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Regional Sentiment, Not Weak Candidates,  Favoured APC In 2023 – Okowa’s Aide

By
Ayodele Oni
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Patrick Okowa

By Ayodele Oni

Former presidential running mate to candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during last general election, Ifeanyi Okowa has clarified that he never said he regretted running on the PDP ticket with Atiku Abubakar

Ifeajika, Executive Assistant to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Public Enlightenment, who reacted on behalf of Okowa debunked claims that former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa expressed regret over being the vice-presidential candidate alongside Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 elections.

Speaking at a press conference in Asaba, Ifeajika addressed what he called a misrepresentation of Okowa’s remarks during an interview with Arise Television on Tuesday.

According to him, the immediate past Governor, Okowa, never said he regretted running on the PDP ticket with Atiku Abubakar. That statement is false and misleading.”

Ifeajika previously served as Okowa’s Chief Press Secretary.

He explained that Okowa merely noted a political shift during the campaigns, as it became clear that southern Nigerians were determined to elect a president from their region.

This, Ifeajika said, influenced the strong support for Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi, not because the PDP fielded weak candidates, but due to regional sentiment.

“The Obidient Movement and regional resolve significantly impacted the PDP’s performance in the South. Okowa acknowledged this but never spoke of regret.

“Despite the outcome, Okowa remained a committed member of the PDP and actively supported Atiku’s campaign.”

Responding to speculation surrounding Okowa’s recent defection to the APC and investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ifeajika dismissed any link, stating that Okowa had already responded to EFCC inquiries and had not been summoned again.

Mixed reactions had trailed the earlier remarks by Okowa with some describing him as a “serial betrayer.”

PGF Takes Stock Of APC Governors, Visits Jigawa

By
Ayodele Oni
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Umar Namadi - Governor of Jigawa State

By Ayodele Oni

Progressive Governors’ Forum, (PGF) has embarked on documentation, showcasing programmes and achievements in States being controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Director General of the PGF, Mr Folorunsho Aluko, disclosed this during a visit by a delegation from the PGF Secretariat to Jigawa state government house in Dutse.

He described Governor Umar Namadi as a “star progressive governor,” saying that his achievement is a benchmark for development across APC-led states.

According to Aluko, the visit, was a part of the PGF’s Legacy Documentation and Preservation Programme (LDRP), aimed to capture and promote the achievements of progressive governors across Nigeria.

“We are here today as part of the Progressive Governors’ Forum Special Media engagements, designed to directly experience, document, and publicize the extraordinary work of our governors.

“This particular visit holds special significance, as we set the necessary stage for the commencement of the PGF Legacy Documentation and Preservation Programme (LDPP) for Jigawa State.”

He praised Namadi’s developmental strides across several sectors, which showcased him as a development-oriented governor amongst other governors.

The DG explained that Namadi deserves accolade for his outstanding achievements across all sectors of development, agriculture, infrastructure, education, health, youth empowerment, digital governance, and prudent economic management.

He however revealed that Namadi’s outstanding performance in just two years, is a testament to his dedication to transformative leadership, rooted in the principles of progressivism.”

Responding, Governor Namadi, expressed appreciation for the visit and acknowledged the DG’s transformational leadership of the PGF Secretariat as well.

“Let me be unequivocal, the transformation you’ve brought to the PGF Secretariat is remarkable. Your innovative approaches such as the weekly summaries, the commissioners’ engagement platform, represents unprecedented initiatives in the Forum’s history.

“Your dedication has made the Progressive Governors’ news omnipresent across Nigeria and the forum’s consistent spotlighting of Jigawa’s developments is acknowledged and commendable.”

Moreso, the governor further highlighted his administration’s key achievements in the space of less than two years across the 27 local government areas in healthcare, education, agriculture, and digital governance

First Lady, Remi Tinubu Salutes Nigerian Workers; They Are Backbone Of Dev.

