Paradise News

Tag: Anambra State

  • Urum community assures Soludo of free, fair PG’s election on Saturday

    Urum community assures Soludo of free, fair PG’s election on Saturday

    By Ovat Abeng

    The people of Urum Community, in Awka North local government area of Anambra state, has assure governor, Chukwuma Soludo of free and fair President General’s election of Urum Development Union (UDU), slated for Saturday 30th, 2024 in the area.

    The community gave the assurance after a meeting held on Wednesday, at the Obu Ori Urum on  the instance of the traditional ruler of the community,  HRM Igwe (Dr.) B. O. Nweke , the Chairman of Akaeze Village and Chairman of all Chairmen, Mr. Fidelis Arinze.

    The meeting was attended by stakeholders, former Presidents General, and Chairmen of all the four villages that make up the community.

    Rising from the meeting, the people agreed to give all necessary support to the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to ensure that they conduct a credible election for the two candidates contesting for the post of President General (PG).

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    Part of the resolution reached by the community is that the Chairmen of the four villages will pilot the Affairs of the community with the traditional ruler until a new executive is democratically put in place through the ballot on Saturday 30th March 2024.

    The meeting also passed a vote of no confidence on the former members of the electoral committee constituted by the former President General, Mr Alloy Tabansi on the ground that they were not nominated by the people but rather handpicked.

    According to the people, they were no longer comfortable with the neutrality of the Chairman of the electoral committee who is a direct in-law to one of the candidates contesting for the President General of Urum Development Union.

    Shortly after the vote of no confidence was passed, the Community mandated the Chairmen of each of the villages to be resolute and be ready to allow the entire people to nominate individuals on Election Day who will serve as election committee and observers.

    The Communique which was signed by the traditional ruler and other stakeholders was also copied to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Nigeria Police, the DSS, and other relevant bodies for record purposes.

    The people noted that with a peaceful election, the community will no doubt experience more development especially now that governor Chukwuma Soludo led administration is doing everything possible to ensure that all parts of the state enjoy dividends of democracy.

    An election was conducted for the people of Urum on the 30th of December 2023, at the community primary school.

    The election which was contested by two sons of the community witnessed a large turnout of voters but incidentally could not produce a winner.

    After several petitions, claims, allegations, and accusations, the Anambra state government waded in and resolved that a rerun election would be conducted to get a winner and new executive that would pilot the Affairs of the community for the next three years.

    A notification letter from the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs dated 8th March 2024, reads, ”sequel to controversies associated with the Urum development union election held on the 30th December 2023, and the inability of parties to resolve issues especially as it concerns the positions of president general and vice president general. The state government by this letter rescheduling the election for 30th March 2024 for a re-run, of the Urum Development Union election for the best interest of the community and the state in general”.

  • Traders hold solidarity rally, warn politicians to stop distracting Soludo in Onitsha

    Traders hold solidarity rally, warn politicians to stop distracting Soludo in Onitsha

    By Ovat Abeng

    Traders and residents of Ochanja market area and Fegge neighbourhood in Onitsha, Anambra State have warned politicians in the state to desist from distracting Governor Chukwuma Soludo with propaganda. The traders and residents of the area stated this during a solidarity rally to support Soludo for what they called his massive road infrastructure in the state.

    It was gathered that there had been a trending video of a road build by Soludo which was washed off by rainfall on Monday in the area, but the traders described it as mere propaganda aimed at distracting the governor.

    Leader of the rally, Chief Okwudili Obinwanne, who spoke to journalists said they are protesting against the antics of desperate politicians who are sparing no effort in attempt to discredit the good work that Governor Soludo is doing in Ochanja, Onitsha and Anambra State as a whole.

    He said: “As far as we are concerned nothing is wrong with the road. The contractor was putting the initial layer of asphalt on the road when the very first major rain in Anambra fell with the attendant flood unseating the hot asphalt that is yet to settle on the stone base and cement stabilization components that had earlier been compacted on the stretch of road.
    “As far as we know, nothing happened to warrant the recriminations and campaign of calumny being carried against Soludo and his government.

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    “For over four decades, subsequent governments have come and gone, without thinking of reconstructing or doing any meaningful palliative on the Ochanja road. Before now, the road was one dusty and cratered stretch that never crossed the previous governors’ minds.

    “But within two years of Soludo’s administration our story changed in a manner that beat their imagination. Moreso, the quality of roads are Julius Berger standard, with street lights to match. We will not tolerate any politician that dares to play dirty politics with our welfare.”

    They carried placards with varying inscriptions, calling on politicians to avoid distracting the governor, and also commending him for the standard of the roads he has built in the state so far.

