By Dorcas Achi

Engr. Ifeanyi Nwagu, Chairman of AIFY Global Group, has appealed to Imo State Governor, His Excellency Hope Uzodinma, to intervene in the alleged  attempt by some government appointees to destroy AIFY Global Aluminium Company located at Plot DW24, New Naze Industrial Layout, Naze, Owerri North LGA.

According to Nwagu, on July 5th, men from the government forcibly demolished the company's fence at its head office along Aba Road, Naze, without prior notice. When Nwagu inquired about the reason, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Innovation and Engineering Services, Ikenna Elezieanya, allegedly stated that he would bring down the factory at all costs.

Nwagu expressed shock at the commissioner's statement, questioning how a government appointee tasked with promoting investment and economic growth could vow to destroy a factory he invested years in building. "How can a government appointee say he will destroy a factory I built in my own state? A rational Imo citizen would think twice about investing here with such treatment. Government appointees should ease the burden on citizens. Imo belongs to all of us, and governance is temporary. Despite daily discouragements, we have chosen to establish here against all odds. I have helped numerous young entrepreneurs and established over six businesses in Imo."

Nwagu referenced the Imo State Industrial Policy launched by Governor Uzodinma in September 2022, aimed at driving industrial growth and development. However, he lamented that instead of supporting this vision, some government appointees are sabotaging the governor's efforts.

Nwagu praised Governor Uzodinma for his commitment to infrastructural development in Imo State and expressed confidence that the governor's good intentions wouldn't include authorizing the destruction of a thriving industry that contributes to the state's economic growth. "It's contradictory for government appointees to undermine the governor's initiatives when the governor himself is working towards the state's progress."

"Governor Hope is doing marvellously well. The governor can come out with the best policies for the state but if the commissioners cannot institutionalize the policies of the governor, there won't be progress. I call on the governor to look into his cabinet and remove the people that are not doing their work. Imolites are not feeling the impact of the commissioners. Government is activity not human beings. These appointees should stop incriminating the governor. The negativity in this government is more than the positivity." 

Reflecting on the company's history, Nwagu noted that AIFY Global was founded in 2008 and has since operated successfully, providing direct employment to over 250 Imo residents.

He recounted how he reached an agreement with the Imo State Government to establish an aluminum industry in 2014. He revealed that the government assigned a plot of land at DW24 Naze Industrial Layout, specifically designated for Aluminum Industries. With a keen interest in setting up an aluminum company, he finalized the agreement and the paper works before constructing a factory on the land. "Today, the factory has achieved significant success, specializing in aluminum extrusion, melting, fabrication, corrugation, and roofing. The company has created employment opportunities for over 250 Imo residents directly and approximately 2000 people indirectly", he stated.

The Orlu-born industrialist appealed to Governor Uzodinma to rein in his appointees and redirect their efforts towards supporting Imo's development. He emphasized that these appointees should encourage investors and industrialists who are contributing to the state's economic growth, rather than discouraging them.

He also pointed out that many of these appointees lack the experience of building a company from the ground up and creating jobs, which is essential for understanding the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and industrialists.

Harriet Ijeomah

Owerri, Imo State – In a landmark effort to empower rural women as agents of peace and conflict resolution, Alliances for Africa (AfA) recently convened a community awareness campaign for over 130 women from seven villages in Owalla autonomous community, Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State. The outreach, held as part of its advocacy on the 3rd National Action Plan (NAP) on United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, focused on promoting women’s participation in peace and security dialogues.

The participating villages included Obashinashinemena, Umuogwuo, Eshirilam, Dikenarougo, Arugo, Obulonaezuoke, and Umuosuagwu. The event aimed to demystify the provisions of the National Action Plan and train women as stakeholders in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and decision-making processes at the local level.

Background: Women, Peace and Security in Nigeria

The Project Officer with AFA, Ifeoma Obinwa, speaks massively on the Adoption in 2000, while stressing on the historical grounds of UNSCR 1325. She stresses that it acknowledges the disproportionate impact of armed conflict on women and girls and stresses the importance of women’s inclusion in peace negotiations, post-conflict reconstruction, and conflict prevention. Nigeria became a signatory in 2013, launching its first National Action Plan (NAP) to localize the resolution’s five key pillars: Prevention, Protection, Participation, Relief and Recovery, and Prosecution.

