Category: News

The Nigerian Army has raised the alarm over the poor enlistment of South East youths into the military service, and called for a change of attitude to reverse the trend.

According to the Army, while Kaduna State had recorded over 3,000 applications in the ongoing 2025 recruitment exercise, Enugu State was still struggling with just a hundred, noting that the story was not different with other South East states.

It called on Enugu and South East youths to apply in their numbers in the ongoing 2025 recruitment exercise to fill their quotas.

The Army made the call in Enugu during an enlightenment town hall meeting with Local Government Council Chairmen, traditional rulers, Presidents-General of town unions, and other community and thought leaders at the weekend.

Leader of the 2025 Army Recruitment Enlightenment Team, Brigadier-General Chima Ekeator, said, “Our people are losing what rightly belongs to them. Each year, whenever a slot is being allocated to our people, we keep noticing that the number of applicants from our side is usually very poor.

“Take for example, Enugu State was given about 200 slots, but the people who made it were never up to 100 due to poor application. This has also become a recurring decimal in other states in the South East.

“Today’s statistics on the number of applicants show that Kaduna has about 3,000 applicants, while Enugu is still battling with about a hundred; and by the time we will be through with screening, you will not have enough to recruit from the state.”

He refuted the allegation that people of South East origin were being killed in their numbers in the Army because they were the first to be sent to the battle fronts. He added that the region was also holding strategic positions in the Army presently.

“There are a lot of falsehoods out there stating that the Igbo are being killed because they are the first to be sent to the battlefield. These things are not true. After all, we that are here have risen high in the Army and we are telling you that they are lies. Today in the Nigerian Army, our brother is one of the top commanders in charge of equipment. His name is Chibueze Ogbuabor,” he said.

Speaking, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, regretted that the problem had persisted despite the collective efforts to reverse the trend and called for a review of modes of advertising the opportunities and the need to provide more details about the benefits of serving in the Army.

“While seated here, I was just trying to conduct a very quick research and it appears this same problem is happening worldwide and militaries across the world are deploying more cutting-edge strategies for recruitment because we are talking about the new generation that you communicate in a different way from the past,” he stated.

He reiterated Governor Peter Mbah’s commitment to ensuring that the state filled its quota, describing the military as a noble and highly respected profession across the world.

On his part, the Chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, pledged even stronger cooperation of the Local Government Council, but called on the military high command to equally address any concerns of the people to make the service more appealing to the youths.

Also speaking, the State Coordinator, Presidents-General of Enugu State Town Unions, Hon. Arinze Ogbodo; former Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzu and the traditional ruler of Nomeh Unataeze, Lieutenant Colonel Israel Mbah (rtd.), called on the youths to enlist in the Army, but stressed the need for more enlightenment.

“I was a military man before. I survived every war. I did mine and today I am a traditional ruler. So, I believe that our young people should join the force,” Mbah stated.

Abia State Government (ABSG) will recruit extra 4,000 teachers to measure up with the upsurge in the enrollment of pupils and students in the basic public schools in the State.

Governor Alex Otti disclosed this on Friday, 11th April, while hosting former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to a dinner in Government House Umuahia.

He said that he is passionate about child education, especially that of the poor. “We want to hire another 4,000. Why am I passionate about this? I come from a very poor home and if I didn’t have the opportunity to go to public schools, I won’t be here with you today.

“I want every child in this State to have the same opportunities that I had. The son of a poor man can become someone tomorrow just because of that opportunity.

Governor Otti recalled the state in which he met basic education in public schools which led him to declare free and compulsory education, adding that he equally set up a taskforce to enforce the education policy but was surprised that people were willing to embrace education without enforcement.

“You go out in the streets and you see children hawking from 8am and it has become clear to me that these people were not in school not because they didn’t want to be in school but they couldn’t afford the fees.

“But, I was still in doubt, then I said okay, we are going to make this education free and compulsory.

“So, I set up a taskforce and the taskforce was supposed to enforce the policy and I actually made announcement that I was going to be arresting any child seen hawking things during school hours. Not because I wanted to keep them, but my plan was to keep them till their parents come to exchange them with themselves.

“On implementation of the policy, we recorded massive explosion on enrollment. In fact, when I saw the numbers on Monday at the EXCO meeting, I was moved to increase the number of teachers that we will be recruiting.

“The enrollment was mind boggling. Our people want to go to school. What we are now using the Taskforce to do is to move round the schools to ensure that the teachers are committed and dedicated to discharging their duties to make the free and compulsory education policy effective,” Gov. Otti stated.

