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Unity Bank CEO To Youths: Manage Your Money ‘Wisely’ To Secure Your Future

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Unity Bank Students

The managing director/ chief executive of Unity Bank Plc Ebenenzer Kolawole has advised youths in the country to develop a positive financial management habits necessary to secure their future.

The commercial bank CEO made the remark in commemoration of this year’s Global Money Week, urging the youths to save money for their future.

“The habits you form now around saving, spending, and investing will shape your financial future. It’s not about how much you have, but how wisely you manage it,” Kolawole said.

Held under the theme, “Think before you follow, wise money tomorrow,” this year’s engagement focused on helping young people develop discernment and critical thinking in making financial decisions, particularly in an era shaped by social media influence and digital distractions.

Kolawole,  supported the initiative as the Bank held an impactful session at Boys Model Secondary School, Owerri, Imo State.

Represented by the Bank’s Zonal Head, South South/South East, William Odigie,  Kolawole shared practical lessons on financial responsibility, guiding students on how to cultivate savings culture, investment and financial management; advising against any impulsive financial behaviours, more especially those involving online.

Instructively, the lender has futher demonstrated its commitment to financial empowerment targeting Youths,  by facilitating the Training, in 13 secondary schools across Nigeria to commemorate the 2025 Global Money Week.

In each of the 13 schools visited nationwide, Unity Bank’s facilitators engaged students in interactive discussions, practical money management exercises, and quizzes. Participating students who displayed exceptional skills at various sessions got recognition and were presented with branded gift items to strongly reinforce the financial literacy training.

Recall that recently, Unity Bank launched GenFi digital banking app, a youth-focused solution designed to empower children and teens with smart money habits through gamified learning, goal-setting, and parental guidance. The participation of the Bank in the financial literacy training marks this year’s Global Money Week is to further Youth engagement.

Global Money Week is a worldwide initiative coordinated in Nigeria by the Central Bank of Nigeria in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee and Junior Achievement Nigeria. The engagement aims to instil sound financial knowledge and habits in young people from an early age, being a strategy to promote financial inclusion.

NIMASA To Roll Out Mult-million Dollar CVFF @ Single Digits Interest Rate To Shipowners

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Dayo Mobereola - NIMASA DG

The Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, CVFF, to be disbursed by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), shall attract a single-digit interest rate.

The Agency’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who announced this today at a one-day interactive forum organized for stakeholders on the operationalization of the CVFF, also disclosed a two-year moratorium and an eight-year tenure for the facility, which will be disbursed through twelve (12) Primary Lending Institutions.

Other issues being addressed by NIMASA in collaboration with the PLIs include insurance, fund security, flexible tenures, and the reduction of sundry fees to the barest minimum at subsidized rates.

Dr. Mobereola emphasized the importance of the CVFF to the development of the Nigerian maritime sector, while acknowledging the role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, through the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, in ensuring the immediate disbursement of the funds.

In his words: “I am delighted to announce that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, and with the support of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, HE Adegboyega Oyetola, we have secured the necessary approvals for disbursement. This disbursement will be transformative for our industry by empowering indigenous shipowners to compete favourably, boost local content in the maritime sector, create employment opportunities for Nigerian seafarers, and strengthen ancillary maritime services.”

Mobereola also emphasized the need for transparency in the entire process. “To ensure transparency and accountability, we established a dedicated Secretariat Cabotage Unit, developed clear eligibility criteria, and partnered with 12 Primary Lending Institutions to facilitate access to the fund.”

In his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Aminu Umar, and other industry stakeholders commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Management of NIMASA for their efforts in facilitating the disbursement of the funds.

Meanwhile, keen stakeholders in the maritime sector say they are worried that the Ministry of Transport and NIMASA have been secretive on the actual amount in the CVFF. They demand that the figure be made public for the sake of transparency.

Under-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles Secures World Cup Ticket, Zooms Into AFCON Semi Finals

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Flying Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

The Nigeria Under-20 Team, the Flying Eagles has qualified for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup scheduled for Chile later this year.

