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Honourable Akala Is A Chairman With A Difference – Amb GodBless Ademu
The newly coronated Ata-Oja Igala, Karu Local Government of Nasarawa State, Honourable Chief Ambassador Godbless Isiaka Ademu has said that the chairman of Karu Local Government Area, honourable Samuel Akala Gajere is a chairman with a difference as he (Hon. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
Ata-Oja Ademu make this assertion during his coronation ceremony as the Ata-Oja Igala, Karu Local Government of Nasarawa State saying that the socio-economic development that Akala had brought to Karu Local government area has no rival.
Ata-Oja Ademu said, “This is the Igala community in Karu local government area Nasarawa My name is Honourable Chief Ambassador Godbless Isiaka Ademu, Proprietor of Honourable schools limited; Proprietor, Solutions Computer Consult, honourable center for remedial studies and many more and today, I have been mandated to become the Ata-Oja Igala Karu local government.
“For your information sir, Igala community are the most organized non-indigenous group in Karu, whether we like it or yes (not or not). Honourable sir, we have a structure that is second to none in the whole 36 states of the federation and the federal capital territory, what is that structure?
“The Igala community has 3 different structures or more, we have the ICDA president who is the Administrative head of the Igala Community, We have the Ata-Oja Igala who is the socio-political and the economic head of the Igala community of which I am opportune to step into the shoe today being 14th November, 2020; and we have the Onu Igala who is the traditional head of the Igala community who represent the father of everybody whether good or bad, whether mad or normal. A very handsome man, I don’t if you can see him,. A handsome man an educated man , an enlightened man, a man of vision he is the onu igala, Karu Local Government, he is the Oga Ata Igala, Karu local government, and to tell you he is the Wakil Igala, Karu Local Government. That title was bestow on him by Esu Karu himself, so he belong to the council of chief Karu Local Government.
“We invited you here today, not because of anything, chairman has come and gone, but I want to tell you please help us tell Honourable Akala that he is a chairman with a difference. The Igala people, we are people of peace and honourable Akala is a man of peace; the Igala people we are people that like progress and Honourable Akala is a progressive entity; the Igala people we are people that love dignity and honourable Akala is a dignified man himself.
Ata-Oja Ademu however implore the honourable chairman for inclusiveness of the Igala community in Karu Local Government in his administration and socio-political planning as the Igala community have not benefited directly from his administration.
He said, “Looking at karu local government he has done a lot here and I want to tell you sir that if he had carried the Igala people along, he would have done more and I want you to know sir to draw your map and include the Igala community, you will never fail politically, you will never fail economically, you will never fail socially and psychological you will never fail.
“So we are waiting, the Igala community, to be called upon one day and have a place and have a say in the affairs of Karu local government being the most populous non-indigenous tribe in Karu local government.
“Now because of what you have done to the people not to the Igala community; if it is to the Igala community, we have benefitted nothing physically, that is the bitter truth but we must chew it but the development he has brought to Karu despite that you did not carry the Igala community along which you would have done better we have seen and we are feeling it and therefore we say thank you Honourable Samuel Akala Gajere for making Karu a town of pride.
“We are therefore presenting an award to him to tell him that we are aware of what he is doing and to tell him that we want him to do more and to tell him that we want him to carry us along.
“So the National President, please help us deliver this award to the executive chairman, karu local government who has been so generous to the igala community, so far that we buy and sell here, and we live here, we sleep here with our two eyes closed. Thank you very much the National President.”, he concluded.
Honourable Akala, through his Councilor, Social Services and Special Duty Abubakar Maiwada expressed appreciation for the Award while pledging to do more for the Igala Community in Karu local government of Nasarawa State.
He said that, “On behalf of my boss the chairman of karu local government, let me give thanks to the Almighty Allah sub hanau wata ala for making us to witness this occasion.
“Actually, he wanted to be here personally but because of tight schedule he is not as he has another official engagement somewhere within the state. let me seize this opportunity to tender his unreserved apology for his inability to be here personally and I hope his apology is accepted, even though he is not here physically, I want to assure you he is here with you.
“As a matter of Fact, this award and traditional title given to my boss is a well deserve one considering his contribution to the development of Karu local government area.
“Honourable Akala has done two and a half years in office but the result are enormous, his achievement in almost nukes and cranny of karu local government are so much visible to the extent that even a blind man can testifies. In fact, he is the best performing local government chairman in the history of Karu Local government in Nasarawa State.
“Igala Community in karu local government area are known to be peaceful. Let me seize this opportunity to call on you to continue to be in peace and harmony as karu local government will continue to partner with you and support your activities both morally and financially when the need arise.
