Paradise News

Tag: Anambra State

  • Traders escape death as building collapses in Onitsha

    Traders escape death as building collapses in Onitsha

    By Ovat Abeng

    Traders at the bustling Amobi Plastic Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, narrowly escaped tragedy on Friday when a portion of a five-storey building adjacent to Korea Plaza collapsed. The collapse occurred between 8-9 am, following about 40 minutes of vibration.

    The alarming incident came to light during a routine inspection by the Onitsha team of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN-ERM) on Saturday.

    The team, tasked with monitoring engineering projects across the country, promptly notified the public of the collapse.

    While traders on the scene expressed gratitude for the swift discovery, many were too shaken to speak with journalists. However, citizens elsewhere in the market urged authorities to take urgent action to prevent future disasters.

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    In a press briefing following the inspection, the Onitsha team leader of COREN-ERM, who is also the Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers Onitsha branch, Engr. Collins Oputa emphasised the importance of involving qualified engineering professionals in all construction projects. The team collected debris samples for forensic analysis to determine the cause of the collapse.

    “Forensic investigations are ongoing, with the collapse site cordoned off to facilitate the process. The team leader urged residents to engage licensed engineering professionals to mitigate the risk of building failures, emphasising the role of COREN in ensuring that safety standards are met.

    “The COREN-ERM team has sealed the collapse site and issued notices to supervising engineers of nearby ongoing projects to submit their designs for scrutiny. They underscored the necessity of government approval coupled with the expertise of licensed engineers for safe construction practices.

    “In collaboration with the Anambra state Government, COREN aims to eliminate quackery and prevent future collapses, aligning with Governor Chukwuma  Charles Soludo’s vision for a secure and prosperous homeland.

    The Chairman urged residents to support COREN’s efforts to safeguard lives and property through rigorous engineering standards and oversight.

    You can visit COREN Onitsha sectoral office at 32/105 Awka Road, opposite Lotto office, Onitsha

  • Anambra CP Decorates Newly Promoted Officers

    Anambra CP Decorates Newly Promoted Officers

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aderemi Adeoye, has decorated 10 newly promoted officers of the command with their new ranks.

    Speaking during the event  held at BON hotel Awka, on Tuesday, Adeoye, stressed that the police profession was a national call to duty, while also reminding the officers that promotion comes with higher responsibilities, even as a new posting comes with new tasks and new tests of competence.

    He said promotion and posting remained the two most significant events in the service while thanking God that for the promotion staff under him had enjoyed since he assumed as Commissioner of Police in Anambra.

    According to him, among those promoted was my immediate deputy,  in charge of administration who has been posted as the CP in Taraba State, we have an ACP who has been promoted to DCP, we have three CSP who have promoted to ACP and we have Superintendents who are now CPS.

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    “It gives me great joy that these officers who served gallantly, meritoriously, and courageously are being recognised by the force and the nation by way of promotion to higher ranks.

    “Posting and promotion are what make the life of a policeman interesting, when you get posted to a known or unknown territory, you meet new people, new challenges, become better and more knowledgeable.

    “I must say that in my career of about 35 years, I have never  lobbied for posting, I know the country has changed a lot, things are not the way they were and I am not imposing my way on you,” he said.

    Adeoye recalled how he traversed Nigeria in beyond in service of the nation as a Policeman and some of the challenging moments he faced.

    He said the battle for peace and serenity in Anambra was hard fought and vowed that the Police would ensure that it was sustained even at the risk of their lives.

    He said the Police under him as DCP Operations engaged gunmen in the camp in Orsumoghu all day to ensure that the election that brought Gov. Chukwuma Soludo was held

    According to him, I was posted to maiduguri where I spent two and half years as head of JTF, when militancy was ranging in Niger Delta, I was posted there by the authorities without consultation.

    “IPOB started attacking out stations I was posted as DCP Coordinator of Police Mobile Force in the five South East states  and after one year, Dr Cyril Akunyili was murdered in Nkpor, that was when I was posted to Anambra as DCP.

