Enugu, Nigeria — The Great Igbo Achievers Initiative, in collaboration with the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide, is pleased to announce the nomination of distinguished individuals for recognition as Igbo Great Achievers, in celebration of proven integrity, hard work, and dedication to excellence.
The upcoming First Edition of the Great Igbo Achievers Legacy Day Celebration and Awards will honour outstanding Igbo sons and daughters who have demonstrated impactful leadership, entrepreneurial excellence, and remarkable contributions to the socio-economic advancement of the Igbo nation. This prestigious recognition particularly highlights achievements in job creation, philanthropy, legacy-building, and sustainable development.
Nominees are being contacted with an official request to submit the following:
A detailed Achievement Profile
A recent passport-sized photograph
A summary of landmark achievements or legacy projects with pictorial evidence for documentation and verification
These submissions will support inclusion in the Great Igbo Achievers Book of Records (a compendium of notable Igbo achievers), official event brochures, Wikipedia features, and select news outlets. The process underscores the Initiative’s commitment to celebrating individuals purely on merit, with no consideration for political affiliation, religious beliefs, or social class.
The Great Igbo Achievers Legacy Day will become an annual event, dedicated to showcasing the excellence, resilience, and heritage of the Igbo people by recognizing credible and verifiable achievements across diverse sectors.
The Initiative is spearheaded by Prof. Chinedu Nebo, OON, NPOM, CON, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka and former Minister of Power, currently serving as Vice-Chancellor of the University on the Niger and President-General of the Great Igbo Achievers Initiative.
This celebration of legacy, impact, and Igbo excellence marks a significant milestone in promoting cultural pride, reinforcing community values, and inspiring future generations.
Leading the charge spiritually and administratively are Most Rev’d Prof. Emmanuel O. Chukwuma, OON, as Mentor and Spiritual Leader, and His Lordship, Justice Alpha Ikpeama, who chairs the Central Organizing Committee and serves as Deputy President-General.
Nominees are requested to respond within 14 days of notification to confirm participation and facilitate documentation.
By Prince-Solomon Okorie Guidepost News International
Hon. Kenneth Orji Obasi, Coordinator, Amaoha DC
The attention given To the transformation of the state in His Excellency, Rt Hon. Builder Prince Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s Administration Mantra of “People’s Charter of Needs” has been made manifest in the significant infrastructural development across the state. This initiative is deprecated by Hon. Kenneth Orji Obasi, the Coordinator Amaoha DC, Hon Obasi is one such leader with a difference.
His words:
“In order to compliment my boss, Gov. Nwifuru’s remarkable achievements, when I resume office as the Coordinator of Amaoha Development Center, we could not drive into the DC premises due to trees that has over grown the entire place and there was no access road, I called for a meeting of management committee members and told them, “you can see that we don’t to any place that we can use as our offices, meaning that we have come to work and no time to play” this due to the dilapidated nature of the place at that time. Due abandonment and vandalization, not knowing where to start, workers were staying under trees, whether it is raining or sunshine, then was advised to renovate only my office, and I said no, the entire DC complex has to be fixed, it is over 26 offices and 67 windows, the ceiling and parts of the roof, I also renovated the collapsed pavilion. It is as if we are building a new project”.
“I enbarked on electrification project from Akpuoha to Ibii, due insecurities in the area and we don’t have police station before, I saw the need to build a befitting police post which is currently ongoing to beef up security in the two communities. I also empowered over 50 youths in hunters training who are in charge of security of lives and property in the area. It is verifiable that there was communal conflicts that caused disunity among the two communities. In line with Governor’s zero torrorence to communal disputes and this made me to quickly restore peace among the communities, before I assume office, there was no peace and unity in the communities, we use to have Akpuoha day together but after the rift but they no longer celebrate it together, when came on board I quickly united them, today, Amata and Akpuoha, the two communities are happy, they are now celebrating Akpuoha Day and new Yam festivals together.”
