Monthly Archives: June 2025

Ex-Reps LP candidate, Ezeh vows to promote literature in Ebonyi 

Posted on by
Reply

By Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki 

The former Labour Party, LP, House of Representatives candidate for Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency, Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh has vowed to promote literature in Ebonyi state.

Ezeh, who spoke on the launching of a book ‘Years of shame’ written by Obinna Udenwe, however, announced the procuring of some copies to distribute freely to the young Nigerians.

Ezeh, an Obidient Movement and a staunch supporter of Mr. Peter Obi’s vision for a better Nigeria, made the announcement through his social media platform.

He called on young Nigerians to embrace storytelling as a tool for truth, resistance, and national transformation.

Ezeh, procured free copies of the book, which will be distributed in batches of 25 on a first-call, first-served basis.

According to him, the initiative, powered by the Obidient Movement, Ebonyi State Chapter, is aimed at promoting literature that challenges the status quo and sparks public reflection.

Ezeh’s gesture is being widely applauded as both a cultural endorsement and a strategic effort to uplift Nigerian intellectuals. 

He announced his commitment to youth empowerment, education, and value-driven politics.

“Obinna Udenwe’s Years of Shame is already being commended as a courageous work of fiction that captures the tensions, tragedies, and triumphs of contemporary Nigeria. 

“By backing the book, Ezeh reinforces the Movement’s belief that nation-building begins with truth-telling.

“Let’s share the story. Let’s own our truth. Let’s uplift Nigerian literature,” he stressed.

Ebonyi  Govt vows to revitalize NIGERCEM after 30yrs of collapse

Posted on by
Reply


. steps up high-powered committee 

By Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki 

Ebonyi State government at the weekend vowed to revatilize the moribund NIGERCEM Factory, Nkalagu after over thirty years of it’s collapsed in the South East region.

The government made this known in a statement signed by the governor Francis Nwifuru and issued to newsmen by the Chief Press secretary, Monday Uzor, shortly after a church service at the Government House Chapel, Abakaliki.

He stated that the plan to revatilize the moribund NIGERCEM, was part of the state government’s plan to industrialize the state.

Ebonyi State Government, however announced the set up of a 15- Member committee to work towards the reactivation of the  NIGERCEM Factory, Nkalagu.

The committee members include; Mrs. Catherine Ogbu, Adline Idike, Iduma Igariwey, Ben Odoh, Sunday Eze and Sen. Chris Nwankwo.

Others are, Sen. Ken Eze, Sen. Antony Ani, Sen. Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Elias Mbam, Sen. Sonni Ogbuoji , Roy Umahi, SAN, Sen . Obinna Ogba , Sen. Slyvanus Ngiji Ngele and Chief Ben Okah.

According to the Governor, ” the Committee should liaise with the core investor and shareholders to workout modalities for the immediate commencement of operations in the company which has been moribund for several decades. 

“The Committee has two weeks to provide solutions to the problem “

” Reactivation of the NIGERCEM Nkalagu was part of my campaign promises when I visited Nkalagu. I assured that the factory will be  revived within my first tenure in office”

Governor Nwifuru  reiterated his irrevocable plans to transform the Abakaliki metropolitan city, restoring its lost glory inline with earlier masterplan of the ancient eastern City.

The Governor who spoke on the sidelines of infrastructure, industrialization, and urban renewals said Town Hall meeting has been convened to engage stakeholders on the best approach to actualize the project.

The Governor directed the Ministry of capital city to be more stringent in ensuring that developers comply with the master plan. 

The State Chief Executive hinted that lands will be allocated to individuals with the zeal and capacity to establish factories at Ezzangbo Industrial City, urging indigenes of the State to come home and invest to boost  the revenue of the State.

Group urges FG to address the growing cancer burden in Nigeria 

Posted on by
Reply

By, Mark Akudu, Kogi 

A non-governmental and community-based organization,The Civil Society for Cancer Eradication in Nigeria (CiSCANEN) has called on the Federal Government to urgently accelerate the implementation of the National Cancer Control Plan (2023–2027) to address the growing cancer burden across the country.

