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[PRESS STATEMENT] Governor Soludo Mourns Father Of APGA National Chairman, Chief Sylvester Chukwudozie Ezeokenwa - Christian Aburime
Admin![[PRESS STATEMENT] Governor Soludo Mourns Father Of APGA National Chairman, Chief Sylvester Chukwudozie Ezeokenwa - Christian Aburime](/media/k2/items/cache/55730ed9cfb85f0a2d5a9f88971b480f_L.jpg)
The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has expressed profound sadness on the passing of Chief Sir Sylvester Chukwudozie Ezeokenwa, KSJI (Ezeudo-Umuchu), the beloved father of Chief Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa Jr., National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
In his condolence remarks, Governor Soludo described Chief Ezeokenwa as an outstanding community leader, a consummate political figure, and a pioneer officer of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State. His unreserved dedication to the party and his relentless efforts in galvanising grassroots support have notably contributed to making APGA stronger as a foremost progressive party and are deeply appreciated.
The Governor further stated that the deceased’s legacy of service, leadership, and tenacious commitment to societal progress, which has continued to reflect in his son (Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa Jr.) as the APGA national chairman, will always be remembered and cherished by all APGA members and Ndi Anambra at large.
Therefore, Governor Soludo condoles with Chief Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa and the entire Ezeokenwa family, praying for the peaceful repose of their patriarch’s soul and comfort for the family at this difficult time.
Signed,
Christian Aburime
Press Secretary to the Governor
[PRESS RELEASE] INEC: Publication Of Personal Particulars Of Candidates For The 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] INEC: Publication Of Personal Particulars Of Candidates For The 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election](/media/k2/items/cache/6e68368c11ccfd337cc02cb3edcc0f92_L.jpg)
Following the conclusion of party primaries, sixteen (16) Political Parties have uploaded their candidates' nomination forms for the Anambra State Governorship Election by the deadline of 6.00pm on Monday 12th May 2025 when the dedicated portal automatically shut down.
As provided in Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and listed as item 4 on the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election, the Commission has published the personal particulars of each candidate and his running mate by displaying copies of the Form EC9, along with all the accompanying academic credentials and other documents submitted by them, at our State Headquaters and the 21 Local Government offices across Anambra State.
We appeal to Nigerians to scrutinise the documents. Any aspirant who participated in his/her party primaries with reasonable grounds to believe that the information provided by a candidate is false can challenge the nomination in a Federal High Court as provided in Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022.
The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025 which is at least 150 days before the day of the election in line with the provision of Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and listed as item 7 on our Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.
The Anambra State Governorship Election is scheduled to hold on Saturday 8th November 2025.
Sam Olumekun mni
National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the personal particulars of the candidates for the Anambra governorship election slated for November 8.
A statement issued on Saturday by Sam Olumekun, INEC commissioner and chairman of the information and voter education committee, said 16 political parties successfully submitted nominations for their governorship and deputy governorship candidates before the May 12 deadline.
The particulars were displayed at INEC’s state headquarters and all 21 LG offices across Anambra state.
They include academic credentials and other relevant documents submitted by the candidates.
“We appeal to Nigerians to scrutinise the documents. Any aspirant who participated in his/her party primaries with reasonable grounds to believe that the information provided by a candidate is false can challenge the nomination in a Federal High Court as provided in Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022,” the statement reads.
“The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025, which is at least 150 days before the day of the election in line with the provision of Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and listed as item 7 on our Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.
“The Anambra State Governorship Election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, 8th November 2025
[PRESS STATEMENT] Governor Soludo Celebrates Football Legend Emmanuel Okala At 74 - Christian Aburime
Admin![[PRESS STATEMENT] Governor Soludo Celebrates Football Legend Emmanuel Okala At 74 - Christian Aburime](/media/k2/items/cache/616cc0e1775fd5254ccd1a40b4c5b2b9_M.jpg)
The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has congratulated an illustrious son of Anambra State and African football legend, Emmanuel Anthony Oguejiofo Okala, on the occasion of his 74th birthday on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
In his goodwill message, Governor Soludo recalled that Emmanuel Okala, born in the historic town of Onitsha, rose to national and continental prominence through his brilliant exploits as the towering goalkeeper of the Nigerian national football team between 1972 and 1980. His dedication, discipline, and excellence between the goalposts earned him the coveted title of Nigerian Footballer of the Year in 1978 and a prominent place in the squad that clinched Nigeria’s first-ever African Cup of Nations title in 1980.
