society
DIASPORA NDIGBO, CRIME AND ETHNIC REORIENTATION
BY RAY NKAMA
There has been an unsavoury international outcry against the backdrop of the release of a list of wanted criminals by the US-based Federal Bureau of Investigations in which Nigerians of Igbo extraction constituted a majority. One of the pertinent issues the saga instigates is the sad reality that Ndigbo are usually associated with the vaulting ambition to make money at all costs. Back home in Nigeria, we typify a desperate race, always in pursuit of material wealth at the expense of sound moral values. Other tribes see us as a bunch of dubious people people who have attained satanical dimensions in crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, baby factory business, fakery and ritual killing. For the aforementioned reasons, there are many tribes in Nigeria who would prefer to inter-marry with eskimos rather than with Igbos. The perception of such tribes may be faulted on the pedestal of the law of hasty generalisation, yet it is a clarion call on us to watch our back while using our tongues to count our teeth.
The popular apologia that not all Igbos are criminally-minded is true but must we always be on the defensive in the courts of public opinion and perception? In spite of our famed sense of industry, creativity and persevering spirit, why must we allow ourselves to be perceived as the black sheep of Nigeria? In my cross-cultural interactions, I have heard people from other tribes say that it would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for an Igbo man or woman to rule Nigeria. Though everyone is entitled to his/her opinion, we allowed the wrong things to be associated with us because we have perennially refused to take systemic actions against the wrong perception other regions of Nigeria have about us. Unfortunately, this skewed perception has followed us to America, Europe and Asia.
I have always believed that Ndigbo can change the world with our ingenious spirit, yet we seem to have fallen into an eternal slumber of self-delusion, thinking that attaining greatness starts and ends with talent alone. We have not placed the right premium on attitude. We must collectively change our attitude to money and material wealth. We must not allow our egalitarian nature erode our duty of respect to the elderly.
The humble office I occupy today is the brainchild of our amiable governor, engineer David Umahi whose ultimate goal is to reorient all Ebonyi indigenes, especially youths. He has vowed to emancipate NdiEbonyi from all sorts of physical and mental slavery. This is why he is paying very serious attention to the Attitudinal Change concept. Before now, our youths were largely known for selling garri, rice and beans and for hawking goods in traffic across many states of the federation. That downgrading reputation is slowly but steadily being erased with the efforts of my humble office towards changing the warped mindset of our youths. We are making great progress in this regard and governor David Umahi who doubles as the Chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum has been playing a very supportive role. I call on all Southeast governors to emulate him by making the concept of Attitudinal Change an integral aspect of their governments. With the spate of negative perception the world has about the Igbos, we must do a lot to prove them wrong.
We should encourage a new generation of the Chinua Achebes, Philip Emeagwalis, Emeka Anyaokwus, Flora Nwapas, of this world. That is one of the very good ways we can shed the burdensome weight of negativity which had manacled our forward movement as a people brain and brawn.
Ray Nkama is Special Assistant to Ebonyi State Governor on Attitudinal Change and writes from Abakaliki.
society
DR. CHETACHI ECTON NWOGA REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO APC, HONOURED IN AHIAZU MBAISE, DONATES MILLIONS TO PARTY
DR. CHETACHI ECTON NWOGA REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO APC, HONOURED IN AHIAZU MBAISE, DONATES MILLIONS TO PARTY
Dr. Chetachi Ecton Nwoga, Owerri Zone Senatorial Hopeful, continues to demonstrate strong leadership, grassroots connection, and unwavering commitment to the unity and growth of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State.
During a courtesy visit to the APC Secretariat in Ahiazu Mbaise, Dr. Nwoga was warmly received by the party chairman and key stakeholders. In a remarkable show of support, she donated ten million naira (₦10,000,000) to the party at the local government level. In recognition of her impactful leadership and contributions, she was also conferred with the prestigious traditional title Ada Ahiazu Dum by the 21 Ezes of Ahiazu Mbaise.
Further reinforcing her role within the party, Dr. Nwoga participated in a crucial APC stakeholders’ meeting in Imo State, attended by the Executive Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma. The meeting served as a strategic platform for dialogue, unity, and strengthening the party’s direction across the state.
Dr. Nwoga emphasized the importance of cohesion among party members, describing unity as the bedrock of sustainable political success. She reaffirmed her strong support for the Charter of Equity, championed by the Governor, noting that it remains essential for fairness, inclusion, and political balance in Imo State.
Highlighting her contributions, she noted her support toward the reconstruction of the APC State Secretariat as part of efforts to reposition the party for efficiency and long-term stability.
