Blue Origin, the space exploration company backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is laying off 10% of its workforce as part of a significant restructuring aimed at cutting costs and sharpening focus.

The decision, which affects over 1,000 employees, was announced during an all-hands meeting Thursday morning with CEO Dave Limp.

The workforce reduction, first reported by Bloomberg, follows years of rapid expansion and development within the company.

Blue Origin did not share detailed employment figures during Thursday’s announcement but has been reported to employ between 11,000 and 14,000 workers, with more than 4,000 based in Washington state.

In a memo to employees, Limp explained that the company’s growth had led to “more bureaucracy and less focus” than necessary, particularly after a hiring spree over the last few years.

Blue Origin is now taking steps to reduce its management ranks and streamline operations in an effort to clear about $10 billion in launch contracts. The company will also eliminate positions in engineering, research and development, and project management.

The layoffs come at a time when Blue Origin is still recovering from a series of delays and challenges in its quest to build a competitive space launch system. The company’s flagship New Glenn rocket, for example, was delayed multiple times before its long-awaited debut last month. Despite these setbacks, Blue Origin remains committed to a wide-ranging space portfolio, including space tourism, lunar exploration, and the development of a space station and rocket engines.

What we know 

Founded by Bezos in 2000, Blue Origin has grown rapidly in recent years, reaching a peak workforce of approximately 14,000 employees. Its headquarters are located in the Seattle area, with major manufacturing and launch sites in Florida, Texas, and Alabama.

• While the company has good plans, including a lunar lander and a major role in supporting future missions to the Moon, it has often been compared unfavorably to Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which has emerged as the most prolific rocket launcher in the world.
• In response to these challenges, Blue Origin hired Limp in 2023, a former Amazon executive, to help bring the company out of a prolonged R&D slump and refocus on its core mission. Limp, who previously led Amazon’s hardware division, is now tasked with guiding Blue Origin through a critical phase.

Looking ahead, Limp outlined the company’s goals for the future, including plans for an uncrewed lunar landing in 2025 and ramping up the launch cadence for its New Glenn and New Shepard rockets. Despite the workforce reduction, Blue Origin remains focused on its vision for the future of space exploration.

[Nairametrics]

Veteran Nollywood actor, Patrick Doyle, has knocked Nigerians who engage in public marriage proposals.

Naija News reports that the thespian, in a post via his Facebook page on Thursday, asserted that engaging in a public proposal with an entourage of cameras streaming live is imbecilic.

Patrick Doyle noted that the epidemic of narcissism and approval addiction consuming many people makes him wonder if some of them ever had any home training.

He wrote, “Asking a woman to marry you is perhaps the most intimate experience any 2 persons can be engaged in outside of actual copulation.

“This new unwholesome trend of having an entourage on hand with video cameras live streaming the act is, in my view, imbecilic.

“The epidemic of narcissism and approval addiction consuming many makes me wonder if some people ever had any home training at all.”

Meanwhile, Patrick Doyle has praised Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, for his ability to remain composed in the face of criticism.

He asserted that Davido is the least arrogant among his peers, and likened the artist’s path to a philosophy by the late Obafemi Awolowo.

Speaking via a Facebook post on Sunday, Doyle explained that Awolowo had shared how, throughout his life, adversities and criticisms often aimed at discrediting him would eventually transform into blessings.

[NaijaNews]

With possible political realignments and potential coalitions ahead of the 2027 elections, the leading regional bodies of the North and the South West have restated their positions on the issue of rotational presidency and power shift.

The northern apex socio-cultural organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has faulted the notion that the region was the ultimate kingmaker which could give victory to any presidential candidate of its choosing.

ACF further traced former President Goodluck Jonathan’s defeat in the 2015 presidential poll to his policies, rather than a gang-up by the North as widely speculated in certain quarters

On its part, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has disclosed that there was an understanding for rotation of presidency between the North and the South.

It, however, noted that the spate of defections from the opposition does not indicate that the incumbent, President Bola Tinubu, will lose the presidency in 2027.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, had on Tuesday reignited the perennial debate about power shift and rotational presidency when he told the North to forget about contesting the 2027 presidential election.

