Author: Editor

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has received the Torch of Unity for the second edition of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Sports Festival, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to youth development and sports excellence. The Torch of Unity, a symbolic emblem of peace, unity and sportsmanship, is touring the nine Niger Delta states ahead of the festival scheduled to hold in Edo State from February 20 to 27. Governor Otti received the torch on Wednesday at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia. He was represented by the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Merebole. The…

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The Abia State Internal Revenue Service (ABIRS) has sealed the Umuahia and Aba offices of telecommunications giant, Globacom Limited, over alleged non-compliance with its tax obligations to the state government. The action, according to a statement issued by the Deputy Director of Information, ABIRS, Emelle Akunna Loveth, was carried out pursuant to a valid order of the High Court of Abia State, Umuahia Judicial Division, in Suit No. HU/225M/2025 between the Abia State Internal Revenue Service and Globacom Limited. The court order, dated January 14, 2026, directed Globacom to remit to the Abia State Government the sum…

By Max Amuchie  When news filtered in on Wednesday, February 11, about the passing of Professor Biodun Jeyifo, I found myself journeying back 35 years, to my National Youth Service days at Teachers’ College, Kagoro, in the southern part of Kaduna State. It was 1991. We were young, idealistic, and argumentative in the best sense of that word. We believed ideas mattered. We believed debates could shape society. Kagoro, quiet and reflective, became for us a space of intellectual exchange. It was there that I first heard the name Biodun Jeyifo. I was speaking with my fellow corps member, Adekola…

Our Reporter, New York  Prince Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s foreign engagements have attracted $50 billion in investments into Nigeria, describing the assertion as exaggerated and unsupported by evidence. Adebayo made the remarks during an exclusive interview with Rudolf Okonkwo on 90MinutesAfrica, where he questioned both the credibility of the claim and its supposed impact on the economy. According to him, an inflow of such magnitude would be impossible to conceal and would have produced visible effects across key economic indicators. “The statement that President…

Our Reporter, New York  Renowned legal scholar and human rights activist, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s judiciary, describing the system as punitive against judges and judicial officers who uphold honesty and integrity.  Speaking during an exclusive interview with journalist Rudolf Okonkwo on 90MinutesAfrica, Odinkalu said the Nigerian legal system is structured in ways that punish integrity while rewarding compromise, making it increasingly difficult for upright judges and public officers to survive. According to him, judges who insist on doing the right thing often face subtle and not-so-subtle reprisals, including redeployment to unsafe or undesirable locations,…

Ben Ezechime, Enugu The Enugu State Government has confirmed that no fewer than 1.5 million children have been vaccinated against measles and rubella within one week of the ongoing statewide immunisation campaign. The disclosure was made at the flag-off of the integrated Measles–Rubella vaccination campaign in Enugu. Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Ifeanyi Ani-Ocheku, said the exercise was aimed at safeguarding the future of children in the state. “We are gathered here today not just for a ceremony, but for a declaration,” she said. “We declare that the…

…Says it must be real-time electronic transmission of results or nothing  Our Reporter, Abuja  A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima, has accused political forces of orchestrating a smear campaign against the party’s leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing recent allegations linking him to terrorism financing and the imposition of Sharia law as “most unfair” and driven by the intrigues of the 2027 general elections. Galadima spoke on Thursday during an appearance on The Morning Show, an Arise Television programme, where he strongly defended Kwankwaso’s record and integrity, insisting that the former Kano State governor was…

Lawrence Nwimo, Awka The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to large-scale infrastructure renewal anchored on durability, sustainability, economic diversification, climate resilience and inclusive growth. Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, stated this at the 2026 International (Hybrid) Conference of the Faculty of Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, themed “Sustainable Engineering for a Resilient Future.” Umahi said the Ministry of Works is vigorously implementing transformative infrastructure projects nationwide, guided by the principles of sustainability, durability and value for money. He also urged South-East states and the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) to adopt nanotechnology solutions in highway construction…

…Pro-chancellor insists council can meet anywhere, rules out acting VC Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Concerns are mounting over the decision of the Governing Council of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), to relocate the interview for the appointment of the institution’s 7th Vice-Chancellor from the university campus to Abuja. The decision, announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Governing Council, gave shortlisted candidates just one week’s notice to prepare for the trip to the federal capital. Insider sources estimate that the relocation could cost the university more than ₦50 million in logistics, covering accommodation, transportation, and other expenses…

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Five members of the United States Congress have introduced a bill proposing visa restrictions and asset freezes against former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and other individuals and groups over alleged severe violations of religious freedom, including the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The proposed legislation, titled Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was sponsored by Representatives Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga. If passed into law, the bill would require the US Secretary of State to submit regular reports…