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IMO STATE GOVERNMENT ENGAGES STAKEHOLDERS ON EKE-UKWU MARKET, OPENS SUBSCRIPTION FOR EKE-UKWU ULTRA-MODERN INTERNATIONAL MARKET

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-Partners with Access Bank for Credit Facilities to Willing Buyers

-Gives 3 Months Moratorium for Street Traders for Acquired Shops Before Rentals

-To Evacuate Street Traders and Residential Houses Turned Business Stores

— “We are happy that our ancestral market is now an international market,” — Amawon Youths Praises Governor

By: Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, September 27, 2024

The Imo State Government has commenced engagement with the stakeholders of Eke-Ukwu Owerri market and opened the subscription for the newly built Eke-Ukwu Owerri Ultra-Modern International Market for traders and interested members of the public.

The Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, and Investment, Hon. Barr. Rex Anunobi ( Sokom), made this known on Friday at the conference room of the ministry during a stakeholder engagement organized by his ministry to engage the relevant stakeholders as he rolled out the plans for the commencement of subscription from the traders and interested public.

Commissioner Anunobi revealed the state government’s intention of clearing Douglas Road of street traders with the view of relocating them to their permanent site at the newly built Eke-Ukwu Ultra-Modern International Market. He stressed that the government has provided a credible alternative with modern features befitting trading activities. The commissioner recalled that Douglas Road, which was a presidential route when the state was created in 1976, is now blocked because of the activities of street traders. He noted that past governments were unable to achieve the relocation of the traders because no alternative was provided within the vicinity. However, this issue has been resolved as the state government, under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, took the initiative of building a modern market with all necessary accessories within the area where street trading activities occur. He stated that the street traders will no longer have any justification not to move to the new location, which is a stone’s throw away.

 

He informed the stakeholders that the state government has made everything possible for the relocation, including entering into an MoU with Access Bank as a financial partner to assist the traders in securing credit facilities such as loans to help them procure stores at the market.

To show the government’s preparedness for the commencement, Commissioner Anunobi revealed that the government would give up to a 3-month moratorium where the traders will not have to pay for rents, levies, or taxes to help them stabilize and acclimatize to the new trading environment.

Confirming the government’s position, the regional manager of Access Bank, Mr. Okey Ehiemere, corroborated the Commissioner, assuring that the bank will provide credit facilities for interested traders to acquire the shops, with payments spread over up to 4 years using only the allocation papers issued by the Ministry as collateral.

Also speaking, the representative of the developer, Arch. Obiekweihe Chijioke, who is also the project manager, said that interested traders or members of the public can come to their project office at the market either as groups or individuals to perfect the subscription.

The representative of the traders and the chairman of Nworie-lane, Comr. Gab C. Daniel, expressed delight at the commencement of sales of the Eke-Ukwu Ultra-Modern International Market shops. He confirmed that their section of the market is heavily congested and revealed that the commencement of subscriptions at the newly built market will help decongest it. He expressed gratitude to the Governor for the timely execution of the project, noting that “this is the first of its kind.”

Also speaking, the representative of the indigenous people of Eke-Ukwu Owerri market and the chairman of Amawon Youth Taskforce, Mr. Onuoha Christopher, said that the Governor has made the people of Owerri proud by not destroying their market, as past administrations tried to do, but by turning it into an Ultra-Modern International Market. “We are happy that our ancestral market is now an international market,” he praised the Governor.

Additionally, contributing from the inter-government agencies that will aid in the smooth enforcement of the relocation of street traders, the General Manager of Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA), Hon. Nzewode Frank, who is also an Owerri Nche Ise indigene where the market is situated, assured of the readiness of OCDA in enforcing the evacuation of residential buildings turned into trading centers. He vowed to restore the master plan of relocating all commercial activities in residential buildings into the newly built Eke-Ukwu Owerri Ultra-Modern International Market.

Also speaking, the Director-General of Imo Orientation Agency, Dr. Ethelbert Okere assured of his agency’s commitment by carrying out orientation exercises aimed at informing those engaging in illegal street trading to desist, else they would be charged by mobile courts that would prosecute defaulters.

At the Stakeholder’s forum with the commissioner were top government officials, including the General Manager of OCDA, Hon. Nkem Frank Nzewodo; Director-General of Imo Orientation Agency, Dr. Ethelbert Okere; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu. From the ministry, the acting Permanent Secretary, Comrade Basil Iwu; the Director of Commerce, Mrs. Tonia Ezeala, Ph.D.; the Director of Cooperatives, Mrs. Orji Ebere C.; and the Director of Accounts, Comrade Jude Ogwunga, were also present.

