News
Pre-Inauguration Service: No state is as peaceful as Enugu – Archbishop Chukwuma


…Says God is in control of Ugwuanyi’s second term
BY: Ikenna Oluka
The Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma, has expressed gratitude to God for the peace, unity and good governance being enjoyed in Enugu State under the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Archbishop Chukwuma who maintained that “no state in Nigeria is as peaceful as Enugu State”, also thanked God for the peaceful general election in the state and successful first term of Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration, declaring that God is in control of his second term.
The Archbishop spoke at the Government House, Enugu, on Sunday during the inter-denominational Christian service organized by the state government as part of the activities marking the 2nd term inauguration of Gov. Ugwuanyi and his deputy, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo.
Describing the event as a service of transformation, Archbishop Chukwuma stated that the entire Church in the state gathered on the last Sunday of the first term of the present administration to not only thank God for its successful end, but to also offer prayers and hand over the governor’s 2nd term into the hands of God.
The cleric, who expressed delight at the choice of Government House as venue of the event, commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his first term’s outstanding performance and advised him to remain faithful to God and committed to his resolve to render more selfless service to the people of the state.
He added that the governor is a peaceful man who has reconciled leaders in the state and taught politicians how to forgive one another.
“Your Excellency, you have done well in your first term, most especially in infrastructural development. A lot is ahead of you. You have kept your word; Enugu State has continued to pay salaries consistently. You have employed more workers than your predecessors. We are glad that work is going on at the Enugu International Conference Centre abandoned in the past. This shows that you are a silent achiever who believes in continuity of good governance”.
The Archbishop equally lauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for his swift intervention in averting the move to downgrade the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, calling on the South East governors to put more efforts to safeguard the airport.
Other highlights of the inter-denominational service, which was graced by the governor’s wife, Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi, his deputy; Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi; the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Priscilla Emehelu; President, Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice George Nnamani; former Governor of old Enugu State, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo; President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo; Senator Chukwuka Utazi; Senator Hyde Onuaguluchi; PDP State Chairman, Hon. Augustine Nnamani; State Commissioner of Police, Sulieman Balarabe; Archbishop of Enugu Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Rev. Christopher Ede; Bishop Godwin Madu of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) among others, were Bible readings, praise worship and intercessory prayers for the Church, the Nation, the poor, the governor and security of the state and country.


… GFD Executive Director emerges chapter Vice Chairperson*
The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has elected a new executive council at the close of its flagship Lagos PR Fest 2025, reinforcing its commitment to professionalism, innovation, and societal impact.
In elections supervised by NIPR Registrar, Chief Uzoma Onyegbadue, Samuel Ayetutu emerged as Chairman, while Eniola Mayowa was elected Vice Chairman in a closely contested race.
Other members of the executive include Secretary Samuel Adeyemi, Assistant Secretary Rita Ali-Nock, Public Relations Officer Ogochukwu Okeke, Financial Secretary Bassey Nta, Treasurer Olabamiji Adeleye, Welfare Officer Funmilola Akintola, and Ex-Officio Provost Marshal Quadri Adeleke.
In his acceptance remarks, Ayetutu pledged to drive professional standards, promote inclusiveness, and foster collaboration among members to enhance the chapter’s influence locally and nationally.
This year’s PR Fest, themed “Urban Farming for Food Security: The Role of Communication”, convened communication professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore innovative strategies for tackling food security through effective public engagement.
Over the years, the Lagos PR Fest has evolved into a leading platform for advancing the role of public relations in societal development, with the 2025 edition underscoring the Institute’s mission to position communication as a driver of sustainable development in Nigeria.
News
Nigeria dismantles terror groups, Ansaru and Mahmuda, with the capture of their leaders
BY Sandra Ani


