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Tag: Anambra State

  • Senator Nwoye lauds Tinubu, Umahi as work resumes on abandoned Anambra-Kogi road

    Senator Nwoye lauds Tinubu, Umahi as work resumes on abandoned Anambra-Kogi road

    By Ovat Abeng

    In a move that has brought immense joy and relief to the people of Anambra North, work has finally resumed on the Otuocha-Anam-Nzam-Ibaji federal road, linking Anambra with Kogi State, after years of abandonment.

    The 30-kilometer stretch of road, which connects Otuocha to Nzam, Innoma, Iheaka, and Abaji, had been in a state of disrepair, cutting off many rural communities in the area.

    The resumption of work on the road has been met with tears of joy and jubilation, as residents and stakeholders alike celebrated the long-awaited development.

    For years, the abandonment of the road had forced many communities in Anambra East and West to rely on a longer route through Illah in Delta State to access their homes and farmlands.

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    The Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District, Senator Dr. Tony Nwoye (Labour Party) and the House of Representative member representing Anambra East and West, Hon Peter Anaekwe (Macpee) were on hand to welcome the resumption of work on the road.

    They were joined by numerous stakeholders and community members, who turned out in large numbers to celebrate the occasion.

    According to Senator Nwoye, the resumption of work on the road is a testament to the government’s commitment to addressing the infrastructure needs of the region.

    Nwoye said that through his efforts over the years even when he was in the 8th House of Representatives, He had pursued vigorously for the construction of the road, that now he is in the 10th Senate, he had continued with that zeal to make sure the road gets adequate attention and funding from the Federal Government.

    The Senator said,l”Today, the efforts have paid off as President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, have come to the rescue of the people of Anambra North by re-awarding the road for the sum of over N34 billion naira.”

    Nwoye who was at the Construction yard and site was highly elated on the award. He thanked Engr Dave Umahi, President Tinubu and also Senator Akpabio-led 10th Senate for making the road a priority.

    He said, “The contractor has gone to site. They have shown readiness to embark in the Work as we can see from the activities going on here.”

    He promised to help the contractor to get the New design of the road ready so that it would not delay them, adding that upon completion of the road, journey from Anambra to Kogi and Abuja would be reduced by at least two to three hours, just as many communities along the road would be opened up.

    The reconstruction, he said, this time would not be like the last one.

    He said the road was being financed through Road Tax Credit Facility from NNPC: “NNPC is providing a major part of the funding.”

    Senator Nwoye assured that proper evaluation, monitoring and oversight would be carried out as the work goes on, in order to ensure that quality work would be done and also to ensure that there would value for money for the people of Anambra North.

    He said once the new design for the road was signed and handed over to NigerCat, he believed they would do a good job

    The road, which is being constructed by NigerCat, a reputable construction company, is expected to be completed within a reasonable timeframe.

    The company’s officials have assured the community of their commitment to delivering a high-quality road that will withstand the test of time.

    The Otuocha-Anam-Nzam-Ibaji road is a critical artery that connects many rural communities in Anambra North to the rest of the state and the country at large.

    Its abandonment had led to a decline in economic activities, as well as social and cultural interactions, among the affected communities.

    With the resumption of work on the road, residents are optimistic that their lives will improve significantly.

    “This road is a lifeline for us,” said one resident. “We are grateful to the government and the construction company for coming to our aid.”

    The completion of the road is expected to boost economic activities in the region, improve access to healthcare and education, and enhance social and cultural interactions among the communities.

    In his remarks, the House of Representative member representing Anambra East and West, expressed his gratitude to the government and the construction company for their efforts.

    “We are proud to be part of this momentous occasion,” he said. “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our communities receive the attention they deserve.”

  • Peter Obi visits family of kidnapped Anambra Labour Party 2021 governorship candidate

    Peter Obi visits family of kidnapped Anambra Labour Party 2021 governorship candidate

    By Ovat Abeng

    A former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has visited the family of the kidnapped Labour Party’s governorship candidate during the 2021 Anambra governorship election, Obiora Agbasimalo.

