News
Enugu: Nkanu Odenigbo Honours Prof. Bath Nnaji, Wife
…this is very incredible, says Prof. Nnaji
It was like a carnival as who is who of Nkanu Odenigbo came together on Saturday, 30th March, 2024 to honour their illustrious son, Prof. Bath Nnaji and his wife, Agatha Nnaji for their immeasurable contributions to the development of their land.
The ‘Appreciation Ceremony and conferment of chieftaincy titles to Nnaji and his wife’ which took place at Community Primary School, Umuode, Nkanu East local government area of Enugu State was heralded by the unveiling of a giant statue of the former Power Minister by the Senator representing Enugu East Senatorial zone, Kelvin Chukwu followed by the conferment of chieftaincy titles to Nnaji and his wife
Speaker after speaker poured encomiums on the Chairman/CEO of Geometric Power limited his wife.
Senator Chukwu said “honour is being given to whom it’s due because Nnaji represents his people with a sense of humility, not minding his status in the society. He’s very humane and I can only say he continues to live the way he’s created because what he’s doing for our people is exactly how he’s created.”
“I pray that God continues to keep him alive for us so we can continue to tap from his wealth of wisdom, guidance and direction which he’s usually happy to provide.
Similarly, the Member representing Enugu North/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Chimaobi Atu said “Prof. Nnaji is a true representation of one created in the image of God. He’s a transformer who has changed the lives of so many people and together with his wife, they’ve continued to change the stories of so many people.
He encouraged him to keep the fire burning “even when humans don’t see what he’s doing, the Almighty sees and will continue to bless him more abundantly and to those God has used him to change their lives, they should extend that hand of fellowship to others.”
The President of Nkanu Odenigbo Welfare Association (NOWA) High Chief Madueke Ngenegbo while commenting on the statue said “It’s just a token of love to show you and your dear wife what you mean to us and appreciate you for what you’re doing for us and humanity.
“This is to immortalise him and show the world that someone in the mould of Prof. Nnaji who’s involved in the business of his peoples’ welfare should be honoured.
Chief Ngenegbo enjoined his people to emulate the lifestyle of Nnaji and “be genuine, because anyone that’s genuine to himself will be beneficial to his people and the society.
He prayed to God to grant his long life and good health and endow him with more wisdom to continue to impact on his people.
In his reaction, Prof Nnaji who couldn’t hide his joy, thanked his people for spending their resources to honour him which he said is very rare in his clime. He also assured them that together with his wife, they’ll keep waxing strong in their determination to serving humanity.
“I’m vey elated. It’s not very typical especially in our environment that your people to recognise you. So, for my people to recognise me in this incredible way is very humbling for me and my wife, we never expected it. They didn’t ask us to contribute any money in anything they’ve done here. I will like to appreciate them and tell them to please continue to be together and work towards the progress and peace of our communities.
“This is just waxing strong; my wife and I are totally committed to developing our communities and we’ll continue to do it until God calls us.”
He prayed God to keep his people in good health and continue to provide for them to continue to develop their children and our communities.
Mrs. Nnaji with her charming smile, said “I feel great, I feel so special because this is just an unexpected kind gesture.”
She encouraged the people of Nkanu land “to always remain united so that there will be peace and progress in their land.”
Highpoint of the event was the conferment of the chieftaincy title ‘ECHERIBE NKANU (one who cares about others) on Prof. Nnaji and ‘Osodieme’ (wife that supports the husband in doing good) on Mrs. Nnaji
The event was attended by people from all works of life; National Assembly members, State lawmakers, Clergies, Traditional Rulers, politicians, community leaders, different dance troupes, women and youth groups among others.
The Methodist Church Nigeria has honoured the General Manager of the Enugu State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Hon. Monday Diamond Ani, with the prestigious “Apostle of Faith Award” in recognition of his outstanding humanitarian services and contributions to community development.
The award was presented by the Methodist Diocese of Akegbe, Aninri and Awgu Archdiocese (AAA) under the leadership of Rt. Rev. C. Orji, the Methodist Bishop of AAA Diocese, Enugu.
According to the Church, the honour was bestowed on Hon. Ani in acknowledgment of his selfless commitment to community development, social welfare, and humanitarian service over the years. The Church noted that his contributions have transcended political considerations and have positively impacted countless lives across communities.
