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  • How Monday Nwokoye’s Appointment as SASA Director End Street Touting in Onitsha

    How Monday Nwokoye’s Appointment as SASA Director End Street Touting in Onitsha

    By Ovat Abeng

    Since the appointment of Hon. Monday Nwokoye as Director of the Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency (SASA), the agency has experienced a remarkable transformation.

    Residents and commuters have widely praised the sweeping reforms that have effectively curtailed corruption and eliminated street touting in key areas of the state.

    An independent investigation by Pechilly Investigative revealed widespread satisfaction among Onitsha residents, many of whom expressed joy and relief over the changes ushered in by the new leadership.

    Hon. Nwokoye’s no-nonsense approach and decisive leadership style were frequently cited as the driving force behind the restoration of peace and order in previously troubled areas.

    According to Mr. Emeka Nweke, a keke driver, “The governor made a great choice in appointing Hon. Nwokoye. Since he assumed office, SASA has been completely transformed. Touts no longer harass us, and the streets are safer. We thank Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for this wise decision.”

    Further interviews with drivers and street vendors echoed similar sentiments. One commercial driver, who requested anonymity, said, “Hon. Nwokoye is the best thing that has happened to SASA. Under his leadership, all the bad practices are being rooted out. We can now work in peace without fear of harassment.”

    Since Nwokoye took office, notable improvements have been observed in law enforcement operations, transparency, and public engagement—fostering a renewed sense of trust between the agency and the public.

    Residents and stakeholders continue to commend Governor Soludo for appointing a capable and disciplined leader to guide SASA toward lasting reform. As one respondent put it, “SASA is now the best. With Nwokoye in charge, everything is in order.”

    Hon. Nwokoye’s tenure marks a new chapter in Anambra State’s fight against street crime and public sector corruption—one that many hope will continue to yield positive results across the state.

  • Anambra 2025: Ogbaru Traders Endorse Gov Soludo’s Second Term Bid

    Anambra 2025: Ogbaru Traders Endorse Gov Soludo’s Second Term Bid

    By Ovat Abeng

    Traders at the Ogbaru Main Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, have declared their support for the re-election of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election.

    Their endorsement, announced during the market’s 40th anniversary celebration on Friday, was attributed to the governor’s strides in improving security and infrastructure across the state.

    Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Ogbaru Main Market, Chief Dr. Ndubuisi Ochugo, said the traders’ support was rooted in a desire to consolidate on the progress made so far under Governor Soludo’s leadership.

    “Our endorsement is in line with our collective aspiration for a better Anambra and Nigeria at large. The governor’s visible achievements in security, infrastructure, and governance speak for themselves. It is only proper to support his continuity,” Chief Ochugo stated.

    He assured the governor of the traders’ unwavering support and called on others to join in helping him achieve his developmental vision for the state.

    Also speaking, Hon. Evaristus Uba, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets; Chief Chineye Ukoh, Director General of the Agunechembra Security Outfit; and Chief Jude Nwankwo, Chairman of the Onitsha International Building Materials Market, commended Soludo’s administration for restoring peace and security in Onitsha and its environs.

    “The era of sleepless nights caused by insecurity is over,” Chief Ukoh remarked. “Governor Soludo has renewed the people’s faith in government.”

    They urged voters across the state to give massive support to the governor and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) during the upcoming election.

    The motion to endorsed Governor Soludo was formally moved by the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, and seconded by the Chairman of the Ogbaru Market Board, Chief J.I. Ejison.

  • WTTD 2025: Ogoja rules the waves in Nigeria

    WTTD 2025: Ogoja rules the waves in Nigeria

    By Frank Ulom

    As part of the events marking the global celebration of World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) on 23rd April 2025, the town of Ogoja ensured that Nigeria joined the ITTF table family in celebrating this grassroots awareness event. Thanks to the generosity and hospitality of the people of Ogoja, Nigeria was represented by members of the Cameroonian refugee community and members of the Adagom 3 community of Ogoja. As one of their own, Solange Ngonda Tibesa a Cameroonian was one of the 30 WTTD 2025 global promoters.

