NIGERIAN NOTCH

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has hailed President Bola Tinubu for his assent to the South East Development Commission Bill. This is also as the group lauded the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, RT Hon Benjamin Kanu for sponsoring the bill, describing him as the new face of hope for the Igbo race.  In a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, the National President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, who eulogized President Tinubu as a man of history, said the signing of the bill had justified the group’s support for Kalu.  Okwu, who said the Commission would accelerate development in the South East region, noted that "this is a landmark step since after the civil war, which will help in bringing rapid development to the South East. "There is no doubt that the South East has the highest concentration of decayed infrastructure. So, this Commission will go a long w

... Accuse Anti-Tout Of Molestations  BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka  Tipper Drivers have drawn the attention of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to the multiple N5000 unreceipted Inter-State cash revenues imposed on them by the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service(AIRS) at Head Bridge Onitsha.  The N5000 inter-state unreceipted cash collections from Tipper Drivers by AIRS officials at the Bridge Head Onitsha, incessant molestations of Tipper Drivers by the State Anti-Touting Squad, multiple taxations by hoodlums christened government revenue officials, lifting of ban on sand mining, covering of sand on transit and some other pressing issues were the crux of the matter at the enlarged meeting of the Tipper Drivers held at Promise Land Tipper Garage Nkwelle-Ezunaka Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State on Thursday.  The Tipper Drivers bemoaned the fact that the state government had banned them from operations in their various locations across the state due to the activities

The attention of Major General Lincoln Keonyemere Jack Ogunewe has been drawn to a story published in one local Newspaper in the State that he is set to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This story is gaining traction in the State and beyond. In a press release made available to this medium by Chief M. Uche Media Consultant to Major General Lincoln Keonyemere Jack Ogunewe) however states that this a lie from the pity of hell.  The press release for the purpose of clarity however stated that Major General Lincoln Keonyemere Jack Ogunewe (rtd) wishes to state that he has not joined any political party for now. The Mbaise born General communicated his resignation of his membership of Action Alliance Party and stated that he wishes to remain non-partisan for the moment. Nothing has shifted in this decision and if there is any change of mind in the future, it will be duly communicated to the public accordingly and not through person(s) unknown to him. The General h

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has hailed President Bola Tinubu for his assent to South East Development Commission Bill. It could be recalled that the President signed into law the strategic bill aimed at bringing further development to the South East. In a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday, the National President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike described President Tinubu as a man of history. Okwu, who said the Commission would accelerate development in the South East region, noted that "this is a landmark step since after the civil war, which will help in bringing rapid development to the South East. "There is no doubt that the South East has the highest concentration of decayed infrastructure. So, this Commission will go a long way in transforming the level of infrastructure in the zone." The Igbo group applauded President Tinubu, the Deputy Speaker of the House

The senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, CON, has expressed his heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Southeast Development Commission Bill into law. In a statement, made available by Kamen Chuks Ogbonna Special Adviser, Media and Strategic Communications to Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, CON, commended the President's commitment to addressing the region's development challenges and fostering unity. He noted that the passage of this bill marks the culmination of the Southeast's tireless efforts as championed by the Senator and other lawmakers to establish a development commission that will address the region's critical needs. Senator Ubah however highlighted that the bill's signing reverses the disappointment caused by former President Mohammed Buhari's denial of assent, which had reinforced feelings of injustice and hindered APC's progress in the region. He also commended Pr

In what appears to be a major loss for the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, a popular youth leader in Anambra State, Ambassador Innocent Nduanya on Monday, announced his decampment from APGA. Nduanya, who is the Deputy National President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, was a political appointee to former Governor of the state, Chief Willie Obiano. It was gathered that Nduanya was among the foot soldiers of APGA under Governor Obiano, who toiled to ensure the election of incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo. However, the former appointees were allegedly abandoned by Soludo, despite the earlier promise that they will be retained from the governor. This had resulted in many of the former appointees decamping from APGA to join other political parties. Speaking to newsmen in Awka on his defection, Nduanya said it was obvious from events in the recent past, that his contributions were no longer valued in APGA, hence the need to seek other viable platfor

Abuja, Nigeria –  The Distinguished Senator Heineken Lokpobiri , the Honourable Minister of State Petroleum Resources [Oil], has convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders in the oil sector to address and resolve the ongoing issues surrounding the Dangote Refinery. This was made known to this news medium through the Special Adviser to the minister on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor.  Present at the meeting were: Mr. Aliko Dangote, Chairman and CEO of Dangote Group Mr. Farouk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) Mr. Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC) The stakeholders expressed their gratitude to the Honourable Minister for his exemplary leadership and timely intervention in facilitating this cr

