News
Shocks as Enugu monarch dies a day before 90th birthday
The Preparations for the grand celebrations, scheduled for Wednesday, December 31, 2025, were already underway, with billboards announcing the monarch’s milestone birthday hoisted across the community.
•HRH Igwe PD Uzochukwu (Ezudo I of Mgbidi).
The people of Ezineze Mgbidi Autonomous Community in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, have been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of their traditional ruler, HRH Igwe PD Uzochukwu (Ezudo I of Mgbidi). This was just 24 hours before his 90th birthday and 38th coronation anniversary.
The Preparations for the grand celebrations, scheduled for Wednesday, December 31, 2025, were already underway, with billboards announcing the monarch’s milestone birthday hoisted across the community.
Many subjects had returned home in anticipation of the event when news broke that the Igwe had been rushed to a hospital due to a health complication.
The monarch passed away in a private hospital in Enugu metropolis, leaving his family and subjects devastated.
His son, Prince Emeka Uzochukwu, confirmed the death ,saying that the palace never expected the monarch’s demise.
Igwe Uzochukwu, who ascended the throne 38 years ago, succeeded Chief G. I. Oko and oversaw the division of Mgbidi into two autonomous communities – Ezineze Mgbidi and Ezineri Communities.
He explained that Igwe Uzochukwu had gone for a routine medical checkup to ensure he was fit for the celebrations before his health suddenly deteriorated.
“Being with him at the hospital before he passed, it was difficult to accept that the Igwe was truly gone,” Prince Emeka said. In a show of respect, community members observed a minute of silence during a town hall meeting at Central School Mgbidi.
Theophilus Nzeh, Esq, President General of Mgbidi Central Union, described the death as a monumental loss to the two autonomous communities in Mgbidi.
Igwe Uzochukwu, who ascended the throne 38 years ago, succeeded Chief G. I. Oko and oversaw the division of Mgbidi into two autonomous communities – Ezineze Mgbidi and Ezineri Communities.
He will be remembered for his leadership, vision, and contributions to the development of his people.
News
NMMA shortlist 972 entries for 2026 awards
NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.
The Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA) said that it has shortlisted 972 of 1,112 entries for this year’s awards.
The Chairman of the NMMA Panel of Assessors, Otunba Dele Adetiba, said that the entries for the 34th edition cut across print, radio, and television categories.
Chairman of the NMMA Board of Trustees, Prof. Dayo Duyile, said that the award was established in 1990 to promote professionalism, ethical journalism and excellence among media practitioners.
Duyile, a veteran journalist and academic, said the NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.
News
Nigerian Law school student dies after falling from hostel rooftop
The deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.
•Faith Alayande
A Nigerian Law School student identified as Faith Alayande, is dead after she fell from the rooftop at Lagos campus.
In a statement on Monday, Aderonke Osho, secretary to the council and director of administration, said that the deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.
Osho said preliminary findings revealed that the student died from injuries sustained after falling from the rooftop of the campus hostel around 4am on Friday.
The Nigerian Law School is deeply saddened by this tragic development.
“Management is working closely with the appropriate authorities and the family to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, ensure that all necessary procedures are duly followed, and provide further information as appropriate.”
News
Ekwulobia Suspends New Yam Festival for Kidnap Billionaire Son
A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.
• Joseph Ezeokafor
Ekwulobia community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State has cancelled its New Yam festival celebration billed for September 4, 2026.
Ohibaba.com learned that this is because of the kidnap of billionaire businessman and owner of Jezco Group of Companies, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor.
Ezeokafor was kidnapped in Awka on Tuesday last week when he stepped out of his house without his security details to attend to his spiritual need, where he goes to offer prays.
Public Relations Officer of Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who confirmed the development said that serious operation is currently ongoing to save the elder statesman.
His kidnap has sent his community into mourning, causing the postponement of the new Yam festival, an annual festival which holds on a static date every year.
A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.
“The Igwe said the community of Ekwulobia cannot celebrate while their son remains in the custody of the kidnappers,” the source said.
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