Comrade Chioma Ifemeludike, the African  Action Congress ( AAC) Candidate for the November  8, 2025 Anambra  State  gubernatorial  election, has denied allegations  of withdrawing  from the race, describing  such reports  as” fake news “.

Ifemeludike  affirmed  she is still much in the race countering speculation  about her pulling out of the governorship  contest.

She attributed  the false reports  to individuals  opposed  to Anambra’s progress, calling it a product  of evil machinations  by those accustomed  to holding the state back.

She stated her candidacy is widely accepted  by Anambra  people and she is driven by passion for the welfare of Ndi – Anambra.

Ifemeludike assured of a different  leadership  if elected, emphasising  that no candidate  represent  Anambra  people  or has better plans like she does.

She vowed to fight to the finished  lines, as long as her name remains  on the ballot, refusing to step down.

AAC Candidate made this statement during the unveiling  of her ” Chioma for Governor Tournament  2025″, a football  tournament  for Anambra  youth, indicating engagement with young people as part of her campaign  activities.

LarryBravo Nwaiwu

As part of efforts to reposition Enugu State as a hub of agro-industrial excellence, the state government has signed a landmark N100 billion joint venture agreement with Songhai Sustainable Initiative in Nigeria and Tribu Limited for the rehabilitation and transformation of the moribund Heneke Integrated Farm into a world-class agro-industrial hub.

The deal, signed on Tuesday at Government House, Enugu, formally establishes Enugu Tribu Songhai Farms Ltd, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that will oversee the revitalization, expansion, and management of the project spanning 10,000 hectares of land in Ezeagu Local Government Area.

While conducting the formal signing of the joint venture agreement, JVA, Governor Peter Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, described the agreement as a turning point in Enugu’s redevelopment agenda to industrialize production in the agro-allied sector.

“Today, we formalize a partnership that will breathe new life into the Enugu Songhai Initiative, transform abandoned assets into thriving agro-industrial hubs, and advance food security, regenerative development, and inclusive growth for Ndi Enugu,” he said.

The governor disclosed that the farm, originally established in 2013 but left incomplete, will now be revived into a multi-sectoral agro-industrial ecosystem comprising crop production, animal husbandry, aquaculture, processing plants, renewable energy systems, and eco-tourism facilities.

He added that the project was expected to rehabilitate the 10,000 hectares with secured land titles, establish a 25-hectare training and incubation centre for youth and women, create thousands of jobs across agriculture, processing, and export value chains, and drive the adoption of modern, sustainable farming practices.

Mbah further emphasized that the partnership was underpinned by a robust governance framework to ensure transparency, compliance with applicable laws, and protection of state interests.

Speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Hon. Patrick Ubru, assured that the project will be sustainable and transformative.

“We have the land, water, good soil, and the right people. This initiative will create thousands of jobs, boost food production, and change the mindset of our people towards agriculture.

“It is going to be an integrated system —crop, livestock, aquaculture, processing, export, and ecotourism-driven by the community, private sector, and government,” he said.

According to him, the partnership underscored the governor’s broader mission to turn Enugu into Nigeria’s food production powerhouse and achieve self-sufficiency while attracting foreign investments.

“With an expected injection of N100 billion in capital and expertise, the project positions Enugu State at the forefront of modern agribusiness, ensuring both food security and economic diversification,” he said.

On his part, the Director of Songhai Sustainable Initiative, Prof. Godfrey Nzamujo, pledged Songhai’s expertise and technical capacity, calling the project strategic agriculture.

“We are committed to producing more and better with less. This is about integrated farming that combines crops, livestock, aquatics, renewable energy, and human capital development. All of us must stay committed to succeed,” he noted.

He called on young people to embrace agriculture and seize the opportunity the agreement presented to earn a decent living.

Reacting to the execution of the agreement, the project financier and CEO of Tribu Limited, Ozor Silas Nnamdi, declared that the farm would not only transform agriculture but also serve as a model resort for eco- and agro-tourism.

“We are going to build one of the best Songhai resorts in Africa. It is a shame that Nigeria still imports what it eats. This project is proof that we can change that narrative,” he concluded.