In a letter dated May 31, 2025, addressed to the Minister of Health, the National Coordinator of CiSCANEN, (Mrs.) Adegoke-Elijah, expressed concern over the slow pace in executing the key components of the plan, particularly in the areas of prevention and early detection.

“With 2025 already underway, none of the critical strategies aimed at screening over 50% of the eligible population by 2027 have commenced,” Elijah stated.

 “Given the alarming rise in cancer cases in Nigeria, immediate and focused action is imperative if we are to meet the targets set in the plan.”

While acknowledging and commending the Federal Ministry of Health and stakeholders for developing the National Cancer Control Plan, Elijah emphasized the urgent need to conduct a baseline survey to provide data-driven insights for effective planning and resource allocation.

She further called for the establishment of a nationwide routine screening program targeting breast, cervical, prostate, and colon cancers. 

“These programs should be integrated into existing healthcare infrastructure, including primary health centres and tertiary hospitals, to maximize reach and impact,” she advised.

Elijah also underscored the importance of making cancer screening services accessible to vulnerable populations, especially those in rural and underserved communities.

 She urged the Ministry of Health to partner with community-based organizations to intensify outreach and awareness campaigns.

“The Federal Ministry must not focus solely on adult cancers,” she cautioned. “Pediatric and hematological cancers are also on the rise and must be integrated into routine child healthcare services and national health programs.”

CiSCANEN warned that delays in the implementation of the plan could have grave public health consequences, stressing that cancer continues to be a major health crisis in Nigeria.

“The failure to roll out the National Cancer Control Plan as scheduled could derail Nigeria’s fight against cancer. We urge all relevant government agencies to redouble their efforts in implementing the outlined strategies without further delay,” the letter read.

Reaffirming its commitment, CiSCANEN pledged to continue collaborating with government institutions and other stakeholders in the cancer care space. 

“We remain fully committed to our mission of reducing the cancer burden in Nigeria. But unless urgent actions are taken, the 2027 target of screening more than 50% of eligible Nigerians will remain a missed opportunity,” the letter concluded.

Tennis coach vows to promote peace, stability of traditional institution in Kogi 

Posted on by
Reply

By Mark Akudu, Kogi

A tennis Coach, Gabriel Abinu has at the weekend vowed to promote peace and stability of traditional institution in

Agbaja Oworo Land, Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Abinu also donated the sum of N500,000 to support the construction of the palace project of the traditional ruler of Agbaja Oworo Land.

He made the donation in Lokoja in fulfilment of his earlier promise aimed at strengthening the traditional institution towards the actualization of the present administration’s policies and programmes of Governor Usman Ododo.

The Tennis coach noted further that: “My donation today for the construction of a befitting palace for our revered monarch is aimed at ensuring that our traditional institution in Oworo land remains one of the best in Nigeria. 

“No doubt, through our traditional institution, our cultural heritage will be preserved and it won’t go into extinction” he stated.

Insecurity : S’east region safest  for business – Nwosu insisted 

Posted on by
Reply

By Cyprian  Ebele, Onitsha 

An industrialist, Odi Nwosu, has dismissed with the wave of the hand, report making the round in some quarters that the Southeast geo political zone is a no go area sequel to the insecurity situation in the country.

He warned those who are alleging that there are perceived insecurity in the South East region to stop such falsehood and should a rethink.

Nwosu who is a co founder at Cutix PLC, a company renowned for its high quality electrical, automotive and telecommunications cables with headquarters at Nnewi, Anambra State, disclosed that Southeast remained the safest zone in Nigeria.

He wondered why people classified it as crime prone area when crimes committed there in a month is not up to crimes committed in a day in places like Lagos and other big cities and urged peddlers of fake news to stop it forthwith.

