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Obi of Onitsha, Zik’s family, Nwobodo, Eze, others hail Ugwuanyi for immortalising Nigeria’s first President (Photos)
…As governor inaugurates Nnamdi Azikiwe Centre in Enugu
The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, the wife of the former Premier of the Eastern Region and first President of Nigeria, the late Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dame Prof Uche Azikiwe, former Governor of old Anambra State, Senator Dr. Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, former Nigerian Ambassador to Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde, Amb. Justina Eze, and Chief Maxi Ukuta, on Friday, poured encomiums on Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for his vision and steadfastness in upholding the legacy and spirit of Dr. Azikiwe of blessed memory for the world to appreciate.
Speaking during the unveiling of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Centre – the former Enugu residence of Dr. Azikiwe known as old Premier Lodge, renovated, furnished and decorated with personal effects and other monuments of the great Zik of Africa by Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration – the leaders commended the governor for all the outstanding things he has done to immortalise the foremost nationalist.
They described Governor Ugwuanyi as a true leader who has shown enormous commitment and passion for the preservation of what the great Zik of Africa represents to Ndigbo, Nigerians, Africans and the world, adding that the idea to immortalise the Nigerian statesman and tell his inspiring story for reference purposes, tourism and posterity are commendable.
In his speech, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Achebe, applauded Governor Ugwuanyi for “his zeal and steadfastness in ensuring that the legacy of Nnamdi Azikiwe is not swept under the carpet, adding that posterity will always remember the governor for the gesture.
The Royal Father further expressed gratitude to the governor “for all the things you have been doing to uphold the legacy of Nnamdi Azikiwe, and support the family he left behind.”
He said that Governor Ugwuanyi’s commitment towards upholding Zik’s legacy is uncommon “particularly in Nigeria where we easily forget our leaders, forgetting their efforts, their sufferings and what they denied themselves.”
Speaking on the edifice and what it represents as a historical, educational and tourist monument to remember the Great Zik of Africa, Igwe Achebe revealed that “young people could come here and appreciate the efforts of our leaders past, their philosophies, their leadership principles, their sense of humility so that we can emulate them.”
On her part, Zik’s wife, Prof. Uche Azikiwe, stated that “the family of the late Nnamdi Azikiwe will never forget Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State,” revealing that the governor’s humility is unprecedented.
Prof. Azikiwe recalled that Ugwuanyi was the first governor to pay an official visit to the Onuiyi residence of the Great Zik of Africa in Nsukka since after his death, adding that it was during the visit that the governor promised to renovate the Zik’s Lodge in Enugu to serve as a monument and tourist attraction.
She expressed delight that Governor Ugwuanyi has fulfilled his promise to keep Zik’s legacy alive and support his family in different ways.
Zik’s wife equally thanked the governor for appointing their son, Uwakwe Azikiwe as his Special Adviser on Special Duties shortly after the visit to the Onuiyi residence in 2016, reiterating: “The Nnamdi Azikiwe family will never forget you, Your Excellency, we will never. The Igbo people say that whoever respects the king will be a king. You are already a king but the greater king will reach you in Jesus Name, amen.”
In his goodwill message, the former Governor of old Anambra State, Senator Dr. Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, lauded Governor Ugwuanyi for immortalising Dr. Azikiwe through the newly inaugurated centre, expressing fulfillment that the governor has done it for the late Zik and his family.
“I am happy that this thing has been done. Gburugburu (Ugwuanyi) I thank you very much for remembering our greatest man. I want to say that when you water others, you will be watered. When you show kindness to others, people will show kindness to you.
“Your Excellency, I thank you once again for doing this and I thank you for doing this in Enugu. I am also asking the Federal Government to take note. Zik was President of Nigeria, this kind of centre should also be in Abuja,” Senator Nwobodo said.
