News Politics October 24, 2026 Only People with Track Records of Service Should Be Voted to Power, Community Declares as They Endorse Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo’s Senatorial Ambition

The people of Unubi in Nnewi South LGA, Anambra State have thrown their weight behind Chief Ebuka Onunkwo, the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for Anambra South Senatorial District, describing his ambition as genuine and deserving of collective support.

The declaration was made at a well-attended reception hosted by Chief Amobi Ogum (Onyechimel’eze Unubi) at his residence in Unubi, where the community trooped out en masse to receive the philanthropist and industrialist-turned politician. 

In keeping with tradition and as a mark of respect, Chief Onunkwo first stopped at the palace of the traditional ruler of Unubi, HRH Igwe Francis Umennajiego, Igwe Ohazurume Unubi, where he was warmly received by the King and members of his cabinet.

At Ogum's residence, where a mammoth crowd had already over-run every available space, speakers extolled Ebuka Onunkwo’s track record of job creation through his Seahorse Lubricant Industries, scholarship schemes, and community development initiatives, and whole-heartedly endorsed him to bring effective, people-oriented representation to Anambra South.

The host, Chief Amobi Ogum encouraged the teeming crowd not to be intimidated by the politics of the ruling parties in both the federal and state levels, and decried the prevalence of money politics in the country. He assured them that Chief Ebuka Onunkwo, whom they affectionately addressed as Nwoke Factory will drive employment and infrastructural development from the Senate. 

Responding, Chief Onunkwo thanked the Igwe and the people of Unubi for the warm reception and assured them of his commitment to quality representation if elected. He promised immediate employment to two indigenes of Unubi who were qualified as accountants and promised to carry the entire zone along, if elected. 

In a rare display of maturity and political sagacity, he implored party faithfuls to treat those in other parties as brothers and partners, and assured that his empowerment programmes, scheduled for next month, should be inclusive, as the dire economic situation in the country was biting everyone, irrespective of which party one belonged to. 

The occasion was graced by the leadership of the NDC in Anambra State, led by the State Chairman, Rt. Hon. Ikem Uzoezie, who implored the teeming crowd to vote massively for Mr. Peter Obi, and continue all the way down in their voting patterns. He decried the poor state of infrastructural development in the state and wondered what the ruling party in the state would campaign with, as all indices of growth were at an all-time low. 

He was joined by the Party’s State Publicity Secretary, Chief Okwuma Epuechi, the party’s Chairman in Nnewi-South LGA, Barr. Paul Chukwudumogu and all the 20 ward chairmen in the local government area. 

With this endorsement, Unubi joins other communities in the senatorial District that have adopted Onunkwo ahead of the 2027 general election, citing his accessibility, capacity, and track record of philanthropy and service.

Events News October 24, 2026 Prof. Chinedu Ogwus and wife, Amb. Dr. Ekwutoziam Ogwus Chinedu, Dedicate New Presbyterian Church at Edeoha

Date: October 18, 2026

EDEOHA, AHOADA EAST, RIVERS STATE — It was a historic and spiritually significant occasion on Sunday, October 18, 2026, as Prof. Chinedu Ogwus and his beloved wife, Amb. Dr. Ekwutoziam Ogwus Chinedu, children and their extended family, dedicated the new Presbyterian Church of Nigeria at Edeoha Parish, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, to the glory of God.

The memorable ceremony attracted prominent traditional rulers, political stakeholders, religious representatives, family members, friends, and well-wishers from within and outside the community, all gathered to witness the dedication of the new church edifice.

The dedication was conducted by His Eminence, Most Rev. Dr. Ekpenyong Nyong Akpanika, and the Niger Delta Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, who led the spiritual ceremony marking the consecration of the building to the service of God.

The occasion represented a moment of thanksgiving and fulfilment for the Ogwus family, who came together to offer the edifice to Christ as an expression of their faith, gratitude, and commitment to God’s kingdom.

The ceremony was graced by several distinguished personalities and traditional leaders, underscoring the significance of the occasion within the community and beyond.

Among the notable traditional rulers present were Eze Ekpeye Logbo, His Imperial Majesty, Eze Sir (Amb.) Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo, Ph.D., DSSRS, ACTI, FNIM, MNIMN, SFALPP, JP, AP, and His Majesty, King (Amb.) Noble Friday Uwoh, Eze Igbu-Ehuda IV, the Supreme Monarch of the Ancient Ahoada Kingdom (Igbu Ehuda). Other traditional rulers and community leaders were also in attendance to honour the Chinedu Ogwus family on the special occasion.

