Christian Ogbonna Archives — NEWSVERGE

Police confirm 3 killed in Ebonyi mining pit collapse

Christian Ogbonna — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 08:00:41 +0000

The Police Command in Ebonyi has confirmed the killing of three people following the collapse of a minning pit in a rural community.

Confirming the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki on Sunday, SP Joshua Ukandu, its spokesman, said four others were injured in the incident which occurred on Saturday.

”Three people were killed on Saturday when a mining pit collapsed at Enyim Agalegu in Ikwo Local Government Area.

”We received information on the incident and the DPO in the area also visited the scene but no official report has been received from the victim’s family,” he added.

Also confirming the development, the Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Mr Chidi Onyi, described the incident as unfortunate.

The commissioner attributed the recurring collapse in mining communities to illegal mining activities, occasioned by greed for money.

“The incident occurred at a pit reportedly covered by the mining lease of First Patriots Limited, formerly known as Royal Salt,” he said.

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Food security: How Ebonyi is powering Nigeria’s rice revolution

Christian Ogbonna — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 15:14:32 +0000

8<strong>Ebonyi, aptly titled the ‘Salt of the Nation,’ is blessed with both vast mineral wealth and fertile plains suited for large-scale cultivation of rice and other agricultural products.

For decades, communities in Abakaliki, Izzi, Ezza, and Ikwo cultivated rice largely through manual methods and mainly for subsistence.

The narrative began to change with increasing calls for food self-sufficiency and deliberate efforts by both federal and state governments to reduce rice importation.

Aside from Ebonyi, other notable rice-producing states in Nigeria are Kebbi, Jigawa, Kano, Ekiti, Benue, Kaduna, Niger, Cross-River, and Ogun.

Today, Ebonyi rice is not just a crop; it is a statement, a movement, and for many, a dependable source of livelihood.

Once relegated to the background of Nigeria’s food conversation, Ebonyi rice has risen from local obscurity to national prominence.

As foreign rice gradually loses its grip on the Nigerian market, the homegrown variety from Ebonyi has become a preferred choice on dining tables, market shelves, and even in government warehouses.

By most accounts, Ebonyi rice is no longer the dusty, stone-filled, hand-milled grain sold only in local markets.

It is now available in supermarkets in Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, and beyond—neatly packaged, well processed, and proudly labelled “Made in Nigeria.”

The transformation of Ebonyi rice did not happen overnight.

In spite of the state’s long-standing potential, factors such as poor government support, limited access to technology, and post-harvest losses previously constrained farmers and exposed them to middlemen.

Agriculture stakeholders say things began to improve significantly from 2015, following federal policies aimed at boosting local rice production.

With the restriction on rice importation, Ebonyi found its footing as a major producer.

Analysts say at present, Ebonyi rice is more than a staple food–locally grown, milled, and packaged; it has become a symbol of pride for Nigerians who increasingly prefer it to foreign alternatives.

Gov. Francis Nwifuru has declared the state’s ambition to become Nigeria’s rice capital, attract investment, boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and create jobs for the growing youth population.

The State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources disclosed that rice production in the state had created more than 20,000 jobs across the value chain—from planting and harvesting to milling and distribution.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mrs Nkechinyere Iyioku, said the government was committed to investing more in rice production while encouraging youth participation in practical agriculture.

Our correspondent recalls that the Ebonyi Government, through the Ministry of Human Capital Development, trained hundreds of youths in agribusiness areas such as poultry, fisheries, rice, and cassava production.

Beneficiaries also received start-up funds of N3 million each.

For the Ebonyi Government, rice has moved beyond agriculture to become a strategic asset.

Mr Linus Obeji, Executive Chairman of the Rice Mill Industry, Abakaliki, attributed the transformation in rice production and branding to consistent government policies and farmer resilience.

According to Obeji, the Federal Government’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme under previous administrations and ongoing policies under President Bola Tinubu provide smallholder farmers with access to loans, improved seedlings, and fertilisers.

He added that the Ebonyi Government upgraded rice mills, provided tractors, and strengthened cooperative societies, leading to increased output.

“Ebonyi now produces hundreds of thousands of metric tonnes of rice annually, feeding not only its people but many Nigerians across the country and beyond.’’

Obeji noted that improved processing had enhanced consumer perception and preference for local rice.

