₦airaland Forum

*WHEN A CONSTITUENCY HAS A RECORD TO REMEMBER: THE EMEKA CHINEDU FACTOR*

An election is often presented as a choice between candidates. But when a sitting representative seeks a renewed mandate, the choice is not made on names alone. The electorate is also called upon to weigh a record: what a mandate has produced, how it has been exercised and what more it may yet accomplish.

For Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency, the 2027 election presents an opportunity to look beyond declarations and campaign promises and consider the qualities that give representation its real value: character, relationships, acceptability, capacity, record and the possibility of doing more.

Rt. Hon. Emeka Martins Chinedu enters that contest with a record that did not begin with his election to the National Assembly. It is rooted in established goodwill and has since found expression in legislative work, constituency development, empowerment, philanthropy and sustained engagement with the people.

In the National Assembly, that record has extended well beyond the immediate concerns of the constituency. His bills have addressed facilities management, healthcare, education, technical skills development, emergency response, project monitoring, pension administration, erosion control, housing and the creative economy. His motions have similarly engaged issues of tertiary education, healthcare, public safety, infrastructure, consumer protection and community concerns. Beyond the legislature, his empowerment initiatives and philanthropy have provided sustained personal intervention and community support.

The record is equally visible at home. Interventions during his tenure have included educational facilities, health centres, water projects, market amenities, civic infrastructure, roads, erosion control, electricity transformers and solar-powered streetlights. Skills acquisition, agricultural training, business support and employment-related programmes have further widened the scope of constituency development.

During the COVID-19 crisis, when ordinary economic activity was severely disrupted, food and medical support were provided to constituents. In December 2025, two trailer loads of rice were provided, one for Ahiazu Mbaise and the other for Ezinihitte Mbaise, and handed over to the Ezuruezu leadership for distribution. These are not presented as proof that every need has been met. They are evidence of what representation has produced.

And that difference matters. Representation is larger than the visible inventory of projects. A federal legislator is not an executive office holder whose mandate is measured primarily by the physical execution of projects. The responsibilities of the office encompass legislation, oversight, advocacy and engagement with the institutions through which federal programmes are conceived, funded and implemented. It requires knowing what the people need, understanding where those needs belong within the machinery of government and pursuing them through the channels available to the representative.

No tenure can reasonably be expected to resolve every need. Ahiazu Mbaise and Ezinihitte Mbaise will continue to require better roads, schools, healthcare, economic opportunities and infrastructure. The existence of those needs should invite further work, not a rewriting of history. What remains to be done should be weighed alongside what has already been accomplished.

There is, however, another dimension of representation that is less visible but no less consequential: institutional knowledge.

National institutions have their own language, procedures, relationships and unwritten rhythms. A representative learns, over time, how legislation moves, how committees function, how government institutions respond, where decisions are made and how an idea can be taken from a constituency concern to the point at which it receives institutional attention.

Emeka Chinedu's service in the 10th National Assembly has given him that experience. He has not merely occupied a seat; he has spent time inside the institution learning how its machinery works.

Experience matters, not because incumbency is inherently valuable, but because institutions have processes, relationships have histories and unfinished work has context. Experience is valuable precisely because it cannot be downloaded overnight.

Service in the National Assembly is therefore more than time spent in office. It is accumulated knowledge, judgement and relationships. It is familiarity with legislative procedure, an understanding of the workings of government and a growing ability to distinguish between what is desirable and what is practically achievable. Over time, those acquisitions cease to be merely personal advantages. They become resources that can be deployed on behalf of the constituency.

This is where continuity becomes consequential. A change of representative does not simply replace one name with another. It resets part of the institutional learning curve. Relationships have to be established. Processes have to be understood. Existing matters have to be picked up and followed through. A new representative must build a working record while learning the terrain on which that record is expected to be made.

None of this means that change is inherently wrong. Far from it. A new representative may bring a different temperament, fresh ideas or a different approach to the work. That is legitimate. But newness, by itself, is not progress.

The more important question is what each choice places within reach of the constituency.

