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Address Marginalisation, Ethnic Profiling of Igbos, ADC Chieftain Tells Tinubu

Address Marginalisation, Ethnic Profiling of Igbos, ADC Chieftain Tells Tinubu

Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki 

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and 2023 Labour Party Senatorial candidate for Ebonyi South zone, Hon. Linus Abaa-Okorie, has called on President Bola Tinubu to address what he described as the systemic exclusion, demolitions, and ethnic profiling of Igbos existing even after 65 years of independence.

In a statement issued in Abakaliki, Abaa-Okorie who was a two-term member of the Federal House of Representatives, noted that the marginalisation being suffered by the South-east zone undermined the very principles of federal character and inclusive governance.

He pointed to the concerning patterns in ministerial appointments where the South-east receives only the constitutional minimum representation, while single states in other regions boast multiple full cabinet-rank ministers, and to infrastructure discrimination that shows the South-west allocated N2.5 trillion for road construction compared to the South-east’s N446 billion.

He said, “In response to President Bola Tinubu’s anniversary address, the administration’s abrupt cancellation of independence celebrations spoke louder than any presidential speech, serving as a silent admission of the profound hardship and discontent gripping the nation.

“While acknowledging the President’s recitation of economic metrics, Okorie emphasised that these figures provide no comfort to the millions of Nigerians facing hyperinflation, hunger, insecurity and unemployment.

“For the people of the South-east, this national hardship is compounded by a deliberate policy of marginalisation that undermines the very principles of federal character and inclusive governance. 

“The stark evidence of infrastructure discrimination, revealing that analysis of federal projects shows the South-West allocated N2.5 trillion for road construction compared to the South-east’s paltry N446 billion. 

“The South-east remains the only region completely excluded from the national gas pipeline infrastructure despite one of its component states, Imo, holding the largest gas reserve in Nigeria, deliberately stifling the region’s industrial potential.

“The recent large-scale demolition at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex as a prime example of economic targeting, where on September 25, 2025, officials of the Lagos State Government, backed by heavy security, demolished at least 19 buildings, including a diagnostic centre, a crèche, a mall, and offices, causing enormous financial losses and displacing hundreds of business owners, predominantly of Igbo origin.

“These demolitions were executed in a commando style, without the issuance of contravention notices and in blatant disregard for due process even when the affected traders had lawful approvals from the federal government through the Trade Fair Management Board, yet their investments were destroyed without warning.”

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Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki  A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and 2023 Labour Party Senatorial candidate for Ebonyi South zone, Hon. Linus Abaa-Okorie, has called on President Bola Tinubu to address what he

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At Ibom Ignite 2025, Gov Eno Charges Youths to Tap into Emerging Business Opportunities

At Ibom Ignite 2025, Gov Eno Charges Youths to Tap into Emerging Business Opportunities

.Identifies prudence as key to success

Charles Ajunwa

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on youths in the state to leverage on the several business opportunities presented by his administration to boost their entrepreneurial dreams.

Governor Eno gave the charge yesterday in his address during the opening ceremony of the 2025 edition of Ibom Ignite Conference themed ‘Ignite to Accelerate’, held at Ibom – LED Centre, IBB, Avenue, Uyo.

The governor, who is the visioner of the conference, recounted how the programme initiated in 2017, as a church vision, has inspired several youths to the path of self-development.

He recollected how he started the Royalty Group with five rooms in 1995, describing himself as a true Akwa Ibom brand having excelled in his enterprise.

“It was just a vision, a church vision to encourage our young people. I was just tired of seeing young people having a sense of entitlement, young people being angry with themselves like the world is owing them, or that there is something they must receive. So, I said to young people in the church, let us begin to work with you, let us show you how we can get things done. 

“I remember at some point, God gave me the grace to write a book, ‘Wealth Creation: God’s Way’, and we used that to encourage our young people. And as the Pastor said, we now began to tell our own stories because we must be able to tell our stories.

“I am a true Akwa Ibom brand. When you talk of an Akwa Ibom brand, see me standing here,” he said. 

Eno, who is a seasoned entrepreneur, encouraged youths to remain focused and imbibe the culture of purposeful existence by developing passion in pursuit of their goals. 

“You must learn as a young person to start somewhere. That’s why our first theme of the Conference was: ‘Ignite Your Passion’. You must have a passion for something. Something must be driving you, and if you are pursuing something, you must face it. I didn’t go around looking for who to help me. 

“If you believe in a dream, live for it and avoid distractions. Don’t listen to naysayers. People would always say things. In fact, if they are not saying anything against you, turn around and look back, you are not in the right direction. But one thing I can assure you is that the same people that say you are not doing well would applaud you when you succeed,” he added.

