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How Ojukwu smuggled arms into Nigeria in build-up to civil war – Gowon
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Nigeria’s former military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has revealed how arms and ammunition were allegedly smuggled from some foreign countries into the Eastern Region in preparation for the civil war fought for 30 months.
Gowon, who ruled Nigeria between 1966 and 1975, said the war, in which millions of people reportedly died, could have been avoided if the then leader of the Eastern Region, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, had adhered to agreements reached during the Aburi meeting held in Ghana on 4 and 5 January 1967.
The former Nigerian leader gave the account in his autobiography, “My Life of Duty and Allegiance,” launched in Abuja on Tuesday.
The event, chaired by former President Goodluck Jonathan, was attended by prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by his deputy, Kashim Shettima.
Gowon was the Nigerian leader during the civil war, fought between 6 July 1967 and 15 January 1970.
The war broke out following deep ethnic, economic, and political issues that emerged after the country gained independence from Britain barely six years earlier in 1960.
At the time, Nigeria was divided into four regions: the Northern Region, dominated largely by the Hausa-Fulani; the Eastern Region, dominated by the Igbo; and the Western Region, dominated by the Yoruba. The Mid-Western Region was created in 1963 from the Western Region to accommodate minority groups.
The Eastern Region, led by Ojukwu, then a colonel in the Nigerian Army, fought for independence and survival under the banner of the self-declared Republic of Biafra.
The declaration of secession eventually triggered the civil war, which claimed between one and three million lives, many through starvation and disease.
Ojukwu died on 26 November 2011, in London at the age of 78.
He was reportedly ill for some time before his death. His body was later returned to Nigeria, where he received a state funeral and was buried in his hometown of Nnewi in Anambra State in March 2012.
In his memoir, Gowon narrated efforts he made to avert the war by proposing several alternatives to the Eastern Region leader, whom he accused of preferring confrontation to dialogue.
Nigeria’s former military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon
Nigeria’s former military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon
The former head of state said he repeatedly sought dialogue with Mr Ojukwu in the build-up to the war, but the Eastern region leader declined due to concerns about his safety outside the region.
He explained that the deadlock prompted Ghana’s then Head of State, Joseph Ankrah, to facilitate a peace meeting between both sides at Peduase Lodge in Aburi, Ghana.
He noted that Ojukwu eventually agreed to attend the meeting, which coincided with both the Christian Passion Week and the Muslim Ramadan period.
He said that during the meeting, the Eastern Region leader proposed conditions that largely favoured the East’s demands, including a commitment by all parties to renounce the use of force to resolve the crisis.
“Ojukwu’s motion that all parties renounced the use of force in the settlement of the brewing crisis certainly sat well with me and the rest of the SMC (Supreme Military Council) members. Indeed, it was the most pragmatic thing to do if we were to set on an honest path to peace,” he said.
Gowon, however, claimed that Ojukwu’s proposals were also aimed at buying time to complete the stockpiling of arms and ammunition for the impending war.
The former head of state further alleged that the Eastern Region’s arms build-up suffered a setback in October 1966 after a DC-4 aircraft carrying weapons crashed in the hills of Northern Cameroon.
“It did not matter that his plan was to buy some more time to enable him to stockpile arms and ammunition. We were also mindful that he had cleverly planned to apply the brakes on our ability to deploy the numerical advantage of the existing firepower of the Nigerian Army in the event of an immediate outbreak of hostilities.
“We knew he was compelled to buy time because his surreptitious arms build-up had suffered a serious setback in October 1966 with the crash in the hills of Northern Cameroons of the DC-4 aircraft with which he had hoped to smuggle in a cache of arms,” he claimed.
Gowon said Ojukwu later appeared to confirm the arms stockpiling during a meeting in Enugu in May 1967 with a delegation of the National Conciliation Committee comprising Obafemi Awolowo, Samuel Aluko, Jereton Mariere and J.I.C. Onyia.
He further said Ojukwu declared during the meeting that the Eastern Region had attained “equality of arms,” which would allow it to negotiate Nigeria’s future from a position of strength.
“Several months after the Aburi meeting, Ojukwu confirmed our belief that he had been biding his time to enable him to stock his armoury. In May 1967, at a meeting in Enugu with a delegation of the National Conciliation Committee that comprised Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Prof. Samuel Aluko, Chief Jereton Marierie, and Chief J.I.C. Onyia, who represented the West and Mid-West regions, respectively.
