Paradise News

Tag: Anambra State

  • Labour Party lawmakers lauds South East Governor’s move on Nnamdi Kanu’s release

    Labour Party lawmakers lauds South East Governor’s move on Nnamdi Kanu’s release

    By Ovat Abeng

    Lawmakers under the aegis of South East House of Assembly Caucus of Labour Party, has commend governors, Senators and House of Representatives Members from the region on their moved to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from detention.

    They also appeal to the Governors in the Region and  indeed the whole nation to work to grant full financial autonomy to the State Houses of Assembly in accordance with the constitution and the Principles of Separation of Powers, noting that it will go a long way in ensuring more robust assemblies in the country.

    The group made their position known in a communique signed by HON. BARR. JUDE IFEANYI UMENNAJIEGO ( caucus leader Anambra), HON. KINGSLEY UDEMEZUE (Enugu), HON. NIGERIA CHIDINMA MBACHU (Anambra), HON. NKECHI OGBUEFI (Anambra), HON. JUSTICE AZUKA (Anambra), HON. HARRISON OGARA (Enugu), HON. EZE GABRIEL (Enugu), HON. MALACHY ONYECHI (Enugu), HON. RAYMOND UGWU (Enugu), HON. FRED EZENWA (Anambra) and HON. OSITA OKOH (Enugu) respectively and made available to newsmen at a press conference, held in Awka, the Anambra State Capital, on Saturday.

    Positing that the unconditional release of Sunday Igboho, a pro-Odua Republic agitator and Allahaji Ansari Dukobo of the Niger Delta is commendable, the Lawmakers insisted that the same gesture must be extended to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu currently detained for similar agitation for peace to be restored in eastern Nigeria.

    Read Also: Health Minister to unveiled NAUTH permanent site in Nnewi

    They maintained that the continued detention of Kanu while his Yoruba counterpart have been granted release by the present administration shows that the South East geopolitical zone is still under marginalization.

    The communique read in part, “That we the South East House of Assembly Caucus Of Labour Party express happiness and gratitude to the Southeast Governors, Senators and House of Representatives members on their recent resolve to interface with the Federal Government for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention.This is in line with the position of several Nigerian leaders, including Chief Edwin Clark, His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi and several others. We see it as a demonstration of leadership and show of concern for the people. We therefore, lend our voices in appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to, as a matter of urgency, release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, so as to douse the current ravaging insecurity in the zone. This insecurity has grounded the economy of the region and has occasioned unprecedented loss of human lives as well as destruction of property. His release will act as a healing balm to the region and also encourage the feeling of oneness as a nation.
    Furthermore, it will separate genuine agitators from criminals in the business of kidnapping.

    “That we also appeal to the Governors of South East Region and  indeed the whole nation to work to grant full financial autonomy to the State Houses of Assembly in accordance with the constitution and the Principles of Separation of Powers. This will go a long way in ensuring more robust assemblies, by enhancing their functionalities in the area of law making, oversight and other attendant legislative duties. Following the example of the Federal Government, it will deepen democracy in the states and ensure more quality and effective representation.

    “That the Federal Government should ensure the quick resolution of the current minimum wage impasse between the governments, organised private sector and Labour Unions. With the current economic reality and astronomical increment in the prices of goods and services, it will be wrong for the government not to hearken to the voice of the NLC/TUC who represent the voice of the suffering masses. Nigerians are in agony on account of the current harsh economic situation, and the worst hit appears to be the workers whose income is obviously not enough under current situation.

    “We abhor the recent hasty incarceration of Hon. Bright Ngene who is a candidate in a rerun election in Enugu state, whose prison sentence seemed to be politically motivated.

    “We call on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to look into the case and ensure that justice is done. It is surprising that even when the community who are the complainants in the case opted to withdraw the case, the court still proceeded to trial and sentence him to jail in controversial and suspicious circumstance without giving room for the adoption of written addresses by the parties.

    “We also appeal to the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly to as a matter of urgency ensure that in accordance with the standing order of the House, the minority positions due to the Labour Party are given to them without further delay. You recall that recently, some Labour Party members decamped to the PDP, going along with them the minority leadership positions of the Labour Party in the house. Since you have only two parties in the house, It is only right that the Labour Party is now in the minority and should be entitled to their minority leadership positions.