Governor Soludo, while emphasizing that Anambra is a land blessed with heroes and legends, extolled Emmanuel Okala as a towering symbol of Anambra’s sporting pride and Nigeria’s footballing heritage.
So, Governor Soludo once again congratulates Mr. Okala on his birthday and prays for his continued good health, long life, and personal fulfilment.
Signed:
Christian Aburime
Press Secretary to the Governor
![[PRESS STATEMENT] Prof Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede CON, The Uncommon Person - Yusuf Ali, SAN](/media/k2/items/cache/60207dc3e94fe8e8b3f10c2c4d0b424a_M.jpg?t=20250517_052044)
Let me make a confession that Prof. Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede the Registrar and Chief executive of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has been a personal Friend of about 50 years, I need to make this disclosure, so that no one will accuse me of writing this testimonial, without the disclosure of our affinity.
Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede is one of very few individuals for whom I can swear with the Holy Quran about their honesty, integrity, transparency, incorruptibility, Human empathy and selflessness.
It was unfortunate that technical glitch engendered by 3rd parties, negatively affected the conduct of the 2025 JAMB examination in some places in the South East and Lagos. This unfortunate incident, has led to the decision to conduct new examination for about 300,000 candidates out of the over 1.5 Million candidates that wrote the examination.
Many of the commentators seem to forget the clime in which Oloyede operates, that he decided not to take the path of most public servants in our country by treating the complaints about the examination with impunity, has led a few of the commentators to ask for his head.
I dare say that, the path he had chosen on this unfortunate matter of admitting that there were mistakes, owing up and showing genuine empathy to the victims of this unfortunate event, is a rare occurrence in our part of the world.
Oloyede has shown that those who operate in our national space are also fallible like all humans and that perfection belongs only to Almighty Allah.
He has shown candor, honesty, transparency, humanness, and leadership by accepting full responsibility for acts of others because he happens to be the head of the Organization.
We that know Oloyede closely, can attest to the sleepless nights he usually has, at least three months before any of these examinations, moving physically, sometimes at very unreasonable hours of the day to visit the various offices of JAMB all over Nigeria in preparation for these examinations.
No serious leader will abandon his people at the time of a crisis, which is what his resignation at this point will translate to. This unfortunate incident happened under his watch and it makes a lot of sense, that he should not abandon ship but be manly enough to see to the end of the problem. Good leadership is not about taking flight when negative issues arise.
I therefore attest to the patriotic and nationalistic credentials of Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede. We should also remember, this is not his first public duty assignment. He excelled in his former assignments to the admiration of all. In-sha
Allah, his tenure at JAMB will not be different.
Prof. Yusuf Ali SAN FCIArb
1st Kuliya Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate fell to 23.71 per cent in April 2025, down from 24.23 per cent in March 2025, according to new statistics issued by the National Bureau of Statistics.
This signifies a 0.52 percentage point decrease from last month, suggesting a more gradual increase in the overall price level of goods and services across the country.
The relaxation aligns with a major revision to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), following the NBS’s completion of a long-anticipated rebasing of the CPI structure.
The rebasing replaces out-of-date reference periods from 2009, putting the CPI in line with current economic conditions.
According to the Bureau, “Rebasing aligns the price and weight reference periods with the current economic environment, ensuring methodological accuracy, updating the composition of the goods and services basket, revising item weights, and incorporating necessary improvements.”
The newly updated CPI now uses 2024 as the price reference year (base year) and 2023 as the weight reference period. It covers 934 product varieties across 13 divisions under the international COICOP 2018 classification framework.
Month-on-month, the inflation rate in April stood at 1.86 per cent, significantly lower than March figure of 3.90 per cent
“This means that in April 2025, the rate of increase in the average price level is lower than the rate of increase in the average price level in March 2025,” the NBS noted.
The CPI for April stood at 119.52 points, representing a 2.18-point increase from the previous month.
The latest CPI data comes ahead of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting slated for May 19 and 20, 2025.
Recall that Nigeria’s inflation rose to 24.23 per cent in March for the first time after the CPI rebase in January 2025.
In February, the CBN MPC paused interest rate hikes after inflation dropped.
