₦airaland Forum

Many injured, properties looted as
Ugboenyim, a border community of Ebonyi/Benue clash over leadership tussle



Many persons were injured in a fresh power tussle between the people of Ugboenyim, a border community between Ebonyi and Benue States.

The fresh clash in the community also led to the destruction and looting of properties including domestic animals.

Recall that the community have been at war since 2006 over the control of community which has claimed lives with properties destroyed.

Ugboenyim, an Izzi speaking community is anthropologically Ebonyi State and geographically Benue State.

The people are under Ado local government area, Benue State and southern senatorial zone of the state.

Efforts were made to resolve the crisis but the people have returned to trenches with many sustaining grievous, canes, machetes and gunshots injuries when the two warring factions clashed.

Some of those injured include; Chukwuma Iboko, Bernard Ukpa and Nwofor Chukwuemeka.

They alleged that they were attacked by those who call themselves Plan B club in the community and accused one Romanus Ishiali said to be their leader of being behind the attack.

They explained that they were tied up like common criminals and flogged with canes and matches on the ground that they didn't participate in communal work in the community when according to them, there was no such work in the area.

Mrs. Obaleze Eto, one of those whose goats were looted in crisis, said her own goat which she was preparing to use and perform burial rites of his late child, was forcefully collected from her by the group.

"Romanus came and collected a goat I wanted to use for the burial of my child and left without telling me my offence.

"I waited for him to bring it back to me but he refused. I bought another goat for the burial rites. Up till now, that goat has not been returned to me", she said

Chief Omogo Ijere, village head of the community, told Our correspondent in the community that members of the Plan B club in the area have been terrorizing the people, attacking, maiming them and looting their properties which forced him to report their actions to the police in Igumali, Benue State.

"When, I was coming back after reporting the matter, I was called by one of my children and warned not to return to our place, that this Plan B club people have blocked our community and are very armed", he stated

But Romanus Ishiali denied all the allegations against him.

He told journalists that it was rather Chief Omogo Ijere faction were the ones looting domestic animals and properties and forcefully harvesting yams and other people's crops in the community.

He accused Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Onyekachi Nwebonyi of sponsoring the faction and alleged that he and some members of the community have been sacked from the community.

"Our lives are under threat, we have been marked for elimination. They have been looking for me to kill me.

"Senator Nwebonyi has been arresting our people and imprisoning them in Benue State just because we refused to follow him. He gave me monetary offers and motorcycle and I rejected it because I don't want those things and that is the cause of ordering my removal as the youth leader of our community.

"Some of us can't enter our village again and that is why you are seeing us here in Abakaliki because they said that they will kill us if we enter the village. We want governors of Ebonyi and Benue State to come to our aid before this thing cause inter-state war.

Nwebonyi, in his reaction, said Romanus Ishiali and members of his plan B group, committed a lot of crime in the community and that police is after them.

"They committed a lot of crimes; maiming some members of the community and stealing their properties and police is after them.

"They begged me to suppress the matter but I told them that what they did is evil, that even my cousin brother who is said to be among them should be charged to court

"So, they got and started paper war which I know is being sponsored by some of my political friends.

"So, they are trying to divert attention here while police is looking for them there. That place is Ado local government area, Benue State. The Chairman is looking for them and that's why they are running helter -scalter", he said

House committee lauds Ebonyi Aviation Ministry





The Chairman Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts and member representing
Izzi West Constituency Hon Chief Abiri Godwin Abiri has commended the state commissioner for Aviation Dr Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu for the upliftment and maintenance culture adopted at the Chuba Okadigbo international Airport, Onueke especially the reconstruction of the runway describing it as the largest Airport in sub --Sahara Africa.


Hon Abiri who gave the commendation when the Public Accounts Committee was interfacing with the Ministry of Aviation at the Assembly Complex, Nkaliki described the air Transportation as the fastest and safest means of transportation.

He commended State Governor, Rt Hon Francis Ogbonnia Nwifuru for the priority he gave for the renovation and reconstruction of the Airport, Onueke.

He equally poured a lot of encomiums on the wife of the State Governor, Chief Mrs Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru for pulling the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the vice President and wives of the other State Governors to Ebonyi State in this year's women day celebration during which the newly runway of the airport was commissioned.

He equally commended the activities of BERWO Programmes of the wife of the Governor which he said has imparted positively on the lives of the rural women and less privileges in the society.

The Committee Chairman however called the commissioner to furnish the Committee with the challenges and the inflow and outflow of cash so as to know where interventions will come in.

Responding, the Commissioner for Aviation, Dr Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu said that to make the operations of the airport more efficient, the runway was asphalted, the leaking roof of the airport terminal building was repaired, traffic control equipments were procured and installed while the police station and the Internal prison were equally rehabilitated.

She appreciated the committee but lamented that Transportation of the workers to the office remains her major problem as very soon collaborators like Berlin and Dubai will soon send thier aircraft to the airport.

She revealed that full operations will commence at the airport by December 2024.

Ebonyi govt tackles PDP over comment on Airport runway inauguration




Ebonyi State government has tackled the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the state for criticizing the inauguration of Chuba Okadigbo Airport runway last week by wife of President Bola Tinubu, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu after it's upgrade.

PDP, through a statement signed by Moses Idika, the head of media of the 2023 governorship candidate of the party, Chief Chukwuma Odii, accused the government of wasting Ebonyi resources on the Airport by spending about N20bn to rehabilitate its runway.

But the state government in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation in Ebonyi State, Jude Okpor, said the opposition party wanted the state government not to upgrade the Airport runway when the Airport costs the past administration in the state multi-billion naira to construct

"The State Government wishes to place on record once again that as a state that is blessed with enormous natural resources, the idea of beating whatever structural impediments that hindered the commencement of flight operations in the said Airport prior to the inauguration of the present administration is a far better and progressive option than abandoning same.

"His Excellency had in several fora assured Ebonyi people that his administration will not only perfect the project from the stage he met it but finally put it to use in other to open up the state to the outside/global community towards welcoming already waiting business opportunities and other numerous global investments, hence the need for the administration of His Excellency to sustain the project to fruition.

"The Commissioning of the runway by Her Excellency, the wife of the President, Her Excellency Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, CON, which is queried by the author is therefore, not only befitting, but a right step in the right direction. We are aware that the writer is one of the enemies of the state who had expected the enormous investment of the state on the Airport to lay waste, but we will continue to disappoint them. In no distant time, when the State Government unveils their plan in the aviation sector, their nightmare will surely nosedive", Okpor said.

The Commissioner described the data of the PDP on the debt profile of the state as unverifiable and urged the public to disregard it.

He argued that governor Francis Nwifuru has refused to borrow any loan facility since he came on board and has been criticized for refusing to bow to all forms of enticing loan offers.

"Without giving credence to the author's "unverified" data and source, particularly as it relates to the debt profile of the state, it is pertinent to state that the present Administration since inauguration, had kept aloof of all forms of borrowing, and is rather criticized for refusing to bow to all forms of enticing loan offers.

"It therefore smacks of bitter incoherence on the side of the author for attributing the state's current debt status to the Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru's Administration.

"For the avoidance of doubt, the business of governance is fundamentally anchored on effective and transparent budget implementation. As we had severally made Ebonyi people to know, the unbroken and encouraging statistical reports in favour of Ebonyi State which was released by BudgiT, a globally recognised budget tracking organisation, in 2023, few months after the inauguration of His Excellency", he submitted.

'Don't be desperate to become President in 2027', Ohanaeze Youths tells Atiku Abubakar



The youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has urged former President of the country, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar not to be desperate to become president in 2027 general elections.

National Youth Leader of the organization, Damian Okafor stated this in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.

He accused Atiku of dividing the organization by allowing those he said were expelled to be visiting him and promising to deliver Igbo speaking states to him in 2027.

Okafor urged the Department of State Security Services to go after them

"Our special appeal goes to the Director of DSS to please prevail on their Enugu command to act on the complaints before them. Other sister security agencies like the Inspector General of Police should also direct their Enugu State Command to act on the complaints before them. The Governors of Southeast under the distinguished captaincy of His Excellency Sen. Hope Uzodimma should also act on the complaints before him to save ALAIGBO. Treating these criminals with kid glove will amount to raising another sect of Non-state actors that will hold ALAIGBO to ransome.

"While continue to prioritize the core values of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, we call on the general public to beware of those *SCAMMERS* who goes about masquerading themselves in the name of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing Worldwide. Thanks Immeasurably for your kind understanding and anticipated cooperation.

"Someone as big as Atiku should not be so desperate for power to the point of entertaining criminals in the name of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing Worldwide. He should have asked himself why an apolitical organization promising him the exalted position of Nigerian President when it is the yearnings of Ndigbo to have their turn in the position and also the southern Nigeria haven't finished their turn", he said

First lady arrives Ebonyi, commissions upgraded Chuba Okadigbo Airport runway




The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu arrived the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport Onueke, Ebonyi State for the Grande finale of Ebonyi Womens Day Celebration.


Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shetima and Wife of the Governor, Mrs Mary Maudline Nwifuru were also present to receive her.

Also on hand to receive Senator Tinubu are 22 Spouses of Governors under the Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum led by Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaqnof Kwara State who is the Chairperson of the Forum.

The First Lady on arrival commissioned the upgraded runway of the airport undertaken by the present administration of governor Francis Nwifuru.

The First Lady, while commissioning the project commended the Governor for the magnificent airport.

She also commended the Governor for being gender friendly in his appointments.

She said: "I think your testimonials have really gone ahead of you, and I am really glad to be in Ebonyi state.

" I am really glad we came, and I see how beautiful Nigeria is. You know we don't promote ourselves. What I saw today, I was even saying that we went to Burundi and I thought they did well.For a state in Nigeria, your runway was better than what I was even commending them for.

"So, we want to thank God for the good work you have been doing. It gladdens my heart when we see people that are young, that they have their hands on their work and they are doing great jobs, they have to be commended",

Earlier the State governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru thanked President Bola Tinubu for the assistance he gave the state which enabled the state to upgrade the runway.

