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Onitsha District Library was one of the legacies of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu as Governor of the Eastern Region.

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The edifice, opened in 1965, was classically built, reflecting the vision of the young Dim, who had left Oxford University just ten years earlier, in 1955. Some say it was the architectural masterpiece of Dr. Alex Ekwueme. But whoever shaped it, even in its current abandoned state, it remains one of the most striking architectural works in all of Onitsha.

We met this building twenty years later. And because Onitsha didn’t have many safe, creative spaces for children, the library became our sanctuary. Many people now in their late 30s to 50s found a second home within its walls. It had countless comic books, stories like Tom Sawyer, The Frankenstein Monster, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and many others that sparked our imaginations and stretched our young minds.

Back in our primary school days, access was free. But by the late 90s, it cost about ₦100 a month. Even then, I’ve never seen a library as alive as Onitsha District Library. It was where we read not just literature, we also prepared for JAMB, GCE, and every major exam.

That’s why, in 2019, when I had the opportunity to share my life story, I gave full credit to the Onitsha District Library. It played one of the most defining roles in making me who I am today.

Today, that library is a ghost of its former self. For over a year, social media – especially Twitter – has hosted campaigns urging authorities to act. But so far, nothing has been done to restore this cradle of learning and community.

I understand the emotions the topic stirs. Those of us who were raised in Onitsha know what that place meant. It raised us. It nurtured us. And now, many are willing to give back.

But as we do so, let’s also seek a way to bring stakeholders to the table and have an honest conversation. We know how powerful our voices can be and we have the choice to either use it loudly or calmly.

Still, one of the books I read in that library told the story of a contest between the Sun and the Wind. And the moral of that story? That gentleness can achieve far more than force or aggression.

Let’s go for results…

 

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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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