Paradise News

Tag: Anambra State

  • I am proud of Unizik education advancement in Nigeria – Gbong Gwon Jos

    I am proud of Unizik education advancement in Nigeria – Gbong Gwon Jos

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik) Awka, Anambra state, His Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, Gbong Gwon Jos has said his highly proud of the education advancement of the university, been named among ten best varsity in Nigeria, 200 globally.

    The Majesty, who stated this during the Valedictory/Thanksgiving Service and Book launch of the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Charles Esimone held at the Institution on Sunday, also commended Esimone’s uprightness in piloting the affairs of the university in the last five years.

    He said that the outgoing Vice Chancellor demonstrated a strong leadership quality that helped to raise the bar of the university and transformed it to a greater height.

    According to him, Esimone achieved so much in the last five years that the incoming one will battle to meet.

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    “Esimone achieved so much and we prayed that his successor will achieve more. We also prayed that the standard he raised the university is not lowered ” he said.

    He also commended the outgoing Vice Chancellor for the smooth transition of power, noting that he had not seen such a smooth transition of power before in the university.

    The Chancellor said that Esimone had done well in the Institution’s management and prayed that the new one will follow suit.

  • 18th Unizik Convocation: I Will Create 40 Million Jobs In Four Years – Tinubu

    18th Unizik Convocation: I Will Create 40 Million Jobs In Four Years – Tinubu

    By  Ovat Abeng

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has said he will create a total of 40 million jobs within his four years in office.

    He noted that the feat will be achieved under the Labour and Empowerment Enhancement Programme LEEP.

    The President disclosed this at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik) Awka 18th Convocation ceremony held at the Varsity Convocation Arena, on Friday.

    Represented by the Director Tertiary Education in the Ministry of Education Mrs Rekia Iliasu, Tinubu stated that the program is to creat 10 million jobs through the creation of 2.5 million jobs.

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    “It is imperative to note that education cannot be considered in isolation from the labour market, which is to absorb the products from the various tiers of education.”

    “In this regard we have through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment recently inaugurated the Labour Employment Enhancement Programme LEEP whose intent is to creat ten million jobs through two and half million jobs annually for the next four years.”

    “This programme aims to to train and equip young Nigerians with the necessary tools and opportunities for employment, importantly self – employment, through the strategies of digital skills initiatives, vocational entrepreneurial skills programs, Infrastructure update and the National Electronic Labour Exchange NELEX,” he said.

    In his address at the occasion the out going Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Prof Charles Okechekwu Esimone announced that a total of 7,033 students are graduating as first degree and post graduate and also Post Graduate Diploma.

    Esimone also announced that in the last five years of his tenure in office as Vice Chancellor, projects attracted and executed cost the sum of N60 billion.

    “In summary, the following were completed through TET Fund projects, seven Federal Government Capital Releases on Infrastructure and five on Capacity Building, thirty seven Internally Generated Revenue Projects, four Presidential Needs Assessment Projects, and twelve Endowment Projects more details can be found in the book referred to above.

    The total projects attracted are estimated conservatively at over sixty billion naira,” he noted.

  • Anambra Police arrest Onitsha businessman for cultism, armed robbery

    Anambra Police arrest Onitsha businessman for cultism, armed robbery

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State Police Command has said in the early hours of 29/5/2024, it operatives acting on credible information arrested a notorious cultist/armed robber, one Amalu Onyedika ‘M’ aged 32years.

    The Spokesperson of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement in Awka, said Onyedika, a native of Eziagu in Enugu State was arrested with one locally made pistol and four live ammunition in Nkwelle, Oyi Local Government Area of the State.

    According to Ikenga, Onyedika claimed to be a Technician who deals with Aluminum and Glass windows business in building materials, Onitsha, confessed to being a member of the junior Vikings secret cult.

    He joined the notorious gang at the age of 22 and has been mentioned as one of those terrorizing  Nkwelle and its environs.

    Read Also: Killers of six corps members in Bauchi post-election crisis arrested after 13 years

    He said the State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has directs that the investigation be widened and deepened to bring to book other gang members, and the case should be charged to court after the investigation.

