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Tag: Anambra State

  • Why I Extended My Healthy Living Initiative Programme To Primary, Secondary Schools In Anambra – Nonye Soludo

    Why I Extended My Healthy Living Initiative Programme To Primary, Secondary Schools In Anambra – Nonye Soludo

    By Ovat Abeng

    Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, has given early exposure of school children, teenagers and youths to the basics of healthy living and how to incorporate them in their daily lives, as major reasons for extending her Healthy Living Initiative Programme to Primary and Secondary Schools in the state.

    Mrs Soludo disclosed this while inaugurating her Healthy Living clubs in over 325 primary schools across the 21 local government area of the State.

    The governor’s wife also inaugurated head teachers as Healthy Living Champions, while teachers who majored in Physical Health Education or related courses, who will lead the Healthy living clubs in the schools across the state, were inaugurated as ambassadors.

    Inaugurating the school clubs at the headquarters of Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) in Awka, on Friday, Mrs Soludo said the day was very significant as it marked the beginning of a renewed dream driven by immense passion, saying the volunteers were taking up the responsibility to serve humanity.

    Read Also: Truck Driver, Conductor Dies In Anambra Accident

    She explained that the teachers have been selected because they bear a mark of hard work and dedication, noting that Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo is a product of deep passion, aimed at achieving a culture of health consciousness and a mindset of change.

    She reminded the teachers that a lot of faith and trust have been put in them, encouraging them to take up the duty with great commitment, to groom the children in line with the standards of the movement.

    The governor’s wife also announced the launch of the Healthy Living Garden Competition, a termly challenge across all schools where the Healthy Living cluster is domiciled.

    She explained that the competition originated from the goal to give both primary school pupils and secondary school students who are members of the school clubs an avenue to appreciate agriculture, self-sufficiency, and hard work.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Chairman of ASUBEB, Dr Vera Nkiru Nwadinobi, reminded the teachers that being ambassadors requires leading inspiring and model lives for the younger people to emulate.

    Dr. Nwadinobi commended the wife of the governor, Mrs Soludo for championing the initiative, saying that it is reflective of her genuine desire to start early to equip the children with life-long survival skills that will help them live healthy adult lives and contribute to the welfare and development of the society.

    In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike said that through the Healthy Living initiative, the governor’s wife is grooming a generation of young people who are conscious of how they live their lives.

    It was gathered that at the event, 330 fully-equipped first aid kits were distributed to the various schools whose teachers were selected as ambassadors.

    The event also had the presence of the State Commissioner for Environment, Engineer Felix Odimegwu, that of Industry, Mr Christian Udechuwku, among others.

  • Truck Driver, Conductor Dies In Anambra Accident

    Truck Driver, Conductor Dies In Anambra Accident

    By Ovat Abeng

    A lone accident has claimed the live of a truck driver and his conductor in Anambra State.

    The accident  happened at Azia Junction along Owerri-Ihiala Expressway in Ihiala Local Government Area of the State.

    The State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Adeoye Irelewuyi, who confirmed the accident to Journalists in Awka, said the accident occured on Friday.

    Irelewuyi said that the probable cause of the accident was speeding and loss of control.

    Read Also: My message to Unizik matriculants – VC Esimone

    He said that the crash involved an unidentified commercial driver of a Mercedes truck with registration number: XD131NSH  was involved in the fatal road crash.

    “According to eyewitnesses, the driver was on speed, lost control of the vehicle, rammed into a big gutter by the road side and crashed.

    “A total of two male adults,  including the driver and conductor were involved in the crash. Both of them were killed.

    “The dead victims were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Mortuary, Ihiala by good Samaritans before the arrival of FRSC rescue team.

    “However, the FRSC rescue team have removed the debris littered on the expressway and normalcy in human and vehicular movement has been restored,” he said.

    While sympathizing with the families of the dead victims, the Sector Commander warned motorists to desist from excessive speeding and drive within safe speed limit they could control.

    “Let’s drive to stay alive, road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Irelewuyi said.

  • My message to Unizik matriculants – VC Esimone

    My message to Unizik matriculants – VC Esimone

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Professor Charles OkechukwEsimone, has in strong terms admonished the newly admitted  students into the University to be of good behaviour to achieved their future dreams.

    The VC gave the admonition at the 2023/2024 matriculation ceremonies for fresh undergraduate students of the university, on Friday.