Overwhelmed with joy, Ambassador Eze, pointed out that Governor Ugwuanyi is “one single man who is always concerned about everybody’s problems, who is trying to remember all the past heroes,” stressing that the governor is also “one single man in Igbo land who remembers that those who have served should be honoured,” and prayed God to preserve and protect him.
The former member of House of Representatives and former Nigerian Ambassador to Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde urged young people to emulate Governor Ugwuanyi “so that their days shall be long.”
She described Zik as “a great man” who never for once thought of himself but others, saying: “How could Zik have come to Nsukka that was never in the map of anywhere to give an Nsukka man an image that the whole world today can stand and say that the best university established in Nigeria is in Nsukka?”
Corroborating the previous speakers’ remarks, one of the closest friends of Zik, Chief Maxi Ukuta, stated that “God has used Governor Ugwuanyi to do many things over Zik”, restating that “since the demise of Zik, he (Ugwuanyi) was the first head of government that took people and members of his government to pay a visit to his wife, Prof. Uche Azikiwe at Nsukka.”
According to him, “it was the same Governor Ugwuanyi who took the stress to improve the road that leads to Zik’s house and improve electricity within his residence. Thank God that today, His Excellency (Ugwuanyi) has been able to put into history Zik’s Centre. A lot will be learnt from there. God will bless you for this; we appreciate you.”
Explaining the concept of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Centre, Zik’s son and Special Adviser to Governor Ugwuanyi, Uwakwe Azikiwe, hinted that “the centre will mostly focus on being an exhibition of his life, showcasing his leadership qualities, make his works available to researchers, organise sponsored scholarly awards such as essay competitions; and be involved in media releases such as documentaries, movies, etc.
Inaugurating the Centre, Governor Ugwuanyi disclosed that the multi-purpose monument was developed by his administration to immortalise, propagate and perpetuate the leadership ethos, patriotic ideals and scholarly insights of the legend, Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
The governor said that he was pleased that his administration’s vision for the project has finally come to fruition, and paid glowing tribute to the Zik of Africa for his worthy legacies, which he said persuaded his government to embark on the Zik Centre project, comprising a museum for Zik’s personal items, pictures, quotes, poems, letters, speeches, articles and tributes.
His words: “Zik of Africa as he was fondly called, a scholar par excellence, foremost nationalist, outstanding patriot, inspirational leader, philosophy king and first-rate wordsmith contributed hugely to the Nigerian nationalism, political leadership development and educational emancipation of our people.
“It is therefore my profound honour and great privilege to commission the newly completed Zik Centre in honour of the icon and enigma, Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, to educate the younger generation and inspire them to higher goals of intellectual development, service and patriotism.”
Earlier in his address, the General Manager/CEO of Enugu State Housing Development Corporation, Hon. Chukwuemelie Agu harped on Governor Ugwuanyi’s ingenuity in thinking in accordance with time for the good of the generations unborn and hailed the governor for honouring Zik in recognition of his socio-economic and political contributions to the development of Nigeria, particularly the people of Enugu State.
Hon. Agu who expressed excitement that the Corporation was part of the memorable and historic project, explained that “the Centre is to preserve the lyrics and the history of this Premier of the then Eastern Region thus the name Heritage.”
Dignitaries at the event include the Deputy Governor of the State, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, the former Deputy Governor of the State, Ezenwata Okechukwu Itanyi, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, represented by Hon. Okey Ogbodo, and the Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Enugu Diocese (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma.
Others include the Anglican Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius Agbo, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Enugu State Chapter, Rev. Emmanuel Edeh, the Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Igwe Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, other members of the State Executive Council (EXCO), the Director General, PDP Campaign Organisation, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, among others.
Kogi State has been thrown into mourning as former Governor of the state, Ibrahim Idris, fondly called Ibro, has reportedly died in the United Kingdom at 77.
Sources broke the sad news on Sunday, with details of his passing still sketchy as of press time.
Though details regarding the latest development are still sketchy, family sources said Idris had suffered protracted illness.
