Paradise News

Tag: Anambra State

  • One dies, 20 escape in Anambra road accident

    One dies, 20 escape in Anambra road accident

    By Ovat Abeng

    One person was on Sunday evening confirmed death and twenty others escaped in a road accident in Anambra State.

    According to the Public Relations Officer of the State Ministry of Health, Mr Chukwudi Nwuba, who disclosed this in a statement in Awka, on Monday, said the twenty victims we rescued following the swift response from the State Emergency Ambulance Service System 112.

    He said the accident that involved a Diana Truck and a commercial bus occurred at about 8pm on Sunday Dec. 10/2023 at Umuokpu Timber market Enugu/Onitsha ExpressWay Awka.

    He said that the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike who was at the scene of the accident commended the drivers of the Ambulances for their timely arrival at the scene noting that if not for them many of the accident victims would have died before reaching the hospital.

    Read Also: Police confirm killings in Anambra nightclub by gunmen, recover bodies

    “Dr. Obidike described the fatal accident as unfortunate and informed the public that those involved are currently receiving treatment at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka and Eldorado Hospital.

    The commissioner commended the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) individuals who assisted during the accident while urging the public to always drive with caution and avoid unnecessary overtaking.

    “I must appreciate our medical personnels from COOUTH, Regina Caeli and Eldorado hospitals for their professionalism in treating the accident victims.

    “You could see that many of them sustained various degrees of injury and I am satisfied the doctors were on ground to treat them and it is unfortunate that the driver of the Dina truck didn’t make it to the hospital because of the head on collision with the commercial bus.

    “We must thank the executive governor of our beloved State, Prof. Charles Soludo for giving Ndi Anambra the Ambulance Service System that has continued to save lives across the state.

    “The public should feel free to call the toll free line 112 whenever there is an emergency across the state and an ambulance respond to the person.’’

    He noted that Anambra is one of the first in Nigeria that has a functional Ambulance Service System which was made possible by the governor.

    The State Coordinator of the Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, Dr. Chukwulobelu Ugochukwu, in his reaction, said that the recent successful response to the accident scene not only underscores the state’s commitment to robust emergency medical infrastructure but also highlights the crucial role played by the Dispatchers.

    According to him, the Commissioner for Health’s commendation of the Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Service System Coordinator emphasizes the significance of effective coordination in managing emergency situations in the State.

    Dr. Ugochukwu who played a crucial role in mobilizing all ambulance service providers reflects the meticulous planning and execution that contributed to the swift and organized response witnessed at the accident scene.

    “The acknowledgment of the dispatchers further underscores the importance of their role in facilitating communication and coordination during critical moments.

    “Their ability to efficiently manage and direct resources played a vital part in ensuring that ambulances reached the scene promptly thereby contributing to the overall success of the emergency response.

    “Dr. Obidike’s acknowledgment of the Executive Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s visionary leadership in implementing the Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Service System reaffirms the state’s dedication to proactive healthcare solutions.

    “Anambra State’s success story not only sets a standard for other states but also emphasizes the indispensable roles of coordination and communication in saving lives during emergencies.’’ he added.

  • Police confirm killings in Anambra nightclub by gunmen, recover bodies

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State Police command has confirmed the killing of operatives of local vigilante in Oba, Idemili North Local Government Area of the State, in a nightclub, Porsche.

    Spokesperson of the state police command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed this to journalists in Awka on Monday.

    He said: “Yes, the incident happened. Our men were alerted and they quickly moved to the scene of the incident, but the gunmen had already fled.

    “Our men have recovered the bodies of the vigilante operatives who were fatally wounded, while others sustained various degrees of injury.

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    “We have also fully deployed our men to Oba, and operation is ongoing. So far, no arrest has been made,” he said.

    Oba, a growing suburban town in Anambra is close to Onitsha, and has a high number of hospitality facilities, with a burgeoning night life.

    Sunday night’s attack on Porsche Nightclub is not the first in the town. A popular native doctor, Akwa Okuko had months back been kidnapped by gunmen in his hotel, and was later released after payment of ransom.

    A source in Oba put the number of those killed at Porsche Nightclub at seven, while one of the security operatives was beheaded, and another had his foot cut off and made away with by the invading gunmen.

