News
Peter Obi to speak, as 2000 youths gather against violence in Enugu
…As Boys Champions convoke peace talk to end gender based violence
No fewer than 2000 youths drawn from different sectors and communities nationwide would participate in this year’s annual conference in Enugu, organized by Boys Champions, a non-governmental organization, to curtail gender based violence in Nigeria.
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi is among the discussants expected at the event, slated for November 25, 2022 at The Base Landmarks Event Center, Independent Layout, Enugu State.
The Youth Conference, with focus on the theme ‘Shaping the Future’ would bring together over 2,000 young leaders from different sectors in Nigeria and across the continent, who are working to make social impact in their communities.
The convener of the Conference and founder of Boys Champion, Noel Ifeanyi Alumona, told journalists that renowned personalities, the former Presidential Candidate, Prof Pat Utomi, Bishop (Prof) Godfrey I. Onah of the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, the CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon Abike Dabiri Erewa and erudite scholars from Oxford, Cambridge and Vanderbilt Universities would make presentations at the event.
Alumona, who won the 2022 AFS Award for Young Global Citizens recently, told newsmen that the conference would provide an interactive forum with young people as part of the ongoing campaign by the non-governmental organization, Boys Champion, to arrest the spate of violence against women in local communities.
He noted that participants would be exposed to impactful and transformative panels, workshop and speeches by high profile resource persons, and help them to build sustainable networking for personal and career development.
It is expected that the participants would become the vanguard of the crusade in their local communities, and spread the value chain across the length and breadth of African continent.
He expressed optimism that the conference would be profitable for youths in tapping from the resources of different speakers who had made their mark in education, humanitarian, political, business, and other areas of human endeavor.
He further explained that the conference was his little way of giving back to the society, and promote inter-cultural dialogue to stem the tide of violence against girls and women in African society.
According to him, the programme would also be a golden opportunity to several deprived youths by creating a viable platform for them to gain quality training and mentoring sessions from captains of industry, erudite scholars as well as local and international experts.
He said delegates would have the opportunity for question and answer session with leading experts, and also build lasting relationships and connections that could help them advance their works and social contracts with the people in their respective communities.
The Conference, he said, would feature Plenary Session where experts would discuss Global Education and the Nigerian Struggle, Opportunities for Youth, Gender Equality and Women Inclusion, Ethical Leadership, Conflict Prevention and Peace building, among others.Dr. Maureen Manning of The Pie News, USA would be the keynote speaker at the conference, which would also include presentations by Daniel Obst, President of AFS Intercultural Programs, USA, Prof. Veronica Boix Mansilla, Harvard University, USA and Dr. Nancy Dickson, from Vanderbilt University, USA. .
Other speakers expected at the event include: Dr. Helmut Schuster, from the United Kingdom, Rtd. General Chris Eze, former Ambassador of Nigeria to India, Augustine Achu, United States Marines Corp, Virginia USA, Hawa Taylor, United Nations Global Communications Office, Dr. Onyeka Nwelue, Visiting Fellow, Oxford University and Chike Nwoke, Carleton University, Canada. Other speakers lined up for the conference include: the CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon Abike Dabiri, Ephraim Bassey, United States Institute of Peace, Prof. Pat Utomi, Founder, Center for Value in Leadership, Osowobi Oluwaseun Ayodeji, Founder, Stand to End Rape, Hauwa Ojeifo, Founder, Shewriteswoman and Prof. Joy Ezeilo, HOD Law, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.
Scholars lined up to discuss the theme of Global Education and the Nigerian Struggle at the conference include: Prof. Veronica Boix Mansilla, Harvard University, USA, Dr. Nancy Dickson Vanderbilt University, USA, Bishop Godfrey I. Onah, Catholic Bishop of Nsukka, Chike Nwoke, Carleton University, Canada, among others.
This life-changing conference would be held at The Base Landmarks Event Center, Independent Layout, Enugu on November 25, 2022.
Participants can register online by visiting www.boyschampions.org/attend. For Sponsorship and inquiries, please call: 08066165813 or +16156099565ABOUT BOYS CHAMPIONS
The vast majority of gender-based violence is perpetrated by men, specifically against women and girls. Although most men may not use or condone the use of violence, the simple fact is that men are overwhelmingly the perpetrators of gender based violence.
Since men are major perpetrators, holders of social norms and influencers of other men, it makes working with boys and men necessary – a must – as a target audience for primary prevention. Working with boys and men can have a positive, transformative impact for the lives of women and girls, but also for the lives of men and boys themselves as it frees them from harmful limiting aspects of masculinities.
Founded on October 1st 2018, Boys Champions is a primary preventive youth-led nonprofit organization that is committed to providing safe place for women and girls by engaging young boys and men, teaching them healthy masculinity and how to relate to females respectfully.
Boys Champions focuses on gender transformative interventions with both men and boys, engaging them to take actions and become part of the processes to end violence against women and girls. We work primarily with boys and men through sports, support groups, recruiting exceptional volunteer mentors and expectant fathers to share and exchange lessons in birthing and child-rearing process, trainings and our Boys Champions Couch sessions.
Through our impact-oriented and mentorship programs, our Champions are provided with the foundation they need to excel in school, pursue college education, and succeed in life.
Through our 100 Champions program, we provide academic enrichment, social skills building, college preparation and career development programs for under-served male youth. Our organization is committed to these boys because we believe they can maximize their talents with the right education, experience and encouragement.
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 .
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