Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, has felicitated with former Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, and former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, as they celebrate their respective birthday anniversaries.

In separate birthday messages, Senator Ekwunife described the two prominent Anambra sons as distinguished leaders who have made significant contributions to the development of the state and the country at large.

Ekwunife commended the administration of former Governor Willie Obiano for what she described as notable contributions to key sectors of Anambra State, including security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and community development.

According to her, Obiano’s tenure remains significant in the state’s development journey, particularly for the initiatives and policies implemented during his administration.

The former Senator also celebrated Senator Chris Ngige for his contributions to the development of Anambra State and his distinguished service at the national level.

She particularly acknowledged Ngige’s role as Minister of Labour and Employment, noting his efforts in advancing labour relations, employment opportunities and the welfare of Nigerian workers.

Senator Ekwunife wished both elder statesmen continued good health, renewed strength and many more years of meaningful contributions to society.

“Happy birthday to two distinguished sons of Anambra. May God continue to bless you with wisdom, good health and longevity,” she said.

The goodwill message was signed by Tony Ezike, Special Adviser, Media & Publicity.

With immense joy and pride, the people of Nri celebrate one of their illustrious sons, Sir Chima Pius Nwokoye, on the auspicious occasion of his initiation into the prestigious Nze na Ozo Society of the Ancient Nri Kingdom. The historic ceremony took place at the Alexander Nwokoye Country Home, Umu Nduka Enwe Family, Umudiana Adama, Nri, in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Sir Chima Pius Nwokoye, Mgbologwuinyi Mgbago na Mgbada, Ugochukwutubelu, Kpakpando Nri is the first son of the late Sir Alexander Nnakwuzie Nwokoye (Mkpọlọgwụinyi) and Lady Esther Nwojinika Nwokoye, Iyom Eziafakaego (née Tabansi). He is also the distinguished grandson of His Royal Highness, Eze Nri Tabansi Udene, a lineage that reflects a rich heritage of honour, leadership, and dedicated service to society.

A seasoned engineer and a worthy Knight of St. Mulumba, Sir Chima has built an outstanding reputation through exemplary leadership, integrity, and selfless service. He also served meritoriously as President of the Rotary Club of Nigeria, Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt, where he championed humanitarian causes and community development initiatives that positively impacted many lives.

By taking the revered Ozo title, Sir Chima Pius Nwokoye joins the ranks of distinguished custodians entrusted with preserving the customs, traditions, values, and moral heritage of the Ancient Nri Kingdom. His initiation represents not only a personal achievement but also a reaffirmation of the enduring cultural legacy of Nri.

We heartily congratulate Sir Chima Pius Nwokoye and the entire Nwokoye family on this remarkable and well-deserved milestone. May his Ozo title continue to bring him honour, wisdom, divine blessings, and the grace to uphold the noble traditions of the Ancient Nri Kingdom for generations to come.

Congratulations once again to Sir Chima Pius Nwokoye and the entire Nwokoye family on this memorable achievement.

The Most Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, has expressed deep sadness over the tragic collapse of a student hostel in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, which claimed lives and left several others injured.

In a statement issued following the incident, Senator Ekwunife extended her heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, describing the loss of lives as a painful tragedy for the bereaved families, the Oko community, and Anambra State as a whole.

She also expressed concern for those who survived the collapse and are currently receiving medical treatment, praying for their quick and complete recovery.

While commending the efforts of rescue workers, security personnel, healthcare providers, volunteers, and community members involved in the emergency response, the former senator urged them to sustain the search-and-rescue operation until every missing person is accounted for.

Senator Ekwunife further called on the appropriate authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the cause of the building collapse. She stressed that establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident is crucial not only for ensuring accountability but also for preventing similar tragedies in the future.

She also advocated stricter monitoring and enforcement of building regulations across Anambra State, emphasizing that adherence to approved construction standards and professional guidelines must be treated as a critical public safety responsibility rather than a mere administrative requirement.

