Author: Editor

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia  Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, has won 15 out of the 17 Local Government Areas in the November 2nd council election in Abia State. Young Progressives Party, YPP, secured the remaining two LGAs – Osisioma and Ugwunagbo. The results were announced  by the Chairman,  Abia State Independent Electoral Commission, Prof. Chima George, on Saturday night, at the ABSIEC headquarters, Umuahia. “We have fulfilled the duty we were inaugurated on 5th September to carry out. It wasn’t an easy task but we went beyond and above to raise awareness about the election across the state,” Chima said.

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia  There was general voters’ aparthy in the November 2 Council poll in Abia State. Some residents were sighted playing football on the lonely roads as Government ordered restriction of movements to enable voters participate in the exercise. Unlike the 2023 general election that witnessed impressive turnout, majority of the voters in the council poll stayed away from the polling booths. At the polling units inside Amuzukwu Secondary School in Umuahia, the state capital, voters were very scanty. The few voters at the centre told Ikengaonline that voting started very late. The Presiding Officer in one of the…

…Allegations baseless, unfounded – Otti  Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia  A Civil Society Organisation(CSO ) known as Nigeria Leadership Performance Index, has expressed worry over alleged government’s involvement and control of the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission in today’s (November 2nd) Local Government election in the state. The group in a statement by its team leader, Comrade Onyedikachi Kalu, and Secretary Comrade Friday Eleojo, stated that although ABSIEC had shown commitment to transparent and fair process to a credible poll, “there is still doubt and concerns over it remaining resolute and committed without bias till the end of the process.” According to…

Lawrence Nwimo, Awka  The Rotary Club of Onitsha Metropolis has restated its commitment to bringing back the reading culture in communities in Anambra State. President Rtn Oby Arinze stated this during a visit to the Onitsha Divisional Library where the club donated a vast collection of books to the library. The club members were received by the Director of Anambra State Library Service,  Mrs Cordillia Obalum, who was represented by the Onitsha Divisional librarian, Mrs Julliet Enemuo. Arinze described reading as key to unlocking knowledge, creativity and progress, calling on stakeholders in education sector to join in the efforts to…

Ugo Nosiri, Owerri  …Uzodimma names conference centre after him The remains of the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, was laid to rest in his country-home, Attah, in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State. The funeral was indeed a gathering of prominent Nigerians, friends and associates of the fallen leader of the pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, who gathered to witness his remains committed to mother earth after running what many described as a good race. In a funeral service held at the Cathedral of Saint Mathew Attah Ikeduru the Primate Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion,…

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia  The Prelate of Anglican Communion Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has told the Federal Government to quickly address the continued marginalisation and exclusion of the Igbo race in the scheme of things. The cleric who gave the advice at the funeral church service of the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, said it would be deceptive for Nigeria to mouth peace in the face of prevailing injustice. He said: “Issues concerning Igbo race must be brought to table and addressed. We can’t expect peace when there is injustice.” Prelate Ndukuba advised President Bola Tinubu, to…

By Mmesoma Ike Few nights ago the FCT council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) survived a near fait-accompli by certain fellows who were bent on sending the union to the abyss. They had masqueraded as supporters of a certain individual who purported to be interested in an electoral position at the council. The impasse that ensued from a Congress held by the leadership of the Union was crystal clear an indication of a grand plan by some individuals to have their ways or the highway (in a manner of speech). These folks had gone forum shopping for all…

Ben Ezechime, Enugu  The Federal Government through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has installed a 100KVA Solar Hybrid Mini Grid in Uhuafor, Nomeh community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State. While commissioning the project, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of REA, Abubakar Aliyu, expressed the commitment of the Federal Government to providing sustainable energy across the country. He said that the project was a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to providing sustainable energy solutions especially in rural communities. Aliyu said the project was facilitated through the Federal Government’s Rural Electrification Fund (REF), which is designed to…

Lawrence Nwimo, Awka  Former Director General of the National Directorate of Employment, NDE, Chief Chuku Wachuku, has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to consider scrapping the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to pave the way for youth development. Wachuku made the call on Thursday while featuring as the keynote speaker at the Ikengaonline monthly virtual townhall meeting. Speaking on the topic: ”Unlocking Youths Potentials Through Small and Medium Enterprises,” the former NDE boss said NYSC has outlived its purpose and become a costly project with no tangible benefits. He also said the annual budget allocated to the scheme…

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia  Dignitaries are beginning to arrive at St. Mathew Cathedral Anglican  Church Atta Ikeduru, Imo State, venue of the funeral service for the late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. Some of the eminent personalities that have been spotted at the glamorous church service include 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi; National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje; and former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara. Others include Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State; his Imo State counterpart, Senator Hope Uzodimma;  Governor Alex Otti of Abia State; and…