Famous television presenter and actress, Lara Olubo has passed away.

Popular Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe, shared the sad news in a post on her official Instagram page.

Sharing the deceased picture, Aigbe wrote; “Hmmm. life. Still in denial. Adieu Omolara.”

Details surrounding her death are still unknown as no official cause of death is provided.

Olubo was a popular Yoruba presenter on Orisun TV station.

Her programs, including Miliki Express, Oju Oja and Eto Baba Eto garnered widespread acclaim and a dedicated following.

Lai Mohammed, Former Minister of Information and Culture and Special Adviser to UN Secretary-General; Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General, UN Tourism; Lola Ade-John, Minister of Tourism; Elcia Grandcourt, Director, UN Tourism Regional Dept. for Africa; Dorothy Duruaku, Director, Int. Tourism Relations & Coop; and Ernest Ugah, Minister Counselor Nigeria High Commission Zambia.

The announcement was made during the 67th meeting of the Commission held in Livingstone, Republic of Zambia, under Agenda Item 8.

Nigeria’s successful bid saw candidatures and expressions of intent from four member states: Kenya, Algeria, Nigeria, and Ghana. Demonstrating remarkable solidarity, Ghana withdrew its candidature in support of Nigeria, further underscoring the continent’s collaborative spirit.

The overwhelming support from member states solidified Nigeria’s position as the host nation for the prestigious event scheduled for 2025 at a date mutually agreed upon by Nigeria and UN Tourism.

Commenting on the development, the Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, expressed her gratitude and excitement over the announcement.

“This is a testament to Nigeria’s growing influence and commitment to promoting tourism as a pivotal sector for economic development and cultural exchange. Hosting the 68th CAF meeting will provide an unparalleled platform to showcase Nigeria’s tourism potential and foster stronger ties among African nations,” she stated.

Nigeria has previously hosted the CAF meetings in 2002, 2008, 2012, and 2018, each time demonstrating exemplary organisational capabilities and hospitality.

As the host of the 68th CAF meeting, Nigeria aims to leverage this opportunity to further align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting sustainable tourism.

The event is expected to bring together key stakeholders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss strategies and innovations that will drive the future of tourism in Africa.

This upcoming event is expected to attract global attention, fostering economic empowerment, cultural exchange, and community-based tourism initiatives.

Preparations are already underway to ensure that the 68th CAF meeting in Nigeria will be a landmark event, setting new standards for fMs.

As part of preparations for the event, the Minister reiterated her commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for all delegates and participants.

“Nigeria looks forward to welcoming the world to its vibrant cities, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes as it hosts the 68th UN Tourism Commission for Africa meeting in 2025,” she said.

The Governing Council of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, has appointed Prof. Stella Ngozi Lemchi as Acting Vice-Chancellor.

The Council made the appointment at their inaugural meeting in the institution on Thursday, 25th July, 2024 following her recommendation by the University Senate. The appointment is with immediate effect.

In a letter signed by the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Council, Sen. Dr. Joy Emodi, CON and dated July 25, 2024, the Council congratulated Prof. Lemchi on her appointment.

This development comes as the University continues to build on its recent upgrade from a College of Education to a University.

Under the leadership of Sen. Dr. Joy Emodi, CON, the pioneer Governing Council has emphasised the importance of cooperation between the Council, University and host communities. During the Council’s meetings with various stakeholders, Sen. Dr. Emodi urged for a tripartite relationship, stating that success would come through collective effort.

Prof. Stella Lemchi is a Professor of Home Economics Education and a former Provost of the erstwhile College of Education. Before her appointment, Prof Lemchi had been overseeing the institution’s affairs since its upgrade last year as the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).

The Federal Government has heightened security measures at all the country’s borders ahead of the planned nationwide protests against bad governance scheduled to start on August 1st.

The Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, has issued a directive to all Zonal Heads, State Command Comptrollers, and Divisional Immigration Officers (DIOS) to intensify surveillance and vigilance across the country’s border.

According to Service spokesman, DCI Kenneth Udo, the move aims to prevent foreign elements from entering the country to participate in the protests.

The Immigration Service has temporarily suspended all leave applications and charged officers to exercise utmost professionalism and patriotism in their duties.

“The Comptroller General noted that, in keeping with the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s gateways placed on the shoulders of the Service, officers, especially Heads of Border Commands, are tasked to rise to the occasion by ensuring that no foreign element can take advantage of the protest to destabilize the country.

