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  • Gov Soludo Congratulates Bishop Denis Isizoh On 9th Episcopal Anniversary.

    Gov Soludo Congratulates Bishop Denis Isizoh On 9th Episcopal Anniversary.

    Emmanuel Clement.

    The Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, has congratulated the Most Reverend Denis Chidi Isizoh of Catholic Diocese, Aguleri, on the occasion of his 9th Episcopal Ordination anniversary.

    Governor Soludo who stated this in his goodwill message expressed gratitude and joy that the celebrant has continued to serve as a dedicated shepherd to the faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Aguleri, with deep commitment, compassion, and leadership.

    The governor said ” let me use this opportunity to commend the revered man of God on his tireless efforts in promoting spiritual growth, fostering unity, and supporting the community, which have left an indelible mark on the hearts of many and serve as a source of inspiration for a more harmonious society.”

    ” I therefore wished the Most Reverend Isizoh more divine wisdom, strength, grace, fulfilment and continued success as he celebrates this milestone in his journey of faith and selfless service to God and humanity.”he stated.

     

  • CORONATION: Century Chief Peter Asonye Broke All Records In Preparation For The Eze In Diaspora Crown 

    CORONATION: Century Chief Peter Asonye Broke All Records In Preparation For The Eze In Diaspora Crown 

    By Edmund Nwabueze Onyiriogwu

    The Eze stool in diaspora has been prevailing phenomenon for some decades, especially in the nation’s industrial capital, which is the flagship of the crown outside the Igboland. Eze in diaspora concept has brought glory, honour and fame to those who wear the crown. Though, the power or authority embedded therein is titular or nominal, but it’s common aspiration of young Igbo men in Lagos who have financial stability to seek the crown.

    In Igboland, Ezestool is hereditary, but the concept of the crown outside the Igbol enclave is not limited to the royal families as any son of Igbo extraction can aspire for the crown. This situation has culminated to the proliferations of Eze in diaspora with the attendant exposure of the crown to abuse and vitiation.

    Today, there are many people who parade as Eze in diaspora, particularly, here in Lagos that raise questions in terms of character, influence, conduct and financial strength. Igbo is a proud tribe which does not compromise on excellence and perfection. It is expected that the stake for the Ezestool in Nigeria commercial centre must be high.

    The perception of every Igbo is that an Eze in diaspora must be distinguished in character and conduct, spiffed with aura that gives him a pride of place in the area he domiciles, above all, he must be financially independent as not to look cheap to preclude possible blackmail of the tribe, especially by their hosts or other neighbours.

    There are various Igbo social cultural organizations domiciled in Lagos that coronate Eze and each has its own rules in the making of the diasporan Eze, but Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo as the apex social cultural organization has highest benchmark in the selection and coronation of Eze, which others cannot rival.

    The emergence of Chief Peter Ifeanyi Asonye, popularly called, ‘The Iord Mayor,’ an ebullient youngman, very humble and unassuming as Eze in diaspora designate with the title of OHAZURUME NDI IGBO OF LEKKI has turned to be a huge blessing to the league of Eze in diaspora.His mind boggling colossal
    preparations for his coronation, which is unprecedented not only in Ohanaeze coronations, but also in other Eze installations done in Lagos State has brought pride and honour to the stool, and invariably restored its ebbing dignity.

    Chief Peter passed the scrutiny of the screening of the king makers and was approved by the President of Ohanaeze Lagos Chief Solomon Aguene Ogbonna aka Udochi. Remarkably, he has conducted himself with dignity and honour, which indeed accentuates that his claim or aspiration for the crown cannot be faulted.

    Coronations of Ndi Eze are usually marked with fete and precede predominantly by donation of a cow to the conclave of Ndi Eze by the Eze designate as prerequisite for admission into the Eze league.

    To the lord Mayor, despite being from a royal lineage he has appreciable deference and veneration to the Eze in diaspora stool and believes that his gratitude must be underscored by unfettered generosity in the preparations for his installation as OHAZURUME of Ndi Igbo.

    Hence, he has put in place a high budget preparations and coronation ceremony running nothing less than forty million Naira, which no single coronation event has attracted in the history of coronations of diasporan Eze in Lagos.

