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ANAMBRA COURT DENIES BAIL FOR BLOGGER ACCUSED OF CYBERSTALKING, DEFAMATION OF GOVERNOR SOLUDO, HIS FAMILY

By Ifeyinwa Ogwo

The Magistrate Court in Amawbia, Anambra State, has refused to grant bail to online blogger Mr. Ejike Ofoegbu, owner of Igbo Times Magazine and INews. He was brought before the court by the Anambra Police on charges related to cyberstalking, defamation, and other offenses arising from publications about Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his family.

The defendant appeared before Chief Magistrate C.O. Ezekwere of Court 1 on July 13.

Magistrate Ezekwere ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction to handle the case and ordered that it be referred to the High Court of Justice in Awka. He instructed that the police case file and all related documents be compiled and sent to the Office of the Attorney General, Ministry of Justice, Awka.

Earlier, prosecution led by Officer-in-Charge of Legal A.A. Nwanna requested that the defendant be remanded in custodial detention until the case is transferred to the proper court with jurisdiction. He emphasised that the charges involve alleged cyberstalking, defamation, and other cybercrimes punishable under the Cybercrimes Act, especially Section 24(1)(b).

During the proceedings, two witnesses testified for the prosecution. One, Mr. O.K. Nkuma, Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Governor, said that the Governor brought to his attention several publications from Igbo Times Magazine and INews, which contained “despicable and unverifiable” claims that could damage the governor’s reputation and that of his family. These publications were forwarded to the Anambra Police for investigation, resulting in the defendant’s arrest in Imo State.

Additionally, Inspector Toochukwu Echenazu of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Awka, told the court that police received a formal complaint on July 9 and began investigation into the cyberstalking allegations.
The case has been adjourned to July 27, for a compliance report.

Ifeyinwa Ogwo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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ANAMBRA GOVT OPENS REGISTRATION FOR ONE-YEAR FREE SKILLS ACQUISITION PROGRAMME FOR WOMEN AND YOUTHS

By Stella Anekwe
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‎The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Anambra State, Hon. (Mrs.) Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has announced that registration is now open for a state-wide, one-year free Skills Acquisition Programme for women and youths aged 18 years and above. The announcement was made on July 13.
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‎According to the commissioner, the intensive capacity-building training will be conducted at the premises of the ministry at Agu-Awka. She further confirmed that registration commenced on July 13 and will close on July 27.
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‎Hon. Onyekesi urged women and youths across the state to seize the opportunity to develop relevant skills, build self-confidence, and secure their future through the free training initiative.
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‎Prospective beneficiaries will have the opportunity to select training in any of the following six categories: Catering and Confectionery, Computer Education, Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Tailoring and Fashion Design, and Textile Crafts. The programme is also designed to equip participants with practical, income-generating skills aimed at fostering self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment.
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‎The ministry called on members of the general public to take advantage of the opportunity by visiting the Ministry’s official Facebook page or by proceeding directly to the ministry’s office at Agu-Awka, Anambra State, for further information and registration.
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‎Stella Anekwe is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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WORLD POPULATION DAY: A CALL FOR ACTION ON RESOURCES, EQUITY AND CLIMATE

By Florence Okpeti

World Population Day, observed annually on July 11, serves as an important reminder of the realities of demographic change and the responsibilities that come with a growing global population.

In 2026, the observance focuses on youth aspirations, emphasizing that the future of humanity depends not merely on population numbers but on the opportunities societies create for young people.

With the world’s population projected to approach 8.5 billion, demographic growth presents both opportunities and challenges. A larger population can contribute to a stronger workforce, increased innovation and greater cultural dynamism. However, without adequate planning, rapid population growth can place pressure on resources, widen inequality, and intensify climate-related concerns.

Countries such as Nigeria, where nearly one-third of the population is under the age of 30, stand at a critical juncture. Investing in education, job creation, healthcare, and social inclusion is essential to harnessing the potential of this youthful population and avoiding widespread disillusionment.

This year’s emphasis on young people is particularly significant. Many youths around the world aspire to stable employment, affordable housing, quality healthcare, and meaningful participation in society. Yet economic uncertainty, political instability, and limited opportunities continue to hinder their progress.