The event also welcomed relatives who travelled from far and near to witness the historic dedication, including Engr. Ndubuisi Azuka Utulu, Dr Chika, etc

In recognition of the spiritual significance of the event, Omega Power Ministry (OPM), Trans Amadi Branch, sent representatives led by Pastor Steve Osiago to attend the ceremony on behalf of the church.

Political stakeholders were also present, including the NNPP chairmen of Ahoada East and Abua-Odual Local Government Areas, Pastor Joe and Hon. Edi Omagile, respectively. Their presence added to the gathering of community, religious, traditional, and political representatives who came to celebrate with the family.

Beyond the dedication of the church, the occasion highlighted the longstanding philanthropic and humanitarian contributions of Prof. Chinedu Ogwus and his wife, Amb. Dr. Ekwutoziam Ogwus Chinedu, to the development and well-being of their community.

The couple are known for their support for education, youth participation in sports, and humanitarian outreach to widows and less privileged members of society. Through these initiatives, they have continued to demonstrate a commitment to improving lives, supporting young people, and contributing to the development of their community.

Their efforts have attracted commendation and appreciation from members of the community, who recognise the importance of supporting initiatives that promote education, social development, youth engagement, and the welfare of vulnerable people.

For the family, the dedication of the church represents another expression of their desire to give back, not only to society but also to God, whom they acknowledge as the source of their blessings and achievements.

Amb. Dr. Ekwutoziam Ogwus Chinedu is a businesswoman, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political aspirant who has continued to participate in community development and humanitarian activities.

She is the Chief Executive Officer of Ekash Collections and serves as Vice President of the Ogwus Youth Empowerment and Community Development Organization (OYECDO).

She is also contesting for the Federal House of Representatives seat representing the Ahoada East/Abua-Odual Federal Constituency under the platform of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

Her involvement in business, philanthropy, youth development, and politics reflects her engagement in both economic and community affairs. The church dedication provided an opportunity for family members, friends, community leaders, and well-wishers to join the couple in celebrating a milestone rooted in faith and service.

The presence of Prof. Chinedu Ogwus, his lovely wife, their children, relatives, friends, and well-wishers made the dedication a deeply personal and memorable family occasion.

By dedicating the new church to Christ, the Ogwus Chinedu family marked what they consider a significant act of gratitude to God for His faithfulness and provision. The edifice is expected to serve as a place of worship, prayer, fellowship, and Christian growth for the congregation and future generations.

The ceremony also reinforced the message that meaningful contributions to society extend beyond material achievements. Their contribution and support in spiritual institutions, education, sports, and humanitarian services can help strengthen the social and moral foundations of the community.

The dedication of the new Presbyterian Church of Nigeria at Edeoha Parish, Ahoada East, on October 18, 2026, stands as a memorable milestone for the Ogwus Chinedu family and the wider community.

As the new edifice begins its service it remain that it will become a centre of prayer, peace, unity, and hope for generations to come.

The occasion concluded as a celebration of Gods love and faithfulness in the family, their philanthropy work and service to God and humanity, expressing gratitude to Almighty God for the opportunity to dedicate an edifice to Christ.

News October 24, 2026 President Tinubu's Extension of CG Immigration Kemi Nandap's Tenure is Well Deserved - Dr. Fasakin

I, Dr. Stephen Olawale Fasakin, KSM, National President, University of Ilorin Alumni Association and Deputy Chairman, Association of Nigeria Universities Alumni, on behalf of the entire alumni family, wish to most heartily commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for graciously extending the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, a distinguished alumna and a true Better By Far product of the University of Ilorin.

The extension is well merited, timely, and in the best interest of national security and service delivery. Mrs. Nandap has proven to be one of the most reform-minded and result-driven public servants in this administration.

Her sterling achievements that deserve the extension include:

1. Passport Reforms & Service Delivery:

She cleared over 200,000 passport backlogs within weeks of assuming office, centralized passport production to increase capacity from 300 to 5,000 per day, and fully digitized the passport application process to curb racketeering and restore dignity to Nigerians.

2. Border Security and Technological Innovation:

She launched the landmark e-Border Solution Project with Command and Control Centre, Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), Passenger Name Record (PNR), deployment of e-Gates at all international airports, drones and AI-driven surveillance, and consolidated over 15 million migration records into the Border Control System.

