₦airaland Forum

It was a tripartite event at the Agon place in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, as the Glorify collection officially unveiled its fashion brand, as well as celebrated the 30th birthday of its founder, Mrs Gloria Ifeanyichukwu-Hilary, and also launched a non-governmental organisation (HER-CREED) to empower women in skill acquisition.

Mrs Hillary is a political scientist, a diplomat, a certified career coach and a public speaker.

Celebrating the event, Mrs Hillary, who described the unveiling as a dream come true, a fulfilment and the beginning of a new fashion era, expressed confidence that the Glorify collection would bring a unique touch of style into the society.

"It's a dream come true. There's a saying that you don't know how your little efforts count until you start, so it's more like a fulfilment. I don't see it as a big thing; the most important thing is I've started," she said.

On the empowerment of 20 women, she explained that it is her way of giving back to society while commending the wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs Uzoamaka Nwifuru, for extending the same through her Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons ( BERWO).

"What we have here is as a result of empowerment, because last year, the wife of our governor, Mrs Uzoamaka Nwifuru, empowered us through her foundation; I was also a beneficiary.

"I was given a sewing machine which brought back hope, because as a northerner, married to an Igbo, I feel honoured to be recognised," she added, while advising the beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity and build.

In his remarks, Dr Ifeanyichukwu Hillary, husband of the founder and the vision bearer of the CREED foundation, commended the resilient spirit of his wife, saying it was a moment of fulfilment for him to support her achievements.

He disclosed that the HER - CREED foundation would extend to the rural communities and train young girls to get empowerment that would enable them to create jobs for themselves and help reduce the poverty rate in the hinterlands.

The event witnessed fascinating moments with friends, associates and government officials, among whom were the state commissioner for budget planning, research and monitoring, Mrs Chinwe Okah; the lead pastor of Christ Embassy, Pastor Eunice Oyeyemi; and Emmanuel Nkrumah (PhD), among others.

In her goodwill message, Mrs Okah, who described the couple as lovers of humanity, pledged to be supportive in humanitarian works and commended their efforts to empower the indigent.

"It is worth appreciating, and we pray for more to come, because government cannot do everything. That is what we preach all the time. In any place that you find yourself, try to make something out of it to make people around you get something. No matter how small, it will go a long way, and that is what they are doing, replicating what her Excellency is doing." Okah said

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) has projected a budget of N5.17billion for its activities in Ebonyi in 2026.

The IFAD--VCDP State Programme Coordinator, Mr Sunday Ituma made the disclosure in Abakaliki during the state steering committe meeting for its Annual Work Plan/ Budget (AWPB) outlay.

Ituma said the budget, presented by the State Programme Management Unit (SPMU), targets improved agricultural productivity, youth empowerment and value addition in rice and cassava production.

"The budget will be funded through a multi-stakeholder contribution to ensure positive impact on farmers across the participating eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

"IFAD will provide ₦4.122 billion, the Ebonyi government will contribute ₦176.64 million while beneficiaries will support the implementation with ₦876.73 million.

"A key component of the AWP/B is the provision of small-scale rice processing equipment: haulers, destoners, weighing scales, and bag-stitching machines—worth ₦150 million for farmer organisations."

The SPC noted that other major interventions include two rice colour sorters valued at ₦60 million.

"There is also equipment for youth enterprises involved in vitamin A cassava processing—such as ovens, gas cylinders, extractors, and scales—estimated at ₦22.5 million.

"We are happy with the steering committee 's approval of the budget as the next phase involves forwarding it to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Federal Ministry of Finance for concurrent endorsement.

"This will be followed by the final submission to IFAD headquarters for final clearance.and hopefully by the end of 2025 or early 2026, activities would commence across participating LGAs."

He noted that IFAD-VCDP has empowered thousands of farmers across Ebonyi since its inception in 2015,, injecting over ₦17 billion into the state’s economy in the process.

The Chairman of the VCDP steering committee.and Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mrs. Nkechiyere Iyioku, lauded the implementation team for its dedication, urging it to sustain the momentum.

Iyioku reminded the team that the reward for good work is more work as it should sustain the tempo till every part of Ebonyi enjoys the benefits of the project.

"We urge IFAD--VCDP to spread its activities to all the LGAs of Ebonyi because we are mpressed with its life-uplifting activities."

The Vice Chairman of the Steering Committee and Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Prof. Leonard Uguru, commended IFAD--VCDP VCDP for maintaining strong performance metrics.

"The performance metrics exceed 90 percent in recent evaluations as we have enjoined other World Bank teams in the state to learn from IFAD--VCDP."

.....Says, Odefa has ceased to be Southeast Vice-Chairman of the party


A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has affirmed that Mr. Ali Odefa is no longer a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and therefore, cannot be part of any suit instituted by the party or for the party.

The presiding judge, Honourable Justice James Omotosho while delivering judgement in suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025 instituted by the Chairman of the PDP Imo State, Hon. Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, the Chairman PDP Abia State, Hon. Abraham Amah and the South South Zonal Secretary seeking to stop the scheduled November 15 elective national convention of the party held that Mr. Ali Odefa was validly expelled from the party and therefore has no locus to be joined in the suit.
The Court further held that Ali Odefa is not the Southeast zonal chairman of the party as he has been expelled by his Ogudiokwor Watd in Ebonyi State with his expulsion upheld by the judgement of a Federal High Court.

Ali Odefa in September 2024 was suspended from the party and was subsequently expelled after facing disciplinary committee of the Oguduokwor Ward, Ebonyi State.
His suspension and summary expulsion were separately upheld by the Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki.

Ruling on the validity of the scheduled national convention, the court restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the outcome of the convention should it go ahead because the party has not met the legal requirement for conducting the convention.
Justice Omotoso held that the PDP failed to comply with relevant conditions and laws for the conduct of such conventions including the guidline of INEC.

Also, the court held that the National Chairman erred by appointing a counsel for the party as only National Legal Adviser has the right to represent or appoint external solicitors to represent the Party. The court therefore, set aside and expunged all processes filed by Chief Chris Uche and Eyitayo Jegede.

The court further held that by the Order of Justice Ekwo, Chief Dan Osi Orbih is the National Vice Chairman of PDP South South Zone and not Chief Ogidi.

Take Heart: Eternal Brothers Club commiserates with member over wife's death


The Eternal Brothers Club in a profound show of brotherly solidarity, has commiserated with one of its members, Chief Hyginus Egbo over the death of his beloved wife, Jane.

Members of the club in unquantifiable solidarity in time of grief, converged at Egbo's residence in Abakaliki with full dosage of prayers and words of consolation to him, to pull through the grief.

The grief-stricken members took turns to eulogise the departed, pledging to stand by Egbo as he mourns his loving soul mate.

The President of the Club, Hon. Charles Akpu-Enika described Jane's death as devastating, noting that its pain, touched the Eternal Brothers Club to the marrows.

Akpu-Enika, the Immediate Past Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports in Ebonyi, said Jane 's death was unfortunate, describing her as a virtuous and supportive woman who toiled with her husband to build the legacy that the family has churned.

"She was kind, gentle and left indelible, positive marks on all those who came across her in life.

"We urge our brother, Hyginus to take heart and be consoled that his late wife lived a life that was worthy of emulation."

He disclosed that the Eternal Brothers Club was a well-knit unit which stands by its members during periods of joy and sorrow and places their welfare as top priority.

"We are here in our numbers to offer fortitude to our brother over this painful demise and such connotes the brotherly love which binds us "

The Chairman of the club's Board of Trustees (BOT) Rt. Hon. Richard Idike, consoled the bereaved family and admonished them to know that man cannot question God over occurrences in life.

Idike, who is the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports in Ebonyi, said he was deeply touched by the untimely death, describing it as too painful.

"I have not been myself since the news was broken to me and as a family I know too well, this is a personal loss.

"Only God knows why it happened and only him too can offer the needed fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,".

Idike prayed that God grants the Egbo family , the strength and comfort to endure the painful loss.

Chief Kenneth Agu who spoke on behalf of Patrons of the club, urged the bereaved family to look upon God in this moment of distress as whatever happens to man in life is to his knowledge.

Barr. Emeka Anosike, the Secretary of the club said that situations such as this pose the eternal question of whims of man's existence on earth.

"The philosophical reality is that after all the acquisitions, glitz and glamour, man came here with nothing and will return to the creator with nothing.".

The Club, collectively moved by grief, prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed and prayed God to give the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

A Non Governmental Organization under the aegis of "Health And Equitable Rights For Championing And Repositioning Women Education, Empowerment And Development, HER- CREED", is set to empower 20 women with skill acquisition in Ebonyi state.

HER- CREED, which is founded by Empress Gloria Ifeanyichukwu- Hilary, is committed to advancing women,girls and young peoples rights through inclusive education, human rights advocacy and defense, skill development and sustainable economic development.

The event which is slated for 1st November 2025 at Agon place, Abakaliki will feature a tripartite celebration which include; 30th birthday celebration of the founder, Empress Gloria Ifeanyichukwu, unveiling of HER-CREED foundation pet project and flag off of Glorify collection, a fashion Brand.

Special Guest of Honor is Her Excellency, Chief Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, First Lady of Ebonyi state.

The Greater Abuja Land Heist: The Yesufu Family, Colleen Mero Yesufu, AGIS, and the Hidden Hands of a Billion-Naira Empire

By Dominion Duke

A civil society organisation under the banner of the National Advocacy for Justice and Truth (NAFJAT) has raised a clarion call, accusing estate agency owner Colleen Mero Yesufu of brazenly violating the 1978 Land Use Act through a campaign of alleged land grabbing.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, NAFJAT’s National Coordinator, Barr. Uthman Zango, described the leaked documents that supposedly expose Yesufu’s sprawling land acquisitions as a “stain on justice.”

He expressed astonishment at how Yesufu could reportedly manipulate the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) to secure plots under multiple first names—an action that, if true, would strike at the heart of Nigeria’s land laws.

*“In Katampe District,” Zango explained, *“File No. MISC/89XX/AGIS/2020 lists Mero Y. as an allottee — ‘Application Approved, Ministerial Consent Granted.’

Weeks later, in Kabusu, a record shows C. Yesufu under ‘New Regularization – Revalidated.’ Same surname, different first names, the same month of approval. Across Jahi, Apo, Orozo, and Guzape, the same pattern repeats — overlapping allocations, identical handwriting, synchronized endorsements. Each document fits into the next like pieces of a puzzle only insiders could assemble.”

Zango lamented what he believes to be an unholy alliance between Yesufu and government officials, claiming that hardworking Nigerians have been defamed while the “true land grabber” evaded scrutiny. He underscored the need for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged “shady deals” that facilitated the land acquisitions and urged Nigerians to see through what he called a “blackmailing machine driven by envy, jealousy, and baseless hatred.”

Calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to scrutinise the leaked documents, Zango warned that land in the Federal Capital Territory—already scarce and meant to be tightly regulated—must not be commodified by a privileged few. AGIS records allegedly show the Yesufu family obtaining several prime plots within months, while countless applicants wait.

“This kind of abnormality is only possible with complicity from the inside,” Zango asserted. “Someone is feeding them timing, file codes, and clearance windows. That’s not luck — that’s access.”

He pointed to matching “Accepted,” “Scanned,” and “Temporary Revalidation” stamps as evidence of systemic fast-tracking, implying that the Yesufu family were not merely beneficiaries but active participants in a wider conspiracy. He expressed frustration over what he sees as public complacency in the face of such alleged wrongdoing.

