IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

By Chidiebube Okeoma 

One of the biggest set backs of Nigeria's democratic rule was the December 2023 Appeal court judgment which sacked one of Nigeria's most honest, compassionate, dedicated and resulted oriented parliamentarians, Ugonna Ozurigbo Ugonna popularly known as OZB of Nwangele/ Nkwerre/ Isu/ Njaba federal constituency of Imo state. The parliamentarian had won the election clean- clear having exceptionally done well during his first stint in the country's lower law making body between 2019 and 2023. OZB was the darling of his people and lived up to the expectation of being the true representative of his people.

He was an eloquent representative of his people. Mr empowerment personified. He championed programs and projects that progressed his constituency and benefited his constituents, immeasurably. From his time as a councillor representing his people of Umuozu in Nwangele legislative chamber to his sojourn to the Imo State House of Assembly in Owerri , the state capital and his metric rise to the rank of the Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly from 2015 to 2019, OZB remained a lawmaker who effectively maximized his role as a lawmaker and a beacon of hope for his people.

OZB's eight years scintillating performance in the Imo State House of Assembly gave space for his ascendency to the national Assembly. His election into the House of representatives was an easy ride as his goodwill to his people while a state lawmaker cut across the length and breathe of Imo state. No wonder when it was time for him to seek the support of the people of his federal constituency, it was easy because of his indisputable social value and political sagacity.

OZB as a parliamentarian understands very well that beyond his constitutional responsibility of lawmaking, repealing and amending laws and oversight functions of the other two bodies of government, empowerment of his constituents through job employment, infrastructural projects, lightening up communities, start up businesses for vulnerable youths and women and other human empowerment programs are the core responsibilities of a pragmatic lawmaker.

Here are some of the scorecards of one Nigeria's most result oriented parliamentarians who was unjustly sacked by the court. Today his constituency is not feeling any better because the man the court replaced him with is yet to find his feet in the national Assembly; OZB presented Bill To Amend The Economic And Financial Crimes Commission Act Lfn (Legislative Action). He also presented Bill To Amend The Companies And Allied Matters Act 2020 (Legislative Action).

OZB presented Bill To Establish The Federal College Of Health And Management Sciences Amaigbo, Imo State, To Provide Full-Time Courses, Teaching, Instructions And Training In Health, Management Sciences, Applied Sciences And Other Related Matters (Legislative Action).

OZB presented Bill For The Amendment Of The Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission Act Lfn (Legislative Action). He also Presented Bill For Amendment Of Compulsory And Free Universal Basic Education Act, Lfn (Legislative Action).

OZB sponsored motion To End Recurrent Scarcity Of Nigerian International Passport Booklets In Our Immigration Offices. Motion For The Construction And Widening Of Nkwerre – Nwangele L.G.A’s Failed Section Of Ihiala -Orlu – Umuduru - Oku Federal Road. Motion For The Checkmate Of Isu-Umuanu-Amaju Amaigbo Gully Erosion In The Federal Constituency   

In the state area of e, he facilitated two Permanent Employment opportunities at Federal University Of Calabar And Federal Ministry Of Justice (Full Time) for two persons. Six Permanent Employment opportunities at Federal Medical Center Owerri (Full Time). Two Permanent Employment Of Doctor And Nurse At Lagos State Teaching Hospital (Full Time). Enrollment Of 50 Persons Into N-Power Program Of Federal Government (Temporary). Enrollment Of 400 Persons Into Special Public Works (Spw) Of Federal Government (Temporary). He Secured Job For a Constituent At Federal Ministry Of Labour And Productivity.

His empowerment Programs and Projects are numerous but I will highlight a few. He renovated Orie Chineke Market In Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. (Completed). Completion Of a Block Of 24 Shops At Nkwormiri Market in Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. (Completed).

Construction Of 10 Lock -Up Shops At Ubaha Amaigbo Nwangele Lga (Completed). Renovation Of Stalls At Orie Egwedu In Atta Ward 3 Njaba Lga (Completed). Construction Of 2 Blocks Of 10 Lockup Shops And 2 Warehouses In Nkwormmiri Ultra Modern Market Nwangele Lga (For 2022). Construction Of 4 Blocks Of 8 Open Stalls At Afor Agbugba Amaju Market Nwangele Lga (For 2022).