  • SWAN Hails Sports Growth In Anambra, Honours CP Adeoye, IPMAN Boss

    SWAN Hails Sports Growth In Anambra, Honours CP Adeoye, IPMAN Boss

    By Ovat Abeng

    Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Anambra.Chapter says it is impressed with the progress in the sports sector of the state especially the grassroots level.

    Chimezie Anaso, chairman of SWAN, Chapter said this during the 2023 SWAN Week Lecture/Award Night of the association in Awka, over the weekend.

    Anaso said SWAN Week was an annual event which marked the end of activities of the association and also provided stakeholders the opportunity to evaluate activities in the sector during the outgoing year and set the agenda for the coming year.

    He said from the rebirth of school sports, success at the National Youth Games, formation of a state owned football club and just concluded traders competition, the Anambra government had proven that it meant  business with sports development.

    Read Also: Soludo’s press secretary, Aburime, wins SCA23 award

    “SWAN, Anambra is impressed with the trajectory of sports development in Anambra.

    “It is not in our place to sing the song of government but, as  the sporting press, we promise to continue to commend positive actions and also perform our watchdog role by providing constructive criticisms.

    “As we look forward to the new year, as an association, we shall uphold the principles that make SWAN a professional body, we shall pay attention to capacity building for our members and further entrench ourselves as critical stakeholders in the Anambra sports sector.

    “We have also identified and nominated individuals and an association for special recognition, these are people who directly or indirectly have impacted positively on growth and development of sports in Anambra,” he said.

    In his lecture, Tony Nezianya Public Relations Officer Nigeria Olympic Committee(NOC) said grassroots sports development was a worthy path to tow as it would activate the abundant talents of Anambra and  Nigerian youth in general adding sports had  so much benefit for the society.

    Nezianya said the education system is crucial to be redesigned to  incorporate mandatory physical education programmes which focus on skill development, knowledge of sports fundamentals and creation of opportunities for students to participate in competitive leagues.

    Nezianya was represented by Prof Chris Abakare, a Lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and a sports enthusiast.

    The NOC Image Maker described grassroots sports as  the process of identifying, nurturing, and supporting young athletes at the grassroots level.

    According to him, these are the athletes who have the passion and raw talents but lack the necessary resources, facilities, and opportunities to excel. Grassroots sports development aims to bridge this gap and provide a platform for these young individuals to grow and flourish.

    “It helps identify and nurture young talent from an early age,” he said.

    Nezianya called for an increased investment and active collaboration between government and the private sector to develop the sector adding that provision of sports infrastructure in sufficient quantity and quality will increase access for young athletes.

    He said there should be  a strong support system for athletes which include access to quality coaching, sports medicine, and professional guidance.

    “With these we can safeguard the physical and mental well-being of our athletes.

    “We need to create and improve sporting infrastructure in our communities, this includes constructing well-maintained sports facilities, such as playing fields, stadiums, and gyms.

    “We must provide access to quality sporting equipment and resources to enable young athletes to reach their full potential.

    “Sports serve as a powerful tool for social development, engaging in sports activities fosters discipline, teamwork, and a strong work ethic among youth participants.

    “Through talent identification and proper training, we can groom young athletes to compete at national and even international levels,” he said.

    CP Aderemi Adeoye, Commissioner of Police, Anambra Command was given an award of recognition for his contributions to sports development in the state through creating a safe environment for sports to thrive.

    Mr Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Enugu Depot Community received an award for sponsoring the Odiofele Football competition in his community, Ekwulummiri for years.

    The Anambra Cricket Association under the chairmanship of Chuma Anosike was honoured with an award for the Most Grassroots Oriented Sports Association for planting the game in many secondary schools in the state

    Obini Onuchukwu, Acting Registrar of the Federation Polytechnic Oko, was installed as patron of the association.

    The chairman commended partners who rallied the association to ensure the success of the event.

  • Soludo’s press secretary, Aburime, wins SCA23 award

    Soludo’s press secretary, Aburime, wins SCA23 award

    By Ovat Abeng

    At the 3rd edition of the “Spokesperson Communication Awards and Conference” organized at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Thursday, 7th December, 2023, the Press Secretary to the Anambra State Governor, Mr. Christian Aburime, emerged the overall Spokesperson of the year in a tightly contested category.

    The Edo-born Imagemaker of the Anambra State Governor bagged this award ahead of other top players in the PR sector including the Public Relations Officer at the office of the Head of the Federal civil service who trailed behind in the second position.

