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On the occasion of the Akwukwu-Igbo Economic Development Summit 2024, I am deeply honored to present this goodwill message, reflecting on the significance of this historic gathering held on December 28, 2024, at the Akwukwu-Igbo Town Hall. Although I am not an indigene of Akwukwu-Igbo, I speak with nostalgia and fond memories of my formative years at the Anglican Grammar School, Ubulu-Uku, in 1958. During this time, I shared bonds with several sons of Akwukwu-Igbo, including Samuel Isiekwena, Christian Ohanma, Anthony Agbagwu, and Lawrence Odiakosa. My relationship with these individuals, alongside the remarkable leadership of Chief Enyi Doris Oby Mokobia,…

By Hon. Gbandi Today, I celebrate the life and legacy of the late H.E. Amb. Dr. Lee Barbara Babatunde Bamidele Iyobosa Egiebor is a distinguished son of Nigeria. I learned through a WhatsApp message that he passed away on December 7th, 2024. His passing is a profound loss, not only to his family and loved ones but also to the global Nigerian Diaspora, especially to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Amb. Dr. Lee Barbara Babatunde Bamidele Iyobosa Egiebor was a man of remarkable character – decent, detribalized, and deeply patriotic. He embodied peace and wisdom, holding steadfast…

By Nwaji Jibunoh, Representing Chief Dr. Newton Chukwukadibia Jibunoh On the historic occasion of the Akwukwu-Igbo Economic Development Summit 2024, distinguished guests, speakers, dignitaries, and sons and daughters of Akwukwu-Igbo gathered at the town hall to chart a course for the future of their community. This landmark event, themed “Harnessing the Economic Potential of Our Communities in Challenging Times,” was graced by a message from renowned environmentalist, cultural activist, and engineer, Chief Dr. Newton Chukwukadibia Jibunoh, also known as the “Desert Warrior” and Nna Obodo of Akwukwu-Igbo Kingdom. The address was delivered on his behalf by Nwaji Jibunoh, Group Head…

by Collins Nweke Meet Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, first female President-Elect of Namibia. She will assume office on 21 March 2025 following her victory in the 27 November 2024 Presidential Elections. Being Namibia’s first female president is a landmark event with significant implications for the nation’s political and economic landscape. Her campaign’s emphasis on job creation and economic development through economic diplomacy addresses Namibia’s pressing challenges, notably high unemployment and economic inequality. Campaigning under the political platform of South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) on the back of economic diplomacy, Nandi-Ndaitwah joins a league of notable but sparse presidential campaigns across the world, from developed to developing economies, that centered on economic diplomacy, emphasising international partnerships, trade, and economic reforms to drive development. This…

In a New Year media chat with Hon. Dr. Kenneth Chibuogwu Gbandi, the Deputy National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and 2023 Delta North senatorial candidate, provided an insightful analysis of Delta State’s political leadership. His reflections on Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa’s tenure as governor and the expectations of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori in 2025 shed light on the challenges and opportunities ahead for Delta State.   Dr. Gbandi, the former chairman and board of trustees member of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Europe, lauded Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa for his notable achievements in infrastructure, particularly in road…

As the global Igbo community watches, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide is at a critical point. The organization must now demonstrate its unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency, and the rule of law. Any action that compromises these values will have far-reaching consequences. The recent experiences of Lagos Ohaneze serves as a cautionary tale. Disregard for transparency and the marginalization of certain members have led to division and conflict. It is imperative that we learn from these mistakes and uphold the principles of integrity, respect, and inclusivity. The upcoming leadership transition presents an opportunity for Ohaneze Ndigbo to reaffirm its commitment to its…

Nigerians who have been crying out over harsh times and excruciatingly high cost of living have recently been told that theirs is no crocodile tears. At least its recent classification as “vulnerable” in the Africa Country Instability Risk Index (ACIRI) indicates so. Nigeria ranked 45 out of the 48 African economies evaluated, unlike in 2023 when it ranked 39 and was marked “stable / warning”. The poor classification reflects a polygamous marriage of economic, security, and governance challenges in Nigeria. Nigerians have become familiar with persuasions from their Government that their sufferings are inevitable. They are suffering because of the…

by Collins Nweke This week the good people of Ghana will continue adjusting to last weekend news of the return of John, not The Baptist, but Dramani Mahama, to the presidential villa. While this is understandably good news for his supporters, those that lined up behind incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, his opponent, are left to nurse their wounds. But did this come entirely as a surprise to them? It probably didn’t and I will tell you why in a moment. It certainly didn’t matter to objectivewatchers like me with no horse in this race except a desire to see the consolidation of democracy in a prominent West African nation. This is at a time when things are falling apart in the region and dominant regional players…

By Hon. Dr. Kenneth Chibuogwu Gbandi On September 14, 2023, in a discussion with the African Heritage International Magazine, I raised an alarm about Nigeria’s gradual descent into totalitarianism. The recent arrest of Mr. Dele Farotimi, a prominent human rights lawyer, by the Ekiti police at the behest of Aare Afe Babalola, though not directly involving the presidency, serves as a glaring reminder of the deepening culture of impunity within Nigeria’s political and legal systems. The manner in which the arrest unfolded with security agents playing a key role in what can only be described as an abduction—reveals how the “might…

Fellow Participants! May I begin this write-up on a note of commendation and thanksgiving to Hon. Kenneth Gbandi and his Collaborative Team on this developmental initiative. Engr. Alex. O. Mokobia-Convener/ Group Admin, Voice of Akwukwu Igno (VOA.) This progressive innovation in genuine Akwukwu-Igbo Community Service is commendable and worthy of our collective support. Never before in the history of Enuani, had an economic developmental summit of this magnitude been conceived in this manner. Of a truth, this is the first of its kind in Anioma clan. We, at VOA are solidly in support of this initiative, the objectives of which…