Tag: Anambra State

By Ovat Abeng

A member of the Anambra State house of Assembly representing Awka south 1 constituency, Hon. Henry Mbachu, says sustainable approach remains key  to tackling the country’s increasing rate of poverty.

Mbachu said this during a tour of some markets where he said that the level of poverty and inequality threatens national security, stability and unity.

Hon. Mbachu representing the good people of Awka South 1 state Constituency has made sterling revelations following his recent Constituency outreach in local markets across Awka the State Capital.

Read Also: Anambra ICT Agency Boss, Bags Social Innovation Award

Mbachu in his continued  populist representation, wherein his engagements have been focused on the people, especially the poor who live below the poverty line recently, toured some markets in his Constituency distributing seed capitals to local market men and women. The impact of the activities of these petty traders on the local economy is so enormous that one would wonder how such capital base of 10,000 Naira can make a huge difference in people’s lives.
He emphasizes that creating more job opportunities for the underprivileged, implementing economic and institutional reforms for efficiency, would elevate incomes.

Mbachu also called on young people to come assist the government in the fight against corruption by being active partners in the development and growth of their local communities.

“Well to do people should be done with ‘Dorime’ and 21 Years Liquor. The cost of one bottle of exotic drink can end excruciating poverty in many families,” he implored.

By Ovat Abeng

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to social innovation, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr. Chukwumemeka Fred Agbata, was honored with the prestigious award by the Pivot team.

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Mr. Agbata stated, “I am deeply honored to receive this award from the Pivot team. It is a reflection of the collective efforts we are making to transform challenges into opportunities and drive social innovation in Southeast Nigeria.

“I believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to bring about positive change, and I am committed to continuing this journey.

“This is also what drives us at the Anambra ICT Agency, as we strive to bring to reality the vision of Mr. Governor for technology everywhere and everything technology in Anambra State”, CFA concluded.

Read Also: Aguowo bags FREENEWS Magazine’s Philanthropic Award in Anambra

The Pivot team in their remarks, commended Mr. Agbata for his remarkable dedication to social innovation and his role in inspiring positive change in the region, especially among young people, adding that the award also symbolizes the team’s appreciation for his impactful contributions to the field.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to social innovation, the Managing Director/ CEO, Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA, has been honored with a distinguished award by the Pivot team.

The award which was presented at the Agency’s office in Awka, underscores Mr. Agbata’s crucial role in harnessing technology for positive transformation in Southeast Nigeria.

The Pivot team recently hosted an impactful conference in Awka, Southeast Nigeria, under the theme “From Challenges to Opportunities: Leveraging the Potentials in Southeast Nigeria Through Social Innovation.” The event, held at the ASUU Complex, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, on September 30th, 2023, brought together pioneers, innovators, and influencers committed to driving positive change in the region.

Among the distinguished attendees was Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA, a prominent figure known for his dedication to social innovation and technology advancement.

At the event, Mr. Agbata shared his extensive experience and insights, contributing significantly to the discourse on harnessing the potential of Southeast Nigeria through innovative solutions.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to social innovation, CFA was honored with the prestigious award by the Pivot team.

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Mr. Agbata stated, “I am deeply honored to receive this award from the Pivot team. It is a reflection of the collective efforts we are making to transform challenges into opportunities and drive social innovation in Southeast Nigeria.

“I believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to bring about positive change, and I am committed to continuing this journey.

“This is also what drives us at the Anambra ICT Agency, as we strive to bring to reality the vision of Mr. Governor for technology everywhere and everything technology in Anambra State”, CFA concluded.

The Pivot team in their remarks, commended Mr. Agbata for his remarkable dedication to social innovation and his role in inspiring positive change in the region, especially among young people, adding that the award also symbolizes the team’s appreciation for his impactful contributions to the field.

By Ovat Abeng

The Founder of Volic Group of Companies Limited and I. G. Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation, Ichie Ignatius Onyekachukwu Aguowo, on Tuesday won “the Philanthropic Person of the Year 2023 Award” by the FREENEWS Magazine.

The Magazine said it recognised Aguowo as one of Nigeria’s greatest giver, affirming that “his heart and his generosity are as expanse as the size of a vault”.

In his response, Chief Aguowo, said that giving back to the society especially, at this present hard times in Nigeria, gives him a sense of purpose in life.

According to him, giving back to the society helps him contribute to the common good.