He said: "We came in, on 29th day of May, 2023, and as of then, we used concrete to build this runway. We didn't know, as a state, that concrete is not accepted to be used to build runway.

"And when we came in, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority closed the airport, that this place is not a place that a plane can land, and we decided to start rebuilding the runway",

"Based on the support and the help of your husband, by the special grace of God, we did the runway and completed it to be one of the best runways in this country, Nigeria".

Speaking to journalists shortly after the commissioning, the State Commissioner for Aviation, Ngozi Obichukwu said the airport will commence commercial flight operations next month.

She noted that all the challenges and obstacles that would have prevented the commercial flight takeoff have been swiftly handled by the Governor Nwifuru administration


"When we started, it was as if it could not go, but the Lord strengthened him (Nwifuru) through prudence and transparency and economic wise, he was able to achieve this. Now that the Chuba Okadigbo's airport runway has been commissioned, the flight operation will fully commence by December".

"We are kicking off by December. We are bringing in a commercial flights, and recall that our own aircraft is good to go. We are already ready for the Airborne Airways, which is already on. Very soon you come back here to launch it".

Wives of governors vow to sustain fight against Gender-based violence




The Nigeria Governors Wives Forum have vowed to sustain the fight against sexual and gender-based violence.

The forum in a communique issued in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital at the end of their 2024 retreat and read by Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, Chairperson of the Forum reaffirmed their resolve to keep up the fight against sexual and gender-based violence in their various states.


"It was a testament to the commitment of these remarkable women to unity, collaboration, progress and development in the service of their states and the nation as a whole. At the end of the meeting the following resolutions were made.

"The forum affirms yet again its unwavering resolve to keep up the fight against sexual and gender-based violence in their various states.

"The First Ladies have collectively endorsed the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, Gavi Initiative, committing to sustained advocacy for HPV vaccine uptake to protect our girls health.

"The next line of action is a selective sensitization of wives of local government chairman on HPV vaccine and cancer awareness.

"The First Ladies have pledged to vigorously advocate for adopting six months of paid maternity leave, engaging executive governors and state legislators to promote this policy across all states for improved maternity and child welfare", the communique stated.

Ike-River- Amaeke Bridge/Road Purely State Government Project--------Gov Nwifuru's Aide

#Commends Gov Nwifuru For Awarding the project




The Special Assistant to the Ebonyi State Governor on Internal Security, Ivo Local Government Area, Hon Ike Cletus Ngah has debunked alleged claim in some quarters that the Ike-River- Amaeke Bridge/Road project is a Constituency project of any Federal or State Legislator from the area.

Hon Ike Cletus in a statement signed by him and made available to journalists in Abakaliki expressed concern over the claim and maintained that it has become imperative to categorically state that the project is an entirely a state government project alone.

"Success they say have many relatives, only failure is a barren. No wonder why some people are laying claims to these laudable projects which were graciously approved by our wonder working Governor.

"It has therefore become imperative to categorically state that this is an entirely a state government project alone. It’s not a Constituency project of any Federal or State Legislator.

"I sincerely recommend that rather than claim this project as a personal Constituency project, any Legislator who wishes to cite a constituency project in Ivo or elsewhere has a lot of projects to choose from.

"There are many projects begging for attention in Ivo, therefore, it is needless taking the glory of another project which is singlehandedly sponsored by the State Government under the leadership of Rt Hon Francis Nwifuru.

Recounting the circumstances leading to the approval of the project by the State Governor, Hon Ike Cletus said that he had before now solicited with the President of Ishiagu Community Development Union- Architect Moses Aja to initiate a memo to the Governor, on behalf of the Union, on the deplorable condition of the Amaeke bridge requesting the intervention of the Governor.

"But in line with the Governor's love for Ivo people and his avowed commitment to implementing the People’s Charter of Needs agenda, the Governor expeditiously minuted the memo to the Commissioner of Infrastructure for the measurements and design of the projects.

He commended the State Governor for approving the project which he said will impact positively to the lives and wellbeing of the people of the area adding that the project when completed will boast agricultural production and help in the movement of agricultural produce from the farms to the market.

'I Ike Cletus Ngah, the Special Assistant to the Ebonyi State Governor on Internal Security, Ivo local Government Area heartily appreciates my boss and destiny helper Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for graciously approving the construction of the all-important Ike-River, Amaeke 3 span bridge with 2 box culverts and the 4km, Ike -River Amaeke road all in Ivo local government area of Ebonyi state.

Hon Ike Cletus also commended the former Senate President of Nigeria and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim for the indispensable role he played towards the actualization of the lofty project.

"Anyim Pius Anyim undoubtedly is a metaphor for all-round development in Ivo local government area and indeed the entire Ebonyi state having reached the highest echelon of leadership in Nigeria.

"We are very grateful for your fatherly role, guidance, mentorship and selfless services to humanity.

"As the highest political office holder from the Amaeke-Ishiagu autonomous community who have also served as the ICDU President and the Coordinator of Echiele Development Centre, I know the importance of these projects to our people.

"I therefore consider this project as a personal honour done to me by the State Governor and I sincerely promise to make all necessary sacrifices to ensure that the project is seamlessly done.

"Governor Nwifuru have wiped out the tears caused by the neglect of the Ike River bridge and its access roads by successive administrations in the state despite its strategic importance.

He also appreciated the Executives and Members of the Ishiagu Community Development Union led by Architect Moses Aja for heeding to the modest counsel by investing their time and resources towards the actualization of the projects. Ends.

Tinubu's wife to commission Chuba Okadigbo Airport runway




The wife of the President, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu will on Friday commission the rehabilitated runway of Chuba Okadigbo international Airport, Onueke, Ebonyi State.

Recall that the administration of governor Francis Nwifuru on assumption of office, one year ago, embarked on the rehabilitation of the Chuba Okadigbo's Airport runway to be of international standard.


The commissioner for Aviation and transport technology, Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu, who announced this in a statement shortly after a courtesy call by DSS and other security operatives on routine surveillance of the Airport, said that the state government is fully prepared for the commissioning.

She said that the commissioning of the runway by the wife of the President, sen. Oluremi Tinubu will mark the recommencement of full flight operation at the airport.

Obichukwu said that the asphalted Chuba Okadigbo's airport runway is the longest in the SouthEast region, and therefore called on travellers to come to Ebonyi to take their flight, especially in this yuletides.

The Commissioner said: "I had an audience with the DSS on routine surveillance of the international Airport Onueke in preparation for the commissioning of the ASPHALTED Runway by the wife of the President Tinubu, Senator OLUREMI TINUBU.

"Chuba Okadigbo airport has fully recommenced flight operations and we call on the general public, travellers to come here and take their flights. This is because we have the best and longest runway in the southeast region" she stressed.

She further commended the enormous efforts of the state governor, Francis Nwifuru in ensuring that the runway is completed and being of intentional standard.

Ebonyi governor's wife promises justice for victims of gender based Violence



Wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru has
promised to pursue and secure justice for all victims of Gender- Based Violence (GBV) in the State


This is as the Ebonyi First Lady has vowed to continue to defend the girl child and fight Gender- Based Violence (GBV) in the State

She stated this in Abakaliki, the state capital when she led a road walk on Tuesday to mark 2024 Ebonyi Women's Day Celebration with the theme "Uplifting Women for Sustainable Development".

She called on the people to report any form of abuse against the girl child, women and children to her office for necessary action.

"I want to assure every member of Ebonyi State that we will continue to defend them especially the girl child and our boy child.

"We are fighting for Gender Based Violence. Ebonyi women are against any form of maltreatment be it in the home of anywhere.

"So, if you know someone who is going through any form of maltreatment, any form of abuse, don't hesitate to call on us. We are mothers and we are ready to fight against the abuses

"We are ready to fight the perpetrators of these abuse and bring them out for judgement. We have Lawyers and we are going to prosecute anyone that maltreates women, children and girls", she stated.

The First Lady implored women to value themselves in the society by making something out of themselves.

She commended her husband, the governor for giving women great opportunities in his administration.

Senator Nwebonyi flags off construction of over N400m ultra modern civic center in Ebonyi





The Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, has flaged off the construction of over N400 million ultra-modern civic center in Isophumini Mbeke Ishieke in Ebonyi local government area of Ebonyi state.

Speaking on the intervention, Sen. Nwebonyi emphasized the importance of infrastructural development as it contributes to citizens well being and economic growth.

The Senate Deputy Chief Whip explained that the civic center would be a state-of-the-art facility, a multipurpose center that stands a chance of creating job opportunities and increasing socio-economic activities in the area and beyond.

He noted that he attracted the civic center in fulfillment of his campaign promises to his people, who were in dire need of both civic center, roads, electricity and other life touching projects.

The Senator reassured of his unwavering commitment towards offering his constituency a quality representation, by bringing more dividends of democracy to his constituents.


He assured that no local government area in the Ebonyi North Senatorial zone will be left out in his developmental roadmap as a Senator.

He announced that he would be flagging off a 10km internal road in Izzi local government area by December 2024, but other roads in Ohaukwu local government area, and Nnodo-Amike Aba within the Nkaliki axis of Ebonyi local government area would be kicked off soon, saying work has commenced at the 1.5km concrete road in Abakaliki council area.


Performing the foundation laying of the project, Governor Francis Nwifuru who was represented by the State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Engr Francis Ori described the project as timely and extension of the people's charter of needs.


He commended the Ebonyi North Senator for his quality representation, noting that he attracted many impactful infrastructural projects, including roads, electricity, housing for the widows, scholarships, and other empowerment programs in less than two years in office.

He said the civic center remains very symbolic, as according to him, when completed, it would be one of the best in Ebonyi state, and shall serve many generations, especially in socio-economic development wise.

Senator Nwebonyi flags off construction of over N400m ultra modern civic center in Ebonyi





The Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, has flaged off the construction of over N400 million ultra-modern civic center in Isophumini Mbeke Ishieke in Ebonyi local government area of Ebonyi state.

