Paradise News

Tag: Anambra State

  • Amadi-Obi To Speak On  ‘Forgotten Country’ At Maiden Photography Exhibition In Anambra

    Amadi-Obi To Speak On  ‘Forgotten Country’ At Maiden Photography Exhibition In Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Kelechi Amadi-Obi, a foremost Nigerian creative photographer will deliver a keynote address at the maiden Southeast Photography Exhibition scheduled to hold at the International Convention Center, Awka on Aug. 31.

    The Photography Exhibition entitled “The Forgotten Country” is organised by Natesa Consulting, a  Strategic Communication and Public Relations firm in collaboration with Anambra Government.

    Amadi-Obi, a renowned painter and artist will be joined by Lucas Ugo, Veteran Photographer and representatives from Centre for Memories asguests of honour.
    Chief Don Onyenji, Commissioner of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism will also be a special guest at the event.

    Augusta Nnadi, Co-Founder of Natesa Consulting said ‘The Forgotten Country’ would be a trail blazer  on documentary photography in the Southeast
    Nnadi said about 140 entries  were received  from no fewer than 35 photographers and top 35 pictures which aligned with the theme were selected for the exhibition.

    She said the premiere event would  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.

    “The Forgotten Country will showcase select pieces from artists that stimulate a feeling of nostalgia, recalling the glory of a country that was once.
    “The Aug. 31 Exhibition will showcase select pieces from partner veterans and rising photographers covering photos of people, sights, architecture and other works.

    “It will be the first photography exhibition to be held in the Southeast and also a soft launch for Natesa, a Strategic Communications and Public Relation operations,” he said.

    The programme has been endorsed by Anambra State Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism.
    Gate is completely free and ticket can be obtained via the link below:
    https://www.natesaconsulting.com/the-forgotten-country-2024/register

  • Housewife arrested for allegedly inflicting injury on 13-year-old nephew

    Housewife arrested for allegedly inflicting injury on 13-year-old nephew

    By Ovat Abeng

    A 38-year-old nurse, Mrs Amarachukwu Happiness Nzekwe has been arrested for allegedly inflicting injury on the body of her 13-year-old nephew with heated electric iron in Anambra State.

    The incident which went viral on social media was brought to the attention of the State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo.

    The suspect, a nurse from Ezinifite in Aguata local government area of the state accused the victim of stealing from her.

    She reportedly locked him up at home without any proper medication attention after the abuse.

    “I disciplined him after he stole from me,” she said.

    Speaking shortly after rescuing the victim, the visibly angry Commissioner said the suspect has been handed over to the police for further investigations.

    She warned intending offenders to desist forthwith or face the law, insisting that such dastardly act would not be tolerated in the state.

    She assured that justice would be served.

    “It is important to note that the culprit is currently without her own child, the reason her little nephew was kept under her care,” she added.

  • Stakeholders advocate transparency, accountability in Anambra oil sector

    Stakeholders advocate transparency, accountability in Anambra oil sector

    By Ovat Abeng

    A town hall meeting held in Anambra State, brought together stakeholders to discuss the implementation of host communities provisions in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

    The event held at Vertex View Hotel & Suite, Awka, on Thursday, attended by representatives from the government, civil society, and oil-producing communities, emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the extractive industry.

    Monday Osasah, Executive Director of Centre LSD, hailed the meeting as a significant step towards ensuring that petroleum resources benefit the host communities. “We won’t have it better than this,” he said. “Petroleum should be a blessing to us, not a curse.”

    Osasah praised the Anambra State Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Barrister Anthony Ifeanya, for his vision and commitment to ensuring that the state’s oil resources are managed sustainably.

    Speaking, the commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Ifeanya, hailed Centre LSD for coming to help to education the state on issues on the oil sector.

    He described his ministry as “A new ministry moving fast. He said Centre LSD coming would help to prevent those ugly things that happened in Niger Delta from happening in Anambra

    The meeting also featured goodwill messages from NUPRC and NEITI, emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and justice in the extractive industry.

    NEITI’s representative highlighted the agency’s role in promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s extractive industries, ensuring that revenues are properly accounted for and utilized.

    The town hall meeting demonstrated a collective commitment to ensuring that Anambra State’s oil resources benefit all stakeholders, with a focus on , accountability, and sustainable development.

    President, International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC), Prince Chris Azor said the engagement was targeted at discussing the effective implementation of Host Communities’ Provisions in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) with the desire for peace, security and sustainable development.

    He listed expected outcomes of the meeting to include: improved understanding of PIA and Host Communities’ Provisions, enhanced stakeholder engagement as well as collaboration, identification of priority areas, clarifications and action plan.

    He said, “The Town Hall Meeting on Implementing Host Communities Provisions in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) was conceptualized to facilitate a collaborative interface town hall among settlors (Investors), host communities, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in Partnership with the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Anambra State.

