Paradise News

Tag: Anambra State

  • My Only Word For Peter Obi – Anambra Anglican Bishop, Ibezim

    My Only Word For Peter Obi – Anambra Anglican Bishop, Ibezim

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Anglican Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of the Awka Diocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alexander Ibezim, has reminded Mr. Peter Obi that, given his position and his principles, he would continue to face opposition from various quarters. However, the Cleric assured him  in what he called his “only word for him”  of his unwavering support, stating that while he might not physically fight for him, he remains on his knees in prayer, asking God to protect Obi and accomplish His divine plans for him. He called on others to join in these prayers, noting that when God keeps Mr. Obi safe, both the common man and the institutions of the state are assured of safety.

    The Archbishop made the statement during the presentation of a cheque for ₦30 million to him at Paul University, Awka, on Saturday to support the continued improvement of the institution’s facilities.

    Describing Mr. Peter Obi as a lover of Nigeria and a champion of the masses, the Archbishop said that the history of the revival of education in Anambra State would be incomplete without recognising Obi’s contributions as Governor and his continued support thereafter.

    He further informed Obi that the Paul University had recently been granted a licence to offer Nursing programmes and expressed confidence that, given Obi’s passion for Nursing Education, he would extend his support to the new programme.

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    Earlier, during the presentation of the cheque, Obi expressed his satisfaction with the progress being made at the university and commended the Archbishop for his outstanding work in transforming the institution. He explained that the cheque brought his total contribution to the university for 2024 to ₦50 million, noting that he had been unable to complete the donation within that year due to the unfortunate kidnapping of Archbishop Godwin Okpala (Rtd). Obi further assured the institution of continued support in 2025.

    Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Paul University, expressed her delight at being part of the event, especially given her special relationship with the institution. Playfully addressing Obi, she said, “As an institution that trained some of your aides, including Valentine Obienyem, I think you should show a little bias for this university over others.” She emphasised the importance of Obi’s partnership, particularly with their new Nursing Programme.

    After the cheque presentation, Archbishop Ibezim took Obi on a tour of some of the ongoing projects at the university and appealed to him to encourage his friends to also support the institution. He called on both the federal and state governments to assist Missionary institutions, noting that the students they train are all Nigerians contributing to national development.

    The Vice-Chancellor of Paul University, Ven. Prof. Obiora Nwosu, expressed gratitude to Obi for his consistent support and encouraged him to feel at home whenever he visits the school. He assured him that the university would always welcome him warmly in the future.

  • Insecurity: Hold gov Soludo accountable – Ebube Muonso tells Anambra residents

    Insecurity: Hold gov Soludo accountable – Ebube Muonso tells Anambra residents

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Spiritual Director of the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke, Anambra State, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, has again, knocked Governor Charles Soludo over heightened security tension in the state.

    The Catholic priest, fondly called Fr. Ebube Muonso, had, in a prophetic message during a prayer march, on  Friday, regretted that calls on the governor, who is the chief security officer of the state, to do everything in his power to stem the tide of insecurity, yielded no positive result. Hence, the dire need for citizens and residents to hold him accountable.

    “If you’re in Anambra State presently, you don’t need to be told that you need to be alert in the spirit,” Fr. Ebube Muonso said.

    “There is no security in Anambra state, and your governor doesn’t want to know. He is not interested. He is only interested in preparation for his second tenure. Most often, I do ask myself whether some of our politicians have conscience at all.

    Read Also: POWA empowers 200 police families in Imo

    “You’re a governor of a state; people are dieing everyday, and you’re celebrating marriage anniversary. People are kidnapped everyday, and the governor insists that there is adequate security in the state. There is security and he is moving with fleet of security vehicles and dozens of security personnel.

    “Have you seen the convoy of the Anambra state governor – with dozens of policemen, soldiers, DSS, armoured vehicles, and other things? He is well protected, but what of the poor masses, who do not have anything to protect themselves?”

