Paradise News

Tag: Anambra State

  • We are highest revenue generators to SON in South East – Nnewi Importers

    We are highest revenue generators to SON in South East – Nnewi Importers

    By Ovat Abeng

    Importers under the umbrella of Automobile Manufacturers/Importers Association of Nigeria in Nnewi, Anambra State has applauded itself for being the highest revenue generators to the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), in South East region of the country.

    The Nnewi President of the Association, Chief Austin Emmanuel Jideofor disclosed this in an interview with journalists at the closed of a one-day sensitization workshop organised by SON in Awka, on Thursday.

    Jideofor said “under my watch, the association has generated a lot of revenue to SON, because our members understood the importance of product registration and certificate of brand names. We also rented accommodation for the organisation and for the past years we have been renewing the rent for them before they could finally get a permanent site in the industrial city of the state. And that is why I said we Manufacturers/Importers in Nnewi, we are the highest revenue generators to SON in South East Nigeria.

    “The workshop was a gainful one to us as manufacturers and Importers.”

    The President assured the organisation of the association’s continuous collaboration to curb the influx and sale of substandard products in the state and the country at large.

    Director General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke in his remark, told the stakeholders that one of the foremost responsibilities of a regulator was to nurture businesses. He said that would position businesses for value addition to society.

    The DG who was represented by Mrs Foluso Bolaji, the Organisation’s Director for Public Relations, explained that SON’s mission was to promote consumer confidence and global competitiveness of Nigerian products and services through standardization and quality assurance.

    According to Mrs Bolaji, “the timing of this public sensitization in the Anambra state is indeed germane and quite in tune with the current efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to turn around the nation’s economy.

    “We are using the nationwide stakeholders sensitization programmes not only to enlighten operators on the provisions of the SON ACT No. 14 of 2015 but equally to strengthen stakeholders’ engagement and collaborations.

    “The positive outcome and impact of the sensitization exercises in places where they have been conducted so far have been so encouraging. This forum would therefore not be different in soliciting more support, collaboration as well as challenging all stakeholders in Anambra State and adjoining areas on the need to follow right processes for mutual business growth and public safety.

    “The SON ACT enacted into Law by the Seventh National Assembly is a revolutionary document which we are deploying to carry out massive steps towards delivering on our mandate to sanitise the Nigerian landscape, markets, everywhere, of unwholesome products.

    “Let me inform you that the big hauls of seizures which the Organisation have been recording in recent times are testimonial that we mean business by harnessing to the enormous powers which the ACT has accorded us.

    “We have been confiscating fake and sub-standard products worth over several billions of naira across the country. We have since embarked on arraignment and trials at the various federal courts of suspects linked with the failed and impounded goods. We are not resting on our oars and no one person, group, sector or region is being targetted.

    “We therefore appeal to all to be on board the standards voyage, ensure strict adhere to standards and quality assurance for your businesses to grow. Let me remind us all that, the work of standardisation is to grow Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, promote agro-allied sector, ensure safety of lives and property as well as ensure industrial and economic development, which is why we need this engagement with you, participants and operators. We need to use the opportunity of the African common market to attain economic and trade development.

    “That is why we are spreading our tentacles to the states and geo-political zones. Product counterfeiters have no place to hibernate. With the re-invigorated monitoring and enforcement strategies and exercises we are putting in place, our dragnet will get economic saboteurs anywhere, anytime.As one of the best ISO Management Systems training providers, SON has continually updated its training programmes to suit the latest international standards, practices, principles and in-depth knowledge.

    “As operators we urge you to always certify your products quality with SON in order to make made-in-Nigeria products and services good to go anywhere in the world.

    “We have International Accredited Firms with total quality expertise supporting exporters and importers to comply with the SON Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) in Nigeria. Importers and exporters trading with Nigeria need to comply with the requirements of SON in order for their goods to get seamless clearance at the seaports. Let us endeavour to grow our own product brands and encourage more investments by standards adherence.

    “Let me assure you that SON as a Federal body with responsibilities to develop standards for products and services as well as ensure that locally manufactured or imported products comply with the requirements of quality and standards through conformity assessment benchmarking, provides a level-playing field for local manufacturers, importers, exporters and consumers. It therefore behoves on operators to deliver on consumers’ expectations. We insist that all products manufactured in Nigeria must be certified to the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) through the agency’s Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP). Again, all imported products must also be certified to the NIS or other approved standards through SON’s Offshore Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) Products.

