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I wasn’t always a believer. When I first encountered His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, I was skeptical. He was in the PDP then, and I had no reason to trust his vision. But one evening changed everything. I sat with him and listened – really listened. I saw the intensity in his voice, the focus in his eyes, the clarity in his thoughts.

This wasn’t a politician putting on a show. It was the quiet force of someone who had seen tomorrow and was determined to bring it into today. That night, his words echoed in my mind. Through Governor Peter Mbah’s eyes, I glimpsed a future where the glory of my beloved Enugu would shine brighter than ever before.

After the war and years of neglect, our industries had gone quiet. Our proud civil servants held the fort in an economy that moved slowly – dignified, peaceful, but asleep.

Then came Governor Mbah, with private-sector precision. And with almost startling speed, the work began. Sit-at-home ended. Insecurity was tackled. Not one, not two, but six ultramodern bus terminals were commissioned in a single day – a bold signal that motion had returned to Enugu. Then came the Smart Schools Project.

Two hundred and sixty world-class schools – one in every ward. Learning systems built for the 21st century: solar-powered classrooms, digital labs, AI-assisted platforms, robotics, coding, green design. Imagine each school graduating at least five hundred students a year – that’s 130,000 young minds annually. A pool of ready talent to position Enugu as the Silicon Valley of Africa. With Governor Peter Mbah’s Smart Schools, our children’s tomorrow is already taking shape.

At the same time, he’s reimagining Enugu as a global destination – a vision that came alive when the city hosted the Nigerian Bar Association Conference. Enugu exhaled after years of dormancy. Over 20,000 delegates arrived. Hotels sold out. Private homes, student hostels, even old guesthouses were refurbished and rented out. That one week put more money into more hands than a year of bureaucratic salary disbursements. It was a true awakening.

The five-star ICC Hotel is nearing completion, right beside the state-of-the-art hospital designed to support medical tourism, now almost finished. The Akanu Ibiam International Airport has been concessioned, with its international wing set to open in early 2026. Enugu Air launched just months ago, with six more aircraft arriving before Christmas. By the end of next year, four new branded hotels will be completed. And across the state, dozens of other high-impact projects are rising. Governor Peter Mbah’s government has set a bold target: attract three million visitors annually and grow Enugu’s GDP from four to thirty billion dollars.

To anchor that ambition, he’s building what will soon be the tallest landmark in the state – the Cross of Hope. A monument of faith, culture, and tourism. It will draw pilgrims as Jerusalem and Rome do, reminding the world that spirituality and modernity can coexist beautifully on the hilltop of Enugu. Governor Mbah’s transformation plan is holistic – from power to infrastructure to culture.

With the urbanization of Nkanu East fully underway, I know fresh investment and fresh purpose will soon pour into my hometown, Nara Unateze. So yes, I’m a believer. And a disciple. Politics must meet truth, and the truth is that Governor Peter Mbah is working – without excuses – for all of us. If you have a dream for Enugu, or children, or even business interests, take a moment to reflect on this. Verify if you must. And join me in defending, protecting, and championing Governor Mbah’s vision.

I’m confident we’ll all witness the full sunrise of the tomorrow he’s building today. Because even if he reaches only halfway to the skies, Enugu will already be flying higher than it has in decades.

But I believe he’ll reach them. And when he does, we’ll all say that a governor came who refused to dream small. Ndi Enugu, brace yourselves. The sleeping giant is wide awake. The hill is alive again – with the sound of music and a loud drum.

Tomorrow is here indeed, and Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is leading the charge.

A public presentation of two books may appear ordinary, as many books have been presented in the past by an author at a go. But, when such books are written by a police officer, Superintendent of Police Chidi Okoye, then such efforts are more than ordinary. It is simply a commendable feat.

Little wonder colleagues, relations and friends converged on Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos, recently to witness the unveiling of two books, The Syndicate Affairs and Checkmate by Chidi Okoye. It was organised by CO Books Enterprise and Solomon Arase and Associates. The books were not only educative and morally instructive, but also products of a fertile mind for analysis, reasoning and imagination as well as creativity.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone Two Command, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, who was impressed by Okoye’s efforts at documenting some of his major cases, said despite the 24/7 duty call, Okoye still found time to write such books.

‘He has been up and doing, improving himself, and he is a very versatile and deep investigator. My experience of him within the short period I had matters to do with him showed he is competent. Give him any matter to handle, he goes deeper into it and makes sure he unravels the mystery behind it,’ Fayoade said.

