Flowerbud News

Category: General News

  • Prof Taoheed Adedoja Worthy of Celebration at 75 — Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

    Prof Taoheed Adedoja Worthy of Celebration at 75 — Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

     

     

    Prof Taoheed Adedoja Worthy of Celebration at 75 — Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
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    ‎By Adewale Owoade.
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    ‎The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has described renowned educationist and former Nigerian Minister of Sports and Special Duties, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, as an illustrious son of Ibadanland whose life and achievements are worthy of celebration.
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    ‎The revered monarch stated this while paying glowing tributes to Adedoja on the occasion of his 75th birthday anniversary.
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    ‎Oba Ladoja noted that Prof. Adedoja had remained at the forefront of efforts aimed at bridging gaps in teachers’ continuous professional development across Nigeria and West Africa.
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    ‎The Olubadan recalled working closely with Adedoja during his tenure as Governor of Oyo State between 2003 and 2007, when the celebrant served as Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
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    ‎“As an educator and institution builder, Prof. Adedoja had the opportunity of working with me as Chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board when I served as Governor of Oyo State between 2003 and 2007.
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    ‎“He was the board chairman when we carried out comprehensive education reforms, which culminated in the 30-students-per-class policy. If Oyo State emerged as the second-best state in education in Nigeria during that period, it was due largely to the lofty contributions of people like the celebrant,” the monarch said.
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    ‎The chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs also prayed for God to strengthen the academic and statesman to continue shaping minds, bridging divides and contributing to a better education system.
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    ‎The monarch noted that Adedoja’s 75th birthday coincided with the celebration of Children’s Day and Eid al-Adha.
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    ‎In the same vein, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, under the leadership of its President-General, Chief Barrister Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole, also celebrated the former minister.
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    ‎Ajewole described Adedoja as an exemplary leader, globally renowned educationist, epitome of humility, political heavyweight and a complete gentleman who has remained a pride to Ibadanland.
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    ‎According to him, Ibadan indigenes across the world have every reason to celebrate Adedoja for his numerous achievements and contributions to education, governance and national development.
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    ‎”Adedoja has held several notable positions in Oyo State and Nigeria, including Provost of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo; Chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board; Commissioner for Education in Oyo State.
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    ‎”Minister of Sports; Minister for Special Duties; and Chairman, Governing Council of the Federal College of Education, Chairman of Governing Council of Federal University Dutse in Jigawa State, Obudu, ” Ajewole said.
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    ‎The media space was also flooded with goodwill messages from the University of Ife Alumni, Kano Teachers College Old Students Association, Associations of Persons with Disabilities, and several other organisations and individuals across the world in honour of the consummate academic and administrator.
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    ‎Also goodwill messages from top politicians from across the country.
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    ‎Adedoja, who was also the Action Congress governorship candidate in Oyo State in 2007, marked his quiet 75th birthday celebration at his Ikolaba residence with scholarship and empowerment schemes for children and Persons with Disabilities.

     

  • UNIBEN Hosts 6th Biennial International Conference on Franco-Nigerian Studies; TASUED Scholar Wins Emerging Scholar Award

    UNIBEN Hosts 6th Biennial International Conference on Franco-Nigerian Studies; TASUED Scholar Wins Emerging Scholar Award

    By Majekodunmi Oseriemen Ebhohon

    The Department of Foreign Languages at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has concluded its 6th Biennial International Conference, drawing scholars, researchers, and cultural practitioners from across Africa to deliberate on regional integration and language education.

    The three-day academic summit, held from May 17 to 19, 2026, centered on the theme: “Franco-Nigerian Literature, Language and Culture.” Throughout the event, participants examined the vital intersections of language, literature, and cross-border cooperation within the West African sub-region.

    Cultural Opening Ceremony
    The event commenced with a vibrant exhibition of arts and culture. Students from the University of Benin Demonstration Staff School (UDSS) and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Staff School delivered a diverse repertoire of French songs and poems. This performance was seamlessly followed by traditional Benin cultural dances executed by the Edorisiagbon Theatre Troupe.

    In her welcome address, the Conference Convener, Professor Ngozi Obiajulum Iloh, traced the history and institutional growth of the biennial gathering. To foster continued research excellence, Professor Iloh announced incentive packages specifying cash prizes of ₦100,000 each for the Best Paper Award and the Emerging Scholar Award.