If there is already a demonstrable record, established institutional capacity and unfinished work capable of being advanced, then continuity is not simply a question of retaining an incumbent. It is a question of whether accumulated public value should be interrupted or put to greater use.

There is a broader consideration still. Political representation can, over time, build institutional capital. Knowledge acquired, relationships developed, credibility earned and visibility established within a national institution do not necessarily have to remain the private assets of the individual who acquired them. Properly deployed, they can enlarge the political capacity of the people he represents.

That is the deeper case for continuity.
It is not a plea to preserve the past for its own sake. It is an argument for allowing proven capacity to mature, allowing relationships to deepen, allowing unfinished work to advance and allowing experience already acquired to yield greater returns.

Mbaise needs power brokers, not merely seat occupants.

The argument, therefore, is not that Emeka Chinedu should return simply because he has been there before. It is that the value of what has already been built should form part of the calculation about what comes next.

A constituency that remembers its record is not afraid of change. It is simply wise enough to distinguish between change and progress.

For Emeka Chinedu, the case for 2027 ultimately rests on evidence. The people can examine what has been achieved, what has been established, what remains unfinished and what existing capacity can still be brought to bear on the challenges ahead.

That is where electoral choice becomes meaningful: not in the noise of competing claims, but in the weight of what can be demonstrated and the value of what can be built upon.

An election does not require a constituency to forget what came before in order to decide what comes next. When a constituency has a record to remember, that record is where judgement should begin.

~ Nnamdi Ukasanya

That experience has informed an approach to representation that seeks to connect legislative responsibility with practical outcomes for the constituency, while contributing to matters of wider national and institutional significance.

Against this background, The People’s Movement for Emeka Chinedu has emerged as an organised expression of support for his candidacy. Its members share a commitment to effective representation, responsible leadership, accessibility and accountable public service.

members share a commitment to effective representation, responsible leadership, accessibility and accountable public service.

Its emergence also brings a broader question into sharper focus before the electorate: should electoral choices be shaped principally by party identity and promises about what a candidate may become, or should they also take account of what has already been demonstrated in public service, the experience acquired and the capacity to build upon it?

chinjay:
Rt. Hon. Emeka Martins Chinedu, Member of the House of Representatives representing Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency of Imo State, has formally declared his intention to seek a renewed mandate to represent the constituency on the platform of the Young Progressives Party (YPP).

The decision marks a new chapter in his political journey and coincides with the emergence of The People’s Movement for Emeka Chinedu, an organised support movement bringing together community leaders, professionals, youths, women

Rt. Hon. Emeka Martins Chinedu, Member of the House of Representatives representing Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency of Imo State, has formally declared his intention to seek a renewed mandate to represent the constituency on the platform of the Young Progressives Party (YPP).

The decision marks a new chapter in his political journey and coincides with the emergence of The People’s Movement for Emeka Chinedu, an organised support movement bringing together community leaders, professionals, youths, women

Since his election to the House of Representatives, Emeka Chinedu has been engaged in legislative duties, constituency matters and issues of wider public importance. His service as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory, alongside his other legislative responsibilities, has broadened his institutional experience and strengthened his understanding of the relationship between legislation, governance, public policy and the practical needs of citizens

"*RT. HON. EMEKA MARTIN CHINEDU"*, - bụ kwa *"EZIGBO MEMBER."*

*The sole responsibilities of a Federal House of Representatives Member at the Green Chamber* and *the achievements of RT. Hon. Emeka Martin CHINEDU* in his tenure in the *9th* and *10th* Assemblies.

By *Engr. Ezirike Bethel Iheomasinachi*


*THE RESPONSIBILITIES of A FEDERAL HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MEMBER (GREEN CHAMBER) IN NIGERIA*

A member of the House of Representatives (one of 360 elected representatives of federal constituencies) has *three (3) core duties under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and parliamentary practice:*

1). *LAWMAKING*
– Propose, debate, amend, and pass bills (including money/revenue bills that originate in the House) for the peace, order, and good governance of Nigeria. Participate in committees that scrutinise legislation.

2). *REPRESENTATION*
– Speak for the interests of their federal constituency at the national level. This includes sponsoring motions and bills on local issues, facilitating federal projects, and conveying constituents’ concerns to the National Assembly.

