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Restructuring summit: Ohanaeze dares IPOB

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The apex socio-political body of the Igbo, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Monday said it had invited the Indigenous People of Biafra (which was proscribed by the Federal Government) to its summit on restructuring, which is to hold in Awka, Anambra State, on May 21.

IPOB had, in a statement on Sunday, vowed that it would not allow the event to take place.

The secessionist group warned Ohanaeze against going ahead with the planned summit, stressing that it would use any means, including violence, to stop the conference.

However, Ohanaeze Ndigbo had vowed that the summit would go ahead as planned.

The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mr. Chuks Ibegbu, told our correspondent in Enugu that IPOB and other pro-Biafran groups had already been invited to participate in the summit.

Ibegbu explained that an invitation was extended to IPOB even after the pro-Biafran group made initial threats when Ohanaeze first announced plans for the summit.

Ohanaeze was not afraid of IPOB’s threats, he said.

“We are not worried over the threat; what else do you expect from them? The threat is not coming to us as a surprise but we have invited them (IPOB) to come and participate in the summit.

“IPOB and other pro-Biafran groups including MASSOB (Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra) are invited.

“Whatever grouse they have, they should come to the summit and express it. Everybody is invited, so nobody is stopping them from coming,” Ibegbu said.

But the Ohanaeze spokesman did not disclose plans the association had put in place to stop IPOB from making good its threat.

Asked what Ohanaeze would do to neutralise the IPOB threat, Ibegbu simply said the apex pan-Igbo body was protected by law.

“Ohanaeze enjoys the fundamental rights of freedom of speech and association; we have the right to assemble and deliberate on any issues, and this time we are assembling to talk about restructuring.

“Nobody, no group, can stop us because we are protected by the law.

“The law of natural justice protects us, religious laws protect us, even the traditional laws of Igboland protect us and the Nigerian law also protects us; so when the law is on our side, who will be against us?

“We are going ahead with the summit, the summit will definitely hold as planned,” Ibegbu said.

Ibegbu further explained why Ohanaeze was organising a summit on restructuring.

He said, “The summit will look at the restructuring agenda, which we see as the solution to the impediments to our socio-political aspirations in Nigeria. At the summit, all views would be articulated and ventilated.”

IPOB had, in a statement by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, on Sunday, vowed to take over Anambra State on May 21 to stop the summit, scheduled to take place at the Ekwueme Square, in Awka.

IPOB said its members were prepared to attack the venue of the conference with the last drop of their blood, boasting that no amount of security deployed in the place would stop them from carrying out the threat.

The group had earlier warned Ohanaeze to desist from holding any summit that would discuss the restructuring of Nigeria anywhere in the South-East.

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Widows, Wives and More than 2,000 Residents of Ikeja Police Barracks Benefit from YP4T’s Initiative

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YP4T
L-r: Alex Oware, Director, YP4T; a beneficiary; Dr. Love V. Tinuoye (C.E.O. Medvita Consultancy); Pharm. Enobong S. Useh (M.D. Medvita Pharmacy and Stores LTD); Mrs Jumoke Elom, beneficiary; Ojey Victor Benjamin, Director, YP4T.

More than 2,000 individuals from the Ikeja Police Barracks community benefited from an impactful outreach program spearheaded by Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T), an advocacy and support group working in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The initiative provided critical medical services, care packages, food supplies, and financial assistance to widows, wives, and vulnerable residents, demonstrating the heart of nation-building through community-centered support.

The program, which united healthcare professionals, community organizers, and volunteers, complemented the government’s broader efforts to bring essential services closer to the people.

Residents of the Ikeja Police Barracks received free medical consultations, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and wellness advice. Widows and families also left with care packages filled with food items, toiletries, and financial support to help alleviate the pressures of the holiday season.

Dr. Love V. Tinuoye, CEO of Medvita Consultancy and the lead doctor on-site, reflected on the impact:

“This initiative reflects a collective commitment to advancing healthcare in Nigeria. We were able to screen for and address critical health issues such as hypertension and diabetes while also providing preventive care like vaccinations and cancer screenings. This is what true community-focused care looks like.”

