funds so as to misuse them as much as he pleases. Let the people in this land and the general public hear us out.

“Finally, we are calling on the generality of our parents, the school management, and all other stakeholders to rise up and investigate all the issues raised here with regards to the PTA Chairman's decisive onslaughts, impropriety, and invasion of the PTA fund. We are always available to make clarifications where necessary.

Again, we sincerely request all parents who have been misinformed or completely ignorant of these issues to quickly join forces with other stakeholders to make a swift effort to restore orderliness and probity in the operations of the PTA Exco for the welfare of both our children and their teachers.Kindly review the attached documents.

Reacting to the allegations, Mr. Monday Eze, who is the PTA chairman, the financial secretary, Mrs. Nwali Nkechi Ruth, and the PRO, Mr. James Ogbonnaya, both denied and refused to give further clarification into the matter.

"Matters like this would not be talking on the phone, and that you introduced yourself as a journalist is not enough to disclose such a matter with you; therefore, we did not embezzle any money," they affirmed.

ABAKALIKI

Following the spate of defections from the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State to the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), a member of the PDP in the state, Engr. Chinedum Elekwachi, has said the party is still intact and a party to reckon with.

Engr. Elekwachi, who is the acting chairman of the party in Ohaozara LGA of the state, while responding to inquiries from our correspondent on the recent defections of some bigwigs from the party to the APC, explained that the party is losing no sleep, describing the defectors as those yet to reconcile with their loss in getting the nomination ticket of the party during the 2023 general election.

According to him, the recently conducted Bye election in Ebonyi South is a testament that the PDP remains a party to reckon with in the state, stressing that the party's candidate in the election, Barr. Silas Onu, was coasting to victory, if not the machinations of the state government in connection with INEC that thwarted the process.

He mentioned that the original votes of the Bye election showed that the PDP did fine and still resonates with the people, saying that those who have chosen to defect bear no significance in the party.

"We did fine in the bye election, judging by the real votes cast, because you know what INEC announced was a falsified something, and that tells you that the PDP still resonates with the people."

"People defect for different reasons, but I think those defections bear no significance for the party. As a centric political party, the PDP will rise soon to salvage the people of the state who are desperate for good governance." He explained.

More pictures

The Organizers of the Nigeria Golden Heart Awards has announced that the 2024 Edition of the award will hold on April 28,2024

The CEO of Mimibi Academy, Mrs. Mina Iyalla, the brain behind You and I Celebrity Magazine, said the Nigeria Golden Heart Awards 2024 is tagged CELEBRATING THE TOTAL WOMAN

According to Mrs. Mina Iyalla, recipients of this prestigious award were selected through a thorough evaluation process with several esteemed panel members and well meaning Nigerians who nominated the awardee

The award recognizes and celebrates the achievements of women who leads, inspire, motivate and generally impact on the Society directly or indirectly, . It targets to honour women who has used their influence, privilege or work space to make a deference in the society. It also celebrates women of great minds from diverse industries, Women who knows how to balance their home and work space.

"Not withstanding, it recognizes Humanitarians, Philanthropists, Goodwill Ambassadors, Excellent Entrepreneurs and Women in Long Lasting Marriages because all these and more makes THE TOTAL WOMAN"

Activities to be expected in this year's edition include,Talk Show (Keynote Addresses),Spoken words, Music, Culture, Dance and comedy, Presentation of awards and Unveiling of You and I Celebrity Magazine 2nd Edition.

Mrs. Mina Iyalla, the CEO of Mimibi Academy went on to mention some of the nominees for this years edition, emphasizing on their impact to the society and Nigeria at large. These nominees includes:

1. Her Excellency Chief Mary Maudline Nwifuru (First Lady Ebonyi State)

2. Her Excellency Haj. Silifat Abdullahi Sule (First Lady Nasarawa State)

3. Her Excellency, Mrs Tobore Oborevwori (First Lady of Delta State)

4. Her Excellency Mrs Ireti Kingibe (Member of the Nigerian 10th Senate)

5. Chief Dr Mrs Regina Akume JP. (Member House of Reps and the former First Lady of Benue State)

6. Mrs Ifeyinwa Ighodalo (Board of trustees Chairman WIMBIZ & CEO DO.II)

7. Barr Anna Darius Ishaku (Former First Lady Taraba State)

8. Mrs Favour Adah Paul (Founder and Executive Director of Tivid Orphanage Home Int'l)

9. Dr. Mrs Angelina Okewu Ogwuche

...Warns Benjamin On Dangers of Imposition

The President, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Otuekong Bonny Nyong, has rubbished insinuations that Olalekan Ige has been suspended as the Deputy Secretary General of the Association.

Otuekong Nyong, who described the purported suspension as "laughable, reckless, and irresponsible," noted that there had been no National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Association to warrant such insinuation.

According to him, "As the President of SWAN, I have not called for any NEC meeting, and there is absolutely no reason to think of suspending the deputy secretary general, who has been very efficient and responsive.

"In fact, we have been full of commendations for Olalekan Ige in the way and manner he has been discharging his duties; he works tirelessly and generally helps to ensure smooth running of the Association."

The SWAN President called on sports writers and stakeholders to ignore an illegal statement claiming to have suspended the deputy secretary general from the office.

He warned Isaiah Benjamin to stop parading himself as the president of the Association, saying he had long been removed from office after following due processes as enshrined in the Statute.

"I wish to state that anybody dealing with Isaiah Benjamin as SWAN President is embracing an impostor who has been removed from office for several acts of infraction agaisnt SWAN Statute.

"For the benefit of discerning sports journalists and stakeholders, I, Otuekong Bonny Nyong, is the President of SWAN and ably deputised by Gara Gombe.

"We have gone through all the processes and wish to state that in the coming days, our members will have cause to celebrate," he stated.

Polycarp Sola -Abakaliki


Towards ensuring the safety of its customers as well as enforcing its rules and regulations on measurement tools in the rice industry, the Abakaliki Rice Mill Owners Industry Association reportedly apprehended two of its members for using unauthorized scale machines to defraud customers in the market.

It recalls that the Ebonyi State government, in collaboration with the Association, placed a ban on the use of scale machines and reintroduced the bushel measurement.

The approved measuring method in the mill, which is the bushel (pan), contained about 100 to 109 cups of rice and weighed about 28.20 kg, compared to the scale measurement of the apprehended members, which measured about 23.20 kg.

Mr. Linus Obeji, Chairman of the Mill Owners, told reporters in Abakaliki on Friday that the two members apprehended had been handed over to the police for proper prosecution.

Obeji, who condemned the act of cheating customers, urged members to strictly adhere to the executive order of the state governor, R.t. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, on the bushel measuring policy.

"A bushel is exactly the 28.20 kg we all know, which contains about 100 to 109 cups of rice.

"We have accepted the executive order of the Governor, and we will not hesitate to hand over any members found wanting to the police.

"We are on the move to sanitize the rice mill and get rid of every fraudulent activity regarding dealing with the customers. 

"This is an executive order from the Governor, and every member needs to obey in order to renew the hope of the customers in the mill.

"The issue of measuring method must be right because we will not allow any form of fraudulent measurement in the rice mill," the chairman stated. 

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Chief Sunday Oketa, the traditional ruler of the Nkaleke Echara-Unuhu autonomous community in the Ebonyi local government area of the state, also condemned the act of cheating customers with fake scale machines.

Oketa, 82, one of the founders of the rice mill market in Ebonyi, noted that the mill, founded in 1943, was not known for such fraudulent activities. 

He urged dealers in the market to desist from the act and support state government policy towards sustainable development in the mill.

"It is better to engage in genuine business than cheat customers. The government has made it clear that the bushel (pan) should be used for measurement in the market.

"I urge them to strictly adhere to the order and give to the customers the genuine measurement," he advised. 

A check on the price of the product in the market revealed that a bushel of 28.20 kg was sold for between N23, 000 and N26,000 naira, depending on the market force of demand and supply.

The Ebonyi State Agricultural Land Development Authority Board (EBALDAB) has assured the people of its determination to tackle the issue of food insufficiency in the state by harnessing the available natural resources.