Ganduje, while receiving a delegation of President Bola Tinubu Media Centre and Tinubu Northern Youth Forum at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, said: “Our president has come from the South and is going, Insha Allah, for a second term come 2027. And after that, it will be the turn of the northern part of this country.”

Interestingly, a former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai had shared a write-up by an APC member, who warned that President Tinubu may be given the ‘Goodluck Jonathan treatment’ ahead of the next presidential election.

The former Kaduna State governor, who has been one of the leading figures in the gathering of politicians opposed to the Tinubu administration, was a key advocate for power shift to the South in the 2023 election which saw President Bola Tinubu, from the South West emerge president. Tinubu took over from Muhammadu Buhari, a Northerner who was in office for eight years.

Ganduje’s call to the North was preceded by a similar declaration, last year, by secretary to the government of the federation, Senator George Akume, who said the North should wait till 2031 to contest for the top seat which it vacated in 2023.

Akume was opposed by former vice president Atiku Abubakar, who stated that President Tinubu’s performance showed he did not deserve another term, saying, “God forbid.”

The power rotation agreement between the North and the South is one of the most contentious political debates, and it played a key role in the defeat of the former ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
But speaking exclusively with LEADERSHIP Friday in Kaduna, ACF spokesman, Prof. T.A Muhammad Baba, said El-Rufai and Ganduje were expressing their personal opinions as politicians.

He, however, disproved the notion that the North would decide the outcome of the presidential election, describing it as an exaggerated position.

He nonetheless noted that the North had learnt its lessons with the last three presidential elections.
ACF said, ”Former Governors Nasir El-Rufai and Abdullahi Ganduje, as politicians, were expressing their opinions. Let them continue talking, but when the time comes, the voters will make decisions based on the government’s policies.

“To me, it is not enough to say the North caused former President Jonathan’s defeat; his policies caused his defeat and not the North.

“I think to keep saying the North will decide presidential elections is an exaggerated position because the North alone cannot decide or give any presidential candidate victory. For you to win presidential elections, you must have 3As, which are: available, agreeable and accessible.”

According to him, in the 2027 election, “when the time comes, Nigerians will decide, not only the north. The North has learnt its lesson in 2015, 2019, 2023.”

There Is Understanding For Rotation Of Presidency Between North, South – Afenifere

The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organisation Afenifere has restated that there was an understanding for rotating the presidency between the North and the South.

When contacted, Afenifere spokesman, Comrade Jare Ajayi, stated that El Rufai and Ganduje, as politicians of stature, were expressing divergent views that align with their present political divide.
He said “Although the two of them are known as members of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), it is common knowledge that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El Rufai, has, of late, been talking more as a member of the opposition party.

“His view that the North may not vote for President Bola Tinubu in 2027 if he (Tinubu) decides to run for a second term should be viewed from that lens – that of a person who is talking from an opposition perspective.

“Alhaji Ganduje, on the other hand, is not just a member of the ruling party; he is the national chairman. On the issue at hand, the APC chairman appears to be on point.”

The Afenifere chieftain, however, asserted that “there seems to be a gentleman’s understanding between politicians in the North and those in the South for the Presidency to rotate between the two zones. It is expected that a southerner occupying the position presently in the person of Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu will spend two terms like former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Mohammadu Buhari.”

As for El-Rufai’s claim that Tinubu’s influence is waning in the North, Ajayi said it is the election that will really determine that.

“But if we go by the rate at which politicians in the opposition parties are defecting into the APC, it may be a bit difficult to agree with the former Kaduna State governor on this score.

“Also, the situation that prevented former President Goodluck Jonathan from getting a second term in 2015 may not necessarily be the same in 2027,” the Afenifere spokesman said.

[Leadership]

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has renewed calls for deeper backward integration in the telecommunications sector, emphasising the need to localise key supply chains while expanding financial services to benefit ordinary Nigerians.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, during a courtesy visit to CBN headquarters by Airtel Africa’s management team, led by Group Chief Executive Officer Mr. Sunil Taldar, Cardoso stressed the need to reduce the sector’s reliance on foreign exchange.

He noted that the CBN has spent the past 16 months stabilising the foreign exchange market, strengthening the Naira’s competitiveness, and boosting investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.

