society
Igbo Intelligentsia Forum, IIF, Pledges Support to New Ohanaeze Ndigbo Leadership
Igbo Intelligentsia Forum, IIF, Pledges Support to New Ohanaeze Ndigbo Leadership
Last weekend, the Coal City, Enugu State, was aglow with cultural pride and political unity as Igbo leaders and stakeholders converged to witness the historic emergence of Senator John Azuta-Mbata as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization of Ndigbo worldwide. The event, held at the Ohanaeze headquarters in Enugu, attracted governors and representatives of the five South-Eastern states, as well as Delta and Rivers states, alongside members of the revered Imobi, dignitaries, and other key stakeholders.
The atmosphere was charged with optimism and a renewed commitment to advancing the socio-economic and cultural progress of Igboland. Among the distinguished voices at the event was Chief Joe Chukwuemeka Ikunna, Convener, Igbo Intelligentsia Forum (IIF), a Think Tank comprising highly cerebral Igbo professionals, scholars, business executives, and political representatives dedicated to the holistic development of Igboland.
Fielding questions to journalist at the media precinct of the event Chief Ikunna expressed profound admiration for Senator Azuta-Mbata’s pedigree, describing him as a seasoned leader whose track record in public service and private endeavours makes him uniquely qualified to lead Ohanaeze Ndigbo at this pivotal time. “It is a leadership choice that inspires hope and sparks optimism for a better Igboland. For us this is a time to begin rebuilding and reconstruction. Igboland has been ravaged by insecurity and lack of development in different areas. This is the time of renaissance and we can not wait to begin with this new leadership led by Senator Azuta-Mbata.
Chief Ikunna noted that Senator Azuta-Mbata has consistently demonstrated a passion for excellence and an unwavering commitment to the progress of the Ndigbo. His emergence as President General is not only a victory for Rivers State but for the entire Igbo nation which cuts across Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, Enugu, Rivers, Delta, and beyond.
The IIF Convener further called on the new leadership to prioritise key areas such as economic empowerment, education, cultural preservation, and political advocacy. “This is a time to forge a collective agenda that uplifts the lives of our people, secures their future, and strengthen their voice in the national and global arena,” he added.
The event also featured remarks from the governors and representatives of some governors in the South-East, Delta, and Rivers states, who pledged their full support to Senator Mbata’s administration. The governors collectively lauded the new leadership vision, emphasising the importance of economic initiatives to harness the entrepreneurial spirit of Ndigbo. They urged unity among all Igbo groups.
Dignitaries, traditional rulers, and members of the Imobi also emphasised the need for a united and progressive Igbo agenda. Many highlighted the critical role of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in addressing issues such as youth unemployment, insecurity, and infrastructural development.
Chief Ikunna in his interaction with the press further reiterated the Igbo Intelligentsia Forum’s readiness to partner with the new Ohanaeze leadership. “As a think tank, the IIF is committed to providing strategic insights, policy recommendations, and intellectual resources to help Senator Mbata and his team succeed. We understand the magnitude of the challenges ahead, but we believe that through collaboration and a shared vision, Ndigbo can overcome any obstacle confronting them,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, Senator Azuta-Mbata acknowledged the enormity of the task before him, pledging to lead with integrity, inclusivity, and a deep sense of purpose. He agrees that this is a responsibility he should not take lightly. He pledged to work tirelessly with his team to uplift the socio-economic and cultural fortunes of Ndigbo. He called on every Igbo son and daughter to join hands with them in this noble journey.
The historic gathering in Enugu served as a powerful reminder of the strength and potential of Ndigbo when united. The palpable enthusiasm among attendees reflected a collective desire to see Igboland thrive amidst challenges.
As the curtains closed on the event, Chief Ikunna encapsulated the mood of the day with a rallying call: “This is a new dawn for Ndigbo. Let us seize this opportunity to build a future of pride, prosperity, and progress for our people.”
The event marks the beginning of what many hope will be a transformative era under the leadership of Senator John Azuta-Mbata and his executive team. With the support of stakeholders like the IIF, Nzuko Umunna, Aka Ikenga, etc, and the broader Igbo community, the future looks bright for Igboland.
society
Ramadan: Adron Homes Felicitates Muslims, Preaches Hope and Unity
Ramadan: Adron Homes Felicitates Muslims, Preaches Hope and Unity
Adron Homes & Properties Limited has congratulated Muslim faithful on the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan, urging Nigerians to embrace the virtues of sacrifice, discipline, and compassion that define the season.
In a statement made available to journalists, the company described Ramadan as a period of deep reflection, spiritual renewal, and strengthened devotion to faith and humanity.
According to the management, the holy month represents values that align with the organisation’s commitment to integrity, resilience, and community development.
“Ramadan is a time that teaches patience, generosity, and selflessness. As our Muslim customers and partners begin the fast, we pray that their sacrifices are accepted and that the season brings peace, joy, and renewed hope to their homes and the nation at large,” the statement read.
The firm reaffirmed its dedication to providing affordable and accessible housing solutions to Nigerians, noting that building homes goes beyond structures to creating environments where families can thrive.
Adron Homes further urged citizens to use the period to pray for national unity, economic stability, and sustainable growth.
It wished all Muslim faithful a spiritually fulfilling Ramadan.