The Coach Aliyu Zubair-led team, also, secured a place in the semi finals of the Africa Cup of Nations U-20 tournament after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Senegal.

The tightly contested knockout stage encounter ended goalless after regular and extra time.

Ultimately, it was Nigeria which triumphed 3–1 in the penalty shootout.

The match, held in the knockout stage of the Continental Youth Championship, saw the two sides locked in a stalemate throughout regulation and extra time.

Despite numerous attempts from both sides, neither team could break the deadlock which then led to a penalty decider.

Nigeria converted three of their spot-kicks, while Senegal managed only one, allowing the Flying Eagles to clinch the win and progress to the last four of the competition.

Sporting Lagos goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was the Flying Eagles’ hero, saving two penalties in the shootout to  help Nigeria get the better of their opponents.

Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s side, who conquered the WAFU B zone last year reached the quarter-finals as the second best team in Group B behind Morocco.

There was little to separate both teams during regulation time in terms of goalscoring action, although Senegal’s Cheikh Thiam came close in the 42nd minute with a header that cane off the post.

Also, Flying Eagles number one Harcourt made a superb stop in the 53rd minute to deny the Junior Teranga Lions from breaking the deadlock.

The Nigerian lads also had a few half-chances of theirs through Kparobo Arierhi and Divine Oliseh, but Senegal shot-stopper Mouhamed Sissokho made several saves to keep them at bay.

During the ensuing shootout, Nigerian trio; Precious Benjamin, Israel Ayuma, and Emmanuel Chukwu all converted from the twelve yards, while goalkeeper Harcourt stood his ground as he saved two penalties from the Senegalese.

Senegal’s spot takers were not so lucky, as the duo; Pierre Dorival and Mame Mor Faye failed to beat Harcourt – with the Nigerian making pinpoint saves, while Ousmane Konate’s effort rattled the crossbar. Their only successful penalty came via Seydi Diouck, which was insufficient to see them through.

Nigeria currently remain unbeaten at the U-20 AFCON in Egypt, and are on course to win a record-extending eighth continental title while Senegal suffered their first defeat in a knockout match at the competition since 2017.

Furthermore, the result sees Nigeria clinch a ticket to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Chile from September 27 to October 19.

Nigeria will face South Africa in the semi-finals on Thursday.

Follwing the triumph of the Flying Eagles, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Kwara State Chapter have extended heartfelt congratulations to Coach Zubair and his assistant, Coach Lukman Ijaya, for leading Nigeria’s Flying Eagles to a thrilling semi-final qualification at the ongoing U20 AFCON, a feat that also secured a spot at the upcoming FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.

In a joint statement signed by Kwara SWAN Chairman, Ayodeji Ismail, and the Assistant Secretary, Sodiq Adebara, the association described the achievement as “a historic milestone in the annals of Kwara sports,” proudly highlighting that both tacticians are illustrious sons of Kwara State.

It commended the duo’s tactical brilliance, composure, and steadfast leadership, all of which were clearly demonstrated during the Flying Eagles’ resilient performance, particularly in the quarter-final clash, where Nigeria edged Senegal 3-1 on penalties after a hard-fought goalless draw across 120 minutes.

The association praised the team’s unity, discipline, and fighting spirit, attributing their success to the exceptional preparation and guidance provided by the Kwara-born coaching pair.

“This moment goes beyond football; it reflects Kwara’s rising influence in Nigeria’s sporting landscape. Having both the head coach and his assistant hail from our state is a source of great pride and inspiration for emerging talents,” the statement read.

It however offered prayers for continued success for Coach Zubair, Coach Ijaya, and the entire Flying Eagles team as they pursue continental glory and prepare to fly Africa’s flag on the world stage in Chile.

The association also reaffirmed its unwavering support for the coaching crew and the team.

Gov Aiyedatiwa Approves Promotion Of 3,000 Workers In Ondo

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Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

No less than 3,000 workers in the Ondo State Public Service are set for promotion as the exercise for this year commenced.