    He noted that any student who does not pay his/her fees by the appropriate time runs the risk of being excluded from examinations.

    Stating the obligations of the students, the VC said, “It needs no gainsaying that you must pay your school fees as and when due to enable the University maintain existing facilities and provide new ones.

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    “Any student who does not pay his/her fees by the appropriate time runs the risk of being excluded from examinations.

    Continue, Esimone said, “For your stay in this university to successfully end with the acquisition of a university degree, you owe certain obligations to the University, your parents and yourselves.

    These obligations are summarized below:Payment of Fees. You must attend at least 75% attendance of all lectures and practicals for you to be allowed to write examinations”

    The VC warned that examination misconduct could fetch a culprit suspension for up to three years and even expulsion, while students found to have registered with fake certificates would be expelled from the university.

    Describing cultism as an anathema in the university, the VC said all proven cultists were expelled.

    He added, “Other deviant behaviors such as robbery, rape, etc are not tolerated for these are both misconduct and crime punishable by expulsion from the university and terms of imprisonment by the state.

    While congratulating the new students on their admission, the VC enjoined them to at all times during their stay in the university to remember why they were there, adding, “I pray that your stay in the university ends with a degree of the university.”

    “On Academic Programmes of the University, Esimone explain that Nnamdi Azikiwe University is a conventional University, with fifteen (15) Faculties and the academic programmes, of which most are variously accredited with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the relevant professional bodies which are:

    Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN); Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN); Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN); Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON); Pharmacists Council of Nigeria; Nigerian Council of Legal Education; Medical Laboratory Council of Nigeria; Medical Rehabilitation Board of Nigeria; Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria, Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON); Council of Registered Builders’ of Nigeria (CORBON); Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON): and Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

    Continuing, he said, “We have also linkages with many world-renowned Universities spread across the United State of America, China, Europe and Africa. The essence of these linkages is to facilitate academic programmes development, teaching/research, public service and staff/student exchange.”

    “It is therefore my pleasure to welcome you all: students, parents/guardians and staff of the University to this undoubtedly auspicious event in the life of the matriculants,” the VC added.

  • Emeka Obi: Chronicles of a Youth General

    Emeka Obi: Chronicles of a Youth General

    By Ovat Abeng

    Driven by passion and excellence in his relentless pursuit for youth development, empowerment and inclusiveness in socio-political and economic affairs, Amb. Surv. Emeka Obi who is a trained Surveyor and the CEO of leading survey firm, Apex Survey Services strongly believed that well educated and trained youths contribute their skills in almost every sector in a developing economy. They give their services in various capacities.

    In one of his selected speeches, Emeka reaffirmed that in nation building, Youths contribute their quota which is dependent on the government to create conducive environment and support young people for improved productivity.

    “My journey as a youth leader began when I engaged in identifying the problems of Youths and providing lasting solutions in my community and immediate environment, because I discovered that most young people are interested to make change but has limited education and opportunities to empower them to make impact. Thus the need for me to change the narrative by making literacy a fundamental part of the lives of children while also equipping them with the needed skills for them to thrive in life.

    Read Also: Hardship: Declare state of emergency on security, hunger, Anambra LP lawmakers tells Tinubu, Soludo

    While sharing his story of passion, support for consistent growth, Obi reiterated his undying desire to continue his giant strides for impact and excellence towards the socio-economic and political development of young people.

    In June 28, 2022 when  Emeka took the oath of office as the number one commander of Youths in Anambra state as the State Chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria, his emergence was applauded by many given his antecedents and track record of excellence in youth affairs.

    Within few days, he unfolded his leadership blueprint and began engaging Youths in life-changing programs symposium and seminars.

    – Visit to the physically challenged students, Isulo, Orumba North with education materials
    Provision of education materials to schools

    – Among the schools visited were; Central Primary school Mgbakwu, Community Primary School Urum, Egede Primary School Achalla, Central Primary School Oba-Ofemmili, community Primary School Ugbenu, community Primary School Ugbene all in Awka-North Local Government Area.

