Freedom Square News

18/10/2025

ENUGU STATE GOVERNMENT LISTS 105 LAYOUTS, SETS DECEMBER 31 DEADLINE FOR REVALIDATION AND DIGITIZATION

The Enugu State Government, through the Office of the Surveyor General, has released a list of *105 Layouts across the State* earmarked for *Revalidation and Digitization* under its ongoing *Survey Records Modernization Programme.*

This exercise is designed to create a comprehensive and verifiable digital survey database that will enhance transparency in land records, protect ownership rights, and improve service delivery.

*What Landowners Must Do*
All landowners, estates, and plots within the underlisted areas are required to submit their layout and survey documents for:

• Verification and Revalidation
• Digital Conversion and Plot Mapping
• Issuance of New Electronic Survey Plans and Certificates

*Deadline: December 31, 2025*
The government has set December 31, 2025 as the deadline for compliance. After this date, any layout not revalidated will lose official government recognition, and all plots within such layouts will be classified as unverified in the State Land Database.

Property owners are strongly advised to act promptly by visiting the Office of the Surveyor General or their respective Local Government Survey Desks to complete the process.

Property owners are therefore advised to act promptly by visiting the Office of the Surveyor General or their respective Local Government Survey Desks to complete the process.

*Ministry of Lands and Urban Development*
1. Independence Layout (Phases I–III, ECS, and Extensions)
2. Central Business District, Old GRA
3. Emene Industrial/Residential Layout
4. Nkpokiti Layout
5. Idaw River Layout
6. Station Estate
7. Heritage Estate
8. Prime City Estate
9. Innovation Estate
10. Paradise City Estate
11. Ropabike Estate
12. Royal District Layout
13. Sun City Layout
14. Evangel Garden, Trans-Ekulu
15. Diamond City Estate, GRA
16. Asata Layout
17. Akaegbe Ugwu Mechanic Village
18. Uwani Extension Layout
19. Golf Annex Phases I & II
20. New GRA, Old GRA Nsukka
21. Police Refresher School, Uwani
22. NTA and Adjoining Premises
23. One Day, Awkunanaw
24. Legacy Estate
25. Agangwu Layout, Coal Camp
26. Oasis Layout
27. Springfield Gardens Estate
28. Airport Gate Estate
29. Sunshine Estate Phase II30. Block DB New Town, Ibagwa
30. Block DB New Town, Ibagwa

*Enugu State Housing Development Corporation ESHDC)*
31. WTC Ogui New Layout
32. Trinity Estate
33. Heritage Estate, Kingsway Road GRA
34. Victory Estate
35. Harmony Estate Phases I–III
36. Delight Estate
37. Valley Estate Phases I & II
38. Citadel Estate Phases I & II
39. Maryland Estate Phases I & II
40. Rock City Estate
41. Riverview Estate Phase I
42. Gateway Estate, Owo
43. Fidelity Estate
44. Himalayas Estate
45. Network Estate
46. Coal City Eastern Alliance Estate
47. Blossom Estate
48. Veritage Estate
49. Coal City Garden
50. Ebeano Estate
51. Ivory Estate, Parcel B
52. Greenland Estate Phases I & III
53. Liberty Estate Phases I & II
54. Zoo Estate
55. Tourist Estate
56. Platinum Estate, Trans-Ekulu
57. Golf Course Layout Phases I–V
58. Riverside Estate, Abakpa
59. Lakeside Layout, Onungene Umuenwene Iji-Nike
60. Transparency Estate, Uwani
61. Sunrise Estate, New Abakaliki Road

(The full list of all 105 layouts is available at the Office of the Surveyor General and on the official notice board.)

Signed:
*Surv. Chime Justus U.*
Surveyor General of Enugu State
Friday, October 17, 2025

17/10/2025

Denial and Double Standards: Mike Arnold’s Genocide Findings Expose Nigeria’s Security Crisis

An analysis of Mike Arnold’s findings on violence and displacement in Nigeria — exploring facts, perspectives, and the call for peace and justice.