“I always get disturbed when people talk of insecurity in the Southeast because Southeast is much better in terms of security than most parts of the country. Why Insecurity stops development in most zones.

“It does not in Southeast, it is better than other parts of the country. Southeast is the first or second in terms of safety, most secured,” he further explained.

He urged the media and other relevant organizations to assist in the disemination of the true  security situation in the Southeast to aid stop these make belief fake news peddlers turn a new leaf.

On partnership with Afia TV he expressed satisfaction stating that with the partnership Afia will grow as a full fledged company and commended the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, of Afia TV, Emeka Mba, for the station’s wide spread coverage of events in the Southeast zone.

He reiterated the resolve of Cutix PLC to ensure the growth of Afia TV recalling that Cutix PLC had interacted with the press years back and stressed the need for partnership.

Earlier in her speech, Mrs. Ijeoma Oduonye, CEO of Cutix PLC, described the marriage with Afia TV as a marriage between husband and wife adding that the relationship has come to stay.

“This marriage with Afia TV is like husband and wife. At Cutix it is driven by a mission to power and illuminate the world and a vision to become one of the top three providers of electrical energy and products globally.

“Cutix is built on innovation, indigenous engineering and exceptional products standards. Founded in 1982, Cutix is renowned for its high quality electrical, automotive and telecommunications cables.

“So we partner with Afia TV to let them know that the young shall grow. We are letting people know of our products. Charity begins at home. Afia TV is our own( Nkea bu nkeanyi), we are happy partnering with Afia TV.. we value relationship and will ensure it continues,” she further stated.

In his contribution, the MD/CEO of Afia TV, Mba’, said that with the partnership Cutix will be advertised and promoted through scores of channels that include, social media, radio, television, bill boards, among others even as he described Afia TV as the Chief market officer in the Southeast zone.

“With the kind of support we get today from Cutix PLC, we give value and you can make money by giving value.Southeast has always been the beacon when it comes to development. We hope to expand the relationship,” he stated.

According to Afia TV management all is set for “Onye Afia,” to come on air from July 7th adding that it will make waves as the Chief market officer in the Southeast zone.

In their various remarks, head of Commerce, Cutix Cable PLC, Ada Ikebuilo, and Chukwuemeka Obinwugo, (founder of Ijele Tea), expressed satisfaction with the partnership.

Kogi LG workers vows to re-elect Gov. Ododo in 2027

Posted on by
Reply

By Mark Akudu, Kogi 

Local Government workers in Kogi State has ahead of the 2027 general election vowed to re-elect governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for the second term in office.

The workers, however, noted the unwavering commitment of the governor to the welfare of workers through the consistent and full payment of salaries in the state.

Speaking at a press conference in Lokoja on Saturday, the Kogi State President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Mohammed Sanisu Inyanya, described the governor as “God-sent” and credited him for transforming the lives of local government workers across the state.

 “We are gathered here today to sincerely appreciate our amiable Chief Servant of Kogi State for his dedication to workers’ welfare,” Inyanya said. “For the first time in more than a decade, leave bonuses are being paid, and it is under the administration of Governor Ododo that this became a reality.”

He revealed that Ogori-Magongo Local Government Area has already received long-overdue leave bonuses payments not seen in nearly 10 to 15 years.

 “This is highly commendable. The workers of Ogori-Magongo can testify that the governor has brought back hope. Salaries are now paid in full and on time. Just recently, we received June 2025 salaries even before the end of the month. It’s a new dawn for local government workers in Kogi,” Inyanya noted.

The union leader went further to declare the union’s support for Governor Ododo’s re-election in 2027, citing his commitment to worker-friendly policies.

 “We are not politicians, but we know good governance when we see it. Governor Ododo has put smiles on our faces, and for that, he has earned our trust and support.

” When the time comes, local government workers across the 21 local councils in Kogi State will stand solidly behind him,” he declared.

Inyanya also highlighted that Governor Ododo was the first in the country to approve and implement the new national minimum wage at the local government level, calling it a bold move that many other states are yet to emulate.