OZB also oversaw the Installation Of Solar Borehole At Uloano Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. (Completed). The Installation Of Solar Borehole At Eke Amandugba in Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. (Completed). The Installation Of Solar Borehole At Isunjaba Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. (Completed). The Installation Of Mechanized Borehole At Nkwormmiri Market in Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. (Completed). The Installation Of Solar Borehole At Umuduruoha Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. (Completed). The Installation Of Solar Street Lights At Umuduruna in Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. (Completed). The Installation Of Solar Borehole At Umuduruaro Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. (Completed). The Installation Of Solar Borehole At Amaokpara Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. (Completed). The Installation Of Solar Borehole At Afor Umuaka Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. (Completed). The Installation Of Motorized Borehole With Purifier At Umueze Umuozu Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. (Completed). The Installation Of Solar Borehole At Okwudor (Completed). The Installation Of Solar Borehole At Umuobi Umuozu (Completed). The Installation Of Solar Borehole At Ekitiafor (Completed). The Provision Of Solar Borehole At Comprehensive Secondary School Nkume Njaba Lga (Completed). The Provision Of Solar Borehole At Aboh Dimnanume Nwangele Lga (Completed 2022). The Provision Of Solar Borehole At Umuopara Abba Nwangele Lga Completed 2022).

Provision Of Solar Borehole At Isiala Umudi Nkwerre Lga (Completed 2022). Provision Of Solar Borehole At Umuokwara Isunjaba Isu Lga (In 2022 Appropriation Act). Provision Of Solar Borehole At Umuzi Amauju Isu Lga. Provision Of Solar Borehole At Acharaji Akah Njaba Lga. Provision Of Solar Borehole At Umudibi Ekwe Isu Lga. Installation Of Solar Borehole At Onusa Nkwerre (Completed). Conversion Of five Motorised Boreholes Tosolar At Amurie Omanze (Completed). Conversion Of Motorised Borehole To Solar At Okwuome Isiala Umuozu Nwangele Lga. Conversion Of Motorised Boreholes To Solar At Umudike Amaigbo Nwangele Lga. Conversion Of Motorised Boreholes To Solar At Ndiokwu Amurie Isu Lga. Conversion Of Motorized Boreholes To Solar At Ndiahia Owerre Umuamucha Njaba Lga and the conversion Of four Boreholes At Amurie Omanze in Isu Lga.

In the area of electricity,OZB oversaw the rural Electrification And Extension Of Electricity To Umuoparadim in Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Constituency. Provision Of Transformer For Ogwuaga Abba Ward in Nwangele.Provision Of Transformer For Umuozu Ward (Completed). Provision Of Transformer For Umudurueze Amandugba Ward 1). Provision Of Transformer For Umuezealanwoke Amaigbo Ward 4 (Completed). Provision Of Transformer For Umueze Amaigbo Ward 1 (Completed). Provision Of Transformer For Umunam Atta Ward 1 (Completed). Provision Of Transformer For Nkwerre Ward 2 (Completed). Donation Of Transformer For Nkwerre Ward (Completed).

Installation Of Solar Street Lights At Isuneliligborogu Civic Centre (Completed). Provision Of 500kva/33 Transformer For Ukwube Nnannano Nkwerre (Completed 2022). Provision Of 500kva/33 Transformer For Umudiwuoha Ibeoma Ekwe Isu Lga (Completed 2022). Provision Of 500kva/33 Transformer For Okporo Umundugba Isu Lga.(Completed 2022). Provision Of 500kva/33 Transformer For Umuduruewurum Amucha Njaba Lga(Completed 2022). Provision Of 500kva/33 Transformer For Umuaro Nkwerre Lga (In 2022 Appropriation Act). Provision Of 500kva/33 Transformer For Umudi Umuwala Nkwerre Lga. Provision Of 500kva/33 Transformer For Isiozi Akah Njaba Lga. Provision Of 500kva/33 Transformer For Adii Abajah Nwangele Lga. Provision Of 500kva/33 Transformer For Ndiuhu Umuchoke Amaigbo Nwangele Lga. Provision Of 500kva/33 Transformer For Isuobishi Isunjaba Isu Lga. Provision Of 500kva/33 Transformer For Durunguma-Duruodu Umuokpoko Isuokporo Isu Lga and Umunwanze Dimnwaze Isunjaba Isu Lga.