    Fr. Ebube Muonso further claimed that kidnappers from other states are currently hibernating in Anambra because, they see the state as safe haven for the operation.

    He added, “To my greatest chagrin, Anambra has very small landmark – not even that the landmark is big. Anambra forests are so small that security guards can cover them in one day.”

    The charismatic priest also challenged the people to ask Governor Soludo what he does with his monthly security votes running into billions of naira.

    “Let the governor act fast to save lives of people in the state because, he is not doing anything. Patching roads is not good governance. Anambrarians should rise to recover their state. People are being killed everyday. Two days ago, along Alor-Nnobi road, a young girl was killed and dropped by the roadside! Imagine a state where a kidnap victim stays in kidnappers’ den for 30 days; yet, you have a governor eating 3 square meals, and going to the gym on daily basis to keep fit.

    “Members of the state assembly are not telling him anything! Has it not affected them? One of them has been with the kidnappers since 24th December, 2024. What decisive action are they taking?”

    Meanwhile, Governor Charles Soludo has said that conspiracy of silence among residents of the state is responsible for rising insecurity such as kidnapping for ransom and ritual killings in Anambra.

    Speaking recently in Awka, on the occasion of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Soludo, who insisted that government and security agencies cannot fight crime alone, said that criminals terrorizing Anambra live among residents as husbands, fathers, brothers, and friends; yet, people refuse to give information about their activities.

  • POWA empowers 200 police families in Imo

    POWA empowers 200 police families in Imo

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) has empowered no fewer than 200 families of deceased, serving and injured police officers in Imo.

    POWA President and wife of the Inspector-General of Police, Mrs Elizabeth Egbetokun, presented the items comprising food and non food items to the beneficiaries in Owerri on Friday.

    Speaking at the occasion, Mrs Egbetokun said the initiative was aimed at supporting and providing succour to the women as well as helping them to become self-reliant and confident in contributing to the society.

    “This event is a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting the wives of police officers and the less privileged in our community.

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    “We recognize the services provided by our fallen heroes and we are dedicated to ensuring that their families are not forgotten.”

    She urged the beneficiaries to utilize the resources in ways that would create sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their children.

    In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Aboki Danjuma, lauded Egbetokun for the initiative and other commitments to enhance the welfare of police families across the country.

    Danjuma equally commended Gov. Hope Uzodimma, for his continued support to the families of fallen and injured officers.

    In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Aboki Danjuma, lauded Egbetokun for the initiative and other commitments to enhance the welfare of police families across the country.

    Danjuma equally commended Gov. Hope Uzodimma, for his continued support to the families of fallen and injured officers.

    In her remarks, the chairperson of POWA in the state, Mrs Jemima Aboki, also lauded the gesture which she said would boost morale and inspire personnel and their families.

    Earlier, the Deputy Governor of the Imo, Dr Chinyere Ekomaru, said the state government had recently presented N105m support to 25 wives of deceased police officers in the state.

    Ekomaru said that job appointments and scholarships were also given to some police children as ways of appreciating the police.

    One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Abigail Sule, who received a grinding machine, said the machine would help boost her kunu business.

    Another beneficiary, Mrs Ngozi Anyalewechi, who got a sewing machine, commended Egbetokun for the gesture and prayed for her.

    While in Imo, the POWA team also paid a courtesy call on the Chairman of the Council of Imo Traditional Rulers and Community Policing, HRM Eze Emmanuel Okeke.

    The items distributed include bags of rice, fertilizer, cartons of noodles, vegetable oil, refrigerators, grinding, sewing and water pumping machines.

  • JohnBosco Onunkwo bags Anambra community youth development award

    JohnBosco Onunkwo bags Anambra community youth development award

    By Ovat Abeng

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress APC, High Chief JohnBosco Onunkwo, has been honoured with community youth development award.

