Emman Usman Shehu, PhD, has had a distinguished career as journalist and author. From NTA Sokoto to the Daily Times and Daily Independent, he is currently, he is the Director of the International Institute of Journalism, IIJ, Abuja. As an author, his latest outing is FOOTNOTES FOR A NATIVELAND. Published by Topaz books in February 2026, it is a 120-page collection of short poems, that describe the aspirations, dreams, challenges, and state of the nation. Here’s my short take on the book.

 EVERY DAY, young men and women in major cities across the country wake up at the crow of the cock, or sound of alarms from their cheap smart phones. With their back packs slung over their shoulders, they stand by the roadside waiting to be hired for the day’s work.

 Eventually, a vehicle stops, negotiations take place, and the young men  are loaded and deposited at construction sites where they provide cheap labour for the many houses and structures that dot the landscape. At the end of the day, tired and exhausted, they trudge home, for a few hours of rest before the next day’s drudgery begins.

 Meanwhile, at other ends of the cities, those who have illegally cornered the nation’s wealth are busy, dusting up their agbadas and ironing their pseudo-designer suits in readiness for housewarming of their insanely huge ‘mansions’ and commissioning of structures that increase the depth of their already bulging bank accounts.  

 At this point, no one remembers the young men whose hands built the structures, or the young women, who with pots on their heads, babies strapped on their backs, fed the young men at the construction sites, as they fade out, retreat to the back, to become  mere ‘footnotes’ in the sharing of a looted commonwealth.

 Like the men and women at the construction sites, so is the woman in  ‘Kiss the Truth’, one of the sixty-two short satire-infused poems that make up Emman Usman Shehu’s Anthology - Footnotes for a Nativeland.

 For all of these folks, their inheritance is indeed, a ‘Bouquet of Broken Promises’ by an elite that keeps them on the outside, from where they look in, watching helplessly as their patrimony is stripped in what is best described as ‘Harvests of denial’ of the things that ought to be done to give everyone a fighting chance at decent living.

 Footnotes for a Nativeland is an eschatological dissection of the threat greed and corruption pose to the survival of a country;  when ‘shadows on the compound wall’, signal the arrival of the marauders, dampening the zeal of a people who, like the itinerant city construction laborers, dare to seek their ‘daily bread’ under the sun’s unyielding whip and mute indifferent sky.

 The beauty of this Anthology as put together by Shehu, lies in the ability of the author to make the 62 short poems inviting and easy to read. For anyone who has come in contact with the author, easy-to-relate with, could also be an apt description of him as he delivers an accurate reflection of the state of the nation with nostalgia subsumed in infectious mirth.

 ‘Cracks in the Boabab’s skin’ is particularly interesting as it paints a picture of a country, gradually giving way from its former near-perfect state, even if romantically viewed, to one with cracks that run straight through it, and as the great Chinua Achebe would would have said, the centre can no longer hold as things keep falling apart. As this happens, the question most of its children ask is whether ‘the drummer’s hesitant beat’ is enough to ignite a spark in the night’s stern hush?

 From a ‘whisper to the river God’, to the ‘song of the open palm’, from ‘breaking the clay’, as the nation weaves through the ‘hawker’s shadow, through the ‘fisherman’s empty net’, as the ‘maid’s silent scream’ gets lost in the  open seas, the hope is that one day, ‘the sun chews their bone’ as the nation’s children are rid of the ‘ghosts of the hammer’.

 Till then, however, as ‘the wound refuse to close’, all the emotions, the ups and downs, highs and lows are but ‘one voice in the shadow’  waiting to see if ‘Mokwa heals” enough to allow its children, sing in a new tongue away from the ‘language of our nativeland’, which according to Shehu, is ‘forgetting the meaning of compassion, and yielding to the domineering tenor of harshness”.

 And that is where I have a view, antithetical to Shehu’s. The beauty of poetry is that it sets the mind free, to adopt an interpretation that suits individual conviction or view. It is, that freedom that allows me to interpret the ‘language of our Nativeland as one that is, instead, filled with compassion, consideration for one another, and love of neighbour, but exploited by those that prefer for the people, a legacy of a ‘land that drinks its blood’, thereby making the people who toil daily for a living, nothing but footnotes in a nation which story of an arrested development is still unfolding.

 I recommend Footnotes For A Nativeland for everyone, especially communication students to enable them pass on critical messages, without getting in harm’s way.  

‎Wednessday  July 2, 2026

A SENIOR LECTURER in the Department of Polymer Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Engr. Dr. Nnamdi Iheaturu, has said the controversy surrounding the appointment and subsequent withdrawal of 24 special advisers by the university's Vice-Chancellor has rekindled discussions on university administration and institutional autonomy.

Speaking with Omalicha FM Correspondent Venice Valentine, Dr. Iheaturu described the appointment of aides by a vice-chancellor as a normal administrative practice aimed at improving efficiency and effective governance. He explained that no vice-chancellor can single-handedly oversee every aspect of a university's operations, making it necessary to appoint trusted individuals to provide support, monitor developments within the institution, and ensure prompt responses to issues affecting staff and students.

While acknowledging the concerns generated by the appointments, the university lecturer stressed that the real issue should not be the appointments themselves but the calibre of those selected. According to him, only competent, experienced, and trustworthy individuals who can provide sound professional advice should be entrusted with such responsibilities, as their recommendations could significantly influence the administration's decisions and overall progress of the institution.

Dr. Iheaturu emphasized the need to uphold university autonomy, describing it as a long-standing demand of staff unions, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).

He noted that although the laws establishing Nigerian universities guarantee institutional autonomy, the principle is often undermined in practice through external interference. Universities, he added,  should be allowed to manage their affairs independently, generate internal revenue, and strengthen research, innovation, and development, while government support should focus more on scholarships, research grants, and endowments rather than excessive administrative control.

Dr. Iheaturu maintained that greater institutional autonomy would enable Nigerian universities to operate more efficiently, improve their financial sustainability, and deliver quality education in line with global best practices.

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AS THE DEADLINE for voter registration draws closer, renewed calls have been made for residents of Imo State and other eligible Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in the electoral process ahead of the forthcoming elections.

Speaking on the theme, “Beyond Criticism: Why the Journey to Good Governance Begins with the PVC,” during a special edition of Centre Stage on Omalicha 91.1 FM, Owerri, Reverend Dr. Obina Nwoko, a lecturer at the Imo State University (IMSU), said political participation is the foundation of accountability and good governance.

Rev. Nwoko called on religious leaders across the state to use their platforms to promote civic responsibility and political awareness. He urged them to encourage citizens to choose competent and credible leaders based on merit rather than political party affiliation or personal interests.

Meaningful development, Rev Dr. Nwoko said, can only be achieved when citizens take an active role in the democratic process, stressing that obtaining a Permanent Voter Card is the first step toward influencing leadership and public policy.

Rev. Nwoko reiterated that while citizens have the right to demand better governance, they must also fulfil their civic responsibility by registering to vote, collecting their PVCs, and participating in elections. He said greater voter participation is essential to strengthening democracy and ensuring that elected leaders remain accountable to the people.

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THE NIGERIA POLICE Force, Imo State Command, has arrested 12 suspects over alleged kidnapping, cultism, murder and other violent crimes during separate intelligence-led operations across the state. Three kidnapped victims were also rescued unharmed.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said the operations were carried out under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, in collaboration with other security agencies, local vigilante groups and community stakeholders.

According to police, the rescue operation followed the abduction of five passengers from a commuter bus along Obokofia Road in Egbema and the kidnapping of another victim in New Owerri on June 27, 2026. Acting on intelligence, operatives raided a suspected kidnappers' hideout in Obokofia, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, on June 30, rescuing three victims and arresting seven suspects, while others escaped and are being tracked.

In a separate operation, police arrested five suspected cult members during an investigation into a cult-related killing. Based on the suspects' confessions, operatives recovered the decomposing body of an unidentified man allegedly killed during a cult initiation. Investigations are ongoing to identify the victim and apprehend other fleeing suspects.

The command also recovered one AK-47 rifle, two locally made double-barrel guns, four locally made pistols, live cartridges, two vehicles, three motorcycles, a generator and eight branded cult caps.

CP Bosso reaffirmed the command's commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations against violent crime and urged residents to continue providing credible information to support security efforts across.

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THE NIGERIA Union of Teachers (NUT) has suspended its strike across public schools in Oyo State, directing teachers to resume work today. This followed renewed engagements with the state government and assurances of improved security after the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of the State.

In a statement  Wednesday, jointly signed by the union’s Oyo State Chairman, Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and Secretary, Olukayode Salami, the union said the decision followed a directive from its national leadership after reviewing the security situation and considering appeals from the Oyo State Government and other key stakeholders.

The NUT said it remains committed to protecting the welfare and safety of teachers while urging the government to fulfill its promises to strengthen security in schools and prevent future incidents.

The union also called on its members to return to their duty posts as directed while continuing to monitor the implementation of the government’s commitments.

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FUEL MARKETERS have warned that filling stations across the country could suspend petrol sales if the Federal Government attempts to impose price controls on the product, escalating tensions over the implementation of the downstream petroleum deregulation policy.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chinedu Ukadike, issued the warning on Tuesday, while reacting to comments by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, that government would not tolerate profiteering or other practices that exploit consumers.

The minister had, on Monday, while speaking at the 2026 General Counsel and Legal Advisers Forum organised by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority in Abuja, stressed that while the era of government-fixed petrol prices had ended, deregulation did not mean regulators should abandon their responsibility to protect consumers from unfair market practices.

His remarks come amid renewed public concerns over persistent fuel price fluctuations and allegations of arbitrary pricing by some filling stations, with the government insisting that consumer protection remains a key priority even under a deregulated market

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ON THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE

FOUR VENEZUELAN police officers have been arrested and dismissed after they were accused of looting valuables from buildings destroyed by last week's devastating earthquakes, further fueling public anger over the government's response to the disaster.

The officers, attached to Venezuela's Criminal Investigation Agency (CICPC), allegedly stole cash, including U.S. dollars, from the rubble of collapsed buildings in La Guaira, one of the areas hardest hit by the earthquakes. Their arrest came after videos circulated on social media showing residents confronting the officers during the alleged theft.

Authorities said the officers have been removed from service and will face criminal prosecution if found guilty.

The incident has heightened public frustration, with survivors accusing some security personnel of taking advantage of the chaos instead of helping victims. Residents have also complained about delays in aid delivery, while volunteers and rescue teams continue searching through the debris for survivors.

The earthquakes, which struck northern Venezuela last week, have left more than 2, 295 people dead and over 10,000 others injured, according to official figures. Thousands have also been displaced, with many communities still lacking adequate food, clean water, shelter and medical supplies as rescue and relief operations continue.

The arrests come amid growing scrutiny of the government's disaster response, as grieving families and local communities demand greater accountability and faster humanitarian assistance.

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AND ON SPORTS

FIFA SAYS online abuse targeting players, coaches, officials and federations has risen sharply during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with nearly 89,000 abusive posts detected so far.

The governing body said incidents are more than 13 times higher than at the 2022 tournament. About 11 per cent of the posts contained racist language, while others included threats, harassment and discrimination.

FIFA said its Social Media Protection Service is monitoring public platforms, working with social media companies to remove harmful content and referring the most serious cases to law enforcement authorities.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the trend as unacceptable, insisting that racism, discrimination and abuse have no place in football or society. He reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to protecting players, coaches, officials and everyone involved in the game.

Meanwhile, action continued on the pitch as England booked a place in the Round of 16 with a 2-1 comeback victory over DR Congo on Wednesday. Harry Kane scored twice to overturn an early deficit, sending the Three Lions through to a last-16 clash against Mexico, who qualified after defeating Ecuador 2-0 on Tuesday.

With the tournament entering a decisive stage, FIFA said it will continue monitoring online activity throughout the competition while urging fans around the world to support the game with respect, unity and fair play both inside stadiums and across digital platforms.

 If you have an eyewitness report, or wish to make inquiries, do reach out to our news desk at OMALICHA RADIO 91.1FM VIA CALLS to 09030670799

SATURDAY JUNE 27, 2026

TWO SUSPECTED SCRAP METAL SCAVENGERS have lost their lives following an explosion beneath a major drainage channel along the Nekede Old Road in Owerri West Local Government Area.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Henry Okoye, said in a statement that the incident occurred at about 9:15 p.m. on Thursday.

According to him, the victims were identified as 32-year-old Hyginus Akalonu from Umunumu in Ehime Mbano, and 22-year-old Victor Egwu from Agba Ishielu in Ebonyi State.

Okoye said police operatives responded immediately after receiving reports of the blast, secured the area and deployed the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit to examine the scene.

He explained that the victims were inside the drainage channel when the explosion occurred. They sustained severe burns and were rushed to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Owerri, where they later died while receiving treatment.

The police spokesperson said investigations are ongoing to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the explosion.

He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious objects or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines on 0803 342 4051 or 0814 802 4755.

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THE HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION of Nigeria, HURIWA, has criticized the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, over his claim that he does not see the level of hunger many Nigerians complain about.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group described the remark as insensitive and disconnected from the realities facing many Nigerians amid the rising cost of living.

HURIWA cited recent reports by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Programme, which classify Nigeria as one of the world’s hunger hot spots and project that about 34.8 million Nigerians could face severe food insecurity this year.

While acknowledging the government’s infrastructure projects and social intervention programmes, the association urged the Presidency to recognise the scale of the country's food crisis and respond with practical, evidence-based solutions rather than dismissing public concerns.

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A FEDERAL HIGH COURT IN LOKOJA has set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party.

Delivering the ruling on Friday, Justice Isah Dashen held that the court’s December 10, 2025 judgment affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which was not joined in the suit despite claiming ownership of the logo used in securing the registration order.

The court consequently vacated the judgment and ordered that the case be reopened to allow all relevant parties to participate before a fresh decision is made.

Counsel to the Peace Movement Party, C.S. Ekeocha, said the party approached the court after discovering that the NDC’s registration was based on a logo it had earlier submitted to INEC before the suit was filed.

According to him, the court agreed that the party’s interests had been affected and directed that all parties return to the position they occupied before the December 2025 judgment.

Ekeocha explained that the ruling effectively reverses every action taken by INEC in compliance with the earlier judgment, including the recognition of the NDC, the issuance of its certificate of registration and its inclusion in the commission’s records.

He, however, clarified that the substantive case is still pending before the court and that the latest ruling only ensures that all parties with an interest in the matter are heard before a final decision is reached.