    Apart of donating a cow to Ndi Eze, he also donated a cow to the Ohanaeze Chairmen Forum, comprising 57 Ohanaeze Chairmen of 20 LGA and 37 LCDA in Lagos. There were huge budgets for the mobilizations of the youths and women groups from different LGA and LCDA chapters of Ohanaeze to attend the event. Fifteen goats and other items were given to eminent individuals as part of the invitations for the event. Above all, a thumping amount of eight million Naira was earmarked for air lifting of guests from Imo State and Abuja to attend the coronation slated on Sunday 5th May, 2024 at Union Bank Club, Bode Thomas, Surulere.

    This coronation is expected to be one in a million, distinct and spectacular, ofcourse, no stone has been left untouched by Chief Peter in the preparations.

    Many first class traditional rulers from different states in the Southeast are to grace the coronation. Other anticipated dignitaries are Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Commissioner Capital Development Ebony State, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President General Ohanaeze, Aliko Dangote, Chief Chidi Anyaegbu of the Chisco fame, Senator Florence Ita Giwa Mama, Bakassi to mention just a few.

    Nollywood stars, top musicians, comedians and other celebrities in addition to Big Brothers winners will attend the coronation which may equate a carnival in respect of the level of preparations.

    Undoubtedly, many Igbo and lovers of the ethnic nationality are anxiously craving to be part of the epoch making ceremony.

    Indeed, the lord Mayor has broken all records in the history of preparations for coronations of Ezes in Lagos not only in terms of huge budget, but also, in terms of mobilizations of crowd and high profile individuals for the event. The expected presence of many traditional rulers from the Southeast in the coronation will be novel and further validates the Ezestool in diaspora.

  • FG Declares May 1st Public Holiday To Mark Workers’ Day.

    FG Declares May 1st Public Holiday To Mark Workers’ Day.

    Felicia Asuquo

    The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 as a public holiday to mark this year’s Workers’ Day event.

    Nigeria’s Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo made the declaration, according to the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Aishetu Ndayako.in a statement on Tuesday.

    According to the release the Minister re-echo the need for excellence, efficiency, and equity in all spheres of labour.

    He said “In alignment with this year’s theme, which focuses on ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate, I wish to state that the Federal Government remains steadfast in its resolve to prioritise the safety and well-being of all citizens,”

    “Let me reaffirm Mr. President’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for work, where every worker can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development”he said.

    The Minister, who acknowledged the contribution of workers, called for more measures to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change through synergy, while urging Nigerians to remain committed to the present administration’s of Renewed Hope Agenda as he wishes workers a happy celebration,” the Minister stated.

  •  Court Grants EFCC Order to Freeze 1146 Suspicious Accounts linked to FX manipulation

     Court Grants EFCC Order to Freeze 1146 Suspicious Accounts linked to FX manipulation

     

    Emmanuel Clement.
     
    Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja, on Wednesday 24, April, 2024 granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, an interim order to freeze One Thousand, One Hundred and Forty Six(1,146) bank accounts belonging to individuals and companies being investigated for alleged offences bordering on unauthorized dealing in forex exchange, money laundering and terrorism financing.

    The judge ordered that the accounts be frozen “pending conclusion of investigation.”

    While ruling on a motion moved by the EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, the judge stated “that an order of this honorable court is hereby made freezing the bank accounts stated in the schedule below which accounts are owned by various individuals who are currently being investigated in a case involving the offences of unauthorized dealing in foreign exchange, money laundering and terrorism financing to the extent that the investigation will be for a period of 90 (ninety) days.”

    The judge added “that preliminary investigation conducted thus far reveals that the bank accounts are linked to persons who take advantage of the virtual cryptocurrency exchange platforms to illegally manipulate the value of naira and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities.”

    The judge further stated that there was need to preserve the funds in the identified bank accounts pending conclusion of investigation and possible prosecution.

    Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to July 23, 2024, for mention.
    Companies affected by the freezing order range from entities involved in  agri-businesses, logistics and haulage, microfinance banks, engineering,  among others.

  • Encomium As Otunba Akpoyibo Uwanogho Celebrates 50th Birthday In Grand Style.

    Encomium As Otunba Akpoyibo Uwanogho Celebrates 50th Birthday In Grand Style.

    …As he is described as a man of integrity,a peacemaker and a goal getter.

    Emmanuel lkpeama.

    It was a thing of joy and gathering of creme-la-creme in the society on the 28th of April,2024, when High Chief Akpoyibo Uwanogho celebrated his 50th years Birthday in Lagos.

