News
Igbo Diaspora group calls for Ebube Agu, ESN synergy
Diaspora Igbo group, the Igbo World Assembly, IWA, has called for collaboration between the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and the south east governors’ planned Ebebu Agu, to check the rising cases of insecurity in the region. This is as the group also condemned the Federal Government posture in labelling the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, a terrorist organization.
IWA in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, Vice Chairman Christian Onuorah and Secretary General Oliver Nwankor noted with dismay that government may have spared herdsmen that are the real killers, murderers, kidnappers and rapists.
“These Fulani herdsmen terrorists who are the real terrorist are treated with kid’s gloves by the government while turning around to hound IPOB members who, as far as we are concerned, are not terrorists, but are freedom fighters agitating for a better deal for their people”, IWA noted with dismay.
Expressing discomfort at the worsening security situation in South East and and Nigeria, the group in the statement urged all the towns in all Igbo communities to set up a vigorous and robust vigilantes’ outfit to guard every part of the state.
“We support civil defense in every part of Igbo land in anticipation of nefarious activities in their respective areas of concerns”, the statement added.
Urging Igbo people to apply old school diplomacy that is deep rooted in synergy and flexibility, collaboration and , dialogue, IWA noted that it was time for diversification of strategies that would allow room for multiple options at all times.
“We should always put our “smartest” men and women that are skilled in diplomacy at the helm of Igbo affairs. These men and women must be ready and willing to genuinely represent Igbo interest at the center, Nigerian and World-wide.
“We need a wealth of knowledge in understanding of diplomacy and alliance building for the people of the Southeast to form coalitions and alliances with the people of the Southwest, South-South, Middle Belt regions and others.”
“Because the great Zik and Awo alliance did not work out well in the past, does not mean that the Igbos and the Yorubas cannot achieve this alliance today. We need each other for the Yorubas and Igbos to survive in our journeys to justice. In politics there is no permanent enemies or permanent friends, only permanent interests”, IWA explained.
According to IWA, the Igbo extraction need multiple options at all times with one common Igbo Agenda that is tied into One Ohanaeze Ndiigbo perspective.
“We need a Nigeria where measured autonomy and self-determination is front, back and centre. Ohanaeze Ndiigbo should continue with a refocused push for restructuring Nigeria into an independent regional system, allowing freedom fighters, such as IPOB to continue their Biafran struggle in the same fashion that the Oduduwa group is struggling for Oduduwa Republic, independent of other mushroom groups within their struggles”, IWA explained.
Noting that Igbos need to work with the youths while avoiding unnecessary in-fighting, IWA believed that for r the Ohanaeze Ndi-igbo to have enhanced viability and true freedom to broker the “Igbo agenda”, their funding should come directly from Ndi-igbo from across the globe and not from governments; State, Federal and or otherwise.
“Igbo youths have been taken for granted for years especially, in the underdeveloped and less privileged areas. Coincidentally, future of Ndi-Igbo advancement in terms of Economic, Social, Education, Cultural, innovation and technologies are in their hands.”
“The youths therefore, must be at the center of the proverbial Igbo agenda. Our agenda for youth in turn must start with character education; remolding our youth for future ethical leadership as the workforce and leadership of the future with vocational trade and skills acquisition; the cornerstone for self-sufficiency”, IWA said in the statement.
According to IWA, “It’s high time the various leaders; home and abroad, lobby politicians, congressmen/women, governments in every country and international world body (Africa Union (AU), United Nations (UN, European Union (EU) everywhere that matters about Igbo interests and the plight of Ndiigbo in Nigeria”
Making case for “all points bulletins” approach to economic development in Eastern state from agriculture, tourism, investments, industries, innovation and technology, the group in the statement noted that a full-fledged “Think Home Philosophy” that extends to agriculture, food security and sufficiency and Igbo made products such as Aba made, Onitsha made or Nnewi made or Igbo made are the bailout options.
According to the statement, IWA harped on Igbo culture and language and Arts on a worldwide stage by way of Igbo schools in America and across, as in Diaspora. Notable are the Igbo schools in Atlanta, Atlanta Igbo schools and PILA Igbo schools designed to achieve this goal, IWA explained
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced the demise of its Enugu State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Franklin O Agbakoba.
This is contained in a statement issued by FRSC Deputy Corps Commander in-charge of Enugu State Operations, DCC Kyrian C Okolo, on Friday in Enugu.
“FRSC Enugu State Sector Command received the sad news of the demise of CC Franklin Agbakoba on Thursday, July 30,2026.
“The late Sector Commander died at Niger Foundation Hospital, Enugu where he was receiving treatment.
“His corpse have been deposited at the Eastern Medical Center, Enugu,” he said.
Until his death,CC Franklin Agbakoba made inter-agency collaboration and partnership his legacy and promoted safer roads within Enugu State.
The family’s head, Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi, made the demand during an interview with Arise News on Thursday.
“I think the family needs apology. The family needs to be compensated. We need sincere apology. We need sincere reconciliation,” he said.
He described his uncle as a visionary leader who was wrongly punished for a coup he had no role in.
“He was a man of vision. He was a detribalized Nigerian. He was a good leader,” he said.
Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi noted that his uncle’s tenure as Head of State was brief and ended violently.
“He occupied the seat of head of state for only six months, and he was taken away from us.
“Not because of a sin he committed, because he wasn’t part of the January 1966 coup.”