When rumours of multiple plots began to circulate, Zango noted, the Yesufu family allegedly sought to deflect attention by accusing others. Documents show that Mrs. Rebecca Godwin-Isaac’s lands were lawfully acquired on the secondary market, yet she was tarnished, while the Yesufu name appeared on initial AGIS approvals. This inversion of guilt, Zango argued, was a calculated diversion.

He accused AGIS of systemic manipulation and highlighted the recurring term “Temporary Revalidation” across the Yesufu files, insisting that “until those files are opened, AGIS will remain a crime scene disguised as a database.”

According to Zango, the Yesufu family’s alleged land empire was built not with bulldozers but with stamps, connections, and a bureaucracy reluctant to resist.

Polycarp Sola – ABAKALIKI

Citizens engagement in budget making is paramount to its impact on the people because they are the direct beneficiaries, thus, government and it’s policies should reflect the will, and mind of the people when budgeting for them.

This is is why the Development and Integrity Intervention Goal Foundation (DIG), a civil society organisation, has harvested the input of community stakeholders in Ebonyi State into the draft Citizens Engagement and Participation strategy document.

The draft document had earlier been reviewed at the state level engagement by a technical committee comprising of Civil Society Organisations, other non state actors and representatives of key Ministries, Departments and Agencies as State actors.

The document when finalized will prescribe step-by-step approach on how government should engage the citizens in the budget process to ensure that community priority needs are effectively captured.


The consultative meeting tagged: “Zonal Stakeholders consultations on Ebonyi Citizens Engagement and Participation Strategy” took place from october 21 to 23 for North, Central and South senatorial zones of the State, respectively.

It was part of DIG Foundation’s project: Advancing Citizens Engagement Strategies for Participatory and Accountable Local Governance, (ACES4PALG) in Ebonyi state, with support from Nigeria Youth Futures Fund.

It was held at the Local government Service Commission headquarters, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.

Stakeholders at the meeting included Traditional rulers, Town Union Presidents and other executive members; chairman and members of the state House of Assembly committee on Public Accounts; planning, research and statistics staff of local government areas, religious leaders as well as community women and youth leaders, among others,

Executive Director, DIG Foundation, Oliver Chima Aja, stating the objectives of the meeting said it was to harvest the contributions of the locals to further shape the final outcome of the document, which he emphasized was geared towards consolidation, institutionalization and sustainability of all reform initiatives, in line with the People’s Charter of Needs mantra of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration.

Aja added: “What this means is that even if the permanent secretaries and other present bureaucrats who are citizen oriented retires, there’s already a document on ground on how Ebonyi citizens are being engaged in the budget process for the incomings to work with.”

Some of the stakeholders who spoke to newsmen, including the traditional ruler of Mgbom n’echara community in Ohaozara LGA, Eze Chukwuka Okorie; those of Okpuitumo in Abakaliki and Nkaleke in Ebonyi LGA, Eze Stephen Ukpa and Sunday Oketa respectively, applauded DIG Foundation for the initiative.

They acknowledged that the document would enhance participatory governance and build trust between the government and the governed.

Eze Chukwuka Okorie summarized; “This is a very welcome development, such that we will no longer be in the dark of what government is doing in our communities.

Whatever project the government need to site in our communities should emanate from us, the rural population.

“This is a very great innovation in the area of governance which we have not experienced before now.

“I commend DIG Foundation for its passion on affairs that impact the lives of citizens”.

Other community stakeholders who spoke, including Chief Donatus Orji from Edda LGA, the state Chairman of the Association of Town union Presidents, Augustine Akpu, his Vice, Emmanuel Chukwu and Chief Gabriel Uroh Ewa, town union President of Ibii/Ozziza community in Afikpo LGA, described the meeting as timely, going by the need for the rural dwellers to be active players in their own affairs.

They promised to take the message of the meeting home to sensitize their people of their right to make input in governance.

Chukwu stressed: “This programme came at the right time.

“We have been pushing to have inputs in the budget making in the State but most often we have been lagging behind because we are not carried along.

“Involving us in this meeting gives us greater confidence that our voices matter.”

Part of the submissions of the stakeholders is that the document be translated in vernacular to enable rural dwellers benefit from its provisions.

In their separate goodwill messages, some state actors present at the meeting: House of Assembly committee chairman on Public Account, Godwin Abiri and his vice, Stephen Orji Igwe; the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Chief Romanus Nwasum, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget, Lady Rose Ugwuoma Ibe, and the State Auditor-General, Mrs Agatha Nnenna Ekuma, harped on the imperative of citizens’ active participation in the budget process.

While Abiri assured that as the representative of the people, he would use his position to advance the strategies of people centred governance in line with the Governor’s Charter of Needs agenda, Ekuma commended the Governor for the transparent disposition of his administration.

The federal high court sitting in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital on Tuesday nullified the local government and councilorship elections conducted in July last year which produced the current council chairmen and councilors in the state.

The court presided by Justice
H.I.O. Oshomah, held that the July 2024 local government and councilorship elections in the state, didn't conform with the provisions of the electoral act.

It therefore voided and cancelled the local government and councilorship elections and asked the Ebonyi State Independent National Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) and the state government who are the 2nd and 3rd respondents not conduct further local government and councilorship elections in the state except in line with the provisions of the constitution.

The court which granted most of the reliefs sort by counsels to the 1st plaintiff, Hamilton Ogbodo and 2nd plantiff, Chief Mudi Erhenede granted consequential order on the matter.

Hamilton Ogbodo, counsel to 1st plaintiff, Samuel Udeogu hailed the judgement.

"So, in effect, the local government election that was conducted in July 2024 in Ebonyi State, is no more there it has been cancelled by this federal high court today.

"If the 2nd and 3rd defendants want to do what the law says they should do, they should recert to status quo ante bellum and then obey the court order but we are waiting for them because the time within which they can appeal this judgement is still running and when it expires, we will know what to do.

"We expect them to obey the court order.The local government chairmen has been sacked by the order of the court. The court has done exactly what the law says it should do because these things are in black and white.

It is when you don't want to obey the law, you know read it the way you want so that so that it can serve your own goals", he said.

On his part, Mudi Erhenede, counsel to Isu Amaechi who is 2nd plantiff in the matter said the federal high court sitting in Abakaliki presided by late Justice Fatun Rilman had nullified the 2022 local government and councilorship elections which the state government didn't obey but went ahead and swore -in people as elected council chairmen and councilors across the 13 Local Government and 171 wards in the state.

He noted that the 2nd and 3rd defendants filed appeal against the Justice Fatun Rilman which they lost following the upholding of the Justice Fatun Rilman federal high court judgement.

"This is a question of people who don't want to believe in rule of law and obey the rule of law.

"The federal high court nullified the local government election conducted in 2022 and the state in defiant to that judgement, proceeded to swear-in some persons as local government chairmen", he said.

He hailed the Justice Oshomah court ruling of Tuesday on the 2024 local government and councilorship elections in the state and urged the court to make available the judgment within possible time.

The free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu protest across the country has generated security impulses among the people, as some members of the public have restrained themselves from going about their businesses due to fear of the unknown.

In Abakaliki, the Ebonyi state capital, our correspondent has observed that some banks, shops and other popular supermarkets have been under lock and key to avoid escalation that would probably endanger their businesses.

However, there has been partial movement across the capital city to indicate that some are still going about their normal business, as seen at the St Margaret Umahi International Market, the popular Udensi roundabout, and other places visited.

Speaking with the state commander of the neighbourhood watch, Prince Victor Chibuoyi, on the development, he affirmed that the state is calm and peaceful because there is no protest, assuring of his organisation's commitment to ensure the protection of lives and properties.

"Security of lives and properties is everybody's business, and it is our mandate to ensure that Ebonyi State is peaceful, and today, we have been on the street, manning the way we normally do.

"Though there's a little clause because of the issue of protest, which I think earlier last week DSS announced that there shouldn't be any gathering anyway, and there has not been a gathering in Ebonyi state.

"All these are championed to ensure that there is peace in Ebonyi State, because our duty is to secure lives and properties; there's no protest in Ebonyi State." He said.

However, as much as he agrees to citizens' right to peaceful protest, he cautioned that hoodlums might use the opportunity to hijack the process and urged the people to continue with their legal business.

"When they said they were going for the ENDSARS protest, along the line it was hijacked by hoodlums; many things were damaged, and we don't really want that again. I don't really know what they are protesting against, but we don't want chaos." He added

Commander Chibuoyi, who dismissed the idea that businesses are closed down on government instructions, urged the people to continue with their legitimate business, as their lives and properties are safe.

"The street of Abakaliki is very cool and calm, and that's why people are going about their normal business; nobody disturbs them. Ebonyi State is peaceful, and it will remain peaceful." He assured.

Interestingly, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, who confirmed that currently there is no protest happening in the state, said, however, because of the fillers around the federation, the command is also up, and they have made deployments around the state to make sure that people are going about their normal business without fear.

"We assure Ebonyians that, as always, the command is ready to carry out its mandates of protecting lives and properties. Constitutionally, everyone has the right to protest; our own is to give adequate security. If you want to go out and protest, the only thing we are saying is do it in a peaceful manner.

"If there are places that are shut down, I can't really say, but our people have been out as early as 5:30 am. We've gone round, and there is no fear anywhere. Our aim is to give people the confidence that the police are here to protect them.

SP Ukandu assured of a good collaboration with other sister agencies in combating crimes in the state and urged the people to go about their business without fear of intimidation.

A United Kingdom based Research Hub, “Bestob Education and Research” has given N1 million gift to Mrs Alice Awaza, a teacher in Ohofia Community Primary school, Ukawu, Onicha local government area of Ebonyi.

Our Correspondent reports that Awaza received the gift as an oldest teacher, who participated in a meeting tagged “Ebonyi Teachers First” in Abakaliki on Sunday.

The Beneficiary, Awaza, who has served for 32 years, began her teaching career in 1992.

It also reports that nine other teachers from different primary and secondary schools received Hp laptop each to support their teachings.

Dr Obinna Otuu, Lecturer, Swansea University in United Kingdom, called for the need to prioritise teachers welfare and improve learning facilities in the nation’s basic schools and universities.

Otuu, a researcher noted that investing on teacher remains the best approach on the move to achieve standardisation in Nigeria educational system.

He expressed worry that teachers have not been receiving empowerment and adequate training for career growth, urging all hands to be on deck.

“The teachers need some of these basic needs to enhance career and teaching. Such needs include food, clothing and shelters.

“How many teachers across states can boost of having a house or landed property?,” the researcher asked.

Otuu noted that there was always need to recognise the teachers as the drivers and the brian box of the society.

Also speaking, Prof Daniel Nwibo, Provost, College of Health Science, Ebonyi state University (EBSU), said that teachers deserved better conditions of service in Nigeria.

Prof Godwin Onu, Lecturer, Political Science Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra, who spoke on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), said it was necessary to address the challenges of ICT in teaching processes in the country.

Onu noted that ICT could make teaching and learning easier and help in bringing more access to global knowledge in educational system.

“Students get learning updates easier. So, government need to enhance teachers capacity through ICT and to enable them meet the global trend in teaching and learning,” he said.

One of the participants, Awaza, the Oldest Teacher thanked the organisers and called for more advanced training for members in the rural communities.
Research Hub gives N1m as gift to Ebonyi oldest teacher, laptops to others

A United Kingdom based Research Hub, “Bestob Education and Research” has given N1 million gift to Mrs Alice Awaza, a teacher in Ohofia Community Primary school, Ukawu, Onicha local government area of Ebonyi.

Our Correspondent reports that Awaza received the gift as an oldest teacher, who participated in a meeting tagged “Ebonyi Teachers First” in Abakaliki on Sunday.

The Beneficiary, Awaza, who has served for 32 years, began her teaching career in 1992.

