News
Umahi Advocates Unity Among Ebonyi NASS Aspirants, Seeks Consensus As State Targets 95% Votes For Tinubu
Joel Ajayi
The Honourable Minister of Works, David Umahi, has stepped in to address emerging tensions among political stakeholders in Ebonyi Central, calling for unity, restraint, and alignment with the leadership of the state ahead of the next election cycle.
In a statement signed on Sunday by Francis Nwaze, FIPMD Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media) Reveals that Minister’s intervention followed a viral video from April 24, 2026, which captured a misunderstanding between the Senator representing Ebonyi Central, Ken Eze, and a National Assembly aspirant from Ikwo Local Government Area, Chief Christian Asaga Nwali, during the burial of the father of Chief Peter Orogwu (popularly known as BabyOku).
The disagreement, which quickly gained traction online, revolved around succession plans for the senatorial seat.
Concerned about the development, Umahi—who described both men as his political mentees—moved swiftly to restore calm. On April 26, he convened a meeting with the two leaders, aimed at resolving the dispute and reinforcing unity within the political family.
Speaking after the meeting, the minister commended both parties for their maturity and willingness to de-escalate tensions.
He noted that the disagreement stemmed largely from supporters rather than the principals themselves, stressing that such issues should not disrupt the peace of the zone.
Umahi recalled that the issue of zoning had been previously addressed, referencing an understanding reached during the administration of former Governor Martin Elechi, which suggested that the Ebonyi Central senatorial seat would rotate to Ikwo after the current tenure.
However, he emphasized that politics remains dynamic and decisions must reflect present realities and collective interest.
He advised both camps to channel their concerns through the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, describing him as a leader deserving of respect and central to any resolution process.
According to Umahi, a structured engagement involving the governor and selected leaders from both Ezza and Ikwo communities would provide a fair and lasting solution. He urged each side to present ten representatives to meet with the governor for deliberation.
Shifting focus to the broader political objective, the minister stressed the importance of unity in delivering overwhelming electoral support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He reiterated that the President has been fully adopted in Ebonyi State and described him as the sole candidate for the next election, citing ongoing federal infrastructure projects in the state as justification for continued support.
Umahi stated that all political decisions, including National Assembly positions, must align with the goal of securing at least 95 percent of votes for the President in the state.
He further disclosed that consultations were ongoing to ensure the emergence of consensus candidates for National Assembly positions, in collaboration with the state governor.
The minister also reaffirmed unwavering support for Governor Nwifuru, describing his position as non-negotiable and warning against any political opposition to his leadership.
In their separate remarks, both Senator Ken Eze and Chief Christian Asaga Nwali expressed appreciation for Umahi’s intervention and pledged commitment to peace and unity.
Senator Eze described Umahi as a father figure and called on supporters, particularly on social media, to refrain from inflammatory comments or actions that could deepen divisions.
Similarly, Chief Nwali emphasized the importance of respect for leadership and urged supporters to avoid insults, noting that leadership ultimately comes from God.Both leaders assured that they would work together to maintain peace and unity across Ebonyi State.
News
FG Targets 50,000 Youths for Digital Jobs, Deepens Partnerships for Nationwide Empowerment Drive
Joel Ajayi
Federal Government has intensified efforts to empower young Nigerians through strategic partnerships, digital skills development, and inclusive programmes aimed at creating sustainable employment opportunities nationwide.
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, made this known during a media interview with African Independent Television (AIT), where he outlined a renewed policy direction focused on measurable impact, transparency, and large-scale youth engagement.
At the core of this effort, he explained, is a landmark partnership with the Digital School (TDS), supported by the Government of the United Arab Emirates, targeting the training of 50,000 Nigerian youths in globally competitive digital skills.
The Minister noted that the initiative is expected to produce at least 5,000 internationally certified and job-ready youths within the first six months of implementation.
Comrade Olawande also highlighted the Ministry’s sector-specific collaborations, including its partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), aimed at boosting youth participation in agriculture. He added that this is being complemented by expanded programmes under the Nigerian Youth Academy and other key youth empowerment initiatives.
He further disclosed that the government is scaling up internship, gig economy, and startup support programmes to reach a wider range of beneficiaries across the country, while also intensifying efforts to promote digital literacy through The Digital School (TDS) initiative, being implemented in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
To enhance transparency and ensure merit-based access to opportunities, the Ministry has introduced a digital engagement platform, “Nigerian New Tech.” He added that ongoing reforms in youth health, financial inclusion, and social protection are also broadening opportunities for young Nigerians.
During the interview, the Honourable Minister said:“We are moving away from fragmented and tokenistic approaches to youth development. Our focus is to build sustainable systems that empower young Nigerians at scale and with real impact.”
“Through our partnership with The Digital School and the UAE Government, we are not just training youths; we are preparing them for global opportunities, whether they choose to work remotely or internationally.”
“For too long, many young Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector, have been excluded from structured opportunities. This administration is committed to ensuring that no young person is left behind.”
“Our role as government is to create an enabling environment where young people can thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
“Transparency and merit are at the core of all our programmes. Access to opportunities should not depend on who you know, but on your capacity and readiness to grow.”
The Honourable Minister reaffirmed that youth development remains central to Nigeria’s economic growth, assuring that the Ministry will continue to deepen partnerships, expand programmes, and implement sustainable frameworks for the benefit of present and future generations.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News1 year agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