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THE INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION, INEC, says it is yet to receive funds for the 2027 general elections, despite less than three weeks to the statutory deadline for the release of election financing.

Speaking in Abuja, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the Electoral Act requires election funds to be released at least six months before the polls, with the deadline falling on July 16.

Haruna warned that delayed funding could affect the procurement of critical election materials, including ballot papers, ballot boxes and new Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, devices, some of which must be imported.

He also disclosed that the commission is considering conducting mock presidential election exercises to test its technology ahead of the 2027 polls, assuring Nigerians that the technical issues experienced with the INEC Result Viewing Portal during the 2023 presidential election will not recur.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa, Ezenwa Nwagwu, cautioned that late release of election funds could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

ON THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE…

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THE UNITED STATES HAS CARRIED OUT airstrikes on Iranian missile and drone facilities near the Strait of Hormuz in response to a drone attack on the Singapore-flagged cargo ship, 'M/V Ever Lovely'.

The US Central Command described the operation as a limited but firm response, insisting it remains committed to enforcing the fragile ceasefire with Iran.

President Donald Trump condemned the attack on the vessel as a violation of the ceasefire, warning that any further aggression would be met with force.

Iran confirmed the strikes but said it was not seeking to escalate tensions, maintaining that its actions were aimed at enforcing maritime regulations in the strategic waterway.

Meanwhile, the attack has disrupted shipping operations in the Strait of Hormuz, with the United Nations' International Maritime Organization temporarily suspending efforts to evacuate stranded vessels from the Persian Gulf.

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THE DEATH TOLL FROM VENEZUELA’S devastating earthquakes has climbed to 920, with nearly 3,000 people injured and more than 50,000 others still missing.

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez said foreign search-and-rescue teams have begun arriving as efforts continue to locate survivors.

However, frustration is mounting among residents, who accuse the government of responding too slowly, forcing volunteers and relatives to search through rubble with bare hands.

Several countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, have deployed rescue teams and humanitarian assistance to support relief operations.

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SPORTS…

HEARTLAND QUEENS OF OWERRI HAVE REACHED the final of the 2026 President Federation Cup for the first time after defeating FC Robo Queens 2-1 in Wednesday's semi-final in Benin City.

Umejiaku Oluebube gave the Owerri side an early lead before Tosin Rafiu equalised for FC Robo Queens. Defender Faith Samson scored the decisive goal in the 87th minute to send Heartland Queens into the final, where they will face Nasarawa Amazons on July 11 in Asaba.

In basketball, Owerri-born Ugonna Onyenso has been selected 53rd overall in the 2026 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets, with his draft rights set to be traded to the Detroit Pistons.

Onyenso, a graduate of the NBA Academy Africa and former University of Virginia standout, becomes one of six players of Nigerian heritage drafted this year and only the second Nigeria-born player to be selected alongside Felix Okpara in the same NBA Draft.

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FRANCE FINISHED TOP OF GROUP I WITH A 4-1 victory over Norway, inspired by a first-half hat-trick from Ousmane Dembélé, while Senegal boosted their hopes of reaching the World Cup last 32 with a commanding 5-0 win over 10-man Iraq.

England also secured a place in the knockout stage after Spain defeated Uruguay 1-0 and Cape Verde held Saudi Arabia to a goalless draw, results that confirmed the Three Lions as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.

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 FRIDAY JUNE 26, 2026

‎A RETIREMENT EXPERT , Chief Fidelis Nwanjoku Chukwuezi, has urged the Imo State Government to implement the provisions of the Pension Reform Act to enable workers in the state benefit from the contributory pension scheme.

Chief Nwanjoku Chukwuezi made the call during a retirement seminar organized by Leadway Assurance Company at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

He noted that while many federal government employees have benefited from the contributory pension system, workers in some states are yet to fully enjoy similar benefits.

According to him, implementation of the pension reform framework would help improve retirement security and ensure more efficient administration of pension benefits.

He therefore called on relevant authorities to take necessary steps toward implementing the pension reform framework in the state to ensure greater retirement security for workers.

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MINISTER OF AVIATION and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has officially signed off the concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

The concession agreement was signed on Thursday at the airport's new terminal and transfers the airport's operational and management responsibilities to Aero Alliance Limited.

The event attracted top government officials and stakeholders, including Enugu State Governor, , representatives of the Ministry of Aviation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), and Aero Alliance Limited.

Speaking at the ceremony, Keyamo described the development as a major breakthrough in Nigeria's aviation sector, noting that plans to concession the airport had remained unsuccessful for about two decades.

According to the minister, the project became possible under the administration of President , adding that previous investors had focused mainly on airports in Lagos, Abuja and Kano.

He disclosed that the successful concession of the Enugu airport has boosted investor confidence, with interest already emerging in three additional airports across the country. Keyamo also revealed that the concession of Port Harcourt International Airport is expected within the next few weeks.

The minister praised Governor Mbah for helping to attract investors to the project, describing him as a key partner in the initiative despite political party differences.

Addressing concerns from aviation workers, Keyamo assured staff that their welfare and interests would be protected under the new arrangement. However, he stressed that the airport would now operate under a private management structure focused on efficiency, accountability and improved service delivery.

He also challenged Aero Alliance Limited to justify the confidence reposed in it by the Federal Government, noting that its performance would serve as a benchmark for future airport concessions across Nigeria.

In another significant development, the minister disclosed that the Enugu State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at establishing a direct flight connection between Guangzhou, China, and Enugu. The proposed route is expected to boost trade, tourism and investment opportunities in the South-East region.

Governor Mbah, in his remarks, described the concession as a transformative step that aligns with the state's vision of positioning Enugu as a major aviation, logistics and investment hub in West Africa.

The concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport marks a new phase of collaboration between government and the private sector, with expectations of improved infrastructure, enhanced passenger experience and sustainable growth in Nigeria's aviation industry.

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THE FEDERAL Government has launched the Nigeria Gender Profile and Roadmap to Equality 2030, a new initiative aimed at addressing gender disparities and promoting equal opportunities across the country.

The roadmap was unveiled on Wednesday by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, in collaboration with the African Development Bank and UN Women.

According to the minister, the document provides an evidence-based assessment of the current state of gender equality in Nigeria and outlines practical steps for achieving national gender equality targets by 2030.

She explained that the roadmap serves as both a comprehensive review of existing gender gaps and a strategic guide for implementing policies and programmes that will advance the rights and opportunities of women and girls.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim described gender equality as a critical investment in national development, noting that empowering women and girls would strengthen families, communities and the economy.

The initiative is expected to support Nigeria's commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development over the next five years

ON THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE

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FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL Macron has announced the immediate deployment of 85 French rescue workers to Venezuela following the devastating twin earthquakes that struck the South American nation on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The rescue team, specialized in search-and-rescue and debris clearance, will support efforts to locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

The powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes, struck less than a minute apart, making the second the strongest to hit Venezuela since 1900. The quakes caused widespread destruction across Caracas and La Guaira, where the United Nations says more than 100 buildings have collapsed.

The latest official reports show that at least 188 people have been killed, while more than 1,500 others have been injured. Rescue workers continue searching through the rubble as authorities warn the death toll could rise further. More than 30 aftershocks have also been recorded, complicating rescue operations.

In a statement, Macron said France stands ready, alongside its European partners, to provide assistance based on the needs identified by Venezuelan authorities. France joins several countries, including the United States, Spain, Italy, Germany, Mexico, Colombia, and El Salvador, in sending rescue teams, medical personnel, and humanitarian aid to support the disaster response.

A state of emergency remains in force across the affected areas as emergency responders race against time to rescue those still trapped beneath the debris and provide relief to thousands displaced by the disaster.

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THE INTERNATIONAL Maritime Organization (IMO) has temporarily suspended its evacuation plan for seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf following renewed security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement issued on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from London, United Kingdom, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the pause would allow the organization to reconfirm that necessary safety guarantees remain in place for vessels and crews covered under the evacuation framework.

The IMO said several vessels had already been successfully evacuated before the suspension. However, it received reports of an attack on a vessel in the Gulf of Oman that had passed through the Strait of Hormuz but was not operating under the IMO evacuation framework.

Dominguez stressed that the safety of seafarers remains paramount and said the evacuation plan would remain on hold until there is greater clarity on the security situation. He added that the move is aimed at ensuring navigational safety and protecting thousands of stranded seafarers from becoming collateral victims of the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The statement was issued on the Day of the Seafarer, highlighting the importance of safeguarding maritime workers

OMALICHA SPORTS

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ECUADOR PULLED OFF one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after coming from behind to defeat Germany 2-1 in their final Group E match and secure a place in the Round of 32.

Germany, who had already qualified for the knockout stage, took an early lead through Leroy Sané in the second minute. However, Ecuador responded quickly as Nilson Angulo equalised just seven minutes later.

The South Americans completed the comeback in the 77th minute when Gonzalo Plata headed home from a corner kick, sending Ecuadorian fans into celebration.

Germany pushed for a late equaliser, but Ecuador's defence stood firm to seal a famous victory. The result earned Ecuador four points from three matches, enough to qualify as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams, while Germany still advanced as Group E winners despite the defeat.

The victory marks one of Ecuador's most memorable World Cup results and keeps their hopes of a deep run in the tournament alive.

Spain's victory eliminated Uruguay, while Cape Verde booked a historic place in the last 32 in their debut World Cup and will now face Argentina in the knockout stage.

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If you have an eyewitness report, or wish to make inquiries, do reach out to our news desk at OMALICHA RADIO 91.1FM VIA CALLS to 09030670799

THURSDAY  JUNE 25, 2026

A PUBLIC AFFAIRS analyst, Mr. Kesandu Kingsley Kenkwo, has expressed concern over recurring electoral irregularities in Nigeria, warning that unresolved issues from previous elections could undermine public confidence in the country’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking as a guest on our flagship program, CenterStage, Kenkwo lamented reports of discrepancies between votes cast and results eventually announced, describing the situation as troubling and a repeat of concerns raised during the 2023 elections.

According to him, persistent complaints about election outcomes suggest that critical reforms are yet to be implemented, adding that Nigerians deserve an electoral system that accurately reflects the will of the people.

Kenkwo called for institutional reforms that would reduce the concentration of power in political office holders and create stronger checks and balances within the electoral process. He urged leaders to seize the opportunity to leave behind a legacy of transparency, fairness, and accountability.

Addressing young Nigerians, the public affairs analyst appealed to them to resist being used as tools for electoral manipulation. He observed that many of the irregularities recorded during elections are often executed by young people who are recruited and paid by political actors to compromise the process.

Kenkwo urged youths to prioritize the future of the country over temporary financial gains, emphasizing that lasting national development depends on the integrity of those entrusted with electoral responsibilities.

He maintained that meaningful change can only occur when citizens, especially the youth, commit themselves to protecting the sanctity of the ballot and ensuring that electoral outcomes genuinely reflect the choices of voters.

As preparations gradually begin for the 2027 elections, Kesandu’s remarks add to growing calls from civil society groups, political observers, and concerned Nigerians for comprehensive electoral reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and public trust in the nation’s democratic institutions.

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THE GROWING CONCERN OVER economic and security challenges in the country, has led to a clamour for good governance, as citizens voice frustrations with the state of affairs. But it cannot stay a noise without action.

It starts with one simple step-  getting your Permanent Voter’s Card, which is the tool you need to vote in the change that works for you

With seventeen days to the end of the current drive by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC), to get more Nigerians to register to vote in the 2027 general elections, Omalicha 91.1FM, as part of its corporate social responsibility commitment, is amplifying the call to citizens to get their PVSs, before the window closes, and with it, their right to exercise their civic duty of electing who governs them.

On this month’s edition of CentreStage special ,  we shall be looking at why we must move “Beyond Criticism” and turn demands into democratic power.

 Join us on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.as we bring together, officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the National Orientation Agency, NOA,  youth activists, traditional rulers, religious and women leaders to explain how PVC registration is the first stop on the road to accountable leadership and better services.

Do you have questions, need clarifications on why you should get your Permanent Voter Card? Tune in on the dial 91.1FM, call live — 09115983411 or 07049774656,  or listen via live stream at www.omalichamedia.com.

You can also follow and join the conversation on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook , and be part of building the Nigeria we demand.

CentreStage  Special Edition: “Beyond Criticism: Why the journey to good governance begins with your voter’s card,” is set to air on June 26, 9 to 11 a.m., only on Omalicha 91.1 FM Owerri – the voice for development.

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CIVIL SERVANTS have been urged to begin preparations for retirement early in order to avoid financial hardship and delays in accessing pension benefits after leaving active service.

The advice was given by the resource personnel  Chief Fidelis Nwanjoku Chukwuezi  at the retirement seminar organized by Leadway Assurance Company at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State,

Chief Chukwuezi said the programme was inspired by the need to help civil servants prepare properly for retirement and old age, noting that many workers fail to adequately plan for life after service.

According to him, late verification exercises and incorrect documentation remain major causes of delayed and underpaid pensions among retirees.

Chief Chukwuezi  further called on the Pension Fund Administrators to adequately educate contributors on available retirement benefit options and allow retirees to make informed decisions instead of automatically enrolling them in programmes without proper consultation.

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THE INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE, Olatunji Disu, has expressed concern over the increasing number of police officers being killed in the line of duty across the country.

Speaking in Enugu during the commissioning of a state-of-the-art Forensic and Investigation Centre built by Godfrey Okoye University in collaboration with the Enugu State Government, Disu said the Nigeria Police Force continues to lose personnel while combating crime, insurgency and banditry.

He cited the recent death of three officers of the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit in Maiduguri, who were killed while attempting to detonate an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by insurgents. According to him, the officers chose to proceed with the operation despite advice to postpone it in order to prevent possible civilian casualties.

The IGP stressed the need for greater public support for security agencies, noting that police personnel continue to make significant sacrifices in the effort to secure the country.

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THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT has welcomed the decision of the United States government to impose sanctions on a Nigerian businessman, Mukhtar Muhammad Adamu, and three Bureau De Change (BDC) firms over their alleged involvement in financing the terrorist group, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

In a statement issued on yesterday in Abuja, the Secretary of the Nigerian Sanctions Committee and Solicitor-General of the Federation, Beatrice Jedy-Agba, said the U.S. action aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to disrupt financial networks supporting terrorism. She noted that Nigeria had already designated Adamu and the affected firms under its domestic sanctions regime following extensive intelligence gathering, financial investigations, and inter-agency assessments.