The Head of Service, Bayo Philip, disclosed this on Monday, while flagging of the 2025 promotion exercise in Akure.

Philip, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of Establishment and Training, Mrs Olufunke Dare-Atunse, lauded the State Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa for timely approving the commencement of the exercise.

According to him, not only that Ondo State is one of the few states in the federation where promotions are approved timely, but such exercise is backed with the attendant financial benefits.

The Head of Service therefore charge workers to reciprocate the gesture by rededicating themselves to their duties, saying to whom much is given, much is expected.

He noted that the flag-off of the exercise for the centrally deplored officers marked the commencement of the 2025 promotion processes and would be extended to other MDAs next week and returns would be forwarded to appropriate quarters for speedy approval

In his words, “For our Governor, His Excellency, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, we want to thank him for all he has been doing in prioritising the welfare of the workforce in Ondo State.

“For this promotion, I can tell you that Ondo State, is one of the few states that conduct their promotions during Promotion Year and with financial benefits.

“Some states do conduct promotion in arrears and atimes, without financial benefits. But in Ondo State, our promotion has been as and when due and at same time backed up with the financial benefit.

‘”And on this note, to whom much is given, much is expected. Government is trying its best to prioritise our welfare. We are equally expected to reciprocate the kind gesture by being diligent on our duties.

“We should not forget our mantra, ‘don’t deliver short, don’t deliver late. That translate to the fact that whatever assignment committed to our hands, we must ensure that we deliver within the time allotted for it and ensure that quality is maintained.

“This year, a little above three thousand officers will be promoted. Government has given approval for them to be promoted. The exercise commenced today with the centrally deplored officers and next week, the MDAs will follow suit.”

Abure Reports Gov Otti To President Tinubu Over Obscene Language

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Alex Otti and Julius Abure

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

“Since Otti’s election, he has added no value to the Party, and has made no impact generally”

The national leadership of  the Labour Party has expressed serious concern and regrets over some disparaging remarks allegedly made against its factional National Chairman, Julius Abure and his ofice  by  Abia state Governor, Dr Alex Otti.

This is just as it accused the Governor of not adding any value to  and or  made any significant impact on the party since being elected as its only Governor.

The Source reports that the Abia State Governor in reaction to his purported suspension, alongside others by the Abure-led National Working Committee NWC, last week dismissed Abure as a “clown desperately in search of a crown”

He had, also, called on the Police  and other Security Agencies to arrest Abure and his cohorts for alleged impersonation.

According to Governor Otti, Abure, having been explicitly sacked by the Supreme Court  judgment of April 4,2025 should no longer be parading himself as the LP National Chairman.

Governor Otti, Peter Obi, LP’s Presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, his running mate, Senator Datti Ahmed, National Assembly caucus of the party and other major stakeholders are backing the Senator Easter Namadi Usman-led Interim Leadership of the Party.

But in a statement on Monday May 12, 2025, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, Abure’s factional National Secretary, described Otti’s comments as deeply regrettable and a direct threat to the leadership of the party, and democratic values.

“While we would have normally ignored such attacks, especially from individuals undergoing internal disciplinary processes, the persistent threats from Governor Otti and his allies have compelled us to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and concerned Nigerians to intervene and restrain him.

“It is both ironic and unfortunate that Governor Otti, who joined the Labour Party in 2022 after being rejected by other platforms is now attacking the very leadership that facilitated his electoral victory”, the party stated.

According to the National Secretary, Governor Otti, had, some time last year, equally ordered for the arrest of the Abia State Chairman of the Party, Dr Prince Ndubueze, and Ceekay Igara ,the South East Vice Chairman .

The party also recalled that in April 2025, same Governor Otti issued  “doomsday threats” during a meeting with aggrieved party members in Abuja

The Party, therefore, expressed serious worries that the same Governor Otti has now resorted to issuing same threats to its National Chairman, and other NWC members owing to his suspension.

It called on the President and other relevant authorities to rein in the Governor, noting that his incessant threats represents a dangerous trend that must not be allowed to fester.

