Tag: Anambra State

By Ovat Abeng

Maiden edition of the south east Nigeria photography exhibition has been held to educate and encouraged upcoming photographers in the region.

The event that attracted over 1000 participants took place at the International Convention Centre Awka, Anambra State Capital, over the weekend.

Declaring the exhibition open, the Anambra State Commissioner for Culture Entertainment and Tourism, Don Onyenji, said Governor Chukwuma Soludo had provided the enabling environment for culture and tourism to thrive in the state.

Onyenji said the tourism potentials were being harnessed with the development of Ogbunike Cave, Igboukwu Museum, the Solution Fun City among others.

Read Also: JDPC flags off fund-raising campaign to empower less privilege in Anambra

He encouraged photographers and artist to take greater interest in the job because it was lucrative

“Images are the best way to tell stories many times and store memories,” he stated.

The keynote speaker of the event and a foremost Nigerian creative photographer, Mr. Kelechi Amadi-Obi while delivering his speech, called on Arts Enthusiasts to produce quality works to make their works acceptable anywhere in the world in other to benefit from the enormous economic opportunities in the sector.

Amadi-Obi said photography was a money spinner in foreign currencies  with the entire global community as its audience and market.

He said rare imagery like landscape and  cityscape, produced with good combinations of and colours would appeal to people in other parts of the world.

Amadi-Obi urged photographers to leverage the internet platform for marketing their works adding that they should exercise patience for people who knew the worth of their works  to see them.

“Any work of creativity, especially visual art is money, all they have to do is to master the skills of visuality, understanding composition, knowing the best colour and light combinations that will make your work stand out.

“Photography is at the heart of advertising, image branding and storytelling. The opportunities in visual arts have not been explored, those in photography should begin to like what they are doing and resolve to give the world their best.

“How you can make money from photography is unlimited, you can, through assignment photography telling people’s story, from prints and by selling limited licensed digital images and by teaching people like I am doing now,” he said.

Amadi-Obi encouraged people who were into photography and other visual arts to study the copyright law, so they could know how to patent their works and protect their intellectual property.

“Most people are leaving money on the table because of their inability to exploit illegal copying of their works.

They should read the copyright law and know his they can protect their intellectual property,” he said.

Ms Ifeoma Nnamani, a representative of Centre for Memories, Enugu, on her part, said the photography exhibition was in tune with activities of her  organisation while expressing confidence that it would open up opportunities for professional and budding creative artists.

Nnamani commended Natesa and assured that  said the Centre was ready to partner the firm for the development of documentary and commercial photography

On her part, Augusta Nnadi, Co-Founder of Natesa Consulting said the exhibition was to give attendees the opportunity to enjoy arts, celebrate culture and have a good time as they learnt how to maximise the potential of documentary photography.

She noted that the event featured a total of 35 works.

She assured that Natesa would continue to support creative artists and provide them with the platform to showcase their works.

She commended their partners, the Anambra Government and Centre for Memories for their support and commitment towards developing the creative arts sector.

It was gathered that the exhibition with the theme: The Forgotten Country” was organised by Natesa Consulting, a  Strategic Communication and Public Relations firm in collaboration with the Anambra State Government.

By Ovat Abeng

The Justice, Development and Peace Caritas, (JDPC), of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, Anambra State, has flagged off it 2024 JDPC week and fund-raising campaign to empowers less privilege people in the state.

The flagged off ceremony with the Theme: “Economic Empowerment and Capacity Strengthening for Self-reliance” took place at the Asumpta Catholic Church Agulu, in Anaocha local government area of the State, on Sunday.

The JDPC Director, Catholic Diocese of Awka, Rev. Fr Levi Ndubuisi Ukor, in his speech shortly after the flagged off, said the fund when realized will be judiciously distributed to the less privilege people, particularly, for those living at the rural areas in the state.

According to him, the beneficiaries will be thoroughly screen by the foundation to know if they are genuinely lacking before they can be empowered.  The fund-raising campaign will take place across Catholic Churches within the Awka Diocese. And gesture is for all Indigents residents irrespective of denomination.

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He noted that Justice, Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC was established by Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, in order to help people of all faith to break away from the cycle of poverty through community based sustainable development initiatives. JDPC of the Catholic Diocese of Awka was founded in 1986 and was registered as non-profit making commission under Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in 2003. It was formally incorporated with Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, in April 23, 2015 as Justice, Development and Peace Caritas, JDPC, Awka.

The core values are: credibility, transparency, accountability and commitment, he added.

Fr. Ukor while commending Senator Victor Umeh for donating a sum of one million naira, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Michael Okoroibe for assisting the humanitarian movement with the sum of seven hundred thousand naira and other donors, appeal to other well-to-do individuals in the society, the Nigeria Government as well as International communities to assist JDPC in her continues fight against hunger, poverty and unemployment in the society.

