Tag: Anambra State

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

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

    By Ovat Abeng

    Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra has assured residents and visitors to Anambra of adequate security, before during and after Christmas/New Year celebrations in the state.

    Soludo, gave the assurance through his Senior Special Adviser on Security and Homeland Affairs, Hon Chike Samuel Ezenduka, on Wednesday at Onitsha the commercial city of the State while speaking to Journalists shortly after he (Ezenduka), received the Smart Security/AVG Gallant Personel award for the year, 2024 from Pechilly Investigative Limited, Nigeria.

    Ezenduka said the state government has put in place security architecture to ensure free-crime environment for residents and visitors to celebrate this year yuletide.

    According to him, all the areas that would have served as threat to residents, particularly, our Christmas/New year visitors has been place on alert for anyone who may attempt to disrupt the joyful season.

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    “Measures had been put in place to ensure adequate security. Dismantling of criminal hideouts are currently ongoing across the 21 local government areas of the State by the government’s joint security taskforce, comprises of Police, Army, Civil Defence, Immigration and the state own-vigilante group.

    “As I speak to you, some of the measures are already in place to make Anambra a hot zone for criminal elements include checkpoints, patrol and response teams to cover various routes in the state.

    “We shall use a combined team of Anambra Vigilance operatives and security forces from conventional security agencies to tackle the enemies of the state.

    Ezenduka who is also the Administrative Head of Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG), while commending Pechilly Investigative Limited for finding him worthy of the honour, urged the people to promptly alert the security for immediate action whenever they noticed unfamiliar faces around their areas. With this he added will enhanced the security arrangement.

    The award was presented to Hon Ezenduka by the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Amb Karen James.

  • Anambra Commissioner for Petroleum congratulates Ezeokenwa on his Court victory as APGA National Chairman

    Anambra Commissioner for Petroleum congratulates Ezeokenwa on his Court victory as APGA National Chairman

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State Commissioner for petroleum, Hon Anthony Ifeanya, has extended his warmest congratulation to Governor Soludo, Barr. Ezeokenwa Sly and all APGA faithfuls on the resounding victory in the Supreme court, affirming his position as the authentic National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    Hon. Ifeanya described the victory as a clear testament to the triumph of truth, justice, and the enduring democratic values upheld by APGA. He noted that the outcome is a reflection of Barr. Ezeokenwa’s steadfast commitment to leadership, integrity, and the progressive ideals that continue to define APGA as a party.

    Speaking further, Hon. Anthony emphasized the significance of this judgment as a pivotal moment for unity within the party, while commending the party National Leader and the Executive Governor of Anambra State Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR, for his undying effort, dedication and commitment towards ensuring APGA as a progressive party remain strong and formidable. He urged all party faithful to rally behind Barr. Ezeokenwa’s leadership to strengthen the party and sustain its vision for inclusive governance and the welfare of all Nigerians.

  • Police arrest four suspected kidnapers in Anambra

    Police arrest four suspected kidnapers in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Police Operatives attached to Oba Police Divisional Headquarters in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State have arrested one notorious Kidnapper and three other accomplices after a ransom
    of two hundred thousand Naira was paid for the release of the victims in captivity.

    The State Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement in Awka on Wednesday, said the arrest took place at about 11:54 am on Wednesday, November 27th, 2024.

    Ikenga said the operatives also rescued two female victims between the ages of 15 – 19 years in the council area.

    According to him, preliminary investigation reveals that the suspect, one Ifechukwu Ibesimako (m) aged 19 years of Aboji Village Oba and other three accomplices lured their victims through social media chats, by proposing friendship to them and holding them hostage until their relatives pay a certain amount to their gang before they are released.

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    Also, the arrest of the suspect and his accomplice brought more revelations of their criminal activities in the area and a report of another female victim who had already paid ransom and was released months ago.

    To this end, the State Commissioner of Police CP Nnaghe Obono Itam while admonishing the teeming youths to be careful of the people they meet on social media, directed the immediate transfer of the suspect to the Anti-Kidnapping/robbery Squad of the Command for comprehensive investigations.

  • Police Arrest Two Sit-at-Home Enforcers In Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State Police on Tuesday said they broke up a notorious criminal gang of three in Nkwelle-Ezunaka, 3-3 area, in the Oyi local government area of the state. According to the spokesman for the command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, the Police-led Anti-Sit-Home Joint Patrol, along with Anambra Vigilante Operatives, raided the gang’s hideout on Monday around 10 am.

    He said they arrested two armed suspects and declared the third person, popularly known as Akada, wanted for armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms, and the enforcement of the illegal Sit-at-Home order.

