IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

By Onyinyechi Nwankwo and Wilson Amaefule

Imo State athletes have expressed high spirits and strong optimism as preparations intensify for the second phase of the Niger Delta Games scheduled to hold from February 20 to 27, 2026, in Benin City, Edo State

The Games, organised by Dunamis Icon Limited and sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will bring together athletes from the nine mandate states of the Niger Delta to compete across several sporting disciplines, in what is expected to be a keenly contested celebration of grassroots sports development.

Speaking on his readiness, Emmanuel Kelechi Kingsley, a 400 metres athlete in the male category, said preparations were in top gear, noting that the competition offers a valuable platform to showcase talent at a regional level.

“We are really preparing for the Niger Delta Games coming up in February in Benin City. We want the NDDC to give us a fair playing ground to show our best, and with the level of our training, I am hopeful of clinching the gold medal,” he said.

Also expressing confidence, Sophia Chika, who will compete in the 400 metres female athletics event, described the training sessions as intense but rewarding, adding that she is determined to make Imo State proud at the Games.

From the table tennis arena, Udeh Success Favour of Owerri West Local Government Area said she was optimistic about her chances, expressing faith that consistent training and discipline would translate into victory at the competition.

Basketball player, Chukwuka Onyeise Harrison from Ezinihitte Mbaise described the Edo Games as a unifying sporting platform, while appreciating the NDDC and Dunamis Icon for creating opportunities for young athletes to develop and pursue their passion.

For Precious Adindu from Obowo Local Government Area, the excitement is even more personal, as the Edo 2026 Games will mark her first appearance at the Niger Delta Games, an opportunity she described as both motivating and inspiring.

She expressed confidence in a strong outing, stating that she is determined to compete creditably and return home with honours for Imo State.

‎Bayelsa State was the surprise winner of top position on the medals table at the inaugural edition of the Niger Delta Games in Uyo, edging Delta State by an odd gold medal on the last day of competitions.

The state finished top with 46 gold, 29 silver and 15 bronze medals, a total 86 medals, and some of the athletes preparing to represent the state at the 2nd edition in Benin, Edo State have expressed confidence to successfully retain the pole position.

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In separate ‎interviews at their camp in Yenagoa, the state capital, some of the athletes spoke shortly after training, and didn't mince words in expressing their determination to dominate at the Games holding from February 20-27.

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One of those who spoke is wrestler, Emmanuel Okike, and he was adamant that the goal of Team Bayelsa is to retain the first position on medals count at the Niger Delta Games. Okike pegged his claims on the level and quality of preparations they have been undergoing, citing the wrestling team's drills.

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‎"I am very happy to be part of the Niger Delta Games, we have been doing well in all the competitions we have attended so far such that I can confidently say that Bayelsa has gone beyond participation to winning tournaments", Okike declared while trying to catch his breath after a bout with another team mate.

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Echoing the same sentiment is a 61kg freestyle wrestler, Ebiere Frank, who insisted that Team Bayelsa is going to Benin to affirm its dominance in wrestling. He pointed out that the State would use the games as preparatory championship for other competitions slated for later in the year.

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Like Okike, Ebiere commended the foresight of the Games originator, Dunamis-Icon Limited and the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for their partnership that birthed the games for youths. Ebiere is of the firm conviction that the region stands to benefit from the continuous staging of the games in the area of discovery of talented sportsmen and women.

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‎Gonibo Jessica, a basketball player, asserted that Team Bayelsa would return with the gold medal in basketball, stating that the competition has become a stepping stone for young athletes to excel at national and international sporting events. 

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While describing the games as a laudable initiative, urged the Commission to sustain their sponsorship of the competition which has become a launch pad to the development of sports at the grassroots.

As per the rules of the games, Bayelsa State would be fielding male and female athletes in all the 16 sports events.

Photos:

1. Gonibo Jessica

2. Emmanuel Okike

3. Ebiere Frank 

Organisers of the Niger Delta Games say the competition will continue to be an integral part of the sporting calendar of the National Sports Commission for the overall objective to change the trajectory of Grassroots sports development in Nigeria.