![[PRESS RELEASE] NOA Commends JAMB’s Transparency, Urges Further Action on UTME Errors](/media/k2/items/cache/229d2290bc4125e001e71a3c1995a7e4_S.jpg)
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has applauded the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for its exceptional transparency and accountability in addressing the challenges that followed the recently concluded 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The Agency described JAMB’s open acknowledgement of its lapses as a rare and commendable act of leadership, one that reflects a deep sense of institutional responsibility.
The Director General of the NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, lauded the Registrar of JAMB, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, for demonstrating the kind of integrity and courage that public leadership demands. He noted that this act of forthrightness is not only a testament to Professor Oloyede’s personal values but also aligns with the principles of the National Values Charter (NVC), which enjoins all public institutions to operate with the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
Mallam Onilu, however, emphasized the need for JAMB to go a step further by initiating remedial measures that directly address the concerns of candidates, parents, and other stakeholders affected by the errors. "While recognition of mistakes is the first step, redemption and restitution are other necessary steps to be taken. Having decided to provide another opportunity to the candidates as a way of redeeming the errors, it is imperative that JAMB considers appropriate compensation to mitigate the stress and anxiety these candidates may have suffered," he said.
He stressed that the NOA remains unwavering in its commitment to promoting a governance culture anchored in trust, integrity, and mutual respect between citizens and institutions. “JAMB’s example should serve as a model for other public institutions. When institutions own their mistakes and act to correct them, they earn the respect and confidence of the people,” he stated.
Reflecting on the Citizen Codes under the National Values Charter, the DG reiterated that leadership is a collective responsibility. “Every citizen, whether in public service or private life, has a duty to uphold the core values of integrity, accountability, and transparency. These values are not optional—they are the pillars of a just and equitable society.”
Mallam Onilu reaffirmed the resolve of the agency to continue its advocacy for responsible leadership and value-driven citizenship. He noted that the Agency’s campaign to entrench the ideals of the National Values Charter across all levels of society will remain a central focus, as Nigeria strives toward a more ethical, inclusive, and responsible governance culture.
Paul Odenyi
Deputy Director, Media & Communication
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to N910 per litre from N935 per litre in Abuja.
However, the price adjustment has not yet been implemented in Lagos and other cities across Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Dangote Petroleum Refinery initiated the price adjustment last weekend, slashing the gantry price of petrol to N825 per litre from N835 per litre, as competition intensifies in the domestic market.
This follows a previous price reduction last month, when the 650,000 barrels per day refinery lowered the gantry price to N835 per litre from N865 per litre.
According to checks by Vanguard, the latest adjustment aims to provide customers with better value and consolidate Dangote’s leadership position in the domestic market.
According to Petroleumprice.ng, “With control over more than 50% of Nigeria’s fuel market, Dangote recently dropped its petrol price to ₦825 per litre. While the refinery hasn’t officially announced this, sources say it offers flexible deals to its bulk marketers, who now resell at ₦830 or slightly lower.
“This approach helps Dangote stay ahead of depot owners facing higher overheads.
“Dangote’s model has closed the price gap by ₦10 to ₦15, applying significant pressure on competitors.
“Nigeria’s fuel market is undergoing a transformation. Crude prices play a minimal role, while local strategies now dominate.
“Dangote’s growing market share stems from aggressive pricing and operational efficiency.
“Although consumers benefit in the short term, long-term effects may alter the country’s fuel supply landscape. As the price war continues, Dangote’s influence will likely expand, further straining smaller players.”
A Bitcoin mining company backed by the family of United States President Donald Trump announced that it was set to go public this year.
According to Bloomberg, the American Bitcoin Corporation, a newly launched firm majority-owned by crypto company Hut 8 Corp and partially owned by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., will go public via an all-stock merger with Gryphon Digital Mining.
Following the merger, the combined entity will operate under the name American Bitcoin and is expected to list on Nasdaq under the ticker ABTC.
The deal is slated to close by the third quarter of 2025, likely by October.
LEADERSHIP recalls that this is not the first time the Trump’s family is venturing into the cryptocurrency business.
Previous ventures include World Liberty Financial and meme coins like $TRUMP and $MELANIA. With American Bitcoin, the family is now eyeing a large-scale Bitcoin mining and accumulating a strategic Bitcoin reserve.
Launched in March 2025, American Bitcoin positions itself as a “pure-play” mining firm focused exclusively on Bitcoin infrastructure and accumulation.