3. War Against Human Trafficking and Transnational Crime:

As DCG Migration and now as CG, she coordinated operations that rescued 137 victims of human trafficking and dismantled 42 trafficking syndicates, and strengthened collaboration with IOM, INTERPOL, ECOWAS and the EU.

4. International Recognition and Regional Leadership:

She was elected Chairperson of the ECOWAS Heads of Immigration Forum in 2024, championed the ECOWAS Biometric Identity Card for regional integration, and secured international partnerships including modern document verification tools from the Netherlands.

5. Personnel Welfare and Capacity Building:

She prioritized the welfare and professionalism of officers through improved health insurance and pension, and initiated specialized trainings in document fraud detection, migration data analysis and border management for over 87 senior officers.

Mrs. Nandap, the third female to lead the NIS in its history and a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Ilorin with Masters in International Relations and an MBA, has brought intellectual depth, discipline and innovation to reposition the NIS in line with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

We of the University of Ilorin Alumni family are proud of her and assure Mr. President that she will use this extended tenure of 18 months to deepen these reforms and consolidate on institutional excellence.

Thank you, Mr. President, for believing in merit and competence.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed:

Dr. Stephen Olawale Fasakin, KSM

National President, University of Ilorin Alumni Association

Deputy Chairman, Association of Nigerian Universities Alumni

Former Personal Assistant to Chief M.K.O. Abiola

Crime News October 24, 2026 How my late girlfriend demanded N1.5m for s£x -Killaboi

Benjamin Nnayerugo, popularly known as Killaboi, has told a Lagos State High Court that he allegedly discovered Instagram messages in which his late girlfriend, Augusta Onuwaghagbe, was discussing a sexual encounter with another man for N1.5 million.

Nnayerugo, who is standing trial over Augusta’s death, gave the account while testifying in his defence before Justice Ibironke Harrison at the Lagos State High Court, TBS Annex, Igbosere.

He told the court that the alleged discovery left him emotionally distressed and prompted him to confront Augusta during a video call.

According to the defendant, the incident began in late June 2023 after he lost money on a sports bet and became upset.

He said Augusta had attempted to comfort him by reminding him of previous betting successes and encouraging him, but her efforts failed to improve his mood.

Nnayerugo said Augusta later returned to school, adding that he had access to her Instagram account and continued monitoring her conversations after she left.

He told the court that he noticed she regularly exchanged messages with accounts belonging to people who were not her friends on the platform, with some of the conversations subsequently deleted.

The defendant said he monitored the account for about a week and came across messages concerning invitations to clubs and enquiries about Augusta’s well-being.

He added that they later agreed that she could visit Lagos for the weekend.

Nnayerugo told the court that he intended to log out of her Instagram account before her arrival to prevent her from discovering that he had been monitoring her conversations.

However, he said that a day before the planned visit, he noticed a message from an account identified as “Yako”.

According to him, the sender addressed Augusta as “sweetheart”, explained that he had deactivated his Snapchat account and suggested continuing their conversation on Instagram.

The defendant said the sender asked Augusta when she would visit Lagos, to which she allegedly replied that she could come whenever he wanted.

He further claimed that their conversation progressed to a discussion about payment, during which Augusta allegedly insisted that she would not lower her price.

Nnayerugo said the sender subsequently requested her WhatsApp number to enable them to continue the discussion on the messaging platform.

He told the court that he became suspicious and decided to investigate the exchange using the phone number provided in the conversation.

According to him, he obtained a virtual SIM card, created a WhatsApp account using the name and profile picture associated with “Yako”, and contacted Augusta while pretending to be the man.

The defendant said he asked her to remind him of the amount she wanted, and she allegedly demanded N1.5 million.

He told the court that he offered N800,000, but she allegedly rejected the proposal, explaining that she was taking a significant risk.

Nnayerugo said he subsequently asked whether their proposed meeting would take place in a hotel or an apartment. He alleged that Augusta indicated that either location was acceptable, provided he sent the address.

He added that he later offered N1 million, which she allegedly turned down, before he agreed to pay the N1.5 million she had requested.

The defendant further claimed that he proposed having sex without a condom, provided both parties underwent medical tests beforehand, and that Augusta agreed.

He told the court that the exchange eventually convinced him that the discussion concerned a sexual encounter for payment, although he had initially been unsure about the purpose of the money.

Nnayerugo said he became so distressed during the conversation that he was shaking and experiencing an emotional breakdown.