The National Secretary explained that the party in 2023 granted Governor Otti a waiver to become its Abia governorship candidate at a time he was schemed out by other parties.

He, therefore, expressed regrets that, such a huge beneficiary of the large heartedness of the party could turn around to be its undertaker.

He accused the Governor of being on a mission to kill the LP before finally defecting to his preferred party ahead of the 2027 general election.

The party expressed shock and disbelief that Governor Otti could condescend that low and describe Abure as  “clown in search of a crown.”

He, however, insisted that the National Chairman was already wearing the crown before Governor Otti and group joined the party.

“We have repeatedly said that Governor Otti is on a mission to stifle life out of the Labour Party ahead of 2027 general elections before making way to his already known destination.

“If not, why would a Governor who has absolute cooperation of the leadership of his party at the centre, a Governor who had publicly told the world that God used Abure to make him the Governor, suddenly vacillate and somersaulted and by so doing unleashed an unnecessary crisis on his own party, where he once called the shots”, the statement further reads.

JAMB To Correct Complaints Against UTME Results

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Prof Ishaq Oloyede -JAMB registrar
Prof Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB registrar

By Ayodele Oni

Following public complaints against the conduct and outcome of this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations, (UTME), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has assured that identified technical issue will be addressed.

Fabian Benjamin, Public Communication Advisor of JAMB in a statement on Monday, explained that the Board will carry out comprehensive post-mortem of the examination process.

“JAMB acknowledges the significant volume of unusual complaints following the release of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results, which were officially published last Friday.

“In response, the Board is fast forwarding its annual system review—a comprehensive post-mortem of the examination process that is conducted each year months  after the exercise.

“The Board’s annual review encompasses three key stages: registration, examination, and result release. During the examination phase, JAMB ensures that every candidate is afforded the opportunity to sit for the test.

“Should any technical issues arise, the Board reschedules the examination for affected candidates without hesitation.

“We are particularly concerned about the unusual complaints originating from a few states within the Federation. We are currently scrutinising these complaints in detail to identify and rectify any potential technical issues.

“To assist in this process, we have engaged a number of experts, including members from the Computer Professionals Association of Nigeria, Chief External Examiners, who are heads of tertiary institutions, the Educational Association and Research Network in Africa, measurement experts, and Vice Chancellors from various institutions.

“If it is determined that there were indeed glitches, we will implement appropriate remedial measures promptly, as we do in the case of the examinations themselves.”

Anambra: School Sells Nomination Forms For Position Of Senior Prefect To Pupils, Govt. Reacts

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Prof Chuma-Udeh - Commissioner of Education Anambra State
Prof Chuma-Udeh, Commissioner of Education, Anambra State

By Akinwale Kasali

The Anambra State Governor has disclosed that it has taken disciplinary actions and launched a formal investigation into the controversial incident involving the sale of Head Prefect Nomination Forms for N5,000 to Pupils in a Private Primary School in the State.

The outrageous action, taken by the school, Blossom Fount School, located in Awka, Anambra State, has triggered public outcry and condemnation.

Pupils aspiring to be Prefects School were asked to purchase a nomination form at the cost of N5,000.

Condemning the action, the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh,  disclosed that the Government has swiftly intervened and taken initial steps to address the situation.

According to the Commissioner, the teacher, directly linked to the allegation, has been placed on a one-month suspension, while a Special Committee has been set up by the Ministry to thoroughly investigate the incident.

Prof. Chuma-Udeh explained that the school, during preliminary engagement with the Ministry claimed that the idea of selling the Nomination Form was only mentioned during a Parents Teachers Association, PTA, meeting and was thereafter dropped following widespread opposition from Parents.

The Commissioner, however, noted that the school claimed it remained unclear how the said form still found its way into circulation, which was attributed to the actions of the now-suspended teacher, whose identity is yet to be revealed.

She further described the alleged act as reprehensible.

The Commissioner said it amounted to planting seeds of corruption in the minds of innocent Children and turning leadership into a transaction rather than a merit-based responsibility; even as she warned sternly that such practices have no place in the educational system of Anambra State under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.

