Tag: Anambra State

By Ovat Abeng

Member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, has commended Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra state, for the recent constitution of a Commission of Enquiry to address the Ogwuaniocha crisis, in Ogbaru local government area of the State.

He said Over 5,000 residents of  Ogwuaniocha community were displaced from both their homes and farmlands by criminal gangs who have taken over the community and its environs since the communal crisis started some years back, leading to untold hardship and increased criminality in the LGA.

Hon. Ogene who has consistently called on the Anambra state government to make deliberate efforts to end the communal conflict in Ogwuaniocha community which had led to the abduction of the traditional ruler – who is yet to be accounted for since November 15, 2021 – made this commendation in a statement in Awka, the Anambra state capital on Sunday.

The lawmaker said that this move has the potential of reducing the incidents of violent crimes and other criminality in Ogbaru and Anambra state in general. He also called on all concerned to embrace this development and seek sustainable reconciliation for the overall peace and development of Ogwuaniocha and Ogbaruland.

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It was gathered that the panel which was inaugurated on Friday October 4, 2024, is made up of 13 members and has Hon. Justice C. E. K Anigbogu, Rtd as Chairman and Professor Felicia Anyogu as Secretary.

Other members include, Patricia Igwebuike Esq,
Gen. Laz Iloh, Rtd,
Monsignor Theo Odukwe,
Ven. Dr. Chinedu Nnatunya,
Prof. Ikenna Alumona,
Mr. Benjamin Uzoka,
Chief Emma Obi,
HRH Victor Awogu, Prof. Ikem Ivite Nwadigwe,  Comrade Emeka Okoye-Ozo and Prof. Charles Ofoegbu.

According to a document released by the office of the Secretary to the State Government and signed by Justice Anigbogu, the Commission has requested for memoranda from intrested parties, informing the panel what they know about the crisis in the community, to assist the panel in facilitating reconciliation in Ogwuaniocha community.

The document also revealed that oral evidence would be entertained when the panel commences sitting after the collation of memoranda.

Ogene, who is also the leader of the Anambra state Caucus in the House of Representatives, had earlier this year in February and April appealed to the Anambra state government to set up a panel of inquiry to address the violent conflict and bring an end to the years of lawlessness, fear, reprisal killings and criminality in the community.

He had noted that since 2021, there has been no progressive social or economic activities in the community as a result of the intractable crisis.

At one time, Ogene had in a viral video lamented that the Anambra state government, since the last administration of Chief Willie Obiano,  treated the crisis in the oil rich community with unexplainable disdain, in spite of the fact that the community produces the mass of oil revenue that the state is currently enjoying as an oil producing state.

The lawmaker, who is the Chairman of House Committee on Renewable Energy, also, in the video, disclosed that he had earlier in February, written to the state governor, drawing his attention to the lingering crisis which has led to the sacking of the over 5,000 residents of the community from both their homes and farmlands, by criminal gangs who have now taken over Ogwuaniocha and its environs, leading to untold hardship and increased criminality in the local government area.

Ogene’s earlier letter to Soludo, which he accused the governor of ignoring at the time was entitled: “Urgent need for government intervention in the lingering crisis in Ogwuaniocha community in Ogbaru LGA: A request for panel of inquiry.”

The letter read in part: ” I write to draw the attention of Your Excellency and the state government to the lingering violent crisis in Ogwuaniocha, in Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra state, which has unfortunately led to the sacking of the entire community from both their residences and farmlands, as a result of the activities of criminal gangs who have taken over the community.

“Note, Your Excellency, that Ogwuaniocha is an oil bearing community, (contributing over 20,000 barrels of crude oil per day), which earned the state its oil producing status, and thus, deserves to be protected from the devices of agents of destruction, essentially, as the security of lives and property is the primary purpose of government.”