16/10/2025

Retirement not Death Sentence _ESUT VC to Retirees

The Vice Chancellor of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, Prof. Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, has enjoined retired and intending retirees of the University to see their state as another phase of life, and not as death sentence.

The Vice Chancellor who was represented by his Deputy, Professor Chike Nwoha, in a one-day workshop organized for retired and intending retirees of the University on Wednesday, enjoined the "senior citizens," to thank God for keeping them in good health and for seeing them through their service years.

He further enjoined them not to allow retirement thought to weigh them down, adding that the Management of the University considered the workshop necessary in order to guide them into other meaningful endeavours even after retirement.

In his presentation titled 'Perspectives on Retirement: Reality or Myth,' the Managing Consultant, Celvic Plus Consult, Celestine Akwuwa, urged the retirees to rebrand themselves by venturing into services and businesses in order to remain relevant in the society.

He stated that retirement plan ought to have started from the day a worker accepted his or her appointment letter but stated that it is better late than never.

He further enjoined them to always network with their social contacts and to equally prioritize their financial goals.

The Pro-chancellor, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Comrade Fidelis Ede, equally spoke on the theme "Agrobusinesses and Opportunities for Retirerees," and enjoined the retirerees not to stay idle but to reinvent themselves into any of agricultural value chains to stay financially afloat.

A former Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof Godian Mbah, who is one of the retirees, thanked the ESUT Management for organizing the workshop, stating that it has exposed his mind to other ventures which would keep him meaningfully engaged after retirement.

Another retiree, from the Faculty of Social Sciences, Iwuoha Catherine, while expressing her gratitude to ESUT Management for the workshop, added that she would take what she learned and venture into a business.

16/10/2025

Ceasefire on Fire: Israel Accuses Hamas of Betrayal, Cuts Off Gaza Aid as Trump Issues Strong Warning.

16/10/2025

The Igbo Community of South Australia Marks 25th Anniversary with a Grand Igbo New Yam (Iri Ji) Festival Celebration

The Igbo Community of South Australia (ICSA) celebrated a significant milestone on Sunday, October 5, 2025, with its annual New Yam Festival (Iri Ji/Iwa Ji) — an event that also marked the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Community. This year’s celebration was particularly special as it was the first New Yam Festival held under the leadership of the current President, Mr. Joseph Amaefuna.

The 2025 Iri Ji Festival attracted dignitaries from far and wide, including community leaders, scholars, professionals, and representatives of various multicultural associations. The atmosphere at the event was filled with colour, joy, and cultural pride as attendees gathered to celebrate one of the most important traditions in Igbo culture.

The festival commenced with the symbolic yam cutting and eating ritual — a sacred act in Igbo tradition that signifies thanksgiving to God and the earth for a fruitful harvest season. This was followed by a vibrant display of Igbo cultural heritage, featuring masquerade performances, women’s traditional dances, children’s cultural showcases, and a spirited live highlife performance by Mr. Vinnie, whose music kept the audience dancing throughout the evening.

One of the highlights of the celebration was the Traditional Igbo Wrestling Exhibition, reminiscent of the scenes described in Chinụa Achebe’s timeless classic, Things Fall Apart, offering attendees a vivid connection between Igbo literature and lived cultural experience.

In his remarks, Mr. Nnaemeka Umenzeakor, who serves as the Public Relations Officer of the Igbo Community of South Australia expressed profound appreciation to all committee members, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees who contributed to the success of the 2025 Iri Ji Festival. He noted that organising the event was both an honour and a reflection of the unity and cultural pride of the Igbo people in South Australia.

“This festival is more than just a celebration of harvest,” he said. “It is a renewal of our cultural identity, a moment to give thanks, and an opportunity to showcase to the world the beauty, unity, and resilience of the Igbo heritage.” He also commended the collaborative spirit that made the occasion memorable and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to sustaining and expanding the festival in the years ahead.

