Ichie Azuh Arinze, 29, Budland Street, Lagos (2025)

07/09/2025

Azuh Arinze Conferred with C**A Fellowship

The Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine, Mr. Azuh Arinze, KSM, has been conferred with the prestigious Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria (C**A).

Established in 1996 and chartered by Act of Parliament No. 1 of 2017, C**A recognizes outstanding individuals who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, administration, and public service.

Azuh, a renowned journalist and prolific author, has written several influential works including The CEO’s Bible (Volumes 1 & 2), Success Is Not Served A La Carte, Anything and Everything Journalism, My Story of Many Colours, and Conversations with Showbiz Stars.

Academically, he holds a HND in Mass Communication, a B.Sc. in Public Administration, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. He is also currently pursuing his doctorate in the same field.

Before founding YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine, the proud Rotarian and Knight served as Editor of Encomium Weekly. The conferment ceremony was held in Lagos on Saturday, August 6, 2025.

In the official letter of admission, Dr. Uche Okereke, FCPA, FCEA, JP, Registrar/Chief Executive and Secretary to the Council, wrote:

“The President and the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria, at the last Council meeting, unanimously agreed to bestow on you the Fellowship of the Institute. The decision, no doubt, was informed by the fact that you have exhibited a high degree of exemplary leadership style, not just as a seasoned administrator but also as a man of great integrity whose virtues are worthy of emulation.”

13/06/2025

For Akpabio, A Word Should Be Enough For The Wise - By Azuh Arinze

In my own estimation, Godswill Obot Akpabio, Nigeria's Senate President, should be the luckiest politician ever from Akwa Ibom State. An average lawyer before politics beckoned, he has since gone ahead to serve as a commissioner, governor, minister, and now the No. 3 citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Weeks back, he got into what has now become a "Roforofo" fight with Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a fellow lawyer and colleague who combines beauty with boldness. Truth be told, no one can say categorically who among them is saying "the truth and nothing but the whole truth", like they swear in the court. For the record, however, the Senate suspended Natasha over what the Ethics Committee blamed on her unruly behaviour. Natasha, on the other hand, changed the equation when she accused Akpabio instead of sexual harassment. A number of actions have been filed in different courts by both parties, and until the courts decide, I want to quietly move to my next paragraph.

Now, while the courts are still busy scrutinizing the documents filed by the plaintiff and defendant, coupled with the drama adorning both sensational and salacious togas at the moment, Natasha's sudden recall attempt by some members of her constituency began. Expectedly, she accused Akpabio, Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State and his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, of being behind that.

To prove that the three men combined cannot easily have her recalled, she defied unfavorable security reports by the Kogi State Government, Kogi State Police Command and even her Local Government chairman to visit her constituency - Kogi Central - in a grand style, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The colourful and controversial politico arrived in a helicopter to a tumultuous welcome; obviously proving to the doubting Thomases that her people indeed love her and are also solidly behind her. Oops! I almost forgot to say that midway into the battle, she had shocked Nigeria and Nigerians by internationalizing the drama - when she took it to the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU), in New York, United States of America, still alleging sexual harassment and intimidation.

Now, my point. Akpabio should remember that popular saying about a word being enough for the wise. Yes, the time for him to play the wise man is now otherwise this may become his own banana peel as a Senate President.

Remember Evan(s) Enwerem. Remember Chuba Okadigbo... One way or the other, they all left the position unintentionally and unceremoniously after stepping on different kinds of banana peel.

Akpabio should be wise and behave like Anyim Pius Anyim, Ken Nnamani, David Mark and even Bukola Saraki who served out their terms without leaving in ignominy.

Swallow your pride, Sir. Reach out to Natasha, at least, as the father of the tenth Senate. Make peace with her and let us move forward.

Finally, please know that most of the people pushing and urging you to "teach that little girl a big lesson", including your fellow senators, will abandon you and vamoose immediately you lose your position. Some will even remind you that instead of presiding over making laws, you chose to be making negative headlines.