He told the court that he initially considered sending the money through a friend and arranging a hotel meeting where he could confront Augusta.

However, he said he later abandoned the plan, reasoning that he did not need to spend such an amount to establish that his girlfriend was allegedly cheating on him.

The defendant said he subsequently decided to end the relationship and confront Augusta with the messages he claimed to have discovered.

According to him, he initiated a video call, which Augusta answered, but she screamed and dropped the phone after seeing him.

Nnayerugo said he confronted her over the alleged arrangement, told her he knew what she had been doing and informed her that their relationship was over.

He also told the court that he threatened to inform Augusta’s mother about what he had discovered.

The defendant said he shared a close relationship with her mother, who had supported their relationship, regularly prayed for him and attended a church he sometimes visited.

He said he initially could not reach her for about 20 minutes but eventually explained the messages he had allegedly found and informed her that he had ended the relationship.

According to Nnayerugo, Augusta’s mother questioned his decision to access her daughter’s account, telling him that the action was wrong and constituted a criminal offence.

He said he was angered by her response, explaining that his intention had been to inform her about the breakup rather than discuss how he accessed the account.

The defendant added that Augusta’s mother indicated she would speak with her daughter, but he reiterated that this was not the reason for his call before ending the conversation.

Earlier in the proceedings, defence counsel, Marcel Oru, asked the court to excuse Augusta’s mother and brother from the courtroom during the planned playback of a video recording.

Oru said the request was intended to spare the deceased’s relatives additional emotional distress while the recording was being played.

Prosecution counsel, Adebayo Araba, did not oppose the request.

The defence lawyer, however, clarified that the recording had not yet been tendered in evidence and that his application was aimed at preventing further emotional pain for the deceased’s family.

Justice Harrison subsequently adjourned the case to Thursday, October 22.

Nnayerugo is standing trial over Augusta’s death. The allegations concerning her private communications were made by the defendant during his testimony and have not, by themselves, been established as facts by the court.

(TVC)

News October 23, 2026 Nigerian Guild of Editors Demands Fresh Probe into Dele Giwa’s Assassination Forty Years After Parcel Bomb Killing

The Nigerian Guild of Editors has called on security authorities to reopen the investigation into the assassination of Dele Giwa, the co-founder of Newswatch magazine, insisting that the passage of four decades must not extinguish the quest for justice.

Giwa was killed on October 19, 1986, by a parcel bomb delivered to his home in Ikeja, Lagos. No one has ever been brought to justice for the murder.

In a statement signed by President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, the Guild described the unresolved case as a painful test of Nigeria’s commitment to press freedom, public accountability and the rule of law.

“Forty years is a long time to wait for justice. It is an unconscionably long time for a nation that claims to uphold the rule of law,” the Guild said.

The editors urged authorities to examine any credible evidence still available, preserve relevant records and pursue every lawful avenue towards establishing the truth.

The Guild, however, cautioned against trial by media, stressing that its demand was for a credible investigation rather than the condemnation of anyone without evidence.

“We are not calling for trial by media. We are not asking anyone to be condemned without evidence. We are demanding that a grave crime against a Nigerian citizen, a distinguished journalist and the freedom of the press should not remain an enduring symbol of impunity,” it said.

The Guild described Giwa as a journalist of uncommon audacity, intellectual rigour and literary elegance, saying his work demonstrated that Nigerian journalism could interrogate power fearlessly while maintaining professional excellence.

It said his assassination was not merely the killing of an individual but an attack on the freedom to ask questions, expose wrongdoing and hold those in authority accountable.

The NGE warned against reducing Giwa’s memory to annual commemorations without concrete action.

“Remembrance without action risks becoming an elaborate way of accommodating injustice,” the Guild said.

The statement was issued as a book, Dele Giwa’s Granite Journalism, was unveiled in Lagos to preserve his writings and legacy.

The collection was compiled by Ray Ekpu, the only surviving member of the original Newswatch quartet, and features Giwa’s articles from the Daily Times, Sunday Concord and Newswatch alongside tributes from friends and contemporaries.

Ekpu, speaking at the book presentation, said Newswatch colleagues and the late human rights lawyer Gani Fawehinmi fought tirelessly for justice but without success.

“That incident turned our day into night and threw us into an abyss of grief. For four decades, his partners, family, and friends have wrestled with sorrow,” Ekpu said.

He recalled how his five-year-old son abandoned his ambition of becoming a journalist after Giwa’s killing, telling him: “Don’t want to be killed like Uncle Dele”.