    For Solange who was heavily supported by the ITTF, UNHCR, the Refugee Organisations Network (RON), SEMA of Cross Rivers State, and CSED (Community Sports and Educational Development) Initiative, it was a dream come through for her to see that all the efforts she put in to ensure a successful event has eventually come to a successful reality.

    The event which was held at the Adagom 3 playground was attended by several distinguished guests including, a representative of UNHCR (Mrs. Annick Nahimana), royal fathers and tribal leaders of Ogoja, the Divisional Police Officer (D.P.O.) of Ogoja, a representative of Nigeria Immigration Service, a representative of NCFRMI, persons with disabilities, women’s groups, and the representatives of the sports committees of the three refugee camps in Ogoja.

    There were pre-event advocacy rally/health talks, traditional dancers representing the host Ogoja community and the Cameroonian refugee community. As well as, the usual display of table tennis skills by both male and female players. Buba and wrapper tennis playing women amazed the large crowd.

    In her address to the over one thousand attendees of the event, the head of the UNHCR Office in Ogoja, Mrs. Annick Nahimana commended the event organisers for their efforts in using table tennis to bring people together. She urged the community to support Solange and she promised that those with creative minds like her would always have the backing of the UNHCR. Especially in supporting educational and pro-social activities/projects that promote peaceful co-existence between Cameroonian refugees and the indigenes of Ogoja.

    Moving forward, Solange who is also a netball coach, promised to work with the relevant community groups and NGO in sustaining the growth of table tennis and other sports among Cameroonian refugees and members of the host community.

  • 2025 World Press Freedom Day: C’River Govt restates commitment to Free, Independent Press

    2025 World Press Freedom Day: C’River Govt restates commitment to Free, Independent Press

    On Saturday, 3rd May, 2025, Cross River State joins the rest of the world in celebrating Journalists and the Media in general on this auspicious
    commemoration of the 2025 World Press Freedom Day. A day set aside by the United Nations General Assembly to remind Governments around the world and the Media in particular of the need to respect their commitments to Press
    Freedom. It is a day of reflection among the Media and to raise awareness on the fundamental principles of Press Freedom throughout the world.

    The theme for this Year’s edition, being the 32nd Anniversary of World Press Freedom Day – “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Press Freedom and the Media” is very apt and timeous. This is a strong indication that a free press is one of the most effective mechanisms that we have for furthering the protection of journalists on the line of duty while also leveraging on the relevance and impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in information gathering and dissemination.

    This is even more so that the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought the world together as a stage for information gathering and reporting. It is therefore, very critical that as purveyors of the society, the Media must necessarily embrace the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in bringing the World together towards achieving the seeming impossibilities of nature.

    The Cross River State Government wishes to note that this commemoration once again brings to the fore the very essence of the Media and its Practitioners. A proactive Press remains the bedrock for any democratic society. Central to the impression that information is a public commodity, it is essential to everything we do. More often than not, we trust the media with providing the information.

    Effective information dissemination helps people to engage meaningfully in the political, socio-economic and civic spheres of their Communities, State, Nations, and the world at large.

    As we continue to emphasize on factual accuracy, credibility, and more importantly, cling to the ethical standards of journalism which the World Press Freedom Day was initiated to remind us annually about, the Government of Cross River State hereby restates her commitment to a Free Independent Press in our dear State so that every Journalist can operate without fear of molestation, while also noting the alarming effects of the present day digital revolutions in the Media sector that is virtually altering the information terrain and its modalities of production and distribution.

    As an Administration with the “People First” Mantra, Governor Bassey Edet Otu will continue to partner with the Media and other relevant stakeholders to protect freedom of expression and fighting misinformation in the Society.
    Government shall continue to fight all enemies of a free press society that promotes discriminations and crimes against Journalists in the course of performing their legitimate duties. Government shall also promote the digitization of the Media in the State so that the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) would be felt in the performance of their duties in our dear State.