Urbanization also remains a pressing concern. By 2050, it is estimated that about two-thirds of the world’s population will live in urban areas. Without proper planning, this shift could result in overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation. Conversely, well-planned cities can become centres of opportunity, innovation, and resilience.

Migration is another critical aspect of the population discourse. As climate change intensifies, millions of people may be displaced, creating new demographic pressures across regions and borders. Humane and effective migration policies are therefore essential to promoting stability and safeguarding human dignity.

In Nigeria, the challenge of youth unemployment remains significant. Many young people are engaged in informal or underpaid work, limiting their ability to achieve economic security. Deliberate investments in skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven industries are necessary to maximize the country’s demographic advantage.

Gender equality is also central to responsible population management. Expanding women’s access to education, reproductive healthcare, and economic opportunities enables informed decision-making and contributes to healthier, more prosperous societies.

World Population Day should not be viewed as a platform for alarmism but as a call for balanced and forward-looking action. Population growth is neither inherently positive nor negative; its impact depends on how governments, institutions, and communities respond through inclusive policies, climate action, and sustained investment in human capital.

As the global community reflects on this year’s observance, the message is clear: World Population Day young people, promoting equity, and protecting the environment are essential steps toward building a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Florence Okpeti is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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DISABILITY IS NOT A TRAGEDY; EXCLUSION IS

By Obianuju Isima

Whenever a person is born with a disability or acquires one later in life, society often responds with sympathy and assumptions about a life defined by limitation.

However, the real tragedy is not disability itself. More often, it is the barriers created by society that restrict opportunities and full participation.

For many individuals with disabilities, the greatest challenge is not their condition, but the physical, social and attitudinal barriers placed in their path.

Disability does not diminish a person’s dreams, abilities or potential contribution to society. Exclusion does.

Across communities, persons with disabilities continue to excel as lawyers, entrepreneurs, teachers, athletes, artists, researchers and community leaders. Their achievements demonstrate that disability does not reduce talent, ambition or worth.

In Anambra State, this message is particularly relevant as the state continues to pursue development through education, infrastructure, healthcare and economic empowerment. For development to be truly inclusive, persons with disabilities must be considered in planning, implementation and access to opportunities.

The administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo has taken steps toward promoting inclusion, improving opportunities for persons with disabilities. These efforts include support for social welfare programmes, increased attention to accessibility in public spaces and government facilities and initiatives aimed at expanding access to education, healthcare and economic empowerment.

The administration has also engaged with disability stakeholders and advocates on policies and programmes affecting persons with disabilities. Such engagement is important in ensuring that development efforts reflect the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us.”

Inclusive development means ensuring that schools are accessible, public buildings accommodate all users, transportation systems consider the needs of persons with disabilities, and employment opportunities are based on merit rather than assumptions about ability.

Anambra is home to many talented persons with disabilities who contribute meaningfully to the growth of their communities and the state at large. Their success stories demonstrate that when barriers are removed and support systems are strengthened, individuals are empowered to thrive and make valuable contributions to society.

This Disability Pride Month, residents of Anambra are encouraged to move beyond viewing disability as a tragedy and instead recognise exclusion as the issue that requires urgent attention.

By promoting accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities, communities across Anambra can create an environment where every resident, regardless of disability, can participate fully and contribute meaningfully to the state’s progress.

When barriers come down, people rise.

Obianuju Isima is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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CHIDINMA AJEMBA ADVOCATES EQUAL RECOGNITION OF WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES

By Obianuju Isima

An information officer with the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State, and disability rights advocate, Chidinma Ajemba, has called on society to reject stereotypes that portray women with disabilities as unfit for marriage or family life.

Speaking on her Facebook page on July 10 in observance of Disability Pride Month, Ajemba described such assumptions as harmful and dehumanising, noting that many women with disabilities are often judged based on misconceptions rather than their character, abilities and humanity.

According to her, one of the most persistent myths is the belief that women with disabilities are not “marriage material.” She said some people wrongly assume that disability diminishes a woman’s femininity, capacity for love or ability to build a family.

Ajemba shared that women with disabilities frequently face intrusive questions and prejudice regarding their reproductive health, ability to bear children and the possibility of having children with disabilities.

She explained that such attitudes reduce women with disabilities to assumptions and fears, rather than recognising them as complete individuals deserving of dignity, respect and equal opportunities in relationships.

