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Jonathan, Others Pay Achebe Last Respects …As FG Declares May29 Public Holiday
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday enjoined all Nigerians to put all hands on deck to transform the country.
Jonathan made the call while delivering a goodwill message at the funeral service for the late Prof Chinua Achebe at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Ogidi near Onitsha, Anambra State.
He said that Achebe in his books philosophically reflected on the ills bedevilling the progress of the country and that the present generation of politicians, business moguls, and thinkers should find a way to change negative attitudes for the progress of the country.
“That means that those of us who are political leaders, business moguls, I have seen quite a number of them who have business empires; our religious leaders, our traditional leaders, all of us must work hard to change this country.
“So that when our grand children like Achebe junior would write, they would say there is a country.
“And one thing for those of you who had read this book that I would like to appreciate Achebe is that, if you listen to what I have read, he was overtly critical about the elections.
“But one thing he appreciated at least is that the 2011 election had seen significant improvement. That means that we can change.
“What we inherited about the 60s that Achebe wrote as far back as 1958 about things falling apart, feeling that we have lost our moral values and he criticised the elections that happened in 1959 and so on.
“If we can fix our electoral process and we the politicians, believe that this is our country and we don’t have any other country than Nigeria; then work together, we would work with the religious leaders, work with the traditional leaders, work with the businessmen and women; we can have a country that our grand-children would write in their own books – there is a country.’’
Jonathan, however, commiserated with the family of Achebe especially the wife, Prof Chinwe Achebe; while thanking the various international dignitaries that graced the occasion.
The President later announced that he and President John Mahama of Ghana would rebuild the dilapidated St. Philips’ Primary School, Ogidi where Achebe attended his primary education.
In his remarks, President John Mahama of Ghana, said that Prof Achebe’s life was a great inspiration to Africans.
Mahama said that Achebe would live-on not just only in his literary works but for his forthrightness and candidness to issues of life as it affected his people, his country and the African World.
In his homily, Most Rev. Ikechi Nwosu, Archbishop of Aba Anglican Province, urged Nigerians to be determined to succeed even in difficult and rough times.
Nwosu, who represented Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, the Primate of the Anglican Communion in Nigeria, noted that the late Achebe succeeded even in the face of present day challenges.
The cleric, who titled his message: “Prof. Chinua Achebe: A Parable to the Nigerian Nation’’, enjoined all Nigerians to be focused and steadfast with the truth and fear of God.
He advised Nigerians not to lose hope, saying: “God shows how strong He is to His people during rough and difficult times“.
Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, who spoke on behalf of the elders of the South-East, thanked President Jonathan and his Ghanaian counterpart as well as other foreign national dignitaries for gracing the occasion.
Anyaoku said that Achebe had made Ndi-Igbo and Nigerians proud with his literary works and life-style.
Chief Emeka Ihedioha, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, described the late Achebe as a man of many parts, whose legacy would live beyond many generations.
“Prof. Achebe accomplishment only ranks 2nd to the accomplishment of the Great Nelson Mandela of Africa,’’ Ihedioha said.
Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, who spoke on behalf of the governors from the South-East and South-South present, said that the people of the two zones, “now united are very grateful to Mr President honouring the invitation’’.
“With the love you are showing to the South-East and South-South, we would remain with you and make sure we project all your programmes and policies.’’
The eldest son of the deceased, Dr Ikechukwu Achebe, thanked the Presidents, foreign delegations, dignitaries and personalities as well as the media for attending the burial service and making the event a success.
Highlights of the event was a presentation from the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Achebe family and Ministry of Foreign Affairs volumes of signed condolence registers from Nigerian embassies abroad to the Achebes and a special song rendered by the Old Boys of Federal Government College, Umuahia in Abia State.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 29, as Public Holiday to celebrate the 2013 Democracy Day.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Annesthesia Nwaobia, yesterday in Abuja.
According to the statement, the Minister of Interior, Mr Abba Moro, declared the Public Holiday on behalf of the Federal Government.
Moro urged Nigerians to deepen their participation in democratic governance to enable them pass on the baton of credible and good governance to upcoming generations.
Moro urged the citizenry to support Jonathan’s efforts at deepening democratic governance in the country.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a large consignment of cocaine concealed in heads of imported dry stock fish and arrested a key member of the syndicate responsible for shipping the drugs abroad.
The agency disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
He said the arrest and seizure followed intelligence on trans-border criminal activities.
Babafemi said the intelligence led to a sting operation by operatives of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Strategic Command of the Agency at the Ojo area of Lagos on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
“In the course of the operation, three jumbo size bags were found in possession of the kingpin 36-year-old Akputa Dickson Ejike.
“A search of the bags led to the recovery of Two Hundred and Thirty-Seven (237) wraps of cocaine buried in the heads of imported dry stock fish locally known as ‘Okporoko.’
“The cocaine pellets have a gross weight of 5.80 kilograms. The consignment was intended for export to Delhi, India,” the statement read.
In a separate operation on Wednesday, March 25, NDLEA operatives from the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) intercepted two consignments bound for the United Kingdom at a courier company in Lagos.
“In one of the shipments that originated from Cotonou, Benin Republic, 1.9 kilograms of methamphetamine were found concealed in automobile filters while the second parcel contains 40 ampoules of Morphine Sulphate and nine ampoules of Fentanyl,” the statement said.
Babafemi added that on March 26, a Special Operations Unit (SOU) raided the home of 46-year-old Omolade Abigail Jolayemi, known as “Iya Ghana,” at 13 Carter Street, Yaba, Lagos.
