Wednesday, November 5, 2025
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Northern Governors Celebrate First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu At 65

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The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has joined the first family, friends and well-wishers across Nigeria and beyond in celebrating the graceful and impactful life of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, CON, on the occasion of her 65th birthday, today.

In a goodwill message, on behalf of his fellow Governors from the Northern region, Governor Inuwa Yahaya paid glowing tribute to the First Lady, describing her as a symbol of dignity and a true matriarch of the nation whose quiet strength and compassion continue to inspire hope and touch lives across the length and breadth of the country.

He extolled her decades of public service; first as a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic and now as Nigeria’s First Lady, noting that her life has been marked by uncommon devotion to uplifting the vulnerable, amplifying the voices of the unheard and building bridges of unity and compassion.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya particularly praised Remi Tinubu’s humanitarian projects under the “Renewed Hope Initiative”, which he noted, have brought succour to thousands of women, children and families in need.

He also commended the first lady’s unflinching support for her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, describing her role as a quiet force behind the presidency, offering counsel, and grace as the nation navigates the path toward progress and renewal.

The Northern Governors Forum, he stressed, remains committed to working closely with the Presidency and the Office of the First Lady in championing programmes that promote national unity and social welfare.

On this special occasion, Governor Inuwa Yahaya offered prayers for the first lady, saying: “As you mark your 65th year of a life well lived in the service of God and humanity, may the Almighty, in His infinite mercy, continue to bless you with good health, renewed strength and many more years of purposeful service to our dear nation.”

South West Youth Alliance Counters Wike’s Allegations Against CP Akin Fakorede

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The South West Youth Alliance has dismissed recent allegations made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against CP Akin Fakorede, Head of the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Adenike Ajanlekoko, the group described Wike’s claims as “false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of a dedicated police officer.”

According to the Alliance, CP Fakorede, during his service as Officer-in-Charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Rivers State, never brutalized law-abiding residents but focused his operations strictly on criminals and violent gangs. His efforts, the group noted, contributed significantly to restoring peace and security in the state.

The statement further alleged that Wike’s hostility toward CP Fakorede stemmed from the officer’s refusal to accept financial inducements to compromise electoral integrity in Rivers State. “CP Fakorede’s rejection of billions of naira in inducement remains the true genesis of Wike’s ceaseless attacks,” the Alliance said. 

It added that contrary to Wike’s claims, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) never indicted CP Fakorede for misconduct. The group challenged the minister to produce any INEC report to back his allegations, stressing that Fakorede was neither an electoral officer nor the Rivers State Commissioner of Police during elections.

Highlighting his professional record, the Alliance described CP Fakorede as a lawyer and a disciplined officer whose appointment as head of the IGP Monitoring Unit was a clear endorsement of his competence and integrity.

The group also clarified that Fakorede has not taken sides in the River Park Estate dispute or any other matter, insisting that his record remains unblemished.

The South West Youth Alliance urged Nigerians to disregard Wike’s allegations, which it said were rooted in “bitterness against Fakorede’s principled stand against corruption and electoral malpractice.”

NITDA Trains 3,600 Teachers, Launches Master Trainer Programme To Deepen Digital Literacy Nationwide

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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has taken a major step in advancing digital education across Nigeria by training 3,600 teachers under its flagship initiative, Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL).

The programme, which began with over two weeks of intensive virtual training, entered its physical phase on September 18, 2025, in Abuja. Teachers drawn from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are undergoing a two-day hands-on session designed to strengthen their digital teaching capacity.

Organised in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), the initiative aims to equip educators at both basic and secondary school levels with the skills required to deliver education relevant to the digital age.

A key highlight of the Abuja training is the introduction of a train-the-trainer model, which empowers selected participants as Master Trainers. These Master Trainers will cascade the knowledge acquired to thousands of teachers in their respective states and communities, amplifying the programme’s reach and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Participants have lauded the initiative for its transformative impact. Tanko Abdulkareem, a teacher from Kuje Area Council, described the training as “a transformative experience” that would enhance his classroom delivery and help him support colleagues. Similarly, Muhammad Ademu from the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) praised it as “a timely and life-changing intervention” for repositioning Nigeria’s education sector in line with the realities of the 21st-century digital economy.

Other beneficiaries, including Bamidele Gbenga Samuel of Government Secondary School, Gwagwalada, and Miss Veronica Miapie of the FCT Secondary Education Board, stressed that digital literacy is now a necessity rather than a luxury for teachers and students alike. They commended NITDA and its partners for prioritising educators’ capacity-building, noting its long-term benefits for Nigeria’s education system.