The advocate noted that many women with disabilities have experienced relationship breakdowns due to stigma, ignorance or pressure from family members. In some cases, she said, a willing partner may face resistance from relatives who hold discriminatory views about disability.

Ajemba emphasised that women with disabilities are capable of loving and being loved and can be supportive partners, wives, mothers and contributors to society.

She stressed that choosing to love or marry a woman with a disability should not be viewed as charity, pity or a favour, but as a relationship built on mutual respect, understanding and genuine affection.

The disability advocate also condemned the use of social media as a platform for mocking, bullying or ridiculing women with disabilities who express love, celebrate relationships or choose to get married.

According to her, such online abuse reinforces harmful stereotypes, discouragu many women from living openly and confidently.

Ajemba called for greater public awareness, kindness and inclusion, insisting that every person deserves equal respect, equal opportunities and the freedom to build a family without prejudice.

She urged society to use Disability Pride Month as an opportunity to challenge discriminatory attitudes, recognising that disability does not diminish a person’s worth or capacity for love.

Obianuju Isima is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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TRADING FAKE NEWS FOR MONEY: THE CASE OF EJIKE OFOEGBU AS A CAUTIONARY TALE

By Christian ABURIME

Let us not mince words. Let us not dress this up in the conciliatory language of diplomatic press statements. What Ejike Ofoegbu intentionally did, a self-styled online publisher of ‘Igbo Times Magazine’ and ‘INews’, was not only “irresponsible journalism,” or a “lapse in judgment,” it was a deliberate, calculated, and criminal assault on truth.

One that he now apologetically admits was motivated by nothing more noble than clicks, online traffic, audience engagement, and financial gain.

And now that the walls have closed in, now that the long arm of the law has reached his doorstep, Ofoegbu has issued what he calls a “Public Apology and Full Retraction.” But let us be brutally honest: this apology is not a moral awakening on the part of reckless bloggers like him. It is a survival strategy.

It is the desperate attempt of a man who has finally realised that fabricated stories about a sitting governor and his family do not exist in the lawless wild world of the internet; they exist in a Nigeria with cyber laws, defamation statutes, and courts that do not pamper character assassination.

Anyone who reads Ofoegbu’s apology again, slowly, will be shocked at the sheer audacity of his fabrications. He did not only concoct and publish false quotes attributed to Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, and his son Ozonna. He constructed an entire theatre of the absurd: a governor “disowning” his son and claiming he was “ordered from Temu”; a son calling his father a “drunkard who beat my mom”; a “drinking competition” between a governor and a minister; and election predictions manufactured from thin air!

These were satanic works of fiction presented as journalism. Ofoegbu didn’t just fail to verify his sources; he was the source. He conjured these narratives in the same manner a novelist constructs characters, except that his characters were real people whose reputations he tarnished for clicks and monetisation.

“I sincerely admit that I published such stories in pursuit of online traffic, audience engagement, and financial gain,” he writes.
There it is. The confession that strips away any pretense of journalistic privilege. This was not press freedom. This was fraud. This was not informing the public. This was exploiting the public’s appetite for sensationalism while monetising human dignity.

But as the saying goes, “everyday is for the thief, one day is for the owner.” Ofoegbu’s cup of iniquity is full, and the long hands of the law have caught him. For too long, Nigerian bloggers operating in the shadows of responsible journalism have hidden behind the shield of “media practice” while engaging in acts that would constitute criminal defamation, cyberstalking, and character assassination in any serious jurisdiction. The law is clear. The law has always been clear. And Ofoegbu is about to discover that apologies do not erase crimes.

The Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, Section 24 criminalises cyberstalking, providing that any person who knowingly or intentionally sends a message or other matter by means of computer systems or network that is false, for the purpose of causing a breakdown in law and order, prejudice, or misleading the recipient, commits an offense. The penalty? Imprisonment for up to 10 years and/or a fine of up to N25 million.

In fact, Section 38 specifically addresses identity theft and impersonation relevant, given Ofoegbu’s fabrication of quoted statements attributed to Governor Soludo and his son. Also, the Criminal Code Act (Laws of the Federation), Section 373 defines defamatory matter as that which “exposes a person to hatred, contempt, or ridicule, or which causes him to be shunned or avoided.” The fabricated stories about Governor Soludo being a wife-beater and drunkard certainly meet this definition.