3). *OVERSIGHT*
– Monitor and investigate the executive branch, ministries, departments, and agencies. This includes budget scrutiny, public hearings, probes into corruption or inefficiency, confirmation of certain appointments, and the power to initiate impeachment proceedings.

4). More so, members also serve on standing and special committees and contribute to national debates on security, economy, and governance.

*ACHIEVEMENTS OF RT. HON. EMEKA MARTINS CHINEDU*
*(MEMBER REPRESENTING AHIAZU MBAISE/EZINIHITTE FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, IMO STATE; PDP; FIRST ELECTED 2019, RE-ELECTED 2023; CURRENTLY DEPUTY CHAIRMAN, HOUSE COMMITTEE ON THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY)*

*LEGISLATIVE WORK*

He Hon. Emeka Martin Chinedu, *sponsored multiple bills that have advanced in the House,* including:

– Establishment of a Federal Facilities Management Agency (to promote maintenance of public assets).

– Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Mbaise.

– National Football Academy, Ahiara.

– South East Erosion Control Commission.

– Citizenship Benefits (entitlements for adult citizens).

– Amendments to the National Health Act (medical emergency response system), Public Procurement Act (needs-assessment framework), Treaties Act, and Investment & Securities Act.

– National Independent Project Monitoring and Evaluation Agency (passed second reading).

– Other bills on film/entertainment institute, technical education & skills acquisition in Mbaise, and a national emergency short-code system.

- Notable motion: Call for abolition of acceptance fees in tertiary institutions (earned him the informal title “Voice of the Voiceless”). Other motions addressed medical diagnostic facilities, body-worn cameras for security agents, and transport-fare hikes.

*CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS & AND EMPOWERMENTS*

- Delivered infrastructure across all 24 wards: *classroom blocks, skill-acquisition centres, civic/town halls, health-centre renovations, erosion/flood-control works, solar-powered street lights (hundreds of units, including a major 1,000-unit programme), transformers, and a 1,000-seat multipurpose auditorium.*

- Youth and women empowerment: *skills training with starter packs, scholarships (over 100 for female students), microfinance support* for entrepreneurs, distribution of tools/equipment *(motorbikes, sewing machines, POS machines, etc.),* *cash grants, and fertiliser* to farming communities.

- Recent large-scale empowerment exercises *(e.g., over 150 constituents receiving business tools and *₦200,000 each) and free medical outreaches*.

*COMMITTEE ROLES*

- *Deputy Chairman, House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory.*

- *Chairman, House Committee on Non-Utilization of Take-off Grants and Bailout Fund Interventions (oversight of federal grants and bailouts).*

Indeed, our worthy Son, *RT. Hon. Emeka Martin Chinedu* bụ *"Dimkpa eji-eche Mba,"* let us give him our maximum support.

Thank you.

Since his election to the House of Representatives, Emeka Chinedu has been engaged in legislative duties, constituency matters and issues of wider public importance. His service as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory, alongside his other legislative responsibilities, has broadened his institutional experience and strengthened his understanding of the relationship between legislation, governance, public policy and the practical needs of citizens.

Rt. Hon. Emeka Martins Chinedu, Member of the House of Representatives representing Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency of Imo State, has formally declared his intention to seek a renewed mandate to represent the constituency on the platform of the Young Progressives Party (YPP

BEFORE THE CAMPAIGN, THERE WAS A RECORD

THE EMEKA CHINEDU FACTOR

Some political careers begin with the pursuit of office. Others arrive at public office after a reputation has already been established. Rt. Hon. Emeka Martins Chinedu belongs to the latter.

Long before campaigns, elections and the Green Chamber, he was known for his intellectual temperament, generosity and relationships with people across the constituency. He was a philosopher before he became a politician. His engagement with people did not begin with an electoral ambition, nor was his goodwill cultivated as a campaign strategy. Public office did not create the person people came to know; it enlarged the platform on which an established character and sense of responsibility could find public expression.

