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Enugu Govt to immortalise ex-Green Eagles Skipper, Christian Chukwu

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Christian Chukwu
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…As Rangers, SWAN Commiserate with deceased familyg

Enugu State Government says it will immortalise Late Football Legend, Christian Chukwu.

This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barrister Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu while commiserating with family of late Chairman Christian Chukwu on Sunday at Trans- Ekulu, Enugu.

Chukwu, Captain and Coach of Rangers International Football and then Green Eagles of Nigeria, passed on Saturday, April 12.

According to the Sports Commissioner, “Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has directed that a Committee should be set- up to Immortalise Chairman Christian Chukwu for making Igbo proud after the traumatic civil war and for bringing glory to Nigeria.”

He noted that the late football legend left a big gap that will be difficult to fill.

He inspired a lot of us through his service to Nigeria and his unmatched humility. The sports family is in deep mourning”, he added.

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Also in his speech, the General Manager of Rangers Management Corporation, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, noted that he worked with Christian Chukwu as Team Manager, while the late administrator was General Manager of Rangers Management Corporation and found him unassuming, humble forthright and as a father, whose fountain of knowledge helped him even after leaving office as General Manager.

“Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah asked that we keep in touch with old Rangers players. We have been doing that.We have been celebrating Christian Chukwu while he was alive, at Rangers Office his image is engraved on the wall. We will keep celebrating him even in death” he said.

“Not long ago we came to see him, we discussed his health challenge that day he told us he was going to hospital and we left.

“At Rangers we will do our best to Immortalise him” he stated.

Similarly, Enugu Rangers International Football Club has said, “We deeply mourn the passing of our legendary captain, coach, and administrator, Chairman Christian Chukwu (MFR).

A statement signed by Media Officer of the Rangers International club, Norbert Okolie, made available to Daily News Nigeria on Sunday, stated, “Following the sad news, His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has directed that a condolence register be opened at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu and all Enugu State Liaison Offices across the country, in honor of the late icon.

Speaking on behalf of Rangers International FC, the CEO, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku, said:

“This is a devastating loss, not only for Rangers but for the entire football family. Chairman Christian Chukwu was a towering figure, a symbol of resilience, excellence, and leadership. The name ‘Chairman’ became synonymous with his commanding presence both on and off the pitch, a title first bestowed upon him by the legendary broadcaster Ernest Okonkwo and embraced by generations ever since.”

“Chairman Chukwu’s legacy is forever etched in the story of Rangers and Nigerian football. As the captain of our golden generation, he led Rangers to several domestic and continental triumphs, and Nigeria to her first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980. He later served Nigeria as a coach, guiding the Super Eagles to a bronze medal finish at the 2004 AFCON, coached Kenya’s national team, and handled several clubs in Nigeria.”

“Beyond his accomplishments, Chairman was humility personified. His passion for the growth of Nigerian football remained unwavering till his final days. He was always ready to offer wise counsel, driven by love for the game and the country. We are committed to honoring his extraordinary legacy and ensuring that the dream he lived for — a strong, united Rangers and a thriving Nigerian football — is sustained.”

Former teammates, colleagues, and players remember Chairman Chukwu as a leader, mentor, and icon whose impact transcended generations. From his days captaining Rangers and the national team, to his time coaching and managing Rangers, Chairman Chukwu lived a life of service, dedication, and excellence.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, the football community, and all who were touched by his greatness.
Details of tributes and memorials in his honor will be announced in due course.

“May his noble soul rest in perfect peace.

Earlier, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Enugu State Chapter stated that it has extended its deepest condolences on the passing on of Christian Chukwu, referring to him, as a true legend of Nigerian football and a towering figure in the history of African sports.

A statement signed by Gideon Iwueke of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and Chairman, Enugu State SWAN, reads:

“Christian Chukwu who died on Saturday @74, was not just a celebrated player and coach, he was a symbol of excellence, discipline, and national pride.

“As the captain of the Green Eagles, he led Nigeria to its first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980, a moment that forever changed the trajectory of Nigerian football. His leadership on the field was matched only by his humility and wisdom off it.

“As a coach, he continued to serve the nation with distinction, nurturing talent, inspiring countless young players, and contributing immensely to the growth of the game at all levels”.

“His calm demeanor, strategic mind, and unshakable commitment to the sport earned him the respect of fans, players, and colleagues alike; Beyond the pitch, Christian Chukwu was a unifying force, a man whose life embodied the spirit of teamwork, perseverance, and love for country. His legacy will live on in the annals of sports history and in the hearts of all who knew and admired him”.

“We, the sports writing community, feel a profound sense of loss. His passing leaves a void that will not easily be filled. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the entire football fraternity during this time of grief”.

May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations to come”, the statement said.

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I might not be alive to contest in 2027 – Peter Obi raises alarm over threats to his life

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Peter Obi not arrested by DSS – Aide
Peter Obi, NDC Presidential candidate
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Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, has cried out over alleged threat to his life.

Obi, who is a major contender ahead of the 2027 presidential election said he might not be alive to participate in the election.

According to him, there is obvious attack on everything that had to do with him, including his life.

The former Anambra state governor made the allegation during a podcast with Chude Jideonwo.

“The way they are going now I might not be alive,  I’m telling you every single thing I do for a living this government is frustrating it deliberately so.

“Everything, so there’s even a possibility if they have opportunity I will not be alive. I get frustrations every day because you do things that may think it may be normal it is not normal they won’t come directly and say oh we are doing this but you could see their hand in eventually everything.

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“The government is attacking everybody, I am being attacked personally even to provide me with things I am entitled to, not at all,” he said.

He recalled how his vehicle was clamped down at the airport while he was right there, whereas other vehicles lined up on the same spot were untouched.

Obi further that stated that even close associates were beginning to avoid him over fear of government clampdown.

He disclosed that friends now send him invitations for occasions but tell him not to bother attending.

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Yilwatda hails Tinubu’s intervention funds as a promise kept

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President Tinubu and APC National Chairman, Prof Yilwatda
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The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has said that the intervention programmes of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have continued to demonstrate that the Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering tangible economic benefits to millions of Nigerians through strategic investments in entrepreneurship, small businesses, and youth empowerment.

According to Professor Yilwatda, the Presidential Intervention Funds represent yet another example of the Tinubu administration fulfilling its campaign promises by providing the critical financial support needed to stimulate enterprise, create jobs, and deepen economic inclusion across the country.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the National Chairman noted that for decades, access to affordable financing remained one of the biggest obstacles confronting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), despite their enormous contribution to national economic growth and employment generation.

The current administration, he said, has deliberately moved to address this challenge through targeted intervention programmes that are unlocking the entrepreneurial potential of Nigerians.

“The Tinubu administration understands that sustainable economic growth begins with empowering the productive sector. By supporting small businesses and young entrepreneurs, government is laying the foundation for long-term prosperity and shared economic progress,” he stated.

Professor Yilwatda highlighted the ₦75 billion Presidential Intervention Fund for MSMEs as a landmark initiative designed to provide accessible financing for small businesses across various sectors of the economy.

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He said the programme is enabling entrepreneurs to expand their operations, increase productivity, and create employment opportunities.

He further pointed to the ₦11 billion support package through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), describing it as a strategic investment in strengthening the capacity and competitiveness of Nigerian small and medium enterprises.

The APC National Chairman also commended the ₦30 billion Youth Entrepreneurship Fund through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), noting that the initiative reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to equipping young Nigerians with the resources required to transform innovative ideas into successful businesses and become drivers of national development.

Professor Yilwatda emphasized that these interventions are already making meaningful differences in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Across the country, young entrepreneurs, artisans, farmers, traders, tailors, manufacturers, and other small business owners are accessing capital to expand their businesses, employ more people, and contribute to the economic development of their communities.

He explained that the impact extends beyond individual beneficiaries, creating a multiplier effect through increased productivity, higher household incomes, stronger local economies, and expanded opportunities for wealth creation.

“The APC remains committed to building an economy that works for all Nigerians. These intervention funds are not mere policy announcements; they are practical investments in the dreams and aspirations of millions of our people.

“The evidence is clear. Businesses are receiving support, young people are being empowered, jobs are being created, and economic inclusion is expanding. This is governance that delivers results, and it is another demonstration that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is keeping his promises to the Nigerian people,” Professor Yilwatda said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the APC and the Tinubu administration to implementing policies that promote entrepreneurship, stimulate investment, strengthen local industries, and build a resilient economy capable of delivering sustainable prosperity for all Nigerians.

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Ex-Minister Uche Nnaji set for arraignment as ICPC files six criminal charges over alleged certificate forgery

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Uche Nnaji when he was arrested by security operatives
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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed a six-count criminal charge against former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, , over alleged certificate forgery and related offences.

The charges, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, are contained in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/389/2026, with the Federal Government listed as the complainant and Nnaji as the sole defendant.

According to the charge sheet, the ICPC accused the former minister of receiving N29.58 million in salaries and allowances while serving in office, alleging that he ought to have known the funds were proceeds of an unlawful act arising from corruption and fraud. The commission said the action contravenes provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The anti-graft agency also alleged that Nnaji used his office to confer corrupt advantage on himself and knowingly presented false information to the Federal Government by submitting forged > (NYSC) and (UNN) certificates during his ministerial appointment in 2023.

In separate counts, the ICPC accused him of producing and using as genuine a forged NYSC Certificate of National Service and a forged UNN degree certificate, offences punishable under the Penal Code.

The filing of the charges follows Nnaji’s arrest last Wednesday after arriving in Abuja from Enugu aboard a chartered flight.

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The prosecution stems from an investigation published by Premium Times, which alleged that Nnaji forged his university degree and NYSC certificates submitted to President and the Nigerian Senate during his ministerial confirmation.

The newspaper reported that the confirmed Nnaji was admitted in 1981 but neither graduated nor was issued a degree certificate, while the NYSC also reportedly disowned the discharge certificate attributed to him.

Nnaji resigned as minister shortly after the allegations became public. He has since defected from the APC to PDP , where he emerged as the governorship candidate of a faction of the party for the 2027 Enugu governorship election.

He is expected to be arraigned before the Federal High Court in the coming days.

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