NELFUND: Enugu Launches zero Interest Student Loan and 1BN Skill Acquisition Program

May 23, 2025

Enugu State has taken a bold and historic step toward inclusive education and workforce development by officially launching the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) rollout for zero-interest student loans for tertiary education and being selected as the pilot state for the federal government’s ₦1 Billion Skills Acquisition Loan Programme.

The two-day strategic engagement spearheaded by Hon. Arinze Chilo-Offiah, Special Adviser to the Governor on MSMEs and Digital Economy and Director-General of the Enugu SME Center, with support from Dr. Chinyere Onyishi, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Innovation (representing the Honourable Commissioner for Education) and NELFUND, a key initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Programme brought together key education stakeholders, government officials, traditional leaders, and community representatives to align on policy, infrastructure, and implementation.

Day 1: Strategic Alignment for Zero-Interest Student Loans

Day 1 was anchored around the full rollout of NELFUND’s zero-interest loan programme for tertiary students, which covers tuition fees and offers an optional ₦20,000 monthly upkeep allowance for up to 12 months. The digital application process requires JAMB verification, NIN, and institutional confirmation. Funds are disbursed directly to institutions.

Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director/CEO of NELFUND, led a high-level session with Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Provosts, Registrars, and Deans of Student Affairs across Enugu State, emphasizing the urgent need for institutional participation to ensure students can access the funding without delay.

Breakout Sessions focused on:

Institutional portal integration and data validation
Fraud prevention through system controls
Compliance workflows for real-time verification

Simultaneously, Executive Director of Operations Mr. Mustapha Iyal held technical sessions with ICT Directors and MIS officers, aligning on backend data structures, feedback mechanisms, and automation to streamline disbursement.

Despite Enugu’s strong education credentials, the state currently ranks 33rd of 36 in NELFUND application uptake. The Day 1 engagement served to reposition Enugu for immediate progress and deeper participation.

Traditional rulers, local government chairpersons, and education leaders engaged in an interactive Q&A session—raising concerns on application delays, age limitations, feedback gaps, and part-time student eligibility. NELFUND assured participants of improvements including dashboard alerts, USSD rollout, and institutional dashboards.

Day 2: Enugu’s Skills Infrastructure and ₦1 Billion Pilot Programme

Day 2 spotlighted Enugu’s readiness to implement the newly introduced ₦1 Billion Skills Acquisition Loan Program, a federal intervention designed to fund non-academic learning pathways in high-demand sectors such as fashion, tech, renewable energy, animation, digital services, and skilled trades– which aligns with the Enugu State Human Capital Development Loan Programme

To demonstrate operational readiness, the NELFUND delegation—led by Mr. Mustapha Iyal—visited three key facilities across the state

Enugu Fashion and Garment Hub

This cutting-edge co-working and production space offers tailored support for fashion entrepreneurs and trainees. With industrial-grade equipment, classrooms, and commercial production capacity, the hub will serve as a flagship site for fashion-related disbursements under the Skills Loan Programme.

Government Technical College (GTC), Enugu

The team toured the newly revamped GTC, a technical education hub now fully equipped for trades like welding, mechanical work, electrical installation, and construction. The tour was led by Dr. Amaka Ngene, Chairman of the Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Boardv(STVSMB), Enugu State, who showcased the modernized workshops and emphasized the role of GTC in training artisans aligned with the federal skills agenda

Digital Skills Enhancement Zone (D-SEZ) at ESCET

At the Enugu State College of Education (Technical), the delegation visited the D-SEZ—a smart, tech-enabled training facility focused on digital literacy, software engineering, design, and online entrepreneurship. The D-SEZ is part of Enugu’s broader strategy to train 50,000 youths annually in digital economy-aligned skills.

These tours highlighted Enugu’s unique infrastructure advantage and validated its capacity to serve as the national testbed for the Skills Loan rollout

Outcomes and Next Steps

At the conclusion of the two-day engagement, the following next steps were agreed:

Full integration of NELFUND into all tertiary institution application and student finance portals
Establishment of a NELFUND support WhatsApp group for institutional liaisons
Technical alignment with private universities, ICT academies, and vocational centers
Formalization of Enugu as the location for the NELFUND South-East Zonal Office

Goodwill messages from the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, the Rector of IMT, the Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers, and other key stakeholders reinforced cross-sector support for long-term success

Conclusion

With the rollout of zero-interest student loans and the launch of the ₦1 Billion Skills Acquisition Loan Programme, Enugu is rewriting the playbook for education financing and workforce development in Nigeria. From academic tuition access to technical empowerment, the state is providing its youth with the tools to thrive in a modern economy.

