People sacrificed their lives fighting for you, many wasted their active years in the bush only to be abandoned at the end of the  Civil War. The effects are here now, MASSOB, IPOB, power drunk 419ers, there will be no peace until we remember those who died defending Ndigbo.

My message is clear. Until the Igbo, as a nation, set aside a day to mourn and eulogise thousands who were extinguished during the Pogrom and the millions that were killed in the Biafra Genocide, it will be from one calamity to another. The dead do not stay dumb, spiritually, especially those who died for a cause.

I was a Biafran Boy during the Civil War. Today, as an Old Man and Comparative Historian, my  mentality has changed. General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu was right to take that bold step of fighting the dark forces that wanted to annihilate the Eastern Region. And that was until 1968.

Yes, General Yakubu Gowon reneged on the Aburi Accord. That single act plunged Nigeria into crisis. Agreement na Agreementi ooo. By 1968, it was clear that Biafra could not win the war. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe saw it clearly. Some of Ojukwu’s contemporaries felt it as well. What was needed was diplomacy and Zik had secured the support of some of his Foreign Friends.

Ojukwu and many Biafrans dismissed Zik’s wisdom. Biafra became Emeka, Ojukwu, Mojekwu and Company. That mentality has not left many of those who are shouting Biafra now. Ndigbo must advise themselves and learn from History.

The January 1966 coup, I repeat, was a stupid coup. Chukwuma Nzeogwu, with all his Military Intelligence, did not know that he was a pawn. The brain behind that plot was Wale Ademoyega, a smart London University trained Historian, who joined the Army in 1962 as District Officer (DO).

Azikiwe, an Igbo man, was President. Another Igbo man, Nwafor Orizu was Senate President. The General Officer Commanding (GOC), Nigeria Army, General Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi belonged to the Igbo group. Those young majors knew this and went ahead to plunge the country into unprecedented crisis.

Sure, the idea was to free Chief Obafemi Awolowo from jail. Nothing wrong with that, if they meant well. However, hell was let loose when Nzeogwu went beyond killing Alhaji Ahmadu Bello. His wife, Hafsatu, who chose to die with the Premier of the Northern Region, was gunned down. That was mean, she should have been spared.

Tim Onwuatuegwu did not only murder Brig. Sam Ademulegun, the 1 Brigade Commander’s wife Feyisitan, who was eight months pregnant, suffered the same fate. Col. Raphael Shodeinde’s wife was also shot but survived. That was in Kaduna. Chris Anuforo, assassinated Lt. Col Arthur Unegbe in the presence of his wife, Enuma, in Lagos.

The coup plotters were fighting Awolowo’s enemies. Who sen them? By killing Ladoke Akintola, Premier of the West in Ibadan and Lt. Col Abogo Largema at Ikoyi Hotel, Lagos, they expected the Yoruba to be happy. When two brothers are fighting, outsiders should stay away.

The Yoruba are not celebrating that January 15, 1966 coup. When war broke out, Awolowo and millions of Yoruba did not support Biafra. Prof. Wole Soyinka, Dr. Tai Solarin and a few circumstantial officers like Victor Banjo,  Ganiyu Adeleke and Folu Oyewole, stood out.

Before anyone shouts Biafra, the real hero of the War, Gen. Philip Effiong, should be worshiped. He was an Ibibio and never abandoned the fight. The humiliation of surrendering to his junior Olusegun Obasanjo in Biafra and later Gowon in Lagos, saved many.

When Felix Houphouet-Boigny died, how many neo – Biafrans remembered to honour him in Yamoussoukro? Did they fly to Lusaka to salute Kenneth Kaunda’s body? Do they even remember Mwalimu Julius Nyerere? Revolutionaries read books, follow History and plan ahead.

Air Vice Marshal Osita Obierika died in the air, yes, he also lived in the air. How many Biafrans think about this great man ? As a serving Nigerian Air Force officer, he went public, urging the Federal Government to tap from the ingenuity of Biafrans. 

Obierika was at Dunbar Creek, St. Simon’s Island in Georgia, United States to celebrate the Igbo Landing of 1803. Real Igbo men, not fake opportunists, like we see them everywhere now, chose death to slavery and walked back into the sea.

