UKPABI ASIKA THE GREAT!

By Emeka Obasi

No individual did more for the Igbo after the genocidal Civil War than Ajie Ukpabi Asika, a First Class Economist produced by the University of Ibadan, who was appointed Administrator of East Central State in 1967. Strangely, those who should praise him only remember that he did not support Biafra.

Asika and his wife, Chinyere, returned from the United States with chains of University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) degrees and settled down to work at the University of Ibadan. By 1966, they had moved to Tanzania and later Zambia.

It took another Economist, Dr. Adebayo Adedeji, to recommend Ajie to Gowon through Col. Olu Obasanjo. He was the only civilian among the twelve new governors. Had Gowon appointed a Federal officer to administer the East, perhaps everything Biafra would have been completely destroyed.

Asika behaved like a statesman. He welcomed and rehabilitated all those that were on the Biafran side and put their ingenuity to good use. Those who fuelled inventions through Research And Production (RAP) got a new agency, Project Development Agency (PRODA) headed by one of the brains behind Ogbunigwe, Gordian Ezekwe.

The ECS cabinet had an array of achievers, carefully selected. There was Ukwu I. Ukwu, with PhD, Cantab. Samuel Ikoku, Economist, politician and University lecturer, Charles Abangwu, former Deputy Speaker, Eastern Region House of Assembly, Magnus Adiele, another University teacher and Dan Ibekwe, lawyer, former Federal minister, also made it.

Flora Nwapa, novelist and University administrator, joined Philip Nnaemeka Agu, a lawyer, Martin Elechi a former District Officer (DO), Dan Njemanze, another lawyer, Osita Okeke, Zackhaeus  Dibiaezue, and Anthony Ofo - Mogboh, to move the new state to greater heights. They were supported by Chu Okongwu, Vincent Aniago and Innocent Nwoga, among others.

What many did not know was that before the war ended, Asika moved swiftly to secure Igbo investments across the nation. He was successful in the West, in Kano, in Ilorin but Port Harcourt gave him so much headache. Rivers State governor, Alfred Papapreye Diette - Spiff, hardened his heart and supported what became known as Abandoned Property.

It was sad that Spiff who attended St. Joseph's College, Sasse Buea, Western Cameroon, did not consider men like Prof.Theodore Okeahialam and his brother, Heron, who also passed out from the same school, before him.

Heron was the Engineer behind Radio Biafra, who made the world believe that the studio was in Enugu all through the war. Fact is, he moved the station round. At a time, signals came from a palm tree in Otulu, Ahiara, Mbaise. Prof. Okeahialam did not only head the Biafran Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre in Libreviile, Gabon, he pioneered inventions.

Biafran doctors produced Kwashiorkor Mixture for malnourished children, a formula later adopted by the World Health Organisation. F. Udekwu and David Nwafor used fresh coconut as intravenous fluids to treat wounded soldiers. Nelly Obiayo separated Siamese twins. Humphrey Anyanwu did well with surgery.

In 1974, Anyanwu and Nwafor had jobs at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu. They performed two major heart surgeries with Egyptian turned Briton, Bagdi Yacoub.

Asika did not like the unforgiving spirit of Spiff. The Amanyanabo of Bonny, William Dappa Pepple, was exiled, for following Gen. Emeka Ojukwu to one of the Peace Meetings in Addis Ababa, in 1968. The king lived in Enugu. Ojukwu was worried but relief came when Asika found a place for Pepple in Aba, nearer home. He died there in 1972. Today his son, Asimini Dappa People III, sits on the throne as Perekule XI, Amanyanabo of Bonny.

Asika had the most efficient Civil Service in the country, that applied IBM computers through the Eastern Data Processing Centre, manned by Dr. Ofia Nwali and supervised by Ukwu I. Ukwu. Scholarships to Europe, America and other parts of Nigeria were awarded and handled perfectly. 

In Sports, Asika was excellent. Enugu Rangers remain the first Nigerian team to become double champions. This was achieved in 1974. That foundation also makes the Flying Antelopes the only club to have won the Challenge Cup three times consecutively.

East Central State Academicals lifted the Manuwa/ Adebajo Cup in 1971. East Central State Spartans grabbed soccer gold at the First National Sports Festival, Lagos 1973 and retained it in 1975. Rangers had won the first league, the Amachree Cup, although informally, in 1971.

All the players and managers of these teams were Biafran combatants. Coach Dan Anyiam, was Brigade Major of the 60 Brigade that fought gallantly in Oguta. Skipper Godwin Achebe was at the School of Infantry. Godwin Ogbueze was a teenage commando, just like Dominic Nwobodo. Patrick Ekeji moved from the Air Force to Army Signals. Emma Okala and Christian Chukwu, fought as well. Nwabueze Nwankwo was tough in the Mid - West.