Ogene had also sponsored a motion in the House of Representatives, calling attention of the nation to the devastation in the community and the dire living conditions of the displaced residents and requested for relief materials, which was later granted by government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

By Ovat Abeng

The Anambra State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, has announced the State Government planned to unveiled a fundraising initiative known as “SoluDozie Anambra Initiative” to accelerate development across 179 communities in the state.

Nnake made the announcement on behalf of the state government when she meet with the leadership of the Anambra State Association of Town Union ASATU, at the Association’s Secretariat complex, Government House Awka, on Saturday to intimate them about the benefits of the initiative.

She said the official launching of the project is expected to take place before the end of October, 2024.

According to the Commissioner, a digital Platform – “Solu Dozie Anambra” will be launched to mobilize Ndi Anambra both at home and abroad to crowd-fund the development of the schools and healthcare facilities across the 179 communities that constitute the state.

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“We will create a prototype for an optimal Anambra School and Health Care Center, focusing on infrastructure development and equipping.

“For every community, our approach will involve assessing the existing status of school and healthcare facilities. We will then identify any gaps in infrastructure and equipment and proceed to estimate the associated costs to upgrade it to the prototype.

“The direction and magnitude of the success of development is now determined by the strength and effectiveness of the synergy between the governed and government.

“Development plans are not carried out unilaterally by the government alone, all models involve other stakeholders from the stage of developing, designing, and implementing.

“Anambra State government controls about 2% of the resources of the State. The State can rarely be developed sustainably by the Government alone, Anambra State can only be developed sustainably through public, private, and community efforts.

“Donors, whether here or abroad will select their local government or community of interest at the point of donation.

“We will ensure all donations are channeled and captured through the approved platform for accountability and transparency.

“Donors can act as ambassadors for the initiative, promoting the project within their networks to garner additional support and visibility.

“Solu Dozie Anambra” will be launched to mobilize Ndi Anambra both at home and abroad to crowd-fund the development and equipment of schools and healthcare facilities in their respective communities.

For the benefits, Mrs Nnake, concluded that the sense of accomplishment for a selfless cause.donor’s names will be engraved on a plaque that will be in front of the constricted facility.

In his brief remark, the National President of ASATU, Barrister Titus Akpodu, assure the state government of support via mobilization to ensure a huge success of the initiative.

By Ovat Abeng

The newly elected chairman of Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Hon ThankGod Anagor, has said his administration would continue to empower the youth, nurture their talents, and equip them with the necessary skills to thrive in the evolving world.

He said the government prioritizes youth development, thereby investing in projects that create opportunities for them to explore, experiment, and express themselves freely in the society.

The Chairman stated this while briefing Journalists at his residences in Mgbakwu, in Awka North Council Area, shortly after he and other 20 elected chairmen were sworn-in by the State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo at the state government house Awka on Thursday.

The Paradise News gathered that other elected chairmen sworn-in by the governor include, Chibueze Ofobuike (Aguata), Ifeanyi Chiweze (Anambra East), Fidelis Nnazo (Anambra West), Romanus Ibekwe (Anaocha), Chinedu Okafor (Awka South), and Alphonsus Ofumelu (Ayamelum).

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Others were Chijioke Ozumba (Dunukofia), Chimezie Obi (Ekwusigo), Stanley Nkwoka (Idemili North), Amaka Obi (Idemili South), Anayo Orjiako (Ihiala), Chinedu Ononiba (Njikoka), Echezona Anazodo (Nnewi North) and Chinedu Ezeogidi (Nnewi South).

Also sworn-in were Franklin Nwadialu (Ogbaru), Anthony Nwaora (Onitsha North), Emeka Orji (Onitsha South), Casmir Nwafor (Orumba North), Shedrack Azubuike (Orumba South) and Emma Nweke(Oyi).

The Deputy Chairmen of the local government areas were also sworn-in.

Speaking further, Hon Anagor assure that his administration, as the newly elected chairman of Awka North Local Government Area will focus meanly on youtth/women employment, curtailment of kidnapping and other unrest activities in the council area.

“My government will also be designed to celebrate creativity, innovation, and the boundless potential of youths in Awka North in line with governor Soludo’s vision of making Anambra a livable and prosperous state in Nigeria.

“At the heart of our administration’s vision lies a steadfast commitment to empowering our youths, nurturing their talents, and equipping them with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

“Today, I am highly honoured to inform you that, before I was elected on September 28th, 2024 Anambra LG election under the All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA to deliver dividends of democracy to the good people of Awka North, I have been empowering the youth, women and renovation of schools and health facilities across communities that constitute the council area.”

Hon Anagor while commending the governor and the people of Awka North for finding him worthy to serve, again, promised to run all-inclusive government irrespective of political, tribe, ethic and region affiliations.

By Ovat Abeng

The Anambra State Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has threatened to shutdown services if the state government refuses to reverse the heavy taxation on transporters. RTEAN issued this warning following a joint meeting held on Thursday in Awka, the Anambra state capital.

The State Chairman of RTEAN, who also the Deputy State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ambassador Chinedu Nwabueze, addressed journalists in Awka on Thursday,, stating that they have sent several letters to the government on the matter without any response.

According to Nwabueze, the Anambra State government, through the State Board of Internal Revenue, has been heavily taxing transporters and intimidating drivers.

“The state government has been double taxing us, harassing our members, and intimidating our drivers, which has, on several occasions, led to the death of our members,” he stated.

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He criticized the government’s policies on the sub-transport sector, arguing that they have been implemented without consideration of key stakeholders.

Nwabueze noted that the Anambra State Revenue Service has repeatedly awarded contracts to individuals and companies for the collection of levies and taxes on federal roads in the state, describing these collections as illegal and unconstitutional.

He revealed that an average tricycle driver in the state pays about N96,000 in taxes annually, while those operating in major markets pay less than N30,000 each year.

He argued that the taxation on tricycle drivers, which is meant to alleviate poverty, is excessively high and unacceptable.

“We shall resist the government agents collecting levies and taxes on federal highways from our members,” he said.

He said that the president has given order stopping collections of levies and taxes on some items,like food stuffs and others, but in Anambra State they still collect those illegal fees.
He also appealed to the president and inspector general of police to empower them to enforce the order on federal high ways.

He also appealed to the state government to convene a stakeholders’ roundtable within the next two weeks to discuss the issue, warning that if not addressed, they would be left with no choice but to shut down services or seek legitimate actions.

According to him, the union is not fighting the state government’s policies but rather opposing the detrimental policies that undermine the government’s good intentions.

By Ovat Abeng

Ambassador Karen James, a prominent investigative journalist and world peace advocate, has called on the Nigerian government to establish juvenile prisons across all states to better protect and rehabilitate young offenders.

Speaking at a recent event focused on youth empowerment and justice reform, Ambassador James highlighted the urgent need for specialized facilities that can provide a safe environment for children caught in criminal activities.

“These juvenile prisons should serve not only as correctional facilities but as centres for learning, skill development, and psychological support,” she stated. She emphasized that many young offenders are products of difficult socio-economic circumstances, and without the proper interventions, they risk becoming entrenched in a cycle of crime.

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Ambassador James stressed that current practices often place young offenders in adult prisons, where they face harsher treatment and are deprived of opportunities for meaningful rehabilitation. Developing juvenile-specific correctional center, according to her, would offer these children a second chance to reform and reintegrate into society with new skills and a sense of purpose.

In her appeal, Ambassador James called for immediate action from both the government and private sector to fund and prioritize juvenile justice reform, noting that the future of Nigeria’s youth depends on the provision of safe, supportive environments where they can learn, grow, and leave behind a life of crime.

“By investing in juvenile prisons and rehabilitation programs, we are investing in the future of our nation. These children need guidance, not punishment, and we must step up to provide the necessary tools for their transformation,” she concluded.