The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • FULL LIST: All EPL transfer deadline day deals in January 2026

    FULL LIST: All EPL transfer deadline day deals in January 2026

    Transfer deadline day delivered a late burst of activity across the Premier League, with clubs using the final hours of the January window to fine-tune their squads ahead of the run-in.

    According to Sky Sports, a mix of loan deals, permanent transfers, and recalls was completed before the window was closed.

    Midfielder Angel Gomes joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan from Marseille. Wolves were also busy elsewhere, completing the permanent signing of Adam Armstrong from Southampton for an undisclosed fee.

    Read Also: Five top EPL transfers in January 2025

    At Goodison Park, Everton secured the loan signing of Tyrique George from Chelsea, as the Toffees look to inject pace and creativity into their attacking options.

    Sunderland also landed Nilson Angulo from Anderlecht for £17.5m, making him one of the Black Cats’ most expensive signings.

    Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur added youth with the loan signing of James Wilson from Hearts. Nottingham Forest strengthened defensively by signing Luca Netz from Borussia Mönchengladbach for £2m.

    A major move saw striker Jørgen Strand Larsen complete a £48m transfer from Wolves to Crystal Palace.

    Several recalls also featured prominently: Matt O’Riley returned to Brighton & Hove Albion from Marseille, Sverre Nypan was recalled by Manchester City from Middlesbrough, and James McConnell went back to Liverpool after his Ajax spell ended.

    Axel Disasi also joined West Ham United on loan from Chelsea, while Arsenal completed the signing of youngster Evan Mooney from St Mirren in an undisclosed deal.

  • Cobhams Asuquo questions Grammys’ treatment of Nigerian artistes

    Cobhams Asuquo questions Grammys’ treatment of Nigerian artistes

    Renowned musician and producer, Cobhams Asuquo, has expressed disappointment with the Grammy Awards after no Nigerian artiste won a category at the 68th Grammy Awards.

    Asuquo, in a video, humorously said the Grammys exploit Nigerian artistes to boost the US economy, saying they dangle validation “like a carrot” only for it to slip away.

    “I think Grammy is using Nigerians to boost the GDP of Los Angeles. It’s like a carrot dangling in front of us, and it goes away,” Asuquo said.

    Read Also: Davido names Cobhams Asuquo musical director for ‘5ive Alive’ world tour

    He urged stakeholders to focus on building homegrown award platforms, stating, “I think we need to build something that is ours. Let’s grow something that can make other people converge in our space”.

    Asuquo drew a comparison with American sports culture, citing the Super Bowl as a successful example.

    “It’s only America that will do the Super Bowl and be playing it themselves”, he added.

  • Suspension: Akpoti-Uduaghan urges Supreme Court to quash Akpabio’s appeal

    Suspension: Akpoti-Uduaghan urges Supreme Court to quash Akpabio’s appeal

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a counter-affidavit at the Supreme Court seeking to quash an appeal filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    The counter-affidavit was deposed to by a Senior Legislative Aide to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and filed in response to Senator Akpabio’s Motion on Notice dated January 21, 2026.

    The counter appeal is in opposition to an appeal instituted by the President of the Senate arising from proceedings at the Court of Appeal.

    Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the apex court to dismiss the application in its entirety, arguing that it discloses no prima facie good cause and constitutes an abuse of court process.

    According to the counter-affidavit, the Court of Appeal had already concluded hearing in the substantive appeal on November 28, 2025, and reserved the matter for judgment.

    The respondents contended that approaching the Supreme Court at this stage amounts to an attempt to interfere with an appellate process that has reached an advanced stage and is awaiting final determination.

    Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that Senator Akpabio was afforded ample opportunity to present his case before the Court of Appeal in strict compliance with the Rules of Court.

    She insisted that her brief of argument was properly filed before the lower court and procedurally compliant, and therefore was never formally challenged during the proceedings.

    According to her, central to the dispute is an alleged breach of the Court of Appeal Rules, 2021, which prescribe a maximum of 35 pages for briefs of argument.

    She contended that while the legal teams representing her, the Clerk to the National Assembly, and another respondent complied with the page limit, the Senate President filed a brief running well beyond the prescribed limit.

