***Advocates Unity Across Borders

The President General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA) in Abuja, Engr. Ikenna Ellis Ezenekwe, has lauded the election of Senator John Azuta-Mbata as the new President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
In his congratulatory message, Ezenekwe, widely regarded as “Agbachikala Nanka,” described the election as a milestone for Igbo unity, calling on all Igbo-speaking people to rally behind their new leader.

In a statement released on January 19, 2025, Ezenekwe emphasized the importance of solidarity among Igbo people, irrespective of their geographical location. He noted that Senator Azuta-Mbata’s emergence reflects a collective commitment to advancing the Igbo cause, both within Nigeria and globally.

“We, Ndị Igbo in Abuja, celebrate this outcome as a testament to our shared identity and resilience,” the statement read. Ezenekwe urged the Igbo people of Rivers State, Senator Azuta-Mbata’s home state, to extend their unwavering support to the new Ohanaeze leadership, stressing that unity is crucial in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities.

He also addressed recent tensions within the Ikwerre community of Rivers State, urging reconciliation and reiterating the shared linguistic and cultural heritage of the Ikwerre and the larger Igbo family.
“Ikwere is Igbo. It has always been Igbo, and will remain Igbo. This is not a time for divisions but for solidarity,” Ezenekwe declared.

Reflecting on the evolution of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ezenekwe recounted its roots in the Lagos Igbo Union of the 1930s, its transformation into the Igbo State Union in 1948, and its eventual rebranding as Ohanaeze Ndigbo in 1979. He described the organization’s history as a testament to the Igbo people’s resilience, unity, and commitment to collective progress.

He further commended Senator Azuta-Mbata’s impressive credentials and urged him to draw on his extensive experience to address the needs of the Igbo people globally.

Engr. Ezenekwe pledged the ICA’s full support for the new Ohanaeze leadership, highlighting the association’s grassroots network of over 78 units across the Federal Capital Territory. He emphasized the need for collaboration to tackle challenges facing the Igbo nation.

“As the President General of Ndigbo in the Federal Capital Territory, I and the ICA are committed to supporting and cooperating with the new leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Our unity is our strength,” Ezenekwe affirmed.

Ezenekwe’s congratulatory message has been described by many as more than a mere endorsement of Senator Azuta-Mbata’s election. It is seen as a rallying cry for Igbo people worldwide to strengthen their bonds, promote inclusivity, and work collectively toward the common good.

With the leadership of Senator Azuta-Mbata and the unwavering support of organizations like the ICA, the Igbo nation stands poised to embark on a new era of progress, unity, and global influence.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has emphasized the transformative impact of the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP), describing it as a dual-purpose initiative that fosters education and drives local agricultural development.

Speaking through the FCT Focal Person on Social Investment Programme (SIP), Hajia Maijidda Adamu Kuku, at an interactive session with stakeholders across the six area councils of the FCT, Mahmoud highlighted the programme’s reliance on locally sourced produce.
Special Adviser on Media to the minister Austine Elemue, in a statement quoted the minister to have indicated that the approach, is to empower farmers, strengthen the rural economy, and enhance community participation.
Mahmoud affirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to facilitating the programme’s effective implementation by fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
“Regular interactive sessions like this are vital to reflect on successes, address challenges, and chart a sustainable path forward,” she said.
She commended the efforts of government officials, school administrators, farmers, cooks, and development partners, stressing the administration’s determination to ensure inclusivity and leave no school behind in the programme.
The Minister also called for innovative ideas and practical solutions to sustain the programme’s impact, urging stakeholders to work in synergy to confront emerging challenges.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding Programme, Dr. Yetunde Adeniyi,
underscored the initiative’s national importance, citing its role in improving school enrollment and learning outcomes.
“Since its inception, thousands of children have benefited from nutritious meals, leading to increased attendance and retention in schools,” she noted.

Adeniyi encouraged stakeholders to prioritize transparency, accountability, and active community involvement to ensure the programme’s longevity and effectiveness.

FCT Programme Operations Officer, Hauwa Abubakar, outlined the objectives of the stakeholders’ dialogue, emphasizing its focus on enhancing service delivery through transparency, accountability, and linkages with other empowerment initiatives in the FCT.

World Food Programme representative, Agnes Mungatia, further stressed the importance of collaboration, urging stakeholders to unite efforts to amplify the programme’s reach and impact.

The Home-Grown School Feeding Programme has remained a beacon of hope, providing nutritious meals to children while empowering local farmers. With continued commitment from stakeholders, the programme promises to sustain its role as a cornerstone of education and rural development in Nigeria.

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has called on private companies, Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and other employers of labor within the Federal Capital Territory to file their employees’ annual tax returns for 2024 by January 31, 2025.

This directive is in line with Section 81 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) 2011 (as amended) and PAYE regulations, which mandate employers to submit detailed annual returns of emoluments paid to employees and total taxes deducted for the preceding year.
A statement issued on Sunday by the Corporate Communications Manager of the Service, Mustapha Sumaila urged Employers are required to use the forms prescribed by FCT-IRS for this purpose.
The statement quoted the Acting Executive Chairman of FCT-IRS, Mr. Michael Ango, whike speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement recently tobhave emphasized the importance of compliance, warning that failure to meet the deadline would attract penalties and sanctions.
He encouraged voluntary compliance, highlighting its role in fostering accountability and easing tax administration.

“We urge all private organizations, MDAs, government enterprises, and sole proprietorships within the FCT to fulfill their tax obligations.
Beyond avoiding sanctions, this compliance will contribute significantly to the development of the FCT and support the Honourable Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike CON, in his vision of transforming the FCT into a modern city,” Ango stated.

The FCT-IRS reiterated its commitment to efficient tax administration and calls on all stakeholders to cooperate in building a financially sustainable capital territory.