NIGERIAN NOTCH

The Ndiakwu Otolo Community Meeting, Lagos branch, has commemorated its 50th anniversary with the launch of an ambitious ₦200 million building project, aimed at securing a permanent home for the association after five decades of holding meetings in rented venues across Lagos. The golden jubilee celebration, held in Lagos, brought together members, leaders, and supporters of the community to reflect on its journey since its establishment in 1974 and to chart a new course for the future. Speaking at the event, former chairman and patron of the association, Prince Christopher Nwobi, expressed gratitude to God for the community’s growth over the past 50 years. He noted that the new building marks a major milestone in the association’s history and will solidify its presence in Lagos. “For over five decades, we have relied on rented halls for our meetings. That model is no longer sustainable,” he said. “This new structure, already sited on secured land, will not only serve as our...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Mrs. Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State, as a non-career ambassador, marking a significant return to public service for the respected philanthropist and advocate for women’s empowerment. Ohakim, widely regarded for her humanitarian work and influence in community development across the South-East, joins a select group of distinguished Nigerians chosen for ambassadorial appointments. Her nomination underscores the administration’s recognition of citizens with strong leadership backgrounds and national influence. The President also forwarded the names of former Rivers State sole administrator and ex-Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; former senator Ita Enang; and former Minister of Interior and Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), as non-career ambassadors. Chioma Ohakim’s inclusion has drawn attention within diplomatic and political circles, with many describing it as a strategic move that bring...

...Lauds Tinubu's Choice Of Defence Minister  Anambra-born international security expert Amb. Dr. John Metchie has commended Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State for equipping very well-trained forest security guards with sophisticated guns and other technologically-driven gadgets to fight Kidnappers, bandits and other terrorist groups operating in the forest regions.  Metchie also commended Governor Mbah for the launch of security drones with capacities to mount surveillance in the entire Enugu state and beyond; describing it as a high profile initiative intended to detect as well as nip criminal activities in the bud.  Giving the commendations in an exclusive interview with this journalist, the security expert, said Governor Mbah's decision to train and equip forest guards with state-of-the-art security apparatus was a bold and courageous step taken in the right direction inorder to combat criminal insurgents lurking in the forested areas of the state...

The youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has congratulated former Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, on his induction into the Hall of Fame of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council. The NUJ, under the leadership of Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, announced that Ugwuanyi would be formally inducted on Thursday, citing his outstanding performance in office and his cordial relationship with journalists throughout his tenure. Reacting to the development, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, described the honour as both timely and well deserved. He commended the NUJ for recognizing excellence and noted that the recognition was especially significant since it came after Ugwuanyi had left office. “This underscores a fundamental truth: while in positions of authority, people observe our actions, and history ultimately records them—either in a book of infamy or a book of honour,” Okwu said. “In the cas...

Enugu State Governor, Barr. Peter Mbah, has been commended by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide for his landmark commitment to education in the newly presented 2026 budget. Governor Mbah on Tuesday submitted a historic ₦1.62 trillion budget proposal to the Enugu State House of Assembly. Titled “Budget of Renewed Momentum,” the proposal allocates ₦1.296 trillion (80%) to capital expenditure and ₦321.3 billion (20%) to recurrent spending, bringing the total to ₦1,617,397,465,000. A breakdown of the social sector shows that education received the largest share—32.27%—the highest allocation in the state’s history. Reacting to the development shortly after the presentation, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, praised Governor Mbah for his visionary leadership and urged other South-East governors to follow suit. He described the governor’s consistent prioritization of education since assuming office as a firm indication...

Federal Polytechnic Oko has elected Dr. Ferguson Chukwudozie Ezeokafor as the institution’s new Deputy Rector (Administration), following a keenly contested election conducted by the Academic Board on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The election took place during the Academic Board meeting presided over by the Rector and Chairman of the Board, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie. In line with the provisions of the Polytechnic Act, Dr. Awuzie nominated two candidates for the position: Dr. Ferguson Ezeokafor, the current Director of Academic Planning, and Dr. Elias Okeke, Head of the Department of Chemistry. Dr. Ezeokafor secured the highest number of votes to emerge as Deputy Rector (Administration)–elect. In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Ezeokafor expressed profound gratitude to the Rector and members of the Academic Board for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged unwavering support to the Rector’s administration and reaffirmed his commitment to contributing meaningfully to the continue...

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Oko, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, has officially launched this year’s yuletide celebrations on campus with a colourful and symbolic ceremony that drew the admiration of staff and management alike. In a vibrant display of festivity, Dr. Awuzie led principal officers and members of the institution’s Governing Council to unveil the Polytechnic’s Christmas decorations, accompanied by a ceremonial appearance of Santa Claus. The event, described by many as both spectacular and unprecedented, marked the formal commencement of the institution’s end-of-year activities. The celebrations will climax with the institution’s annual Nine Lessons and Carols scheduled for 19 December, a cherished tradition that brings together staff, students, and4 friends of the Polytechnic. Speaking during the unveiling, Dr. Awuzie announced the installation of a special sealed donation box placed at the Christmas manger. The box, she explained, is dedicated to collecting fin...

About two hundred and fifty persons living with disabilities in Anambra State have been given the sum of two hundred thousand naira each to support their existing small businesses. The program which was supported by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of the Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, under the RHI Economic Empowerment Programme, provides financial assistance to persons with disabilities across the country to recapitalize their businesses.  The annual event was launched simultaneously across the 36 states of Nigeria and the FCT, including for members of the Police Officers’ Wives Association, which will see a total of 9,500 PWDs across Nigeria benefit from the program's total of one billion, nine hundred million naira. Delivering the president's wife address, the wife of the Governor of Anambra State, Dr. (Mrs) Nonye Soludo, who was represented by the Deputy Governor's wife, Lady Oluchi Ibezim, said the programme aligns with the ...

TAF Africa has called for renewed national commitment to disability inclusion as Nigeria joins the global community in marking the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). Speaking on the significance of this year’s theme, “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress,” in a statement signed by the CEO and Founder of TAF Africa, Ambassador Jake Epelle, FNIPR, said the observance provides the nation with an important moment to reflect on existing gaps and accelerate action toward full inclusion of persons with disabilities. Epelle noted that the theme aligns with the outcomes of last month’s Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha, where world leaders reiterated their pledge to build just, inclusive, and equitable societies. He stressed that Nigeria must translate these global commitments into concrete policies and measurable progress at home. While acknowledging some improvement in disability-responsive initiatives, Ep...

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Sector Command, has called on motorists and all applicants for the National Driver’s Licence to proceed to the Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) or any FRSC Driver’s Licence Centre in the state to collect their processed licences. According to the Sector Commander, recent assessments revealed that a significant number of licences have already been produced and are awaiting collection at various Motor Licensing Authorities (MLAs). The Command stressed that prompt collection of licences is essential for proper identification of motorists, improved road safety, and the avoidance of unnecessary inconveniences during routine checks. FRSC reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a seamless licensing process and ensuring the safety of all road users across Anambra State. Applicants are advised to visit any FRSC Driver’s Licence Centre or the nearest FRSC Command within the state to get information on how to collect their processed ...