    “As the speaker, who is the father to all in the House, it is only right and just that the positions be returned to the Labour Party to ensure fairness and equity,” the Communique concluded.

  • Health Minister to unveiled NAUTH permanent site in Nnewi

    Health Minister to unveiled NAUTH permanent site in Nnewi

    By Ovat Abeng

    Preparations are on top gear for a working visit of the Coordinating Minister for Health, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH)’s permanent site in Nnewi, Anambra State for the unveiling of the facility.

    Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the NAUTH, Professor Joseph Ugboaja disclosed this on Friday in a press briefing where he announced the Minister’s visit as he presented what his administration has been able to achieve since assumption of office in 2021.

    Prof Ugboaja disclosed that the Minister’s visit would mark the final relocation to the permanent site of the health institution which would also witness the commissioning of completed projects, as the Minister would join the management and staff of the hospital to celebrate the first anniversary of project commissioning by the presidency at the permanent site.

    “We have moved all the clinical services to the permanent site. Administration including my office and ancillary services will be the last to be relocated. Clinical wards formerly run at the temporary site have been relocated to their respective buildings with a full complement of modern support facilities.

    Read Also: Anambra Building Collapse: Soludo’s Aide, Omenugha Advocates Certification Of Artisans

    “The Minister will also preside over the recognition of two of NAUTH’s principal stakeholders which include Dr Cletus Ibeto and Sir Emeka Offor, who will each have a structure named after them. Chief Arthur Eze will equally be honoured.

    “The hospital will honour its founding members and recognize Senator Ifeanyi Ubah as well as the Governor of Anambra state, Prof Charles Soludo for their various contributions to the growth of the institution, “the CMD said.

    He told journalists that relocation to the permanent site was a calculated effort and strong determination to actualize his mission and vision for the health institution.

    “On assumption of office, my resolve was to move the hospital from the temporary site to the permanent site. And also, I have the vision to make NAUTH among the top three health institutions in Nigeria. It should be realized that the hospital has been at the temporary site for over thirty years. There were no good buildings, road network, adequate water supply, drainages, and indeed no adequate infrastructure, among other things.

    “It is important to understand where I am coming from. I began my tenure as a CMD in 2021. During the COVID-19 epidemic, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and the progressives wanted to invest in the hospital, I was among the people who begged him to build the structure here at the permanent site. It should be noted that the building was the first complete structure built in the hospital.

    “I have already declared our vision to make NAUTH rank among the top three university teaching hospitals in Nigeria and beyond with at least 2,000 bed capacity. That is why there is an urgent need to achieve the vision. We harness the human and material resources, the various departments and units with the objective to realize the vision.

    “We are desirous to compete with leading hospitals anywhere in Africa. Our environment is made friendly with the proper esthetics, trees, plants, and landscape in line with our dream hospital.

    “As the infrastructure was being developed to satisfy our vision, we procured state-of-the-art equipment from such companies as General Electric to ensure consistency in line with where the hospital is going. We moved the hospital from analog operations to digitalization. Some of the staff members are still trying to master it, but it is a constant training till everyone has come to terms. And the hospital places a lot of premium in training and retraining.

    “While we are developing the permanent site at a rapid speed, we made a deliberate decision to ensure a happy workforce by ensuring that their needs were met. Promotion of deserving workers was made, and those who applied for regularization of status were promptly granted. “We ensure that NAUTH will not experience work disruption as a result of not meeting the worker’s entitlement.

    “One of the main facilities we have here is the oxygen plant. We have two oxygen plants that meet the needs of our hospital, and we can serve other hospitals. Our collaboration with the LNG has yielded two additional oxygen plants. We also have a well-piped oxygen line. Our production and distribution of oxygen is assured to meet the needs of other hospitals.

    “The stakeholders we hold very dear are our external stakeholders. We have the traditional stakeholders, community stakeholders, and government agencies. HRH Igwe KON Orizu III has been the most consistent supporter of the hospital. Since I became the CMD, he has been to this permanent site not less than seven times to encourage us. Igwe Orizu built the ICT Center, which is the most magnificent structure in the entire hospital.