    – Sensitization program on girl rights

    – Supervision of public projects by the state government

    – NYCN Kings Cup

    – Election sensitization program and Awareness
    – Presents

    – 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 (Maiden Edition)
    – School outreach program on menstrual hygiene
    – Anambra Youth investment summit
    – Waste to wealth seminar
    – Wikipedia training for Igbo user groups
    – POS empowerment with Cash donation from Poolking Global Investment Ltd.
    – Youth empowerment with POS and Cash donation from the Graceland Real Estate
    – Youth leadership retreat
    – Youth business summit
    – Media hangout
    – Local Government ward executives Inauguration
    – Local government Liaison officers Inauguration and more.

    Decorated with flurry of awards for his excellence,

    The United Nation’s Youth Ambassador being leader of unwavering dedication, embodies the virtues of wisdom, understanding integrity which resonating deeply with Anambra Youths.

    Mgbakwu born Emeka has continued to initiate strokes of innovation under his outstanding leadership with finesse. Being a beacon of hope and excellence, the Youth general has demonstrated his willingness to ensuring  positive change by creating platforms to connect Youths to acquire information technological and communication and leadership skills through several partnerships for business development and growth.

    Beckoned by destiny, the PhD in view surveyor’s open door policy remains one of the best route to restoring and ensuring that youths regain their rightful positions in nation building via deliberate programs for sustainable socio-economic and political growth.

    With your believe that youths of today should be leaders of the present and future, may the years ahead filled with wisdom and sound health. May your years be more.

  • Hardship: Declare state of emergency on security, hunger, Anambra LP lawmakers tells Tinubu, Soludo

    Hardship: Declare state of emergency on security, hunger, Anambra LP lawmakers tells Tinubu, Soludo

    By Ovat Abeng

    Barely two days after the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress NLC suspended it hunger protest across the country, eight Anambra State House of Assembly lawmakers, under the Labour Party (LP), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the 36 state governors including the State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo to suspend work on all other sectors including infrastructure for the next six months and declare state of emergency on security and hunger in the nation.

    The lawmakers also announced their plans to relinquish their basic salary for six months to alleviate the suffering of the masses.

    Their position were contained in a communique jointly signed and made available to Journalists in Awka on Thursday, by the eight lawmakers; Hon. Nkechi Ogbuefi, Comrade Nigeria Henry Mbachu, Hon Jude Ifeanyi Umennajiego, Hon Fred Ezenwa, Hon Kingsley Udemezue, Hon Justice Azuka, Hon Paul Obi and Hon Patrick Okafor, shortly after their emergency caucus meeting sitting at the State Assembly complex.

    The LP lawmakers in the communique advise the Federal and State governments as follows:

    “That His Excellency, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu should suspend work on all other sectors including infrastructure for the next six months and declare state of emergency on security and hunger in the nation.

    Read Also: Senate rejects bill proposing Anambra’s inclusion in NDDC

    “All State governors including our dear governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo to suspend all infrastructural development in their various States for the next six months and declare state of emergency on security and hunger.

    “We, the Labour Party House of Assembly members will relinquish our basic salary for six months to be our contribution to alleviate the suffering of the masses.

    “In conclusion, we all know that campaign is over and election is over. Majority of Nigerians are suffering. People are dying every day as a result of hunger and insecurity. Thus, there is need for the Federal government and State Governments to adhere to the advice given by our leader Mr. Peter Obi. We must commend our leader His Excellency Mr. Peter Gregory Obi for this selfless effort to ensure the stability and growth of our Nation.

    “It really shows that he is committed to make this nation a better place for all of us.

    “To the masses, hope is a virtue; we must sustain hope. That is the currency for better tomorrow,” the communique ends.

  • NLC gives FG March 13 deadline to meet N1million minimum wage or resume strike

    NLC gives FG March 13 deadline to meet N1million minimum wage or resume strike

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State Chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), has suspended the two-day hunger protest it embarked upon to press home its demand to Federal Government to ameliorate the sufferings of the common Nigerians.

    The State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Humphrey Nwafor who briefed newsmen in Awka, on Wednesday, on the suspension of the protest, pointed out that the National Executive Committee of the Congress directed that the protest be suspended for three weeks.

    Nwafor noted that the three weeks grace given to the federal government is a window grace within which the organised Labour would know if the government is serious to address not just the 14-point demand but also the yearnings of the work force in the state for improved welfare and conditions of service.

    According to him, if the federal government fails to meet the demand of the workers, the NLC would be left with no other option than to invoke the measure of last resort to embark on a full-blown strike.