With these gains, he said, telecom firms must now embrace backward integration by producing essential components such as SIM cards, cables, and towers locally. This shift, he argued, would not only ease dollar demand but also create jobs and strengthen the economy.

Beyond industry reforms, Cardoso highlighted the CBN’s broader vision of deepening financial inclusion and enhancing digital payment solutions for everyday Nigerians. He announced plans for a high-level summit where the Apex Bank will collaborate with key industry stakeholders to develop strategies that promote accessible, efficient, and innovative financial services.

“The CBN is committed to ensuring that financial services reach more Nigerians, especially in rural and underserved communities. Through collaboration with relevant agencies and industry players, we aim to build a more inclusive and digitally-driven financial ecosystem,” Cardoso said.

In response, Airtel Africa’s Group CEO, Mr. Sunil Taldar, commended the CBN’s reforms and voiced support for backward integration, emphasising that reducing reliance on the dollar was in the mid to long-term interest of telecom operators. He was accompanied by CEO, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Dinesh Balsingh; Group CFO, Mr. Jaideep Paul; and Director of Corporate Communications & CSR, Mr. Femi Adeniran.

[DailyTrust]

In the ever-evolving world of Nollywood, few names shine as brightly as Funke Akindele’s own. From dominating the television screen to breaking box office records with her films, Akindele has become one of the most influential figures in the Nigerian film industry as a whole. Through her infectious blend of comedy, drama, and cultural authenticity, she has not only captivated audiences but has also reshaped the industry and approach to marketing cinema films.

The Rise of Funke Akindele

Akindele’s journey began in the early 2000s with the hit TV series Jenifa’s Diary, a spin-off from her 2008 film Jenifa, where she played the role of the quirky but lovable Jenifa, a woman navigating the challenges of life in Nigeria. The show’s unique humor and relatable characters made Akindele a household name. Over the years, Jenifa’s Diary has become one of Nigeria’s longest-running and most popular sitcoms, earning her the title of “the queen of Nigerian comedy.”

However, Akindele’s reach extends far beyond television. She quickly became a dominant force in Nollywood, known for her astute filmmaking skills and entrepreneurial mindset. Her early foray into film production and direction, such as with the political comedy ‘Your Excellency’ in 2019, proved that she was not only a talented actress but also a strategic businesswoman, capable of producing high-grossing films.

Breaking Box Office Records

Akindele’s first notable success to date came with her 202o film ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga’ co-directed and produced by Akindele. The film became a record-breaker, grossing over 600 million Naira and cementing her status as a box office powerhouse. It was an instant hit, beloved for its sharp social commentary, dynamic characters, and blend of drama and comedy. ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga’ went on to become one of the highest-grossing Nollywood films in history.

However, Akindele’s box office success didn’t stop there. Her latest works, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ broke the previous record while ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’ broke the previous film’s record, solidifying her reputation as a creative force in the industry.

A Tribe Called Judah: Redefining Nollywood

Released in December 2023, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ is a gripping film that blends adventure, drama, and cultural exploration. In this movie, Akindele takes on a more serious, intense role, which is a departure from her usual comedic style. The film, which explores the intricate dynamics of a powerful African dynasty, has drawn rave reviews for its rich storytelling and stunning visuals.

‘A Tribe Called Judah’ was not just a commercial hit but also critically acclaimed, praised for its originality and depth. It grossed over 400 million Naira within its first weeks of release, surpassing several major Nollywood films in that period and went on to gross a total of N1.45 billion. Its success has been attributed to Akindele’s ability to tap into the global demand for African-centered narratives that go beyond stereotypical portrayals, offering audiences something fresh and thought-provoking.

Everybody Loves Jenifa: The legacy continues

In 2024, Akindele delighted her fans with the much-anticipated third franchise in the Jenifa’s series, ‘Everybody Loves JENIFA.’ Fans have long awaited the return of their favorite character, and Akindele didn’t disappoint. The film builds on the success of the original franchise, mixing laughter with life lessons. Jenifa’s quirky character is as relatable as ever, dealing with personal challenges and social issues in her distinct, humorous way.