    “The financial management is key to what we are doing. You must look for money. The public funding is very key, and we must deploy the money where it is earmarked to go. Our external stakeholders are also key to our success, despite the difficulties, ”Prof Ugboaja explained.

    He praised Professor Pate, adding that the Minister was determined to see the reorganization of the public health system to be more efficient and effective.

    He further noted that the Minister had attracted a lot of funding which he had deployed to improve the public health sector. He said that was one of the reasons he insisted that Prof Pate would visit the NAUTH.

    He stated also that the Minister would also conduct the ceremony to mark the establishment of the Regional Radio Diagnostic Center in NAUTH which the hospital was privileged to host for the entire South East geopolitical zone.

  • Anambra Building Collapse: Soludo’s Aide, Omenugha Advocates Certification Of Artisans

    Anambra Building Collapse: Soludo’s Aide, Omenugha Advocates Certification Of Artisans

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Special Adviser to the Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo on Youth empowerment programmes, Dr Nelson Omenugha has appeared before the panel of inquiry set up by the Anambra State government to investigate the series of recent building collapses in the state.

    The panel sitting in Awka is tasked by the governor, among other things, to investigate the immediate and root causes of the Odu Igbo Ochanja Onitsha and DMGS Onitsha buildings collapse and make recommendations that will aid the state government in developing policies that will forestall future occurrences.

    Dr Omenugha frowned at the level of building collapse being recorded in Anambra state and made recommendations on more professional approach to cub the menace.

    Part of his recommendations was for proper training, certification and documentation of artisans who on a daily basis operates on construction sites.

    Read Also: Nigerian Police Arrest Serial Killer ‘Itaapa’ Who Named Osun Politician As Godfather, Said He Got 30 Rifles During 2023 Polls

    He advocate for more training and re-training workshop for artisans in the state.

    Dr Omenugha appeared before the panel with a framework to achieve the certification of artisans and noted that having a proper training and certification of artisans will help enthrone a standard of operation which engineers must insist on to prevent collapse as a result of carelessness or in an attempt to manage resources.

    He commended the panel for their time and services and assured them of his support to get the best for the progress of Anambra state.

    The Chairman of the panel, Engr Victor Meju, after reactions by the members commended Dr Omenugha for his presentation and recommendations and promised that his recommendations will form part of their policy framework which will be submitted to the Governor for implementation.

    He noted that the panel will produce a deliverable action plan that will put a stop to building collapse in the state as no professional will love to be held accountable and therefore will choose to adhere to professional ethics.

  • Police arrest 200 suspected criminals in Anambra in two months

    Police arrest 200 suspected criminals in Anambra in two months

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Anambra State Police Command, has arrested 200 suspected criminals, believed to be terrorizing the state.

    Parading some of the suspects at the command’s headquarters, in Amawbia-Awka, the State Capital, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, said the suspects were arrested in various parts of the state within two months of his assumption as the 34th Commissioner of Police in the state.

    According to the Commissioner in his address, “I want to welcome you all today the 12th of July 2024 to Anambra State Police Command Headquarters, Awka. I give thanks to the Almighty God for his favor and mercies and to the Inspector General of Police IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for finding me worthy to serve as the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Police Command at this critical moment of our nation’s history.

    “Today is exactly the 60th day I resumed this national assignment to serve Ndi Anambra and our dear nation. I am very delighted to address you today and to provide members of the public updates on the Command’s law and order activities and achievements in our fight against crime and criminalities in the State.

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    “On assumption of office with my strategic Officers, we reviewed and evaluated policing capabilities, and threats within the state’s critical assets, and embarked upon painstaking intelligence gathering through ROBUST synergy with core sister security agencies, organized vigilante groups, and other stakeholders

    “I must specifically commend the security-conscious Governor of the State, Chukwuma Soludo and I am therefore happy despite obvious challenges to say that we are repositioning and priming law enforcement as a design to restructure security governance architecture in the State.

    “Efforts at reducing crime and criminality are yielding positive results and we are changing the narrative. During the 60 days of my arrival: *over two hundred (200) suspects have been arrested for various crimes and we have secured five (5) convictions and still ongoing trials.

    “We have rescued unhurt four (4) kidnapped victims

    “Recovered over thirty-three (33) different brands of Arms which includes AK47, Pump action guns, locally made pistols, and others.

