Author: Drum Africa Correspondent
The kidnapping of billionaire businessman Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, father of socialist billionaire, Jowizaza, has thrown his hometown of Ekwulobia in Anambra State into mourning and uncertainty. In response, community leaders have taken the rare decision to postpone the town’s annual New Yam Festival — a move said to be unprecedented in the community’s history. Residents reportedly felt that celebrating while one of their prominent sons remains in captivity would be inappropriate. For many, the festival should wait until there is hope and relief over his safe return. DrumAfricanews reports that billionaire businessman and founder of Jezco Oil and Jezco Group,…
The management of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (NAU) has informed the university community of the decision banning with immediate effect, within the university premises and campuses, all forms of orchestration, celebration, or “signing-off” activities by final year students in connection with final examinations. Information from NAU Public Relations Unit, said that the decision is predicated on recurring incidents of chaos, violence, vandalism, and disruption of academic and administrative activities associated with such events. According to the Internal Memo signed by the University Registrar, Dr, Chinenye Gloria Okeke, Management is also concerned about the infiltration of unauthorized persons into the…
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has taken a decisive leap in its global internationalization drive by cementing a major academic partnership with Canada’s University of Waterloo and securing a fully-funded international PhD scholarship for a staff member. DrumAfricanews reports that both achievements stem directly from recent strategic diplomatic engagements spearheaded by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya. As gathered, on Monday, August 3, Prof. Ortuanya hosted a four-member delegation from the University of Waterloo at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, culminating in the formal signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement established a framework for joint research…
The government of Imo State has apologised for the inconvenience motorists and residents who may currently be experiencing some delays or temporary difficulty in vehicular movement as a result of the ongoing road maintenance works across the state. The government said it understands that roadworks can disrupt normal movement, particularly along busy corridors. However, the temporary inconvenience is part of the process of keeping these major roads in good condition and ensuring that the infrastructure continues to serve the people for many years. DrumAfricanews reports that the ongoing maintenance works at the Assumpta Fly-Over, Okigwe Road, Orlu Road and other…
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has congratulated the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, on the occasion of his 58th birthday. In a congratulatory message made available by Kalu’s Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, on Saturday, the Deputy Speaker described Professor Yilwatda as a distinguished academic. He added that Yilwatda is an exceptional leader whose commitment to service, strategic insight, and dedication to the growth of the APC have continued to inspire confidence in the future of the party. “Since assuming the leadership of our great party, Professor…
With the surge in Gender Based Violence, African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa) with support from Urgent Action Fund–Africa (UAF-Africa) has organized a one-day sensitisation programme for police officers in Aba Area Command. The workshop with the title “Strengthening the operationalization of the Abia State Centre for the Rehabilitation of Survivors of Rape, Defilement, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Law, 2026,” took place on the 6th August, 2026, at the Aba Area Command Headquarters, Nigeria Police Force, Abia State Command. The one-day workshop was organised for Police officers serving in the Juvenile, Women and Children (JWC), Human…
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has embarked on an inspection tour of the Onitsha Main Market to assess the ongoing remodeling and infrastructural upgrade projects. During the visit, the Governor interacted directly with the traders to evaluate the pace and quality of the construction work. The traders gave a collective affirmative response, confirming that the renovation activities are progressing steadily and meeting expectations as the December 2026 shopping season approaches. The comprehensive overhaul aims to modernize the commercial hub, improve sanitation, enhance security, and restore structural order to the West African trading center. However, as part of the broader…
Mr Chidiebere Kalu, a 30-year-old security guard attached to a popular school in Umuichichi, Osisioma, Aba, Abia State, has been sentenced to jail for offences committed against a 10-year-old female pupil of the school. Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), in collaboration with the Child Protection Network Abia Chapter, welcomes his conviction and sentencing as a way forward in the fight against sexual abuse and child molestation. Kalu, as gathered by DrumAfricanews, was on two counts of INDECENT ASSAULT and INSTILLING FEAR in a minor. He was sentenced to one year imprisonment without the option of a fine on the first count,…
When Access Bank’s South-East Regional Headquarters was built and located in Owerri, Imo State, to facility coordinate and oversee the bank’s operations across Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi states, many Nigerians did not understand what was brewing. Since 2025 after its establishment, the regional headquarters of Access Bank named “the Pascal Gabriel Dozie Building,” has been the economic powerhouse of Access Bank in the whole of the Southeast. Shortly after that, NOVA Bank established its South-East and South-South regional operational hub and headquarters in Owerri, Imo State. Commissioned in December 2025, the regional flagship office coordinates the bank’s strategic expansion, digital banking services, and…
Three national dailies, the Sun; Daily Times; and the New Telegraph have given the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, recognitions in 2026 for outstanding legislative service and contributions to national development. DrumAfricanews reports that Kalu who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State at the National Assembly also serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review. Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to Kalu, said that in its letter dated June 8, 2026, The Sun Newspapers announced him the winner of The Sun Legislative Icon Award 2026. He said that the Managing…