It also reports that nine other teachers from different primary and secondary schools received Hp laptop each to support their teachings.

Dr Obinna Ogbonnia, Lecturer, Swansea University in United Kingdom, called for the need to prioritise teachers welfare and improve learning facilities in the nation’s basic schools and universities.

Ogbonnia, a researcher noted that investing on teacher remains the best approach on the move to achieve standardisation in Nigeria educational system.

He expressed worry that teachers have not been receiving empowerment and adequate training for career growth, urging all hands to be on deck.

“The teachers need some of these basic needs to enhance career and teaching. Such needs include food, clothing and shelters.

“How many teachers across states can boost of having a house or landed property?,” the researcher asked.

Ogbonnia noted that there was always need to recognise the teachers as the drivers and the brian box of the society.

Also speaking, Prof Daniel Nwibo, Provost, College of Health Science, Ebonyi state University (EBSU), said that teachers deserved better conditions of service in Nigeria.

Prof Godwin Onu, Lecturer, Political Science Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra, who spoke on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), said it was necessary to address the challenges of ICT in teaching processes in the country.

Onu noted that ICT could make teaching and learning easier and help in bringing more access to global knowledge in educational system.

“Students get learning updates easier. So, government need to enhance teachers capacity through ICT and to enable them meet the global trend in teaching and learning,” he said.

One of the participants, Awaza, the Oldest Teacher thanked the organisers and called for more advanced training for members in the rural communities.
Research Hub gives N1m as gift to Ebonyi oldest teacher, laptops to others

A United Kingdom based Research Hub, “Bestob Education and Research” has given N1 million gift to Mrs Alice Awaza, a teacher in Ohofia Community Primary school, Ukawu, Onicha local government area of Ebonyi.

Our Correspondent reports that Awaza received the gift as an oldest teacher, who participated in a meeting tagged “Ebonyi Teachers First” in Abakaliki on Sunday.

The Beneficiary, Awaza, who has served for 32 years, began her teaching career in 1992.

It also reports that nine other teachers from different primary and secondary schools received Hp laptop each to support their teachings.

Dr Obinna Ogbonnia, Lecturer, Swansea University in United Kingdom, called for the need to prioritise teachers welfare and improve learning facilities in the nation’s basic schools and universities.

Ogbonnia, a researcher noted that investing on teacher remains the best approach on the move to achieve standardisation in Nigeria educational system.

He expressed worry that teachers have not been receiving empowerment and adequate training for career growth, urging all hands to be on deck.

“The teachers need some of these basic needs to enhance career and teaching. Such needs include food, clothing and shelters.

“How many teachers across states can boost of having a house or landed property?,” the researcher asked.

Ogbonnia noted that there was always need to recognise the teachers as the drivers and the brian box of the society.

Also speaking, Prof Daniel Nwibo, Provost, College of Health Science, Ebonyi state University (EBSU), said that teachers deserved better conditions of service in Nigeria.

Prof Godwin Onu, Lecturer, Political Science Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra, who spoke on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), said it was necessary to address the challenges of ICT in teaching processes in the country.

Onu noted that ICT could make teaching and learning easier and help in bringing more access to global knowledge in educational system.

“Students get learning updates easier. So, government need to enhance teachers capacity through ICT and to enable them meet the global trend in teaching and learning,” he said.

One of the participants, Awaza, the Oldest Teacher thanked the organisers and called for more advanced training for members in the rural communities.

Research Hub gives N1m as gift to Ebonyi oldest teacher, laptops to others

A United Kingdom based Research Hub, “Bestob Education and Research” has given N1 million gift to Mrs Alice Awaza, a teacher in Ohofia Community Primary school, Ukawu, Onicha local government area of Ebonyi.

Our Correspondent reports that Awaza received the gift as an oldest teacher, who participated in a meeting tagged “Ebonyi Teachers First” in Abakaliki on Sunday.

The Beneficiary, Awaza, who has served for 32 years, began her teaching career in 1992.

It also reports that nine other teachers from different primary and secondary schools received Hp laptop each to support their teachings.

Dr Obinna Ogbonnia, Lecturer, Swansea University in United Kingdom, called for the need to prioritise teachers welfare and improve learning facilities in the nation’s basic schools and universities.

Ogbonnia, a researcher noted that investing on teacher remains the best approach on the move to achieve standardisation in Nigeria educational system.

He expressed worry that teachers have not been receiving empowerment and adequate training for career growth, urging all hands to be on deck.

“The teachers need some of these basic needs to enhance career and teaching. Such needs include food, clothing and shelters.

“How many teachers across states can boost of having a house or landed property?,” the researcher asked.

Ogbonnia noted that there was always need to recognise the teachers as the drivers and the brian box of the society.

Also speaking, Prof Daniel Nwibo, Provost, College of Health Science, Ebonyi state University (EBSU), said that teachers deserved better conditions of service in Nigeria.

Prof Godwin Onu, Lecturer, Political Science Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra, who spoke on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), said it was necessary to address the challenges of ICT in teaching processes in the country.

Onu noted that ICT could make teaching and learning easier and help in bringing more access to global knowledge in educational system.

“Students get learning updates easier. So, government need to enhance teachers capacity through ICT and to enable them meet the global trend in teaching and learning,” he said.

One of the participants, Awaza, the Oldest Teacher thanked the organisers and called for more advanced training for members in the rural communities.
Research Hub gives N1m as gift to Ebonyi oldest teacher, laptops to others

A United Kingdom based Research Hub, “Bestob Education and Research” has given N1 million gift to Mrs Alice Awaza, a teacher in Ohofia Community Primary school, Ukawu, Onicha local government area of Ebonyi.

Our Correspondent reports that Awaza received the gift as an oldest teacher, who participated in a meeting tagged “Ebonyi Teachers First” in Abakaliki on Sunday.

The Beneficiary, Awaza, who has served for 32 years, began her teaching career in 1992.

It also reports that nine other teachers from different primary and secondary schools received Hp laptop each to support their teachings.

Dr Obinna Ogbonnia, Lecturer, Swansea University in United Kingdom, called for the need to prioritise teachers welfare and improve learning facilities in the nation’s basic schools and universities.

Ogbonnia, a researcher noted that investing on teacher remains the best approach on the move to achieve standardisation in Nigeria educational system.

He expressed worry that teachers have not been receiving empowerment and adequate training for career growth, urging all hands to be on deck.

“The teachers need some of these basic needs to enhance career and teaching. Such needs include food, clothing and shelters.

“How many teachers across states can boost of having a house or landed property?,” the researcher asked.

Ogbonnia noted that there was always need to recognise the teachers as the drivers and the brian box of the society.

Also speaking, Prof Daniel Nwibo, Provost, College of Health Science, Ebonyi state University (EBSU), said that teachers deserved better conditions of service in Nigeria.

Prof Godwin Onu, Lecturer, Political Science Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra, who spoke on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), said it was necessary to address the challenges of ICT in teaching processes in the country.

Onu noted that ICT could make teaching and learning easier and help in bringing more access to global knowledge in educational system.

“Students get learning updates easier. So, government need to enhance teachers capacity through ICT and to enable them meet the global trend in teaching and learning,” he said.

One of the participants, Awaza, the Oldest Teacher thanked the organisers and called for more advanced training for members in the rural communities.
Research Hub gives N1m as gift to Ebonyi oldest teacher, laptops to others

A United Kingdom based Research Hub, “Bestob Education and Research” has given N1 million gift to Mrs Alice Awaza, a teacher in Ohofia Community Primary school, Ukawu, Onicha local government area of Ebonyi.

Our Correspondent reports that Awaza received the gift as an oldest teacher, who participated in a meeting tagged “Ebonyi Teachers First” in Abakaliki on Sunday.

The Beneficiary, Awaza, who has served for 32 years, began her teaching career in 1992.

It also reports that nine other teachers from different primary and secondary schools received Hp laptop each to support their teachings.

Dr Obinna Ogbonnia, Lecturer, Swansea University in United Kingdom, called for the need to prioritise teachers welfare and improve learning facilities in the nation’s basic schools and universities.

Ogbonnia, a researcher noted that investing on teacher remains the best approach on the move to achieve standardisation in Nigeria educational system.

He expressed worry that teachers have not been receiving empowerment and adequate training for career growth, urging all hands to be on deck.

“The teachers need some of these basic needs to enhance career and teaching. Such needs include food, clothing and shelters.

“How many teachers across states can boost of having a house or landed property?,” the researcher asked.

Ogbonnia noted that there was always need to recognise the teachers as the drivers and the brian box of the society.

Also speaking, Prof Daniel Nwibo, Provost, College of Health Science, Ebonyi state University (EBSU), said that teachers deserved better conditions of service in Nigeria.

Prof Godwin Onu, Lecturer, Political Science Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra, who spoke on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), said it was necessary to address the challenges of ICT in teaching processes in the country.

Onu noted that ICT could make teaching and learning easier and help in bringing more access to global knowledge in educational system.

“Students get learning updates easier. So, government need to enhance teachers capacity through ICT and to enable them meet the global trend in teaching and learning,” he said.

One of the participants, Awaza, the Oldest Teacher thanked the organisers and called for more advanced training for members in the rural communities.

New Yam: "Eternal Brothers Club showers praises o God for prosperity, growth- BOT Chairman, Idike


The Chairman of the Eternal Brothers Club.Board of Trustees Hon.. Richard Idike has said that the club is grateful to God for enriching its members and bringing unquantifiable progress to the club.

Idike who is also the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports in Ebonyi, made the assertion on Friday during the club''s New Yam Celebration held at its headquarters in AbakaliLove The BOT chairman said that the club comprises people of calibre in the state who promote love and friendliness among themselves.

"We are grateful to God for enriching us with his blessings and bountiful harvest as we are serious-minded people who don't take things for granted.

""You can see our appearance: pure and immaculate and this reflects our minds towards one another and commitment to do what is right."

He commended the club's President, Hon. Charles Akpu-enika for his visionary leadership, noting that the executive he is leading has done tremendously well.

"I nearly missed my way to the club's headquarters due to the unimaginable, massive infrastructural outlook it has adorned.

"This place was not like this 4 months ago and this is a typical, practical case of seeing is believing."

The President of the Club, Hon. Charles Akpu-enika said the event is held annually to thank God for his mercies and protection while affording members opportunities of convivalence.

"We have celebrated the new yam with our brothers across the state and this is the time to celebrate ours.

"The members are united in love, oneness and progress and this opportunity is entrenched dearly in the club's annals."

Akpu-enika who is the immediate past commissioner for youth development and sports in Ebonyi state, attributed the massive infrastructural works at the club's headquarters to the co-operation of its executive and members.

"I dedicate the feat we have recorded to the members who offset their dues, levies and other financial obligations.

"Without them, we could not have received these recommendations and I pray that God continues to bless and protect them."

He thanked the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru for his love towards the club and his Predecessor and current Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi for his mentorship.

"I see the encomiums being poured on me as a direct reflection of the tutulage I received under Umahi".

An Executive Member of the Club, Nnamdi Onyedika noted that the club will continue to grow in strength as the members were committed to see to its continued progress.

Members who spoke during the event were unanimous in their commitment, to ensure the club continues to grow in leaps and bounds, maintaining its high status in the society..

The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has intensify its efforts to rid the country of substandard products, especially in the south-east region.

The Directorate in the zone noted that substandard products had posed a significant threat to the health and safety of citizens.

Mr Chukwuma Aharanwa, Head of South-East Regional Operation of SON in Enugu made the remark in Abakaliki on Tuesday during a walk marking the celebration of the "2025 World Standard Day."

The event was tagged, "Nigeria, Walk for Standards. Share vision for a better world."