Through its Digital Literacy and Capacity Building (DLCB) department, NITDA has continued to drive initiatives that expand access to digital knowledge nationwide. The DL4ALL initiative is a central component of the Agency’s broader mandate to align Nigeria with global technology trends and prepare citizens for participation in a knowledge-driven economy.

Force PRO Benjamin Hundeyin Visits NUJ FCT, Calls For Media Collaboration

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The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, has called for stronger collaboration between the media and the police in the interest of national security and public trust.

Hundeyin made this appeal during a visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council.

He explained that his job as police spokesman would be difficult without strong support from the media.

“I cannot succeed in this role without the collaboration of the press,” he told the gathering.

Hundeyin used the occassion to call for balanced reportage stressing that the ripple effect of negative stories can damage public confidence in the police.

“Policing relies heavily on information,” he said. “Officers can’t be everywhere at once, which is why people’s tips and shared intelligence are so important. But when the public loses trust in us, those vital sources of information dry up, and that puts everyone at risk.”

On our own part we will continue to do everything humanly possible to protect lives and property “ he said

He added that insecurity in one part of the country can affect the whole nation. Hundeyin stressed that his message was not about controlling the press, but about encouraging balanced and responsible reporting.

“I am appealing to you today, help us build trust,” he said. “Let’s work together through open communication and partnership to make both the police and the country stronger.”

Hundeyin also promised to respond quickly and fairly to any issues journalists face while doing their work, especially in their interactions with police officers.

In response, NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike welcomed Hundeyin’s visit and expressed readiness to work closely with him.

“On behalf of the NUJ FCT Council, I warmly welcome you,” she said. “We truly value this effort by the police to connect with the media directly. It shows your commitment to open dialogue and better understanding.”

She went on to say: “The NUJ FCT does not tolerate any form of harassment or intimidation of journalists. Press freedom is a right, not a privilege.

“As journalists, we recognise the key role the police play in keeping the peace and upholding the law. At the same time, the public needs timely, accurate, and honest information to have confidence in the police and other security agencies.

“That’s why our relationship must be built on trust and cooperation.

Together, we can stop the spread of misinformation and promote reporting that helps society move forward.”

Comrade Ike pledged the support of the NUJ FCT Council in working with the police for the good of the public.

“We are ready to partner with you,” she said. “Let’s make sure information flows freely and responsibly, so that both our institutions can serve the people better.”

Hundeyin was warmly received by the NUJ FCT Chairman, Ms Grace Ike, along with other council members including Secretary Comrade Jide Oyekunle, Assistant Secretary Ms Sharon Emefia, Auditor Rosemary Ukoko-Tega, Financial Secretary Henry Daniel Abimiku, and Ex-Officio 1, Ebriku John Friday.

Otuaro Cautions PAP Foreign Scholarship Beneficiaries Against Abuse Of Sponsorship

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The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, has strongly advised post-graduate foreign scholarship beneficiaries of the programme not to abuse the opportunity to further their studies.

He gave the admonition at the orientation programme for the third batch of the foreign scholarship beneficiaries, which make up the over 140 deployed for post-graduate studies in universities in the United Kingdom, at the PAP headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

Like the previous two batches, the third batch beneficiaries also received brand new laptops from the PAP office to help them in their studies and research in their various institutions in the U.K.

Otuaro expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Office of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for supporting the initiatives of the PAP towards bringing the Amnesty Programme close to the people of the Niger Delta.

Dr Otuaro (middle) and the third batch of the over 140 Presidential Amnesty Programme post-graduate foreign scholarship beneficiaries deployed to universities in United Kingdom during their pre-departure briefing at the PAP headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

He warned the beneficiaries that their deployment was not a window to “japa”, saying they should return to Nigeria after successfully completing their programmes and add value to the development of the region and the country.

He noted that the large-scale deployment, which started with the first batch in January 2025, followed by the second batch on September 11, 2025, was part of a deliberate effort to close the human capital development gap in the region.

He stressed that the area was in dire need of relevant manpower in critical disciplines and human endeavours.

Otuaro urged them to conduct themselves responsibly and obey the laws of their host country, as well as the rules and regulations of their various universities while studying hard to justify their sponsorships.

The PAP helmsman said, “I don’t want any of you to abuse this post-graduate scholarship opportunity that is given to you. I am saying this previous abuse have made our chances to become so slim in some European countries, but the U.K. Government has been very considerate.

“I want to admonish you as beneficiaries to go, complete your studies and come back and add value to our region and the country. That is why we are giving you this opportunity. This is not an opportunity to japa.