    She further alleged that the appellant failed to regularise the defect within the timeframe allowed by the Rules.

    Read Also: Akpabio asks Supreme Court to hear appeal on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension

    She said, consequently, the Court of Appeal declined to admit the over-length brief and proceeded to hear the appeal based on the valid and properly filed processes before it.

    On the substantive legal issues, she argued that the grounds of appeal relied upon by Akpabio raised issues of mixed law and fact.

    She insisted that prior leave of court was mandatory before such grounds could be competently filed and maintained that no such leave was sought or obtained, rendering the appeal incompetent ab initio.

    The counter-affidavit also addressed complaints relating to adjournment and fair hearing, maintaining that the grant or refusal of an adjournment lies within the discretionary powers of the court.

    She submitted that the Court of Appeal exercised its discretion judicially and judiciously and that the appellant was not denied a fair hearing at any stage of the proceedings.

    Urging the Supreme Court to dismiss the application, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the appeal as an attempt to stall or frustrate the delivery of judgment by the Court of Appeal.

  • FULL LIST: Top 20 players who failed their medicals

    FULL LIST: Top 20 players who failed their medicals

    Football transfers are often decided long before a player pulls on his new club’s shirt, but even agreed deals can collapse at the final hurdle — the medical examination. Following Jean-Philippe Mateta’s proposed move to AC Milan falling through after club doctors raised concerns during his medical, forcing the Serie A giants to pull out despite advanced negotiations.

    Mateta’s case joins a growing list of high-profile transfers that have broken down due to medical issues, ranging from knee and heart conditions to long-term injury risks. Over the years, several elite players have seen moves cancelled or delayed after failing to meet a club’s medical standards, underlining how health assessments can shape careers and alter transfer market plans.

    1. Jean-Philippe Mateta – AC Milan (2026)

    Mateta became the most recent addition to this list after his move from Crystal Palace to AC Milan collapsed today. The Italian club reportedly identified concerns during medical checks, believed to be linked to his knee, and decided against proceeding with the transfer despite agreeing on personal terms.

    2. Victor Boniface – AC Milan (2025)

    Boniface’s highly anticipated switch to AC Milan fell apart after medical tests revealed issues that raised red flags for the club’s medical team. The Nigerian striker later remained with his parent club as Milan withdrew from the deal.

    3. Hakim Ziyech – Al-Nassr (2023)

    Ziyech failed medical examinations on two separate occasions during talks with Al-Nassr. Persistent knee problems ultimately convinced the Saudi club to abandon the transfer, despite the winger agreeing to terms.

    4. Samuel Umtiti – Rennes (2022)

    Rennes pulled out of signing Umtiti after medical checks highlighted ongoing fitness and injury concerns. The French defender’s career had already been affected by recurring knee problems.

    5. Nicolas Jackson – Bournemouth (2023)

    Bournemouth terminated their pursuit of Jackson after hamstring issues were detected during his medical. He later completed a move elsewhere and continued his professional career.

    6. Demba Ba – Stoke City (2011)

    Stoke City cancelled Ba’s transfer after medical examinations suggested a long-term injury risk. Ba would later go on to enjoy success in the Premier League with other clubs.

    7. Patrick Schick – Juventus (2017)

    Schick failed two medicals at Juventus, leading the Italian giants to call off the deal. He eventually joined Roma and revived his career in Serie A.

    8. John Hartson – Multiple clubs (2000)

    Hartson’s potential moves to clubs including Tottenham, Rangers, and Charlton were scuppered after medical concerns, primarily linked to knee issues, were flagged.

    9. Ruud van Nistelrooy – Manchester United (2000)

    Manchester United initially pulled out of signing Van Nistelrooy after knee problems emerged during his medical. The Dutch striker passed a year later and went on to become a club legend.

    10. Nwankwo Kanu – Inter Milan (1996)

    A heart defect was discovered during Kanu’s medical at Inter Milan, halting the transfer. He underwent corrective surgery and later enjoyed a hugely successful career, particularly at Arsenal.

