The Ndigbo Unity Forum (NUF), a prominent pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, has called on governors of the South-East to urgently tap into the region’s vast agricultural and tourism potentials, which it says can drive economic development and create massive job opportunities.

This appeal was contained in a joint statement issued in Enugu on Monday by the group’s President, Chief Augustine Chukwudum, and Secretary-General, Mr. Tony Igbokwe.

The statement emphasized the need for state governments in the region to begin serious work and develop a comprehensive blueprint that would unlock the long-neglected agricultural and tourism assets of the South-East.

“The agriculture and tourism sectors can transform the region to Holland of Africa. Holland as a country harnessed its agricultural and tourism sectors; thereby making the country a great economic power in Europe today,” the group stated.

According to NUF, the South-East has continued to lose over $150 billion annually due to underdevelopment in both sectors, losses that could have been prevented if these potentials were properly harnessed.

The group added that such development would also help to significantly reduce crime rates.

It also cited the missed opportunity in palm oil production: “Malaysia came to South-East before Nigerian independent and picked up palm seedlings (palm fronts), went to their country, planted, nurtured and researched into it. Today, Malaysia generates over $20 billion (USA dollars) yearly from palm oil and its derivatives.

“While South-East where the Malaysia palm seedlings came from today is importing palm oil. What we have in excess previously has left us; thus, showing how negligence we are as a people and government,” it added.

The group decried the neglect of vast fertile lands and rich tourist attractions in the region, blaming it in part on over-dependence on monthly federal allocations.

“The zone had the best untapped tourism sites as well as fertile and arable land but neglected these great sectors because of monthly allocation that comes from Abuja,” the statement read.

“Tourism sites and potentials are very much abound that can attract more than 10 million tourists yearly to the region.

“It is evident that if our governors pay attention to these sectors mentioned, more than 75 per cent of our people will be engaged; thereby, making the region an investment and job hub in the country,” it said.

The group urged the governors to partner with the private sector and create a conducive environment for investors willing to commit funds into the agriculture and tourism value chains.

“South-East governors should leverage on private sector investors to push these two goldmine sectors waiting to be tapped, and create enable environment for the investors who will invest heavily in these sectors.

“The governors should put the region in the world tourism calendar as this will go a long way in positioning the zone as the best tourism destination in the world as the South-East has so much rich culture and tourist sites waiting to be tapped,” the statement concluded.

Dr. Ezeh, Enugu Science & Tech Commissioner,

The Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, are set to attend the inaugural Enugu International Tech Festival, slated for May 7 to 9, 2025, at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu.

Themed “Coal to Code,” the event is expected to draw over 5,000 participants and marks a major step in positioning Enugu as a fast-rising digital hub on the African continent.

Addressing journalists in a pre-event briefing in Enugu on Monday, the State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, confirmed that the two federal ministers would deliver keynote addresses focused on national policies driving regional innovation ecosystems.

Ezeh also revealed the participation of global tech players, including Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, as well as renowned figures in Africa’s tech scene such as Zinox Group Founder, Stan Ekeh, and prominent scientist and former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji.

Business tycoon and investor Dr. Obinna Iyiegbu, widely known as Obi Cubana, will also be present to share his real-world experiences merging business with technology.

According to Ezeh, “The presence of these great tech-innovative personalities and companies shows the event’s significance in positioning Enugu as a burgeoning tech hub in Africa.”

He noted that the three-day festival is being held under the auspices of Governor Peter Mbah, whose administration has prioritized digital transformation and youth empowerment as central pillars of its development strategy.

“Over three days, Enugu will be electrified by a dynamic blend of keynote speeches, panel sessions, technical workshops, investment matchmaking in the Deal Room, and cutting-edge exhibitions,” the commissioner explained.

He emphasized that the goal is to connect startups, scale-ups, and innovators with investors while creating pathways for corporate partnerships, venture capital, and collaborative R&D efforts.

Among the headline speakers are notable tech evangelist Harry Tomi Davies, entrepreneur and tech incubator founder Kingsley Eze, blockchain innovator Ugochukwu Aronu, and digital thought leaders Napa Onwusah and Patrick AsuamaAsuama, all of whom will provide insights into Nigeria’s fast-developing digital economy.

Speaking on the event’s theme, Ezeh said: “The ‘Coal to Code’ theme of the festival draws a powerful metaphor for transformation. Once a hub for coal mining, Enugu is now positioning itself as Africa’s digital engine room.”

“The narrative is being shaped not only through dialogue and vision casting, but through concrete initiatives to build infrastructure, digital skills and innovation-driven enterprises,” he added.

Ezeh disclosed that participants are expected from across Nigeria and the diaspora. He said the festival would highlight homegrown talent, tech-enabled SMEs, and student-led innovations.

“Beyond networking, it offers a tangible springboard for building the next generation of digital companies and attracting venture capitals into the region,” the commissioner noted.

“As Nigeria accelerates its digital economy drive, Enugu is staking its claim as a serious contender on the world tech map — not just as a host, but as a builder of the future.

“The Enugu International Tech Festival 2025 may well be the spark that transforms ambition into action in Nigeria’s innovation journey.