Sylvester Nwakuche is the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service. His elevation was made possible by a Yoruba man, Olubunmi Tunji – Ojo, Minister of Interior. The Oguta man was due for this job in 2021 but the Sahara Mafia pushed him aside. No Igbo Big Man took the case up or even said ‘ndo’ (sorry).

There are so many empty barrels across the Niger. Dr. Chike Akunyili, a man who fought for Biafra, was gunned down in public, we were busy watching the video. Dr. Emma Nnama, a tough Biafran Lieutenant who later became the first boss of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) was shot by criminals, nothing happened.

When Labour Party floored the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, during the 2023 presidential elections, it was noise everywhere. Many failed to realise that it was not just because of Igbo votes. Many Yoruba voted for Peter Obi. And when ‘Kasala’ burst, no one went after the Yoruba, the Igbo are suffering it, just like they suffered because an Izon man, Rex Lawson, sang ‘Ewu na ebe akwa’, in 1966.

In the Second Republic, politics favoured Ndigbo. Four of the five political parties chose Igbo Presidential Running mates after the Nigerian Peoples Party settled for Zik, as flag bearer. Vice President Alex Ekwueme would have become President in 1987 but Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s Sahara Mafia stopped him.

Enough of noise. Ndigbo, look homewards. The South – East is Heaven on Earth, God is ready to make it happen. The same people who built refineries, airports and armaments during the War, can do even better in peace time. Some Igbo leaders are doing follow – follow. Sam Mbakwe never did that. Zik and Dr. Michael Okpara were men. Ndigbo, men dey.

The post Biafra: Stop the noise! By Emeka Obasi appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, has officially welcomed 3,272 new undergraduates during its 2025/2026 matriculation ceremony held on Monday, urging them to proactively shape their own futures.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor framed the event as a formal commencement of undergraduate training, as he challenged the new undergraduates to prepare for an uncertain future by actively creating the one they desire, citing President John F. Kennedy’s moon-shot ambition as a historic example of such future-building.

He emphasised that the digital age presents vast opportunities for innovation, referencing how access to technology in Nigeria has dramatically expanded beyond past limitations. The address included a firm warning against negative vices such as cultism, indecent dressing, absenteeism, illicit drug use, and wrong associations, stating these would not create a positive future.

Students were instructed to commit fully to their academic work, be punctual, and take practical sessions seriously. They were also advised to build community, maintain contact with parents, and be traceable.

Looking beyond degree certification, the Vice-Chancellor stressed the importance of developing market-ready skills, competencies, and innovative attitudes. He called on students to conceive solutions to national problems, suggesting possibilities like manufacturing multipurpose drones or developing new algorithms.

Using the discovery of insulin as an inspiration, he concluded by asserting that if students can imagine an innovation, they can create it. He encouraged total commitment to their studies, noting that their time at the university will conclude in just four or five years.

“Today indeed is a day of good news. The matriculation ceremony marks your formal admission and commencement of your undergraduate training.

“The way to take uncertainty out of the future is to create the future you genuinely want. I urge you, therefore, to be future ready undergraduates. I urge you to think of many things and create in this digital age, because many others created the future we now live in.”

The address outlined three core pillars for student success: understanding consequences, total commitment to academic work, and looking beyond the degree itself. “A degree may just be a piece of paper, but the skills, the competencies, the knowledge that you should bring to it will define what you get out of that degree,” he explained.

Encouraging practical innovation, the Vice Chancellor told the students: “If you can imagine it, you can create it.” He suggested they could develop solutions like multipurpose drones or new algorithms, and even contribute to critical medical research.

Speaking on the significance of the event, the Vice Chancellor described matriculation as a university prerequisite “where students are formally admitted to join the academic community” and where expectations for behavior and academic journey are set. He marked the occasion as a milestone for the institution, which began with no students three years ago and now has a total population exceeding 12,600.

“It’s a day of joy, Day of good news that we can shape this large number of future Nigerian leaders to deliver and to contribute to the nation.”

Meanwhile, he confirmed the university’s capacity to accommodate the growing student body.

While taking the matriculation oath, the students pledged not to involve in any illegal activity nor join any unregistered association.