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Oluremi Tinubu
Nigeria’s First Lady,  Oluremi Tinubu has applauded Nigerian workers as the backbone of the country’s development.
The First Lady made the remark on Thursday in commemoration of the International Workers Day celebration on May 1, 2025.
Apart from Mrs Tinubu, other prominent Nigerians have sent congratulatory messages to the workers as they join their counterpart across the world to celebrate May Day.
According to Mrs Tinubu, this year’s celebration is a reminder to workers that hardwork pays, noting that the workforce is the “backbone of our development.”
She said the dignity of labour must be upheld at all times, she “salute the men and women who rise each day to go to work and support our economy.”
She also called on the leaders to appreciate workers who are the hewers of wood for the country’s economy and the backbone of any government.
“I extend gratitude and congratulations to all Nigerian workers for your commitment to nation-building,” Tinubu said.
She adds,”May your efforts continue to yield fruit, and may we, as a nation, always uphold the value of your labour.
“This year’s celebration is a reminder of the dignity of labour and the importance of creating opportunities that are fair to all. I salute the men and women who rise each day to go to work and support our economy.
“Across all sectors, whether public or private, formal or informal, Nigerian workers remain the backbone of our development and the driving force behind our nation’s progress. I wish you all a happy Workers’ Day celebration and I pray that our beloved nation continues to prosper and grow in leaps and bounds,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the International Workers’ Day is an annual celebration held on May 1 to honour the contributions of workers and the labor movement.

RMAFC Backs Supreme Court On Direct Payment Of Revenue Allocations To LGAs

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Lateef Fagbemi - AGF
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi
The Revenue Mobilisation And Fiscal Commission, RMAFC says the current method of sharing revenue among the three tiers of government in Niger is obsolete. It should be reviewed immediately, the revenue agency said, urging the president to send a bill to that effect to the National Assembly.
The Commission made this known in a communique in Uyo Akwa Ibom at the end of a three-day retreat for its recently inaugurated staff and management. The communique was signed by the Commission’s chairman and Secretary, Mohammed Shehu and Joseph Nwaze.
According to the Commission, the current sharing formula has been in existence for more than 16 years, and requires immediately amendment.
Instructively, the commission said the amendment should also be done to enable LGAs get their share from the federation Account directly.
This can only be done if the Constitution is amended, the Revenue Agency said, adding that this will conform with last year’s Supreme Court decision which directed that LGAs must get their share from the Federation Accoun, instead of going through the state, through a joint Account set up by state government, which many insist
hsd been abused over the years.
“The constitution should also be amended to enable local government councils to receive payments directly from the federation account,” the commission said.
Recall that the Supreme Court had in a landmark judgment delivered on July 16, 2024 ruled that the 776 LGAs in the be paid their share of the revenue from the Federation Accoun directly  havng to go through the state government.
The judgment followed a suit filed by the Attorney general of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi against the 36 State governments in the country, following allegation that funds belonging to LGAs have over the years being mismanaged my state governors.
The ruling has received applause from not a few Nigerians, but almost a year after the LGAs, the magazine learnt have yet to receive their revenue share directly from the Federation Account, contrary to the apex bank ruling.
Not a few have blamed the lack of the political will on the part of the federal government for the delay.

Mixed Feelings Trail Portable’s Three Month Imprisonment Sentence

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Habeeb Okikiola popular as Portable
Portable

By Akinwale Kasali

Following his failure to appear before the Court on several occasions and jumping bail, despite being found guilty on charges of assault and conspiracy, controversial musician, Habeeb Okikiola, popular as  Portable, has been sentenced to three months’ imprisonment by a Magistrate Court sitting in Ifo axis of Ogun State.

The singer  who recently was freed of alleged charges on threat to life and defamation by a Kwara State High Court having been remanded at Okuta Correctional Center in Kwara State was sentenced barely a year after being arraigned before the Court on charges bordering on assault and theft of musical equipment, as detailed in charge sheet No. MIF/192C/2023.

Delivering the judgement on Wednesday, Chief Magistrate, Babajide Ilo, found the Singer guilty on Two of the Three-Count Charges filed against him.

Portable, who was earlier granted bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties, both of whom were required to be members of his immediate family, jumped bail, by failing to appear in Court during several hearings.

The Court had remanded the singer last Thursday after he failed to appear for several hearings, prompting concerns from the prosecution.

During proceedings, the Police Prosecutor, Inspector Olumide Awoleke, informed the Court that the offences were committed on November 18, 2022, around 11:00 a.m., at Okeosa, Ilogbo, within the Ifo Magisterial District.

The Charge Sheet accused Portable and others still at large of conspiring to assault one Emmanuel Oluwafemi Osimosu and for unlawfully beating him.

The charges fall under Sections 517 and 351 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.

Furthermore, Portable was alleged to have stolen musical instruments on multiple occasions in 2022, including a Yamaha H55 Studio Monitor, Studio 2 Interface Connection Cable, and an AKG P420 Condenser Microphone.

These theft allegations are punishable under Sections 384, 383, and 390 of the Criminal Code.

In his judgment, Magistrate Ilo found the Singer guilty of conspiracy and assault (counts 1 and 2), but acquitted him on the Third Count of Theft.

The Court, however, offered the option of a fine in lieu of the Custodial sentence with N10,000 fine for Count 1 and N20,000 fine for Count 2.

