Paradise News

Tag: Anambra State

  • 2 injured, vehicles set ablaze as security operatives clash with gunmen in Anambra

    2 injured, vehicles set ablaze as security operatives clash with gunmen in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    A police officer, Anambra vigilante operative has sustained injuries as gunmen attack a police checkpoint at Ajili, the headquarters of Orumba North local Government Area of Anambra State, on Thursday night.

    The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who disclosed this in a statement said the injured security operatives are currently responding to treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

    According to the statement, “In the late hours of Thursday 5th December 2024, the Anambra State Joint Security Team intercepted armed men sighted on Umuchu- Amesi-Uga Road and recovered one branded blue Hilux vehicle with  Plate Number: GDD 440 TJ, a car suspected to have been snatched from an unsuspecting member of the public. During search conducted in the vehicle, coolers for food preservation were found.

    The Armed men were trailed after Police operatives resisted an attack on a Police Checkpoint at Ajali, Orumba North Local Government Area. During the gun duel, one police personnel and one AVG Operative sustained gunshot injuries and are currently responding to treatment in a hospital. Unfortunately, the two operational vehicles belonging to the AVG were caught up in fire and razed down completely.

    Joint operations are still ongoing in the area and further developments would be communicated, please.

  • Anambra govt to spend N13 billion on ICT innovation schools

    Anambra govt to spend N13 billion on ICT innovation schools

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra state government is to spend the sum of N13 billion on the establishment of twenty two smart schools aimed at making the youths in the area professionals for export.

    This is coming as the Anambra Patriots For Soludo APS has commenced sensitization programs for the 179 Communities through their President Generals in the area.

    Also, APS is carrying out sensitization programs for the leadership of the 340 market leaders in the three Senatorial Districts of the state.

    Disclosing this during a visit by the Anambra Patriots For Soludo the Special Adviser to Soludo on political matters Dr Alex Obiogbolu noted that the aim for the establishment of twenty two Smart Schools is to empower the youths of the state to be self employed and br able to export their businesses outside the state  globally.

    Read Also: Asuquo Ekpenyong’s Motion on Odukpani-Itu Road: Minister of Works, MDs of CCECC, SERMATECH appear before Senate

    “Yesterday the Anambra State Executive Council approved the establishment of twenty two Smart Schools on ICT innovations.”

    “It is not just having internet but also having a complete ICT system in terms of electronic boards of infrastructure the lab tops and innovative labs.”

    “The cost of the program is not just appropriating N13 Billion for the project but to put in place what could be described as Model Schools.”

    “This is part of the move to drive a digital tribe through a new generation of youths and this is a deliberate policy of of making Anambra state the Silicon valley of Nigeria and that means that the youths can be at the productive labs of their homes in Anambra and be exporting his or her talents abroad and be earning dollars,” he said.

    Speaking earlier the Chairman of Anambra Patriots For Soludo Chief Ejiamatu Damian Enekwechi noted that the support group for Soludo’s second term in office is a departure from the usual groups as the body is self funding and do not need financial assistance from the state government.

    “We have commenced sensitization of the 170 Communities and over 340 major markets in the state through their President Generals on the achievements of Gov Charles Soludo and we are not demanding any kind of financial assistance from him or the state government,” he said.

    The Special Adviser to the governor on Markets Chief Evarist Uba who also received the body at his office described the move by the body as one that would have multiplayer effects on the electorates in the state adding that the body has his full support and that of the markets the state towards evangelization of the achievements of the governor.

  • Why Soludo awarded 621.649 kilometers of road in less than three years in Anambra – works Commissioner

    Why Soludo awarded 621.649 kilometers of road in less than three years in Anambra – works Commissioner

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Engr Ifeanyi Okoma, has explain why governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo awarded a total of 621.649 kilometers of road across the 21 local government area of the State in less than three years in office.