This is according to Mr Malik Ikpokpo, chairman of Dunamis Icon , organisers of the Niger Delta Games during a courtesy visit to the Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade.

Mr Ikpokpo said his visit to the NSC is to formally brief the Director General on the preparations towards the successful staging of the games this year in Edo state.

He stated that the successful organisation of the first edition of the games last year in Akwa Ibom state was largely due to the strategic support of the NSC under the leadership of Mallam Shehu and Hon Bukola Olopade.

” We are very excited at the Niger Delta games that we have a very cordial relationship with the NSC and they have been very supportive in providing us with every form of technical and logistic assistance.

” This is why I am here to let the DG know our level of preparation as regards what our sponsor, NDDC are doing and how far we have gone with our host, Edo state, in their readiness to welcome the entire nine Niger Delta states”.

He added that the Niger Delta Games is not just another competition but a sustainable breeding ground to discover and nurture Nigeria’s future talents.

” The Niger Delta games align perfectly with the new vision of the NSC to have a vibrant and sustainable sports economy that works through organisation of regular domestic competitions of international standard”, he concluded.

The 2026 Niger Delta games is scheduled to hold from February 20th to 26th in Edo state. 

Imo State is wearing a new glow of confidence and optimism as it prepares for the 2nd edition of the Niger Delta Games. Across the state, the atmosphere is charged with excitement, unity, and renewed belief in the power of sports to inspire, heal, and transform communities. From grassroots athletes to seasoned administrators, there is a shared determination to showcase Imo State as a hub of talent, discipline, and sporting excellence.

The government’s sustained investment in sports infrastructure and youth development has begun to yield visible results. Training facilities are being upgraded, athletes are better motivated, and technical crews are working tirelessly to ensure a smooth and memorable outing. Beyond competition, the Niger Delta Games represent a platform for cultural exchange, regional unity, and the discovery of future champions who will carry the nation’s colours with pride.

For Imo State, this edition is more than a sporting event; it is a statement of readiness and ambition. It reflects a people eager to compete with honour, embrace teamwork, and project a positive image of resilience and progress. As the countdown continues, Imo State stands upbeat and prepared, ready to make a strong impression and reaffirm its place as a leading force in sports development within the Niger Delta and beyond. 

Some athletes from Rivers State have spoken excitedly about opportunities and potentials for a brighter future ingerent in the Niger Delta Games (NDG)

Some of these athletes who will participate in athletics, basketball, table tennis and others have taken to their social media accounts promoting the games and speaking of their expectations.

ThecRivers State basketball players, seen training for the second edition of the NDG coming up in Benin, Edo State, said they are excited at the prospect of defending the gold medal won in the event at the last edition of the NDG in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. 

At the Basketball Court on Niger/ Bende Streets in Port Harcourt township, the players said they have been training hard to ensure that they defend their title.

Dalhati Wealth expressed confidence that his team will emerge victorious as they are learning new techniques and tactics to ensure victory.

“As you can see every player is putting in good effort to be mentally and physically fit, including learning new tactics to be ready and maintain the level that saw us go all the way at the last Games.

”We started our preparation early because we want to achieve success at the end of the day. You know that if you don’t train and do not prepare early, you can’t perform when the chips are down “, Wealth said.

He used the opportunity to commend the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC) for initiating the sports programme with the vision to develop, empower and provide and enduring platform for youths in the region.

”This competition will no doubt discover talents in the region, and it will equally expose us to both local and foreign scouts because you can never tell.

“You know we only have one Youth Games every year but this has added to the calendar towards sports development and the engagement of young people, especially, at the grassroots level” he stated.

A very young looking Kelvin Harrison was seen in a promotional social media post boasting that his team would win gold for Rivers State.

"Hello Rivers people, my name is Kelvin Harrison, a handballer for Rivers State. I'll be joining over 3000 other athletes participating in the 2nd Niger Delta Games in Benin, Edo State from February 20-27. I am so excited and can't wait to be there. See you there as I go for gold", Harrison said in the viral video.