According to the U.S. authorities, Adamu allegedly played a significant role in ISWAP’s financial network by transferring funds through Bureau De Change companies, helping the group move money used to support its operations. The sanctions block any assets or interests linked to the designated individuals and entities within the United States and prohibit U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with them.

The companies named on the sanctions list include Abbal Bako & Sons Bureau De Change Limited, Generation Currency BDC Limited, and Nine to Nine BDC Limited. Ibrahim Ogirima, Mukhtar Adamu, Adamu Chiroma, Ibrahim Abubakar, Abdullahi Usman, and Babangida Hammajam.

Jedy-Agba said the designations followed a broader update to the Nigeria Sanctions List approved and published on June 18, 2026, after authorities established reasonable grounds to believe that the affected individuals and entities facilitated, financed, supported, or otherwise contributed to the activities of ISWAP and other terrorist networks.

She added that the U.S. sanctions highlight growing international cooperation between Nigeria and its global partners in tackling terrorism financing and dismantling financial structures supporting extremist groups across Nigeria and the Lake Chad region.

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IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE TWO POWERFUL EARTHQUAKES that hit Venezuela yesterday, Acting President Delcy Rodriguez, has declared a state of emergency as rescue crews continue to search for survivors.  

According to reports monitored on BBC,  the quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5  which occured in the early hours of the evening led to the collapse of multi storey buildings, and caused serious damage to the metro systems and international airport, leading to its closure.

The Associated Press, AP, reported the acting president as confirming at least 32 deaths.  The country was celebrating a national holiday and many people were expected to have been home when the earthquakes hit. The US Geological Services has warned that the number of casualties may run into thousands going by the magnitude of the second quake.

Venezuela’s interior ministry asked people to leave their homes as a precaution, as petrol supplies have been cut.

The earth quakes are said to the strongest to hit the country in a 100 years.

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IN ANOTHER DEVELOPMENT, France has reported its first Ebola case after a doctor returning from a humanitarian mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo tested positive for the virus.

The case was confirmed on Wednesday, June 24, after the doctor arrived back in France from Congo. French health authorities said the patient has been isolated and is receiving medical care, while contact tracing has started to identify anyone who may have been exposed.

Officials said the risk to the wider public remains low, but close contacts of the patient are being monitored as health agencies intensify efforts to prevent further spread of the virus.

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AND NOW ON SPORTS

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THE 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage entered a decisive phase on Wednesday as nations intensified their push for places in the Round of 32, with several qualification battles taking center stage in the three host countries of Canada, Mexico and the United States.

In Group A, with wins over South Africa and Korea Republic, Mexico tops the group with 9 points  ahead of South Africa as both move to the next round.

Co-hosts, Canada lost to  Switzerland 1-2 in the presence of Prime Minister Mark Carney, to place second in group B, as  Bosnia and Herzegovina battled Qatar to a 3-1 win to become third place qualifier from the group.

 Tournament favourites Brazil beat Scotland 3-0, while Morocco beat Haiti 4-2. Brazil and Morocco advance to the next round  from Group C.

The third host country, United States, and defending champions,  Argentina,  alongside Colombia, France, Germany, and Norway have also advanced to the round of 32, which begins on Sunday, June 28.  

As the race fiintensifies, Portugal, will be looking to leverage the momentum of the historic achievement of captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who became the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups after finding the net in his side’s 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, as they play their last group match against Colombia for a berth in the next round.

With the group stage nearing its conclusion, the remaining countries are battling for every point as they seek to extend their World Cup campaigns and move one step closer to football’s ultimate prize.

................................

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a new $10,000 grant for every athlete who competes at the Olympic Games, regardless of medal status. The initiative, known as the Fit for the Future Olympian Grant, was unveiled by former Spanish basketball star Pau Gasol and will begin with athletes who participated in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

The IOC said the grant is aimed at recognizing the sacrifices athletes make to reach the Games and providing direct financial support. About 14,000 Olympians are expected to benefit during each four-year Olympic cycle.

In another development, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has announced that winners of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season will receive a minimum of ₦1 billion as prize money — the highest reward ever offered in Nigerian domestic football.

Dikko made the announcement on Wednesday after a strategic meeting between the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation in Abuja.

He said the new prize structure is aimed at improving professionalism, competitiveness, and the welfare of players and coaches. The runners-up are expected to receive ₦500 million, while the third-placed team will earn ₦300 million.

The development marks a major boost for Nigerian football, with efforts focused on making the NPFL more attractive and commercially viable.

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If you have an eyewitness report, or wish to make inquiries, do reach out to our news desk at OMALICHA RADIO 91.1FM VIA CALLS to 09030670799

CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS ACROSS tin Nigeria have condemned the worsening insecurity in the country, accusing the government of failing to adequately protect lives and property.

In a statement signed by 96 organisations from all parts of the country, which was released to mark the ninth National Day of Mourning, the groups described the continued killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks across the country as alarming and preventable.

The organisations said the theme for this year’s commemoration, “Nigerian Lives Matter,” reflects growing concerns over insecurity and the government’s inability to fulfill its constitutional responsibility of ensuring citizens’ safety and welfare.

Citing data from massatrocities.org, the groups claimed that nearly 20,000 people have been killed and over 12,000 abducted in violent attacks since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. They also alleged that at least 1,486 security personnel have lost their lives in active duty within the same period.

The statement further noted that insecurity has worsened food shortages, disrupted farming and education, and increased poverty, displacement, and trauma across affected communities. According to the groups, at least 865 students have been abducted from schools since 2023.

The organisations also expressed concern over cases of extrajudicial killings, civilian casualties during security operations, and the lack of accountability for such incidents.

They criticised political leaders for focusing on the 2027 elections instead of addressing the security crisis, insisting that Nigerian lives must be prioritised.

The groups called on the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve protection for vulnerable communities, prosecute perpetrators of violent crimes, and provide support for victims and displaced persons.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to demanding justice and accountability for victims of insecurity across the country.

The 96 CSOs that signed the statement include Amnesty International Nigeria, BudgIT, SERAP, Yiaga Africa, CISLAC, RULAAC, Global Rights, and Media Rights Agenda, CEE Hope, Yobe Youth Council, the Kukah Centre, Sokoto Youth Council, Public Interest Lawyers League, Middle Belt Concern, International Press Centre, Human Rights Network Jigawa, CLEEN Foundation and the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, among others. among others.

CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS ACROSS tin Nigeria have condemned the worsening insecurity in the country, accusing the government of failing to adequately protect lives and property.

In a statement signed by 96 organisations from all parts of the country, which was released to mark the ninth National Day of Mourning, the groups described the continued killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks across the country as alarming and preventable.

The organisations said the theme for this year’s commemoration, “Nigerian Lives Matter,” reflects growing concerns over insecurity and the government’s inability to fulfill its constitutional responsibility of ensuring citizens’ safety and welfare.

Citing data from massatrocities.org, the groups claimed that nearly 20,000 people have been killed and over 12,000 abducted in violent attacks since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. They also alleged that at least 1,486 security personnel have lost their lives in active duty within the same period.

The statement further noted that insecurity has worsened food shortages, disrupted farming and education, and increased poverty, displacement, and trauma across affected communities. According to the groups, at least 865 students have been abducted from schools since 2023.

The organisations also expressed concern over cases of extrajudicial killings, civilian casualties during security operations, and the lack of accountability for such incidents.

They criticised political leaders for focusing on the 2027 elections instead of addressing the security crisis, insisting that Nigerian lives must be prioritised.

The groups called on the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve protection for vulnerable communities, prosecute perpetrators of violent crimes, and provide support for victims and displaced persons.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to demanding justice and accountability for victims of insecurity across the country.

The 96 CSOs that signed the statement include Amnesty International Nigeria, BudgIT, SERAP, Yiaga Africa, CISLAC, RULAAC, Global Rights, and Media Rights Agenda, CEE Hope, Yobe Youth Council, the Kukah Centre, Sokoto Youth Council, Public Interest Lawyers League, Middle Belt Concern, International Press Centre, Human Rights Network Jigawa, CLEEN Foundation and the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, among others. among others.

Foremost media advocacy group, the Media Rights Agenda (MRA), has announced winners in the maiden edition of the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan Freedom of Information Awards. They are Ms. Blessing Oladunjoye, a journalist and publisher of BONews Service, who was honoured for “having made the highest number of information requests, and Mr. Remmy Nweke, Group Executive Editor of ITREALMS Media Group, honoured for his most outstanding contributions in promoting the FOI Act by raising awareness among citizens, government officials and the media about the Act, and advocating for its effective implementation w.

In a statement issued in Lagos, Edetaen Ojo, MRA’s Executive Director, commended the two journalists for their entries and participation in the Awards programme.

He noted that many journalists and media organizations across the country are using the FOI Act for investigative and accountability journalism by requesting official records and other information, monitoring public spending, exposing corruption, verifying government claims, and producing evidence-based reporting, despite continuing challenges of secrecy, non-compliance, and weak transparency systems among many public institutions.

Mr. Ojo said although many of such journalists did not submit entries for the Awards, he would encourage them and their media organizations to continue utilizing the Act to advance accountability, expose corruption, and promote good governance.

 The Statement, which was signed by Idowu Adewale, MRA’s Communications Officer, the executive director stressed that journalists play a critical role in ensuring that citizens are informed about government activities, public expenditure, policies and their implementation, as well as other issues touching upon the security and welfare of citizens, which the Constitution has designated in Section 14 as the primary purpose of Government.

He described the FOI Act as “a most potent weapon in a journalist’s arsenal”, which will only be effective if it is constantly wielded.  

The Awards were instituted in honour of former President Goodluck Jonathan in recognition of his courageous act of assenting to the Act on May 28, 2011. By giving his assent, his Administration established a legal framework guaranteeing the public’s right to access information held by public institutions in Nigeria.

Mr. Ojo iterated  MRA’s commitment to promoting the effective implementation of the Act and supporting initiatives that strengthen investigative journalism, media freedom, transparency, and democratic accountability in Nigeria.

The award winning journalists would be formally honoured at a ceremony to be held later, at which each of them will receive a plaque, a certificate, and a prize.

Residents and business owners in Imo State have been urged to understand the right fire extinction methods to avoid worsening fire outbreaks during emergencies.

 The advice was given by Deputy Superintendent of Fire, Chioma Onyeukwu on Omalicha 91.1FM's Civic Social Responsibility programme, Staying Alive, anchored by Rita Chikwe.

 Speaking on the topic “Fire Safety: Extinction Method,” Onyeukwu explained that different classes of fire require different extinguishing methods, warning that the wrong response could escalate a fire rather than stop it.

 According to her, understanding what is burning is the first step before attempting to fight any fire outbreak.

 “Not every fire should be extinguished with water,” she explained. “If furniture, curtains, clothes, or wood are burning, water can be used because it cools the heat. But for petrol, kerosene, chemicals, or electrical fires, using water can worsen the situation.”

 She noted that fire occurs when three elements — heat, fuel, and oxygen — combine, adding that extinguishing methods are designed to remove one or more of these elements through cooling, smothering, or starvation.

 Onyeukwu explained that flammable liquid fires, known as Class B fires, should be tackled using foam compounds, carbon dioxide (CO2), dry chemical powder extinguishers, or sand, rather than water.

 She also emphasized the importance of disconnecting electrical power before attempting to extinguish fires caused by faulty wiring or electrical appliances to prevent electrocution.

 The fire officer highlighted the advantages of CO2 extinguishers, especially for indoor and kitchen use, saying they leave no residue after use.

 “CO2 extinguishers are good for kitchens because after use, there are no chemical remains on surfaces or food items,” she said.

 On fire blankets, Onyeukwu explained that they are useful for smothering small fires, particularly in kitchens, by cutting off oxygen supply to the flames.

 She also stressed the need for evacuation when a fire becomes uncontrollable.

 “If the fire is beyond what you can handle, leave immediately and call emergency responders,” she advised, adding that homes and workplaces should always keep exit routes clear and accessible.

 The fire safety official encouraged vehicle owners to install at least 2kg or 6kg dry chemical powder extinguishers in their vehicles instead of smaller units that may not last long during emergencies.

 She further advised that fire extinguishers should be serviced regularly by professionals, recommending that new extinguishers be checked after the first year and subsequently every six months to ensure functionality.

 The Deputy Superintendent also disclosed that the fire service now uses newer suppression technologies such as “Fire Stop,” a chemical-based extinguishing agent designed to quickly blanket and suppress flames.

 As part of the programme, listeners were reminded to keep emergency fire service numbers handy in case of emergencies.

 Staying Alive - Fire Safety is Omalicha 91.1FM's social responsibility contribution  to on-going efforts at improving fire safety awareness, encouraging prevention, and reducing avoidable fire disasters in homes, markets, offices, and all public spaces.

Imo State Fire Service Emergency Contact Numbers 0901 434 6957, 0809 200 2244; Toll-free emergency lines 122 and 112.

EEDC Denies Allegation Of Massive Power Outage In Imo

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has denied purported plans to carry out a massive power outage in Imo State, saying it is committed to serving its customers and continues to make significant investments aimed at improving supply reliability and overall service quality across the state.

The Imo State Government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, alleged that EEDC was planning a massive electricity outage in Imo to sabotage the state government’s electricity project. He said the company wants to unleash major power outages in Imo State in a bid to frustrate and sabotage the Light Up Imo project, which would soon provide uninterrupted light to all parts of the state.

But the EEDC head of Communications, Emeka Ezeh, said on Sunday that the allegations were baseless, unfounded, and completely devoid of truth.

APC South-east Calls for Expedited Action on State Creation in Southeast

The All Progressives Congress National Vice Chairman (South-East), Ijeomah Arodiogbu, on Sunday called on the National Assembly to expedite work on the bill seeking the creation of a new state in the South-East, insisting that the move is long overdue for equity and fairness.

His appeal comes four months after the bill for the creation of Anim State, sponsored by Senator Osita Izunaso of Imo West, passed second reading in the Senate.

The proposed legislation, which seeks to carve the state out of parts of Anambra and Imo, is currently before the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review. In a statement issued in Abuja, Arodiogbu urged lawmakers to remain resolute and ensure the bill completes all constitutional stages.

Bandits Are Mercenaries Brought in by Politicians - Orji Uzor Kalu

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC), Orji Uzor Kalu says that bandits are mercenaries brought into Nigeria by politicians.