    11. Gabriel Milito – Real Madrid (2003)

    Real Madrid abandoned their move for Milito after medical checks revealed serious knee concerns. The Argentine defender later flourished at Barcelona.

    12. Loïc Rémy – Liverpool (2014)

    Liverpool withdrew from the deal after a heart irregularity was detected during Rémy’s medical. He later signed for Chelsea after further assessments.

    13. Victor Valdés – AS Monaco (2014)

    Monaco cancelled Valdés’ transfer after discovering a cruciate ligament injury during medical examinations.

    14. Raul Tamudo – Rangers (2000)

    Tamudo’s move to Rangers collapsed following medical issues. He remained in Spain and went on to become a club legend at Espanyol.

    15. John Carew – Unspecified club

    Carew was involved in a failed transfer after medical examinations raised concerns, though he still enjoyed a long and productive career across Europe.

    Read Also: Chukwueze off to London for Fulham medicals

    16. Marko Arnautović – Early career

    Arnautović reportedly failed a medical early in his career, delaying a potential move before he later secured transfers elsewhere.

    17. Leroy Fer – Everton (2013)

    Everton pulled out of a proposed £8.6 million deal for Fer after knee concerns emerged during his medical.

    18. Kurt Zouma – Shabab Al-Ahli (2024)

    Zouma’s move to Shabab Al-Ahli was cancelled after medical checks flagged lingering injury problems.

    19. Bamba Dieng – Leeds United/Nice

    Dieng saw his proposed transfer fall through after medical concerns were raised during examinations, forcing clubs to reconsider the deal.

    20. Koffi Kouao – Dinamo Zagreb (2024)

    Kouao’s move to Dinamo Zagreb collapsed after he failed the club’s medical tests, with the specific reasons not publicly disclosed.

    These cases highlight how medical examinations remain one of the most decisive and unforgiving stages of the modern transfer process, capable of reshaping careers and altering club plans in an instant.

  • Officials laud Nwifuru over Ebonyi overseas scholarship programme

    Officials laud Nwifuru over Ebonyi overseas scholarship programme

    Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has been commended for placing priority on human capital development through Ebonyi State’s overseas scholarship programme.

    The commendations were given in separate statements on Tuesday by the Federal Commissioner representing Ebonyi State at the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Nduka Awuregu, and the state Commissioner for Special Duties, Rt. Hon. Barr. Valentine Okike-Uzo.

    The remarks followed the departure of 92 students in the second batch of the state government’s overseas scholarship scheme, who were airlifted to the United Kingdom on Monday to undertake postgraduate studies.

    Awuregu described human capital development as the most critical form of development, noting that Governor Nwifuru has shown a consistent understanding that investment in people yields long-term benefits that extend beyond physical infrastructure such as roads, bridges and flyovers.

    According to him, the administration’s focus on education reflects a deliberate strategy to equip young people with the skills and exposure needed to compete globally.

    He said the scholarship initiative has created opportunities for Ebonyi youths by removing financial and institutional barriers, enabling beneficiaries to access quality education abroad.

    Awuregu, who recently visited some Ebonyi students benefiting from the programme in the United Kingdom, said he was deeply impressed by the positive changes in their lives, adding that the initiative is already having a transformative effect on their families and communities.

    “I shed tears of joy seeing what these young people have become. The multiple ripple effects of this investment on Ebonyi State and beyond cannot be overemphasised,” he stated.

    He highlighted the achievement of one of the beneficiaries, Victor Ama from Edda Local Government Area, who is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Greater Manchester.

    Ama, he said, was recently recognised for his outstanding software engineering project on real-time sign language translation and voice captioning using a multimodal artificial intelligence approach.

    According to Awuregu, the project—focused on inclusive communication through on-device deep learning systems—demonstrates technology transfer, skills export, and the global relevance of Ebonyi’s intellectual capacity.

    “This is Ebonyi to the world. This is technology transfer. This is skills and services export redefined,” he said.

    He urged the beneficiaries to remain focused and committed to further validate the governor’s vision of sustainable development anchored on human capital.

    Also speaking, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Okike-Uzo, described the scholarship programme as visionary and people-centred, noting that it is transforming the educational landscape of the state.

