Author: Akaolisa Emmanuel

President Tinubu says the federal government will continue to partner reputable organizations like Rotary International in efforts to eradicate all forms of polio and reduce the prevalence of maternal and infant mortality in the country.  President Tinubu, who received Rotary International President, Mr. Gordon Mclnally, his wife, Heather; Rotary’s Polio Ambassador to Nigeria, Sir Emeka Offor, and other notable Rotarians, on Friday, at the State House in Abuja, commended the organization for its various interventions in the country’s health sector, including a new grant of $14 million to enable the World Health Organization (WHO) provide technical assistance to the government…

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The political space in Anambra State in recent times has been very active and tense, thanks to the 2025 governorship race. Speculations have been rife on who will be the contestants in the highly anticipated race and the political parties they will be representing. Chief Kenneth Ifekudu, a business mogul and philanthropist from Ozubulu in Ekwusigo LGA of Anambra state, has been dragged into the speculations. The Managing Director of Diamond Leeds, who recently emerged the Business Man of the Year in the prestigious Sun Awards, has been promoted by some social media platforms as a likely candidate in the…

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If I ask for the soul of Nigeria Will you give me a senator’s wage and power Or leave me with the protesters’ rage and weakness Will you pipe me along the pipelines Or lead me to the pyramids of Kano The cocoa tower in Ibadan The industry of the East Will you give me a plot in Abuja or justice every time, everywhere Tell me Luther’s dreams or Recite me poisoned propaganda In election campaigns and let unity come like a helpless doctor to fail Tell me of the people A history marred in darkness can be recreated in…

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Recently I heard two friends discussing Nigerian politics as almost every Nigerian does daily. One was trying to assess the APC regime in Nigeria, for him APC has not done well. It reminded me of a banter in one of the social media platforms where I belong, following the outcome of the off-cycle elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo, a doctor said she was surprised that APC let PDP win in Bayelsa state; giving the impression that APC, not voters, determine the outcome of elections in Nigeria today. A pharmacist responded with a rhetorical question seeking to know why APC’s…

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In this exclusive interview with The News Chronicle, Chisom Okechukwu, an Enugu-born tech genius who has created a number of ingenious products, speaks about his talent, dreams, passion to help others through his skills and challenges…….. TNC: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background? How did you delve into producing  electrically engineered products? Chisom: My name is Chisom Okechukwu, I am from Ezeagu local government in Enugu state, Nigeria. I have this natural talent to create things like the electric wheelchair which i just completed recently. I will also say that it is a family…

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Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, of Anambra State has officially signed the 2024 Appropriation Bill into law, totalling N410,132,225,272, one month after it was presented before the state House of Assembly. The budget which is themed “Changing Gears: The Transformation Agenda Begins” is aimed at beginning the transformation agenda and implementing a new master plan to change Anambra into a liveable and prosperous homeland. The signing ceremony which took place at the Governor’s residence was witnessed by several dignitaries, including Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, Chief of Staff to…

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There is this common narrative which puts state governors in bad light and portrays them as sit-tight power mongers who refuse to ‘actually’ leave power when their tenures expire. Contrary to this widely held opinion, the governors might be deserving of praise for not being like the rich farmer in the bible. This rich farmer was regarded as a fool in Jesus’ parable. What we know of him is that in the season of his demise his farming did so well that he said to himself “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and…

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The Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers (NISafetyE), a division of the The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), held its Distinguished Safety Engineer’s Annual Lecture (DEAL) on Friday, 22nd. September 2023 at Dr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi hall, Enugu Sports Club, Enugu state. The event witnessed the celebration of a founding member of the Institution and the 2023 Safety Icon; Engr. Sir Azuka Bartholomew Emeasoba, FNSE, FNISafetyE KSC; the Immediate Past National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers (NISafetyE). Dignitaries present at the occasion were Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, ably represented; Chief Engr. Sir. Laz Mba, FNSE a former Managing Director/CEO of…

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The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Moussa Faki Mahamat, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing hostilities in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the dire consequences it poses for civilians on both sides and regional peace. Recall that on the morning of 7th October, Hamas militants in their multitude attacked parts of Israel from land and air, killing hundreds and injuring many more in the process. Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahou has declared a state of war. Chairperson Mahamat reiterated that the core issue underlying the enduring tensions in the region is the denial of fundamental rights,…

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Nigeria in search of wine and England in search of cup Happy 63rd independence anniversary to Nigeria, a nation that has come a long and interesting way. It has not been a rosy journey, yet we must not lose hope for hope does not disappoint and soon we shall all in unison shout Uhuru. During the final game of the Women World Cup 2023 between Spain and England, held in Australia and New Zealand, I earnestly wanted England to win the trophy even though they were the ones who knocked Nigeria out of the competition. So it would have been…

