In a speech at the event held at the Government House, Owerri, Uzodimma charged them to serve and treat their subjects in a manner that pleases God.

He urged them not to see their subjects as slaves but demonstrate the importance of honesty, peace and justice in leadership.

He also warned them against ruling their communities from diaspora, vowing to withdraw the staff of office of anyone that defaulted.

The governor also urged them to see themselves as part of government and ambassadors at the community level.

“You are recognised to support local government chairmen and counsellors to ensure that law and order are maintained in our communities,” he said.

He emphasised their role in maintaining security in their domains, saying that any traditional ruler that joined in causing insecurity would be dethroned.

“If I see that you are not able to manage security in your community, we will change you.

“Raise vigilance groups and work with the youth to defend your communities,” he said.

The governor charged them to work with his administration, and not to allow anybody to use them to fight or undermine the government.

According to him, anybody who wants to fight government should come direct.

While pledging support of his administration to the various communities, Uzodimma congratulated them and prayed God to grant them wisdom to lead their people.

Responding on behalf of the new royal fathers, the Traditional Ruler of Umuezeala/Umueme Community in Oru East Local Government Area, Prof. Peter Nnabuo, assured the governor that they would ensure that peace and tranquility returned to their communities.

In an interview with newsmen, the Traditional Ruler of Ihite-afoukwu Ancient Kingdom, Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, Eze Okwudili Nwandu, expressed delight over his appointment.

He commended the governor for finding him worthy to serve his people and pledged to ensure that they benefitted from the dividend of traditional rulership under his watch.

Also, the Traditional Ruler of Amato Autonomous community, Obowo, Eze Michael Obioma, thanked the governor for making the dream of his community a reality.

Obioma also pledged to focus on ensuring that there is peace as well as security of lives and property in his community. (NAN)

The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the rescue in a statement on Saturday in Onitsha.

According to Ikenga, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has directed operatives to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.

He assured the public that security operations would be sustained to deny criminals the opportunity to wreak havoc in the state.

“The Joint Security Team, in a coordinated operation on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at about 7:20 a.m., successfully rescued three kidnapped victims along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Ozubulu,” Ikenga stated.

“The victims were immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention due to the injuries inflicted on them by their abductors.

“They are currently responding to treatment and will be debriefed by the police once they are stable,” he said.

Ikenga further explained that security checkpoints across the state were placed on high alert after the victims’ abduction was reported at Nkwelle-Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area.

“This swift action contributed to their successful rescue,”he added.

He reassured the residents of Anambra of the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property while maintaining aggressive security operations to keep criminals at bay.(NAN)

Wike said this on Saturday in Calabar at the 37th convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), where he received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law.

Commending the President’s dedication to higher education, the minister said ongoing interventions are reshaping the landscape of tertiary education across the nation.

According to him, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has eased financial burdens on students, ensuring no willing individual is denied access to quality education.

He added, “The Students’ Start-up Innovation and Entrepreneurship Grant empowers youths to convert knowledge into enterprise.

“Universities’ removal from IPPIS has further advanced institutional autonomy.”

Wike noted that universities’ exclusion from IPPIS has restored their financial independence, allowing them to operate more efficiently and with greater flexibility.

He also highlighted that allowing TETFund research funds to remain within institutions enables them to engage in innovative and groundbreaking research.

The minister said these progressive policies are positioning Nigeria’s universities to respond effectively to the needs of the 21st century.

Expressing gratitude to the University of Calabar for the honorary degree, he said the recognition inspires him to continue contributing meaningfully to national progress.

“I am truly honoured by this recognition. UNICAL has inscribed my name in its golden records, and I accept this honour with immense responsibility,” he said. (NAN)