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HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS EZE DR. SIR ANTHONY AMOBI OKEKE (AGU II OF UMUAGU AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY) OFFICIALLY INDUCTED INTO THE OBOWO TRADITIONAL RULERS’ COUNCIL FOLLOWING PRESENTATION OF STAFF OF OFFICE BY IMO GOVERNOR DISTINGUISHED SENATOR HOPE UZODIMMA

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…MONARCH REELS OUT PLANS FOR HIS PEOPLE

…AS OBOWO COUNCIL BOSS HON. BARR. OBIOMA EHIRIM LAUDS GOVERNOR UZODIMMA FOR FOSTERING COMMUNITY STABILITY; TASKS COMMUNITY ON NEED FOR PEACE, UNITY

By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
28- OCT- 2025

The 24th of October 2025 was a remarkable day in Umuagu Autonomous Community, Okenalogho Electoral Ward of Obowo Local Government Area as His Royal Highness, Eze Dr. Sir Anthony Amobi Okeke (Agu II of Umuagu), was officially inducted into the Obowo Traditional Rulers’ Council, following the earlier presentation of his Staff of Office and Certificate of Recognition by the Executive Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma.

The colourful induction ceremony, held at the royal palace of the monarch, was conducted under the supervision of the Chairman of the Obowo Traditional Rulers’ Council, HRM Eze Patrick Ngozi Uwalaka, alongside other royal fathers, dignitaries, and well-wishers who turned out in large numbers to honour the newly inducted king.

In his address, the President General of Umuagu Autonomous Community, Chief Isaac Onukube, described the day as a remarkable feat in the community’s history. He appreciated the Executive Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, for his approval and presentation of the Staff of Office to the traditional ruler on March 22, 2025, a decision that, according to him, restored governance and stability in the community. Chief Onukube further expressed gratitude to the Executive Chairman of Obowo LGA, Hon. Barr. Obioma Johnson Ehirim, for honouring the invitation and gracing the occasion despite his busy schedule.

He explained that the induction served as a prelude to the grand coronation ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, December 30, 2025, when His Royal Highness would be formally crowned in a full traditional rite.

Chief Onukube noted that the impressive turnout, the presence of the Obowo Traditional Rulers’ Council members, and the rich cultural displays were a testament to the wide acceptance of the monarch both within and beyond Umuagu. He described the event as a resounding success and reaffirmed the community’s loyalty and commitment to supporting the leadership of the local government.

Delivering his address, His Royal Highness Eze Dr. Sir Anthony Amobi Okeke (Agu II of Umuagu Autonomous Community) expressed deep gratitude to God, the Governor, and the people of Umuagu for their unflinching support. He recalled how Governor Uzodimma, officially conferred on him the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office earlier in the year, restoring the community’s traditional leadership after the demise of their former Eze.

Eze Dr. Sir Okeke noted that the day’s induction marked a fulfillment of the customs and laws of Obowo, solidifying his place among the revered traditional rulers of the local government. He appreciated the presence of the Expo Union Cultural Troupe, whose thrilling performances enlivened the occasion, and thanked his subjects for their loyalty and unity.

Speaking on his vision for the community, the monarch outlined a comprehensive plan for development and empowerment. He revealed that, over the past decade, he has personally financed youth empowerment programs, security initiatives, school rehabilitation projects, and educational development efforts within Umuagu. He announced plans to introduce digital literacy programs in local schools, equipping Primary school pupils with laptops and trained IT tutors to prepare them for the modern world.

The royal father also pledged to continue his periodic free medical outreach, which he has sustained for over 15 years, offering free screenings, treatments, and healthcare services to residents. As a medical doctor with over 40 years of practice, Eze Dr. Sir Okeke emphasized that health remains central to his vision for community advancement, describing it as the foundation for sustainable development.

He appealed to the government and development partners to assist the community in the rehabilitation of the Aham Bridge Project, a critical infrastructure initially constructed through communal efforts over 40 years ago. The monarch acknowledged the steady support and visits from Hon. Barr. Obioma Ehirim, whom he praised for his people-oriented leadership and visible development projects across Obowo.

Eze Dr. Sir Okeke further reaffirmed his commitment to addressing youth restiveness, cultism, and social vices through sustained empowerment and skill-acquisition programs. He expressed optimism that, within the next five years, Umuagu would experience a remarkable transformation marked by peace, productivity, and prosperity.

In conclusion, the royal father thanked the Obowo Traditional Rulers’ Council for warmly receiving him into their fold and pledged to contribute meaningfully to the Council’s collective efforts in fostering peace and progress across the local government. He extended heartfelt appreciation to Governor Uzodimma for his trust, leadership, and unwavering support for traditional institutions in Imo State.

Speaking on the development, the Executive Chairman of Obowo Local Government Area, Hon. Barr. Obioma Johnson Ehirim, congratulated the new traditional ruler and commended Governor Uzodimma for his continuous efforts in ensuring stability and harmony across autonomous communities in the state. He noted that the presentation of Staff of Office to duly recognized royal fathers by the Governor reflects the government’s respect for traditional institutions and their indispensable role in grassroots administration.

