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Police Inspector, IPOB member die in Anambra clash

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A clash on Friday between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and police officers from Nnewi Division, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has left two persons feared dead.

News Express reported that the clash which took place at the popular Nkwo Nnewi market while IPOB members were allegedly celebrating the reappearance of their leader, Nazi Nnamdi Kanu and also driving home their “no referendum, no 2019 election” stance took the life of an Inspector of police and a member of IPOB.

The about 2,000 pro-Biafra agitators while waving the Biafran flag, moved round, urging traders not to participate in the elections unless the federal government were ready to heed to their call for a referendum.

It was leant that trouble started when police officers stormed the scene in three Hilux vans and made to stop the protest.

A source who spoke to News Express said that the Biafran agitators on sighting the security operatives pounced on the police officers and destroyed their vans, leaving two people.

He said: “Immediately the fight started, people started running for their while traders immediately locked up their shops.”

In a statement by IPOB Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, had earlier in a statement, said members of the group were in the industrial city of the state to express joy over the second coming of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, in Jerusalem.

He said the reappearance of their leader was a clear testimony that the struggle for Biafra actualisation was divine.

The statement reads in part: “IPOB volunteers marched along all major streets and roads of Biafraland today to register their happiness over the second coming and reappearance of our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Jerusalem, the state of Israel last month.

“Our leader’s reappearance in Israel after the Nigerian government and her security forces including the Nigerian Army, Air force and Naval forces invaded his compound at Afaraukwu Ibeku Umuahia in Abia State last year September is clearly an indication to all and sundry that God Almighty is behind the struggle for Biafra liberation.

“Biafrans are equally today showcasing to the world that we are ready to boycott every Nigerian elections come 2019 especially presidential election next year.

“Our march today on the roads and streets across Biafra land must send signals to politicians and saboteurs among us that Biafrans are determined to leave the prison called Nigeria where British government experimented to lead black Africans and other black nations across the globe but failed to live up to the expectations for over 100 years because of the Hausa Fulani caliphate dominations.”

The statement said that the rally was replicated in all the states across Biafraland “which include Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia, Delta, Rivers, Cross Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, as well as other Biafra clans and tribes fraudulently carved into Benue, Kogi and Edo states.”

IPOB insisted that the unrelented efforts by IPOB family worldwide to restore Biafra sovereignty must continue unless Nigeria Government and it’s handlers give a date for Biafra referendum to ascertain whether Biafrans would want to continue its stay in Nigeria or leave.

The statement added: “We are much aware that some unscrupulous individuals and groups including those Biafran stocks who work with Nigeria Government and those who prefer to be slaves in their own fathers land to the detriment of Biafra restoration project.

“IPOB is divinely ordained restore Biafra sovereignty out of this enclave called Nigeria. We are coming to show Nigerians and its handlers including their security apparatus what is called civil disobedience because IPOB is more of intellectuals than daft.”

In a press release from the state police command, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Haruna Mohammed, said that the fracas left some police officers with machete cuts

Officers affected include, CPS, Nnewi Division, CSP Babalola Adewunyi, ASP Micheal Duru attached to Area Command, Nnewi and Inspector Akinbami Olaniyi attached to CPS Nnewi.

The press release reads: “On 23/11/2018 at about 11:55 a.m., there was intelligence report that  members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were sighted gathering in their hundreds near Teaching Hospital, Owerri Road, Nnewi with intent to cause a breach of the Public Peace.

“Following the report, Police Patrol teams led by the Area Commander, Nnewi ACP Nnanna Ama mobilised and rushed to the scene in order to disperse and prevent them from causing a breakdown of law and order.

“As soon as Police arrived the Scene, the rampaging IPOB members descended on the Police, set ablaze one Patrol vehicle and attacked them with machetes and stones. They also marched towards the Agbaedo Market shouting ‘No Elections Without Referendum’.”

According to the PPRO, the injured personnel were rushed to the Hospital for medical attention; where the Inspector was certified dead by a medical doctor while the DPO and the ASP are presently receiving treatment.

He said the Command had deployed reinforcements from the State Headquarters comprising of PMF, FSARS and Special Anti Cult Units who dispersed them and restored normalcy in the area.