The film was a massive hit, quickly grossing over a billion Naira at the box office and solidifying Funke Akindele’s role as Nollywood’s most bankable star. Critics and audiences alike have lauded the film for staying true to the essence of the beloved sitcom while introducing new layers to the story. Return of Jenifa shows that even after over a decade, Jenifa’s charm and relevance continue to strike a chord with Nigerian and international audiences alike.

Paving way for new faces

What sets Akindele apart from many of her peers is her unwavering commitment to mentoring and empowering emerging filmmakers. Through her production company, The Funke Akindele Network, she has actively nurtured new talent, offering opportunities to up-and-coming directors, writers, and actors. This passion for helping others break into the industry is a key part of Akindele’s legacy, ensuring that Nollywood’s future is diverse, inclusive, and continually evolving.

Her films, ‘Battle on Buka Street,’ ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga’ and ‘A Tribe Called Judah,’ have been acquired by major global streaming platforms like Netflix, increasing Nollywood’s global footprint. This newfound international attention underscores the potential of African stories to capture the world’s imagination, with Akindele at the forefront of this cinematic revolution.

As Akindele continues to dominate the box office and build her legacy, it is clear that she will remain a central figure in Nollywood for years to come. She has not only broken box office records—she’s helped set new benchmarks for the industry, proving that with hard work, vision, and innovation, anything is possible in the world of Nollywood.

Funke Akindele’s journey is far from over, and as she continues to blaze a trail, one thing is certain: she will remain an unstoppable force in Nigerian cinema.

Rose Idibia, the mother of veteran singer Innocent, popularly known as 2face, has raised the alarm that Nigerians should help her beg Edo State lawmaker, Natasha Osawuru, to leave her son.

She made the appeal in a video that went viral on Thursday evening.

According to Mrs Idibia, 2face is presently not in his right frame of mind due to the divorce proceedings with his estranged wife, Annie.

“Good evening, Nigerians. My name is Mrs Rose Idibia, the mother of 2face. This message is for Miss Natasha Osawaru of Edo State. I’m calling on all mothers in Nigeria to help me beg her to free my son.

“My son is going through a divorce process, and he is clearly not in his right senses now. I know my son well. That is not him.

“Please Natasha, the beads you put on his hand and on his neck, remove them and free him,” she said.

The PUNCH reports a viral video on Thursday that captured the moment 2face proposed to Osawaru.

In the video, the singer and the lawmaker were seen dancing together to the admiration of some of their friends.

2face later proceeded to present Osawaru with a ring, after which they were locked in a long embrace.

This comes just a day after the musician publicly confirmed his romantic relationship with Osawaru, setting social media abuzz.

The revelation follows his recent separation from his wife, Annie Idibia, with the singer expressing his intention to take things further with Osawaru.

Speculations about their relationship had been growing after 2face was seen at the Edo State Assembly and a video surfaced showing the two together at a Lagos club.

Addressing the rumours, the African Queen crooner took to Instagram on Tuesday to set the record straight.

In the video, he said in part, “Allegedly, I have seen so many things, so many people coming up with their own false narratives and malicious nonsense after I posted that stuff that I posted. Yes, I posted what I posted.

“Hon. Natasha has been dragged, she has been called all sorts of names, she has been labelled as a home breaker.

“She is a young, brilliant, amazing woman, and she had nothing to do with what is happening between me and Annie in our marriage. Yes I love her, she is amazing, she is cool, I want to marry her.”

[Punch]

Nigerian media personality Chinedu Ani Emmanuel, popularly known as Nedu Wazobia, has announced his departure from The Honest Bunch podcast.

His exit follows controversy surrounding a recent episode featuring comedian and reality TV star Deeone, who alleged that social media critic VeryDarkMan (VDM) was attracted to men.

In response, VDM accused Nedu of persistently requesting his appearance on the podcast since 2024 and allegedly offering to buy him a car as an incentive. He further claimed that Nedu had reached out multiple times, suggesting this was the reason behind the allegations made against him by Deeone.

VDM also warned Nedu against further communication through his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, threatening to expose alleged dealings involving female celebrities if the matter persisted.

In a statement released on Instagram on Friday, Nedu said his decision to step down was influenced by growing scrutiny and accusations, which he described as baseless.

