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KEN SARO WIWA INFLUENCED ME TO BE A WRITER. Iroha Chimere

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KEN SARO WIWA INFLUENCED ME TO BE A WRITER. Iroha Chimere.

 

 

 

 

 

Iroha Chimere’s novel, ‘Riot in Ubahu’ has have been approved by the Nigerian Educational Research And Development Council, NERDC, (an Agency under Federal Ministry of Education in Nigeria) for Secondary School 2 and general reading across all states in Nigeria and all English speaking African Countries.

 

 

 

 

KEN SARO WIWA INFLUENCED ME TO BE A WRITER. Iroha Chimere.

 

*Who is Iroha Chimere*?

Written by Iroha Chimere, a native of Abia State in Nigeria, is an accountant, a writer and an IT expert. Chimere is a son of an educationist, his dad was principal of FGC Okigwe, for 10 years before he moved to FGC Ukpor where he later retired.

*How did you get started?I*

Although, a day student while in secondary School, his dad introduced him to a lot of literature books at the early stages of his life. One of his dad’s friends, Ken Saro Wiwa, was one of his mentors in writing. Ken Saro Wiwa influenced him to be a writer. So, reading lots of literature books became a part of him. From Wole soyinka’s books, Chinua Achebe, Shakespeare and Chimamanda Adiche also imparted his writing skills.

He started writing this book; his first, Riot in Ubahu in 2012 but got approved by the Nigerian Educational Research And Development Council, NERDC, in October 2022 to be a reader to Senior Secondary 2 and all Secondary Schools in Nigeria and also for general readership.

The book can also be used in all English speaking African countries because the body that approved, recommended, endorsed and authenticated the book is formidable and well respected worldwide.

“The book is a revelation from God because, if you ever attended a Unity school or any secondary school, although it is a fiction, it talks about life as a student in a Unity Secondary School, the teachers, the non-academic and the drama the students bring about, like; bullying, extortion and also the high moral like doing well in school, quiz, exams and a mixture of a whole lot.”

*Synopsis Of The Book*

Riot in Ubahu is the story of a school – a federal government college, as she fares under her principal, Chief Obanma Orizu, fondly called Obama by students, staff and family members. A strict disciplinarian, Obama works tirelessly to raise the academic and moral standards of the school. Inadvertently, he is known for discipline and fairness. The school itself thrives – having both excellent Academics as well as infrastructure to show for the principal’s hard work.

Not unlike any mixed boarding school, FGC Ubahu is home to various kinds of shenanigans – bullying, extortion, bounds breaking, sorcery, and the occasional riotbullying, extortion, bounds breaking, sorcery, and the occasional riot. In this narrative, a riot occurs at the end of the novel when Obama is transferred, and a new principal leads the school to the edge of ruin.

The riot is ruinous as it can be – leaving rape, destroyed school property, and hooliganism in its wake. A side of the school – especially the students, that had never been seen comes to the fore. And it falls to Chief Obanma Orizu to restore order and splendour to a school he once called home.

*The Challenges*

“It’s not easy” was his first statement. There is no author that will tell you that he or she has a particular formula or model they use in writing.

“It depends on how the spirit leads. I started by writing this story book using exercise books and I did in about three months. But you know, it was disorganised, so I started typing it and adding flesh to it every day and it took me about six months to finish the book.

There are times when I was writing it that I won’t have inspiration. That’s why most people got discouraged about writing. Plotting and assigning characters are the most difficult aspects and at times it can be very challenging, then the imagination aspect is another issue. Charles Dickens doesn’t have formal education but his imagination is great. If you don’t have good imagination you can’t be a good writer.”

*The Setting*

The setting of the novel is in a town called Ubahu in Okigwe, the third largest city in Imo State, Nigeria. Its a fiction but the town is real and there is a Federal Government College in the town as well. Ubahu is the village and there was a riot in that secondary school there at a particular point in time. So, he picked his inspiration from there.

The setting was in a secondary school and that is why any secondary school student can relate with it and its within Southeastern part of Nigeria.

It talks about the normal secondary school challenge; the assignments, punishments, class activities and more. It is a cursory look at secondary school days.

*Why It Was Recommended For Schools and General Reading.*

*The book title is appropriate.

*The print quality is legible and clear.

*The book gramage is appropriate.

*The novel looks at contemporary social problems in Nigerian society and especially at Educational institutions and portrays the end of evil and reward of diligence.

*Language and style are appropriate.

*Book format is okay.

*Story telling method was used.

 

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Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade

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Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade

 

It was testimonies galore on Tuesday, March 31, the first day of the famous servant of God and founder of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman’s power-packed two-day crusade. The event documented impactful moments with the Gospel and miracles, emphasizing the power of faith and the tangible confirmation of God’s Word through signs and wonders. It was equally an atmosphere of miraculous healing, restoration of lives, and the strengthening of faith.

 

At the crusade, which was held at the SKD Sports Stadium in Paynesville City, and themed, “Liberia Outpouring Crusade” witnessed testimonies of impact and miracles with participants experiencing instant healing of various kinds of challenges.

 

Apostle Suleman’s first port of call was Paynesville, the office of Liberian government’s president, Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who received him in an audience with his junior ministers. Apostle Suleman, who also met with the vice-president, Mr. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, was welcomed by the Liberian leader’s office as part of the president’s ongoing engagements with religious leaders aimed at fostering spiritual support for national development.

