₦airaland Forum

Tragedy struck in Enugu Tuesday evening as 16 travelers were confirmed dead while two others were rescued following a fatal motor accident that occurred in the state.

The two of the accident victims rescued alive were rushed to a hospital where they are being treated for injuries sustained.

The road mishap occurred along Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Road, Enugu with 16 out of the 18 travelers in the affected bus burnt beyond recognition.

Confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, urged members of the public to help in identifying the victims.

In a press statement, the Police Spokesman said the Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu had visited the scene of the lone fatal motor accident, describing it as a ‘sad’ one.

The statement issued by the Police spokesman reads:

“The Enugu State Police Command wishes to inform the public that a lone fatal motor accident occurred today, April 30, 2024, around 5:20 p.m., at Ekwegbe, along Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Road, claiming the lives of yet-to-be identified fourteen males (14) and two (2) females who burned beyond recognition.

Plate number of the affected Bus

“The accident involves an 18-seater white-coloured Toyota Hummer bus with a Bauchi State commercial registration number DAS 215 XA and the inscription “Masha Allah”, said to have been driven at high speed, lost control, and plunged into the fence of Maduka University along the road.

“A preliminary investigation reveals that the vehicle unfortunately burst into flames burning beyond recognition, the sixteen (16) deceased individuals, who were taken to the hospital and confirmed dead.

“However, two (2) other passengers were rescued alive and taken to the hospital for medical attention by police officers, soldiers and public-spirited citizens, who immediately responded to the incident.

“A preliminary investigation reveals that the vehicle, loaded with edible vegetables, other food items, and the luggage of the passengers, was heading towards Nsukka from the Enugu axis of the road.

“However, the actual point of take-off and final destination of the vehicle have not been ascertained. Nonetheless, the items have been recovered by the Igbo-Etiti Police Division.

“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, *CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+)*, in company of officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, has visited the scene to assess the situation.

“He describes the accident and the carnage therein as sad, commiserating with the yet-to-be-traced family members, friends, and associates of the deceased.

“The CP further calls on individuals that can help in identifying the victims or with information to trace the family members of the deceased to come forward with such information or alternatively call 08098880172 or 08086671202, or send emails to infoenugupolice@gmail.com.”

journalist101

The Magistrate Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, Magistrate court, Ekwoaba Chigozie Anthony has ordered the remand of an Abuja Socialite, Abimbola Omoniwa better known by his Instagram handle; 'Bolaniwa' in keffi prison over alleged fraud.

Abimbola Omoniwa was accused of using his company; Templecom group to defraud one Mojume Ikemefuna Michael to the tune of N355,000,000.00 since 2020.

He was arraigned by the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department  (FCIID) at the Magistrate court Wuse zone 2 Abuja on the 16th of April 2024.

Mojume narrated to the court how Abimbola Omoniwa, his wife and his mother had made several promises to refund his money since 2020 only for Abimbola Omoniwa to fraudulently deviate and obtain court orders to prevent the plaintiff from contacting him without the victim’s knowledge or service of the court process upon the victim.

The matter became more interesting when his (Bolaniwa) lawyer confessed that the accused has other numerous criminal cases pending in several courts.

Magistrate Ekwoaba however, granted him bail under the condition tatt he must provide someone with a landed property worth over ₦80million and 2 level 14 officers as sureties.

As at the time of this report, Bola Omoniwa is still remanded in keffi prison after being unable to meet his bail conditions.

Some of his victims who spoke to newsmen said he has been in the business of defrauding persons with bogus forex purchase and sale while trying very hard to launder his image as a pious Christian and a foremost member of COZA church.

They alleged that the proceeds of his criminal acts were channelled to his wife Tolulope Omoniwa’s several businesses while the couple displayed an opulent lifestyle on social media and church.

As at the time of this report, Bola Omoniwa is still remanded in keffi prison after being unable to meet his bail conditions.

The case was adjourned to May 2024 for further hearing.


Popular Abuja Socialite, Abimbola Omoniwa Remanded In Prison For Alleged #355m Fraud

https://journalist101.com/2024/04/19/popular-abuja-socialite-abimbola-omoniwa-remanded-in-prison-for-alleged-355m-fraud/

NUJ Online Chapel Inaugurated In Enugu

Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Enugu state Council has inaugurated a new Chapel; Corporate Online Chapel, bringing to Eleven, the number of Chapels in the Council.

Performing the inauguration of the newest chapel which has Comrade Clinton Umeh, Publisher of Journalist 101 as the Chairman, on Thursday at the Rt. Hon.(Dr.) Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi NUJ Press Center, Enugu, the Council Chairman, Comrade Sam Udekwe said the election of the Executive members of the chapel in their last Congress, marked the beginning of the Online Chapel.

He urged the Executives "to ensure that the members of the chapel comply with what we believe in as members of this profession'"

Comrade Udekwe further said, "this is a very promising chapel. You have your membership now I want to assure you that more members will come in. You know what it takes to be qualified to be a member and we expect you to take this to heart while admitting new members because It is not open to just anybody . It is not open to all bloggers , that's why we say it is Corporate Online. It's for online practitioners that are Journalists.

"There are online publishers that are not Journalists. That's why we want you to make a difference. So, we want you to show the society that there are online practitioners, the ones that are members of NUJ," he said.

He charged the executives to take care of their members in line with the tenets of the NUJ profession and maintain peace between themselves anf other members including the NUJ.

Responding on behalf of other members, the Chairman of the Online Chapel, Comrade Clinton Umeh thanked the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Chris Isiguzo for their foresight in creating the Online chapel.

He assured that "members of the Chapel will live up to expectations and work in accordance with what the Constitution says.

"This Chapel is a new dawn in online practice and will provide a platform for us to unite all that are qualified under one umbrella to ensure professionalism in the discharge of our duties as Journalists."

He also thanked the chairman of the state council and members of his executive for their guidance and direction to help the chapel see the light of the day.

The newly inaugurated executive members are:
Comrade Clinton Umeh Chairman,
Comrade Jonathan Emmanuel Ikechukwu (First News)— ViceChairman
Comrade Odomero Igbodo (Dome TV)—Secretary
Comrade Christian Nwangene ( Aproko Republic)— Assistant Secretary
Comrade Maureen Ikpeama ( Newsline Global)—Treasurer
Comrade Sebastine Okafor— (Journalist 101) Internal Auditor
Comrade Emmanuel Terwase ( Afriquecast)—Financial Secretary.

The event was witnessed by the Vice Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Regis Anikworji, the Secretary, Comrade Ifeoma Amuta, Comrade and among other members.


[/b]https://journalist101.com/2024/03/28/nuj-online-chapel-inaugurated-in-enugu/[b]

A father of four identified as Chris Ozobia from Onitsha in Anambra state has commited suicide in Enugu.

Ozobia, who's in his 40s reportedly took his own life at his block industry located at Ugbo Owa, by old airport road, Emene, Enugu on Sunday 3rd March, 2024.

Journalist101 learnt that the man left behind four children and a wife. His children are between 3-9 years old and lives at standard layout by tarmac school, Emene Enugu.

Speaking to Journalist101, one of the friends of the deceased who craved for anonymity, said Ozobia took his own life in his workplace after lying to his wife to leave the house.

He said the lifeless body was discovered the next day, Monday, 4th March, 2024 after his wife and child found his phone at home switched off.

His words:

"Only him knew why he left, he dropped no note, hence, nobody knows why took this decision because he's full of life and likes enjoying himself. He took his life at his block industry which is located at Ugbowa along the old airport road.

"He left his house on Sunday morning and told his wife was going to see his cement dealer that sells at Penoks junction. When the wife waited for so long without him coming back, he tried calling him but his number was switched off.

"The wife began to raise alarm because the husband's number being switched off is uncommon. She came out and starting calling for help and her daughter saw his phone switched off in their room.

"The next day, the woman went to his block industry to look for him and found him lying down lifeless. The police came and took his remains away but has released same to the neighbourhood that helped in putting him in the morgue.

"A lot of stories are flying around but we just learnt he took two big bottles of sniper which he bought at Eke Obinagu market.

"Ozobia is a graduate of University of Benin and was never known to have any tendency of suicide. They're a struggling family, his kids are still in primary school and needs help because they're a struggling," he said.

https://journalist101.com/2024/03/08/father-of-four-chris-ozobia-commits-suicide-in-enugu/

The Enugu State Police Command have dismissed as "untrue and misleading," the reports that a certain woman after dumping her children commited suicide by running into a moving vehicle in front of ogui Police Station.

