Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has assured that the content of the report of the Abia State post Covid-19 recovery Committee will form the key pedestal upon which Abia will launch into a new economic world, Igbere TV reports.

Governor Ikpeazu who said this while receiving the report of the committee headed by Elder statesman, Professor Anya O. Anya, at his his Umuobiakwa country home, restated his vision and commitment towards launching Abia into a new economic order that will be self sustaining.

The Governor thanked Professor Anya O. Anya for his level of commitment to the development of the state and noted that the greatest of the state remains the ingenuity of Ndi Abia.

He recalled the role played by tailors in Aba in the mass production of locally made facemasks as their own way of supporting the government in containing the Covid-19 pandemic, and promised that a convocation of Abia elites will take place to chart the best way of implementing the report to its fullest.

Governor Ikpeazu equally restated commitment to repositioning the state civil service as an enabler for greater productivity, adding that he only wants to be remembered by the quality of infrastructure put in place and not just the number of roads built during his time.

He noted that Abia as of today remains the only State providing health care services to Abians leveraging the Tele-Health Initiative, adding that the performance of Abia children in national examinations also speak volume of his huge investment in the education sector, especially with retraining of teachers and provision of critical school infrastructure.

Speaking while presenting the report, chairman of the committee, Professor Anya O. Anya stressed the need for Abia to embrace the opportunities provided by the Covid-19 pandemic and leverage on the areas where the state has comparative advantage.

Professor Anya while noting that Abia has produced many great leaders in history, said that the performance of Abia children in national examinations is a confirmation that the state has all it takes to challenge the world in the competitive global arena.

The former University Don and national award winner equally called on Government to invest in human capacity and capability development so as to be able to fit into the challenges and innovations of the 21st century.

He called for a system where the pursuit of excellence, truth, innovation and high quality of education will be the order of the day, adding that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu must have been inspired by God to set up the committee.

Moderating the event through the Zoom platform, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Diaspora Matters, Dr Ngozi Ogbonna-Erondu recalled that the committee was inaugurated by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in May this year to come up with a blueprint to manage the economy of the state beyond the Covid-19 era as well as profer recommendations for the sustainable development of the state.

Other members of the committee present during the presentation of the report included the secretary of the committee, Dr Mrs Nnenna Chikezie, Chief Chris Odinaka Igwe, Mr Eze Ajuzie while others joined through the Zoom platform.

Responding on Tuesday evening, Burna Boy dismissed the invitation, writing: “Everybody is a Fela fan and supporter now that he is dead.”

The fact that Sowore contested the 2019 presidential election against incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari was not lost on the singer.

“You politicians are ALL the same (especially in Nigeria) and Frankly I don’t trust none of you,” he added.

Igbere TV reports that Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has said that his Edo State counterpart Godwin Obaseki can return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) if he feels displeased with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Obaskeki was re-elected on September 19 on the PDP platform after being kicked out of the APC.

Wike who served as chairman of the PDP campaign for Edo election said during a Friday appearance on Channels Television’s breakfast show Sunrise Daily that he does not see Obaseki dumping PDP but that if it happened, he would take it as politics.

“I don’t want to discuss something that is not going to be possible. However, assuming it happens, so what? That is politics,” he said.

“If the governor believes that the PDP is no longer a party for him to actualise his vision and his mission, there is nothing wrong but I don’t believe that it is going to happen because the governor has consistently told us that there is no way he will leave the PDP. If he leaves the PDP, people in Edo State will not be happy.

“And he is somebody I have that trust in that he will not leave the party. This is a party that clothed him. This is a party that when it was raining, gave him an umbrella.”

Wike said he did not fund Obaseki’s re-election bid.

He added that Oyo State and Delta State governors Seyi Makinde and Ifeanyi Okowa respectively should also be praised for their roles in the Edo polls.

Prince Odi Okojie, husband of Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie, has pulled his weight behind the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Osagie Ize- Iyamu.

Igbere TV reports that Okojie is a native and prince of Uromi in the Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

In a statement on Monday, he called on Esan people to support his party and its candidate.

Okojie, a firm supporter of Adams Oshiomhole, said he believes APC is the best party for Edo.

Although he is yet to occupy a public office, Okojie in 2016 lobbied for the post of deputy governor of Edo State but lost.

“Elections can be won and they can also be lost, but in this coming election, I can assure you that APC is winning. There is no doubt about that. The people in my place have already accepted APC as their party. They are going to come out to support the party and make sure that we have victory,” he said.