    As we commemorate this day, the Cross River State Government joins her voice in condemning the continued persecution of responsible Journalists by repressive governments around the globe, some leading to imprisonment and death of genuine Media Practitioners and call for total restraint.

    Once again, Government congratulates all Journalists across the globe and those practicing in our dear State in particular on this auspicious World Press Freedom Day 2025 with a renewed hope that this season of sweetness which is recalibrating Cross River State from all sectors, shall add greater value to this symbiotic relationship.

    Thank you and God bless us all.

    Erasmus Ekpang Ph.D., anipr, ftifuh
    Commissioner for Information.

  • Police arrest two suspected kidnappers, cultists in Anambra

    Police arrest two suspected kidnappers, cultists in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Police operatives attached to Otolo – Nnewi, Anambra State on Thursday, 1st May 2025 arrested two suspected kidnappers, cultists in the area, recovered one foreign made pistol, three live munitions and a lady’s motorcycle suspected to have been stolen.

    The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who disclosed this in a statement in Awka, said the arrest took place at about 1.45 pm

    He said the suspects: Ani Obinna aged 21 years and Okwudili Ezike aged 43 years, all males were arrested during a hot chase by the Police Operatives acting on credible information which led to the busting of a criminal hideout in Nnewi.

    During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of a secret cult and a kidnapping gang.

    They also gave useful information which the Operatives are currently working on aimed at dislodging their criminal network and arresting of other gang members.

    “To this end, the Command has sustained security patrol in the area and is more committed to fostering a secure environment for meaningful work and businesses to thrive in the State.”

    He also noted that the situation is being closely monitored and further developments would be communicated accordingly.

  • May Day: Anambra Workers Deserve Better – Paul Chukwuma

    May Day: Anambra Workers Deserve Better – Paul Chukwuma

    By Ovat Abeng

    The candidate of the Young Progressives Party, YPP, in the November 8, 2025, Anambra State Governorship election, Sir Paul Chukwuma has said that Anambra State workers deserve better than they currently have with governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration.

    Congratulating Anambra Workers’ on this year’s Workers’ Day, Sir Paul Chukwuma regretted that Anambra State workers are poorly remunerated to the extent that they are one of the lowest paid in Nigeria. Mr. Chukwuma who also lamented that industrial dispute had become a major defining feature of the relationship between the current Anambra Government and workers in the legislative and executive arms of the State Government said he would prioritize workers’ welfare and put an end to all labour disputes which the current administration has refused to address.

    Also, the YPP candidate lamented that Anambra State workers do not have any housing scheme that will help them have a house of their own. This situation, he said, was a shame. “Most civil servants in Anambra can’t afford any house for themselves. They are poorly paid and there is no clear mortgage to see to that. You will agree with me that our civil servants deserve better. The government in Anambra has no plan whatsoever to make this housing scheme an issue and bring it to fruition. Yet, the same government is focused on constructing a new Government House and New Governor’s Lodge. Therefore, in effect, our workers do not deserve a home,” Chukwuma wondered.

    Buttressing his point, Mr. Paul Chukwuma observed that, “The fact is that from all possible standpoints, the current Anambra State government has grossly let down our workers and it is regrettable. It is a shame that our workers are not a priority for this government. But we will address that. We shall provide a sustainable housing scheme for our workers and also strengthen the health insurance policy of the last administration to cover all our workers. We want a healthy workforce,” Chukwuma concluded.

  • Workers Day: Anambra Labour Unions commend Soludo’s implementation of N82,000 new minimum wage

    Workers Day: Anambra Labour Unions commend Soludo’s implementation of N82,000 new minimum wage

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Anambra State Council of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has commended the State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo for implementing N82,000 new minimum wage for workers.

    They also appreciate the governor for approving N10,000 non-taxable award to pensioners.

    The Unions commendation was contained in an address read by the State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Humphrey Chukwuemeka Nwafor during this year 2025 Worker’s Day celebration held at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square Awka on Thursday.

