
News
Enugu NUJ mourns sad departure of James Okparaekeocha of NTA
Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Enugu state Council have been thrown into mourning following the sad news of the sudden demise on Tuesday of James Oparaekeocha, a former Caretaker Committee Chairman of the union and a senior journalist with the Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, Enugu Network Center.
Okparaekeocha, 56, who hailed from Imo State, died on Tuesday, 21st May, 2024 following a relapse to an ailment for which he went for thanksgiving in a church after his recovery some weeks ago.
The sudden death of Oparaekeocha, who was also a former Chairman of NTA chapel, has thrown members of the union, his family and friends into deep mourning some of who have reacted through their tributes.
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Comradè Chris Isiguzo wrote:
“I am deeply shocked and saddened by the news of James’ passing. We had a meaningful conversation just a few days ago. May his soul find eternal peace in the embrace of his creator. My heartfelt condolences go out to his immediate family, the NUJ, the Enugu community, and the entire NTA family”.

In a statement signed by the secretary of NUJ, Enugu state council, Ifeoma Amuta , the council expressed sadness over the death of the former chairman of 2022 NUJ press week. The statement reads;
NUJ Enugu State Council
Good Night James
James was a former Caretaker Committee Chairman of NUJ Enugu State Council and former Chapel Chairman of NTA.He was also one time National Treasurer Aspirant of NUJ and would be greatly missed for his contributions in the Union especially SWAN.
We also commiserate with with his Emekukwu Owerri north,Imo State family.
May his soul rest in peace
Dame Ifeoma Amuta
Secretary NUJ Enugu State Council
Full of life yesterday,now no more!
At 55, it’s hard to say Farewell, but who are we to question God.
James Oparaekeocha I believe you are in a better place prepared by your creator,where there will be no more pains and sorrow.
I am still pained by your death,my tears are still dropping because your death was like magic (Nolly wood movie).I saw you the other day full of life.What went wrong?Only the Lord Almighty will wipe away our tears, console your wife and help us all to prepare our ways for no one knows the time.
You were a brave leader.
Adieu ! the roofing Chair.
Dr Maxwell Ngene, a Veteran Journalist and Senior Lecturer wrote:
Dear Distinguished Members of NUJ, Enugu.
I am deeply saddened to hear about the untimely death of Comrade James Oparaekocha, a veteran journalist and former Caretaker Chairman of the Enugu State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). James was an exceptional journalist, known for his love for journalism, courage, passion, and dedication to the truth. His commitment to fighting for the downtrodden and marginalized was inspiring, and his impact on the journalism profession will be deeply felt.
My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues at NTA Enugu, and nationwide. May James Oparaekochas’ legacy continue to inspire and motivate you to uphold the highest standards of journalism. May his soul rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Dr. Maxwell M. Ngene
News
Gov Mbah approves new appointments to key Enugu institutions
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has approved the appointment of new members and principal officers to key state institutions as part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to reform institutions, strengthen governance and enhance effective service delivery.
Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, disclosed this in a statement made available to Newsmen on Friday, September 4,2026 in Enugu.
The appointments are as follows:
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Prof. Gabriel Ajah — Chairman
Christian Mbah — Member One
Mrs. Stella Ekweremadu — Member Two
Mrs. Theresa Onyefuzili Ifeanyichukwu — Member Three
Uzonna Emmanuel Ogarabe — Member Four
Ambrose Nwodo — Secretary

ENUGU STATE TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (TVET)
Dr. Amaka S. Ngene — Chairman
Bonaventure Onu — Member
Barr. Nnadi Eluke — Member
Kingsley Agwu — Member
Mrs. Joy Odike — Secretary
ENUGU STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (ESUT) GOVERNING COUNCIL
Barr. Victor Chukwuani — Chairman
Engr. James Ifeanyichukwu Ajibo — Member
Dr. Eric Oluedo — Member
Dr. Mrs. Gladys Ngozi Okoro — Member
Chukwu Chikaodiri Joy — Member
INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY (IMT) GOVERNING COUNCIL
Hon. Chinedu Onu — Chairman
Dr. Barth Nwankwo — Member
Barr. Emeka Ede — Member
Mrs. Rita Chimaobi — Member
Prince Tony Nwonye — Member
ENUGU STATE POLYTECHNIC, IWOLLO GOVERNING COUNCIL
Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Aniagboso Igwe — Rector
Deaconess Ifeoma Nwobodo — Chairman, Governing Council
Obinna Aleke — Member
Barr. Henry Okeke — Member
Emeka Abba — Member
ENUGU STATE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL) (ESCET) GOVERNING COUNCIL
Barr. Nwabueze Ugwu — Chairman
Prince Cletus Ajaegbu — Member
Dr. Chiesonu Isiga Eruchalu — Member
Dr. Chukwuemeka Nwatu — Member
Theophilus Onyebeke — Member
The appointments take effect immediately.
News
Boko Haram attacks APC governorship candidate’s convoy in Borno
Suspected members of Boko Haram terrorists have attacked the convoy of Mustapha Gubio, the governorship flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State.
Sources said the incident took place along the Gubio-Karote-Damasak highway in the northern part of the state on Thursday.
Damasak is located in northern Borno and is about 190km from Maiduguri, the state capital.
The convoy was en route to Mobbar, headquarters of Damasak Local Government Area, to pay a thank-you visit to members of the APC for their support which led to his emergence as the consensus candidate in the party’s last primary elections.
Sources said: “The convoy came under heavy attack around Kareto community at about 2:30pm, but was swiftly repelled by a combined team of security escorts, including soldiers, police, NSCDC, DSS, CTJF and vigilante groups.”

According to an insider who escaped but did not want his name mentioned, “The incident happened during a thank-you tour by Mustapha Gubio and his team to the northern part of the state.
“It was a terrifying moment for us; we came under heavy attacks by terrorists yesterday.”
He continued, “The terrorists fired several Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) on our convoy, which also followed by sporadic shooting. Luckily, our security agencies repelled the attacks.
“Police armoured vehicles were damaged, but there was no casualty,” said the source.
Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, confirmed the attack, saying: “Police tactical operatives successfully counter-engaged suspected terrorists who attacked a convoy along the Kareto–Damasak Road with an IED and rocket-propelled grenades.
“The tactical team forced the terrorists to retreat into the surrounding bush and subsequently scanned and cleared the immediate axis to neutralise secondary explosive threats.
“The convoy, conveying a gubernatorial aspirant, government officials and political stakeholders, was safely evacuated to a secure location with no casualties recorded among members of the entourage.”
News
Harsh economic policies pushing young Nigerians to sell their kidneys to survive — Atiku
Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, has blamed the desperation of young Nigerians to sell their kidneys on President Bola Tinubu’s harsh economic policies.
It could be recalled that the police last week raided a hospital in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, after it was reported that at least 10 young men were victims of organ harvesting.
Atiku, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has now accused President Bola Tinubu of making life more expensive for Nigerians, saying he would make the country affordable again if given the opportunity.
In a post on his X handle on Friday, Atiku expressed concern over reports of young Nigerians allegedly selling their kidneys and other body organs in desperate attempts to survive the country’s worsening economic hardship.
He said young Nigerians should be pursuing their dreams, building careers and developing innovative ideas rather than considering the sale of their body organs as a means of survival.

“I have heard disturbing stories about the extent to which young Nigerians are being driven simply to survive.
“Perhaps the most horrifying are the growing reports of young people selling parts of their bodies: kidneys in particular, in desperate attempts to raise money.
“Young people should be selling dreams, ideas and innovation, not their body organs,” Atiku wrote.
He added that the rising cost of food, transportation, rent, school fees, medicine and electricity had worsened the living conditions of many Nigerians.
According to him, reports that some young Nigerians were being driven to sell their kidneys for as little as N1.7 million reflected the level of desperation caused by the cost-of-living crisis.
Atiku said Nigeria’s laws prohibiting commercial organ sales and organ trafficking were insufficient to address the poverty and desperation that make vulnerable young people targets of criminal networks.
He stressed that economic reforms should improve the living conditions of citizens by making basic necessities more affordable.
“Economic reform must have a human face. It must mean affordable food, cheaper transportation, accessible healthcare, decent jobs and renewed hope for the next generation.
“Our young people should be selling their ideas, talents and innovation to the world and not their kidneys for N1.7 million just to survive at home,” he said.
Atiku described the situation as the human cost of Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis, accusing the Tinubu administration of worsening the economic burden on Nigerians.
He further stated that “Tinubu made Nigeria expensive. I will make Nigeria affordable again.”
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