Today's leaders would have distanced themselves from Biafrans who painted Asika in bad light. Ajie welcomed them with open arms and was the one who coined the phrase, No Victor , No Vanquished. He visited fellow governors, to be sure that harm did not befall returnee Ndigbo.

I got chatting recently with multi talented Obi Asika, Ajie's son who has continued from where his father stopped. The Junior Asika is into music, soccer, administration, name it. He said : "No Victor, No Vanquished was actually a book written by Ajie. He also negotiated General Amnesty for Biafran soldiers and kept almost everyone out of prison. There is a road named after him in Kano, and another in Ilorin, for his work of rehabilitating the Igbo, securing their property and giving them a way back. I celebrate him every day."

Some of the Biafran officers who were in detention beyond Asika's tenure, were set free in August 1975 by Murtala Mohammed. They included 1966 coup plotters, Humphrey Chukwuma, who remained in Biafran detention through out the war and Ganiyu Adeleke, who commanded the Biafran School of Infantry after he was injured in battle. Peter Adomokai, Aide de Camp to David Ejoor was an Instructor at the School of Infantry. There was also the soldier, Peter Odili. Both men were not in detention.
Benneth Ochei was also set free alongside, Ojukwu's aide, Kanayo Esinulo, who was whisked away from the Lagos Airport, on his way to Frankfurt, by security operatives, on August 23, 1973.

Prof. Ken Post who once lectured at the University of Ibadan told Esinulo that Asika "was one of the most brilliant students I ever taught in all my teaching career." Ajie founded the ECS Writers Workshop and loved Arts and Entertainment. At the First National Festival of Ars and Culture, his state emerged tops. Nkpokiti dancers were also spectacular, globally.

Born in Barkin Ladi and moulded at St. Patrick's College, Calabar and Edo College, Benin, the Umuezearoli, Onitsha man explored the world and brought his experience home. Asika married Chinyere, whose dad was the super public servant, Nathan Ejiogu of Egbu, Owerri. Her sister, Kema Chikwe, became a Federal minister. South - East governors need to be schooled about what Ajie Anthony Ukpabi Asika( Dona Meche ) did for the Geo Political Zone.

PLEASE SHARE TO OTHER PLATFORMS: For our SE Leaders attention and information. May history and posterity honor for the sake of our children.
REV UKANWA ULU

I was flogged by my father for doing music – Wizkid
I got pregnant at 17, during my secondary school days – Genevieve Nnaji
I didn't even complete my university education – Bill Gates
I once sold plantain – Inetimi Odon (Timaya)
I used to serve tea at a shop to support my football training – Lionel Messi
I slept under the bridge in Lagos – Ramsey Noah
I sold rat poison – Patrick Okorie (Patoranking)
I was an unwanted baby, my mother almost aborted me – Cristiano Ronaldo
I was formerly a maid – Mercy Johnson
My family was so poor that even poor people called us poor – Pastor E.A. Adeboye
I was once a bus conductor – Atunyota Akpobome (Ali Baba)
When I remember my past, it was poverty. When I pass on the road, people usually laugh at me – Duncan Mighty
I was in the university for 9 years – Ayo Makun (AY)
I was a school dropout – Mark Zuckerberg
I grew up in a slum at Ajegunle – John Asiemo (Daddy Showkey)
I begged for a chance to perform on stage for free for just 5 minutes, but I wasn't given the chance – Francis Agoda (I Go Dye)
I once had no shoes – Goodluck Jonathan
I was rejected from birth by my father because he didn't want a girl – Chika Ike
I got pregnant when I was in SS3 and was banned from singing in church choir – Aituaje Iruobe (Waje)
My family was the poorest in my village; I sold firewood, I was a butcher and also a hairdresser – John Okafor (Mr Ibu)

---

WHAT’S YOUR STORY?
Life will always give you 1,001 reasons to give up, but please don’t.
Keep your head up, guard your peace, and stay joyful.