“Ojukwu confidently declared he had attained ‘equality of arms’ that would make it possible for the East to discuss to discuss the future of Nigeria based on equality,” he added.
Gowon quoted Ojukwu on that day as having said that “Quietly I built up. If you do not know it, I am proud, and my officers are proud, that here in the East we possess the biggest army in Black Africa.
” I am no longer speaking as an underdog; I am speaking from a position of power.”
He, however, dismissed the Biafra’s leader’s claim of acquiring equal arms with the government as exaggeration, insisting that federal forces still maintained a clear military advantage over the Eastern Region.
“I did not believe Ojukwu’s play to the gallery; I only said to myself that we would see about that. This was because we knew better.
Regardless of his posturing, the reality was that a rough count on military installations and troops in station placed the Eastern region at an obvious disadvantage compared to the rest of the nation.
“This was a plan for all to see, except the governor of the Eastern region, who believed that he could silence machine guns from the federal side with the 120 rifles he claimed to have had and sheer bravado,” he stated.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Lagos-based perfume merchant and founder of Dhamma Perfumes, makers of FAB-LAB and ARO-FAC fragrances, Obi Ubaka, has shared a detailed roadmap for thriving in the perfume industry. He emphasizes that success hinges on building a unique brand identity, mastering both the art and science of fragrance creation, and staying attuned to the ever-evolving market landscape.
Ubaka, who operates from Block 6 Above Plaza, Trade Fair Complex along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, explained that the fragrance business demands a rare blend of artistic vision, business acumen, integrity, and persistence.
He also described his brand as the type that helps people boost their confidence and stand out through fashion world, adding that his years of experience in the business of selling of designer perfumes for wholesale and retail customers has given him requisite knowledge and experience to speak as an authority within that business climate.
While fielding questions on navigating the scented landscape and essential strategies for perfume business success, Obi said; “The perfume industry, a multi-billion dollar global market, is fiercely competitive. To carve out a niche and thrive, aspiring perfumers and entrepreneurs need a strategic roadmap that encompasses creative prowess, market awareness, and operational efficiency. Let’s explore the core elements of this fragrant formula or let me say defining one’s niche and target audience, before embarking on scent business, a crucial first step is identifying your target audience. Who are you trying to reach? What are their aspirations, lifestyle, and scent preferences? Understanding these demographics allows you to invest in fragrances that resonate deeply.
In this business merchants must also be conversant about the raw materials used in producing them. Deep knowledge of fragrance ingredients, including natural essential oils, absolutes, and synthetic aroma chemicals must always be noted to ascertain the veracity of their quality and how long they can stay on the persons wearing them. Understanding the classification and composition of scents; citrus, floral, woody, oriental, etc. and how to blend them harmoniously to create a balanced and appealing fragrance profile should never be compromised. Mastering the techniques to create perfumes that have staying power (longevity) and a noticeable presence (projection) must be part of what should be appreciated in this very lucrative business.
On the issue of safety and regulations, Obi added, “well what I can say about this is that adhering to industry safety standards and regulations regarding fragrance ingredients and labeling is very important and of course every business owner must be law abiding and protect industry extant guidelines. One must also consider taking perfumery courses, working with experienced perfumers, or investing in resources that provide in-depth knowledge of fragrance formulation.”
In crafting a compelling brand story and identity, the founder of Dhamma Perfumes, makers of FAB-LAB and ARO-FAC fragrances added, “In a saturated market, a strong brand story differentiates you from the competition and moreover, you must have integrity. For example, this number, +234806 519 7515 has been my mobile for decades, since I have nothing to hide. The number has not changed. Besides that, your brand story should equally communicate your values, inspiration, and the unique philosophy behind your fragrances. You must develop a consistent and engaging marketing strategy that effectively communicates your brand story to your target audience through various channels.
“E-commerce Website is another important tool to expand the frontiers of perfume business from market research and product development to packaging design, branding, marketing, and choosing the right sales channels. A user-friendly website with high-quality product images, detailed descriptions, and secure online ordering will also be an advantage, while also building a sound and symbiotic relationship with logistics companies and others who are in the business dispatch services. Similarly, engaging with your target audience on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Whatsapp, and Pinterest, showcasing your brand, and building a community around your fragrances must also be accommodated and considered.”
