In honor of the late President General, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo convened yesterday at their National Headquarters to pay their respects and open a condolence register.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo announced that Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu will be laid to rest on September 25, 2024.

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During the meeting, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, Secretary General of the Igbo apex socio-cultural organization, led the executive committee in signing the condolence register.

Emuchay expressed deep sorrow over Iwuanyanwu’s unexpected passing, describing him as “an exceptional diplomat, a tenacious patriot, a leader par excellence, a politician, and an erudite engineer.

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He assured that Ohanaeze Ndigbo would carry on Iwuanyanwu’s legacy, noting that consultations with Imeobi are ongoing.

“We just held an emergency NEC meeting and are here to sign a condolence register in honor of Dr. E. C. Iwuanyanwu, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who passed away last Thursday, July 25, 2024.

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“A mighty Iroko has fallen. This loss comes less than two years after the death of our former President General, Ambassador Professor George Obiozor. Tributes have poured in from the President of the Federal Republic, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Emeka Anyaoku, South East governors, and partners in the southern and middle belt forum, including E.K. Clark and Bayo Adebanjo. Nigerians worldwide have called to express their condolences.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, the governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, the government and people of Imo State, and all who knew him. We are in contact with his family and will establish a central burial committee soon.”

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Emuchay also announced that all activities, including the 2024 Igbo Day Celebration scheduled for September 29 in Imo State, would be suspended in honor of Iwuanyanwu.

“This is a difficult time for Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Igbo nation, and Nigeria. We have begun consultations with our governors, Ohanaeze structures, elders, stakeholders, and various organizations affiliated with the late President General. He was a rare individual with a big heart, a philanthropist, a renowned engineer, a sportsman, and a media personality. He ran for the presidency of Nigeria three times. Now, he has gone to rest.

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“We want to assure everyone that Ohanaeze remains in capable hands. His vision for the Igbo nation and Nigeria will continue. Collectively, as the NEC, we pledge to carry on his work.

“Consultations will begin with Ime Obi, our governors, leaders, and stakeholders. We have faced challenges before and will overcome this one as well. It’s not easy, but we cannot question God. Iwuanyanwu has done his part and now rests.

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“He has passed the baton to us, and we will continue from where he left off. I have the honor and privilege to sign this condolence register at the national secretariat. We are asking all state secretariats of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and our chapters in Nigeria and the diaspora to open condolence books so people can convey their thoughts and prayers for our departed President General, Chief Dr. E.C. Iwuanyanwu.”

Simon Ekpa, a prominent Biafra agitator, has claimed responsibility for the recent killing of four policemen in Imo State.

The attack occurred on Monday when gunmen ambushed the officers, who were conducting a stop-and-search operation in the Irete community on Onitsha Road, Owerri.

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Additionally, a Point of Sale (PoS) operator was also killed during the assault.

The state police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed the deaths of four officers, countering earlier reports of six fatalities.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ekpa announced that his group, the Biafra Defence Forces, executed the attack and seized weapons from the slain officers.

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He demanded the withdrawal of Nigerian security forces from the Southeast, referring to them as “terrorists” and threatening further violence if their demands are not met.

Ekpa’s post was accompanied by a video showing rifles and police documents but did not reveal the attackers’ identities.

The incident adds to the growing list of attacks on security personnel in Imo State and the broader Southeast region.

On Tuesday, gunmen attacked a shop owner in Amawaire, Orji, Owerri North Council Area of Imo State.

The assailants stole valuables and shot the shop owner during the raid.

As they fled, the gunmen also targeted a truck belonging to the Imo State Waste Management Agency, setting it on fire.

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Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen were vocal about their intent to enforce a sit-at-home order and prevent protests.

One witness described the chaos, noting that the shop owner had recently acquired a new Mercedes Benz.

The gunmen attacked shortly after he arrived at his shop, stealing money and other items before fleeing.

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Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, confirmed that police operatives have been deployed to Orji and assured that the perpetrators will be apprehended and brought to justice.

Joan Mrapkpor, a prominent Delta State politician and former Commissioner for Higher Education, has been kidnapped by unknown assailants inside her church.

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Mrapkpor, who also served as a member of the Federal House of Representatives, was seized during a service at her church near the Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) in Asaba, the state capital.

Eyewitnesses reported a scene of chaos as gunfire erupted during the incident. According to reports, one of Mrapkpor’s aides was killed, and a security officer was left unconscious.

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Delta State Police Command spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the abduction and casualties.

He noted that the command is actively pursuing the perpetrators and will provide further details as the investigation progresses.

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has unveiled an ambitious plan to generate over N100 billion through livestock production and processing.

This initiative aims to enhance the local economy, improve farmer skills in animal husbandry, and strengthen the agricultural value chain.

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Governor Mbah outlined these goals during a meeting with a delegation from the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), led by National Project Coordinator Sanusi Abubakar.

The visit also marked the launch of the first Regional Enugu Model Veterinary Hospital.

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Mbah explained that the Enugu State Ranch Management Agency Law is designed to unlock economic potential, create jobs in the livestock sector, and significantly boost the state’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.

He emphasized Enugu’s capacity to produce substantial amounts of meat and dairy products for export, which will necessitate advancements in processing and packaging skills.

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He reassured investors of the state’s commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and investments, encouraging them to explore opportunities created by the new ranch law, the veterinary hospital, and the partnership with L-PRES.

L-PRES Coordinator, Abubakar noted that the new veterinary hospital will focus on disease surveillance, eradication, and vaccination, further supporting the development of the livestock sector in the region.