    The award was presented to him by the National President of Anambra State Association of Town Union (ASATU Youth Wing), Comrade Ken Okoli, during award ceremony organised by the association at Dora Akwuyili women centre Awka on Tuesday.

    Speaking to journalists, Onunkwo who appreciated the organisers for recognizing his humanitarian effort mostly in the area of youth development, however, said he would not rest on the kind gesture for which he was honoured.

    According to the APC chieftain, the award was in recognition to what I have has been doing in the past 17-years towards youth development across the state through my foundation, JohnBosco Onunkwo Foundation.

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    “I have been in the advocacy for a better Nigeria and which is why I was also honoured as the grand commandant of all the uniform youths in Anambra State. I am a man of my words. I am a capacity of my own. I believe in humanity, helping the vulnerable people, helping the youth to be self-reliance, empowerment, upliftment and togetherness. The gesture gear towards a better Nigeria.

    “I appreciate the ASATU Youth for recognizing my humanitarian effort in the area of youth development, however, I would not rest on the successes for which am just honoured today, January 14th, 2025.

    “I am very grateful that my modest efforts in empowering Anambra youths is gaining more recognition. So, for me and my foundation, the award is a mark that we are doing the right thing at the right time,” Chief Onunkwo expressed satisfaction.

    Onunkwo also commended the youth from Aguata council area of the State, for nominating him for the recognition.

    In his remark, the National President of ASATU Youth Wing, Comrade Ken Okoli, said the award was organised by the youth to appreciate those who have in one way or another contributed to the development of their various communities.

    Okoli noted that the recognition is first of it kind since the inception of the Association in the state.

    It was gathered that the award ceremony with the Theme; Celebrating Our Role Models, also featured Unveiling of Compendium of role models, unveiling of N500 million naira naira projects for ASATU Youth programme for the year 2025, cultural dance/entertainment, the  presence of the State President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwude, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, National President of ASATU, Barrister Titus Akpudo and representatives of other awardees.

  • Anambra govt shuts down brothel, rescues ten sex workers

    Anambra govt shuts down brothel, rescues ten sex workers

    By Ovat Abeng

    Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade), an agency of the Anambra State government has shut down a brothel in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area.

    The brothel, Happiness Guest House is said to be notorious for harbouring sex workers, drug peddlers and other criminals.

    No fewer than ten sex workers were rescued by the enforcement team, including underaged girls during the visit.

    A press release by the Managing Director of the agency, Chief Celestine Anere stated that the operation was embarked upon, after due monitoring of the place.

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    He said: “This operation was carried out after intelligence report showed that their illegal activities has aided all kinds of crimes, ranging from drug trafficking, under-aged sex workers.

    “The brothel is also a hideout for armed robbers and all sorts of criminal activities.”

    He vowed to ensure that the operators of the facility are arrested and prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others who might be running similar illegal activities in the State.

  • AAC to protest rising insecurity in Anambra

    AAC to protest rising insecurity in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    The African Action Congress (AAC), has urged Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo to intensify action against the rising insecurity in the state or the party will storm the state government house, market places and streets in protest.

    The State Chairman of AAC, Comrade Chioma Grace Ifemeludike disclosed this while briefing journalists on the state of security in Anambra.

    She said that insecurity has reached a point where every Ndi-Anambra and other inhabitants in the state have to join hands with AAC to rescue the state from the menace.

    According to her, AAC has come to Anambra to rescue the state from the trending insecurity because the state governor Soludo is paying a lip service to the situation. The security situation has deteriorated to a stage where people disguised as beggars while traveling to their communities. This is unacceptable. We can not continue to watch our people dying like flies on daily basis. We cannot allow our state, being the light of the nation to return to darkness. People are being kidnapped and killed everyday and the government is doing less to address the challenged.

    Read Also: Philanthropist lauds governor Soludo on community development

    “We will not run away from unscrupulous elements in our dear state. Also word on the street has it that organ harvesters and seria killers are on the loose. This sounds like an era of cannibalism. These men of the underworld have caused mayhem, pan and suffering to the physical, financial and emotional wellbeing of Ndi-Anambra.

