Author: Editor
Uche Onyema, Owerri The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in the country, condemning the persistent violence and repeated attacks on innocent citizens. In a statement issued in Owerri and signed by its President, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, and the Publicity Secretary, Archbishop Donatus Aihmiosion, the bishops highlighted the devastating impact of insecurity on communities—particularly in the Northern and Middle Belt regions—where predominantly Christian settlements have been repeatedly attacked, leading to heavy casualties and mass displacement. The CBCN urged the government to fulfil its constitutional duty of protecting citizens, investigate…
Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki A Magistrate Court sitting in Abakaliki has remanded a 52-year-old man, Chinagwo Paul Nweke, for allegedly cyberbullying a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chinedu Ogah. Hon. Ogah represents the Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State. Nweke’s remand followed his arraignment on a three-count charge filed by the Police on Tuesday. According to court documents in suit number MAB/616c/2025, the defendant is accused of committing an offence punishable under Section 516A(a) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009. The charge sheet reads in part: “That you, Chinagwo…
Uche Onyema, Owerri The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has condemned Prophet Elijah Ayodele’s comments on the role of the Igbo nation in Nigeria’s leadership. MASSOB leader, Uchenna Madu, in a statement, described Ayodele’s assertions as prejudiced and rooted in religious bigotry against Ndigbo. According to Madu, Ayodele had claimed that the Igbo quest for political power in Nigeria is driven by desperation, and that they are not suited for leadership — which he allegedly suggested is reserved for other ethnic groups. Madu further accused Ayodele of acting as a paid agent, insisting that…
By Chido Onumah On Wednesday, November 26, family, friends, associates and comrades will gather at the headquarters of Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI)—an organisation Bene Madunagu co-founded in 1993—in Calabar, Cross River State, to pay tribute and remember the life and times of one of the leading lights of the radical feminist and socialist movement in Nigeria: Comrade Professor Benedicta “Bene” Madunagu, nee Afangide. Comrade Bene or Mumsy B, as her mentees and admirers called her, was a trailblazer in many ways, a towering figure whose courage, ideological depth, passion for gender rights and humanism shaped generations of activists, scholars, women’s…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has clarified the circumstances surrounding the sealing of the Renewed Hope Agenda office in Umuahia. He explained that the action was not politically motivated, contrary to claims by opposition figures, but part of a “blanket enforcement of court orders” carried out by the state’s Harmonised Task Force. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Governor said he directed the immediate unsealing of the property after the matter was brought to his attention by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Tuesday presented a ₦1,016,228,072,651.99 (one trillion, sixteen billion, two hundred and twenty-eight million, seventy-two thousand, six hundred and fifty-one naira, ninety-nine kobo) appropriation bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the Abia State House of Assembly. Presenting the proposal, christened “Budget of Acceleration and New Possibilities,” Otti said the administration would prioritise infrastructural development to further open up the state. “This captures the scale of our ambition to drive rapid socioeconomic growth and sustained development through investments in infrastructural projects, social services, security, and similar outlays that are at the heart…
Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru on Tuesday presented a total budget estimate of ₦884.868 billion for the 2026 fiscal year to the Ebonyi State House of Assembly. Christened the “Budget of Actualisation and Hope,” the governor said it is designed to accelerate infrastructure expansion, strengthen human capital, and consolidate ongoing reforms across key sectors. Presenting the Appropriation Bill at the Assembly complex, Governor Nwifuru said the budget was crafted in strict alignment with his administration’s People’s Charter of Needs philosophy and reflects priorities gathered from citizens across the state. With a capital outlay of ₦749.49 billion—representing 84.7% of the…
Ben Ezechime, Enugu The Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd. (NIGCOMSAT), in partnership with the Enugu SME Centre and the Enugu State Office of Digital Economy, has commenced the training of 120 youths in Enugu State on Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) installation, configuration, maintenance, and enterprise. The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s NIGCOMSAT Youth Empowerment Programme. The theme of the training is “Strengthening Last Mile Connectivity: VSAT Capacity Building for Enugu State Communities.” Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, said the programme aligns with NIGCOMSAT’s mandate to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide. Represented by the agency’s Head of Sales,…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Ahead of the planned takeover of the iconic Ojukwu Bunker and the National War Museum, Umuahia, the Abia State Government has approved a comprehensive renovation of both monuments. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting. According to the Commissioner, the decision aims to transform the state’s cultural, historical, and creative landscape in line with Governor Alex Otti’s vision for the arts and creative economy. “This follows the finalisation of agreements between the National Commission for Museums and Monuments and the State…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Abia State has emerged as the best-performing state in Nigeria on the health emergency preparedness index. The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this during a press conference in Umuahia, noting that the ranking was contained in the SBM 2025 report. Describing the achievement as a significant milestone in the health sector, the Commissioner attributed the feat to the unprecedented efforts of Governor Alex Otti toward revolutionising the state’s critical health system. He appreciated SBM Intelligence, a research and strategic communications consultancy, for its assessment. “The report confirmed that the reforms being carried out in the…