Nzuko Umumgboto Umungara Pays Courtesy Visit to the Palace of HRM Eze Chidume Okoro

Nzuko Umumgboto Umungara Pays Courtesy Visit to the Palace of HRM Eze Chidume Okoro

By: Nma Chiemerie

In Amano Obohia, Ekwereazu Ahiazu Mbaise as the Nzuko Umumgboto Umungara respectfully records its profound appreciation of His Royal Majesty, Eze Engr. Chidume Okoro, following the successful courtesy visit by our delegation to the royal palace.

The warm reception accorded to the members of the Umumgboto by His Royal Majesty and his amiable wife, HRM Ugoeze Adaku Chidume Okoro was deeply reassuring and reflective of his fatherly love and commitment to the unity of the people. It was indeed a great honour by the king's wise counsel, royal blessings, and words of encouragement, which have further strengthened our resolve to uphold peace, cultural values, and collective progress within Umumgboto Umungara.

The daughters of the land and their visit to the palace stands as a memorable moment of mutual respect, dialogue, and renewed bonds between the traditional institution and our community. We remain grateful for the openness, humility, and leadership displayed by His Royal Majesty throughout the interaction.

In his response, HRM Eze Okoro warmly welcomed the members of Nzuko Umumgboto Umungara and expressed profound appreciation for their visit, kind words, and the gift presented to the palace. He described the gesture as a clear demonstration of love, respect, and unity, noting that such visits strengthen the bond between the traditional institution and the people.

The royal father commended the leadership of Nzuko Umumgboto Umungara for their commitment to the unity, peace, and progress of Umungara and Amano as a kingdom. He praised the group for playing a vital role in promoting cultural values, supporting community harmony, and contributing meaningfully to development efforts.

The Royal father,  Engr. Chidume Okoro assured the delegation of his fatherly support and prayers at all times. He urged them to remain united, to continue being good ambassadors of their community wherever they find themselves, and to always uphold the traditions and dignity of Umumgboto Umungara. 

Responding to the request by the association to be included and recognized as a community cultural, CSO/NGO under the 'Nzuko Umumgboto Umungara'.

In his charismatic style, the Ugo Amano, acknowledged the appeal and commended the group for its structured approach and developmental focus. He noted that such recognition would further strengthen coordination, accountability, and the impact of their activities within the community.

The royal father assured the delegation that their request had been well received and would be given due consideration in line with the established guidelines of the Nzuko. He encouraged the association to continue operating with unity, transparency, and a clear vision for community service, stressing that development thrives where there is order and cooperation.

Eze Chidume concluded by affirming his support for initiatives that promote peace, women empowerment, and sustainable development, and prayed that the association would continue to grow in strength and relevance as a positive force within the Nzuko Umumgboto Umungara.

He concluded by praying for God’s blessings upon the group, their families, and all their endeavors, and declared the palace doors open to them at all times.

Earlier, in her remarks the National Coordinator/Convener of Nzuko Umumgboto Umungara, Nwanma Ogidi expressed deep gratitude to the royal father for granting the delegation audience. She described the visit as a reaffirmation of the enduring bond between the people of Umungara and their traditional institution, noting that the palace remains the symbol of unity, peace, and cultural identity of the community.

Nwanma thanked the Royal highness of Amano Ancient Kingdom, she reminded the King of the continuous need to sustain peace within his domain, stressing that peace remains the bedrock of growth and meaningful development. She noted that the role of the traditional ruler as the custodian of culture and unity is crucial in ensuring harmony among the people.

Ms. Ogidi emphasized that Umungara should not be left out in ongoing and future peace-building efforts, urging that every kindred and group be carried along to prevent marginalization and misunderstanding. She appealed for inclusive leadership that gives all segments of the community a sense of belonging.

She concluded by encouraging the Eze to continue using his wisdom and fatherly influence to promote dialogue, fairness, and reconciliation, assuring him of the support of Nzuko Umumgboto Umungara in fostering lasting peace and unity across the Umungara.

While presenting the token of the gift on behalf of the association, through the Vice President, Josephine Okoro, stated that the gesture was a token of respect, loyalty, and appreciation to the throne for Eze’s fatherly guidance, wisdom, and consistent support for community development. She emphasized that Nzuko Umumgboto Umungara remains committed to upholding the values of respect for tradition, unity among daughters of the land, and collaboration with traditional leadership for the progress of  Umumgboto Umungara.

She concluded by praying for long life, good health, and continued wisdom for  Eze Chidume Okoro and the Royal household, assuring him of the group’s unwavering support and readiness to partner with the palace in promoting peace and development in the community.

