News

THE CANDIDATE: Unveiling True Identity Of 2023 Narrative Changers (I)

Published

3 years ago

March 4, 2023

By Isah Ogbebor

The political landscape in Nigeria has shifted dramatically with new actors coming on board. Before the 2023 general elections, the established political parties and players held sway unchallenged for over two decades.

However, the candidacy of Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party and the Obidient movement challenged the establishment and caused a heavy political upset in many political dynasties. The political arithmetic of many gladiators failed and dynamic young actors emerged in different states in Nigeria, especially the South East. Therefore, the need for Nigerians to meet these emerging political actors is the focus of this page.

Today, we beam our searchlight on Honourable Chimaobi Sam Atu of the Labour Party. Hon. Atu was elected in the February 25, 2023 elections to represent Enugu North and South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly. He defeated a three-term incumbent, Hon. Offor Chukwuegbo, with over sixty thousand votes.

Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu is a real estate developer, industrialist and consummate politician. He was born in April 1982 to the family of Mr And Mrs Michael Nnamchi Atu of Umumba Ndiaga Ugwuaji in Enugu South Local Council of Enugu State.

He had his primary education at Community Primary School Ugwuaji. Given his sterling performance in basic science, his teachers recommended that the young dynamic Chimaobi should be sent to Special Science School Ihe, Awgu local government of Enugu State for his secondary education. It should be mentioned that Special Science School, as it were in Eastern Nigeria, was an exclusive reserve of committed primary school leavers with creative minds.

After the successful completion of his Senior Secondary School Examinations, he gained admission to study Industrial Chemistry in the prestigious Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Agbani. Chimaobi graduated with honours (BSc.) in 2006.

During his National Youth Service in Amoye Grammar School, Ikere Ekiti, “Uncle Sam”, as he was fondly called by his students, displayed rare teaching traits. Apart from his teaching activities at Amoye Grammar School, he played a key role in social reengineering in the community. As a mentor in the community school, he inspired many who looked up to him for direction.

Shortly after Chimaobi completed his National Youth Service activities, he was employed by United Geophysical Nigeria Limited (UGNL) in Agbor, Delta State. As a staff of UGNL, he initiated many projects and led the charge in several site activities.

After gaining the requisite experience in the private sector and given his entrepreneurial drive, he resigned and moved back to Enugu to establish his own company, Chimfloxy Ideals. Since the establishment of Chimfloxy Ideals, the company has radically changed the real estate business in the South East. As the CEO, Mr Atu played a key role in ensuring that people built affordable homes in the South East.

Expectedly, the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi appointed him as an Executive Assistant (EA). After the re-election of Governor Ugwuanyi in 2019, Hon. Chimaobi was again appointed a Technical Assistant (TA). These appointments provided Mr Atu with the opportunity to serve his state with the needed panache.

As a thorough community leader, he played a critical in the establishment of the Community Policing Initiative in Ugwuaji and its environs. He was unanimously appointed the Chairman of the Initiative. During his tenure, he dealt with the growing security concerns in Ugwuaji and other adjourning communities. He received several commendations for ensuring a near-perfect security system in his community. He was also elected the Youth Leader and Secretary General of Ndiaga Ugwuaji. It is worth noting at this juncture that Atu was never a bus driver nor a vigilante as insinuated in some quarters.

As a philanthropist, Hon. Atu initiated many projects in his native community. He was responsible for the extension of electricity to some parts of Ugwuaji where government power infrastructure did not get to. More so, Hon. Atu provides scholarships to indigent community members at both secondary and university levels. Since 2012, he has been financing the grading of community roads abandoned by the government.

In recognition of these qualities and unwavering contributions to his community and State, he was awarded a chieftaincy title in 2021. To many, the chieftaincy title only explains in part, the doggedness of a young man who braced up to the challenges of mlife and created a niche for himself. To the young men and women who have benefited from the benevolence of Chimaobi, the chieftaincy mtitle re-echoes his unflinching interest in human progress. For those in the religious circle, ‘brother’ Chima is a passionate church leader who has won souls for God.

Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu is a compassionate family man who is happily married to the love of his life, Mrs Ezinne Maureen and they are blessed with three children.

C. Isah Ogbebor, Ph.D Writes from Enugu, Nigeria

You are one of the candidates who retired the recycling politicians and want to be featured in this session? Reach out to us @ contact@infodailyng.com or editor@infodailyng.com

News

W’Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Edge Rwanda 1-0 To Revive Qualification Hopes

Published

3 hours ago

September 6, 2025

Editor

In a high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria secured a vital 1–0 victory over Rwanda, breathing new life into their qualification hopes.

The only goal of the match came in the 51st minute when Tolu Arokodare capitalized on a loose ball in the penalty area, slotting it past Rwanda’s goalkeeper to give Nigeria a crucial lead.

The first half ended goalless, with both teams cautious in their approach. Nigeria’s defense, marshalled by Calvin Bassey, held firm despite Rwanda’s tactical shifts in the second half.

News

NCDC Alerts Nigeria As DR Congo Declares Ebola Outbreak

Published

3 hours ago

September 6, 2025

Editor

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory following the confirmation of a new Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

As of September 4, 2025, the DRC has reported 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers, in the Kasai Province.