Ebenezer Obas, added drama and fun when he rallied other basketball players on their training ground to add a psychological war dimension in a video. After introducing himself and speaking of their determination to retain the gold medal from the last edition, he invited others who stood behind him as they chorused "let's go Rivers" as they broke into an opponent daring chant.

Also speaking, another athlete, Hector Tobogu

also commended NDDC for the initiative, saying that the tournament has discovered hidden talents in the area.

“This competition has helped many youths develop interest in different sporting activities and is another way to showcase talents. As an athlete if you don’t compete in tournaments or competitions, you will not know your strength and improvement would be very difficult”, Tobogu said.

Pictures: Ebenezer Obas and his team mates 

About 3,000 athletes and officials from nine oil-producing states are expected in Edo State for the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, scheduled to hold from February 20th – 27th, 2026.

The multi-sport event, sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will feature 17 sports. These include football, basketball, boxing, badminton, among others. The event will also feature a cultural night designed to showcase the region’s rich heritage.

The organiser of the event, Itiako Ikpokpo, told sports journalists in the State capital, Benin City, that the games were strictly designed for young talents.

Ikpokpo said participating athletes must be indigenous to the competing states and must not exceed 20 years of age.

According to him, meaningful sports development must begin at the grassroots, as the local government level is the true foundation for talent discovery.

“We must go back to school sports to discover more young talents for the country,” he said.

Ikpokpo, however, decried the poor commitment of state governments to sports development.

He said low budgetary allocations for sports across states had continued to undermine growth in the sector, while weak administration had prevented sports from becoming a viable economic venture.

“There is a need to elevate the conversation on sports in this country,” he added. “The reason sports has not become a money spinner is the way it is being managed by administrators.”

Ikpokpo also condemned the prevalence of age cheating in sports, describing it as “shameful” and called for collective action to end the practice.

He further urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to look beyond Uyo for the hosting of international matches, arguing that the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City meets global standards.

“Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium is as good as the Uyo Stadium and should be considered for international fixtures,” he said. 

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Joint Task Force North East, have recorded another major success in the ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in Borno State, rescuing 86 kidnap victims and arresting 29 others over the supply of logistics to the criminals. The Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, confirmed this in a statement.

Uba said troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion, under Sector 2 OPHK, on 9 November 2025, encountered Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists at Dutse Kura after discovering that terrorists were abducting civilians and vehicles along the Buratai–Kamuya Road. “The troops thwarted the attack, pursued the terrorists towards Mangari, and overpowered them in a follow-up encounter near a camp, forcing the insurgents to flee in disarray. A search of the area led to the discovery of 11 makeshift terrorist structures and the rescue of 86 kidnapped victims, comprising men, women, and children,” he said in a statement.

Some of the items recovered from the criminals include one AK-47 rifle, five magazines with 73 rounds, four PKT ammunition belts, five civilian vehicles, five motorcycles, eight bicycles, and two logistics tricycles. The terrorists’ camp was destroyed in situ after clearance operations. Meanwhile, troops deployed at Mangada arrested 29 terrorist logistics suppliers en route to Chilaria with several items. The troops recovered items such as two pickup vans and a tricycle loaded with Premium Motor Spirit, approximately 1,000 litres of petrol in jerricans, four gallons of engine oil, two new gun truck tyres, a substantial cache of medical supplies, and large quantities of foodstuffs and provisions from them.

“All operations were conducted successfully with no casualties on the part of our troops. The Military High Command commended the gallantry and professionalism of the troops while charging Operation HADIN KAI to sustain operations to deny terrorists freedom of action across the North East theatre,” the statement read. 

The US Congress is debating a bill to sanction 12 northern Nigerian governors, judges, and traditional rulers accused of enabling Christian persecution through blasphemy laws.

Spearheaded by Senator Ted Cruz and backed by Donald Trump, the bill seeks visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Act.