“I want to sincerely thank the organisers of this event, particularly the Ata-Oja of Igala community, karu local government area for organizing this auspicious event and honouring my boss with this prestigious award and traditional title, I am hoping that this spirit of brotherliness and cordiality will continue to grow.
“Finally, I want to sincerely thank you so much for honouring me with this award. Thank you very much!
“May Almighty Allah reward you accordingly!” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the National President, Igala Cultural Development Association (ICDA), Sadiq Aubakar Amodu that also received an Award and the traditional title of ‘Ukata Igala’, through the ICDA Chairman, Karu-Jikwoyi, Ebiojo Muhammed had admonished the Igala community to be resilient saying that nothing good come easy. He also pointed out some of the achievement of his Administration, saying that during his tenure, we were able to build the Igala Unity House in Ayingba, during his tenure there was cultural reawakening of Osho Hunting Expedition which was last done over 60 years ago, and more importantly, that he is able to galvanise cohesion among all the Igala entity fostering unity among Igala sons and daughters all over during his tenure.
Also, The Pro-term President of the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Investigative Professionals of Nigeria (CIFIPN), Dr. (Mrs) Enape Victoria Ayishetu and the widow of the last Ata-Oja Igala, Karu local government, Nasarawa State, Late Honourable Alex Daikwo JP, Mrs. Elizabeth Alex Daikwo among others were recipients of various awards and traditional titles during the occasion.
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Soludo’s Economic Blockade of Onitsha Is ‘Declaration of War’ Against Igbo People
A U.S.-based organization, The Rising Sun Foundation, alongside the global coalition for Biafra restoration, has warned Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, condemning his blockade of Onitsha’s business district and accusing him of betraying the Igbo people.
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In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by Dr. Maxwell Dede, representing The Rising Sun Foundation in the United States, the foundation described Soludo’s actions as “tyrannical” and a “flagrant betrayal” of promises he made four years ago to support a grand dialogue on the Igbo people’s future within or outside Nigeria.
“Governor Soludo stands accused of a profound and treacherous betrayal. Four years ago, he courted the support of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the aspirations of millions, publicly pledging to facilitate a grand dialogue for the Igbo people. Today, he actively persecutes the very people and principles that propelled him to power,” the statement said.
The group criticized the governor for deploying predominantly non-Igbo military and police personnel to blockade economic arteries, describing the move as “the act of a tin-pot dictator, not a democratic leader.”
It further claimed that the Onitsha crisis is “not a result of merchant disobedience but of gubernatorial failure and dictatorial impulse”.
“The governor is strangling the economic lifeblood of the people he swore to serve, shattering the fragile peace he claims to protect,” the foundation said.
It also condemned Soludo’s perceived comfort with the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the federal government, calling it evidence that Soludo is “a politician of convenience, not conviction.”
The Rising Sun Foundation warned that any harm inflicted on peaceful protesters or merchants exercising their rights would be interpreted as “an open declaration of war against the Igbo people and their fundamental human rights. The blood will be on Soludo’s hands.”
The group added that the world should hold the Government House in Awka responsible for any breakdown of law and order, insisting that “Governor Soludo fired the first shot with this unjust and provocative blockade”.
“We are a peaceful people, but we say no more killings. The era of Igbo governors colluding to spill the blood of Igbo youths is over. We will not stand idly by and watch history repeat itself,” the statement said.
The foundation also announced it was initiating steps to have Soludo declared persona non grata internationally for what it described as gross violations of democratic norms and economic rights, asserting that “his welcome on the international stage will be rightfully rescinded.”
Calling on international observers, human rights organizations, and the Nigerian federal government to take action, the foundation said, “The siege on Onitsha must be lifted. The path to peace in the South-East is through justice, dialogue, and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu—not through military barricades and economic suffocation.”
The group warned the governor, “Governor Soludo, you are at the brink. Pull back. Respect the people. Honor your forgotten promises. The world is watching.”
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New Year: Gov Ododo Calls for Unity, Commitment to Security of Lives, Properties
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state has called for Unity of the people in complementing government’s efforts to tackle rising insecurity in the state.
The Governor also solicited people’s support through hard work, and sustained patriotism as his administration intensifies efforts to deliver people-oriented governance.
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Ododo who made the call in his New Year message to the people of the state, thanked Almighty God for protection and guidance throughout the past year, noting that the period tested the resilience of the people but also strengthened their collective resolve.
The Governor said that despite challenges, the state recorded modest but significant gains across key sectors, including security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and youth and women empowerment, attributing the progress to discipline, unity of purpose, and the cooperation of citizens.
According to him, the New Year presents renewed hope and a stronger resolve by his administration to do more through prudent resource management, inclusive governance, and policies aimed at improving the quality of life of the people, expanding opportunities for youths, empowering women, and strengthening the state’s economy.