    “It has gotten so bad that people now avoid to travel or disguise when they need to visit home. This is totally unacceptable by AAC. The faceless men who have terrorized, oppressed, kidnapped in most cases murdered innocent citizens in cold blood. In less than four weeks we have seen prominent citizens, clergy men and women and even average residents fall victims in the hands of kidnappers,

    “Anambra State known as the light of the nation seems to be struggling with darkness of insecurity and fear of the unknown terror gangs. The State of emergency declared by the governor, which seems ike a mere political statement or lip service due to government’s inability has no effected any obvious change. This menace is suffocating and almost crippling business activities in the state.

    “We wil defend our ancestral lands against intruders. We will used every tool available to us both the social media and street protests to engage the Anambra State Government until the right thing is done. We urged governor Soludo to take charge and be proactive with matters that affect the state.”

  • Philanthropist lauds governor Soludo on community development

    Philanthropist lauds governor Soludo on community development

    By Ovat Abeng

    A philanthropist, Chief David Nwankwo has commended Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo on infrastructural development across the 179 communities that constitute Anambra State.

    Nwankwo commended the governor while speaking to Journalists shortly after receiving community youth development award from the Anambra State Association of Town Union (ASATU Youth Wing).

    He said what governor Soludo has done across sectors of the economy within a space of two years and night months in office is worth commendable.

    According to him, “the administration of governor Soludo has impacted positively across communities in the state. I have to commend him. We just have to support him to actualized his vision of making Anambra a livable and prosperous homeland for every resident irrespective of tribe, ethic and region affiliations.”

    Read Also: Joint security forces kill five suspected criminals in Anambra, destroy camp, recover arms

    Speaking on the award proper, the philanthropist, noted that the award was in recognition to what he has been doing for the past decade towards youth development across the state through his foundation.

    “I have been in the advocacy for a better Nigeria and which is why often honoured via such recognition.

    “I appreciate the ASATU Youth for recognizing my humanitarian effort in the area of youth development, however, I would not rest on the successes for which I’m just honoured.

    “I am very grateful that my modest efforts in empowering the Anambra youths is gaining more recognition. So, for me and my foundation, the award is a mark that we are doing the right thing at the right time,” Chief Nwankwo expressed satisfaction.

    He commended the youth from Awka North council area for nominating him for the recognition.

    Why also commending the governor for the construction of roads across the council area, Nwankwo stressed that the award has pushed him to do more through youth empowerment, human capital development, skills acquisition and employment.

    He used the event to appeal to the youth to join hands with the state government to fight against the trending insecurity in the state.

    In his remark, the National President of ASATU Youth Wing, Comrade Ken Okoli, said the award was organized by the youth to appreciate those who have in one way or another contributed to the development of their various communities.

    Okoli noted that the recognition is first of it kind since the inception of the Association in the state.

    It was gathered that the award ceremony which took place at the Prof Dora Akwuyili women development center Awka, on Tuesday with the Theme; Celebrating Our Role Models also featured the unveiling of Compendium, Launching of N500 million naira projects for ASATU Youth programme for the year 2025 and the presence of the State President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwude, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, National President of ASATU, Barrister Titus Akpudo and representatives of other awardees.

  • Joint security forces kill five suspected criminals in Anambra, destroy camp, recover arms

    Joint security forces kill five suspected criminals in Anambra, destroy camp, recover arms

    By Ovat Abeng

    A Joint Security Team comprising the Police, Military and other Security Agencies have killed five suspected criminals in Anambra State.

    Operatives of the joint force also invaded and razed down a camp operated by the criminal gang, from where they carry out their operations.

    Spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga revealed this in a press statement he made available to Journalists in Awka, in Awka, on Tuesday.