  • Biafra day celebration records total compliance in Anambra

    Biafra day celebration records total compliance in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Residents of Anambra State were in total  compliance with the sit-at home directive, order by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPoB and the Movement for the Actualization of Biafra, MASSOB, to honour Biafra heroes and heroines who died during the Nigeria-Biafra Civil war.

    While IPoB called it ‘Biafra Heroes Day Celebration’, MASSOB on its part called it “Biafra Anniversary Day”, but the groups have the same objectives, which is honoring Igbo’s across Igbo speaking states in Nigeria that lost their lives during the civil war.

    In Awka, the state capital, there is a total shutdown of day-day activities including banks, petrol stations, schools, hospitals, government offices, popular markets and motor parks over fear of the unknown.

    The ever busy Enugu-Onitsha expressway as at 9am was devoid of human and vehicular movements, but as popular motor parks around the city were also deserted.

    Read Also: Soludo Wife Urges Mothers To Inspire Children With Positive Words

    All the markets in Onitsha the commercial city and Nnewi the industrial town of the State also closed to observe the day, while school, banks, hospitals, government offices in the two town and transport companies closed to observe the day as well.

    Roads known for their busy commercial, business and transport activities were equally deserted by motorists and passengers, while all the streets with entry and exit gates, as common in Onitsha and Nnewi, were under lock and key as vehicles entering and exiting were not allowed by security operative manning them.

    Busy roads with commercial transport activities like Onitsha Enugu expressway, Onitsha Asaba expressway, Onitsha Odoekpe – Atani road, Onitsha Nkpor – Ogidi old and new roads, Onitsha- Obosi Umuoji road, Onitsha -Nsugbe -Nkwelle Ezunaka to Aguleri roads were all deserted, while Nkpor New Motor Spare Part to Upper Iweka road that is never bereft of passengers anytime of the day were all detested by motorists and pedestrian.

    Security agents were not seen at their usual extortion check points as the points were equally deserted, there was no patrolling of roads and major streets as done on Mondays by security agents who move around in convoys in the name of “Operation Show Your Force” that comprises the Police, the Army, the Navy, NSCDC and FRSC officials.

    In Nnewi area the ever busy old Oba Nnewi road. Oba Ichi Nnewi road leading to Nnewi through Edo Ezemewi road, and traffic light that leads to Ozubulu road were deserted just as Nnewi Nnobi Igboukwu roads were deserted by motorist and passengers, no single market including dared open their markets, just as street traders did not as usual display their goods on the roads.

    Most residents who frownly observed the day, were disappointed that the Police and other security agents who urged them to go about their lawful businesses were nowhere to be seen as the celebration unfold.

    It was gathered that there have been lots of messages circulating on the internet, and purported to be coming from IPOB members, threatening anyone who dares to leave their house on May 30. This it was gathered may be the reason for the total compliance to the sit at home order declared by the group in Anambra State.

  • Soludo Wife Urges Mothers To Inspire Children With Positive Words

    Soludo Wife Urges Mothers To Inspire Children With Positive Words

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra governor’s wife, Dr Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has urged mothers to inspire their children with positive words.

    Mrs. Soludo, who stated this while addressing members of Soludo Women’s Movement, Awka North Chapter at Mgbakwu, on Wednesday, explained that her husband, Governor Chukwuma Soludo came prepared and had his blueprint clearly drawn before coming to Anambra politics.

    She noted that despite the current milestones of the present administration in the state, her husband is not resting on his oars but is working every minute to give Ndi Anambra nothing short of excellence.

    While commending members of the association for keeping trust, solidarity, and faith in the present administration, the governor’s wife reminded them that women are an important part of the government’s development vision.

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    She also used the opportunity to talk about the roles of mothers to a better society and asked the mothers to be deliberate in child raising and to always inspire their children with positive words and challenges.

    In his speech, the National Coordinator of All Soludo Support Group, Sir Chinedu Nwoye, referred to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s pre-election pledge to ensure that his administration will have maximum impact in Awka North being an area after his heart.

    He explained that the current administration is solely focused on giving the best, with a large emphasis on human capital development and infrastructure.

    Earlier in her remarks, the National Coordinator of Soludo Women’s Movement, Lady Ify Ataogu, said that the group is made up of independent thinkers who are not driven by external influences, but are committed to supporting good governance.