  • Group calls for women empowerment against widowhood, kicks off entrepreneurship initiative

    Group calls for women empowerment against widowhood, kicks off entrepreneurship initiative

    By Ovat Abeng

    A non-denominational organisation, Ruth Sisters’ Fellowship International (RSFI), Nigeria, has called for the empowerment of Nigerian women to stand against all life’s challenges including widowhood.

    The Rector, Prof. Ada Menakaya made the call on Tuesday, at its 2nd Anniversary and Chapter Inauguration with the Theme: “Ruth-Naomi Widow’s Mara Ripple (Ruth 1:19-21) in Onitsha, Anambra State.

    Menakaya, represented by National Coordinator, Nigeria, Evangelist Caroline Enarere, however, encouraged widows, particularly the young ones to empower themselves educationally for productive ventures to better their lives, instead of making themselves vulnerable in society.

    She said that the group had kicked off the Widows Entrepreneur Startup Initiative to help some widows annually with small-scale businesses, stressing that 20 vulnerable widows would get N20,000 each to start up income income-generating business for their family.

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    “Our mission is rooted in the biblical life story and spiritual journey of Ruth and Naomi.

    “The Fellowship is the rebirth of gender character for a generation with a mission to let every woman understand that her being made empty; draws her back to her roots of Royalty in Jesus Christ, where she will be made whole in the actualization of a character for generations to come,” Menakaya said.

    She said further that with the growing trend of economic downtrodden and development, gender inequality impeded women’s capacity and potential to be players in their destiny,” Menakaya said.

    She added that the inequalities including widowhood challenges, inability to access and control over resources, access to education and information, and equal rights and access to decision-making processes explained what women could do and could not do in a given situation.

    “For women to be empowered to move from their inequalities and challenges to faith, sacrifice, and strong will, require supportive resolve to educate and empower self through the help of one another.

    “Widowhood concerns are still global issues needing solutions that must be enabled for women’s advancement, and progression, to enable a better environment for women especially less privileged widows across the world.

    “Widowhood emotions are thwarted, affecting their gender balancing, emotions, and character, and this requires psychological and emotional therapy that could lead to a better world for the vulnerable and helpless widows,” she said.

    A former Minister of Women Affairs, Iyom Josephine Anenih urged the widows not to look miserable because they have lost their husbands, but to comport themselves to live a positive life of emulation.

    “Occupy yourselves with productive ventures, don’t be vulnerable to the society, you can do it with strong will and prayers,” the President General of Nkata Ndi Iyom, Nigeria, she said.

    Anenih also counselled them on Igbo culture and tradition, adding that teaching of Igbo language to the children has become imperative for the language not to go into extinction.

    Mrs Mary Chude, Leader of the newly inaugurated Onitsha chapter assured that she would do her best to move the body forward in the area with prayers and members’ support.

    The widows and a widower received rice, gari and onions. There was also the cutting of Sister to Sister Love cake at the event.

    The prominent personalities at the event are Rev. Dr Jason Chukwukelu of Achievers’ Gospel Church Intl, Onitsha, Pastor P. O. Amaukwu, Mrs Christy Chukwukelu and Rev. Mrs Kings Afimoni, amongst others offered prayers.

  • Soludo two years performance, not impressive – Ozigbo

    Soludo two years performance, not impressive – Ozigbo

    By Ovat Abeng

    Former Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2021 guber election in Anambra State, Mr Valentine Chineto Ozigbo, has described governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo two-years administration as not impressive.

    Ozigbo who held an interactive meeting with journalists in Awka, on Saturday said he waited to assess Governor Chukwuma Soludo after two years in office, before deciding whether he will run or not.

    He said after two years, he is not impressed with Soludo’s achievements, saying that because of that, he has decided that he will contest the 2025 governorship election in the state.

    He said he will run for just one term in office to complete the zoning arrangement which favours the southern senatorial zone where he and Soludo comes from.

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    He said: “We have seen the leadership of Soludo in two years and some of you may be impressed but I’m not. After last election in 2021, I called and wished him well and moved on and we have never spoken again. My decision was to access him after two years, and having seen it, I’m not impressed and I want to start holding him accountable.

    “When you tour across the 21 local government area of the State, you will observed that a lot of Ndi-Anambra are not happy with the current administration of Prof Soludo.

    “The governor knows that the last election I won because of my popularity and since then, he has stopped talking to me.

    “I am a strategists. I have all it takes to governed Anambra State perfectly well and by the Grace of God, I will be the flag bearer of the Labour Party in 2025 governorship election in the state.

    “I’m here to share my thoughts with you, what I think and no matter how you see what he (Soludo) is doing, you will be more proud when I mount the saddle.

