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Ebonyi indigenes reject handing-over of Uburu varsity to Catholic Church

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The Association of Ebonyi State Indigenes in Diaspora (AESID) has rejected the donation of King David University of Medical Sciences Uburu, which it described as “Greek offer” by the governor of the state, Dave Nweze Umahi, to the Catholic Church.

The group said if the situation is not properly managed it could lead to animosity between the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, who had claimed ownership of the new varsity and the Catholic Church.

 

At the Episcopal Ordination and installation of Rt. Rev. Msgr. Peter Nworie Chukwu as the 3rd Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki on Thursday, August 19, 2021, Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, announced the handing over of the King David University of Medical Sciences Uburu to the Catholic Bishops Conference for what he termed “optimum management and academic excellence.”

As reported via a statement made available through his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Francis Nwaze, the Governor declared; “The contributions of the church to the Educational Development of Nigeria is unparalleled and for this, I, on-behalf of the State wish to give the King David University of Medical Sciences Uburu to the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria to own and run.

Reacting through a statement signed by its President, Amb. Paschal Oluchukwu, on Sunday, the Ebonyi indigenes wondered how a governor such pronouncement “which is capable of not only pitching the mother church against her sister Presbyterian Church which has been in court challenging the forceful takeover of the said property but also further negate the provisions of our extant Laws, create chaos and confusion and deepen animosity between the Christian faith even as we yet see Ebonyi as a secular State only dominated by the Christian religion.”

According to the statement, in public’s best interest, no law permits a Governor to build such a massive edifice with millions of unaccounted public funds and hand same over to a people of a particular faith in a multi-religious society like ours.

 

“Apart from the severe breaches of the law typified by the non-passage of any Law enabling the donation of the said institution which was built with public funds, unaudited and unaccounted for by the Ebonyi State’s House of Assembly- an ordinarily third arm of government that has been serially amputated and utterly neglected by the Governor, Umahi has by this pronouncement shown that he’s merely a desperate dealer trying to cover-up his suspected dirty tracks by currying the favour of the largest and most populous Catholic Church.

“No one, we repeat, no church or organisation for that matter therefore should accept any such compromised dealings from a Governor like Umahi.

For we are certain that his motives on this particular offer are as ulterior as the majority of his dealings with Ebonyi people in his past six year’s on the saddle as Ebonyi Governor.”

Stating the controversies on the said Uburu varsity, the statement said: “First, the Presbyterian Church had alerted the general public that, on Friday, the 12th of July, 2019, it received a hint that the Ebonyi State exco approved Government takeover of the Presbyterian Joint Hospital, Uburu.

Also announced on the same day on the State broadcast network, was the award of contracts for the construction of several blocks of buildings for the Ebonyi State Teaching Hospital on property the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria holds on lease and has developed over 107 years as the Presbyterian Joint Hospital, Uburu.

 

“We are aware that Umahi had sent a letter asking for approval to the State’s House of Assembly asking for the State’s takeover and acquisition of the oldest Hospital founded by a Missionary, Dr. John Hitchcock which his lackeys in the said arm of government readily granted without any due diligence or investigation, the head of Information Department and Public Affairs of the Presbyterian Church, Rt. Rev. Nnoke Ibe had in a detailed Press release accused the State Governor of forcefully taking over the hospital for which it still paid rents to the family and village donors of the land upon which it is situated.

“The release, made since July 2020 had asserted without a counter-claim from the Umahi-led government that, ‘The Church is also aware that the Government’s power of eminent domain confers a power to take land it requires for public purposes; but that power is made constitutionally subject to procedures which guarantee the rights, privileges and entitlements of occupiers and holders.

The statement said: “we haven’t also forgotten that the plan was actually to acquire and build the said institution as the new State’s University medical school.

We are also knowledgeable about the fact that the Ebonyi State government recently released an outrageous fee regime of between N1 to N3M as annual School fees for the institution following the approval of it’s courses by the NUC and even announcements for job recruitments. From where and how then can the Catholic community fund, maintain and sustain such academic institution which could become a monumental waste if not properly-funded?

“If truly Umahi loves and wants academic excellence, why has he proposed the above monumental fee regime in a poor state like ours? Why has he also totally neglected the public education sector in Ebonyi without reasonable grants to the existing state-owned Primary, Secondary and especially, tertiary institutions in the State?