    An unprecedented delegation of the university’s principal officers attended the ceremony to represent the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Edoba Omoregie, SAN. The management team included the Deputy Vice-Chancellors: Professor Christopher Osubor (Administration), Professor Victor O. Igbineweka (Academics), and Professor Buniyamin Adesina Ayinde (Ekenwan Campus). The Registrar, Ms. Bimpe Omoyiwola, and the Bursar, Mr. Osagie Iguma Uwagboe Osifo, were also in attendance.

    The Vice-Chancellor’s office formally declared the conference open, urging delegates to sustain a high register of intellectual engagement to generate actionable policy blueprints.

    Call for French Language Reforms
    Addressing the opening session, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Osarhieme Benson Osadolor, advocated for a systemic overhaul of Nigeria’s national language policy.

    Professor Osadolor emphasized that French language education must be structurally integrated into the academic curriculum from the primary school level straight through to the university tier. This policy shift, he argued, is critical to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with neighboring Francophone nations, specifically the Benin Republic, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.

    Reflecting on institutional continuity, Professor Austin Moye—the fifth convener of the conference series who returned as the Special Guest of Honour following his retirement in November 2025—commended the Department of Foreign Languages for preserving its long-standing tradition of collaborative scholarship. He praised Professor Ngozi O. Iloh and her Local Organizing Committee for the logistical execution of the program.

    Additionally, members of the Alumni 1986 Set paid tribute to their former lecturers and donated a new projector to the department, which was received by the Head of Department, Dr. Osas Emokpae-Ogbebor.

    Keynote Address Explores Franco-Nigerian Literature
    The intellectual anchor of the conference was a keynote lecture delivered by Professor Ramonu Sanusi, who mapped the evolution of Franco-Nigerian literature and its impact on regional identity.

    Professor Sanusi provided a critical overview of Nigerian creative works written in or translated into French, highlighting the foundational and contemporary contributions of writers such as Françoise Balogun, Victor Ariole, Lynn Mbuko, Tunde Fatunde, Omonigho Stella, and Waliya Yohanna Joseph.

    He posited that Nigerian authors writing in French do not discard their cultural heritage; instead, they integrate indigenous expressions, proverbs, and philosophical worldviews into the language, creating a distinct, translingual African literary identity.

    Furthermore, Professor Sanusi characterized translation as an active form of cultural mediation rather than a passive linguistic transfer. He noted that digital publishing platforms and online academic networks are rapidly breaking down traditional gatekeeping barriers, expanding the scope of modern Franco-Nigerian literary scholarship.

    TASUED Lecturer Wins Emerging Scholar Award
    The conference concluded with the presentation of peer-reviewed honors to outstanding contributors.

    Rev. Sister Martha N. Chia won the Best Paper Award, which came with a cash prize of ₦100,000. Meanwhile, Miss Ruth Damilola Adeoye, a first-class graduate and current lecturer in the Department of French at the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), won the prestigious Emerging Scholar Award. Her paper presentation was highly commended by the panel of judges for its originality, methodological rigor, and distinct contribution to foreign language research.

    In her remarks after receiving the prize, Miss Adeoye described the conference as a vital platform for early-career academics to interface directly with established professors in the discipline.

    Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor of TASUED, Professor Samuel Oladipo, stated that the award reflects the institution’s commitment to research excellence, urging younger faculty members to remain dedicated to impactful academic inquiries.

    The communiqué issued at the close of the conference called for comprehensive curriculum reforms, increased institutional funding for translation studies, and deeper collaborative networks among African researchers and academic institutions.

  • Federal High Court Judgment: Elder Statesman says judgment strengthened confidence in judicial system

    Federal High Court Judgment: Elder Statesman says judgment strengthened confidence in judicial system

    Federal High Court Judgment: Elder Statesman says judgment strengthened confidence in judicial system

    An Elder Statesman, Chief Hycienth Ngwu, says the latest Federal High Court Judgment on the electoral system has strengthened confidence in judicial system of the country.

    Ngwu, who is a popular community leader in Enugu, disclosed this to newsmen in Enugu on Saturday while reacting to the import of the judgment.