“In human capital development, following the footsteps of Gov Nwifuru’s peoples charter of needs mantra, I have empowered over 70 youths financially to enable them start businesses of own. Some of the beneficiaries received N100,000. While some received N200,000., as the case may be.”
“When I got reports of hoodlums vandalizing government properties and facilities, I engaged the services of security agents who we are paying to secure government properties, like government schools, DC complex and other government facilities”.
“We have many borehole, each time it becomes faulty I was always been called upon to the rescue and I have always repaired and do the necessary maintenance when needed.”
“When I discovered that some people are not enjoying the electricity because they cannot afford the bills, I paid NEPA bills for the entire Akpuoha people ”
“These are some of my achievements he concluded”
The two youth president of the communities, Dele ude, Amogu youth President, and HON Donatus Uche Amata Akpoha youth President testified to the authenticity of Hon. Kenneth Orji Obasi’s remarkable achievements and “there are documentary, pictorial and video evidence of his noble achievements” they said.
Mr. Augustine Agbara former Supervising Councilor, Afikpo North local government, praised the Hon. Orji Obasi effectiveness and for being people oriented.
You lied against us…………Ebonyi State Councilors Forum tells Commissioner for local government and chieftancy matter
The Ebonyi State Councilors Forum has voiced strong discontent regarding recent statements made by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Uchenna Igwe, which they claim inaccurately portrayed the level of support received by councilors in the state.
In a press conference held on thisday, the forum emphasized that the commissioner’s comments, suggesting they had received substantial governmental support, have led to unnecessary distress among their constituents and families. The councilors called for Hon. Igwe to retract his statements, asserting that spreading unverified information could instigate panic and confusion, which undermines their ongoing efforts to serve the public effectively.
“The wellbeing of our constituents is our top priority, and false claims regarding our support only serve to disillusion them further,” said the forum’s spokesperson. “We urge the commissioner to take responsibility and clarify his statements to avoid further misunderstanding.”
During their meeting, the councilors highlighted the ongoing challenges they face since their election, citing a lack of meaningful initiatives or support from the state government. They stressed that these challenges have significantly hindered their ability to implement the governor’s vision at the grassroots level.
“Our commitment to promoting the governor’s agenda is unwavering, but we cannot do it without the necessary support from the government,” the spokesperson added. “We hope that this situation will prompt a more constructive dialogue between our forum and the state government.”
The Councilors Forum reiterated their dedication to serving their communities but emphasized the need for realistic and actionable support from the state apparatus to effectively address the needs of the populace. As the situation continues to unfold, many residents remain anxious about the implications of the commissioner’s remarks and the resulting friction between elected officials.
The councilors remain hopeful that their concerns will be addressed promptly, ensuring a more cooperative environment for better governance in Ebonyi State.
You lied against us…Ebonyi State Councilors Forum tells Commissioner for local government and Chieftaincy matters
The Ebonyi State Councilors Forum has voiced strong discontent regarding recent statements made by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Uchenna Igwe, which they claim inaccurately portrayed the level of support received by councilors in the state.
In a press conference held on thisday, the forum emphasized that the commissioner’s comments, suggesting they had received substantial governmental support, have led to unnecessary distress among their constituents and families. The councilors called for Hon. Igwe to retract his statements, asserting that spreading unverified information could instigate panic and confusion, which undermines their ongoing efforts to serve the public effectively.
“The wellbeing of our constituents is our top priority, and false claims regarding our support only serve to disillusion them further,” said the forum’s spokesperson. “We urge the commissioner to take responsibility and clarify his statements to avoid further misunderstanding.”
During their meeting, the councilors highlighted the ongoing challenges they face since their election, citing a lack of meaningful initiatives or support from the state government. They stressed that these challenges have significantly hindered their ability to implement the governor’s vision at the grassroots level.
