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Tag: Anambra State

  • NUJ donates relief materials to elderly persons, children in Anambra community

    NUJ donates relief materials to elderly persons, children in Anambra community

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has donated clothes and shoe materials to about 500 elderly persons and children in Ugbenu community in Awka North Local Government of the State.

    The State Chairman of the Council, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu who presented the items to the people at the Community Primary School field, on Sunday, stated that it is part of the State Council’s mission and vision to alleviate the suffering of the vulnerable ones in the society.

    Odogwu disclosed that it was the first time the council, since inception, would be embarking on such humanitarian services to rural communities in Anambra State.

    “The humanitarian outreach was part of my electoral agenda to assist the needy by utilizing my God-given opportunity to support the elderly, widows, children and the less fortunate in society and we are going to extend the service to other communities across the state, by God grace.

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    “I am excited because it commences under my leadership and I strongly believe that it will continue.”

    Dr. Odogwu, however, urged governments, corporate organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the elderly and widows by assisting in providing support to them.

    The President General of Ugbenu, Hon. Sampson Nwankwo -Ojo, who spoke on behalf of the community, thanked the union for the donation, saying that it would reduce the hardships faced by the people, especially, the elders and widows.

    Some of the beneficiaries who also spoke, commended the Council for the gesture and equally called on other Organizations in the State to do the same.

  • 2nd Anniversary: Soludo will be named among performing Governors in Nigeria – APGA Reps Caucus

    2nd Anniversary: Soludo will be named among performing Governors in Nigeria – APGA Reps Caucus

    By Ovat Abeng

    House of representative caucus leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and member representing Ihiala Federal Constituency of Anambra State, Dr. Pascal Agbodike, has said governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo will be named among the best performing governors in Nigeria at the expiration of his eight years administration in the State.

    Agbodike stated this while addressing a press conference shortly after the celebration of Soludo’s two years anniversary, held at the International convention centre Awka, Sunday.

    According to the lawmaker, what Anambra State governor and the leader of our great party, APGA has done in transforming the State within two years in office will qualify him to be among the best performing governor, Nigeria will ever produce at the expiration of his eight years as Governor.

    “His transformational policies is a true confirmation that the long-awaiting solution, Ndi-Anambra has been seeking for, is here.

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    “Soludo has been delivering projects. In fact, he has score more than expectation. He has broken the record to become the best performing governor in the South East region under the political platform of APGA. He has shown the World that he has the capacity, capability and the strength to deliver quality projects in Anambra State.

    “This is an indication that APGA still remain the only political party in Anambra State to win anytime and any day.

    “So, we the APGA lawmakers at the National Assembly will continue to support him. We are strongly behind him. And we will continue to attract Federal Government projects to Anambra State to enable him actualized his vision of making the State a livable and prosperous homeland in the country, as the ‘light of the nation”.

    While commending the governor and his team for the massive road constructions, youth empowerment programmes and the massive employment of teachers and health workers in the State, Agbodike appealed to the youths to shun any form of social vices and embrace the current administration for a self-reliance.

    The lawmaker also called on other governors to emulate Soludo’s style of governance for a better Nigeria.

  • Vigilante operative burnt to death in Anambra

    Vigilante operative burnt to death in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Hoodlums suspected to be gunmen operating in Anambra State have attacked and burnt to death a vigilante operative in Nnewi.

    The State Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the incident in a statement in Awka on Sunday, said the state Command will hunt down the perpetrators.

    According to Ikenga, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, has assured the peace loving people of the State that no stone will be left unturned in hunting down  the gunmen who attacked and burnt the Vigilante Office in Amichi, Nnewi South LGA.

    He condoled with the town and people  on the loss of a vigilante operative during the attack.

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    He disclosed that effort is ongoing to identify and smash the gang behind the attack.

    The CP commend vigilante groups across the State for their commitment to the protection of the citizenry and assured that the Police would do all within its powers to protect them.

    The Commissioner has also directed Police Tactical Teams and Special Forces across the State to respond promptly to all distress calls from vigilante groups anytime they come under attack.

    He prayed for the sweet repose of the vigilante operative who lost his life in the attack  and assured that his death will not be in vain.

