Today, July 21, 2026, history is being made in the life of one of Nigeria’s foremost legal practitioners, Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, as he is formally awarded the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in Law by Babcock University.

For many who know him, it may appear to be just another academic ceremony. But for Dr. Ubani, it represents the culmination of a lifelong dream, decades of perseverance, countless sacrifices, and an unwavering faith in God.
His story is one of destiny triumphing over circumstance; of a village boy whose father wanted him to become a mechanic, but who, through hard work, resilience, determination, and divine providence, rose to become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and now a Doctor of Philosophy in Law.

Dr. Ubani’s academic journey began in the late 1970s at Awomukwu Primary School in present-day Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State.
Even as a young pupil, he distinguished himself academically. At the completion of his primary education, he and a fellow pupil, Moses Ndulewe from Amapu in Awomukwu, were the only two students who obtained credit passes in the First School Leaving Certificate Examination conducted by the then Imo State Government before the creation of Abia State.

His exceptional performance caught the attention of his Headmaster, Mr. Ahia from Oboro, Ikwuano who immediately recognized the rare intellectual promise in the young boy.
The Headmaster’s verdict was both clear and prophetic: this boy must never be denied education because he possesses immense potential for greatness.
Those words would later prove pivotal in shaping the course of his life.

Following his outstanding performance in the Common Entrance Examination, young Ubani gained admission into Ariam Secondary School. However, his father had a different vision for him.
Like many parents of that era who valued practical vocational skills and guaranteed employment, his father wanted him to become a company-trained mechanic under Dunlop Nigeria Limited. It was a respectable profession and one that promised stability.
But destiny had other plans.
The individual entrusted with bringing his First School Leaving Certificate from the village, a vital requirement for his resumption as a Trainee Mechanic at Dunlop Nigeria Limited, Oba Akran, Ikeja, Lagos encountered a major setback. His bus broke down at Ore, Ondo State, preventing him from arriving in Lagos on Sunday as planned.

Consequently, young Ubani could not present the required certificate on Monday and lost the opportunity altogether.

What appeared to be a disappointment at the time would later prove to be divine redirection.
At that critical moment, his uncle, Mr. Reuben Agwu, intervened. He reminded his father of the prophetic counsel earlier given by Headmaster Ahia, that the young Ubani should never be denied formal education because of his exceptional intellectual potential.
Wisdom prevailed.

The dream of becoming a mechanic was abandoned, and the path to higher education was preserved.
Looking back today, that intervention altered the course of history for the young man who would eventually become one of Nigeria’s most accomplished legal minds.

Dr. Ubani successfully completed his secondary education, obtained his GCE, and gained admission into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1983 to study Political Science.
He excelled in his studies and successfully completed his first two years in the department.
Then destiny intervened once again.
As he prepared to enter his third year, he became increasingly fascinated by the legal profession and deeply inspired by the legendary legal icon and human rights advocate, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, whom he regarded as the embodiment of courage, advocacy, and public interest litigation in Nigeria.
Inspired by the exploits of the late legal luminary, he made a bold and risky decision.
He abandoned Political Science and crossed over to study Law.

The decision came at a significant cost. He forfeited two years already spent in Political Science and had to begin afresh as a first-year law student in 1985.
Many would have considered such a move too costly.
But for Ubani, purpose mattered more than convenience.
That sacrifice would define the rest of his life.

His decision proved worthwhile.
After years of rigorous legal studies, he graduated from the University of Nigeria in 1989 with a Second Class Upper Division degree.
He proceeded to the Nigerian Law School where he once again distinguished himself academically. In 1990, he graduated with a Second Class Upper Division, becoming the only graduate from the University of Nigeria’s 1989 Law Class to attain that distinction in the 1990 Nigerian Law School set.

Following the completion of his National Youth Service Corps programme in Kano State, his passion for scholarship led him to the University of Lagos, where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Comparative Constitutional Law.
By every measure, the future appeared set for an immediate pursuit of a doctoral degree.
However, friends advised against undertaking all his academic studies within Nigeria. Uncertainty set in, and amid that uncertainty, life intervened.
Marriage came. Children followed. Family responsibilities multiplied.
As a young lawyer striving to establish himself professionally while providing for his family, pursuing a PhD became increasingly difficult.
Yet the dream never died.

