By Prince-Solomon Okorie

In an event that looks more like empowerment Program than conventional birthday organized by Chief Chinedu Kingsley Okorie (aka Chief Okpata Ozua Oha 1 of Okposi) in honor of his mother’s lavished 80th birthday. According to him, he describes parental care as reciprocal obligation, “parents go through a lot of difficulties especially mothers, just to train and provide for their children” and my beloved mother here is example of such virtuous and caring mother, she means everything to me, most times, husbands do not know the extra struggles the women went through for the survival of their children especially when they go out of money, at that point when husbands went out of cash, out of business or out of jobs, their wives become the surviving pillars of their homes, they can sell their jewelries, clothes, borrow or even hawk anything in the name of business just to support their husbands In providing care to her children”.

“My mother raised us well; then she was selling groundnuts. I used to assist her to hawk the nuts. Even with that small groundnut business, she likes giving arms to people in need. That is how I learnt and developed love for giving. She was the one who taught me to give to people that I am better off than. I describe parental care as obligatory and reciprocal. My mother took care of me and all my siblings until we grew up. Now that she is old, the responsibility fallss on us,her children, to reciprocate that love and care she earlier provided us with. She is at the receiving end right now. You see, there is is no care given to my mother that will be sufficient considering her sacrifices to sustain the family until we come of age.”

“Some people said that I lavished her with gifts simply because I bought a Jeep, a big bed, assorted clothes, jewellery, food stuff, and a house for her, and everything money can buy, and I told them that even all these are not enough to compare her love and care for me until I grow up. However, it’s my calling. I did the same for people who are not even close to me. How much more, my mom.”

“After now,, I will take you to where I’m currently building a shoppingng complex for the indigent the less privileged,, and widows; the building is at the completiontion stage. When I finish with the shops,, I will stick the shops with a varietyety of goods before handing them over to the prospective beneficiaries to manage;; from that point, the shop becomes their own. If I didn’t do it like that, I wouldd feel that I’m creating another problem for them, the problem of raising money to start the business on their own; that’s what some people usually do in the name of empowerment,, and that will keep the shops empty for years; that will not serve the purpose for which I built the shops. Behind the shopping complex is a widow’sw’s lodge, where I’m building 4 bedroom bungalows for widowsthat are are als at the roofing stage. For over 3 years now I have been embarking on youthempowerment programs. Just in November 2024, about two months ago, I distributed tricycles, shuttle buses, tricycle pickups, and motorcycles to the youths in my community.. If I can do this for people I don’t even know, will it not be ridiculous that I am doing all these for people without taking care of my mother?” He asked.

“The significance of this celebration in Okposi culture. Some people like to lavish money to bury their dead loved ones, but in reality those people may have died out of lack, frustration, and endless suffering, but when the person dies, that is when they will remember to build a good old house for their parents or renovate the old one, painting a false picture as if they truly care, but if they had given their parents half of the oney they lavished, their parents would have still been alive or at least enjoyed the fruit of their labour before they will eventually die. But my case is different; somebody that is just returning from the city stopped over thinking that we are doing burial when he saw the crowd that attended the event, and he said to me, Chief, you are giving your mother a dignified burial, and I said, God forbid, can’t you read what was written on the banner to see that it is her birthday? Though it is called burying someone while he or she is still alive in my tradition, I prefer to give it to my mother while she is still alive.”

By Prince-Solomon Okorie – Guidepost

Addressing a crowd who passed through several hurdles just to pay homage to the governor, the Ebonyi state governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, recently at his country home, he humbly admitted:
“I want to officially apologise to all Ebonyians for the treatment my security men at the gate meted out to you during your visit to me here at Oferekpe and even in the Government House.

I have had about four different meetings with them on the best possible way to handle this job of theirs professionally without molesting anyone.

I could imagine your feelings when technocrats like you are harassed or have to be made to stand for even an hour without gaining access to my compound after suffering yourself to get here.

Sometimes, the security men will close the main gate and open the small one, where they randomly have to squeeze three or more persons at once, and many get wounded, or even your clothes get dirty just to come in.

I know all these things because I’ve passed through it, and it is not auguring well with me. For me, my intention is that any Ebonyian who wishes to see me shouldn’t have to wait even for an hour before seeing me.

I am so sorry about all that you’ve passed through, and I am assuring you all that, God willing, we are putting some measures in place that will guarantee your access to me at any time you want, and be rest assured that gaining access to my compound will not be an issue again.

I had a very poor background, and there’s no kind of untold hardship I have not passed through before getting to this point. Most times I wonder how God brought me here because I never saw it coming during my suffering years.

I am very much aware that my being here is an unmerited favour from God, and I must do whatever it takes to see that many who think their survival rests on us don’t get disappointed.