Recalling how Okoye who is Head, Zonal Quick Interventions Squad at Zone Two, started writing the books, Fayoade said: ‘When he approached me that he is writing a book, he gave me a copy of it to go through. I discovered that the book is a collection of some of the cases we had handled in the past. And you will find that those cases are very interesting, as he is able to bring out the criminal aspects of them. He is also able to bring out the major elements of those cases, as if he is a qualified lawyer. In fact, the way he wrote this book, you think he has been to the law school. That’s why I’m imploring him to enrol for a degree in law without wasting time.’

According to Fayoade, Okoye’s effort is a confirmation to the fact that police officers also have time to read and are deep in intellect unlike the impression people have about policemen.

‘This is an example of a police officer who is highly intellectual, who is an author, and has made us proud today. He has made Zone Two headquarters proud, made Nigeria Police proud, and we are very proud of him,’ he added.

Reviewer of one of the books, The syndicate Affairs, Art Editor and Deputy Editorial Board Chairman, Vanguard Newspaper, Dr. Osa Mbonu-Amadi, described the book as an expository narrative that reveals how people are framed sometimes for crimes and made to pay through their noses to prove their innocence.

He noted that Okoye maintains via his creative narrative, that ‘not every scandal is real. Some are fabricated for culprits to cash out. Sadly, some rogue officers smile to the bank through blackmails.’

‘The title of the book is apt. The cover is beautifully designed with props indicating the nature of the subject matter. Employing real settings such as police stations, headquarters, towns, and estates in Lagos makes the plot convincing as more of a faction than fiction. Speaking of the genre, it’s not certain whether the account of detective Dikko on pages 175 to 177 about his entanglements with Funmi should be classified as faction or pure fiction. ‘However, it is a smart way of cooling the tempo of the successive actions and letting the storyteller himself and the reader breathe. The chronicle of their intimate scene was also done with some level of decency, yet, you’ll know Dikko is a ‘bad boy’ in that field. But as grave as the subject matter is, it is commendable that the author sees the need to infuse some element of romance into the plot.

‘The crime novel is un-put-down-able. It is informative, educative, and generally makes an interesting read, he asserted. Professor of Public Law and Criminology, and Head, Dept. of Public Law, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Prof. Olugbenga Akingbehin, was the reviewer of the second book, Checkmate.

Chairman on the occasion, Chairman, Ailes Group, Chief Micheal Onuoha, described the author as a huge asset not only to the police, but also to the nation, adding that he would remain an inspiration to other officers and men of the force.

Chief Onuoha assured that he will continue to support the work of the author, believing that Nigeria will create true men of his kind.

Guests at the presentation included Hon. Lawal Pedro, The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Assistant Inspector General of Police Abutu Yaro Fdc (Rtd), The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Moshood Jimoh, Rev. Dubus Achufusi GO (Spiritual Father of the Day), CEO Chisco Group of Company, Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu, (Father of the day), CEO Brittania-U Nigeria Limited, Catherine Uju Ifejika (Mother of the day), and Dr. Monday Oyekachi Ubani (SAN).

Gunmen believed to be kidnappers have abducted 15 passengers between Obarenren Community and Idunwongie Community along the Benin-Akure highway.

The passengers were travelling in Hummer Bus marked KJA 119 XF.

All the 15 passengers were taken into the bush by the kidnappers.

But Deputy spokesman for the Edo Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said eight of the passengers including three children have been rescued unhurt.

Ikoedem said policemen from Ekiadolor Division were swiftly deployed to the scene.

She said the operatives pursued the kidnappers into the forest and successfully rescued eight victims, including three children, adding that the operatives were still in the bush to rescue the remaining eight passengers.

ASP Ikoedem said: ‘However, seven other passengers are still unaccounted for as efforts are intensely ongoing to locate and rescue them. An aggressive manhunt for the perpetrators is currently in progress, with a full complement of technological support to ensure the safe return of the remaining victims while the driver of the vehicle is assisting the police with investigation.

‘The Edo State Police Command assures the public that no effort will be spared in ensuring the safety of all residents and commuters within the state. Members of the public are encouraged to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police formation.

‘Anyone with useful information is encouraged to kindly contact our emergency Control Room Numbers 08077773721, 08037646272.’

All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has begun revalidation to register members ahead of 2026 governorship election.

The Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, who hosted the 12-member revalidation team and state co-ordinators led by Mr John Malumi, the deputy director, Elections Management (Organising Department), enjoined the party chairmen in the local governments and area office in Modakeke to assist the team during the exercise.

He said it was imperative for the party’s stakeholders to join hands with the visiting team for a desired result.

Lawal, represented by the state Secretary of the party, Alhaji Alao Kamoru, told the visiting membership validation team that the party had put everything in place for them, in order to make the programme a success.

Malumi told the APC state Working Committee and the chairmen of the party in the local governments that the exercise was not about registration of new members into the party, but rather to work on the existing members.

