Chief Goodluck Nwaneri, a Director city boy movement, has paid a condolence visit to the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, at his residence in Abuja, following the passing of his beloved mother, late Mrs. Lydia Toma Yilwatda.

During the visit, Chief Nwaneri expressed his deep sympathy to Prof. Nentawe and the entire Yilwatda family, describing the death of a mother as a painful and irreplaceable loss. He noted that the late Mrs. Lydia Toma Yilwatda lived an exemplary life of faith, humility, and service, evident in the leadership qualities and values instilled in her children.

Chief Nwaneri prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and asked God to grant the APC National Chairman and his family the strength and fortitude to bear the painful loss. He also encouraged them to find comfort in the enduring legacy their mother left behind.

He further reaffirmed his solidarity with Prof. Nentawe in this moment of grief, while urging the family to remain strong and united in honoring the life and memory of their departed matriarch.

By Pst Dr Mrs Dayo Ekong, State Chairman, Labour Party, Lagos State

As the State Chairman of the Labour Party in Lagos State, I have watched with growing concern the internal dynamics and external perceptions plaguing our great party.

The Labour Party, once a beacon of hope for the masses, is now grappling with issues that threaten its unity and relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape. Chief among these is the meddlesome role and evidently waning influence of our former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi. While I respect his contributions and the passion he ignited in 2023, it is time for a candid conversation.

Mr. Obi must recognize the grace that propelled him in the last election cycle—a divine and collective favor from the party and the electorate—and reflect on how his recent actions are eroding that very foundation.

Let us rewind to 2023. Peter Obi enjoyed an extraordinary wave of support, not just from the Labour Party’s structures but from a broad coalition of Nigerians yearning for change. Despite the controversies surrounding the election results, where many believe he was robbed of victory, his outing was undeniably successful. He garnered millions of votes, particularly from the youth and disillusioned voters, because the party rallied behind him, and the electorate saw him as a fresh alternative to the status quo.This grace was a combination of factors: the party’s platform, grassroots mobilization, and a genuine public desire for integrity in leadership. It was this synergy that allowed him to shine brightly, even in defeat.

However, fast-forward to today, and the narrative has shifted. Peter Obi’s influence in the Nigerian polity appears to be waning, as Nigerians grow increasingly tired and wary of what some perceive as inconsistent antics and political maneuvering. His interventions, once seen as principled, now risk being viewed as disruptive and self-serving, alienating allies and diminishing his appeal. This is not mere speculation; it is evident in recent electoral outcomes where his endorsements have failed to deliver victories, signaling a loss of the magnetic pull he once commanded.

Take the 2024 Edo State governorship election as a prime example. Amid internal party tensions, Peter Obi chose to campaign vigorously for Olumide Akpata, pitching his tent against the preferences of the National Working Committee led by Julius Abure, who wanted to adhere to the political leanings of zoning which the Edo electorate tilted towards, but because of his issues with Abure he stood firm behind Akpata.
While Akpata was the official Labour Party candidate, Obi’s involvement highlighted factional rifts, with his support seemingly at odds with key party figures.
The result? Akpata lost woefully to the APC’s Monday Okpebholo, securing only a fraction of the votes despite Obi’s rallies and endorsements in Benin and beyond.This defeat in Edo, a state where Labour had shown promise, underscores how Obi’s influence no longer guarantees electoral success.

Similarly, in the 2023 Imo State gubernatorial election, Obi threw his weight behind Senator Athan Achonu, the Labour Party’s candidate. Achonu, backed by Obi’s visibility and campaign efforts, was positioned as a strong contender against the incumbent, Hope Uzodimma. Yet, the outcome was another resounding loss, with Achonu failing to unseat the APC governor in a landslide defeat. These back-to-back failures in Imo and Edo raise questions about the effectiveness of Obi’s political strategy and whether his touch still carries the transformative power it did in 2023.

