Author: Editor
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia In a bold move to enhance road safety and promote youth empowerment, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has launched what it called Operation Safeguard the Road (OSGR) along the Aba-Azumini federal road corridor in Abia State. The operation also extends to the Uturu–Mile 2–Afikpo federal road connecting Abia with Ebonyi State. Flagging off the initiative, the Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer in charge of Abia, Engr. Festus Okafor, explained that the programme was “tailored to improve road conditions, reduce travel time, and vehicle operating costs.” He also said it would provide temporary employment for young people aged…
By Owei Lakemfa Senate President Godswill Akpabio issued a very powerful statement to the world on October 11, 2025, titled, “The Trials and Triumphs of a Resilient Nigeria’s 10th Senate.” He vowed that: “The Senate cannot and will not be held hostage by the disruptive instincts of any of its members.” He declared: “Democracy thrives only when its institutions are respected and its rules upheld…The discipline of parliamentary conduct is a universal marker of political civilization.” The Senate President mentioned no names, gave no instances, referred to nothing. It was just a bland statement that said nothing. It gives the…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia A group known as the Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Global Defence Consortium has urged development partners and the international community to make respect for the rule of law and compliance with court orders a precondition for Nigeria to benefit from foreign aid. The group also called for global solidarity for the planned October 20 peaceful rally in Abuja, being championed by rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, to demand the unconditional release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Co-Chair, Dr. Idawarifa Ebirien, the…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Vice Chancellors of federal universities, have been directed by the Federal Government, to immediately implement the “no work, no pay” policy on members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) participating in the ongoing nationwide strike. Ikengaonline checks indicated that the directive was contained in a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa. Copies of the circular were sent to key government officials, including the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Permanent Secretary of Education, Pro-Chancellors of federal universities, the Director-General of the Budget Office,…
Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki One of Nigeria’s most revered Christian leaders, Uma Ukpai, the founder of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, has passed on to glory. He died on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80. According to a statement released by his family, the fiery preacher and evangelist “finished his race and is now resting in eternal praise.” Described as a faithful soldier of the cross, Ukpai dedicated more than six decades of his life to preaching the gospel with passion, demonstrating the power of God through signs and wonders, and mentoring generations of ministers. Known for his evangelistic crusades…
Ben Ezechime, Enugu The Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah-led Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State has rejected its dissolution by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, describing the move as lacking due process. In a statement jointly signed by Agballah and other aggrieved members of the State Executive Committee (SEC) and made available to journalists in Enugu at the weekend, the group described the NWC’s action as “unlawful, illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.” Citing relevant sections of the APC Constitution, the SEC members argued that only the Zonal Executive Committee or the National Executive Committee…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Hamas has freed all remaining 20 living Israeli captives in its captivity. They were released few hours after seven Israeli captives were freed on Sunday ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East for a peace deal. By the latest release which happened about 11am local time on Monday, there is no longer any living Israeli captives in the Hamas captivity. Israel is expected to release thousands of Palestine captives in her custody. President Trump who is leading the latest peace negotiations is to address Israeli leaders Monday before heading to Egypt to chair the…
Our Reporter, Abuja The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has berated President Bola Tinubu over his recent decision to grant presidential pardons to dozens of convicted drug traffickers and smugglers, describing the move as “pathetic and a national disgrace.” In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the action undermines Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign, encourages criminality, and tarnishes the country’s image before the international community. According to the statement, the decision amounted to “a most irresponsible abuse of presidential power,” especially as many of the beneficiaries had barely served two…
By Bart Nnaji Education represents progress. The most fundamental difference between the developed nations and the developing ones is the level and quality of education. A leading African American civil rights activist, Ella J. Baker (1903-1986), famously quipped, “show the light, and the people will find the way.” The Great Zik of Africa reflected this statement in his Renascent Africa and also made it the motto of his crusading West African Pilot newspaper when it was founded in 1937. The launch of Free Universal Primary Education in Western Nigeria by the Chief Awolowo government on January 17, 1955, was a…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Sunday declared a two-week warning strike over the Federal Government’s failure to meet its long-standing demands. Consequently, the union directed its members nationwide to withdraw their services effective midnight. ASUU National President, Chris Piwuna, announced the decision at a press conference held at the University of Abuja. He accused the government of insincerity in its negotiations with the union, warning that ASUU would embark on an indefinite strike after the two-week warning period if the issues were not addressed.