News
Hon. Solomon Akpulonu and His Bid for Obingwa, Osisioma Ngwa, Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency Seat
By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu
As Nigeria gradually moves toward another electoral cycle, political activities are gaining momentum across the country. In Obingwa, Osisioma Ngwa and Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency of Abia State, several aspirants are positioning themselves for the opportunity to represent the people at the National Assembly.
Among those seeking the mandate of the people is Hon. Solomon Akpulonu, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a former member of the Abia State House of Assembly, where he rose to become the Leader of the House.
Akpulonu’s years in the state legislature provided him with extensive experience in lawmaking, governance and constituency representation. His supporters believe that his legislative background has equipped him with the capacity to effectively champion the interests of the people at the federal level.
Throughout his public service career, Akpulonu has built a reputation for accessibility, grassroots engagement and commitment to the welfare of his constituents. His experience in the legislative arm, they argue, has given him a clear understanding of the challenges facing the people and the practical steps required to address them.
According to Akpulonu, his vision for the constituency focuses on infrastructure development, youth empowerment, support for small and medium-scale enterprises, improved educational opportunities, healthcare advancement and greater economic inclusion for women and vulnerable groups.
He maintains that effective representation should result in visible development projects and improved living standards for the people.
One of the qualities often associated with Akpulonu is his close relationship with the grassroots. Unlike politicians who are often accused of maintaining contact with constituents only during election periods, he says he has remained accessible and responsive to the concerns of the people.
“The basic legislative function is to be closer to the people. The people you are representing must have access to you at all times. It is only through this that you can understand their needs, analyse their challenges and design appropriate solutions,” he said.
Akpulonu has pledged to provide effective representation if elected, promising to articulate the concerns of his constituents, advocate for development projects and participate actively in policy discussions that affect the constituency and the nation.
As political activities gather pace ahead of the elections, he is appealing to the people of Obingwa, Osisioma Ngwa and Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency to support his aspiration and give him the opportunity to represent them at the National Assembly.
From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has matriculated 900 postgraduate students for the 2025/2026 academic session, with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ggenga Solomon Ibileye, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to expanding postgraduate opportunities and strengthening its research culture. Ibileye made the commitment during the postgraduate matriculation ceremony held at the university’s permanent site in Lokoja.
The Vice-Chancellor said research remained central to the value of postgraduate education and stressed the university’s commitment to maintaining and improving its academic standards.
He said postgraduate students would undergo prescribed coursework and examinations, while their projects, theses and dissertations would be subjected to originality and similarity checks. According to him, students would also be required to defend research proposals, participate in internal seminars and submit their work to external examiners.
“These processes ensure that the certificate eventually conferred by the university is worth the years a candidate will spend earning it,” he said. Ibileye said the university currently offers postgraduate programmes at the Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy levels, covering both professional and academic disciplines.
He commended the Provost of the postgraduate college, Prof. Matthew Ola-Rotimi Ajayi, for his leadership and expressed confidence that the institution’s academic standards would continue to improve. The Vice-Chancellor congratulated the new students and welcomed them to the postgraduate scholarly community of the university.
From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, is participating in the 37th Annual General Assembly Conference of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU).
According to a statement signed by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Uredo Omale, the conference began on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the University of Ilorin Auditorium.
The conference, themed “Building Resilient Universities for Nigeria,” brings together vice-chancellors and key stakeholders in the university system to discuss institutional challenges, policy innovation and strategies for strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of Nigerian universities.
The statement said the conference was declared open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad.Prof. Usman joined other university leaders and education stakeholders at the gathering, which provides a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration and the exchange of ideas on strengthening university education in Nigeria.
By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
More than 100 professional cyclists are expected to compete in the inaugural La Reine Cycling Marathon in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as organisers seek to identify and develop young cycling talents in the state.The 100-kilometre race, scheduled for October 26 to November 1, 2026, is being organised by the Akwa Ibom State Cycling Association, with sponsorship from La Reine Spa and Wellness Ltd and support from the Akwa Ibom State Government.
Speaking during a briefing with the Local Organising Committee, the Managing Director of La Reine Spa and Wellness Ltd, Unaobong Umoh, said the event was designed to discover and groom young cyclists for state, national and international competitions. Umoh said the initiative aligns with the sports development objectives of the Umo Eno administration and would draw competitors from the state’s 31 local government areas through their respective cycling associations.
She said an online registration portal had been opened for interested participants, who must meet the required physical and medical fitness standards.Umoh added that the organisers were working with the Ministry of Sports and the State Cycling Association to ensure the competition meets the required standards. She said prizes would include cash, bicycles, cycling kits, medals and other equipment.
The winner will receive N1 million, a bicycle, cycling suit and other prizes, while the first and second runners-up will receive N700,000 and N500,000 respectively, alongside other rewards.The race will begin at Akwa Ibom Palm Resort and pass through parts of Uyo before finishing at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
FUL Matriculates 900 Postgraduate Students, Reaffirms Commitment to Research
PAAU Vice-Chancellor Attends 37th CVCNU Annual General Assembly at Unilorin
Over 100 Cyclists to Compete in La Reine Cycling Marathon in Uyo
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