“We give honour and appreciation, first, to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCRF, for the huge support he has given to the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and also the Office of the National Security Adviser. I appreciate them immensely for supporting us in the direction we are going.

“All we are doing is a deliberate effort to close the human capacity development gap in the region so that, at every point in time, we have people qualified for any field of endeavour. Some of us didn’t have the opportunity to benefit from scholarship award but today you are beneficiaries. Tomorrow it will be the turn of others.

“So this post-graduate scholarship is an opportunity for you to go and study, finish, and come back home. The deployment is based on skill-demand of the Niger Delta. Don’t overstay. At the end of your programme, return home and if you have anything else you want to do, reapply (for visa) to go back there. Don’t use this opportunity to crash into other programmes that will give you problems.”

He urged them to make good use of the sponsorship and also make their families, communities, the region, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the President proud.

While congratulating all beneficiaries on the their deployment, Otuaro expressed gratitude to the Government of the U.K. for accepting the over 140 post-graduate students that make up the three batches deployed by the PAP in January, and September 11 and 18, 2025.

Stakeholders Raise Concerns Over Nigeria’s Shea Export Ban At NPNEN Townhall

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The Network of Practicing Non-oil Exporters of Nigeria (NPNEN) has hosted a townhall meeting to discuss the impact of the Federal Government’s temporary ban on raw shea nut exports, with participants voicing strong concerns over the policy’s negative effects on farmers, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and exporters.

The meeting, which brought together members of the National Shea Products Association of Nigeria (NASPAN), private sector operators, and practitioners across the shea value chain, highlighted the lack of consultation with stakeholders before the announcement of the ban. Speakers noted that the sudden restriction had disrupted existing export contracts, threatened the livelihoods of local farmers, especially women and increased the risk of smuggling across Nigeria’s borders.

Participants called for more inclusive and evidence-based policymaking, stressing that sudden bans without adequate preparation often undermine government objectives. Comparisons were drawn with Ghana’s phased and structured approach to managing its shea industry, which stakeholders described as a model Nigeria could learn from.

As part of the resolutions, NASPAN committed to developing a phased approach proposal for implementing any future export restrictions, while also submitting evidence of the ban’s impact, including data and photographs, to the government. Exporters were urged to document their contract situations for possible exemptions, while the Federal Government was tasked with addressing enforcement challenges at the borders and exploring measures to cushion SMEs from losses.

The meeting also went beyond shea to address broader challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural trade policies, including recent restrictions on cocoa, cashew, and maize. Stakeholders emphasized the urgent need for a structured and consistent framework for government-private sector engagement, warning that policy instability was discouraging investment and growth in the sector.

Plans were confirmed to convene a larger stakeholder conference in February to further chart a coordinated path for the shea industry and strengthen advocacy for better trade policy formulation in Nigeria.

Promotion Exams Neccessary To Improve Police Image, If You Fail You Fail – PSC

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The Police Service Commission continued with its compulsory promotion examination for senior Police Officers due for promotions to the next ranks.

According to a press release on Friday, September 19th signed by the PSC Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, Six hundred and thirty Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP) were recommended for promotion to the next rank of Superintendents of Police and were exposed to written examination held at the Commission’s Parry Osayande Auditorium at its Corporate Headquarters Jabi Abuja.

Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary in the Commission while declaring the exams open said the Commission will continue to encourage the Officers to seek for knowledge and improve the quality of their mental capacity for effective service delivery.

Justice Galumje told the Officers that going forward, the promotion exams will determine their future.

DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd, fdc, Chairman of the Commission’s Standing Committee on Police matters, said in his introductory remarks to the Officers that Police promotion exams, was not only timely and necessary but will help the image of the Force.

“There is a systemic rot in the Force, and that is why we are not much regarded any longer. Police is the only security Agency where there is no Promotion examination. ” We have decided to do exams, if you fail you fail, we will continue do the exams and it will help the image of the Police Institution in the eyes of the public” he noted.

DIG Lakanu also warned the Officers, not to give money to any Staff of the Commission. We will send you away if caught bribing our staff. Pls don’t embarrass us, don’t give, our staff can not help you, he admonished the Officers.

The Promotion examinations and interviews continue next week with the Commissioner’s cadre with Plenary Meeting expected to hold later this month.

Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, has promised that the Commission will continue to ensure that promotions in the Nigeria Police are timely, credible, transparent and merit based.

DIG Argungu said the promotions must be earned and justifiable insisting that the Promotion examination for Officers will give credibility and respect to Officers wearing new ranks.

The Police of our dream should be the Police that can work with minimal supervision and can deliver without undue influence, the PSC Chairman noted.

