The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

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  • Desmond Elliot Apologises to Gbajabiamila, Seeks Reconciliation

    Desmond Elliot Apologises to Gbajabiamila, Seeks Reconciliation

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Lagos State House of Assembly member and Nollywood actor, Desmond Elliot, has renewed his apology to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over his role in events surrounding the last All Progressives Congress primary election.

    Elliot made the appeal during a meeting with Gbajabiamila and other party chieftains, where he went down on his knees and prostrated before the former Speaker of the House of Representatives as he sought to mend their relationship.

    In a video shared by Lagos Junction on X on Sunday, Elliot expressed remorse over his actions, admitting that he may have been misguided during the political contest.

    The lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I also reaffirmed his commitment to the APC leadership and appealed for forgiveness.

    “I’m sorry. I have no excuse; I have nothing other than to say I’m deeply sorry. I’m deeply sorry, sir. And in our culture, we prostrate. Don’t be angry, Daddy,” Elliot said.

    Gbajabiamila subsequently asked the lawmaker to rise.

    The latest apology comes after Elliot had previously expressed regret over his relationship with Gbajabiamila during an appearance on TVC’s *Your View*.

    At the time, the actor-turned-politician acknowledged that he might have offended his political mentor through his political activities, while stressing that any disagreement between them was not deliberate.

    “I’m not saying, oh, yes, media will come out, oh yes, Desmond begs again. Yes, because he’s my egbon. And I grew up learning everything I knew in politics through him,” Elliot said.

    He added, “To err is human, to forgive is divine. So I’m sorry, my daddy, if I’ve offended you in any way.”

    The renewed reconciliation effort comes amid the political disagreements that previously surrounded the leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

    During the crisis, Gbajabiamila disclosed that he had encountered difficulties at the Presidency over allegations concerning Elliot’s political activities.

    Gbajabiamila had said President Bola Tinubu confronted him over intelligence reports alleging that Elliot was involved in moves connected to the Assembly speakership dispute. Elliot had denied the allegation.

    The disagreement was linked to internal leadership tensions within the Lagos APC and was eventually resolved following interventions by senior party leaders.

    The latest meeting appears to signal an effort by Elliot to restore his relationship with Gbajabiamila and strengthen his ties with the party’s leadership in Lagos.

  • Unity Colleges Face Disruption as Workers Reject FG’s Resumption Order

    Unity Colleges Face Disruption as Workers Reject FG’s Resumption Order

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The reopening of 112 Federal Unity Colleges across Nigeria is facing uncertainty as workers in the institutions move to enforce a “No Resumption” directive over the Federal Government’s planned concession of some schools.

    The dispute centres on the government’s proposed 35-year concession of King’s College, Lagos, to its Old Boys Association, a move that has drawn opposition from workers under the Federal Ministry of Education.

    About 17,000 education officers at the ministry’s headquarters and the affected unity colleges are expected to participate in the planned protest and industrial action, according to a source familiar with the development.

    The source said 112 of the 115 Federal Unity Colleges had complied with the workers’ directive, with only Federal Government College, Kwali; Federal Government College, Okposi; and Federal Government College, Otobi, admitting some students who had travelled long distances to resume.

    The Joint Workers Committee of Unions in the ministry had, at the weekend, directed workers in the colleges not to resume until further notice.

    In a notice dated September 11, 2026, and addressed to principals and union chairmen of the Federal Unity Colleges, the committee reaffirmed its earlier directive and instructed union leaders to ensure compliance.

    The JWC said any instruction by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, directing the schools to reopen would not change its position unless the matter was first resolved through the established labour-management process.

    The committee said, “any purported press release, counter directive, or subsequent communication” from the minister directing resumption would not alter its position unless the dispute was appropriately addressed through the labour-management channel.

    The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, which represents teachers and other workers in the affected institutions, also directed its members not to report for the weekend checking-in of boarding students.

    The directive was reportedly complied with across the affected colleges.

    The union also raised concerns over the availability of textbooks, questioning the preparedness of the schools for the new academic session.

    The notice was signed by JWC Chairman, Onuche Abraham; ASCSN Chairman, Ngadi Sampson; Nigeria Civil Service Union Chairman, Ojelabi Ademola; and Chairman of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, Ejike George.

    However, the Federal Government has maintained that the colleges will reopen as scheduled on Monday, September 14.

    The Minister of Education, through the Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, assured students, parents and guardians that necessary arrangements had been made for a safe and orderly commencement of the new academic session.

    Alausa said the safety and wellbeing of students and staff remained a priority of the Federal Government.