Now in its third cycle (2023–2027), the National Action Plan emphasizes integrating women at all levels of peace and security decision-making, especially in communities historically affected by structural gender exclusion.

Despite the global and national policy strides, women remain underrepresented in security dialogues, traditional cabinets, community development planning, and land governance in many rural Nigerian communities.

“According to UN Women, as of 2024, less than 20% of peace negotiation delegations globally have female representation, a reality that trickles down to grassroots governance structures in places like Owalla”.

Voices from the Field: “We are the silent builders”

During interactive sessions, many women shared deep-seated grievances regarding systemic marginalization:

“We sweep the villages, care for families, and support community development. But when it’s time to share land or development levies, we’re ignored. They say we’re strangers,” said Mrs. Osuji Patience, a participant from Umuogwuo.

“They call us when the family is in crisis, to care for the sick or the elderly. But when our fathers’ property is shared, they exclude us. It’s like we don’t exist,” added Ijeoma, another participant.

Training Focus: Women as Peacebuilders and Stakeholders

At the Workshop Juliet Okeiyi, a community mobilizer, introduced the women to the five pillars of the NAP framework. She emphasized that women’s participation in peace and security is not symbolic, it is strategic.

“The goal is for women to be actively involved in preventing violence, mediating conflicts, and occupying the decision-making seats that affect them. This training helps communities understand that peace isn’t sustainable without women,” Okeiyi explained.

She also highlighted that AfA is collaborating with stakeholders to domesticate the National Action Plan at the state level, encouraging the Imo State government to develop a State Action Plan (SAP) that reflects the realities of local women.

Community Leadership Responds

Hon. Rosemary Obilor, President-General of Owalla community and a lone female in the local traditional council, praised the campaign as “eye-opening,” noting that the training revealed many cultural practices that invisibly harm and marginalize women.

“Women are not just caregivers or followers; we are decision-makers and peace agents. The women in this room will return to their villages and carry this message into their August meetings, churches, and homes,” she said.

She decried the absence of women in community land sales, conflict mediation, and development levy sharing, despite their substantial unpaid contributions to social development.

“When lands are sold in the community, quotas go to the Eze, President-General, Youths, Oha Cabinet, and even security units but women are excluded. When we ask why, they say we are strangers. Yet these ‘strangers’ raise the future of the community.”

Alliances for Africa (AfA) is an international African feminist-led human rights, peace and sustainable development organisation. AfA works with partners in, around and beyond the continent of Africa to advocate for the protection of human rights, promote women’s participation in leadership and governance, build institutional capacity, advocate for gender justice, equality and non-discrimination, as well as promoting peace, security and conflict resolution interventions.

By JonesJobo

As we strive for a better future, it's essential to define what a New Nigeria looks like. The Americans had a dream of liberty, prosperity, and personal freedom, which they fought for, wrote into law and turned thirteen scattered colonies into a superpower by believing that freedom was not a luxury but a right.

The Italians had theirs- a dream of beauty, knowledge, and human possibility. They funded artists and raised architects. Out of the darkness of the Middle Ages, they brought light. A light that became the Renaissance and shaped the world.

The Chinese had theirs - a dream of revival after ruin. From decades of poverty, war, and humiliation, they reimagined themselves. They prioritized discipline, invention, and nationhood until the world could no longer ignore their rise.

The French had theirs: a dream of liberty, equality, and fraternity. From the chaos of revolution, they carved a republic. They turned protest into principle, and their art, philosophy, and politics into tools that inspired global movements. Paris became the cultural heart of a generation.

The Japanese had theirs: a dream of rebirth after destruction. After Hiroshima and defeat, they turned devastation into design. In less than 50 years, they rose from ashes to become a global symbol of technology, minimalism, resilience, and quiet power.

Building a New Nigeria:What does a New Nigeria look like?

Is it roads without potholes? Light that stays? Jobs that pay? Leaders that serve? The above mentioned are necessary but are not the dream.

The Nigerian Dream is a nation where the people and government place the country before themselves.

It is a Nigeria where no dreams die in traffic. Where hospitals heal, not harm.