  • Anambra 2025: Group holds mega rally in support of Gov Soludo’s re-election

    Anambra 2025: Group holds mega rally in support of Gov Soludo’s re-election

    By Ovat Abeng

    As the Anambra gubernatorial election draws near, groups as well as individuals have continued to pitch their tent to their favourite candidate.

    In view of this, a group under the auspices of Soludo Ambassadors held a rally in the State to declare support for Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration and his continuity project.

    The mega rally which was organized by people from the 7 Local Government Areas of Anambra North senatorial zone on Saturday, March 16, 2024 held at Oyi Local Government Headquarters, Nteje with the theme: Soldering the Solution Agenda.

    Addressing participants during the rally, the Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somto Udeze noted that the passion shown by the people of Anambra North Senatorial zone was enough proof that people remained happy with Soludo’s government and its progress.

    Read Also: Nawfia Monarch Lauds Soludo On Achievements Within Two Years In Office

    He noted that the completion and commissioning of over 100 roads across the state evidently shown that governor Soludo’s administration was focused and ready to provide more infrastructural development during his second tenure.

    The speaker who adjudged the governor as a seasoned administrator based on the projects ongoing across 30 constituencies of the State, insists that one good turn deserves another.

    In a very vocal voice, the National Leader and Founder of Soludo Ambassadors, Mr. Ossy Onuko, who is also the Managing Director of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority said the support group was working for Anambra’s continued progress. He emphasized that the rally was geared towards showcasing Governor Soludo’s remarkable achievements across the state.

    Mr Onuko outlined Gov. Soludo’s numerous accomplishments in the state to include but not limited to transformation of Okpoko into a  community, beautification of Awka with recreational centers, employment of over 5,000 teachers to address the issue of schools without teachers and unemployment ravaging the country, revitalization of the healthcare system, and the completion of 247 kilometers of roads out of 470 kilometers of roads awarded.

    The Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Political Matters, Mr. Alex Obiogbolu in his speech, described Soludo Ambassadors as the most active support group in the state, having held rallies in all three senatorial zones. He accentuated Soludo’s achievements in various sectors, including road construction, technological advancements and free healthcare services.

    The Commissioner for Transport, Mrs. Patricia Igwebuike and the commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Mr. Anthony Ifeanya who felicitated with the group expressed their support for the Soludo administration praised his efforts in road construction, technology and  provision of free healthcare for women. They affirmed Anambra North’s unwavering support for Soludo’s second term.

    The rally which attracted mammoth crowds from seven Local Government Areas comprising of Ogbaru, Anambra West, Anambra East, Onisha North, Onitsha South, Ayamelum, had in attendance National Coordinator of Soludo Ambassadors Chief Kenneth Nwachukwu, Coordinator Anambra North Soludo Ambassadors, Sir Ejiofor Egwuatu.

    Others were representatives of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Igwe Prof. Charles Anikweze of Awkuzu, All Progressives Grand Alliance Vice Chairman, Transition Committee Chairman of Oyi Local Government Area Mr. Emma Nweke, Women groups, student community among others.

    Highpoint of the event was the awarding of certificates to the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Tony Nwabunwanne, and the traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Benneth Emeka as patrons in recognition of their  support to the group.

    Also cultural display by various groups to spice the event.

  • Nawfia Monarch Lauds Soludo On Achievements Within Two Years In Office

    Nawfia Monarch Lauds Soludo On Achievements Within Two Years In Office

    By Ovat Abeng

    As the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo marks his two years in office on Sunday, March 17th 2024, the Traditional ruler of Nawfia community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, His Royal Highness Igwe Dr Ogochukwu Daniel Obelle, has lauded the governor’s two years achievements in office.

    The Monarch said the achievements have touched critical sectors of the state economy within two years of the administration.

    Speaking to journalists at his Palace in Nawfia community, on Saturday, Igwe Obelle maintained that various approaches to governance deployed by the governor show that he is well prepared to actualize his vision of making Anambra State a livable and prosperous homeland in Nigeria.

    According to him, Governor Soludo has through his numerous developmental strides across the state restored people’s confidence and hope in governance, calling on Anambra residents to continue with their support and prayers for Governor Soludo’s administration.