Meanwhile, incumbent Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has condoled with the former governor’s family.
In his condolence message, Ododo described the late lawmaker as a man who had made meaningful contributions in politics and business.
The governor also recalled his last meeting with the ex-governor in March 2024 during a visit involving political stakeholders from Omala Local Government Area.
Ibro was not just a governor. He was an institution.
From businessman to political colossus, Idris stormed Kogi politics in 2003 when he floored incumbent Abubakar Audu to emerge governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
What followed was a turbulent, dramatic reign.
His 2007 re-election was nullified by the courts after Audu was excluded from the ballot. The Court of Appeal in February 2008 ordered a fresh election. Idris fought back and won the March 2008 re-run, holding on to power until January 2012 when he handed over to Captain Idris Wada.
Born in Idah in 1949, Idris built his name in business before politics — founder of Ibro Trading Company, with tentacles in construction, furniture and hospitality.
He built a furniture factory in Sokoto and Ibro Hotel, reputed to be the first three-star hotel in old Sokoto State.
Fate tested him in 2006 when three of his daughters miraculously survived the ill-fated ADC Airlines Flight 53 crash that killed 96 others. A grateful Ibro called it a “superlative show of mercy” from God.
But tragedy never left him far.
In April 2024, he buried his son, Mohammed Ibrahim Idris, former member of the House of Representatives for Ankpa/Olamaboro/Omala, who died in Abuja shortly after Eid-el-Fitr prayers.
… Records major drug seizures across eight states, FCT
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have intercepted more than 1.3 million pills and capsules of tramadol and other opioids, as well as 6,000kg of cannabis, in a series of operations across eight states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The agency said the seizures had a combined street value of more than N3.4 billion.
The operations were conducted in Lagos, Edo, Niger, Delta, Ondo, Gombe and Imo states, as well as the FCT.
The NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers of the various commands for what he described as professionalism and intelligence-driven operations, urging them to sustain the agency’s balanced approach to drug control.
A major highlight of the operations was the interception of 1,200 parcels of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, weighing 603.75kg and valued at N1.811 billion.
The operation also led to the arrest of a 49-year-old suspected drug trafficker, Innocent Ekpe, who allegedly impersonated a senior police officer to evade scrutiny at checkpoints while transporting illicit drugs across state lines.
Ekpe was arrested on Wednesday, September 16, along the Benin-Onitsha Expressway in Asaba, Delta State, with 292.48kg of skunk concealed in his silver Toyota Sienna bus.
According to the agency, preliminary investigation revealed that Ekpe allegedly presented himself as Godwin Emeka, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, using a forged police identification card.
A 39-year-old alleged accomplice, Nduka Joseph, was also arrested.
In Edo State, NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence raided a location along Agbor Road, Benin City, where they arrested 45-year-old Matthew Ossai.
The agency said Ossai allegedly used his auto-repair workshop to store illicit drugs.
Operatives recovered 48kg of Canadian Loud, 152 grammes of methamphetamine and a metal box allegedly used to store the substances.
At the Tin-Can Island Port in Lagos, NDLEA operatives placed a 40-foot container shipped from Montreal, Canada, under surveillance after it arrived on September 12.
A joint physical examination conducted with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies on Wednesday, September 16, led to the discovery of 1,200 parcels of Canadian Loud weighing 603.75kg.
The consignment was concealed inside 31 black jumbo bags loaded into two Toyota Sienna vehicles in the container.
In Niger State, three suspects — Bashir Usman, 20; Abubakar Nuhu, 18; and Abdulrahman Abdulwahab, 18 — were arrested on Tuesday, September 15, during a patrol along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway at Chachi, Tafa Local Government Area.
The suspects were allegedly found with two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles and a magazine, a locally made pistol with a magazine, and nine rounds of 9mm ammunition concealed in a black travel bag.