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President Bola Tinubu has extoled the virtue of his long-time ally, confidant, and present Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Hon. Dele Alake, on the occasion of his 67th birthday. The President said he cherishes Hon. Alake’s patriotism and unwavering dedication to service, as well as the close relationship they have shared over the span of four decades. In his letter, President Tinubu reflected on the long journey they have embarked upon together, from the Minister’s days as Editor of the National Concord to his tenure as the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State during the President’s service as…

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Richard Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983) an American writer, philosopher, and futurist said in one of his quotes: “It is now highly feasible to take care of everybody on Earth at a higher standard of living than any have ever known. It no longer has to be you or me. Selfishness is unnecessary. War is obsolete. It is a matter of converting our high technology from WEAPONRY to LIVINGRY.” Buckminister’s premise is presumably hinged on the fact that as humans develop in knowledge, techology, science and everything with it, this improved state of consciousness will or should translate into a better society.…

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President Bola Tinubu’s 100 days in office have been marked by a mixed bag of achievements and challenges. President Tinubu recently clocked a 100 days in office as president of Nigeria. With the court cases challenging his victory in the 2023 presidential election as declared by INEC, the socio-economic effects of his now famous declaration that “subsidy is gone”, international events like coups in Niger and Gabon, global economic summits and many others, president Tinubu has surely had his hands filled with tasks. One way to rate President Tinubu’s 100 days in office is to consider the following factors: Progress…

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President Bola Tinubu has on Monday advanced his economic development diplomatic drive for investment attraction as he engaged extensively in a bilateral discussion with South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, in New York City, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly. President Tinubu asserted that Africa must have a consensus view that the hundreds of billions of dollars spent through International Development Finance Institutions over the years must meet the specific needs of developing democracies in Africa, even if it is done with exclusive regard for their own enlightened self-interest. “During the end of the Second World War, the Marshall Plan…

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At the Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work, Maya Kirti Nanan, Founder of the Autism Siblings and Friends Network (ASFN), was chosen as the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year for 2023. She received the award from His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, and the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, at an event held on Thursday, 14 September 2023 at St James’s Palace in London. The project, based in Trinidad and Tobago, is a non-profit organisation that creates opportunities for those with special needs. ASFN operates Rahul’s Clubhouse, an autism centre where people with autism can have equal access…

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Musing First, let me begin with an apology to yet innocent citizens whom the title of this piece might appear to lump into a generalization of pilferers or embezzlers in the country and world at large. The right word might actually be corruption because it includes many other anomalies in society, but it is good we start from stealing as it is the chief that leads to other corruptions in society. Those who steal will lie to cover up, blackmail, bribe, etc., and not to forget that corruption is simply the distortion of right processes. But the near generalization is…

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I can’t say, but do know Why they talk of coffee like when John,  reminded of Joan by a stranger’s scented hair Smiling, hypnotized and out of touch with the class in session Later that evening they call it off It’s sad, it’s interesting She has his letters, lost in the library This seed, a story, fitting genres Dragged in theaters Neither the spoil of hunger Nor the nemesis of thirst It is loved, ignored and scorned Like an enigma, in the air Everyone has their scripts I can say, but do not know The essence of coffee …

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In this interview with Emmanuel Akaolisa of The News Chronicle, Adesida Adetiloye, poet, writer and author of the poetry book “The Dance of Shadows” takes readers into his world of poetry and how he seeks to use it to uplift the mind and create positive changes in the society.   TNC: What inspired you to write “the dance of shadows”? Can you tell us about the journey that led to the creation of this poetry collection? Adesida: “The Dance of Shadows” was inspired by a combination of personal experiences, contemplation, and a strong love of the written word. This literary…

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Justice Tijjani Ringim of Federal High Court. Lagos, has dismissed an application filed by a businessman, Kolawole Adebayo Erinle, challenging court’s jurisdiction to hear a fraud case of $1.410 million, against him.  The businessman was brought before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in a charge marked FHC/L/293c/2023, on charges of conspiracy and obtaining the sum of $1,410, 000.00, by false pretence.  The defendant challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain such matter through his counsel, Lawal Pedro SAN.  EFCC through its Lawyer, Mr Banjo Temitope, vehemently opposed the application, and urged the court to…

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President Bola Tinubu has expressed the willingness of the Federal Government of Nigeria to support global tech giant, Google Incorporated, to create one million digital jobs in Nigeria. The President gave the assurance at the State House, Friday evening during the visit of Google Global Vice President, Mr. Richard Gingras, to his office. President Tinubu told the visiting Google executive that Nigeria had creative and talented young people who are ready and motivated to learn especially at this age of Artificial Intelligence, stressing that the tech giant has the capabilities and tools that the young people need to excel. “I…

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Coup in Niger Republic 6 Things to know On July 26, 2023, there was a coup in the Niger Republic. Members of the Presidential Guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum inside his palace in the capital Niamey. The army intervened, but the coup eventually failed. A group of soldiers who appeared on the West African nation’s national television late on Wednesday removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power, hours after they had detained him in the presidential palace. Colonel Amadou Abdramane who read a statement, seated and flanked by nine other officers, said defence and security forces had decided: “Put an…