    He said the governor is doing that in order to achieved his 2070 vision of making Anambra a peaceful, secure livable and prosperous homeland for all Nigerian investors irrespective of tribal, ethic and religious affiliations.

    Engr Okoma gave the explanation while briefing Journalists at his office in Awka, on Thursday, in preparation ahead of  three-day media tour to the ongoing road projects across the three Senatorial Districts of the State.

    According to him, out of the 621.649 km 316 has already been completed for used.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Strange Illness Hits Nigerian Military School Kaduna As Two Students Die Within One Week, Many Others Hospitalised

    “Our effort to make the state a more livable place, the state government has awarded a total of 621.649 kilometers of road construction in the last two years and eight months. Of this, 316 kilometers of roads have been already completed, while others are nearing completion, with many more projects awarded.

    “We are also seriously building the government house, and in the next few weeks, it will become operational,” he stated.

    In addition to the ongoing road construction in the state, the commissioner noted that the government has also awarded and completed several legacy projects across the three senatorial districts, including the fun city in Awka and the ongoing construction of Ekwulobia flyover in Aguata local government area of the State.

    He further said that the government is building a water park and amusement park in Awka to provide recreational spaces for the public, as the state capital currently lacks such facilities.

    “We are taking Anambra State to greater heights, where every Anambra citizen will be proud to live and do business. We are building Anambra State to reduce poverty in the coming years. By the end of this administration’s first tenure, the poverty level in the state will be lower, and our people abroad will begin to return home and engage in business,” he said.

    Okoma emphasized that the vision of the Soludo-led administration is to make Anambra State a destination, rather than a departure point, as has been the case in the past.

    “What we are currently doing is to lay the foundation for the vision 2070.”

    The Commissioner used the interaction to commend the governor for embarking in such transformative projects without borrowing a dime.

  • Soludo to install electricity at Ojukwu Varsity after 21yrs in darkness

    Soludo to install electricity at Ojukwu Varsity after 21yrs in darkness

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra state governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo has promised to installed a electricity at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (Uli campus), in Ihiala Local Government Area of the State, after twenty one years in darkness.

    Soludo made the promised during his one-day working visit to the campus on Wednesday.

    According to the governor, after twenty-one years of being without electricity, students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli Campus are set to start enjoying power supply, courtesy of my administration .

    “Even Uli as a community will equally benefit from the intervention when completed.

    The Governor said that even though the campus environment is orderly, it needs serious infrastructure upgrade.

    Read Also: Ten Million Economic Trees To Be Planted Under New Climate Initiative—FG

    “We have to work out plan to connect power back to Uli and the campus.

    “Uli campus is not forgotten.

    “Our party mantra and governing ideology is leave no one behind.

    “Education is the future and the foundation of Anambra.

    “That is why we are investing in human capital that is productive at home and exportable abroad. We must deliberately invest in qualitative education. Yes! We are paying serious attention to quality.

    “To do this, we also have the PPCP framework”; the Governor reiterated.

    While stressing the importance of having access to internet, the Governor also promised to provide access to internet and WiFi in public places within the campus, expressing optimism that it will further deepen their access to the digital world.

    “Today’s world is about what you can do, not just the certificate you possess.

    “Digitalisation will give this campus an advantage,” the Governor assured.

    “We will also begin the gradual construction of the internal roads in the campus.

    He called on the community to make efforts to protect the institution.

    The State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, gave assurance of their unalloyed prayer and support for the Governor who she described as education-friendly.

    The Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha thanked the Governor for visiting as well as the support he has given to them, including their accreditation.

    “We are developing our strategic vision.

    “There are so many abandoned projects in the campus. If we propel this Uli campus, it’ll translate to the Japan of Africa,” she added.

    Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Chief Protocol Officer, Hon Chinedu Nwoye (Glamour), member representing Ihiala Constituency One at the Anambra State House of Assembly, Barr. Jude Ngobili and his Ihiala Two counterpart, Hon. Chukwuebuka Iloh, Mayor, Ihiala Local Government Area, Anayo Orjiakor, among others, were present at the event.

