NEWS
CAADES Group Seals Landmark UK-Nigeria Partnership to Launch Ikoyi Chapmans Across Africa
A new chapter in Nigeria’s beverage industry was unveiled on Sunday as CAADES Group signed a landmark trade partnership and distribution agreement with British entrepreneurs Mike and Garry Robinson to introduce Ikoyi Chapmans to the Nigerian market and expand its reach across Africa.
The agreement, described as more than a commercial venture, represents the culmination of a friendship spanning decades and highlights the growing economic and cultural ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lagos, the Chairman of CAADES Group, Hon. Chima Desmond Anyaso, reflected on the remarkable journey that inspired the partnership.
According to him, more than four decades ago, Mike and Garry Robinson left Nigeria after spending part of their childhood in the country. Although they relocated to the United Kingdom, they carried with them treasured memories of Nigeria, including their love for Chapman, the iconic non-alcoholic cocktail that became a symbol of friendship, celebration, and unforgettable moments during their formative years.
Hon. Anyaso noted that after more than 40 years, the Robinson brothers returned to Nigeria, not only to reconnect with the country that shaped part of their lives but also to invest in its future through a strategic business partnership.
He explained that the newly signed agreement will see Ikoyi Chapmans introduced into the Nigerian market, with plans for expansion into other African countries, creating new opportunities for trade, investment, and employment.
Describing the occasion as historic, Anyaso said the event symbolized far more than the launch of a beverage brand.
According to him, the partnership represents the renewal of enduring friendships, the strengthening of family ties, and the power of relationships built on trust, mutual respect, and shared values. He added that such relationships have the capacity to inspire innovation, create economic opportunities, and foster sustainable development across borders.
The CAADES Group Chairman disclosed that what began years ago as a casual meeting with Mike and Garry Robinson gradually evolved into a lifelong friendship and has now matured into a strategic business alliance with the potential to strengthen commercial relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
As part of the ceremony, Hon. Anyaso presented the Robinson brothers with symbolic gifts that reflected Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. The presentations included the Nigerian Coat of Arms, traditional Igbo Isi Agu attire, customized crested hand fans bearing their names, traditional beads, and the iconic red cap. He explained that the gifts were intended to honour the brothers’ enduring connection with Nigeria and celebrate a partnership founded on friendship, trust, and shared aspirations.
Hon. Anyaso also expressed appreciation to the partnership’s strategic collaborator, Dr. Efosa Ogbeide, alongside other individuals whose support and commitment helped bring the vision to fruition.
He expressed confidence that the partnership would contribute significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s beverage industry while opening new investment opportunities across Africa. He further stated that the initiative is expected to stimulate innovation, strengthen regional trade, and deepen commercial collaboration between African and international partners.
The launch of Ikoyi Chapmans marks not only the introduction of a beverage brand but also the beginning of a broader vision that celebrates history, preserves lifelong friendships, connects cultures, and creates a lasting legacy for future generations.
Industry observers believe the partnership underscores Nigeria’s growing attractiveness as a destination for international investment while demonstrating how personal relationships can evolve into ventures that promote economic development and cross-cultural cooperation.
NEWS
Henry Onyema Madubuike Unveils “Osiri,” a Novel Exploring Ancestral Heritage, Reincarnation and Cultural Identity
Renowned author Henry Onyema Madubuike has released Osiri, a novel that explores the profound relationship between a people’s origins, their ancestral covenant with the supernatural, and the enduring mysteries of incarnation and reincarnation.
The novel presents a compelling narrative that examines how the choices and agreements made by ancestors continue to shape the identity, destiny and collective consciousness of future generations. Through rich storytelling, Osiri invites readers to reflect on the enduring influence of ancestral heritage and the spiritual foundations upon which societies are built.
Beyond its exploration of spirituality and cultural traditions, Osiri delves into universal themes of love, life, death and rebirth. The novel portrays these experiences as interconnected aspects of human existence, illustrating how relationships, sacrifices and enduring bonds transcend generations.