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A non Commissioned Officer Killed Ironsi..

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11 hours ago

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January 25, 2025

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Fifty seven years after his assassination, the departure of General Johnson Aguiyi – Ironsi continues to be engulfed in mystery. Even those closest to him came out with different versions of what transpired in Ibadan, on July 29, 1966.

In all accounts, it is impossible to name who really shot the first African to command United Nations forces and the first Nigerian general. What is certain is that the trigger was pulled by a Non Commissioned Officer ( NCO) after commissioned officers lost control of the rabid situation.

Recently, Col. Sani Bello, then a Second Lieutenant and Ironsi’s Army Aide de Camp ( ADC) debunked claims that he made a deal with the Air Force ADC, Lt. Andrew Nwankwo. The supposed agreement benefitted the duo who escaped as their boss faced imminent death.

Fifty seven years after his assassination, the departure of General Johnson Aguiyi – Ironsi continues to be engulfed in mystery. Even those closest to him came out with different versions of what transpired in Ibadan, on July 29, 1966.

In all accounts, it is impossible to name who really shot the first African to command United Nations forces and the first Nigerian general. What is certain is that the trigger was pulled by a Non Commissioned Officer ( NCO) after commissioned officers lost control of the rabid situation.

Recently, Col. Sani Bello, then a Second Lieutenant and Ironsi’s Army Aide de Camp ( ADC) debunked claims that he made a deal with the Air Force ADC, Lt. Andrew Nwankwo. The supposed agreement benefitted the duo who escaped as their boss faced imminent death.

Our electric bike will crash price of goods and fight climate change – Adekunle Ajasin Varsity….0:00 / 1:00

It is curious that it took 57 years for Bello to come out with this version. Nwankwo is late now, so it is difficult to get his reaction. However, I find it odd that a brave officer would agree to run away instead of defending his principal even if death was the price.

Lt. Akintunde Akinsehinwa died defending Gen. Murtala Mohammed in 1976. Maj. Usman Bello was killed as he tried to fight for Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, in 1990. From Bello’s account, he was arrested and detained when he went to ascertain what had become of those who were sent to find out what went wrong at Government House, Ibadan.

While Nwankwo announced to Biafrans that Bello saved him, the latter credits Garba Dada Paiko as their saviour who ordered them into a Land Rover as the killer gang got really blood thirsty. This account makes some sense since Bello and the Ironsi family have continued to relate.

I tend to agree with Bello that he was going to be gunned down, like Ironsi and Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, until Dada Paiko intervened. What I do not know is what happened to Adamu Umoru, Fajuyi’s ADC who was with the other subalterns at Government House Ibadan during the coup.

Paiko and Bello hailed from Bida Province, that could have worked. If Paiko desired, he would have left Nwankwo with the assassins instead of taking him away with Bello. The moment he was about to drive off, Sgt. Tijanni Maiduguri fired the shot that killed the military governor of Western Region.

It is almost certain that no commissioned officer was there when Ironsi died. That explains the different names being bandied about since 1966. Yakubu Danjuma, Dada Paiko, William Walbe, Nuhu Nathan, Clement Dabang, Musa Bitiyong, Ibrahim Rabo, Bako Wali, all these names keep popping up.

Dada Paiko played a major role in the abduction of Ironsi and Fajuyi but denied killing the general. He came out with another puzzle. The name Sgt. Bakari Baba Lapai should interest everyone. He was alleged to have hit Danjuma’s shoulders for wasting time with the Head of State.

According to Paiko, while Nuhu Nathan snatched Ironsi’s crocodile swagger stick called Charlie, Baba Lapai disappeared with it. Till date, there is no trace of Bakari Baba Lapai in Nigeria Army records, so said Paiko who unfortunately, is not alive today to repeat himself.

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August 5, 2023

Unknown Gunman Shot Ironsi, By Emeka Obasi
Aguiyi-Ironsi
Aguiyi-Ironsi

Fifty seven years after his assassination, the departure of General Johnson Aguiyi – Ironsi continues to be engulfed in mystery. Even those closest to him came out with different versions of what transpired in Ibadan, on July 29, 1966.