“She directs temporary suspension of all leave applications and charges officers to exercise utmost professionalism and patriotism in the discharge of their duties. during and after the protest, explaining that Nigeria is the only country we have as our own.

“The CGIS assures all Nigerians of the service’s preparedness to safeguard the nation’s borders towards enhancing national security,” the statement said.

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said that the Federal Government has written to the United Kingdom to allow Nigerian carriers, especially Air Peace operate at Heathrow Airport.

Speaking at the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) seminar in Lagos on Friday, Keyamo said Nigeria would no longer tolerate a situation where the domestic airlines are not allowed to tier-one airports overseas, which is in line with the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).

He said failure to allow Air Peace into Heathrow may lead to Nigeria taking British Airways to other less busy airports.

He stated that in the absence of a national carrier, the government would support local airlines and give them whatever they need to survive and succeed.

“We should have flag carriers who will make us very proud and that will service our reciprocal right and the BASA that we have but they must make sure they raise the global standards and make us proud,” the minister said.

“We are working and collaborating with Nigerian carriers to ensure that they are supported. We have already written to the United Kingdom to give Nigerian carriers, especially Air Peace Heathrow Airport, which is a tier one airport, just as we have British Airways Lagos, our tier one airport. We may as well give BA Ilorin to operate to.”

“When we asked for Heathrow Airport, you’re telling us to go to a slot committee. Who does that? Air Peace I can tell you is on its way to Heathrow away from Gatwick.”

He assured that the government would look into so many agreements it has that are not working in the interest of domestic airlines.

He stressed that domestic airlines need to be supported and must show capacity to reciprocate many of the agreements.

“Air France flies to Nigeria and no Nigerian airline is flying to Paris. Lufthansa, Delta and a host of others but no Nigerian carrier is operating to Frankfurt or the US.

“South African Airline flies to Nigeria and no Nigerian carrier reciprocates. Nigerian carriers are constrained, which is why you have a high mortality rate of airlines in Nigeria. Over 150 Nigerian carriers have been extinct in the last 35 years, which is very disheartening”.

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah who reprented Anambra South Senatorial district has died, aged 53.

Mr Ubah, who represented Anambra South District, died in London on Friday

The senator, is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He recently defected to the APC from YPP and then declared interest to contest the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State.

A top official of the APC in Anambra State, who asked not to be named, confirmed the development to newsmen.

The official, who hails from the same community as Mr Ubah, said the senator slumped in London on Friday.

He said the Senator later went into a coma.

“This morning they confirmed to us that he has died,” he said.

The APC chieftain said the deceased had not been healthy, saying his health deteriorated because he had been busy with preparation for his governorship campaign.

“He has not been taking his health seriously because of his consultations for his interest in the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State,” he stated.

“We are waiting for an official announcement from his family.”

President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the family of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

Senator Uba, who represented the Anambra South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, died on Saturday morning.

He was a renowned businessman and a governorship aspirant for the forthcoming Anambra State gubernatorial election.

Reacting to the sad incident, President Tinubu in a statement by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, prayed to God to strengthen the family of the deceased.

“President Tinubu commiserates with the friends and colleagues of the late Senator, the National Assembly, and the government and people of Anambra State over this sad loss.

“The President prays for the repose of the soul of the departed lawmaker, as well as for strength and comfort to his family”, he said.

The Nigerian Immigration Service, Lagos Border Patrol Command, Seme, Badagry, Lagos State, has rescued a six-month-old baby and three others, suspected to be victims of human trafficking.

The Controller of the command, Comptroller Peter Adache, who disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Badagry on Friday, said the victims were rescued when the officials intercepted a yet-to-be-identified couple suspected to be human traffickers.

Adache said the suspects were intercepted by the operatives around 1.30 p.m. on Monday, along Kankon Owode Road in Badagry.

“They were travelling to Burkina Faso, through the Republic of Benin, without any relevant documents. None of them had any travel documents when they were intercepted at Owode Border,” he said.

Adache said that during interrogation, it was revealed that one of the suspected traffickers, who is a food vendor and a citizen of Burkina Faso, lured them to travel with her to the country.

“The three ladies decided to follow her because she promised to give them a good job and salary. She called her husband, who is a citizen of the Benin Republic, and they arranged how to transport the three ladies and the child to Burkina Faso.