“Governor Obaseki failed in all ramifications because he does not even know what it is to be a leader. He lacks leadership skills and all he does is fight and that’s not the way to go about politics. Politics is about knowing your people and your people knowing you in return. From what I can see, he is not on ground but our candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is going to win this election, undoubtedly.”

Okojie also dismissed fears that the election may turn out to be violent, Igbere TV reports.

“There is no violence whatsoever and I can assure you that at the end of the day, the victory would be ours,” he said.

Drama as aggrieved youths reportedly blocked the entrance of the multinational company in Rumubiakani, Port Harcourt in protest against sacking of 11 indigenous contract workers at the premises of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) on Monday, Igbere TV reports.

The youths who are residents of four host communities Rumuozelu, Oginigba, Rumuomasi and Rumubiakani said that the decision of the oil giant to lay off 11 indigenous contract workers from the communities left them without any form of income for the past 5 months.

Igbere TV also learnt that the youths arrived well prepared with cooking pot, firewood, plates and set out to prepare food in anticipation of a long stay.

One of the organizers of the protest and Vice President of Rumuozelu Youths Association, Chinedu Ogwutum said that the youths decided to stage the protest to express their displeasure over the action of the company.

According to Ogwutum, SPDC had cited dip in revenue as reason for the sack of their kinsmen. But the youths are not buying it.

“What is happening here is as a result of the members of the community that were dropped from work and we are not happy about it. They have been at home for the past 5 months without any salary. About 11 of the workers from this community were dropped, including the youth president. They used to work at the pipeline on contract. We have tried to discuss with them but there has been no resolution till today. The only reason they gave was because of the state of the economy,” he said.

Ogwutum also lamented that SPDC has not deemed any graduate from the four host communities qualified to be employed as staff.

“We are the host community and there is no Shell staff among us. People from other communities are still working at the same pipeline our own workers were dropped from. This is injustice,” he said.

However, calm was restored after leaders of the protesters met with some management staff where the youths issued a week ultimatum for the reinstatement of the 11 sacked indigenous workers or an even bigger protest will be held next week.

Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has approved the convocation of a mini summit of critical stakeholders of Abia State Polytechnic (AbiaPoly), Aba, to find lasting solutions to the challenges being experienced by the Polytechnic, especially with regard to regular payment of staff, and repositioning it to take a leading role in the training of next generation technologists equipped to drive innovation in the state in particular and the country in general, Igbere TV reports.

The Governor who recently appointed a new Rector for the institution expressed worry about the current operating structure of the polytechnic that has made it difficult for the institution to regularly meet its wage obligations, and the perennial industrial actions by staff unions, a tide the Governor hopes to stem forthwith.

To this end, Governor Ikpeazu has invited the National President of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Comrade Anderson Ezeibe, his counterpart in NASUP as well as the local Chairmen and Secretaries of the relevant unions to join the management team of the institution, state ministry of education and relevant government officials, to a 3-day summit which is expected to hold from 20th - 22nd of September, 2020, under the Chairmanship of the Governor.

According to Governor Ikpeazu, “we cannot afford to allow the bleeding at Abiapoly to continue as the institution is key to the realization of our dream of leading the rest of the country in technological advancement as our forebears did with “ikpu uzu”. It is therefore necessary for us to sit down and collectively agree on a way forward that will ensure that sfaff, students and other stakeholders are happy to contribute their quota to realizing the dreams that led to the setting up of the institution in the first place.”

Igbere TV reports that Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo has welcomed his second child with wife Chioma.

The 26-year-old announced the arrival of the child on Monday via Instatories with a picture of himself carrying the baby.

“Another reason to be grateful to God. Thank you my super woman, it will take the grace of God to stop oo if you keep giving me beautiful kids like this.. I love you,” he wrote.

Their second child comes nearly two years after Chairein was born in November 2018, Igbere TV reports.

Omeruo and Chioma got married in December 2017 after several years of courtship.

The Nigeria international currently plays for Leganés in the Spanish second division.

Spokesman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Festus Okoye says election in Ondo State will proceed despite the setback caused by the fire incident which destroyed more than 5000 card readers on Thursday night, Igbere TV reports.

Mr Okoye, who was in Akure for preparations for the governorship election scheduled for October 10, told newsmen that the inferno would not affect the conduct of the polls.

He said card readers would be collected from other states which are not conducting elections.

“This is just one state election. What we are going to do is to mop up smart card readers from other states and use them for the conduct of the election while investigating what happened,” he said.

“The cost of 5,141 smart card readers is so much, but we are not going to dwell on that now.

“What we are going to dwell on is to mop up smart card readers from other states that are not conducting elections and use them to conduct Ondo governorship election.