A word, like I said in the beginning, is enough for the wise. Also, the Igbos, where your wife, Unoma, happens to come from, have a popular saying that when you ignore the small pot, it wreaks havoc by quenching the fire. Natasha, whether as a small or a big pot now, may unfortunately become your "ene nie nwa ite, nwa ite agbo nyuo oku."

Shalom!

- Azuh Arinze is publisher/ editor-in-chief of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine and author of best-selling books like The CEO's Bible 1 and 2, Success Is Not Served A La Carte, Anything and Everything Journalism, Conversations With Showbiz Stars, Encounters: Lessons From My Journalism Career, My Story Of Many Colours, etc

10/06/2025

I Met Mike Ejeagha

Yes, I met the legendary folklorist and guitarist, Mike Ejeagha. But just once.

I can’t recall the exact date anymore, but the occasion remains etched in my memory.

It was in 1999, during the burial of the flamboyant and controversial businessman, Victor Nnamdi Okafor - popularly known as Ezego - in Uzoakwa, Ihiala, Anambra State.

Ejeagha was already an elder then, but still active and engaging. Seated in a corner at what was more of a carnival than a burial, he strummed his signature guitar, his voice resonating through the crowd with his timeless folk tunes.

Guests, mesmerized by his melodies, occasionally stepped forward to shower him with bundles of naira - pressing them onto his face and body in appreciation.

From a distance, my colleagues and I - there to cover the event for Encomium Weekly (my second professional stop after Fame Weekly) - watched in admiration. Like many others, I had grown up listening to his rich, philosophical songs on radio and television.

Years later, seeing him brought back to the limelight by comedian Brain Jotter was deeply moving. It felt like a moment lifted straight out of one of his beloved tracks, Uwa Mgbede Ka Nma - loosely translated, "Evening life is sweeter."

Indeed, Mike Ejeagha enjoyed a renaissance before death came calling on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the age of 95. In his final years, his legend grew even more. The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mba - who initially had no idea about where he lived - not only visited him but also renamed his street in his honour and placed him on a monthly stipend. He was deservedly given his flowers while alive - smiling and singing his way to the grave.

May his gentle soul rest in peace. Amen.

Azuh Arinze is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine and author of several notable titles including The CEO’s Bible (Volumes 1 & 2), Success Is Not Served A La Carte, Conversations With Showbiz Stars, Anything and Everything Journalism, Encounters: Lessons From My Journalism Career, My Story of Many Colours, and A Taste of Success.

31/03/2025

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MY DEAREST MOTHER!

Today, and forever, I will continue to be grateful to this angel of God in human form. My dear mother and my sweet mother. The one who refused to give up on me, even when every other person had done so. The one I troubled like no other as a little boy by persistently getting into trouble. And repeatedly causing her pains. Interestingly, never for once did she forsake me. She prayed without ceasing for me, until the Almighty God finally intervened. I love you, my dear mother, Agbara Ichie Ann Okwurunirota Azuh (Okwesilieze). And will forever treasure and cherish all those beatings, advice, corrections that eventually made me who I am today.

Happy Mothers’ Day to you, Nnem oma and also to all true mothers!

20/03/2025

AZUH@50: There Is No Business Like Show Business - By Uzor Maxim Uzoatu

Conversations With Showbiz Stars by Azuh Arinze; YES International Ventures, Akute, Ogun State; 2022; 294pp