” he should await his days of reckoning with the antitrust agencies for all his lawless actions, misconducts and unaccountability in governance which has made Ebonyi remain the poverty capital of the entire Southern Nigeria.”

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Nigerian Journalist Launches ỊDEKỌ AFRICA to Redefine African Storytelling on the Global Stage

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Timothy Obiezu a journalist based in Abuja came up with the idea after a long decade of experience in journalism .

According to Mr Obiezu Africa is a continent of rich cultures, deep histories, and an unwavering spirit that is quietly but powerfully changing the world. Yet for far too long, the true essence of Africa has been overlooked or worse, misunderstood. Every day, millions consume media that either misrepresents Africa or reduces it to a single narrative of poverty, conflict, and underdevelopment.

He said After nearly a decade of telling African stories on global platforms such as Voice of America (VOA) and TRT World, we are now turning our focus toward building a homegrown platform that does justice to the continent’s diversity, brilliance, and complexity. Today, we stand at the threshold of something new. Something bold. Something transformative ỊDEKỌ AFRICA.

Mr Timothy said ỊDEKỌ AFRICA is more than just a media company; it is a movement dedicated to capturing the stories that matter the stories of resilience, innovation, and progress happening across our continent. Our mission is to bring Africa’s true essence to the world, sharing it through the lenses of those living it.

“As a continent, we cannot be constantly defined by the challenges we face daily. Africa is much more.”

This bold initiative comes just months after the U.S. President’s controversial decision to shut down VOA as part of sweeping federal budget cuts an action that has left a notable gap in global reporting on African affairs and opened the door for rival narratives from countries like Russia and China. For me, journalism has always been about giving voice to the underreported and misunderstood. This closure marked both an ending and a new beginning.

“When former U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed VOA broadcasting globally and in Africa as a waste of government spending not a necessity it sent a clear message: the world will not always prioritize our stories. That is exactly why we must. It’s up to us to define and share Africa’s narrative authentically, unapologetically, and on our own terms.”

Our platform will operate with a network of African journalists, creators, and thinkers aiming to shift global perceptions by amplifying authentic African voices and perspectives.

“We are determined to bring stories from every corner of this continent to the world stories that inspire, challenge, and open hearts and minds. Whether it’s a tech innovator in Nairobi, a fashion disruptor in Lagos, or a farmer rethinking sustainability in Malawi—we’re telling those stories. Unfiltered. Unapologetic. Powerful.”

ỊDEKỌ meaning “to capture” or “to document” in the Igbo language—will focus on high-quality storytelling across politics, security, and everyday human experiences. We go where the stories are and deliver them to our audiences through print, audio, and audiovisual formats across our digital platforms.

Headquartered in Nigeria for now, this launch marks a major step forward in reclaiming African narratives and presenting them with dignity, nuance, and clarity.

“We want to show the world the Africa we know—the Africa we are proud of. Welcome to ỊDEKỌ AFRICA where Africa is seen, heard, and truly understood.”

 

For media inquiries, partnerships, or more information, please contact:
contact@idekoafrica.com
+234 816 659 2691
www.idekoafrica.com
Follow @idekoafrica on all platforms

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APC Group Accuses Kano Government of Underperformance

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Alhaji Usman Alhaji addressing the Press

 

A group known as the APC Patriotic Volunteers has strongly criticized the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) government in Kano State, describing its two-year administration as a “total failure marred by mismanagement, lawlessness, and propaganda.”

Speaking at a press conference in Ka on Wednesday, the group, led by its National President, Alhaji Usman Alhaji (Wazirin Gaya), outlined a series of alleged failures under the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

These include unfulfilled promises in education and infrastructure, as well as a blatant disregard for court rulings. “This administration has failed to honour the rule of law and has continued to operate with impunity,” the group alleged.

According to the APC Patriotic Volunteers, the NNPP-led administration has “virtually nothing to show” for the billions of naira received from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and other sources. They attributed this lack of visible achievement to “petty sentiments, lack of clear-cut policy direction, poor implementation, and the appointment of incompetent individuals to manage state affairs.”