The report which went viral earlier this week and was published in various online and national dailies, asserted that the woman suffering from depression over hardship dumped her children in the Ogui Police Station of the Command on Saturday, March 2, 2024 a killed herself afterwards.

However, the command's public relations officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe in a statement released on Thursday, 7th March, 2024 clarified that the incident never happened anywhere near the said station.

Clarifying what investigation revealed, Ndukwe said: "On March 2, at about 8:30 a.m., the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) of Central Police Station (CPS) and Ogui Police Division received distress calls alleging that a woman abandoned her three children in front of God Is Good Terminal along Ogui Road by Osisatech Roundabout, Enugu.

"The callers further alleged that the woman stripped herself naked due to a mental disorder before running off to an unknown destination. The DPOs and their teams immediately moved to the scene, where they found and took the children to Ogui Police Station and commenced investigations to locate their mother.

"During investigations, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, wife of the Executive Governor of Enugu State, visited the Police Station, offering scholarships for welfare support for all three children (names withheld), aged six, three and two years, respectively. Afterward, they were handed over to the Ministry of Gender Affairs and Social Development through Mrs. Ngozi Enih, the Honourable Commissioner overseeing the Ministry.

"Additionally, the woman's husband reported to the Police Station and stated that his yet-to-be seen wife recently started displaying strange behaviours, which suggested signs of mental health issues. He further stated that he returned from work in the morning hours of the said day of the incident, and met the absence of his wife and the children at their home in the Ugwuaji area of Enugu South Local Government Area.

"It is, therefore, expedient to categorically state that, contrary to the untrue and misleading viral publications, there was no such incident of the said woman dumping the children and committing suicide through a fatal motor accident in front of Ogui Police Station. Moreover, there was no fatal motor-pedestrian accident recorded in front of the Police Station or along the entire stretch of Ogui Road, Enugu, on March 2, 2024.

"Consequently, while investigative actions are on course to trace the whereabouts and ascertain the condition of the woman, the public has been enjoined to disregard the untrue and misleading publications. Furthermore, the publishers are advised to always investigate and get their facts right before rushing to the press with such information that is capable of misinforming and misleading the public."


https://journalist101.com/2024/03/07/report-of-woman-dumping-her-children-committing-suicide-in-front-of-station-untrue-misleading-police/

The first lady of Osun State, Erelu Ngozi Adeleke over the week, launched a skill acquisition programme for empowering women and youths of the state.

The programme which is powered by Esther Adeleke Humanitarian Foundation, Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Programme the First Lady said is aimed at unlocking abundantly, the potentials and opportunities embedded in skill acquisition programme as a means of empowering youths and women.

According to her, "the multifaceted initiative is a product of Esther Adeleke Humanitarian Foundation, Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Programme targeted at aiding the interest of trainees on beauty, cosmetology and hair dressing."

The First Lady also seized the opportunity to salute the efforts of Osun people in offering her husband, Governor Ademola Adeleke, a sound and productive support while assuring them that the Governor will not tarry in providing social intervention and succours aimed at alleviating their plights.

"Empowerment of our youths and women through skill acquisition programme which is just one out of the many empowerment activities of the foundation such as computer literacy, soap making, etc."

In her remarks, the mother of the day, Chief Mrs. Modupe Adeleke used the occasion to eulogise the First Lady for floating such a lofty programme and called on Nigerian youths to prioritise skill acquisition programme and encouraged the participants to take the training seriously not minding their educational qualifications.

According to her, "my make-up artist is a graduate thus, you can't say the training isn't for you because you're learned."

In their separate goodwill messages, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Mrs. Olusola Adewusi; wife of the Speaker, Princess Mosurat Egbedun; commissioner for Education, Hon. Dipo Eruwale and permanent secretary, Ministry of women, children and social affairs, Mrs. Abimbola Babatunde, commended wife of the Governor for organising such a laudable programme.

The Royal Fathers present at the event; Oba Michael Ajayi and Oba Akin Ogungbanpe jointly lauded the Osun First Lady for designing what they described as "a futuristic and benevolence programme."

Some of the beneficiaries that spoke at the event appreciated Ngozi Erelu Adeleke for offering them such a life chancing opportunity and assured her they will make optimal use of the training.


https://journalist101.com/2024/02/11/osun-first-lady-erelu-ngozi-adeleke-floats-skill-empowerment-programme-for-women/

Geo–Squaremeter Innovative Limited; one of Nigeria’s innovative Real Estate, Surveying and Civil Engineering Companies which has Dr. Surv. Victor Chukwuemeka Nnam as their principal consultant has begun the construction of the permanent site of Orie Ugwogo market, Ugwogo, Enugu East local government area.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new market, Dr. Nnam who was a former Commissioner for lands in Enugu state said the proposed structure is a signature project of Enugu East local government council under the chairmanship of Livinus Anike in partnership with Umunonu-Umuezeani, Ugwogo Nike and Geo-Squaremeter innovative ltd.

He said the new market sits on a 20 hectares of land with six zone and will have the basic amenities needed in a place of commerce such this.
“The market will be in six zones to meet the structure of a modern market. These zones include the lorry park and warehouses; services and general goods; livestock market; building materials market; foodstuff market and timber market.
“We are going to provide good access road within the market, well reticulated water, convenience, car park and transformer for each of the zones.

Dr. Nnam further assured that working with his team of experts, they will ensure that the approved prototype by the council is followed to the letter while calling on investors to invest in the shop as they’re sure of getting value for their money

He added that the project which is a public private partnership between the council, the community and the developer will be delivered in 24 months and they hope that the market will transform from the current every 4 days market to daily market as over 7,000 shops will be made available in the new market.

In his speech, the council chairman, Hon, Anike said the movement of the market to a permanent place is long overdue as their current space no longer accommodates the fast-expanding market leading to serious traffic for the people of Isiuzo going to their homes.

The council Boss said the project is very dear to him as it resonates to the ease of doing business preached the current administration led by His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah.

He also commended the developer, Dr. Nnam for prioritizing the interest of the people in the development of the market and called on both the host and neighbouring communities to take ownership of the market, while encouraging them to always be united so that the market can bring the desired prosperity to them.

Speaking earlier at the event, the Traditional ruler of Ugwogo Nike, Igwe Barr. Emeka Ugwu said that the neighbouring villages will retain their spots as it’s in the temporary site and thanked the council chairman and the developer for their efforts in seeing that the project sees the light of the day.

Similarly, Chief Joseph Agbo Ugwumba, one of the leaders of host community, who went down memory lane, said that “the very important and popular ORIE market of Ugwogo Nike has really come a long way, even in the days of the Nigerian-Biafran civil war this market held sway and met a great need. And so, its astronomical growth was not unexpected thus necessitating the need for expansion and a suiting or befitting site.

He said their community is delighted with the project and ready to ply their role to see to the completion of the project

“I am elated to welcome you all as we break the ground for a new and permanent site of the ORIE market in Ugwogo Nike. The clan Umunonu-Umuezeani is happy to be a part of this project, without doubt we are joyfully committed to seeing to its completion and commissioning knowing fully that our significant donation of the land situate is not in vain.

“All of us stakeholders and the citizens of Ugwogo Nike look forward to the immense benefits and progress this new permanent site will bring to everyone, Ugwogo Nike and Enugu State of Nigeria.”

Also, in his remark, the chairman peace and development committee, Rt. Hon. Donatus Agbodo said that the growing population made it inevitable for the market to be moved to a more suitable permanent place, adding that they have also lost lives due to the growing demands of the market.

He also thanked the Chairman for being brave enough to do what his predecessors couldn’t do as well as fulfilling his campaign promise to their people.

“We thank you Mr. Chairman for your braveness and progressive mind you have shown in making this dream a reality. It was a promise you made during your campaign as you promise to enhance human capital development in Enugu East. We the people of Umunonu Umuezeani and Ugwogo-Nike in general have received our own share in your administration drive towards reducing poverty in Enugu East Local Government Area, this market will alleviate poverty among our people.”

Other speakers such as the president general of Ugwogo Nike, Pius Okeanu and Mrs. Theresa Edeonu hailed that new project and urged their people to be very accommodative and thanked both the council chairman and the developer for the initiative.

https://journalist101.com/2023/12/01/dr-nnams-geo-squaremeter-begins-development-of-perm-site-of-enugus-oldest-market/

On Saturday, October 7th, 2023, Kachi James Arts Gallery opened in Enugu.

Speaking at the unveiling of the Gallery the Founder, Kachi Aghasili said that the Gallery is intended to provide a platform for budding artists to showcase their works and also serve as a melting point for the showcasing of different cultural heritages.

