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Senator Akobundu Advocates for South-South Development Commission, Bill Passes First Reading

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Senator Austin Akobundu, representing Abia Central at the National Assembly, lent his support to the creation of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) bill during the plenary session’s third order of the day. The bill aims to address the environmental and health challenges caused by over six decades of oil exploration and exploitation, which have severely impacted the soil, air quality, and ecosystem of the southern region.

The SSDC, once established, will be responsible for managing funds from the Federation Account Allocation, along with other sources such as donations, grants, and aid. Its primary mandate will include the integration and development of the region, addressing infrastructure deficits, resolving communal crises, combating militancy, and tackling ecological and environmental issues.

During the debate on the bill, Senator Akobundu highlighted that the proposed commission is crucial to the developmental goals of the South-South region. He added that despite being one of Nigeria’s most resource-rich areas, the region continues to suffer from persistent poverty, underdevelopment, and environmental degradation.

With the South-East and South-West having their dedicated development commissions, the Senator noted that this arrangement has diluted the focus and resources of the NDDC, making it less effective in addressing peculiar challenges of the South-South.

While speaking, the Distinguished Lawmaker said,

“In the Army, I recall some years back as a Major, I was in charge of Project Implementation and Monitoring in Rivers State and I came face to face with the huge challenges of development, especially in the infrastructural sector that the region faced, and still faces. One key aspect of it is the cost of construction. It is very expensive to construct roads and other projects. This is where the NDDC comes in, as many states do not benefit from the commission. Based on the facts, I stand wholeheartedly to support this bill, which will deepen development and spread it equitably.”

The bill successfully passed its first reading and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Special Duties, which is expected to provide its report within one week.

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Christine Fajigbesi Celebrates Alhaja Ganiyat Balogun With Heartfelt Birthday Tribute

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Ms. Christine Ijeoma Fajingbesi has celebrated Alhaja Ganiyat Balogun on her birthday, describing her as more than a friend, but a sister, mentor and a woman whose kindness has made a lasting impact on her life.

Speaking during the celebration, Ms. Christine said the Balogun family has been exceptionally good to her, adding that words alone cannot adequately express how much she loves and appreciates Alhaja Ganiyat.

She described the celebrant as a special person whose presence in her life is deeply valued, expressing gratitude for the love, care and support she has received from the family.

According to her, as Alhaja Ganiyat begins another chapter of her life, her greatest prayer is that God will continue to bless everything she does, elevate her to greater heights, promote her in every area of life and grant her the desires of her heart.

Ms. Christine further wished her friend and sister many more years of happiness, peace, good health, prosperity and fulfilment.

Earlier, Alhaja Ganiyat Balogun expressed profound gratitude to Allah for the gift of another year, reflecting on the journey that brought her to the present moment.

In a heartfelt message, she thanked Allah for seeing her through every hurdle, difficult season and challenging moment that tested her strength. She acknowledged that there were times when she felt weak, but said Allah continually gave her the strength to move forward and the grace to reach another milestone in her life.

She expressed deep appreciation for the gift of life, divine protection, mercy and guidance, thanking Allah for never allowing her to walk alone.

“Ya Allah, thank You for keeping me and allowing me to witness another beautiful year,” she said in gratitude.

As she begins this new chapter, Ms. Christine prayed that Alhaja Ganiyat’s life would be filled with peace, continuous growth, genuine happiness and countless blessings.

The celebration was therefore not only a birthday milestone, but also a heartfelt expression of love, gratitude and appreciation for a woman whose impact has touched the lives of those around her.

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Love, Gratitude and a Long Awaited Surprise: Mrs. Precious Chidinma Nzeribe Celebrates Husband

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Mrs. Precious Chidinma Nzeribe on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, pulled off a heartfelt surprise birthday celebration for her husband, describing the experience as both challenging and deeply rewarding.

According to Mrs. Nzeribe, planning the surprise was particularly difficult because she and her husband are extremely close and practically share every aspect of their lives. She explained that they normally plan and do things together, making it difficult to keep anything from him without raising suspicion.

“We always do things together and plan together. There is practically nothing we don’t share in common, so it was difficult for me to surprise him. But I thank God I was able to succeed,” she said emotionally.

Speaking with journalists during the celebration, Mrs. Nzeribe revealed that the surprise was not a spontaneous idea but one she had conceived and attempted several times over the years without success.

She explained that despite the challenges and circumstances that had prevented her from bringing the idea to reality in previous years, she was determined to make this year’s celebration happen.

She described her husband as a man who has been exceptionally loving, supportive and selfless, saying his impact on her life cannot be measured.

“He has been more than nice to me. He has carried me more like a child. He is practically the air I breathe. Everything I do is him, and how far I have gone is largely because of him. I think he deserves this and much more.”

Describing the qualities she admires most in her husband, Mrs. Nzeribe said he possesses a genuinely kind heart and is a devoted husband and father who consistently puts the needs of others before his own.

She noted that his willingness to sacrifice for others and his concern for people’s wellbeing are among the qualities that make him exceptional.

“He is a very nice person. He has a very good heart. He is a good father to his children and a good husband. He is the kind of person who prioritises other people’s needs, sometimes even above his own,” she said.

As she celebrated her husband, Mrs. Nzeribe offered heartfelt prayers for his future, asking God to bless him with many more years of life, good health, financial prosperity and every good thing he deserves.

She also prayed that God would reward him abundantly for the countless ways he has been a blessing not only to her and their family, but also to people who may never have been able to repay his kindness.

“I wish him many blissful years ahead. I pray that God will bless him financially and health wise and give him every good thing in life. The way he has been a blessing to me and to other people he has never known, I pray that God will bless him in the same way and even more.”

The celebration ultimately became more than a birthday surprise, it was a touching expression of love, gratitude and appreciation from a wife to a husband she considers her greatest support system.

For Mrs. Nzeribe, the occasion was an opportunity to celebrate not just another year in her husband’s life, but the man whose love, sacrifice and unwavering support have played a significant role in her journey.

 

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Henry Onyema Madubuike Unveils “Osiri,” a Novel Exploring Ancestral Heritage, Reincarnation and Cultural Identity

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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

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