“The travelling expenses and feeding for the six persons were paid by the couple,” he said.

The controller said the victims would be handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons to help reunite them with their families.

An Igbo social-cultural organization, Umunna Lekki Association (ULA), has expressed shock over the death of the reigning President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu whose passing was made known to the public on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

In a statement released to the press, the President General of Umunna Lekki Association, Chief Michael Onuoha (Eriri-ego Igbonile/Ide Nwangele) described the late Chief Iwuanyanwu as an epitome of Igbo renaissance.

Chief Onuoha noted that Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu’s leadership of the apex Igbo organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo, has brought many benefits to the people who needed a courageous and outstanding leader at an epochal historical period.

The statement reads in part “We as Umunna Lekki Association are saddened by the news of the passing of our dear father, a symbol of love and compassion, a true patriot and a leader of Ndigbo as well as a committed Nigerian, Chief Iwuanyanwu.

“His death comes with a huge shock, and we mourn him with pain in our hearts. While we mourn, we pray that God will repose his soul and that the nation and especially Ndigbo will have the fortitude to bear the frustration that comes with losing such an iroko at this time in our collective history

“We are, however, consoled by the fact that he lived a worthy life, with an outstanding legacy of achievements in the effort to rebuild the Igbo nation and in his commitment to the greatness of Nigeria.

“We are confident that his vision and dreams will continue to resonate and find expression through the many disciples he has created in his lifetime. We pray for his family at this difficult time Chief Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu (CFR) was born on September 4th, 1942 in Atta, Ikeduru local government of Imo State, Nigeria. He is a civil engineer, industrialist, politician, and philanthropist.

A coalition of 140 civil society groups and non-governmental organisations, with members across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State, has pulled out from the planned nationwide protests.

The groups under the aegis of the Rivers Good Governance Coalition said on Thursday that the protest scheduled for August 1 to 10 would cause more chaos in the state and other parts of the nation.

In a statement signed by its president, Nwogu Moses, the coalition declared that protest should not be seen as a solution to the country’s challenges, stating that it would potentially lead to more hardship.

While admitting the economic crisis bedevilling the nation, Moses urged Nigerian youths to engage in constructive dialogue with the government, stressing that dialogue would have more positive impacts than the planned protest.

Part of the statement reads, “We believe that protest will only lead to more chaos and destruction, rather than solving the problems facing the country.

“We believe that dialogue and engagement are better than ignoring the concerns of the people.

“We also urge Nigerians not to protest, but rather to engage in constructive dialogue with the government and other stakeholders. We believe that this is the best way to address the issues facing the country.

“We are dedicated to working through lawful and democratic channels to bring about positive change.

“Furthermore, we are concerned about the safety of our members and the general public, and we do not want to put anyone in harm’s way”.

Eight school children have survived a ghastly motor accident in Lokoja the Kogi State capital.

Eyewitness account told our correspondent that the children are pupils of Kingdom Heritage Nursery and Primary School Lokoja.

It gathered that the children were returning from school when the sad incident occurred on Thursday at the popular Lokongoma market in Lokoja.

It was further gathered that a heavy-duty truck carrying a container load fell on two small vehicles which trapped the Children.

Through the combined effort of the Nigeria Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other relevant agencies, the children were rescued.

The Kogi State Security Adviser Commodore Jerry Omodara Rtd. who was on ground to ensure the rescue of the school children confirmed this to our Correspondent.

Efforts are still in place to ensure that the truck is evacuated from the road to ensure free flow of traffic.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said the death toll in the building collapse at Arowojobe Estate in Maryland area of the state had risen to five person.

The agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed this in a statement made available Newsmen.

He said the total number of death was now five adult males while the rescued persons were now five.

“The first three victims that were rescued were taken to the Gbagada General Hospital.

“The other two victims who were rescued were ferried to the Trauma Centre at Gbagada after being stabilised.

“In all, the five adult male victims who were recovered dead have been handed over to the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit for further processing.

“A search and rescue operation is still ongoing to ground zero,” he said.

LASEMA had earlier received a distress call regarding a collapsed building at No 13 Wilson Mba Str., Arowojobe Estate, Maryland, Lagos, at about 3.49 a.m yesterday.