Speaking on the impact of good leadership in the society, Eno emphasised the need for critical examination of followership, as a major key to success. 

“Well, it is accepted that everything rises and falls around a leader, but honestly, we need to begin to look at followership too. A leader can have good intentions, but followership would be a problem.

“Today, as you come to this conference, I beg of you, don’t waste this opportunity. In our days, we didn’t have conferences like this. Government didn’t provide such opportunities as this. We just struggled on our own, but we have this idea that we could help other people so that they don’t go through what we went through,” he added.

Earlier in his keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services, Obafemi Banigbe, said Akwa Ibom is blessed with numerous potentials and has all it takes to be the next hub for technology, sports, agriculture and the economic powerhouse of Nigeria.

He noted that the numerous possibilities and potentials cannot be actualised without vision, investment in human capital, and action.

Banigbe admonished young people to look beyond being the leaders of tomorrow, but builders of tomorrow, adopt the new approach of craving to make impact instead of headlines, collaborate instead of competing with each other, and take part in the deliberate effort at telling the African stories.

On his part, Rev. Godwin Akpan Amaowoh, General Secretary of the Assemblies of God Nigeria, urged the youths to learn to start small and grow big, adding that while “growing big, one must not forget those who were instrumental at any point.”

He called on them to take full advantage of the opportunity, and avoid gambling with time and resources.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Pastor Imo-abasi Jacob, noted that the theme for the 2025 conference was both symbolic and instructive, adding that “every great leap begins with ignition – a spark of passion, purpose, and possibility.”

Speakers included the Deputy Country Director, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, Obinaju Uchenna; Senior Special Assistant on Digital/New Media to the Presidency, O’rtega Ogra; Rector, Dakadda Skills Acquisition Centre, Prof. Enoidem Usoro; Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Shepherd Ltd, Idorenyen Enang; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Ubotex, Ubong Obot; Sole Administrator, Ibom Paints Ltd, Ime Uwah; Award-Winning Journalist and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Akparawa James Edet, and Guinness World Records Holder, Broadcaster, Writer, George Iniabasi Essien will present papers at the today’s conference.

A statement signed by the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Pastor Jacob, stated that the conference is slated for Friday and Saturday, October 3 and 4, 2025.

Part of the statement read: “Ibom Ignite is the premier youth leadership and entrepreneurship gathering, returning with a bold theme: ‘Ignite to Accelerate’.

“This conference is set to transform youths in leadership and entrepreneurship in Akwa Ibom State. It will empower over 1,500 participants with the tools, networks, and insights needed to turn ideas into tangible impact.”

The statement also disclosed that registration had long been concluded both for the conference and the highly anticipated Ibom Ignite Entrepreneurship and Innovation Grant, a funding opportunity designed to propel startups and bold ideas into scalable ventures.

The event will feature seasoned speakers, fireside chats, intimate, thought-provoking conversations on leadership, innovation, and resilience, panel discussion sessions, as well as Innovation and Pitch Opportunities.

“Ibom Ignite is not just an event but a movement of possibilities. To accelerate, you must first be ignited. Ibom Ignite 2025 is about sparking bold ideas and giving them the momentum to grow into solutions that transform communities.

“The theme, Ignite to Accelerate, captures the essence of the 2025 edition: before acceleration can happen, there must first be ignition, a spark that fuels growth, vision, and transformation,” the statement added.

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.Identifies prudence as key to success Charles Ajunwa Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on youths in the state to leverage on the several business opportunities presented by his

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World Heart Day: DOAM Foundation, Bond Chemical Industries Embark on Free Health Screenings

World Heart Day: DOAM Foundation, Bond Chemical Industries Embark on Free Health Screenings

Funmi Ogundare 

The initiative, held in Lagos, was aimed at encouraging individuals and communities to adopt heart-healthy lifestyles and reduce the risks associated with heart-related conditions.

“We are thrilled to partner with Bond Chemical Industries on this important initiative,” said the Programme Team-Lead of the DOAM Foundation, Catherine Olukotun. “Together, we can make a significant impact in promoting heart health and reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases in our communities.”

The commemoration featured health talks, on-site medical checks, and the distribution of essential medications, all tailored to drive home the importance of cardiovascular health.

The Health Programme Officer at DOAM Foundation, Esther Ogbu, stressed the importance of the campaign, saying: “We believe that heart health is essential for overall well-being, and we’re committed to supporting initiatives that promote healthy living.”

Representing Bond Chemical Industries,  Isaac Melfah reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to partnering on health-focused projects, emphasising that such collaborations remain vital in improving community health outcomes.