    He noted that the revised INEC operational timetable had put pressure on political parties.

     

    According to him, the judgment was a bold move that has strengthened the confidence of most Nigerians in the Nigerian judicial system.

    “The INEC’s revised timetable put enormous challenges and undue pressure on the political parties; thus, suffocating the system.

    “However, the recent judgment has come as a big relief.

    “The judgment will help reduce the undue pressure and enable the political parties choose candidates without rancour,” he said.

     

    It would be recalled that the judgment was delivered at the Federal High Court, Abuja by Justice Mohammed Umar, on Thursday.

    Highlights of the judgment included that INEC must never fix timelines for party primaries; that political parties have until 120 Days to submit candidates for elections and INEC should not impose earlier deadlines for candidate substitution.

    The Federal High Court reconfirmed supremacy of the Electoral Act; the judgment also keeps open political defection window ahead of 2027 and INEC’s regulatory powers now under judicial scrutiny.

  • Falana Challenges NADECO Narrative, Says Pro-Democracy Struggle Predated Coalition

    Falana Challenges NADECO Narrative, Says Pro-Democracy Struggle Predated Coalition

    By Majekodunmi Oseriemen Ebhohon 

    Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has criticized the attempts to centre the history of Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle around the activities of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), following the recently concluded NADECO event organised by the coalition’s secretary and spokesperson, Ayo Opadokun, where several individuals and organisations were honoured.

    In a detailed reaction to the public presentation of Opadokun’s book, Falana described “the NADECO story” as “an attempt by bourgeois politicians to claim credit for the arduous struggle of the Nigerian people for democracy.”

    Referencing comments made at the event by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, Falana said: “At the public presentation of Ayo Opadokun’s book yesterday, Prof Wole Soyinka rightly warned that no group should privatise the collective struggle of the Nigerian people.”

    Falana argued that several civil rights and pro-democracy organisations had already been active years before NADECO was formed. According to him, “NADL, CDHR, & CLO were born in the 1980s. Even JACON was established before NADECO.”

    He added: “In actuality, NADECO was born on May 31, 1994 in the house of General Adeyinka Adebayo at the GRA, Ikeja whereas the campaign against military rule commenced in 1984.”

    The senior advocate also questioned the democratic credentials of some individuals who later emerged as NADECO figures, stating that “a number of the ex-military officers and politicians who later assembled in NADECO had served the military regimes of Buhari and Babangida.”

    Citing an example, Falana said: “For instance, Chief Olu Falae was the greatest defender of the World Bank-induced Structural Adjustment Programme.”

    He contrasted this with the resistance mounted by activists and students during the SAP era. “NANS had led students to protest against SAP while Chief Gani Fawehinmi SAN was arrested and detained in Gashua in Borno State for organising an Alternative to SAP conference in Lagos,” he said.

    Falana further recalled that “as NBA President, Comrade Alao Aka-Bashorun put together a team of 270 lawyers led by GOK Ajayi SAN who defended Chief Fawehinmi.”

    In one of his strongest remarks, Falana stated that “the NADECO chieftains were part of the military regimes which arrested, detained and charged comrades with all manners of criminal offences including treasonable felony in the 1980s and 1990s.”

    He also revisited the experiences of activists who travelled through neighbouring countries during the military era to evade state restrictions. “Have comrades forgotten that we had been travelling outside the country to attend human rights conferences abroad through Benin Republic since 1980s to avoid the seizure of our passport?” he asked.

    Falana added: “Did politicians not later call it ‘the NADECO route’?”

    Concluding his remarks, the lawyer said: “The NADECO story is a challenge to others to put the record straight.”

  • Ekweremadu’s Mother-in-Law for Burial May 28, as Mbah, Otti, Anyim, Wabara, mourn

    Ekweremadu’s Mother-in-Law for Burial May 28, as Mbah, Otti, Anyim, Wabara, mourn

    Ekweremadu’s Mother-in-Law for Burial May 28, as Mbah, Otti, Anyim, Wabara, mourn
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    ‎The family of Mrs. Monica Okwunerigo Okah, mother-in-law of former Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, has announced funeral ceremonies for their late matriarch, with her burial scheduled for Thursday, May 28, 2026.

