By Harriet Ijeomah

In commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, celebrated annually on May 28, Harsco Media and Communications, in collaboration with the Councillor representing Obibiezena Ward in Owerri North Local Government Area, Hon. Ngozi Ohaka Funmilayo, distributed over 500 sanitary hygiene products to female students across three secondary schools in the ward.

The beneficiaries included students of Fountain Hills High School, John F. Kennedy Secondary School, Obibiezena and St. Theresa's Comprehensive School, Obowo. The outreach also featured menstrual health education sessions facilitated by medical professionals who enlightened students on menstrual hygiene management, Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), personal hygiene, and the importance of maintaining dignity during menstruation.

Speaking during the outreach, Hon. Ngozi Ohaka Funmilayo described period poverty as a silent challenge affecting the education, confidence, and wellbeing of many adolescent girls, particularly in rural communities. She noted that no girl should be forced to miss school or suffer shame because of her inability to access sanitary products.

According to her, the intervention was part of her commitment to promoting the health and welfare of young girls within her ward. "Menstruation is a natural biological process, yet many girls continue to face barriers in accessing basic menstrual hygiene products. As leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure that every girl has the support and resources needed to stay healthy, confident, and focused on her education," she said.

The councillor further emphasized that investing in girls' health is an investment in community development, adding that menstrual hygiene awareness should not be limited to a single day but sustained through continuous advocacy and support programmes. She encouraged parents, schools, community leaders, and development partners to join efforts aimed at ending period poverty.

The Director of Harsco Media and Communications, Harriet Ijeomah, disclosed that she has personally championed menstrual hygiene interventions for over seven years, reaching girls in rural communities with sanitary products and reproductive health education. Drawing from her own experience growing up in a village under the care of her grandmother, she said she understands the challenges many girls face in accessing safe and affordable menstrual hygiene materials.

"Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how menstruation affected many girls who lacked access to proper sanitary products and accurate information. That experience shaped my commitment to supporting adolescent girls and ensuring that menstruation does not become a barrier to their education or self-esteem," she stated.

Ijeomah explained that menstrual health advocacy aligns with Harsco Media and Communications' commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 on Good Health and Wellbeing, Goal 4 on Quality Education, and Goal 5 on Gender Equality. She noted that according to global estimates, millions of girls miss school annually due to inadequate menstrual hygiene resources, making community-based interventions critical to improving educational outcomes and promoting gender equity.

Beyond sanitary pads, the team distributed disinfectants, deodorants, shaving sticks, and additional hygiene materials to school authorities to support ongoing hygiene practices among students. The outreach also provided an opportunity for students to ask questions and receive professional guidance on menstrual health and adolescent wellbeing.

Responding on behalf of the participating schools, Rev. Fr. Ignatius Chioma expressed appreciation to Harsco Media and Communications and Hon. Ngozi Ohaka Funmilayo for the thoughtful intervention. He described the programme as timely and impactful, noting that it addressed both the material and educational needs of the students.

"We are grateful for this gesture. Beyond the products distributed, the knowledge shared today will empower these young girls to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing. We encourage more organizations and public office holders to emulate this initiative," he said.

World Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed globally every May 28 to raise awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene management and to advocate for a world where menstruation does not limit access to education, health, or opportunities for girls and women.

 ...43 bills, 10 motions, 400 scholarships, 2,000+ solar lights, landmark infrastructure: Appraising three years of measurable delivery in Ideato North and South*

By Dorcas Samson Achi

Ideato has entered a new era of measurable progress since Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere assumed office as the Member representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency. With deliberate precision and sustained engagement, his interventions have reached every ward and community within the constituency.

Across the federal constituency, numerous schools have been rehabilitated and equipped to contemporary standards, while markets have been restructured to stimulate commerce and improve livelihoods. Communities have likewise benefited from the deployment of solar-powered street lighting and the provision of potable, pipe-borne water systems.

His record of performance is widely regarded as exemplary, positioning him as arguably the most effective and popular Federal Lawmaker Ideato has produced. Beyond the conventional remit of lawmaking and legislative oversight, he has directly facilitated the delivery of critical infrastructure, encompassing road construction, erosion control, bridge building, and the attraction of landmark projects of state and national significance. It is little wonder his name resonates beyond the borders of Imo State.

