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Tag: Ojukwu

  • Nigeria’s foreign policy thrust boosts its global credibility – Ojukwu

    Nigeria’s foreign policy thrust boosts its global credibility – Ojukwu

    The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has stated the foreign policy thrust under President Bola Tinubu’s administration has boosted the country’s credibility globally.

    The Minister made this statement while delivering her keynote address at the 2025 National Diaspora Merit Awards and Dinner in Abuja over the weekend.

    The awards and dinner were part of activities to mark the 2025 National Diaspora Day (NDD) celebration.

    The Minister also stated that more Nigerians abroad are excelling in medicine, technology, and various other fields, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s ties with other nations.

    “Across the globe, Nigerians are making their mark; from the hospitals to tech hubs and boardrooms across the world, they are portraying our nation’s capacity and excellence,” she said.

    Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) for its impact since its establishment and for recognising Nigerians doing well abroad, which serves as a motivation to others.

    She said Nigeria’s foreign missions “are being repositioned to better and more efficiently serve Nigerians in the diaspora.

    “Our missions abroad, with the support of the ministry, now provide efficient services and measures to protect and defend lawful Nigerians in the diaspora.”

    She congratulated awardees and advised them to continue to be worthy ambassadors of the country.

    The chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, welcomed guests to the event and urged more private sector participation in the National Diaspora Day events.

    Dabiri-Erewa cited Arco Group, an indigenous oil and gas servicing company, for becoming the first private sector organisation to sponsor a category at the awards.

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    Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Mr Abiodun Akanbi, said that this year’s large turnout of Nigerians in the diaspora testified to the great movement that NDD had become.

    “The diaspora phenomenon is a low-hanging fruit which, I well harnessed, can be a catalyst for national development,” he said.

    The Secretary to NiDCOM, Dr Sule Bassi, gave an overview of NDD and the National Diaspora Merit Awards.

    According to him, one of the objectives of the awards is to celebrate Nigerians that have contributed to the development of the country even while living abroad.

    He also said the celebrations served as a tool for changing negative narratives about the image of Nigeria and Nigerians.

    One of the awardees, Mrs Voke Ogueh, a U.S.-based STEM educator, mentor, and digital transformation consultant, said she felt honoured to be recognised back home.

    Ogueh expressed the desire to inspire more Nigerians.

    She said no investment in human capital development would remain unrewarded.

    She expressed gratitude to the organisers and sponsors of NDD and merit awards.

    Arcos’s managing director of Maintenance of Engineering, Mr Michael Okoigun said the company took the initiative to sponsor a category of the awards because of its firm belief that Nigeria’s diaspora population had a crucial role to play in the country’s development.

    “It is not going to be easy, but we need to bring back our best brains to contribute to national development. We need to be industrialised, that is why we are leading by example,” he said.

    At the second day of the 2025 National Diaspora Day, which started with NiDCOM’s Youth Empowerment Summit, had President Tinubu acknowledged the significant contributions of over 20 million Nigerians in diaspora to national development.

    Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, the president pledged greater collaboration through enabling policies, programmes, and strategic partnerships.

  • Wike, Ojukwu welcome Indian PM on historic visit to Nigeria

    Wike, Ojukwu welcome Indian PM on historic visit to Nigeria

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last night arrived in Abuja, on a historic visit aimed at deepening bilateral relations between his country and Nigeria.

    The Prime Minister was received at the airport by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odimegwu-Ojukwu.

    On arrival, Narendra took to his social media handle to express his gratitude for the warm reception.   In a message shared on his verified X handle (formerly Twitter) @narendramodi, the Prime Minister said: “Thank you, President Tinubu. Landed a short while ago in Nigeria. Grateful for the warm welcome. May this visit deepen the bilateral friendship between our nations.”

    Also expressing delight to host Narendra, President Bola Tinubu,  in a post on his  official X handle @officialABAT, said, “I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his first visit to Nigeria… Our bilateral discussions will seek to expand the strategic partnership between both countries and enhance cooperation in critical sectors.”

    The meeting, set to take place at the State House in Abuja, marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister in 17 years.

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    The last Indian leader to visit Nigeria was Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2007, during which both nations established a strategic partnership.