Aghasili who said that she had always nursed the ambition to own a gallery over a decade, said that her choice of Enugu as a destination was informed by the fact that the state has a great mixture of arts and history.

"We want to give emerging artists an opportunity to be seen, heard and discovered," she said, adding that most of the Galleries that already exist are meant for the big names in the industry, with little focusing on those who are still coming up.

Aghasili said her love for arts and intellectual property motivated her to establish the Kachi James Arts Gallery

According to the Founder, who doubles as a lawyer in the United States of America, said she set up the gallery to present a ground where "we can have emerging artists as well as popular artists".

In her address, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in the state, Ugochi Madueke said that the current administration of Governor Peter Mbah in Enugu State remains committed to boosting the tourism sector in the state, thus Kachi James Art Gallery has their full support.

"We will establish more galleries because they will boost tourism and the economy by attracting visitors from different parts of the country and also boost the state' economy," she said. They will also serve as educational tools for the people and a way of preserving our Cultural heritage,".

She noted that the government was doing even more in the tourism sector as plans are underway to have a film village and a museum where different art works will be displayed.

Also speaking, the member representing Enugu West Senatorial District, Senator Osita Ngwu highlighted the private sector’s contribution to the development of arts in Nigeria.

Senator Ngwu added that nations have achieved economic growth in various arts through the enormous contributions of the private sector.

"I'm very happy with what I have seen today. Kachi James just showed the substance she's made of by bringing this art gallery to Enugu. It's a private initiative and I commend it completely.

"This is what the Igbo call 'aku ruo ulo'; that's taking your wealth home to help empower your people.

"I'm hoping that this gallery is going to motivate more youths, who have the talents for arts but lack the exposure such as this. With the number of arts enthusiasts that have trooped into this place to have a look at the colourful paintings, it gives the motivation that they can actually make a living from painting.

"I commend Kachi James for this initiative which is a platform to motivate young artists. It's good to follow your dream and live it in all you do", he said.

The Lawmaker, who expressed happiness with the contributions of the private sector players like Kachi James, said with the effort of the state government, and "the contributions of some of us in the legislature, there will be a paradigm shift for arts in Enugu and South-East".

The event featured arts exhibitions, auctions, live art performances, dance presentations, sip and paint.



[url]https://journalist101.com/2023/10/08/kachi-james-arts-gallery-opens-in-enugu/
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Imo State National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja has sacked the Member representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency, Imo Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The election Tribunal sitting in Mararaba High Court ruled that PDP has no candidate for the election as Primaries didn't hold in the Federal Constituency.

The panel also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct rerun election Calls in 4 Wards between APC and LP candidates.




https://journalist101.com/2023/09/10/breaking-tribunal-sacks-ugochinyere-imo/

The people of Opi in Nsukka local government and Ekwegbe in Igboetiti local government in Enugu State on Friday, marched to the government House, Enugu to protest the continued detention of their son and lawyer, Barr. Onyekachi Ugwu in Enugu Correctional Service over alleged kidnapping.

Barr. Ugwu who's from Opi community and the lawyer to Ekwegbe community has been in detention for over 3 months over his arrest and arraignment for cyberstalking the former secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dan Shere.

It was gathered Ugwu was charged to a Magistrate Court in charge no CME/354c/23: COP v. Onyeka Ugwu on the 31/5/2023 which doesn't have the jurisdiction to entertain the charge in the first place.

Efforts to secure his bail at the State High Court failed and same was taken to Federal High Court. The Federal high court fixed 18th July 2023 as a date to hear the motion on Ugwu's bail application but Dr. Shere raised another charge (MEN/208c/2023) on 17th July, 2023 (a day before the Federal high court date) stating that Ugwu kidnapped him (Shere) on 27th October, 2022.

The production warrant for the kidnapping charges was fixed same day for hearing of Ugwu's bail application of the first charges at the Federal high court on 18th July, 2023 which frustrated the effort grant him bail.

Worried by his continued detention without any charge as the Magistrate Court declined jurisdiction to try the new charges, the communities on Friday, 8th September, 2023, marched to the government House to seek the help of the Governor for the release of their son and lawyer.

Addressing Journalists after submitting their petition to a representative of the Governor, the mother of the lawyer, Mrs. Monica Ugwu pleaded with Dr. Shere to bring whatever the matter is home to be resolved amicably and called on the government to come to her aid.

Mrs. Ugwu who broke down in tears said: "My son who has been a great friend confidant of Dr. Shere has been in detention for 4 months. I don't know what went wrong and the brotherhood they shared was destroyed.

"I've gone on my knees to beg Dr. Shere to please bring the matter home let us know what went wrong but he has ignored all my pleas."

When asked what he was told her son did, the teary mother said "my son is a lawyer and they said he was offering legal services to the people of Ekwegbe and that was the problem. In the midst of that, we started hearing that he was involved in kidnapping. My son isn't a Kidnapper, he's lawyer and was contracted by Ekwegbe people.

"He's a brother to Dan Shere, they're from the same village and community, the day they came to kill Onyeka was because he's standing with Dan and I don't know the cause of this misunderstanding between the two of them.

"I'm on knees and begging the government and Dr. Shere to please come to my aid and let my son free. For over 4 months I haven't seen my son, the only thing I was told is that he's in a yard," Mrs. Ugwu stuttered while sobbing uncontrollably.

Also speaking, Chief Fidelis Nweze from Ekwegbe community said they contracted Barr. Ugwu to help them secure their over 2,000 plots of land which they're at the risk of losing to some persons.

"We're stranded because we don't know what's happening because we have always known Onyekachi and he can't be a kidnapper."

Explaining the controversy surrounding the land, Chief Nweze said they never sold their land but went into an agreement with the owners of Winners Chapel to release the land to them for a University project.

"Six villages in our community donated their lands to the church because we know of the enormous benefits a university will bring to our community.

"We have lost the university because the church didn't come again to develop the land again as they promised and we're supposed to sit down with them and put the oral promises made to our people on paper as well as tidy the negotiations.

"They promised to give our children Scholarship, make our son a member of the governing council of the University, give us a percentage of the work force for the junior cadre. They also promised to give the contract for the perimeter fencing to our people."

He disclosed that the university never paid them for the land but made a monetary commitment to them which they said was a paltry sum because it's not enough to buy the land.

Conclusively, he called on the Governor, Peter Mbah, whom he described as a listening leader to come to their aid and ensure the release of their lawyer and their land not encroached into.

All efforts to contact Dr. Shere for comments failed as he's yet to respond to SMS sent to his mobile line.

Mr. Obumneme Francis Ezeiru the father of 11-year-old Master Chisimdi Ezeiru; Elochukwu Onyedika Ezeiru, the marketing manager of Zenith Bank, 9th mile, Enugu and his wife, Favour, the Head of Branch Service, First Bank Aroma Awka, are at the risk of being committed to prison over the custody of Master Chisimdi.

This follows an order of an Enugu State High Court presided by Justice I. Okibe for Form 49 to be served on the trio of Obumneme, Elochukwu and Favour, the first, second and third respondents for their failure to obey two different orders of Nigeria Court and another order of Washington state Court.

Master Chisimdi Ezeiru is one of the products of the failed marriage between Obumneme Francis Ezeiru and Chisom Obianozie (both residents of the United States).

The plaintiff, Mrs. Obianozie, had dragged the trio to Enugu High court over their failure to release Master Chisimdi for summer holiday as ordered by Washington state Court (where both parents of the child resides).

On Tuesday, the plaintiff’s counsel, Mrs. Augustina Onah, Esq. told the court that the respondents are in clear violation of three different others of the court, two in Enugu State and one in the U.S.

The first was an order of a Washington court marked exhibit B, which was given 20th April, 2023 in Washington Court.

The second order, marked Exhibit A, was by Justice C. I. Nwobodo, given on 28th July, 2023, which was given in line with the ruling of the Washington court directing the respondents to release Master Chisimdi to her mother to travel to the United States for summer holidays.

While the third and subsisting order mandated the respondents to produce Master Chisimdi Ezeiru in court on Tuesday August 29, 2023 was given on 22nd August 2023.

Barr. Onah in her applications told the court that the respondents have refused to obey the three different orders. She further stated that form 48 has been served on the respondents for disobeying the 2nd order on the 16th of August, 2023.

However, Barr. C. S Esele who was on holding brief for the counsel to the respondents interjected by telling the court that they're not in contempt as they've appealed the matter and seeking for a stay of execution.

On why the respondents failed to produce master Chisimdi in court, Esele said he was unable to reach them and they never told him they won't be producing the little boy in court.