The charge sheet reads: “That you, Badmus Habeeb Okikiola, aka Portable, and others now at large, on the 18th day of November 2022 at 11:00 hrs, in Okeosa, Ilogbo, within the Ifo Magisterial District, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony, to wit: assault, and thereby committed an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State 2006.

“That you, Habeeb Okikiola Olalomi, on the same date, time, and place in the aforementioned district, did unlawfully assault one Osimosu Emmanuel Oluwafemi (Male) by beating him all over his body, thereby committing an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 351 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria 2006.

“That you, Badmus Habeeb Okikiola, aka Portable, on various occasions in the year 2022, at Okeosa, Ilogbo, within the Ifo Magisterial District, did steal some musical equipment, including a Yamaha H55 studio monitor, a complete Studio 2 interface connection cable, and an AKG P420 condenser, thereby committing an offense contrary to Sections 384 and 383 and punishable under Section 390 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, Nigeria, 2006.”

Follwing this development, many have hailed the Court for sentencing him, saying that he has constantly been in Court for the wrong reasons; that the long arm of the law has finally caught up with him.

LG Election: Why Obasa Withdrew Son From Chairmanship Race

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mudashiru Obasa and His Son

By Akinwale Kasali

Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has finally bowed to pressure from stakeholders and elders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Lagos State Chapter, and withdrawn his son, Abdulganiyu from the Chairmanship Race of Agege Local Government Area in the forthcoming July 12th, 2025, LG Election.

The withdrawal  followed series of petitions and protests that greeted his alleged imposition of his son to become the new Chairman of the LGA.

Obasa, who had earlier instructed the party leaders and other members in Agege to jettison the idea of succeeding or presenting candidates that will takeover from the incumbent chairman, Kola Egunjobi, has directed members who stepped down for his son to dust their campaign plans, purchase the nomination forms and canvass for votes ahead of the primary.

It was gathered that the Speaker disclosed the withdrawal of his son from the race after his return from the Federal Capital territory, FCT,  Abuja, where he met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Aso Rock.

The magazine learnt that it was President Tinubu who instructed Obasa that his son should jettison the idea and swiftly withdraw from the race.

Sources from the Presidency revealed that the meeting was held before the Lagos APC commenced screening for aspirants vying for elective seats ahead of the council poll.

It was gathered that President Tinubu was emphatic on his decision, stressing that party members must be allowed to aspire for elective seats irrespective of their status.

The President was said to have indicated to Obasa that placing his son above other aspirants would affect the Party’s popularity in Lagos and cause animosity among members that have worked for APC over the years.

This was the reason why Abdulganiyu was absent from the screening exercise done by the APC leaders for aspirants barely 24 hours earlier.

The lawmaker’s son allegedly failed to show up for physical and credentials screening of Chairmanship aspirants for the Agege Local Government seat of power as scheduled and announced.

Abdulganiyu ought to have appeared before the screening committee at the party secretariat in Ikeja, but was not seen around the premises during the time allotted by the APC leaders for aspirants from Agege to present themselves before the party chieftains.

Sources within Agege stated that the development has affected the ongoing campaign embarked upon by Abdulganiyu, who had gathered many youths and party stalwarts to rally grassroot support among members for him.

The LAHA Speaker’s son had commenced an online campaign for the Chairmanship seat, in which many youths and APC Chieftains have been campaigning for him, with cash and food items distributed to electorates in Agege LG.

An APC Chieftain in the LG has lauded President Tinubu for listening to the voice of reasoning, courtesy of series of petitions sent to him over the alleged imposition of Abdulganiyu by his father, and swiftly reacting to the cries of the APC Stalwarts, concerned Agege citizens and elders, by doing the needful.

General Paul Omu’s Family Confirms His Death

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Major General Paul Omu dies

By Adesina Soyooye

Major General Paul  Omu has passed. Omu, a one-time Military Governor of the old Cross River and Akwa Ibom States (Southern Nigeria) passed on April 29, 2025, at the age of 84 years.

A statement from his family which confirmed his passing was signed by Oghenekome Ufuoma Omu on behalf of the family.

The statement reads in part: “Major General Paul Ufuoma Omu was a family man, patriot, statesman, soldier  and community leader whose life was marked by unwavering commitment to the service of Nigeria and his beloved Isoko Nation.

“A distinguished career Military Officer, General Omu rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Army, serving with honour and distinction.

“He held various strategic command and administrative positions, including serving as Military Governor of the South Eastern State (now Cross River and Akwa Ibom States) from July 1975 to July 1978. During his tenure, he initiated and implemented critical infrastructural and policy reforms that laid the foundation for the regions growth.

