President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will secure victory across the South-South geopolitical zone in the January 16, 2027 elections.

Akpabio made the prediction on Saturday at the Rivers State Rainbow Coalition rally held at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, where he attributed the anticipated electoral success to the prevailing peace and political unity among stakeholders in the region.

He declared that Rivers State had provided the political atmosphere needed to deliver President Tinubu for a second term, expressing confidence that the cooperation among political leaders and stakeholders across the South-South would translate into electoral victory for the APC.

“Mr President, the ingredient needed in this zone, particularly Rivers State, to return you to the Villa on the 16th of January, 2027, is here, and that is peace,” Akpabio said.

He recalled that Rivers State was the only state in the South-South where the APC secured victory in the 2023 presidential election, insisting that the state’s political support for Tinubu could be sustained in the forthcoming election.

Akpabio also urged Rivers people to support the President, citing the appointment of former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as evidence of Tinubu’s confidence in the state.

According to him, Wike’s performance in Abuja demonstrates the President’s ability to appoint capable individuals to strategic positions, while the ongoing development projects in the FCT further justify the administration’s confidence in his leadership.

The Senate President also highlighted the administration’s educational interventions, particularly the student loan scheme, noting that more than 100,000 students from Rivers State had benefited from the initiative and other educational support programmes.

He further defended the administration’s economic reforms, claiming that Nigeria’s foreign reserves had risen from $4.5 billion to over $50 billion under Tinubu’s leadership.

On tax reforms, Akpabio said the government had consolidated the country’s previously ok fragmented tax structure, resulting in increased revenue generation. He also identified the removal of fuel subsidy as a measure aimed at tackling corruption and improving government finances.

He added that the proposed coastal road project, which passes through Rivers State, would stimulate commercial activities, expand economic opportunities and accelerate development along the coastline.

Akpabio called on people of the South-South to remain supportive of the Tinubu administration, describing its policies as measures intended to improve the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.

He maintained that despite the APC’s popularity and control of the Federal Government, its members would continue campaigning to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Senate President expressed optimism that the political gatherings in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states would yield the desired results, praying that President Tinubu and the APC would celebrate victory on January 16, 2027.

•  Targets 520 beneficiaries across 260 wards; says intervention will promote grassroots enterprise, reduce poverty

The Enugu State Government has distributed 520 grinding machines to indigent and vulnerable residents across the state as part of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration’s sustained efforts to reduce poverty, promote economic inclusion and expand livelihood opportunities at the grassroots.

The intervention, which covers all 260 electoral wards in the 17 local government areas, provides two grinding machines to beneficiaries in each ward and is designed to equip disadvantaged residents with productive assets to establish small businesses, generate income and improve their living conditions.

The initiative was formally launched on Tuesday to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Poor.

Governor Mbah, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the programme reflected his administration’s commitment to building an inclusive and prosperous Enugu State where every citizen, irrespective of social or economic circumstances, has the opportunity to improve their standard of living.

He explained that the distribution went beyond the provision of equipment, describing it as a practical investment in the economic independence of vulnerable households and an effort to ensure that the benefits of governance were felt directly at the grassroots.

The governor noted that providing beneficiaries with productive assets would enable them to establish viable micro-enterprises, earn sustainable incomes, support their families and contribute to the state’s broader economic development.

In her keynote address, the Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Poverty Eradication, Prof. Benedette Okoli, disclosed that the beneficiaries were selected from the Enugu State Social Register of the Poor and Vulnerable, compiled by the State Operations Coordinating Unit.

She stressed that the selection was based on verified data and established vulnerability criteria, insisting that political affiliation, favouritism and personal connections played no part in determining those who benefited from the programme.

Prof. Okoli urged the recipients to make productive use of the equipment, maintain them properly and seize the opportunity to establish sustainable businesses capable of generating regular income and improving their families’ welfare.

She assured residents that the state government would continue to introduce and expand targeted interventions aimed at creating economic opportunities for disadvantaged groups and addressing poverty across the state.

In their goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Ezeagu Local Government Area Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Emmanuel Anichebe; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke; and Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Robert Ozongwu, commended Governor Mbah for the initiative.