    “Over 1,644 ammunition of various types.

    “Twenty-seven (27) stolen but recovered vehicles.

    “Different brands of motorcycles, and monies amongst other exhibits in ongoing investigations.”

    He continues, “another significant innovation in the Command is the ongoing training and retraining of officers and men to improve operational proficiency and acquire more skills in crime prevention strategies, we have conducted a security summit with the informal security sector that had in attendance, vigilante groups, hunters, and other relevant security outfits in the State, to enhance an all-inclusive policing system.

    “Also, we are consulting and engaging relevant stakeholders, like Traditional Rulers, market leaders, youth groups, and civil society organizations in the State.

    “In our drive to fight all forms of criminalities, the window of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Community Policing principles is open for those desirous of taking advantage of such avenues to resolve specific problems and issues. The Command will soon unveil the “Anamabra State Police Community Policing Model”.

    “I am not unmindful of challenges bordering on professional misconduct on the part of our officers and men, we have resuscitated the Complaint Response Unit CRU to complement other Police Units that act as watchdogs to make that personnel comply with the ethics of the job in the discharge of their duties and investigate complaints against officers

    “I believe that every resident or visitor to Anambra State deserves to be treated decently in line with the policing principles of IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD NPM.

    “I want to extend appreciation to the Judiciary and the Anambra State Government for signing into law the Anti-cultism law specifying a jail term of a minimum of 21 years with no option of fine on any person found culpable of cult-related activities and legal confinement of six months or the option to pay half a million naira on anyone harassing innocent individuals to obtain illegal tolls, land grabbers, or any related activities in the State.

    These developments shall further re-echo the campaign and stand against touting and cultism, especially the Police on the advocacy program; Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices POCACOV, a program targeted to sensitize the youths on the dangers of bad groups, drugs, and other vices.

    “Lastly and most importantly, there is no doubt, that as members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, you are critical partners in the peace and security architecture of the state.

    “Your primary role in communicating effectively and transparently to the general public, major incidents in our country confers on you the position of stakeholders. How we manage this vital and sensitive role should weigh in favor of our national interest. I therefore count on your valuable support devoid of sentiments to be able to effectively police Anambra State.

    “Recently there have been three trending videos on social media intended to paint the police in Anambra bad light. These videos include a demonstration at the Government house about cult-related deaths in the Awka metropolis. Another is, about an incident in Umueri in Otucha and a picture of dismissed policemen purportedly kidnappers in uniforms. I advise journalists should to clear with the Public Relations Department of the Command before uploading and commenting on content on social media about the Police.

    “For those who have been misled to take to crime, you are warned to retrace your steps as the command is poised to deal squarely with any acts of criminality without regard for status. As far we are concerned there are no unknown gunmen in Anambra State. People who are terrorizing innocent citizens must be made to account for their crimes, the CP concluded.

    The Paradise News gathered that the weapons ranging from AK47, pump action guns to live ammunition, hard drugs and army uniform confirmed to have been confiscated from the suspects were displayed before journalists during the parade/briefing exercise.

  • ACTDA demolishes shrine behind Anambra govt house Awka

    ACTDA demolishes shrine behind Anambra govt house Awka

    By Ovat Abeng

    The operatives of Awka Capital Territory Development Agency (ACTDA), on Wednesday, demolished a shrine and stores of traders doing businesses at the Government Residential Area (GRA), behind the State Government House along Enugu-Onitsha expressway Awka.

    The demolishing exercise which started at about 9:47am and supervised by the Agency’s Enforcement Commandant, Mr. Okonkwo Ukachukwu, also extended to other part of the State capital where many of the illegal structures marked with a warning notices by the agency were equally destroyed for flaunting the order.

    Other hubs affected in Wednesday demolition included; Zenith Hospital and Maternity gate at Inezu phase 2 Okpouno-Awka and a dry cleaning hub at GRA Awka

    Speaking to journalists shortly after the exercise, the Enforcement Commandant, Mr Okonkwo Ukachukwu, said what the agency is currently doing is a development control which is in line with governor Chukwukuma Soludo’s vision of making Awka a smart mega city in Nigeria.