    “We should know that registration and certification are vital tools for products competitiveness. Furthermore, to ensure safety and protection of end-users, we are now put in place products Authentication Mark (PAM)- the sticker on the products are double assurance of the products quality.

    “SON has internationally accredited laboratories and metrology services to support export promotion particularly agricultural products. Certified made-in-Nigeria products enjoy both local and global acceptance.

    “We are bringing standardization activities to the doorsteps of all across the country. We have mobile calibration vans to boost testing of your products especially in semi-urban and rural communities.

    “Let us  join hands together with SON to fight the influx of sub-standard products and create a healthy and prosperous nation,” Bolaji advocated.

    The workshop with the Theme; “SON Requirements and Compliance, Monitoring Activities to Curb the Influx and Sale of Substandard Products in the Country,” also witnessed the presence of the Anambra State Commissioner for Industry, Dr. Christian Udechukwu, the lead paper presenter, Mr. Pius Manji, Director, Anambra Directorate, Mr Agafie Gabriel, the Director of Quality Aluminum/Steel Manufacturing Industries Onitsha, Chief Emeka Clement Melunze, Police and Civil Defence representatives.

  • NULGE NEC disowns Orakwue as Anambra President

    NULGE NEC disowns Orakwue as Anambra President

    By Ovat Abeng

    National Executive Council (NEC) of the National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, has disowned Comrade Chuddy Orakwue led executive in Anambra, appoint Comrade Aromeh Nicholas as the Acting President of the chapter in the state.

    The appointment letter was signed by NULGE Secretary General, Comrade Gambo Isiah and read by Comrade Nicholas before Journalists shortly after his unveiling as the new acting President of the Union at the NULGE Secretariat complex Awka, on Thursday.

    The letter read partly: “Approval of Your appointment as an acting President of NULGE, Anambra State Chapter”: On behalf of the National Executive Council of National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, I am directed to inform you of your appointment as the Acting State President of NULGE Anambra state Chapter.

    “Your appointment was as a result of Comrade Chikwelu Adigwe William, the State President exit from the Service of Anambra State Local Government Service Commission. Please note that your appointment takes immediate effect and you are to summon emergency State Executive Council (SEC) meeting on or before 26th July, 2024 to brief them on the state of affairs and development that happened in Anambra NULGE.

    “Finally, you are to keep the National Secretariat abreast of further development in the union in the state,” the letter concluded.

    The acting President, in his brief acceptance speech, promised to carry all members alone.

    He noted that NULGE in Anambra are very much in cordial relationship with the State Chairman of Local Government Service Commission, Barrister Vin Ifeanyi Ezeaka and that the Union has no faction in the state as been speculated via social media platforms.

    It was gathered that the appointment is coming bearly 24 hours after Comrade Chuddy Orakwue announced his taking over from Comrade Chikwelu who was dismissed by the Anambra State Local Government Service Commission for alleged certificate racketeering.

  • Anambra Workers Pass Vote Of Confidence On LG Service Commission Chairman

    Anambra Workers Pass Vote Of Confidence On LG Service Commission Chairman

    …Laud Tinubu On Autonomy

    By Ovat Abeng

    Twenty one Heads of Local Government (HLG), in Anambra State have passed vote of confidence on the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Barrister Vin Ifeanyi Ezeaka.

    The HLGs said that Barr. Ezeaka deserves commendation for some of the reforms he has introduced to the Commission within a period of year in office.

    Dr Mrs Ifenyinwa Helen Orie, Head of Local Government, Orumba South Council Area, who spoke to journalists on behalf of others at the Commission’s headquarters in Awka, on Wednesday, said they were at the headquarters in solidarity to pass vote of confidence on the Chairman, Barr Ezeaka and to as well debunk rumours circulating on social media against him, particularly on the alleged fund diversion report that transpired during the Commission’s week celebration.

    It was gathered that the Chairman was accused of diverting Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s transport largess for local government workers that attended the event that took place one month ago at Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre Awka.

    Speaking further on the development, Mrs Orie appealed to residents and the public at large to disregard the rumour, noting that since the inception of the Commission in the state, workers at the local government level has never witnessed such sensitization programme.