Speaking on the intervention, Sen. Nwebonyi emphasized the importance of infrastructural development as it contributes to citizens well being and economic growth.

The Senate Deputy Chief Whip explained that the civic center would be a state-of-the-art facility, a multipurpose center that stands a chance of creating job opportunities and increasing socio-economic activities in the area and beyond.

He noted that he attracted the civic center in fulfillment of his campaign promises to his people, who were in dire need of both civic center, roads, electricity and other life touching projects.

The Senator reassured of his unwavering commitment towards offering his constituency a quality representation, by bringing more dividends of democracy to his constituents.


He assured that no local government area in the Ebonyi North Senatorial zone will be left out in his developmental roadmap as a Senator.

He announced that he would be flagging off a 10km internal road in Izzi local government area by December 2024, but other roads in Ohaukwu local government area, and Nnodo-Amike Aba within the Nkaliki axis of Ebonyi local government area would be kicked off soon, saying work has commenced at the 1.5km concrete road in Abakaliki council area.


Performing the foundation laying of the project, Governor Francis Nwifuru who was represented by the State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Engr Francis Ori described the project as timely and extension of the people's charter of needs.


He commended the Ebonyi North Senator for his quality representation, noting that he attracted many impactful infrastructural projects, including roads, electricity, housing for the widows, scholarships, and other empowerment programs in less than two years in office.

He said the civic center remains very symbolic, as according to him, when completed, it would be one of the best in Ebonyi state, and shall serve many generations, especially in socio-economic development wise.

Departure Lounge of Chuba Okadigbo Int'l Airport not converted to church service venue says Obichukwu




Ebonyi State Commissioner for Aviation and transport technology, Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu has debunked the insinuation and rumors making the rounds that the departure Lounge of the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport Onueke has been converted to a church service venue following low patronage of the facility.


The social media yesterday went agog with a trending viral video of individuals purported to be conducting church service at the departure lounge of Ebonyi International Airport with the caption, Ebonyi Airport built by Engr Dave Umahi, has been converted to a church service venue due to low usage. Will governors ever get their priorities, right?

But, Obichukwu who described the information as false and the figment of the imagination of the purveyors
explained that the staff of the ministry usually holds monthly prayers to re-dedicate and smoothen the recommencement of flight operations at the Chuba Okadigbo international airport.


She said that the staff of the ministry held a prayer service to pray for the smooth landing and take off of aircrafts conveying prominent Nigerians who came to Ebonyi for the burial of the former first civilian governor of Abia, Ogbonnaya Onu.


She further said that activities has fully recommenced at the Chuba Okadigbo airport since after the rehabilitation of the runway, and however called for the patronage of the general public and air travellers, as a way to boost the internally Generated Revenue of the state.

Obichukwu said that the essence of the monthly prayer service by the staff of the ministry was to seek God’s presence and protection, for all travellers, especially in this season that will be plying Chuba Okadigbo airport to other locations in the country.

She described as enemies of the State Government, those who alleged that the airport lounge was converted to church service venue.

“Those carrying the false information are those who are not happy with the massive infrastructural development and enormous empowerment going on in the state by the governor, Francis Nwifuru.

Governor Nwifuru has demonstrated capacity, commitment, prudence and transparency in all his dealings in the state.

Obichukwu further described the critics as people who darken counsel without knowledge, and however warned them to desist from purveying fake news with the intent to run down the image of the state, and its numerous achievements/ programs.


“We have taken off flight operations, and we are very busy trying to. Of course we held our monthly prayers to kick off the recommencement of flight operations.

“The critics are enemies of development, peace and progress in Ebonyi. They are those who doesn’t see anything good in the current administration, but thanks to our capacity governor, Francis Nwifuru who has shamed them by delivering a quality and long lasting projects.

“You know that after the rehabilitation of the Chuba Okadigbo airport runway, and completion of the asphalting, we were even not sure, but by the Grace of God and appreciation to Governor Nwifuru, who provided all things to ensure that the airport’s runway and other facilities are ready.

“We are proud to say, and to thank all the regulatory bodies in Nigeria; the FAN, NACA, NCAA, NEMA, and the Nigeria estate management for their doggedness in ensuring that the airport recommences flight operations as usual” she stressed.

Similarly, the that National Advisory for Control of Aeronautics NACA has vowed to clampdown on the purveyor of the said fake news.

FIRC trains female prison inmates on sanitary pad production in Abakaliki



A Non-governmental organization, Female Inmates and Returned Citizens(FIRC) has trained over 50 female inmates at the Abakaliki Correctional Service Center on sanitary pad production.

The training was organized by the organization with support from Cardite Prisoners Interest Organization (CAPIO)

Loveth Effiong, a member of Female Inmates and Returned Citizens who trained the female inmates, said she was excited and that it was part of her efforts to ensure that the inmates does not go back to what took them to the prison.

She noted that training female inmates has taken her to many places in the country

“I feel happy, I feel joy training the female inmates because I don't want them to return to what took them to the prison when they are discharged. This washable pad has impacted my life in so many ways, taking me to so many places which I never expected in my life.


“Having the attention of the inmates was number one challenges I encountered because most of them never wanted to learn this skill but by the help of the Holy Spirit, they all agreed to learn it.


“We are here for God to correct us, not to corrupt us, we here for correction and not for corruption. I made these female inmates that I was the rejected person and if not for God and Female Returning citizens, I became somebody that I never believed in my life. There are many of them I taught how to sew clothes and they picked up”, Effiong stated.


Program Officer of FIRC, Godwin Ugbor described the training as a rare opportunity for the inmates and implored the inmates to make use of the opportunity to better their lives.


He said “this project is implemented by Female Inmates and Returned Citizens(FIRC). CAPIO is involved because we are bringing support because doing program involves high level of knowledge and that is what CAPIO is bringing while training FIRC members to take over the running of FERC.


“So, in 2022, we established FIRC and FIRC has been doing projects. This projects has been done in Lagos where Loveth the trainer came from, done in Enugu, Delta State, Abia State, Rivers State, Anambra State, Plateau State and other state.

“I am hoping that when next we come to Abakaliki, it will not be washable sanitary pads CAPIO is not a normal NGO, it is an apostolate meaning that we are concerned with the welfare of people. If somebody takes up this challenge and wants to run with it, we will equally be there to support you even when you have learn this work, we will always do what is within our powers to support you.

“This is a rare opportunity. I observed one of you saying "they thought they have done me bad by dumping me in the prison but they have dumped me to my place of blessing". “Loveth your trainer was once one of you. She is doing well today and has trained many female inmates since she came out of prison.

“She has been in Ebonyi since August, she went to Onitsha. From this Abakaliki, she will be returning to Lagos. She paid attention when she was learning this skill, learned very well and she is now committed to the task.

“As I see you leaving this place, I want to see you run with this vision. Don't go and begin to live on sympathy, we have seen some ex-inmates live on sympathy, they want to return to ways that are not good but that is why we do our best to encourage you, to empower you so that when you leave, you will be independent financially"

A representative of CAPIO, Rev Fr. Philip Gosimo advised the inmates to use the skill and establish themselves when they are discharged from the prison.

First aircraft lands in Chuba Okadigbo Airport after runway rehabilitation




The Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke, Ebonyi State have opened for flights on Thursday one year after it was closed for runway repairs by Ebonyi State government led by governor Francis Nwifuru.

The first aircraft conveying the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje and other prominent Nigerians landed safely at the Airport.

The commissioner for Aviation and transport technology, Mrs Ngozi Obichukwu who spoke to newsmen in Abakaliki, expressed gratitude to the regulatory bodies in Nigeria; the FAN, NACA, NCAA, NEMA and Nigeria air state management for approving flights operations at the Chuba Okadigbo's airport.

According to her: "Today is my happiest day, since 2024 that a landmark was made, you know after the rehabilitation of the runway and completion of the ashaphating, we were doubtful if all the regulatory bodies in Nigeria; the FAN, NACA, NCAA, NEMA and Nigeria air state management whether they will approve of it, and today by the Grace of God, it is done.

"We have received the first aircraft that brought in the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje to Ebonyi state for the burial of our dear son and the former minister of science and technology, Ogbonnaya Onu.

"We are very happy that the Chuba Okadigbo international Airport is now open. From next week, we will be having flights coming in and going out. The opening of the flight operation in Chuba Okadigbo airport is a welcome development and we give thanks to God and all appreciation to the workaholic governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, who doggeredly achieved this great fate.

"It has not been easy but the governor's prudence, transparency, dedication and commitment has brought this to us, and we are very grateful.

"We are expecting five aircrafts but one has landed, still expecting the remaining four other aircrafts to land" she noted.

Ebonyi: Disregard any purported PDP state Congress... Onu







A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and former chairman of the party in Ebonyi state, Barr. Silas Onu has called on the general public to disregard any purported PDP Congress organized and held in the state last Saturday at the party secretariat.


Onu in an interview with journalists in Abakaliki said that no Congress was organized in the State insisting that what happened over the weekend was a gathering of some political friends and not a State Congress.

Onu who declared the purported Congress as illegal said that the organizers has violated a valid court order that had earlier barred them from carrying out such activities.


According to him: "There is no faction in PDP. There was only an attempt by a greedy individual who think that the political party belong to him to hijack it, because he was mistakenly sent to go and represent Ebonyi in the national working committee, NWC, and all of a sudden it becomes a problem to everybody in the party.

"You don't do a Congress when there is court order, saying don't do any. Not one, not two. There are many cases in court and the court said, don't do anything until I finish hearing these case.

"Anybody who goes about saying he did a Congress, is doing so as a direct affront to a valid court order, and whatever the person purport to do, is simply wasting his or her time.

"No Congress held in Ebonyi, it was just a gathering of friends. We hear a rumour that he was given money to do that and destabilize PDP in Ebonyi. We don't know how true is that, but it will appear that he wants to retire the money that was given to him.

"This person supposed to be a national officer of the Party, although he has been suspended. What he did, was targeted to rise dust, but it's an effort in futility and will hold no water" he stated.

