Paradise News

Tag: Anambra State

  • Nigeria Red Cross Society Elects New Executive In Anambra

    Nigeria Red Cross Society Elects New Executive In Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Nigeria Red Cross Society, Anambra State branch has elected new executive in the State.

    Prof (Mrs) Charity Ifeanyiwa Emelie was elected the new Chairman of the State Branch in an election defied of malpractices.

    The election saw the exit of the former Chairman of the Society, Prof Peter Emeka Onyekachi, after leading the state branch for several years.

    The election started immediately after the screening of the candidates documents and oral interviews at the Red Cross office Amawbia, Awka, after the delegates at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), moved a motion for the dissolving of the caretaker committee to give room for the election.

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    The election which was conducted in a voice vote affirmation, after screening out 12 out of the 24 candidates seeking for various positions saw the emergence of the new executives of the branch.

    In her acceptance speech, the new Chairman, Prof Emelie said she was going to serve Anambra Red Cross Society of Nigeria with all her experience and capitalize on the strength of the team, using all available resources.

    She also assured of quick response to emergency situations, if any arise in the state, saying Red Cross is mainly for humanity services, promised  to move it forward.

    The Chairman of the electoral committee, Dr Muazu Mohammed, who is the National Legal Advisor of the Red Cross, said the election was free fair and transparent.

    He said those disqualified from the election failed to meet the constitutional requirements for the election, said majority of them does not have evidence of payment for the organisation membership renewal for the past 2 years.

    Dr. Mohammed while commending the State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo for ensuring a smooth conduct of the election, charged the new leadership to uphold the dignity of the society in the State.

  • 2025: Tinubu approves blueprint to win Anambra for APC

    2025: Tinubu approves blueprint to win Anambra for APC

    By Ovat Abeng

    Ahead of the 2025 governorship election in Anambra State, the Deputy National Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress APC, Nze Chidi Duru, on Saturday said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved a blueprint to win the State for the party.

    He said the winning plan was disclosed by the National Chairman of the party, Allahaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, during a stakeholders meeting he held with leaders of the party from Anambra State in Abuja, recently.

    Nze Duru who was speaking in Awka, Anambra State Capital, during the distribution of over 800 bags of Christmas rice and cash to executive members of the party in the state, donated by the party’s former National Auditor, Sir Paul Chukuma, urged the executive to commence as soon as possible, ward-ward mobilisation to actualized the President’s winning plan.

    He also informed them that the National  Chairman of the party, Allahaji Ganduje is expected to visit the State by January, 2024 to meet with all party supporters including aggrieved members as part of preparation for the gubernatorial election.

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    While commending Sir Paul Chukuma, for the kind gesture, the organising secretary, who also represent the National Chairman at the event, called on the party faithful to make unity of purpose their watchword, noting that togetherness remain the only reason the Party will succeed in taking over power from the State ruling-All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA Government led by Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo.

    In his brief address, the State Chairman of the party, Chief Basil Ejidike, appealed to other wealthy members of APC in the State to emulate Sir Chukuma, saying, such gesture has never been done in the State.

    He noted that the gesture will strengthen peace and unity among members in Anambra and beyond.

    The benefactor, Sir Paul Chukwuma, on his speech, said apart from the Christmas palliative, he will also mount APC signed-post in all the 21 Local Government Area of the State to project the activities of the party ahead of the State Governorship election.

    He said he is offering the services as part of his contribution to promote the party and to ensure that Anambra is fully connected to the centre through the APC channel, been the most popular political party in Africa.

    He equally called on the members to recognised Senator Andy Uba as the leader of the party in the State.

    The distribution also witnessed the defection of an APGA Chieftain, Chief Hillary Onyekwelu to APC family.

  • Anambra Govt Will Not Rest On Its Current Success In Health Sector, First Lady

    Anambra Govt Will Not Rest On Its Current Success In Health Sector, First Lady

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra governor’s wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo has assured that the current administration is keen on consolidating current milestones recorded in the state’s health sector.

    Mrs Soludo stated this in her address at the 2023 annual surveillance and routine immunization programme performance review and award meeting organized by the Anambra State Ministry of Health in collaboration with World Health Organization, WHO in Awka, on Friday.

    Part of the activities of the event was to honour individuals and transition committee chairmen that have supported primary health care accessibility in the grassroots, and have also done very well in promoting surveillance and routine immunization in their local domains.