    “Organised Labour sincerely appreciates the remarkable strides of the administration of Prof Soludo. From inception, his visionary leadership towards transforming Anambra into a hub of economic and infrastructural excellence has been evident.

    “This vision is clearly reflected in, “the extensive road construction projects across the state, prudent economic management and the achievement of major development milestones without resorting to borrow, notable infrastructure projects such as the Ekwulobia Flyover, Awka Fun City and the completion of the Anambra Government House and Lodge.

    “Of special note for today’s celebration is the prompt and comprehensive implementation of the 2024 minimum wage. While the national benchmark was set at N70,000, Mr governor graciously approved N82,000, the highest in the South East and implemented it seamlessly across all sectors without industrial unrest. This a true testament to exemplary leadership, and we deeply commend it.

    While calling on all leaders both in government and in the private sector to prioritise the welfare of workers, especially in the areas of entitlements, empowerment and fair remuneration, Nwafor however, appeal to the governor to urgently address other pressing issues that require urgent attention, which includes, “issue of Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), outstanding allowances for non-teaching staff in ASUBEB, building of Labour House, appointment of a special adviser on labour matters, low-cost housing for workers, mass recruitment, retirement age policy, water board, promotion, training and re-training of workers, utility vehicles for labour centres, payment of outstanding gratuities and entitlements to retirees of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), which has been pending since 2017, among others.

    Governor Soludo on his speech, further assure that his administration will continue to work cooperatively with the Labour Unions to ensure that the welfare of Anambra workers are taking care of always.

    It was gathered that the celebration with the Theme, “Reclaiming Civic Space Amidst Economic Hardship” also featured presentation of award of Worker’s Beacon of Hope to the governor.

  • Campaign against polio virus intensifies in Anambra

    Campaign against polio virus intensifies in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Chairman of Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Mr Shedrack Azubuike, has appealed to residents to present their children for Immunisation against Polio virus.

    Azubuike made the call at the flag-off of the National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs) in the Council Secretariat on Wednesday.

    He appealed to residents to actively participate in the upcoming Polio vaccination campaign scheduled to start from Saturday, May 3, 2025.

    “According to health experts, immunisation is a vital step in boosting the health and immunity of our children in the community.

    “I appeal to parents, especially mothers to allow their children to be vaccinated during this period and protect them from Polio virus.

    “We need to come together as a community and embrace this opportunity.

    “Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration is doing everything possible to protect our children, and it is our responsibility as parents and caregivers to support this cause,” he said.

    Also speaking, Mrs Chisom Uchem, Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, said the vaccination is for children between zero to 59 months.

    Uchem said the vaccine is free, safe and effective and would  immune children against poliomyelitis, a deadly childhood disease that could cripple a child or even kill the victim.

    In his remarks, Igwe Bernard Emejuo of Eziagu community commended governor Soludo for his proactive health initiatives and measures to prevent deadly diseases in children.

    The Traditional ruler also promised to support and ensure a successful immunisation exercise in the state.

  • Air force War College Course 11 Visits Ministry of Environment

    Air force War College Course 11 Visits Ministry of Environment

    By Sylvia Okoi

    As part of its Study tour to Cross River State, the participants of the Nigerian Air force War College Warfare Course 11, has visited the Cross River State Ministry of Environment to Understudy the State’s Ecological prospects.

    Receiving the team to the Ministry, the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Osogi, who was represented by his Permanent Secretary, Barr. Mrs. Rosemary Onah, thanked the personnel for their strides in combating security issues across the country.

    Extending the good will of the State Governor, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu to the group, the Permanent Secretary admitted the current Environmental Degradation and Changing Climate regime on Socio Economic Development of the State attributing it to core global environmental issues that must be tackled.

    She stated that Cross River State over the past decades, despite its rich ecosystem has incessantly been under Increasing threat of Deforestation, unsustainable land use, flooding, pollution and other Environmental menace that has affected the State’s Economic prospect.