“Our commitment to promoting the governor’s agenda is unwavering, but we cannot do it without the necessary support from the government,” the spokesperson added. “We hope that this situation will prompt a more constructive dialogue between our forum and the state government.”
The Councilors Forum reiterated their dedication to serving their communities but emphasized the need for realistic and actionable support from the state apparatus to effectively address the needs of the populace. As the situation continues to unfold, many residents remain anxious about the implications of the commissioner’s remarks and the resulting friction between elected officials.
The councilors remain hopeful that their concerns will be addressed promptly, ensuring a more cooperative environment for better governance in Ebonyi State.
Ndigbo Should Do Away With Sabotaging Elements to Avoid Social Comatose: Lagos Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Replies Faceless Igbo Youth Group
Our attention has been drawn to a release titled “Why 2025 Igbo Day Celebration in Lagos Under Ohanaeze Ndigbo Should Not Hold,” published by a faceless group, conceived and purported to be Igbo Youth Awake for Sustainable Development Initiative
We emphasize that but for the spurious, invalid and reputational damage conveyed by the faceless group, our organization, a nationally acclaimed arm of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization would have visited the mysterious gathering with perpetual silence. Be that as it may, we believe that our response to the masqueraded group and signatories would do the general public a world of service.
We believe that a valiant man’s look is more than a coward’s sword therefore every aboriginal Igbo man ought to be courageous rather than wear a mask of pretext, subterfuge and concealment just to propagate falsehood. After reading the half-brained idea paradoxically ‘admixing’ Mazi Nnamdi Kanu with a planned celebration of Igbo Day in Lagos, one wonders how the socio-cultural event or any other one hinders the trial or release of Mazi Kanu.
Such an illiterate view is not only befuddling but an attempt to put a spoke in the wheel of the Igbo people’s progress and to further the creation of confusion while concealing their true intention. We wait to see how far this ignoramus-birthed view, and beer parlour idealistic conception by the ‘nameless’ writers will convince enlightened minds.
It is clear that journeying aimlessly from the employment of Mazi Kanu to Chief John Azuta Mbata down to extortion of money, all different subterfuges and confused excuses are jaded on cynicism, manifest on the professed motive of frustration, envy and disguised self-interest and above a dish of ignorant ethnic stance.
It is ironic to note that now that our organization is working assiduously to win over the hearts of our Igbo brothers and sisters from Rivers and Delta States, there are still some insentient and untrusted characters, favouring the unworkable tradition and resisting change and my Anioma background is the target.
For the record, we seek to inform the enlightened public that to the best of my knowledge, there is no issue of financial crisis plaguing our organization as alleged by the faceless individuals unless they know more than we do. Consequently, we hold the personality of Prime Minister Ubochi, the erstwhile Chairman of the previous Lagos Igbo Day celebration in esteemed honour and of diligent impeccable character for delivering his duties in honesty bereft of financial allegations or charges. It is on this pedastal that we hope to improve on his standard and performance.
Apostle Patrick Nwanze, our current Chairman, Planning Committee of Lagos Igbo Day is a proud son of Ibusa in Delta State. He enjoys a pedigree of honesty and integrity having been tested and trusted with community-oriented responsibilities within and outside his community, and has over time proven his worth with utmost competence hence the recent mandate to broadly plan and execute this Lagos Igbo Day for our good people.
These spoilers and plunderers should know that he is currently the President-General of Apex Association of Anioma, a registered socio-cultural organization of the Anioma people. He is also involved in Ibusa Community Development Union, the people’s Town Union and was the Chairman of LOC for South South, South East Cultural, Heritage, Tourism and Business Summit, and all of these positions are verifiable.
It is sad and misleading to the public that the purveyors of ethnic-driven lies, with concealed identity will deceitfully conjecture Lagos Igbo Day to hold in Police College, Nwaka Army Barracks or Navy Barracks, Ojo, Lagos. Clearly, it evidences how much in a hurry the group of faceless individuals will go to damage the reputation of people working for the good of the Igbo Nation worldwide. It must not be these people all the time even with their clumsy, envious poke nose and greedy appetite thus the change and exchange of this baton.