    “Our Chairman don’t divert any money as been speculated. He is a good man. In fact, his appointment has brought positive change to the local government system in Anambra State. Soludo appointed him to rebirth the system and he is credibly doing great to effect positive change to the system.

    “Barr Ezeaka is seriously working to move the Commission forward. The Commission under his watch is no longer business as usual. Credit should be given to him rather than embarrassment.

    “Ndi Anambra and the general public should take note that those allegations are false, devoid of any iota of truth, but simply, it’s the handiwork of mischief makers and enemies of Anambra State Government, bent on creating unnecessary tension in the State and whose intent is aimed at rubbishing the monumental achievements in local government reforms, and zero tolerance to corruption initiated by the award winning Barrister Vin Ifeanyi Ezeaka.

    “For the sake of clarity, Barrister Vin Ifeanyi Ezeaka never disbursed any money, but ordered that the attendees transport fares be shared to all the local government workers at the end of the event, as directed by Mr Governor, and which was carried out with official dispatch in the presence of the Labour Leaders, including the State president of NULGE and all the attendees present at the hall collected their #20,000 largesse together with their lunch package.

    “So, all the allegations levelled against him are false and should be disregarded by all lovers of progress,” she concluded.

    The workers equally unanimously commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his role in securing financial autonomy for local government areas across the country.

  • Orakwue replaces Chikwelu as Anambra NULGE President

    Orakwue replaces Chikwelu as Anambra NULGE President

    By Ovat Abeng

    Comrade Chuddy Orakwue has replaced Comrade Adigwe Chikwelu as the new President of National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, in Anambra State.

    He takes over from Comrade Chikwelu who was allegedly dismissed by the State Government for certificate racketeering.

    It was gathered that the union has been in factional leadership crisis since 2022 over who pilot the affairs of the union, before the alleged discovering of one of the leader (Chikwelu), forged certificate  scandal.

    Speaking to journalists at the NULGE Secretariat complex in Awka, on Wednesday, the new President, Orakwue, assure the state government of their continuous collaboration in making the Local Government Administration more efficient.

    He said his official assumption has marked the end of the two years leadership tussle of the union in the state.

    Orakwue while commending the state governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo for providing a conducive environment for the briefed ceremony, extended his hands of fellowship to the immediate past leadership, urging them to work with him to move the union forward.

    It was gathered that the new President assume the leadership position alongside his executive members,; Deputy President, Mark Kenechi Ezebe, Treasurer, Victor-Mary  Anuna, PRO, Prince Ifeanyi Nworah, women leader, Mrs Chinyere Onyegbado, youth leader, Odife Alagu, 1st Auditor, Nwalote Patrick, 2nd auditor, Ifeanyi Okam, 1st Trustee, Hilary Okoye, 2nd Trustee, Anthony Okoli and Welfare officer, Dorathy Ibenezi.

  • Anambra bizman allegedly tortures brother to death over missing doors

    Anambra bizman allegedly tortures brother to death over missing doors

    By Ovat Abeng

    Tragedy struck in Oba Community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State as a 28-year-old man, Kingsley Okoye was murdered by thugs allegedly sent by his elder brother over three missing foreign doors.

    The elder brother is a businessman based in Germany, an indigene of Okpuno Umuogali Oba.

    According to report, Kingsley was murdered for selling some doors belonging to his brother’s new building without authorization. The unfortunate incident which took place on Sunday, July 21, 2024 threw the family and Okpuno Umuogali community into mourning because what started as a family row between siblings degenerated into a serious issue.

    According to an eyewitness, Kosisochukwu Samuel Uzoekwe, a maternal cousin of the deceased, said “my cousin Joseph Okoye, the elder brother to Late Kingsley Okoye from Okpuno Umuogali Oba who lives in Germany earlier sold one of their immediate family property and had since refused to share the money realized from the sale of the property with his only brother. 

    “Since then life had been so difficult with Kingsley because he thought he could have used his own share of the sale as a capital to establish himself.

    “Recently, his elder brother Joseph began to build a house in Oba here, so out of hunger and frustration when Kingsley learnt that his elder brother just purchased some foreign doors to install in his new house he went to the site and sold three doors saying that he needs to buy food for himself.

    “On hearing that Kingsley sold three of the doors from his building site, Joseph allegedly sent some money to her sister Ebele married to an Umumpama man instructing her to arrange some thugs to beat up Kingsley and teach him the lesson of his life.