    “We need to change the narrative and look for a way to survive. We must fight to rescue Anambra. I’m a non transactional politician. I have several things I can do, but my worry is how we can recover the state and put her on the path of development.

    “Zoning is a good thing. But it must be combined with competence to make sense. Don’t pick a renegade just because he is from a certain zone, and don’t pick the best, when you know you can pick one that is better.

    “I respect zoning, and I will be making a case for a single term of four years. Anyone who sees what Alex Otti is doing in Abia will know that four years is enough time to do a lot of work.

    “I will honour that principle of zoning, and I will not need anyone’s push or prompting to do otherwise. I will be ready to do an agreement and do an undertaking that I will do just one term. I also wish to tell you that Mr Peter Obi has been consistent that a southerner who emerges will only do one term.

    “It is a settled matter that I intend to run for just one term. I intend to keep faith with the zoning arrangement and I urged you all to support my rescue mission agenda for the good of state, Ozigbo solicited.

  • APC is a rejected party in Anambra – APGA replies Ganduje

    APC is a rejected party in Anambra – APGA replies Ganduje

    By Ovat Abeng

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has replied the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje for saying that Anambra State has remained politically dislocated from the centre by remaining in APGA.

    The National Publicity Secretary of APGA, Mazi Ejimofor Opara who reacted to the comment by Ganduje said Anambra even though in a minority party has remained better than most states who claim to have connected to the center.

    It was gathered that Ganduje while making his remark during a South East APC colloquium held in Nnewi and organized by Senator Ifeanyi Ubah stated that Anambra has been politically dislocated from the South East by remaining in APGA.

    But in a reply, Ejimofor blasted Ganduje, saying that his activities in Kano as governor were some of the reasons the state choose a governor from New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

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    Ejimofor said: “First, I wonder the level of progress Kano State made under Ganduje’s APC that resulted in a revolutionary and historic rejection of the Party by the people in 2023 as the people opted instead to vote for the NNPP and were ready to stake their lives to defend their votes.

    “Ganduje, should understand that the Southeast and Ndi Anambra in particular are more interested in why Kano State, after him, decided en masse to disconnect from the APC controlled Centre.

    “Well, the APC is nonexistent in Anambra, I am sure Ganduje himself knows this for a fact. Again, the continued existence of APGA in Anambra is performance based.

    “Anambra, and indeed the Southeast is APGA land. There is no doubt about this, and even where the region decides to negotiate a handshake to the Centre, the APC has proven not to be such a viable alternative. I sincerely hope that Mr. Ganduje will seek to really see that which is not hidden than opting for deliberate ignorance.

    “From Peter Obi, to Willie Obiano and now Professor Soludo, Anambra has remained on a trajectory of progressive growth, and it is for this reason even a political neophyte would state without double checking that Ganduje was either speaking to impress his host or he is sincerely ignorant of the facts.

    “Anambra under APGA has remained a state of many firsts, and in recent times the state under the Soludo government has won many awards.

    “Recall that Anambra has won award as the state with best deployed ICT, and Anambra State ICT Agency under Mr Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata won that award. Anambra has also been named as the state with the least out-of-school children record.

    “If all these awards are what it takes to be disconnected from the centre, then Anambra will gladly remain disconnected.”

    Opara added that it is appalling that a political party that proposed a colloquium turned it into a political rally and ended up conducting a primary election, where the host senator, Ifeanyi Ubah was unashamedly declared the candidate of the party in the next election.

  • Only made in Nigeria goods can sustain national development – Ojukwu Varsity Don tells Tinubu

    Only made in Nigeria goods can sustain national development – Ojukwu Varsity Don tells Tinubu

    By Ovat Abeng

    Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship Department of Business Administration, Chukwumemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Igbariam, Anambra State, Prof Elis Idemobi has advised President Bola Tinubu to closed back all borders to help promote made in Nigeria goods.

    He said the measure remains the only way the country can sustained it national development.

    Idemobi’s advice came on the heels of the directive by the President for the opening of Nigeria’s land and air borders with the Republic of Niger.

    The Paradise News gathered that a statement by the President’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, indicated that the directive was in compliance with the decisions of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at its extraordinary summit on February 24, 2024, in Abuja.

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    But the Professor while delivering the 11th Inaugural lecture series of the University with the tittle: Sustainable Development Pursuit With Entrepreneurship And Wealth Creation On The Run- Paradox of Nigeria, held at ETF Auditorium Igbariam on Thursday, said the closure at most for 20-years will address the endemic problem of poverty and unemployment.

    According to the University Don, Nigeria has grow beyond the level of still importing goods across borders despite huge endowment of resources and as “If we should considered the current economic realities occasion by the dwindling oil revenue, there is no better time to promote made in Nigeria goods than now. If we are really serious about diversifying our economy, we must revive all our local industries and promote patronage for made in Nigeria goods.

    “China closes it borders and face only made in China products for good 30-years and today, there are among the best economy nation in the World.

    “Nigeria can practice same, at most for 20-years and the negative economy narrative will change for the better.

    “Despite the fact that Nigeria is been counted as the biggest economy nation in Africa, no commendable national development have occurred in the country since independent.

    In his recommendation, Prof Idemobi, said what Nigeria really need now to achieved it grow and developed in all sectors of the economy includes “regional corporation in infrastructural provision, increase operation on security nationwide, greater focused on local production and the need for every Nigeria to keep behind political, ethnic, tribe and religion sentiment if we must get it right.

    The Ag Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, in her brief remark, while commending the lecturer on the topic, said the inaugural lecture series is a platform created by the University to enable a Professors showcase their academic achievements over time.

    She noted that the 11th series is the third that has taken place under her watch and it will continue until August 2024.

    On his contribution, the Lawmaker representing Onitsha North two Constituency in Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Patrick Okafor, advised other participants, especially, the youths to make used of the lecture for self-developement.

  • Onyinyeomachukwu Empowerment Foundation offers scholarship to 100 indigent pupils in Onitsha

    Onyinyeomachukwu Empowerment Foundation offers scholarship to 100 indigent pupils in Onitsha

    By Ovat Abeng

    Onyinyeomachukwu Empowerment Foundation, has offered scholarships to one hundred (100) indigent pupils of Living Christ Nursery/Primary School Onitsha, Anambra State.

    The foundation also donated healthy living materials, such as toilet tissues, tooth blush, hand sanitizers, hand washers and closed ups kits for 700 pupils in the school.

    The Foundation equally launched it Health Post and Nature Mother Nature Initiative (Save The Mother Earth) programmes in the school premises to promote a healthy living among the students, staff and the Onitsha residents at large.

    The launching ceremony was performed by the State Governor’s wife, Dr. Nonye Soludo, represented by the Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (APHDA), Pharm. Chisom Uchem.

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    The event took place at the School premises on Friday.

    Founder of the foundation, Amb. Onyinye Gift Uwaechia in her welcome address, said the Foundation would cater for all the 100 indigents pupils, their textbooks, school fees, exam fees and their uniforms from Nursery one to Primary six.

    Uwaechia said the foundation embarked on the humanitarian service to empower and encourage poor children in their educational pursuit.

    She said the act would further put smiles on the pupils’ faces, especially those who did not have anyone to assist them to achieve their dreams.

    “This is why we are here today to assist them in our own God-giving way and being a foundation that was established for the seek of humanity.

    “We will take care of them by providing their school fees and other materials throughout their Nursery and primary education.

    “As we progress, we hope to expand it to accommodate other pupils,” she noted.

    “Onyinyeomachukwu Empowerment Foundation is a Non-Governmental organization that was created from a burning desired to impact positively to the less privileged and the society at large.

    “The act of giving has always been my second nature and I have always desired a society where everyone will have equal access to food, affordable water and basic needs of life.

    “Our mission and vision is to continue to impact positively in people’s lives and to be the reason many people who would have given up on life,will see reasons to live a happier and more fulfilled life. It is because of the afore-mentioned, that the Onyinyeomachukwu Empowerment Foundation was inaugurated.

    “The Foundation has since 2016, rallied around the sustainable development goals of the United Nations especially, most especially goals 1,2,3,4,6,7,16 and 17.

    “The Foundation’s activities are not just limited to Anambra State, but it cuts across tribes, communities and states. The goal is to positively impact and empower as many people as possible, one at the time, hence the slogan “EMPOWERONE”

    “The vision and mission of the foundation have been replicated in Abaji, Federal Capital Territory FCT, where cash donations and food items were distributed to the less privileged. We were also at Zango-Kataf community in Kaduna State, where we distributed humanitarian items such as food items, clothing and cash. We even went as far as renovating and refurbishing the primary school in the same community.

    “The Foundation was not left out during the COVID-19 palliative donations and many other engagements, she noted.

    The Philanthropist explained further that they chose the school because they identified poor children there, adding that, “Looking at them, you will see that they need help.”

    She revealed that when lives of such children were touched by little assistance, the society would be better for all to live in peace and harmony.

    According to her, when they dropped out of school because of one challenge or the other, they will definitely join bad groups and this will in turn, affect the society.