Because of his undying love and passion for education, OZB Constructed two Blocks Of Class Rooms With Modern Toilet Facilities At Comprehensive High School Nkume in Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. (Completed). Renovated And Furnished Isu High School in Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. (Completed) Constructed Block Of six Classrooms At Ogwuaga Abba (Completed)and financed the renovation Of Abajah Community School (Completed)

Renovation Of Obinwanne Community Primary School Obinwanne Umuaka (Completed). Renovation Of Oboro Amurie Secondary School (Completed). Construction Of A Block 6 Classrooms King Jaja Secondary School Amaigbo Nwangele Lga (In 2022 Appropriation Act). Renovation Of A Block Of Classroom In Okwudor Technical School Njaba Lga (In 2022 Appropriation Act). Perimeter Fencing Of Nnerim Ndugba Primary School Nnerim Isu Lga (In 2022 Appropriation Act).

In the area of empowerment, OZB distributed Of Over 50 Grinding Machines With Cash Grants To Women Of Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. 1st Phase (Completed). Distribution Of Over 128 Motorcycles And 14 Tricycles To Youths, Women And Men Of Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. 2nd Phase (Completed). Distribution Of Mini Buses To Youths Of Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. 2nd Phase (Completed).Distribution Of 5 Tricycles To Youths Of Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. 3rd Phase (Completed). Training Of 70 Youths And Women Safety Driving And Road Usage In Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. 3rd Phase (Completed). Distribution Of 70 Vehicles Of Sienna Buses, Mini Buses And Passat To Youths And Women Of Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. 3rd Phase 

(Completed).Distribution Of 5000 Hand Sanitizers To Prevent Covid-19 Within Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. Palliative (Completed). Distribution Of Over 500 Bags Of Rice, 2000 Cartons Of Noodles And 3000 Tubers Of Yams To Indigent People Within Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. Palliative (Completed). Enrollment Of 165 Youths Into Federal Government Survival Fund Grant.Empowerment Of 30 Women With Seed Money In Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Federal constituency. Completion Of 6th Phase N250,000 For 50 Persons Sme Empowerment Scheme (Completed). Conducted Training For Youths Of The Federal Constituency In Film Making In Conjunction With Nigeria Fil Corporation And National Film Institute, Jos, Plateau State (Completed). Empowerment Of 600 Persons With Different Skills And Start-Up Fund (Completed). Distribution Of Over 30 Motorcycles And 10 Mini Buses As Part Of The 5th Phase Empowerment (Completed).7th Phase Empowerment 400 Student Bursary Support Scheme. 9th Phase Economic Empowerment Distribution Of 50 Mini-Buses In Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Federal Constituency.

In the area of road, OZB oversaw the Construction And Asphalting Of 1km Umuorlighi – Umunakara Road Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. (Completed). Maintenance Of 1km Isiala Road Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Federal constituency (Completed). Construction Of Ultra-Modern Civic Centre Owerre Nkworji Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Federal constituency (On-Going)

Erosion Control, Construction Of Drainages And Culverts At Umuozu Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. (Completed). Construction Of Lodging Facility At Isuneliligborogu Civic Centre (Completed). Erosion Control At St. Peters Anglican Church Isiala Umuozu Nwangele Lga (Completed 2022).Completion Of Isu Na Eliligborogu Sports Complex Nwangele Lga. Construction Of ICT Centre At Abba Nwangele Lga (On-Going). Construction Of Water Processing Factory In Umudurueze Umuozu Nwangele Lga (Completed). Rehabilitation And Erosion Control On Okoroduru-Ekwe/Okwudor Road, Isu Lga. Completion Of Nkwerre Country Club Guest House Nkwerre Lga (Completed). Construction Of Unity Forum Amaigbo Recreation Club House Amaigbo Nwangele Lga (On-Going). Renovation Of Umuola Hall Obeakpu Njaba Lga (Completed). Completion Of Umuezealaerioha Hall Ekpe Isu Nwangele Lga (Completed).