I am going to get the team that helped in draughting the People’s Charter of Needs” back on the round table or even engage more hands to see how we amend some sections of it that will be geared towards getting everybody involved in the running of this state so that we see how much we pull our people out of poverty”.

Editor’s viewpoint: Quite commendable; other people in higher authority should emulate the Ebonyi state governor in running all-inclusive governance and rendering humanitarian services.

By Prince-Solomon Okorie – Guidepost News

The former governor of Ebonyi State and current minister for works pledges support for Governor Nwifuru and advocates for an eight-year tenure.

Ebonyi State’s immediate past governor and current minister of works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, accompanied by former members of his administration (2015–2023), paid a Christmas homage to the governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, on Friday, January 3, 2025. He used the occasion to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and express confidence in Governor Nwifuru’s leadership.

During the visit, Umahi praised the federal government’s developmental efforts, highlighting the progress achieved under President Tinubu’s leadership.

“Before now, there were no federal projects in Ebonyi,” Umahi said. “What we have now under this administration is remarkable. Though some claim we have many projects, it is not more than what other states have. The difference is that our projects are smaller and spread across the state, whereas other states have longer roads.”

The minister expressed strong confidence in Governor Nwifuru’s leadership, declaring his tenure divinely ordained for eight years.

“I am happy to be here with some of the people we worked with during my administration,” Umahi said. “I was here last year and will continue to visit for the next six and a half years, by the grace of God.”

“The spirit of God has asked me to declare that your tenure is for eight years. Even if you were a bad person, there is no replacement for you in Izzi land.”

Umahi dismissed any suggestion of personal financial interest in his endorsement. “Is it money I want? I don’t need money. I am not a money person. If I were, we wouldn’t have developed the state. The way you honour me before my enemies is more than enough. That’s why I’m openly declaring the secret of your second tenure ahead of everyone. You will not spend a single kobo for your reelection.”

He commended Nwifuru for his contributions to the successes of his administration, emphasising their shared achievements. “There is no legacy we achieved in Ebonyi State that you were not part of. Our legacies are intertwined and inseparable,” he said.

He predicted a seamless reelection for Nwifuru, saying, “We have declared fully that you will have your eight years intact. Your reelection will be the smoothest.”

Umahi applauded the governor’s efforts to reconcile with former opponents for the state’s peace but reiterated his readiness to confront challenges if necessary.

“I thank God you have reconciled with those we fought to be where we are. But if there’s a need, we will fight again. Fighting is my calling—like David in the Bible, I am always a fighter,” he said.

By Prince-Solomon Okorie – Guidepost News 

My covenant with Nwifuru: no other governor until after 8 yrs – works minister, 
He applauds President Tinubu for approving the establishment of a pilot school in Ebonyi.

The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, on Monday insisted that he had a covenant with the governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, to run for an eight-year tenure in the state.

Umahi equally revealed that he nearly lost the senatorial election after all his sacrifices to bring greater development to the people of the state, especially in the Ebonyi south zone.

He further called on the stakeholders of the state, especially the youths from the three senatorial zones of the state, to support the incumbent governor, Francis Nwifuru, to succeed in his administration.

The former governor, Umahi, insisted that the governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, must complete his eight-year tenure, and that’s the covenant he had with him.

Umahi made this known while addressing the former executive council members that served the state from 2015 to 2023, who paid him a Christmas homage at his country home in the Uburu community, Ohaozara LGA.

According to him, “It is our duty to water this tree we planted. If he is not doing everything we want, he is not God. If he is not doing everything, we need to give him time.

“When you have sown, you pray to God to reap it, but those who fought us and those who wished that you who suffered should not partake, let it be unto them according to their prayers.

“I received a huge betrayal, especially in the south zone; I shed tears. Without the Uburu and Okposi communities and the Afikpo South, after all the sacrifices I did in Ebonyi State and I did in the South, I would have lost my senatorial election.

The former governor advised his successor not to take people for granted; that little drop of water can sink a mighty ship. He also clears the air of the rumours about Hon. Onyekachi Nwebonyi becoming the governor in 2027 as false. “I’m not a double standard politician; I cannot be canvassing support for the incumbent governor to complete his 8 years and, at the same time, promising Hon. Nwebonyi to become within the same time frame; that will be tantamount to instigating a crisis. Besides, Sen. Nwebonyi is very comfortable where he is. Both of them are like sons to me; my duty is to guide them,” he said.

In a related development, the minister of works, David Umahi, however, applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of a pilot school, which will be sited at Onueke Ezza South LGA of Ebonyi State.

“The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved the establishment of a pilot school, which will be sited at Onueke Ezza LGA. We will work together to ensure that it becomes the best of its kind in Africa, he stated”.