Section 375 goes further to provide that a person who publishes defamatory matter, knowing it to be false, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment. And the Nigerian Cybercrime Act 2024 amendment strengthens provisions against the spread of false information, explicitly targeting individuals who use computer systems to generate and disseminate false content for financial gain or to cause harm.

Under Nigerian common law, libel (defamation in permanent form, including online publication) is actionable per se, meaning damage is presumed. The plaintiff does not need to prove actual harm. The false statements about Governor Soludo’s character, his family relationships, and his son’s fabricated rebellion constitute serious libel that attracts substantial damages.

While Ofoegbu goes to have his day in court and face the legal consequences of his criminality, we must now turn our gaze to the institutions that steward Nigerian journalism practitioners. This is the time such institutions as the Nigerian Union of Journalists(NUJ), Nigeria Press Council, Association of Nigeria Bloggers, and others must rise to confront and banish charlatans and quacks masquerading as professionals for filthy lucre!

Ejike Ofoegbu is not just an individual who went rogue. He is a symptom of an ecosystem that may have unwittingly tolerated the erosion of journalistic ethics in the digital space. The NUJ, which prides itself as the conscience of the Nigerian press, must disown Ofoegbu. He is not a journalist. He is a fabricator. He has no place in any professional body that claims integrity.

The Nigeria Press Council, established under the Nigeria Press Council Act to promote high professional standards and investigate complaints against the press, must act with unprecedented firmness. Ofoegbu’s case should trigger a formal inquiry, a public censure, and a permanent blacklisting. Any less is an abdication of duty.

And the Association of Nigeria Bloggers, if it aspires to be anything more than a social club for content creators, must publicly disown Ofoegbu and institute a code of conduct with teeth to bite The blogging profession in Nigeria cannot afford to have its reputation tethered to fraudsters who trade in manufactured outrage. Such are meant to be discredited and disowned to serve as a deterrent to others.

Ofoegbu’s apology acknowledges that “no amount of money or online attention can justify spreading false information.” One wishes this consciousness had arrived before the published viral lies, not after the law came knocking. But that is the nature of consequence: it teaches what conscience failed to.

And now, to every blogger, every “publisher”, or every social media operative who has looked at the Ejike Ofoegbu saga and thought, “He was careless. I am smarter. I won’t get caught.”
Make no mistakes: you will be caught! Yes, the digital footprint is permanent. The screenshots are archived. The victims are watching. And the law may be slow, but is surely mapping your trajectory. It is a matter of time before you are caught.

To those specifically engaged in what has become a campaign of calumny against Governor Soludo through his son: you are not smart. You are not brave. You are not “speaking truth to power.” You are repeating the exact playbook that just collapsed under the weight of its own falsehoods. You are building your house on the same quick sand that swallowed Ofoegbu whole.

So, it pays to always consider your stories carefully. Are your sources verified, or are they ‘Ofoegbu-verified’, meaning invented in your imagination?
Do you have recordings, documents, and corroboration, or are you blinded by just “engagement metrics”?
Can you survive a defamation suit, or will you too be drafting apologies in panic?

Unfortunately, the Cybercrimes Act does not distinguish between ‘big bloggers’ and ‘small bloggers.’ The Criminal Code does not care about your follower count. And Governor Soludo’s legal team is ready to prove that they will not treat character assassination as mere politics.

Yet, Ejike Ofoegbu’s apology is not the end of this story. It is the beginning of accountability. His day in court will establish precedent. His prosecution will send signals. The question is not whether Nigeria’s cyber laws are sufficient. They are. And while Ejike Ofoegbu’s apology is structurally sound, it is morally insufficient. It admits the ‘what’ and the ‘why’, but it does not address the systemic damage: the erosion of public trust, the poisoning of political discourse, the normalisation of ‘news’ as fiction, and the reputational harm to the innocent.

In the end, what Nigeria needs is not more performative apologies after the fact of criminality. What society needs is prevention through justice and consequences.