The chairman of the board, Mrs. Enekwachi-Akpa Lovette, who gave the assurance while delivering her inaugural speech at a meeting with members of the board, also stressed the need to actively collaborate with the state ministry of agriculture to boost food production and generate income for the government.

"Our dear state has always been known for agricultural practices, ranging from arable lands across the state and her energetic people, whose dreams have been to first make food available to their families and their entire neighborhood. 

"It is evident enough that our state, to date, produces the best rice there is in the country in terms of taste and nutrients." Enekwachi said.

She highlighted the issue of food insecurity as a challenge to the nation, calling on the people to take advantage of the available natural resources in the state to enhance productivity and salvage the situation. 

"We will definitely work hand in hand with the Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture to get directly to our local farmers across the state, get to hear once more from them what their current challenges are, and start dishing out solutions immediately as the Lord gives us grace," it added.

Giving further reassurance, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Hon. Maxwell Nwali, said members of the Board would ensure the swift execution of their mandate to provide sufficient food in the state as well as export it to others across the country.

"The task has begun, and we are not going back until we see that food is on the table of every Ebonyian, man and woman, and then we have surplus to export outside the state, and that is exactly our work.".

He expressed confidence in the capabilities of members of the board and assured the government that they would explore their various experiences to ensure enhanced food production and sufficiency in the state.

AN OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. BLDR. FRANCIS OGBONNA NWIFURU, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF EBONYI STATE, ON THE DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN EBONYI STATE



By: Comr. Chief E. Nwali Ede (KSJI)


Ebonyi State Chairman, Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON)

08032856251

13th March, 2024.

Your Excellency,

I write to you today with grave concern for the well-being and future of primary education in Ebonyi State. Knowing that under your leadership, Ebonyi State has witnessed a commitment to the welfare and empowerment of its citizens, addressing the injustice facing primary school teachers must be an utmost priority to a Governor that governs with compassion and equity.

Your Excellency, it is with this confidence in your dedication to the betterment of our state that I bring to your attention the longstanding issues plaguing primary school teachers in Ebonyi State. Despite being the bedrock of our education system, these teachers face systemic discrimination and neglect from the government.

Our primary school teachers are the foundation upon which all other levels of education are built. Each day, they selflessly shape the minds of our children, instilling in them the knowledge and values that will see Ebonyi prosper for generations to come.

Yet despite their immense contributions, they suffer systemic discrimination at the hands of their own government.
While secondary school teachers and other civil servants receive fair compensation and benefits, primary school teachers live in constant hardship. Their meagre salaries often come late, leaving them unable to care for their families or maintain their health.

When opportunities for training or allowances arise, they are cruelly overlooked. Even in retirement, many die without seeing the gratuity they sacrificed their lives to earn.

This neglect has chains of consequences for both teachers and pupils and our beloved state in general. Morale suffers as dedicated professionals feel undervalued.

Quality of education declines as teachers lack means for professional growth. And our most vulnerable children increasingly face financial barriers to their basic right of education.

PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS’ CURRENT REALITIES IN EBONYI STATE:
1. Disparity in Salary Payment: His Excellency Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi increased workers' salary by 5%. Till date, no primary school teacher is a beneficiary. Our salary is below the minimum wage.

2. Inconsistency in Salary Payment: Other workers including Secondary school teachers receive their salaries within the same month but the Primary school teachers will be paid a month later. This creates hardship for the teachers and their families. It affects their livelihoods and their financial well-being.

His Excellency Chief Martin Nwancho Elechi, the former Executive Governor of Ebonyi State paid new salaries three times towards the end of his tenure. It was considered a taboo when the government realized that the Primary school teachers were included.

Hence, we were paid only two months while other workers were paid three months.

Before the end of the previous government of Engr. David Nweze Umahi, He paid exit allowance of ₦15,000 to all the workers in the state, primary school teachers did not benefit from it.

3. Retirement Benefit of primary school teachers: while the entire workers in the state including the secondary school teachers are enjoying their gratuity, the primary school teachers only hear it on the radio and/or read it on the pages of the newspapers. So many of the retirees are dead because they lack money to maintain their health. Is this justice?

Before the end of the previous regime, His Excellency Engr. David Nweze Umahi shared ‘High Target Wrappers’ to all the workers in the state, none was given to primary school teachers. Where have we offended the government?

4. Opportunities: sometimes, we attend seminars and workshops through Ebonyi State Universal Basic Education Board (EB-SUBEB) but when it’s time to pay allowances the government would quickly remember that we belong to the local government. During Elections, the government would use us as INEC functionaries and also use our schools as RAC centres but deny us allowances therein.

5. Benefits: Today, your government promised Ebonyi workers ₦100,000 which was paid within two days of the pronouncement. After protracted consideration bothering on whether to be included or not, in the end primary school teachers were only paid ₦50,000.

Before the exit of the previous regime of Governor David Nweze Umahi, headmasters used to receive an allowance of ₦1,000 per month but was abruptly stopped not minding what we pass through in our various schools in assisting to register the children of the poor ones with our meagre salaries.

6. Shortage of Teachers: there is a severe shortage of teachers in our public primary schools, especially those in rural communities. Most worryingly, many schools have less than two teachers handling pupils from Primary 1 through.

6. Yet these same pupils are still expected to compete favourably in external examinations against other states that provide adequate teaching staff. Without enough qualified teachers, providing a quality education for our children will remain an impossible task.

7. Promotion: the promotion process for primary school teachers is flawed and discourages efficiency. Currently, teachers must pay fees twice – we pay between ₦500 and ₦1,000 to the Local Government Areas and again to UBEB - for the same verification exercise during promotion. On top of this, we also pay additional fees just to collect our Gen 35 certificates, which our counterparts in secondary schools receive freely. This multiple payment poses undue financial hardship.

The catalogue is endless, but the question remains: "Do primary school teachers have a different certificate, markets, or are we considered less of a teacher?" These unfair treatments not only undermine the morale of these teachers but also put their livelihoods and that of their families at risk. It is unjust and unacceptable for individuals who play such a vital role in our society to be subjected to such treatment.

Today, our government has turned our primary schools into a money-making tool during examinations. It’s an ugly sight to see our brilliant children of the poor crying and starving themselves to pay for the so-called Unified Examinations of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd terms. Yet we were told that we have free and compulsory education in Ebonyi State.

It is questionable! The ugly effect is on the teachers who are directly involved in the collection of the said money. We are still battling with the above; we are now greeted with an increase in Common Entrance Examinations and First School Leaving Certificate fees from ₦1,200 to ₦2,500.

Where are we heading to?
Your Excellency Sir, as the leader of Ebonyi State and one who understands the suffering of his people, we implore you to take immediate action and rectify these discriminatory practices against primary school teachers.

It is vital that you ensure that we are paid a fair and competitive salary, commensurate with our efforts and the importance of our roles.

Additionally, we should be given the same opportunities for professional growth and development that are provided to teachers in secondary schools.

By addressing these issues, you will not only uplift the morale and well-being of primary school teachers but also elevate the standard of education in our dear state to reflect your aspirational legacy as a governor who prioritized the welfare of the citizens and healed their wounds of injustice through deep commitment to empathy and equity. Your Excellency Sir, your vision as contained in the People’s Charter of Needs gives us unwavering confidence that our cries will not fall on deaf ears.

Education at the primary school level is foundational in raising informed citizenry that will sustain the legacies of our founding fathers and perpetuate the advancement of our dear state. Meanwhile, when the foundation is destroyed, every builder knows the house will surely collapse.

Thank you for your attention to these realities, and I trust in your commitment to addressing and rectifying these issues promptly.

The newly appointed executive secretary of the Ebonyi State Agricultural Land Development Authority, Hon. Maxwell Nwali, has pledged to ensure food sufficiency in the state.

Hon. Nwali, who is the chairman of the pioneer councilors forum from 1999 to 2022, stated this while interacting with journalists at a reception organized in his residence in Abakaliki to mark his appointment into the position by Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.

"I thank God for the grace to call me up to this service, and I will not only generate revenue but I will ensure that there is food sufficiency in Ebonyi State, surplus to the extent that we will export to other places." Nwali said.