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Funmi Ogundare  The initiative, held in Lagos, was aimed at encouraging individuals and communities to adopt heart-healthy lifestyles and reduce the risks associated with heart-related conditions. “We are thrilled to

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Mr. Football, A Teacher Like No Other Always Impacting Lives

Mr. Football, A Teacher Like No Other Always Impacting Lives

Charles Ajunwa

When my late Dad in the early 80s was transferred from Aba to Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, as Stores Manager at the then Golden Guinea Breweries Limited located along Aba Road, my siblings and I never had an inkling that one day the whole family would move from No.2 Crowther Street to my Dad’s newly built house in the village to reside permanently. From my village, Umukabia Okpuala, it takes approximately 20 minutes or less to reach Umuahia.

Going or coming back, I must pass through the main road from Umuawa Alaocha Village, which is not only shorter but also closer to my village. This is Mr. Football’s village. My secondary school teacher hails from that village. He is one of those who greatly influenced my life.

When I finished my primary school education at Umukabia Central School, I later gained admission into Ohuhu Community Secondary School, Amaogwugwu, where Mr. Football, whose real name is Ejikeme Ikwunze, taught us agriculture, health education, and was in charge of the football teams.

He was also good at sciences and arts, and commercial subjects, which he delivered effortlessly.

In and outside the classroom, Mr. Football was worshipped like an idol. He impacted our lives positively. He delivered it effortlessly. During breaktime, instead of going for lunch, other students and I would gather at the school’s roundabout under a tree canopy where Mr. Ikwunze lectured us on the history of football, current affairs, and other subjects of interest. He stands tall as a living encyclopaedia of football.

His love for, and devotion to football gave him the sobriquet ‘Mr. Football,’ as he can take a whole day to teach football history from ancient Greece to the most recent happenings without looking at any book or getting tired. I picked interest in history as a student because of Mr. Football’s teachings. And I ended up studying History at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), where I graduated with a Second Class Upper Division.

After my secondary education, I remained in touch with Mr. Football, who, anywhere we met, would always introduce me to his friends. “Meet Charly, my student,” is his short of way of introducing me, which he does with pride. He would continue by saying that he taught me in secondary school, which leaves me chuckling.

As providence would have it, after over three decades, I reconnected with my teacher, Mr. Football, who served as Special Adviser to then Abia State Governor, Senator Theodore Orji, on Sports. I was Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

Mr. Football’s humility is infectious. At every given opportunity, he would tell the Governor, ‘Charly is my student’. This left me flabbergasted. Nothing can make Mr. Ikwunze change his style. I discovered that it makes him happy that his investments in those of us that passed through him yielded good fruits, and not wasted.

On his Facebook, I found out that he has 1,670 friends. This says a lot about his personality and character. He relates with people a lot. Eighty to 90 per cent of his Facebook friends might likely be his former students whom he impacted their lives in different ways.

The Umuawa-Alaocha-born teacher is an international figure in Nigeria’s sporting community. Apart from being a sports columnist who contributes articles to several international sports magazines as well as Nigerian Newspapers, including THISDAY, National Ambassador, Vanguard, and Daily Champion, he also features as a sports commentator on several stations such as Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), BCA Radio, Abia Television and Pacesetter Radio.

As a football historian and statistician, Ikwunze has authored several books on the subject, including Olympic Football Tournaments, World Cup 1930-2010 – A Statistical Summary (self-published source), and World Cup Biographies. The football prodigy have some of his works recognised by FIFA and found in FIFA’s Libraries. Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter, acknowledged Ikwunze’s works as being valuable contributions to football history. Also, former President of FIFA, the World Football Governing body, Joao Havelange, in congratulatory to Ikwunze when published his book, ‘World Cup, (1930-2010) A Statistical Summary’, penned down these world: “I thank you for your beautiful words when I was at the Presidency of FIFA and be sure that I will keep them forever. From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much.”

Ikwunze has had a career in public service, first as a teacher in a public school and later as a sports administrator. He headed the Abia State Sports Council as Director of Sports for nearly a decade, a position which enabled him reposition and develop several games. He was a member of the 9-man Presidential Committee on reform of Nigeria Football set up by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Presently, Mr. Football who is not tired, works at Retired Directors of Sports Abia State. Ikwunze, who may likely be in his early or late 60s, still plays soccer and maintains his trademark beard, which often intimidates opponents on and out of the pitch.

To my teacher, Mr. Football, congratulations on World Teachers’ Day. Indeed, you’re a teacher like no other and a teacher for life. A teacher par excellence.

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Charles Ajunwa When my late Dad in the early 80s was transferred from Aba to Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, as Stores Manager at the then Golden Guinea Breweries