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    According to him, GRA is a residential area and not a commercial center but people residing in the area are gradually trying to turn their walls into shops and other businesses which is not part of the master plan of the area.

    The demolished shrine was build on top of drainage which also post fears among residents in the area.

    GRA is a purely residential area and not for activities of this nature.

    In the case of the Zenith Hospital gate, we demolished the entrance gate because the owner is building it with out ACTDA approval.

    Mr. Ukachukwu used the exercise to appeal to Awka residents to always obey Government authority to avoid such incident in future.

    It was observed that all the demolished strictures has a removal marked notice place at the walls and entrance gates with warning dates of 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th July 2024 respectively.

  • We are not ghost workers, embattled Anambra workers tell Soludo

    We are not ghost workers, embattled Anambra workers tell Soludo

    …As NULGE threatens strike

    By Ovat Abeng

    The embattled workers alleged to be ghost workers earning salaries without being staff members of the Anambra State Local Government Service Commission, has called on the state governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo to urgently intervene on the matter to avoid break down of law and order in the state.

    The workers made their position known when they stormed the Local Government Service Commission Headquarters in Awka, on Wednesday to protest what they unanimously described as “misinformation”, unpaid salary of three months and other conditions affecting their existence.

    It was gathered that the protest was as a result of the Commission’s discovery of over 427 ghost workers earning salaries from the state government without being staff members.

    According to Chairman of the Commission, Chief Vin Ezeaka, who disclosed the discovery to journalists in Awka last week, the commission also discovered that six senior employees at the various local government areas forged their certificates, claiming they were issued by the Imo State University.

    Read Also: Why Soludo established anti-touting squad in Anambra – SASA boss

    He said 59 among the ghost workers were employees of the Commission who died a long time ago, 40 had retired but were still on the state payroll, while 11 others were living abroad.

    He said, “The discovery was made during a personnel audit launched to sanitise the local government system in the state. In the process, over 427 workers were discovered to have been on the local government payroll without being staffed.

    Speaking on behalf of the protesters shortly after the protest at the NULGE House Awka, Comrade Odumodu Stephen, debunked the information, saying that they were not ghost workers as being reported by the press.

    According to him, “the people present here today are not ghost but genuine local government workers who are genuinely employed by the state government in our various council areas. The peaceful protest, you all witnessed is to let our worker-friendly governor, Chukwuma Soludo, the media and the general public to know that we are genuine workers.

    “Also the protest is to inform the governor that we have not received our three months salary (April, May and June this year), as a result of the misinformation about us.

    “So, we are appealing to the Commission’s Chairman, Chief Ezeaka to direct whoever is in position to pay our three months salary to do so in order to save our members from any unpleasant circumstances of the hardship currently facing the country at the moment,” Comrade Stephen stated.

    In his brief speech, the State President of Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Adigwe Chikwelu while expressing dissatisfaction over the development, urged the Commission to always verify information properly before going to the press.

    He threatened that if nothing is done to address the issue at the end of July, 2024, the Union will have no other option than to shutdown services across the 21 local government areas of the State.

    The Chairman of the Commission, Chief Vin Ezeaka, in his response, promised to return the protesters back to their payroll.

    He also warned the embattled workers to always report issues concerning their working condition to the Commission as their employer and not to NULGE as a Union.

  • Why Soludo established anti-touting squad in Anambra – SASA boss

    Why Soludo established anti-touting squad in Anambra – SASA boss

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Director of Special Anambra Anti-Touting Squad (SASA), Hon Solomon Chukwuebuka Onwuemene, has given elimination of all forms criminal activities like one chance robbery, drug abuse, handbags snatching, illegal extortion of traders and other crime as reasons why governor Charles Soludo established anti-touting squad in the state.

    Hon Onwuemene who disclosed this while briefing Journalists in his office in Awka, on Tuesday, said since the unveiling of the unit, reports of illegal extortion, one chance robbery and handbags snatching and other criminal incidents has reduced to fifteen percent across markets in the state, particularly, Onitsha and its environ.

    According to him, the current administration of governor Soludo has reiterated his resolve to end touting and make movements and commercial activities pleasurable experience across streets, roads and markets in the state.

    The launching of the Squad is to ensure zero touting in the State.