My Covenant With Nwifuru: No Other Governor Until After 8yrs – works minister,
He applauds President Tinubu for approving the establishment of pilot school in Ebonyi

By, Prince-Solomon Okorie – Guidepost News

The Minister of works, Sen. David Umahi on Monday insisted that he had a covenant with the governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru to run for eight years tenure in the state.

Umahi, equally revealed that he nearly lost senatorial election after all his sacrifices to bring greater development to the people of the state, especially in Ebonyi south zone.

He, further called on the stakeholders of the state, especially the youths from the three senatorial zones of the state to support the incumbent governor, Francis Nwifuru to succeed in his administration.

The former governor, Umahi insisted that the governor of Ebonyi State Francis Nwifuru must complete his eight years tenure and that’s the covenant he had with him.

Umahi made this known while addressing the former executive council members that served the state from 2015 to 2023 which paid him a Christmas Homage at his countryhome in Uburu community Ohaozara LGA.

According to him “it is our duty to water this tree we planted. If he is not doing everything we want, he is not God. If he is not doing everything, we need to give him time.

“When you have sown, you pray to God to reap it, but those who fought us, and those who wished that you who suffered Should not partake, let it be unto them according to their prayers.

“I received a huge betrayal, especially in the south zone, I shed tears. Without Uburu and Okposi communities, and the Afikpo south, after all the sacrifices I did in Ebonyi state, and I did in the south, I would have lost my senatorial election.

The former governor advised his successor not to take people for granted that little drop of water can sink a mighty ship. He also clears the air of the rumors about Hon. Onyekachi Nwebonyi becoming the governor in 2027 as false. “I’m not a double standard politician, I cannot be canvassing support for the incumbent governor to complete his 8 years and at the same time promising Hon. Nwebonyi to become within the same time frame, that will be tantamount to instigating crisis, besides Nwebonyi is very comfortable where he is. Both of them are like son’s to me, my duty is to guide them,” he said

In a related development, the minister of works, David Umahi, however applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of pilot school, which will be sited at Onueke Ezza South LGA of Ebonyi State.

“The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of pilot school which will be sited at Onueke Ezza LGA. We will work together to ensure that it becomes the best of it’s kind in Africa” he stated”.

Dear Godswill Onyukwu Solomon, Your Name spell greatness, your Mom and I are not surprised that you are doing great things already in the digital space

Dear Godswill Onyukwu Solomon, your name alone spell greatness and victory, welcome to Adulthood

Happy  Birthday! Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life, and we couldn’t be prouder of the incredible person you’ve become. Watching you grow into such a kind, strong, and thoughtful young man has been one of the greatest joys of my life.

As you step into adulthood, remember that the world is full of opportunities waiting for you to explore. Dream big, work hard, and always stay true to yourself. Whatever challenges or adventures lie ahead, know that we’ll always be here to support you every step of the way.

Enjoy this special day—you’ve earned it! May your journey ahead be filled with happiness, success, and endless possibilities.

With love from,
Mon & Dad

Dear Godswill Onyukwu, Your Name spell greatness

Happy 18th Birthday! Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life, and I couldn’t be prouder of the incredible person you’ve become. Watching you grow into such a kind, strong, and thoughtful young man has been one of the greatest joys of my life.

As you step into adulthood, remember that the world is full of opportunities waiting for you to explore. Dream big, work hard, and always stay true to yourself. Whatever challenges or adventures lie ahead, know that I’ll always be here to support you every step of the way.

Enjoy this special day—you’ve earned it! May your journey ahead be filled with happiness, success, and endless possibilities. You are the only one who can truly call me daddy.

With deepest love from,
Mom & Dad

By Prince-Solomon Okorie

While addressing the newsmen in office at Abakaliki Rice Mill Industries, Mr. Linus Obeji credited the interventions of the Ebonyi State government, particularly the administration of His Excellency Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, whose support for the rice industries has led to increased productivity, efficiency, and the eradication of dishonest measuring scales in the rice mill industry.

“It is important to note that the governor, in his wisdom, granted autonomy to Abakaliki Rice Mill Industries, recognising it as a group of registered companies and private entity, an action we will be forever grateful for, because it boosts our productivity; it also attracts investors to the industry.

“We are happy for the achievement of restoring our normal measurements, which has brought back many of our customers and farmers. For the first time in the history of Abakaliki Rice Mill, we have also introduced social infrastructure, including a 15-bedroom toilet facility for our workers and customers,” he said.

“We have also attracted several incentives from IFAD, and for the first time, we now have a kitchen where visitors and millers can have breakfast and more,” Obeji added.

“We’ve brought civility to Abakaliki Rice Mill, unlike before when gangs and touts nearly took over the company.”