His years in the National Assembly have added another dimension to that story. They have produced a body of legislative and constituency work spanning health, education, technical skills, emergency response, pension administration, project monitoring, housing, environmental protection, public procurement, investment and the creative economy. At constituency level, his interventions have reached education, healthcare, electricity, water, roads, community infrastructure, empowerment and youth development. During the COVID 19 pandemic, his response extended to direct humanitarian assistance.

The significance of such a record is not in the length of the list. It lies in what the work reveals about the purpose of representation. A mandate is more than a seat in the legislature. It carries an obligation to identify problems, pursue solutions and ensure that the concerns of constituents find their way into the institutions capable of addressing them.

That understanding must also be placed within the actual architecture of government. A member of the National Assembly does not personally control ministries, departments and agencies, nor does he execute every federal project that appears within a constituency. Government projects are implemented through the relevant institutions, while the legislature exercises its constitutional responsibilities of legislation, representation and oversight. The meaningful question, therefore, is what a representative has initiated, advocated, facilitated, attracted, supported or pursued within the powers of the office and the relationships through which those powers can be exercised.

This is where the difference between a campaign promise and an established record becomes consequential. Anyone seeking office can describe the future he hopes to create. Someone who has already served carries something more demanding: a history that can be examined. Decisions can be questioned. Priorities can be measured. Results can be weighed against intentions.

It is in that space that the growing calls for Chinedu to continue acquire their meaning. Those calling for another term are not merely asking an incumbent to remain in office. They are expressing a judgment formed through observation of his work and an assessment of what they believe remains possible with the benefit of continuity.

Continuity, however, should never be confused with entitlement. Public office belongs to the people, and every mandate must be earned. But neither should experience be treated as though it has no value. A representative who has spent years learning the legislative process, navigating government institutions, building relationships and responding to the demands of a constituency does not return to the starting line at the beginning of another term. What has been learnt, built and tested can become an asset in confronting what remains unfinished.

That is the context in which Chinedu now seeks another mandate under the platform of the Young Progressives Party, YPP. The political platform has changed. The years of public service have not. The relationships built, lessons learnt and work already undertaken remain part of the public record and are available to the people for assessment.

The choice before the constituency, therefore, goes beyond the attraction of a campaign slogan or the promise of what might be done. It involves a more fundamental consideration: whether the evidence of what has already been done provides sufficient grounds for continuity, or whether another candidate has demonstrated a capacity capable of making a stronger case for the mandate.

That decision belongs to the people. It should be made without sentimentality and without hostility, with claims tested against evidence and every candidate subjected to the same standard.

The political platform may have changed. But the record came first.

~ Nnamdi Ukasanya

*HON. EMEKA CHINEDU IS A STANDOUT POLITICAL BRAND*

*Engr Dennis Ndubuisi Osum (DENCO) ✍️*

Hon. Emeka Chinedu is a trademark name that echoes through the length and breadth of Imo State and beyond. His capacity is topnotch. A rare breed. The kind that comes once-in-a-generation.

The best decision Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency can make is to collectively and overwhelmingly vote for their right choice: Hon. Emeka Chinedu.

This generation cannot afford to repeat the past mistakes that have cost us more of our future than our past.

Voting for Hon. Emeka Chinedu is a total validation of our firm belief that we are in the right place at the right time.

In 2027, the youth, the elderly, and all stakeholders must come out en masse to choose the only voice that will be heard in the 11th Assembly. That voice is the eloquent and unbiased voice of Hon. Emeka Chinedu.

*VOTE HON. EMEKA CHINEDU* 🤝
*VOTE QUALITY REPRESENTATION* 💪

*VOTE YPP FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE* 🤝

_*Engr Dennis Ndubuisi Osum (DENCO) ✍️*_

*RT. HON. EMEKA CHINEDU ENTERS THE RACE ON YPP PLATFORM*

*THE PEOPLE’S MOVEMENT FOR EMEKA CHINEDU EMERGES TO BUILD ON AN ESTABLISHED RECORD OF REPRESENTATION*

Rt. Hon. Emeka Martins Chinedu, Member of the House of Representatives representing Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency of Imo State, has formally declared his intention to seek a renewed mandate to represent the constituency on the platform of the Young Progressives Party (YPP).