This initiative is not just about loans—it is about inclusion, opportunity, and transformation. Under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah, Enugu is showing what it means to build a future where no learner is left behind.

(Hoohaa)

Enugu: NDLEA “Allegedly” Kills an Only Son

Queen Madu

May 23, 2025

Mr. Arinze Odo, a 24-year-old young man, is still reeling from the trauma of a horrific incident involving operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Enugu, which led to the death of his friend, Daniel Isiwu, and left him with a gunshot wound in the neck.

The tragic event occurred on Saturday, May 17, 2025, as Arinze and his two friends, Johnpaul Echezonachukwu and Daniel Isiwu, returned to their base in Emene after shopping at the Ogbete main market. What started as a routine outing turned deadly around 6:30 p.m., near a military checkpoint manned by Air Force personnel along Old Emene Road.

According to Johnpaul, who was driving their Mercedes Benz GLK, traffic had built up near the checkpoint. While deciding whether to wait or reroute via the express, a white Toyota Hilux van suddenly appeared at high speed and tried to double-cross their car. Panicked and unaware of who was in the vehicle, he attempted to move closer to the checkpoint, still over 200 meters away, for protection. But the van blocked them, forcing him to reverse. Then, a gunshot rang out.

Narrating the ordeal, Arinze, who was in the front passenger seat, said:

All I noticed was that someone with a gun jumped out of the car, and then there was this loud gunshot. I shouted ‘Jesus!’ as I felt a sharp pain behind the back of my neck. I touched it and felt something hard and hot lodged in there. In panic, I felt around it and managed to get a pinching hold on it and pulled. It came out, and I saw it was a bullet. I was like, I am hit! I am hit by a bullet! Then I felt the rush of blood flowing down my back, soaking my dress. I passed out.”

When he regained consciousness at the hospital, Arinze was devastated to learn that their 22-year-old friend, Daniel, who sat behind him, had died. The same bullet had torn through Daniel’s neck, ripped through the headrest, and lodged in the back of Arinze’s neck, narrowly missing his spine.

Daniel Isiwu hailed from Ohodo in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State. He was an orphan and the elder of two siblings. Since 2012, he had been raised by his aunt, Mrs. Sabena Ojekoma, after the death of his father, Victor. He also cared for his younger sister, 15-year-old Rita Chidimma.

When we visited the family, they were visibly distraught and in mourning. Mrs. Ojekoma, who raised Daniel as her own son, cried out for justice:

The man who killed my son has not told us why he took his life at his prime. His father died young. Now we have lost him too. I have lost a son. The only offense Daniel and his friends committed was that they were young people in Nigeria driving a good car along the road. The world, Nigerians, please help me get justice for my son. That is all I ask for.”

Chidimma, Daniel’s younger sister and now the only surviving child of their late parents, wept as she tried to express her pain:

“Honestly, I don’t know. This is too much. Sir, the pain is just too much. All his plans and promises to me have gone like that. He didn’t joke with me as his only sister and sibling. I can’t describe who he was and what he meant to me. Sir, this pain is too much. At least our father was sick before he died. What did my brother do to the man who killed him? I am sure he has a son or at least a brother, too. How would he be feeling if it were his son or brother that someone shot dead like that?”

Eyewitnesses said that after the shooting, the NDLEA officers searched the vehicle and found nothing incriminating before fleeing the scene. The police later arrived and, with assistance from passersby, rushed Arinze to the hospital and took Daniel’s body to the mortuary.

When contacted, the spokesperson of NDLEA, Enugu Command, Mrs. Calista Mmeka said they’re investigating the matter to ascertain if their officers were involved in the shooting.

However, a police source told our correspondent that the NDLEA officers are currently detained at the Enugu State Police Criminal Investigation Department, where investigations are ongoing. The officer who allegedly pulled the trigger has also been singled out among them.

The grieving family now waits anxiously for justice. But will it come, or will this tragedy join the list of unresolved cases of extrajudicial killings in Nigeria? Only time will tell.

(Journalist101)

You Can’t Give South-east to Tinubu, Ebonyi People Slam Umahi

Omabu Juliet

May 22, 2025

The Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural in the Diaspora (AEISCID), has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to take the promise of the minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi to deliver South-east region to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with stern reservations, warning that he has no such capacity to accomplish hefty task.