Finally, we are undeterred by the hurdles thrown in our way since it is expected of disgruntled elements since history. However, we avail this prevailing opportunity to admonish our Igbo leaders that if Ndigbo continue to rely on these opposing elements who only masquerade their true identity to do damage, social comatose is assured us. We know the individuals wearing the masks though.
Rev Fr Mbaka: “If Gov. Nwifuru can achieve all I have seen in 2 years, it shows that Ebonyi is in safe hands of governance. In 6 years to come, the state will be unrecognisable.”
By Prince-Solomon Okorie
“Let me thank every one of you who are in this adoration night of favoured ecumenical service; just open your heart and you will be favoured, and your favour will be greater than mine. Just learn from my experience. Before I contested the election in 2007, I was still a bricklayer, though Fr Mbaka prophesied time and again that I would be the governor, but I didn’t believe it because I didn’t see the possibility in that 2007, but in less than five years, I became the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly. Who will believe it? A bricklayer who was looking for a one thousand naira menial job just to be able to survive. Sometimes when I wake up in the governor’s bed, it marvels me, and I will ask myself, ‘Do you know that you slept in the bed of the governor?’ That is proof that God is still doing something in our lives and that we are serving a living God.” I urge you to pray for me not to deviate from my covenant.” The Governor read the Bible book of Corinthians 6:2-10 and said, “I urge you to pray for me not to deviate from my covenant with God; if I do, the youths will suffer. God is fulfilling the age-old slogan that says ‘youths are the leaders tomorrow’ in time; that is my mandate.”
Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, who was overwhelmed by Gov. Nwifuru’s remarkable achievements in just two years and is still humble, said that his assignment in his visit is for commendations and to commit the governor and state and Ebonyi people in general into the hands of the divine favour of God.
He said that Ebonyi State is blessed with selfless leaders and that Ebonyi State today is beaming like the federal capital territory, Abuja. He acknowledged the developmental strides of former Governor Umahi and added that Ebonyi is the fastest-developing state under Governor Nwifuru. He observed that the young state is outshining its contemporaries. He commended the governor on the infrastructural development he saw on the ground and thanked Gov. Nwifuru for his people charter of needs mantra of making human capital development a priority in his government. “If Governor Nwifuru can achieve all that I have seen today in just two years, it shows that Ebonyi is in safe hands with governance, and in six years to come, the state will be unrecognisable,” he affirmed.
Fr Mbaka confirmed that he prophesied on three different occasions that Nwifuru will become governor and prayed for the prosperity of the people of Ebonyi. He added that Gov. Nwifuru’s rise to power is an encouraging testimony and a proof that God still answers prayers.
Defection Boosts APC in Ebonyi as Key Opposition Members from Wigbeke Ward 2 Join Party in Ohaukwu.
By Prince-Solomon Okorie – Guidepost News International
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has once again recorded a significant political milestone with the defection of prominent opposition members from Wigbeke Ward 2, led by a former coordinator of Effium Development Centre and former special assistant to the former governor, Barr. Nnabuife Abara.
The high-profile defection ceremony held at the Ohaukwu Local Government Area Headquarters in Ezzangbo saw an enthusiastic convergence of party faithful, stakeholders, and supporters from across the state, marking a major boost for the APC ahead of future elections.
Barr. Abara, alongside his supporters drawn from Alioma and Ezekuna Alioma autonomous communities, officially pledged allegiance to the APC, signalling the collapse of opposition structures in the area into the ruling party. The defectors were warmly received by the State Chairman of the APC, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, alongside other party executives at the state, local government, and ward levels.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Emegha congratulated the new members for making what he described as a wise and bold decision, noting that the achievements and people-centred leadership style of the Governor of Ebonyi State and leader of the APC in the state, His Excellency Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, have continued to attract political stakeholders and grassroots supporters alike.