“We will dwell on other issues regarding the configuration of the card readers.”

Fire incidents at INEC offices close to election day are becoming commonplace as about 4,695 smart card readers were destroyed by fire that razed INEC facilities at its headquarters in Awka, Anambra in February 2019 barely four days to the general elections.

Igbere TV recall that there was also similar incident in 2019 at the INEC office in Plateau State and Abia State where its facilities including card readers were destroyed by fire.

....commends Edo education, pension reforms

A Governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) in Edo State, Mr. Kenneth Imasuangbon, has promised to take a cue from the Candidate of his party, Governor Godwin Obaseki policy on rice production, Igbere TV reports.

Imasuangbon disclosed this at an interactive session with newsmen on Wednesday night in Benin City.

Recall that Warrake rice farmers had in August this year given credit to Governor Godwin Obaseki for the increase in rice production in 2019.

Igbere TV reports that the Coordinator of Warrake rice farms, Mr Suleiman Ibrahim, endorsed Obaseki and his running mate, Mr. Philip Shaibu for a second term in office when Edo State PDP campaign train berthed at Warrake Ward 11, Owan East Local Government Area of the State.

Speaking during the interview, Imasuangbon, fondly called ‘the Rice man’, which has helped to put smile on the faces of the downtrodden in the State, said, “I am the rice man. I have been sharing rice before. But, from what Obaseki has done in rice production, I will take a queue from him”.

The PDP aspirant, described Obaseki whose first tenure will come to an end on November 12, 2020, as a phenomena and valuable asset to the State in area of sport development particularly the remodelled Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin City.

He commended his government for reforming the education sector, training of public school teachers and for equipping them with Information Communication Technology (ICT) working tools.

He maintained that the government reform has enhanced teaching and learning as well as the performance of students and pupils across over 900 Schools in the State.

“Obaseki has done well in area of Education, which is key to growth”, according to him, “when students are trained, you will have good society and when you have a good society that is safe for all”.

Imasuangbon also berated Edo State House of Assembly members-elect for abandoning their legislative assignments and described the forthcoming poll in the State as a referendum.

“For fear for Nigeria democracy where a few people we voted for abandoned their legislative duties to do the bidding of the godfather.

“The September 19, election is contest between God and the devil, looters and true democrat”, he said.

The Apara youths who took the collective decision in the ancestral hall of Apara kingdom, Obiri Ehie Apara, said the Labour Union should obey the court order and channel it's energy to things more important, Igbere TV reports.

Speaking to newsmen President Apara Kingdom Youths, Nyedike Omunakwe Godwill, noted that the proposed strike action by the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress will destabilize the progressive developmental stride in the State.

"We the youth of Apara kingdom is warning Labour to desist from political motivated actions instigated by some political gladiators to stop the developmental projects going on in the state right now. We have observed with dismay the gang up plan by labour and trade union to disrupt the state Government effort in ensuring these various projects are completed in due time.

"Let it be known to labour union that we the youths of the state will not allow any strike action or protest following the valid court injunction restraining them from carrying out such act.

"We urge the leadership of the Labour Union to look inward and purge itself from this selective activism which have become the action of the Union in Nigeria. Where they keep mute on vital issues affecting workers of the nation, its indeed hypocritical"

Igbere TV reports that he however urged Apara Kingdom Youths to remain calm and resolute as they work towards the good of all in the state.

"We call on all youths of Apara kingdom to be calm and vigilant as we guide against the ungodly plans of the Union, should they disobey the Court order. Nigerians are facing a lot of hardship and Rivers State is a peaceful state, we are happy to have a good Governor that thinks of his people first"

Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Abike Dabiri-Erewa has denied an allegation that the commission was being used by the Federal Government to deport Biafrans, Igbere TV reports.

Mrs Dabiri-Erewa in a release on Friday by the commission’s spokesman, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, made available to Igbere TV, stated that the allegation was “malicious mischievous and fabulous”.

The statement read: “The attention of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), and her Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has been drawn to a malicious, mischievous and fabulous story where the leader of the proscribed Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Uchenna Madu, falsely alleged that NIDCOM is the medium being used by the Federal government to forcefully deport persecuted Biafrans.

“In a statement entitled ‘Security agents killing our members secretly’, the group alleged that NIDCOM is being used to crack down its pro-Biafra groups leaders in the diaspora.

“These and other fabricated stories by this discredited group are false, mischievous and at best another tales by moonlight narrative.

“NIDCOM as we know has no such powers nor has such agents of harassment both in Nigeria and in the foreign lands. In international Relations, the process of deportation is a country to country decision which lies with the country foreign policy within the purview of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“It must be pointed out that most countries are clamping down on irregular immigrants irrespective of their faith, ethnic or nationalities.

“Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has consistently been appealing to Nigerians to obey laws of the countries they reside and be good ambassadors of Nigeria.”

Igbere TV reports that Dabiri-Erewa added that the commission is for all Nigerians irrespective of their tribes or religious inclinations as enshrined in the Act of the Parliament setting up NIDCOM.

Men of the Delta state police command have arrested two more men linked to the rape of a 15-year-old orphan.

Police on August, 28 had earlier arrested two out of the five suspects identified as Solomon and Okpolor who allegedly gang-raped the 15-year-old girl.

Igbere TV reports that the arrest of two additional suspects identified as Mr. Emma and Friday (her uncle) has been confirmed by activist Harrison Gwamnishu.

One of the suspects identified as Godday Okpakolu is currently on the run.

Igbere TV further gathered that the DPO of Abraka Police Divison, Mr.Hassan has promised to ensure that the fleeing suspect is nabbed and brought to justice.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has commissioned the Phase 1 of the Umuibe-Umuokereke--Ntighauzo-Ibeme Ring Road in Obingwa Local Government Area of the State completed by his government, Igbere TV reports.

Speaking while commissioning the project which is part of the statewide project inspection and commisioning tour tagged "Kinetic Abia", Governor Ikpeazu said the construction of the road was just the beginning of other road projects to be done around the area.

He further disclosed that the second phase of the road project would stretch to Akpaa and would be completed before December this year. He assured that the contractor would equally deliver quality work on the rural access road.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works, Dr. Bob Ogu assured the people of the area of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu's commitment to commence the second phase of the road which would terminate at Akpaa.

He stressed the need for the people to protect the road and assist the contractor to achieve government's goal of fixing it.

Earlier, the Transition Committee Chairman for Obingwa Local Government Area, Chief Kingsley Nnaji commended the Governor for constructing the road. He informed that the road cuts across the five wards of Agalaba clan in Obingwa LGA and expressed the hope that the second phase of the road would be expedited.

Meanwhile, Governor Ikpeazu has commissioned the second phase of the Umuene-Obikabia Road and unveiled the Ururuka statue installed at the Obikabia Roundabout constructed by his administration. Speaking while commissioning the project, the Governor described the road as strategic as it will boost economic activities around Aba and its environs including Isialangwa North & South areas of the State. According to the Governor, the road is now an alternative route to Aba and Umuahia.

The Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, while speaking at the event expressed joy that there is a significant positive change in the area and commended Governor Ikpeazu for putting smiles on the faces of Abians by fixing the road.

The Governor and his team also inspected other roads and projects including Egege Road in Aba. The tour is expected to continue tomorrow.

Senate Chief Whip Orji Kalu has disclosed the reasons for his private visit to Minna, the Niger State capital.

Igbere TV recall that the former Abia governor arrived in Minna around 2 pm on Monday alongside associates and aides to pay a visit to military ruler Abdulsalami Abubakar, Niger State Governor Abubakar Bello and Emir Etsu of Lapai.

Kalu who responded to questions from members of the press on national issues at the residence of General Abubakar explained to IGBERE TV that his visit to Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Sani Bello and Emir Umar Faruq were on a private ground, not as Chief Whip of the Senate.

Asked his opinion on the call from the Senate to sack the service chiefs and If his Visit was in connection to the call, Kalu said; “Well, I am just in Minna to see my two bosses. To first congratulate President Babangida on his health and also to welcome former President Abdulsalami on the success of the minor health operation he had recently.

“As regards the change of service chiefs, the issue will be addressed through a collective decision of all members of the Senate, I am not here today as the Chief Whip of the Senate. I am in Minna on a private visit as a private citizen but once I am informed about the decision taken by the Senate I would make it known to the public if necessary.

The Senators are 109 in number, and we have democracy deeply entrenched in the Senate where we all discuss and agree on issues collectively. The Senate has not taken a position so if I comment on it, I may be wrong.

Further speaking, he said, “the nation’s security has become a huge challenge which have affected everybody. The senate are already addressing the issue. The security challenge has defiled almost every solution, I am sure that Mr. President is very worried and angry with the current situation. Our President is a top class Army General (rtd) and a former military commander. I see a form of sabotage; but the issue of sabotage will be addressed.”

Asked if he has an ambition to contest for President, Kalu said he is only interested in returning to the Senate .

“For now I am Senator and principal officer of the National Assembly, and if given the opportunity I would like to return to the Senate but if I am also given the opportunity to serve the country I won’t refuse.