Uzor Kalu made this statement in an interview on a televised program.

His comments came against the backdrop of the renewed security challenges across the country.

When pressed on whether President Bola Tinubu was aware of this grave information, Senator Kalu expressed confidence in the President's knowledge, assuring that the Federal Government is equal to the task.

Thirty-five Abducted Church Members Released

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has announced the release of 38 persons who were recently abducted during an attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaiye, on Sunday.

The governor credited President Bola Tinubu, for his hands-on involvement in the rescue operation. 

AbdulRazaq further thanked federal security agencies and local forces involved in the operation.

Vice President Shettima Heads to Luanda for AU-EU Summit

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has departed Johannesburg for Luanda to represent President Bola Tinubu at the AU-EU Summit scheduled to hold in Angola.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday in Abuja.

Nkwocha said Shettima, who left South Africa on Sunday, would join other Heads of State and Government from the African Union and the European Union for the 7th meeting of the two bodies.

According to him, the meeting is scheduled to take place from Monday to Wednesday in Luanda, the capital of Angola.

President Tinubu Orders Withdrawal of Police Officers Attached to ‘VIPs’

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons across the country, directing that they be redeployed to core policing duties.

The directive was issued during a security meeting the president held on Sunday in Abuja with service chiefs and the director-general of the Department of State Services.

According to a statement released by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIPs requiring protection will now be assigned armed operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps instead of the police.

The withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs comes amid long-standing concerns over the overstretching of Nigeria’s police force. Several reports have highlighted that more than 100,000 police officers are assigned to politicians, businessmen, and other VIPs.

BUSINESS

The Federal Inland Revenue Service has dismissed allegations by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar claiming that the appointment of Xpress Payments as a payment channel for federal revenue collection was politically motivated. It insisted that the remark was “misleading” and risks distorting public understanding of Nigeria’s tax administration system.

Atiku had, in a statement, accused the Federal Government of handing a “monopoly” to Xpress Payments for tax collections. 

But responding on Sunday, the Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the FIRS Chairman, Aderonke Atoyebi, said the former Vice President’s assertions were incorrect and capable of politicising what she described as a purely administrative and technical issue.

FOREIGN

The European Union has pledged about 15.5 billion euros to support a clean-energy future across the African continent, alongside additional commitments aimed at expanding renewable energy generation and improving household access to electricity.

The commitment is led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as part of a year-long campaign to mobilise investment in Africa’s renewable-energy transition.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the European Commission.

According to the statement, the European Union led the pledging effort with more than 15.1 billion euro.

SPORTS

Arsenal moved six points clear at the top of the Premier League after a 4–1 win over Tottenham Hotspurs on Sunday, with new signing Eberechi Eze scoring a brilliant hat-trick at the Emirates Stadium.

Eze, who joined Arsenal from Crystal Palace in the summer, was the star of the derby. Leandro Trossard opened the scoring in the first half after controlling a pass and finishing into the far corner. Minutes later, Eze made it 2–0 with a powerful right-footed shot from the edge of the box.

Just 35 seconds into the second half, Eze struck again, placing another low shot into the bottom corner to give Arsenal full control. Tottenham pulled one back when Richarlison spotted goalkeeper David Raya off his line and scored from long range. 

Arsenal later restored their three-goal lead as Eze completed his hat-trick with another composed finish, becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in this derby in nearly 50 years.

• Put together by Chukwuemeka Paschal-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 For More Information, Inquiries, Or To Submit An Eyewitness Report, You Can Reach Our News Desk At Omalicha Radio 91.1 Fm Via Call Or Text On 0806 802 1774. You Can Also Listen To Us Anywhere In The World, Visit Www.Omalichamedia.Com And Click The Listen Button.

 Imo PDP Rejects Dissolution of State Executive at Ibadan Convention

The Imo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has rejected the dissolution of its state leadership at the recently concluded National Convention of the party, which took place in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

In a press statement issued by its spokesperson, Lancelot Obiaku, the party described the convention that led to the suspension of its executive as illegal, noting that it was conducted in disregard of a subsisting judgement of the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered by Justice James Omotosho on 31 October 2025, which ordered the withholding of the convention until the party complied with its constitution.

The Imo PDP urged its members and supporters to completely disregard the report, which it described as a wishful thought existing in the imaginations of its purveyors.

The state chapter of the party asserted that what occurred on 15 and 16 November was a mere gathering of a Committee of Friends for a tea party, which, it observed, attempted an exercise that later ended in futility.

UNIZIK Appoints Vice Chancellor

The Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has appointed Prof. Bond Anyaechie as its substantive Vice Chancellor, marking the end of a year-long leadership impasse that followed the controversial removal of Prof. Bernard Odoh.

The announcement was made on Sunday by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Olugbenga Kukoyi, during a press briefing in Abuja.

Odoh’s earlier appointment had been reversed by President Bola Tinubu amid allegations of irregularities in the recruitment process and questions surrounding his academic credentials. 

The move triggered widespread criticism from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the university’s chapter of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, which condemned the appointment as irregular and prejudicial, especially as the matter was already in court.

Kukoyi described the fresh selection process as both thorough and transparent, noting that the council followed due process at every stage.

DSS Operatives Arms Supply Networked Linked to Plateau State Attacks

Operatives of the Department of State Services have disrupted an alleged arms supply network linked to attacks in Plateau State and neighbouring areas, arresting a suspected arms dealer.

The suspect was arrested on November 12, 2025, following intelligence that led operatives to his workshop in the Mista Ali area of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

A statement from the service on Sunday said the suspect allegedly manufactured and distributed weapons and ammunition to armed groups operating in Plateau and other northern states.

The operation comes days after the service recaptured Abdulazeez Obadaki, also known as Bomboy, a Kuje Prison escapee accused of involvement in the Owo and Deeper Life Church attacks.

NAFDAC Charges RVSG on Implementation of Policy on Pharmacovigilance

The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, has urged the Rivers State Government to ensure that all health facilities in the state fully implement the National Policy on Pharmacovigilance.

She made the call in Port Harcourt during a stakeholders’ meeting themed “Grassroots Community Sensitisation on Pharmacovigilance.”

The National Policy on Pharmacovigilance is a government guideline that ensures all medicines are closely monitored for safety and that any harmful reactions are promptly reported and addressed.

Speaking through the Director of the Pharmacovigilance Directorate, Dr Uchenna Elemuwa, the NAFDAC DG explained that the policy, created in 2012, outlines the responsibilities of health ministries, healthcare workers, and patients in ensuring the safety of medicines.

Sokoto State Launches Response to Cholera Outbreak

The Sokoto State Government says it has launched a rapid response to the cholera outbreak reported across 12 local government of the state.

The incident, which was first recorded earlier this week, prompted an emergency mobilisation of health personnel and supplies to the affected communities.

A top official at the State Ministry of Health, Biliyaminu Sifawa, who confirmed the development on behalf of the Executive Secretary of State Primary health Development Centre, said health workers were deployed to Primary Health Centres within 24 hours of notification.

Sifawa added that the state also intensified community sensitisation on hygiene, safe water handling and the dangers of open defecation, measures described as critical to halting further transmission.

FOREIGN

US Lawmaker Faults President Tinubu on Alleged Religious Persecution

A United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s claims that Nigeria does not encourage religious persecution, insisting that the reality on the ground contradicts the President’s public statements.

In a post on X on Sunday, shared by Moore, he cited Tinubu’s earlier assertion that his administration opposes religious persecution, responding, “@officialABAT claims his government opposes religious persecution. But 12 states have Sharia law, and a Christian faces the death penalty for defending his farm from a Muslim Fulani militant who stabbed him repeatedly.

Moore also shared a video of a Fox News Sunday interview with anchor Shannon Bream, who read out Tinubu’s November statement on religious freedom in Nigeria.

Moore’s remarks come after US President Donald Trump, on October 31, designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged Christian genocide, warning that the Nigerian government must stop the killings or the United States would deploy troops to wipe out the jihadists.

The Federal Government has repeatedly denied claims of a systematic Christian genocide, describing such allegations as false, misleading, and a distortion of Nigeria’s security challenges.

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SPORTS

The National football team, Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup dream suffered a major blow on Sunday as DR Congo advanced to the intercontinental playoff following a dramatic penalty shootout at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

The match ended 1–1 after 120 minutes of regulation and extra time, sending the high-stakes encounter to penalties. Nigeria initially went ahead through Frank Onyeka in the third minute, but DR Congo equalised in the 32nd minute through M. Elia. Extra time saw both teams create chances, with Tolu Arokodare missing a header for Nigeria and Nwabali making a crucial save from a DR Congo free kick, but neither side could break the deadlock.

 ..... packaged by Paschal Chukwuemeka

 FOR MORE INFORMATION, INQUIRIES, OR TO SUBMIT AN EYEWITNESS REPORT, YOU CAN REACH OUR NEWS DESK AT OMALICHA RADIO 91.1 FM VIA CALL OR TEXT ON 0806 802 1774. YOU CAN ALSO LISTEN TO US ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, VISIT WWW.OMALICHAMEDIA.COM AND CLICK THE LISTEN BUTTON.

Group Set to Clean up Azaraegbelu

A team of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) advocates has intensified efforts to promote environmental cleanliness and balance as part of the global drive for sustainable living.

During a visit to Omalicha Radio, the group led by Jonathan Chijioke Onukwuje, emphasized the importance of SDG 6, which focuses on environmental protection and sustainable management of water and sanitation. The visit was part of preparations for a sensitization and clean-up exercise scheduled to take place in the Azaraegbelu community.

According to the advocates, the initiative aims not only to rid the area of waste but also to educate residents on the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment.

The team announced plans to tackle the growing refuse dumps that line the roads and market area of Azaraegbelu, while also introducing residents to best practices in waste management and environmental care.

Mpam Ancient Kingdom to Install Monarch

The Mpam Ancient Kingdom in Ekwerazu, Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, is set to witness a defining cultural moment as it prepares for the Coronation of His Royal Highness, Eze Leonard Chukwudi Ogbata (Onuguotu II).

The  event, scheduled for Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the historic Eke Mpam Market Square, is expected to draw dignitaries and indigenes from across Nigeria and the diaspora.

The coronation is being hailed by community leaders as a "cultural rebirth" and significant turning point in the kingdom’s history. In a joint statement, the Coronation Central Planning Committee, chaired by Nze Uchechi Obasi, and the Subcommittee on Media and Publicity, led by Chief Iyke Anyanwu (Ikukundu), underscored the event's importance beyond the ceremonial title.

According to the statement, the people of Mpam are already excited and standing firmly behind their Eze and the Mpam Progressive Union, pledging total support and loyalty ahead of the historic event. From the villages to the diaspora, Mpam sons, daughters, in-laws, friends, and well-wishers are rallying in unity for what is set to be one of the most significant cultural gatherings in Mbaise.

Resident Doctors Begin Indefinite Nationwide Strike

Healthcare services across the country are set to experience major disruptions today as about 11,000 members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors commence an indefinite nationwide strike.

The industrial action, which began at 12:00 am today, will affect 91 healthcare facilities across the country.

This development was confirmed by the NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, and Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim on Friday.

The strike is expected to cripple operations in Federal Medical Centres, teaching hospitals, specialist institutions, and private health facilities.

Judges Orders Non-recognition of PDP Convention Outcome

A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from recognizing the outcome of the forthcoming 2025 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Friday while delivering judgment in a suit challenging the legality of the convention.

The judge predicated the decision on the grounds that the PDP failed to comply with relevant conditions and laws for the conduct of such conventions.

The judge held that evidence provided by the electoral umpire and some of the respondents showed that congresses were not held in some states of the federation in breach of the law.

In addition, the court held that the signing of notices and correspondence of the PDP by its National Chairman without the National Secretary violated the law and consequently made such notices and correspondences a nullity.

Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway: Arab Contractors Get Marching Orders

 The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed Arab Contractors handling the rehabilitation of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway to complete the remaining 4.5-kilometres Abia section before the end of November.

Umahi gave the directive on Friday in Aba after inspecting the progress of work on the project. He expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work on the section, warning that the contract would be revoked, if the deadline was not met.

He assured the contractor of prompt payment, describing the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as a reliable partner that does not renege on its financial obligations.

Umahi praised Governor Alex Otti of Abia for his unwavering commitment to the development of the state and for supporting the president’s infrastructure agenda.

President Trump Designates Nigeria Country of Interest

President Donald Trump of the United States on Friday designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, CPC, in response to allegations of widespread persecution and genocide against Christians.

Writing on his Truth Social account, Trump stated that Christianity faces a serious threat in Nigeria. The US leader also added Nigeria to a State Department watch list.

According to the US president, he was placing Nigeria, Africa’s top oil producer and most populous nation, on a “Countries of Particular Concern” list of nations the US deems to have engaged in religious freedom violations.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has rejected remarks by United States President Donald Trump. In a statement issued on Saturday morning by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said the claims do not reflect the situation on the ground.

The government noted that while it appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, the allegations were inaccurate.

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 October 31, 2025

Governor Uzodimma Canvases For Good Governance To Combat Insecurity In Africa 

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has said that democracy and good governance are the permanent panacea to the security challenges besieging African nations.

He argued that democracy begets good governance, which in turn begets quality health care, good education, and employment opportunities for the citizens. He insists that when good governance thrives, the conditions that encourage insecurity will diminish.

Uzodimma, who spoke on the topic Non-State Actors And Entrepreneurship Development In Africa: Challenges Responses and Way Forward noted that African leaders must embrace democracy and good governance to defeat insecurity.

Speaking as a keynote lecturer to the participants of Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 18, at the National Institute for Security Studies in Abuja on Thursday, Uzodimma urged African leaders to adopt the model of good governance practices evident in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government in Nigeria which he said has significantly brought down the disruptive activities of non-state actors in the country.

He explained that the model involves the government not leaving any void for non-state actors to exploit and unleash havoc on the nations.

Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB Leader Seeks Dismissal of Charges

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a fresh motion before the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking the dismissal of all charges against him and his immediate release. In the motion dated October 30, 2025, and titled “Motion on Notice and Written Address in Support,” Kanu argued that there is no valid charge against him under any existing law in Nigeria. He said the charges currently before the court are “a nullity ab initio for want of any extant legal foundation.”

The IPOB leader, who is representing himself, filed the motion under Sections 1(3), 6(6)(b), and 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, the Evidence Act 2011, and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

He maintained that the prosecution relied on repealed and non-existent laws, including the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA), which was repealed by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, and the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013, repealed by the TPPA 2022.