    The event which was attended by his immediate family, friends, business associates, members of the lgbo and yoruba speaking community, traditional rulers, well wishers whose lives he has positively touched in one way or the other.

    High Chief Akpoyibo who is the Otunba Akeweje of ljegun drew numerous people from various walks of life to celebrate his Birthday at the New life Baptist Church Oke Afa,where choir ministered with songs befitting such auspicious event, and the reception at White House hall ljegun Lagos.


    The highly elated Otunba Akpoyibo disclosed that since he was born, he has the desired to work for the people by putting smiles on their face especially the down trodden.

    The celebrant who is prominently known for his hospitality and service to humanity said “I feel very elated and grateful to God. It has been God all the way that I have been able to overcome all the obstacles in life. God has been my strength and my helper. I must say a big thank you to my wife and my mother who are my best friends.

    In his speech, Rev Oyebanji of New life Baptist Church Oke Afa eulogized the celebrant for his good work in the society and to the growth of the church,adding that, there is need for the guests to emulate the celebrant Godly life style.


    The wife of the celebrant,Mrs Akpoyibo Uwanogho described her husband as one who is caring, tolerant and above all one who does not discriminate, rather he accomadates every body,while thanking her husband for the love shown to her and her children since they both tied the knot averred that, She married the Man of her dream who have contributed positively for her success in life.

    ” we started when he had nothing, many people wrote us off because they believed that we won’t make it but thank God for his grace,mercy and encouragement we have survived the obstacles and challenges. My prayers for him is that we will grow old together to take care of our children,grand children and great grand children” she submitted.


    The Eze Ndigbo of Aigbaka Ejigbo,His Royal Highness,Eze Ambassador Nicholas Emenike Njoku, stated that Otunba Akpoyibo is a friend and brother who have been tested for over 20years, describing him as an unusual person, extraordinarily divine talents, gifted and skilled who he believed some of the virtues of Otunba Akpoyibo are fear of God, honesty and hardworking.

    The United Nation Ambassador went further to state that the celebrant is a humanitarian personified following his track records, little wonder dignitaries from all walks of life decided to honor him today.

    In the same vein, Chief James Uwanogho, senior brother to the celebrant opined that his brother is one who is respectful, a philanthropist and is ready to serve anyone no matter his/her status.

    Chief James noted that the golden jubilee celebration is just a starting point to another door of success. he said “my brother simplicity cannot be quantified and because of this,l and my family decided to give him all the necessary support especially my wife who took it upon herself in ensuring that this birthday celebration is a huge success.

    “My prayers for him,is that he will achieve more as this is just the beginning of another chapter in his life and whatever he lays his hands to do ,he will succeed” he stated.

    Lending his voice, Comrade Thank God Uwanogho pointed out that the family is not just celebrating Otunba’s birthday but his success story.

    Thank God who was the former NANS Vice president Edo state prayed that God will continue to protect him and bless the works of his hands.

    He said ” Ever since our father died, Prince James and Akpoyibo has been playing the fatherly role,we are not just celebrating birthday but his success story. Otunba is one who does not discriminate,he accomadates everybody both the rich and the poor,my prayers for him is that God will bless him so that all he has worked for,he will reap it in abundance “he said.

    Bishop Chidi Anthony says High Chief Akpoyibo is a man of integrity” l have known him for years, even at the early beginning and l am not surprised with the kind of dignitaries that attended his event today,he is someone that whenever you call on him,he will answer and always stand with you.

    “My prayers for him is that he will grow from strength to strength,this is just the beginning as the sky would be his limit and God who brought him to this level would take him to another level”,he said.

    Chief Tunde Alabi stated that Akpoyibo loves to assist people and go extra mile in solving their problems, “the celebrant is very honest and transparent in all his dealings,his simplicity life is worthy of emulation.God will continue to protect him as he will grow to see his grand and great grand children.”he said.

    Mrs Glory Chuks Uwanogho said Otunba is a peacemaker,a goal getter, caring and loving person,he does not eat alone as he can give his heart out just to please people around him “If you want something done and wants it to be perfect, you can rely on Otunba and forget about it. One of his quality that I admired most which I want to take away is his ability to put people together”.

    “My prayers for him is that God in his infinite mercy will grant him good health, put his enemies to shame, anyone who wants his downfall will fall in his place “she submitted.