The decision marks a new chapter in his political journey and coincides with the emergence of The People’s Movement for Emeka Chinedu, an organised support movement bringing together community leaders, professionals, youths, women and other citizens who identify with his record of public service and approach to constituency representation.

The choice to contest under the YPP marks a new political chapter while keeping the focus on the responsibilities of representation and the interests of the constituency. It provides an opportunity for the electorate to assess not only the political platform, but also the individual seeking its mandate and the record he brings to the contest.

For his supporters, the call for his return is rooted in their assessment of his performance in office and their belief that the experience acquired through public service remains valuable to the next phase of representation. They see continued legislative service as an opportunity to deepen the constituency’s engagement with national institutions and strengthen advocacy for its interests.

Since his election to the House of Representatives, Emeka Chinedu has been engaged in legislative duties, constituency matters and issues of wider public importance. His service as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory, alongside his other legislative responsibilities, has broadened his institutional experience and strengthened his understanding of the relationship between legislation, governance, public policy and the practical needs of citizens.

That experience has informed an approach to representation that seeks to connect legislative responsibility with practical outcomes for the constituency, while contributing to matters of wider national and institutional significance.

Against this background, The People’s Movement for Emeka Chinedu has emerged as an organised expression of support for his candidacy. Its members share a commitment to effective representation, responsible leadership, accessibility and accountable public service.

Its emergence also brings a broader question into sharper focus before the electorate: should electoral choices be shaped principally by party identity and promises about what a candidate may become, or should they also take account of what has already been demonstrated in public service, the experience acquired and the capacity to build upon it?

For Emeka Chinedu, the 2027 election presents an opportunity to place his record and experience before the electorate and seek a renewed mandate based on continued representation and service to the constituency.

The choice before the electorate therefore extends beyond political affiliation to questions of representation, legislative responsibility, accessibility and the capacity to build upon experience acquired in public service.

The central proposition is clear: the next chapter of representation should not disregard what has already been established. It should build on experience, draw from demonstrated service and remain firmly anchored in the interests and mandate of the people.

Nnamdi Ukasanya
SA, Media and Publicity
to Rt. Hon. Emeka Martins Chinedu

Argentina's Paredes banned for 10 games
Alex Brotherton - BBC Sport journalist

---

Fri, August 21, 2026 at 4:26 PM GMT+1

Paredes plays his club football for Argentinian side Boca Juniors [Getty Images]
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has been given a 10-match ban for the role he played in on-field clashes after his side were beaten 1-0 by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

Fifa's disciplinary committee has also handed his team-mate Nahuel Molina a seven-match suspension.

Argentina have also been ordered to play their next two home matches with 50% capacity, though one match of that sanction is suspended.

The Argentinian Football Association (AFA) has been fined $321,000 (£235,000) for breaches of the Fifa disciplinary code relating to using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, team misconduct, and discriminatory chants and gestures by its supporters.

Fifa have ordered that $100,000 (£73,000) of the fine must be invested in a plan to combat discrimination - and $100,000 (£73,000) of the fine is suspended, with a probationary period to apply.

After defeating England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final, several Argentina players held up a banner claiming Argentine sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory.

Last month, Fifa appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to assess what happened after the final whistle at the New York New Jersey Stadium, when multiple Argentina players and backroom staff were involved in altercations with Spain players

As well as their suspensions, Paredes and Molina will both pay fines of $90,000 (£66,000).

Paredes grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestled Spain's Gavi to the ground, before appearing to strike the former in the face.

Gavi - who said he did not think Paredes should be punished - will serve a one-match suspension and pay a fine of $30,000 (£22,000) for his part in the post-match confrontations, as will Argentina's Thiago Almada.

In his response, Rt. Hon. Chinedu thanked the organisers and the people of Mbaise for the honour. He expressed gratitude to God for the successful celebration and announced a donation of N5 million in support of the festival.

He also prayed for more abundant harvests and greater prosperity for Ndi Mbaise in the years ahead.

The citation further referenced his facilitation of the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Principal’s House at Mbaise Secondary School, Aboh Mbaise.