Chief Emegha acknowledged that Governor Nwifuru is leading with a clear vision under the people’s charter of needs mantra of his administration, and that’s why Ebonyians from all walks of life are joining hands with him, adding that there is no room for divisive politics anymore in Ebonyi State. He emphasised the need for unity, peace, and purposeful engagement among all party members and urged the new defectors to uphold the ideals and integrity of the party.
In his remarks, Barr. Nnabuife Abara commended Governor Nwifuru for creating an environment that promotes peace, unity, and inclusive development across the state. According to Barr. Abara, they had watched the governor’s leadership style very keenly and have found in him a sincere and focused leader, hence the need to join the progressives’ family. He further stated that the people of Alioma and Ezekuna Alioma have resolved to align fully with the APC and will lead the campaign from their communities to ensure that Governor Nwifuru does not lose even one vote in the 2027 governorship election.
Barr. Abara also lauded the governor’s interventions in the lingering conflict between Effium and Alioma, describing his peace efforts as a demonstration of true statesmanship.
The Executive Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Ikechukwu Odono, in a similar vein, hailed the governor’s peace-building efforts, referencing the historic reconciliation between Ngbo and Agila communities, which had been embroiled in conflict for over a century. Prince Odono, who described Governor Nwifuru as a divine gift to the Ebonyi people, stressed that he has united Ohaukwu more than ever before, and today virtually all the political parties in the LGA have collapsed into APC because of his peaceful disposition.
In his goodwill message, the Coordinator of Effium Development Centre, Hon. Ogbonna Nwogbaga (JP), congratulated the new members and urged them to remain committed and active in their support for the APC-led government. He assured them that Governor Nwifuru is a leader who rewards loyalty, integrity, and performance.
The event ended on a high note with chants of solidarity and victory songs echoing across the venue as party members celebrated the unity and growing strength of the APC in Ohaukwu and beyond.
With this mass defection, political analysts say the APC is solidifying its grassroots dominance in Ebonyi State, positioning itself as the undisputed political force ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Nwifuru’s Remarkable Ability To Broker Peace Among Communities Entangled In An Intractable, Century-long Conflict Is The Reason behind Our Defection To APC.
Defection Boosts APC in Ebonyi as Key Opposition Members from Wigbeke Ward 2 Join Party in Ohaukwu.
By Prince-Solomon Okorie – Guidepost News International
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has once again recorded a significant political milestone with the defection of prominent opposition members from Wigbeke Ward 2, led by a former Coordinator of Effium Development Centre and former Special Assistant to the former Governor, Barr. Nnabuife Abara.
The high-profile defection ceremony held at the Ohaukwu Local Government Area Headquarters in Ezzangbo saw an enthusiastic convergence of party faithful, stakeholders, and supporters from across the state, marking a major boost for the APC ahead of future elections.
Barr. Abara, alongside his supporters drawn from Alioma and Ezekuna Alioma autonomous communities, officially pledged allegiance to the APC, signaling the collapse of opposition structures in the area into the ruling party. The defectors were warmly received by the State Chairman of the APC, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, alongside other party executives at the state, local government, and ward levels.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Emegha congratulated the new members for making what he described as a wise and bold decision, noting that the achievements and people-centered leadership style of the Governor of Ebonyi State and leader of the APC in the state, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, have continued to attract political stakeholders and grassroots supporters alike.
Chief Emegha acknowledged that Governor Nwifuru is leading with a clear vision under the people’s charter of needs mantra of his administration, and that’s why Ebonyians from all walks of life are joining hands with him, adding that tere is no room for divisive politics anymore in Ebonyi State. He emphasized the need for unity, peace, and purposeful engagement among all party members, and urged the new defectors to uphold the ideals and integrity of the party.