He commended Governor Nwifuru on the revitalization of moribond industries across the state and said he would use his position to consolidate the gesture by harnessing the available lands in the state for agricultural purposes to achieve the goal of food sufficiency for all.

"We are going to put all our land in the state that is agric oriented to its sufficiency by putting it into production; we are going to turn every land to be productive; we are going to take over all the farm lands in Ebonyi State and incorporate the owners to be supervisors; while the government will fund the inputs of the land, those that own the land will become supervisors after we have cultivated." He added.

Hon. Nwali noted the government's readiness to engage productive farmers in the state in order to boost food production and ensure sufficiency, relying on Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru's core determination to uplift the standard of the people.

The Ebonyi state governor, Rt Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has commenced the asphalting of concrete roads in the Abakaliki Metropolis to further solidify his determination to deliver quality infrastructure in the state.

Eyewitness reports that the asphalting is currently ongoing at Emefor Street along Ukwu Akpu, Nwele, and Nnorom Street, as well as other internal roads in the state capital.

According to the state commissioner for works and transportation, Engr. Stanley Mbam, the asphalting would further smooth the roads and ensure better connections for transportation in the state capital.

"The ongoing asphalt work in Ebonyi State, specifically on Emerfor Street along Ukwu Akpu, Nwele, Nnorom, and other internal roads, is being undertaken under the directive of the Executive Governor, Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and the Ministry of Works and Transport. 

"The previous concrete coating on internal roads within the capital city has already been completed, and the current asphalt work aims to further smoothen the roads, ensuring better connectivity and transportation for the people of Ebonyi State.".

Residents in these areas have commended the governor for embarking on the road projects and expressed gratitude for what Governor Francis Nwifuru has been doing in the state since his assumption of office in the area of human and infrastructural development.

ANAMBRA

In celebration of the International Women's Day 2024, the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation SEOF, in collaboration with Whispering Hope Africa Initiative WHAIAfrica have commenced a six months mentorship program for widows in Ekwusigo, Ihiala and Ogbaru LGAs.

 

This mentorship program is under the Global Mentoring Walk Initiative of Vital Voices Global Partnerships, a Non-profit organisation situated in Washington DC, USA which aims to provide mentorship for women all over the world to enable them achieve their career, business or personal goals. The mentorship program kicked off on March 8th, 2024 at the Oraifite Civic Center, Ekwusigo LGA, with officials from WHAIAfrica, the National Partners of Vital Voices for the Global Mentoring Walk Initiative which facilitated the meeting between mentees and mentors.

 

The Executive Director of WHAIAfrica, Nkechi Udegboka, said the initiative is in line with the theme of this year's International Women's Day celebration which is to inspire inclusion the focal point  of the six months mentoring program for the the young widows who have now been included in the organization's Global Mentoring Walk Initiative.

Udegboka, said this mentorship program which was fully funded by Sir Emeka Offor Foundation will help the widows achieve their set goals as they will have direct access to mentors from every field of endeavour who will guide them for the next six months

 

The widows who were happy to meet with their mentors for practical interaction were taught goal-setting and were equally guided through short term and long term goals. The widows’ performance Nkechi also said would be evaluated from time to time.

 

The widows also embarked on a walk led by their mentors to the nearby market, Nkwo-edo market, to sensitize the market women about the Global Mentoring Walk.

 

WHAIAfrica also used this opportunity to inform the women about an app called the SafeCity app, which can be used to anonymously report cases of Gender-based Violence, GBV. This is an app created in 2012 by a Nonprofit organization in India, the Red Dot Foundation, which aims to stem the menace of GBV.

 

Officials of WHAIAfrica helped the women download the app on their phones and taught them to use in reporting cases of GBV, such as rape and sexual molestation, in their respective communities.

 

At the end of the event, the coordinator of SEOF, Sir Tony Obi expressed gratitude to WHAIAfrica for including the widows in the mentoring initiative. He also admonished the widows to make good use of the opportunity and to put to good use whatever they have learned from their mentors. He encouraged them to also spread the word to other widows in their communities as the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation will not relent in widows empowerment no matter the cost.

 

The widows thanked Sir Emeka Offor Foundation for always standing for them, the officials of WHAIAfrica and promised to maximize to the fullest, the mentoring opportunity given to them.

A-44-year-old farmer, Mr Anayo Agah, has urged the Police authorities to investigate an Inspector who invaded his house with a team of miscreants and beat up his mother, nursing wife , destroyed his house and looted his property.

According to Agah, the Police would have further redeemed their image by launching a probe into why the said personnel who was arrested, indicted in the crimes allegedly committed and subjected to Orderly Room trial still walks freely on the streets boasting, "My position in the Police is high, nothing will happen to me and my boys."

A police document reveals that Inspector Patrick Mbam, who hails from Okaria village, Amachi community in the Abakaliki Local Government of Ebonyi State, armed with some dangerous weapons led some people into the area on November 14, 2023 and began to cause havocs there. Further investigations revealed that no fewer than eight houses including shops were destroyed, over 250 bags of rice and other valuables looted during the incidents.

They were arrested by a combined team of SWAT and CRACK, on November 14, 2023. Our findings further revealed that between November 2023 and February 2024, no mention has been made on report of the matter, wherein suspects in the incidents were public indicted and were to be charged to Court.

Speaking to Journalists on Friday, the 44-year-old Ebonyi farmer, said, "About the month of October, 2023, a group of persons led by Inspector Patrick Mbam, started disrupting the peace of Okaria village, Amachi community in the Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. He gathered drug addicts and Indian Hemp smokers and he began to indoctrinate them into cults and administering oaths on them. When we noticed this and then urged them to stop , they didn't listen to us , but were going about causing havocs in the village.

"This continued to the point that anybody they saw in the village they would beat him up and forcefully collect his belongings.There were instances of one Aloh and Uchenna Odom that they held; they beat them up and force them to pay money for no reason. And so, when the issue was getting out of hands we contacted some of our notable people within and outside the village to just intimate them of what was going on. In the midst of this, one of the villagers , Barr. Luke Nkwegu reported the incidents to the President of Okaria Village Welfare Association, who is resident in Lagos.

"But these miscreants continued marauding the village and their patron is this Inspector Patrick Mbam, that's working with DC Ops and also said to be attached to one of the judges of Ebonyi State High Court; and most of the times he would promise these 'children' in the village that he works in the Court as a policeman and nothing will happen to any of them and that all they needed to be doing is to obey his instructions. He would tell them that if it was the issue of police arrest and court that they should not be afraid, because he was in charge.

"We relayed these atrocities and ugly incidents to our people outside when they continued unabated. Specifically, I'm aware that between the month of September and October, Barr Luke Nkwegu wrote a petition to the Commissioner of Police in the state, detailing what was happening and the involvement of Inspector Patrick Mbam in the incidents. There had not been a reaction to that petition; or maybe the police were planning to do something.

"Then on November 14, 2023, these village miscreants went on rampage and started destroying things in the village.

"Their annoyance was that one of them was arrested, because he went to Barr Nkwegu's farm, uprooted the palm trees in that farm and destroyed them. When that happened, the villagers started pleading with him to return the palm trees and he refused. Then the police arrested him. These miscreants led by a police inspector, went on rampage. You know how busy police men are; but this one is just loitering around the village with young men he calls his boy and he claims to have protection from a judge in the state; and because of that he stays in the village fomenting trouble with village urchins. So, that very day he went on rampage with the village urchins he said his anger was that police arrested one of his boys. And so, they started destroying things and looting property in the village.
Owners of the things they destroyed were people whom these miscreants perceived to have been the ones that gave police information that led to that arrest.

"And then they came to my house, chased me away from my house with their machetes and guns. I ran out of my house-they destroyed my house, looted everything that was in that house. They went to my house at the village and brought down the entire building and destroyed everything there. I'm a farmer and I deal on insecticides too. They looted all the insecticides in my shop. They looted my 253 100kg bags of rice. They also held my mother, my wife and my little baby of not more than one month old hostage.

