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Tag: Anambra State

  • Yuletide: Anambra philanthropist assures Ndigbo of safe Christmas in South East Nigeria

    Yuletide: Anambra philanthropist assures Ndigbo of safe Christmas in South East Nigeria

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra business magnet, philanthropist and the founder of humanitarian service organization, Joseph Onuorah Foundation (JOF), has joined other foundations, civil society organisations and well-to-do individuals in Southeastern Nigeria (Igbo), on the call on Ndigbo to come back home for this year 2024 Christmas and new year celebration, assuring them of adequate security put in place by governors and community leaders in the region.

    The founder and chairman of the foundation, High Chief Joseph Onuorah, who gave the assurance in a statement he signed and made available to journalists in Awka on Friday, said that irrespective of certain isolated events, the South East is still largely peaceful; according to recent Statistics by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and will remain so even after the season celebrations.

    According to him, “we are encouraging our people living outside of the south eastern states, who wish to return home for this year 2024 Christmas and New year celebration to do so in the interest of the already existing traditions of family love and oneness, established by our forefathers. We can’t runaway from our ancestral homes. Most of the high level of insecurity been reported about the region in the  pages of national dailies are not true. There are certain risks but also adequate security already put in place by the five states governors of the region, especially in this festive season.

    “South East is relatively a very peaceful region. What we urgently need at the moment now is encouragement. We need to encourage our people to contribute in peace building.

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    “The region need peace to thrive as a strategic economic hub of Nigeria and Africa at large. Every Igbo man and woman must work towards this peace and security to ensure the South East region sustains its enviable commercial and industrialization status in West Africa.

    “The region can’t be allowed to be in disarray or left in the whims of very few non state actor’s while other regions seem to enjoy peace and security, even though they also grapple with their challenges. We must encouraged our people to return home for this year Christmas  and New year celebration.

    “We must not allow the economic or security situation make us loose very critical cultural ties and preservation of family bonds and societal values in our local communities. The criminals would be emboldened if people decide to stay away from their various communities.

    “The problems that beset the south east region are found every where around this part of the Sahara and they will require locally crafted solutions to take back the villages town by town. Sufficient attention should also be paid to structure investments in activities to harness youth talents and passion like sports, education, craft and skill centers, financial literacy etc.

    “I call on successful Igbo entrepreneurs to also do more with capital returns to the South East region to drive the needed economic buoyancy. The elected representatives of the people at the National Assembly should also cure themselves of the “give away” malady and do more to attract federal govt and state presence to their local communities which is a more sustainable wealth creation strategy for nation’s development,” the statement concluded.

  • Taskforce on fake drugs raids Anambra market

    Taskforce on fake drugs raids Anambra market

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Anambra State Taskforce on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Food, on Tuesday, raided medicine stores at the popular Eke-Awka market in the state capital.

    Speaking to journalists shortly after the raid, State Chairman of the Taskforce, Pharm. Madike Obum Vincent, said the raid was in accordance with the provisions of Section C34 of the Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods Miscellaneous Provision Act of 1999”.

    He explained further that the affected stores were raided for offence of sale of unregistered drugs and for non-compliance with other regulatory standards.

    According to Pharm Vincent who is also the Director, Pharmaceutical Service, Anambra State Ministry of Health, the Taskforce under my control is determined to make Awka metropoli a free-fake drugs city, which is line with governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s vision of making Anambra a peaceful, secure, livable and prosperous state in Nigeria.

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    “The essence of the exercise is to curb and eradicate the upsurge in the fake drugs that is in circulation. People are unknowingly taking fake drugs/food supplements and they are dying in their numbers every day.

    “The Taskforce have the mandate to eradicate and curbed the menace of fake and unwholesome products in Anambra. And am assuring the people that after the raiding exercise, the circulated fake drugs in the state, would be down to the barest minimum,” the chairman concluded.

  • 250 Anambra elderly persons receive N200,000 each from Tinubu’s wife renewed hope support programme

    250 Anambra elderly persons receive N200,000 each from Tinubu’s wife renewed hope support programme

    By Ovat Abeng

    About two hundred and fifty elderly persons in Anambra State have benefitted from the second edition of Renewed Hope Initiative’s Elder Support Scheme (RHIESS).

    It was gathered that the event, which took place at Prof Dora Akwuyili women development center Awka, on Wednesday, is part of the programme arm of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), a non-governmental organization (NGO) run by the wife of Nigeria’s President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

    The beneficiaries aged 65 and above, were selected from different parts of the state, following strict health, age and economic status criteria for those who are eligible for the programme.