In his response, Rt. Hon. Chinedu thanked the organisers and the people of Mbaise for the honour. He expressed gratitude to God for the successful celebration and announced a donation of N5 million in support of the festival.

He also prayed for more abundant harvests and greater prosperity for Ndi Mbaise in the years ahead.

EMEKA CHINEDU HONOURED AS GRAND PATRON OF IRI JI MBAISE FESTIVAL.

Rt. Hon. Emeka Martins Chinedu, Member of the House of Representatives representing Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency, has been honoured as Grand Patron of the Iri Ji Mbaise National Cultural Festival 2026.

Former Governor of Imo State, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, was among the prominent personalities present. High Chief Success Akagburuonye, Chief Barr. Chidi Henry Ojinere and Chief Bright Akachi Alozie were also among those honoured with Grand Patron awards at the ceremony.

The festival was organised by Ezuruezu Mbaise in collaboration with Ndi Eze Mbaise, under the chairmanship of Okenze Felix Amadi, with the President General of Ezuruezu

The festival was organised by Ezuruezu Mbaise in collaboration with Ndi Eze Mbaise, under the chairmanship of Okenze Felix Amadi, with the President General of Ezuruezu Mbaise, Surv. Joe Anosike, as Chief Host.

EMEKA CHINEDU HONOURED AS GRAND PATRON OF IRI JI MBAISE FESTIVAL.

Rt. Hon. Emeka Martins Chinedu, Member of the House of Representatives representing Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency, has been honoured as Grand Patron of the Iri Ji Mbaise National Cultural Festival 2026.

The honour, conferred on Saturday at Oke Ovoro Secondary School, Ovoro, Mbaise, recognised his contributions to public service, constituency development and the promotion of Mbaise’s cultural heritage.

The citation further referenced his facilitation of the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Principal’s House at Mbaise Secondary School, Aboh Mbaise.

In his response, Rt. Hon. Chinedu thanked the organisers and the people of Mbaise for the honour. He expressed gratitude to God for the successful celebration and announced a donation of N5 million in support of the festival.

He also prayed for more abundant harvests and greater prosperity for Ndi Mbaise in the years ahead.

His role in advancing the legislative process for the creation of an additional Local Government Area in Mbaise, which is awaiting presidential assent, was also acknowledged.

The citation further referenced his facilitation of the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Principal’s House at Mbaise Secondary School, Aboh Mbaise.

In his response, Rt. Hon. Chinedu thanked the organisers and the people of Mbaise for the honour. He expressed gratitude to God for the successful celebration and announced a donation of N5 million in support of the festival.

Among the bills listed were the Federal Institute of Technical Education and Skills Acquisition, Mbaise Bill; National Emergency Call Centre and Short Code Bill; National Independent Project Monitoring and Evaluation Agency Bill; Real Estate Development Bank Bill; Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Mbaise Bill; National Football Academy, Ahiara Bill; and South East Erosion Commission Bill, among others.

His role in advancing the legislative process for the creation of an additional Local Government Area in Mbaise, which is awaiting presidential assent, was also acknowledged.

The accompanying citation in the event brochure described Rt. Hon. Chinedu as a distinguished legislator and advocate of people-centred governance, and documented projects and programmes undertaken across the 24 wards of Ahiazu Mbaise and Ezinihitte. These included the construction of classroom blocks, civic centres and skills acquisition centres, roads and other public facilities.

The honour, conferred on Saturday at Oke Ovoro Secondary School, Ovoro, Mbaise, recognised his contributions to public service, constituency development and the promotion of Mbaise’s cultural heritage.

The festival was organised by Ezuruezu Mbaise in collaboration with Ndi Eze Mbaise, under the chairmanship of Okenze Felix Amadi, with the President General of Ezuruezu Mbaise, Surv. Joe Anosike, as Chief Host.

EMEKA CHINEDU HONOURED AS GRAND PATRON OF IRI JI MBAISE FESTIVAL.

Rt. Hon. Emeka Martins Chinedu, Member of the House of Representatives representing Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency, has been honoured as Grand Patron of the Iri Ji Mbaise National Cultural Festival 2026.