To his credit are the construction and rehabilitation of health centers across multiple wards, substantially expanding access to primary healthcare for rural and underserved populations. These facilities have been equipped with essential medical supplies and staffed to ensure functional, community-centered care, thereby alleviating pressure on overstretched tertiary institutions and bringing quality health services closer to the people.

The principle is self-evident: a tenure defined by tangible progress merits continuity. Within the National Assembly, Hon. Ugochinyere has distinguished himself through substantive contributions, judicious points of order, and the sponsorship of impactful legislation addressing both constituency and national priorities.

Under his advocacy, Ideato has regained prominence on the national stage. Bold, articulate, and sagacious, Hon. Ugochinyere has emerged as a consistent voice for good governance, demanding accountability from those in authority and championing reforms for the benefit of future generations.

He has translated key aspects of his vision for a rejuvenated Ideato into reality within an unprecedented timeframe. His objective remains clear: to make Ideato a model of development, a hub where enterprise thrives, the economy is robust, and the quality of life is markedly improved.

A legislator attuned to both tradition and modernity, Hon. Ugochinyere upholds constitutional order, legislative ethics, and institutional norms while deploying digitized, globally benchmarked practices in governance, lawmaking, and public administration.

From 2023 to date, Ideato has undergone a visible transformation. The constituency has grown more vibrant economically and socially, bolstered by his consistent financial support and empowerment programs. His swift response to, and support for, families affected by the deadly attacks in Arondizuogu, Umualaoma, Akokwa, and Osina, when other leaders remained reticent, exemplified empathetic leadership. His demonstrable efforts to strengthen security have encouraged increased homecoming of diaspora indigenes during festive seasons, a testament to renewed confidence in the area’s stability and prospects.

*The Stake In Continuity*

The people of Ideato have a direct stake in Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere’s second-term bid. His re-election guarantees the continuation of ongoing interventions; his exit offers no assurance of sustained progress, particularly given the prevailing caliber of political actors. It is beyond contention that Ugochinyere remains the most credible, competent, and dependable contender for the seat today.

Continuity, in this context, is consolidation. Judged by his scorecard, Ideato’s development momentum can only be sustained through his return. That continuity translates to accelerated progress, expanded empowerment, and reinforced national relevance.

Ugochinyere is architecting a model constituency which is unfamiliar to what has been obtainable here. Beyond the chambers of legislation, his development paradigm for Ideato is distinguished by its depth and execution.

From promises to projects, he has delivered three years of tangible governance defined by measurable outcomes. The mandate remains unfinished. Re-election is therefore not sentiment; it is strategic necessity.

*Hon. Ugochinyere’s Legislative Record: 10th House of Representatives*

Since his inauguration in June 2023, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere has proven adept and proactive in legislative duties, sponsoring and advancing a substantial portfolio of bills, motions, and petitions.

*Legislative Output Summary: June 2023 – May 2026*

- *Bills Sponsored*: 43  

    - 29 at First Reading  

    - 13 at Second Reading  

    - 1 at Third Reading  

- *Motions Moved*: 10  

- *Petitions Presented*: 12  

This reflects an average of approximately one motion bi-monthly, with sustained engagement on matters of both local and national consequence.

*Select Bills Sponsored*

*Constitutional & Electoral Reform*

1. *Six-Year Single Term Bill*: Lead sponsor. Proposes a unified 6-year tenure for President, Governors, and LGA Chairmen, with zonal rotation and synchronized elections.

2. *Constitutional Alteration Bills*: HB.197, HB.199, HB.200, HB.205, HB.206.

3. *Local Government Autonomy Bill*.

4. *Electoral Act Amendment Bill*: To reinforce INEC’s independence and mandate electronic transmission of results.

*Education & Health*

5. *Federal University of Technology, Ideato (Establishment) Bill*.

6. *Federal College of Education, Umuobom (Establishment) Bill*.

7. *National Hospital for Women, Ideato (Establishment) Bill*.

8. *Federal Medical Centre, Ideato Bill*: Upgrade of existing facility.