Umahi had in an interview for an upcoming State House documentary marking Tinubu’s second anniversary, boasted that all South-east governors are supporting President Tinubu’s administration, regardless of their political affiliations and his second term aspiration.

Reacting to the development through a statement signed Thursday in Abuja by its President, Ambassador Pascal Oluchukwu, the Ebonyi iIndigenes expressed dismayed over Umahi’s downright denial of marginalization of the South-east region “when Nnamdi Kanu is yet still being tried by the Tinubu-led government despite genuine calls that he should have been granted a state pardon.

“People of the region are yet to see any vehement commitments from leaders like Umahi to use their influence to persuade the Tinubu administration to fix the real issues affecting our people.

“A good case in point is the aloofness of leaders like Umahi and indeed, the South-east Governors in addressing the challenges faced by JAMB candidates in the entire region which all seems to every reasonable mind to be targeted at the people of the region.

Ordinarily, if Umahi has the interest of the South-east at heart, he should have been addressing this growing concern on behalf of Ndigbo.”

The group said despite Umahi’s claims, the South-east region is still plagued by critical infrastructure challenges, including deplorable road networks.

“We are aware that as a man insipidly desperate to impress his paymasters, Umahi is only interested in recouping gains and lots to be shared between him and his paymasters and not sincerely interested in actualizing the many bogus projects the administration has embarked upon such as the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway among others.

“To further drive home our points on the high level of deceit ongoing in the guise of ‘ambitious projects’ by the Tinubu-led government using Umahi as a conduit executioner, no existing road infrastructure in the South East region have been completed in nearly two years- from Enugu to Port Harcourt, Enugu-Onitsha, Ontisha-Owerri, Enugu to Abakaliki or Afikpo to Okigwe highways. It is visible to even the blind that works have been ongoing on some of the roads awarded for nearly two years, leaving road users with struggles to use only a section of these roads.

“We recall that the above sad scenario was responsible for the Ugwu Onyeama accident in Enugu that claimed several lives.

“We wish to hint the Tinubu administration of the very fact that the same egoistical Umahi has no political relevance to command, influence or commandeer leaders of the South-east region on a political path to tow come 2027.

The last we recall on his electoral outing was his collosal loss of his Ebonyi South Senatorial zone in 2023 where even as a sitting Governor, he couldn’t control a meagre five Local Government Areas in his Ebonyi South Senatorial district. Of course, we know how he allegedly used the influences of security agents and INEC’s top brass to be declared the winner of that Senatorial election he has manifestly lost before midday.

“In terms of political weight and influence, Tinubu ought to have known that Umahi weighs far below the average. From his reckless speeches to actions and inactions both then as a governor and even now a minister, no serious political elite in the South East region can be easily swayed or influenced by Umahi except, perhaps for the few cronies he has been servicing in his home State of Ebonyi. We ask; what was his achievement as the longest-serving Chairman of South East Governors Forum?”

While warning the Tinubu administration not to take Umahi’s words and promise seriously, the group said” Umahi represents the greedy politician who is only deeply interested in filling his pockets and making all the gains he can make all for himself while trying to strategically position himself as a leader and a spokesperson of the South-east region he has zero influence on.”

Abia State Gov Honored at “Promise Kept Carnival” Rewards Honest Driver N1.4M

Queen Madu

May 22, 2025

ABIA: State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti Celebrated at “Promise Kept Carnival” in Aba, Rewards Honest Tricycle Operator, Mr. Emmanuel Ejezie with ₦1.4 Million, Announces Arrival of 20 Electric Buses

It was a moment of joy, gratitude, and inspiration as residents of Aba gathered in grand style at Umuagbai Secondary School premises along Port Harcourt Road to honour the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, at a thanksgiving event aptly themed “Promise Kept Carnival.” The carnival was organized in appreciation of the Governor’s unprecedented reconstruction of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road, a critical infrastructure that had been neglected for over three decades.

During the vibrant celebration, Governor Otti made headlines by rewarding an Aba tricycle operator, Mr. Emmanuel Ejezie, with ₦1.4 million for an extraordinary act of honesty.

Mr. Ejezie had earlier returned a misplaced sum of ₦2.04 million, earning the admiration of the Governor, who described the gesture as reflective of “what Abians are known for.”

As the crowd erupted in applause, Governor Otti took the opportunity to address the people, announcing a landmark development in the state’s transportation sector. He revealed that his administration has procured 20 brand-new electric buses that will be launched within two months as part of the state’s new public transport system.