    Azor added, “The PIA aims to promote sustainable development and address concerns of host communities in the petroleum industry.

    “Anambra State as the newest admission into oil producing State in Nigeria, presents issues around capacity to engage the PIA.

    “The meeting provides a platform for stakeholders to engage, share experiences, seek clarity and identify solutions for successful implementation.

    “It was also opportunity to enhance understanding of Host Communities’ Provisions in the PIA to ensure seamless implementation, foster collaboration and trust among stakeholders towards effective implementation.

    “Stakeholders were expected to identify priority areas for engagement, develop a joint action plan and timeline, strengthen relationships and build trust for sustainable development.

    “They are also expected to strengthen relationships and trust among stakeholders (settlers, host communities, State Government, Civil Society etc), increased awareness of environmental and social responsibilities.”

  • 1000 women receive N50,000 each from Tinubu’s wife recapitalisation grants in Anambra

    1000 women receive N50,000 each from Tinubu’s wife recapitalisation grants in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    A total of one thousand women petty traders in Anambra State, has received a recapitalisation grant of fifty thousand naira each from the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Economic Empowerment Programme.

    The Paradise News gathered that the initiative being champion by the President’s wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is aimed at improving the living standard of vulnerable Nigerians, particularly, women including persons with disabilities.

    She added that the RHI is all about making every woman in Nigeria a self-reliant.

    She noted that this is being done by providing the beneficiaries with the wherewithal and conducive environment to be economically productive and employers of labour.

    According to the President’s wife, the empowerment programme of 1000 women petty traders that is taking place simultaneously across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory is part of our continued commitment to drive economic growth towards a better life for families.

    “We are all aware of the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), especially the petty traders, who form the backbone of our local economies. These challenges, however, have not deterred the strength of our women. I salute you all and celebrate your courage and resilience that keep you going, to put food on the table for your families.

    “Today, through the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme, we are providing 1,000 pre-selected women petty traders per state with a grant of N50,000 each to recapitalize and grow their businesses.

    “A total of One Billion, Eight Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N1,850,0000,000.00) will be disbursed to 37,000 women petty traders across the nation. The grants provided today is to assist our women petty traders in overcoming some of their business challenges, expand their businesses, create more jobs, and contribute more robustly to our economy.

    “Economic empowerment remains a core objective of the Renewed Hope Initiative and we have consistently delivered on this promise for both women and youth across the six (6) geopolitical zones to support the economic reforms of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

    “We recognize that empowering women economically is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one. When women thrive, their families thrive, and by extension, our communities and nation prosper.

    “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our RHI State Coordinators and First Ladies of States, and everyone involved in making this programme a reality, particularly, their efforts in identifying the traders,” she appreciated.

    The distribution flagged off ceremony was performed by the Anambra State Governor’s wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo on behalf of the President’s wife at the governor’s lodge Amawbia on Thursday.

    The beneficiaries in their unanimous  appreciation assure Mrs Tinubu and Soludo’s wife of their continues support towards a better Nigeria.

    It was also gathered that the event also feature cooking and dancing competition organised by PZ Wilmar makers of Mamador Oil. Lead by Esther Bankole, Area Sales Manager, Onitsha, Anambra State.

  • Anambra 2025: 46 Support Groups Endorse Ozigbo For Governor

    Anambra 2025: 46 Support Groups Endorse Ozigbo For Governor

    By Ovat Abeng

    Ahead of the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, about forty six support groups have endorsed Mr. Valentine Ozigbo as the next governor of the State.

    The endorsement was made by leaders and members of 46 diverse Obidient Support Groups, including the influential Big 6, in a statement made available to Newsmen in Awka, on Thursday.

    The support groups, which said the conducted a thorough evaluation of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, said the found him wanting in several aspects of leadership and service delivery in Anambra State.

    In contrast, they highlighted Ozigbo’s remarkable achievements, including his tenure as President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, where he led transformative projects and garnered international recognition.

    The statement reads, “We stand firm in our endorsement of Valentine Ozigbo for the upcoming Anambra 2025 gubernatorial election. We believe he is the right leader to steer Anambra State towards a prosperous future.”

    The Obidient Support Groups, a coalition of independent democratic activists, praised Ozigbo’s commitment to youth development, community building, and good governance, aligning with the values of the Obidient Movement.

    With this endorsement, the support groups pledge their resources, networks, and energies to actualizing their dream of seeing Anambra State in the hands of an authentic leader.

  • Foundation Empowers 200 Oko Polytechnic Students with Digital Skills

    Foundation Empowers 200 Oko Polytechnic Students with Digital Skills

    By Ovat Abeng

    Seniom Foundation, a non-governmental organization, has empowered 200 students at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, with essential digital skills, equipping them for the demands of the modern world.