“In 1985, General Omu was appointed Commander, Command and Staff College and a member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council, the highest ruling body in Nigeria.

“In the political landscape, General Omu played a key role in Nigeria’s transition to democracy. He was appointed Chairman of the Constitutional Conference Commission in 1994, helping shape the Constitutional discourse that would influence Nigeria’s return to civil rule. His leadership, insight and patriotism earned him national respect and admiration.

“In September 2009, President Umaru Musa Yar’adua appointed General Omu Chairman of the 10-member Governing Board  of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).

“Beyond his Military and political services, General Omu remained deeply committed to the development of his homeland, the Isoko Nation.

“As President of the Isoko Development Union (IDU), between 2014 and 2015, he championed unity, education and economic advancement, leaving behind a legacy of community empowerment and inclusive development. His tenure was marked by diplomacy, visionary leadership and relentless advocacy for the rights and progress of the Isoko people.

“Major General Omu is survived by his beloved wife, Senator Chief (Mrs) Stella Omu, six children, beloved siblings, numerous grandchildren, and a grateful Nation that mourns the passing of one of its finest sons.”

How Wike Frustrated Peter Obi Out Of PDP

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Nyesom Wike and Peter Obi

By Adesina Soyooye

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dele Momodu, has disclosed that its Presidential Candidate in the 2024 General Elections, Atiku Abubakar was not going to run for the Presidential seat but for Nyesom Wike, Minister of the FCT.

Momodu spoke on Wednesday while reacting to the loss of Delta State to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The Governor of the State, Sheriff Oborevwori alongside his predecessor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and the whole PDP structure in the State.

Speaking on Arise Television, Momodu recalled the circumstances under which Okowa became the Vice Presidential Candidate and under which Atiku finally contested.

He held Wike responsible, especially, for the defection of Peter Obi from the PDP to the Labour Party.

According to Momodu, Atiku was ready to forgo his Presidential ambition if the seat would be zoned to the South-east. However, Momodu disclosed, Wike, having counted himself out of the South-east, insisting he is not Igbo, and with his eyes set on contesting for the seat, worked against the South-east taking the slot.

Therefore, when the PDP set-up a Committee to decide which Zone gets the ticket, Wike influenced them to throw the ticket open. That was the only way he could run, and that was what the Committee did; and that was why Atiku decided to run. It was when Obi saw the hand writing on the wall, and realizing he was the target that he decided to leave the PDP for the LP. He was frustrated out by Wike

Momodu: “It was the same Wike people complaining about North-South that brought the Committee to throw our Party Primary open. That’s why I was able to buy a form because at that time, Atiku had told them that if they ceded power to the South-east, then it would make sense to him, but if it would still be a rotation between just a few zones, he would not support  it. He wanted them to cede power to the South-east. But because Wike had already disqualified himself by saying he’s not Igbo, he said he’s from the South-south, he’s not interested in  Igbo anything. So, he succeeded in frustrating Peter Obi out of the Party. So the coast was clear for Nyesom Wike.”

Edo Executive Council Sacks Three Monarchs, Appoints New Ones

By
Ayodele Oni
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Monday Okpebholo - Edo State Governor
Monday Okpebholo - Edo State Governor

By Ayodele Oni

The suspension spree going on in Edo State has taken its toll on three Traditional Rulers. The State Executive Council approved the revocation of their appointment.

This was contained in an announcement made by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held on Wednesday.

According to the State Government’s scribe, the appointment of Umoru Inusa Umoru as the Aidenogie of South Ibie in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state was revoked and replaced with Alhaji Aliyu Kelvin Danesi.

“It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that the Executive Council of Edo State at its meeting of 30th April, 2025 approved the revocation of the appointment of Umoru Inusa Umoru as the Aidenogie of South Ibie in Etsako West Local Government Area of the State and the immediate re-instatement of Alhaji Aliyu Kelvin Danesi as the Aidenogie of South Ibie.

“The decision is premised on the fact that the Stool was not at any time vacant prior to the appointment of Umoru Inusa Umoru.”

The statement noted that the appointment of Lukman Akemokue as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of the state was also revoked, adding that modalities have been put in place to select a new monarch.

“The Executive Council approved the revocation of the appointment of Lukman Akemokue as the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of the State for failure to comply with the Declaration of Customary Law regulating succession to the throne, as enshrined in the Bendel State Legal Notice 132 of 1979.

“Following the revocation, modalities have been set in motion to begin the process of selecting a new Okuokpellagbe of Okpella in line with the Extant Law.