..... Calls on Party Faithful to support the drive for harmonization  The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje has urged chieftains and stakeholders of the party in Anambra to work for the party’s victory ahead of the 2025 governorship election in the State. He made this call during the Inauguration of consultative council for Anambra state Chapter of the Party in Abuja on Wednesday.  Ganduje however declared that the South East region is due to be at the mainstream of national politics and cannot afford to remain on the fringes of oblivion.  On his part, the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ubah who attended the inauguration of the consultative council of the Anambra State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Nicon Luxruy Hotel Abuja emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration within the party in order to achieve the goals of good governance and development in Anambra State.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has assured the people of Ekiti State, through the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, of the readiness of the 10th Senate under his leadership to influence development projects to the state. Akpabio gave the assurance, while receiving in courtesy, the Ewi-in-Council in his office on Wednesday. A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, quoted Senator Akpabio as saying, "we are happy to receive our father and other traditional council members here today. The 10th Senate has the interest of Ekiti people in mind and that is why the very first appointment that was made by the leadership of the 10th Senate was that of the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who is one of your very illustrious sons in the Senate. "Any request from Ekiti is not what should be delayed. Let me assure our revered Kabiyesi that your request has been acceded to particularly on the bad roads, and it is very possible

The Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has cautioned the organisers of the planned nationwide protest to perish the idea of staging any form of protest in Igbo land.  It could be recalled that the protest, billed to hold from August 1-10, is against the current hardship in the country.  However, in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday, the National President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said the youths were in tandem with the decision of the South-East Governors' Forum.  Okwu, who said they opposed a similar protest in the past, declared that nothing had changed from their stand.  He said, “We affirm our earlier position that we are solidly behind the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.  “In as much as we admit that there are challenges facing the country, we don’t believe that protest is the way forward. Rather, we should all keep faith with the government as

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to deliver on the conversion of at least 1 million vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) enabled. This is because the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative PCNGI offers a 50 per cent discount on conversion costs which is as high as N750,000 to Uber/ Bolt drivers. Speaking to Journalists during the inspection of the conversion sites in Abuja, Omo Imoukhuede, the Commercial Operations Manager, PCNGI said that efforts were ongoing to ensure awareness and adoption of the CNG as a safer alternative to petrol. He explained that the government in the immediate is immediately focused on the conversion of vehicles used for commercial transport, which according to him will reduce the cost of transportation for Nigerians. According to him, “The PCNGI has been strategic in pushing the CNG initiative to ensure that the adoption and awareness comes to light. We are starting with Abuja and we will be rolling out in other sta

***Mourns Students Killed in Jos Building Collapse President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has advised the Plateau State government to ensure that the laws governing town planning are reinforced to forestall a recurrence of the recent tragic incident of collapsed building in which some students lost their lives. Akpabio made the remarks when the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, accompanied  by some traditional rulers, paid him a courtesy call in his office on Tuesday. The Senate President told his guests: "We want to condole you on the building collapse. Such an horrific sight and the building was not even built during your tenure. What it means is that you have to take steps to reinforce the town planning laws and take a lot of interest in the building industry. "No sentiments attached. No matter whose ox is gored, if somebody does not follow the rules, if somebody erect a building on a passage for stream water, once the foundation is questioned, such

The management of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has commended the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), for its support in ensuring network stability and improved service quality to its customers across the South East. The commendation was made by the Deputy Managing Director of EEDC, Dr. Ernest Mupwaya, during the second quarter interface meeting between EEDC and TCN, at the TCN Enugu region Office over the weekend. Mupwaya, who led the EEDC team in company of the Chief Technical Officer, Engr. Vincent Ekwekwu and some management staff said that the interface meeting has been quite useful as it has helped tremendously in resolving operational challenges and enhancing quality of supply to customers. He further acknowledged that the relationship has been cordial and fruitful, and assured continued collaboration. In his remarks, the Assistant General Manager, TCN Enugu Region, Engr. Charles Iwuamadi who represented the General Manager, Dr. Thomas Inug

As part of the efforts of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, NPM, Ph.D, to enhancing the security of lives and property, the Nigeria Police Force is set to commence the enforcement of the digitalized Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) within the next 14 days, specifically on the 29th of July, 2024, to rejuvenate and digitalize the motor vehicle registration system, significantly bolstering our nation's safety and security framework. The e-CMR is an advanced, real-time online repository of motor vehicle data, designed to support police investigations, operational activities, and combat vehicle-related crimes, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery. The transition to a digitalized system will streamline the documentation and verification processes for vehicle ownership and related transactions. Following the directives of the IGP, services such as change of ownership, change of license number, change of engine, and change of chassis/b