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    He listed reforms in education, youth empowerment programme (one youth, two skills initiative) and health sectors, including employment of five thousand teachers and the ongoing move to employ another three thousand for public schools, distribution of 20,000 computer laptops to headteachers/principals of public/mission schools across the state, employment of over four hundred medical personnel for all the hospitals in the State and upgrade of Primary Health Care Centres in the three hundred and twenty-six electoral wards of the state as clear indications that Governor Soludo is committed to giving the people of the State quality governance.

    The Traditional ruler, noted that the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of various roads in Anambra State by the government will no doubt enhance human and vehicular movements, in addition to boosting businesses.

    “To be honest with you, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has done beyond expectations. The “one youth, two skills initiative has really curtailed criminal activities in the State under his watch. I want Ndi-Anambra irrespective of political affiliation to give him full support to deliver his campaign promises.

    “I urge the governor to remain focused and not to be distracted by his political opponents. He should employ more youths into the State security outfit (Anambra Vigilante Group), to help curb the growing number of idle youths who are falling for hard drugs and other abusive substances.

    Igwe Obelle described the two years in office of Governor Soludo as one with legacy achievements, and commended the Governor for prudent management of state resources.

    He called on affluent individuals in Anambra State to key into the private public community partnership initiative of the State government to increase the tempo of development across the 179 communities in the State.

    He used the occasion to reveal that he will mark his two years as the Traditional Ruler of Nawfia community with a church service. He was  coronated the Igwe of Nawfia on March 19th, 2022, with the title of Ezeudo Nawfia.

  • Extend road projects to Ayamelum LGA, Anambra lawmaker tells Soludo

    Extend road projects to Ayamelum LGA, Anambra lawmaker tells Soludo

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a resolution, urging Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the commissioner for works to extend the Amansea Awba-Ofemili Road in Awka North Local Government Area to Umerum in Ayamelum Local Government Area of the State.

    The resolution was passed following a motion moved by Hon. Abuchi Udemezue, representing Anyamelum Constituency, during Thursday’s plenary in Awka.

    Hon. Udemezue emphasized that extending the completed Amansea-Awba-Ofemili road to Umerum will significantly reduce their travel time to Awka, the state capital.

    He highlighted the economic benefits for the state, particularly in facilitating the transportation of agricultural goods and produce from Anyamelum to Awka.

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    Supporting the motion, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme expressed Governor Soludo’s commitment to improving lives in Anyamelum, emphasizing that there will be increased food production and hunger reduction with the road extension.

    Contributing, the member representing Anaocha Constituency two, Sir Ejike Okechukwu, and Mr. Fred Ezenwa, representing Onitsha South Constituency one, appealed for the governor’s intervention to bring locally produced food to market, to assist in alleviating hunger.

    “The Minority Leader Mr. Johnbosco Akaegbobi, Mr. Augustine Ike representing Nnewi North Constituency, and his Idemili South Constituency counterpart, Barrister Ebuka Igwe emphasized Anyamelum’s significance as a major food basket in Anambra State, advocating improved access roads to reduce food costs in the market.

    The Speaker of the House, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze, read out the resolution which was supported through a voice vote by the floor of the House.

  • UNIZIK inaugurates committee to develop STEM in Igbo language

    UNIZIK inaugurates committee to develop STEM in Igbo language

    By Ovat Abeng

    Management of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, in collaboration with an Igbo social-cultural Organization, Odinala Cultural Heritage Foundation (OCHE), has inaugurated a committee to developed curriculum for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) with Igbo Language as language of instruction and evaluation across Schools in South East Nigeria.

    Speaking during the inauguration that took place at the Asuu-unizik Secretariat, on Friday, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Charles Esimone, said the programme will help promote the use of mother tongue in modern technology.

    The VC while commending the foundation for initiating the ideas, charged the committee members to tackle the assignment diligently.

    In his address, the Executive Director of OCHIE Igbo STEM School, Okoro Chinedum Benedict, said the target of the Project is to raise a generation of Igbo children who can innovate, conceive, invent, and interpret phenomena in the Igbo language.

    Read Also: 654 Schools Participate In Igbo Dance, Drama Competition In Anambra

    He noted that it will also take off on a virtual note targeting to enroll Igbo kids from all parts of the world.”This way, the educational barriers and challenges associated with the learning sciences in our primary and secondary schools would be a thing of the past”.

