₦airaland Forum

Local government teachers under the supervision of the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) have protested over what they described as ill treatment meted out to them by their various council chairmen in the state, particularly in the area of welfare.

The protesters, under an umbrella body of the concerned local government teachers who made a passionate appeal to Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru's government to intervene and ensure that their welfare is attended to and their entitlement given to them, regretted that the situation has affected their motivation to work.

Leader of the protest, Mr Ottah Ibiam, a grade level 13 civil servant at the Ebunwana Model Girls Secondary School in the Edda Local Government Area of the state, told newsmen that none of the financial commitments of the current administration have been given to them, whereas their counterparts in the Secondary Education Board (SUBEB) have received them.

"The way they have been denying us the state's allowances and denying the teachers, the primary and junior secondary school teachers in the state, has necessitated the protest. The issue is that it has not been motivating us to do our work the way it should be.

"And those that they are paying are not even coming to school, but it is not our concern; our concern is just for them to be giving us our entitlement. Likewise, the Christmas bonus of N150,000 in 2024 was denied to us.

"The promotion areas from 2024 were denied to us. The May Day, Labour Day, for which they paid 10,000 naira, was denied to us. Now, the increment, the 20,000 Naira increment – Governor Nwifuru said that he's going to pay a 90,000 Naira national minimum wage, but our own became 70,000 Naira.

"While others that we are staying within the school environment have been receiving. Secondary education board teachers that were in the same field, the same office, the same school environments and the same staff room stay together; they are giving them their own entitlement.

"We, they'll be denying us; the Governor has now said that he's going to pay 200,000 to 350,000 naira for a Christmas bonus for this year. Let them not deny it from us again," Ibiam said.

Ibiam, who told newsmen that their complaint to the state commissioner for education has not received a satisfactory response, pleaded with Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru's government to listen to their plight and pay as they have been paying other state workers.

When contacted in an interview at his office, the state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Ebonyi State chapter, Mr Ekechi Francis Okorie, confirmed their claims as truth, saying that the leadership of the union has been on top of the situation and assured that the issues would be resolved.

"That is true; you see, the situation is that. Last time, the state government, I think it's pronounced, gave the local government employees, the teachers, a bonus of 75,000 Naira. And some local governments – I think it was just about three local governments that completed paying that money. Ten local governments have not paid that money completely. Some teachers did not get that money.

"So when teachers complained, I kept on trying to calm them down, saying that I'm already on that matter. Then I have to ask my branch chairman to collect names of those that have not been paid or which I've submitted to the Commissioner for Education through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, so that they are going to make sure that the governor pays that money to those teachers; that is the bonus.

"Then coming to this issue of an additional N20,000 minimum wage, that is making it N90,000. The Governor, His Excellency, the Rt Honourable Builder Francis Ogbuna Nwifuru, said that the payment will start from September. Then SUBEB was paid.

"When I met with Ubeb, Ubeb said that they will start payment by October. Reaching October, they were not forthcoming. I was very surprised. I met with them again. First of all, I met with Jack. Jack told me that they were paying gratuity and there was no money anywhere. I had to report the matter to NLC. So from there, NSE immediately convened a meeting on the 6th of this month.

"The whole of the NLC affiliate was there. So from there they issued out a communique to governments directing them to pay that money on or before the 27th of November, which we are still on." Okorie explained.

The current situation affecting the welfare of the UBEB teachers in the state, which has unarguably affected their performance, as narrated by Mr Ibiam, is capable of deteriorating the already crippled education sector in the state if the government chooses to give deaf ears to their plight, as they said in one of their slogans, "If you can write your name, thank your teacher."

Ebonyi

Labour Party (LP) chieftain and former House of Representatives candidate, Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, alleging persistent death threats from individuals he describes as “political enforcers” operating in Ebonyi State.


Ezeh, who contested for the Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency seat in the 2023 elections, claims the threats were issued in response to his public commentary on governance and political developments in the state.