    In her speech at the event, Mrs Soludo explained that the present administration has made significant efforts in promoting childhood and other immunization activities in the  21 local government areas of Anambra State.

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    She mentioned the inputs of traditional rulers and transition committee chairmen in the just-concluded Outbreak Response one and two, noting that the local stakeholders showed excellent commitment by coordinating expanded health teams of their respective health authorities to improve vaccination rates in Anambra State.

    She also praised the impact of implementing partners like World Health Organization, WHO, UNICEF and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, and promised that despite the recorded achievements in state’s health sector, the present administration is determined to achieve more.

    Earlier in his remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, hailed the the influence of the governor’s wife in the implementation of most health sector reforms in Anambra State, especially in the area of primary health.

    In their respective remarks, the Anambra State Coordinator of WHO, Dr Abdulnasir Adamu, and the UNICEF representative, Dr Olusoji Akinleye, disclosed that Anambra State has performed so well in the national immunization ratings, primary health care index and maternal and infant mortality control, pointing to the impact of the governor’s wife healthy living crusade in the results.

    Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to transition committee chairmen whose local government areas won the challenge, as well as health workers who were adjudged to have performed optimally in their respective jobs.

    The Commissioner for Environment, Engineer Felix Odimegwu, the Executive Secretary of Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Pharmacist Chisom Uchem, TC chairmen from Anambra East and West, Anaocha, Idemili South, Awka South, Nnewi North and South, were at the event.

  • 2025: I don’t say Ifeanyi Ubah cannot win Anambra for APC, Moghalu denies report

    2025: I don’t say Ifeanyi Ubah cannot win Anambra for APC, Moghalu denies report

    By Ovat Abeng

    The immediate past Managing Director (MD) of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Chief George Moghalu, has denied a report that he said Senator Ifeanyi Ubah “cannot win Anambra for APC” in the Anambra 2025 governorship poll.

    In a statement on Friday from
    George N. Moghalu Media Centre (GNMMC), Moghalu described the propaganda as the handwork a faceless group.

    He alleged that the propaganda news report was sponsored with the sole purpose of creating disaffection.

    The statement read in part, ”Our attention has been drawn to the fake news being circulated by a faceless group with the above referenced caption and credited for our Principal, Chief Dr George N. Moghalu.

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    “It is evidently clear it is a sponsored article with a sole intention of creating enmity between our Principal, his friend and his brother, both Leaders of our great Party in Anambra State.

    “Ordinarily, we would not have responded or reacted to this Junk Journalism only that it became necessary following the concerns expressed by well meaning members of the Public, particularly our Party Members.

    “It is very unfortunate that these faceless elements are trying everything possible to twist facts that are before the public.

    “The interview granted by our principal was widely reported in the Sun Newspapers, Nation Newspaper, Thisday and Daily Trust Newspapers.

    “From the content of the interview, it is clear that the headline under reference only exists in the imagination of those spreading the fake news. For the avoidance of doubt, let us set the record straight.

    “At no point in the interview did our principal say that Senator Ifeanyi Uba cannot win Anambra for APC.

    “We will therefore advise these hatchet writers to take out time and read the interview which is in the public domain and endeavour to practice responsible journalism.

    (GNMMC) therefore urged the public to disregard what it called baseless and sensational headline, adding,”We wish to state that our principal is ever ready to join other progressive minded stakeholders to move the party forward.

    “We welcome Senator Ifeanyi Uba and other progressives who joined our party, the APC.”

  • 300 Participate In Chidoka Powered CBT JAMB, WAEC Prep Test In Anambra

    300 Participate In Chidoka Powered CBT JAMB, WAEC Prep Test In Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    A total of 300 students have participated in the Osita Chidoka powered CBT JAMB and WAEC preparatory test in Anambra State.

    The Paradise News gathered that the test took place at Thomas Chidoka Center, Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state, on Wednesday.

    Twenty two randomly selected public schools and some private schools from Ogidi Educational Zone took part in CBT test.

    Chidoka, former Aviation Minister, while speaking at the occasion said, “Today, I’m filled with pride and optimism as I share the latest leap we’ve made in championing education.

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    “The Ogidi zone comprises of Idemili North, Idemili South and Oyi LGAs. The test is more than the normal university prep. We recognize that not all paths lead to university.

    “These tests will help us uncover student’s capabilities and direct them to alternative educational and career pathways, ensuring every young person has a route to success that aligns with their unique skills and aspirations.

    “The result of the tests would form the basis of our feedback to the Ministry of Education the Post Primary School Service Commission and individual school authorities.