Governor Ododo reaffirmed that security remains a top priority of his government, assuring residents of deeper collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders to sustain peace across the state, stressing that meaningful development can only thrive in a secure environment.
He called on all Kogites to continue to reject division and embrace cooperation, describing the state’s diversity as a strength that must be harnessed to build a Kogi that works for everyone, both in urban and rural communities.
Reiterating his pledge to serve with integrity, transparency, and compassion, the Governor expressed optimism that the New Year would usher in shared prosperity and greater accomplishments for the state.
Governor Ododo also urged continued support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the President’s reforms have strengthened the economy and expanded resources available to sub-national governments for development.
He wished the people of Kogi State a peaceful, prosperous, and fulfilling New Year, while praying for continued progress for the state and the nation.
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One Community, One Honour: Item Okpi Kingdom Celebrates Prof. Arunma Oteh’s Global Legacy
By Abdulrahman Aliagan,
The ancient town of Item in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State was agog on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, as the Item Development Association (IDA) Incorporated trustees hosted the 2025 Item Day Celebration, a historic edition specially designed to honour a single, outstanding personality — Chief, Prof.
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The celebration, held at the playground of Akanu Item Primary School, Akanu Item, was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, clergy, captains of industry and sons and daughters of Item from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Themed “Building a Greater Item Through Collective Action: The Work Continues,” the 2025 Item Day marked a significant departure from previous editions that featured multiple awardees. This year’s event was deliberately structured around a single award and traditional honour, in recognition of Prof. Oteh’s exceptional contributions to the growth and development of Abia State, Nigeria, Africa and the global community.
A major highlight of the event was a Grand Civic Reception in honour of the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, whose presence further underscored the importance of the occasion.
At the ceremony, the Item Development Association formally presented the Item Grand Merit Award to Chief Arunma Oteh, OON, describing her as a worthy daughter of the soil whose global achievements have brought immense honour to Item Okpi Ancient Kingdom, Abia State and Nigeria at large.
The award plaque cited her “distinguished leadership and transformative contributions to global development and in appreciation of the great honour this has brought to our community.”
Prof. Oteh was also specially celebrated for her consistent role as a global ambassador of the Amaba-Ukwu Item community, projecting its image positively across international platforms. This singular contribution, the organisers noted, was a key reason she was singled out for the prestigious award.
The event was chaired by Chief Ojay Obasi Eke (Udoka), with Chief Chukwuemeka Ogwo, MBA (Ugwuchukwuemere I of Item) serving as Co-Chairman.
Other dignitaries present were Hon. Dr. Ibekwe Nnamdi Chimdi, Member representing Bende North Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly; Hon. Okwu Ukoha, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly; and Hon. Uwabunike Bassey, Executive Chairman (Mayor) of Bende LGA.
Traditional blessings were led by the Royal Father of the Day, HRH Eze Jerry Akpala Igwe (JP), Chairman of the Item Traditional Rulers Council, alongside HRM Eze Silas Okafor Igwe (JP), the Okpi of Item, and other royal fathers.
Religious leaders, including His Grace, Dr. Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, Archbishop of Umuahia, also offered prayers for the community and the awardee.
The newly conferred Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba of Amaba-Ukwu Item, Abia State, Alhaji Chief Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, congratulated Prof. Arunma Oteh on the well-deserved honour.
He described her as a pride of Item and a shining example of what dedication, integrity and excellence can achieve, noting that her global impact has placed Amaba-Ukwu Item firmly on the world map.
He prayed for greater strength and wisdom for her to continue serving humanity and inspiring future generations.
In her acceptance speech, an emotional Prof. Arunma Oteh expressed profound gratitude to the Item Development Association, the people of Amaba-Ukwu Item, the traditional institution, the Abia State Government and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the programme.
She pledged to continue projecting the image of her community globally, describing the honour as a renewed call to service.
Prof. Oteh urged sons and daughters of Amaba-Ukwu Item, Abia State and Nigeria at large to embrace courage, resilience and hard work, stressing that “the sky is only the beginning of success for those who dare to dream and work relentlessly.”
She thanked Governor Alex Otti for his support for community development initiatives and commended the leadership of IDA for sustaining the vision of unity, selfless service and progress captured in the association’s motto: “Faith in God and Selfless Service to Our People.”
A Historic Item Day led by Dr. Cyril Onyekachi O. Kalu, President of IDA, and Ambassador Dr. Anthony Chukwudum Okorie, Chairman, Board of Trustees, the 2025 Item Day Celebration has been widely described as historic — not only for honouring one of Item’s most illustrious daughters, but also for reaffirming the community’s commitment to collective development and global relevance.
For many attendees, the celebration was more than an award ceremony; it was a statement of identity, pride and a renewed resolve to build a greater Item for generations yet unborn.
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