The walk for the event started from Abakaliki township stadium and terminated at Margret Umahi's International market.

Oharanwa noted that the organisation was committed to ensuring that all products sold in Nigeria markets meet the required standards.

According to him, today is the world standard day and it's been celebrated all-over the world by the national standard bodies.

"We have come out today to join the world to celebrate same in the south-east region. We have come to create an awareness against substandard products and standardisation activities.

"We want to tell the people to steer clear of substandard products. There is need to avoid such products that could be dangerous to health.

"We will not tolerate any of such product that poses a risk to the health and safety of people. So, this is a great opportunity for us to educate the masses.

"Moreover, we have put in place so many measures in the zone and Nigeria at large at ensuring the our markets are free from substandard products.

"We have introduced, what we call Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP), Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) and other methods to identify standard products.

"MANCAP is for locally manufactured products in Nigeria. SONCAP ensures imported products meet Nigerian standards for consumer safety and fair trade. MANCAP also certifies that locally made products meet the same quality and safety requirements," he explained.

Mrs Maryrose Ugwueche, Coordinator of SON in Ebonyi, said the organisation had worked so hard to promote standard goods to the market.

Ugwueche noted that the Directorate in the efforts to ensure standardisation in Ebonyi and Nigeria, had carried different sensitisation programmes for stakeholders.

"A lot of companies have obtained our MANCAP certificate which proved that their products are certified.

"So, we are moving to ensure that all products are certified before taken to the market," the Coordinator said.

The Management of Sodic Parks and Gardens Ltd, a popular relaxation park located within Life Camp, Abuja, Nigeria's federal capital territory, has raised a cry to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to save the park from unlawful demolition by some corrupt persons hiding under the authority of government.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the park, Chinedu Ogbonna, in an open letter to the FCT Minister, dated October 13, 2025, explained that the newly commissioned road project in Life Camp, under the Minister's direction did not in any way affect the premises or property where the park is located, stressing that the fact has been verified and confirmed by both the handling company, Julius Berger, and the Engineering Department of the Federal Capital Development Authority.

Ogbonna, while acknowledging the invaluable gains from the Minister's quality infrastructural interventions in Life Camp, Abuja, which he described as having significantly improved the city’s outlook, livability, and economic potential, further called on the Minister to prevail on the concerned authorities to operate within the confines of the law, rather than attempting to misuse the respected name and authority of the Minister to unjustly target his organization for forceful removal from its legitimately allocated site.

Part of the letter reads: "The management of Sodic Parks and Gardens Ltd wishes to express its deep appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Wike, for the remarkable infrastructural transformation currently reshaping the landscape of Abuja.

"The ongoing construction of roads, bridges, and beautification projects across the FCT has significantly improved the city’s outlook, livability, and economic potential.

"We particularly commend your leadership and relentless drive in ensuring quality and timely delivery of projects, especially in Life Camp, where progress is visibly impressive and transformative.

"As a responsible corporate organization operating lawfully within Life Camp since 2011, Sodic Parks and Gardens Ltd also wishes to publicly acknowledge the outstanding work being executed by Julius Berger Nigeria Ltd, under the supervision of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

"We wish to state clearly that the newly commissioned road project in Life Camp, under your direction, does not in any way affect our park’s premises or property.

"This fact has been verified and confirmed by both Julius Berger and the Engineering Department of the FCDA.

"However, it has come to our notice that certain corrupt individuals within some government offices are attempting to misuse your respected name and authority to unjustly target our organization and forcibly remove us from our legitimately allocated site.

"We consider this act as an abuse of office and a deliberate attempt to undermine your reform agenda.

"Our company has all necessary documentation and allocation for the land we occupy and has contributed meaningfully to the environmental and recreational development of Life Camp since inception.

"We have approached the court to seek legal redress and protection of our rights in accordance with the law.

"As a law-abiding entity, we strongly believe in due process and judicial integrity.

"It is therefore crucial that all relevant government agencies, including the Development Control Department, respect the ongoing court process and refrain from any actions that may amount to contempt of court or disrupt the peaceful resolution of this matter.

While expressing his organisation's continued support for the Renewed Hope reforms and initiatives especially in the federal capital territory as being executed by the Minister, Wike, he appealed to the minister to come to the rescue of the Park, at least, in acknowledgement of its contributions to environmental and recreational development of the area.

"We humbly appeal to you, Honourable Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, to use your good office to direct the relevant authorities to act within the ambit of the law and uphold fairness and justice.

"We remain loyal supporters of your reform initiatives and share in your vision for a cleaner, better organized, and investor-friendly Federal Capital Territory.

"Sodic Parks and Gardens Ltd stands ready to continue partnering with your administration to make Abuja a model city of beauty, order, and excellence", Ogbonna assured.

Polycarp Sola



International Girl Child Day:

Despite the challenges that women face from the cradle due to sexual abuse and early pregnancies, as well as other social vices such as negative addiction, among other things, they have proven a resilience in their spirit of attaining a dream worth more than the worst experience.

As the world commemorates the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child with the theme "The Girl I am, the change I lead: girls on the frontline of crisis", the 365 Women Community, a faith-based non-governmental organisation in Ebonyi State, has organised a sensitisation forum to educate them on the vital issues.

Significantly, the keynote speaker, Mrs Peace Ikechukwu, at the event, which held at the Petra Church, Christian ecumenical centre in Abakaliki the state capital, pointed at social media, drug addiction, family dysfunction, and early sex as the causes of crises that put young girls on the frontline and admonished the students to cultivate values that would shape their identities.

She further emphasised the need for the girl child to express their feelings early enough and speak out in terms of crisis for counselling as well as urged them to face their education and learn skills that would help them develop a strong personality and become better people in the society.

Speaking at the event, Chinenye Erikemu, who's the pioneer of the organisation, highlighted that it's a community of women empowering young girls, believing that every young girl should have access to knowledge on a daily basis.

She, however, disclosed that the organisation has held different seminars and different outreaches for the young girls to empower them and expose them to the requisite knowledge to improve their skills.

"Other things we do are to provide them with skills because we know that empowered girls empower the world. We do that via physical trainings and online, and the reason we put up this event in commemoration with the International Day of the Girl Child is that the theme for this year really stands out to me personally, being someone that has been through firsthandcrisis.

"The reason why we put together this event is to speak to them so that in any form of crisis they would know how to scale through and to the other side of life, and any girl here that has not gone through any form of crisis to be able to know how to avoid such life-threatening crises from occurring in their lives," Erikemu said.

One of the facilitators of the sensitisation exercise, Goodness Ajunwa, revealed the importance of sound mental health as a necessity, saying it serves as the foundation of how "mostly" the girl child feels and that it is something that needs to be talked about more often.

"This is something that backs how they see themselves, their self-worth and self-confidence. It should not be ignored because it's a comprehensive hallmark of a girl's growth and the success of a girl child to lead the change they are." Ujunwa said.

While commending the 365 women community, Toria Ajayi, a monitoring and evaluation specialist with NGOs in Abakaliki, described the theme of the year's International Day of the Girl Child as timely, saying it gives a deep dive into a topic that is not regularly talked about and noting its significance to the life of a girl child cannot be undermined.

"Today's event is a very important one because there are some parts we talk about as a society, and there are some parts we leave untouched, and this event has really touched it, and it serves as an avenue for girls to reach into those areas of their lives which have been affected by trauma and events of life," she added.

One of the participants, Nwankwo Favour, an SS2 student of St Theresa Secondary School in Abakaliki, expressed her gratitude to the organisation, saying she has learnt to open up to the right person in terms of crisis as taught by the keynote speaker and others.

https://eyewitnessnewsnaija./2025/10/11/international-girl-child-day-365-women-community-sensitises-young-girls-in-ebonyi/

A Caution to Government on its Silence in the Face of a Dying Education Sector: the ASUU legacy struggle



By Comrade Igwenyi, Ikechuku Okorie. Zonal Coordinator, ASUU, Calabar zone


Today, it is time to address a matter that lies at the very heart of Nigeria’s future: the state of our education sector. This is not a partisan issue. It is a national concern, and one that demands urgent attention from all levels of government. Whenever ASUU gets into the trenches, the masses will begin to pressurize the members to show considerations and bear with whatever the Federal Government offers, even when they offer nothing. They forget that lecturers are not insulated from same problems that face every public servants ranging from family expectations and challenges of social pressures, to low motivation due to low income and salaries, poor and deplorable conditions of service, excess work load, undue political influence and interference from vested interests, decline/erosion of ethics, general insecurity, lack of basic infrastructures at workplace, low purchasing power of Naira, harsh government policies, ethnic and primordial sentiments, lack of a strong culture of merit-based appointments and promotions, frequent changes in leadership, quota system, and above all, corruption. Members of the Union have shown resilience over the years and the elastic limit has been exceeded. This is the breaking point and if something drastic is not done now, there may be an irreversible damage to the system.

The challenges and problems encountered by University lecturers and students are not natural but deliberately imposed on the system by the Federal Government by treating the issues of education in Nigeria with levity. There is urgent need to induce all relevant stakeholders to engage the Presidency, the National Assembly, Ministries of Labour, Education and Finance, State Governors and Government agencies to treat this matter as a national emergency in order to improve the already fragile industrial harmony in our tertiary institutions.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Nigeria has been struggling over the years to draw Federal Government attention to the declining fortunes in the nations tertiary institutions, and indeed in the education sector. The struggles have been centered on issues that will provide a formidable foundation for qualitative learning, productive research and innovations. These issues were established to place our institutions in their right path towards global competitiveness. The most prominent now is the renegotiation of workers’ Conditions of Service in tandem with changing times, realities of a depressed economy and convulsive inflationary trends over the years. In the immortal words of the Solidarity song, “…It is we who ploughed the prairies, built the cities where they trade, Dug the mines and built the workshops, endless miles of railroad laid, Now we stand outcast and starving 'mid the wonders we have made…” It goes further to say “..We have laid the wide foundations, built skyward stone by stone, It is ours, and not to slave in,…” Secured in this knowledge, lecturers built the foundations and deserve the very best of attention as the intelligentsia of the society.

The FGN has refused to renegotiate our Conditions of Service after the 2009 Agreement and as a result, lecturers have been underpaid and living in misery with multiple records of death and sick members in all Branches. The salary structure used to pay Nigerian University Workers is presently about 16 years old and out of tune with current economic realities. Universities and institutional structures have become obsolete, dilapidated, weak and inadequate for effective learning. Yet, the Federal Government has been approving the establishment of new Universities without assured sources of sustainable funding for revitalization, research and development.

The current demands of ASUU dates back to 1992, when ASUU had an agreement with the Federal Government of Nigeria under General Sani Abacha as Head of State, which was fast-forwarded to 1999 because of unwillingness of government to implement the agreement it freely entered into with the Union. As a result, ASUU has embarked on several strikes: 5 months in 1999; 3 months in 2001 to get FGN and ASUU reached an agreement in 2001; 2 weeks strike in 2002; 6 months in 2003; and 3 days in 2005. Meanwhile, negotiations of ASUU and FGN have always ended in a signed agreement since 1981. There were signed agreements in 1992, 1999 and 2001, all suffered the same fate of abandonment and government infidelity. In 2003, there was an agreement between ASUU and FGN, which culminated into a Miscellaneous Act 2009 ASUU/FGN Agreement. Within the period, ASUU submitted a position paper titled “Proposals for the Re-negotiation of the 2001 Agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria/Governments of State that own Universities and the Academic Staff Union of Universities” which reflected the various issues in the 2001 FGN/ASUU Agreement. Sadly, this re-negotiation went on from 2006-2009 and FGN and ASUU agreed that there was need to address the rot in the university system in Nigeria, especially in the areas of infrastructure and the welfare of academics. ASUU had to proceed on strike for 1 week in 2006, 3 months in 2007, two-one week warning strikes in 2008, and 4 months again in 2009 to reach this agreement and get it signed by both parties. This agreement was to put an end to the strikes by University-based Unions and make them self-reliant and autonomous but till date, they remained the same issues ASUU has to contend with.