“Ebonyi rice is known for its natural aroma, absence of chemical preservatives, and nutritional value.

“With modern processing, the once stone-filled grains are now cleaner and comparable to imported brands.”

He, however, identified challenges such as poor road infrastructure, inadequate storage facilities, erratic power supply, insecurity, and climate change-induced flooding.

Obeji said the industry had adopted strict quality control measures, including mandatory de-stoning, sorting, polishing, and proper packaging.

“No rice leaves the mill without complete removal of chaffs and stones.

“The industry is capable of sustaining steady supply within Ebonyi, Nigeria, and even the global market,” Obeji said.

Mr Mathew Nwoko, a rice dealer from Port Harcourt, Rivers, said Ebonyi rice had penetrated major markets across the country and abroad.

He called for sustained government intervention to maintain the growth trajectory.

“In markets from Port Harcourt to Owerri, Asaba, Lagos, Ebonyi rice is becoming a household name; consumers are drawn by its quality and the satisfaction of supporting local farmers,” Nwoko said.

Similarly, Mrs Adaku Chukwubike, a Lagos-based food trader, said demand for local rice in her shop had surged, compelling her to source directly from Abakaliki.

“Since I tasted the rice, I never went back; it is natural, and my customers give positive testimonies,” she said.

A young agripreneur, Mr Eze Nwube, who runs a small rice milling outfit in Onueke, Ezza-South Local Government Area, said agribusiness had transformed his life.

“People mocked me for choosing farming, but today I supply rice to major stores and online buyers,” he said.

An agricultural economist, Mrs Grace Nwafor, stressed the need for massive investment in modern farming technology to enhance global competitiveness.

She called for improved access to high-yield seeds, irrigation systems, and youth-focused agricultural training programmes.

Dr Ignatius Unah, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in the state, urged the federal and state governments to expand access to farm inputs and mechanised farming.

Unah acknowledged the state government’s support but noted that rising input costs remained a challenge for many farmers.

“The government’s subsidy on fertilisers and agrochemicals is crucial for food security and supporting smallholder farmers,” he said.

A local farmer, Mr Nwokpor Nicholas, said rice farming had become profitable, attracting buyers from Port Harcourt, Benin, and other cities.

“Our children now attend school through rice proceeds; rice farming has become a viable business,” he said.

NAN reports that as of December 2025, the cost of rice had dropped significantly, with a 50kg bag selling for between N30,000 and N45,000, compared to N65,000–N90,000 recorded between March and June.

Within that period, a 25kg bag sold for between N14, 000 and N25, 000, depending on the grade and brand.

Agri-enthusiasts in Ebonyi say there is still a need to improve road infrastructure, boost storage capacity and power supply, enhance security, and mitigate climate-induced flooding to bolster rice production.

Given these developments, stakeholders say Ebonyi is on track to be a game-changer in Nigeria’s quest for food security.

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Nigeria can’t afford one-party system under democracy —-IPAC

Christian Ogbonna — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 09:41:13 +0000

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ebonyi says Nigeria cannot afford a one-party state under a democracy.

The State Chairman of IPAC, Mr Nasir Nwaze, told our correspondent in Abakaliki on Wednesday that one-party state was unhealthy for any democracy.

There has been massive defection from opposition parties, particularly governors into the All Progressives Congress (APC) which rules at that federal level.

Some of the defectors include Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Douye Diri of Bayelsa and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta.

The gale of defection has raised concerns about potential one-party state as the country prepares for general election in 2027.

But President Bola Tinubu said that APC was not driving Nigeria into a one-party state.

He said this while addressing the Joint Session of the National Assembly to mark the June 12 Democracy Day.

But Nwaze cautioned that: “one-party system is very unhealthy to democratic system, especially to Nigeria nation.

“People defecting to the ruling party of APC do not erase the structures of other parties. They all exist and run their activities independently,” citing the case of Ebonyi.

He said that IPAC was committed to resolving political issues, and promoting peaceful coexistence among political parties.

“We are the umbrella body for all registered parties recognised by INEC.

“The structure of governance in Ebonyi encourages collaboration among members of political parties rather than antagonistic opposition

“So, one-party system is not healthy for democracy. That is why every political party in Ebonyi has the freedom to scout for members and present candidates.

“At the end of the day, the people will decide who they want,” he said.

