Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vertex Labs, a technology, artificial intelligence, and innovation specialist based in Doha, State of Qatar, for the establishment, development, and operation of an Institute of Applied Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Computing at a new campus. The technology infrastructure and academic partnership agreement follows extensive consultations, culminating in the finalisation of a comprehensive framework for the proposed institute. The ESUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aloysius-Michael Okolie, expressed confidence in the agreement, describing the university’s position in the Memorandum as its finalised position for the partnership.…

By Elder Abraham Amah One of the most transformative pillars of Dr. Kelechi Anosike’s governorship vision for Abia State is the establishment of the Abia Labour and Global Opportunities Agency (ALGOA)—a specialized institution designed to connect Abia’s talented youth with legitimate employment opportunities across the world. At a time when thousands of highly educated and skilled young Nigerians are searching for opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the global economy, Dr. Anosike recognizes that government must move beyond traditional job-creation rhetoric and become an active facilitator of employment. His administration will therefore establish an agency dedicated to identifying, preparing, certifying, and…

The rising price of cooking gas has forced many households and businesses in the Federal Capital Territory to embrace traditional fuels such as charcoal and firewood. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that cooking gas prices in the FCT have risen sharply in recent months, moving from about N1,200 per kg to N2,000 per kg. Industry operators have attributed the increase to supply shortages, higher depot costs, foreign exchange pressures and rising transportation expenses. Consumers and vendors of the essential commodity, who spoke to NAN on Sunday, said the rising cost has forced many households and businesses to seek cheaper…

Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu has restated his administration’s commitment to intensifying the fight against insecurity and ensuring the release of all persons held captive across the country, stating that Nigeria will not bow to terrorists or bandits. Tinubu’s position was conveyed on Sunday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the national interdenominational church service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration. A statement by the SGF’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga, said Tinubu stated: “The government of Nigeria shall never succumb to terror, banditry or…

Dr Stanley Nduagu, media adviser to Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, general overseer of Chapel of Faith International Bible Church, Worldwide, Onitsha, Anambra State, has described the arrest and arraignment of the popular cleric as a matter of concern and a politically induced witch hunt. DrumAfricanews reports that the Anambra State government, on the morning of Friday, June 5th, 2026, arraigned Bishop Emeka Nwankpa and seven others, including Peter Chukwu, Chinedu Egwuonwu, Ebele Nnachukwu, Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu, Ndubisi Nnachukwu, Miracle Iruoma, and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama, as alleged fake pastors for violating the 2025 Homeland Security Law. DrumAfricaNews reports that the state attorney general and…

The Anambra State Government this morning arraigned eight men, including Bishop Emeka Nwankpa and seven others, as alleged fake pastors for violating the 2025 Homeland Security Law. Nwankpa is the General Overseer of Chapel of Faith International Bible Church, Worldwide, Onitsha, Anambra State, and an indigene of Umuopara Umukalu Ntigha Ancient Kingdom, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Abia State. Bishop Emeka Nwankpa is a graduate of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, who also holds a Diploma in Theology and an ordained Evangelist, is one of the top aspirants of NDC for Abia Central Senatorial District election for 2027, and is…

The Association of Igbo Town Unions, (ASITU), has tasked members of the union to check the background of candidates of political parties before casting their votes during the 2027 general elections. ASITU urged the members to shun people who would want to use money to influence them to support bad candidates during the polls. Chief Emeka Diwe, National President of ASITU, who addressied elected members of the Association in Aba, noted that it will not be in the interest of the people to elect candidates who have no capacity to deliver democracy dividends. He described the town union as a…

Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has described the nomination of Professor Dapo Akande, the Nigerian-born United Kingdom’s candidate for a seat on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2027–2036 term as structural recognition of a shared legal destiny,” adding that Africa’s would-be presence at the ICJ is a matter of justice. This is even as the House of Representatives equally endorsed the candidacy of Professor Akande, for a seat on the ICJ for the 2027–2036 on Wednesday when he and his team from the British High Commission in Abuja were during a courtesy visit…

As part of ongoing efforts to position Enugu State as a leading centre for technology-driven growth and innovation, Governor Peter Mbah has intensified his administration’s push for experiential, skills-based education that prioritises practical knowledge over conventional classroom learning. In furtherance of this vision, a high-powered delegation from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has arrived in Doha, Qatar, for a strategic academic study tour focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), innovation, applied learning, and technology implementation frameworks. The delegation, led by the Vice-Chancellor of ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, is engaging in a series of visits to leading academic…

Governor Peter Mbah has gifted players and management of Rangers International Football Club with plots of land and the sum of N150 million for winning the 2025/2026 NPFL title. Mbah announced the gifts during a dinner reception he hosted in honour of the players, technical crew and management of the team at Government House, Enugu, on Tuesday night. Rangers FC won the league for a record-equaling ninth time and also for a second time in three years under the Mbah Administration following a 2-1 win over Ikorodu City Boys in Lagos on May 24, 2026. Speaking at the event, Mbah…