The 1954 American film There Is No Business Like Show Business, directed by the legendary Walter Lang and featuring amongst its stars the even more legendary immortal beauty, Marilyn Monroe, owes its birth to the 1946 musical composition of the great Russian-American music composer Irving Berlin. The blending of music, movies, comedy and impresarios can be heartily celebrated in the book Conversations With Showbiz Stars by Azuh Arinze, the bestselling author of The CEO’s Bible and Success Is Not Served A La Carte.
Azuh Arinze has carved a niche in human interest journalism from when as a 26-year-old he edited Reel Stars magazine and then went on to serve as the editor of Encomium Weekly between 2003 and 2011. He is now the celebrated Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine and Convener of the magazine’s annual lecture.
The book Conversations With Showbiz Stars which remarkably bears the sub-title “How to make it in the glittering and glamorous world of music, movies and comedy” is dedicated to Femi Akintunde-Johnson, popularly known as FAJ, “for giving me the first opportunity ever to write professionally.” Conversations With Showbiz Stars and its author have powerful endorsers such as the advertising gurus Udeme Ufot, Tunji Olugboji, and Biodun Shobanjo; Ovation publisher and presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu; former Nigerian ambassador to Spain and Chief Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s widow Bianca Ojukwu; Orangun of Oke-Ila and Founder of Abolarin College, HRM Oba Adedokun Abolarin; Executive Chairman and Founder of Econet Group, Strive Masiyiwa; former MD/Chairman of Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Plc., Sam Ohuabunwa etc.
In the Foreword to Conversations With Showbiz Stars, journalist/media consultant and former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde writes: “In three sections and with 35 interviews, all but one personally conducted by the author over the last 10 years, this book is a window into the hearts and world of Nigeria’s contemporary stars in the art of showbusiness. It is a story of different voices with different vibes who still deserve to be heard in their own words.” There are four sections actually!
Iconic musician King Sunny Ade, otherwise known as Otunba Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, or simply KSA, speaks of his private life thusly: “Since I became King Sunny Ade, do you think I would have that? My private life has been given to you.”
Femi Kuti, the irrepressible son of the legendary Fela Anikulapo-Kuti says matter-of-factly: “There’s no man I now like my father.”
Onyeka Onwenu who Azuh Arinze depicts as “Nigeria’s biggest female artiste” stresses upfront: “I don’t put limitations on myself.” The ever personable Innocent Ujah Idibia, who is celebrated as 2Face or 2Baba, remembers the singular event that turned around his life as “the first time I met a man like Edi Lawani.”
The masked musician Lagbaja reveals: “The mask is actually a hindrance, because the most powerful thing for an artiste, a musician is your face, is when you communicate, especially if you have a good face.”
The acclaimed King of Fuji Music, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Anifowoshe, aka K1 De Ultimate, believes that “A good musician is any musician that does the business like the real business.”
The delectable crooner, Tiwa Savage, took to music because while in school she had a crush on a boy who “used to hang out with all the musicians” but when she started singing with her acknowledged pretty voice “the guy still did not pay me any attention.”
Tunde Obe, aka TO, insists that genuine skills and talent are the necessary tricks while gospel singer Sammie Okposo advises the sundry artistes to never allow success make them lazy. Sunny Neji, the “Oruka” and “Ikebe” hit-maker, knows that hit songs do not come every day.
In the “Movies” section of Conversations With Showbiz Stars, Richard Mofe-Damijo, RMD for short, asserts that “getting to the top is not the problem, it’s staying there.”
Everybody’s darling of the screen, Genevieve Nnaji, prays for God to continue to bless her – “Especially with the right man and a good family.”
The guru of the screen, Pete Edochie, informs: “I believe in giving the master’s touch.” Little wonder BBC, London dispatched a team from the UK to interview him for his masterly acting of the role of Okonkwo in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart.
Funke Akindele-Bello showcases herself thus: “My strength is that I am very pushy. I can withstand anything. I am focused, I am a go-getter. You can’t stop me getting to the top.”
Kenneth Okonkwo who played the lead role of Andy in the landmark movie, Living in Bo***ge, humbly says: “I really contributed nothing to making myself.”
Kanayo Onyekwere Kanayo, aka KOK, declares: “You cannot be popular forever.” Segun Arinze has the advice that artistes should not pretend but should rather be themselves. For Chidi Mokeme, the hardest thing is to maintain success. The key for Desmond Elliot is to push yourself beyond your limits.
The anchoring words for the adorable actress Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha are discipline, determination, focus and humility.
In the field of “Comedy”, the king of them all, Ali Baba, asserts the old truism: “Knowledge is power.” Okey Bakassi, who kindly undertook the emcee duties of my wedding free-of-charge, preaches the gospel of originality, spontaneity and mastery of the audience.
Gbenga Adeyinka, who Azuh Arinze describes as “the kindest comedian that I know”, stresses that preparation is key. Basketmouth, originally known as Bright Okpocha, advises: “Be yourself.” Julius “De Genius” Agwu asserts: “Don’t forget where you are coming from.” For Basorge Tariah, Jnr., “My dream is to keep creating employment.” Tee A, whose real name is Tunde Adewale, informs that criticism is good for success. AY, that is Ayo Makun, does not find it funny when he is in a serious environment, doing serious business only for people to think he is joking!
The ace female comedian Mandy Uzonitsha advises comedians not to depend on hype. Bovi, whose real name is Abovi Ugboma, sees stand-up comedy as a one-man stage play.
The final section of Conversations With Showbiz Stars, which Azu Arinze tags “Ancillary”, contains interviews with Zeb Ejiro, Amaka Igwe, Opa Williams, Kenny Ogungbe, and Don Jazzy. For Zeb Ejiro, “Most people lose it when they allow stardom to take over.” The deceased Amaka Igwe stresses that producers must not take the audience for granted. Opa Williams, the creator of Nite of a Thousand Laughs says: “Always sharpen your knife.” According to Kenny Ogungbe, “If you want to fail, listen to critics.” Don Jazzy, whose real name is Michael Collins Ajere, declares: “Don’t be a follower, be a trend setter.”
Azuh Arinze is a class act who has put down for posterity a splendid collector’s item in Conversations With Showbiz Stars. This calls for celebration.