In her appreciation, the Welfare Officer of the union, spoke passionately on the need to foster and sustain peace in Umungara, describing peace as the foundation of development and progress. She emphasized that lasting peace begins with mutual respect, understanding, and effective communication among families, kindreds, and age grades.

Adaku informs Onye Eze that the Umumgboto will like to see community members to embrace dialogue and reconciliation as the first steps in resolving disputes, rather than allowing misunderstandings to escalate into conflict. She highlighted the important role of women as peace builders in the home and the wider community, noting that when peace is nurtured within families, it naturally reflects in the society at large.

In the same vein, the home coordinator, Nurse Anthonia Ogidi Osigwe,  thanked the king. She therefore called for collective responsibility, encouraging collaboration between traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, and women groups to promote harmony. She concluded by appealing to all sons and daughters of Umungara to uphold tolerance, unity, and love for one another, assuring that Nzuko Umumgboto Umungara remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace and social wellbeing in the community.

The high point of the visit came when the wife of the King, Ugoeze Adaku Chidume Okoro, a business mongul in her characteristic royal hospitality, warmly entertained her sisters. In her brief remarks, she acknowledged and appreciated the presence of her sisters, noting that their visit demonstrated unity, love, and respect for tradition.

Ugoeze Adaku, who is “Omuru na Obo Luo na Obo,” meaning she is both a daughter of Umungara and married into the royal family, expressed pride in receiving her sisters in the palace. She noted that her dual identity strengthens the bond between the palace and the daughters of the land, urging them to continue to uphold peace, unity, and the cultural values of Umungara.

She commended the Umungara maidens for sustaining the bond of sisterhood and encouraged them to continue promoting peace, cooperation, and development within Umungara and beyond.

Her warm reception and gracious entertainment added colour and joy to the occasion, leaving the visiting sisters delighted and honoured by the palace hospitality.

While the palace, as daughters from the rising community known for the gifted star of 'Ugo na kpakpandu' at the palace, the Umumgboto also observed with admiration the palace chefs, who were neatly dressed and cheerful as they went about their duties. With warm smiles and great courtesy, they served a variety of delicious delicacies to the guests adding elegance and comfort to the royal reception. Their professionalism and hospitality further reflected the welcoming atmosphere of the palace and made the visit even more memorable for the guests.

#HRMEzeChidumeOkoro, #HRMAdakuChidumeOkoro, #AmanoPalace, #lndiOmaObohia, #NwanmaOgidi, #NzukoUmumgbotoUmungara, #MinistryOfCulture

Trending Story: Ikorodu teacher to be sentenced to life imprisonment over accusations of stripping a 3-year-old kid, caressing her chest and defiling her with biro after police had discarded original statement.

Trending Story: Ikorodu teacher to be sentenced to life imprisonment over accusations of stripping a 3-year-old kid, caressing her chest and defiling her with biro after police had discarded original statement.

A parent claimed her 3-year-old came home and refused her from washing her private. When they checked, she said a classmate (Toluwani) inserted a pencil in her. The mother reported to the teacher and the headmaster.

The teacher, Mrs. Rukayat who is a mother of 1 and 3-months pregnant at the time, explained it wasn’t possible in the classroom. Because female and male students were far separated, and even if she missed it, her assistant or nanny wouldn’t. And there was no male teacher in the school.

The 3-year-old is Aduke. The next day her father took her to Ikorodu General Hospital where they confirmed there was a small hole in her 'vahgina'. That day, the father tried to arrest the Toluwani, but according to police, he was a much younger frail kid. So they told the father that Toluwani wasn’t capable of such with Aduke who’s older and bigger than him..

Instead, they arrested the headmaster and teacher, forced them to write a statement admitting they participated in the crime. They refused, until the owner of the school secured their bail.

Later, the class teacher, headmaster were charged for negligence of duty. The teacher, Ms. Rukayat had a miscarriage in detention after torture and starvation according to the reports.

After the police investigated and confirmed what the teachers said, seeing they couldn’t arrest Toluwani, the father insisted the case went to court.

Then he changed Aduke’s testimony and said, Aduke has now said, it wasn’t Toluwani, but the owner of the school that stripped and defiled her. The owner of the school had no office there neither is he ever there. After police confirmed these facts, they released him. 

Then the father said again that Aduke said it’s no longer the owner, but the school bus driver that stripped and defiled her in the bus when she was the last person there. Police investigated and confirmed, there was never a time Aduke was alone in the bus with the driver or the last to be dropped.