    She highlighted notable Protected Areas such as the Cross River National Park, Afi Mountain Wildfire Sanctuary and Afi River Forest which houses the Cross River Gorilla and Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzee.

    In a multi media presentation by the Director Ecology and Biodiversity, Mr. Sonigitu Ekpe who delivered an insightful lecture on the Current Environmental challenges of the state,  stressed on the impact of Environmental degradation on the various economic activities in the State as well as the efforts of the Government towards mitigating the effects of these challenges.

    He informed that the State Ministry of Environment is driving environmental Stewardship as it’s core philosophy and has put in place a set of action focusing on the responsible use as well as the protection of the State’s natural resources with the aim of improving the Environment for current and future generations.

    In his remarks, the Commandant of Air force War College, Air Vice Marshall Patrick Philip who was represented by Brigadier General J C Mbanefo, thanked the Management of the Ministry for hosting them to an insightful and expository lecture.

    He explained that the Air War College was the premier apex professional Military Educational Institution that exists in the country with the aim of training professionals at officers level.

    Brigadier Mbanefo further explained that owing to high environmental degradation raising global concern, that as part of the module of requirement, participants of the institution had to embark on environmental study tour focusing on environmental degradation and socio economic development of Cross River State as their case study.

    According to him, the essence of the study tour to the institution is to provide enriched information and data for comprehensive strategy based on the information processed.

  • Foundation Organizes season two spelling bee competition for primary school pupils in Anambra

    Foundation Organizes season two spelling bee competition for primary school pupils in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    A humanitarian organization , Joseph Onuorah Foundation (JOF), is organising the second edition of its spelling bee quiz competition for primary school pupils between the ages of 7-11 years in Orumba North and South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    The competition notice was contained in a statement signed and made available to Journalists in Awka on Wednesday by the founder, High Chief Joseph Onuorah.

    He said the maiden edition of the competition was held in April 2024 with the vision of developing the vocabulary prowess of the pupils, harnessing the literacy interests and horning their spelling skills from a very young age.

    At the 2024 edition, the overall winner was 10 years old Master Agina Graham; a basic 5 student of St. Anthony Nur/Pry School Nanka.

    He went home with an aggregated cash prize of two hundred thousand naira.

    According to the statement, the much awaited second season of the spelling bee competition shall feature pupils in the age range of 7-11 years old within private and public schools in Orumba North and Orumba south Local Government Area of Anambra state.

    The qualifier phases shall be held on Thursday 22nd May, 2025 at Ndiowu Town hall, Enumgbom Ndiowu, for students of Orumba North Local Government Area and  that of Orumba south LGA shall be held on 23rd May 2025 at Centenary hall, St. Luke Anglican church Isulo while the grand finale will take place by 10am on Friday, 30th May, 2025 at Ndiowu Town Hall, Enumgbom Ndiowu. Orumba North LGA.

    According to him, the essence of the competition is to rebrand education and restore the passion whereby the primary school pupils would begin to have full grip of spellings, current affairs and know their vocabularies. Our desire is to catch them young. We want to inculcate the habit of spelling knowledge and searching of words in dictionaries to the younger generation of Orumba North and South Council Areas and the  Anambra State at large.

    “This will help bring knowledge in the classroom, keep our kids away from societal vices, with passion for learning not just on the surface, but also sharpen their general knowledge, improve their fluency, and help them to embrace their national values by understanding current affairs.

    “Today, so many Nigeria students don’t know their ministers and state slogan. Students no longer have passion for spellings and have limited knowledge of current affairs because of advent and penetration of electronic devices and social media which may drive intellectual docility.

    ”That intellectual stimulation at a be try tender age is part of what Joseph Onuorah Foundation spelling bee competition is trying to instill.

    “The grand prize at the 2025 season for winners will get N150,000 for the first position while 2nd position and 3rd position will N100,000 and N50,000 respectively.

    “I enjoin all heads of schools of primary school pupils across the Orumba North and South to take advantage of such engagements to gain more knowledge for their future endeavors,” Onuorah concluded.