The most telling blow came recently in the Anambra State by-elections, particularly in Onitsha—Peter Obi’s own backyard and supposed stronghold. Here, we witnessed his sudden switch of allegiance, embodying the “Labour today, ADC tomorrow” shenanigans that have confused supporters and diluted party loyalty.

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…… the politics of division ethnic, religious, or partisan has slowed Nigeria’s growth for decades. In the digital age, collaboration is the new power

Today, as the world marks International Youth Day, we are reminded that the destiny of nations is not built solely in political chambers or government offices. True progress emerges from the creativity, resilience, and innovation of its people especially its youth.

In Nigeria, a country blessed with one of the largest youth populations in the world, the possibilities extend far beyond politics.

The modern world is evolving at a pace like never before, driven by technology, digital innovation, and global interconnectedness.

For Nigerian youth, this era offers an unprecedented opportunity to lead transformation not just by voting or holding political office, but by shaping industries, influencing culture, and building sustainable systems that outlast election cycles.

Recently, I listened to an elder reflect on Nigeria’s journey. He reminded us that during the Industrial Revolution, our nation missed the opportunity to industrialize at the same pace as other parts of the world. That moment in history has passed but a new one is here. This is the Digital Revolution, and it is the youth’s turn to seize it.

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Redefining Development Beyond the Ballot Box

Politics is important, but it is only one part of national development. Nigeria’s youth must recognize that progress also comes from entrepreneurship, science, technology, the arts, and social innovation.

The future will be shaped by those who can solve real problems whether in agriculture, renewable energy, fintech, health tech, or creative industries. Our role is to channel the same passion often poured into political debates into building solutions: Creating start-ups that employ thousands. Developing apps that solve everyday challenges. Producing films, music, and art that tell authentic Nigerian stories to the world.

Leveraging the Digital Revolution

In a dynamic digital world, the tools for impact are literally at our fingertips. With a smartphone and internet connection, a Nigerian youth can learn artificial intelligence, code a mobile app, sell fashion designs internationally, or run a global awareness campaign from their bedroom. Digital platforms are breaking barriers of geography and capital opening doors for anyone ready to learn, adapt, and innovate.

But this opportunity demands discipline: We must move from just consuming content to creating value-driven content. We must master digital skills that place us in the global economy. We must see technology as a tool for empowerment, not just entertainment.

Collaboration Over Division

The politics of division ethnic, religious, or partisan has slowed Nigeria’s growth for decades. In the digital age, collaboration is the new power. Youth from different regions can co-found tech companies, build joint advocacy platforms, and share resources to solve national problems.

The internet has given us a level playing field now we must use it to bridge divides, amplify each other’s voices, and create networks of mutual growth.

Taking Ownership of the Future

The truth is simple; No one will build the Nigeria we want except us. While we must hold leaders accountable, we cannot wait endlessly for political change before acting. Development is not a spectator sport it requires participation.

We must: Invest in self-education and continuous learning. Practice integrity and accountability in our personal and professional lives. Use our digital influence to inspire progress, not spread misinformation.

Conclusion

“Nigeria Beyond Politics” is not a call to abandon political engagement it is a reminder that politics is only one gear in the engine of national development. As youth, our most potent power lies in our creativity, adaptability, and unity especially in this digital era where a single idea can change millions of lives.

The world is watching. The future is calling. And the time for Nigerian youth to rise beyond politics and build the nation we dream of is now.

Bonaventure Asonye Nwankama is a Digital Media Entrepreneur and Publisher BONA NAIJA (www.bonanaija.com.ng). He is a Digital Transformation Advocate & Trainer. Reach him via email: bonaventure.bc@gmail.com

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In what seems to be his Birthday message the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi has said that No Student should suffer for Leadership Failure in Nigeria,

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Following my visit yesterday to the Faculty of Dental Studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), I was inundated with reports concerning developments at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), where issues around the Dental students’ graduation and induction quota have sparked serious concern. While the specifics of the matter are still unfolding, I understand that the Vice Chancellor has recently assured the public that steps will be taken to resolve the crisis. I appreciate her for this promise, and I look forward to a favourable resolution.