GOD can convert:
Discomforts Comforts
Pains Gains
Story Glory
Shame Fame
Losses Profits
Tears Smiles
Sorrows Joy
Debts Credits
Mess Message
Foes Friends
Dreams Realities

Just Believe in God.
#FromGrassToGrace #DontGiveUp #YourStoryIsValid #GodIsAble #KeepPushing #MotivationMonday #BelieveInYourself #Inspiration #RealLifeStories #AgainstAllOdds #GodDid #DestinyChanger #PurposeDriven #YouCanMakeIt #FaithOverFear #BetterDaysAhead #TestimonyLoading

"You claimed to have inherited a dilapidated Nigeria yet you're spending public funds extravagantly as if you inherited a rich and prosperous country" – Sanusi replies Tinubu

Emir Mohammed Sanusi, a prominent Nigerian leader and former Emir of Kano, has responded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's claim that he inherited a dilapidated Nigeria from former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In his message to Tinubu, Emir Sanusi expresses total disagreement with this assertion. Sanusi questions how a president that claimed to have inherited a dilapidated Nigeria be spending public funds extravagantly as if you inherited a rich and prosperous country.

How would you justify the following extravagant spendings under your government:

21 Billion Naira to renovate the Vice President house

70 Billion Naira to the National Assembly members to buy SUVs at the cost 160 Million Naira per one for Senators and House of Representatives members

Specifically 4 Billion Naira to renovate Dodan Barrack Lagos

Another 3 Billion Naira to renovate Aguda House

5 Billion Naira was given to Presidential Tax Reforms Committee of less than twenty people headed by Taiwo Oyedele with nothing to show for it

1.5 Billion Naira to purchase cars for your wife Senator Oluremi Tinubu despite the fact that First Lady office is not recognised by our constitution

300% salary increase for the judges which was speedily passed by the insensitive and irresponsible senators

5 Billion Naira was budgeted for Presidential fleet of cars for President Bola Ahmad Tinubu

5 Billion equally budgeted for Presidential yacht

225 Billion naira spent on so-called Presidential Jet

90 Billion naira spent on 2024 Hajj pilgrimage

Billions of Naira was budgeted for your trips including the Vice President Kashim Shettima to the detriment of the citizens

Every Senator is paid 21 Million Naira monthly

House of Representatives are earning 13.5 Million monthly

All the increment was done by your government

15 Trillion Naira Lagos Calabar Coastal Road was awarded illegally to your friend a Lebanese Gilbert Chagoury who was repatriated back to his country by the former President Obasanjo

You have the largest ministers ever in the history of Nigeria.

Emir Sanusi's message critiques the spending patterns of Tinubu's government in light of claims about the state of Nigeria's economy inherited.

Holyghost Son TV

Immediately after my wedding, barely a few weeks in, someone I knew called and said he had sent a monetary gift for me through a close friend of mine. My heart leaped — because at that point, I was swimming in debt from the wedding.

I called my friend. He confirmed receiving the money.

I thanked him and sent my account details immediately.

But he shocked me.

He said,

“I won’t send the money to you.”

I laughed — thinking it was a joke. But he was dead serious.

“I won't send it until you’re ready to collect what I bought with it,” he added.

I was confused.

I called and called. He kept repeating the same thing. His tone got cold, almost dismissive. It hurt me more than I can explain.

I called the person who had sent the money, told him what my friend was doing. He seemed surprised but told me to reach out to my friend again.

I was furious. I decided to cut both of them off.

A few days passed. Then one night, my friend called again. I ignored it.

He called again. And again. My phone rang until it felt like it would vibrate off the table.

I switched it off.

He kept calling for days. Eventually, I blocked him — on calls, on chats, on life. I told myself: He betrayed me. He stole from me.

Six months later, I felt the weight of the silence. I realized how much I missed him — my friend, my brother.

So I went to his house.

They told me he had moved.

Gone.

No one knew where he went. No forwarding address. No explanation.

I was angry all over again.
I concluded he had run away with the money. That he had played me.

Even though I had moved on from the money, the betrayal began to rot inside me again like an old wound reopened.

Three years later.

I was stuck in Lagos traffic, heading to the Island.

I saw someone on the other lane.

Something about the posture, the shape of his head, the way he tilted slightly to the right.

But… he was in a wheelchair.

I told myself,

“It can’t be him. He wasn’t like that before.”

Still, I begged the driver to stop. My heart was pounding as I crossed the road.

I walked closer. He turned.

It was him.

My friend.

In a wheelchair.

Before I could speak, he wheeled toward me and hugged me.

No hesitation. No resentment. Just warmth. And pain.

I stood there, stunned. My mouth dry. My hands weak. I had rehearsed this day in my head, where I’d scream at him, call him a thief, ask if karma crippled him. But I said nothing.

Then he pulled a backpack from behind his chair. Slowly, he brought out a faded blue file.

He handed it to me.

I opened it — and inside were land documents.

And pictures of an uncompleted building.

My eyes scanned the papers.