Great Ekenhuan, Abuja Eulogize Arase, Describe Late Former IGP As Selfless Patriot

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The Great Ekenhuan Abuja Alumni Association—comprising graduates of Theatre Arts, Fine Arts, and Mass Communication from the University of Benin, Edo State—has paid glowing tribute to the late former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, who recently passed away.

Mr. Arase died in Abuja on August 31, 2025, after a brief illness.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Association’s Head of Media, Mr. Emmanuel Ohiomokhare, shortly after a condolence visit to Mrs. Agharese Arase, widow of the late Police Chief, the Chairperson of the Association, Mrs. Stella Nwabuche, described the late IGP as a patriotic Nigerian, a defender of the less privileged, and a man whose humility stood out even in high office.

“IGP Arase was a rare breed. He carried no airs despite the lofty positions he occupied. Until his final days, he remained approachable, compassionate, and down-to-earth,” Mrs. Nwabuche said.

She noted that with his passing, Nigeria has lost not only a fine officer but also an exemplary human being.

“His death is truly a national loss. From his early days as a young officer, through his service as Commissioner of Police, Inspector General, and later as Chairman of the Police Service Commission, he distinguished himself with diligence and integrity. As our patron, he offered wise counsel and unwavering support to our Association, and his contributions will never be forgotten.”

The Association extended condolences to the Arase family, the people of Edo State, and Nigerians at large, describing the late IGP as “a noble son of the nation.”

Mrs. Nwabuche was accompanied on the condolence visit by four members of the Association: High Chief Kingsley Okafor, businessman and National President of the Association of Professional Creative Artists and Designers (APCAD); Dele Ahamisi Esq., lawyer and senior official of the National Assembly; Mr. Nnamdi Okosieme, journalist and publisher of Nigerian Shuttle online newspaper; and Mrs. Theodora Obayogie, family therapist and General Secretary of the Association.

The late IGP Arase served the Nigeria Police in various capacities, including Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Principal Secretary to former IGP Tarfa Balogun, and Assistant Inspector General in the intelligence unit. He retired honourably from the Force on June 21, 2016.
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Fubara/RSHA: It Is A Recipe For Another Regime Of Unnecessary Political Hostilities – Eze

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…. As Eze Reacts to Calls by the RSHA Demand on Gov. Fubara to Present Budget, Submit Commissioner Nominees Without given him time to settle down

…Says it’s Frankly Unreasonable

…Describes the Call as an Unwarranted Interference from a Maniacally Subdued, Morally Bankrupt Loons Parading as Lawmakers

…Calls for Support for the Governor as he settled down to govern the State

“….If the FCT Minister and his men are serious with the peace of the State, one expects that as a mark of respect, the leadership of the house pays a courtesy call on the Governor to strengthen the new partnership for development rather than resorting to the hubristic request for a man who has just arrived the State after six months of madness to present budget and list of Commissioners and Aides. It is an unnecessary interference. Nomination of Commissioners is the sole prerogative of the Governor and he appoints whom he chooses and when it is convenient for him….”

Erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’sabikwa Democratic Party (nPDP) and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has described the hasty demand made upon Gov. Siminialayi Fubara, by the Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, to present before it, a new State Appropriation bill and transmit list of Commissioner Nominees for screening and confirmation as too early an unwarranted interference into the affairs of the Executive arm of Government which clearly signals a categorical invitation to another regime of crisis.

In a statement made available to the media, Chief Eze said the action of the Assembly members who just resumed from suspension smacks of a renewed effort by the Wike camp to arm-twist the Governor who, as is wont to be, is soberly reflecting on the losses the state has recorded in the past six months when the state was politically ambushed through the mechanics of State capture, by the President, who acted ultra-vires his powers in suspending the Governor contrary to the letters and spirit of the constitution.

“It is surprising that the Rivers State House of Assembly is placing this demand on the Governor at a time when the people expected them to have a moment of quiet reflection, like the Governor, on the avalanche of sabotage that has wrecked the common patrimony of Rivers people by strangers installed to plunder the common wealth and chart a new cause for a holistic recovery through genuine reconciliation for the progress of the state.”

“How can these political puppets and loons ask the Governor to present the State Budget and List of Commissioners and Aides on the very day the illegal State of emergency was lifted if they are in for peace? They are too quick to resonate through their careless statement, another regime of political crisis as they have been instructed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who in all honesty blatantly detests the development efforts of Gov. Fubara.”