In his words; it’s an issue of party, the parties have every right to decide the zone which would produce the candidate to represent it in the polls.

The Chief Whip also dismissed the insinuation that there was crisis in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as result of zoning.

“In APC we have no issue of zoning, anybody can contest for election, zoning does not exist in the party’s constitution. As long it is not a constitutional matter the Presidential bid remains an open basket which anybody can vie for,” he said.

A fatal accident along Aba road, Umuahia, Abia state by Apostolic Church, near the popular Standard poly junction, has left many people injured and two in critical condition, Igbere TV reports.

It was gathered that the fatal accident involved a Highlander Jeep, Toyota Sienna and Keke.

Igbere TV learnt that the Keke driver, including another victim whose identity is yet to be known were left in critical condition.

It was further learnt that the injured persons have been taken to the hospital.

The Abia State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Cosmos Ndukwe, has vowed to expose all the 'dirty secrets' of his political enemies who are after his downfall, Igbere TV reports.

This comes after the State Assembly set up a committee to carry out proper investigations on allegations against the Commissioner following a petition.

In the petition written by Aba Traders, Cosmos was accused of indiscriminate stalls in Ekeoha Shopping Centres.

IGBERE TV had reported that the petition which was written by “Barr Nwaugo Victor C and Co” on behalf of the traders said Ekeoha Shopping Centre, Aba, is a Shopping Complex envisioned, designed and constructed in blocks of bungalow stores with open space, walkways, fire station, banking hall, car parks, emergency exit points for human and vehicular movements at all relevant periods and even in cases of fire outbreak.The traders revealed that it is unfortunate that all the aforementioned facilities have been converted into market stalls on the authorization of the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Rt Hon.Cosmos Ndukwe with the connivance of the current Chairman of Ekeoha Shopping Centre Traders Association, one Mr. Friday Dimiri.

The traders further said that the actions of the Commissioner could lead to mass death of traders and their customers and pleaded with Abia government to intervene immediately.

However, reacting to the recent developments, Mr Cosmos said he will expose all the dirty secrets of his enemies whenever he is ready to speak.

He further tipped at knowing some of the members who “built shops at parks and fire service lane in shop centre” adding that “records don't lie and monies collected in the markets have receipts.”

“Hahahaha Iyanga dey sleep trouble dey try wake am... No One should off the microphone when I will reply because records don’t lie and we know those people that built shops on the parks and fire service lane in shopping center tell dem I say soooo!

“Records don’t lie and monies collected in the markets have receipts ok ooo! make no one off mic � and make them allow me invite national and international media, hope it will be on plenary session, not quasi kangaroo � Committee. Those in glass house hmmmm ok nah kontinu.” he wrote in a reply on Facebook.

Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, have been commended by Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions over his administration’s developmental strides in the state, Igbere TV reports.

The federal lawmakers made the commendation when they paid a courtesy call on Gov. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu.

The committee, which was led by its Deputy Chairman, Rt. Hon. Martin Oke, was in Enugu on an oversight visit to federal health institutions in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, the member representing Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Hon. Dr. Bashiru Dawudu, applauded the governor for reconstructing and remodeling the historic and undulating Milliken Hill road, Enugu, and other landmark projects, including the ongoing massive construction works at the state’s Infectious Disease Hospital, Enugu, formerly known as Colliery Hospital Enugu.

“This is wonderful, we are very proud of you," the lawmaker told the governor.

Hon. Dawudu also lauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for the various interventions undertaken by his administration towards upgrading and rehabilitating health facilities in the state, pointing out that the state government’s intervention in its teaching hospital was “amazing”.

He appreciated the governor for spearheading a “peaceful and well organized state”, stressing that “this is a place that should be emulated in terms of planning and organization”.

Hon. Dawudu added that “this is a testimony of good governance, and we are proud of your performance”.

The lawmaker who described Ugwuanyi as “one of the best governors in Nigeria”, assured him of their continued prayers and support.

While acknowledging the synergy between the Enugu State government and the Federal Government, Hon. Dawudu called for more collaboration especially in the health sector, disclosing that “there are a lot federal interventions that will come to this state”.

In his remark, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who welcomed the honourable members to the state, appreciated the purpose of their visit and assured them of his administration’s commitment to peace, good governance and the wellbeing of the people.

Earlier today, micro bogging platform, Twitter and social media platform, Instagram went wild after an unknown woman mistakenly went live on popular anonymous gossip blog, Instablog9ja.

Igbere TV reported the unintentional error the lady made after she mistakenly went live on the official instagram account, and she shouted “Jesus” then immediately went off the live video.

