Tag: Anambra State

  • NANS Elects New Leadership In Anambra

    NANS Elects New Leadership In Anambra

    …Commends Tinubu on student loan

    By Ovat Abeng

    Joint Campus Council (JCC), Anambra State axis of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has elected a new leadership to pilot the affairs of students in the state for a new dispensation.

    The election which was held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, over the weekend, has in attendance numerous Students’ Unions and the association’s stakeholders across seven tertiary institutions in the State.

    The participatory institutions comprises; Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State Polytenic Mgbakwu, Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Federal Polytenic Oko, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Igbariam, Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze and Metallurgical Training Institue Onitsha.

    The process produced Comrade Mathew Okoye Okpala, a student from the Department of Political Science, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Igbariam, as the new Chairman in the State.

    Read Also: EEDC announces system collapse in South East

    Okpala polled 4 votes to defeat Comrade Ifeanyo Chukwuemeka of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University who had 3 votes out of the 6 candidates that participated in the keenly contest.

    Other officials were also elected unopposed.

    Addressing a press conference in Awka on Monday, the newly elected Chairman, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the signing of the students loans, which he noted will help in making sure that Nigerian students complete their studies without any hitches, pleading that the students grant should equally be looked into.

    “We thank the governor of Anambra state, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo for his developmental strides and the ongoing projects across the state.

    “We also want to thank the President of the National Association of Nigerian students’ Comr. Lucky Emenofe for making sure the students loans come to reality.”

    NANS Director of Sports, Comrade Okafor and Chairman, NANS stakeholders forum (South East), Comrade Patrick Afubera who were also present during the briefing, described the election as most peaceful and transparent.

  • EEDC announces system collapse in South East

    EEDC announces system collapse in South East

    By Ovat Abeng

    The management of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC), has announced a total system collapse in South East region.

    Emeka Ezeh, the Head, Corporate Communications of the Company made this known in a statement he signed and made available to journalists in Awka, on Monday.

    The statement read;

    “The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) wishes to inform her esteemed customers of a total system collapse which occurred at 2:41am today, 15th April, 2024.

    “This resulted in the loss of supply to all our interface TCN stations. Consequently, we were unable to provide service to our customers in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.

    Read Also: Stakeholders commend Soludo on housing development policies in Anambra

    “However, the situation is gradually being resolved as we received supply at Awada TCN station, Onitsha, at 7:30am.

    “We are in constant communication with the relevant authorities awaiting full restoration of supply by the National Control Centre, NCC, Oshogbo.

    “Thank you for your usual understanding and cooperation,” the statement ends.

  • Stakeholders commend Soludo on housing development policies in Anambra

    Stakeholders commend Soludo on housing development policies in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Stakeholders from the housing sector has commend the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo on the ongoing housing development policies in the State.

    They made the commendation over the weekend, as a new smart city, known as the Soul City officially launched in the State.

    Located at Obosi community, Idemili North Local Government Area of the State, the Soul City comprises a tourist centre, wonderland, shopping malls, centre for arts/culture, residential, hospitals, hotels, school, amusement parks, among other facilities that make it stand out among others.

    The unveiling of the project held in Awka, the capital city of the State, with many dignitaries in attendance.

    Read Also: Atani community holds reception in honour of Anambra Speaker, Information Commissioner

    Speaking at the event, the Convener of the Occasion and Director of the Soul City, Chief Nnamdi Michael Nwokoye, who gave an overview of the City, said the project was masterfully designed and would be second to none in the country upon completion.

    He revealed that Anambra State was chosen as the location for siting of the project because of its security and the viability of its business environment, and in and spirit of Akụ Ruo Ụlọ.

    He further appreciated governor Soludo, and the State’s Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Comrade Don Onyenji, for keying into the project, and for their support so far.

    He also extolled the security operatives whose good works contributed to the success and progress of the project since inception till date.

    According to him, the investors in the Soul City are drawn from different parts of the world, with many still trouping in, to make the dream a reality.

    While reiterating the historic significance of the Soul City’s arrival for Anambra’s economic and touristic prospects of the State, Chief Nwokoye further urged all stakeholders to rally behind the project, given its great potentials and capacity to generate employment, stimulate investment, elevate the standard of living across the state and beyond, and generally enhance the overall development of the State.

    In his remarks, the Commissioner attributed the influx of investors into Anambra State to the commendable efforts of the Soludo Administration, affirming it as a testament that Anambra is indeed the Light of the Nation.

    He described the Soul City as an idyllic and serene destination, particularly citing the scenic waterways in the vicinity, even as he encouraged individuals to seize the opportunity to invest in the region, especially given the Soludo Administration’s vision for Onitsha 2.0, which, he said, would soon drive the demand for landed property and others in the area. He further reassured the populace of the security of their assets and and every investment they make in Anambra.