In the area of health, OZB is responsible for the fencing Of Umunakara-Isu Health Centre And Addition Of Solar Borehole, Nwangele Lga (Completed). Installation Of Solar Borehole Umukabia Health Centre Nkwerre Lga (Completed). Renovation Of Doctor’s Quarters At Eziama Obaire Health Centre Nkwerre Lga (In 2022 Appropriation Act). Equipping Of Abba Health Centre Umuokwara Abba Nwangele Lga (In 2022 Appropriation Act). Free Medical Scheme For Nkwerre/Isu /Nwangele /Njaba Federal Constituency (In 2022 Appropriation Act) . Construction Of Community Health Centre Umuezeanoruo Eziama Obaire Nkwerre Lga (On-Going). Installation Of Solar Borehole At Primary Health Centre Umunam Atta Ward 1 Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. (Completed). Fencing Of Primary Health Centre Umunam Atta Ward 1 Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Fed. Cont. (Completed).Renovation Of Abba Health Centre Nwangele Lga (Completed).Construction Of Amaiyi Umuaka Health Centre Njaba Lga (Completed).

In the area of Solar Lights, he masterminded the Installation Of Solar Lights At Umuaro Nkwerre Lga. Installation Of Solar Lights At Umudi Umuwala Nkwerre Lga. Installation Of Solar Lights At Isiozi Akah Njaba Lga. Installation Of Solar Lights At Adii Abajah Nwangele Lga. Installation Of Solar Lights At Ndiuhu Umuchoke Amaigbo Nwangele Lga. Installation Of Solar Lights At Isuobishi Isunjaba Isu Lga. Installation Of Solar Lights At Durunguma-Duruodu, Umuokpoko Isuokporo Isu Lga. Installation Of Solar Lights At Umunwanze Dimnwaze Isunjaba Isu Lga. Installation Of Solar Street Lights At Agbajah Ward 2 (Nwangele Lga).Installation Of Solar Street Lights At Ekitiafor Abba Ward Nwangele Lga. Installation Of Solar Street Lights At Amaju Amaigbo Ward 3 Nwangele Lga..Installation Of Solar Street Lights At Dim-Na-Nume Ward Nwangele Lga. Installation Of Solar Street Lights At Amazano Umuaka Ward 3 Njaba Lga. Installation Of Solar Street Lights At Umuduru Isu Njaba Ward 2 Isu Lga. Installation Of Solar Street Lights At Nnanano Ward Nkwerre Lga. Installation Of Solar Street Lights At Ime-Owerre Isunjaba Isu Lga. Installation Of Solar Street Lights At Amucha Ebeise Njaba Lga. Installation Of Solar Street Lights At Uipu Civic Centre Centre Nwangele Lga and the Distribution Of 5000 Bags Of Rice to Constituents.

With the above mouthwatering achievements of his highlighted above, though abridged, there is no gain stating the obvious that there was a grand conspiracy to dime the political career of OZB. OZB is a man who is loved across the length and breathe of Imo state and I make bold to say that there is no federal lawmaker dead or alive who achieved 50 percent of what he ( OZB) did for the people of the state.

No matter the conspiracy to bench OZB's political career, I strong believe that one with God and the people are in the majority. His political value, electoral rating, social value and capital value and integrity are top notch. It is just a temporary setback. He will rise again. Certainly soon.

Okeoma is a journalist and he can be reached via okeoma78@gmail.com. 

The governor of Imo State, Distinguished Sen. Hope Uzodinma, has assured the Federation of the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association of Nigeria, NBSA of his commitments towards the development of the sports in Imo State.

Uzodinma said this in Owerri, Saturday, during the association's Annual Week celebration which held with road walks, fanfare and friendlies at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

Speaking through his commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, Gov. Uzodinma recounted that Baseball was first introduced into Nigeria between 1960 and 1966 by the American Peace Corps but died when in 1966 a Civil War broke out in Nigeria and the Peace Corps were forced to exit the county.

"However, a group of Nigerians came together in 1989 to introduce the sports by forming a federation called the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association, NBSA which is the umbrella you are operating today.

"I want to thank in a special way, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our President and Commander in Chief for the enabling environment he has provided the NBSA to continue to operate in Nigeria. And I also want to thank the Chairman, National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko for his motivations and encouragements towards Nigeria athletes in this sector, as well as congratulate your President, Mr. Uche Odozor and others working with him for taking this association to it's present level.

"For us as a government in Imo State, we shall continue to partner with you in the development of the sports so that through them, many youths would be pulled off the streets and more champions discovered", Uzodinma added.