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    ‎This was made known in an obituary issued on Thursday by Engr. Isaac Okah, on behalf of the late Chief John Nnolum Okah family.

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    ‎According to the family, Mrs. Okah’s final journey begins on Monday, May 25, 2026 with service of songs at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Trans Ekulu, Enugu at 5p.m.

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    ‎A requiem mass and wake keep will be held in her honour at her country home, Enugu-Agu Achi in Oji River LGA at 5p.m.

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    ‎The funeral mass will hold on Thursday, May 28, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Enugu-Agu Achi. This will be followed with condolence visits and celebration of her life.
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    ‎There will be an outing and thanksgiving Service in her honour at the same church on Sunday, May 31.

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    ‎According to the obituary, Mrs. Okah, who died on March 20, 2026, was a devout Christian, bridge builder, mentor, and community leader as well as a charitable, and hardworking woman.

     

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    ‎She raised nine children, among them Lady Beatrice Nwanneka Ekweremadu, wife of former Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate and Speaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African State, ECOWAS.

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    ‎Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in ahead of the funeral ceremonies.

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    ‎Leading the tributes is Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who described Mrs. Okah’s life as one marked by selfless service to God and mankind.

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    ‎“She not only lived to a ripe age of 95, but equally made indelible marks on the sands of time as a community leader, peace builder, generous giver and indeed a woman of immeasurable impacts.

     

    “She bequeathed laudable legacies that will always keep her memories fresh in our hearts,” Mbah asserted.

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    ‎Also, eulogising the late nonagenarian, Gov. Alex Otti of Abia State described her as a fervent Christian and respected community leader.

     

    “She made sure people around her felt loved and accepted, and was admired for her deep wisdom and guidance. She will be remembered for her inspirational leadership and commitment to uplifting people around her,” he added.

     

    On his part, former President of the Senate, Sen. Adolphus Wabara, saluted what he described as her exemplary life of service.

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    ‎“Mrs.Okah lived a life worthy of honour and resemblance, touching many with her kindness, strength, and motherly presence,” Wabara said.

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    ‎Also, in his tribute, former President of the Senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, reflected on Mrs. Okah’s resilience and life of service.

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    ‎Anyim noted, “Mama’s long life is a testament to God’s grace and a legacy of resilience, love, and commitment to family and community. She lived to a ripe old age, witnessed generations grow, and fulfilled purpose on earth.”

  • NOA seeks improved partnership with NURTW to curb insecurity 

    NOA seeks improved partnership with NURTW to curb insecurity 

    NOA seeks improved partnership with NURTW to curb insecurity

     

    NOA Management Team with Exco members of NURTW in Kwara

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has sought improved partnership with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in curbing insecurity across the country.

     

    The Zonal Director, North Central Directorate, Mrs Priscilla Gondoalour said this on Thursday while paying a courtesy visit to the Kwara Council of the union in Ilorin.

     

    Gondoalour said the road transport workers were major stakeholders needed to bring an end to insecurity bedevilling the country.

     

    She said the drivers could help reduce insecurity to the barest minimum by giving useful and timely information to security agencies because they were always closer to the people.

     

    ” Road transport workers are as important as doctors and teachers because 90 percent of movement worldwide is by road; few are by air, water, rail.

    “This meeting with you is because of your importance and relevance in almost every area of operation in this country and you have contact with different people daily.

     

    “The challenge of insecurity confronting all of us, the risk is faced more by your people on a daily basis.

     

    “So, we believe that partnering with you on the need to help join hands with the government to fight it out is imperative.

     

    “We need collective action which means that we need to be patriotic first; and your members who encounters some of these mischief makers, need to supply security agencies with timely and useful information,” the Zonal Director said.

     

    She said we must work collectively salvage the country from the present mess we are in, hence the need for the information to be passed across all the local governments that makes up the council.

     

    Mrs Gondoalour further urged members of the union to promote tolerance, have respect for the rule of law and avoid tribalism, ethnic and religious sentiments.

     

    In his response, the Chairman NURTW Kwara Council, Alhaji Razaq Ariwoola said tackling insecurity was now everyone’s business as we do not know who is next.

     

    Ariwoola said the drivers were doing their best to help security agencies but their efforts were always truncated due to disclosure of the identity of the whistleblowers.