He said he equally approved and provided N100,000 for principals and head teachers as imprest account to enable them have the basic things required to run their schools .

Governor Otti commended Chief Obasanjo for standing behind him from the inception of his aspiration to join politics till now.

In his speech, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo commended the performance of Governor Otti, describing him as a leader who is living up to the expectations in the delivery of good governance.

The elder statesman noted that the public accolades on the performance of Governor Otti have affirmed to what he has personally witnessed including the Governor’s impact on governance in the state and urged him not to be distracted.

The former President while reflecting on Nigeria’s economic potentials, lamented the ravaging poverty among the people despite the country’s abundant natural and human resources, adding that, Nigeria has what it takes to lift her citizens out of poverty. He urged leaders at all levels to place the welfare of citizens at the heart of their leadership priorities.

Also speaking, former Rivers State Governor, Chief Rotimi Amaechi appreciated Governor Alex Otti. He advised Abia people to value what they have in Governor Otti and ensure that they return him to power in 2027.

“So, I pray that all of us will go home and protect what we have and ensure that we come back in 2027 to enjoy the same dinner you are having now,” Amaechi stated.

In their separate speeches, the member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Oke-Nze Ginger Onwusibe and the acting National Secretary of Labour Party, Sen. Darlington Nwokocha, expressed delight in being part of Abia’s success story and thanked former President Obasanjo for his continued support for the Otti-led administration.

The dinner was well attended by members of the political class, senior Government appointees and Mayors of Local Government Areas in Abia State.

Isa Umar, Abuja

President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi have mourned the passing of football legend, Christian Chukwu.

In a post signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, “The President extends his condolences to the family, friends, and associates of Nigerian football icon Christian Chukwu, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 74, leaving a void in the hearts of many football fans.

“The President joins the football community in mourning the loss of a legend whose contributions to the beautiful game elevated Nigeria’s status globally”.

According to the statement, Tinubu described Chukwu as a towering figure in Nigerian football, noting that he captained the Green Eagles to a historic 1980 Africa Cup of Nations victory and later coached the Super Eagles, which won a bronze medal at the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations under his leadership.

“Nicknamed “Chairman” for his commanding presence and leadership on the field, Chukwu devoted his club career to Enugu Rangers, where he won multiple national titles and led the club to continental glory with their 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.

“Christian Chukwu was more than a footballer and coach. He was a symbol of excellence and patriotism. He brought joy to millions, mentored a generation of footballers, and stood as a pillar of Nigerian brand and sportsmanship on and off the pitch.

“His legacies will continue to live on in the trophies he won, the lives he touched, and the exciting moments he provided to football fans and spectators on the field and in the technical area. We are forever grateful for his contributions to the sport we all love, and we will always remember him with great respect and admiration,” the President said, while praying for the repose of the departed sportsman and comfort for his family.

Chukwu, one of Nigeria’s greatest football icons – Obi 

On his part, Mr. Peter Obi described late Christian Chukwu as one of Nigeria’s greatest football icons.

Taking to his X handle, the former Anambra governor also mourned the death of another Captain, Christian Isiadinso, who passed away in March.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing to the greater glory of Christian Chukwu, one of Nigeria’s greatest football icons. Fondly known in football parlance as ‘Field Marshal’ and ‘Chairman’, he was not just a remarkable footballer but also an extraordinary leader who captained and coached the national team and his beloved club, Rangers International of Enugu, with distinction. His skill, discipline, and dedication to the beautiful game brought pride to our nation and joy to millions of fans across Africa and beyond.

“Beyond his playing days, Christian Chukwu continued to serve the game as a coach and mentor, nurturing young talents and contributing immensely to the development of football in Nigeria. His life was marked by resilience and patriotism, and his legacy will remain a shining example of what it means to represent one’s country with honour and integrity.

“Just a few weeks ago, Rangers suffered another profound loss, with the death of another Captain, Christian Isiadinso, who passed away in March.

“Christian Chukwu and Christian Isiadinso sacrificed everything for sports and our nation, both embodying the spirit of resilience and patriotism.

“At this difficult moment, my thoughts and prayers are with their families, the football community, and all Nigerians who mourn their great loss. May God grant them eternal rest in His kingdom, and may their legacies continue to inspire future generations of sportsmen and women in our beloved country.

“Rest in Peace our True Heroes. -PO”.

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed deep grief over the passing away of former Super Eagles skipper and coach, Christian Chukwu, describing him as a football icon, titan, and phenomenon.

