*Calls for immediate recall of Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi

By Francesca Hangeior

The National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Comrade Delaw Eze Onyebuchi Chukwu, has apologized to former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, over the insult she received from Ebonyi North Senator, Onyekachi Nwebonyi.

Recall that Oby Ezekwesili had a serious verbal clash with Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi on Tuesday.

The clash occurred at the Ethics Committee hearing on sexual harassment allegations between Senate President Akpabio and suspended Senator Natasha.

During the altercation, Senator Nwebonyi told Dr. Ezekwesili, “You are an insult to womanhood.” Dr. Ezekwesili remained reasonably calm as the senator raged on. She was at the event in solidarity with embattled Senator Natasha.

Reacting to the ugly incident, Comrade Onyebuchi Chukwu said Ebonyi men are gender-sensitive and respectful to women, knowing how crucial women are in their families.

He tendered an unreserved apology to Oby Ezekwesili and called for the immediate recall of Senator Nwebonyi by the Ebonyi North people.

The statement reads:

“In Ebonyi, we are trained to be humble and well-behaved. We grow up respecting elders. Our men are gender-sensitive and respectful to women, knowing how crucial our women are in our families. This continuous outburst against women by Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, as we have seen with the case of Senator Natasha Akpoti and now Oby Ezekwesili, does not represent the character of an Ebonyi man.”

“I therefore, on behalf of Ndi Ebonyi, apologize to Dr. Obi Ezekwesili, a global figure of repute who deserves only accolades. Find a place in your heart to forgive his misbehavior. This is not how an Ebonyi man behaves. We have home training. You are nothing but a pride of womanhood. You are highly educated and well-behaved. You have been an asset to this generation, and we are proud of all you do for society.”

“I am also calling on those who voted for Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi to power to start his recall for misconduct and public display of shameful outbursts. This is not the essence of your votes for him, and he has shown that he is not qualified to hold any public office. After dancing naked on national television, presenting Ebonyi and Ebonyians in a bad light, we expected an apology, not a repeat.”

“In the same vein, I am calling on my own senatorial zone, Ebonyi South, to start the process of recalling Prof. Anthony Ani for missing in action. Since he was elected, his presence has not been felt in the zone, and this is affecting the progress of the zone. He should be recalled back to what he knows how to do in the university and not remain in the job he’s forced to do.”

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to ban the importation of solar panels to promote local manufacturing and accelerate Nigeria’s shift toward clean energy solutions.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, disclosed this during the recent unveiling of the NEV T6 electric buses in Abuja. He explained that the decision aligns with Presidential Executive Order No. 5, which prioritises local content in science, engineering, and technology.

According to Nnaji, Nigeria is making significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure and can meet its solar energy needs locally. He highlighted the role of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and other private manufacturers in driving solar panel production within the country.

“We have lithium in abundance here in Nigeria, so Mr. President is already taking action. The lithium we have will be processed and used as batteries for electric vehicles,” he stated.

Nnaji also projected that expanding local solar panel manufacturing will enable more homes and institutions to transition to off-grid power solutions, reducing dependence on the national grid and fossil fuels.

Regarding concerns about Nigeria’s power supply and its impact on electric vehicle adoption, Nnaji clarified that the country is already deploying mini-grid solutions to enhance energy access.

“We have power. It depends on the source of power we are talking about. Today, if you look at our budget, you will see mini-grids everywhere. In less than four months, hospitals and institutions will be powered by solar,” he said.

The minister emphasised that the government is actively reducing reliance on diesel and petrol-powered energy sources by investing in non-carbon emission infrastructure.

As part of its broader strategy, the government intends to support local manufacturers and ensure that Nigerian-made solar panels become the primary source for domestic and commercial energy solutions.

“With NASENI and other private manufacturers already producing solar panels, we will stop importation and focus on growing our local industry. Soon, most houses will go off-grid. Personally, I have been off-grid for over three years, and it is working,” Nnaji stated.

This move signals a bold step towards energy self-sufficiency, fostering job creation, technological innovation, and a sustainable energy future for Nigeria.

Following the Nigerian Air Force Selection Board Interview conducted from 6 – 26 January 2025 for the Direct Short Service Commission Course (DSSC33/2024), the list of successful candidates has been released.

Inline with the above, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) wishes to inform the general public that the list of successful candidates for the Direct Short Service Commission Course (DSSC 33/2024) has been published on the official NAF Recruitment Portal https://nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng

Successful candidates are to report for training at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Afaka, Kaduna, on Wednesday, 2 April 2025. Failure to report by 1800hrs (6:00 PM) on Monday, 7 April 2025, will result in forfeiture of the training slot.

Applicants are to Download List Of successful candidates here and to also find out more information on what candidates must come along with to the training.