     

    He said they have devised a means of reporting directly to the senior officers to safeguard the identity of their members.

     

    The NURTW chairman added that efforts should be doubled to eradicate drug abuse as it is an enhancer of Social vices.

     

    He further appealed to the judiciary to ensure that justice cannot be bought.

     

    “If justice can be bought, we cannot have a just society, and if the judiciary continues this way, we cannot have a crime free society,” he said.

     

    Ariwoola said the union will continue to enlighten its members to be security conscious. (NAN)

  • Enugu Govt is committed to supporting initiatives enhancing transportation safety – Gov. Mbah

    Enugu Govt is committed to supporting initiatives enhancing transportation safety – Gov. Mbah

    Enugu Govt is committed to supporting initiatives enhancing transportation safety – Gov. Mbah

    Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State says the state is committed to supporting initiatives that enhance transportation safety and improve mobility while safeguarding the lives of citizens.

    Mbah gave the commitment on Monday while declaring open the 2026 National Workshop For Driving School Proprietors and Instructors, being organised by Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Driving School Standardisation Programme (DSSP).

    The two-day workshop is being attended by driving school proprietors and instructors from three states, which included: Cross River, Ebonyi and Enugu States.

    Represented by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Mr Tochukwu Ekwegbo, the governor said that the government would continue to collaborate with FRSC and other stakeholders in implementing safety policies and programmes.

     

    Mbah noted that the government and her transport ministry would strengthen road safety culture and improve transportation systems across our communities through huge road infrastructure investment and policies/programmes.

    He said, “Let me emphasise that effective driver education is not only about licensing; it is directly linked to national productivity, economic growth and internal security.

    “A well-trained driving population enhances the efficiency of logistics and supply chains, supports safe movement during national assignments, and reduces disruptions caused by road traffic incidents.”

    The governor urged all participants to take advantage of the workshop, engage actively, share knowledge, and adopt innovative approaches that would elevate the standards of driver training in Nigeria.

     

    He noted that by strengthening professionalism among driving school proprietors and instructors, the country could collectively reduce road traffic crashes, preserve lives, and build a safer road environment for all.

    Earlier, the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Mr Shehu Mohammed, said that the modern approach to driver education emphasised competency-based training, which goes beyond simply teaching individuals how to operate vehicles.

    Represented by FRSC Assistant Corps Marshal in-charge of DSSP, Mr Felix Theman, the corps marshal noted that the corps was focused on producing drivers who possess the right knowledge, attitudes, risk perception, and safety consciousness.

    He said, “Driving schools are not only centres for driver training; they are also important economic enterprises that contribute to employment generation, skills development, and national economic growth.

     

    “By promoting scalable and sustainable enterprise models, the Corps aims to ensure that Driving Schools operate as professionally managed institutions capable of delivering high-quality driver education while remaining economically viable.”

    Speaking, Enugu State Coordinator of FRSC Special Marshals, Comrade Anthony Orji, urged state governments to handle over issuance of learners permit to driving schools and provide mote driving range for driving practical drills.

    In a welcome address, Sector Commander of FRSC in Enugu State, Mr Franklin Agbakoba, represented by his Second-in-Command, Deputy Core Commander, Kyrian Okolo, urged participants to ask questions, share experience and connectivity.

    The workshop, which is themed: “Professional Driver Education Through Innovative Training Models, A Pathway to Improving Road Safety in Nigeria”, is being attended by 58 driving school proprietors and instructors.

  • FRSC inducts 145 fresh special marshals in Enugu

    FRSC inducts 145 fresh special marshals in Enugu

    FRSC inducts 145 fresh special marshals in Enugu

     

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has inducted no fewer than 145 fresh Special Marshals to ensure traffic flow and sanity on roads within Enugu State.

     

    Speaking after days of training and induction on Saturday in Enugu, the Sector Commander of FRSC Enugu State Command, Core Commander Franklin Agbakoba, urged the new special marshals to uphold the age-long discipline of the corps.

     

    Agbakoba, represented by his Second-in-Command, Deputy Core Commander, Mr Kyrian Okolo, noted that the special marshals had become the backbone of volunteerism in the country.

     

     

    He commended them for sacrificing resources and time to serve, adding: “This is patriotism and love for the nation and humanity in action”.