CKSMA IS AN ORDER WITH A DIFFERENCE – FR. OKOYE CHARGES NEW INDUCTEES TO LIVE UP TO EXPECTATIONS

By Regina Igwebuike

Rev. Fr. Polycarp Chimaobi Okoye, Assistant Chaplain of the Catholic Order of Knights of St. Michael the Archangel, Awka Diocese, CKSMA, has described the CKSMA as “an Order with a difference” because its Patron, St. Michael the Archangel, is a heavenly knight, urging the new intake to see themselves as privileged and chosen people of substance and commitment, noting that the screening process was intentional.

He encouraged them to live out the teachings they received during both online and offline training, and to let their lives reflect the values of the Order despite the challenges and discouragement encountered during formation. “Now that you have stepped into this Order, let there be a difference in your life. Don’t get tired. Don’t look at any man. You came here to look at Jesus Christ,” he charged.

Fr. Okoye also appreciated the families, friends and well-wishers who came to support the Order, noting that their presence gives credibility to the association. “Thank you for being part of our history and for encouraging us. If it were only us, people might think we are a secret group. We remain open to anyone who wishes to join this devotional and apostolic Order,” he added.

The assistant chaplain further reminded the Knights that the Christian journey is personal and requires perseverance till the end. He said every member must strive to live a life worthy of the title “Knight,” with Christ and St. Michael as their focus, not individuals. “I am proud to be part of modern knighthood. If they call ‘Knight’, my patron saint is a Knight and I am a Knight. But I must also live the life of a Knight,” he stated, praying that God who began the good work in them would sustain and multiply His grace in them so that others may see good examples in their lives.

Fr. Okoye acknowledged the absence of some members at the induction ceremony, noting that many could not attend due to work and other commitments on a weekday. He, however, commended those who sacrificed to be present. “To you who sacrificed a lot on this working day to be here, thank you very much. It shows that we take what we are doing seriously,” he said.

Earlier, the Priest Coordinator, CKSMA, Rev. Fr. Martin Anusi, PhD, in his message, expressed gratitude to God for abundant graces and acknowledged the visionary leadership of the Founder and Principal Bishop, Most Rev. Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, whose conviction and fatherly support remain the anchor of the Order. He also paid tribute to the Co-Founder, Primus/President Emeritus, Amb. Sir Dan Anaebo Okekenta, and the indefatigable President and Co-Founder, Gen. Sir James Ezeonu, for their sacrifices and foundational contributions that continue to drive the Order forward.

Fr. Anusi commended the dedication of the leadership and the Knights and Ladies for their courage, faith, and sacrifice in advancing the mission of CKSMA. He assured members of the powerful protection of St. Michael the Archangel and called for unity under the leadership as the Order forges ahead. He also appreciated Rev. Fr. Polycarp Okoye, Assistant Chaplain, for his commitment to the Order, noting that reflecting on the birth of CKSMA, its challenges, and the graces received should inspire mt reembers to move forward with greater resolve. “We are history in the making. The future is seeded in the bold steps we take right now,” he noted.

In congratulating the new members, the priest coordinator prayed for increased unity of purpose for the good of the Church. He asked that God grant them wisdom, commitment, and perseverance needed to attain and sustain the goals of the Order.

Regina Igwebuike is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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CATHOLIC ORDER KNIGHTS OF ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL HOLDS ADMISSION AND INVESTITURE OF NEW MEMBERS

By Regina Igwebuike

The Catholic Order, Knights of St. Michael the Archangel (CKSMA), St . Patrick’s Council #001, Awka, Nigeria holds Admission and Investiture of New Members, urged them on unity of purpose. The grand ceremony, which took place on July 10 at the Archbishop A. K. Obiefuna Retreat, Pastoral and Conference Center, Okpuno attracted men and women from all walk of life.

Delivering the homily, Most Rev. Paulinus C. Ezeokafor, the Bishop of Awka Catholic Diocese and Founder of CKSMA said: “On behalf of the priests, consecrated persons, and lay faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, I bring you my heartfelt felicitations on this historic and laudable occasion, which the Diocese is happy and proud to be associated with.

He emphasized that CKSMA is an Order with a purpose. “Dear Knights, true to your character, you have remained a devotional and family apostolate Order in the Church. You are under the spiritual control of the Local Ordinary, and you have remained intentional in your mission and in alliance with the teachings of the Church.

That is why we are witnessing what St. Paul calls the work of God. Your numerical strength has increased greatly. Men and women from all parts of this country and even beyond have come to put on the armour of St. Michael. We thank God for this growth. It is the fruit of planting and watering the seeds of faith under the protective mantle of St. Michael the Archangel. When we are faithful, God gives the increase.

But my dear sons and daughters, as we celebrate this growth, I must remind you of your primary duty. “Your uniform, your title, your sword are not the most important thing. Your primary duty as Knights of St. Michael the Archangel is to make a continuous effort to be in a state of grace and to remain in friendship with God. Why? Because St. Michael’s battle is our battle. It is a battle against Satan and all the forces of evil. And Jesus tells us the secret of victory in John 14:30: “The ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me.”

When you are in friendship with God, when you are in a state of grace through prayer, the sacraments, and a life of virtue, then you too can say to the devil: _“You have no power over me.” Without this, we are just men and women with titles. With this, we become true spiritual warriors. The prelate congratulated the officers and new members. Let people see Christ in you. May this celebration bring you peace in troubled times, joy in your service, and love that binds you together as one family in Christ. And may St. Michael the Archangel continue to defend us in battle.

Ezeokafor, delighted with the choir’s excellent performance said: “We are in a race for heaven. Therefore, we must contribute meaningfully in the Church so as to obtain God’s grace. Active participation during Mass and in Church activities is essential. Let us always emulate Christ and follow His way. Everyone has a cross to carry in this journey to heaven.”

General Sir James Ogo Ezeonu, President of CKSMA St. Patrick’s Council #001, Awka, Nigeria in a welcome address expressed gratitude to guests for honoring the event. The address also gave a brief history of the Catholic Order of Knights of St. Michael the Archangel, tracing its origin to the spiritual battle between St. Michael and Lucifer in Revelation 12:7. It noted that St. Michael, named “Commander in Chief of heavenly hosts,” is considered the first Knight, and that the Order began exclusively for ordained priests before expanding to include religious and later lay faithful, and has since grown across the world under the patronage of St. Michael the Archangel.

He explained that membership of the Order requires members to be practicing Roman Catholics, married in the Catholic Church, communicants of the Holy Eucharist, of good character, prayerful, charitable, active in their parishes, loyal to the Church, and willing to serve humanity, especially the less privileged. The Order emphasizes that its members are not saints but ordinary people seeking holiness through the example and intercession of St. Michael the Archangel. Members pledge to serve God and humanity faithfully.

General Sir Ezeonu commended the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), for granting CKSMA authority to take off from Awka Diocese under the guidance of the Principal Bishop, Priest – Coordinator Rev. Fr. Martin Anusi PhD, and the Assistant Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Polycarp Okoye. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Founder/President Emeritus, Council #001, General Amb. Dan Anaebo Okekenta, the executive and all who contributed to the success of the ceremony.

Sir Felix Obi-Okafor, Esq., the Onowu of Okpuno Town and Squad 4 Leader of the newly inducted members of the Catholic Order of Knights of St. Michael the Archangel, described his admission into the Order as a long-awaited fulfillment.

Speaking shortly after the induction ceremony, Sir Obi-Okafor expressed delight at joining the devotional organization. “I am so delighted. It is unfortunate that I delayed, but it is still time. I am happy that it is a devotional Order, and I love everything about the Order.”

The Onowu prayed for the continued growth and unity of the Order, urging members to prioritize peace and dialogue in resolving challenges. “My prayer is that the Order will continue to grow in strength. Though there may be challenges, we must settle them amicably so that the Order can continue to grow from strength to strength,” he stated, expressing optimism for increased membership in the coming year.

Regina Igwebuike is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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PUBLIC APOLOGY AND FULL RETRACTION

My name is Ejike Ofoegbu Experience, the owner and publisher of Igbo Times Magazine and INews.

I wish to offer my deepest and most sincere apology to Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the Executive Governor of Anambra State, his family, and the general public.

I publicly admit that the stories I published concerning Governor Soludo and his son were completely fake, false, fabricated, and untrue. They did not come from Governor Soludo, his son, his family, or any official representative. They were not based on any verified facts or credible source, and they should never have been presented as news.