Once the merger is complete, existing shareholders, including the Trump brothers, will retain 98% ownership in the company.
Eric Trump will continue as Chief Strategic Officer, according to Reuters.
Eric described the company’s vision as building “the most investable Bitcoin accumulation platform in the market,” aiming to become “the world’s largest pure-play Bitcoin mining operation.”
Hut 8 CEO Asher Gennot added that the public listing would unlock access to dedicated growth capital without weighing on Hut 8’s balance sheet, while allowing shareholders to benefit from long-term Bitcoin upside.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) acknowledges the significant volume of unusual complaints following the release of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results, which were officially published last Friday . In response, the Board is fast forwarding its annual system review—a comprehensive post-mortem of the examination process that is conducted each year months after the exercise.
The Board’s annual review encompasses three key stages: registration, examination, and result release. During the examination phase, JAMB ensures that every candidate is afforded the opportunity to sit for the test. Should any technical issues arise, the Board reschedules the examination for affected candidates without hesitation.
We are particularly concerned about the unusual complaints originating from a few states within the Federation. We are currently scrutinising these complaints in detail to identify and rectify any potential technical issues. To assist in this process, we have engaged a number of experts, including members from the Computer Professionals Association of Nigeria, Chief External Examiners, who are heads of tertiary institutions, the Educational Association and Research Network in Africa, measurement experts, and Vice Chancellors from various institutions. If it is determined that there were indeed glitches, we will implement appropriate remedial measures promptly, as we do in the case of the examinations themselves.
Fabian Benjamin, Ph.D.,
Public Communication Advisor, JAMB
More...
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has elected a consultant psychiatrist at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, Prof. Chris Piwuna, as its next president.
Piwuna, who is also the Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Jos, takes over from Victor Osodeke, a Professor of Soil Science from the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State.
The decision was taken at the 23rd National Delegates Congress of the Union, which took place in Benin on Sunday.
The election was contested between Piwuna and Prof. Adamu Babayo from the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, according to verified sources familiar with the development.
Piwuna’s assumption of office comes amidst widespread speculations of industrial action following issues surrounding the sharing formula of the Earned Academic Allowances recently released by the Federal Government of Nigeria, brain drain, among others.
Key issues fueling these concerns include disputes over the sharing formula of the Earned Academic Allowances recently released by the Federal Government, as well as concerns over the ongoing brain drain affecting Nigeria’s academic sector.
Prof. Chris Piwuna, the Dean of Students Affairs at the University of Jos and a consultant psychiatrist at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, has been elected as the new national president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
He succeeds Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, a Professor of Soil Science from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.
Piwuna’s election was confirmed during ASUU’s 23rd National Delegates Congress held on Sunday in Benin City, Edo State. He won against Prof. Adamu Babayo of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.
The new president will lead ASUU for the next four years.
[Vanguard]
Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that he is not desperate to return to office, revealing that his “spirit left the Government House long ago.”
Fubara, however, acknowledged the immense support he had received from many people and emphasised the importance of standing by those who have made sacrifices for him.
He made the remarks on Sunday during a Night of Tributes organizsd by the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum in honour of the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark.
The event took place at the Royal House of Grace Church in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Fubara warned that the solemn occasion should not be misinterpreted, especially in light of some politically charged comments made by earlier speakers and clergy.
This marked his first public speech since President Bola Tinubu suspended him from office and declared a state of emergency in the state on March 18, 2025.
“If I had my way, I wouldn’t want to return,” Fubara said. “But many people, including the late Chief Clark, have made sacrifices for me. That’s why I must stand by them.”
Reacting to comments made by some speakers, Fubara expressed concern that the event might be misrepresented as a political rally targeting his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, and President Tinubu. He urged speakers to exercise restraint.
“This is my first time speaking publicly since the events of March 18,” he said. “I’ve attended several gatherings, but I’ve been careful with my words. When the mood of an event doesn’t align with my beliefs, I feel uncomfortable—because many of you don’t truly understand the situation.”
Fubara continued, “It’s not about shouting ‘Oshobe, Oshobe.’ At a point, that doesn’t solve anything. I had to be here because Pa Clark was special to me. My presence today is the most significant contribution I can make to honour him.”
He cautioned that the event’s focus should remain on paying tribute to the late Pa Clark and not veer into political territory.