    The agenda for the visit includes high-level discussions between President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi, focusing on strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, energy, and education.

    Both leaders will also formalise agreements by exchanging signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to bolster collaboration in critical sectors.

    A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga  said President Tinubu will welcome the  Prime Minister for a State Visit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja today.

    “President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi will seek to strengthen Nigeria’s and India’s ties further during their bilateral discussions.

    “Both leaders will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to enhance collaboration in critical sectors,” the statement said.

    India and Nigeria have shared a long history of collaboration, with India being one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners.

  • ‘Ojukwu varsity’s professors rose from 35 to 200 in five years’

    ‘Ojukwu varsity’s professors rose from 35 to 200 in five years’

    Academic professors in the Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, Anambra State have increased from 35 to 200 during the five-year tenure of its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Greg Nwakoby.

    Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Prof. Kingsley Nwozor, made the revelation during the Vice Chancellor’s Day and book presentation in celebration of the Nwakoby’s five years in office at the ETF Auditorium, Igbariam Campus.

    The unveiling of the 106-page book, titled: Greg Nwakoby, The Journey of a Legacy of Enduring Transformation 2018-2023, was preceded by interdenominational service with prayers led by Founder of Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, popularly called: Fr. Ebube Muonso.

    Speaking exclusively to The Nation, Nwozor, who doubles as Chairman, Publicity Subcommittee of the event, said the VC inherited 35 professors on assumption of office, but would be leaving behind no fewer than 200 professors for the institution.

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    He said many of the professors, who got their promotion based on merit, were drawn from backlog of stagnated staff, many of whose promotions were long overdue.

    Describing Nwakoby’s five years rule as a monumental advancement for the institution, Nwozor said the VC would be leaving the institution far better than he met it, especially in the area of infrastructure, welfare, discipline, integrity, transparency and accountability.

    He said: “Today is a chronicle of the legacies of Prof. Nwakoby as VC of COOU from 2018 – 2023. Going through the documentary, you’ll see what he met and what he’s living behind. It’s a monumental advancement for the institution.

    “He met 35 professors in 2018. Mind you, the university came into existence in January 2000. After 18 years, Nwakoby, on assumption of office, inherited 35 professors, meaning that the university was able to produce only 35 professors in 18 years.

    “But within the five years of his administration, the number skyrocketed from 35 to well over 200. These are meritorious promotions, from backlog of stagnated staff. Nwakoby doesn’t discriminate, once you merit it and the department and faculty give their nod, it’s approved.

    “Again, he met buildings taken over by weeds. But today, you see buildings littered all over the area. That’s the legacy he’s leaving behind. Talk about discipline, welfare and transparency in administration, he’s there. Many VCs won’t tell you the number of students they have.

    “But since he came on board, every exam period, there’s publication of students that paid school fees and those yet to pay, totalling entire number of students in the university. That also reflects the amount of money being generated from school fees.

    “Over 22 programmes were accredited under his watch. Before he came in, my own department, Geology, for example, was like jinx. We failed accreditation in 2013, 2015 and 2017. But in 2019, we got full accreditation after he came in 2018. It’s magical.

    “The six departments in my faculty are currently enjoying full accreditation status from the NUC. Same with other faculties. Besides, he introduced new programmes, including Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Radiology, Criminology, among others.”`

    Earlier, book reviewer, Prof Austin Nnonyelu, said the book containing five chapters, edited by Prof Solomon Ekwenze and Dr. Harrison Madubueze showcased Nwakoby’s courageous spirit and x-rayed his ability to multitask.

    “The editors of the book plotted perfect trajectory of the vice chancellor’s life; a cumulative record of his engagements in the university in the past five years, including attraction of various donors to the university, infrastructural growth, staff welfare, promotion, among others,” he said.

    Responding, Vice Chancellor, Prof Nwakoby praised the university community, friends and associates for their love, support and cooperation, which, he said, were instrumental to the success stories recorded under his administration.

    He urged them to extend same to his successor to ensure the university attained greater heights.