    The minister added that relevant security agencies had been informed of the resumption plans and had placed the Federal Unity Colleges and their surrounding areas under heightened security surveillance.

    The government said the coordinated security arrangements were aimed at protecting students, staff and members of the school communities as academic activities resume nationwide.

  • SERAP Gives INEC Seven Days to Explain Alleged ₦126bn Electoral Spending

    SERAP Gives INEC Seven Days to Explain Alleged ₦126bn Electoral Spending

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has given the Independent National Electoral Commission seven days to account for more than ₦126.46bn in electoral funds flagged over alleged procurement irregularities.

    SERAP made the demand in a statement issued by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, following concerns raised in the 2023 audited report of the Auditor-General of the Federation.

    The audit report, published on August 7, 2026, examined government transactions between January and December 2022, with some findings extending to December 31, 2023.

    According to SERAP, the funds in question were linked to the procurement of ballot boxes, electoral devices and other materials, sensitive electoral materials, result sheets, vehicles and other services related to election administration.

    The organisation said some of the payments were allegedly made without following required procurement procedures, while the delivery or utilisation of some of the goods and services could not be established.

    SERAP urged INEC to provide details of the amounts paid, beneficiaries, contracts and procurement processes, as well as the contractors and suppliers involved.

    It also asked the commission to provide evidence of the delivery and utilisation of the goods and services and account for the current status of the electoral assets involved.

    The organisation further called on INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, to refer the alleged financial irregularities to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission for investigation.

    SERAP said the agencies should prosecute anyone found culpable and recover public funds where wrongdoing is established.

    One of the major issues highlighted by the organisation involved more than ₦112.15bn allegedly paid for ballot boxes, electoral devices, items and materials without competitive bidding or a Certificate of No Objection from the Bureau of Public Procurement.

    SERAP said the Auditor-General reported that there was no evidence that the items were procured.

    The organisation also said the audit raised questions about the companies involved, including concerns over their competence, experience, capacity, addresses and factory locations.

    SERAP maintained that INEC must account for the funds and demonstrate that they were spent for their intended purposes.

  • APC Condemns Alleged Disruption of Opposition Political Gathering, Police Begins Probe

    APC Condemns Alleged Disruption of Opposition Political Gathering, Police Begins Probe

    …APC denies responsibility, says allegation baseless

    The Enugu State Police Command has launched an investigation into the alleged disruption of two political gatherings in Nkanu West Local Government Area, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the council denied allegations that it sponsored the incidents.

    The incidents, which occurred on Saturday, September 12, involved a ward meeting of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) at Ndiuno-Obuoffia community and a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally at St. Joseph Primary School, Agbani.

    According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, armed hoodlums allegedly disrupted the NDC meeting with sporadic shooting, leaving two attendees injured.

    In the second incident, hoodlums allegedly destroyed canopies and chairs arranged for the PDP rally at St. Joseph Primary School, Agbani.

    Following the incidents, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to book.

    The Command said its operatives were promptly deployed to both locations after receiving reports of the incidents to prevent further breaches of public order and track down fleeing suspects.

    The Police, however, disclosed that neither of the political gatherings had been preceded by notification to the Command or a request for security coverage.

    Giwa consequently reiterated his warning to political parties and their supporters against violence as political activities intensify ahead of the forthcoming elections.

    He urged political parties and other stakeholders to notify the Police ahead of campaigns, meetings, rallies and other political gatherings to enable the Command to make adequate security arrangements.

    The commissioner warned against violence, intimidation, destruction of property and other acts capable of disrupting public peace and the electoral process, assuring residents that the Command would deal decisively with anyone found to have violated the law.

    Reacting to reports of the incidents, the APC in Nkanu West condemned the disruption of opposition political activities, describing such actions as “antithetical to the tenets of democracy and political participation.”

    In a statement signed by its Chairman, Hon. Chinedu Hillary Nnaji, on Sunday, the party said it was “deeply concerned” about the development and strongly condemned any attempt to disrupt political activities.

    The APC, however, rejected allegations that it sponsored the reported incidents, describing the claims as unfounded and baseless.

    The party argued that the opposition parties had been experiencing internal disputes and cited reported divisions within the NDC and PDP as possible factors requiring investigation.

    On the NDC, the APC alleged that its primary election in Enugu was characterised by irregularities, political intimidation, violence and allegations of financial extortion of aspirants, which it said had contributed to parallel leadership structures, court cases and strained political relations.

    The APC also pointed to the prolonged internal crisis within the PDP, saying the party’s disputes had extended to issues involving its national leadership.