As the matter finally got to magistrate court Ikeja, the court asked the father to provide Aduke’s torn uniform and stained pant which he claims they saw, he couldn’t. So he stopped appearing in court.

All of these was from October 20th 2021 to early 2022. Then suddenly, an NGO did a “forensic interview” and GBV reported that, Aduke has finally recalled what happened, that it was her 3-month pregnant teacher that stripped her, carresed her chest and repeatedly penetrated her with a biro. Then they immediately discharged everyone else and put the whole case on Mrs. Rukayat. 

Declaring her guilty to face penalty of life imprisonment or at least 20 years jail, without evidence or investigation.

Rukayat was pregnant again, but was on the verge of losing it, so her doctor advised her to stay away from court's appearance temporarily.

The case went cold until March 2025, when she was abducted by the police, over claims that her lawyer told them that she ran away from the court case. They kept her and her 9months old baby in Kirikiri for 4 days, before she was bailed.

Since then, she has been shuttling courts. Toluwani, the school owner, the headmaster, the school bus driver, the assistant teacher, all discharged. While Mrs. Rukayat, is going away for life over a ₦20k salary job.

Rukayat says the only thing that can save her is another forensic GBV report. But she will still do at least 5-10 years jail term. The next hearing is March 12. She is calling on the Lagos State Government to intervene.

Happened at Imota, Ikorodu.

As seen on TrendingEx on X.

#copied 

@highlight 

Everyone Should Know

GOC CONVOY FOILS DEADLY AMBUSH IN KEBBI, ELIMINATES 5 TERRORISTS, SEIZES WEAPON CACHE

GOC CONVOY FOILS DEADLY AMBUSH IN KEBBI, ELIMINATES 5 TERRORISTS, SEIZES WEAPON CACHE

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgha Koughna In a bold and decisive operation  successfully foiled a deadly ambush orchestrated by suspected Lakurawa terrorist Group (LTG) near Mayama Hill in Kebbi State. The attack occurred as the GOC’s convoy was en route to visit frontline troops deployed in the Stste

The GOC’s  convoy moving through  the volatile forested terrain, came under sudden and heavy fire from armed terrorists. Demonstrating exceptional leadership and tactical prowess, Major General Koughna and his troops responded with overwhelming firepower, neutralizing  five terrorists and repelling the ambush. This operation not only secured the convoy but also disrupted the terrorists’ plans, delivering a strong deterrent message to insurgent groups that have been terrorizing local communities in the general area.

Following the successful counter-ambush, troops conducted a meticulous sweep of the area, recovering a significant cache of weapons and intelligence materials. The recovered items included one OJC Gun, one PKT Gun, two  AK-47 Rifles and four AK-47 Magazines. Others are 

One Bandolier of PKT Ammunition,  Several rounds of 12.7mm Ammunition, A camel bag containing ₦840,000, two Mobile Phones and 

Five Motorcycles

Currently troops remain deployed and vigilant  in the general area, maintaining dominance to prevent further attacks. The operation underscores the unwavering commitment of 8 Division Nigerian Army to protect civilians and eliminate terrorist threats  in the North West region.

NGIJ Seeks Partnership with NOA to Strengthen Accountability, Civic Values in Nigeria

NGIJ Seeks Partnership with NOA to Strengthen Accountability, Civic Values in Nigeria

The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has called for a strategic partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to strengthen civic education, combat misinformation, and promote accountability in governance, as both institutions identified investigative journalism as critical to Nigeria’s democratic development.

The call was made on recently when a delegation of NGIJ, led by its National President, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, and the management team of the agency in Abuja.

In his address, Aliagan said the mandates of NGIJ and NOA were naturally complementary, noting that while NOA is charged with civic education, value re-orientation and public enlightenment, investigative journalism provides verified facts and evidence that enable citizens to make informed decisions and hold public institutions accountable.

He described investigative journalism as pro-accountability and pro-transparency, stressing that it is not antagonistic to government but rather designed to strengthen institutions and rebuild public trust. 

According to him, when facts are responsibly presented and aligned with civic values, citizens become better informed, more responsible and more engaged in democratic processes.

Aliagan identified misinformation, declining public trust in institutions, social tension and civic apathy as major threats to Nigeria’s democracy, urging closer collaboration between journalists and NOA to address the challenges through joint public enlightenment campaigns, capacity-building on fact-checking and counter-disinformation, as well as platforms for constructive engagement with the public.

He further called for an enabling environment for ethical journalism, access to information and institutional support for investigative reporting, noting that investigative findings should be seen as tools for civic education rather than adversarial attacks on government. 