    Ikenga revealed that the operatives recovered an English-made pistol and other incriminating items from the suspects. According to him, the arrested individuals were identified as Chinedu Amah and Prince Nwogu, both males and residents of Nkwelle-Ezunaka.

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    He explained that the suspects were apprehended following a hot pursuit after a victim raised an alarm. He said the victim had been held at gunpoint and robbed of his iPhone and other personal belongings.

    Ikenga confirmed that the suspects had confessed to the crime and named Akada, who is currently at large, as their gang leader.

    He also stated that efforts are underway to track down the remaining members of the gang.

  • Stakeholders brainstorm on digital economy, e-governance bill in Anambra

    Stakeholders brainstorm on digital economy, e-governance bill in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Stakeholders from various sector of the economy on Tuesday converged at the International Conversation Center Awka, Anambra State to brainstormed/advocate digital economy and e-governance to ensure accountability and transparency in governance.

    The stakeholders argued that the digital bill, is a bid to migrate the country from paper to paperless economy, making Nigeria as one of the digital nation in the World.

    They also discussed bridging fragmented data infrastructure, expanding digital inclusion in rural areas, and strengthening cyber security.

    In his opening address, the Managing Director/CEO of the Anambra State ICT AgencyChukwuemeka Fred Agbata, said Anambra have reaffirmed its position as a leader in digital innovation by hosting the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill Stakeholders Engagement in the state.

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    According to him, Anambra is a land of opportunities where innovation thrives naturally. These are our budding days, but like Lagos when its tech ecosystem began, our story will soon evolve into a remarkable success.”

    “Though small in land space, Anambra’s future lies in technology and innovation. Tech holds the key to our growth in the 21st century.”

    “As Anambra State continues to champion innovation and technology adoption, it sets a standard for digital transformation across Nigeria.

    Agbata praised the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy for selecting Anambra for the crucial engagement, which he noted, aligned the discussion with Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s vision for the state:

    Barrister Bankole Oke of Duale, Ovia, and Alex-Adedipe Law Firm, on his speech, provided an expert overview of the Bill, which includes groundbreaking provisions like the legal recognition of digital communications and electronic signatures. These advancements promise to enhance governance and streamline transactions nationwide.

    He stressed that the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill introduces groundbreaking provisions, such as the legal recognition of digital communications and electronic signatures, which promise to streamline governance and everyday transactions.

    It gathered that the session concluded with remarks from Hon. Ebuka Igwe, member representing Idemili South in the state House of Assembly, and Ms. Chinwe Okoli, the Governor’s Special Assistant on Innovation and Business Incubation, who commended the collective resolve to advance Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.

  • Normalcy has returned to Unizik, Ikechebelu lauds Tinubu’s intervention

    Normalcy has returned to Unizik, Ikechebelu lauds Tinubu’s intervention

    By Ovat Abeng

    The reinstated acting Vice Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik), Prof Joseph Ikechukwubelu, has informed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the public that normalcy has returned to the Institution.

    Ikechukwubelu stated this while briefing Journalists at the University’s Exco Chamber on Monday.

    He said the intervention of Mr President have put to rest, the VC’ship crisis rocking the University.

    According to the acting VC, today, the November 25th, 2025, gentlemen of the press, I am glad to grant this press conference, the first after my reinstatement and resumption of office as the acting Vice-Chancellor of this University, named after Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, GCFR, the doyen of Nigeria’s independence struggle; Zik of Africa, who led the vanguard for the emancipation of the black man; who was an implacable pan-Africanist.

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    “We pride ourselves as the University of All Times; at all times and in all circumstances, we strive to stay ahead of others in academic advancements and in the use of same to impact positively on society.

    “It is against the foregoing that the untoward actions taken by the now dissolved Governing Council of the University in the process of the appointing a Vice-Chancellor and a Registrar for the University must be seen as shocking and most regrettable; a brazen disregard of the University Act and known processes for such appointments in the Nigerian University system.

    “Had this disingenuous action succeeded, it would have set a dangerous precedent in the Nigerian University system and this University would have been bastardised by further acts of impunity.

    “We thank the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. His Excellency’s intervention has shown that he has a listening ear, is a sticker for due diligence and is committed to his Renewed Hope Agenda, which has indeed renewed our hope in Nnamdi Azikiwe University that there will be respect of the University Act and due process.

    “We salute the Minister of Education Dr. Olatunji Alausa. Before his redeployment to the Ministry of Education, the imbroglio in Nnamdi Azikiwe University regarding the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar had been festering, for sometime, apparently unattended to. On assumption of office, he took prompt positive action to address the challenge.

    “We must not forget the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, who was also instrumental in resolving the impasse.