Whatever the root cause, one thing is clear: no student should suffer due to what I consider a failure of leadership. We must give our youth the necessary education, particularly in critical fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Education in these areas is far too important to be jeopardised by bureaucratic or institutional lapses. Whatever the issue, the students must remain in school and graduate appropriately without compromising standards.

I feel their concern, as I faced a similar situation as the former Governor of Anambra State, when the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria shut down our medical school at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, citing the absence of a teaching hospital—a basic requirement for accreditation. Students who had already spent 3 to 4 years studying medicine were told they could only graduate as biologists or in other science courses. I had just assumed office, barely one year in, when I met the crisis, but I refused to let those innocent students become victims.

I pleaded with the Council and told them that the children did not cause the issue and should not be made to suffer for it. I promised to take full responsibility and committed to building a functional teaching hospital within two years. They told me it was impossible to build such a facility in two years. But I insisted, because leaders must be solution-driven, especially when the lives and futures of our young people are at stake.

In less than 18 months, I fulfilled that promise. I built and commissioned what is now known as Odumegwu-Ojukwu Teaching Hospital in Awka, saving not just the accreditation of the medical faculty but the futures of young aspiring doctors to this day.

I call on the Federal Government to give this situation the urgent and decisive attention it deserves by providing both financial and institutional support to the university leadership. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar and her team must be empowered to resolve this issue immediately, to ensure that no student is made to suffer for circumstances that are in no way their fault.

At this critical time in our nation, we cannot afford to continue the downward trend of neglecting education and healthcare, or of failing to lift people out of poverty, while wasting resources on areas that bring no tangible value.

Our children must not continue to lose their future in Nigeria.

A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

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It is with an overwhelming sense of grief, deep outrage, and utter condemnation that I address the tragic, senseless, and cold-blooded massacre of thirteen (13) defenceless and law-abiding Nigerians of Ebonyi State origin, brutally murdered in Ogboji Town, Anambra State, on the 30th day of June, 2025.

This reprehensible and cowardly act, targeted at innocent citizens who merely assembled for a lawful meeting, constitutes not only a direct affront to their fundamental human rights but an assault on the collective conscience of our nation. It is a grim reminder of the deteriorating state of security across the country and a further indictment of the prevailing failure to guarantee the sanctity of human life.

The right to life, freedom of movement, peaceful assembly and the liberty to reside and engage in lawful activities in any part of the country are constitutional guarantees enshrined under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The heinous killing of these harmless individuals is, therefore, a grievous violation of these sacred rights and an intolerable affront to the principles of justice, unity, and peaceful co-existence.

I unequivocally condemn this dastardly act in the strongest possible terms and demand that the Anambra State Government, alongside all relevant security agencies, immediately commence a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into this tragic incident. The perpetrators of this barbaric crime must be identified, apprehended, and subjected to the full weight of the law, no matter how highly placed or shielded they may appear to be.

We insist that the findings of the investigations must not be shrouded in secrecy. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, as this incident, if left unaddressed, will further erode public confidence in the ability of the State to protect its citizens, regardless of their ethnicity or state of origin.

To the bereaved families, the government and good people of Ebonyi State, I extend my heartfelt condolences and solidarity in this dark hour. I urge you to remain calm, law-abiding, and allow the competent security authorities to carry out their investigations unhindered. Retaliation or the resort to self-help will only compound an already volatile situation.

I have unwavering confidence that justice, though delayed, will not be denied. I call on the Federal Government, the National Human Rights Commission, and all stakeholders in the security architecture of this nation to rise to the occasion. This massacre cannot be swept under the carpet. We must collectively say: Enough is Enough to bloodshed and impunity in our land.

The time to act is now.

Signed
Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq. (KSC)
July 1, 2025