    “Within the period, the election everybody though would not hold was held, that was the election that produced the current Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.

    “Those who took part in that election know the type of war fought,  we did election in every part of the state but not in ihiala because of unknown gunmen,

    “We mobilised to Ihiala and engaged them then in Orsumoghu from morning to night to ensure they did not come to town.

    “Today, Anambra is peaceful because all of you fought and as a force, Police have vowed that never again will Anambra be subjected to that kind of mindless bloodletting,” he said.

    The CP said the security and safety of the people must be guaranteed at all time and if they have to lay down our lives to achieve that.

    “We will do it we will not shy away from battle but we pray that the serenity we are currently enjoying will continue and that those areas witnessing pockets of violence will find peace so that people can visit their homes and live normal lives,” he said.

  • Anambra 2025: APGA holds summit to prepare youths for Soludo’s reelection bid in Onitsha

    Anambra 2025: APGA holds summit to prepare youths for Soludo’s reelection bid in Onitsha

    By Ovat Abeng

    Ahead of the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, the All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA has commenced strategic plans aimed at intensifying mobilization for governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s second term reelection bid.

    The event, a one-day APGA Youth Summit with the Theme; “Between Youth, Security and Community Development” which took place at the Onitsha North Secretariat Hall Onitsha, on Monday, has in attendance, all the youth leaders, chieftains of the party and other supporters from Onitsha North/South Local Government Areas of the State.

    According to APGA Deputy Youth leader, South East Zone, Honourable Chinedu Ezeh, who spoke to Journalists shortly after the event, said the summit was also organised to educate the youths on security, danger of drug abuses and community development.

    Ezeh who is also the Convener of the summit, noted that with already existence zoning arrangement and the ongoing transformation in the state, governor Soludo will be reelected 21/21 in the 2025 governorship election.

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    He vow that in the next ten years, APGA will caption the entire South East geopolitical zone in Nigeria.

    The Transition Committee Chairman of Onitsha North, Hon. Charles Onochie Ozoma in his remark, charged the youth to be more focused in life as the future of the state and the country at large lies in their hands.

    “The youths has the foundermental responsibility to help built a better society, so, they should learned that the power is in their hands.

    The Chairman while applauding governor Soludo on the ongoing one-youth, two skills empowerment programme in the state, noted that about 750 indigenes and non-indigenes residing in Onitsha has so far benefited from the empowerment programme.

    A Chieftain of APGA in the state, Hon. Tony Nweze, who also spoke, educate the youths on various vocational opportunities to excel in their lives.

  • ACTDA boss lauds Soludo over youths empowerment, infrastructural development in Anambra

    ACTDA boss lauds Soludo over youths empowerment, infrastructural development in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    The people of Abagana community in Njikoka Local Government Council of Anambra State were elated as the Managing Director of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Hon. Ossy Onuko paid a working visit to the community.

    Onuko who disclosed that the working visit was to inspect and ascertain the level of work done on the ongoing project at the popular Oye-agu market, Abagana, noted that government was not relenting in its rejuvenating efforts to ensure that physical developments within the market conform to the building codes and regulations of the state.

    The ACTDA boss who further described Soludo’s developmental strides in the areas of youth empowerment, technovation, agricultural revolution, and road infrastructural development as milestones, said that government would leave no stone unturned in his endeavor to build a befitting state.

    He enjoined the people of Njikoka to remain steadfast and give their maximum support to Governor Soludo in delivering the dividends of democracy to its citizens, even as he insists that one good turn deserves another.

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    On his part, the Transition Committee  Chairman of Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Mr. Clem Aguiyi who appreciated the Managing Director of ACTDA Mr. Ossy Onuko for visiting the LGA, assured him of his support to do more in improving the lives of his constituents.