Reacting to the development on Saturday, Mbah said, “I received with a deep sense of loss the passing away of Chairman Christian Chukwu. It is a personal loss to us as Ndi Enugu, his home state, and indeed to Nigeria as a nation and Africa as a continent.

“Christian Chukwu was a national icon, a football titan, field marshal, and phenomenon. His exploits as a footballer united the country across ethnic divides and creed.

“He was patriotism personified, serving the nation and Africa unreservedly both as a player and coach of the highly successful Rangers International Football Club of Enugu and Super Eagles of Nigeria, which he captained to victory as Green Eagles at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON. He also coached the Harambee Stars, Kenya’s senior male national team, among others.

“Chairman, as he was fondly called, gave his all not only to the nation but to the rest of Africa. He wrote his name in gold in the annals of the history of Nigerian and African football.

“Our dear legend has gone the way of all mortals, but the fond memories and the pride he gave Ndi Igbo and Nigeria as a whole will be cherished forever.

“My heart goes out to his family, Ndi Enugu, the Nigerian sports community and the entire nation over this irreplaceable loss. May the good Lord grant his soul eternal repose,” he wrote on his verified social media handles.

Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu

The Nigerian Bar Association has stated that it will no longer hold its 2025 Annual General Conference in Rivers State due to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The association has named Enugu State as its new host of the Annual General Conference.

In a statement dated April 10, 2025 and signed by Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, NBA President; Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, NBA General Secretary and Emeka Obegolu, SAN, Chair, Annual General Conference Planning Committee; the trio noted that the change became necessary following the “unfortunate turn of events in Rivers State” which “has understandably stalled the momentum and affected advanced preparations for the Conference”.

Describing the turn out of events in Rivers State as “undemocratic developments”, the statement assured that the “change of venue will not compromise our commitment to delivering a successful and impactful Conference”.

PACESETTER reports that analysts perceive this development as a confirmation of Gov. Peter Mbah’s transformation in Enugu State.

Although no official venue has been named, PACESETTER has gathered from anonymous sources that the conference will hold at the newly completed Enugu International Conference Centre.

The full statement reads below:

The announcement that Port Harcourt, the Garden City, would host the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) of our Association was met with widespread enthusiasm. Indeed, prior to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, registration figures had soared, reflecting the excitement and eagerness of members to attend. However, the unfortunate turn of events in Rivers State has understandably stalled the momentum and affected advanced preparations for the Conference.

Currently, Rivers State is being governed by a retired military officer, appointed as a Sole Administrator, who operates with a command-style approach that disregards constitutional provisions, court decisions, and pending litigation. His actions have undermined democratic institutions and processes, flouting the rule of law with impunity. Though clad in civilian attire, he governs as though the state is under military rule.

The voices of our members, particularly those calling for a change of venue, grew stronger over time. We convened meetings with the Chairmen of NBA branches in Rivers State and held an emergency session of the National Executive Council (NEC) on the 27th of March, 2025. The overwhelming consensus was that the NBA could not, in good conscience, proceed with the AGC in a state governed unconstitutionally by a Sole Administrator.

The NEC reaffirmed that the state of emergency declared in Rivers State violates Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. It further noted that the suspension of elected officials and democratic institutions contravenes Sections 11 and 188 of the Constitution. The purported ratification by the National Assembly, executed via voice vote rather than the constitutionally required two-thirds majority amounts to a grave constitutional subversion. Even if the proper procedure had been followed, it would not legitimize an unconstitutional proclamation.

Given these undemocratic developments, Port Harcourt can no longer be considered a justifiable venue for the 2025 AGC. To hold our flagship event in such circumstances would amount to a tacit endorsement of constitutional violations and subversion of the rule of law.

The NBA has taken a principled position in accordance with the law: the appointment of a Sole Administrator in Rivers State is unconstitutional. Consequently, and in alignment with the overwhelming position of NEC and the broader membership, we are compelled to relocate the 2025 AGC to a state where constitutional democracy remains intact.

We are pleased to announce that the 2025 Annual General Conference will now be held in the historic Coal City of Enugu. The city possesses the infrastructure and capacity to host a conference of our scale and significance. We are confident that, with concerted efforts, this change of venue will not compromise our commitment to delivering a successful and impactful Conference.

We call on all members and stakeholders to lend their full support as we embark on this new path. With unity, diligence, and a shared commitment to our values, we will make this transition a resounding success.

May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN President.

Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara General Secretary.

Emeka Obegolu, SAN Chair, AGCPC