What Eastern Region’s Igbo Leadership Built in the Southeast and South-South Before States Existed”, all from the era of Dr. Michael Okpara & Akanu Ibiam.

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Ibom Palm Plantation (Akwa Ibom)
A massive 3,000-hectare oil palm plantation initiated by Premier Michael Okpara and Governor Francis Akanu Ibiam to boost export revenue and create jobs.

Someone says their name is Chukwuebuka…
They didn’t just tell you a name.
They just told you “God is great.” 🙌🏾

In Igbo culture, a name is never just a name. It’s a sentence, a story, and sometimes, a prophecy.

Here’s why, a thread 👇🏾 In many parts of the world, names are picked because they “sound nice.”
But in Igbo culture, names are carefully crafted sentences, every syllable carries meaning.

It’s our way of putting history, prayer, and identity into just a few words.

Meet Gabriel Okara: The Man Who Made English Sound African. All you need to know about this Literary Legend 👇

Other than the popular Chinua Achebe you know, there is Gabriel Okara, a name that deserves just as much recognition. Hailing from Delta state, Gabriel Okara is regarded as Nigeria’s first modernist poet and one of the earliest African writers to skillfully blend indigenous African thought with the English language.

At a time when writing in English felt like writing for the West, Okara found a way to make English speak with an African rhythm. He wasn't just a writer; he was a cultural bridge… Okara’s journey into literature began in an unusual way. He first worked as a bookbinder for the colonial government before going on to study journalism at Northwestern University in the U.S. But his talent was undeniable.

His poem “The Call of the River Nun” won a national award in 1953 and launched his literary career. Okara's poems, including well-known works like “Piano and Drums” and “Once Upon a Time” explored themes of cultural identity, colonial tension, and the internal conflict between traditional African values and Western influences.

What made his writing stand out was how he translated the heartbeat of African storytelling into English without losing its soul.

Nnamdi Kanu’s trial began yesterday at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what went down.

A Thread 🧵 Justice James Omotosho presided over the case.

The FG requested that its witnesses testify behind a screen for security reasons. The court granted it.

Lead defence counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), came with a 22-man team.
The judge approved only 13.

Four Senior Advocates joined the team: Audu Nunghe, Joseph Akubo, Emeka Etiaba & Onyechi Ikpeazu.

The Woman Who Sat with Kings: The Untold Power of Omu Okwei of Onitsha — The Merchant Queen of the Niger.

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In a time when women were expected to be quiet, she built a trade empire.
In a land ruled by male chiefs, she ruled as the Omu. 👇 Felicia Ifeoma Ekejiuba was born in 1872 in Osomari, a town located at the lower Niger River (Present day Anambra State). Her father was a famous warrior and wealthy prince of Osomari.

At age 9, she went to live with her aunt in igbaland where she learnt basic business practices. She began to trade in fruits and vegetables before moving into yam and poultry.

She rejoined her mother after her dad died when she was 17, she married a trader named Joseph Allagoa. Through her husband, She developed valuable relationship with traders, after the birth of her son, her husband left. However, her business expanded.

How Obafemi Awolowo Betrayed Colonel Emeka Ojukwu Before and During the Nigerian Civil War.

A thread! On May 6, 1967, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a revered Yoruba leader, met with Colonel Emeka Ojukwu, the military governor of the Eastern Region, in Enugu. The goal of the meeting was clear: to prevent Nigeria from descending into war. Awolowo had just made a powerful statement days earlier, on May 1, 1967, declaring that if the Eastern Region decided to secede from Nigeria, the Yoruba people would follow suit and seek their own independence. This gave the Eastern leadership some hope of solidarity in their fight for self-determination.

Today in 2001: Derico Nwamama was beheaded.

Okwudili Ndiwe, known as Derico Nwamama, was a notorious criminal who terrorized the South East between the late 90s and early 2000s. He was just 22 years old.

Starting as a street urchin in Onitsha, he graduated to a pickpocket and then became a dreaded criminal. The mere mention of his name sent shivers down the spines of everyone in Igboland.

Derico rose to prominence after he killed his friend Chiejina, a cold-blooded armed robber who ruled the streets of Onitsha at that time. Their friendship began during the famous Umuleri/Aguleri War, but Derico was based in Abuja and only visited the East for robbery operations.

30 days in office for the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, achievements so far.

1) Declared the immediate suspension of transport levies imposed on Tricycles, Buses, Taxis, and other commercial vehicles plying Abia roads. 2) Ordered the immediate termination of all past Abia revenue enforcement appointees.

3) Appointed his Chief protocol officers and Aides.

You asked and we listened!
Here is Part 2 of famous celebrities in the diaspora who are of Igbo descent.

A thread 🧵 Jidenna is a Nigerian-American singer, rapper, and record producer known for his unique style and fusion of hip-hop, R&B, and African sounds. Born Jidenna Theodore Mobisson on May 4, 1985, he gained fame with his hit single "Classic Man." Jidenna proudly embraces his Igbo roots,… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

Here is a list of Popular American Celebrities who are Originally Igbo.

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Please Retweet. Chiwetel Umeadi Ejiofor is an American actor who is Nigerian and Igbo. His stellar performance as Solomon Northup in the 2013 film, 12 Years a Slave earned him a nominee for the 2014 Academy Awards for Best Actor. twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

Get to know the Ebonyi State House of Assembly members and their constituencies ahead of their inauguration tomorrow.