In his remarks, Barr. Nnabuife Abara commended Governor Nwifuru for creating an environment that promotes peace, unity, and inclusive development across the state. According to Barr. Abara, they had watched the governor’s leadership style very keenly and have found in him a sincere and focused leader, hence the need to join the progressives family. He further stated that the people of Alioma and Ezekuna Alioma have resolved to align fully with the APC, and will lead the campaign from their communities to ensure that Governor Nwifuru does not lose even one vote in 2027 governorship election.
Barr. Abara also lauded the governor’s interventions in the lingering conflict between Effium and Alioma, describing his peace efforts as a demonstration of true statesmanship.
The Executive Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Ikechukwu Odono, in a similar vein, hailed the governor’s peace-building efforts, referencing the historic reconciliation between Ngbo and Agila communities, which had been embroiled in conflict for over a century. Prince Odono who described Governor Nwifuru as a divine gift to Ebonyi people, stressed that he has united Ohaukwu more than ever before, and today virtually all the political parties in the LGA have collapsed into APC because of his peaceful disposition.
In his goodwill message, the Coordinator of Effium Development Centre, Hon. Ogbonna Nwogbaga (JP), congratulated the new members and urged them to remain committed and active in their support for the APC-led government. He assured them that Governor Nwifuru is a leader who rewards loyalty, integrity, and performance.
The event ended on a high note with chants of solidarity and victory songs echoing across the venue as party members celebrated the unity and growing strength of the APC in Ohaukwu and beyond.
With this mass defection, political analysts say the APC is solidifying its grassroots dominance in Ebonyi State, positioning itself as the undisputed political force ahead of the 2027 general elections.
One of the custodians of Akpuoha culture, His Royal Highness Eze Michael Eke, the Okpotokum, the 4th of Amata Okpotokum of Akpuoha in the Afikpoikpo local government area of Ebonyi State, enumerates the importance and procedures of the Mgba-Igbo Festival. In In his words, “The age grade is an essential part of the entire Afikpo culture, and wrestling is at the heart of this because it is entertaining and a show of strength.” “In every age grade, there is an age a person attains when he will not participate in wrestling and communal labour again; when a particular age grade attains the age of 50 years, that is what we are celebrating today because a younger age grade has emerged to replace or undertake the youthful activities of the graduating age grade in wrestling and communal labour. The celebrants today have graduated from youthful activities to among the council of elders; henceforth they cease to be seen as youths; they are regarded as having attained maturity age. And every age grade has some developmental projects they bring to the community; this particular age grade has built culverts, bridges and solar street lights.
Akpuoha is made up of two communities, namely Amata and Amaogu, consisting of nine villages each.
Hon. Donatus Uche, the Deputy Chief of Staff, and the outgoing Youth President, Amata Akpuoha, and one of the graduating-age grades in Akpuoha, express profound gratitude for being alive to attain this age of 50 years, and he is proud of the achievements of his age grade.
His words: “Every age grade has some developmental projects which they have to provide to the community during their time of youthfulness, and I’m very happy to be one of the celebrants of the June 2025 graduating age grade. As you come of age, from 19 years old, one can join his age grade and can participate in wrestling and communal labour. You can jubilate due to the accomplishments of projects. Every age grade must execute a project. The Technical Secondary School Akpuoha was built by a particular age grade. Now it’s our time. I’m very happy because my age grade built two bridges that cost over 35 million Naira.” “You can see the crowd chanting a victory song for the governor’s second tenure in office for appointing one of their own as Deputy Chief of Staff; with the unity that exists among us and with this crowd, we shall return Rt Hon. Ogbonna Nwifuru for a second term in office. We join ranks with other well-meaning Ebonyians in ensuring the continuity of Nwifuru’s administration.
Hon. Kenneth Orji Obasi, Amaoha DC Coordinator, has this to say:
This festival is very significant in Akpuoha; it is called “Mgba-Igbo”. This is the climax of wrestling prowess in Akpuoha because you start wrestling when you are 19, wrestle when you are 25, and again when you are 30 and 35, up till 45. The Mgba-Igbo festival takes place every five years, and then when you are 50 years old, a particular age grade that has attained 50 will be celebrated as the crown of glory, graduating them from youthfulness to the council of elders. We use this particular occasion to call on groups to make donations in order to sponsor some tangible projects within the community.