“Before now, local government workers could barely survive on percentage salaries. But today, we are smiling to the bank. It shows the governor is leading with sincerity and a genuine concern for his people,” he added.

Responding to suggestions that the union’s endorsement was politically motivated, Inyanya dismissed such claims as unfounded.

“Even the blind can feel the positive changes Governor Ododo has brought to Kogi. Our support is not about politics; it’s about performance and results,” he said.

The press conference ended with a renewed call from the union leadership to sustain the momentum, urging the governor not to relent in his efforts to build a better future for workers and the people of Kogi State.

COAS honors Southeast winners of 2025 literary competition with cash prizes 

Posted on by
Reply

By, Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu 

In a vibrant celebration of creativity and literary excellence, the Chief of Army Staff  Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has honoured the South-East winners of the 2025 COAS’ Literary Competition with cash prizes.

In a statement sent by the Acting Deputy Director Army public relations 82 divisions Nigerian Army Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni said that the prize-giving ceremony which was held on 26 June 2025, at Headquarters of 82 Division Nigerian Army, was aimed to promote creativity and intellectual engagement among young Nigerians.

The competition which has three categories, has 5 students from the South East that emerged as winners, first runner-up, and second runner-up,

Representing the COAS at the event, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Oluyemi Thomas Olatoye, Commended the awardees for their imagination and dedication 

He praised the young Nigerians for embracing literary expression and making significant contributions to national intellectual growth. 

The GOC 82 Division Nigerian Army Major General Oluyemi Olatoye represented by the Chief of Staff (COS) 82 Division Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Usman Abubakar said that the feat achieved shows that the students as well as their teachers/ lecturers are doing a good job.

According to him, this also goes a long way to show that we have potential and future human resources within the country. You should not stop here, you must exploit further by being obedient and focused on your studies”.

He further congratulated them for making their parents proud, urging them to keep up the good work.

Miss Somtochukwu Benedicta, who spoke on behalf of all recipients, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the COAS for creating a platform to spotlight young talents. 

She also extended gratitude to the GOC and 82 Division for the warm hospitality.

The competition of the second edition included essay competition, art competition and poetry competition.

The event was concluded with prize presentations and a series of group photographs that captured the joyous moments.

Horror in Enugu as Prophet allegedly kills 4 children of same parents 

Posted on by
Reply

By, Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu

The spiritual leader of Light of God Synagogue Church, Echezema Ibagwa-aka in Igbo-Eze  South local government area of Enugu State , Prophet Chinedu Ezedike Solomon accused of killing four children of the same parents.

Solomon whose story has gone viral that he allegedly killed the children of his church members, has denied any knowledge of the murder and called for unbiased proper investigation into what transpired on the fateful day, May 16, 2025.

Prophet Ezedike,who spoke to journalists at the premises of Enugu North Magistrate Court, Enugu before he was sent back to prison custody, explained that he was not around the very day the incident occurred but went to a customary court with his Lawyer and a friend.

He vehemently denied that he was not a killer or a ritualist but a Man of God who uses  prayers to deliver people from the spiritual and physical problems.

The suspect noted further that he was set up and appealed to Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Fr. Ejike Mbaka of the Adoration Ministry, social critic, Very Dark Man and  Brother Chigbo whom he described as a good man of God to intervene to see that Justice is done and the real culprit be found.

He expressed a deep lamentations over the heartless destruction of the Property  he had been blessed with since 30 years he had been serving God . 

He stressed that his worry was not all about his property that was destroyed but that his concern is to know what happened to the children who were killed.

According to him, he started his spiritual work at the age of ten and for over thirty (30) years, God has been using him and wondered how all of a sudden he became a killer and a ritualist.

To cut the story of his ordeal short, he said that before he was moved from Ibagwa to Area Command at Nsukka and later to Enugu Police Headquarters, his place was thoroughly searched but the only thing found in his house was a candle and a bottle of Olive Oil.