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It gives me joy in helping the less privileged around me. I am someone who derived happiness in given. I am committed in helping the needy.

“I prefer using the wealth God has blessed me with to support charitable causes such as anti-poverty initiatives, humanitarian aid, and other development projects in the society than investing in politics.

It is only those born with the spirit of given that can do what I am doing now no matter how weathy the person maybe.

“The award is a big pushed for me to do more for the humanity seek, therefore, on behalf of myself, my family and the entire management of Volic Group of Companies Limited and I. G. Aguowo Health and Academic Foundation, I support the Magazine with the sum of 1 million naira, Aguowo stated.

On his part, the Chairman, FREENEWS Magazine Editorial Board, Mr Obinna Evaristus Mbonu, while presenting the award, said in recognition of Ozo Ichie Aguowo’s contribution to the award of educational scholarship to those who hunger for good education at all levels ( primary to tertiary) and his compassionate free medicare and health services to the sick, the Editorial Board of FREENEWS Magazine published by Obev Industries Limited Port Harcourt, River State, fine it deserving to honoured him with the following awards; Commander of Human Capital, FREENEWS Greatman, 34 Essential Values,Good Health, Free Education and Medicare, tagged; FREENEWS Magazine’s 2023 Philanthropic Man of Year.

The awards presentation ceremony that took place at Aguowo’s country home at Nibo Community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, also witnessed the presence of the awardee family members, community members, management team of FREENEWS Magazine, security agencies and the media.

By Ovat Abeng

The South East leadership of Meyitti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), has paid tribute to late Pa Nwankwo Simon Soludo, the father of the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo.

The Association eulogised the late Soludo not only for his strides in community development but also his life as a father and grandfather to all.

The tribute was contained in a statement signed and made available to Journalists in Awka on Tuesday by the MACBAN Deputy National Director, Allahaji Gidado Siddikki.

According to Siddikki, late Pa Soludo was also one that charted the way forward for peace and unity among tribes, ethics and religion groups residing not only in Isufia community but the entire Aguata Council Area of the State.

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He said “Pa Simon Soludo was an exemplary leader who will be greatly missed by many.

He was a very kind, Social and accommodating person to the core by some of us who knows him.

“The late deceased had set standards for the great Kingdom of Isuofia land.

“On behalf of MACBAN South East region, while we commiserate with governor Soludo and his siblings over the unfortunate incident, we pray to Allah to give the governor’s family the fortune to bear the irreplaceable loss.

“The news of the passing of Pa Simon Soludo was received with sadness by the entire Fulani community in the State and will be greatly missed, Siddikki condoled.

The Paradise News had earlier reported that Pa Soludo passed on Monday November 6th 2023 at the aged of 92 and was laid to rest at his country home, Isufia community in Aguata Local Government Area of the State, on Saturday, December 23th, 2023.

By Ovat Abeng

The Lawmaker representing Awka North/South Federal Constituency at the lower Chamber of the National Assembly, House of Representatives, Prof Oby Orogbu, has said she has empowered over 2000 households in her Constituency within six months in office.

Orogbu said the empowerment was part of her responsibilities to liberate the good people of Awka North and South from hunger and other challenges in the society.

The Lawmaker stated this during this year 2023: Christmas festival of songs of nine lessons and carol, tagged, “Awka North/South Unity Carol and nine lesson, held at Emmaus house Awka, late on Sunday.

The event was staged to mark the Christmas season.

Addressing supporters of the Labour Party from Awka North/South Local Government Areas respectively, Prof Orogbu who is also the Chairman House Committee on Cooperate Social Responsibility, said she joined active politics to assist Senator Uche Ekwunufe to liberate the vulnerable people especially, the women in Anambra State.

According to her, my interest in joining politics is to assist my sister, Senator Ekwunufe to liberate our people from unwanted hunger and other challenges in the society.

“Within my six months in office,I have helped over 200 households in my Constituency. As it stands now I have summited 2000 names of people from the Constituency that would be receiving N25,000 monthly stipend each from the Federal Government Cash Transfer programme.

“The beneficiaries cut across political, ethic and religion affiliation. Yorubas, Hausas, Calabars, APGA, APC, PDP and other political Party members residing within the Constituency are part of the gesture.

She also appealed to the Labour Party supporters to commence mobilization of members in their various wards ahead of the 2025 governorship election in the state.