“For more updates and registration details, visit www.enugutechfest.com,” Ezeh concluded.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is reportedly facing mounting pressure not to register Team New Nigeria (TNN) as a political party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Despite fixing February 21, 2026, for elections into the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory, the commission has yet to announce a date for the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

TNN, in a statement issued in Kaduna yesterday by its spokesperson, Dr. Mohammed Shaibu, claimed that high-level political interests are trying to block its registration due to the party’s rising popularity across Nigeria.

He noted that the association had applied for registration since 2024.

According to Shaibu, “The application for registration has been submitted to INEC and was acknowledged since May 27, 2024.”

However, he expressed disappointment that INEC has not made further progress.

“INEC only wrote an acknowledgment letter promising to notify us when the registration portal would be opened for submission of application and documentation,” he said.

He added: “All efforts made to remind the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, of the intendment of the Constitution and the Electoral Act, has proven abortive.”

“Despite the passage of the 90 days threshold, the period within which the Commission’s Guidelines mandatorily required him to respond to such letter of intent.”

Shaibu further questioned the delay: “For how long should we wait to get registered? Our presence is all over the country and we have limited time to deliver our manifestos to the electorate.”

He also stated that the INEC Chairman is allegedly resisting pressure from “high quarters” not to approve TNN’s registration.

“There is no doubt that INEC is under tremendous pressure, from both the card-carrying All Progressives Congress (APC) members in its employ and their collaborators who are mortally afraid of the TNN, and who will want the electoral body to commence, right now, the process of rigging the 2027 election in their favour.”

He appealed to INEC to uphold its neutrality and respect the law.

“But we urge INEC not to compromise its neutrality and integrity by acting contrary to the law.”

“We remind the commission that Nigerians are keenly watching how it will handle this TNN issue, and whatever it does will determine whether or not Nigerians can count on it to organise a credible election in 2027,” the statement concluded.

In the meantime, TNN has called on its supporters nationwide to remain calm and patient as the matter unfolds.

Meanwhile, in response to a viral social media message claiming that the CVR, including the transfer and replacement of lost Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs), would resume on May 27, 2025, INEC dismissed the claim as false.

Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, clarified yesterday: “In line with its tradition, the commission will publicly announce the date for the resumption of the CVR at the appropriate time, the full details of which will also be shared via our official social media platforms.”

Former Minister of Education and respected advocate for transparency, Oby Ezekwesili, has categorically denied claims that she received financial inducement to support Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The allegations were made by Sandra Duru, a UK-based activist also known as Professor Mgbeke, who accused Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of fabricating the claims and alleged that Ezekwesili had been bribed to endorse them.

Reacting via a detailed post on her verified X handle, Ezekwesili dismissed the accusations as absurd.

Describing the claims as “laughable falsehoods,” she wrote: “No sensible and decent person who knows my incorruptible track record is deceived by the ridiculous fabrications being peddled by your traducers.”

She insisted her stance was rooted in principle and values, not influenced by monetary gain or political interest.

“They know, without a doubt, that no amount of money, not even all the wealth in every Central Bank in the world, can buy my convictions, voice, and stance on any matter I choose to support.”

Reaffirming her backing for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, Ezekwesili made it clear her support is anchored in the shared fight against injustice.

“We simply despise injustice and the abuse of power. Period,” she asserted.

She declared her continued solidarity with Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has requested an official investigation into her allegations against Akpabio.

“You will continue to have my unwavering, sacrificial support in your resolute fight against a brigade of irresponsible politicians, led by the Senate President,” Ezekwesili stated.

She called on citizens to insist on a credible and impartial probe, warning that any attempts to intimidate or discredit Akpoti-Uduaghan would ultimately be futile.

Condemning the wider political class, she lamented a lack of moral leadership. “They cannot fathom the concept of service because money and their belly are their gods,” she said.

“In contrast, I , like many of you, will continue, eternally, to live a purpose-driven life of sacrifice in the unrelenting fight for a decent and just Nigeria.”

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has reiterated his unwavering loyalty to political leader Rabiu Kwankwaso, declaring his intent to follow him wherever he goes politically.

Addressing 484 councillors from all 44 local government areas at the Kano Government House on Sunday, Mr Yusuf stated, “Wherever he goes politically, his supporters will follow.”

The governor hailed Mr Kwankwaso as “one of the purest and most selfless individuals in Kano,” firmly denying recent claims that the former governor receives N2 billion monthly from the state government.

Mr Yusuf described the accusation as “the height of political desperation and dishonesty.”

Reacting strongly to the allegations raised by former Secretary to the State Government, Baffa Bichi, Mr Yusuf branded him “a shameless liar” and dismissed his claims as entirely false and baseless.

The governor questioned why Mr Bichi, who served in his administration for over a year, failed to speak out earlier if he had genuine grievances.

“He should have spoken out while still in office if he had genuine concerns. You were in this government for more than a year, If you had any integrity, you would have spoken out while still in office,” Mr Yusuf said.

“But you chose silence until you were sent packing: that exposes your real motive.”

According to Mr Yusuf, Mr Kwankwaso has never interfered in the administration’s financial matters nor made any monetary demands.

He reiterated that the allegations were fabricated by disgruntled individuals aiming to discredit his government.

Affirming his commitment to clean governance, the governor urged residents of Kano to ignore what he termed “the noise of bitter politicians who have lost relevance.”