  • Stop sabotaging Soludo’s free education policy in Anambra, ASUBEB boss warns head teachers

    Stop sabotaging Soludo’s free education policy in Anambra, ASUBEB boss warns head teachers

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Executive Chairman, Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Dr. Vera Nkiru Nwadinobi, has warned head teachers in all the government and public schools to stopped sabotaging Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s free education policy in the state.

    Nwadinobi gave the warning while briefing Journalists at the ASUBEB boardroom Awka, on Wednesday, in reaction to some head teachers who were apprehended and defaulted for engaging in illegal collection of fees and levies from students despite government warning.

    According to her, “I am compelled to address you today sequel to the disturbing incidents currently happening in some of our Primary and Junior Secondary Schools in Anambra State.

    “All of you are probably aware that recently, the State Governor, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, introduced a free and compulsory education policy in the state. The idea is to ensure that no child of school going age is deprived of the opportunity and benefits of basic education.

    Read Also: Despite N100million Empowerment Allocation, Kebbi Government Gives Sewing, Grinding Machines To Only 60 Persons

    “This policy, since inception,  has run smoothly in the state leading to increased and encouraging enrollment in the public schools and the elimination of out-of school syndrome. Most indigent parents and guardians have since heaved a sigh of relief as the burden of school fees and other sundry expenses placed on them have drastically reduced.

    “To ensure a seamless transition from the past, the state government immediately commenced the payment of imprest and running costs of extra 50,000 to school heads for smooth running of schools and provision of requisite teaching tools, such as markers, chalks, exams fees and portals if any, etc.

    “Also the state government has come up with the  payment of 1500 per pupil in all the pure public schools so as to cover all manner of levies. PTA levies was abolished with the employment of 3115 teachers to add to the 5000 teachers recruited in 2022.

    “Reports reaching us, however, indicate that some school heads in the state are sabotaging the efforts of the state government in this direction by introducing payment of certain unauthorized fees.

    “Following these reports, the board recently set up an investigation team to go round some public schools in the state to determine the extent to which parents and guardians are being extorted in the guise of payment of running costs by some unscrupulous school heads.

    “I must inform you that the reports we got from the investigation team are amazingly alarming and disturbing. For instance, in Awada Primary School 1-6, Obosi, it was gathered that the head teachers charged fees for extra lesson to all the pupils, ink fillers for markers, blue pens and red pens. In the  schools mentioned, the head teachers allegedly got the PTA to agree that every learner will be paying the sum of 200 Naira for the cleaning of the school toilets. The 50,000 monthly running cost and imprest was supposed to cover this.

    “Other items for which fees were allegedly paid for include: compiled questions and answers for verbal and quantitative subjects, certain novels, lesson fees, send-forth for retiring or transferred teachers, burial levy, Common Entrance Exam fees above the  official approved amount of 2,900 , Exam portal  and passport photos which was against the directive of the board. Other items for which fees were allegedly charged include; forms for learners, scratch cards, fees for marking of present at PTA meetings and a certain sum for absenteeism. There were also fees charged for tissue papers and soaps among others.

    Consequently, the defaulting head teachers, include: Awada Primary School 1, Mrs Okoye Uju; Awada Primary School 2, Mrs Nwafor Eunice Nwanneka; Awada Primary School 3, Mrs Nwakaku patience Obioma; Awada Primary School 4, Mrs Aniwetalu Elizabeth Ekene; Awada Primary School 5, Mrs Odionu Gloria Nkolika; Awada Primary School 6, Mrs Muluako Augustine Chinwe are mandated to refund all monies collected from learners, hand over to the next ranking officer and step down from their positions as head teachers.

    Last week, two head teachers in Awka North LGA were demoted from their positions and stepped down by the Board as a result of their negligence to duty and corrupt leadership. Many more stringent disciplinary measures await others if they do not willingly comply with the policy of Mr Governor on free and compulsory education in the state.