    The Nkanu West APC said it remained “formidable and ready to participate honourably in the campaigns and elections,” while calling on its supporters to remain calm and law-abiding.

    It urged its supporters and the general public to disregard allegations linking the party to the reported disruptions, insisting that it remained committed to peaceful political participation, democratic principles and the rule of law.

    The party also called on the security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incidents and determine what actually transpired.

    The developments come as political activities intensify in Nkanu West ahead of the forthcoming elections, with the Police Command warning political parties and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and in accordance with the law.

    With investigations now underway, the Police are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the two incidents and identify those responsible for the alleged violence and destruction.

  • JUST-IN: Enugu Building Collapses, Trap One Worker Under Rubble

    A four-storey building under construction and reportedly being developed as a hotel has collapsed in Enugu City, leaving a construction worker feared trapped beneath the rubble as at press time.

    The incident occurred on Sunday morning, September 13, 2026, at Independence Layout, triggering panic among residents and passersby as emergency responders and local residents rushed to the scene to search for the trapped workers.

    According to the Executive Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, Uche Anya, who spoke to newsmen, the collapse occurred by 5am today. The workers were reportedly sleeping inside the uncompleted building when the structure suddenly gave way, bringing down a huge portion of the building and burying those inside.

    Anya noted that he and his team arrived at the scene 10 minutes after the collapse, adding that four of the workers have so far been rescued and were receiving treatment at the hospital.

    He disclosed that one of the six workers believed to have been sleeping at the site had left the building shortly before the collapse.

    Eyewitnesses said the impact of the collapse produced a loud sound that attracted hundreds of people to the area, with residents joining emergency personnel in efforts to locate and rescue the victims.

    The extensive debris from the collapsed structure has, however, made the rescue operation difficult as emergency workers continue to search through the rubble.

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigerian Red Cross Society, Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Enugu State Capital Territory Development Authority, men of the Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Police are currently involved in the rescue operation.

    While rescue efforts are ongoing at the site, Anya revealed that the approval for the building was given in 2021, before the administration of Gov. Peter Mbah in 2023.

    He added that when he led a team to inspect the building after he assumed office, “we found out that there are serious integrity issues and serious non-compliance with their 2021 approval”, stressing that he personally issued the first ‘stop work’ order for the building and sealed it for the last 6 months.

    He further revealed that in the last thirty to forty days, the representative of the owner had been interfacing with his office to remedy the situation before the collapse.

    Expressing hope that the worker trapped will be rescued, he informed that the representative of the owner had been arrested to aid investigations.

  • FCC Commissioner Eze Empowers Youths with Jobs, Scholarships, Opportunities at 2026 Youth Connect

    FCC Commissioner Eze Empowers Youths with Jobs, Scholarships, Opportunities at 2026 Youth Connect

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal Character Commission has urged youths in Enugu State to take advantage of legitimate employment, education, entrepreneurship and skills-development opportunities available through government institutions and other platforms.

    The call was made at the Peter Eze Youth Connect 2026, held at the International Conference Center, ICC, in Enugu State, organised by the Federal Commissioner representing Enugu State in the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Peter Ogbonna Eze.

    Themed, “Beyond Quotas: Unlocking Opportunities for Enugu Youth Through the Federal Character Commission,” the programme was designed to bridge the information gap between young people and institutions responsible for providing employment, scholarships, grants, training and other opportunities.

    Speaking at the event, Eze said many young Nigerians miss opportunities because of misinformation, limited access to information and the belief that government jobs are predetermined before they are advertised.

    He said, “You can barely get an opportunity you do not apply for”, urging young people not to disqualify themselves through fear or assumptions that available opportunities had already been shared.

    According to him, there are more than 700 Federal Government ministries, departments, agencies, commissions and other establishments offering employment and other opportunities across the country.

    He explained that the Federal Character Commission has a constitutional and statutory responsibility to promote equitable representation across federal institutions.

    Eze also warned youths against falling victim to fraudulent recruitment agents, stressing that legitimate government jobs should not be bought.

    “Anyone asking you to pay for a legitimate government job is asking you to participate in an illegal act and should be reported through the appropriate channels,” he said.

    The commissioner said the initiative was established to go beyond federal employment quotas by exposing young people to grants, scholarships, fellowships, training programmes, entrepreneurship opportunities and other legitimate pathways to personal and economic advancement.

    He described true empowerment as equipping people with “knowledge, skills, information, access and opportunities” rather than merely providing short-term assistance.

    The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Hulayаt Motunrayo Omidiran, in her keynote address, said federal character should not be viewed merely as a system of numerical distribution.