    She said that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration has had a massive impact on lives and has shown people that good governance is real and can be delivered, adding that the women will continue to support the administration.

    The member representing Awka North in the State House of Assembly, Honourable John Mark Ikwunne, said that Mrs. Soludo has shown true reflection of motherhood and humanity, with her energy solidly behind her husband’s success as a leader.

    The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, the Anambra State Woman leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mrs. Esther Onyekesi, the National Coordinator of Women in Governance for Greater Anambra (WIGA), Mrs. Amaka Obi as well as the wife of the National Chairman of APGA, Mrs. Amara Ezeokenwa, were also at the event.

    The highlight of the event was bestowing of “Nne di Ogo” title to Mrs. Soludo in recognition of her humility, kindness, and motherly dispositions.

  • Anambra lawmaker holds security summit as cult clashes claim 34 youths in Awka

    Anambra lawmaker holds security summit as cult clashes claim 34 youths in Awka

    By Ovat Abeng

    In his continues effort to curb the trending cult-related killings that has reportedly claimed the lives of about thirty four youths in Awka, the capital city of Anambra State, the Lawmaker representing Awka 1 Constituency in the State House of Assembly under Labour Party, Honourable Nigeria Henry Mbachu has held a security summit to put to rest, the menace.

    The summit which took place at Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre Awka, on Wednesday, has in attendence Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, Awka stakeholders including the Ozo title holders, village heads, women leaders, clergies, politicians and colleagues of the convener.

    In his opening speech at the summit, Hon. Mbachu who decried the falling moral values amongst the youth, failure of parents, and, elders to inculcate moral values in their children, stated that despite that gates have been constructed at the entry and exit points of virtually every street, numbering currently about 54 gates, and, about 18 village vigilant group, the situation has really required that a more deliberate actions should be taken to proffer solutions to the ugly development.

    He assured that he would continue to engage the state government led by Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the security agencies and other relevant stakeholders in Awka until a positive resort is achieved.

    Read Also: Biafra Day: Police demobilize suspected IPOB sit-at-home enforcer in Anambra

    As part of the solutions, secretary of the Ozo title holders, Ozo Ndu Nwakalor said that they have decreed henceforth that any of their members who facilitated bail from security custody for any criminal suspects would be ex-communicated, and, de-titled as Ozo.

    Presidential general of Awka Women town union, Mrs Ogechukwu Ekwuozor, a lawyer urged various security agencies in the state to prioritize security of the capital city.

    She bemoaned the falling of moral values, and urged mothers to take up the challenge of monitoring the behaviour of their children, and, stop shielding them when they indulge in criminality.

    The senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Chief Victor Umeh and member representing Awka-South and Awka-North federal constituency, Prof. Lilian Orogbu who made their contributions at the summit via zoom urged the elders, and, other community leaders to rein in the youth, emphasizing that security was critical for the investors, and, democracy dividends they are attracting to impact on the area.

    It was gathered that the city has been in the cult-related crisis since February 2024 till date.

  • Biafra Day: Police demobilize suspected IPOB sit-at-home enforcer in Anambra

    Biafra Day: Police demobilize suspected IPOB sit-at-home enforcer in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State Police Command, said its operatives has demobilized IPOB sit-at-home enforcer in the state.

    The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwuu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement in Awka, on Wednesday.

    According to Ikenga, following the intel gathered, our operatives today 29/5/2024 by 2 pm laid ambush on the miscreants along Oba flyover, Idemili south, intercepted a gang of four armed men operating on motorbikes and demobilized one of the miscreants suspected to IPOB while the other three escaped the scene with bullet injuries.

    “The Operatives recovered a locally made Barreta pistol, four expanded cartridges, two phones, and some signals/initials showing unpatriotism and disloyalty to the Nigerian government.

    Read Also: EEDC commends NAPTIN on human capital development

    Preliminary information shows the armed men were regrouping to enforce illegal sit-at-home tomorrow 30th May 2024. Meanwhile, the operatives are on the trail of the three armed men who escaped the scene.

    To this end the CP charges the Operatives to sustain the tempo of the Onslaught against the criminal elements and continue to deny them the space they enjoy to commit havoc in the State.