It has been gathered that the lady who went live is Moji Delano, a blogger and digital marketer who is now into a partnership with Instablog.

According to a source close to Moji, the partnership entails running live sessions on the Instagram handle of the blog, and the live session was a mere mistake.

“Moji doesn’t own the blog, she is only running a partnership with the blog. The partnership is about doing live sessions with the handle by Moji Delano”, the source who pleaded anonymity told Igbere TV.

Instablog9ja broke into the media scene in 2015 alongside many other blogs but is widely considered the most successful news blog on Instagram.

Instablog is an Instagram news outfit with 2.8 million followers as of Tuesday.

The operators of the blog have remained a mystery till date.

Prof Gregory Ibe, the Chancellor and Founder of Gregory University, Uturu, Abia, has called on Abians to rally concerted efforts and support for the attainment of a great Abia State.

The University don made the call in a goodwill message made available to IGBERE TV while celebrating the creation of the state from the old Imo State on August 27, 1991.

The message reads; “On this unique historic commemoration of the 29th Anniversary of the creation of Abia State, I wish to join millions of our people worldwide in appreciating the Almighty God, first for inspiring the divine conception and strategic birth of this geographical entity prophetically christened Gods own State, and then for upholding the indigenes and residents in the hollow of his awesomely safe hands these past years.

“Each time we mark the anniversary of the creation of our dear state, it presents us yet another indispensable opportunity of recalling and reminiscing on the patriotic labors of our Heroes past and the sacrificial milestones of our Founding Fathers who meritoriously laid the strategic landmarks that distinguish us as a unique people on the solid and unshakeable blocks of equity and justice.

“The 29th stanza of our celebration can best be described as a bittersweet experience since it comes within the unprecedented season of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Indeed it is a season that is characterized by sweetness on one hand, occasioned by the anniversary celebration, and bitterness on the other, prompted by the ravaging pandemic.

“For a few Abians, it is a season replete with tragedy and woes, with many narrowly escaping death by whiskers while others were not as lucky since their life got cut shot by the virus.

“While praying for the repose of the souls of the departed, I join my prayers with the faithful in appreciating God for sparing our lives, even as we all relentlessly intercede for divine protection and continuous sustenance of our dear State.

“While sending sweet incense of thanksgiving, ovation and jubilation to the God of Abia for benevolently sparing, renewing and strengthening our Governor and Leader, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, especially during these perilous times, I hereby call on Abians and indeed all men of goodwill to rally concerted efforts and support for the attainment of a great Abia, even as we all “with open face” behold the emergence of that truly egalitarian state which our revered Founding Fathers envisioned from the beginning.

“Congratulations Abians! God Bless Abia!! God Bless Nigeria!!!”

Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has wished the Lagos State Commissioner for Health Prof Akin Abayomi quick recovery from COVID-19, Igbere TV reports.

As an admirer of the commissioner, Mr Amaechi tweeted on Monday saying Abayomi should see this as “a call to rest” so as to come out refreshed.

“I join the millions of admirers of Akin Abayomi to wish him a speedy recovery. You have worked so hard that you should see this as a call to rest, so that when you resume, you’ll be reinvigorated,” the minister said.

He also encouraged Abayomi that “Christ won’t abandon you, because there are very few men like you in Nigeria.”

Abayomi has proceeded on 14 days self-isolation and treatment at home.

“I am extremely enthusiastic and hopeful of overcoming this phase of our collective fight against Coronavirus” he had tweeted while announcing his COVID-19 status.

Chief Executive Officer of Stanel Group, Chief Stanley Uzochukwu during the weekend, hosted the Chief Whip of the Senate and former governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to a sumptuous dinner in his Abuja palatial home.

Uzochukwu and his wife Irene, whose giant philanthropic gestures has brought into national limelight are popularly known to be a family friend and ally of the former governor.

Igbere TV reports that Kalu arrived Uzochukwu’s home in company of the Spokesman of the House of Representatives and member representing Bende Federal Constituency, Hon. Benjamin Kalu; Former National Chairman People’s Progressive Alliance, Chief Larry Essien; Member, All Progressives Congress Board of Trustees, Chief Sam Nkire; Honourable member representing Idemili North and Idemili South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obinna Chidoka; Member representing Emure, Gboyin and Ekiti East Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Olufemi Bamisile among others.

Uzochukwu’s Stanel Group which majors in oil is also engaged in the production and sales of automobile parts, vehicle consumables amongst others for domestic and industrial use.

Recall that Stanel Group came into major limelight in 2017 when it completed its ultra-modern service station facility in Awka, Anambra state.

