The Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Prince Engr. Lawrence Ezeh, PhD, brought immense joy and festive cheer to the people of Mburubu community in Nkanu East Local Government Area, as he marked Christmas with an extraordinary gesture of giving, on Saturday.

A proud son of Mburubu, Prince Ezeh demonstrated his strong commitment to the welfare and advancement of his people through a series of thoughtful and impactful donations.

In the spirit of the season, Dr. Ezeh provided 30 bags of rice to each village in Mburubu, ensuring that no household was left without food during the holiday period.

His generosity extended further with a significant cash donation of one million naira to each village, aimed at easing the financial burdens that many families face, particularly during the holiday season.

The most remarkable aspect of the celebration was Dr. Ezeh’s dedication to the youth of Mburubu.

In a bid to foster entrepreneurship and empower the younger generation, the Prince gifted 10 young individuals with mini buses, giving them the means to start their own businesses and contribute to the region’s economic development.

Additionally, Prince Ezeh bolstered his commitment to youth empowerment with a donation of two million naira in cash to the Mburubu Youth, an initiative designed to support their entrepreneurial ventures and promote self-sufficiency within the community.

DAILY GAZETTE reports that the event was graced by a large turnout of community leaders, dignitaries, and residents, all of whom expressed deep appreciation for the continuous support Prince Ezeh has provided to Mburubu.

His philanthropic efforts have reinforced his position as a devoted leader and advocate for the progress of his people.

In his address, Prince Ezeh emphasized the importance of unity, hard work, and collective action in driving the development of Mburubu. He urged the youth to embrace the opportunities provided, work diligently, and contribute positively to the prosperity of the kingdom.

Prince Ezeh also took the opportunity to call for continued support and prayers for the administration of Governor Peter Mbah.

He highlighted that unity between the community and the state government would serve as a catalyst for sustainable development and a brighter future for Mburubu.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticized former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, calling him the “greatest rent seeker” in the state and accusing him of politically betraying him.

Wike responded to Odili’s recent remarks in which he praised the current Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, while criticizing Wike’s tenure as governor.

Wike, speaking during a Special Thanksgiving Service organized by the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, took aim at Odili, saying that he would not be surprised if Odili even arranged a new marriage for Fubara.

He accused Odili of seeking political gain by praising whoever is in power, even at the cost of abandoning his past allies.

Wike recalled how Odili had once praised him profusely during his time as governor, even going as far as hanging portraits of Wike in various parts of his home, including in the kitchen and toilets.

He referred to Odili as a “sycophant” who had turned from being a respected elder statesman to a political opportunist.

“An elder statesman should not be a sycophant all the time,” Wike said. “You spent eight years as governor and now you are praising someone who hasn’t even spent a year in office. What does that say about your credibility as an elder?”

In his attack on Odili, Wike also pointed out the former governor’s involvement in the political and economic affairs of the state.

He claimed that Odili had turned Rivers into his personal estate, with his wife holding a key position and his children securing influential roles in the state government.

Wike also accused Odili of having replaced his late brother’s son with his own daughter for a political appointment.

Responding to Odili’s comments that Governor Fubara had prevented Wike from turning the state into a “private estate,” Wike sharply questioned the former governor’s actions during his own tenure.

“Who has turned Rivers State into a private estate?” he asked, noting the political dominance of Odili’s family in key state institutions.

Wike also referenced his efforts to revitalize Odili’s political career, particularly in the creation of PAMO University and his support in building a mansion for Odili.

He expressed disappointment that Odili, after benefiting from his political support, would now turn against him.

“Odili’s Christmas Carol is a joke. He’s reduced himself to a laughing stock. He was the one who once praised me to the heavens, and now he’s doing the same for Governor Fubara, someone who hasn’t even completed a year in office,” Wike remarked.

The minister further recalled Odili’s past actions, stating that while Odili had been sidelined after his tenure as governor, Wike had revived his career politically.

He also recounted how Odili had criticized Wike’s leadership before but now appeared to be fully aligned with the current administration, despite his earlier opposition to Fubara.

On the matter of his leadership and legacy, Wike defended his record, asserting that he had done more for Rivers State than any of his predecessors, including Odili.

He mocked Odili for claiming that Fubara had surpassed the achievements of past governors, including his own.

Wike concluded by reflecting on Odili’s political hypocrisy and questioned his integrity.

He urged the public to see through the former governor’s sudden shift in allegiance and to recognize the opportunistic nature of his political behavior.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization, has announced Senator David Umahi, the former governor of Ebonyi State and current Minister of Works, as the 2024 Igbo Man of the Year.

In a statement issued in Abakaliki on Sunday, the Secretary-General of the Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, explained that Umahi was selected after a comprehensive evaluation of Igbo public officeholders.

The assessment, based on factors such as infrastructure development, job creation, security solutions, and democratic inclusion, saw Umahi stand out above other notable figures like Hope Uzodinma and Benjamin Kalu.

Isiguzoro also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s groundbreaking recognition of the Igbo people, calling it a historic shift in the Southeast’s relationship with the Federal Government, which has not been seen since the end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970.

He praised Tinubu’s administration for prioritizing massive infrastructure projects across the region, many of which are spearheaded by Minister Umahi.

“Senator Umahi’s remarkable achievements as Minister of Works, including the revitalization of key federal roads and the creation of job opportunities through cement industry innovations, have greatly benefited the region,” Isiguzoro stated.

“His efforts in tackling security challenges along major highways have also contributed to restoring peace and order in the Southeast.”

Isiguzoro further commended Governors Peter Mba of Enugu and Francis Nwaifuru of Ebonyi for their exemplary governance, particularly their promotion of local government autonomy and transparency, which has fostered accountability in both states.