He expressed hope that the courtesy visit would mark the beginning of a structured and enduring partnership between NGIJ and NOA in the collective task of nation-building.

Responding, Issa-Onilu lamented what he described as the steady decline of investigative journalism in Nigeria, arguing that the erosion of depth, accuracy and attention to facts in media practice has weakened the profession and contributed to misinformation and social division.

According to him, journalism has increasingly become superficial, with little emphasis on interpretation, context and fact-based reporting, thereby making it difficult to distinguish between professional journalism and unverified content circulating on social media. 

He stressed that facts are fundamental tools for civic orientation and national unity, warning that when facts are no longer treated as sacred, society becomes vulnerable to ignorance, manipulation and conflict.

The NOA boss said investigative journalism plays a vital role in national development by promoting fairness, balance and objectivity, and by compelling government to do the right thing through informed public scrutiny. 

He noted that poor investigative reporting had contributed to knowledge gaps among citizens, particularly on governance and electoral processes, adding that such gaps often fuel misinformation and unhealthy public discourse.

Issa-Onilu also highlighted challenges faced by NOA in fulfilling its mandate, including limited resources for voter education and civic enlightenment, and pointed to widespread public misunderstanding of electoral processes as evidence of the consequences of weak civic education and poor quality reporting.

He pledged the agency’s support for NGIJ, offering to facilitate collaboration through NOA’s network of Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMOs) across local governments nationwide, who, he said, provide grassroots feedback to government and could serve as valuable community-level sources of information for investigative journalists.

The DG further proposed the establishment of a joint committee between NOA and NGIJ to explore concrete areas of collaboration, including public enlightenment campaigns, counter-disinformation initiatives and mechanisms for strengthening investigative journalism in the public interest.

Members of the NGIJ delegation at the meeting included Comrade James Ezema, Vice President (Investigation); Mallam Abdullahi Gulloma, National Public Relations Officer; Abdulrahman Obaje, FCT Chapter Chairman; Mr. Leonard Oru; Mr. Kunle Awoniyi; and Falmata Zarna.

Both organisations expressed optimism that sustained engagement and structured collaboration would contribute to rebuilding public trust, strengthening democratic culture and promoting national cohesion through responsible journalism and effective civic orientation.

Joint air, ground military offensive takes out bandit kingpin Kachalla Kabiru in Kogi

Joint air, ground military offensive takes out bandit kingpin Kachalla Kabiru in Kogi 

Joint air, ground military offensive takes out bandit kingpin Kachalla Kabiru in Kogi – Sources

A major counter-banditry operation involving Nigeria’s top security architecture has reportedly eliminated a feared criminal kingpin in what is described as a significant blow to the expanding network of armed groups operating across the North-Central and parts of the South-West.

Security sources confirmed that operatives working under the coordination of the Office of the National Security Adviser, alongside the Department of State Services and troops of the Nigerian Army 2 Division, neutralised the bandit leader known as Kachalla Kabiru during a February 13 operation in Kogi State.

The mission, which combined precision airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force with ground assaults, followed weeks of intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance that tracked the movement and location of the suspect within forest corridors linking Kwara State to the Obajana axis in western Kogi.

A senior security operative involved in the exercise said the coordinated attack also took out several of Kabiru’s top commanders.

“The target and his key lieutenants were neutralised in a joint air and ground offensive after actionable intelligence confirmed their enclave,” the source disclosed.

For more than a decade, Kabiru had been on the radar of security agencies as one of the earliest bandit figures to establish a strong operational base in Kogi — a state increasingly viewed as a strategic gateway between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions..

Intelligence reports indicate that he relocated from the North-West at the peak of the banditry surge and gradually embedded himself in border communities and dense forests, where he built a trans-regional kidnapping and arms-running network.

From these enclaves, his group allegedly coordinated attacks and abductions across Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Enugu, Edo, Ekiti and Ondo states, exploiting porous boundaries and difficult terrain to evade security forces.

Another intelligence official described the late kingpin as a “logistical clearing house” for armed groups, facilitating the movement of fighters, weapons and kidnapped victims across multiple zones.

His operations were also believed to have links with extremist elements, including factions with ideological and operational affinity to Boko Haram, raising concerns among security planners about the convergence of terrorism and organised criminality in the North-Central.

Though not historically listed among the worst-hit states in Nigeria’s banditry crisis, Kogi’s geographic location has made it increasingly vulnerable in recent years.

The state serves as a major transit route connecting the Federal Capital Territory to the South-West and South-South, while its vast forest belts provide cover for criminal groups fleeing sustained military offensives in the North-West.