    She said its deeper purpose was to promote equity, inclusion, national cohesion and a sense of belonging among Nigerians.

    Omidiran encouraged Enugu youths to acquire relevant knowledge, develop contemporary skills, embrace technology, build professional networks and actively pursue legitimate opportunities.

    She also warned them to verify opportunities and remain vigilant against fraudulent recruitment schemes and deceptive offers.

    “Equity and merit should never be regarded as contradictory principles,” she said, stressing that competence, discipline, integrity and excellence remained essential for advancement.

    The Enugu State Government, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, commended the organisers for creating a platform that connects young people with opportunities.

    Onyia said the programme went beyond discussions about representation by creating practical pathways for youths to access scholarships, international networks, career guidance and entrepreneurial opportunities.

    He urged participants to make effective use of networking opportunities, stressing that relationships could provide access to ideas, expert advice, career guidance and business opportunities.

    The government representative also highlighted the importance of technology and artificial intelligence, urging young people to focus on acquiring skills that would enable them to compete beyond geographical boundaries.

    The guest speaker, Senator Emmanuel Onwe, spoke on “Career Pathways, Mentorship and Scholarship Opportunities: Navigating the Road to Purpose and Professional Success.”

    He advised young people seeking mentors to prepare themselves by developing their character, intelligence and knowledge before approaching accomplished professionals.

    Onwe also announced scholarship opportunities in the United States for Nigerian youths, including undergraduate programmes in Computer Information Systems, Electronic Engineering Technology and another engineering technology programme.

    Another guest speaker, Roland Oroh, Founder and Director of Agribusiness Register Limited and Manager of the European Union-Nigeria Agribusiness Platform, spoke on “From Learning to Earning: Finding, Accessing and Securing Real Job Opportunities.”

    Oroh highlighted the importance of agriculture and shared insights on entrepreneurship, including his experience in the honey business.

    The event culminated in the selection of five Enugu youths for opportunities to study abroad.

    Three beneficiaries were selected for undergraduate programmes: Michael Uche from Enugu West Senatorial District, Okoro Chineye from Enugu North Senatorial District and Chukwuemeka Chiemere from Enugu East Senatorial District.

    Two others, Ugwuaji Paul and Odo Emmanuel Nnamdi, both from Enugu North Senatorial District, were selected for postgraduate programmes.

    Speaking in a brief interview with a PACESETTER reporter after the event, Eze was asked about plans to expand the initiative beyond the five beneficiaries and create more educational opportunities for young people in Enugu State.

    He said the organisers could not compel beneficiaries who study abroad to return but would continue to provide opportunities and hope they would use them to make a positive impact.

    “We can’t force them to come back. The only thing is to extend the opportunity to them. If they use it well, that’s our prayer. If they don’t, we don’t have control over that,” he said.

    According to him, the initiative was aimed at adding value to the lives of beneficiaries while encouraging them to extend the impact to others.

    “That’s why we say in the Youth Connect, if we connect you, you connect others. Be useful to other people,” Eze added.

    He was also asked about measures to ensure that beneficiaries use the knowledge and skills acquired abroad to contribute to the development of Enugu State.

    Eze said the programme was still at an early stage and that the organisers would assess its impact before expanding it, noting that the level of interest shown by young people had demonstrated the need for the organisers to review the programme, assess its impact and identify ways to improve it in subsequent editions.

    “Now that we have seen our people are interested in adding knowledge, acquiring skills, and also having something to do, we are going to go back, look at what we have done, look at the impact and look on how to improve. So we must improve and do it better next time,” he said.

    The organisers said Peter Eze Youth Connect was conceived to build an informed, confident and opportunity-ready generation of Enugu youths capable of competing, participating and contributing meaningfully to national development.

    The initiative also encouraged beneficiaries to share opportunities with others and use their eventual success to create opportunities for more young people.

  • Chimamanda Adichie Says Son’s Death Changed Her Feelings About Nigeria

    Chimamanda Adichie Says Son’s Death Changed Her Feelings About Nigeria

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Award-winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has revealed that the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu, has profoundly changed her feelings towards Nigeria, saying she no longer wants to return to the country.

    Adichie made the disclosure in an interview with The New York Times, where she spoke about the loss of her son and its impact on her relationship with her home country.

    Asked whether Nigeria still felt close to her heart, the author said her feelings had changed following the tragedy.

    “My feelings toward Nigeria have changed,” she said.

    “I do not want to go back to Nigeria.”

    Nkanu, one of Adichie’s twin sons, died in December 2025 following a medical emergency at Euracare, a private hospital in Nigeria.