    The Commissioner also highlighted some the remarkable achievements of Governor Soludo’s administration in two years, as well as his vision and giant strides in the tourism sector of the State, revealing that the Soul City project would complement the Solution Fun City to further enhance the state’s tourism landscape.

  • Atani community holds reception in honour of Anambra Speaker, Information Commissioner

    Atani community holds reception in honour of Anambra Speaker, Information Commissioner

    By Ovat Abeng

    Atani Community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, has honoured two of their illustrious sons, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze and the State Information Commissioner, Paul Nwosu in a grand reception.

    The Paradise News gathered that Udeze, while speaking during the event which took place at the Central School field Atani, over the weekend, thanked the people for honouring him and appreciated the entire Ogbaru people for their continuous support to him since 2015, assuring them that he would not disappoint them in any way.

    The Speaker recounted Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s development achievements in Ogbaru Council Area to include transformation of Okpoko community into a mega city with the construction of 15.2 kilometers of roads in the area and a general hospital, rehabilitation of ten schools in Ogbaru, construction of the Atani-Ozubulu road which is ongoing as well as the ongoing construction of the Umunankwo-Ossomala bridge.

    He added that Governor Soludo has employed a lot of Ogbaru people into the medical and teaching service and women of Ogbaru are benefiting from the free antenatal scheme while a lot of youth of Ogbaru have been engaged in the Governor’s youth empowerment programme.

    Read Also: Falana rejects capital punishment, calls for focus on root causes

    Rt.Hon.Udeze who assured Ogbaru people that he would use his position as Speaker to ensure that all democracy dividends due to them from the state government will be provided, enjoined them to continue to give maximum support to Governor Soludo’s administration in appreciation for the good work he is doing in the state, which he said, Ogbaru Local Government is a key beneficiary.

    On his part,the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Paul Nwosu, while thanking the people of Atani also for the honour done to him, commended Soludo for chosing him as part of his development team and appealed to Ogbaru people to reciprocate the Governor’s development efforts in Ogbaru by voting him during his second term.

    He noted that since the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeze has continued to show good leadership in the legislature,the people of Ogbaru are expected to give him the necessary support to further strengthen the cordial working relationship existing between him and the Governor.

    In his remarks, Governor Chukwuma Soludo who was represented by the Secretary to the state government, Prof.Solo Chukwulobelu, described the Speaker, Rt.Hon.Udeze and Information Commissioner, Sir Paul as politicians who have distinguished themselves by rendering selfless service to the state.

    The Governor urged Ndi Atani and the entire Ogbaru people to continue to support the All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA) and his government to enable his administration do more things for them.

    In their separate speeches,the traditional ruler of Atani,Igwe Augustine Azuka, Hon. Noble Igwe, President-General of Atani Community, Comrade Arinzechukwu Nzeli, the Speaker’s Legal Adviser, Barr. Obinna Nwadilo, Chairman, Reception Planning Committee,Comrade Casmire Izukanne as well as the keynote speaker, Prof.Ikenna Alumona, while thanking Governor Soludo for his special interest in the development of Atani Community and Ogbaru Local Government Area,appreciated Rt.Hon.Udeze and Sir Paul for being their worthy representatives in the government.

    Highlights of the event included foundation stone laying  by the Speaker for the construction of the multi million naira Garri and other agricultural products processing mill he promised the people of Atani and other communities in Ogbaru Council Area.

  • Arch Bishop Hezekiah lauds FG for rejecting practice of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer in Nigeria

    Arch Bishop Hezekiah lauds FG for rejecting practice of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer in Nigeria

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Arch Bishop of Living Christ Mission, The Most Rev. Professor Daddy Hezekiah has commend the Federal Government for rejecting the practice of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer LGBTQ in Nigeria.

    Arch Bishop Hezekiah gave the commendation at his Church administrative headquarters Onitsha, Anambra State at the weekend.

    According to Daddy Hezekiah, the practice of LGBTQ are very immoral, abominable and highly destructive in nature.

    Daddy Hezekiah also urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts in combating insecurity across the country. He said the insecurity in the land is becoming serious concern to average Nigerian.

    Read Also: UNIZIK honours Gov Mbah’s ally for educational contributions

    He also appealed to Federal government to reconsider the issue of removal of Petroleum subsidy,because many Nigerians are suffering due the removal.

    According to Daddy Hezekiah, the removal of the petroleum subsidy by the government has a devastating impact on the masses.

    He said the decision has led to an unbearable increase in the prices of essential goods and services, including foodstuffs, transportation, other commodities and exchange rates for the Dollar and other currencies.