    “Henceforth, we will not just demote but recommend outright dismissal from service for any headteacher or principal who goes contrary to the free education policy.

    “We cannot continue to condone such irresponsible conduct by any teacher or school head to extort money from parents and guardians who are the ultimate beneficiaries of the free education and zero levies policy by the Solution Government in our dear state.”

    The ASUBEB boss, urged other Anambra residents to join hands with the Board and the state government to fight corruption not only in the public schools but also the entire education system in the state.

  • ANSAA Launches 2025 Mobile Advert Permit, Announces Increased Revenue Generation

    ANSAA Launches 2025 Mobile Advert Permit, Announces Increased Revenue Generation

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency, ANSAA, has launched it 2025 Mobile Advert Permit for vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles.

    Unveiling the permit in Awka, on Tuesday, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ANSAA, Mr Odili Ujuboñu, who spoke on its security features, said it cannot be faked, is digitally-generated and never mass-produced, and is accepted and recognised by all enforcement agencies across the country.

    He revealed that as at November 2024, the revenue earned by the mobile department of the agency has reached 50 million naira compared to the total was 18 million in 2023, adding that with investment in ANSAA, government will have more revenue for infrastructural development and job creation.

    Read Also: Alpha-Beta Won’t Collect Taxes For FG- Taiwo Oyedele

    Senior Mobile Assets Manager, ANSAA, Mr Chikezie Obi, and Senior Digital Assets Manager of the agency, Mr Christian Umeh, spoke on other features that make the permit unique.

    In her remark, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on IGR (Technical), Mrs Amara Oyeka, who commended ANSAA for its innovation, which is blocking revenue leakages and ensuring increased revenue for the state, expressed hope that more revenue go to the state government from the agency in 2025.

  • FGGC Alumni Organises Financial Literacy Seminar for Students

    FGGC Alumni Organises Financial Literacy Seminar for Students

    By Ovat Abeng

    Class of 1994 Alumni Association of the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Nkwelle Ezunaka (formerly FGGC Onitsha), Anambra State, organised a  one-day financial literacy awareness seminar for students of the College.

    The awareness campaign, which was part of the activities to mark the 30th anniversary of the graduation of Class of 1994, took place at the College conference hall on Saturday, 30th November, 2024.

    Speaking on the significance of the event, Mrs. Njideka Nwabukwu stated that the seminar was part of their mandate to give back to their alma mater, an institution that laid a solid foundation for their future. She stated that her alumni members were either successful entrepreneurs or professionals in various fields, including the financial services sector, and understood the importance of women’s economic empowerment. As such, the project was of immense value to them.

    According to Mrs. Nwabukwu, the Seminar was organized to give the students opportunity to acquire basic financial management skills, including budgeting, income generation, savings and investment, so as to start practicing these skills from a young age. She acknowledged the efforts of her schoolmates in the Reunion Project Sub-Committee, who worked with her to organize and execute the project.

    Read Also: Ifeanyi Ubah’s replacement: Nnewi South demand APGA consensus ticket for Akai Egwuonwu

    Mrs. Nwabukwu, facilitated the session, leveraging the experience she gained from her previous role in the financial inclusion process of her employer. The presentation highlighted the importance of being gainfully employed in earning income to meet the basic personal and family needs while setting aside some funds for savings and investment to protect against possible shocks and emergencies.

    She highlighted the importance of budgeting and the need for students to ensure that their expenses are kept within their resources/income. She further differentiated between needs & wants and warned the students against the dangers of being financially illiterate, like excessive borrowing/debt and financial scams (get-rich-quick) schemes.

    In conclusion, she  encouraged the students to acquire additional financial literacy knowledge through reading books, subscribing to financial content, and listening to related podcasts, among others.