Nwoke Victor Chidi (PDP) Abakaliki North.
Joseph Ununu Ogodo (APC) Abakaliki South.
Nwogbaga Chinyere Juliet (APC) Ebonyi North East.
Nwodo Aloysius Nwodo (APC)… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… Henry Sunday Eze (APC) Ishielu North.
Chukwu Arinze Lucas (APC) Ishielu South.
Mbam Goodluck Obinna (APC) Izzi East.
Abiri Godwin (APC) Izzi West.
Esther Agwu (APC) Ohaukwu North.
Lamido Abubakar (APC) Ohaukwu South.

The 8th Abia State House of Assembly will be inaugurated tomorrow.

Here is a list of the Members-elect and their constituency;

Boniface N Isienyi (LP) Ikwuano.
Ugochukwu Collins (PDP) Isialangwa North.
Dennis Rowland Chinwendu (PDP) Isialangwa South.
Okwulehie Onyediako… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… Chinasa Anthony Abiola (LP) Umuahia Central.
Obioma Emeka (LP) Umuahia South.
Austin Okezie Meregini (LP) Umuahia East.
Okoro Uchenna Kalu (LP) Arochukwu.
Nnamdi Ibekwe Chimdi (PDP) Bende North.
Emmanuel Ndubuisi (PDP) Bende South.

Peoples club was formed in 1971 in Aba, Abia State, by a small group of individuals led by Chief Titus I. Ume-Ezeoke, The onyima 1 of Amichi.
It was during a period of hopelessness following the devastation caused by the war which ended in 1970.

Peoples club was founded when it mattered most; at a time when Ndigbo lost faith, when they felt abandoned, raped, maimed and ravaged by the civil war. when they had no iota of hope; when the experience and remembrance of war nearly extinguished a race and people, coupled with the pain of receiving only 20pounds

Prof. Kenneth Onwuka Dike was an educationist and historian.
He was known as the "Pioneer Historian"
He is credited with "having played the leading role in creating a generation of African historians who could interpret their own history without being influenced by Eurocentric approaches.

A native of Awka in Anambra state, Dr Kenneth Dike has been referred to as ‘The Father of West African Historiography’
He Was the first Nigerian Professor of History, the first indigenous Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan,

Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" is the most widely read African novel.

Read in Nigeria and throughout Africa, It is studied widely in Europe, India, and North America, where it has spawned numerous secondary and tertiary analytical works. It has achieved similar status and repute in Australia and Oceania. The novel was translated into over 60 languages and sold over 20million copies.

In 2018, The novel was listed by Encyclopædia Britannica as one of "12 Novels Considered the 'Greatest Book Ever Written'".

Born October 5, 1923 in Onitsha, H.R.H Dr. Igwe Alphonsus Ofala Okechukwu Okagbue can be described as one of the most phenomenal kings to have ruled Onitsha and Igboland in general.
After 31 years on the throne, Igwe Ofala is one of the longest ruling kings in the history of the kingdom and through his kingship great achievements were made that brought fame to the kingdom.
Prior to becoming crowned Obi of Onitsha, he took the Ozo title, Akukalia.

On his coronation, He became the twentieth occupant of the highly revered seat of the Obi of Onitsha, a

Sir Louis Phillip Odumegwu Ojukwu OBE, was a successful business man and politician who hailed from Umudim in Nnewi, Anambra State.

He was the wealthiest person in Nigeria and the whole of west Africa at his time and was also Nigeria's first recorded billionaire. He was the first and founding president of The Nigerian Stock Exchange as well as president of The African Continental Bank.

He was the founder of Ojukwu Transport, Ojukwu Stores and Ojukwu Textiles.

He was also either chairman or on the board of directors of some of

Prof. Dora Nkem Akunyili OFR was a pharmacist and government administrator who gained International recognition.

She was the director-general of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) from 2001 to 2008.

She stopped the sales and consumption of fake drugs in Nigeria, after she watched her sister aged 21, die after being given injections of fake insulin as part of regular diabetes treatment in 1998.

She put together a team of mostly female pharmacists and inspectors and started a war against counterfeit drugs that saw

Sir Godwin Ubaka Okeke is the Chairman, Board of Directors, G. U. Okeke and Sons Ltd.

Read this story;
A day after the Civil War ended, GUO, with some of his brothers, trekked from their home in Adazi-Ani to Nnewi and returned safely. This was a confirmation that the Civil War had ended. Later, he told his parents that he would be going to Onitsha and they released their Peugeot 404 saloon car to him.

He travelled to Onitsha and visited his parents’ property which were all intact. On his way back to the car to return to Adazi-Ani, passengers were

Chief Chika Emenike "Ojichukwu Nnewi" is the CEO and Chairman of KOTEC Group.
He hails from Urualla in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State and like every other Igbo industrialist, he had a very humble beginning.

He's a product of the Igbo apprenticeship system. He was brought to Nnewi in the 80s from Urualla as an apprentice.

His company, KOTEC Group is one of the leading motorcycle spare parts manufacturing companies. Kotec Group has many subsidiaries which are;

Kotec Industrial company Ltd(deals on motorcycle spare parts trading);

The Igbo Apprenticeship system is an economic model practiced widely by the Igbos.
It is the largest business incubator platform in the world.

It is an extension of the entrepreneurial spirit where an induction strategy is utilised to induct mostly young men into entrepreneurial ventures by established entrepreneurs locally referred to as Oga (master).

Igbos are known for their business acumen which can be seen in markets scattered all over the country from Onitsha to Nnewi to Aba to Alaba International Market to Sabon Gari to jos etc.

An apprentice