    In his words, “Oye agu is a market that has been existing, just as the community Abagana. As the Transition Committee Chairman of Njikoka Local Government Area, I am trying to rejuvenate the market with stakeholders to build some modern stores to structure the traders that are scattered all over the market”.

    The Council boss while applauding Gov. Soludo for his leadership capacity in human and infrastructural development, thanked him for giving him the chance to render services to his people.

  • Anambra CP pledges one-year scholarship to best graduating JSS 3 student in Awka

    Anambra CP pledges one-year scholarship to best graduating JSS 3 student in Awka

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aderemi Adeoye, has pledged to offer scholarship to the all round best graduating Junior Secondary School three (JSS3), students of Total Child School, Awka.

    The Commissioner gave the pledged when the school management pay him a courtesy call in his office at the State Police Command Headquarters Amawbia, on Tuesday.

    He said ‘if the lucky student sustained the performance to SS1 class, he/she would be sponsored through out the secondary School Education.

    He said the scholarship is part of his humanitarian contribution for a better Nigeria and also to encouraged education among youths.

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    According to him, the scholarship, which is for JSS3 student only, would run from JSS3 to SS3 uniteruptely depending on the student performance.

    He noted that for now, “The best three performing JSS3 students of the school will get the sum of N200,000 each while three best performing JSS2 students would get N100,000 each respectively.

    He said that the gesture was also part of his personal social responsibility, in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s free education policy in the state.

    “I have passion for the school because of your dedication to your studies. I have seen several students on the road during school hours, but I have not seen any of your students. The spirit of academics you exhibit has paid off.

    “Education is the best starting point for your future endeavors. Take your studies seriously. Don’t allowed peer pressure to distract you. Know your natural attributes so that you will be happy in future. As leaders of tomorrow, you must start your leadership preparation seriously now. Make truth, obedient passion, and dedication your moving train, if you must succeed in life.

    The CP while commending the school management for the visit, promised to sustained the gesture whether as Police Office or ordinary citizen, once he is alive.

    The Principal of the School, Evang. Udoh Joy, thanked the Commissioner’s generosity, urging other well-to-do Nigerians to emulate such a gesture.

    “The School Head Girl, (JSS3), Ms Offor Ifeoma Doris, who responded on behalf of the pupils, also appreciated CP Adeoye for the gesture, pledging improved commitment to their studies to justify the pledged.

  • Current Poor Power Supply Experience In South East Beyond Us – EEDC

    Current Poor Power Supply Experience In South East Beyond Us – EEDC

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has explained that the poor power supply currently experienced by its customers across the South East is beyond it.

    In a press release signed by the head of Corporate Communications, EEDC, Mr Emeka Ezeh, the company appealed to customers to bear with them.

    The release read: “The situation is due to low energy generation, which has resulted in a drop in power availability.

    “The development has resulted in low generation, leading to a reduction in the quantum of daily megawatt hour (MWH) of energy allocated to distribution companies nationwide, thereby impacting the quality of service to its customers.

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    “We understand the inconveniences this situation has caused our esteemed customers and appeal for their understanding as it is beyond us,” Ezeh appealed.

    “We can only distribute what is allocated to us.

    “Effort is being made by the various stakeholders in the power sector to address this issue, and we hope this yields positive result so that normal distribution would return.

    “We remains committed to providing improved services to her esteemed customers,” the company stated.

  • Police Arrest Notorious Cultists In Anambra

    Police Arrest Notorious Cultists In Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Officers of Anambra State Police Command have arrested two ring leaders of a cult group responsible for killings in Ihiala.

    A press release by the state police command’s spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga stated that the cultists were arrested during a Special Operation spearheaded by the Police Crack Squad deployed to Ihiala by the Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye.

    Ikenga said, the operation was coordinated to provide security for the people of Ihiala during and after the festive period.

    The cultists  arrested were identified as Chitana Oha, male, 25 years, alias “Kill and Bury” and Emmanuel Ifeanyi Okonkwo, male, 24 yrs Alias “Good and Bad”.