“The past week has brought a lot into perspective for me. Hosting The Honest Bunch Podcast has been an incredible journey—one built on open conversations, bold perspectives, and the willingness to tackle difficult topics. But with that responsibility has come an overwhelming level of scrutiny, antagonism, and unfounded accusations that have now begun to take a personal toll,” he stated.

Nedu added that his exit was necessary for his well-being, family, and the integrity of the podcast, expressing hope that the decision would bring an end to the controversy.

“In light of recent events, I have made the difficult decision to step away from the podcast. This is not a decision I take lightly, but one I believe is necessary—for my peace of mind, for my family, and for the integrity of the show itself. I have always been committed to honest conversations, but when those conversations lead to relentless attacks and misrepresentation, it becomes clear that stepping back is the best path forward.”

“I sincerely hope this decision brings an end to the negativity surrounding my name and allows The Honest Bunch Podcast to continue thriving. I remain committed to fostering dialogue in ways that encourage meaningful engagement and growth, and I look forward to new opportunities that align with that vision.”

“I wish the show continued success and thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey,” the statement concluded.

[Vanguard]

Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), has asked the senate to conduct the investigation into the missing 3,907 firearms behind “closed doors”.

Egbetokun’s request is contained in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on the floor of the red chamber on Thursday.

BACKGROUND

On Tuesday, the senate committee on public accounts queried the Nigeria Police Force (NFP) over the missing firearms.

The 2019 auditor-general of the federation report revealed that some firearms and ammunition were missing from the police armoury.

Egbetokun nominated Suleiman Abdul, an assistant inspector-general (AIG), to respond to the senators’ queries.

However, the explanation offered by the police representative was not satisfactory to the lawmakers.

Abdul had sought an executive session but was rejected by the majority of the committee members.

‘CLOSED DOORS PROBE WILL PREVENT MISINFORMATION’

In the letter, the IGP commended the senate for the investigation but called for a closed-door session in subsequent hearings.

Egbetokun said the probe is a “sensitive security issue,” and discussing it in the open would create a “wrong impression” in the minds of Nigerians and the international community.

“This is crucial to prevent misinformation and ensure national security,” he said.

Emphasising the need for an executive session in subsequent engagements with the police, Egbetokun said, “this will help prevent the spread of misinformation and protect national security interest”.

“It will also allow for more candid discussions and fact-finding,” he said.

Akpabio said the letter “speaks for itself,” adding that the senate would continue with the probe.

Earlier on Thursday, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said some of the ammunition went missing during civil unrest and not during the tenure of Egbetokun.

[TheCable]

In 1992, Kenneth Okonkwo became a household name in Nigeria when he starred in the iconic Nollywood film “Living in Bondage”. His role as Andy Okeke, a man ensnared by the dark grip of ritualistic wealth, mirrored the struggles of many who sought prosperity but found themselves shackled by forces beyond their control. Decades later, Okonkwo found himself caught in another kind of servitude, political bondage within Nigeria’s Labour Party (LP). His recent resignation from the party can be seen as his real-life liberation, echoing his on-screen redemption.

At this juncture, it is reasonable to peep into the original bondage, “Living in Bondage”. The film, Living in Bondage, was a defining moment in Nollywood history, a movie that laid the foundation for the industry’s growth. Okonkwo’s character, Andy Okeke, symbolized the desperation of many Nigerians who, in the quest for success, made perilous sacrifices. Andy’s story was one of entrapment, he was deceived into joining a cult that promised wealth in exchange for an ultimate sacrifice: his wife’s life. The price of his ambition was heavy, and his prosperity turned into torment.

However, the film’s climax offered a path to redemption. Andy, after much suffering, found salvation through divine intervention and the strength to break free from his bondage. This resolution resonated deeply with many Nigerians who saw in Andy’s struggles their own battles against societal pressures and the consequences of morally compromising choices.

Beyond its entertainment value, Living in Bondage served as a cautionary tale, warning against the consequences of unchecked ambition and moral compromise. It remains a reference point in Nigerian pop culture, underscoring how desperation can lead individuals into situations they later regret.

Years after Living in Bondage, Okonkwo made another fateful choice, this time, in the political arena. In the 2023 elections, he aligned himself with Peter Obi’s Labour Party, becoming a vocal advocate for the ‘Obidient’ movement. His eloquence and passion made him one of the most visible spokespersons of the party, and for a while, it seemed he had found a new purpose in fighting for a better Nigeria.

