News May 01, 2026 From Tourism to Diplomacy: The Remarkable Journey of Dr. Irene Chukwunonso Ezekwe

In a significant recognition of leadership and humanitarian service, the profile of Dr. Irene Chukwunonso Ezekwe continues to emerge as a beacon of professional excellence across the landscape of Nigerian tourism and international diplomacy.

A native of Orlu in Imo State, Dr. Ezekwe has seamlessly blended her academic prowess with a deep-seated passion for global affairs, establishing herself as a formidable force in both the corporate and philanthropic sectors.

Her journey, which began at Okporo Technical College and progressed through a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Olabisi Onabanjo University, culminated in a prestigious Doctorate in Tourism and Foreign Diplomacy from Highstone Global University in Texas, USA.

As the visionary Founder and CEO of Irene Traveling and Tours Limited, Dr. Ezekwe has redefined the standards of travel management by providing personalized and seamless experiences for a diverse clientele.

Her expertise in branding and customer service has made her agency a hallmark of reliability within the tourism industry.

Beyond her commercial success, she has channeled her influence into the Irene Ezekwe Empowerment Foundation, a registered corporate entity dedicated to the economic development of youth and women.

The foundation’s work in fostering entrepreneurial skills, educational advancement, and agricultural transformation highlights her commitment to sustainable social progress.

In addition to her entrepreneurial and humanitarian roles, Dr. Ezekwe serves as the National Director of all NGOs under the Renewed Hope People Advocacy, where she provides strategic leadership and coordination for multi-sectoral initiatives focused on community development, empowerment, and policy advocacy across Nigeria.

Dr. Ezekwe’s contributions have not gone unnoticed by the international community, as evidenced by a series of high-profile accolades.

She was recently honored with the Sustainable Development Award by Highstone Global University for her dedication to the United Nations’ SDGs and received the AU Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Honours for her leadership in promoting Pan-African frameworks.

Her role as a mediator and advocate for harmony was further solidified in 2025 when she was granted the Justice of Peace Award by the Advanced Peace and Reconciliation Centre of Nigeria.

Additionally, her efforts have been recognized by Etiquette Nigeria and the Commonwealth Day commemoration committee for her significant impact on the diplomatic world.

A student of the African School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Dr. Ezekwe continues to leverage her multidisciplinary background to bridge gaps between nations and communities.

Despite her extensive professional commitments, she remains a devoted wife to Mr. Izuchukwu Remigus Ezekwe and a mother of five, embodying a balance of family values and public service.

Through her ongoing initiatives and leadership at the Irene Ezekwe Empowerment Foundation, as well as her role within the Renewed Hope People Advocacy, she remains an inspirational figure, proving that visionary leadership and integrity are the cornerstones of national growth and global diplomacy.

News April 30, 2026 Uplifting Women Support Initiative Moves to Empower Vulnerable Girls, Young Mothers, Honours Amb. Ofuchukwu, Kraus

A women-focused advocacy group, Uplifting Women Support Initiatives (UWSI) has intensified efforts to support vulnerable girls and young mothers, stressing the need to restore hope, dignity and opportunities for those facing social exclusion. 

The group stated this Abuja while honouring two prominent women for their contributions in enhancing the growth and welfare of women and girls. 

The awardees include, Nigeria's Ambassador designate to Israel, Amb. Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu who was presented with certificate of appointment as the Champion of Maternal Hope and Female Dignity and Chief Executive Officer of Smart City Development Group, Sharon Kraus, who bagged the Voice for the Girl Child and Vulnerable Mothers. 

Speaking at the occasion, the ambassador-designate, Amb. Ofuchukwu described the recognition as a call to duty, pledging to continue advocating for women's empowerment, access to education and community-based support systems for young girls. 

"I see it as a call to duty to the women, as a call to represent women, empower women, uplift women in our various communities. And I'm ready and excited to get the job done. We're looking forward to seeing that women, young girls in various communities get the required education that they need and empowerment programmes too that they need. 

"I want to encourage All the girls out there to get focused in life, acquire the necessary education that is needed. If you're not opportune to get the education that you need, acquire a skill, empower yourself through this and get to the top", she advised". 

In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Smart City Development Group, Sharon Kraus, reaffirm her commitment to supporting vulnerable communities, particularly young girls, assuring them that their voices are heard and their future matters.

"I believe in partnerships and collaboration. There's a synergy whereby we could come together and do greater impact. I look forward to being with various women to impact this nation. I'm honoured", she said. 

According her, supporting women is what she has been doing for a very long time, having been inspired by her father. 

A member of the Board of Trustees of the organization, Lady Maria Ejielo said many young girls who become pregnant are often abandoned by their both families and partners, leaving them exposed to hardship, depression and uncertain about their future. 

"Vulnerable daughters that will give birth in their family, sometimes, the parents will get angry with them, that they are disgracing the family, and they will move out, and become so vulnerable. Those people that impregnated them will also deny them. They will just be moving from one place to another, and some of them will be so depressed", she said. 

A PR strategist, Mr. Alex Nwankwo congratulated the awardees for their contributions in raising the bar of the welfare of women and girls. 