- Uzoatu is a respected writer and poet

17/03/2025

If I were Nyesom Wike - by Azuh Arinze

Yes, if I were Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, I would, against the advice of many, remain magnanimous in victory and thank God for ultimately granting me the grace to triumph over a mentee-turned-political adversary, especially after an energy-sapping battle.

I will celebrate and rejoice over the Supreme Court judgement but not too much.

I will also suspend granting any other interview on the matter or other matters until further notice.

Above all, I will shock the world by picking up my phone, calling my successor, Simi Fubara, to fix a meeting with him first; after that, I will fix another meeting with the entire members of Rivers State House of Assembly, where the Rivers political logjam will be resolved once and for all.

As a human being, however, I will not forget to remind Fubara, lest what happened before repeats itself, that God used me to make him a governor, but since he has chosen to pay me back this way, I will leave God to judge and reward both of us accordingly.

I will equally remind him of the Biblical story of 1 Samuel 26, where David, while hiding in a cave, had the chance to kill Saul, who was sleeping, but he refrained, saying, "The Lord forbid that I should do this..." David's action, of course, was a demonstration of his faith and belief in God's authority and supremacy.

Most importantly, and finally, Nigerians' perception of Wike will change considerably, especially after seeing that despite having nearly everything now to nail Fubara's political coffin, he has chosen the road less travelled, allowing Rivers people and Nigerians as a whole to see the kind of persons they both are.

- Azuh Arinze is publisher/editor-in-chief of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine and author of best-selling books like The CEO's Bible 1 and 2, Success Is Not Served A La Carte, Anything and Everything Journalism, Conversations With Showbiz Stars, Encounters - Lessons From My Journalism Career, My Story Of Many Colours, A Taste Of Success, etc

16/03/2025

AZUH@50: For The Love Of Writing

Azuh Arinze, the affable and suave journalist
releases two books to mark his 50th birthday

Sylvester Asoya

He is a good writer who finds writing pleasurable.
But nowhere is the impact of his good skill as a reporter, editor, publisher, writer and somebody who encourages the ideal of service more evident than in his books. In the last ten years, he has written nearly a dozen books and he is still writing. From FAME Weekly where his writing journey began in 1994 as an intern, to Encomium Magazine, where he eventually served as editor for eight years, Azuh Arinze has kept faith with the written word.