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By Ikechukwu Eze; Henry Umoru & Samuel Oyadongha

Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed deep shock over the death of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo who passed on yesterday after collapsing in his office in Yenagoa. Dr. Jonathan described Senator Ewhrudjakpo as a devoted public servant, a true patriot, and a loyal steward of Bayelsa State and Nigeria.

Similarly, the former governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson a well as the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, the umbrella body of the thirty-six state governors have mourned the death of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

Jonathan noted that throughout his years in public service, the late Deputy Governor served the people of Bayelsa with unwavering passion and earned widespread admiration. He recalled Senator Ewhrudjakpo’s hard work, commitment, and lifelong pursuit of knowledge, highlighting the distinction he brought to every office he held.

“From his service as Commissioner, to the Senate, and later as Deputy Governor, Senator Ewhrudjakpo was known for his depth, insightful grasp of governance, eloquence, and warm sense of humour”, Jonathan said.

NGF in a statement by the Director, Media and Strategic Communications of NGF, Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi, said that it is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the Deputy Governor.

According to the statement, the late deputy governor was a dedicated public servant and a worthy deputy who was visionary and served his state with commitment and dedication, adding that his inspiring values to public service are exemplary and will remain indelible to his friends and colleagues.

In his own tribute, former Bayelsa state governor, Seriake Dickson described the late deputy governor as a rare blend of competence, intellect, loyalty and selflessness, qualities he said were consistent throughout their decades-long relationship. Dickson noted that Ewhrudjakpo distinguished himself at the most difficult of times, embodying the principles and convictions he had learned through years of mentorship.

“He lived a simple life with profound impact. He was irreplaceable, formidable in intellect and learning, emotionally stable, mature and principled,” Dickson asserted.

The post Jonathan, Dickson, NGF mourn Bayelsa deputy Gov, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The Supreme Head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria, His Most Eminence, Prophet (Dr.) Emmanuel Abiodun Alogbo, has called on the Federal Government to seek global collaboration in the fight against insecurity.

He also condemned the abduction and continuous detention of innocent members of the C&S Church, while conducting service at Ejiba, in Yagba West Local Council of Kogi State.

Alogbo called on Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, to intensify efforts at freeing the kidnapped church members from the hands of their abductors. .

In a statement issued by the Chief Public Relations Officer of the Unification Church, Special Apostle Omololu Olubode, the Supreme Head of the Church, while acknowledging the improved efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies at addressing the menace of banditry and kidnapping in the country, called on well-meaning Nigerians to join hands to nip the menace in the bud in that region.

He said: “The unfortunate incident of November 30, 2025, where innocent church members were attacked and abducted mid-way into their worship, is not only troubling, but portends negativity for free worship of Nigerians as enshrined in the nation’s constitution. “

“The gun-wielding, dare devil terrorists, who attacked and abducted unarmed members of the Cherubim & Seraphim Church, at Ejiba, in Kogi State, is a further prove that there are plans to silence true worship in the country.

“The thought of our places of worship, being turned into hunting grounds by terrorists, is a negative reflection of the security situation in Kogi State and its environs.”
 
Alogbo, therefore, called on Ododo to do all in his power, in collaboration with security agencies, to secure the release of the abducted church members..

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Ankrah Shalom (Human-Interest editor)

Shalom Ankrah is a journalist and a Human Interest Editor at Legit.ng with over six years of experience. She has a degree in Mass communication from Alex Ekwueme University. Shalom has worked with reputable news organizations including The Tide and GistReel. Email: ankrah.shalom@corp.legit.ng.

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A Nigerian prophet, Efe Japhet, has sparked fresh conversations online after revealing a shocking prophecy ahead of 2027, which he believes is on the verge of fulfillment.

In a video shared by @ChucksEriicE on X (formerly Twitter), he claimed God revealed that Nigeria’s next transformational leader will be a young man, no older than 37, who is not currently known in politics and has never built a political career.

In his message, the cleric said the young man would rise unexpectedly and gain massive support from ordinary Nigerians, even without seeking power aggressively:

“This man is not known for politics. He will not be more than 37 years old. He will come out and he will become the president of Nigeria. He will not fight for the position. The masses will hold him and say, we want you here.”

He added that the emergence of this leader would shake Nigeria’s political system from the ground up:

“This man will retire all the political people in Nigeria. He will collect all our money that is outside. He will force our people abroad to come back to Nigeria.”