Kanu said the reliance on such repealed laws violates Section 36(12) of the Constitution, which prohibits trial for an offence not defined under an existing law. He therefore urged the court to strike out the charges in their entirety, insisting they do not constitute any offence known to law.

NSCDC Deploys 10, 000 Operatives for Anambra Governorship Polls

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has deployed over 10,000 operatives to ensure adequate security during the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election scheduled for November 8.

The Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, ordered the deployment, which includes tactical forces from the Corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja.

The move, according to the NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, is part of efforts to support the Nigeria Police Force, which is the lead agency for election security.

Babawale said that the deployment was aimed at maintaining peace and guaranteeing a credible electoral process.

He added that the Commandant General had addressed State Commandants and Heads of Tactical Squads, warning politicians and their supporters against any actions or statements capable of inciting violence before, during, or after the election.

 Lawmakers Call for Digital Civic `registration System

The House of Representatives has called for the establishment of a fully digital civil registration system for births, deaths, marriages, and other vital events in Nigeria, describing accurate population data as indispensable to effective national planning and governance.

Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, made the call in Abuja, while declaring open a public hearing on a Bill to Repeal and Re-enact the Births, Deaths, etc. (Compulsory Registration) Act.

According to him, the proposed legislation seeks to modernise Nigeria’s outdated civil registration system by introducing a secure electronic framework for collecting, managing, and sharing vital statistics.

Abbas said a digital registration platform would eliminate duplication and fraud, improve access to vital records nationwide, and enhance identity management across public institutions.

He added that the reforms were consistent with international best practices and United Nations recommendations on civil registration and vital statistics.

 Senate Begins Consideration of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Autism Bill

The Senate on Thursday began consideration of a Bill seeking to establish a National Centre for Autism in six zonal centres across the country for research, diagnosis, and care. ASD is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour. It manifests differently in individuals, making early diagnosis and tailored intervention essential for meaningful inclusion and personal development.”

The proposed law, sponsored by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central), aims to institutionalise early detection and intervention for children and adults with autism while promoting awareness, professional training, and nationwide inclusion. 

Leading debate on the general principles of the Bill titled “An Act to Establish the National Centre for Autism and Six Zonal Centres for Autism Diagnosis, Research, Education, and Care; and for Related Matters,” Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said the initiative was long overdue and critical to Nigeria’s social and public health development. She identified the zones as Kaduna, Bauchi, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and Abuja.

Citing data from the World Health Organisation, the lawmaker noted that one in every 100 children globally is diagnosed with autism, adding that due to poor awareness and limited diagnostic capacity, Nigeria’s true prevalence rate is likely far higher.

 FG Unveils Digitised National Waste Management Programme

The Federal Government, on Thursday, unveiled an innovative digital platform designed to formalize the country’s waste value chain by connecting waste generators, collectors, aggregators, recyclers, and end-users in a transparent and traceable system.

The platform was launched at a sensitization workshop and the unveiling of the National Waste Marketplace Programme, themed “Digitising and formalising the circular economy through technology,” in Abuja.

The initiative, organized by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency in collaboration with Recycle Stack Limited, brought together stakeholders from across the waste management and recycling sectors to discuss strategies for advancing a circular economy in Nigeria.

By leveraging technology, the platform aims to create economic linkages across the recycling ecosystem while promoting environmental compliance, material recovery, and sustainable production and consumption patterns.

 BUSINESS NEWS

FG Approves Measure to Offset Pension Liabilities

The Federal Government has approved ₦758 billion in bonds to offset long-standing pension liabilities, including pension increases owed since 2007.

The Director-General of the National Pension Commission, Omolola Oloworaran, disclosed this on Thursday in Yola at a two-day sensitisation workshop on the workings of the Contributory Pension Scheme for Employees and Pensioners in the North-East.

Oloworaran, represented by the Commissioner for Administration in PenCom, Alhaji Bello Abubakar, described the approval as a bold step by President Bola Tinubu to bring relief to vulnerable pensioners and restore confidence in the pension system.

She said the workshop formed part of ongoing reforms to enhance awareness and deepen understanding of the CPS among retirees and other stakeholders.

 SPORTS NEWS

The Nigeria National League, NNL, has approved the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki for the 2025-26 season.

The venue is the home ground of NNL side, Abakaliki FC.

The NNL Stadium inspection representative, Mr Foster Chima expressed satisfaction with the facilities at the venue.

Chima described the facilities at the Pa Ngele Oruta Stadium as one of the best in the country.

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October 28

IMSG Debunks Claim of Award of Contract by Speaker Olemgbe

Imo State Government has decisively debunked a viral document circulating on social media which claimed that the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe, had awarded 500 million naira in contracts for constituency projects in the Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area.

In a formal clarification issued today, October 27, 2025, the Ministry of Special Projects explained that the controversial document was a mere project proposal and not an approved contract or a record of funds disbursed.

The statement, signed by Mrs. A. O. John-Njoku on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Special Projects, firmly noted that the document was being circulated by individuals’ intent on misleading the public and discrediting the Speaker.

According to the Ministry, the paper was one among several constituency project proposals submitted by state lawmakers for administrative consideration. The government emphasized that the document has not been approved, funded, or executed by any government agency.

Rescued Children  Handed Over  to Parents by Police

The Abia State Police Command has announced that some of the children who were earlier rescued in October 2025 have been reunited with their parents.

A statement signed by DSP Maureen Chinaka, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Abia Command, said that the children were handed over to their parents after the parents provided all necessary documents to identify the rescued children as their own.

She said that Mr. Akinrinola Aliya Ayomide, who is from Lagos State, was reunited with his daughter, Akinrinola Aliyat Ayomide, one of those rescued in October 2025.

The Police Command spokesperson also disclosed that Mr. Oladapo Olanipekun, also from Lagos, identified and was reunited with little Master Olanipekun Akoede Daniel, one of the rescued children, as his child.

She advised that anyone whose child is missing should visit the Gender Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) or contact the OC Gender.

Hold Your LG Chairmen Accountable

With the tripple-fold increase in monthly allocations to all tiers of government, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),  Nentawe Yilwatda, has asked Nigerians to hold their state governors and Local Government Area (LGA) Chairmen accountable.

He stated that no Governor and the LGA chairmen get less than triple or four times of what they used to get as monthly allocations before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. 

The Chairman spoke on Monday in Abuja at a book launch titled “Vicious Red Circle”, written by Amb. Alex Ugochukwu Oriaku.

While giving indices that the current administration was getting economic policies right, the APC Chairman said it is his dream that Nigeria moves forward under his party. 

 Minister for Solid Minerals Calls for Increased Investment

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has called for increased investment stakes in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

He said there have been positive reforms that promise higher returns on investments in the sector.

Alake spoke at this year’s China Mining Conference with the theme: Connect and Collaborate, Co-Build and Co-Share, in Tianjin.

The minister assured his host that the security situation in Nigeria has improved tremendously.

He said the sector has witnessed security reforms, including the establishment of Mining Marshals and the satellite mines monitoring project.

AGF Fagbemi Asks Court to Dismiss Akpoti Uduaghan’s Case

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has asked a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, sitting at Maitama, to dismiss an objection the embattled Senator for Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, filed to challenge the defamation charge pending against her.

The AGF, in a counter-affidavit he filed before the court, stressed that the charge was a product of a comprehensive and conclusive investigations he said established a prima facie case against the lawmaker. Denying the allegation that his office abused the court process, the AGF, in a counter-affidavit he filed before the court, equally faulted the defendant’s claim that her own petitions were not investigated.

The development came on a day the trial judge, Justice Chizoba Orji, slated December 1 to hear the preliminary objection Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan filed to quash the three-count charge the Federal Government entered against her.

In the charge marked: CR/297/25, Federal Government alleged that the defendant who was earlier handed a six-month suspension by the Senate, made false and defamatory remarks when she appeared as a guest on a live television program. According to Federal Government, the defendant, by her claim, committed an offence under 391 of the Penal Code, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990, and punishable under section 392 of the same law.

FOREIGN 

Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara has secured a fourth term following an election in which two of his biggest challengers were barred from running, provisional results show.

Ouattara won 89.8% of the vote, the electoral commission said on Monday, and businessman Jeal-Louis Billon came a distant second with only 3.09%.

The landslide victory is not a huge surprise, as after being banned from the presidential race, former President Laurent Gbagbo and Credit Suisse ex-CEO Tidjane Thiam had urged their supporters to boycott the vote.

Voter turnout reached just 50.1%, according to the electoral commission. Gbagbo's ex-wife Simone Gbagbo, who was allowed to contest the election, got 2.42% of the vote. Monday's results are provisional and the final outcome will be announced by the Constitutional Council after it rules on any election petitions.

BUSINESS

The Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) recorded a strengthening of the Naira against the US Dollar on October 28, 2025, while the parallel market rate maintained a relatively stable position. Currency traders and businesses are closely monitoring the market dynamics following recent CBN interventions and policy adjustments.

As of the latest reporting time today, the official exchange rate in the NFEM stands at approximately 1,457.06 Naira per US Dollar.

This figure represents a slight appreciation for the Naira compared to figures recorded in the preceding hours, hovering around the 1,457 naira to 1,458-naira mark. Market activity at the official window is key for importers, exporters, and those with regulatory demand for foreign exchange.

 SPORTS

Super Falcons defender Michelle Alozie has been shortlisted for the 2025 FIFPRO Women’s World 11, an annual global award voted for by professional footballers.

Alozie features among eight defenders nominated for the elite lineup, joining Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Leah Williamson (England), Ona Batlle, Olga Carmona (Spain) and Ellie Carpenter (Australia).

The 28-year-old impressed during Nigeria’s run to their 10th African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) title, earning a spot in the Team of the Tournament for her outstanding performances. More than 25,000 professional players vote each year to select the World 11, which recognises the standout performers across a calendar year. 

The final team consists of one goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards, with the 11th spot going to the outfield player with the next highest vote count. The FIFPRO Women’s World 11 will be revealed on Monday, November 3, at 13:00 (UK time)

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Lawmakers urges constituents to take advantage of voter registration exercise

The former lawmaker that represented Ahiazu Mbaise State constituency at the Imo State House of Assembly, Ichie Ken Agbim has called on the people of his area to take advantage of the ongoing continuous voters’ registration to ensure they prepare themselves for the next election year.

Agbim who spoke to journalists in Owerri said, the only civil weapon citizens have to change and bring on board the kind of leadership they desire is the ballot papers.

The former minority leader at Imo House of Assembly, pointed out that he is impressed that his constituents have become political savvy and will no longer allow themselves be swayed by the filthy lucre of politics.

Agbim called on the people of Ahiazu/Ezinihitte federal constituency to key into the ongoing continuous voters’ registration and enhance their voting strength. 

Nnamdi Kanu’s Family Exoneratess Sowere

The family of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has exonerated human rights activist Omoyele Sowore from any involvement in the arrest and detention of Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.

The family also denied claims that any medical panel from the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, visited Kanu for a medical test as directed by Justice James Omotosho.

This was contained in a statement by Kanunta Kanu, who spoke on behalf of the family, condemning the arrests and demanding the immediate release of Prince Emmanuel, Ejimakor and other protesters who were detained during what he described as a peaceful demonstration. Kanunta expressed shock that some individuals were accusing Sowore of complicity in the arrests, describing such allegations as mischievously incorrect.

He accused certain political elites from the South-East of sponsoring false narratives against Sowore out of shame that a non-Igbo had the courage to do what they could not.

Former Abia Speaker commends D-Speaker, House of Representatives

Former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka, has commended the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for his outstanding contributions to Abia State and the Southeast region.

In a press statement, Ohajuruka described Kalu as a “shining light” in both the global and regional parliaments, lauding his legislative prowess and unwavering commitment to development.

He highlighted Kalu’s notable achievements, including facilitating the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), the University of Medical Sciences, Abia State, the Federal College of Education, and the Police Detective College, as well as attracting several infrastructure development projects to Abia State. Ohajuruka also praised Kalu’s legislative sagacity, citing landmark bills such as the Reserved Seat Bill for Women and the State Police Bill, which have received widespread national and international recognition.

The former speaker, who currently serves as the Executive Director of Finance and Administration at the SEDC, urged the public to appreciate Kalu for his service, frankness, and honesty. He stressed that Kalu’s recent comments on the financial earnings of Abia State were not meant to criticize the government but to encourage greater accountability and development.

ASUU suspends warning strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has announced the suspension of its two-week warning strike, giving the Federal Government a one-month window to conclude the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and address other unresolved issues affecting the nation’s university system.

President of the union, Professor Chris Piwuna, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja, where he explained that the suspension followed fruitful engagements with the Federal Government and key interventions from the National Assembly.

Piwuna recalled that ASUU had declared the warning strike on October 13, 2025, after what he described as the government’s failure to respond to several appeals to address the lingering renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and other welfare-related concerns of university lecturers.

The ASUU president revealed that following the commencement of the strike, the Federal Government re-engaged the union through a team led by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, which met with ASUU representatives on October 16 and 18, to discuss the government’s response to the draft renegotiated agreement. According to him, although the meetings did not fully resolve all issues, the union recognised that significant progress had been made compared to the pre-strike period.

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October 24, 2025

182 New Police Constables Assume Duties In Imo

182 newly trained and deployed police constables have assumed duties at the Imo State Command, Owerri. They passed out recently from the Police Training School, Nekede, Owerri West Local Government Council of the state, after successfully completing their basic training.

Receiving the officers yesterday at the command’s premises, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, represented by the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, charged them to uphold ethical conduct, discipline, and community-oriented policing.

He congratulated them for their perseverance during the drilling period, urging them to be law-abiding and exhibit professionalism as they discharge their duties henceforth, including accepting postings to any station the command deploys them to.

The IGP directed them to embrace grassroots Community-Oriented Policing, which emphasises grassroots security and stronger collaboration between the Police and members of the public.

Embrace Bold Regional Development Strategy, Sam Amadi tells Southeast Leaders

In preparation for its second investment summit, the Southeast Business and Investment Summit (SEBIS) on Friday, October 17, 2025, held its inaugural roadshow and town hall meeting in Abuja to garner support for the upcoming event in Enugu, the Coal City. The summit is scheduled to hold from November 26–28, 2025.

In a thought-provoking intervention at the event Dr. Sam Amadi, the former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and current Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, called on the South-East region to embrace a bold regional strategy to fully unlock its vast economic potentials. He argued that the region already possesses the fundamental human resources needed for a resurgence.