When asked about the unique role of packaging in the success of a perfume brand he said, “Packaging plays a critical role in conveying brand identity and influencing purchase decisions. We always advise stakeholders in the perfume business value chain about high-quality packaging that reflects the brand’s aesthetics and protects the fragrance. Consider sustainable packaging options to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
“Beyond that a serious minded merchant must also think about staying ahead of trends in the ever-evolving fragrance industry; this includes continuous learning and market research, these are very essential. You must also follow industry publications, attend trade shows, monitor social media trends, and engage with customers to understand their evolving preferences. Adaptability and innovation are key to long-term success,” Obi stated.
News
Trump Admin orders Nigerians, other green card applicants to return home for residency processing
The United States has directed Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking green cards to return to their home countries to complete the application process.
The directive was announced on Friday in a press statement issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The agency explained that the policy was intended to restore what it described as the “original intent” of US immigration law.
USCIS spokesman, Zach Kahler, stated that the new policy would help reduce the number of migrants who remain illegally in the United States after unsuccessful residency applications.
According to the statement, except under extraordinary circumstances, foreigners seeking adjustment of status will now be required to process their residency applications through US consular offices abroad under the supervision of the United States Department of State.
The agency stated: “We’re returning to the original intent of the law to ensure aliens navigate our nation’s immigration system properly. From now on, an alien who is in the U.S. temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances.”
Kahler added: “This policy allows our immigration system to function as the law intended instead of incentivising loopholes. When aliens apply from their home country, it reduces the need to find and remove those who decide to slip into the shadows and remain in the U.S. illegally after being denied residency.”
USCIS explained that the new directive would mainly affect temporary visitors, including students, tourists and workers who entered the United States on nonimmigrant visas.
“Nonimmigrants, like students, temporary workers, or people on tourist visas, come to the U.S. for a short time and for a specific purpose. Our system is designed for them to leave when their visit is over. Their visit should not function as the first step in the Green Card process,” the statement added.
The agency further stated that processing residency applications through consular offices abroad would help free up limited agency resources for other immigration priorities.
According to USCIS, the policy would enable the agency to focus more on applications involving victims of violent crimes, human trafficking cases, naturalisation requests and other immigration services within its jurisdiction.
“The law was written this way for a reason, and despite the fact that it has been ignored for years, following it will help make our system fairer and more efficient,” the statement noted.
In December 2025, former US President Donald Trump temporarily suspended the processing of green card and citizenship applications filed by Nigerians and nationals of other countries newly added to the US travel ban, according to a CBS News report.
The suspension affected legal immigration applications handled by USCIS and mainly targeted immigrants from selected African and Asian countries.
Many of those affected were already living legally in the United States and were seeking to adjust their immigration status or become American citizens.
The Trump administration also directed USCIS to freeze all immigration petitions, including applications for permanent residency and citizenship, from nationals of 19 countries covered by the travel ban announced in June.
Hon. Dr. Akpodiete Olotu JP, Executive Director of the Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation, chaired the 3rd Annual Inter-House Athletics Competition and Send Forth Ceremony at Iwhreko Primary School on May 21, 2026. The event took place at the school premises and brought together students, staff, parents, and guests for a day of sports and celebration.
Dr. Olotu Akpodiete was accompanied by Amb. Comr. Kpohraror Emmanuel, an old boy of Iwhreko Primary School. His presence highlighted the importance of alumni giving back and supporting the growth of their former school and the younger generation.
In her welcome address, Headteacher Chief Mrs. Eyamu welcomed guests, parents, and participants. She encouraged parents to remain actively involved in their children’s education, stating that parental support strengthens students’ sense of belonging and motivates them to excel. She also expressed appreciation to the Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation for its continued support to the school.
Speaking as Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Dr. Olotu Akpodiete thanked the headteacher and students for the warm reception. He commended the school for organizing the event to promote talent, discipline, and unity among pupils. He assured that the foundation would continue to support the students and the school to drive development and growth.
The 3rd Annual Inter-House Athletics Competition and Send Forth served as both a platform to showcase student talent and a send-off for graduating pupils. The ceremony reinforced the role of community-driven initiatives in advancing education and youth development in Ughelli.
Imo North chooses experience: Araraume’s primary election win and what it means, By Sufuyan Ojeifo
Dhamma Perfumes, CEO, Obi Ubaka Explains How To Succeed In Fragrance Business
Trump Admin orders Nigerians, other green card applicants to return home for residency processing
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