BY
CHINONSO JOHN ELUMEZIE

Imo State, situated in southeastern Nigeria and home to a significant agrarian Igbo population is struggling with escalating insecurity caused by recurring Fulani herdsmen attacks indirectly backed by some powerful politicians, the Sultanate, and top military generals. These attacks have not only resulted in tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement of rural communities and farmers, but have also disrupted agricultural lands and activities. The herdsmen incursions have also instilled fear among farmers, and is currently threatening the state’s food security potentially triggering a hunger crisis.
The looming hunger crisis in Imo state is thus not merely a humanitarian issue but also a political and cultural concern. In communities such as Amakohia-Ubi in Owerri West Local Government Area, over 200 farmers have reported substantial financial losses due to herdsmen destroying crops such as cassava, maize, and vegetables. Similarly, in Obosa-Assa community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area farmers have expressed concerns over the continuous invasion of their farmlands by herders carrying dangerous weapons, making it difficult for the community to defend themselves. The community sent an SOS to the state government, with one farmer stating, “Hunger is imminent in our communities because they have continued to invade our farmlands.” Furthermore, the Umuagubiam village in Oforola, Ezi Orsu, Izombe, Ejemekwuru and Agwa communities residents among others, reported kidnapping and physical assaults (maiming and killings) of their farmers.
In response to recent attacks, security forces have only made empty promises in tackling the menace. The government of Imo State has avowedly refused to implement the anti-open grazing law passed during the administration of Chief Achike Udenwa, former Governor of Imo State. The inability of the government of Imo State and that of Ahmed Tinubu administration at the centre to confront and tackle this ugly menace shows that they are complicit. Perhaps, it could be an indirect way to complete the starvation of Igbos started by late Chief Obafemi Awolowo during the ill-fated Nigeria/Biafra civil war that lasted for 30 months. The recurring herdsmen attack in the state and other parts of eastern Nigeria has compromised food security and intensified existing tensions. This scenario risks exacerbating poverty and malnutrition, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
Conclusion
The persistent attacks by herdsmen in Imo State have far-reaching implications, particularly with regards to food security. Since the response from the Nigerian government has been widely criticized as slow and ineffective, fuelling frustration and anger among the Igbo people in general, it is necessary that both state and federal governments collaborate with local communities to implement sustainable solutions that ensure the safety of farmers and the protection of farmlands. The Fulani herdsmen should be made to understand that this is the 21st century. Unfortunately, the government of the day that should have called them to order is reasoning and behaving like cows, that is why there are no proactive measures to prevent this looming danger.
Chinonso John Elumezie is an activist

Alex Ibeh

The 27 Local Government Chairmen in Imo State have ended a training to Strengthen the third tier Government organized by Government of Imo State Bureau of Public Procurement and Price Intelligence (BPPPI)

The three day enlightenment program tagged: ” Sustainable Procurement Training for Local Government Chairmen and Principal officers commenced on Wednesday 28th May and ended on Friday 30th May, 2025 at Rock View Hotels, Owerri, Imo State.

The Workshop brought together executive chairmen of all local councils and senior officials of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to participate in the training.

Addressing newsmen on Friday, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Imo State Chapter, Hon. Ikenna Adikibe, while commending the State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma for deeming it necessary to equip the LG Chairmen on the judicious management of funds described the training as a “knowledge-driven and impactful exercise” that will help local council leaders manage public resources with professionalism and integrity.

Adikibe,who doubles as the Chairman of Oru West further thanked Governor Uzodimma on behalf of other Chairmen for his consistent commitment to rejigging the local government system and capacity building. He noted that the initiative reflects the governor’s desire to institutionalize good governance practices at the local level.

Also speaking, Comrade Okey Okere, President of Imo NULGE and Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, emphasized the significance of the Procurement Law in promoting transparency and discouraging corruption in public service.

He explained that the training aligned with international best practices, particularly those supported by global institutions like the World Bank. “A well-implemented procurement law ensures due process—from needs assessment and proper pricing to competitive bidding and transparent selection of contractors,” Okere said.