    The Coordinator of the Reunion Planning Committee, Chidi Obi-Anoliefo,  commended the School management for providing the opportunity for this interaction with the students and urged the students to put into practice, all they were taught during the Seminar. She further stated that the Class of 1994 has plans to track the impact of the seminar on the students in the future.

    In her remark, the Principal of the College, Dr Mrs. Ifeoma Ezeodurukwe thanked the organizers for putting together the event. She prayed to God to continue to bless and protect all the members of Class of 1994 in their various lifes’ endeavors.

    The Principal was represented at the event by Mrs Asuzu Maureen, a Director in the College.

    Representatives of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Zenith Bank plc graced the event and lent their voices to the cause. Their respective speeches underscored the importance of financial literacy for the girl-child, with advice on the need for the students to adopt personal financial management early in life.

    The students who were selected to represent the entire school thanked the Class of 1994 and their school administration for the opportunity to participate in the event. They promised to immediately put to practice what they were taught and to extend key learning points to their peers.

  • Ifeanyi Ubah’s replacement: Nnewi South demand APGA consensus ticket for Akai Egwuonwu

    Ifeanyi Ubah’s replacement: Nnewi South demand APGA consensus ticket for Akai Egwuonwu

    By Ovat Abeng

    Stakeholders of the All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA, in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has demand that the party adopt Chief Akai Egwuonwu, as the party’s consensus candidate for the forthcoming Anambra South Senatorial District bye election.

    The Paradise News learn that the bye- election is to filled the vacuum of the late Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, who passed away on July 27th, 2024 at the London hospital, aged 52.

    Speaking further, during the official declaration of Chief Egwuonwu, at his country home, Amechi in Nnewi South Local Government Area of the State, the stakeholders urged the party leadership to consider the consensus on the basis of justice, equity and fairness.

    They argued that Nnewi South local government out of the seven; Ihiala, Ekwusigo, Aguata, Orumba North, Orumba South and Nnewi North that constitute the Senatorial District have no Federal representative, therefore, it’s fair and judged for the party to allow Chief Egwuonwu, as the only qualified aspirant from the council area to fly the party ticket to replaced late Senator Ubah at the National Assembly (Senate), Abuja.

    Read Also: Onoh accuses Gowon of distorting Ojukwu’s legacy, giving false narratives

    According to the former State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Maja Emeka Umeh, who moved the motion for the adoption, we are passionately appealing to the leadership of the party to adopt Chief Egwuonwu as APGA consensus candidate for the bye- election scheduled for January, 2025.

    As it stands today, Nnewi South with 20 political wards have no single Federal representative, APGA should put that into consideration.

    “The people of Anambra South Senatorial District needs Egwuonwu to steer its affair, especially at this critical period the district is face with some societal challenges.

    He said, “We are calling on our working governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, National Working Committee of APGA under the distinguished leadership of Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa and the Anambra Working Committee to adopt our son, Chief Akai Egwuonwu, as the consensus candidate for the betterment of the district and the state at large..

    “We are calling for his adoption because we have seen what he had done as a patron of the party. We need him most. We need him at this crucial time because Anambra South needs to be more united politically to enable us actualized Soludo’s reelection bid come 2025. I believe he will be the only person that will unite this zone and take us to the promised land where we ought to be and where we should be in Nigeria.

    “We decided to adopt him as our consensus candidate after considering many factors such as capacity, competence and love for the people of Nnewi South Local Government Area.

    Umeh noted further that Chief Akai Egwuonwu remained the most capable and competent aspirant among other co-contesters for the senatorial seat because of his track record as well as his all-inclusive empowerment initiatives in the area and the state as a whole.

    Also in their separate endorsement speeches, APGA leaders from Orumba North/South, Mr Ademola, Nnewi North, Mr Emma Adiba and Ekwusigo, Mr Ifeanyi Nwosu, promised to  work and canvass support for him, door-to-door to ensure that the consensus dream come true.