The plaintiff's lawyer told the court that the appeal was after form 48 had been served to the respondents insisting that they can't come to court for stay of execution with dirty hands (after disregarding the court) and said that's why they have filed form 49.

Onah said her second application before the court is with respect to the disregard to the 3rd order to produce the child in court. She said on the day the child was to be produced, the lawyer to the 2nd respondent, said he was unable to talk and the little he spoke, he said the first respondent has taken the child to Abuja and requested for a long date following which they were given one week (which is today).

She further said that non of the three respondents had deemed it necessary to appear in court, while decrying the spate of in facie curiae and ex facie curiae contempts by the respondents and therefore, prayed the court to make two orders.

One was for service of from 49 on the respondents and a warrant of arrest.

The judge took a swipe on the respondents for failing to obey the orders of the court and accused them of deceiving the court of seeking for long time to enable them file for appeal.

A little drama ensued when Barr. Esele told the court that the child was brought back to Nigeria to correct his speech problem. The surprised judge asked the lawyer "do you even believe yourself?" and advised him to properly guide their clients to stop disobeying the court.

The judge granted the application for form 49 to be served on the respondents at their last known address, plot 423 Premier Layout, Independence Layout, Enugu.

"I do agree with the applicant that the respondents don't want to obey the orders of the court and the prayer for form 49 to be served on them is granted.

"The application by Ugwu for more time is aimed at deceiving the court to allow him seek time to file for appeal (though the appeal won't stop the court.)

The case was adjourned until Sept 7, 2023.


https://journalist101.com/2023/08/31/father-two-top-bankers-risk-jail-over-custody-of-11-year-old-child/

Guinness, the country's premium beer brand, has proudly stood alongside the remarkable women of the August Meeting, honoring Igbo women from all walks of life.


True to its mission of empowering and advocating, Guinness collaborated with the August Meeting women to spotlight women achieving extraordinary feats in various Igbo communities.

The 2023 edition of the Meeting witnessed Guinness backing 250 women from diverse communities across Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Abia state. These women were equipped with mobile business infrastructure and tools, enabling them to excel in business ownership and become the best and brightest versions of themselves. 

To delight the elegant women of the August meeting, Guinness treated the women to great music and energetic dancers for entertainment. The Guinness experience was enhanced with trays of Igbo delicacies and chilled Guinness.

Mark Mugisha, Marketing and Innovation Director at Guinness Nigeria Plc. explained the role of Guinness in facilitating the August Meeting: “August Meeting transcends an event; it's an experience Guinness deeply resonates with. It allows us to participate in the age-old celebration of women who are dedicated to making a significant, positive impact on their communities. As a brand, we are unwavering in our commitment to celebrating women in the most authentic ways possible.”

As a proponent of diversity and inclusive marketing, Guinness has seamlessly woven these values into its DNA, reflecting brightly in everything from its marketing and communication efforts to its experiential, audio, visual, and digital content. The August Meeting, a vibrant yearly gathering of Igbo women, is a platform where the brand's commitment to diversity and inclusion is boldly manifested.

Some of the beneficiaries that spoke to newsmen at the event expressed happiness with the gesture and thanked Guinness for coming to their aid in this time of economic hardship. 

They said the support will help them feed their families while promising to continue to support the brand in their own little ways. 


https://journalist101.com/2023/08/30/guinness-launches-250-women-across-south-east-into-entrepreurship/

As we take seriously, the need for a realistically more robust economic activities cum development of Southeast Nigeria where potentials of Ndigbo could be harnessed and deployed towards the end of attaining the full economic potential possibilities and economy of scale befitting of a people whose ingenuity and can-do spirit permeate all spheres of business endeavour, there is the need to firstly identify realisable paths to which focus should be placed in order to achieve the aim of industrialization and commercialization of the zone and in record time without frustration.

Over the years, Ndigbo, home and diaspora, have been pregnant and in deep hunger to unleash their potentials and develop their homeland. Many have great hopes that someday, there will be good and conscientious leadership with the capacity to engender an overarching economic plan capable of pooling the business ingenuity of Ndigbo together to build a Japan-of-sort economy in West Africa on the strength of the attested resilient spirit of industry for which Ndigbo are known all over the world. This expectation has never been more apparent in no other time in history than now.

As this expectation is ripe in every mind, to prime our spirit, Ndigbo must be aware of a deep pitfall, a clear and present danger capable of draining our energy and causing debilitating frustration and which must be avoided like a plague.
This plague is the fallacy and misleading presumption that Ndigbo must have a seaport before the southeast could become an industrial or commercial hub. This lie sown in our minds, and which no one knows when it was sown, has been in the narrative over the years prompting deceptions, every now and then, of the possibility of one seaport or the other in Igboland, especially the often touted Onitsha Seaport. A cursory look at the Google earth map will show you that there is no part of Southeast anywhere near the Atlantic Ocean.

Onitsha Seaport:
River Niger, like all seven rivers of Africa; Nile, Niger, Senegal, Congo, Orange, Limpopo and Zambesi, are drying up due to global warming. In fact, you can walk across the river Niger (not swim) during the Dry Seasons nowadays. High water levels can only be guaranteed during the rainy seasons, and that can only sail floating badges, not ocean-going ships. Therefore, ocean going ship making it to Onitsha is never ever going to be possible, even with the suggested dredging of the river Niger; because dredging cannot introduce more water when the source flow is now so tiny. The only possible means to introduce huge water flow will be to dig the Niger riverbed down to a point where the Atlantic Ocean could flow back up to Onitsha.

Before we go further, let me be clear that our conversation here is about seaport for ocean going ships. Ships from Asia, Europe, USA etc that can only sail to West Africa and Nigeria through the Atlantic Ocean. I am not arguing the present port at Onitsha where floating badges that carry less than 18 containers of cargo from Lagos ports berth, 18 trailers can do that by road; that kind of deception will not help the Southeast; and that is not what I am discussing here.

Onitsha located along the edge of the river Niger at the lower boundary of Anambra and northern part of Delta State, is situated at 62 meters MSL (main sea level). That means to excavate the floor of the River Niger from Onitsha point to where it comes to par with the Atlantic Ocean, you would have to dig deep down to 62 meters. Then, to have the Atlantic flow back up to Onitsha, experts say you would need to dig deeper down to another 50 meters. Furthermore, to guarantee dept enough for ocean going ships to freely navigate, there would be additional 50 meters, making the total dept required to 162 meters from the current floor of the Onitsha end of the river Niger. Experts also report that due to the curvature needed to ensure that earth will not cave into the dug trench and to enable ships pass each other in the Onitsha to Atlantic Ocean channel, the width of the channel would have to be at least 1,600 meters. From Onitsha, following the natural tracks of the river Niger through lower end of Delta State, River State and Bayelsa State, to the Atlantic Ocean, measures 210 km. The question here is, even if we found the political will for such project, can Nigeria find the money to dig 162 metres dept and 1,600 meters wide from Onitsha, 210 km long, to the Atlantic Ocean to have a seaport at Onitsha?

Again, at the Bayelsa State and Delta State end to the Atlantic, there are labyrinths of oil and gas pipelines crisscrossing the entire region where the entry to the ocean will be needed. Can such critical national assets be destroyed to enable ships sail to the Onitsha seaport?

In addition, the height of the just completed second Niger bridge is too low such that no ship can pass under it, this indicate that the designers of the bridge were equipped with the above information; that no ocean-going ship or vessel will ever go to Onitsha.

There are great cites and societies around the world without seaports doing just fine, Southeast Nigeria can be like them. We need not be fixated on seaport; it is a distraction that can lead to frustration, especially as we have the possibility of a much better modern means to move goods and services across the globe and should focus on it. In USA, the cities of Las Vegas, Phoenix Arizona, Dallas, New Mexico City etc, in Europe, Milan in Italy; Munich in Germany, Austria etc, have no seaports but they are doing great, none availability of seaport has not hindered their development or make them inferior to any other city.

In modern air travel, it is proven that there is nothing you cannot move by Air Freight. The only difference could be in packaging. Giant industrial materials are disassembled and packed in smaller units or compartments and shipped by Air Cargo. A full luxury bus of 42 passengers seating capacity can drive into an Anthonov air cargo plane nowadays, and within 24 hours be delivered at the other end of the world. The only thing you may not see is the iron-body ocean shipping containers, but the same amount of goods are packed in pallets and by air cargo shipped effortlessly across the globe in our today’s world.