LarryBravo Nwaiwu

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Wednesday received the Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo, in his office.

Omeruo, who was accompanied by the General Manager of Rangers International FC, Amobi Ezeaku, briefed the governor on his proposed scouting project for Enugu and the South East, aimed at identifying and nurturing young football talents across the region.

Governor Mbah, in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @PNMbah, assured Omeruo of the state government’s full support.

“I was delighted to receive Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo, today. His vision to groom young talents aligns with our drive to empower youths through sports,” the governor said.

He commended Omeruo for his commitment to grassroots football, assuring that the state government would provide all necessary support to ensure the project thrives.

“As a government, we remain committed to advancing grassroots sports and strengthening Rangers International FC as a symbol of pride for Enugu and Nigeria,” Mbah stated.

The 2025 national conference of the Finance and Business Online Publishers (FiBOP) has continued to attract support and sponsorship from more reputable organisations and institutions in the nation’s economy.

The conference which is scheduled to take place at Orchid Hotels, Lekki on October 18th to 19th, has attracted the support of the following organisations: Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), emPLE Insurance Limited, Polaris Bank, Zenith bank, Fidelity Bank , Universal Insurance, and Nestle Nigeria Plc.

Themed “Leveraging Technology Innovations, Tax Reforms, and Opportunities in Renewable Energy and Agriculture to Achieve $1 Trillion Economy”, the Conference is intended  to achieve a clear plan for securing successful mutual accountability and investment plans, crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth and development, particularly in areas like technology innovations, tax reforms, renewable energy, and agriculture

The event which promises to bring together technocrats and speakers from different sectors of the economy, will also identify growth strategies for diversifying from dependence on oil, adapting technology, fostering innovation, investing in renewable energy, insurance, agriculture, and services

The conference organizers have expressed optimism that more institutions will join the train based on the understanding of the federal government’s desire to better the lives of the citizens of this country.

The President, Finance and Business Online Publishers FiBOP, Mr. Charles Onwuatogwu has called on more companies and organizations to partner with the association, assuring that the partners and sponsors will gain a wide range of benefits including well articulated media hype, through presentations, press interviews, media promotion, display of their organization’s backdrop and inscription of their logo on souvenirs and all publicity materials.

Distinguished personalities, from the academia, captains of industries top ranking government officials, amongst which are the Minister of Finance and coordinating Minister of the economy, Mr.Wale Edun,  Minister of Environment, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security,  Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso are expected to grace the occasion.

Others are  Chairman/CEO of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Commissioner for Insurance and CEO of the National Insurance Commission, and CEOs of Fintech  companies and renewable energy firms.

FiBOP is a registered body by the Corporate Affairs Commission made up of seasoned online publishers and editors, with wealth of experience in the print and electronic media, who are dedicated to promoting informed and balanced reporting of economic events and activities, contributing to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy and the continent of Africa.

The association’s annual conference provides a platform for experts and stakeholders to contribute to national discourse, aimed at fostering inclusive socioeconomic growth, unity, and national prosperity.

Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC has once again demonstrated excellence in the Aviation Ground Handling sector by emerging as the Best Cargo Handling Company in Nigeria 2024/2025 at the 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market Conference and Exhibition, held in Lagos.

In addition to this prestigious recognition, SAHCO’s Chairman, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, was named among the Top 50 Air Cargo Personalities in Nigeria, while SAHCO’s Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, was also recognized among Nigeria’s leading air cargo personalities.

The awards were received on behalf of SAHCO’s leadership by the company’s Cargo Marketing Manager, Mrs. Anne Nwadike, who represented the Executive Director of Cargo Services, Mrs. Boma Ukwunna.

Speaking during the event, the organizer, Mr. Ikechi Uko, commended SAHCO and its leadership for consistently setting standards in Aircraft and Cargo ground handling services. He noted that SAHCO has remained the number one ground handling company in Nigeria and one of the best in Africa, despite the prevailing economic challenges in the country.