“In the next two months, not more than two months, our transport system will start working. So, if you go around, you will see the bus terminals we are building.

“We have paid for the 20 electric buses.

“So, they are bringing the buses to carry you and I, and the buses will be beautiful.

“You know the kind of buses you see abroad. That is the kind of buses you will see in Abia. The only difference is that these buses will not use petrol. It will not use diesel. It will not use gasoline. They will be electric buses,” Gov. Otti stated.

The Governor, while recalling the challenges and criticisms faced during the road reconstruction, lambasted the opposition for their baseless noise and noted that his government prefers to respond through impactful performance.

“But, we have always ignored them. And we have continued to ignore them. We respond with performance. But, there is a response I want to give.

“So, listen to the response. In 2017, they awarded this Port Harcourt Road. The amount at that time was ₦9.8 Billion. And they paid out the entire money. But the Road was not done.

“So, when in 2025, the Road cost ₦36.5 Billion, they started making noise. So, I said, since you people understand mathematics, the average exchange rate in 2017 was ₦333 to a Dollar.

“Now, if you apply that, the ₦9.8 Billion was actually $29 Million (equivalent)
In 2025, at the average exchange rate of ₦1,600, ₦36.5 Billion is actually $22.8 Million equivalent.

“So, let us do the maths. $29 Million and $22 Million, which one is higher? But, the real issue is that in 2017, $29 Million was spent, and no Road was done.

“In 2025, $22 Million was spent and a standard Road is done and delivered for use,” Gov. Otti explained.

The carnival also served as a platform for notable figures to express their admiration for the Governor’s achievements.

Senator Darlington Nwokocha and Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, praised Governor Otti for his transformative projects across Aba and Abia State, citing them as proof of “focused leadership.”

On behalf of the Aba business community and the Aba Landlords Association, Chief David Ogba Onuoha, Chief Leo Nnodi Okoye, Chief Alphonsus Odigbo, and the Chairman of the occasion, Ide John Udeagbala, all expressed deep appreciation for the Governor’s work. They described Port Harcourt Road as the crown jewel of Otti’s achievements and remarked that the event was not only a celebration of restoration but also a “vote of confidence” and a de facto launch of Governor Otti’s re-election campaign.

Earlier in the event, Chief Onyeka Ernest Udeajah, the convener of the carnival, commended Governor Otti for his developmental strides and declared the rebirth of Aba as a “new season” for Abia State.

“What Aba is witnessing is evidence of God’s goodness. Port Harcourt Road stands tall in the achievements of the Governor,” Udeajah stated.

He described the carnival as the emergence of “a new day and a new season,” affirming that “indeed, help is here for Abia people.”

The colorful carnival featured thrilling music displays from talented Aba-born artistes including the famous Aba born Ruffcoin Nwa-Aba, Xile Nwa-Aba, Onye Army and also comedy display by the good governance content creator ‘4fun Mamamia’. The event was attended by top dignitaries, Elected government officials, political appointees, Aba business moguls and industrialists, citizens and residence who united in a joyous celebration of transformational leadership and renewed hope for the people of Aba and Abia State in general.

10 Things You Need to Know Happened Across Nigeria

Queen Madu

May 21, 2025

1. The Senate Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday disagreed with the party’s governors on the call for a coalition. Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, who is the PDP Caucus leader, told reporters that a coalition was the way to go.

2. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday handed over the 753 units of houses linked to a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. Following intelligence, the commission uncovered the housing units on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.

3. Southeast governors, irrespective of political leanings, are backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in recognition of his commitment to equity, national unity and development, Works Minister Dave Umahi has said. He said plans are underway for a regional political summit where Southeast leaders would endorse the President for a second term.

4. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last night returned to Abuja after a two-day visit to the Vatican City in Rome, where he attended the inauguration of the 267th Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV. President Tinubu, who arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 6:50pm, was received by the senior members of the administration.

5. Containerised shops were destroyed on Tuesday following an explosion involving a diesel-laden tanker behind the Alake Sports Complex in Ijeja, Abeokuta. The explosion occurred just behind the fence separating the Sports Complex from the Ijeja community, triggering panic among nearby residents.

6. Senate President Godswill Akpabio says lawmakers were not elected to engage in confrontation with the Executive but to foster policies that promote national development. The Senate President spoke in an upcoming feature documentary to mark two years of the Bola Tinubu administration.

