Category: News

In a show of support, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo visited Iyiowa Odekpe in Ogbaru Council Area, where he was greeted with enthusiastic cheers from local residents. The visit, which focused on inspecting the area’s critical infrastructure, highlighted the pressing need for improvements in road conditions.

Starting his tour along the dilapidated New Road, the Governor made his way through Ihitenansa and onto Asha Road, where he openly acknowledged the poor state of the roads. During his inspection, he assured the gathered crowd that necessary repairs would be prioritized, emphasizing a commitment to address the community’s infrastructure challenges.

As he continued his tour, the Governor got to School Road, which he classified as an “emergency situation needing urgent attention.” His remarks reflected the urgency that residents have felt about the worsening conditions affecting daily transportation and access to essential services in the area.

The Governor’s visit also took him to St. Gregory Catholic Church, Iyiowa Odekpe where he shared heartfelt reflections on his political journey. He recalled how Ogbaru was one of the three local government areas that kept his hopes alive during his gubernatorial campaign in 2010. Despite initial efforts focusing on the construction of the Nkisi Atani to Ozubulu road, Okpoko transformation, he acknowledged the community’s repeated requests for attention regarding Iyiowa Odekpe.

Reiterating his dedication to the welfare of the common man, the Governor highlighted the past security challenges faced by Ogbaru as one of the eight local government areas, which were once considered troubled areas when he took office. He revealed ongoing concerns about local security, citing intelligence reports that indicated a regrouping of criminal elements within the hinterlands of Ogbaru. He reassured the community of an intensified effort to combat these security challenges, pledging that the government would not relent in its fight against crime.

The Governor’s visit garnered commendations from community leaders, including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, who praised the Governor’s unwavering commitment to developing all areas of Anambra, including its more remote regions. Similarly, the Mayor of Ogbaru Council Area, Sir Kenneth Akwuobi, expressed gratitude for the Governor’s dedication to the community.

Mr. Noble Igwe, the Member representing Ogbaru Constituency One, also voiced his confidence in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), asserting it as the party to beat ahead of the upcoming elections on November 8, 2025.

The Enugu State Police Command has stated that ten persons have died and another ten injured in two separate but tragic fatal road accidents that occurred today along the Ozalla/4-Corner axis of the dual-carriage Enugu/Port-Harcourt Expressway.

In a statement released by SP Daniel Ndukwe, Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, while mourning the tragic loss of lives and commiserating with the families of the deceased, has directed the State Motor Traffic Department to carry out a diligent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accidents.

Although viral messages on social media regarding the accident had mentioned that the truck belonged to a reputable company (names withheld by PACESETTER), the police statement had a different description of the truck.

The statement reads:

“The Enugu State Police Command regrets to inform the public of two separate but tragic fatal road accidents that occurred today, 3rd September 2025, along the Ozalla/4-Corner axis of the dual-carriage Enugu/Port-Harcourt Expressway. The crashes claimed ten lives and left ten others hospitalized.

“The first incident, a multiple-vehicle crash, happened at about 9 a.m. on the Enugu inward-bound lane. A Howo truck, inscribed Visco Investment Global and laden with bags of white cement, was en route Abuja from Aba, Abia State, when it collided with a Toyota Corolla car that was attempting to overtake another truck on the same route. A Foton bus and a Daihatsu Hijet mini bus, both driving one-way, were also caught in the collision. Sadly, the truck head and the Toyota Corolla car went up in flames, with five occupants of the car burning to death. A passenger in the mini bus was equally confirmed dead by the attending medical doctor.

“Similarly, at about 3 p.m. on the same road, another fatal crash occurred. This time, it involved a Sino truck belonging to Global Investment and a tricycle. The truck, laden with cement and driving one-way from Garriki Enugu to Nenwe in Aninri LGA, on the same Enugu inward-bound lane, rammed into the tricycle, leading to the death of its four occupants. They were rushed to the hospital but later confirmed dead.

“Ten other persons, injured in the separate crashes, are currently receiving medical attention.

“The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, while mourning the tragic loss of lives and commiserating with the families of the deceased, has directed the State Motor Traffic Department to carry out a diligent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accidents.