Nigeria has recorded a significant breakthrough in the war against terrorism with the capture of the leaders of Ansaru and Mahmuda.
At a press briefing on Saturday evening, the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, said the two terrorists on the wanted list of Nigeria, the US, UK and UN were captured in an operation which was conducted between May and July 2025.
He said the men were captured in a high-risk, intelligence-led, counter-terrorism operation which led to their capture. They are leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, commonly known as ANSARU, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate.
Ribadu said the two men have been responsible for masterminding many terrorist attacks against Nigeria over the past years.
According to Ribadu:
“The first is Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar), the self-styled Emir of ANSARU. He is the coordinator of various terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria. He is also the mastermind of several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to finance terrorism over the years.
“The second is Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda), Abu Bara’s proclaimed Chief of Staff and Deputy.
He is the leader of the so-called “Mahmudawa” cell hiding out in and around the Kainji National Park, straddling Niger and Kwara States up to Benin Republic. Mamuda trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under foreign jihadist instructors from Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, specialising in weapons handling and IED fabrication.
“These two men have been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years. They jointly spearheaded multiple attacks on civilians, security forces, and critical infrastructure. Their operations include the 2022 Kuje prison break, the attack on the Niger uranium facility, the 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp in Katsina, and the May 1, 2019 kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba (Magajin Garin Daura). They were also behind the abduction of the Emir of Wawa and they maintain active links with terrorist groups across the Maghreb, particularly in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.
“The two men, who are wanted internationally, are currently in custody.
“The capture of Abu Bara and Mallam Mamuda, the group’s leader and deputy commander, respectively, marks one of the most significant achievements to date in our ongoing effort to rid Nigeria of the threat of terrorism. The successful decapitation of the leadership of this dangerous franchise marks the most decisive blow against ANSARU since its inception. This strike has effectively dismantled its central command while paving the path for the complete annihilation of the group”, Ribadu said.
The Ansaru group was first formed in January 2012 with a public declaration in Kano. It emerged as a splinter faction from Boko Haram, positioning itself as a “humane alternative.” However, its stated aim quickly turned to attacking Nigerian security operatives, civilian communities and government infrastructure. The group publicly displayed the setting sun logo of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), signalling its ideological and operational alignment with global jihadist movements.
“Over the years, Ansaru entrenched itself in both urban sleeper cells and forest enclaves across several cities in northern Nigeria and in forest-based enclaves, particularly around Kainji National Park, straddling Niger and Kwara States, as well as the Benin Republic”, Ribadu explained.
News
France Urged to Address Colonial Legacy as Senegalese Activists Call for Reparations in Dakar Roundtable
Reporter: Sandra Ani


France’s colonial legacy came under renewed scrutiny as journalists, historians, and pan-African activists gathered at African Memorial Square in Dakar for a powerful roundtable advocating reparations and economic justice.
The event highlighted growing demands for France to take full responsibility for its historical role in Senegal and across West Africa.


Organized by advocacy groups including the Association of Descendants of Senegalese Soldiers, the Front for the Withdrawal of French Military Bases (GASSI), and JIF’AFRIK, the roundtable brought together influential voices pushing for reparatory justice and structural transformation.
Among the key speakers were Babacar Dioh of the Thiaroye 44 Movement—a coalition of descendants of Senegalese tirailleurs—and Souleymane Jules Diallo, leader of JIF’AFRIK. Discussions centered on two central demands: official reparations for colonial-era injustices and the urgent renegotiation of trade and military agreements that activists say perpetuate economic dependence.
“The time for symbolic gestures is over,” said Dioh. “We are now filing an official reparations claim and taking concrete steps to hold France accountable.”
Speakers called for the dismantling of existing neocolonial frameworks, stressing the ecological, financial, and social harm that has endured beyond the colonial period. The roundtable marks a turning point in Dakar’s positioning as a hub for coordinated African-led advocacy aimed at restoring historical justice.
This event adds momentum to a growing continental movement seeking tangible reparative action from former colonial powers and reinforces the call for equity, autonomy, and acknowledgment of historical truths.
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