    He said the incident happened on 14th January 2025 by 12.30 pm in Umuogem, Ufuma, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

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    He said: “The team successfully carried out an offensive operation against a suspected armed secessionist gang in Umugem road, Ufuma, Orumba North Local Government Area.

    “The team neutralized five members of the armed group, while some others escaped with various degrees of bullet wounds.

    “During the operation, the security team razed down the criminal camp and recovered four undetonated improvised explosive devices (IED), two AK47 assault rifles, one pump action gun, and one 75-volt battery with other incriminating items.”

    Ikenga attributed the success of the operations to the collaboration and coordination among the various security agencies, adding that operations was still ongoing in the area to arrest fleeing gang members.

    He quoted the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam as calling for greater cooperation of the people in the area to ensure that criminal gangs are wiped out.

  • Gov Soludo presents certificates to three Anambra newly elected traditional rulers

    Gov Soludo presents certificates to three Anambra newly elected traditional rulers

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has presented certificates of recognition to three newly elected traditional rulers in the state.

    The ceremony took place at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, on Tuesday.

    The recipients of the certificates were Igwe Timothy Okwudiri Ifurunwa, known as Igwe Odudu 1 of Ihite in Orumba South Local Government Area, Igwe Francis Ugochukwu Chikezie, referred to as Igwe Ugodinaobi of Azia in Ihiala Council Area; and Igwe (Sir) Obiora Anachuna, popularly known as Igwe Orazulunye of Nkwelle Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area of the State.

    Governor Soludo emphasized the importance of traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity, and development. He urged the new rulers to prioritize good governance, their people’s welfare, and community harmony.

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    The event showcased the Anambra State Government’s commitment to empowering traditional leadership for community development. Dignitaries present included Chief TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs.

  • Anambra Govt, WHO Organise Retreat For 21 LG Chairmen On PHC Integrated Service Delivery

    Anambra Govt, WHO Organise Retreat For 21 LG Chairmen On PHC Integrated Service Delivery

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State Government in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has organized a one day retreat for 21 Local Government Chairmen, LG Directors of Health, Supervisors and partners on Integrated Primary HealthCare (PHC) Service Delivery across the state.

    The retreat is aimed at ensuring uptake in routine immunization, vaccine acceptance and optimal healthcare service delivery across the state and for the 21 LG Chairmen to fully take ownership of health in their various local government areas.

    The event which took place in Awka, on Thursday, also witnessed the presence of all the 21 local government chairmen in the state, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, Traditional rulers, representative of World Health Organization WHO, and other relevant stakeholders in the health sector.

    Speaking while declaring the event open, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Ben Obidike, lamented low level of immunization vaccine acceptance in the state.

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    According to him, despite the proven benefits of immunization, vaccine acceptance remains a critical challenge, particularly in regions like some local government areas of Anambra state.

    “Refusal of vaccines despite the availability of vaccination services is a complex issue influenced by multiple factors, including misinformation, cultural beliefs, lack of trust in healthcare systems, poor awareness campaign and fear of side effects.

    “In some cases, religious doctrines and traditional practices further contribute to poor acceptance rates, leaving many communities vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases.

    “Addressing this issue requires coordinated strategies to educate communities, build trust, and strengthen the delivery of immunization services across the state.’’

    “We must improve on the low level of immunization vaccine acceptance in the state. The immune vaccine are well certified by the World Health Organization,’’ he noted.

    The Commissioner noted further that the engagement meeting is to develop institutional capacity and responsiveness required to ensure and enhance primary healthcare service delivery across the 179 communities in the state.

    He also urged the participants to intensify awareness campaigns on the benefits of immunization in their various council areas.

    Executive Secretary State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Pharm. Chisom Uchem thanked the participants for their support in healthcare of the state.

    The Aguata LG Chairman, Dr. Chibueze Offorbuike who is also the ALGON Chairman in the state, who spoke on behalf of others, assured the commitment of all the 21 LG Chairmen in addressing the issues raised.