     

    According to him, through intensive days of training, we have prepared you physically and psychologically for the job and to protect FRSC core value of integrity, service and professionalism.

     

    “Thank you for volunteering to serve humanity and the nation and joining FRSC to ensure accident-free roads,” the sector commander said.

     

     

    In a goodwill message, the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Giwa, lauded the special marshals for the sacrifice of serving without expecting “a kobo”.

     

    Represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in-charge of Operations, Mr Oliver Odimega, the commissioner assured the special marshals of cooperation of the police to ensure seamless operations in the state.

     

    Speaking, Dr Elijah Willie, the Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Enugu State Command, congratulated the new special marshals for coming onboard to protect lives.

     

     

    Represented by his Personal Assistant, SC Emmanuel Nwatu, the commandant urged them to be faithful in their service, “since the Almighty has ways of paying back good works and sacrifices”.

     

    Earlier, the State Coordinator of FRSC Special Marshals, Comrade Anthony Orji, cautioned the new special marshals against lawlessness.

     

    Orji urged them to ensure that their vehicle documents are up-to-date and intact, adding that they must first comply before ensuring others comply to traffic rules.

     

     

    “Special Marshals are men and women of proven integrity and people that stand out in their places of work and carrying out traffic duties as need arises,” he said.

     

    One of the inductees, Dr Godwin Lamidi, thanked the FRSC for providing the privilege and platform for him to carry out public-spirited work of safety that would touch lots of lives in the state.

  • Ubahu community in Enugu decries alleged massive land grabbing, urges Enugu Govt intervention

    Ubahu community in Enugu decries alleged massive land grabbing, urges Enugu Govt intervention

    Ubahu community in Enugu decries alleged massive land grabbing, urges Enugu Govt intervention

     

    The people of Ubahu Community in Nkanu East Local Government Area in Enugu State have decried alleged massive land grabbing on their ancestral land, appealing to Enugu State Government to intervene to forestall unrest.

     

    The people, who said this during a peaceful demonstration with placards held in the community on Thursday, purported that their ancestral land had been taken over in various axis of the community by people with no identity.

     

    The placards read: “We Have No Place to Farm; Due to Activities of Unknown Land Grabbers” and “Our Land Is Completely Taken Over By Alleged Different Government Officials Without Due Consultations”.

     

     

    Others read: “Our Houses Are Mapped Out for Demolition, Farmlands Forcefully Taken and Plan to Chase US Out from Our Ancestral Land” and “We Have No Place To Farm and Hunger Is Taking Over Ubahu”.

     

    Speaking, acting Youth Leader of the community, Mazi Chukwuebuka Nnaji, said that the entire community had been through into confusion due to massive land grabbing activities on the community’s ancestral land.

     

    Nnaji noted that the massive land grabbing had been carried out by persons, whose “mission and identity are not clear.”

     

     

    He noted that when a group, organisation and government wants to acquire land for developmental purpose, it is done in an organised, coordinated and people-informed manner, leaving no one in doubt of their intention.

     

    “The present development, seeing several unknown people occupying several land portions in different locations of the community is unacceptable.

     

    “We are worried as nobody or authority is talking to us or explaining issues to us. The entire land takeover, if geninue, it is not done in an organised, coordinated and people-informed manner.

     

     

    “We know by the Constitution, all land belongs to the government; but before the government, there are people who owns the land by ancestral heritage that needed to be carried along.

     

    “As a government, you cannot come to take a communal or ancestral land without formerly informing the traditional ruler, the President-General, prominent elders and other stakeholders of the community,” he said.

     

    A women leader in the community, Ma Ugochi Uzoma, lamented that the pieces of land most household cultivate each year had been forcefully taken over, while most women, including widows, forced out of their farmlands.

     

     

    Uzoma noted that recently some of their houses were marked for demolition by the alleged land grabbers so that they get an expanded and massive land portions.

     

    “The people doing this only have the intention to kill us through hunger and sickness following it or we permanently relocate from our ancestral homes/land and they take over.

     

    “We are pleading for help from everybody. Some people are planning to wipe us out from the face of the earth. Our ancestors will never allow them to succeed,” she said.

     

    Ubahu community is an immediate neighbouring community to Owo community, which is the community that Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State hails from.