Seeking the cooperation of the party chairmen in the local government, he said members of the party must be financial members and that they all had the right to vote and be voted for.

He said: ‘Credible members of the party must pay N200 per month for one year each and they have the right to contest for any position.

‘Some members have left the party; some are dead, while others have just joined. We have a mechanism of authenticating if any member of our party has paid.

‘The ward secretaries, ward organising secretaries and similar officers of the party at the local government level will have crucial roles to play in the party’s membership revalidation.’

He said the exercise, which started on October 20, would end on the 31st, in line with the APC National Headquarters’ outline for the 2026 Osun State governorship primary election.

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday commended the role of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) in women empowerment as the committee celebrates 25th anniversary.

They made the commendation at the opening of a three-day National Women’s Conference organised by COWLSO at Eko Hotel in Lagos.

In attendance were wives of the governors of Ogun, Osun and Nassarawa states, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, Mrs Titi Adeleke, and Hajia Silifat Sule.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu praised COWLSO for contributions to nation-building and urged women to uphold the values of selflessness and service.

Tinubu, who resuscitated the conference during her tenure as the Wife of Lagos State Governor, described COWLSO as an enduring model of women’s collaboration.

According to her, its 25-year journey shows what women can achieve when united by purpose.

‘COWLSO remains a beacon of hope and an example of what women can do together. It has inspired generations to rise, lead and give back to society. I commend all members for sustaining the vision, and urge you to continue empowering others,’ she said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described COWLSO as a symbol of compassion, continuity and transformative leadership in women empowerment.

He said that COWLSO had evolved from a modest initiative into a dynamic platform of change, inspiring women to become innovators, changemakers and community leaders.

He said the committee had continued to demonstrate the values of compassion, collaboration and continuity.

He added that it had grown into a rallying point for women, who believed leadership was not about holding titles, but transforming lives.

‘Twenty-five years ago, a simple but powerful idea was born – to serve, to uplift and to make a difference. Today, we gather not just to celebrate, but to honour women whose vision, strength and service have defined our humanity,’ he said.

He commended his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for devotion to family well-being and empowerment programmes that continued to touch lives across the state.

Chairperson of COWLSO, Dr Sanwo-Olu, hailed past wives of Lagos State governors; COWLSO partners, and other women, who had contributed to the growth of COWLSO’s growth.

She said the anniversary was not just a celebration of longevity, but a reaffirmation of purpose to build a Lagos and Nigeria where every woman could dream freely, lead boldly and thrive fully.

‘As we reflect on the past 25 years, we renew our commitment to nurturing families, empowering women, and promoting values that strengthen our society,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

The Abia chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed reports that the Federal High Court issued an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate or prosecute the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

The party’s Legal Adviser, Vigilus Nwankwo, described the claims as politically motivated, aimed at discrediting the minister ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In an interview monitored on Arise News, Nwankwo clarified that the court merely granted Amobi Ogah an order of leave, a procedural approval to apply for an order of mandamus, and not a substantive order directing INEC to act.

He said: ‘The court is yet to make any order compelling INEC. What was granted was only an order of leave for him to apply for an order of mandamus. He is yet to apply for that order, so it has not been granted.’

The APC legal adviser stated that the suit was part of a wider political scheme to weaken Onyejeocha’s growing influence within Abia politics, describing it as a pre-emptive move ahead of future elections.

‘All this tango is coming because of the future elections in 2027. The Minister is being targeted because she remains the face of the APC in Abia and enjoys strong grassroots support,’ Nwankwo said.

Nwankwo further maintained that the basis of the suit had already been settled during the 2023 election litigation process. He explained that both the Tribunal and the Court of Appeal made no findings against Onyejeocha when Ogah challenged her election victory.

According to him, the present case amounts to issue estoppel, as it seeks to reopen a matter already determined by a competent court. He added that the Court of Appeal’s decision to void the election was based on technical grounds, specifically the non-presentation of polling agents as witnesses, rather than any allegation of forgery.

Onyejeocha said she remains focused on her responsibilities in President Tinubu’s administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda and will not be distracted by politically motivated claims.

It had been widely reported that a Federal High Court in Abuja granted a member of the House of Representatives, Amobi Godwin Ogah, leave to compel the INEC to prosecute the Minister of State for Labour, Onyejeocha, for alleged forgery of election results in 62 polling units during the 2023 general elections.

Justice M.G. Umar of the Abuja Federal High Court, in his ruling dated September 23, 2025, on an ex-parte motion brought by Ogah, said he was satisfied that the applicant had placed relevant materials in his affidavit to warrant the judgment.

Onyejeocha had dragged Ogah, representing Isikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, to the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal after the 2023 elections, claiming victory.