    Assorted gifts were presented to the celebrant who also cut the birthday cake and danced to thunderous ovations during the reception when his wife virtually stole the show as she chanted the ancestral panegyrics of her husband to the admiration of all.

    Among the dignitaries that attended the event include the Eze Ndigbo of ljegun/ljedodo Community,Eze Dr C.C.Nwokedi, Chairman Council of Ndieze Lagos state and his cabinet members,Eze Ambassador Nicholas Emenike Njoku,Eze Ndigbo of Aigbaka Ejigbo Lagos and members of his cabinet, ACP Diaga, Bishop Chidi Anthony,Gallant Kings and Queens Social Club,Royal Chiefs and Cabinet of Ijegun Ancient kingdom among others .

     

     

     

     

  • Delta State Police arrest kidnap suspect, rescue 2 victims, recover riffles

    Delta State Police arrest kidnap suspect, rescue 2 victims, recover riffles

    Emmanuel lkpeama.

    Police in Delta State have neutrality and arrested a member of a kidnap gang. It also rescued two of their victims.

    Making the release last Friday SP Bright Edafe, the state police spokesman, said the police, Abraka (Delta) Vigilante and a hunters group raided the hideout of the kidnap gang following credible information received by the police.

    “The combined team engaged the suspected kidnappers in a fierce gun duel during which one of the suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries while others escaped.

    “The injured suspect was taken to the hospital where he gave up the ghost while receiving treatment,’’ Edafe said. He added that one AK-47 rifle and 11 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered from the kidnappers.

    He said also that the two kidnapped victims rescued unhurt had been reunited with their families. Edafe said a manhunt for fleeing members of the kidnap gang is underway

  • TWO YEARS ON: ECHOES OF JOE ANATUNE (1960-2022)

    TWO YEARS ON: ECHOES OF JOE ANATUNE (1960-2022)

    “Joe was not merely a leader but a thinker whose brilliant ideas and exceptional passion inspired those around him to reach greater heights.”

    By Christian ABURIME

    In the rhythmic trajectory of our lives, some memories die hard. Some bonds endure longer.

    A treasured physical presence may cease, yet their impact keeps echoing in the ears of time. Year after year, the heart grows fonder of the departed, as out of sight is never out of mind.

    Such is the stuff of legend that the late Joe Anatune was made of. Time doesn’t just fly; it runs relentlessly like a stream. And so, it is already two years ago that Joe took his abrupt exit from our midst, leaving behind hurts and holes in our hearts, yet with an indelible mark still guiding our steps.

    (more…)

  • Pinto Realty Limited Holds Marketers Forum, Celebrates Excellence.

    Pinto Realty Limited Holds Marketers Forum, Celebrates Excellence.

    Emmanuel lkpeama.

    Advocacy, sensitization and campaign for the Igbos to take part of their investments down to the east was given a concrete impetus on Saturday at Pinto Realty Limited office , Ajao Estate, Lagos, when management of Blossom City Estate held a Marketers Forum with promises of mouthwatering bonuses.


    Speaking on reason for the establishment of Blossom City Estate, Lolo(Mrs) Nneka Chimezie, a Real Estate Consultant and Chairman/CEO of Blossom City Estate, said that the vision is to industrialize the lgbo community and move the population,mass exodus of southeasterns to different parts of the nation and world back to lgbo land .

    According to her,” We realize that even though we go out to seek for greener pastures, we never understood the level of damage it is doing to us. I realized that this is the way the people moved in those days. You see people moving from place to place and settle in there, and another people would go and settle where they moved from. ”

    “Now that we are moving, leaving our home state,other people are going to take over soon, they are just waiting for us to leave home and forget home,but Blossom Estate along Enugu/Nsuka Road in Enugu State has wonderful features, well gated, good road network, excellent security,it will also give room for employment opportunities for our children and above all industrialized our state for the growth of the lgbo nation,so our plans is to make the whole southeast, help and make sure we develop and attract investment and business development in the region ” she stated.


    Lolo Chimezie went further to urge the marketers to always align themselves with blossom city estate as the organization has plans of bringing experts that will train and retrain them so that they can become gurus in real estate business.

    While congratulating Pastor Sam Anaku who won the excellence award for the month of March,she noted that with embodiment of dedication and innovation,the marketers can enrich themselves by ensuring that the set goal is achieved, stating that Pastor Sam has not only raised the bar but also inspired other marketers.