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Adapting to Thrive: Small-Scale East African Retailers JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, July 25, 2023/ — Millions of small, independent shops in East African Retailers will need to look at diversifying, digitizing, and even partnering for growth in response to a challenging and rapidly evolving landscape. These cornerstones of neighbourhoods undeniably form an integral part of a countries socioeconomic system. Smollan representing some of the world’s most loved FMCG and commerce brands, gives a glimpse into the dynamics of this growing sector and the challenges and opportunities that arise. Seen within the context of small-scale retail tied to history, traditions, and trading preferences…

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Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Governor of Anambra State has again reiterated his calls to Ndi Anambra living outside the State to bring their investments home to help develop Anambra State  Governor Soludo made the clarion call during a town hall meeting with Ndi Anambra businessmen and women resident at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. It will be recalled he made similar calls to Ndi Anambra resident in Lagos few weeks ago. He specifically enjoined the business owners and investors of Anambra extraction to imbibe the homeland consciousness by repatriating home their investments to begin the foundational process of developing the…

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The 2023 general election in Nigeria has no doubt gone into the records as a memorable one. From pre-campaign, primaries, campaigns, online wars, conspiracies, election and post-election, it was drama all through. Sometimes it was intense; sometimes it was tragic and sometimes sheer comedy. One of the recurring elements in the whole build-up was the ‘errors’ made by the contestants, speech errors especially; it appeared no one was spared. Was it Atiku of the PDP asking voters in Kogi to vote for the ruling APC, or Peter Obi getting his numbers wrong when reeling out statistics as he often did,…

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In this exclusive interview with Emmanuel Akaolisa of The News Chronicle, Dr Dayyabah Shaibu, Country Director of Reconnect Health Development  Initiative (RHDI), a mental health non-profit, non-government organization, sheds light on issues surrounding mental health, clarifying misconceptions about mental health and the vision of RHDI TNC: Greetings Ma, we are glad to have you in this interview. Tell us about your organisation, Reconnect Health Development  Initiative. What does it do and how has the journey been? Dr Dayyabah : Reconnect Health Developmental Initiative is a mental health charity with presence in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Our main focus area…

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In this exclusive interview with Emmanuel Akaolisa and Chikamso Okoye of The News Chronicle, Professor Isaac Nnamdi Obasi, a professor of Public Administration and author of “NIGERIA’S POLICY RESPONSE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC”, gives insight into the chronicling of COVID-19 advent in Nigeria and around the globe, from policy formulation to response, comparative analysis of COVID in different countries and steps for the future TNC: Good day sir, we congratulate you on publishing this great book. It’s like an encyclopedia on the COVID experience in Nigeria. So we would like to ask, why did you write this book? Coming from…

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It’s Monday morning and Hilda Effiong Bassey, better known as Hilda Baci, celebrity Nigerian chef has broken the previous Guinness World Record for a cooking marathon. After reaching the 87 hours and 50 minutes mark, she has broken the Guinness World Record for the “longest cooking marathon by an individual” with her accomplishment. The restaurant owner began at 4 p.m. on Thursday to start the competition, and on Monday morning she beat the previous world record holder. The Akwa Ibom-born chef Hilda Baci is actually gunning to make it 96 hours marathon cooking thus raising the stake higher for future…

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This year’s international women day came with the theme #BreaktheBias, the attention it generated was quite enormous on a global level compared to what it has been in previous years. Probably because the world is continually being globalized and therefore people are more informed or because of the compelling force of the theme and the emotional reactions the word ‘bias’ brings with it. Yes, both men and women all over the world were moved by this powerful theme and spoke for the breaking of the bias against women. Yet, for pragmatic purposes we must ask certain questions regarding the acclaimed…

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Dapo Lam-Adesina served as an honorable representative in his Ibadan North East/South East Federal Constituency in Oyo State from 2015 to 2019. In his first administration, he oversaw a lot of developmental projects, which boosted the profile of the people. Now that he is planning to return to the House of Assembly in Abuja, Hamzat Hammed, an aide to Lam-Adesina, highlights in this interview with Yusuf Olabamiji of The News Chronicle what the citizenry is expected to witness if he returns to represent his people. TNC: As one of the media aides of Dapo Lam-Adesina, what will be your plan…

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Dear Sir, You are without doubt an enviable man for so many glaring reasons. One of which is that you have ruled and led the giant of Africa both as a military general and twice as a democratically elected president of this great country Nigeria. As a military head of state in 1983 with your extremely effective second in command, late Col Tunde Idiagbon, you tried to instill sweeping reforms in the nation, especially your war against indiscipline. Your administration then just like others before and after you had its ups and downs until you were removed in a coup,…

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