Category: News

Chief Amechi John Onwe, a respected entrepreneur and humanitarian, has donated a 300KVA electricity transformer to the Enuagu community in Amurri, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.

According to a statement issued to PACESETTER, the official presentation and commissioning of the transformer will take place on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The event will mark the formal handover and energizing of the transformer for immediate use.

The traditional ruler of Enuagu, Igwe Charles Nwoye, alongside his cabinet members and other prominent personalities, is expected to attend the ceremony.

Chief Onwe has consistently used his personal resources to uplift Amurri residents—ranging from infrastructure development and scholarship awards to financial assistance for indigent families and empowerment initiatives.

Most recently, he delivered large-scale food palliatives to Enuagu, distributing hundreds of 50kg bags of rice, cartons of noodles, yams, groundnut oil, and other essential items, along with cash support for vulnerable households.

…tasks nigerians in diaspora with nation-building, promises renewed prosperity

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to fast-track Nigeria’s development through technology and food security, aligning with the success models of emerging economies like Brazil.

Speaking on Tuesday when he met with  a cross section of Nigerians resident in Brazil, President Tinubu emphasized his administration’s commitment to transformation through innovation, reform, and inclusive growth.

“We must bring Nigeria to the forefront of Africa’s progress, driven by technology, food sovereignty, and the courage to change our destiny,” Tinubu declared.

The President described his visit to Brazil as a strategic move to deepen bilateral ties and draw inspiration from the impressive development trajectory of the South American country, noting that both nations once shared similar economic starting points.

According to the President, “once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level. Look at Brazil today, its technology, its food systems. We must ask ourselves: what do they have that we don’t?

“We have the brains, the energy, and the youth. We have everything we need. Now, we must act.”

Commending the vibrant Nigerian diaspora community, President Tinubu urged them to see themselves as key stakeholders in building a new Nigeria rooted in innovation, culture, and shared responsibility.

“You are the pride of our nation. Your diversity, your commitment — it reflects the Nigeria we are working to build. I salute you all,” he said.

He acknowledged the difficulties citizens face due to ongoing economic reforms, insisting that they are essential steps toward long-term stability and prosperity.

“Yes, the reforms are tough — like bitter medicine. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” Tinubu explained.

Referencing his recent diplomatic shuttles,  the President said his government is laying the groundwork for global partnerships that can unlock Nigeria’s potential in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange.

President Tinubu also voiced support for an upcoming voyage involving Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, inspired by a cultural initiative he began while serving as Lagos State governor.

“If Wole Soyinka, at over 90, can still dream and act, then we have no excuse. The dream must be realized. The time is now,” Tinubu affirmed.

He appealed passionately for Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora to foster unity, peace and passion to develop a Nigeria everybody can truly be proud to call home.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Brazilian chapter of Nigerians in Diaspora, Chika Emmanuel, commended the president for fostering stronger ties between Nigeria and Brazil, while pledging the diaspora’s active support for national development.

He emphasised the diaspora’s role as a development partner, highlighting the rise in Nigerian postgraduate scholars in Brazil.

“What we’re saying, sir, is that here through the diaspora, we would like to be a channel to this national development. In that regard, we have started, we actually been doing that for quite some time now in the area of agriculture, infrastructure, and of course, looking for direct investment back home.

“To be able to do that, I’ve also recognized, Your Excellency, sir, that human resources in terms of education is what we strongly need to be able to prepare the younger ones for tomorrow so that they can return home and participate.

“What I have done, Your Excellency, is that in the past one year and a half since after my election, we had three PhD students at that time. And right now, in one year and a half, we have 296 here in Brazil. And all on scholarships, sir.”

In response to questions from Nigerians living in Brazil about opening consulates in São Paulo and other cities, President Tinubu urged patience, explaining that the government is meticulously managing limited resources to keep foreign missions running efficiently.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas described the meeting between President Tinubu and the Nigerian diaspora in Brazil as a moment of great historical significance, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s engagement with its global community.

He acknowledged the deep-rooted historical ties between Nigeria and Brazil ties forged through centuries of migration and cultural exchange, while stressing the need to rekindling those bonds.

The Speaker lauded also President Tinubu’s efforts in strengthening bilateral ties with Brazil, noting that recent diplomatic and cultural initiatives have laid the groundwork for future collaborations between the two nations.

Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State who spoke on behalf of governors on President Tinubu’s delegation praised the economic policies of the Tinubu administration as transformational.

“In the past, it was almost impossible to convince any investor to come to Nigeria, but just last year, Mr. President cleared a $7 billion forex backlog, a major intervention.”

According to the governor, Nigeria now offers an environment where investors can bring in capital and repatriate profits without facing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles or foreign exchange crises.