In the implementation of this 2009 agreement, FGN promised to inject funds into the system after the NEEDS Assessment of Nigerian Universities. It was dragged for 3 years and in 2012, a Visitation Panel was set up to evaluate the level of decadence as presented by ASUU to ascertain the veracity of the claim. This gave rise to NEEDS Assessment Report of 2012 and an agreement to inject N1.3tr for the revitalization of the Nigerian Universities. It took 6 months for FGN to accept the implementation on a 6-years plan, which gave rise to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of 2013. Consequently, N200b was released in 2013 with another MOU as a sign of good faith to release N220 billion each year for five years ending in 2018. Today, this is still a mirage.

Because this agreement reached in 2009 was not implemented in full or satisfactorily, there was a 5 months strike in 2010, 3 months strike in 2011, 5 months strike in 2013, 1 week warning strike in 2016, and 1 month and 6 days strike in 2017. Depleted workforce placed intractable burden on the lecturers that stayed behind after the massive exodus of academics. There was an MOA in 2017 and FGN promised to mainstream Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) due to excess work load but till date, it is still part of the matters arising. EAA was not necessary if institutions employed lecturers in tandem with NUC BMAS in line with the staff/students ratio. A strike action of 3 months and some days in 2018 gave birth to MOU of 2018, another Memorandum of Action (MOA) in 2019 and after 5 months of industrial action in 2020, there was another MOA of 2020. In a calculated attempt to truncate the implementation of the MOU and MOAs, IPPIS was introduced as a distraction. IPPIS was first presented in 2014 to create distraction and confusion, which ASUU rejected due to the peculiarities of University service and it was upheld.

It took about 9 months long strike to get government back to table for another MOA in December 2020. The MOA had timelines for implementation and despite several strike notices and intervention of NIREC, government jettisoned the MOA until the Union entered the trenches on 14th February 2022 to 14th October, 2022 (a period of 8 months). MUST ASUU EMBARK ON STRIKE BEFORE GOVERNMENT PAYS ATTENTION TO AGREEMENTS IT SIGNED? If strikes have failed to achieve their purpose, withdrawal of service may be the next option. These strike actions were declared due to failure of Government to implement agreements reached with Union in good fate. Meanwhile, it should be noted that in 2017, public funds were wasted in constituting the Dr. Wale Babalakin-led Government Negotiation Team. Two years were spent without any substantive achievement and the Committee collapsed when the Chairman was removed as Pro-Chancellor of University of Lagos in 2019. Same year, another committee led by Prof. Muzali Jubril was set up. Their report was ready and submitted in May 2021 but thrown to the bins until a nationwide strike action was called up. As if that was not enough and part of the routine, another Renegotiation Committee led by Emeritus Prof. Nimi Dimkpa Briggs was set up and they turned in their report in June 2022. Rather than sign and implement the agreement reached by both parties, the Federal Government approached the Court and inaugurated another Renegotiation Committee led by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed. The draft report was submitted in February 2025 and FGN has inaugurated another trauma loop of a committee of 7-members from the same Ministries and Agencies that renegotiated the draft. This is a proof that FGN has always employed a threadmill and vicious cycle and a self-perpetuating looping storm with no escape from the endless spiral movement. They will rather chose to keep ASUU busy while they are doing nothing even when the substance of the matter is glaring and incontrovertible. FGN always highlighted considerations for students to gain public sympathy when indeed over 60% of lecturers and their children are students at various levels of training in Nigerian Universities.

Since Government has not changed tactics, nobody should expect ASUU to change strategy. This struggle must continue until Government becomes alive to their duties and obligation to the people. We are the people. ASUU shall not back down until the demands of the Union are sufficiently met because lecturers plough the prairies, built the nation through intellectual and knowledge transfer. In the solidarity song, “.. They have taken untold millions that they never toiled to earn but without our brains, muscles and sweat, not a single wheel of fortune can turn…” Lecturers cannot stand outcast and starving amidst the wonders they have made. We shall be strong and courageous because in this legacy struggle, ASUU will bring to birth a new world from the ashes of the old.

It is hereby reiterated that when people entrusted with a constitutional responsibility of funding and protecting the nation’s policy on education become silent in the face of looming danger and threat of total systemic collapse, it does not merely fail, it endangers all it was meant to protect. Chapter II of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria directs government to ensure that there is equal and adequate educational opportunities for all citizens at all levels. It is therefore a constitutional obligation to protect the right to quality and functional education in Nigeria. Not protecting the quality of education in Nigeria has led to social inequality, injustices, loss of value system, increased crime, violence and social vices, unemployment, loss of national identity and vicious cycle of poverty that hinders national development, restricts innovation and creativity.

A nation that neglects its schools, abandons its teachers, and disregards the dreams of their founding fathers and its youth is not advancing but moving backward. The collapse of education is never a quiet tragedy; it echoes through generations, weakening the workforce, corroding values, and breeding instability in the society. The consequences will be that patients will die in the hands of Medical Officers, buildings will collapse under the supervision of Engineers, youths will not be able to read and understand road signs and medical prescription at a time the world has already transited to an era of Artificial Intelligence. We are condemning and crucifying our citizens by not taking good care of the educational system because to remain adamant, indifferent, and unmoved in the face of this decay is to gamble with the nation's soul. To ignore warning signs that stand like a massive sign post on the way is not grandstanding; it is utter negligence. When threats are clear, and consequences foreseeable, silence becomes complicity, and inaction becomes betrayal. A refusal to respond, rethink, or reform is not strength; it is the stubbornness that precedes collapse.

Leadership is not about managing wealth; it is about investing in the people who will carry the nation forward. No investment is more foundational than on education. What excuse remains when classrooms decay in a country with billions beneath its soil? What justification is there when children sit on bare floors while government officials sit in comfort funded by the wealth meant for all? How can a nation so rich be so poor in priorities and handouts to her citizens? History has never been kind to institutions that hardened their hearts while the world around them cried out for change. The ruins of once-powerful systems stand as reminders that relevance is not a birthright, it is earned through vigilance, humility, and proper action.

Leadership is not proven in comfort, but in crisis. Responsibility is not fulfilled by titles, but by timely choices, and integrity is not measured by words, but by the courage to do what is right, even when it is difficult. The cost of educational neglect is not just academic failure: it is national failure and tragedy. If we do not educate, we will condemn. If we do not uplift, we will be forced to contain, and if we do not change the present narrative, history will not be kind to us. Those in power are hereby encouraged to act while there is something left to save. Fund the future. Listen to the voices in the classrooms. Prioritize lecturers welfare over titles, children over politics, and legacy over convenience because when a nation’s classrooms fall silent, it is only a matter of time before everything else follows. Let this ultimatum be a clarion call, not of condemnation, but of conscience. To invest in our schools is to invest in national peace, productivity, and pride. Our children deserve it. Our Lecturers have earned it, and our future depends on it. This is a call for the government to match its promises with tangible investment, a renewed hope and national commitment to learning, teaching, and growth.

ASUU do not seek to criticize: we seek to collaborate, but collaboration begins with listening, and leads to doing. Let it be clear: this is not a crisis of resources. It is a crisis of priorities. Education is not optional. When we neglect our classrooms today, we mortgage our peace and prosperity tomorrow. We acknowledge the complexities of governance and the pressures of competing demands but we also believe and respectfully insist that no demand is more urgent than the future of our children. It is therefore here reiterated that all the provisions of the signed agreements in the past have not be sufficiently and satisfactorily addressed till date. The issues that culminated into the 2009 ASUU/FGN Agreement centred on Funding for Revitalization of public Universities; University autonomy; Renegotiation of Conditions of Service, academic Freedom; Outstanding Earned Academic Allowances; Proliferation and Funding of Public Universities and other related matters still constitute the matters arising today. ASUU members will no longer continue with the futile expenditure of time and resources with a government that is pretending to be asleep and keeping quiet. ASUU will not relent in fulfilling its constitutional obligations to her members and the people. ASUU has been patient and cannot be watching the doe kidding while tethered to a stake. It is abominable!

The 14 Days ultimatum for the Federal Government to sign and implement the agreement it reached with the Union will expire on Sunday 12th October, 2025. If these issues are not addressed satisfactorily at the expiration of this ultimatum, Nigerian Governments at all stages, stakeholders, past leaders, the National and State Assemblies, Traditional and Religious leaders and the entire public shall be responsible for the outcome for refusing to live up to their historic responsibilities, and keeping quiet, maintaining indifference and apathy in the plot to silence the intelligentsia so that some people will not be offended. These people are only concerned with primitive accumulation of wealth to the detriment of our national growth and development. We cannot continue doing the same thing, the same way and expect different outcomes. There is no time. It is now or never. A stitch in time saves nine because to regret is to be late.

In conclusion, this is therefore a call on FGN to pay without further delay, the three and half months of lecturers withheld salaries in Federal and varying months in State owned-universities for participating in the 2022 strike, pay the promotion arrears and third-party deductions which are part of workers earned salaries. Government should without delay sign and implement the already concluded agreement. It is also to be noted that ASUU, in keeping with the Conditions of the ILO Conventions, can use strike as a veritable tool to get its demands. Denying its members their salaries for the period of being on strike, and for work that has now been completed is against Labour best practices. Government’s leaning on the obnoxious “No-Work No- Pay Policy” is a threat and breach of Labour Laws, and this is to further heighten the already tensed work environment. Let it not be forgotten that the last protracted strike was unwillingly suspended on the heels of interventions and promises made both formally and informally by well-meaning Nigerians. Education is not merely a sector, it is the foundation of national development. It is the seedbed of innovation, stability, and progress. In this direction, it is time to end the victimization of our members in Kogi State University (now Prince Abubakar Audu University) since over 8 years, Lagos State University and Federal University of Technology, Owerri. When we fail to prioritize functional education, we do not just weaken our classrooms, we endanger our future. This is not an issue of capacity, but of commitment. A government that truly believes in the promise of its people must show that belief through its policies and actions—especially in education.

AE-FUNAI: SSANU, NASU urge urgent action on payment of 2 months withheld salaries of members


The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the non-teaching staff unions in the universities has urged the Federal Government to expedite actions on payment of two months withheld salaries of its members.

The unions, who protested on Thursday, included the Non-Academic Union of Allied and Education Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) in Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufo-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI) in Ebonyi.

The protesters matched to the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Sunday Elom with placards with various inscriptions including, "FG, pay us our two months withheld salaries."

Others are: "No payment of third party deductions of the two months salaries arrears; constitution of renegotiation is not enough, let the committee commence work imminently, delay is dangerous."

"We will not agree until our two months withheld salaries are paid."

Mr Onyebuchi Mpamugo, Chairman of SSANU in the university, said that the immediate payment of the withheld salaries became necessary to avoid any industrial action in the nation’s universities.

Mpamugo said that the protest was to draw the attention of the federal government on the matter of welfare of workers in the universities.

"We are protesting base on the national directive. We gathered for one day protest to drive home the union's demand and our demand is not too much for the federal government to do.

"The federal government should facilitate the work of the constituted committee and expedite actions on the needful. We want our withheld two months salaries to be paid.

"We went on strike in 2022 and strike action is the right of workers, the federal government has no right withholding our salaries. So, we are begging them to kindly pay us our salaries,” he added.

Mr Chibuike Igwe, NASU Chairman, called for unity among members, expressing hope that “freedom comes by struggle.”