    During the visit at their home in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, Obi also commiserated with the family over the death of Pa Emmanuel Agbasimalo, the father of the kidnapped victim. Pa Emmanuel died on May 20, 2024.

    The Nigerian Tribune gathered that the photos of his visit were shared by the wife of the kidnapped victim, Eucharia Agbasimalo, on her social media handle.

    The Labour Party governorship candidate was kidnapped at Azia community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, on his way to attending a political function in September 2021 and his whereabouts have remained unknown till date.

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    The family said Obi visited them to commiserate with them over their missing son and during the visit, the former Anambra governor learnt that they were also grieving over the death of the father of the missing LP candidate.

    They added that Obi commiserated with the family over the death and also showed empathy that their son, who was kidnapped in Anambra since 2021, has not been found.

    They described Obi’s visit to the family as a mark of love, noting that his visit to condole and sympathise with the family at a time they are still looking for their missing son and also mourning the death of their patriarch, was largely appreciated by the family.

    The caption read, “The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate paid a visit to the family of Obiora Agbasimalo, the kidnapped 2021 Anambra LP governorship candidate. During the visit, Mr Obi also learnt of the recent demise of the victim’s father, Engr. Emmanuel Agbasimalo and thereafter commiserated with the family.

    “The visit, which is coming at a time when the leadership of the Labour Party at the national and state levels have abandoned their governorship candidate, who is still in the captivity of kidnappers, was largely appreciated by the family in particular.

    “Engr. Emmanuel Agbasimalo died while thinking and waiting for the return of his son, who has been kidnapped since September 2021 and his whereabouts still unknown. Obi assured the family that he would use his good offices to get to the root of the matter and ensure that justice is served.”

    The family also called on Labour Party at both national and state levels to show seriousness and responsibility in looking for their missing candidate.

    They also called on all well-meaning Nigerians and Ndi Anambra to lend their voices and join them in seeking justice for their missing son. While also calling on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and security operatives to make public their findings in the investigations as they continue to ask “#whereisObioraAgbasimalo”.

    They also carpeted the national Chairman of the Labour Party, Chief Julius Abure along with Clement Ojukwu and all members of the national executive of the party for abandoning their governorship candidate who was kidnapped at the peak of election campaign during the last governorship election in Anambra State in 2021.

    Recall that two persons are currently standing trial at the Nnewi High Court over the matter.

  • Soludo inaugurates panel of inquiry to investigate Onitsha building collapse

    Soludo inaugurates panel of inquiry to investigate Onitsha building collapse

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo has inaugurated a panel of  inquiry that will investigate the remote and immediate causes of the unfortunate building collapse at Ọdụ Igbo market, Ochanja and Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha, the commercial city of the state.

    Governor Soludo performed the function at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, on Thursday.

    Engr. Sir Victor Meju, the Chairman of COREN Anambra State Chapter will serve as Chairman.

    Members of the committee are: Arc. Ikenna Eboh- Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Architect (NIA) Anambra State Chapter; Mr Nwofor Ben Obiora, the Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) Anambra State Chapter, Surv. Gabriel Okeke, the Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Anambra State Chapter.

    Read Also: Anambra Assembly Confirms 21 LGAs Transition Committee Chairmen, Councilors

    Others are: Mr Kingsley Nweke, the Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Builders (NIOB) Anambra State Chapter, MD/CEO Anambra State Material Testing Laboratory- Member, Prof. Ezeagu Akaolisa- Chairman Institute of Structural Engineers, member and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing Anambra State – Secretary of the Committee.

    Terms of reference of the panel include to identify the immediate and underlying causes of the collapse of Lockup shops at Ọdụ Igbo Ochanja market and the centenary building at Dennis Memorial Grammar School Onitsha, including structural, design, construction, and maintenance factors, assess the role of relevant authorities, including regulatory bodies and local government agencies, in monitoring and enforcing building codes and safety standards, among others, review compliance and make recommendations within 28 days or four weeks.