Nze Ben Okere. Figuratively speaking, it is a sheer marginalization and injustice to deny "nwambe" his due right and position because of the small size of his manhood. "Nwambe" is a very popular rodent known for its "pinchomick" size.  In the politics of Ngor Okpala, Ozuzu/Umuekwune ward can be likened to the proverbial "nwambe" who has continued to pass through all sorts of subjugation and marginalisation due to the small size of his "manhood". Manhood in this contextual subtext does not connote the male genital organ but the environment and probably political placement. Like Ndigbo in Nigerian politics, Ozuzu/Umuekwune ward has continued to remain relegated and totally cut-off from Ngor Okpala political scheming. It is worrisome and totally appalling that the said marginalisation has remained entrenched and deep-rooted without any genuine and conscientious consideration of changing the narrative. On periodical basis, the marginalisati

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has urged South-East governors and other political leaders in the zone to ignore Simon Ekpa’s opposition to their planned negotiation for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release.  It could be recalled that Ekpa, the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra Government in Exile had in a statement a few days back said the governors lacked the legitimacy to negotiate for Kanu’s freedom.  However, in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike appealed to the governors to go ahead without hesitation and approach the Federal Government for Kanu’s release.  Okwu, who said the govenors remained the leaders of the zone, wondered how someone in far away Finland would accuse them of lacking legitimacy.  “It is curious to hear Simon Ekpa say the governors lack legitimacy. These are elected leaders of the people. If they lack l

Last week in Onitsha, Anambra State, an ex-staff of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) was arrested for bypassing and tampering prepaid meters for EEDC customers. The suspect identified as Lawrence Okeke specializes in the replacement of original meter sensors with fake ones thereby bypassing the meters and making them not record the actual consumption by customers. This development has negatively impacted on the revenue of the distribution company. The Head of Corporate Communications, EEDC, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, made this known on Thursday, in Enugu. Ezeh said that following a report by a whistle blower, the Meter Monitoring Team of the company was deployed to some locations on a routine meter monitoring inspection. At one of the customer’s premises visited at Bida Road, Onitsha, they discovered that the meter was bypassed, and the original meter sensor removed and replaced with the fake one.   While the team interrogated the customer who already admitted the

The Coalition of Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders in Nigeria have expressed anger over the worsening fuel scarcity in the country.  It could be recalled that the youths, under the aegis of Nigeria Ethnic Nationality Youth Leaders Council Worldwide had slammed a one-week resignation ultimatum on the General Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, Mele Kyari.  However, with the ultimatum ended today, Kyari remains in office as the NNPCL helmsman.  This is also as fuel scarcity has spread across the country, with long queues being witnessed at the few filling stations dispensing the product.  Angered by the worsening situation, the youth leaders told President Bola Tinubu that they were running out of patience.  In a statement made available to journalists by Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the Publicity Secretary of the group, they urged President Tinubu to save the Nigerian masses from more sufferings.  Okwu said it was unacceptable that Nigeri

By Peter McOliver Following years of the criminal abandonment of the Niger Delta, and years of struggles to give the people of the Niger Delta, their fair share of their God given resources, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC was established in 2000 with the mission to develop the Niger Delta region of Nigeria through the provision of social and economic infrastructure. However, over the years, the agency has been plagued with allegations mismanagement and corruption, with the most recent scandals unfolding under the leadership of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku. Ogbuku, who was appointed as the acting Managing Director of the NDDC in August 2023, has quickly became embroiled in numerous controversies as reports have been surfacomg of widespread corruption within the agency.  Furthermore, the NDDC under Ogbuku's leadership has been characterized by a lack of transparency and accountability. Contracts are been awarded to cronies and political allies without any competitiv

.....Tasks the police to see to it that Justice is carried out It was a heavy sigh of relief for the people of Atani community in Ogbaru LGA of Anambra state over the weekend, as one of the notorious criminals and self acclaimed kidnapper and ritualist by name Chukwunweike Nwabueze Ogene, who has been terrorizing the community was arrested by the police. There joy knew no bounds as it was a celebration of sorts, as they thanked the Commissioner of Police Anambra state, CP Itam, for coming to their aid, as he has in the past sustained his criminal endeavors by being released,through people in authority who use him to carry out their nefarious activities.  In the another development, news was said to have filtered into the community that a highly placed politician from the community in Anambra, whose sister, Nkechi Udeze is married to the apprehended and suspected criminal is making frantic efforts to see that he is let off the police hook without proper investigation and trial in a comp