The current youth Akpuoha Youth President, Mr Udeh James Ogbonna (DeleMotors), said that they use this occasion to make peace among the people and encouraged the upcoming youths to sustain the tempo.
The event attracted dignitaries from far and near, including government functionaries. The Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, duly represented by Hon. Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, the Deputy Governor Chief Mrs Princess Onyemaechi Obila, Chief Omoisu, and a host of other dignitaries were present during the ceremony.
The women are not left out, as you can see women dancing and pouring powder on their husbands. “A cat that dreamt of becoming a lion must lose its appetite for rats,” says Mrs Veronica Ajuka.
By Prince-Solomon Okorie – Guidepost News 9/6/2025
Since coming on board as the 4th Executive Governor, Right Honourable Builder Francis Nwifuru has made significant strides in tackling incidences of street trading by Ebonyi youths through various initiatives aimed at promoting a more organized and regulated trading environment.
Chief among his many strides in this direction is the massive empowerment of the street traders. With a whooping sum of 2 million naira each, Governor Nwifuru is intentional in supporting their transition from street trading to more formalized businesses through skills training programmes and access to financial resources.
Just recently, particularly on April 29, 2025, His Excellency, Governor Francis Nwifuru flagged off the construction of a comprehensive Industrial City with an integrated manufacturing system in Izhiangbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the State.
The Industrial City— arguably the first of its kind in the Southeast geopolitical zone has an ‘independent’ smart skills training centre inside the Industry City.
Designed to provide sustainable skills empowerment, woodwork, plumbing, dressmaking, fabrication, carpentry, leatherwork, plastics production, ceramics production, mechanics, fashion, design, painting, paint production, textiles, hairdressing, photography, crafting, drawing, pottery, moulding, timbering, welding, metallurgy, videography, laundry, fishery and piggery are billed to address joblessness and keep the youths afloat in the nation’s already crowded job markets.
The trainees, as it would interest you to know, will also be taught glassmaking, floriculture, animal feed production, poultry, heliculture, animal husbandry, shoemaking, folding, vulcanization, pesticides, apiary, reconditioning, fireworks and catering.
Other skills include electricals, decoration, veterinary, packaging, ornamentation, forging, embroidery, entertainment, framing, driving, and software designs among others.
The trainees who would be confined within the Industrial City for a considerable period in the course of the training would be settled with a workshop within the Centre on graduation.
The government would also further encourage the trainees to be self-reliant on graduation through the provision of basic tools and startup Capital.
It is the desire of the Government to through the Centre relaunch the active population of the State who are making their daily bread on the streets of major cities in Nigeria through hawking of wares to more meaningful ventures.
When this is done, the incidence of profiling of the Ebonyi youth population as potential street hawkers by enemies of the State will become a thing of the past.
This would also further perk up the State’s internally generated revenue profile as no material other than what is produced by the technicians would be traded in the whole of the Industrial City.
With this in place, Ebonyi is expected to soon become a model for other States to emulate in search of long-term solutions to unemployment and street trading in Nigeria.
Ebonyi under Governor Nwifuru would always be setting the pace while others emulated.
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has extended warmest felicitations to Muslims on the occasion of this year’s Eid-al-adha celebration.
Governor Nwifuru who views the season from ideological lense as a season characterised by deep reflection, sacrifice, gratitude, and renewed devotion to the values of peace, compassion, and unity called on Muslim ummahs to remain solitarily confined to Allah’s dictates in a time like this.
In his goodwill message to Muslims, the Governor invites them to recall that Eid-al-adha is a season that “reminds us of the strength of faith, the power of self-discipline, and above all the importance of caring for one another, especially the less privileged among us”.