According to her, such act is a deeply troubling attempt to commercialize student leadership and exploit children’s ambitions for financial gain, and is absolutely unacceptable.

“We must protect the dignity and rights of children in our schools,” she stated, further reiterating the commitment of the Soludo-led government to upholding ethical standards and fairness within the school system, and warning that any form of exploitation or extortion, whether in private or public schools, would be met with stiff sanctions.

She also revealed that the Ministry will again engage with the school authority this week and possibly with some Parents and some of the Pupils anytime soon in the course of the investigation.

She emphasized that further details would be withheld pending the conclusion and the outcome of the Committee’s investigation.

Fmr. MILAD, Former FCT Minister,  Olubolade, Slumps, Dies

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Navy Captain (rtd) Omoniyi Caleb Olubolade

By Adesina Soyooye

A former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State, Navy Captain (rtd) Omoniyi Caleb Olubolade has died.

Olubolade, who was, also, a former Minister of Special Duties, former Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and a former Minister of Police Affairs, slumped on Sunday, May 11, 2025, and passed in a Naval Hospital, Lagos.

The former Military Administrator, according to a statement released by his children, Mrs Oluwayemisi Akinadewo and Mr Dayo Olubolade, first daughter and first son, respectively, slumped and died while playing Lawn Tennis at a facility near his residence. It was totally unexpected.

“He drove himself to the facility to play lawn tennis in the evening and died while playing. Efforts were made by Medical Officers around to revive him to no avail.

“He was immediately rushes to the Obisesan Naval Medical Centre, Apapa where he was pronounced dead”, the statement by his children read in part.

A native of Ipoti-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Navy Captain Olubolade  was aged 70 years when he passed.

Catholic Bishop Enjoins Govt Appointees To Be  Selfless, As Uzodimma Cautions Against Abuse Of Office

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Senator Hope Uzodimma and Dr Solomon Amatu

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Sunday, admonished appointees of government and other elected office holders to refrain from greed and abuse of their offices in their dealings, especially with government property.

Senator Uzodimma spoke on a day the Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Solomon Amatu urged Christian faithful, and particularly government appointees, to be good Shepherds and selfless servants to the flock in the society.

Bishop Amatu had delivered a Homily during the Service at the Government House Chapel which thrust was on Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd and his flock/sheep.

Governor Uzodimma who thanked the Bishop for finding time to worship at the Government House Chapel described his Homily as apt, with too many take aways by those in attendance.

However, the Governor regretted that unscrupulous government appointees and  officials, who are expected to be good shepherds or “even flocks” have been discovered to be at the forefront of grabbing lands belonging to government out of greed and building on them.

He vowed that all unauthorised buildings on such lands will be demolished.

The Governor used the opportunity to announce the commission of the Implementation Committee on recovery of government lands which he said the members are to commence work immediately.

He however noted that while the leaders as shepherds are expected to be selfless, the “flock” are equally expected to make sacrifices in the interest of the society.

Amatu said that there are different categories of shepherds –  big and small, rich and poor, presidents and their ministers, governors and their appointees, parents to their children, teachers to their students, among others.

He insisted that the relationship between the shepherds and their flocks should be such that they must “know themselves,”  “hear themselves,” and “trust themselves,” the way Jesus Christ as a Shepherd knew His flocks/ sheep and also heard from them.

He advised government appointees to be a reflection of good shepherds who know and hear from their flocks/sheep at all times, and to make all the necessary sacrifices required of them as worthy leaders of their flocks/ sheep.

Some of those present during the Church Service include; the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and her husband, Chief Chukwuma, the former Governor of the State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, Legislators of the House of Representatives and State House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie,  Executive Council members, Traditional Rulers, the Clergy and many other dignitaries.

IPOB To  Lockdown South-east May 30 For Biafra Day, Students To Miss WAEC Exams

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IPOB Members

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

“All transportation by road, air, and sea is prohibited from 6.00am to 6.00 pm on May,30, 2025,which includes no human movement within our territory.