Today as Editor-in-Chief of YES International Magazine, Azuh’s writings continue to move forward in leaps and bounds. For those who may not know him, one important thing about this easy-going journalist is his love and commitment to literature. Once the issue is about writing and books, his energy is always unflagging, and this disposition actually defines his love for literary works.
As he turns 50th on March 24, Azuh has decided to mark his day with two new books that speak eloquently about his art. The works also address creativity, innovation, courage, adventure, success and motivation. One of the most interesting things about the works is that they are not only engaging and entertaining, they are also capable of changing the reader’s life forever.

For instance, A TASTE OF SUCCESS, one of the books, contains amazing and life-changing success stories of uncommon goal-getters and professionals who dot Nigeria’s horizon. No one reads this important book and encounters Olusegun Osoba, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Sam Ohuabunwa, Gamaliel Onosode, Okey Ndibe, Seni Adetu, among others, without learning one or two enduring lessons.

On the other hand, CONVERSATIONS WITH SHOWBIZ STARS is another interesting work on show business and the major actors. The reader, obviously begins to feel what awaits him or her from the book’s assertive rider: How to make it in the glittering and glamorous world of music, movies and comedy. The music arm of the book parades great musicians of all time like Sunny Ade, Onyeka Onwenu, 2Face Idibia and others, while the movies and comedy sections bring at close quarters, showbiz stars like Richard Mofe-Damijo, Genevieve Nnaji, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Pete Edochie, Ali Baba, Okey Bakassi, Julius Agwu, Gbenga Adeyinka, Basketmouth and others who are changing Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

There is something about Azuh, the interesting character we celebrate today and his rendezvous with destiny. In 1990 at Victoria Island Secondary School, Lagos where he had his secondary education, he won a writing competition organized by Rotary International. From there, he went ahead to study Mass Communication and ended up a journalist and a Rotarian.

Clearly, he loves his life. “I am sure if I have the privilege of coming around in another world, I will travel this route. I must confess, journalism has given me nearly everything I wanted. And I will continue to be grateful to Almighty God, the profession and the people who encouraged me. Let me also add that I am extremely happy to be 50. As a child, I thought turning 50 was far away but here I am, happy and ready to have a taste of 50 and even beyond. I must say that the greatest joy at 50, comes from my family, both nuclear and extended”.

Obviously, the happiness and excitement Azuh feels is already rubbing off on his friends and well-wishers who have promised to make his day grand. On his part, he is also leaving no stone unturned in his efforts to celebrate himself and his journalism career, a profession that has taken him places.

The event which promises to be a banger, holds at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. And the celebrant who is acquainted with people of influence will be banking on the tremendous goodwill and friendship he enjoys across professions, ethnic, cultural, social and political divides on that day.

Enyi, happy birthday in advance.

- Asoya, for the record, is a top journalist. But above all, he's one of my closest friends

07/03/2025

25 Minutes With OBJ - By Azuh Arinze

Give it to OBJ! The Lord has been extremely, exceedingly, exceptionally and extraordinarily nice to him – good health, sound mind, long life, incredible power and influence and on top of everything, humongous wealth.
As early as 7 a.m. on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, when the top echelon of Rotary International D9110 Nigeria paid him a courtesy visit, his home, inside the massive Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, had started receiving visitors. Not just “anyhow” visitors, but the quality ones – royal fathers, respected Rotarians, business moguls, top government functionaries, etc.
Joining us minutes later in one of his sitting rooms, he swiftly and briskly exchanged pleasantries with our delegation before tucking himself into a seat.
Now adjacent us, he cleared his trademark throat before reeling out facts about Rotary, the humanitarian organization founded 118 years ago by an Illinois, United States of America-based attorney, Paul Harris.
Commending Rotary and Rotarians for their near-obliteration of polio from the face of the earth, smooth and seamless leadership transition, unlike what obtains in our political jungle, the ubiquitous life-changing projects embarked upon by Rotary also didn’t escape his attention. Trust me, that immediately became my first lesson and takeaway – to always be prepared and know, at least, a little about everything and anything happening around you.
The second lesson that I smiled home with was to always keep up with the times. You won’t believe it, Baba, like he’s affectionately called by his admirers, wore his adire (made in buba and sokoto) with a pair of blue converse – just like the younger ones.
The third lesson that has been dancing in my memory is the importance of keeping fit. Baba, in fact, is an exercise freak. A hockey buff, the two-time president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1976-1979 and 1999-2007) doesn’t joke with his exercise; one reason I learnt he has been able to tame diabetes to an appreciable extent. I implore you therefore to please take care of your health.
One more lesson is that when you are blessed, you are blessed. Blessings, I want to reiterate, come from God – and Obasanjo, undoubtedly, has been enjoying that from the Creator of the universe for over eight decades now.
In conclusion, and for the record, OBJ was born on March 5, 1937 in Owu, Ogun State. One of Nigeria’s luckiest and greatest men, he first oversaw the affairs of Nigeria as a military president. Before returning years later to play the same role as a democratically-elected president.
What an amazing and outstanding life! What a beautiful and blessed life!