    “We plan to provide online training to teachers to assist them deepen their understanding of the curriculum and  better support their students.

    “Selected students in the Ogidi zone would benefit from the weekend remedial lessons starting at the Thomas Chidoka Centre, Obosi, while others can use our online platform to access the lessons.

    “As we celebrate this milestone, my commitment to our young people is unwavering. We would identify partners to scale this project nationwide, aiming to uplift and empower youths across Nigeria with the same opportunities and insights.

    “This is a national call to action. Together, we can reshape education in Nigeria, fostering a generation of young people who are prepared, confident, and ready to explore a world of opportunities.”

    Chidoka, who was also former Corp Marshall of FRSC appreciated the Anambra State Commisioner for Education and the Chairman of the Post Primary School Service Commission (PPSSC) as well as the staff and students of the Ogidi Educational zone.

    A teacher, Mr Ezennajiego Chizobam, from GSS Ojoto appreciated the former FRSC Corp Marshall and his team for organizing the CBT prep examination noting that it is a good thing to let the students understand what they will see in JAMB and be prepared ahead of time.

    “This is really a nice experience for the students, as some of them don’t know what CBT is all about, but now they will go home and tell others,” he said.

    Another teacher, Okafor Ikechukwu Innocent also apperciated the organisers of the CBT prep test, especially Chief Osita Chidioka for exposing them to an experience that would boost teaching and learning.

    On his part, Ukadike Winifred said, “I really appreciate the organizers of this program. It will help the students to know how to write any CBT exams. My student were so happy because they have not had this kind of knowledge before.

    “May God bless you all and I am pleading for this to continue so as to help our SS3 students have knowledge on how to write their forthcoming Jamb examination and so on.”

  • Lawmaker tasks journalists to investigate non-conduct of local government election in Anambra

    Lawmaker tasks journalists to investigate non-conduct of local government election in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Anambra State House of Assembly member representing Awka South Constituency I, Hon Nigeria Mbachu (Labour party), has called on Anambra journalists to be bold enough to investigate why elective local government administration has not been in place for decade in the State.

    He argue that the lack of elective local government system has affected development across the 179 communities that constitute the State.

    He said the situation has also cause increment of house rent, insecurity, high cost of food items and over population in Awka, the state capital, due to the rural-urban influx.

    He alleged that almost all the Transition Committee Chairmen in the 21 Local Government Area of the State, Traditional rulers, President Generals, local politicians and other top community leaders, for long now, operate from the State capital, because of lack of social amenities in their various council areas.

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    Mbachu who frowned over the situation, when he play host to Correspondents’ Chapel (CC) of the Nigeria Union Journalists (NUJ) in the state at his residence in Awka, on Wednesday, noted that the state lawmakers are now performing dual function of lawmaking and running of local government activities, all to meet up the financial needs of those at the rural areas.

    He maintained that elective local government system remains the only channel, the rural dwellers can benefit from dividends of democracy.

    According to him, there is so much to be done in the remote areas and this can only be achieved through a democratically elected leadership at the Council Areas.

    “I worry so much because this tier of government has suffered so much because of lack of Local Government Election.

    “Local Government as the 3rd tier of government is the bedrock of governance. Leadership and political tutelage is heavily mounted on this tier of government and should be upheld thus.

    “So, I am using this meeting to  appealed to the State governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo to conduct the local government election, as he (the governor), promised Ndi-Anambra during his governorship election campaign in 2021.

    “While charging journalists not to be afraid of “people in government” in the society, Hon Mbachu said the people in power can never be more powerful than God who created them.

    “You Journalists should always investigate the truth and hold those in power accountable as watchdogs of the society. Always uphold the ethical values of the pen profession by making truth sacrosanct.

    “I challenge you all, to investigate why local government election for long now has not been holding in Anambra State.

    “Journalists are the ones that bring light to any darkness via their reportage. Therefore, I advised you to be impartial and ensured that you hold the government and individuals accountable while performing your duties,” he added.

    The Paradise News gathered that the lawmaker, has made a similar call few weeks ago during the presentation of the 2024 Budget before the State House of Assembly by governor Chukwuma Soludo, where he (the lawmaker) decried the obvious omission of LGAs election in the budget.

