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Dep. Speaker hails organizers of Nigeria Cultural Festival and Business Forum (NICFEB).. calls for government involvement

Published

2 years ago

July 23, 2024

Joel Ajayi

The Right Honourable Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representative has admonished the Nigeria Federal government to leverage on the benefit that accrue in the yearly event of the Nigeria Cultural Festival and Business Forum (NICFEB).

He stated this at the opening ceremony of the 2024 edition of the event which took place in Rome recently. The event which aims and objective is to give opportunity for Nigerian and their European counterparts to showcase their investment potentials, rich cultural heritage in arts & craft, music, fashion, foods and tourism attracted dignitaries from Nigeria and the Italian communities

The Deputy Speaker who was the special guest of honour at the event was represented by Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, MHR representing Idemili North and South Federal Constituency of Anambra State. And speaking further on the benefit of the event he said,

“This event is basically an enthronement of culture, trade, partnership yearning between Nigeria and Italy. It’s an event that we have the opportunity to hear the wonderful things that can be attained in our dear country, in our dear nation, Nigeria and as well as to see avenue whereby we can bolster partnership, bolster relationship, not just growing on the business area, but also growing on cultural heritage. Growing on area that both countries can benefit towards the greater future.

“I commend the organizers of this event. From what I have heard it’s been a long journey to make sure that the event takes place. And you can see that the turnout was moderate. But I know that in the second edition the attendance will be a lot more. Because from here we are going to go back to Nigeria and inform the people of such wonderful, boisterous whereby we can be able to both nations and have our people and the Italian people both in business environment, both in the cultural environment, both in different industries as well, and also in the legislative because as we saw here, we saw members of parliament of Italy that came to witness the event and also gave their relevant speeches.

“So, we are going to go back to Nigeria with this information and prepare a detail report whereby we can submit to the floor and then urge Nigerians and also urge the government of Nigeria to take note of making sure that this event is expressed in a larger audience and this even can be able to be highlighted more because it holds a great significance for the growth of both Nations.

Speaking also at the event, Amb. Engr. Augustine Chigbolu who is the Chairman Central Organizing Committee harped on the need for the Nigerian and Italian governments to do everything possible to restore direct flights between Nigeria and Italy. He also threw more light on the purpose for putting together the event.

“The consortium was formed with the primary role of creating a new platform for investment drive and cultural exchange as well as for inter-personal relationship, propagation off socio-economic and political development of our nations (Nigeria and Italy).

“This edition accommodated and featured critical sectors such as Agriculture, Energy, Oil & Gas, Aviation, Trading, and Exhibition. In the coming years, we hope to introduce new strategies that will improve on the international standards and pattern of this present edition,” he concluded.

The 2024 edition was put together by the National Union of Nigerians in Italy, (NUNAI), Nigeria- Italy chambers of commerce, Giant Gee Nigeria limited, with the Support of Amb. Engr. Augustine Chigbolu and Senator Tony Iwobi.

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Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows

Published

19 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.
Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.

He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.

According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.

“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.

The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.

“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.

Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.

He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.

He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.

According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.

Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.

He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.

We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.

The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.

He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.

Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.

He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.

“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”

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