By our correspondent

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDP), Peter Obi, has celebrated his elder brother, Dominic Ositadimma Obi, on his 75th birthday, describing him as a symbol of integrity, humility, contentment and responsible living.

Obi, in a birthday message on Sunday, August 30, 2026, said his elder brother’s life had been defined by values that transcended family ties, stressing that Dominic’s conduct had remained a source of pride and inspiration to the family.

Reflecting on his eight years as Governor of Anambra State, Obi recalled that Dominic never visited his office or the Governor’s Lodge to seek personal favours, contracts or other benefits associated with political power.

He said his brother, a planner and contractor who builds houses for individuals, did not request a single government contract from him throughout his tenure.

“Whenever we met, he would warmly embrace me and tell me that he was fine,” Obi recalled, adding that Dominic would rather remind him of the responsibility he had undertaken as governor.

“He would solemnly remind me to keep doing what I promised the people and never bring a bad name to the family and my community,” he said.

According to Obi, his brother also encouraged him to remain focused on the welfare of the people, reminding him that whatever challenges he might be experiencing were insignificant compared with the difficulties confronting many Nigerians.

Obi disclosed that he later discovered that Dominic’s decision not to seek favours from his administration was part of a broader resolution reached by members of the Obi family.

“I later came to understand that this was not peculiar to him alone. My family members had actually held a meeting and resolved that none of them would take advantage of my position as Governor,” he said.

The former governor explained that the family’s decision was intended to protect the integrity and reputation of the family and their Agulu community, adding that the same principle was extended to his children.

Obi said Dominic had remained concerned about the affairs of Nigeria despite attaining the age of 75, noting that his elder brother continued to offer prayers, counsel and encouragement.

“Whenever we speak, he is full of prayers and good wishes. He constantly reminds me that if I have the opportunity to serve Nigeria, I should do so with honesty, integrity, and the interest of the people at heart,” Obi stated.

While expressing gratitude to God for his brother’s life, Obi said Dominic’s character and conduct represented enduring values worthy of celebration.

“Brother Dom, I thank God for the gift of your life and for the example you have set for our family. Your integrity, humility, contentment, and sense of responsibility are qualities worthy of celebration,” he said.

He prayed God to grant his brother continued good health, grace and blessings as he marks the milestone.

“Happy 75th birthday, my dearest brother,” Obi added.

By Uthman Baba-Naseer, Minna

The Judiciary Staff Union Of Nigeria (JUSUN), Niger State Council, under the leadership of Barrister Mahmud Al-Ammeen Muye,has extended its warm congratulations to the former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida on his 85th birthday anniversary celebration.

The Congratulatory message which was signed by the State Chairman of JUSUN, Barrister Mahmud Al- Ameen Muye, and made available to Journalists in Minna at the Weekend described the former Military leader as an elder statesman whose leadership has significantly improved the unity and one of the country.

He stated that Babangida is an illustrious son of Niger State and distinguished State man that has influenced the development and committed to one united Nigeria during his leadership as the Nigeria leader

Barrister Mahmud A-l Ameen Muye appreciates the leadership role whose service has placed a lasting mark on the nation’s history that has distinguished him among his peers.

According to the union leader, General Ibrahim Babangida has left an indelible mark in Nigeria for generations unborn in terms of numerous projects,programmes which direct bearings and impacts positively on the masses.

Barrister Mahmud Muye,underscored the critical role played by the elder statesman in the sustainability of the country’s peace, unity and stability stating that the former military leader’s passion for the sustainability of stability of the country. cannot be over stressed.

The JUSUN chairman,while praying for General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s good health and wisdom to continue to play his fatherly role to the country and humanity, wished for a more prosperous birthday.

General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida will be clocking 85 years Monday the 17th,of August,2026.

By David Owei

The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe, has called on the people of the state to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Ijaw nation and resist its adulteration through the importation of alien practices.

Dr Akpe made the call in Yenagoa at the weekend, when he paid a condolence visit to the Tule family of Ofoni Federated Community, Sagbama Local Government Area, over the demise of their mother, late Mrs. Agreement Tule, who died on August 4, 2026, at the age of 88.

He expressed concern over what he described as the growing infiltration of cultural practices alien to the Ijaw people, particularly in the observance of traditional marriage and burial rites, stressing the need for a cultural reawakening.

He also emphasized the need for people to avoid unnecessary competitions and showmanship, but rather do things within the limits of their capacity.

The Deputy Governor commiserated with Mr. Minister Tule and other members of the bereaved family, urging them to be consoled by the fact that their mother lived a fulfilled life and died at a ripe age.

His words: “We are here to commiserate with you. Your mother lived for 88 years, almost 90. Even though we didn’t interact with her while she lived, the qualities we find in you tell us her story.

“There is something about our culture I think we need to look at. For instance, somebody died in the village and you took the corpse to deposit in a mortuary in Port Harcourt. Does it make sense. For me, it doesn’t.

“Even this wedging of kola nut during traditional presentations, we are doing now, I stand to be corrected, is a borrowed culture. We have even borrowed what is now known as canopy standing and canopy dropping. That means we do one particular burial for several times.

“If we fail to talk about these things and stop them, they will stand and our children will believe them as our true tradition and culture. I’m an advocate of ‘whatever we do, we should do it in accordance with what we can afford.’ In the course of doing it, if help comes our way, we thank God. That is my philosophy.

Responding on behalf of the family and the entire Ofoni community, Dr. Christopher Ewhrudjakpo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment and Mr Friday Oyivwita, thanked the deputy governor and his delegation for the condolence visit.

Dr Ewhrudjakpo equally appreciated Akpe for his sustained support to the community and pledged their continued loyalty and unalloyed support for the Governor Douye Diri-led Prosperity Administration.

The deputy governor was accompanied by the Commissioner for General Duties, Hon. Johnson Onoma; Special Adviser on Enterprise Development, Chief Victor Sam-Ateki; and Chairman, Izon-Ebe Microfinance Bank, Chief Ayakeme Whisky.

Others are the APC House of Assembly flag bearer for Sagbama Constituency 1, Hon
Lucky Agbalaje, and the Sagbama Local Government APC Chairman, Mr Arioke Ohwona, as well as Hon. Williams Ofoni, Dr. Stanley Dide, Hon. Engema Jumbo, and Mr Lokiri Lawrence.