His consistent humanitarian interventions have earned him the popular title “Odoziobodo”, meaning “one who builds and restores communities.”
Hon. Ani is widely regarded as a passionate advocate for community service, driven by a desire to improve living standards and promote love, unity, and a sense of
belonging among the people. His dedication reflects Christ’s teaching on the greatest commandment—love for God and love for one’s neighbour—placing service to humanity at the centre of purposeful living.
Due to his unavoidable absence, the award was received on his behalf and later presented to him at his office by Dr. Okechukwu Animba, Vice President (South-East) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).
Responding to the honour, Hon. Ani expressed profound gratitude to Rt. Rev. C. Orji and the entire Methodist Diocese for recognising his humanitarian efforts. He prayed for God’s continued grace and strength to serve humanity and touch more lives through his work.
He also appreciated his principal, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, for appointing him to lead the CSDA, an agency charged with driving community interventions and sustainable development across the state.
When the Enugu State House of Assembly adopted the report of its Special Committee on Land Matters and Disputes in 2024, many observers described it as a watershed moment in the long-running controversy surrounding the Centenary City land in Amechi and Obeagu communities.
The report attracted national attention because it tackled a dispute that had generated numerous court cases, allegations of intimidation, destruction of property, community unrest, and claims involving some of the most influential figures in the state.
For many residents of Amechi and Obeagu, the Assembly’s intervention provided the first official platform where their grievances appeared to receive impartial consideration. The committee’s findings were widely commended for their detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding the acquisition and development of over 1,097 hectares of ancestral land.
At the heart of the controversy was the allegation that Private Estates International West Africa Limited (PEIWA), operating under a development agreement with the Enugu State Government, relied on questionable documents to assert rights over vast portions of land originally linked to a proposed university project initiated during the administration of former Anambra State Governor, Dr. Jim Nwobodo.
After reviewing submissions from the parties, the Assembly committee identified several inconsistencies in documents connected with the acquisition process. Among its findings were concerns regarding the authenticity of a survey plan purportedly prepared for the “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” in 1985, despite the fact that Enugu State had not yet been created at that time.
Controversial Enugu Centenary Land: A Daniel Has Come To Judgement
The committee also questioned the authenticity of signatures and official endorsements appearing on key documents, including survey records, gazette notices, and correspondences allegedly executed on behalf of traditional authorities in Amechi and Obeagu communities.
Based on these findings, the committee concluded that the host communities had established that they were not properly carried along in the acquisition process and recommended dialogue, compensation, government intervention, and a comprehensive audit of lands developed under the Centenary City project.
At the time, many hailed the report as evidence that the legislature was willing to confront powerful interests in defence of justice and accountability.
Two years later, events appear to have given fresh significance to those findings.
Today, Kingsley Eze, Chamberlin Mbachu and Private Estates International (W.A.) Limited are facing criminal charges before the Federal High Court, Enugu, in connection with the alleged forgery of a survey plan linked to the disputed acquisition of ancestral lands in Amechi and Obeagu communities.
According to the charge sheet in Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/84/2025, the defendants are accused of conspiring to forge a survey plan titled “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” purportedly dated 1985.
The prosecution alleges that the defendants knowingly made or uttered the survey plan as a genuine document despite its alleged falsity. The offences are said to be punishable under relevant provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
The criminal charges have drawn renewed attention to the conclusions reached by the Enugu State House of Assembly in 2024, particularly its observations regarding inconsistencies surrounding the same survey plan and related acquisition documents.
The developments have also prompted further advocacy from civil society organisations. The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Inspector-General of Police to direct the Police Monitoring Unit to take over investigations and prosecutions connected with the dispute, investigate allegations of misconduct against certain police officers, and review criminal proceedings allegedly used for harassment and intimidation.
In a separate petition dated May 28, 2026, RULAAC also urged the Inspector-General of Police to intervene in two criminal cases pending before the Federal High Court, Enugu, citing repeated failures by law enforcement authorities to produce defendants for arraignment.
The cases include Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/84/2025, IGP v. Kingsley Eze & 2 Others, and Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/222/2024, IGP v. Alex Ifeadi & 2 Others.
