Author: Editor

By Owei Lakemfa It was a day of mourning. Thursday, April 17, 2025 was exactly 200 years France imposed an evil tax on Haiti for daring to stop slavery and securing its independence. Haiti, until today, is in deep crises mainly due to the debilitating effects of that criminal tax and, interferences by Europe and the United States, US. Haiti struck a death blow against slavery and colonialism by militarily defeating combined French and British forces after a 13-year war of liberation which began on August 21, 1791. It was initially an uneven war in which the European armies had…

Ben Ezechime, Enugu The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr Kayode Opeifa, says the corporation is hopeful that the Federal Government will reconstruct Eastern Railway line before 2027. Opeifa disclosed this during his “Familiarisation Tour To The Eastern District, Enugu,” on Thursday. Acknowledging that lack of reconstruction affected the eastern rail line which was once best and vibrant rail corridor, Opeifa said the Federal Government was determined to make sure the corridor was back to working condition. “We are hopeful that it will be done before 2027 as the president is desirous to deliver it and…

Ben Ezechime, Enugu National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has trained professionals and workers in maritime, aviation and land-based companies on responsible and effective use of beacons to enhance search and rescue operations. The Director of Search and Rescue Department of NEMA, Air Commodore Kenneth Oyong, in an address on Thursday in Enugu during a Sensitisation and Awareness Campaign/Training for COSPAS-SARSAT Beacon Users in Nigeria, noted the need for greater responsible usage of beacons. The theme of the training is “Keeping Abreast with Emerging Technology.” Represented by the Director of NEMA South-East, Mr Wilson Brandon, Oyong appreciated the Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida…

Ben Ezechime, Enugu The Nigeria Police on Thursday arraigned a University Lecturer, Professor Uchenna Ezemagu, for criminal conspiracy, malicious damage and threat to life. He was arraigned at the Enugu North Magistrate Court for spreading false information against the traditional ruler of Ihekwuenu Autonomous community in Aku, Chief Christopher Okwor. Recall that Okwor was in 2024 accused of kidnapping and deliberately demolishing a blind man’s house, allegations that he had denied vehemently. Speaking to journalists after the arraignment, the counsel to the traditional ruler, Barr. Jerry  Iheanacho, said the traditional ruler has been vindicated by the outcome of the police investigations. Iheanacho disclosed…

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has said it would  introduce  paper variations from the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). This, according to the regional exam body, is aimed at curbing examination malpractice. WAEC said it would be the first time the new examination format, which would see candidates receive unique questions, would be introduced. Ikengaonline reports that  the 2025 WASSCE is scheduled to commence from April 24 and end June 20. WAEC Head of the Nigeria National Office, Dr Amos Dangut announced this during a press conference Thursday in Lagos. He expressed the…

Lawrence Nwimo, Awka Security operatives in Anambra State have arrested six individuals accused of hiring terminally ill persons to beg for alms in Oba, a community in the state. The raid was carried out Wednesday by a team of operatives from the Oba Divisional Police Headquarters, and Anambra Vigilante Operatives. The suspects, identified as Doris Basil aged 28, Peter Ezedike, 38, Susan Monday, 27, Ogechi Okoro, 27, Solomon Sunday, 29, and Kenneth Achi, 29, were apprehended for allegedly exploiting vulnerable individuals suffering from severe illnesses, including brain tumors and breast cancer, to solicit money from the public.  During the operation,…

Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki  A magistrate’s court in Apapa, Lagos, has freed 17-year-old Alabi Quadri, the boy who went viral ahead of the 2023 general elections for standing in front of the convoy of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. He was freed by a Magistrate court on Thursday and released to his Lawyer, Inibehe Effiong.  The magistrate, Adetola Olorunfemi, ordered the teteenager’s release on Thursday, following legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Human rights lawyer and activist, Inibehe Effiong, confirmed the development in a statement he issued. According to him, the Nigerian Correctional Service…

By Azu Ishiekwene It’s understandable if you have not paid attention. I can’t help noticing because minding other people’s business is a part of my job description. On Tuesday, the newspapers reported a spat between the children of two leading politicians, Mohammed Abubakar and Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed. Mohammed and Shamsudeen are the children of Atiku and Bala. Atiku was Nigeria’s vice president, and Bala is the Bauchi State governor and chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum. Both are ranking members of the main opposition, PDP, a party making as much effort to find its way as it…

Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki Former Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, has alleged that some political jobbers in the state have been trying to cause a rift between him and his successor, Governor Francis Nwifuru. He said such persons believe that only in an atmosphere of crisis can they thrive and benefit from government hence their plans to cause a rift between them. Umahi, who is Nigeria’s Minister for Works, spoke during the flag-off of the Ebonyi section of the Calabar to Abuja Super Highway. The event took place on Wednesday at Amauro Primary School, Afikpo Local Government Area. He said…

Ben Ezechime, Enugu  As Boxing fans in Enugu State await the forthcoming South-East Boxing Tournament, in memory of Late Osondu Ogbu, the organizer, Cordelia Ogbu, says her husband was a passionate lover of boxing. The one-day tournament is jointly being organised by the Osondu family and the Enugu State Boxing Association (ENSBA). The late Osondu Ogbu was the Chairman of Enugu State Boxing Association (ENSBA), as well as the chairman of South-East Boxing Association until his death. In an interview with newsmen ahead of the bout coming up on Tuesday April 22, Ogbu said the only way to show honour…