The occasion of the completion was honored by a visit from the governor of Anambra, Willie Obiano, who applauded the Stanel Oil Chairman Stanley Uzochukwu for his effort in bringing such a significant investment to the state.

The Governor said the gas facility is the first of its kind in the history of the state and noted that the project would add great value to the state’s economy in particular, and the Nigerian economy in general.

The Youth Ministeries of the Assemblies of God God Church 123 Tenant Road Aba, on Sunday Conferred an Excellence Award on the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly Rt.Hon.Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, Igbere TV reports.

Presenting the Award, the Youth President of the Church Bro. Godwin Samuel said it was in recognition of the Numerous achievements and benevolence to the Abia Youths and the less privileged by the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly.

Igbere TV reports that the Speaker who was Represented at the occasion by the Lawmaker Representing Aba North State Constituency Hon.Aaron Uzodike thanked the Senior Pastor Rev Dr.Ogboso Ejindu, the Youths and the entire members of Assemblies of God (Church of the East) Aba for finding him worthy of their Excellence Award on the occasion of their National Youth Day Celebrations.

The Speaker promised to continue to Support the Youths and the less privileged in the Society.

The Church Prayed for the Speaker and Abia State at Large.

Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide aka Winners’ Chapel David Oyedepo and his wife Faith are celebrating their 38th wedding anniversary, Igbere TV reports.

On Friday, Oyedepo said his wife has been the true definition of a virtuous woman, adding that he would go forever with her.

“Happy Wedding Anniversary to my lovely wife Faith Oyedepo. The journey thus far has been awesome with you by my side,” he wrote.

“You have been the true definition of a virtuous woman. Myself, the children (biological and spiritual) and grandchildren all call you blessed indeed. 38 years gone, forever to go with you. I love you.”

Hs wife Faith had not made a post on social media celebrating their wedding anniversary at the time of filing this report.

Igbere TV reports that Oyedepo and Faith got married in 1982. They have four children together – David Jr, Isaac, Love and Joyce.

The popular preacher is based at the church’s headquarters widely known as Canaanland in Ota, Ogun State.

The church has branches all over the country, with extensions in the United Kingdom, United States and several other countries.

Some top Nigerian lawmakers have added their voices to the agitation for Nigerian President of South East extraction in the 2023 presidential election.

Speaking in Uyo on Wednesday, Christopher Ekpenyong, the Senator representing Ikot Ekpene Senatorial district in Akwa Ibom State said that allowing the next president of Nigeria to come from the South East geopolitical zone will deepen national unity and give the Igbo a sense of belonging in the country.

He stressed that since the North has produced the president, and South West as well as South South, that it would not be out of place if the South East was allowed to also lead the country for the purpose of equity and Justice.

He however expressed disappointment that the same issue of mistrust that took the nation to a civil war and almost dismembered the country has remained a constant discourse among Nigerians after 50years.

“My prayer is that we should allow an Igbo man to become the next president of Nigeria

“If the North and the South West have produced a president, why can’t the Southeast be allowed to become president of Nigeria?

“Igbo presidency is the path that will lead to deepening of our national unity.It will assuage the feeling of disillusionment among the Igbo. It will also give them a sense of belonging. No section has the monopoly of capacity to lead Nigeri. Therefore, everyone should be given equal opportunity to lead and contribute to the building of the country. No section was created to rule others for eternity. Nigeria belongs to all.

“There are competent men and women across all geopolitical zones in this country. And remember, the South West and the South South have already produced a president. So, my plea with other zones is to allow the South East to produce the next president of Nigeria.

“They should be given the opportunity to contribute their knowledge, experience and leadership capacity towards the growth of this nation, ” he said.

The senator representing the Southern Senatorial district of Taraba State, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, in an interview with The Sun monitored by Igbere TV also throw his weight behind zoning the 2023 presidency to the South East.

Speaking on his take on the zoning of the presidency for 2023, the third time senator said in all fairness, the South East deserves the chance to produce the next President of Nigeria in 2023.

“I wouldn’t know much and so I can’t say much because I don’t have much say in where the next president should from. Having said that, personally, I think it is time to give the South East a chance.

“But like I said, that is just my personal opinion and based on human thinking but you know, God’s ways are different from ours and 2023 is still a long way off.

“A lot can happen between now and then beyond what any of us is capable of thinking,” Bwacha said.

In it’s submission, the Nigeria Presidential Project, NPP, also said that it’s the turn of the South East zone to produce the 2023 Nigerian President.