“The CP describes the crashes as avoidable and strongly cautioned drivers to exercise utmost care, especially during these Ember Months, when road traffic usually increases and accidents are more frequent. He reminded motorists that no journey is worth the loss of lives, urging them to shun recklessness, obey traffic rules, and prioritize safety over speed to prevent further tragedies”.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that an entire family traveling in one of the vehicles was wiped out. “None of them came out alive,” a visibly shaken witness said.

The Labour Party Governorship Candidate in the forthcoming Anambra election, Dr. George Moghalu, has extended warm felicitations to his brother and friend, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu (Ikukuoma), the Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on the occasion of his birthday.

Dr. Moghalu noted that birthdays provide an opportunity to reflect on life, purpose, and service, especially for those offering themselves to lead. He emphasized that while political platforms may differ, the collective aspiration of all genuine leaders remains the same—to build a better, safer, and more prosperous Anambra for the benefit of the people.

In his words: “I join family, friends, associates, and well-wishers to celebrate my brother and friend, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu (Ikukuoma), on his birthday.

“This celebration is a reminder that leadership is not about division but about service. Our common bond is the desire to serve our people and to secure a brighter future for Anambra State. I wish him good health, renewed strength, and God’s abundant blessings as he continues this journey.”

Dr. Moghalu prayed that the new year brings Prince Ukachukwu peace, wisdom, and fulfillment.

Enugu city is one of the cleanest and safest cities in Nigeria, many lawyers, who participated in the just concluded Annual General Conference, AGC, of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, in Enugu have declared.

They made this known during a tour of some tourist sites in the state, saying they were thrilled by the Art Gallery, National Museum, Milliken Hill, Ngwo Pine Forest, and their several days of experiencing Enugu State.

Many of the lawyers said that their impressions about the South East had changed dramatically by spending time in Enugu, noting that the state “runs an organised system.”

Stephen Medaiyedu from the FCT Bar, Abuja, expressed his satisfaction with the level of infrastructure put in place by the state governor, Peter Mbah, in just two years and his ability to pull the event through within four months of moving the conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu.

According to Madeiyedu, hardly any lawyer would say that he or she did not have a good time in Enugu or that he or she did not feel adequately safe throughout the conference that lasted from 22nd to 29th August.

“The infrastructure is fantastic, the transport system is very well organised, the security is very assuring, as we have no reason to be afraid of anything. I commend the governor and the people for the hospitality they afforded us. The sightseeing also was part of the package,” Medaiyedu said.

Samir Mohammed Adamu, Bauchi State, acknowledged the unity, peace and serenity found in the state throughout the conference.

He described the state as one of the most beautiful and peaceful cities in the country where hospitality and serenity were at their peak.

Recounting his experience, Samir said, “We thank the governor for giving us the opportunity to visit the tourist sites and the things he has been doing for us since we came into this beautiful city. It is a beautiful city with peace and hospitable people. It is green and its environment is quite serene. The way and manner the people received us here is quite wonderful.”

Ozor Nnadume Awforkansi, Ezeagu Branch of Enugu State, said that with what the lawyers had seen in Enugu, the NBA had discovered the state as one of the places that would now be hosting various events of the umbrella body of the legal practitioners.

“I want to tell you sincerely that lawyers are recounting their good experiences in Enugu. They said if they knew this was how beautiful and safe Enugu was, they would have been coming to the state for their vacations and weekends.

“But some of us from Enugu were sincere to have told them that this was not the look of Enugu prior to this moment, as this was made possible by the present governor, Mbah. We told them there was nothing like International Conference Center in Enugu before Mbah came because it was abandoned, but was completed by Mbah.

“We have gone to a lot of places and we have eaten a lot of local delicacies. We enjoyed ourselves. It is quite a memorable outing,” he said.

Wilson Uche Ugwe, a tour guide, said there was no better way to sell a state’s tourism attractions than what they had done by showcasing the natural beauty of the state’s environment, noting that the visitors would then go home and spread the good news.

“The governor has also mapped out over N13bn to invest in the state’s tourism sector, which we have seen so far. As you can testify, the governor is doing well in terms of security and infrastructure and the state will keep improving.

“I am the Vice President, Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN) and I know that infrastructure is key to tourism. In Enugu, everyone can testify that the governor is doing a lot. We have transport terminals, CNG buses, Enugu Air and others. Our visitors are happy and we are calling on investors to come and invest in our tourism,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, said she and her team not only took the lawyers around, but also made sure that they savoured the rich cultural delicacies in the state, ranging from okpa to abacha, achicha, palm wine, among others.

