Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late Chief Oludolapo Ibukun Akinkugbe as an icon, hero, ardent patriot and one of God’s special gifts to Nigeria.

Late Akinkugbe, whose passing was announced on Monday at age 96, was the senior brother of late Professor Ladipo Akinkugbe, a bosom friend of the former President who passed on to eternal glory in 2020 at 87.

In a condolence message made available to newsmen by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi on Monday, Obasanjo said, “his demise got to me with the feeling of a sense of personal loss as he was the elder brother of my late bosom friend, Professor Ladipo Akinkugbe, who passed on to eternal glory in 2020 at 87 and whose life and path intertwined with mine in many respects.”

The Ikembara Youths Forum (I.Y.F) joyfully congratulates Eze-Elect Agim Francis Chidozie on his resounding victory at the just concluded Ezeship poll held on Saturday, 20th September 2025, in Ikembara Autonomous Community of Ikeduru Local Government Area, Imo State.

Your emergence as the Eze-elect is not only a victory for you as an individual but also a triumph for every son and daughter of Ikembara, especially the youths who see in your leadership an opportunity for inclusiveness, progress, and transformation. The youth community is confident that under your reign, our voices will be heard, our potentials will be harnessed, and our dreams for a greater Ikembara will be realized.

We commend your commitment to unity, peace, and development, values which align strongly with the aspirations of the younger generation. This victory signals a new dawn for our community—a dawn of renewed hope, cultural pride, and forward-looking leadership.

The Ikembara Youths Forum also appreciates the resilience of our people who participated peacefully and responsibly in the Ezeship exercise. Their show of maturity has given further credence to the fact that Ikembara is a community guided by wisdom, order, and collective will.

On behalf of the entire youths of Ikembara, we once again congratulate you, Agim Francis Chidozie, and pledge our unalloyed support and cooperation as you prepare to ascend the throne of our forefathers. May your reign bring peace, progress, and endless opportunities to our land.

Long live Ikembara! Long live our Youths! Long live our new Eze-elect!

Signed:
Comr. Izuchukwu Ohanyere
Secretary, Ikembara Youths Forum (I.Y.F)

Hon. Uche Frances Obi
President, Ikembara Youths Forum (I.Y.F)

By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
21- SEPT -2025

The Vice President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), South East Zone, Comrade Eze Adiukwu, has applauded the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for his magnanimous gesture in sponsoring more than 1,000 Christians, including 20 practicing journalists, to the 2025 Easter pilgrimage in Israel.

In a statement released by Comrade Adiukwu, the union described the sponsorship as a clear demonstration of the Governor’s unwavering commitment to strengthening religious tourism and uplifting the spiritual wellbeing of Imo people, particularly members of the Christian community.

The NUJ emphasized that Governor Uzodimma has consistently exhibited fairness in matters of faith. The body noted that his earlier support for Muslim pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj was another proof of his dedication to interfaith harmony, inclusiveness, and peaceful coexistence. According to the NUJ, the Governor’s actions reflect the qualities of a detribalized leader who accommodates all religions without bias or discrimination.

Comrade Adiukwu further urged other state governors across the federation to borrow a leaf from Uzodimma’s example by making similar investments in religious pilgrimages. He stressed that spiritual journeys to sacred sites play a vital role in enriching the faith of citizens and deepening communal values.

This year’s initiative is not the first of its kind. In 2023, Governor Uzodimma equally sponsored over 1,000 Christians, including journalists, to Israel and was nationally recognized for being the state leader with the highest number of sponsored pilgrims. That milestone, the NUJ noted, cemented his reputation as a strong supporter of faith-based tourism.

The union also commended the Imo State Government for providing critical infrastructure such as night landing facilities at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, which enhanced the safe and seamless airlift of Muslim pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

The NUJ described the latest sponsorship as a “transformative opportunity” for participants, adding that it will not only strengthen their faith but also leave lasting memories of spiritual renewal. “We are truly grateful that the Governor has once again opened the door for Christians in Imo to experience this life-changing encounter in the holy land,” the statement concluded.