This prompted the immediate activation of the agency’s response team to the scene of the incident at 3.58 a.m. while operation is still ongoing.

The Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe, has expressed immense happiness and gratitude to the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) for signing a bill for the creation of Southeast Development Commission into law.

Expressing heart-felt joy in Owerri over this positive development, Rt Hon Olemgbe pointed out that more than 50 years after the coming into existence, of federal government-sponsored development commissions in other regions of the country, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) administration under Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT), has now favoured Southeast geo-political zone with a development commission.

According to Chike Olemgbe, the commission which he described as a very powerful Instrument of development, would fasttrack infrastructural and economic development in every segment of Southeast economy, including education, health, insurance, marine (seaport) and transport sectors.

Thanking President Tinubu for kick-starting measures to heal the wounds of Southeast occasioned by decades of neglect and marginalisation , Speaker ChikeOlemgbe gave kudos to the National Assembly for being fair and patriotic enough to pass the bill for Southeast development commission into law.

Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe doffed his cap for Imo State Governor and Chairman of Southeast Governors Forum, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma (CON, GSSR) for vigorously and relentlessly following up the bill at the National Assembly until success was achieved.

” The Man piloting the affairs of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma who by the grace of God, is also, the chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum and Chairman, Southeast Governors Forum is a man who does not give up easily on a course he believes in. When the bill was still at the National Assembly, I was confident that with Hope Uzodimma on the chase, success would be achieved and, it has happened. To God, be the glory”, Chike Olemgbe posited

The Speaker further, expressed optimism that under the watch of Governor Hope Uzodimma, Imo state and entire Southeast geo-political zone would attract surplus dividends of democracy from the Ahmed Tinubu administration.

The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, has been reported dead.

The development was confirmed in a statement on Thursday by Jide Iwuanyanwu, the son of the late Chief Emmanuel.

According to the statement, the 82-year-old Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday, after a brief illness.

The statement reads, “The Iwuanyanwu family of Umuohii Atta, in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State announces the demise of our patriarch, Engr. Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu-Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu died on Thursday, July 25, 2024, after a brief illness. He was aged 82. Chief Iwuanyanwu, before his death, was President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide and President of Owerri Peoples Assembly.”

Iwuanyanwu is survived by his wife, Lady Princess Frances Iwuanyanwu, many children and grandchildren.

The statement stated that the burial details would be announced later by the family after due consultations.

Also confirming his death, Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in a statement described his death as a rude shock and sorrow.

The statement reads ” Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide received the sad news of the passing of one of the most outstanding Igbo Leader, Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, CFR, OFR, MFR, GCSI, FNSE, FNIST, FNICE, KSC. (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo), the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. The sad news was broken by Mr. Jude Iwuanyanwu, the son of the legend. According to the son, Chief Iwuanyanwu passed on Thursday, July 25, 2024 after a brief illness at the age of 82.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu assumed office as the president general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo on April 30, 2023. He was the Ninth leader of the Igbo group since its inception in 1976. Evidently, each leader or President General has one remarkable or distinctive characteristic for which he is often remembered. While other past leaders had limited their perspectives on Nigerian contemporary issues, Ahaejiagamba introduced strategic and visionary dimension to the modus operandi of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

“In the first place, Ahaejiagamba had a towering personality with an impressive record as one of the most successful business men in Nigeria. He deployed his prodigious intellect, political, administrative and political acumen, vast knowledge and invaluable contacts in the selfless service of Ndigbo. The transformative leader lifted Ohanaeze Ndigbo far from its familiar habitat and provenance to an enviable pedestal.

“As members of the NEC, we were always amazed by the brilliant initiatives, elephantine memory, oratory, including the frequency with which the Igbo Leader enunciated robust ideas. Looking back, Ndigbo all over the world were delighted that a jinx-breaker, business icon, moral edifice, mobilizer, harmonizer of diverse interests and an accomplished achiever in the person of Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, was at the helm of affairs as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. It is therefore very painful that Chief Iwuanyanwu has passed on with all the ideas that were at his disposal.

“It is indeed a sad denouement for the Igbo that both Professor George Obiozor and Chief Iwuanyanwu died in office. We are also worried at the rate we are losing the brightest of the brightest among the Igbo in a close sequence at a time their wise counsels are mostly needed. It was Prof Ben Nwabueze, and later,His Majesty, Igwe Joseph Chike Edozien, Dr. Sylvester Ebiwei, Professor Joe Irukwu, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, amongst others.