In his keynote address, the Founder and Convener of the Igbo Community of South Australia, Barrister Francis Nnamdi Elekwachi, spoke passionately about the significance of yam in precolonial Igbo society and its enduring importance today. He noted that yam remains a symbol of wealth, hard work, and prosperity in Igbo culture. Barrister Elekwachi also reflected on the Community’s journey over the past 25 years, applauding the progress made and encouraging members to remain united and committed to cultural preservation in their new home in Australia.

One of the key highlights of the event was the inauguration of the Interim Board of the Igbo Cultural School of South Australia, a landmark initiative aimed at preserving Igbo language, values, and traditions for future generations. The board members include distinguished community figures such as Dr. Michelle King-Okoye, Dr. Okechuku Igwe Nwachuku, Dr. Kelechi Ibegbulem, Mr. Mike Okpulor, Mr. Nonso Agballa, and others who have pledged their commitment to advancing Igbo cultural education within the Igbo and wider communities in South Australia.

The festival also drew participation from other Nigerian, African and multicultural communities, symbolising unity and shared heritage. Among the notable guests was Mr. Shaquille Hibbert, President of the South Australian Caribbean Community, who attended the event with members of his organisation. Mr. Hibbert expressed gratitude for the invitation, describing the festival as a reflection of shared ancestral and cultural ties between West African and Caribbean peoples. He noted that such collaborations strengthen the multicultural fabric of South Australia and promote understanding among diverse communities.

The celebration also included the presentation of Service, and Community Service Awards to honour individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the growth and welfare of the Community. One of the award recipients, Chief Tobenna Amechi, a respected community leader/elder of the Igbo Community of South Australia, expressed his appreciation for the recognition and was flanked by his wife, Mrs. Jecinta Amechi. Chief Amechi thanked the Community for acknowledging his service and encouraged members to continue promoting unity, peace, and cultural excellence.

The 2025 ICSA New Yam Festival was proudly sponsored by several organisations and individuals who share in the vision of community growth and cultural continuity. These include FNE Lawyers, an Adelaide-based law firm; CA Legal and Migration, a renowned migration and family law firm; Amanda’s Wears; Afrikan Continental Shop (Blair Athol and Davoren Park); Mandyfloxy Catering Service; Zaram Global Beauty; and a host of other supporters whose contributions ensured the success of the celebration.

Entertainment for the night reached a thrilling peak with performances from popular Adelaide-based DJs, DJ Airboy and DJ Eazymoney, who entertained guests with an energetic mix of Afrobeat, Igbo Highlife, and Caribbean sounds. Their music created an atmosphere of joy and connection that resonated deeply with the crowd, uniting generations of Igbos and friends of the community in dance and celebration.

A respected philanthropist and community elder, Chief Ikechukwu Ojimba, also shared his delight at the success of the event. He praised the organisers and participants for their dedication and emphasised the importance of cultural gatherings as a way to strengthen identity and inspire younger generations to remain connected to their Igbo identity.

The ICSA Public Relations Officer, Mr. Nnaemeka Umenzeakor concluded by expressing heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the festival’s success. He noted that the event’s success reflected the collective effort, commitment, and passion of members who continue to uphold Igbo culture and values in South Australia’s multicultural society while also serving as a moment of reconciliation and renewed unity among various groups within the Community, urging members to keep nurturing unity and cultural continuity.

Ms. Eva Okpalaeke, who served as the Chairlady of the 2025 Iri Ji Organising Committee was also commended for her commitment in ensuring the festival’s success.

The 2025 Igbo New Yam (Iri Ji) Festival of South Australia will be remembered not only as a celebration of harvest and thanksgiving but also as a landmark event symbolising 25 years of cultural resilience, unity, and progress. As the drums echoed and songs of joy filled the air, one message stood clear — the spirit of the Igbo people remains vibrant, enduring, and unbroken.

15/10/2025

Why Men Get Erectile Dysfunction – Urologist Breaks It Down | Part 1

In this exclusive interview, Dr. Bun Eze, Medical Director of St. Sylvester Multispecialist Hospital and Urology Centre, and Consultant Urologist at ESUTH, Parklane, Enugu, shares expert insights on Erectile Dysfunction (ED).