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Food Security: Abakaliki Rice targets global standard

Christian Ogbonna — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 14:32:20 +0000

The Abakaliki Rice Mill Industry says it has begun modern production and bagging in the efforts to meet up with the global standard.

Mr Linus Obeji, Executive Chairman of the Industry, told our correspondent on Tuesday that the industry had enforced compulsory “removal of stones and chaffs” before bagging in line with the best global standard.

Obeji expressed satisfaction that the Abakaliki brand of rice could be found today at various Nigerian markets and neighbouring countries.

He commended the federal and the state governments’ intervention, especially on the supply of inputs and financial support (loans and grants) to the farmers.

“We commend the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and FADAMA, who have been supportive, creating an enabling environment for the production of farm produce in Ebonyi and Nigeria.

“Today, I must inform you that Ebonyi Rice Mill Industry has made significant improvements, ranging from the processes of cultivation, harvesting, bagging, and distribution, among others.

“This progress is just a systematic approach that we have given to the processing. Currently, we have advanced to modern machines and improved manpower.

“We have adopted no bagging and distribution of rice without removing chaff and stones.

“We have a standard operational method in the industry, and all these developments are because of the intervention of the State Governor, Francis Nwifuru,” he said.

The chairman said that there were stoning machines, after milling, for destoning, sorting, polishing, bagging and distribution.

He said no customer can take rice out of the mill without removing chaff and stones.

“The industry is capable of a constant supply of rice to the general public in the state, Nigeria and even globally.

“We have our customers in Cameron, Niger and others. The cost of rice has drastically reduced from N36,000 as of January and February to N15,000 and N16,000. And it’s affordable by the people.

“There are different types and brands when we talk about rice. We have long grains and small grains (Mass, CP, among others),” the chairman said.

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2027: We’re not disturbed by members’ defection to APC in Ebonyi – APGA

Christian Ogbonna — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 08:19:03 +0000

The Ebonyi chapter of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) says it’s not bothered by the defection of some of its members including a federal lawmaker to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state.

The State Chairman of the party, Mr Chukwudi Nwankwor, made the assertion in an interview with our correspondent in Abakaliki on Sunday.

Nwankwor noted that the defection would not affect their vision and mission ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Our correspondent recalls that Mr Joseph Nwobasi, a member of the House of Representatives and some others of the party defected to APC on June 14.

Nwobasi, who represents Ezza-North/Ishielu Federal Constituency was elected to the House in 2023 on the platform of APGA.

According to the Chairman, APGA in Ebonyi is united, together and strong.

He hinted that their defection was not motivated by any ideology or conviction, but by personal ambition and selfishness.

“Well, our members are still united in Ebonyi. The only party executives that left with Rep Nwobasi are one State House of Assembly member, the state youth leader and the Ebonyi North vice Chairman, Emmanuel Mbam.

“In Ezza-North, nobody left, our members and leaders are intact in the area. In Okposi ward, Ohaozara council, nobody has left. Even in Oshegbe ward, where Nwobasi came from, our chairman is still intact.

“I have learnt that in Nigeria politics, people don’t have idealogy. How can one win an election in his party for a position, at the the he chose to dump the party for another. This is laughable.

“Anyway, we are not missing anyone of them. APGA remain unbothered. Though, Nwobasi is still on our mandate, which after consultation, we will come up with our decision.

“Our members are still together and strong, take a look in other local government areas in the state, all our members are intact. You should know that Nigeria cannot survive with one party system,” the Chairman stated.

Nwankwor noted that APGA in Ebonyi remains focused, undeterred, and unwavering in its commitment to justice.

“To our members and supporters and indeed the people of Ebonyi, I urge you all to remain resolute, stay focused, united, and strong.

“Do not be distracted by the desperation of those who put personal gain above public goods,” the Chairman advised.

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SON, NAFDAC reiterate warning against substandard, fake products in Nigeria markets

Christian Ogbonna — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 21:13:34 +0000

The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), have warned producers and suppliers against flooding the nation’s markets with substandard and fake products.

The Director General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okereke at a one-day Stakeholders workshop tagged, “Growing Businesses Through Standardisation” in Abakaliki,on Wednesday said substandard items were not good for a growing economy.

Okereke was represented by Mrs Talutu Athan, Director, Cooperate Affairs Department of SON.