Igwe noted that the Union at the national had given federal government 14 days to settle all their demands or face industrial action.

He lamented the way members had suffered and urged them to remain united and focused.

“Look at the economy in the country. It is our right to demand for our money," he said.

In his response, Elom, the Vice-Chancellor representated by Prof Augustine Ibegbu, Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Science of the institution urged the protester to remain calm.

He, therefore pledged to take their messages to the federal government and all the issues raised would be treated accordingly.

"We have heard your demands, have noted all the demands and I promised that I will take them to the right table," the Vice-Chancellor said.

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has canvased the reassessment and rejuvenation of approaches to Nigeria's economic diversification through the solid minerals sector.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NEPC, Mrs Nonye Ayeni made the call in Abakaliki during a strategic engagement on standardisation of solid minerals activities for export competitiveness in Ebonyi.

Ayeni represented by the NEPC Deputy Director, Solid Minerals Directorate , Mrs Ngozi Ibe, said such assessment was apt presently when global economic trends challenge Nigeria's revenue streams.

"The NEPC recognises the contributions of the solid minerals sector to non-oil portfolio and the tremendous opportunities in achieving greater economic potentials through it.

"The mandate of NEPC is to promote the development and diversification of Nigeria 's export trade.

"This engagement is a critical step in this process as it provides a platform for us to share ideas and encourage processors for value addition along the solid minerals value chain."

Ayeni said Ebonyi is richly blessed with untapped solid minerals such as limestones, lead, zinc located in places such as Uburu, Okpoto, Ameri--Ikwo, Enyigba among others.

"Ebonyi also hosts strategic mineral concentrations vital for global supply chains which include: gold, columbite used for jewelry, smartphones, renewable energy among others.

"It is therefore essential to change the narrative in Ebonyi by embracing strategic steps to formalise and standardise the mineral potentials in its localities."

She said that such standardisation can be achieved through formalised mining cooperatives, capacity training, skills revolution, establishment of processing facilities among others.

The State Coordinator of NEPC, Mr James Ajayi said that the programme was part of Federal Government's efforts to attain sustainability in the solid minerals sector, especially in mining.

""The huge potentials in the sector can serve as an engine of growth for the country and a way to diversify from other sectors.

"Players in the sector 's value chain are however, yet to record outstanding performance owing to lack of fund, illegal mining among others."

Goodwill.meassages were delivered on the occasion by representatives of the Ebonyi government, Bank of Industry among other stakeholders in the solid minerals sector.

Presentations were made at the event on standardisation and certification for Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (ASM).

Formalisation of ASM activities, challenges and opportunities for Nigeria solid minerals export, financial opportunities in solid minerals development among others, were presented at the event.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) has trained 24 youths from Ebonyi on local fabrication of agricultural equipment.

The National Programme Coordinator of IFAD-VCDP, Dr Fatima Aliyu said during the unveiling of the equipment by the trainees, that the feat would strengthen rice and cassava value chains in Ebonyi.

Aliyu, represented by her Special Assistant, Goni Bukar, expressed happiness that adaptation of the equipment locally, would meet the specific needs of farmers.

" I know the trainees would appreciate what. iFAD VCDP has done for them which cannot be quantified monetarily.

"This iis more germane by the pedigree of the trainer contracted by IFAD as he does not only possess the intellect but is ingenious.

"You can be the alliance the trainer needs by fabricating and supplying equipment to him thereby creating the desired market."

The NPC urged the trainees to deploy their knowledge in solving the agricultural. needs of their immediate environment.

"You were chosen three par Local Government Area (LGA) as this should elicit competition and collaboration among you.

"Get simple ideas from your immediate environment and design equipment that would solve prevailing needs," she advised.

She thanked the state governor for promptly offsetting the backlog of its counterpart funds including the present ones.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs Nkechinyere Iyioku, commended IFAD-VCDP for the feat and disclosed that more youths in the state would be trained in agricultural equipment fabrication.

Iyioku represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Fidelis Nwankwo,,.said the state government would collaborate with relevant stakeholders in providing market for the trainees' products.

"Ebonyi government will continue collaborating with IFAD-VCDP due to the practical solutions it proffers to the state's agricultural challenges."

The State Programme Coordinator of IFAD-VCDP, Mr Sunday Ituma disclosed that the trainees were selected from the eight participating LGAs of the state.

"The fabricated equipment on display include: rice threshers with paddy winnowers, optimised self-loading and discharging cassava graters, cassava sieves, steam boilers, paddy drivers among others," he said.

Mr Obinna Okorie,one of the trainees thanked IFAD-VCDP for the training and pledged to use the garnered knowledge to support agricultural.development in the state.

The training Instructor, Mr Ikenna Ituma gave an overview of the fabrication procedures while relevant stakeholders offered goodwill messages at the occasion.

Dr Eric Odo, Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, has promised to begin payment of monthly stipend to all persons with disabilities in the council.

Odo explained that the gesture was in line with his administration's philosophy of caring for the poor, widows, and physically challenged persons in the area.

He made the promise on Friday, during a Holy Mass celebrated in Ogbede to mark his one year in office and declared that his government was committed to empowering less privileges.

He said the payment of the stipend to the beneficiaries would start immediately after they have been captured electronically, adding that over 1,000 widows have started receiving their own monthly stipends.

“This government is not the government of those who fly aeroplane or those who have many cars in their carparks.

“This government, for the very last time, is the government for the poor and those who are suffering.

“That was our promise during the campaign and we are going to stick to it from the beginning to the end of our administration.

"We will contine to do things that will better the lives of our people,” he declared.

The chairman assured that he would execute one or two projects in all the 20 political wards in the council before his tenure ends.

According to him, his government has initiated and executed many laudable projects, which will be commissioned soon.

He listed the projects to include the revitalisation of the Ogbede Cottage Hospital with the support of the state government, the rehabilitation of the major Ozalla and Ukehe water schemes, the construction of 17 water galleries and the setting up of a standard ICT hub

Others are the beautification of council’s headquarters, the construction of NSCDC Area Command in Nkporogwu Ukehe and divisions in Ekwegbe and Ohodo and the cultivation of 5 hectares of garden egg, pepper and cocoyam in Agu Ukehe.

Earlier in his homily, Rev. Fr. Ebuka Odoh, commended the council chairman for ensuring that Igbo-Etiti was not only developed but that the less privileged are taken care of.

The Catholic priest urged him not to relent on his oars or be distracted, adding that leaders like him are the ones that can transform the country for good.

“Thank you for allowing God to use you because it has all been sacrifice. Thank you for your interest in agriculture.

“Thank you for everything we have gotten from God through you.

“I wish to tell you, dear brother and your team that you mist have to remain hungry to achieve more, to love more and to live more.

“I pray that the remaining months and years of your administration will bring greatness to us,” Fr. Odoh said.

The highpoint of the event was the distribution of bags of rice, cartons of spaghetti and wrappers to persons with disabilities.

Independence: President of Diaspora Group hails Nwifuru over assured security in Ebonyi




The President General of the Ebonyi South in Diaspora Group, Barr. Oko Ewa Enyim has commended Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi state over the assured security in the state which has ensured prevailing peace and harmony.

Enyim, the Former Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Afikpo North LGA of Ebonyi made the call in an interview while reacting to the proclamation from several quarters that Ebonyi remains one of the safest states in the country.

The Former Legal Adviser of the Afikpo North LGA said that the governor's efforts to secure the state reflects his desire to accomplish all objectives set in his people's charter of needs mantra, to the fullest.

"The people's charter of needs mantra is anchored on the people and the governor has shown that he is desirous to protect the people at all times.

"Security is a veritable need of the people and in this era of insecurity, has turned to be become, perhaps the people's greatest need."

The astute politician hailed the governor for ensuring that lasting peace returned to communities hitherto embroiled in conflict which led to.loss of hundreds of lives and destruction of properties worth millions of naira.

"The masterstroke he employed in the protracted Effium/ Ezza Effium communal clash drew commendation from far and near as it proved that with utmost commitment and dedication, the impossible can be made possible.

"He created new autonomous communities from the crises- torn areas and this not only gave the people a sense of belonging but assisted in resolving nagging, contending issues.

"That was the main reason an indigene of one the communities trekked from Lagos to Abakaliki to appreciate the governor in a move that might look stupifying but is a testament of appreciation."

He also acknowledged the proactive steps taken to solve the lingering communal clashes between the Isinkwo and Abaomege communities in Onicha LGA of the state as remarkable calm has returned to the warring areas.

"We however urge the governor to check the incessant attack on my people of Amasiri in Afikpo North LGA by the Osso people of Edda LGA.

"He should wade decisively into the
matter and bring all culprits to book to permanently stop the wanton killings and destruction of properties as being recorded presently.

Anyim urged stakeholders of Afikpo North LGA to galvanise support around the Council Chairman, Engr Timothy Nwachi for him to continue replicating the governor's feat on security, infrastructure, human development among others.

"The people should realise that security is everybody's business, everyone should be on guard and shun acts that are capable of festering crisis.

"The people of Osso should also stop all hostilities towards Amasiri people but embrace peace for harmonious co-existence and good of al."

He paid glowing tributes to Engr. Timothy Nwachi for his astuteness in ensuring that the council is lifted to greater heights.

"I urge the people to remember leaders in all tiers of government in prayers and offer them quantum support to ensure that all dreams are realised."

South East region has embarked on construction of ultra-modern international conference Centre, ICC, hotel located in Enugu State to boost regional business, tourism and contributes maximally to the nation's economic growth.

The Nations News reports that the main building of the ICC Hotel in Nigeria has been successfully completed, with the aim of helping the West African convention and exhibition economy to move into a new dimension.

Investigation revealed that ICC hotel in Enugu State, Nigeria, was undertaken by China Communications Construction Company, and has become the strength to Nigeria's economic diversification and regional revitalization.

The general manager of China Communications Construction Company Nigeria Co., Ltd, Feng Yu, said that they will continue to uphold the concept of "co-construction and win-win, lean construction"

He said the steady advancement and subsequent decoration, mechanical and electrical installation and other projects, will enhance total completion of the Enugu State International Conference Center Hotel project on schedule and with high quality.

It was gathered that the ICC hotel is topping-out ceremony, marking a key progress in this strategically important regional landmark building and injecting strong impetus into the implementation of Nigeria's economic diversification, strategy and Enugu State's efforts to build a regional business and tourism center.

The international Conference center, ICC, hotel is located in the heart of Enugu, approximately 3 kilometers from the State Government Office Building, and has become a key project in Nigeria's efforts to promote economic restructuring.

The project has a total construction area of approximately 35,000 square meters, and comprises three 10-story main buildings and a podium.

The Nations News further reports that the project encompasses a multidisciplinary construction process encompassing earthwork, structural engineering, interior design, and mechanical and electrical installation.

Faced with a series of challenges, including a tight deadline, construction during the rainy season, the difficulty of detailed drawings, complex cross-processing, and the high precision required for pre-embedded mechanical and electrical systems.

The project management team employed scientific organization and meticulous management, actively communicating and coordinating with all parties, optimizing the construction plan, and strengthening resource allocation.

They effectively overcame the dual pressures of the natural environment and technical requirements, ensuring high-quality progress in the main structure construction.

As a core vehicle for the integrated development of "business and tourism" in Enugu State, the ICC Hotel project holds profound significance. Nigeria, one of Africa's largest economies, is diversifying its economy through tourism and the service sector.

Enugu State, with its proximity to the capital, Abuja, and port cities, as well as its rich heritage, including the Udi Mountains and Igbo culture, urgently needs high-end conference accommodation facilities.