  • ‘Don’t  tamper with Ojukwu’s title’

    ‘Don’t  tamper with Ojukwu’s title’

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has warned Anambra State traditional rulers, particularly Eze Igwe Orizu of Nnewi, not to tamper with the Ikemba Nnewi title belonging to the late Biafra leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

    The group said yesterday in a statement signed by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, that its attention has been drawn to the secret plans by Eze Igwe’s heir and some cabinet members to sell the title given to Dim Ojukwu to a politician in his kingdom.

    It warned those involved to desist from such plans, as the title belongs to Dim Ojuíwu dead or alive.

    The statement said: “The attention of the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), led by the great and indefatigable leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has been drawn to the secret plans by the traditional ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Orizu’s heir and some in his cabinet to sell the Ikemba Nnewi title that was given to our eternal leader, the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, to some politician in his kingdom. 

    “We are reliably informed that the moneybag politician plans to use the Ikemba Nnewi title in an attempt to secure legitimacy for his upcoming governorship bid.”

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    “Our eternal leader’s title should be left out of his political plans. In life, Ojukwu made his stance clear. Ojukwu represents the people and not the personal ambitions of any individual.”

    “IPOB is by way of this message, also alerting the good Igwe Orizu of the secret plans that are being hatched behind his back.

    “IPOB is warning those involved to desist from that plan, because the Ikemba Nnewi title exclusively belongs to our eternal leader, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu, whether dead or alive, because of his enormous contributions to Biafra Nation. 

    “Anybody who intends to buy that title is setting himself up against IPOB and Ndigbo in general. Nobody in Nnewi or any part of Alaigbo is allowed to be conferred with the title of ‘Ikemba Nnewi.’ That title belongs to the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and to him alone.”

  • IPOB warns Anambra monarchs, others over Ojukwu’s “Ikemba Nnewi” title

    IPOB warns Anambra monarchs, others over Ojukwu’s “Ikemba Nnewi” title

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has warned Anambra traditional rulers particularly Eze Igwe Orizu of Nnewi not to tamper with the Ikemba Nnewi title belonging to the late Biafra leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

    The group said on Thursday in a statement signed by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful that its attention has been drawn to the secret plans by Eze Igwe’s heir and some cabinet members to sell the title given to Dim Ojukwu to a politician in his kingdom.

    The group warned those involved to desist from such plans as the title belongs to Dim Ojuķwu dead or alive.

    Read Also: Police nab three over death threats, extortion in Anambra

    The statement reads: “The attention of the global movement and family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by the great and indefatigable leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been drawn to the secret plans by the Traditional Ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Orizu’s heir and some in his cabinet to sell the “Ikemba Nnewi” title that was given to our eternal leader, late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu to some politician in his kingdom.

    “We are reliably informed that the moneybag politician plans to use the “Ikemba Nnewi” title in an attempt to secure some legitimacy for his upcoming gubernatorial bid.

    “Our eternal leader’s title should be left out of his political plans. In life, Ojukwu made his stance clear. Ojukwu represents the people and not the personal ambitions of any individual.

    “IPOB is by way of this message, also alerting the good Igwe Orizu of the secret plans that are being hatched behind his back.

    “IPOB is warning those involved to desist from that plan, because the “Ikemba Nnewi” title exclusively belongs to our eternal leader, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu whether dead or alive, because of his enormous contributions to Biafra Nation.

    “Anybody who intends to buy that title is setting himself up against IPOB and Ndigbo in general. Nobody in Nnewi or any part of Alaigbo is allowed to be conferred with the title of “Ikemba Nnewi.” That title belongs to the Late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and to him alone.”

  • BIM-MASSOB declares November26 Ojukwu’s Memorial Day

    BIM-MASSOB declares November26 Ojukwu’s Memorial Day

    The leadership of Biafra Independence Movement and Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra ( BIM-MASSOB) has declared November 26 as late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Memorial Day.

    As a result, the leader of the group, Chief Raph Uwazuruike, has sent a congratulatory message to the wife of the late Igbo leader, Amb. Bianca Ojukwu.

    This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Information and Senior Special Assistant to BIM-MASSOB on Media and Publicity, Mazi Chris Mocha, and made available to reporters in Awka.

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    BIM-MASSOB, also announced that the greatest annual event in the East of the Niger, the Ojukwu Memorial Day would be held in Owerri, Imo state and solely sponsored by Uwazuruike.