The cleric also claimed that under the young leader, Nigeria would undergo major structural changes. He said the country may split into three or four groups operating under one central umbrella.

He insisted that when the time comes, no political force will be strong enough to stop this young man from rising to power.

The prophecy has drawn mixed reactions across social media, whether viewed as a divine revelation or a bold prediction, the prophecy has stirred curiosity about Nigeria’s future and about who this mysterious young leader might be.

Watch video below…

“Just like I prophesied in 2013 and it has been happening till now, God has revealed to me again that a young man, not more than 37 years old and not currently in politics, will win the 2027 presidential election and retire all the old politicians in Nigeria.”

— Pastor Efe… pic.twitter.com/JTcv5qm8ut

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) December 12, 2025

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The Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence Oliver Aba, on Friday urged Nigerians to embrace selfless service, faith-fuelled unity and an “all hands on deck” approach to rebuilding trust and restoring hope amid the nation’s economic and security challenges.

Aba delivered the charge during his exhortation at the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, themed “Emmanuel: God With Us,” hosted by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at the State House, Abuja. 

He described the Christmas message as a reminder of God’s abiding presence with the nation through seasons of uncertainty.

“Jesus did not come to be far away from us. He came to be present… God is with us in the valley, in the storms of life and in victory,” Aba said, assuring Nigerians that divine presence endures “in season and out of season.”

Drawing attention to inflation, insecurity and social divisions, the cleric called for collective responsibility and sacrificial leadership.

“As a people, as a nation, when you are worried, God is with you as a Prince of Peace. Today, the Prince of Peace is ready to give us peace,” he said, urging leaders and citizens alike to choose selflessness over narrow interests.

Aba anchored the theme Emmanuel on God’s closeness to humanity, stressing that national renewal requires love, peace and service modeled after Christ’s sacrifice. 

Quoting John 3:16, he framed the season as an expression of God’s selfless love and challenged Nigerians to recommit to unity. 

“We must come together so as we are celebrating Christ, Nigeria can be better,” he said.

The service, the third annual carol hosted by the First Lady, brought together past and present leaders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, making his first appearance at a State House function since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inauguration, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd), and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. 

Senior government officials, legislators, jurists and faith leaders were also in attendance.

The evening opened with the hymn Once in Royal David’s City, followed by a carefully sequenced order of lessons and carols led by national figures. 

Gowon read the First Lesson from Genesis 3:8–12, reflecting on divine accountability, while Obasanjo delivered the Second Lesson from Genesis 22:15–18, underscoring obedience and covenantal blessing.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, read the Third Lesson from Isaiah 9:6–7 on the Prince of Peace. 

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, followed with Isaiah 11:1–4, while the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, read Luke 1:26–31.

Further readings were taken by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem (Luke 2:4–7); the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd) (Luke 2:10–14); and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun (Matthew 2:9–12). 

The host, Mrs Tinubu, concluded the lessons with John 1:1–14, affirming the Word made flesh.

Each lesson was interspersed with traditional and contemporary carols rendered by the mass choir of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), filling the venue with hymns including Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Joy to the World and O Come, All Ye Faithful.

The service featured cultural expressions with traditional Elu Agogo rhythms, while CAN Vice President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, delivered the closing prayer and benediction, praying for peace, stability and protection throughout the Yuletide.

The evening ended on a jubilant note with We Wish You a Merry Christmas and reflective organ voluntaries, rounding off a service that blended worship, national reflection and a renewed call to service.

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The former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has urged Nigerians to back President Bola Tinubu in the fight against insecurity.

Mohammed stated this after delivering the 15th convocation lecture at Achievers University, Owo, in Ondo State, on Friday.

Mohammed said: “Don’t just graduate; innovate.

“Many people who are not in the kitchen, don’t know the fire coming out of it. There is no President that wants his own country insecured. The government is doing a lot and we must all encourage the government.

“The change we want must begin with all of us. Security is a local issue and all have a role to play. Actionable intelligence is part of it and government is doing its best in fighting it,” he said.

The former minister said he remained a stalwart member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and was committed to the Tinubu administration.

“I am a very loyal member of APC and I am 100 per cent behind this administration. But I have played my role in the frontline.

“Whatever I need to do now, I will pass through the back channel but I’m 100 per cent behind the administration.

