Author: Editor

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Elder statesman and former Minister of Finance, Dr Kalu Idika Kalu, has expressed deep worry over the absence of “a strong voice” to speak for Ndigbo. The former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, who made the lamentation  while delivering the keynote speech at the Ikengaonline monthly town-hall meeting, said the ugly development was responsible for the relegation of Ndigbo to the background as though they were second citizens which they are not. “Ndigbo have the worst set of leadership. We need a formidable leadership instead of complaining all the time. If we develop and stand on our…

Ben Ezechime, Enugu The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has urged self employed Nigerians including artisans, traders, and others to enroll in the Micro Pension Plan of the Commission to guarantee a functional retirement plan. The Head, Corporate Communications of PenCom, Abdulqadir Dahiru, made the call in Enugu at a sensitisation workshop organised by the commission. Dahuru further stressed the importance of Micro Pension Plan to Nigerians in the informal sector and those working in organisations with less than three employees. He noted that about 90 per cent of workers in Nigeria were in the informal sector, adding that these categories…

By Olumide Akpata On Saturday 18 March 2023, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted the gubernatorial and State Assembly elections to mark the second and concluding round of the 2023 elections. On that day, INEC, the law enforcement agencies and the Nigerian populace were presented with a golden opportunity to demonstrate to the rest of the world that, the below par showing on 25 February 2023 notwithstanding, Nigeria’s democracy had come of age. At the end of the day, not only did we fail spectacularly in this regard, but more dangerously, the fragile unity of the Nigerian State suffered…

Nonsochukwu Uwa, Owerri Former Federal Minister of Finance, Dr Kalu Idika Kalu, has said that Nigeria’s problem is not funding but a lack of true governance. He made this known during the monthly Ikengaonline Town-Hall meeting held on Thursday, with the topic, “Nigeria’s incoming government: prospects and challenges.” The former Minister argued that if only credible leaders mount the position of leadership that the burdens of Nigerians would be reduced. He pointed out that “Nigeria is a large country with enormous resources.” “We have a lot of resources to leverage on. But we have had low savings because of poor administration. Funding should…

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Two-time Minister for Finance and National Budget, Dr Kalu Idika Kalu, has tasked the in-coming Government of Nigeria to “drastically cut down the cost of governance,” for the country to survive. The Wisconsin University-trained Economist and elder statesman who stated this while featuring on IkengaOnline Town-hall meeting, Thursday night, decried the high cost of governance in Nigeria. He said that for the global community to take Nigeria seriously, the jumbo salaries and allowances of political office holders in the country should be slashed. The former World Bank Consultant advocated immediate downward review of the jumbo pay fixed by the…

Lawrence Nwimo, Awka The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has asked South-Easterners in Lagos State to ignore the sit-at-home order by Simon Ekpa’s faction of the secessionist group. Finland-based Ekpa’s faction of the proscribed IPOB had on Wednesday told Igbos living and doing business in Lagos to sit-at-home in order to cripple the economy of the state. In a series of tweets, he noted that Igbo traders in the state had been victims of several attacks, especially as some of their markets had been burnt. He urged them to demonstrate their value to Lagos’ economy by the sitting order. However, in…

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Former Executive Director, National Directorate of Employment, NDE, Chief Chuku Wachuku, has advised the Abia Governor-elect, Dr Alex Otti, to jettison professional politicians and engage technocrats and people of great ideas to help him drive his economic agenda for the state. Wachuku in an interview with our Correspondent told politicians who have no alternative job to quit the scene and allow competent people to come on board and help rebuild Abia State. He advised Otti to place premium on competence and integrity  as he constitutes his cabinet. “Those whose job is only politics should quit and allow…

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has commended the leadership of pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, over its advocacy and strong support for justice and equity on national issues. The commendation is coming on the heels of the recent communique by Afenifere wherein it sacked  its  National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi; and the National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, for issuing an unauthorised statement in its name and constant denigration of the organisation. The duo misconstrued a fair comment by the Chairman of Ohanaeze Elders Council, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, on the attacks against Igbo interests in Lagos. Ohanaeze commended Afenifere for its swift…

By Azu Ishiekwene From Accra to Cape Town images of Nollywood, Nigeria’s popular movie footprint, are a common staple in homes across the continent as are the sights and sounds of its pop icons who are also amongst Africa’s biggest.  When politics is on the menu, however, it does not appear that the rest of the continent has the same appetite for what Nigeria has to offer as it does for the country’s jollof rice, its captivating movies or perhaps the Afrobeat of superstar, Burna Boy. Between February and March 2023, Nigeria held its general elections; the seventh since 1999 when…

Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia World famous Economist and Nigeria’s two-time Minister for Finance, Kalu Idika Kalu, will be the Guest Speaker at this month’s Ikengaonline town hall scheduled for today, Thursday, March 30. The former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, will speak on the topic, “Nigeria’s incoming Government: Prospects & Challenges.” According to a release by the Editor-in-Chief of the online platform, Uche Ugboajah, the virtual town hall meeting will start by 7: 00 pm West African time and end by 9:00 pm. Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, 84, was also Minister for Budget and National Planning. The Ohafia, Abia State-born Economist…