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I Gave My Best , Says Biden

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The US President Joe Biden gets emotional as his daughter Ashley Biden welcomes him to the stage on the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois

An emotional US President Joe Biden passed the torch to Democratic nominee Kamala Harris with a hug on Monday, saying he gave everything for his country in a bittersweet farewell speech at the party’s convention in Chicago.

“America, America, I gave my best to you,” the 81-year-old Biden said, quoting a patriotic hymn during a nearly hour-long address that ran through his achievements while urging voters to back his vice president against Donald Trump in November.

Harris joined him on stage after the speech and the pair embraced, as the crowd gave Biden a rapturous reception following his stunning decision less than a month ago to drop out of the 2024 White House race.

In a remarkable turnaround, Harris has reenergized the party and wiped out Republican rival Trump’s lead in the polls, but Biden insisted that he was not bitter about stepping aside.

Instead, as he contemplates the imminent end of a five-decade political career, he said that he had done what he thought best to ensure that his nemesis Trump does not return to the Oval Office.

“I love the job, but I love my country more. I love my country more,” said Biden. “And all this talk about how I’m angry at all those people who said I should step down — that’s not true.”

Both Biden and Harris appeared to wipe away a tear as the US leader won a huge four-minute ovation when he first took to the stage, following an introduction by First Lady Jill Biden and his daughter Ashley.

Several members of the audience were also in tears as Biden made his farewell speech, before leaving the stage to the strains of the song “Higher Love.”

And Harris had earlier made a surprise appearance — Democratic nominees don’t normally speak until the final day of the convention — to heap lavish tribute on her boss.

“I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible president Joe Biden,” said Harris, who was wearing a tan suit and took to the stage to Beyonce’s “Freedom

“We are forever grateful to you.”

It was undoubtedly a difficult swan song for Biden, but he insisted he would be the “best volunteer” for Harris’s campaign — knowing perhaps that his legacy depends on her beating Trump.

But he couldn’t quite let go of the presidency, with his speech focusing more on his own record in office than the future under President Harris.

Biden listed his proudest achievements including on the economy and health care, but above all for healing the “soul of America” after Trump’s time in office and the pro-Trump January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.

“Donald Trump calls America a failing nation… He says we’re losing. He’s the loser,” he said, also referring to Trump as a “convicted felon” after the Republican was found guilty of doctoring business records to cover up hush money payments to a porn star.

Despite his low popularity ratings and the debate debacle against Trump that led him to step aside, Biden again insisted he’d given his all.

“I made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you,” he said.

As he has been so often in his five-decade-long political journey, Biden was surrounded by family at the end of his speech.

“Joe and I have been together for almost 50 years. And still, there are moments when I fall in love with him all over again,” the first lady said in a speech introducing him.

Monday’s first night of the convention was an emotional one on many levels, and for many of the key players.

Hillary Clinton, who lost against Trump in 2016 in her own bid to become America’s first woman president, backed Harris to finally break the glass ceiling.

“Something is happening in America, you can feel it — something we’ve worked for and dreamed of for a long time,” the former secretary of state and first lady said.

Earlier, protests against Israel’s war in Gaza had shadowed the opening of the convention, underscoring what remains a potential vote-loser for Democrats among left-wingers and Arab Americans.

A group of demonstrators broke through the outer security fence of the convention after splitting off from a larger protest of thousands of people.

Police in blue helmets with shields and carrying black batons prevented them from getting to the inner cordon.

Trump, meanwhile, has been sent into a tailspin by the sudden change at the top of the Democratic ticket.

While Democrats are in Chicago, the Republican will spend the week crisscrossing the country.

In the battleground state of Pennsylvania on Monday, he highlighted what he called Harris’s “craziness” and said she “has no idea what the hell she’s doing” on the economy.

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NATIONAL NEWS

OMPAN Celebrates Hon. Amobi Ogah On Birthday, Hails His Grassroots Leadership And Philanthropy

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The Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN), Abia State Chapter, has extended warm felicitations to the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a distinguished legislator, grassroots politician, and philanthropist committed to the welfare of his people.

In a congratulatory message endorsed by the Chairman of the Association, Comrade Promise Uzoma Okoro, ANIPR, OMPAN praised Hon. Ogah, who also serves as Patron of the Association, for his dedication to quality representation and impactful service to humanity.

The Association noted that Hon. Ogah has continued to distinguish himself through people-centered leadership, developmental initiatives, and a strong commitment to improving the lives of constituents across Isuikwuato and Umunneochi Federal Constituency.

According to OMPAN, the federal lawmaker’s contributions in the areas of education, youth empowerment, healthcare, and community development have positively transformed many lives, earning him admiration beyond political and social boundaries.

The Association further commended Hon. Ogah for his support to media practitioners in Abia State, noting that as one of the Patrons of OMPAN Abia, he has consistently championed initiatives that promote professionalism, ethical journalism, and the growth of online media practice in the state.

Describing the celebrant as a humble, accessible, and responsive leader, OMPAN said his birthday anniversary presents yet another opportunity to celebrate a man whose passion for service continues to inspire hope among the people.