He pointed out that nothing indicting or incriminating was found on him, hence his appeal that a proper investigation be carried out to get to the truth of the saga.

“What I am begging Nigerians is to help me so that the truth of what actually transpired will come to light because I know I am being manipulated and Set Up for Murder.  

“The killer or killers of the innocent children must be unveiled if God has called me. The death of the children was a trap to set me up to damage my reputation and the reputation of the church.

“I am pleading with Gov. Mbah to look into the case.  I am also begging Fr. Mbaka to intervene because this is the image of the church that is being damaged.  Anyone that is not affected today could be affected tomorrow.

“I am also pleading with the Very Dark Man and Bro. Chigbo to intervene, he is a real man of God. Let the truth come to light.  

“I am not a politician and if someone is not into politics, he should not be killed.  What I do is prayer.  Police have done investigation and they know that I did not do anything,” he appealed while pleading his innocence.

Explaining how he came in contact with Mr. Chinonso Ezema whose children were killed, he said that they had problem of their male children not living beyond one month after birth before they died.  

He said that it was prayers and three days of dry fasting that made them to have two male children that survived. . He said that they had been with him for eight years since he delivered them from their family problem.

He said that because of the miracle God wrought, their parents named their first son after his name, Chinedu so that they will constantly remember the man that helped them when they were in distress.

The Prophet further explained how he also met the person whom the parents are accusing of killing their children, Chukwuma Eze from Ede Obala in Nsukka local government. 

According to him, Chukwuma ‘s mother had a kidney problem and her stomach protruded and that she was taken to many big hospitals to no avail but with holy water and Olive Oil and prayers,  within three months the woman regained herself and that was how Chukwuma and his family started coming to his church.

He equally disclosed that at a stage, the Ezemas started coming to be sleeping in his church because robbers were terrorizing them and that it was like that the family of Chukwuma Eze and Chinonso Ezema came to know each other.

The suspect added that as time went on, Chinonso and Chukwuma started having issues of space to sleep in the Church and were often quarrelling thereby making the Ezema family to suspect that it was Chukwuma that killed their four children.

Asked if he believed that it was Chukwuma who disappeared since that day  the children were killed that killed the children, Prophet Solomon said he would not know and can not swear that it was he but said that no one could know what is in the heart of man but only God .

He rather linked his set up and his ordeal to his soiled relationship with the traditional ruler of Amebo, Ibagwa, Igwe Hyacinth Eze whom he had issue of land with.

He said that he bought many plots of land from Igwe ‘s family members and that the matter has  gone to court and that since then they had become enemies.

Solomon, however accused Igwe Eze of being capable of colluding with the Chairman of Igbo-Eze South local government area, Ugo Ferdinand Ugwueze, who demolished his property when the incident came up claiming that it was Gov. Mbah that ordered the demolition of his property.

He accused the chairman of collusion with Igwe because it was the chairman who allegedly blocked attempts made to find Chukwuma who is being accused by the children’s parents of killing them.

He pointedly accused the chairman of blocking even the family of Chukwuma Eze from coming to see him in Police Station at Ibagwa Aka among other things.

Asked to comment on the development in his community, Igwe Hyacinth Eze said he was traveling and could not talk about the incident.  I am going to the airport.  I am traveling and I don’t know when I am coming back,” he said.

On his part, the local government chairman, Ugwueze, said that he is not surprised that Prophet Solomon is claiming innocence or not guilty.  

“I am a lawyer, even if I am his lawyer, I’ll tell him to plead innocent.  Many have been lodging complaints on him.  The complaints are too many.  People have been coming to complain.  I didn’t know him but people have been coming with complaints of fraud and all what not.

“Why are you coming now?  I have spoken to many newsmen and the story is everywhere.  Anyway, if you want to see me, you can come to my office,” the chairman said on phone.