PDP will reclaim power from APC in 2027... Odefa



By Uka David


The PDP National Vice Chairman, South East, Chief Ali Odefa has vowed that the party will wrestle power back from the ruling APC come next general elections in 2027.

Chief Odefa who stated this in Abakaliki during the party's State congress in Ebonyi State berated the APC for misgovernance which has brought untold hardership on Nigerians .

He observed that "Nigerians are tired of APC, both its policies and styles of governance since it occupies the seat of power in the country."

He maintained that everybody in the country has felt the pains degenerated by the APC government policies and styles of governance.

"When PDP was in power, all of you know how much a bag of rice was. Somebody just told me that a bag of Abakaliki rice is now N73,000, which we used to buy for N22,000. All of us are feeling the pain, and that's why Nigerians are yearning for change, and that change is what PDP is ready to offer.

"All we are doing now is to put our house in order and wait to answer the call of Nigerians. PDP is a party with a human face.

"When Goodluck Jonathan was the President of Nigeria, the likes of the current President (Bola Tinubu) and even the former President Muhammad Buhari protested and accused Jonathan of bad leadership style, and nothing happened, but if anyone tries it now, they are going to kill you.

"He (Tinubu) will arrest you and put you in prison. Look at the innocent children paraded in the court some days back as protesters. Famished children were being paraded because they made their feelings known and this has shown that the APC doesn't like extreme opposition, the current government has no human face, and the APC leaders don't care who you are.

"But when birds learn to fly without perching, the hunter will learn to shoot without missing bullets. We are taking our time to take them out of their comfort zone, and at the rightful time, we will strike them out of the seat of power," Odefa said.

Mr. Peter Nwele, the newly elected Chairman of the PDP in Ebonyi State, expressed his commitment to restoring the party to its former glory in the State.

Nwele while addressing party members shortly after his swearing-in, outlined his primary goals to reconcile with aggrieved members, bring them back to the PDP fold, and ensure that the party regains its prominence as the leading opposition in the state.

He thanked members for their trust and promised to maintain an open-door administration.

Hon Ugonna Ogbonna, Chairman of Ebonyi State PDP Congress Committee, described the congress as a most peaceful exercise and commended the members of the party for being cordial in the state.

He said the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security personnel, and his team, a 7-man committee for the congress from the PDP Secretariat Abuja, were on the ground to monitor the exercise.

Ebonyi NSCDC new commandant pledges to tackle vandalism, other criminal activities

By David Uka


The new Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in Ebonyi State Francis Nnadi has promised to fight vandalism and other criminality in the state.

Commander Nnadi stated this at the command headquarters in Abakaliki, the state capital while taking over from the former Commandant of the command, Dr. Willie Etim who was deployed to another state

He noted that he was in the state to assist the government to achieve reasonable peace and secure lives.

Nnadi who described his posting to the state as as new dawn, urged the people to support the command to protect lives and properties.

"My predecessor has passed through Ebonyi with some legacies, I will also pass through Ebonyi. I am one person that doesn't believe that there is anything impossible.

"In the security architecture of this country, we have come of age. I will stop at nothing to make sure that Ebonyi is safe. All hands must be on deck to make things happen.

"I am here to hit the ground running to continue from where my predecessor stopped. We have a mandate, first of all is for protection of lives and properties, it is basic.

"Federal government gave us the power and the soul authority to cover the critical infrastructure of the federal, states and local governments. I am here to make sure that these are achieved We here to also help the state government to achieve reasonable peace and secure lives here.

"NSCDC as we are know, is civil in most of their activities. We assure Ebonyi people that my coming on board is going to be a break of a new dawn and honestly, I am available round the clock to attend to the security needs of the state", Nnadi stated

Handing over the Nnadi, Etim described the new Commandant as an experienced office and expressed confidence that he will perform.

Body of Auditor Generals urges FG to intensify fight against corruption





The body of Federal and State Auditor Generals of Nigeria has urged Nigerian government functionaries to be more active in the war against corruption in the country.

The National Chairman of the body, Sunday Adegoke, made the call in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi state capital, during a 4-day capacity building workshop for the State and local governments' auditors general in the Southeast zone of the country.

Adegoke noted that financial misappropriation and other corrupt activities have become a global challenge and called for a holistic approach in the fight against the menace in the country.

"Public finance actors, especially the key government functionaries who hold one or more responsibilities in managing public finances, they are primarily responsible parties to ensure that this menace (corruption) is brought down.

"There is a possibility, and the risk is there, that may spot a place for the managers of the public finances, need to detect each fraud - that is either to detect or prevent the fraud," he stated.

Adegoke who is Ondo State Auditor General, explained that the workshop was centered on 'enhancing public sector auditors' performance for relevance and value addition' in the country.

He said the capacity building program would equip his members with prerequisite knowledge and guidelines to ensure the sustenance of the standards requirements of the organization in the public auditing profession.

He stressed the need for the Auditor Generals to always discharge their expected duties as public auditors pertaining to financial reports to avoid fraud.

"We will just come in as reviewers to take a look at whatever report they have submitted and look at the financial management system. And where, for instance, a fraud is detected, we report it so that those places can be dealt with as provided by the laws. And what we have come here is to strengthen the capacity of the personnel,"

He maintained that the Auditor Generals should be guided by the provisions of the constitution of Nigeria while carrying out the public finance auditing before submitting the report(s) to the House of the Assembly in their various state.

He observed that no erring auditor would escape the wrath of the law as the various auditors have their codes of conduct checkmating the professional members' actions and activities.

The Head of the Sub-Supreme body in Ebonyi State, Dr. Samuel Uduma, said the four-day training program would be of great benefit to the Auditors General, especially in getting abreast with the prerequisite knowledge for the public auditing profession.

He commended Governor Francis Nwifuru, for sponsoring the program and described the gesture as the first of its kind in the country.

"There is a very big gap, most of the Auditor-Generals and their staffs, don't know a lot of things concerning current happenings in the auditing profession, public sector auditing profession.

"So, this is why we are here. We want to have a common auditing standard. We want to streamline it and not what this person will be writing this, another person will be writing that", he said

USAID State2State enlightens information officers, PROs on effective reportage in Ebonyi




In furtherance of the effectiveness of the flow of information between the government and it's citizens, the USAID Nigeria State Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness (State2State) Activity has organized a two day Communication Strategy Implementation Progress Review workshop in Ebonyi State to ensure continued improvement in governance communication strategy.

Addressing participants, the USAID State2State Communication Specialist, Nneka Acholonu Egbuna said the workshop was to look into how information officers have been able to use the communication strategy adopted in the state since 2020 to discharging their duties.

Nneka Egbuna maintained that the Ebonyi State Communication Strategy was co-developed by government and stakeholders to improve communications between State Ministries , Departments and Agency officials and citizens for the purpose of strengthening state government responsiveness to the needs and priorities of its citizens.

Also Speaking, the Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist with USAID State2State, Mrs. Ejiro Okotie, highlighted on Understanding Gender and Social Inclusion Mainstreaming in Communication and implored the Information and Public Relations Officers to always promote positivism and empowering narratives technique in their reportage and charged them to avoid stereotype and bias reportage.

Earlier in a Goodwill message, the Permeant Secretary, State Ministry of Information and Orientation, Mrs Patience Nwobashi thanked State2State for partrnering Ebonyi State saying the state has benefited a lot.

She commended the State2State Communication Specialist Nneka Egbuna for her tireless efforts in reshaping the activities of Information Officers in the State and charged the Information and Public Relations Officers in the workshop to pay attention to the teachings at the workshop as it would help them to write reports without putting the state in jeopardy.

In a presentation, the Director Information in the Ministry of Information in the state ministry of information, Mr. Anya Nkama said the presence of USAID State2State in Ebonyi has helped in developing working documents which have been guiding Information and Public Relations Officers in handling reputation management and making them active participants in the feedback mechanism which has inturn helped the government to be more responsive to the needs of the people.

Appreciating the State2State for the workshop, participants including the Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi State House of Assembly Mr Egede Sylverter and Public Relations Officer in Ministry of Grants and Donor Agencies Mr Chukwudi Nweke said he workshop has actually repositioned them on how best to carryout their jobs and thanked the USAID Nigeria State2State for the opportunity given to them.

Sessions included Good Practices for Audience Engagement on Social Media, and Review of Results Achieved by Information and Public Relations Officers in using the strategy.

USAID State2State enlightens information officers, PROs on effective reportage in Ebonyi




In furtherance of the effectiveness of the flow of information between the government and it's citizens, the USAID Nigeria State Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness (State2State) Activity has organized a two day Communication Strategy Implementation Progress Review workshop in Ebonyi State to ensure continued improvement in governance communication strategy.

Addressing participants, the USAID State2State Communication Specialist, Nneka Acholonu Egbuna said the workshop was to look into how information officers have been able to use the communication strategy adopted in the state since 2020 to discharging their duties.

Nneka Egbuna maintained that the Ebonyi State Communication Strategy was co-developed by government and stakeholders to improve communications between State Ministries , Departments and Agency officials and citizens for the purpose of strengthening state government responsiveness to the needs and priorities of its citizens.

Also Speaking, the Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist with USAID State2State, Mrs. Ejiro Okotie, highlighted on Understanding Gender and Social Inclusion Mainstreaming in Communication and implored the Information and Public Relations Officers to always promote positivism and empowering narratives technique in their reportage and charged them to avoid stereotype and bias reportage.

Earlier in a Goodwill message, the Permeant Secretary, State Ministry of Information and Orientation, Mrs Patience Nwobashi thanked State2State for partrnering Ebonyi State saying the state has benefited a lot.

She commended the State2State Communication Specialist Nneka Egbuna for her tireless efforts in reshaping the activities of Information Officers in the State and charged the Information and Public Relations Officers in the workshop to pay attention to the teachings at the workshop as it would help them to write reports without putting the state in jeopardy.