In all accounts, it is impossible to name who really shot the first African to command United Nations forces and the first Nigerian general. What is certain is that the trigger was pulled by a Non Commissioned Officer ( NCO) after commissioned officers lost control of the rabid situation.

Recently, Col. Sani Bello, then a Second Lieutenant and Ironsi’s Army Aide de Camp ( ADC) debunked claims that he made a deal with the Air Force ADC, Lt. Andrew Nwankwo. The supposed agreement benefitted the duo who escaped as their boss faced imminent death.

Our electric bike will crash price of goods and fight climate change – Adekunle Ajasin Varsity….0:00 / 1:00

It is curious that it took 57 years for Bello to come out with this version. Nwankwo is late now, so it is difficult to get his reaction. However, I find it odd that a brave officer would agree to run away instead of defending his principal even if death was the price.

Lt. Akintunde Akinsehinwa died defending Gen. Murtala Mohammed in 1976. Maj. Usman Bello was killed as he tried to fight for Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, in 1990. From Bello’s account, he was arrested and detained when he went to ascertain what had become of those who were sent to find out what went wrong at Government House, Ibadan.

While Nwankwo announced to Biafrans that Bello saved him, the latter credits Garba Dada Paiko as their saviour who ordered them into a Land Rover as the killer gang got really blood thirsty. This account makes some sense since Bello and the Ironsi family have continued to relate.

I tend to agree with Bello that he was going to be gunned down, like Ironsi and Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, until Dada Paiko intervened. What I do not know is what happened to Adamu Umoru, Fajuyi’s ADC who was with the other subalterns at Government House Ibadan during the coup.

Paiko and Bello hailed from Bida Province, that could have worked. If Paiko desired, he would have left Nwankwo with the assassins instead of taking him away with Bello. The moment he was about to drive off, Sgt. Tijanni Maiduguri fired the shot that killed the military governor of Western Region.

It is almost certain that no commissioned officer was there when Ironsi died. That explains the different names being bandied about since 1966. Yakubu Danjuma, Dada Paiko, William Walbe, Nuhu Nathan, Clement Dabang, Musa Bitiyong, Ibrahim Rabo, Bako Wali, all these names keep popping up.

Dada Paiko played a major role in the abduction of Ironsi and Fajuyi but denied killing the general. He came out with another puzzle. The name Sgt. Bakari Baba Lapai should interest everyone. He was alleged to have hit Danjuma’s shoulders for wasting time with the Head of State.

According to Paiko, while Nuhu Nathan snatched Ironsi’s crocodile swagger stick called Charlie, Baba Lapai disappeared with it. Till date, there is no trace of Bakari Baba Lapai in Nigeria Army records, so said Paiko who unfortunately, is not alive today to repeat himself.

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ABATI VS TOS BENSON, by Emeka Obasi
Paiko further explained that while in the United States in 1963, he came across one Vararo Segura, an Ifa high priest, also known as Obafemi. The story was that supreme power in the world was with Orisha, and it was believed that Chief Ladoke Akintola, governor of Western Region, before Fajuyi possessed such power.

Segura tried to convince Dada Paiko that someone snatched the power from Akintola after his assassination in January 1966. And the verdict was that Ironsi had it in his crocodile swagger stick. A funny tale because the general was in Lagos at the time Emma

Nwobosi led troops to kill Akintola in Ibadan.

The fear of Ironsi was real. As a United Nations Peace keeper in the Congo, he braved Katanga rebels to rescue an Austrian medical team and some Nigerian soldiers. That act earned him the Ritter Kruez ( First Class) medal.

The Congolese rebels under Moise Tshombe were dreaded as cannibals. The killing of Lt. G. Ezeugbana confirmed it. Lt. Olusegun Obasanjo was lucky. He cheated death after being dumped in a vehicle booth. That Ironsi dared them made headlines.

The second Secretary General of the United Nations, Dag Hammarskjold, did not survive the Katanga crisis. His aircraft was blown up near Ndola, Zambia on his way to negotiate a ceasefire between UN troops and Tshombe’s soldiers.

Those who took Ironsi and Fajuyi away, knew they returned from Congo with medals. What they did not know was that the crocodile swagger stick was bought in Lubumbashi as a souvenir.

It possessed no power from Orisha. Apparently, Baba Lapai was a ghost sent from the spirit world.