According to him, Aguiyi-Ironsi’s death resulted from his position rather than any wrongdoing on his part.
“Only because of his position as the most senior military officer, he was told to take charge. And then that cost him his life,” he said.
He expressed hope that his appeal would reach those with the power to act on it.
“Well, I hope there are people who are in positions to make this happen that are listening to you tonight,” he said.
Aguiyi-Ironsi served as Nigeria’s Head of State from January 16 to July 29, 1966, taking charge in the aftermath of the January 15, 1966 coup that had claimed the lives of the country’s political leadership.
He survived that coup and helped crush the mutiny, but his later decision to centralise power under Decree 34, along with his failure to prosecute the plotters, fuelled resentment among northern officers.
He was killed on July 29, 1966, alongside his host, Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, in a mutiny by northern soldiers that became known as the July counter-coup
The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
Addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, the circular said the order took immediate effect and formed part of efforts to uphold professional standards within the apex court.
The memorandum read, “I am directed by the Honourable the Chief Justice of Nigeria to notify all Litigation Staff, Legal Practitioners, Court Registrars, and Lawyers that the use of the title ‘Barrister’ as a prefix to names is inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”
It further directed all affected officers to immediately stop using the title in official correspondence and other official materials.
The memo stated, “Consequently, all officers concerned are hereby directed to discontinue the use of the title ‘Barrister’ before their names in all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements with immediate effect.”
The memorandum added, “Heads of Departments and Unit Heads are requested to ensure strict compliance with this directive by all officers under their supervision. Please be guided accordingly.”
The directive comes weeks after the Council of Legal Education cautioned prospective lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before they are formally called to the Nigerian Bar.
The council said such conduct undermined the dignity of the legal profession and warned that violators could face disciplinary measures.
It also reminded candidates that the use of legal regalia is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct and is reserved for duly qualified legal practitioners
The Enugu State Government says it has intensified fight against quackery across all health professions, particularly in the laboratory practice within the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, revealed this on Friday while receiving the National President of Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Dr. Casimir Ifeanyi, on a courtesy visit to his office in Enugu.
Ugwu decried the growing trend of unprofessional practices and establishments where laboratory services are combined with pharmacies, patient treatment areas, provision stores, and other unauthorised activities.
According to him, such practices are unacceptable and dangerous to public health.
He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eliminate quackery especially in laboratory practices and operations through sustained monitoring, regulation and enforcement.
The commissioner also commended the association for its dedication to promoting excellence in medical laboratory science and public health advocacy.
He assured the team of the ministry’s willingness to collaborate with professional bodies whose activities align with the government’s vision of delivering accessible, quality, and people-centred healthcare services across the state.
Ugwu stressed the remarkable strides recorded under the administration of Gov. Peter Mbah in transforming the health sector, including investments in healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, primary healthcare revitalisation and improved service delivery.
He urged the association to remain steadfast in upholding professionalism and ethical standards, emphasising that stronger partnerships between government and healthcare professionals remained essential in building a healthier Enugu State.
Earlier, Ifeanyi, who made the visit with some members of his national executive and Enugu State Chapter of AMLSN, briefed the commissioner on the association’s forthcoming AMLSN Annual Public Health Lecture.
He solicited the state government’s goodwill, support and participation in the event, which would be held in Enugu.
“The annual lecture is aimed at advancing quality healthcare delivery, promoting public health awareness, and fostering stronger collaboration among healthcare professionals and government institutions,” he said.
He noted that the association remained committed to improving professional standards and supporting initiatives that would enhance healthcare outcomes for residents of Enugu State and Nigeria at large.
…Inaugurates Amufie Town Union executives
By Chinedu Sabastine
The Enugu State Government has urged Town Union President Generals (PGs) across the state to adopt inclusive leadership that promotes peace, unity and sustainable development in their communities.
The Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Chief Charles Egumgbe, gave the charge on Wednesday while inaugurating the newly elected 14-member executives of the Amufie Town Union in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area.
The executive committee, led by the President-General, Engr. Kenneth Okechukwu Ogili, was presented with certificates of return at the ministry’s headquarters in Enugu.
Egumgbe urged the new leadership to ensure transparency, accountability and regular engagement with members, stressing that women and youths must be carried along in decision-making.
He advised the executives against operating exclusive caucuses, noting that town union affairs should be conducted openly through regular meetings where decisions are collectively taken.
“You must carry everybody along. Let your policies be all-inclusive and ensure that members are well informed about your activities. Matters should be tabled before the executive and decisions reached collectively,” he said.
The commissioner warned against abuse of office, particularly in matters relating to community land, stressing that anyone found working against the interest of the community could be removed under the state’s Town Union law.
“I don’t know whether you will receive remuneration because this is service to humanity. But whatever you do, don’t sell community land illegally. Land has a way of fighting for itself,” he cautioned.
Responding, the new inaugurated President-General, Ogili, pledged to lead with transparency and work closely with his executive to promote peace, unity and development in Amufie.
He said the administration would prioritise security by strengthening the neighbourhood watch and collaborating with security agencies to flush out criminals from identified flashpoints.
Ogili also promised to maintain a cordial working relationship with the traditional ruler of the community.
“The Igwe is our father. We have different constitutional roles, and there will be no conflict between us. We shall work harmoniously for the peace and progress of Amufie,” he said.
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