“Before he Iwuanyanwu was a philanthropist par excellence, focused creative thinker, brave soldier, accomplished engineer, astute business mogul, industrialist and a sagacious politician, and the former highest employer of labour at least in the entire East of the Niger.

“Iwuanyanwu was the Chairman of the Iwuanyanwu Foundation which offered scholarships to over ten thousand indigent students across the country. He donated to universities to create conducive environments for learning; built Churches and other community facilities.

“Over forty years ago, Chief Sam Mbakwe, the former governor of Old Imo State conceived the idea of an International Cargo Airport at Owerri, it was Iwuanyanwu who made the highest donation of Two million Dollars (2M US Dollars), among others.

“In politics, Ahaejiagamba produced several Chairmen of Local Governments, Commissioners, Senators, Ministers and Governors most of whom are still alive.

“The Iwuanyanwu trajectory is an admonition to the present day selfish and mundane leaders who perceive legacy as leaving enormous wealth behind for one’s offsprings; rather, it’s about laying invaluable foundation among the populace, especially for younger generations.

“Iwuanyanwu’s life mission transcended self; rather he was devoted to charity, humanity and service to God.

“Nigerians across board had viewed with immense delight and awe the various courageous successful adventures Ahaejiagamba had made in diverse fields of endeavour. He was a man who used his ingenuity and talent to found over twenty limited liability companies that employed thousands of Nigerians. Some of the companies include: Chairman, Hardel & Enic Construction Ltd; Champion Newspapers; Oriental Airlines; Oriental Shipping Lines Ltd; Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club of Owerri, which won several national and international championships (now Heartland F.C of Owerri); Enic Advertising and Marketing; Sunrise Insurance Brokers; Benhol Farms Limited; Magil Agricultural & Animal Health Products Limited, among many others.

“Iwuanyanwu held many public offices: they include: Board Chairman, Federal Road Maintenance Agency; Board Chairman, Nigerian Investment Promotion; Founding Chairman, Raw Materials Research and Development Council of Nigeria; Chairman, National Productivity Merit Award; Chairman, Nigerian Sports Development Council; Founding Chairman, Nigerian National Lottery; Chairman, National Orthopedic Hospital Igbobi, Lagos; Pro-Chancellor, the University of Calabar, Cross River State.

“What has kept the cynics gaping was the extra-ordinary brain power and the exceptional grace of God to coordinate the above activities without weary, taint, tarnish or blemish.

“In spite of his amazing height in society and busy schedules, he devoted quality time in service to Ndigbo. He served as Chairman in the following Ohanaeze Committees: State Creation Committee, Planning and Strategy Committee, Political Committee, Constitution Drafting Committee and currently, the President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

“The Iwuanyanwu persona is a veritable and inspiring tribute to virtues of hard work, sincerity, heroism, sacrifice, ingenuity, philanthropy and mentorship to the people. For instance, when his people needed his services most, he volunteered to serve as a Biafran soldier, rising to the rank of a Captain at a very young age.

“Apart from his gallantry and exploits in the theatre of war, he was among the engineers that invented the multi-purpose Biafran bomb, called the Ogbunigwe. His prodigious intellect, character comeliness, generosity, frontier spirit, perseverance and tenacity portray the infinite capacity of human beings to shape their own destinies; and a caution to the dangers of self-delusion, arrogance and get-rich-quick syndrome which have become the contemporary social variables amongst today youths.

“Ahaejiagamba was an unassailable trail blazer who was honoured with Chief Executive of the Year, Business Education Executive Council in 1985 and the Business Person of the Year Award in 1999; Member Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR), Officer Federal Republic of Nigeria(OFR) and Commander Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR); and a Knight of the Order of St. Christopher.

“Several communities across Igbo land and beyond have conferred chieftaincy titles on Iwuanyanwu. Numerous corporate bodies have also honoured the philanthropist of our time.

“Some universities decorated Iwuanyanwu with doctorate degrees, honoriscausa. They include: D.Sc. Morgan State University Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Doctor of Laws, LLD, Shaw University Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Doctor of Business Administration, DBA, University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Doctor of Science, D.Sc, University of Jos; Doctor of Science, D.Sc, University of Calabar; Doctor of Technology, D.Tech, Federal University of Technology Owerri; Doctor of Business Administration, DBA, Edo State University and a Doctor of Science, D.Sc, Imo State University, Owerri.