Nigeria’s government dismissed the claims, while CAN backed the probe and MURIC warned against bias. Analysts say the move could strain US–Nigeria relations.

In Igbo culture, the phrase Ezigbo Mmadụ is not used lightly. It describes a person whose character, compassion, and deeds radiate goodness, truth, and integrity. Such a person embodies kindness, fairness, and a sense of responsibility toward others. In our time, one figure who truly reflects this ideal is Ugwumba Uche Nwosu. His life, leadership, and contributions to humanity have made him an outstanding representation of what it means to be a genuine and selfless human being.

Ugwumba Uche Nwosu’s journey is one deeply rooted in service and humility. From his early years, he showed signs of a man destined to uplift others rather than pursue only personal ambitions. His leadership is not anchored on the usual struggles for power or influence but on a sincere desire to make society better. In every capacity he has served, Ugwumba has left behind testimonies of integrity and selfless contribution. His open-heartedness toward both the mighty and the lowly reflects the Igbo adage that “a good man is not known by his wealth but by his deeds.”

One of the hallmarks of Ugwumba’s life is his philanthropy. Beyond politics or social status, he has consistently demonstrated a heart for giving and sharing. He has sponsored educational programs, empowered youths with entrepreneurial support, and provided relief for widows and the less privileged. For him, true wealth lies not in accumulation but in distribution, ensuring that others rise along with him. Such gestures have earned him not only respect but also deep affection from communities across Imo State and beyond.

Leadership in today’s society often comes with challenges of trust, but Ugwumba Uche Nwosu has proven that good leaders can still exist. His style of leadership is one that combines vision with compassion. He believes that governance should not be about titles or positions but about tangible impacts in the lives of people. Those who have encountered him describe him as approachable, empathetic, and genuinely interested in their welfare. This rare trait sets him apart as a model of the true meaning of ezigbo mmadụ.

Furthermore, Ugwumba is a man of peace. He is not known for bitterness, division, or unnecessary conflicts. Rather, he uses his influence to bridge divides, reconcile differences, and foster unity wherever he finds himself. This is in line with Igbo values that celebrate individuals who preserve harmony within the community. To be an ezigbo mmadụ is to be a peacemaker, and Ugwumba has consistently lived up to this calling.

Ugwumba Uche Nwosu is not just a man of influence; he is an embodiment of ezigbo mmadụ. His kindness, philanthropy, humility, and peace-loving nature make him a shining example of the Igbo ideal of a good man. In a society where many pursue self-interest, Ugwumba reminds us that greatness lies in selflessness, and true honor comes from service to humanity.

Wilson Amaefule is a Public Affairs Analyst and writes from Umuhu-Okabia in Orsu Local Government Area. 

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Wednesday met with officials of domestic airline operators in the country. The meeting held in Abuja followed concerns raised about flight disruptions, the attitude of some airline staff, among other issues.

According to sources in the Authority, the purpose of the engagement was to speak to regulatory issues around unruly passenger behaviour and passenger handling protocols, unresolved refund or compensation issues, as well as the enforcement of phone switch-off instructions, protection for cabin crew, and improved travel experience for passengers.

Core TV News reports that the engagement stems from the increasing concerns from some recent confrontations between air customers, crew members, and airline operators.

NCAA stated that there has been an increase in the number of complaints from customers. The regulator urged operators to stick to its regulations in their operations. 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognised the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by a former senate president, David Mark. The confirmation which was displayed on the website of INEC on Wednesday.

The recognition came after an internal restructuring that resulted in the emergence of national officers to reposition the party further ahead of the 2027 general elections. Aside from Mark, who was appointed as the interim chairman, INEC listed a former Osun governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary. Other principal officers now officially recognised by the electoral body are a former Edo governor, Oserheimen Osunbor, as National Legal Adviser; Ibrahim Mani as National Treasurer, and Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary.