Okonkwo’s move to the Labour Party was seen as a bold statement, especially considering his previous alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He positioned himself as a champion of the common man, speaking out against corruption, bad governance, and systemic failures in Nigeria. Many saw his transition as a sign of political rebirth, a man finally aligning with a cause that resonated with his values and those of the Nigerian people.

However, as time passed, Okonkwo’s relationship with the Labour Party soured. The very ideals that attracted him to the movement began to wane as internal party politics took a turn for the worse. Labour Party, once seen as a beacon of hope for change, became embroiled in factional conflicts, corruption allegations, and ideological inconsistencies. Okonkwo, who had once fought against tyranny and oppression in his movie roles, found himself ensnared in a different kind of bondage, political servitude.

His situation mirrored Andy Okeke’s dilemma in Living in Bondage, an initial promise of prosperity and change turning into entrapment. Just as Andy realized that wealth gained through dubious means came with a price, Okonkwo came to see that the Labour Party was not the sanctuary of democratic principles he had hoped for. He became increasingly vocal about his concerns, warning of the dangers of internal discord and the betrayal of the movement’s ideals.

Just days ago, Okonkwo made a bold move, announcing his resignation from the Labour Party. In his statement, he cited a departure from the core principles that initially drew him to the movement. He declared that he was breaking free from the chains of political hypocrisy and manipulation, much like Andy Okeke did in Living in Bondage.

His resignation sent shockwaves through the political landscape, as he had been one of the party’s most ardent defenders. Many wondered if his departure signaled deeper problems within the Labour Party, raising questions about its ability to remain a credible alternative to the dominant political parties in Nigeria. Others saw his exit as an act of courage, a refusal to be complicit in a system that did not align with his values.

Okonkwo’s decision also sparked debate about the nature of Nigerian politics. Is true political freedom even possible in a system rife with corruption, tribalism, and self-interest? His resignation suggests that breaking free from one form of bondage often leads to another set of challenges. It remains to be seen whether he will seek another political platform or chart an entirely new course outside the party system.

Without a doubt, there are lessons from Okonkwo’s Odyssey.  The lessons can be found in his journey from theatric bondage to political bondage and now to self-declared liberation.

One of the several lessons learnt in his odyssey is that power structures are often restrictive. Whether in the world of Living in Bondage or the Nigerian political scene, those seeking power often find themselves entangled in unforeseen constraints. Okonkwo’s experience highlights the difficulty of maintaining independence within established systems.

Secondly, there is the lesson that liberation comes at a cost. In Living in Bondage, Andy Okeke had to endure suffering before finding redemption. In politics, breaking free from an oppressive system often means losing influence and platform. Okonkwo’s resignation from Labour Party is a sacrifice, but perhaps one necessary for his peace of mind.

Against the foregoing backdrop, one can opine that the Nigerian political landscape needs reform. This is as Okonkwo’s disillusionment with Labour Party is emblematic of a broader problem in Nigerian politics, parties that fail to uphold their own ideals. If a movement that prided itself on change and transparency could devolve into infighting and ideological drift, then the nation’s political structure is in dire need of reform.

In fact, Okonkwo’s resignation is a reminder that politicians should not cling to a party out of mere loyalty. When a party deviates from its values, individuals of integrity must make the hard choice to walk away.

At this juncture, the question begging for answer is “What’s next for Okonkwo?” The foregoing queston I no doubt pertinent as he steps away from Labour Party, and is at another crossroads. Will he join another political party, form a new movement, or focus on activism outside of traditional politics? Time will tell, but one thing is clear: he refuses to remain in bondage. His latest decision affirms that personal conviction should not be sacrificed on the altar of political loyalty.

For many Nigerians, Okonkwo’s journey is an allegory of their own struggles, aspiring for something greater but often finding themselves trapped in a system that demands compromise. Whether in politics, business, or personal pursuits, his story serves as a reminder that breaking free from any form of bondage requires courage, self-awareness, and a willingness to start anew.

In the end, just like Andy Okeke, Kenneth Okonkwo has declared, “I am free, I’m no more living in bondage”.