Two other suspects, Aminu Isyaku, 23, and Jamilu Habibu, 25, were arrested on Friday, September 18, along the Abaji-Abuja Highway.
The agency said more than 1.1 million assorted tramadol tablets and capsules, codeine syrup, methamphetamine and Exol tablets were recovered from them.
The substances were allegedly concealed in eight sacks and were being transported from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Mararaba, Nasarawa State.
In Lagos, NDLEA operatives arrested Onyeka Ofor at his residence in Aguda, Surulere, on Friday, September 18, with 48,900 pills of tramadol 225mg.
Seven cartons of cannabis sativa weighing 59kg were also intercepted at a logistics company in the state, leading to the arrest of a suspect identified as Luke Ugokwe.
In another operation in Lagos, 43-year-old Ibrahim Hudu was arrested at Apongbo on Thursday, September 17, with 998.38kg of nitrous oxide gas.
In Gombe State, a total of 154,480 capsules of tramadol were recovered from two suspects, Sabi’u Umar, 27, and Hassana Muhammad, 19.
The suspects were arrested at the Barunde area and Gombe Main Market respectively on Friday, September 18.
In Imo State, 25-year-old Ifesinachi Godwin was arrested along the Owerri-Onitsha Road on Friday with 43.85kg of skunk.
Similarly, four suspects — Blessing Effiong, Saviour Peter, David Friday Sunday and Ability Peter Sunday — were arrested during a raid on a two-hectare cannabis farm in Ita-Ogbolu Forest, Ondo State, on Tuesday, September 15.
The NDLEA said 5,000kg of skunk was destroyed during the operation, while 48kg of dried and fresh cannabis was recovered from the location.
Meanwhile, commands and formations of the agency continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitisation campaigns across the country during the week.
The activities included enlightenment lectures for students and staff of St. Ferdinand School, Ogbomoso, Oyo State; Unizik Secondary School, Awka, Anambra State; Scholars Nursery and Primary School, Epe, Lagos State; and Government Technical Training School, Jalingo, Taraba State.
The Delta Ports Command also paid a WADA advocacy visit to traditional ruler, King Couple Mackson Oromoni Mobene III, Pere Ama-Okosu of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, Delta State.
The NDLEA said the sensitisation activities were part of its continued efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of illicit drug use and trafficking.
A woman identified as Bilkisu Sani has been arrested in Rogo Local Government Area of Kano State over the alleged killing of her husband, Hafisu Gausu, amid reported plans by the deceased to marry another woman.
According to reports, the incident occurred around 7pm on Friday, September 18, 2026, in the Katsalle area of Rogo town.
A resident, Auwal Kazagi Rogo, said residents rushed to the scene after hearing cries from Bilkisu, who reportedly claimed that her husband had been kidnapped and killed.
Kazagi said residents who arrived at the scene found Gausu with an injury to his head. He explained that contrary to the initial claim that the deceased had been slaughtered, residents allegedly found that he had been struck with an object.
He said the police were immediately contacted and subsequently evacuated the body for investigation.
According to the resident, Gausu had reportedly been planning to marry another woman as his second wife, a decision that allegedly led to repeated disagreements between him and Bilkisu.
Kazagi said the woman had allegedly vowed to prevent the marriage, prompting community elders to intervene in an attempt to resolve the dispute. However, tensions reportedly continued.
The police subsequently arrested Bilkisu as the prime suspect, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding Gausu’s death remain ongoing.
The deceased was buried on Saturday morning in Rogo in accordance with Islamic rites.
Reports indicate that Gausu and Bilkisu had been married for nearly seven years and had two children. Bilkisu is also reportedly pregnant for the deceased.
Sources in the community further claimed that Gausu had asked his prospective bride’s family to bring forward the wedding date by two months because of the reported disagreement with his wife.
The police have yet to conclude their investigation into the incident, and the allegations against Bilkisu remain subject to the outcome of the investigation and any subsequent court proceedings.
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