The Lawmaker shared the essence of Christmas as God’s demonstration of infinite live for mankind, stressing that God is with everyone who is living according to Divine Principles.

She added that Jesus Christ came for redemption of mankind, calling on those who are yet to receive Him, to do so with the hope of life in eternity.

The event was also attended by the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Victor Umeh, Mr. Valentine Chineto Ozigbo, the Lawmaker representing Awka South Constituency one in the State House of Assembly, Hon Henry Mbachu, among others.

By Ovat Abeng

The Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, on Saturday, 23rd December 2023, welcomed over 5,000 individuals from various communities in Idemili and neighboring local government areas to his mansion in Ogidi, Anambra State. He celebrated Christmas by extending his generosity and bringing smiles to the faces of the less fortunate.

Prof Okonkwo has made it a tradition to reach out to the indigent during Christmas, in line with the teachings of Christ Jesus, which emphasize love and sacrifice. As families gathered at his Ogidi mansion, they received gifts such as bags of rice, clothing, meat, cash, and other items.

For many families, their joy and celebration of Christmas depend on Professor Okonkwo’s annual acts of kindness. Being a respected philanthropist, he ensures that indigent families, regardless of their backgrounds, have enough to eat and enjoy the festive season.

According to the Chairman, “The essence of Christmas is to celebrate Christ, whose life was about love and sacrifice. This charity event happens every December 23rd, and each year, the numbers increase. We will continue this tradition as long as we have the means and resources to put a smile on people’s faces. It’s a moment that I cherish, as it allows me to share what I have and bring hope to others.”

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People from diverse backgrounds, faiths, and beliefs gather at Professor Okonkwo’s house every 23rd of December to spread love and hope. Many individuals praised his benevolence, charitable nature, and exemplary leadership, encouraging others to look up to him as a role model.

The atmosphere was filled with joy, happiness, fulfillment, and excitement, as numerous families expressed their gratitude for being able to celebrate Christmas, thanks to Professor Obiora Okonkwo’s annual charity. This event has become an eagerly anticipated tradition for many during the festive season.

In addition to his time spent with indigent individuals, Professor Okonkwo also spread his generosity and Christmas gifts to his staff members, friends, aides, and various associates.

By Ovat Abeng

Indigenes of Enugwu Nanka, in Nanka community of Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State have appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to come to their aid, saying that killings were becoming too much in the community.

In a Save Our Soul (SOS) letter written to the governor by the leadership of Enugwu Nanka village, which was signed by Joe Omehaa as chairman and Peter Godson Oforkansi as secretary, the village union said there had been division in Nanka, and that some powerful indigenes were seeking to silence the majority for standing by truth.

The letter cited several incidences of killings, and attempted assassination in the community, stating that the new norm is to stop police investigation after killing.

“Your Excellency Sir, one of the killing happened In 2021. A boy of 25 years, Mr. Toochukwu Onyemelukwe was murdered in Enugwu Nanka Village square, along the Main Road at the popular Ukwumango Nwanyi Uzo village square – an open public place.

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“This was simply because the young boy was from the opposing faction of the village union, the Enugwu Nanka Village Development Union, against the faction (ODU) being controlled by some powerful persons.

Mr. Martin Okeke, who reported the murder of Mr. Toochukwu Onyemelukwe to the Police, has met many assassination attempts, just because he reported to the Police about that crime.

“Mr. Martin Okeke’s life has been continuously threatened by the suspected culprits since they discovered he reported the murder to the police.

“Okeke has had assassination attempts over his life, he has not been sleeping in his house and his wife is in exile for fear of being killed.”

The group called on Soludo to order for an investigation to the numerous killings of innocent souls in Nanka, and also to investigate reasons for having many factions of the town union, which has resulted to the abnormalities, sacrileges and abominations in Nanka.

Speaking about the factions, the group said: “Both Nanka Town Union and villagers are into factions and frictions due to high handedness and kill-and-coverup activities in Nanka.

“For some period of time now Your Excellency, you might have heard of number of murders of some innocent souls in Nanka, murder which some of the killings were perpetrated by unknown killers; but the ones that their killers are known are protected from Police investigation by the  leaders of the influential group.

“We are thinking these factions may result to a total collapse of our dear town if not checked; also, we seek that the Police be allowed to make proper investigations of crimes in Nanka,” the leaders said.