Where children learn about heroes who look like them. Where food is grown with pride, not chemicals. Where you don't have to “japa” to matter.

Where we celebrate the artist, the farmer, the thinker, the builder, all as essential. A Nigeria that does not sleep when the power goes off. A Nigeria that never forgets its own name. A Nigeria that feels like home and fights for itself. We need a nation that thrives in every sector, from medicine to architecture, agriculture to technology. We need a nation that values education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. We should fight for a nation that is proud of its heritage and culture and it's committed to building a better future for all its citizens.

Unity Over Regions:

Nigeria is a union of diverse regions. Each with distinct culture, tradition, language and values. Four great rivers of

identity flowing into one nation. Yet, decades after we were drawn together on a single map and given one name “Nigeria” we still treat those rivers as separate. As rivals.Why? Why do I have to be Yoruba to belong to a school? Why must I be Hausa to be seen as a brother? Why do I need to be from Rivers State before I'm allowed to care about Rivers State?

This division and invisible wall we have built between ourselves is not natural but taught, passed down and barricading the idea of birthing a New Nigeria. Nigeria though multifaceted, our diversity should not divide us. Instead, we should celebrate our differences and work towards a common goal of building a united and prosperous nation. It's time to blur the lines that separate us and focus on our shared identity as Nigerians.

What does it mean to be Nigerian? Is it your tribe? Your language? Your skin tone? Or is it your choice to believe in a nation that hasn't fully become, but could? Being Nigerian is not just about carrying a passport. It is to carry a vision that refuses to die. We need a nation that thrives in every sector, from medicine to architecture, agriculture to technology. It's a nation that values education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It's a nation that is proud of its heritage and culture. It's a nation that is committed to building a better future for all its citizens.

We were firstly Nigerians before we became Igbos, Ijaws, Yorubas, Fulanis or Hausas hence must stop voting based on tribe, region, or religion.We must stop choosing a leader because he is one of us and start choosing because he stands for all of us. We love to blame our leaders for our failures but sometimes, the fault lies in our own hands. When we vote for tribal loyalty instead of national vision, when we cry for justice only when it touches our side of the country, then we have shuttled unity and progress. Selective patriotism is what is causing a lot of damages to us.  If we want a Nigeria that our grandchildren will be proud of, a country worth defending, serving, and sacrificing for, then we must start seeing every Nigerian as our kin. We must build a nation that stands above inequality, above tribal feuds, above dying ideologies. A nation that is willing to educate its people not just academically, but emotionally, historically and spiritually.

Educational Reform:

Our current education system needs a overhaul. We need to teach our children about Nigerian history, culture, and values. We need to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to build a better Nigeria. Our education system should focus on producing nation-builders, not just job seekers. Enough of producing graduates who immediately want to leave the country. We must educate patriotic Nigerians who can help fix our home, not abandon it. Our curriculum should accommodate the Nigerian history -not just colonial chapters, but the brilliance that came before and after our heroes who fought, bled, built, and dreamed long before social media gave them hashtags.

We must appreciate our own literature etched by the likes of Achebe, Soyinka, Flora Nwapa, Chimamanda, and thousands more, whose pens shaped generations. 

Finland teaches joy and creativity. Rwanda rebuilt its curriculum around post-genocide healing and national pride. What is Nigeria teaching?

A 2023 UNESCO report found that over 60% of Nigerian children between 6–15 years are not learning at a functional level, despite being in school. That is not just a failure of policy but also a failure of purpose. Education without vision is just memorization and memorization does not change a nation.We must stop copying broken foreign systems and start designing an educational structure that serves our own soil, our own story, and our own spirit.

National Pride:

It's time for Nigerians to take pride in their country. We need to celebrate our achievements and contributions to the world. We need to recognize our potential and work towards realizing it. Let's stop apologizing for who we are and start building a nation that we can be proud of. Too many young Nigerians hate their own land perhaps without realizing it holds more treasure than we can even imagine. Nigeria is one of the most naturally blessed countries on earth with rich resources such as oil, gold, cocoa, rich forests, endless sunlight etc. Beneath our pain lies unmatched creative geniuses, musicians, writers, architects, tech minds, athletes and other supernaturally gifted individuals. Unfortunately, we have been conditioned and trained to believe foreign is better, hence we treat our land like a curse and see  developed countries as a gift.