 Dr. Amadi stressed that the five states in the South-East should aim to create a single economic market, as according to him, the region is a natural economic market because there are virtually no internal barriers when travelling between these states. He called on the state governors to converge their regulatory regimes, even without diluting their individual state sovereignty. This convergence, he argued, would make all their regulations uniform.

Referencing the regime of the late Premier of the Eastern region Dr Michael Okpara, Amadi said Eastern Nigeria provided a model of development for Africa.

The roadshow attracted many dignitaries of the southeast extraction, including former governor of Anambra State Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, two former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani and Anyim Pius Anyim, leaders of Ohaneze in the FCT, leaders of professional and trading Associations, journalists and among others.

 New INEC Chairman Promises Credible Elections

The new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan has promised to deliver credible, free and fair elections going forward. The Chairman addressed the staff of the Commission for the very first time immediately after being sworn-in by President Bola Tinubu on Thursday.

The Chairman said one of the tasks before him was to restore electoral confidence in the electorate, so they realise that their votes count.

He said his first point of call would be the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State, calling on staff of the Commission to ensure that credibility is delivered. Amupitan also said that the staff welfare will be one of his major priorities.

The new Chair, noted that the journey ahead is a challenging one, adding that his coming as the Chairman of INEC is divine.

 Computer-Based WASSCE - WAEC conducts trial test

The West African Examinations Council has conducted a trial test on essay writing ahead of the Computer-Based WASSCE for School Candidates in 2026.

The exercise, led by the Head of WAEC’s Nigeria National Office, Dr Amos Dangut, took place on Thursday at the WAEC Training and Testing Centre, Ogba, Lagos.

Senior secondary school students participated in the trial, designed to familiarise them with the upcoming computer-based format combining both objective and essay components.

Dangut explained that the initiative aims to prepare candidates for full digital examination participation while gradually bridging technological gaps among schools across the country.

 FG recruits 20,000 doctors, others

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has said that the Federal Government has recruited more than 20,000 doctors, nurses, pharmacists and laboratory scientists into federal health institutions across the country in the last two years.

Pate said the mass recruitment, approved by President Bola Tinubu, was part of ongoing efforts to rebuild the nation’s health system and improve access to quality healthcare services.

He stated this during a dialogue with media executives in Abuja on Thursday, where he highlighted the administration’s achievements in the health sector.

Pate explained that the new recruits were deployed across teaching hospitals, federal medical centres and other tertiary facilities to fill critical manpower gaps and improve patient care

 FOREIGN SCENE

US President, Donald Trump, has pardoned the convicted Binance co-founder, Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the White House said on Thursday, accusing Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, of launching an unnecessary war against the industry.

Binance was created in 2017 and swiftly became the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by volume, turning Zhao into a billionaire.

Following an investigation into the firm’s operations, Zhao pleaded guilty to violating US anti-money-laundering laws in late 2023 and served a four-month prison sentence for it in 2024.

Zhao’s pardon wipes his criminal record, and could help pave the way for Binance to return to the United States, around two years after it agreed to suspend its US operations in a deal to resolve the Department of Justice’s criminal investigation.

BUSINESS

Town union leaders in Anambra State under the aegis of Anambra Town Unions Council (ASTUC) has reacted to allegations that its leadership was imposing levies on them to fund the re-election campaign of the governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo.

A letter circulating on the internet, which was titled; Support for Mr. Governor (Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, CFR), and signed by Comrade Ken Okoli, President General youth wing of ASTUC and his secretary, Comrade Orstager P. Chinweuba had mandated all youth leaders to pay 30,000 naira, same as women leaders, while President General communities will pay 75,000 naira.

The letter stated that there will be consequences for non-payment and that the money was a compulsory payment meant to donate to the campaign of the governor. But the media coordinator of ASTUC and President General of Uke Community, Chief Peter Onyejegbu insisted that the letter was a fabrication geared at discrediting the union for their support for Soludo.

He however did not dispute that the members of the organisation were making donations towards Soludo’s campaigns, but insisted that no one was being coerced to pay, nor was there any intention to punish those who failed to pay.

SPORTS

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has appointed Ivorian referee Kouassi Frederic Francois Biro to officiate the Champions League second preliminary round, second leg match between Rivers United FC and Black Bulls of Mozambique.

The match is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Kickoff is at 4 p.m. Nigerian time.

Biro will be assisted by fellow Ivorian officials Prosper Adiouman and Eba Médard Wenceslas Ettien as assistant referees, while Patrick Tanguy Jean Philippe Vlei will serve as the fourth official.

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 IMSG Begins Bus Terminal Construction

 The Imo State Government has begun constructing a brand-new bus terminal on Onitsha Road, opposite Holy Ghost in Owerri to facilitate easy travel across the state. This terminal is one of three modern facilities planned for Owerri to significantly improve travel within the state and to other destinations.

Governor Hope Uzodimma initiated these modern facilities, which are currently being constructed by the company Planet Projects Ltd. Prince Eze Ugochukwu, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, confirmed this development in a statement released on Sunday.

He further revealed that the constructing company, Planet Projects Ltd., has a record of building large terminals in Lagos, such as the Oshodi Interchange, incorporating advanced amenities like simplified ticketing and comfortable waiting areas.

 Southeast PDP Lawmakers Threat Convention Boycott

A fresh crisis is brewing in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as federal lawmakers from the Southeast have threatened to boycott the party’s forthcoming national convention in Ibadan over alleged moves to rezone the position of National Woman Leader from the Southeast to the South South.

The lawmakers, led by the member representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency of Imo State, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, accused Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, of masterminding the plan to alter the existing zoning arrangement, saying it is an attempt to humiliate and alienate the Southeast within the party.

They warned that the PDP risks further internal disunity and mass defections if the purported plan is not reversed before the screening exercise scheduled for next week.

Ugochinyere, who spoke on behalf of the lawmakers in Abuja, said the position was originally zoned to the Southeast, with Imo State expected to produce the next National Woman Leader. He explained that the current Southeast Zonal Woman Leader, Ifeyinwa Arodiogbu, was unanimously backed by PDP stakeholders in the region to clinch the position before Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu, now in the All-Progressives Congress (APC), allegedly influenced the zoning to his state.

He said Mbah’s defection to the ruling party has rendered the earlier arrangement invalid, giving Imo State a legitimate claim to the position. Ugochinyere disclosed that the lawmakers would issue a disclaimer against the convention in two weeks and would not participate if Imo State and the Southeast are humiliated.

 Resident Doctors to Begin Indefinite Strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, says it will begin an indefinite nationwide strike starting November 1, 2025.

The decision was taken after a five-hour meeting of the association’s National Executive Council, NEC, on Saturday.

This was contained in a statement released by NARD President, Mohammad Suleiman, on Sunday.

The statement noted that the strike directive was issued after the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum earlier given to the Federal Government over unresolved demands.

 National Assembly Committee Approves One New State for Southeast

The Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Constitution Review has approved the creation of an additional state in the South-East geo-political zone.

According to a statement by the media unit of the committee, the resolution was reached on Saturday at a two-day retreat in Lagos, where it reviewed 55 proposals for state creation across the country.

The session, chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, and co-chaired by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, resolved that, in the spirit of fairness and equity, the Federal Government should create another state for the region.

Kalu, who joined other lawmakers to champion additional state creation for the region, argued that a new state would give the people a sense of belonging.

Nigeria to Host IPI Africa Bloc Conference

Nigeria will host the inaugural meeting of the African bloc of the National Committees of the International Press Institute, following the country’s acceptance to lead the new regional grouping.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed the development during a meeting at the weekend in Vienna, Austria, with the Chairman of the IPI Executive Board, Marton Gergely; the IPI Executive Director, Scott Griffen; and Nigeria’s representative on the IPI Executive Board, Raheem Adedoyin. This was contained in a statement signed by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, on Sunday.

The IPI Board had earlier approved the creation of regional blocs of national committees to better address region-specific interests within the global IPI community. Idris, who spoke at the meeting, said Nigeria was honoured to host the maiden edition of the African bloc’s meeting.

 FOREIGN NEWS

Despite the counter statements from the presidency on the alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria, a member of the US Congress, Rep Riley M. Moore has insisted that about 7,000 Christians have been killed across the country this year.

In a recent interview with Fox News, the lawmaker described the alleged genocide as a tragedy saying it has been going on for decades without anyone talking about it.

Reall that Rep Moore and Senator Ted Cruz recently called for the designation of Nigeria as Country of Particular Concerns, CPC over the alleged massacre of Christians in Nigeria. But presidential media aide, Daniel Bwala, had on different occasions dismissed the claim, insisting that the security crisis in the country does not target a particular religion.

However, in his recent interview with Fox News, Rep Moore insisted that about 35 Nigerian Christians are murdered per day.

SPORTS

Real Madrid have won the first El Clásico of the season, beating Barcelona 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Los Blancos came into the game with revenge on their minds, having lost all their fixtures against their arch-rivals last season.

Kylian Mbappé gave Madrid the lead with a fierce drive from a distance.

But Fermín López continued his red-hot form in front of goal to make it 1-1.

The winning goal came just before the break, as Jude Bellingham ghosted in at the back post to tap into an empty net.

 To Submit An Eyewitness Report, You Can Reach Our News Desk At Omalicha Radio 91.1 Fm Via Call Or Text On 0806 802 1774. You Can Also Listen To Us Anywhere In The World Via Livestreaming On Www.Omalichamedia.Com And Click The Listen Button.

 The outcome of the research was released at a time Nigerian lawmakers were considering a bill to make voting compulsory for every voting-age adult in the country. Though the bill, jointly sponsored by House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Daniel Asama Ago, had passed through the second reading, it was, however  withdrawn due to the public backlash it generated as it was said to have the capability of taking away individual freedom to vote, even as the promoters had argued that  it would make the citizens to become more invested in voting.

 That is where and why the research becomes very important as according to some of those who spoke at the public presentation which took place in Abuja, there are many reasons Nigerians are disengaging from voting in the country. 

 Top on the list is the perception by many that votes seemingly do not count in the electoral process. In adopting this view, they point to past elections where results that were contrary to what was witnessed at the polling units were declared, and so doing, invalidated the efforts - time, finance- they invested in the process.

 While voter apathy addresses relationship between the generality of Nigerians who have reached the legal age of voting/and registered to vote, and the actual number that vote during elections, voter apathy is more prevalent among women, as it was revealed that men are more inclined to vote and are indeed, active recruiters of women during the elections.

 The team of researchers was led by Prof Freedom Onuoha of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and it included Drs Chukwuma Okoli, Saheed Babajide, Anthony Okoye, and Olanrewaju Oladejo.

 A two-woman team was also set up to specifically look into the issue of Gender and Voter. Made up of Adaora Osondu-Oti, a professor of International Relations and Diplomacy at the Institute of Gender Studies, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, who researched gender voter apathy in southern Nigeria, and Dr Fatima Adamu, a sociologist with expertise in gender, poverty and equity issues in Northern Nigeria, who looked at gender voter apathy in southern Nigeria, the team synthesized the data collected in the field research by the Professor Onuoha-led all-men team, and as well, collected new data to enable them come up with data-supported evidence of why women, especially, are disengaging from voting during elections.

 Lack of interest in the process is a reason that explains why women are apathetic to voting, and this is irrespective of whether they are in the north or south of the country, and this begins at the point of the registration process. While there is less apathy in the south, specifically the south east and south west, the apathy is more defined among the elites, housewives and farmers.

 These are compounded by the challenges of election violence, intimidation, societal pressure and biases the women have to contend with. In the area of gender bias, this comes in forms of religious, political parties and traditional. Notwithstanding, the researchers identified religious leaders as playing more important role in mobilising women for election. While the use of religious leaders to mobilise women to vote has been on the increase since 2023, the research revealed that this was spearheaded in 1979 by Sheikh Gumi.  

 Generally however, the research threw up the following as factors behind voting apathy in the country and they are location of the polling units/booths, preoccupation of women with domestic chores, lack of trust on the electoral body, low female representation in the political process, patriarchal dominance (identified in the south), technology, and lack of adequate assistive voting devices for people living with disabilities.

To address the challenge, the issue of insecurity which keeps people, especially women away from polling stations has to be addressed; gender-sensitive strategies for voting has to be promoted, and credible women have to be promoted for elective purposes to, according to some respondents, motivate them to want to go out and vote.

Present at the public presentation were the Resident Representative of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Nigeria, Lennart Oestergaard, programme manager Juliana Anosike, representatives from INEC, National Assembly, Plan International, Yiaga Africa, Alliance for Credible Elections (ACE), Journalism & Development Seminars Initiative, (JADES), and the Academia among others. 

- Media CEO Workshop

Last week on May 8 and 9, I was privileged to participate at the Media CEO Workshop organised by the Kingsley Uranta-led Channels Academy, in collaboration with the United States Mission in Nigeria and the JSM Foundation. It had the theme: Media Innovation and Sustainable Business Models.

The workshop could not have come at a better time, than now when media organisations across the Nigeria are confronting challenges, and working towards diversifying their operations, if they must survive present economic realities. 

It brought together media leaders from the country’s south - Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Oyo etc. The Northern Media CEO Workshop had been held earlier in Abuja.

The issues discussed were apt for the present times. They included Leading Through Change, Growing and Retaining Audiences, Attracting and Retaining Talent, Fostering Collaboration, Funding and Investment Opportunities, Exploring New Revenue Streams and a Peep Into the Future of Media.

Listening to the CEOs of media companies discuss their challenges and how they have managed to keep going, one may not be blamed for calling media managers in Nigeria, miracle workers. 

Representing my organisation - Omalicha 91.1FM, I happily (though impromptu), joined the panel that discussed - Exploring New Revenue Streams, alongside Greg Odutayo of Royal Roots televisio and Radio, and Eze Anaba, editorof the Vanguard and President, Nigeria Guild of Editors.

The workshop was facilitated by Stacia Deshishku, former executive vice president of ABC News for Business Development and Operations. Stacia is also, a CNN Alumnus, and managed news gathering around ‘some of the biggest international and domestic stories’ for the network. 

Thank you Julie Mackay, Public Affairs Officer at the US Mission in Nigeria, and team, and Kingsley and his Channel Academy team for the wonderful opportunity. I have no doubt that great results will emerge from this two days gathering.... And oh! Deji Adekunle of the Media Development Investment Fund, was also there to talk to us about assessing grants.  