He credited the elimination of multiple exchange rates and improved transparency in the financial system as key factors encouraging investor confidence.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, urged Nigerians residing in São Paulo and surrounding areas to continue utilizing the existing liaison office until necessary upgrades are implemented.

The meeting anchored by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri was also attended by top government officials including Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, as well as Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

The Labour Party Governorship Candidate for the 2025 Anambra election, Dr. George Moghalu, on Monday paid a homage visit to the palace of His Royal Highness, Igwe Oranu Chris Chidume, Eze Ana-Ukwu, Eze Igulube of Omor, in Ayamelum Local Government Area.

The visit, which came shortly after the grand celebration of the annual Iwa-Ji (New Yam) Festival of Omor, was described as both a mark of deep respect to the revered monarch and a reaffirmation of Dr. Moghalu’s commitment to promoting Anambra’s cultural heritage.

Although he was unavoidably absent on the day of the festival, Dr. Moghalu explained that it was important for him to personally come and pay homage to the traditional ruler and rejoice with the people of Omor. He said, “I may not have been present during the Iwa-Ji celebrations, but it is very important for me to come and honor His Royal Highness, to celebrate with him and with the good people of Omor. Culture is at the heart of who we are, and this festival represents unity, thanksgiving, and continuity.”

The Labour Party candidate was warmly received by Igwe Oranu Chris Chidume, who described him as a true friend and son of the palace. The monarch, recalling their long-standing bond, noted that their friendship and mutual respect had spanned many years. He remarked, “Dr. Moghalu has always shown himself to be a man of respect and integrity. He is not just a visitor to this palace, but a true son of Omor and a friend whose loyalty to tradition and community is unquestionable.”

During the visit, Dr. Moghalu congratulated the Igwe, the royal cabinet, and the people of Omor on the successful festival, which he described as a symbol of harvest, abundance, and unity. He also prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the monarch, peace in Omor, and greater prosperity for Ndi Anambra.

Observers present at the palace noted that the homage visit further underscored Dr. Moghalu’s long-standing relationship with traditional institutions across the state, reflecting his conviction that leadership must be anchored on respect for culture, community, and the wisdom of elders.

Dr. Moghalu’s presence, even after the festival proper, was widely seen as a demonstration of humility and respect—qualities that have continued to endear him to Ndi Anambra. His homage to Igwe Oranu Chris Chidume further echoed his message of unity, cultural pride, and people-centered governance, which remain the foundation of his vision for a better Anambra.

…Agency urges residents to adopt preventive measures as 176 LGAs across 33 states face high flood risk in 2025_

The Southeast Head/Head of Enugu Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Ngozi Echeazu, has called for proactive flood preparedness in response to the alarming forecast by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which indicated that 176 Local Government Areas across 33 states were at high risk of flooding this year.

The public awareness campaign, held at the Nkanu West Local Government Headquarters, Tuesday, August 27, was centered on the theme “Flood Preparedness and Basic First Aid Treatment.”

Speaking at the campaign, she mentioned that, according to recent statistics, Enugu State fell within the moderate flood risk areas, alongside 293 LGAs across 31 states, including Nkanu West, Nkanu East, Aninri, Uzo Uwani, and Enugu East LGAs in Enugu State.

Mrs. Echeazu cautioned the people of Nkanu West against unsafe practices that could trigger floods and endanger lives and property during the predicted flood period.

She urged residents to adopt preventive measures such as clearing blocked canals and drainages to minimize disaster risks.

She also advised the public to follow proper channels when seeking NEMA’s assistance during emergencies:
“Our office operates at all three tiers of government. If you feel threatened, first write to your Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC), then to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and finally to the federal NEMA office,” she stated.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government, Hon. John Chukwuma Ogbodo, expressed his gratitude to the leadership of NEMA for the awareness initiative and assured the agency of his government’s support.

He noted that the Enugu State Government, under His Excellency Governor Peter Mbah, and by extension, the Nkanu West local government, had already commenced preventive measures by ensuring that waste was cleared from waterways and streets.

He further added that the local government had provided waste bins at strategic locations to encourage proper waste disposal.

Delivering a vote of thanks on behalf of the Chairman, Prince Barr. Onochie Igwesi, the Secretary of Nkanu West LGA, commended the NEMA team for the visit and prayed for their safe return to their destinations.

Others in attendance included the Deputy Chairman of Nkanu West, Engr. Friday Nnam; Chief of Staff to the Local Government, Barr. Chidiebere B.C. Ani; Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Nnamani Emmanuel Onyekachi; traditional rulers; Presidents-General; councilors; women leaders; and other community participants, stakeholders, and members of the general public.