He said the workshop was aimed at strengthening and deepening stakeholders operators knowledge, understanding and co-operation with the organisation concerning standardisation activities for growing businesses.

He noted that standards adherence and compliance remained a major way to attain economic and industrial growth.

“Today’s economy reputation is as important as Customers want to know, not only what you produce, but how.

“For our goods to reach premium market beyond our boarders, they must reach established benchmarks. These benchmarks are not created to exclude it frustrate producers.

“SON is committed to fighting against substandard goods. This is because when one trader floods the market with fake or inferior products, the reputation of genuine producers is also damaged.

“We cannot do it alone, we need your support,. We need your partnership with stakeholders like you.

“Standards are not rules from above, they are building blocks for resilience and growth. They give you an edge in a crowded marketplace. They protect your investments. They turn hard work into lasting success.

“SON has toll free lines that one can contact in terms of substandard good. These are 08099937380, 07056990099,” the Director General said.

Also speaking, Mr Emeka Orajaka, Coordinator of NAFDAC in Ebonyi, said he was committed to fighting against fake and inferior products in the markets.

Orajaka, however, pledged support to SON to get rid off substandard goods across the markets in the country.

He urged producers and suppliers to embrace the campaign against fake products and ensure that their products are certified before taken them to the market.

A Resource Pearson, Mr Lawal Ayanda, who spoke on a topic, “Growing Businesses Through Standardisation” said the importance of using made in Nigeria goods, especially cables and wires could not be over-emphasised.

Ayanda described a made in Nigeria cable as best due to it resistance to fire.

“Nigeria cables are flame retardant. They are resistance to fire. All Nigeria cables have SON logos,” he stated.

Mrs Maryrose Ugwueche, State Coordinator of SON in Ebonyi thanked all the stakeholders for their activities in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other stakeholders at the workshop include the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS) among others.

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Police in Ebonyi nab man over alleged murder of neighbour

Christian Ogbonna — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 13:57:14 +0000

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Ebonyi Command, has arrested a male suspect over an alleged murder of his neighbour, Mrs Rose Awoke, on Monday night.

SP Joshua Ukandu, Spokesman of the command told our correspondent in Abakaliki on Tuesday that the suspect allegedly killed the 60-year-old woman by hitting her severally.

Ukandu said that the suspect allegedly committed the crime at Egugho, Ezzagu in Ishielu Local Government area of the state.

According to him, on Monday, at about 0600 hours, the police received a report that the suspect who lives in the same compound with the deceased at Egugho Ezzagu in Ishielu LGA, attacked and murdered her.

“The suspect murdered the deceased by hitting her several times with a shovel and abandoned her in a pool of her blood.

“The officers of the command were able to apprehend him before he could flee.”

Ukandu disclosed that the command was currently investigating the incident to understand the motive behind the brazen attack.

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VC decries rising vision impairment

Christian Ogbonna — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 11:00:08 +0000

Prof. Jesse Uneke, Vice-Chancellor of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Ebonyi, has expressed concern over the increasing cases of vision impairment across the country.

He spoke on Thursday during the inauguration of an eye centre at the institution in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The VC said the centre, a Centre of Excellence for Eye Research, Training, and Patient Care, aims to enhance accessibility to eye care services.

He noted that it would raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations and provide affordable eye care for individuals with limited financial resources.

Uneke decried the high rate of eye diseases, stating that an estimated 24 million Nigerians had lost their sight due to lack of proper care.

“The National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey estimates that 4.2 per cent of people over 40 years old are blind,” he revealed.

He added that approximately 4.25 million adults aged 40 and above suffer from moderate to severe visual impairment or blindness.

According to the report, blindness is linked to increasing age, gender, and poor literacy levels.

“It was also noted that 84 per cent of blindness cases were caused by avoidable factors,” he said.

Uneke said many Nigerians lacked access to basic eye care, leaving them vulnerable to visual impairment and disability.

He called for improved access to refractive services and capacity building for eye care personnel.

“We must enhance education, reduce the cost of refractive services, and strengthen surveillance and research,” he urged.

He emphasised that the eye centre would focus on research and development in eye diseases alongside providing excellent eye care services.

“Our centre will conduct cutting-edge research using the latest technologies to advance evidence-based practices in eye care,” he stated.