    “over the years, educationists, researchers, and curriculum development experts have argued that children perform better when taught in their mother tongue, hence the project” OCHIE boss explained.

    Former Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Prof Chinedu Nebo, in his keynote address, called on all Universities in South East region to make Igbo Language compulsory for students.

    Nebo who spoke on the topic: “The Potentials of mainstreaming Igbo as the language of instruction and evaluation for STEM in Igboland, also called on south east governors to make the language a text-run for those seeking for government work in the region.

    The National President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwanyawu was represented at the event by Prof Fred Eze.

  • 654 Schools Participate In Igbo Dance, Drama Competition In Anambra

    654 Schools Participate In Igbo Dance, Drama Competition In Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    About 654 Primary and Secondary Schools, have participated in the ongoing Igbo dance and drama competition in Anambra state.

    Similarly, proprietors and stakeholders in the educational and entertainment sectors have been charged to encouraged the reading and studying of Igbo proverbs, norms and values among youths in order to protect the future of Igbo language and culture.

    According to Ms Ify Nweri the founder and sponsor of the Maiden Edition of Ifemeluigbo Dance and Drama Competition took place at Enugwu Agidi Secondary School in Njikoka local government area of Anambra, the Maiden Edition is the flag off of the project which would be replicated in all the Primary and Secondary Schools in the council area.

    She noted that early childhood development must include the teaching and encouraging of the children to take part in show casing the culture and traditions of their people in order to build self confidence among them.

    Read Also: Soludo flags off distribution of instructional materials, buses for Anambra Basic Schools

    “The aim of this program is to support our young people in showcasing their cultural creative arts talent and teach them how to develop a more profound appreciation for their cultural identity, as well as shaped their cultural values.”

    “It will also help them in their physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Children who engaged in traditional dance and activities are likely to have better memory retention and cognitive flexibility. Our Igbo cultural play and dance often involve memorizing steps and patterns; this helps improve children’s memory and cognitive skills.”

    “When we support our children in showcasing their creative skills, we give them the leeway to learn to express themselves creatively, which can help them build self-confidence and self-esteem. They also learn to work together in groups, cooperate with others, and communicate effectively.”

    “During Igbo cultural play activities, children can build their self-confidence, express their identity, and surpass their usual abilities, tendencies that are not always achievable in non-play environments.”

    “This is just a tip of the iceberg. This program will go round Anambra State, covering over 266 secondary schools and over 388 primary schools in Anambra State because people without knowledge of their history, origin, and culture are like trees without roots.”

    “Play is therapeutic, particularly for children. Creative arts activities like cultural dance and drama are ways children can express themselves and heal from a traumatic incident or inner childhood trauma.”

    Speaking earlier the Principal of Enugwu Agidi Secondary School Mrs Thecla Azubuike expressed optimism that the program would go a long way in discovering young talents among school children.

    “What took place here is remarkable and also symbolic in view of the fact that some children who are gifted in  entertainment would leverage of it to excell in life and I wish to urge my colleagues to key into this program because everyone would not be involved in white collar jobs.”

    “Also our Town Union leaders and Traditional Rulers should also encourage such a program to save the culture and traditions of the Igbo people from going into extinction,” she said.

  • Soludo flags off distribution of instructional materials, buses for Anambra Basic Schools

    Soludo flags off distribution of instructional materials, buses for Anambra Basic Schools

    By  Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has flags off the distribution of a multimillion naira instructional materials to Primary and Junior Secondary Schools in the State.

    The governor also commission six shuttle buses for quality assurance monitoring visits to the schools.

    Speaking at the event that took place at the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, ASUBEB Headquarters, Awka, on Thursday, Governor Soludo, represented by the Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe, assured that the era of schools without teachers is over in Anambra State.

    He noted that education in Anambra State is free, adding that 2000 laptops were recently distributed to Head Teachers of schools to enhance their digital skills and facilitate a speedy digitization of education in the State.

    Read Also: Anambra LGA Service Commission Uncovers 210 Ghost Workers, Sacks Six Deputy Directors For Certificate Forgery

    The Governor maintained the the instructional materials for schools were to enhance quality teaching and learning with a view to making the children of Anambra study without tears.

    He observed that his administration has impacted positively on all sectors of the State economy, including health, human capital development and road infrastructure, especially the hard to reach areas like Awba Ofemmili Road, among other communities, stressing that solution is already here.