– Azuh Arinze, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine is also the author of bestselling books like The CEO’s Bible 1 & 2, Success Is Not Served A La Carte, A Taste Of Success, etc.

05/03/2025

Office Tour: Host No. 61
My host today is Mr. Kunle Onime, a gentle giant and easygoing gentleman who I fondly and reverently address as Egbon.

I’ve known him for decades now. And must confess that we savour a chummy and cosy relationship. But beyond all of that, however, is the fact that he is one of the few angels I can never, never forget in my life.

The reason? I was confused and crestfallen at some point in my life and he drove all the way from Lagos to Ogun to lift up my spirit, advice me on how to wriggle out of what looked then like an intractable issue and all through the period I battled to extricate myself from that, he stood solidly and stoutly behind me. You may have forgotten all these, Egbon, but I haven’t and will continue to be grateful.

Anyway, back to the highly acclaimed compendium, . Mr. Onime, having pioneered experiential marketing in Nigeria, couldn’t have been excused from the over 800-page book which Foreword was written by advertising guru and billionaire businessman, Mr. Biodun Shobanjo. Thus, we went in search of him and with so much gladness and joy and happiness, he poured it all out.

‘Wetin you wan make I talk again?’, he had asked jocularly as soon as his secretary ushered us into his office. ‘I hope you know that this your visit is just for formality...I was at the book presentation and already bought copies...You can see them on my shelf’, he added, pointing to the two-volume book, parading all of 90 exclusive and excellent interviews cutting across professions and neatly arranged on his office shelf.

‘I no wan make your head dey swell o, but the truth be say you have done very well with and like I always tell you, I am very, very proud of you. May the Lord continue to take you higher and higher...’

NB: Copies of the massively applauded book are still on sale. A set, comprising Volumes 1 & 2, costs only N10,000, inclusive of delivery anywhere in Lagos.

To get yours, call 08023002092 or send us a mail at [email protected] and you will be glad you did.

Cheers and have a great day!

19/02/2025

2025 Anambra Guber Election: How I See The Contestants - By Azuh Arinze

Created on August 27, 1991, Anambra State will be 34 years old in the next few months. Endowed with a landmass of 4,844 km, and sandwiched by Delta State in the West; Imo and Rivers States in the South; Enugu in the East and Kogi in the North, the State has produced iconic figures like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Mr. Peter Obi, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Prof. Dora Akunyili, Chief Mike Okpara (Power Mike), Sir Louis Phillip Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Prof. Chinua Achebe, Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike, Prof. Laz Ekwueme, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Ms Chimamanda Adichie, etc. Though unconfirmed, Anambra is alleged to also have the highest number of millionaires and billionaires in Nigeria.

Comprised of 21 local governments - like Ihiala, Aguata, Ekwusigo, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ogbaru, Orumba North, Orumba South, etc - the State has been governed in the past by Chief Jim Nwobodo, Mr. Peter Obi, Senator Chris Ngige, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Chief Willie Obiano, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife and a couple of military administrators.