According to him, when followed strictly, procurement procedures help maximize public value by ensuring that limited resources are used efficiently and effectively.
Okere also revealed that although the workshop was initially scheduled to last five days, it concluded in three, thanks to the participants’ quick assimilation of the course content and the effectiveness of the program’s delivery.
Participants such as Hon. Ugochukwu Vitalis Obi (Etiokwe) of Njaba LGA and Hon. Ifunanya Nwanegwo of Mbaitolu LGA expressed satisfaction with the training, praising its hands-on and technology-driven approach. They described the experience as timely and essential for improving local administrative performance.

All council chairmen and senior NULGE officials attended the workshop and widely acknowledged it as a strategic investment in local government reform. Many expressed gratitude to Governor Uzodimma for prioritizing capacity development across all tiers of governance in Imo State.

Alex Ibeh

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has stepped up awareness Campaign to ensure a safe and secure operations in the Airspace Transport system.
This was disclosed during a two-day post May-Day lecture, 7th edition with the theme:
“Conflict Resolution and Restorative Justice” and Aviation Workers the Cornerstone of safe and Secure Skies” respectively.

Speaking at the event, the National President of National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and Chairman International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) Comrade Ben Nnabue said it is a measure to preventing accidents and ensuring that air craft are properly maintained.
He stated that the choice of Imo State was to encourage the State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma for his Transformative Initiative at Sam Mbakwe Airport to have International flighting land at the Airport.
While Commending the Governor, he informed that with the measures been put in place, Airspace is safe and Secure.
According to him, the Membership of the Union cuts across every Airport in Nigeria both Government and Private owned.
He urged the members to speed up expectation to ensure that the sky is safe and Secure.

The Workshop which was organized by Jayson Terrel and Associates Ltd was held in Imo State from Monday 26th to Tuesday 27th May, 2027.
Declaring the Seminar open on Monday, Prof. Rev. Fr. Philip Ogbonna disclosed that mapping was the first process in conflict resolution to explore the solution, explaining that Mapping was to determine the cause of the conflict.
According to him, without Mapping, solution would be very difficult to achieve.
He noted that most Conflicts, with reference to Nigeria, some people are usually the beneficiaries.

In the lecture series, Prof. M. N. Obasi with the topic “Dispute resolution Mechanism: Mediation and Conciliation” said the point formed the course of Alternative Dispute resolution (ADR).
He encouraged workers to adopt ADR in settling disputes, saying that it is faster, cost effectiveness and at the same time achieve the same purpose.

Another Guest Speaker, Dr. Walter Emereole of whose topic was on “The impact of Clear Communication in Labour Relations” charged the Participants to take advantage of the lecture to identify communication gap in their work spheres as a tool for sustainable relations.
Also speaking on the 2nd day conference, Amb. Anthony C. Akalugo, the CEO of Leadership Sustainable Development Academy Ltd with a topic: “Sustainable Practices in Aviation Sector anchored on Aviation Workforce” averred that the discussion availed the participants the opportunity to explore some factors that affect sustainable business in Nigeria Aviation Sector,
He said: “the role of workers in the sustainability in the Aviation Industry is very essential for the interconnectivity, equipment, the regulatory Compliance and Organizational practices, all these interoperate to ensure a safe sky”

Meanwhile, the Organizer, Dr. Chioma Magnus Orjiakor stated that essence of choosing the topic was to expose the workers in aviation Industry and other workers across the country to take advantage of uzitiling the Alternative means of resolving issues other than the court.
According to him, the regular clamour for better treatment by Nigerian workers occasioned by Government’s treatment but unable to resove it. Most times, they resort to strike action.
He however pointed out that restorative Justice aim to restore promote sustainable peace by building stronger relationship between the Government and workers.

In the same vein, Comrade Ochem Aba of NUATE noted that the essence of the Workshop was to gather all their members to Imo State to take advantage of the awareness Campaign for the Security of both the workspace and the Industry