"Not satisfied, they went to Barr Luke Nkwegu's father compound and vandalised his house. They destroyed Barr Nkwegu's house and smashed the roof, windows and doors. They proceeded to his brother's compound and destroyed and brought down the house he was building. They went round like that across the village destroying the houses and other valuables of their perceived enemies. The Police were alerted of these incidents. But the miscreants led by Inspector Patrick Mbam mounted about seven roadblocks with the intention of stopping men of the Nigeria Police Force from accessing the village, to halt their crimes. The policemen were led by the SWAT Commander at the Ebonyi Command, I have forgotten that his name. I mean the current commander.

"He knew the number of roadblocks they dismantled before they got into my village and on entering the village square, they saw Inspector Patrick Mbam holding a machete while also commanding those his 'boys' and he was arrested right there alongside others. He was the one commanding -he would lead those boys to whoever they deemed necessary, they would destroy the person's property, loot whatever they wished, 'arrest' the person and bring him to the village square and ask him to sit on the ground. It was at this village square that he (Inspector Patrick Mbam) was arrested alongside others by the combined team of SWAT and CRACK, and they were taken to the Police Headquarters Abakaliki.

"At the Police Headquarters Abakaliki, investigations were carried on them. Both himself (Inspector Patrick Mbam) and his civilian cohorts were heavily indicted by the police investigations. Part of the rice they looted, that's a tipper load of about 63 100kg bags of rice, was intercepted by the same team in another village where they were going to hide it.

The victim said it was frustrating that with evidences of the crimes committed by Inspector Mbam, he was not charged to Court alongside his civilian 'boys'.

"So, after investigation both the Inspector Mbam and his 'boys' were indicted and they were recommended to be charged to Court. Now, his civilian cohorts were charged to Court, but because Inspector Mbam is a Policeman and he boasted nothing would happen to him; so he wasn't charged to Court. Of course, that was how he been deceiving those village urchins that as far he was concerned his position in the police was high and that nobody can touch him. In other words, he was untouchable and that he could equally protect his 'followers'.

"At the end, the Police said they were going to try him (Inspector Mbam) through Orderly Room trial. They defaulted him and then subjected him to this their mode of trial (Orderly Room). During the Orderly Room trial, we were invited to give evidence, and we all came and gave evidence. And after we gave our evidence, this Inspector Patrick Mbam asked us questions because he was there. Eventually we were asked to go , and when it was time for him to give his own evidence we were not invited and we didn't know. How own evidence was made secret by the police. And after they police refused to bring out the report of the Orderly Room trial-and true to what this Inspector Mbam said he's above the law and untouchable.

"I lost a lot to the unlawful activities of this Inspector Patrick Mbam and his civilian cohorts. Like I said, 253 100Kg bags of rice for me alone, I'm not talking about money. I'm not talking about my house and shops that were destroyed and valuables therein that were looted, among others. I'm not talking about the ill-treatment meted towards me , the mother, my one-month-old baby and my wife. I lost over N200Million to these incidents. For other victims in the village, houses were destroyed, money stolen and other pieces of property vandalized and looted. Houses belonging to this Barr Luke Nkwegu and his brothers and those of his father were vandalized and property therein, looted.

"I am not suspecting anything other than true to the various boasts of Inspector Patrick Mbam he's untouchable.Hes above the law, he can just do anything and get away with it because he's a policeman. I call on the Police authorities to intervene in this matter. The major suspect in this very matter is a policeman, and the police leadership shouldn't give the impression that being a police personnel is a ticket to just commit any crime and go scot-free. Infact, the standard expected of a policeman should be high than a civilian. I call on the police leadership to intervene."

The Ebonyi State Police Command was reluctant to react to inquiries made by our Correspondent on the matter, as messages and calls were neither responded to nor answered, by its officials.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Joshua Ukandu, said he was not aware of the incident.

However, when contacted Inspector Patrick Mbam said Mr Agah and others were merely being mischievous, saying their allegations were baseless and false.

Agatha - Abakaliki



The candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the Ebonyi South Senatorial bye-election, Silas Onu has taken the All Progressive Congress (APC) Candidate, Senator Anthony Ani to court seeking his disqualification on grounds of certificate forgery and ineligibility to stand for the poll.

Mr Onu in the petition is also contending that the declaration of Mr Ani as winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is invalid by reasons of non-compliance to the electoral act.

Mr Onu is the first petitioner while his party, PDP is the second petitioner.

INEC, Mr Ani and his party, APC are the first, second and third respondents respectively.

Former Governor David Umahi who won the 2023 election to represent the zone resigned his position as senator upon his appointment as Minister by President Bola Tinubu.

This prompted the National Assembly to declare the seat vacant and INEC conducting a bye-election on February 3, 2024 to fill the vacant seat.

The Commission thereafter declared and returned Mr Ani as winner of the election with 46, 270 votes.

The commission declared Anthony Eleje candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) as the first runner-up, while Mr Onu was declared as the second runner-up.

INEC then proceeded to issue Mr Ani Certificate of Return as the Senator-elect after which he was sworn in as Senator.

But Onu rejected the result, vowing to challenge it at the tribunal.

Onu, in the petition to the tribunal, is urging it to disqualify Ani on grounds of forgery and inability to resign his position as a public servant before the said election.

He alleged that Mr Ani who is the second respondent presented forged brith certificate to the first respondent (INEC) contrary to section 66 of the Constitution.

He also alleged that Mr Ani did not resign as a Lecturer at the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) before the election as required for public servants.

According to him, while Mr Ani in documents submitted to INEC claimed to have resigned on 20th December, 2023, he however, continued to receive salaries after the said date of resignation.

“The Petitioners contend that the requirement for public servants who wishes to contest election into the Nigerian Senate to resign in-line with section 6 (1)(f) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) is sacrosanct and cannot be waived or ignored”, the petitioners argued

Mr Onu and his party are also urging the Tribunal to declare the election as conducted in Afikpo local government area invalid due to over voting

They alleged that facts before them show that INEC failed to comply with the electoral act which prescribed cancellation of election results in polling units where number of votes exceeded number of accredited voters in the local government area.

Mr Onu and his party(PDP) are therefore urging the tribunal to issue ‘an order cancelling all the entire result of Afikpo North Local Government Area and declaring same as invalid votes’.

“An Order upholding the results from Afikpo South, Ivo, Ohaozara and Onicha Local Government Areas as the lawful valid votes for the election”

“That it may be determined that the 2nd Respondent was at the time of the election not qualified to contest the election and that the return of the 2nd Respondents by the 1st Respondent is wrongful, unlawful, undue, null and void having not satisfied the requirements of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) which mandatorily requires the 2nd Respondent to resign before contesting the election. Onu &Anor. Vs. INEC &Ors”

“That it may be determined that all votes cast for the 2nd and 3rd Respondents are wasted votes and therefore the declaration and return of the 2nd Respondent by the 1s Respondent as the winner of the Ebonyi South Senatorial Bye-Election conducted on Saturday 3rd February, 2024 is unlawful, wrongful, unconstitutional, undue, null and void and of no effect whatsoever”

Mr Onu is also praying the court to declare him as winner of the said election having secure majority of the lawful votes cast. Ends

PastorOlokonla:


Its no more fun for me I swear. I cant remember when last I dressed in my good clothes or wear any of my shoes. Boredom wan kill me. I need to get an office and hire all those god-fearing ladies with short micro-miniskirts ASAP!

Normally, I work from home and I enjoy every bit of it, I have time to do my work, I make sure I go out every evening to drink my beer n smoke some weed and cool off, strees dey am, try dey time ur self, d money wey u dey find na to chop n flex, I wear my good clothes and chill out every day my guys no understand my income but I like am dt way, I make money from home enjoying myself, if light no dey I on gen...

I still buy things wey I need price no matter because I earn in dollars

REPORT

The suspended President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Isaiah Benjamin, has been impeached.

The impeachment was carried out at the end of an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held virtually on Monday, February 26, 2024.

The meeting which was presided over by the President, Otuekong Bonny Nyong, had in attendance other members of NEC.

In the Communique released after the meeting, NEC adopted and deliberated on the report submitted by the Independent Investigative Committee (IIC) set up to look into the alleged infractions against Benjamin Isaiah.

It noted and accepted overwhelmingly the recommendations of the Committee as it became clear that Isaiah Benjamin could not be absolved of blames in the situation that currently plagues the Association, which in turn indicates a failure of leadership.