Feng Yu further stated that they will continue to uphold the principle of "co-construction, win-win, and lean construction" and steadily advance subsequent decoration, renovation, and mechanical and electrical installation projects to ensure the on-time and high-quality completion of the ICC Hotel project, contributing to Nigeria's economic diversification and regional revitalization.

The advancement of this project also demonstrates the deepening of infrastructure cooperation between China and Nigeria under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, becoming another example of China-Africa collaboration in promoting sustainable development and enhancing connectivity.

The Ebonyi state government, through the ministry of capital city and urban development, has waded into a rift between the members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) over the relocation of illegal parks.

It would be recalled that the ministry had earlier placed a ban on the activities of individuals, including members of the RTEAN, involved in the loading of passengers at unauthorised designations and directed them to relocate to a government-approved park.

This, however, did not go well with the members of the NURTW, who were in charge of some of the parks within the capital city, including the popular Ishieke Park, which led to a physical altercation between the two groups, resulting in the involvement of the police to restore order.

In his bid to restore peace and ensure compliance with the government's directives, the state commissioner for capital city and urban development, Hon. Sunday Inyima, who assembled the two groups in his office to chart a way towards peaceful resolution, expressed confidence that it would be amicably resolved.

"We just finished a meeting with the critical stakeholders of transport sectors within the state, and I want to state that there was no protest; what we had was a small rift which has been handled, and the government came out decisively to ban all illegal parks for so many reasons.

"The good thing is the three arms of the transport sectors have truly abided by these directives. What is just happening is a little skirmish, which we actually started resolving, and very shortly, we will resolve it. Everybody has agreed with the existing directives while we proffer solutions," he said.

The commissioner, who equally dismissed the assumptions that drivers are not allowed to drop passengers at the various bus stops within the capital city as misleading, enlightened that the government only recommended a pick-and-drop process and not to serve as a regular loading spot.

Comrade Prince Igwe, who's the RTEAN chairman in the state, however, lamented that his members have been refused the right to work in the state, alleging a conspiracy by some individuals who ensured that his written letters to the governor's office were not delivered, resulting in his quest for a peaceful protest which led to his arrest, allegedly sponsored by one CSP John Nwede, the chief security officer of the government house.

"There's no way an affiliate of a trade union, and a union being established by the Federal Government of Nigeria and enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended, should not be allowed to exist in Ebonyi State or allowed to operate within the government park.

"There's a letter these people have been parading themselves with that the state government said we should not access the government open park, and I don't really understand the meaning of 'open park', and that has been the problem. After the recent agreement that all the illegal parks should be shut down, RTEAN agreed.

"We support the policy of the government and good governance, and all the illegal parks have been provided a place to go, but when my people went to Ishieke Park, they were attacked and detained by security agencies, and even when I went there to know why, they also said they were ordered to detain me by CSP John Nwede." He said.

However, he further called for a harmonious working atmosphere among transport operators in the state to enable the sector to move forward above monopoly.

Meanwhile, the state chairman of the NURTW, Mr chukwuemeka noted the peace initiative of the state government had begun, saying that agreements have not yet been reached but expressed hope for peaceful resolution.

POLYCARP SOLA- ABAKALIKI

The Obeji Linus (OBEL)Foundation, a humanitarian organisation involved in selfless services such as offering scholarships and bursaries to indigent students in Ebonyi State, among others, has once again given out its annual bursary to 78 students and awarded full scholarships to 5 others.

Since its inception in 2023, the organisation has disbursed cash sums of money to indigent students of the Iphuigwe community in the Izzi Local Government area of the state as well as awarded full scholarships to others.

The founder, Chief Obeji Linus, who's the chairman of the Abakaliki Rice Mill Industry as well as the president general of the Iphuigwe autonomous community, advised the beneficiaries to shun all forms of social vices, such as cultism and drugs, among others.

Chief Obeji, who charged them to improve in their studies and "stop facing books and rather start reading books," To become the ambassadors who would in turn teach the next generation, encouraged them to learn entrepreneurial skills to gain self-independence after schooling.

"It is no longer the days when you go to school to study and become a civil servant; they should read to arm themselves to be independent and as well be able to empower their families and the society at large," he said.

Being the benefactor, Chief Obeji explained that this year's gesture is not limited to only students from his immediate Iphuigwe community but also extended to other neighbouring local governments to demonstrate the genuineness of the foundation's intentions to assist the indigent students.

"We don't have indigent people only in my community or in my local government. I met a young man in the faculty of law, and he's doing well, even though he's from Abakaliki Local Government. It has not stopped me from helping him. We are going into the three local governments within the Izzi land, and as we progress, we hope to extend it further," Obeji assured.

Meanwhile, Mr Nwibo Chikwado, a 200-level student of law at Ebonyi State University who hails from the Okpuitumo community in the Abakaliki Local Government Area of the state, and Ofoke Victor Nkwuda, a 100-level student of the College of Health Science in Ezzamgbo, studying community health, are among the students who bagged the full scholarships.

Other beneficiaries included Aduga Mary Chiamaka, a 200-level student of radiography and radiation science at the David Umahi Federal University of Sciences. Also, Eze Chidiebere Kelvin, a 500-level student of science laboratory technology at the University of Calabar, appreciated the Obeji Foundation and pledged to study to show himself worthy of the gesture.

The Chinedu Ogha Foundation, centred on humanitarian services and philanthropic gestures, has once again admitted 172 indigent students into the Blessed Martins International College (BMIC) for a six-year academic journey.

The Chinedu Ogha Foundation, established by the Hon. Member representing Ezza/Ikwo Federal Constituency at the Green Chambers of the National Assembly, who doubles as the Chairman of the House Committee on All Reformatory Institutions across the country, has been involved in humanitarian services since 1997.

Speaking at the event, Ogah, who was visibly satisfied with the level of accomplishments, applauded the foundation for its efforts towards giving hope to the hopeless in the society and building a state where poverty and insecurity would be reduced.

"We want to give them hope; we are preparing them for tomorrow's leadership. As we are privileged to be educated, we should extend that to the less privileged.

"As a parliamentarian, it's my core duty to be able to provide these children with quality education to reduce insecurity and poverty." He said.

Ogah, who encouraged them to focus on attaining sound education, which the Blessed Martins International College provides, emphasised that it would definitely make them focused and be useful to the society.

"We are complimenting the effort of our dear governor, the good leadership of Mr President and all the good things our leaders have done. We started this foundation in the year 1997, and since that year we have been training people on scholarship." He added

Our correspondent learnt that this phase is the seventh; hence, the 172 students admitted are part of the scheduled 200 beneficiaries for the year 2025. In his usual way, Ogah admonished the students to be disciplined and make their parents proud.

"They should behave themselves and read their books and reflect on what they are learning, which should be extended to their families."

While interacting with journalists, Donatus Inlang (PhD), the state commissioner for education, applauded the Chinedu Ogah Foundation for sustaining its humanitarian services over the years and noted the initiative is in line with Governor Nwifuru's people's charter of needs agenda on education.

"We have seen what is here, and they are all in line with the Ebonyi State people's charter of need toward education.

"The infrastructural level of what is here in this school is international; equipping the hostels, which we have all seen, is also of international level, and the courses they offer here tell you that they are here to ensure that effective and quality education is achieved to its optimum level." Ilang said.

Meanwhile, Mrs Mary Chinedu Ogah, who's the proprietress of Blessed Martins International College, commended Ogah's commitments over the years to sustaining his philanthropic gestures and applauded him for extending it beyond his constituency.

"This is what he does every year; we have them set by set, batch by batch. He usually does it only for his." We have seen what is here, and they are all in line with the Ebonyi state people's charter of need toward education.

"The infrastructural level of what is here in this school is international; equipping the hostels, which we have all seen, is also of international level, and the courses we offer here tell you that they are here to ensure that effective and quality education is achieved to its optimum level, but this year he decided to go further and give slots to people outside," she added.

Recall that the Chinedu Ogha Foundation has been engaged in humanitarian works in Ebonyi State since 1997, before he became a House of Representatives member representing the Ezza/Ikwo Federal Constituency at the National Assembly for the first time in 2019. Ever since, he has been committed to serving humanity.

The Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA) Chikelue Iloenyosi has disclosed that the association is progressing steadily under his watch as he has the capacity to return Anambra as the hub of football in Nigeria.

Iloenyosi popularly called the "General" in the nation's football and social circles, made the declaration while answering questions on his stewardship in office with attendant strides and challenges.

The defensive stalwart known as "Confusion" in his secondary school days due to his dexterity in twarting opposing strikers forays, said that leadership was about people and a call to service.

" I have always practicalised the concept of leadership being about the people, a call to service and call to use available human and material resources to achieve organisational goals.

"Since assuming office as the Chairman of Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA), I have pragmatically and proactively repositioned. football administration in the "Light of the Nation.

"This has awed many, including critics and naysayers which has resulted in reports from uninformed people who don't understand how football works."

He noted that realising that competitions are the hallmarks of football development, the FA has consistently organised competitions to unearth budding talents and bring back memories of the good old playing days.

"The recently concluded MANFES/ANSFA All Stars Football competition among others held before it, is a testament of my avid commitment to collaborate with the private sector in promoting football activities in Anambra.

"This leads credence to the accepted submission that football nay other sports, should not be left for the government alone.

"The state government led by His Excellency, Prof. Charles Soludo has greatly supported the FA providing infrastructural and material support for us to achieve all objectives.

"It is on record that Anambra FA is the only one in the country which is captured in the state budget and we thank the governor for such gesture."

Iloenyosi said that contrary to naysayers assertions, the FA has always opened its doors for investors to support football development in the state.

"The unquantified successes recorded in sports development in the state could not had been possible without the active involvement of both government and private interests.

"The championship sponsored by renowned Pharmaceutical Company, MANFES was a huge success and as the CEO of the company said, the Anambra FA has been a worthy partner in football development."

He used the opportunity to re-clarify the difference between sponsorship and partnership which misconception has made naysayers make uninformed utterances.

"MANFES pharmaceuticals for instance, did not sponsoring the championship but partnered with the FA to see to its fruition.

"In partnership, the company is providing logistics for the championship while the FA is providing the administrative impetus and enabling environment for the championship.

"Sponsorship entails that the sponsor foots the whole bill incurred in competitions with necessary accruals to the FA".

Iloenyosi noted that as approved by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) elections into the FA's congress and local football council would be held after the world cup qualifiers.

"My petition against Mr Iyke Igbokwe, led to his arrest and I will still institute legal actions against him for labelling me and leadership of the NFF criminals."

The rising demand for Western education and it's attendant patronage for private schools calls for concern. Opinions have it that the preference for private schools in Nigeria may not be unconnected to drastic reduction of quality education in many public schools consequent upon lack of proper supervision and funding.

Ebonyi State is rapidly becoming an education tourist state owing to rising number of academic institutions both secondary and tertiary institutions.

On daily basis, people troupe en masse into the state for business and many deciding to settle in the state. Reasons for this influx of people are not far fetched. Ebonyi has been adjudged as the most peaceful and investment friendly state in the South East, Nigeria. Moreso, availability of food in the state especially the famous Abakaliki rice is added advantage.

There is no doubt that many people who came into the state will be in a fix as to where to enroll their children or Wards for the secondary education career. To solve this puzzle, our reporter has painstakingly conducted a survey of private schools in Abakaliki and here are the first top five for your delight as we hope to publish a second batch of the survey. Our view is generated from physical evaluation, opinion and comments. We also took cognizance of facilities, quality teaching, students performance index as well as affordability.



1.HOPE HIGH BEITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Hope High British International School is adjudged to be leading the Way. Located at 6 Onwe Road, Abakaliki, the School is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding learning institutions in Ebonyi State. Since its establishment in 2002 as Hope for the Child Nursery School, the school has maintained an enviable record of academic success, producing students who consistently excel both nationally and internationally.