    According to the Governor, the panel is made up of the state chairmen of the various chapters of various professional bodies in Nigeria, pointing out that their appointment was as a result of the offices they occupy.

    He stated that the quick composition and inauguration of the panel shows the importance his government places on the subject matter, charging them on utmost professionalism in the discharge of their job description.

    While expressing optimism of getting an impeccable set of recommendations, the Governor gave assurances that his administration may use it as basis to effect corrective actions.

    Speaking on behalf of the panel members, Engr. Meju assured of discharging their duty to the best of their ability and articulate their recommendations in the interest of a greater number of ndị Anambra.

  • Anambra Assembly Confirms 21 LGAs Transition Committee Chairmen, Councilors

    Anambra Assembly Confirms 21 LGAs Transition Committee Chairmen, Councilors

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Anambra State House of Assembly has confirmed the list of nominees sent to it by Governor Chukwuma Soludo for consideration as Transition Committee (TC) Members.

    The Lawmakers also confirmed Councilors in the 326 wards of the state.

    In a letter read by the Speaker, Rt. Hon Somtochukwu Udeze, during the session at the House complex Awka on Thursday, the Governor prayed the lawmakers to confirm the nominees for transition in the local government system of the state.

    The Majority Leader,  Hon Ikenna Ofodeme (Ekwusigo State Constituency), while moving a motion dissolving the house into committee of the whole, noted that the house could only confirm nominees for a period of three months, after which they could be renominated, if the Governor wished to retain them.

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    During the session, the house in an electoral college, invited the nominees collectively and confirmed them after finding them worthy to serve in their respective positions via voice vote.

    However, during the session, two councilors nominees in Ogbaru and Nnewi South LGAs wards were not confirmed following alleged petitions in their nomination by their various stakeholders.

    The member representing Awka South two  State Constituency and the Deputy Speaker of the House,  Rt Hon Chukwuma Pius Okoye, described the TC Chairmen as credible and vibrant persons, who would replicate the leadership ideals of Governor Soludo at the various jurisdictions.

    In their separate interview with journalists shortly after the confirmation, the TC Chairman of Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Hon. James Chimezie Obi, Hon Emmanuel Nweke (Oyi LGA), Prince Chinedu Okafor (Awka South LGA),  Hon.ThankGod Chibuike Anagor (Awka North LGA), Hon Stanley Nkwoka (Idemili North LGA) and his Idemili North Council Area counterpart, Mrs. Amaka Obi, appreciated the governor for finding them worthy to serve their people.

    They also promised to support the governor to ensure that he actualized his vision of making Anambra a livable and prosperous state in Nigeria.

    It was gathered Governor Soludo on Wednesday, sent the names of the 21 Transition Committee (TC) Chairmen and Councilors to the State House of Assembly for consideration, according to him in fulfillment to section 208 of the local government law 1999 as amended, (number 6 law of 2012), whose tenure will be for three months.

  • Soludo inaugurates Odinkalu, Bianca, Ndubuisi, others As Ojukwu Varsity Governing Council Members

    Soludo inaugurates Odinkalu, Bianca, Ndubuisi, others As Ojukwu Varsity Governing Council Members

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Anambra State Governor,  Chukwuma Soludo, has inaugurated Prof. Chidi Odinkalu (Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and a renowned philanthropist, High Chief Dr Christopher Ndubuisi as members of the governing council of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Igbariam, Anambra State

    Soludo performed the function at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Awka, on Wednesday.

    Other members of the council include, Igwe Oranu Chris Chidume and AIG Chris Ezike (retd.)

    According to the governor, the government views the institution as the apex of tertiary institutions in the state, and charged them with building an educational system that is fit for purpose, projecting into where the state wants to be.

    Read Also: Soludo’s Aide, Sympathizes With Victims Of Anambra Market Fire

    The governor said, “The primary challenge you have is to work hard to reinvigorate and regenerate the university for the times we live and the times yet to come.”

