The people of Amaigbo in Nwangele Local Government Area of Imo State have expressed overwhelming joy following the successful take-off of the newly established Azione Verde University, an institution that has already gained international recognition for its innovative academic standards.

The historic inauguration held on 2nd January 2026, which attracted traditional rulers, education stakeholders, community leaders, youth groups, and guests from within and outside the state, as well as the diaspora, marked a new chapter in the educational development of not just Imo state but the South East region, having its management team and workforce globally rooted in the educational sector.

Speaking at the event, the Papal Nuncio to Ethiopia, Archbishop Brian Udaigwe expressed appreciation to the Founder for his insights as well as indigenes of Amaigbo for providing their lands among other resources for the university’s use while charging them to be brave and not relent in their efforts to start a new thing for a better life, noting that the greatest mistake is the fear of making a mistake as well as not taking a step at all.

Archbishop Udaigwe further charged them to be courageous to start a new thing, as well as work with discipline.

The Papal Nuncio also thanked the foreign partners for their unalloyed love and dedication to the works and projects of Azione Verde University, while calling for more partnership in the locality.

“I wish and pray that this university continue to grow and provide holistic education”, He said.

In his address, the Founder and Chancellor of Azione Verde University, Amaigbo, Rev. Father Boniface Duru, described the institution as a centre of excellence built to provide holistic and world-class education while empowering young people with skills relevant to global demands, noting that education must consist first of the mind and the human person.

“The University is not just a building but a centre for the development of the mind. Education is the bed of development because you cannot talk about development without education.

“Our goal is to produce graduates who will compete favourably anywhere in the world, while remaining rooted in values that promote sustainable development and community service.

The President General of Amaigbo Community, Chief Sir Fyne Madumere, lauded the initiative, stating that the institution will boost economic activities, create employment opportunities, and place Amaigbo on the global academic map, noting that the university is not just for Amaigbo people, but a big gift to Imo State and Nigeria at large.

Sir Fyne Madumere

Chief Madumere, however, seized the opportunity to call on the state government to come to their rescue urgently and reconstruct and repair their roads, especially as they connect to the University.

“Our appeal is for the government to come to our aid; tar the road, build drainage, and make it passable because in the next one year, we will have over One Thousand people who are schooling here and there will be a need for the President and Governor of Imo state to be visiting from time to time.

“So we continue to appeal to the government because I know our amiable Governor Hope Uzodimma is ever responsive to the yearnings of his people, so we are appealing to him to come to our aid”, Sir Fyne Madumere added.

The Chairman of the Occasion and indigene of the area, Chief Mike Onuoha (Eriri Ego) who emphasized the social and economic impact of the institution in the locality, expressed optimism that the University will provide quality education as well as first-hand research on applied education while empowering individuals and transforming populations.

Chief Mike Onuoha

Chief Eririego further noted that Azione Verde University will offer increased access to higher education, enhanced learning within the state and employment for the community.

“The benefit of having this university is that the university will create jobs that will attract investment and stimulate new businesses.

“It will also provide access to quality education. It will bring about a movement in the markets and Partnerships will build out of this”, Chief Eriri-Ego noted.

Community leaders and youths also commended the management for choosing Amaigbo as the host community, promising to provide a peaceful and supportive environment among other things for the growth of the institution; even as they made cash donations to the management.

The Institution’s Communications Manager, Andrew…. highlighted the university’s academic focus areas which include environmental sustainability, digital technology, agriculture, entrepreneurship, health sciences, and renewable energy studies.

The Institution’s Communications Manager, Andrew…. highlighted the university’s academic focus areas which include environmental sustainability, digital technology, agriculture, entrepreneurship, health sciences, and renewable energy studies.

The Communications Manager urged indigenes to always protect and support the institution as their very own, stressing that with modern facilities, international collaborations, and a strong commitment to research and innovation, Azione Verde University is poised to become one of Nigeria’s leading private universities in the coming years.

“I advise the community to protect this place because all the Italians and foreigners here are trying to build something new and give a future to the students”, Mr Andrew called.

Residents who could not contain their joy, expressed confidence that the establishment of the university will significantly improve infrastructure development, stimulate the local economy, and inspire a new generation of scholars in the region.

They said Amaigbo stands proudly as a new hub of higher learning in Imo State, as the first set of students begins academic activities.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, has ordered the immediate removal of the Jesse Divisional Police Officer in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state over allegations of extortion.

The DPO reportedly committed the offence in collaboration with two junior officers identified as Bright and Usman.

A statement issued on Friday by spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed that the Command was alerted to the alleged crime through “a viral video recording” by a woman.

“The aggrieved woman alleged that one officer Bright, officer Usman and the DPO Jesse extorted from her the sum of N2,500,000 with the hope that her brother, who is presently in custody, would be released.

“After a careful examination of the video clip, the Command wishes to state as follows: On January 1, 2026, the youth leader of Jesse community arrested some suspects and brought them to the police station.

“Among the suspects was the narrator’s younger brother, later identified as Israel Onojeruo, aged 20 years,” the statement partly read.

SOKOTO, Nigeria – A high-profile delegation from the United States has visited Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), at the Sokoto Medium Security Custodial Centre. The visit has drawn significant attention to the ongoing legal and diplomatic saga surrounding Kanu’s detention.

The delegation was led by Lady Blessing Ijeoma from the United States. It included Dr. Sylvester Onyia, President of the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), and Mr. Evans Nwankwo, Chairman of the Ambassadors for Self Determination.

Kanu, who faces terrorism-related charges, has been in the custody of Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) since his extraordinary rendition from Kenya in June 2021. His transfer to the Sokoto facility after his controversial conviction, far from his southeastern stronghold and the Abuja court overseeing his case, has been a point of contention among his supporters and legal team.

Speaking to Ekwutosblog after the visit, Lady Blessing Ijeoma detailed the group’s experience. While the specifics of their conversation with Kanu remain private, Ijeoma emphasized the purpose of the visit as one of “humanitarian concern and solidarity.”

“Our primary mission was to see him, to ascertain his condition firsthand, and to offer our support,” Ijeoma stated. “We are a group deeply invested in peaceful advocacy and the welfare of all people.”

When pressed for details on Kanu’s health and spirits, Ijeoma said, “He remains resolute. Our observations of the facility will be part of a broader report to our organizations.” She did not elaborate on the contents of this report.

The presence of Dr. Onyia, representing the American Veterans of Igbo Descent, underscores the continued interest of sections of the Igbo diaspora in Kanu’s case and the broader issues of self-determination. Mr. Nwankwo’s group, Ambassadors for Self Determination, also points to the activist network campaigning for Kanu’s release.

This visit is likely to reignite debates over Kanu’s detention conditions and the fairness of his trial. His legal team has repeatedly alleged violations of his rights and has appealed for his release, a call echoed by various human rights organizations and some southeastern leaders.