News

AESID chides Buhari, Umahi over comments on Ebonyi economic performance

Published

4 years ago

7th May 2022

A frontline Diaspora group in Ebonyi State, Association of Ebonyi State Indigenes in the Diaspora, AESID has taken swipes at the impressive remarks accorded the Engr. David Umahi government in Ebonyi State by President Muhammadu Buhari wherein he claimed that the former’s infrastructural strides have translated to improved economic indices and better living standards among the people of the State.

Recall that Buhari had during a dinner organized for him by the State government at the new Exco chambers during his two-day visit to the State positively appraised the Umahi administration, noting among others; “the significant projects executed by Your Excellency in the last seven years. You have done your people proud. I am pleased by the economic development records of the state under your administration, the wonderful network of roads, critical infrastructure, and investment opportunity that you have created in the state. I have noted the progress in the economic performance index of the state, particularly the budget office rating and the SFTAS commendable records about your budgeting principles…”

As a body, desirous of seeing a genuinely prosperous and economically viable Ebonyi which has severally lamented about Governor Umahi’s locust years in governance which has delibrately created massive hunger and poverty as a coercive tool to whip the poor Ebonyians into his line of subjective submissions, AESID seriously condemns the concocted lies, infantile deceits and elitest mockery which the wasteful jamboree called Presidential visit has brought upon our poor State.

To drive home our points most glaringly for instance, we recall that it was in December last year during the inauguration of the new Bishop of Abakaliki Catholic Diocese that the Governor, in his usual spur-of-the-moment candour officially handed over the so-called King David Medical University situated in his Uburu village and said to be officially registered in his name to the Church to manage it as a Mission’s school. How come the same institution which modalities have already advanced for full takeover by the church was again handed over to the Federal Government? Does Umahi think that Ebonyi people are that unthinking not to even deserve an answer and the following of due process?

On President Buhari’s obnoxious claims on improved economy for our dear State, AESID feels obligated to inform Mr. President, remind Umahi and the rest of the world that our Ebonyi still remains the poverty capital of the entire Southern Nigeria according to the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS and that fact has not changed. Rather, it has only worsened. This is more so because in his intentional wickedness, Umahi has only continued his use of ghosty ‘Umahi and Sons Ltd’ to award and execute most if not all fiscal and infrastructural projects except for perhaps a few that falls on his cronies desk.

As a group which has been compelled to intervene in providing succour to some internally-displaced- persons due to communal conflicts, we are aware that the awful rating of Ebonyi as the poorest State in Southern Nigeria with about 80% Poverty index according to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics is very real and the people cannot wait for the Umahi cup to pass them over so their over-taxed and burdened means of livelihoods could breathe some fresh air.

AESID is also further aware that Umahi’s budgeting and fiscal policies, particularly the secrecy of Contract awards and execution of same which are primarily handled by his direct family and unknown cronies cannot be referred to by Buhari as being the best or even one of the bests. We may live and do businesses elsewhere but there’s no denying the fact that Umahi’s seven years reign has delibrately impoverished Ebonyi arguably more than any government in Nigeria’s history! We are therefore at a loss as to who fed Buhari with the lies and claims he dished out to discerning members of the Nigerian public and the rest of the world?

Ironically and as diasporans knowledgeable about the goings on in Nigeria particularly as it concerns our nation’s economy, we are aware that Buhari’s understanding of simple economics and it’s indices vis-a-vis National growth and development is horribly shallow. A leader with such a credential cannot therefore in our wisdom be in the right stead to pass a right verdict on Ebonyi’s economic growth and development. He could have simply enjoyed the special Abakaliki rice offered him by his hosts amidst lavished praise-singing and returned back to Aso Rock. After all, our arguably profligate Governor has been donating and lavishing Ebonyi’s scarce resources on him and those around him whom he has been frolicking around, pretending to be ‘consulting’ for the 2023 Presidential race.

We know that the Abakaliki rice specie is so sweet that one could eat same and forget about actual realities and this is why AESID urges discerning members of the Ebonyi, nay Nigerian public to ignore the praises heaped on Umahi and his government by his visitors. We know that having looted Ebonyi’s treasury to stupor, Umahi is desperately seeking for a cover from EFCC after his ruinous reign in Ebonyi, hence his desperation to handover the property and the entire State if it were possible to Buhari-led FG. AESID therefore urges the anti-graft agency to investigate the ownership and looting of our common patrimony through the numerous cosmetic projects executed by Umahi such as the Medical school, airport, among other conduit pipes for massive corruption.

On the hand, we most sincerely commend the Catholic Church in Ebonyi State and particularly the Bishop of Abakaliki Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Fr. Peter Chukwu Nworie for their roles in ensuring that Rev. Fr. Timothy Ngwuta was finally granted bail by the Court just as we commend the judiciary for the role it played. As his trial continues, we further urge them and the Church to be fair and firm in ensuring that justice is not only seen to be done but very well done!

Signed:

Ambassador Paschal Oluchukwu

AESID President, World-wide

News

Good Sweat Announces Culture Run, Blending Fitness and Culture In Lagos – October 31st

Published

19 minutes ago

26th October 2026

manlikeakoh

Fitness meets cultural expression as GOOD SWEAT prepares to bring its CULTURE RUN experience to Lagos on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

Designed around the connection between physical wellness and cultural identity, CULTURE RUN offers participants an opportunity to embrace an active lifestyle while celebrating the richness of African culture. The event brings together fitness enthusiasts, culture lovers, and individuals looking for a refreshing way to connect through movement and shared experiences.