Dr. Eze explains the real causes of ED, common myths, and effective treatments available today. He also highlights how lifestyle, stress, and health conditions play a role — and what men can do to improve their performance and confidence.
Rated 18*

15/10/2025

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Sam Ejiofor Ugwoke, Ogbodo Friday, Ben Jay, Ejiofor Igba, Fõx Awan Kamoto, Ositadimma Joali, Rhodes Dabry, Eze Oliver Obinna, Alfred Johnson, Kuai Nyok Abujok, Tochukwu Emmanuel, Oluchicc Okeke, Freshly Kizzy, Jésus'le Barbu, Okpe Oliver Romeo

15/10/2025

Obi Hails Super Eagles’ Victory Over Benin Republic

Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their brilliant victory over the Benin Republic.

In a statement issued on Tuesday night on his X, Obi, said he watched the match with “so much confidence and pride” after a hectic day that began at 6 a.m. and included participation in five different events of commissioning and campaigning in Anambra State.

He described the win as “a brilliant and sweet victory,” commending the players for demonstrating resilience, strength, and unity on the field.

“You showed true Nigerian spirit, strength, dominance, and unity on the field. This is the power of perseverance and teamwork,” he said.

He further praised the Super Eagles for their performance, noting that it reflected the possibilities that come with hard work and determination.

15/10/2025

14/10/2025

*ESUT, York St. John University, UK to collaborate on research, staff, students exchange programmes*

Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, and York St John University, United Kingdom, have agreed to collaborate on research and staff and students exchange programmes for the mutual benefit of both institutions.

The Vice Chancellor of ESUT, Professor Aloysius-Michaels Okolie, who addressed a delegation from York St John University, London, led by the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Prof Rob Mortimer, in his office at Agbani, expressed excitement over the partnership opportunity.

He noted that ESUT had in the recent past cemented partnerships with reputable Institutions in Canada, Germany and UK, and was poised to collaborate with York St John University, London, to further strengthen her academic contents and enrich her global competitiveness and relevance.

While emphasizing that the collaboration would be a great leap in ESUT's excellent academic pursuit, he added that the partnership would be mutually beneficial to both parties.

He further stated that the partnership would boost the webo metric ranking and visibility of ESUT.

The Pro-Vice Chancellor of York St. John University, London, Professor Mortimer, while addressing ESUT Management, stated that they were in Nigeria because of their unique recruitment and partnership approaches.

"We are interested in forming better and stronger partnerships with countries around the globe, not in brain drain. We are equally interested in research collaborations and exchange programmes," he stated.

The facilitator of the programme, Engr. Henry Ezinwoke, who is an alumnus of ESUT, while addressing ESUT Management, stated that he engineered the partnership as a way of giving back to his Alma Mater.

He stated that the collaboration would dwell majorly on research collaboration, staff and students exchange programmes and trainings.

Earlier is his remarks, the Dean of Engineering Faculty, Prof Thompson Chime, who in company of other professors from the faculty, including two former deans of the faculty, Professors James Eke, and Ike Oluka, respectively, stated that the collaboration brewed following Engr. Ezinwoke's admiration of the proactive and innovative administrative trajectory of ESUT Management led by Professor Okolie.

14/10/2025

Breaking: Enugu Governor Peter Mbah Joins APC

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor announced his decision in a televised broadcast on Tuesday, stating that the move followed deep reflection and a desire to chart a new course for the state.

“Today, after much reflection, we have made the decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the All Progressives Congress,” Mbah declared.

Explaining the motivation behind his defection, the governor said it was driven by the need to reposition Enugu and transform the state’s political landscape.

“Today, I stand before you to announce a break from the past and to share a decision that will shape our path forward. This is about our values, how we organize ourselves politically, and how we secure the future of our people,” he stated.

“Leadership sometimes demands difficult choices in pursuit of greater goals. There comes a time when one must take a bold step to define their destiny,” Mbah added.