By Angela Agoawike

Imo Residents Decry Rising Insecurity, Urge Government Action

Residents of Imo State have expressed concerns over rising insecurity in the region, calling on the government and security agencies to take urgent action to protect the people. Speaking to Omalicha FM, many residents lamented the increasing cases of killings, kidnappings, and other forms of violent crimes that have left them living in fear.

In recent months, news reports have been dominated by incidents of abductions and assassinations, forcing many to alter their daily routines. Owerri, once known for its vibrant nightlife, has become a shadow of its former self as people now avoid staying out late for safety reasons.

One resident, Chika Okafor, told Omalicha FM, that “life in Imo State is no longer the same. We cannot move around freely without fear of being attacked. The government must act before things get worse.”

Another resident, Amaka Nwosu, expressed frustration over what she described as a lack of decisive action from the authorities. “Every day, we hear of another person being kidnapped or killed. We need more security presence and proactive measures to tackle this crisis,” she said.

The residents are calling on the state and federal governments, as well as security agencies, to intensify efforts in combating crime and restoring peace in the state. They urge authorities to deploy more security personnel, strengthen intelligence gathering, and implement lasting solutions to the insecurity.

Although the government has repeatedly assured citizens of its commitment to addressing the security challenges, many residents remain skeptical, insisting that urgent and visible action is needed to restore confidence and safeguard lives and property.

 Federal High Court Indefinitely Adjourns Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja has indefinitely adjourned the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), after he refused to be tried before Justice Binta Nyako.

Justice Nyako made the decision on Monday after Kanu insisted that his case be transferred to a court in the South-East. Kanu had on September 24, 2024, requested that Justice Nyako recuses herself, citing a lack of confidence in her handling of the case.

Following his request, Justice Nyako stepped down and referred the case file to Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment. However, Justice Tsoho later returned the case to Nyako, arguing that, given the prolonged history of the matter since 2015, she was best suited to continue handling it.

Kanu’s trial had been stalled since Nyako’s initial recusal, but the Federal Government issued a hearing notice summoning him to appear on February 10, 2025. Upon his appearance, Kanu strongly objected to facing trial under Nyako, insisting she no longer had jurisdiction over the case.

Nnamdi Kanu Questions Court

Justice Nyako clarified that her recusal was not accepted by the Chief Judge, leading to the case file being returned to her. With Kanu maintaining his stance, the court adjourned proceedings indefinitely.

 IGP Warns Police Officers Against Carrying Rifles in Civilian Clothing, Rights Violations

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a strict warning to officers against carrying rifles while dressed in civilian attire and engaging in human rights violations.

In a statement released on Monday by Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Egbetokun gave the directive during a virtual meeting with senior police managers at the Force Headquarters.

The IGP highlighted a surge in complaints about human rights abuses received through official channels, prompting the need for immediate corrective action.

He cautioned that any further violations would attract severe consequences and urged officers to uphold professionalism, avoid misconduct, and adhere to proper dressing standards.

 NLC Condemns Governors for Abandoning States Amid Economic Hardship

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized state governors who neglect their responsibilities and spending more time in Abuja while citizens endure hardship.

NLC President Joe Ajaero made the remarks during a town hall meeting with workers at the NLC Secretariat in Lokoja, Kogi State. The meeting was organized to allow workers to voice their concerns and present demands, which the NLC leadership pledged to convey to the state governor.

Ajaero noted that during visits to five different zones, governors were consistently absent, having traveled to Abuja. He expressed frustration over the impact of rising living costs on workers and warned that any government move to increase telecom tariffs would worsen their struggles.

Despite challenges in engaging state leaders, Ajaero assured workers that the NLC would continue to push for their demands, emphasizing that only one out of the five governors visited was available to address workers’ concerns.

Bishop Decries Impact of Economic Downturn on Church Attendance

The Archbishop of Ibadan Province, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Dr. Williams Aladekugbe, has expressed concern over the impact of Nigeria’s economic downturn on church attendance and offerings.

Speaking in Ibadan, over the weekend, Aladekugbe highlighted how the removal of fuel subsidies has deepened financial struggles, making it difficult for many families to attend church or contribute financially.

He noted that a cleric even called on President Bola Tinubu to address the crisis. The bishop emphasized that in the past, Nigerians protested unfavorable economic policies, and similar demonstrations continue today.

Urging religious leaders to support struggling citizens, Aladekugbe stressed the need for intensified sermons and teachings to sustain faith during these difficult times. He also warned against fear and despair, advocating for a stronger reliance on faith to seek divine intervention.

New Visa Restrictions on Nigerians by Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has imposed new visa restrictions on Nigeria and 13 other countries, limiting them to single-entry visas valid for only 30 days. The other countries are Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.

The policy affects tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family members but does not apply to applicants for Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas.

Saudi authorities cited the misuse of multiple-entry visas as the primary reason for the change, noting that some travelers used long-term visas to stay in the country illegally or participate in Hajj without proper authorization.

The Saudi government enforces a strict Hajj quota system for each country, and unauthorized pilgrims have been blamed for contributing to overcrowding during the annual pilgrimage.

World Cup Qualifiers: Fears Over Lookman

Super Eagles handlers have expressed their joy over the return to fitness of star winger Ademola Lookman.

The Atalanta forward has resumed training with his Italian club after recovering from a knee injury sustained in January.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle and his staff are hopeful that Lookman, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, will be available for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

If you have an eyewitness report, reach out to our news desk at on +234 0806 802 1774; info@omalichamedia.com

Prof C. S. Okunna      Dr O. F. Ibrahim, SG, APPO      Prof I. L. Worika

Meeting the most basic needs of shelter, food, and health, among others, has been described as a precursor to self-actualization and development. 

This was the assertion of the guest speaker at a lecture held month to mark Omalicha’s 1^st year Anniversary of Omalicha 91.1fm in Owerri, the Imo State capital. The lecture had the theme: Empowering Communities, bridging the energy divide for sustainable development, the role of radio. 

Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, who represented the guest speaker Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General, African Petroleum Producers Organization, APPO, noted that the topic consisted of concepts that are at the center of a nation’s development. Outlining these concepts as empowerment, access to energy and sustainable development, the speaker added that these play key roles in meeting and even surpassing the basic needs of human beings.

Drawing generously from Maslow’s pyramid of needs, the guest speaker discussed the hierarchy of needs starting from some of the basic needs of humans such as food and shelter, which as stated by the late American psychologist, must be met before one can aspire towards self-actualization, the highest on the pyramid of needs.

He added that underdeveloped countries are those countries that are still struggling to meet the most basic needs of their people. “They can barely feed and clothe their population, good drinking water is lacking, infrastructure is almost non-existent, with the bulk of their population lacking adequate housing.”

On empowering communities, Worika, himself, a professor of Petroleum Law and director, School of Advanced Law Studies at the University of Port Harcourt, said that the provision of infrastructure and these basic needs empowers citizens, adding that an empowered citizenry creates empowered communities because we exist in communities.

Speaking on the importance of energy in all of these, the speaker noted that studies and experiences have shown that in the first industrial revolution, energy was key to meeting and surpassing the physiological (basic) needs of human beings. Nigeria ranked as one of the poorest countries in the world, is so ranked because amongst others, the country suffers the effects of energy poverty, which is quite limiting in the quest for individual and community development.

Quoting the group, habitat for humanity which described energy as “lifesaving as it’s absence negatively impacts the health, education, social and economic lives of people and communities, while causing unemployment, the speaker went ahead to say that energy empowers communities and lack of it under develops and in turn, disempowers communities. Lack of energy he said, can lead to poverty.

The presentation underscored the urgent need for the equitable provision and distribution of energy in Nigeria and ensuring that communities in both urban and rural settings especially in the rural areas also have access to it. For instance, the speaker noted, that “primary healthcare system in Nigeria is severely impacted by lack of access to electricity and energy services, especially in the rural communities. The inability to keep essential medications, such as vaccines refrigerated and respond to emergency situations are areas that reduce the ability of health workers to offer quality care to people with health issues”.

And this, he continued, is where the media steps in to play a role that is equally as vital, as it is a critical platform for the dissemination of information about energy access, available renewable technologies and sustainable practices that could be adopted to set them on the path of development.”

Breaking the topic down during the discussion session, Dr. Ihuoma Ahaotu of the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, focused on the impact access to (cheap) energy can have on a young entrepreneur or researcher; and the role radio can play in providing information on available forms of energy and how to access them to such young researchers and entrepreneurs.

Adding his voice to the discussion, especially the role radio can play in informing the people of availability and access, Prof Jerome Okonkwo of the Imo State University, Owerri, advocated for the promotion of the Igbo language and the importance of using it more in broadcasts to enlighten the people on the issue of access to, and availability of energy sources.

Earlier in her remarks, Chairperson of the event Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna, a professor of Communication Development, described radio as having the capacity for development, which other media do not possess. She commended the choice of theme as according to her, access to energy is primary in our part of the world. In any developing country, MSME’s are the engine of growth for the economy, and you cannot grow the economy without access to energy. She congratulated Omalicha 91.1FM , its team and the community that has welcomed the station for the strides already made, encouraging them to work towards having even more to celebrate at the next Anniversary.

One of Nigeria’s medal prospects at the ongoing Olympic games in Paris, France, Favour Ofili , has blamed the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigeria Olympics Committee for her exclusion in the 100m relay event.

In a message on her social media handle, Ofili expressed her disaapointment by noting that “I have worked for four years to earn this opportunity. For what?”

Ofili who qualified to compete in the 100m and 200m events was supposed to fly the country’s flag alongside Tima Godbless and Rosemary Chukwuma in the 100m but, according to her, failure by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, and the National Anti-Doping Committee (NADC) to register her for the event has cost her the opportunity.

Equip students with self-reliant skills, Olebara urges Government

The federal government has been urged to come up with a new Educational curriculum that will reflect the educational needs of the present age.

The call was made by, retired school principal, Dr Mrs Nma Olebara while speaking with Omalicha Radio on the proposed rejig of the basic school curriculum by the federal ministry of education.

Olebara stressed the need to incorporate subjects that will properly equip students to become employable, and self reliant in meeting up with the present realities

She lamented the outdated nature of not just the present curriculum, but the facilities and infrastructure in many schools, while expressing disappointment in the government for not paying enough attention to education.

Tahir Mamman, the minister of education had announced that the new curriculum will be available from the next academic session which starts in September

Gunmen on rampage in Owerri

 A group of yet to be identified gunmen, on Monday July 29 and Tuesday July 30, wrecked havoc across the Imo State capital, Owerri and its environs, leaving in their trail, blood  and properties destroyed.

On Monday evening, four policemen and a Point of Sale(PoS) operator on the Owerri - Onitsha Road, fell to the bullets of the assailants in a drive by shooting, and on Tuesday, the gunmen struck at differents areas such as  Amawaya, Orji, Nkworji market, Ubakuru Mbieri Community, Eke Iho Market in Ikeduru, and Nwaorieubi in the Mbaitoli council headquarters.

Following the attacks, four more persons, two civilians and two policeman were killed, just as  a cement-loaded trailer belonging to the Dangote group and a state government-owned refuse disposal truck were destroyed.

The Imo police command has confirmed the incidents via a statement signed by the public relations officer, ASP Henry Okoye, who said the Commissioner, Aboki Danjuma has ordered a manhunt to fish out the perpetrators

Catholic bishops call for end to governance by palliatives

The Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, comprising of Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti and Kwara states, have blamed the ongoing nationwide protest on the failure of government to response to the yearnings of the people on time.

This was contained in a communique jointly signed by Archbishop of Ibadan Catholic Archdiocese, Gabriel Abegunrin and Bishop John Oyejola, the chairman and secretary respectively, at the end of their  meeting held at the Domus Pacis Pastoral Institute, Igoba, Akure, the Ondo State capital. According to the communique, “the protests in Nigeria should be made to serve that purpose and nothing more.

The bishops also chided the government over what they termed governance by palliatives, intimidation or by hide and seek methods, asking them to instead provide permanent solutions to the challenges faced being by Nigerians.

+234 803 272 2065 or email info@omalichamedia.com

Gun shots induce tension and panic in Owerri on eve of  #EndBadGovernance Protests

Business and other activities were brought to and abrupt end in Owerri, the Imo State capital and it’s environs on Wednesday following sporadic gunshots that rocked some parts of the city.

The gunshots, heard in locations such as Okigwe road, Wetheral road, Ikenegbu road, Ama Hausa, IMSU back gate, MCC-Road, and Tetlow junction road, which is close to the State Police Command and the the government house, caused panic among residents, including traders, commuters as well as students of the Imo State University (IMSU), who scampered for safety.

The gunmen whose identity could not immediately be ascertained managed to evade the attention of the numerous security personel stationed all over the city and the state

Police operatives was said to have responded to the attacks by firing tear gas with the aim of scaring the hoodlums.

In a reaction, the spokesman of the Imo Police Command, ASP Henry Okoye, said the hoodlums had adopted a guerilla style, whereby they come out from their enclaves, unleash surprise attacks and run into hiding.

Okoye however assured that the Police Commissioner, Aboki Danjuma, has launched a head-on attack on the gunmen.

#EndBadGovernance Protest: Food and other prices soar

Ahead of today‘s nationwide protests against lingering food inflation and hunger, panic buying and petrol scarcity have pushed up the prices of goods and consumables, further increasing difficulty on an already exhausted citizenry across the State.

Survey in some major cities and markets, showed there was pressure on stores, markets and petrol stations, as households moved in large numbers to stock their homes ahead of the proposed protests.

The lingering petrol scarcity in the country compounded the problem, with many Nigerians resorting to black market to get petrol.

The scarcity, which worsened in the last five days, saw petrol prices skyrocket, with harder pressure on finances and consumption

Touts and black marketers making brisk business from selling petrol in kegs above the official prices to desperate buyers.

FG Declares Correctional Centres Red Zones

Ahead of today’s planned #EndBadGoernance protests, the federal government has declared all its 256 custodial centres across the country as ‘red zones’.    

Red zones are areas designated in terms of their security and safety status, with strict guidelines and permission given before accessing them.

Haliru Nababa, Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NcoS), said this in a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Abubakar Umar, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Nababa said that any person or group of persons who have no businesses should steer clear of the prisons

Meanwhile the #endbadgovernance protesters have disagreed with the inspector general of police over the nature of the protest gatherings.

Whereas the police chief during a meeting with the organisers of the protest, advocated for the protests to be carried out in a confined location, the protesters insisted on street demonstrations.

