NEWS
Prince Paul Ikonne Debunks Claims of Converting Okpulu Umuobo Comprehensive to Private Property
Aba, Abia State – The camp of former Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Prince Paul Ikonne, has dismissed circulating rumours alleging that the renowned reformer converted Okpulu Umuobo Comprehensive into his private property.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Chiagoziem Enoch, the claims were described as “laughable, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public,” insisting that no private individual has the legal authority to convert public property for personal ownership.

According to the statement, the facility in question became part of the NALDA Institute of Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship (NAIE) — a multi-zone agricultural training institute established across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones during Ikonne’s tenure. The institute was designed to train young Nigerians from primary level up to OND in modern agricultural practices.
Enoch noted that Prince Ikonne, guided by the Igbo maxim “aku ruo ulo”, pushed for the South-East zonal campus to be located in Aba. To achieve this, he officially requested the then Abia State Government to provide a suitable site for the institution, which led to the selection of the Okpulu Umuobo Comprehensive premises.
The statement highlighted that similar NAIE campuses were established nationwide, including in Ogun State (South-West), Katsina (North-West), and other zones.
The Aba campus, the report added, is equipped with a 600-capacity sports complex, two administrative blocks, libraries, laboratories, a clinic, nine solar-powered boreholes, a 30-room hostel, and four classroom blocks containing 24 classrooms.
Its agricultural facilities are also extensive, featuring a 50,000-capacity fish pond, poultry pens, a 5,000-capacity snail house, fish hatchery, 50 cage grass-cutter pens, crop fields, three tractors, and hand-held harvesters. The nine solar boreholes serve both the institute and the farm.
Enoch emphasized that such facilities mirror global best practices, where educational programmes are integrated with hands-on training to strengthen national agricultural systems. He reiterated that Ikonne’s vision was to revolutionize agricultural learning and productivity through structured agribusiness education.
Describing Ikonne as “a leader who thinks outside the box,” he added that the former NALDA boss remains committed to initiatives that address Nigeria’s agricultural challenges through innovation and practical solutions.
The statement urged the public to disregard the rumour and remain focused on developmental efforts that benefit the people.
NEWS
Federal High Court removes Gov. Uzodinma as APC senatorial candidate for Imo West
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, to immediately stop parading himself as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election scheduled for January 16, 2027.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the order on Thursday after ruling that Uzodinma did not win the APC senatorial primary election conducted on May 18 and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The ruling represents a significant development in the contest for the APC ticket ahead of the 2027 senatorial election.
The court’s directive requires Uzodinma to cease presenting himself as the party’s candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District seat, pending the implications of the court’s decision.
The development is expected to generate further political reactions within the APC in Imo State as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
NEWS
Usman Nuhu, AKA Ogbegbe, Appears in Court Over Alleged Killing of Oghenemine
Usman Nuhu, popularly known as Ogbegbe, has appeared in court in Asaba, Delta State, to face charges over the alleged killing of Oghenemine, who reportedly went to collect a waybill at Effurun Roundabout.
During the court proceedings, Ogbegbe, who appeared visibly lean and shaky, denied killing Oghenemine. He reportedly told the court that he used a stone near the deceased to apply pressure on his body so he would confess. He also claimed that he was beaten with floor tiles at the Ekpan Police Station.
The court reportedly reminded him that the statements he was making were under oath.
The second defendant, who was charged alongside Ogbegbe, also told the court that the police forced him to admit that he was present when Oghenemine was allegedly killed. He maintained that he was not at the scene when the incident occurred.
The court ordered that Ogbegbe be remanded in prison, while the second to fifth defendants were granted bail.
The other defendants are Onoloko Dauroupamo, Okoh Kelechi, Goodluck Kingsley and Omonigho Ahweyevu.
The case was adjourned until November 17, 2026, for further proceedings.
NEWS
Rt. Hon. Mandela Obasi, a grassroot leader and stunch member of Labour party; bids farewell to Late Chief Maxwell Enny Aruh.
The former Deputy Speaker of the Abia State 7th House of Assembly, and the representative of Ohafia North State Constituency at the current 8th House, Rt. Hon. Mandela Obasi, has once again shown his love for his people, friends and constituents, as he identifies with the family of Late Chief Maxwell Enny Aruh, who was laid to rest yesterday, 1st October 2026 in his hometown, Abiriba.
The presence of the House member during the wake-keep on 30th September, turned the event to a mini carnival as the youths of Abiriba troopped out from all corners of Abiriba community that night to be with their leader who is always at home with his people and to identify with one of their leaders Chief John Okiyi Kalu, whose Uncle was being buried.
During a condolence visit to the former Commissioner for Trade and Investment in his country home, the House member and Mayor of Ohafia LGA, Chief Eleanya Ojuu, took time to console and pray for the entire family.
In his speech, Mandela expressed his sympathy over the demise of Chief Maxwell, who he described as a perfect gentleman and a true son of Abiriba Kingdom. He enjoined the family to carry on with his legacies, and prayed God to give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Responding on behalf of the family, the former Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, thanked the house member for finding time to be with the family in their time of grief all through the wake keep and the funeral service proper. He described him as a trusted representative of the people who stands with his people at all times. Furthermore, he thanked the Mayor of Ohafia LGA, Chief Eleanya Ojuu, who coincidentally is of same age grade with him, for finding time to come and for his prayers.
The house member was accompanied by some leaders and members of Labour party, his legislative aide, and some of his children.
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