Maduake maintained that the Mbah Administration was determined to revive all the tourist sites in the state, stressing that tourism the world over constituted a major chunk of revenue to government.

“By the time the lawyers will come back to Enugu, we must have been done with our zipline, which is going to be the first in Nigeria and would equally have steps called 600 Steps to Tranquility from where we can go to the waterfall for ease of movement. We will equally have big rotunda here. So, I thank the governor for believing in tourism,” the Commissioner said.

Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has inaugurated a 15-member Economic Committee to spearhead industrialisation in Ebonyi State.

The committee, chaired by former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, comprises economists, industrialists, and technocrats. Members include Chief Ben Oka, Chief Mrs. Augustina Nwaoma Ekuma, Dr. Joe Abah, High Chief Ituma Chukwuemeka Enviable, Gen. Abel Obi Umahi, Chief Chibuike Orogwu, Chief Dominic Nwibo, Chief Elechi Innocent Ojiugwo, Anayo Omoke, Dr. Mark Abani, High Chief Ifeanyi Clement Okorie, Dr. Edward Nkwegu, and Mr. Mike Chukwu. Associate Prof. Ben Uruchi Odoh will serve as Secretary.

In his charge, Governor Nwifuru said the committee was set up to address erratic power supply, harness solid minerals, and support the state’s industrialisation agenda. He urged members to bring their wealth of experience to bear on the assignment.

“People will be commending us for bringing industrialists, technocrats to guide us in the development of our dear state. We are badly challenged; that is why we say we must sit down and bring people to guide us. Our manifesto is christened the People’s Charter of Needs. We want to industrialise this state. We want to show the world that we have what it takes to do business,” the governor said.

He specifically tasked the committee with guiding government on reactivating NIGERCEM and establishing another cement factory.

“And also, we are called Salt of the Nation, but we don’t have where we produce salt anywhere in Ebonyi State. We need to establish a salt production factory. We have the issue of power, and I am happy the chairman was a former Minister of Power. We are the only state without the required energy for industrialisation. We want you to address the issue of power through your recommendations. We have created an industrial zone. You have the capacity to put an industry in this place,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, Prof. Nnaji hailed Governor Nwifuru as a visionary leader.

“Governor Nwifuru reflects vision, boldness, and courage to drive the development process for the state,” he said.

A Finnish court has sentenced Simon Ekpa, who identifies himself as the Prime Minister of Biafra, to six years in prison on charges linked to terrorism and tax fraud.

The Päijät-Häme District Court ruled that Ekpa was guilty of encouraging crimes with terrorist intent, aiding a terrorist organization, engaging in aggravated tax fraud, and breaching the Attorneys Act.

The judgment revealed that between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa pushed for Biafra’s independence from Nigeria through unlawful activities. He allegedly leveraged social media to build political influence and mobilize support.

The court further stated that his movement created armed factions classified as terrorist groups. Through his connections,

Ekpa was said to have facilitated the supply of weapons, explosives, and ammunition, while also inciting his online followers to commit crimes in Nigeria.

The Labour Party Governorship candidate in Anambra State, Dr. George Moghalu (Ohamadike Nnewi), has extended warm wishes to Ndi Anambra as the month of September begins, while also taking a swipe at the present administration over what he described as politics of self glorification.

In his new month message made available by his Special Assistant on Media, Johnson Okoye, Dr. Moghalu prayed for peace, prosperity, and renewed hope for every family across the state. He expressed optimism that September would bring progress to homes, businesses, and communities, but reminded Ndi Anambra of the urgent need to change the direction of governance in the state.

According to the statement, the people have been subjected to endless audio projects and unfulfilled MOUs that have failed to provide light, jobs, or genuine development. Moghalu stressed that Anambra deserves a government that delivers on promises rather than one that thrives on propaganda and empty pronouncements.

He assured that if elected, his administration would guarantee a system where State Legislators and Local Governments operate independently and live up to their constitutional responsibilities. He pledged to restore dignity in governance, rebuild markets, secure communities, revive the economy, and return Anambra to its rightful place as the true Light of the Nation.

“This September must mark the beginning of a new dawn for our people. Together, we shall reclaim our state and truly make Anambra better again. Anambra ga adi mma ozo,” Moghalu declared.