Colonialism played a massive role in demeaning our culture by telling us our culture was savage, our gods were fake, and our stories were myths.They replaced shrines with statues and made us believe the West was the only way forward. We now act like good taste must come from abroad. We dress like them, think like them, eat their food, and even fight like them. Let's not forget that our originality is our greatest value. We must build a New Outlook in Nigeria. The dreams we think only exist abroad are waiting to be planted right here.

WHAT MUST WE BUILD?

A Nigeria that thrives in every sector.

Medicine:

We must invest in Medicine, not just by building more hospitals, but ensuring they are well equipped with global best practices. Research must be elaborately Funded. Doctors must be empowered.  Medical tourism must be stopped by giving our people the healthcare they need right here.

Architecture:

Our buildings should reflect our spirit. Let our cities breathe personality, art, form, and pride not just gray concrete.

Agriculture:

Nigeria should be feeding Africa. The government must support our farmers, protect our soil, fight insecurity, ensure foods are processed here.

Factories:

 Let's stop exporting raw material and importing finished goods. Factories should be built, jobs created and empowerment of youths guaranteed in order to close economic wounds.

Creative Arts: Our music moves the world. Our films light up screens. We must fund our creative arts, respect them, push them forward and reap from them.

Technology: young creators should be given tools to innovate. Our own Silicon. Valley is not a dream but a decision.

Defense & Security:.Government owe it as a duty to protect those who protect us. Dignity and proper gear should be given to our soldiers, police, and peacekeepers.

Education: Government has to create schools that build citizens, not just employees. To love our country doesn't mean ignoring her problems, but believing the problems are worth solving.

Let's teach our children that Nigeria is not a place to escape, but a place to build. Let's stop praying for change and start educating for it because the dream of a better Nigeria won't fall from the sky. It will rise brick by brick, thought by thought, child by child from the classroom, to the soil, to the soul.

The People Versus The Government:

We must stop blaming everything on the government because the government is not some distant, alien being. The government is made up of people. We are the government. If we, as individuals, are selfish, tribalistic, corrupt, greedy, or lazy, what makes us think our leadership will be any different? We criticize those in power for stealing, yet we inflate prices, take snatches, cheat systems, break queues, forge documents, lie on forms, and proudly “cut corners.”. How we treat power on a small scale, in classrooms, families, churches, and traffic, is exactly how power manifests on a national scale. When we assume positions of authority, we only take care of our tribe, our circle, our bank account?. The rot in the system didn't start in Aso Rock. It started in the hearts of people who stopped believing in the collective good. Our leaders are products of a wounded system. They carry the trauma of colonization, the fear of inadequacy, the addiction to foreign validation. But we can't keep using that trauma as an excuse. We must dare to heal. We must rewrite the blueprint. We must create a vision for a New Nigeria. We can't move forward until we own our direction. If we want a nation that works, then we must start working on ourselves. 

The first step towards a New Nigeria is changing how we see one another: Not as rivals, tribes nor as enemies, but as Nigerians. Let us begin with unity. Let us build our future on truth. Let us fund and support our own people. Let's believe again in Nigeria, in each other, and in ourselves. Because the seed of a nation doesn't grow in speeches. It grows in sacrifice. The Nigerian dream won't come true because we hope for it. It will come true because we work for it, stand for it. Let us build something that our grandchildren won't have to run from, but will rise for with pride, with purpose and with power.

Let's work together to build a New Nigeria that we can be proud of. A nation that is united, prosperous, and peaceful. A nation that is guided by a shared vision and a common purpose. Let's make it happen.

... Calls Gov. Uzodinma To Improve Prison Health Facility 

By Dorcas Achi

In a heartwarming display of compassion and commitment to humanity, Hon. Edith Nwosu, fondly known as Ikukuoma Nwangele, has provided free medical treatment to over 138 inmates at the Owerri Correctional Center.

Through her Edith Nwosu Healthcare Foundation, Ikukuoma and her team of dedicated healthcare professionals delivered much-needed care to the inmates, addressing pressing health concerns and offering a glimmer of hope to those who have been silently suffering.