    According to the author, her son initially developed a fever and was placed on antibiotics by her husband, Ivara Esege. However, when his condition did not improve, the couple took him to the hospital for further medical assessment.

    Adichie said Nkanu was subsequently sedated with propofol for an MRI examination, after which he suffered cardiac arrest and died the following day.

    Recounting the moments surrounding the incident, she said a doctor later approached her in a visibly distressed state and made a statement about the amount of propofol administered to her son.

    “He was very calm and he said to me, ‘Well, look, they gave him too much Propofol.’ Those were his exact words, which I will never forget until the day I die,” she recalled.

    Adichie had earlier raised allegations of medical negligence concerning the treatment her son received at the hospital.

    The circumstances surrounding Nkanu’s death have also become the subject of a coroner’s inquest, with proceedings reportedly involving disagreements and delays between the family and the hospital.

    The hospital has reportedly disputed aspects of the family’s account and accused Adichie and her husband of destroying evidence by cremating their son’s remains, a matter connected to the ongoing proceedings.

    Adichie and her husband have called for improvements in Nigeria’s healthcare system but, according to the report, have not filed a lawsuit against the hospital.

    Reflecting on the possibility of returning to Nigeria, Adichie said her children could be the only reason she might consider coming back.

    She noted that her daughter still considered Nigeria her “happy place.”

    Before Nkanu’s death, Adichie said Nigeria had remained deeply connected to her identity and literary career. She described the country as the place where she received “everything” that helped shape her into a writer.

    However, she said the loss of her son had fundamentally altered that relationship.

    “I mean, it is so surreal, all of this. I still can’t believe we’re talking about my son who died,” she said.

    “You’re going through something, but you also feel like you’re outside of it.”

  • NDLEA Warns Nigerians Against Accepting Unknown Cargoes From Abroad

    NDLEA Warns Nigerians Against Accepting Unknown Cargoes From Abroad

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has cautioned Nigerians against collecting or receiving consolidated consignments from relatives, friends or associates abroad without knowing exactly what the packages contain.

    The agency warned that some Nigerians overseas are allegedly using consolidated cargoes to send illicit drugs into the country while listing unsuspecting family members and friends as consignees.

    The NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, issued the warning in a post on X on Sunday, urging Nigerians to exercise caution before agreeing to receive packages on behalf of people abroad.

    According to Babafemi, substances identified as Colorado and Loud, both strains of cannabis, have been discovered in some of the consignments.

    He said recipients who have no knowledge of the contents could still face arrest and prosecution if illegal drugs are found in packages bearing their names.

    Babafemi wrote, “RED ALERT! The new thing now is that some of our ‘abroad’ people are sending home consolidated cargoes contaminated with illicit drugs especially Colorado and Loud, putting their family members and friends as consignees or recipients.”

    He advised Nigerians who were not involved in drug trafficking to decline requests to receive consignments where the contents were unknown.

    He added, “The warning here is, if you’re not part of the syndicate, don’t accept to receive consignments on behalf of your ‘abroad’ brother or sister or friend particularly if you don’t know the full content of the consignment.”

    Babafemi further warned that several people had already been arrested in similar circumstances, noting that NDLEA operatives continued to uncover such consignments during their operations.

    “Many are already behind bars for this and the number keeps increasing with daily operations by @ndlea_nigeria officers. Please heed this warning and save yourself of the jail experience,” he said.

    The warning was accompanied by video footage showing NDLEA operatives opening large black plastic-wrapped packages on a metal table.

    The footage showed clear plastic bags containing yellowish, lumpy substances suspected to be cannabis products being removed from the consignments.

    The latest warning comes as the NDLEA continues its efforts to disrupt international drug trafficking networks and prevent illicit substances from being brought into Nigeria through various routes.

  • Gov. Otti Hails Gov. Mbah on Honorary Doctorate from University of East London

    Gov. Otti Hails Gov. Mbah on Honorary Doctorate from University of East London

    Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, has congratulated his Enugu State counterpart, Dr. Peter Mbah, on the conferment of an honorary Doctor of Law degree by the University of East London, United Kingdom.

    The university conferred the Doctor of Law degree, honoris causa, on Mbah in recognition of his contributions to governance and public service.

    In a congratulatory message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, on Friday, Otti described the honour as a well-deserved recognition of Mbah’s leadership and commitment to the development of Enugu State.

    “Your Excellency, this honour from the University of East London is a testament to the impact of your administration in Enugu State,” Governor Otti stated.

    According to Otti, the university’s recognition of Mbah’s investment in education and his philosophy that “education is fundamentally the cornerstone of human progress, the bedrock upon which the future stands” underscores the relevance of the honour.

    The Abia governor said the award also reflected the confidence reposed in Mbah and the progress recorded in Enugu State under his administration.

    “As leaders in the South East, we share a common vision to rebuild our region and make it a hub of commerce, industry and innovation in Nigeria. Your commitment to good governance is encouraging,” Governor Otti said.

    Otti expressed hope that the honour would motivate Mbah to greater service to Enugu State and Nigeria, while wishing him continued wisdom, strength and success in steering the affairs of the state.

  • Nkanu East 2026: APC’s Ogbuekwe Gains Momentum, Wins Support Across Seven Communities

    Nkanu East 2026: APC’s Ogbuekwe Gains Momentum, Wins Support Across Seven Communities

    The chairmanship campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Nkanu East Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Engr.

    Mike Chikosolu Ogbuekwe, popularly known as Mmiri Ọma Na Nkanu, has continued to gain grassroots momentum, with communities across the council area declaring support for his candidacy and the APC ahead of the September 26 local government election.

    The latest mobilisation took Ogbuekwe and his campaign train through Nara, Mburumbu, Nomeh, Ohuani/Onicha Agu, Amechi Idodo, Orukwu and Umuode, where residents, community leaders, party stakeholders, women and youth groups turned out to receive the candidate and express support for his ambition.

    The campaign stops also became platforms for stakeholders to canvass support for Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and other APC candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, with speakers repeatedly citing the governor’s development record as a reason for their continued support for the party.

    In Nara, residents of Ward 1 and Ward 2 defied torrential rain to receive the campaign train, with community and political leaders describing the gatherings as an opportunity to acknowledge the impact of the Mbah administration and rally support for Ogbuekwe.

    At Ward 1, the APC Ward Chairman, Dr. Kenechukwu Nnamani, declared the ward’s support for the APC and its candidates.

    Other stakeholders, including Rt. Hon. John Nwankwo and Hon. Williams Chukwu, also welcomed the campaign delegation. Chukwu pledged his support for Ogbuekwe and the APC and announced a donation of ₦100,000 towards the campaign. Barr. Chief Joshua Mbah also presented a ram in support of the campaign.

    The Nkanu East APC Chairman, Hon. Abel Igwe, popularly known as Agege, urged the electorate to support Ogbuekwe and the APC councillorship candidates on September 26, while calling for continued support for Governor Mbah and other APC candidates in 2027.

    He subsequently presented the APC flag to the party’s councillorship candidate for Nara Ward 1, Hon. David Nwoye.

    Addressing the gathering, the Director-General of the Mmiri Ọma Campaign Council, Hon. Prince Chukwuemeka Nwatu, urged residents to support the APC candidates across the ballot, including Ogbuekwe, Governor Mbah, Senator Kelvin Chukwu, Rt. Hon. Nnolim Nnaji and Hon. Okey Mbah.

    Ogbuekwe, while thanking the people for turning out despite the rain, said Governor Mbah’s development initiatives had raised expectations of what political leadership should deliver.

    “We are going to copy what Peter Mbah is doing in Enugu State and paste it in Nkanu East,” he said.

    He promised to pursue greater development across the local government if elected and urged the people to support APC candidates at the state and national levels.

    At Nara Ward 2, the campaign also received a strong turnout despite the weather. Former Deputy Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Bishop Ralph Nwoye, the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Market Liaison, Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah, and other political and community leaders joined the engagement.

    The Ward Chairman, Hon. Chinonso Chukwu, declared the ward’s support for the APC, while other stakeholders, including Hon. Femi Okube, Mrs. Chinelo Okafor and Hon. Chidi Edenta, praised Governor Mbah’s development initiatives and expressed support for Ogbuekwe.

    The President-General of Nara, Chief Emmanuel Edeani, also pledged support for the APC candidates.

    From Nara, the campaign moved to Mburumbu and Nomeh, where similar declarations of support greeted the APC candidate.

    At Mburumbu, the Ward Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Eze, urged party members and stakeholders to work together for victory in the September council election and sustain mobilisation ahead of 2027.

    The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Engr. Prince Lawrence Eze, welcomed the campaign on behalf of community stakeholders and expressed confidence in the readiness of Mburumbu residents to support Governor Mbah and the APC at the polls.

    The APC flag was presented to the Mburumbu Ward councillorship candidate, Hon. Uchechukwu Nweke, by the Nkanu East APC Chairman.

