Author: Editor
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The United States of America has announced visa restrictions on individuals and entities implicated in genocidal attacks against Christians in Nigeria. US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, made the announcement yesterday (Wednesday) in a post on X. Rubio said the visa ban targets those who “knowingly direct, authorise, fund, support or carry out violations of religious freedom.” His statement comes a day after US lawmakers convened a roundtable in Washington with religious freedom and foreign relations experts to examine Nigeria’s escalating violence and what they described as the “targeted persecution” of Christians. The Secretary of State noted…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as the Minister of Defence. His confirmation followed a five-hour screening session and came barely 24 hours after his nomination by President Bola Tinubu. Gen. Musa assumes leadership of the Ministry of Defence at a time insecurity—particularly mass abductions in schools—continues to escalate across the country. His appearance before lawmakers was largely dominated by concerns over the recent kidnapping of 25 students in Maga, Kebbi State, following reports that troops stationed in the area withdrew shortly before the…
Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered about 250 persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Anambra State with business grants as part of activities marking the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). Each beneficiary received ₦200,000 to support and strengthen their existing small businesses. The initiative, implemented under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Economic Empowerment Programme, aims to provide financial assistance to PWDs nationwide to help recapitalise their enterprises. The annual programme was launched simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, including for members of the Police Officers’ Wives Association, with a…
Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka The Anambra State Disability Rights Commission (ASDRC) has announced plans to establish a Disability Counselling Centre as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the state. Chairman of the commission, Barr. Chuks Ezewuzie, disclosed this during a press briefing to mark the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), themed “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.” Ezewuzie said the centre—being developed in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme—will provide educational, psychological, and social support for children with disabilities and their parents. According to…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Suspected bandits on Monday evening hijacked an Aba-bound commercial bus at the Ngor Okpala axis of Imo State. No fewer than 14 passengers were reportedly abducted after the gunmen, who emerged from the bush, shot sporadically and took control of the vehicle heading from Owerri to Aba. Community sources said the sudden attack triggered pandemonium, as motorists reversed in panic while passengers fled in different directions. “They came out of the bush and started shooting, then kidnapped passengers in a fully-loaded bus. Many people abandoned their vehicles and ran into the bush. The situation was terrifying,” a…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The Nigeria Police Force has vowed to arrest any of its personnel found escorting Very Important Persons (VIPs), insisting that such assignments are now illegal. The move underscores the seriousness of the recent directive banning police escorts for VIPs. The Force said the decision became necessary due to insufficient manpower to effectively police the country. Recall that Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, last week ordered the withdrawal of all police officers attached to VIPs. Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, reaffirmed the directive on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today. He stated that all…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, swore in the newly appointed Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf. The President also administered the oath of office on two NPC Commissioners and five Federal Permanent Secretaries. The brief ceremony was held at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. After their citations were read, the five Permanent Secretaries — Abdulkarim Ibrahim, Dr. John Ezeamama, Dr. Abdul-Sule Garba, Dr. Isiaku Mohammed, and Dr. Ukaire Chigbowu — took their oaths at 1:42 p.m. and signed…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to eliminating all barriers hindering the full participation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in society, insisting that such removal “is a must.” This was contained in his goodwill message at the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) celebration, signed by his Special Assistant on Persons with Disabilities, Mr. David Anyaele. “We will continue to say no to all forms of discrimination, stigma, and isolation of Abians on account of disability,” Otti said. He explained that the IDPD, set aside by the United Nations, aims…
By Uzor Maxim Uzoatu Jeunalists have replaced journalists in Nigeria. There used to be journalism in Nigeria but now what we do have is jeunalism, and the difference is clear, as the advert line goes. The etymology of “jeunalists” goes way back to the Yoruba word “jeun” which means “to eat,” and fact is: the jeunalists are indeed eating today. What needs to be done now is to have a uniform for the jeunalists to differentiate them from the older form known as journalists. For crying out loud, as the cliche goes, jeunalists are in the urgent need for a…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Wednesday announced the removal of limits on cash deposits and a sharp increase in weekly cash withdrawal thresholds. In a circular titled “Revised Cash-Related Policies” and issued to all banks, the apex bank raised the cumulative weekly withdrawal limit from N100,000 to N500,000 across all channels. The document was signed by Dr. Rita Sike, Director of the Financial Policy & Regulation Department. According to the circular obtained by Ikengaonline, the revisions are part of ongoing efforts to reduce the rising cost of cash management, address security concerns, and curb money…