The suit, filed under No. CV/4130/25, lists two individuals including Felix Okemini (a.k.a. Jango) and Sunday Ogbonnia (a.k.a. Bakassi) as respondents.

The Inspector-General of Police is also joined in the action to ensure law-enforcement oversight and enforcement of any orders the court may grant.


Invoking Sections 33, 38, 39, and 41 of the 1999 Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Ezeh is seeking a judicial declaration that the alleged threats amount to unlawful violations of his rights to life, liberty, freedom of thought, expression, and dignity.


In his supporting affidavit, he states that the threats have made it “impossible to live freely without fear of being harmed,” insisting that court intervention is necessary to “affirm the sanctity” of his fundamental freedoms.

In a statement, Ezeh said he opted for legal redress rather than confrontation.

“I refuse to be dragged into the gutters. We are a country governed by laws, and I have chosen the legal path rather than succumb to intimidation.

"No man will stand idle while his life and that of his family are threatened,” he said.


Drawing on Homeric imagery, he compared the alleged attacks to the dishonour King Odysseus faced on his return home, saying his critics hoped he would “run and never return.”


Ezeh disclosed that efforts to resolve the dispute amicably collapsed “under painful circumstances,” forcing him to seek judicial protection.

He insisted that the threats escalate whenever he comments publicly on governance issues in Ebonyi State, a pattern he believes is politically motivated.


He said a date is yet to be fixed for the hearing of the originating motion, though his legal team is seeking urgent protective orders to restrain the respondents from further harassment or interference.


As of press time, neither law-enforcement authorities nor the accused individuals have issued public statements addressing the allegations.

Ebonyi:

The Leader of the Onicha Legislative Council and Councillor representing Agbabor Ward in the Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State,Rt. Hon. Anayo Kingsley Simon has debunked reports circulating on social media & that formed a news headline on EBBC few days ago alleging that he has been impeached from his position.

In an exclusive reaction,Rt. Hon. Anayo said he was neither aware of any impeachment notice nor had any formal process been initiated against him as required under Nigeria’s democratic system.

“I am not aware of any impeachment proceeding on or before now,” he stated. “I only read on social media & heard on the news of the above mentioned radio station about such a purported impeachment against my person and office. This is a democratic setting, and there are procedures for such acts if they must hold water.”

He explained that no impeachment notice had been served on him, neither had any investigative panel been constituted nor any formal sitting held to consider an impeachment motion.

“As the leader of the council, I am the one to convene a sitting. If there were genuine grounds for impeachment, a colleague would raise a motion, it would be deliberated upon, and if the majority agrees, then it can stand. But nothing of such has ever happened,” he said.

Responding to questions on whether he may have fallen out with influential political actors, Rt.Hon. Anayo maintained that he has no issues with the state leadership or the local government chairman.

“I don’t have any issue with the powers that be. I have confidence in the government of Ebonyi State, ably led by His Excellency, the Right Honourable Builder Prince Ogbonna Francis Nwifuru. I believe strongly in his People’s Charter of Needs mantra,” he affirmed.

He added that he has been fully supportive of the administration of the Onicha Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ikechukwu Ogbuoffia.

“For allI know, I don’t have any problem with my chairman. If there is any purported move to impeach me, I would say it is likely an act of betrayal from my colleagues which i know can not stand under the current state leadership that so much believes in the rule of laws, and as such does not and will never condone any act of illegality,"he said.

According to Rt.Hon. Anayo, the only recent disagreement within the council was a collective call he and other councillors made to stakeholders of the local government, urging that more development projects be executed across all wards.

“The last time my colleagues and I raised concerns, it was simply to draw attention to the need for more projects to be executed in our various wards,in the interest of our dear party and the people which was borne out of the zeal to ensure that the people's charter of needs mantra of our dear humanitarian & people's friendly governor is extended to all nooks and crannies of the state in the interest of our party, and our constituents, which i believe is our primary constitutional responsibility as ward councillors. When you love a leader, you align with his vision,” he stated.