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    Ikenga said: “Both suspects were arrested at their hideout at Okija within the same Local Governments Area.

    “The Commissioner of Police who vowed to end the cult related killings in Ihiala same way he stamped out the menace in Awka Capital City has directed the Crack Squad to go all out against the cultists and clip their wings.”

    Ikenga quoted the commissioner  as assuring members of the public that their security will continue to be the top most priority of the Command.

  • 40 persons die in road accident in Anambra – FRSC

    40 persons die in road accident in Anambra – FRSC

    By Ovat Abeng

    Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra State on Friday disclosed that 40 persons lost their lives in 112 road crashes in the state.

    State Sector Commander, Adeoye Irelewuyi disclosed this in Awka at the end of year 2023 award/durbar program for RS5.

    He noted that the state recorded decrease of 22.22% in road crashes in 2023 when compared with 2022, adding that while 70 persons died in 2022; 40 died in 2023.

    He said, “The Command recorded a total of 144 RTC in 2022 while having only 112 RTC occurrence recorded in 2023.

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    “We equally recorded positive development on all RTC parameters which include number injured, number involved, offenders and offences, drivers license production as well as number plates production.

    “All these would have been impossible without the commitment, sacrifice and hardwork of officers and men who have determined to brave the odds and work for the safety of humanity on our roads,

    “It would also have been impossible without the collaboration and support of other security agencies, stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians who have joined hands with us in one way or the other to try and make our roads safer.”

    According to the FRSC boss, the occasion was targeted at appreciating stakeholders that contributed to the success stories, as well as reward outstanding officers and men for their performance and commitment in the course of the year.

    “Anambra state Command also deems it fit to reward 19 officers and men who have been outstanding in their performance and commitment in the course of the year 2023.

    “We are also recognizing and appreciating critical stakeholders, agencies and partners who have joined hands with us especially in the year 2023 to ensure a successful operations.

    “In the same vein, we want to recognize and reward some staff who have paid the supreme price for their father land in the course of duty.

    While reassuring the Command’s commitment to delivering better service to people of the state and Nigerians traversing the state in year 2024, Irelewuyi noted that strategies for enforcement included mobile court sittings, public enlightenment, stakeholders collaboration and partnership in research.

    “We have set a target to surpass the 2023 record and reduce RTC on Anambra roads by 60%. We therefore appeal to all stakeholders to continue to support the Command in every area. Once again we emphasize that Road Safety is everybody’s business,” FRSC boss added.

  • EEDC clarifies misinformation about planned STS prepaid meter upgrade, token identifier rollover

    EEDC clarifies misinformation about planned STS prepaid meter upgrade, token identifier rollover

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has made clarifications on misleading information circulating on the various social media platforms on its planned STS prepaid meter upgrade and token identifier (TID) rollover.

    A press release by the company’s Head, Corporate Communications, Mr Emeka Ezeh stated

    Below:

    The attention of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has been drawn to an information/message which has gone viral on the social media, with part of its content misinforming and misleading our esteemed customers on the planned STS prepaid meter upgrade and the TID Rollover, compelling them to “recharge sufficiently before the 20th of February, to avoid being edged out of supply”.

    EEDC wishes to state that this trending information did not emanate from any of the authorized communication platforms of the company and its content is misleading and factually incorrect. Customers are therefore urged not to engage in panic purchase of energy tokens and to disregard this misleading directive, which is borne out of mischief and dubious intent.

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    It is advised that authentic information on EEDC operations and activities can be confirmed from its corporate website or any of its social media handles (Facebook, X, and Instagram) or physically from its Customer Service Desks.

    Consequently, for the purpose of clarity, EEDC plans to go live with the Token Identifier (TID) rollover by end of February 2024, and customers are expected to update their information as a prerequisite for the meter upgrade using this link: https://validatecustomer.eedc.online/

    Additional information on this upgrade and TID rollover is always available at all EEDC Customer Service Desks and social media platforms.