It was my name written all over the documents.

Not his.

Not his wife’s.

Mine.

“I didn’t want you to waste the money Aunty sent on clearing wedding debts,”

he said quietly.

“So I bought land in your name... so you could become a landlord like me.”

My hands trembled.

My lips quivered.

I dropped to the floor right there on the roadside and began to cry.

He sat quietly in his chair. His face was tired. His eyes sunken.

“You insulted me,” he said calmly. “You insulted my wife too. You called us thieves. But it was her idea. The night we tried to call you… I had just been in an accident. I was lying in the back of a tricycle, bleeding, and told her to call you.”

He paused.

“You didn’t pick.”

I cried harder.

“When my wife died in the hospital… I called again. That’s when I found out you had blocked me. You blocked me everywhere.”

There were no tears in his eyes. Just silence. And truth.

“I never stole from you. I am not your enemy. I was trying to protect your future. But money… money will always reveal how deep the love truly runs.”

He turned and wheeled away.

A cab stopped.

He got in and left.

Just like that.

I’ve never stepped foot in that house he built in my name.

I can’t.

Not until I see him again.

Not until I hold him and say the words I never said.

I’m sorry.

Please… don’t be quick to assume people have ghosted you.

Don’t jump to conclusions.

Sometimes, the silence is a scream for help you ignored.

Sometimes, the person you thought betrayed you was the one holding your future in their hands.
Sometimes, people disappear not to rob you — but because **life hit them harder than they could bear.

Before you block someone forever — ask them why.

You never know the battles they were silently fighting… for you.

The End.

#copied

Lagos can’t do without this

Flooding at Ilepo market Lagos. The Flooding is already pushing people out of their houses 🥹
#OC

The Richest Woman in Africa and Founder of Rose of Sharon Group, Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, is 74 years old today.
Mrs Alakija was born in Ikorodu, Lagos State on July 15, 1951. Congratulations and happy birthday.

*SOME NIGERIAN NEWSPAPER HEADLINES+, 16/07/2025*

Tinubu, Shettima, foreign leaders bid Buhari farewell in Daura

Two minors escape from B’Haram four years after abduction

27 farmers killed in fresh Plateau attack

107 Yelwata victims still in hospital – Govt official

Nigeria’s oil output soars above OPEC quota

Marketers protest as Dangote moves to crash cooking gas price

SEC moves against 79 suspected Ponzi schemes

Awujale’s burial frees Yoruba kings from ritual slavery – Oluwo

Taiwo Awoniyi back to full training after serious abdominal injury

40% of adults in developing nations now save formally — W’Bank

French PM proposes cutting national holidays to cut debt

UN lauds Buhari for promoting peace, security in West Africa


--------------------------
*DID YOU KNOW?*

* Antimatter is the most expensive substance on earth, costing roughly $62.5 trillion per gram. Antimatter is composed of antiparticles, which are counterparts to the particles that make up ordinary matter.

* Alongside Sudoku, chess has been named one of the best ways to improve the mind and memory.
--------------------------