    He recalled that exactly one year earlier, the first batch of about 300 Ebonyi students were sent to top universities in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States to pursue Master’s and Ph.D programmes under full sponsorship by the Ebonyi State Government through the State Scholarship Board.

    In addition, he said that over 1,000 Ebonyi indigenes benefitted from similar postgraduate scholarship opportunities in Nigerian universities within the same period, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to more than 1,400.

    Read Also: Nwifuru sacks all political appointees, monarchs, community leaders in Ebonyi community

    Okike-Uzo explained that the initiative is anchored on the People’s Charter of Needs, the policy framework guiding Governor Nwifuru’s service delivery, with strong emphasis on education and human capital development.

    He stressed that the governor’s approach to governance aligns with the spirit of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which places the welfare and development of the people at the centre of governance.

    “Governor Nwifuru is not only building infrastructure but also building men and women for posterity. These young scholars will, in the coming years, positively impact Ebonyi State, Nigeria, and the global community,” Okike-Uzo said.

    He added that although the governor operates quietly, he has been adjudged one of the best-performing governors in the country, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, housing, education, health, infrastructure, aviation, diaspora relations, human capital development, security, good governance, and the rule of law.

    According to Okike-Uzo, Governor Nwifuru’s humility, simple lifestyle, and aversion to waste distinguish him among his peers and underscore his commitment to service and the long-term prosperity of Ebonyi State.

  • Former Tunisian PM Jomaa set to arrive in Nigeria for Niger Delta Blue Economy summit

    Former Tunisian PM Jomaa set to arrive in Nigeria for Niger Delta Blue Economy summit

    Former Prime Minister of Tunisia, Mehdi Jomaa, is expected in Nigeria in the coming days ahead of the maiden Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Summit scheduled to hold from February 9 to 11.

    The summit, according to a statement by the organising committee, will convene government officials, development institutions, private sector players, and experts to examine strategies for harnessing blue economy resources to drive sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

    Co-convener of the summit, Dr Uche Igwe, said Jomaa will deliver the keynote address and share Tunisia’s experience in leveraging its Mediterranean coastline to translate blue economy potential into economic opportunities.

    He noted that the engagement is intended to provide practical insights that can inform policy and investment decisions in the Niger Delta.

    Igwe explained that the summit will focus on developing a coordinated framework, including a Niger Delta Blue Economy Masterplan, in collaboration with relevant government agencies and institutions.

    He added that the initiative would also explore blue financing options to support project implementation across the region.

    According to the organisers, the proposed framework is expected to span an initial 10-year period, with projections of creating at least 100,000 direct and indirect jobs annually across multiple sectors.

    The plan is to be implemented in partnership with regional development bodies, state governments in the Niger Delta, and organised private sector platforms.

    Governors of the Niger Delta states and chief executives of key government institutions in the region are expected to attend the summit.

    A member of the organising committee, Emmanuel Ukpong, said the choice of Akwa Ibom State as host reflects ongoing investments in the blue economy, citing the Ibom Deep Seaport project in Ibaka as a key example. He added that the summit would also feature contributions from senior blue economy experts from the United Kingdom and South Africa.

  • Mike Abdul: Tattoos don’t dishonour body, God reads hearts

    Mike Abdul: Tattoos don’t dishonour body, God reads hearts

    Gospel artist Mike Abdul has weighed in on the debate sparked by Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo‘s recent tattoo, saying tattoos do not dishonour the body.

    In a post on Instagram, Abdul argued that tattoos were used in ancient cultures for identity, memory, status, covenant, and storytelling, and that what matters is what the tattoo represents, not the tattoo itself.

    Abdul stated that tattoos don’t dishonour the body, and what dishonours a temple is not the writing on the walls, but what the mark points to.

    He added that God reads hearts, not skin, and if a tattoo leads to gratitude, identity, or reverence, it serves a good purpose.

    Read Also: Tope Alabi, Mike Abdul, Beejay Sax, others to headline 2024 Alimosho Arise

    He wrote, ‘’Tattoos were used for identity, memory, status, covenant, and storytelling across ancient cultures, nothing more. Tattoos don’t dishonour the body. What dishonours a temple is not writing on the walls; what matters is what the mark points to, not the mark itself.