9. *JAMB Act Amendment Bill, 2023 (HB.198)*.

*Governance, Economy & Anti-Corruption*

10. *Electoral Offences Commission Bill*: To investigate and prosecute electoral infractions.

11. *Whistleblower Protection Bill*.

12. *Public Officers Asset Declaration (Amendment) Bill*: Enhanced penalties for false declarations.

13. *Freedom of Information Act (Amendment) Bill*: Expedited compliance timelines.

14. *Niger Delta Development Commission (Amendment) Bill*.

15. *Interpretation Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB.27)*: Co-sponsored with Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and others.

*Infrastructure & Development*

16. *South East Development Commission (Amendment) Bill*: To prioritize Ideato projects.

17. *Erosion Control and Prevention Commission Bill*: Addressing gully erosion in the Southeast.

18. *National Youth Entrepreneurship Fund Bill*.

19. *Petroleum Industry Act (Amendment) Bill*: Review of host community entitlements.

*Select Motions Sponsored*

1. *Arbitrary Increase in Petroleum Price*: July 19, 2023. Rated the highest human-interest motion and among the top 10 in the first six months of the 10th House. Prompted a resolution summoning NNPCL and marketers.

2. *Gully Erosion in Ideato Federal Constituency*: Adopted; directed the Federal Ministry of Environment to capture Ideato in the 2024 Ecological Fund.

3. *Reconstruction of Oba-Nnewi-Uga-Akokwa-Arondizuogu-Okigwe Federal Road*.

4. *Urgent Rehabilitation of Failed Sections of Ideato-Orlu Federal Highway*.

5. *Incessant Killings and Kidnappings in Ideato North/South*: 2024.

6. *State of Emergency on Dilapidated Primary and Secondary Schools in Ideato*.

7. *Upgrade of General Hospital Arondizuogu to Federal Medical Centre*.

*Notable Petitions*

- Release of Nigerian professors and refugees abducted and detained in Cameroon.

- Police brutality, human rights violations, and neglect of critical infrastructure.

*Constituency Projects and Interventions*

*1. Educational Infrastructure*

- County School, Akokwa: Completed

- Comprehensive Secondary School Laboratory Block, Umumaisiaku: Completed

- Jubilee Nursery and Primary School, Akokwa: Completed

- Akpulu Secondary School Rehabilitation: Completed

- Central School, Arondizuogu: Completed

- Central School, Amazu Ikpaakaputa, Arondizuogu: Completed

- Community Primary School 2, Uzii: Completed

- Central School, Umuaghobe: Completed

- Renovation of Umudike Primary School: Ongoing

- Renovation of Abukwa Central Primary School: Completed

- Supply of over 1,000 school desks: Ongoing

*2. Healthcare Delivery*

- Rehabilitation of Osina Community Hospital: Ongoing

- Rehabilitation of Umuobom Health Centre: Ongoing

*3. Scholarships & Human Capital Development*

- 2023 Scholarship Program: 100 beneficiaries

- 2024 Scholarship Program: 130 beneficiaries

- 2025 Scholarship Program: 150 beneficiaries  

  *Total*: 380 students supported across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels

*4. Agricultural Empowerment*

- Agricultural training and empowerment program, 2023–2024: 66 beneficiaries

*5. Water Infrastructure*

Across 24 communities in Ideato North & South:

- 20 boreholes completed

- 2 ongoing

- 4 at mobilization stage

*6. Solar & Electrification*

- Installation of over 2,000 solar-powered streetlights

- Installation of 500kVA transformers in:

    - Obodoukwu: Completed

    - Abukwa Umuobom: Completed

    - Umuopia Akokwa: Completed

    - Dikenafai: Ongoing

    - Ogwume: Ongoing

    - Akpulu: Ongoing

    - Umukegwu: Ongoing  

  *Total transformers deployed*: 7

- Installation of a 10kV solar mini-grid at Anglican Convent, Umuokwara

*7. Roads, Drainage & Erosion Control*

- Facilitation of Umuchima Erosion Control and Road Project

- Construction of 1.2km drainage system in Urualla: Ongoing

*8. Market Development*

- Construction of 30 open market stalls at Afor Urualla Market: Completed

*9. Youth Empowerment*

- Distribution of motorcycles, tricycles, and shuttle buses to support youth entrepreneurship and mobility