    Read Also: Court sacks Oraifite traditional ruler

    He revealed that the demands of the National Leadership of the Congress centre on such demands including mitigation of hardships in the country, ensuring food security, removal of collection of levies/fees and granting citizens easier access to convert their vehicles from PMS to CNG.

    “The other demands, he noted, were removal of VAT on basic consumer items, speedy conclusion of National Minimum Wage Negotiation Exercise, directing all states to immediately pay all owed wages, wage awards, allowances, gratuities and pensions,  composition of stakeholders to monitor and supervise intervention funds to ensure they reach the poor and vulnerable and cash transfers to the vulnerable with verifiable and inclusive social register to begin immediately.

    The briefing was also attended by the State leadership of Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), leed by the state chairman, Comrade Chikwelu Adigwe.

  • Court sacks Oraifite traditional ruler

    Court sacks Oraifite traditional ruler

    …Not true, cabinet

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra High Court sitting at Nnewi local government area of the state has sacked the traditional ruler of Oraifite  town in Ekwusigo local government area, Igwe Dr. Daniel Udoji for lacking constitutional backing to mount the throne.

    The sacking information was disclosed to Journalists by High Chief Stanley Chukwujekwu, a stakeholder in the community, during a press conference he organised at his country home, Ezumeri-Oraifite recently.

    Chukwujekwu described the Judgement as a welcome development to the good people of Oraifite town.

    He noted that there was no selection, election or any form of Traditional gathering that produce Dr. Udoji as the Traditional ruler of Oraifite town. The Crown was bought for him by Ben Aghaeze (Bentraco) while he was in America at the sum of five hundred thousand naira (500,000) during late Gov. Mbanunuju administration.

    Read Also: Anambra first lady seeks support for people recovering from mental health challenges

    The judgment was delivered on the 5th July, 2023 by the presiding judge, Justice Dennis  C. Maduechesi in a suit No. HN/216/2006 brought before the court by the people of Ezumeri quarter of the town challenging the self acclaimed Igwe who parades himself as monarch of Oraifite town and the issuance of certificate of recognition by the Anambra State government under Gov. Chimwoke Mbanunuju (late) on 20th May, 2003 without due process.

    According to him, Oraifite have four villeges; Unodu, Ezumeri, Irefi and Ifite that constitute the town and it was the turned of Ezumeri village to produce the Traditional ruler after the demise of late Igwe Gregory Ude Ubaka.

    We have been on the matter for good 18 years but today, we are victorious.

    He quoted the Court as declared that the purported recognition of Igwe Udoji as the Traditional ruler of the town by the Government of Anambra State is null, void and inoperative on the ground that the said recognition was obtained or procured by the Monarch fraudulently without due process of law, particularly, the Constitution of Oraifite and method of the selection of her Igwe and other Chiefs, otherwise known as the Chieftaincy Constitution of Oraifite which was made and adopted by the people in 1977.

    The recognition was also made without regard to due process of law most particularly, in the total violation of sections 3, 4,5,6,7,8,9,11,12,13 and 14 of the Traditional ruler’s law of Anambra State, Nigeria. And that the Court has ordered Igwe Udoji to restrain from parading, holding himself out and or in any manner whatsoever acting as the traditional ruler of Oraifite town forthwith.

    “The Monarch should deliver up the certificate of recognition and other instruments of recognition to the people for cancellation. He should pay a sum of one million (N1,000,000) to the Plaintiffs (Ezumeri) as cost of his action.

    Chief Chukwujekwu while thanking the Judges for standing on the truth, alleged that the embattled Monarch has never attracted any development to the community since he took over the throne.

    Finally, he also commended Sir Emeka Offor, an indigene of the town for his continuous contributions to human capital development in Nigeria.

    Responding in a telephone interview, the legal adviser to Oraifite Igwe-In-Council as well as legal adviser to Oraifite ancient kingdom, Barrister B.Ikenna  Chukwuma who spoke on behalf of the traditional ruler, said all the claims by Ezumeri quarters were all lies from the pit of hell, Igwe Udoji remains the valid Traditional ruler of Oraifite community.

    According to Barrister Chukwuma, the people behind what I called fake rumour are all doing this to cause chaos in the community.

    “I know that the matter is in the Court, but no such order has been given.

    He warned the people of Oraifite community, Anambra and the public at large to disregard the sack information.