The outreach, which took place on June 26, 2025, was a testament to Nwosu's unwavering passion for improving the livelihoods, health, and well-being of the downtrodden. According to data from the correctional center, the facility houses 3,144 male inmates and 31 female inmates, with 138 of them requiring urgent medical attention. 

The Founder Hon. Edith Nwosu emphasized during the outreach that the initiative aims at bridging the healthcare gap in prisons, where many inmates struggle with untreated medical conditions.

She reinstated her passion for humanity and her Foundation's commitment to touching numerous lives, improving healthcare and income of the less privileged. 

During the outreach, Dr. Ijeoma Mishael, a resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology, led the clinical team and reported that the most common health issues among the inmates were skin infections, malaria, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Many inmates had undiagnosed chronic conditions, which were identified and treated during the outreach.

The inmates expressed their gratitude for the medical care, with some sharing their personal stories of struggle and neglect. Eze Obinna, an inmate since 2017, developed an eye problem and experienced a spike in blood pressure after learning of his mother's passing. He praised the foundation for providing much-needed medical attention. Chibuzor Peter, another inmate, attributed his respiratory issues to the cold environment in the prison and commended the foundation for caring enough to provide medical help.

The State Deputy Controller of the Correctional Center lauded the foundation's efforts, emphasizing that partnerships like this are crucial in addressing the systemic challenges faced by the correctional service. He noted that while the Nigerian Correctional Service has undergone rebranding, inadequate medical resources persist, and collaborations with organizations like the Edith Nwosu Healthcare Foundation are vital. 

He highlighted the center's efforts to rehabilitate inmates through education and skills development, adding that the center runs primary and secondary schools, and many inmates sit for NECO exams. Additionally, he revealed that the center is working with the Open University to introduce tertiary education, underscoring its commitment to rehabilitation over punishment.

Nwosu appealed to Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma to visit the custodial center and increase state support, improve healthcare of the inmates and proffer solutions to their other serial challenges. 

Edith Nwosu Healthcare Foundation has a proven track record of executing community-focused projects across Imo State, including free medical missions, women and youth empowerment initiatives, and skill-building programs. Her commitment to humanity and human-based projects has touched numerous lives, and this outreach is a testament to her dedication to making a positive impact.

As the foundation continues to make a difference in the lives of Imo residents, Nwosu's efforts serve as a shining example of the power of compassion and community-driven initiatives.

... Calls Gov. Uzodinma To Improve Prison Health Facility 

In a heartwarming display of compassion and commitment to humanity, Hon. Edith Nwosu, fondly known as Ikukuoma Nwangele, has provided free medical treatment to over 138 inmates at the Owerri Correctional Center.

Through her Edith Nwosu Healthcare Foundation, Ikukuoma and her team of dedicated healthcare professionals delivered much-needed care to the inmates, addressing pressing health concerns and offering a glimmer of hope to those who have been silently suffering.

The outreach, which took place on June 26, 2025, was a testament to Nwosu's unwavering passion for improving the livelihoods, health, and well-being of the downtrodden. According to data from the correctional center, the facility houses 3,144 male inmates and 31 female inmates, with 138 of them requiring urgent medical attention. 

The Founder Hon. Edith Nwosu emphasized during the outreach that the initiative aims at bridging the healthcare gap in prisons, where many inmates struggle with untreated medical conditions.

She reinstated her passion for humanity and her Foundation's commitment to touching numerous lives, improving healthcare and income of the less privileged. 

During the outreach, Dr. Ijeoma Mishael, a resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology, led the clinical team and reported that the most common health issues among the inmates were skin infections, malaria, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Many inmates had undiagnosed chronic conditions, which were identified and treated during the outreach.

The inmates expressed their gratitude for the medical care, with some sharing their personal stories of struggle and neglect. Eze Obinna, an inmate since 2017, developed an eye problem and experienced a spike in blood pressure after learning of his mother's passing. He praised the foundation for providing much-needed medical attention. Chibuzor Peter, another inmate, attributed his respiratory issues to the cold environment in the prison and commended the foundation for caring enough to provide medical help.

