PRESS STATEMENT

RE: RETRACTION AND APOLOGY

Our attention has been drawn to a demand for retraction and apology concerning an article earlier captioned “BREAKING NEWS: Morayo Afolabi-Brown Resigns as MD, TVC Entertainment Under Alleged Unclear Circumstances.”

We have also been reliably informed by learned counsel that the said publication originated from Platform NG, which has since modified and watered down the initial post.

Upon careful review and following wise counsel from our legal advisers, we have discovered that Platform NG erroneously published the said story, which unfortunately tended to undermine the reputable image of TVC Communications — a globally respected media organization — and its distinguished Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Victoria Abiola Ajayi.

We in IKoro Okigwe sincerely regret our earlier association with that misleading publication and categorically state that we hold Mrs. Abiola Ajayi in the highest esteem, recognizing her as a seasoned technocrat and exemplary media administrator.

Accordingly, we tender our unreserved apology to Mrs. Victoria Abiola Ajayi personally, and to TVC Communications as a corporate entity. We assure all concerned that the matter has since been treated as closed by our organization.

Signed:

Iheanyi Enwerem

Managing Editor, IKoro Okigwe

On behalf of

the Management

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr Uma Ukpai, the renowned Nigerian preacher, describing his death as a huge loss to the nation.

In a condolence message, Governor Uzodimma also noted that Dr Ukpai’s departure is a significant blow to the global Christian community especially the Pentecostal family, where his brand of evangelism left a lasting mark.

He recalled that the fiery preacher, known for organising large crusades across continents, channelled his intellectual gifts into building institutions such as schools, hospitals, and charitable centres.

“I admired him for his brand of evangelism which had no boundaries. I admired him for his faith. I also admired him for his resilience and deep intellectualism,” Governor Uzodimma wrote.

The Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum further said that Dr Ukpai used his evangelism to foster national unity by promoting messages of patriotism and shared identity.

According to him, although Dr Ukpai hailed from present-day Abia State, he settled and built his ministry in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in a practical demonstration of belief in one Nigeria, united by common destiny. From that base, he reached out to the world.

Governor Uzodimma added that a remarkable feature of Dr Ukpai’s ministry was his focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ rather than personal glorification.

“By setting up a non-denominational ministry, the late evangelist demonstrated in practical terms that Christian unity is not only feasible but desirable. We have truly lost a great soldier of Christ,” he declared.

He urged other Christian leaders to emulate the late preacher’s broad-mindedness and use their platforms to promote unity and healing across the country.

Governor Uzodimma extended his condolences to the Ukpai family and all Nigerians, praying for the peaceful repose of the departed evangelist’s soul.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has officially dumped the Peoples Democractic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He announced his defection today Tuesday, October 14.

“Today, after a long reflection, we have made the decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the All Progressives Congress.”

Mbah explained that his decision to join the PDP was informed by the need to reshape Enugu and reorganise the politics of the state.

“Today, I stand before you to announce a break from the past and to share a decision that will shape the road ahead. This concerns our values, how we organize ourselves politically and how we secure the future of our project and our people.

“Leadership sometimes demands painful decisions in the service of higher principles and goals. And there comes a time, when everyone must make a bold choice to determine their destiny.”

Says “Transparency and Human Rights Will Be My Watchword”

By Iheanyi Enwerem�

Mbaitoli-born media personality and human rights advocate, Mazi Chinonso Uba (Nonsonkwa), has declared his intention to contest the 2027 Imo Governorship Election under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Speaking over the weekend at a meeting with supporters from the Heal Imo Movement and ADC Tactical Team across the 27 LGAs,held in Owerri,  Nonsonkwa said his decision followed wide consultations within and outside Nigeria.

> “My intentions are clear — respect for human rights, rule of law, justice for all, and security of lives and property,” he said. “Imo will experience a liberal government that benefits the poor, creates jobs, supports small businesses, and prioritizes education.”

He promised to restore confidence in government institutions and ensure autonomy for local governments and the judiciary, adding that “widows, orphans, and persons with disabilities will never cry again in Imo.”

On the alleged ADC crisis, he said there is no crisis, only a misunderstanding between the Rebuild Imo and ADC DNA members.

Nonsonkwa also declared support for Peter Obi, insisting that “the South should retain the presidency till 2031.” He emphasized that his only structure is the people.

“Imo people called, and I answered. What God says will happen at the appointed time,” he concluded.

The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has terminated the employment of all its Nigerian workers.

The development comes less than 24 hours after 90 percent of them joined the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN.

In a memo dated September 25, 2025, and signed by the Chief General Manager of Human Asset Management, Femi Adekunle, the company said the decision was taken as part of a “total re-organisation” of the plant following reported cases of sabotage in different units of the refinery.

The notice directed affected staff to surrender all company property in their possession to their line managers and obtain exit clearance.

The finance department was also instructed to compute benefits and entitlements for payment in line with terms of employment.

The refinery’s management thanked the dismissed workers for their services while in its employment.

Recall that Dangote refinery and PENGASSN have been embroiled in a trade dispute over unionization issue.

By Iheanyi Enwerem�

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will, September 30, 2025, lead Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and her leadership to unveil a book written by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State which highlights the achievements of the APC within 10 years of coming to power.

During the visit, President Tinubu and his entourage will have the opportunity to also formally unveil for public use, some key legacy projects embarked upon by the 3R Government of Governor Uzodimma.

Governor Uzodimma dropped the hint about the President’s planned visit while speaking to newsmen on Thursday after inspecting the projects slated for commissioning.

Top on the list include the completely rebuilt 26 kilometers Owerri- Mbaise- Obowo-Umuahia road, a new Flyover linking Port Harcourt and Onitsha cum improvement on the Assumpta Cathedral Owerri Round-about, and a brand new ultra modern Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre (EIICC), Owerri.

Governor Uzodimma said that “the APC is set to celebrate a decade of leadership in Nigeria with a significant meeting in Owerri, Imo State.”

He added: “All is set to host the President as the guest of honour and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress at the newly constructed Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre (EIIC) Owerri.

“The meeting will launch and showcase a compendium detailing achievements of the Party as complied by a dedicated team led by the Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum.

“The event underscores the APC’s decade of leadership in Nigeria, highlighting tangible infrastructure progress and achievements in Imo State.

“Residents of Imo State are jubilant with emphasis on Party performance and visionary leadership.

“We are not talking of promises anymore. We are discussing performance, visionary leadership, Renewed Hope Government by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Governor Uzodimma said emphatically that “President Tinubu is expected to commission several projects during his visit including; Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road, a new flyover and improvements at the Assumpta Cathedral roundabout and the Ultra Modern Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre (EIIC).”

He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work that went into the projects, noting that the contractors could not have done otherwise with their full knowledge of his zero tolerance for substandard projects.

Davido becomes GRAMMY voting member for 2026 awards

Afrobeats star Davido has been accepted as a voting member of the Recording Academy, the organisation behind the GRAMMY Awards.

Becoming a voting member, the Nigerian hitmaker will be part of a global community of music professionals who determine the awards in the 2026 GRAMMY ceremony.

Confirming his nomination, the Recording Academy shared a video of Davido and other members in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

It wrote, “Creating a song or an album takes heart, time, and dedication. ✨ That’s why Recording Academy members including #Davido, #ravynlenae, #offsetyrn, #jessiereyez, #zacbrownband, #anneakikomeyers, #miles.minnick, #mayaelizabethmusic, #damiensneed, #damarismusica, and #stewart_copeland are sharing why your participation matters.”

The move gives the Feel crooner, who earned three GRAMMY nominations in 2024, a vote in the Academy’s nomination and final-ballot processes.

Speaking on the milestone, Davido said:

“Understanding the importance of how our voices are heard, I am participating in the GRAMMY Award process. It is a game-changer. I have learned that voting empowers you to have a say in what is considered and voted on in each season. I am honoured to be part of the Recording Academy community, and I look forward to voting.”

Davido’s inclusion follows a wider push by the Recording Academy to broaden and diversify its membership, a trend that has seen increasing representation from African artists and other international acts.

Chima Amadi, a Desperate, Clannish Politician Without Roots – ICJPD

The Imo Coalition for Justice, Peace and True Democracy (ICJPD) has described the recent press briefing by The Mazi Organisation (TMO) as “an infantile outburst” orchestrated by desperate politicians.

Addressing journalists in Owerri on Wednesday, Ahumaraeze Ikechukwu, Secretary of the coalition dismissed TMO as a “mushroom contraption” lacking credibility and warned its leader, Dr. Chima Amadi, against name-dropping President Bola Tinubu, his Chief of Staff, and the INEC Chairman in public speeches.

ICJPD accused TMO of being nothing more than a clan-based gathering, insisting it does not represent Ndi Imo. According to the group, the organisation operates like a “family club” dominated by a few kinsmen, with no democratic ideals. It further alleged that Dr. Amadi, the group’s arrowhead, has no verifiable roots in Ngor-Okpala and has been projecting himself with false claims of influence and wealth.

The coalition also faulted TMO’s allegations of elimination plots, tax harassment, and bad governance against the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma. ICJPD maintained that the governor has improved education, delivered infrastructure, restored security, and restored dignity to Owerri as a state capital, adding that TMO’s claims amounted to blackmail and propaganda.

Leaders of the coalition went further to accuse TMO spokesmen, Cajetan Duke and Blyden Amajirionwu, of financial misconduct and betrayal. Duke, they alleged, was stripped of responsibilities in the APC after embezzling funds, while Amajirionwu was said to have looted campaign funds entrusted to him during his rise to the State Assembly.

Concluding, ICJPD urged Ndi Imo to disregard the group’s activities, describing its leaders as “political scavengers” with no track record of service. The coalition reaffirmed support for Governor Uzodimma, stressing that Imo people are too sophisticated to be swayed by “clannish adventurers” or distracted from the state’s progress.