The Committee found him culpable and lacking in maturity to manage the office of the President of SWAN.

In the meantime, NEC has called on Isaiah Benjamin to hand over all properties of the Association in his possession within 7 days to the Administrative Secretary.

Other critical decisions taken at the meeting saw the approval and appointment of top sports administrator, Gara Gombe, as the new Deputy President and Farouk Bello as National Ex Officio.

In addition, the National Executive Committee (NEC) also debunked the purported termination of Gabriel Nwanetanya and Okuwaseun Ajayi-Obe as National Ex-Officio members, stating that both officers remain an integral part of the NEC.

Benjamin Isaiah was suspended as SWAN President by the National Executive Committee in January this year, after he was accused of acting against the Statute of the association through a lot of Infractions.

In his place, the former National Deputy President, Bonny Nyong, stepped in as President pending the determination of the Independent Investigative Committee's findings on the allegations levelled against Benjamin.

In a resounding tribute to the Ebonyi state governor, Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, on his 49th birthday, the chairman of the Abakaliki rice mill industry, Comrade Obeji Linus, has extolled the governor's peaceful initiatives in the state.

Obeji, while commending Governor Nwifuru's unwavering commitment to fostering peace and development in the state, noted his initiatives such as payment of backlogs of pensions to retired civil servants and the increament of worker's salaries that have positively impacted the lives of workers in the state as well as boosted business activities within the rice milling industry.

"There's quietness in the land because he has virtually touched all the sectors in the state; the workers are not grumbling; the politicians and ordinary people are not grumbling; he has touched humanity in its entirety." Obeji said.

He pointed out that since Governor Nwifuru's intervention in the rice mill company, there has been absolute peace, and people have been going about thriving with businesses without complaints.

"Ordinary people who are vulnerable are also happy with what the governor is doing to improve business activities within the rice mill areas. The governor is currently working on a major road around the mill company that will give easy access for customers, and we highly commend him.

"On behalf of my family and the good people of Abakaliki rice mill, we wish him a happy birthday and also wish him God's protection in all his endeavors and guidance to continue with his good works for the people of Ebonyi State; it has never been this good for us.".

He, however, emphasized the governor's pivotal role in promoting harmony and progress, which has significantly contributed to the growth and prosperity of Ebonyi State. 

These accolades come amidst ongoing efforts by the state government to enhance agricultural productivity and stimulate economic growth through the revitalization of multiple industries across various sectors of the state.

Ohuabunwa Chairs Committee for establishment of Council of Igbo Business Leaders




A former Presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 general elections, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, has been appointed to chair Committee for the establishment of Council of Igbo Business Leaders.

The Committee, which has the mandate of creating a united and credible voice to speak for the Business Community in Igbo land, interact and liaise with both international and national authorities and other agencies with a view to instilling an enabling business environment in the South-East geopolitical zone, was inaugurated by President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, on Saturday, in Enugu.

Inaugurating the Committee, Chief Iwuanyanwu charged it to work hard and immediately establish Council of Igbo Business Leaders with the following mandate;

"Create a united and credible voice that will speak for the Business Community in Igbo land, interacting and liaising with international, national, regional, state authorities and other agencies with a view to creating enabling business environment and attracting investment to Igbo land.

"Actively promote the economic redevelopment of the Igbo Nation by motivating and encouraging a conscious and deliberate investment in the home land by Igbo Business Men & Women( including sponsoring big-ticket joint ventures) with the aim of making Igbo land competitive with other regions of Nigeria and the World.

"Give recognition to Igbo businessmen and Women who have taken initiatives to establish significant businesses in Igbo land thereby creating job opportunities for our people, reducing youth unemployment and poverty in the region.

"Provide a sustainable source of financial and other support to Ohanaeze Ndigbo to help it achieve its lofty goals for the well being and protection of Igbo people and their interests in Nigeria and the world at large and to work to create and sustain a credible image for Igbo Businesses, Products and Services and help to stop all forms of unfair business practices in the Igbo Nation."

The Ohanaeze boss further expressed that confidence that Ohuabunwa, who was a one-time Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria; a former president of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association; Pas past president the Nigerian Economic Summit Group; among others was poised to redefine the identity of Ndigbo should this redevelopment agenda.

He said, " As a former Vice-Chairman of the Ohanaeze Strategy and Planning Committee and recently a Presidential aspirant in the last elections, we are confident Ohuabunwa has the requisite experience and exposure to lead this team to a successful accomplishment of the above mandate."

He emphasised the Igbo Nation was looking up to the Council to chart a kind of Igbo Economic Renaissance, assuring he already had good communication lines with the state governors who were anxious and poised to work jointly with Ohanaeze and the Council to achieve the lofty goals.

In his response, Ohuabunwa thanked the Ohanaeze boss for finding him and his colleagues worthy to be trusted with such an important assignment at this critical time in life of Nigeria.

While congratulating Chief Iwuanyanwu for his sterling leadership credentials and the great effort he has brought to bare alongside his team members, he pledged they will work hard and speedily to populate the Council with the array of very great Igbo industrialists, agro- entrepreneurs; among others.

"We have Igbo business men and women who already have footprints on Igboland and those who are in the process of doing so, in order to fully prosecute the mandate trusting in the help of God."

Dignitaries at the meeting were Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of ABC Transport Ltd, Mr Frank Nneji, who serves as the Secretary of the Committee; Chief Executive Officer of Chicason Industries, Chief Chika Okafor; an industrialist and businessman, Chief Gbazueagu N. Gbazueagu.

Others included an industrialist, Dr Favour Iheanacho; estate developer and promoter of Enyimba Economic City Aba, Arc. Darl Uzu; Group Managing Director of Cowry Asset Management Ltd, Chief Johnson; a former chief executive officer of Dorman Long Engineering Ltd, Chief Henry Okolo; among others

....Laud Nwifuru's Achievements


A front-line member of the Obedient Movement in South East Nigeria and Ebonyi State, Ambassador Obinna Ukor, has dumped the Labor Party (LP) to Join the All Progressives Congress (APC) In Ebonyi state.

Ambassador Ukor said his decision to join the APC was motivated by the good works of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, who, according to him, has proven the capacity to lead the people beyond political party affairs.

"Today is a faithful day in my political history because I was once a member of the Labor Party and also the obedient movement. When you talk about the obedient movement, you are talking about us here.

"When you look around Ebonyi State, you will discover that everywhere is peaceful, unlike before. I'm here today to also call on my colleagues in the Diaspora to join hands with our governor to build our state because Ebonyi belongs to us all." He said.

Fred Ukor, another defectee and a cousin to Ambassador Ukor, commended the Governor Nwifuru-led administration for its youth empowerment programs that have elevated the lives of street hawkers and menial workers.

"We were all based abroad, and when we came back to Nigeria, we decided to join the Labor Party, but in the process, we discovered that the Labor Party is not doing well, but we have seen the good works of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.

"The youth empowerment and assistance ofthose hawkers has brought good names to our state. Before now, each time we are coming back to Nigeria, we see a lot of Ebonyians in Lagos floating the streets, but since Governor Nwifuru came, things have changed, and that's why we are here to join hands with him to build our state." He said.

While receiving the defectees, the state chairman of the APC, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegah, thanked the dou for their active participation in the 2023 general elections, noting their bid to produce a southeast president of Igbo extraction, which could not have been actualized.

"During the days of the Obedient Movement, I was relating to both of you. It is one music that the Igbos have danced to very well, but we didn't let it enter our brains; we managed it.

"Inasmuch as you people were vibrating to give us relevance, we knew that there was no way it could have been actualized; our problem has always been not coming together, but I thank God today for people like our governor, a young and vibrant man who is doing everything to ensure that we get to the right way of doing things.

He charged them to apply the same measure of strength they used during the obedient movement to support Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru in the transformation of the state, actualizing the same purpose of enhancing the lives of the common people.

"Now that you are seeing his actions, it is a timely and good time for all of us to come as vibrant brains, to give himsupport". He added.