Indigenous engineer develops eco-friendly whiteboard ink to ease teaching in Nigeria

Posted on by
Reply

By Ebuwa Godwin 

An Indigenous engineer, Patrick Nwosibe has beaten thousands of contestants Nationwide by winning the 2025 Engineering innovation price award.  

The innovation award was instituted by the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) Abeokuta Branch in honor of the 12th President of the Nigeria Society of Engineers and Past Vice President, of Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Philip Bolude Oyebolu. 

The competition was open to Engineers, Scientists and Innovators across the country and  Nwosibe submission beat others to emerge the top after  scoring 79 percent. 

Nwosibe’s invention was Refillable White Board Ink known as Nobel Refill Ink which relates to the area of sustainable teaching materials is the first made in Nigeria non- toxic white Board marker Ink.

He revealed that the Key Features of the invention are refillable and reusable, Bio- resource based, Customizable colors and viscosity, Eco-friendly and cost-effective, enhanced readability with specialized additives, Compatible with various whiteboard surfaces among others.

Nwosibe outlined that this ink is the first made in Nigeria white board marker ink from local raw materials as all other ink in the market is imported from China and India.

According to him the Summary of Invention lies on the refillable non-toxic white board marker being produced entirely from locally sourced materials with vibrant pigment. 

He explained that the ink is made especially for educational institutions, offices and home use.

“Our ink has the unique feature of using a toxic-free solvent (ethanol and methanol) to replace toxic ones like xylene and toluene which are harmful to the health of the users. 

“The product is bio dependent as its major material gum Arabic is obtained from a tree. It is available in different colors. It promotes the efficient use of local materials that have no health hazards and reduces plastic pollution around our environment by reusing the same Marker pen rather than a replacement.

“It is easy to refill into an exhausted marker pen or a new one. Its eligibility and readability are top-notch . Our product was patented by the federal government of Nigeria in 2024.

“The Problem We are Solving 

Over 4 billion white board marker pens used in Nigeria annually by educational institutions is imported (20 billion in Africa). 

“The imported maker pens contain toxic chemicals like toluene and xylene which are injurious to the health of the users, the used marker pen contribute to environmental pollution due to disposal of the plastic waste and creates negative balance of trade to our economy. 

In Nigeria, there are over  300,000 educational institutions. These institutions spends over 500billion annually on imported marker pen. 

“Moreover, 100 million tons and 2.5 million tons of plastic waste are generated annually in Africa and Nigeria respectively. Our solution will focus on solving these two major problems of reducing plastic waste and reducing capital flight and negative balance of trade due to ink importation.”

“Our advantage over our competitors is that we are the only indigenous company producing marker ink in Nigeria and Africa. We also have direct access to educational institutions to create awareness of our product. 

NGE, Gov. Mbah task journalists to promote national dialogue

Posted on by
Reply

By, Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu 

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State have tasked media on reportage that promotes national dialogue and inclusion.

The members of the NGE converged at the International Conference Centre, Enugu for the conference.

Speaking, the President of NGE, Mr Eze Anaba, emphasised the importance of the media in reporting fairly and contributing meaningfully to peace-building.

 He said the convention would critically examine the role of the media in building a secure and cohesive Nigeria especially in light of the troubling security challenges confronting the nation.

 Eze noted that “insecurity” had, regrettably, become a defining feature of the national discourse.

 The NGE boss noted that the challenges differ across the regions while their severity is felt everywhere such as – in the North-East and parts of the North West where insurgency persists.

 According to him, the Middle Belt continues to reel from inter-ethnic strife, often resulting in needless bloodshed and mass displacement.

Gov. Ododo’s aide, Isah hails Kogi journalists for objective reportage

 “This reality compels us to ask hard questions: Could the media have done more to promote dialogue and inclusion as essential tools for conflict prevention?

 “Are we, perhaps, sometimes guilty of amplifying fear and sensationalism? Are we presenting all sides of the story fairly?

 “Most importantly, how can we, as journalists and editors, contribute constructively to the peace-building process,” Eze asked.