    The empowerment programme which is going on in all the 36 states of Nigeria, also has members of Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) as beneficiaries.

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    They were given free medical checks, the sum of N200, 000 each to take care of their personal upkeeps, gallons of vegetable oil, and rolls of wrapper.

    Presenting the gifts on behalf of the president’s wife, the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo who read the Nigeria First Lady’s speech, said that the economic empowerment project was borne out of steadfast commitment to the well-being of the elderly citizens and marks a significant stride in the collective pursuit of a more inclusive and compassionate society.

    She noted that as the festive season draws closer, it has become important to emphasize the significance of prioritizing the elderly in the initiative.

    Two of the beneficiaries, Mrs Medina Ifeanyi from Ogbaru, Comrade Ebenezer Obakamma and Mr Isaac Uche from Ihiala, thanked the president’s wife and Mrs Soludo for remembering the poor, and described the gesture as the first in the history of the state.

  • AAC gets new executive in Anambra

    AAC gets new executive in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    The African Action Congress (AAC), has inaugurated it new executive members in Anambra State.

    Mr Femi Adeyeye, the National Publicity Secretary of the party announced the inauguration in a statement he signed and made available to journalists in Awka, on Wednesday.

    The statement read;

    The National Working Committee of our great party, the African Action Congress (AAC) is pleased to announce the appointment of new executives to handle the affairs of the party in Anambra State.

    The inauguration of this State Working Committee marks a significant milestone for the party in Anambra State, as it reinforces our commitment to promoting good governance and effective leadership both nationally and in the sub-nationals.

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    The new executives have pledged to work tirelessly to promote the party’s ideals and values, while also engaging with the people of Anambra State on revolutionary change in the political system.

    We also want to seize this medium to warn any criminal imposters trying to act as members or executives of the AAC in the state to steer clear from bringing trouble to themselves, as relevant authorities including security agencies have been alerted with this correspondence.

    The African Action Congress (AAC) is confident that the new executives will bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the party, and is committed to supporting them in their new roles.

    Attached below are the names of our new executive in Anambra State:

    Chioma Grace Ifemeludike – State Chairman

    Veronica Ogechukwu – Ikem-Vice Chairman (Anambra North)

    James Umeh (Vice Chairman Anambra South)

    Nwadilibe Somtochukwu (Vice Chairman Anambra Central)

    Nnaji Chinoso – State secretary

    Syvia Uchendu – Auditor

    Perpetual Chikezie – Financial Secretary

    Chinoso Osinomumu – Treasurer

    Okoye Pascal – Organising Secretary

    Collins Enebeli – Youth leader

    Juliet Efobi – Women leader

    Onuma Igweike – Legal Adviser and Comrade Franlin Ezekaka, State Publicity Secretary.

  • Insecurity: Soludo to grant amnesty to repented kidnappers, cultists, drug users, others in Anambra

    Insecurity: Soludo to grant amnesty to repented kidnappers, cultists, drug users, others in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Anambra State governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has promised to grant amnesty to repented kidnappers, cultists, drug peddlers, taunting, armed robbers, car snatchers, pick-pocketers, others in the state.

    The governor gave the promised while briefing Journalists st governor’s lodge Amawbia on Tuesday, on the state of insecurity in the state, especially, on the forthcoming 2024 Christmas and New Year celebration.

    He said his administration is fully ready to grant amnesty to any criminal who wish to surrender himself and weapons peacefully.

    According to him, “the Anambra Government under my watch, is extending hands of friendship to any kidnapper, cultist, armed robber, drug user, taunt, car snatcher, pick-pocketer and other criminal elements who wish to surrender himself and his weapons.

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    “My government will ensure that such person is well rehabilitated and empowered to become a productive citizen in the society.

    “All persons wishing to take advantage of this window, should registered with the office of the security Adviser to the governor and this window will remain open until the end of February, 2025.

    “At the inception of our administration we met almost a war situation with eight LGAs literarily under total control of criminals.

    “We responded massively when we came in and among other things set up a vigilance strike force that worked with federal security agencies to root out criminals from our forest.

    “Within 12 months, we were able to recover those eight LGAs under siege. However, we noted that with time, all the criminal elements have returned to some of these locations.

    “And there have been troubling reports of kidnapping for ransome with instances where lives were lost,” he said.

    “The four major challenges we are currently experiencing in the state include; kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, drug epidemic and touting.

    “Another concern is the resurgence of criminals idolatry which offered the criminals a sense of invisibility.