In a presentation, the Director Information in the Ministry of Information in the state ministry of information, Mr. Anya Nkama said the presence of USAID State2State in Ebonyi has helped in developing working documents which have been guiding Information and Public Relations Officers in handling reputation management and making them active participants in the feedback mechanism which has inturn helped the government to be more responsive to the needs of the people.

Appreciating the State2State for the workshop, participants including the Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi State House of Assembly Mr Egede Sylverter and Public Relations Officer in Ministry of Grants and Donor Agencies Mr Chukwudi Nweke said he workshop has actually repositioned them on how best to carryout their jobs and thanked the USAID Nigeria State2State for the opportunity given to them.

Sessions included Good Practices for Audience Engagement on Social Media, and Review of Results Achieved by Information and Public Relations Officers in using the strategy.

Ebonyi: Two Monarchs Fight Over Control of Eguho "Community"

...We Want Autonomous Community, Stakeholders Beg Nwifuru

The traditional ruler of Ezekunna community, HRH Ezeogo Innocent Nworie and his counterpart of Ezzagu Community, HRH Ezeogo Chinedu Nwankwo in Ishielu Local Government area of Ebonyi State were at dagger drum over an overriding control and headship of Eguho "community".

Though not an autonomous community, Eguho comprises of 13 villages cohabitated by the people of Ezekunna and Ezzagu communities under the two monarchs.

However, all efforts for Eguho to gain autonomous community out of the two communities failed during the administration of the first civilian governor of the state, Dr Sam Egwu.

Meanwhile, crisis ensued when Ezeogo Chinedu Nwankwo of Ezzagu community stormed Eguho to conduct the election of the home branch executives, claiming that his Ezekunna counterpart authorized him to oversee the affairs of the place.

But Ezeogo Nworie in his swift reaction through a letter tagged "Call to Order" dated October 10, 2024 and was addressed to Ezeogo Chinedu Nwankwo, denied that he never delegated his counterpart to act, interfere and or oversee any activities going on in Eguho.

The letter reads in part: "I write to advise that you stay off from every territorial encroachment within my community Ezekunna. I want to state categorically that henceforth I don't want you to interfere on issues within my community which Eguho is inclusive".

"The boundaries of Ezekunna and Ezzagu is at the Slaughter House down to Aguobodo and Obegu Isu. I wish to state categorically clear that I am physically fit and sound to discharge my duties as the traditional ruler of Ezekunna community and have never in any way abdicated my duties nor delegated my functions to you as claimed".

"I therefore advise that you avoid anything that's capable of causing crisis between the two brother communities. This is my 24 years as the traditional ruler of Ezekunna community and even your predecessor, late Linus Enyiukpor, Ezechima 1 of Ezzagu, we have never had any issues with our territories'.

The National President of Eguho Development Union, Mr Innocent Igwe noted that the interference of the traditional rulers was capable of causing crisis between the two kindreds.

Igwe further called on state governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru to intervene and quell the looming crisis by declaring Eguho as an autonomous community.

"Eguho has 13 villages and highest voting strength in the old Ezzagu zone. In Eguho, Ezzagu and Ezekunna people live interwoven in peace, unity and harmony. Eguho has large land mass. The only solution to this bickering is to make Eguho an autonomous community, the National President said.

In a letter written by Eguho Indigenous Lawyers through Barrister Hans Offia Chambers to the two warring monarchs, they maintained that none of them has exclusive jurisdiction in the affairs of Eguho since both kindreds live together in the place.

Ebonyi: Nwifuru flags-off of 2,085.00 meter Okwase-Nkaleke Internal Roads to link with Hausa Quarters, Nkaliki Road





The governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Francis Nwifuru has flaged off the construction of 2,085.00 meter Okwase-Nkaleke Internal Roads in Abakaliki local government area of the state.

Governor Nwifuru speaking while flagging off the road said the road will be extended to Hausa Quarters and Nkaliki Road, pointing out that his administration is working hard to expand the capital city from the way he meets it by creating more internal roads in the city.

The governor who was represented by the State Commissioner for Works, Engnr Stanley Lebechi Mbam said
considering the economic importance of the internal roads in Nkaliki, the Okwase- Nkaleke and other ongoing road projects in the area will be completed in the next 3 months and urged stakeholders and the community members to lend their support to the project by protecting the concrete work.


“We have done a lot trying to expand the capital city from the way we meet it. We started with the new mile 50 layout which is about 4.5k completed and commissioned”.

"It will interest you to know that these roads had never got any touch of construction since the creation of Ebonyi State but our dear Governor, with his eagle eye, captured the roads into his People's Charter of Needs Mantra hence, the flag-off".


“I Want to let you know that the Governor of Ebonyi State, Ogbonna Nwifuru, is beckoned on people’s charter of needs, and he is out expanding the capital city. We have just been as if we are in a cage whereby it is only the old capital city that has access road, but I want to let you know that since he came on board, we have been able to expand the capital city.

“We have the new mile 50 road, which is about 4.5 km, and other places that have never experienced road construction before.

“This place is in the capital city. It is not only that this road is connected to this community, but it is also connected to other major roads linking Hausa quarters and the Ebyia community, so be grateful to God he is the dividend of democracy and the dividends of the people’s charter of needs.

“This road is impassable. I pity people who use this road daily, but when Governor Nwifuru came on board, he said we should look into this. I was happy because the road was connected to my community.

“join this road with other road projects in and around Nkaliki when you sum them up, it is about 4.2km but distributed around. I think 2km is coming here for the first phase, and I believe as we progress, additions will be made to it.

“We are expanding the city, and I believe as we are starting this job today, within 2 to 3 months, we should be able to complete it and move to the next phase." He stated.

Tinubu's aides to partner Minister of Works to drive 'infrastructural development agenda of Renewed Hope to communities




The Senior Special Assistants to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement in the six geopolitical zones on Wednesday partnered the Minister of Works, David Umahi to drive the infrastructural development of the President Tinubu-led administration to the various communities in the country.


The Senior Special Assistant to President on community engagement, South East, Mrs. Chioma Nweze, who made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen, shortly after a courtesy call to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, said that the SSAs are committed to collaborate with the Minister to drive positive change and growth in the communities.

The statement reads in part: "We discussed the importance of partnership and funding to ensure that our communities are carried along in the infrastructural development of the President Tinubu-led administration.

"As we strive for inclusive growth and development, it's crucial that we engage with our communities and involve them in the decision-making process. Our meeting with the Minister of Works was a significant step towards achieving this goal. We deliberated on the various projects and initiatives that can benefit our communities and identified areas where we can collaborate to drive positive change.

"One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the need for more funding to support community development projects. We recognized that investing in our communities is essential for promoting economic growth, reducing poverty, and improving living standards. The Minister assured us that the government is committed to supporting community development initiatives and will work with us to explore potential funding opportunities.

"Another critical aspect of our discussion was the importance of partnership and collaboration. We acknowledged that no single entity can drive development alone and that partnerships are crucial for achieving our goals. We explored potential areas for collaboration, including community engagement, project implementation, and resource mobilization.

"Our meeting with the Minister of Works was a resounding success, and we're eager to build on the momentum generated. We're committed to working closely with the Minister and his team to ensure that our communities are at the forefront of the infrastructural development agenda.

"Our meeting with the Minister of Works was a significant milestone in our efforts to promote community engagement and development. We're excited about the prospects of working together to drive positive change and look forward to exploring new opportunities for collaboration and growth" she noted.

Nweze equally reiterated the commitment of the Ministry of works to collaborate with the presidential community engagement to assess feedback on status of Federal Roads across the region.

Building Collapse; A recurring nightmare ridiculing Nigeria internationally...NIA



The Nigeria Institute of Architects(NIA), has described building collapse as a recurring nightmare ridiculing the country internationally.

The President of the NIA, Arc Adeniyi Mobolaji who stated this during their 2024 Architects symposium in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State with the theme "architecture and building collapse: the practice, reality and remedy", revealed that over 500 cases have been recorded in the country which highlights the need for stricter building regulations and enforcement to prevent the menace.

He called on members of the institute to be alive to their responsibility in building project to prevent the cases.

"Incidents of building collapse in Nigeria highlights the need for stricter building regulations and enforcement to prevent it.

"Building collapse is a recurring nightmare in Nigeria, in fact, it's becoming very embarrassing, we are almost becoming a ridicule internationally when like every other week, the building is collapsing.

"Recently, a building collapsed in Lagos, infact, Lagos is becoming epicenter for building collapses in Nigeria and it is so unfortunate. As Architects, we must confront this reality and take collective responsibility to ensuring safety and sustainability.

"We must never forget our position in building project. The Architect is the lead construction. Therefore he has an oversight over all the professionals. The statistics are alarming and this is the reality we must face. Over 500 building collapse in Nigeria since 2010 has been recorded and over 100 of lives lost", she stated.

In a lecture titled"building construction delivery process in Nigeria: the role of government and professionals in the building industry" the Managing Director of Anambra Bureau of Public Procurement, Okey Ezeobi called for collaboration by professionals in the industry to tackle the cases of building collapse in the country.

He blamed the cases on the collapse of practice in the building industry and government framework on the rising cases of the menace.

In his remarks, the Chairman of NIA, Ebonyi State chapter, Dr. Emmanuel Udomiaye also called on the stakeholders in the building environment to form a synergy to tackle the monster.

He lamented that the nobility of architecture was under threat, not because architecture was no longer relevant in the 21st century, but because of the scowl neglect by those who have benefited so much from "mother architecture".

Erudite scholar, Prof Aja Akpuru Aja for burial November 9


By David Uka

The remains of the foremost and widely published academic, Professor Aja Akpuru Aja will be buried on Saturday, November 9, 2024 in his country home, Okposi in Ohaozara Local Government Area, Ebonyi State.

The University Don died on March 16, 2024, after a brief illness at 66.

A statement by Prof A. O. Unagha, Chairman, Burial Committee and Dr. E.J. Okorie, (Secretary), on behalf of the family of Nigeria’s first Minister of Education, Onyibe Aja Nwachuku, CFR, said the burial ceremony will be held at the football field of Government Secondary School, Okposi.