The NPP Chancellor, Walter Orji, spoke in Owerri, during the inauguration of the Imo State executives of NPP with Ude Agoha as its state Coordinating Chairman.

Orji added that many Igbo politicians have made their interests known to NPP to run for the presidency but that they were waiting for the right time to go public about their political ambition.

He said among other things that NPP had visited the nooks and crannies of the country as well as some reputable leaders in different regions of the country and talked to them on Igbo presidency.

Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, Igbere TV has compiled the list seven (7) possible candidates that could be flag bearer for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This list is made according to information gathered from sources within the ruling party.

1. Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu:

Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu, is a Nigerian politician and the current national leader of the All Progressives Congress. He had previously served as the Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007.

2. Orji Uzor Kalu:

Orji Uzor Kalu is a Nigerian Politician and businessperson. He is the chairman of SLOK Holding and the Daily Sun and New Telegraph newspapers in Nigeria, who served as the Governor of Abia State, Nigeria from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2007.

3. Nasir El Rufai:

Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai is a Nigerian politician who is the Governor of Kaduna State, in office since 2015. He was previously the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2003 to 2007; and the director of the Bureau of Public Enterprises. He is a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

4. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo:

Oluyemi Oluleke "Yemi" Osinbajo SAN, GCON is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who is currently serving as the Vice President of Nigeria, in office since 29 May 2015.

5. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi:

Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi is a Nigerian politician who is currently serving as the Minister of Transportation in the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari. He previously served in oil-rich Rivers State as Governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015 and Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007.

6. Kayode Fayemi:

John Olukayode Fayemi, is a Nigerian politician who is currently serving as the Governor of Ekiti State, in office since 16 October 2018. He previously served in office between 2010 and 2014 before losing re-election to Ayodele Fayose.

7. Ahmed Lawan:

Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan is a Nigerian senator who serves as the President of the Senate of Nigeria. He represent Yobe North Constituency of Yobe State under the All Progressive Congress. His tenure as a senator started since 2007 Nigeria general election.

A chief magistrate in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice Abimbola Aoko-Komolafe has passed on aged 51.

Mrs Aoko-Komolafe is believed to have died early Monday. News of her death got to the news media on Wednesday.

Igbere TV gathered that Aoko-Komolafe last visited her office on August 13 looking healthy.

A source at the state justice ministry told IGBERE TV that : “We heard the news on Monday. We understand that someone spoke with her on phone probably Sunday night. We don’t really know. But it’s a big surprise.”

The deceased used to sit at Court 2, Ebute-Meta Gardens but was recently posted to Court 2, Tinubu Magistrates Court, Lagos.

A delegation of the Association of Magistrates in Lagos State is said to have paid the bereaved family a condolence visit.

A former commissioner for information in Anambra State Joe-Martins Uzodike has debunked reports about Alor Community allegedly disowning Igwe Mac-Anthony Okonkwo and blaming former Anambra governor Peter Obi for allegedly imposing him on the people.

Mr Uzodike served as commissioner under Mr Obi and also served as a member of the state executive council under the Willie Obiano administration.

Uzodike in a statement made available to IGBERE TV on Monday stated that Igwe Okonkwo was issued certificate of recognition as the traditional ruler of Alor by Obiano while he was coronated on June 24, 2014.

Uzodike described as wrong, the blames heaped on Obi for Igwe Okonkwo’s emergence as the Igwe Alor and the recent unease that has trailed his reign.

“Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, issued certificate of recognition to Igwe MacAnthony Chinedu Okonkwo who was coronated on June 24, 2014 as Ezedioramma 111 of Alor Kingdom. Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, did not issue him the certificate as recently reported, so it will only amount to mischief to blame Obi for any recent discontent experienced due to Igwe Okonkwo’s kingship,” Uzodike said.

The former commissioner noted that Obi during his tenure never meddled with traditional institutions. He recalled under Obi’s administration when about 100 traditional rulers from Anambra travelled to Lagos for the wedding of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s sister and Obi never suspended any of them, Igbere TV reports.

He said the former governor rather organised an empowerment seminar to enable them understand and discharge their duties well.

The Department of State Security (DSS) has issued a fresh invitation to a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Obadiah Mailaifa for further discussions, Igbere TV reports.

His lawyer Bawa Ba revealed that Mr Mailaifa is expected at the DSS office in Jos, Plateau State by noon on Monday, August 17.

He said it “was a buildup to the previous one”.

Igbere TV recall that Mailaifa was at the DSS office last Wednesday following his comments on radio that a northern governor was the commander of Boko Haram fighters.

The radio station, Nigeria Info, was fined N5million by the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for his comments deemed as hate speech.