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Lawmakers back Soludo as Anambra loses N19.6bn every Monday due to closure of Onitsha market
The Anambra House of Assembly has thrown its weight behind the state government’s directive for Onitsha Main Market traders to abandon the sit-at-home order every Monday, initiated by non-state actors.
The lawmakers said the directive was necessary, as the state loses a total of N19.6 billion every Monday.
During their plenary session on Tuesday in Awka, the legislators also resolved to back the governor’s decision to close down the market for a week.
They, therefore, urged residents to discontinue the Monday sit-at-home exercise forthwith.
Recall that Governor Chukwuma of Anambra, on Monday, January 26, closed the Onitsha Main Market following the traders’ inability to comply with the directive to end the sit-at-home.
Mr Johnbosco Akaegbobi, the Minority Leader representing Nnewi South 1 Constituency, moved the motion calling on Anambra residents to discontinue the Monday sit-at-home forthwith.
Akaegbobi said the sit-at-home directive had disrupted economic and social activities across the state for years, noting that Anambra alone loses about N19.6 billion every Monday.
He explained that the Monday sit-at-home was initiated in 2021 by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to protest the detention of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
He added that the practice had evolved into a habitual weekly exercise enforced by fear across the South Eastern region, costing the region approximately N88.08 billion every Monday.
Akaegbobi further noted that the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector bore the heaviest burden, accounting for roughly 60 per cent of total financial losses.
He said micro businesses lose an estimated N4.6 trillion annually due to recurring closures, while transporters lose between N10 billion and N13 billion daily.
The lawmakers said the enforced inactivity has led to a 20 per cent decline in annual effective workdays and a 35 per cent decline in business productivity in the public and labor sectors.
Mr. Chuma Okoye, the Deputy Speaker, seconded the motion, noting that the action was apt.
He said the decision was for the common good of the people and should not be seen as high-handedness.
Okoye expressed concern that many religious leaders, residents, schools, market leaders, civil servants, and public servants have come to perceive Monday as an extension of the weekend, intentionally crippling the economic viability of the day as the first working day of every week.
Mr Golden Ilo, representing Ihiala 2, said traders should see the state government’s action as beneficial for various enterprises and should back the governor by complying without further delay.
After deliberations on the motion and support from the majority of lawmakers, it was resolved that the sit-at-home directive should stop forthwith.
Sometochukwu Udeze, Speaker of the House, urged market leaders, religious leaders, schools, civil and public servants, transporters, and SMEs to commence full-scale activities across the state immediately.
Popular media personality and self-acclaimed relationship expert, Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has reportedly lost her second son while remanded in custody.
The development was confirmed in an online appeal by Amira Agiye, head of the Isaamira Love Foundation, who spoke on Okoro’s behalf to request public financial assistance.
She said, “It is sad to announce to you all that Blessing CEO just lost her second son. My name is Amira Agiye.
“I’m here to appeal on behalf of Blessing CEO, who is currently in custody. I understand that people might have different opinions about her and the circumstances surrounding her case.
“And like every one of us, she deserves compassion and an opportunity for redemption.
She needs N20 million to meet the bail requirements. She also needs N36 million to pay the people she owes who brought the case against her.
“Please, Nigerians, let’s forgive her for the sake of that boy who is still in the mortuary. With Blessing’s full consent and authorisation, I’m appealing to all Nigerians to help donate so we can help her out of this situation.”
Also speaking in a voice conversation played by Amira, Blessing, CEO, said, “My second son, Bryan, was full of life. While in custody, I lost Bryan.
I pray this turns out positive so I can leave this place, pick up the pieces of my life and pay my respects to him.”
Recall that the self-acclaimed relationship expert was remanded in Kirikiri Prison over an N69.15 million property fraud trial.
She was granted N20 million bail in July 2026, with two sureties in like sum, and each surety was required to provide three years’ proof of deposits valued at N20 million.
Following her inability to meet the bail conditions, Blessing CEO, remains in prison facility two months after she was granted bail.
