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June 12: Nigeria owes heroes of democracy debt of gratitude

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Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume says Nigeria owes the heroes of democracy debt of gratitude for having endured the brutality of military officers, the imprisonments, the humiliation, and even for paying the supreme price.

Akume made this statement at a Democracy Day Lecture at the State House in Abuja on Thursday as part of events to celebrate the 2025 Democracy Day.

Ekwutosblog reports that the event is themed, ‘Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms’.

 

He said despite the many military takeovers in West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria remains a shining example of a nation upholding the tenets of democracy for 26 unbroken years.

Recall that in the last five years, West and Central Africa have recorded over 10 coup attempts since the August 2020 military takeover in Mali. Apart from Mali, military juntas have also replaced elected leaders in Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, and Gabon.

Earlier in 2025, the trio of Mali, Niger Republic and Burkina Faso pulled out of regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS.

The former Benue State Governor applauded all heroes of democracy, both dead and alive, for their struggle for a new Nigeria.

“Today’s celebration would not have been possible but for the commitment and determination of ordinary Nigerian citizens who stood strong in the face of military oppression, brutality, and rights denial.

“The June 12 struggle was a watershed as millions of our countrymen and women poured out on the streets. From the towns and villages, the cries for democracy and just governance were a movement. That is the June 12 struggle. That movement gave birth to the new democratic regime,” he added.

Present at the event was the Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, ministers, heads of agencies and departments, scholars, among others.

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Nigerians now banned from traveling to US as Trump expands travel restriction list

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President Donald Trump on Tuesday, December 16, signed a proclamation further restricting entry into the United States for nationals of countries identified as high risk due to what the White House described as persistent and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting and information sharing that threaten national security and public safety.

Among the 15 additional countries placed under partial entry restrictions is Nigeria. The decision was announced in a fact sheet published on the White House website on December 16, 2025, titled “President Donald J. Trump Further Restricts and Limits the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States”.

The White House said the move was aimed at strengthening national security through what it called common sense restrictions based on data.

The proclamation maintains full entry restrictions on nationals from the original 12 countries previously listed under Proclamation 10949. These countries are Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

It also introduces full restrictions on five additional countries, namely Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria, as well as individuals holding travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. Laos and Sierra Leone, which were previously under partial restrictions, have now been placed under full restrictions.

Nationals of Burundi, Cuba, Togo and Venezuela remain subject to partial restrictions.

In addition, the proclamation imposes partial entry restrictions on 15 more countries. These include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The fact sheet states that exemptions remain in place for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories such as athletes and diplomats, and individuals whose entry is deemed to serve United States national interests.

 

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IMO OPENS NEW ECONOMIC FRONTIER AS UZODIMMA COMMISSIONS NOVA BANK REGIONAL OFFICE IN OWERRI.

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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.

 

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Actress Doris Ogala doubles down on claims against Pastor Chris Okafor, insists on compensation or marriage

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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

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