Moreover, if for instance you have funds to import one container of goods into Nigeria at one time, you could only do just four containers (4 times) in 12 months; that is at three months for one container of goods into Nigeria by ocean freight. While as you can import the same amount of goods twice every month by air cargo. That means 24 times in 12 months. So, even if you would make 30 percent profit from the ocean container goods, due to the cheaper cost of shipping, if you make 15 percent profit on the air cargo shipped goods, you are still going to make more money at the end of the year since you would have done 24 rotations of the same amount of goods - speed!

In Enugu, there is a 3-kilometre runway International Airport, within the city, that can take any cargo airplane in the world. From Enugu airport, the farthest part of Asia, Japan, is only 7,019 nautical miles (13,000 km). Beijing China is 6,090 nautical miles (11,280 km). The farthest of the West is Vancouver in Canada, which is 12,000 kilometres from Enugu, to name but a few. A Boeing 777 cargo or passenger airplane has a nonstop flight range of 17,205 kilometres. So, from the Southeast you can reach the entire world on a nonstop flight with many models of modern aeroplanes.
In Igboland, there is still Owerri airport; Anambra airport and Ebonyi airport. So, we are all set to launch our development if we can all focus our mind on this modern means of movement of man and materials and go further to acquire the expertise required for the full indoctrination of our people in the activities of aviation for we cannot afford to rely on other people to provide for us this basic means by which our economic development would be driven.
Hence, my commendation for the organisers of this event; Aviation Career Meet, at this prestigious university, Coal City University Enugu.

Aviation industry offers innumerable opportunities to any society that avails it. Careers in the industry offer training and expertise in divergent areas for men and women alike and the opportunity to excel anywhere in the world, if properly trained. I am quite delighted this university is partnering with another international institution in USA to bring to the Southeast the level of trainings and degree programs that will be a without-which-not to power the region’s aviation manpower development that will propel its desired development and industrial drive. Aviation being the best and the only viable means to fast track the imperative development of the Southeast, will suffer a serious setback if forward thinking investors and institutions fail to move in now to begin urgent trainings and orientations of our young ones into the industry. The industry is open to trainings in things about the airport and facilities; aircraft flight operations and maintenance, like pilot trainings; aircraft engineers; cabin crew etc. You also have Flight Operations Management; Flight Dispatchers; Material and Logistics Management; Ramp Services; Airline Safety Auditors; Air Cargo Operations and Management, as well as Aircraft Maintenance Planners; Airline Technical Records and Document Control; Aviation Equipment and Spares Store Management etc. These and many other opportunities abound in the industry.

In conclusion, the way forward for Southeast to fast track the desired mega economic development capable of attracting their best brains, human and material resources, and provide our pride of place in the West African market, is to invest in the development of the existing airport infrastructure diligently and deliberately to the best possible international standards. This will mean also, to train and assimilate the young ones in the modern aviation credentials and encourage the regions potential investors to invest in the industry so as to have a permeable and strong foothold that will stimulate a booming economic activity and guarantee the future of the region’s economy.

Presented by:
Capt. Evarest Nnaji
At The Aviation Career Meet – Coal City University Enugu on the 24th August 2023


https://journalist101.com/2023/08/29/this-seaport-in-the-southeast-the-feasibility/

A 45-year-old Nigerian man, Ezeneche Uzochukwu Jerome, and 13 Thai indigenes have been arrested by the Royal Thai Police for their roles in a romance scam syndicate that defrauded victims of more than 800 million baht.

Ezeneche, in 2021 said he was appointed the king Igbos in six nations of Asia.

According to Bangkok Post, following a series of coordinated police operations across seven provinces, the head of the Crime Suppression Division Pol Maj Gen Montree Theskhan, announced on Friday that his division's team had carried out raids at 14 different sites on Thursday.

According to statements from the victims, the scammers initiated contact through fake profiles of foreign women on social media platforms.

They were told by the scammers that they were American female soldiers serving in Syria. After winning the victims' trust, they would express a wish to visit the victims in Thailand.

However, before their journeys, they would inform the victim that they sent gifts or some parcels into Bangkok, via the airports.

They would then lure the victims into paying taxes or other necessary fees in advance on their behalf, adding that they would reimburse the victims when they met.

A group of Thai scammers then contacted the victims pretending to be airport authorities and demanded money for the alleged parcel-receiving process.

After getting the amount they wanted, the scammer would disappear and block all the contact channels with the victims.

The police conducted a further investigation until they identified the gang leader, Jerome. Jerome had been previously charged with a love scam in 2018 but managed to re-engage in the illicit operation.



https://journalist101.com/2023/08/25/celebrated-eze-ndigbo-in-thailand-ezeneche-13-others-arrested-for-alleged-romance-scam/

The Chief Executive Officer, Odengene Air-Shuttle Services (OAS), Captain Evarest Nnaji has stated that the only chance the South East zone has in achieving its economic potentials is by exploring the opportunities available to it in the aviation sector.

Captain Nnaji stated this on Thursday at 'The Aviation Career Meet' held in Enugu.

The aviation guru who was also the keynote speaker and the special guest of honour at the event said the region has to focus on the aviation industry as the possibility of having a seaport is a tall dream that's near impossible.

He said that getting Onitsha River to be at par with the Atlantic ocean will involve a lot of work which the cost implications will scare any government away from embarking on.

The OAS Boss further stated that the physical national assets (oil and gas) under the sea that will be destroyed in effort to dig the river niger are enormous and no one is ready to spoil any of those assets.

He said that the second Niger bridge is a testament that the possibility of digging the river Niger and allowing a ship come in is foreclosed because those that designed the bridge knew that no ship is coming through it and the heights provided in the design says it all.

After enunciating this sad reality about have a sea port in South East, he encouraged the region to look towards the aviation industry, adding that some other countries of the world are existing without a seaport and doing well.

"Ndigbo must understand this and take aviation very seriously to develop this place. If you look at the fact that we have an airport with a 3km runway inside the city of Enugu State, this place can be the hub for huge international flights, carrying cargo and there's nothing you can't bring by air."

Chief Nnaji stated that there are aeroplanes in the world today that can take off from Enugu today and land in any part of the world and vise versa.

On the issue of cost, he said with the amount of turnover Air fleet gives when compared to using ship, using cargos for movement of goods gives more profit annually.

He also encouraged the students present at the event to think about taking up a carrier in the aviation industry because it offers them a better and brighter opportunity of earning descent salaries while revealing that an American University is ready to partner with Coal City University to offer a degree programme in aviation.


https://journalist101.com/2023/08/24/aviation-our-only-chance-of-developing-south-east-captain-evarest-nnaji/

The Enugu State Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Pharmacist Ugwuoke Chika on Thursday, met with the leaders of the various Labour leaders in the state.

Commenting on the reason for the meeting, Pharmacist Ugwuoke said it's to commence "a bonding process in order to prepare the ground for a very smooth and non disruptive relationship."

The Commissioner said the meeting afforded them the opportunity to discuss both in generic and specific terms about the issues that are bothering them at the moment which they think the new administration should be aware of.

He reiterated that the convener of the meeting with the Labour Leaders is his principal, Dr. Peter Mbah, the Governor of Enugu State who has defined their responsibilities for them while reminding them that the government "is a Labour friendly one and the objectives of this ministry were directly extracted from the strategic objectives of the Governor.

"Number one in his strategic objective is peace and security," noting that "Labour restiveness can hit up the polity in any society and part of the reasons for our meeting today is to set the platform for a peaceful and secured state.

"The second strategic objective of His Excellency is inclusive economic development and the labour force is the generator of the productive value in the society and we discussed on the need to collaborate with them to ensure that we have optimal productivity in Enugu State which can only come from the engine room of the Labour force.

Pharmacist Ugwuoke further expressed happiness with the response from the Labour leaders which shows that they had already forged a relationship with the Governor "And I'm now coming in to ensure that it works in the direction His Excellency wants it.

"It was a very exciting and fulfilling engagement. The richness of the content of their discussions. The non combatant tones of their submissions is giving me all the assurances that the administration is going to have the most peaceful and stable relationship with the Labour unions.

Also speaking on the outcome of the meeting, Comrade Barr. Fabian Nwigbo, the Chairperson, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Enugu State Council said "the meeting was fruitful and I see the Commissioner as a very proactive person just like his principal."

Comrade Nwigbo stated that unlike what they had in the past were they will be the one making efforts to reach the new commissioner, Pharmacist Ugwuoke called him (Nwigbo) to arrange for the meeting two days ago.

"We had a very resounding meeting, a lot of issues were raised and discussed, he took notes and assured us that he's going to ensure that His Excellency is aware of them."