  • Anambra first lady seeks support for people recovering from mental health challenges

    Anambra first lady seeks support for people recovering from mental health challenges

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra governor’s wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo, says people going through mental health challenges should be supported and helped to beat the condition and not stigmatize.

    Mrs Soludo stated this when she visited Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Nawfia, Njikoka Local Government Area of the State to check on the patients who are taking treatments in the facility.

    Speaking shortly before touring every section of the hospital, the governor’s wife explained that people fighting mental health challenges are humans and should be supported to defeat the condition.

    She noted that the increasing number of people dealing with mental health problems calls for speedy intervention, noting that the homes and larger society have a big role to play in tackling drug use, cultism and other decadent behaviours that can push children and youths into drugs.

    Read Also: Supreme Court to hear arguments on Trump-era ‘bump stock’ rule

    Mrs Soludo also re-echoed her call for reassessment of basic family traditions, including the immediate revival of communal child upbringing model, which seems to have been abandoned, at the detriment of the society.

    She also spoke about monitoring early signs of a child’s suspicious behaviour and asked parents to prioritize being close to their children to know when they have derailed.

    In her chats with the patients, the governor’s wife urged them to remain strong through their recovery processes, while she encouraged those whose conditions were traced to drug abuse to learn from the results, and help others who are into the same behaviours to change.

    She promised that when they have recovered, they will play an important role in healthy living education on the dangers of substance use, using their personal experience.

    The governor’s wife was welcome by the leadership and members of Nawfia Community led by the traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Igwe Daniel Obele, the President General of Nawfia Progressive Union (NPU), Chief Daniel Okoye Okongwu, management of the facility, among others.

  • NLC protest: Why we involve in Anambra – Police

    NLC protest: Why we involve in Anambra – Police

    By Ovat Abeng

    Following the ongoing Nationwide protest organised by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC, against hardship and insecurity across the country, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye has explain why the Police are involved in the protest.

    CP Adeoye who address the Labour Union leaders at Alex Ekwueme Square junction Awka, during the rally, said involvement of the Police was to ensure a peaceful  movement and to prevent the rally from being hijacked by suspected hoodlums in the state.

    The CP noted that he has deployed many officers under his watched to protect the protesters and to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order before, during and after the rally in the state

    According to him, “I have mobilized officers from the state Police command to accompany the workers during their protest rally, ensuring that hoodlums do not exploit the situation. We will also guarantee the safety of lives and property of the people of the state throughout the protest.”

    Read Also: Police arrest four suspected killers of Anambra community leader

    The Commissioner described the protest as peaceful.

    He was accompanied by his deputy in charge of operation, Mr. Ibrahim Ezekiel and other senior officers of the State Command.

    The State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Humphrey Emeka Nwafor, on his part while speaking to Journalists shortly after the rally, said they were protesting over the high level of economic hardship in the country.

    Nwafor commended members for coming out in large number to demand fairness, equity and good governance in Nigeria.

    It was gathered that the protesters were seen carrying placards with inscriptions such as; Stop the hunger, lower food prices,stop robbing the poor tax, end naira devaluation, support local production, among others.

  • Police arrest four suspected killers of Anambra community leader

    Police arrest four suspected killers of Anambra community leader

    By Ovat Abeng

    Police Detectives of Anambra State Command working with Umuoji Vigilante in Idemili  North Local Government Area, have apprehended four suspected killers of the town’s President-General, who was murdered in his home at the weekend.

    DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the State
    Police Public Relatiins Officer, who disclosed this in a statement in Awka, on Tuesday, said, handset and ATM Card of the deceased were recovered from them. In their confession, they named four other accomplices who are now being hunted for by the Police.

    Ikenga said “The Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, who was away in Ibadan, Oyo State on official assignment for the opening ceremony of the 14th Biennial Police Games rushed back home when the news of the murder broke to coordinate Police effort at unravelling the crime.

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    “The CP who commended the Police in Ogidi and Umuoji Vigilante for working together to apprehend the suspected perpetrators has directed State Criminal Investigation Department to deploy its Forensic Team to scene of crime and take over the investigation. He has mandated the Homicide Team in State CID to apprehend the four accomplices still on the run and unravel the motive behind the gruesome crime.”

    He noted that the CP also assured Presidents-General across the State that their safety is of primary concern to the Police as they represent their people in governance by their town unions.