*10. Direct Financial Support*

- ₦50,000 cash grants disbursed to over 200 beneficiaries

*11. Community Infrastructure*

- Reconstruction of Umuago Hall: Ongoing

- Reconstruction of Ndiowerri Hall, Umuchima, Ideato South: Ongoing

A tenure distinguished by verifiable achievement deserves renewal for the continued benefit of community, constituency, and nation. When leadership has been tested and proven, continuity becomes a strategic imperative. For the greater good of Ideato, let us sustain this momentum of development, human capital advancement, and political renaissance only by supporting Hon. Barr. Ikenga Ugochinyere’s bid for a second term.

The numerous challenges bedeviling the Nigerian nation became a heavy burden for the  Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), that she was compelled to take the issues to God. 

Consequently, she engaged her members nationwide in a 3-day fasting and prayer sessions interceding for the healing of the nation. 

The Imo branch of the PFN led by Bishop C. D. Jacobs took their turn in the nationwide event which climaxed last Sunday at the Faithworld Cathedral, Egbu, Owerri to protest and pray for the nation. 

In the program tagged Pentecost Sunday and Consuming Fire as the theme, it was not only a gathering of big wigs in the Pentecostal churches, but the state chapter officials, local government representatives and other members massed up in good numbers to intercede for Nigeria.

In the presidential address read by the Bishop Jacobs the president of PFN, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, bemoaned the state of the nation insisting that enough is enough. 

According to him, "The level of banditry, kidnapping, violence, insecurity and savage killings, all across the Nigerian landscape has risen to an intolerable height such that every Nigerian should cry out against it to God for divine intervention and to our government for immediate and effective action".

He went further to recall the current kidnappings and killing in Oyo State, the Chibok incident in Bornu, the Samuel Debora issue, Leah Shaibu case, as well other numerous killings especially in the Middle Belt where the government have shown lack of capacity to curtail the mayhem.

He challenged the federal government to rise up to its constitutional and moral duty of defending every Nigerian so that we can be fully reckoned as a nation where no one is oppressed. 

The president further called on the Church in Nigeria to speak strongly with one voice loudly so that governments at all levels will hear their voices and feel their pains and sorrows to be moved to action.

While the state chairman delivered the presidential speech, members displayed placards in protest of the issues plaguing the nation. 

Some of the placards read thus: "Stop the persecution of Christians, Justice for all the oppressed, Enough is enough, We deserve peace, Let Nigeria live".

Earlier, in his own message Bishop Jacobs, also the general overseer of the Faithworld Church, had made declarations on the Lordship of God over Nigeria adding that every evil will be destroyed to restore the lost glory of the nation. 

The deputy national president, Bishop Illechukwu, stated that the problems Nigerians are grappling with are heart breaking. He called on Christians to deploy prayers which he described as the greatest weapon that works. 

The event was also marked with songs, prayers, messages from various men of God and light entertainment .

The Labour Party’s State Organizing Secretary, Comrade Nnamdi Achi, has criticized the recently published “Scorecard of Hon. Pastor Chris Mbarie, the Orlu LGA Chairman,” describing it as inadequate given Orlu Local Government Area’s reported monthly allocation of over ₦350 million.

Achi argued that with such significant financial inflows, citizens expect “clear, measurable, and transformative development” commensurate with the resources entrusted to the council.

“The list of activities — grading a few roads, evacuating refuse, registering JAMB for some students, offering limited empowerment funds, and routine administrative duties — are basic responsibilities of any functioning local government,” Achi stated. “They should not be celebrated as extraordinary milestones.”

He noted that Ndi Orlu should instead be witnessing large-scale, visible projects: durable roads across wards, properly equipped healthcare centers, modern educational facilities, and agricultural and industrial initiatives capable of creating employment and stimulating long-term economic growth.

“Development should be visible, impactful, and sustainable enough to improve the daily lives of ordinary citizens who depend on the local government for grassroots progress,” he added.