Akpabio appeals judgment on Natasha’s suspension suit

N’Central states mobilise joint security to crush bandits

Over 420 federal roads completed or in progress-FG

Finance minister defends Tinubu’s tough reforms

U.S., UAE visa issuance: Fed Govt begins action on issues of concern

We’re yet to receive formal communication from UAE on revised visa policy — FG

FAAN, Customs collaborate to remove Nigeria from grey list

FG unveils youth ambassador programme in A’Ibom

2027: 300,000 voter cards uncollected in Ondo, says INEC

IHS, UNICEF support 100 Osun schools with internet

Abia varsity lecturers lament 12 months unpaid salaries

UNIZIK suspends SUG election, VC to meet with students

Western theories responsible for Africa’s intellectual crisis – LASU prof

Buhari’s death wake-up call to improve health facilities – Archbishop Martins

People never forget how you made them feel — Davido

ValueJet lures tourists to Gambia with low fares

Jumia Nigeria names Ojo as new CEO

Addosser MFB targets national licence on 17th anniversary

Lagos PDP chairmen reject council election results

Oyegun picks ADC party’s card in Edo

Ibas demands credible LG poll, reforms from Rivers boards

Governor Nwifuru reshuffles cabinet

Aiyedatiwa assigns portfolios to Ajanaku, Ajibefun, 14 other exco members

Sanwo-Olu hails LASTMA’s tech transformation at 25th anniversary

Oyo Assembly approves Makinde’s €55m French facility for health reforms

Assembly committee tours erosion sites in Abia

Lagos unveils N500bn MSME fund for women traders

Ogun workers insist on Abiodun talks over pensions row

Kwara, Oyo reschedule BECE over Buhari’s death

2025 Tech Festival: Enugu to host AI Centre of Excellence

LAWMA sweepers trained in bead making, fashion design

Kwara residential building sealed over illegal waste disposal

Police recover N5m ransom cash from suspected kidnappers in Delta

Abducted Edo Chief Iman released after seven days

‘I Paid Ransom’, Edo Chief Imam Punctures Police Rescue Claim

Rampaging cultists hack three to death in Lagos

Kidney failure: First Class graduate seeks N45m for transplant

--------------------------

*TODAY IN HISTORY*

* On this day in 1979, Iraqi president, Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr, resigned from his post citing health reasons. He promoted his Vice President, Saddam Hussein, to the post of President.

--------------------------

We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count. – Neal A. Maxwell


Good morning


*Compiled by Hon. Osuji George osujis@yahoo.com +234-8122200446*

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Location: Ikota, Lekki, Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

The CEO will provide strategic leadership and direction to the company, driving growth, innovation, and profitability.
The CEO will be responsible for making key decisions, building partnerships, and representing the company.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership:
Develop and execute business strategy.
Set company goals and objectives.
Monitor progress and adjust strategy as needed.
Team Management:

Lead and manage senior leadership team.
Foster a culture of innovation and excellence.
Develop and retain top talent.
Business Development:

Drive revenue growth and profitability.
Identify new business opportunities.
Build and maintain key partnerships.
Industry Representation:

Represent the company in public forums.
Build relationships with stakeholders.
Stay ahead of industry trends.
Requirements
Candidates should possess an HND / B.Sc / MBA in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship with 10 years experience in executive leadership.
Skills:
Strong leadership and communication skills.
Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
Ability to drive business growth and innovation.
Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of the beauty tech industry.
Remuneration

Salary: N800,000 - N1,000,000 gross per month
Other benefits may include bonuses, health insurance etc
Application Closing Date
28th July, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should send their CV and a cover letter to: zurishaddairecruitmentagency@gmail.com using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

ASK:- Are you Obedient?

Response: I Am 500% Charged ObedientIf you are Consistent and Warrior you shall Eat the Good of NIGERIA, let's gooo' 🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶
How READY ARE YOU???

Don't be told Don't watch others on TV and Social MediaJoin this millions of Gallant Soldiers to make HISTORY as Obidients Movement Short live every excitement of Rigging Election into Office and Create a New Spirit for INEC in Nigeria join us at @Arch Bishop Vinning, Opposite Police College Ikeja Lagos
Or @Maruwa Bus Stop, Lekki Lagos and Finally route Zone 3, @FHA 23 Road, Festac Lagos, come join us celebrate an Icon of Greatness, Mr Peter Gregory Obi at 64th HBD Sir llnp.

UPDATE

*LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, OTO/IJANIKIN (LASUED) RELEASES UTME/DIRECT ENTRY ADMISSION FORM FOR THE 2025/2026 ACADEMIC SESSION*

The management of LASUED has announced the start of the online registration for the 2025/2026 Post-UTME and Direct Entry screening exercise. This process helps the school choose students for admission into its many undergraduate programmes.

*Cutoff Mark // 170*

Important Dates to Remember;

*Registration Starts: Wednesday, 16th July, 2025*

*Registration Ends: Sunday, 31st August, 2025*
All interested candidates must complete their registration within this period. Late registration will not be accepted.

Breaking News:“Buhari Could Have Long Been Dead If He Had Chosen Treatment in Nigeria” — Femi Adesina

–Lagos Reporters

Former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to late President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Femi Adesina, has said the former Nigerian leader might not have survived if he had insisted on receiving medical treatment within the country.

Speaking on Channels Television on Monday morning, Adesina defended Buhari’s decision to consistently seek medical care abroad, particularly in London, both before and during his presidency.

“Buhari always had his medical in London, even when he was not in office. So, it's not about the time he was president alone,” Adesina noted.

He stressed that Buhari’s decision to stick with foreign medical treatment was based on survival, not pride or preference.

“You have to be alive first to get certain things corrected in your country. If he had said, 'I will do my medical in Nigeria just as a show-off or something,' he could have long been dead because there may not be the expertise needed in the country,” Adesina said.

The statement has reignited national debate over the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the repeated failure of successive governments to invest adequately in local medical infrastructure.

As tributes continue to pour in for the late president, Adesina’s remarks offer a deeper insight into the health struggles Buhari faced behind the scenes and the realities of a broken system he led for eight years.