    Mocha further said the group was  the only organisation  that honoured and celebrated the late Igbo leader because of his  love for his people in the Southeast.

    “The annual event is the 12th Memorial Day celebration being single handedly  organized and hosted by Ralph Uwazuruike, (Okenwa Ndigbo, Ijele Ndigbo) in partnership with Biafra independence Movement and MASSOB.”

    The annual event would be held at the Ojukwu Memorial Library, at 12 noon.

  • Senate: Ohakim drums support for Ojukwu’s widow

    Former governor of Imo state, Chief Ikedi Ohakim on Tuesday, threw his weight behind the senatorial race of the Widow of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
    He asked other candidates eyeing the position to perish the idea and step down for her, describing her as
    Addressing party chieftains and loyalists at Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, Ohakim said the Igbos could not afford to sit and watch the wife of their former leader be denied the seat.
    He maintained that losing the seat to another candidate would be a disservice to Ojukwu who he described as the most selfless leader the Igbos ever had.
    “Those who are contesting the poll with the wife of our leader may have the money and wherewithal to muzzle down Bianca but they don’t have the same integrity.
    According to Ohakim, no fewer than fifteen billionaires from the south east have been mobilised to ensure the victory of Ojukwu’s wife who she referred to as a spirit.
    “Bianca Ojukwu is not an ordinary human being, she is a spirit. She has double-barrel identity and double-barrel legacy.
    “The people of Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, have asked me to beg you(Anambra) to accomplish this mission and project in memory of our great leader, Dim Chkwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
    “Ojukwu sacrificed his Oxford education, his personal comfort, his father’s wealth to save the Igbo race at the most auspicious time.” he added.
    Responding, Bianca Ojukwu said her decision to contest for the Senate was in the best interest of the people whose rights have been denied them over the years.
    She pledged to ensure that the right of Igbos were no longer denied them if voted into power.
    “Our people have suffered. A lot of graduates engage in meager jobs for want of employment. Traders suffer at custom offices. Igbos are suffering and that is why we are insisting on a restructured nation.
    “We need a different type of representation, of showcasing what we can do for the people. We can’t remain where we are. The role of a senator is not only legislative but also oversight,” she said.
    Speaking about her late husband, Dim Ojukwu, Bianca reiterated the sacrifices he made when he saw that his people were being shortchanged and massacred.
    “Evil prevails because good men do nothing. To sit back and be an arm chair critic is not good enough,” she added.
    She said she has been part of the party from the genesis, and have been part of several committees that saw to the sustenance of the party.
    “The blood of this party runs in my veins,” she said.

  • Senate confirms Ojukwu as NHRC Executive Secretary

    •Momoh is NERC boss

    THE Senate has confirmed the nomination of Mr. Anthony Ojukwu’s appointment as Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

    The upper chamber also confirmed the nomination of Prof. James Momoh as Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Chairman.

    Ojukwu’s confirmation followed presentation and consideration of the report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

    The committee’s Vice Chairman, Senator Babajide Omoworare, who presented the report, noted that  the committee, after its screening, found Ojukwu fit to hold the position commission.

    In the same way, Momoh’s confirmation followed presentation and consideration of the report of the Committee on Power, Steel Development and Metallurgy by its chairman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.

    The report gave Momoh a clean bill of health to serve as the NERC boss.

    Deputy Senate President, Senatir Ike Ekweremadu, who presided congratulated Ojukwu and Momoh for positions.

    Ekweremadu urged them to live up to expectation in view of the various challenges faced by their respective bodies.

     

     

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  • Ojukwu property: Pre-trial conference May 7

    An Awka High Court in Anambra State has fixed pre-trial conference in the Sir Louis Ojukwu property tussle for May 7.

    The adjournment followed failure of the first defendant’s lawyer, Okwuchukwu Ugolo (SAN), to comply with the High Court rules with respect to change of counsel.

    Two brothers of the Ojukwu lineage – Ikemefuna and Chukwuma – sued Dr Joseph Ojukwu, Dr Ike Ojukwu, Bianca Ojukwu and Mr. Lotenna Ojukwu in 2014.