    He condemned removal of the oil subsidy, stating that it has brought immense hardship on the populace, including civil servants whose salaries have remained stagnant.

    He noted that adequate measures must be taken to mitigate the adverse effects of the subsidy removal on oil and electricity, as it is the masses that suffer the adverse effect.

  • UNIZIK honours Gov Mbah’s ally for educational contributions

    UNIZIK honours Gov Mbah’s ally for educational contributions

    By Ovat Abeng

    An ally to Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, High Chief Jerry Patrick  Onuokaibe, has received a merit award for his outstanding contributions to the academic and social development of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik), Awka, Anambra State.

    The recognition was bestowed on Onuokaibe during the maiden ceremony of Unizik Alumni, friends, and stakeholders, held at the University’s Auditorium in Awka, on Friday.

    It was gathered that Chief Onuokaibe, who is the Chief Executive Officer of First Choice Afro Villa Ltd and Mburubu Construction, was bestowed with the honor as an encouragement to do more in promoting academic excellence in the University and beyond.

    In his address, Onuokaibe emphasized his companies’ commitment to fostering education, building capacity, and empowering  the youth.

    Read Also: How Absence Of Governing Councils In Nigerian Federal Universities Turned Vice-Chancellors To Semi-gods, Enhanced Corruption – Report 

    He stated that, as the Chief Executive Officer of First Choice Afro Villa Ltd and Mburubu Construction Company amongst other companies, he is happy that his good deeds are recognized by an institution of higher learning with a reputable name like Unizik, assuring that it is a call to do more.

    He thanked Governor Mbah for the support given so far to his companies while also dedicating the award to his late mother, Lolo Patience Angela Onuokaibe, as well as the good people of Mburubu.

    “It is with great humility that I accept this honor,” “Together, we shall continue to sow the seeds of knowledge and cultivate a future ripe with promise.”

    “I want to dedicate this award to my late mother, Late Lolo Patience Angela Onuokaibe, the woman who groomed me and made me what I am today.”

    “It is sad that she is not here, but wherever she is, I believe that she will be happy that her legacy lives on.”

    “I also dedicate this award to the good people of Mburubu for their commitment to promoting unity and harmony in the town.”

    “I want to appreciate the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Barr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his support to First Choice Afro Villa Ltd, Mburubu Construction Company Ltd amongst other companies that I own, for his exceptional support to our development.”

    “Governor Mbah has shown that he is a Governor who came for the interest of the masses especially the investors, Onuokaibe applauded.

    The event also had in attendance notable figures from the academic realm, symbolizing the profound impact of educational stewardship.

  • Anambra Boat Accident: Police Recover Three More Bodies

    Anambra Boat Accident: Police Recover Three More Bodies

    By Ovat Abeng

    Marine Police of Anambra State Command has recovered bodies of the three remaining victims of the unfortunate boat accident involving a movie cast.

    Two of the bodies were recovered yesterday 11th April, 2024 while the last was washed in by the tide this morning.

    All the bodies have been deposited in hospital mortuary in Asaba while the President of the Guild of Actors and Actresses has been notified of the recovery.

    The Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye has urged all water commuters to be safety conscious and avoid behaviour that may jeopardize their safety and that of others while on transit on water.

    Read Also: Beheading Of Minor By Almajiri: Kano Police Begins Investigation

    He promised expedited investigation  into the sad accident that claimed lives of five actors.

    He also commended the Command’s  Marine Unit and its Commander for dedication to duty.

    The information was contained in a statement issue to Journalists in Awka, on Friday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

  • Anambra NASME lauds Tinubu over support for MSMEs

    Anambra NASME lauds Tinubu over support for MSMEs

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Anambra State Chapter has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a sum of one billion naira to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.

    The State Chairman of NASME, Mr. Chinemerem Oguegbe, who gave the commendation while speaking to journalists shortly after the Association’s monthly meeting in Awka, on Thursday.said the support will unlock their full potential and ensure a long-term success for his registered members.

    He emphasized the successful long-time partnership between NASME and the Federal Government, which he noted has led to substantial progress for small business owners in various sectors.

    Oguegbe, however, advocated the need for more support due to the current economic challenges affecting the country at the moment.

    Read Also: Anambra CP orders exhaustive investigation on the death of Junior Pope, others, condoles victims’ families

    He noted that the NASME membership registration is ongoing Nationwide.

    He also used the meeting to announced that the Association will be holding it “Small Business Entrepreneurship Summit in Anambra State next month, where relevant stakeholders from the government and private sectors would be invited to discus on issues affecting MSMEs in Nigeria, particularly insecurity and electricity.

