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Umahi Condemns Brutal Killing of Monarch, Mourns with Former Deputy Igwe During Condolence Visit
Joel Ajayi
The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, on Wednesday paid condolence visit to his former Deputy Governor, His Excellency Barr. Kelechi Igwe, following the brutal killing of his father, HRH Eze Francis Igwe, at the late monarch’s palace in Alike, Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The visit was marked by strong words of comfort as the former Ebonyi State Governor stood shoulder to shoulder with the bereaved family, condemning the shocking act while urging them to remain steadfast in faith despite the painful loss.
Addressing members of the family and community leaders, Umahi described the killing of the revered monarch as a deeply disturbing act that reflects the troubling level of cruelty in society.
“When I heard of this unfortunate occurrence, for me it was like a dream, a very, very deep dream. The whole episode is strange, the level of man’s inhumanity against man. You will be with somebody and think he or she is a human being. The people that did this thing are not human beings,” the Minister said.
“And when strange things happen like this, it tells me that the Bible is being fulfilled, that the end is truly at hand because how do people plan such things for weeks and months and yet still have the mind to execute it.”
Umahi recalled the close relationship the late monarch shared with the leadership of Ebonyi State during his time in office, describing the royal father as a man whose wisdom and guidance helped sustain unity and stability.
“He was a father to all of us. We worked very well with him during our struggles, giving us advice, fathering us and making sure that the squabbles you will see between deputy and governor never existed between us. He was a man of wisdom, committed to God and service to humanity.”
Visibly saddened by the tragedy, the Minister prayed for divine justice against those responsible for the killing.
“It is quite very shocking and my prayer is that all the people that did this, the wrath and judgment of God will be upon them.”
He urged the bereaved family, particularly the widow of the late monarch, to take solace in the support of the wider Ebonyi family and in their faith in God.
“I ask you to be consoled, together with your wife and mother. Your mother is now our mother; we have to become her husbands and take care of her. I know it is very difficult for her, but the Bible says that in all things we must give thanks to God. We console the family, we console our mother, we console the community and Ebonyi State at large.”
The Minister also revealed that he had spoken with the Governor of Ebonyi State, commending the commitment shown in responding to the tragic development.
“I have spoken to the Governor and I commend him very highly for the ways and manner he got committed to this. I was deeply touched by his disposition to ensure our father lived, but it pleased God the way it happened.”
Offering words of personal reassurance, Umahi told the family that they would not face the difficult moment alone.
“I want you to be assured that I am a member of your family and you have my shoulder to lean on in all things. May God not allow this to happen again, not only in Alike Ikwo but also in the entire Ebonyi State and Nigeria. Please, be consoled.”
Responding on behalf of the family, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Barr. Kelechi Igwe, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Minister for standing with them in their moment of grief.
“On behalf of HRH Eze Igwe’s family and members of the cabinet, I want to thank you immensely for finding time to be here. We are grateful to you and from the reservoir of our hearts we say to you that the storms you have weathered in life and are still weathering have taught us to be strong, and we are strong.”
The Minister was accompanied by members of the DUN Foundation, who also joined in offering prayers and solidarity to the grieving family.
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.
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