Over the years, his legal practice flourished. His public profile grew. He became a respected voice on constitutional, legal, and public affairs.
Eventually, he attained the highly coveted rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), one of the highest honours in the legal profession.
Even before attaining the rank of SAN, two institutions had already recognized his immense contributions to society and honoured him with honorary doctorate degrees.
Yet something remained unfinished.
The desire to earn a research-based doctoral degree through rigorous academic scholarship never left him.

In December 2021, determined to fulfil that lifelong ambition, he enrolled in the PhD in Law programme at Babcock University.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck almost immediately.
In January 2022, his beloved father passed away at the remarkable age of 101 years.
As the only surviving son and child, Dr. Ubani bore the enormous responsibility of organizing and conducting the burial ceremonies.
Faced with this responsibility, he temporarily withdrew from his doctoral programme to honour his late father appropriately.

The burial took place in April 2022.
Thereafter, returning to academic life proved difficult. The emotional burden of bereavement, combined with professional obligations and family responsibilities, made continuation increasingly challenging.
At this crucial moment, divine help arrived through dedicated academics who believed in him.
Professor Mrs. Titilayo Owolabi, Professor Dorcas Odunaike, and Dr. Ibe Moses consistently encouraged him not to abandon his studies. They called, persuaded, motivated, and inspired him to return and complete what he had started.
Their encouragement rekindled his determination.
He returned to Babcock University and embarked upon the final phase of a journey that had begun decades earlier.

Balancing legal practice, public service, church responsibilities, family commitments, and doctoral research was no easy task.
But he persevered.

Even at the critical stage of completing his doctoral programme, another profound personal loss occurred.
In 2025, his beloved mother passed away at the age of 90, just as he was preparing to devote himself fully to writing and completing his thesis.
The loss represented a significant emotional setback at a decisive moment in his academic journey.
Yet, through divine grace and remarkable resilience, he refused to surrender to despair.

Following the rigorous burial ceremonies in December 2025, he refocused and confronted the final phase of his doctoral work with renewed strength, discipline, and determination.

Today, that journey has reached its glorious conclusion.
After years of rigorous academic work, extensive research, determination, resilience, and God’s abundant grace, Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani has successfully completed all requirements for the award of the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Law.

The convocation ceremony of July 21, 2026, marks the climax of a dream delayed but never abandoned.
It is a fitting academic crown upon an already distinguished professional career and a powerful testament to the truth that persistence ultimately triumphs.

For his wife, children, relatives, friends, mentors, colleagues, and associates, this occasion is one of profound gratitude to God.
They celebrate not merely a degree, but a life defined by courage, discipline, sacrifice, hard work, faith, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

The journey from Awomukwu Primary School to the pinnacle of legal scholarship stands as proof that dreams are valid, setbacks are temporary, and destiny favours those who refuse to give up.

As he walks across the convocation stage to receive his PhD, Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, PhD, will not simply be receiving an academic award.
He will be completing a journey that began many decades ago in a small village classroom, a journey shaped by destiny, sustained by resilience, strengthened by faith, and crowned by the grace of Almighty God.

Indeed, for Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, PhD, this is truly Mission Accomplished.
To God alone be all the glory.

Loveth Sunday, a 27-year-old hairstylist and perfume seller from Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, has shared her harrowing story of survival, loss, and resilience after a devastating road accident that claimed her left leg and ended her engagement.

The incident occurred on April 12, 2019, in front of the Oraifite Police Station. Sunday was standing by the roadside on her way to Onitsha to buy items for a sibling when a bus with brake failure veered off the road and struck three people. Two individuals died in the crash, while Sunday survived but sustained severe injuries.

She was rushed to several hospitals by sympathisers but was reportedly rejected by five facilities before receiving treatment at the sixth. Sunday spent five days in a coma. Upon regaining consciousness, doctors informed her that both legs were at risk of amputation, but one was ultimately saved. Her left leg, described as “dead” and decaying due to infection, required amputation to prevent the spread of bacteria to her heart, which could have been fatal.

Her parents initially resisted the procedure, shocked by the severity of the situation, but eventually consented after medical warnings. Sunday was later transferred to Uzondu Orthopaedic Hospital in Ojoto, Anambra State, where the amputation was performed. The family reportedly spent over N2.5 million on treatment after an initial deposit of N350,000.

Just three weeks earlier, on March 23, 2019, Sunday had her traditional introduction ceremony with her fiancé. According to her account, the man visited her in the hospital immediately after the accident but later stopped communicating. While still hospitalised, he informed her that he was no longer interested in the marriage.