 

The group expressed particular concern over the persistent water crisis. “The governor himself admitted failure in water supply, yet the Ministry of Water Resources claimed to have spent N1.68 billion on utilities in just three months,” they said. “Meanwhile, residents continue to suffer from acute water scarcity.” They accused the administration of insincerity and mismanagement.

The Volunteers also condemned the NNPP government’s widespread demolitions of buildings and structures across the state, describing it as a “gross violation of the rule of law.” They said the demolitions caused “loss of property worth billions of naira and several lives,” and noted that the government failed to respect court rulings on cases such as the K/Mata Eid Ground and Daula Hotel.

It was reported that on education, the group dismissed the state government’s declaration of an emergency and the allocation of 31% of the 2025 budget to the sector as “mere propaganda.” They claimed that public schools, especially in rural areas, remain in poor condition, with “overcrowded classrooms, overworked teachers, and a lack of learning materials.” According to them, “the so-called emergency on education is nothing but a deceit.”

They further criticized the NNPP administration for undermining local government autonomy, describing it as “a betrayal of President Tinubu’s efforts to strengthen governance at the grassroots.” The group alleged that local councils were recently forced to contribute funds for the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi II, “even though a court order had directed all parties to maintain the status quo.”

The group raised serious concerns over corruption and media suppression. “Despite uncovering ghost workers and diversion of Ramadan feeding funds, no serious action has been taken,” they said. They also condemned the government’s alleged attempt to silence dissenting voices by “banning live political programs on radio and ejecting media outlets from covering government activities.” The Nigerian Bar Association was commended for defending constitutional rights, with the group noting, “We appreciate the NBA’s courage in standing up for democracy.”

In addition, the Volunteers demanded accountability for $6.6 million in external loans secured between June and December 2023 and over N5 billion in ecological funds. “There is no evidence that these funds were used effectively, especially in addressing flood risks,” they said.

They criticized the handling of the Independent Power Project (IPP) initiated under the previous administration. “Instead of using the power to support water supply, it was diverted to Kwankwasiyya Housing Estate,” they claimed. “Meanwhile, key infrastructure was left to decay, worsening the water crisis.”

 

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Just In: President Tinubu confers National Honours On Ken Saro Wiwa, Shehu Sani, Bishop Kukah, Femi Falana

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Late Ken Saro Wiwa

President Tinubu confers National Honours On Ken Saro Wiwa, Shehu Sani, Bishop Kukah, Femi Falana,

The President stated this during his address for June 12 Democracy Day

Others in the list are

1. Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON)
2. Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON)
3. Kunle Ajibade (OON)
4. Nosa Igiebor (OON)
5. Dapo Olorunyomi (OON)
6. Bayo Onanuga (CON)
7. Ayo Obe (OON)
8. Dare Babarinsa (CON)
9. Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON)
10. Senator Shehu Sani (CON)
11. Governor Uba Sani (CON)
12. Barrister Femi Falana, SAN (CON)
13. Prof. Shafideen Amuwo (CON)
14. Barrister Luke Aghanenu (OON)
15. Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON)
16. Hon. Labaran Maku (OON)
17. Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON)
18. Mr Nick Dazang (OON)
19. Hon Abdul Oroh (OON)
20. Odia Ofeimun (CON)
21. Seye Kehinde (OON)
22. Barrister Felix Morka (CON)
23. Barrister Ledum Mitee (CON)
24. Hon. Olawale Osun (CON)
25. Dr. Amos Akingba (CON)
26. Prof. Segun Gbadegesin (CON)
27. Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR)
28. Dr. Kayode Shonoiki (CON)
29. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (CON)
30. Prof. Bayo Williams (CON)
31. Sen. Abu Ibrahim (CFR)
32. Sen. Ame Ebute (CFR)
33. Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu
34. Ken Saro Wiwa (CON)
35. Saturday Dobee (OON)
36. Nordu Eawo (OON)
37. Daniel Gbooko (OON)
38. Paul Levera (OON)
39. Felix Nuate (OON)
40. Baribor Bera (OON)
41. Barinem Kiobel (OON)
42. John Kpuine (OON)

 

President Tinubu also conferred the national honour on the remaing Ogoni nine.

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Nigerian Tracker reports that Ken Saro Wiwa was killed during the administration of Late General Sani Abacha on 10th November 1995 over allegations of treason.

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