“We improved the security architecture of the rice industry by creating a police security post. We also worked on our roads. Before now, you could not access line A to line B, C, or D without following the main road, but now, you can access any lines from wherever you are to the next line, he concluded.”

By Prince-Solomon Okorie – Guidepost

An entrepreneur, Dr. Dalington Ugota, has flagged off the Esthinton Football Competition 2024, a unity cup tournament aimed to develop  upcoming footballers in the Ezza South local government area of Ebonyi state. 

Dr. Ugota said during the kickoff match between the Golden Boys of Azuebonyi Idebia and the Ezzama Breakers that the gesture is an investment in human beings that would transform to development in the society.

“An investment in human beings can transform the development of the general society, and that is why we say in our own little way, We’d like to come to this format, and I’m grateful to God for making today a reality.’” Dr. Ugota said. 

He expressed optimism that the exercise would give birth to future stars that would represent the state in football game across the country and even diaspora; “we are hoping that in future we will have superstars not just from Ezza South but Ebonyi state and Nigeria at large”. He opined. 

While interacting with journalists at the event, the chairman of Ezza South local government area of the state, Chief Euphemia Nwali, commended Dr. Ugota for the initiative and described it as a demonstration of love and unity for the people. 

“This event is a demonstration of love and unity. With this, people will continue to progress. This is a way of harnessing the talents of our people, and we believe that before the end of this competition, we will definitely get people to sponsor further.” Nwali said. 

She advised indigenous people outside the state to always think of home and invest in the youths, saying it would enhance human productivity and take the youths off all forms of crime and criminality, thereby transforming them into big investments.

Speaking further, Barrister Ifeanyi Nworie, former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chairman in the state, expressed his excitement about the event, noting it as a first of its kind, where Ezza South has come in unison to showcase love towards one another. 

“I feel excited, especially about the coming together of my people. I think it’s the first time that Ezza South is coming together irrespective of political affiliation. The business class, working class, politicians, and the clergy are here working with us. I feel so excited.” Nworie said. 

As the chairman of the planning committee, Nworie expressed confidence that the tournament would help the youths to be useful to the society. 

Prince Eddie-Johns Okorie Guidepost News International

Helping People To Succeed Is My Calling – Chief Okpata Ozua Oha

Helping people to succeed is my calling and covenant with God, said Chief Okorie Kingsley Chuks (aka Okpataoza Oha1 of Okposi), the Nigerian, European-based philanthropist, in an exclusive interview on 27th December 2024 at Eagle Royal Hotel Abakaliki; he narrates his experience to our newsmen.

Saying:

“I passed through a lot while growing up; back then, when we were living at Uche Street, Abakaliki, in my state, Ebonyi. My father bought me a wheelbarrow to be pushing to raise money for the family. I was happy about it; I used to carry people’s loads from Spera-Indo Junction to Kprikpri Market or other remote places within Abakaliki, but to my chagrin, shortly after that, my father sold this same wheelbarrow to another barrow pusher, who immediately started using it to work. I profusely became stranded”.

“That frustration made me relocate to Lagos to look for greener pastures. Then I started hawking ice water in the streets of Lagos, and then the woman that used to supply ice cubes to me later connected me to her son, who is based in Europe. That’s how I travelled to Europe and became who I am today. Probably, if that Yoruba woman had not assisted me through her son, I may still have been in Lagos selling sachet water since the ice water is no longer in business”.

“You see, the help that I received from the Yoruba woman was my motivation; I drew my passionate inspiration to assist others through her. The youths are vulnerable to poverty if they are not assisted financially to start their own businesses or meaningfully engaged”.

“In the strength of the above and having been blessed by God through people, I decided to be a blessing to others, to help them grow, so that they too can assist others”.

“Recently, I have distributed a trailer load of tricycles, motorcycles, shuttle buses, tricycle pickups, and money to the youths in my community. I am a youth too; some of the beneficiaries are older than me, but God placed it in my heart to help them, and the majority of them don’t even know me, and I don’t know them, but each time I drove past them aimlessly hanging out, I decided to impact their lives positively, and I have been doing this for three years now”.

“I feel fulfilled each time I pass by the village square, those places they used to gather or aimlessly hang out. Instead, whenever I’m driving along the road, I usually see them making a living with those vehicles that I distributed to them; that makes me feel real good, you know.”.

“My advice to people that consider themselves wealthy or better-of  in the society is to help the indigents, the needy; by so doing, we can collectively build a wealthy society free from crime. The best investment anyone can make is impacting positively on humanity”.

“Some people think that I wanted to go into politics or that I’m interested in political positions, far from it, I’m not interested in politics, I am simply an entrepreneur developing humanity”.