IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

By Anselem Anokwute, Owerri

The Ihitteafoukwu Autonomous Community in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State was aglow with colour, culture, and celebration as it held a grand coronation ceremony for its new traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Eze Dr. Okwudiri Divine Nwandu, Akaraka III of Ihitteafoukwu Ancient Kingdom.

The well-attended event was a double celebration, marking not only the coronation of the monarch but also the annual Iriji (New Yam) Festival—a thanksgiving for a bountiful 2025 harvest. The festivities took place at the royal palace and drew crowds from across the state and beyond.

One of the major highlights was the traditional wrestling competition, which featured representatives from various villages within the Ihitteafoukwu Ancient Kingdom. Mr. Thaddeus Ononiwu emerged overall champion and was crowned Mr. Ihitteafoukwu 2025, receiving a cash prize of ₦700,000. Ebegbulem Peter came in second with ₦500,000, while Somtochukwu Enwerem and Chukwunenye Egwim clinched the third and fourth positions, taking home ₦300,000 and ₦200,000 respectively.

The wrestling event, supervised by Mr. Chika Umeyo (popularly known as Oka Mgba Imo), President of the Imo State Wrestling Association, was conducted in line with international standards. Primary health workers were on ground to ensure safety and manage any emergencies.

In his address, Eze Okwudiri Divine Nwandu emphasized the cultural importance of the inter-village wrestling competition, describing it as a tool for youth engagement, community cohesion, and crime prevention. He highlighted the need to revive cultural values that promote discipline, hard work, and peace.

“I want to reawaken the consciousness of our youth toward productive ventures and reduce involvement in drug abuse and criminality,” the monarch stated. He also pledged to introduce additional sporting and cultural initiatives to harness local talent and promote job creation within the community.

The monarch thanked the people of Ihitteafoukwu for their unity and support, promising to lead with humility, fairness, and a spirit of brotherhood, regardless of political or religious affiliations.

The event also reflected interfaith harmony, as dignitaries from various religious backgrounds joined in the celebration. Notably present was the Chief Imam of Imo State, Barr. Suleman Yusuf Njoku, a proud son of Ihitteafoukwu, alongside Alhaji Prince Bashir Uwakwe, President of the Imo State Muslim Community, and Imam Aminu Ahmed. They described Eze Nwandu as a God-sent leader—young, God-fearing, and compassionate—capable of bringing progress to the community.

Other prominent guests who spoke at the event included HRH Eze Samuel Ekezie (Eze Igbo of Accra, Ghana), Hon. Princess Doris Tony Anyanwu, Dr. Chinedu Anyanwu (Miri na Ezuroha I of Ihitteafoukwu), and Chief Nduka Okoro of Egberede Nguru. Also in attendance were Hon. Larry Chikwe, Executive Chairman of Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, Chief Emeka Anyandu, Chief Francis Nzenwata, Hon. Val Echebelem, Chief Ugochukwu Angus Okoro (Agbara Mbaise), Chief Chima Onuoha, Chief Peter Dede, and Barr. Chidi Ojinere, Prince of Oil Kingdom, "the Joke is over".

The cultural grandeur was elevated by performances from women’s dance troupes, Mbaise cultural groups, and music ensembles including Okunwa Mama and Ababa Nna. The event was compered by veteran broadcaster Chief Joe Ihioma of IBC Orient FM/TV (retired), who added his signature style and flair to the occasion.

With traditional leaders (Ndi Obi) of Ihitteafoukwu adorned in regal attire, the coronation of Eze Nwandu Akaraka III marked a historic milestone and set the tone for a renewed era of peace, unity, and cultural renaissance in Ihitteafoukwu Autonomous Community.

This season is set to be the most important in Mikel Arteta's five and a half years in charge of Arsenal. They have revamped their squad with £190m worth of signings as they look to win the Premier League for the first time in 21 years.

The Gunners have finished second for the past three seasons in a row but have now made a big push over the summer to end that drought.

Arsenal have added two important cogs to the spine of their team with the signing of midfielder Martin Zubimendi and striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Arsenal - who begin their campaign away to Manchester United on Sunday (kick-off 16:30 BST) - believe they are now ready to win the league this season. 