    “My government had started tripling its efforts and would launch a comprehensive security ecosystem tagged – ‘Operation Udo Ga Achi’, (meaning operation peace must prevail) by the end of January 2025.

    “We will be donating 163 vehicles to security agencies to ensure active patrol of the nooks and crannies of Anambra, and install surveillance cameras to cover all major cities and forests used by criminals.

    “We will have 20 vigilante personnel and forest guards in each community and work on changing the ideology where people see security agents as the enemy and the criminals as liberators.

    “Government alone cannot do it, therefore, I call on our traditional rulers, religious leaders, town union leaders and civil society organisation to join the government to fight insecurity.

    “Security is our collective responsibility. If you see something, say something by reporting crimes and criminals via the 5111 toll free line.

    “I am appealing to those living at the rural areas to stop aiding the criminal with food items.

    “We are also making sure we have a secured Christmas and New Year celebration,” he assured.

    The Governor appreciated Federal Government and service commanders for their efforts in securing residents in the state.

  • Suspected car snatchers shot dead Unizik lecturer

    Suspected car snatchers shot dead Unizik lecturer

    By Ovat Abeng

    A lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik) Awka, Anambra State, Dr Osita Fabian Chinedu, has been shot dead by suspected car snatchers in Awka, the state capital.

    A source who disclosed the incident said, “Yes someone was shot dead along that high tension this evening. They are saying that he was a lecturer from UNIZIK, from Nteje community in Oyi Local Government Area of the State.

    “Please, Comrades, let’s be safe during this Yuletide. If they come for your car, surrender the car, our lives are important.

    “Any Comrade close to high tension axis should confirm the news that a Unizik lecturer was shot dead this night,” the source who is also a staff of the university announced to his colleagues.

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    Reacting on the condition of anonymity, another Staff of UNIZIK said, ‘A colleague and fellow sports enthusiast shot dead yesterday’s night. This is no longer funny.

    ‘We and our children are no longer safe in this State. A whole Capital City,” the visibly furious lecturer said.

    Confirming the incident in a statement, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said investigation has commenced.

    According to Ikenga, information reveals that Mr Chinedu, a staff of the University of Nnamdi Azikiwe was shot by yet unidentified gunmen yesterday 16/12/2024 at 10:10 pm at Aroma Junction. The murders also made away with his car, a Corolla 2006 model, Ash colour with an Enugu Plate number.

    “To this end, the Command while condoling his family and friends, especially the Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, calls on anyone with any useful information that can aid the investigation to please come forward in this regard and urges members of the Public who might have seen the vehicle or any such to report to the closest Police Station or call the Command Control Room Number – 07039194332 or SP Ikenga Tochukwu – PPRO
    08039334002

  • Red Cross distributes customized ATMs, relief materials to Anambra flood victims

    Red Cross distributes customized ATMs, relief materials to Anambra flood victims

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Anambra State chapter of the Nigerian Red Cross Society has distributed cash and other relief materials and cash to flood victims selected from three local government areas of the state, who were affected by the 2024 flood disaster.

    It was gathered that the items distributed included 25litres gallon, buckets, Aqua tablet and ATM cards containing N77,000 each. The cash disbursement was contained in the customised ATM cards distributed to over 1,100 households in the three local government areas including Ogbaru, Anambra West and Ayamelum.

    The distribution exercise, which started on Saturday, 14th ended Monday,16th 2024 in communities such as Akiri, Ozuzu, Atani and Ohita in Ogbaru LGA with 410 registered households benefitting while Anambra West LGA had communities such as Umu Oba, Mmiata Anam, Iheora, Umueze  Anam, with 436 registered households benefitting.

    In Ayamelum LGA, communities such as Igbakwu, Ifite Ogwaru and Umueze with 254 registered households benefitting from the exercise, done in the presence of the leaders and president-generals of the various communities.

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    Speaking while distributing the items at one of the centres in the Ogbaru LGA headquarters in Atani, the Branch Executive Secretary, Red Cross, Kingsley Okoye, said the cash and relief materials were given to the flood victims to bring financial relief to them and help in mitigating the effect of the devastation and loss.

    Okoye noted that due to the flood disaster, families and households who lost their livelihoods were provided with the relief materials comprehensively to address both the immediate relief and provide long term recovery for the victims.

    According to him, the exercise is an initiative of the Nigerian Red Cross Society and the European Commission’s Directorate General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection, facilitated by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

    He commended the Commission for its humanitarian efforts, adding that their commitment to life-saving interventions aligns seamlessly with the mission at Nigerian Red Cross towards ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most, swiftly and effectively.