With a reputation for operational excellence, SAHCO boasts some of the most advanced Ground Support Equipment (GSE) in the world, all fitted with modern technology to guarantee efficiency and reliability.

SAHCO remains the only aviation ground handling company with operations across all the commercially operated airports in Nigeria, ensuring nationwide reach and accessibility.

Beyond technology and infrastructure, SAHCO continues to prioritize human capital development, investing in the training and upskilling of its workforce to maintain global standards in aviation ground handling services.

This recognition underscores SAHCO’s unwavering commitment to innovation, professionalism, and customer satisfaction in the Nigerian and African aviation industry.

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Amnesty International have urged President Bola Tinubu to “direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN to immediately withdraw the charges against activist Omoyele Sowore, X [formerly Twitter] and Facebook owners over Mr Sowore’s alleged critical and ‘anti-Tinubu’ posts on the social media platforms.”

As was contained in a press statement by SERAP and Amnesty International , they urged him to “direct the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security and law enforcement agencies to immediately stop misusing the judicial processes to silence public criticism and violate Nigerians’ rights through the use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) or similar forms of harassment.”

SERAP and Amnesty International also urged him to “direct Mr Fagbemi to urgently prepare an anti-SLAPP legislation for the National Assembly, to protect Nigerians from the weaponization of the justice system by the DSS and other security and law enforcement agencies and to safeguard the right to freedom of expression.”

In the letter dated 20 September 2025 and jointly signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare and AI Nigeria director Isa Sanusi, the groups said, “the weaponization of the justice system to crackdown on peaceful dissent is entirely inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international human rights obligations.”

The groups said, “SLAPP and criminal defamation lawsuits are neither necessary nor proportionate under the Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party. Such lawsuits generate a chilling effect that inhibits the enjoyment of human rights and circulation of ideas and information.”

According to the groups, “A lawsuit challenging the legality and compatibility of the provisions of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024 with the rights to freedom of expression and information is also pending before the ECOWAS Court.”

The groups said, “As a matter of the rule of law, the DSS and other security and law enforcement agencies cannot and should not use the amended Act to silence peaceful dissent pending the hearing and determination of the lawsuit by the court.”

The letter, read in part: “Your government has the legal obligations to prevent harassment through legal processes against Nigerians peacefully exercising their human rights, and to protect the legitimacy, independence and impartiality of the hearing of the lawsuit on the Cybercrimes Act pending before the ECOWAS Court.”

“The use of SLAPP and criminal defamation lawsuits is incompatible with the fundamental principles of a democratic society, to which Nigeria aspires. Politicians and other public officials and agencies should tolerate a high degree of criticism due to their public position in democratic societies.”

“Nigerian authorities not only have a negative obligation to abstain from unduly interfering with human rights but also have a positive obligation to facilitate and protect these rights.”

“Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and full enjoyment of this right is central to achieving individual freedom and to developing democracy. It is not only the cornerstone of democracy, but indispensable to a thriving civil society.”

“Any restrictions on human rights including the right to freedom of expression must meet the conditions of legality, serve as one of the legitimate purposes expressly provided for in the Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties, and must be necessary, and proportionate to that purpose.”

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“Nigerian courts and regional human rights courts have consistently held that politicians should expect far greater criticism of their actions and their functioning than ordinary individuals. These courts and other human rights mechanisms have renounced the use of defamation as a legal tool to suffocate dissent.”

“The use of SLAPP and criminal defamation lawsuits by security and law enforcement agencies with the purpose of silencing criticism is a threat to freedom of expression. SLAPP lawsuits pose serious risks to democracy and the rule of law as they limit public participation.”

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, we would consider all appropriate legal actions including before the ECOWAS Court of Justice to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”

“According to our information, the Federal Government recently charged Sahara Reporters publisher and activist Omoyele Sowore alongside X and Facebook owners over Mr Sowore’s recent alleged ‘anti-Tinubu’ posts on the social media platforms.”

“Two of the counts are brought under the Cybercrimes Act while the other three charges of criminal defamation, causing public fear and disturbance are brought under the Criminal Code Act.”