According to her, stronger enforcement by relevant regulatory agencies would significantly reduce the risk of building failures and help safeguard lives and property.

Senator Ekwunife concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of those who lost their lives, divine comfort for their grieving families, and speedy healing for those injured in the unfortunate incident.

The statement was signed by Tony Ezike, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Senator Uche Ekwunife.

A boat accident in the Republic of Cameroon has claimed at least 20 lives, including 18 Nigerians travelling to a community in Adamawa
State.

The boat, said to have been travelling from Garoua in Cameroon to Yola in Nigeria, capsized after encountering a violent storm late
Monday night, it was learnt on Tuesday evening.

Witnesses said the boat, which was carrying more than 50 passengers, was also heavily loaded with iron rods and other building materials
meant for Dasin, a village in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

They recounted that the boat was caught in a severe storm around midnight, causing it to overturn. Initial estimates indicated that about
30 people might have died, but local authorities have so far confirmed that about 20 victims have been killed.

Among the deceased, the 18 identified as Nigerians have been buried in Wuro Bokki community in Fufore LGA, according to reliable sources,
while search and rescue operations continue for passengers who are yet to be accounted for.

Divers from both Cameroon and Nigeria are said to be involved in the search, while many survivors are receiving treatment at hospitals in border communities.

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Garba Maidoki, senator representing Kebbi south, has called for the inclusion of traditional medicine in a bill seeking to overhaul
Nigeria’s food and drug regulatory framework.

He argues that indigenous healing practices remain relevant, particularly in rural communities.

The senator spoke on Tuesday during debate on a bill seeking to repeal the Food, Drug and Related Products (Registration, Etc.) Act and the
Food and Drug Act, and replace them with a single legal framework for regulating food, medicines and other products that affect public health.

‘MOST RURAL DWELLERS RELY ON TRADITIONAL MEDICINE’

Speaking in support of the bill sponsored by Sadiq Umar, senator representing Kwara north, Maidoki said the legislation should also
recognise traditional medicine.

“I rise to also support this motion ably sponsored by Senator Suleiman Sadiq. This motion, as my colleague said, is apt, is timely,
and is in good faith to modernise the practice of food and drug registration in Nigeria,” he said.

“But Mr. President, I want to bring to your attention that even though this is modernised, we have not seen anything on this bill
concerning traditional medicine.

“Concerning traditional medicine, sir, most of our rural dwellers, most of them rely mostly on this traditional medicine.

“And I think it is high time that we have a law that also allows traditional medicine to be implemented.

“Holistically, if this is done, we will also reduce the cost of importation of drugs from foreign nations, and we will rely mostly on our
own indigenous herbs and medication by our own native doctors.”

Maidoki said incorporating traditional medicine into the legal framework would reduce dependence on imported medicines.

He added that the bill’s sponsor, a pharmacist, should work towards integrating traditional practitioners into the country’s healthcare
system.

“I think if this is done, the pharmacist Senator Suleiman will be able to incorporate these people and make this holistic,” he said.

The lawmaker said some ailments are better treated with herbal remedies than orthodox medicine.

“Even some of us that are senators, sometimes we rely, we go to herbal medicine to help us with one ailment or the other, which sometimes
the modern medicine has no answer. Like if your ancestors decide to talk to you, you need a native doctor to intercede on your behalf,” he added.

Maidoki’s remarks elicited laughter in the senate chamber.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio responded in a light-hearted manner.

“Thank you, Distinguished Senator Garba. The native doctor will intercede between you and the ancestor,” he said.

“It’s actually baffling that this was part of the African religion, but when the white people came, they now told us that we don’t need
our ancestors, but I think from what you are saying, you are still using your ancestors.”

The bill later passed second reading after receiving the support of lawmakers.

If enacted, the legislation will repeal two existing food and drug laws and establish a unified regulatory framework covering food,
medicines, vaccines, medical devices and other products that affect public health.

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The United States is set to announce a landmark 30-year nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, aimed at establishing a civilian nuclear program in the kingdom, according to reports from US media outlets.

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