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A Wedding and Soludo as a unifying force for National good

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By Christian ABURIME

Weddings in any society are always occasions of profuse celebrations that bring together families, friends, and well-wishers in shared joy. The happy moments are cherished, and the memories go on.

In a contemporary Nigeria where the socio-political landscape is deeply polarised along regional, ethnic, and religious fault lines, the unifying example of a leader who transcends these divides is not just desirable but essential.

Over the weekend, at the well-attended wedding of Adaora Soludo in Abuja, two prominent voices in Nigeria’s political sphere, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Professor Babagana Zulum, the Governor of Borno State, uttered glowing remarks that underscore the remarkable unifying and pan-Nigerian qualities of the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR.

Governor Zulum, the Chairman of the occasion, spoke highly of Governor Soludo, describing him as a man with a nationalist outlook, brilliant and intelligent. The Borno governor added that his presence at the wedding, selected to chair the occasion, speaks volumes about Governor Soludo’s broad-mindedness and inclusive leadership.

In a country where leaders are often seen through the narrow lens of ethnic affiliations, Governor Soludo’s choice of Governor Zulum as the Chairman refreshingly exemplifies his commitment to fostering unity across the diverse ethnic and religious spectrums of Nigeria.

Speaking in similar positive notes, Vice President Kashim Shettima further reinforced this view by noting the profound respect that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has for Professor Soludo, emphasising the pride the nation holds in his achievements and leadership.

This commendation from such a high-ranking national leader highlights Governor Soludo’s status as also a leader of national significance, a figure whose impact extends beyond the borders of Anambra State and South East to influence the lives of Nigerians across the country.

The inferences drawn from these attestations point to Governor Soludo as an exemplar of hope and unity in a deeply fractious nation. His ability to bridge the gaps between regions, tribes, and religions is not only proof of his personal character but also a reflection of the kind of leadership that Nigeria desperately needs. It is in line with the vision of a desired united Nigeria where patriotic leaders prioritise the common good over parochial concerns.

Today, as Nigeria continues to confront its multifarious challenges and finds a way forward, the country would be privileged to have a leader like Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo at the helm in the future. His demonstrated capacity to unify, his intellectual brilliance, and his progressive vision make him an ideal candidate to lead a nation striving to overcome its divisive challenges.

Indeed, Governor Soludo’s example is one that offers a worthy ideal of emulation, a commitment to a Nigeria where unity is not just a promise or lip service but a lived reality.

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CASER Launches Prince Nduka Obaigbena National Secondary School Essay Competition

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The Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) is proud to announce the launch of the National Secondary School Essay Competition in honour of Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of the ThisDay/ARISE Group.

This is disclosed in a statement issued by Otunba Gbenga Onayiga , Chairman, Board of Trustees, CASER, and Frank Tietie, Esq Executive Director, CASER.

The maiden edition of the competition will be exclusive to students of Government College Ughelli (GCU), the alma mater of Prince Obaigbena.

It reads:

” This initiative celebrates his enduring contributions to the advancement of excellence in journalism and broadcasting across the African continent.

The annual competition aims to inspire secondary school students across Nigeria to develop strong writing skills, critical thinking, rigorous research, and a deep commitment to truth, the core principles of responsible journalism.

In an age increasingly challenged by misinformation, online abuse, and the erosion of ethical communication, this competition aims to guide young minds back to the values of integrity, clarity, and accuracy in expression.

Essay Review and Judging Panel

Submissions will be judged exclusively by *Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, a foremost Professor of Communication and Registrar of Baze University, Abuja.

*Professor Sunny Awhefada , a distinguished scholar from the Department of English and Literary Studies at Delta State University, Abraka, developed the evaluation criteria.

Prizes and Date of Award

The top three winning essays will receive the following cash prizes:•

1st Prize: ₦500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira)•

2nd Prize: ₦300,000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira)•

3rd Prize: ₦200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira)Winners will be announced and awarded on 14 July 2025, coinciding with the birthday anniversary of Prince Nduka Obaigbena.

Inaugural Edition: Government College Ughelli.

The maiden edition of the competition will be exclusive to students of Government College Ughelli (GCU), the alma mater of Prince Obaigbena.

To ensure a smooth rollout, a Local Organising Committee (LOC) comprising members of the GCU Old Boys has been constituted as follows:

1. Mike Akoreh – Chairman

2. Efe Onomake – Alternate Chairman

3. Charles (Charlie) Umuakpero – Secretary

4. Oghenevwoke Edjere – Member

5. Sunny Ahanmisi – Member

6.Anthony Mukoro -Member.