Anambra, by the way, got its name from the Omambala River and has Awka as the capital. With a population size of 4,177,821, Onitsha and Nnewi are the largest cities in "Light of the Nation", as the state affectionately prides itself.

Ahead of the next governorship election, slated for Saturday, November 8, 2025, here is my candid assessment of the likely contestants...

1. Charles Soludo: Simply put, this 64-year-old economist, banker and politician who moved from PDP to APGA has over-promised and underperformed. In fact, the 1984 First Class graduate of Economics from the University of Nigeria Nsukka became so talkative at a point that some of his followers and admirers had to step back. Undoubtedly the most qualified and also the aspirant to beat, his sterling academic exploits and scintillating performance at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), 2004-2009, give him so much edge. Coupled with that is the incumbency factor. Lately also, he's revved up the war against insecurity, dislodging the questionable dibias and ezenwanyis corrupting the State. I equally heard that he's trying in terms of infrastructure - although I didn't like the condition of some roads I passed through the last time I visited Anambra. Straight up, Charly Nwa Mgbafor will govern Anambra State for another four years, whether people like us support him or not.

2. Obiora Okonkwo: I see Okonkwo as a showman. Therefore all I am expecting from him in the days ahead is the usual razzmatazz associated with showbusiness. Yes, he has done well for himself, right from when he operated The Dome in Abuja (which I visited a couple of times) and up until he birthed United Nigeria Airline Company Limited. Notwithstanding, I still have my doubts about the Russia-trained political scientist, businessman and entrepreneur's requisite knowledge, skills and temperament to run Anambra State. Born on December 5, 1965, the Ogidi indigene hasn't got what is needed to dislodge Soludo - and that is the truth. He was in ZLP, PDP and now APC.

3. Valentine Ozigbo - No doubt, Val did very well in the corporate world prior to delving into politics. By the way, I love his campaign slogan - Ka Anambra cha wa pu. But hey! That is where it ends. Val, for me, is too conceited to make a good governor. From afar, and even closely too, he has continued to exhibit that trait. Therefore to avoid having a governor without a listening ear, I want to say that the former Transnational Corporation of Nigeria PLC boss is a no-no for me. Born 54 years ago, the Accounting graduate of the University of Nigeria Nsukka and restless ex-banker with NAL Merchant Bank, Diamond Bank, Continental Trust Bank, FSB International Bank, Standard Trust Bank, United Bank for Africa and BankPHB, not long ago, crossed from PDP to Labour Party.

4. Tony Nwoye - I won't mince words about this. Distinguished Senator Tony Nwoye should work on returning to the Senate - to continue to represent Anambra North. Right from when he was in the House of Representatives, up until he got into the upper chamber, he has never impressed me with his performance. I also cannot readily remember any remarkable Bill that he championed. As a former student union leader, I want to advise that the medical doctor born on September 13, 1974 and educated at the University of Nigeria Nsukka should perish the thought. Nwoye, who should instead be thanking God for how far he has brought him, was in PDP in 2013, APC in 2017 and now in Labour Party.

5. Paul Chukwuma - The youngest, most accessible and cool-headed of the pack. Chukwuma is a man of great intellect, integrity and industry and I tip him as the next best. Listening to him is a delight while watching him talk about his plans for Ndi Anambra will instantly lure you to his corner. An ex-Seminarian and proud Rotarian, Sir Paul Chukwuma graduated with First Class in Philosophy and Law, before adding other degrees to his kitty. Born on February 27, 1976, he is into ICT, education, construction and real estate. He is in APC and will make a difference if voted for.

- Azuh Arinze is Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine and author of best-selling books like The CEO's Bible 1&2, Success Is Not Served A La Carte, Anything and Everything Journalism, Conversations With Showbiz Stars, Encounters - Lessons From My Journalism Career, etc. He is from Anambra State

Ichie Azuh Arinze

07/09/2025

13/06/2025

10/06/2025

31/03/2025

20/03/2025

17/03/2025

16/03/2025

07/03/2025

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