The opposition coalition officially adopted the ADC as it political platform on July 2, 2025, with the aim of contesting the presidential and other elections in 2027. The coalition said it was set to rescue the country from collapse and rebuild its democracy. “Let it be known to all that this coalition of national political opposition groups goes beyond gaining political power. It is a concerted effort to rebuild the crumbling pillars of Nigeria’s democracy.

“The mission is clear: Rescue Nigeria. Rebuild Nigeria. Return power to the people,” said Mark. The former leader of the senate alleged that the Federal Government led by the All Progressives Congress (APC) had hijacked all democratic institutions, and sent the country on a “creeping descent into total civilian dictatorship” in the last two years. Mark also said the current government was “consumed with politicking” and had abandoned governance.

“The blatant destabilisation and infiltration of all major opposition political parties is aimed at achieving only one objective: to enhance total state capture and leave Nigerians with no alternative or options in 2027. This coalition is to prevent our country’s descent into a one-party sadded. he added. 

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned two senior commanders of Ansaru, a proscribed terrorist organisation. The suspects are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a Abbas/Mukhtar, and his deputy, Mahmud Al-Nigeri, also called Malam Mamuda.

The DSS filed a 32-count charge against them at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The suspects allegedly attacked the Nigerian Army’s Wawa Cantonment in Kainji, Niger State, in 2022, causing mass casualties.

They also allegedly received training in weapons handling, war tactics, and improvised explosive device (IED) fabrication from terrorist camps. The suspects are also accused of receiving training in war tactics from a terrorist organisation in Mali.

Security officials allege that Mamuda trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under foreign jihadist instructors. Justice Emeka Nwite is presiding over the arraignment of the suspects at the Federal High Court in Abuja. 

The Orlu Renaissance Movement, a rising socio-political platform committed to advocating for good governance, accountability, and community development, has announced the appointment of Comr. Wilson Amaefule as its new Coordinator.

Mr. Wilson, a respected political commentator from Umuhu-Okabia in Orsu Local Government Area, brings to this role years of consistent engagement in political discourse and advocacy for policies that uplift the lives of ordinary people. Known for his courage in speaking truth to power, he has carved a reputation as a voice of reason and conscience within the Orlu zone and beyond.

The Orlu Renaissance Movement, comprising dedicated sons and daughters of Orlu Zone was founded to unite progressive minds towards a common vision of Integrity, Justice, and Development. With Comr. Wilson at the helm, the movement aims to deepen civic awareness, encourage citizens’ participation in governance, and hold leaders accountable to their promises.

In his acceptance speech, Comr. Wilson Amaefule emphasized that leadership is about service, sacrifice, and sincerity. He pledged to steer the Orlu Renaissance Movement as a platform that amplifies the people’s voices and ensures that the collective interests of the zone remain the priority.

“The era of silence is over,” Comr. Wilson declared. “We must rise above divisive politics and chart a course for good governance, unity, and prosperity in Orlu land. Our people deserve better, and the Orlu Renaissance Movement will work tirelessly to demand and achieve it.”

The announcement has been met with excitement among Stakeholders, Youths, and Community Leaders, who see Wilson’s emergence as a turning point for renewed advocacy and genuine leadership in the region.

From 2026, Danish high school students will be allowed to use AI tools to prepare for the oral component of their English exams, the education ministry announced. 

The pilot scheme aims to balance digital learning with academic standards, while parts of the written exam will remain handwritten to curb overreliance on technology. 

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has threatened a nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands after a 21-day ultimatum.

Zonal Coordinator, Innocent Simji, said the move followed unresolved issues, including unpaid salary arrears, non-release of allowances, stalled agreement renegotiations, poor infrastructure funding, and continued discrimination against HND holders.

He warned that members across public polytechnics and monotechnics would withdraw services if the government fails to act. 

Police in Akwa Ibom have arrested a self-acclaimed doctor, Sunday Okon Akpan, after a 35-year-old woman, Blessing Sunday Etim, died during an abortion at his clinic in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA.

Police said Akpan, a community health worker with no medical licence, attempted to dump the corpse in the victim’s room to cover up the crime before fleeing. He was later arrested, and the clinic has been shut down.