  • Anambra CP orders exhaustive investigation on the death of Junior Pope, others, condoles victims’ families

    Anambra CP orders exhaustive investigation on the death of Junior Pope, others, condoles victims’ families

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Aderemi Adeoye, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of actors who lost their lives as a result of a Boat Accident which occured on the River Niger in the afternoon of Wednesday, 10th April, 2024.

    The boat, one of two that conveyed the crew to a film location in Anambra West LGA of Anambra State, was returning to Asaba, where it took off from when the accident happened.

    On being notified of the capsize, Anambra Command Marine Police deployed for rescue operations and successfully rescued six actors and one actress from the water.

    Two others who were unconscious were also pulled out with the aid of fishermen and conveyed to the Delta State Command Marine Police Jetty where other members of the crew who travelled in the first boat were waiting and handed over to the President of the Actors Guild for conveyance to the Hospital while the rescue team went back in search of three others who are still missing as at the time of this release.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Former Abia Governor And Ex-Science And Technology Minister, Ogbonnaya Onu Dies At 72

    Although the accident happened within the jurisdiction of Anambra State Command, issues relating to release of bodies of the accident victims for a decent burial are to be handled by Delta State Police Command.

    The Commissioner of Police CP Aderemi Adeoye commiserate with family, friends and fans of the actors who died as a result of the boat mishap. He prayed Almighty God to grant their souls a sweet repose.

    Preliminary enquiry has given insight into the cause of the accident. Exhaustive investigation has been ordered by the Commissioner of Police with a view to determining criminal liability of any person, if any, in the mishap.

    The order and condolence messages were contained in a statement signed and made available to Journalists in Awka, on Thursday by the Command’s Spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

  • We Must Determine To Aggressively Pursue Excellence For Ojukwu Varsity – Ag VC Charges Newly Appointed Heads Of Depts

    We Must Determine To Aggressively Pursue Excellence For Ojukwu Varsity – Ag VC Charges Newly Appointed Heads Of Depts

    By Ovat Abeng

    The acting Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, has charged the newly appointed heads of departments, she also called as “Team 3vs of the University” to be determined to aggressively pursue excellence for the growth and development of the University.

    Prof Omenugha announced the appointments while declaring open a  two-day capacity building programme for the Varsity staff, held at the school auditurium Igbariam campus, on Tuesday.

    The Team 3vs, as she explained, involves the Deans, Directors, and Heads of Departments explaining that the 3vs are Values, Viability, and Visibility.

    The Ag. Vice Chancellor informed that for the “Vs” to be entrenched, the Team should be able to build trust, understand the vision better, ensure total buy-in, promote long-term collaborations and relationships, create a shared vision and objectives, and be ready to mitigate imminent threats and uncertainties.

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    Explaining further, she emphasized that achieving the anticipated success of the administration would never be easy as inadequate resources, conflict of interests, insufficient capabilities, lack of drive and passion, fatigue, and cynicism are all factors that might pose challenges but they must resolve to be firm as Leaders for the general good of all.

    According to her, “Our vision is to enhance the visibility of COOU through reforms in teaching and learning and disruptive academic thrusts. We shall deploy discipline and the rule of law as a gateway to academic excellence and the highest standards of professional growth.

    “We shall deploy strategies that would make the university look beyond subvention from the State Government, especially to provide for the infrastructural and physical development of the University, she said.

    Delivering a paper on “Building a team spirit to achieve the COOU vision”, Prof. Uche Veronica Amazigo, a retired Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) African Programme on Onchocerciasis (River Blindness), discussed her journey in WHO and how Team spirit became the magic wand during her days at the World Health Organization.

    She charged the University to key into the vision of the administration and vigorously work as a team while delivering their services at Faculties, Directorates, and Departments stating that if that is done effectively, Ojukwu University in the next 5 years would be a force to reckon with.

    Other paper presenters include; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics, Prof. Osita Chiaghanam, who delivered a paper on “Understanding the Duties of a Head of Department”; the University’s Ag. Bursar, Dr. Nath Udezo who discoursed “Accountability, Transparency; the Roles of the Heads of Departments” and the University’s ICT providers; Tenece Solutions who integrated the Team on the various I.T reforms of the new administration and the plan for full digitization of the University.

    Participants expressed excitement at the initiatives and drive of the new Ag. Vice Chancellor. They noted that this is the first time in the history of the University, that the University Management as led by the Vice Chancellor is organizing such a program. They prayed to the Vice Chancellor to sustain the momentum as they were ready to work and support her to ensure that all her good intentions were met.

    It was gathered that the two-day programme is for Tuesday 9th and Friday 12th April April 2024 where the University Ethics Committee will be inaugurated and the University will sign up as one of the global partners of Ethical University around the world as a way of effectively driving her Vs visibility.