7. The Central Bank of Nigeria has retained Monetary Policy Rates (MPR) at 27.5 per cent. Central Bank Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, made the disclosure in Abuja on Tuesday while briefing the press on the outcome of the 300th meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the apex Bank.

8. A schoolboy was reportedly killed by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a policeman, triggering protests in the Alakia–Gbagi area of Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Tuesday. It was gathered that the victim was heading to the examination centre to sit for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Ibadan.

9. Two herders – a male and a female – were reportedly killed on Monday around Tahore community in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau state. Herders in the area said the deceased were ambushed and shot dead while returning home from Maikatako market on a motorcycle.

10. Days after a Lagos banker, Osemudiamen Idemudia, was declared missing by his family, his body was discovered at a morgue in the Yaba area of the state. Idemudia, who worked in the Point-of-Sale department of a commercial bank in the Ikota area of Lagos State, was last seen on the evening of May 9 in the CMS area of the state.

(Dailypost)

Visa Application Centers in Enugu and Port Harcourt Reopens

Omabu Juliet

May 20, 2025

The UK government has reopened its visa application centers in Enugu and Port Harcourt for easier access to visa services for residents in the southern region of Nigeria.

The announcement was made by the Deputy British High Commissioner and Head of the UK Mission in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, through the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the UK in Nigeria.

Jonny Baxter said the visa centers will be located in their former venues Presidential Hotel in Port Harcourt and Omidal Luxury Hotel in Enugu.

“I’m delighted to announce the reopening of our visa application centres in Port Harcourt and Enugu. By reopening these centres, we’re helping those of you based in the south to access our services locally, without the need to travel long distances.

As before, the centers will be located in the Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt, and Omidal Luxury Hotel, Enugu,”

I’m also delighted that applicants using these centres can benefit from additional services such as Keep My Passport while applying, so you can hold on to your passport until a decision is made, as well as others, the document upload support and status updates.”

This means applicants no longer have to surrender their passports while awaiting a visa decision, allowing more flexibility for domestic or regional travel in the interim.

He advised prospective applicants to plan their travel and applications early, especially ahead of peak periods.

“If you’re planning to travel to the UK in the coming months, whether for work, study, tourism, or to visit friends and family, please do start planning now. You can apply up to three months before your point of travel, and I really encourage you to do this, to avoid the peak period when we’re dealing with thousands of applications a day.”

Baxter also cautioned applicants to ensure they understand the documents they’ll need to provide and have them ready to submit a complete application.

TLScontact had operated UK visa application centers in Nigeria for several years. However, the UK visa application service began transitioning from TLScontact to VFS Global in September 2024, with the transition completed by January 2025. VFS Global now manages all UK visa applications in Nigeria as part of a broader shift involving 31 African countries and other regions globally.

Following the transition, UK Visa Application centers were located in Abuja at Mezzanine Floor, Tower C, Churchgate Plaza, Plot 473, Cadastral Zone AO, Constitution Avenue, Central Business District; in Lagos (Ikeja) at 2nd Floor, Ile Oja Opebi Mall, Opebi, Link Road; and in Lagos (Victoria Island) at 2nd Floor, Churchgate Plaza Tower 2, PC 31 Churchgate Street.

n late 2024 that the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, stated that Nigerians account for 10% of all new visas issued in the past two years.

by Taboola

Governor Francis Approves N500,000 Pay on New Doctors in Ebonyi State

Omabu Juliet

May 20, 2025

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has announced that the monthly salaries and allowances of newly recruited medical doctors in the state will be increased from N150,000 to N500,000.

Nwifuru made the announcement on Monday in Abakaliki during the inauguration of the state’s health activation program, held as a preparatory step for the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) scheme.

As part of the event, the governor also commissioned hospital equipment valued at billions of naira.

He stressed that doctors deserve better pay to enable them to perform optimally and take care of their families.

“I came across an analysis on social media about the inadequacy of the N150,000 salaries and allowances for doctors.

“After distributing questionnaires, I found the analysis to be valid and concluded that action needed to be taken,” Nwifuru explained.

A doctor working in Ivo, for example, needs about 20 liters of fuel daily. If you multiply that by 28 days, you’ll understand the real cost,” he explained.

He acknowledged the demanding nature of the medical profession, revealing that he once considered becoming a doctor but changed his mind after struggling with organic chemistry.

“Doctors deserve more. I have decided that their salaries and allowances should be a minimum of N500,000 monthly, and this applies only to newly recruited doctors, “Nwifuru stated.

