Opinion

Gbajabiamila On The Crucifix

Gbajabiamila On The Crucifix

By FESTUS ADEDAYO The late Chief Joseph Folahan (JF) Odunjo left behind an allegory that perfectly mirrors today’s most notorious national scandal. It explains the infamy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila and allegedly self-appointed DG of Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, (PEAC) Adeniyi Adeyemi. Celebrated for his indigenous production of knowledge, Odunjo’s most imperishable legacy remains his role as a writer and educator. His iconic Yoruba children's literature, the Alawiye (Careful Explainer) series, served as foundational texts for primary school pupils from the 1960s through the 1980s. These books…
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Akara, Kulikuli: The First Lady Is Right, Before We Start Importing Corn Roasters Too

Akara, Kulikuli: The First Lady Is Right, Before We Start Importing Corn Roasters Too

By Kehinde Olaosebikan The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu's recent charge to Nigerian women to embrace productivity — by engaging in businesses like akara, kulikuli, and corn roasting — is not trivial. It is appropriate, practical, and deeply patriotic. We mock what is small until we see what it becomes. Today, many of Nigeria’s biggest eateries and food brands began as hawkers. Some sold akara on street corners. Others hawked bread, amala, or even ‘eba kolobe’ — eba without soup. Those little drops have built empires. Take Ibadan, for instance. Amala Sky, now one of the most popular amala joints…
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Natasha Idibia And Emergence Of A New Political Identity In Edo Politics

Natasha Idibia And Emergence Of A New Political Identity In Edo Politics

By Ajiri Daniels At a time when many Nigerians are becoming increasingly frustrated with traditional politics, a new generation of political figures is beginning to attract public attention not necessarily because of political dynasty or old structures, but because of visibility, relatability, and grassroots connection. Across Edo State, Natasha Idibia is gradually becoming one of the names generating that kind of conversation. For years, many citizens have complained about a political culture where elected officials disappear after elections, remain disconnected from ordinary people, and only return when political campaigns begin again. This growing distrust in conventional political leadership has created…
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From Skepticism To Statesmanship: Why Enugu West Should Support Senator Osita Ngwu’s Return to the Senate In 2027

From Skepticism To Statesmanship: Why Enugu West Should Support Senator Osita Ngwu’s Return to the Senate In 2027

THE HERO'S JOURNEY By ANAYO AGU Every generation produces individuals who, through courage, conviction, commitment, service, sacrifice, and accomplishment, rise above ordinary expectations and become symbols of collective beliefs, values, and aspirations. History remembers such individuals not merely because they occupied positions of authority, but because they transformed challenges into opportunities and left their communities stronger than they found them. Such individuals are called heroes because they embody the ideals, morals, and evolving history, traditions, culture, hopes, and aspirations of their people. In literature, mythology, and history, this transformation is often described as the hero's journey: the timeless story of…
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Can Innovative Developers Like COPEN Group Bridge The South-East’s Affordable Housing Gap?

Can Innovative Developers Like COPEN Group Bridge The South-East’s Affordable Housing Gap?

(Also published in Sunday New Telegraph of June 7, 2026) By SHEDDY OZOENE Last week in Enugu, a promotional campaign by COPEN Group caught my attention. The housing development company was advertising an upcoming forum on affordable homeownership, promising solutions to one of the most persistent challenges facing not only Enugu State but the entire South-East region: access to affordable housing. The housing forum, themed "A Home for Every Dream, A House for Every Pocket" is scheduled to hold next Tuesday at the Amadeo Event Centre in Enugu. Millions of residents trapped by the high cost of owning a home,…
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Profiling The Game Changer: Ikeje Asogwa, APC Senatorial Candidate For Enugu North

Profiling The Game Changer: Ikeje Asogwa, APC Senatorial Candidate For Enugu North

By IKEJE MEDIA TEAM Leadership is best measured not merely by words, but by visible impact, enduring service, and transformational results. Over the years, Chief Ikeje Israel Asogwa has distinguished himself as a visionary administrator, accomplished entrepreneur, education reformer, political strategist, and community leader whose contributions have positively touched countless lives across Enugu State and beyond. With over three decades of exceptional experience spanning public administration, housing development, education, politics, and private enterprise, Asogwa has consistently demonstrated competence, integrity, and a rare capacity for delivering results. Widely regarded as a game changer in leadership and governance, he has built a…
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After 22 Years, Arsenal Finally ‘Corner’ The Premier League

After 22 Years, Arsenal Finally ‘Corner’ The Premier League

(As published in the Sunday New Telegraph of 24th May, 2026) By SHEDDY OZOENE The excitement was palpable. Supporters of Arsenal Football Club across the world erupted in celebration last week as the North London club clinched the 2025/2026 English Premier League title. Although Arsenal still had one match left to play, the title was effectively sealed when Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by AFC Bournemouth, leaving the four-point gap between Arsenal and City practically unassailable. For Arsenal fans, it was the end of a painful 22-year wait for the league crown. Their last triumph came during…
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‘Little’ Things That Matter: The Chima Obieze Example

‘Little’ Things That Matter: The Chima Obieze Example

(As published in Sunday New Telegraph, on May 10, 2026) By SHEDDY OZOENE Last week, Honourable Chima Obieze did something that surprised many people. In fact, for a moment, I thought I had misunderstood the story. At a time when many members of the Enugu State House of Assembly are quietly positioning themselves for another term and anxiously seeking the governor’s endorsement, Obieze was busy doing something almost alien in Nigerian politics: actively searching for someone to replace him and possibly surpass his record. Then came the announcement that caught public attention. The tall, soft-spoken lawyer and legislator took to…
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2027: Gov. Mbah And Enugu State Delegation’s Visit To Tinubu

2027: Gov. Mbah And Enugu State Delegation’s Visit To Tinubu

By SAMSON EZEA Recently, in an unprecedented and distinctive manner, the crème de la crème of Enugu State’s sectoral leaders, founding fathers, and political stakeholders, led by the performing and pragmatic Governor of the state, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah paid a thank-you and solidarity visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja ahead of the 2027 general elections. The visit, rich in symbolism and political undertones, has continued to generate discourse across political circles, highlighting both its strategic advantages and potential implications. President Tinubu, who was visibly overwhelmed by the visit, its significance and magnitude, especially considering the calibre of individuals…
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The Prof. Akubue They Don’t Know

The Prof. Akubue They Don’t Know

By MARTINS CHIEDOZIE UGWU and RAPHAEL AGU Just as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) concluded its congress in Enugu State with the election of Professor Uchenna Augustine Akubue as chairman, a defeated "faction" of the party went into overdrive on social media and even petitioned the ICPC. The orchestrated vilification of Prof. Akubue would have been less amusing if these self-styled political actors had chosen another weapon of character assassination. But why "forgery" in the case of a scholar and global technocrat who rendered 25 years of distinguished service to the United Nations? Comrade Chika Idoko and his associates must…
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