By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna

The newly installed Attah Igala of FCT and the Olimene of Attah Igala Chief Dr. Umar Faruq Goodman Akwu has been described as an honest and God fearing individual whose elevation to that revered position did not come as a surprise.

This revelation was made by an aviation expert Alh Zubairu Ndanusa Suraj, in a congratulatory message to the traditional ruler, a copy made available to Newsmen in Minna Thursday the 8th, January 2026.

He noted that the noble elevation was not by chance,but by destiny,merit,and the recognition of his virtues by the custodians of his cherished traditions.

According to him, the stool of Olimene of Attah is one of honour, dignity and responsibility, reserved for men of proven character, wisdom and outstanding contributions to the progress,unity,and cultural heritage of the Igala Nation.

“ Your installation marks a proud moment not only for your lineage but also for the wider traditional institutions that value harmony, honour,and service.

“ It reflects the deep confidence reposed in you to serve as a guardian of tradition,a source of wise counsel,and a pillar of strength to the throne and the people

“ I humbly and respectfully convey my Heartfelt Congratulations to you on your historic installation as High Chief Olimene of Attah Igala, a revered Igala Kingdom” he stated.

Alhaji Ndanusa pointed out that as a Nupe man of Agaie Kingdom in Niger State,” I wish to expressly affirm my readiness and unwavering willingness to work with you in the spirit of mutual respect, brotherhood,and inter-kingdom cooperation.

“ The historic ties between our people (the Nupes stand as a reminder that unity among traditional institutions strengthens peace, understanding and progress across the Nupe lands”

While praying for Allah’s guidance and protection on his installation in his position the Aviation expert prayed that may his days as High Chief be guided by ancestral wisdom,crowned with peace,and blessed with strength,good health and longevity.

By Magnus Chukwudi

The traditional ruler of Umuobom Ancient Kingdom in Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State, His Royal Majesty, Eze Anayo Calistus Mbionwu, Odenigbo III, has lauded the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, for the massive infrastructural development in the state.
He used the occasion of his first Ofala and Thanksgiving Ceremony in Umuobom Kingdom to advocate for good governance and support for the administration of the Imo State Governor, Senator Uzodinma.
Eze Mbionwu, who had just received his staff of office, praised Governor Uzodinma for his administration’s significant infrastructure development, particularly the extensive road construction across the state. He expressed satisfaction with the governor’s performance, highlighting the positive impact of the projects on rural communities.
The monarch assured that the Umuobom community under his leadership would work closely with the government to maintain the pace of development, and that in appreciation of the Governor’s performance, his community would redouble its support and loyalty to the government.
The colourful Ofala and Thanksgiving Ceremony was remarkable and historic in the kingdom’s traditional and cultural life, especially as it celebrated Eze Mbionwu’s reception of an official staff of office from the Imo State Government.
Speaking to journalists during the event, His Royal Majesty, Eze Anayo Mbionwu, reflected on the legacy of his late father, highlighting the numerous achievements recorded during his reign. The monarch assured the people of Umuobom that he was committed to building on that legacy and doing even more to promote peace, development, and progress in the ancient kingdom.
The royal father expressed gratitude to God for his emergence and thanked his people for finding him worthy to continue where his father left off.
He promised not to betray the confidence reposed in him, adding that he would serve them selflessly with humility and the fear of God.
Eze Mbionwu applauded the Imo State Governor, whom he said was eager to transform Imo State. “He has accomplished numerous remarkable achievements in various parts of the state, and we are convinced that he has indeed come to change the narrative in the State. Given his current trajectory, we are confident he will make Imo State a source of pride for the nation.
“I call on my fellow traditional rulers and the entire people of Ideato Local Government Area to be law-abiding and support the present administration in the state. The Governor has performed very well in infrastructural development.
“My prayer is for God to imbue us with wisdom and strength to discharge our responsibilities credibly. I urge my people to join hands with me in moving the Umuobom community to greater heights.”
As part of the ceremony, some deserving sons of the community who had contributed immensely to the growth and advancement of Umuobom were honoured with chieftaincy titles.
Among those honoured was Chief Ikechukwu Onyekaonwu, who was conferred with the prestigious chieftaincy title “Ubazuruoke of Umuobom.” The title, which signifies that his wealth and generosity are for the benefit of the entire community, recognises his selfless service and contributions to the people.
Chief Ikechukwu Onyekaonwu, while speaking to the press, highlighted his past contributions to the community and expressed gratitude to the traditional ruler and the people of Umuobom for the honour. He also pledged to do even more to advance the kingdom’s development in line with the responsibilities of his new title.
The occasion attracted people from all walks of life, from the community and beyond, featuring the Umuobom Council of Chiefs, cabinet members, founding fathers of the community, and leaders of various groups within the kingdom.
Also in attendance were prominent political figures from Ideato South and Imo State at large. Among the dignitaries present was the distinguished honourable member representing Ideato North/Ideato South federal constituency, Imo State, Hon. Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, popularly known as Ikenga.

Jonas Ezieke, Abuja

A Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Constitution Review has unanimously approved the creation of an additional state in the South East geopolitical zone, increasing the region’s total to six.

The decision was arrived at during a 2-day retreat in Lagos, where the committee reviewed 55 proposals for state creation across the country.

Currently, the South-East has five states fewer than the six or seven that make up other geopolitical zones.

The session, chaired by the Deputy President of Senate Sen.Barau Jibrin, and co-chaired by the Deputy Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, deliberated extensively on the matter.

Kalu among other many lawmakers, who had consistently championed the demand for an additional state for the region, reiterated region, reiterated hat the request was anchored on principles of equity, justice, and fairness.

Members of the Committee who unanimously approved the request later took turns to deliberate on the issue, speaking in favour of granting the South East an additional state.

Following the deliberations, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) moved a motion for the creation of the new state, which was seconded by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka (Ifo/Ewekoro, Ogun State).

The motion received the unanimous support of committee members and was adopted.

In a related development, the joint committee also established a subcommittee to further consider the creation of additional states and local government areas across all six geopolitical zones, noting that a total of 278 proposals were submitted for review.

In his remarks, Senator Barau Jibrin urged members to rally support among their colleagues at the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly to ensure the resolutions sail through during voting.

“We need to strengthen what we have started so that all parts of the country will key into this process,” Jibrin said. “By the time we get to the actual voting, we should already have the buy-in of all stakeholders—from both chambers and the State Houses of Assembly.”