By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
16- DEC- 2025

Imo State took another decisive step toward economic expansion on Monday, December 15, 2025, as Governor Hope Uzodimma formally inaugurated the regional headquarters of Nova Bank in Owerri, signalling the state’s growing appeal as an investment destination.

While addressing guests at the commissioning ceremony, the governor noted that deliberate reforms, sustained infrastructural development, and a more business-friendly policy environment have steadily repositioned Imo State to attract credible investors. He described Nova Bank’s choice of Owerri as a strategic endorsement of the state’s economic viability and long-term growth prospects.

Governor Uzodimma praised the Chairman of Nova Bank, Mr. Philip Oduozor, for his experience and leadership within the financial sector, assuring the institution of continued government collaboration. He added that the arrival of Nova Bank, alongside the recent establishment of Access Bank’s regional headquarters in the state, reflects increasing confidence by the private sector in Imo’s economic direction.

Reiterating his administration’s vision, the governor emphasized ongoing efforts to transition Imo from a largely leisure-based economy into a competitive commercial centre. He pointed to significant investments in road networks, security architecture, digital systems, power supply, and overall ease of doing business, while encouraging Nova Bank to expand its footprint in the state, including consideration of Owerri for its corporate headquarters.

In his remarks, Mr. Oduozor explained that Nova Bank, which began operations in 2018 as a merchant bank, has now secured a full commercial banking licence. He stated that the bank intends to play a critical role in financing small and medium-scale enterprises across Imo State and the wider South East region by improving access to credit.

The commissioning ceremony ended with a guided inspection of the new facilities by Governor Uzodimma and top executives of the bank, marking another milestone in Imo State’s economic transformation drive.

Actress Doris Ogala has intensified her allegations against Pastor Chris Okafor, insisting she was in a long-term relationship with him from 2017 and was promised marriage.

Speaking emotionally, Doris claimed she supported the pastor privately, bought gifts for his children, and stayed loyal for years, only to be abandoned when he decided to marry someone else.

She accused those online, including Dee One, of taking money to do “damage control,” stressing that her demands are legal, not blackmail. According to her, she is seeking compensation for emotional damage, career loss, and broken promises, adding that her lawyer is already preparing formal demands.

Doris also admitted to phone-based intimacy during her troubled marriage but denied any physical affair at the time. She maintained she has evidence to back her claims and alleged she is not the only woman Pastor Chris promised marriage.

“I’m not backing down. This is my right,” she said, warning that she is ready to speak fully if pushed further.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DSVHaVegjI7/?igsh=ZG1jNWNnZjN4YWZt

Former First Lady Aisha Buhari has said late former President Muhammadu Buhari made the controversial “other room” comment on the wrong stage.

According to Mrs Buhari, remarks such as that one often fail to translate well on the international stage.

Her views on the statement are contained in a newly released biography of the former president titled ‘From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari’, written by Charles Omole.

Excerpts of the book read: “The line, ‘she belongs to my kitchen…and the other room’ took on a life of its own after it was uttered in Germany, standing next to Angela Merkel.

“Aisha Buhari responds with the nonchalance of someone familiar with both the man and the soldier’s tendency toward gallows humor.

“We laughed about it,’ she says. Yet she also admits it was the wrong venue for such a joke.

“In the global square, irony travels badly,’ the book states. “Back home, she was confronted with questions from international colleagues who interpreted the quip as official policy.

“Her reply was direct: she knows her place, and so does he. They argued at times over the distance between the nation he envisioned and the administration he oversaw.

“But they never argued about whether she belonged in spaces where power is exercised. She simply walked in.”