According to Achi, presenting routine duties as landmark achievements “does not reflect the level of development Ndi Orlu expect” and “can easily come across as an embarrassment and an unintended insult to the intelligence of the people.”

He stressed that public office is a sacred trust demanding transparency, accountability, and results that justify available resources. 

“Ndi Orlu are not asking for miracles; they are simply asking for responsible management of public funds and development that matches the scale of resources allocated to the Local Government,” Achi said.

“Sometimes, it is wiser to remain silent than to publish a record that unintentionally raises more questions than answers. Ndi Orlu deserve better.”

By Dorcas Achi 

As the Reserved Seat Bill campaign intensifies in Imo and Anambra States, Mr. Godson Okeoma, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imo State Civil Service Commission, has expressed his endorsement of the Bill, announcing his readiness to collaborate with the Social And Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) to drive the IMPACT PROJECT forward.

He expressed his endorsement during an advocacy visit undertaken by the Social And Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) to the Imo State Secretariat on 17 March 2026.

Mrs. Ugochi Agalaba-Ehiahuruike, Executive Director of SIDEC, revealed that the organization in partnership with Nigeria Civic Society Situation Room is undertaking an IMPACT PROJECT which involves inclusive mobilization drive, engaging diverse stakeholders across religious, traditional, legislative, and political spheres to garner support for the reserved seat bill, aimed at promoting women's representation in Nigeria's governance framework.

She articulated that the organisation seeks to realise governance through an inclusive paradigm, wherein governmental offices, institutions, infrastructure, and public spaces are deliberately designed to foster a policy framework that champions inclusivity for women, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable populations.

 She emphasized that the Reserved Seat Bill advocacy seeks to rectify the glaring disparity in women's representation within Nigeria's legislative framework. Currently, women occupy merely 4 out of 108 senatorial seats, 16 out of 360 federal representative seats, and 55 out of approximately 991 state legislative positions. 

Mrs. Agalaba-Ehiahuruike decried this imbalance, highlighting the resultant marginalisation of women, quoting that "poverty has a woman face". The Special Seat Bill, she noted, would facilitate the prioritisation of gender-responsive policies and reforms, ultimately benefiting women.

She argued that women's inclusion is essential for accelerated development and urged the Permanent Secretary to leverage his influence to persuade lawmakers to support the bill when it reaches the national assembly. 

She respectfully sought the Permanent Secretary's collaborative support, leveraging his influential position in overseeing women's affairs in Imo, to champion the bill's advancement. She encouraged him to utilize his esteemed office to advocate persuasively with lawmakers, urging their endorsement of the bill upon its presentation to the national assembly.

In response, Mr. Godson Okeoma lauded SIDEC's pioneering efforts, affirming that the implementation of their projects, particularly those benefiting the disabled community, would be truly commendable. He pledged to forge a collaborative partnership with SIDEC, converging their collective energies towards achieving a shared vision.

 He noted, however, that Imo State is fortunate to have a governor who champions gender-sensitive and inclusive governance, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to empowering vulnerable groups. This forward-thinking leadership he said, has fostered a sense of belonging among women, evident in their appointment to strategic government positions in the state.

"Child abuse and domestic violence is reducing drastically in Imo courtesy of the first lady's approach.

"In Imo there are functional laws protecting the rights of women and children. This ministry and SIDEC need to carry out a sensitization tour for people to understand child law, widowhood law, and laws protecting women against abuse, that way they can defend their rights".

He directed the team to formulate a comprehensive blueprint and actionable work plan to operationalise their initiatives benefiting women, children, and the disabled community, emphasising that his ministry prioritises meticulous organisation and attention to detail in its collaborative endeavours.

By Dorcas Achi 

After extensive consultations, Prince Anthony Ilokwe popularly known as Ike-Imo has formally joined the African Democratic Party (ADC) yesterday 23rd March, 2026 in his hometown Akokwa, in Ideato North LGA of Imo State.

The Serial Entrepreneur and philanthropist expressed his unwavering confidence in ADC during a press interaction, hailing the party as Nigeria's future. He affirmed that ADC uniquely possesses the ideology, human capital, and capability to liberate Nigeria from the acute hunger, hardship, and daunting challenges precipitated by the ruling APC.