“I have been privileged to serve as the longest Minister of Information and what I’m doing now is to give back to the society,” he said.

Mohammed urged Nigerian graduates to boldly confront challenges and difficulties that may hinder their dreams.

He said a degree does not guarantee achievement, explaining that the world is not a straight road to one’s dream

“It’s unpredictable, messy, and full of unexpected opportunities.”

The former minister encouraged graduates to innovate and dare to step beyond what is safe and expected.

“Be bold enough to speak your mind even when it feels uncomfortable. Courage creates opportunities. When opportunities knock twice, swallow your  pride and say yes.

“Graduands, do not let ego close doors. Your journey demands humility as much as brilliance. Therefore, dare to challenge the status quo respectfully, but firmly,” he said.

Mohammed urged the graduands to take risks to improve themselves even if such would lead to personal inconvenience.

“I urge the graduating class not to be afraid to fail. Failures are not dead ends. They are turning points. I failed and failed, and each time, the failures became turning points for me,” he said.

Earlier, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Oyesoji Aremu, said the convocation lecture aimed to discuss topical issues that dignitaries and students could internalise and apply in the society.

Aremu described the lecture as informative, given the current situation graduates face in the country.

In his remarks, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Bode Ayorinde, said the 18-year-old institution does not sell certificates.

“Our graduates can work with any international organisations. We are about standards. We have instances when we  dismissed students for misbehaviour and refunded their school fees.

“We are for culture, academics and discipline.

“Here, we have monetary awards for good behaviour according to faculty. The best faculty collects N5 million while the second and third faculty get N2 million and N1 million respectively. This has helped to shape us.

“With population of 5,000 students, we maintain our standard,” he said.

The award of undergraduate degrees and post graduate degrees will hold on Saturday with conferment of honorary degrees to eminent personalities. (NAN)

The post Tinubu needs support from Nigerians to fight insecurity – Lai Mohammed appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The United States (US) prosecutors have disclosed how a Ghanaian social media influencer, Frederick Kumi, widely known as Abu Trica and also identified as Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, allegedly used artificial intelligence (AI) to run a romance-fraud network that defrauded elderly Americans of more than $8 million.

The 31-year-old Frederick Kumi, who was arrested in a joint operation by the Ghanaian authorities and US federal agents, is widely known for posting cash, cars, and houses online.

According to the BBC, American prosecutors have charged him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money-laundering conspiracy. Each charge carries a possible sentence of up to 20 years if convicted.

US investigators explained that Kumi used advanced AI tools to create false identities, complete with photographs and personal histories. These identities were then used to communicate with older Americans on social media and dating platforms.

Once contact was made, prosecutors said the victims were drawn into regular conversations and later persuaded to send money for supposed emergencies, including medical bills and travel expenses.

The money was allegedly moved through a network of accomplices in both countries, with Kumi said to have played a central role in sharing the proceeds.

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Authorities began looking into him after he started displaying luxury possessions to more than 100,000 Instagram followers, raising questions about how they were acquired.

Prosecutors said the “perpetrators built trust through frequent, intimate conversations by phone, email, and messaging platforms” with victims.

“They then requested money or valuables under false pretences, such as urgent medical needs, travel expenses, or investment opportunities,” they added.

The funds and valuables were reportedly sent to co-conspirators who acted as third-party receivers. Kumi allegedly distributed the returns among partners in the US and Ghana.

According to the BBC, the case falls under the U.S. Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act, which strengthens penalties for crimes targeting older citizens.

US agencies have recently increased actions against similar groups operating in the US and West Africa.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday held separate, high-level closed-door meetings with the governors of Kaduna, Benue, and Cross River states at the State House, Abuja.

Naija News reports that they meeting us coming amidst persistent security and governance issues plaguing their regions.

The governors – Uba Sani of Kaduna, Hyacinth Alia of Benue, and Bassey Otu of Cross River – arrived individually for their consultations with the President.

Although the Presidency did not release an official statement detailing the agenda, sources familiar with the discussions told The Nation that the meetings focused primarily on the acute security concerns and economic pressures facing the three states.

Following the meetings, the governors declined to speak with journalists.

They exchanged brief greetings with reporters but offered no comments as they departed the State House for their waiting vehicles.

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]

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