Paradise News

Tag: Anambra State

  • Auto crash claims five-year-old girl, four others injured

    Auto crash claims five-year-old girl, four others injured

    By Ovat Abeng

    An auto crash has claimed the live of a five-year-old girl, injured four others in Anambra State.

    The incident was disclosed in a statement in Awka on Wednesday by the State Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

    He said the fatal motor accident occurred on Wednesday, 11/9/2024 by 7:15 am along Onitsha- Enugu Old road by Oye agu junction Abagana in Njikoka local government area of the state.

    According to Ikenga, following the unfortunate incident, the State Commissioner of Police CP Nnaghe Obono Itam has caution drivers/transporters to always do the necessary checks before plying the road, especially during this Ember month.

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    He noted that preliminary information reveals that the accident occurred due to the break failure of the Toyota Sienna vehicle carrying passengers and en route to Lagos rammed into traders selling by the roadside at Oye Agu junction.

    “Furthermore, the CP while condoling the family of the deceased directs arrest and interrogation of the driver.

    “To this end, the Vehicle has been recovered at the Station as the investigation is ongoing, please.”

  • Pastor allegedly stabs wife to death in Anambra

    Pastor allegedly stabs wife to death in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra based Pastor, Mr. Elijah Emeka Ibeabuchi, has allegedly stabbed wife, late Ogechukwu Okafor, to death in the state.

    It was gathered that the incident, which happened on the 13th of August, 2024, was reported to the State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare by the deceased family over the weekend, following irregularities and threats by the alleged husband.

    Speaking, Mr Samuel Onuorah, from Abatete, uncle to the deceased, alleged that he got a call from her late niece’s husband that her niece, Ogechukwu, fell from four storey building and died.

    Seeking for justice at the office of the commissioner for Women Affairs, Mr Onuorah noted that they discovered that their daughter did not fall but was rather killed with a knife, stabbed in her neck and chest by Elijah.

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    He revealed that their doubts were cleared after they went to the mortuary where the said husband had deposited their daughters corpse and saw evidently that she didn’t fall from any story building.

    The family of the deceased also alleged that Mr Ibeabuchi intended to use their newborn baby for ritual purposes but in the process of dragging the baby with the wife, stabbing her, and also scrapped her palm.

    They therefore urged the state government to come to their rescue and give justice to their deceased daughter.

    Responding the Women Affairs commissioner, Hon. Ify Obinabo called on stakeholders, women groups, human rights activists, and social media users to support the government in ensuring that Ogechukwu gets justice.

    She urged everyone to lend their voice on their matter and assured of notifying the wife of the governor whom she knows will take up the case personally and give the deceased justice.

  • Community distances self from killing of three persons

    Community distances self from killing of three persons

    By Ovat Abeng

    Nawfia Community in Njikoka local government area of Anambra State, has distance itself from the recent killings that claimed three lives and many others injured in the area.

    The community in a press statement jointly signed by it Traditional ruler, HRH Igwe Daniel Obelle and the President General, Chief Daniel Okoye, and made available to Journalists in Awka, on Tuesday, urged the Police and other security agencies in the state to swing into action and arrest the perpetrators of the violent incident and their sponsors to serve as a deterrent to other criminally minded persons in the future.

    It was gathered that the community were reacting following the killings that took place at Agu Anaocha Axis of Ifite Nawfia, a boundary village between Nawfia and Enugwu-Enugwu-Ukwu community both in Njokoka Local Government Area of the State, on 9th September, 2024.

    It was also gathered that the victims were lured via phone calls to the scene and were each executed gangland style.

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    Reacting further via the press statement, the leaders strongly denounced the use of violence to settle disputes and described the incident as an “abomination of the highest order.”

    They emphasized that Nawfia town values peace and dialogue, and its people are law-abiding citizens who believe in due process.

    The statement criticized Dr. Uche Nworah of Enugwu Ukwu for making “hasty insinuations” that the perpetrators were from Nawfia, without waiting for a proper police investigation.

    The leaders described Dr. Nworah’s comments as “inciteful, prejudicial, provocative, specious, and insensitive” to the sensibilities of Ndi Nawfia, aimed at raising tension for unknown purposes.

    The leaders claimed that their investigation did not suggest any involvement of Nawfia individuals in the violent episode.

    They stated that the unwholesome activities of land grabbers and speculators in Agu Anaocha axis have been documented and brought to the attention of the Anambra State government for necessary action.

    The statement commiserated with the families of the victims and wished those in the hospital a quick recovery.

    The leaders equally prayed for the souls of the departed to rest in peace and urged that such an ugly incident would not re-occur.

    Meanwhile, police authorities in the State have confirmed the killings, saying it would go after those responsible for the attack.

    A press statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam has order investigation into the murder.

    He said the incident happened at about 2pm on Monday at the boundary between the two communities.

    He said: “Preliminary information reveals the victims were lured by some individuals through a phone call to the land in guise of a land transaction and attacked with guns and matchet.

    “CP has sued for calm as police operatives have recovered the abandoned Sienna vehicle used by the murders.

    “Also, the testimonies of the injured victims who are currently receiving treatment in the hospital is aiding the investigation while the bodies of the deceased have been deposited in the morgue.”

  • ASUU-UNIZIK joins nationwide solidarity rally in support of victimized branches in Nigeria

    ASUU-UNIZIK joins nationwide solidarity rally in support of victimized branches in Nigeria

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State branch, has stage a solidarity rally in support of victimized branches nationwide.

    The rally took place at the University premises on Tuesday.

    Speaking to Journalists shortly after the rally at the ASUU-UNIZIK Secretariat complex, the Chairperson of the branch, Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji, said the rally was to urged the Federal Government to stop intimidating, harassing and victimized their members across public varsities in the country.

    According to Prof Ubaoji, we convene today here, to draw Nigerians’ attention to the persistent victimization of academic staff across the country.

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    “The plight of victimized lecturers has reached an alarming level, and we, as a union, can no longer remain silent. For this reason, the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUU, has declared today, Tuesday, the 10th of September, 2024, Victimized Lecturers’ Day, a day to stand in solidarity with our colleagues unjustly persecuted in various Nigerian universities.

    “At the heart of this declaration is ASUU’s firm stance that workers have the fundamental right to embark on industrial action to press for better working conditions.

    “This right, enshrined in both national and international labor laws, must not be criminalized, and we must not allow the exploitation and victimization of lecturers to continue unchecked.

    “ASUU-UNIZIK wishes to express deep disappointment and dismay at the failure of the respective Visitors of public universities to address the unending management crises and the victimization of our colleagues. These institutions include, but are not limited to Kogi State University (KSU), Anyingba, Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojoo, Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) and the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, Anambra State.

    “In these and other institutions, our members continue to suffer through illegal termination of appointments, withholding of salaries, denial of promotions, and other forms of oppressive treatment. ASUU-UNIZIK finds this utterly unacceptable.

    “Particularly concerning the travesty of justice in Kogi State University, where our members have endured seven long years of waiting only to face an unjust judgment.

    “Similarly, we are troubled by the protracted court cases concerning our colleagues at Lagos State University (LASU), who have been unlawfully dismissed for over five years.
    The unnecessary elongation of court proceedings in these cases amounts to justice delayed, which, as we all know, is justice denied. These delays have inflicted severe hardship on our affected members, putting their livelihoods and lives on hold indefinitely.

    ASUU-UNIZIK also expresses deep dissatisfaction with the Lagos State Government’s refusal to release the White Paper on the LASU Visitation Panel more than two years after the exercise. This prolonged silence is unbecoming of a government that claims to be democratic. We, therefore, urges Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to fulfill his promise to address the issues at LASU and ensure that our unjustly dismissed colleagues are reinstated immediately.

    Furthermore, we are disturbed by the situation at Ebonyi State University (EBSU), where, despite a court ruling in favor of our colleague, the University has opted to appeal the decision, delaying justice even further. While we appreciate the intervention of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), we call on the Visitors to EBSU and other state universities where our members are being victimized to take decisive steps to resolve these lingering matters and breathe new life into these institutions.

    “In light of these developments, we urge the Governing Councils and Visitors to state universities to take a proactive interest in the proper application of the laws governing their institutions.

    The unchecked tyranny of certain Vice-Chancellors must be curtailed to protect academic freedom and labor rights in our universities.

    “This day is, therefore, dedicated to standing in solidarity with our persecuted members across the nation, recognizing their struggles, and calling for justice.

    “We stand firm in our belief that the plight of victimized lecturers must end. We shall continue to fight for our members until justice is served, the ASUU-UNIZIK chairperson,” concluded.

  • Ugwu-awgbu Community Dedicates Catholic Church Build For 29-Years

    Ugwu-awgbu Community Dedicates Catholic Church Build For 29-Years

    By Ovat Abeng

    Catholic family in Ugwu-awgbu community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has dedicated her Church, St. Patrick’s Parish Ugwu-awgbu, build for 29-years.

    The dedication ceremony tagged; rebirth of St. Patrick’s Parish Ugwu-awgbu took place at the Church premises, on Sunday.

    Speaking during the ceremony, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, urged members of the Church to used the new edifice to promote peace, unity and oneness among other denomination in the area.

    Bishop Ezeokafor commended the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), Catholic Men Organisation (CMO), Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON), Holy Childhood and most especially, the State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo for making the holy dream a reality after twenty nine years of struggled.

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    The State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, in his brief remark, said the newly dedicated Catholic Church, was part of his administration’s Public, Private and Community Partnership agenda to ensure even development across the 179 communities in the state.

    The governor called for increased partnership with the Church to help sustain his administration’s transformation policy.

    Soludo was represented at the ceremony by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Ernest Nnama Ezeajughi.

    In their seperate addresses, the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Romanus Chukwuemeka Ezeisi and 1st Vice Chairman of PPC, Hon Charles Nwajagu while thanking God Almighty for his endless mercy and compassion for making the dream of the St. Patrick’s Catholic community come true, noted that the Church building started as far back in 1995.

    They also extended their appreciation to Rev. Fr. Hillary Nwajagu, Chief Sunday Nwajagu Chief Ben Ezeibe, the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubuisi, Chief Mrs Fedelia Ego Okoli, Chief Oliver Ben Okoli, Chief Dons Igboanugo and other donors for their various contributions to the success of the project.

    Other members of the Church who also spoke on the new development, Barr. Joe Ezeibe, Mr Clement Ifeanyichukwu, Comrade Maduka Ezeegonyeche, Mr. Ositadinma Obieke, Mazi Afamefuna Ezelube, Mr/Mrs Jude Ike and Mr/Mrs Ogochukwu Okoye, promised to continue to promulgate God goodness through the Church.

  • Anambra 2025: Group vows to deliver Gov Soludo in Dunukofia LGA

    Anambra 2025: Group vows to deliver Gov Soludo in Dunukofia LGA

    By Ovat Abeng

    Stakeholders in Dunukofia Local Government Area in Anambra have resolved to work to ensure the victory of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo in the 2025 governorship election in the state.

    The stakeholders took the stand at the inauguration of local government and ward executive committees of ‘Dunukofia-4-Soludo Pilot’ a  a grassroots based support group in Ukpo, Dunukofia Council secretariat on Sunday

    Speaking at the event, Mr Emeka Okonkwo, the Convener of ‘Dunukofia-4-Soludo Pilot’ said the group was set up for the purpose of securing a comprehensive victory for Soludo in the LGA.

    Okonkwo who is the Managing Director of Anambra Road Transport Authority said the governor had develivered dividends of democracy to the people of Anambra and Dunukofia in particular that he deserved a second term.

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    He said “the major purpose of this event is to Inaugurate this group which is very localised, our objective is to ensure that Mr Governor wins his second term election.

    “With over 500 km of roads across Anambra, Gov Soludo has been outstanding and we have no choice but to send him back to the Government House,” he said.

    On his part, Mr Cheta Nwegwu, the National Coordinator said Soludo had done well for Anambra and Dunukofia in particular that the people had no choice than to vote him again for more work.

    Nwegwu said Soludo had favoured Dunukofia by way of road construction, appointment of indigenes in his cabinet, recruitment into state civil service and youth empowerment.

    He said Dunukofia was setting the pace by being the first to set up a support group that was organic and local, formed out of genuine love for the governor by the people.

    ‘We understand that politics is local and this is the only way we can return the governor for second term, we all shall be at our polling units on the election day

    According to him, Nawgu community got the first tarred road for the first time under Soludo, Dunukofia has been lucky under this government with a good number of appointees in charge of
    critical ministries, departments and agencies.

    “This is why we, the Dunukofia-4-Soludo, have thrown our wait behind the actualisation of the second term of Mr Governor who has favoured us more than other 20 LGAs in Anambra. So, we  want to thank the governor for keeping faith with us,” he said.

    Chief Ifeatu Obiokoye, Chairman of the All Digressive Grand Alliance said the party would encourage all the support groups because it would not be able to do it alone.

    Obiokoye said APGA was working to ensure that it had to have structure in all the kindreds across the state to ensure it maintained contact with the grassroots.

    According to him, “this is very innovative, as a party, we shall encourage you like we have not done for any other. We want to see you at the kindred level, we are no longer doing ward politics,” he said.

    Inaugurating the group,
    Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim Deputy Governor of Anambra said the Soludo administration had brought development to the state more than all previous governments while urging them to continue to support the governor.

    Ibezim commended Dunukofia people for attesting to the good works of Soludo and restated the commitment of the governor to continue to deliver on his campaign promises.

    “Nobody forced Gov. Soludo to conduct Local Government Council elections is part of his inauguration promises and he is doing it within three years of his administration.”

  • Soludo reshuffles ABS management, appoints Wazobia FM manager as new MD

    Soludo reshuffles ABS management, appoints Wazobia FM manager as new MD

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has made a little reshuffling at the state owned radio station, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), by approving the replacement of Mr. Chido Obidiegwu as the Managing Director of the station with the appointment of Mr. Christopher Osemedua Molokwu, as the new Managing Director of ABS.

    The Paradise News gathered that the new appointment takes immediate effect

    Mr. Molokwu who hails from Delta State brings to the role a wealth of experience as a seasoned media practitioner and an accomplished broadcaster with a demonstrated history of excellence in the media production industry.

    His career spans over 16 years, during which he has garnered vast expertise in strategic planning, customer service, event management, and social media.

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    Prior to his appointment, Mr. Molokwu served as the Programs Manager at Wazobia FM Onitsha and as Head of Sports at Steam Broadcasting Limited (96.9 Cool FM).

    A product of the University of Benin, where he earned a degree in English Language and Literature, Mr. Molokwu is a member of the Institute of Disaster Management and Control, as well as an Associate Member of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON).

    His leadership and professional skills in media management, community engagement, and social services make him well-positioned to lead ABS into a new era of growth and innovation.

    While thanking Mr. Obidiegwu for his services as the former MD of ABS and wishing him well in his future endeavours, Mr Governor also commends the new MD to key into the administration’s vision of transforming Anambra into a livable and prosperous state.

    The appointment information was contained in a statement signed and made available to Journalists in Awka on Thursday by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime.

  • Enugu Philanthropist Earns Global Recognition For Ethical Leadership in Real Estate Development In Nigeria

    Enugu Philanthropist Earns Global Recognition For Ethical Leadership in Real Estate Development In Nigeria

    By Ovat Abeng

    An Enugu-based philanthropist and the managing director of Powell Homes/Shelters Limited, Architect Chibuikem Onyekachi, has received an international award and recognition for his outstanding achievements in the real estate sector from the International Association of World Peace Advocates, a world-class organization with United Nations ECOSOC Special Consultative Status.

    Mr. Onyekachi received the international recognition during the International day of Police Cooperation in Nigeria ceremony, organized by the association at the National Merit House Abuja, on Thursday.

    Presenting the award to Mr. Onyekachi, the world President of the organization, Ambassador Per Stafsen, who was represented by the International Director, Prof. Chidi Ehiriodo, said Mr. Onyekachi has set himself apart from others in the real estate sector due to the honesty and integrity with which he leads his company.

    He stated that Mr. Onyekachi, like other awardees from various sectors, “has exhibited remarkable leadership and creative strategies in the real estate sector, ensuring that Powell Homes and Shelters Limited stands out as a model of excellence.” Prof. Ehiriodo further emphasized that Mr. Onyekachi’s contributions have significantly influenced the real estate industry in Nigeria. His recognition by the International Association of World Peace Advocates is a reflection of his solid adherence to ethical standards and community development.

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    Ehiriodo continued, “It is through professionals like Mr. Onyekachi that the real estate sector continues to expand, providing safe and affordable housing solutions to Nigerians while maintaining the highest levels of trust and professionalism.” He encouraged Mr. Onyekachi to remain committed to his work, noting that such qualities contribute not only to national progress but also to global harmony and stability.

    In his acceptance speech, Mr. Onyekachi expressed deep appreciation to the International Association of World Peace Advocates for the prestigious recognition. He stated, “This award is a result of the hard work and effort of my team at Powell Homes and Shelters Limited. Without their support and the trust of our clients, none of this would be possible.” Mr. Onyekachi attributed the company’s success to his team, whom he referred to as the foundation of its achievements.

    Additionally, Mr. Onyekachi pledged to uphold the highest moral standards in the real estate industry. He promised to continue delivering quality housing solutions while ensuring that the company’s operations align with international best practices. “Our aim has always been to provide homes that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and affordable for the average Nigerian family. This recognition motivates us to reach greater heights and accomplish even more,” he remarked.

    The Powell Homes and Shelters Limited MD also vowed to use his platform to advocate for peace and sustainable development, ensuring that his future projects align with the goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda.

  • Students Loan: NELFUND, NANS take awareness campaign to Ojukwu Varsity

    Students Loan: NELFUND, NANS take awareness campaign to Ojukwu Varsity

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Managing Director, Nigerian Education Loan Fund (Nelfund), Mr. Akintunde Sawyer, Executive Director – Operations, Mustapha Iyal, alongside the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comr. Lucky Emonefe and other NANS Executives from South East, on Thursday, visited Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University(COOU ) Igbariam, Anambra State for what was tagged NELFUND awareness campaign to Students from South Eastern Nigeria to ensure effective enrollment of students from the region.

    They were received by the University’s Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha.

    In his remark the Nelfund boss, Mr. Sawyer, explained the significance of education in improving the Nigeria society.

    He highlighted that a more educated populace contributes to societal progress and that no one should be denied the chance to benefit from education. He further discussed the issue of student dropouts who are unable to continue their studies due to financial constraints, underscoring the importance of the Federal Government’s vision under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through Nelfund policy.

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    According to him, NELFUND aims to ease the financial burden of tuition by providing loans with extended repayment options. He expressed gratitude to the Ag. Vice Chancellor and requested collaboration and further awareness for the program in COOU.

    In her response, the Ag. Vice Chancellor, Ojukwu Varsity, Prof. Omenugha thanked Nelfund and the leader of the National Association of Nigeeian Students (NANS) for the opportunity provided to students across Nigeria, assuring that COOU students would respond positively and apply to the programme.

  • APC withdraws from Anambra LG election, heads to court

    APC withdraws from Anambra LG election, heads to court

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Anambra State All Progressives Congress (APC), has withdraw from participating in the forthcoming local government election, scheduled for September 28th, 2024 in the state.

    The party also announced, sueing the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) and Anambra State House of Assembly over what they described as irregularities in the conduct of the electoral process, even as they asked the court to nullify the election if ANSIEC goes ahead to conduct the exercise.

    They stressed that involving in the election would amount to legalizing illegality in Nigeria democratic setting.

    The motion not to participate in the LG’s election was moved by Hon Donatus Emecheta and seconded by Hon Ikunwata Charles Obadike during the party’s stakeholders meeting held at the state headquarters, opposite the state government house, Enugu-Onitsha expressway Awka, on Saturday.

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    The party argued that the section 23(1) of the ANSIEC law 2024 as amended which stipulates 30 days notice of the date of election into LG on Anambra state is null and void, as it is inconsistent with section 103 (3) of the electoral act 2022 which provides 150 days notice of election date.

    They prayed the court to restrain ANSIEC from conducting any election into 21 LGAs in the state on basis of section 23 (1) of ANSIEC law as amended.

    Speaking further on the election while addressing members, the State Chairman of the party, Chief Basil Ejidike, noted that the APC under his able leadership will not involved because the ANSIEC and the state governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo are not ready to conduct the exercise in free, fair and credible manner.

    According to him, how can a great party like APC will involved in an election where political parties are not giving enough time to conduct primaries to elect their candidates, no campaign rallies, no selling of forms in accordance to the electoral Law.

    “The governor has already setup a tribunal at the Anambra State High Court, here in Awka for political parties that wish to challenged the outcome of the election.

    Governor Soludo is not transparently prepared to give Ndi-Anambra an accountable local government system.

    “We are already in the Court to challenged the process, because APC been the major opposition party in Anambra State must try as much as possible to live by example.The People Democratic Party PDP and the Labour Party have also gone to Court to challenged the irregularities, we applaud them, he stated.

    Ejidike while urging members to remain focus, announced that the party will soon commence tour across the 21 local government areas, as part of preparation for the 2025 governorship election in the state

    It was gathered that a minute silent was also held in honour of late Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah during the meeting.