Security experts have repeatedly warned that the gradual southward movement of bandit groups could reshape Nigeria’s security map if not decisively confronted. Kabiru’s network was considered a key enabler of that shift.

The reported killing is being viewed within security circles as a breakthrough that could disrupt coordination among armed groups operating across state lines.

By targeting a figure said to be central to recruitment, weapons supply and ransom-driven kidnapping operations, the operation is expected to temporarily weaken criminal collaboration in the North-Central corridor.

However, security experts cautioned that the impact will depend on sustained follow-up operations to dismantle the remaining cells and prevent the emergence of splinter leaders.

As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official confirmation from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the DSS, the Nigerian Army or the Nigerian Air Force.

The development comes amid intensified military and intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling bandit enclaves and cutting off their supply chains nationwide.

If formally confirmed, the neutralisation of Kabiru would signal a growing shift toward intelligence-driven, joint-force missions — a strategy security authorities have increasingly adopted to target high-value criminal actors rather than relying solely on conventional troop deployments.

For communities across Kogi and neighbouring states that have endured years of kidnappings and violent attacks, the operation offers cautious hope — but also a reminder that the wider battle against organised armed groups is far from over.

BREAKING: “We Are Being Hounded Off Our Own Inherited FarmLand, late Ooni Ademiluyi descendants.

BREAKING: “We Are Being Hounded Off Our Own Inherited FarmLand”—Family of Late Ooni Ajagunlawarikan Ademuliyi Cries Out, Alleges Oppression by Royal Grandson

The family of the late Late Ooni Ajagunlawarikan Ademuliyi issued a desperate appeal for intervention, alleging a relentless campaign of intimidation and land grabbing by one of their own—an Honorable Kanmi who is also a grandson of the revered royal patriarch.

In an emotion-laden interview with members of the Ademuliyi dynasty, the family revealed that the contested farmland, located in the Idi Igi area, was fairly allocated and entrusted to them by their father long before his passing. They claim the land was formally placed under the joint caretakership of Isaiah Fabeku, Sunday OjuAanu, and Baba Paul in 2007—a decision, they insist, that was widely acknowledged and undisturbed until recently.

Speaking with quiet authority, Isaiah Fabeku confirmed the historical allocation:

“This was done in 2007, in Idi Igi,The land was clearly shared. The wives of Ademuliyi were allocated 27 plots; Adeyeye and Adebowale wives received four each. It was all done peacefully.”

But peace, the family says, has now turned to persecution.

“He wants to take what the women were given”

At the heart of the dispute is a bitter irony: the man they accuse of orchestrating this hostile takeover is a blood relative. Honorable Kami, a grandson of the Ademuliyi family, was himself a beneficiary—having received his own share of the land from his father. Yet, according to distraught family members, his contentment with his portion has curdled into covetousness.

“He now wants to seize the portions allocated to Ademuliyi’s wives,” a family source disclosed. “He is threatening these women simply because they are women. He believes he can take what belongs to them by force—and disturbingly, he appears to be doing this with the backing of the palace.”

A daughter speaks: “Leave our inheritance alone”

An anguished Mrs. Tejumade Adegboola Ademilyi daughter of Soko Adebayo Ademiluyi—himself a son of the late Ooni Ajagunlawarikan—delivered a stirring appeal:

“We do not want any interference or monitoring of these farmlands. Our father gave them to us. We have managed them in peace. Whatever tributes are generated from the land are remitted to the family. We are not defaulters. We are not rebels. We simply want what is ours.”

A plea to the public

With tensions mounting and fears of forceful eviction growing, the family is now appealing to the public, human rights groups, and traditional institutions to intervene before the situation escalates.

“We only want peace. We want to add more to the farmland, not lose what we already have. We are not fighting for power—we are fighting for our inheritance, our dignity, and the memory of our father,” Mrs. Ademiluyi added, her voice trembling.

Demolitions in Makoko, a waterfront community in Lagos, have displaced thousands of residents, with families saying they were given little warning and no clear relocation plan.

Demolitions in Makoko, a waterfront community in Lagos, have displaced thousands of residents, with families saying they were given little warning and no clear relocation plan. 

The centenary-old community has an estimated population of 80,000 to 200,000, but large parts of the settlement have been destroyed. Anger over the demolitions recently spilled onto the streets in Lagos city, with witnesses reporting the use of tear gas. Residents allege that three people, including a woman and two infants, died, though police say this has not been verified. 

The Lagos State Government says the demolitions were for safety reasons, citing buildings near high-tension power lines, and has promised support for those affected. The BBC’s Chiamaka Dike visited Makoko to speak to displaced residents and document the aftermath.