Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

…says 6th state for S’East has nothing to do with ethnic expansion The member representing Ideato North and Ideato South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ikenga Ugochinyere has said that inasmuch as the right for the sixth state for the South East was given to core South Eastern geography, the zone can only support Anioma State creation if it willing to unite and address its core demands. Ugochinyere who was reacting to the recent euphoria online and statements of assurance that Anioma State will be created with a capital in Asaba, took a serious taken opposing positions on…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has said that the allegation from one of its governorship aspirants, Mascot Uzor-Kalu, is baseless and not unusual. Uzor-Kalu had alleged that the State Executive, LGA chairmen, and selected stakeholders were mobilised under the guise of a meeting for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign but were allegedly brought together to foist a preferred candidate on the party. The party firmly denied any plan to impose a governorship candidate through a stakeholders’ meeting that took place yesterday, April 12, 2026, in Umuahia, with the Abia APC Publicity Secretary, Chief Uche Aguoru, describing the…

The late Rev. Dr Uma Ukpai, evangelist and philanthropist, who was laid to rest on March 26, 2026, was at the weekend immortalised in his Asaga Ohafia community with the unveiling of a life-sized statue of him.  The Asaga Ohafia Development Union (ADU) said the monument was erected at Onuogo Eziukwu Village Square, the exact spot where Uma Ukpai began the famous Asaga Solemn Assembly, to immortalise a man they called “God’s General”. Born in Asaga Ohafia in 1945, Uma Ukpai founded the Asaga Solemn Assembly, held every January 1, where thousands gathered for prayers, healing, and deliverance.  The ADU…

…says politics is not dirty game, but powerful tool for shaping leadership outcomes Governor Alex Otti, has told Christians and other faith-based institutions in Nigeria and well meaning Nigerians that politics must not be ignored if getting the leadership question in Nigeria right truly matters to them. Otti made this call on Saturday, April 11th, at the Transforming Church Int’l, Abuja, during their ADVANCE workers, pastors & Leaders Conference while delivering a keynote speech titled “The role of the Church in Societal Transformation.” The Abia Governor urged Christians to pick interest and get intentionally involved in driving societal transformation…

The crème de la crème of the Ngwa nation, including political, business, and traditional leaders, gathered in Nenu town, Obingwa Local Government of Abia State, on Friday, April 10, 2026, for the burial of the late Ezeji Luke Aliga, father to Elder Raymond Aliga, founder of Allray Group of companies. Giving his tribute to Pa Aliga, who died at the age of 102, the immediate past governor of Abia State and current Nigerian ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, described Pa Aliga as a man whose philanthropy and wise counsel left indelible marks on many lives. He…

The University of Calabar has conferred a Doctor of Laws (PhD) on Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, during its 38th Convocation Ceremony. Meanwhile, Kalu’s doctoral research was also selected as one of the most outstanding projects, earning a place at the University’s Achievement Exhibition on Contribution to Knowledge, further underscoring the academic merit and national relevance of his work. Kalu who delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the PhD graduating class, Kalu reflected on the rigours and rewards of the doctoral journey, describing it as “demanding, humbling, and transformative.” He highlighted the…

…as tolu school complex in Ajegunle is commissioned Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has said that the commitment of the National Assembly to policies and initiatives that strengthen education across Nigeria is unwavering. Kalu who described education as the foundation for sustainable national development while speaking at the official commissioning of the Tolu School Complex in Ajegunle, one of the key legacy projects of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, described projects as strategic investments in the future of Lagos. The Deputy Speaker who noted that education remains the bedrock upon which…

The University of Calabar (UNICAL) has showcased the PhD thesis of Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu PhD, CFR, as one of its most outstanding research works during an academic exhibition held on April 7, 2026. DrumAfricanews learnt that the study, which explores Nigeria’s counter-terrorism legal framework, was recognised by UNICAL for its contribution to legal scholarship, human rights protection, and national development. Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, is set to be formally conferred with a Doctor of Law on April 11, marking a significant milestone in his academic and public service journey. DrumAfricanews reports that the recent honour…

Leaders and stakeholders from Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South LGA of Abia State have appealed to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, to contest the governorship position in the upcoming 2027 election. DrumAfricanews learnt that this latest appeal from Isiala-Ngwa forms part of a broader movement within the bloc, one of the most influential political blocs in Abia, where community leaders have openly endorsed Kalu as their preferred candidate. The appeal was made during the official inauguration of the “Ikeoha Movement” and the declaration of interest by Chief Sir Uzoma Ihuka to…

The Imo State Government through the Ministry of Digital Economy & E-Government and the Ministry of Education (Primary & Secondary) have launched a brand new website where people can now check their First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) result and download their certificate from home – anytime, day or night. This move has just made life much easier for anyone who needs their First School Leaving Certificate; that all-important document people get after finishing primary school, which thr need for job applications, secondary school admission, or even travelling abroad. DrumAfricanews reports that to tackle the decades of problem of collecting FSLC,…