The body has been deposited for autopsy as investigations continue. 

INEC says over 505,906 Nigerians completed online pre-registration for the Continuous Voter Registration within five days of its resumption. Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, represented by National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu, described the turnout as proof of citizens’ commitment to democracy.

The physical phase begins August 25 across 811 centres nationwide, where biometrics will be captured. INEC also launched sensitisation campaigns urging eligible citizens, especially youths and first-time voters, to register and secure their PVCs. 

The National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and several upstream gas suppliers have signed long-term Gas Supply Agreements (GSAs) with the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) for the delivery of 1.29 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscf/d) of Feedgas.

The 20-year agreements, with extension options, were signed at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Friday by the NLNG and Amni International Petroleum Development Company Limited; Sunlink Energies and Resources Limited; First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited; SNEPCo; NNPC Gas Marketing Limited; NNPC E&P Limited; Shell Nigeria Gas Solutions Limited; Oando Group; and Aradel Holdings.

The agreements, aimed at bridging the prolonged shortfall in upstream gas availability, mark a major boost for Nigeria’s energy transition agenda and the Federal Government’s gas reforms aimed at strengthening the nation’s economic prosperity and energy security. Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Ojulari commended NLNG’s shareholders and the Federal Government for their long-term commitment to value delivery despite the challenges faced over the years.

He described the agreements as a giant step towards value creation and sustainable gas supply. “These GSAs have opened up opportunities for the growth of our industry, both for local and international development. They’re hinged on collaboration, synergies and opportunities. We need to leverage economies of scale, share risks and opportunities for us to attain Mr. President’s Decade of Gas vision,” he said.

Ojulari lauded the enabling environment and private sector support fostered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “It is important to commend the President’s tremendous effort that has enabled the business through the issuance of Executive Orders targeted at gas developments and ease of doing business,” he added. The GCEO reaffirmed NNPC Ltd.’s readiness to accelerate the realisation of the Presidential Executive Orders for the industry, pledging to work with partners to unlock opportunities for collective prosperity, in line with the national gas development targets for incremental production. 

The Federal Government is currently discussing a loan funding of $238 million from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to expand Nigeria’s national electricity grid network, especially the transmission segment of the power value chain. This was part of the outcome of deliberations at the just-concluded Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, Japan, where the Nigerian delegation was led by President Bola Tinubu, and attended by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and others.

The national delegation held high-level engagements with Japanese stakeholders, including Toshiba, Hitachi, Japan’s Transmission & Distribution Corporation, and Energy Exchange corporations, focusing on transmission infrastructure, operational efficiency, and strategies to reduce system losses. The proposed loan was built on the recent Federal Executive Council (FEC) approvals for counterpart funding of ₦19 billion to catalyse a loan funding of $238 million from the JICA.

The loan funding will support the expansion of the national grid with the addition of 102.95km of new 330kV double circuit (DC) line, 104.59km of new 132kV double circuit (DC) line, four 330/132/33kV substations, two132/33kv substations, two 330kV line bays extension, two 132kV line bays extension, and one 132kV Substation. The Minister also announced that Nigeria is advancing a $190 million renewable energy loan facility supported by the JICA, designed to scale distributed renewable energy solutions across underserved communities. This builds on the recently launched $750 million World Bank Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme under the Mission 300 Compact, which aims to bring clean and reliable electricity to more than 17 million Nigerians.

In parallel, three substations funded by JICA through a $32 million grant are set for commissioning in Apo (FCT), Keffi (Nasarawa State), and Apapa (Lagos State). The projects will directly strengthen supply reliability to households, businesses, and industrial clusters, including critical facilities such as the Lagos Port and surrounding industrial areas. In addition, through the partnership with JICA, Adelabu said the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) has commissioned a state-of-the-art training equipment in Abuja to strengthen the skills of distribution engineers and tackle network losses.

The facility is designed to deepen local expertise and promote long-term sustainability in sector operations through capacity development, which remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s power sector strategy. 

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.