Mohammed said that thirty four suspects have so far been arrested while Joint Police/Army Patrols are still ongoing in the town to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

He noted that two AK 47 rifles and one Beretta Pistol loaded with ammunition were snatched from the Police by the IPOB members even as he added that efforts are being intensified to recover the rifles and apprehend the fleeing suspects in order to bring them to justice.

The Command however called on members of the Public to go about their lawful businesses insisting that IPOB remains a proscribed organisation and its’ activities remain illegal.

Source: News Express

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NUJ at 70: Private Broadcast Members Congratulate Union

Reporter: Ikenna Oluka

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NUJ at 70
NUJ

The Guild of Private Broadcast Managers  has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as it celebrates its 70th Anniversary.

In a congratulatory message signed by the Guild’s National President, Ambassador Patrick Uzoyi-Peters, JP MNGRM, the guild described the milestone as a testament to the NUJ’s unwavering commitment to upholding press freedom, journalistic integrity, and the advancement of democracy in Nigeria.

“For seven decades, the NUJ has played a pivotal role in shaping the media landscape, advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists, and ensuring that the voice of the people remains strong and unyielding. Your resilience, professionalism, and dedication to ethical journalism have been instrumental in fostering transparency, accountability, and national development”.

Celebrating this historic achievement, the Guild’s President, Uzoyi-Peters recognized the sacrifices and contributions of journalists across the nation who work tirelessly to inform, educate, and empower society.

The Guild reiterated it commitment towards collaborating with the NUJ in promoting responsible journalism and strengthening the media industry for the greater good.

While wishing the NUJ continued success, growth, and greater impact in the years ahead, President Uzoyi-Peters prayed that the anniversary serve as a renewed call to uphold the principles of truth, fairness, and press freedom in our collective pursuit of a more informed and just society.

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Family Marks one-year Memorial of Late APC Chieftain, Ojougboh with Charity Outreach

By Ikenna Oluka

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Mrs. Bose Ojougboh
Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, wife of the Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh (Centre) flanked by other members of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation during the outreach programme.

The family of the late chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, led by his wife, Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, marked his one-year memorial anniversary with a series of charitable initiatives aimed at honoring his legacy of philanthropy and service to society.

The memorial activities included the donation of school books and bags to pupils of Erigbe Primary School, in Agbor within the Ika South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education.

The outreach also included extension of financial assistance to patients at Central Hospital, Agbor, and the provision of toiletries, cash, and food items to children at the Salve Regina Children’s Home, Agbor.

The outreach was carried out under the ‘Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation’, a family-led initiative established to immortalise him and continue his lifelong commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare.

Speaking during the event which took place recently, Mrs. Ojougboh reaffirmed the family’s dedication to sustaining the ideals of the late APC chieftain, describing him as a man who strongly believed in education and giving back to society.

“We are here to celebrate the life of my husband, Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who passed on a year ago. In his honour, we decided to give back to society. He was a man who valued education and was always willing to help others. It is only fitting that we continue his legacy through acts of generosity,” she stated.

Honouring his passion for education

The first visit was to Erigbe Primary School, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education. The Foundation distributed school bags, writing materials, and food packs to the pupils. The family encouraged the pupils to take their education seriously and strive to become responsible citizens.

Supporting patients at Central Hospital, Agbor

At Central Hospital, Agbor, Mrs. Ojougboh and her entourage moved through the medical wards, offering financial support to patients to assist with their treatment costs. The hospital staff and beneficiaries responded with prayers and words of gratitude for the kind gesture.

Reaching out to orphaned children

The outreach team also visited Salve Regina Children’s Home in Agbor where they donated cash, food items, and toiletries to the children.

Mrs. Bose Ojougboh -
members of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation during the outreach programme.

The Matron of the home expressed her deep appreciation to the Ojougboh family, commending their commitment to sustaining the late politician’s legacy of compassion and social impact.

Dr. Cairo Ojougboh’s enduring legacy

Reflecting on her late husband’s contributions to society, Mrs. Ojougboh emphasised that his legacy of generosity and service to humanity would not be forgotten.

“Dr. Cairo was a selfless man who touched many lives. His contributions to the Nigerian political landscape, his mark in Agbor Kingdom, Delta State, and the country at large, will always be remembered. He may be gone, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations,” she said.

The Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation has pledged to continue supporting education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives in his memory, ensuring that his vision for a better society lives on.

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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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