Other members of the organization are Felicia Adi, National coordinator, Amb  Elizabeth AVOSUAHI DANIEL, Secretary General, Dr Yagana mala kachala, National Women Leader 

and Zainab Jublin, National Director Mobelizasion

News April 30, 2026 FG declares Friday, public holiday

The Federal Government has declared Friday as public holiday to enable workers to celebrate International Workers’ Day.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the Federal Government.

This is contained in a statement by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Tunji-Ojo commended Nigerian workers for their hard work and dedication to national development, adding that their efforts remained essential to Nigeria’s growth and prosperity.

The minister encouraged workers to embrace patriotism, productivity and dedication to service.

“These qualities are crucial for sustainable development,” Tunji-Ojo emphasised.

According to him, the Federal Government remains committed to supporting the welfare and security of all workers by creating a favourable environment for economic growth.

He encouraged workers to mark the day by reflecting on the importance of unity and hard work in nation-building.

Tunji-Ojo congratulated workers across the country on a peaceful May 1, 2026, Workers’ Day celebration. (NAN)

News April 30, 2026 JUST IN: Tinubu appoints Bianca Ojukwu as Minister of Foreign Affairs

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, following the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.

This was contained in a statement released by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday. Tuggar recently stepped down to participate in the 2027 elections.

Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu previously served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In the same vein, the President has nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as the new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to Senate confirmation.

Until his nomination, Ambassador Enikanolaiye, from Kogi State, served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.

Enikanolaiye is a distinguished diplomat and seasoned public servant with over three decades of exemplary service in Nigeria’s foreign service. He has previously served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and held key diplomatic postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.

According to Onanuga, the President noted that the appointments are part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture for greater efficiency, strategic engagement, and stronger global partnerships.

He added that President Tinubu congratulates the appointees and urged them to work diligently to promote Nigeria’s national interest, advance economic diplomacy, foster regional stability, and safeguard the welfare of Nigerians at home and abroad.

News April 30, 2026 JUST IN: Four months after appointment, Tinubu sacks NMDPRA CEO, nominates replacement

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of Mr Saidu Mohammed as the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in the public interest.

SolaceBase reports that the President has also approved the nomination of Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Chief Executive of the NMDPRA.

The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) on Thursday said this decision, made pursuant to the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, is aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Mr Umar is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience across the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors, and a proven track record in strategic leadership, operational transformation, and large-scale project delivery.

He is a graduate of Accounting from Bayero University and an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

Pending Senate confirmation of the new nominee, the most senior official of the NMDPRA will oversee operations in an acting capacity.

President Tinubu thanks the outgoing Authority Chief Executive for his service and wishes him well in his future endeavours.

The President remains committed to ensuring capable leadership in key regulatory institutions to advance energy security, sector reform, and sustainable economic growth.

News Politics April 30, 2026 BREAKING: Tinubu endorses Obafemi Hamzat

President Bola Tinubu has endorsed the 2027 governorship aspiration of Obafemi Hamzat, deputy governor of Lagos.

In a post on Wednesday, Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, said Tinubu gave the endorsement during a meeting with members of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council (GAC) at the State House, Abuja.

“President Tinubu formally endorses the Lagos APC consensus governorship candidate Obafemi Hamzat at a meeting with members of the Lagos Governance Advisory Council, led by Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” Onanuga wrote.

More to follow…

News Politics April 30, 2026 Abia South : Ikonne picks nomination form, tells Abaribe to step aside after 2 decades

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State and senatorial aspirant for Abia South, Prince Paul Ikonne, has told the lawmaker representing the district, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, to brace up for an exit from the Senate.

Abaribe has spent nearly two decades representing Abia South in the Red Chamber, a tenure Ikonne claims has not translated into meaningful development for the district.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday morning shortly after obtaining his nomination and expression of interest forms, Ikonne pledged to deliver effective representation for Abia South from 2027 if elected, while urging Abaribe to prepare to vacate the seat.

Ikonne, who previously served as Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) under former President Muhammadu Buhari, explained that his entry into the race stems from what he described as an urgent need to improve the quality of representation for Abia South. He argued that the district has endured years of under-performance at the National Assembly.

He reiterated that his ambition is anchored on service, development, and a commitment to restore purposeful representation for the people of the district.

Responding to questions about his chances, Ikonne issued a direct challenge to Abaribe, asserting that after almost two decades in the Senate, it was time for the incumbent to return to Ohuru village and focus on local matters, including settling land disputes, insisting that his prolonged stay in office has not yielded meaningful progress for the area.

He said: “If you are familiar with Senator Abaribe very well, you will realize that he is an attention seeker and a media creation. He has long lost touch with the grassroots and our people are saying enough of his noise-making, it is time for him to return to village.

“Currently, Abia South does not look like a district with his representation in the Senate. That is why I have stepped forward, to offer real representation, align our people with the federal government, and attract the federal presence and development our district deserves,” Ikonne stated.

He further noted that his aspiration is focused on delivering tangible results through infrastructure development, empowerment programmes, strategic interventions, and enhancing the district’s national relevance.

Ikonne also expressed optimism about the role of the 11th Senate, describing it as one that would consolidate on the reforms and political gains of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to steer Nigeria in a positive direction.

He called on Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, or religion, to support the President’s reform agenda, which he described as aimed at laying a foundation for long-term national transformation and prosperity.

With his acquisition of nomination forms, the race for the Abia South Senate seat appears to be gathering momentum, signaling a potentially decisive contest ahead.