The run is scheduled to begin at 4:30 PM, setting the stage for an evening that extends beyond fitness. At 6:00 PM, participants can look forward to the CULTURE PARTY, the event’s post-run celebration.

Adding to the experience is a distinctive dress code that encourages attendees to wear their regular running kits with a touch of cultural wear. This creative blend of athletic apparel and traditional-inspired fashion gives participants an opportunity to express their individuality while celebrating their cultural roots.

The event will take place at Bistrot Samantha’s, located at 7/12 Rumen’s Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

With its combination of fitness, fashion, culture, and social interaction, CULTURE RUN aims to create an experience that extends beyond the running track, bringing people together through a shared appreciation for wellness and cultural expression.

As Lagos continues to embrace lifestyle experiences that combine fitness with social engagement, CULTURE RUN offers an opportunity for participants to stay active, celebrate their heritage, and connect with like-minded individuals in a vibrant setting.

EVENT DETAILS

Event: CULTURE RUN
Presented by: GOOD SWEAT
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Run Time: 4:30 PM
Post-Run Party: 6:00 PM
Dress Code: Running kit with a touch of cultural wear
Venue: Bistrot Samantha’s
Address: 7/12 Rumen’s Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria

Get Tickets

News

Pius Okogie Releases 15-Track Gospel Album, I Lift My Hands In Praise

Published

2 days ago

24th October 2026

Usman Oladuntoye

15 Songs. One Heart Lifted to God.

Gospel music minister Pius Okogie proudly announces the release of his new 15-track album, I Lift My Hands in Praise, now available worldwide.

The album is more than a collection of songs. It is an offering of praise, worship, gratitude, testimony, faith, victory, and surrender to the God who has remained faithful through every season.

Featuring songs such as I Lift My Hands in Praise, You Are Good, I Will Testify, Oghena Kho Oghie, Sweet Holy Spirit, Holy Ghost Fire, Victory on the Cross, and I Surrender All to You, the project offers listeners a powerful collection of worship experiences designed to strengthen faith, inspire gratitude, and draw hearts closer to God.

Through these 15 songs, Pius Okogie invites listeners to reflect on God’s goodness, celebrate His faithfulness, and experience the uplifting power of praise and worship.

Whether during personal devotion, prayer, thanksgiving, or moments of reflection, I Lift My Hands in Praise serves as a musical expression of faith and complete surrender to God.

STREAM ALBUM HERE

News

itel Launches A300+: Most Affordable Duo-Screen Smartphone with a Rear Screen

Published

3 weeks ago

7th October 2026

Usman Oladuntoye

itel, the technology empowerment brand for masses, officially unveiled its new product A300+, brand’s first interactive dual-screen smartphone in its price range. itel A300+ comes with a comprehensive set of features — a 7000mAh marathon battery, IP65 military-grade durability, and satellite communication capability, demonstrating that innovation and complete product strength can coexist at an accessible price point.

A First-of-Its-Kind Rear Screen Experience: Interactive Innovation for a New Generation

itel A300+ coming with an interactive rear display is a rare feature in this price category, designed to deliver a smart entertainment experience for young generations. Far from being a cosmetic gimmick, the rear screen provides practical functions built around real everyday scenarios. Users can frame selfies using the higher-quality rear camera with a live preview on the back screen, glance at incoming messages and alerts without waking the main display, and play, pause, or skip tracks directly from the rear screen. The rear display also supports customizable clocks, photos, and designs, giving users a personal window to express their individual style. Complementing the rear screen, the A300+ features a 6.78-inch immersive punch-hole main display, offering a cleaner, more expansive viewing experience for streaming, gaming, browsing, and social media.

Performance and Value in Balance: Delivering Fresh Technology Despite Industry Pressure

Even amid rising industry costs, itel has chosen to bring fresh technology to its products while continuously improving performance and keeping pricing accessible. The A300+ is powered by a 7000mAh marathon battery engineered for long-term reliability, supporting up to 1,200 charging cycles — far exceeding the industry standard, and designed to retain healthy capacity. AI Charging Protection intelligently manages charging patterns to reduce battery degradation, while Smart Power Management optimizes power consumption across apps and hardware to extend usage time between charges.

The device also features 300% ultra-volume DTS stereo speakers, delivering rich, room-filling sound for music, videos, FM radio, and everyday entertainment. Built to withstand daily life and beyond, the A300+ carries IP65 water and dust resistance certification and meets military-grade durability standards, resisting splashes, dust, and accidental drops. Notably, the A300+ includes satellite communication capability, ensuring users can still send basic messages via satellite when cellular networks are unavailable — a safety net in remote areas, during natural disasters, or in other critical situations, setting it apart in its price segment.

The A300+ is built on a clear product philosophy, rather than relying on a single headline feature, it combines its key strengths into one complete product story. The rear screen captures attention first, while battery life, durability, and practical usability make the overall value proposition convincing. With the A300+, itel once again demonstrates its commitment to using innovation to meet the needs and desire for novelty among young users in emerging markets.

The itel A300+ is available in two variants: the 64GB ROM and 128GB ROM and they are both available in all phone retail stores in Nigeria or via online store HERE