  • EEDC commends NAPTIN on human capital development

    EEDC commends NAPTIN on human capital development

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC), Praveen Chorghade, has commended the efforts of the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) in the training and skill development programs the Institute has been providing as a conscious way of building the capacity of workers within the Nigerian Power Sector.

    Chorghade made the commendation, when the Director General, NAPTIN, Ahmed Bolaji Nagode, paid him a courtesy call at the EEDC Corporate Headquarters in Enugu, Enugu State, on Wednesday.

    He said that NAPTIN’s role is extremely important to the sector as the training they provide enables the staff to be grounded and skilled to deliver efficiently in their respective roles, especially considering the very hazardous nature that characterize the work environment within the power sector.

    The visit by Nagode was to familiarize himself with the management of EEDC, and to formally present NAPTIN’s Training Center, Oji River, to the company, to explore opportunities for collaboration.

    Read Also: WHO dismisses fake report of HPV vaccination in Anambra

    The NAPTIN chief who was accompanied by the Center Manager, Regional Training Center, Oji River, Engr. Justin Ezeh along with some of the Institute’s management staff, emphasized the mandate of NAPTIN to provide skilled workforce and professionals for the power sector through training, research, and development in partnership with National and International Public and Private Entities.

    He further stated that the Institute is positioned to be a center of excellence for human capital development in the power sector and called on EEDC to leverage this to build its human capital through the hands-on training offered by NAPTIN.

    Part of the discussion at the meeting centered on ways trainings could be made to be affordable and the possibility of introducing e-learning in the curriculum of NAPTIN.

    Chorghade received the NAPTIN team in company of some members of his management team which include, the Deputy Managing Director, Dr. Ernest Mupwaya; Chief Technical Officer, Engr. Vincent Ekwekwu; Chief Commercial Officer, Simon Bolaji; Company Secretary/Head Legal, Anthony Achebe; Head Human Relations, Nkiru Chukwuma; Head, Corporate Communications, Emeka Ezeh, and Manager, Human Resources, Ogechi Morah.

  • WHO dismisses fake report of HPV vaccination in Anambra

    WHO dismisses fake report of HPV vaccination in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    South East Nigeria office of the World Health Organisation (WHO), has dismissed a rumour making the around that the recent introduction of Human Papiloma virus vaccine (HPV) in Anambra State are plan to killed and reduce numbers of women in the state and the region as a whole.

    The South East Coordinator of WHO, Dr. Chukwumunya Igboekwu, who briefed Journalists in Awka, on Wednesday, appealed to the public to disregard the information, describing it as fake.

    It was gathered that Dr.Igboekwu, was reacting following a video circulating online, warning Anambra residents, particularly, parents, school teachers and guardians, not to allow their female children/wards to take part in the ongoing HPV vaccination exercise in the state.

    It was also gathered that the video circulation is coming barely 24 hours after the State Governor’s wife, Dr. Nonye Soludo officially launched the free vaccination exercise at Michael Tansi Secondary School Aguleri, in Anambra East Local Government Area of the State.

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    According to Mrs Soludo, the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine is in Anambra to provide lasting protection for the girl child aged 9-14 years before they get exposed to the virus which is the primary cause of Cervical Cancer.

    The free vaccination is expected to run across the 179 communities in the state and it is billed for free of charge.

    Reacting further, the WHO coordinator noted that Anambra State has already taking the lead in preventing the virus through the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative.

    According to him, members of the public should make sure they go to the right place for safe vaccination, not to just listen to people who does not appreciate what the current administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo is doing in the state.

    “The rumour mongers are doing this just to create content for social media consumers.

    “The vaccine is safe and effective. The vaccine is to prevent cervical cancer among young girls. The vaccine is only mean for girls aged 9 to 14 years.

    “Enugu State introduced the vaccine in early 2023 and until this moment, nothing bad has happen to any girl that administer the vaccine.

    While warning people he described as enemies of progress to Ndi-Anambra, to stop peddling rumour that has no symptom of truth, Igboekwu noted that the organisation would always be alive to its responsibility to track down the activities of peddlers of fake news against it free humanitarian activities in the region and the country at large.

    The briefing was also attended by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, the Executive Secretary/CEO of Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (APHCDA), Pharm. (Mrs.) Chisom Uchem and the representative of UNICEF in the state.

  • Anambra govt flags off free HPV vaccination to curb cervical cancer 

    Anambra govt flags off free HPV vaccination to curb cervical cancer 

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra Government through the State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (APHCDA), has flags off free vaccination of Human Papiloma virus vaccine (HPV) in the state.

    The flagged off ceremony took place at Michael Tansi Secondary School, Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area of the State, on Tuesday.

    Declaring the exercise open, the state governor’s wife and the founder of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, Dr. Nonye Soludo, announced that the free vaccination will help curbed the spreed of cervical cancer among women in the state.

    She also noted that the vaccination will provide lasting solution to cervical cancer.

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    According to Mrs Soludo, “Today is a significant day in our journey towards enhancing the health and well-being of women and girls.

    “We have gathered here to address a pivotal development in the realm of public health-the introduction of the Human Papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine for girls aged 9 to 14 years.

    “I am deeply honoured to stand before you as we embark on this important initiative that promises to safeguard the future of our children and tackle a significant health challenge head-on.

    “Cervical Cancer is a scourge of our society and is fast becoming one of the leading causes of deaths among women.

    “Every year in Nigeria, cervical cancer silently manifests in about 12,000 women and takes the lives of 8000 promising women.

    “This disease destroys the lives of these women taking them away from their families just as they reach the prime of their lives, leaving husbands without wives, children without mothers and families in financial ruins.

    “In my capacity as the first lady of Anambra state through the healthy living initiative, we are already offering free cervical cancer screening and treatment at some health facilities in the state to provide early detection, screening and treatment for the wives and daughters of Ndi Anambra.

    “Let us come out en masse and get ourselves and our daughters 25 years and above screened to know our health status.

    “Ndi Anambra, something great is happening in our state. I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the efforts of the state government who through the Ministry of Health and the Anambra State Primary Health care development Agency (ASPHCDA) and Partners, WHO, UNICEF, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), IVAC and SAWO are supporting our efforts by taking our home-grown campaign of healthy living to the next level.

    The women of our future generation no longer have to wait and hope that “cervical cancer will not be their portion.” Solution is here!

    “Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine is here to provide lasting protection for our girl child aged 9-14 years before they get exposed to the virus that is the primary cause of Cervical Cancer!

    “Cervical cancer is going to become a thing of the past in Anambra state! With this Gardasil4 HPV vaccine, we will protect our girls and future leaders from this disease.

    “No husband will become wifeless and no child will be rendered motherless in Anambra state because of cervical cancer.

    “The government of Anambra state has done well to support our initiatives. Ndi Anambra, I enjoin you to do well to support our government in protecting our families.

    Traditional Rulers and Religious leaders, pass the good news to your congregants and subjects. Get your girl child aged 9-14 years vaccinated against HPV to protect them from Cervical Cancer.

    “Teachers, open your schools and allow all your eligible pupils and students to get vaccinated.

    “Parents and guardians, take your eligible daughters and wards to the Primary Health Centres (PHC) and designated vaccination points to get vaccinated and protect their futures.

    “Our children and our future, come out and get vaccinated. Tell all your friends aged 9-14 year old that you are going to take the HPV vaccine to protect your future from Cervical Cancer!

    “The HPV Vaccine is free! Safe! Effective!”

    In closing, the introduction of the HPV vaccine for girls aged 9 to 14 years marks a significant milestone in our mission to improve the health and well-being of our state’s young girls. We re-iterate our commitment to reducing the burden of cervical cancer on Anambra and providing our girls with a healthier, brighter future, the governor’s wife concluded.

    In their separate remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike and the Executive Secretary/CEO of ASPHCDA, Pharm. (Mrs.) Chisom Uchem, said the vaccine is expensive and out of the reach for most parents in Anambra but the state government under governor Chukwuma Soludo’s watch is providing this vaccine free of charge and one of the reasons why Gardasil  HPV vaccine was selected is the fact that it is a one dose vaccine that offers a life long protection,” the duo affirmed.

    In his brief contribution, the South East Coordinator of World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Chukwumunya Igboekwu, noted that Anambra State has already taking the lead in prevention of the virus through the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative.