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.

Power is a Loan, Not a Possession, Use It to Plant People.

Written by Sir PMC Okeke,founder PMC Okeke Foundation�

Power is never truly owned,it is only loaned for a season. Whether it comes through politics, position, influence, or privilege, power has an expiry date. Sadly, many who rise into authority forget this truth. They build monuments to themselves, silence voices around them, and focus more on preserving their grip on power than on empowering others. By the time reality dawns, it is often too late to do what truly matters.

Leadership, in its purest form, is not measured by how long you sit in a seat, but by what you do while you’re there. The greatest misuse of power is to leave people the same or worse than you met them. The highest honour is to uplift others, because one day the spotlight will shift, the position will change hands, and the very people you ignored will determine your place in history.

Across every sphere government, business, religion, or community those who succeed in building people are the ones whose relevance outlives their reign. People are legacy. A bridge you built for someone may carry your name longer than any title you bore. An opportunity you created may become a ladder for generations to climb.

On the other hand, when leaders hoard opportunities, suppress growth, or treat positions as personal empires, the outcome is often tragic. Tenure ends, and isolation begins. Once-celebrated figures are forgotten or pitied not because they never held power, but because they used it only for themselves.

We must remember: applause fades, motorcades disappear, and titles become past tense. What remains is what you planted in others. The man or woman who used their position to mentor, empower, and create platforms for others will always live in the hearts of people long after the office is gone.

So, plant people while your voice still carries weight. Speak for the voiceless. While your table has room, invite others to sit. While your hand still holds the pen, sign opportunities into others’ lives. Because when the pen is no longer yours, those you lifted will become your greatest reference.

After all, power is a loan, not a possession, use it wisely by building people.

…Bags Award of Excellence,promises continued partnership�

By Iheanyi Enwerem

The Governor of Imo state, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, has praised the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), as they held the 9th edition of the Annual Memorial Lecture series in honour of the late engineering icon and statesman, Chief Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

The Governor gave this commendation on Thursday, at the special event in Owerri, hailing the Imo state chapter of the NSE for living up to its bidding.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, PhD, the Governor appreciated the efforts of NSE in the state, commending them specially, for sustaining the lecture series in memory of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, noting that his life and career exemplified excellence, service and patriotism.

He also noted that memorial lecture in honour of the late engineering icon underscores the importance of an impactful life and commitment to professionalism without undermining community service.

“The late Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo died an engineering enigma, a philanthropist per excellence and a human colossus whose memories will live beyond generations.

“There is no doubt that posterity will continue to be fair to him”, he said.

Delivering his welcome address, Chairman of NSE Owerri Branch, Engr. Chibuike Onyejietu, elucidated the objectives of the society since its founding in 1958, highlighting its commitment to advancing engineering education, research, and practice.

“Today, we gather not only to reflect on the rich legacy of our late sage, Engr. E. C. Iwuanyanwu, but also to continue the tradition of excellence he so passionately championed,” Onyejietu said.

He described engineers as custodians of innovation, progress, and development, adding that the annual lecture series serves as a platform to foster intellectual growth, encourage leadership, and honour one of the profession’s finest trailblazers.

Guest lecturer, Engr. Tasiu Sa’ad Gidari-Wudil, in delivering the keynote address on the sub theme, “Improving Grid Stability and Reliability: A Comprehensive Framework for Eliminating Frequent Blackouts in Nigeria’s 330/132 KV Transmission System Through Advanced Phase or Unit Measurements Implementation”, offered insights into practical solutions for improving Nigeria’s power transmission network and ensuring energy reliability across the nation.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of Awards of Excellence to Governor Hope Uzodimma and Lady Frances Iwuanyanwu in recognition of their contributions to the advancement of engineering and community development.

The event brought together prominent personalities from the engineering profession, government and academia including the husband of the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Chief (Barr) Chukwuma Ekomaru SAN and the first son of the late Ahaejiagamba, Mr. Jide Iwuanyanwu, among others.

FG honours world’s best English student

The Federal Government has honoured 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullah Aminu, who was crowned World’s Best in English Language Skills at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London.

As part of the recognition, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, presented her with a N200,000 cheque. The event was graced by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suiwaba Ahmed, Commissioner for Basic Education in Yobe State, Abba Adam, as well as top officials of the Federal Ministry of Education and Yobe State Ministry of Education. Five other winners in other categories also graced the event.

In his remarks, Alausa commended Nafisa for making the country proud, describing her victory as proof of the exceptional talent and resilience of Nigerian students. He noted that such international recognition underscores the importance of continued investment in education and the need to create more opportunities for young people to showcase their abilities on the global stage.

The minister further assured that the Federal Government will continue to prioritise initiatives that nurture academic excellence, including scholarships, mentorship programmes, and improved access to quality learning resources.

According to him, Nafisa’s achievement should serve as an encouragement for other students to pursue knowledge with dedication and discipline.

He stressed that her achievement demonstrates the potential of Nigerian students to excel globally when given the right support and opportunities.

In his remarks, Yobe State Commissioner for Basic Education, Prof. Abba Adam, described girls as ‘Amazons’ and a symbol of resilience, noting that their achievements represent both personal excellence and the collective triumph of a state rebuilding its education sector after years of insurgency.

Responding, Nafisa expressed gratitude to her teachers, parents, and the Nigerian government for their support, promising to use her platform to inspire other students.

Imo will start paying N104,000 minimum wage with August salaries – Gov’s aide

By Iheanyi Enwerem

The Imo State Government, through the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Oguwike Nwachuku, has defended its recent decision to increase the minimum wage for civil servants to N104,000.