Rt.Hon. Anayo reiterated his unalloyed loyalty to the state government and the ruling party’s agenda, stressing that any actions he takes are for the overall good of his constituents, his local government and the state at large.

He enjoined all well meaning Ebonyians and residents to avoid acts capable of causing chaos and destabilising the relative peace being enjoyed in the state today, courtesy of the governor,who he described as, "an angel in human form", while also calling on the media to always verify the authencity of their news to avoiding misleading the public & tarnishing people's reputation unjustly.

He also seized the opportunity to appreciate the good people of Onicha Local Government for their unwavering supports to his leadership and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that Onicha local government remains the beautiful bride among all Ebonyi local government areas.

As at press time, no official statement has been issued by the Onicha Legislative Council or the local government authorities regarding the circulating impeachment claims.

Tension is rising in the Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency as Labour Party House of Representatives candidate, Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, has issued a forceful public warning to Hon. Comrade Chinedu Ogah, alleging persistent interference in the political affairs of Izhiland.

In a briefing with journalists in Abakaliki, Dr. Ezeh accused the lawmaker who currently represents Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency of overreaching his mandate and “deliberately fanning the embers of crisis” in a constituency he does not represent.


The latest provocation, according to Ezeh, is Ogah’s alleged involvement in securing bail for two men who were earlier arrested for allegedly issuing threats to his life.

While the details of the case remain under police investigation, Ezeh said the development was “deeply suspicious and politically motivated.”

“This is not the first time Hon. Ogah has inserted himself into matters that concern only the Izhi people,” Ezeh stated solemnly.

“Why is it always him whenever harm is plotted against me? Why does he meddle in Izhi politics and sow crisis in Izhiland?”


Witnesses at the briefing described Ezeh as visibly upset, his voice rising at intervals as he recounted what he called a “pattern of interference” that has allegedly destabilized political engagements in the constituency.

He insisted that Ogah’s actions have created unnecessary tension among stakeholders and disrupted ongoing reconciliation efforts within Izhi communities.

Ezeh further alleged that the intervention by Ogah amounts to obstruction of justice, claiming that the bail secured for the two suspects could compromise the ongoing investigation.

Though he provided no documentary evidence during the briefing, he maintained that Ogah’s involvement was inappropriate for a lawmaker outside the constituency.


The Labour Party Chieftain announced his intention to take the matter before the Speaker of the House of Representatives, where he plans to submit a formal petition accusing Ogah of abuse of privilege and deliberate interference in a constituency matter.

“No National Assembly member is above the law. If Hon. Ogah believes he can use his office to shield suspects or intimidate political opponents, he will soon discover that our democracy has checks and consequences," he declared.

Political analysts in Ebonyi say the clash reflects the deepening rivalry and shifting power blocs as the 2027 elections approach. While Hon. Ogah has not publicly responded to the allegations, his associates insist the lawmaker only intervened in the matter on humanitarian grounds and deny any political motive.


As the political temperature continues to rise, residents of Abakaliki/Izzi are urging both leaders to embrace dialogue and allow security agencies to conclude their investigations without interference.

Enugu council boss resolves 1941 land dispute between Aku/Ikolo communities


Dr Eric Odo, Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu state has officially inaugurated the demarcation of the Aku/Ikolo boundary to end long-standing land dispute between the two communities.

Odo during the programme in Ogbede on Friday, revealed that the land dispute that started since 1941 had destroyed several lives and properties.

The council Boss expressed optimism that the demarcation of the land by his administration had resolved the issue between the two communities amicably.

He maintained that the resolution was in fulfilment of his campaign promise to restore peace and unity in the communities, saying it would permanently end the crisis that had caused psychological and economic hardship to the people.

Odo commended Gov Peter Mbah and his deputy Chief Ifeanyi Ossai for providing the enabling environment for peace to return to the two communities.