    “Ebele contracted and mobilised two notorious boys from Oba to Okpuno Umuogali to beat Kingsley when people intervened to rescue him they whisked him off on a bike.

    “They took Kingsley to an unknown destination where they beat him to pulp. When they discovered that Kingsley was no longer talking they took him to a hospital in Oba where the Doctor confirmed him dead on arrival. When the doctor rejected him, they took Kingsley’s corpse to another hospital and embalmment center where he was deposited in the morgue,” Uzoekwe stated.

    However, Uzoekwe said that the boys have been at large and switched off their mobile phones after the incident making it difficult to contact or reach them after the heinous crime.

    In a swift reaction, Ebele (Nee Okoye) who spoke to our reporter on phone did not deny the fact that her elder brother Joseph Okoye that lives abroad sponsored the torturing of Late Kingsley for selling only three pieces of doors, she rather claimed that she was not the one given money to contract the thugs but Joseph’s fiancee from Umuorabem Oba.

    “I am very sad because of the turn of events. Despite the several pleadings I and my mother pleaded with Joseph to forgive Kingsley for selling just 3 pieces of his doors he went ahead to arrange with his fiancee from Umuorabem who told his brother to contract people I do not know to beat up our brother resulting to his unfortunate death.

    “Everyone is pointing accusing fingers at me that I was the one who received money from my brother Joseph to arrange the people that beat Kingsley to death but it is not true. I went for the graduation ceremony of my children that fateful Sunday only for Joseph to call me on phone from abroad informing me himself that Kingsley died in the hands of the people his fiancee and her fiancee’s brother called to discipline Kingsley on Joseph’s instructions,” she said.

    Reacting to the allegation, Joseph Okoye who regretted his actions said that he never intended to hurt his younger brother Kingsley but only wanted some boys to find out from him where he kept the three doors so as to recover them for his building project.

    “I have already tendered my statement to the DPO Oba police station. My brother has been stealing from my building site and last Friday night, July 19, 2024 my workers discovered that three foreign doors which I bought N85,000 each were missing and all fingers were pointing at my brother Kingsley.

    “I told my mother and sister to help me beg Kingsley to bring back my doors or tell me who he sold the doors to but he denied stealing them. On Saturday July 20, 2024, I now contacted some boys from Umumpama Oba to beat him and find out the whereabout of the doors and Kingsley confessed that he stole those doors and sold them to a welder at N15,000 each.

    “While they were beating him, I was with them on video call that Saturday and they assured me that Kingsley was still alive. I told them to take him to the nearest hospital for treatment after his confession.

    ”Surprisingly, I was shocked to hear from one of those boys on Sunday July 21, 2024 that my brother Kingsley was dead. I asked them what happened and I could not configure their story. I later heard from the Doctor that he was brought in dead and the boys ran away as soon he was confirmed dead.

    ‘My sister said that there was matchet cuts all over Kingsley’s body dripping with blood at the mortuary but that was not the case on Saturday when I was following up the interrogation on video call.

    “I insist that the boys now at large most be apprehended to tell me why they killed my brother because I only told them to beat him a little so that he would reveal where my doors were so that I could recover them but I did not know the motive why they killed my brother. Wherever they run to, they must be fished out to explain why he killed my brother,” he said.

    Confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer SP Ikenga Tochukwu, said, “Yes is a case of alleged torture to death by a group of boys reported at Oba police station and efforts are already in place to arrest the perpetrators.

    “Preliminary information shows that the victim was taken to the murderers by his siblings for alleged stealing before he was tortured to death.

    “The siblings are now in custody for conspiracy of murder.
    Further development shall be communicated, please.”

  • Comment on Peter Obi: Use your spokesmanship to address hunger, hardship in Nigeria, Ohanaeze replies Onanuga

    Comment on Peter Obi: Use your spokesmanship to address hunger, hardship in Nigeria, Ohanaeze replies Onanuga

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Igbo Social-Cultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga to use the position to addressed hunger and hardship currently facing the country at the moment.

    The organisation lamented that linking the 2023 Labour Party, LP presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi to the ugly situation in Nigeria by Mr Onanuga was uncalled for.