The State Deputy Controller of the Correctional Center lauded the foundation's efforts, emphasizing that partnerships like this are crucial in addressing the systemic challenges faced by the correctional service. He noted that while the Nigerian Correctional Service has undergone rebranding, inadequate medical resources persist, and collaborations with organizations like the Edith Nwosu Healthcare Foundation are vital. 

He highlighted the center's efforts to rehabilitate inmates through education and skills development, adding that the center runs primary and secondary schools, and many inmates sit for NECO exams. Additionally, he revealed that the center is working with the Open University to introduce tertiary education, underscoring its commitment to rehabilitation over punishment.

Nwosu appealed to Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma to visit the custodial center and increase state support, improve healthcare of the inmates and proffer solutions to their other serial challenges. 

Edith Nwosu Healthcare Foundation has a proven track record of executing community-focused projects across Imo State, including free medical missions, women and youth empowerment initiatives, and skill-building programs. Her commitment to humanity and human-based projects has touched numerous lives, and this outreach is a testament to her dedication to making a positive impact.

As the foundation continues to make a difference in the lives of Imo residents, Nwosu's efforts serve as a shining example of the power of compassion and community-driven initiatives.

A Non Governmental Organization, The Dorcas Foundation For Women And Girl Child(DOFFWAG) has congratulated Barr. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Representative Member for Ideato North and South Federal Constituency, on his remarkable 2-year legislative anniversary.

 In a Statement, the Founder, Dorcas Samson Achi commended the Lawmaker's tireless advocacy and commitment to championing crucial interventions through points of order, motions, and bill sponsorship which has immensely benefitted women.

She recalled her experiences touring schools in Imo State during the NGO's intervention projects and revealed the positive impact of Ugochinyere's school renovation initiative which transformed numerous schools in Ideato.

She noted that his empowerment projects, including agricultural, skill acquisition, and women enrichment programs, have boosted the economy of women and small-scale enterprises.

Her words, "We appreciate Hon. Ugochinyere's annual scholarship scheme benefiting young girls and families and his support for female entrepreneurs, enabling them to become self-reliant and create jobs. His commitment to inclusion and promoting women's participation in politics and nation-building is noteworthy.

"We applaud his selfless service to humanity, supporting the less privileged and downtrodden. We pray for continued strength, vision, and wisdom in his noble endeavors.

"As he marks this milestone, we urge him to further empower more women with digital and conventional skills, enhancing their economic contributions to families and society."

 Imo Labour Party To Inaugurate 675 LGA Officers for DMI June 14

Reinstates Commitment To Grassroot Governance

By Dorcas Samson Achi 

The Imo State Labour Party (LP) has intensified preparations for the inauguration of its 675 Local Government Officers for Directorate of Mobilization and Integration(DMI).

The event which shall be taking place on Saturday June 14, 2025 at the New Labour Party State Secretariat, No. 57 Okigwe Road, Owerri has as Special Guests of Honour the National Chairman of the party, Barr. Julius Abure and Director General, Directorate of Mobilization and Integration (DMI), Hon. Marcel Ngogbehie.  

In a release made available to the press, the chairman of the planning committee and the Imo State LP Women Leader, Chief Mrs. Princess Oleka-Chinedu officially invites party members, stakeholders and the general public to witness and participate in the upcoming event. 

According to her, the inauguration of these 675 officers is not only a structural expansion but a strategic declaration of readiness for grassroots governance, civic enlightenment, and electoral victory.

Oleka-Chinedu emphasized that the landmark event shall mark a pivotal step in the party’s ongoing grassroots mobilization drive across the 27 LGAs of Imo State and  reinforce the party’s commitment to inclusive political participation and democratic deepening.

The Party's State Coordinator for Directorate of Mobilization and Integration (DMI), Mrs. Katchy Iwunze, while highlighting the essence of the program, stated that governance is grass rooted, hence the need for inauguration of officers in every LGA to mobilize and integrate potential party members and party faithfuls so as to foster Party's growth, acceptability and victory at the elections.

The Chairman of the Party in Imo State, Barr. Calistus Ihejiagwa while addressing the press about the upcoming event reiterated that the party remains resolute in its mission to entrench true democracy and empower the people of Imo State, and expressed hope that the event shall make history and usher in a new chapter of transformational leadership, grassroots mobilization and people-driven governance in Imo State.