    “God reads hearts, not skin. Ink without conviction is decoration. Ink with conviction is remembrance. If a tattoo leads you closer to gratitude, identity, or reverence, it has served a good purpose for you. Faith is not proven by unmarked skin, but by transformed lives.”

    Abdul’s comments come after some Christians criticised Pastor Okonkwo for getting a tattoo, saying it dishonours the body God gave him.

  • Kaduna: Uba Sani commissions the longest road in 20 years

    Kaduna: Uba Sani commissions the longest road in 20 years

    Governor Uba Sani has commissioned the longest road that has been constructed in the last two decades, cutting across three local governments and linking more than 76 farming communities in Kaduna State.

    He said that the road, which stretches from Igabi to Kajuru and Chikun local governments, includes a 130-metre bridge over the River Kaduna, which serves several rural communities.

    The Governor said that the 35-kilometre asphaltic road linking Gadan Gayan through Gwaraji to Kujama Junction will transform mobility, agriculture, and rural economies in those communities.

    Speaking at the commissioning on Monday, he described the project as a historic milestone in the state’s infrastructure development, adding that it reflects his administration’s inclusive and people-centred development model.

    Governor Uba Sani recalled that when the project was flagged off in January 2024, his administration had pledged to deliver a durable and efficient transport corridor.

    The governor maintained that ‘’through disciplined planning, professional execution, and collective commitment, that promise has been fulfilled.’’

    He explained that the road provides an alternative route that reduces reliance on the often-congested Kaduna metropolis, thereby cutting travel time and transportation costs for commuters and traders.

    “Emergency services will be able to respond faster, schoolchildren will reach their classrooms with greater ease, and families will enjoy improved access to healthcare, markets, and social services,” he noted.

    The Governor also emphasized the road’s agricultural importance, stressing that agriculture remains the leading contributor to Kaduna State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.

    “By traversing agriculturally productive rural communities across three local government areas, this road directly links farms to markets, aggregation centres, processing facilities, and urban consumption hubs,” he said, adding that it   would reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen agricultural value chains.”

    Read Also: Uba Sani bags awards, distributes medical equipment, ambulances

    Governor Uba Sani said early signs of economic revival are already visible along the corridor, with new filling stations, markets, and small businesses emerging. “This is the quiet but powerful multiplier effect of well-planned infrastructure,” he remarked.

    The Governor said the project also addresses long-standing inequities in public investment, especially in Kajuru Local Government Area, one of the 12 Area Councils that had not benefited from a road project for more than 12 years.

    “This prolonged neglect constrained economic activity, and that reality was unacceptable,” he said, pledging that his administration is ‘’reversing decades of under-investment.’’

    The Governor explained that the commissioned road is part of a broader programme that includes 140 road projects, covering 1,335 kilometres across Kaduna State.

    Governor Uba Sani said that 66 of the roads that his administration initiated have already been completed, while others are between 60 and 75 per cent completed.

  • Nigerian artists’ Grammy losses due to lack of US involvement – DJ Big N

    Nigerian artists’ Grammy losses due to lack of US involvement – DJ Big N

    Disc jockey Nonso Temisan Ajufo, popularly known as DJ Big N, has attributed the poor performance of Nigerian musicians at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards to their limited involvement in American music events and seminars.

    In a post on his X page, DJ Big N stated that Nigerian artists’ lack of participation in US music events and their failure to join the Recording Academy’s voting body have hindered their chances of winning at the prestigious awards.

    The DJ’s comments come after Nigerian musicians, including Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Omah Lay, and Wizkid, lost to South African star Tyla in the Best African Music Performance category.

    DJ Big N urged Nigerian artists to emulate multiple Grammy-winning Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo, who regularly participates in American music events and is a member of the Recording Academy’s voting body.

    He wrote, “It stings deeply that so many talented Nigerians were nominated but didn’t bring the Grammy home this time. But here’s the truth: Legends like @angeliquekidjo and @YoussouNdourSN have shown us the power of being involved beyond just the award night.