Beyond medical services, the outreach distributed care packages containing food staples, toiletries, and financial support, designed to alleviate the challenges faced by vulnerable members of the police barracks community.

The event highlights the ongoing efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to provide inclusive support for Nigerians across the country. Initiatives like this not only extend access to essential services but also strengthen the fabric of communities.

Mrs. Jumoke Elom, a businesswoman and beneficiary, shared her gratitude:

“I am deeply grateful for this program. The care my family received today—both medical and material—has given us hope and reminded us that we are not alone. It shows that there is real support for families like mine.”

The outreach program was also a platform for demonstrating the principles of nation-building through collaborative action. Alex Oware, Security Expert and Director of YP4T, explained the motivation behind the initiative: “The Renewed Hope Agenda is about about bringing real transformation to communities. This initiative embodies that vision by supporting over 2,000 people—not just through tangible resources, but by reaffirming their place in the collective growth of our nation. It lies at the soul of Renewed Hope: fostering resilience and creating opportunities for all Nigerians.”

The outreach program extended beyond healthcare, providing food and financial support to families within the police barracks. A touching moment involved a widow who, after receiving her care package, expressed her gratitude with tears of joy. Her story is just one of many that reflect the transformative power of collective action.

This initiative by YP4T—an advocacy and support group of Nigerian professionals from across the globe—represents a continued commitment to driving grassroots impact, inspired by President Tinubu’s vision. The success of the Ikeja outreach program demonstrates the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver meaningful change across Nigeria.

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Matawalle Salutes Nigerian Military, Citizens at Christmas

… Calls for Love and Peaceful Coexistence

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Bello Matawalle and Christmas
*Bello Matawalle

The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has extended warm greetings to the Nigerian military and all citizens, both Christians and non-Christians, during this joyous Christmas season.

In his message, he emphasized the importance of embodying the spirit of love and peaceful coexistence, urging all Nigerians to reflect on these values not only during the festive period but throughout the year.

“This season serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring principles of peace, unity, love, and sacrifice that bind us as a nation,” he stated.

Matawalle Salutes military
Matawalle Salutes Nigerian Military, Citizens at Christmas

The Minister encouraged every Nigerian, regardless of their religious beliefs, to celebrate and honor President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who tirelessly demonstrate their patriotism in safeguarding the safety and sovereignty of our beloved country.

Highlighting the significance of the yuletide season, he noted that it should reinforce our bonds of unity, foster a spirit of camaraderie, and inspire compassion towards one another. He called on all citizens to remain steadfast in their collective efforts to build a secure and prosperous Nigeria.

In conclusion, the Minister wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Henshaw Ogubike, MNIPR, FCAI, FSCA, FCPE
Director of Information, Press and Public Relations

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Tinubu to Revitalize Zamfara and Nigeria’s Economy – Matawalle

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Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle
Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle

…Says no government has shown so much support to LGs, State Governments like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu….

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has expressed confidence that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR will significantly enhance the economies of Zamfara State and Nigeria as a whole.

Matawalle who is currently on  a five-day visit to his home state, the Minister and former Governor of Zamfara commended President Tinubu for his unprecedented support for Local Government Councils and state governments. “No previous administration has demonstrated such a strong commitment to developing local councils and states as President Tinubu,” Matawalle remarked.

He highlighted the President’s role as a grassroots mobilizer, emphasizing his passion for local development. “President Tinubu has allocated substantial funds to states and local government councils, enabling them to undertake impactful development projects,” he added.

Matawalle urged party supporters to collaborate with their leaders to reclaim the lost mandate from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State. “It is essential for all APC members to remain law-abiding citizens,” he stated, reinforcing the party’s commitment to uphold the law.

Addressing a large gathering of supporters who welcomed him, Matawalle reassured them of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to combat banditry and terrorism in the region. “With the federal government’s initiatives to address security challenges, we will soon experience a renewed sense of safety and peace,” he emphasized.

He concluded his address by urging the community to continue supporting the government at all levels. “Together, we can restore peace and order in our country,” Matawalle affirmed.

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