While managing his expectations due to the economic situation of the country, the Labour leader said "we're looking at a stage by stage attack on these legion of cases and challenges before the Labour and workers of Enugu State.

Also present at the meeting were the chairman of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, Chairman of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Chairman Association of Resident Doctors, Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Chairman of Nigeria Association of Nurses among other.



https://journalist101.com/2023/08/17/enugu-commissioner-for-labour-pharmacist-ugwuoke-meets-with-labour-leaders/

Luck seems to have smiled on Ejikeme Mmesoma, student of Anglican Girls Secondary School, Nnewi, Anambra State, who was accused of inflating her Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) result, as one Gaius Chibueze from Enugu State has offered her international scholarship.

In a statement on Sunday Fabian Benjamin, JAMB spokesperson, had said the student, who was widely celebrated for scoring 362 anr said to be the highest for 2023 UTME, actually scored 249 in the exam.

Benjamin had said the student tampered with the original result to curry favour.

He subsequently announced that the result would be withdrawn while Mmesoma would face prosecution.

But speaking on Monday, Mmesoma said she printed her result from JAMB portal, adding that she was not capable of forging her result.

She said she had always been a brilliant pupil, who had secured first position from primary school days.

Mmesoma said she was invited by the Department of State Services (DSS) where her statement was taken, and she was told that investigation was ongoing.

She said she felt traumatised by the incident, adding that, “there must be problem somewhere”.

While the controversy rages on, Mr. Chibueze took to his verified Twitter account on Monday night to announce: "I and our company @VoiceOfTheEast are ready to offer Miss Joy Mmesoma a 100% scholarship to study in the UK, CANADA or the UNITED states of 🇺🇸 America.

"Our team will work with her to get admission From any university of her choice in any of the above 3 countries.

"We will take 100% charge of her Fees and upkeep until her masters level.

"@lota_nna, kindly get in touch with her and her family!"

He called on the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, to stop harassing Mmesoma, adding that the action of JAMB is also an Igbo race.

"We are calling on @JAMBHQ to desist from such unprofessional behavior.

"This is not just an attack on her person but the entire Igbo race!"


https://journalist101.com/2023/07/04/breaking-student-accused-of-inflating-utme-score-mmesoma-ejikeme-receives-fully-funded-international-scholarship/

Police operatives from Ogidi Division, Anambra State have arrested the Ojoto community vigilante commander and two others for the kidnap and murder of a tricycle operator, Christian Oluchukwu Onah.

Onah, a 25 year old tricycle rider from Ovoko community, Igbo-Eze South LGA, Enugu State but residing in Oba, Idemili South LGA, Anambra State was declared missing on 28th May, 2023 when he failed to return after going out for the day’s business of tricycle riding transportation.

His neighbour in Oba had raised alarm over his whereabouts and subsequently reported to the police. The owner of the tricycle the missing Christian rides under hire purchase agreement engaged the services of a security tracker that eventually yielded positive fruits leading to the arrest of a man in possession of the missing tricycle used by Christian.

On further interrogation, the man confessed buying the keke from Ojoto community vigilante operatives. When the police arrested the vigilante that sold the keke to him, he also subsequently mentioned the vigilante commander as the one who masterminded the abduction and subsequent killing of Christian and allegedly throwing his corpse at Mmili John Ojoto, a popular river in that side of the community.

Christian’s father, Emmanuel Onah who raised alarm over the brutal murder of his struggling young son has called for justice over the heinous act and lamented that another painful aspect of the ugly story is that the perpetrators have refused to disclose where they actually buried his son.

While calling for a thorough investigation, fishing out all who had a hand in the killing and total justice over the murder, he appealed to the police for diligent prosecution leading also to recovery of his son’s body.

When contacted for confirmation, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Ikenga Tochi said he has not been briefed over the incident. He promised to reach out to the police division concerned for proper update.

But a senior police officer from Ogidi Division who pleaded anonymity disclosed to the reporter that Ojoto community stakeholders are interested in the matter while police has intensified efforts to arrest some other indigenes in the community mentioned as collaborators by the suspects already in custody.


https://journalist101.com/2023/06/28/vigilante-chief-2-others-arrested-for-murder-of-keke-rider-in-anambra/

Tears flowed freely in Umuochi Ugwu, Orji Amokwe in Udi local government area of Enugu state on Friday, as a 30-year old man, Augustine Ali killed by his abductors was laid to rest.


Recall that Augustine Somuadina Ali, was kidnapped and killed by unknown assailants three days after he received a visa to the UK for his Masters degree program.

According to WITHIN NIGERIA, Somuadina, popularly known as Italian Millano, was kidnapped on Friday, June 2, 2023, while on his way to his village, Umuochi Ugwu in Orji Amokwe, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Our source equally narrated that his body was found where it was dumped along a road hours later even as his abductors never asked for ransom.

Somuadina, an ESUT graduate was laid to rest in his hometown on Friday, June 23.

His friend, Rotr Comr Amobichukwu Edeani explained that “the deceased gained admission into Teesside University, Middlesbrough to study Food Science and Biotechnology and had paid the part payment of £5,000, out of £9,000.”

Narrating further he said “Austin, we met in 2014 at Enugu State University of Science and Technology. We studied a 5-year course, and we have been good and close friends since then.”

“The news of your death is still like a shock to me. You have been a supportive friend and someone who truly liked education. On December 21, 2022, was the last day I saw you because I got my visa to further my MSc program in the UK.

Late Somuadina’s visa

“You told me never to forget what your mother told me about helping you come over to the UK for your MSc. We hugged, and I took off.

“I started your admission process immediately after I arrived in the UK, and it was granted. Then you paid £5,000 in tuition fees before we commenced your visa application, which was also granted. I’m shocked that your visa came out on Tuesday, and you got kidnapped and killed after three days you received your visa without a demand for ransom.

“I’m seriously in pain, and my prayer is that it won’t be well with your killer. Rest in peace, my good friend. Rip Milano. Rip Italian G. Rip Ali.”


https://journalist101.com/2023/06/24/tears-flow-as-enugu-man-killed-3-days-after-receiving-uk-visa-is-buried/

The Member representing Udi North State Constituency Hon. Uche Ugwu, has been elected the speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly for the 8th Assembly, confirming our exclusive story on the 12th of June

The Clark of the House, Dr. Emma Udaya set the motion for the business of the day.

Iloabuchi Aniagu, Nkanu West State Constituency nominated the immediate past deputy speaker of the House, Hon. Uche Ugwu of Udi North State Constituency for the position of the Speaker.

The motion was seconded by Chukwudi Nwankwo, the Member-elect for Awgu South

Following his nomination and subsequent acceptance of the nomination, Uche Ugwu and in the absence of any other nomination, was declared the Speaker of

"I hear by declare Hon. Uche Calistus Ugwu as the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly," the Clark of the House, Clerk of the House/Head of Legislative Service, Dr Emma Udaya said.

For the position of Deputy speaker, Hon. Jane Eneh of Awgu North Constituency nominated Prince Ezenta Ezeani of Igboetiti West Constituency. His nomination was seconded by Okey Mba, Member-elect, Nkanu East

In the absence of further nomination, Ezenta Ezeani was declared the deputy speaker of the 8th Assembly by the Clark.



More details later...



https://journalist101.com/2023/06/13/breaking-hon-uche-ugwu-elected-speaker-of-enugu-state-house-of-assembly/

In an exciting race that captured the attention of many, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, has emerged Anambra Woman of the Year,2022. The public voting process showcased exceptional women who have made significant contributions to society.
Among the esteemed nominees were renowned author Chimamanda Adichie, Industrialist Ada Chukwudozie, activist Oby Ezekwesili, former ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, and oil mogul Uju Ifejika.

After an impressive turnout of 8,100 votes, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe secured a remarkable 3,206 votes (39.58%) to claim the title of Anambra Woman of the Year. Her victory reflects her outstanding leadership abilities and the remarkable impact she has made in the banking industry.

Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe's journey at Fidelity Bank has been marked by her giant strides and transformative vision. As the first female CEO of the bank, she has championed a customer-centric approach, digital innovation, and sustainable growth strategies. Under her leadership, Fidelity Bank has experienced remarkable expansion and success.

One of the key areas where Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe has made significant strides is digital transformation. Recognizing the changing landscape of the banking industry, she has led Fidelity Bank in embracing technology to provide innovative financial solutions to customers. This has resulted in the launch of various digital banking platforms and services, making banking more convenient and accessible for customers.

