News
A Wedding and Soludo as a unifying force for National good
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.
A new documentary on the life and political struggle of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola is set to premiere in Nigerian cinemas in October.
Titled MKO, the 108-minute film is directed by Ose Oyamendan and produced with American documentary filmmaker Mark Jonathan Harris. It explores the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as free and fair, Abiola’s subsequent detention, and the controversial circumstances surrounding his death in custody in 1998.
The documentary features interviews with key figures including former military rulers Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, Abiola’s running mate Baba Gana Kingibe, members of the Abiola family, journalists, and diplomats.
Oyamendan, who worked as a young journalist during the June 12 crisis, has described the film as an investigative documentary that examines Nigeria’s unfinished democratic journey. It had its world premiere earlier this year at the Sheffield DocFest in the United Kingdom.
The Nigerian cinema release is scheduled for early October, with some reports linking the premiere to Independence Day on October 1.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results of underage candidates for viewing.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by the Board’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin, JAMB defined an underage candidate for the 2026 admission exercise as any candidate who will be less than 16 years old as at September 30, 2026.
Benjamin said the results were released primarily to enable candidates and their parents or guardians to know their performance in the examination. However, he stressed that the release does not confer eligibility for admission on all underage candidates.
According to him, the results cannot be used for admission or any other official purpose, except by candidates who satisfy the stringent requirements prescribed for exceptionally performing underage candidates.
Candidates can check their results by sending “RESULT” to 55019 or 66019 using the same SIM card with which they registered for the UTME.
JAMB reiterated that only underage candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and maturity will be considered for admission through a rigorous, multi-stage assessment process. Key requirements include a minimum UTME score of 320, at least 80 per cent performance in relevant Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) subjects where applicable, satisfaction of the Post-UTME requirements of their chosen institutions, and a final assessment conducted by experts.
Veteran journalist Mr. Ohi Odiai and his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Ohi-Odiai, today mark their 17th wedding anniversary, a milestone that highlights an enduring partnership built on mutual support, professional excellence, and family.
Mr. Odiai serves as Deputy Head of News at Arise News TV, one of Nigeria’s leading television networks. He is also the CEO and Chief Editor of Ohibaba.Com, the online news platform he founded and continues to steer as a key voice in digital journalism. His career spans years of impactful reporting, newsroom leadership, and media innovation.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ohi-Odiai is the owner and founder of Bukbeth Concepts Classic, a business reflecting her entrepreneurial drive and creative vision. Together, the couple has built a home grounded in shared values and quiet strength.
The family is blessed with three children — two boys and a girl — who form the heart of their journey.
Friends, colleagues, and well-wishers describe the Odiais as a model of resilience and partnership in both public and private life.
As they celebrate 17 years of marriage today, September 5, 2026, the couple is receiving warm congratulations from across the media and business communities. Their story stands as a reminder that lasting unions thrive on commitment, respect, and the everyday work of building a life together.
Happy anniversary to Mr. Ohi Odiai and Mrs. Elizabeth Ohi-Odiai.
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