    The ALGON Chairman, Enugu State, and Executive Chairman of Nkanu East LGA, Hon. Sydney Okechukwu Edeh, described Nkanu East as “totally and 100 per cent APC” and endorsed Ogbuekwe for the chairmanship.

    He said Ogbuekwe had demonstrated competence and capacity through responsibilities handled under the Mbah administration and would, if elected, continue the development direction of the state government.

    At Nomeh, the Secretary to Nkanu East Local Government, Rev. Felix Okoye, expressed confidence in the APC’s prospects, while the ward chairman and other stakeholders reiterated their support for the party.

    Mazi Uche Anichukwu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and External Relations, highlighted development projects and initiatives in the area, including the planned agricultural project around the Nomeh-Unateze axis.

    The APC flag was subsequently presented to the Nomeh Ward councillorship candidate, Hon. Kenneth Nwankwo.

    Community leaders and stakeholders at the gathering declared their support for the APC, with the event repeatedly echoing the declaration, “Nomeh 100 per cent APC.”

    The campaign subsequently moved to Ohuani/Onicha Agu, Amechi Idodo, Orukwu and Umuode, where Ogbuekwe again received a warm reception and further endorsements.

    At Ohuani/Onicha Agu, the former Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Area, Chief Hon. Ikechukwu Ubagu, presented a ₦1 million donation to Ogbuekwe on behalf of stakeholders and residents.

    Ubagu also pledged the ward’s support for Ogbuekwe in the September 26 council election and assured that the community would support APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.

    The endorsement was largely linked by speakers to Governor Mbah’s development record, with stakeholders citing infrastructure and other government interventions as reasons for their support for the APC.

    At Amechi Idodo/Orukwu, the member representing Nkanu East Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Okey Mbah, commended residents for their turnout and solidarity.

    The APC Chairman in Nkanu East, Abel Nwigwe, said the campaign was also an opportunity for communities to assess and acknowledge the development direction of the state government.

    Prof. Hyginus Banko Okibe, Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), described Ogbuekwe as an educated, tested and trusted candidate, while pledging his support for the APC candidate and Governor Mbah.

    The Director-General of the Mmiri Ọma Campaign Organisation, Prince Chukwuemeka Nwatu, also canvassed support for Ogbuekwe, citing his experience and professional background.

    Across the communities, Ogbuekwe presented a consistent development message, promising to replicate what he described as the Mbah administration’s development model at the local government level.

    He identified infrastructure, agriculture, human capital development and security as areas of priority, while also promising to support youth development, market development and other grassroots initiatives.

    Ogbuekwe said the APC’s nomination had provided an opportunity to bring the governor’s development philosophy closer to the people of Nkanu East.

    He also pledged to work with Nara indigenes in the diaspora towards the development of Nara Market and other community initiatives.

    At the different campaign stops, he repeatedly urged residents to support other APC candidates, including Hon. Okey Mbah for the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nnolim Nnaji for the House of Representatives, Senator Kelvin Chukwu for the Senate and Governor Peter Mbah.

    He also referenced a pledge by Nnolim Nnaji to facilitate one transformer for each ward in Nkanu East.

    The campaign engagements have consequently transformed into a broader mobilisation effort, combining the September 26 local government contest with efforts to strengthen the APC’s grassroots structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    For Ogbuekwe, the repeated endorsements, public declarations and the ₦1 million campaign donation represent signs of growing grassroots acceptance. For the APC, the engagements provide an opportunity to test the strength of its organisation across communities before the council poll.

    But while campaign rallies can demonstrate enthusiasm and political organisation, the ultimate test remains the ballot.

    With September 26 drawing closer, Ogbuekwe and the APC have secured public declarations of support in several Nkanu East communities. Whether those declarations translate into votes will be determined when the people head to the polls.

  • Shettima Leads Nigeria’s BRICS Engagement in India

    Shettima Leads Nigeria’s BRICS Engagement in India

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New Delhi, India, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit as Nigeria seeks to strengthen economic, trade and diplomatic ties with countries within the bloc.

    The summit, which is being held under the theme, “Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” is expected to provide Nigeria with opportunities to attract investment and expand cooperation in key areas of the economy.

    Shettima is leading a Nigerian delegation that includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; and Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal.

    Ahead of the summit, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria would use its participation to pursue new partnerships and investment opportunities in agriculture, technology, artificial intelligence, trade and the digital economy.

    She said Nigeria was particularly interested in learning from India’s experience in using technology and artificial intelligence to create opportunities for its large youth population.

    “India is firm in its expertise in agriculture and, of course, even in the digital economy. In fact, prior to this, we had a session dealing with women in the digital economy and artificial intelligence, and we are leveraging India’s greatest strength, which is in the engagement of its youth population,” she said.