“This programme is a tribute to Pa Clark. It’s not about Sim Fubara,” he stressed. “Even though I respect the message from the bishop, today is not the time for political declarations. Otherwise, people will leave here saying Fubara gathered his supporters to attack the minister or the President. That’s not my mission.”
He added, “Do you think I’m even interested in going back? Just look at me—I look better now. I have peace. If I had my way, I wouldn’t go back there. My spirit left Government House long ago.”
Fubara emphasised that not every battle is worth fighting and urged the public to ask whether he truly desires to return to power.
“Inasmuch as we must stand with those who made sacrifices for us, that doesn’t mean we should start shooting blindly. Let us stay focused,” he advised.
He reiterated that the gathering was to honour Pa Clark and urged participants to reflect on the late statesman’s legacy of peace, justice, and selfless service.
Meanwhile, in a statement released by his media aide, Nelson Chukwudi, Governor Fubara urged his supporters to refrain from confrontational rhetoric and to follow his example of strategic restraint and peacebuilding.
He noted that some remarks and actions by supporters were inconsistent with his own values and could further inflame tensions in the state.
Fubara said he often wonders whether his supporters truly consider whether their approach leads to peace and reconciliation.
He warned against acts that could worsen the already delicate situation.
As a leader, he said, he remained conscious of the weight of responsibility on his shoulders and is committed to acting within the law to restore stability and move Rivers State forward.
He also stated that he now enjoys peace of mind and better health and called on all to draw inspiration from the late Chief Clark’s life, particularly his dedication to unity, justice, and peace in the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
During his homily, Apostle Zilly Aggrey quoted James 4:13–16, Hebrews 12:14–15, and Matthew 7:12, stressing the need for wisdom and reconciliation among political actors.
Apostle Aggrey urged all parties involved in the crisis to make peace, emphasising that only a united people can overcome adversity.
He thanked former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his role in Fubara’s emergence as governor and encouraged him to champion reconciliation for the good of the state.
Aggrey also commended PresidentTinubu for his efforts in managing the political crisis and appealed for more proactive measures to restore democratic stability in Rivers State.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the event included former Governor and Chairman of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, Chief Rufus George; former Deputy Governor, Sir Gabriel Toby; Senator Benneth Birabi; Prof. Atuboyedia Obianime; Prof. Steve Azaiki; Ms. Ann Kio Briggs; Bishop Elkanah Hanson; Senator Andrew Uchendu; Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe; Prof. Roseline Konya; and Senator John Azuta Mbata.
Accompanying Governor Fubara were Senator John Azuta Mbata, Senator Adawari Michael Pepple, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka, Chief Hanny Woko, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Dr. Edison Ehie, and Chief Theodore Georgewill.
The occasion also drew the attendance of Awaji-Inombek Abiante, representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, Chikodi Dike, and other dignitaries.
Communique Issued At The End Of The Joint Meeting Of The Northern States Governors' Forum With The Chairmen Of The Northern States Traditional Rulers' Council, Held On Saturday, 10th May, 2025 At The Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna
Admin
The Northern States Governors Forum convened a joint meeting with the Chairmen of the Northern States Traditional Rulers Council on Saturday, 10th May, 2025 at the Council Chamber of the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.
The meeting was attended by Their Excellencies, the Governors of all 19 Northern States and Their Royal Highnesses, the Chairmen of the 19 Northern States Traditional Rulers' Councils.
Forum acknowledges the critical role of nonpartisan cooperation, collaboration, and peer review in effectively addressing the numerous developmental challenges confronting the northern region and the nation at large.
After exhaustive deliberations on matters of regional interest, particularly security, the Forum released the following communique:
1. The Forum commends Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for his sustained commitment to addressing the security challenges and infrastructural deficits in Northern Nigeria.
2. The Forum resolved to liaise with the Nigerian Governors Forum to work out modalities of how to increase support to the Federal Security Agencies.
3. The Forum also resolved to strengthen peculiar local initiatives in combating all forms of security challenges.
4. The Forum also resolved to urgently set up inter-state platforms to coordinate surveillance on our joint borders.
5. The Forum reiterated its support for the creation of State Police and called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the enactment of the legal framework for its take off.
6. Forum's next meeting will hold on the 30th of August 2025.
Signed:
Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON
Governor of Gombe State/ Chairman, Northern States Governors' Forum