Meanwhile, traditional rulers, presidents-general, and councillors from both communities pledged their commitment to a lasting peace and coexistence.

Community leaders and residents of both Aku and Ikolo hailed Odo’s intervention as a historic step that would guarantee safety of lives and property in the areas.

Abuja:


In a dramatic turn of events, two members of a self-styled group known as the “@FON Attack Dogs” Sunday Ogbonnia (aka Bakassi) and Felix Okemini (aka Jango) widely believed to be loyalists of Governor Francis Nwifuru and reportedly composed largely of individuals from his Izhi clan, have been summoned to the Force Headquarters.

The duo were summoned following a series of public petitions and grave allegations.

Members of the group widely accused in the media of engaging in cult-related and violent activities, recently drew widespread condemnation after allegedly threatening one of Ebonyi State’s most prominent entrepreneurs, Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh.

The threats, the duo claimed followed Ezeh’s refusal to accept what many described as an ill-timed and ill-intentioned government appointment.

In a public statement, the group is said to have declared Ezeh persona non grata, sparking outrage across the state.

This latest move by security agencies has fueled speculation that authorities are intensifying efforts to dismantle criminal networks and hold their enablers accountable, particularly in the South East region of Nigeria.

Ezeh, who has faced repeated threats, has consistently maintained that the group operates under the encouragement of higher political powers.

Emerging reports suggest that Two serving HOR politicians may be among the hidden enablers, allegedly leveraging their influence to shield the self-acclaimed “attack dogs” from accountability.

The unfolding investigation marks a significant moment in the fight against criminality in Ebonyi State and the broader South East, raising hopes that entrenched networks of violence and intimidation may finally be confronted.

The people of Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have supported the acquisition of more lands for the expansion of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Science(DUFUHS) in the community.



In a communiqué signed by leaders of the host community, HRH Lazarus Umahi, Chief Shedrack Onu and Chief Odi Nicholas Enyi, the community said the expansion of the university was a collective agreement of the host community which was endorsed by the Uburu traditional rulers council.



The community absolved the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi of land grabbing in the expansion process and dismissed a petition against him by some persons in the area.



The leaders described the use of the community name in the petition by the petitioners as totally unacceptable and warned against further use of Uburu name by the petitioners who they said never mean well for the progress of the area.



"The expansion of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHSU), is a collective initiative of Ndi Uburu, conceived and endorsed by the Uburu Traditional Council, The council, chaired by HRH Eze (Dr.) Lazarus Umahi Nweze, declared that Sen. Umahi is hereby fully exonerated of all allegations regarding the land processes.



"The expansion of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHSU), is a collective initiative of Ndi Uburu, conceived and endorsed by the Uburu Traditional Council, The council, chaired by HRH Eze (Dr.) Lazarus Umahi Nweze, declared that Sen. Umahi is hereby fully exonerated of all allegations regarding the land processes.



“The DUFUHSU land expansion committee, tasked with overseeing the land acquisition, provided a detailed rejoinder to set the record straight.



“The committee, led by Coordinator Dr. Umezurike Daniel and Secretary Mr. Odi Nicholas Enyi, explained that the university's governing council had formally requested additional land for expansion, as the institution currently occupies less than 20 hectares.



“The committee outlined its transparent and inclusive terms of reference, which included:conducting community-wide awareness, identifying and engaging affected landowners, obtaining consent and signatures from all affected families,facilitating compensation for every verified landowner.



"All these steps were duly followed, The Committee's work covered 29 identified landowners, all of whom received compensation and gave written consent..At no point did Sen. David Umahi or any government official engage in land grabbing, intimidation, or threat to life."



"We vehemently condemn the actions of a few individuals who seek to exploit the name of Umuchima village to foment division and tarnish the hard-earned reputation of Sen. David Umahi."



“All community groups affirmed their total support for the DUFUHSU expansion. It as a vital community project that has brought pride, jobs, and sustainable progress.”, the community stated.

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.