    Chief Demian Ogene-Okeke, who address a press conference in Awka, on Tuesday, in reaction to Onanuga’s comment on Peter Obi, urging Nigerians to held him (Obi) responsible for whatever crisis that would emanate from the upcoming planned hunger/hardship protest, slated for 1st-10th August, 2024.

    Onanuga also accused Obi of planning mayhem in the country.

    Speaking further, Ogene-Okeke charged Onanuga to focus more on how to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians rather than pointing allegation finger against innocent Nigerian.

    He called on the President to caution Mr. Onanuga on his unguided ultrances against Peter Obi.

    He also urged  Onanuga to used the Spokemanship energy to focus more on making Nigeria a great place for all irrespective of tribe, ethic and religion affiliations

    While calling on Igbos residing in other part of the country to focus more on how to protect their properties rather than involving in the forthcoming planned protest nationwide, the National Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo also appeal to the President to release the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention.

  • Unizik holds world press conference as Prof Umobi assumes office as new acting VC

    Unizik holds world press conference as Prof Umobi assumes office as new acting VC

    By Ovat Abeng

    The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik) Awka, on Monday held a world press conference, as the new acting Vice Chancellor of University, Prof Carol Umobi has assumed office.

    Prof Umobi took over in a peaceful transition as he was handed over by the former acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Joseph Ikechebelu, who was last weekend removed by the council of the university, led by Amb. Greg Mbadiwe.

    The council had sat on Saturday last week and even though there was stalemate during the meeting, Mbadiwe had shortly before leaving the university, handed Umobi his appointment letter, to pilot the affairs of the University for six months.

    The Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor on Media/Publicity, Dr Emmanuel Ojukwu who briefed journalists shortly after the handover ceremony held at University auditorium, on Monday, said Umobi will act for a non renewable term of six months, and will not be a part of the contest for a substantive vice chancellor.

    Ojukwu while speaking said: “I have been directed to brief you on happenings in the university. As you all know the acting VC has taken office this morning. She is in the office now meeting with students of the university.

    “You also know that Prof Joseph Ikechebelu who was removed last Saturday was only directed to assume on temporary capacity, pending when the council will appoint Acting VC and the council has done so.

    “Council has directed that Ikechebelu who was deputy VC administration should oversee the university pending the appointment of an acting VC.

    “I must say that someone who is directed to oversee the university does not equate with the acting Vice chancellor.

    “There are misrepresentation that there are two acting Vice Chancellors in the university, but no one was appointed until now, and the recently constituted council of the university has just been appointed and also taken over.

    “The chairman of the council has just fulfilled its first assignment by picking an acting Vice Chancellor.

    “The council said anyone who will contest to be substantive will not be acting so that everyone will get equal playing ground.

    “ASUU advices that it will not be good for Ikechebelu to act, when he has interest in being a substantive. If Ikechebelu wishes to contest, he should know that the advert will be out soon and he can apply,” Ojukwu said.

    It was gathered that Prof Ikechebelu has reverted to his previous position as Deputy Vice Chancellor administration of the Institution.

  • Anambra 2025: Group endorses Soludo for second term

    Anambra 2025: Group endorses Soludo for second term

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Divine Mandate Actualization (DMA), has endorsed Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for second term in the upcoming Anambra 2025 governorship election in the state.

    The group made the endorsement at the end of its meeting with the State Commissioner for Works, Engr Ifeanyi Okoma, at his Obosi residence in Idemili North Council Area of the State, on Sunday.

    The DMA said that Soludo was adopted as its sole candidate because of his numerous achievements recorded within a period of two and half years in office.

    The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Idemili, who announced the endorsement on behalf of others, expressed his unwavering belief that Governor Charles Soludo is the best person to lead Anambra state for a second tenure.

    Idemili, who is known as “Emma Gold”, stated that governor Soludo will undoubtedly make a comeback in the upcoming 2025 governorship election in the state.

    He emphasized that Soludo has proven himself to be an exceptional leader, who has gone above and beyond in his duties, surpassing the achievements of his predecessors.

    In his remark, the State Commissioner for Works, Engr Okoma, expressed delight in welcoming the group to his home, promised his full support in the campaign.

    He praised the Governor for his remarkable achievements in Anambra state, highlighting the tremendous efforts put into fixing the state’s infrastructure within a short span of two and half years, specifically, he mentioned how areas like Okpoko and Ochanja markets in Onitsha, the commercial city of the state have witnessed significant transformations, with the roads being restored to a level that makes residents proud.

  • Members of Congress of Nigerian Gospel Ministers won’t be part of protest against Tinubu Govt – Nat’l President, Akam

    Members of Congress of Nigerian Gospel Ministers won’t be part of protest against Tinubu Govt – Nat’l President, Akam

    By Ovat Abeng

    The National President, Congress of Nigerian Gospel Ministers Incorporated, His Eminence, Most Rev Prof. Philip Okpanwa Akam, has stated that his members across the 36 states in Nigeria will not be joining the planned nationwide protest against hunger and economic hardship, set to commence August 2024.

    Prof Akam described members of his Congress as genuine Ministers of God who are peaceful and law-abiding citizens, asserting that they have no adequate reasons to participate in the organized protest against the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Akam who is also the Primate, Christ The Light Gospel Mission Incorporated made the position of the Congress known to journalists shortly after meeting with the Anambra State Chapter of the Congress in Amawbia-Awka, on Friday July 19th, 2024.

    According to him, “whatever the protest, be it peaceful or non-peaceful, we are not going to be part of it. Nobody who is a member of this Congress would participate. Members of our Churches should not participate and we should go back to our various congregations and tell them that we are not part of this type of protest that is upcoming, that we have a better option, and the option is to meet with the President and have a talk with him about his leadership style, where we think he has done it right and where we think he has not done it right, then we advised him on how best he can handle to address the challenges, because our members are also suffering from the hunger and hardship Nigerians are currently going through.”

    The Primate, however, expressed dissatisfaction over the way and manner the Nigeria Government is looking down on some genuine church organisations like the Congress of Nigerian Gospel Ministers, established and commissioned since 26th, March 1993 under the military administration of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida.

    “The government is not carrying the churches along and which is why things are not going normal the way it should be, in a country like Nigeria bless with all natural resources anybody can think of.

    “A Church is a divine institution charge with the mandate of ensuring the peace and spiritual well-bring of the society. So, our meeting with the President, I strongly believe that it will curbed the challenges.”

    The National President charged the leadership of the Congress in the state not to relent in praying for peace and unity of Anambra, South East region and the country at large.

  • Soludo unveils use of pave stones for construction of intra-city roads in Anambra

    Soludo unveils use of pave stones for construction of intra-city roads in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has unveiled the used of pave stones for the construction of intra-city roads in the state.

    The governor unveiled this through the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Awka Capital Territory Development Agency (ACTDA), Mr. Ossy Onuko, during the official commissioning of Rev. Fr. Raphael Onyekwelu Street, Amansea community in Awka North Local Government Area of the State on Thursday.

    Mr Onuko said the new innovation was part of governor Soludo’s vision of making Awka a smart mega city in Nigeria.

    He said the pave stones will be used only in inner city’s roads, streets across major cities in the state.

    “So, today, we are using this street road name after our government house chaplain, Fr. Onyekwelu to experiment it and I strongly believe that it will be generally accepted by Ndi-Anambra.

    “It was conceptualized, design and executed by the Awka Capital Territory Development Agency ACTDA. The road is 130 kilometres with solid drainage and there is quality assurance from the construction company.

    Governor Soludo is passionate about giving quality access road to all the communities in the state.

    Mr Onuko noted that the naming of the street road after the chaplain was a testament to governor Soludo’s enduring legacy and all-inclusive administrative policy for every citizen of the State.

    In his remark, the Chaplain, Fr. Onyekwelu, thanked the governor for finding him worthy of the honour and for his continuous effort to actualized his vision for the people of the State.

    He also commended the ACTDA boss and the engineer handling the road for a job well done.

    On his part, the site Engineer, Engr Vincent Ojukwu, assure that the road will last between 15-20 years because of it easy  maintenance nature.

    In their separate commendations, the Deputy Majority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Dr Jude Akpua and the Transition Committee Chairman of Awka South Local Government Area, Prince Chinedu Okafor, commended Governor Soludo and the ACTDA boss for the new innovation.

    They said that the ideas of using the pave stones on Anambra roads is in line with governor Soludo’s vision of making the state a livable and prosperous Homeland in Nigeria.

    The official unveiling was performed by the State Commissioner for Works, Engr Ifeanyi Okoma, represented by Engr Noel Okoye, Director of Highways, Anambra State Ministry Works.