    They added that their endorsement was in good faith for the interest of the people of Anambra South Senatorial District and for the seek of equity and fairness.

    Chief Egwuonwu, on his declaratory address, assure the people that if given the opportunity, his representation will be in line with governor Soludo’s vision of making Anambra a peaceful, secure, livable and prosperous state in Nigeria.

    He expressed satisfaction over the lage turn-out of party supporters during the declaration.

    The event which featured dance and masquerade display also have the presence of the Nnewi South Council Chairman, Hon Van George Chinedu Ezeogidi, the former state house of Assembly member, Hon Kingsley Irumba, APGA Chairman, Nnewi South, Hon Ozuchukwu Azubuike, among others.

  • We are committed to raising Anambra’s digital tribe – Gov Soludo

    We are committed to raising Anambra’s digital tribe – Gov Soludo

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has expressed his administration’s commitment to raising Anambra’s digital tribe.

    Soludo stated this at the grand finale of the Anambra Innovation Week, 2024, held at the International Convention Centre, Awka, on Friday.

    The Governor stated that technology and innovation define Anambra’s future, saying that technology is key to his administration’s agenda.

    “The importance of the event has been underscored. The full week-long event, signposts the importance we attach to this journey.”

    Read Also: Population Commission clarifies census date

    The Governor pointed out that Anambra is on a long journey, saying that the vision is to transform Anambra from a departure lounge to a destination point.

    “We are building the African Dubai Taiwan. Think of our own Silicon valley.

    “We are building a human capital that is productive at home and exportable abroad.

    “I thank all of you who have competed from the 24 states in Nigeria. This will grow from strength to strength. “

    The Governor added that Anambra remains as Nigeria’s major commercial, logistics hub, as well as entertainment hub, emphasizing that his administration is deliberate about the drive to deepen technology and innovation across the state.

    “Technology and innovation define Anambra’s future. Technology is key”; the Governor added.

    The Keynote Speaker and Co-Founder of AI in Nigeria, Ehia Ehabo who spoke on Driving Investment in Africa, through investment in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, revealed that for every challenge in Africa, there are multiple opportunities, adding that the continent has a vibrant youth population to actualize it.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation whose Agency organised the Innovation week, Ms. Chinwe Okoli applauded the Governor for believing and driving the process.

    “This is the first of its kind in Anambra state; holding a week-long event on innovation and technology.

    “Soludo believes in technology. His administration has the mantra of “everything technology, technology everywhere,” and he is deliberately building the ecosystem. “

    Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, tech gurus from AI, Meta, UNDP, among others, attended the event.

    Hundreds of youths, comprising mainly of inventors, were awarded with one hundred million naira cash in the “battle for solution competition.”

  • Gunmen kidnap three Innoson Motors staff in Nnewi

    Gunmen kidnap three Innoson Motors staff in Nnewi

    By Ovat Abeng

    Unidentified gunmen on Tuesday evening kidnapped staff of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) Limited in Nnewi, near their factory, in Anambra State.

    A source said the staff of the indigenous vehicle manufacturing company involved included the company secretary, financial manager and one security officer.

    The source said the gunmen arrived the factory just a few minutes after the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr Innocent Chukwuma left his factory.

    This was confirmed by police authorities in Anambra who said they have begun tracking the gunmen in a view to release the kidnapped staff.

    Read Also: Yuletide: Soludo assures crime-free environment for residents, visitors in Anambra

    A press release by the state police command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga however did not reveal the identity of those kidnapped.

    The release read: “Anambra Joint Security Forces are on the offensive for possible rescue unhurt of three abducted victims and arrest of the Abductors on 26/11/2024 by 6:45 pm at Innoson motorcycle showroom along Owerri Road, Nnewi.

    “The Police Command is determined and is already working with information obtained from the scene for the ongoing rescue operations.

    “The command also urges residents or anyone with useful information that will aid the investigation to come forward to the Command headquarters, Awka, or the nearest police station.