He described ADC as a paradigm shift, ushering in a new era of progressive, people-centric governance. Consequently, he expressed a desire to be an integral part of the transformative change the party is spearheading.

Having formally announced his interest for the Ideato North Constituency Seat on 9th January 2026, he reaffirmed his commitment to delivering democratic dividends to his constituents through impactful legislation, parliamentary interventions, and bill sponsorship. Ike-Imo reiterated his dedication to enhancing the welfare and livelihoods of his people through empowerment initiatives, civic engagement, and legislative advocacy, pledging to champion transformative bills and projects.

The Environmental Sciences graduate and CEO Onono Master Oil and Gas Ltd, portrayed himself as a servant leader, driven by a passion to deliver benefits to his constituents, rather than personal gain. He cited his history of community-centric business practices, philanthropy, and civic engagement as proof of his dedication to public service.

He emphasised that his declaration is a rallying call to collective action, underscoring the imperative of unity and collaborative effort to propel Ideato North towards progress. The office he seeks, he noted, demands unwavering capacity, competence, courage, and unshakeable integrity. Accordingly, he is undertaking necessary preparations to effectively represent, enact people-centric legislation, and bring greater prosperity to his constituents.

By Dorcas Achi 

HRH Eze Uche Austin Possible, Traditional Ruler of Umuonyeche Autonomous Community and Chairman, Owerri Municipal Council of Traditional Rulers, has reiterated his unwavering dedication to promoting the interests of credible women in politics and other fields, characterizing the Special Seat Bill as both timely and indispensable. 

He expressed gratitude to SIDEC for soliciting his input as a key stakeholder on the reserved seat bill, during an advocacy visit to his palace on March 17, 2026, where he pledged his steadfast support for their PROJECT IMPACT initiative, which focuses on mobilization, participation, advocacy, and transformative interventions in the lives of women, children, and vulnerable groups.

Mrs. Ugochi Agalaba-Ehiahuruike, Executive Director of SIDEC, averred that the reintroduction of the reserved seat bill was aimed at fostering inclusivity in governance, which would, in turn, catalyze enhanced development and precipitate a more enlightened society.

She stated that the bill aims to establish a framework for equitable representation, entailing reserved seats for women in the Senate (one per state), the House of Representatives, and approximately three reserved seats in each House of Assembly. Notably, this provision would not preclude women from contesting other positions alongside men at all levels of governance.

Whilst acknowledging the presence of women in appointive positions, she emphasized the imperative of achieving commensurate parity in elective offices, deeming it untenable that the House of Representatives comprises only 16 female federal lawmakers out of 360 members, the Senate has a mere 4 female senators out of 108, and a paltry 55 female state lawmakers out of approximately 991 House of Assembly members nationwide.

Ehiahuruike humbly implored the monarch to mobilize stakeholders, particularly legislators, to lend their support to the bill upon its presentation to the National Assembly, underscoring the necessity of securing a two-thirds majority vote to ensure its enactment.

Eze Possible responded, affirming that the era of undervaluing women is over, acknowledging that women have consistently demonstrated their leadership prowess and effectively discharged their responsibilities. "When entrusted with an opportunity, a woman can yield exponential benefits," he remarked. 

The monarch disclosed that, exemplifying his commitment, he has appointed two women to his cabinet and intends to appoint more women to enhance representation, fostering inclusivity and creating an enabling environment to cultivate a sense of belonging among women in community endeavors.

As a proponent of women's empowerment and a dedicated gender activist, he recounted his instrumental role in facilitating the enactment of the VAPP law, which has afforded women significant protections, safeguarding their rights to personal dignity, property inheritance, and ownership, among others. He pledged to steadfastly advocate for the reserved seat bill until its realization.

Eze Possible urged women to demonstrate their capabilities and establish their credibility, affirming his steadfast support for women who embody strength, integrity, passion, and a zeal for effecting positive change. "Women constitute a numerical majority; their exclusion from positions of authority breeds disenfranchisement. Leveraging their demographic strength, they ought to assert themselves and provide mutual support. Their efforts should be directed towards self-actualization, rather than competing with their spouses."