The mystery is endless. Stories continue to fly. Some said Ironsi and Fajuyi were tied to a Land Rover, driven to Olodo Village along Ibadan – Iwo Road, tied to trees and executed. Another account said they were buried in a shallow grave at Lalupon. However, their bodies were exhumed from the Military Cemetery, Jericho, Ibadan.

How strange that some of the names associated with Ironsi’s death in 1966, were also killed much later over coup plots. Dabang, Rabo, Umoru died in 1976. Bitiyong was executed in 1986. Others who were part of second coup of 1966, died following a third coup in 1976. Murtala, Isa Bukar, Abdul Wya, Bukar Dimka, Mac Donald Gotibp, Sabo Kwale, all lost their lives.

Bello was commissioned on July 29, 1965. Hammarskjold was born on July 29, 1905. Ironsi died on July 29, 1966. His successor, Yakubu Gowon, was overthrown on July 29, 1975. Murtala who led the coup against Ironsi, became Head of State on July 29, 1975.

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Tens of thousands protest across Slovakia against PM Robert Fico’s stance on Russia

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16 hours ago

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January 25, 2025

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Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets across Slovakia to voice their opposition to the policies of Prime Minister Robert Rico who they accuse of being pro-Russia.

The latest wave of anti-government rallies was fuelled by Fico’s trip to Moscow on Thursday to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, a rare visit to the Kremlin by a European Union leader since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

A protester blows a whistle as thousands gather to oppose the policies of Prime Minister Robert Fico at a rally in Bratislava, 24 January, 2025 Denes Erdos/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved

 

“Slovakia belongs to Europe, we want to belong to Europe in terms of values. We do not belong to Russia, we do not actually want to collaborate with Russia in any way, and this is our position, which we must express politely but responsibly,” said Marián Kulich, the Managing Director of the Peace for Ukraine organisation, speaking at a rally in the capital, Bratislava.

Fico’s recent remarks that that it was a possibility to change Slovakia’s foreign policy orientation and leave the European Union and NATO were among other recent steps by the prime minister that has sparked anger among protesters.

Friday’s protests took place in 28 locations, more than double that compared to two weeks ago amid heightened tensions after Fico accused organisers and the opposition earlier this week of being in contact with an unspecified group of foreigners who he says are working toward engineering a coup in Slovakia.

Fico linked his accusations to a secret report by the country’s spy service (SIS) that he presented in parliament on Tuesday.

The details aren’t known but Fico publicly said that the opposition plans to occupy government buildings, block roads, organise a nationwide strike and provoke clashes with police forces as parts of the alleged plan to overthrow his government.

“We see a structure that wants to exploit these meetings, these rallies, primarily for a possible clash with the security forces of the state, to escalate tensions even further. To further aggression and then to fulfil the plan that is being disseminated today by the organisers of these protests,” Fico said on Friday.

Slovak leaders said that the situation was serious but the opposition dismissed the report and accused SIS of being misused for political purposes.

The organisers of most of the rallies from the Peace for Ukraine organisation dismissed Fico’s claims and said that he is trying to frighten the Slovak population.

All of the public anti-government protests since Fico’s cabinet was sworn in on 25 October, 2023, have been peaceful.

Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico addresses the media during a meeting with his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban in Bratislava, 21 January, 2025 Petr David Josek/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved

 

Organisers say their protest in Bratislava was attended by around 60,000 people and that rallies will continue on 7 February.

Ficos’s views on Russia have sharply differed from the European mainstream.

He returned to power in 2023 after his leftist party Smer (Direction) won the parliamentary election on a pro-Russia and anti-America platform.

Since then, he has ended Slovakian military aid for Ukraine, lashed out at EU sanctions on Russia and vowed to block Ukraine from joining NATO.

Fico is a polarising figure in Slovakia and survived an assassination attempt in May 2024.

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Taiwan’s political divisions weaken defence stance as Trump returns

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18 hours ago

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January 25, 2025

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US President Donald Trump (Photo: X/ @realDonaldTrump) © Provided by Asian News International (ANI)
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Taipei [Taiwan], January 25 (ANI): Taiwan‘s parliament has voted to freeze billions in defence spending just hours after Donald Trump‘s inauguration, raising concerns about the island’s preparedness against China‘s mounting threats, CNN reported.

The move, backed by the opposition, comes at a time when Taiwan is navigating strained relations with the United States under Trump‘s transactional approach to foreign policy. Critics warn that this decision could jeopardise Taiwan‘s military reformsand send negative signals to Washington.