    Oduwole also said the Federal Government was seeking to strengthen Nigeria’s trade relationship with India, which she said had previously reached about $14 billion.

    According to the minister, major Indian investors had expressed interest in meeting with the Nigerian delegation, while Nigeria also maintains significant trade relationships with other BRICS countries.

    “And so, deepening those relationships will further strengthen the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. India used to buy Nigerian oil quite a lot, so we are looking at how to expand that with everything going on in the world,” Oduwole said.

    At the summit, Shettima is expected to join leaders of BRICS member and partner countries and representatives of invited international organisations for discussions on global growth, resilience, innovation and sustainable development.

    The Vice President is also expected to hold bilateral meetings aimed at advancing Nigeria’s interests in trade, investment, agriculture, technology and industrial development.

    Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025, providing the country with an additional platform to strengthen South-South cooperation and deepen engagement with major emerging economies.

    The Nigerian delegation will also participate in the BRICS open session and other activities scheduled alongside the summit.

  • NCC Raises Fresh Security Concerns Over Call Masking Resurgence

    NCC Raises Fresh Security Concerns Over Call Masking Resurgence

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Nigerian Communications Commission has raised fresh concerns over the resurgence of call masking in the telecommunications sector, warning that the practice could pose security risks and undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s communication networks.

    The commission also said call masking could result in revenue losses for legitimate telecommunications operators and the government by allowing international calls to be presented as local traffic.

    The warning followed the 110th meeting of the NCC Governing Board held on September 9, 2026, where members reviewed developments in the industry and expressed concern over the renewed activities.

    Call masking refers to the practice of disguising an international call so that it appears to originate from a Nigerian telephone number or, in some cases, a shortcode.

    According to the NCC, the practice allows those behind the calls to avoid higher international termination charges by paying rates applicable to local calls.

    Beyond the financial implications, the commission said the ability to conceal the actual identity and origin of callers could create opportunities for fraud and other unlawful activities.

    The NCC Governing Board reiterated the commission’s zero-tolerance stance on call masking, describing it as an unacceptable practice and a serious regulatory concern.

    The commission said, “Call masking undermines legitimate telecommunications operations and distorts industry revenues. The practice constitutes an act of economic sabotage capable of adversely impacting the national economy.”

    The NCC noted that masked calls can make it difficult to identify and trace the parties involved because temporary or proxy numbers may be displayed instead of the caller’s actual number.

    Although call masking technology can serve legitimate purposes, the commission said its abuse could facilitate fraudulent activities and anonymous communications, including communications exploited by criminal networks seeking to conceal their identities.

    The NCC said the practice had remained a regulatory challenge despite previous sanctions imposed on telecommunications operators over related violations.

    In response to the latest resurgence, the commission said it would strengthen collaboration with security and law-enforcement agencies, as well as other industry stakeholders, to identify and stop call masking activities.

    The renewed regulatory efforts come alongside the deployment of technology aimed at improving security, compliance and trust within Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem.

    The NCC said its Device Management System is now operational and will strengthen compliance with type-approval requirements while helping to prevent non-compliant devices from circulating in the country.

    The system will also support efforts to combat mobile phone theft by enabling reported stolen devices to be blocked across Nigerian telecommunications networks.

    The commission also disclosed that the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System is scheduled to become operational in October 2026.

    The platform is expected to strengthen the management of telecommunications identities, including mobile numbers, and reduce risks associated with their misuse, reassignment and recycling.

    The NCC said stronger identity management had become increasingly important as mobile numbers are now linked to financial transactions, social platforms and other digital services.

    It added that the deployment of the regulatory technology platforms would take into consideration consumer protection, lawful digital services, privacy and data protection requirements.

    Meanwhile, the commission reported progress in the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure across the country.

    Mobile network operators have deployed 8,526 of the 12,179 additional coverage and capacity sites they committed to provide, representing about 70 per cent of the target.

    The figure marks an increase from the approximately 5,000 sites reported at the previous Governing Board meeting.

    However, the NCC said fibre cuts contributed to a significant increase in network disruptions in June, highlighting the need for stronger protection of critical telecommunications infrastructure.

    The commission is also working with the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to improve students’ access to digital learning through the zero-rating of educational platforms and content.

    The initiative was officially launched on September 10, with October 1, 2026, set as the Go-Live date.

    The NCC said it would continue to implement regulatory measures aimed at improving network resilience, digital trust, consumer protection, fair competition and inclusive connectivity as Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand.