Tag: Anambra State

  • APGA condemns reps Ikwechegh misconduct, assault on Abuja cab driver

    APGA condemns reps Ikwechegh misconduct, assault on Abuja cab driver

    By Ovat Abeng

    National leadership of the All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA, has strongly condemned the misconduct and assault meted to an Abuja-based cab driver by his member and the lawmaker representing Aba North/South Federal Constituency, Hon Alex Ikwechegh.

    The condemnation message was contained in a statement signed and made available to Journalists in Awka on Tuesday by the Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara.

    According to Opara, “The attention of our great party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has been drawn to a viral video of alleged assault meted out to a citizen by the Honourable member representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency,  Hon Alex Ikwechegh. As a political party founded on respect for Human Rights, we roundly condemn the action of our said member and Federal Parliamentarian, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, on the platform of our great Party.

    “As a party, we are founded on the basic principles of upholding the dignity of all humans irrespective of class, creed and/or ethnicity.  The recent video allegedly showing Hon. Ikwechegh assaulting a cab driver is totally unacceptable and runs counter to what our Party – APGA – represents.

    Read Also: Akpu community calls for immortalization of ex-INEC boss, Nwosu

    “In line with APGA’s constitution, the Leadership of the Party shall set up a disciplinary committee to investigate the act, and if found wanting, appropriate sanctions shall be meted on him in line with the Constitution of APGA. All members of APGA and indeed all elected officials on the platform of our great party are expected to exhibit the highest standards of decorum, civility and integrity in all public and private engagements and our party shall not tolerate any verifiable conduct that is not in tandem with the ideals of our founding fathers. In APGA we are our Brother’s and Sister’s keeper and it cannot be any other way,” the statement concluded.

  • Akpu community calls for immortalization of ex-INEC boss, Nwosu

    Akpu community calls for immortalization of ex-INEC boss, Nwosu

    By Ovat Abeng

    A leader from Akpu community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Engr. Innocent Ike-Ibe, has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to immortalize the late former Chairman of the National Election Commission (now the Independent National Electoral Commission), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, as a result of his contributions to the electoral development of the country.

    Ike-Ibe made the called in an interview with Journalists in Awka on Monday.

    The Paradise News had earlier reported that Prof Nwosu died at the age of 83 in Virginia, USA, after a brief illness.

    Nwosu, who conducted the June 12, 1993 election annulled by former President Ibrahim Babangida, served as Chairman of NEC from 1989 to 1993.

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    He hailed from Ajali community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    Speaking further on the development, Chief Ike-Ibe, said concerned stakeholders from Orumba North and South Council Areas of the State, where late Nwosu hailed from have started agitating for that before the unfortunate incident happened.

    According to him, before the former INEC boss join his ancestors, we have already started agitating for his immortalization.

    “We will write officially to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to informed him respectively about the development.

    It will be unfair and marginalized politically, if the Nigeria Government failed to honour him, for the transparent role he played over the June 12, 1993 election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest that lead to the victory of Chief Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) against Alhaji Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC).

    “We expect his friend, General Ibrahim Babangida, if though, the outcome of the June 12 election separated them as at that time, he should also advocate for Prof Nwosu immortalization, Ike-Ibe noted.

    Also speaking, the President General of Akpu Progressive Union, High Chief Emmanuel Nwankwo, argued that it would be nice that a man of such stature and status should be immortalised for life by naming an institution or national event centre after him anywhere in Nigeria.

    While appealing to the Government to immortalized Prof Nwosu without any further agitations, the President General described him as a man of integrity, nationalist and an upright man whose legacies all should build on for a progressive and prosperous nation.

  • Anambra Reps Member, Orogbu Presents 1-Year Stewardship To Constituents

    Anambra Reps Member, Orogbu Presents 1-Year Stewardship To Constituents

    By Ovat Abeng

    The lawmaker representing Awka North/ South Federal Constituency, Prof. Lilian Orogbu, has presented her one-year stewardship to her constituents.

    She made the presentation on Saturday at Emmaus House, Awka, in Awka South Local Government Area, during an event organized by the United Nations Women/National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) step-down program in the state.

    The event attracted men and women from all walks of life, including clergy, traditional rulers, youths, women’s organizations, and stakeholders from the 34 wards in Awka.

    Articulating her achievements within the year, the Lawmaker disclosed that some of her accomplishments include the reconstruction of classroom blocks at Ezioka Community Secondary School, Agulu Awka Primary School, and Community Primary School Ikwodiaku.

    Read Also: OAU lauds Soludo on new minimum wage, free education policy in Anambra

    Other achievements include the construction of a proposed mini stadium in Achalla, Awka North Local Government Council; the provision of solar power at two health centers in Ezinato and Urum; the provision of grants for small business owners; the empowerment of 200 widows with grinding and sewing machines; and the distribution of fertilizers, among other projects in the constituency.

    Orogbu also disclosed that she secured employment for some constituents and sponsored a legislative bill for the establishment of a College of Entrepreneurship Studies in Awka, noting that legislative work extends beyond mere yes or no votes in the chamber.

    She attributed her success to the support of her constituents, her late husband’s family, and her dedication to serving the people. She described the 10th National Assembly as “gender-friendly” and expressed her commitment to evolving policies and programs that would benefit her constituents.

    In her assessment of the current state government under Prof. Charles Soludo, Orogbu expressed concerns about insecurity in the state, calling for more focused efforts while commending him for the road networks.

    In his goodwill message, United Nations representative Mr. Patrick Nnadozie Udefuna emphasized the importance of enhancing women’s political representation in Nigeria, citing their proven abilities as leaders and agents of change.

    In her remarks, Barr. Oge Ekweozor, representing the Awka Development Union Women’s Wing, commended Hon. Orogbu for bringing the conference to women at this critical time. She stated that women’s participation in politics can be increased through viable committees and by voting them into elective office during elections.

  • OAU lauds Soludo on new minimum wage, free education policy in Anambra

    OAU lauds Soludo on new minimum wage, free education policy in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    A group, Old Aguata Union (OAU), Awka branch, Anambra State, says Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s approval of 70,000 new minimum wage for civil servants and the extension of his free education policy to senior secondary students in all public schools in the state is a practical demonstration of his efforts towards improving the living standard of the people as well as standard of education system in the state.

    Chairman of OAU Awka branch , Comrade Chukwuemeka Richard Onwuegbuna gave the commendation in his address to marked this year 2024 OAU day celebration, held at Orpet Arena, Eze-Uzu junction Awka on Sunday.

    According to Onwuegbuna, “We applaud the governor who within his first year in office recruited and have continued to recruit teachers in both primary and secondary schools in the state to cultivate our children.

    “He has also declared free child birth and free education in our Primary Healthcare Centers PHCs and public primary and secondary schools respectively, to alleviate the problem of parents in this hard times in Nigeria.

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    “We will also be extremely proud and make mouth the more if we hear that Anambra is the first state that actually implemented the new minimum wage as it should be for civil servants of the state.

    “We therefore, call on all Anambrarians to partner with the State Government to extend the existing basic scholarship to all privately owned schools in the state, and promulgate policy that will stop the use of English in teaching our children until they are in basic 4. This he noted will help to save our dying igbo language.

    On the OAU matters, Onwuegbuna said as a notable association with branches globally, we appreciate the efforts of our brother, governor Soludo, (ODENIGBO Aguata na Orumba) for his doggedness to keep security and impact on human and infrastructural development since his assumption of office especially the edifice of new government house Awka.

    The Union is a brotherhood umbrella association for the indigenes of the 45 towns in the present day Aguata, Orumba-South, and Orumba-North Local Government Areas of the State. This Union, which the National Body was founded in 1994 was formed to bind us together for the personal and collective benefits of our citizens, the Chairman concluded.

    The event also feature inauguration of Grand-Patron, Patrons and award presentation to some deserving members for their various contributions to the development of the Union. The awardees include; Chief Sir Joseph Chimezie Nwakpadolu, Chief Sir Godwin Okechukwu Uchime, Barr. J.C Nwikpo, Engr Dr. Martins Agbili, Prof Promise Okpala, Sir Fidelis Umeh, Chief Chika Nwosu, Dr Maduka Nwankwo High Chief Sunday Nnebe, Egwu John Maduabueke, and Engr Chief Innocent Ike-Ibe, who also serve as the chairman of the occasion, among others.

  • 2024 Rotary Family Health Day: Awka axis under Anambra Zone, District 9142 offers free medical services to residents

    2024 Rotary Family Health Day: Awka axis under Anambra Zone, District 9142 offers free medical services to residents

    By Ovat Abeng

    As part of activities to mark this year 2024 Rotary Family Health Days in Nigeria, the Rotary and Rotaract Clubs in Awka Axis under Anambra Zone of Rotary International District 9142, has offered free medical services to residents of the metropoli.

    The exercise took place at Umuogbunu village town hall Awka on Saturday.

    Speaking to Journalists on behalf of the Irresistible Rotary Presidents shortly after the exercise, the President, Rotary Club of Awka Central, Rotarian Agubata Ekene, said the outreach was organised by Rotary International District 9124 but in collaboration with clubs in Anambra Zone where 3 sites; Nnewi, Onitsha and Awka are currently executing same exercise.

    That seven Rotary and  Rotaract Clubs within the Awka axis, comprising; Rotary Club of Awka Central, Rotary Club of Awka Urban, Rotary Club of Awka GRA, Rotary Club of Igbariam Gateway, Rotary Club of Amawbia Sport Club, the Rotary Club of Awka Metropoli and also Rotaract E- club of East Land.

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    Ekene said that the outreach was in response to one area of focuses of Rotary International, which focused on providing high-quality health care to vulnerable people in the society, particularly, women and children.

    He also added that the clubs decided to provide the medical intervention to the less- privileged and vulnerable groups that could not afford regular healthcare checks.

    According to the President, the essence of the programme is to expand access to quality care so that mothers, children and the old can have the same opportunities for healthy future.

    Also, the Rotary club provides education, immunizations, birth kits, and mobile health clinics for the needing.

    He noted that the free outreach is currently ongoing across the three Senatorial Districts of the State.

    Also speaking, Assistant Governor Rotary International District 9142 *Rtn Engr Obiudu Chid M. Phf* who is also the Anchor of this year’s program for Awka Axis appreciates the good work of Rotary and the District 9142 Governor Rtn Prof A.U Nonyelu who he represents, for his passion in Service to humanity and appointment to serve with him in this Rotary year. He said that this is one of the Rotary Area of Focus and this outreach is the fulfillment, as it concerns (HEALTH) malaria, eye test, HIV test, Hypertension, Diabetes, Deworming of children, Breast cancer, Dental care, Prostate cancer, Vitamin A administration, Hepatitis B and C as well as distribution of sanitary pads for girls and Insecticide treated mosquito nets to the beneficiaries.

    “We decided to come here because this is an indigent community and what Rotary preaches is to go to indigent communities to bridge the gap.

    He added that the items received by the beneficiaries were mosquito nets and free drugs.

    He also noted that no fewer than 600 Awka residents are expected to benefit from the Rotary gesture.

  • Bianca Ojukwu: Anambra APC accuses Tinubu of anti-party, threatens mass defection

    Bianca Ojukwu: Anambra APC accuses Tinubu of anti-party, threatens mass defection

    By Ovat Abeng

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in Anambra State have rejected Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu’s nomination as a minister-designate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as an “anti-party action.”

    During an emergency meeting of party stakeholders in Awka on Thursday, the APC leaders questioned the rationale behind the president’s decision to appoint her without consulting party members.

    They described the appointment as a gross violation of party loyalty that undermines the morale of their members.

    High Chief Bunty Onuigbo, South East Zonal Secretary of APC and member of the APC Elders Forum in Anambra, spoke on behalf of the stakeholders.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s wife distributes 1,200 bags of rice to Anambra women

    “This is nothing but an act of anti-party, and it is detrimental. By empowering members of other political parties at the expense of the APC in Anambra State, Mr. President is not supporting party loyalty,” Onuigbo stated.

    He questioned the implications of the appointment, asking, “Does Mr. President want a mass defection of APC members in Anambra to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)? Is he indirectly working for APGA in Anambra State?”

    He expressed that the situation is both “unheard of and highly demoralising,” lamenting that the leadership in Abuja seems to be enhancing the fortunes of rival parties at the expense of the APC.

    Onuigbo criticized APGA for monopolizing benefits from programmes or empowerment schemes, which he claimed only served their members while taking credit for initiatives that should include all stakeholders.

    “This is a group that despises the APC and wants nothing to do with us. Mr. President is encouraging them by making such appointments,” he said.

    Onuigbo announced that APC stakeholders have decided to formally present their grievances regarding these appointments to the state Chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike, for submission to the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC).

  • Tinubu’s wife distributes 1,200 bags of rice to Anambra women

    Tinubu’s wife distributes 1,200 bags of rice to Anambra women

    By Ovat Abeng

    First lady of Nigeria, Senator Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, has distributed 1,200 25kg bags of rice to rural women, vulnerable and less privileged individuals in Anambra State.

    Oluremi who was represented by the Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, distributed the bags of rice under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), in Awka.

    She said the initiative was aimed at providing relief to those adversely affected by the current economic hardship in the country.

    “The government recognize the effects of the current and this is part of efforts to cushion the effects.

    Read Also: Former APC chairmanship aspirant, Efenji Nicholas, doles out financial support to Bekwarra students

    “We urge Nigerians to continue to support and pray for the government as it strives to make life better for all,” she said.

    Mrs Soludo, the Founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, while distributing the palliatives also organized free comprehensive medical checks and cancer screening for the women.

    The beneficiaries had checks to verify their HIV status, blood pressure, blood sugar level and Body Mass Index as well as cervical and breast cancer screening.

    She urge women to go for routine medical checks to prevent health complications or deaths.

    “Health is the greatest wealth you can have, do not joke with your health. Take advantage of the free cervical and breast cancers screening organized by Health Living Initiative and know your status.

    “Our Mothers should also secure the health of their children by embracing immunisation and exclusive breastfeeding,” she said.

    Also speaking at the event, the State Commissioner Health, Dr Afam Obidike, appreciated the Governor’s wife for prioritising women’s health through her health awareness and free cancer screening programmes.

    One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Agnes Uche from Oyi Local Government Area of the state expressed gratitude to the initiators of the programme.

    She said the palliative would go a long way to ameliorate the current hardship experienced by her household.

    It was gathered that the distribution that took place at the governor’s lodge Amawbia on Thursday, was to cushion the effects of economic hardship in the country.

  • Soludo, Ohanaeze congratulates Bianca Ojukwu on her nomination as Minister

    Soludo, Ohanaeze congratulates Bianca Ojukwu on her nomination as Minister

     

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has conveyed his warm congratulations to Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu on her recent nomination as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

    In his congratulatory message signed and made available to Journalists in Awka on Thursday by his Press Secretary Christian Aburime, Governor Soludo extolled Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu as a distinguished daughter of Ndigbo and a BOT member of APGA who has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities in public service.

    “Her extensive background in law, diplomacy, and public service positions her uniquely to excel in the new ministerial role. As a former Ambassador to Spain, she has showcased her commitment to representing Nigeria on the global stage with dignity and integrity.

    The Governor equally commended President Tinubu for his pan-Nigerian, inclusive leadership in nominating Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu for a ministerial position.

    Her new appointment being a proof of her excellent individual capabilities and a source of pride for the State, the Governor expressed confidence that her experience and dedication will significantly contribute to the advancement of Nigeria’s foreign relations, fostering stronger ties with other nations.

    Therefore, Governor Soludo wishes Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu every success in her new position and looks forward to seeing her make impactful contributions at the federal level.

    Also the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwude Youth Wing, led by her National Leader, Mazi Chukwuma Opkalaezeukwu, has commend President Tinubu for apointing Amb. Bianca Ojukwu as a Minister.

    The group In a statement signed by her Spokesman, Mazi Chika Art Adiele, described Amb. Bianca as a woman of many firsts. A shining example of excellence, and selflessness.

    While also eulogizing Mrs Ojukwu as a Nigerian diplomat, Lawyer, Businesswoman and most adoringly beauty pageant titleholder, Mazi Adiele urged Mr President, to set up a robust template to kick-starting the National Youth Confab within a short time so as to enable him (the President) concentrate on the enormous task of Nation building. It is our utmost belief that Mr President will heed to our clarion call as the father of the Nation.

  • 2024 World Polio Day: Soludo’s wife calls for sustained Polo vaccination of Children in Anambra

    2024 World Polio Day: Soludo’s wife calls for sustained Polo vaccination of Children in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    As the World marked this year 2024 Polio Day celebration, the Anambra Governor’s wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo has urged nursing mothers to sustained vaccination of their children in state.

    She gave the charge while speaking to Journalists shortly after admitting poliomyelitis vaccine to some babies at Amawbia Primary Healthcare Center, Amawbia -Awka, on Friday, as part of activities to communicate the day.

    According to the governor’s wife, “as it stands today, there is no recorded case of poliomyelitis in Anambra State and it has been like that in the past ten years because Anambra women are very cooperative in given greater attention to their children.

    “The day provides an opportunity to highlight global efforts toward a polio-free world and honor the tireless contributions of those on the frontlines in the fight to eradicate polio from every corner of the World.

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    “Vaccination is the key to complete eradication. Get your children vaccinated and give them the gift of life by preventing polio.

    Mrs Soludo while commending the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the management of Nonye Soludo Healthy living Initiative and other health partners for their continuous advocacy of a healthy living, assure that the current administration of her husband, Chukwuma Charles Soludo will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the virus is completely eradicated in Anambra State.

    Also in his brief speech, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Obidike, assure that the state government will do everything humanly possible to sustained the measures used in curtailing the spread of virus in the state.

    It was gathered that the event organised by the State Ministry of Health in collaboration with WHO also feature road walk accompanied by Rotary International, Awka District.

  • US Election: 8 Reasons Why Americans Should Vote For Trump, Obiano

    US Election: 8 Reasons Why Americans Should Vote For Trump, Obiano

    By Ovat Abeng

    A senior lecturer with the Taraba State University Jalingo, Nigeria, Emmanuel C. Obiano. (PhD), has compelled seven reasons why Americans should vote for Mr. Donald Trump in the forthcoming November 5th, 2024 Presidential election.

    Obiano states his reasons in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists in Awka on Tuesday.

    According to him, “If TRUMP wins, America’s National Interest will receive priority attention, with increasing economic growth and expanded employment for Americans.

    “If TRUMP wins, China’s threat of overtaking, displacing, intimidating and humiliating the Unite States will be halted.

    Read Also: EU approves $38 billion loan for Ukraine, funded by frozen Russian assets

    “As at October 6, 2024, COVID-19 has killed 1.2 million Americans and 7.1 million global citizens, and still counting. These are avoidable deaths. The next planned Pandemic will be more disastrous. If TRUMP wins, this next planned Pandemic will be aborted.

    “Only few honest but tough strategic decisions need to be taken to end the Russia-Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas wars. If TRUMP wins, both wars will cease. He said so.

    “Rising spate of terrorism, globally, is unacceptable. If TRUMP wins, terrorism will de-escalate.

    “The rising spate of trafficking in drugs, humans and human parts is unacceptable. If TRUMP wins, trafficking in drugs, humans, human parts and other related offences will decline.

    “The greatest problems faced by Developing Countries of the South are political manipulation of their leaders and subversion of their economies by the North through alliances, treaties, plans, policies, terms and ‘conditions’ that actually “castrate’ these developing countries. The resulting poor economies and the poverty they foist on citizens instigate migration. If TRUMP wins, our global multilateral institutions (including the ‘Brentton Woods’ and ‘Paris’ Agencies) will be more equitable, the ‘stranglehold’ on developing countries will loosen and these developing countries will breathe fresh air.”

    He gave out his email address -emmaobiano@gmail.com for further information.