Hon. Ehirim further emphasized the need for peace, unity, and cooperation among members of the Umuagu community, urging them to rally behind their new monarch to achieve sustainable growth and communal progress. He described Eze Dr. Sir Okeke as a man of wisdom and compassion whose leadership will further strengthen the bond between the government and the people.

The induction ceremony was attended by traditional rulers, political leaders, community representatives, youth organizations, and cultural groups. It was a grand display of unity and pride for the people of Umuagu Autonomous Community — a day that symbolized continuity, stability, and renewed hope for the future.

Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
Chief Press Secretary
Obowo Local Government Area

EVENTS

GOVERNOR SOLUDO’S ULTIMATUM AND THE BATTLE FOR ANAMBRA’S MONDAYS, SHUTS DOWN ONITSHA MAIN MARKET FOR A WEEK

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By Christian ABURIME

Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo has ordered the immediate shut down of the Onitsha Main Market for one week, following defiance of the market leadership to open, against government directive.

Governor Soludo’s order for a one-week shutdown of the sprawling market is more than an administrative penalty. It is the latest, and perhaps most drastic, salvo in a protracted war over who controls time and economic life in Southeast Nigeria on mondays. The enemy is the long-standing, fear-enforced Monday sit-at-home order, a ghostly mandate from non-state actors that has strangled businesses and normalized weekly monday sit-at-home for years.

The Governor’s move is a direct response to what the government sees as baffling defiance. Despite repeated assurances of enhanced security and appeals to reclaim public spaces, many traders at the iconic market again chose to keep their stalls locked. Their absence was a quiet rebellion, but one that spoke volumes about the lingering climate of apprehension.

“The government cannot stand by while a few individuals willfully undermine public safety and disregard official directives meant to restore normalcy, this is plain economic sabotage. We are not going to allow this”, Governor Soludo stated, framing the closure as a protective measure for the “law-abiding citizen.” But his subsequent warning carried the weight of an escalating ultimatum: if the market does not reopen for business after this one-week shutdown, it will be sealed for a month. “And so on and so forth,” he added, drawing a line in the sand.

“You either decide that you are going to trade here or you go elsewhere. I am very serious about this”, the Governor insisted.

The scene at the market was one of tense enforcement. A joint task force of police, army, and other security personnel moved swiftly to secure the perimeter, turning away the few hopefuls who approached.

For the Soludo administration, the solution is unwavering enforcement to break a psychological barrier. The strategy is clear: make the cost of compliance with the illegal sit-at-home order higher than the fear that drives it. By targeting the economic heart of the region, the government aims to trigger a collective shift in behavior, betting that the traders’ desire to trade will ultimately outweigh their fear.

As the gates remain locked this week, the standoff in Onitsha encapsulates the broader struggle in the Southeast. It is a fight over normalcy, authority, and the fragile psyche of a populace caught between enforced directives and imposed orders. When the gates are scheduled to reopen next Monday, all eyes will be on the traders. Will they return to their stalls, emboldened by the state’s show of force? Or will the silent, empty aisles deliver a different verdict?

The answer will determine not just the fate of a market, but the rhythm of life in Anambra for Mondays to come.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DT-PAX-DIAi/?igsh=bzVxOGgzcTF0OG5k

 

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EVENTS

Man Goes Viral After Posting 17-Year Throwback Photos Of Him And His Wife

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A Nigerian man has gone viral on X (formerly Twitter) after sharing throwback photos of himself and his wife from when they were both still children.

In the post, @Sadeeq_Malo revealed that he has loved his wife for 17 years, describing her as his uncle’s daughter, a statement that immediately caught the attention of social media users.

Sharing the photos, he wrote:

“17 years of love. I fell in love with her from the day she was born — my uncle’s daughter, now my bride. Allahummah Barik.”

The old photos, which show the couple as children, were shared alongside recent pictures of them as a married couple, sparking massive engagement online.

The post has since divided opinions on social media. While some users defended the union noting that cousin marriages are culturally acceptable in some communities, others focused on the unusual wording of his declaration.

Reacting, one user wrote, “Fell in love from the day she was born? That sentence alone is wild.” Another commented, “People should calm down. Cousin marriage is normal in many cultures.”

Despite the mixed reactions, the man appears unfazed, celebrating what he describes as a 17-year journey of love that eventually led to marriage.

 

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EVENTS

The Moment IShowSpeed Declared Nigerian Jollof The Best After Tasting Liberian Jollof (Video)

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IShowSpeed, the popular American streamer, has re-sparked the long-running jollof rice debate after trying Liberian jollof during his ongoing tour of Africa.

In a clip, the 21-year-old content creator was seen tasting Liberian jollof  rice for the first time.

After reacting to the flavour, he admitted it was good but maintained that Nigerian jollof remains his favourite.

“I’ve have to be honest, it’s good… but I think Nigerian’s is better,” he said in the clip.

The comment immediately sparked reactions across social media, especially among Nigerian users who flooded comment sections celebrating his verdict, while others from different countries reignited the friendly West African jollof rivalry.

IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., has been touring several African countries, sharing his experiences with local food, culture, and fans through live streams and short videos.

 

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