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BY CHIKA OKEKE Dr Philip Njemanze As Nigeria marks 27 years of democratic journey, the Chairman International Institutes of Advanced Research and Training at Chidicon Medical Center Owerri, Imo State, Prof Philip Njemanze has demanded constructive dialogue on reforms needed to strengthen healthcare regulation and safeguard human dignity. He specifically called on the citizen, lawmakers, healthcare professionals, religious leaders, and civil society organisations to engage in the reforms, adding that democracy day should be more than a celebration of political freedom but a call to civic responsibility. “If democracy is truly government of the people, by the people, and for the people, then every Nigerian has a duty to participate in shaping laws that protect life, uphold justice, and secure the future of the nation. “Nevertheless, democracy remains worth defending because its ultimate purpose is the protection of human freedom, dignity, and the common good,” he added. In a ...

As Nigeria celebrates long walk to democracy, CHIKA OKEKE writes that 27 years after the civilian administration, strategic sectors of the economy remained at wobbly stage despite huge borrowings from the global community and annual budgetary allocations.   But no nation can base its survival and development on luck and prayers alone while its leadership fritters away every available opportunity for success and concrete achievement . ~~ Ibrahim Babangida   ‘The land flowing with milk and honey, laced with abundant human and natural resources, the giant of Africa; 5th best English-speaking country in Africa, 29th in world-these were the some of the performance index linked to Nigeria’. However, the uncertainties revolving around the country seem to diminish the hard-earned reputation.    But on May 29, 1999, Nigeria transitioned from military to democratic governance, an event that was widely celebrated as the advent of good tidings in both human and mate...

BY CHIKA OKEKE Abuja Dr Luke Okojie The Chief Executive Officer of Accolade Communications Limited, Dr Luke Okojie has concluded plans to deliver a lecture on, “Personal Brand Management: Building Legacy Beyond Your Name.” The 19th African Role Models Award and Leadership Summit is a gathering of Africa’s foremost leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, expected to spotlight the critical role of intentional reputation-building in today’s global landscape. Okojie, one of Africa’s most celebrated biographers and a leading authority on legacy documentation will address how individuals and executives can strategically craft, protect, and monetise their personal brands for generational impact. Scheduled to hold next week in Lagos, Okojie dedicated his career to documenting the stories of Africa’s trailblazers that shaped the public legacies of presidents, industry titans, and cultural icons. As a speaker and brand strategist, the biographer combines deep historical insight wit...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 12, 2026, a public holiday in commemoration of Democracy Day. The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani in Abuja. June 12 remains a significant day in Nigeria’s history in honour of the courage, resilience and sacrifices of Nigerians whose efforts made democratic governance possible in Nigeria. Their legacy continues to inform the values and responsibilities of the Nigerian state. The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the preservation of democratic ideals, including the rule of law, transparency, accountability and inclusive governance. He noted that the APC-led administration has pledged to uphold the principles of democracy without compromise. Tunji-Ojo assured that the ministry of interior in coordination with rele...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Worried by the slow pace of projects, the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has warned contractors that no section of the Federal highway should remain closed for more than 14 days during construction.  This was even as he compelled the affected contractors to complete the required section within the stipulated period or risk termination of the contract. At the continuation of inspection tour of ongoing road and bridge projects in Kogi and Edo States, the minister expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work on some sections of the Abuja-Lokoja dual carriageway and the dualisation of Obajana Junction -Benin Road.  To this end, Umahi read the riot act to contractors handling Federal Government road projects, urging them to fulfil their contractual obligations and eliminate the factors that attract undue criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.  He disclosed that due to funding constraints, the scope of one of the Se...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Federal Government has united the media, civil society organisations, and security agencies on the need to strengthen collaboration in the fight against terrorism and other forms of violent extremism threatening national peace and security. At a National Press Briefing in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris said that defeating terrorism requires a united national response that transcends political, ethnic, religious, and regional differences. "The Federal Government is rallying citizens, the media, and security agencies in a united front against terrorism because an attack against one Nigerian is an attack against all Nigerians. Terrorism has no tribe, no religion, and no political affiliation. Its only purpose is destruction," said Idris, urging all Nigerians to stand together against violent extremism and criminality. He assured Nigerians that President Bola  Tinubu remains fully committed to secu...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) has issued directive to all its branches nationwide to conclude church programmes by 8:00 pm and suspend vigils and overnight meetings until further notice.  This followed the escalating security challenges across the country that led to kidnapping and mass abduction of school pupils especially in Oyo and Borno State recently.  The directive, which was contained in an internal memo dated June 5, 2026, and signed by the Director of Administration at the church’s international headquarters in Lagos, Temitope A. Olawale, cited rising security crisis as reason for the order.  The church argued that the decision was reached in the interest of the safety and well-being of its members in view of the daunting security challenges in the country. It reads: "All services, meetings and other church activities must henceforth end not later than 8:00 pm. "Vigils and overnight prayer programmes have bee...