    “She [Kidjo] is at those seminars, those events, making her presence felt. If we want to change the game, we’ve got to do the same. Let’s step up, join the @RecordingAcad voting body, and be part of the process all year long. That’s how we truly make our mark. Better luck next year, but let’s also be there to shape it.”

    He advised Nigerian music creatives and executives to join the Recording Academy as voting members to increase their influence and improve their chances of winning at future Grammy Awards.

    “Yes, Nigerians are disappointed about the Grammy outcome, and I feel that too. But let’s turn that energy into action. We need more of us, Nigerian music creatives and execs to join the @RecordingAcad as voting members. That’s how we shape the narrative from the inside. Let’s get involved and make our votes count! Better luck next year”, he wrote.

  • Araraume hails Ndi Imo at 50

    Araraume hails Ndi Imo at 50

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, has congratulated Idi-Imo on the occasion of the State’s 50th anniversary.

    He also lauded present past administrators of Imo State, including Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Sam Mbakwe and Governor Hope Uzodimma for their efforts in building a virile state.

    In a statement titled: “An open congratulatory letter To Ndi Imo as we celebrate our State at 50 and a call to recommit to unity”, Araraume congratulated every son and daughter of Imo State on the golden milestone.

    Araraume emphasised that all those who have administered the State at different times have contributed their quota to the development of the State. 

    He also congratulated past and present leaders of the State for laying a solid foundation for the immeasurable progress the state is making.

    He described the Golden Jubilee celebration as a remarkable milestone, reflecting five decades of resilience, growth and developmental progress recorded by the state since its creation.

    Araraume urged the people to embrace unity, religious tolerance, and peaceful coexistence to enhance national security and development.

    The statement reads: “My dear people of Imo State, On this historic occasion, my heart overflows with gratitude as I join you to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the creation of our beloved state. Fifty years is more than a milestone. It is a moment of reckoning, an invitation to reflect, to take stock, and to look ahead with renewed purpose.

    “Since that defining Third of February 1976, Imo State has travelled a long, instructive, and often inspiring road. Our story has been shaped by courage, industry, resilience, and an unshakable belief in possibility. We have experienced seasons of great promise and seasons of profound trial. Yet through every challenge, the spirit of Ndị Imo has endured. Our presence here today is no accident; it is the result of God’s grace and the quiet, persistent labour of generations who refused to abandon hope in this land.

    “It is only just that we honour the pioneers who laid the foundations upon which we stand. The early architects of our statehood bore a responsibility they embraced with seriousness and sacrifice. Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu provided discipline and order at a formative moment, while the legendary Sam Mbakwe infused governance with vision, compassion, and moral clarity. Their contributions and those of countless others who served Imo State with devotion, remain etched in our collective memory. History is always kinder to those who build than to those who merely occupy, and our builders deserve our deepest respect.

    “As we celebrate this golden jubilee, we also acknowledge the present. Imo State marks its fiftieth year under the stewardship of Governor Hope Uzodinma. It is fitting to recognise the efforts of his administration in sustaining the machinery of governance and ensuring continuity. Every era is judged by how it responds to the demands of its time, and this moment calls for steadiness, resolve, and foresight.

    “We have every reason to be proud of how far we have come. Yet pride must never give way to complacency. As a son of the soil and a stakeholder in our shared destiny, I remain convinced that Imo State’s most remarkable chapters lie ahead. There is vast room for growth, innovation, and broadly shared prosperity. The Imo of our highest aspirations, secure, productive, creative, and just, is not a distant dream. It is an attainable future, but only if we choose collective effort over division and long-term vision over short term comfort.”

    It added: “This anniversary must therefore be more than a celebration. It must be a recommitment. A recommitment to unity across political, communal, and generational lines. A recommitment to service, integrity, and shared responsibility. The task of building Imo State does not rest on government alone. It rests on all of us, at home and in the diaspora, bound together by memory, duty, and hope.

    “As we mark fifty years, let us renew our covenant with the future. Let us resolve to hand over a state better than we met it, one that offers opportunity to its young people, dignity to its elders, and peace to its communities.

    “I congratulate every son and daughter of Imo on this golden milestone. This is our story. This is our moment. And by God’s grace and the labour of our hands, the years ahead will shine even brighter.”