Professor Akpuru-Aja, a distinguished scholar in International Relations and Strategic Studies, served at Abia State University, Uturu, for 34 years, including 17 years as a full professor. He held visiting professorial positions at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ebonyi State, and Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State. He was, for some years, a Directing Staff at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Near Jos, Plateau State.

An author of numerous books and articles, Prof Akpuru-Aja earned international recognition, including commendations from former U.S. President, Bill Clinton and the late Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General, for his book: “The US Presidential Personalities and Power of Persuasion in Foreign Policy.” He served as a resource person to key national institutions and contributed to the development of Nigeria’s National Security and Foreign Policy.

Police raises alarm over youth restiveness, extra judicial killings in Ebonyi


By David Uka


The police in Ebonyi State, yesterday raised the alarm over youth restiveness and extra judicial killings in the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Anthonia Adaku Uche-Anya stated this in Abakaliki, the state capital in a meeting with local government Chairmen, traditional rulers, town union Presidents and other stakeholders of various communities in the state.

She said youths in various communities in the state now take laws into their hands at will and vowed that it will bring them to book to ensure law and order.

The CP observed that many youths in the state burn properties for perceived wrong done to them while some carry out mob action against perceived suspects which has caused many deaths in the communities

She warned that the command will not only hold the perpetrators of such acts accountable but stakeholders of the communities the perpetrators come from for allowing such ugly incidents

Uche-Anya said ,"I will like to bring to your knowledge the spate of youth restiveness that we are witnessing in our communities, extra-judicial activities being carried out in our communities.

"For instance, our youths take laws into their hands, burning and destroying properties belonging to innocent people for perceived wrong done to them.

"Some carry out mob action most times leading to deaths of victims for perceived offences which are only meant for courts to determine.

"This kind of illegal activities must stop. The dangers of this kind of activities is that most times, people use it to settle scores with perceived enemies. Some times, they set people up and people start reasoning or thinking, the deed would have been done.

"Since I came, there have been several of such activities. Some due to prompt response, we were able to save the victims, some others before help could come, suffered extreme case of fatal situation leading to deaths.

"I am pleading with all of us that this kind of activities must stop. We have legal way of ensuring that justice is done. I employ all of us to follow due process, otherwise, I will not hold only the perpetrators accountable, but the stakeholders in the communities that could not hold their wards or their youths to order"

The Police Commissioner said she called the meeting for the stakeholders to join hands with the police to police their communities and maintain law and order.

"This meeting is essentially to meet our major stakeholders of the communities we serve. My business here in Ebonyi State is to maintain law and order and ensure security of lives and properties.

"The business of security is now a whole of collective approach,it's every body's business and police on our own, we can't do it alone.

"So, we plead with you to partner with us in ensuring that we secure Ebonyi State and that peace reigns in the state,", she stated.

Gov Nwifuru flags off disbursement of N300m Agric empowerment grant to100 Ebonyi trained farmers





Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has flaged off the disbursement of ₦3,000,000 grants to 100 beneficiaries of the State Government's Agricultural Empowerment Programme who have completed their advanced farming training at Masters Skills Training Centre, Agbani, Enugu State.

The beneficiaries were trained in freshry, poultry, piggery and other departments of modern agricultural practices.

The governor while flagging off the disbursement at old Exco-Chambers, old Government House, Abakaliki, said each of the 100 beneficiaries of the agriculture empowerment programme would receive 3 million Naira.

The governor, represented by his Deputy, Princess Patricia Obila, congratulated the beneficiaries and commended them for their active participation during their training at Agbani farm. He, however, advised them to utilize the opportunity to expand their farms for the benefit of humanity.

"Your selection to be beneficiaries of this empowerment programme from the 13 local government areas in our state was not because you are best but by the grace of God.

"I advise you to make use of this opportunity very well, to advance your farms and for the benefit of humanity. Try to empower others, by having a master plan on how to use the money," he said.

Governor Nwifuru announced plans to enroll over 200 persons, including the 171 Ward Councillors of the State in another Agric Training Nasarawa State for subsequent empowerment and advised the beneficiaries to remain good ambassadors of the state.

Also, the State Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring, Mrs Ann Aligwe advised the beneficiaries not to divert the funds to any other business except for the development of their farms to become self-relevant, wealth creators and employers of labour in the state.

Aligwe recalled that the state governor has embarked on a series of empowerment programmes, citing the examples of 2 million Naira empowerment to hawkers and one million Naira empowerment to over 1500 youths each, among others.

The commissioner said, apart from the first beneficiaries of the FONEP agriculture training, another 100 persons have been selected for the training at Agbani farm while another 200 persons would take off from Ebonyi for the same training at Nasarawa state soon.

The beneficiaries, through their Coordinator, Fabian Adagba, applauded Governor Nwifuru for empowering them and explained that they have been equipped with advanced agricultural skills, including production, processing, packaging and marketing of farm produce.

Adagba noted that apart from livestock farming, the beneficiaries were trained in crop farming, especially in rice, cassava and oil plant farming, and urged the state government to intensify efforts on monitoring to encourage them to put the best of the knowledge acquired in the field.

He recommended the state government establish a practical agricultural skills training centre and animal feed mill production centre and convert FONEP into a cooperative society to facilitate the expansion of the training exercise and include more beneficiaries in Ebonyi State.

Alleged Bribery: Group absolves Ebonyi Commissioner for LG



A civil society organisation, Ebonyi First Vanguard has condemned some media report against Ebonyi Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Uchenna Igwe, over the family of the late traditional ruler of Nkalaha Community in Ishielu LGA of the State Late Ezeogo Augustine Okwor (Onwa Fuo Igboamaru II of Nkalaha).


At a press conference in Abakaliki the Director-general, of the group Eze Monday who dismissed the allegations against the Commissioner, described it as baseless, unfounded and smacks of bad faith to tarnish the good reputation of the Commissioner.


Recall that in a complaint addressed to the Governor of the state, written by the family’s attorney, E. Emeka Anosike & Associates, they alleged abuse of office by the state commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters, saying that the recognition of one Mr. Thompson I. Ebeh on the 1st of October, 2024, as the new traditional ruler of the Nkalaha community in Ishielu Local Government Area of the state was not done with due process.

They equally maintained in the petition that the late Ezeogo Augustine Okwor, during his lifetime, was recognized as a traditional ruler of the Nkalaha Autonomous Community on the 26/8/2020 by the former Governor of the State, Engr. David Umahi, “a position he held until his demise on the 24th day of May, 2024, after a brief illness.”.



The group expressed shock on the blackmail against Igwe and challenged the late Okwor family to show prove of the allegations against the Commissioner or tender unreserved public apology to him and Ebonyi people




He said: "The attention of Ebonyi First Vanguard has been drawn to the baseless media blackmail levied by the family of the late traditional ruler of Nkalaha Community in Ishielu LGA in league with other unpopular beneficiaries of the old order on media spaces against Ebonyi Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Uchenna Stephen Igwe, who has refused to flinch in his commitment to transparently implement the democratic agenda of Ebonyi People's Charter of Needs administration led by His Excellency, Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru".

"This press statement has become necessary to put the records straight and prevent the intended deception of the gullible Ebonyi masses by unscrupulous elements who resent the termination of injustice and tyranny on which they thrived and the nascent wind of positive change which the Nwifuru's administration symbolizes for Ebonyi people".

"The unsubstantiated accusations that the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters in Ebonyi State, Hon. Uchenna Stephen Igwe, a gentleman known for contentment, extorted money from a dead man and another living traditional ruler is far-fetched, unfounded and smacks of bad faith. Ebonyi First Vanguard hereby challenges the late Okwor family of Nkalaha Community to show prove of their criminal allegations against the commissioner or tender unreserved public apology to Hon. Uchenna Igwe and Ebonyi people for that infantile attempt to impeach the character of an innocent Ebonyian".


To put the records straight, the group stated that:

"The late Ezeogo Augustine Okwor was dethroned by the High Court of Ebonyi State sitting in Ezzamgbo Judicial Division presided over by His Lordship, Honourable Justice H. A. Njoku, in a judgment delivered on Thursday, 11th June, 2015 in suit number HK/14/2009 between Chief Michael Ominyi and Thompson Ebe & 7 others".

"That the said judgement declared Chief Thompson Ebe as the "duly elected Eze of Nkalaha Autonomous Community and ordered for unencumbered recognition of Chief Thompson Ebe".

" That purported recognition of late Augustine Okwor as Ezeogo of Nkalaha Community in contempt of the judgement of the court of competent jurisdiction was a procured through deceit and misrepresentation of facts to the previous administration".

"That the anomalous recognition of the late Augustine Okwor was continuously protested by the people of Nkalaha Community to the point that the previous administration of Ebonyi State which recognized the late Augustine Okwor had to set up an Executive Council Committee chaired by Dr. Chris Achi to look into the Nkalaha Eze tussle and make recommendations to the administration in 2019".

"The Dr. Chris Achi-led EXCO committee on Nkalaha Eze tussle established that Chief Thompson Ebe was the winner of the Nkalaha Eze election held on 6th December, 2008 and recommended the withdrawal of both the staff of office and certificate of recognition given to late Augustine Okwor; and the presentation of Chief Thompson Ebe to the former Governor for recognition".

"On 28th August, 2023, the people of Nkalaha Community wrote to the present Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, demanding for the implementation of both the High Court judgement and recommendations of the EXCO committee on Nkalaha Community Ezeogo seat. Governor Francis Nwifuru directed Executive Chairman of Ishielu LGA, Hon. John O. Onwe, to investigate the matter and revert. The Ishielu council chairman set up a 7-man committee chaired by Barr Augustine Owo. On 02/11/2023, this committee, like the High Court of Ebonyi State and the Ebonyi State Exco committee led by Dr. Chris Achi, recommended the withdrawal of the recognition of Augustine Okwor as Ezeogo of Nkalaha and the presentation both staff of office and certificate of recognition to Chief Thompson Ebe, the Eze - elect of Nkalaha Autonomous Community".