  • Philanthropist empowers underprivileged families with 10 houses in Anambra community

    Philanthropist empowers underprivileged families with 10 houses in Anambra community

    By Ovat Abeng

    A philanthropist, High Chief Abraham Ikechukwu Otti, has build houses for underprivileged families, mostly widows in his Umuchu-cou try home, in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    It was gathered that apart from the building, Chief Otti equally furnished the house for the indigents and provided them TV sets, generators ,three mattresses ,phones and cash gift of 600,000 thousand naira each as support for their various businesses.

    Chief Abraham Ikechukwu Otti is a known philanthropist in Anambra State who has used his resources to bring succour to his people.

    “The Philanthropist has received various awards for his philanthropic works and he’ll equally be honored as Anambra Humanitarian Person of the Year on the 29th December, 2023.

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    Hon. Chinedu Ezekwike, who  represented Chief Otti during the handover ceremony, enjoined the beneficiaries to see the gifts as God’s favour and special visitation to their households this year .He urged the beneficiaries to continue to pray for God’s continued guidance and protection upon the lives of Chief Abraham Otti and his family.

  • JUSUN rewards outstanding members in Anambra

    JUSUN rewards outstanding members in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    The leadership of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Anambra State Chapter, has rewarded some members of the union for their outstanding performance to duties in their various Judicial divisions and for been committed to the affairs of the union in the State

    The awardees were presented with a certificate of attestation for meritorious services in 2023, having served their various offices and the union with their skills, hard work, dedication and for dressing responsibly always.

    Cash prizes were also presented to the awardees during the union’s 2023 end of the year Congress/Get-together/Award Presentations that took place at the State Judiciary Headquarters’s Conference Hall Awka, on Saturday last week.

    Addressing journalists shortly after the award presentation, the State Chairman of JUSUN, Comrade Henry Iyke Ezeoke, said the beneficiaries cut across the 10 Judicial divisions in the 21 local government areas of the State, Awka, Anaocha, Aguata, Onitsha, Ogbaru, Otuocha, Ihiala, Nnewi, Idemili and Orumba South Divisions respectively.

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    He said, “As you know, judiciary workers are known for hardwork, dedication, discipline, proper dressing and respect, so, the recognition was presented to them based on the above mentioned reputations.

    “I encouraged them to maintain the status quo which is part of the ethics of JUSUN. The award presentation will be an annual event in the State.”

    Regarding the welfare of the union, Comrade Ezeoke, appealed to the State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo to also look into the welfare of his members, noting that what the Judiciary workers are earning as salaries in Anambra compared to other states in the North, South-South and in the West is nothing to write home about amidst economic hardship in the country.

    “Though, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has been doing well in his own little way but we appealed to him to borrow the wisdom from his counterparts and do same in Anambra State.”

    He also mentioned poor funding and lack of Judicial Autonomy as two major challenges currently facing Judiciary workers in Nigeria.

    One of the awardees, Mr. Enebli John Chukwuka, who spoke on behalf of others, thanked the union for encouraging them through the gesture.

    The event was also attended by the union past chairmen in the State, Comrade Mark Ifezue (emeritus) and Chief Basil Osita Mbanefo, among other invited guests.

  • Anti-microbial resistance high in Nigeria – RFPTN raises alarm

    Anti-microbial resistance high in Nigeria – RFPTN raises alarm

    By Ovat Abeng

    Reform Forum of Pharmacy Techns in Nigeria (RFPTN) Anambra State Chapter, has expressed worries over alarming rate of Anti-microbial Resistance (AMR) in Nigeria.

    The alarmed was contained in a statement signed and made available to Journalists in Awka on Monday, by the State Chairman of RFPTN, Engr (PhT) Ugochukwu Ohazuruike.

    He said AMR is one of the biggest threat to global health, food security and development today.

    He said differentiating viral from bacteria infection is vital to limiting AMR in the society.

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    According to Ohazuruike, “it is important to be certain you are dealing with a bacteria or viral infection. Viral infection do not respond to antibiotics. Only antibiotics for bacterial infection.

    “Injudicious use of antibiotics can further lead to Antimicrobial resistance(AMR).

    -AMR is a global health and development threat, it requires organ multifactorial action inorder to achieve the sustainable development goals. (SDGS).

    “World Health Organisation (WHO), has declared that AMR is one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity.

    -MISUSE and OVERUSE of
    Antimicrobials are the main drivers in the development of drug-resistant pathogens.

    -Lack of clean water and sanitation and -inadequate infection prevention and control promotes the spread of microbes, some of which can be resistant to Antimicrobial treatment.