The occasion ended with photo sessions and presentation of booths and canvasses (footwears) to some players in the Imo team who participated in the friendly match by the Honourable Commissioner For Sports, on behalf of the Imo state's governor.

By Nwakamma Agochukwu | May 10, 2025 

In the great theater of human affairs, leadership remains life's most consequential drama - one where character and competence must triumph over clan and creed. As the 2027 approach, Orlu Zone stands at a critical juncture where it must choose between the familiar comfort of tribal allegiances and the courageous path of meritocratic governance. The ancient Greek philosopher Plato warned that "the price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men." Today, in Rt. Hon. Sir Jones Onyereri PhD, KSP, FCIPAN (Mmiri na Anwu, Olile Anya), Orlu Zone has been presented with that rare statesman who embodies both wisdom and action - a leader whose remarkable career demonstrates how enlightened governance can elevate a society beyond the limitations of identity politics.

Orlu Zone represents both the promise and the predicament of Nigerian politics in microcosm. Like the biblical land flowing with milk and honey, the region is blessed with abundant human and economic potential, yet too often has been held captive by political calculations that value sentiment over substance. The French political thinker Alexis de Tocqueville once observed that "in a democracy, people get the government they deserve." For too long, elections in Orlu have been reduced to questions of "which clan or party takes the turn" rather than which candidate possesses the vision and capability to deliver meaningful development. This pattern must give way to a new paradigm if Orlu is to realize its providential destiny.

The measure of true leadership, as the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu taught, is that "when the best leader's work is done, the people say 'we did it ourselves.'" Rt. Hon. Sir Jones Onyereri's record speaks eloquently to this ideal. From the corridors of power to the grassroots communities of Orlu, his impact has been both profound and widely recognized. Amb. Dr. Kema Chikwe, former PDP National Women Leader, notes how "the House of Representatives acknowledged your resourcefulness by appointing you Chairman of the Banking and Currency Committee, a strategic position where you shaped Nigeria's economic policies with distinction." This sentiment is echoed by His Excellency, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Governor of Old Enugu State, who describes Dr. Jones Onyereri as "a man of steadfast integrity and fervent passion, whose political and religious character have never been questioned."

What sets Rt. Hon. Dr. Jones Onyereri apart is his embodiment of the Aristotelian ideal of practical wisdom - the rare ability to combine high-level policy expertise with deep grassroots engagement. His Excellency Chief Sir Ikedi Ohakim, former Governor of Imo State, observes that "the high esteem in which your constituency holds you is a clear testament to your consistent ability to surpass expectations." This dual competence - equally at home in national policy discussions and community development initiatives - makes him uniquely qualified to represent Orlu Zone in the Senate.

At the grassroots level, Rt. Hon. Dr. Jones Onyereri's impact has been transformative in the truest sense of the word. Chief Chinenye Iheaku attests that "you have served with remarkable dedication, consistently striving to improve lives," while Chief G.O. Osuchukwu, the Ozomee of Isu Clan, notes that "since you joined the House of Representatives, we have witnessed the true meaning of democracy's dividends." These testimonials reflect a leader who understands the African proverb that "if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together."

The 2027 election presents Orlu Zone with what existentialist philosophers might call an authentic choice - one that will define the region's character and destiny. The French writer Albert Camus reminded us that "the only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion." In political terms, this means Orlu must rebel against the tyranny of low expectations and embrace Rt. Hon. Jones Onyereri's vision of meritocratic leadership that delivers concrete results. As Hon. Barr. C.M.C Onuoha, former Minority Leader of the Imo House of Assembly, observes, "your intellect, capability, and reverence for God have not only prepared you for the Orlu Zone senatorial contest but have endeared you to all who know you."

What would an Jones Onyereri senatorship mean for Orlu Zone? It would mean championing crucial reforms with the wisdom of Solomon and the courage of David. It would mean leveraging national connections to attract investments like the proposed Orlu Industrial Corridor. Most importantly, it would mean institutionalizing development through equitable local government funding to ensure no community is left behind - a practical application of John Rawls' theory of justice as fairness.

Rt. Hon. Leo Okuweh Ogor, Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, captures the essence of Onyereri's leadership when he says, "your contributions to your constituency, Nigeria, and humanity reflect a patriotic, dynamic leader of exceptional honor and integrity." These qualities - honor, integrity, and a proven capacity to deliver - are precisely what Orlu Zone needs as it stands at this crossroads of history.