"On 20th June, 2024, the people of Nkalaha Community wrote to the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, notifying him of the unfortunate departure on 24th May, 2024 of the embattled Augustine Okwor and praying for the presentation of staff of office and certificate of recognition as traditional ruler of Nkalaha Autonomous Community to Chief Thompson Ebe. This culminated in the recognition of Ezeogo Thompson Ebe as the traditional ruler of Nkalaha Autonomous Community, alongside other traditional rulers-elect of other communities in Ebonyi State on 1st October, 2024!"

"The other allegation that Ebonyi State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Uchenna Stephen Igwe, stopped the construction of the building graciously approved for the late Augustine Okwor is another lie from the pit of hell. Investigations show that the building project is on-going and has progressed more than those of many living traditional rulers in many communities of Ebonyi State. The contractor handling that particular project is alive and can attest that no stop order has been issued to him by the commissioner or any other person or authority." The group stated.

Alleged Bribery: Group absolves Ebonyi Commissioner for LG



A civil society organisation, Ebonyi First Vanguard has condemned some media report against Ebonyi Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Uchenna Igwe, over the family of the late traditional ruler of Nkalaha Community in Ishielu LGA of the State Late Ezeogo Augustine Okwor (Onwa Fuo Igboamaru II of Nkalaha).


At a press conference in Abakaliki the Director-general, of the group Eze Monday who dismissed the allegations against the Commissioner, described it as baseless, unfounded and smacks of bad faith to tarnish the good reputation of the Commissioner.


Recall that in a complaint addressed to the Governor of the state, written by the family’s attorney, E. Emeka Anosike & Associates, they alleged abuse of office by the state commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters, saying that the recognition of one Mr. Thompson I. Ebeh on the 1st of October, 2024, as the new traditional ruler of the Nkalaha community in Ishielu Local Government Area of the state was not done with due process.

They equally maintained in the petition that the late Ezeogo Augustine Okwor, during his lifetime, was recognized as a traditional ruler of the Nkalaha Autonomous Community on the 26/8/2020 by the former Governor of the State, Engr. David Umahi, “a position he held until his demise on the 24th day of May, 2024, after a brief illness.”.



The group expressed shock on the blackmail against Igwe and challenged the late Okwor family to show prove of the allegations against the Commissioner or tender unreserved public apology to him and Ebonyi people




He said: "The attention of Ebonyi First Vanguard has been drawn to the baseless media blackmail levied by the family of the late traditional ruler of Nkalaha Community in Ishielu LGA in league with other unpopular beneficiaries of the old order on media spaces against Ebonyi Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Uchenna Stephen Igwe, who has refused to flinch in his commitment to transparently implement the democratic agenda of Ebonyi People's Charter of Needs administration led by His Excellency, Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru".

"This press statement has become necessary to put the records straight and prevent the intended deception of the gullible Ebonyi masses by unscrupulous elements who resent the termination of injustice and tyranny on which they thrived and the nascent wind of positive change which the Nwifuru's administration symbolizes for Ebonyi people".

"The unsubstantiated accusations that the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters in Ebonyi State, Hon. Uchenna Stephen Igwe, a gentleman known for contentment, extorted money from a dead man and another living traditional ruler is far-fetched, unfounded and smacks of bad faith. Ebonyi First Vanguard hereby challenges the late Okwor family of Nkalaha Community to show prove of their criminal allegations against the commissioner or tender unreserved public apology to Hon. Uchenna Igwe and Ebonyi people for that infantile attempt to impeach the character of an innocent Ebonyian".


To put the records straight, the group stated that:

"The late Ezeogo Augustine Okwor was dethroned by the High Court of Ebonyi State sitting in Ezzamgbo Judicial Division presided over by His Lordship, Honourable Justice H. A. Njoku, in a judgment delivered on Thursday, 11th June, 2015 in suit number HK/14/2009 between Chief Michael Ominyi and Thompson Ebe & 7 others".

"That the said judgement declared Chief Thompson Ebe as the "duly elected Eze of Nkalaha Autonomous Community and ordered for unencumbered recognition of Chief Thompson Ebe".

" That purported recognition of late Augustine Okwor as Ezeogo of Nkalaha Community in contempt of the judgement of the court of competent jurisdiction was a procured through deceit and misrepresentation of facts to the previous administration".

"That the anomalous recognition of the late Augustine Okwor was continuously protested by the people of Nkalaha Community to the point that the previous administration of Ebonyi State which recognized the late Augustine Okwor had to set up an Executive Council Committee chaired by Dr. Chris Achi to look into the Nkalaha Eze tussle and make recommendations to the administration in 2019".

"The Dr. Chris Achi-led EXCO committee on Nkalaha Eze tussle established that Chief Thompson Ebe was the winner of the Nkalaha Eze election held on 6th December, 2008 and recommended the withdrawal of both the staff of office and certificate of recognition given to late Augustine Okwor; and the presentation of Chief Thompson Ebe to the former Governor for recognition".

"On 28th August, 2023, the people of Nkalaha Community wrote to the present Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, demanding for the implementation of both the High Court judgement and recommendations of the EXCO committee on Nkalaha Community Ezeogo seat. Governor Francis Nwifuru directed Executive Chairman of Ishielu LGA, Hon. John O. Onwe, to investigate the matter and revert. The Ishielu council chairman set up a 7-man committee chaired by Barr Augustine Owo. On 02/11/2023, this committee, like the High Court of Ebonyi State and the Ebonyi State Exco committee led by Dr. Chris Achi, recommended the withdrawal of the recognition of Augustine Okwor as Ezeogo of Nkalaha and the presentation both staff of office and certificate of recognition to Chief Thompson Ebe, the Eze - elect of Nkalaha Autonomous Community".

"On 20th June, 2024, the people of Nkalaha Community wrote to the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Builder Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, notifying him of the unfortunate departure on 24th May, 2024 of the embattled Augustine Okwor and praying for the presentation of staff of office and certificate of recognition as traditional ruler of Nkalaha Autonomous Community to Chief Thompson Ebe. This culminated in the recognition of Ezeogo Thompson Ebe as the traditional ruler of Nkalaha Autonomous Community, alongside other traditional rulers-elect of other communities in Ebonyi State on 1st October, 2024!"

"The other allegation that Ebonyi State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Uchenna Stephen Igwe, stopped the construction of the building graciously approved for the late Augustine Okwor is another lie from the pit of hell. Investigations show that the building project is on-going and has progressed more than those of many living traditional rulers in many communities of Ebonyi State. The contractor handling that particular project is alive and can attest that no stop order has been issued to him by the commissioner or any other person or authority." The group stated.

2024 WTD: NUT advocates value for teachers' voices towards educational, societal development.


Marking the 2024 World Teachers Day on Saturday, 5th October in Ebonyi, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT has emphasized the need to value the knowledge, voice and participation of teachers in decision-making in the education sector and general societal development.

The NUT National President, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, who made the call at the union's Secretariat, Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State Capital, said, the theme of the WTD celebration for the year centred on "Valuing teacher voices towards a new social contract for Education.

The theme, according to Audu, represented by Comrade Lagha-Owei Fyneman Zik, the AOPSHON National President, "highlights the important role teachers play in shaping the future of education and society, and the need to value their knowledge, voice and participation in decision making in education."

The President stated that education around the globe is in crisis, saying the rapidly changing world has been faced with numerous emerging challenges such as climate change, technical expansion and digital divide, demographic changes, armed conflicts, natural disasters, pandemics and other emergencies.

"These developments have impacted the education landscape, leading to inequalities and crises of equity and relevance. This situation underscores the need for a social contract which must be built on principles that assure the right to quality education throughout life and strengthen education as a public endeavour and a public good (UNESCO, 2021.)

Audu further lamented that the new challenges and new trends in education have placed a greater burden on teachers and expanded their roles, pointing out that, "the teachers are required to build their capacities to help learners acquire new knowledge, skills, values and competencies they need to shape their lives and to be relevant and useful players in today's knowledge society.

"This year's World Teachers Day, therefore, emphasizes the need to address the systematic challenges faced by teachers, to strengthen social dialogue, and to incorporate teachers' perspectives into educational policy and decision-making; they need supportive environments and better working conditions to ensure effective education delivery, and to meet the needs of society and demands of the 21st century," he added.

He recalled that NUT recently launched the "Go Public! Fund Education Campaign," a global call spearheaded by Education International (EI) for adequate funding of education and the teaching profession. He stressed the need for launching an education promotional campaign because poor funding and inadequate investment in education constitute a major barrier to the effective implantation of educational policies and programmes in Nigeria.

"This year's World Teachers Day provides us another opportunity to launch the Go Public! Fund Education Campaign at the state level with a view of amplifying and deepening our call on tiers of government to invest adequately in education and the teaching profession to ensure the provision of quality Public education for all."

He also recalled that the age-long demand of the NUT for upward review of the teachers' retirement age was addressed when former President Muhammad Buhari signed into law the Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers Bill.

In his words, the law has provided for the retirement of teachers on attainment of 65 years of age or 40 years of service.
He disclosed that 23 states and Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja have so far implemented the law, and however advised the remaining 13 states to implement it without further delay to address manpower and other needs in the school system across the nation.

In his address, the NUT Chairman in Ebonyi State, Comrade Ekechi Francis Okorie recalled the historic antecedents of the WTD, which he said, owes its origin to the Conference of the Ministers of Affiliate Nations to the International Labour Organization and United Education Scientific and Cultural Organization, ILO/UNESCO who on October 5th 1966 converged in Geneva, Switzerland to consider ILO/UNESCO document on recommendations concerning the status of teachers and education.

To clarify the recommendations, according to Ekechi, it addressed the parlours state of teachers and social disregard for the profession all over the world, particularly in Nigeria where teaching has become all comers affair.

He noted that the event was targeted at establishing a minimum standard and framework for the welfare of teachers, their social security and professional relevance in the educational, political and economic life of the nations in the world.