The APC Chief advised members of the State House of Assembly and those remoting them into hitting up the polity to trigger another crisis in a bid to distract the Governor to desist from such indulgences and allow the Governor some breathing space to settle down, understudy the damages and the challenges it presents before arriving at a suitably conclusive report that will guide any financial policy to drive the State for the fiscal year.

If the FCT Minister and his men are serious with the peace of the State, one expects that as a mark of respect, the leadership of the house pays a courtesy call on the Governor to strengthen the new partnership for development rather than resorting to the hubristic request for a man who has just arrived the State after six months of madness to present budget and list of Commissioners and Aides. It is an unnecessary interference. Nomination of Commissioners is the sole prerogative of the Governor and he appoints whom he chooses and when it is convenient for him.

Eze expects the Governor to sack all the appointees of the illegal Sole Administrators and ensure that nobody imposes anybody on him as his Commissioner or aide even as Nyesom Wike have promised not to act in such a devilish act of imposing anybody on him..

And for peace to reign all members of the State Assembly that either resigned or worked with Sim Fubara must be reabsorbed by the State Assembly. All the Commissioners and appointees of the Governor must also be reinstated if actually Tinubu and Wike wants genuine peace to pervades the State. This should be no Victor no Vanquished situation

On the silence of the Governor over the massive turn out of citizens to mark his return to office, Chief Eze said Fubara has proven to be a great mind and not a hungry fellow for power by this singular act.

He explained that those that suspended him for nothing must have used the period he was absent to do some explanations to him for singling him out for this embarrassment.

Now that the Governor is finally back to assume his office, Eze counsels Tinubu to reassure the Governor that he will be protected and none of the illegal acts of the past six months will be visited on the State again

The Governor must be assured that he is not set up for further embarrassment by the funny members of the State Assembly through any impeachment move. If President Tinubu fails to assure him of his full powers and protection, I will advise th Governor to invoke his full powers as the Executive Governor of the State particularly now that the entire State and International community are now behind him.
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Eze reasons that the Governor must have come out stronger after communing with his God on the steps he should take to recover his State from those that feel that they are wiser and stronger than God.

The State Assembly has ordered for the probe of the Ibas who came to loot the common patrimony of Rivers State. But it must be noted that that comment ends there. It is a mere hoax. There’s definitely not going to be any probe. Those loons parading themselves as Assembly members do not know their right from left. So they should not be taken seriously. The threat to probe Ibas is just for the media. If not, one would have loved to see a situation where Ibas is brought to explain how he wasted Rivers State funds. For six good months, no record project not even in a small interior village.

Seeing that President Tinubu was the Supervisor of Ibas during the illegal State of emergency he should also prepare himself to account for all the illegalities that Ibas committed against Rivers State and her people.

Eze counseled all and sundry to be calm and expect Governor Fubara to address the nation as soon as possible on what he intends to do in recovering the State accordingly..

“God bless Sim Fubara and the people of Rivers State for their patience in the face of a very sinister Draconic Leader and his cohorts”, Eze noted.

All Roads Lead To Abuja As Amaechi’s Son Weds His Heartthrob: Eze, In Collaboration With The Amaechi Family, Extends A Warm Invitation To All

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To the Glory of God, I join the family of the erstwhile Governor of Rivers State and Nigeria’s Minister of the decade, Rt. Hon. Barr Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and his wife, erstwhile former Rivers State First Lady, Dame Judith Amaechi to invite friends and associates to the traditional wedding ceremony involving the son of his Principal, Dr. Chikamkpa Amaechi

Eze prays that God who have guided this unique family so uniquely will cause the new family of Dr. Chikamkpa Amaechi to be greater than whatever we may have achieved in life In Jesus Name, Amen

According to the invitation circulated to important guests by the former First Lady, Dame Judith Amaechi she wrote,

“Invitation to a Special Celebration

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Personalities, Honourables, Esteemed Friends, Brothers, and Sisters,

With profound gratitude to the Almighty God for His faithfulness, my family and I have the honour and privilege to invite you to a most joyous occasion the Traditional Marriage Ceremony of our beloved son, Dr. Chikamkpa Amaechi, and his gracious fiancée, Anita.

Date: Saturday, 20th September, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM
Venue: A-Class Event Centre, Kashim Ibrahim Way, Maitama, FCT – Abuja

This moment is a celebration not only of love, but of heritage, unity, and family. Your distinguished presence will be deeply treasured, as it will lend honour and warmth to this cherished milestone in our lives.

We look forward with great joy to welcoming you.

With highest regards,”Dame Judith Amaechi

Finally, I and my family wish the new couple God’s presence and guardianship as they plan to establish one of the best families here on this planet earth