“There will be no school, no community meetings, no religious services, no opening of markets ,and stores, and no public assemblies of any kind

“Simply stay inside and enjoy television, and videos with your family while contemplating the memories, and genocide inflicted upon Biafrans from 1967 to the present day. It is a day for families to recount their experiences of the genocide.”

With the above words, the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, declared May 30, 2025, a sit-at-home day for all residents of the south-east region.

This is just as the West African Examination Council WAEC, as usual, will be conducting examinations on some subjects, same day with several thousands of candidates set to miss their papers.

In a statement on Monday, May 12, 2025, IPOB’s spokesperson Emma Powerful, informed that May 30, henceforth, has been designated a public holiday and a period of lockdown across Igbo Land to commemorate Biafran Day in honour of fallen heroes and heroines of Igbo during the Nigerian Civil war.

“Anticipation has begun as of May 1, 2025 ,with broadcasts from Radio Biafra ,and media awareness efforts by the IPOB media team.

“This month, IPOP will involve our audience in memorial lectures, honouring Biafran heroes both at home and abroad, just like in earlier years.

“The peak of the yearly memorial and remembrance event will occur on May 30, 2025, known as the Biafra Heroes Memorial Day.

“It is a day designated by IPOB for Biafrans to commemorate and pay tribute to our heroes, heroines ,and those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for Biafra’s liberation and independence.

“The IPOB leadership has announced that May 30, 2025 will be free day ,marking a total lockdown for Biafrans residing in Biafra Land”, the statement reads in part .

The IPOB spokesperson urged the people to observe the lockdown as a mark of respect and honour to all those who made various sacrifices for the cause of Biafra,especially during the genocidal war of between 1967 and 1970.

“We need to commemorate them by spending one day indoors. We urge all Biafrans and every advocate of freedom in Biafra Land to comply with this one-day lockdown directive on May 30, 2025.

“All IPOB family members in their various countries must organize ,and obtain permits to demonstrate against the unlawful imprisonment of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu ,and the illegal detention of Nnamdi Kanu in Nigeria.

“No protest will take place in Biafra, or anywhere in Nigeria to prevent being harmed by the lethal Nigerian Security Forces.

“Biafrans abroad will gather in the streets of their host countries or organize town hall meetings to express their support in honouring our fallen heroes ,and advocating for the restoration of Biafra.

“IPOB and Ndigbo across the globe will pay tribute to all our fallen heroes and heroines ,including our everlasting Leaders, the late Odumegwu Ojukwu ,General Philip Effiong , Chief Dr Frank Opigo ,Commander Ikonso ,and numerous others who significantly contributed and fought to avert the genocide and destruction of Biafrans by the Nigerian and British Governments along with their allied forces.

“Every year on May 30 ,it is a significant day for all Biafrans .It is a public holiday for every citizen ,and non-citizens of Biafra living in living in Biafra territory”, Powerful added.

According to the IPOB spokesman, those rendering essential services ,such as security personnel, nurses, doctors,other healthcare delivery officials firefighters, journalists ,NUPENG,

are, however, exempted from  the lockdown directive.

He informed that relevant IPOB organs have contacted WAEC on the need to modify its examination time table to accommodate the lockdown.

Similarly, he stated that notices have been dispatched to Governors of the South-east region, informing them of the intention of the group May 30 to honour its heroes and heroines.

According to Powerful, “the group opted for a sit-at-home option in the face of the brutal disposition of Nigerian authorities towards IPOB”.

The Source reports that during same period last year, about five military personnel were unfortunately gunned  down at Obikabia Junction, in the Aba North local council of Abia state.

They were ambushed and gruesomely killed by some suspected enforcers of the Biafran Day.

The incident was to cause a big strain in the relationship between the Abia State Government and the Military hierarchy.

The incident had occurred less than a few hours after the Abia State authorities issued a statement lending tacit support to the sit-at-home directive .

However, it is not yet clear how the State Government ,and those of the other States in the South East intend to treat the latest IPOB’s notice of observing the day as a public holiday.