But Ogah accused her of forging the results she tendered before the tribunal and Onyejeocha eventually lost the case.

As part of his development agenda and to fulfill his campaign promises, His Execllency Governor Hyacinth Alia bring together some expert who produced a document known as ‘ Strategic Development Plan for a Greater Benue.

This document is structured around seven priority pillars, with acronym SACHIIP .

On Page 38 of the this document ,the Governor outline 8 programs for Benue youths , to make them more self reliance and responsible to the society .

Unlike when they were used and dumped after elections,Governor Alia accomadate Benue youths into well into his development plan ,build on trust and confidence .

Among the programs are:

1. Promote youth participation in Governance, both at state and Local Government levels .

2. Promote the establishment of youths recreational centers in the three Senatorial districts in the state.

3. Establish the Benue Youths Volunteer Corps ( BYVC) to provide service, skill development, and leadership development to our teaming, youthfully population.

4. Promote Youth participation and employment in Agro,- procession industries strategically located across the three senatorial districts in the state.

5. Facilate employment, training, scholarship awards and entrepreneurship programmes for militia converts in the state.

6. Train young doctors , engineers, ICT, Lawyers and other needed professionals to enhance the human capacity of Benue state.

7. Re- orientation of the youths for effective patriotism, discipline, honestly, integrity, and selfless in youthful society.

8. Generally, improve youth employment through efficient commerce, industries and agriculture.

Armed with this ducument ,and within two years of his administration,Governor Alia has given the youths of Benue a pride of place in his entire administration.

Barrister Seember Wayo, Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Matters , Dr. Terna Francis Director- General Benue State Bureau for Education Quality Assurance , Hon. Tiza Isaac Imojime Orya, Commissioner for Youths and Creativity , before now he was in charge of ministry of work and Housing are all youths .

Other Youthful appointees holding position of responsibility and discharging their mandate isare Sir Kulas Tersoo Chief Press Secretary to the Governor , Hon Solomon Iorpev Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media, Publicity and Strategy communication as well as Director General ,Benue signage and Advertising Agency .

From these appointments Governor Hyacinth Alia has has demonstrated capacity to empower Benue youths who are the leaders of tomorrow in fulfilment of his campaign promises as capsulated in the Strategic Development plan for a Greater Benue.

It is heart warming and a thing of joy to note that this is the first time a Governor has given opportunities to Youths in his both cabinet and head of critical agencies of Government.

But there is icening on the cake as the Benue Youths Policy gets under soon.

Governor Hyacinth Alia has involved services of expert ,international developers and international organisation who are fine tunning the youth policy which will soon be unveil to Benue people . This is first of it’s kind in Benue too.

Then ,the Big one ‘ a peep into the Benue Youths Policy revealed that they are more 40 sports items for the youths only .

These included: Establishment of sports acedamies in the state , Develop modalities for full comercialisation of sports for revenue generation in the state, sponsoring of an Executive Bill to legalized and encourage sponsorship of sporting activities by private and public individuals .

Others are: Support the development of mini- stadiums in all the Local Government headquarters, for example the Vanideikya, Katsina Ala, Aliade, Otukpo stadiums builds years again will be upgraded for the benefits of the youths in Benue so that sports talents would be discovered and nature into international stars.

Increase funding and provide more funding facilities for sports development.

Re-introduce the all – primary and Secondary school games to harness local talents

And lastly Complete all outstanding revocation work and further expand the capacity of the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi to International standard , including Macarthy Stadium.

Already, with the quality execution of infrastructure projects like roads,( both urban and rural) health , education, massive upgrading of Government offices , especially State Secretariat ,shows that the implementation of the Strategy Development Plan For a greater Benue of His Excellency,Governor Hyacinth Alia is on course and now a working ducument which has enderaed him ( Governor) to the people of Benue state who have increased the volume of Yes father chants.

In the essence,the youths ,who constitute 30 percent of Benue population must position themselves to take up leadership position of not just Governor Hyacinth Alia administration but of the state in future.

Luckily the ‘Not too Young Bill’ has given them the Constitutional power.

Hon .Gbenda Terver, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization and Illegal Levies ,told The Nation that ‘ Governor Alia has given Benue youths a better life to live, and they have key into the his policy to make their lives better .

For Governor Hyacinth Alia , the youths remain ‘ Leaders of Tomorrow’ and we must work toward giving them a better life..

This the Governnor said’ I’m running for governor to effect a significant transformation in the social , economic,and political landscape of our dear state .I’m committed to ensuring that a better and greater Benue emerges in my dispensation as governor .I need your collective Support to make this dream a reality.

That better tomorrow is now and it’s has started manifesting.