Furthermore, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe has focused on fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the bank. She has implemented robust training and development programs to enhance the skills of Fidelity Bank employees, enabling them to deliver exceptional services to customers. Her emphasis on building a strong team and nurturing talent has contributed to the bank's overall success.

Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe's strategic vision has also led to remarkable financial performance for Fidelity Bank. Under her leadership, the bank has consistently achieved strong financial results, recording impressive growth in profitability and market share. Her strategic decisions and innovative approach have positioned Fidelity Bank as a leading financial institution in Nigeria.

Beyond her achievements within the banking sector, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe is known for her commitment to social responsibility and community development. She has championed various initiatives aimed at empowering women, supporting education, and promoting entrepreneurship. Through these efforts, she has positively impacted the lives of individuals and communities across Nigeria.

The recognition of Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe as the Anambra Woman of the Year celebrates not only her exceptional achievements but also her dedication to driving positive change in the banking industry and society at large. Her giant strides at Fidelity Bank have set a new standard of excellence and inspired others to embrace innovation, pursue their dreams, and make a lasting impact in their respective fields.

Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe's recognition as the Anambra Woman of the Year further solidifies her status as a remarkable leader and a true trailblazer in the Nigerian business landscape.


https://journalist101.com/2023/06/08/fidelity-bank-ceo-nneka-onyeali-ikpe-emerges-anambra-woman-of-the-year/

Chizitere Care Foundation; a non-Governmental Organisation (NGO); in commemoration of this year's children's day, feted over 100 less privileged kids in Enugu State. 

The funfair which the organisation tagged “Feed A Child” attracted children from different parts of Enugu was fun-filled as it featured dancing, football and other side attractions.q

In her address, the founder of Chizitere Care Foundation, Barr. Bonita Oneh, said the event is an annual charity programme of the organization aimed at creating an avenue for vulnerable children to have fun, make merry and eat at no cost to them. 

According to Oneh, it is usually held in rural areas, targeting specifically, the needy and underprivileged members of the society.

She called on the incoming government of Dr. Peter Mbah in Enugu State to give children needs priority once he takes over office.

“Our objective is to curb depression and it’s accompanying ailments through psychosocial support.

“We sponsor businesses for women undergoing counseling and organise events to help ease off mental stress and curb depression.

“Our 'Feed a Child, initiative is an annual Charity event held on Children’s day as a means to feed and entertain the less privileged children while we celebrate them. 

“We preach happiness and prioritise good mental health,” She said.

Chizitere Care Foundation is a nonprofit organisation, which offers various forms of support to indigent children, such as psychosocial support, free counselling, legal consultations, free business set ups and sponsorships.


https://journalist101.com/2023/06/01/foundation-fetes-over-100-less-privileged-kids-in-enugu/

On Monday, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah announced Professor Chidiebere Onyia as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

Professor Onyia hails from Amaechi Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Prof. Onyia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Masters of Business Administration degree and a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership. He also had a post-doctoral scholarship in Education Policy from the Ivy League Peabody College, Vanderbilt University.

He served as the Chief of Staff to the Honorable Minister of Power (2012 – 2015) ensuring the Minister’s team which comprised of private local and Diaspora experts in the power value chain provided timely and evidence based decision support in the ongoing sector reform process.

He is currently the Managing Director for the United Kingdom Nigeria Infrastructure Facility which is A 70 million pounds technical assistance support for infrastructure development in Nigeria focused on five (5) components namely, Power, Private public partnership, Roads, Capital Budget and North East Nigeria.

He was the Lead strategy advisor for the Federal Government of Nigeria and World Bank Group Power Sector Recovery Programme and the Senior Infrastructure Advisor and Team Lead with the DFID Funded PDF II – a national assignment anchored through the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria and Infrastructure focused MDAs, especially, Power, Works and Housing, CBN, and Nigeria Sovereign Investment Agency.

Prof. Onyia is also a Senior Advisor to Globethics.net Geneva where he provides strategic advice to the leadership of the organization as well as serves as external reviewer to the higher education ethics curriculum modules and the strategic engagement with UNESCO, German and Russian Governments. He is a visiting Professor of Education at the Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu State, and serves on the Governing Council of two private Universities in Nigeria.

He is the Chairman of the Board of Org Learning Consult (affiliate of TOL Consult California, USA) and the Centre for Education Reform and Sustainability Initiative. He developed the institutional reform training for principal officers and senior management currently in use at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, where he was a visiting Professor for approximately seven years. He's the, Chairman Strategic Advisory Board Coal City University, Enugu.

Prof. Onyia has built a wealth of experience in change management and leadership, infrastructure development in developing nations, Institutional reform and sustainable public sector performance in his career of over 25 years. He currently implements major change management projects for Nigeria State governments and private sector organizations on strengthening internal processes that can lead to significant performance and attitudinal change.

He has served on the Board of various organizations and still does including the World Bank International Advisory Board on the Nigerian STEP-B project, US Department of Education Advisory Board on Teacher Incentive Program, Lift Saxum Foundation, Visiola Foundation, Powerex Energy Consulting Ltd, the OrgLearning Group and Chrisland University to mention a few. Prof. Onyia was recently admitted as a full member of the prestigious Club of Rome.

Prof. has received numerous international and national awards and accolades for leadership excellence and for his outstanding contribution to the education sector. He was specially recognized by the global ‘Cambridge who is who’ in 2009 and also made the ‘Those Who Inspire Nigeria’ list in 2015. In addition to being featured in many news media, he is well published and a certified educational consultant, researcher, presenter, mentor and author of many books.

https://journalist101.com/2023/05/30/profile-of-enugu-new-ssg-professor-chidiebere-onyia/

The fate of about three students from Enugu State, South East Nigeria studying in Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, India is hanging on the balance as one Ejikeme Maxwell Maduekwe, has made away with their fees.

JOURNALIST101 gathered that Ejikeme Maxwell, from Ezeagu local government area of Enugu State was allegedly into money exchange for foreign students and has been in the country for over four years.

The leader of the Nigerian Students in India, contacted Ejikeme with Passport No. A09628984, VISA NO. VJ9782097 and AADHAR NUMBER 7069-9949-5261 to help some Nigerian students pay for their fees in Dollar because of the difficulty in assessing forex.

Rather than pay the fees for all the students that were given admission at Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, India, for which he was given the naira equivalent, he paid for half and absconded with the remaining money.

Efforts to reach Ejikeme to pay the fees of the stranded students to the University authority after collecting same from the parents of the victims couldn't yield any result leading to few of the students being stranded in India because the school said they can't continue if the fees wasn't paid while others are trapped in Nigeria till date.

One of the students told our Correspondent that they reported the matter to Indian police and they quickly dispatched a team to arrest him.

A copy of Police document on his arrest

"When they got to his known address within Jaipur National University, Jagatpura, Jaipur, it was discovered that he has packed out of the house and is owing his landlord 3 months rent," the student who doesn't want his name in print told our correspondent.

JOURNALIST101 reliably gathered that a total sum of Five million, one hundred thousand Naira (N5,100,000) was given to him by the parents of the students, but rather than pay the school dollar equivalent, he used the money to process his movement from India to Canada and has blocked all the students from seeing nor reaching him. 

One of the parents of an affected student who spoke to our correspondent, said he's devastated by the development but expressed satisfaction with the intervention from an arm of Enugu State government which he said, is assisting them in making necessary contacts to ensure the culprit is arrested.

Data page of his international passport

Though he declined making further comment on the particular agency of government that's doing this, he said "I wouldn't want to speak about that for now but I'm very sure that Nigeria High Commission in India has been contacted and a strong worded petition has been sent to the Canadian government on why a character like Ejikeme shouldn't be allowed into their country."

Below is some pictures of the suspect:



https://journalist101.com/2023/04/23/fraud-alert-enugu-foreign-students-stranded-in-india-as-one-ejikeme-maxwell-absconds-with-their-fees/

I wish to edit the content of this article in the face of new information

The self-styled spokesperson of autopilot version of the Indegenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Simon Ekpa, has been arrested in his home in Finland. 

The Seperatist leader has been fingered as being the arrowhead of several killing by ‘Unknown Gunmen’, a dangerous armed militia responsible for the deaths of several people and even public officials in the South-East.

Ekpa, a self-acclaimed disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), rose to prominence in July 2021 after he was announced as the lead broadcaster of Radio Biafra.

The Finland-based activist was appointed to replace Kanu at Radio Biafra following the re-arrest of the IPOB leader by the federal government. After some weeks, IPOB announced Ekpa’s disengagement, citing his refusal to sign the rules of engagement of Radio Biafra.

Ekpa was picked up from his Apartment in Lahti region of Finland by officers from the Finnish Central Criminal Police on Thursday morning.