    Read Also: Kidnapping: Rescued Kaduna Judge’s children reunite with parents

    “Soludo is determined to restore law and order in Anambra especially Onitsha and its environ.

    The squad is an acceleration on the key promise the governor made to the people living in the greater Onitsha area, which consists of Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Ogbaru, Oyi and Idemili to restore Anambra State known for law and order to its full glory as the Light of the Nation.

    “Touting has affected the growth and development of Onitsha negatively, hence the establishment of the unit to end the menace.

    “The agenda is to rejuvenate the values Anambra was known for.

    “Administration of governor Soludo has provided great opportunities for the youths, especially, the ongoing “One Youth, Two Skills Empowerment Programme that have lifted over five thousand youths from the streets within two years in office and it will continued.

    “Establishing the Squad at the den of touts in the state, particularly in Upper Iweka, Onitsha is indeed a great idea whose time has come.”

    The SASA boss while assuring the squad continuous collaboration with other security agencies to sustained a peaceful environment in the state, appeal to those still involving in touting and criminality to key into the state government empowerment programs to become useful to the society, their families and themselves.

    He also appeal to residents to continue to pray for the governor to enable him actualized his vision of making Anambra a livable and prosperous state in Nigeria.

    The Paradise News gathered that the Squad is a unit attached to the State Ministry of Homeland Affairs.

  • BUA truck kills 5, injures 6 in Anambra road crash

    BUA truck kills 5, injures 6 in Anambra road crash

    By Ovat Abeng

    Five persons on Tuesday lost their lives while six were injured in a multiple motor accident along Agulu-Agwubu Road in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    It was gathered that the crash which occurred around 9:55am involved Commercial howo truck, commercial TVS/Tricycle with registration number: NZH84LG, commercial Qlink motorcycle with registration number: OLU245QV and a private Honda/Motorcycle.

    According to eyewitness, the truck driver was approaching a checkpoint on a speed when he suddenly lost control following brake failure.

    “The truck collided with the other vehicles at the check point and crashed,” he said.

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    Confirming the incident, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corps Commander Adeoye Irelewuyi attributed the cause of the crash to excessive speed/brake failure.

    He commiserated with the deceased family and sent his prayers to the injured persons, urging motorist to maintain safe speed and drive within speculated speed limit to arrive their destination alive.

    He said, “A fatal road traffic crash was recorded today 9th July, 2024 at Green Energy Oil and gas by Eke Awgbu along Agulu-Agwubu Road. A multiple crash.

    “Eleven persons were involved in the crash comprising (9male adults, and 2 female adults) 5 male adults and 1 female adult sustained varying degrees of injury and 4 male adults and 1 female adult were killed.

    “Before the arrival of FRSC rescue team from RS5.35 Igboukwu, the injured victims were rushed by passerby to Referral Health Centre Awgbu and the deceased deposited at St Joseph’s Mortuary Adazi Ani.

    “The rescue team managed traffic and ensured obstruction caused by the crash was cleared.”

  • Anambra 2025: APGA support group collapses into APC, backs Paul Chukwuma aspiration

    Anambra 2025: APGA support group collapses into APC, backs Paul Chukwuma aspiration

    By Ovat Abeng

    The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Support Group known as 21 over 21 support group has collapsed its structures across 326 Wards of Anambra State into All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared its support for the governorship Aspiration of Sir Paul Chukwuma of the APC in the 2025 governorship election in the state.

    The support group which comprises of some former ward chairmen and executives of All Progressive Grand Alliance, who were instrumental for the 21 over 21 re-election victory of former governor Willie Obiano and election of Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo in the last election also resolved to go back to their various wards to ensure a resounding victory for Sir Chukwuma in APC primary election and the APC in the State.

    These Former Party Chieftains of APGA who were at the country home of Sir Paul Chukwuma in Umueri community in Anambra East Local Government Area, on Sunday, said their decision to support Sir Paul Chukwuma followed a thorough assessment of all the Aspirants who have indicated interest in the Governorship Election and the need to save the state from being dragged back to the old days of violence, ethnocentric politics, maladministration and lack of human capital development we are witnessing today in Prof. Soludo’s Administration and the present APGA Government.