DAPPMAM writes FG, on alledged Dangote Refinery Monopolistics Tendencies

The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, DAPPMAN, have written to President Bola Tinubu over alleged monopolistic tendencies of Dangote Refinery.

DAPPMAN said before Dangote Refinery was established, Nigerian business entrepreneurs already had investments in the country’s downstream petroleum sector running into trillions of naira, with taxes remitted to the various state governments by their respective employees.

This was contained in a letter addressed to the President.

DAPPMAN noted several investments made by Dangote in the past and how he had allegedly monopolised certain sectors.

It urged the President to intervene and ensure the sustenance of deregulation and free market policies intended by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

The group emphasized the need for market forces to be allowed free reign in the sector within appropriate rule of law.

Somali Journalist Arrested for Alledged Dronre

The arrest of a journalist for reporting on drug use in the Somali military is the latest incident in an apparent clampdown on critical reporting in the country. The development is having a “chilling” effect on Somalia’s media, rights campaigners said.

AliNur Salaad was detained last week and accused of “immorality, false reporting and insulting the armed forces”, after publishing a now-deleted video suggesting that soldiers were vulnerable to attacks by al-Shabaab militants because of widespread use of the traditional narcotic khat.

Angela Quintal, head of the African programme at the Committee to Protect Journalists, called on Somali authorities to drop the case “and allow journalists to report and comment freely on public affairs”

Senior Man, Kelechi Iheanacho joins La Liga from Premier League

Following the expiration of his contract with Leicester City, Nigeria’s Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has joined the Spanish La Liga side Sevilla on a 2-year deal.

Iheanacho departed the King Power stadium where he scored 61 goals in 232 matches, in a 7 years stint with Leicester City.

He arrived in Spain on Tuesday and had his medical on Wednesday.

He was unveiled by the club on Wednesday evening through its social media handle.

He arrives on a free transfer after several seasons at Leicester City and signs for two seasons with the option for one more”, the club said.

He will team up with his compatriot Bright Ejuke, who also joined the team this summer.

Got news tips? Call OMALICHA RADIO 91.1FM on 0803 272 2065

Court denies Nnamdi Kanu‘s Applications

 Two requests by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), before the Federal High Court in Abuja have been denied.

One of the requests, is to be granted bail, while the other is to be relocated from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), where he is now detained, to Kuje prison.

Ruling on the requests on Monday, May 20, Justice Binta Nyako held that issues raised in both applications had earlier been pronounced on by her court and rejected.

Justice Nyako held that she found as a fact that Kanu jumped the bail earlier granted to him and escaped from the country.

The judge noted that those, who stood surety for Kanu when the earlier bail was granted, later applied to be discharged because they could not locate Kanu and did not know his whereabouts. Their requests were granted.

She held that the only option open to Kanu was for him to approach the Court of Appeal on the issues.

Reacting to the ruling, the IPOB leader lashed out at the judiciary and the Nigerian government, insisting that no Nigerian court can try him. He described any attempt to try his case in a Nigerian court as amounting to a breach of the Nigerian constitution and international laws.

Imbibe the spirit of tolerance and compassion, Bishop Chikwe tells Christians

 The Auxiliary Bishop of Owerri Archdiocese of the Catholic Church, His Grace, Bishop Moses Chikwe has advised christians to be careful with their utterances.

Delivering the homily during his pastoral visit to the St Mary’s Catholic church, Azaraubo, Emekuku, in the Owerri North LGA, Bishop Chikwe, drew contrasts between two incidents - the biblical tower of Babel, where language was a source of division and the day of Pentecost, where language was a source of hope and unity.

He admonished the faithful to imbibe the spirit of tolerance, peace, patience and compassion in their interactions with others, whether their partners, neighbors or even strangers.

Omalicha FM’s correspondent reports that 149 Catholic faithfuls recieved the sacrament of confirmation during the Bishop’s pastorial visit to the Azaraubo Catholic parish.

Minimum wage negotiations: Government may shift position, urges labour to do same

The Organised Labour has warned the government that it will not accept N100,000 as the new minimum wage for workers.

Recall that both the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade-Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, pulled out of negotiation last week Wednesday, rejecting government‘s offer of N48,000 as the new minimum wage.

However, in a letter to the groups requesting for a meeting tomorrow, Wednesday,  Chairman of the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum wage, Alhaji Bukar Goni, indicated that government may shift ground and asked the organised labour to also shift ground.

NLC Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, said that the organised labour would honour the invitation tomorrow.

Meanwhile, leaders of both the NLC, and TUC, have put their civil society allies on notice over their planned industrial action should government fail to reverse the hike in electricity tariff and conclude the minimum wage negiation by May 31.

In a joint communique issued today Tuesday May 21, leaders of the two labour unions, gave the federal government and National Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, till the end of the month  (May) to reverse the hike.

Central Bank of Nigeria withdraws directive on cyber security levy.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has officially withdrawn the directive earlier issued to banks to commence the deduction of cyber security levy from depositors.

This was disclosed in a circular signed by the apex bank’s director of payments system management, Chibuzor Efobi and Director of financial policy and regulation, Haruna .B. Mustafa, issued to different categories of banks on Sunday.

According to the statement, “the circular on deduction and collection of the cyber security levy is hereby withdrawn.”

Recall that the decision to enforce the levy by the central bank was met by strong criticisms by many who cited the current economic challenges in the country as being unconducive for such levy, which was to have been administered by the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).

 SPORTS

 Heartland Queens of Owerri suffer defeat

 Heartland Queens football club of Owerri on Sunday suffered its first defeat at the ongoing Nigerian Women football league super six playoffs.

At the Samson Siasia stadium in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital, Omalicha FM’s sports correspondent reports that Confluence Queens of Lokoja scored two unreplied goals including a penalty to peg the Owerri Queens at just one point from two games. Their next game comes up tomorrow.

- Benny Naza 

POLICE COMMAND OPENS INVESTIGATION AS 6 CONFIRMED DEAD AFTER GHASTLY ROAD ACCIDENT 

At least 6 persons, were confirmed dead after a trailer ran into four mini busses at the junction of Imo State University Owerri, on Saturday evening.

An eyewitness said the trailer which was laden with stones was coming from Orji to Owerri but lost it’s breaks at Ugwu-orji, colliding with several vehicles coming from opposite direction.

According to the man who said he witnessed the incident, the driver was trying to avoid hitting those passengers and mini-buses that usually occupy the junction when it veered off the opposite lane, hitting more than four small buses loaded with passengers.

Some persons at the scene of the accident helped convey some of the victims to the Federal Medical Center, FMC, Owerri.

They however lamented the absence of emergency services in the state as no government agency was on hand or arrived hours after the accident occured.

IMO GOVERNMENT DECRIES PROLIFERATION OF LOCAL NEWSPAPERS

The Imo State Government has expressed concern over what it calls the rapid proliferation of local tabloids in the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Strategy, and Public Enlightenment, Declan  Emelumba, made this known during a courtesy visit by the new executive of the State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Owerri at the weekend.

While acknowledging that Imo State has the largest number of print and electronic media outlets, providing jobs for youths, Emelumba emphasized the need for measures to checkmate the influx of local tabloids to prevent quackery in the media profession

To this end, the commissioner added that the government has introduced a weekly briefing for practicing journalists to keep the public informed about government activities.

NIGERIA’S LABOUR UNION REJECTS GOVERNMENT’S MINIMUM WAGE OFF OF N46

Organised Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade-Union Congress, has said it will not accept the N48,000 minimum wage offer proposed by the Federal Government.

The unions had last week stormed out of the minimum wage negotiation meeting after the Federal Government offered to pay N48,000, a figure far below the N615,00 the unions were demanding as the new national minimum wage.

After abandoning the session, the furious labour leaders in an emergency press conference vented their displeasure with the offer, stating that it was “an insult to the sensibilities of Nigerian workers”.

This was the second time in two weeks that the negotiation had run into a stalemate.

The last session, held on April 29, was deadlocked after organised labour insisted on N615,000 minimum wage.

The Federal Government disagreed with labour’s demand, stating that it was unreasonable.

SPORTS

Imo Flamingoos close to securing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup ticket

Imo Strikers Queens goal poacher, Harmony Chidi bagged a hat-trick as Flamingos marched on to Round Four of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifying series. Recall that the Flamingos were forced to one-on-one draw a week ago in Mali by Burkina Faso

The Flamingos dismantled their opponents 6-0, courtesy of a hat-trick by Harmony Chidi, a brace from Peace Effiong and a Ramota Kareem’s strike in a scintillating encounter.

The Flamingos are through to the fourth and final qualifying round and will face either Senegal or Liberia.

Three teams will represent Africa at this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Dominican Republic. The competition will run from October 16 to November 3, 2024.

Do you have any tips or information any development issue in your area? Give us a call on 0803 272 2065, or email us on info@omalichamedia.com...,. omalicha radio – the voice for development.

Eyong said this on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 during a conference organised by United Nations (UN) Women at the UN Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory.

According to Omalicha 91.1 FM's reporter, Eucharia Erege, who covered the event live, the UN envoy also highlighted the importance of women participation in politics.

On the challenges that women who run for political office face, Dr. Ruqqayyah Yusuf-Ali of the Faculty of Communication, Bayero University, Kano State stated categorically that the reason why women do not participate fully in elections is because of the high cost of campaigns, lack of support from women, and the commercialisation of political news by the media. 

Yusuf-Ali also said that the barriers should be broken to enable the active participation of women in politics.

Speaking further, Titilope Fadare, an assistant Podcast Editor, at SciDev.Net in her presentation opined that some women do not have a clear idea of what they want in politics. 

Fadare also stressed that women should go into politics with a mindset of winning and not just to have fun. 

Also, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director, International Press Center, Lagos, encouraged women to come out fully and seek to be voted for.

According to him, leadership is for every gender.

The theme of the conference is: UN Women Nigeria Media Forum 2024, escalating media actions for women's empowerment.

This report was put together by Eucharia Erege. 

Listen to the full audio report!

Imo Governor Urged To Conduct Local Government Elections 

Following the proposed inauguration of a new Imo state executive council, comprising of 16 commissioner designates, the state governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma have been urged to afterwards turn his attention towards local government administration.

Presently, none of the 27 Local Government councils in the state have a political leadership either by election or appointment.

Speaking to Omalicha FM, Hon Emeka Nwadi, immediate past secretary of Mbaitoli Local Government Council, lamented the non existence of political leadership at the grassroots 

He enumerated some of the functions of the local council administration and highlighted the need for its restoration. 

Nwadi enjoined the governor to as a matter of urgency conduct local government elections, and also put in place measures to check the excesses of the local council leaders.

....

Army Promises To Restore Peace To The South-East 

The Commander, Joint Task Force, Southeast Operation Udo Ka, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, has said that his commitment to total return of peace to the southeast region remains sacrosanct.

Mr Dada, who is also the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, said this while addressing troops during a sallah lunch with the troops and security personnel of the operation at the naval base, Oguta council area of Imo, on Thursday.

The Commander pledged unflinching support for civil authorities to ensure the return and sustenance of peace in the region for sustainable economic development.

He commended all security personnel of the operation for their resilience, adding that the successes so far recorded would not have been possible without their collective efforts.

....

NCDC Reiterates Advice For Lassa Fever Prevention 

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), 150 people died from Lassa virus in 125 local government areas throughout 27 states in the federation between January and March 2024.

The agency confirmed that the National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System has been activated to coordinate response at all levels at the Emergency Operations Centre, EOC.

No new healthcare worker was affected in the reporting week 13, the report noted.

NCDC reiterates it’s advice that primary transmission of the Lassa virus from its host to humans can be prevented by avoiding contact with rodents, putting food away in rodent-proof containers and keeping the home clean help to discourage rodents from entering homes.

....

Inflation

Chairman of the BUA Group of Companies, Rabiu Abdulsamad, has expressed confidence that prices in Nigeria will soon begin to drop.

Abdulsamad who made the assertion while visiting the President, Bola Tinubu at the government house in Abuja highlighted the significant progress that has been made in addressing the country’s longstanding foreign exchange challenges.

He blamed the high inflation rate on activities of speculators whom he said manipulated and commercialized the dollar, but expressed happiness at the gains of the naira in recent days.

Abdulsamad attributed this positive development to the government’s reform efforts and the collaboration between the public and private sectors.

He noted that a committee has been established to facilitate this partnership, which he believes is crucial for the country’s economic recovery.

....

Sports 

All is set for the commencement of the final rounds of the TOSKA FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT for communities in the Owerri Federal Constituency.

The multi million naira competition which is magnanimously sponsored by the member representing Owerri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon Tochukwu Okere (TOSKA) have already had the group and round of 16 stages completed.

The matches which are played at various grounds throughout Owerri Federal Constituency will see Umuoma Nekede, Eziobodo, Ikenegbu, Umuokpo, Egbu, Umuonyeche Umuodu, Ohii and Emekuku slugging it out in the quarter finals slated for Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th April.

Semi finals will be played on Wednesday April 17 with the 3rd place match slated for Saturday April 20.

The competition will conclude with a grand finale on Sunday April 21 at Holy Ghost college where prizes will be awarded to winning teams and deserving players as well as opportunities to further their footballing careers.

If you have an eyewitness report, do reach out to our news desk at OMALICHA 91.1FM via calls or Whatsapp on 0903 067 0799.

According to Channels Television, Umeoji's appointment makes her the first female GMD of the bank.

She will take over from the current GMD, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, whose tenure expires on May 31, 2024.

Umeoji has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Jos. Also, she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a first-class honour in Law from Baze University, Abuja.

The new Zenith Bank GMD has a Master of Law Degree from the University of Salford, United Kingdom as well as a Master in Business Administration from the University of Calabar.

She is an alumna of Harvard Business School, Wharton Business School, Columbia Business School, MIT Sloan School of Management and Apollos University,

Umeoji is a fellow of the Chartered Banker Institute, UK, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, Nigerian Institute of Management, the Institute of Credit Administration and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Nigeria among others.

Before her appointment, she has been the Deputy Managing Director of the bank since October 28, 2016.

Please listen to the audio commentary in Igbo above!

Image Credit: Guardian

Recall that as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and campaign for infrastructural development, Omalicha 91.1 FM publicised the plight and complaints of people living and doing business in communities affected by the construction work.

As part of her follow-up report, Omalicha 91.1 FM correspondent, Amarachi Adimuko spoke to some residents along the Azaraebelu axis of the Owerri-Umuahia road.

Please listen to the audio report above!