Living at the various localities will help doctors save costs and avoid distractions from their families,” Nwifuru added.

The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma, lauded the governor for procuring the new medical equipment, assuring that it would be used effectively.

“The procurement of this equipment will complement the availability of modern health facilities and a motivated workforce in the state,” he said.

The Executive Secretary of the State Drug Management Agency, Mrs Jioke Chinwendu, also pledged the agency’s commitment to ensure the consistent availability of drugs in health facilities across the state.

Anambra Security forces kill 2 gunmen

Omabu Juliet

May 16, 2025

The Joint Security Force in Anambra has repelled an attack on a security Check point at Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area of the State, and neutralised two gunmen.

The joint team also recorded one fatal injury during the operation, and the unknown gunmen burnt one operational vehicle belonging to the operatives.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Awka, said that the incident occurred in the late hours of Thursday.

He explained that during the ensuing gun battle, due to the superior fire power of the team, the criminals abandoned one of their operational vehicles, a Toyota Sienna and fled the scene.

” One of the Anambra Joint Security Team in the late evening of May 15, 2025, resisted an attack by armed criminals at the security checkpoint in Isuofia. Two of the armed hoodlums were neutralised in the process.

” Unfortunately one of the security operatives was fatally wounded, while one of the security operational vehicles was burnt by the bandits.

” The Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, CP Ikioye Orutugu condemned the act and viewed it as a test of the people’s collective resolve to work with the security forces to dislodge and eliminate criminal elements in the state.”

He said that Orutugu assured residents of the state that the command would apprehend the perpetrators behind the act.

The police spokesperson said that calm has returned to the area and more armed operatives are currently combing nearby bushes for possible arrest of the fleeing miscreants.

Lawyer Assassinated after Securing Murder Suspect Bail

Queen Madu

May 16, 2025

Tension gripped Egbebelu village in Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State on Thursday following the gruesome murder of a legal practitioner and another individual by gunmen suspected to be assassins.

The lawyer, whose identity was not immediately disclosed, had reportedly secured the bail of a suspect in a murder trial at High Court II, Ekwulobia, shortly before he was ambushed and killed.

According to the Anambra State Police Command, “the victims were returning from court when they were trailed and double-crossed by armed men operating on a motorcycle.

In a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, “The assailants opened fire, killing the lawyer and his companion at the scene. A third occupant in the vehicle survived the attack and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.”

Ikenga added that “the survivor has been debriefed and provided crucial information aiding an active investigation and manhunt.”

Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, minps, PhD, visited the crime scene around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and senior detectives from the Command. During the visit, a red Toyota Camry believed to belong to one of the deceased was recovered.

“The Commissioner has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident and deployed tactical and intelligence units to track down the perpetrators,” said Ikenga.

The bodies of the deceased have been recovered and formally identified by their families.

(Journalist101)

House Representatives Dismiss Rotational Presidency Bill

Omabu Juliet

May 14, 2025

The House of Representatives has rejected a bill seeking to entrench the principle of rotational presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, proposed an amendment to the 1999 Constitution to mandate the rotation of the offices of President and Vice President among the North Central, North West, North East, South West, South East, and South South zones.

Titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Cap. C23, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2024, to Provide for the Principle of Rotation of the Offices of the President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Among the Six Geopolitical Zones of the Country—and for Related Matters (HB. 2291)”, the proposal was struck out during plenary on Tuesday after a heated debate presided over by Kalu.

Speaking against the bill, Aliyu Madaki (NNPP, Kano) argued that the federal character principle already ensures equitable representation, stressing that zoning should be left to political parties and the electorate, not enshrined in the Constitution.

Similarly, Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) warned that a constitutional provision for zoning could undermine meritocracy and national unity.

“It could elevate ethnic and regional considerations above competence, restrict the pool of qualified candidates, and deepen divisions,” he said.

Bello El-Rufai (APC, Kaduna) also, cautioned that the move could inflame ethnic and regional tensions in an already polarised nation.

However, Rep. Ali Isa (PDP, Gombe) supported the bill, arguing that it would promote inclusion and a sense of belonging among all regions.

Responding to the opposing views, Deputy Speaker Kalu defended the bill, stating that all zones have capable leaders. He said the proposal was aimed at fostering equitable access to leadership and enhancing national unity.

Despite his appeal, the bill was rejected through a voice vote by a majority of lawmakers.

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