Taiwan, a major semiconductor producer and democratically governed territory, faces constant threats from China, which claims the island as part of its territory. Despite never having governed Taiwan, Beijing continues to vow reunification, by force if necessary. The United States has been Taiwan‘s main arms supplier and strategic partner, but Trump‘s “America First” policy has heightened fears about whether Washington will continue its support without greater financial contributions from Taipei.

The opposition-led vote to block funding comes as Taiwan‘s President Lai Ching-te struggles with a parliament dominated by opposition forces. Critics argue that this budget freeze could weaken Taiwan‘s Defence capabilities and damage its credibility with the US “If there is not enough budget to consistently improve Taiwan‘s defence reforms and capabilities, the international community will doubt Taiwan‘s determination to defend ourselves,” Lai said in a Facebook post. The frozen funds impact key projects, including the development of indigenous submarines and drones.

Taiwan‘s Premier Cho Jung-tai strongly condemned the opposition’s actions, calling them “suicidal” and warning that they send “the wrong signal to the United States.” Defence Minister Wellington Koo echoed these concerns, emphasising that the freeze could undermine Taiwan‘s military modernisation efforts. Trump, known for his criticism of Taiwan‘s defence spending, previously called for the island to increase its defence allocation to 10 per cent of GDP – a fourfold increase from its current levels.

Taiwan‘s defence spending has faced scrutiny even before Trump‘s return. A backlog of more than USD 20 billion in undelivered US military equipment has hampered Taiwan‘s modernisation efforts. Concerns have also been raised about Taiwan‘s reliance on asymmetric warfare strategies, which prioritise smaller, more mobile systems like drones and portable missiles over conventional military equipment.

Defence experts argue that while progress has been made, much more needs to be done to counter the growing threat from China, which has the world’s largest standing army and spends 11 times more on defence than Taiwan, CNN reported.

Public sentiment in Taiwan reflects growing anxiety over the political deadlock. Residents have expressed concern about how the opposition-led freeze might be perceived by the US “I hope that Taiwan‘s legislature doesn’t embarrass itself and lose face to foreign countries,” said Wang Cheng-yi, a postgraduate student at National TaiwanUniversity. Ms. Hsu, a 75-year-old Taipei resident, emphasised the importance of unity, saying, “Everybody should sit down and talk. Taiwan must balance relations with both the US and China. We are small. We cannot afford to make either big brother unhappy.”

China‘s growing military aggression and diplomatic isolation of Taiwan have added urgency to the island’s defence preparations. Last year, US intelligence suggested that Chinese President Xi Jinping had instructed his military to prepare for an invasion of Taiwan by 2027. While this does not guarantee an invasion, it underscores the escalating threat. The United States has historically maintained a policy of “strategic ambiguity” under the Taiwan Relations Act, which commits Washington to providing Taiwan with the means to defend itself without explicitly promising military intervention.

Taiwan‘s military reforms have faced criticism for their slow pace. Issues such as inadequate reservist training and delays in deploying advanced weaponry have drawn scrutiny. The ongoing debate over Taiwan‘s indigenous submarine program further highlights the challenges. Alexander Huang, head of international affairs for the opposition Kuomintang party, defended the budget freeze, stating, “We are not opposing indigenous weapon system development. However, we emphasise that we need to be very prudent to make sure our self-designed submarine can actually work.”

The political discord also extends to Taiwan‘s infrastructure. Earlier this week, undersea cables connecting Taiwan to the Matsu islands were severed due to “natural deterioration,” disrupting internet services in the area. The digital affairs ministry has warned that further budget cuts could hinder the maintenance of critical infrastructure, leaving Taiwan vulnerable to potential exploitation by Beijing.

Despite these challenges, some Taiwanese remain optimistic. Yeh Hsin-wei, a student in Taipei, pointed to Taiwan‘s semiconductor industry as a key deterrent against Beijing. “The world needs our chips, so I think China wouldn’t risk a war,” he said to CNN. “We need to be prepared, but maybe not worry too much.”

Analysts have urged Taiwan‘s government to focus on presenting a united front, especially in light of Trump‘s return to the White House. “With or without Trump‘s inauguration, with China‘s increasing aggression over Taiwan, it is indeed Taiwan‘s top priority to continue to increase its self-defence budget,” said Wei-Ting Yen, an assistant research fellow at Academia Sinica. “That’s definitely not a good signal.” (ANI)

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info

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