He described teachers as character moulders and nation builders in considering their pivotal roles in shaping the future by nurturing and impacting students and driving educational programs' progress.

"However, to fully harness teachers' potentials, it is crucial and imperative that their voices are heard and valued in the decision-making process that affects their profession. The importance of valuing teachers' voices underscores the need to integrate their perception into educational policies and foster a supportive environment for the development of the teaching profession and that of education," he said.

He called for collective synergy to improve teachers' service delivery in the discharge of their call in the teaching profession.

Ekechi commended the giant strides and policy trust of Governor Francis Nwifuru in reshaping and revamping the education sector in Ebonyi State, saying he has done well in ensuring the working condition of teachers is enhanced through partnering with them during the last edition of the World Teachers Day.

He extolled Governor Nwifuru for having appointed some teachers as Permanent Secretaries into the state ministries, boards, and parastatals. He described the approval of an extension of teachers' service years by Nwifuru as a bold step to encourage better service delivery in the teaching profession in the state.

He thanked the governor for having granted a waiver for the recruitment of one thousand (1,000) teachers in the state public secondary schools for corresponding replacement of those who exited the profession either by death, retirement or research for greener pastures, also "being among the first governor from the South Eastern Geo- political zone to approve the payment of new minimum wage and regular payments of teachers salaries."

He however, tasked all the council chairmen in the state to prioritize the payment of the teachers' salaries as approved by the Federal High Court and Governor Nwifuru who okayed the autonomy of the local government, given the experience of the past where teachers were owed for months due to the inability of the council to shoulder such huge responsibility.

Ekechi praised Governor Nwifuru for embarking on the promotion of teachers from 2021 till date, establishment of Ebonyi State University of Aerospace and Engineering in Ezza land and University of ICT in Oferekpe in Izzi, described the move as his penchant for giving education a priority in the present administration.

In his new appeal to the governor, the NUT Chairman said: "Like Oliver Twist, we are passionately calling for approval for the payment of the teachers' promotion arrears, approval for the payment of 8/10 months salary arrears of those teachers who were recaptured as a result of the service elongation.

"Others are in-service training if teachers for more quality service years delivery, approval for recruitment of more teachers in the employ of State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB as the UNESCO recommended teachers-pupil ratio of 1.35 has skyrocketed to 1.50 owing to a dearth of the teaching personnel in the employ of SUBEB and assistance for the reconstruction of the union's parameter fence that collapsed.

"Your Excellency Sir, considering the busy schedule of the union's leadership and its frequent journeys, the union passionately requests your consideration for the donation of the 18-seater bus to augment the ageing one that was purchased decades ago."

Also, the NUT State Secretary, Basil Asuquo, pleaded with the government at all levels to employ more teachers in public schools, make the environment conducive, and prioritize the welfare of the education workforce by increasing their salaries.

"The government should pay rural allowance to teachers in the hinterlands to motivate more teachers to go to the rural communities to teach, "Asuquo pleaded.

Delivering his keynote speech during the event, Dr Emmanuel Chike Onwe, a former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation in Ebonyi, urged teachers to maintain self-efficacy in the teaching profession, describing them as the true heroes of progress in society.

He wondered why teachers are normally taken for granted in society, saying they are known as the backseaters. Onwe, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Ebonyi State University, EBSU, recommended that teachers should be paid like Senators. "We are happy that Ebonyi State Governor promised to strengthen public schools, but if governments are sincere, they should pay teachers more than Senators, because poverty makes one not to be recognized. Salary is what they pay you to shut up.

"But the truth is that teachers should not be treated as civil servants. If the head teachers are given such cars as our governor gave to the resident doctors, the story will change," the Keynote speaker said.

He urged the teachers to think about how to create self-employment opportunities for themselves, stressing that after God and the priest, the next authority is teachers, and they needed to maintain self-efficacy. He urged the teachers to shun laziness but rather learn and relearn to be effective in their duties by grasping and delivering the knowledge of the new trends by acquiring hard and soft skills.

The university don recommended that the administration officers should give teachers more access in decision making process especially on education issues and organizing seminars and workshops for them regularly.

The Chairman of the occasion and Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education in the state, Prof Paul Awo Nwobashi, said teachers must comply with what is going on, especially by being ICT compliant for effective delivery.

"Some of you don't have an Android phone, and some of you are even afraid to touch a laptop; teachers are always under-grading themselves. They agreed to belong to the ordinary class, and that's not supposed to be so, because you made the classes, engineers, doctors, leaders, everything, and you are the builders.

"We wish you organize workshops and invite facilitators to talk so that your morale can be boasted because, in most countries, teachers are most paid workers," Nwobashi observed.

The Commissioner early disclosed that Ebonyi ranked third on high quality literacy among the Nigerian youths, urging the teachers to put more effort getting the pupils and students on the right side of educational quality.


The State Head of Service, Mrs Ritamary Okoro who represented Governor Francis Nwifuru at the event, equally advised teachers to work on quality representation; saying his administration appointed their members to be permanent secretaries and assured more recognition would be given to those in the teaching profession while in office.

He observed that the celebration of teachers every 5th of October had become an annual ritual meant to commemorate their efforts towards nation-building and the significance of promoting the teaching profession around the globe.

He expressed joy that the occasion would unveil the ethical roles of every teacher to play in reshaping the future of children and the entire populace as far as education is concerned.

Nwifuru said his administration understands that teachers are the backbone of the educational institutions, and that necessitated the ongoing recruitment of over 1,000 teachers and other projects already embarked on to develop the education sector in the state.

Senator Nwebonyi flags off another 1.5km road construction


The Senate Deputy Chief whip and Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial district Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi has flagged off
another 1.5kms road construction at Obama village, Obegu Azuiyiokwu Inyimegu in Abakaliki local government area of Ebonyi North.

This makes the total number of over 20kms of roads attracted within one and half years as a Senator.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the flag off, Senator Nwebonyi said the road which will be constructed on rigid concrete pavement of six inches will serve the people of the Zone, Ebonyi State and Nigeria in the area of smooth road transportation of goods and services.

"This road bearing Chief Emma Uguru Street transversing Dandilas, Mechanic site and inyimegu village which is over 1.5kms will be constructed on rigid concrete pavement of six inches using Chinese Technology for the construction of concrete road in order to ensure its smoothness and durability"

"I have, by the grace of God, surpassed all my campaign promises because I believe that leadership is a social contract".

I came prepared to serve humanity, I didn’t just come to grab power but to set a precedence so that long after I must have left the seat, I would be a reference points for other contestants of Ebonyi North Senatorial district. That is why, I went to China to understudy their concrete road technology and discovered that it’s better to use machine instead of manual laying of concrete".

" Therefore, this project being handled by Clin Construction Company Nigeria Ltd will be a litmus test for concrete road technology in Nigeria. As I construct the road, I will add street lights and will soon commence another 1.5kms to jam rice Mill and other environs.”

He called on the people to continue to support the administration of President Tinubu and Governor Nwifuru in order to enjoy more dividends of democracy adding that he is only complementing the giant infrastructural drive of Governor Nwifuru at the grassroots level.

He also appreciated Mr President for making available all the projects, fertilizers and farm inputs which he equitably distributed to his constituency including the 365kms Ukwuachi Mbeke Ishieke Ebonyi -Abuja link road among others.”

Tinubu's aide urges South East Students to key into student loan scheme



The Senior Special Assistant to the President on community engagement (South East) Mrs. Chioma Nweze has urged South East Students to key into student loan scheme introduced by the present administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Mrs Nweze who made the call
during the maiden South East citizens engagement at Ebonyi State University, EBSU and University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, Enugu State said the administration of President Tinubu had shown commitment to the youths by setting the student loan scheme and other incentives aimed at alleviating economic hardships in the country.


Our correspondent reports that, Nweze visited the Ebonyi State University, EBSU, UNN and University of Nigeria Enugu campus, UNEC to enlighten lectures/ students of the South East region on the need to participate/ apply for the federal government's education fund/ loans and other opportunities available to the academic community.

The Senior Special Assistant called the students to apply for the loan to enable them cushion the effects of economic hardships in the country.

According to her: "The purpose of this South East engagement is to educate Nigerian universities and students on the importance of NELFUND and why the students need the loan, What they should do to access the loan and why they should tell other Nigerian students to do what they are doing. South East have taken the forefront in a lot of things and we want to tell us that there is nothing wrong in taking the loan.

"Anything that federal government brings, let's be part of it, if it is grants, lets take it, and if it is loan let's take it and if it is money for research, let's take it. Let our universities be at the forefront and we shouldn't be last.

Nweze, emphasized that: "Today's engagement is crucial as we delve into the Nigeria Education Loan Fund(NELFUND), its objectives, eligibility criteria, and application process. This initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu's administration's efforts to address Nigeria's economic challenges through various poverty alleviation programmes. It's essential to note that these policies are still unfolding, and their effectiveness will manifest in fullness of time" she said.

Responding, the Managing Director of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde Sanyerr said: "every student get opportunity to access this loan. I will fail in my job, if it only goes to one set of people and not to everybody. I am here in the South East region to plead with the students, that they must apply for this loan to enable them overcome their challenges.

"The main purpose that I'm here in the south east is to let the people of the area know that the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has fulfilled an election promise, to affect many areas of the lives of Nigerian citizens, and education is one of them. And one of the program within the education, is this students loan fund. Which seeks to provide loans to students who are Nigerian, who has the capacity and ability to engage and take their education further" he stated.

In a sperate reactions, the Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, however applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the students loan, which according to him, will help to tackle the rate of students dropout and reduce social vices in the country.

Also, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Prof. Polycarp Chigbu said: "This visit will motivate our students to participate in this program. You know that universities in Nigeria will always have their list of problems because of the economy. And this loan will help our students to solve their financial problems.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Enugu campus, UNEC, Prof. Aloysius Okolie said: "the loan will help us to reduce the burden we are facing in this university, this is because, everyday I go out searching for my friends who will come to pay school fees of the students. With this loan, I will now channel my energy in other things" he stated.