EMEKA CHINEDU HONOURED AS GRAND PATRON OF IRI JI MBAISE FESTIVAL.

Rt. Hon. Emeka Martins Chinedu, Member of the House of Representatives representing Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency, has been honoured as Grand Patron of the Iri Ji Mbaise National Cultural Festival 2026.

The honour, conferred on Saturday at Oke Ovoro Secondary School, Ovoro, Mbaise, recognised his contributions to public service, constituency development and the promotion of Mbaise’s cultural heritage.

The festival was organised by Ezuruezu Mbaise in collaboration with Ndi Eze Mbaise, under the chairmanship of Okenze Felix Amadi, with the President General of Ezuruezu Mbaise, Surv. Joe Anosike, as Chief Host.

The festival drew a broad gathering from across Mbaise and beyond, bringing together political leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals, youths and sons and daughters of Mbaise from across Nigeria and the diaspora, alongside guests from outside Mbaise.

Former Governor of Imo State, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, was among the prominent personalities present. High Chief Success Akagburuonye, Chief Barr. Chidi Henry Ojinere and Chief Bright Akachi Alozie were also among those honoured with Grand Patron awards at the ceremony.

Presenting the honour to Rt. Hon. Chinedu, Surv. Anosike briefly highlighted his record of service, particularly his interventions in education, infrastructure, human capital development and community advancement.

The accompanying citation in the event brochure described Rt. Hon. Chinedu as a distinguished legislator and advocate of people-centred governance, and documented projects and programmes undertaken across the 24 wards of Ahiazu Mbaise and Ezinihitte. These included the construction of classroom blocks, civic centres and skills acquisition centres, roads and other public facilities.

It also highlighted the provision of solar-powered streetlights and electricity transformers to several communities, as well as empowerment programmes through which women and youths have received vocational training, equipment and start-up support.

The brochure further detailed his legislative record, including his sponsorship of bills addressing technical education, healthcare, public safety, infrastructure, economic development and institutional reform.

Among the bills listed were the Federal Institute of Technical Education and Skills Acquisition, Mbaise Bill; National Emergency Call Centre and Short Code Bill; National Independent Project Monitoring and Evaluation Agency Bill; Real Estate Development Bank Bill; Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Mbaise Bill; National Football Academy, Ahiara Bill; and South East Erosion Commission Bill, among others.

His role in advancing the legislative process for the creation of an additional Local Government Area in Mbaise, which is awaiting presidential assent, was also acknowledged.

The citation further referenced his facilitation of the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Principal’s House at Mbaise Secondary School, Aboh Mbaise.

In his response, Rt. Hon. Chinedu thanked the organisers and the people of Mbaise for the honour. He expressed gratitude to God for the successful celebration and announced a donation of N5 million in support of the festival.

He also prayed for more abundant harvests and greater prosperity for Ndi Mbaise in the years ahead.

16 August 2026

Nnamdi Ukasanya
SA, Media & Publicity
to Rt. Hon. Emeka Martins Chinedu, MHR

Take heart my GOAT, accept my condolences May his soul rest in peace, Amen.

Kaycee2000:
https://www.naijabulze.com.ng/2026/08/lionel-messis-father-jorge-messi.html

Congratulations to Oji and Nigeria at large, I wish you all the best.

Dharmocherish:
Nigeria’s Jessica Oji has achieved a historic milestone at the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, winning gold in the women’s shot put and becoming the country’s first-ever champion in a field event at the competition.

The 19-year-old produced a winning mark of 18.08 metres to secure the title in impressive fashion. Oji was the only competitor in the final to surpass the 18-metre barrier, underlining her dominance throughout the competition.

Oji opened the final with an 18.05m throw before improving to her winning distance of 18.08m. She followed that with 17.95m and 18.07m, while two of her attempts were recorded as fouls. Her consistency was enough to keep her ahead of the field and secure the gold medal.

The victory marks a breakthrough for Nigeria in the field events at the World U20 Championships. Before Oji's triumph, the country's previous field-event medals at the competition were Esther Aghatise's long-jump silver in 2002 and Chinecherem Nnamdi's javelin bronze in 2021.