    Speaking on behalf of the support group, Mr Nchee Chinedu said “We have looked at Sir Paul Chukwuma track record, we have seen indelible marks, we have seen your progressive mindset and achievements in our political landscape. We have seen your intellectual capacity and we believe Sir Paul Chukwuma is the man Anambra people need at this material time.

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    “Outside these qualities, we have also found, looking at the mission statement of Sir Paul Chukwuma, a young vibrant man who is at the same time soft spoken, eloquent, articulate and professional.

    “On the forthcoming APC primary and  Governorship Poll in the state, our group has resolved to go back to our various wards and register to become full members of APC so as to support the Governorship Aspiration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain, Sir Paul Chulwuma for the fact that he is a grassroot politician, an entrepreneur and as well possesses the character traits of a great leader.

    “He is accessible, humble, brilliant and devoid of the negative drama that has dotted the histories of his competitors,” they stated.

    Hon. Ifeanyi Ibezi, a former Member House of Representatives, who represented Sir Paul Chukwuma at the event, thanked the Group for their choice of Sir Paul Chukwuma. He promised that they will never regret their decision.

    Hon. Ibezi recalled the roles the former chairmen played during Second Tenure election of former Governor Willie Obiano in delivering 21 over 21 for the Governor and how they ensured that Governor Soludo was re-elected.

    He regretted that despite all their efforts in helping APGA win elections, they were neglected by the present administration.

    He opined that with Sir Paul Chukwuma, they will smile again and with the development agenda of Sir Chukwuma, infrastructure and human capital will be re-built again in Anambra State.

  • HIFA Foundation offers N10 million scholarship to 85 indigent students in Anambra

    HIFA Foundation offers N10 million scholarship to 85 indigent students in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    An Austria based Foundation, Help For All (HIFA), has through Justice, Development and Peace Caritas, JDPC, Catholic Diocese of Awka, has offered the sum of 10 million naira scholarship to 85 indigent students across all denominations in Anambra State.

    Presenting the money via electronic transfer to the beneficiaries at JDPC, Awka Diocese Secretariat domiciled inside St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, on Saturday, the Director of JDPC, Awka Diocese and the Chairman, Anambra State HIFA Board, Rev. Fr. Levi Ukor said that they worked in partnership with HIFA Austria, noting that the Organization was formed and funded by retired teachers in Austria.

    He announced that each beneficiary will be given a sum of N121,000.

    According to Rev. Fr. Ukor, they scout for indigent students yearly after which the lucky ones would be thoroughly investigated to ascertain all facts before compiling and submitting their names to HIFA Austria for onward release of funds.

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    He said the programme was an annual event and that many indigent students and gifted children had been saved and empowered though the Foundation.

    Rev. Fr. Ukor who said that the Organization was Co-founded by Adolf Pester and Rev. Fr. Aaron Ekwu (Late) noted that it was designed basically to cater for the poor in the society and also help in closing the gap in infrastructure and other areas of life.

    He noted that HIFA Austria were already in 6 states in Nigeria and had been carrying out back to back to humanitarian services.

    He informed the press that the students were drawn from different schools across the 21 local government area of the State not minding their religious or denominational inclinations and faith, saying that some were picked from schools in Awka, Nnewi, Onitsha, Ekwulobia and Orumba, among others, adding that the beneficiaries were gotten through the applications submitted during their monthly meetings by their parents/guardians.

    The Director of JDPC, Awka Diocese thanked the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor for his continued fatherly love and care as well as for the opportunity given to him to serve in that capacity, appreciating God for the gift of the Local Ordinary.

    Fr. Ukor equally thanked his team members, saying that they had been nice to him, even as exhorted the students to make adequate use of the money given to them.

    In their separate admonitions, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, represented by Education Secretary, Awka Diocese, Rev. Fr Maximus Okonkwo and the Chairman of JDPC, Awka Diocese, Hon. Paulinus Adinuba, urged the beneficiaries to guard jealously and judiciously the gesture and also shun acts capable of ruining their future.

    Some of the beneficiary students, Kizito Ebele, Onwuka Chikerem Pamela, and Chikezie Lawrence while appreciating the foundation,  and the Catholic Diocese of Awka for the support, promised to make good used of the fund for the purpose provided for.