    The two-day training, which took place at the Ufuma campus, on Wednesday was made possible through a partnership between Activ8 Hub, a leading digital company, and the institution’s Students Union Government (SUG). The initiative is part of the Seniom Foundation’s ongoing commitment to skills development and capacity building for young people in the community.

    Students were introduced to various aspects of the digital world, including basic digital literacy, content creation, internet safety, and the use of digital tools for learning and development. The program featured interactive sessions and hands-on training, giving participants the practical experience needed to thrive in the digital age.

    Reflecting on the success of the program, Chief Dozie Donat Okolo, founder and CEO of Seniom Foundation, expressed his excitement and reaffirmed the foundation’s dedication to youth empowerment.

    “Empowering our youth with digital skills is not just an investment in their future, but in the future of our nation.

    We are committed to supporting initiatives that foster growth, innovation, and positive change,” Okolo stated.

    Chuwkuma Mezie-Okoye, founder of Activ8 Hub, shared similar sentiments.

    He emphasized the importance of equipping young individuals with the skills necessary to navigate and succeed in a digital world.

    “The ‘NextGen Digital Skills Program’ is designed to inspire and empower the next generation of digital leaders. We are thrilled to have partnered with the Seniom Foundation and the Federal Polytechnic Oko Student Union Government to bring this program to life,” he said.

    The program not only bridges the digital divide but also prepares young people in Anambra State and the South East region for the challenges and opportunities of the modern workforce.

    Participants left the training with newfound confidence and a clear path towards leveraging technology for both personal and professional growth.

    As the digital world continues to evolve, initiatives like this are vital in ensuring that our youth are not left behind.

    The collaboration between the Seniom Foundation, Activ8 Hub, and the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, marks a significant step forward in building a digitally literate and empowered generation.

  • NMA Embarks On Indefinite Strike Over Abduction Of Colleague

    NMA Embarks On Indefinite Strike Over Abduction Of Colleague

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State Branch, has directed members  to withdraw clinical services in all private and public hospital, the state with immediate effect.

    The Association said this in a statement signed signed by Dr Princeston Okam and Dr Ifeanyi Obiaeli after at the end of its Emergency General on Thursday.

    The NMA said the directive followed the kidnap of their colleague, Dr Stephen Ezeh who was kidnapped and still being held in captivity since Aug. 15.

    Recall that the doctors had on Aug. 19 threatened to shutdown operations if Ezeh was not freed from his abductors within 48 hours.

    The association said 48-hours after the ultimatum had elapsed and the appeal to the Anambra government Ezeh was still languishing in the hands of his abductors in spite his health challenges.

    “NMA Anambra hereby directs all doctors in the state to forthwith withdraw clinical services in all Federal, State, Private, Mission, Institutional and Corporate hospitals in the State until our member is released.

    “That NMA Anambra will painstakingly monitor compliance with the above directive through her ‘Strike Monitoring Team’ and that defaulting hospitals and members will be blacklisted/ penalised in line with Congress resolutions.

    “That Anambra State government should activate all necessary security agencies and instruments at its disposal to ensure timely and unconditional release of our abducted member.

    “NMA Anambra State is not oblivious of the hardship this withdrawal of services will cause the good people of Anambra, however we appeal to the State government to expedite action towards securing the release of our colleague so as to restore normalcy to the health system.

    “NMA Anambra leadership will continue to brainstorm and work together with all relevant government agencies to collectively achieve a healthy and secured populace,” it said.

    The NMA commended Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, and his Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike for their painstaking effort towards improving health care delivery and security in the State.

    The body also commended doctors for their resolve and commitment towards offering quality health care to Anambra people.

  • Police arrest fake pastor, one other for kidnapping, armed robbery in Anambra

    Police arrest fake pastor, one other for kidnapping, armed robbery in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Anambra State Police Command, has said that in a follow-up of an investigation of a kidnap incident in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, reported to the Police sometime last year, Joint Security Operatives working on credible information, in mid-day of today 22/8/2024 comprising of Military, Civil Defence and Other Security Forces arrested two notorious secessionist group members involved in kidnapping, car snatching, and armed robbery operating at uga, Ekwulobia, Umuchu, Nkpologu, Ezinifite, Aguata environs.

    The State Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement in Awka on Thursday, said among the two suspects’ names withheld, one has bullet wounds on his leg while the other a fake pastor preparing criminal charms for the gang members have confessed to the crime and is already assisting the Police in apprehending other gang members. The suspects have also provided information on the location of the shrine where they prepare the charms and some snatched vehicles.

    Ikenga noted that the State Commissioner Of Police CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has assured Ndi Anambra that the Command is working tirelessly on all reported cases especially incidents of kidnap, armed robbery and otherwise, as the trust bestowed on us for the protection of life and properties is not taken for granted.