Speaking on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, Nwachuku assured the public and the workforce that the new wage is not a populist move but a sustainable one, backed by significant improvements in the state’s financial standing.

The announcement by Governor Hope Uzodimma on Tuesday, sparked a mix of excitement and skepticism, with many questioning the state’s ability to maintain the high wage figure compared to other states.

However, Nwachuku used the national platform to address these concerns head-on, citing a massive growth in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue as the primary enabler.

“The government of Hope Uzodimma has invested in building a digital economy and a new template of development.

“When this government came on board, the IGR was less than N400 million, but today, we are talking about an IGR of about N3bn to N4bn. This is a very clear pointer that the government is on the right track financially.

“This revenue growth is a direct result of the administration’s efforts to block financial leakages, digitise government processes, and create a conducive environment for both local and foreign investment,” Nwachuku stated during the interview.

The CPS also highlighted the government’s visible projects in infrastructure, such as the construction of 46 roads across the state, as evidence of its fiscal prudence and long-term developmental agenda.

He stressed that the wage increase was a thoughtful decision made after careful consideration of the state’s financial capacity and was not a political gamble ahead of an election.

In response to questions about the timing of the payment, Nwachuku clarified that “the new wage structure would be implemented with the August 2025 salaries, while consequential adjustments for other cadres of the civil service will be implemented in subsequent months.”

NCAA Bans Airplane Mode, Orders Phones Off During Take-off, Landing

August 19, 2025

NCAA Bans Airplane Mode, Orders Phones Off During Take-off, Landing

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has said that all mobile phones must be completely switched off during flight take-off and landing.

The Director General of Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, stated this during a stakeholders’ meeting themed “National Civil Aviation Security Committee Meeting” in Abuja on Tuesday.

He declared that all passengers must now completely switch off electronic devices during flights, ending the long-standing “flight mode” practice.

He said the regulation concerning phones and other electronic devices in Nigeria has now been unified, stressing that the widely accepted “flight mode” option will no longer be permitted.

He said, “All mobile phones, I repeat, all mobile phones and other portable electronic devices should be switched off during at least the critical phase of flight on all Nigerian airlines. Switched off.”

Rejecting the use of flight mode, he stressed, “There’s nothing like anything like flight mode any longer. Must be switched off. Nigerian air operators are therefore required to amend their operations manual to reflect this requirement and submit to the NCA for approval, if different from this resolution.”

He announced a series of tough measures to address the growing trend of unruly passenger behaviour across the country’s airports, warning that the era of “business as usual” is over.

Najomo said the Authority was committed to enforcing stricter compliance by both airlines and passengers, while also introducing public enlightenment campaigns to sensitize travelers on their responsibilities.

He said, “And, you know, I had to call this stakeholders meeting because going further, we know what the responsibilities of the airlines are, what the responsibilities of passengers are, and where the CA, the FAAN, AVSEC stands. I can assure you where we have decided. I’ve told the Director of Consumer Protection we’re going to do a lot of radio jingles, TV series.

“We’re going to go on air. We’ll make sure that we take all these preambles of informing passengers, going further of their responsibilities, and going further, things will not be as usual as what it is. If you’re unruly, you’re unruly.

“So, you see, we have a new beginning from where we are. It will not be as business as usual. I can assure you that. It will not. And I want to also tell the airline operators here, we are going to start checking that you would do the adequate training.”

Capt. Najomo emphasized that the NCAA would compel airlines to implement “adequate training of conflict resolutions” for their staff, warning operators who had not done so to “please go back and make sure you get this done.”

Highlighting the growing security risks in the sector, he noted, “The threats we face in aviation, steaming from deliberate or attempted sabotage, non-compliance with aviation protocols by traveling public, non-implementation of approved standard operating procedures by service providers, non-cooperation or collaboration among agencies at the airports or systemic oversight require, one, a decisive, united, and accountable response, which I’ve just explained.

He further disclosed that the NCAA would conduct mock response exercises next week in Lagos and Abuja to test readiness.

“We are going to do a mock response next week. We are going to carry it out in Lagos and Abuja, and we are going to come up with a result. And I’m going to go public and tell them what we have come, what we have decided.

“So if you think in your mind you are going to come and be unruly passengers, we’re waiting for you. Aviation security personnel and law enforcement must be reinforced with training, professionalism, and clearly defined rules of engagement. All stakeholders, from airlines to intelligence partners, must work without silos to share threat intelligence and coordinate rapid response.”

He stressed that while unruly acts could never be totally eliminated, authorities must be prepared to handle them “professionally and responsibly.”

“The reality is that unruly acts can never be eliminated totally. So, we must be ready to manage and resolve these incidents, and if and when they occur, in line with the standard protocols, professionally and responsibly.”

Similarly, the Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, NCAA, Michael Achimugu, spoke on enforcement procedures, stressing that security personnel determine the most suitable approach depending on each case.

He explained, “This is global. In Nigeria, we are even more humane. In most cases abroad, even if you are cooperative, unruly behaviour is treated with extreme prejudice.”

Achimugu urged passengers to always channel complaints through the NCAA. “This is the reason the Authority exist; to protect passengers right,” he noted.

Reflecting on recent incidents involving prominent individuals, he said:

“I am happy about the recent events. I am proud of the way the NCAA handle these issues. There is not one party involves would repeat their errors. Not KWAM1. Not Comfort. Not the pilot or cabin crew. But, there are gaps in the system that need to be plucked as a matter of urgency,” he added.