…Says Opponents Afraid of his Acceptance

Labour Party Governorship Candidate in Anambra state, Dr George Moghalu has dismissed as joke and dead on arrival media report misinterpreting court order with claims of restraining him from parading himself as flagbearer of the party.

Social media was awash with reports claiming that Federal High Court sitting in Enugu had restrained Moghalu from parading himself as the governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the forthcoming November 8, 2025 poll.

Moghalu, in a press briefing on Tuesday said the misrepresented order was the handiwork of mischief makers who were afraid of his popularity and acceptability in the state.

He said he would not have reacted to the report if not for its sensitivity and the unnecessary tension it was generating across the state and beyond.

The LP flagbearer urged those who behind the report to leave him alone and rather meet him at the polling center on November 8 where the decision would be taken by the electorate.

He said, “Ordinarily, I wouldn’t have bothered myself talking about social media speculations as a matter of personal policy.

“But because of the sensitivity of the matter and the need to do certain level of clarification, it became necessary I speak to douse tension.

“That report is a joke of the highest order. It’s clear some persons threatened by my popularity and acceptability of my programmes for the people of the state.

“These people have been looking for ways to stop me. Actually, we’re expecting this one. For me, it actually came a bit late, but we’ll still respond to it.

“For purposes of putting things in proper perspective, I came in and saw an order pasted in one of my properties in my town. As a law abiding citizen, I requested the order be brought so I can look at it.

“The order had seven prayers. Some of the prayers include that I should be restrained from parading myself as gubernatorial candidate of labor party in Anambra state.

“They also asked for a retraining order from INEC not to accept whatever has to do with my nomination as guber candidate.

“They also asked for substituted service. It’s important to state that the last paragraph of the court order states that all other prayers are hereby denied, while the applicants are directed to place all respondents on notice.

“However all parties, including the applicants and the respondents must maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

“Everything they asked for except for substituted service were denied. And the status quo is that Moghalu won the primary and was declared by INEC as LP candidate.

“Like I said, we know the source of this and those who procure them. They’re only justifying the pay. I wish them well because it’s an exercise in futility.

“I repeat, let them leave me alone and wait for me in November 8 at the voting point. Instead, let them market themselves to Ndị Anambra.

“Why are they so frightened? Their ultimate agenda is how they can remove my name from the ballot and contesting the election

Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace will soon begin a direct flight from Lagos to the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo.

The direct flight was one of the agreements reached between President Bola Tinubu and Brazilian leader, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, during President Tinubu’s state visit.

President Lula, at a joint conference with Tinubu, said an agreement has been reached.

“Increasing the direct connections between Nigeria and Brazil is another essential step to strengthen the ties between our societies. We have approved the launch of a direct flight, to be operated by Nigeria’s largest airline company, Air Peace, between Lagos and São Paulo”, he said.

Following a two-hour expanded bilateral meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing of agreements and MOUs at the Palácio do Planalto in Brasília.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filhos, signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement to boost trade and people-to-people ties.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Ambassador Mauro Vieira, signed an agreement on Diplomatic Training Cooperation.

Both ministers also signed an MoU on political consultations to address bilateral, regional, and international issues of common interest.

Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji and Brazil’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Luciana Santos, signed an MoU on cooperation in biotechnology, bioeconomy, ocean science, innovation ecosystems, energy, space development, digital transformation, and raw materials research.

Managing Director of Nigeria’s Bank of Agriculture, Ayo Sotinrin and Brazil’s Minister for the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), Aluísio Mercadante, signed an MOU for cooperation on trade and investment promotion, harmonising efforts to expand agricultural financing, investment, and joint projects.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says 1,379,342 Nigerians completed online pre-registration in the first week of Continuous Voter Registration, which began 18 Aug 2025. Youths aged 18–34 made up 860,286 registrants (62.37%of registrants).

The breakdown of the online pre-registrations shows that 661,846 (47.96%) are male and 717,856 (52.04%) are female. In terms of occupation, 374,534 (27.15%) are students while the figure for persons with disability is 27,089 (1.96%).

INEC confirmed in-person registration began on 25 Aug 2025 across 811 State and Local Government offices. Citizens can register physically or complete online applications during the ongoing exercise.

The Commission urged eligible Nigerians to register early, avoid double registration and take note that the Continuous Voter Registration runs until 30 Aug 2026 nationwide.

It noted that Inter-State/FCT and intra-State/FCT transfer of voters as well as the replacement of lost or damaged voters cards are allowed during the CVR.

...Mbah: We’ve reduced violent crimes by 80%, invested in infrastructure, education

…Ozekhome: To deny your transformative leadership will be sinful

Lawyers and participants at the ongoing Annual General Conference, AGC, of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, in Enugu have commended the governor of the state, Dr. Peter Mbah, for what they described as his transformative leadership in the past two years.

