Globacom has once again demonstrated its commitment to Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage by supporting the 2026 Ofala Festival in Onitsha as the official sponsor.

The partnership, which has continued for over 15 years, highlights Globacom’s dedication to celebrating and sustaining cultural traditions that preserve identity, strengthen communities and contribute to the nation’s social and cultural development.

The 2026 edition, which marks the 25th Ofala of the reign of the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, is themed “Igba Mbo, Iga N’Iru – Strive and Advance: From Resilience to Progress.” The theme resonates strongly with the history and character of Ndi Onicha, whose story is one of resilience, enterprise, adaptability and an enduring determination to advance.

According to Globacom, its continued association with Ofala reflects the Company’s belief that cultural heritage and national development are complementary forces. “For Globacom, Ofala is more than an annual cultural celebration. It is a living expression of identity, continuity and collective aspiration. Our sustained partnership reflects our belief that preserving heritage and advancing society are not competing imperatives, but mutually reinforcing pillars of a progressive nation,” the Company stated.

The telecommunications giant added that the partnership also aligns with its “Never Settle for Less” philosophy, which encourages Nigerians to honour their foundations while continually pursuing greater possibilities. “Never Settle for Less is a philosophy of progress: to respect the foundations upon which we stand, while seeking to broaden possibilities, deepen impact and move the nation forward. We are proud to support a cultural institution that honours its roots while engaging the future,” Globacom said.

Over the years, Ofala has evolved from a sacred royal rite of renewal into a major platform for cultural affirmation, community engagement and social development. The 2026 programme features the Obi’s sacred period of seclusion and ceremonial emergence, the Medical, Health and Wellbeing Community Outreach, the international Oreze Art Exhibition, the Youth Carnival, and the grand finale of Iru Ofala and Azu Ofala.

For Globacom, supporting Ofala therefore goes beyond conventional sponsorship to represent corporate citizenship and cultural stewardship — an investment in preserving the memory, meaning and continuity of a people. The Company noted that the festival’s ability to draw strength from its ancestral foundations while embracing the future mirrors its own commitment to innovation, connectivity and digital inclusion.

As the people of Onitsha gather to celebrate another chapter in the history of the revered institution, Globacom remains proud to stand alongside them in honouring a heritage that continues to inspire generations.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to discountenance evidence of the acquittal of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, by the Southwark Crown Court in London.

The anti-graft agency, in a further counter-affidavit filed before Justice Inyang Ekwo, urged the court to dismiss Diezani’s application seeking to present the UK court judgment.

The EFCC argued that the purported acquittal by a foreign criminal court is not material or relevant to the issues for determination before the Nigerian court.

Justice Ekwo had in July granted Diezani’s application to file additional evidence after it was not opposed by EFCC counsel, Mofesomo Oyetibo (SAN).

The UK court had on June 17, 2026 discharged and acquitted the former minister of bribery allegations brought against her in the United Kingdom.

Following the judgment, Diezani, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/21/2023, sought to reclaim her forfeited assets. She sued the EFCC as sole respondent.

Her lawyer, Godwin Iyinbor, had moved a motion seeking leave to file a further/supplementary affidavit to bring the UK acquittal to the court’s attention, which was granted.

But the EFCC has now opposed it.

In the further counter-affidavit deposed to by Oyakhilome Ekienabor, a litigation officer in Oyetibo’s law firm, and dated October 5, the Commission said some depositions in Diezani’s application are misleading, immaterial and irrelevant.

“The proceedings before the Southwark Crown Court, London, United Kingdom, and the purported acquittal of the applicant therein, are in respect of a proceeding that is not being prosecuted before any Nigerian court and have nothing to do with the substantive suit before this honourable court,” Ekienabor averred.

He argued that there was nothing in the public sale notice indicating that any of the properties listed belong to Diezani, and that the forfeiture order relates exclusively to items of jewelry and does not extend to any other category of assets.

He added that parties are not permitted to expand the scope of a matter before the court, saying Diezani’s further affidavit introduces irrelevant facts and diverts attention from the core issues.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, Diezani’s counsel, Mrs Queen-Ubokutom Uwe, told the court the matter was for hearing of the EFCC’s preliminary objection and the originating motion, but noted that the EFCC had just served them with the further counter-affidavit. She also reminded the court of their motion to regularise processes.

Responding, Paul Mgbeoma, counsel for the EFCC, expressed surprise at the number of processes being filed by Diezani, likening it to an election petition, and said he was ready to proceed.

Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter to November 11 for hearing of the motions.

In the 10-ground argument filed by Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, on behalf of Diezani, the former minister said she is challenging the public notice issued by the EFCC for the auction/sale of properties affecting her proprietary rights.

“A major plank of the applicant’s case before this honourable court is that the respondent had sought to visit the applicant with grave proprietary consequences without conviction, without fair hearing, and without strict compliance with the relevant statutory provisions,” Ozekhome argued.

He said the UK acquittal on June 17, 2026, is material and relevant to issues of absence of conviction, fair hearing, due process and propriety of irreversible deprivation of property.

According to him, Diezani is not asking the court to sit on appeal over the foreign decision or treat it as automatically conclusive, but to place a subsequent material fact before the court to assist it in doing substantial justice, as the fact was not available when earlier processes are filed.

Eight members of the 24-member Zamfara State House of Assembly have resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers cited insecurity, injustice and failure to address the wellbeing of the people.

In a joint statement, they said they could no longer remain in a party that had failed to provide adequate security for citizens, particularly in rural communities.

The affected lawmakers are Aliyu Ango Kagara (Talata Mafara South), Ibrahim Tukur Bakura (Bakura), Faruk Musa Dosara (Maradun I), Bashir Abubakar Masama (Bukkuyum North), Muktaru Nasiru Kaura (Kaura North), Nasiru Abdullahi (Maru North), Bashar Bello (Bungudu West) and Bashar Aliyu (Gummi I).

Kagara, an ally of former Governor Abdul’aziz Yari, said their decision followed the state government’s failure to tackle insecurity affecting their constituents.

“What we are challenging Governor Lawal’s administration about is even worse now compared to previous times, so we have seen no reason to continue remaining in the APC. Our constituents in rural areas who voted us into power to address their security concerns were not being given any attention,” he said.

He also alleged that the lawmakers had gone 32 months without salaries, allowances and other entitlements.

“This is our 32 months without salary, allowances and other entitlements as honourable members, and the people of Zamfara; the ball is in their court,” he said.

The lawmakers did not immediately disclose their next political party.

Reacting, APC Publicity Secretary in the State, Ibrahim Danmadamin Birnin Magaji, said the party is yet to receive official notification.

“We are still waiting for their correspondence from their respective political wards after reaching their local government executives, which would later be forwarded to us. We all saw it on social media platforms, but whenever we receive the copies officially, we would communicate with you on our stand,” he said.

The development adds to internal realignments within Zamfara APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A source quoted by Daily Trust, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he did not blame the lawmakers, alleging that Governor Dauda Lawal had chosen to work with others instead of reconciling with them.