Deaconess Angel Oyakhilome, mother of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of Christ Embassy LoveWorld Nation fame, is dead.
Reports from Edo State say that she died at the age of 88 yesterday, Friday, September 25, 2026.
A local publication, Esan News Magazine, reported thus:
“An Iroko has fallen. A mother of nations is gone. Heaven has gained a saint.
According to information made available to Esan News Magazine by a prominent member of the Ekagholo Family of Idunwele, Ewu, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, the matriarch of the great Oyakhilome Clan, the beloved mother of our son Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Deaconess Angel Oyakhilome, fondly called Big Mummy, has transited to glory.
September, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, humility and motherhood that touched generations across the world.
“Big Mummy was not just the mother of Pastor Chris. She was the mother of all. A virtuous woman, a prayer warrior, a woman of uncommon grace who raised children that have become global blessings and pride to Esan land.
“Idunwele Ewu is mourning. Ekagholo Family is mourning. Ewu Kingdom is mourning. Esanland is mourning. For we have lost an Okpokhuo, a true jewel of Esan motherhood.
“Her life was a testimony. She lived for God, she lived for family, she lived for humanity. Her laughter brought joy. Her prayers brought strength. Her counsel brought wisdom.
“On behalf of the management and staff of Esan News Magazine and the entire Esan Nation home and abroad, we extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to our dear elder brother, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the entire Oyakhilome Clan, the Ekagholo Family of Idunwele Ewu, and the Christ Embassy family worldwide.
“We mourn with you in this time of grief. We stand with you. We pray that the good Lord who called Mama home will grant you all the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.
“May her gentle, beautiful and faithful soul rest in perfect peace. Rest on, Big Mummy. Rest on, beloved mother of Pastor Chris. Rest on, Iroko of Ewu.
“Adieu Mama!”
Meanwhile, a senior official of Christ Embassy who was contacted by News Express this Saturday afternoon neither confirmed nor denied the report.
He said: “I have heard the news, too, but it is not for me to confirm her death. I mean, she was aged 88.”
The official promised to make relevant contacts, adding: “I am sure that a statement would be issued if the news is true.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has nabbed Halimat Adenike Tejuosho, south-west zonal coordinator of the women wing of the City Boy Movement, over an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence.
Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, confirmed to TheCable on Saturday that Tejuosho was arrested on September 8.
“She is in our custody,” Oyewale said.
The arrest comes months after the anti-graft agency declared Tejuosho wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged fraud.
In April, the EFCC said Tejuosho, 41, was wanted over an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence.
The commission said she was an indigene of Lagos state and gave her last known address as House A26, Aso Grove Estate, Maitama Extension, Abuja.
The EFCC had implored people with information on her whereabouts to contact its offices across the country or the nearest police station and other security agencies.
Tejuosho had previously come under the EFCC’s investigation over allegations relating to an appointment and contract scam.
In June 2025, the commission interrogated her following complaints that she allegedly obtained money from individuals under the guise of securing federal government appointments and lucrative contracts.
The EFCC investigation centred on allegations that she used fake appointment letters and forged documents to convince victims that she could facilitate government appointments and contracts.
Tejuosho, who was identified as the founder of Haleems Integrated Services Limited, was subsequently granted administrative bail while the investigation continued.
Following the EFCC’s declaration in April, the City Boy Movement suspended Tejuosho as its south-west zonal coordinator of the women wing.
The movement said the suspension took immediate effect pending the outcome of the investigation.
It said the decision was taken as an administrative measure to protect its image, credibility and ethical standards.
The group also said the suspension would allow the investigation to proceed “without interference, obstruction, or undue influence”.
The City Boy Movement is a youth-driven political advocacy group that supports President Bola Tinubu’s administration and his Renewed Hope Agenda.
Painful: Blessing CEO Loses Son While Still In Kirikiri Prison
SAD: Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s mother is dead
EFCC nabs City Boy Movement woman leader
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