A central theme of the book is the significance of intimacy and human connection, emphasizing the role of love and relationships in sustaining families, communities and cultural continuity. It also highlights how ancestral values and traditions continue to shape social structures, preserve historical narratives and define the identity of a people.
According to the author, Osiri seeks to inspire readers to appreciate the importance of cultural heritage while provoking deeper reflection on the spiritual dimensions of existence and humanity’s connection to its past.
Through its blend of history, culture, spirituality and compelling storytelling, Osiri offers readers an engaging literary experience that celebrates African traditions while raising timeless questions about destiny, identity and the enduring influence of ancestral covenants.
“Osiri is a novel that delves into the intricate connections between a people’s foundation, their ancestors’ covenant with the supernatural and the realms of incarnation and reincarnation.
Exploring themes of love, life death and rebirth, it reflects also the deep-rooted importance of the bond of intimacy.
It also explores the idea that a people’s identity and destiny are tied to their ancestors’ agreement with supernatural forces, preserving historical narratives, cultural practices and social structure and the importance of ancestral heritage.” — Henry Onyema Madubuike
NEWS
Akobundu Hails Monday Ubani, SAN, as Legal Icon, Congratulates Him on PhD in Law Conferment
The Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Senator Austin Akobundu, has described renowned legal luminary, Barr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, as an icon of justice, a shining light in the legal profession, and a worthy example to generations to come.
Senator Akobundu stated this in his congratulatory message to Dr. Ubani on his conferment of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law by Babcock University at an official ceremony holding today, Tuesday, 22nd July, 2026, at the University’s campus in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State.
He extolled the virtues of perseverance, determination, resilience, and excellence demonstrated by Dr. Ubani, SAN, in the pursuit of this academic height, noting that it sets him apart as an exemplary academic and brilliant lawyer whose advocacy for human rights and a better society has distinguished him in the legal profession.
While praying for God’s continued blessings upon him, Senator Akobundu wished him a successful award ceremony and greater heights in life.
NEWS
Abia Governor Alex Otti Pledges Full Support for UTME Star Michael Offorkaile, Who Scored 367
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has announced that the state government will provide support for the further education of Master Michael Offorkaile, the Abia-born student who scored 367 in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), ranking fifth highest nationally.
Governor Otti made the pledge on Monday when he received the high-performing student, his parents, and management of Grundtvig International Secondary School, Oba, Anambra State, at the Government House in Umuahia.
Congratulating the teenager on his exceptional performance, Otti said the state does not take academic excellence for granted and will celebrate its high achievers.
“We don’t take this for granted. The whole idea is to celebrate our own when they do well,” the governor stated. “As a government founded on meritocracy, we will not stop celebrating people who do well.”
Otti directed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Emeh Uche, to work out the details of the support package for Offorkaile. He also asked his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr. Dodoh Okafor, to liaise with the student’s parents for necessary follow-up.
The governor encouraged the young scholar to aim even higher in his university education. “JAMB is the little roadblock you have to go through to now start a degree programme of four years. So, having been celebrated because you came first, we expect that you even do better as you go to the university,” he said.
He added: “As a state, we will support you. I believe that the details of the support will be worked out with the Commissioner for Tertiary Education. But I think what is most important is for you to know that your state is behind you.”
Prof. Uche Emeh Uche, who introduced the student, revealed that the governor personally directed her to locate Offorkaile and bring him to the state for proper recognition.
The Principal of Grundtvig International Secondary School, Mr. Ige Bello, and Offorkaile’s father, Mr. Odinaka Offorkaile, from Umunneochi Local Government Area, expressed that they were not surprised by the outstanding result, citing the student’s consistent academic brilliance.
They thanked Governor Otti for the honour and commended his commitment to education and good governance in Abia State.
In his response, Michael Offorkaile thanked the governor for the recognition and described him as a role model.
“I want to thank you for what you have done for me and my family, and also my school today. I will also try my best to keep performing, keep inspiring, and keep encouraging students from Abia and Nigeria,” the top scorer said.
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