“The suit dated 16th September,2025, was lodged at the Federal High Court in Abuja after Sowore allegedly refused to delete certain posts allegedly critical of President Tinubu. The charges were brought on behalf of the DSS and the Federal Government by the Director of Public Prosecutions at the Ministry of Justice.”

“The DSS in May 2025 also filed a SLAPP lawsuit against Professor Pat Utomi, a former presidential candidate, accusing him of attempting to illegally usurp President Bola Tinubu’s executive powers by setting up a shadow government.”

“In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the DSS alleged that Utomi’s actions posed a threat to national security and constitutional order.”

“The 2007 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress was named as the sole defendant in the suit. DSS operatives in October 2024 also filed a SLAPP lawsuit against SERAP over allegations of an unauthorised office invasion.”

“These cases illustrate the growing use of SLAPP lawsuits by the DSS and other security and law enforcement agencies in Nigeria to target, harass and intimidate Nigerians for the peaceful exercise of their human rights.”

“We are concerned that SLAPP lawsuits have a chilling effect on the exercise of the right to freedom of expression and other fundamental human rights protected under the Nigerian Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”

“The Nigerian Constitution and these human rights treaties require your government to guarantee a range of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of association and the right to take part in the conduct of public affairs.”

“We note your repeated commitments to uphold the fundamental rights of Nigerians including in your inaugural speech and recent address to the Joint Session of the National Assembly to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day on 12 June 2025.”

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“Specifically, in paragraph 39 of the address you stated that, ‘We dare not seek silence because the imposed silence of repressed voices breeds chaos and ill will, not the harmonics of democracy in the long term.’”

“In paragraph 40, you stated that, ‘no one should bear the brunt of injustice for merely writing a bad report about me or calling me names. Democracy requires a fair degree of tolerance for harsh words and stinging insults. Call me names, call me whatever you will, and I will still call upon democracy to defend your right to do so.’”

“We note that the ECOWAS Court of Justice had in its judgment dated 25 March, 2022 ‘ordered Nigerian authorities to stop using section 24 of the Cybercrime Act 2015 to prosecute anyone on the grounds of insulting or stalking public officials online.’”

“The Court declared section 24 as ‘arbitrary, vague and repressive’ and ordered Nigerian authorities ‘to repeal it in conformity with the country’s human rights obligations.’ But while the Cybercrime (Amendment) Act 2024 has repealed section 24, it has not cured the arbitrary, vague and repressive nature of the provisions.”

“We are concerned that what constitutes ‘causing a breakdown of law and order’ in section 24(1)(b) of the amended legislation is unclear and undefined, threatening to punish peaceful and legitimate expression and opening the provisions up to abuse.”

“The Cybercrime (Amendment) Act 2024, in addition to its arbitrary, vague and repressive section 24 provisions, broadly defines ‘cyberstalking’ in section 58 as ‘a course of conduct, directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear.’”

“The provisions of the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024 represents a harshly punitive attempt to address the problems relating to stalking and harassment and fails to provide sufficient safeguards against misuse, particularly for peaceful and legitimate exercise of human rights.”

“Whether labelled as cyberstalking, criminal defamation, seditious libel of government officials or false news, the provisions of section 24 of the Cybercrime (Amendment) Act 2024 disproportionately penalize the accused and inevitably limits protected public discussion and debate on matters of legitimate public concern.”

“Furthermore, the UN Human Rights Committee, the independent expert body that monitors state compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, in its General Comment No. 34 states that in circumstances of public debate, ‘the value placed by the Covenant upon uninhibited expression is particularly high.’”

“According to the Committee, ‘the mere fact that forms of expression are considered to be insulting to a public figure is not sufficient to justify the imposition of penalties.’”

“The Committee also stated that, ‘all public figures, including those exercising the highest political authority such as heads of state and government, are legitimately subject to criticism and political opposition.’”

“In addition, the Committee has called on states including Nigeria to decriminalize defamation because criminal penalties are always disproportionate punishments for reputational harm.”

“The Committee has stated that defamation laws must ensure they do not serve, in practice, to contravene the rights to freedom of expression and information.”