    The Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) Mr. Chris Jibreel Maiyaki, the Body that directly supervises Nigerian Universities also played his expected role. Nnamdi Azikiwe University cannot thank them well enough for rescuing us from this debacle.

    “We appreciate the efforts of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University Chapter and its National Executive Committee, as well as the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) for the dogged fight that succeeded in arresting this ugly episode.

    “My immediate task as acting Vice-Chancellor is to douse the tension arising from this opprobrious malfeasance and return the University to normalcy, with a mind frame that the entire saga, has ended with no victor, no vanquished. I therefore solicit the cooperation of all concerned to enthrone in the University an ambient environment that would conduce to a hitch-free, rancour-free appointment of a Vice-Chancellor and a Registrar by the incoming Governing Council.

    “While I act as Vice-Chancellor, I shall continue with the vision which I had adopted during my earlier stint as Acting Vice-Chancellor, to: Beautify UNIZIK; Light up UNIZIK; Excellent UNIZIK; Digitalize UNIZIK; and Secure UNIZIK otherwise known as BLESSED.

    The VC used the briefing to informed the management of the University that some of the court cases has been taken care of, by the President intervention.

    It was gathered that for the past five months, the University have engulfed in a harsh leadership crisis over who becomes the new Vice Chancellor of the Institution.

  • Emeka Offor Foundation Donates 10 Houses To Widows In Anambra

    Emeka Offor Foundation Donates 10 Houses To Widows In Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Touch-a-life Housing Initiative of the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, has donated ten houses to ten widows in Oraifite community, in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    The official commissioning/handing over ceremony took place at the Radio House Oraifite, on Sunday.

    Speaking briefly after the handing over, the state governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, applauded the founder of the Foundation, Sir Emeka Offor for his kind-hearted towards the welfare of the poor and the vulnerable people, particularly, the widows in the state and beyond.

    He said the gesture was in line with the motto of the All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA, “Onye gara nwaniya (be your brother’s keeper).

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    The governor appeal to other well-to-do individuals to emulate Sir Emeka Offor kind gesture to make the society more better place for all.

    On her address, the Vice President of the foundation and the wife of the founder, Barr. Mrs Adaora Emeka Ofor, said the Touch-A-Life Housing initiative was birthed four years ago, to assist widows who dignity, respect and safety is being shattered as a result of their husbands death.

    She noted that the ten houses is the third phase project of the foundation.

    While appealing to the government to enact law and make policies that would ensure widows are treated as respectable persons with a right to their husband properties, Mrs Offor, used the occasion to condole with the families of late Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah and Hon Onyeka Onwenu, pray God to accept their souls in peace.

    Speaking also at the event, the Chief of Staff to Sir Emeka Offor, AIG Chris Okey Ezike rtd, said the ten houses were successfully completed and fully furnished to the 10 deserving widows.

    According to him, “This noble initiative by Sir Offor exemplifies his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the less fortunate in his community. Not only has he provided these widows with comfortable and secure housing, but he has also managed to uplift their spirits by giving them a fresh start in life.

    The houses is a true manifestation of Sir. Offor’s dedication and generosity. Each home has been meticulously furnished, ensuring that the widows have all the necessary amenities to live comfortably.

    “This is a demonstration of his long-term commitment to uplifting the lives of those in need.

    In light of his remarkable achievements, Sir Emeka Offor’s commendable actions deserve widespread recognition and support. His continued dedication to empowering widows in Anambra State and beyond is a shining example of how individuals can make a significant difference in the lives of others, the AIG stated.

    The beneficiaries, in their separate appreciations, pray God to continued to bless and protect the benefactor, his wife and the entire management of the Foundation.

    The event also witnessed the presence of the wife of the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs Karimatu Mohammed Ali Pate, Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Somtochukwu Udeze, Majority leader of the State Assembly, Hon Ikenna Ofodile, the Executive Chairman of Inland Containers Nigeria Ltd. (ICNL), Mr Tope Borishade, among other dignitaries.

  • Bolt launches operations in Anambra

    Bolt launches operations in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Bolt, the popular ride-hailing platform formerly known as Taxify, has extended its operations to Anambra State.

    The operational certificate was officially handed over to the company by the Anambra Government through the Ministry of Transport at the State Secretary Awka, on Friday.

    Speaking shortly after the handing over certificate ceremony, the State Commissioner for Transport, Barr. Mrs Patricia Ifeoma Igwebuike, said the Bolt Services is needed in Anambra State to help curbed high cost of transportation and insecurity.

    According to her, “it is something the state government has been looking forward to. It a welcome development. Today, the 22nd November 2024, the Anambra Government through the Ministry of Transport is officially recognizing you with this certificate to operate in the state. We wish you a huge success and more collaboration in the future.”

