By Editor, Umuahia

The family of Nze Samuel Nmaralam Igbokwe of Wowo Umueke-Umuyota, Umuawa Alaocha, Umuahia North LGA, Abia State, has formally commenced the burial preparations for their late matriarch, Dame Peace Onyekwulechi Igbokwe (née Ogu), fondly known as Peace Kwulechi, who passed away in 2025 at the age of 60.

The burial rites begin Friday, December 5, 2025 with a service of songs at her Lagos residence at 34 Road, A’Close, House 13, Gowon Estate.

According to the programme released by the family, the funeral activities will continue with a Service of Songs/Tribute Night on Friday, 9th January 2026 at the Igbokwe country home in Umueke-Umuyota, Umuawa Alaocha.

The rites will progress on Saturday, 10th January 2026 with the departure of the body from the mortuary, followed by lying-in-state at her residence and thereafter procession to Wesley Cathedral, for funeral service.

Interment follows after the service at the family compound, and a reception at Umuawa Central School.

A Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday, 11th January 2026 at Methodist Church, Umuawa Alaocha.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mayor Lucky Igbokwe (Don Lulu) appreciated friends, relatives, and well-wishers for their support as the family begins the solemn journey of laying their matriarch to rest.

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia.

Homosexuality is an old practice which was initially considered a taboo in the past before some countries like the United States of America and parts of Europe legalised it.

Within 2025, various issues bothering on same sex relationships were reported across Nigeria.

In Abia State, people speculated about individuals sexuality at various times because of their dress sense or their body structure.

Sometimes, these speculations turned out to be true, yet also false alarm at other times.

As the year winds down, CSUNews examines how in 2025, personal choices worked at cross purposes with the nation’s law and communities’ traditions with regards to homosexuality.

We asked a cross section of residents of Abia State of their impressions about lesbianism, gay and same sex marriage.

Nearly every one interviewed exhibited knowledge of the law that prohibits same sex union and recommends penalty for offenders.

They’re equally aware that it is a “taboo” in many cultures across the country.

Mr. Kelechi Thompson, a native of Ezea in Ebonyi State but resident in Aba narrates how his community punished a same sex couple found in their “love nest” which happened to be an uncompleted building.

“It is an abomination. How can two men be together ? This is unheard of,“ he lamented.

According to Mr. Thompson, those who first saw them leave the uncompleted building holding hands as lovers would while kissing on the road, stripped both naked and dragged them to the village head.

The village head according to him ordered that they both be flogged while still naked.

“It did not end there, because after the beating, they were handed over to the police, you know the law is against it.

“However, after they were granted bail on their first appearance in court, one of them jumped bail and is still at large while his partner is still being tried in court,” he said.

Like Mr. Thompson, Mr. Onwuka Ijebuonwu believes people should live by their customs as he gives an insight into what his community in Afara would do to such persons if caught in the act.These are typical mind-sets of many citizens concerning LGBTQ which have caused those with such sexual orientation to hide perpetually while living in the country or flee the country as the last resort.

The human rights advocates and activists appear handicapped with the law and so cannot protect those who have become or perceived victims of the law and culture .

Mrs. Lizzy Ugwum during an interview shared how someone she knew but never understood her sexual orientation was allegedly forced to run away after she was caught with her partner by her husband.

The people mete out corporal punishments in most cases before handing the perceived culprits over to the law enforcers.

The law prescribed a 14 year jail term for anyone found guilty of the offence, but fears are that those involved in the act may suffer being lynched even before the matter goes to court.

Some enlightened citizens of Nigeria may argue that the people have their lives to live, but the reality is that the Nigerian law with its culture and religions may never take lightly issues of homosexuality, hence the safety of gay people and lesbians is not guaranteed in the country.

.It does not also look like the nation is interested in reviewing the anti gay law any time soon.

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

All is now set for the Abia Online Media Publishers 3rd annual general meeting.

The group has planned the 2025 event on the theme: “The Impact of AI on Media and Journalism: the advent of artificial intelligence,” to explore the new technology.

This topic has been greeted with diverse reactions owing to its positive and negative effect on all facets of human endeavor and this will be addressed at the AGM.

A renowned IT expert and practitioner, Dr. Pastra Arinze Etie has been selected to speak on this year’s annual general meeting of the Abia Online Media Publishers (OMPAN), while member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha will chair the occasion.

Governor Alex Otti is the special guest of honour for the event.

The chairman of the planning committee and former Chairman of the Organization, Comrade Ugochukwu Nwankwo told journalists in Umuahia that the theme was carefully chosen to align with the realities of media practitioners at the moment, where most are neck deep in the use of AI.

Also Speaking, the Chairman of the organization Chief Promise Uzoma Okoro said that this year’s training will be unique because it would come with a training session for both members, intending members and the public.

The event is slated to hold on Friday 12th December 2026 at the Umuahia North Local Government Area Multipurpose Hall.

This is a call for all to attend.