    The organisers said Aburime won The Spokesperson’s Communication Award (SCA23) for displaying Exceptional Skills in communicating and sustaining mutual relationships for effective media coverage of the activities of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra.

    Receiving the Award on behalf of Mr Aburime, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, the National Publicity Secretary of APGA and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Anambra State on New Media thanked the Organizers for recognizing competence and dedication to duty.

    Read Also: Anambra ICT agency boss calls for positive use of internet

    Mr Aburime has dedicated the Award to God Almighty and Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for providing the platform upon which this rare honour came. He charged PR practitioners and Journalists to stick to the ethics of the profession and eschew sensation and fake news.

    It was gathered that the Spokesperson’s Award is an annual event organized by Image Merchant Promotion Ltd, Publishers of PRNigeria and Spokesperson’s Digest in conjunction with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)

    The occasion was graced by the Minister of Information, Alhaji Muhammed Idris, who was the Chairman of the occasion while the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the President of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku were the Special Guest of Honour and the Chief Host respectively.

  • Anambra ICT agency boss calls for positive use of internet

    Anambra ICT agency boss calls for positive use of internet

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata has called for positive use of the internet, stating that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will determine how people live in the future.

    Agbata stated this on Saturday, while delivering a lecture at the 113th National Executive Council/Delegates Meeting of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA) in Onitsha, Anambra State.

    The ICT agency boss who was a guest lecturer at the meeting spoke in the theme: “Digital Citizenship and the Emergent Digital Economy in Nigeria: Trends, Challenges, Prospects, and the Way Forward Towards Restoration
    of Human Dignity”.

    He said: “Talking about trends and prospects of digital citizenship and emergent digital economy, we find ourselves at the crossroads of exciting trends in fintech, e-commerce, and digital innovation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) being the most outstanding now.

    Read Also: Tinubu commissions Obi Ekweselili female hostel, other projects in Unizik

    “AI holds immense prospects in the
    world of digital citizenship, shaping the way individuals interact with technology and society at large.

    “From enhanced user experiences, access to information, data-driven decision making, cyber security
    to civic engagements and governance, AI is gradually shaping the way we live.

    “The younger generation is not left out as they are continually leveraging various digital platforms for education,
    skills development, and entrepreneurship, fostering innovation and economic growth.”

    He however warned that wrong use of AI can be destructive, while also adding that even as everyone is called upon to embrace digital technology, its users must ensure that its “implementation adheres to the tenets of digital citizenship, prioritizing inclusiveness, privacy, and ethical considerations”.

    He added that: “The conscientious
    development and utilization of AI have the potential to play a substantial role in fostering a favorable and empowering digital environment for people in Nigeria and across the globe.”

  • Tinubu commissions Obi Ekweselili female hostel, other projects in Unizik

    Tinubu commissions Obi Ekweselili female hostel, other projects in Unizik

    By Ovat Abeng

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged administrators of tertiary institutions to work very hard to access the National Economic Empowerment And Development Strategy, NEEDs fund accruable to any project in their institutions.

    President Tinubu stated this while commissioning Oby Ezekwesili Female hostel, a federal government project under NEEDS sited at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

    Commissioning the hostel and other completed projects in the institution, President Tinubu represented by the Director of Tertiary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Rekiyat Eliasu said it is very important to follow up on any project awarded under NEEDS as according to him, such interventions may not last forever.

    While commending the Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK, Professor Charles Esimone for putting in extra effort to ensure that the hostel building started in 2013 is completed and put to use in 2023, ten years after, Eliasu said that wasting such a long time is detrimental to the vision of establishing the intervention.

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    She said that UNIZIK has been proactive and serious about improving quality teaching and learning in the institution.

    Iliyasu who also represented the President at the University’s 17th Convocation, said “We are aware of the challenges facing higher education in Nigeria, and we are addressing it strategically and holistically.

    “Efforts are being made to address the infrastructure and human capital deficiencies through TETfund (Tertiary Education Trust Fund).

    “It is the desire of this government that industrial action would be a thing of the past. This government is doing everything possible for a better relationship between the unions and government, which can stop such industrial actions.

    “The government is working hard to stop industrial actions in universities across the country.

    “University education is capital intensive and government alone cannot take care of it, but all stakeholders must put their hands on deck in this regard. I’m happy with TETfund intervention in the university and I urge the university to take ownership of it and also ensure they serve their purpose.”

    Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Charles Esimone stated that the university graduated 6,000 first degree students, 3,300 post graduate diploma students, 807 Masters degree students and 600 doctorate degree students.

    “Three eminent Nigerians were also awarded honourary doctorate degrees. They include: Abdul-Samad Rabiu, Chief Ikenna Okafor and Okey Anueyiagu.

    “The Vice Chancellor added that within the period of his tenure, the institution in world ranking now stands at 1,501 best university in the world and 8th in Nigeria.

    Speaking also at the point of commissioning of various projects,  Professor Esimone acknowledged all efforts put in by leadership of the various departments to complete the buildings, and thanked the federal government for supporting the institution by siting many projects and completing them in due course, urging the various departments to utilize the edifices well to serve the purpose.

    It was gathered that among other  projects completed are NNPC International Center, Fire Station, Agric Road, Departments of Building’s  Workshop and Laboratory, Environmental Sciences Technology, VC’s Gate Road and the UNIZIK  Business School Building.

  • Soludo reiterates commitment to sports economy in Anambra

    Soludo reiterates commitment to sports economy in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, graced the final football match of the 2023 Anambra State Traders Sports Competition between Nkwo Umunze Market and Iron Dealers Market, Atani Road.

    The event, organized by the Anambra State Sports Development Commission in collaboration with the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association, took place at the Awka Township Stadium, on Friday.

    At the end of the football competition, Iron Dealers Market Atani emerged victorious, defeating Nkwo Umunze Market by a score of 4-1.

    Governor Soludo expressed his delight in the game, calling it “fantastic” and reminiscing about his own days as a player.

    Read Also: Akwa Ibom lady bathed with peppered hot water by her landlady, begs Soludo for help

    The Governor congratulated both teams for their efforts and emphasized the importance of sports in his vision for the state.

    “This sports competition is a good initiative which aligns with my vision for a sports economy in the state.

    “Sports give money and a healthy body because health is wealth,” he said.

    “I’m very happy our traders find time to exercise both the mind and body.”

    Governor Soludo highlighted the importance of sports for the overall wellness of the state, stating that majority of ndi Anambra are traders and if they are fit and healthy, it will give rise to a healthy state.

    He congratulated all winners in the various sports events, including tennis, table tennis, draught, ncho, and football and  commended the eighty-two markets that participated in the competition.

    He concluded his address by encouraging everyone to incorporate exercise into their routines. “Those who don’t exercise, please begin to do so,” he said.

    Earlier in his welcome speech, the Chairman of Anambra State Sports Development Commission, Hon. Patrick-Estate Onyedum applauded the State Governor for giving Anambra its first state owned club since 1991, Solution FC.

    He hailed the Governor for reviving sports in schools and sports festivals in the state, ensuring that Anambra participates in all national games and festivals.

    The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Chief of Protocol, Mr. Chinedu Nwoye, President-General ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna, House Committee Member of Sports, Hon. Augustine Onyekachukwu Ike, Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba, Anambra State Chapter Chairman of SWAN, Mr. Patrick Chimezie Anaso, Organizing Committee Members, Solution FC Advisory Committee Members, among others attended the event.

  • Akwa Ibom lady bathed with peppered hot water by her landlady, begs Soludo for help

    Akwa Ibom lady bathed with peppered hot water by her landlady, begs Soludo for help

    By Ovat Abeng

    A middle-aged woman, Imabong William, residing at Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, has appealed to the Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and other people for assistance to save her life.

    William, who hails from Akwa Ibom State, had been receiving treatment at Zion Hospital, Nawfia, in Njikoka LGA, since August 17, after her landlady allegedly poured hot water mixed with pepper on her over a disagreement on rent increment.

    The incident reportedly happened at Enugwu-Ukwu, and the landlady,  Amaka Okonkwo, is currently in police custody in connection to the incident.

    William, who spoke to journalists on Friday, said she still feels scald burn pain as the hospital had stopped giving her medications for over a month due to her accumulated medical bills.

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    According to her, she owes the hospital the sum of N650,000 and cannot afford to pay.

    She said, “I have been in the hospital for over three months; though I’m healing gradually, I still feel pain. The doctor brought my bill last month, and it has accumulated to N650,000.