Ramadan Mubarak.
society
Underfunding National Security: Envelope Budgeting Fails Nigeria’s Defence By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Underfunding National Security: Envelope Budgeting Fails Nigeria’s Defence
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com
“Fiscal Rigidity in a Time of Crisis: Lawmakers Say Fixed Budget Ceilings Are Crippling Nigeria’s Fight Against Insurgency, Banditry, and Organized Crime.”
Nigeria’s legislature has issued a stark warning: the envelope budgeting system; a fiscal model that caps spending for ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) is inadequate to meet the country’s escalating security challenges. Lawmakers and budget analysts argue that rigid fiscal ceilings are undermining the nation’s ability to confront insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, separatist violence, oil theft and maritime insecurity.
The warning emerged during the 2026 budget defence session for the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) at the National Assembly in Abuja. Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (APC‑Kebbi North), chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, decried the envelope system, noting that security agencies “have been subject to the vagaries of the envelope system rather than to genuine needs and requirements.” The committee highlighted non-release or partial release of capital funds from previous budgets, which has hindered procurement, intelligence and operational capacity.
Nigeria faces a multi‑front security crisis: persistent insurgency in the North‑East, banditry and kidnappings across the North‑West and North‑Central, separatist tensions in the South‑East, and piracy affecting Niger Delta oil production. Despite declarations of a national security emergency by President Bola Tinubu, lawmakers point to a “disconnect” between rhetoric and the actual fiscal support for agencies tasked with enforcement.
Experts warn that security operations demand flexibility and rapid resource allocation. Dr. Amina Bello, a public finance specialist, said: “A static budget in a dynamic threat environment is like sending firefighters with water jugs to a forest fire. You need flexibility, not fixed ceilings, to adapt to unforeseen developments.”
The Permanent Secretary of Special Services at ONSA, Mohammed Sanusi, detailed operational consequences: irregular overhead releases, unfulfilled capital appropriations, and constrained foreign service funds. These fiscal constraints have weakened intelligence and covert units, hampering surveillance, cyber‑security, counter‑terrorism and intelligence sharing.
Delayed capital releases have stalled critical projects, including infrastructure upgrades and surveillance systems. Professor Kolawole Adeyemi, a governance expert, emphasized that “budgeting for security must allow for rapid reallocation in response to threats that move faster than political cycles. Envelope budgeting lacks this essential flexibility.”
While the National Assembly advocates fiscal discipline, lawmakers stress that security funding requires strategic responsiveness. Speaker Abbas Ibrahim underscored that security deserves “prominent and sustained attention” in the 2026 budget, balancing oversight with operational needs.
In response, the Senate committee plans to pursue reforms, including collaboration with the executive to restructure funding, explore supplementary budgets and ensure predictable and sufficient resources for security agencies. Experts warn that without reform, criminal networks will exploit these gaps, eroding public trust.
As one policy analyst summarized: “A nation declares a security emergency; but if its budget does not follow with real resources and oversight, the emergency remains rhetorical.” Nigeria’s debate over envelope budgeting is more than an accounting dispute; it is a contest over the nation’s security priorities and its commitment to safeguarding citizens.
society
Rev. Mother Kehinde Osoba (Eritosin) Celebrates as She Marks Her Birthday
Rev. Mother Kehinde Osoba (Eritosin) Celebrates as She Marks Her Birthday
Today, the world and the body of Christ rise in celebration of a rare vessel of honour, Rev. Mother Kehinde Osoba, fondly known as Eritosin, as she marks her birthday.
Born a special child with a divine mark of grace, Rev. Mother Eritosin’s journey in God’s vineyard spans several decades of steadfast service, spiritual depth, and undeniable impact. Those who know her closely describe her as a prophetess with a heart of gold — a woman whose calling is not worn as a title, but lived daily through compassion, discipline, humility, and unwavering faith.
From her early days in ministry, she has touched lives across communities, offering spiritual guidance, prophetic insight, and motherly counsel. Many testify that through her prayers and teachings, they encountered God in a deeply personal and transformative way. Near and far, her influence continues to echo — not only within church walls, but in homes, families, and destinies reshaped through her mentorship.
A mother in every sense of the word, Rev. Mother Kehinde Osoba embodies nurture and correction in equal measure. As a grandmother, she remains energetic in purpose — accommodating the wayward, embracing the rejected, and holding firmly to the belief that no soul is beyond redemption. Her life’s mission has remained consistent: to lead many to Christ and guide them into the light of a new beginning.
Deeply rooted within the C&S Unification, she stands tall as a spiritual pillar in the Cherubim and Seraphim Church globally. Her dedication to holiness, unity, and prophetic service has earned her widespread respect as a spiritual matriarch whose voice carries both authority and humility.
As she celebrates another year today, tributes continue to pour in from spiritual sons and daughters, church leaders, and admirers who see in her a living reflection of grace in action.
Prayer for Rev. Mother Kehinde Osoba (Eritosin)
May the Almighty God, who called you from birth and anointed you for His service, continually strengthen you with divine health and renewed vigour.
May your oil never run dry, and may your prophetic mantle grow heavier with greater glory.
May the lives you have nurtured rise to call you blessed.
May your latter years be greater than the former, filled with peace, honour, and the visible rewards of your labour in God’s vineyard.
May heaven continually back your prayers, and may your light shine brighter across nations.
Happy Birthday to a true Mother in Israel — Rev. Mother Kehinde Osoba (Eritosin).
More years.
More anointing.
More impact.
If you want this adapted for a newspaper page, church bulletin, Facebook post, or birthday flyer, just tell me the format and tone.
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