The committee will commence its duties immediately to coordinate all activities and ensure the successful implementation of the competition.”

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2027: Hurdles Before The Coalition, By Emeka Monye

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The 2027 presidential election in Nigeria is shaping up to be a crucial contest between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a potential coalition of opposition parties. Several hurdles need to be overcome for the opposition coalition to succeed.

The political class is already preparing for this quadrennial event, holding consultations, meetings, negotiations, among other contending factors.

The ruling party, The All Progressive Congress, appears to be the most beautiful bride at the moment as members of other opposition parties have been courting the party, in a gale of defections, in what many political pundits and analysts described as a political tsunami.

While the APC seems to be enjoying the foray of defections by other party members into their fold, the main opposition party, The Peoples Democractic Party, PDP, appears to have lost its steam in the run of play.

The once dominant party is plagued by a series of internal crises which many political analysts believe will be the party’s undoings.

The once largest political party in Africa and oldest in Nigeria since it was created in 1998 by some elder statesmen, is now a shadow of itself, living in past glory and trying to win its way back to national prominence.

Already, some past and present leaders of the party have been consulting, negotiating, discussing, even though they have agreed yet, all in a bit to wrestle power from the stronghold of the Bola Tinubu-Led APC at the centre.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General elections, Peter Obi, former Governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai, among other bigwigs, are believed to be in talks with one another of how to build a possible coalition to edge the ruling APC in the power game.

Although, no concrete decision has been reached by the major actors, their negotiations and their inability to reach a consensus remain critical factors that might endanger the birth of a viable coalition.

Factors like who will step down for who as the realignment begins, remains a major issue, taking into consideration their individual experiences, exposures, skills, knowledge, capacities and egos.

Except this issue is resolved in the run up to the 2027 presidential polls, it will be a mirage for them to unseat the Tinubu-Led government.

While the running party is busy strategizing ahead of the 2027 presidential polls, the other parties are still grappling with their internal crisis.

Some analysts believe that Atiku’s past experience as Vice President under the regime of Olusegun Obasanjo, might give him an edge, while others think Peter Obi’s popularity in the South could bring a geographical balance to the ticket.

For them to form a strong force against the APC, then, they must find common platform and agree on a candidate, which might be challenging given their different ideologies and interest.

Other factors which some political analysts have highlighted that may pose as a stumbling block agents the coalition is the timing. The time between and 2027 is quite a short time for the coalition to gather and make the desired impact.

This of course, is no brainer. Any merger of alliance must be arranged within a reasonable timeframe to be effective. Also, the coalition will have to convince the Nigerian voting public of its purpose and demonstrate a clear vision for the country’s future, particularly in the area of addressing the economic misfortunes of majority of the people. Another hurdle that would be staring the coalition in the face remains the issue of power rotation.

While the south believe it’s that turn to complete their second term in 2027, the north on the other hand argue that they have been short-changed in the governance structure of the country – in terms of number of years – since the return of democracy in 1999.

Out of the total 26 years, the north has ruled for 11 years, with the south 15 years. The issue remains a key factor that would affect the coalition to birth.

The coalition, must as a matter of urgency, decency decide on this unwritten agreement about rotating power between the North and the South, potentially present a southern for one term to allow the South to complete its own two terms for the office of the president.

In conclusion, the coalition, if it really wants to win power in 2027, must make a compelling case for itself, highlighting its unique strengths and vision, rather than just criticizing the incumbent.

It needs to differentiate itself and show Nigerians that it has a better alternative.

Emeka Monye Is A Journalist And Works With ARISE NEWS.

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Mauritania’s Tah succeeds Adesina as 9th AfDB President

Tah was elected to succeed Adesina after rounds of voting conducted by the AfDB Board of Governors during the Bank’s Annual Meetings held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

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Mauritania’s Sidi Ould Tah has been elected as the ninth president of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) as Nigeria’s Akinwumi Adesina prepares to bow out.

The Bank announced his election on its website on Thursday.

Adesina’s 10-year tenure will end this year and Tah is expected to assume office on September 1, 2025.

Tah was elected to succeed Adesina after rounds of voting conducted by the AfDB Board of Governors during the Bank’s Annual Meetings held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The Board comprises finance ministers and central bank governors from the Bank’s 81 member countries.

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