The statement also highlighted Umahi’s role in ensuring regional unity and collaboration with the federal government, pointing to his diplomatic efforts that helped prevent regional participation in national protests, thereby promoting stability within the country.

In recognition of Umahi’s extraordinary contributions, the Igbo socio-cultural group named him the clear winner of the 2024 Igbo Man of the Year award, noting his pivotal role in shaping the future of the Southeast.

The announcement also placed Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu as the second-best performer among National Assembly members.

The people of Anambra North Senatorial District are celebrating as Senator Dr. Tony Nwoye, representing the district in the National Assembly, spreads festive cheer by distributing 2,000 bags of 50kg rice, 5,500 bags of 25kg rice, 10,000 bags of 10kg rice, cartons of groundnut oil, tins of tomatoes, bags of salt, and cartons of Maggi seasoning.

Additionally, Senator Nwoye has donated over ₦200 million in cash gifts to 3,762 stakeholders across 99 wards in the district and seven local government areas.

The distribution event, which took place over the weekend, was part of Senator Nwoye’s ongoing efforts to give back to the people of Anambra North, acknowledging the hardships many Nigerians are facing.

While handing over the items to local committees, he expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support he has received and his determination to continue improving the region.

Senator Nwoye emphasized that the donation was intended not only for stakeholders and Labour Party members but also for grassroots communities, including mechanics, tailors, and both indigenes and non-indigenes of Anambra North.

“I will never take your support for granted, and I assure you that I will continue to provide leadership for a better Anambra North and Anambra State,” he said.

He also clarified that while 38 stakeholders from each of the 99 wards had been selected to receive financial assistance, they were not part of the rice distribution.

These stakeholders, who will receive the financial support for the Christmas, represent the Labour Party’s elected members in the district, including Hon. Peter Anekwe (Anambra East & West Federal Constituency), Hon. Afam Ogene (Ogbaru Federal Constituency), Hon. Iduu Emeka (Onitsha North & South Federal Constituency), Hon. Jude Umennajiego (Onitsha South 2), Hon. Fred Ezenwa (Onitsha South 1), Hon. Pat Okafor (Onitsha North 2), and Hon. Justice Azuka (Onitsha North 1).

During the event, Senator Nwoye called on Anambra residents, Christians, and Nigerians to embrace peace and love during the festive period.

He also made a strong plea for the immediate release of Hon. Justice Azuka, a Labour Party House of Assembly member recently kidnapped, and urged Governor Soludo to take swift action to address the growing security challenges in the state.

The distribution of rice and cash across Anambra North is expected to bring considerable joy to many families this Christmas season, reinforcing Senator Nwoye’s commitment to supporting his constituents and fostering unity in the region.

Chief Uche Nnaji, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, over the weekend, urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Enugu State to ensure that President Bola Tinubu secures winning votes in the 2027 general election.

Speaking at a meeting of the party’s stakeholders, which he hosted at his residence, Nnaji assured that all disruptive elements within the party had been removed.

He emphasized the importance of grassroots involvement, expressing satisfaction with the party’s growth in the state.

The minister pointed out that the votes officially credited to APC members in Enugu during the last election were not reflective of the true level of support for Tinubu.

He called on party stakeholders from all wards in the state to step up efforts to mobilize voters and secure a clear victory for the president in the upcoming election.

Nnaji also praised President Tinubu for his focused leadership, which he said transcends regional boundaries and serves all Nigerians equally.

In addition, the minister criticized the current budget presented by Governor Peter Mbah to the House of Assembly, arguing that Enugu does not have the oil resources to support such a large financial plan.

Nnaji concluded, “In the 2027 election, we must deliver the winning votes for President Tinubu. We aim to ensure that Enugu is at the forefront of leadership and development. Change is coming to the state, and we are determined to provide the leadership required to bring it about.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has announced that elections for all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) will take place in 2025.

This clarification was made by the APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, in a statement issued on Sunday, addressing growing speculation regarding the status of the LCDAs in the state.

Ojelabi explained that there had been increasing media reports, concerns from party members, and questions from stakeholders about whether elections would be held in the 37 LCDAs.

He emphasized that these rumors needed to be dispelled.

“We wish to inform everyone that Local Government elections will take place in all 20 Local Government Councils and 37 Local Council Development Areas in 2025,” Ojelabi stated.

The APC chairman noted that since their establishment, the LCDAs have played a crucial role in bringing development to the grassroots, contributing significantly to the socio-economic progress of the state.

He highlighted infrastructure projects like roads, drainage, schools, and healthcare facilities, which have been implemented by the LCDAs.

He further remarked that the LCDAs have collaborated with the state government on various initiatives, such as waste management, drainage clearing, and enhancing security, proving their ongoing importance to the state’s development.

Ojelabi also addressed the ongoing debate about the role of the LCDAs and the necessity of elections in their political offices.

He reiterated that the APC, as a progressive party, fully recognizes the contributions of the LCDAs and supports their continued existence.

“The contributions of the LCDAs are indispensable to the overall development of Lagos State, and we cannot disregard their role in improving the lives of our people,” Ojelabi said.

He concluded by urging party members and residents to remain peaceful and cooperative, as the state strives to maintain its position as a leader within the federation.

This announcement follows debates over the proposed Local Government Administration Bill, which seeks to replace the 37 LCDAs with Area Administrative Councils.

The bill, which is still under consideration in the Lagos State House of Assembly, is being examined in light of the Supreme Court ruling on financial autonomy for local governments.

However, the proposal has faced opposition from various political stakeholders in the state.