The Association prayed for God’s continued blessings, sound health, divine wisdom, and greater strength for Hon. Ogah as he continues to render selfless service to his constituents, Abia State, and the nation at large.

 

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BURNING ISSUE

Abia NAWOJ Celebrates Nigeria, Demands Greater Inclusion

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As Nigeria marked this year’s Democracy Day, the Abia State Chapter of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has called for greater inclusion of women in politics, governance, and leadership, emphasizing that democracy can only thrive when every voice is heard and represented.

In a goodwill message to Nigerians, the Chairperson of Abia NAWOJ, Ambassador Norah Okafor, congratulated citizens on the commemoration of Democracy Day, describing the occasion as a moment of reflection on the nation’s democratic journey and the enduring values of participation, accountability, justice, and equal opportunity.

According to her, democracy flourishes best in an environment where women are not sidelined but actively involved in shaping policies and decisions that impact society.

“Today, we celebrate not only our democratic journey but also the values of inclusion, participation, accountability, and equal opportunity for all citizens. Democracy thrives when every voice is heard, and women must continue to have a seat at the table where decisions that shape our society are made,” she stated.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to championing the empowerment of women and encouraging their active participation in governance, stressing that women possess the competence, vision, and leadership capacity required for nation-building.

Abia NAWOJ further called for stronger support systems, mentorship, and opportunities that would encourage more women to contest elections, assume leadership positions, and influence policies that directly affect communities.

Speaking on the role of the media in deepening democracy, Amb. Okafor emphasized that women journalists have a sacred duty to uphold the ethics of the journalism profession through fairness, accuracy, objectivity, and responsible reporting.

She noted that ethical journalism remains a powerful tool for promoting informed civic engagement, amplifying marginalized voices, and strengthening democratic institutions across the country.

“As we mark this Democracy Day, let us work together to build a society where women are empowered, democratic values are protected, and the media continues to serve as a pillar of truth and accountability,” she added.

The association prayed for continued peace, unity, and democratic progress in Abia State and Nigeria at large, wishing all Nigerians a memorable Democracy Day celebration.

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POLITICS

Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba Of APGA Joins Labour Party, Collapses Political Structure Into New Abia

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The former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and PDP stalwart, Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba has officially defected to the Labour Party (LP) and collapsed his political structure – the Change Abia Organisation into the LP.

Speaking while receiving Chief Reagan Ufomba and his supporters on Wednesday, 10th June, 2026 at Okpuala Ngwa, Isialangwa North LGA Secretariat, the Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, described the move as a major boost to the Labour Party and the ongoing transformation efforts in the State.


The Governor described the Labour Party as one founded on equity, inclusiveness and equal opportunities for all members.

“The interesting thing about Labour Party is that there is no discrimination.

“We don’t have old and new members. The day you join, you begin to enjoy the same privileges as some of us that joined over four years ago,” Gov. Otti stated.

The Governor commended Chief Ufomba for his commitment to the development of the State and acknowledged his support for the administration’s reform agenda, and said that Chief Ufomba’s decision was driven by his conviction that the Labour Party-led government is delivering tangible results and fulfilling its promises to the people of Abia State.

Governor Otti, who used the opportunity to assure Abians that the dream of having a functional airport in the State is steadily becoming a reality, declaring that residents will soon be flying and landing at the Nsulu Airport, while revealing that road infrastructure linking the airport to major parts of the State would soon be awarded for construction.


The State Chief Executive said that his administration spent its first year addressing inherited challenges and rebuilding critical sectors before embarking on major development projects.

“We have just started with the real work. Just like in construction, you first remove the bad soil before laying a solid foundation.

“We had to clear salary arrears, pensions and other outstanding obligations before hitting the reset button and moving forward,” Gov. Otti stated.

He thanked Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba and his wife for identifying with the Labour Party and assured them of equal rights and privileges within the party.

Earlier in his speech, Chief Reagan Ufomba expressed gratitude to Governor Otti, the Labour Party leadership, and party members for welcoming him and his supporters to the Labour Party and described the occasion as a defining moment in his political journey.

He pledged his commitment to contributing to the growth and progress of Abia State under the platform of the Labour Party.

Chief Ufomba noted that the Change Abia Organisation comprises 197 affiliate groups spread across the State, all united by the common goal of promoting good governance, accountability, and sustainable development.

He stated that his decision to join the Labour Party was informed by the visible achievements of Governor Otti’s administration and the need to align with a political movement that prioritises the welfare and aspirations of the people.

In their goodwill messages, the Member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Collins Ugochukwu Iheonunekwu, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Mathew Ekwuribe and the Mayor of Isialangwa North LGA, Hon. Innocent Uruakpa, thanked Chief Regean Ufomba for joining the moving train and described Governor Alex Otti’s administration as proof that effective governance does not require magic but commitment and visionary leadership.

They said that the people of Isialangwa North are experiencing a people-oriented and accessible government unlike what has been witnessed since 1999, adding that, the steady influx of residents into the Labour Party through grassroots mobilisation reflects the confidence of the people in the administration.

The event attracted top government officials, party faithful, community leaders, political stakeholders and supporters from across the State who gathered to witness the reception of Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba into the Labour Party.

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