In a significant demonstration of commitment, Dr. Nwoga donated forty million naira (₦40,000,000) at the stakeholders’ meeting. This follows her earlier contribution of thirty million naira (₦30,000,000) to the APC Owerri Zone, bringing her total support to eighty million naira (₦80,000,000) to the APC in Imo State so far.
Dr. Nwoga reiterated that unity, sacrifice, and a shared vision remain critical to achieving political stability and sustainable development, urging party members to remain committed to the collective progress of Imo State.
society
No Retreat, No Complacency: Buratai Insists Fighting Spirit Must Remain Unbroken as Troops Turn the Tide
“No Retreat, No Complacency: Buratai Insists Fighting Spirit Must Remain Unbroken as Troops Turn the Tide”
ABUJA — Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has said Nigerian troops have recorded significant operational successes across multiple theatres of operation, noting that recent gains indicate a shifting momentum in the fight against insurgency, banditry and other security threats.
Buratai disclosed this in a post on his verified Facebook page, stating that coordinated efforts by the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force have contributed to sustained pressure on criminal elements across the country.
In the North-East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai repelled a major attack on Kukareta community in Borno State, killing 24 terrorists and recovering a cache of weapons, including rifles, machine guns and rocket-propelled grenade launchers.
He added that follow-up operations led to the discovery of additional terrorist casualties, while troops in Kanamma, Yobe State, neutralised four insurgents alongside a high-value ISWAP commander identified as Abu Jarir.
Buratai further stated that airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force in the Lake Chad region targeted gatherings of ISWAP fighters on Kaniram Island, resulting in heavy casualties and disruption of their movement.
In the North-West, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma recorded notable successes against bandits, including the recovery of over 200 rustled cattle in Katsina State after an encounter with a group led by a suspected kingpin, Muhammad Filani.
He noted that similar operations in Zamfara State and Kaduna State led to the destruction of criminal hideouts, recovery of arms, rescue of kidnapped victims and arrest of suspects.
In the North-Central, Buratai said troops of Operation Enduring Peace arrested suspected militia members involved in cattle rustling in Plateau State and recovered stolen livestock, while ambush operations led to the neutralisation of armed bandits.
He also disclosed that troops of Operation Delta Safe uncovered illegal oil bunkering activities in Rivers State, recovering large quantities of stolen crude oil
In the South-East, security forces arrested a suspected commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra known as “Calamity,” allegedly linked to attacks on security personnel.
Buratai further revealed that the remains of two soldiers killed in 2022—Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Lance Corporal Gloria Mathew—had been recovered and would be accorded full military burial honours.
He attributed the operational gains to improved intelligence gathering, enhanced inter-agency collaboration and the resilience of troops on the frontlines.
While acknowledging that the fight against insecurity is not yet over, Buratai urged Nigerians to sustain support for the military and other security agencies through credible intelligence and encouragement.
He stressed that the moment demands heightened resolve from troops.
“The terrorists and bandits are weakened but still dangerous. This is the time to intensify operations and not relent,” he said.
Buratai also called on the media to maintain balanced reporting on security matters, noting that highlighting both successes and challenges remains essential to sustaining public trust and national morale.
society
IGP Disu Feted At Lagos Banquet, Credited With Leadership Shaped By The State
IGP Disu Feted At Lagos Banquet, Credited With Leadership Shaped By The State
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, was on Saturday honoured at a state banquet in Lagos, where he was celebrated as a proud son of the state whose career reflects discipline and service.
The event, hosted by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, brought together top government officials, security chiefs and community leaders to recognise the nation’s top police officer.
Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu described Disu as “one of our own,” noting that his journey was shaped by Lagos. He highlighted his academic background at Lagos State University and his upbringing on Lagos Island as key influences on his leadership and values.
Disu’s career progression was also spotlighted, particularly his tenure as head of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, where he was credited with strengthening security operations and improving public confidence.
“Tonight is a celebration of service and the Lagos spirit,” the Governor said, adding that the state takes pride in Disu’s achievements at the national level.
The event featured a ceremonial toast in honour of the Inspector-General, who was described as the “OG Good Guy of the Good Guys.”
In his response, Disu expressed appreciation for the recognition, dedicating the honour to officers of the Nigeria Police Force working daily to ensure security across the country.
A native of Lagos Island and an alumnus of Lagos State University, Disu has held several strategic command positions prior to his appointment as Inspector-General of Police. His leadership of the Rapid Response Squad is widely regarded as pivotal to Lagos’ security framework.
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