    She, however, appealed to the beneficiaries to be focused in their studies, stressing that, “They don’t have any excuse to make as to who will pay their school fees or buy other school requirements.”

    Commending the foundation for founding the school worthy to benefit from its scholarship programme, the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon Patrick Agha-Mba said the State Government under governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo will partner the Foundation to achieved it set-goals in the state.

    He called on other NGOs to emulate Amb Uwaechia for a better society.

    A beneficiary and a primary four pupil, Chidozie Christian who spoke to Paradise News on behalf of others, described the scholarship as a dream come through.

    He pray God to continue to bless the benefactor, Amb Uwaechia.

    He also promise that they will all study harder to achieved their dreams.

  • Police To Arraign Suspected Rapist Of Onitsha 15-Year-Old School Girl

    Police To Arraign Suspected Rapist Of Onitsha 15-Year-Old School Girl

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Anambra State Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga says the suspected rapist of a fifteen-year-old girl at Ado Girls Secondary School, Onitsha, Mr. James Innoma will appear in court on 29th of March, 2024.

    Ikenga disclosed this when the State Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh alongside the Chairman Committee on Education at the Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr. Emmanuel Okpalaeke paid a courtesy call to the State Criminal Investigation Department to get update on the rape case.

    The PPRO thanked the Anambra State Ministry of Education for being proactive in reporting the case to the first responder, the Inland Police station, Onitsha when the incident happened before it was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department where investigation is still ongoing.

    He also appreciated Governor Chukwuma Soludo for providing a special court through the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare where gender-based violence cases are tried.

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    He noted that during interrogation, the victim revealed that she was sent on errand by her parents, when the suspect, Mr. Innoma took advantage of her.

    SP Ikenga further said that when the police received the case, they took the victim to the hospital where series of tests were conducted which established that indeed there was defilement.

    The suspect, according to the PPRO during interrogation confessed to the crime.

  • Ojukwu Varsity Ag VC lament over inadequate accommodation, water, power supply in Uli campus

    Ojukwu Varsity Ag VC lament over inadequate accommodation, water, power supply in Uli campus

    By  Ovat Abeng

    The Ag.Vice-Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odomegwu Ojukwu University Anambra State, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, has lamented inadequate accommodation, water and power supply at Uli campus Ihiala, in Ihiala Local Government Area of the State.

    Omenugha stated this while addressing 100-level students of the University, during it 2024 orientation programme, held at the campus, last weekend.

    The Paradise News gathered that the Ag. Vice Chancellor who was also led round the University by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics, Prof. Osita Chiaghanam, further charged the students to always take their studies seriously and eschew frivolities and other vices capable of undermining their overall goal in the university.

    She assured them that issues and challenges bordering on accommodation, inadequate water, and power supply will be addressed by the University Management soon.

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    “We are consciously making efforts to ensure that you become better persons in the society which must start by the way you conduct yourselves as an undergraduate, particularly concerning your attitude to refuse disposal which results in unhealthy littering of the environment.

    “When we arrived here in the morning, I was sad about your environment and I know that you all intentionally dispose refuse recklessly around the Campus. That attitude must stop because it’s a bad legacy that doesn’t speak well of us as a University. Going forward, we shall activate our Students Police Policy to ensure we set examples with some persons for others to learn.

    “I strongly advise that you must sit up with your studies and see whatever academic challenges facing you right now as one which must be defeated regardless of how difficult it appears at the moment,” she said.

  • ASUU offers 30 UNIZIK indigent students N1.5m scholarship

    ASUU offers 30 UNIZIK indigent students N1.5m scholarship

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has offered 30 students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, who are indigent but brilliant, scholarships to support their studies at the university.

    The beneficiaries are all undergraduates, including one living with disabilities, and spread across levels, pursuing different courses of study.

    Addressing the beneficiaries at the ASUU-UNIZIK conference hall, on Tuesday, the Chairman of the branch, Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji, said each student will be supported with the sum of fifty thousand each (N50,000).

    “The union selected the beneficiaries based on their applications and interviews conducted for them to know they truly deserved the award.

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    According to him, the scholarship award is a directive from the national body of ASUU as a way of lessening the financial burden of some indigent but brilliant students across the nation’s public universities.

    “The national body is equally give out scholarship of N200,000 each to two Unizik indigent students.

    “Our job here as an academy Union, is not only to be embarking on strike but also to assist students from less privilege homes who are intelligent, to achieved their professional dreams.

    “Over one hundred students applied for the scholarship but only thirty of them scale through. We are making the gesture a quarterly programme to encouraged the students.

    “I urged the students to engaged the money on genuine businesses that will generate revenue for them in future,” Ubaoji admonished.