The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor was represented at the event by the secretary of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Iheanacho.

By Ovat Abeng

Awka, the Anambra State Capital branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), has elected Engr. Mrs Oluchi Maryjane Okoli, as it first female Chairman in 33 years of existence.

Mrs Okoli was elected alongside her new executive members shortly after the Society’s Annual General Meeting AGM, held at Gelly’s Garden conference hall Awka, on Saturday 31st August, 2024.

Other officials of the body elected alongside her were the Vice Chairman, Engr. Dr. Ugochukwu Martins, General Secretary, Chioma Stella Chiegboka, Assistant General Secretary, Engr Ugwu Lawrence Ikechukwu, Financial Secretary, Engr. Mbah Chinedu Gabriel, Treasurer, Engr Sunday Nzekwe, Technical Secretary, Engr Onwurah Nzubechukwu Faith, Assistant Technical Secretary, Engr Ubah Joseph Ikenna, Publicity Secretary, Engr Okolo Arinzechukwu, Ex-Official Member two, Engr. Victor Emeka Iriakannu.

In her congratulatory speech, the National President of the Society, Engr. Margaret Oguntala, FNSE urged the newly elected leadership to run all-inclusive administration.

Engr. Oguntala, FNSE who was represented at the event by the permanent secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Youth Development, Engr Dr. Martins Agbili, while describing the process as credible, fair and peaceful, commended Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for ensuring a conducive environment for her members during the exercise.

The outgoing Chairman of the NSE Awka branch, Engr. David Chizoba Okeke, on his remark, expressed happiness over the peaceful manner members of the branch conducted themselves during the electoral process.

He informed the members that the state of affairs of the NSE Awka branch was stable and robust and saluted his team members for the unalloyed support they gave him, even though there may have been few challenges, he noted that he was happy leaving a united & progressive house having achieved great success.

Engr. Okeke assure the new leadership of his continue support to move the branch to the higher level in Nigeria.

In her acceptance speech on behalf of other executive members, the newly elected Chairman, Mrs Okoli, while appreciating God and members of the branch, particularly, her male counterpart for seeing her through the process of electing her as the first female Chairman of the Awka branch, said the branch was established in 1991, immediately after the State was created.

She appealed to her co-contesters, especially, her closest rival, Engr. Chidi Obiudu to support her for the betterment of NSE, Anambra State and Nigeria as a whole.

It was gathered that the newly elected leadership is expected to pilot the affairs of the body for a period of two years.

By Ovat Abeng

The Representative of Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives Abuja, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, has strongly condemned the brutal attack on the Atani headquarters of Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.

He described the incident as “utterly horrendous, mindless, and worrisome”.

It was gathered that in the early hours of Friday, August 30, 2024, gunmen launched a ferocious assault on the LGA headquarters, setting it ablaze. Eyewitnesses reported that around 30 heavily armed assailants, who were said to have accessed the vicinity from the Umuzu and Amiyi axis, stormed the facility with guns and dynamites. The attack resulted in the destruction of buildings and vehicles within the complex.

In a statement issued in Awka, the state capital, on Friday, Rep Afam Victor Ogene expressed deep concern and condemnation over the senseless violence in Ogbaru Local Government Area. He urged the Anambra State Government and security agencies to take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of the people.

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Rep Ogene lamented that the recurring violent killings and destruction of property in the LGA have become a persistent nightmare, instilling morbid fears and trepidation among the residents. He emphasized the need for swift and decisive action to address the situation and restore peace to the affected communities.

According to Rep Afam Victor Ogene, the persistent violence and criminality in Ogbaru Local Government Area are alarming, despite repeated calls for government action. He stated, “It is worrisome that despite numerous appeals to the government to address insecurity in Ogbaru, we continue to witness avoidable incidents of violence and criminality.”

Rep Ogene revealed that various groups, including traditional rulers, have submitted memos to Governor Prof. Charles Soludo, requesting increased security presence in the LGA, but their pleas have been ignored. He emphasized that he had personally alerted the Governor about the growing insecurity and the need to address the root causes, including the Ogwuaniocha communal crisis, but his warnings have gone unheeded.

“In fact, I am aware that earlier this year, the traditional rulers of Ogbaru had, in a memo to Governor Soludo, lamented the siege on their people and suggested the siting of security outposts around the junctions leading into Amiyi and Ogwuaniocha communities.

“Similarly, only two months ago, the Head of Local Government Administration(HLGA) in Ogbaru, Mr. Ike Alphonsus, in a similar memo to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs drew attention to the parlous security situation in Ogbaru,” Rep Ogene said.

He stated that as a lawmaker, he has taken steps to address the issue, moving a motion titled “Urgent Need to Rescue Ogwuaniocha Community in Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra From the Jaws of Violent Criminal Gangs.” The motion highlighted the takeover of the community by criminal gangs, resulting in the displacement of residents, untold hardship, and fear; and has every given opportunity drawn Governor Soludo’s attention to the plight of his people.

Rep Ogene’s statement underscores the need for immediate government action to address the security crisis in Ogbaru and protect the lives and properties of the people.

He emphasized: “The primary responsibility of any government is to safeguard lives and property. A democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear, anxiety, and insecurity. We cannot allow criminality to pervade our land as if we live in an ungoverned territory. All individuals who value peace and progress must unite and condemn these faceless violent criminals who hide behind anonymity.

“The current policy of leaving hapless citizens to take care of their security is clearly unworkable. While individual communities are expected to contribute their own quota in securing their environment, their overall security and well-being remains the primary purpose of government – one which the Governor Soludo administration cannot keep shying away from.

“I urge Governor Soludo to take decisive action, assume leadership, and protect our people from further devastation in Ogbaruland. The time for intervention is now.”

By Ovat Abeng

Anambra State Chapter Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Humphrey Chukwuemeka Nwafor has called for stronger synergy between the workers umbrella body and the police in the task of ensuring the well-being of workers in Nigeria.

Comrade Nwafor disclosed this while speaking to Journalists shortly after a peaceful protest and special prayer session held at the State Police command headquarters Amawbia-Awka, on Thursday.

He explained that the protest and prayer session was in keeping with the directive of the National leadership of the NLC over the invitation of Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC by the Nigeria Police Force Abuja for interrogation over terrorism and other allegations against him.

Nwafor warned against any attempt to  detain Comrade Joe Ajaero by the police because of the obvious consequences the action might cause.

The state NLC during the peaceful protest with a placard with an inscription “Ajaero is Not A Terrorist,”said the police and NLC are supposed to be working collaboratively towards the welfare of all Nigerians, including the police.

The labour leaders marched from their Secretariat complex at Regina Celi in Awka capital town to Amawbia police command headquarters in the state.

According to Comrade Nwafor, “We are here (police command headquarters) on National directive in solidarity for our National President Comrade Joe Ajaero who was invited by police for questioning on accusations of terrorism, cyber crime and the rest of them. We are here on prayer procession, we marched from our Secretariat from Regina Celia down to this place (police command).”

“We prayed with the commissioner of Police. In all sincerity, police and organized labour, especially, NLC are supposed to be working in unionism because whatever we achieve or whatever struggle we are embarking on is for the good of the common man, good for all. So, police is not supposed to be used as an instrument to destabilize the labour movement in Nigeria. That’s our prayer,” he stated.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP  Nnaghe Obono Itam who was represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations (ACP) Anietie Eyoh said the invitation of the NLC President Comrade Ajaero by the police was not out of place as he is expected to answer questions bordering on all the allegations leveled against him.

He said that “Any person that is accused of being involved in any crime or any form of criminality, the police have the right to invite him. And so, if the police invited him it’s for him to go and clarify himself and say it’s not the truth. And inviting him is even an hour by the police, knowing that they know where to find him; they know where he is and they know him as a public figure. And so if there is any allegation against him they invite him to come and clear the grey areas.”

“Even if it were to being Anambra’ state and the chairman in Anambra’ state is seen to have committed, the commissioner of Police will invite him and when they invite him, he has to come and clear his name and say aah CP look at me; I am not a criminal or this is why I committed this crime or not. That’s all.”

CP Itam maintained that invitation of Comrade Ajaero by the Force Headquarters in Abuja “is not a crime,” rather it’s for the NLC President to go and clear his name and show that whatever the police said is either true or not.

By Ovat Abeng

The Managing Director of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Mr. Ossy Onuko, has commended Governor Chukwuma  Soludo for his significant contributions to the development of Anambra State, as the state marks its 33rd anniversary of creation.

During a press briefing in Awka, Onuko lauded Governor Soludo’s vision of transforming Anambra into a state where its residents would no longer feel the need to migrate in search of better opportunities. He highlighted the Governor’s strides in infrastructure, particularly in the capital city, including the development of the  Awka Fun City.

As Anambra State celebrates 33 years since its creation from the old Anambra State on August 27, 1991, Onuko reflected on the progress made under the leadership of various Governors. He paid tribute to the contributions of past Governors, including the Late Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Dr. Chris Ngige, Mr. Peter Obi, Chief Willie Obiano, and the current Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo.

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Onuko emphasized that each of these leaders played a vital role in the state’s development. He further outlined Governor Soludo’s accomplishments within his two years in office to include extensive road construction projects, employment of over 8,000 teachers in the education sector, recruitment of hundreds of health workers, training of over 10,000 youths in digital, and entrepreneurial skills proudly describing Anambra as the light of the nation.