According to him, she and her associate, 31-year-old Sarah Zainab Agbabiaka, were arrested after operatives recovered 135 blocks of cannabis weighing 76.30 kilograms.
“Same day, the SOU operatives also arrested Anayo Lucky Ohabiro, 39, at Doyin bus stop, Surulere, Lagos following credible intelligence. A total of 78 blocks of Ghana Loud weighing 41kg were seized from him,” he said.
In Ekiti State, the statement added that “an 80-year-old grandpa, Oke Samuel, was on Thursday 26th March arrested by NDLEA operatives during a special raid operation at Mosafuneto camp, Erinmo road, Efon-Alaaye Ekiti. A total of 2.2kg skunk and 1.8grams of methamphetamine were recovered from him.”
Another suspect, 37-year-old Enuwa Kehinde Kingsley, had 894.72 kilograms of skunk seized from an uncompleted building in Ogbese, Akure North, Ondo State.
Elsewhere, 35-year-old Saater Nyam was apprehended at Pevi village, Guma LGA, Benue State, with 116.7 kilograms of skunk on Tuesday, March 24.
In Edo State, a warehouse raid in Ekpoma town, Esan West LGA, on Monday, March 23, led to the arrest of 25-year-old Felix Donald and the seizure of 576.5 kilograms of skunk and 33 bottles of codeine-based syrup.
In Taraba State, Babafemi said NDLEA officers intercepted a truck carrying 100 blocks of compressed skunk weighing 135 kilograms concealed in animal feed bags from Garbachede to Gombe State on Tuesday, March 24.
Two suspects, 21-year-old Osama Mamuda and 22-year-old Auwal Umar, were arrested in connection with the seizure.
Babafemi noted that the agency has also continued its War Against Drug Abuse social advocacy, conducting sensitisation lectures in schools across Cross River, Adamawa, Oyo, Kano, and Lagos states.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Marwa (Rtd), commended operatives from MMIA, SOU, DOGI, Ekiti, Ondo, Benue, Edo, and Taraba Commands for their efforts and praised all commands nationwide for balancing drug supply reduction with drug demand reduction initiatives.
The Christian Association of Nigeria has called on political leaders at all levels to demonstrate empathy and take urgent steps to ease the growing economic hardship facing Nigerians, as Christians mark Palm Sunday.
In a statement issued on Sunday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the significance of Palm Sunday offers timely lessons for leadership, particularly during a period marked by economic strain and global uncertainty.
Reflecting on the biblical account of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, Okoh noted that the moment symbolised humility, peace, and purposeful leadership rather than a display of power.
“Jesus entered Jerusalem with calm resolve at a time of uncertainty and expectation. It was not a show of force, but a message of peace, purpose, and hope,” he said.
He stressed that the country’s current socio-economic realities demand similar qualities from those in authority.
“Across Nigeria, many are feeling the weight of the times. The cost of living is rising, and for countless families, daily life is getting harder,” Okoh said.
He linked domestic economic challenges to global developments, particularly tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which he said are disrupting energy markets worldwide.
“The impact is already here. Fuel is more expensive. Transport costs are rising. Food prices are climbing,” he said, warning that such pressures are intensifying the hardship faced by ordinary citizens.
The CAN president emphasised that in times of uncertainty, the tone and actions of leaders are critical in restoring public confidence.
“For many Nigerians, the concern is simple and immediate: how to cope, how to plan, how to stay afloat. When life feels this uncertain, people need reassurance, stability, and the quiet confidence that those in positions of responsibility understand what they are going through,” he stated.
He further urged leaders to embrace a style of governance rooted in restraint, compassion, and commitment to the common good.
“True leadership is not always loud. It is seen in empathy and in decisions that ease burdens, calm anxieties, and bring people together. This is a time for such wisdom,” Okoh added.
Beyond government, CAN also called on the Church and citizens to promote unity and peace, drawing inspiration from the collective spirit associated with Palm Sunday.
“It reminds us of a moment when people from all walks of life came together with one purpose. That same spirit is needed now. We must stand for peace, strengthen unity, and support one another,” he said.
Addressing young Nigerians and those most affected by the economic downturn, Okoh encouraged resilience and hope.
“The challenges are real, but they are not the end of the story,” he said, urging citizens not to lose faith amid difficulties.
He expressed hope that the lessons of Palm Sunday would inspire renewed commitment to national cohesion and shared progress.
“As we journey through this sacred season, may the spirit of Palm Sunday guide us towards quiet courage, shared purpose, and a renewed commitment to the good of all,” the statement added.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South -South to be united and work together to ensure that the ruling party achieves its ultimate goal in the region.
The governor who spoke at the South South Zonal Congress in Asaba, Delta State, said working in unity and with a common purpose will enable them deliver optimally to the electoral fortunes of the party in 2027.
“We can only achieve our goal when we are united and we work together. I surely believe that this is the right time, the right people and the right place. My charge to those of you elected today is that the responsibility is going to be very tasking but I believe strongly that they will deliver for our party,” he said.
Fubara expressed confidence that the newly elected leadership of the party would be equal to the task.
He expressed profound gratitude to the Delta State Government for hosting the Zonal Delegates Congress, stressing that he believes that the best will come from the South South region.
The Congress which attracted the creme de la creme of the APC in the zone, saw the re-election of the zonal leadership through consensus. The reinstated leaders were promptly inaugurated at the ceremony.
Some of the dignitaries in attendance include the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Governors Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Duoye Doris of Bayelsa State, Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, Bassey Otu of Cross River State and Sheriff Oboroevwori of Delta State.
Also in attendance were the members of the National Assembly as well as members of the State Houses of Assembly from the South South Zone.
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