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    Receiving the certificate on behalf of the Bolt Nigeria, Ewoma Jerry-Ogeme, the company’s Public Policy Specialist, said the expansion is part of the company’s contributions to bring convenient and reliable transportation services closer to its customers, specially, during festive season.

    Jerry-Ogeme assured the Anambra government of quality services to residents of the State.

    In their separate remarks, the representatives of the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), the Nigerian Police Force NPF, Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA), Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), urged the management of the company to always caution her operators on road traffic roles in the state.

    They also promised to support the company fully.

    The Paradise News gathered that Anambra now listen third State to launched the services in the South East region after Enugu and Imo States.

  • Anambra students still study under inclement environment, Paul Chukwuma tells Soludo

    Anambra students still study under inclement environment, Paul Chukwuma tells Soludo

    By Ovat Abeng

    A Chieftan and aspirant of the All Progressive Congress APC, in the November 8th 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, Sir Paul Chukwuma has raised concerned over what he described as inclement environment in Anambra schools.

    He said the situation, particularly, in public primary and secondary schools at the rural areas has reached a dilapidated stage where students no longer stay comfortably to study, urging the state governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo to urgently intervene in order to safe the public schools from total collapsed.

    Chukwuma raised the alarm at his country home Umueri in Anambra East Local Government Area on Saturday, while briefing Journalists in preparation ahead of the next year gubernatorial election in the state.

    He said qualitative education, food security, conducive environment for local and foreign investors, job creation, aggressive fight against insecurity, health and connecting the State to the center (Abuja) through the APC platform will be his major areas of concentration, if given the opportunity to governed Anambra.

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    According to him, I will run all-inclusive government where every Anambra citizen will be a beneficiary from the dividend of democracy. I want to be a governor the media will be proud of, I want to be a governor that will be available at all time, I want to be a governor that will listen to the people, and I want to be a governor that will provide a qualitative education for all residents of the State irrespective of tribe, ethic and region affiliations.

    “My government will not be a one-man jacket, therefore, I appeal to you media to come out in full and support my ambition to enable me address the above mentioned challenges in the state,” Sir Chukwuma concluded.

  • Ifeanyi Ubah laid to rest amid tears in Anambra

    Ifeanyi Ubah laid to rest amid tears in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Late Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, has been laid to rest at his country home in Umuanukam, Otolo Nnewi, Anambra State amidst tears and tributes from dignitaries, friends, and family members.

    It was gathered that the late Senator age 52, before his demise at the London hospital, July 27th, 2024 after a brief illness was representing Anambra South Senatorial District at the National Assembly Abuja.

    Speaking at the funeral service which took place at St. Peter Clever Parish, Umuanukam, Otolo Nnewi, the Bishop of Ekwulobia, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke, described the demise of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah as a lesson to those alive, emphasizing the importance of living an exemplary life to be remembered after one’s passing.

    The cardinal recalled the philanthropic life of Ubah, noting that he had always strived to touch people’s lives in meaningful ways.

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    Okpaleke praised Ubah’s commitment to service and his exemplary life, which he said should serve as a model for others to emulate.

    “His demise is a lesson to us all,” Cardinal Okpaleke said, adding “We must strive to live a life that will be remembered for good. We must touch lives, we must make a difference, and we must leave a lasting legacy.”

    The State Governor,  Chukwuma Charles Soludo also paid tribute to the late senator, sharing his last moments with Ubah and expressing shock and sadness at his sudden passing.

    “I still remember when we met sometime in May, and I asked him if he was nursing an ambition for something.

    “He told me that he also wanted to be part of it, and he said that the only way out is for Sir Emeka Offor to convene a meeting at our instance.”

    Soludo expressed regret that Ubah’s death was not part of their discussion, and he asked rhetorically, “Is this what we discussed?”

    Former Senator Uche Ekwunife eulogized Ubah, describing him as a rare gem committed to youth development.

    Ekwunife praised Ubah’s leadership, kindness, and compassion, noting that his impact and legacy would be remembered for generations to come.

    “You were an avatar, sports enthusiast, a rare gem committed to youth development, whose kind comes only once in a lifetime,” Ekwunife said, adding “In you, we saw the true essence of leadership and the true definition of kindness; not just in titles and positions, but in words and deeds.”

    “Ubah’s passing has left a void in the nation’s political landscape, but his legacy of service, compassion, and excellence will continue to inspire generations to come, said his townsman, Joe Ezeike.

    The funeral was also attended by Mr Peter Obi, Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), Senator Tony Nwoye (Anambra North), Sir Paul Chukwuma and many other dignitaries.