 

The president expressed profound appreciation to Apostle Suleman for the visit and continued prayers and intercessions by men and women of God on behalf of Liberia, emphasizing his firm belief that sustained spiritual guidance and prayer remain vital to the transformation and progress of the nation.

 

During the visit, Apostle Suleman offered prayers for President Boakai, his cabinet and the Liberian nation, invoking divine alignment, wisdom, and insight in Liberia’s path toward growth and stability. He prayed that the Almighty God would position Liberia for relevance and fulfillment of its national destiny.

 

Apostle Johnson Suleman, an evangelist who knows no bounds of where preaching the gospel comes to a stop, visited Liberia prepared with the message, compelling power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit, and bringing people to a point of decision where they surrendered their lives to Christ.

 

Aside from being prophetic and timely, OFM sources disclosed that the servant of God’s visit underscores the importance of faith-based partnerships in supporting governance and national renewal efforts.

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Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace

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*Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace

 

The Middle Belt Peace Forum (MBPF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his profound demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership following his decision to postpone an official engagement in Iperu in order to visit victims of the recent attacks in Jos.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Pastor Bulus Garba, in Jos on Friday, the Forum said the President’s decision to personally identify with grieving communities sends a powerful message of solidarity and reinforces public confidence in the commitment of the Federal Government to the protection of lives and property.

“The Middle Belt Peace Forum warmly commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising compassion over ceremony. At a time of deep sorrow for the people of Plateau State, his decision to visit Jos stands as a mark of true leadership—one that listens, responds, and stands with the people in their moment of pain,” the statement read.

The Forum described the perpetrators of the recent attacks as “cowards who prey on innocent and defenceless citizens,” stressing that such acts of violence are not only inhumane but also a direct assault on the unity and peace of the nation.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of these cowardly attackers whose only aim is to instil fear and destabilise peaceful communities. Their actions must be met with firm and decisive resistance from all arms of the state,” Pastor Garba said.

The MBPF further used the opportunity to salute the courage, gallantry, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, noting that their continued efforts remain central to restoring stability across troubled parts of the country.

According to the Forum, the Armed Forces have demonstrated resilience and professionalism in the face of complex security challenges, often operating under difficult conditions to safeguard communities and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“We salute the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices. Their gallantry in confronting criminal elements and reclaiming territories is a testament to their dedication to national service. We recognise that the path to peace is demanding, and we honour those who stand daily in defence of our nation,” the statement added.

The Forum pledged its full support to ongoing military operations and called for strengthened collaboration between security agencies and local communities as a critical factor in achieving lasting peace.

It also urged citizens across the Middle Belt to cooperate with security forces by providing timely information and fostering unity within their communities.

The MBPF, however, expressed concern over the need for greater synergy among security agencies, particularly the role of the Nigeria Police in consolidating gains made by the military.

“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to rise fully to its constitutional responsibility by effectively supporting the Armed Forces in stabilising and securing areas that have been cleared of criminal elements. Holding and policing such territories is essential to preventing a resurgence of violence,” Pastor Garba stated.

The Forum emphasised that sustainable peace requires a coordinated approach in which the military clears and secures areas, while the police maintain law and order to enable displaced communities to return and rebuild their lives.

The MBPF concluded by reiterating its commitment to peacebuilding efforts across the Middle Belt and expressed optimism that with sustained leadership, coordinated security efforts, and active citizen participation, lasting peace can be achieved.

“Together, through unity, vigilance, and collective resolve, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer and more peaceful Middle Belt,” the statement added.

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Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London

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Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London

 

Governor Dauda Lawal has been honored with the Outstanding Governor of the Year award by Triangle Media International Magazine.

 

The award was presented during the magazine’s 10th annual lecture and award ceremony, held on Thursday at the Grand Hall of King’s College, London, United Kingdom.

 

According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the awards recognize public and private sector leaders whose leadership positively impacts governance and service delivery.

 

He added that the lecture, themed “Harnessing the Roles of Nigerians in Diaspora for National Development,” brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

 

The statement read in part: “Yesterday, in London, Governor Dauda Lawal received the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award for Outstanding Governor of the Year.

 

“The 2026 edition coincides with the 10th anniversary of Triangle International Magazine, which has over the years celebrated notable Africans across diverse fields.

 

“The award recognizes the Zamfara State Government under Governor Lawal’s leadership for achieving remarkable milestones in service delivery since his inauguration on 29 May 2023.

 

“The board of Triangle International noted that, despite inheriting an empty treasury, Governor Dauda Lawal has remained true to the Rescue Agenda’s campaign promise: to rescue and rebuild Zamfara.

 

“The award also reflects the state government’s innovative approach to indirectly curbing insecurity through educational advancement, demonstrated by the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector.

 

“This includes the state government’s swift payment of the outstanding N3.4 billion for WAEC and NECO examinations, as well as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools across all 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.

 

“The international magazine finds these initiatives to be strategic interventions toward long-term efforts to make Zamfara State better.”

 

The colourful event was attended by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Sahara Group’s Group Managing Director, Kola Adesina, among others.

 

Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London

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