Oji's achievement comes during an extraordinary year in which she switched her international allegiance from the United States to Nigeria. She has quickly established herself as one of the country's brightest young field-event talents.

Her World U20 triumph also comes shortly after another major international achievement. Oji won silver at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, adding a senior-level medal to her growing collection before claiming the world junior title in Oregon.

The historic performance provides another major boost for Nigerian athletics, particularly in the field events, where the country has traditionally enjoyed greater success in sprinting and jumping disciplines. At just 19, Oji has already created a new chapter in Nigeria's World U20 championship history.




https://www.lagoslately.com/jessica-oji-makes-history-with-world-u20-shot-put-gold-for-nigeria/

Messi scores twice to set Leagues Cup record in Miami victory
AFP
Updated Thu, August 6, 2026 at 5:18 AM GMT+1

Lionel Messi scored twice on Wednesday to become the Leagues Cup's record goalscorer as Inter Miami beat Atletico San Luis 4-2 at home in the 2026 edition's opening group matches.

Messi, who helped Miami win the 2023 crown in his first weeks with the Florida club, took his tally in the competition for Major League Soccer and Mexican Liga MX sides to a record 14 goals.

Congratulations, Argentina and the only GOAT in the World. Merciless Messi, you are the KING OF FOOTBALL, there is no competitor.

Even if Messi did not win the World cup but playing in a world cup final back to back it is a win for me, no be CHOO CHOO CHOO.

muhmeen:
Late goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez, both created by Lionel Messi, completed a dramatic comeback as Argentina stunned England to book a World Cup final showdown with Spain.

Argentina are through to a second consecutive FIFA World Cup final after producing a remarkable late comeback to defeat England 2-1 in a pulsating semi-final at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday.

The defending champions looked destined for elimination after Anthony Gordon fired England into the lead early in the second half, but Lionel Messi inspired another unforgettable turnaround, providing assists for Enzo Fernández and substitute Lautaro Martínez as Argentina struck twice in the closing minutes to set up a blockbuster final against Spain.

England enjoyed the brighter start and frustrated Argentina with an aggressive pressing game that denied Messi and his teammates space in dangerous areas. Jordan Pickford was rarely troubled during the opening 45 minutes, while Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice controlled midfield for long spells as Thomas Tuchel's side carried confidence into the interval.

The breakthrough arrived in the 55th minute when Declan Rice started a flowing move that released Morgan Rogers down the right. Rogers delivered a precise pass into the path of Anthony Gordon, who calmly slotted beyond Emiliano Martínez to send England supporters into celebration and move the Three Lions within touching distance of their first World Cup final since 1966.

Rather than push for a second goal, England gradually retreated deeper into their own half, inviting sustained pressure from the South Americans. Argentina dominated possession during the closing stages, with Messi orchestrating wave after wave of attacks as Lionel Scaloni's men searched desperately for an equaliser.

Their persistence was rewarded five minutes from time. Messi slipped a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Enzo Fernández, who kept his composure to fire past Pickford and level the contest in the 85th minute, sparking wild celebrations among the thousands of Argentina fans inside the stadium.

With extra time looming, Argentina delivered the knockout blow in stoppage time. Messi reacted quickest after a loose ball in the area before producing a brilliant cross into the six-yard box, where substitute Lautaro Martínez arrived to steer home the winner and complete a stunning late comeback. The dramatic goal sealed a 2-1 victory and sent the reigning champions back to the World Cup final.

The result was another defining moment in the storied rivalry between Argentina and England and ensured Messi, playing in what is expected to be his final FIFA World Cup, will have one last opportunity to lift football's biggest prize. The 39-year-old did not score, but his two decisive assists underlined his enduring influence on the international stage.

Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday's World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The defending champions are chasing a fourth world title and back-to-back World Cup triumphs, while Spain will be aiming to win their second crown after ending France's hopes of reaching a third successive final.

100x100 off okpanam Ibusa by pass road 45m


10. 50x100 by Edo villa okpanam fully built up with light,,very accessible 25m

11. 100x100 at ogbeobi okpanam 16m with c of o.

New 2 Bedroom POP (2 Flats Remaining).Asaba

Pay and Pack in