As the criminal proceedings continue, many observers believe the matter has entered a decisive phase. The allegations that were once the subject of community petitions, legislative inquiries and public debate are now before a court of law for determination.
Whether the Assembly’s 2024 report marked the beginning of accountability or merely one chapter in a much longer struggle remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the issues raised by the Amechi and Obeagu communities have not faded away. Instead, they have evolved into a legal test that could shape public confidence in land administration, governance and the rule of law in Enugu State for years to come.
If the legislative findings, criminal investigations and court proceedings ultimately converge on the truth, then many residents may indeed conclude that, at long last, a Daniel has come to judgment.
Son of the late head of state and former Minister of Defence, Chief Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, in a letter of remembrance and solidarity written on behalf of the Aguiyi-Ironsi family to the Fajuyi family, marking the 60th anniversary of his death, said July 29, 2026, will be a solemn occasion to honour a soldier they described as “a war hero who offered himself as a sacrificial lamb for the unity and integrity of the nation.”
The family recalled that Lt Col Fajuyi, then Military Governor of the Western Region, made the ultimate sacrifice in 1966 when mutinous soldiers abducted him alongside Maj Gen Aguiyi-Ironsi in Ibadan during the military counter-coup.
They stated that Fajuyi, in a defining moment of conscience, chose honour over personal safety and refused to abandon his guest and superior, a decision the family said reflected the highest ideals of loyalty, integrity, and military brotherhood.
According to the statement, his action transformed him into a national martyr whose legacy continued to inspire unity, courage, and selfless service.
The Aguiyi-Ironsi family also expressed sympathy with the Fajuyi family, acknowledging the enduring pain of their loss, while praying for continued strength, comfort, and peace.
The statement further stated, “He did not run. He did not hide. He chose to stand. In that sacrificial decision lay the essence of his greatness.”
The family called on government institutions, military authorities, and custodians of national memory to ensure sustained recognition and support for the Fajuyi family, stressing that his sacrifice remained a national responsibility to remember and honour.
It urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from his life and death, noting that his legacy continues to challenge the nation to uphold unity, courage, honour, and selfless service.
Fajuyi was killed on July 29, 1966, during the military counter-coup in Ibadan alongside Aguiyi-Ironsi.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
The emergence of Chief Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere as the Minority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives has been described as a vindication of the fact that the Action People’s Party (APP ) represents the collective interests of the Nigerian masses.
Recall that recently, Ugochinyere was elected as the Minority Leader of the party in a keenly contested election of the Federal House of Representatives.
According to a statement by the Chairman Anambra state chapter of the APP Chief Chijioke Okeke, Ugochinyere had been consistent in offering himself as the voice of the people and that of the voiceless.
“It did not come to us as a surprise that our great leader High Chief Ugochinyere became the Minority leader of the Federal House of Representatives because he has always been consistent and focus towards providing himself as the only vent for the masses at the Green Chambers”
“We know his pedegre as a politician as well as a leader and he has remained focus in ensuring that the voiceless are heard and this is also a vindication of our party’s unflinching desire to provide a veritable platform in a democratic process”
Okeke further stated that the fifth columnists who had attempted to deregister the party have been put to shame adding that the party shall continue to champion the interests of the Nigerian people.
“They made failed attempt at deregistering our great party but they lost sight of the fact that the APP is firmely rooted on ground and has all that it takes to drive the wishes and aspirations of the Nigerian populace and with this recent development our traducers have been put to shame and our party is on the path of further greatness “. Okeke noted .
-
Politics3 days agoSpeaker suspended over anti-party activities
-
Crime5 days agoAbducted Army General: Gunmen Make Demands, Contact Family
-
News4 days agoPower Doesn’t Last Forever, It Has Expiry Date — VeryDarkMan Warns Wike
-
Crime5 days agoSchool abductions: NUT Moves To Shutdown Nigeria, Begins Nationwide Rally
-
Crime4 days agoEnugu Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, kill 2 Suspects, Recover AK-47, Other Weapons
-
Crime3 days agoPosters of Abducted Seven Teachers, 39 Pupils Flood Oyo Communities
-
News3 days ago
Rights Group Petitions IGP, Seeks Probe of Police Role in Controversial Enugu Land Disputes
-
News3 days agoPolice Declare 6 IPOB Members Wanted Over Protests Against Kanu’s Jail Terms