Ekpa, a local paper said was invited to explain what his separatism and opposition to the elections is all about. He however, didn't open the door. A neighbour who was running late opened the door to staircase.

According to HS, a Finnish based newspaper, "Simon Ekpa was escorted out of the apartment by plainclothes policemen.

"CRIMINAL INSPECTOR Tommi Reen from the Central Criminal Police confirms to HS on the phone that on Thursday, the KRP had a police operation in a private apartment in the center of Lahti in connection with the ongoing preliminary investigation. The police arrested one man from the apartment. Krp suspects the arrested man of a crime, but does not comment on the crime at this stage.

"Reen did not confirm the man's identity, but only spoke in general about the operation in the apartment in the center of Lahti. He did not comment further on the matter.

"NIGERIA has asked Finland to intervene in Ekpa's activities. Last week, the Nigerian foreign minister invited the Finnish ambassador Leena Pylvänäinen to a meeting because of the topic.

"Jussi Nummelin, the team leader for Western and Central Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland , told HS a week ago on Thursday that Finland shares the concern for security, and condemns violence and incitement to it, as well as "actions aimed at preventing people from exercising their democratic rights".

"Nummelin emphasized, however, that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not an actual party in the case, but that the police have jurisdiction if it is a question of a suspected crime," the newspaper said.


https://journalist101.com/2023/02/23/breaking-simon-ekpa-reportedly-arrested-in-finland/

Ahead of the 2023 governorship election in Enugu State, the youths of Enugu East Senatorial Zone have declared their support for Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the governorship candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

The Youths under their umbrella body; Nkanu Youths gave the endorsement on Saturday at a well attended town hall meeting held in Enugu.

Explaining their position in a communique issued at the end of the meeting, Nkanu Youth pointed out that their decision to endorse Dr. Mbah was based on his impeccable track record of integrity, leadership skills, competence, experience, and passion for youth development.

They also noted that his past service as commissioner of finance, Chief of Staff, and founder & CEO of Pinnacle Oil and Gas as proof of his outstanding service to the public and private sectors, which all points to fact that he (Mbah) will make a good Governor when elected.

In the communique which was signed by the trio of Hon. Edeani M. Edeani JP, National President of the Nkanu Youth; Hon. Jennifer Onovo, National Secretary and Hon. Wenceslaus Ogbonnia, BOT Chairman, the youths noted that Dr. Mbah's manifesto and policies for youth development aligns with their aspirations and desires for the future of Enugu state.

While expressing their commitment to embark on aggressive campaigns and sensitization in both rural and urban areas to ensure his victory at the polls, they called on their fellow youths to join them to ensure that Mbah garners more than 98% of the lawful votes, adding that with Dr. Mbah at the helm of affairs, Enugu state will experience a new dawn of progress and prosperity.

The full statement reads:

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF NKANU YOUTH TOWN HALL MEETING HELD TODAY AT THE CASTLE MAJESTIC HOTEL OGUI ENUGU, ENDORSING DR. PETER MBAH AS THE SOLE GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE OF NKANU YOUTHS.

"We, the Youths from Enugu East Senatorial Zone, made up of Nkanu East, Nkanu West, Isiuzo, Enugu North, Enugu South and Enugu East local government areas gathered at a town hall meeting on the 18th of February, 2023, to discuss the forthcoming gubernatorial election in our state. After thorough deliberations and careful consideration of the various candidates vying for the governorship seat in Enugu State, we have unanimously agreed to endorse Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the governorship candidate of the People's Democratic Party as our sole candidate.

"Our decision to endorse Dr. Peter Mbah is based on his impeccable track record of integrity, leadership skills, competence, experience, and passion for youth development.

"Dr. Mbah has a proven track record of outstanding service in the private and public sectors, including his stint as the commissioner of finance, and Chief of Staff in our state. He has demonstrated that he is a man of integrity, who stands for what is right and just, and has consistently exhibited good leadership qualities in all his engagements.

"Furthermore, Dr. Mbah's experience in the private sector, especially his work as as the founder and chief executive officer of Pinnacle Oil and Gas; a leading multi million dollars oil company, has equipped him with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to transform our state into a prosperous and economically vibrant society. His competence in managing finances, coupled with his passion for youth development, will be instrumental in providing job opportunities and creating an enabling environment for youth entrepreneurship.

"We are also convinced that Dr. Mbah's policies and plans for youth development which are evident in his manifesto aligns with our aspirations and desires as the future of our great state. His commitment to providing job opportunities, creating an enabling environment for youth entrepreneurship, and empowering young people to take on leadership roles is highly estimable. We believe that he has what it takes to transform our state into a hub of economic prosperity and social development.

"Nkanu Youths also agreed to embark on aggressive campaigns and sensitization in the rural and urban areas to rally and guide our youths towards the best choice and to ensure that none of our votes is found wanting.

"We urge all our fellow youths in the state to join us in ensuring that Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah secure 98% of all valid votes in the forthcoming governorship election.

"We also call on all eligible voters in Enugu state to cast their votes for Dr. Peter Mbah in the March 11th gubernatorial election. We believe that with Dr. Mbah at the helm of affairs, our state will experience a new dawn of progress and prosperity." 

Some of the stakeholders and Youths at the well-attended town hall meetings include:

1. Prof Chris Ngwu
2. Pastor Beloved-Dan Anike
3. Rt. Hon. Paul Nnajiofor
4. Hon. Okechukwu Edeh
5. Hon. Patty Okoh
6. Rev. Amb. Chima Obi Aninwene JP
7. Hon. Emeka Nwatu
8. Hon. Ebuka Okoh
9. Hon. Ogechukwu Nnamene
10. Hon. Dika David

11. Hon. Victor Okechukwu
12. Comr. Francis Obiora Nyia
13. Comr. Nelson Mbah
14. Ugwu Chiemerie P.
15. Pastor OC Peters Jnr
16. Hon. Bennett Ngwu
17. Comr Princewill Ugwu
18. Comr. Charles Edeh
19. Hon. Victor Okoh
20. Comr. Agbo Chibuike
21. Hon. Godwin Duhu

Amongst others.


https://journalist101.com/2023/02/19/enugu-2023-nkanu-youths-endorse-dr-peter-mbah/

The Enugu Radio Broadcast Media community has received a much needed breath of fresh air with the take off of Divine101.3FM- the newest commercial Radio Station in the coal city State.


Divine 21st Century Communications Ltd is unveiling to the listening public, its newest brand - Divine101.3FM. The radio station prides itself as being “The Soul Station”, “Divinely Inspired” offering the Enugu and Southern
audience a different flavour of radio broadcast experience.

After receiving approval to commence Commercial operations by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) following the successful completion of the compulsory Test Transmission phase, the station, currently operating within the 1013Mhz on the FM wave band is created to deliver multi-content family oriented, society-centric and lifestyle broadcast content with an impressive wide spectrum of states- Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Abia, Kogi, Benue, Nassarawa, Imo and Cross Rivers States and even beyond.

Divine101.3FM has in the past 2 months, enjoyed the patronage of a fast increasing listenership base drawn from most South East, South South and far flung Western states such as Ekiti.

The license owners of Divine101.3FM - Divine 21st Century Communications Ltd, an Abuja based Media Consultancy firm has shown commitment to the development of the South East by siting the first of its Radio brands in the region. The station which is currently operating an 18-hour shift is set to commence 24-hour manned broadcast by the second quarter of 2023.

Divine 101.3FM will be inaugurated and publicly unveiled by His Excellency, Rt (Hon) Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi, Governor of Enugu State alongside top government functionaries, captains of industries, friends and well-wishers on Tuesday, the 20th of December 2022 at the station’s studios located in Dhamija, Trans Ekulu Enugu.



https://journalist101.com/2022/12/18/divine101-3fm-set-to-launch-in-enugu/

Enugu is set to join other states to enjoy oil producing status.

This is the outcome of an impactful meeting of Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, ( RMAFC), in Abuja, the Nigeria's capital.

Quoting an inside source, Freedom Square Tv said the netting ratified the request of Enugu to join other states in getting the revenue accrued to oil producing states.

In October 2021, Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi made a passionate appeal to the leadership of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to expedite action on the process to formally designate Enugu State as an oil-producing state in the country.

The governor drew the attention of RMAFC to the fact that “Enugu is about the only state in Nigeria which produces crude oil in commercial quantities without being formally accorded the status of an oil-bearing state”.     





[url[b]https://journalist101.com/2022/11/29/breaking-enugu-designated-as-oil-producing-state/[/b][/url]