  • Poverty, unemployment cause of cult violence in Awka, stakeholders tell Soludo

    Poverty, unemployment cause of cult violence in Awka, stakeholders tell Soludo

    By Ovat Abeng

    Stakeholders from Ezinano Community- Awka, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has attributed poverty and unemployment as the major cause of cult- related violence in the capital city of the State.

    They noted that if there are availability of jobs for Awka indigenes, particularly for the youth, the situation will be reduced to the barest minimum.

    The stakeholders made their position known at a one-day security summit, titled “Combating/Preventing Violent Crimes and Cultism in Awka Metropolitan City,” held at Emmaus House, Arthur Eze Avenue, Awka, on Wednesday.

    The Paradise News gathered that the summit was part of the community continue ‘s effort  to curtailed the trending menace in the state capital.

    Speaking further on behalf of the stakeholders and the convener of the summit, Ozo Jeff Nweke, urged the State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo to as a matter of humanity intervened.

    He also appeal to residents to take action against the rising violent crime in Awka, which has claimed many young lives in the area.

    According to him, the summit is to brainstormed on how to addressed and proffer solution to the problem.

    “Ezinano Community, comprising 20 villages, including Umudiana Amikwo, Okperi Amikwo, Igweogige Amikwo, Ishiagu Amikwo, Obunagu Amikwo, Onuko Amikwo, Umukwa, Umuogwali, Umueri, Umuogbunu I, Umuogbunu II, Umudioka, Umuogbu, Umumbele, Umuike, Umuonaga, Umujagwo, Umuoruka, Umuenechi, and Umuokpu, has been severely affected by violent crime and cultism.

    “Before choosing Awka as the state capital, the community and the people were known for its hospitality, creative and hardworking. We were not known for crime. What is currently happening in our community (Awka), is beyond our imagination. Cultism and other violent crimes is adversely affected us. We are burying our children, uncles, cousins on daily basis as a result of the ugly development which was never part of culture and traditions.

    “Our youth are enrolling into cultism because they are poor and unemployed and the state government is not doing anything about it. We have no land any longer, where our women and youths can engaged in partisan farming to ameliorate the hardship.

    “I think at this point, there is need for community-police relations and other security agencies to apply in-depth knowledge to solve the problem.

    “Awka residents must take responsibility for their security. “We don’t need only the police commissioner or DSS to defend ourselves. We must defend ourselves.”

    Nweke while commending the police and other security outfits for their assistance, also urged for external help to complement their local efforts.

    The Commissioner of Police, Obono Nnaghe Itam, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Anaetie Eyo, identified inferiority complex, domestic violence, unemployment, and social injustice as underlying causes of cultism.

    He traced the origins of cultism to tertiary institutions, where it often begins, but noted that street cultists are often recruited by individuals who have graduated from higher institutions and are seeking a sense of belonging.

    Additionally, he blamed politicians for recruiting cultists during elections and highlighted the role of dysfunctional homes in contributing to cultism.

    He maintained that security should not be a one-man affair and called for synergy in combating crime.

    The CP underscored the vital importance of families and schools in preventing cultism and other crimes.

    He called for a collaborative effort between these institutions and security agencies to tackle the issue head-on.

  • Tetfund Awards 143.4Millon Grants To 75 Ojukwu Varsity Staff For Institutional Based Research

    Tetfund Awards 143.4Millon Grants To 75 Ojukwu Varsity Staff For Institutional Based Research

    By Ovat Abeng

    No more than seventy five staff of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Anambra State have received grants for the 2024 Institutional Based Research (IBR), from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund).

    The information was announced by the Tetfund IBR-Selection Committee of COOU headed by Prof. Jonathan Ifemeje – Director of the Research Management Office, and Prof. Emeka Obi – Director of Academic Planning, on Tuesday 20th August 2024, during the management meeting.

    Addressing the beneficiaries, the Tetfund IBR-Selection Committee thanked the University Management led by Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, for the shared leadership approach in the University emphasizing that this year’s IBR awards are the first time in the history of the University that such several persons will be receiving IBR in one breathe. They noted that hopefully a second tranche is underway to cap the number to 100 Staff who applied for the research undertaking.

    In a brief remarks, Prof. Ifemeje encouraged beneficiaries to ensure that all ethical issues in research are duly followed noting that the review committee will dutifully follow-up and will never accept any research report that is not done very well. He informed that the Committee will soon release high-impact factor journals with strong indexing where Scholars can publish their research works.

    Appreciating the Ag. Vice Chancellor and the University Management, the beneficiaries expressed emotional excitements by praying to God to give the Ag. VC and her team, the energy to keep up the ongoing shared leadership in the University.

    They also pledged that they would do all that is required by Tetfund by turning in their reports in due time and ensuring that they are published in reputable journals.