Polycarp Sola -Abakaliki


It was a moment of celebration and thanksgiving to God Almighty as the council chairman of Edda local government area of Ebonyi state, Prince Ekuma Nkama Chima, dedicated his beautiful daughter amidst celebrations in Abakaliki at the weekend.


The thanksgiving and dedication service that took place at the Christ Embassy church headquarters was presided over by the senior pastor, Mrs. Eunice Oyeyemi, who encouraged parents to always have a reason to be thankful to God for His goodness and blessings.


Special guests at the reception ceremony include the state Deputy Governor, Princess Patricia Obila; the All Progressives Congress (APC) state chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegah; the ALGON chairman, Chief Ogodo Ali Nome; and a host of other friends and associates who came to celebrate with the family.


Prince Chima, while entertaining his guests at the reception, which took place at the Real Exclusive Palace in Abakaliki, said it is important for him to return to God with a thankful heart as well as to seek his blessings and inspirations in the upbringing of the child.


"God is the one who gave us, and we must take the child back to him to say thank you and to hand over the child to God for proper upbringing. As humans, we can't do anything; that's the reason why we have come to call God. Here is the daughter you have given to us; please help us to bring her up properly.". 


He said this while praying for the child to grow up and become a shining light to her generation, as well as encouraging expectant parents to hold onto God for such blessings.


Speaking at the event, the state chairman of the APC, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, described the celebrants as a blessed couple that have shown beyond reasonable doubt to be a blessing to their immediate family and community, while praying for the daughter to grow and emulate the good name of her parents.


The mother of the celebrant, Elder Mrs. Grace Ekuma Nkama, who expressed her heartfelt gratitude to God for the additional children in her family between October and December 2023, used the opportunity to encourage couples to always believe in God and perfect his blessings in their home.


His colleagues at the event included Chief Chidiebere Uzor Agwu, the Onicha council chairman, Chief Emmanuel Aja, the Ivo council chairman, Barrister Chinedu Uburu, the Ebonyi council chairman, Mr. Aja Chinonso Consider, the Ohoazara council chairman, and the Development Center Coordinator, Chief Chika Nwangele.


They wished the celebrants a happy child dedication and prayed for the child to grow up in good health and become a blessing.

Emeka Offor Dishes Out 1, 000 Bags of 25kg Rice, 200 Wrappers To POWA In Anambra State


Sir Dr Emeka Offor ‘s continues to thank God for the successful years he has spent on the earth, his train of palliatives moved to the Anmbra State Police Command where he gave out 1, 000 bags of 25kg rice and 200 wrappers to Police Officers Wives Association on Saturday 17th February, 2024.

Sir Offor had on the 10th of February, 2024 celebrated his birthday at the Radio House Oraifite, in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State where he undertook a social investment program which saw the distribution of 40,000 bags of rice to widows in the 179 communities of Anambra State.

Sir Dr Emeka Offor , Chairman Chrome Group and founder Sir Emeka Offor Foundation who has been at the frontline of philanthropy globally for over 30 years said he was particularly moved to extend his hand of fellowship to Police Officers wives in Anambra state as a way of showing appreciation for how much impact the barracks had on him being a child raised at the police barracks where discipline was instilled in him as a police officer’s son and his awareness of the biting economic hardship in the country
The philanthropist said he appreciates the police for their many sacrifices especially in putting their lives at risk to ensure that ordinary citizens are well protected assuring the police that extending a hand of fellowship through palliatives by his foundation will henceforth be a yearly event and will ensure his insurance companies step in in any ways he can to improve and ameliorate the welfare of officers.

Sir Offor , also appreciated the Commissioner of Police Anambra state police command Adremi Adeoye for building the confidence of many Anambrarians by restoring effective policing in Anambra state.

During his response to Sir Offor’s kind gesture, the Commissioner of Police praised Sir Offor for so many good deeds he has done to humanity by living his foots prints all over the world especially in Anambra State where he has left an indelible testament of his magnanimity.

Adeoye, listed some of the most recent interventions Sir Emeka Offor’s Foundation has brought to the people to include building and fully equipping 11 units of two bedroom bungalows for widows in Oraifite, distribution of multiple thousands of bags of rice to widows, distribution of books to all cadre of academic institutions across the country and being the highest individual African donor to the course of eradicating polio from the world.

In yet another magnanimous gesture, and in continuation of his 65th birthday celebration, which took place on Saturday 10th February 2024, the Chairman of the Chrome Group and the founder of the Sir Emeka Offor foundation(SEOF), Sir Dr Emeka Offor has given out palliatives to all correctional centers across Anambra state.
Sir Emeka Offor handed out 1000 bags of rice, 1000 cartons of Indomie noodles, and 75 cartons of Izal disinfectant on Friday 16th February 2024 at the Radio House Oraifite, in Ekwusigo Local government area of Anambra state.

He expressed his desire to extend a hand of care and support to inmates at the correctional facilities across Anambra state, stating that although they might currently be undergoing correction following several offenses they committed, he believes that when they are released, they will become useful members of society.

Sir Offor said the inmates need support financially, as well as in the form of guidance, to ensure that their time in the correctional facilities yield positive fruits in their lives and in society.

He said although, this is the first time he, and SEOF are reaching out to correctional centers, he plans to make it a yearly event to ensure that he contributes his quota towards improving their conditions.

The Chief of Staff of Sir Dr Emeka Offor, AIG Chris Ezike (rtd) stated that the palliatives will be distributed across Onitsha, Awka, Nnewi, and Aguata.
He said the correctional centers across the state will receive the items according to the number of inmates in each center.

The Controller of Nigeria Correctional Service in Anambra state, Joseph Usifo, who received the items from Sir Dr Emeka Offor, thanked Sir Offor for his magnanimous gesture on behalf of the new Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Haliru Nababa, and promised to use the items judiciously to improve the welfare of the inmates.

Missowombo:
Dear Family landers. I am here to seek your advice on how to rescue my car from my neighbour.
​
I bought a car, direct from abroad, a very clean and sweet ride, and registered in September, 2023 (5months ago). However, due to the high fuel consumption( V6, 3.5l engine) and the ever unstable fuel price today, I decided to put it up for sale to get a smaller engine capacity. A neighbour expressed interest in buying the car and decided to pay in installment which I agreed. I was also searching for a replacement at this time hoping to use the money realized from the sales to get my preferred ride. My preferred ride prices were shockingly high such that even if I doubled the price I gave to my neighbour it will still not be enough to buy the new ride. Prices rise by the hour these days in Nigeria and I have no hand in this crisis. I returned to my neighbour to inform him that I will not be selling the car anymore due to the present crises in prices of goods in the country. I apologized profusely for every inconvenience and transferred his money back to him. He got angry and said that I must submit the car key and documents to him. He even threatened to send his community and area boys to beat me up and extract the above items.

I came back from work to see my car jacked up, surrounded by 2 other vehicles to prevent the car's exit. For the records, there is no written or signed agreement between him and I concerning this sale. I refunded all his money 1 day after he paid his last installment and kept back my car. I have no hand in Nigeria's current problems. I am pushed to use force here but I am thinking that some initial peaceful resolution could be an option.

Call the Police and arrest the bastard

Polycarp Sola -Abakaliki



The People's Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for the just conducted bye election in Ebonyi South Senatorial District, Barrister Silas Joseph Onu, has condemned the arrest of Mr. Chika Nwoba, an ex-spokesman of the party in the state, for being a whistleblower on the alleged diversion of the sum of 3 billion naira by a serving commissioner in the state.

In a petition forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Enugu Zonal Office, Mr. Nwoba alleged that the current commissioner for commerce and industry in the state, Mr. Oguzu Offia Nwali, has diverted the sum of 3 billion naira, which the state government has mapped out for the empowerment of indigenous street hawkers across the country.

Reacting to the allegations, Mr. Oguzu Offia Nwali reportedly arrested the whistleblower in his residence at Awka, Anambra State, on Sunday and subsequently arraigned him before a magistrate court presided over by Mrs. Lilian Ogodo in Abakaliki, the state capital, on Tuesday, who remanded him at the state correctional center for lack of jurisdiction to entertain the matter and referred it to the high court scheduled for March 1, 2024.