They described the intervention as timely and impactful, noting that the provision of productive equipment would stimulate small-scale economic activities, ease the financial difficulties confronting vulnerable households and improve the livelihoods of beneficiaries.

Two beneficiaries, Mr. Peter Chime from Obuofia-Awkunanaw and Mrs. Virginia Nwachukwu from Obe community, expressed gratitude to the governor, describing the gesture as an opportunity to become economically productive and financially independent.

They said the grinding machines would enable them to establish small businesses, generate regular income and provide better support for their families, pledging to put the equipment to effective use.

The beneficiaries also pledged their support for Governor Mbah’s re-election, President Bola Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the 2027 general elections, describing their commitment as an expression of appreciation for the administration’s intervention.

The Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Poverty Eradication reiterated the state government’s determination to sustain and broaden its empowerment initiatives as part of its comprehensive strategy to tackle poverty, strengthen household economies and improve the welfare of vulnerable residents.

Veteran Nollywood actor, Diewait Ikpechukwu, has died at the age of 71, following a prolonged illness.

Ikpechukwu, who was also a former footballer, reportedly died on Thursday, November 5, 2026, according to a family source.

His death was announced on Friday by the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, who paid tribute to the late actor in an Instagram post.

“Another Legend bows out!! RIP Diewit Ikpechukwu,” Yakubu wrote.

Although details surrounding his death remain sketchy, his passing has thrown the Nigerian film industry into mourning, marking another loss to a generation of actors who contributed to the growth of Nollywood.

From Football to Nollywood

Born on August 23, 1955, Ikpechukwu had an interesting career journey that took him through football, broadcasting, telecommunications and eventually the Nigerian film industry.

Before becoming an actor, he was a talented footballer who played as a right winger during the 1970s. His footballing abilities reportedly earned him an invitation to the Green Eagles camp, Nigeria’s former senior national football team.

He played for football clubs including Blue Diamonds of Nsukka and Kaduna Rocks. He also captained the Kaduna Polytechnic football team.

However, he reportedly declined the opportunity to pursue a career with the national team following his father’s insistence that he prioritise his education.

Educational Background and Career

Ikpechukwu attended Comprehensive High School in Awo-Omamma, Imo State, before proceeding to Kaduna State Polytechnic, where he obtained a Higher National Diploma in Marketing.

He subsequently completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and later obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).

While studying in Kaduna, he developed an interest in broadcasting and reportedly worked with radio stations as a football commentator.

Before venturing fully into entertainment, he worked with the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), where he served as a business office manager.

His journey into acting gained momentum through television productions at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Enugu.

Acting Career and Movies

Ikpechukwu made his feature film debut in 1998 in Evil Men, where he portrayed a traditional ruler alongside established Nollywood actors, including Pete Edochie, Alex Usifo and Liz Benson.

He subsequently built a career spanning more than 25 years, becoming particularly recognised for portraying kings, traditional rulers, elderly statesmen and other influential characters in Nigerian films.

Some of the productions he featured in include Royal Palace (2005), The Guilty (2006), Across the River (2006), Python King (2007), Omera (2019), A Dance to Forget (2020), Emecheta (2021), Nwando (2021) and Ìjé Love (2022).

His commanding screen presence and ability to interpret traditional roles made him a familiar face to Nollywood audiences.

Contribution to the Actors Guild of Nigeria

Beyond his acting career, Ikpechukwu was actively involved in the Actors Guild of Nigeria and served as the pioneer chairman of the guild’s Enugu State chapter.

He was also passionate about mentoring upcoming actors and encouraging young people seeking careers in the entertainment industry.

He reportedly advised aspiring actors against desperation in their pursuit of fame, urging them to take their craft seriously, dedicate themselves to every role and avoid exploitation.

Outside acting, he was also reported to have owned a communications company.

Family

The late actor was married to Gloria Ikpechukwu and was blessed with children and grandchildren.

His death marks the end of a remarkable journey that cut across sports, broadcasting and entertainment.

As tributes continue to emerge, colleagues and admirers will remember him for his contributions to Nollywood and his efforts towards nurturing emerging talents.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be officially announced by the family.