They gave the commendations on Tuesday during Governor Mbah’s presentation on “Leadership and Transformation,” where he showcased Enugu State, sharing practical strategies he was applying in overcoming barriers and unlocking Enugu’s opportunities.

Chief Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, said he was familiar with the state over the years and it would be evil for anyone to deny the obvious transformations under Mbah.

“I come to Enugu every day. So, I am not a stranger at all to Enugu State. It will be difficult for me to deny that I have not seen some groundbreaking projects. To deny your transformative leadership will be sinful, and I do not want to be a sinner,” he said.

Ozekhome wondered how Mbah was able to “do these great things in a highly politicised environment infested by political buccaneers, and in an environment where there is more politicking than governance.”

Another lawyer, Senator Dino Melaye, commended Mbah for emerging as a pacesetter in good governance in two years.

“I am particularly and personally impressed with the governor of Enugu State because all these things have been done in two years. I only can see that you think out of the box,” he said.

He commended Mbah for putting competence above political considerations in the recruitment of his team.

“Also, I am impressed with your expertise in the recruitment process, in appointing your political appointees. The intellectual sagacity displayed by them is too much. It gives hope that Nigeria can be fine again. It contributes a lot to the progress you are achieving and have achieved,” he concluded.

In his presentation, Governor Mbah observed that transformational leadership demanded the audacity to envision something beyond low expectations, insisting that such leaders must ground their work in vision, values, and a disruptive strategy to achieve the desired results.

“Our vision was to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, to reduce the poverty headcount to zero, and to make Enugu the preferred destination in Nigeria for business, for tourism, and for living. We imagined a state that, within eight years, would be completely unrecognisable from the one we inherited,” he said.

He, however, explained that such humongous vision and targets could not be wished into existence, hence the state’s huge investments in drastic crime reduction and the building of infrastructure to power business, tourism, and investment.

“None of our visions and targets would have been possible without security. So, from the outset, we built a tech-driven, intelligence-led security architecture anchored in our Command and Control Centre.

“With round-the-clock AI surveillance across our neighbourhoods, integrated response units (DRS), and community partnership, Enugu has recorded an over 80% reduction in violent crime.

“This stability is the bedrock upon which investment, jobs, and society can grow.”

He added that his administration had to its credit over 2,000 ongoing or completed projects cutting across various sectors – health, roads, transport, agriculture, and education, among others.

He said his administration’s consistent allocation of 33 per cent of the state’s annual budget to education was informed by the recognition that the state’s real wealth now and in the future rested on the quality of its human capital.

“We committed over 33 per cent of our budget to education – a decision some thought was reckless. But we knew it was essential.

“Our greatest asset is in the head, the hand, and the heart of our people. Refurbishing classrooms was not enough; we had to completely re-imagine education for the digital age and the future job market.

“Next month we launch 260 Smart Green Schools – one for every ward in the state. These are integrated, tech-enabled, future-facing institutions that prepare children not just to learn, but to create, to innovate, and to compete in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he added.

The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has made fresh appointments in the state.

A statement signed by Prof. Kenneth Kalu, FCA, Secretary to the State Government, noted that the appointments are with immediate effect.

The appointees include:

PROTOCOL.

1. Uche Mark Nwosu – Chief Protocol Officer
2. Ikechukwu Nwankwo – Deputy Chief Protocol Officer
3. Adaeze Ivy Iroegbu – Chief Moderator
4. Emmanuel Paul Irechi – Protocol Officer
5. Amarachi Inyama – Protocol Officer
6. Augustine Chukwuebuka – Protocol Officer

ABIA STATE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL), AROCHUKWU.

1. Dr. Joe Emeson – Chairman, Governing Council
2. Dr. Mrs. Idowu O. Eluwa – Provost

ABIA STATE LIAISON OFFICE, ABUJA.

1. Iheanyi Frank Chinasa – Chief Liaison Officer/National Assembly Liaison Officer

ABIA STATE TRANSPORT CORPORATION.

1. Emmanuel M. Ufomba – Chairman
2. Godanswer P. Kalu – Member
3. Mrs. Salomey Onwu– Member
4. Kingsley Oriaku – Member
5. Onyebuchi Nna – Member

OTHER APPOINTMENTS:

1. Chima Raymond Ukwa – Special Assistant, Sports
2. Prince Christian Enwerenmadu – Special Adviser, Agriculture
3. Mrs. Chinenye Nwaka – Senior Special Assistant, Women Affairs

The appointments take immediate effect.

Prof. Kenneth Kalu, FCA
Secretary to the State Government