    “Are we preparing our children to be able to dominate the future? The university needs to carve its own unique identity, its own brand.”

    “Fiscal sustainability is part of the challenges but you have to compete and dominate with the little resource base at your disposal,” Soludo said.

    He expressed his passion for the university, saying he looks forward to seeing the university become the shining light, if not the leader in university education in Nigeria.

    While expressing absolute confidence in the ability of the Council, the governor pledged to support the council in whatever feasible way, subject to resource constraints.

    Speaking to Journalists on the development, High Chief Christopher Ndubuisi thanked the governor for finding him worthy and promised he’ll do his best to see the University  named after Ojukwu become a reference point in tertiary education.

    Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, Chief Protocol officer to the governor, Hon Chinedu Nwoye, among others were also  present during the inauguration.

  • Soludo’s Aide, Sympathizes With Victims Of Anambra Market Fire

    Soludo’s Aide, Sympathizes With Victims Of Anambra Market Fire

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State on Youth Empowerment Programmes, Dr Nelson Omenugha, has sympathized with his people, those that lost their means of livelihood as a result of the fire outbreak that affected some shops at Afor Nnobi market in Idemili south local government area of the State.

    He appreciated the efforts of Nnobi youths and high-spirited individuals who moved swiftly to put out the fire,

    According to him, upon hearing the news of the unfortunate incident, I rushed to the market to have a firsthand information about the incident and to ensure that the fire was put out.

    “Governor Soludo is committed to the safety and security of Ndi-Anambra.

    Read Also: Cut cost of governance to pay minimum wage – Bishop Ezeokafor tells Tinubu

    “Relevant institutions are being empowered to work towards a state where emergencies like this are fully contained with minimalising  casualties;”

    “people should always carefully manage their electrical gadgets to avoid such incident, he advised.

    While advocating for quick public response mechanism to curtailed future occurrence in the state, the SA noted that Governor Soludo is assiduously putting all necessary structures in place to contain any kind of emergency in the state.

    He also assured the victims of support within his capacity to curb the effect of their losses.

    It was gathered that the fire outbreak that occurred at the early hours of Wednesday damaged goods worth millions of naira.

  • Cut cost of governance to pay minimum wage – Bishop Ezeokafor tells Tinubu

    Cut cost of governance to pay minimum wage – Bishop Ezeokafor tells Tinubu

    By Ovat Abeng

    Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, has called on President Bola Tinubu to cut cost of governance to enable him pay better wages to Nigeria workers.

    Ezeokafor who spoke to journalists in Awka on Wednesday, expressed displeasure over the N62,000 minimum wage offered by the Federal Government to workers.

    He stated that the proposed wage is poor considering the high cost of living in the country today, adding that even N100,000 minimum wage was not enough to meet the basic needs of Nigerian workers.

    He said: “It is unfortunate to hear about the minimum wage debates. To me, N100,000 is even not enough, looking at how some persons siphon monies meant for every Nigerian.

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    “It is a question of living in a very big blessed country and at the same time the workers and masses are suffering because some individuals are taking home what belongs to society, leaving the workers and the general public to be gnashing their teeth.

    “Let us look at the N62,000 proposal. From it, someone will take care of his health, transportation, accommodation, feeding and everything about life per month and one month is 30 days on the average.

    “Will that person ever be able to have a roof over his head? And yet they see it as too much to be paid to the people. I do not believe that we are telling ourselves the truth.

    “When I hear people say that if government starts paying N62,000 it cannot sustain it, I think such people may be selfish. If they are looking for where to source the money from, they should slash the National Assembly Members’ jumbo salaries, the governors’ and the Federal Government’s salaries and emoluments itself.

    “Cut down the cost of governance. Use the money to settle workers and poor Nigerians.

    “See how the Burkina Faso President is managing the economy of the country. The President of Uruguay, see how he is managing their economy.

    “What extra job are they doing to warrant such jumbo salaries? Labour should tell them that they can pay the money. Let them cut down the cost of running the government.