    The upgrade is compulsory for all customers using STS compliant prepaid meters, as noncompliance will result in inability of the meter to vend.

    During the rollover which may last for 48 hours, the vending platform will be temporarily unavailable for token purchase. To forestall any supply disruption, customers are to ensure that they have enough energy units in their prepaid meters that will sustain them for the period of the rollover.

    After the rollover, the very first energy purchase by customers will come with three sets of 20 digits token (KCT1, KCT2, and the energy token). The first token is “KCT1” (which resets the meter), the second token is “KCT2” (which upgrades the meter), while the third token is the energy token (which recharges the meter) for the specified vended amount.

    Customers are expected to punch in the first 20 digits which is the “KCT1” and press “enter”, and then punch in the second 20 digits which is the “KCT2” and press “enter”, and lastly, the third 20 digits which is the energy token, to complete the upgrade process.

    Customers who might have purchased tokens that are yet to be loaded onto the meters are to ensure they load these tokens before upgrading their meters, as once the meter is upgraded, such tokens will no longer be accepted by the meter.

    EEDC reiterates that the upgrade is free of charge and appeals to customers not to allow themselves to be extorted by anyone or group.

    For enquiries and clarification, customers are advised to make use of EEDC contact points to avoid being misinformed. These channels include our 24/7 Call Center on: 084 700 100, SMS/WhatsApp: 0815 082 6060 or 0815 082 6061; or any of the social media platforms (Facebook and X: @enugudisco; Instagram: @enugu_disco) or send email to: customerservice@enugudisco.com

  • Menace Of Street Trading: Anambra Assembly Urges Soludo To Establish Mini-Markets In Awka

    Menace Of Street Trading: Anambra Assembly Urges Soludo To Establish Mini-Markets In Awka

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State House of Assembly has urged Governor Charles Soludo to direct the Special Adviser on Trade and Market and the Managing Director, Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, (ACTDA), to commence construction of affordable local mini markets within Awka metropolis.

    This is to control the menace of street trading and associated effects on the state capital.

    Sponsor of the motion, Hon. Nigeria Henry Mbachu, the member representing Awka South one Constituency (Labour Party), while making his submission said poverty rate was on the increase, and creating avenues for people to earn a living has become mandatory.

    “There are many quarters within Awka metropolis which creates the need to establish local mini-markets to serve the people living within those areas.

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    “It is nearly impossible to secure a shop within the already established markets and the limited shops available are in high and exorbitant price to rent.

    “The establishment of mini-markets within Awka metropolis, will be a solution to solve the menace of shanties, street trading and serve as a means of encouraging micro businesses thereby achieving the goals of making Anambra a livable and prosperous homeland.

    Awka has one major market in Eke-Awka and its capacity cannot serve the population of people living in the city which resulted to the creation of street treading as an option in other neighbourhood.

    A woman selling tomatoes and maggi cannot afford to rent a shop which is not less than 150,000 naira now in Awka and this has made street trading difficult to curb.

    Speaking in support of the motion, Minority Whip Mr Paul Obu, Orumba North State Constituency (LP), Chief Whip Hon. Jude Ngobili (Ihiala one), Hon. Patrick Okafor (Onitsha North two), Hon. Golden Iloh (Ihiala two), Hon. Anthony Mobuike (Aguata two), Hon. Bernard Udemezue (Ayamelum) and Hon. Emmanuel Nwafor (Orumba South) in their separate submissions called for the construction of affordable local mini market within Awka metropolis.

    “Street trading is a very big menace in the state and is not decent.

    Creation of this mini markets will reduce avoidable accident and create easy flow of vehicle. An alternative provision should be made,” the lawmakers stated.

    Anambra Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze commended Hon. Nigeria Mbachu for the motion, stating that there is no better society were government will encourage street trading.

    “The construction of mini markets in Awka should not be left for government alone. Individuals and cooperate establishments should also assist so that we will have enough,” Udeze said.