The Governor encouraged them to continue to uphold the virtues of tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence that are essential for the unity and progress of the state and nation.
“Our administration remains committed to building a united, secure, and prosperous Ebonyi State, where people of all faiths can live in harmony and pursue their aspirations without fear or discrimination”.
Dr Monday Uzor Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ebonyi State
ABOUT THE BOOK The Great Igbo Achievers Book of Records is a comprehensive compendium that celebrates the exceptional accomplishments of Igbo achievers both within Nigeria and across the diaspora. Rooted in the “Igbo Think-Home Investment and Development Philosophy of Aku Ruo Ulo,” the book aims to promote enduring values and uphold the noble ideals of the Igbo community.
This unique joint publication of the Great Igbo Achievers Initiative and the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide is dedicated to critically and constructively showcasing landmark achievements and legacy-defining projects. It highlights State Governors, members of the National House of Assembly and notable individuals from Igbo-speaking states who exemplify integrity, diligence, and commitment—qualities that earn them well-deserved recognition and honor.
Selection for inclusion is based solely on verifiable accomplishments and impactful contributions. Political affiliation, status, or religious background are not considered—only merit and legacy matter.
Alaigbo, the ancestral homeland of the Igbo people, is renowned for its resilience, entrepreneurial drive, creativity, and industrial spirit.
This book proudly documents and honors the transformative efforts of Igbo sons and daughters who are making lasting contributions to their communities and the world at large.
ABOUT THE PUBLISHERS The Great Igbo Achievers Initiative and the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide
The Alaigbo Achievers Legacy also known as the Great Igbo Achievers Initiative is an independent legal entity and a homegrown, results-driven investment organization. It is duly registered and recognized by the Government of Nigeria for the recognition and celebration of individuals and corporate bodies that exemplify excellence. The Initiative is rooted in the Igbo Think-Home Investment and Developmental Philosophy of “Aku Ruo Ulo” — a call to bring investments and development back to Igboland. Through this, we aim to foster positive societal values and ideals within the Igbo community.
More than a recognition platform, the Great Igbo Achievers Initiative is an exclusive honorific institution conceptualized to rigorously assess and highlight the landmark achievements and signature legacy projects of state governors, members of the National Assembly, and other notable personalities from Igbo-speaking states. We focus on individuals with proven integrity, dedication, and an outstanding record of service—those truly deserving of honor and national/international recognition.
Ala-Igbo, the ancestral homeland of the Igbo people, is globally renowned for its resilience, industriousness, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. The region has long been a beacon of innovation and a champion of industrialization in Africa.
The Great Igbo Achievers Initiative is proudly led by Prof. Chinedu Nebo, OON, NPOM, CON — former Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and former Minister of Power, Federal Republic of Nigeria. He currently serves as the President-General of the Great Igbo Achievers Initiative.
The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide is council of distinguished Igbo personalities — a progressive, socio-cultural institution and the foremost umbrella body of elder statesmen of Igbo heritage. Its membership includes key stakeholders, opinion leaders, and eminent personalities both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.
As a voluntary, non-sectarian, non-partisan, and not-for-profit organization, UNIEC is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Igbo identity, language, cultural heritage, and core values. The Council is a strong advocate of the “Igbo Think-Home” investment and development agenda aimed at fortifying the socio-economic foundation of Ala-Igbo.
Our Operational Philosophy: We affirm our recognition of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide as the apex umbrella body representing all Igbo communities globally. In alignment with this recognition, we work collaboratively with other key leadership structures and stakeholders across Nigeria and the diaspora.
As an independent council of elder statesmen, UNIEC plays a pivotal advisory role—guiding younger generations through wisdom, leadership, and experience—while also championing national unity, sustainable development, and stability.
The Council is led by His Lordship, Hon. Justice Anthony I. Iguh, CON (Okosisi Nimo) — retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and former Chief Judge of both the old and new Anambra States.
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