    The plaintiffs, among other reliefs, want 25 per cent share in their father’s property at 73, Owerri road, Nnewi, Anambra State.

    They asked the court to grant an order that the will of Sir Louis Ojukwu be resealed.

    They want a declaration that they are entitled to 25 per cent of Ojukwu Transport Company, and an order compelling the defendants to account to them management of the late Sir Louis Ojukwu’s property over the years.

    The first defendant, Dr Joseph Ojukwu, was represented by Mr. Gerald Ezeuko (SAN).

    Messrs Ebuka Ogwu and Christopher Ezeoka appeared for the second defendant (Lotanna Ojukwu) and the fifth defendant (Ojukwu Transport Company).

    At yesterday’s sitting, counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr. Chuka Osianatogu, noted the mix up in the appearance at court.

    According to him, counsel to the first defendant failed to comply with Order 48 of the High Court (Civil Procedure) rule.

    But Ugolo said he would file papers to put their house in order, while applying for a new date to enable him to file pre-trial conference.

    The court observed that the earlier order of hearing notice on the third defendant, Bianca Ojukwu, was not properly served.

    It further noted that the fourth defendant, the Probate Registrar of Awka High Court, was not served.

    Justice Dennis Mmaduechesi, after listening to the arguments from counsel, adjourned the matter till May 7.

  • Why I joined APC now- Ojukwu

    Why I joined APC now- Ojukwu

    Mr Emeka Ojukwu, son of late Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, has said that he joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure that the South-East occupied its rightful place in the national governance.

    He stated this on Wednesday in Abuja after he was formally welcomed into APC by its National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

    He said that his decision to join the APC was also driven by the belief that the South-East region should be in the country`s political decision making process.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ojukwu had earlier made his declaration to join the party in Awka at a rally for Mr Tony Nwoye, APC’s candidate for the just concluded Anambra governorship election.

    “I decided to lead by example. I have been talking about this for a while and I decided it was time to take the step forward.

    “It is a challenge, there are some people that will not be happy about that, but you have to be bold, take a step, and let people understand where you are coming from.

    “People have to understand why you are doing what you are doing, APC have been seen in our part of the country as the ‘other’.

    “And I believe we are now showing that the APC is a party that can contend equally with any other party in the South-East and do just as well,“ he said.

    Ojukwu added that his defection to the APC, was a pointer that “Igbos“ were part of the party.

    Speaking about his father and the All Progressives Grand Alliance, he said; “we shouldn’t take our history and our past to be shackles that hold us in one place“.

    According to him, history should be a stepping stone and building block for moving towards the future.

    He noted that when his father came back from exile, he had the option to join an ethnic-based party but opted to move to the centre for a reason.

    “You need to be at the table where decisions are being made, if you are not there, you will always get the short end of the stick; you will be marginalised.

    “That is the message I want to help to propagate, this is a much bigger party than the one I came from. So I put myself at your service to help us achieve our dreams.

    “For me, anyway that I can help to push this message forward, I am ready,“ he stressed.

    Odigie-Oyegun, while receiving Ojukwu, said his entry to the party would be a major asset in its ongoing drive to mainstream the South-East into national governance and political decision making process.

    “I thank you for choosing the APC, a family that is practical in its political orientation.”

    He said despite losing the recent Anambra governorship election, the APC`s performance clearly showed that progress was being made in terms of its appeal and inroads in the South-East.

    According to him, the APC has made a lot of gains in spite of not winning the just Anambra election.

    He said the party was not resting on this, adding that it had set up a team to study the elections and resolve all challenges that obstructed it’s victory.

    “I truly welcome you, there is no question at all that your name is an asset, what you stand for is an asset.

    “We hope that in the next few months you will be much more closely integrated within the party structure at national level and in the South-East,“ he said.

    Odigie-Oyegun added that for people to join the APC at this time, was a clear indication that they understood what was going.

    He further added that it also showed that people were ready to put their names, reputation, energies and resources behind the party`s effort to rebuild the country and be part of the process of change.

    “This is a struggle that we must win, the nation cannot afford to lose, because greatness beckons and unless we get our act right, we are not going to get there, “ the APC national chairman said.

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