Author: Editor

Ben Ezechime, Enugu  Osita Ogbu, Professor of Economics, at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has charged Nigerian Journalists to seek more knowledge so as to play the role of shaping society. Ogbu made the call on Tuesday in Enugu while delivering a lecture entitled, “Journalism in a Developing Economy: The Dignity of Professional Practice,” to mark the 2024 NUJ Press Week. “As the fourth estate of the realm, you are the flag bearers of the society; you are expected to shape the opinions of our political leaders. “But you cannot shape public opinion when you lack broader knowledge; you must…

Ben Ezechime, Enugu  People with disabilities, PWDs, have been called upon to take their destinies in their hands by defining their purpose in life. They were challenged to set their goals in life and not allow fears, setbacks or challenges to derail them from achieving that set goals and aspiration. Prof. Nnamdi Nwankwo, Rector, Enugu State Polytechnics, Iwolo, made the call on Tuesday at the Enugu State Press Centre, Enugu, during the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities held every 3rd December and marked by Initiative for the Eradication of Poverty for the Disabled, IFEPED. Nwankwo who delivered a…

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia  Abia State Government and an oil palm investor, Nimbel Shaw, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), for a $120 oil deal. The MoU was signed when the Director of the company, Mr Hekeem Bello-Osagie, led a delegation of the management to Governor Alex Otti. Nimbel Shaw is an Oil Palm Company based in Nigeria but is in partnership with PHC (Plantations et Huileries du Congo), which is the largest palm plantation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The delegation visited some palm plantations in the state including the Ohambele Palm Plantation and Ulonna Farm Settlement to…

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia  Nigerians in the Netherlands have commended the efforts of Governor Peter Mbah to transform Enugu State into a model state particularly his penchant for infrastructural development, educational excellence and industrialisation. President, Nigerian National Association-The Netherlands (NNA-NL), Dr Evelyn Azih, made the commendation during the 30th anniversary/launching of Maru Nwanne Civic centre by Enugu State indigenes resident in the Netherlands, held over the weekend in Almere. Dr Azih, in a statement made available to Ikengaonline through the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr Alex Ogbonnia, who was in attendance at the event, said Gov. Mbah had distinguished…

Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki Ebonyi State Government has denied spending N1.1bn on wildlife conservation as captured in its quarterly budget implementation report. Commissioner for Information, Jude Okpor, gave the clarification in a statement on Tuesday in Abakaliki, capital of the state.  He was reacting to a report by an online medium with the title “Ebonyi Without Zoo Spends N1.1billion On Wildlife Conservation in Nine Months, Less On Health, Water Provision.” Mr Okpor described the publication as not well researched and devoid of any iota of truth.  “The writer obviously failed to carry out adequate investigations necessary to authenticate his report,” he…

Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki  The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has condemned the threat by the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, to sack striking workers describing it as irresponsible and unhelpful. Ajaero, who stated this in a statement on Monday night, accused Mr Nwifuru of refusing to implement the new N70,000 minimum wage, an action he termed as a display of impunity towards workers in the state. Striking workers face sack – Nwifuru Ikengaonline had reported how Nwifuru had warned the state workers to resume work or risk being sacked if they failed to resume within the…

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia  The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has teased lecturers in universities of Agriculture, challenging them to go beyond theoretical classroom work and engage in serious farming. Uzodimma who gave the challenge while delivering a pre-convocation lecture at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, MOUAU, said it was an irony for lecturers in universities of Agriculture to be buying certain produce instead of harvesting same from their farms. “How many of you here eat bananas and plantains harvested from your farm,” he queried. Uzodimma, therefore, challenged universities of Agriculture to lead in research and innovation, providing…

Ben Ezechime, Enugu  The Bishop of Enugu Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, has lauded Nigerian-born Prof. Paschal Okolie, over his insights in proffering solutions on issues plaguing national development plans. Onaga spoke at the Holy Ghost Catholic Cathedral, Enugu, during a thanksgiving mass and reception on Monday for a successful inaugural lecture by Prof. Okolie, held at the University of America, California, USA, at the weekend. The bishop noted that men of questionable character should not be allowed into the corridors of power. Earlier at the weekend in the inaugural lecture, Okolie, who is a Professor of Public Finance…

Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has vowed to sack any worker who fails to report to his duty post within the next 72 hours. He stated this in Abakaliki, capital of the state, at a media parley with Journalists. He also vowed to pay workers by the number of days they worked noting that he has directed heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to open attendance register to document the workers duty attendance. He was reacting to the one week strike embarked upon by the Organised Labour in the state which crippled activities in government…

Lawrence Nwimo, Awka Labour Party’s senatorial aspirant for Anambra South Senatorial District, Chief Paul Orajiaka, has assured people of his constituency of effective legislative intervention and value-based leadership if elected. Orajiaka made the promise while addressing party faithful and zonal executive members to conclude his week-long tour of the Local Government Areas (LGA) of the Senatorial District. The Local Government Areas visited were Nnewi North, Ihiala, Nnewi South, Aguata, Ekwusigo, Orumba South and Orumba North.  He said: “The tour of LGAs is to intimate you on my goals for Anambra South senatorial zone and why I should have your support.…