Author: Editor
Agency Report The military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced Sunday their immediate withdrawal from the West African bloc ECOWAS, saying it has become a threat to member states. The leaders of the three Sahel nations issued a statement saying it was a “sovereign decision” to leave the Economic Community of West African States “without delay.” Struggling with jihadist violence and poverty, the regimes have had tense ties with ECOWAS since coups took place in Niger last July, Burkina Faso in 2022 and Mali in 2020. All three — founding members of the bloc in 1975 — were suspended…
By Chidi Anselm Odinkalu In 1963, something unprecedented happened in the world of football: a goalkeeper, the legendary Lev Yashin of the then Soviet Union, was voted the European Footballer of the Year. In that same year Ghana hosted and won the 4th edition of the African Cup of Nations (AfCON). It was a mere six years after the formation of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 1957. Goalkeepers did not usually feature in the award, let alone win it. But in winning the European Footballer of the Year, Yashin did something even more unthinkable – he insisted that the prize…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia There was a mild drama Saturday in Aba, Abia State commercial city, as the Minister of Works, Engineer David Umahi, ordered the arrest of street traders on the completed section of the Enugu Port Harcourt Expressway. The Minister who was on inspection of the on-going project, was enraged that the traders showed no respect for the new road but spread their wares and carried on with their businesses. He promptly directed the security agents attached to his motorcade to immediately arrest the erring traders. The visibly angered former Ebonyi Governor expressed disappointment over the activities of…
Lawrence Nwimo, Awka Stakeholders at the 11th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) have brainstormed on leveraging opportunities that abound in the digital world towards building a sustainable economic growth. NCCIDE is a forum where all state Commissioners of ICT and Digital Economy all over the federation meet annually to discuss progress, challenges, and emerging trends in the sector. It is a platform that ensures that necessary advice is given to the overall development of the sector and the country at large. The event themed: “Leveraging Digital Technology and Innovation to Drive Nigeria’s…
Ben Ezechime, Enugu Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, says the Army remains in the fore-front of promoting nation’s rich and beautiful cultural heritage. Dada said this on Thursday at the West Africa Social Activities (WASA) of the 103 Battalion, Awkunanaw, Enugu held at the Battalion’s barrack. The GOC, represented by the Commander of 54 Signal Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Anthony Kubiangha, noted that WASA provided an opportunity to present the nation’s diverse cultural cuisines, attires, dance displays and other unique heritage of the great people of the country. “It is also a…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Yet to be identified gunmen, Friday night, abducted the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Abia State University Uturu, ABSU, Professor Godwin Emezue. He was abducted at a petrol station near his village at Umuokpara area of Umuahia, the state capital. Reports say he had gone to the petrol station in the company of his wife to buy fuel when the incident occured. His abductors were said to have dragged him out of his car into their own waiting Lexus SUV jeep and drove off after collecting the wife’s ATM cards. According to the wife, the gunmen fled…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Price Eberechukwu Oji, on Friday, received Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office from the Abia State Government as the new Eze Aro. His recognition seems to have ended the ezeship tussle that has rocked the Aro kingdom for some months now. Arochukwu kingdom for some months now, has been engulfed in tussle for the traditional stool bytwo candidates. Two Princes – Pastor Oji, and Godwin Kanu Idei – who presented themselves for evaluation for the throne, had both laid claims to the crown. Trouble reportedly started when the kingmakers selected Oji but Idei rejected the outcome of the selection…
By Azu Ishiekwene The report was treated like a footnote in the main press, but social media and online news platforms gave it a wider play. It’s the story of the launch of a nomadic vigilante service by Miyetti Allah, a group of herders turned political pressure group, comprising mostly Fulani. The national president, Bello Bodejo, said in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where the launch took place, that the vigilante service, which had already recruited 1,144 Fulani youths, would assist security agencies in the state to combat criminal activities. Four years ago, the Nnamdi Kanu-led separatist group, IPOB, made similar doubtful claims…
By Zainab Suleiman Okino Since 1994 after the end of apartheid, South Africa’s foreign policy has been decidedly robust, developmental, and principled without being isolationist. Described as a “middle-ranked power in Africa,” South Africa has been able to “punch above its weight” to possibly “influence world affairs.” This is apparent in the way SA manages its complex relationships with opposing world powers such as USA, China, and Russia even as it continues to take bold decisions in respect of Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Palestine wars, such that anybody with a passing interest in world politics can easily recall SA’s posture. On the…
Ugo Nosiri, Owerri The former Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri, has countered social media report crediting his recent freedom from kidnappers to the intervention of the operatives of the Police. Eze Ohiri while speaking to newsmen at his palace, said that he would have kept quiet since the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, had earlier dismissed their claims but however deemed it necessary to keep the records straight by letting the general public know that the Police did not play any role for him to regain freedom. He maintained that his freedom from his…