With a British curriculum blended with local curriculum and tailored to nurture global citizens, Hope High prepares students to compete on any stage. Its recent 98% success rate in the Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE) speaks volumes about its standards.

The school boasts of a serene environment, state-of-the-art science laboratories, a fully equipped library, ICT centers, boarding facilities, and extra curricular programs that mold children into well-rounded leaders of tomorrow. Yet, despite its top-tier offerings, parents find the fees surprisingly affordable compared to other schools of similar standard.

A parent, Mrs. Chinwe Igwe, expressed her satisfaction:

“Hope High is more than just a school; it is a community where children are nurtured academically and morally. My daughter has grown more confident, disciplined, and academically sound since joining the school. I recommend Hope High to every parent who truly wants quality education for their child.”
Another parent, Mr. Uche Onyekwere, added:
“Hope High has brought global education to our doorstep. The exposure our children get there is second to none, and the fact that the fees remain affordable makes it even more attractive.

Investigation reveals that Hope High remains the most affordable inconsideration of the w orld class facilities in the school and array of high quality teachers it parades.

Speaking to our reporter on the issue of fees, a parent , Dr. Ikechukwu Igwe expressed shock that other school lower in standard collects much higher fees than Hope High.
According to him, " I went to one school in Abakaliki here which I should say is the closest to Hope High in terms of standards, they were asking me to pay as high as over 250,000 naira as fees. This does not include books and other sundry fees.

After seeing there prospectus, I quietly returned to Hope High."


KINGDOM HERITAGE MODEL SCHOOL

Located along the Enugu, Abakaliki Express Way, the school integrates academic excellence with Christian values and personalized student follow-up through dedicated class counselors.

CSMT SCHOOLS:
A missionary institution blending academics with technology, boasting solar-powered facilities, computer-based testing centers, and strong security.

BRIGHT DESTINY S HOOL: AMIKE ABBA: Known for its affordable fees, approachable management, and family-like learning environment. Parents appreciate the school’s focus on quality teaching and accessible leadership.

BLESSED MARTINS INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE
: A premium school with a Montessori-based approach, focused on nurturing creative, confident, and globally minded children.

PRESS RELEASE

Background

The leadership of the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide has deemed it necessary to issue this public statement regarding recent developments involving Pastor Michael Obierika, a former member of our organization.

Pastor Obierika was suspended from UNIEC Worldwide due to conduct that violated the core principles and values of our Council.

Clarification

It has come to our attention that Pastor Michael Obierika and his associates have registered an entity under the name United Igbo Elders Congress (UNIEC) Abuja. They are now falsely presenting themselves as representatives or affiliates of the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide.

For the avoidance of doubt, the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide has no connection whatsoever with this group. Any claims of affiliation with UNIEC Worldwide, under either of these names, acronym or abbreviations, by Pastor Obierika or his associates are false, misleading, and should be disregarded.

Public Advisory

We wish to categorically dissociate ourselves from Pastor Obierika’s group and any activities they may undertake, whether under the name UNIEC Abuja or falsely under UNIEC Worldwide.

The general public is strongly advised that any individual, group, or organization engaging with Pastor Obierika or his associates under either of these names does so entirely at their own risk.

Legitimate Leadership

For the avoidance of doubt, the Director-General and recognized leader of the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide remains:

His Lordship, Justice Alpha Ikpeama

Signed

His Lordship,
Justice Alpha Ikpeama
Director-General, UNIEC Worldwide


Prince Solomon Prince, Assistant National Director,
Media and Publicity
UNIEC Worldwide

This press release should be widely circulated across media platforms, organizations, and public channels to prevent misinformation and to safeguard the integrity of the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide

NOA intensifies campaigns on NELFUND student loan, national values, others in Ebonyi


The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ebonyi Directorate has intensitied its enlightenment campaign on Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and national values re-orientation in the state.

Our correspondent recalls that the agency had sometime in August, launched a nationwide campaign on five thematic areas bothering on nation building.

The areas for the campaign include: national enlightenment on government policies, programmes, and activities; flood mitigation and disaster preparedness.

Others are: national security awareness, national values reorientation for students against extreme sign-out practices, and the Nigerian identity project and national symbols campaign.

The Director-General of NOA, Alhaji Lanre Issa-Onilu, at a news conference in Abakaliki on Tuesday, said the Agency was prepared to advance campaign on the thematic areas to Ebonyi hinterlands and nation at large.

Issa-Onilu, represented by Mrs Blessings-Ngozi Oyem, NOA's Director of Youth Engagement and Inclusion noted that the campaigns became necessary as nation was about to transition into a microeconomy.

"In this five thematic areas of the campaign, our target is to reach out to no fewer than three million Nigerias per state through media engagement, markets and motor park rallies.

"We shall also be holding town hall meetings, advocacy visit to traditional and religious leaders to enlighten the citizens.

"In order to have access to NELFUND student loan. The loan is available to all qualified Nigerians, who are schooling in public tertiary institutions in the country.

"The applications are made online at the NELFUND website and tuition fees are paid directly to the school on behalf of the successful applicants. Over 600, 000 students have been onboard," the D-G said.

On the compaigns in general, Issa-Onilu explained that the agency had re-invigorated its website and equally deployed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Persons called CLHEEAN on its page.

"We make sure that we reach every nooks and crannies of Ebonyi 13 local government areas," he added.

Mr Theophilus Nwokpor, Agency's Director in Ebonyi said the campaign is a wake up call to all Nigerians for sustainable development.

Nwokpor said that the Agency's Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOs would be engaging the public to further understand the policies of the present government.

He listed some of the policies to include: the Renewed Hope Infrastructural Fund, Social Safety Net Expansion, Industrial Training fund (NYIF) among others.

The Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Chief Onyekachi Nwebonyi has expressed delight at the progress made by the social club he belongs in Abakaliki, the Eternal Brothers Club.

Nwebonyi who represents Ebonyi North Senatorial district, made the commendation when a delegation of the club paid him a courtesy visit at his hometown, Mbeke Ishieke in Ebonyi Local Government Areas of the state.

The senate deputy chief whip said the achievements recorded by the club within few years of formation are "astonishing and heart-warming".

"I am a founding member of the club and we felt it was just an avenue to merry and convivale.

"The present leadership has however transformed it beyond expectation with an advancement never witnessed before."

Nwebonyi said he will continue supporting the club in appreciation to the giant strides it has recorded.

"I ensured the construction of the road transversing its headquarters and will ensure more constructions in the Obama area of Abakaliki, where it is sited.

"The construction of the club's headquarters will attract rapid development in the area and I will significantly support its completion."

He urged the club to continue being agent of change and development in the society considering the avalanche of personalities in its fold.

The President of the club, Hon. Charles Akpu-enika thanked the senate deputy chief whip for the reception, describing him as a worthy ambassador of the club.

"We follow your activities at senate and can describe you as the best brain from Ebonyi.

"Everytime you make presentations at the senate floor and on the television, Nigerians would see intellect and capacity that make Ebonyi proud."

The immediate past Ebonyi commissioner for youth development and sports said the club has recorded impressive milestones which distinguishes it from others in the state.

"From a humble beginning, we presently have over 170 members made up of distinguished individuals in politics, business, academia among other sectors.

"Work on the club's headquarters is progressing steadily and we are optimistic of its inauguration next year.

"You support to us have been tremendous and we urge you not to relent."

The Ebonyi State University (EBSU) chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), on Tuesday called for immediate gazetting of its members in the institution for pension and gratuity.

Comrade Joseph Igwe, Chairman of the Union in the school, made the call in Abakaliki, during a news conference and sensitisation on the need for improving welfare of member staff.

"We need immediate gazzeting of EBSU staff for pension and gratuity. Release outstanding arrears owned to our members as we as payment of promotion arrears," he added.

Igwe decried the way the well-being of the university workers, especially the lecturers in the country are been neglected, noting that education remains the "bedrock" for sustainable development.

He, however called for the endorsement of the re-negotiated of the 2009 ASUU-Federal Government draft agreement.

"There is need for domestication and implemention of this agreement by respective visitors for state-owned universities including EBSU.

"We urge the Nigeria government to adhere strictly to the UNESCO recommendation of allotting 26 per cent of the national budget to education.

"Nigerian Lecturers salary was last reviewed in 2009 following a protracted negotiation anchored on the principle of collective bargaining.

"Part of ASUU and federal government agreement in 2009 provided for regular review after every three years.

"Today, we joined our counterparts across the country to urge the federal government to sign the re-negotiated agreement as submitted by the former SGF,, Alhaji Yahala Ahmed, who was the Chairman of the tripartite committee.

"How can lecturers remain in the same salary structure for 16 good years. A bag of rice was selling at cost of N4, 500 only in 2009. But , today a a bag of rice is being sold over N90, 000.

"We want the general public know that ASUU have tried several ways and strategies of resolving the conflict in the education sector, especially in the universities but all the efforts were not yielding success.

"It is clear that ASUU may have no other option than to embark on another action to press home their demands," the Chairman stated.

"Stop from Parading Self as Anambra LP Guber Candidate" – Okoye Tells Moghalu

POLYCARP SOLA - ENUGU


The chairman of the Labour Party in Anambra State, Mr Peter Okoye, has called on one Mr George Moghalu, who's said to be parading himself as the party's candidate for the forthcoming state gubernatorial election, to abstain from doing so and obey the prior court order of maintaining status quo ante.

It would be recalled that the Supreme Court had earlier made a decision sacking Abure, following a suit instituted by Senator Nenadi Usman against the erstwhile National Chairman of the Labour Party, whose tenure had expired.

Okoye, who made the call at the Federal High Court in Enugu State on Tuesday, stated that he and other concerned stakeholders of the party have visited the vacation court to seek INEC's cooperation to not allow the nominees of Abure in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Anambra State to contest.

"The Labour Party under Distinguished Senators Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwokocha is a party that believes in and respects the Nigerian laws as they are. Since the epoch judgement of 4th April 2025, of the Supreme Court on the issues bedevilling our party. In a case between Nenadi Usman and Julius Abure, the Supreme Court unanimously sacked Julius Abure and backed Nenadi Usman's leadership of the party.

"We have respected INEC as an organised institution, and we expect former chairman Julius Abure to cease acting on behalf of the party. In Anambra State, we noticed that former chairman Julius Abure and his gangs have refused to allow us to have a peaceful running of the party. We have noticed how he went on and on nominating candidates for elections. INEC has dismissed this action in cases of the Anambra South Senatorial election and others," he added.

The chairman, who described Moghalu's alleged candidacy as illegitimate, equally advised party faithfuls to maintain the status quo, saying the fact that even the former presidential candidate of the party in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, was spotted with him doesn't make him a legitimate candidate to run on the LP come the elections.

"Of a truth, George Moghalu is a product of illegal nomination. A product of the expired leadership of Julius Abure, who has no right to make any nomination or act in any way on behalf of the party.

"We are in court to avert an imminent political misadventure which is capable of giving the party a very bad election outing and a ridiculous defeat in the forthcoming Nov 16th Guber election in Anambra State." Okoye added.

Emma Uduaka Esq. and Issac Nnadozie, who are counsels of the Labour Party, have described the activities of the sacked erstwhile national chairman (Abure) as unconstitutional and called on INEC to do the needful by obeying the Supreme Court order.

Meanwhile, Chief Ikenazom Chine, a stakeholder of the party in the state, has called on the independent National Electoral Commission INEC to recognise the proper channel where aspirants emerge for elective positions and urged them to do the needful by working with the constitutional executive led by Mr Okoye.