Questioning the arrest and subsequent arraignment of the whistleblower, Barrister Silas Onu, in a statement forwarded to journalists in Abakaliki, he described it as a sad development that exposing corruption in the state has become life-threatening.


"It’s sad that in today’s Ebonyi State, exposing corruption comes with a threat to the life of the whistleblower. I thought that Nwoba Chika Nwoba had taken steps to verify and substantiate his allegations by writing a petition to the EFCC.


"Why will the police be so willing to be used for purposes of silencing Nwoba? Well, they have succeeded in keeping him in prison via a well-coordinated arraignment before a court they knew had no jurisdiction, and the magistrate delivered what they actually desired."

Barrister Onu, who lamented over the situation, regretted that the unprofessional action of some security agencies in the country has jeopardized the essence of community policing and opined why the idea of state police would not succeed in the country.

"This is why state police will never work in Nigeria. Imagine how the federal police are already being used by an ordinary commissioner. 

"Chika Nwoba won’t be in prison forever, and the allegations he made will also not disappear, as some of us are now willing to join in and ensure that the truth is not swept under the carpet via intimidation and harassment.

"Now, we will all become Chika Nwoba and ensure that all acts of corruption are exposed, whoever is involved."

Onu said this while calling on the state governor, Rt Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to ensure that the rule of law is maintained in the state.

"His harassment is hereby condemned, and I call on the Governor of Ebonyi State to rein in on his appointees by ensuring that no one is placed beneath the law.

"I will formally ask Transparency International to take steps towards unearthing the veracity of the allegations against the appointees of the State Governor. I do hope and pray that their books are transparent and that the beneficiaries of the said fund are traceable targets of the said fund. 

"We cannot be complacent because the police will be used to harass us and then refuse to expose corruption; we will take up the fight from where they have distracted Chika. I know that he had some facts to back up his claims before going public, as he never speaks flippantly." It stated.

The sleepy town of Oraifte, in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State was a beehive of activities today as the Chairman of Chrome Group of companies and the founder of Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF), Sir Dr Emeka Offor marked his 65th birthday in grand style.

The birthday celebration was adjudged by friends, associates, well-wishers and numerous beneficiaries his philanthropy as a celebration of a life of impact.

Sir E during his birthday celebration distributed 40,000 bags of rice to widows across Anambra state, as well as the 2024 book distribution programme, which took place on Saturday 10th February 2024 at Radio House Oraifite, in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The special guest of honor at the day’s event, the governor of Anambra State, professor Chukwuma Soludo felicitated with Sir Emeka Offor, describing the past 65 years Offor has spent on earth as years of impact, saying that it was not about how long a person lived, but how much impact they make in the lives of people around them.

The governor thanked Sir E for choosing to celebrate with the widows, vulnerable, and students of primary, secondary, and higher institutions in Anambra state when he could have celebrated anywhere in the world.

Soludo commended Sir Offor for his unprecedented effort of donating 40,000 bags of rice to widows across Anambra state, as well as the distribution of books and educational materials to over 200 educational institutions in Nigeria.

He called on the general public to appreciate Sir E for upholding the Anambra spirit through his efforts and decision to live for others, rather than himself, saying Sir E has shown that one person can feed an entire state.

The governor also invited other well-meaning indigenes of Anambra to see this as a time to share and communicate our common humanity, by contributing to improve the lives of people around them in whatever way they can.

In his remarks, Sir Dr. Emeka Offor thanked his friends and well-wishers for their show of love, friendship, and partnership, as he turned 65.

He thanked God for the gift of life and the growth of the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation and the third phase of the social investment program which was commissioned by the vice president of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima in November 2023, saying the distribution of this 40,000 bags of rice to widows across the 179 communities of Anambra state marks the end of this phase of the program.

He said SEOF is distributing books and educational materials to over 200 educational institutions in line with the belief that a book is a knowledge bank and that education forms the basis of excellence.

Sir Emeka Offor appealed to Nigerians to show compassion to the widows, vulnerable and indigent in societies around them.

The wife of Sir Dr Emeka Offor, and the vice president of SEOF, Adaora Offor, said SEOF marks a significant milestone in the life of Sir E. She said in November 2023, SEOF gave 10 fully furnished housing units to widows in Oraifite, saying 10 other houses are being constructed and will be commissioned in months to come.

She congratulated the beneficiaries of the donations and assured them that the foundation would do more to support them to face and surmount the challenges of life.

The PG of Oraifite, Vin Dike on behalf of the president generals of Anambra state, thanked sir Emeka Offor for his decision to extend his generosity to the people of Oraifite and Anambra state at large, praying that God will replenish his pockets, give him long life and prosperity.

Also speaking at the event, the Acting Voice chancellor of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojuku Nigeria and former commissioner for education in Anambra state, Professor Kate Omenugha who spoke on behalf of the tertiary institutions receiving books from SEOF thanked sir Offor for his continued donations aimed at improving the education sector, promising to make good use of the books to improve the knowledge of the students they were donated for.

The past district governor of Rotary Ijeoma Pearl Okoro, thanked Sir Offor for his continued donation towards the activities of Rotary, as well as his sponsorship of numerous beneficiaries under the peace fellowship.

Other attendees at the event include the former senate president of Nigeria, Senator Ken Nnamani, The Senator representing Anambra South, Senator Ifeanyi Uba, the Speaker of Anambra State House of assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Sly Ezeokenwa, Nigerian musician, Onyeka Onwenu, Members of Peace fellows of Rotary amongst others.

High points of the event include the symbolic presentation of the 40,000 bags of rice by Governor Soludo and Sir Emeka Offor, the presentation of books by Senator Ken Nnamani, Cutting of the cake by Governor Soludo and Sir Dr Emeka Offor and Adaora Offor amongst a host of friends and well-wishers, as well as Match past by students and pupils from schools across Anambra State.

Gentino:
Nigeria is an amazing country and a cruise nation. The more you look the less you see, the closer you come, the farther you become.

You are very on point, however, the need for stronger security measures across every corner of the country should not be ignored for political or whatever reasons

matify83:
Even hunters get jersey and rank?

It is necessary to separate them from those in the bushes without Jersey with Ak47

StarRida:
So hunters in Nigeria are now force wonders they said never end

They are saveguarding the bushes against criminals...these bushes is where kidnappers hide their victims, President Tinubu is already working to install forest guards, they will work in hands to ensure safety in the bushes

Polycarp Sola


The Commander General (CG) of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), Ambassador. Dr. Osatehin Joshua Wole, has decorated Barr George Ndukwe Ukpai as the new Assistant Commander General (ACG) of the security outfit in charge of *anti-criminal* Narcotic operations in bushes and forest across the country.


In an event that was held at the NHFSS Headquarters in Abuja yesterday, the 10th day of February, 2024 General Wole, while congratulating Ukpai on his elevation to the exalted position, charged him to work in liaison with agencies and regulatory bodies on narcotics in the country to eradicate criminal activities within the bushes and forest across the country.

"He is responsible for identifying criminal activities relating to narcotics that take place in all the bushes and forests of the country."


According to the CG, Barrister Ukpai would serve as the pioneer ACG incharge of Narcotics in the security outfit in the country.
The Commander General used to occasion to call on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sign the NHFSS Bill into law to further strengthen the contributions of the outfit in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities now ravaging the country.

Before his elevation, Ukpai was an Assistant Commander (Legal Services) to the Ebonyi State Command of the NHFSS.


He is the former Auditor-General for Local Governments, Ebonyi State, a lawyer, a Chartered Accountant, and a Chartered Tax Practitioner.

The people of Oraifite community in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State have accused the lawyer to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, of aiding and fuelling insecurity in the community.

The Traditional Ruler of Oraifite, Dr Daniel Udorji and the President-General, Sir Vin Dike, made these allegations during a press conference they jointly addressed in the presence of other members of the community, at the Oraifite Civic Centre, on Monday.

The development followed the recent kidnapping and alleged killing of a 38-year-old youth leader in the community.

Journalists from different media platforms who were at the press conference were also informed of an ongoing rift between Ejiofor and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, Chief Sir Emeka Ofor. Both Ofor and Ejiofor are members of Oraifite community.