“I thank God I did not give up or die,” Sunday said. “I was expecting him to encourage me… but I encouraged myself by believing in God that things will surely get better.”

She also expressed disappointment over the limited support from some friends, noting that her best friend never visited or checked on her. Her parents and seven siblings, from a humble background, have provided emotional support but limited financial assistance. Sunday is the fifth child and first daughter in the family.

The driver of the bus did not visit the hospital. His brother and others brought only N50,000 as support, claiming the family had sold land to bury the two deceased victims. No further compensation was paid.

Now living with a physical disability, Sunday uses crutches after issues with a previous prosthesis. She urgently needs a new one, with costs ranging from N850,000 for a basic model to N2.5 million for a high-quality silicone version that would allow greater mobility. She also seeks financial support to revive her small business, which helps cover medical check-ups, food, and family needs.

Before the accident, Sunday had gained admission to Anambra State University (now Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University) after her secondary education but could not proceed due to lack of funds, leading her to learn hairstyling.

She revealed having premonitions, including dreams of the accident at the same location and seeing her own obituary posters, but did not share them with others at the time.

Despite her challenges, Sunday has been seen in videos dancing and maintaining a positive spirit. She has expressed that she has given up on romantic relationships for now but remains grateful for supportive friends and her faith.

The driver’s family reportedly faced rebuke from doctors for allegedly mocking Sunday during a hospital visit.

The Ekwueme DACO Fans Club, led by its Founder and Director General, Hon. DCN Prince Sunny Agomoh, has expressed profound appreciation to the numerous dignitaries, groups and residents who attended the burial ceremony of the late His Royal Majesty, Eze Sir George Eneogwe Nwachukwu, Nkaa Di Na Nti Place, Ezeudo II of Amaise Autonomous Community in Isialangwa South Local Government Area of Abia State.

The burial, described as an epoch making event, took place on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Nneoyi Central School and attracted an overwhelming crowd from different walks of life.

In a statement issued by the Club, special appreciation was extended to the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, popularly known as DACO, and his wife, Lady Priscilla Chidinma Otti, for their physical presence throughout the funeral activities, from the church service to the reception ceremony.

The Club also commended the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu; the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa; Senator Darlington Nwokocha and other senators present; the member representing Isialangwa North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe; Hon. Chris Nkwonta, Chairman of the House Committee on South East Development Commission; members of the Abia State House of Assembly; commissioners, both serving and former; and political appointees for honouring the late monarch with their presence.

Particular recognition was given to the Chairman and Chief Security Officer of Isialangwa South Local Government Area, Hon. Nnadozie Nwogwugwu, and his deputy, Hon. Vivian Obilor, for their leadership and efforts in ensuring the successful coordination of the event. Other local government chairmen who attended were equally appreciated.

The Club further acknowledged the Archbishop of Aba Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Isaac Chijioke Nwaobia, Ph.D., alongside numerous clergymen from the Anglican Communion and other Christian denominations, members of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, traditional rulers from Isialangwa South, members of the judiciary, the Labour Party and other political parties, security agencies, senior military officers, caterers, community leaders, development unions, in-laws, friends and well-wishers.

Special commendation was reserved for members of the State Burial Committee and its various subcommittees for their exceptional service, effective crowd management and commitment to ensuring that all guests were adequately attended to, contributing immensely to the success of the ceremony.

Hon. Agomoh noted that the massive turnout and peaceful conduct of the burial underscored the high esteem in which the late traditional ruler was held by his people and the wider society.

He also expressed gratitude to members of Amaise Autonomous Community, Nneoyi indigenes at home and in the diaspora, the Nneoyi Development Union and all those who contributed in one way or another to the successful burial of the revered monarch.

The Club attributed the peaceful and successful outcome of the event to divine intervention, thanking God for favourable weather conditions, peace and security throughout the ceremony and for granting all attendees safe journeys to their various destinations without any adverse incidents.

“Once again, we thank everyone who found time to participate in the burial of our revered royal father, His Royal Majesty Eze Sir George Eneogwe Nwachukwu, Ezeudo II of Amaise Autonomous Community. Your support and presence are deeply appreciated,” the statement added.

The statement was signed by Hon. DCN Prince Sunny Agomoh, former Commissioner and Founder/Director General of the Ekwueme DACO Fans Club.