    “You see somebody debating paying N62,000 while they are going home with N30million monthly. If government is sincere they should reduce the money they are sharing to themselves. If not, there could be a revolution,” the Bishop stated.

  • Anambra 2025: I’m not running for Deputy Governor – Ekwunife

    Anambra 2025: I’m not running for Deputy Governor – Ekwunife

    By Ovat Abeng

    Ahead of the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, the former Senator represented Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Uche Ekwunife has dismissed speculations making the rounds within political circle that she is running for the office of Deputy Governor in the state.

    Senator Ekwunife who is also Director General, South East Governors’ Forum said; though she remained an APC stalwart’ she will not be running for the position of Deputy Governor in 2025 as being speculated.

    She insisted that the rumour was unfounded, adding that she would not be on the ballot as Deputy Governor as no one runs to be a deputy governor which often is a prerogative of the party and whom ever becomes the candidate of the party.

    ‘”As the DG of South East Governors’ Forum, I am focused on my job. I intend to devote my time to the service and to the cause of South East Governors, which is to build strong economic, political, and regional cooperation for the South East.

    Read Also: Police arrest four suspected ESN militias in Anambra

    She commended the South East Governors for their cohesion and willingness to change the South- East narrative for good.

    “Top on the agenda of the governors are ongoing conversations around maintaining law and order, energy supply, modern transportation, infrastructure to connect the major cities in the South East through rail transport etc,” she said.

  • Police arrest four suspected ESN militias in Anambra

    Police arrest four suspected ESN militias in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Police -led Joint Security Force in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, has intercepted four suspected Eastern security network (ESN) Militia, the security wing of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Ufuma, Orumba North council area of State.

    The State Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga who disclosed this in a statement in Awka on Tuesday said the arrest is following information received over time of planned attacks on security agents and innocent citizens by the dreaded group.

    Among the four suspects arrested is one Maduabuchi Nwafor A K A Omenkpo ‘M’ aged 32 years a native of Ufuma.

    He noted that Nwafor has been identified as one of the native doctors who prepares criminal charms for the group and uses his shrine for initiation ceremonies and meeting points for the criminals. Also, one of the suspects’ name withheld who is already assisting the police with information confessed to be one of the gunmen dispatched by the group to enforce illegal sit-at-home on May 30th, 2024.

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    The Commissioner of Police CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, orders investigations to be widened and deepened to identify hideouts of the insurgents seeking to destabilize and truncate development in the State.

    He assures residents that the Police Command under his watch will continue to serve the people selflessly and will jealously protect the sources of its information to protect informers from harm.

  • Anambra CP orders manhunt on gunmen that killed 22-year-old lady, others in Nnewi

    Anambra CP orders manhunt on gunmen that killed 22-year-old lady, others in Nnewi

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State Commissioner of Police CP Nnaghe Obono Itam has ordered an immediate manhunt operation on the armed men operating in a red Highlander jeep, who abducted a citizen in Nnewi by 1:30 pm on Monday 17/6/2024 and were trailed to Nnobi, where they engaged security operatives in a gun battle

    According to the State Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga who disclosed this in a statement in Awka on Tuesday, said during the gun duel, one of the security operatives was fatally hit by the bullet and due to the indiscriminate shootings by the hoodlums in an attempt to escape the scene, the bullet also fatally struck two innocent passersby in the area.

    He said the Police Responding Team at the scene recovered the bodies of the victims and took them to the hospital but regrettably, three of the victims including a 22-year-old lady were confirmed dead by the doctors on duty while two others are currently receiving treatment.

    The Commissioner condemned the killing in the strongest possible terms and described the killers as cowards who have murdered sleep.

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    He condoles the families of the deceased and vows to get justice for the heroic act of the murdered Vigilantes Operative and unsuspecting members at the scene.

    “He also call on members of the public especially the eyewitnesses to assist us with information on the ongoing onslaught Operation. Further development shall be communicated, please,” the PPRO noted.