Mrs Ukamaka Nwifuru, Wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, described the centre as crucial for improving healthcare delivery in the state and Nigeria.

She commended the university’s management for its initiatives to position the institution among the best in the country.

Nwifuru assured that the state government would continue supporting the university to ensure quality learning.

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Yuletide: Don’t infringe on people’s rights, Police warn masqueraders

Christian Ogbonna — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 08:09:51 +0000

The Police Command in Ebonyi has urged citizens in the state to avoid using masquerade activities to infringe on the rights of people or obstruct traffic during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

This is contained in a statement issued to reporters by DSP Joshua Ukandu, spokesman of the Command, on Tuesday in Abakaliki.

The statement quoted Mrs Anthonia Uche-Anya, Commissioner of Police in the state as warning that those who violate the law would face the consequences.

The Commissioner also urged the general public to refrain from using fireworks and other explosive devices during and after the season.

“The command wishes to remind everyone to refrain from using bangers (firecrackers) during this period due to the risks of fire outbreaks and the panic caused by loud noises.

“Additionally, the burning of tyres on roads and actions taken by masquerades should not infringe on the rights of others or obstruct traffic; those who violate the law will face the consequences,” the Commissioner stated.

Uche-Anya noted that the Command had conducted a security briefing with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Team Commanders, and other senior police officers within the command.

She emphasised the importance of civility in discharging of duties, urging officers to avoid all forms of extortion and corruption.

The Commissioner called for proper supervision of subordinates and directed the enhancement of existing deployments to ensure adequate security during the festive season.

“The residents of Ebonyi should remain law-abiding and vigilant during this holiday season.

“Prioritise public safety and report any suspicious activities or incidents to the nearest police station or by calling the Ebonyi State Command Control Room on 07064515001.

“Furthermore, if anyone witnesses police misconduct, they can report it by contacting the Police Public Relations Officer on 08032716251 or the Complaints Response Unit (CRU) desk officer on 08067577537,” she added.

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Lassa Fever: 23 persons confirmed dead from 48 cases in Ebonyi — Nwifuru

Christian Ogbonna — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 08:23:12 +0000

The Ebonyi Government on Thursday, said that 394 suspected cases of Lassa Fever have been recorded since January till December in the state.

The government said 48 cases were confirmed from the suspected case and out of which 23 persons died of the disease while 25 persons were discharged.

Gov. Francis Nwifuru announced this on Thursday in Abakaliki at the official sign off and handover ceremony of Medecens Sans Frontieres (MSF) also known as ”Doctors without borders” Lassa Fever support activities to the state government.

“Though we grief over those that died, we give kudos to doctors without borders for saving the lives of those who survived the disease.

“The spread of this virus is believed to be facilitated by sociocultural practices, poor health seeking behavior, poor environmental sanitation conditions, lack of awareness and community engagement.

“We, therefore applaud the splendid efforts of one of our international health ally and partner known as MSF

“The giant humanitarian strides recorded as milestones of this team in the area of health and well-being of our people is enormous, and as a government we are highly indebted to them.

“MSF became an official health ally and partner to Ebonyi State through the state ministry of health in 2018 and since then they have remained steadfast.

“Records have shown that this year 2024 alone, Nigeria has recorded over 4,726 cases with very significant fatality rate.

“In Ebonyi State here, we have recorded 394 suspected cases since January till date with 48 confirmed cases, out of which 23 persons died of the disease while 25 persons were discharged home.

“As a governor, I am satisfied with proactive, relentless and very tremendous efforts you have made in our health sector since your arrival to Ebonyi State in 2018.

“I believe that sooner than later we shall overcome and eliminate in totality the dangers of Lassa Fever and with your constant backup our acceleration in subduing this deadly virus will be faster and better,” he said.

The governor implored MSF leadership in their rank and files to consider the sincerest appeal from the state and continue our partnership for the sake of humanity.

He promised to offer feasible support to accomplish the set goals in Ebonyi State in order to eradicate Lassa Fever.

Earlier, Dr Allan Godfrey, MSF’s Field Coordinator in Ebonyi thanked the governor for creating an enabling environment in the discharge of their humanitarian services to the people.

Godfrey noted that its intervention in Ebonyi on healthcare delivery had been successful, urging the state government on the need for sustainability.

“Within our stay in the state , we have constructed six health centres and other interventions,” he added.

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