    He said, “As we are painfully aware, the recent floods have devastated communities across Nigeria, displacing thousands and leaving many in urgent need of assistance. Families have lost their homes and livelihoods have been swept away. In these trying times, the call for action is more urgent than ever.

    “About 1,100 captured households would receive the ATM cards and other relief materials, including jerry cans and water purifying tablets to help them purify their water, which was contaminated by the flood and to also bring financial relief to the flood victims.

    “This exercise is non-political and non-partisan. It is an intervention specifically for people and families affected by the 2024 flood disaster. Each of the customised ATM cards been received by each captured household has been credited with N77,000.”

    “As a partner, the Red Cross Society is uniquely equipped to respond to this crisis. Our reach extends to most remote and underserved communities, ensuring that no one is left behind. As we embark on this journey together, let us remember that every action we take is a step towards healing. We will ensure that our efforts are transparent, accountable and inclusive by allowing the voices of the affected communities to guide our actions.

    “We expressed our gratitude to ECHO and the IFRC for their unwavering support and trust in the Nigerian Red Cross Society. Together, we will not only respond to the immediate needs of those affected by the floods, but also build a foundation for long-term resilience. This intervention is expected to drive a sustainable socio-economic resilience of the beneficiaries.”

    The various leaders and president-generals of various communities who monitored the distribution commended Red Cross for ensuring a seamless and transparent exercise.

    The Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Sir Kenneth Akwuobi, represented by the Chairman, Local emergency Management Committee,
    Esimai Nnamdi, thanked the society for bringing succour and relief to the flood victims of the area.

    “Everybody can see the excitement on the faces of the victims. Certainly, this is an exercise that has brought relief and succour to them. We commend Red Cross for ensuring that this distribution was seamlessly carried out and it is unique among others,” he added.

    Some of the beneficiaries, including the elderly, among who identified themselves as Pa Boniface Osakwe, Pa Ignatius Olisa, Madam Margaret Okeke, among others also expressed gratitude and excitement to Red Cross, saying they were going to use the money to revive their farming business which was damaged by the flood disaster.

  • APGA honors Anambra monarch for championing Soludo’s course

    APGA honors Anambra monarch for championing Soludo’s course

    By Ovat Abeng

    The traditional ruler of Omasi Community in Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Dr. Benjamin Onukwube Okeji (Ezediorama Omasi), has been honored as Patron of the All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA, for his continue support and promotion of governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo administration in the state

    The award was presented to the Monarch by Hon. Obiajulu Nwoye, the Director General of APGA Fans Club, a political support group formed to help actualized the second term bid of governor Soludo come November 8th, 2025 governorship election in the state.

    The award ceremony took place during the Club Thanksgiving Service/award presentation to some deserving members of the club for their various contributions to the development of the club in the year 2024.

    Speaking shortly after the presentation, Hon Nwoye, who is also the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Political Mobilization,  said the Traditional ruler was honored for his continue support and promotion of governor Soludo’s vision of making Anambra a peaceful, secure, livable and prosperous state in Nigeria. And also for enduring peace in Omasi community.

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    According to him, the monarch and other awardees are people who are really hungry about the progress of APGA through the support of our group, the APGA Fans Club.

    The recognition is to motivate them to work more for governor Soludo’s success in Anambra State, Nwoye noted.

    Appreciating the gesture, while praying God to continue to protect the governor, the APGA Fans Club and the state at large, the Monarch, noted that the award was not a surprise to him, being one of the Physician to governor Soludo, his cabinet members and the APGA at large.

    The monarch prophesied that the second tenure of governor Soludo has been approved by men and God Almighty.

    Other awardees included, the lawmaker representing Anambra East Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon Obi Nweke, Mr Emeka Agu, Chief Solomon Ifeanyi Nwokedi, HRH Igwe Amb. John Mark Anyaoha, Igwe of Ogbunka community (Orumba South LGA), Chief Chukwuemeka Nweke, Chief Benson Onwuanua, Patroness Mrs Ngozi Scholastica Oguno – Nduka, among many others.

  • Anambra govt urged to partner private sectors to address sports infrastructural deficit

    Anambra govt urged to partner private sectors to address sports infrastructural deficit

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Anambra government has been urged to partner private sector investors as a measure to address the sports Infrastructure deficit in the state.

    Chris Abakare, a football administrator, made the call while delivering a lecture at the 2024 Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra Chapter End of Year and Recognition Ceremony in Awka over the weekend.

    The theme of the lecture was “Sports Development In Anambra: The Infrastructure Question”.

    Abakare, a professor of Philosophy at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka said sports infrastructure in Anambra was both inadequate and in bad condition that the state could not hold competitions.