“Several other bodies also added to his garlands: He was a Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Science & Technology; Fellow, Nigerian Society of Engineers; Fellow, Institute of Management Consultants; Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations; Fellow, Nigerian Association of Agricultural Students; Fellow, Chartered Institute of Transport of Great Britain; Fellow, Solar Energy Society of Nigeria; Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Sales Management (FNISM); Fellow, Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria; Fellow Institute of Purchasing and Marketing Administration; Fellow, AkanuIbiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana (FAIFPU); Fellow, The Nigerian Academy of Education; Fellow, Nigerian Entrepreneurs Association; Fellow Institute of African Studies, UNN. “Iwuanyanwu is cited in Who is Who in Nigeria; Who is Who in Africa; Who is Who in Commonwealth and Who is Who in the World.

“He was indeed larger than life; and the best President Ohanaeze Ndigbo ever had. We have lost a gem.

“While we send a heartfelt condolence to the amiable wife, the Children, the people of UmuohiriAttah community and the Imo State government, we ask the Almighty to grant the soul of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, an eternal rest in his bosom.

In the wake of growing hardship in the country and calls for a nationwide protest against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Federal Government has pleaded with Nigerians for more time, promising to handle the protest as a ‘’family matter.”

It also pledged to resolve all issues in a manner that will ensure the peace and stability of the nation.

The government’s position came on a day South-East governors advised aggrieved Nigerians not to go ahead with the nationwide protests, saying the country was too tense for such protests.

This is even as the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, asked both the federal and state governments to listen to the cries of the people and warned against the use of brute force to suppress the protest.

Similarly, the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives called on the Federal Government to dialogue with planned protesters to address their concerns, while human rights activist, Femi Falana, SAN, warned the government against threatening organisers of the planned protests.

Speaking after a meeting of members of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, at the instance of the Secretary to Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said in a brief interview: “We came together to discuss. You can see that this is not happening at the council chambers, it is happening in the office of the SGF and many of the ministers are here.

“We have discussed issues of national interest and all of us are working for Nigeria and we hope and believe Nigeria is going to be great again.

“No one is going to sleep. Those who are agitating and asking for protests are Nigerians, they are our brothers, they are our sisters, they are all Nigerians and those in positions of authority – the ministers, the President, everybody, we are all Nigerians too.

“So, this is a family matter. This is a Nigerian family issue and all of us are looking at this issue very well and we hope that peace will prevail at the end of the day.”

Asked if the government had been engaging with the stakeholders and organizers of the planned protest, Idris said engagement had always been an ongoing thing.

“This is not a peculiar situation, engagement has been ongoing. The President has met severally with all key stakeholders. I have also been meeting with stakeholders, other government functionaries have also been meeting with other key stakeholders.

“Engagement is going to continue and in the interest of Nigeria, we will continue to engage. We know this is the only country that all of us have and at the end of the day, Nigeria is going to be better for all of us for it,” he stated.

On alleged insistence by some top Nigerians, including a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Femi Falana, that the protests must go on, Idris said the senior lawyer is entitled to his opinion in a democracy.

“He (Falana) is an individual. This is a democracy, everyone is entitled to his opinion. The protesters are also Nigerians, this is a democratic situation. What I keep saying is that we are all Nigerians and we are all acting in the interest of Nigeria, but suffice to say that yesterday, (Tuesday) Mr President said there is no need for any protest, let us calm down.

“A lot is happening, Nigeria is going to move and march on and we believe that whatever government comes out with will be in the interest of Nigeria. We don’t think there is need for any protest, we are appealing for calm, we are appealing for a peaceful resolution or peaceful approach to any issue.

“If you have anything you want to put out there, you are free to put it out there but government is insisting that we are all Nigerians, we have to be calm, we have to be patient and suffice it to say let us give peace a chance.

The Department of State Services yesterday warned against the planned nationwide protest against hardship in the country.

The agency said yesterday that it had already identified the sponsors of the planned protest and warned them not to proceed with it as it is not in Nigeria’s interest.

The warning is contained in a press statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Dr. Peter Afunanya, and made available to newsmen.

The security outfit warned that it had intelligence that the planned protest would be hijacked by hoodlums to cause chaos and extreme violence in the country.