Both the community monarch and the president general, also alleged that the IPOB lawyer used a masquerade organisation called 'Otueke' to kidnapp, harass and intimidate members of the community, including Sir Emeka Ofor, whom they described as the "messiah" to the community.

As a result of this, they said the kinsmen have placed a ban on the 'Otueke' festival with immediate effect, citing insecurity as the main reason.

The president-general, Chief Vincent Dike, said, "This press conference is called to let the world know the activities of Mr Ifeanyi Ejiofor towards his ancestral people and the man who made him who he is today in the society.

"Ejiofor is one of the major beneficiaries of Sir Emeka Ofor's humanitarian gesture in Oraifite town. He was trained by Sir Emeka Ofor from Secondary to University education. But today, his benefactor has become his greatest enemy in this world. He has also extended his hatred to the entire community that trained and protect him.

"He uses 'Otueke' an organisation filled with all manners of youths, mostly from his Umunakwa kindred to unleash terror on us. About 95 percentage of kidnapping, killings and other criminal activities in our community today, is been sponsored by Ejiofor with support from his Umunakwa kindred. Because of this, he has not been holding meeting with us for the past 15 years.

"Otueke is an organisation that was set up by our forefathers to unite the people, to discuss important and vital issues of the town. It has multiple arms, there is an arm that is used for enforcement called 'Otuebe'.

"Otuebe is an arm that was used by our forefathers to enforce order and obedience or collections within the community, the reason why we are placing a ban on it is because some disgruntled elements are now using it to fuel insecurity and all other atrocious activities coming with this 'Otueke' because it's almost like a masquerade.

"Some naive son's of the community have also hijacked 'Otueke' and it has become their personal property. They even registered it in a Corporate Affairs Commission and are using it for reasons that it was originally not meant for."

The PG, however, called on the state government, the Police and other security agencies to intervene on the matter.

The traditional ruler, Igwe Daniel Udoji, on his part, appealed to the people of the community to rise up and defend the community.

Udoji said, "I am the Igwe of the town, I am the father of the town, every Oraifite person, male or female, citizens of Oraifite are my children, I take delight in supporting mostly, those who have positive values.

"Who pursue the peace, love, unity and progress of Oraifite. Oraifite has been very peaceful, full of good news and progress, but of late, we have been bombarded with insecurity as a result of disgruntled elements thereby giving the communitu bad and negative publicity.

"Oraifite is blessed with a son like Emeka Offor, he has done so much for us, Nigeria and in fact the whole world. You can remember the polio incident, he donated so much money to control polio not only in Nigeria, but across the world", he said.

The Igwe said that Mr Emeka Offor has created jobs, empowered the youths, taken care of widows, constructed roads, built factories, created employment for the youths both in Oraifite, Nigeria and the world.

"It's very painful that Oraifite people don't seems to appreciate what God has given to them, a son like Mr Emeka Offor, my Igwe friends during our monthly meetings in Awka have said that they will offer him nationality, if Oraifite people can not protect him.

"It's too bad, let us unite and appreciate Emeka Offor, he has done so much for us, not only appreciate him, defend him when he is under attack, there are many bad people who don't appreciate good things.

"It's regrettable that we don't come out to defend him on social media, when he's under attack; it shouldn't be only when we need him that we should go to him.

"We should come out and defend him, humanly speaking, we can't reward Mr Emeka Offor for all he has done for us", he noted.

Reacting via phone call, Ejiofor told our reporter that through out his life time ,he had never supported, encouraged or sponsored crime.
He urged the public to disregard
disregard the allegation level against him as there are unfounded and mischievous.
According to him,as a lawyer of many years standing, it is not possible for him to support or encourage criminal acts.



He said that the only crime he committed was asking the PG and the community about a young man called Ebuka Wigwe, whom Anambra Vigilantee groups abducted and kept without informing the family of his where about and reason he was abducted.



"When I was called and told about the youngman abduction,i petitioned the Inspector General of Police and subsequently he was released by Court.

" Iam not against the arrest of any person that committed crime but his whereabout must be communicated to his family. The reason for his arrest must be made known.Why must they keep his abduction secret? " he said .
He said that all that is happening in Oraifite are caused by Emeka Offor who use the traditional institution and PG to cover up.
He said Emeka Offor uses the members of the town union to achieve whatever he wants in the town.
According to him,he has no problem with the community, regretting that they claimed that Emeka Offor trained him in the University.

Ejiofor said that Emeka Offor is after him because he is owning him N2.8billions .

The President, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Otuekong Bonny Nyong says the stoic performance of the Super Eagles against Angola has maintained Nigeria's pride in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Ivory Coast.

The Super Eagles tamed a stubborn Angolan national team, winning the much anticipated quarter finals encounter by 1-0.

Otuekong Nyong says the progress of the Super Eagles into the semi finals represents another march towards emerging champion for the fourth time.

He commended the players for their resilience and sense of purpose in the way and manner they fought till the final whistle.

The number sports journalist in Nigeria called on Nigerians to continuing praying for the team in their quest to land the title.

Said he: "Kudos to the Super Eagles for their excellent performance so far, they are really making us proud. They have so far displayed grit and confidence, they have exhibited the true spirit of Nigerians.

"Nigerians are solidly behind them and will continue to support them throughout the AFCON.

"Let me also thank the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio for leading a powerful National Assembly delegation to cheer the Eagles to victory; with such support, we can only get better in the sporting circle."


Olalekan Ige
Deputy Secretary General
SWAN

February 2, 2024

The former Minister who served between 1992 and 1993 was buried in his
Ichita Ukpai villa hometown, Owutu Edda, Edda local government area of Ebonyi state on Friday afternoon after church service presided by the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki, Rev. Dr. Peter Nworie Chukwu.

Orji who was also former Abia and Imo Deputy Governor died at 89.

The burial ceremony was attended by Governor Francis Nwifuru, former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, former governors; Marthin Elechi, David Umahi among other dignitaries.

In a tribute , the Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Francis Nwifuru described late Chief Orji as a seasoned politician who was part of the struggle for the creation of Ebonyi State.

"Today, we are gathered to bid a heroic farewell and salute a patriotic and illustrious son of Ebonyi State, a frontline politician and a revered community leader - His Excellency, Chief Francis Amah Orji, who begins his final journey today."

"Only our positive legacies survive after we are no more. Those prints of love, growth and development for humanity in the sands of time, are pointers to how well we have lived. "

" ⁠I have often said, that you can take everything out of a man, but you cannot take his legacies away from him. Our father, Late Chief Francis Orji, left tremendous legacies in Ebonyi State and Nigeria at large. In his legacies, he lives forever. For this reason, we are here to pay our last respect to him."

The Governor emphasized that Late Chief Francis Amah Orji lived a sacrificial life, characterised by patriotism, love, and fear of God with a pure passion for excellence.

The State Chief Executive assured that Government, will ensure that the legacies of discipline, excellence in service delivery, teamwork, resilience and above all, patriotism, which he was widely known for, will be institutionalized as part of his administration's quest for civil and public service reforms.

"It is indeed sad, that the physical presence of Chief Francis Orji will forever be missed, but his legacies will never be forgotten. We will at all times, stick to excellence in all we do as Government. Of course, in constituting our executive council, heads of boards and commissions, this was the compass. He will be sorely missed."

The first son of the deceased and former Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Chief Blaise Orji said he will miss his father greatly.

"What his Excellency the governor said, marks it all and I am sure you heard him clear unless you want me to start shedding tears again ", he said

Chairman planning committee of the burial, George Ukpai described the late Orji as a man of compassion, a man with charitable disposition, a man that fought for the common good, a man that cried when the poor wept, a man that touched many lives and a man whose legacies will continue to vibrate in the entire country and the generation to come.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Edda local government Council, Chief Chima Ekuma Nkam described the late for patriarch as a man of passion who has completed his quarter, adding that the legacy he lived would continue to vibrate in Ebonyi and Nigeria at Large. he said.

Other leaders who attended the burial ceremony included a former Secretary to Old Anambra State, Senator Chris Nwankwo, Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, member representing Afikpo/Edda federal constituency, Iduma Igariwey former Deputy governors of the state, Professor Chigozie Ogu and Dr. Kelechi Igwe, former Ministers among others.