    “Without effective antimicrobials, the success of modern medicine in treating infections, including during major surgery and cancer chemotherapy, would be at increased risk.

    “We are moving towards post Anti-biotics era where common infections and minor injuries can once again kill. This is as a result of AMR/Drug resistant bacteria

    “AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death

    “ANTIMICROBIAL include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitic. They are medicines use to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals and plants.

    “AMR disadvantages include; increased death rate, increased disability, Prolonged hospital stay, Prolonged illness,The need for more expensive medicine and Financial challenges(expensive intensive care) while causes are; inappropriate antibiotics prescribing, over prescription of broad spectrum antibiotic, shortage of rapid diagnostic facilities, poor quality Antibiotics, poor sanitation, global travel, excessive Antibiotics use in Agriculture, Increasing high risk patient population, Inadequate infection control and misuse of Antimicrobial.

    On the role of RFPTN in tackling AMR, Ohazuruike, who is also the Managing Director of Eagle in Ovary Medical Diagnostic Centre/Clinical Support Services Onitsha,  advice patients on symptomatic treatment, Disposal of old/unused antibiotics, Promote appropriate use of antibiotics, Educate patient on AMR and it’s importance, Advice patient about potential AEs interactions and what to do if they occur, Advice prescriber on guidelines adherence.(Nigerian treatment guidelines, standard treatment guidelines), Educate patient about compliance, Ensure antibiotics quality by guarding against counterfeits, Uphold common dispensing regulations, Educate patient on infection prevention and control.

    Ohazuruike, equally charged Pharm techns to also make intelligent use of Information from the reference books BNF, EMDEX, MATINDEL to help curbed the situation.

  • I have power to revive traumatized kidnapped victims, other evil spirits – Anambra blind Pastor

    I have power to revive traumatized kidnapped victims, other evil spirits – Anambra blind Pastor

    By Ovat Abeng

    A blind Pastor and the founder of Soul Desire Healing Ministry (aka Irrevocable Prayer Ministry) UGA town, Anambra State, Pastor Christian Onyiuke, has said that God has bestowed on him, power to revived any traumatized kidnapped victims and other forms of evil spirits from his creations.

    He said the power was given to him by God this year, precisely February, 2023 to save souls.

    Pastor Onyiuke revealed this while delivering his sermon to mark the Ministry’s 1st Anniversary Thanksgiving Service.

    The service which was held at the church auditorium attracted members and friends of the church both from within and outside Anambra state who came to appreciate God in diverse capacities, as some came with goat, chicken, others with money, fruits, among other Thanksgiving items.

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    In a sermon, Pastor Onyiuke, urged Christians to have unwavering faith in God, eschew evil, and to love and pray for their enemies, noting that God can only manifest his supreme power in their lives when they learn to forgive their offenders.

    He explained that the thanksgiving service which will be done annually is an avenue through which the members and their friends show appreciation to God for His blessings in their lives.

    The service entertained testimonies from the members who testified on how God through the ministry saved them from various degrees of ailments and challenges of life including poison, road accident, difficulty in child-bearing and setback in business.

    Other members, thanked God for delivering them from spiritual attacks, family problems through the church, and prayed for more of God’s grace, long life and prosperity on Pastor Christian Onyiuke.

    Revealing further on how God has been using him to save souls, Pastor Onyiuke, said l received the revelation via voice February this year and since then, I have delivered a lot of people from various afflictions of the devil.

    “With my condition as a blind Pastor, I have done a lot of healings through this Ministry. People flee into my Ministry located here in UGA Community in Aguata Local Government Area of the State, globally to receive their healings.

    “There was this case with a lady called Tochukwu, from Orumba North Local government area of the State, this lady has an issue with evil men at Port Harcourt Rivers State, the evil men kidnapped her and held her hostage for days. She was given India hemp to smoke and after that she could not get herself anymore and she was taking from one native doctor to another without solution until she located me through a phoning programme in Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) where I directed her to my Ministry and the evil spirits deposited on her body and other trauma she passes through was removed to the glory of God Almighty. She told me that her problem started shortly after she purchased a land at Abuja.

    “This Gospel Church will go globally because God told me that he will used me to save lives, the devil has chained in various formed.

    “So this Thanksgiving Service is a continuous demonstration of gratitude to God Almighty for his goodness and mercy upon my life, my family and the entire members of Soul Desire Healing Ministry (aka Irrevocable Prayer Ministry) UGA, Anambra State,” the pastor expressed joy.