The statement alleged that the goal of the planners is to cause regime change, especially at the centre.

Part of the statement reads: “The DSS has followed the discourse on planned protests in parts of the country in the coming weeks by persons and groups yet to identify themselves in the public as leaders of the plot.

“While peaceful protest is a democratic right of citizens, the Service has confirmed a sinister plan by some elements to infiltrate the protest and use it to cause chaos and extreme violence in the land. It has also identified the reason behind the protest to be political.

“The plotters desire to use the intended violent outcome to smear the federal and sub-national governments; make them unpopular and pit them against the masses. The long term objective is to achieve a regime change especially at the Centre.

“The Service has also identified, among others, the funding lines, sponsors and collaborators of the plot. “However, it does not think that aggression should be the first line action in the instance, in handling the emerging scenario. It has instead, variously applied non kinetic and conflict resolution strategies, including moral suasion, stakeholder engagement and other multi-track diplomatic shuttles, to dissuade the planners from actualising their undesirable objective.

“Based on the foregoing, the Service wishes to warn all the protest groups to eschew any form of proposed rage, anarchy and spoliation.

“While the different levels of Government have routinely explained their agenda to ameliorate alleged harsh economic conditions, the Service urges the prospective protesters to listen to the voice of reason, good conscience and patiently engage with the authorities, in the interest of peace.

“This has become important given that violence begets destruction of lives and property as well as serve as a distraction to governance. “The agitators are encouraged to use ample ways available to them to channel their grievances without resorting to violence.

“The Service calls on people of goodwill, leaders of thought, captains of industry, labour unions, student associations, youth leaders, the civil society, clergy, NGOs, women groups, civil servants and politicians to shun any invitation to participate in any orchestrated violence, deliberately designed to cause disaffection in the country.

“Similarly, parents, guardians, heads of traditional and academic institutions are respectively urged to advise their children, wards, subjects and students not to take part in the planned protest. Let us all join hands to build a Nation without rancour, bitterness or stained banner.

“The Service will work with other sister security and law enforcement agencies to maintain peace. It will, where necessary, apply all legitimate methods to achieve this,” the DSS said.

Stakeholders from the South East under the platform of South East Youth Development for Good Governance and Better Development have pleaded with youths in the zone to shun the planned August 1 nationwide protest against the President Bola Tinubu administration.

In a statement issued after an emergency meeting of the Stakeholders yesterday in Abuja, signed by its National Coordinator, Hon. Henry Ejiofor, they opined that the region should not pay good with evil as President Bola Tinubu had recently assented to the South East Development Commission Bill.

The group, which comprises of political figures across different political parties, professionals, businessmen and women, emerging leaders, students and Diasporans, said the real motives of the organizers of the protest and their identities are not known, hence the people of the region should be circumspect and not participate.

The group reminded the people of the zone to bear in mind the efforts of their governors and individuals in trying to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

Ejiofor said the bill assented to by the President will amplify the commitment to the real rehabilitation and reconstruction of the South-East, 54 years after the civil war.

According to him, recent developments in the South East by both the federal and state governments, especially the commissioning of Abia Power Projects, which is one of its kind, will make Abia state to enjoy a 24-hour electricity supply which will revive major industries in the region.

He said; “As a forum, we are making this national call to South East youths and others across Nigeria not to allow faceless individuals use them.

“As a region, we are grateful to President Bola Tinubu for signing the South East Development Commission Bill and also to South East leaders who facilitated the bill.

“We are out today to discourage South Easterners from involving themselves in the well-publicised nationwide protest for the major reason of the ongoing developmental strides that the present government has put in place, and the good work the present crop of Governors in the region are doing.”

On the economic situation in the country, the stakeholders urged Nigerians to understand that President Tinubu needs more time for all his promising policies to come to fruition.

“We are discouraging our kinsmen against the protest because most of the sponsors are faceless and, quiet, unlike other protests that the organizers are known.

“Again, we do not know the real intentions of the organizers, therefore, we will not support violent protests that can lead to the loss of lives of our hardworking brothers and sisters as a result of the protest.

“Also, aside from distracting the governments at all levels, this action will create more hunger while many people may lose their means of livelihood”, the forum stated.

The statement urged Nigerians, especially the South Easterners to give President Tinubu the benefit of the doubt based on his recent promise to end the suffering of the masses through some of his policies and programmes.