    “I am a trader; I do not have money anywhere to pay the bill, which was why the hospital stopped giving me any medications and treatment.

    “I called the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare because they brought me to the hospital, and they have not come to check on me since then.

    “But the woman who answered the call said the ministry does not pay medical bills and that their job is to prosecute the offender. She told me to go and source for funds on my own.

    “I am really confused. Even feeding has been difficult, and my two-year-old baby, who is staying with me in the hospital, is not safe because she can contract disease here.”

    William, however, appealed to the state governor, his wife, and other well-meaning Nigerians to come to her aid.

    “I appeal to Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, Dr Nonye Soludo, the Commissioner for Women and  Social Welfare, and well-meaning individuals to come to my aid.

    “A lot of people have advised me to meet the wife of the governor. Some advised that I should write, but truly, I am not finding it easy.

    “Whatever the government feels that it can do in order to assist is welcome; my health and life depend on it,” she added.

  • Anambra NULGE elects new executive

    Anambra NULGE elects new executive

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Anambra State chapter, has elected a new leadership to pilot its affairs for four years.

    The incumbent President of the association, Comrade Chikwelu Adigwe, was re-elected for the second tenure after scoring a total of 185 votes to defeat his only rival, Comrade Victor Muo who score 11 votes.

    Other elected members of the executive were deputy President; Aromeh Nicholas, treasurer; Atuenyi Chimezie, publicity secretary; Nweke Nnamdi Francis, Nwafor Chukwudum– auditor and Nwaeseh Chinwe – auditor.

    Others were Ononye Patrick – trustee; Nwisu Peter – trustee; Uche Nworah– welfare officer, Eucheria Uyawuna – chairperson (women representative) and Ifediora Sylvester – young workers representative.

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    It was gathered that the election took place at the State NULGE’s House Awka, on Thursday, during it 8th Quadrennial State Delegate Conference.

    In his post-election speech, the new NULGE Anambra Chapter president, Comrade Adigwe commended the members for the trust reposed in him to serve them for a second tenure.

    While commending the State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo for ensuring a conductive environment before, during and after the exercise, the State President appealed to other aggrieved members of the Union to support his administration for the benefit of all, noting that NULGE has only one executive in Anambra State.

    The election was supervised and witnessed by the National body of the Union led by it National President, Comrade Akeem Ambali Olatunji, the State House of Assembly member in charge of Labour Matters, Hon. Kingsley Udemezue, Anambra Government representative and Member 1 at the State Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Azubuike Okoye, the Police, DSS, Vigilante group and the media.

  • Japa, a sample of bad leadership in Nigeria – Oloyede

    Japa, a sample of bad leadership in Nigeria – Oloyede

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Registrar of Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, has said that the uncertained movement of Nigerians, especially, the youths known as Japa to Europe and other Western countries for greener pastures, is a sample of lack of appropriate leadership in Nigeria.

    He stated this while delivering a Lecture at the 17th Convocation ceremony of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik), Awka, Anambra State on Wednesday, with the topic “Mainstreaming Uncertainty.”

    Oloyede, advised the graduating students not to venture into the syndrome, noting that those who japa would soon japa,dee back to Nigeria.

    “The uncertain movement called by japa syndrome was introduce by some elements to redirect Nigerians, especially, the youths amidst bad leadership in the country.

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    According to him, “It’s depressing that Nigeria is currently sinking deep in brain drain, and it probably needs a call for emergency. In Nigeria today, every governor, particularly, the south east governors are busy embarking on capital intensive projects like building of Airport in their various states without considering stomach infrastructure of their people.

    “I urged you graduands, as you are commencing the struggling of life, to be ware of uncertainty. To be careful of socio-political uncertainty. The future is open to change. Be courageous. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by the detractors out there. You should be driven, determine and focused in life. Always look on to God for a divine blessings. Do not cheat on people’s intelligence rather develop your ideas. You must learn a lesson that nothing is certain in life. Conversely, you should also know that everything is possible in life.

    “So whatever trainings you have received in your fields of study is a training for society. Give it your best shot,” he admonished.

    The JAMB boss commended the University Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone and the Governing Council for finding him worthy to lecture at the 17th Convocation of the Institution.

    The Convocation Lecture which  was chairi by the former Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo and was also attended by the University’s Pro-chancellor, His Royal Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba (Gbong Gwon Jos), students and members of the University Community.