Author: Editor

Lawrence Nwimo, Awka Comrade Bonny Okonkwo, a South Africa based activist, has been sentenced to 18 months jail by an Nnewi High Court over alleged character defamation. The accused who had been in detention for barely 10 months was however given an option of N500,000 fine. Okonkwo’s travails dated back to January 3, 2024, when he was arrested and detained following a complaint by businessman, Sir Emeka Offor, of alleged defamation on a WhatsApp platform for their Oraifite town. The prosecution had earlier presented evidence, including a phone call allegedly  made by Okonkwo in the courtroom, which linked him to…

….Demands clean up, compensation for environmental, human rights abuse …Full disclosure on approved requests Constance Meju, Port Harcourt Amnesty International has expressed serious concern over the state of corporate accountability in oil and gas operations in the Niger Delta and,  the fact that the health, wealth and agricultural resources of the Niger Delta are taken for granted even though it hosts the economy of the country. The international human rights body expressed these concerns at a press briefing to unveil its research finding on Shell’s divestment moves from Niger Delta onshore oil communities. The event held in Port Harcourt on…

…Ask for 200 hectares of farm land in each state  Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia  Igbo women under the aegis of Igbo Women Assembly, IWA, have announced a two-day agro-export summit  to sensitise Igbo women on the export of farm produce, and to give them opportunity to become more innovative in their agribusiness.  IWA has equally urged South-East Governors to make available, 200 hectares of farm land in each state which would be used as farm clusters by women. According to IWA, its intention for the 1000 hectares of farm land, is to engage 50,000 women in commercial farming across South-East, per…

Lawrence Nwimo, Awka The Anambra State Government has announced the launch of its maiden Innovation Week, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and technological advancement in the state. Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Innovation and Business Incubation, Chinwe Okoli, made the announcement during a media briefing in Awka, the state capital, Tuesday.  According to Okoli, the week-long event is scheduled to take place from 25-29 November, 2024, promising that it will provide a platform for start-ups, innovators, entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts to showcase their ideas, talents, inventions and innovations. Okoli, who doubles as the Head of…

Ben Ezechime, Enugu  Governor, Peter Mbah has flagged-off the dualisation of 43.7 kilometers Abakpa Nike-Ugwogo-Opi Nsukka road, as well as the dualisation of 3.6 Kilometre Nike Lake-Penoks Junction-NOWAS-T-junction road in Enugu State. While performing the ceremony at Opi Nsukka, the governor said the project was part of his campaign promises, noting that it would enhance economic activities in the Enugu North senatorial zone, grow the state GDP exponentially and reduce poverty. The governor described Nsukka zone as another economic hub of the state, adding that the road project would be completed within 18 months. Mbah said that his administration had…

…Laments vandalism of Ohafia power installations Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia  Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, has commended his Ohafia kinsmen for banning metal scrap scavengers from operating in the community following their alleged link with incidents of theft and other criminal activities in the area. The Deputy Governor spoke at Amaekpu Ohafia  during Ohafia Dialogue organised by Mben Political Assembly to advance the development of Ohafia nation. He lamented the vandalism of Ohafia electricity installation along Itu-Ututu-Ihie-Ohafia 33KVA line by hoodlums, saying it had stalled socio-economic development in the area. He decried the activities of vandals   popularly known as…

Lawrence Nwimo, Awka Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State Chapter, has tasked newly elected Local Government chairmen and councillors on ensuring inclusivity in the governance of their areas. A statement signed by the JONAPWD State Chairman, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, congratulated the new Council leaders on their election victories, urging them to prioritise inclusivity in their governance approach. They also urged them to use their new positions to foster equitable representation for all members of the society.  JONAPWD called on council leaders to ensure the appointment of persons with disabilities as Special Assistants on disability matters at…

Lawrence Nwimo, Awka Anambra State Government has lauded the Agulu Peoples Union (APU) for its foresight in establishing the APU Vocation Academy, Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area of the state. Commissioner For Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, gave the commendation at the official opening and first matriculation ceremony of the academy held at Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area. She described investment in the future of society as laudable and demonstration of a society interested in the progress of the community.  She said, “Youths are in dilemma, they don’t know their right from their left. With this Academy, the community is…

Lawrence Nwimo, Awka Equitable Health for Women and Empowerment Initiatives (EHWEI) has called for integration of menstrual hygiene education in the curriculum as well as establishment of Menstrual hygiene clubs in schools. Programme Officer of the group, Gloria Paul made, the call during a training workshop at Zion Vocational College, Ebonyi State to mark International Day for the Girl Child, themed, “Girl’s Vision For the Future.”  The event witnessed free distribution of sanitary pads and other menstrual hygiene kits to over 100 female students. Paul said the workshop is aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene awareness, management and accessibility among female…

By Chuks Iloegbunam You spoke to the Daily Trust on Saturday, October 19, 2024. The rare interview, conducted by Andrew Agbese and Isiaka Wakili, marked your 90th birthday anniversary. In it, you celebrated revisionism and claimed things that were not backed by evidence. This open letter is to point out and correct your horrendous amputations of contemporary Nigerian history. It is a necessary exercise because, as your Christian faith commands and as your fellow Christians profess, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32. Your interviewers asked this question: “You are committed to Nigeria’s…