    Pastor Sam Anaku who is the champion for the month of March stated that the award came to him as a surprise and that the award will spur him to generate more better results.

    He said ” l am so happy,l was not expecting this because l only wanted to keen into the vision of blossom city estate, where the CEO dream is to Industrialize the South East region and the zeal for lgbos to come back home and develop their father’s land. For this singular award,as a pastor l will seek for more wisdom for diversification for extra movement which l know will generate more better results through studies and prayers.” he submitted.

    Pastor Sam urged all lgbos to make good use of this ample opportunity of Investing in blossom city estate,”no matter where you are , outside your home, there will be oppression and suppression which is inevitable and whatever happens to you, there will be no defense. So l appeal to my lgbo brothers and sisters to come back home so that we can develop our region and blossom city estate, which is an honest organization is the answer ” he stated.

    Speaking in the same vein,Chief Sunday Ossai,who was a special guest urges the lgbo to come back and develop their region, noting that the lgbos cannot be developing another man’s land while their region and land is lying fallow as there is no developmental project in the south east region.

    He thanked Lolo Chimezie for taking the giant stride in ensuring that the south east region is developed, stating that with blossom city estate, the Igbos can begin by moving some of their business to the east thereby forcing people to go to the east to build their industries and business empires.

    Highlight of the event was a presentation of cutting of the champion cake for the month of March and other incentives giving to the winner.

     

  • I Fought IPOB Insurgents, Niger Delta Militants, Boko Haram,Survived Bomb Explosion Without Scar –CP Aderemi, Anambra.

    I Fought IPOB Insurgents, Niger Delta Militants, Boko Haram,Survived Bomb Explosion Without Scar –CP Aderemi, Anambra.

    Emmanuel Clement.

    The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Aderemi Adeoye, has said that he has successfully fought the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)’ in the Southeast, Niger Delta militants in South-South and Boko Haram insurgents in the Northern regions of Nigeria without a scar.

    Adeoye said this in his address on Saturday at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, the Anambra State capital, during his pull-out parade as he retires from active service from the police force.

    The police commissioner recounted how he fought militants in the Niger Delta, Boko Haram fighters in the North and IPOB in the Southeast as Deputy Commissioner of Police and eventually as a Commissioner of Police in Anambra.
    He said, “I must recognise the grace and mercy of Almighty God who spared my life till this day. We do not look like what we have been through.

    “I have been through militancy in the Niger Delta, where I spent five years fighting militancy. I have been through Boko Haram, where I spent two and half years as a Sector Commander with the Military Joint Task Force.

    “I have been through the IPOB insurgency, first as Deputy Commissioner of Police, Coordinator for the Police Mobile Force for the five South East states, and later as Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations, Anambra state and finally as Commissioner of Police, Anambra state.
    “It is to the glory of God that all these encounters, we faced exchange of fire and explosions of bombs, have not left any scar on me.”

    Adeoye, who will officially leave office in May, also recounted how in the course of his career as a police officer, he received several training at home and abroad, stressing that he came prepared to Anambra state as a Commissioner of Police, “because I have served in this state previously under seven commissioners of police.”

  • State Police:Nigeria ls Not Mature—IGP Egbetokun

    State Police:Nigeria ls Not Mature—IGP Egbetokun

     

    Felicia Asuquo, Abuja

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun believes that the country is not mature and ready for state policing despite the myriad of security challenges facing the country.

    He stated this on Monday during a National dialogue on state police held in Abuja with the theme ‘Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria’.

    The IGP who was represented by AlG Ben Okolo stated that among other factors there is the potential for abuse of power by the state political leadership, stating that there will be conflict of jurisdiction

    “On the issue of state police, it is the submission of the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) that Nigeria is not yet mature and ready for the establishment of state-controlled police”

    “State governors could use the police forces under their control for political or personal gain and undermine human rights and security.

    IGP Egbetokun noted that the spite of kidnapping and other crimes makes state police a must-have in present-day Nigeria, but believes that the state police is non negotiable, while suggesting that the country need to be matured and ready for it.

    He said “First, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety to form a department under the Nigerian police,” he said.

    “The yearly recruitment should reach 30,000 yearly,” the IGP added, calling for more training of police personnel among others.” he submitted.

    The event was attended by several top shots in the country including former president Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Kashim Shettima who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed the President’s commitment to building a better police force for the country, noting that his principal is ready to listen to submissions from the national dialogue.