The announcement further stated that the appointment of Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor as the Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom, Agenebode, in Estako East Local Government Area of the State was also revoked by the SEC.

“The Executive Council also approved the immediate removal of Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor as the Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom, Agenebode in Estako East Local Government Area of the State.

“Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor was earlier suspended over recent cases of incessant kidnappings and killings in his domain.

“A process has been set in motion for the selection of a new Ruler for the Kingdom in line with the Extant Laws of Edo State.”

It, therefore, urged “all subjects of the aforementioned localities/domains to remain calm as the State Government remains committed to ensuring the peace, unity, prosperity and greater happiness of the good people of Edo State.”

Trust, Love Bedrock Of Cohesive Society, Say Akume, Uzodimma

By
The Source
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George Akume and Hope Uzodimma

Trust has been identified as the bedrock of any cohesive society and an invisible trait that binds our hearts across ethnic, cultural and religious lines.

In the same vein, love is believed to be the chord that binds all human beings together regardless of their religious or ethnic background.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Governor Hope Uzodimma shared the same opinion during the first Triannual Meeting of Nigerian Inter-Religious Council Meeting held in Owerri, the Imo State capital on Wednesday April 30, 2025.

Senator Akume noted that the theme of the meeting – BUILDING MUTUAL TRUST and NATIONAL UNITY – could not be more apt, timely, relevant or compelling than at the present time and situation we find ourselves in Nigeria.

He pointed out that without trust, even the most noble intentions may be misconstrued and distorted, but maintained that with trust, we can overcome our deepest differences, resolve the most complex conflicts and chart a shared path towards national consensus and greatness.

The SGF stressed that the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council is a forum that brings leaders of the two major religions in the country together, has a pivotal role to play by occupying a very unique position to speak to their respective congregation and influence peaceful co-existence, as well as well command moral values.

He, however, commended the leadership and members of NIREC for consistently rising to the occasion as a beacon of hope and moral compass and a bridge between faith in our diverse nation.

He thanked the Imo State Governor for playing host to the meeting and for the warm and peace ambience in the State.

In his remarks, Governor Uzodimma thanked NIREC for choosing Imo State to host the Conference and commended the Council for keeping faith in their mission to strengthen religious understanding and promoting unity in the Country.

He urged the religious leaders to “remain resolute in leading the way to a united Nigeria, where peace, love, and mutual trust are the bedrock of national pride.”

Governor Uzodimma commended the Co-Chairmen of NIREC, the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar and the Christian Association of Nigeria Chairman Arch-Bishop Daniel Okoh for their leadership commitment to this important course of having a untied, strong and prosperous Nigeria.

He expressed appreciation that the Council’s efforts since its establishment have continued to yield positive results in curtailing the incidence of religious conflicts and disagreements, and advised that religion must not be twisted into a weapon of division in our society.

Governor Uzodimma who regretted that “we often waste energy in arguments that do not add value to our national growth and development,” challenged all to embrace love for one another to see possibilities in every individual rather than remain entrapped in stereotypes and suspicions.

He called on religious leaders to use their influence to encourage love, respect, tolerance and understanding among the people of diverse faiths, as well as preach against crime, killings, terrorism and insurgency.

The Secretary of NIREC, Rev. Fr. Prof. Cornelius Omonokhua said the Inter-religious Council has a firm belief that the narrative of religious and ethnic based conflicts can be changed hence the theme of the first meeting.

He regretted that religious and ethnic varieties that ought to add beauty to our corporate existence has been weaponised to make us see one another as rivals, and called on our leaders to uphold the truth and fear of God for the children with a curriculum that does not destroy the authentic teaching of religion and history in the schools.

The Co-Chairmen of the Council, Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar, His Eminence Daniel Oko, Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), called for genuine commitment of all towards peace building and national development.

They charged all to be weary of profiling people based on ethnicity and religion, but challenged everyone to come together and work towards loving one another and always praying for good leadership.

Goodwill messages in support of the peace project were given by the Abia State Governor, represented by his Commissioner for Local Government, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, the Catholic Bishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev (Dr) Lucius Ugorji, the Imo State Chapter of CAN, Rev Divine Eches Divine, the Chief Imam of Muslims in Imo State, Alhaji, Suleiman Njoku, and the Co-Chairmen of the Youth wing of NIREC.

The former Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu and Alhaji Alatare Sulyman Musa presented papers at the event.

Apart from ranking religious leaders, the event attracted so many other dignitaries including the Etsu Nupe, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, and key Monarchs from Imo State.

The highpoint of the occasion was the inauguration of members of the NIREC team from the five states in the South East.

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