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    He regretted that the Awka Township Stadium which had the potential of becoming the hub of sports in Southeast had been lost to a leisure and recreation park known as the Solution Fun City.

    He said the opportunity of building an all inclusive sports city at the massive expanse of land in Awka has been lost as the place had been reduced to a mere playground fenced-in by fun city

    “We prayed and hoped before we got what we have in the Park A area of the Awka Stadium, we were looking forward to a complete sports city but what we have now we have Solution Fun City.

    “I am not saying that an amusement park is not good, as a matter of fact, it should be part of every community to attract tourists and revenue to them.

    “As it is, the state can not hold any sports Competition, we tried doing this in February 2020 when Anambra hosted the Nigeria Police Games, but most of the games were played in the neighbouring Delta State, some athletes did not step into the state that hosted the Competition,” he said.

    Abakare said Anambra government should adopt a Public Public Partnership model with management of Rojenny Stadium, NEROS Stadium, Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium and others to address the infrastructure gap in the sports sector.

    Also speaking, Tony Nezianya, Public Relations Officer of Nigeria Olympic Committee said the Anambra government should take the issue of sports facilities seriously.

    Nezianya said youths and talented athletes in the state should be provided the ground to express themselves.

    Godwin Aghaulor, Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 13 said sports was a veritable means of tackling insecurity.

    Aghaulor who was represented by SP Josephine Ihunwo, the Zonal Command Public Relations Officer said the Police were presently on a sensitisation campaign against crime and cultism across the schools in the zone.

    In a reaction, Dr law Mefor, Commissioner for Information in Anambra said the Soludo administration was taking sports from mere entertainment to economic activity.

    Mefor admitted that the Anambra had a gap in sports infrastructure but assured that measures were being taken to address it and that an Olympic Stadium was being considered.

    Some persons where recognized for their contributions to the development of the sports sector in Anambra including Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman, Anambra State Sports Development Commission.

    Others were Ossy Onuko, Managing Director of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority Johnny Igboka, Proprietor of All Sports Foundation,Nimo, and Prof Victor Madubuko, Chairman Anambra State Beach Soccer Association.

    De Wilson FA was recognised as the fastest growing Football Academy in Anambra.

  • NUMW Warns Members Against Illegal Mining Activities In Anambra

    NUMW Warns Members Against Illegal Mining Activities In Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Nigeria Union of Mines Workers (NUMW) has warned tipper drivers under its transport unit and all heavy equipment operator (caterpillar operator) to desist from any mining pit not approved by the Anambra’ State government.

    It also appealed to the State government for a down ward review of the tax burden on its members, especially, those of transport section of the NUMW otherwise knowns as tipper drivers, in view of the prevailing harsh economic realities so they can make ends meet in their daily operations.

    Chairman of the union, Comrade Onyah Kelvin Chimbuzor gave the warning during its one day sensitization and awareness campaign held on 11th of December 2024 across the various mining sites located in different communities and local government areas of the state.

    Comrade Onyah said the warning had become necessary because anyone found defaulting would be made to face the full weight of the law.

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    Accompanied by Comrade Chinaedu Eze, Patron of the union during the sensitization exercise, Onyah took the sensitization campaign to Awka mining zone, Nawfia, Ukpo in Dunukofia LGA; Aguleri Sharp sand pit, Awkuzu, Fegge sharp sand beach in Onitsha, among others.

    Onyah disclosed that some members of the body were recently arrested and their trucks seized by officials of the Anambra’ state taskforce on Healthy and Clean Environment otherwise known as Ocha Brigade for illegal mining activities at Ofala Ebenato mining site in Nnewi South local government area.

    The victims were  later released following the intervention of Comrade Onyah Kelvin Chimbuzor the state chairman of NUMW through the assistance of the Managing director of Ocha Brigade, Mr. Celestine Anere.

    The NUMW boss reiterated the need for members’ active participation in all the Union’s activities, particularly, as they enter the year 2025.

    The union’s leadership lauded the administration of the state governor, Prof. Charles Soludo for its development strides in the construction of several link roads across the nooks and crannies of the state.

    It further appreciated the efforts of officials of the Anambra State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) for their support and cooperation during the sensitization and awareness campaign exercise.

    The union further thanked all the Heavy equipment operators, popularly known as caterpillar operators, at the caterpillar line by Lake Nkpor Onitsha Express road, for their efforts and support to the union.

    They pledged continued support for the Soludo led government in its bid for a second term in office of the governor come November 8, 2025 governorship election in the state.