The German philosopher Hegel taught that history progresses through thesis, antithesis and synthesis. For Orlu Zone, 2027 must mark the synthesis - the transcendence of old divisions and the embrace of a new political ethos. As Chief Engr. Chibulke Achigbu, the Akasia and Lord Mayor of Nkwerre Ancient Kingdom, declares, "You are a true inspiration - embodying dedicated service and human development." With Rt. Hon. Sir Jones Onyereri as its Senator, Orlu Zone can write the next glorious chapter in its history - one where the people's potential is finally matched by their political representation.

Nwakamma Agochukwu is an Author, researcher, Economist, Data Analyst, and Public Policy Specialist with expertise in ICT4D, Mira & Gira and development technologies. 

At least 119,000 user accounts in Nigeria have been compromised so far in 2025, a report by the cybersecurity firm, Surfshark has shown. The company ranks Nigeria third in Sub-Saharan Africa for total breaches since 2004, with 23.2 million compromised accounts.

A data breach means that an intruder copied and leaked user data such as names, surnames, email addresses, passwords, etc. Surfshark’s analysis indicates an 85% drop in the number of leaked accounts in Nigeria from Q4 2024 to Q1 2025, in line with a global trend that saw leaked accounts plunge 93% year-on-year, from 973.7 million in Q1 2024 to just 68.3 million in Q1 2025. Still, on average, one Nigerian account has been leaked every minute in 2025.

Of these, 7.3 million are unique email addresses, meaning the average user’s email has been leaked multiple times. Around 13 million passwords were exposed alongside Nigerian accounts. This puts 56 per cent of affected users at risk of account takeover, identity theft, extortion, or other cybercrimes. Statistically, 10 out of every 100 Nigerians have been reportedly impacted by data breaches.

Surfshark’s analysis shows that 280 accounts are breached per 100 people globally. According to the report, the country ranks 54th globally for breaches in the year’s first quarter. Additionally, 94 unique email addresses per 100 people have been exposed. The most significant company-related data breach in Nigeria this decade occurred in September 2024, when a hacker identified as Addka72424 released a dataset containing 3.3 billion email addresses. 

Though global, the leak included 2,555,642 Nigerian accounts. The hacker described it as a “small” experiment to show how much data is freely available online. 

Insecurity will form a major discourse as the Northern governors and traditional rulers meet in Kaduna today over pressing issues affecting the region.

The meeting is taking place at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna. Key issues such as the lingering insecurity bedevilling the North, poverty, a high rate of out-of-school children, and other socioeconomic challenges affecting the region, will also be discussed at the meeting.

Already, the governors of Zamfara, Kebbi, Gombe, Niger and Zamfara States have arrived for the meeting. Traditional rulers present are the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Emir of Zazzau , Ahmed Bamalli, Etsu Nupe , Emir of Zamfara, Emirs of Bauchi , Katsina, Emir of Ilorin, Emir of Keffi , among others.

The meeting will be chaired by the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, while Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State will deliver his welcome address as the chief host. 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has sought the support of heads of schools and principals in Lagos State towards enlisting students and school children in Integrity and Zero Tolerance clubs, which are the Commission’s reorientation and sensitization outreach platforms for youths.

Speaking in an interactive session with heads of schools and principals in the state on May 8, 2025, CE Michael Nzekwe, Director, Lagos Directorate 1, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, said the purpose of the meeting was to seek their support towards the success of the initiative aimed at preventing negative influences among the students.

Nzekwe, who was represented by DCE Ayo Oyewole, Head of Public Affairs Unit in the Directorate, said: “If you allow us to come to your schools and tell your students that hard work, and not crimes, pays, we will achieve the Nigeria of our dreams.”

Oyewole also emphasized the need for concerted efforts to strengthen young people to resist peer pressure and societal vices, while promoting integrity, discipline, and national pride.

In his response, representatives from Holy Child and Government Secondary School welcomed the initiative, and expressed their readiness to partner with the Commission in its public engagement with the students. 

In her remarks, the Head of Science Department, Aunty Ayo International School, Oko- Innocent, Lagos suggested the involvement of parents in the planned sensitization programmes during the Parents-Teachers Association, PTA, meetings in order to enhance the success of the initiative.