The Director-General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, said the agency will continue to monitor the regional and global situations as there are no cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria, as of now.

However, the NCDC is taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease, and it is working closely with relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Partners to strengthen preparedness and response measures in Nigeria.

Idris urged Nigerians to practice good hand hygiene by washing their hands regularly with soap under running water or using hand sanitisers. He also advised Nigerians to avoid physical contact with anyone showing symptoms of infection or an unknown diagnosis.

Additionally, individuals should handle animals with gloves and protective clothing, and cook animal products thoroughly to reduce the risk of wildlife-to-human transmission.

Furthermore, people should avoid direct contact with the blood, saliva, vomit, urine, and other bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed EVD cases.

The NCDC advises Nigerian citizens and residents to avoid all but essential travel to countries with confirmed Ebola cases. Those with recent travel history to affected areas who experience symptoms should promptly call the NCDC hotline (6232) or their State Ministry of Health hotline for assessment and testing.

They should also shelter-in-place to avoid further spread through shared transport systems and await dedicated responders for assessment and possible transport to a treatment centre.

The NCDC is strengthening surveillance across the country, including borders and airports, and enhancing laboratory capacities for quick testing of suspected cases.

Idris assured that the agency will continue to provide periodic updates on the situation as the Ebola outbreak in the DRC is caused by the Zaire strain, with a mortality rate estimated at 57%.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has deployed experts to support response efforts, and the DRC has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.

News

5% Fuel Surcharge: What Nigerians Should Know

Published

4 hours ago

September 6, 2025

Editor

File Copy: Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Tax Policy and Fiscal Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele

Confusion has erupted online over a supposed 5% fuel surcharge under Nigeria’s new tax laws, with many fearing a sudden increase in fuel prices.

The chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, on Saturday through a post on X, clarified what is fact and what is fiction.

The controversy arises from the recent passage of the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025, which consolidates and harmonises previous tax laws.

Some social media posts suggested that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had introduced a new surcharge on fuel, sparking public concern.

Oyedele clarified: “The charge is not a new tax introduced by the current administration. The provision already exists under the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Act, 2007. Its restatement in the new Tax Act is for harmonisation and transparency rather than immediate implementation.”

According to Oyedele, the surcharge is meant to fund road infrastructure, an area that has historically suffered from underfunding.

Over the years, Nigeria’s road network has faced chronic maintenance challenges, resulting in potholes, travel delays, and higher vehicle operating costs.

Oyedele further noted that the surcharge is intended to create a dedicated, predictable funding source for road construction and maintenance.

Oyedele addressed key questions raised by citizens:

Will the surcharge start automatically in January 2026?

No. It will only take effect when the Minister of Finance issues an order published in the Official Gazette:

“The surcharge does not take effect automatically with the new tax laws. It will only commence when the Minister of Finance issues an order published in the Official Gazette as stated under Chapter 7 of the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025. This safeguard ensures careful consideration of timing and economic conditions before implementation,” Oyedele stated.

Does it apply to all fuels?

No. Household energy products such as kerosene, LPG, and CNG are exempt. Clean and renewable energy products are also excluded to support Nigeria’s energy transition agenda.

Why maintain the surcharge amid economic hardship?

Oyedele explained that the fund is meant as a dedicated mechanism for road maintenance:

He said, “The surcharge is designed as a dedicated fund for road infrastructure and maintenance. If implemented effectively, it will provide safer travel conditions, reduce travel time and cost, lower logistics costs and vehicle maintenance expenses, which will benefit the wider economy. This practice is virtually universal with over 150 countries imposing various charges ranging between 20% to 80% of fuel products to guarantee regular investment in road infrastructure.”

Could subsidy savings cover road funding instead?

The Chairman of theCommittee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms said: “While subsidy savings will provide some funding, they are insufficient to meet Nigeria’s huge and recurring road infrastructure needs among other public finance needs. A dedicated fund ensures reliable and predictable financing for roads, complementing the budget and ensuring roads are not left underfunded.”

Does this contradict the tax reform objective of easing citizens’ burden?

Oyedele reassured: “The reforms have already reduced multiple taxes and removed or suspended several charges that directly affect households and small businesses, such as VAT on fuel, excise tax on telecoms, and the cybersecurity levy. By harmonising earmarked taxes, government is reducing duplication and ensuring a more efficient tax system.”

Why not remove the surcharge entirely?

He clarified: “Yes, the surcharge has been removed from the FERMA Act and incorporated into the new tax laws which are designed to provide a forward-looking legal framework for Nigeria. Keeping this provision in place within a harmonised legal framework ensures Nigeria is prepared to address critical challenges, such as sustainable road financing and even climate change impacts. It is not about immediate implementation, but to ensure the law provides a clear and effective framework for when it becomes necessary in the future.”

In summary, Oyedele stressed that the surcharge is not new, not immediate, and selectively applied. Its inclusion in the law is about transparency, preparedness, and sustainable funding for Nigeria’s roads, and it aims to address long-standing gaps in infrastructure financing.
(PUNCH)