The Guild called for Giwa’s professional ideals to be taught in journalism schools and discussed in newsrooms, stressing that press freedom was a public cause because attacks on journalists threatened citizens’ access to independent information.

“Dele Giwa is gone, but the questions his murder left behind remain alive. The man was silenced; the search for justice must not be,” the Guild said.

News October 23, 2026 2026 Youth Conference: Qualified but Marginalised Youths Take Minister To Court, Over Exclusion, Bias

Written by Godson Ikpontu

Lawyer and former National Youth Leader Maurice Oru Ebam, Esq., says qualified young Nigerians are being shut out of the national conversation because they lack powerful political connections, and he has gone to the Federal High Court, Abuja, to demand answers from the Minister of Youth Development.

"Should qualified young people be denied a fair opportunity to participate because they lack powerful political connections?" the statement asks. Ebam is challenging the administration of the 2026 National Youth Confab by the Honourable Minister of Youth Development and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, and has announced an alternative gathering for 11 November.

The proceedings include an application for judicial review and a request for an order of mandamus. The grounds cited include Sections 6(6)(b) and 4(8) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, subject to applicable procedural and jurisdictional requirements. 

The challenge raises concerns about the exercise of administrative discretion, the principles governing access to the Confab and whether the stated commitment to inclusion and non-partisanship is reflected in the selection of participants. The legal questions remain subject to the judicial process and any determination by the court.

According to Ebam, the Minister has described the Confab as an inclusive, non-partisan national platform for young Nigerians aged 18 to 35. Born on 3 October 1992, he falls within that bracket as of the date of the announcement. He points to his experience in youth leadership, political party administration and legal advocacy as grounds for expecting fair consideration. 

Ebam is a former National Youth Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), a former Interim Chairman and National Legal Adviser of the Forum of National Youth Leaders of Political Parties in Nigeria, National Legal Adviser of Nigerian Youths in Politics, and Chairman of the ADC Cross River State Disciplinary Committee.

He argues that a genuinely inclusive national platform should not leave qualified youth stakeholders feeling that political affiliation or access to powerful sponsors determines their opportunity to participate. While he believes his experience and eligibility warrant fair consideration, he acknowledged that the legal questions remain subject to the judicial process.

"I represent the sons and daughters of nobody," Ebam said. 

"I represent the young Nigerians who have qualifications, ideas, experience and the desire to contribute to national development but are often overlooked because they have no political godfather."

"We are told that the future belongs to the youth. Yet, when platforms are created to discuss that future, many young people find themselves asking whether their voices truly matter," he said. "Why should a qualified young Nigerian have to know somebody before somebody recognises their qualifications? Why should political connections matter more than the principles of fairness, transparency and inclusion?"

He added: "I refuse to believe that the absence of a godfather should become a barrier to participation in our national life. We are the underdogs. We may not have the strongest connections, but we have ideas, experience, courage and the right to be heard. We shall continue to demand fairness through lawful and democratic means until our voices are heard."

Ebam called on the Ministry of Youth Development to clarify the criteria for participation and ensure that the selection process is transparent and consistent with the stated objectives of the Confab.

"The purpose of a national youth platform should be to bring young Nigerians together, not to create the impression that access belongs only to those who are politically connected," he said. "These are legitimate questions about public administration and youth representation. They deserve transparent answers."

The National Youth Alternative Confab 2026, billed as the Underdogs' Summit and themed "Rise of the Underdogs," will hold on 11 November 2026 at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre, Abuja, under the motto "We Shall Emerge!" The gathering is aimed at amplifying the voices of young Nigerians who believe they have been excluded from opportunities for meaningful participation.

News October 22, 2026 RMRDC DG consoles APC deputy national chairman over daughter’s demise

The Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, has commiserated with the Deputy National Chairman (North) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Ali Bukar Dalori, over the death of his daughter.

During a condolence visit to the APC chieftain, Ike-Muonso expressed sympathy with the bereaved family, describing the loss as painful and irreparable.

The RMRDC chief urged the family to find comfort in the life of humility, devotion and service to God and humanity exemplified by the deceased.

He noted that although her passing had created a painful void in the family, the values she upheld and the positive influence she had on others would remain a lasting legacy.

Ike-Muonso prayed that Almighty God would forgive the deceased her shortcomings, grant her eternal rest and give the bereaved family the strength and fortitude to endure the loss.