    Earlier in her welcome address, the Executive Chairman, ASUBEB, Awka, Dr. Vera Nkiru Nwadinobi commended Governor Soludo for his unwavering interest in promoting education in the State, pointing out that the Governor made the procurement of the multimillion Naira instructional materials possible by approving the payment of N3.093,768,157.72 matching grant to UBEC/SUBEC 2019, 2020, and 2021 intervention projects to improve teaching and learning environment of the State schools.

    Among the items to be distributed were ICT equipment, English, Mathematics and core subjects textbooks, Magnetic white boards, Early Childhood Care and Development, ECCD toys, JSS plastic chairs and tables, iron framed teachers tables, and six Shuttle Buses for Quality Assurance Monitoring and Supervision Visits.

    Dr. Nwadinobi also stated that apart from the non payment of any form of levy in both primary and secondary schools in the State, the recruitment of 5,000 teachers and the ongoing recruitment of extra 3,000 teachers to cushion the upsurge of school enrollment, the Governor has not delayed in the payment of teachers’ salaries and gratuities, nor forgot the mission schools who will also benefit from the distribution of the instructional materials, and commended the Governor for changing the face of basic education in Anambra State.

    In their separate remarks, the ASUBEB Secretary, Hon. Ebele Mgbemena and Board Member 1, Hon. Ifeyinwa Anatune observed that words would not be enough to appreciate what the Governor is doing in ensuring that the pupils and students in the public-public and public-mission schools have what they need to excel.

    While urging the Head Teachers to ensure that they safeguard the materials, they noted that improved success and more laurels for the state are being awaited from the learners.

    Responding to the development, some of the teachers and learners including Mrs Ngozi Onochie from Migrant Farmers School, Nnobi and Mrs Uju Orji from Amaenyi Girls Secondary School, Awka as well as Master Godsmercy Ezeotuka from Central School, Awka and Udenze Marvelous from Udoka Primary School, Awka expressed joy for the materials given to their schools and prayed God to bless the Governor.

    Present at the event were the Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Mr. Hamid Bobboyi, represented by the State Coordinator, Mr. Kingsley Nlewedim; other ASUBEB Board Members, Zonal Directors, Unit Heads, and Head Teachers among others.

  • Anambra LGA Service Commission Uncovers 210 Ghost Workers, Sacks Six Deputy Directors For Certificate Forgery

    Anambra LGA Service Commission Uncovers 210 Ghost Workers, Sacks Six Deputy Directors For Certificate Forgery

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State Local Government Service Commission uncovered two hundred and ten ghost workers in the State.

    The Chairman of the Commission Chief Vin Ezeaka who disclosed this to Journalists in Awka, on Thursday, revealed that the Commission has also dismissed six Deputy Directors for certificate forgery and other Infractions.

    According to him, the dismissed deputy directors were all products of Imo State University.

    “All the affected directors were students of Imo State University and as I speak to you now, our investigators are expecting more response from other universities across the country.

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    “The action was part of the Commission’s quest to enthrone professionalism and eradicate all forms of corruption in the council system.

    “The ghost workers that cut across the 21 Local Government Area of the State, has be removed from the workers payroll.

    Chief Ezeaka noted that this feat was made possible through a dedicated back-to-back Personnel Audit and the deployment of staff biometrics Identification and verification, using State of the Art Clock-in-Clock-out Digital Attendance Register which brought to the fore, the numerical strength of the physical staff in the Unified Local Government System of Anambra State.

    The Chairman explained that certificate screening has become a continuous exercise; having completed the Screening of Grade Level Fifteen and Sixteen, the Certificate Screening of Grade Level Fourteen and below shall commence in earnest, aimed at flushing out fraudsters and all forms of certificate racketeering in the Local Government System.

    He noted that unrestrained looting and mismanagement of Local Government fund have become a thing of the past, since all Local Government accounts have been linked to a dedicated tracking system, continuously monitored by security agents for the recovery of looted funds and prosecution of culpable officers.

    Chief Ezeaka commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for supporting a digitally smart Local Government System that birthed the Clock-in-Clock-out Electronic Attendance Register which ultimately translates to ending ghost worker syndrome and over bloated Local Government staff emoluments.