The false posts I published included:

“Breaking News: ‘I will arrest anyone who calls Ozo my son. He is not my son. I disowned him years ago, and he is no longer a member of the Soludo family.’”
“Just In: I Don’t Take Advice From My Father. He Was a Drunkard Who Beat My Mom When I Was Young. His Treatment of My Mother Made Me Decide Never to Take Advice From Him — ‘Soludo’s Son’ Speaks Out.”
“Breaking News: ‘I ordered Ozo from Temu. He is Chinese-made, not my son. Even at the hospital when he was born, I asked the doctor, ‘I hope you didn’t accidentally exchange my real son.’ Ozo is from Temu,’ Soludo jokingly told reporters.”
“Breaking News: ‘They should organize a drinking competition between my father and Wike. I just want to see something. I’m willing to bet my life that my father would win. People don’t understand his drinking capacity.’ — Ozo.”

I state clearly and without reservation that every one of the statements above was fake. They should not be regarded as factual reports or genuine quotations. I take full responsibility for publishing them.

I also wish to acknowledge that the false posts listed above were not the only fabricated stories I published about Governor Soludo. Among other posts on Igbo Times Magazine and INews, I also published false and misleading stories involving Governor Soludo and Mr. Peter Obi, including claims that Mr. Peter Obi would defeat Governor Soludo in an election. Those stories were also completely false, were not based on any verified facts, and should never have been published.

I sincerely admit that I published such stories in pursuit of online traffic, audience engagement, and financial gain. I now realize that no amount of money or online attention can justify spreading false information or damaging another person’s reputation. I deeply regret my actions and accept full responsibility for everything I published.

I deeply regret the embarrassment, reputational harm, and misunderstanding these fabricated stories may have caused to Governor Soludo, his family, his associates, and members of the public.

To Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, I respectfully and humbly ask for your forgiveness. I sincerely apologize for my actions and for publishing information that was false.

I also apologize to the people of Anambra State, readers of Igbo Times Magazine and INews, and everyone who may have seen or shared these false publications. I am committed to correcting this mistake and ensuring that such an incident does not happen again.

This statement serves as my full and unconditional retraction of those publications. They were false, fabricated, and should be disregarded in their entirety.

Once again, I sincerely ask Governor Soludo, his family, and the general public to forgive me.

Signed

Ejike Ofoegbu Experience
Owner & Publisher, Igbo Times Magazine and INews

COMMISSIONER ASSURES OGWUANIOCHA COMMUNITY OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION, URGES PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE

By Nwanneka Okechukwu

The Anambra State Government has assured the people of Ogwuaniocha Community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of fairness, justice, and equitable treatment in the distribution of benefits from oil exploration activities in the area.

The assurance was given by the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof. Charles Ofoegbu, during a courtesy visit by the Traditional Council of Ogwuaniocha Community led by its Chairman, Chief Celestine Udemadu.

The delegation expressed concerns over alleged neglect of the oil-producing community, citing poor corporate social responsibility by operators, dilapidated roads, inadequate healthcare facilities, absence of schools, limited youth empowerment, and poor security despite hosting oil exploration activities.
They also appealed to the state government to operationalize the Anambra State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, ANSOPADEC, to address developmental challenges in oil-bearing communities.

Responding, Prof. Ofoegbu noted that Ogwuaniocha was not the only oil-producing community in the state, but assured that government would ensure that all host communities receive equitable treatment in line with existing laws.

He said the laws guiding oil-producing areas clearly outline community benefits and that issues relating to corporate social responsibility would be addressed to create a conducive environment for both investors and host communities.

The commissioner urged the people to embrace peace, discourage stigmatization, and support youth development, stressing that sustainable development thrives only in an atmosphere of stability and cooperation.

“Development comes where there is peace. I encourage you to support peaceful coexistence, encourage your youths, and shun actions that undermine unity,” he said.

Prof. Ofoegbu further promised to continue to advocate for the community at the state level and confirmed that ANSOPADEC would soon become operational following the passage of the enabling law by the state government.
He also advised the community to submit a formal, articulated request to Governor Chukwuma Soludo based on their presentation, and disclosed that Ogwuaniocha Road had already been mapped for implementation in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport.

In a vote of thanks, Hon. Sir Osita Festus Odogwu commended the commissioner for his professionalism and responsiveness. He pledged that the community would compile and submit a comprehensive memorandum to the governor through the ministry.

Nwanneka Okechukwu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State