Welcome Note from the Imo State Chapter of the Imo State University Alumni Association

On behalf of the Imo State Chapter of the Imo State University Alumni Association, it is with great joy, pride, and heartfelt gratitude that we warmly welcome all distinguished alumni from across Nigeria and the globe to our 2025 Homecoming, Convention, and Annual General Meeting (AGM), holding from the 14th to the 17th of August, 2025. This year’s gathering is not just an event—it is a celebration of our shared history, our enduring friendships, and our collective achievements as products of the great Imo State University.

The Homecoming is a time-honored tradition that rekindles the spirit of unity, love, and belonging among graduates of our beloved institution. It is a moment to reflect on our formative years, to appreciate how far we have come, and to reaffirm our commitment to supporting the growth and legacy of our Alma Mater. From the bustling campus life of our student days to our diverse accomplishments in various walks of life, we remain bound by the same values that shaped us—integrity, service, and excellence.

This year’s convention promises an engaging, enlightening, and memorable experience. It will feature keynote addresses from accomplished alumni, interactive panel sessions, networking opportunities, and celebrations that will strengthen our bonds. The AGM will give us the platform to deliberate on critical issues affecting our association, review our progress, and chart a clear course for future projects that will benefit our members, the University, and the wider society.

The theme for this year reflects our vision to build a stronger alumni network that actively contributes to societal development while fostering mutual growth among members. We believe that our collective talents, resources, and influence can create meaningful change not only for our Alma Mater but also for the communities we serve. Together, we can support scholarships, mentorship programs, infrastructure development, and initiatives that promote excellence at Imo State University.

As hosts, the Imo State Chapter is honored to welcome you home to Owerri, the Heartland City known for its hospitality, vibrance, and cultural warmth. Over the four days, we encourage you to immerse yourself in the planned activities, reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and take pride in being part of a global family united by the blue and white spirit of our University.

We are confident that this gathering will inspire renewed commitment, spark innovative ideas, and leave lasting memories. Let us embrace this opportunity to celebrate our identity, share our successes, and reaffirm our pledge to uphold the values of our great Alma Mater.

Once again, welcome to the 2025 Homecoming, Convention, and AGM of the Imo State University Alumni Association. May this event strengthen our unity, deepen our pride, and propel us toward greater achievements together.

Long live the Imo State University Alumni Association! Long live Imo State University!

— Imo State Chapter, Imo State University Alumni Association. 

From 14th to 17th August 2025, the Imo State University Alumni Association (Mother Chapter) will host one of its most anticipated events – the Heartland 2025 Homecoming and AGM. This special edition promises to be a vibrant celebration of friendship, achievement, and the enduring spirit of our alma mater.

Heartland 2025 will reunite graduates from across generations and professions, providing a platform to reconnect, network, and strengthen the bonds that make IMSU truly unique. Across the four days, attendees will enjoy a rich lineup of activities including a formal opening ceremony, cultural showcases, networking sessions, sports competitions, alumni recognitions, and the Annual General Meeting where the future of our association will be shaped.

Beyond celebration, the Heartland 2025 is a call to action – to reflect on the impact IMSU has had on our lives and to reaffirm our commitment to contributing to its continued growth. Together, we will share stories, forge new collaborations, and inspire the next generation of graduates.

The Mother Chapter warmly invites all alumni to come home, relive cherished memories, and create new ones. Heartland 2025 is not just an event – it’s a homecoming of hearts.

The Federal Government has signed a $62.8m MoU with the Kuwait Fund to support Kaduna’s Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) project—Kuwait Fund’s first intervention in Nigeria. 

The project will deliver 102 schools and rehabilitate 170 learning centres across the state. 

Ghana’s EOCO, in collaboration with the FBI and US Justice Department, has seized a 2019 Lamborghini Urus from dancehall star Shatta Wale.

The luxury vehicle, tied to proceeds from US convict Nana Kwabena Amuah’s \$4.7m financial crimes, was found at the artist’s Trassaco Valley residence.

Shatta Wale voluntarily surrendered the car after pleading for a discreet operation. He and a former National Signal Bureau official are now under investigation.

US authorities seek to repatriate the vehicle as part of Amuah’s restitution.